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Tempting Eden
A modern re-telling of Jane Eyre that will leave you breathless...
Jack England
Eden Rochester is a force. A whirlwind of intensity and thinly-veiled passion. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to avoid my passions, to lock them up so they can’t harm me—or anyone else—again. But Eden Rochester ignites every emotion I have. Every glance from her sharp eyes and each teasing word from her indulgent lips adds more fuel to the fire. Resisting her? Impossible. From the moment I held her in my arms, I had to have her. But tempting her into opening up could cost me my job and much, much more.
Eden Rochester
When Jack England crosses my path and knocks me off my high horse, something begins to shift. Imperceptible at first, the change grows each time he looks into my eyes or brushes against my skin. He’s my assistant, but everything about him calls to me, tempts me. And once I give in, he shows me who he really is—dominant, passionate, and with a dark past. After long days of work and several hot nights, I realize the two of us are bound together. But my secrets won’t stay buried, and they cut like a knife.
Stand-alone.
Jack England
Eden Rochester is a force. A whirlwind of intensity and thinly-veiled passion. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to avoid my passions, to lock them up so they can’t harm me—or anyone else—again. But Eden Rochester ignites every emotion I have. Every glance from her sharp eyes and each teasing word from her indulgent lips adds more fuel to the fire. Resisting her? Impossible. From the moment I held her in my arms, I had to have her. But tempting her into opening up could cost me my job and much, much more.
Eden Rochester
When Jack England crosses my path and knocks me off my high horse, something begins to shift. Imperceptible at first, the change grows each time he looks into my eyes or brushes against my skin. He’s my assistant, but everything about him calls to me, tempts me. And once I give in, he shows me who he really is—dominant, passionate, and with a dark past. After long days of work and several hot nights, I realize the two of us are bound together. But my secrets won’t stay buried, and they cut like a knife.
Stand-alone.
ebook
Published September 29, 2016
34 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
About the author
Celia Aaron
65 books4,345 followersCelia Aaron is a recovering attorney and USA Today bestselling author. Upstart crow. Cat person. Thanks for reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 17, 2017
★★★★! Tempting Eden (stand-alone). Boss meets her new hot assistant & is tempted by him in this urban tale inspired by a classic!
“She stopped moving and stared at my cock. Her eyes grew wide.
“Oh my god, you’re gorgeous.”
Tempting Eden (stand-alone) opens up to successful real estate agent Eden Rochester learning she has yet a new assistant, this one a male. Recent MBA graduate Jack England has come a long way since troubled upbringing and is happy for the opportunity.
After the shock settles they set out to work together while fighting their attraction. Eden soon discovers that the subdued and collected Jack in the office is very different from bedroom Jack… With a challenging project at work their secret affair is the perfect way to blow off steam.
Both Eden and Jack are hiding behind facades set on protecting their secrets… how long can they keep it up?
Nine words to describe Jack England: Charming, in-control, loyal, private, flawed, guarded, calm, mysterious and complex.
Nine words to describe Eden Rochester: Private, moody, desperate, stubborn, ambitious, nurturing, conflicted, meek and feisty.
Tempting Eden, told from dual POVs, is a modern day take on a classic; moody boss meets new hire except their roles are reversed. It is a slow building romance of opposite attracts, forbidden affair and fighting demons. It ends on a high, but I’d welcome an epilogue further into the future.
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author Celia Aaron in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2017
A reimagining of Jane Eyre it was not, although there are enough elements included to reference JE.
What I loved was Celia's acknowledgements, especially to Mr Aaron whom she describes as "half black, half Korean and a whole lot of sexy." *Swoon*
Jack England (really, though?) and Eden Rochester, our MCs, were polar opposites in some ways, yet similar in more. Jack, a mixed race, ex-con, from the wrong side of town; Eden, an upper-class Southern belle who was also a single mother of one.
Theirs was a relationship with more secrets and layers than even the Trump/Russia conspiracy (alleged). From the first time they meet all through to the end, the reader is drawn into a story so nuanced that even though you know they will have a HEA, the journey there would be nothing short of tumultuous. And it was.
Those elements I love about my book characters, i.e., they're human, not so squeaky clean yet redeemable, all that was present in this book and while I can't quite say that this was a "swoony" story, it was entrancing and I read it without pause.
I'm on a Celia binge. Help!
September 20, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Eden Rochester was a high flying real estate powerhouse. She was a notoriously demanding boss, going through her PA like its going out of style. But her latest one brought something different that could change the game.
Jack England had a late start in life. Coming from a bad upbringing, he worked hard to change the course of his future. But having fantasy of bending his boss over the desk wouldn't help secure hid job especially when he had a secret to protect. Little did he know he wasn't the only one with something to hide.
This book is a modern retelling of the classic novel Jane Eyre, which I've never read/watch so I didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be an entertaining read which I bet is much sexier than the original :p
I like Jack pretty much immediately. He was sexy with mesmerizing eyes that would melt panties. I like how he restrained himself in on the outside but had a darker side within. Paired with sexual appeal, he was hard to resist.
Initially, Eden seems very bitchy, but as the story progressed, her vulnerabilities made her more human. I also appreciate her drive and ambition
I like how their relationship progressed at a steady pace and their sexual chemistry was palpable. They certainly didn’t hold anything back.
Temptating Eden is a story of two people with a secret past finding their way to each and learned to accept and ammend their mistakes. It's a light entertaining, quick read.
♠ ❖ ♠ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ♠ ❖ ♠
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Eden Rochester was a high flying real estate powerhouse. She was a notoriously demanding boss, going through her PA like its going out of style. But her latest one brought something different that could change the game.
Jack England had a late start in life. Coming from a bad upbringing, he worked hard to change the course of his future. But having fantasy of bending his boss over the desk wouldn't help secure hid job especially when he had a secret to protect. Little did he know he wasn't the only one with something to hide.
This book is a modern retelling of the classic novel Jane Eyre, which I've never read/watch so I didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be an entertaining read which I bet is much sexier than the original :p
Bending her to my will had been a goal of mine since the first moment I saw her outside the Galway building, her red hair glowing in the sun and her long legs eating up the sidewalk toward me.
I like Jack pretty much immediately. He was sexy with mesmerizing eyes that would melt panties. I like how he restrained himself in on the outside but had a darker side within. Paired with sexual appeal, he was hard to resist.
I was caught in a web of my own design, my own making, and I would live with the consequences as long as necessary.
Initially, Eden seems very bitchy, but as the story progressed, her vulnerabilities made her more human. I also appreciate her drive and ambition
I like how their relationship progressed at a steady pace and their sexual chemistry was palpable. They certainly didn’t hold anything back.
Temptating Eden is a story of two people with a secret past finding their way to each and learned to accept and ammend their mistakes. It's a light entertaining, quick read.
♠ ❖ ♠ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ♠ ❖ ♠
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 23, 2016
Eden Rochester is an ambitious real estate broker from a reputable southern family. Even though she was raised with privilege and unlimited opportunity, it didn’t prevent her from making some bad choices. Until now, Eden was willing to make sacrifices to meet her end goal but she didn’t anticipate the addition of a certain someone in her life.
“I think you’ll find me perfectly capable.” He wasn’t flustered in the least, his steady confidence like a calm body of water.”
Jacquarius “Jack” England is a complicated man raised in the projects by dishonorable foster parents. Despite his meager surroundings, Jack found beauty and learned to appreciate the strength it can hold in a person’s heart, but he also felt the destructive force of having such feelings.
“I want to make you scream my name. I want to bruise you, to leave my mark. I want you to think about it with every step.”
What transpires between Jack and Eden is instant attraction but in a measured fashion that adds to their palpable sexual tension. Even though Jack is Eden’s subordinate in the office, he assuredly proves to be her equal in every other way and challenges Eden until she begins to question her steely exterior. Despite Jack’s cool demeanor, getting involved with Eden stirs buried emotions, and while he is forthright, certain secrets tear at his heart.
