We were supposed to walk away once our time in Hawaii was over.
No matter what.
But that was before I finally decided to take a risk and jump.
And that’s precisely what being involved with Lachlan Hale is… A risk.
Between the complications that go along with dating a celebrity and the real possibility that my ex-husband is still watching my every move, there are times I question whether it’s worth it.
Whether I’m selfishly putting Lachlan’s life at risk, too.
But like he promised… We’ll get through it. Together.
Until the bottom drops in a way I never could have anticipated.
Lines are drawn. Loyalties are tested. And I’m stuck in the middle, engaged in a fierce battle between my head and my heart.
T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Beautiful Mess series, in addition to several other works. Originally from New England, she now resides outside of Raleigh with her husband, beautiful daughter, three cats, and special needs rescue dog.
When she’s not writing she can be found training for her next marathon (of which she has run over twenty fulls and far too many halfs to recall), having impromptu dance parties with her daughter, or planning her next trip to parts unknown.
Captivating and spellbinding! I’m utterly speechless. This book takes you for a rough ride of mystery and passion. Completely jaw dropping and dripping with obsession and desire. My heart is racing for the next book in the series.
Like the ex-husband, serial killer of her FMC, Julia, T.K. Leigh craftily lures her readers into the books of her Temptation Series. Provocation, book 3, provides more of this gripping story in this series of four books. The first two books set the romance between Julia and Lachlan into play, while the other story in parallel to the romance, the one involving Julia’s serial killer ex- and the deaths of young women, has only shadowed their romance. Provocation invites us into more of the romantic suspense, highlighting the sociopathic tendencies of Julia’s ex.
For me, Provocation was a fast read, keeping me engrossed as Julia must confront her ex, Nick. This creates complications for her relationship with Lachlan. One of the best parts of this story comes from Julia’s friend and business partner, Naomi. She clarifies to Julia that she worries over Julia and Lachlan’s relationship as she perceives it to be more physical than emotional and connective. This book highlights the ravine that these two must traverse to truly grab their happy ending. Page after page, I found myself engrossed in their story.
Honestly, I’m ready for book 4, Obsession, because Provocation ends on a major cliffhanger like the first two books of this series. The stage is set with this book. Will Julia and Lachlan finally find their happy ending? It’s about time that they do.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
One week. No names. No expectations. that was our agreement. We were supposed to walk away once our time in Hawaii was over. Not matter what. But that was before I finally decided to take a risk and jump. And that's precisely what being involved with Lachlan Hale is...A risk. Between the complications that go along with dating a celebrity and the real possibility that my ex-husband is still watching my every move, there are times I question whether it's worth it. Weather I'm selfishly putting Lachlan's life at risk, too. But like he promised...We'll get through it. Together. Until the bottom drops in a way I never could have anticipated. Lines are drawn. Loyalties are tested. And I'm stuck in the middle, engaged in a fierce battle between my head and my heart. And there can only be one winner.
This is the story of Lachlan and Julia. They have quiet the story to tell too. I swear this series just gets better and better with each and every book. These two steal your heart with each book too. Lachlan is super protective and does whatever he can to protect the people that he loves. Julia, is a woman who has an ex who has really affected her and she would never ever want to put Lachlan in danger and that is what would happen if he found out a bout Lachlan. They have some serious chemistry between them that your kindle just might melt. Plus in this book we are out of vacation mode and back in the real world. I loved seeing them face everything within the twists and turns of this book. This book will have your so engrossed in it and the world will just fall away and the next thing you know the cliffhanger that I never saw coming happens. I have to know what is going to happen between these two like yesterday. If you love age gap romances which feature the woman as the older character than you do not want to miss any of these book. There all so amazing and I am so in love with this series.
The twist and turns just keep on coming for Lachlan and Julia! I was sucked back into their world with this book and couldn’t put it down.
I love Lachlan and Julia more and more with each book. Lachlan is super sweet and protective. He will do whatever he can to protect those he cares about. Plus, I adore the bond that he quickly formed with Imogene. I can see the two of them having a great relationship with each other. Julia…I love her. I feel so much for you. You can see how much of an impact her ex has on her still, but Lachlan will help her and be there throughout it all no matter what.
Their chemistry continues to be insane and I love that they are out of the vacation romance and into their real lives and finding ways to make it work.
The cliffhanger!!!! I have no words! I had a guess of where things may end BUT this was not it. I am DYING for the final book and to see where things go from here.
