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Temptation by Design
They never meant to fall in love. Now, their burning need could cost them everything.Forbidden attraction…Shakespeare professor Ben Silver teaches in a small college town with few prospects for love. Most gay men he meets are students and off-limits. That's never been a problem until architecture major Chase takes over set design for the college production of Macbeth. Older than most college juniors, his maturity and leadership skills—not to mention his smoking-hot body—capture Ben's attention. But a tryst could ruin Ben's career, and he can't risk it.Awakening desire…Former petty officer Chase Coltrane understands fraternization rules. His years in the Navy taught him to keep his hands to himself, especially where people in authority are concerned. But when Ben ignites Chase's attraction to men, Chase's self-control heads out to sea. He wants to explore this newly discovered part of himself, and the handsome, charismatic professor has tied knots around his heart. Will his desperate attempt to win the man he loves destroy their future? Or will it lead them on a path to lasting love?This steamy bi-awakening M/M romance novella has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2016
151 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Dalling
34 books59 followersAndrea Dalling lives in the sexy Southeast, where the summers are hot and the romance hotter. She loves to torture her characters but eventually rewards them with a happily-ever-after.
Married to her college sweetheart, she's an ally and an advocate for LGBT rights. When she's not writing, she enjoys gardening at her Raleigh home and scuba diving in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.
To learn about new releases, special offers, and exclusive content, join her fan list or visit her website. You can also follow her on Facebook or on Twitter.
Married to her college sweetheart, she's an ally and an advocate for LGBT rights. When she's not writing, she enjoys gardening at her Raleigh home and scuba diving in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.
To learn about new releases, special offers, and exclusive content, join her fan list or visit her website. You can also follow her on Facebook or on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 6, 2017
So let’s see if I got this right. Chase, former military (two tours), currently straight and always in control (as he claims) is pursuing his degree and suddenly feels an attraction to one of his professors, Ben, who happens to be gay and is, not-so-coincidentally, attracted to Chase. Chase then pursues Ben, ignoring all the anti-fraternization warnings, and the two are suddenly madly in love. They wisk off to Vegas to get married where they consummate their relationship with now former straight boy Chase, claiming he’s bi but behaving like a super-sexed aggressive and experienced top. Yes, married....So Ben wouldn’t get fired. They hadn’t really dated at all and Chase had zero experience sexually with a man (although you’d never know!) but off to Vegas they went. And then when they returned to class, Chase is acting all sorts of inappropriately. And seriously, Melissa? How dense could you be?
The concept of the romance, professor and older more mature student, was interesting and should have been explored more but Chase’s character just became a bad cliche and the opportunity was lost. 2.5 stars rounded up.
The concept of the romance, professor and older more mature student, was interesting and should have been explored more but Chase’s character just became a bad cliche and the opportunity was lost. 2.5 stars rounded up.
May 28, 2021
*Beyond* insta-love. Here’s how it went:
B: I am a gay 33yo prof.
C: I am a 28yo student. I like women. I don’t really like MOST women. No biggie.
B: You are really nice.
C: Thanks for the ride home. OMG I AM KISSING YOU AND CLEARLY I AM BISEXUAL.
B: We can’t. BUT WE ARE. I MUST NOT ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EXISTENCE.
C: Fine, drop me.
B: IT IS BECAUSE I CANNOT HELP MYSELF.
C: Cool.
B: Six more weeks until I am not your prof? I know we only kissed that one time, but I AM IN AGONY.
C: I love you.
B: Totally. Let’s fix this.
SPOILER
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B: Class, I hope you all had a good spring break. Mr. Coltrane, did you want to say something?
C: Don’t you mean... MR. COLTRANE-SILVER, DARLING????
[the class laughs]
B: I am a gay 33yo prof.
C: I am a 28yo student. I like women. I don’t really like MOST women. No biggie.
B: You are really nice.
C: Thanks for the ride home. OMG I AM KISSING YOU AND CLEARLY I AM BISEXUAL.
B: We can’t. BUT WE ARE. I MUST NOT ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EXISTENCE.
C: Fine, drop me.
B: IT IS BECAUSE I CANNOT HELP MYSELF.
C: Cool.
B: Six more weeks until I am not your prof? I know we only kissed that one time, but I AM IN AGONY.
C: I love you.
B: Totally. Let’s fix this.
SPOILER
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B: Class, I hope you all had a good spring break. Mr. Coltrane, did you want to say something?
C: Don’t you mean... MR. COLTRANE-SILVER, DARLING????
[the class laughs]
own-but-not-read-yet
September 13, 20175-9-2017: Free on BookFunnel. https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5wca7c4zcd (the process to get the book is seriously convoluted but I did get a copy emailed to me.)
