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1.75/5
This book was ASS
I typically enjoy this author's books but i don’t know this one didnt do it for me.
There was like no plot
The MMC was such an asshole
The FMC was such a pushover
the dialogue made me cringe
i thought the FMC was joking when she said her last name was Drinkwater. wtf. i don’t know i didn't like and i forced myself to read this bs. sorry.
This book was ASS
I typically enjoy this author's books but i don’t know this one didnt do it for me.
There was like no plot
The MMC was such an asshole
The FMC was such a pushover
the dialogue made me cringe
i thought the FMC was joking when she said her last name was Drinkwater. wtf. i don’t know i didn't like and i forced myself to read this bs. sorry.
This one had me torn. I listened to this one on audible and was able to get through it because of the narrators. If I read the book I would have dnf it. The narrators made the story work. It had some humorous parts but overall II didn’t care for Henley. He is the absolute worst. His controlling behavior was awful. He ghosted her in the beginning then acted all “whatever” about it but then gets all mad over her “fake” fiancé. Like what? Then he says things that played with her mind and heart. Like come on. I know he ended up falling for her but she deserved better than Henley. I honestly didn’t think this one would have a HEA but it did.
In my opinion this was just okay. Very predictable and I liked the plot okay but the writing was frustratingly bad at times with the most off the wall dialogue that prevented me from loving it.
My Temptation is the first book in the Kingston Lane series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Juliet Drinkwater and Henley James meet at an event and there’s instant attraction. So Henley asks Juliet out on a date, and they end up sleeping together. They make plans to see each other again, but Henley doesn't follow through. He blows off their plans and from then, Juliet hates him.
Fast forward a few years and Juliet, now 27, is moving into her dream home in Kingston Lane. Everyone knows everyone there, so it’s their own little community. The problem is that her new next door neighbor is none other than Henley James.
The attraction between them is still there, but they do not get along. Juliet is still angry over what he did years ago, and Henley is angry with her because of what she said to him at that time. Yet, they can’t stay away from each other, especially since they live right next door to each other.
Juliet is a nurse and lives alone, so she decides to adopt a dog. Barry, the dog, is the best little troublemaker! He’s just always causing trouble and making noise, but he’s so lovable. Anyway, Juliet is feisty, snarky, and strong. She knows her worth and doesn’t let Henley play with her feelings or treat her like nothing. But she’s also understanding and knows that there’s something holding Henley back and is very patient with him.
Henley is an engineer and likes to keep things in order and be in control. He has OCD tendencies, which I thought was described well (by his actions).
I will say that it took me a while to warm up to Henley. I really hated him in the beginning, and there were times when he was so awful. But then there were times when he was so sweet and swoony. When he took care of Juliet (chapter 17), I just about melted.
Also, the ending of the book felt rushed. There was a big event, and the characters didn’t really deal with it. Then another problem was thrown at them, and it was just resolved without the characters actually working on it.
Anyway, I am excited to see more of Juliet’s friends and Henley’s friends; though I didn’t particularly like Henley’s friends. This book has humor, spice, angst, heartbreaking moments (if you’re a crier…be prepared), healing, and so much love. This was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Close proximity
Mental health representation (OCD)
Possessive hero
CONTENT WARNING (May be spoilers)
Death of a parent
Juliet Drinkwater and Henley James meet at an event and there’s instant attraction. So Henley asks Juliet out on a date, and they end up sleeping together. They make plans to see each other again, but Henley doesn't follow through. He blows off their plans and from then, Juliet hates him.
Fast forward a few years and Juliet, now 27, is moving into her dream home in Kingston Lane. Everyone knows everyone there, so it’s their own little community. The problem is that her new next door neighbor is none other than Henley James.
The attraction between them is still there, but they do not get along. Juliet is still angry over what he did years ago, and Henley is angry with her because of what she said to him at that time. Yet, they can’t stay away from each other, especially since they live right next door to each other.
Juliet is a nurse and lives alone, so she decides to adopt a dog. Barry, the dog, is the best little troublemaker! He’s just always causing trouble and making noise, but he’s so lovable. Anyway, Juliet is feisty, snarky, and strong. She knows her worth and doesn’t let Henley play with her feelings or treat her like nothing. But she’s also understanding and knows that there’s something holding Henley back and is very patient with him.
Henley is an engineer and likes to keep things in order and be in control. He has OCD tendencies, which I thought was described well (by his actions).
I will say that it took me a while to warm up to Henley. I really hated him in the beginning, and there were times when he was so awful. But then there were times when he was so sweet and swoony. When he took care of Juliet (chapter 17), I just about melted.
Also, the ending of the book felt rushed. There was a big event, and the characters didn’t really deal with it. Then another problem was thrown at them, and it was just resolved without the characters actually working on it.
