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Indulging Temptation
A DASH OF NO STRINGS ATTACHED. A SPOONFUL OF LOVE DISGUISED AS LUST.
EQUALS AN UNEXPECTED RECIPE THAT WILL HAVE THEM BOTH STARVING FOR MORE...
Santino Amato is one of New York City’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs… in every sense of the word.
Covered in tattoos, with no shortage of charm or talent, it’s no surprise that he’s captured the attention of those who watch him on TV, as well as anyone lucky enough to get a table at his popular SoHo restaurant.
Though his impulsive, and at times intensely passionate ways, have helped him thrive under the pressures that are synonymous with the hospitality industry, they’ve also earned him the reputation of being the bad boy of the culinary world.
After an incident with an industry rival that almost cost him being eligible for a coveted award that would solidify him as a top contender in his career, it’s at the advice of his attorney that a publicist joins his team to help repair his image.
Given Santino’s new-found celebrity status, something he has come to begrudgingly accept, having just any publicist won’t cut it.
He needs the best.
He needs Lorena Ramos.
One of the most sought after publicists among high-profile clientele, who knows how to wrangle her clients in order to rebuild public perception.
As beautiful as she is intelligent, and as guarded - if not more - as Santino, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
And being that she’s his best friend’s sister, she is no stranger to his antics, or his irresistible charm, as forbidden as it may be.
But it doesn’t take long for her to discover that the root of his issues is much deeper than anyone realizes, making her both the most qualified yet unprepared for the job, something she isn’t used to.
When professional lines become blurred, and a secret friends with benefits situation forms, with one wanting more, and the other afraid to admit they want the same, there’s no telling whose image will be on the chopping block next.
She may be off-limits, but there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make her his. Even if it costs him everything he’s ever worked for.
Because the only image he cares about is the one they create together in secret, when it’s just the two of them doing what they’ve both avoided for too long…indulging their hearts while indulging each other, and allowing the other in.
*Indulging Temptation is a brother's best friend, forced proximity, workplace romance between a celebrity chef and his publicist. It's book 1 in an interconnected stand-alone series, Tempting The Heart, and can be read separately or in any order.
EQUALS AN UNEXPECTED RECIPE THAT WILL HAVE THEM BOTH STARVING FOR MORE...
Santino Amato is one of New York City’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs… in every sense of the word.
Covered in tattoos, with no shortage of charm or talent, it’s no surprise that he’s captured the attention of those who watch him on TV, as well as anyone lucky enough to get a table at his popular SoHo restaurant.
Though his impulsive, and at times intensely passionate ways, have helped him thrive under the pressures that are synonymous with the hospitality industry, they’ve also earned him the reputation of being the bad boy of the culinary world.
After an incident with an industry rival that almost cost him being eligible for a coveted award that would solidify him as a top contender in his career, it’s at the advice of his attorney that a publicist joins his team to help repair his image.
Given Santino’s new-found celebrity status, something he has come to begrudgingly accept, having just any publicist won’t cut it.
He needs the best.
He needs Lorena Ramos.
One of the most sought after publicists among high-profile clientele, who knows how to wrangle her clients in order to rebuild public perception.
As beautiful as she is intelligent, and as guarded - if not more - as Santino, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
And being that she’s his best friend’s sister, she is no stranger to his antics, or his irresistible charm, as forbidden as it may be.
But it doesn’t take long for her to discover that the root of his issues is much deeper than anyone realizes, making her both the most qualified yet unprepared for the job, something she isn’t used to.
When professional lines become blurred, and a secret friends with benefits situation forms, with one wanting more, and the other afraid to admit they want the same, there’s no telling whose image will be on the chopping block next.
She may be off-limits, but there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make her his. Even if it costs him everything he’s ever worked for.
Because the only image he cares about is the one they create together in secret, when it’s just the two of them doing what they’ve both avoided for too long…indulging their hearts while indulging each other, and allowing the other in.
*Indulging Temptation is a brother's best friend, forced proximity, workplace romance between a celebrity chef and his publicist. It's book 1 in an interconnected stand-alone series, Tempting The Heart, and can be read separately or in any order.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2025
142 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
N.J. Weeks
13 books330 followersA born and raised New Yorker, N.J. is a Latina romance author who loves to utilize her bachelor's degree in creative writing to write gritty romances that contain strong leading men, and even stronger leading women. Banter, thrills, and twists are key elements in her stories to keep her readers on their toes while making them swoon.
When she's not writing, she's likely jotting down ideas for a future project, lost in a book, or adding to her never ending tattoo collection.
Connect with N.J. on Instagram: @njweeks.books
njweeksbooks.com
When she's not writing, she's likely jotting down ideas for a future project, lost in a book, or adding to her never ending tattoo collection.
Connect with N.J. on Instagram: @njweeks.books
njweeksbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
July 12, 2025
A fun read
A brother’s best friend second chance romance with a side of forced proximity?? Yes please!
He is a celeb chef with a habit of getting in trouble - she just happens to be a publicist who needs new clients. Things are a little awkward after he turned her down (because brother’s best friend) but they can work through it, right? Right?!
There’s a lot to unpack in this contemporary romance. Both characters have a lot of emotional baggage from their pasts that must be overcome before they are able to move forward together. They both have a lot of issues regarding their parents - specifically, parental illness, death, and alcohol abuse. This book is also extremely open door, with frequent extended (sometimes public) scenes.
You’ll also encounter oddly specific candle scents, a very overprotective older brother, salsa dancing, grey sweat pants, piercings, and Italian-Puerto Rican fusion cooking. There are future stories planned for other characters in the book. It was an enjoyable read and is likely to appeal to contemporary romance readers.
A brother’s best friend second chance romance with a side of forced proximity?? Yes please!
He is a celeb chef with a habit of getting in trouble - she just happens to be a publicist who needs new clients. Things are a little awkward after he turned her down (because brother’s best friend) but they can work through it, right? Right?!
There’s a lot to unpack in this contemporary romance. Both characters have a lot of emotional baggage from their pasts that must be overcome before they are able to move forward together. They both have a lot of issues regarding their parents - specifically, parental illness, death, and alcohol abuse. This book is also extremely open door, with frequent extended (sometimes public) scenes.
You’ll also encounter oddly specific candle scents, a very overprotective older brother, salsa dancing, grey sweat pants, piercings, and Italian-Puerto Rican fusion cooking. There are future stories planned for other characters in the book. It was an enjoyable read and is likely to appeal to contemporary romance readers.
July 10, 2025
4 ★
tropes:
⤿ 🌺 Brothers best friend
⤿ 🌺 Celebrity chef X Publicist
⤿ 🌺 Forced proximity
⤿ 🌺 Workplace romance
⤿ 🌺 Friends with benefits
⤿ 🌺 He’s OBSESSED
⤿ 🌺 Temporary roommates
⤿ 🌺 Trauma healing
⤿ 🌺 “Let me love you”
⤿ 🌺 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I went into this with no expectations and ended up being blown away—it's rare for a book to surprise me like this one did.
What I thought would be a simple story turned out to be deeply emotional and full of unexpected depth with character growth and healing.
Santino is everything I could want in a MMC.
✅6'5
✅Begs
✅Whimpers
✅Absolutely obsessed (no one but the FMC vibes)
This man was so pathetically down bad—and I loved every second of it. The yearning and grovelling was top-tier.
Lorena was a great FMC. Scared to be in a relationship due to grief from her parents past, made her character feel real and relatable.
There was some negatives—It was a bit too long and a few cringe/cheesy moments BUT the characters and their relationship made up for it.
I really enjoyed this and I will be reading book 2.
❝Let me love you out loud, the way I've loved you in silence.❞
tropes:
⤿ 🌺 Brothers best friend
⤿ 🌺 Celebrity chef X Publicist
⤿ 🌺 Forced proximity
⤿ 🌺 Workplace romance
⤿ 🌺 Friends with benefits
⤿ 🌺 He’s OBSESSED
⤿ 🌺 Temporary roommates
⤿ 🌺 Trauma healing
⤿ 🌺 “Let me love you”
⤿ 🌺 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I went into this with no expectations and ended up being blown away—it's rare for a book to surprise me like this one did.
What I thought would be a simple story turned out to be deeply emotional and full of unexpected depth with character growth and healing.
Santino is everything I could want in a MMC.
✅6'5
✅Begs
✅Whimpers
✅Absolutely obsessed (no one but the FMC vibes)
This man was so pathetically down bad—and I loved every second of it. The yearning and grovelling was top-tier.
Lorena was a great FMC. Scared to be in a relationship due to grief from her parents past, made her character feel real and relatable.
There was some negatives—It was a bit too long and a few cringe/cheesy moments BUT the characters and their relationship made up for it.
