Tempted Hearts: A BRAND NEW irresistible romance of chaos, chemistry and forbidden feelings for 2026

by Cissy Mecca, Bella Michaels

A BRAND NEW steamy small town romance from Cecelia Mecca 'Cissy Mecca is a skilled writer of page-turning plots and unforgettable characters' 💖 Lucy Score Welcome to Cedar Falls 🌲 Praise for the Bachelor Pact

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Full of banter, spice and friendship' @amberlouisereadss on Instagram

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I love grumpy vs sunshine and this book absolutely smashed that trope!’ @sarahsreadingsmut on Instagram

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Would highly recommend it especially if you love a good small town romance’ Goodreads

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Cissy Mecca knows how to write in any genre she chooses.’ Goodreads

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I loved every character, especially all four boys when they're together!' Goodreads

Genres: Forced Proximity, Found Family, Small Town Romance, Romance

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2026

Reviews

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ and my favourite of the series.


𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

'Cole and “kind of nice” weren’t two phrases I typically associated together. Uptight prick? Sure. Kind of nice? Not so much.'

When I first started this series I assumed Beck would be the one for me. Charming, flirty and has outrageous banter.

However it turns out I like the grumpy silent Cole the mostest. After Jules and Delaney have a passport and cash mishap on their girls trip, Cole alongside Parker swoop in to save the day. So it turns out I have a thing about heroes too. Now all that is needed is the romance of Italy to give him and Jules a little nudge.

This has been a really lovely series and I'm a little sad it's finished now.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, Tempted Hearts. This is book four in The Bachelor Pact series and this book is about Cole, he is the last of the four friends to still be single, the only one still a bachelor after the pact the four of them made years ago to all stay bachelors together. Jules's best friend is getting married so they are going to Italy for her bachelorette, but when they get stranded there and her fiancé comes to help he brings along his best friend Cole. Now the four of them are in Italy together, and their engaged friends want to make the most of the rest of the trip by exploring together, leaving Cole and Jules stuck together even though they don't get along. Cole is all about order and being in control but suddenly Jules notices he is different in Italy, he is more relaxed and easy going. And Cole usually thought of Jules as messy and impulsive but while in Italy he sees her as fun and irresistible. They start to fall for each other in Italy. But when they go back to reality, living in different states and being total opposites, can this thing between them survive in the real world or were they just seeing each other through vacation eyes?
I was so excited to finally get a story for Cole! This is a small town romance, but with an Italian vacation mixed in and it was wonderfully written! I felt like I was there on vacation with them as they explored the cobblestone towns, relaxed on the peaceful beaches, ate the delicious Italian food, drank limoncello spritz and wines! This was a grumpy sunshine, opposites attract love story with fantastic banter, tension, spice, and undeniable chemistry! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and didn't want it to end!
(Also, when I read the scene when they were back home and made chocolate chip cookies together, I knew I had to make some to use for my book review photo!) 🩵📚

Thank you to Cissy Mecca, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for this ARC of Tempted Hearts, in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempted Hearts by Cissy Mecca is the kind of romance that leans into opposites-attract chemistry while delivering all the emotional tension that comes from two people fighting what feels inevitable. Set between the dreamy backdrop of Italy and the familiar charm of Cedar Falls, this story blends wanderlust, vulnerability, and heart-tugging romance into a satisfying emotional journey.

Juliette and Cole are complete opposites from the start. Juliette feels messy in the most human way—overwhelmed, impulsive, and trying to navigate life while carrying more beneath the surface than she lets on. Cole, meanwhile, thrives on order and control, building his life around rules that protect him from getting hurt. Watching these two clash, challenge one another, and slowly become something softer together was one of the strongest parts of the book.

The Italy setting added such a romantic atmosphere, especially in those moments where Juliette’s chaos collides with Cole’s need for structure. Their chemistry builds through quiet tension, reluctant care, and that irresistible feeling of “I absolutely should not want this person… but I do.” Cole especially shines as a hero whose emotional walls slowly crack in the best way.

