Just a Little Tempted

Sterling Family Crossover #3

by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde

I never meant to fall for my boss.

When I was hired to be Simon’s assistant, everyone warned me he was impossible—brilliant, demanding, and obsessed with control. But after surviving two months of his rules and grumpy attitude, I’ve learned how to manage my boss. Maybe it’s my chaotic upbringing or the fact that I desperately need this job, but I can’t ignore the moments when his guarded edges soften… even if he pretends they don’t.

Then one nervous slip in front of a major client turns into a fake relationship neither of us can back out of. Now I’m Simon’s “girlfriend,” attending dinners, traveling for meetings, and sharing far too much close proximity with the man I’m not supposed to want. Pretending to belong to him shouldn’t feel real—but it does. And the hardest part isn’t keeping up the lie. It’s realizing I’m falling for him for real.

Genres: Grumpy Sunshine, Romance, Workplace Romance, Emotional, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Reviews

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more a story makes you want to reach for a tissue, the greater that story inherently just has to have been and I can honestly say the tissues were for sure needed in this one. I thought going into this one that I’d be getting a cozy and sexy read to get me through my long holiday weekend, ushering in August and letting me return to the Sterling family world before the next full length Carly Phillips novel—but leave it to Carly and Erika Wilde to leave be sobbing for two chapters and then sniffling in the end. The story begins with grumpy boss Simon, having fired another assistant, reluctantly agreeing to hire his best friend’s little sister, Raina, who was fired and blackballed by her last boss because she refused to compromise her ethics. It doesn’t take long for Simon to not only start to rely on Raina, but he has to resist the attraction between them because her personality brings brightness to her life that has been greatly missing. When Simon takes her with him to a business function, hoping as his plus one she can support their goals of acquiring a new business deal, things get out of hand when she blurts that they are dating. Soon the fake dating becomes all too real because Simon decides there is no reason to continue to fight his attraction to her. But dating the boss is always a dangerous proposition, but falling in love with him might just be even more dangerous, especially when something goes awry on a big day and all of his old fears come to the forefront making him push her away. Can Simon get past his pain and fear enough to trust in Raina and their relationship, or will she walk away leaving him without his sunshine forever? I loved seeing Simon finally come out of his shell and find his softer side as Raina showed him that business is not the only thing, or even the more important thing in life. Raina knows that she is worth any effort and will not allow Simon to take advantage of her, but she loves him enough to allow him to make mistakes and then prove his love for her. Together they are a powerhouse in their business dealings, but more importantly they show a beautiful relationship can be found even with two people that have been hurt in the past if you are willing to open your heart again and tear down your walls to allow in those that are worth the risk. I am not sure if this series will continue but if it does I will put in my request now for Wren to get her own story because she seems like the perfect kind of character to get to know more. But either way, whatever Erika and Carly come up with next I know it will be magic and I’ll be the first in line to read it!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the get go I loved the dynamic between Simon and Raina, she was the sunshine to his grumpy. Simon did not trust easy and was somewhat paranoid due to being burned in the past with his business. When he takes on his best friend's sister as his assistant, she slowly starts to break down those walls. When a fake dating arrangement arises between these two, it has Simon deciding he can no longer pretend to be drawn to her. These two have chemistry oozing from every interaction and the feelings that build between them steals your heart. However, Simon always gives you the feeling he is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Drama will rise its ugly head and you will be sitting on the edge of you seat wondering whether Simon can pull himself out of the hole that he has dug and the heart that he has broken. The banter between these two is just perfect for this sunshine/grumpy storyline and Raina will steal your heart easily with her beautiful personality. I love the man that Simon was as his relationship with Raina progressed. Their story is fun, lighthearted with plenty of emotion and passion, not to mention some lessons learned.

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟, 3🌶️

This story completely swept me off my feet from the very first chapter.

Simon and Raina’s workplace romance had the perfect mix of grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, and slow-burning chemistry. Watching Raina’s warmth gradually break through Simon’s guarded exterior was both heartfelt and incredibly satisfying.

Their connection felt effortless, with witty banter, undeniable attraction, and emotional depth that made every moment together shine. Simon’s struggles with trust and Raina’s quiet strength gave their relationship real substance, making the conflict feel meaningful before leading to a payoff that was worth every moment.

With lovable characters, heartfelt growth, and the sweetest happily ever after, I couldn’t have asked for a more satisfying ending.

This was everything I wanted from a romance and more.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this impressive crossover series, and this is Simon and Raine’s story.
Simon is Raine’s brother best friend, but he has trouble keeping admin assistants, until her brother recements her, and she turns out to be the best assistant he has ever had. A little slip up has Raine pretending to be Simon’s girlfriend, and she ends up attending dinners, travelling to meetings, and spending time together, when fake become feeling too real.
This is a well written easy to read story, family, friendships, emotions, challenges, tension, fake relationships, workplace romance, close proximity, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and endearing page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read.

Simon has serious trust issues in business. This has begun to affect his work/life balance, and in a bid to get his brother to lay off, he hires Raina, his best friend's sister, as his assistant. Anticipating abject failure, he is quite surprised that Raina surpasses his expectations and truly does a remarkable job. The main inconvenience is his attraction to her.

Raina desperately wants a job, and does her very best from day 1. When Simon tries to secure a business deal, Raina, to make Simon look better in the eyes of the potential partner, says they're a couple. This makes them begin pretending to score the deal.

I liked that Raina's personality softened the sharp edges of Simon's. I also liked that there was attraction on both sides so the story didn't seem too contrived. I liked the chemistry between them. I also liked that communication between the couple was mostly open and mature.