“You broke me down… Took me somewhere I vowed never to go again.”
Tempting Eden is a modern day spin of Jane Eyre where the characters have been slightly transposed but the emotion and message still remain strong. With Jack being bi-racial and economically disadvantaged, he experienced a range of discrimination from a subtle look to overt disparagement, yet he is a stronger man of solid moral character. With Eden, while her life may seem to be privileged, and in some ways it is, it also restricts her choices by exposing her weakness.
Ultimately, I enjoyed how Jack and Eden complimented each other in personality and heart. Coming from such different lives wasn’t an impediment but actually enhanced their appreciation for love and the ability to trust someone despite being vulnerable.
In this book, Celia Aaron delivers an entertaining romance about two characters that find love when they least expect it. Offering prose that seamlessly flow and paint a picture in one’s mind, Tempting Eden takes the reader to a place where life is real but sometimes harder times make you stronger.
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Temptress warhawke, a.k.a, Hawkey!!
September 29, 2016
I usually don’t know what I’m reading until I started down on the words and got so engrossed on the pages. But this book somehow, I have to know. The title was intriguing enough and those blue eyes looking at me just makes me want to stare right back at him. Those eyes, so hot. They got to me.
I’m actually more familiar of a dark skinned man and a fair-skinned woman’s story rather than the opposite. What fascinates me most is the contrasting color when the skin is together. Dark brown against creamy white skin and makes me think of my most favorite duo ever.
Jack England is an enigma. Cool façade with a hint of something underneath. Mysterious, intense and dangerous.
Eden Rochester is his exact opposite. Short-tempered and wears her emotions on her sleeve. She’s also stubborn but admirable, driven to provide what she thinks is best for her family.
I love how the author was able to somehow touch the different points of issues in society, relationships and life. It was quite refreshing on so many fronts that I can’t get enough of. Most of all, I love that this book showed that no matter how hard you’ve been through or how low you’ve found yourself in, you still get a second shot at life.
Definitely something worth recommending.
Check out my blog here:
September 24, 2016
actual rating 3.75 "things do not change, we change" stars
Ms. Eden Rochester and Jack England.
Two completely different people, considering their upbringing, backgrounds and yet they couldn't be more soul alike...beneath it all,
She is a hard driven, ambitious real estate broker, he is her assistant.
It s a forbidden relationship yet it couldn't be more right, impulsive, passionate and somewhat desperate of need and hungry for affection.
She's not what she represents, she's got a "bitch mode" armour hiding her secrets, not so pretty secrets, she's hiding her past actions that she's not proud of but she thought it was her only way at the time.
Ms. Rochester was too demanding, too high strung, too much of a brooder, too brash...
He's always in control of himself. He's reigning in his temper, his demanor is flush with confidence and his bearing shows the strength beyond physical power
...he was definitely different. Not in the color of his skin or his accent, but in his bearing, his confidence...
but it's his past, his mistakes, his wrongful choices made him fight with regret, pain and hurt for the long lost soul that made him survive the hardship given by life...
and Eden will be the reason he would giving in...again.
I was tired of fighting it,
of fighting Eden.
When the secrets unfold and open up old wounds,Jack and Eden will both face the decision of making the right choices. In the end, when all the masks fall down, it will all come down to the bare fight against the temptation of giving in, reaching out, forgivness and acceptance of love.
This was a bit of a mellowed down but lightly paced and smoothly written story of two people finding the "right reasoning" to give in to each other against the odds, the differencies in features, colors, shapes, forms, statuses BUT mainly the secrets of their past, stating a fact of looking boldly into the future and not giving a damn about any of it...showing just what loving feeling actually is - magic.
For more info and reviews visit
Tempted, tempted...
October 10, 2016
Can i give 4 stars because i think Jack England is a really hot hero? (So ok, it may have something to do with my thing about dark-skinned guys.....mmmmm)
Review to come.
Ok.....so I read this because
(1) I have loved many of Celia Aaron's books, they've yet to disappoint me, especially the Acquisition series.
(2) She usually features non-lame heroines, in other words, her heroines usually have titanium backbones - which i like in a book heroine.
(3) This one features a coloured hero - however, imho, this is not even central and plays any really big part in the development of the story and the romance.
(4) Also....because of the great reviews. And my GR friend @Kay has a lot of great things to say about this. *waves from afar to Kay*
So...what's great about this particular story?
I know this story is loosely based on Jane Eyre but i don't really see much resemblance in the storyline. Nonetheless, what really made it exciting is the sexual tension and subtle teasing between the two of them. Eden Rochester is a hard-ass b*tch but and because she's really good at her job so not many assistants survive her high work expectations. We'll also learn that she comes from a long prestigious line of Rochesters (i am guessing this is like the American aristocrat family line). She's got some secrets she wants to keep so she keeps people far away from her personal life. Enter Jack England, sweet gentleman, very professional, very smart and very hot. He's from the less-privileged side of the city but has come a long way from there. He's got a few secrets of his own that has shaped him into the man he is. So what you'll be reading is two of them skirting the "being professional" line between Boss and Assistant and constant testing it. Until one day they realize that the attraction is real and inevitable.
The sex scenes are very hot, as expected in a CA love story. These don't appear every few chapters (unlike some romance stories where once the couple declares their attraction they start going at each other like rabid rabbits and their sexing appears every other chapter ad nauseam) and do not make the bulk of the story - in which i also appreciate.
Anyway, all that aside, the drama and secrets are rather lightweigh and merely help in making Eden and Jack's story be just a tad complicated when it actually isn't (and for that i reserve the last star). Nonetheless, the main idea of the story is the idea of forgiveness, for others and for themselves, for their past and their present.
I hope to read more of these kind of stories (inter-racial love stories where the main issue is not the different race but something else) so if you happen to know any good ones, please lead me to them. Thanks.
Ok.....so I read this because
(1) I have loved many of Celia Aaron's books, they've yet to disappoint me, especially the Acquisition series.
(2) She usually features non-lame heroines, in other words, her heroines usually have titanium backbones - which i like in a book heroine.
(3) This one features a coloured hero - however, imho, this is not even central and plays any really big part in the development of the story and the romance.
(4) Also....because of the great reviews. And my GR friend @Kay has a lot of great things to say about this. *waves from afar to Kay*
So...what's great about this particular story?
I know this story is loosely based on Jane Eyre but i don't really see much resemblance in the storyline. Nonetheless, what really made it exciting is the sexual tension and subtle teasing between the two of them. Eden Rochester is a hard-ass b*tch but and because she's really good at her job so not many assistants survive her high work expectations. We'll also learn that she comes from a long prestigious line of Rochesters (i am guessing this is like the American aristocrat family line). She's got some secrets she wants to keep so she keeps people far away from her personal life. Enter Jack England, sweet gentleman, very professional, very smart and very hot. He's from the less-privileged side of the city but has come a long way from there. He's got a few secrets of his own that has shaped him into the man he is. So what you'll be reading is two of them skirting the "being professional" line between Boss and Assistant and constant testing it. Until one day they realize that the attraction is real and inevitable.
The sex scenes are very hot, as expected in a CA love story. These don't appear every few chapters (unlike some romance stories where once the couple declares their attraction they start going at each other like rabid rabbits and their sexing appears every other chapter ad nauseam) and do not make the bulk of the story - in which i also appreciate.
Anyway, all that aside, the drama and secrets are rather lightweigh and merely help in making Eden and Jack's story be just a tad complicated when it actually isn't (and for that i reserve the last star). Nonetheless, the main idea of the story is the idea of forgiveness, for others and for themselves, for their past and their present.
I hope to read more of these kind of stories (inter-racial love stories where the main issue is not the different race but something else) so if you happen to know any good ones, please lead me to them. Thanks.
