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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
Perfect start to this new series
Bella Matthews is one of my favorite authors and I am not being biased when I say everything she writes ends up being fantastic. Tempting is no different! She has woven her magic again and given us a book of wonderful characters, I loved both Nixon and Kenzie! Nixon was so unexpected. Mr. Hottie Sinclair was the eptiome of the perfect, caring and swoony man that every woman wishes she could have. The lines in this book had my heart fluttering and melting in a puddle. His love for Kenzie was boundless and endearing.
I loved Kenzie, she was smart, sassy, fierce and independent. My heart broke for her past trauma but I adored her big heart when it came to her relationship with her brother, family and friends.
The passion and fire between these two was yummy and I couldn't get enough.
As usual the witty banter, especially the group texts had me laughing so hard. I loved the camaraderie of these characters in the Bellaverse and I can't get enough of them.
This was an enjoyable, fun read with the right amount of spiciness and sizzle. It is the perfect start to the next chapter of the second gen stories.
One of my favorite lines:
" I don’t care if you marry me today, tomorrow, or next year. But you’re going to marry me because you’re mine and I’m yours. I will never be anything but yours.” He presses his lips against mine, swallowing my breath and stealing my soul."
Bella Matthews is one of my favorite authors and I am not being biased when I say everything she writes ends up being fantastic. Tempting is no different! She has woven her magic again and given us a book of wonderful characters, I loved both Nixon and Kenzie! Nixon was so unexpected. Mr. Hottie Sinclair was the eptiome of the perfect, caring and swoony man that every woman wishes she could have. The lines in this book had my heart fluttering and melting in a puddle. His love for Kenzie was boundless and endearing.
I loved Kenzie, she was smart, sassy, fierce and independent. My heart broke for her past trauma but I adored her big heart when it came to her relationship with her brother, family and friends.
The passion and fire between these two was yummy and I couldn't get enough.
As usual the witty banter, especially the group texts had me laughing so hard. I loved the camaraderie of these characters in the Bellaverse and I can't get enough of them.
This was an enjoyable, fun read with the right amount of spiciness and sizzle. It is the perfect start to the next chapter of the second gen stories.
One of my favorite lines:
" I don’t care if you marry me today, tomorrow, or next year. But you’re going to marry me because you’re mine and I’m yours. I will never be anything but yours.” He presses his lips against mine, swallowing my breath and stealing my soul."
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was my first Bella Matthews book. I initially thought “wow this author writes a ton of secondary characters,” but then I realized I’ve just been missing out! The story of Nixon and Mackenzie is the first in this series, but very clearly just one story in a whole world of romance. That being said, this can absolutely be read apart from the others.
I was swept up in this story that brought Gossip Girl vibes with the newspaper articles! Nix and Mac are longtime friends who begin “fake dating” to keep Mac’s boss away from her. The lines are quickly blurred as these two begin to realize they’re the only ones who thought this relationship was fake.
Nix and Mac are just perfect together - getting each other out of their shells and living life to the fullest. I will say that jumping into this without reading Bella’s other books (while possible) is confusing. I felt like there was a lot going on, but it would guess it would make sense if I had read previous books. Despite that, I would definitely recommend for a quick, fun read!
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the ARC copy!
I was swept up in this story that brought Gossip Girl vibes with the newspaper articles! Nix and Mac are longtime friends who begin “fake dating” to keep Mac’s boss away from her. The lines are quickly blurred as these two begin to realize they’re the only ones who thought this relationship was fake.
Nix and Mac are just perfect together - getting each other out of their shells and living life to the fullest. I will say that jumping into this without reading Bella’s other books (while possible) is confusing. I felt like there was a lot going on, but it would guess it would make sense if I had read previous books. Despite that, I would definitely recommend for a quick, fun read!
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the ARC copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicide
fast-paced
I love this world so much but I am starting to get lost in all the characters. Also what happened at the end with the creepy doctor felt wholly unnecessary. Felt like a rushed ending and not very satisfying.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
lighthearted
fast-paced
The Red Lips and White Lies series got off to a flying start with Tempting and the possible union between two scions of the leading families of Kroyden Hills. Nixon, a member of sporting royalty, the Sinclairs and by his own merit an ice hockey star has had an itch for Mackenzie Hayes, only daughter of Senator Beckett Kingston since they were teenagers, and he first saw her in a bikini. Now doctor Kenzie is back home its time to make his move and when he finds being harassed by a fellow doctor he steps in and declares himself her boyfriend.