Want to read
July 23, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2019)! 🎁
December 8, 2016
I liked this novella. We have Ben who is a tenured literature teacher enjoying his budding friendship with older student Chase. When Ben realizes he has feelings for Chase who is straight, he knows he needs to rein them in since it's inappropriate as his professor.
What I mostly had a problem with is Chase's inability to control his impulses. As ex-military, you would think he'd have much more control over his actions and be more reasonable. There is angst and interfering friends/colleagues to round out the conflict. But all in all, I liked the characters and really enjoyed the romance.
I am voluntarily reviewing the free advance reader copy I received from the author.
What I mostly had a problem with is Chase's inability to control his impulses. As ex-military, you would think he'd have much more control over his actions and be more reasonable. There is angst and interfering friends/colleagues to round out the conflict. But all in all, I liked the characters and really enjoyed the romance.
I am voluntarily reviewing the free advance reader copy I received from the author.
July 9, 2018
2.5*
I felt annoyed mostly - two grown men, responsible people, can’t cope for 2 months playing by the rules.
Because of the short format we didn’t get much of Ben and Chase before they get together so it does seem rushed - and that is a theme, rushing - into love, disaster and the solution.
I found Chase to be a very quick study for a guy who has only just understood he is bisexual.
I thought there would be much more repercussions, they were lucky.
I also found it to be quite a heavy read for only 65 pages.
I felt annoyed mostly - two grown men, responsible people, can’t cope for 2 months playing by the rules.
Because of the short format we didn’t get much of Ben and Chase before they get together so it does seem rushed - and that is a theme, rushing - into love, disaster and the solution.
I found Chase to be a very quick study for a guy who has only just understood he is bisexual.
I thought there would be much more repercussions, they were lucky.
I also found it to be quite a heavy read for only 65 pages.
March 27, 2017
Seriously?
May 20, 2023
I really like this book. It was a nice reading. A little bit unbelievablr. Everything happened really fast, but that's because it's a shorter book. But, it kinda fit together in the end for me.. it's a light read, and one that i really enjoyed. About Melissa... Well, i thought that she was going to be a really bad character in the beginning. I'm really relieved that i was wrong and she is a nice one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 18, 2023This was such a silly story, but very fun to read!
March 31, 2023
Dalling, Andrea (2016). Temptation by Design.
Lovelight Press, eBook
Okay, 45 out of the last 50 yrs of my life I first studied and then worked at a university (cultural studies); and in between I also worked at theatre and TV productions. So, even though now retired, I guess I know a bit about both settings the two male protagonists are put into: one, Ben Silver, tenured English prof at the North Carolina Coastal College who happens also to stage a production of Macbeth, gay; the other, Chase Coltrane, architecture student after ten yrs of the US Navy construction battalion, stage designer for the Shakespeare play, straight – he thought, at least. And unlike many reviewers, the plot is not that unrealistic, as I think I do understand the out-of-the-world situation of a theatre production added to the specifics of relationships at universities.
Ben knows he’s gay and easily falls for someone, but knows also that he mustn’t give in to his developing feelings for Chase. Chase, on the other hand, is completely astonished about this emotional undertones in his growing friendship to Ben: he not only likes him as a friend, but is sexually attracted, and — takes the first step to kiss Ben who’s more than unsettled that he “let that happen”.
They first agree to first get out of the teacher/student dependence of grading, and second to wait in any event at least until the end of the academic year, but better after Chase’s graduation in two years, since the College has rather strict fraternization rules no matter the age (Ben and Chase are almost the same age) or sex of the people involved. — Well, wouldn’t be a romance if they could wait, even though both his sensitive colleague Fiona and some students have observed that there’s something between them. After a cast party at Ben’s they give in to their amour fou. During spring break we see Ben at his house, lonely, with no one he could talk to, Chase spends the vacation at home, where he admits to his parents that he’s in love with one of his professors (and both his parents accept it).
The novella is a lovely and quick read, and in case you don’t object to a romance and a bit of sex between two men, I can highly recommend Temptation by Design and this particular solution to the teacher-student-falling-in-love. I certainly liked it.
Lovelight Press, eBook
Okay, 45 out of the last 50 yrs of my life I first studied and then worked at a university (cultural studies); and in between I also worked at theatre and TV productions. So, even though now retired, I guess I know a bit about both settings the two male protagonists are put into: one, Ben Silver, tenured English prof at the North Carolina Coastal College who happens also to stage a production of Macbeth, gay; the other, Chase Coltrane, architecture student after ten yrs of the US Navy construction battalion, stage designer for the Shakespeare play, straight – he thought, at least. And unlike many reviewers, the plot is not that unrealistic, as I think I do understand the out-of-the-world situation of a theatre production added to the specifics of relationships at universities.