I really enjoyed this and I will be reading book 2.
January 23, 2026
Indulging Temptation was a down-the-middle read for me but I still really enjoyed the overall storyline! Santino and Lorena were both solid examples of doing things on their own terms and setting out to live lives filled with intention and love. The strong family units as well as themes of forgiveness, learning to love, and seeking your own destiny were flawlessly executed. Tino was down bad, bad for Lorena, begging and everything, so if that's your thing, pick this up! There are strong depictions of Italian and Puerto Rican cultures and foods and music, so I was glad to read such a colorful contemporary romance.
The book had a very strong, engaging start, but unfortunately felt weighed down by a slow burn that feels more like when you keep trying to flick a BIC at the end of its life, and dialogue that is at times unnatural and cheesy. For example, Sarina, Lorena's "best friend" (more on that later) says something about Lorena's "pretty pussy" and I was like…is that how the girlies talk to each other now?! Also, sometimes it felt like plot was being expounded in dialogue, which made some areas feel underdeveloped, and lots of dialogue feel clunky. The villains were kind of muahahaha-coded and are irrelevant but fine to accept as villains.
I am a slow burn truther. I am such a slow burn truther that I'm the type of romantasy reader who can tolerate if the main characters don't even touch palms in the first book of a series. But this book was *too slow*, to the point that it felt dragged out needlessly and made me feel like the characters were kinda sorta really, really bad at expressing themselves. It's unfortunately overwritten in my opinion—there were several times where one of the characters would be like "What's wrong?" and then there would be pages of internal dialogue before anyone else spoke again. It threw off the pacing for me quite a bit. I feel like the forbidden aspect of this story reminded me why the brother's best friend trope will never be one I can fully get behind because if everyone minded their business and acted normal about things, there would be no drama!! It made Lorena feel emotionally avoidant and prone to giving Tino whiplash/mixed signals, which isn't an okay dynamic to build a relationship off of.
I think N.J. Weeks had several sections of really beautifully-written prose and she was able to strike a really emotional narrative right off jump simply by beginning the story with dynamics of feeling rejected and forbidden between the main characters. I overall liked the storytelling for what it was, and think that this would have benefitted from less filler and more character development—especially since it's quite clear which characters will couple off for future books, but the MCs for book 2 don't meet *at all* in this book, which only makes sense if you decide that Lorena is a really bad girlfriend to her only female friend who said she had a pretty pussy because she only sees her at the beginning and end of the book. With that said, I will be journeying forward and grabbing book 2 because I'm plugged in now and am nosy about how the other characters tie off!
Thank you to Luna Literacy and N.J. Weeks for providing me with an ARC!
3.5 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 07/11/25
The book had a very strong, engaging start, but unfortunately felt weighed down by a slow burn that feels more like when you keep trying to flick a BIC at the end of its life, and dialogue that is at times unnatural and cheesy. For example, Sarina, Lorena's "best friend" (more on that later) says something about Lorena's "pretty pussy" and I was like…is that how the girlies talk to each other now?! Also, sometimes it felt like plot was being expounded in dialogue, which made some areas feel underdeveloped, and lots of dialogue feel clunky. The villains were kind of muahahaha-coded and are irrelevant but fine to accept as villains.
I am a slow burn truther. I am such a slow burn truther that I'm the type of romantasy reader who can tolerate if the main characters don't even touch palms in the first book of a series. But this book was *too slow*, to the point that it felt dragged out needlessly and made me feel like the characters were kinda sorta really, really bad at expressing themselves. It's unfortunately overwritten in my opinion—there were several times where one of the characters would be like "What's wrong?" and then there would be pages of internal dialogue before anyone else spoke again. It threw off the pacing for me quite a bit. I feel like the forbidden aspect of this story reminded me why the brother's best friend trope will never be one I can fully get behind because if everyone minded their business and acted normal about things, there would be no drama!! It made Lorena feel emotionally avoidant and prone to giving Tino whiplash/mixed signals, which isn't an okay dynamic to build a relationship off of.
I think N.J. Weeks had several sections of really beautifully-written prose and she was able to strike a really emotional narrative right off jump simply by beginning the story with dynamics of feeling rejected and forbidden between the main characters. I overall liked the storytelling for what it was, and think that this would have benefitted from less filler and more character development—especially since it's quite clear which characters will couple off for future books, but the MCs for book 2 don't meet *at all* in this book, which only makes sense if you decide that Lorena is a really bad girlfriend to her only female friend who said she had a pretty pussy because she only sees her at the beginning and end of the book. With that said, I will be journeying forward and grabbing book 2 because I'm plugged in now and am nosy about how the other characters tie off!
Thank you to Luna Literacy and N.J. Weeks for providing me with an ARC!
3.5 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 07/11/25
July 11, 2025
A MAN WHO YEARNS IS A MAN WHO EARNS !!
someone hold two slices of bread next to my ears and call me a “down bad sandwich” because holy fucking yes chef ?! 😍
thank you so much NJ for giving me this opportunity to arc read the beautiful story of lorena and santino 🫀 this was absolutely everything and i simply just didn’t want it to be over omg !!
this is a contemporary brother’s best friend romance, workplace, celebrity chef + publicist, forced proximity, second chance, pierced and tattooed mmc, forbidden, sneaky links, yearning, he literally begs on his knees, he fell first and hard, she bottles up her feelings, possessive, pleasure and praise kink, grumpy versus grumpy, friends with benefits, duo pov, standalone 🩷
coming back home to the beautiful city of nyc, lorena is staying at her brother’s penthouse. but when she finds out who is also taking up residency for the time being … she tries all she can to avoid the man that ripped her heart right out of her, santino 🥹 months ago when santino rejected her, lorena shrunk internally. she laid her feelings out there on her knees for her and he fucked up. but what she doesn’t know is that santino always wanted her and only her. he feared what her brother would say/do and to protect lorena from that, he couldn’t have what he wanted. that doesn’t stop him from constantly searching for her in a room full of people begging for his attention 🤭
as a celebrity chef in nyc, santino is rumored to receive the james beard award for his passion in exquisite cuisine. all his life he’s always been hotheaded and easily triggered. he crashes out without thinking first. and after what happened all those months ago in miami, he’s currently on the brink of ruining his reputation even more. this is where lorena steps in. she becomes his publicist and manager. her job is to settle down any gossip going around and just bring his reputation back to where it should’ve stayed around … his food 🖤 so what happens when two souls longing for each other but can’t cross that line are stuck together 24/7 ? what happens when he sees her without his rival ? what happens when he finds out she enjoys public play ? 👀
lorena bottles up her emotions and feelings. she doesn’t let anyone see how she’s truly feeling. she doesn’t want to ask for help even for the smallest things. she likes to be in control and organized. it’s one of the main reasons why she is so good at what she does. lorena is someone who just doesn’t believe in a “happily ever after” or true love. she struggled with that her whole life and that leads to unattached sexually transactions. she doesn’t even let her hook ups kiss her unless she initiates it 🫶🏼 santino is a very popular self taught chef who’s passion for cuisine truly shows through his cooking. he made a name for himself by doing something he enjoys and not just for the fun of it. he is someone who will put his own life on the line if any danger was to come for lorena. that woman is his whole vision. he does everything and anything for her. only just for her. this man is so down bad he literally BEGS to be her friends with benefits if that is the only way she can be truly herself and be free. he will take anything from her as he can.
i absolutely LOVED getting to know these two 🥰 lorena and santino are two precious individuals and should be protected at all costs. these are two completely different yet at the same time extremely similar people. i love them so much 🫀 lorena’s character development was something i was hoping to see !! she slowly but surely opened herself up and to look at life at a different angle. she allowed herself to be vulnerable and to trust. santino’s love language is something i yearn for 🧎🏻♀️ this man loves silently but fuck does he love hard !! he is the true definition of “it’s the smallest things that matters” because wtf do you mean his whole world revolves around her 😭 gosh they’re so perfect for each other
brb while i go walk up and down soho so i can find my own chef santino amato 🧑🏻🍳
🌶️🌶️🌶️
someone hold two slices of bread next to my ears and call me a “down bad sandwich” because holy fucking yes chef ?! 😍
thank you so much NJ for giving me this opportunity to arc read the beautiful story of lorena and santino 🫀 this was absolutely everything and i simply just didn’t want it to be over omg !!
