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Crossroads #5

Tempting Love: Haley & Eddie

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Independent, talented, and beautiful–inside and out–Haley Sloan knew exactly what she wanted out of life. With her designer lingerie business booming, her career was moving forward, but her heart stayed in the same place it had for four years…hopelessly in love with the single father across the street.

Former wild boy turned responsible adoring father, Eddie Thomas always made sure that the needs of his little girl Emily were his top priority. Being a single father meant sacrificing his wants and needs for that of his little girl and that meant sacrificing his want and need for Haley…no matter how tempting.

Will the oldest of the Sloan girls finally be able to break through to the heart of the man who has had hers prisoner for years? Will this single father finally realize that accepting his love for Haley may be just what his little girl needs to get the family they both deserve?

One choice. Three lives. All tempting.

*Intended for Adults 18+*
**Author's note: Each book in The Crossroads Series can be read as a stand-alone**

250 pages, ebook

First published April 2, 2014

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About the author

Melanie Shawn

133 books1,848 followers
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,434 reviews115 followers
March 5, 2018
What the story is about:
Haley has been in love with her next door neighbor and single father, Eddie for years. But it's been getting out of control recently especially since she's come back from college and started babysitting his seven year old daughter on a regular basis. Haley knows everyone, especially her sisters, think she should chalk it up as an infatuation and move on, but she's an optimistic and refuses to give up hope that one day, Eddie will see everything he wants and needs it standing right in front of him.

In his misspent youth, Eddie was as wild and rebellious as any teenage boy could be. But that all changes when the love of his life up and leaves him and their newborn baby. Since than, Eddie has done a complete 180 and focuses all his attention on his daughter. Being two parents is hard but Emily's happiness is all Eddie cares about. And that means no falling in love, no dating and no parading women around his daughter. Which has worked out just fine for him. Once a month, he goes out for female companionship but its always with out of town women. Women who know the score and aren't looking for a relationship, just a good time.

But since Haley moved in next door, Eddie finds himself enjoying the domestic picture she paints. Emily loves her and when she's around, Eddie finds himself charmed by her wholesome girl next door appeal. But she's too entangled in his and Emily's everyday life to risk a fall out between them. So he fights a loosing battle to stay away from her.

Being burned in the past has made Eddie 100% anti relationships and it's up to Haley to show him what he's missing and that loving and being loved by the right person, makes a world of difference.

What I liked:
If this was based solely on Eddie's parenting, I agree, he is a contender for father of the year. The way he is devoted to his child is admirable and he gets browning points for his unconditional love and support of her. Haley is right, a single father who cares as much for his child as Eddie does, it's a definitely turn on and a quality that is usually downplayed in our society.

I also liked Haley and her loving relationship with Emily. She was so giving and affectionate that it was easy to see them as a family unit. There was a lot of love for this little girl but . .

What I didn't like:
Although I prefer the Hs do the chasing, sometimes a change of pace is good. What didn't work for me is the fact that Eddie was a taker and Haley was too much of a giver, she was always the one putting 110% into this (mostly) one sided relationship.

I didn't like that for four years she panted after Eddie. Four years where she only dated but didn't sleep with anyone else (because only Eddie would do!) and while she was falling in love with his kid and day dreaming about him, he was off sleeping with numerous OW. That is a huge mood killer in a romance and I just couldn't get past that, especially since Haley knows that he's off with OW and she still waits around for him!

"Okay, you are going over there to babysit his daughter. Again. On a Saturday night. Again. You know he's out there hooking up while you are at home with his kid.

"You don't know that for a fact." Haley, unfortunately, did know that for a fact. She knew that once a month Eddie would hook up with one of his friends with benefits. She knew this to be a fact because sometimes they would call before he got home to leave a message about what a good time they'd had and how amazing Eddie had been.


One mention about Eddie's OW wouldn't have bothered me too much, I probably would have scratched it from my memory but the author found a few more times to really drive the point home that Eddie was a guy who really enjoyed his sex only flings with OW - even after he admits he has feelings for Haley and knows that she's been crushing on him for at least the last four years.

... he wasn't even looking forward to seeing Claire tonight. And last month, he had felt lukewarm, at best, at seeing Erica. Then there was Trish a few weeks before that.


The cherry on top? Even though he says he isn't feeling it with the OW anymore, he leaves the h watching his kid and still goes to have sex with OW. He describes this OW as hot, sexy and kinky. He "claims" he doesn't really want to have sex with his hot sexy OW but he still does. He leaves the h and still goes off and has sex with OW. That to me, is cheating!

