Tall, handsome, and as charming as he is intelligent, on paper, Tomás Ramos has it all. No stranger to hard work, his driven ways helped earn the title of partner at his law firm, giving him everything he could ever want… except for someone to share it with. After pressure begins to mount at work when he’s tasked with securing a high-value deal with a client who refuses to give him the time of day, he decides to do something he hasn’t done in a long time…let loose. But when his path crosses with a stunning and free-spirited stranger, his one night out quickly turns into a passionate one-night stand that has him regretting agreeing to her terms of no names or numbers exchanged. Unbeknownst to him, his luck is about to change when their paths cross again and his mystery woman struts into his office as his new paralegal.And to make matters even more complicated she’s not only the daughter of the potential client he’s been failing to impress… she’s his sister’s best friend from college, Sarina Tesoro. In need of a plus one for her sister’s wedding, Sarina offers Tomás a deal he can’t refuse. Be her date in exchange for an opportunity to deliver his business proposal to her dad in person. It was supposed to be a straightforward mutually beneficial dating arrangement, that is until they decide to up the ante by entering into a marriage of convenience. When the two travel to Sarina’s hometown for the wedding, Tomás quickly discovers there’s a hidden truth behind her feisty exterior and why they needed to get married. One that will require him to no longer fake it, and instead make a decision with real consequences neither of them anticipated. Tomás must either play it safe and go along with their arrangement so he can get what he needs or risk it all to protect the woman he wants more than anything from the man he’s been tasked to impress… her father.
A 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.
There is something so satisfying about seeing a fake marriage turn into a beautiful, real connection, and I was so excited to finally dive into this story.
The chemistry between Tomás and Sarina was absolutely electric from the start, and it was a total treat to watch Tomás, who is easily one of the most attentive and supportive book boyfriends, completely dote on her. Their banter and those sizzling, spicy moments kept me hooked, making it so easy to breeze through the pages in one sitting.
Sarina’s journey was truly empowering to read, particularly as she found the strength to set firm boundaries with her toxic family and finally choose herself. I loved seeing her softer side emerge through her connection with Tomás, and their dynamic had so many sweet, protective moments that really warmed my heart. The inclusion of the chaotic group chats and the dual points of view added such a fun, relatable layer to the narrative, making the whole reading experience feel light, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable.
While I definitely had a soft spot for the previous couple in this series, Tomás and Sarina carved out their own special place in my mind with how they navigated their pasts together. This was such a fun, addictive read that hit all the right notes for a romantic escape, and I loved the found family aspects that brought everyone together.
This was such a satisfying, heart-warming journey, and I loved it!
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Huge thank you to N.J. Weeks and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
"Resisting Temptation" by N.J. Weeks is sooo good. If you're into books where the MMC is protective as all get out, this is the book for you because Tomás.... OooooooooooooOOOoooOo Tomás! He is so dominant and assertive! He cares about her so much that accepting anything less is honestly an awful idea??? He *worships* her. He pays attention to every single thing about her and loves her despite whatever she may view as a flaw. Sarina (FMC) has a hard time accepting what she is worth. She was constantly raised to second-guess herself because of her horrible father, but remains fiesty and sarcastic despite everything. When Tomás praises her and defends her and comes to her aid, it's all new to her, but she learns that he really means what he says. My gosh, Tomás and Sarina (FMC) were SUCH a good couple! This is a fake marriage of convenience, best friend's brother romance, where feelings become real fast and deep. They have both been dealt crappy hands in life and have gone through their fair share of traumatic life events. I was addicted to this one! The "my wife" moments! The mirror! The way they attempt to overcome the trials and tribulations they have gone through! The banter! The SPICE!!! You're going to be addicted to this book! Once again, THE MIRROR!!!
Thank you to N.J. Weeks and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Resisting Temptation is the second book in the Tempting the Heart series by N.J. Weeks, but it works perfectly as an interconnected standalone. You'll recognize some familiar faces if you've read Indulging Temptation, but you definitely won't feel lost if you're jumping into the series here.
After loving the first book, I was really excited to finally get Tomás and Sarina's story. Unfortunately, this one didn't capture me in the same way as for Tino and Lorena's story.
The fake dating and marriage of convenience tropes were the ones I was most excited about, and I couldn't wait to see how the author would make them her own.
While the chemistry between Tomás and Sarina was undeniable (their tension was really hot, and I definitely enjoyed the smut scenes), I never fully connected with them as individuals or as a couple beyond the physical attraction. It felt like all the right ingredients were there, but the execution didn't quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for. As the story progressed, I found myself feeling oddly detached from their relationship instead of becoming more invested in it.
Tomás was definitely the highlight for me. He's the ultimate green-flag book boyfriend: protective, attentive, supportive, and always noticing the little things. Sarina was confident, outspoken, and refreshingly unapologetic about living life on her own terms, and I loved how Tomás encouraged that side of her. Their dynamic had a lot of potential.