September 29, 2016
I wasn’t going to read this book. When I saw “modern retelling of Jane Eyre” I had many a flashback of being forced to watch the BBC mini-series by my sister about a million times. I could probably recite every word in my sleep. I didn’t even find the book all that enjoyable (I’m more of a Hawthorne girl myself). As a whole, “the classics” didn’t become interesting to me until about the 1900s when Baum took a girl on a whirlwind journey, Orwell raised a revolution and Ayn Rand started (what would become) many a Facebook argument. I wasn’t going to read this book. But then I saw the cover. And I was all over it.
I wanted this book to be many things. I expected even more things. I got none of them.
What I got, instead, was schooled by Miss Aaron.
You won’t have had to read Jane Eyre to understand this book. In fact, you won’t even miss a thing. But the elements from Jane Eyre were so cleverly incorporated that it elevated my enjoyment that much more. All the important characters were there. All the important plot points were there too. Reading this book was like getting drunk with an old friend you haven’t seen since college. You laugh and reminisce but neither of you remember all the details quite as they were.
This book isn’t about race. It’s not about a black man. It’s not about being mixed race. It’s not even about a white woman or being in an interracial relationship. Sure, there are elements of race in it, but Aaron did so gently and without becoming preachy. To me, the issues surrounding race and class became an aside because instead, this book is about everyone. It’s about circumstance and secrets and lies and impulsive choices that shape our lives. It’s about how people react to all of those things, how it sometimes breaks us and how only some of us get to ever come back from them. It’s about relationships. Between lovers. Between families. Between us and those dearly departed. It’s a story about redemption and love.
I have read all of Celia Aaron’s books and I still cannot put her in a box. The only thing I know to expect from her is to expect the unexpected. Tempting Eden has so many layers I’m going to have to read this book at least three more times because I am sure I must have missed some of the finer points. So many secrets. So many twists. So much hotness. So many things that made me furious. At least two things that made me cry (“Do it for her”. God. *sobs*). But most of all just really beautifully woven and poignant romance between two people who should have cracked under the pressure of a million secrets and mistakes, and yet somehow became the best versions of themselves instead.
This book is the reason I read.
Get a copy.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I wanted this book to be many things. I expected even more things. I got none of them.
What I got, instead, was schooled by Miss Aaron.
You won’t have had to read Jane Eyre to understand this book. In fact, you won’t even miss a thing. But the elements from Jane Eyre were so cleverly incorporated that it elevated my enjoyment that much more. All the important characters were there. All the important plot points were there too. Reading this book was like getting drunk with an old friend you haven’t seen since college. You laugh and reminisce but neither of you remember all the details quite as they were.
This book isn’t about race. It’s not about a black man. It’s not about being mixed race. It’s not even about a white woman or being in an interracial relationship. Sure, there are elements of race in it, but Aaron did so gently and without becoming preachy. To me, the issues surrounding race and class became an aside because instead, this book is about everyone. It’s about circumstance and secrets and lies and impulsive choices that shape our lives. It’s about how people react to all of those things, how it sometimes breaks us and how only some of us get to ever come back from them. It’s about relationships. Between lovers. Between families. Between us and those dearly departed. It’s a story about redemption and love.
I have read all of Celia Aaron’s books and I still cannot put her in a box. The only thing I know to expect from her is to expect the unexpected. Tempting Eden has so many layers I’m going to have to read this book at least three more times because I am sure I must have missed some of the finer points. So many secrets. So many twists. So much hotness. So many things that made me furious. At least two things that made me cry (“Do it for her”. God. *sobs*). But most of all just really beautifully woven and poignant romance between two people who should have cracked under the pressure of a million secrets and mistakes, and yet somehow became the best versions of themselves instead.
This book is the reason I read.
Get a copy.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
September 29, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am going to be honest, I had no desire to read Tempting Eden...and not because of that absolutely gorgeous man on the cover (you're ridiculous if that was your issue). Jane Eyre was never my favorite book. *gasp* I know! So nothing about it appealed to me, other than the man (can we just talk about the man?) and of course, that Celia Aaron was the author. She never leads me astray, so when she made a post about readers not interested in it because of the race of the male I knew I had to get over my Jane Eyre dislike and read it. YOU GUYS. Best decision. Tempting Eden is an incredible novel and despite it being a retelling, the book is unique and so entertaining to read.
Hearts are like plants. Some go dormant when they don't get sun or water. Some whither away to dust.
Tempting Eden follows Eden Rochester, a demanding real estate broker, and Jacquarius “Jack” England, her new assistant from the wrong side of town. Like the story of Jane Eyre, Eden is from a well known, wealthy Southern family who made some poor decisions and Jack is from the projects, raised in a series of poor foster homes. Eden does what she can to keep her life looking pristine on the outside, however it's anything but when you get past her wall of secrets. Jack has learned to hold back his temperamental side, he doesn't follow his first instinct, but Eden tempts him in ways no woman has before. Their lives are drastically different, but the way they guard their hearts and their secrets is similar and they find themselves sharing more than they've ever shared with another before.
“I think you’ll find me perfectly capable.” He wasn’t flustered in the least, his steady confidence like a calm body of water.
Celia Aaron delivered a beautifully written novel that touched on many subjects, but especially acceptance. As each character, including secondary characters, came to share and learn one another's long kept secrets it allowed them to let go of their history and accept one another on a different level. The character development in both Eden and Jack is extensive and I really enjoyed reading them as they shook off their societal norms to be with one another. The romance is entertaining, their interactions often making me smile or laugh, and though it does touch on several serious matters it is a lighter romance from Celia Aaron. If you're looking for an opposites attract romance, Tempting Eden is for you.
I am going to be honest, I had no desire to read Tempting Eden...and not because of that absolutely gorgeous man on the cover (you're ridiculous if that was your issue). Jane Eyre was never my favorite book. *gasp* I know! So nothing about it appealed to me, other than the man (can we just talk about the man?) and of course, that Celia Aaron was the author. She never leads me astray, so when she made a post about readers not interested in it because of the race of the male I knew I had to get over my Jane Eyre dislike and read it. YOU GUYS. Best decision. Tempting Eden is an incredible novel and despite it being a retelling, the book is unique and so entertaining to read.
Hearts are like plants. Some go dormant when they don't get sun or water. Some whither away to dust.
Tempting Eden follows Eden Rochester, a demanding real estate broker, and Jacquarius “Jack” England, her new assistant from the wrong side of town. Like the story of Jane Eyre, Eden is from a well known, wealthy Southern family who made some poor decisions and Jack is from the projects, raised in a series of poor foster homes. Eden does what she can to keep her life looking pristine on the outside, however it's anything but when you get past her wall of secrets. Jack has learned to hold back his temperamental side, he doesn't follow his first instinct, but Eden tempts him in ways no woman has before. Their lives are drastically different, but the way they guard their hearts and their secrets is similar and they find themselves sharing more than they've ever shared with another before.
“I think you’ll find me perfectly capable.” He wasn’t flustered in the least, his steady confidence like a calm body of water.
Celia Aaron delivered a beautifully written novel that touched on many subjects, but especially acceptance. As each character, including secondary characters, came to share and learn one another's long kept secrets it allowed them to let go of their history and accept one another on a different level. The character development in both Eden and Jack is extensive and I really enjoyed reading them as they shook off their societal norms to be with one another. The romance is entertaining, their interactions often making me smile or laugh, and though it does touch on several serious matters it is a lighter romance from Celia Aaron. If you're looking for an opposites attract romance, Tempting Eden is for you.
October 10, 2016
“You think this conversation is between a boss and her subordinate?”
Tempting Eden is a modern re-telling of thé Jane Eyre story in reversed roles.
Jacquarius “Jack” England, 25, biracial with uncanny blue eyes. A summa cum laude graduate in Finance and assistant to realtor Eden Rochester. Jack has been in the foster system his whole life and grew up in the bad part of town. He is an ex-con who gotten a second change on making a good life and redeeming himself in the process and is very grateful for this opportunity.
Getting the hang of Eden Rochester was already proving a puzzle, one I was more than a little interested in solving, and not solely on the professional level.
