
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review


Well we don't have to wait long because Instigation is finally here. And what a wickedly brilliant, consuming, and sinfully sexy story it was. Tessa Teevan completely surprised and shocked me with this book. And it was a good shock. The writing and story line was addicting and brimming with steam and suspense. The characters were written to be so mysterious and intriguing that you were immediately drawn to what secrets would be revealed and exposed. Instigation was the unfolding of truths that chronicles the lives of Adrian Morningstar, Gabriella Latham, and Rafe Matthews. Two men. One woman. Secrets that surrounds their lives. A truth awaiting to be reveal. And one emotional dangerous sexual awakening for a woman rediscovering and taking back her life. Are second chances worth the risk when the dangers of love becomes a game of cat and mouse?

Adrian Morningstar is an enigma of a man. So when Brie first met Adrian, she was intrigued when this sexy and alluring man that took notice of her. Attraction was buzzing between these two and instantly she was in a whirlwind affair with Adrian who literally swept her off her feet. He lavished her with gifts and trips. Adrian Morningstar was her prince charming in her fairy tale story or was he?

Rafe Matthews is another alpha male who made his presence well known to Brie. He wanted her. He knew he could be the one to make her see that she is a woman who needs to be worshiped and treated like a human not a possession. Not a woman who is being controlled and dominated. Not a woman who is afraid to USE HER WORDS. So when Brie and Rafe begins their romantic affair, he awakens a new burning sexual side in her allowing her to take charge in her personal life. So when one door closes and another opens, Brie finally begins to find her happiness and love in Rafe or will she. The appearance of Rafe Matthews was it planned or fated? Will Brie find herself in the same predicament of falling in love with men who have secrets? When the truth is about to be revealed as to who really Adrian and Rafe are, will it be too late for Brie?

Okay if you are reading this review and asking yourself if there is cheating involved. Don't worry there is no cheating. I think I will be shocked if Tessa ever wrote a book that had cheating in it. If you are asking yourself, if there is a cliffhanger. And my answer would be YES. There is a major cliffhanger and it will have you begging her for the next installment STAT. Do I have a favorite between Adrian and Rafe? Yes, I do. And I know the obvious answer of the majority would be #TeamRafe but Tessa knows that my loyalty lies with #TeamAdrian. So now you must be wondering if there is a love triangle for the heart of Brie...I don't want to spoil it for the readers but to ease your mind and curiosity just know like I said there is no cheating and do you honestly think Tessa would do that to her readers. She wouldn't torture and be cruel to her readers like that.


In the words of my favorite character, Adrian, he is known for saying the beloved phrase in the book: "USE YOUR WORDS." So I will use my words and tell you, GO READ INSTIGATION. Go experience and take a chance with this book. Be prepared for one deadly, sinfully, seductive romantic suspense that will have you gasping for more. I will just say that Tessa upped up the sexiness and steam in this book. It was a burning inferno between Rafe and Brie. The sexual chemistry was pure carnal, raw desire that was so rousing, bawdy, and titillating. I have nothing but high praises for Tessa for branching out in this new genre and I can't wait for the next installment as to what will become of Brie, Adrian, and Rafe. All I know is that after that cliffy ending, I am hooked and it has me wondering who is the true instigator? So my only advice is to INHALE, EXHALE, BREATHE, and HOLD ON TIGHT as Tessa take's her readers on one romantic suspenseful ride.

Tessa Teevan

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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Kathleen
★✩★✩★ 5-Instigating Stars ★✩★✩★
*Copy provided by an author in exchange for an honest review*

Brie lost her parents, murdered and it's something she will never move forward from. She misses them so much. When her parents were murdered in their own home, she felt all alone. She ended up packing her things and went to the place where her parents loved to take her for visits, Philadelphia's museum. She finds a job as a receptionist and a studio apartment. It may not have been much, but it was her own sanctuary. She makes ends meet and try to pay her student loans. What she didn't expect in a new place where she's all alone, was to meet a guy who had rendered her speechless.

Adrian was the hot guy she meets at a bar. He made her feel very special. Made her feel like she was no longer alone in the world. Although he had some secrets as far as she knows, she thought it wasn't a big deal in the beginning. They started spending time together and she eventually ended up moving into his mansion. It was all rainbows and unicorns, and she was happy. Things started changing and the relationship she once cherished, had all been nothing but a jumbled mess. And things turned bad, he started having trust issues. So, he hires someone to keep an eye on Brie. In walks the hot looking guy, Rafe. She did something she never thought she'd be able to do. Not once she felt guilty for what she did, but only worried that she knew deep down it will end badly. She cherished the moments for as long as she possibly can. Everyone deserves to be happy. My feelings for her never once falter, I understood where she was coming from.
Instigation was a page turner. Once you get started, you won't want to put the book down. The suspense nearly killed me, but the thrill of the ride with Adrian, Brie and Rafe, was one hot mess, but also worth the read. Of course, this is book one of Clandestine Affairs Series, so, expect a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Oh, and I also wanted to throw my iPad away when I got to the end of this book. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I wanted to punch someone in the face because I wanted more. I felt like I was on drugs, who needed to feed my addiction. I can't wait for book two, Escalation will release late summer. I will be waiting impatiently for it. (Winks) Thank you for giving me the chance to read this yet another beginning of the series, that I truly enjoyed.
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