The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (Ella and Micha, #3)

by Jessica Sorensen

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Finally! Not just that Lila and Ethan finally got together, but The Temptation of Lila and Ethan reminded me why I love this author! I was pretty disappointed with the last few books I read of hers, but not this time. I love Ella and Micha, and I was eager to get to know their best friends better, too. Ethan is another bad boy who's overcome a troubled past, but there's more there than I expected. I always viewed Lila as Ella's perfectly put together best friend, but I figured that there had to be something else there, because c'mon, all NA characters have issues! The prologue delves into the root of both Lila and Ethan's troubles. All Lila has ever wanted was love, but she's looking for it in all of the wrong places. Meanwhile Ethan is avoiding relationships at all costs after losing the first girl he's ever loved.

I was definitely relieved that Ethan's issues were less intense, and Lila was the main troubled one. I don't think both love interests need to be damaged for their story to be interesting, so that was appreciated. The Temptation of Lila and Ethan focuses a lot on the importance of appearances, or at least how people may look okay when they're really not. Lila's always been told that she needs to look and act perfect in public at all times, and appearances are all that matter. She buys into this and comes across as the spoiled, vapid girl everyone thinks she is. But that's not her at all. She's in serious trouble due to a pill addiction. She takes them so she doesn't have to feel anything and as a result has a lot of meaningless sex in order to fill that void. I found her story really interesting and sad. There's so much going on in her life that no one knows about.

Of course, Lila's perfect facade crumbles and Ethan is there to pick up the pieces. I really liked how he stepped up and helped Lila with her addiction and her self esteem. They didn't have some pointless blow out, where he abandons her, and she totally self-destructs. He sticks with her and keeps up barriers until she's better. Then things explode, but in a good way! I loved these two together! There's a lot of sexual tension and build up throughout the whole book, but it was so worth it! Sadly, there's not as many sexy scenes as the previous book, but maybe some readers will be glad about that.

I am so happy for The Temptation of Lila and Ethan! I actually think this may be my favorite from this author so far! I loved how Lila and Ethan were friends first much like Ella and Micha. And it was an intense ride as their feelings slipped out of the friend zone. That epilogue has me super duper eager for the next book though! It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but it will leave readers wondering what's going on. I'm definitely excited for more Ella and Micha!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.