What do you think?
Rate this book
Guarding Temptation
Nina Chapman’s most embarrassing moment? Finally dragging James Foster into bed. The stern, steady mechanic made her see stars . . . then called her a mistake and disappeared, leaving the tatters of their friendship in his wake.
But when Nina’s work as an investigative journalist brings death threats to her door, James marches back into her life, armed with irrational demands. He doesn’t care how long it’s been or how distant they’ve become. She must move into his flat. She must sleep in his bed. And she cannot leave his side—not for a second. What could possibly go wrong?
This steamy novella features a grumpy heroine, an overprotective hero, and a shared apartment with only one bed.
But when Nina’s work as an investigative journalist brings death threats to her door, James marches back into her life, armed with irrational demands. He doesn’t care how long it’s been or how distant they’ve become. She must move into his flat. She must sleep in his bed. And she cannot leave his side—not for a second. What could possibly go wrong?
This steamy novella features a grumpy heroine, an overprotective hero, and a shared apartment with only one bed.
Audible Audio
First published April 22, 2020
300 people are currently reading
6067 people want to read
About the author
Talia Hibbert
30 books34.3k followersTalia Hibbert is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author whose books are available in 15 languages.
Best known for her Brown Sisters series, Talia writes spicy, inclusive romance novels starring complicated characters who make readers feel seen. Talia's debut romantasy will hit shelves in Summer 2026.
A typically cantankerous Brit, Talia's hobbies include chugging cups of tea, eating too many biscuits, and complaining bitterly about the weather.
Best known for her Brown Sisters series, Talia writes spicy, inclusive romance novels starring complicated characters who make readers feel seen. Talia's debut romantasy will hit shelves in Summer 2026.
A typically cantankerous Brit, Talia's hobbies include chugging cups of tea, eating too many biscuits, and complaining bitterly about the weather.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 744 reviews
June 26, 2023
This book is fast, fluffy, and filthy. I know because I wrote it (and had a jolly good time doing so). Guarding Temptation has...
- a radical leftist heroine determined to seduce her brother's best friend.
- a big, brooding mechanic hero who is secretly and guiltily in love with her.
- bodyguard vibes: he insists on protecting her from disgruntled right-wingers!
- forced proximity, because she moves into his flat.
- forbidden hanky-panky on the sofa. Because what else are sofas for?!
- and a cameo from Jas and Rahul <3
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed creating it!
- a radical leftist heroine determined to seduce her brother's best friend.
- a big, brooding mechanic hero who is secretly and guiltily in love with her.
- bodyguard vibes: he insists on protecting her from disgruntled right-wingers!
- forced proximity, because she moves into his flat.
- forbidden hanky-panky on the sofa. Because what else are sofas for?!
- and a cameo from Jas and Rahul <3
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed creating it!
April 21, 2020
talia hibbert just does it like no one else!!!
July 17, 2020
4.5 stars
I’m emotional 😭 james and nina outsold
Also I NEED MORE RAHUL AND JASMINE
I’m emotional 😭 james and nina outsold
Also I NEED MORE RAHUL AND JASMINE
December 27, 2020
3.5 “I adore you” stars ⭐️
Short and sweet ✔️
Brother's best friend trope ✔️
Mutual pining ✔️
“I want you to know that, no matter how things are between us, I am never too busy for you. You need me, you call me. Fuck, you can call me if you break a fucking nail. I don’t care, Nina. You need me, you call me. Because you matter.”
The only thing which took away my enjoyment was the abrupt ending. Apart from that, this was quite an enjoyable read.
Short and sweet ✔️
Brother's best friend trope ✔️
Mutual pining ✔️
“I want you to know that, no matter how things are between us, I am never too busy for you. You need me, you call me. Fuck, you can call me if you break a fucking nail. I don’t care, Nina. You need me, you call me. Because you matter.”
The only thing which took away my enjoyment was the abrupt ending. Apart from that, this was quite an enjoyable read.
Read
April 24, 2020Thank God for Talia Hibbert. In these uncertain times, you can be sure that a Talia book will provide people who are kind and strong and fierce and funny and vulnerable, and the world is real and difficult and sometimes hostile but there are friends and lovers who can stand together to make it better, and it will make you laugh and possibly sniff a bit, and be super hot, and you will feel better even after you reach the end. This does what romance is *for*.