Eden Rochester, 28, Vice President of a real estate brokerage and Jack's boss. She has led an privilege life but has made some very stupid decisions that are leading her to even more stupid actions. Eden is highly successful in her work but is arrogant, has an extreme temper and drives away her assistants within the month. Getting off on the wrong foot (pun intended) Eden is convinced Jack will not be able to handle her demands.
He was gorgeous, his plump lips made for kissing. Dimples showed along each of his cheeks. I knew if he ever gave me a full-on, face-brightening, glee-induced grin, I’d run the definite risk of melting.
Working closely together Eden finds Jack to not only being more than efficient but quite smart, but more importantly he is able to handle her changing temper with never-ceasing calm causing her to be intrigued in a way she hasn't in a very long time. She wants to rattle him, break through his quiet calmness and get to know the man behind.
Their long working days bring them closer together and the attraction for each other intensifies and they end up in bed together.
Jack and Eden tell each other about their past although Eden is not completely honest. When her past actions come back to bite her in the arse will their love be strong enough to overcome them? But more importantly will Jack be able to forgive her.
Please know you are still, and will always be, in my heart, even though I know I don’t deserve to keep you there. Please take with you my love, if you can stand it.
I received a copy from Celia Aaron during the Shh… Summer Buzz Books ARC Giveaway
September 8, 2016
I love interracial romance so I was extremely excited to get my hands on this book. I must say I was not disappointed at all. I wasn't surprised by this since I've never been disappointed by one of this author's books, she always writes stories that I quite enjoy. I loved the dynamics of Jack and Eden's relationship, watching them fall for each other and overcoming everything in their path. What I loved the most was watching to grow both as a unit and separately.
If you're a fan of not just interracial romance but romance as a whole I highly recommend this book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
If you're a fan of not just interracial romance but romance as a whole I highly recommend this book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
October 1, 2016
SIT BACK, RELAX. THIS IS GOING TO TAKE AWHILE.
As you all may know, I have been a fan of Celia Aaron's a little over a year. She has written books ranging from the slight paranormal/romantic to the dark and romantic. Celia is an author who is not ready to be put in a box, nor should we as readers, even try to. Celia surprised me with this new read, TEMPTING EDEN, because she touched on a subject that has forever been an issue, but she touched on the subject so elegantly and with respect to the reader and with love. PURE LOVE.
This read is a modern version of Jane Eyre according the Celia. Being a lover of early to late 19th century literature, Charlotte Bronte was one of the few that I had never read or studied while I was in high school or college. My favorite was Thomas (THE MAN--what I call him) Hardy, Edgar Allan Poe, Hemingway, and the early 20th writer, Hawthorne. So what I did was research the story of Jane Eyre so to gather an understanding of what Celia's intentions were with TEMPTING EDEN.
Jane Eyre is a book about two different cultures coming together to inhabit one space, one life, one love (my perception). I was a bit skeptical, and not because of Celia (true fan here people), but because of the fact that when Celia went public with her cover reveal, the reception wasn't as warm as it usually is when she releases new material. When I saw her cover, I was ALL OVER IT AND SOME. I knew then that I needed to read and go deeper into Charlotte Bronte's work. I wanted to know, to understand. Once I read through what I needed, I waited patiently for the release.
I WAS PROUD!!!
Celia was brave, crossing over into a world that some upcoming indies, even some popular ones, won't go. Celia reached into the diversity realm that the "book world" says they want, but sometimes aren't ready to support. This is why I mentioned that it is IMPOSSIBLE to place Celia in a box. Just when you think you have a handle on her writing, she blows you away with work like TEMPTING EDEN, a book about two people from two different sides of society that come together as one.
One element of TEMPTING EDEN that touched me, hitting very close to home was a chapter where Celia dove into the hero's past. As I read, I was catapulted right back into my younger days, sitting on that same porch, doing the same thing with a boy like Jack...just like him and tears welled up in my tired eyes. I kid you not. I sat my kindle to the side of me and gathered myself.
Celia's writing is extraordinary and its fluidity is quite remarkable. She has this THING (I don't really know what else to call it) where she will take a set of words that our hero (Jack) says and it produced chill bumps to my bones. Every last word written for Jack made me feel as if I was in his head. "Give them to me." I can't even go any further than that. I set my kindle down again and shook my damn head.
The book is written in Jack's and Eden's POV; however, Celia writes so well that it could of been written totally in Jack's POV and have the same profound affect on me. Celia's consistency and brilliant way of writing produces some kind of force that pulls you deeply into the story and I went immediately to Jack England's brain and dove in. I had to. The way she portrayed his character floored me and I felt every one of his emotions and he was high strung internally, but extremely stoic on the outside. LOVED IT!
This story touches on SES (social economic status), differences, race inequality...but not in the traditional ways of our current culture. Celia brushed on this subject because it is important in the character development of our hero and how our heroine, Eden sees Jack. Both characters struggle with their own personal demons and make decisions (selfishly) to keep the other from judging and coming to unnecessary conclusions, but their selfishness brings them both heartache as they try to overcome their troubles.
There are areas that I will not get into because if I do, I may spoil things for new readers. This review took me some time due for the simple fact that I was highly emotional after I read it. I needed to settle into my thoughts, just as Jack had to, before I posted. This book means everything to me because Jack is me and I am Jack. I felt him page after page after page. He was perfectly created and his words and thoughts were as if he was real, as if I was talking with an old friend. I loved him and I loved the way he felt about Eden. He needed her...she was part of his recovery, his betterment; Eden was his salvation and he, hers.
And at the end, Celia opened up revealing a bit of her heart to her readers which made the read even more fabulous.
TEMPTING EDEN will be on my bookshelf soon. And Celia, yes. I feel you.
As you all may know, I have been a fan of Celia Aaron's a little over a year. She has written books ranging from the slight paranormal/romantic to the dark and romantic. Celia is an author who is not ready to be put in a box, nor should we as readers, even try to. Celia surprised me with this new read, TEMPTING EDEN, because she touched on a subject that has forever been an issue, but she touched on the subject so elegantly and with respect to the reader and with love. PURE LOVE.
This read is a modern version of Jane Eyre according the Celia. Being a lover of early to late 19th century literature, Charlotte Bronte was one of the few that I had never read or studied while I was in high school or college. My favorite was Thomas (THE MAN--what I call him) Hardy, Edgar Allan Poe, Hemingway, and the early 20th writer, Hawthorne. So what I did was research the story of Jane Eyre so to gather an understanding of what Celia's intentions were with TEMPTING EDEN.
Jane Eyre is a book about two different cultures coming together to inhabit one space, one life, one love (my perception). I was a bit skeptical, and not because of Celia (true fan here people), but because of the fact that when Celia went public with her cover reveal, the reception wasn't as warm as it usually is when she releases new material. When I saw her cover, I was ALL OVER IT AND SOME. I knew then that I needed to read and go deeper into Charlotte Bronte's work. I wanted to know, to understand. Once I read through what I needed, I waited patiently for the release.
I WAS PROUD!!!
Celia was brave, crossing over into a world that some upcoming indies, even some popular ones, won't go. Celia reached into the diversity realm that the "book world" says they want, but sometimes aren't ready to support. This is why I mentioned that it is IMPOSSIBLE to place Celia in a box. Just when you think you have a handle on her writing, she blows you away with work like TEMPTING EDEN, a book about two people from two different sides of society that come together as one.
One element of TEMPTING EDEN that touched me, hitting very close to home was a chapter where Celia dove into the hero's past. As I read, I was catapulted right back into my younger days, sitting on that same porch, doing the same thing with a boy like Jack...just like him and tears welled up in my tired eyes. I kid you not. I sat my kindle to the side of me and gathered myself.
Celia's writing is extraordinary and its fluidity is quite remarkable. She has this THING (I don't really know what else to call it) where she will take a set of words that our hero (Jack) says and it produced chill bumps to my bones. Every last word written for Jack made me feel as if I was in his head. "Give them to me." I can't even go any further than that. I set my kindle down again and shook my damn head.