I recommend this sweet read.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Raina and Simon. Simon has been betrayed more than once in the past and has put up walls so high no one can penetrate them at least he thought. Simon trusts no one, trusting for him into trouble and he won’t take that chance again. Raina down on her luck trying to find employment, her previous boss making it difficult for her to secure a position she’s running out of options. When her brother scores her the job with Simon she’s beyond happy until she walks into his office and the big grump at the desk barely acknowledges her, but she knows there’s more to him than we see. These two were so much fun to read. Both with trust issues, but also the kindness she showed Simon, showing him he’s not alone and that she can be trusted that is until he thinks the worst of her not even letting her explain the circumstances just believing she betrayed him, and once the dust settled he knew better, but it’s too late or is it?

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Carly Phillips book is a guilty pleasure read for me. I love her families, reading about her characters are an escape read. Starting any of her and Erika Wilde’s books also fall into that category. I pick them up and just fall into the story.

Raine and Simon are no exception. They have a workplace romance, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, and a delicious slow burn. Simon is guarded, he does not trust, can Raine break through to his heart?

I loved their banter, and I was entertained the entire book. While the trouble keeping assistants is not a new thing, I did love the way the authors told their story.

Thank you to the Authors for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review

[Isabel Jarnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Carly for the ARC!

Raina is looking for a job, and Simon needs an assistant. They find themselves fake dating to help close a business deal. But what do you call it when you kiss while no one's watching?

When grumpy meets sunshine -sparks fly in this fake dating office romance.

Carly is the queen of writing strong women who put these (now former) playboys in their place.

Tropes:
Office romance
Fake dating
Grumpy x sunshine
Best friends sister

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal



Raina's new boss is...difficult. But she seems to be the only one who can handle his gruff ways, his exacting, demanding nature. Her naturally sunshiney personality is getting under Simon's skin, and he's quite unsure what to do with his new feelings. When she blurts out to his prospective business partner that they're dating, he decides to run with it. Not only will it hopefully land him the deal he wants, but they get to explore their unexpected attraction.



Simon has been burned before, so trusting anyone, especially professionally, has been virtually impossible since. But when his friend Kurt asked him to hire his sister Raina, he took a leap of faith and did it. He didn't expect to be so fascinated by her. He knows he shouldn't be, and Kurt is going to be really upset, but he can't help himself. Will he ever let go of his paranoia and distrust? Or will he allow his past to hurt them both?



Raina and Simon are grumpy/sunshine perfection. They didn't waste too much time denying their feelings, but also didn't dive right in in insta-love fashion. Raina is perfect for him with her warmth and strength, and Simon is better off with her by his side. Their chemistry is smokin' hot, and their emotional connection kept me reading. The Sterling family keep falling in love, now I'm excited to find out who falls next.



ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.

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[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a Little Tempted is book 3 in the Sterling Family Crossover series and follows Simon and his best friend's little sister Raina as they navigate a fake relationship that turns real while he is her boss.

Simon grew up with two brothers and a sister. Straight out of college, he and his best friend, Kurt, started a business. Sadly they were burned by a third partner who cut corners and cost them their reputation and all of their business. Since then, he has made himself a successful businessman in partnership with his brother, Liam. They invests in companies who want to take the next step but do not have the capital necessary to facilitate it.

Raina grew up the youngest of three children and the only girl. There is an age gap between her and her brothers, Kurt and Miles. When she was in college, her mother got sick so she dropped out to take care of her. She has no regrets for her decision because family comes first. Her previous employer has blackballed her, just because she would not lower her standard of ethical behavior.

Raina has been looking for a job for six months. Simon has been looking for a new assistant. His best friend, and her brother, Kurt, puts the two of them together. Simon is a task master. He gives her a list on her first day. He knows there is no way she will be able to complete it. But she surprises him and completes every task, plus a few other changes to his calendar and scheduling system. He is flabbergasted.

Raina is determined to make a good impression. Every week she brings in homemade baked goods and leaves them on Simon's desk. She brings him his coffee when she makes hers. Then she tackles the list he has left for her. And everyday, she completes the list.

With Liam so busy with the Galva Tech launch, he tells Simon to attend the charity gala. A client they are trying to partner with will be there, so he needs a date, and not a hookup. The client is very family oriented and wants to partner with someone who can see his vision for the future of his waterpark.

But when Simon arrives at the event with Raina, he is surprised to see his business nemesis there, at the same table they are at with the client and his wife. Both are vying for his business, but Chuck, the nemesis, has the advantage by being married with children. Thus begins the whole fake dating story in order to show that Simon is stable and in a committed relationship.

A couple of weeks later, Simon and Raina head out to the waterpark to see its current set up and make their pitch. She and the client's wife spend time talking about family and she is constantly engaging the other woman in conversation. There is such a difference in the way Simon and Raina handle this time than how Chuck and his family handle it.

But when a family emergency causes Raina to miss the contract signing, Simon's past rears its ugly head. He knows she is not irresponsible, but based on the past he is unable to let her get a word in. And boy this does not sit well with her brother, Kurt.

When Simon hears about what really happened, he heads over to Raina's to make amends. But will she let him in?

Next on the agenda is for Simon to make a spontaneous visit to the client's office. There, he comes clean about the fact that his and Raina's relationship had been fake, but now it was real. Knowing this could cost him the contract, he feels the need to put all of his cards on the table and come clean. Will the client respect him for this choice, or pull the contract from him?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen. There were so many things that could happen here, but of course this a HEA, so we know Simon and Raina will end up together. But will her brother's accept their relationship or will it be a bone of contention between them?

I loved Raina. She is always happy, no matter what. She is determined to prove herself. She is very good at what she does. She is a spitfire on steroids. I would love to have her as my best friend.

