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Jenkins Family #3

Tempting the Artist

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Meet the women of the Jenkins family - Feisty, smart, and free spirited women who together run the family's construction company. Journey with them as they find love when they least expect. About the Christina “CJ” Jenkins, a free-spirited painter by trade is juggling her obligation to the family construction business, with the demands of her secret passion. A secret life she has successfully hidden until recently. When sexy, bad-boy attorney, Luke Hayden, enters the picture, he steals her heart. But the truth of Christina’s double life buried under lies, threatens to destroy them both. Luke is leaving New York to escape the drama, which is his life. Starting over in Cincinnati with Christina appeals to him more than he will admit. Although her secret jeopardizes their steamy affair, it’s not until someone threatens to destroy the Jenkins family empire, and uses Luke to carry out their plan, that their relationship is truly tested. Luke will do what he can to help the Jenkins family, but he will stop at nothing to tempt the woman who has captured his heart. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2015

88 people are currently reading
290 people want to read

About the author

Sharon C. Cooper

69 books929 followers
USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net

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5 stars
213 (58%)
4 stars
112 (30%)
3 stars
34 (9%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Ali.
69 reviews
August 10, 2017
I like the series but CJ & Luke's story read like two high school kids. It seemed the author didn't put to much thought into CJ's happily ever after because her secret wasn't a bad thing at all just a wasted story line. She had talent. What close net family that supposedly sticks together wouldn't support that. I feel cheated. I couldn't understand how Luke could be so in love with CJ never wanting to lose her & how she's the only woman for him once saying he couldn't sleep well without her but he just hints around marriage never proposing to her by the end of the book. They both just seemed boring. I hope the next book is more interesting. Sorry for the negative review Ms Cooper. I'm still a fan....I think
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
379 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2016
I've had "Tempting the Artist" for a minute but hadn't had a chance to read until now. I enjoyed reading Christine and Luke's story. I was wondering why he was known as the Thug Lawyer. Now I understand. For some reason I thought I had already read Jada and Zack's story, but I haven't so I'm still behind, lol. Nice smooth read...
Profile Image for Romance Novels in Color.
347 reviews250 followers
June 14, 2015
Tempting the Artist is Sharon C. Cooper’s third release in the Jenkins Family Series. For those who may not have read book one or two, you will enjoy Christina “CJ” Jenkins and Luke Hayden’s journey as a standalone.

As a professional painter for the family’s construction business in Cincinnati, CJ can be described in two words – “flower child.” Despite her sister Peyton’s dislike for her vintage, free-spirited lifestyle, CJ embraces it knowing it originated from her mother. This wasn’t always the case. Concerned with others’ opinions, she kept her true nature hidden until she met Luke.

Luke is one of the best defense attorneys in New York; being able to sense when someone is withholding the truth has given him the success in the court room, while guarded in his personal life. Knowing his life could be in danger due to personal affiliations to a major case, Luke decides he’s had enough. Goodbye New York, hello Cincinnati.

Anyone who knows Luke is aware that he has trust issues and refuses to entertain deceit. Thinking the two of them are in a good place in their relationship, he’s blindsided when reality hits him in the face the night before the move. For the past two years CJ has been living a double life; a life one other person knows about, her cousin Jada. When questioned, Luke takes her silence as deceitfulness.

Tempting the Artist is highly recommended. Readers will see CJ struggle with her own trust issues and fears. Assuming is a hypothetical belief of another; handling several situations immaturely, CJ’s actions indicate she didn’t know how to fully trust. The Jenkins clan will always be there but what about the man who captured her heart?

-Reviewed by LaMona
Profile Image for Shone.
1,339 reviews29 followers
June 8, 2015
To Tell on Not

Christina "C J" Jenkins has a big secret which she has been keeping from everyone. Will this secret paint her into a corner, or lead her to a better life? Sharon C Cooper has one again written a touching story showing hate working, strong, independent ladies. The Jenkins sisters/cousins are a group of ladies you want to read about. As for me waiting on Martina and Peyton story.
Profile Image for Monica.
88 reviews
March 20, 2016
I like that this series shows women that are strong in their careers. What drives me crazy is the drama in their love lives. At first, I couldn't believe that women this smart and successful in their careers could be so clueless in this area....then I met with someone high school classmates and I take it all back..

This was a good plane read.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bartley.
38 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2016
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT....