What worked particularly well was the emotional push and pull once they return to Cedar Falls. The shift from vacation-like escapism to real-life feelings raised the stakes and forced both characters to confront what they actually wanted. The “never fall in love” vow creates delicious tension throughout, especially when it becomes increasingly obvious that Cole is losing the battle against his own rules.

If you love small-town romance, opposites attract, emotionally guarded heroes, and stories where love challenges carefully built walls, Tempted Hearts delivers a heartfelt, chemistry-filled escape with plenty of swoony moments.

I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.

[Tia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute! I really loved the first half when they were in Italy, it was so flirty and fun. Unfortunately the second half kind of lost me, I just found myself getting a little bored and the sex scenes were not my favourite. I didn’t read the first two before I read this one so I do wonder if it would hit different in the right order?

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliette—chaotic, warm, and spontaneous—gets stranded abroad, and the only one who can rescue her is Cole: calm, controlled, and bound by a vow to never fall in love. Opposites clash instantly, but forced proximity and sharp banter soon turn irritation into undeniable chemistry. As they let each other in, both learn that love means breaking the rules you swore to keep.

✨ Grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers perfection
✨ Electric tension, witty dialogue, and heartfelt character growth
✨ Standalone with charming small-town vibes

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet opposites attract romance, where the characters clash but their chemistry builds and they strengthen each other.
I liked the tension, the swoony moments, the forced proximity, and the character growth.
It has the small town charm and was ways to read.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5

ARC received from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

⚡BLURB⚡

Juliette

I never meant to derail a man like Cole Ford. One lost passport and a spiraling travel disaster later, I'm stranded in Cinque Terre-overwhelmed and completely out of my depth. Then Cole shows up: calm, controlled, infuriatingly handsome. He's order wrapped in a perfectly pressed shirt, and somehow the only person who makes me feel steady in the middle of my own chaos. I start wanting what I shouldn't-him. And wanting Cole feels dangerous in a way I can't even explain.

Cole

I don't do chaos. And Juliette Porter is chaos with a heartbeat. I live by structure, logic, and The Bachelor Pact-especially the final rule: never fall in love. Flying to Italy to retrieve Juliette was supposed to be simple. But she slips past every defense I've built, makes me crave the unpredictable, and tempts me to break the vow I swore I'd never touch.

By the time we return to the familiarity of Cedar Falls, one truth is unavoidable: to keep her, I'll have to shatter my last unbroken rule-and finally risk my heart.

⚡Review⚡

This small-town romance started off strongly, but lost it's way a little as the story progressed. When Juliette loses her bag with all her documents in whilst on a trip with her bestie in Italy, her friends OH and his friend fly out to the rescue. Sparks fly between Juliette and Cole - he even gives her a cute nickname, reflecting the chaos she exudes (something that is his total opposite). He's a history professor in New York, totally uptight, and still sticking to a pact that his friends made - to never fall in love. Having seen his the others all fall, he's determined to remain the last one standing, but he didn't count on Juliette breaking down all his walls. The action in Italy is excellent. The excitement of will they-wont they keeps you hooked, wanting to know if he'll shed his cool exterior and ignite this passion you know is building. And the hope is that will continue when they get back to America. To some extent it does, but I found the second half of the book incredibly frustrating..

When they get back to Cedar Falls, she brings him out of his shell. He changes his appearance based on her likes, he flirts with her, but he blows hot and cold. Ridiculously so. And I struggled with that. He'd stay the night and then do a runner. Maybe that's because I've been treated the same, so I have no patience for it - but to do it repeatedly makes me want to shake him. I understand he needed to come to terms with not living the life he wanted to, and that she was the reason for him realising that, but it felt like he used her whilst he was pulling his head out of his butt. Which was disappointing, as the Cole in Italy was entertaining, charming and very likeable.

I loved Juliette. She is sparky, fun, chaotic, and attracts trouble without trying. She is completely open, whereas Cole is shut off, and she is able to acknowledge her feelings for him a lot sooner, although surprisingly, doesn't speak to her friends. It's clear that she could have her pick of men, but she's fully invested in him, even when he's blowing hot and cold. And sure, it shows that it's true love - but I'm frustrated for her at this point. Give him an ultimatum, or walk away, don't be hung up on this man who will hook up with you then disappear. She deserved better. I'm glad he pulled his head out of his backside and became the partner she deserved (the epilogue was lovely), but yeah. Be a woman who knows her worth!