this is a contemporary brother’s best friend romance, workplace, celebrity chef + publicist, forced proximity, second chance, pierced and tattooed mmc, forbidden, sneaky links, yearning, he literally begs on his knees, he fell first and hard, she bottles up her feelings, possessive, pleasure and praise kink, grumpy versus grumpy, friends with benefits, duo pov, standalone 🩷
coming back home to the beautiful city of nyc, lorena is staying at her brother’s penthouse. but when she finds out who is also taking up residency for the time being … she tries all she can to avoid the man that ripped her heart right out of her, santino 🥹 months ago when santino rejected her, lorena shrunk internally. she laid her feelings out there on her knees for her and he fucked up. but what she doesn’t know is that santino always wanted her and only her. he feared what her brother would say/do and to protect lorena from that, he couldn’t have what he wanted. that doesn’t stop him from constantly searching for her in a room full of people begging for his attention 🤭
as a celebrity chef in nyc, santino is rumored to receive the james beard award for his passion in exquisite cuisine. all his life he’s always been hotheaded and easily triggered. he crashes out without thinking first. and after what happened all those months ago in miami, he’s currently on the brink of ruining his reputation even more. this is where lorena steps in. she becomes his publicist and manager. her job is to settle down any gossip going around and just bring his reputation back to where it should’ve stayed around … his food 🖤 so what happens when two souls longing for each other but can’t cross that line are stuck together 24/7 ? what happens when he sees her without his rival ? what happens when he finds out she enjoys public play ? 👀
lorena bottles up her emotions and feelings. she doesn’t let anyone see how she’s truly feeling. she doesn’t want to ask for help even for the smallest things. she likes to be in control and organized. it’s one of the main reasons why she is so good at what she does. lorena is someone who just doesn’t believe in a “happily ever after” or true love. she struggled with that her whole life and that leads to unattached sexually transactions. she doesn’t even let her hook ups kiss her unless she initiates it 🫶🏼 santino is a very popular self taught chef who’s passion for cuisine truly shows through his cooking. he made a name for himself by doing something he enjoys and not just for the fun of it. he is someone who will put his own life on the line if any danger was to come for lorena. that woman is his whole vision. he does everything and anything for her. only just for her. this man is so down bad he literally BEGS to be her friends with benefits if that is the only way she can be truly herself and be free. he will take anything from her as he can.
i absolutely LOVED getting to know these two 🥰 lorena and santino are two precious individuals and should be protected at all costs. these are two completely different yet at the same time extremely similar people. i love them so much 🫀 lorena’s character development was something i was hoping to see !! she slowly but surely opened herself up and to look at life at a different angle. she allowed herself to be vulnerable and to trust. santino’s love language is something i yearn for 🧎🏻♀️ this man loves silently but fuck does he love hard !! he is the true definition of “it’s the smallest things that matters” because wtf do you mean his whole world revolves around her 😭 gosh they’re so perfect for each other
brb while i go walk up and down soho so i can find my own chef santino amato 🧑🏻🍳
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 13, 2025
it's a forbidden romance featuring a famous chef who’s down bad for his publicist who also happens to be his best friend’s sister.
the hero was obsessed, begging, and completely gone for her which I loved. the heroine also was very much attracted to him but was strong, held her own, and didn’t make it easy for him.
it had a fun setup and some sweet tension, but the story itself was nothing extraordinary. loved the fact that hero was celibate after their fallout and heroine was not!
‼️no cheating, no ow drama‼️
the hero was obsessed, begging, and completely gone for her which I loved. the heroine also was very much attracted to him but was strong, held her own, and didn’t make it easy for him.
it had a fun setup and some sweet tension, but the story itself was nothing extraordinary. loved the fact that hero was celibate after their fallout and heroine was not!
‼️no cheating, no ow drama‼️
July 1, 2025
⭐ 4
🌶️ 4
🥵 Spicy chapters: 4, 13, 17, 20 to 21, 23, 25, 28, 31, 33, epilogue
📚 Tropes/Themes: chef x publicist, besties sister, forced proximity, it's always been you, possessive MMC protective MMC, obsessed MMC, flashbacks, with benefits, texting, grumpy/grumpier, trauma healing, found family, "yes chef"
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: mentions of parental death and abusive/toxic parents, alcoholism, drug use, terminal illness
💬 Well, it took me a while to get into this book. But once I did I really enjoyed it. I think I just don't like this style of writing /style of romance. Mostly I find it weird how obsessed he is with her whereas most romance readers would probably just find it sweet or just eat it up.
I'm more of a fluffy Hallmark movie with spice kinda girly. And yeah this one isn't a dark romance, but probably the first 3/4 of the book just focuses mostly on their sexual attraction to each other. Don't get me wrong, I love spice and wanted to jump my husband every time I read it but it's not what I usually go for.
This is my first book by NJ Weeks, so I didn't know what to expect going in, but I think she's an incredibly talented writer. The story dragged a little bit to me but the writing itself was excellent. There's a LOT of tension so when the MCs give into their feelings it's 🔥🔥🔥.
And I'm always a sucker for a forbidden/brother's bestie romance and this did NOT disappoint. Tino is so sweet and swoony even if he was a little too obsessed for my tastes. And the tropes didn't stop there, add in a dash of workplace romance, it's always been you, celeb romance and forced proximity and you have one fantastic book.
I probably won't continue the series, but I still definitely recommend this book
🌶️ 4
🥵 Spicy chapters: 4, 13, 17, 20 to 21, 23, 25, 28, 31, 33, epilogue
📚 Tropes/Themes: chef x publicist, besties sister, forced proximity, it's always been you, possessive MMC protective MMC, obsessed MMC, flashbacks, with benefits, texting, grumpy/grumpier, trauma healing, found family, "yes chef"
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: mentions of parental death and abusive/toxic parents, alcoholism, drug use, terminal illness
💬 Well, it took me a while to get into this book. But once I did I really enjoyed it. I think I just don't like this style of writing /style of romance. Mostly I find it weird how obsessed he is with her whereas most romance readers would probably just find it sweet or just eat it up.
I'm more of a fluffy Hallmark movie with spice kinda girly. And yeah this one isn't a dark romance, but probably the first 3/4 of the book just focuses mostly on their sexual attraction to each other. Don't get me wrong, I love spice and wanted to jump my husband every time I read it but it's not what I usually go for.
This is my first book by NJ Weeks, so I didn't know what to expect going in, but I think she's an incredibly talented writer. The story dragged a little bit to me but the writing itself was excellent. There's a LOT of tension so when the MCs give into their feelings it's 🔥🔥🔥.
And I'm always a sucker for a forbidden/brother's bestie romance and this did NOT disappoint. Tino is so sweet and swoony even if he was a little too obsessed for my tastes. And the tropes didn't stop there, add in a dash of workplace romance, it's always been you, celeb romance and forced proximity and you have one fantastic book.
I probably won't continue the series, but I still definitely recommend this book
June 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I have so many things I want to say but nothing I can truly say is deserving of what this book made me feel. And It made me FEEL!
It's been a long time since I have read a book that truly captivated me, a book that truly made me feel, a book that made me yearn as pathetically as the main male character yearned. This book gave me everything I was craving, and so much more.
When I signed up for this ARC I had no idea what I was getting myself into; to be completely honest with you I went in completely blind and truthfully It was the best decision I could have made. It was the perfect read to end June off with.
Recently with many of the books I have read I always found it hard to really lean into the story and relate to the female main character, but with Lorena? It was like reading about myself. She made me feel seen in so much ways. She was unapologetically, sarcastically, and fiercely herself. She truly made me fall in love with her. I have to say N.J did an amazing job with Lorena.
And let's not forget the star of the show. Santino. This man forcefully pushed himself into my top ten book boyfriends. This man was so pathetically down bad for her and throughout the book you get to truly witness the devotion and love he has for Lorena; we don't just see it by his words but his actions. No one can ever make me hate this man, because he is perfect in every sense of the word.
I have so many things I want to say but nothing I can truly say is deserving of what this book made me feel. And It made me FEEL!
It's been a long time since I have read a book that truly captivated me, a book that truly made me feel, a book that made me yearn as pathetically as the main male character yearned. This book gave me everything I was craving, and so much more.
When I signed up for this ARC I had no idea what I was getting myself into; to be completely honest with you I went in completely blind and truthfully It was the best decision I could have made. It was the perfect read to end June off with.
Recently with many of the books I have read I always found it hard to really lean into the story and relate to the female main character, but with Lorena? It was like reading about myself. She made me feel seen in so much ways. She was unapologetically, sarcastically, and fiercely herself. She truly made me fall in love with her. I have to say N.J did an amazing job with Lorena.
And let's not forget the star of the show. Santino. This man forcefully pushed himself into my top ten book boyfriends. This man was so pathetically down bad for her and throughout the book you get to truly witness the devotion and love he has for Lorena; we don't just see it by his words but his actions. No one can ever make me hate this man, because he is perfect in every sense of the word.