Sarina, on the other hand, didn't leave much of an impression on me. Although her difficult upbringing gave her plenty of potential for emotional depth, I never found myself truly rooting for her or feeling invested in her journey. I wanted to connect with her more, but unfortunately, she just didn't stand out as a character in the way I had hoped. Only when she was with Tomás did I really get glimpses of her personality. Outside of their interactions, she felt fairly flat to me, which made it difficult to become invested in her as an individual character.
That said, I found the emotional development lacking. Everything happened so quickly, especially the marriage of convenience, which ended up feeling more like a plot device than a relationship that naturally evolved. I actually wish the story had spent more time exploring the marriage itself rather than focusing so heavily on the fake dating aspect. There were moments where I caught myself skimming because I wasn't emotionally invested in what was happening.
One thing I really appreciated was the writing style. The short chapters made the book easy to fly through, the dual POVs felt distinct instead of repetitive, and I loved the inclusion of the text messages and chaotic group chats—they added a fun layer to the story. The character art was also a lovely bonus.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of this book, especially the romance tropes and the chemistry, but it wasn't memorable like Indulging Temptation. I wanted to fall in love with Tomás and Sarina the way I did with Tino and Lo, but something was missing emotionally. It wasn't a bad read by any means, it just didn't leave the same impact, and I don't think it's one I'd revisit.
Big thanks to Luna Literary Management and N.J. Weeks for the eARC. All opinion are on my own.
Tomás and Sarina were literally everything I was hoping for and I devoured this book! After a hot one night stand, the last thing either of them expected was to see each at work, after Sarina was hired to be his new paralegal. But that tension and chemistry was still very present and I was eating it up. Tomás is down so bad and I loved the moments where he shows her how she should be worshipped.
What to expect: 💙Best friend’s brother 💍Marriage of convenience 💙Opposites attract 💍One night stand 💙Found family 💍Workplace romance 💙Pierced MCs
Firstly, Sarina’s dad can suck it…ugh I’m so thankful she found her true self and could cut them off! She was such a beautiful, smart person but her true shine was hidden by her parents.
Tomás originally had all business as a plan but that quickly changed - he had it so bad for Sarina and I loved how he took care of her. He was protective and caring but then he’d turn around and talk to her in Spanish and my goodness 🥵 He’s pierced ✔️, tattooed ✔️, knows how to move ✔️, wears slutty little glasses ✔️…I mean the picture I have of him in my head is pretty hot.
What started as a marriage of convenience quickly turned into something neither of them expected. I mean they were only supposed to be a one night stand - no numbers or info exchanged. How surprising when Sarina walks in as Tomás new paralegal and how fast things can change! The tension between them is palpable, their chemistry - undeniable. The banter had me laughing out loud and I loved the group chats!
If you like • marriage of convenience • opposites attract• found family • workplace romance • pierced MCs • one night stand - I’d definitely give this one a try! Thank you Luna Lit and the author for the early read! All opinions are my own.
I absolutely devoured Resisting Temptation!! I could not put this down! Sarina and Tomás’ chemistry was undeniable from the minute they locked eyes. NJ gave us the perfect amount of tension, romance, funny moments (the group text was my absolute favorite 😂), and emotion. I fell in love with Lorena and Tino in Indulging Temptation, and now I’m currently obsessed with Sarina and Tomás lol easiest 5’s! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you love
💙 Best Friends Brother 🩵 One Night Stand 💙 Workplace Romance 🩵 Marriage of Convenience 💙 Opposites Attract
Then you need to add Tempting the Heart series to your TBR stat!
Thank you so much NJ for the opportunity to be an arc reader for another amazing book in this series!!
I was so excited about Tomás and Sarinas book after being introduced to them in book one and omggg this did not disappoint Tomás was not the upright grouch we were led to believe…holy hell this man was HOT!! His words, his thoughts, his actions! Gahhh He was down bad and obsessed from the get go and he just said and did everything right! I loved it! And seeing the other side of Sarina - her upbringing and her family life and everything she hides! That girl deserves her HEA and this book delivered on that in spades. Not me over here needing both her brothers stories too 😅🫠🤣 Thank you so much to NJ Weeks and Luna Literary Management for the arc. I enjoyed every minute of this read and can’t wait for what’s next (already know who it is and YES GIMME GIMME!!)
There is something incredibly satisfying about watching a fake relationship slowly become the real thing, and Resisting Temptation delivered everything I love about the marriage of convenience trope. Filled with heartfelt moments, sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and emotional growth, this story completely swept me away from beginning to end.
Tomás and Sarina's relationship begins with one unforgettable night together, only for fate to throw them back into each other's lives in the most unexpected way. What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement gradually becomes something much deeper as they learn to trust, support, and truly see one another. Their chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, but it was the friendship, respect, and unwavering care they built along the way that made me fall in love with their story.
