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Mathews Sisters #1
Her Favorite Temptation
Two people facing crossroads in their lives discover friendship and love in this touching novella by fan favorite Harlequin Superromance author Sarah Mayberry.
Leah Mathews has always been the good sister, the favored one who could do no wrong. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she's ready to step out of her parents' shadow and make changes in her life. Shes even more inspired by the sexy musician who moves in next door and his seize-the-day attitude. And tempted to take comfort in his arms...
Will Jones is facing the prospect of losing the career he loves--and possibly his life--to a sudden illness. When he meets Leah, he feels a powerful connection to her, and flirting with a smart, beautiful woman seems like the perfect way to spend the weeks before his risky operation.
But as their relationship heats up, Leah still doesn't know the truth about Will's situation. Will their bond be strong enough to face the challenges yet to come?
Read about Leah's sister in Sarah Mayberry's next contemporary romance from Harlequin Superromance, Her Favorite Rival.
Leah Mathews has always been the good sister, the favored one who could do no wrong. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she's ready to step out of her parents' shadow and make changes in her life. Shes even more inspired by the sexy musician who moves in next door and his seize-the-day attitude. And tempted to take comfort in his arms...
Will Jones is facing the prospect of losing the career he loves--and possibly his life--to a sudden illness. When he meets Leah, he feels a powerful connection to her, and flirting with a smart, beautiful woman seems like the perfect way to spend the weeks before his risky operation.
But as their relationship heats up, Leah still doesn't know the truth about Will's situation. Will their bond be strong enough to face the challenges yet to come?
Read about Leah's sister in Sarah Mayberry's next contemporary romance from Harlequin Superromance, Her Favorite Rival.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2013
76 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mayberry
159 books1,149 followersSarah Mayberry was born in Melbourne, Australia, and is the middle of three children. From the time that she first “stole” paper from kindergarten and stapled it together to make “books,” Sarah has always wanted to be a writer. In line with this ambition, on graduation from high school she completed a bachelor of arts degree majoring in professional writing, then sat down to write a book. When inspiration didn’t strike, she began to wonder if, perhaps, she needed to live some life first before writing about it.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
August 12, 2013
Probably bumping this up a little, but this was really great. Sarah Mayberry is so great at capturing life's hardships beyond the obvious traumas. Parents are hard. Sibling relationships are hard. I've been thinking a lot lately about New Adult books and how so many of them are centered around the Big Tragedy that Changed the Protagonist's Life Forever. And, the thing is, that can be really alienating. I haven't that big thing happen to me, but I'm a little screwed up anyway. And when you parade all these characters in front of me who are screwed up because of this huge bad thing, then it starts to feel like those are the only good reasons to be screwed up. To not be great at making friends and have a non-existent love life. To be sad, even.
And, intellectually, I know that's not true. But fiction is important and I think it's important to show the other aspects of life that can take a toll on you. And Sarah Mayberry gets that. (Gets, too, that these things aren't always fixable.)
The other big reason I liked this was it felt like such an achievable romance. Romances don't always. And that's okay, but there's something wonderful about looking at a fictional relationship and thinking, "Yeah. Maybe I could have a relationship like that one day."
PS: This novella is free for Kindle and Nook right now.
And, intellectually, I know that's not true. But fiction is important and I think it's important to show the other aspects of life that can take a toll on you. And Sarah Mayberry gets that. (Gets, too, that these things aren't always fixable.)
The other big reason I liked this was it felt like such an achievable romance. Romances don't always. And that's okay, but there's something wonderful about looking at a fictional relationship and thinking, "Yeah. Maybe I could have a relationship like that one day."
PS: This novella is free for Kindle and Nook right now.
December 13, 2016
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this; I've missed Sarah Mayberry's writing. Even the books by her I haven't loved, I've still always liked a lot. It seems like she can't go wrong for me with her stories (or maybe I've just been lucky with the books I've picked up to now).
