One Night Valentine

Tangled in Temptation #2

by Hope Ford

It’s not a question of IF this football star can resist the curvy florist but rather WHEN he’ll give in…

Cruz

It is said that you only want what you cannot have. I hate to be a cliche, but that statement rings true for me.

In my case it’s not what I want, but rather who. Tara Brooks. Sweet, funny, and my little sister’s best friend. I’ve got a list of reasons why I’m no good for her, starting with the fact that I’m a decade older. She’s just starting out and I’m about to retire.

Still, I’m used to getting what I want. And I’ve never been very good at following the rules.

So it seemed harmless when she asked me to be her fake date to her sister and ex-boyfriend’s wedding. There was no way I was letting her endure that on her own.

When the lines between what is real and what’s fake blur, I’m left wondering if I can be the man she needs, or will I fumble the best play of my life?

What’s

Football Player
Curvy Florist
Age Gap
Sports Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Fake Dating Tension
Hidden Softie
Forced Proximity
Small Town Romance

This Valentine's Day, more than love is in the air when six of your favorite authors bring you a series full of temptation.
Each story is filled with true love, twists and turns along with unexpected surprises. From the spark of a first kiss to happily ever afters, you’ll find everything you need and more this holiday season.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2025

About the author

Bestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances.  She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN.  She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.

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www.authorhopeford.com
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Reviews

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was an absolutely fantastic best friend’s brother romance. It was so well written and almost every page brought me a different feeling and I was all for it. Tara and Cruz were just the perfect pair and they felt so real to me. I loved the story from beginning to end and now I just want to get Lexi’s story.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruz is a hot football player; Tara is his younger sister's best friend. But even the ten years age difference will not be enough to keep their fake date from evolving into something more. This a well written novella, its full of romance and chemistry that one expects when reading a Hope Ford story!.

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

[Kaija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god I just LOVE the men Hope Ford writes!!

Cruz is NO different (also can we PLEASE have Whiskey Run in real life?)
So this has some of the best tropes,
sisters best friend,
fake dating,
retired footplay player,
smalltown,
STEAMY!!!
Tara needs a date to her ex boyfriends wedding (he’s marrying her sister) and her best friend has the brilliant plan to ask her brother to be Tara’s fake date and as you can expect they have an instant steamy connection and it can never be just one night!!!

I love this book so much!

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She may be his kryptonite...

...but he is the defender she has always needed and never had.

I love that Cruz cannot resist Tara, however, he doesn't just want her body, he wants to worship her, protect her, defend her and make all her dreams come true...forever. And once he finally forgets the fake and accepts how he feels, he is all in, he wants her heart, her body, her happiness and her future. It's steamy, sexy and swoony, I love Tara and Cruz but please tell me we are also going to get Lexi and Ben's book too? I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Exalt Naga · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a fake date to her sister’s and ex’s wedding turns into anything but fake. I loved this story! It was so sweet and getting both main characters POV made the story so much better. If you want a sweet, little angst, little spicy, Valentine story with a HEA definitely check One Night Valentine out.

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

[bookjunkiejane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Load of shit.. This should have gone straight to the trash, where it belongs..

