The Temptation of Truth: Alternative Cover Edition

by Brit Benson

Loving her will ruin my life,
But I’m tired of living a lie.

Mabel Rossi is the heartbeat of The Hometown Heartless.
The famous drummer with fast hands, faster wit,
and a light that shines brightly even from the back of the stage.
She’s temptation in lipstick and lace, and I’m just her manager’s niece.
Married, invisible, and completely out of place.

Taking the job on tour was supposed to be a harmless adventure.
Now that I’m here, far from home and my husband,
I’m starting to remember who I was before I lost everything,
and I have Mabel to thank for that.

Between stolen glances and whispered truths,
She coaxes me from the darkness,
Until I can no longer hide from the lies I’ve buried under the life I don’t want.

I’m married to a man I’ve never loved.
She’s so far out of reach it hurts to even want her.
But in quiet hotel hallways and backstage corners,
I start to crave things I shouldn’t.

Even if it’s reckless. Even if it’s wrong.
Because with Mabel, I start to feel alive again.
When she touches me, the fog lifts,
And suddenly, I’m not so scared of tearing it all down just to feel the sun.


****

The Temptation of Truth is the fourth book in The Hometown Heartless series. The Temptation of Truth can be read as a standalone, but it does contain spoilers for the other books in The Hometown Heartless series.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Lesbian, Friends To Lovers, Slow Burn, Romance, Found Family, Audiobook

412 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2025

About the author

Brit Benson writes real, relatable romance novels. She likes outspoken, independent heroines, dirty-talking, love-struck heroes, and plots that get you right in the feels.

Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.

Reviews

[Catarina Vieira | umlivroduplicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brit’s writing will always wreck me in a way that’s indescribable but completely unforgettable.
Hometown Heartless was a series that came into my life unexpectedly, and since Between Never and Forever, it became everything to me. It’s etched into my skin and especially into my soul in a way that words will never be enough to express.
Saying goodbye to this series was one of the hardest and saddest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most fulfilling, enriching, and soul-healing experiences.
I learned so much from Sav, from Torren, from Jonah and now, undeniably, from Mabel. They all complete me in ways that I never thought possible.

Brit, I wish you nothing but all the happiness this series has given me — doubled, tripled even.

Thank you to these characters who changed me, healed me, and gave me some of the best moments I’ve ever had.
And then there’s Mabel and Aurora.
Oh, Mabel and Aurora.
How do I even begin to describe them? They’re everything. They are the kind of love that feels like sunlight after years of darkness. Soft, warm, grounding, and breathtaking all at once. Their story felt like a heartbeat made of hope, courage, and freedom. Watching them find each other, lose themselves, and then choose love anyway. It’s something that will live rent-free in my chest forever.

There’s something so raw, so unfiltered, about the way they love. It’s fierce yet delicate, messy yet pure. Mabel’s strength and Aurora’s light intertwine in a way that feels almost sacred. They reminded me that love isn’t supposed to fit inside rules or expectations — it’s supposed to feel, deeply and unapologetically.

They taught me that being fearless doesn’t mean not being scared, it means choosing yourself despite it all. They taught me to listen to my heart’s chaos, to drown out the noise of the world, and to trust that who I am is more than enough.
Their story didn’t just move me; it awakened something in me.
So yes, I need a few moments. To breathe, to recover, and to write a proper love letter to these two souls who now live inside me. To Mabel and Aurora, to their love, and to everything they stand for.

FRTC, but like Sav said: this is only goodnight, and it will never, ever be goodbye.

"I started to bloom again. Not because she loved me. Not even because she saw me. Because I dared to grow toward the light. I dared to breathe. And it changed everything.”

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

”And somewhere in that mess—somewhere amidst the stolen glances, the broken boundaries, and the overwhelming temptation of truth—I started to bloom again. Not because she loved me. Not even because she saw me. Because I dared to grow toward the light. I dared to breathe. And it changed everything.”

