Inflame (Explosive #3) by Tessa Teevan
Synopsis
Easy going soldier Kale Montgomery, a self-proclaimed ladies man, has no plans of settling down, especially not with his best friend- the sexy, sassy schoolteacher Lucy Dawson. Their relationship, though unconventional, is mutually beneficial, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Friends with benefits? Casual lovers? Whatever you want to call it, they’re having fun, in and out of bed, and to them, that’s all that matters. At least that’s what they think, but how long can you spend in someone’s bed before you find they’re also infiltrating your heart?
As their casual fling with no strings attached progresses, it’s not long before they realize they’re both in way over their heads. One fateful night changes their lives forever in ways they could never have imagined, giving them the push to finally admit that maybe, just maybe they want more than they’ve let on. Their mutual attraction rapidly intensifies as it shifts from burning lust to unrelenting want, need, and possibly even love. Suddenly the idea of settling down doesn’t seem so bad. In fact, it sounds pretty damn perfect.
Just when things seem to be falling into place, past pain and renewed insecurities rise to the surface and threaten to smother the flames of their passionate relationship, reminding them both why they’ve always kept the idea of love at arm’s length. Will Kale and Lucy realize that what they’ve been waiting for is each other, or will the blazing whirlwind of their feelings burn out too quickly, causing it to all go up in smoke?
Review
Inflamed in anger. Inflamed in grief. Inflamed in passion. All strong emotions brought on by intense acts that range from betrayal to love. As bitter feelings intensify, mistakes can be made, and words can’t be taken back; what was once pure and good can be torn apart with one selfish act. As sentiments of adoration begin to spark, it can be the best thing to ever happen to someone, but letting go of past heartaches can put the flame out before it even begins.
All of these sensations and more are brought out in Book 3 of Tessa Teevan’s Explosive Series. Inflame focuses on the friends-with-benefits relationship of Kale Montgomery and Lucy Dawson. Both Kale and Lucy aren’t looking for anything too serious when he unexpectedly enters her life, but as they become closer and their relationship continues to build, feelings change for both of them, but they’re both too afraid to pursue it. With one little test, though, everything changes between them, and their journey from friends to lovers is the story’s focus.
Written in alternating point of views, Inflame takes readers through both the past and present acts that have led Kale and Lucy to where they are. Through both of their perspectives, we are able to understand their fears about relationships and why that final jump towards commitment is so daunting to both of them. Through flashbacks, we witness the beginning of Kale and Lucy’s journey, and we also are taken back ten years ago when Kale’s view of love and happily ever after was destroyed. As readers, we also see Kale and Lucy’s growth as both individuals and a couple. Trust is a huge factor in any successful relationship, and they learn the importance of honesty throughout the course of their story. As their love for each other grows, both Kale and Lucy will need to put their fears aside to ensure that their feelings for each other remain strong and don’t burst into flames by moments of uncertainty.
Kale and Lucy’s story explores the idea of how important trust and honesty are in a relationship. It illustrates the need for walls to be destroyed for a commitment to truly work. Their path to their happily ever after is definitely not an easy one, and they will both have to fight their personal demons to get there, but in the end, if it’s what they both want, they’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.
Tessa Teevan’s Explosive Series is a character driven set of stories that grab readers’ interest from the get go. Each storyline provides all necessary information to understand the characters’ actions; there’s no unnecessary material added, which makes the plot flow seamlessly. Every time I read a book by Tessa, I know that I’m going to get a fantastic story that is filled with passion, angst, devastation, and redemption, and she does not disappoint with Kale and Lucy’s story.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples
Excerpt
She looks me over, and I love the fact that she’s checking me out. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her, but I am, and I want to get to know her better, at least where the bedroom’s concerned. Eventually, she extends her hand, and I give a firm handshake, the kind she wanted when we first met. “Please, Kale, call me Lucy.”
Shaking her hand, I say it out loud. “Lucy. I like it.”
“That’s fortunate since I’m stuck with it. Okay, Montgomery. As much as I love flirting with a hot ass soldier in the parking lot of an elementary school, I’ve got to get going. Maybe I’ll see you around?”
She starts to walk away, but I grab her hand, reeling her back in. I’m not ready for her to go, yet I don’t want to seem like some crazy stalker guy.
“Can I see you again? You know, outside of an elementary school?” I ask, my eyes bearing down into hers, begging for her to say yes.
She hesitates, and I’m afraid she’s about to say no when she finally responds. “I don’t date. I’m not looking for anything serious, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m the wrong girl.”
My cock practically sings at her words. A no strings attached relationship with a hot teacher right before I deploy? I couldn’t have asked for better luck.
“I don’t do relationships, either, Lucy. I just want to get to know you and to have some fun. No feelings, no strings, no nothing,” I tell her, and watch as a look of relief washes over her.
She starts digging in her purse and I watch as she scribbles something on a piece of paper before hanging it to me. “Number’s right there. Call me when you’re feeling adventurous,” she says. Before I can say anything, she spins around and swiftly walks away, leaving me to wonder just how adventurous she can be.
Purchase the Series
Inflame (Explosive, #3)
Amazon: US | UK | CA | AU // Barnes & Noble
Ignite (Explosive #1)
Incinerate (Explosive #2)
About the Author
I’m a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.
If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.
Connect with Tessa
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads
Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Fairest Of All Book Reviews 