Well Ms. Cooper, just like all the others, you hit this one out of the ballpark too. I like the intrigue and attitude of Luke as well as his softer side. And to have a heroine break out of the normal... Bravo.... Congrats on another novel well done...
Profile Image for Lorice DeBlanc-Brim.
1,468 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2015
Love it

CJ can be a little immature. Luke is the perfect man for her. I just want to know, could CJ be preggers? When will PJ get her chance at love? I feel very sadden concerning her situation. I can wait for more.
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,398 reviews19 followers
June 13, 2015
Enjoyed reading about Christina and Luke. Luke and Christina both have trust issues. Hopefully they will get worked out in Martina and/or Peyton's book. The chemistry between Luke and CJ was great.
Profile Image for Lena Neely.
135 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2015
Good Read

Nothing was as bad as I thought..It was a good read and I look forward to the next installment in the series.
770 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2015
Creative minds

Great love story about love trust and understanding. The Author expressed how you must be up front and honest in your relationship
Profile Image for Brenda.
369 reviews
April 10, 2015
Great read! Great series! Loved, loved this. Captivated from page one.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,480 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2019
Title: Tempting the Artist
Author: Sharon C. Cooper
Publisher: Amaris Publishing LLC
Series: Jenkins Family Series Book 3
Review By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Tempting the Artist" by Sharon C. Cooper

My Rationalization:

"Meet the women of the Jenkins family - Feisty, smart, and free-spirited women who together run the family's construction company. Journey with them as they find love when they least expect." In this series, we will meet cousin Christina [CJ].

I enjoyed 'Tempting the Artist.' The author really presents such smooth wonderful chemistry between these two, Christina [CJ] artist and Luke [Lucas] attorney. Will they be able to truly trust one another? Besides the steamy love scenes, there were secrets and add in the family drama with some of the Jenkins cousins and you have quite an interesting fun read where you will continue to fall in love with this family. Now, on to the next series: Negotiating for Love (Jenkins Family Series Book 4)
Profile Image for Beverly.
767 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2022
These two whew

C.J. And Luke wore me out with their passion 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥and the many times I wanted to scream and say can you two cut it out and just listen to one another . C.J. Was so busy trying not to get her feelings her and keeping a secret, that she wreaked the an amazing relationship with Luke ,who also played a part in the demise of their relationship. This story is about their journey back to each other and all the twists and turns that they encountered along the way

I enjoyed reading another book about the Jenkins family and the talented female cousins and their unique professions
206 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2025
Tempting the Artist

I have enjoyed all books so far in this series! This Author have sold me on series! I love the commitment and love this family have for each other! The Grandparents I Love, so much respect the children and grand children have for them! It brings back memories of my grandparents! The relationships of the female cousins and their love for their partners! Never a dull period in the stories!
84 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2017
Good Read

You'll enjoy the ups and downs of Christina in this book. You'll be challenged by the things that she uses to justify her actions or infractions, but you can accept them. It's great to see love win out on the end. I g u less that's h o w in I sin romance novels. But I not tire of reading them.

Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
July 5, 2017
Christina (CJ) is a free-spirited painter. She's juggling her passion and job to hide her secret. Luke is a lawyer moving from New York to Cincinnati to escape tg e drama in his life. Their relationship is tested by secrets and lack of communication.
I like CJ, but she worries too much what other people will think.
Profile Image for Abby G. Amos.
1,249 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2021
Great Read!

I enjoyed reading about Christina and Lucas! A lot of chemistry with these two! She has a doozy of a secret, but when it was told I feel she didn't get the response she thought she was going to get! I know that everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely did! I recommend this book!
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,212 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2021
Lawyer and Artist

What a wonderful story portraying two less than perfect individuals that are in love. The characters seem on a path to grow and mature together. I have been entertained by this series and anticipating the next book in the series. This author will take the simplest of activity and turn it into a great story.
197 reviews
September 16, 2022
Trust

Both CJ and Luke had trust issues. But CJ took hers to the next level. Luke was understanding and showed CJ that his love was genuine. CJ was always so worried about what other people thought especially her family. She finally realized that trusting your heart is the first place to build trust.
141 reviews
February 1, 2023
Interesting!!!!