Simon needs an attitude adjustment. He is grumpy, short tempered and demanding in business. This is why he is unable to keep an assistant. He is rigid in his schedule and his expectations. But for the first time, Raina exceeds everything.

This is a match made in business heaven. But with Simon being Raina's brother's best friend, will this relationship be doomed from the beginning? Or will Kurt give him a chance to prove he can put her first?

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛✨ Grumpy Never Stood a Chance Against Sunshine ✨💛
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Chili Peppers

I went into Just A Little Tempted expecting a fun, sexy workplace romance with plenty of grumpy/sunshine banter. What I was not expecting was to need tissues! Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde gave me all the fun and chemistry I wanted, then turned around and hit me with an emotional story about trust, family, second chances, and learning that sometimes the person who disrupts your carefully controlled life is exactly the person you need.

Simon Powers is brilliant, demanding, ridiculously controlling, and has gone through more assistants than anyone probably wants to count. Past betrayals have left him with some serious trust issues, so when his best friend suggests hiring his little sister Raina, Simon isn't exactly thrilled. Raina desperately needs the opportunity after losing her previous job because she refused to compromise her ethics, and it doesn't take long for her to prove that she can handle Simon and everything he throws at her.

I absolutely loved their dynamic from the beginning. Raina is pure sunshine against Simon's grumpy exterior, but she is never a pushover. She's smart, capable, compassionate, and knows her worth. I especially loved that her warmth wasn't written as weakness. She can brighten a room while still standing her ground, and watching her slowly bring some much-needed light into Simon's life was one of my favorite parts of the story.

Then one little slip at a business function suddenly makes Raina Simon's fake girlfriend, and all that attraction they've been trying to ignore becomes much harder to resist.

And OH, the chemistry between these two! 🔥

Fake dating gives Simon the excuse he apparently needed to stop fighting what he wants, but what starts as attraction quickly becomes so much more. I loved seeing the softer version of Simon emerge as he fell for Raina. Underneath all that control is a man who has been deeply hurt and is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. The happier he becomes, the more you can almost feel him bracing for something to take it away.

Of course, eventually something does go wrong, and Simon lets those old fears take control.

This is where the story really got me emotionally. I was frustrated with Simon, heartbroken for Raina, and absolutely needed him to understand the damage he'd caused. Raina's reaction made me love her even more. She loves Simon, but she loves and respects herself too. She doesn't simply accept that being hurt in the past gives him permission to hurt her. He has to recognize what he did, confront where that reaction came from, and prove that he's willing to do better.

I also loved how naturally Simon and Raina fit together professionally. They're not only wonderful as a couple, they're genuinely a powerhouse team. Raina understands people in a way Simon sometimes struggles to, while Simon gives her the opportunity to show just how talented and capable she is. They bring out something better in one another without either character losing who they are.

The family and friendships added even more heart, especially when the emotions started running high. And I have to put in my official request now: can Wren please get a story? There is definitely more there that I want to know!

Just A Little Tempted gave me witty banter, fake dating, forbidden workplace attraction, brother's best friend, emotional healing, plenty of heat, and a grumpy man who never stood a chance once his sunshine walked into his office. But underneath all the romance is a beautiful reminder that opening your heart after betrayal is terrifying, and loving someone means trusting them enough not to punish them for wounds they didn't create.

I laughed, swooned, got frustrated, reached for the tissues, and ultimately finished Simon and Raina's story with such a happy heart. Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde got me again.

Thank you to Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde, and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina and Simon . . .

Simon Powers is controlling and grumpy, difficult to work for as he micromanaged their work . He just fired Sarah who had only been his assistant at Powers Investment Group for 3 weeks. She did not intend to go quietly and confronted him in anger, calling him an unreasonable tyrant. But he signed the paychecks, and he expected results in return, even if his assistant found them unreasonable. After her temper tantrum, Liam, his brother and business partner, walked into his office and sat down to discuss the latest firing. Simon insisted on a reliable assistant who could work hard, deal with pressure, and someone he could trust. He hasn't found that yet. But Liam reminded him he is aware that Simon is putting in 12-hour days and working weekends to keep up with his workload. He absolutely needs an assistant to help with the work. So when his best friend, Kurt Seager, talks to him about hiring his sister, Raina, Simon is reluctant... but he needs to do this. And to his surprise, Raina Powers is awesome... at least until she made a big mistake and blurts out to Alexander Spencer, a major client, that she is dating her boss!

They were meeting with Alexander and his wife Brenda at a charity gala dinner. But someone else has also seated himself at their table. The man smirked at Simon's reaction to him, fully aware that he was getting the result he was looking for. The man asked about Raina and knew she was Kurt's little sister. He introduced himself as Chuck Collins and she remembered her brother had started a business in college and one of his partners was Chuck Collins. The business failed but she never knew why. Chuck introduced the woman with him as his wife, Rachel. Simon was getting more and more angry, and Raina figured out that Chuck was deliberately making him look unstable, especially when Chuck said he intended to be Alexander's partner when the resort chain expands. This just became personal for Simon, and Raina had to do something. Just then, Alexander and Brenda arrived. She knew he was a devoted family man, so Raina first greeted his wife warmly and saw Alexander's approval. Raina whispered to Simon to compliment Alexander's cufflinks, probably a gift from his wife. It made all the difference (and took the anger out of Simon's voice). But Simon switched back to business metrics while Chuck talked about the joy that Neptune's Kingdom brought to children, which brought back Simon's frustration. Fortunately Rachel was more interested in being seen and ignored Brenda and that gave Raina the advantage as she began to talk about Brenda's flower shop and the power of creating art from living things. But Raina feared Simon's "single" status might work against him, especially when Chuck brought it up that Simon was an unstable playboy, not a family man like he and Alexander obviously were, adding Simon's lack of commitment to any special woman... and it seemed to be working on Alexander! So Raina stepped into the conversation, smiling at Simon and cheerfully correcting Chuck because Simon is in a serious relationship with her and they are dating exclusively. Actually, the idea of calling her "his" had appealed to him far more than it should have; and it doesn't take long for it to feel "real" to her as well. Will they convince Alexander? And will the arrival of her ex-boyfriend, Eli, moving back to New York and wanting to meet up with her for "a friendly catch-up" cause a problem with Simon who thinks it is more likely Eli wants to win her back? Can Simon finally put his trust in her, or will he let it tear them apart?