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Cruz and Tara met when she's at this football game, it'll be his last game he plays. Cruz plans to announce he's retiring in a few days. When Cruz is finished playing his sister Lexi and Tara met him by the locker room. They agree to go out to dinner but when Tara finds out that Cruz reserved the whole restaurant for them she tries to get out of it. Tara and Lexi met Cruz at the restaurant, he's already order for them. As they are bringing out the food Cruz's sister Lexi tells him she needs a favor from him. Tara tries to get Lexi not to asks her brother for the favor. Tara needs a date to her sister and ex-boyfriend's wedding on Valentine's Day. Cruz doesn't want to do it at first telling Tara no one will believe they're dating. Ashamed Tara leaves the restaurant, taking Lexi's car. After Tara leaves, Lexi asks Cruz what was that about he doesn't think her friend is good enough for him. Cruz tells Lexi no that's not what he meant, he meant she's to good for him. Lexi knows that's not how her friend Tara took him saying that. Cruz promises to apologies to Tara, as they collect her car. When Cruz shows up at Tara's flower shop, he finds her arguing with her sister. Cruz steps in and saves Tara by telling everyone they're dating. Tara takes Cruz to her office where she explains to him that she only wants him to attend the wedding, one date. When they come out Cruz asks Tara if she'll have dinner with him and her sister overhears them. When they show up at Red's Diner the place is packed, but Cruz has a table reserved for him. Tara's sister comes walking in with her ex-boyfriend and joins them without being asked. Cruz has to defend Tara several times when her sister puts her down. Tara's sister asks Cruz if he'll come to visit her classroom and he only agrees if Tara will go with him. After they leave Red's Diner Cruz asks Tara if she's still in love with her ex-boyfriend. Tara tells Cruz she's not in love with her ex, he cheated on her with her sister. Tara takes Cruz back to her flower shop, she's behind on orders and he's offered to help since it's Valentine's Day in a few days. The next day Cruz picks up Tara and they head to the school so that he can talk to some of the students. When they leave, Tara tells Cruz he'd be a great motivational speaker. Cruz tells Tara that's what he wanted to do when he was younger. Tara finds out that Cruz is writing a motivational book and wants her to be the first to read it. Cruz holds a press conference to announce his retirement, but before he heads in the security call him, Tara showed up and she doesn't have a pass to enter. Cruz asks security to bring her to him, then he thanks her for showing up for him. They hold a press conference, it's not until the last question is asked that someone asked who Tara is, Cruz tells them she's his girlfriend. The following day, Tara has a busy day at the flower shop filling orders, when she's done Cruz sends her a message he book a hotel room for himself, he wants to attend the rehearsal dinner with her as well. Cruz calls Tara when she starts protesting him booking a room. Tara tells Cruz this was only to be one night on Valentine's Day. Cruz tells Tara he wants to do this. Cruz arrives at his hotel room, and messages Tara that he's there. Tara finally comes to Cruz's room and asks if she can stay with him. Tara's ex-boyfriend's brother showed up and they needed a room so they told Tara she could stay with her parents. Cruz tells Tara he has two bed, so she can stay with him. Tara and Cruz get ready in their separate room for the rehearsal dinner. When Tara's mother calls her, Cruz answers the phone telling her mother they're on their way. When they enter the dining room, Tara's mother tells her she's late, Cruz tells her it was his fault. Cruz has to defend Tara several times to her family, they love to put her down. Cruz snd Tara sit at a table where there's no one, but soon it fills up with other men wanting to talk to Cruz. Tara finds out from one of the groomsmen that her ex-boyfriend is regretting breaking up with her, but she tells Cruz she never loved him. Tara finds out that Cruz signed a deal for his book, and several endorsement deals. Cruz and Tara head to their room she's changing when Cruz is pacing the floor. When Tara comes out she asks Cruz she has a proposition for him, one night they have sex. They both agree to one night of sex then tomorrow they'll be friends. Tara pleasures him then Cruz pleasures her then they make love. Tara tries to leave the bed several times but Cruz pulls her