I can be fussy where "celebrity" romances are concerned, although compared to some other book using this trope, I don't know if I'd call it that, exactly. Will is a musician whose career has recently taken off and has even won a couple of Grammy's. Leah is a surgeon who's been - understandably - living mostly for the job and thus has no idea of pop culture. I liked that she had no idea who Will was, and that it was that fact that Will initially found so refreshing. In spite of him being a famous musician, their attraction and romance never felt anything but real, which is hard to pull off. I found their relationship believable, which is not something I'm used to in contemporary romances, let alone one that features a semi-celebrity.
Plus, I thought Leah's family dynamics were really well-done, too. Seeing her coming to terms with how her parents had been treating her sister all these years, and her setting out to forge a bond with Audrey resonated with me.
So glad I finally read this!
I really enjoyed this; I've missed Sarah Mayberry's writing. Even the books by her I haven't loved, I've still always liked a lot. It seems like she can't go wrong for me with her stories (or maybe I've just been lucky with the books I've picked up to now).
I can be fussy where "celebrity" romances are concerned, although compared to some other book using this trope, I don't know if I'd call it that, exactly. Will is a musician whose career has recently taken off and has even won a couple of Grammy's. Leah is a surgeon who's been - understandably - living mostly for the job and thus has no idea of pop culture. I liked that she had no idea who Will was, and that it was that fact that Will initially found so refreshing. In spite of him being a famous musician, their attraction and romance never felt anything but real, which is hard to pull off. I found their relationship believable, which is not something I'm used to in contemporary romances, let alone one that features a semi-celebrity.
Plus, I thought Leah's family dynamics were really well-done, too. Seeing her coming to terms with how her parents had been treating her sister all these years, and her setting out to forge a bond with Audrey resonated with me.
So glad I finally read this!
August 9, 2013
Lovely super-sized novella. As always I wish this was a full sized novel (even though it's almost as long as regular category romance). Leah and Will deserved more time and story. I liked them both a great deal. Even though, in the beginning, there were quite a few similarities to The Other Side of Us, they quickly delineated themselves as different characters. I loved the foundation of friendship they were building before it became more. Their conversations and dialogue were fun to read. And their chemistry was plain to see. Will got to be a little frustrating with his choices and thoughts regarding his . . . problem. It was somewhat understandable, but frustrating nonetheless. I would also have liked to have had some more time with Leah and Audrey since that is the primary connection this novella has as a prequel to Her Favorite Rival.
Even though there is way too many uses of *that* euphemism, this is another great contemporary romance from Sarah Mayberry. It's free this month (August 2013), which makes it a total steal.
Even though there is way too many uses of *that* euphemism, this is another great contemporary romance from Sarah Mayberry. It's free this month (August 2013), which makes it a total steal.
November 19, 2015
What a well written book! An extremely sweet and moving love story.
I definitely need to read more Sarah Mayberry books!
I definitely need to read more Sarah Mayberry books!
November 2, 2017
Sweet. Characters are good people. The situation is a little too convenient.
November 13, 2017
This was a great romantic read. I loved the MCs and their struggles felt emotional and real. I loved them together! Sarah Mayberry is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
August 24, 2013
My first Sarah Mayberry - super cute and enjoyable:) Will and Leah were a great couple and I liked both of them from the start. Some of my very favorite elements are in this story: friends to lovers and sisters. Having a sister who you are close to and love is a blessing through life. It was touching reading how they were able to come to terms with their parents/childhood and also move forward in a progressive way.
Will...what can I say? Perfection. Love this guy. Kind of reminded me of an Australian Adam Levine...sigh. Totally understood why he kept his secret for as long as he did and thought he did a great job fessing up when he did. So this was sweet and steamy but it took quite a while to get there, which was okay with me. The other issues going on in the book were heavy so it bounced back and forth between Will and Leah and Leah and her parents and sister, Audrey.
So I will definitely be reading the next book, which is Audrey's story, yeah! This was a perfect summertime read.
Also, this is the first time I've read a book where the main character has my name. I'm a Leah too.
Will...what can I say? Perfection. Love this guy. Kind of reminded me of an Australian Adam Levine...sigh. Totally understood why he kept his secret for as long as he did and thought he did a great job fessing up when he did. So this was sweet and steamy but it took quite a while to get there, which was okay with me. The other issues going on in the book were heavy so it bounced back and forth between Will and Leah and Leah and her parents and sister, Audrey.