Anyway, I am excited to see more of Juliet’s friends and Henley’s friends; though I didn’t particularly like Henley’s friends. This book has humor, spice, angst, heartbreaking moments (if you’re a crier…be prepared), healing, and so much love. This was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Close proximity
Mental health representation (OCD)
Possessive hero
CONTENT WARNING (May be spoilers)
Death of a parent
One of the things I love about TL Swan is that she writes complex characters with atypical, surprising plotlines. This story is no different. This is a second-chance romance that forces our MCs back into each other's lives as neighbors 3 years after their one and only date. It's filled with spice and angst, as well as our MMC being emotionally unavailable and our FMC trying to force his hand. Our MCs continue to cycle through some repetitive behavior, which was a bit frustrating at times as a reader, but TL Swan's writing is always so great that I still got lost in this story. This wasn't my favorite but nonetheless, I enjoyed it. This also introduces us to the other neighbors on Kingston Lane who we will see in future books.
3.25 ⭐️
3.25 ⭐️
I enjoy this authors writing, this book was pretty good. Parts of it made me laugh, and I really want to live on that street.
4.5 Tempting Stars
The first book in the Kingston Lane series, My Temptation, has a setting that makes me think of Wisteria Lane in some way. (if you know THAT TV series) A street populated by inhabitants who have secrets to reveal, tales to hear, and rumours to delve into out of curiosity, complete with a touch of T.L. Swan's writing, of course.
In addition to being attractive, intelligent, seductive, and hot, Henley James is also an aggravating, domineering, and at times insensitive man. Strangely enough, he has a different persona in Kingston Lane when he is around his loved ones. Women are drawn to his alluring demeanour, but he only has sex to offer. The way this man treated Juliet and was an asshole made me dislike him in the first few chapters of the book. But when Juliet returned to his life three years later as his new neighbour, everything fell into place. As the narrative goes on, we witness this man's susceptibility to grief-related PTSD and his vulnerability. The primary cause of his insensitive behaviour and refusal to enter into intimate ties. He eventually triumphs over his need to protect himself from harm and discovers Juliet's love through her light at the end of his dark tunnel.
Juliet Drinkwater is a remarkable and hardworking nurse in addition to being a sassy, witty, intelligent, caring, and beautiful woman. Her character initially made me think of Natasha Marx from the Stanton Series. She and Henley first connected at a charity function, and after a passionate one-night date and a few days of back-and-forth messaging, a devastating discovery brought their one-sided relationship to an abrupt end. Three years later, she inherited her grandmother's Kingston Lane house, but little did she know that her new neighbour was the same man who broke her heart the last time.
Henley makes the call to get intervention for his trauma after realizing that he will lose the woman who, for the first time in his life, gave him feelings and thoughts. You can sense his battle as well as his resolve to mend his relationship with Juliet as well as himself. Luckily, Juliet's compassion, understanding, and tolerance helped him recognize the concept of love and taught him its characteristics and emotions. I enjoyed those specific scenes in this book. Henley eventually realized that not only are love and happiness incredibly fulfilling, but their light also outshines everything and everything else after losing another important person in his life. The pivotal juncture that made him acknowledge his future with Juliet. Of course, in the end, they both get their happily ever after.
Swan consistently develops flawed characters, as is customary. Even though I've read books with a similar plot before, Swan adds a touch that allows you to relate to the characters and feel a little bit of their emotions. Henley's battle to improve himself and his relationship with Juliet made me feel that way. Their relationship really got off to a toxic start, but after finding out about Henley's difficulties, it eventually blossomed. His recovery was greatly aided by Juliet, and I am in awe of her unending tolerance for Henley's erratic behaviour. I smiled mostly at her determination to fight for their relationship, and my love for her character grew. Not to be overlooked are the supporting roles that the other Kingston Lane residents performed. Henley's best friends, Antony and Blake, cheered us up with their hilarious banter and proved their loyalty and value of friendship. Taryn, with her flirtatious behaviour and carefree demeanour. Naturally, there will always be that one local character that all the women despise. Some people may perceive The Navy House as a whorehouse to some readers, but in my opinion, it's just a ruse to pique our interest in learning more about what happens to those SEAL personnel when they're not on duty. One more tale set aside for the series' next book. Rebecca is Juliet's friend whose life is about to change because of her husband's adultery and whoa! Blake and her? In the series, that is something to anticipate. A couple with diverse viewpoints on relationships.; Carol is the mother hen; and Winston is the elderly man who shows that he still has it down pat despite his refined years. Not to be forgotten is Juliet's closest friend, Chloe, the adopted non-resident. I adore her gregariousness and shrewdness.
I have really enjoyed this book, even though there have been a few parts where I wasn't entirely happy with the writing. It was a great first novel to kick off the series and it was funny and seductive. With the next book, I'm hoping Blake doesn't let me down too much. Rebecca is such a sweetheart, but I have a sneaking suspicion that his playboy attitude will ruin their friendship. Ugh! Typical Dr. Grayson.
