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Working undercover has its advantages…especially when Ryan Manning encounters one of the most beautiful women he's ever seen. The investigative reporter took to the streets of Beverly Hills to expose the plight of the homeless. Now he's installed in Sage Alexander's fabulous luxury resort and spa…being given the royal five-star treatment by the hotel heiress herself!Something about the tall, handsome stranger in rugged clothing touches Sage's heart—until she discovers who he really is. Stung by his deception, Sage vows to keep her distance from Ryan. But it's too late, she can't control her feelings—or her passion—for the courageous journalist. Ryan's masquerade is over, but is their love affair just beginning?

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 24, 2012

6 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Jacquelin Thomas

122 books404 followers
Jacquelin Thomas is an award-winning, best selling author with 94 titles published. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Magazine.

Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.

Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.

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5 stars
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29 (29%)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Angela Noviana.
464 reviews23 followers
July 19, 2012
“Every woman I know—no matter how successful and ambitious, how financially and emotionally securefeels panic, occasionally coupled with desperation, if she hits thirty and finds herself unmarried.”


That's what R. G. McCall wrote which Sage didn't approve. Yeah, I kinda didn't approve it too though I haven't reached 30 yet =)
But I like how Jacquelin Thomas (JT) built Sage's emotion towards Ryan aka R. G. McCall. Its pretty intense and sweet. Yeah, I know, almost all Harlequin's stories are as sweet as sugar. Hehehhehee..

What I like about this book are the characters, I could feel how they care each other. Love Sage's character which gave Meredith another chance though her brother's had hurt Sage's family. Also love JT's message on this book, never give up on love.

On the other hand, what I didn't like from this book is the twist which was too late to show up. I thought the problem will be occurred in the half of the book, yet it came up nearly in the end.

Overall, it's another quick reading again from Harlequin and I quite enjoyed it ^^
Profile Image for Kim.
740 reviews80 followers
August 1, 2012
I enjoyed this read a lot more than Five Star Attraction. The storyline was really good, and actually made me feel a lot of emotions while reading this book. Sage had such a good heart, and it really showed in her actions throughout this book. Ryan had good intentions, and although I knew it was coming, I was hoping that they wouldn't have a squabble and would be able to work their differences out. This is my third Jacquelin Thomas books, and I am noticing a pattern here that she writes sweet romances which is ok, so now I know what to expect from her work. I think she is the only author that I have read from Kimani that does not describe her love scenes at all, so if you are looking for a book with absolutely no sex these are the books for you. Each book that I have read from her have gotten progressively better, so I do think I will give her another shot. I am intrigued to see how this series progresses.
Profile Image for Renée Dahlia.
Author 74 books74 followers
January 25, 2018
This book has a branding issue. For a Mills & Boon "Sexy" it has no sex in it.

Apart from the impact of that expectation, the book is a good read that deals with the tricky topic of homelessness. Sometimes the heroine is pretty naive (and doesn't notice obvious things, like how the supposedly homeless hero has money all the time). Apart from that, it's a good read, and while it skirts around the darker sides of homelessness, it does a good job of showing easy it is to end up homeless. It's not all drug addicts. This book has high empathy.

No sex on the page, when that is promised by the brand, is the reason for knocking it down a peg.
Profile Image for Ranie.
894 reviews18 followers
October 20, 2020
This was such a powerful, moving, and a truly wonderful love story that will affect everyone, who has ever seen a homeless person. It will forever change your perceptive about them and their situation!

I understand Ryan Manning choice to hide his identity while writing an article about homeless people and why he decided not to reveal his true intentions to Sage Alexander. Sage is genuinely kind and compassion person, who respect everyone, regardless of their financial status.

I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I love each characters, individually and as a whole family. They all contribute something special to each story.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,213 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2024
Wonderful storyline!