So I will definitely be reading the next book, which is Audrey's story, yeah! This was a perfect summertime read.
Also, this is the first time I've read a book where the main character has my name. I'm a Leah too.
April 4, 2014
This was a really good read (I've never read Sarah Mayberry before). Set in Australia, he is 1/2 of a world famous rock group. She's a medical doctor, unhappy with her surgery career and wanting to change to another medical field, to the extreme consternation of her mother. Doctor and rocker live in adjoining apartments. Doctor is very career minded and has no idea who rocker is.
Turns out rocker has moved next door to doctor (in Melbourne) because he has a brain tumor and needs surgery at Melbourne hospital. He is paralyzed with fear that he'll either die in surgery or something terrible physically will happen from the surgery. He doesn't tell neighbor doctor what's going on but rocker wants one last glorious night in case he's never able to have another one so the doctor and rocker "get it on" and, of course, fall in love.
There is a complication from surgery that might mean the rocker can never play guitar again so our good doctor goes to work to find something to help.
As I said, I really enjoyed this story. Angst was kept to a minimum. The story just moved right along to a wonderful conclusion.
Turns out rocker has moved next door to doctor (in Melbourne) because he has a brain tumor and needs surgery at Melbourne hospital. He is paralyzed with fear that he'll either die in surgery or something terrible physically will happen from the surgery. He doesn't tell neighbor doctor what's going on but rocker wants one last glorious night in case he's never able to have another one so the doctor and rocker "get it on" and, of course, fall in love.
There is a complication from surgery that might mean the rocker can never play guitar again so our good doctor goes to work to find something to help.
As I said, I really enjoyed this story. Angst was kept to a minimum. The story just moved right along to a wonderful conclusion.
December 16, 2014
Another solid hit from Sarah Mayberry, even though the book was shorter than what I usually prefer.
It was a very sweet romance, definitely taking place today and at the same time, almost slightly old-fashioned in the small place taken by sex over the pages. Not that the characters do not desire each other, but circumstances prevent them from indulging and they built a relationship based on much more and deeper feelings.
I liked the ease with which what could have been a major conflict and issue between both characters, ie. Will hiding his condition and need for major surgery from Leah, was easily solved. I really enjoyed reading how each of those two characters brought something to the other and helped him/her grow into someone better, more at ease and happy.
I also really enjoyed discovering how Leah tried to progressively improve her non-relationship with her sister.
Even though Will and Leah met under duress, I had no doubt they would end up happy ever after and would manage to overcome any difficulty coming their way.
It was a very sweet romance, definitely taking place today and at the same time, almost slightly old-fashioned in the small place taken by sex over the pages. Not that the characters do not desire each other, but circumstances prevent them from indulging and they built a relationship based on much more and deeper feelings.
I liked the ease with which what could have been a major conflict and issue between both characters, ie. Will hiding his condition and need for major surgery from Leah, was easily solved. I really enjoyed reading how each of those two characters brought something to the other and helped him/her grow into someone better, more at ease and happy.
I also really enjoyed discovering how Leah tried to progressively improve her non-relationship with her sister.
Even though Will and Leah met under duress, I had no doubt they would end up happy ever after and would manage to overcome any difficulty coming their way.
August 19, 2013
This was my third Sarah Mayberry book and loved it.
Lovable characters , a good plot and enough drama and sexy moments to make it a good romance book.
P.S.At one point I was thinking that the character were talking like normal people and then I remembered that this was an Australian author , of course I'd think the dialogues are normal!
Lovable characters , a good plot and enough drama and sexy moments to make it a good romance book.
P.S.At one point I was thinking that the character were talking like normal people and then I remembered that this was an Australian author , of course I'd think the dialogues are normal!
August 17, 2013
GOOD. GOOD. GOOD. All of it -the relationships between parents and children, the relationships between siblings, the relationship between two different individuals, etc was fantastic. THIS IS HOW YOU DO A PROPER NOVELLA.
Cannot wait to read Audrey's story now.
Cannot wait to read Audrey's story now.