The fact that he comes home right after hooking up with OW, kisses the h and practically dry humps her, for me, was way too much of an Ewww factor. And again, the mention of his past hook ups rears it's ugly head . . .

Claire wasn't Haley. Serena wasn't Haley. Jenessa wasn't Haley. None of the women he was seeing now or had seen in his past came close to making him feel what Haley made him feel. Except Lacey ...


So that makes five different OW he is currently or recently been sleeping with that were not the h but still good enough to have sex with. And Lacey is his ex and baby mama. I hate when the H compares the h with his ex and Eddie puts the h on the same level as the woman who abandoned him! Nope. Not cool dude!

Than the story kind of veered off into OTT drama - his ex, the woman he states, was the only woman he's ever loved - comes back to stir things up and Eddie runs hot and cold with Haley. A bit of drama never hurt anyone but Haley kept taking all these emotional hits from him and Eddie never groveled, never apologizes for treating her the way he did, let alone the fact that he knew about her feelings for him and he still strung her along. He used her feeling for him and Emily to keep her around and I thought that was a huge dick move. There is nothing sexy about a manipulator and Eddie played Haley for far too long. She deserved better. In the end, Eddie might be an awesome father but as a husband/lover, he was a fail.

SAFETY INFO:
164 reviews26 followers
April 5, 2014
After I read this book I tried reading the first one in the series. I think the author writes her heroes well enough but I think her heroines are too emotionally weak for my tastes.

Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
May 9, 2014
I love a story that mixes adult heat with a truly delightful story! Tempting Love by Melanie Shawn has its share of drama, tears and insecurity, as well as the evil ex making a most unwelcome reappearance. The best part? NO major ANGST and WHINING! Sure, Haley has been in love with Eddie forever, and of course, Eddie treats her like the best friend she is, the one person he can count on to take care of his young daughter. Haley wants more, she is no shrinking violet, just a warm-hearted and caring person who knows who she wants and will settle for nothing less. Eddie has a rep to maintain from his bad boy days, when not being the best father ever, he tends to sample half the female population, a one night stand at a time, after being burned by Emily’s mother, he has sworn off serious relationships until Emily is an adult. Suddenly, he sees Haley in a new light, as a woman, who is OFF LIMITS, or is she?

Melanie Shawn, you can write! This light and airy romance is refreshing, a little spicy and full of the kind of emotion that doesn’t cause angst-filled depression. She cleverly details the joy of family through loyalty, humor and the day to day things small town families do. Never once did the story bog down with some massive info dump and never once was I lost because I hadn’t read the previous books, although I plan to rectify that soon! The journey to that last page was pure reading bliss thanks to a great plot, and amazing characters!

I received this copy as part of Melanie Shawn's TEMPTING LOVE Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender May 9, 2014.

Series: Crossroads - Book 5
Publication Date: April 2, 2014
Publisher: Red Hot Reads Publishing
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 250 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2014
This was by far my favorite - Eddie capture my heart back in Chelle and Riley's story. His protective and nurturing nature with his sister only carried over to his daughter. He takes his position as a single dad with so much dedication. He truly is selfless in putting his daughter Emily's care and needs above his own. It takes him a while to realize that the friendship he has shared with Haley is a relationship and well worth the time and effort he has put into it. When an accident helps him see the light and realize the importance of his happiness in making his daughter happy then all is right in the world. By far, my favorite of the series. You can read this book (or any in the series) alone without the others but why would you want to! Melanie Shawn makes each book a bit different - maybe it is because two minds are better than one, but although the storylines are similar the characters are so different. The stories vary from book to book which is refreshing. I want to keep reading but Crazy Love not yet available for the Nook :(
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2014
I really enjoyed Haley and Eddies story!! Loved catching up with all the Sloan's :) Looking forward to the next book!!
Profile Image for Talking Books.
870 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2014
Another stunning book in the Crossroads Series!

After his fiancée runs off a few months after the birth of his daughter, single Dad Eddie Thomas is making the best life he can for his daughter Emily. The towns former bad boy in his youth, has reformed his wild ways and always makes sure his Daughter Emily is number one priority in his life and everything else takes second and last place.