The pacing of the novel starts off really well, with some great storytelling whilst the characters are abroad, but it kind of fizzles out. I feel like the vacillating from Cole really impacted the latter half of the book, with no clear understanding of how much time had passed in between them spending time together and then not knowing whether they should contact each other. It felt a bit stilted which was such a shame after such a promising start.

Overall this book started incredibly well, but I do feel like Cole's behaviour impacted what promised to be an exciting relationship. It was disappointing to see a character who quickly gave his girl an endearing nickname be so rude when it came to sleeping and running, and I feel like Juliette should have been a lot more aware of her self worth. I understand that he had to come to terms with his life not being what he wanted, but he didn't need to be such an idiot. Ultimately it felt like the second half just didn't fulfil the promise of the start. Maybe I'm just too fussy - but the characters deserved better.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempted Hearts by Cissy Mecca had me mentally booking flights to the Italian coast before I even finished the last chapter.

The cover of this book is visually appealing, but it feels somewhat disconnected from the story it encapsulates. That aside, I truly enjoyed the story of Juliette and Cole. The book unfolds in two parts with both captivating settings: it begins in Cedar Falls, the quaint hometown of the characters, and swiftly transitions to the breathtaking landscapes of Cinque Terre, Italy. The first half immerses readers in the picturesque charm of this Italian coastal paradise, while the second half embraces the warm, inviting atmosphere of a small town back in Cedar Falls. Although this is the fourth instalment in *The Bachelor Pact* series, it stands well on its own, making it a perfect choice for anyone unfamiliar with the previous books, like me.

The story follows Juliette and her best friend, Delaney, as they embark on a dream vacation in Italy. Their excitement quickly turns to panic when Juliette accidentally misplaces their backpack, which contains not only their travel funds but also their passports, identification cards, and Juliette's phone. In a stroke of luck, Delaney's fiancée, Parker, flies out to rescue them. However, he brings along his best friend, Cole, who is the last person Juliette wants to see. Their previous encounters have left her with the impression that he is arrogant and self-absorbed.

Juliette’s character can be described as messy and chaotic, filled with warmth and spontaneity. In contrast, Cole is a composed and disciplined professor who lives in New York. He appears calm and controlled, with a firm resolution never to fall in love, a vow he has upheld. The interplay between their contrasting personalities creates an undeniable chemistry, where opposites attract, leading to tension and surprising connections as the story unfolds. This captivating blend of settings and character dynamics keeps readers engaged until the very last page.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempted Hearts is a charming, emotionally engaging romance that balances chaos and control in all the right ways. Set partly against the dreamy backdrop of Cinque Terre and then returning to the familiar warmth of Cedar Falls, this story pulls you in with its opposites-attract dynamic and keeps you hooked with genuine emotional stakes.

Juliette is instantly relatable—messy, overwhelmed, and trying to hold it together even as everything unravels around her. Her situation feels believable, and her vulnerability adds depth to her character. Cole, on the other hand, is her perfect foil: structured, composed, and almost frustratingly rigid at first. Watching his carefully constructed world slowly shift as Juliette challenges his rules is one of the strongest aspects of the book.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, built on tension, banter, and a growing emotional connection that feels earned rather than rushed. I especially appreciated how their relationship wasn’t just about attraction, but about growth—both characters are forced to confront their fears and rethink what they truly want.

The pacing is solid overall, though there are moments where the emotional conflict feels slightly drawn out, particularly around Cole’s internal struggle with “The Bachelor Pact.” Still, the payoff is satisfying, and the return to Cedar Falls adds a cozy, grounded contrast to the whirlwind Italian beginning.

This is a heartfelt, swoony romance with just enough angst to keep things interesting. Fans of character-driven love stories and opposites-attract tropes will definitely enjoy this one.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Cole and “kind of nice” weren’t two phrases I typically associated together. Uptight prick? Sure. Kind of nice? Not so much.”