August 3, 2022
Sarah Mayberry writes such enjoyable contemporary romances! I’m a sucker for neighbors-to-lovers and I got an extra big kick out of Leah and Will’s balcony meeting. The first half was particularly strong as they develop a friendship of sorts and resist acting on their attraction for different, valid reasons, particularly given Will’s upcoming surgery and reticence to tell Leah about his diagnosis. Some of the medical aspects didn’t fully line up for me, although this could just come down to differences in Australian healthcare. The second half felt more uneven, completely forgetting about Leah’s tensions with her parents and the couple rushing toward declarations of love. I believed in their connection and that they really liked each other. It was harder to buy that they were already in love when it’s coming on the heels of Will’s surgery and Leah offering to provide specialized physical therapy. That’s a whole lot of heightened emotion and blurred lines! Will has a lot of internalized ableism to work through too. But they really did seem look a good fit for one another so I’m sure they’ll be fine in the long run.
I’m glad that I read Leah’s sister’s book first before coming back to this one. I’m not the Golden Child in my family so I really related to Audrey and wasn’t sure how Leah’s book would land with me. I was glad she was starting to recognize how complicit she was in the family’s dynamic but I wish she’d done more to push back against her parents and confront them. Or just cut them off all together. They were pretty much the worst.
Characters: Leah is a 29 year old white doctor switching from cardiothoracic surgeon to clinical immunology. Will is a 31 year old white musician. This is set in Prahran and Melbourne, Australia.
Content notes: MMC has brain tumor (causes aphasia, headaches, and occasional numbness in right hand and foot, ), brain surgery , internalized ableism, toxic parents, medical privacy violation (someone at hospital leaked to the press), flu, vomit (sick), diet culture, unsafe sex practices (condomless sex without discussion of pregnancy or STD/STI prevention), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, use of “slave over a hot stove”, reference to FMC’s sister running away with her boyfriend when she was 16 and returning 18 months later, reference to FMC’s mother having a hysterectomy last year
I’m glad that I read Leah’s sister’s book first before coming back to this one. I’m not the Golden Child in my family so I really related to Audrey and wasn’t sure how Leah’s book would land with me. I was glad she was starting to recognize how complicit she was in the family’s dynamic but I wish she’d done more to push back against her parents and confront them. Or just cut them off all together. They were pretty much the worst.
Characters: Leah is a 29 year old white doctor switching from cardiothoracic surgeon to clinical immunology. Will is a 31 year old white musician. This is set in Prahran and Melbourne, Australia.
Content notes: MMC has brain tumor (causes aphasia, headaches, and occasional numbness in right hand and foot, ), brain surgery , internalized ableism, toxic parents, medical privacy violation (someone at hospital leaked to the press), flu, vomit (sick), diet culture, unsafe sex practices (condomless sex without discussion of pregnancy or STD/STI prevention), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, use of “slave over a hot stove”, reference to FMC’s sister running away with her boyfriend when she was 16 and returning 18 months later, reference to FMC’s mother having a hysterectomy last year
May 28, 2018
Jarang juga heroin-nya adalah anak kesayangan orang tua, anak yang dibedakan dalam hal kasih sayang dan perhatian, tetapi imbasnya Leah mesti mengikuti ambisi ibunya yang tidak disukainya yaitu menjadi dokter bedah. Ditambah hubungannya dengan Audrey, kakaknya menjadi kaku dan dingin akibat perlakuan beda orang tuanya. Sedangkan Will pindah ke apartemen di sebelah Leah supaya lebih dekat dengan RS setelah didiagnosa tumor otak. Will ini musisi terkenal tetapi karena Leah seorang dokter jadi agak-agak kudet sehingga tidak mengenali Will. Tetapi hal ini yang membuat Will suka bertetangga dan berteman dengan Leah, walaupun akhirnya kebongkar juga keselebritasan Will. Sampai Will operasi pun, Leah baru mengetahuinya itupun setelah Leah menerima surat dari Will. Untungnya ini bukan karya Nicholas Sparks, jadi Will-nya baik-baik saja.
3,5🌟
3,5🌟
May 13, 2018
Leah adalah dokter yg dibanggakan oleh orangtuanya, tetapi menyebabkan dirinya risih krn pilih kasih orangtuanya ini terhadap kakaknya.