[Jami Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*

Simon Powers has trust issues. It started when he and his best friend, Kurt, went into business with an older, more experienced partner and that partner used lesser materials to skim off the top, which caused the business to fold before it even had a chance. And it continued with his first assistant, Carla, who lost them a huge deal when he and his brother, Liam, started their own company. Simon goes through assistants like they’re disposable and tries to handle the workload by himself, but it’s not making him pleasant to be around. While watching a NY Lynx hockey game with Kurt, Simon shares the conversation he had with Liam about needing another new assistant. Kurt suggests that Simon hire his sister, Raina, who is currently looking for a job.

Both of her brothers were older and more established when their mother was diagnosed with cancer, so Raina Seager dropped out of college to take care of her. She started working at a marketing agency at the ground level, and years later found herself working as an executive assistant. That is until she refused to compromise her ethics for her new boss and he fired her. Now that ex-boss has been making it impossible to find a new job. Until Kurt put in a word for her with his best friend. Raina now has the chance to show that she’s not who her former boss is making her out to be with this new start working for Simon.

Raina is pure sunshine against Simon’s grumpy demeanor. The grumpier he gets, the brighter she seems to shine. Behind Simon’s behavior is a spark that he can’t seem to shake when he’s around Raina. He’s attracted to her, but won’t act on it, as he waits for the other shoe to drop. The feelings are mutual, but Raina needs this job too much to act on them. Until she puts them in a rather compromising position while trying to woo a new company to take a chance on Simon.

What started as a fake relationship blossomed in to so much more. Finally, Simon could be more open with his feelings, which is something completely new for him. It softened him around the edges just a bit. Raina is a good match for him in every way. That is until the morning of the contract signing when things went off the rails. I’m not going to spoil the story, but let’s just say that what transpired and how Simon reacted shouldn’t have happened. He has a lot to make up for, but will Raina even give him the time of day?

I may not always be a fan of fake relationships, but Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde certainly have a way with words that make me root for the characters. And I love that we get to revisit the other couples that are related (Noah and Fallon/Just One More Temptation and Liam and Madison/Just a Little Desire). I look forward to every new book these two besties write together, and I can’t wait to read what’s next.

[Jackie (Jackie's Book World) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Review can also be found at Jackie’s Book World/a>. :)***

As the third book in the Sterling Family Crossover, Just a Little Tempted by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde is a steamy workplace romance that will leave you wanting for more.

As a successful entrepreneur, Simon Powers, has the wealth and looks to get anyone he could possibly want. But in order to prove that the company he co-founded with his brother, Powers Investment Group is renowned, Simon doesn’t have time for a serious relationship. After all, his quest into finding the perfect assistant has taken on a different turn as he keeps firing them without giving them a second chance. His standards are high for a reason, but lately his job keeps piling up and it has unable to focus on the investment he’s been wanting to snag for a while. Until he finds out that his friend’s younger sister is looking for an assistant job. Simon knows better than to hire someone who could cost him his friendship. But he is desperate and hiring Raina Seager is the perfect solution, one that could turn his world upside down. Now he has to find a way to keep things professional with her or it could jeopardize his friendship along with a really good assistant.

After the way her previous job ended, Raina Seagar didn’t realize just how difficult finding a new job would be. She has the knowledge and experience to get hired, but in a town where people talk it’s difficult to stay unnoticed especially when her old boss is the one making things difficult for her to get hired. It’s been months since she walked away from her other job and Raina doesn’t want to rely on her family for help. Until her older brother puts in a good word with his friend to hire her as his assistant. Wanting to make a great impression, Raina is ray of sunshine on her first day, quickly realizing that her new boss would be ten times more demanding and controlling when it comes to doing a good job. It’s a good thing that Raina is up for the challenge or so she thought before blurting out that she is Simon’s girlfriend in order for him to get a chance to get the investment that he’s been wanting. Now she has to protect her heart before it’s too late.

I absolutely loved reading Just a Little Tempted, the chemistry between the characters is sizzling and relatable. It’s evident for the very beginning that Simon is attracted to Raina. But he is not looking for a relationship, let along cross the line with his friend’s sister. He’s had his trust broken in the past and letting someone in is going to be difficult. Raina was only looking to get away from her previous job, not to feel a connection with her new boss. She’s been hurt in the past and won’t let those around her try to use her again. Both have trust issues that they’re able to connect with one another right away. Neither one of them expected to fall in love, now they have to face their pasts in order to get a chance at a future together. All in all, I loved the ending. I can’t wait to read more in the series, I would highly recommend checking out this book as well! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Little Tempted is a workplace romance crafted by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde that exemplifies why these authors are beloved in the genre. This plot centers on Raina Seager, an executive assistant navigating the fallout from a principled stand that cost her job, and Simon Powers, a guarded business owner reluctant to trust others.