Ben knows he’s gay and easily falls for someone, but knows also that he mustn’t give in to his developing feelings for Chase. Chase, on the other hand, is completely astonished about this emotional undertones in his growing friendship to Ben: he not only likes him as a friend, but is sexually attracted, and — takes the first step to kiss Ben who’s more than unsettled that he “let that happen”.
They first agree to first get out of the teacher/student dependence of grading, and second to wait in any event at least until the end of the academic year, but better after Chase’s graduation in two years, since the College has rather strict fraternization rules no matter the age (Ben and Chase are almost the same age) or sex of the people involved. — Well, wouldn’t be a romance if they could wait, even though both his sensitive colleague Fiona and some students have observed that there’s something between them. After a cast party at Ben’s they give in to their amour fou. During spring break we see Ben at his house, lonely, with no one he could talk to, Chase spends the vacation at home, where he admits to his parents that he’s in love with one of his professors (and both his parents accept it).
The novella is a lovely and quick read, and in case you don’t object to a romance and a bit of sex between two men, I can highly recommend Temptation by Design and this particular solution to the teacher-student-falling-in-love. I certainly liked it.
February 23, 2025
Well. It wasn't bad? But it was also so short that a lot of the events felt very rushed. Not to mention that I can't really understand why these two (supposedly) grown men couldn't wait two months before starting a relationship? I know that they were supposed to be madly in love but their lack of self-control just made them seem immature and reckless, especially since Ben's job was on the line. Chase, in particular, felt like a child throwing a tantrum a lot of the time.
And while I appreciate that the book attempted to say some important things about queer people today, power imbalance, and complex relationships, it often felt like the author trying to lecture the reader? Especially the parts where Melissa just had to tell everyone what she'd learned during her ethics class and it fit so perfectly with everything going on that I know it was meant for me rather than the characters. The message felt very on-the-nose and not very smoothly integrated at all.
In the end, though? It was a perfectly serviceable way to spend a lazy Sunday morning, but I can't say that it'll linger with me for very long.
And while I appreciate that the book attempted to say some important things about queer people today, power imbalance, and complex relationships, it often felt like the author trying to lecture the reader? Especially the parts where Melissa just had to tell everyone what she'd learned during her ethics class and it fit so perfectly with everything going on that I know it was meant for me rather than the characters. The message felt very on-the-nose and not very smoothly integrated at all.
In the end, though? It was a perfectly serviceable way to spend a lazy Sunday morning, but I can't say that it'll linger with me for very long.
October 13, 2017
Wow this was a great love story with conflicts. It was a little on the "sexual" side but that is standard in the genre. The story had a flow, and was well written. I am not sure if I could really believe these events took place in this span of time, or even in this manner. I would say it would be nice if this was considered to be realistic.
I would read more by Andrea Dalling, but not sure if I would want to continue to read about these characters .They seem a little uptight in some parts of the book, then a little too loose in others. They did seem to be a little less real in area, and the conversations did feel a little forced.
The setting was amazing, and it seemed real. The content was solid, and the flow was there.
My biggest concern was really the way it played out. It seemed a little rushed and forced.
Would recommend as a quick read, but also if you would like a funny endearing story.
I would read more by Andrea Dalling, but not sure if I would want to continue to read about these characters .They seem a little uptight in some parts of the book, then a little too loose in others. They did seem to be a little less real in area, and the conversations did feel a little forced.
The setting was amazing, and it seemed real. The content was solid, and the flow was there.
My biggest concern was really the way it played out. It seemed a little rushed and forced.
Would recommend as a quick read, but also if you would like a funny endearing story.
August 27, 2017
I'm going to be honest, this was the longest-feeling short story that I've read in a long time. (I kept getting distracted so reading it took a lot longer than I'd have liked, so that's mostly my fault.) It felt to drag in some places and then go too fast in others.
I mean, I know it's a short story and everything should be resolved or at least postponed at the end, but I feel like there was very little believable of two guys meeting and sharing one kiss then thinking they're madly in love with each other, enough to by the end.
It's not a bad book, It's okay and worth a read if you're into stories with a love-at-first-sight feel to it with a happily-ever-after epilogue.
I mean, I know it's a short story and everything should be resolved or at least postponed at the end, but I feel like there was very little believable of two guys meeting and sharing one kiss then thinking they're madly in love with each other, enough to by the end.
It's not a bad book, It's okay and worth a read if you're into stories with a love-at-first-sight feel to it with a happily-ever-after epilogue.
August 11, 2017
This book was sweet and the premise was good but other than attraction to one another, I didn't feel there was much of a connection between Ben and Chase. I understand that there are rules between students and professors dating, but Chase isn't a 17-year-old and that one conflict stretched between them through the entire book. There was never really getting to know one another, it was more trying to avoid people seeing how their attraction to one another is simmering beneath the surface.