Ruwet dgn pikirannya, Leah berkenalan dgn tetangganya, Will, yg awalnya tidak mengaku dirinya seorang gitaris kondang. Will mjd teman curhat terbaik Leah. Hingga Will didiagnosa tumor otak. Sesudah operasi yg sukses, terdapat efek samping yg tidak menyenangkan, salah satu tangan Will tidak berfungsi. Will berusaha menjauh dari Leah, tetapi wanita ini terus mendekati bahkan merawat Will.
Novel ini nyaris bikin saya ngantuk krn nyaris gak ada konflik sama sekali. Belum lagi istilah² kedokterannya. Chemistry mereka wajar tapi kurang greget. Hanya kekeluargaan dari pihak Will sedikit menceriakan suasana. Itu saja mnrt saya.
Ruwet dgn pikirannya, Leah berkenalan dgn tetangganya, Will, yg awalnya tidak mengaku dirinya seorang gitaris kondang. Will mjd teman curhat terbaik Leah. Hingga Will didiagnosa tumor otak. Sesudah operasi yg sukses, terdapat efek samping yg tidak menyenangkan, salah satu tangan Will tidak berfungsi. Will berusaha menjauh dari Leah, tetapi wanita ini terus mendekati bahkan merawat Will.
Novel ini nyaris bikin saya ngantuk krn nyaris gak ada konflik sama sekali. Belum lagi istilah² kedokterannya. Chemistry mereka wajar tapi kurang greget. Hanya kekeluargaan dari pihak Will sedikit menceriakan suasana. Itu saja mnrt saya.
July 25, 2019
Such a lovely feel good story. I loved that there was no huge horrible thing near the end that often happens in these. I liked that the characters actually discussed stuff like adults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2020
These soft swoony babies! <3 MY HEART!
August 22, 2022
This was fine! I really like Sarah Mayberry's heroines and how sensible they are, but I felt the story was a bit underdeveloped and I didn't really buy why the protagonists fell in love with each other, or what the turning point was when friendship became romantic. We got the external signifier (physical attraction), but I think Sarah Mayberry could've connected the dots a little better.
August 31, 2022
https://celebrityreaders.com/2022/08/...
4 stars — Man, I needed this. I can always count on Ms. Mayberry for just a solid romance, but without any of the usual clichés. I think the only reason I hadn’t bumped up to 4.5 is because there was the almost cliché of them both being in love but not believing the other felt the same…BUT it kind of fit for what they were going through, so I’m waffling a bit.
I also wasn’t a fan of Will’s pride at times. At other times he was awesomely sensitive, kind, observant. And his sense of humour was fantastic — I loved his flirting with Leah and trying to bring her out of her shell. But there were other moments, related to his health issues, where his attitude frustrated me a bit. It had teeny tiny hints of toxic masculinity, without being full on toxic. I was relieved to see him work through some of that, both on his own, and with the steadfast love of Leah to give him strength.
Leah was pretty easy to connect with and love for me. It was interesting to meet her when she’s just made this huge life altering decision, and watch her struggle with the disappointment from her parents. I loved seeing her come into her own and develop her bravery, with the help of encouragement from Will. You could really see how they complemented one another. She was sweet, smart, intuitive, compassionate…and Will brought out her awesome wit.
They were fantastic together. There were all those beginning crush butterfly feelings, the friends first vibe, the one super hot night…and then the move towards more. I was there for all of it.
I loved Will’s family, they were solid…we didn’t see a lot of them, but what we did I enjoyed. Leah’s family was…rough. I wish we’d gotten more on screen time of Leah and Audrey’s reconnection, but I guess this just makes me want to read Audrey’s story more, so success?
All in all, this was exactly what I’m always looking for, and consistently get from Ms. Mayberry. I love that she’s so reliable, but never formulaic.
4 stars — Man, I needed this. I can always count on Ms. Mayberry for just a solid romance, but without any of the usual clichés. I think the only reason I hadn’t bumped up to 4.5 is because there was the almost cliché of them both being in love but not believing the other felt the same…BUT it kind of fit for what they were going through, so I’m waffling a bit.