July 13, 2025
really 3 1/2
It started off really strong then the flow didn’t flow as smoothly for me. But it has plot which I loved and wanted more of. It has spice which again loved. Tino and Lo are a great couple. Brothers best friend he falls first works thru their trauma together. Him protecting her since they were in school without her even knowing how can u not fall in love with them. I want more so looking forward to her brothers story
It started off really strong then the flow didn’t flow as smoothly for me. But it has plot which I loved and wanted more of. It has spice which again loved. Tino and Lo are a great couple. Brothers best friend he falls first works thru their trauma together. Him protecting her since they were in school without her even knowing how can u not fall in love with them. I want more so looking forward to her brothers story
August 7, 2025
Santino is everything I want in a MMC. The man was OBSESSED and I ate up every second of it.
Lorena was such a strong FMC. Her fear of love, shaped by the grief of her parents’ past, made her feel so real and relatable.
Was it a little too long? Yeah. But honestly, the relationship dynamics made it worth it. I was hooked.
If you love emotional slow burns with intense chemistry and a man who worships the ground she walks on this one’s for you. 👏
Lorena was such a strong FMC. Her fear of love, shaped by the grief of her parents’ past, made her feel so real and relatable.
Was it a little too long? Yeah. But honestly, the relationship dynamics made it worth it. I was hooked.
If you love emotional slow burns with intense chemistry and a man who worships the ground she walks on this one’s for you. 👏
July 15, 2025
4.75⭐️
My first favorite thing about this book is Tino. Everything he does for Lo without her knowledge. He was so down bad for her.
“I’m an unpredictable wave. Forceful, erratic, and messy. Lorena, however, is the ever present, always reliable sand. An oasis I wish I could explore. A calm that my chaos would benefit from.” - Tino
I loved Lo, I understood & could relate to her feelings of thinking she was unworthy of being loved & loving someone else. I understood her fears with falling in love only to turn around and lose that someone.
“he must have reached for the baseball hat he always has placed on the dash and put it on… backwards. Fuck me. And not just that, his sleeves are rolled up, exposing his ink drenched arms that only highlight the sea of veins protruding from his entire forearm spilling down to his hands, that are moving the gear shift with such ease.” - Lo
Another thing I loved about this book is how well it captures misogyny within the Latinx community. It was done subtly but so well because a lot of misogynistic comments are done in passing within conversation and it’s normal and yet NJ Weeks managed to have the characters shut it down. This is a book I definitely recommend.
My first favorite thing about this book is Tino. Everything he does for Lo without her knowledge. He was so down bad for her.
“I’m an unpredictable wave. Forceful, erratic, and messy. Lorena, however, is the ever present, always reliable sand. An oasis I wish I could explore. A calm that my chaos would benefit from.” - Tino
I loved Lo, I understood & could relate to her feelings of thinking she was unworthy of being loved & loving someone else. I understood her fears with falling in love only to turn around and lose that someone.
“he must have reached for the baseball hat he always has placed on the dash and put it on… backwards. Fuck me. And not just that, his sleeves are rolled up, exposing his ink drenched arms that only highlight the sea of veins protruding from his entire forearm spilling down to his hands, that are moving the gear shift with such ease.” - Lo
Another thing I loved about this book is how well it captures misogyny within the Latinx community. It was done subtly but so well because a lot of misogynistic comments are done in passing within conversation and it’s normal and yet NJ Weeks managed to have the characters shut it down. This is a book I definitely recommend.
July 13, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first chapter. It’s messy, sexy, and surprisingly emotional — a sizzling slow burn between a celebrity chef and his best friend’s sister (who also happens to be his new publicist 👀).
The chemistry between Santino and Lorena? Off the charts. The banter? Sharper than his chef’s knives. And the heat level? Let’s just say you won’t look at a glass floor the same way again.
But beyond the spice, there’s vulnerability, trauma healing, and a found-family warmth that really made it more than just a steamy romance.
Thank you N.J. Weeks for the ARC
The chemistry between Santino and Lorena? Off the charts. The banter? Sharper than his chef’s knives. And the heat level? Let’s just say you won’t look at a glass floor the same way again.
But beyond the spice, there’s vulnerability, trauma healing, and a found-family warmth that really made it more than just a steamy romance.
Thank you N.J. Weeks for the ARC
July 13, 2025
TW: mentions of parental death, parental abandonment/violence, terminal illness, use of recreational drugs/alcohol consumption
3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 because the chemistry and emotional tension delivered.
I’m someone who’s easily charmed by certain tropes, and the moment I spot “chef” in a storyline, I’m ready to dive in. Just vibes—no hesitation. 🍝🔥
But this book? It gave me so much more than just tattoos and sizzling romance. What stayed with me the most was the tension—that slow-burn, magnetic kind that makes your chest ache and your fingers fly to the next page. Watching Lorena and Santino circle each other like defiant magnets, bound to collide? Pure perfection. Their chemistry simmered, bubbled, and finally boiled over—and I loved every second of it.
Santino Amato, our culinary hero, is the bad boy of the food world—a tattooed chef with a heart of gold (and yes, some very pierced anatomy 👀). He’s arrogant, intense, and obsessed with one person: Lorena Ramos. His best friend’s sister. His publicist. His personal hell—and his unexpected salvation. What starts as a PR campaign turns into a full-blown forbidden romance filled with unresolved tension, silent acts of love, and raw vulnerability. It’s the kind of story where you want to shake the characters and yell just kiss already, while secretly hoping they don’t, just so you can live in the delicious buildup a little longer.
Here’s what I loved:
Friends with benefits? Yes, please.
Longing stares and emotional pining? A hundred times yes.
Banter masking caretaking? Inject it into my veins.
And while Santino was undeniably compelling in his emotionally tortured, 6’5" wall-of-feelings way (his devotion—good lord), it was Lorena who stole the spotlight for me. She’s sharp, guarded, grieving—but never one-dimensional. Beneath the cool exterior, she’s all heart, terrified to let anyone in. Watching her fall in love despite herself felt so incredibly human.
That said, the book didn’t fully win me over. The characters were strong and memorable, but the story lingered in the lust zone a bit longer than necessary, and at times, the heat overshadowed the emotional core. SPOILERS I found myself wanting more from the subplot with Santino’s father—such a pivotal piece of his emotional arc that sadly wasn’t fully explored. The same goes for the blackmail storyline. While it technically gets resolved, it all happens off-page, and that robbed it of the tension it could’ve delivered. Those darker, messier layers could’ve made the story hit even harder. END SPOILERS
If you love angsty chefs, soft but guarded heroines, and forbidden romance that burns slow but hot, this one’s worth checking out. Also, I’m really intrigued by the couple featured in the next book. I’m curious to see more of Sarina—Lorena’s friend—who didn’t get much page time in this story, but still left such a strong impression. There’s an energy about her that I can’t wait to see collide with Lorena’s brother. That dynamic has so much potential.
Big thanks to Luna Literary Management and N.J. Weeks for the eARC
3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 because the chemistry and emotional tension delivered.
I’m someone who’s easily charmed by certain tropes, and the moment I spot “chef” in a storyline, I’m ready to dive in. Just vibes—no hesitation. 🍝🔥
But this book? It gave me so much more than just tattoos and sizzling romance. What stayed with me the most was the tension—that slow-burn, magnetic kind that makes your chest ache and your fingers fly to the next page. Watching Lorena and Santino circle each other like defiant magnets, bound to collide? Pure perfection. Their chemistry simmered, bubbled, and finally boiled over—and I loved every second of it.
Santino Amato, our culinary hero, is the bad boy of the food world—a tattooed chef with a heart of gold (and yes, some very pierced anatomy 👀). He’s arrogant, intense, and obsessed with one person: Lorena Ramos. His best friend’s sister. His publicist. His personal hell—and his unexpected salvation. What starts as a PR campaign turns into a full-blown forbidden romance filled with unresolved tension, silent acts of love, and raw vulnerability. It’s the kind of story where you want to shake the characters and yell just kiss already, while secretly hoping they don’t, just so you can live in the delicious buildup a little longer.
Here’s what I loved:
Friends with benefits? Yes, please.
Longing stares and emotional pining? A hundred times yes.
Banter masking caretaking? Inject it into my veins.
And while Santino was undeniably compelling in his emotionally tortured, 6’5" wall-of-feelings way (his devotion—good lord), it was Lorena who stole the spotlight for me. She’s sharp, guarded, grieving—but never one-dimensional. Beneath the cool exterior, she’s all heart, terrified to let anyone in. Watching her fall in love despite herself felt so incredibly human.
