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Kings of Hell's Kitchen #1
Tempt Me
The night Killian Byrne met Whitney Vanek, his entire world rearranged itself around her.
A lone wolf with a past, Killian always kept to himself, especially after the tragic deaths of his father and brother. But then he met Whitney, a woman who is sunshine to his storm clouds, light to his darkness. She’s everything he’s ever wanted, and everything he can never have. Because after spending years as a mob enforcer, Killian has scars, and those scars mean he’s better off alone.
So he watches from a distance, making sure his sunshine girl is safe and happy. And as he watches, his feelings grow, morphing from infatuation and lust to something bordering on obsession. But still, he’s kept his distance. For years. Until he finds out that Whitney’s life is in danger and he’s the only man who can keep her safe. She needs a bodyguard, and it has to be him.
Outspoken, charming, and confident, author Whitney Vanek had never met a man immune to her charms—until she crossed paths with Killian Byrne.
Which is fine, because she doesn’t care that he doesn’t want her. He’s broody, grumpy, and more than ten years older than her. And yet…there’s a chemistry simmering just below the surface. One she’s desperate to explore, despite the distance Killian insists on keeping between them.
But then her estranged father resurfaces, putting her life in grave danger, and there’s only one man who can protect her. There’s only one man she wants by her side, keeping her safe.
And when obsession and temptation become something so much more, everything is on the line.
A lone wolf with a past, Killian always kept to himself, especially after the tragic deaths of his father and brother. But then he met Whitney, a woman who is sunshine to his storm clouds, light to his darkness. She’s everything he’s ever wanted, and everything he can never have. Because after spending years as a mob enforcer, Killian has scars, and those scars mean he’s better off alone.
So he watches from a distance, making sure his sunshine girl is safe and happy. And as he watches, his feelings grow, morphing from infatuation and lust to something bordering on obsession. But still, he’s kept his distance. For years. Until he finds out that Whitney’s life is in danger and he’s the only man who can keep her safe. She needs a bodyguard, and it has to be him.
Outspoken, charming, and confident, author Whitney Vanek had never met a man immune to her charms—until she crossed paths with Killian Byrne.
Which is fine, because she doesn’t care that he doesn’t want her. He’s broody, grumpy, and more than ten years older than her. And yet…there’s a chemistry simmering just below the surface. One she’s desperate to explore, despite the distance Killian insists on keeping between them.
But then her estranged father resurfaces, putting her life in grave danger, and there’s only one man who can protect her. There’s only one man she wants by her side, keeping her safe.
And when obsession and temptation become something so much more, everything is on the line.
ebook
Published January 1, 2024
33 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Tara Wyatt
52 books667 followersTara Wyatt is a Canadian contemporary romance author. Known for her humor and steamy love scenes, Tara's writing has won several awards, including the Golden Quill Award and the Booksellers' Best Award. In addition, she was a 2018 RITA® Finalist for her novella, Until the Sun Sets.
When she's not hanging out with your next book boyfriend, she can be found reading, bingeing Netflix, or playing way too much Among Us. Tara lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the world's cutest dog, her daughter, and a husband who makes all her of her heroes look like chumps.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a FREE story here: www.tara-wyatt.com/newsletter
When she's not hanging out with your next book boyfriend, she can be found reading, bingeing Netflix, or playing way too much Among Us. Tara lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the world's cutest dog, her daughter, and a husband who makes all her of her heroes look like chumps.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a FREE story here: www.tara-wyatt.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
June 5, 2023
At the Heart of It All
This book is SO-O-O-O stinking good! I got crazy upset with my body for requiring sleep. And let's not talk about the fact that I had to work or, you know, be an adult and parent. 😉
The pages just flew by as I became engrossed in Killian Byrne and Whitney Vanek's story. While the prequel, Tease Me, was PG-13, the rest of their story is not! 🔥🔥🔥 Woo-wee is it hot!
Once Killian crosses the line with Whitney, there's no going back! It's flipped like a switch and seems rather sudden for him to do a 180, but at the same time, it's long overdue. I'm really not complaining because they were fire when they pushed and denied, but they are absolutely scorching after opening that door.
I love the little details about his relationships since meeting Whitney, her discovery of his secret reading, and so much more. This really is fantastic!
Last year, I told Tara that Lucian and Olivia's book, Bad Intentions, was my favorite of everything I've read of hers. I have to amend that, because Killian and Whit have claimed the top spot! Of course, the cameos from some prior and future characters just makes this all the better.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This book is SO-O-O-O stinking good! I got crazy upset with my body for requiring sleep. And let's not talk about the fact that I had to work or, you know, be an adult and parent. 😉
The pages just flew by as I became engrossed in Killian Byrne and Whitney Vanek's story. While the prequel, Tease Me, was PG-13, the rest of their story is not! 🔥🔥🔥 Woo-wee is it hot!
He moves to the side and slides his hand up under my dress, roughly yanking my panties to the side. There’s no finesse, no smooth seduction in any of this. It’s just two hungry people, finally giving in to what they’ve wanted for years.
-- Whitney Vanek
Once Killian crosses the line with Whitney, there's no going back! It's flipped like a switch and seems rather sudden for him to do a 180, but at the same time, it's long overdue. I'm really not complaining because they were fire when they pushed and denied, but they are absolutely scorching after opening that door.
I love the little details about his relationships since meeting Whitney, her discovery of his secret reading, and so much more. This really is fantastic!
Last year, I told Tara that Lucian and Olivia's book, Bad Intentions, was my favorite of everything I've read of hers. I have to amend that, because Killian and Whit have claimed the top spot! Of course, the cameos from some prior and future characters just makes this all the better.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 14, 2023
i was hooked from the moment i started reading this. i just couldn’t put it away. it was however oddly paced in my opinion. whitney shares something deeply personal right when she meets killian, then at the 50% mark they get together and at the same time whitney finds out who her dad is? everything just happened so fast, this book could do with a few more filler chapters.
thank you netgalley and victory editing for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
thank you netgalley and victory editing for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
July 20, 2023
Tempt Me was the first book in the King’s of Hells Kitchen series by Tara Wyatt. It was a spin-off from her Prescott series from book 5, Bad Intentions.
I thoroughly enjoyed both characters, Killian and Whitney. I also enjoyed the storyline. It was Mafia based, violent and dark but with a good triumphs bad vibe. All in all, it was a quick, eventful, and sexy read. I can’t wait for Luca and Kate up next in Obey Me.
I thoroughly enjoyed both characters, Killian and Whitney. I also enjoyed the storyline. It was Mafia based, violent and dark but with a good triumphs bad vibe. All in all, it was a quick, eventful, and sexy read. I can’t wait for Luca and Kate up next in Obey Me.
June 3, 2023
3.75 stars
This book was so good. It had some action. Some steamy scenes. Some of the cutest scenes plus a broken Hero that was amazing 👏 but then the 85% part came, and it ruined my enjoyment for it 😒
Why ruined an almost perfect book with clichés?
Still, this was fun, and I ended up enjoying even with the things i didn't like, so give it a try! 😉
This book was so good. It had some action. Some steamy scenes. Some of the cutest scenes plus a broken Hero that was amazing 👏 but then the 85% part came, and it ruined my enjoyment for it 😒
Why ruined an almost perfect book with clichés?
Still, this was fun, and I ended up enjoying even with the things i didn't like, so give it a try! 😉
August 29, 2023
The more I sit on this book the more I realize how much I enjoyed it. This was my first mafia romance, and I was not disappointed. This is a true grumpy to sunshine, older man/younger woman trope with a hint of touch her and die and I am not good enough for you and your sparkliness. The pacing was good but did pick up quite fast once the main peeps committed to see their chemistry through. You can read this as a standalone, but it was helpful for me to read their novella, Tease Me, first. The spice was HOT!
Killian's life changed 10 years ago when his family was killed in front of him. He was instructed to go to New York with only an address in his pocket. Flash forward to 7 years in and he is a bodyguard/enforcer for his friend turned family and meets the woman of his dreams. Enter Whitney. Whitney is all sunshine and rainbows. She is an author. She is beautiful. She is untouchable because Killian convinces himself he will taint her with his tarnished darkness. They dance around each other for YEARS until finally Killian catches onto the fact that Whitney has some serious feelings for him. He questions everything- Is this real? How could this work? Is it worth it? What if I am not good enough? It takes another man flirting with Whitney in a stalker situation for him to realize he can't hold himself back anymore, he wants her and he wants her forever.
I liked the overall story- there was just enough hint of suspense that broke up the angst and overthinking of feelings and left me wondering how this whole thing was going to play out. I am intrigued to go back and read Lucian and Olivia's story. Olivia and Whitney are BFs which is how Killian met her. There seems to be another book in the future for this series in Luca and Kate. Luca is a member of a sex club and Kate is the innocent ballet set designer- enough said!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Killian's life changed 10 years ago when his family was killed in front of him. He was instructed to go to New York with only an address in his pocket. Flash forward to 7 years in and he is a bodyguard/enforcer for his friend turned family and meets the woman of his dreams. Enter Whitney. Whitney is all sunshine and rainbows. She is an author. She is beautiful. She is untouchable because Killian convinces himself he will taint her with his tarnished darkness. They dance around each other for YEARS until finally Killian catches onto the fact that Whitney has some serious feelings for him. He questions everything- Is this real? How could this work? Is it worth it? What if I am not good enough? It takes another man flirting with Whitney in a stalker situation for him to realize he can't hold himself back anymore, he wants her and he wants her forever.
I liked the overall story- there was just enough hint of suspense that broke up the angst and overthinking of feelings and left me wondering how this whole thing was going to play out. I am intrigued to go back and read Lucian and Olivia's story. Olivia and Whitney are BFs which is how Killian met her. There seems to be another book in the future for this series in Luca and Kate. Luca is a member of a sex club and Kate is the innocent ballet set designer- enough said!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 1, 2023
Oh, Killian! He’s dark, deadly dangerous and damaged but so devilishly dirty and passionate. I loved him. 😍
Whitney is a bright light, full of life and spark and so drawn to the broody bodyguard she can’t help herself. When her life is in danger she knows exactly who she can trust to keep her safe.
Full of brilliant characters, action, drama, suspense, danger, twists, angst, tension, emotion and steam with a beautiful HEA, I simply cannot wait for the next instalment to this new series.
Well done Ms Wyatt, perfection. 😘
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
Whitney is a bright light, full of life and spark and so drawn to the broody bodyguard she can’t help herself. When her life is in danger she knows exactly who she can trust to keep her safe.
Full of brilliant characters, action, drama, suspense, danger, twists, angst, tension, emotion and steam with a beautiful HEA, I simply cannot wait for the next instalment to this new series.
Well done Ms Wyatt, perfection. 😘
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
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February 25, 2024|
DNF 42%
This book just didn't work for me.
I can't quite pinpoint what exactly I didn't like about it, but I couldn't continue reading, so here we are 😅.
This book just didn't work for me.
I can't quite pinpoint what exactly I didn't like about it, but I couldn't continue reading, so here we are 😅.
June 2, 2023
I've read Tease me before and was looking forward to Tempt me, a full novel because I love Whitney and Killian and wanted to get to know them better.
They met 3 years ago and while Whitney was crazy for him from the start Killian always thought that he wasn't good enough for her. He also vowed to protect her so when she tells him about her stalker he tries everything to keep her safe. However the stalker is more dangerous than anyone could have thought.. I love this book, the chemistry between Whit and Killian is hot and it's the perfect amount of suspense to keep you reading for hours.
This is my honest review in exchange for an advanced copy of this ebook.
They met 3 years ago and while Whitney was crazy for him from the start Killian always thought that he wasn't good enough for her. He also vowed to protect her so when she tells him about her stalker he tries everything to keep her safe. However the stalker is more dangerous than anyone could have thought.. I love this book, the chemistry between Whit and Killian is hot and it's the perfect amount of suspense to keep you reading for hours.
This is my honest review in exchange for an advanced copy of this ebook.
May 30, 2023
I've been waiting for this book for what seems like ages. So worth the wait!! Killian is so serious and dedicated and believes himself unworthy. Whitney is determined but confused by Killian. My heart breaks for her with some of the things Killian says to her. Would recommend reading Tease Me (prequel) before reading this. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book for an honest impartial review.
I received a copy of this book for an honest impartial review.
April 23, 2024
3.75 ⭐
I'm forced by my matching new years resolutions with my bestie not to give this a 5 ⭐ just because it includes an emotionally unavailable and detached hot guy in it. No matter how much I love my men with a hint of morally gray (p.s. it's a lot more than just a slight hint of it) so It would've gone higher than some of the books I have given 5 before but yeah, onto the rest.
I think it was kinda cute, but also a bit repetitive at times. And it feels like the kind of story I could find on Wattpad in a way, but like one of the better stories there, don't get me wrong, and they're very cute with each other so that's a bonus and the forever pining since he first set his eyes on her??? Like me want. Where buy? Will pay anything.
I'm sorry but the way they actually genuinely broke the sofa- it's been a WHILE since I read something like that where the furniture breaks under them I've only read that they throw and destroy stuff on top of the furnace I don't think I've ACTUALLY read one with that happening. So that was new- well done it's not often that I can have a first taken from me when it comes to the smut universe so the should be proud of themselves if you'd ask me
I'm forced by my matching new years resolutions with my bestie not to give this a 5 ⭐ just because it includes an emotionally unavailable and detached hot guy in it. No matter how much I love my men with a hint of morally gray (p.s. it's a lot more than just a slight hint of it) so It would've gone higher than some of the books I have given 5 before but yeah, onto the rest.
I think it was kinda cute, but also a bit repetitive at times. And it feels like the kind of story I could find on Wattpad in a way, but like one of the better stories there, don't get me wrong, and they're very cute with each other so that's a bonus and the forever pining since he first set his eyes on her??? Like me want. Where buy? Will pay anything.
I'm sorry but the way they actually genuinely broke the sofa- it's been a WHILE since I read something like that where the furniture breaks under them I've only read that they throw and destroy stuff on top of the furnace I don't think I've ACTUALLY read one with that happening. So that was new- well done it's not often that I can have a first taken from me when it comes to the smut universe so the should be proud of themselves if you'd ask me
June 9, 2023
I enjoyed reading this. The beauty-and-the-beast aspect of this book worked really well for me and the chemistry between them was really good. There was a lot of sexual tension, especially early on, and the dynamic between them was fun and entertaining. I liked the back and forth, the push and pull – it was well-done.
However, I personally found the pacing of the relationship – and the book – a little off. The romance felt like more of a slow burn at first before a rush into a relationship, and the build up to that didn’t feel very natural to me. The conflict at the end of the book, and the literal ending, felt a little hurried and blunt.
That aside this was a fun read – if you like darker romance then this would probably work well for you. It’s steamy and the couple had great chemistry, and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: Organised crime, forced proximity, mutual pining, age gap.
Warnings:
Other: .
However, I personally found the pacing of the relationship – and the book – a little off. The romance felt like more of a slow burn at first before a rush into a relationship, and the build up to that didn’t feel very natural to me. The conflict at the end of the book, and the literal ending, felt a little hurried and blunt.
That aside this was a fun read – if you like darker romance then this would probably work well for you. It’s steamy and the couple had great chemistry, and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: Organised crime, forced proximity, mutual pining, age gap.
Warnings:
Other: .
June 10, 2023
4.25 stars - "Out of all the love stories...ours is my favorite..."
POV: dual
HUMOR: a bit
F BOMBS: yes
CLIFFHANGER: no
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: rough sexy times, stalking, minor begging and choking kink, attempted rape, cigarette burn on skin, violent, a bit gory
CHARACTERS: Killian Byrne (41, Intense and violent psycho "enforcer") and Whitney Vanek (28, independent and strong romance author)
OVERALL: Romance, Action, sexy & protective alpha mafia men, good story - Recommend!!
PROS:
1. Love that this story isn't all about gratuitous sex, although the sexy times are hot! The first half is about the story and building chemistry between MCs.
2. Surprises, action, car chase, emotional, and romance all part of this book
3. Likable MCs
4. Epilogue
CONS:
1. Some repetition in regards to Killian constantly feeling like he's not good enough and too old for her.
2. Also, repetition in regards to Whitney being raised by only her mom to be independent.
3. After all that happened just so Whitney could see her mother... she never saw nor contacted her mother.
NOTEWORTHY:
1. Support characters from Prescott series play a big role in this spinoff series.
2. "Tease Me," the first 6 chapters of this book can be found on major eBook retailers for free.
3. Book 2 in this series about Luca and Kate coming later in 2023.
4. Links at end of book, including one for bonus scenes
5. Favorite part: Killian's response to Whitney when he first sees her in the crypt.
I received an advanced copy of this book and, as always, am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
POV: dual
HUMOR: a bit
F BOMBS: yes
CLIFFHANGER: no
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: rough sexy times, stalking, minor begging and choking kink, attempted rape, cigarette burn on skin, violent, a bit gory
CHARACTERS: Killian Byrne (41, Intense and violent psycho "enforcer") and Whitney Vanek (28, independent and strong romance author)
OVERALL: Romance, Action, sexy & protective alpha mafia men, good story - Recommend!!
PROS:
1. Love that this story isn't all about gratuitous sex, although the sexy times are hot! The first half is about the story and building chemistry between MCs.
2. Surprises, action, car chase, emotional, and romance all part of this book
3. Likable MCs
4. Epilogue
CONS:
1. Some repetition in regards to Killian constantly feeling like he's not good enough and too old for her.
2. Also, repetition in regards to Whitney being raised by only her mom to be independent.
3. After all that happened just so Whitney could see her mother... she never saw nor contacted her mother.
NOTEWORTHY:
1. Support characters from Prescott series play a big role in this spinoff series.
2. "Tease Me," the first 6 chapters of this book can be found on major eBook retailers for free.
3. Book 2 in this series about Luca and Kate coming later in 2023.
4. Links at end of book, including one for bonus scenes
5. Favorite part: Killian's response to Whitney when he first sees her in the crypt.
I received an advanced copy of this book and, as always, am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 29, 2023
5/5⭐️
This is my first book by Tara Wyatt and I am really happy with this discovery!
Killian is a tortured men who thinks he don’t deserve good things in life and Whitney’s an author who love her freedom and don’t do feelings…The perfect match!
The two having a long time crush on each other was just so realistic, he thinks she’s just messing with him, she thinks he’s not interested in her.
Their relationship was a bit fast but not disturbing given the storyline, I liked it personally. Two matching souls reuniting!
I was scared for the ending, I saw the pages getting closer and closer to the end and thought it was going to be a cliffhanger but no, the ending is really good, I was surprised in good!
Wished there was a bit more moments with Whitney’s mother, like some moments where it would add cute moments to there relationship.
I’m definitely going to read more books by this author, I really liked her writing!
I received this book by Netgalley to review as an ARC. My review is honest and I willingly read this book. Thanks to the author for trusting me!
This is my first book by Tara Wyatt and I am really happy with this discovery!
Killian is a tortured men who thinks he don’t deserve good things in life and Whitney’s an author who love her freedom and don’t do feelings…The perfect match!
The two having a long time crush on each other was just so realistic, he thinks she’s just messing with him, she thinks he’s not interested in her.
Their relationship was a bit fast but not disturbing given the storyline, I liked it personally. Two matching souls reuniting!
I was scared for the ending, I saw the pages getting closer and closer to the end and thought it was going to be a cliffhanger but no, the ending is really good, I was surprised in good!
Wished there was a bit more moments with Whitney’s mother, like some moments where it would add cute moments to there relationship.
I’m definitely going to read more books by this author, I really liked her writing!
I received this book by Netgalley to review as an ARC. My review is honest and I willingly read this book. Thanks to the author for trusting me!
August 17, 2023
Tempt Me is first book in Kings of Hell's Kitchen series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and a guarantee happily-ever-after. A brilliantly written story with extraordinary characters and a great storyline that captures the audience from the first chapter and keeps you riveted and invested and turning the pages until the end. This is Killian and Whitney story. A dark, gripping, raw, and thrilling story. What to expect in Tempt Me:
♟️Damage Hero
♟️Protective Hero
☑️Age Gap Trope Story
☑️Suspense, Mystery
♟️Grumpy Sunshine
☑️Slow Burn
Tempt Me is told from dual point of view. An opposite attracts romance, forced proximity story filled with action, suspense, violence, hatred, drama, danger, bloodshed, murder, mafia romance, madness, pain and pleasure, death, darkness, desire, lust, enemies, anger, angst, tension, emotions, kidnapping, lust, friendship, attacks, passion, revelations, sins, retaliation, survival, surprises, mob war, surprising twists and turns, family issues, loyalty, greed, push and pull, stalking, heartache, love and so much more.
Killian Byrne is a damage, savage, and cold-hearted man. He lost his dad and brother who he was suppose to be the protector of as the organization enforcer, and because of this he has been scarred for years and feel unworthy of love. Whitney Vanek was attracted to Killian for the first time she laid eyes on him. She a beautiful acclaim romance author and is not afraid to go after what she want, but the more she flirts with Killian he seems uninterested. They meet when Lucian asks Killian to watch over Olivia at a club where she and girlfriends were going for the night. Lucian was protective of Olivia after the kidnapping and he didn't want to take anymore chances with her life.
Fast forward three years later at her best friend Olivia and Lucian wedding she saw Killian again and turn on the charms but no dice. They shared one mind-blowing kiss at Olivia's and Lucian wedding but she still could not get Killian to lower is guard and return the feeling. Killian is attracted to her but is scared of acting on his feelings because he doesn't believe that he deserves to loved by a woman so he keeps his feelings to himself. He vows to protect her and watch over her from a far. Whitney was raised by a single mother after her dad decides to pick up and leave one night. Her mom had always been protective and warn her not to talk with strangers. One day Whitney noticed that she was being followed, she wanted to confide in Killian but after he as turned down her advance and broken her heart so many times, she decided to keep it to herself and handle the problem on her own.
While at Olivia wedding Whitney was intoxicated so Killian takes her home. It was then during a drunkard stooper that she blurt out that she was being followed. Killian then decided that he would be her protector and eradicate the problem. Whitney dad decides that he wanted to come back in her life after years of being absent. But it turns out that he was up to no good and his intentions were ill gotten towards her. Unbeknowing to her he had promised her hand in marriage to vicious, vile and evil individual. Killian and the Kings would take on Whitney's mob boss dad John Cafferty and the man who she was promised to wed. From there it would be a rollercoaster ride of cat and mouse chase between the Kings, Cafferty and the man she was promised to.
Whitney and Killian would go into hiding as the Kings flush out the enemies. From they would build a relationship on love and acceptance. Their chemistry was sizzling and the passion was sensual and tantalizing. They would even get married to solidify there love and put a monkey wrench John's plans for an alliance of the two mafia family. This was a beautiful story. It was addicting and hard to put down a definite page turner. A story that would have you rooting for the HEA of these two people.
I received a free advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
♟️Damage Hero
♟️Protective Hero
☑️Age Gap Trope Story
☑️Suspense, Mystery
♟️Grumpy Sunshine
☑️Slow Burn
Tempt Me is told from dual point of view. An opposite attracts romance, forced proximity story filled with action, suspense, violence, hatred, drama, danger, bloodshed, murder, mafia romance, madness, pain and pleasure, death, darkness, desire, lust, enemies, anger, angst, tension, emotions, kidnapping, lust, friendship, attacks, passion, revelations, sins, retaliation, survival, surprises, mob war, surprising twists and turns, family issues, loyalty, greed, push and pull, stalking, heartache, love and so much more.
Killian Byrne is a damage, savage, and cold-hearted man. He lost his dad and brother who he was suppose to be the protector of as the organization enforcer, and because of this he has been scarred for years and feel unworthy of love. Whitney Vanek was attracted to Killian for the first time she laid eyes on him. She a beautiful acclaim romance author and is not afraid to go after what she want, but the more she flirts with Killian he seems uninterested. They meet when Lucian asks Killian to watch over Olivia at a club where she and girlfriends were going for the night. Lucian was protective of Olivia after the kidnapping and he didn't want to take anymore chances with her life.
Fast forward three years later at her best friend Olivia and Lucian wedding she saw Killian again and turn on the charms but no dice. They shared one mind-blowing kiss at Olivia's and Lucian wedding but she still could not get Killian to lower is guard and return the feeling. Killian is attracted to her but is scared of acting on his feelings because he doesn't believe that he deserves to loved by a woman so he keeps his feelings to himself. He vows to protect her and watch over her from a far. Whitney was raised by a single mother after her dad decides to pick up and leave one night. Her mom had always been protective and warn her not to talk with strangers. One day Whitney noticed that she was being followed, she wanted to confide in Killian but after he as turned down her advance and broken her heart so many times, she decided to keep it to herself and handle the problem on her own.
While at Olivia wedding Whitney was intoxicated so Killian takes her home. It was then during a drunkard stooper that she blurt out that she was being followed. Killian then decided that he would be her protector and eradicate the problem. Whitney dad decides that he wanted to come back in her life after years of being absent. But it turns out that he was up to no good and his intentions were ill gotten towards her. Unbeknowing to her he had promised her hand in marriage to vicious, vile and evil individual. Killian and the Kings would take on Whitney's mob boss dad John Cafferty and the man who she was promised to wed. From there it would be a rollercoaster ride of cat and mouse chase between the Kings, Cafferty and the man she was promised to.
Whitney and Killian would go into hiding as the Kings flush out the enemies. From they would build a relationship on love and acceptance. Their chemistry was sizzling and the passion was sensual and tantalizing. They would even get married to solidify there love and put a monkey wrench John's plans for an alliance of the two mafia family. This was a beautiful story. It was addicting and hard to put down a definite page turner. A story that would have you rooting for the HEA of these two people.
I received a free advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2023
He is sitting in the confessional and just as he has done for the last ten years he doesn't believe the Father when told that he is worthy and deserving of forgiveness.
Killian's father was the head of the Irish mob that controlled most of Boston and at the age of eighteen, he pledged himself to the Southies and became their Enforcer. Killing calmed the devil inside. His father first commented about his wildness when he pummeled the boy bullying his brother - he was only eight at the time.
He still recalls the bus ride from Boston to NYC ten years ago...trying to hide in the shadows hoping that no one could see the spatter of blood still on his hands. An impossible feat for a man well over 6 feet covered in tattoos. He was exhausted but needed to stay alert until he found the man whose name and address were on the slip of paper his father slipped him before he died. Lucian Prescott KOHK. He prayed his father was correct and he could help him because he had nowhere else to go.
He closes his eyes only to see the faces of his dad, his brother and the six men he had killed. The Charlestown Gang had staged a coup and had held him prisoner torturing him for days after Frank Dunleavy forced him to watch as he put a bullet in the heads of both his father and brother. But when they realized that their torture wasn't going to gain the information they wanted they tried to slit his throat. But the devil within rose up and he killed all six of them with his bare hands before escaping the cold warehouse.
He was their enforcer and he had failed. Failed to protect his own family. Now he needed to protect Whitney a woman he had tried his best to avoid for the last three years. He was mesmerized the moment he set eyes on her while guarding over Lucien's girlfriend Olivia and her three girlfriends. After the Italians had kidnapped Olivia last year Lucien was taking no chances with her safety. Even though he owned the club they were at.
Because despite the Father's words Killian couldn't bring his darkness into the life of someone so vibrant and innocent of the ways of his world. She is too distracting at a time he needed to be on full alert and he was too old, too damaged and violent.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this is book one of the Kings of Hell's Kitchen series the secondary characters are from The Prescotts Series.
Whitney isn't afraid to put herself out there and go after what she wants, but no matter how much she flirts Killian doesn't fall for the bait. To the point that she wonders if she is imagining the chemistry between them. But when Killian is forced to protect her she finds out just how wrong she was about his disinterest.
I love Whitney. She is a successful woman with a wonderful sense of humor and her friendship with Olivia, Kate and Nicole is the type of friends that everyone needs. But, Killian...this man has been a part of the mob since birth and enjoys killing. But his search for salvation and all his insecurities make this gorgeous gruff man very loveable.
This book is action-packed, full of intrigue and danger with surprising twists and smoking hot. I feel for the couch...I can't stop laughing.
If you haven't read Tara Wyatt I highly recommend that you do. Her storylines are full of suspense with strong women and damaged men and their stories will steam up your Kindle. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Killian's father was the head of the Irish mob that controlled most of Boston and at the age of eighteen, he pledged himself to the Southies and became their Enforcer. Killing calmed the devil inside. His father first commented about his wildness when he pummeled the boy bullying his brother - he was only eight at the time.
He still recalls the bus ride from Boston to NYC ten years ago...trying to hide in the shadows hoping that no one could see the spatter of blood still on his hands. An impossible feat for a man well over 6 feet covered in tattoos. He was exhausted but needed to stay alert until he found the man whose name and address were on the slip of paper his father slipped him before he died. Lucian Prescott KOHK. He prayed his father was correct and he could help him because he had nowhere else to go.
He closes his eyes only to see the faces of his dad, his brother and the six men he had killed. The Charlestown Gang had staged a coup and had held him prisoner torturing him for days after Frank Dunleavy forced him to watch as he put a bullet in the heads of both his father and brother. But when they realized that their torture wasn't going to gain the information they wanted they tried to slit his throat. But the devil within rose up and he killed all six of them with his bare hands before escaping the cold warehouse.
He was their enforcer and he had failed. Failed to protect his own family. Now he needed to protect Whitney a woman he had tried his best to avoid for the last three years. He was mesmerized the moment he set eyes on her while guarding over Lucien's girlfriend Olivia and her three girlfriends. After the Italians had kidnapped Olivia last year Lucien was taking no chances with her safety. Even though he owned the club they were at.
Because despite the Father's words Killian couldn't bring his darkness into the life of someone so vibrant and innocent of the ways of his world. She is too distracting at a time he needed to be on full alert and he was too old, too damaged and violent.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this is book one of the Kings of Hell's Kitchen series the secondary characters are from The Prescotts Series.
Whitney isn't afraid to put herself out there and go after what she wants, but no matter how much she flirts Killian doesn't fall for the bait. To the point that she wonders if she is imagining the chemistry between them. But when Killian is forced to protect her she finds out just how wrong she was about his disinterest.
I love Whitney. She is a successful woman with a wonderful sense of humor and her friendship with Olivia, Kate and Nicole is the type of friends that everyone needs. But, Killian...this man has been a part of the mob since birth and enjoys killing. But his search for salvation and all his insecurities make this gorgeous gruff man very loveable.
This book is action-packed, full of intrigue and danger with surprising twists and smoking hot. I feel for the couch...I can't stop laughing.
If you haven't read Tara Wyatt I highly recommend that you do. Her storylines are full of suspense with strong women and damaged men and their stories will steam up your Kindle. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
February 25, 2025
My first foray into a “mafia romance,” as I generally tend to stay away from the genre. I read romance mainly to get the warm and fuzzies by role playing as the MMC and living vicariously but with this genre, I usually can’t relate to the MMC due to their morally grey personality and “perfect bad boy” physical attributes. But, a friend did recommend this book due to the steamy sex scenes so I was intrigued…
And in that regard, she was right! The sex scenes were sufficiently steamy, albeit a bit sporadic and a bit far into the book. But that’s okay, since that gave it an opportunity to actually have more plot and story than a typical porno…right? I suppose so, though not by far.
We got the trope of “he’s hot, she’s hot but he can’t be with her due to his tortured soul” right away. Not my favorite trope, but I suppose it’s as good a device as any to keep two hot people from ripping their clothes off immediately. Have to build up the tension and whatnot…then we have the 13 year age gap which is also kind of 🫣 but I guess when you’re 28 and 41, it’s not as bad. She’s an incorrigible flirt, but she’s GOLDEN with her GOLDEN hair and her GOLDEN eyes and her GOLDEN pu- (okay, now I’m exaggerating a bit)and he’s a mafia hitman(former?) with a heart of GOLD…it’s a GOLDEN match made in hell.
The repeated use of “golden” definitely made me want to put the book down, but that’s due to reasons that have nothing to do with this particular book. But the sex scenes made me pick it back up in a hurry and devour it with all due haste(much like Killiqn devoured Whitney, hahaha.) The rest of the plot is was basically some archaic notion of consolidating power by marrying off progeny, despite being a deadbeat dad and having nothing to do with said progeny due to rotting in jail for most of her life. Must protect Whitney at all costs from her father, but luckily for her, Daddy Killian and his band of kindhearted former mafia type brothers-in-all-but-blood are there to save the day. I never really got the impression that she was in much danger because in these types of books, the protagonist mafia types are mostly infallible and the antagonist mafia types are grossly outmatched. So in that sense, the plot never really grips you and makes you anxious to see what happens next.
Funnily enough, I found myself relating more to Whitney than Killian. A smoking hot author who writes “fairy porn,” loves to flirt and isn’t looking to settle down? Come on now, she’s basically perfect. And when she drops this line…
“I think for now I’m just going to stick with writing romance as opposed to searching for it in real life.”
I was like okay, that’s basically me. More so reading romance than writing it, but I dabble in the latter as well. Most of my favorite quotes from this book were from her, and I loved how clear and communicative she was with Killian. A woman who knows what she wants and goes after it…basically a fucking unicorn. So while I could relate to a lot of what she said, I also loved her as a character and a potential love interest.
So, overall this was better than I thought it would be. The plot was, of course extremely thin and barely more detailed than a well executed porno but the sex scenes were great and Whitney held my interest and attention enough to want to read to the end. Might not discount the genre as a whole going forward, as it does have some positive elements that appeal to me.
And in that regard, she was right! The sex scenes were sufficiently steamy, albeit a bit sporadic and a bit far into the book. But that’s okay, since that gave it an opportunity to actually have more plot and story than a typical porno…right? I suppose so, though not by far.
We got the trope of “he’s hot, she’s hot but he can’t be with her due to his tortured soul” right away. Not my favorite trope, but I suppose it’s as good a device as any to keep two hot people from ripping their clothes off immediately. Have to build up the tension and whatnot…then we have the 13 year age gap which is also kind of 🫣 but I guess when you’re 28 and 41, it’s not as bad. She’s an incorrigible flirt, but she’s GOLDEN with her GOLDEN hair and her GOLDEN eyes and her GOLDEN pu- (okay, now I’m exaggerating a bit)and he’s a mafia hitman(former?) with a heart of GOLD…it’s a GOLDEN match made in hell.
The repeated use of “golden” definitely made me want to put the book down, but that’s due to reasons that have nothing to do with this particular book. But the sex scenes made me pick it back up in a hurry and devour it with all due haste(much like Killiqn devoured Whitney, hahaha.) The rest of the plot is was basically some archaic notion of consolidating power by marrying off progeny, despite being a deadbeat dad and having nothing to do with said progeny due to rotting in jail for most of her life. Must protect Whitney at all costs from her father, but luckily for her, Daddy Killian and his band of kindhearted former mafia type brothers-in-all-but-blood are there to save the day. I never really got the impression that she was in much danger because in these types of books, the protagonist mafia types are mostly infallible and the antagonist mafia types are grossly outmatched. So in that sense, the plot never really grips you and makes you anxious to see what happens next.
Funnily enough, I found myself relating more to Whitney than Killian. A smoking hot author who writes “fairy porn,” loves to flirt and isn’t looking to settle down? Come on now, she’s basically perfect. And when she drops this line…
“I think for now I’m just going to stick with writing romance as opposed to searching for it in real life.”
I was like okay, that’s basically me. More so reading romance than writing it, but I dabble in the latter as well. Most of my favorite quotes from this book were from her, and I loved how clear and communicative she was with Killian. A woman who knows what she wants and goes after it…basically a fucking unicorn. So while I could relate to a lot of what she said, I also loved her as a character and a potential love interest.
So, overall this was better than I thought it would be. The plot was, of course extremely thin and barely more detailed than a well executed porno but the sex scenes were great and Whitney held my interest and attention enough to want to read to the end. Might not discount the genre as a whole going forward, as it does have some positive elements that appeal to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2023
TEMPT ME is the first full length instalment in Tara Wyatt’s contemporary adult KINGS OF HELL’S KITCHEN dark, erotic, Mafia romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE PRESCOTT series.. This is forty -one year old assassin Killian Byrne, and twenty-eight year old, author Whitney Vanek’s story line.
For readers, there is a prequel novella TEASE ME that reveals some of the back story and relationship between Killian and Whitney. The prequel may be included with the copy of TEMPT ME.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from dual first person perspectives (Killian and Whitney) TEMPT ME follows the building romance and relationship between Killian Byrne and Whitney Vanek. Three years earlier Killian Byrne kissed Whitney Vanek at Lucian Prescott and Olivia Walsh’s wedding but Killian is a killer, an assassin and he believes he wasn’t worthy of love or his own happily ever after. Fast forward to present day, Killian struggles to stay away from our story line heroine, a woman who is being stalked by a stranger, a man who is known to Whitney yet not. Declaring himself guardian and protector, Killian and Whitney go into hiding while Lucian and his team begin a search for the man threatening her life. What ensues is the building age-gap romance and relationship between Killian and Whitney, and the potential fall-out when Whitney finds herself promised to someone else.
Killian Byrne has lusted after Whitney for years, since he first spied Whitney with her best friend Vivian but Killian’s life is not longer his own ,having spent most of his adult life in service to the mob.Whitney Vanek fell in love with Killian Byrne years before but Killian broke Whitney’s heart, pushing our heroine away when she needed him the most.
The relationship between Killian and Whitney is one of mutual attraction and unrequited love. For three years Killian has lusted after Whitney from afar, while Whitney’s pined for a man who continues to break her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Lucian and Olivia (Bad Intentions/The Prescotts), Luca, Kate, and Nicole.The requisite evil has many faces.Luca and Kate’s story line is next.
TEMPT ME is a story of family and friendships, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is provocative; the characters are broken, desperate and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
For readers, there is a prequel novella TEASE ME that reveals some of the back story and relationship between Killian and Whitney. The prequel may be included with the copy of TEMPT ME.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from dual first person perspectives (Killian and Whitney) TEMPT ME follows the building romance and relationship between Killian Byrne and Whitney Vanek. Three years earlier Killian Byrne kissed Whitney Vanek at Lucian Prescott and Olivia Walsh’s wedding but Killian is a killer, an assassin and he believes he wasn’t worthy of love or his own happily ever after. Fast forward to present day, Killian struggles to stay away from our story line heroine, a woman who is being stalked by a stranger, a man who is known to Whitney yet not. Declaring himself guardian and protector, Killian and Whitney go into hiding while Lucian and his team begin a search for the man threatening her life. What ensues is the building age-gap romance and relationship between Killian and Whitney, and the potential fall-out when Whitney finds herself promised to someone else.
Killian Byrne has lusted after Whitney for years, since he first spied Whitney with her best friend Vivian but Killian’s life is not longer his own ,having spent most of his adult life in service to the mob.Whitney Vanek fell in love with Killian Byrne years before but Killian broke Whitney’s heart, pushing our heroine away when she needed him the most.
The relationship between Killian and Whitney is one of mutual attraction and unrequited love. For three years Killian has lusted after Whitney from afar, while Whitney’s pined for a man who continues to break her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Lucian and Olivia (Bad Intentions/The Prescotts), Luca, Kate, and Nicole.The requisite evil has many faces.Luca and Kate’s story line is next.
TEMPT ME is a story of family and friendships, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is provocative; the characters are broken, desperate and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 29, 2023
This is book one in The Kings of Hell’s Kitchen Series and it is Killian and Whitney’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Whitney is a author who writes stories with a happy ending which is what she would like for herself only the man that she wants which is Killian keeps pushing her away so now she has decided to concentrate on her writing which she loves as it gives her the freedom to travel anywhere that she wants but after one of her book signings she got a strange feeling of being watched and sees the same man looking at her that she had seen a few times before and now she feels afraid and totally unsettled especially when he calls her name so she stays locked in her apartment until she can decide what to do next. Killian didn’t realise just how much he hurt Whitney after what he said to her especially as he loved her so now he felt sad, angry and guilty and he feels like he doesn’t deserve her because of the danger of his job and she is sunshine and rainbows and he is just all about darkness but when Whitney confides in him that she is being followed by a man that she doesn’t know but called her name Killian goes into full protective mode and he will be with Whitney and protect her until the threat is eliminated regardless of the consequences but first he needs to find information about the man and deal with him and anyone else involved so that she can be safe and continue with her life. The twists and turns keep coming and danger is just around the corner watching and waiting for the right time to strike but will they be able to eliminate the threat in time before anything happens to Whitney and take away there happiness and future. The chemistry between Killian and Whitney is so strong, intense and hot that sparks fly all around them and sizzles of the pages and I am so glad that Killian and Whitney got the happy ending that they both deserved as they are so perfect together and for each other. Wow I have been waiting patiently to read Killian and Whitney’s story and Tara Wyatt definitely didn’t disappoint her readers and what a way to start a new series and this book was a real page turner and so addictive and the storyline pulled you in and kept you on the edge of your seat and just wouldn’t let you go and also kept your attention throughout the whole book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
May 31, 2023
I have to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of mob/enforcer-type romances, but Tara Wyatt just might change my mind with this series!
I freaking loved Whitney and Killian's story. I pretty much suspected I would from the prequel novella ( Tease Me , included in this book if you haven't read it yet) but you never know, right? ;) Fortunately, Tempt Me absolutely did not disappoint. It's an opposites attract, age gap, she's-too-good-for-me-because-I-do-bad-things gem; I've never been so in love with a fictional character who does bad things for a good reason and isn't one bit sorry.
Well, he does go to confession regularly. *And* is both honest about his sins and sincerely repentant, so points for that. Side note: Father Stone is perhaps the best fictional priest ever...and that's not something I ever thought I'd mention in a review. But his attitude and acceptance are *chef's kiss* fabulous.
Whitney loves and accepts Killian for who he is (once he removes his head from his posterior and allows them to be in a relationship, that is) and it's darn hard not to do the same--especially when you are also seeing things from his POV and therefore know his motivations. And when he's using his abilities to protect Whitney or save her from bad guys? I have no words.
Full disclosure--I only read book synopses maybe half of the time, if that. If I have to read it for a Library Journal review, as a contest judge, or it's an author who's an auto-buy, I usually don't bother. So when Whitney's dad showed up on the scene, I'm not kidding when I say I full on gasped when I realized what was going on. So if you're someone who *does* read the book blurbs, you might be a little more clued in...either way, Ms Wyatt pulled out all the stops on this one! ;)
And that ending--I'm not sure whether to sigh or fan myself!
The couple of the next book is heavily teased here and confirmed at the end--and I can't wait to read Kate and Luca's book!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I freaking loved Whitney and Killian's story. I pretty much suspected I would from the prequel novella ( Tease Me , included in this book if you haven't read it yet) but you never know, right? ;) Fortunately, Tempt Me absolutely did not disappoint. It's an opposites attract, age gap, she's-too-good-for-me-because-I-do-bad-things gem; I've never been so in love with a fictional character who does bad things for a good reason and isn't one bit sorry.
Well, he does go to confession regularly. *And* is both honest about his sins and sincerely repentant, so points for that. Side note: Father Stone is perhaps the best fictional priest ever...and that's not something I ever thought I'd mention in a review. But his attitude and acceptance are *chef's kiss* fabulous.
Whitney loves and accepts Killian for who he is (once he removes his head from his posterior and allows them to be in a relationship, that is) and it's darn hard not to do the same--especially when you are also seeing things from his POV and therefore know his motivations. And when he's using his abilities to protect Whitney or save her from bad guys? I have no words.
Full disclosure--I only read book synopses maybe half of the time, if that. If I have to read it for a Library Journal review, as a contest judge, or it's an author who's an auto-buy, I usually don't bother. So when Whitney's dad showed up on the scene, I'm not kidding when I say I full on gasped when I realized what was going on. So if you're someone who *does* read the book blurbs, you might be a little more clued in...either way, Ms Wyatt pulled out all the stops on this one! ;)
And that ending--I'm not sure whether to sigh or fan myself!
The couple of the next book is heavily teased here and confirmed at the end--and I can't wait to read Kate and Luca's book!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 5, 2023
I have been anxiously waiting for this series to start and we finally get Killian and Whitney's love story! The men of Hell's Kitchen are so bad and so good. They've become vigilantes of a sort, cleaning up NYC instead of go between between the mobs to keep the peace. They have a tight brotherhood, a family they've created together and each one has his brother's back. Together they are unstoppable. In this story they work to stop two mafia gangs from uniting or causing a city wide mob war. This all happens while Killian and Whitney finally cross over to lovers.
Whitney Vanek is 28 and Olivia Prescott's best friend. It's just her and her mother as her father took off when she was a toddler. Whitney is a fantasy romance author with a successful series. She is sunshine and loves to have fun with her besties, Olivia, Kate and Nicole. She's taken care of herself all her life. She's been flirting with Killian for years but it's gone nowhere because Killian won't allow it to. She gets a little too drunk one night after partying with her friends and Killian insists on taking her home. He finds out she thinks someone is following her. He takes it seriously and doesn't like what he finds out.
Killian Byrne is 41 and has found a new life being Lucian Prescott's head of security and part of the Kings of Hell's Kitchen. He was his father's hitman and enforcer in the Irish mob in Boston. When his dad and brother were killed he moved to NYC and looked up Lucian who gave him a place in his organization. They work to clean up NYC and protect the innocent. He has a dark soul and feels he can never do enough good to make up for all the bad he did in Boston. He's so drawn to Whitney but he'll never touch because he feels unworthy. When her long lost father John Caffrey, comes to find her now that he's been released from prison. After bribing a judge he was released on a technicality. He's a hitman, enforcer, and one of the leaders of the Irish mob. He plans to marry his daughter Whitney, to Gaetano Tocci, a brutal son of the Italian mob's leader to unify the two territories. This pushes Killian over the edge and his protective instincts go overtime with Whitney. I loved watching Killian fall in love and seeing how the Kings worked together to keep her and NYC safe.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Whitney Vanek is 28 and Olivia Prescott's best friend. It's just her and her mother as her father took off when she was a toddler. Whitney is a fantasy romance author with a successful series. She is sunshine and loves to have fun with her besties, Olivia, Kate and Nicole. She's taken care of herself all her life. She's been flirting with Killian for years but it's gone nowhere because Killian won't allow it to. She gets a little too drunk one night after partying with her friends and Killian insists on taking her home. He finds out she thinks someone is following her. He takes it seriously and doesn't like what he finds out.
Killian Byrne is 41 and has found a new life being Lucian Prescott's head of security and part of the Kings of Hell's Kitchen. He was his father's hitman and enforcer in the Irish mob in Boston. When his dad and brother were killed he moved to NYC and looked up Lucian who gave him a place in his organization. They work to clean up NYC and protect the innocent. He has a dark soul and feels he can never do enough good to make up for all the bad he did in Boston. He's so drawn to Whitney but he'll never touch because he feels unworthy. When her long lost father John Caffrey, comes to find her now that he's been released from prison. After bribing a judge he was released on a technicality. He's a hitman, enforcer, and one of the leaders of the Irish mob. He plans to marry his daughter Whitney, to Gaetano Tocci, a brutal son of the Italian mob's leader to unify the two territories. This pushes Killian over the edge and his protective instincts go overtime with Whitney. I loved watching Killian fall in love and seeing how the Kings worked together to keep her and NYC safe.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2023
I'm in a way conflicted on how I feel about this book. I did enjoy the first half or so of the book, but the last fourth of the book just... fell flat on its face.
Firstly Whitney and Killian do have chemistry, but it was very insta-lovey and borderline weird Mainly because Killian didn't have sex with anyone after the night that he took Whittney home from the club, which felt very weird when they just talked? They didn't do a thing and he was just never going to have sex after that? or was that just a conveinant thing so then not using protection could be just easily swept away?
Second - I wanted so much more from Whitney and her writing. It was beyond cute how Killian had all of her books and had read them so much that he knew an exact page number of a scene he wanted to read. Why couldn't we have had a cute moment of him trying to get her to reveal what she was working on? Or both of them discussing why Killian likes them so much? What they say about her? (There also could have been a good scene about him edging her while she was writing. I will gladly let you save that for another book ;))
Third- I know it's about vigilante's but I feel that the threat of her father coming to steal her so she could marry someone else was a bit... Rushed doesn't even seem like the right word. It felt like we should've had even more hints than what we'd had before the reveal about Whitney's father. I feel that he could've been a looming threat bugging Killian and Lucian from the beginning (Maybe they're keeping tabs on the people they've helped get put away to make sure they stay there) This could have maybe helped the severity of who Whitney's father is - really stand out to the reader instead of how it feels like it was messily thrown together because we needed a third act villain.
Maybe if they didn't know Whitney's dad was John (or if they did know and it was conflicting Killian) it would help make the "tempt me" title even better. It would give a little more substance than just how they've been thinking about one another for three years. Then Killian could be scared for falling for a criminals daughter and she's tempting him.
If steamy scenes are your thing then I do think this has some really good scenes, but in terms of plot it feels like it was a bit lack luster and not as big as you would expect anything with vigilante criminals to do.
Firstly Whitney and Killian do have chemistry, but it was very insta-lovey and borderline weird Mainly because Killian didn't have sex with anyone after the night that he took Whittney home from the club, which felt very weird when they just talked? They didn't do a thing and he was just never going to have sex after that? or was that just a conveinant thing so then not using protection could be just easily swept away?
Second - I wanted so much more from Whitney and her writing. It was beyond cute how Killian had all of her books and had read them so much that he knew an exact page number of a scene he wanted to read. Why couldn't we have had a cute moment of him trying to get her to reveal what she was working on? Or both of them discussing why Killian likes them so much? What they say about her? (There also could have been a good scene about him edging her while she was writing. I will gladly let you save that for another book ;))
Third- I know it's about vigilante's but I feel that the threat of her father coming to steal her so she could marry someone else was a bit... Rushed doesn't even seem like the right word. It felt like we should've had even more hints than what we'd had before the reveal about Whitney's father. I feel that he could've been a looming threat bugging Killian and Lucian from the beginning (Maybe they're keeping tabs on the people they've helped get put away to make sure they stay there) This could have maybe helped the severity of who Whitney's father is - really stand out to the reader instead of how it feels like it was messily thrown together because we needed a third act villain.
Maybe if they didn't know Whitney's dad was John (or if they did know and it was conflicting Killian) it would help make the "tempt me" title even better. It would give a little more substance than just how they've been thinking about one another for three years. Then Killian could be scared for falling for a criminals daughter and she's tempting him.
If steamy scenes are your thing then I do think this has some really good scenes, but in terms of plot it feels like it was a bit lack luster and not as big as you would expect anything with vigilante criminals to do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
This is the first book in a new series which is spin off of The Prescott's Series. While it would be great if you could read the that series, it's not needed to enjoy this book. While reading the pre free book Tease Me is a must also reading the last Prescott book, Bad Intentions will make this story all the better. It will lay the ground work for our story. I need to let those who have not read Tara’s books before be warned this story has lots of violence and a different way of handling it. Danger, passion, wild steamy love scenes and over protective males. Killian and Whitney were attracted to each other from the first time they meet. But no matter how hard Whitney tried to get him to see her he pushed her away. Giving up, she moved on with her life while always knowing he was there. She traveled, wrote her fairy novels and dated. Always keeping her eyes on Killian whenever their paths crossed. Killian knows he is not good enough for Whitney and that he can’t let himself think of touching her, having her. She is the best friend of his boss and best friend Lucian wife. Lucian would kill him if her hurt her and if he didn’t his wife, Olivia would. Killian lost his family to the mob and everything he knew. He was taken in by Lucian and along with his team found meaning, friends and family again. He knows his world is as far apart from hers as can be. But he still wants her. When she finds herself being followed, she tells him about it while she is drunk. Now the real story begins, with danger beating at the door, the only person he will let guard her is himself. After three years of keeping walls up between then their passion explodes. Without even knowing it they need each other to heal what has been missing in their lives. Will they get a chance to find out? Will the mob win and steal her away from him? Can she live with what he does and how he feels about it? So many questions and the only way to get the answers is to get your copy and get started. It is a roller Coaster of a ride and will question your definition of right and wrong along the way. Is life only black and white or are there some grey lines too. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. I can’t wait for the next book!
July 9, 2023
Irish mob enforcer Killian Byrne is anything but happy. After losing everything, Killian finds himself on a bus out of town and toward a new beginning. On the other hand, Whitney Vanek is the epitome of "living your best life" and doesn't intend to change that anytime soon. When the two collide in a seemingly innocent bar encounter, neither one can forget it. While Whitney is sure she can snag Killian, he is determined to stay away. Sometimes doing the right thing isn't always the easy thing.
I love a good romance, and the grumpy/sunshine trope might be one of my favorites. Add in a sprinkle of forced proximity and a dash of anti-hero vibes, and I'm sold. Tempt Me by Tara Wyatt is a fun, easy read with plenty of spice and simmer to keep you turning the pages. The characters are witty, intelligent, and realistically written. I fell in love with both Killian and Whitney almost instantly. The storyline is interesting throughout and the story arc is perfect in timing and tension. Additionally, Wyatt skillfully manages to sidestep many landmines throughout the book that others tend to trip on, including predictable plot twists and surface-layer problem-solving. Honestly, it's not often that I find a book in a series that I enjoyed as much as this one, and I will be looking forward to reading more about The Kings of Hell's Kitchen again soon.
NOTE: Despite this book being labeled The Kings of Hell's Kitchen #1, there is, in fact, a "prequel" that is not made known to the reader until the end of this book. While this book can be (and was) read as a standalone, readers who enjoy the weaving of characters in and out of different books/series from an author should dig a little deeper into Wyatt's recommended book reading order. If I had read "Bad Intentions" first, I would have found a deeper understanding of the past events between Killian, Olivia, and Lucian and how they impacted Killian's reluctance to let Whitney in.
I love a good romance, and the grumpy/sunshine trope might be one of my favorites. Add in a sprinkle of forced proximity and a dash of anti-hero vibes, and I'm sold. Tempt Me by Tara Wyatt is a fun, easy read with plenty of spice and simmer to keep you turning the pages. The characters are witty, intelligent, and realistically written. I fell in love with both Killian and Whitney almost instantly. The storyline is interesting throughout and the story arc is perfect in timing and tension. Additionally, Wyatt skillfully manages to sidestep many landmines throughout the book that others tend to trip on, including predictable plot twists and surface-layer problem-solving. Honestly, it's not often that I find a book in a series that I enjoyed as much as this one, and I will be looking forward to reading more about The Kings of Hell's Kitchen again soon.
NOTE: Despite this book being labeled The Kings of Hell's Kitchen #1, there is, in fact, a "prequel" that is not made known to the reader until the end of this book. While this book can be (and was) read as a standalone, readers who enjoy the weaving of characters in and out of different books/series from an author should dig a little deeper into Wyatt's recommended book reading order. If I had read "Bad Intentions" first, I would have found a deeper understanding of the past events between Killian, Olivia, and Lucian and how they impacted Killian's reluctance to let Whitney in.
June 16, 2023
Thank you to Tara Wyatt, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a slog. This was the slowest I'd read a book in a long time, and it was only partially due to life stuff. This book was not exciting, didn't incite emotion, and felt incredibly plot-less.
To start, you will like this book if you're a fan of:
- Insta-love
- Very little to no plot
- Complete focus on romance
To start, my biggest pain point was the lack of plot. The author tried, certainly, but it made absolutely no sense. Especially the plot reason for the entire, romantic climax. I also found it incredibly annoying how the first 50% of the book was the two main characters refusing to communicate. Just fucking talk! It was reminiscent of a 28 year old and 40 year old acting like they were still freshman in high school passing notes. He was convinced his life just wasn't for her... even though she's bffs with the wife of the dude in charge? It makes no sense. The reason they end up married? No sense.
I also took issue with the lack of action. The author danced around it like it was a minor thing. Towards the end of the book, there's a shooting scene. The author literally just wrote it as "I got out of the car, pumped multiple shots into each chest, then went to check on Whitney." That's it. Every "action" scene was like that. Just glossed over with no emotion, no immersion, no description.
Honestly, this book probably wasn't for me. I don't like insta-love and I don't like lack of plot. Side characters meant very little, I didn't feel any emotions during what I assumed were meant to be highly emotional. I think this book would work for those just dipping their feet in to smut, and you only care about the smut. I will say that - The smut was pretty good!
This book was a slog. This was the slowest I'd read a book in a long time, and it was only partially due to life stuff. This book was not exciting, didn't incite emotion, and felt incredibly plot-less.
To start, you will like this book if you're a fan of:
- Insta-love
- Very little to no plot
- Complete focus on romance
To start, my biggest pain point was the lack of plot. The author tried, certainly, but it made absolutely no sense. Especially the plot reason for the entire, romantic climax. I also found it incredibly annoying how the first 50% of the book was the two main characters refusing to communicate. Just fucking talk! It was reminiscent of a 28 year old and 40 year old acting like they were still freshman in high school passing notes. He was convinced his life just wasn't for her... even though she's bffs with the wife of the dude in charge? It makes no sense. The reason they end up married? No sense.
I also took issue with the lack of action. The author danced around it like it was a minor thing. Towards the end of the book, there's a shooting scene. The author literally just wrote it as "I got out of the car, pumped multiple shots into each chest, then went to check on Whitney." That's it. Every "action" scene was like that. Just glossed over with no emotion, no immersion, no description.
Honestly, this book probably wasn't for me. I don't like insta-love and I don't like lack of plot. Side characters meant very little, I didn't feel any emotions during what I assumed were meant to be highly emotional. I think this book would work for those just dipping their feet in to smut, and you only care about the smut. I will say that - The smut was pretty good!
June 1, 2023
This is the first book of Ms. Wyatt that I have had the pleasure of reading and it will not be the last. Her writing is gripping, her storyline is one that is filled with details, emotions, and characters that are relatable.
Tempt Me gives us Killian and Whitney, two people who seem complete opposites but are truly made for one another. Killian is a man that watched his father and brother killed when he was a young man. Now he works as an assassin, a killer, a mob enforcer and someone that does not deserve happiness or the love of a beautiful woman. Meeting Whitney has him rethinking his life and now he has taken on the role of protector because her life is in danger. Forced proximity and feelings that they both seem to share sees the two of them fighting the pull that is happening. He feels that he is not the man for her because of the deep scars that keep him in the dark. Whitney sees something more in him, she sees through the scared, dark exterior that he has and into his soul. The would of a man that has done what he needed to do to survive and keep the ones that he cares about alive. Can she make him see that he is someone that is truly worth the love that she has for him? Will he let her break down the walls that he has built around himself as well as his heart? Can the woman who tells everyone that she does not do feelings, keeps hers at bay when Killian tells her she is the only one that has his heart?
This book had me feeling so many emotions and had my heart breaking so many times and I still could not put it down. When I got to the end of the book I kept trying to turn the page for more of their story but was saddened to see that I was at the end. I definitely will be adding Ms. Wyatt to my author's TBR list.