I discovered Brit Benson this year and, without exaggeration, I think she’s climbing her way into my favorite authors. her prose bleeds yearning and heartbreak; her characters are layered, flawed simply human.

after reading the previous installment in the series, I knew I had to dive into Mabel’s journey. I was certain it would destroy me the way the last one did, and it did in every sense of the word. It ripped my heart open in the best, most devastating way. It was so beautifully written that i think I’d count it among my favorite reads of the year.

we follow Mabel, the drummer of a well-known rock band on tour. when the band’s lead singer hires a young English teacher named Aurora to tutor her daughter, their paths cross in a way neither of them expects. Aurora is 23, newly married, and outrageously shy when it comes to interacting with Mabel. watching her slow & painful awakening, especially her queer awakening, was gutting and tender all at once.

the deeper Aurora fell for Mabel, the more we saw cracks in her marriage, how emotionally neglectful her husband was, how unseen she truly felt. and Mabel, with her quiet care and the way she tiptoed around her own relationship, made the whole thing even more heartbreakingly complex.

normally, I avoid stories that flirt with infidelity, but this one was different. both women were perfectly imperfect, trapped in relationships that dulled their light and somehow, in that mess, their connection felt inevitable. It wasn’t about betrayal; it was about rediscovery, about choosing honesty after years of silence.

by the end, I was completely undone.. numb, heartbroken, and yet full. I’d shed so many tears that I didn’t even have any left. this book was lyrical, elegiac, and deeply human. I think I’ll carry it with me for a long time.

many thanks to The Author Agency for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mabel’s story was everything I wanted for her! It felt so right and so true to who she is and it’s a beautiful ending to the series.

This book is full of healing, finding yourself, and learning to love who you are. I loved going through it all with Mabel and Aurora. The yearning was unreal and you could feel every bit of the tension and longing between them. Their story is emotional, tender and so worth it. They’re absolutely perfect for each other!

I also loved seeing more of Mabel and Sav’s friendship, they have such a special bond. The whole girl group is seriously the best and this found family is one of my favorites ever. I love them all so much! I’m going to miss The Hometown Heartless crew!

🌶️🌶️

[yuvi (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

god i discovered brit benson YEARS ago.
and i just kept procrastinating UGHH whyyyyy
she's easily one of my favorite authors and i wish i'd read her books sooner
That being said, im so sad that this is the last book in this series. im not ready to part with these characters. they feel like home ohmygawdddd.
lennon, macon, sam, chris, sav, levi, tor, callie, jonah, claire, and now mabel and aurora. AHHHHH
im so scared and happy atst. and my heart is so full

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angst? Yup. Spice? Also yes. An ending that results in a healthy relationship? You bet! The personal growth from both FMC’s was heartwarming and empowering. Brit Benson is an auto-read author for me, and reading this has me thinking I’m due for a Hometown Heartless series re-read.

[Zita · Rating 4 out of 5]

ประเดิม sapphic romance เล่มแรกก็เจอแนว don't let your husband stop you from finding your wife เลยจ่ะ ตัวเอกคือ Mabel ร็อกสตาร์สาววัย 30 มือกลองประจำวง hometown heartless คบหาอยู่กับนางแบบสาวสวยเซ็กซี่ แต่ไม่ได้เปิดเผยความสัมพันธ์ต่อสาธารณชน ส่วนตัวเอกอีกคนคือ Aurora สาวน้อยวัย 23 เพิ่งแต่งงานได้ปีครึ่ง ใช้ชีวิตอยู่กับสามี abusive ไปวันๆ แบบหมดอาลัยตายอยากในชีวิต เพราะเคยประสบเหตุการณ์สะเทือนใจอย่างแรงเมื่อหลายปีก่อน

Aurora โดนจ้างมาเป็นติวเตอร์ให้ลูกสาวของ Levi & Sav (พระเอกนางเอกเล่มแรกสุด) ระหว่างที่วง hometown heartless ไปทัวร์คอนเสิร์ตที่ออสเตรเลีย ชีเลยต้องจากบ้านไปตะลอนๆ ออสเตรเลียร่วมกับวงนี้ แล้วก็เลยไปปิ๊งๆ กับ Mabel แม้ว่าตัว Aurora จะไม่เคยชอบผู้หญิงมาก่อนเลย และแม้ว่าทั้งสองคนต่างก็มี committed relationship อยู่แล้วก็ตาม