Neither Kenzie nor Nixon were looking for love, but it gradually crept up on them as he gave her lessons in love. The chemistry between them was seriously sizzling. They’d been friends for years, but it had been more of long distance/part of the same group thing with Kenzie away for college and then her studies as a doctor, so it seemed natural that their relationship progressed with none of the awkwardness there might’ve been if they’d grown up in close proximity. Despite this ease, there were so many obstacles in their path, the largest being Kenzie’s overprotective brother Easton who just also happened to be Nix’s team captain. Their story was told from dual points of view with no major dramas or cheating, just a menagerie of larger-than-life friends and family members all more than ready to meddle in their budding romance…... although they’d call it giving the benefit of their experience and usually via their infamous group texts! If you’re looking for a sweet but extremely spicy love story with fabulous family dynamics, wonderful characters, and a whole lot of love then I recommend paying a visit to Kroyden Hill but be prepared to stay awhile. Honestly, you won’t want to leave.
This was a shorter audiobook than I usually listen to but that in no way affected my enjoyment of Tempting. With triple narration provided by Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon voicing the hero and heroine while Ava Erickson brought up the rear voicing the secondary characters, there was a steady flow to their performances with both Erin and Ava easily able to switch between voicing male/female roles. I did feel that Lance seemed to stress or overemphasis certain words as if he was adding exclamation marks for dramatic effect which did get to be a bit annoying but not enough that I felt I had to switch off.
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is another great read with this huge group of family and friends. I loved everything about Kenzie and Nixon. They have a long time friendship, they've been apart of each other's worlds for a long time. I loved the connection that was built from that, the unrequited crush, and the protectiveness that Nixon has for her. I was pulled in to their lives, the lightness, the ups and downs, the sweet, and of course the heat. There were some tears that snuck up on me as well. It all comes together perfectly! It's a must read on any list!
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Welcome back to Kroydon Hills, where both hockey and football reign supreme. Tempting (Red Lips & White Lies #1) is the first book in the second series featuring the next generation of Sinclairs, Kingstons, Hayes, Murphys, Ryans, and Beneventis.
This series is starting off hot & spicy…with Kenzie & Nixon’s story.
Dr. Mackenzie Hayes is back in Kroydon Hills after completing her medical residency down in DC & has started working at her aunt’s practice & the local hospital. Nixon Sinclair was drafted to the local hockey team shortly before Mackenzie headed down to DC.
They’ve known each other for years…since Mackenzie’s cousin assumed guardianship of her and her brother Easton…and brought them into the fold of the Kingston family.
So…what happens when you’re leaving a family gathering & you almost run into your boss from work? The one that is kinda giving off the wrong vibes? Where your ‘childhood’ friend offers an ‘solution’…a little white lie…for a night or two?
What becomes of that ‘little white lie’…when you both admit feelings for each other? Let’s not forget family & friends…ones that don’t mind putting their noses into everyone’s lives…
The answers…the spiciness….the happily-ever-after…found within the pages of Tempting.
I stumbled upon Bella Matthews earlier this year, with an ad for The Keeper (Playing to Win #1), and have binge read all of her books since. The Playing to Win (four books) series is the first series featuring the second generation, while the ‘older’ generation is featured in the following series: Kings of Kroydon Hills (four books), the Restless Kings (three books),The Risks We Take Duet, and the Defiant Kings (five books).
I absolutely loved this book…the text messages between the girls…the messages between the guys…and the romance between Kenzie & Nixon. Kenzie was the type of character I could relate to…someone that focused so much on their education/career—that having a life outside fell by the wayside…she’s lucky though…she has the family to remind her that work isn’t everything.
I’m waiting on pins & needles for the next book in the series…which happens to be Callen’s story. Now…one of the biggest ‘players’ is going to fall…and I personally can’t wait to meet the woman that is going to be the cause of that fall.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was such a fun read! I love big family books. You get a lot of people’s opinions on everything and just the love and laughs you get to read amongst them is so much fun, makes you want to keep reading even after the book is done.
Nixon and Kenzie were just that, so much fun to read. One of the best fake dating I have read. I loved how Nixon didn’t even blink when he introduced himself as Kenzie’s boyfriend to her coworker. Loved how even without her saying anything he KNEW this coworker was making her uncomfortable. Who doesn’t love a protective, possessive hero. Nixon is all of that and so much more.
I loved Kenzie. She is strong and very much independent but she also has a vulnerable side. Loved how much she loved her job and the happiness you can tell it brings to her life. I was happy when she finally gave Nixon a spot in her life. But also I loved how she didn’t dive right in, she took her baby steps.
These two were meant to be and I enjoyed getting to read their love story. It is definitely one for the books!
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.