If you’re looking for a reverse age gap, romantic suspense story check this one out.
Provocation: getting someone to act out of annoyance, or anger.
That is the title of this book but it’s also a great description of the feelings T.K. Leigh has caused me. I have cursed, tossed my kindle, screamed at the characters, walked away to come back, and fall right back into the drama!
Once again we are back in the world of Lachlan and Julia. Answers seem to be coming into play but yet we are faced with more questions? Who? What? Where? Why? When? I am captivated by this story. I am invested in the characters. I am lost in their world.
This story just keeps getting better and better! The twists and turns the mystery the suspense the steam!!! I couldn’t put it down it’s fast paced and just so darn good I can’t wait for the conclusion to this epic tale !
Oh my goodness. Just when I thought the mystery and angst couldn’t get any higher, bam here it is, along with the love, passion and chemistry that is between Julia and Lachlan. Hold on to your seat because the ending is going to rock you and leave you dying for the rest of this phenomenal story!
I’m so thankful I received an arc for this book. I’m completely invested in this series. It’s captivating and riveting and I honestly can’t wait to see how it ends. Not to mention, these cliff hangers are killing me!
As much as I can’t wait for the final book in the series, I’m going to be incredibly sad when it’s over. I love how this series mixes romance, mystery, and suspense. It’s been such a nice change of pace and I hope to find more books that encompasses these genres together.
Now, as much as I loved this, Julia drives me batshit crazy at times. She’s incredibly stubborn!! I wish she’d just listen to reason, but she’s also been through a lot that I won’t ever understand and because of that I feel like I can’t judge her too harshly.
Lachlan is still the epitome of perfection. Every book I swoon over him more times than I can count. Words can’t explain how much I love this man.
I also really really love Imogene. This is the first book where we really get to know her and she’s this incredibly strong and observant 14 year old that I absolutely adore.
And thank God for Naomi. She is Julia’s voice of reason and I’m so thankful Julia has her as a friend. She seems to be really the only person who can get through to Julia when she’s being stubborn. Most of all, I just love that she gets her to understand that she deserves happiness and to be loved and that she’s a survivor.
Recommendation: I’d highly recommend this series to anyone 18+. It’s so so good! You won’t regret it!
Julia and Lachlan’s story continues in book three of this four-part series. T.K. takes us deep into their relationship together, which is now obviously much more than a one-week stand. We certainly delve deep this go around into what provokes people, getting a little more of the history of how Nick provoked Julia, and the games of ultimate control he played with her. He certainly is quite an evil character, and I can understand exactly why Julia has closed herself off for so long.
The twists and turns keep coming! I tried so hard to ferret out what I thought was a clue as to what was going to happen, and who was behind the deaths that have been occurring over the past five years.
I loved how much together time we got with Julia and Lachlan this go around. The way they opened to each other and learned more about each other. I loved the interactions between Lachlan and Imogene, and really all of Julia’s family who opened their arms and hearts to Lachlan so freely.
Once again, T.K. hits us with the mother of all cliffhangers! Now we’re left dying to know what happens in the final book! My mind is spinning with all kinds of scenarios. I know what I WANT to happen, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
Wow. This is the 3rd book in the, “Temptation Series” which MUST be read in order to get the total, true “Oh-My-God-When-is-the-Next-Book Coming Out” experience.
The story of Julia & Lachlan continue as they try to navigate their relationship in the “Real World,” where jobs & families are now apart of their reality. Can the feelings they had for each other after a week in Hawaii carry over into their day-to-day life back home in Atlanta? As if that were the only worry they had, you’d think sure; why not? But throw in the fact that there are still a multitude of questions still unanswered about Lachlan’s sister & former girlfriend and how they’re very likely linked to Julia’s ex-husband who’s a total & complete psychopath and things start to get a little more complicated.
The process is slow-going with trying to make a connection with Julia’s ex-husband & Lachlan’s sister. When an FBI Agent & his Research Assistant want to try something risky, it puts a wedge between Julia & Lachlan as they both have different opinions on how to approach it. It’s a pivotal moment in their story, as it puts their relationship to the ultimate test.
These books just keep getting better as they go on, but that ending though……OMG! 😱😳
I… I have no words. Literally no words. But I am going to try.
T.K Leigh, you have pulled me into this series and have left me wanting so much more but I will be sad when I read the final book because I can’t imagine not reading about Lachlan and Julia’s journey.