back, telling her she's sleeping in his bed. Cruz takes Tara into the shower together, then he orders room service. After they have something to eat Tara tries to go to her bedroom, Cruz asks her if that's where they'll be sleeping, because he's sleeping next to her. Cruz lies next to Tara, and she can tell he's thinking. Tara asks Cruz what's wrong, he tells her he wants to know more about her. When Tara is finished she asks Cruz about himself. The next morning Tara is waiting for Lexi to arrive with all the flowers for the wedding. While Tara is standing outside her ex-boyfriend comes out and tells her he made a mistake. Tara's ex-boyfriend tells her, her sister con him and told him she was pregnant and planned on her finding them in bed together. Tara knows her sister, she's done this before to her. Tara tells her ex-boyfriend they're over, she wants nothing to do with him or her sister. When Cruz's sister arrives with the flowers, they get busy getting them inside. Lexi can tell something is wrong with Tara, when she asks she figures out that her and her brother had sex last night. Tara tells Lexi it was just one night, but her friend knows both of them and knows they can't do just one night. After Lexi leaves Tara takes the rest of the flowers into the bridal suite, Cruz finds her to help out. When Tara walks into the bridal suite her sister asks her where she's been. Tara's sister tells her she's a mess, and she's trying to ruin her wedding day. Cruz tries to step in but Tara stops him. Tara's had enough and she tells her sister, to have a nice wedding, she doesn't have to worry about her ruining her wedding. Cruz tries to catch up to Tara but she tells him she can't do this. Cruz tells her he wants to be there for her, but she tells him she's a mess. Tara grabs her things and tells Cruz last night was perfect. Tara leaves and heads home she'll pick up the pieces after Valentine's Day. The next day Cruz heads to the flower shop looking for Tara, but his sister tells him she's out on deliveries. Cruz's sister Lexi asks him what he did to Tara, he tells her he wants to fix this. When Lexi's cell rings it's Tara her van broke down and she needs someone to come help deliver the flowers. Cruz tells Lexi he'll do it, and then his sister, Lexi tells him where Tara is. Lexi makes Cruz promise she won't regret this. When Cruz arrives Tara asks him what he's doing there, he tells her he's there to help her. Cruz starts loading all the flowers into his SUV, then Tara starts to help. When they arrive back at the flower shop, Tara thanks Cruz but he follows her inside. Tara asks him what he's doing, and Cruz tells her it's Valentine's Day and he wants to spend it with her. Cruz tells Tara she's beautiful, she makes him laugh, she's brave, kind and loyal. Tara asks him if he's flirting with her and Cruz tells her he telling her all the reasons he needs her in his life. Cruz tells her that one night wasn't enough, he wants forever. Cruz tells her he knows she's freaked out so they'll start with Valentine's Day. Tara asks him if he wants to be her valentine and Cruz tells her he does. Cruz kisses Tara and when they turn to look at the shop all eyes are on them. Cruz tells Tara that she's his and after they close he wants to prove it to her. One year later, Cruz is going to do his book signing in Whiskey Run, the little bookstore fills with friends and family. Cruz tells her he loves her and Tara tells him she loves him. Tara tells Cruz she's going on his book tour with him, if he still wants her to. Cruz tells her of course he does, he wanted to cancel because she couldn't come along. Cruz pulls Tara with him as he steps inside the book store, he doesn't let go of her hand as he thanks everyone for coming. Then Cruz turns to Tara and drops to one knee, he tells her he loves her, he asks her to be his Valentine for the rest of their lives, and will she marry him. Tara tells him yes, and Cruz puts a ring on her finger. When Tara tells Cruz to go this is his night he tells her no this is there night, he does everything for the both of them. Cruz walks over and starts to talk about his book, Tara and Lexi link arms. Lexi tells Tara she makes Cruz happier than she's ever seen him. Tara tells Lexi he does the same for her. Tara tells Lexi there going to be sister, and Lexi tells her she's excited. With there arms links they watch Cruz read from his book, Tara knows Cruz is going to make all her dreams come true.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not a question of IF this football star can resist the curvy florist but rather WHEN he’ll give in…