After finishing College four years prior and returning to Harper's Crossing, Hayley takes on the role as not only clothing designer for her friend Amber, while being a lifelong friend of Eddie, Haley also babysit's for Emily on any occasion Eddie requires it. Friends since childhood they have a bond that has stood the test of time.

Haley develops stronger feelings for Eddie albeit she keeps it to herself. What she doesn't realise is Eddie is fighting his inner turmoil - his attraction to Haley. Unbeknownst to Haley, Eddie refuses to indulge in his feelings, for fear of jeopardising the relationship between Haley and his daughter for his own needs or wants and with the surprise visit of someone completely unexpected, their world gets turned well and truly upside down.

I cannot recommend this book enough! The character interactions are intense, uplifting, sizzling and outright astounding!
Eddie and Haley's chemistry is absolutely through the roof and written to perfection! With their mutual attraction you couldn't help but be smitten with their story.

It was really well written the way Haley and Eddie explore just what their relationship is while at the same time their first priority was always his daughter Emily. Also fantastic was how the Harper's Crossing favourites made an appearance as well. Krista, Riley, Chelle, Amber, Seth, Justin, Katie, Alex, Jamie and even Grandpa J - all of Harper's Crossing's favourites make an appearance and rally around making their impressions known!

The Characters emotions and feelings and the way the importance of family, friendship and love that Melanie Shawn depicts in each of the books within the Crossroads Series for each of the characters are depicted extremely well within each of the stories. I have not been disappointed by a book in this series and this one is no different. A truly magnificent read!
5 Stars
*ARC Received from the Author for an honest review
Profile Image for Kellcifer.
477 reviews15 followers
August 7, 2020
August 2020: After re-reading this book I have to downgrade the rating to 3.0 Stars. I liked aspects of the Hero, and I still liked the heroine. But so much more about the book bothered me, starting and ending mostly with Eddie’s behavior towards Haley and women in general. He uses her; he knows, or at least has a fair idea, about her feelings for him and he *knows* she loves his daughter, and he uses that information to get a free babysitter whenever he needs one. And he uses those babysitting services sometimes to go hook up with one of a revolving door of women that he has sex with while using the heroine to fill all the domestic holes in his life. He does realize this eventually and makes a halfhearted attempt at apologizing for it. But it was a bit too little, three and a half years too late. It was admirable that Haley remained true to her feelings, but after six months of watching his kid so he could go have sex with practically anonymous women she really should have had enough respect for herself and her feelings to stop putting herself in that situation. And it went on for *four years!* There really needed to be more groveling on the part of the hero to make up for this particular behavior.

July 2014: 4.5 Stars. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, and I am a total sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope. I liked that Haley had been in love with Eddie for years, and even though she was aware that she did not have much hope to have a relationship with him she remained true to her feelings; she didn't hook up with a bunch of guys when she had feelings for someone else (I know some heroes from other books who could learn a lot from Haley).
Profile Image for Jennifer Gallagher.
301 reviews14 followers
April 22, 2014
Well they have done it again.. this is the fifth book in the Cross Road series by the awesome writing duo of Melanie and Shawna... I cannot resist any book they have written.. I have never been disappointed.. This book was Haley and Eddie's story... Every time I read of Eddie I disliked him... His habits and lifestyle his thoughts and his feelings were so off.. he needed to loosen up..He needed to see that life was for living not just existing.. Could Haley be the one to do this.. to make him change his mind.. to feel that it is ok to love someone?? I have to admit by the end of the book I had come to love him...I was in his corner wishing him happiness.....I am so looking forward to more books from these girls.. Hugs n thanks for writing such awesome book.. that give me the chance to go into your book worlds..
Profile Image for Sjoukje.
221 reviews
April 11, 2014
A-MA-ZING... Melanie Shawn does it again!

I LOVED this book, I loved the characters (Eddie is HOT... no, I mean, like, seriously, HOT!) I loved everything!

I love how Haley is so cool and independant despite her feelings for him. She´s not clingly, not needy, she´s just... there. And he is too blind and stubborn to see at first, but man, when they get together... Sparks. Everywhere!