Provocation is the third book in the Temptation Series, and it is the perfect mix of romance, mystery, suspense, and don’t even get me started with this angst. Just when you think you have it figured out Leigh throws you a curveball that leaves you guessing all over again.
Julia is a very stubborn character and has been through a lot so I can understand why she is the way she is. She’s been through so much in her life but seeing her with Lachlan and how she opens up more and is freer is liberating. It is so nice to see a heroine grow and evolve.
I can’t say enough amazing things about this book. From finally getting to know and love Imogene and how strong she is for only being 14, to seeing more into Julia’s friendship with Naomi and being her voice of reason, everything about this book was amazing.
If you haven’t read this series what are you waiting for? But be warned, once you are sucked in, you are sucked in! I will be not so patiently waiting for book 4 because my god… just amazing!!
Wow! Was not expecting that! I put off reading this series and was caught off guard. This entire story was full of suspense and passion, twists and turns, and romance and love; right from the beginning. It sucked me in and I just had to finish it. This is book three in the series and, yes, they must be read in order or you won't be able to understand and keep up.
This is an age gap (which I am normally not a fan of) romance combined with a murder mystery. Julia (older woman) and Lachlan (younger man) were absolutely perfect for each other (color me surprised). Like the tag line says "One week. No names. No falling in love." But will that one week in Hawaii ever be enough? With the passion these two generate probably not but nothing ever goes as planned.
This series is excellent. Well written and consuming. I was hooked from the beginning and lately that hasn't been happening for me. If you are in the mood for a good mystery and romance, you cannot go wrong here. This book does end in a cliffhanger and there is one more book in the series but I don't think you will be sorry you read it.
This is the third part of this series and they must be read in order. It is the continuation of Julia and Lachlan's story, along with the mystery of what happened to Lachlan's sister and how it links to Julia's murdering ex-husband.
Up until this point, their relationship has developing out of sight but now both are back home and real life has the potential to derail them. It is clear that Julia's ex-husband is not done with her and will stop at nothing to continue to exert control over her.
The mystery seems to deepen rather than get closer to a resolution. Julia continues with her journey of regaining her self-confidence and belief in herself and Lachlan is a big part of this. Lachlan embraces the whole of Julia's life, including her daughter.
I really can't wait for the conclusion to this series. I have been on the edge of my seat since book 1 and am getting desperate to see how it ends. These characters are worth coming back for time and time again. I know book 4 is not going to be easy ride but I want to unravel the mystery that connects these two characters.
This story just keeps getting better. As Lachlan and Julia spend more time together and their relationship intensifies, conversely, the “investigation” into the series of deaths that seem to be connected to Julia’s ex-husband seems to come to a screeching halt. As they try to keep their relationship going, the monster that is Nick continues to manipulate Julia from behind bars and this time Lachlan gets a taste. The confrontation is mind-blowing. Can they work through this latest obstacle and find their way back to each other?
I also have to add how much I love Imogene. She is so mature for a fourteen-year-old. Life has made her grow up pretty fast and she’s as sweet and caring as her mother. She can also sport an attitude when need be. Her conversations with her mom and with Lachlan are some of the sweetest scenes in the book.
The story continues to reveal secrets and travel down twists and turns that completely draws you in. That cliff-hanger did it to me again, it had me biting my nails. I want more. I cannot wait to read the final installment.
Yup, another cliffhanger and it is a doozy. This series just gets better and better. Each book starts where the last one finished. So they must be read in order. Julia and Lachlan are so good together. They both have tragic pasts that are intertwined with each other. They’re still so many questions about their past and present. Together, with the help of others they still are trying to put the pieces together. The chemistry is off the charts. The way Lachlan shows Julia that she is the beautiful, strong women. And how Julia shows Lachlan what it means to love again. I just love Imogene. She’s such a kind, young woman who’s endured more in her fourteen years than most her age. But she’s strong, like her mama. This book has all the feels. Including a racing heart. At least mine was. And then the end happens and I think I might’ve stopped breathing for a bit. Such an amazing series that should be at the top of your TBR list, or in your hands if it isn’t already. Absolutely phenomenal and you don’t want to miss it!
Fasten your seatbelts it’s gonna be a wild crazy ride! Just when I thought this story couldn’t get hotter, more intense, more everything… BOOM, this author knocked it put of the park with this installment!
