Aurora Reed has endured horrors that no person should ever have had to, and while she’s the villain of other people’s stories, that doesn’t undo all that she has suffered. Hundreds of years ago, she was sold as a child bride to a horrible abuser. She made many mistakes trying to do the best she could in a world too harsh. But what is the punishment for crimes committed when you were trying your best and had no ill intent? Creed Maddox is an ex-convict trying to start a new life after being betrayed by the only “family” he’s ever known. So the last thing he needs is any sort of trouble, and gorgeous women are always trouble. Always. And Aurora is no different but also the only person who seems to truly see him and care about the person he is, not just what he’s done. It seems like he’s known her for years instead of just weeks when everything gets turned on its head and they find out they are probably the worst match for each other. However, Creed is the only peace Aurora has ever known. Aurora is the only one who heals what he’s been through. So do the piles of reasons to stay apart really matter?
Tantalizing Singles are a series of single novels by author Erin R Flynn based in the worlds of Tantalizing Trilogies. They are written to be standalones, but if you want the immersive, fuller experience, please read the previous trilogy attached to them. No confusion here, simply strong females, hot romances, and a bit of kicking ass and taking names.
*Like all my books, this is not light and fluffy and includes dark themes and events some may find triggering. Reader discretion is advised.
So this book is a standalone and can definitely be read first, but I think reading the Ellie trilogy first would make some minor details and plot points more enjoyable.
This book provides a more in-depth look into Aurora's past and life, and her character development was done so well. While there were heavier topics discussed such as her past and the abuse she endured, the plot balanced so well. I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to read about Aurora after Ellie's trilogy, but I feel like getting to read this standalone provided a bit of closure and depth to the story of Ellie. And meeting Creed was definitely a bonus. Their love story was just...so nice. Like if it could be a physical manifestation, their love story felt like it was a really nice hug, even with some of the bumps along their roads to healing. 🥰
As always, Erin R Flynn is an author that wrote a novel that was not only immersive and so enjoyable stories that you lose track of time, but also onr that can challenge your perspectives and views in a way that makes you feel like you've not only had a great bit of fantastical escapism when you've finished, but also like you're leaving more emotionally intelligent. Maybe that's just me, but Erin has this ability to balance tougher subjects, humour, a great and captivating plot, character and world development, and more, all without making it seem too much. And books are released so frequently? It's insane that she is able to pull all of this off as well as she does, and that's why I don't even need to read her book blurbs before grabbing her latest release. Thank you for all the things you do, and for spoiling us greedy readers. I hope one day we can read more about Alexis or Theresa, but I love any stories we get. 🖤🖤
I have to say this was much much better than the trilogy this standalone was based on. Ellie as a character was boring and was quickly relegated to side character in her own series. Just made it pointless to read.
The same could not be said for this. There was so much more emotional depth here from everyone and showing that recovery isn't linear or even one sided and not all dependent on the sole person but those around them as well. The right amount of time was given to both Aurora and Creed and it didn't feel like they were competing for space. Character development was great although I was again left disappointed with Ellie as a character. Hopefully any other stand-alones will follow the same depth.
Honestly Erin’s books can be hit or miss with me. I love her books but sometime it feels like the trauma is so forced. But that’s what trauma is no? Aurora really hit the mark for me and watching the characters grow was so rewarding. I loved the emotional growth that felt so REAL. I’ve reread her trilogies books multiple time now and will always give the books a chance. I am privileged to not have experienced the horrors her MCs have dealt with so maybe they don’t resonate with me as much. Reading her heroines fine themselves will never get old and I will forever be a cheerleader for them regardless of how much I enjoy the book. Everyone deserves to feel safe.
This was a perfect addition to Ellie's trilogy. I was in tears for what Aurora had been through. Creed is a truly amazing leading mad. Erin always writes amazing characters, their flaws make them real people (even if they are a supernatural being). Please read the trigger warning, because there is definitely a lot of heavy in this book. But the themes and trauma have been dealt with in a truly caring way. As always Erin knows how to bring the spice and the connection between her lovers. Absolutely loved this.
She makes me see things that I never knew I needed to understand.
Erin has a knack for writing tough stories. Unfortunately in this world there are far to many matching tales in real life and whether you are the Main Character or someone just looking in from the outside all of Erin's books can lend you a perspective to help you cope with it. I have had my eyes opened to many issues that I was never privy to and opened to a few for myself that I never expected to need. I am thankful that Erin is capablr of putting herself out there to write these stories.
I love how therapy and counseling for trauma is such a given in this book. It took me years to realize what Auroras group said, that trauma isn't a competition and big or little the feelings are valid. Anyways, I loved this book and the additional insight into this character from the Ellie trilogy! I would recommend reading that first but it's not necessary to understand. I liked this book a lot, for how dark the characters pasts are I wouldn't call it a warm and fluffy story, but their healing and hope gives me hope too. Overall left me with positive vibes.
3.5. I didn’t even realize this was out or that there were going to be tantalizing singles. Especially for the newest trilogy or I would’ve done a reread. It’s took me a bit to remember some of the side characters from it. Aurora has had a truly haunting life. And that difficulty is not over. Now that she’s free hopefully she can heal from it. Creed has also experienced a difficult life. They shouldn’t work but they do. Thought the disappointment with his lion after their mating is bad. Was a nice continuation of the series with a conclusion
This could definitely be a trilogy! I will always read everything the Erin writes, but this was extra special as it explored healing and recovery and healthy choices after unimaginable trauma. You must read Ellie's story first, but then please, rush to read this one!!
Who needs sleep when you have good books!? I'll admit I was hesitant reading about Aurora after Ellie's trilogy but my god I'm pleased I devoured this book last night! The insight, the background, the complicated emotions... it was everything I needed and more!
This book was soooo good! I haf already thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy that shared the world, but this book was like bonus frosting on a cinnamon roll, it just made it that much better!! I loved that we learned so much about Aurora and all that she went through!
Read on KU. This is a good follow on from the trilogy. Love anything by this author. This has a mix of romance and action and character development that is well balanced. The world this is set in is awesome and I like how the storyline has built throughout the trilogy then here following a different character.
I really liked this book because the plot wasn't predictable . The dialogue between Aurora and Creed was very believable. The growth of their partnership was a enlightening. The setbacks they faced were fraught with tension. I highly recommend this book and any others of Ms. Flynn's work. Great Christmas present!
While the story line was pretty damn dark, it was well written and shows with effort people can overcome anything, even if fiction. I hope that his isn’t the only tantalizing single, as Erin does a great job with her writing and there are other characters I’d love to see more of there story.
The thing I love about Erin's books is the hope. No matter how messed up the characters past, no matter the scars, there is hope for better in the future. If you put in the work, if you forgive yourself, there is hope for happiness in your life. That is again the takeaway for me. Loved this book, and I can't wait for more.
If you have read Ellie, this is a a great addition! You get to see into the history and story of aurora and what it took for her to keep her daughters safe!
Oh my I have missed Errin but understandable everyone needs a break and then comes out the gate with this emotional heart wretching love story when they both have been abused and having to learn to trust and to be seen...love love love
I was ugly crying in the beginning is Aurora's story. I'm so glad that Ellie and Theresa came around in the end. Creed was an amazing guy, even though he was broken too.
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
This standalone was outstanding and i hope theres more in the series. I loved seeing the happily ever after for aurora after everything she had been through!
Amazing as always! My favorite author delivers again! Thank you! I love how this book makes me feel every emotion the characters are going through and just made me happy!