Tempted Hearts is a contemporary romance with an Italian vacation, small town vibes and Grumpy x Sunshine energy. Cole is the last man standing when it comes to his friendship group’s bachelor pact - he doesn’t think he’s ever going to break it, but meeting Jules cracks that resolve.
Whilst they have a tense first meeting, when they end up on vacation together they start to see each other in a new light. As they explore Italy they start to fall for each other - will he break the pact after all?

This was a cute summer romance - a perfect vacation read! You get the picturesque Italian setting in the first half and the cosy small town vibes in the second. Mix that in with the found family of the friendship group and you’re onto a winner! With Dual POV and plenty of tension, this was a fun read.

Cole is a professor who’s living in his brother’s shadow and the struggling under the weight of his father’s expectations. His father wants him to be a professor at an Ivy league - so he’s on track for tenure at Columbia. But is that what he really wants? He’s the typical grumpy MMC, who struggles with emotions and has never left a girl get past a second date - but then enter the sunshine FMC who brightens up his world and changes his outlook.

“Because somewhere between Italy and now, Cole Ford had become more than a memory. More than a mistake. And I had the unmistakable sense that his story here wasn’t finished yet. Whether I was ready for it or not.”

ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read this book I truly appreciate it.

I'm so sad the conclusion to one of my favourite series is here. However it was so beautifully well done just like all of the rest! Getting to read Cole and Jules story was everything, its literally the perfect embodiment of dislike to love that I've ever read! This was also a very vastly different take, then the previous novels in this series (which you can definitely read independently of the others). We left Cedar Falls this time, for a very big portion of this book, and were literally transported to Italy! My gosh was it such a beautiful trip! I mean that completely too the story and prose makes you feel as though you've literally flown across the world and landed yourself in every place they end up visiting. It was so breathtaking and vivid and I loved every minute of it! It was just as breathtaking as reading about Jules and Cole falling in love!

If you're looking to literally be transported into your next small town romance, you're going to absolutely love this book, this series and all that Cissy Mecca writes, as well as all that she writes under her name Cecelia Mecca and her other pen name C.L. Mecca.

Thank you so very much again for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read this book! I truly appreciate it! I loved it and I can't wait until I can bring it home to the others!

[Erica S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start with the good parts first. I really enjoyed the chemistry of the two main characters. A lot of authors can write banter but Cissy Mecca does a great job of mixing it with open conversation that really develops a depth in the relationship. These feel like two mature people working through their own issues while trying to figure out how they work together.

That being said this book needs some editing about some of the basic background items. There were inconsistencies that distracted me from the story and are why I gave it a lower rating. First, I didn’t realize this was part of a series. I think some of the background could have been simply explained so we could move on. Second, the second couple in Italy, what was their relationship? At times they are discussed as engaged and in other sentences they are newly weds. This seems like a simple enough thing to decide and stick with. Third, where the hell is this small town?!? Cole talks about moving there when his father started teaching at Yale but then there are a lot of mentions of the finger lakes and upstate New York. Is this town drifting between two states and around the greater NYC area? I get that this is a fictional town and the author doesn’t want us to feel like we are in one specific town in the region but the inconsistency made me concentrate on those details more than the relationship at times.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy. The views are my own.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this romance. Yes, I've read other books where the hero has decided that he will never ever get into a relationship and has commitment issues and let's face it, there was nothing new on that front here, but when it's done well, it's something I really enjoy, and this one was done well.
The chemistry between Jules and Cole was great, and because they tried for quite a while to resist what was going on between them, it worked really well. It's clear right from the start how well suited they are and how into each other Cole and Jules are, even if they are unable, or perhaps more accurately, unwilling to see and accept it.
For some reason, this book is listed as book 3 in the Bachelor Pact series, although it's actually book 4. You don't need to have read the others, as it works well as a standalone story. Having said that, I have read two others and really enjoyed them, so why wouldn't you?
I think what I enjoyed most about this was that Jules and Cole didn't just have to accept that they liked each other, but they also had to make decisions about what they really wanted out of life and that fitted well with their growing relationship.
This was a great read and one that I read quite quickly, being unwilling to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bachelor Pact was simple: Never Fall in Love! But, one by one, three of the group, Mason, Beck and Parker have found that falling in love was beyond their control. Cole Ford is the remaining member of the pact, the only bachelor left or will meeting Juliette “Jules” Porter give him second thoughts about his solo future? Jules and her best friend, Delaney have decided on taking a trip together before Delaney gets married. Before leaving, Cole arrives in town and as the friends get together, he is surprised at the immediate attraction that he feels for her. He is at a point in his career in academia as to whether he wants to continue his quest for tenure. Jules is aware of Cole, but doesn’t want to be, just as he and Parker decide to join Delaney and Jules on their trip. His attraction to her has grown as thoughts of a possible sexual relationship with her soon consumes him. When he and Parker must rescue them during their trip, he finds himself far more interested in more than just a temporary relationship with her. Will he open up to her about his parental issues as well as an earlier tragedy? When she encourages him to follow his path to a possible new career, is there a chance of a future for them, maybe in Cedar Falls? I always enjoy a story that includes updates on previous characters from a series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! This made my heart sing!