Even better writing✍🏾! The author did an excellent and informative exposé on homelessness! The story highlights homeless people in a light that supports their needs other than a dollar tossed at them. The perception that they r drug users, drunks or other negative effects. Combined with a romance and a lesson on forgiveness.
343 reviews
October 20, 2012
Five Star Temptation by Jacquelin Thomas
Five Star Temptation for me desires a standing ovation! This sweet, romantic story by a dynamic, prolific author, Jacquelin Thomas is a feel good read that is needed and enjoyable in our hectic world. Ms. Thomas captures the beauty and tenderness of unconditional, unselfish love between a closely knit family and two unlikely individuals. The story touches a reader on all levels: mind, body and soul. Ms. Thomas gives birth to a host of rich personalities, who are generous, kind-spirited, intelligent characters. Five Star Temptation reminded me of great dream you wish would not end. Ms. Thomas talents consumes the reader and takes them through a wonderful environment that speaks volumes about caring for each other without being judgmental. Five Star Temptation delves pass what is visible but what lies deeply beneath the surface.
Sage is a brilliant, sensitive woman from a hard working, wealthy family whose belief system is to reach back and help people who need a second chance after fallen on extremely complex situations often leading to losing jobs, homes, family. 
Sage is an alluring, thirty something, professional woman who often thinks that she will never find the special man who is as passionate about the precarious situations of people and who is truly capable of giving and receiving unselfish loving commitment.

Ryan is a handsome, intelligent, investigating reporter who has quite a reputation for shining the light on troublesome issues most people prefer to ignore...homelessness, injustices, etc.

Sage and Ryan meet as a result of Sage's intuition which leads to a strange array of events and circumstances taking the reader on an emotional ride.
The settings, characters, storyline and resolution are well defined with the connectivity readers are drawn to and absorbs them throughout the narrative. As I read Five Star Temptation  I was totally consumed by the realism of the dialogue, characters traits and the well timed turn of events I felt as though I was a secondary character. This speaks to Ms. Thomas' inventive, smooth writing style.
Ms. Thomas' Five Star Temptation is in my opinion a five star romantic novel with a gentleness , feel good elements touching the entire parts of a reader and one I will remember and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,815 reviews7 followers
July 26, 2012
This book tell the story of kindred spirit in Sage has make her helping the homeless Ryan by giving him sheltered and job to work without realising that Ryan is actually an undercover reporter and that he is also the column writer that Sage has absolutely hate. What started of as a friendship, it quickly developed into a deeper relationship and soon both of them falled in love deeply with each other. But Ryan still keeping the actual and crucial fact from Sage, that he is not what Sage thought he is.

Although Sage is from a wealthy family. she is a very humble person and her compassion for the homeless has make her wanting to help them very much. I guess the only thing that Ryan did wrong was hiding the fact away from Sage and leaving far too long to reveal them to Sage. It was rather disheartening to see them being separated and miserable without each other.

I enjoyed reading this book very much and with such a lovable couple, it really make the day for me ;)
Profile Image for Tracy.
281 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2012
I liked this book. The fact that Ryan was out there trying to do an article about homelessness intrigued me. The fact that Sage connected with him right away, even though he did look like a homeless person made me appreciate her. She Gave Ryan, the suposed homeless man a chance a better life. To me this says that Sage has a really good heart and is a very likable person. But the fact that these two slowly fall for each other really complicates Ryan's whole unhonesty with Sage. The way these two interact is a very enjoyable story, they both really are good people and it shows through out the story. This is a quick and enjoyable read.

Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Carol.
62 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2017
Sister Sage's story

Romance, family drama, African-American history, and social responsibility
intermixed for a wonderful story. Can't wait to read the next Alexander Family Saga book!
Profile Image for CoopTopia.
3 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2016
Great read

I really enjoyed this book. There were a few chapters that were dry... Lacking really. Overall it is a good read. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
713 reviews43 followers
September 23, 2012
I love when an author incorporates the story of the homeless and keeps us guessing...great book
Profile Image for Tanya Mayes.
710 reviews23 followers
March 24, 2013
Really enjoyed read. One act of kindness can lead to love. I love strong black families who are there for you no matter what.
Profile Image for Sherry.
130 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2015
I am loving this series so far. I cannot wait to read the other books.
770 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2015
Loyalty

The book was good but it did jump around a bit. The Alexander's are a great family that believes in loyalty.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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