'Tis the Season to be Tempted

by Aimee Carson

'Tis the Season to be Tempted by Aimee

After the worst year ever, free-spirited Evie Lee rings in the New Year alone, swearing off men forever. So when her brother's childhood friend, the perfect man with the perfect life, winds up on the same plane home, she's determined to ignore him. Wes is determined not to take her seriously. Unfortunately a snowstorm traps them at the airport with no way to finish their commute, and his perfect body is tempting her to break her vow—if only for one hot night!

CEO Wes Campbell is famous for always doing the right thing, and running into Evie again is torture. He's determined to continue his hands-off attitude. But he wasn't counting on the little hellion's infectious smile, her killer body, or the vulnerability in her eyes. For the first time in his life, Wes is tempted to do the wrong thing…

Genres: Novella, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2013

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, fast read. I enjoyed Wes and Evie's story, and really hope that the author will someday give us more of their story. They were a fun couple and there was definitely a lot of emotional baggage that they both have to overcome to be together. Oh...and I'm gonna be chuckling for awhile every time I use a kitchen utensil. lol

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun sexy read!! They haven't seen each other in years. He's a starched stoic business type. She's an opinionated wild child. How could they make sense?? I recommend you read this and find out!

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Tis the Season to be Tempted is a holiday novella written by author Aimee Carson.

[Nabila S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5🌟

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books.

Though this novella had a slower start, once the characters had me hooked (right about the point where Evie wakes up on a bench at the airport–great scene!), I didn’t want to put it down! Soon I was looking forward to her getting Wes to loosen up almost as much as Evie was. :)

Wes and Evie have known each other for years, though it’s been about ten since they’ve seen each other. Back then, both felt an attraction, but neither felt comfortable doing anything about it. Spending just a few minutes in Evie’s presence, though, soon has Wes doing things he wouldn’t dream of doing before, and wanting to do still more.

One of my favorite parts early on is when Wes teases Evie, from whom much of the plane trip was a blur due to her…ahem…self-medication. She wasn’t expecting it, and it was definitely laugh out loud:

He shot her a mock serious look. “And in answer to your question: the pool.”

She lowered her brow, staring at the gorgeous eyes, the beautifully masculine face. “What question?” The most unusual place he’d ever made love to a woman? How she could best put an end to her current humiliation by drowning herself?

“You asked me how I maintained my droolalicious physique.” His brow crinkled in suppressed humor. “Your word, not mine.”

“I’m sure a Harvard grad would never use such a phrase.”

He looked as if he were fighting to maintain a serious expression.

Gaze steady, he went on. “You offered me a night I would never forget.”

Heat speared her gut and moved lower. Maybe she was better off not knowing what she’d said. But now that she’d asked Wes to share, he appeared to be really warming up to the task.

“And then there was the mention of kitchen utensils,” he said.

She coughed hard and sat up straighter, her mind racing. “Kitchen utensils?” Her voice sounded embarrassingly husky.

“What kind of kitchen utensils?”

“Pastry brushes,” he said. “For the chocolate sauce.”

She’d never been that creative.

His mouth twitched, as if biting back a smile. “Cheesecloth in lieu of handcuffs.”

Her heart slid into third gear.

“And my personal favorite,” he said, the amused flicker in his eyes growing stronger. “The spatula.”

The words sent her pulse into overdrive. When the rest of his expression didn’t budge, she tipped her head at him, a glimmer of suspicion taking root. The pause was awkward for Evie, but apparently not for him. And who would have guessed Wes Campbell had a devilish side?

Bastard.

And then the use they make for ice tongs in their hotel room? Not to be missed.

My only complaint here is the length–it’s so hard to write a novella that feels totally complete and doesn’t leave you wanting more; but at least here you’re mostly just wanting more to continue their story, not to fill in missing gaps in plot or characterization.

This was my first read from this author, but it definitely won’t be my last.