Loved CJ’s story. The twists and turns were unexpected and made me want to read more to find out what was going to happen. Lucas was perfect for Christina. I love the family dramatics and how they all come together for one another. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Linda Epps - Dillon.
270 reviews5 followers
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed Christina and Luke story. I wished Christina would have had a bit more confidence with her paintings since her shows were so successful as well as the sales of her paintings. I was happy they overcame their trust issues and also realized they were not at the point in their relationship to get married. They had a wonderful chemistry between them.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
694 reviews85 followers
November 24, 2018
Lucas & CJ

Lucas was so sweet. I loved seeing his walls being torn down by love. He loved so hard. CJ loved him so well. I loved how she was able to see right through hi macho facade. Well done!
1,707 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2019
Love love

Christina (MJ) and Luke I enjoy their story. Christina is the house painter in the Jenkins family Construction Co. Luke was the attorney she fell in love with . I enjoyed the way that these two came together really nice book.
Profile Image for Tricia-Ann Blades.
129 reviews
June 21, 2020
Sexy, sensuous

From the time CJ and Luke met, the sparks flew between them. It was an instantaneous attraction. Separation found them unable to function. Reconnection saw a rekindled love which was a sexy, sensuous experience for the couple. Totally enjoyed this novel
209 reviews
June 5, 2022
Intriguing

Great love story. With all the bumps and turns of trying to figure out this thing called loved. They went through at it to learn to fight for what the wanted and made it work.
24 reviews
August 22, 2024
Tha series just keeps getting better

Christina and Luke's forage ahead story of love, acceptance, and communication growth is well worth the read. Even the epilogue leaves one guessing. So will hope to see a little continuation in book 4...mmm
Profile Image for Deborah C. Fidderman.
519 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2018
Tempting the Artist is a great story.

I recommend this book. The story of Lucas and Christina is a great romance novel. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
696 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2023
This is my second read of the Jenkins family as I reread the Jenkins Family series. I thought All You'll Ever Need was the last one that I had read but This one, Tempting The Artist, is the last of the ones I previously read. Now I will read the rest of fisheries before I start rereading Jenkins Family and Sons. Once again the following review still stands. I'm really enjoying rereading these books. I love reading about strong, loving, loyal African-American family. They're fast, easy to read love stories with just enough steam.


Just Another Jenkins

This is pretty much a typical Jenkins Family book. Lucas, an attorney and Christina Jenkins, the painter in the family, were the main characters in this book. As usual , there are numerous misunderstandings between Lucas and Christina. They both are keeping secrets from each other. Christina does more than paint house and other businesses for the family business. Once Lucas decided to move from New York to Cincinnati, Christina didn't share her plans with him. Since he hated liars, they broke up.

As was typical for these books, theynwere apart for several months before getting back together. Other secrets came out. First the major secret that Christina kept from everyone except Jada. Remember they were first cousins and roommates. It also came out that Lucas also had secrets. With interference from family members, they got together. At some point in the book after a couple of other misunderstandings, they resolved their problems.

The interactions of the Jenkins family who got together every Sunday provided some of the best moments in the book. It was pleasant to see mothers and fathers and uncles. It was never forgotten that the grandparents were large and in charge. One of the most touching moments was when Christina's grandfather went to her loft apartment and confronted her about her other life. It was touching when he let her know the family supported each other in all things. Having the family negative reactions gave you thicker skin, enabling thrm to take negative reactions in life. Their love was always there for all of them no matter what they did.

That was pretty much the theme of all the books. Main characters misunderstandings and anger and lies with the couple finally getting together. Still, they're interesting and fast reads. I'm not sure I want to buy the next one in the series since they follow the same pattern. The only differences is the reasons for the misunderstandings, anger, lies and secrets and the causes for them. Even the sex is pretty much the same. Hot and steamy but nothing graphic or overly erotic. If you like family series. "lite", the Jenkins are worth your time - typical African-American family drama.
Profile Image for Celeste .
581 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2015
Christina and Lucas multidimensional couple

Secrets. Truth. Lies. How does one couple overcome. That is what you have with CJ and Luke. Both having to protect themselves from what they perceive as a necessary evil to not being hurt. Without giving away the storyline, you fall in love with CJ because she is eccentric and loyal. You fall in love with Lucas because he is intelligent, loyal, passionate and sexy. There traits keep them together on a rollercoaster ride that makes them both have to bend on what it means to trust and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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