That said, the book didn’t fully win me over. The characters were strong and memorable, but the story lingered in the lust zone a bit longer than necessary, and at times, the heat overshadowed the emotional core. SPOILERS I found myself wanting more from the subplot with Santino’s father—such a pivotal piece of his emotional arc that sadly wasn’t fully explored. The same goes for the blackmail storyline. While it technically gets resolved, it all happens off-page, and that robbed it of the tension it could’ve delivered. Those darker, messier layers could’ve made the story hit even harder. END SPOILERS
If you love angsty chefs, soft but guarded heroines, and forbidden romance that burns slow but hot, this one’s worth checking out. Also, I’m really intrigued by the couple featured in the next book. I’m curious to see more of Sarina—Lorena’s friend—who didn’t get much page time in this story, but still left such a strong impression. There’s an energy about her that I can’t wait to see collide with Lorena’s brother. That dynamic has so much potential.
Big thanks to Luna Literary Management and N.J. Weeks for the eARC
July 7, 2025
Whew! Somebody hand me a fan, a cocktail, and a cold towel because Indulging Temptation just lit my bookshelf on fire.
This book is pure TROPE HEAVEN, and I ate it up like it was Santino’s signature truffle risotto. We’ve got a tattooed, broody bad-boy celebrity chef (yes, chef 🍽️), a powerhouse publicist who takes zero nonsense (especially not his), and a forced proximity setup that delivers all the slow burn and spicy tension I crave.
Santino and Lorena are chaotic perfection. Their “friends with benefits” arrangement is doomed—in the best way possible—because every stolen look, every smoldering encounter, and every emotionally messy moment just makes it harder not to scream KISS FOR REAL ALREADY! I mean, who else falls into a secret entanglement with your best friend’s sister while sharing his apartment and pretending not to catch feelings? (Spoiler: feelings were caught. Hard.)
The banter? Sharp. The chemistry? Off the charts. The public antics? Let’s just say I’ll never look at a glass floor the same way again 👀
But what really got me was the heart. Underneath the dirty talk, tension, and sneak-around kisses is a story about healing, vulnerability, and learning to let someone see the messy, broken parts of you.
If you love grumpy x grumpier energy, forbidden pining, mutual obsession, and a man who begs to love her right—Santino’s waiting.
Just don’t read this hungry.
(Or do. I won’t judge.)
Final Verdict: 5 stars of pure indulgence. You’ll laugh, swoon, fan yourself, and maybe even cry.
Highly recommend pairing with wine and low lighting. 🍷💋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content/Trigger Warnings:
-Explicit sex scenes
-Profanity
-Recreational Drug Use (Marijuana)
-Death of parent (discussed/ not on page)
-Chronic illness of parent
-Brief mention of suicidal ideation (discussed in the present about the past)
Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Celebrity Chef x Publicist
Grumpy-ish x Grumpier
Friends with Benefits
Workplace Romance Temporary Roommates (at her brother's apartment)
Sneaking Around...a lot
He knows what he wants & begs for it
She inspired him...more than she knows
”Let me love you"
Trauma Healing
Banter/ chemistry for days
Found Family They do what?! (in public...on a glass floor)
”Yes, chef"
July 6, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Wow I have had this review written down for days. First I want to say thank you so much for allowing me to be one of the arc readers chosen to devour this book. It was a hell of a ride getting to know Santino and Lorena!
The week got away from me and I did not want to rush my review 🥰 this review may contain small spoilers but not many it was just too good to not talk about!
Wow just wow 🤩 Santino Amato what a man!!! I mean he literally begs in more ways than one for Lorena to use him any way that she can. He’s been obsessed with her since he met her. She has been his inspiration in so many ways. He customized candles for his restaurant with her scent. I have never even heard of this before. I was swooning 🥹 so bad.
Tino is a freaking Libra, sorry to be biased but as a Libra myself he is hands down a dream. He’s Puerto Rican and Italian. He’s a chef with tattoos and piercings. He calls her “mama” and “mi cielo” Eeekkk, new book boyfriend unlocked 🤭 ok enough about Tino!!!
Lorena is a smart, confident, badass power woman who did not do relationships but was just as obsessed with Santino. FORCED to be HER BROTHER’S BEST-FRIEND’S PR publicist. Their chemistry and the years of built up tension was everything when they finally caved. I mean the glass floor scene 👀🥵 I might’ve read it more than once 😭
I loved that this book had so much of my home in NYC. From growing up in East Harlem to now living in the BX by co-op, felt like I was walking down the streets picturing some of the story told. The Puerto Rican culture that was weaved in the story was great to read. Im not puerto rican but my husband and kids are and I grew up with so much of that culture. It always feels good reading books that incorporate so much of what I know.
Im so excited to see what more is in stored. Because Tomas and Sarina 😏 I see that set up in there for their story. I hope to see Dante and Gabriella too!!
Again many thanks for the opportunity to arc read and I highly recommend everyone to dive into this book. You won’t regret it!!
Wow I have had this review written down for days. First I want to say thank you so much for allowing me to be one of the arc readers chosen to devour this book. It was a hell of a ride getting to know Santino and Lorena!
The week got away from me and I did not want to rush my review 🥰 this review may contain small spoilers but not many it was just too good to not talk about!
Wow just wow 🤩 Santino Amato what a man!!! I mean he literally begs in more ways than one for Lorena to use him any way that she can. He’s been obsessed with her since he met her. She has been his inspiration in so many ways. He customized candles for his restaurant with her scent. I have never even heard of this before. I was swooning 🥹 so bad.
Tino is a freaking Libra, sorry to be biased but as a Libra myself he is hands down a dream. He’s Puerto Rican and Italian. He’s a chef with tattoos and piercings. He calls her “mama” and “mi cielo” Eeekkk, new book boyfriend unlocked 🤭 ok enough about Tino!!!
Lorena is a smart, confident, badass power woman who did not do relationships but was just as obsessed with Santino. FORCED to be HER BROTHER’S BEST-FRIEND’S PR publicist. Their chemistry and the years of built up tension was everything when they finally caved. I mean the glass floor scene 👀🥵 I might’ve read it more than once 😭
I loved that this book had so much of my home in NYC. From growing up in East Harlem to now living in the BX by co-op, felt like I was walking down the streets picturing some of the story told. The Puerto Rican culture that was weaved in the story was great to read. Im not puerto rican but my husband and kids are and I grew up with so much of that culture. It always feels good reading books that incorporate so much of what I know.
Im so excited to see what more is in stored. Because Tomas and Sarina 😏 I see that set up in there for their story. I hope to see Dante and Gabriella too!!
Again many thanks for the opportunity to arc read and I highly recommend everyone to dive into this book. You won’t regret it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was fun and spicy and the characters were amazing. Especially Tino! That man is down bad and I was feral for it. He is a chef but food is definitely not his favorite thing to eat. That man is all about the eating the kitty and I’m so here for it!
This was a workplace romance, roommates and brothers best friend at its core. Which I have to admit, I love the forbidden aspects that can come with brothers best friend, but I do think sometimes it’s taken too far and wildly outlandish. Like it’s one thing if you’re a man and you met a new male friend, have known him for a couple months and sees how he treats women. And it’s not great… Maybe you’d be like “uhhh I don’t want him near my sister”. But if you’ve been friends with someone since childhood, like in the book, I would expect you to know what kind of man your best friend is and know well enough that they would treat your sister right. It was a little frustrating to see how much of a big deal the “brothers best friend aspect” was. And how the brother finding out was such a huge plot point and big deal. If I had a brother and they weren’t happy I found love in someone they hold dear, that would not be someone I’d want in my life.
So the MFC is hired to be the MMC’s publicist and manager to help with his image. But that really got lost in the book. This definitely focused more on their relationship than her helping him with his career.
This was also way more of a slow burn than I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, it was spicy when it got there, but just one, two, three too many times were the MC’s interrupted when they were trying to have a moment. But what I really loved is how switch-y they were with each other. They both had submissive and dominant moments and that made me so happy to see, and was really refreshing. But it just hits differently when a man gets in his hands and knees for a woman and begs. *chefs kiss*
I do think this could have used some more editing and development in the sense that some things were focused on that could have been resolved quickly and some things that felt like they should be a big deal were glossed over and resolved almost unrealistically.
This is the first book in the series and NJ sets it up so readers can see who else will be together in the series. I for one am really looking forward to the rest of the series and how it all plays out!
This was a workplace romance, roommates and brothers best friend at its core. Which I have to admit, I love the forbidden aspects that can come with brothers best friend, but I do think sometimes it’s taken too far and wildly outlandish. Like it’s one thing if you’re a man and you met a new male friend, have known him for a couple months and sees how he treats women. And it’s not great… Maybe you’d be like “uhhh I don’t want him near my sister”. But if you’ve been friends with someone since childhood, like in the book, I would expect you to know what kind of man your best friend is and know well enough that they would treat your sister right. It was a little frustrating to see how much of a big deal the “brothers best friend aspect” was. And how the brother finding out was such a huge plot point and big deal. If I had a brother and they weren’t happy I found love in someone they hold dear, that would not be someone I’d want in my life.