Cruz

It is said that you only want what you cannot have. I hate to be a cliche, but that statement rings true for me.

In my case it’s not what I want, but rather who. Tara Brooks. Sweet, funny, and my little sister’s best friend. I’ve got a list of reasons why I’m no good for her, starting with the fact that I’m a decade older. She’s just starting out and I’m about to retire.

Still, I’m used to getting what I want. And I’ve never been very good at following the rules.

So it seemed harmless when she asked me to be her fake date to her sister and ex-boyfriend’s wedding. There was no way I was letting her endure that on her own.

When the lines between what is real and what’s fake blur, I’m left wondering if I can be the man she needs, or will I fumble the best play of my life?

This contemporary small town best friend's brother sports romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are an alpha football player/a curvy florist, a.k.a. grumpy/sunshine, exuding power, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with a one night of forced proximity with a Valentine, tangled in temptation, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, an age-gap romance, faking dating tension, a hidden softie, drama, deception, humor, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with a one night Valentine and being tangled in temptation an explicit temptation romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, engulfed by temptation, and unforgettable.

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

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara doesn't know her BBF's older brother personally but once she sees him, she can't look away from him. Charming, good looking, older than her but sexy as sin. Even if her friend thinks it's a good idea, there's NO WAY he'd agree to be her fake boyfriend at her sister and her ex's wedding. (that's right, her ex)
Cruz is very happy to be retiring from football. With his parents gone, it's just him and his sister and all they want is each others happiness, so she supports his decision.
He tries not to notice how beautiful his sister's friend is, but he's always thought she was. Even if she doesn't seem to realize it herself.
When she asked him to be her fake boyfriend, the rest of the dinner is very awkward and she practically runs home almost in tears. He didn't have to make her feel so unattractive.
It's not what she thinks at all, it's the total opposite. He doesn't want her to get caught up in the storm that his retirement will cause. Plus, how could she want him? With the way he feels just being near her, how would he be able to keep his feelings from getting involved? Yet how could he let the opportunity to win her over pass him by?
They both claim that what's between them is just temporary. Do they really want it to be?
That it's all just an act, purely for show. But is it?
I fell in love with Cruz myself for how he treated her and interacted with her, he's so romantic. While I really wished that she would have stood up for herself sooner, sometimes we just need someone in our corner cheering us on.
This one is full of, "Oh no she did not just. . . " "What the h*ll?" And lest I forget, "The nerve of that heifer", moments! (Oh yes, her sister and her mom but mostly her sister)
Do I recommend it?
Absolutely.

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

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara's ex-boyfriend is marrying her sister. On Valentine's Day. She has to go to the wedding, and provide the flowers, but she doesn't want to go alone. Her best friend wants to ask her brother to go with her, but Tara isn't so sure. He's a hot athlete. Why would he agree to be dragged into this mess?
Cruz is a popular football player. Nobody knows it, but he's about to announce his retirement. He tells his sister he's fine, but the truth is, he's feeling like a has-been. When his sister asks him to be Tara's date for the wedding, he hesitates. She's beautiful and ten years younger than him. Who would believe they were together?
But he inadvertently offends Tara. He needs to apologize. When he goes to her flower shop to do that, he witnesses Tara's sister being rude to her. Before he knows it, he's stepping in to protect her, and stepping into the role of boyfriend. Consequences be damned.
OMG they're so cute together, and Cruz is just so sweet! He supports her when she's overwhelmed, and protects her from all the family members who try to tear into her. Even her mother accuses Tara of trying to upstage the bride.
This was a sweet and steamy opposites attract story, with a shy florist and the older man who treats her like the special soul she is. There was definitely more to Cruz than met the eye.

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

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake relationship to lovers is always such a fun trope, and Hope Ford scored a touchdown with this one! Retiring football player Cruz seems to have a lot of insecurities off the field and in relationships. Tara owns a floral shop and also happens to be his little sisters best friend. When his sister proposes he fakes a relationship with Tara, he fumbles big time, but recovers pretty smoothly (I’m having fun with these football puns). Add in Tara’s sister’s wedding to her ex boyfriend who she caught cheating with her sister, and you’ve got a great story! There was some miscommunication along the way, but it was all cleared up really quickly, which I appreciated. Cruz and Tara were so fun together, and really built each other up as people as well as lovers. The only personal critique I have is I wish there was more on what happened to her family after she left. Even just a sentence or two of how miserable everyone turned out? But that’s just me being petty. No cheating or OW drama, slight OM drama with the ex boyfriend but it was a no go on Tara’s end and cleared quick, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue 1 year in the future. I’m looking forward to reading Lexi’s book, I really hope her and Ben have a HEA as well.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a multi-author series called Tangled in Temptation; all the books in the series take place around Valentine Day and can be read in any order.

First, I have to say that Brynn, Tara’s (the FMC), sister is a WENCH!!! I wanted to see her, Grant and Tara’s mother all get their just desserts but it never happened and I was beyond disappointed about that. Call me vindictive, whatever, I’m ok with that but, that woman was something else!

Cruz, the MMC, and newly retired football player, won my heart, over and over by defending Tara, his sister’s best friend, from her horrible family when she needed a fake date for her sister’s Valentine Day wedding. Although initially resistant to the idea of getting involved, Cruz was attracted to Tara and allowed himself to be convinced. Now can he convince HER that what started as one date could turn into forever?