I also wasn’t a fan of Will’s pride at times. At other times he was awesomely sensitive, kind, observant. And his sense of humour was fantastic — I loved his flirting with Leah and trying to bring her out of her shell. But there were other moments, related to his health issues, where his attitude frustrated me a bit. It had teeny tiny hints of toxic masculinity, without being full on toxic. I was relieved to see him work through some of that, both on his own, and with the steadfast love of Leah to give him strength.
Leah was pretty easy to connect with and love for me. It was interesting to meet her when she’s just made this huge life altering decision, and watch her struggle with the disappointment from her parents. I loved seeing her come into her own and develop her bravery, with the help of encouragement from Will. You could really see how they complemented one another. She was sweet, smart, intuitive, compassionate…and Will brought out her awesome wit.
They were fantastic together. There were all those beginning crush butterfly feelings, the friends first vibe, the one super hot night…and then the move towards more. I was there for all of it.
I loved Will’s family, they were solid…we didn’t see a lot of them, but what we did I enjoyed. Leah’s family was…rough. I wish we’d gotten more on screen time of Leah and Audrey’s reconnection, but I guess this just makes me want to read Audrey’s story more, so success?
All in all, this was exactly what I’m always looking for, and consistently get from Ms. Mayberry. I love that she’s so reliable, but never formulaic.
March 16, 2014
Sarah Mayberry knows her CR! I've been reading more and more Sarah Mayberry and I have to tell you that I really enjoy her stuff. I was looking for a sweet CR to change the pace of some of the darker stuff I had been reading recently and I knew exactly where to turn. Sarah Mayberry is my go to author in those types of situations and HER FAVORITE TEMPTATION definitely didn't disappoint.
I really loved both Leah and Will and understood where they both were coming from. I got a little annoyed that Will wouldn't share his secret with Leah knowing that she would understand him. I didn't once think that she would pity him, and it frustrated me that he wouldn't open up there.
But, it all worked out in the end. I thought the ending was realistic and was so happy to see that Will didn't miraculously get cured at the end. That would have really been disappointing.
I will continue to read Sarah Mayberry. I love her voice. I know that when I'm looking for a feel good kind of book, she's not going to let me down!
I really loved both Leah and Will and understood where they both were coming from. I got a little annoyed that Will wouldn't share his secret with Leah knowing that she would understand him. I didn't once think that she would pity him, and it frustrated me that he wouldn't open up there.
But, it all worked out in the end. I thought the ending was realistic and was so happy to see that Will didn't miraculously get cured at the end. That would have really been disappointing.
I will continue to read Sarah Mayberry. I love her voice. I know that when I'm looking for a feel good kind of book, she's not going to let me down!
August 24, 2013
Sarah Mayberry is one of those authors I always seem to enjoy but never really seek out. Her Favorite Temptation is probably the story that bumps her into "must have" category, and I can't put a finger on any one reason why that's the case.
Leah is a cardiothoracic surgeon who is about to switch to a different field of medicine because she's never really had a passion for her current field. She's been living life to please her parents, and she's lost herself in the process. She meets her temporary neighbor Will, and she finds herself sharing more with him than she has with anyone else even though she's so attracted to him that she doesn't really know how to handle it. Will is dealing with his own vulnerabilities, and I enjoyed very much how believably they become safe havens for each other.
What didn't work for me so well? I simply wanted more. I wanted to see how they worked together as a couple once the immediate crisis was over. I got a taste of that in the epilogue, and it was lovely, but I wasn't ready to say bye to Leah and Will. I'm hoping they'll pop up for a bit in Leah's sister's story.
Leah is a cardiothoracic surgeon who is about to switch to a different field of medicine because she's never really had a passion for her current field. She's been living life to please her parents, and she's lost herself in the process. She meets her temporary neighbor Will, and she finds herself sharing more with him than she has with anyone else even though she's so attracted to him that she doesn't really know how to handle it. Will is dealing with his own vulnerabilities, and I enjoyed very much how believably they become safe havens for each other.
What didn't work for me so well? I simply wanted more. I wanted to see how they worked together as a couple once the immediate crisis was over. I got a taste of that in the epilogue, and it was lovely, but I wasn't ready to say bye to Leah and Will. I'm hoping they'll pop up for a bit in Leah's sister's story.