เล่มนี้คุณ Brit ก็เล่าเรื่องสนุกน่าติดตามเช่นเคย ถึงจะไม่ดุเดือดระเบิดอารมณ์ตู้มต้ามเหมือนสองเล่มก่อนหน้า แต่ก็นำพาให้เราพลิกหน้ากระดาษไปได้เรื่อยๆ ชอบการวาง character arc ของ Aurora เพราะรู้สึกว่ามันมีอะไรต่อมิอะไรมากมายอยู่ในตัวละครนี้ ทั้งเรื่องของการก้าวข้ามผ่าน grief, การติดอยู่ในความสัมพันธ์ abusive จนเสียความเป็นตัวเองไปเรื่อยๆ ถึงจะทรมานแต่ก็หลุดออกมาไม่ได้, การค้นหาและค้นพบตัวเอง ทั้งในด้านจุดมุ่งหมายของชีวิตและเรื่องเพศ คิดว่าเป็นตัวละครอีกตัวของคุณ Brit ที่อ่านแล้วรู้สึกสนุกกับการได้เห็นการเติบโต เพียงแต่อ่านแล้วติดตรงที่ชีแต่งงานแล้วนี่แหละ อ่านแล้วมันอุ่กๆๆ อั่กๆๆ ถึงแม้ในเรื่องจะเขียนให้สามีของ Aurora เป็นผู้ชายที่ abusive แบบสุดๆๆ แบบไม่มีความน่าสงสารหรือน่าเห็นใจใดๆ แต่ในหลายๆ ซีนพอเห็น Aurora ลืมสนิทว่าตัวเองแต่งงานแล้วมันก็อะแหะนิดนึง คือไม่ได้สงสารสามีชีหรอก แต่มันคันยุบยิบๆ ในใจเพราะรู้สึกว่า you’re better than that มั้ยอะ Auroraaaa (ปกติก็ไม่ได้ต้องการให้ตัวละครเป็นคนดีขาวสะอาด 100% อะไรขนาดนั้น แต่พอเป็นเรื่องนอกใจที่มันก็เอาใจช่วยได้ไม่เต็มที่ง่ะะ) ส่วนฝ่าย Mab ยิ่งหนักเลยเพราะปากบอกว่ารักแฟน น้อยใจแฟนนู่นนั่นนี่ แต่ก็ยังหวั่นไหวทั้งๆ ที่ยังมีแฟนเป็นตัวเป็นตนอยู่ เอ้า!! แต่ในความนอกใจเหล่านั้นก็รู้สึกเข้าใจเหตุผลของตัวละครนะ คืออ่านแล้วเข้าใจได้ว่า why they did what they did แม้จะไม่เห็นด้วยกับการกระทำเหล่านั้นก็ตาม ในแง่ logic และเหตุผลต่างๆ คิดว่าเล่มนี้ก็ยังดีกว่าเล่มแรกแหละ (อันนั้นไม่เข้าใจตัวละครเลย งงไปหมด)

เอาจริงๆ ชอบความสัมพันธ์ของ Mabel & Aurora ตรงที่ซัพพอร์ตกันและกันแบบสุดตัวมาก คิดว่าถ้าไม่มีเรื่องที่ต่างคนต่างมีคนอื่นอยู่ก่อนแล้วอาจจะอินกับคู่นี้มากกว่านี้เพราะความ yearning ต่างๆ ก็ทำถึงอยู่ แต่มองในอีกแง่มุมนึง การที่เขาเขียนให้ตัวละครติดแหง็กอยู่ในความสัมพันธ์อื่น มันก็ทำให้อารมณ์ความรู้สึกต่างๆ ของตัวละครมีความสลับซับซ้อนมากขึ้นน่ะนะ รู้สึกว่าการบรรยายอารมณ์ต่างๆ ทำได้ดีเลย ชอบงานคุณ Brit ตรงนี้แหละ เขาชอบเขียน complex characters ตัวละครมีความยุ่งเหยิง ซับซ้อน มีมิติ มีข้อบกพร่อง