So the MFC is hired to be the MMC’s publicist and manager to help with his image. But that really got lost in the book. This definitely focused more on their relationship than her helping him with his career.
This was also way more of a slow burn than I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, it was spicy when it got there, but just one, two, three too many times were the MC’s interrupted when they were trying to have a moment. But what I really loved is how switch-y they were with each other. They both had submissive and dominant moments and that made me so happy to see, and was really refreshing. But it just hits differently when a man gets in his hands and knees for a woman and begs. *chefs kiss*
I do think this could have used some more editing and development in the sense that some things were focused on that could have been resolved quickly and some things that felt like they should be a big deal were glossed over and resolved almost unrealistically.
This is the first book in the series and NJ sets it up so readers can see who else will be together in the series. I for one am really looking forward to the rest of the series and how it all plays out!
July 8, 2025
Arc review for indulging temptation by nj weeks.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
“I need to have you anyway I can have you, to make sure that, if nothing else, your needs are met by someone who will treat you like the queen you are even if you don’t want more than the physical. Let me be that for you. If you need someone to use for your pleasure, please, make it me.”
Well DAMN! For an author who usually writes dark/horror romance This was AMAZING!
I am a dark romance girly and although I knew this wasn’t going to be dark, I was still super keen to read it.
NJ knows how to write spice! Even the shower scene with the thong had me SWEAT-TING!
The chemistry between Santino and Lorena my GAWD! This man begs and I mean BEGS for her to use him. He wants her in any way shes willing to give.
His OBSESSED! And I don’t mean in the I’ll lock you away so no one can have you type of way, I mean in the I’ll make custom candles that smell like her perfume so that her scent is always around me at work type of obsessed.
Indulging temptation takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Ugh! The letter! GUUURL why you do me like that?! If i didn’t have a pitch black heart I would have been SOBBING!
I highly recommend!
Thank you Luna literary and NJ weeks for giving me the opportunity to read indulging temptation I honestly enjoyed this story so much!
Although this is not a dark book, I still recommend reading your triggers if need be.
L
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
“I need to have you anyway I can have you, to make sure that, if nothing else, your needs are met by someone who will treat you like the queen you are even if you don’t want more than the physical. Let me be that for you. If you need someone to use for your pleasure, please, make it me.”
Well DAMN! For an author who usually writes dark/horror romance This was AMAZING!
I am a dark romance girly and although I knew this wasn’t going to be dark, I was still super keen to read it.
NJ knows how to write spice! Even the shower scene with the thong had me SWEAT-TING!
The chemistry between Santino and Lorena my GAWD! This man begs and I mean BEGS for her to use him. He wants her in any way shes willing to give.
His OBSESSED! And I don’t mean in the I’ll lock you away so no one can have you type of way, I mean in the I’ll make custom candles that smell like her perfume so that her scent is always around me at work type of obsessed.
Indulging temptation takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Ugh! The letter! GUUURL why you do me like that?! If i didn’t have a pitch black heart I would have been SOBBING!
I highly recommend!
Thank you Luna literary and NJ weeks for giving me the opportunity to read indulging temptation I honestly enjoyed this story so much!
Although this is not a dark book, I still recommend reading your triggers if need be.
L
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
This is so cute!!! If you loved King of Sloth by Ana Huang this gives really similar vibes, with the celebrity/wealthy mmc x publicist fmc. This book is the literal definition of male yearning, if you love your men obsessed, hopelessly pining and begging just for scraps of the fmcs attention this is for you. I had so much fun reading this, it was cute, smutty, and had a little angst and tension. We’ve got this closed off, sworn off relationships, fmc who’s a publicist, and her next job is for her brother's best friend who’s a chef. Ok fine, but they’ve always been attracted to each other, and he refused her when she was drunk at a club. So really tense, it’s even better when they have to live in her brother's house with him. Damn that tension is insane, she’s sassy and he’s just a puppy, kind of trailing after her. Even though he’s notorious for being this attractive, tattooed chef with a bad boy reputation, he's so whipped for her. This plot is so perfect, and yes it’s really just him begging her to give him a chance but the dedication this man has is insane. Despite how simple it sounds I was so into this, and never once felt bored. This romance had me hooked and had me thinking the whole time: “I need a man like this!”. This man climbed up my book boyfriend list. There’s so much chemistry between them and I love how they help each other overcome challenges together. So there’s quite a bit of great character development. The romance is perfect, my gosh I loved the love letter he had, im such a sucker for those. And the reason is he calls her Mi Cielo is just chefs kiss. I had a fun time reading this and I give it a 4.5/5
July 9, 2025
**ARC Review**
I was feral waiting to get my hands on this ARC, and thank the book gods I was chosen because—WHEW—this story did not come to play.
Lorena? BABY. She’s not just a bad bitch—she’s the CEO of Bad Bitch Energy, LLC. She’s the chips, the dip, the solo cups, AND the Bluetooth speaker at the party. Sass for days, sex appeal that could melt steel, and the kind of confidence that makes you want to get your life together just by looking at her.
Now Santino Amato? Lord, give me strength. That man had me blushing like I owed him rent. He’s been down catastrophically bad for Lorena for YEARS—best friend’s sister be damned. We’re talking full-on pining, aching, soul-bleeding devotion. And let’s discuss the DICK PIERCINGS (plural!!) because he overheard one flirty comment and said, “Say less, babe. I’m off to the piercing parlor.” LIKE WHAT?? That’s dedication. That’s love. That’s… deeply concerning in the hottest way possible.
And his mouth? Certified weapon. The things that man says in the bedroom should be illegal in 37 states. I was sweating like I was the one in the scene, okay?? I had to hydrate between chapters.
If you like actual plot with your smut, top-tier sexual tension, and a man who would commit multiple felonies just to make a woman moan—this is the book for you.
Run, don’t walk. 🔥💦📚
I was feral waiting to get my hands on this ARC, and thank the book gods I was chosen because—WHEW—this story did not come to play.
Lorena? BABY. She’s not just a bad bitch—she’s the CEO of Bad Bitch Energy, LLC. She’s the chips, the dip, the solo cups, AND the Bluetooth speaker at the party. Sass for days, sex appeal that could melt steel, and the kind of confidence that makes you want to get your life together just by looking at her.
Now Santino Amato? Lord, give me strength. That man had me blushing like I owed him rent. He’s been down catastrophically bad for Lorena for YEARS—best friend’s sister be damned. We’re talking full-on pining, aching, soul-bleeding devotion. And let’s discuss the DICK PIERCINGS (plural!!) because he overheard one flirty comment and said, “Say less, babe. I’m off to the piercing parlor.” LIKE WHAT?? That’s dedication. That’s love. That’s… deeply concerning in the hottest way possible.
And his mouth? Certified weapon. The things that man says in the bedroom should be illegal in 37 states. I was sweating like I was the one in the scene, okay?? I had to hydrate between chapters.
If you like actual plot with your smut, top-tier sexual tension, and a man who would commit multiple felonies just to make a woman moan—this is the book for you.
Run, don’t walk. 🔥💦📚
July 29, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As the wife to a chef, I'm a SUCKER for chef romance reads.
This one did me in. 😤
I laughed, I cried, I shrieked and I fanned myself (a lot). I mean Tino is just an absolute swoon and Lorena is so bold and badass. He creates a MF candle with HER SIGNATURE SCENT so his restaurant smells like her.
I MEAN COME ONNNNNNN.
“I. Want. You. In all moments. In all capacities. In all circumstances. FVck the consequences. All that matters is this...Us. You and me. That’s it.”
“Boo. Who cares. Please. A little workplace romance meets the brother’s best friend trope? Sign me the fvck up. This keeps getting better.” - Sarina
“You started as a dream and wedged your way into my fantasies. Owning every single one of them. But now I’m begging you to be my reality. Same way I’m begging you to forgive me. Make my fantasies come to life. Make me yours." - Tino
"I want to be left breathless. But not just by anyone…by him." - Lorena
❣️Celebrity Chef x Publicist
❣️Brother's Best Friend
❣️Tatted up
❣️Pierced 👅 AND 🍆 x3 (he got them for her and I cried when he admitted it)
❣️Workplace Romance
❣️HE BEGS ON HIS KNEES
❣️Angst. Tension. Yearning.
❣️AND he listens to Sleep Token? Yes, Chef.
As the wife to a chef, I'm a SUCKER for chef romance reads.