This was a sweet best friend’s brother, fake date romance. I enjoyed it but thought it ended a little abruptly. It could be just me though since we got a one year later epilogue 🤷‍♀️. A cute book, this wasn’t one of my favorites by this author and I may never reread it, but I still enjoyed the time I spent with it. 4 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free but this is my honest opinion.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Night Valentine is part of the multi-authored Tangled in Temptation series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, fake dating, curvy girl gets her brother's best friend Valentine’s Day romance. Tara is a 25 year old sweet and curvy florist. Cruz is a 35 year old hunky professional football player who is about to retire. He is also the older brother of her best friend, Lexi. When Tara's sister is set to marry her ex-boyfriend on Valentine's Day, Lexi suggests that Cruz be her date. Things start of rocky due to a misunderstanding, but Cruz is attracted to Tara and agrees. But these feelings are anything but fake. It goes from one date to multiple to the whole weekend. What happens when it's over? OMG, the chemistry between these two was INSANE. I am totally in love with Cruz. The way he treated Tara and stood up for her was everything. They were just perfect for each other in how they supported one another. And the ending was so happy!!!

On a side note, Her family is a bunch of douche canoes, and Brynn is a piece of work.

Please tell me Lexi and Ben are getting a book!!! I loved it so much.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can go wrong with just one night?

One Night Valentine by Hope Ford is part of the multi-author Tangled in Temptation series. This is a best friend's brother, fake relationship story about Tara Brooks and Cruz Payne. Tara is best friends with Lexi, who is Cruz's younger sister. She owns a florist shop in town and is happy with her life. That is except for her family. Cruz is a professional football player with the Jasper Eagles. But he is about to retire and is not sure what his life will look like afterwards. Tara's younger sister is getting married on Valentine's Day, to her ex-boyfriend. She may not want to be there but she knows she has to be and she does not want to go without a date. It is Lexi who comes up with the idea to ask Cruz to be Tara's "one night boyfriend" to the wedding. When the favor is asked by Lexi Cruz does not quite say the right thing and from there he and Tara are on unsteady footing even as they agree to the arrangement. Things will spiral, twist and get hot and steamy between these two as they go from fake to more to unsure to.....a sweet and very happy HEA.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

They only think One Night

One Night Valentine by Hope Ford is part of the multi-author series Tangled in Temptation, released just in time for Valentine’s Day. In this story, we meet Cruz, the older brother of the main character's best friend, and Tara, a curvy florist who believes they are embarking on a fake relationship.

Cruz is just days away from retirement and feels a bit lost about his future. He puts his foot in his mouth when his little sister and her best friend ask him to be her fake date to a wedding. Tara, who comes from a toxic family, needs a date for her ex-boyfriend’s and sister’s wedding, which happens to fall on Valentine’s Day—the busiest day of the year for her. She only needs him for that one night.

But as they spend time together, the chemistry between Tara and Cruz turns out to be undeniable. Tara knows deep down that she wants Cruz, while he can’t help but wonder why someone like her would choose him. However, when he sees how her family treats her, he becomes fiercely protective and just wants to be there for her.

The characters are so relatable and well-developed, and the story moves at a fun pace that will keep you turning the pages. You might just find yourself reading it all in one go! It definitely leaves you craving more of their sweet love story.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Brooks has survived plenty of humiliations, but watching her ex-boyfriend marry her sister on Valentine’s Day might be the worst yet. Determined to save face, she reluctantly agrees to a fake date with retired football star Cruz Payne—her best friend’s overprotective, ridiculously charming older brother. It’s just for one night. A simple arrangement. Until Cruz takes his role way too seriously. Cruz never planned to get involved in Tara’s messy family drama, but the more he sees of her life, the more he wants to protect her. Pretending to be her boyfriend should be easy—hold her close, stare down her ex, make sure everyone knows she’s off-limits. But somewhere between the stolen glances and unexpected late-night talks, the act stops feeling like an act. When Tara offers him one night to cross the line for real, Cruz knows he’s in trouble. Because one night won’t be enough. And when she tries to walk away, he’s ready to prove that what they have is worth fighting for. She asked him for one night. He’s asking for forever.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about Tara and Cruz, her brother's best friend. Tara, a florist, is right in the middle of Valentine's Day and the floral demands.
She is also in charge of the flowers for her sister's Valentine's wedding to her cheating ex. Tara and Lexi, her best friend, go to Cruz's last football game and agree to go to dinner afterwards with him. Tara, is reluctant because she does not want to be a third wheel. She goes but abruptly leaves when Cruz says something insulting, although that was not his intention. Cruz, is attracted to Tara but feels that she is too young and is at a point in his life where he should not start a relationship. He just at a cross roads in his life where he is not certain he wants to bring in a person into that uncertainty and instability. Tara, desperately needs someone to be her plus one at her sisters wedding. She needs someone to have her back. Her sister is awful. Tara and Cruz are so perfect for each other. I love how protective he is and how supportive she is.