อนึ่ง ชอบเจ้ Sav เล่มนี้มาก น่ารัก เป็นเจ้ใหญ่ของทุกคน และเป็นเพื่อนที่น่ารักมากๆ ส่วนหนุ่มๆ ในวงก็กลายเป็นแฟนหนุ่มแสนดีกันไปหมดแล้ว พอมองย้อนกลับไปตั้งแต่เล่มแรกจนมาถึงเล่มนี้แล้วรู้สึกว่าวงนี้ผ่านอะไรกันมาเยอะมากจริงๆ สาเหตุที่ให้คะแนนเล่มนี้ 4 ดาวเป็นเพราะบวกความซาบซึ้งในฐานะเล่มจบของซีรีส์เข้าไปด้วยแหละ ถ้าอ่านเล่มนี้โดยไม่ได้อ่านเล่มอื่นมาก่อนอาจจะให้คะแนนน้อยกว่านี้

[wpwpwpwppw · Rating 4 out of 5]

-friends to lovers
-rockstar romance
-sapphic
เล่มปิดจบซีรีส์ของ The Hometown Heartless เรื่องราวระหว่าง Mable และ Aurora เป็นการอ่านแซฟฟิคครั้งแรกของเราเลย ซึ่งถ้าไม่ใช่เล่มของซีรีส์นี้หรือเป็นงานที่คุณ Brit เขียนส่วนตัวคงไม่น่าจะได้ลองอ่าน ก็ถือว่าได้ลองอะไรใหม่ๆ

'Mab'เป็นมือกลองของวง hometown heartless คบกับแฟนที่เป็นนางแบบมา 3 ปีแต่ไม่สามารถเปิดตัวได้เพราะแฟนไม่พร้อม อ้างว่าติดปัญหาเรื่องงานนู่นนี่ ทำให้ต้องคบกันแบบหลบๆซ่อนๆ มาตลอด 'Aurora' เป็นหลานสาวของ Ham (ผู้จัดการของวง) Aurora แต่งงาน มีสามี อยู่ในความสัมพันธ์ที่ Toxic มากๆ แฟนบงการชีวิตทุกอย่างตลอด จนปัจจุบันตัดสินใจรับงานมาเป็น Tutor ให้ลูกของ Sav ทำให้ต้องบินมาออสเตรเลียเพราะวงกำลังทัวร์คอนอยู่ที่นี้

แค่เจอกันครั้งแรกของทั้งคู่ก็สัมผัสได้ถึงมวลบางอย่างละ🤭ลอยฟุ้งสุดๆ ตัว Aurora พอได้ออกมาใช้ชีวิตห่างจากสามี ได้มีเพื่อนใหม่ๆ ได้เห็นความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างคนรักของคู่อื่นๆ ก็ทำให้เริ่มมองเห็นว่าคู่ของตัวเองมันผิดปกติแค่ไหน เริ่มรับรู้ว่าสิ่งที่ตัวเองเจอมาตลอดมันไม่ปกติ พอได้ใช้เวลากับ Mab จนเริ่มสนิทกันก็เกิดความรู้สึกบางอย่างขึ้น ยิ่งหลังจาก Mab เลิกกับแฟน ความสัมพันธ์ของคู่นี้ก็ยิ่งชัดเจนขึ้นเรื่อยๆ

โดยรวมคือสนุก สมกับเป็นงานคุณBritแหละ แบคกราวสตอรี่ของตลคทั้งคู่คือผ่านไรมาหนักหนามาก โดยเฉพาะ Aurora นอกจากไม่เหลือใครแล้วยังมาพร้อมความรู้สึกผิดอีก พอวันนึงได้มาเจอคนที่ดีกับเรารักเราแบบที่เป็นตัวเราจริงๆก็ห้ามใจไม่ได้ แต่ความที่มันมี Cheating อะ อ่านแล้วก็จะหงุดหงิด ว่าชีAurora รอไร? ทำไมไม่เลิกกับสามีตัวเองสักทีทั้งๆที่ก็มองเห็นปัญหาแล้วนิ มันมีเหตุผลมากมายให้เลิกก็ไม่ไปเลิกสักที ดันปล่อยตัว ปล่อยใจไปเลยซะงั้น อยู่ๆก็ลืมว่ามีสามีเฉย 🤷🏻‍♀️ ต่อให้สามีจะเลวขนาดนั้นก็ควรไปหย่า ไปเคลียร์ให้จบก่อนอยู่ดี แล้วพอมาท้ายเรื่องที่พอเลิกแล้วจบแล้ว Mab ดันไม่คบแทน ว๊อททททททท? ตอนไม่ควรจะทำพวกแกดันทำ ปล่อยใจกันขนาดนั้น พอมาทีนี้ไม่เอา ไม่ดี อย่าเลย เห้ออ ผมไม่เก็ท 🙂‍↔️ หรือนขกลัวว่าจะดูไม่ดีงี้หรอ แต่มันก็ไม่ทันแล้วปะ 5555555 อีกอย่างไม่ค่อยชอบช่วงท้ายเล่ม มันเร่งรีบ อยู่ก็ๆรวบรัดตัดจบไปหมดทุกเรื่องเลย ย้ำอีกทีว่าถึงบ่นยาวขนาดนี้ก้เอนจอยรี้ดนะ 55555