August 30, 2013
This book had a very strong first half and a super cute, socially-awkward heroine. It falls apart a bit during the second half, but it's still a strong book. This one was more entertaining than the companion full-length novel, Her Favorite Rivalwhich I found compelling but somewhat dull and nowhere near as strong as The Other Side of Us, a book that has some similarities. I'll be reviewing HFR next month (if my blogging mojo comes back).
Both are solid reads, but Ms. Mayberry can do much better.
Both are solid reads, but Ms. Mayberry can do much better.
August 2, 2013
I kept wondering how the author was going to give me all I needed to find the HEA believable, but Ms. Mayberry did it again. Writing in a short format she excels at exploring difficult subjects without skimping over any detail. This story of two people at crossroads who find each other in spite of their circumstances was emotionally satisfying and a pleasure to read.
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August 12, 2013The perfect book to curl up with, safe in the knowledge you'll get a wonderfully warm read with a guaranteed HEA.
Will and Leah were great together.
Famous musician heroes are usually very alpha, and having a lovely beta hero was surprisingly refreshing.
Thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to reading Her Favourite Rival, Leah's sister Audrey's story.
Will and Leah were great together.
Famous musician heroes are usually very alpha, and having a lovely beta hero was surprisingly refreshing.
Thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to reading Her Favourite Rival, Leah's sister Audrey's story.
August 12, 2013
4.5
I really really enjoyed this.
Like this author was super great at getting all the nasty nuances that can come with family and expectations that parents place on you at times (in the worst ways) and the sibling narrative, I CANNOT EVEN DESCRIBE HOW GOOD, EVEN IF PAINFUL.
Plus the romance was great as well, and well done.
I really really enjoyed this.
Like this author was super great at getting all the nasty nuances that can come with family and expectations that parents place on you at times (in the worst ways) and the sibling narrative, I CANNOT EVEN DESCRIBE HOW GOOD, EVEN IF PAINFUL.
Plus the romance was great as well, and well done.
October 3, 2024
Sarah Mayberry strikes again in the best possible way. She is so good at writing believable characters, romances and hardships. She captured so many complicated dynamics so well and never at any point did I find myself not being completely immersed in Leah and Will's lives. Plus the romance was super hot.
I can't wait to read Audrey's story next!
I can't wait to read Audrey's story next!
September 24, 2013
This was more of a novella size book but as with just about all the other books by Sarah Mayberry, I really enjoyed it. The romance between Leah and Will is very sweet and tender. I read it awhile ago before I started back tracking books on Good Reads but unlike so many other books I've read, I do remember this one.
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August 19, 2017My first Mills and Boon.
Sadly, 10 pages in and I'm about ready to ditch this due to unengaging voice and style. It's like it's a summary of a novel given by a corporate motivational speaker. 'Her boss, Professor Ian Stenlake, was an excellent, inspiring surgeon, and she'd learned a great deal working under him.'
Sadly, 10 pages in and I'm about ready to ditch this due to unengaging voice and style. It's like it's a summary of a novel given by a corporate motivational speaker. 'Her boss, Professor Ian Stenlake, was an excellent, inspiring surgeon, and she'd learned a great deal working under him.'
August 4, 2013
I've mentioned many times my love of everything Sarah Mayberry has written and this book was no exception. She has a unique way of taking real life issues and weaving them into heart-wrenching stories that weave their way into your heart. Love her!!
August 11, 2013
More like 4.5 stars. I was really into this, definitely one of my favorites by Mayberry so far. I'm very excited for Audrey's story too.
FWIW, this was still free on Amazon as of yesterday and I would recommend. I should also thank Katie for recommending this to me!
FWIW, this was still free on Amazon as of yesterday and I would recommend. I should also thank Katie for recommending this to me!
December 29, 2014
4.5 stars! I really, really enjoyed this one! The romance in it was clearly fantastic and the pace of it was perfect. Though even beyond the romance, the dynamics between Will and his family, as well as between Leah and Audrey, were great! Can't wait for Audrey's book.
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