[Nichole Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was supposed to be one night, yeah, famous last words!! Cruz, a famous football player, who is about to retire, who thinks he will have nothing to offer. Tara, a small town florist, who has to attend her perfect sister’s wedding. The wedding between her sister and Tara’s ex-boyfriend, yep, she caught the ex, Grant, in bed with her sister!! So Lexi, her best friend and chosen sister comes up with a plan for her big brother, who is of course, Cruz, to be Tara’s plus one! What could happen, it is just one night, one date, well, that was until Cruz discovers how Tara’s family treats her. It is Cruz’s nature to protect those around him, and he has a need to protect Tara. It is just one night, one date, right?? I could not stop reading, I loved this story, I loved how Tara found her voice, I love how Cruz found himself. A slow burn, with a lot of spice, and sweet. Order your copy today!!!!!

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a florist, whose ex cheated on her with her sister and now they are getting married. She is dreading facing her family at the wedding. Her best friend enlists her famous footballer brother to be her wedding plus one. They agreed to a fake date at the wedding, but soon things get carried away as word of their relationship becomes public and they have to keep playing along.. although with their chemistry, it doesn’t feel like playing anymore. This was actually a very sweet story. You don’t usually expect to get very detailed character development in a short story format however, the author did you a solid here with these characters. They are each unique, and you feel invested in them, finding their happiness. While they have some drama to navigate, there is not much standing in their way when fake becomes forever.

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

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Night Valentine: Tangled in Temptation by Hope Ford is such a great holiday read. This short read, small town, age-gap romance packs a reading punch. It is full of good writing that kept this reader engaged from beginning to end. I love how the characters are so well developed and really jump off the page as you read. Cruz and Tara make a perfect couple. The care and support they show for other people as well as for each other, make them even more likeable. I also love how the author also does a fantastic job of sharing the “Galentine” or friendship connection between Tara and Cruz’s sister. This well-written, well- paced, romantic, and steamy sports romance is full of wonderful characters and is worth the read.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara's ex is about to get married to her sister, yeah, she caught them together six months prior. The last thing she wants to do is go alone. Her bestie decides her brother, Cruz would be the perfect "fake" date. Little does she know that Tara has always had a thing for her brother.

Cruz is on the cusp of a life change, he is about to retire from football. At first he does not want to do it, he has feelings for Tara for sometime but feels he would be no good for her.

When he sees how her sister treats her, there is no way he is going to let her go into the lion's den alone. The more time he spends with her the more the chemistry is kicked up a notch.

Loved these two, they were perfect for each other, Tara needed someone in her corner.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Tangled in Temptation series and focuses on Cruz and Tara. Cruz is in the middle of a huge career change with his retirement from professional football when he is asked by his younger sister and her best friend, Tara, for a favor. Tara was dealing with the wedding of her ex-boyfriend and her sister after they were caught cheating. She doesn’t want to go to the wedding alone so she asks if Cruz would be willing to be her date for the event. While initially reluctant because of the changes going on in his life, Cruz ends up being her fake boyfriend but that quickly turns real for both of them. Cruz and Tara were great together! This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruz is a football player about to retire and he is feeling a little out of sorts. When his sister asks him to take her best friend, Tara, to the wedding of Tara’s sister and Tara’s ex boyfriend (yep its messy) on valentine’s day he says no because he doesn’t think he would be a date good enough to brag about…
He secretly has a crush on his little sister’s best friend so when he goes to apologize to Tara and her toxic sister is harassing her at work he jumps in as her boyfriend (total upgrade).