Ps.
-ทั้งเล่ม Mable ชี smirk ไปแล้วเกือบ100ครั้ง จะบ้า
-ดีใจที่เจอพี่ทอเร้น🫶🏻 แล้วก็นะห้ามนอนห้องข้างๆเลยนะไอคู่รักคู่นี้น่ะ 🌝
-ส่วนพี่ Jonah อดีตตัวปัญหา กลายมาเป็นคุณพ่อแล้ว น่ารักที่สุดดดด ฮืออ 🥹

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Audio Review **
Be still, my heart. The Temptation of Truth by Brit Benson was an emotional, heartfelt sapphic romance that rocked my heart in all the best ways. I couldn’t get enough of Aurora and Mabel’s friends-to-lovers/ opposites attract chemistry that made their budding relationship so memorable and special. This was such a beautiful finale to an epic Hometown Heartless series.

Emma Wilder and Samantha Brentmoor perform this audiobook in duet-style narration. Emma’s soft, melodic voice presented Aurora’s timid, apologetic nature, also adding a growing courage in her tone as she discovered her true self. Samantha’s sultry, rich voice exuded Mabel’s confident, reassuring, and protective demeanor as she sorted out her feelings for Aurora. Both narrators created a magnetic, alluring connection between Aurora and Mabel that was undeniable. This audiobook features Anthony Palmini voicing all the side male characters' voices and does a fantastic job creating unique voices for each.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a rockstar romance with a plant-loving new tutor, a sassy, supportive drummer, new job opportunities, going on tour in Australia, foundations of truth, escaping for a while, discovering your family roots, club dancing, steamy tension-filled kisses, close proximity, hanging out with the band, intimate moments, dealing with guilt and grief, finding your true self, love declarations, and a HEA that beats loud in your heart, then you will love Aurora and Mable’s story. I always look forward to more from Brit Benson.

[Libraryat44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I love Brits writing and this world she's created.

I binged this so quickly! Brit really has a way of sucking you into a story I just love her writing so much! Loved Mabel's character she's such a strong FMC. Aurora I felt for, the way Brady treated her was vile and I'll give it to Brit she knows how to write side characters that make your blood boil! The way I hated that man! I would of loved more of a confrontation with Aurora standing up to Brady!

Mabel was just what Aurora needed their connection was so special and I loved the found family vibes throughout! I love the Hometown Heartless world so much and I'm sad it's come to an end. 😭

If you haven't read this series yet defo bump it up! Rockstar is one of my favourites and Brit does rockstar so well!

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author’s writing style- her ability to tell a story and keep me captivated from page one. It’s never a hardship to fall in love with her characters and this book is no exception.

I swear I went through every emotion during this one. I have been curious about Mabel since book 1, and finally getting her story-all she has been through was wonderful.

Aurora was a great character with many layers. I loved seeing everything about her slowly come to light, as things occurred in her past that shaped who she is now. She lost herself a bit, but being with Mabel allowed her to find herself again- it was so great to see unfold!

The way they weren’t afraid to be vulnerable with one another, opening up came naturally for them-it was a comfort in each others presence. No fear, no judgement just care and support. They are the best match for one another, instant attraction, chemistry and off the charts tension. This was a slow burn for good reason and played out exactly as it should!

As heartbreaking as moments of this story was-the entire journey these characters took mended my hurting heart in only a way author Brit Benson can do!

Seriously beautiful story for these two, and both Mabel and Aurora had wonderful growth. My heart hurt many times over, but gosh were they perfect together. The way they both find their strength in being around one another is the best! They fit in a way neither saw coming and I hung on every word of this book, craving more of their time together.