The book is written in Jack's and Eden's POV; however, Celia writes so well that it could of been written totally in Jack's POV and have the same profound affect on me. Celia's consistency and brilliant way of writing produces some kind of force that pulls you deeply into the story and I went immediately to Jack England's brain and dove in. I had to. The way she portrayed his character floored me and I felt every one of his emotions and he was high strung internally, but extremely stoic on the outside. LOVED IT!
This story touches on SES (social economic status), differences, race inequality...but not in the traditional ways of our current culture. Celia brushed on this subject because it is important in the character development of our hero and how our heroine, Eden sees Jack. Both characters struggle with their own personal demons and make decisions (selfishly) to keep the other from judging and coming to unnecessary conclusions, but their selfishness brings them both heartache as they try to overcome their troubles.
There are areas that I will not get into because if I do, I may spoil things for new readers. This review took me some time due for the simple fact that I was highly emotional after I read it. I needed to settle into my thoughts, just as Jack had to, before I posted. This book means everything to me because Jack is me and I am Jack. I felt him page after page after page. He was perfectly created and his words and thoughts were as if he was real, as if I was talking with an old friend. I loved him and I loved the way he felt about Eden. He needed her...she was part of his recovery, his betterment; Eden was his salvation and he, hers.
And at the end, Celia opened up revealing a bit of her heart to her readers which made the read even more fabulous.
TEMPTING EDEN will be on my bookshelf soon. And Celia, yes. I feel you.
August 1, 2016
Tempting Eden is one of my favourite Celia Aaron books. Eden is this strong, stubborn woman who has clawed her way to the top. She is intelligent and has a sharp tongue, with a tendency to push people away.
Jack, her new assistant, has worked hard to become the man he is today, pushing his past behind him. He has a sharp mind and actually seems to know what he's doing, unlike so many of her other assistants.
Long hours at work allow them to get to know each other even more and they find themselves getting closer. Truths are revealed and their pasts come back to haunt them.
I wish I could put into words, how this book made me feel. It was at times, heart-wrenching, and then other times, light and witty, or sexy and steamy. I was captivated. I love the way this author can draw you in and make her characters come to life. They feel real. I guess that's what makes them so good - you can relate to them, even if only on a small scale. Each character has parts to them that you can identify with.
I love, love, love this book!
Blurb
A modern re-telling of Jane Eyre that will leave you breathless...
Jack England
Eden Rochester is a force. A whirlwind of intensity and thinly-veiled passion. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to avoid my passions, to lock them up so they can’t harm me—or anyone else—again. But Eden Rochester ignites every emotion I have. Every glance from her sharp eyes and each teasing word from her indulgent lips adds more fuel to the fire. Resisting her? Impossible. From the moment I held her in my arms, I had to have her. But tempting her into opening up could cost me my job and much, much more.
Eden Rochester
When Jack England crosses my path and knocks me off my high horse, something begins to shift. Imperceptible at first, the change grows each time he looks into my eyes or brushes against my skin. He’s my assistant, but everything about him calls to me, tempts me. And once I give in, he shows me who he really is—dominant, passionate, and with a dark past. After long days of work and several hot nights, I realize the two of us are bound together. But my secrets won’t stay buried, and they cut like a knife.
Jack, her new assistant, has worked hard to become the man he is today, pushing his past behind him. He has a sharp mind and actually seems to know what he's doing, unlike so many of her other assistants.
Long hours at work allow them to get to know each other even more and they find themselves getting closer. Truths are revealed and their pasts come back to haunt them.
I wish I could put into words, how this book made me feel. It was at times, heart-wrenching, and then other times, light and witty, or sexy and steamy. I was captivated. I love the way this author can draw you in and make her characters come to life. They feel real. I guess that's what makes them so good - you can relate to them, even if only on a small scale. Each character has parts to them that you can identify with.
I love, love, love this book!
Blurb
A modern re-telling of Jane Eyre that will leave you breathless...
Jack England
Eden Rochester is a force. A whirlwind of intensity and thinly-veiled passion. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to avoid my passions, to lock them up so they can’t harm me—or anyone else—again. But Eden Rochester ignites every emotion I have. Every glance from her sharp eyes and each teasing word from her indulgent lips adds more fuel to the fire. Resisting her? Impossible. From the moment I held her in my arms, I had to have her. But tempting her into opening up could cost me my job and much, much more.
Eden Rochester
When Jack England crosses my path and knocks me off my high horse, something begins to shift. Imperceptible at first, the change grows each time he looks into my eyes or brushes against my skin. He’s my assistant, but everything about him calls to me, tempts me. And once I give in, he shows me who he really is—dominant, passionate, and with a dark past. After long days of work and several hot nights, I realize the two of us are bound together. But my secrets won’t stay buried, and they cut like a knife.
November 24, 2016
Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron captured my attention for a couple of reasons. Reason #1 - was that it was written by one of my automatic must-read authors. Reason #2 - The fact that it was a classic rendition type story, as I love all those modern-day renditions of original books and lastly - Reason #3. Tempting Eden is loosely based on Jane Eyre which happens to be one of my all-time favorites in my Classics list. In this book, we have a gender-reversal as our Rochester is Ms. Eden Rochester and our Eyre is Jack England. The another thing that I quite enjoyed was that this book had a mixed race as Eden was white and upper-class and Jack was mixed-race with a white mother/black father and grew up in the foster system. Eden works as a top real estate agent and seems to go through her fair share of assistants as none seem to last more than a month. Jack has been hired as her new assistant, and it seems that there is also some sparkling chemistry between them. During Tempting Eden, we get to learn about Jack's upbringing and what's important to him and we discover that Eden has a daughter and her family life isn't all it is cracked up to be and that often what you see on the outside is different than what goes on behind closed doors. I loved Tempting Eden and one of my favorite parts besides the romance between Eden and Jack and the relationship that Jack had with Eden's daughter Adele, was the reunion between Eden's mother and Jack's caregiver. I was very happy when I read the ending and discovered that everything had finally turned out the way it should have way back in the beginning. If you love Jane Eyre and wanting a modern rendition with a different twist, then check out Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron as you will not be disappointed
October 1, 2016
Also posted at http://www.afterdarkbooklovers.com/20...
Jane Eyre remix: You know when you adore a classic, and then you hear a remix? You hope that it’s different enough that it complements the original and doesn’t feel like nails on a chalkboard. As we may have seen this summer, some folks cannot handle when you do a gender twist on an old classic - hey female Ghostbusters, how y’all doing? ;) - but I’m here to say that Tempting Eden has successfully done so and left me with a new-to-me author’s backlist to explore.
The setup: Jacquarius “Jack” England and Eden Rochester are thrown together when Jack is hired to be Eden’s assistant at a real estate company. Eden’s a driven, no-nonsense real estate broker who does not suffer fools gladly and whose assistants have a way of quitting or being fired before the month’s out. Then she meets Jack. He’s smart, efficient, can handle her mood swings with never-ceasing calm and he intrigues her in a way no one has in a very long time. She wants to delve beneath that serene facade and learn the man behind the mask. Jack admires a strong woman and is definitely interested in Eden...until he learns she’s his boss. Even then, the attraction simmers under the surface and as they begin to work together to close a big deal, sparks fly, and yep, romance happens.
Diversity was fantastic: There are not enough men and women of color populating my romances in leading roles. If I had my druthers, I’d see a freakin’ 80s Benetton ad when I crack open my kindle. If you know what I’m talking about, welcome fellow Gen X’er. If you don’t know what I’m talking about? Here ya go.
That’s the world I live in. Well, not quite so day-glo anymore, but you get the idea. I am a woman of color, my family and friends come in all shades and ethnicities, so why not my romance? Anyway, I adore seeing POC in leading roles, instead of just the sidekick who never gets their story told.
