Passion Takes Time, the fourth book in M. E. Nesser's A Promise of Passion series, picks up where 2nd Generation Passion left off-sharing another romance in the Jensen family. This time, Nesser turns her attention to Emily, Ian Jensen's reserved and sexually naïve older daughter, who is searching for passion in her life.

On paper, Emily and Martin appear to be the perfect couple. While she studies to be an attorney, Martin works towards his medical degree. Martin, a very organized and logical man, has planned their future. Sadly, he doesn't include romance or passion into the equation. Since Emily has little experience with men, she doesn't expect anything more out of their relationship. Furthermore, her views on love and marriage have been jaded by her mother's infidelity and her parent's subsequent divorce.

One day, Martin's controlling ways become so unbearable that Emily finds the courage to leave him. He is angered by the disruption of his plan and orders her to return home. Although he confidently waits for her to come back to him, Emily is more interested in connecting with Chad, a secret crush from law school.