June 20, 2018
How can I explain my feelings for this book. well first this was a free ebook, and I wanted to give it a shot since the story seemed cute. I didn't liked, the reason why I didn't give it a 1 star was because it wasn't the worst book I ever read. I know it is a short story, but it was all to quick for me, it made no sense, the characters who supposedly are adults behaved like teenagers. I didn't like this one (sigh).
January 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this.
This was one of those books where you see a bad review and think maybe you shouldn't get it and waste your time but for some reason I decided to give it a go and I'm glad I did. This was a nice read and I really enjoyed it. Both characters were great and worked well in this book.
I'd say read this story and make up your own mind but I am glad I gave it a go.
This was one of those books where you see a bad review and think maybe you shouldn't get it and waste your time but for some reason I decided to give it a go and I'm glad I did. This was a nice read and I really enjoyed it. Both characters were great and worked well in this book.
I'd say read this story and make up your own mind but I am glad I gave it a go.
April 15, 2020
More of a 2.5 stars really, it was cute, well paced and populated with likeable characters. however, there really was zero character development for the two main characters. Because of the length, the whole story felt rushed and there really wasn't any time for a relationship, other than pure lust, to develop. But if all you're looking for is a quick HEA story with likeable characters and no really angst then this will suit just fine.
June 20, 2020
Very enjoyable M/M Sexy Romance. I loved that it had a theatre background. I thought it respectfully pushed the boundaries of age, mentor/educator responsibility and appropriateness. Take that away, and it was a delightfully, passionate, fairy tale romance. Author Andrea Dalling does an excellent job telling the story and being spot on accurate with her details. Fun novella!
September 6, 2020
More like 3.5 stars for me.
The story was decent, and I didn't notice many errors so that's a huge plus. I think the story had potential to be better but having a 29 year old sailor act like he couldn't even act normal for class was a stretch for me, let alone 6 weeks. A sailor has more discipline than that. Cute couple though.
The story was decent, and I didn't notice many errors so that's a huge plus. I think the story had potential to be better but having a 29 year old sailor act like he couldn't even act normal for class was a stretch for me, let alone 6 weeks. A sailor has more discipline than that. Cute couple though.
June 6, 2017
Another stellar book by Andrea Dalling. The journey that Chase takes from friendship to love is beautifully done. Ben suggesting Chase talk to someone at LGBT center was perfect. It gave Chase a way to talk through his thoughts. Well done. I recieved a complementary Advanced Reader Copy.
September 26, 2018
A Good Story About School Rules Against Fraternization.
Ben a professor find himself falling in love with Chase, a student in school on th GI Bill. But can they keep their hands off each other till the semester ends? Ben could lose his tenure and his job.
Ben a professor find himself falling in love with Chase, a student in school on th GI Bill. But can they keep their hands off each other till the semester ends? Ben could lose his tenure and his job.
August 31, 2019
Unrequited Love
I loved every minute of this romance! The temptation to cross boundaries leaves us all frustrated with longing. Reading about Ben and Chase delivers that desperation! I loved it so much, I read it twice!
I loved every minute of this romance! The temptation to cross boundaries leaves us all frustrated with longing. Reading about Ben and Chase delivers that desperation! I loved it so much, I read it twice!
March 19, 2021
Disappointing
Loved the premise. The execution not soo much. The dialogue was young. The whole ethics arc was just misplaced and downgraded the story even more. I appreciate the writer's attempt...writing is not easy and takes courage to publish.
Loved the premise. The execution not soo much. The dialogue was young. The whole ethics arc was just misplaced and downgraded the story even more. I appreciate the writer's attempt...writing is not easy and takes courage to publish.
April 2, 2023
A sweet and steamy quick read. The writing is good. And the premise is interesting. The characters are compelling. Because it's so short there is a bit sacrificed, I think, in the writing, but it was still very enjoyable.
June 1, 2024
Temptation by Design (Coastal College Football #1) by Andrea Dalling – They spend most of the book saying they shouldn’t break the fraternization policy at college. They should have just run straight to HR at the first sign of trouble lol! Very sweet! Happy Reading!
June 10, 2024
Pretty weak story. They go from barely knowing each other to being in love within about a week and can't keep their hands to themselves. Not much plot and not believable at all. Not reading more in series. Very repetitive.
August 13, 2017
not bad 3.75*
August 20, 2017
This was just too insta-love-simplistic or something. It's like it was an unfinished idea and the author just took the easy way with this by leaving it like it is.
August 27, 2017
2.5/5
Nothing to write home about.
Nothing to write home about.
November 17, 2017
Short but witty and adorable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews