Tempting

Red Lips & White Lies #1

by Bella Matthews

From USA Today and Amazon Top 5 Bestselling Author Bella Matthews comes a Fake Dating, Teach Me, Spicy Sports Romance.

A little white lie never hurt anyone . . . or so I thought.

One fake date and we’d go our separate ways, at least that’s how hockey’s hottest golden boy—Nixon Sinclair—convinced me this would work. But it turns out, Nix had other plans.

Now I’m sneaking around with my brother’s teammate , refusing to admit he’s everything I want but never knew I needed.

Irresistibly dirty mouth—Check.

Panty-meltingly possessive—Check. Check.

Toe-curling lessons in the bedroom—Check. Check. Triple Check.

But when fun leads to feelings, our little white lie starts to feel a little too real.

And if I’m not careful, I’ll be the one hurt in the end.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Romance, Sports, Fake Dating, Friends To Lovers, Hockey Romance

280 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2024

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

Dnf @ 25%


Yup, not doing this again. This is obviously a me thing!

Mackenzie (27) hasn't been with anyone for YEARS because she's busy with her studies then career. And she never had good sex and even an O unless it came from a "vibrator with a charging cord". She might as well have been a freaking virgin. 🥴🤦‍♀️

Nixon (27) on the other hand, doesn't actually scream a hoe, but I think that's only because he's discreet about it. But in my mind, just because he doesn't parade it, that doesn't mean he's not one. I'm not sure, though, since, until this point, his past had been vague. He's very private when it comes to his affairs, I think, unlike his relatives, who are proudly flaunting their conquests. And in the present time, he said he only got tested LAST MONTH and had never been with anyone else since then. 🫠🙃
 
So at the 67% mark, they decided to forgo HIS protection because he said he's clean and she's on BC. Not the dumbest thing I ever read, but still dumb nonetheless. 🤦‍♀️😬

Also, I'm not sure since I'm using the search functionality, but this is giving me the "it's always been you" vibe. Apparently, he's had a crush on her since they were 13. But years passed by, and they got busy with their lives and careers. And she never sees him that way other than he's her best friends' sibling. So I guess, it's safe to say it was one sided up until they started to fake date. Again, I'm not sure; I could be wrong. It's just the impression I'm getting. 🤷‍♀️
 
Anyhoo, I'm out, I'm just over and done with the imbalance and spicy lessons! 🤧😩

Hope this works for other readers.

[Bella Matthews]

Available now

💋Hockey Romance
🏒Best Friend’s Brother
💋Fake Dating
🏒Spicy Lessons

Grab Your Copy 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
🔗 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D25NB3RQ

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I told Bella I didn't think she could ever top Ares Wilder from The Knockout for me and I think she took that as her personal mission to create an even better MMC that has me in a chokehold. So she said hold my beer and gave me NIXON SINCLAIR and when I tell you this man is literal perfection, he is LITERAL PERFECTION! It has been a couple days since I have finished Tempting and Nixon has lived rent free in my head ever since.

I absolutely love this little universe that Bella has created and I feel like I am part of this chaotic group of friends and family. So it felt so good to be back in Kroydon Hills. Tempting is Kenzie and Nixon's story. I have always been intrigued by Kenzie because she was always around and part of the unhinged girls group chat but was away for med school so it was so nice to get to know her and her personality. Now Nixon, we were introduced to him in The Sweet Spot and let me tell you something, you are not ready for Nixon.

I absolutely loved Kenzie and Nixon. Kenzie is on the shy side and has spent the last several years in med school which means she hasn't focus on much of anything else. This has made her feel self conscious in the love department. This is where Nixon steps in... this man has been crushing on Kenzie since they have been kids, and I quote "this girl was the first girl I ever crushed on before I even knew all the ways I wanted to make her scream my fucking name." I mean once I read that line, I was like sir, I love you.

Nixon wasn't shy about what he wanted. He entered into this "fake dating" scenario to help her because you know they are "friends" and we all know this song and dance. Just like Easton said, "Yeah. That's what I used to say about Lindy too. You're fucking screwed, Sinclair. Don't say I didn't warn ya." Can we also talk about the mouth of this man? Everything that came out of his mouth turned me into a puddle. And then what he did with that mouth, dear lord. I'm a goner. I'm officially in love with a fictional man!

But oh man, I just loved their story. I straight devoured it. I couldn't put it down. Read it in a day. This is by far one of my favorites from Bell. Nixon rivals Ares for me and Tempting will be a top read for me. And I truly hope you love this book as much as I did! If I could give this book infinite ♾️ ⭐️ I would!

You should most definitely read this book if you love:
- Pro Hockey Romance
- Childhood Crush/Friends to Lovers
- Fake Dating
- Best Friend's Brother
- They are Neighbors
- Spicy Lessons
- Teammate's Little Sister
- Found Family

*As always a HUGE thank you to Bella Matthews for allowing me the privilege to read Tempting as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review!

[Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I the only one who's been hoping the secrets Kenzie has been keeping are Maddox related ever since that scene in The Keeper when Lindy was in the elevator and Kenzie got on at Maddox's floor???

Update: THIS WAS SO MUCH BETTER!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one but it fell so flat for me. There were so many characters mentioned and I couldn’t keep them all straight so I was constantly confused. I’m confused on where the plot was too, it seemed like nothing was happening. Honestly, I DNF’d it at 82% because I couldn’t do it anymore.

[Victoria Bowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story felt rushed and the “extended family” was soo fucking confusing. I couldn’t keep up with who was who other than Jules 🫠

[Büşra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tatlı ve akıcı bir kitaptı. En yakın arkadaşının abisi ve en yakın arkadaşının kardeşi gibi bir kitaptı. Yazarın serileri daha doğrusu karakterleri birbiriyle bağlantılıymış. Ve ben gidip en son serisinden başladığım için diğer karakterlere dair her şeyi görüyoruz ama kim kimin neyi çok anlamadım tabii ki. O yüzden seri en baştan başlayacağım.😂

İki karakter de çok tatlı gerçekten beni çok mutlu ediyor . Ve en sevdiğim şeylerden biri karakterler konuşabiliyor gerçekten bir kitapta en sevdiğim şey iletişim kurabilmeleri. Fazla bir olayı yok farklı bir olayı yok ama yine de beni çok mutlu etti o yüzden eksiği olsa bile bence güzeldi💜

Ayrıca smut sahneleri ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 yazar yazmış da yazmış.😁

[Gigi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many characters, and the family tree was way too confusing.

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

This book was everything! Bella Matthews is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I swear I devoured every single word of Kenzie and Nixon's story. EVERY WORD! Nixon was so protective and delicious and he is my absolute new favorite! Yes, I said it! I finally changed my favorite Bella hero, and that is not something I do lightly.

And this boy is dirty. I did NOT expect sweet Nixon and Kenzie being the spiciest ones, but these two were straight up fire.

TROPES ⬇️
Best Friends' Brother
Spicy Lessons
Fake Dating
Hockey Romance
Protective Hero
He Falls First
Girl Gang and Strong Female Friendships

Kenzie and Nixon might be my favorite couple ever.I loved how much neither of them was looking for a relationship until they were, and then everything changed. These two have known each other most of their lives, and knowing Nix always had a thing for her, talk about heart melting. And then Kenzie, I related to her so much with her putting her job first and missing out on things, and wanting to experience what she missed. Fake dating is always going to be a 10/10 for me, and the way their entire gang gave their opinions the entire time cracked me up.

I love all the couples in this world individually but what makes this whole series special is the friendship and family vibes that are woven through every book. The friend group those girls built is so special and I want to be friends with them.

Bella has never shied away from spice, but she took these two and turned them up a whole notch. There were a couple scenes that I was full on sweating during. RIP me I have melted on the floor,

I feel like I had at least 300 hundred highlights in this book, I stayed up all night reading it and I have zero regrets. I love them and would burn down the world for them.

[Ana_books_and_stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, Nixon Sinclair, swoon much with heart eyes popping!

I sighed so many times while reading this magnificent book.

It's finally time for Mackenzie Hayes to get her happily ever after, after watching all her friends find their paths.

And who else could be her happily ever after if not the fantastic Nixon Sinclair, that sweetest bun full of muscles and a very, very dirty mouth!

Nixon and Kenzie are perfect for each other, they are exactly what they didn't know they needed.
All the energy, tension that surrounds them from their first look after not seeing each other for 4 years. The awakening of the feeling that has always existed between them makes this story of fake dating the least fake that has ever existed. And if we add spicy lessons on top of that! And let's not forget the fantastic banter between them. This book is chef’s kiss!

It's a light and easy read, without many dramas, but with a lot of feeling. I felt my heart strings tighten several times, especially when their insecurities and doubts came more to the surface.

This book is a read that lifts the spirit, and we don't even notice the pages passing, making us sad when we reach the end and say... “Ohhh... I want more!”

Congratulations Bella for another excellent story that makes us dream!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Jasmine | Filthylittlereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re mine and I’m yours. I will never be anything but yours.”

A book by Bella Matthews is a book I am going to absolutely devour and that’s exactly what I did with Tempting!
It’s is the first in the new Red Lips and White Lies series. I’m in awe of the way Bella continues to expand within this world. The desire and intensity of the way I just crave everyone’s story. It felt like coming home and my heart was so happy.

Mackenzie and Nixon were a delectable best friend’s brother, fake dating with a helping of spicy lessons on top.
Nixon was all alpha gentleman with a filthy talking mouth that he had no problems backing up.
I loved Kenzie and all her sassiness. Their story was so fun and entertaining. Sexy and sweet. I enjoyed every minute.
Being back in a world with some of my most beloved characters is always the best time. I’m already itching for the next book!

“If I did anything right in my life, it was loving you. Today. Tomorrow. Always.“

[Jillian Gisoni · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was awful. why were there so many characters mentioned??? they had zero chemistry and talked about absolutely nothing. wanted brain rot and just got pure rot.

also did I miss a tw for assault + suicide? came out of nowhere and we just moved on like nothing happened.

[Ajla Obic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a short, easy, lighthearted read that I flew through in a few hours! Also a great palate cleanser. It was funny, sweet, spicy, charming, but also quite emotional & tear jerking, & such a great start to this new series by Bella🩷 I’m looking forward to the rest of the books!

Kenzie is intelligent, hardworking, pushes herself to her limit & doesn’t know how to rest & look after herself, & has never been in love or felt wanted although she has, she’s just super oblivious to it all. She’s a sweetheart & a great friend. Watching her be loved by Nixon was so sweet because she truly deserved it❤️‍🩹 Nixon is lowkey completely different to what I had expected him to be. I thought he was your typical extroverted playboy jock, but he was caring, quiet, a little awkward, & had a heart of gold. He fell in love with Kenzie so easily & quickly despite being reluctant that he wasn’t ready for anything to matter in his life other than hockey🥹

Kenzie & Nixon we’re both individuals who believed they couldn’t afford a relationship at this point in their lives, & they didn’t really want to give themselves the freedom of falling in love because their careers were most important. However that quickly changed when they both found home in each other, & fell hard for one another🥹 although this was a short book, they created a solid emotional connection, & they already had history due to knowing each other when they were children, so they started the story off as friends. The tension was sizzling, the spice was great, the banter was fun, & their chemistry was undeniable. Loved them!

Also love the found family in every single one of Bella’s books! Can’t wait for the next one! Thank you to Bella & her team for having me on the arc team🩷

Read if you like: teammates little sister, hockey romance, spicy lessons, fake dating, found family

[Oleksandra]

Нотатка для себе: не починати читати цю авторку з цієї книжки. Перед прочитання повторно ознайомитись з хронологією книжок і почати з найпершої книжки авторки (про перше покоління), якщо ще захочеться

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

Bella ATE and left no crumbs with this baby!!! Nixon was absolute perfection. He was 100% the one Kenzie needed to balance her out and show her her worth! Their chemistry and banter was so hot. Lots of swoony moments! This book was definitely right up there with the Keeper for me which is my favorite book by Bella. I think this one might be tied with it now.

Thank you to Bella & her team for the ARC 🩷 I can’t wait to continue this new series, this was the perfect start!

“𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚞𝚙 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜, 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚡 𝙼𝚊𝚌 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚜—𝚖𝚢 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕, 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚓𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚢, 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢, 𝚜𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝. 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚎. 𝙵𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍. 𝙵𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝. 𝙷𝚎𝚛. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚝.”

Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Hockey Player x Doctor
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Brother’s Teammate
- Neighbors/Forced Proximity
- Fake Dating
- Friends With Benefits
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Spicy Lessons😉

[Samantha Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Spicy Read!

This was such a cute and spicy read but I really wanted more. I think things were kind of rushed especially the final chapters. Though I still enjoyed it overall!

[Aleesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so first things first I'm going to complain about something that I did to myself.

See, this is one of those books that, going in, you know you've missed out on some significant world building. You know because you're handed an ancestry.com chart of names that's 3 miles along of characters you're supposed to have already read about. The first several chapters are little else but a parade of characters the author's supposing you're already familiar with, who all have their own stories you're given just the teeniest overview of and who possess about 78 children among them.

Apparently, Matthews is one of those writers who uses the same universe for every book she writes. Which means that with every book, the cast of characters gets bigger and bigger because everybody (and I do mean, everybody) needs a cameo.

I'm sure for some people who've read Matthews' ENTIRE repertoire, seeing all of these characters pop up again is heart-warming and sweet and nostalgic. But creating worlds like this that just keep getting bigger with each new series makes it difficult for new readers to interact with one's work. What do you mean I have to go back and read 12 books worth of world building before I can read the book that came across my Kindle and sounded interesting?

Alas, I knew what I was signing up for, so while it was sort of annoying to have 95 characters to keep track of, I can't exactly count it against this story. This one's on me.

I will say now, though, that because the cast of characters is SO HUGE, and people flit in and out of the story so often, it made trying to keep them all straight virtually impossible. It also made connecting with any of them impossible. But I'm not going to ding this book for this. I knew what I was doing when I picked it up. It's annoying as fuck, but it was my choice to read it.

Now, let's get into the review that counts:
First, the good things.

There were parts of this story that I genuinely enjoyed.

⦁ I love that Kenzie is a doctor. An OBGYN at that. I love that she's SUPER smart and strong and independent.
⦁ I loved the text messages in this story - the boys' chat and girls' chat threads were a real highlight and made me laugh. They also went a long way for helping me figure out who these people were.
⦁ I loved the interaction between Kenzie's adoptive mother (who's her biomom's best friend, I think) at her mother's graveside. There's actually quite a few little moments shared between the MCs and other people that are very poignant and emotional in this story that helped things feel deeper than just surface level.
⦁ I liked the "secret thoughts" at the beginning of each chapter. Some of them were very quoteworthy!
⦁ The spice was spicing. Nixon's got a filthy mouth and he knows how to use it. I also like that he's protective without being overbearing and possessive.
⦁ There's no real 3rd act breakup at all. Thank god.
⦁ I enjoyed the creepy doctor and sexual harassment subplot - it could have gone much farther in my opinion.

Now. The things that dragged this story down for me.

⦁ This book is short. Just 280 pages. It's GREAT for those who enjoy romance and are in a rut because it's very easy to read, but the short length also means that there's not a ton of space for real character or relationship development.
⦁ And speaking of the relationship - there isn't really one to speak of. The two begin fake-dating, but only kind of. Then they graduate into sex lessons, but that very quickly devolves into lovemaking without anyone teaching anything. Then out of nowhere, and despite reservations they BOTH have about getting into a serious relationship, they confess their love for each other and in the same breath Nixon asks Kenzie to be his wife. It's all VERY quick and VERY surface level. We're supposed to just accept that these 2 people have known one another since they were like 13 - like that's all the basis for their relationship needs.
⦁ Apparently the reason we have 112 side characters in this book is because every one of them needs to give peptalks to the MCs. Because we get scenes of different people telling both Nixon and Kenzie the exact same advice: "Don't forget to live your life outside of your job. You can have it all with the right person." The scene gets repeated no less than 9 times between the two from everybody in their circle. His dad, her cousin, their friends, her brother, the woman who raised her after her mom died... it never ends. It's the same conversation over and over again.
⦁ Only for the MCs to inevitably go "mmm yeah I don't know" and then immediately stop thinking about the advice imparted to them. Until 70% of the way through, when suddenly the L word gets dropped and we get a marriage proposal out of nowhere.
⦁ The way the sexual harassment plot ended was VERY abrupt, and VERY unsatisfying. This is the biggest disappointment I had with this story. It could have gone farther, it could have been darker, it could have had a better ending. In the end, I really don't think it even needed to be in the story in the first place, since nothing significant was done with it.
⦁ One last little thing! Kenzie is your typical bookworm. She's all academics and no social life. Fine. We all love Hermione Granger and the intimate lessons trope is a popular one for a reason.

Here's the thing. Kenzie is an OBGYN. She deals with vaginas for a LIVING. Yet she's willingly lets her man smear mint chocolate chip ice cream all over her lady bits and then tongue fuck her on her counter. 😒😒

I hope she got a gnarly yeast infection. I hope it hurt. She'd freakin' deserve it! You don't go to school specifically for VAGINA and then let a dude put easily spoil-able food in your hoohah! Ladies please don't do this. Not only is it gross as hell, it's dangerous. You'd think an OBGYN WOULD KNOW BETTER!

--

For what this story is, it's pretty cute. It was a fun little afternoon read. I always end up struggling in the dog days of summer to pick up lengthy, heavier books. These little short stories are just the ticket to keep my mind occupied without giving me a headache. Is it perfect? No. Can it stand on its own as a stand-alone? I absolutely don't think it does. I think if I'd been familiar with all of the surplus characters this book would have been 1000x better than it was.

But the writing is well done, the characters are charming, the story had it's high points. For that, it's getting a solid 3 stars.

[Isabella Maraschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I didn’t think anyone would be able to top Ares Wilder for me but NIXON SINCLAIR, YOU ARE ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!! I think this might have just become my favorite book by Bella along with The Knockout & The Sweet Spot 💕

This was amazing!! The banter, the spice, Mackenzie & Nixon’s chemistry, the romance, everything was on point. Nix was everything Mac needed & her growth in this books was just so good, I absolutely adore her 🫶🏻

Bella’s stories are always so fun & spicy but also so raw & emotional and I absolutely love that about her books. I also love the found family trope that’s always present in her stories, she honestly writes this trope so beautifully. This is such an incredible start to this new series & I can’t wait to read more! 😍

Thank you to Bella & her team for the ARC!

Tropes:
- Sports romance
- Fake dating
- Best friend’s brother
- Brother’s teammate
- Forced proximity
- Friends with benefits
- He falls first
- Found family
- Spicy lessons 🤭

Final rating:
5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

[Noëmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by this author and it was damn so good. I need more and more.

I was lucky enough to recieve this audiobook as a gift and it was so good. Erin Mallon and Lance Greenfield were perfect for Kenzie and Nixon 🥰.

I loved these two so much. Nix and Kenzie were easy to fall for. Everything happened at the right pace. Getting to know them and seeing them grow was perfect.

It was my first book and now I need more.

I had an amazing time listening to it and I highly recommend it.

If you love hockey romance, spicy lessons add to that a great family bond and friendship, then this one is for you.

[Blissful.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nixon & MacKenzie

I'm in awe of Bella Mattews!
I've never read a single book by her that I didn't absolutely devour and Tempting is no different. I'll eat up the best friend's sibling and fake dating tropes EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

I loved Nix and Kenzie right from the very beginning. The way Nix jumped in to help Kenzie when he noticed she was uncomfortable without needing to be asked was cute as he||. And that ice cream scene?! If you like spicy books, you need to read this book if not for that scene alone because WOW. The text threads throughout this book made everything so much more fun. It almost feels like your in on the conversation, it was so great.

Book Contains:
- Hockey
- Fake relationship
- Teach me
- Neighbors to lovers
- Childhood friends to lovers
- "Mine"
- Fun banter

[Alyson Munion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been not so patiently waiting for this to drop and I dove right in the second my ARC hit my inbox. Tempting is a second generation story that can be read as a standalone but it’s so fun reading through the backlog for the story and vibes! Kenzie and Nixon were perfect for each other. Both focused heavily on their careers leaving them a bit closed off in the beginning. A few spicy lessons later and we get to see them open up! I seriously love the town and the people Bella has brought to life in these books! And the text threads will forever be my favorite part of any book but especially this world! Now back to the very beginning again for a reread as I wait for the next to drop!

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenzie and Nix set the bar high!!😍😍

𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 is the first book in the new Red Lips & White Lies series by Bella Matthews, featuring a captivating and spicy fake dating, hockey romance for Kenzie and Nixon. They agreed to one fake date to deter her handsy boss, but the sparks that are flying between her and her childhood friend are as real as it gets. They have complicated family connections, but Kenzie just can’t resist Nix’s possessive, dirty-talking, spicy lessons. As feelings grow, is a potential relationship worth the risk?

The Kroydon Hills world is one of my favorite places to visit, and this couple might just be my new favorite!❤️ Nixon’s protective streak came out right away, and the connection between them was obvious. He was the perfect blend of hot alpha with a heart of gold who was always mindful of exactly what Kenzie needed, both physically and emotionally.😍 Kenzie was #girlcrush material herself as she saved lives by day and kept up with Nixon at night. She could also keep the other guys in the group in check, when necessary. Just ask Leo…🤣🤣🤣 The banter in this book is unmatched with those hilarious text threads, and I’m so glad that Kenzie gets to participate in those gossipy ones now.😅 And when I say they had great chemistry, I mean they brought enough heat to start a wildfire!!🔥🔥 They are just perfect for each other! The authentic emotion, the family bonds, and the surprising plot twists kept my heart on the line and my eyes glued to the pages!! I just love all these characters so much!!🥰 I cannot wait to see what Bella has in store for the next one to fall!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Kenzie has been away for med school for a while, and she’s just finding her footing back home. Nixon hasn’t seen her in a long time, and she’s still the crush-worthy girl who’s best friends with his sisters. She needs some protection from a creepy doctor, and Nixon is there to step in and be the perfect fake boyfriend…and maybe teach her a few things along the way.

These two were so meant to be! Nixon’s whole personality will absolutely melt you and set you on fire 🥵 He knows what he wants and won’t give up until Kenzie is his for real. They were both trying to find their way, and instead found it in each other.

I loved being back in Kroydon Hills! It was so fun to see all the characters we love interacting with each other. It just makes everything feel even better 💕

Thank you, Bella and Valentine PR, for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

With each book I read of Bella Matthews, I fall a little more in love with Kroydon Hills 🥹 I love all of the characters and I love how they all interact together. The girl tribe is my favorite and I just love all the alpha protectiveness from the brothers & cousins.

I am SO FREAKIN HAPPY THAT KENZIE & NIXON ENDED UP TOGETHER 🔥🔥🔥 The second this book was released as her story I was rooting for her to be with Nixon & it did not disappoint 😍😍

I finish a book of Bella’s and immediately can’t wait for the next! 😍😍😍

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
“But somewhere between then and now, Nixon grew into a seventh circle of Hell hot man. When exactly did that happen, and how exactly did I miss it?”

“Because you’re mine, Mac. I think you always have been. And I’ll always protect you and take care of you.”

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
• Hockey Romance
• Best Friend’s Brother
• Friends to Lovers
• Fake Dating
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you Bella Matthews and Valentine PR for an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
🩷fake dating
🩶best friends brother
🩷hockey romance
🩶he falls first
🩷it’s always been you
🩶protective hero
🩷hockey player x doctor
🩶found family

Temping is the first book in Bella Matthew’s new series Red lips and White lies. I love any second generation book and tempting was no exception. This book belongs to Mackenzie and Nixon.

The Fmc, Mackenzie, is an Ob-gyn. She is very driven, career focused and doesn’t plan on a relationship at this stage. Kenzie carries a lot of hurt and wasn’t too sure how letting Nixon into her head and heart would go. Losing her mom took a toll on her and now she’s scared to let anyone else into her orbit. She has her pseudo mom and dad, who raised her, her brother, her girls and her career.

The MMC, Nixon is the golden boy hockey player. He was thinking about leaving the city due to living in his family’s shadow. Nixon has a protective alpha streak, especially when it comes to Mac. He’s also not really looking for a relationship as hockey takes alot of time. He is bossy, opinionated and mannnnnhe has a dirty mouth.

Mac and Nixon agreed to one fake date to an event and because her boss is sleazy. However, at this event things changed between them and the sparks went flying. Things changed and they have to figure out a few things like how to balance busy careers and a relationship, how to tell their interconnected families and how to get a HEA together that they want and deserve.

This was a great book with such good banter and balance between sweet and dirty talking hero that does end in HEA. I did feel like the boss x employee storyline kinda ended abruptly but overall I absolutely loved this story . I loved these two and I can’t wait for book 2. Thank you to Bella for the arc and for letting me be part of your team 🩷

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I want to grab her face in my hands and kiss her. Slam her up against the wall and fuck her.

This was exactly what I needed! Super sweet and steamy with excellent MCs. Boy falls first has become my newest favorite trope. I absolutely adored Nixon and Mac’s relationship.

Nixon is boyfriend goals - playfully obsessed with his woman. Willing to give her the time to get to where he is. Madly in love with her. There was no doubt that their fake relationship/bedroom lessons wouldn't stay that way.

Tempting is a fast burn and super spicy MF romance filled with multiple toe curling and swooning moments.

While this can be read as a standalone - Nixon and Mac get their HEA - I feel it would be best read in publishing order. There are a TON of characters from the previous books that make their appearances here. I got a little confused when multiple names were thrown about. It did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.

If you need a light read that makes you smile, this one’s for you!

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Let's start this new series at the top! There will be no easing in, no getting to know you, just perfection!

Sorry Ares, you have been bumped to number two in the Bella Matthews book boyfriend world. Nixon, you are everything he is and some extra!

Kenzie, you are smart, strong, driven, and a doctor, but you need to live! I am glad that Nixon was able to break down the walls. Did you really think the arrangement was to get you off of Dr. Dick’s radar? I have read enough romance novels to know this does.not.work.

Now, back to Nixon. This man has a mouth and knows how to use it. He has had a thing for Mackenzie for some time. I am glad he took charge in the presence of Dr. Dick, because we got one delicious story to read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[ema :)) · Rating 2 out of 5]

i cannot. this book was not for me. i wasn’t aware this was connected to a bunch of other books and i was so lost half the time trying to decipher who is who. i also hated the writing. it was half cringe and half poorly written. i thought the plot moved wayyyy too fast. like they fr just started booking up and he’s over here saying he loves her and then asks her to MARRY HIM?!!! what?💀 yeah not my cup of tea. i actually disliked the main characters, but esp the MMC. just the way they acted and talked, i hated it and i would never put up w that if that was my man. the one good thing abt this book is that it was a quick read, bc if it was any longer, i would’ve seriously had some mental damage from this.

[Proserpine · Rating 3 out of 5]

“If I did anything right in my life, it was loving you. Today. Tomorrow. Always.” —Nixon Sinclair

3.5🌟

gasping screaming wheezing throwing up

So, childhood crush turned lovers is totally my thing. And while this book was enjoyable, something about it didn’t fully click for me. It’s my first time reading Bella Matthews, so I’m still getting used to her writing style, but it’s definitely not going to be my last.

Tempting is a lowkey cute, spicy, and fast-paced read featuring Nixon—certified mouthy menace—and Kenzie, a shy med student with zero dating experience. Their fake-dating setup is classic friends-to-lovers chaos, and Nixon’s long-standing crush was feral. That man does not hold back, and every line out of his mouth had me puddled.

Nixon and Kenzie are so well-matched in the best way. Their childhood crush-to-lovers arc was sweet, nostalgic, and emotionally charged. Their banter was spicy, playful, and full of tension that sizzles. What really got me was how Nixon always put Kenzie first—her comfort, her confidence, her needs. And watching Kenzie slowly shed her shyness and step into her own power with Nixon by her side was absolutely heart-melting. The push and pull between them was addictive, especially that scene where Nixon literally says he’ll be there to catch her if she falls was kinda swoon.

Nixon and Kenzie's dynamic were still spicy, still fun, still so them. But the pacing felt off bcs too many characters popping in made the plot feel jumbled, pulling focus away from their relationship. I just wanted more time with them, not all the extra noise. Their chemistry was solid, but the story moved fast—secrecy to marriage to pregnancy with barely any buildup—and the third-act breakup felt more frustrating than emotional. The ending wrapped up so abruptly I barely had time to process it.

The found-family vibes were absolutely there and will made up for it, I believe. But I’ll admit, jumping into this series first instead of following the author’s suggested reading order might’ve been a mistake. Even with the character list, I was fighting for my life trying to track who’s who. 😵‍💫 Still, I’m curious about each couple’s story, so I’m finishing this series first, then circling back to read it all in Bella’s intended order.

Likewise, a huge shoutout to Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon for narrating this book. They brought the characters to life with such raw emotion and precision, making every scene feel vivid, grounded, and impossible to pause. Their delivery matched the characters’ arcs perfectly, elevating each moment with nuance and care. Also, a nod to Ava Erickson for voicing the news segments from The Philly Press, such a fun touch!

I still feel a little blind guessing where Bella’s taking us next. But based on that final convo and the sneak peek in the next blurb, it looks like Callen’s up next. He didn’t get much page time here, so I totally thought book two would be Leo’s, turns out he’s saving his chaos for book three. Still, I’m curious about Callen tho. So yeah, I’ll be crashing into Redeeming like it owes me tension and a full-blown family meltdown. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️