This is the first romance I've managed to read since lockdown started (I don't know why, my brain hates me) and I glommed it in a sitting. Maybe I just need to reread her entire backlist. That seems a sensible course of action.
This is the first romance I've managed to read since lockdown started (I don't know why, my brain hates me) and I glommed it in a sitting. Maybe I just need to reread her entire backlist. That seems a sensible course of action.
July 17, 2020
kinda wish he hadn’t apologized so soon but that’s only because i was really enjoying the angst before lol
May 4, 2020
Talia Hibbert can’t do no wrong in my eyes.
December 29, 2021
I was going to save this for Smutathon next weekend, and then I realized there was no way in hell I could wait that long. It was absolutely precious and I loved it. <3
July 23, 2021
3.7 out of 5 stars.
Guarding Tempation is a novella by my favourite romance author Talia Hibbert. Usually, I feel like most books are too long and have too many pages that could have easily been edited out — but, in this case, I wish this book was at least fifty pages longer!
I just love the way Talia Hibbert writes romances, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her books!!
❝Her eyes lit up, and he was ruined.❞
Guarding Tempation is a novella by my favourite romance author Talia Hibbert. Usually, I feel like most books are too long and have too many pages that could have easily been edited out — but, in this case, I wish this book was at least fifty pages longer!
I just love the way Talia Hibbert writes romances, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her books!!
November 28, 2020
This little novella is literally full of everything I love. From bodyguard trope, best friend's little sister, the yearning, the steamy, the caring and softness. Talia Hibbert never lets me down and Guarding Temptation is a perfect pick if you want a quick emotional sexy romance!
*hits head* why haven't I read this before now..... I'm so slow DAMMIT. Because this was so good and I just... James and Nina are so perfect and Talia really made me feel so much from only the prologue, LIKE COME ON. I was already half-hurting before the story began *lol* But that's the way with Talia; you're going to get a lot of love and passion inside a book that you will for sure enjoy until the very last page.
*hits head* why haven't I read this before now..... I'm so slow DAMMIT. Because this was so good and I just... James and Nina are so perfect and Talia really made me feel so much from only the prologue, LIKE COME ON. I was already half-hurting before the story began *lol* But that's the way with Talia; you're going to get a lot of love and passion inside a book that you will for sure enjoy until the very last page.
April 4, 2024
Talia Hibbert is literally an insta-buy author for A REASON !!!!!
The references to The Princess Trap and The Roommate Risk were absolutely everything to me.
The tension. The history. The protectiveness of 🥰James🥰!!!!
I had to take breaks from this novella to make the reading experience last longer.
CW: explicit sexual content, racially motivated threats of harm + harassment, references to police brutality/corruption
The references to The Princess Trap and The Roommate Risk were absolutely everything to me.
The tension. The history. The protectiveness of 🥰James🥰!!!!
I had to take breaks from this novella to make the reading experience last longer.
CW: explicit sexual content, racially motivated threats of harm + harassment, references to police brutality/corruption
April 22, 2020
Talia Hibbert is a phenomenal autor but this one didn't work for me. It had one of my favorite tropes "brother's best friend" but in this case I didn't particularly enjoyed it. I don't mind miscommunication but when it drags for the entire book it gets frustrating and boring to me. I wasn't invested in the characters or their chemistry at all, it felt just exhausting to get to the end.
The "will they or won't they" situation can either go really well or not, and unfortunately, in this case it wasn't well executed in my opinion. I still love this author and will absolutely pick anything else by her but this was a miss for me.
The "will they or won't they" situation can either go really well or not, and unfortunately, in this case it wasn't well executed in my opinion. I still love this author and will absolutely pick anything else by her but this was a miss for me.
June 22, 2020
Huiiiiijuijuiiih. Das war heiß 🔥
August 28, 2020
As the author says, this story is fast, fluffy, and filthy. the story itself doesn't hold too much substance but it was a quick and mindless read which is what I needed right now. I also loved how the author included content warnings in the beginning.