What makes this book stand out—and why it deserves attention—is its seamless blend of passion, vulnerability, and realistic character development. From the outset, the tension between Raina's sunny resilience and Simon's gruff protectiveness feels fresh and engaging. Their dynamic avoids falling into tired tropes; instead, it unfolds naturally, with each protagonist challenging and complementing the other in ways that feel both credible and compelling.

The witty banter carries a warmth that offsets the more serious themes, such as professional integrity and trust in business and romance. Raina's decision to publicly announce their relationship at a critical client event is a perfect example of the story’s blend of risk and charm, pushing the plot forward while deepening character connections. This balance keeps us hooked without relying on melodrama or clichés.

The emotional journey is thoughtfully rendered—Simon’s gradual thawing and willingness to open up is heartfelt, revealing layers of insecurity beneath his tough exterior. Meanwhile, Raina’s internal conflict about mixing work and romance adds complexity, making their story relatable beyond the typical romance. When trust falters, the stakes feel genuine, and the resolution is satisfying rather than contrived.

The rapport between Raina and Simon elevates the story, and their chemistry is off-the-charts hot. We loved them as a couple, especially Raina with her bubbly sunny personality. The change in Simon made our hearts happy as he seemed to be enjoying life instead of just existing, finally.

Just a Little Tempted is a heartfelt, engaging romance that masterfully combines humor, emotion, and chemistry. Those new to Phillips and Wilde are in for a treat, a reminder of why heartfelt storytelling remains at the heart of great romance.

For those who enjoy romances where opposites attract with a healthy helping of wit and warmth, this book is a rewarding pick. It also invites reflection on how trust and honesty are tested in both professional and personal relationships, leaving you pondering what it truly means to open your heart when everything feels at stake.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

JUST A LITTLE TEMPTED is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult STERLING FAMILY CROSSOVER erotic, romance series set in the numerous interconnected Dare, Kingston and Sterling family worlds, co-authored by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde. This is billionaire businessman and investor Simon Powers and PA Raina Seager’s story line. JUST A LITTLE TEMPTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Simon and Raina) JUST A LITTLE TEMPTED focuses on the fake relationship between businessman Simon Powers and PA Raina Seager. Simon Powers struggles to trust, and having fired another personal assistant,Simon was desperate to help. With his best friend Kurt’s recommendation to hire his sister Raina, Simon finds himself immediately attracted to our story line heroine but an impending business deal is about to go off the rails, and Simon quickly discovers the positive influence of our story line heroine. Simon Powers has been burned in the past, and a misunderstanding and quick to judgement, once again, finds Simon without a personal assistant, and Raina wondering where everything went wrong.

The world building focuses on Simon’s business pursuits as part of the Powers Investment Group, and the acrimonious relationship with past assistants and former partners. Struggling to trust, Simon all but sabotages his own business deals, and his relationship with family, friends and our story line heroine.

The relationship between Simon and Raina begins as boss and employee but quickly turns into something more. In an effort to secure a deal, Raina pretends to be Simon’s girlfriend, a pretence that quickly turns into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to businessman Alexander Spencer and his wife Brenda; Simon’s former business partner Chuck Collin’s, as well as the return of Simon’s brother and business partner Liam Powers (Just a LIttle Desire), Raina’s brothers Kurt, and Miles Seager.

JUST A LITTLE TEMPTED is a story of secrets and lies,betrayal and mistrust, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is captivating and intriguing; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic.


copy supplied for review

[Shanice Rouhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I would rate this book 4 ⭐

This story follows Simon, a grumpy billionaire who is struggling to keep an assistant due to his intense trust issues created by the failure of a previous assistant and Raina, Simon’s best friend’s sister, who is struggling to get a job due to her past employer sabotaging any attempt she makes to gain employment. Simon agrees to hire Raina on a 90 day probation as he has little faith that she will be capable to complete the job. Raina surprises him, not only can she handle his grumpy attitude, but she also is able to complete any and all tasks he sets her. They attend a work function together, and in the heat of the moment Raina blurts out that she and Simon are a couple in an attempt to make him look better in the eyes of the client they are attempting to partner with. From there, they need to keep up the pretence to secure the deal.

Raina was a happy and enthusiastic person, who was always looking out for others and how she could help them. She showed this when she put her life on hold to care for her sick mother so her brothers did not have to take on the burden. She was good at her job, and knew how to handle Simon and his surly moods.

Simon had many hang up from his past, feeling like he had trusted the wrong people, had created a controlling need to handle everything and micromanage everything. While he had the urge to control everything, he seemed to innately trust Raina from the beginning which allowed himself to open up to letting her in, not just in a working capacity but also in a romantic way too.

I’m a sucker for a billionaire, workplace romance, chuck in the brother’s best friend trope and we have hit the trifecta! I enjoyed the story, though I would have loved way more groveling at the end. Actually, there wasn’t really any groveling at all, just a mature conversation and a choice to forgive and move on. The family relationships displayed in this book were refreshing to read, in a lot of books the focus is on the “found family” trope, it was nice to read about siblings that would do anything for each other because they genuinely loved each other.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Little Tempted — Erika Wilde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)This was a fun, steamy workplace romance with a grumpy, controlling boss, a capable heroine, and a fake relationship that becomes a little too real.

Simon is exactly what you’d expect from the blurb: brilliant, demanding, intimidating, and determined to keep everything under control. But Raina slowly discovers that there’s a much softer man underneath all that grumpiness. Watching his walls come down as their fake relationship progresses was one of the best parts of the book.

Raina is a great match for him. She’s learned how to handle Simon’s moods and demands, but she isn’t afraid to push back when necessary. Her chaotic background also gives her a vulnerability that makes her connection with Simon more meaningful. She isn’t simply the assistant who falls for her boss—she becomes the person who understands him in a way few others do.

