I love a good mystery, and Within Temptation by Tanya Holmes is chuck full of secrets, deception, and cover-ups. This book is romantic suspense at its finest. As a reader, I consumed the book quickly because I needed to know the truth – I needed answers to 12 years worth of questions just as much as Trace Dawson and Shannon Bradford do.Nothing is what it seems for the Bradford family in Temptation, West Virginia. They hide behind their money and instill fear in Temptation’s citizens due to the power their name wields. As Trace and Shannon begin to unbury the truth, all roads point to Shannon’s family, and her picture perfect adulthood, and her careful planning begin to unravel right before her eyes.12 years ago, Shannon sent Trace, her lifelong crush, to prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and now that he’s out of prison, she needs his help in uncovering the truth, but Trace wants nothing to do with Shannon; he can’t get back the 12 years that were stolen from him and everything that happened during that time has only solidified for Trace how cruel life is. But Shannon’s persistence wears Trace down, and he slowly starts to see that he isn’t the only victim in this situation – Shannon is just as guilt free as he is. But two questions remain: how do they go up against the multitude of secrets and lies that have been buried for so long and how do they unearth Shannon’s hidden memories and her family’s hidden agenda?Tanya Holmes does a great job of building the story’s suspense as Shannon and Trace work to discover the truth about her mother’s murder as well as the realization of what they truly mean to each other. Because readers are given the story through both of their perspectives, we aren’t left with questions about where each other stands in terms of the mystery or their relationship. Within Temptation is a plot and character driven story that illustrates how wealth can both build up and destroy a multitude of lives; it also proves that one’s path in life should be chosen by him/herself without fear and without a thought to appearances.This book kept me guessing up until the very end of the story, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a romantic suspense. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the book took a twist that I never saw coming. If you enjoy a good mystery with complex characters and a well written storyline, this is one book you don’t want to miss.A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews) I love when romance meets mystery! To me those are the best books to read out there. I am a huge fan of both genres so when you combine the two you get a great read. Holmes does a great job with this novel. I loved the characters and couldn't get enough of the plot. It was a page turner that just kept getting better. I am not a huge fan of cheating books, but in defense of this book it didn't really focus much on that. It was more about the mystery and what was developing between the two characters, rather than the typical love triangles that are often over used. Real life characters with real life problems. It truly was a great read that had me hooked. Again love the mystery and the romance together.
What do You think about Within Temptation (2014)?
Glad I picked this one up. It was super good and the sexual tension was through the roof. Loved it!
—alex