The family this group of characters has created is amazing and so very important to each of them. I’m so sad that The Hometown Heartless series is complete-it was a such a great experience. Highly recommend all these books!

4.75⭐️

**thank you to this author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own.

[WhippedStitchReads (J.A.Y) SEMI-HIATUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 5⭐
Spice 🥁.5

ALC Review

Tell me why I was not expecting some type of angst. Like oh my gosh my heart ached sooo bad. I was almost going to throw a fit if this book wasn't a HEA

I basically was on a emotional roller coaster. I couldn't stand the "will they", "won't they" kind of situation. *screams internally*. BUT MY HEART FREAK DAMN ACHED.

The love was fairly instant, but the journey for both Mabel Rossi and Aurora came a really long way. I kinda wished it prolonged a bit more with their attraction towards each other, but I understand there was so much more than the romance. It was a self journey for Aurora of becoming her own person. As for Mabel, she also had to learn her selfworth and that she deserved more than the littlest bare minimum from a relationship.

I absolutely enjoyed the audiobook. Samantha Brentmoor did such an absolutely amazing job!! Emma Wilder did great as well, but I did feel her narration fell a bit flat. At times I couldnt tell what kind of emotions Aurora was feeling. Of course, I can't forget Anthony Palmini was in it as a special narrator!! Which he did good and honestly pissed me DAFUQ off at a certain character.

I received the ALC through The Author Agency. This review is my true and honest thoughts

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 5 out of 5]

::standing ovation:: This book changed my DNA, yall. I am forever obsessed with Mabel and Aurora and my only regret is that it's over. I will be the first to admit that I haven't read a TON of Sapphic romances, and it's not because I don't want to, it's just that I haven't found very many. This book was honestly....guys it's Brit's best book. I was so invested with these two that I cried MULTIPLE times and feel like they are just apart of me now. It was beautiful, it was real and raw, and so so special.

They were both so vunerable at times but also protected each other in the best way. I don't think I can truly give this book the pedestal that it deserves because it was just THAT good.

Brit, my friend, you nailed this one. Hands down your best book yet.

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review

This was my first book by this author and my first sapphic romance. Yall, I am absolutely hooked!! The emotional ride this one took me on was not one I expected. The depth, the heartbreak, and the growth in these characters was amazing!!

I was loving every second of Maple & Aurora! I am always a sucker for a rockstar romance & this was no different! I wish I had Don get the whole series in order, but I can t wait to go back for the other books!!

Thank you to the author agency and Britt Benson for this early audio opportunity ❤️

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Brit’s writing sucks you in and makes you feel like a part of the characters world. I loved so much the character development and falling in love with yourself being such a strong theme in this book. It’s sad to say goodbye to this series but forever grateful that I get to experience the beauty and magic that is Brit’s writing and characters.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 was the year I discovered Brit Benson and I am endlessly grateful I did!!!

The Temptation of Truth wraps up the Hometown Heartless series and gosh, I'm sad to be saying goodbye to these characters and this world. Brit never fails to absolutely lure you into to her books with her lush storytelling full of so much heart and emotion.. not to mention a few gut punches, if ya know, ya know. Mabel and Roar were perfect for each other and I really loved the emphasis that you must truly love yourself before you can give your heart away. The healing aspects of this book were definitely powerful.

Thank you so much to the Author Agency for the early copy!!

[Tori Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update for audio: This was made even more incredible with Samantha Brentmoor as Mabel & Emma Wilder as Aurora! You can feel the yearning and pure love that these two characters have for one another and like all the other books in the series, I sobbed! Anthony Palmini was a great addition to voice all the main characters although I wouldn’t have minded hearing Emma Wilder voice the male characters as well! I enjoyed his Aussie accent! Overall, I highly recommend the whole Hometown Heartless series on audio! Dream casts for each book! I would love nothing more than to see everyone reprise their characters in an extended, multicast audio that I would happily fund if I was extremely rich! Your Honor, I LOVE THEM ALL!!

Brit Benson has captivated my mind, body and soul all over again, bringing us the story of the heartbeat of The Hometown Heartless, Mabel Rossi!