Tempt Me gives us Killian and Whitney, two people who seem complete opposites but are truly made for one another. Killian is a man that watched his father and brother killed when he was a young man. Now he works as an assassin, a killer, a mob enforcer and someone that does not deserve happiness or the love of a beautiful woman. Meeting Whitney has him rethinking his life and now he has taken on the role of protector because her life is in danger. Forced proximity and feelings that they both seem to share sees the two of them fighting the pull that is happening. He feels that he is not the man for her because of the deep scars that keep him in the dark. Whitney sees something more in him, she sees through the scared, dark exterior that he has and into his soul. The would of a man that has done what he needed to do to survive and keep the ones that he cares about alive. Can she make him see that he is someone that is truly worth the love that she has for him? Will he let her break down the walls that he has built around himself as well as his heart? Can the woman who tells everyone that she does not do feelings, keeps hers at bay when Killian tells her she is the only one that has his heart?
This book had me feeling so many emotions and had my heart breaking so many times and I still could not put it down. When I got to the end of the book I kept trying to turn the page for more of their story but was saddened to see that I was at the end. I definitely will be adding Ms. Wyatt to my author's TBR list.
May 30, 2023
I have to thank the lucky glitch in the internet that brought my first Tara Wyatt book to my e-reader . After that was Tease Me and it was a conscious decision to choose it . And I was right . That novella was a promising beginning of a new series. Yes , The Kings of Hell's Kitchen will be a killer series, pun intended. And Tempt Me, the first book in the series is so so good. In Tease Me we are introduced to Killian and Whitney . And if you missed to read it it's included in Tempt Me, so you're not missing anything in your Kings experience. Tempt Me is an action packed suspense romance and you won't be able to put it down once you start reading. It's full of secrets and twists and turns that will keep you on your toes . I loved Killian and Whitney's story and was curious what will be Killian's breaking point and will he admits his feelings for Whitney. A mystery from the past emerges and a threat to Whitney is all it takes for Killian to act on instinct and then all bets are off. Whitney is the sunshine to Killian's darkness and he's tired of fighting his attraction and feelings for her . Whitney sees the true Killian and admires him . And he is attracted to her light , the creative side of her and her free spirit . And let me tell you the chemistry between them is scorching hot and will melt your Kindle . They both change and grow, and see clear what's important for them in life. The epilogue was so sweet and I loved reading it. Now I'm so curious about Kate and Luca . And I'd love to read how the other Kings meet their women.
I received an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange of an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange of an honest review.
May 31, 2023
Tempt Me by Tara Wyatt
Kings of Hell’s Kitchen #1
What a stunning story! Thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end!
What I liked:
* Killian Byrne: dark, deadly, bedeviled, enforcer, has his own moral compass, lost everything, rose from the ashes, integral member of KOHK, fell for Whitney almost at first sight, grew a lot in this story
* Whitney Vanek: free spirit, flirtatious, bright, caring, strong, independent, good friend, raised by her mother, doesn’t know her father, has wanted Killian since she first saw him
* The prequel being included with the book
* Getting to meet some of the characters that will probably be included in this series
* The plot, pace, location, and writing
* That I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down
* Thinking about good & evil as a label for people and how some that are considered evil may not truly BE evil…
* Thinking about tolerance, acceptance, forgiveness, self-flagellation, love, family, and a lot of other heavy topics while reading this book
* Killian & Whitney and how they finally manage their HEA – still fanning myself thinking about some of those scenes
* That the bad guys were found and dealt with, and the story complete without cliffhangers
* Knowing that there is another book in the series coming out later this year
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how evil some people are
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Kings of Hell’s Kitchen #1
What a stunning story! Thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end!
What I liked:
* Killian Byrne: dark, deadly, bedeviled, enforcer, has his own moral compass, lost everything, rose from the ashes, integral member of KOHK, fell for Whitney almost at first sight, grew a lot in this story
* Whitney Vanek: free spirit, flirtatious, bright, caring, strong, independent, good friend, raised by her mother, doesn’t know her father, has wanted Killian since she first saw him
* The prequel being included with the book
* Getting to meet some of the characters that will probably be included in this series
* The plot, pace, location, and writing
* That I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down
* Thinking about good & evil as a label for people and how some that are considered evil may not truly BE evil…
* Thinking about tolerance, acceptance, forgiveness, self-flagellation, love, family, and a lot of other heavy topics while reading this book
* Killian & Whitney and how they finally manage their HEA – still fanning myself thinking about some of those scenes
* That the bad guys were found and dealt with, and the story complete without cliffhangers
* Knowing that there is another book in the series coming out later this year
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how evil some people are
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 26, 2023
Whitney Vanek aka Rose Gallagher, fantasy romance novelist, loves her job for the freedom it affords her, especially when she decides to jet off to exotic locations to write and enjoy life. But right now she is grouchy because her long-time crush Killian Byrne, after giving her the best kiss of her life at the wedding of their friends Olivia and Lucian, rejected her cruelly. But what she doesn’t know is that his intention was to keep her as far away as possible from his very real, very dark hell.
When Killian goes to confession, he learns from the priest that Irish gangster John Caffrey, newly released from prison, is planning to unite the Irish and Italian mafias by offering his daughter in marriage. Then, when he meets up with Whitney at a coffee shop, who is there but none other that her father John Caffrey. Needless to say, Killian is not happy, especially when he has just declared that he will go to all means necessary to protect her. But protect her he must, for there are villains aplenty who want force her into a mob marriage. Fortunately for her, she has The Kings on her side.
Oh, my stars, what a thrilling beginning to Tara Wyatt’s latest The Kings of Hell’s Kitchen series! Tempt me is both creative and addictive, filled with beautifully crafted characters, spicy sex scenes, imminent danger, the existential battle of good versus evil, and the notion that people who do bad things for the greater good can find redemption. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
When Killian goes to confession, he learns from the priest that Irish gangster John Caffrey, newly released from prison, is planning to unite the Irish and Italian mafias by offering his daughter in marriage. Then, when he meets up with Whitney at a coffee shop, who is there but none other that her father John Caffrey. Needless to say, Killian is not happy, especially when he has just declared that he will go to all means necessary to protect her. But protect her he must, for there are villains aplenty who want force her into a mob marriage. Fortunately for her, she has The Kings on her side.
Oh, my stars, what a thrilling beginning to Tara Wyatt’s latest The Kings of Hell’s Kitchen series! Tempt me is both creative and addictive, filled with beautifully crafted characters, spicy sex scenes, imminent danger, the existential battle of good versus evil, and the notion that people who do bad things for the greater good can find redemption. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
May 31, 2023
Having read the Prescott series, I was familiar with Killian through his connection to Lucien Prescott. So when tease me, the prequel to Tempt Me came out, I was super excited to read Killian and Whitney's story, because I knew it would not only be hot as, well, hell's kitchen, but that Killian would be a tortured hero.
FYI, Tease Me is included in this book, so don't despair is you haven't read it yet...you can now. And boy h boy, Killian and Whitney are way hotter than I even imagined. Being the head of security and enjoying all the "extra" tasks that come with the job in the Prescott Hospitality Group, combined with his rough background, Killian knows he doesn't deserve Whitney. While she's as sweet and sunny as he is dark and grumpy, she's also got a fire within for Killian...and it's either going to explode or she's moving on.
Watching what finally makes Killian pull his head out of his rear is one of the lighter moments of the book. And while there's both angst and violence as well, it's the chemistry between Killian and Whitney that was the draw for me. She makes his believe that he's more than his job, and that he doesn't need to hide the man inside for her to want the whole, real him. I think that's even more powerful than a story filled with hearts, flowers and a reformed hero. Killian is unapologetically himself, and that's more than enough for Whitney to love.
Super hot, lots of sweet, a bad boy and good girl finding each other...Tempt Me is too good to pass up!
FYI, Tease Me is included in this book, so don't despair is you haven't read it yet...you can now. And boy h boy, Killian and Whitney are way hotter than I even imagined. Being the head of security and enjoying all the "extra" tasks that come with the job in the Prescott Hospitality Group, combined with his rough background, Killian knows he doesn't deserve Whitney. While she's as sweet and sunny as he is dark and grumpy, she's also got a fire within for Killian...and it's either going to explode or she's moving on.
Watching what finally makes Killian pull his head out of his rear is one of the lighter moments of the book. And while there's both angst and violence as well, it's the chemistry between Killian and Whitney that was the draw for me. She makes his believe that he's more than his job, and that he doesn't need to hide the man inside for her to want the whole, real him. I think that's even more powerful than a story filled with hearts, flowers and a reformed hero. Killian is unapologetically himself, and that's more than enough for Whitney to love.
Super hot, lots of sweet, a bad boy and good girl finding each other...Tempt Me is too good to pass up!
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