Jack’s still waters run deep: Kudos to Ms. Aaron for creating an interesting character in Jack. He’s controlled and calm in any situation, he always thinks before he speaks and is the calm in Eden’s storm. He’s been through so much in his life, so much that he’s suffered and seen and it all rang true. Some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the book are during his flashbacks and the revelations of his secrets. When you add in his sexiness and hot af actions in the bedroom *fans self* yep, I’d be more than happy to add him to my book-boyfriend list.
Eden’s complicated, and that’s a good thing: Eden has sharp edges, and she will never be the cuddly bunny heroine. She’s driven yet vulnerable, and when the reader begins to see her secrets spill out one by one, well I for one absolutely appreciated her more for her strength to survive it all.
So those secrets: That said, I’ll admit I struggled with Eden’s secrets more than Jack’s. Jack’s was more shocking, but Eden’s was harder because of a few different reasons. Having all of them spill out at the end, all while she was pushing for more and more from Jack, imbalanced that romance and frustrated me. I also think the second half of the story lagged a bit while it stalled the ultimate reveal for Eden. I could have skipped half the party prep and been fine with it.
Emotionally, what I disagreed with were some of her actions. I will say that her history with Mason is horrible and she has no blame for that whatsoever. However, her actions to get ahead professionally felt contrary to the ballsy woman who’d inhabited the first half of the book. I had a hard time believing that she wouldn’t fight back and use her brain to get herself out of that situation. Objectively, I cannot fault the way Ms. Aaron brought balance to those actions and there were consequences to them. Even disagreeing with Eden, I still sympathized with her. Now that’s the mark of a good writer.
The Bottom Line 4 stars
With excellent twists on gender and race, well developed characters and enough of an homage to the classic Jane Eyre without replicating it, I definitely enjoyed my very first Celia Aaron book. I’d recommend it for fans of the Austen-inspired type romances, as well as those who just love seeing a diverse cast of characters in their romance novels like I do.
**ARC provided by author via ardent prose PR for review**
For more reviews, visit
Jane Eyre remix: You know when you adore a classic, and then you hear a remix? You hope that it’s different enough that it complements the original and doesn’t feel like nails on a chalkboard. As we may have seen this summer, some folks cannot handle when you do a gender twist on an old classic - hey female Ghostbusters, how y’all doing? ;) - but I’m here to say that Tempting Eden has successfully done so and left me with a new-to-me author’s backlist to explore.
The setup: Jacquarius “Jack” England and Eden Rochester are thrown together when Jack is hired to be Eden’s assistant at a real estate company. Eden’s a driven, no-nonsense real estate broker who does not suffer fools gladly and whose assistants have a way of quitting or being fired before the month’s out. Then she meets Jack. He’s smart, efficient, can handle her mood swings with never-ceasing calm and he intrigues her in a way no one has in a very long time. She wants to delve beneath that serene facade and learn the man behind the mask. Jack admires a strong woman and is definitely interested in Eden...until he learns she’s his boss. Even then, the attraction simmers under the surface and as they begin to work together to close a big deal, sparks fly, and yep, romance happens.
Diversity was fantastic: There are not enough men and women of color populating my romances in leading roles. If I had my druthers, I’d see a freakin’ 80s Benetton ad when I crack open my kindle. If you know what I’m talking about, welcome fellow Gen X’er. If you don’t know what I’m talking about? Here ya go.
That’s the world I live in. Well, not quite so day-glo anymore, but you get the idea. I am a woman of color, my family and friends come in all shades and ethnicities, so why not my romance? Anyway, I adore seeing POC in leading roles, instead of just the sidekick who never gets their story told.
Jack’s still waters run deep: Kudos to Ms. Aaron for creating an interesting character in Jack. He’s controlled and calm in any situation, he always thinks before he speaks and is the calm in Eden’s storm. He’s been through so much in his life, so much that he’s suffered and seen and it all rang true. Some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the book are during his flashbacks and the revelations of his secrets. When you add in his sexiness and hot af actions in the bedroom *fans self* yep, I’d be more than happy to add him to my book-boyfriend list.
Eden’s complicated, and that’s a good thing: Eden has sharp edges, and she will never be the cuddly bunny heroine. She’s driven yet vulnerable, and when the reader begins to see her secrets spill out one by one, well I for one absolutely appreciated her more for her strength to survive it all.
So those secrets: That said, I’ll admit I struggled with Eden’s secrets more than Jack’s. Jack’s was more shocking, but Eden’s was harder because of a few different reasons. Having all of them spill out at the end, all while she was pushing for more and more from Jack, imbalanced that romance and frustrated me. I also think the second half of the story lagged a bit while it stalled the ultimate reveal for Eden. I could have skipped half the party prep and been fine with it.
Emotionally, what I disagreed with were some of her actions. I will say that her history with Mason is horrible and she has no blame for that whatsoever. However, her actions to get ahead professionally felt contrary to the ballsy woman who’d inhabited the first half of the book. I had a hard time believing that she wouldn’t fight back and use her brain to get herself out of that situation. Objectively, I cannot fault the way Ms. Aaron brought balance to those actions and there were consequences to them. Even disagreeing with Eden, I still sympathized with her. Now that’s the mark of a good writer.
The Bottom Line 4 stars
With excellent twists on gender and race, well developed characters and enough of an homage to the classic Jane Eyre without replicating it, I definitely enjoyed my very first Celia Aaron book. I’d recommend it for fans of the Austen-inspired type romances, as well as those who just love seeing a diverse cast of characters in their romance novels like I do.
**ARC provided by author via ardent prose PR for review**
For more reviews, visit
September 12, 2016
4.0 Stars|4.5 Heat Level
This was my first experience with a Celia Aaron book and I really like her writing style and the dual POV’s is a favorite of mine. This book is a standalone that I could easily see spinning into side stories if Ceilia got interest from readers.
This is a story of two people that have allowed their past to become secrets that keep them backed into a corner.
“Secrets, secrets, everything around here is all secrets. Seems to me everything would be better if there were no secrets.”
That all begins to change the moment Eden falls into the hands of a beauty male with amazing blue eyes of one Jack England.
Jack is trying to move forward with his professional life and never expects that his new boss is everything he wants in a female. Eden is just trying to make the next sale and protect her most cherished piece of her world. The physical connect between these two is instant, but they both allow it to develop without being forced. Despite the obstacles they face at work, the chemistry is too strong and they both begin to rely on the other. With all the secrets they have hidden from the world, it becomes apparent that they need the other on a deeper level. Jack is the first to open up and his secret is huge and just might change the game. That is if the secret that Eden is keeping force them apart or will they both realize they both need to let go and move forward to find peace?
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first experience with a Celia Aaron book and I really like her writing style and the dual POV’s is a favorite of mine. This book is a standalone that I could easily see spinning into side stories if Ceilia got interest from readers.
This is a story of two people that have allowed their past to become secrets that keep them backed into a corner.
“Secrets, secrets, everything around here is all secrets. Seems to me everything would be better if there were no secrets.”
That all begins to change the moment Eden falls into the hands of a beauty male with amazing blue eyes of one Jack England.
Jack is trying to move forward with his professional life and never expects that his new boss is everything he wants in a female. Eden is just trying to make the next sale and protect her most cherished piece of her world. The physical connect between these two is instant, but they both allow it to develop without being forced. Despite the obstacles they face at work, the chemistry is too strong and they both begin to rely on the other. With all the secrets they have hidden from the world, it becomes apparent that they need the other on a deeper level. Jack is the first to open up and his secret is huge and just might change the game. That is if the secret that Eden is keeping force them apart or will they both realize they both need to let go and move forward to find peace?
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2016
Jack and Eden are the epitome of juxtaposed characterization from the get go. Jack is level headed and even keel, while Eden is hot headed, fiery, and demanding. As their story unfolds it becomes apparent that their tango was more intentional and guided, rather than random and chance driven.