The fake dating setup works especially well because they have to spend so much time together. Business dinners, travel, and pretending to be a couple create plenty of opportunities for those “this doesn’t feel fake anymore” moments. The attraction and tension build naturally as they start blurring the line between acting and reality.

What I loved:

* 😠 Grumpy, demanding boss
* 💼 Boss/assistant workplace romance
* ❤️ Fake dating that turns real
* 🔥 Lots of chemistry and spice
* ✈️ Forced proximity through work and travel
* 💕 Hero slowly revealing his softer side
* 👩‍💼 Capable heroine who knows how to handle him
* 😍 Plenty of romantic tension

Overall:
Just a Little Tempted is a fun, sexy romance that delivers a classic fake-dating/boss romance with plenty of chemistry. Simon’s grumpy exterior and Raina’s ability to see through it make them a great pair, and I loved watching their fake relationship turn into something neither of them expected.

5/5 stars. A great choice if you’re in the mood for a grumpy boss, workplace tension, fake dating, and plenty of “we’re only pretending” chemistry.

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

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy/Sunshine fake relationship

JUST A LITTLE TEMPTED , a workplace romance was a thoroughly entertaining read. I devoured it easily, the emotions, humour, and passion pulling me in.

After being fired from her position as an executive assistant in marketing for refusing to compromise her ethics, Raina Seager needs a job. Not an easy task, especially since her previous boss is doing everything to stop her from achieving her goal. Simon Powers never found it easy to trust others, especially when it came to his business. The only proof you need is the amount of assistants he has fired through his own paranoia. On the recommendation of his best friend Kurt, who happens to be Raina's brother, he hires her and it's not long before he realises it's the best decision he has ever made.

I loved Simon and Raina together. They challenge each other in different ways. He is grumpy to her sunshine and joy. Their chemistry sizzles, their attraction is strong, yet neither is prepared to make a move. Attending an event to woo a possible client Raina anounces they are in a relationship. Has shejust made a huge mistake? I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. Raina gives Simon balance and he is able to become more carefree and in touch with his emotions. Simon falls hard for Raina, his desire for her open and honest. She worries about the working relationship, but the chemistry they share makes staying away from him impossible. Just when everything is going smoothly the unthinkable occurs, Simon's trust in Raina plummets. When the truth is learnt will he be able to repair everything they've built together?

Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde always deliver heartfelt romances and this was another one. Everything about it is why I love their writing. The chemistry, banter, emotions, plot, they all fit together and flow perfectly ensuring their stories are a must read. I can't wait to find out who is next.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ 5 STARS

[Kazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts out with Simon, who is inherently difficult to work for, has just fired another admin assistant. He is watching a hockey game with his best friend Kurt that night, when Kurt suggested hiring his younger sister Raina. Raina, turns up on the first day all sunshine and a container of homemade chocolate chip cookies, only to find a devastatingly handsome man who was going to be her boss, she was thinking how she was stay professional while she couldn’t stop staring at him. Simon didn’t reign in his grumpy personality around Raina and no matter how much work he gave her to do, she got through it efficiently and her sunshine personality didn’t falter at all. It’s not too long before Simon starts to rely on Raina, and he is completely attracted to her. Simon and Raina are at a gala dinner, where they will be sitting with Alexander and Brenda the owners of the business that Simon is trying to partner with, before Alexander and Brenda arrive, also sitting at the table is Chuck, a previous business partner who defrauded their business and caused their business to fail, when Alexander and Brenda arrived and small talk began, Chuck was just telling Alexander that he was married and introduced his wife, and said they have two sons, he then sneers at Simon and says which woman are you up to now? Alexander, looked at Simon in alarm, Raina blurted out that, she and Simon were dating, and put her hand on his, Simon then confirmed they were. Alexander was pleased to hear that. It’s not long before the fake dating becomes real because they both had real attraction to each other, even though Raina has some concerns about dating the boss, especially what would happen if they broke up, Simon assures her everything is and will be fine. Everything is great between Simon and Raina until a family emergency pulls Raina away from doing something time sensitive for Simon and he immediately goes back to the time when he had been betrayed, he accuses Raina of betraying him!.

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

[Tracy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina is an unemployed executive assistant that has been out of work for the last 6 months. She has been on multiple job interviews but because of her previous employer no one will hire her.
Simon is a smart rich businessman that has been burned by a previous business partner. He also almost lost a big deal because of one of his assistants. So, as you can understand Simon is extremely hard on his assistants and expects almost perfection.
When Kurt, his good friend who happens to also be Raina’s brother comes to Kurt and asks for a big favor which is to hire Raina as a favor to him, Simon said he will give her a try. Simon isn’t expecting too much but is willing to give her 90 days to prove herself.
The first day Raina is in the office, she surprises Simon with how much she gets done. The first week she shocks Simon with how great and knowledgeable she is at her job. Within the first month she completely impresses Simon with how competent she is. She is so fantastic with the clients that Simon decides to take her with him to the Gala to help keep conversations going since everyone knows that’s not his forte. Besides, there is a particularly important man (Alexander) there that they are hoping to get to go into business with that they are hoping to impress.
In order to try and get Alexander to consider Simon to go into business with him, Raina slips up at the Gala and tells Alexander that her and Simon are in a relationship. As much as Raina and Simon are attracted to each other this is a working relationship and faking a relationship would only complicate things.
What starts out as a fake relationship, builds into a real friendship, then real feelings, then real love, then a HEA.
You will fall in love with Simon and Raina. You will feel sorry for the betrayal they have faced but love for team they have found in each other. This is truly a fantastic story with the bad guy getting what he deserves in the end.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon is a successful business man, but in the past, he’s made mistakes trusting the wrong people, which have resulted in him becoming closed off, especially when it comes to staff. Having chased off yet another assistant due to their alleged incompetence or his overall grumpiness, he’s losing hope he’ll ever find someone able to handle the workload when his best friend recommends his sister for the job. From the moment she steps into his office, he knows he’s in trouble, even as she proves to be the only person able to handle him.

