Guest Review: The Temptation of Lila and Ethan – Jessica Sorensen

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ella and Micha series comes a gripping story of passion, pain, and the courage to love . . .

THE TEMPTATION OF LILA AND ETHAN

On the surface, Lila Summers is flawless: good looks, expensive clothes, and a big, beautiful smile. But a dark past and even darker secrets are threatening to bubble over her perfect façade. She’ll do anything to keep the emptiness inside hidden-which leads her into situations that always end badly. Whenever she hits bottom, there’s only one person who’s there to pull her out: Ethan Gregory.

Ethan set the rules a long time ago: he and Lila are just friends. He doesn’t do relationships. Although his tattooed, bad boy exterior is a far cry from Lila’s pretty princess image, Ethan can’t deny they have a deeper connection than he’s used to. If he’s not careful, he could be in serious danger of becoming attached-and he’s learned the hard way that attachment only leads to heartbreak.

When Lila falls farther than she ever has before, can Ethan continue to help as a friend? Or is he also getting close to falling . . . for her?

Series: The Secret #3
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Carolyn
Rating:

Buy the book at:

Reviewer’s Thoughts

Even though this is a stand alone book and I didn’t read the first two book in this series I really wish that I had because than I would have known a little more about the secondary characters Ella and Micah.

Lila was Ella’s roommate and best friend and Ethan is Micah’s best friend and that is how Lila and Ethan meet. They are from two different worlds, yet they end up being best friends.

Ethan comes from a physically abusive family, which in turn causes him to have a very narrow view of relationships.

“I’m not looking for a relationship. They’re ugly, raw, brutal, painful, life destroying. They exist only in the hearts of the needy and I don’t need anything from anyone. I’m perfectly content being along, hiding in the desolate place inside myself.”

Than he meets London and his feelings start to change just a little, but I’m not sure if that was because of the drugs or if he really did loved her. After the accident Ethan cleans up his act and does his best to move on. He is a simple guy. He’s not all about materialist. He’s about the simple things. He’s Lila’s best friend and savior.

Lila comes from wealth, but she is unloved and verbally abused. She makes a HUGE mistake when she’s 14 that will affect the rest of her life. This mistake changes her whole outlook.

“The pills keep away the memories and feelings of what happened last night, along with many other nights in my past. And not remembering them is important. Pain equals unwanted emotions, meltdowns, embarrassment.”

I can honestly say not to many books have characters that I truly hate, but I truly hate Lila’s parents! WOW…they are despicable and I really, really wanted to reach thru my kindle and punch them out.

While Ethan has his own issues, he is ALWAYS there for Lila and you can’t help but root for these two. Life is never easy, there are so many struggles with self-worth and hard truths, but together they can make it work.

“Fiercely. Forcefully. With heat, desire, and hunger suffocating both of us as we drown in each other’s feelings. Our bodies align and press together as I kiss her with all the pent-up energy I’ve been collecting since the first day we met. I’ve lost all control over my actions. Rules don’t exist. The past and the future dissolve and only this moment exists”

This book deals with some very dark issues such as excessive drug use, abuse both physical and verbal, sex with unknown partners, and feelings of hopelessness. I love how Jessica Sorensen creates these beautifully damaged characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.