This book begins right where book 2 ends. In fact, what this author does and I loved it ,she gives a brief recap of how the last book ended. An ending I never saw coming and it set the stage and tone for Julia and Lachlan’s “provocative” complex and complicated story. One week, no strings, just fun in the fun in blissful Hawaii. That’s all they wanted from each other, but fate had other plans.
There’s a lot of juicy details, and revelations happening in this read and I won’t spill any tea because it is ALL related. This installment flowed flawlessly, well paced, and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down! The build up, the suspense, the clues, the mindfrackery games!!
The new new developments…and through it all, Lachlan and Julia’s characters continue to develop and evolve deliciously! Then…another ending I never saw coming…wow! Book 4 cannot arrive fast enough!
OMG! What did I just read?! Book 3 takes up right where Book 2 left off and never slows down for more than a breath! This series is so twisted!
Lachlan and Julia are back in Atlanta now and trying to keep their relationship secret per Julia's request. Lachlan's meeting with Imogene was nothing like Julia or Lachlan would have planned but went a lot better than they could have hoped.
The investigation into Piper and Claire's death continues but more on a private scale. More details are uncovered that make you throw away everything you believed and see everything in a whole different light. I love the duel POVs so I can understand what everyone is thinking. The relationship between Lachlan and Julia is one so special and genuine that Julia begins to believe in it herself.
But the queen of cliffhangers gives us a doozy! I wanted to yell and throw my kindle across the room! I NEED book 4 NOW!
Here's the deal, Provocation is the third book in the Temptation Series, and as such, YOU MUST READ IN ORDER 1-2 beforehand because it's a continuing storyline. And since it's a continuing suspense filled storyline, well, I'm not going to say anything about it, nope, you just get all my crazy over the top feelings instead (you know what to do to not have to read reviews though don't you?). OH MY EVER LOVIN' HELL! I pride myself on figuring out things before the big reveal, but I have to say that I don't have a clue at this point. I do know the twists are bigger, the questions are many, and breadcrumbs are given until it all comes to a BAM moment! The biggest cliffhanger of all! I have to say that this author (who I love so much mind you) really set it up fantastically despite the fact that I'm dying inside & impatient as all hell for all my questions to be answered. So yeah, that's enough out of me, now it's your turn as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is the third installment of the Lachlan and Julia saga. If you thought the first 2 books were good then get ready for this one. Lachlan and Julia have been through their share of traumas. They are finally settling into a life that Julia thinks she can only have because of her past. Little does she know Lachlan has other ideas. You see Julia going from being a victim to truly becoming a survivor because of her daughter and Lachlan's undying love for her. As with the other two books this one is full of twists, turns and moments when you ask yourself where did that come from. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what is going to happen next and if Julia and Lachlan will get their happily ever after. I can't wait for the conclusion because this series in one of the best of all time.
Julia and Lachlan are now back to reality in Atlanta. They are both trying to find a new normal. Lachlan wants to dive into a full on relationship but Julia is still holding back. When Imogene comes into the picture it goes much better than Julia thought, though the first meeting definitely wasn't as planned!
Trying to solve the mystery of who is imitating Nick is proving difficult, and the FBI cannot get involved yet as there is no evidence. Ethan is trying to work out what Claire was working on, but as her methods were chaotic this is proving difficult.
The story moves along nicely with Julia and Lachlan's relationship developing, but you do feel an undercurrent that something is going to go badly wrong. Just when you think you have all the answers - BAM, there it goes, on a cliffhanger ending that you didn't see coming! You know there's going to be one, just not that!!
Provocation may be the third book in the Temptation Series, but I am just as invested in this adventure as I was while reading the first installation. T.K. Leigh has me wound to this story with intensity and mystery at every turn. But in the middle of that sits the passion that cannot be denied between Lachlan and Julia. Two highly unlikely people that met in Hawaii but have found themselves entwined in a battle neither of them realized would encompass all their time and energy.
Provocation could not be a better title. Yet with all the angst, our storyteller does a wonderful job of transferring worry to want, concern to comfort and sorrow to success. Talk about a great series of pages to turn…you bet!
Now I am sitting here waiting for this series to come to an end, especially after that cliffhanger T.K. left for us. Great job lady and I am so ready for all the rest.
Its 2am and I just finished! I can’t sleep, I woke my husband with my gasp!! HOLY $?:)/‘d. That ending though. Your killing me women!!!
