I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh because I adored this romance! For my stop I have my review as well as a giveaway of Tessa Ever After & Caged in Winter provided by the wonderful people of Berkley!
Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: May 5th 2015
My rating: 4 stars
Amazon | B & N | Books A Million | iBooks | Kobo
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: May 5th 2015
My rating: 4 stars
Amazon | B & N | Books A Million | iBooks | Kobo
In this grippingly emotional New Adult novel from the author of Caged in Winter, what you want isn’t always what you need…
Jason’s been living (and loving) the rich playboy lifestyle for five years, but now his parents are pressuring him to get involved in the family business. The last thing he wants is another obligation, but when his best friend moves out of state and asks Jason to look after his sister, he can’t just say no.
Tessa had to grow up way too soon. After dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ deaths, then becoming a teenage mom, she knows the meaning of responsibility. Which is why, at twenty-two, she’s looking for so much more than a party boy. She’s looking for someone who can stand by her and her daughter…forever.
A relationship between them is doomed from the start, but who says they can’t have a little fun? But as Jason gets closer to Tessa—and her daughter—fun starts to turn into something else… Something Jason’s not sure he’s ready for.
My
Thoughts:
Tessa had to grow up quick when she became pregnant at
seventeen, but she wouldn’t change things, because it brought Haley into her
life. Her little four year-old lights up
her life, but lately Tessa feels a little lonely for a man to share it with.
Tessa won’t just settle on anyone. She has her daughter to
consider, and she’s definitely not looking for someone like her brother’s best
friend, Jason. He’s been a big-time
player since high school, never serious about any girl. But lately, since her brother moved, Jason has
been coming around and helping, and Haley loves him. Doesn’t hurt that Jason
dotes on Haley, giving into her every whim, whether it be dressing up for a tea
party or making snow angels in the bitter cold. Tessa had a teenage crush on
Jason, but moved on when it became apparent he never thought of her as anything
but his best friend’s little sister. Now
it seems Jason’s finally taking notice. Does
it matter, though, with his track record?
Tessa can’t afford to take a chance on anyone who isn’t serious.
Jason has tried to tamp down his attraction for Tessa, but
it’s no use. If his best friend, Cade,
knew he had those thoughts and feelings he would’ve never asked Jason to look
out for Tessa. That doesn’t matter
because not even the thought of pissing off his best friend can keep him from Tessa
or little Haley. While Tessa conjures up
all kinds of lusty thoughts, it’s not just the physical that draws him. Both Tessa and Haley have somehow wiggled deep
into his heart.
Naturally, Tessa would have reservations about getting
involved with Jason in light of his history. I was a little worried we have
some playboy antics as well, but Jason was a complete sweetheart, especially
with Haley! It was evident he was wrapped around that little girl’s finger. He
did have some issues with his parents and I wish he would’ve stood his ground
with them a little sooner. But after
their lifelong influence, it was understandable that Jason needed someone to help
boil the situation down, and make the right decision.
Tessa was a very level headed, woman, mature beyond her
years, and I liked that in spite of her struggles, she never let her problems
completely overwhelm her. Tessa had a
great support group, and she wasn’t above asking for help, whether it be
emotional or practical.
Tessa Ever After was a friends-to-lovers romance with a slow
build, giving a foundation to Jason and Tessa’s relationship that made it so
very hot when they finally gave in! Brighton Walsh did an amazing job building
chemistry and tension, and then delivered with fiery hot follow through! While
there was some of the usual conflict you find at the end, nothing felt
contrived or over-the-top frustrating. Tessa
Ever After was my first Brighton Walsh story, and I was pleased to discover her
take on New Adult was a cut above the rest!
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About the author:
Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a
professional photographer before deciding to take her storytelling in a
different direction and reconnect with writing. She lives in the Midwest with
her husband and two children.
Connect with Brighton Walsh:
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The lovely people at Berkley generously provided this wonderful giveaway: A copy of Caged in Winter (the 1st book in the series) and Tessa Ever After! Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win!
13 comments:
Ah, I'm so adding this to my wishlist now, Rachel! This sounds like such a heartwarming story. I love the idea of Jason actually being a sweetheart. And guys who love kids always get bonus points in my book. <3
Even though I usually avoid books with teen pregnancy this one seems to focus on more interesting and closer to me things. I'm so glad you enjoyed and it seems like a really great story. Great review, Rachel :)
Oooo I love the sound of this one Rachel! I'm always a sucker for a little sister/brother's best friend romance, they hook me every time. I'm so glad to hear despite his playboy ways, Jason is nothing but a sweetheart in this story and his past antics don't pop up to cause him and Tessa any problems. Must read!!!
I really enjoyed reading this one as well, Rachel. I loved the romance so much, but the characters made the book for me. I loved Tessa's character and of course Jason was such a sweetheart.
Lovely review!
Oh, I so would love to read a book with a level-headed heroine, one who doesn't jump into romance and love right away because she has a young one to consider. And consider me weird, but I actually find the sister/brother's best friend thingy kinda... hot o_o which is WEIIIRD because I have like three brothers who have friends of their own and the thought of making out with any of them gives me the shudders, but it's such a good story when in fiction! Haha.
Faye at The Social Potato
It is nice to see this NA is a cut above the rest wihtout all the drama and angst we hate. The romance sounds lovely, I will be sure to read this the next time I am reaching for a NA.
Friend-to-lover stories are so good :) I'm definitely adding this to my pile, it sounds perfect for a quiet summer afternoon. Great review, Rachel!
Things I don't like: Playboys
Things I like: men who dote on little girls.... And a romance that involves a brother's best friend.
I guess I can deal with a playboy if he is a sweetheart and not a jerk! It's not like I can complain when the guy has everything else going for him ;)
I am so glad you brought this one to my attention, Rachel! I am definitely going to go add it to my tbr and hopefully read it soon because I WANTS THIS BOOK.
Fantastic review, Rachel! :)
Rashika @ The Social Potato
I think teen pregnancy would be something different in NA books, I liked the concept of it in the book Confess overall. Your review does have me intrigued though, wonderful review Rachel :) <3 Benish | Feminist Reflections
Ah Rachel. You and your book reccs! I like the sound of this one. You're such an effective book pimp. Lol.
Oh I love the sound of this romance and right now this is right up my street. I really don't read enough of these books and I need too. I love the sound of Jason, he sounds like such a great character to get to know. Thank you so much for bringing this to my radar. I will need to have a look at this one asap! Great review, Rachel.
Lovely review, Rachel! I completely agree. Tessa was just so down to earth and level-headed, and I loved that she was looking for something permanent for her and her daughter. And Jase... *swooooooon* Love him so much!
I really hope we get a Paige book!
I have been reading a lot of new adult books lately and this sounds really good. It also sounds really realistic, with Tessa being a single parent. And Jason living this rich playboy lifestyle and I imagine, changing and growing with Tessa. I'm curious about this one. Great review, Rachel. Thanks for this rec.
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