Tomás was easily one of the biggest highlights of this story. He was attentive, protective, dependable, and endlessly supportive without ever overshadowing Sarina's strength. Instead, he encouraged her to find her voice, stand up for herself, and believe she deserved more than the life she had always accepted. It was impossible not to admire the quiet ways he cared for her, whether it was noticing the smallest details, defending her without hesitation, or reminding her every chance he got that she deserved to be loved exactly as she was. And yes, the Spanish, the tattoos, the piercings, and those glasses certainly didn't hurt either.
Sarina was just as wonderful. Beneath her confidence and quick wit was a woman carrying years of hurt caused by a family who never truly appreciated her. Watching her slowly build the confidence to set healthy boundaries and finally choose herself was one of the most rewarding parts of the story. Her growth felt authentic, and I loved seeing her surrounded by people who genuinely celebrated her instead of expecting her to shrink herself for their comfort.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how naturally the relationship developed. While the chemistry was immediate, the emotional connection grew through trust, vulnerability, and countless small moments that made their love story feel genuine. The group chats added so much humor, the found family brought warmth to every chapter, and the family drama gave both characters the opportunity to grow individually as well as together.
By the final page, I couldn't stop smiling. Resisting Temptation is romantic, funny, emotional, and wonderfully addictive. If you enjoy marriage of convenience, workplace romance, found family, protective heroes, and romances where two people help each other become the best versions of themselves, this is one I wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to N.J. Weeks and Luna Literary for the gifted advanced reader copy.
AHHH I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Tomás is going down as one of my favorite mmc's of all time. You want a marriage of convenience with a down bad man with the best "my wife" energy??? Look no further. The yearning!! The way this man absolutely worshipped Sarina and always made sure she maintained control in every situation needs to be studied. And don't even get me started on how much I loved Sarina - a goddamn forced to be reckoned with who deserved the world. 10/10 read that I had the best time with. Also, if you love Spanish terms of endearment, there's plenty in this!!
When I met Sarina in Indulging Temptation, I'd already fallen in love with her. Getting to know her more through this book just made me love her even more. She was hilarious, quick witted, and the biggest fucking brat (compliment). I loved how she was so unapologetically herself, especially when she was with Tomás. That's what made it hit harder when she became an unrecognizable, timid version of herself in her father's presence. It killed me to see her that way and I hated how father constantly tore her spirit down, but I'm so happy with the decisions she made at the end when it came to her parents. Her growth and character development was everything!!
Tomás Ramos was a king amongst men!! How do I even begin to explain all the things I loved about this man??? Down bad is too tame a phrase. He absolutely worshipped the ground she walked on. Also, the way he encouraged Sarina to speak her mind and fostered an environment where she could feel safe to let her guard down and ask for what she needed spoke volumes to how he knew her. His care for her was so meticulous and went above and beyond what could have been expected. He loved her for exactly who she was - bratty, independent, reckless, and stubborn.
And oh my god, their sexual chemistry??? Hot, hot, hot. I've learned in recent years that I'd much prefer to see "Good boy" in a romance book than "Good girl" and wowww did NJ Weeks deliver. Sarina took control during several of the sex scenes and it was such an empowering display of her character. And the way Tomás happily did whatever she asked and got off on being praised??? Pls. There's nothing better, truly. Some of the best smut I've read all year.
Anyway, I LOVED book 1 and knew it would be hard to top, but wow I'm happy to report that I was completely blown away by this book. Nothing but bangers so far in this series and I cannot WAIT for book 3.
Freaking loved Tomas and Sarina sm I literally read this in 24 hours! From the group chats to the banter, the tension, the characters - it was all perfectly written. This story had it all: family drama, intense chemistry, tension and banter that had me LOL.
After a one night stand where both MC's agree not to exchange names or numbers, Sarina finds herself starting a new job working under Tomas, the junior partner for the law office she's to be a paralegal at. What started off as a fake husband and wife moment the night develops into something more than neither of them were expecting.
Tomas, holy smokes this man is the whole freaking package. Like literally, my perfect man. He was caring, attentive, PROTECTIVE and paid attention to all of Sarinas needs. Oh, and he's PIERCED🍆not to mention he's got tattoos and wears sl*tty glasses AND as an extra bonus the man sweet talks her in Spanish. I swear I felt my heart pitter patter each time he'd sweet talk to her.
Sarina, girrrrrrl if I could come back and be reincarnated I would totally choose you. Sexy, confidant and beautiful inside and out❤️I loved seeing her growth. The way she found her strength to cut ties with her parents and chose herself over her piece of crap family (with the exception of her siblings) who did NOT deserve her was so satisfying to read.