Lachlan is such a sweet heart and starting to wear his heart on his sleeve. He truly cares for Julia and her daughter. He never thought he would have these feelings after Piper.
And Julia , bless her for finally voicing her fears. After all these years she though the damage was behind her. That nothing her ex did will affect her.
Bit by bit we get an unsettling understanding about Julia’s ex. By the lengths to controlling and manipulative he was during their marriage. How dark and disturbing he really was.
So many things being revealed and the that last chapter I had so any feels and then the mother of all cliffhangers. I’m still in shock
I have so many questions?? So many.
I loved this series and cannot wait to see how it ends.
This book is like being on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and emotions. Provocation #3 continues the provocative twists and turns for Lachlan & Julia, who met on a beach in Hawaii. And entered a one week fling with no names, no past, no expectations, then walk away. Yet, they couldn’t deny their profound chemistry. However, Julia’s dark past continues to have an impact on their future but with the help of her daughter Imogene forming a bond with Lachlan who then vows to be there no matter what! Provocation #3 is thoroughly enthralling and jarring with haunting delusion and riveting passion. I’m on the edge of my seat for the next book in the Temptation series!!! I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. T.K. Leigh, you are the queen of cliffhangers.
As soon as i reached the end of Persuasion i instantly started looking forward to this third installment! I picked it up as soon as i could and got right back into the Temptation world. I so enjoyed this third book!
Lachlan and Julia's journey continues! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen next with these two and that had me even more glued to this story. Once again, I continue to feel so much throughout with these characters which i can't get enough of! Lachlan and Julia together are steamy goodness!
This series is keeping me on the edge of my seat!
With Provocation, Ms.Leigh has created a great read and continuation that pulled me in! I can't wait for more! I'll be counting down the days until i can dive into the fourth installment, Obsession!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
This is the third book in this series by this author. This is the continued story of Julia and Lachlan, these characters have such amazing chemistry between them. This story has lots of twists and turns, that just leap off the page at you. This book ends in an amazing yet mind blowing cliffhanger ending, which has you needing the next book as soon as possible. This is an amazing addition to the story of these two characters.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
I can't put this series down! Each book has a massive, intense cliffhanger that leaves you wanting so much more! Book 3 in the Temptation series, this book dives in even deeper as Julia and Lachlan navigate their relationship while trying to slay the demons from their past that threaten to destroy them. Ethan is desperately searching for answers while Nick rears his ugly head proving that he's not quite finished with what he started, and may still have a trick or two up his sleeve. More secrets and evidence unfolds in this gripping installment that will leave you on the edge of your seat and furiously flipping pages. This whole ride has been so intense and amazing to read I can't wait for the next book!
I honestly do not know how this author creates this seamless, in depth stories that suck me in and won’t let go. The only problem is waiting for the next one. I don’t know how much more Julia, Imogene and Lachlan can or have to endure from Nick and their twisted up pasts. The story is so good! I am yelling at it as I read, like I’m there with these characters you find yourself rooting for. I cannot wait for the final installment. I know what I want to happen, but I don’t want to give anything away and I don’t want the author to know what I’m wishing for, who knows what she will write. Just, WOW! Well done! If you enjoy a solid, suspenseful story check these out from the beginning. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Provocation by TK Leigh is the third book in the Temptation series and OH MY GOSHHH it was phenomenal! It cannot be read as a stand-alone, so you will need to read books one and two first. I honestly have no words to adequately describe all of the emotions I’m feeling after reading this book-and the cliffhanger put my heart through the wringer!!
Book three picks up exactly where book two ended. Julia and Lachlan are trying to navigate their new feelings and with being back to their normal lives. But nothing is as it seems and as their connection grows and the murders keep stacking up-they both have choices to make.
I loved this book so much. I don’t know how I am going to wait patiently for book four! Seriously cannot wait!
Dang you TK Leigh…what a cliffy you left us on with this one!! Each of these books keeps getting better and better. My emotions were all over the place with this one, but I binge read in one sitting because I need to know what was next!! TK is setting us up for an epic finale to this story.
Lachlan and Julia’s relationship continues to develop and grow. You want them both to have a happy ending because of what they have been through. We get to learn more about Imogen and she is a smart, amazing young woman. I am anxious to see how she plays into a the next sorry.
Congratulations TK on this amazing book.
I received a complimentary copy and I’m leaving my honest review.