And I may never look at certain kitchen implements the same again.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novella as part of the Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology

3.5 Stars

Evie has always been the black sheep of her family, she was the wild child who wanted to go off and do her own thing while her brother and sisters were happy to tow the family line and get a good education and find a good career or at the very least marry someone who fitted the family's idea of successful. Having spent 10 years away from home travelling with her ex boyfriend and his band she hates the idea of coming home with her tail between her legs now that things have all gone wrong. Wes has been her brother's best friend since childhood, he fits her parent's idea of the perfect guy - rich, successful and the CEO of his own company - so that automatically means that Evie shouldn't be interested in him. He couldn't be more different than any guy she has dated before but in spite of that she has always felt a surprising attraction to him. When they bump into each other on the way home sparks fly and they are both forced to reconsider what they want from life.

This was another enjoyable story, Evie was terrified of flying so she gets herself into quite a state by drinking too much on the plane. Watching her proposition Wes was really funny but he found her incredibly hard to resist. When she has had time to sober up Wes takes great enjoyment at teasing her about the things she said but she turns the tables on him when she sets out to seduce him. Because the couple have known each other for so long and we get to see things from both of their points of view it was much easier to believe how quickly things progress between them. The attraction between them is intense and the way Evie sets out to get her man was great fun to watch.

[Romance Between The Sheets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please note this review may contain spoilers.

Wes hasn't seen Evie, his best friend's little sister, in ten years and time hasn't diminished his attraction to her. But he would never betray his friend or her parents by giving in to his feelings, at least that's the plan until they're stuck in a snowstorm together on New Year's Day. Their only option is to crash at a hotel until they can continue on their trip back home.

Wes is a hard working CEO and fits better with Evie's family than she does. She's your typical free wild-child who'll do the exact opposite of what you want just to spite you. To be honest, I felt no connection between Wes and Evie at all. But the kitchen utensil scene was funny and hot and probably the best part of the story.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE TEMPTED is a stand-alone novella, with the story taking place on New Year’s Day. As with the other ‘TIS THE SEASON novellas, the story ends with Wes and Evie beginning a relationship. ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE TEMPTED can be bought separately or as part of the ‘Tis The Season Bundle, which is a collection of four Christmas & New Year novellas.

For more reviews, please visit our website: www.romancebetweenthesheets.com

[Shirley Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes and Evie have know each other since they were kids. It has always been Wes’ role to protect Evie against anything and this time is no different. Although it has been a while since they have spoken, when they meet again in an airplane they pick up their banter as if no time has passed.

Evie has always found Wes attractive and perfect. Perfect job, perfect life, always doing the right thing. Now that she has returned home and with a little liquid courage in her system she is determined to see him loose some of his precious control.

OMG, I loved, LOVED this story!!! Aimee Carson did an amazing job in drawing me into the story by making Wes and Evie’s chance meeting one that was packed-full of humor and flirtatious banter. I loved Evie from the moment she opened her mouth and she just made it impossible for me not to like her as the story progressed. Wes too was a wonderful character to get to know. Man, he was so conflicted over his feelings for Evie. And to see him lose complete control when confronted with his attraction for her was a fantastic sight to see.

All in all, a hot little romance with fun characters that I would love to know more about.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

I want MORE of this story!!!!!

Wes Campbell and Evie Lee Burling have known each other since they were kids. In fact, Evie's older brother, Dan, is Wes' best friend.

The romantic affair between Wes and Evie starts on New Year's Day on an airplane that's about to depart from Minneapolis to Boston. Evie is afraid of flying and has had a little too much to drink just to get on the plane in the first place. Being the good, responsible guy that he is, Wes looks out for her once again.

When weather conditions make it unsafe to travel, Wes grabs them one of the last remaining hotel rooms near the airport. Who knew that undressing using only kitchen utensils could lead two people to something they've each wanted their whole lives.

Now, in a possible spoiler... I didn't give the book 5 stars because I wanted more. I wanted to see a happy ever after and not just a happy for the next ten minutes or so.