After being blacklisted in New York by her former employer, Raina was about to lose hope when her brother found her the job with Simon. From the beginning, she feels an instant attraction to him, but is determined to ignore it in order to do her job. When she accompanies Simon to an event and sees he’s at risk of losing an important deal to a rival, she impulsively announces that they’re in a relationship, which makes things between them even more complicated as it becomes clear that neither of them is faking their connection.

I received an early copy of this book from @theauthor.agency and it was everything I expected from these authors. As always, they brought us relatable characters with a strong connection, a whole lot of spice, and a bit of drama to keep things interesting. Simon and Raina’s connection is undeniable, and watching them pretend to deny it was fun, but once they finally gave in, all bets are off. I completely understand Simon’s trust issues, but hated the way he took them out on Raina; however his willingness to make things right made it all worth it (although I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to be stuck in a room with her brothers for awhile after that). In the end, they were able to be stronger together than apart, and I loved seeing everything fall into place.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon is a very demanding and grumpy boss and has a hard time keeping an assistand. He does not trust easily due to bad experiences in his past. Now he agrees to hire his friend's little sister Raina and not only is she an almost perfect assistant but Simon is also very attracted to her. So when those two have to fake-date to impress a business associate things don't stay fake very long. But can Simon really overcome his trust issues and enter a real relationship?
This is another very entertaining (and spicy) romance written by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde. It has everything a good romance novel needs: relatable characters, palpable chemistry and a believable and fast-paced plot. I also loved meeting some the couples from previous books in the series again. I really enjoyed reading this book and was so invested in the story that I finished reading it in one day.
Simon is a very demanding and grumpy boss and has a hard time keeping an assistand. He does not trust easily due to bad experiences in his past. Now he agrees to hire his friend's little sister Raina and not only is she an almost perfect assistant but Simon is also very attracted to her. So when those two have to fake-date to impress a business associate things don't stay fake very long. But can Simon really overcome his trust issues and enter a real relationship?
This is another very entertaining (and spicy) romance written by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde. It has everything a good romance novel needs: relatable characters, palpable chemistry and a believable and fast-paced plot. I also loved meeting some the couples from previous books in the series again. I really enjoyed reading this book and was so invested in the story that I finished reading it in one day.

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

[Lisa Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Little Tempted by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde is a fun, heartfelt romance featuring some of my favorite tropes: best friend's sister, billionaire romance, he falls first, fake relationship, office romance, and plenty of emotional tension.

Raina is the sister of Simon's best friend and former business partner, Kurt. After a vengeful ex-boss makes it nearly impossible for her to find a new job, Kurt convinces Simon to hire her as his assistant after Simon's previous assistant is let go. Simon is reluctant at first, but Raina quickly proves she's more than capable, exceeding his expectations at every turn.

Determined to break through Simon's icy exterior, Raina uses everything she's learned to her advantage—including showing up on her first day with homemade cookies. Her kindness, patience, and genuine care slowly chip away at the walls Simon has built around himself.

Their professional relationship takes an unexpected turn at a work gala when Raina impulsively tells everyone that she and Simon are dating. To keep up the fake relationship, they begin spending more time together outside of work, and before long, the line between pretending and reality completely disappears.

One of my favorite parts of this book was watching Raina patiently navigate Simon's past trauma while quietly working through her own. Simon's character growth was incredibly satisfying, and when it came time for him to grovel, it was absolutely worth the wait. The emotional tension was perfectly done.

This story had me laughing out loud more than once, while a few moments even brought tears to my eyes. The balance of humor, romance, and heartfelt emotion made this such an enjoyable read. Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde delivered another engaging romance that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I would absolutely recommend it.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, this series just keeps getting sexier with each new book. Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde’s newest installment in the Sterling Family Crossover series book 2 is Just A Little Tempted. These authors have yet to disappoint me with all aspects of their books. I love their writing style, their beautiful and heartfelt characters that are well developed, sexy, and the men who fall hard for the women their hearts decide to love. Simon Powers is co-owner/CEO with his brother at Powers Investment Group. Simon is a very handsome man with lots of professional scars from deals going bad and trusts very few people. Until Raina walks into his life and completely flips his world upside down. Raina herself has some professional baggage from a prior boss wanting her to “spy” on her coworkers. Let’s just say Raina has a very good moral compass. Just A Little Tempted is the epitome of Grumpy/Sunshine trope! I am totally in love with this series. Simon and Raina have chemistry from day one and man does that chemistry explode!! The between-the-sheets scenes you wonder about? Well, let’s just say you will definitely need that fan! No matter whether you’ve read &/or listened to a Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde collaboration book before or are new to these authors I’m quite confident you will completely and utterly fall in love with Simon and Raina. I really fell in love with Simon and the amount of growth he experienced with Raina until the “third act breakup”. With all that being said I feel like the “third act” breakup followed by the reconciliation was a bit rushed. Simon had a bit more work to do before their HEA!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Little Tempted is the third (and final) book of A Sterling Family Crossover Novel between the authors and two of their individual series. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book.