" Love used to scare you, but it's a shield. It will protect you. I... will protect you."
"When things get hard, you lean into the light." - Juliet Drinkwater
The first book in the Kingston Lane series, My Temptation, has a setting that makes me think of Wisteria Lane in some way. (if you know THAT TV series) A street populated by inhabitants who have secrets to reveal, tales to hear, and rumours to delve into out of curiosity, complete with a touch of T.L. Swan's writing, of course.
In addition to being attractive, intelligent, seductive, and hot, Henley James is also an aggravating, domineering, and at times insensitive man. Strangely enough, he has a different persona in Kingston Lane when he is around his loved ones. Women are drawn to his alluring demeanour, but he only has sex to offer. The way this man treated Juliet and was an asshole made me dislike him in the first few chapters of the book. But when Juliet returned to his life three years later as his new neighbour, everything fell into place. As the narrative goes on, we witness this man's susceptibility to grief-related PTSD and his vulnerability. The primary cause of his insensitive behaviour and refusal to enter into intimate ties. He eventually triumphs over his need to protect himself from harm and discovers Juliet's love through her light at the end of his dark tunnel.
Juliet Drinkwater is a remarkable and hardworking nurse in addition to being a sassy, witty, intelligent, caring, and beautiful woman. Her character initially made me think of Natasha Marx from the Stanton Series. She and Henley first connected at a charity function, and after a passionate one-night date and a few days of back-and-forth messaging, a devastating discovery brought their one-sided relationship to an abrupt end. Three years later, she inherited her grandmother's Kingston Lane house, but little did she know that her new neighbour was the same man who broke her heart the last time.
Spoiler
Henley and Juliet have a convoluted first encounter once more and eventually come to hate one another. The two neighbours' relationship tends to become rougher when Barry, Juliet's adoptive dog, pushes Henley's patience to the test. Given that they would be living next to each other for a considerable amount of time, the two worked out a workaround and made some concessions. After realizing they still had that instant chemistry, the two decided to set themselves up as friends with benefits. Juliet makes the decision to agree with Henley's proposition, assuring herself that she won't fall in love and suffer heartbreak if Henley rejects her advances. Her clingy personality, which I found objectionable, seemed to spiral out of control and left her heartbroken once more when Henley revealed to her that he was unfit to have an intimate relationship.Henley makes the call to get intervention for his trauma after realizing that he will lose the woman who, for the first time in his life, gave him feelings and thoughts. You can sense his battle as well as his resolve to mend his relationship with Juliet as well as himself. Luckily, Juliet's compassion, understanding, and tolerance helped him recognize the concept of love and taught him its characteristics and emotions. I enjoyed those specific scenes in this book. Henley eventually realized that not only are love and happiness incredibly fulfilling, but their light also outshines everything and everything else after losing another important person in his life. The pivotal juncture that made him acknowledge his future with Juliet. Of course, in the end, they both get their happily ever after.
Swan consistently develops flawed characters, as is customary. Even though I've read books with a similar plot before, Swan adds a touch that allows you to relate to the characters and feel a little bit of their emotions. Henley's battle to improve himself and his relationship with Juliet made me feel that way. Their relationship really got off to a toxic start, but after finding out about Henley's difficulties, it eventually blossomed. His recovery was greatly aided by Juliet, and I am in awe of her unending tolerance for Henley's erratic behaviour. I smiled mostly at her determination to fight for their relationship, and my love for her character grew. Not to be overlooked are the supporting roles that the other Kingston Lane residents performed. Henley's best friends, Antony and Blake, cheered us up with their hilarious banter and proved their loyalty and value of friendship. Taryn, with her flirtatious behaviour and carefree demeanour. Naturally, there will always be that one local character that all the women despise. Some people may perceive The Navy House as a whorehouse to some readers, but in my opinion, it's just a ruse to pique our interest in learning more about what happens to those SEAL personnel when they're not on duty. One more tale set aside for the series' next book. Rebecca is Juliet's friend whose life is about to change because of her husband's adultery and whoa! Blake and her? In the series, that is something to anticipate. A couple with diverse viewpoints on relationships.; Carol is the mother hen; and Winston is the elderly man who shows that he still has it down pat despite his refined years. Not to be forgotten is Juliet's closest friend, Chloe, the adopted non-resident. I adore her gregariousness and shrewdness.
I have really enjoyed this book, even though there have been a few parts where I wasn't entirely happy with the writing. It was a great first novel to kick off the series and it was funny and seductive. With the next book, I'm hoping Blake doesn't let me down too much. Rebecca is such a sweetheart, but I have a sneaking suspicion that his playboy attitude will ruin their friendship. Ugh! Typical Dr. Grayson.
slow-paced