Since this is a Valentine’s day romance it has a large amount of swoon. The way Cruz would swoop in and help Tara when her family was being toxic was great. I also love the way that the story ended. Tara takes some of her power back and really comes into her own. Lots of swoon and spice. A great quick Valentine’s read.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved One Night Valentine: Tangled in Temptation. Tara needed a date for one night, her sister is getting married to her ex. Cruz doesn’t want to be her fake date for his sister but when he sees how her family treats her he has to help. It’s just one fake date or is it. Cruz doesn’t think he’s good enough for Tara and she doesn’t think anyone would believe he wants her. So much drama with her family, a great love story for Tara and Cruz, and a sneak peak of Ben and Lexi. I only wish we knew what happened with the wedding and her family. I loved the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta say I found Tara to be a completely adorable and devoted best friend and FMC. Life handed her a rotten hand, which she was trying to play the best she could. Cruz was the quintessentially ideal book boyfriend and MMC. Entering a new phase of life, he was feeling a bit low of self-esteem and, despite his celebrity status, it made him very relateable. I enjoyed the way Cruz would put his foot in it by saying the wrong thing when all he was trying to do was protect Tara. Ooh, just a word of warning... her family is simply awful! Seeing how he handled thr group put a huge smile on my face. I'm looking forward to his sister's story next.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Night Valentine has all the feels and is so well-written I couldn’t put it down! Cruz and Tara have an electric chemistry that sizzles, steams, and explodes! Tara is an emotional mess with a blood family that treat her terribly, and she continues to help and support them out of a sense of duty. She is so kind—too kind at times—caring, thoughtful, and sweet. Cruz is just delectable as the protector alpha who steps in and steps up when Tara needs someone on her corner the most. Her preconceived notions about him are so fascinating—and baseless—and it is so beautiful and heartwarming to watch their connection bloom. This is such a good read—loved it!!!

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being betrayed by her sister and her boyfriend the last thing Tara wants to do is attend their wedding. Her best friend has the perfect solution which includes having her brother Cruz be her date and pretend they are in a relationship.

Cruz is approaching a crossroads in his life and doesn’t believe that anyone would believe that someone like Tara would be interested in someone like him. He agrees to the plan but the more time he spends with her the more protective he feels and that he doesn’t want their relationship to end when the wedding does.

Cruz was swoony as he stands up for Tara when it comes to her family and shows her that he doesn’t just want her for one night but forever.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara has had a crush on her best friend's brother for a bit now but Cruz is a pro football player, and way out of her league. When her friend, Lexi, brings her to dinner with Cruz, she also spills the beans that Tara needs a date to her sister's wedding. Tara's family isn't very kind to her and she just wants to prove them all wrong. But having her crush be her date, well this can go wrong in all in the right ways.

Cruz is dealing with some things with his career and is intrigued by Tara. He agrees to go as her date as long as it is just for the one night. What happens when he realizes he wants more?.

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

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I want to say I enjoyed the sister getting them together and the support from the beginning. It was a nice and refreshing. Secondly I loved Tara's sass , and how she finally stood up to her family, I just wish it was a little sooner. Or maybe I am petty but she take the flower back with her. Third Cruz, he was a good MMC, he was sweet and he wasn't cocky but actually worried he wasn't good enough for her.
Overall this was a very sweet, spicey, romantic book that I really enjoyed once it started. Great lunchtime read with just enough sass, spice and drama to make your lunch time go by smoothly. My only complaint is I wish there was a mention about the sister and the downfall of the marriage or something. I need Tara's family to have the day they deserve !

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara needs a favor from her best friend’s gorgeous brother Cruz! She needs a fake boyfriend to go to her ex boyfriend and sister’s wedding! Cruz is retiring from football and is celebrating with his sister and her beautiful best friend Tara! When she asks him to be her fake boyfriend he thinks it’s a terrible idea! There’s no way anyone would believe that she would be interested in an older retired player!! They agree to go, but to keep it business like! Only sparks fly between them and they are starting to fall for each other? Can they find their happily ever after? Great book that I would highly recommend!.

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