Grumpy Simon Powers has chased off tons of executive assistants with his high expectations and demanding ways. When his good friend, Kyle, who was a one-time business partner, mentions his sister is looking for a job and would be perfect, they agree to a 90-day trial and if it doesn't work out no hurt feelings.

Riana worked for an unethical jerk who wanted her to join him in the unethical business he was doing. Not only did she refuse and get fired, but every time someone checks for a reference, this old boss is sure to call up the new potential employer and lie about what happened. So, she has been six months looking for new employment now. She is thankful Simon will give her a chance and willing to work her fingers to the bone to be the best executive assistant anyone ever had. They have an instant attraction both refused to give in to. However, one of Simon's potential business partners he is trying to acquire is looking for a like-minded business partner. A true family man. Riana implies when they are at a gala sharing the same table that she is Simon's girlfriend to help him with an "in" with this partner.

Fake dating, turns to real feelings, add in some smoking bedroom scenes and suddenly a very real exclusive relationship has developed. It won't be without its challenges along the way. Enjoy this steamy, fun novel from two of my favorite authors!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a Little Tempted is a fantastic addition to the Sterling Family Crossover series!

Simon needs an assistant...again. He can't seem to keep an assistant due to his exacting and demanding high standards. Simon has trust issues that have stemmed from things in his past and he has a very difficult time letting go and delegating even when he knows he should. His friend Kurt comes to him and suggests that he give his sister a try as his assistant. Simon agrees to a probationary period.

Raina has just been put through the ringer at her former job and following it. She was fired for not wanting to do something she knew was wrong and then her former boss was giving poor reviews to any new potential employer who was calling. When she got the call to be Simon's assistant, she figured she might as well try it since nothing else was presenting itself.

Raina and Simon end up in a predicament when she ends up telling a potential business partner of Simon's that they are dating. Now they are going to have to uphold this dating ruse to ensure he has a chance to lang the account. Will it end up just being a ruse or will the chemistry flowing between them become a real thing?

What started out as a fake relationship turned into something very real and I liked how Raina brought out a totally different side of Simon. There were certainly pitfalls they had to overcome, but I enjoyed how it all played out!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Powers keeps losing his assistant. He has a bad attitude and forces their hand. When his friend Kurt suggests his sister Raina, Simon isn’t sure she can handle the pressure. Raina seems to be going down a rocky road. Her old boss seemed to have her black balled by every job she tries. When her brother gets her a job with his old friend, she is up for the challenge. When they meet though, things get really complicated. They both have feelings for the other but they know they are boss/assistant. That would be a bad idea.

Things do start off rocky for these two. But Raina wears him down. He is less tense till the gala and Alex Spencer. His ex-friend Chuck is there too trying to win over Alex. Things get dicey when Raina says that they are a couple. Now they have to forgo a lie but is it really? I get that Raina stepped up to save things but these two were fighting their attraction. Chuck is scum. He was slimy from the start. I do have to say that Simon needs help with shmoozing and even talking with a woman. He is too matter of fact and dull. He needs lessons. When these two decide to take a chance, it starts off hot and steamy but there is always something from the past that will mess it up. And it almost did. It took a great deal to look at yourself to realize you have to let the past go or lose the best thing you ever had. Thank goodness Simon wised up with the help of Kurt to make things right with Raina.

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

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina has been struggling to get a job for a while now. And no matter what she does, nothings working. Until her brother got her a job with his friend Simon as his executive assistant.

Simon doesn’t trust easily. Especially when it comes to his business. His been burned before and he won't let it happen again, so because of this he has been going through a lot of assistants. So, when his friend comes with a solution of hiring his sister, his adamant to give it 90days.

But the minute that Raina steps into his office with her sunshine and muffins, he is a goner. Both of them are immediately attracted to each other. But work place, not professional. When Simon takes Raina with him to a dinner event for a deal he is interested in, she comes to his rescue and tells the client that they are dating.

Soon fake dating becomes more than real than fake. And just when things seem to be going so well for him, it all blows up… Now his lost his woman and might lose the deal of a lifetime…

Got invested really quickly in Raina and Simon’s story. I liked the fact that Simon in the beginning came across as this grumpy stiff guy, but the more time he spent with Raina the more you got to see the real person. Raina I loved her, she was sweet, funny and knew what she wanted. And she knew how to deal with Simon’s grumpiness.

Loved the chemistry, loved the romance, the bit of angst thrown in with the Simon’s ex partner. Which I would have loved to have a confrontation with lol. All in all, loved everything about this story 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Sue Galuska · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Simon Powers in Just a Little Desire, book #2 in this series, and knew his story was going to be fun! Simon is a typical alpha type person, always wanting to be in control and very grumpy. He also has a problem keeping admin assistants. When Simon's best friend Kurt Seager suggests hiring his sister, Raina, Simon is hesitant but does it any ways. Turns out Raina is the best assistant he has ever had....even if she is all sunshine to his grumpiness! Simon also starts to notice Raina in other ways too! ;)

When Simon and Raina are working on a securing a high profile account, things are looking good until Raina blurts out that they are dating! So now grumpy/sunshine have to pretend to be dating. Of course the more time these two spend together, the more Simon and Raina start to see the other in a different light and pretty soon they find themselves crossing that line. Quickly Simon and Raina both realize that what they have is something real. Just when it looks like everything is going perfectly, the past comes crashing back in and blows everything up. It will take a lot of deep internal realization before these two will find their way back to each other and finally find their happy ever after.

I just adored this steamy grumpy/sunshine fake dating story. Simon had a lot of issues from his past that he needed to overcome and Raina was the perfect person to help him. I loved their story they navigated. It was fun watching Raina bring Simon down a peg or two! Overall this was a great read!