310 reviews for:

Tempting

Bella Matthews

3.96 AVERAGE

medium-paced

NEW FAVORITE SERIES BY BELLA ALERT !!

Nixon is exactly the type of hockey man I am looking for .. the brother’s best friend, fake dating, spicy lessons teacher, type of hockey man . The absolute most PRFECT match for our leading lady Kenzie who is so sweet and so very deserving of Nixon’s love ! These two together have such smoking hot chemistry and endless banter but they also know how to tug on your heartstrings and bring on the emotions . A fantastic, quick read ! I cannot wait to see what Bella brings with book two, Redeeming .

This is the first book in the new series Red Lips + White Lies series and it can be read as a complete stand alone . 

This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

  I didn't think Bella could ever top Ares Wilder from The Knockout but then she gave us NIXON SINCLAIR and when I tell you this man is literal perfection, he is LITERAL PERFECTION!

Nixon and Kenzie are perfect for each other, they are exactly what they didn't know they needed.
All the energy, tension that surrounds them from their first look after not seeing each other for 4 years. The awakening of the feeling that has always existed between them makes this story of fake dating the least fake that has ever existed. And if we add spicy lessons on top of that! And let's not forget the fantastic banter between them.

This book is chef’s kiss! 
fast-paced

 
Tempting is book one in the Red Lips and White Lies series and is the childhood crush/friends to lovers, fake dating, best friend’s brother, neighbours, spicy lessons, teammates sister, hockey romance of Mackenzie Hayes and Nixon Sinclair. 
Mackenzie heads back to Kroyden Hills when she graduates from med school and secures a specialised midwifery position at the local hospital. Kenzie is an intelligent, hardworking woman who pushes herself to the max and doesn’t know what rest and relaxation or self-care is having spent so much of her life focusing on her studies and future career. Kenzie hasn’t really had time for anything else especially dating so her experience with dating and men in general is minimal, she’s also frightened to let anybody into her life for fear of losing them after the loss of her mother at such a young age, this loss took a huge toll on her despite her having being raised by the most amazing woman who took her on as her own. 
When Nixon is traded to his hometown of Kroyden Hills he is apprehensive due to not wanting to live in the shadow of his family, however, with his childhood crush Mac (Mackenzie) also moving back to Kroyden Hills, that apprehension begins to dissipate the more time they spend together. Nixon is very career focused so doesn’t really have the time for a serious relationship, yet when he notices Mac’s boss becoming handsy and seemingly not taking no for an answer, they decide to go to an event together, and one night, one fake date, only this night changes everything between them. What starts out as Nix giving her spicy lessons and being the perfect blend of hot sexy dirty talking alpha with a heart of gold who is always mindful of Mac’s needs both physically and emotionally, turns into them falling for each other and trying to navigate their busy careers whilst juggling a relationship and their interconnected families to get the HEA they both deserve. 
In summation, I couldn’t have loved this book more. Bella Matthews is such a talented writer and the interconnected world she has weaved throughout her series is fantastic. I have fallen in love with Kroyden Hills next generation and Nixon and Mackenzie are no exception. 
This book was the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and sexy, with a dirty talking hero that will have you begging for more…Ehem, did someone say three straight chapters of spice! I loved the fun and banter and dynamic between the families as always, plus I thought Bella tackled the loss of parent and how Kenzie was internalising her feelings was not only an accurate portrayal of losing a parent at a young age but was done so in a sensitive and respectful way. 
A perfect way to kick off a brand-new series, I love love loved it! 

****Updated to include Audio Review****
 
The audiobook production featuring Lance Greenfield, Erin Mallon, and Ava Erickson was exceptionally well-executed, with each voice actor bringing their characters to life in a compelling way. Greenfield's portrayal of Nixon struck the perfect balance between seriousness and charm, capturing the essence of the character's multifaceted personality. Mallon's performance as Kenzie embodied the innocence and sweetness that make the character endearing, adding depth to the narrative. Erickson's contribution as the voice of the news for the Kroydon Kronicles added an engaging and dynamic layer to the audiobook, enhancing the overall experience for listeners. The collaborative effort of these talented narrators elevated the story, making it a memorable and enjoyable listen. 

Tempting is the first book in the Red Lips & White Lies series. We are back in Kroydon Hills and get the beautiful love story of Nixon and Kenzie.

Kenzie is back in town after finishing medical school and working as an OB-GYN. She is very focused on her career and is too busy to devote time to a relationship. Nixon is a professional hockey player who wants to put some distance between himself and his family name and escape the associated expectations. Hockey is his priority, and he is not looking for a relationship. Nixon and Kenzie have known each other since they were thirteen, and she was his first crush. Kenzie has a boss who makes her uncomfortable, so Nixon and Kenzie agree to fake date to keep his antics at bay.

I adored Nixon and Kenzie. They were exactly what each other needed. Nixon and Kenzie might be one of my favorite couples in the Kroydon Hills universe. They had amazing chemistry, and their banter was so fun. Nixon is the perfect book boyfriend! He is protective, possessive, and has a huge heart. He fell hard for Kenzie and gave her what she needed. Nixon wanted Kenzie and was not afraid to let that be known. Kenzie experienced much growth throughout the story, and I love how she learned to be bold and ask for what she wanted. Nixon and Kenzie found comfort in each other and developed an amazing emotional connection.

Found family is one of my favorite tropes in romance books, and I love the Kroydon Hills crew. Tempting is a well-written story with a good mix of romance, swoony moments, humor, and spice. It also contains some really good life lessons. This story reminds us not to allow fear to keep us from going after what we want. It also reminds us that everything happens for a reason. Tempting is a great start to this new series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

This must be the first book in a while that I read in one sitting (or sleeping since I read it whole night) but also felt like it ended so soon :(

Kenzie was such a brave girl , she taught me how you can be scared of everything and yet ACE in them. 
And of Nix, we all need a Nix in our life to give us lessons , be it of life or bed. 

As my own dream of being a gynac, and the other reason for not having a mom , I guess Kenzie’s character felt like home. I usually have questions of how people get any particular  trauma related to  their past . But Kenzie's character def made me understand that. 
Reading this book was like re reading my own delusional stories. Too good !!
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 🌶️ 🌶️.5/5

Let’s start off with saying my favorite tropes in this one. Brother’s Best Friend and Fake Dating! These two always making me swoon! 

This book was such a breezy, lighthearted, swoon worthy read! I love how it starts as the fake dating, but then you see the characters fall for each other and why they fall for eachother! You can’t help but root for them both! 

I can’t forget to mention the epic banter between the characters like in all of Bella’s books! I ❤️ you Kenzi and Nixon!

emotional lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I absolutely loved this book. Kenzie and Nixon were just so beautiful.  Their love was just so great to read. I read this in 1 day and I was just so excited about it. The there was 1 part in the book where I felt a little upset about how Kenzie reacted but beside that. This book was such a great read. Their love was so cute, the spice was very good and it felt fulfilling 

I have loved Kenzie since way back when! Back to the days of Jules and Beckett! And Nixon, ugh, he is so swoon worthy! Bella just continues to out do her self with this world and these characters! 5 stars really is never enough! Nix and Kenzie are perfect and always meant to be! I really loved seeing Easton and his protective side again ! As always, 10/10 recommend!