Rating: 4.5

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I knew after reading the summary I was going to enjoy this novella :)
'Tis the Season to be Tempted was sweet, sexy and good lord was it hot! I will never look at a kitchen utensil in the same way again lol

Wes and Evie may seem total opposites to their friends and family but they were perfect for each other. I would love to read more of Wes and Evie in the future.

I'm feeling so many happy feels after reading 'Tis the Season to be Tempted, give it a go I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did :)

Thank you Aimee Carson for writing this hot little romance, looking forward to reading more from you in the future.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come
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Short, sexy and sweet, this novella was just the thing I needed to unwind for an hour or two. I loved it whole-heartedly. The humour and chemistry between the characters was tantalising. It has a dash of the forbidden, since the hero is the best friend of the heroine’s brother and that makes it all the more humorous.
We have a serious hero, who underneath it all has a pretty playful side and is oh so hot *drool* and a down and out of luck heroine who is the epitome of hilarious. These two characters are so wrong for each other but they turn out to be so right together. I couldn’t love this novella any more than I already do.

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should old acquaintances be forgotten...

Ten years have passes and purely by chance Wes and Evie meet again on a plane destined for Boston. She is returning home as the prodigal daughter; he is just going home after a business meeting. They have know each other for years, just not been in touch. Their lives have moved in different directions, but those old feelings are still running hot and heavy.

I love the humor and passion in this story. These are two souls who need to connect but first needed to travel through life in order to appreciate each other.

This was a most enjoyable read. I will be looking for more stories by Aimee Carson.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for review from the publisher and the author. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review.

This book was a great way to end this holiday series. Aimee has a high voltage couple that makes kitchen utensils sexy. She also makes me wonder what her couple would do if she gave them items from the bar. If you’ve never read Aimee’s work before this is the perfect little read to get hooked. If you’re frazzled by all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, what better way to de-stress than with a sexy short read. I look forward to see if Aimee has any other Entangled books up her sleeves.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes Campbell is always the safe and responsible person. He has to be what people expect. After ten years he sees Evie Lee, his best friend's sister. She is still the opinionated free spirit that caught his interest when they were in high school. They may be complete opposites, but there is a strong physical attraction between them. When they are stranded by a major snow storm, they act on their desire and become lovers. Can there be a future for them? Aimee Carson writes with heart and emotion. She captures Wes and Evie's deep emotions and desires. I like these two and want them to find love and happiness. It is a passionate and satisfying short story that is perfect for the holidays.

[Jasmyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Evie and Wes are complete opposites. Evie is the wildchild that never follows directions and Wes had followed the perfect path and does everything right. Wes isn't thrilled to find Evie causing a scene on the plane, but something is different about her now - or maybe it's him that's different. It sounds like an intriguing storyline, but I had a hard time connecting to either character. It seemed just a little too one-night-standish to me. *This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

[mer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, a lot. It started on plane where Evie got freaked out and there was Wes, finally met her after years didn't see each other. She was drunk and she flirted. That was fun to read. Evie sounded like spirited kind of person. She said whatever she pleased which was awesome, in my opinion. Things got a bit more interesting when they got stuck, shared a room and she turned into sexy fierce seducer, seduced poor Wes in way kinky and hot: kitchen utensils. Very naughty.

Also review it here.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a fun yet totally hot seduction treat, this is a good sexy short read. I loved Evie's sass, snip yet vulnerability and Wes' witty and protective streak, but I wanted more; just as I had become invested in them, it was over! As with the previous three books in the series, I could've more than happily read a full length book on this couple. If you have an hour, it's well worth reading.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short read (about 70 pages) is a story of two people who meet up by chance on a flight home after not seeing each other for many years. They were attracted as adolescents and that attraction is still there, but both have reservations... It is well written - the 3 stars reflects the length not the quality

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. Evie was funny and Wes was so serious, most of the time. I kinda felt there was something missing, though. I think I would have liked it a little better if it had been longer. Overall, I liked it. It was a good, quick read.

[Leana · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute! I wanted more...

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute holiday novella

Finding love with your brother's best friend has never been so fun.
Highly recommended for quick fun holiday read -