This one did me in. 😤
I laughed, I cried, I shrieked and I fanned myself (a lot). I mean Tino is just an absolute swoon and Lorena is so bold and badass. He creates a MF candle with HER SIGNATURE SCENT so his restaurant smells like her.
I MEAN COME ONNNNNNN.
“I. Want. You. In all moments. In all capacities. In all circumstances. FVck the consequences. All that matters is this...Us. You and me. That’s it.”
“Boo. Who cares. Please. A little workplace romance meets the brother’s best friend trope? Sign me the fvck up. This keeps getting better.” - Sarina
“You started as a dream and wedged your way into my fantasies. Owning every single one of them. But now I’m begging you to be my reality. Same way I’m begging you to forgive me. Make my fantasies come to life. Make me yours." - Tino
"I want to be left breathless. But not just by anyone…by him." - Lorena
❣️Celebrity Chef x Publicist
❣️Brother's Best Friend
❣️Tatted up
❣️Pierced 👅 AND 🍆 x3 (he got them for her and I cried when he admitted it)
❣️Workplace Romance
❣️HE BEGS ON HIS KNEES
❣️Angst. Tension. Yearning.
❣️AND he listens to Sleep Token? Yes, Chef.
July 5, 2025
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I. Want. You. In all moments. In all capacities. In all circumstances.”
OH MY GOD. Indulging Temptation has left me absolutely speechless. If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy, jaw dropping, spicy romance, this is the book is the perfect book for you! The tension and heat between the characters was radiating off the pages! I have no doubt in my mind that Santino and Lorena’s story will have you on the edge of your seats!
Lorena is such a feisty, hilarious, and stubborn character. I loved her personality and how much she genuinely cares about those she loves. Santino is just swoon-worthy and will definitely make it on several book boyfriend lists! He’s hot-headed and is extremely protective over Lorena, who he’s absolutely obsessed with.
The two of them have such intense chemistry and so much history. The spice was perfection! Their story is such a fantastic one! The side characters are wonderful (I can’t wait to read more about them as the series continues). I have no doubt that readers will love this book!!! I highly recommend reading it!
OH MY GOD. Indulging Temptation has left me absolutely speechless. If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy, jaw dropping, spicy romance, this is the book is the perfect book for you! The tension and heat between the characters was radiating off the pages! I have no doubt in my mind that Santino and Lorena’s story will have you on the edge of your seats!
Lorena is such a feisty, hilarious, and stubborn character. I loved her personality and how much she genuinely cares about those she loves. Santino is just swoon-worthy and will definitely make it on several book boyfriend lists! He’s hot-headed and is extremely protective over Lorena, who he’s absolutely obsessed with.
The two of them have such intense chemistry and so much history. The spice was perfection! Their story is such a fantastic one! The side characters are wonderful (I can’t wait to read more about them as the series continues). I have no doubt that readers will love this book!!! I highly recommend reading it!
July 24, 2025
Okay first and foremost...who the hell let me sleep on NJ Weeks for this long?? I am so excited I blindly signed up for this ARC with Luna literary simply because l loveeee me a down bad man, and even more so when you mix it with some "Yes Chefs"...
Santino and Lorena has been in each others lives since they were kids...Tino always being Lorena's brothers bestfriend...and
Tino..always loving Lorena from afar...
One night in Miami changes the whole dynamic, and let's just say...if you want an example of a man who either grovel..and I mean literally on his knees begging for forgiveness even if that means being used strictly for Lorena's pleasure. then Tino is absolutely your man. I mean come on..rolls your joints..cooks you breakfast...and orders custom candles so he's reminded of you every day he walks into his restaurant.
I loveee that even though Lorena had her guard up, once those walls came down she stood by her man and didn't take shit from no one..not even her brother.
This story was had me giggling with the banter. Ugh the banter was so good. But the spice was absolutely delicioso.
Temptations is on KU, but do yourself and buy a physical. The cover is to die for.
Santino and Lorena has been in each others lives since they were kids...Tino always being Lorena's brothers bestfriend...and
Tino..always loving Lorena from afar...
One night in Miami changes the whole dynamic, and let's just say...if you want an example of a man who either grovel..and I mean literally on his knees begging for forgiveness even if that means being used strictly for Lorena's pleasure. then Tino is absolutely your man. I mean come on..rolls your joints..cooks you breakfast...and orders custom candles so he's reminded of you every day he walks into his restaurant.
I loveee that even though Lorena had her guard up, once those walls came down she stood by her man and didn't take shit from no one..not even her brother.
This story was had me giggling with the banter. Ugh the banter was so good. But the spice was absolutely delicioso.
Temptations is on KU, but do yourself and buy a physical. The cover is to die for.
July 13, 2025
*ARC Review*
I am just going to start by saying this book deserves a giant, sloppy chef's kiss. Santino is a man who knows what he wants. This is the type of yearning every woman hopes for. He's loved her for years and never acted on it out of respect for his best friend, her brother. He's paid attention to every little detail about her since they were teenagers. If that isn't love, with a touch of obsession (in a good way), I don't know what is. Lorena is scared of any commitment, seeing all the best things in life end. Whether it's through tragedies or changes in the people themselves, she doesn't want to ever put her hopes in anyone else.
It's a journey of healing for both Santino and Lorena. After Lorena moves back to New York from Florida, she finds herself living with her brother... and his best friend, who she is not happy with. In an attempt to help Santino repair his public image, they also end up working together. They've had major losses that led them in different directions, but maybe they just end up helping each other with all that unresolved grief and anger. There is a chapter where Tino and Lo are confessing things to each other that had me bawling, which is really hard to do. As we say in the book world, this book broke me and put me back together again--you have to read it.
I am just going to start by saying this book deserves a giant, sloppy chef's kiss. Santino is a man who knows what he wants. This is the type of yearning every woman hopes for. He's loved her for years and never acted on it out of respect for his best friend, her brother. He's paid attention to every little detail about her since they were teenagers. If that isn't love, with a touch of obsession (in a good way), I don't know what is. Lorena is scared of any commitment, seeing all the best things in life end. Whether it's through tragedies or changes in the people themselves, she doesn't want to ever put her hopes in anyone else.
It's a journey of healing for both Santino and Lorena. After Lorena moves back to New York from Florida, she finds herself living with her brother... and his best friend, who she is not happy with. In an attempt to help Santino repair his public image, they also end up working together. They've had major losses that led them in different directions, but maybe they just end up helping each other with all that unresolved grief and anger. There is a chapter where Tino and Lo are confessing things to each other that had me bawling, which is really hard to do. As we say in the book world, this book broke me and put me back together again--you have to read it.
July 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I’ve read some of NJ’s other works and absolutely loved them… this one is no different. NJ can tell a story like no other.
This book made me feel all the feels! Lorena is such a wild ride herself and when you add Chef Santino into the mix…. the kitchen gets HOT!
Santino is a man possessed and obsessed when it comes to Lorena. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Made me giggle and kick my feet once they finally came together because boy was it 🥵!
Read it for yourself and fall for chef Santino too!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
“Please take a chance on me, and let me love you out loud, the way I’ve loved you in silence.”
I’ve read some of NJ’s other works and absolutely loved them… this one is no different. NJ can tell a story like no other.
This book made me feel all the feels! Lorena is such a wild ride herself and when you add Chef Santino into the mix…. the kitchen gets HOT!
Santino is a man possessed and obsessed when it comes to Lorena. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Made me giggle and kick my feet once they finally came together because boy was it 🥵!
Read it for yourself and fall for chef Santino too!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
“Please take a chance on me, and let me love you out loud, the way I’ve loved you in silence.”
July 8, 2025
i absolutely adored this book. thank you so much for the arc NJ!💗
lorena and santino’s relationship is so pure and filled with so much love, it’s something i can only dream to find. though lorena doesn’t believe in love, it was such a beautiful thing to watch her find it within santino.
the progression of their relationship was everything and more. fwb with that underlying knowledge of feelings for each other sells me every. single. time.😮💨
silent love is always my favorite kind of love to read about. the characters doing small things for each other simply out of the knowledge they’ve come to know throughout knowing each other is just such a beautiful thing to see.
𝓂𝒾 𝒸𝒾𝑒𝓁𝑜. 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝓀𝓎. 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃. 🌙
lorena and santino’s relationship is so pure and filled with so much love, it’s something i can only dream to find. though lorena doesn’t believe in love, it was such a beautiful thing to watch her find it within santino.
the progression of their relationship was everything and more. fwb with that underlying knowledge of feelings for each other sells me every. single. time.😮💨
silent love is always my favorite kind of love to read about. the characters doing small things for each other simply out of the knowledge they’ve come to know throughout knowing each other is just such a beautiful thing to see.