I was delighted to see that there was the fourth part of Cedar Falls series as an ARC and I grabbed it immediately! And I read it right away. This has been a series I've liked a lot, and this fourth part was the best!

I loved the slow burn in this. The tension between the MCs when they were in Italy, oh my! But I loved how they didn’t get together there (even though that would’ve been romantic). I loved how they returned home and thought carefully how to proceed with their feelings.

And how I wanted to travel to Italy again, the descriptions were so good!

This was just a perfect ending to Cedar Falls series. What a lovely little town, what a lovely group of friends. And so much love!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: dual, 1st person
Heat: open doors
Pacing: slowburn
Communication:healthy communication
Third act: hiccups
Ending: HEA

Main characters:
* Alpha Hero
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Damsel in distress
* Grumpy - sunshine
* Opposites attract

What?
* Dirty talk
* Forced proximity
* Found family
* Mutual pining
* One night stand turned more

Where?
* Small town
* Traveling together

Drama?
* Difficult past

[Shirley Painter · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚Book Review📚 Tempted Hearts by @cissymessa

Jules is heading off on a girls trip to Italy to explore her family’s Italian heritage with best friend Delaney except it doesn’t quite go to plan when there is a slight mishap with their passports resulting in them being stranded. Of all people, Cole arrives to save the day. Cole is arrogant, annoyingly attractive and just the sort of man Jules does not want to be stuck with. However with Delaney off with Parker, Jules and Cole are stuck with each other but soon realise they have a very real and undeniable spark!

I enjoyed this cute small town romance with the Italian holiday thrown in. Cole and Jules really have the grumpy sunshine thing going on and initially enemies to lovers. Cole isn’t the man Jules thought and despite trying to resist his easy charm, she soon finds herself falling for him, especially with the forced proximity and one bed situation. Cole is not the horror he tries to make out. I loved the easy connection between them both and really liked the spicy moments. I’d definitely recommend reading this book, although it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Thanks to @boldwood for an advance copy on @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempted Hearts by Cissy Mecca - Book Four in the Bachelor Pact

My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Tempted Hearts. I give my unbiased opinion of this book in the following review.

I was excited to finally read Cole's story which is the last one in the Bachelor Pact series. He is the last hold out as his three best friends have found their future wives. When he goes on an impromptu trip to Italy to help his friend rescue his fiance and her friend Juliette, Cole finds himself being drawn closer and closer to her every day, but this is a problem. He doesn't do serious relationships. He's about to get tenure at his job in another state. This can't work. Can it?

The same things I loved about the first three books in the series I loved about this one, especially the close found family relationship that Cole, Mason, Parker, and Beck had. It didn't matter what they were doing, if one was having a crisis, the others were there. Cole was the last and hardest to fall. it was a satisfying end to the series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliette never meant to derail a man like Cole Ford. One lost passport and a spiraling travel disaster later, I’m stranded in Cinque Terre—overwhelmed and completely out of my depth. Then Cole shows up: calm, controlled, infuriatingly handsome. Cole doesn’t do chaos. And Juliette Porter is chaos with a heartbeat. I live by structure, logic, and The Bachelor Pact—especially the final rule: never fall in love. Flying to Italy to retrieve Juliette was supposed to be simple.
The fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I loved that it was set first in Italy before returning to Cedar Falls. I really liked both Cole & Juliette, they were like chalk & cheese, their chemistry sizzled. I loved how they grew throughout the book & I soon became invested in their romance. Well written, well paced & wonderful characters, a lovely addition to the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Cole vs. the sunshiny Juliette!