Would I recommend this? A million times yes! I absolutely loved everything about this story. I have nothing bad to say, besides that Sarina's dad is a total and complete a**hole.😆
Thank you LunaLiterary and the author for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
Tropes: 💍Workplace romance 💍Best friend’s brother 💍Found family 💍Marriage of convenience 💍He falls first 💍One night stand 💍"My wife" 💍Pierced MC's 💍He 💦 in his pants 💍Thigh tattoos and sl*tty glasses🥵
Tropes: Best Friend’s Brother Marriage of Convenience Opposites Attract Epic “my wife” moment…when her dad disrespects her in front of him One Night Stand… in a room of mirrors Workplace Romance Feisty FMC who hides her pain behind sarcasm Reserved MMC who is a reformed bad boy She’s pierced…and so is he Switchy vibes… good girl / good boy Insta Lust to genuine connection love Thigh Tattoos / Slvtty Glasses “You deserve the world…and I’m going to give it to you” vibes Found Family Slow burn Toxic family drama
Tomás and Sarina were everything! Perfect together! I devoured this book! After a hot one night stand, the last thing either of them expected was to see each at work, after Sarina was hired to be his new paralegal. that tension and chemistry was freakin hot and I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation. Tomás is down so bad and I loved the moments where he shows her how she should be worshipped and desired. The two end up in a fake marriage that slowly turns into something neither of them can resist. But naturally, feelings grow stronger, they must face family drama, painful pasts, and find out if their fake marriage can turn into something real. This book was such a sweet and emotional read. Tomás was everything and completely stole my heart. He was protective, and attentive to Sarina always making sure she felt seen and heard. It’s the little things and he had my heart! I loved Sarina's journey seeing her break free from the people who constantly controlled and hurt her was so satisfying. She grew so much throughout the book, and I loved seeing her build and find her confidence. Their chemistry was undeniable, seeing them be their for each other and build from friendship to something more. With some drama and heartfelt moments I devoured this and would definitely recommend this read!
I loved indulging temptations and I was really excited for this story, Sarina and Tomas deserve the best. I enjoyed the plot even though I felt like it was a bit odd - he meets her at a strip club she’s dancing at because her ex is manhandling her - he tells the man that he’s her husband and they have an amazing one night stand without sharing info like names or contact until the next week when she ends up being his paralegal and ironically, his sisters best friend. This sort of felt like we were cramming too many tropes into one story. But then, suddenly they get married so she can her grandmothers will - but they don’t tell her family but they fake date to her sisters wedding but they are really dating and legally married? The entire story felt forced but NJ can write some great chemistry so the chemistry was there and the actual writing was well written - the story just had so many holes. It’s around 300 pages and 50% of it is smut - it’s well written and interesting smut but there were so many different tropes into the plot that I just didn’t love this.
I have questions - so this is all marked as a spoiler
Sarina’s brothers have her back at the end but never stood up for her before hand - why?
What’s the likelihood that Tomas would know the lawyer of the will when he practices in NY but the lawyer lives in Colorado?
If she’s a paralegal and took the law SATs exam - why is she a stripper?
If the man at the club knew she wasn’t married, because he was her ex, why did he go with the story?
Why did they pretend date at the wedding when everyone knew they were legally married?
Why was the scene where she told her dad off so oddly timed and more so, why did Tomas and her brothers suddenly own everything?
If I’m being 100% honest - This is a 3.75/5 for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
i needed to know more about Tomás after finishing Indulging Temptation and boy oh boy did Resisting Temptation not let me down. These books can be read as standalones but i do recommend reading Tino and Lo’s story first as they’re not only a delicious couple as well but you do get a bit more of Tomás character from book one. Tomás has always been a workaholic, always takes care of his family and never really did what he wanted. That all changes when he sees a dancer at the gentleman’s club he frequents for work meetings in a bit of a tiff with a man. Tomás won’t allow another man getting handsy with a woman who clearly says no -which s w o o n- so he takes matters into his own hands. one knight in shining armor leads to the greatest one night stand he’s ever had. Sarina has always kept secrets from the ones she loves, including her best friend Lo, when she has a run in with someone from her past at the club she works at, she knows things are going to get bad until a handsome man in an Armani suit saves the day. just when she thinks her night is ruined it ends up beibg the most fun and hottest night she’s ever had. this book has sooo many tropes i love, fake dating, marriage of convenience, best friends brother- these two hit it off from the very beginning. Tomás was a man obsessed the moment he looked into her eyes and poor Sarina was denying herself as much as she could but resisting Tomás is damn near impossible. this man wanted to worship the ground she walked on and that’s the kind of man we all want. there was pining, spice, drama & some healing. i had a great time reading their story and i love when two people finally get the happy ending they deserve. thank you so much for the arc read, i can’t wait to continue series and more group chats!!!
I was so excited to be able to continue this series and receive this ARC!
First I was obsessed with Tino and Lorena’s story and was so looking forward to Tomás and Sarina’s. I cannot wait for Dante and Gabriella though I been eyeing them since book one 🤣 please put me out of my misery I need them!!!