He can be a bit of an idiot, but its a good thing he comes to his senses quickly

In the end I missed a bit of closure between Haley and Emily (How happy was she to see that they were together?) - but it is something so minor it´s easily forgotten - looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Rachel.
639 reviews38 followers
April 11, 2014
4.5 stars! This book was a gem. I enjoyed every book so far in this series and this one did not disappoint. It did take Eddie a little while to get his head out of his ass, but it's all good! I would have liked the ending to be a little longer so we could see more groveling from Eddie, but let's face it, he almost didn't deserve Haley. Haley was amazing and a great mother figure for little Emily. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series! I wonder what Chase's story is!! Why did he leave Krista?!?!?!
Profile Image for Jane.
1,489 reviews72 followers
July 12, 2015
I have not read the previous books in the Crossroads series, but found myself enjoying this standalone novel nevertheless. I wasn't bothered by the fact that I didn't know any of the other characters who were mentioned to have paired up in the previous novels. And I wasn't even bothered by the fact that maybe I should have had some previous knowledge about this couple.

More of my thoughts can be found HERE
Profile Image for E.M. Reders.
Author 14 books88 followers
April 7, 2014
loved it, as always. The Sloan brothers cousins have always been in the background but now we get to learn all about them and all keep an eye on the Sloan brothers too. Was great to see Eddie get his HEA with Haley, and meet Em's sad excuse of a mother Lacey. definitely can't wait for the next book to meet the rock star Chase and hey to know Krista more.
Another fantastic book to the series. The month can't go fast enough.
Profile Image for Gina.
482 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2014
This is the story of Haley and Eddie! Haley has loved Eddie for years - Eddie is a divorced father raising his young daughter and doesn't want to have a serious woman in his life. Haley has always been there for Eddie -- she helps with his daughter and life. It is a great story of realizing you have no idea sometimes what is right in front of you and how much you need it! LOVE LOVE THIS SERIES AND MELANIE SHAWN'S WRITING!
Profile Image for YelleOh.
158 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2014
Melanie and Shawna's books always works for me, I wanted a temporary reprieve and escape from RL and their books always delivered. It's good to know that Eddie had finally found his HEA with Haley, now I'm really looking forward to Krista and Chance's story. It was nice reacquainting again with the characters that were so familiar with this series.
Profile Image for Alima Livzletlivz.
767 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2014
Oh my....what a beautiful story of love and temptation, of unconditional love and support, of love and relationships.....fabulously narrated, emotionally penned and passionately etched....as much as I loved Eddie, Haley was the heart and soul of the story....simply beautiful, oozing so much love, support and just so down to earth!

Leaves you wanting for more......
148 reviews
April 18, 2014
4.5 stars!! I love the Crossroads series and this book did not let me down. I'm a sucker for a HEA and Melanie Shawn always comes through. I loved the relationship between Eddie and Hayley the build up and anticipation were great. An added bonus was being able to catch up with the other couples in the series. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Mary McFarlane.
662 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2016
Well if this is what the Sloan girl books are going to be like I'm very excited. Not only did it have the love and drama any good book needs I also loved how much Emily was apart of it. Any time a kid has a big part I just love it, I feel like she had a bigger part in this book then Joey did in Alex and Jamie's but whatever still loved it.
Profile Image for Kim Andrade.
221 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2014
Romance with a whole lot of sexy **Sigh** Melanie Shawn just keeps getting better and better!!! Loved every page of the entire Crossroads Series so far, Cannot wait for the next book!! Don't miss any of this series...Trust me, you will LOVE it!!!
21 reviews
April 8, 2014
Another homerun!

five stars all the way for this beautifully written emotional sexy hot steamy romance and for all the wonderful heart warming loving characters ...Loved it as much as every one before it!:)
Profile Image for Vanessa.
59 reviews22 followers
April 17, 2014
Eddie,is my favorite...lol

Wow...what a beautiful love story Eddie's is so hot! Haley what a sweat girl.Love the chemistry between them.I highly recommend.Melanie Shawn you did it again...you never disappoint! can't wait for Crazy Love...omg
Profile Image for Staci.
449 reviews8 followers
July 3, 2014
I loved Haley and Eddie's story. This was my first Harpers Crossing book. Now I will have to buy and read the others! You could tell what a tight knit community this is and all of the characters are very well written. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,758 reviews172 followers
December 5, 2016
I can't stop reading this series! It's fantastic! There were a few things that bugged me about this one (her watching his kid while he goes out with other women, for example) BUT I still loved it. I got over the things I didn't love and thought this one was ultimately a great read!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,037 reviews
April 26, 2014
Another great story. Can't wait for Krista and Chase ' s story.
Profile Image for Julie H.
7 reviews
May 14, 2014
Loved this book & the series so far can't wait for the next one ...
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