May 6, 2021
Oh boy was this a good novella. Nina and James have been friends for a very long time because James is her older brothers best friend (7 year age diff). James has taken on the role of protector while ninas brother fights in the royal guard (? Or something idk military terms) and they have both fallen into this mutual pining. They are both obsesssseeedd with one another and it is very fucking cute. Nina is getting death threats online because she runs a political blog and a particular article she wrote has gotten a lot of clap back from the far right. She stays with James so he can protect her, but there is a lot of tension between them as they both deny their feelings for one another in attempts to maintain their friendship. This is hot omg i loved it and i loved the devotion and chemistry. Talia and I always vibe and that’s that.
November 23, 2020
4.5 STARS
I’ve read quite a few books by Talia Hibbert and I really enjoy her writing! I have heard so many people rave about this book, so I knew I had to check it out.
This book starts off with the two main characters, James and Nina, just after they’ve been involved in a sexual encounter. James is Nina’s brother’s best-friend and he ends up regretting what him and Nina had just done.
After finding out that James didn’t feel the same way as she did, Nina is really hurt. She leaves and doesn’t talk to him for weeks.
Nina is a political campaigner who is getting death threats for a supposedly controversial article. As such, Nina has to live with James so that she can stay safe.
While living under the same roof, James and Nina feel their relationship strengthen and come to an understanding that their connection cannot be ignored.
My only complaint about this book was that it was super short. I will mention: this is a novella, but I still wish it was longer so that I could see more of James and Nina’s relationship.
If you’re interested in forced proximity romances and the brother’s best-friend trope, then definitely check out this quick read! x
I’ve read quite a few books by Talia Hibbert and I really enjoy her writing! I have heard so many people rave about this book, so I knew I had to check it out.
This book starts off with the two main characters, James and Nina, just after they’ve been involved in a sexual encounter. James is Nina’s brother’s best-friend and he ends up regretting what him and Nina had just done.
After finding out that James didn’t feel the same way as she did, Nina is really hurt. She leaves and doesn’t talk to him for weeks.
Nina is a political campaigner who is getting death threats for a supposedly controversial article. As such, Nina has to live with James so that she can stay safe.
While living under the same roof, James and Nina feel their relationship strengthen and come to an understanding that their connection cannot be ignored.
My only complaint about this book was that it was super short. I will mention: this is a novella, but I still wish it was longer so that I could see more of James and Nina’s relationship.
If you’re interested in forced proximity romances and the brother’s best-friend trope, then definitely check out this quick read! x
July 1, 2023
This novella was cute as hell and so entertaining!! I was completely obsessed with it and read it in one sitting - the dual pov was everything I needed. Talia Hibbert has done it again!!
Read
May 9, 2020THIS WAS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD HOLY SHIT!!
This is everything I've ever wanted from a friends to lovers that have been in love with each other for years. I'm only sad it's not longer because Nina and James' dynamic is *chef's kiss*. First of, and what stole my heart right off the bat is their banter and normalizing of platonic physical touch, the way they relentlessly tease each other and feed off of each other's humor had me snorting at 3 in the morning (no one judge my sleeping pattern pls), and that bouncing park scene? I WAS YELLING! So precious and fun and wholesome, it had my heart bursting because of how much I love these two.
Then we move on to the pining and sexual tension, THIS is what i want from two people who are attracted to each other, have feelings for each other and are resisting both. THIS is the pining I talk about and the tension that's so palpable in the air, even I, unbothered reader got flustered, frustrated and bothered. THIS is why I think Talia Hibbert will never fail me me because she delivers exactly what she promises and what the book needs when it needs it. Also the sex scenes? LORDT HAVE MERCY! So hot and sexy and slow and painful, the build-up from one to the other, the thing with the kiss! EVERYTHING! Amazing! Now I will go think about this 130 pages book that I read in one sitting for the rest of the year.
This is everything I've ever wanted from a friends to lovers that have been in love with each other for years. I'm only sad it's not longer because Nina and James' dynamic is *chef's kiss*. First of, and what stole my heart right off the bat is their banter and normalizing of platonic physical touch, the way they relentlessly tease each other and feed off of each other's humor had me snorting at 3 in the morning (no one judge my sleeping pattern pls), and that bouncing park scene? I WAS YELLING! So precious and fun and wholesome, it had my heart bursting because of how much I love these two.