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5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
10/10 recommendation‼️
Nixon and Kenzie were just that, so much fun to read. One of the best fake dating I have read. I loved how Nixon didn’t even blink when he introduced himself as Kenzie’s boyfriend to her coworker. Loved how even without her saying anything he KNEW this coworker was making her uncomfortable. Who doesn’t love a protective, possessive hero. Nixon is all of that and so much more.
I loved Kenzie. She is strong and very much independent but she also has a vulnerable side. Loved how much she loved her job and the happiness you can tell it brings to her life. I was happy when she finally gave Nixon a spot in her life. But also I loved how she didn’t dive right in, she took her baby steps.
These two were meant to be and I enjoyed getting to read their love story. It is definitely one for the books!
.
.
.
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
10/10 recommendation‼️
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was so ready for Nix and Mackenzie’s story and it sure didn’t disappoint. When Mackenzie bumps in to a creepy colleague Nix jumps in as her pretend boyfriend. If you know me you know I love the fake dating trope and Bella Matthews writes it to perfection. Not only do they fake date, but Mackenzie asks Nix for spicy lessons since she’s never had a man get her there. In true Bella fashion the spice hits just right, and I’m here for Nix’s filthy mouth. I love how everything is a family affair, and the girl gang vibe is as strong as ever. The brother/sister bond between Easton and Mackenzie is so strong it made me tear up. Another amazing book I can’t wait to see who falls next!
I have been rooting for Kenzie for a long time, and I'm so happy for her and her story! Nixon is a dream, and it was fun to get to know him even more.
I really liked this story! It was a fantastic friends to friends with benefits, but both are feeling so much more than that. They really were perfect for each other because they were both so set on not having relationships and focusing on their careers. That made Dixon what Kenzie needed and made it easier to break down her barriers. I really liked the theme of learning how to trust and letting people in after loss.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Friends to Lovers
It's Always Been You
Fake Dating
Secret Relationship
Good Girl
Lessons ;)
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is more like 4.5 stars for me. It would have been a 5, but there was something that happened toward the end that I really didn't like.
***Spoilers on the event I'm talking about in case people are curious/have read the book***
When Kenzie's parents rush over to her apartment to tell her that the doctor she turned in had died by suicide, I thought that piece was treated poorly. I would have rather it have not happened at all (he loses his job, gets transferred, something), or how that scene played out would have been handled differently. I felt like the characters just glossed over it and didn't make it a thing, didn't want Kenzie to feel guilty, and then it was like nothing happened. I agree, there shouldn't be any guilt on Kenzie's side, but for something that big to happen...I feel like I'm not portraying my thoughts very well. Hopefully most people think it's fine and I'm in the minority. That very short snippet really threw me off when I read it.
I really liked this story! It was a fantastic friends to friends with benefits, but both are feeling so much more than that. They really were perfect for each other because they were both so set on not having relationships and focusing on their careers. That made Dixon what Kenzie needed and made it easier to break down her barriers. I really liked the theme of learning how to trust and letting people in after loss.
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Friends to Lovers
It's Always Been You
Fake Dating
Secret Relationship
Good Girl
Lessons ;)
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is more like 4.5 stars for me. It would have been a 5, but there was something that happened toward the end that I really didn't like.
***Spoilers on the event I'm talking about in case people are curious/have read the book***
When Kenzie's parents rush over to her apartment to tell her that the doctor she turned in had died by suicide, I thought that piece was treated poorly. I would have rather it have not happened at all (he loses his job, gets transferred, something), or how that scene played out would have been handled differently. I felt like the characters just glossed over it and didn't make it a thing, didn't want Kenzie to feel guilty, and then it was like nothing happened. I agree, there shouldn't be any guilt on Kenzie's side, but for something that big to happen...I feel like I'm not portraying my thoughts very well. Hopefully most people think it's fine and I'm in the minority. That very short snippet really threw me off when I read it.
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am in love with the Kroydon world❤️ Bella Matthew’s has truly built this town with the coolest and funniest group of family and friends. This is a some what fake dating, brothers friend, friends to lovers trope which we all love. The star of the show is Nixon Sinclair, hockey player, sweet, sexy and that mouth during the scenes we all love yasss girl he will catch some parties on fire😂. Nixon and Mackenzie families have been around each other so everyone is in the business. What starts as a fake ruse quickly turns to more but with this small town nothing is easy. The angst is very low and there is a HEA of course. I do love that Kenzie is a strong heroine Doctor and I think her Nixon just have a great relationship together. Great read and can’t wait for the next one which at the end you get a hint😎
*recieved a Arc in exchange for a honest review*
*recieved a Arc in exchange for a honest review*