This was such a fun and quick read. Loved how sweet and perfect Tomás was. I kept trying to find something wrong with him. (Sorry but no ones perfect and that goes for all my fictional boyfriends too) I guess he was just too nice 🤷🏻♀️ Like if I could create a perfect man, then N.J totally knocked it out of the park because he was it!!
The way he took care of Sarina’s needs and chose to empower her instead of dimming her light was swoon worthy. Add a pierced 👀 you know what and thigh tattoos and I mean he can’t get any better than that.
Sarina was such a boss babe! I loved her energy and how feisty she was. Her sarcasm was top notch. The humor both characters shared was everything. And my girl also had some hidden piercings 😉
Oh and I think books with group chats are top tier 🙌🏼
~Tropes~ 💙Best Friend’s Brother 💍Marriage of convenience 💙Opposites Attract 💍Epic “my wife” moment… when her dad disrespects her in front of him 💙One night stand… in a room with mirrors 💍Workplace romance 💙Feisty FMC who hides her pain behind sarcasm 💍Reserved MMC who us a reformed bad boy 💙She’s pierced… and so is he 💍Thigh tattoos/ slvtty glasses 💙”You deserve the world… and i’m going to give it to you” vibes 💍Found Family
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 - - fake marriage - marriage of convenience - workplace romance - protective hero - found family - slow burn romance - toxic family drama
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - Tomás Ramos never expected one impulsive lie to change his life. After claiming to be Sarina's husband to protect her from an uncomfortable situation, the two end up in a fake marriage that slowly turns into something neither of them can resist. As feelings grow stronger, they must face family drama, painful pasts, and the question of whether their marriage can become something real. This book was such a sweet and emotional read. Tomás completely stole my heart from the beginning. He was protective, caring, attentive, and always made sure Sarina felt seen and supported. The little things he noticed about her made me melt every single time. Sarina's journey was one of my favorite parts of the story. Watching her slowly break free from the people who constantly controlled and hurt her was so satisfying. She grew so much throughout the book, and I loved seeing her find her confidence. The fake marriage trope was done really well because the relationship developed naturally. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what I loved most was the trust and friendship they built along the way. The emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones. There was plenty of family drama, heartfelt moments, and swoony scenes that kept me invested from start to finish. Tomás was truly the definition of a green flag hero and I adored every moment he spent taking care of Sarina. Thank you Lunaliterary for the ARC!
4.25 ⭐️ Resisting Temptation was a fun, emotional romance that blended swoony moments, genuine character growth, and plenty of chemistry.
I'm always a fan of a marriage of convenience, and this story reminded me why. Tomás and Sarina's relationship starts with undeniable attraction, but what kept me invested was watching that attraction slowly grow into trust, respect, and something much deeper. Their dynamic felt natural, with plenty of banter, tension, and heartfelt moments along the way.
Tomás was such a refreshing MMC. He's reserved, dependable, and protective without overshadowing Sarina, who is witty, resilient, and easy to root for. I appreciated that both characters had room to grow, making their relationship feel earned rather than rushed.
One of my favorite moments came early in the book with that "my wife" scene. It's one of the advertised tropes, so I won't spoil the context, but from that point on I was completely hooked and couldn't wait to see where their journey would take them.
The spice was well balanced with the emotional depth, adding to the relationship instead of taking away from it. I also really enjoyed the found family elements and the way the story explored healing and vulnerability alongside the romance.
While there were a few moments where I wanted certain conversations to happen a little sooner, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. If you enjoy marriage of convenience, best friend's brother, workplace romance, protective heroes, found family, and romances that balance steam with heart, Resisting Temptation is definitely worth picking up.
ARC Review: Resisting Temptation by NJ Weeks Thank you to NJ Weeks for the ARC.
Tomás Ramos is proof that competence is sexy, but competence in sl*tty glasses while whispering dirty things in Spanish? Absolutely unfair. This man is successful, protective, attentive, and so hopelessly gone for Sarina that he never had a fighting chance. Watching him go from one night stand participant to fake husband to fully devoted husband had me grinning like an idiot. THE MAN DROPPED A "MY WIFE" at 7%. THE MAN YOU ARE, TOMAS!!
And Sarina? I adored her. Beneath the confidence and sass is a woman carrying years of hurt and impossible expectations. Watching her finally choose herself, build boundaries, and accept the kind of love that doesn't ask her to shrink was deeply satisfying.
The chemistry between these two was scorching, but what kept me invested was the tenderness. Tomás doesn't just want Sarina. He sees her, supports her, and reminds her over and over that she deserves to be cherished. A man worshipping his wife, even before she believes she's truly his wife? Sign me up every single time.
The banter was sharp, the friend group chats were chaotic perfection, and the found family moments warmed my heart. Also, Sarina's father can respectfully kick rocks.