Then we move on to the pining and sexual tension, THIS is what i want from two people who are attracted to each other, have feelings for each other and are resisting both. THIS is the pining I talk about and the tension that's so palpable in the air, even I, unbothered reader got flustered, frustrated and bothered. THIS is why I think Talia Hibbert will never fail me me because she delivers exactly what she promises and what the book needs when it needs it. Also the sex scenes? LORDT HAVE MERCY! So hot and sexy and slow and painful, the build-up from one to the other, the thing with the kiss! EVERYTHING! Amazing! Now I will go think about this 130 pages book that I read in one sitting for the rest of the year.
July 15, 2021
♡ Brother's Best Friend
♡ Forbidden
♡ Second chance
♡ Bodyguard/Protector
♡ Age gap
♡ Big boy hero
I immediately was invested in this book as soon as I started reading it. I love it when a hero is trying so hard to stay away from his love interest for whatever reason (in this case she is his best friend's little sister), but keeps finding himself in close proximity with her for various reasons. I also love heroines who know what they want and are vocal about it. That's exactly how Nina is. Also, we have a big boy hero and we definitely need to see more of them! My only complaint is that I felt like it could definitely be longer. I wanted more!
Rep: Black author, Black main characters, Big Boy hero
Triggers: Stalking/threats to the heroine (not by the hero)
♡ Forbidden
♡ Second chance
♡ Bodyguard/Protector
♡ Age gap
♡ Big boy hero
I immediately was invested in this book as soon as I started reading it. I love it when a hero is trying so hard to stay away from his love interest for whatever reason (in this case she is his best friend's little sister), but keeps finding himself in close proximity with her for various reasons. I also love heroines who know what they want and are vocal about it. That's exactly how Nina is. Also, we have a big boy hero and we definitely need to see more of them! My only complaint is that I felt like it could definitely be longer. I wanted more!
Rep: Black author, Black main characters, Big Boy hero
Triggers: Stalking/threats to the heroine (not by the hero)
July 25, 2020
4.5⭐
The only reason I'm keep that 0.5⭐ is simply because I wanted more!!
Talia Hibbert is my Queen. I would absolutely read anything written by her.
Her Heros always have this "soft masculinity" whereas the Heroines have "strong feminity", this literally is a kryptonite for me, in a good way. If you know what I'm talking about you'll understand, otherwise just read Talia's books.
Loved this one a lot.
The only reason I'm keep that 0.5⭐ is simply because I wanted more!!
Talia Hibbert is my Queen. I would absolutely read anything written by her.
Her Heros always have this "soft masculinity" whereas the Heroines have "strong feminity", this literally is a kryptonite for me, in a good way. If you know what I'm talking about you'll understand, otherwise just read Talia's books.
Loved this one a lot.
April 27, 2020
thank god for talia hibbert
July 15, 2023
A little novella that has that characteristic Talia Hibberts sparkly writing and lovely vibes and banter. There’s something about the way Talia writes that makes me truly believe any situation the characters are going through. In a lesser author I’d scoff- with Talia it is the most natural thing in the world.
Also, I loved reading about Nina who is passionate and never shied away from pointing out racism or injustice. It’s like 2.5 hours to read this so it’s absolutely worth a go.
Also, I loved reading about Nina who is passionate and never shied away from pointing out racism or injustice. It’s like 2.5 hours to read this so it’s absolutely worth a go.
November 30, 2021
4.5 stars.
This was my first Talia Hibbert and let it be known that I will be coming back for more of her spicy goodness very soon.
Nina has been in love with her brother’s bestie James pretty much her whole life. They hook up, he freaks out, and she transforms his rejection into the silent treatment. Little does she know, James actually feels the same way for her. A situation arises that puts Nina’s life in danger, so James jumps at the chance to be her bodyguard.
Y’all know at this point that I love forced proximity, and this was no exception. These two want to rip each other’s clothes off so bad but both are also afraid of rejection and ruining their friendship. There are a few scenes in which they service themselves, together, (if you catch my drift) and holy fuck were those scenes hot. When they eventually come together fully, it’s well worth the wait. Sexual chemistry on level 1000.
If you like forced proximity, obsessed heroes, and excellent spice, I’d highly recommend this bad boy.