Juliette Porter had intended that her trip to Cinque Terre, Italy with her best friend Delaney would be a fun vacation. Now they have to be rescued by Delaney’s fiancé Parker and his uptight friend Cole Ford and since they are in Italy Delaney and Parker pair off leaving Juliette and Cole together visiting Cinque Terre. But the more she’s around Cole, the more she starts to really like him.

Cole knew he was the last man standing of the Bachelor Pact but the more he was around Juliette, the less he wanted to leave but he was being offered tenure at his teaching job at Columbia and Juliette wanted to live in Cedar Falls.

I hadn’t read the other books in The Bachelor Pact but that didn’t stop me from really enjoying how a grumpy Cole falls for the sunshiny Juliette!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m late to this series, but now I definitely want to go back and read the first three. Jules and Cole are total opposites, and even though they’ve always been attracted to each other, neither of them ever let anything go further than that. I liked how Cissy Mecca let them actually get to know each other before anything serious happened — even after that hotel night. It was nice to have a more realistic situation presented than most romances, where things are sometimes rushed to move the story along.

Cole’s career decision was handled really well too. Watching him weigh tenure versus Cedar Falls wasn’t treated like a little topic that gets mentioned, it was thought out and I appreciated that. I also loved how Jules was written as a strong female character who knew what she wanted and she went after it, even if it was going to lead her to heartache.

Overall, this was a cute quick read, and it makes me want to go visit Italy now and drink a lot of wine.

Netgalley ARC Review

[Lra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules se va a Italia con su mejor amiga Delaney para un viaje lindo y relajado y termina perdiendo todo en un baño. Pasaporte, dinero, celular, etc. Obvio entra en pánico, pero lo peor viene después. Porque quien aparece para ayudar es Cole.

Sí, ese mismo Cole que es guapísimo pero insoportable, súper serio, medio creído y que tiene una forma de hablarle que le hace querer golpearlo. Y ahora tienen que convivir porque él decide quedarse para ayudar a arreglar el desastre.

Y es que no se caen bien para nada. Se la pasan discutiendo, tirándose comentarios pasivo agresivos y sacándose de quicio, pero también hay una tensión demasiado obvia.
Encima están en Italia, con vino, paisajes hermosos y situaciones cada vez más caóticas que los obligan a estar juntos más tiempo del que deberían.




Gracias Netgalley por el ARC.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!! I have not read the other books in the Bachelor Pact series, but I really want to now!! I love the group of friends; the characters are well written. This is book 3 in the series, as interconnected standalones. I look forward to reading more by the author!!

I love that a lot of the book is set in Italy, that was unexpected for me & I really enjoyed that aspect. You could tell the author has a lot of knowledge about Italy & the places they visited in the book, as well as the Italian language.

The book is full of witty banter, LOL moments & fully charged slow burn tension....

I loved Juliette & Cole... and enjoyed their figuring things out & of course finding their happily ever after. 💞💞

Medium spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author (Cissy Mecca), publisher (Boldwood Books) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful ending to the bachelor pact!

The thing about falling in love is that you never know when it's going to happen or with whom, and that's exactly what Cole and Jules found out. Jules had Cole's heart long before he realized it. Jules and Delaney's mishap in Italy was the start of sparks flying between her and Cole, in what became an inevitable journey of fighting the feelings growing between them. The journey through Italy was so vividly presented as part of their beginning and I loved how authentic it was. I simply adored how she was chaos and he was order, the perfect pairing of opposites attract in all the ways that mattered in the end - their hearts and their future. The last bachelor has fallen and what a beautiful fall it was. I'm sad to be leaving Cedar Falls, but I leave with a full heart for this group of friends and found family.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵 Blurb-
A BRAND NEW steamy small town romance from Cecelia Mecca 'Cissy Mecca is a skilled writer of page-turning plots and unforgettable characters'
🩷 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and Tempted Hearts certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a cute and fun read. I loved the small town place setting in the story, it sounded beautiful. Plus I loved the main characters chemistry, I was rooting for them all the way through and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Plus there were some spicy scenes. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Cissy Mecca and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Becca T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaahhhh this book has everything - I can’t put into words how much I loved this book, especially the humorous writing, it’s not often I lie in bed chuckling, blushing and swooning all to the same book.