𝓂𝒾 𝒸𝒾𝑒𝓁𝑜. 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝓀𝓎. 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃. 🌙
November 18, 2025
Brother’s best friend romance
This book gave “yes, chef” a whole new meaning 😩🫠 he’s a celebrity chef and she’s a publicist tasked with cleaning up his image. Even though their spark is undeniable from the beginning, they do everything to avoid exploring it. As their worlds collide, and those carefully crafted barriers start to crumble, what started as a physical compromise becomes anything but…
This book was so fun. Great banter and lol moments with spice and plot, and side characters you’ll want to know more about- this book has it all. I did feel it was a touch too long causing scenes to feel a bit redundant at times. I wished this was more condensed and the reader was trusted to grasp the nuances of the writing (which was beautiful) but all in all I would absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a fun rom com spicy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️.5
This book gave “yes, chef” a whole new meaning 😩🫠 he’s a celebrity chef and she’s a publicist tasked with cleaning up his image. Even though their spark is undeniable from the beginning, they do everything to avoid exploring it. As their worlds collide, and those carefully crafted barriers start to crumble, what started as a physical compromise becomes anything but…
This book was so fun. Great banter and lol moments with spice and plot, and side characters you’ll want to know more about- this book has it all. I did feel it was a touch too long causing scenes to feel a bit redundant at times. I wished this was more condensed and the reader was trusted to grasp the nuances of the writing (which was beautiful) but all in all I would absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a fun rom com spicy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️.5
July 13, 2025
I don't think I have the words to describe how well N.J. did with this book. I've loved every one of her previous works, but knowing how nervous she was about this made ME nervous!
Lorena and Santino are such whole characters. They feel like real people. Their emotions and quirks are so nuanced that you can physically picture them as if watching from the side lines with the other equally loveable characters.
The spice was delicious, literally thigh clenchingly good (not that I expected anything else). But the softness of these characters was definitely new. I found myself giggling, smiling, kicking my feet, putting the book down and saying "oh my god, I need a Tino!"
Knowing the nervousness and pride that went into this book, I had big expectations, and it absolutely exceeded every single one. Now I just have to sit and be patient for the next one 🤪
Lorena and Santino are such whole characters. They feel like real people. Their emotions and quirks are so nuanced that you can physically picture them as if watching from the side lines with the other equally loveable characters.
The spice was delicious, literally thigh clenchingly good (not that I expected anything else). But the softness of these characters was definitely new. I found myself giggling, smiling, kicking my feet, putting the book down and saying "oh my god, I need a Tino!"
Knowing the nervousness and pride that went into this book, I had big expectations, and it absolutely exceeded every single one. Now I just have to sit and be patient for the next one 🤪
November 6, 2025
In Indulging Temptation, N.J. Weeks delivers a steamy, emotionally charged romance with high stakes and sizzling chemistry. The story follows Santino “Tino” Amato, a tattooed celebrity chef with a wild reputation, and Lorena Ramos, a sharp, no-nonsense publicist brought in to repair his image. Their family connections — her brother, his best friend — and a shared history from one dramatic Miami night turn their professional partnership into a personal battlefield, eventually leading them to an unconventional decision: to try being friends with benefits.
Tino completely won me over. Beneath his confident, cocky exterior is a man who cares deeply, prioritizes Lorena’s safety, and protects his found family at all costs. His vulnerability shines through in the friends-with-benefits arrangement, and every moment he lets his guard down only makes you root harder for him.
Lorena is strong, grounded, and relatable. She has carefully built walls around her heart, yet Tino slowly chips away at them. Her choice to enter a friends-with-benefits dynamic shows both her desire to explore what she wants and her commitment to protecting herself, making her journey feel real and earned.
The tension between Tino and Lorena is electric from the first page, and the payoff is both emotional and incredibly steamy. There is a lot of spice in this one, so please read with trigger warnings in mind. Their chemistry, combined with the brother’s-best-friend trope, creates a slow-burn romance that had me hooked from start to finish.
I also loved the side characters! Tomás, the brother and best friend, and Lorena’s best friend Sadie had strong, memorable presences whenever they interacted with the main characters. I cannot wait for their story next in June 2025 — they were such a fun and compelling addition.
Beyond the romance, this story is about healing, second chances, and not giving up — in life or love. Watching the characters face their pasts, their fears, and life’s obstacles made the emotional payoff even stronger. And let me just say — a man that yearns for his woman has the key to my soul.
This was my first book by N.J. Weeks, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her, especially the next in this series. If you’re looking for a story that’s easy to read, emotionally layered, and impossible to put down, this one’s for you.
Tino completely won me over. Beneath his confident, cocky exterior is a man who cares deeply, prioritizes Lorena’s safety, and protects his found family at all costs. His vulnerability shines through in the friends-with-benefits arrangement, and every moment he lets his guard down only makes you root harder for him.
Lorena is strong, grounded, and relatable. She has carefully built walls around her heart, yet Tino slowly chips away at them. Her choice to enter a friends-with-benefits dynamic shows both her desire to explore what she wants and her commitment to protecting herself, making her journey feel real and earned.
The tension between Tino and Lorena is electric from the first page, and the payoff is both emotional and incredibly steamy. There is a lot of spice in this one, so please read with trigger warnings in mind. Their chemistry, combined with the brother’s-best-friend trope, creates a slow-burn romance that had me hooked from start to finish.
I also loved the side characters! Tomás, the brother and best friend, and Lorena’s best friend Sadie had strong, memorable presences whenever they interacted with the main characters. I cannot wait for their story next in June 2025 — they were such a fun and compelling addition.
Beyond the romance, this story is about healing, second chances, and not giving up — in life or love. Watching the characters face their pasts, their fears, and life’s obstacles made the emotional payoff even stronger. And let me just say — a man that yearns for his woman has the key to my soul.
This was my first book by N.J. Weeks, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her, especially the next in this series. If you’re looking for a story that’s easy to read, emotionally layered, and impossible to put down, this one’s for you.
July 5, 2025
ARC Review 🌶🌶 celebrity chef x publicist
For the ones who have ever wondered ‘hey, could I fit on that benchtop?’ while watching a celebrity chef grease a pan 🤭
NJ Weeks has also blessed the lovers of sl*tty grey sweatpants, but most importantly the believers in second chances, taking risks and happily ever after. Tino & Lo’s story is steamy and fun. This story had such a beautiful found family and the mental health representation was so well done. This more contemporary side quest from NJ is stunning!
Santino Amato is one of New York City’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs... in every sense of the word. He’s passionate and impulsive at times, helping him thrive under the pressure, but also earning him the reputation of being the bad boy of the culinary world.
He needs Lorena Ramos. One of the most sought after publicists, she’s a force to be reckoned with, and also his best friend’s sister.
For the ones who have ever wondered ‘hey, could I fit on that benchtop?’ while watching a celebrity chef grease a pan 🤭
NJ Weeks has also blessed the lovers of sl*tty grey sweatpants, but most importantly the believers in second chances, taking risks and happily ever after. Tino & Lo’s story is steamy and fun. This story had such a beautiful found family and the mental health representation was so well done. This more contemporary side quest from NJ is stunning!
Santino Amato is one of New York City’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs... in every sense of the word. He’s passionate and impulsive at times, helping him thrive under the pressure, but also earning him the reputation of being the bad boy of the culinary world.
He needs Lorena Ramos. One of the most sought after publicists, she’s a force to be reckoned with, and also his best friend’s sister.
July 10, 2025
Induldging Temptation is a must read!!
If you are looking for A HOT Celebrity chef/Restaurateur with tattoos and piercings who rocks Grey Sweats 😉 and will beg on his knees "Use Me" 🔥 And a beautiful smart sassy Publicist who has been obsessed with her brother best friend since childhood...then this read is 💯 for you!!
Meet Lorena Ramos and Santino Amato 💋
*she's off limits
*brothers best friend
*glass floor scene 🔥🔥🔥🔥
*secret friends with benefits
*Releases July 11th 2025!!!!!
I cant recommend this read enough! NJ Weeks.....thank you! and I absolutely can't wait for the next in this series 😍 🙌
If you are looking for A HOT Celebrity chef/Restaurateur with tattoos and piercings who rocks Grey Sweats 😉 and will beg on his knees "Use Me" 🔥 And a beautiful smart sassy Publicist who has been obsessed with her brother best friend since childhood...then this read is 💯 for you!!
Meet Lorena Ramos and Santino Amato 💋
*she's off limits
*brothers best friend
*glass floor scene 🔥🔥🔥🔥
*secret friends with benefits
*Releases July 11th 2025!!!!!
I cant recommend this read enough! NJ Weeks.....thank you! and I absolutely can't wait for the next in this series 😍 🙌
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