This was my first Talia Hibbert and let it be known that I will be coming back for more of her spicy goodness very soon.
Nina has been in love with her brother’s bestie James pretty much her whole life. They hook up, he freaks out, and she transforms his rejection into the silent treatment. Little does she know, James actually feels the same way for her. A situation arises that puts Nina’s life in danger, so James jumps at the chance to be her bodyguard.
Y’all know at this point that I love forced proximity, and this was no exception. These two want to rip each other’s clothes off so bad but both are also afraid of rejection and ruining their friendship. There are a few scenes in which they service themselves, together, (if you catch my drift) and holy fuck were those scenes hot. When they eventually come together fully, it’s well worth the wait. Sexual chemistry on level 1000.
If you like forced proximity, obsessed heroes, and excellent spice, I’d highly recommend this bad boy.
February 11, 2025
4.25⭐️ short cute and smutty, but i never thought i’d say this about a smut heavy book, it didn’t feel like it was overdone or pointless? it felt like these were just genuine moments where their real feelings came out instead of the usual—just fucking bc they’re hot. i really enjoyed it and i think its very underrated
May 21, 2020
3.5 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 21: May 17 – 23 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 21: May 17 – 23 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
June 26, 2020
What a sexy and fun novella! It combined several favorite tropes like brother's best friend, childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity, and bodyguard/protector all into one smoking hot story. Guarding Temptation packed in so much in such a short number of pages. Yes, there was a big miscommunication that lasted pretty much the entire novella, but I really loved Nina and James and understood why they struggled so much with their feelings and if they should cross those lines. Talia Hibbert is an incredible writer and I enjoy her style and sense of humor very much. She balances everything so well and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!
February 9, 2021
yeah okay, that was hot. moving on:) (3.65)
September 23, 2020
The way this story was short but so fulfilling!?!? Talia is too powerful. I need to lay down even more than I am right now. There was cuteness, angst, and of course PLENTY of steamy scenes for a novella. I'm very grateful that I have the ability to read.
I loved Nina and James so much 🥺. Just the way they were so well written really just made me feel all fluffy inside. Also the mutual mastrubation scenes?!?! Y'all gon need to give me a minute to recover cause that scene had me sweating.
NOW I need to read Jasmine and Rahul's book. HIBBERT HOODLUMS WE MOVE!!
I loved Nina and James so much 🥺. Just the way they were so well written really just made me feel all fluffy inside. Also the mutual mastrubation scenes?!?! Y'all gon need to give me a minute to recover cause that scene had me sweating.
NOW I need to read Jasmine and Rahul's book. HIBBERT HOODLUMS WE MOVE!!
November 11, 2021
Decided to read this last night instead of going to sleep on time like the responsible adult I am.
Talia Hubert is the only author that makes me feel the emotions a character is feeling. The angst and pining and love for each other runs through my body any time I read A TH novel.
I want what Nina and James have, what a LOVE! UGH!!!!!
Oh, and the sex scenes??? *in my Halsey voice* I want it!!!!!!
The only thing I wish is that I wanted it to be longer, BUT it did what it needed to do and did it beautifully.
⭐️ 4.5 STARS ⭐️
Talia Hubert is the only author that makes me feel the emotions a character is feeling. The angst and pining and love for each other runs through my body any time I read A TH novel.
I want what Nina and James have, what a LOVE! UGH!!!!!
Oh, and the sex scenes??? *in my Halsey voice* I want it!!!!!!
The only thing I wish is that I wanted it to be longer, BUT it did what it needed to do and did it beautifully.
⭐️ 4.5 STARS ⭐️
May 4, 2020
Cute, light and fun. It’s fast, fluffy, and steamy all mixed in one! I just wanted it to be longer! I loved James and Nina together I wish their story was longer! I feel like this plot could have been expanded into a full book but it was sweet for what it was which is a short, happy and sexy story. I love Talia Hibberts writing and I love how even though this was a novella, it was well developed! If I’m ever in the mood for a great steamy novella, Talia hibbert is always first choice! Her writing is addicting and fun to get lost in! If you have a couple hours to spare and just want to feel happy for a few hours, this is a good one to pick up!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 744 reviews