NJ Weeks continues to write romance heroes who are dangerously close to ruining real men for the rest of us. WHERE ARE ALL THE DOWN BAD SIMPS IN REAL LIFE?!
Tropes: 💍 Marriage of convenience 💼 Workplace romance 🌞 Opposites attract 💙 Best friend's brother 🔥 One night stand ❤️ He falls first 🏡 Found family 💍 "My wife" energy 😏 Protective MMC 🕶️ Sl*tty glasses appreciation society
First things first, how do i get into the group chat?! The banter between the whole cast had me laughing out loud from start to finish!
Now, onto the good stuff: Tomas and Sarina. Woooo what a time!! Their story kicks off hot and heavy right from the start, and as a spice lover, I was hooked immediately. That mirror scene?! I was clutching my pearls! Tomas is the ultimate golden retriever book boyfriend. Protective, supportive, loyal. He had me wishing I was Sarina, LOL. I also loved that he knew exactly what he wanted from the very beginning and never wavered. Not even once.
My heart hurt so much for Sarina because she constantly second guessed herself. And honestly, who could blame her after the way her family treated her her entire life? Even with all that, I loved her spunk and personality. She had some one liners that I'm still thinking about!
Now, Sarina's dad can absolutely catch these hands because what do you meannnnn you can't even acknowledge your daughter when she's speaking to you?! And don't even get me started on her mother standing by and doing nothing. SMDH.
My only small critique is that the ending felt like it wrapped up the main conflict a little too quickly, and the epilogue stretched on a bit longer than it needed to. I also would've loved a bit more backstory on Sarina's brothers because the mafia trope eats every single time! That being said, I'm already counting down to the next book. I'm excited to see what happens with Gabriella and Dante!
Thank you so much Luna Literary and N.J. Weeks for the e-arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’ve been so excited for Tomás and Serina’s story since finishing Indulging Temptation’s ended. This series has been so interesting to read and the way that N.J. intertwines the Ramos siblings with their partners’ lives. Tomás is a hard working lawyer who doesn’t take any time for himself, and ends up meeting Sarina when he ultimately agrees to go out with co-workers. His abrupt decision to leave has him seeing a woman trying to deal with a man who is attempting to not take no for an answer. Having taken over the role of being the carer for his mother and sister, he went to step in, but security beat him to it. One thing leads to another, and the pair agree to not share any information about themselves before they end up having a one-night stand. To both of their surprise, her new temp job? It’s as his paralegal. Throughout the book, we get to see how the two break down the walls of the other, Tomás learning to open up more and Sarina learning to trust someone who is doing things for her because he wants too, not because there’s an ulterior motive. N.J. has a way of writing characters that are ones that you truly care about but they aren’t perfect characters. They make mistakes, and I think that’s what I love about this series. I struggled balancing wanting to rush through this story because I loved it and have been looking forward to it, and trying to take my time with it because I wanted to sit with them. The wait for this story was well worth it and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
I honestly didn't think N.J Weeks would be able to make me fall as hard for another couple after Tino and Lorena... and then Tomás Ramos walked into the room.
While Indulging Temptation was built on years of history, unresolved feelings, and undeniable yearning, Resisting Temptation gives us something completely different: a chance encounter that turns into one-night stand, coworkers, best friend's brother, and one of my all-time favourite tropes—marriage of convenience. And somehow, it all works so beautifully.
The chemistry between Tomás and Sarina should honestly be illegal. Their banter was effortless, playful, and ridiculously entertaining.
And can we please talk about Tomás Ramos? What. A. Man. This man is a walking green flag. Protective. Respectful. Loyal to his core. The definition of a gentleman. He's the kind of person who'll put everyone else's needs before his own without expecting anything in return, quietly showing his love through actions. Acts of service? Check. Emotional maturity? Check. Absolutely down bad from the moment he met Sarina? Also check.
The marriage of convenience was incredibly romantic. You could tell Tomás was a goner from the very beginning, and watching him fall harder and harder while trying to convince himself everything was still "just an arrangement" or that they "couldn't and shouldn't" be together was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Two books in, and I am giddy waiting for the final installment of the series!
Verdict: Guilty of making me smile, swoon, tear up, and immediately want the next book.
Summer is usually my biggest reading season, but life has been especially busy lately. Even though it took me over two weeks to finish Resisting Temptation, that was entirely due to my schedule, not the book itself.
Resisting Temptation was a 3.5-star read for me and a solid follow-up to the first book in the Tempting the Heart series. It follows Tomás and Sarina, who first meet at an adult club after Tomás steps in when Sarina is being harassed by a customer. That rescue quickly leads to a no-strings-attached one-night stand, with neither of them exchanging names. Weeks later, they're both shocked to discover they'll be working closely together at Sarina's new temporary job.