Celia Aaron's Tempting Eden tackles several difficult themes with extreme prose brilliance. She unfolds the difficulties of being born biracial, foster care, falling in the eyes of the wealthy, sexual orientation, and the male-female power struggles in the vicious corporate world. I love the depth and richness of the inferred undertones Aaron crafted into this work. I’ve loved all of her works for many different reasons, but Tempting Eden maybe the front runner now with her heartfelt crafting of the heavy social undertones. I'm in love with both Jack and Eden and am suffering a severe book hangover now!
Celia Aaron's Tempting Eden tackles several difficult themes with extreme prose brilliance. She unfolds the difficulties of being born biracial, foster care, falling in the eyes of the wealthy, sexual orientation, and the male-female power struggles in the vicious corporate world. I love the depth and richness of the inferred undertones Aaron crafted into this work. I’ve loved all of her works for many different reasons, but Tempting Eden maybe the front runner now with her heartfelt crafting of the heavy social undertones. I'm in love with both Jack and Eden and am suffering a severe book hangover now!
September 10, 2016
First let me start by saying Jane Eyre is my favorite book and when I found out Celia Aaron was writing a retelling of the classic I screamed with excitement. I enjoyed the characters role reversal with Eden Rochester and Jack England and while there wasn't a crazy wife locked in an attic there were plenty of secrets that each kept hidden. I took my time reading and really enjoyed how everything played out, especially the steamy sex scenes. (And just so you know, I now want my own Jack England) While the original still has my heart, Tempting Eden was a wonderful book and will most likely find myself rereading it in the future. P.S. The side stories of some of the characters made me smile more that I expected. Everyone finds their happiness, even in the most surprising ways.
*An ARC was given for an honest review*
*An ARC was given for an honest review*
September 29, 2016
What can I say. The stories by Celia are always beautiful. The characters, the setting, the writing... the list goes on. In Tempting Eden we learn that two opposite persons attracks. Eden is a strong woman, a litttle bitchy and Jack is...well Jack is Jack. A handsome guy and he's is very nice. They work together and the attractions to each other grows more and more. But they have different backgrounds and secrets. Can all that make them happy?
Thank you for the ACR, Celia and keep up writing!
Thank you for the ACR, Celia and keep up writing!
September 29, 2016
Celia Aaron’s latest novel, Tempting Eden is the perfect combination of deep, complex and profound creativity. Pushing herself and her story outside the box, Celia Aaron effortlessly combines romance and race. Reaching deep, Aaron brings to life a story of two different people and diligently expresses the individual experiences and choices of both these characters. Tempting Eden convincingly blurs the lines of fiction and reality, taking the harsh truths people face and healing them with passion, understanding and love.
Following Jack England and Eden Rochester, the world of commercial real estate has never looked so interesting. Told in dual POV’s, Celia Aaron ensures that readers are given a well-rounded version of each character. With Jack working for Eden, their differences are made obvious and Eden and Jack do their best to ignore the pull between them. Filled with secrets, sex and a hierarchy determined to divide and dominate; the fast paced world of money and exclusivity is the perfect backdrop for the explosive chemistry between Jack and Eden.
Layered with emotion, betrayal and redemption; Tempting Eden is captivatingly raw. As the demons of each character are brought to the surface, the truth is both heartbreaking and brutal. Highlighting the impact of self-loathing and the relief of redemption, Celia Aaron does not sugar coat the struggles of her characters. Maintaining the high standard that all Aaron’s novels encompass, the flawless combination of sensuality and sensitivity, undoubtedly makes Tempting Eden Aaron’s best work to date.
Following Jack England and Eden Rochester, the world of commercial real estate has never looked so interesting. Told in dual POV’s, Celia Aaron ensures that readers are given a well-rounded version of each character. With Jack working for Eden, their differences are made obvious and Eden and Jack do their best to ignore the pull between them. Filled with secrets, sex and a hierarchy determined to divide and dominate; the fast paced world of money and exclusivity is the perfect backdrop for the explosive chemistry between Jack and Eden.
Layered with emotion, betrayal and redemption; Tempting Eden is captivatingly raw. As the demons of each character are brought to the surface, the truth is both heartbreaking and brutal. Highlighting the impact of self-loathing and the relief of redemption, Celia Aaron does not sugar coat the struggles of her characters. Maintaining the high standard that all Aaron’s novels encompass, the flawless combination of sensuality and sensitivity, undoubtedly makes Tempting Eden Aaron’s best work to date.
October 1, 2016
5 stars!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters had depth and the story was well written. Brava Ms. Aaron on another fabulous read!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters had depth and the story was well written. Brava Ms. Aaron on another fabulous read!
September 29, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Having read many of Celia Aaron books and seeing the dark and delicious man on the cover of Tempting Eden, I decided it was time to pull up a chair and meet the new muscled hero, Jack England. Celia always manages to have me indulging in her steamy fantasies whether her heroes are wearing cleats and swinging a bat, charming a jury and commanding a court room, or wearing a suit and assisting a tyrannical female boss. Celia takes readers to a grueling cut throat fictional corporate world where the real estate competition is stiff and the hot new assistant is even…you get the picture. Eden and Jack keep things heated and emotional in this fast paced, board room driven atmosphere where the smiles are fake, the drinks are strong, and success smells like deceit.
Jack England is dark, debonair, and moving on from a past that is less that savory and is ready to go toe to toe with his new hotter than hell boss. He plans on ruffling up her skirt suits and button up blouses and proving that he is the best man for the job. I loved every moment with this intense, alpha who has overcome so many obstacles and achieved so much. Only he could tame the “shrew” inside Eden and show her how much strength and beauty she possesses inside.
Eden Rochester has the weight of the world on her shoulders and wears armor around her and never lets anyone in. She rules her professional life with an iron fist and keeps her personal life private. In walks a yummy male specimen that no matter how she tries, she can’t resist and things become more explosive by the minute. Eden is a hard shell of vulnerability that won me over right after the first mean word crossed her lips. She couldn’t hide her selfless heart from Jack or the reader under her sour attitude and provocative wardrobe. As much as she tried to hide her true self, Jack saw the beautiful woman underneath.
Celia Aaron delivers another office romance that will have her readers putting in some over time fantasizing about cuff links and stiletto heels scattered all over the floor. I highly recommend Tempting Eden for an emotional read about a love that transcends a tragic and mistake ridden past and is more than skin deep. Celia’s writing heats the blood and warms the heart no matter where the stories take place or what amazing characters that she chooses to create and share with her readers.
Having read many of Celia Aaron books and seeing the dark and delicious man on the cover of Tempting Eden, I decided it was time to pull up a chair and meet the new muscled hero, Jack England. Celia always manages to have me indulging in her steamy fantasies whether her heroes are wearing cleats and swinging a bat, charming a jury and commanding a court room, or wearing a suit and assisting a tyrannical female boss. Celia takes readers to a grueling cut throat fictional corporate world where the real estate competition is stiff and the hot new assistant is even…you get the picture. Eden and Jack keep things heated and emotional in this fast paced, board room driven atmosphere where the smiles are fake, the drinks are strong, and success smells like deceit.
Jack England is dark, debonair, and moving on from a past that is less that savory and is ready to go toe to toe with his new hotter than hell boss. He plans on ruffling up her skirt suits and button up blouses and proving that he is the best man for the job. I loved every moment with this intense, alpha who has overcome so many obstacles and achieved so much. Only he could tame the “shrew” inside Eden and show her how much strength and beauty she possesses inside.
Eden Rochester has the weight of the world on her shoulders and wears armor around her and never lets anyone in. She rules her professional life with an iron fist and keeps her personal life private. In walks a yummy male specimen that no matter how she tries, she can’t resist and things become more explosive by the minute. Eden is a hard shell of vulnerability that won me over right after the first mean word crossed her lips. She couldn’t hide her selfless heart from Jack or the reader under her sour attitude and provocative wardrobe. As much as she tried to hide her true self, Jack saw the beautiful woman underneath.
