Weekend Temptation: Enemies to friends to lovers steamy romance

by Michele Wright

Is love worth the risk?

Rachel Knott is climbing the corporate ladder and has no time or inclination for romance — even rugged good looks and icy blue eyes can’t sway her. A man is the last thing she needs in her life, especially with a longtime awaited promotion on the horizon. She’s worked hard to get to this point and she cannot afford to lose her focus now.

Rachael has been burned in relationships before, but really who hasn’t? Even though she’s determined to stay the course, the more they work together their passion grows and suddenly she’s tempted to give love another chance…

Ben Cartwright is the CEO of the James Hotel, a high-end luxury establishment he inherited. In need of a social media guru, he hires the best which happens to be the company Rachel works for.

Though their vision is in sync the two are challenged getting everyone else on board, and beneath it all is a desire neither can deny. The stakes are high, the sexual tension combustible, and the chance of a happily-ever-after is in sight.

Will they go with their hearts and give love a chance?

254 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2023

Reviews

[Ann Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. I cheered for Rachel and Ben. I’m not a romance reader, but I couldn’t stop reading this book. The emotional ups and downs, the undeniable tension between Rachel and Ben and those awesome plot twists made this a fun and gripping read. Now, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

I loved Rachel. Her struggles with self-confidence in the beginning were totally relatable as were her desires to succeed in her job and, despite her reservations, to be drawn toward love. With a demanding boss nagging and pushing her, her mother’s disenchanted-with-love voice in her head, Rachel desperately struggles with needing to pitch a package to get a contract with a hotel and thus ensure herself a promotion, and the chemistry between herself and the part-owner, Ben.

And Ben doesn’t help Rachel tow the line either because his passion for her is undeniable. Time and again, he treads a fine line with his angst for her while juggling a demanding business partner, a former love and a problem which could tank the business. Yet Ben being so honest with himself about Rachel, his mother, his job, made him lovable.

The twists and turns kept me surprised, but the biggest surprise was how I stayed emotionally invested and now I am drawn to read more contemporary romance. But mostly, I want to read the rest of the series, to find out what happens to Rachel and her friends because Michele Wright has created a spell binding and compelling world.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow burn romance.

I enjoyed the main story as well as the secondary plot. The characters were relatable and well developed. Would recommend.

Rachel Knott works at a communications and social media company. She has been driving herself to get a promotion.

Ben Wright is a co-owner of the James Hotel.

Rachel and her girlfriends met for drinks at the patio bar of the James Hotel. She was there to get the vibe of the place so her company can pitch a proposal to the hotel owners. After her friends leave she and the bartender get to talking and spend the night together.

Three months later the hotel owners ask for Rachel to meet with them. Her first meeting is postponed to the next day so she goes out to the patio to research sites to visit in the area. Ben walks up and the begins to chat and then tells her his name. They end up spending the day foreseeing and later go to dinner. They reluctantly agree to keep their relationship professional, but that doesn't last long. He invited her to come to a charity event at the hotel and she bids on him in the bachelor auction. Meanwhile he and his friend Alex are trying to solve a possible embezzlement issue in the hotel. Rachel has to make some hard professional decisions and the get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Larks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! This is an instant chemistry, one night stand turned into more with a hint of mistaken identity and somewhat forbidden romance. We are given a dual point of view, plenty of steamy scenes, and a HEA.

The book introduces us to a group of female friends who will hopefully inspire more books in the series. The setting is at a hotel where Rachel is trying to secure a marketing contract with its owners. Unforeseen problems arise and Rachel had to decide what’s more important following her heart or chasing her dreams.

There was a few times I wasn’t sure if I was following the story along, but the author was trying to keep the suspense going till the very end. I liked how Rachel stood up for herself career wise and in her romantic relationship. I loved how the MC knew what he had with Rachel was valuable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rhyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Michele Wright for the ARC!

I've found yet another example of not judging a book by its cover. This story was recommended to me by a fellow ARC reader, and I decided to give it a shot, despite having reservations that it would be all spice without a proper storyline.

I'm happy to have been proven wrong. Reading about Rachel and Ben was enjoyable from beginning to end. The Dual POV was a nice touch. The story was fast-paced, and descriptive enough that you felt like you were there. Rachel's low self-esteem wasn't ideal, I definitely prefer assertive FMCs. Ben's consistency in his pursuit of her is what sold me on his character.

3 ⭐️ because Ben could've done more about his mother and Jessica much earlier in the story, and the numerous plot twists gave me whiplash, e.g. Amanda.

NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When your hot one night stand holds your hopes and dreams in his hands, the struggle is real. Do you follow your heart, or push it aside and chase your goals? Rachel and Alex have all the chemistry in the world, but can they survive a business deal and all the people involved plotting against them?! Weekend Temptation is a cute, easy-to-read romance, perfect for a day at the beach or waiting under the dryer at the hair salon. At times the story didn't make sense to me (I couldn't figure out how I got where I was) and a few characters were interchangeable in my mind at times, but all in all, a good read.

Please note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Autumn Carrothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to start by saying this book took me on a roller coaster. I was happy, then upset, then happy agian. There was so much emotion. The emotion is what makes me want to read. This book will not bore you one bit!


Rachel had no idea who Ben was and this man was like I am dedicated. I loved the one night stand turned into a forever kind of love. I wish we would of been able to see the wedding in the first book. But I enjoy how it sets the background for the next book in the series.

Overall is a really good book and I cannot wait to see what Michele comes up with next!

[Denise DeJonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many books do I read in 1 day! When Ben and Rachel met the first time, I never thought things would end up the way they did. Rachel’s mixed group of friends and her boss played important supporting roles in the storyline. I was entertained, surprised and talking out loud to the book throughout my read. The way this book is written, you can actually visualize each character. I really want to see the artwork described at the art gallery. I could see this as a movie. Ben’s mother should be Glenn Close. What do you think? Add this book to your list!!

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weekend temptation by Michele Wrby is a well-written contemporary romance the finds a one-night becoming so much more. I really enjoyed the hero. He has integrity, heart and loves his mom. The heroine is do talented, lacked self-confidence. Because I prefer string female leads, and she didn't find her backbone until about 90% into the book she was annoying at times. Overall, it's a nice read, especially if you don't mind an h who has to grow in confidence.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series! Rachel and Ben were so hot together. I loved the bit of suspense, but I’m glad it was nothing over-the-top. It did seem to drag a bit toward the end, and the punishment for the bad guy was wholly unfulfilling. 4 stars because there were some glaring grammatical errors that stood out to me and I couldn’t ignore them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher.

[Sandy Malsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked how it had both perspectives of Ben and Rachel and allowed me as a reader to get to know the main characters and feel connected with their emotions and feelings. I enjoyed that it was an easy read that I didn’t want to put down. It was a good romance, with a decent amount of sexual content that didn’t make it uncomfortable to read! It has me hooked and wanting to know more… I will be reading the next book!

[Brittany Grinstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster! It was a slow burn and took me a few chapters to get into it, but the plot twists took me for a ride! I knew something was coming and had ideas, but I never could have guessed what was really going on! All in all, I enjoyed this book; I just wish it hadn’t been so slow to get into.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kodi B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I could picture as a Netflix rom/drama!!!
Was funny, feel good, and also has some betrayal, sabotage, and some spicy scenes!! This is told by multiple povs, about Rachel who's all work and doesnt date who winds up doing something she may or may not regret. Some twists that kept it exciting and was a great weekend read!

[Cindy Payzant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Weekend Temptation a light a breezy read. Great short book to relax with. The storyline was enjoyable with quite a few twists. Good character development. I especially enjoyed being able to get into the minds of the two main characters.

[Charlene Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It took me to a place full of romance, relationships and deceit.
The storyline was well written, which captured me from the first sentence.
Lots of twists and turns in this book.
I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance is everything! I loved the main characters as well as the dual pov. It didn't feel slow and there were plot twists I did not see coming. The connections between all the characters felt real and the love interests had amazing chemistry. Highly reccomend this one!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally a good read, read in one setting. Filled with angst and witty. Plenty of emotion and steamy. A must read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alicia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Rachel & Ben are so good for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts. Jessica & Amanda are horrible. Mona had bad moments but comes around. I can’t wait for more books.

[Grazia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading this book, the storyline, the characters, the emotions! Loved it, can't wait for the second book!!!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh new voice in romance -- fun characters, fast paced story with vivid storytelling - #MustRead #HighlyRecommend 5 stars!! PLUS!

[Larissa Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. I love a contemporary romance and the feeling of being vulnerable while falling in love.

My only problem is that I never seem to find a man like that on real life rsrs

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the relationship of Rachel and Ben however his mother didn’t love haha, loved the book overall made me laugh and was cute! :)

[Destiny Wilkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this within a few hours, that how good and interesting this book was. You never knew what was going to happen next

[Kelly Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it kept me hooked till the end, I found the characters and storyline interesting and can't wait to read more by this author.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was a quick easy read. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Lisa Rossouw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading. Liked the plot and different characters. Can't wait for the second book!