While I enjoyed the story, the chemistry between Tomás and Sarina wasn't quite as strong as I expected. With tropes like best friend's older brother and marriage of convenience, I was hoping for a little more tension and emotional spark between them. Because of that, I never felt as invested in their relationship as I wanted to be.
That said, Tomás was definitely a highlight of the book. I loved that he accompanied Sarina to her sister's wedding and wasn't afraid to stand up to her father multiple times. He refused to let anyone, including her own family, disrespect her in front of him, and those moments really showed how deeply he cared for her.
If you enjoy workplace romances, protective heroes, and marriage-of-convenience stories with plenty of spice, I think this one is still worth checking out.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this ARC. I definitely plan on continuing the series to see where it goes next.
tomás ramos is a dobermann to everyone else and a golden retriever to sarina and i will not be taking questions 🖤📚 one impulsive lie. a fake marriage. and a man who noticed every single little thing about her and i was GONE. fully feral. completely unwell. the my wife moments. him worshipping her. the way he made sure she always felt seen and supported. i was melting into my seat on every single page 😭🔥 and sarina?? so real and so relatable. the bottling, the passive behaviors, the hard time believing compliments as truth — if you’ve ever been around narcissistic dynamics you are going to feel this one deep in your chest. this book held that truth so gently and i loved her for it already loved this series after tino and lorena but tomás and sarina hit completely different. now i’m just sitting here desperately eyeing dante and gabriella because i have been waiting since book ONE and i need their story YESTERDAY 👀
Things to know workplace romance, found family, best friend’s brother, latinx leads, one night stand, both pierced, attorney x paralegal, fake dating to marriage of convenience romance includes: Sexually explicit scenes, profanity, use of/reference of recreational drugs (marijuana), alcohol consumption, mention of parental & grandparent death (off-page, cancer related), parental illness (autoimmune, MG), gaslighting, manipulation & misogyny.
Thank you to N. J. Weeks and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this fantastic story.
Overall Thoughts & Emotional Reactions: Ladies, drop everything now and meet Tomás! This man will give you the world on a platter while on his knees. He is the template for a book husband. While he is silently dealing with his own turmoil, he does everything he can to convince Sarina she is worth every bit of respect, love, and desire she dreams of. The “my wife” moment was beyond epic and me giggling like a school girl. Heading to deep dive NJ Weeks books!
Tropes: Best Friend’s Brother Marriage of Convenience Opposites Attract “My wife” One Night Stand Workplace Romance Feisty FMC who hides her pain behind sarcasm Reserved MMC who is a reformed bad boy Found Family
Favorite Quotes: "I’m man enough to admit that I have no problem chasing after you.”
“She looks and feels like a Sunday morning. Effortlessly beautiful and a much-needed reprieve from the demands of work week.”
“It’s the way he’s looking at me, like I’m a queen he’s not worthy of, that is tugging at my heart strings.”
“I don’t want cliché love, I want yours, in all its sarcasm. I want what you weren’t able to give before, because that means I get you all to myself.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
Great opposites attract, best friend’s brother, marriage of convenience romance. Second book in the Tempting the Heart series. Can be read as a standalone, but I would start with Indulging Temptation both to get some background to the story, but also because Indulging is an amazing book.
I loved this book! Both Thomás and Sarina were interesting characters and I really enjoyed their character and relationship development. And the my wife moments and him worshipping her 🔥 Seriously! Tomás was this dobermann to everyone else, but an adorably sweet golden retriever to Sarina.
The workplace romance aspect worked well and the plot kept me hooked. The tension, the banter, the spice, and who wouldn’t want a man who will literally crawl to you 🫠
The group chat / text conversations made me laugh and I loved the found family type of friendships between the characters.
Of course I loved seeing Tino & Lorena from Indulging Temptation, and I can’t wait to read book 3!
“I think we’re a little past what I’d prefer since calling you Mr. Armani would raise some questions, and I don’t think calling you papi would be office appropriate.”
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
A marriage of convenience, a forbidden spark, and a best friend’s brother romance? Say less. 😍🔥
Resisting Temptation had everything I love in a romance: undeniable chemistry, emotional tension, witty banter, and two characters who start with an arrangement but slowly realize their feelings are anything but fake.
Tomás Ramos is the perfect mix of ambitious, charming, and protective — the kind of hero who thinks he has everything figured out until Sarina walks back into his life and changes the rules. 💙
Sarina was such a refreshing heroine — fierce, independent, and hiding a vulnerability beneath her confident exterior. Watching their relationship evolve from a convenient deal into something deeper was absolutely addictive.
