A review by admya
Captivating by Bella Matthews

5.0

💔 Second Chance Romance 
 🛡️ Bodyguard Romance 
 🎭 Fake Dating 
 🔥 Forced Proximity 
 🏆 MMA Fighter Hero 
 📸 Celebrity Heroine 
 💞 Protective & Possessive Hero 
 🌪️ Angsty & Emotional 
 🚨 Stalker & Suspense 
 💃 Strong-Willed Heroine 
 ⚡ Off-the-Charts Chemistry 
 💍 Slow Burn to HEA 

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Bella Matthews delivers a sizzling, tension-filled romance in Captivating, the fourth book in the Red Lips & White Lies series. This story brings together a second-chance romance wrapped in forced proximity, fake dating, and high-stakes danger. 

Killian St. James was the love of her past, but now he’s the man she can’t seem to escape. Once America’s sweetheart, she built a brand on fairy tales and love songs, but her personal life is far from a happily ever after. Burned out and needing a break, she returns to her hometown, searching for peace. Instead, she finds a stalker, relentless paparazzi, and a family determined to keep her safe—even if that means forcing her into close quarters with Killian. 

Now an MMA champion with a brooding presence and a protective streak, Killian steps in as her bodyguard, posing as her fake boyfriend. The problem? He’s as infuriating as he is irresistible. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and despite her resistance, the connection they once had still lingers beneath the surface. But trusting Killian again means risking more than just her heart—it means putting her life in his hands. 

This book is packed with emotional depth, sizzling tension, and just the right amount of angst. Killian is the perfect blend of strong, protective, and quietly confident, while the heroine’s struggle between independence and vulnerability makes her incredibly relatable. Their push-and-pull dynamic, combined with the suspense of a lurking threat, keeps the pages turning. 

Captivating is a perfect mix of romance, suspense, and second chances. Bella Matthews weaves a story full of passion, longing, and the undeniable power of first love finding its way back. A must-read for fans of bodyguard romance, fake dating, and fiercely protective heroes.