9 Days and Counting

9 Days #2

by Red Phoenix

After waiting three years for Luke Sanders to return, Tesse decides to move on with her life & into the arms of a new lover. Fate, however, has different plans when Luke returns the week before Tesse’s big début as the lead in The Phantom of the Opera. Her life seems to mimic the musical when she is forced to choose the handsome new boyfriend or her devoted scarred lover once known as The Freak.

9 Days and Counting is the touching sequel to the coming-of-age story, In 9 Days. This novelette delves into the emotional reunion between Tesse and Luke.

Extended Description:

So much has changed since Luke left Tesse behind. She is in college now, starring as Christine in the musical, The Phantom of the Opera. Jerrod, who has loved Tesse for several years, finally gets the green light to court her. However, Luke’s return puts their new relationship in jeopardy. The love Tesse and Luke share has not diminished over time, but their lives have taken opposite paths. Three hearts are on the line and one will be sacrificed. Does the Phantom finally get the girl or will her handsome new beau win Tesse’s heart?

Adult Reading Material (18+) This book is for mature audiences only and contains sexually explicit content.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, New Adult, Friends To Lovers, Young Adult

55 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2012

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her BDSM series, Brie's Submission.
To join in the Brie experience begin with the 1st Boxed Set (Books 1-3) and start your journey into a sensual world...

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Reviews

[Gilgamesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Ohhh God this book was pure torture until the end of course...but I loved 99% of it. I understood the need for Tesse to try to make things word with Jurrod but I still felt she betrayed Luke in those moments even though she never let things get too far. I wanted a little more of Luke and Tesse hence the .5 deduction otherwise it was perfect.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay story, but a little too much drama for my taste. Some things just didn't ring true for me, Tessa's name change, her singing, what Luke was doing while he was gone, her holding out hope for Luke's return, 3 years...that's a long time when you're a teen...when in reality they barely knew each other. I'm cringing as I'm saying this, but it was "cheesy", and somehow the sweetness that accompanied the first book was lost along the way. Tesse, her new name, just got on my nerves...she was very dramtic, overplayed. I loved Luke and adored Jerrod! Unfortunately, only one would end up with the girl and honestly I wasn't sure who it was going to be, so at that point the story really kicked in and held my interest until the end. Made me anxious...loved that!


I am going to check out some of RP's other books and would love to see Jerrod get an HEA of his own!

[JESSICA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and Enticing story. This book got me in my feels. Hit me right in my black heart! Even let a little light in... Just a little.. Lol. I love how, Red Phoenix can write some naughty dom + sub scenes but she surprised me with this sweet story...

“I Need You, Luke. You Are Like Air To Me.” — Tesse

I had so much fun reading this series. Loved the characters.. So, this picks back up from last book... Tesse, is still heartbroken from Lucas sudden disappearance. She's in college, meets new guy and trying her best to move on with her life... But her heart just won't let her... It's like once you meet your soul mate you are tied to that person...

Lucas reappears.. And brings back all those feelings....

“There Is Not One Man On The Planet Who Loves You More Than Me. Not One.” — Lucas

Who will she choose, the sweet college guy or her high school love?? You need to read to find out...

I highly recommended this sweet story (series)

Triggers: {None}

[Donna Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a really good love story and so is 9 days in counting which is first - you should really read. Its a book that makes you feel good.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to "In 9 Days". An absolute beautiful story of unconditional love. A MUST READ!!!

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read. It is the sequel to In Nine Days, picking up almost three years later. Tesse has graduated from high school and has two full years of college under her belt. She chose to pursue singing and theater, rather than law, disappointing her mother's hopes for her. They barely speak.

Tesse has had a good friend in Jerrod for two years, but he has always wanted more than friendship. Tesse looks for Luke in every crowd, hoping he will return to her as promised. After nearly three years, she feels like she should move on, and is determined to try moving forward with Jerrod.

Tesse has the lead in her school's production of The Phantom of the Opera. She lacks experience for such a big role. In some rehearsals she has the voice of an angel, while in others she struggles.

When Tesse spots Luke sneaking quietly away from her in the library one day, her life becomes exceedingly complicated. He does not want to disrupt her new life, but wants only to know she is happy. Over the course of nine days, Tesse sorts through her feelings for both young men.

The end is touching. The story reflects the Phantom, and in the end she must choose between her Raoul and her Phantom.

[Renae Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS BOOK!
This story is not the usual romance neatly tied up with a ribbon. It is raw and real. The author packs a tremendous amount of emotion in a little tale. I grieved with Tess and Luke, and admired Jerrod for his loyalty. I would love to read another installment regaling Tess and Luke's further exploits after college.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Love lost
New love found
LOVE comes back
Tesse and Lukes story is so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
She though she lost him, years later he comes back. Her heart has ALWAYS been his but she's starting to fall for another.
It's truly a struggle and she needs to make the choice.
This had me in tears
Is it truly the end?

[SuzanneLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. !! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! 😍🥰😭😭

I absolutely loved this book!! Both of them. I cried like a baby! Snot faced and all! This is a love story that should definitely be made into a movie!! Yes, Red Phoenix you really did an incredible job on these Muses... I loved every single character. I’m gonna read it again and again. Thank you!

[Mert Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 Days and Counting

Read both books for sure. A cute first love, first sexual encounter, tears and broken hearts. College, drama, a new interest. Things change, decisions must be made and ....

[Charlotte Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first boom I had to get the second. It picks up a few years after the first book where Tesse is at college, and shows the ups and downs of love and life and following her dreams.