I looooooved the slow burn, how Cole held back and tried, so hard, to keep his feelings in check but when he finally gave in 😮‍💨.

Juliette was a fantastic FMC, I love how quietly powerful she was, she didn’t lose herself to her feelings, she stayed steady and strong, she didn’t pander to Cole, she didn’t mope, she simply waited for him while continuing her life, really inspirational.

The ending was perfect, although it left me wanting several epilogues, the wedding, their future, everything!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

A once-in-a-lifetime trip turns into so much more. I was not expecting to so captivated by Jules and Cole's story. Ms. Mecca gives us two people who seem not to like one another but when she needs help, he is one of the guys who steps up. Tempted Hearts is a well-written, entertaining, grumpy/sunshine romance where love blossoms when you least expect it.
Cole and his group of friends have a bachelor's pact, one that is interesting, and Cole is determined to keep it. That is until Jules loses her ID in Italy and Cole comes to the rescue. Here is where things get interesting. He needs somewhere to sleep, she has the only room and they both try to act civil to one another. Time together and touring around Italy brought out the real person underneath the one that everyone saw.
I loved how they opened up to one another about their family and past. The friendship that was there, though somewhat, grew slowly into so much more. Once they let down the walls that were surrounding them, they realized they had feelings for one another.
Tempted Hearts was easy to read and the characters were easy to relate to. The found family they both have is evident throughout this book and had me smiling at the interactions between all of them.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted Hearts is Juliette and Cole’s opposites attract romance set between Italy and the small town of Cedar Falls. It’s a story that’s full of spice, fun, love, vulnerability and friendship and it didn’t take me long to become invested in the characters and their journey.
Cole thrives on order and control while Juliette live in a chaotic, impulsive world and from the moment these two meet sparks fly……
This book touched me on so many levels, I fell hard and fast for Cole and I want Juliette in my corner but it was watching them open up and show their vulnerability that took this beautifully written story to the next level.

[Eloise Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me an e-arc in change for an honest review.

I love this series, so pleased we finally got Coles book!!
This story follows both Cole and Juliette. Juliette goes on holiday with her best friend Delaney (who we met in the previous books) after loosing their luggage and passport while on holiday, Parker - Delaneys Fiancee and Cole his best friend come to the rescue.

I really enjoyed seeing Cole & Juliette’s relationship develop, you get a better understand of why Cole was so set on the pack he made with his friends throughout this series! Found this a great captivating, engaging book which I would recommend.

Recommend reading this series and not as a stand alone book as the other books sets the history and settings throughout.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been patiently waiting for Cole's book and I was not disappointed. I wanted more, I was hoping for more, but I'm happy with what I got.

I think the way the story ends, not just for Jules and Cole, but for the whole group, made them justice. I like how as the book progresses you can feel them fight themselves for this thing they so desperately want, but at the same time are scared.

The push and pull, the forced proximity and the forbidden aspect of it (it's just that they have mutual friends and don't want the same at some point that anything else), it was angsty and spicy at the same time. A good combination.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay the first half of this book was really good. Set in Italy, you really see Jules and Cole connect, forming a friendship but also falling in love during their adventure. The pacing was great, the connection palpable and the barriers falling fast. Then you fast forward to Cedar Falls where reality sets in and they both struggle to keep up the glow from their vacation together. This part of the book felt a little tedious, vastly because of the lack of letting go and living in the moment with communication.

Overall this was a decent book, and I enjoyed it for most part. 3.5 stars rounded up

#netgalley #TemptedHearts