Celia Aaron delivers another office romance that will have her readers putting in some over time fantasizing about cuff links and stiletto heels scattered all over the floor. I highly recommend Tempting Eden for an emotional read about a love that transcends a tragic and mistake ridden past and is more than skin deep. Celia’s writing heats the blood and warms the heart no matter where the stories take place or what amazing characters that she chooses to create and share with her readers.
September 29, 2016
Eden is the modern day Mr Rochester and performs perfectly as "byronic" heroine when she first meets Jack. He stays cool and composed, as though nothing affects him, but it soon becomes apparent that Eden affects him in the best way.
I loved the way Jack's character was portrayed, he lets everything Eden throws at him just roll straight off him. He's brilliant at his job and one of the few assistants that can handle Eden. At first I thought Eden was just down to be rude to everyone, even Jack, but as you learn more about her, you start to understand her more.
The tension between the two of them was everything I want in a romance. Jack seems like a sweet and relaxed man, seemingly controlled around everyone, but with Eden his dominant side breaks out and my lord is it HOT!
The secrets the two of them have are juicy as!! I was gripped by the retelling of Jack's past, the decisions he made and Eden's troubles as she tried to decide how to judge. I was still rooting for Jack the whole way through. He is EVERYTHING!!! Eden does do questionable things and it is AMAZING to read a story where the gender roles are flipped. Even though we hear both points of view and Jack at no point seems like a heroine role, Eden is very much the one who takes on the more masculine romance novel role. It's refreshing!
This book is one that needed to happen and I hope more like it come out following this. Celia writes in her author note at the end about the prejudice she and her husband have met in her own life, so the fact that this is a mixed raced romance which switches up a Bronte classic makes this a book you CANNOT afford to miss! Perfectly written as we've come to expect from Celia Aaron, this book is a genius re-working of a classic with lots of added heat.
Kudos to Celia for taking your typical romance novel and flipping it on its head. We just need more books like this that challenge the stereotype and add variety to an otherwise repetitive romance formula. Sign me up for more of this!!
I loved the way Jack's character was portrayed, he lets everything Eden throws at him just roll straight off him. He's brilliant at his job and one of the few assistants that can handle Eden. At first I thought Eden was just down to be rude to everyone, even Jack, but as you learn more about her, you start to understand her more.
The tension between the two of them was everything I want in a romance. Jack seems like a sweet and relaxed man, seemingly controlled around everyone, but with Eden his dominant side breaks out and my lord is it HOT!
The secrets the two of them have are juicy as!! I was gripped by the retelling of Jack's past, the decisions he made and Eden's troubles as she tried to decide how to judge. I was still rooting for Jack the whole way through. He is EVERYTHING!!! Eden does do questionable things and it is AMAZING to read a story where the gender roles are flipped. Even though we hear both points of view and Jack at no point seems like a heroine role, Eden is very much the one who takes on the more masculine romance novel role. It's refreshing!
This book is one that needed to happen and I hope more like it come out following this. Celia writes in her author note at the end about the prejudice she and her husband have met in her own life, so the fact that this is a mixed raced romance which switches up a Bronte classic makes this a book you CANNOT afford to miss! Perfectly written as we've come to expect from Celia Aaron, this book is a genius re-working of a classic with lots of added heat.
Kudos to Celia for taking your typical romance novel and flipping it on its head. We just need more books like this that challenge the stereotype and add variety to an otherwise repetitive romance formula. Sign me up for more of this!!
September 9, 2016
Eden Rochester is a no nonsense, business woman with a spine of steel. She wants results and she wants them now. Her new assistant, Jack is tempting in many ways. He is a late bloomer, as in a college degree and life. But what they both know is that they want each other. Can Eden keep her past hidden from Jack? Can Jack get Eden to open up and be honest with him?
This a quick story, but oh so engrossing. I felt like Eden and Jack could be people I know. That I had a little snippet into their lives. Ms. Aaron has a way of creating people that make them feel like your best friends or family. Both Jack and Eden have a great back story that is very detailed in the short book. Ms. Aaron packed the book full of a punch for sure.
This a quick story, but oh so engrossing. I felt like Eden and Jack could be people I know. That I had a little snippet into their lives. Ms. Aaron has a way of creating people that make them feel like your best friends or family. Both Jack and Eden have a great back story that is very detailed in the short book. Ms. Aaron packed the book full of a punch for sure.
September 26, 2016
When I saw the cover reveal and read the blurb for Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron, I knew I had to read it. I received a copy of the book and immediately jumped in. There were a few things that I liked right off the bat and drew me to this book. I loved that the lead male was black, I loved that the lead female was in a position of power, or seemingly so, and I loved that it took place in the world of real estate – my real-world job is in commercial real estate. I’ve been a long-time fan of Celia’s, but Tempting Eden, exceeded my expectations.
Tempting Eden is the story of Eden, a powerhouse real estate broker, and Jack, her assistant, but oh, so much more. Jack is smart and quick and deeply passionate. He also has a troubled past. Eden seemingly has it all together, but everyone has their secrets and skeletons in their closet that they want to hide.
The dynamic between the two was electric. Jack was Eden’s match in every way. Even in a subordinate work position, Jack was all alpha. Eden was no shrinking violet and required a man that could not only stand up to her, but one that supported her as well. Watching how their pasts to defined them, for better or for worse, was oftentimes frustrating and emotional. Watching the two find their way throughout and learning about their pasts was addictive. I couldn’t put Tempting Eden down.
Tempting Eden is the story of Eden, a powerhouse real estate broker, and Jack, her assistant, but oh, so much more. Jack is smart and quick and deeply passionate. He also has a troubled past. Eden seemingly has it all together, but everyone has their secrets and skeletons in their closet that they want to hide.
The dynamic between the two was electric. Jack was Eden’s match in every way. Even in a subordinate work position, Jack was all alpha. Eden was no shrinking violet and required a man that could not only stand up to her, but one that supported her as well. Watching how their pasts to defined them, for better or for worse, was oftentimes frustrating and emotional. Watching the two find their way throughout and learning about their pasts was addictive. I couldn’t put Tempting Eden down.
September 30, 2016
Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron is an erotic romance inspired by one of my favorite novels, Jane Eyre. It has the characters you love, but switched. Different and the same all at once. If you are a fan of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, you will enjoy the references laced throughout, and if you have never read Bronte in your life, this is still a passionate story of what passion, drive and love can cause you to do and what it takes to see the path that has been in front of you all along, but have been too afraid to take.
Modern social issues are tastefully woven in bringing even more meaning to the story, much the way it's inspiration did in its day. I loved Ms. Aaron's Jack and Eden. I also liked that in this version "Rochester" isn't married (Or Jack/Jane...wouldn't have liked that either. hehe).
Overall, Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron was a well-written and satisfying read. Very much recommend and can't wait to read what's next from Ms. Aaron.
Modern social issues are tastefully woven in bringing even more meaning to the story, much the way it's inspiration did in its day. I loved Ms. Aaron's Jack and Eden. I also liked that in this version "Rochester" isn't married (Or Jack/Jane...wouldn't have liked that either. hehe).
Overall, Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron was a well-written and satisfying read. Very much recommend and can't wait to read what's next from Ms. Aaron.
September 12, 2016
Fabulous! I fell in love with Jack and Eden. They are so beautifully human. So perfectly flawed. You'll want to slap some sense into both of them and then jump up and down cheering them on!
October 6, 2016
Not what i expected.
September 20, 2016
I loved reading g this book so much! Tempting Eden is different from what Celia Aaron has written because it features two characters from two different economic and ethnic backgrounds.
While Eden was born into money and raised in an affluent area, Jack was raised in foster care and in a bad part of town. One thing they have in common is they both have secrets from their past that have shaped their future.
I truly enjoyed reading this book so much. Can't wait to see what's next from Ceila!
While Eden was born into money and raised in an affluent area, Jack was raised in foster care and in a bad part of town. One thing they have in common is they both have secrets from their past that have shaped their future.
I truly enjoyed reading this book so much. Can't wait to see what's next from Ceila!
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