[i w blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

Great story lines I was crying in some bits.I loved every thing ,showed how if you keep waiting love can come to you .Fantastic ending .

[Gregory Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This is one of the best love stories I have read in our modern time. I would gobble up a series about these characters and am hoping for some prequels that tell us all about them and their life journeys. Full of the reality of life and how events effect our love for one another and how letting go of the one your heart yearns for is next to impossible. The heart knows what it wants and needs. Wonderful

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the sequel to 9 Days. Just like 9 days, it was short and sweet but left much to be desired. Honestly, Red could have combined the two and made a decent sized novel.

I had a hard time getting into the story since it happens 3 years after Luke had left Tess. There isn't a follow up on how those 3 years went for her, just BOOM!, she's in college and it's 3 years later. I would have liked to read her struggles with Luke leaving and how she dealt with it. So, that left much to be desired for me.

I also felt the whole story and ending was rushed. There wasn't a beginning, middle and end. It was like, I'm in college, I have a friend who loves me, Luke shows up and stuff happens, the end. No epilogue, just the end. What??? I guess I just wanted more from this book, so to say that I'm a little disappointed would be an understatement. I guess if you're a fan of book 1, you would want to read it, but honestly, I would've been ok if I didn't read it. It's not like we got any real closure.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the sweet Mature YA series focuses in 3 years after Kevin/Luke has gone. Tessa/Tesse has gone off to college and started a relationship with Jerrod. Jerrod is a sweet and patient guy who loves Tesse. She wants to love him but Luke is always in her mind. Well when he shows back up everything turns to a mess for Tesse. She wants to be with Luke but he tells her he is leaving and they wont see each other again. I cant tell you Luke got an ear full from me when he came and told her that. This novel is all about Tesse trying to figure out what she wants, The future with Jerrod which is safe OR take the chance with Luke and the unknown.

I can't wait for the last installment of this series....Forever and Counting.....

[Nancy Crocker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the follow up to Red's book, In 9 Days. It picks up with Tesse now in college 3 years after Luke has left her. She has still been holding her first true love in her heart, but after three years of not hearing from Luke she has decided it might be time to move on. Just as her best friend of 2 years Jerrod is given the green light to proceed slowly, enter Luke. Tesse is truly torn at the thoughts of a fresh new love and her first true love.

Enjoyed the sequel, was happy to see where this story went. And who would end up with Tesse.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read what's out so far in the "Blissful Series" I had to try other books by Red Phoenix. I picked this one. WOW! Am I glad I did that. Loved these two books. I bought "In 9 Days." and "9 Days and Counting" at the same time. Wonderful stories. Couldn't put them down, really. I highly recommend them to any contemporary romance lovers like me. (Actually I love sci/fi, paranormal, fantasy, futuristic, contemporary, erotic romance, you name it as long as it has an HEA, happily ever after).

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In 9 Days" ended in a somewhat upsetting manner so "9 Days and Counting" is the breath of fresh air needed to see what happens with Tesse and Luke (aka Kevin). Luke is on the run from his father who started the fire causing his scars. We pick up 3 years later with Tesse at college trying to move forward without Luke but it is hard, he truly holds her heart. Just as Tesse starts to move forward with Jerrod, who has been her rock for 2 years, Luke reappears. What will Tesse do?

[Roseanna Mcclain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time,wanting to know what was going to happen with Tease and Luke. When they introduced another male role I was mad. I know it had to happen,but she could only be with Luke(lol).The going back an forth with emotions was normal. I don't know what I would have done if someone I loved told me he was coming back for me,then I don't hear from him for 3years. Nonetheless,her love for Luke never wavered. The book was refreshing. Young love in the making

[Mandy Saial · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read the first book In 9 days ,then you have to read This book .I didn't have to pay to read the nook version of book # 1 , so when i bought 9 days and counting for 99 cents i was stokeed , until i saw it was only 42 pages.
I quickly got over it , and thought of it as i paid for both books because the story was aweinspiring, emotionally heartbreaking and full of romance.
please give these books a try !!

[Brenda Brandenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful conclusion

Three years ago, Tesse lost Luke, the love of her life, when he had to flee without a word. She's moved on to college to pursue her singing dreams. She's playing Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. She's accepted the love of a new man. She thinks she's happy. But then Luke returns. Will she follow her heart and reunite with her "Phantom" or accept the love of her "Raoul"? The heart stopping conclusion will leave you crying.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to find out what happened between Tesse and Luke. Loved that Tesse sang and was in the Phantom of The Opera play, as Christine. Luke is her Phantom in many ways. Some fairytales if you have the patience and time to wait for them, do come true. As they both did.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of the series but the final installment. Kevin is gone but he promises to return. She has waited for three years and is now in college. Why did he leave? He has not contacted her and she doesn't know why.

[Amy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lil short story and well worth the read!! :) I'm so glad I went and bought the sequel! (if you haven't read "In 9 Days" go get it for free before you read this!) I'm so glad she followed her heart in the end. You had me worried there for a min Red! LoL

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I could not put this book down and immediately had to purchase the sequal. You will cry and laugh, what an amazing amazing AMAZING Book! Thank you Red Phenoix for such a great story! I WILL be reading more of your stuff!

[Arlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this. I was pulled in emotionally right from the beginning of thr first book and totally invested right through the end of the second book...I really wish there was a third. Sweet love story with romance passion & two main characters who stole my heart

[nightlyreadingheather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come

[Laura's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow up book to 9 days I love Tesse and Luke.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Luke and Tesse! i thought the use of the Phantom of the Opera and how it related to her, Luke and Jerrod was brilliant.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet love story!