The best friend’s brother trope, fake dating, workplace tension, and marriage of convenience all blended beautifully together. The slow unraveling of secrets and the emotional stakes kept me turning pages because I needed to know if they would choose the safe path or risk everything for love. 💍✨
A heartfelt romance about trust, second chances, and finding someone who makes pretending impossible. ❤️
Favorite tropes: 💍 Marriage of Convenience 🔥 Best Friend’s Brother ✨ Fake Dating ⚖️ Workplace Romance ❤️ Slow Burn Chemistry 🫶 Emotional Healing
I honestly don't even know where to begin because this book left me completely speechless. From the very first pages, I became obsessed with Tomás and Sarina. Their chemistry was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't put this book down.
What stood out to me the most was Tomás. The way be constantly protected, defended, and stood up for Sarina had me swooning the entire time. He wasn't just protective, he genuinely cared about her, respected her, and always made sure she felt safe and valued. Every interaction between them made me fall harder for their story.
The banter, the tension, the marriage of convience vibes, were all perfectly balanced. I found myself completely invested in their relationship and rooting for them every step of the way.
And can we talk about the spice?! 🔥🥵 It was HOT. Every scene had incredible chemistry, but the mirror scene 🤭 The fact that Tomás had a glass mirror on the ceiling? Yeah...I was okay. The tension, the passion, and the way these two connected made those scenes unforgettable.
The book had me smiling, swooning, blushing, and completely obsessed from start to finish.
This is the second in the series and a marriage of convenience romance.
N.J Weeks definitely knows how to get your attention in this new series.
While I still think the first in the series was my favorite, this new addition to her new series does not disappoint.
It starts off with a one night stand, then a work place romance, into a marriage of convenience.
Sarina and Tomas are straight 🔥 From the moment they meet, all the way to the end of the story, this couple melts off the page.
They are not just hot though, they are also very sweet. Tomas is a perfect example of a man that is listening, who wants to hear what others need and to make life fair for all. Sarina is learning to stand up for herself and understand the loves she deserves.
We get to see more of the Puerto Rican family from the 1st book in the series, and as a Puerto Rican woman myself , I love the nods to the language and heritage.
The storyline itself was a bit lacking, a lot seemed to be going on around them that I was a lot more interested in. Such as the weed resort, or mafia side of her family.
Definitely a fun and easy read, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
This might be, dare I say, the most I have ever related to a book character. Specifically Sarina's dynamic with her family. At times that could make it difficult to read because it felt so real. I love that her siblings and Tomás don't let her downplay everything her dad has done. She felt like she didn't deserve love, but they all showed her that she did and what she was capable of.
Tomás seems to struggle with guilt from a promise he made to his father before he died. If he gives any attention to something other than the career he uses to support his mom, then he feels like he's too distracted. One thing he does really well though is know how to treat a woman with respect. Even when Sarina was just a stranger he helped at a club, he treated her with the common decency she deserved.
A super busy attorney and a dancer/paralegal (who just so happens to be his sister's best friend) find their paths crossing everywhere suddenly. When they decide to enter into a mutually beneficial arrangement, they don't realize they've set themselves up to actually heal these pieces they've been running from for years.
Tomás unexpectedly met "the one" in the last place he'd expect. They fooled around, not slept together or had a ONS, and later he finds out Serina, the exotic dancer, is his new paralegal. 😂 We love a man who says, "It's your time to shine," asks what you want, and is an absolute consent king. That 13%? Hot. 🥵 I love a good mirror scene, tattoos, and pierced men. 🤤 I just wish we'd gotten a proper wedding instead of... that, which was pretty unbelievable according to NY laws.
The spice was a little too low for me and felt rushed. I guess I expected a lot since Book 1 was so overhyped and this one's tropes sounded really promising. The author could've had so much fun with the piercings. 😮💨 I'd also love to yeet a certain someone(s) into a black hole 💀 My 4⭐ is for the found family, and the laughs. It's fast-paced enough that you'll feel like you've hit 90% in the blink of an eye, although some of the conversations dragged a little for me. I really liked what happened around 91%, and the ending was pretty sweet.
If you love attorney × paralegal, thigh tattoos, both MCs being pierced, best friend's brother, and he falls first, you might enjoy this.
This is my honest opinion of the ARC I received. Thanks, N.J. and Luna Literary, for the opportunity.
If you have ever had to deal with a narcissistic parent, then you know the complexities of how it affects you into adulthood. While the story is fictional, the realistic way that Sarina's father is described, hits home. She becomes completely closed off around him, changing and withdrawing from her normal self. I appreciate seeing her emotional growth and boldness come back as Tomás gives her the support she has never had before. She realizes just how valuable her love is and how much she is worth.
Tomás is stuck in a routine, dreaming of a different life. Textbook definition of a golden retriever book boyfriend, but he has a bite when it comes to protecting those he cares about. He constantly puts others before himself. I like how he is supportive, but respectful of boundaries when it comes to Sarina. Almost too respectful if she has any say. His passion used to be driven by grief, but he has found a new purpose.
If there were a spin off in the future about her brothers at the ranch, I wouldn't be mad 😂. They were some of my favorite characters in this book.