Readers who love the following need to run to read The Temptation of Truth:
💙 Sapphic Romance
🩷 Queer Awakening
💙 Friends to Lovers
🩷 Opposites Attract
💙 Rockstar Romance
🩷 Forced Proximity
💙 Slow Burn
🩷 Cheating (with, not on and honestly, it’s justified)

Leaving her sheltered housewife life behind, Aurora joins the Hometown Heartless as a tutor for everyone’s favorite Boss, Brynnlee. She’s the all-knowing manager, Hammond’s niece and his only remaining family.

Mabel Rossi, despite being the drummer of the world’s most famous band, has managed to stay under the radar with details of her personal life and past kept under wraps. All that changes though, as her secret relationship comes to its final end and the truth about her past is uncovered.

Mabel has come to the forefront of this story, somewhat lonely as the rest of her bandmates having found their significant others and family outside of the band. Mabel needs her HEA and she finds it in the quiet storm that is Aurora Hammond (no Sinclair b/c, F**k that guy!)

The peace and comfort that these two bring to one another is something beautiful, as they each battle their own fear of inadequacy within the lives they are leading. Aurora is grieving the life she once had and the one she is currently living and Mabel is lamenting over the life she never had and now, so desperately wants. They share a love born from true friendship and a companionship that is sincere in all its truths and temptations.

The Hometown Heartless is real and I’m just going to pout until the official tour is announced because this series will never be over for me! The journey to HEA for these four, Sav, Torren, Jonah and Mabel has been hard fought and worth every single moment that has managed to illicit endless tears, laughter and most of all, hope that life can and will not just get better, but will thrive with the right attention and care (like Aurora’s orchid, Arthur).

Thank you to Brit Benson for always giving us the realistic relationships you can’t help but root for and love that is light, even in the darkest of times!

Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Rec✨
The Temptation of Truth by Brit Benson
Can be a tand-alone

1st person dual POV
Spice: 1.5/3🔥

This is hands down the best sapphic romance I’ve read so far. It is perfection. Their chemistry and tension is amazing. It’s a slow burn and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Brilliantly done. I absolutely loved this book and I’m equally so sad that this series is complete 😭😭😭.

What you’ll find:
- sapphic romance
- rockstar (drummer🔥)
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- awakening

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The Temptation of Truth* by Brit Benson
Hometown Heartless #4

Spice Level: 🌶🌶
Just a few scenes. The first two are between the MCs and their current partners. Chapters 25 + 29 are between the two FMCs.

I’m so sad this series is over, but on a happy note, we finally got Mabel’s story!

I was actually a little shocked at first that our other FMC wasn’t someone she knew. I’m not sure why, but I was thinking it would be someone from her past, a “one that got away” type story. Instead, her other half ends up being Ham’s niece (Ham is the band’s manager). She’s a 23-year-old woman currently married to a man, but joining the band on tour to be Brynn’s tutor. She’s naive, sheltered, and the very opposite of everything we know Mable to be. She has never flown on a plane, brings a plant with her, and wears sundresses and flats. Aka…she’s freaking adorable, and these two form an immediate connection that just works.

Now, at the start of the book, we think Aurora is in a happy marriage. She’s got a husband working towards a big promotion who seems to really love her, and they are trying to have a baby. When she is given this chance to join the band for the Australian leg of the tour, her husband isn’t thrilled, but he wants to support her. And at the start of the tour, we get their phone calls where he is waking up early to talk to her and being really sweet. However, little tidbits are being revealed along the way, and as the tour goes on, we start to realize Brady might not be as great as we think. Meanwhile, Mabel and Aurora are growing closer, and Aurora is learning who she is outside of her marriage. There are a few things in this book that won’t be for everyone, but the thing I’ve learned about Brit’s books is that while you might not love a breakup, or someone being with someone else as they work towards their HEA, she knows what she is doing when it comes to character writing. Sometimes, things are necessary for a story to show growth or stay true to one of the characters. I actually really loved what Mabel did for Aurora at the end of the story. What a beautifully selfless thing to do for someone else when she herself deserves to be selfish AF after all she’s been through in life.

Anyways…the spice, haha. It was there. But very minimal, and I didn’t give a single F that it was minimal, because I was so engrossed in the story. The first hookup didn’t come until 76%, and I didn’t even realize it was that far into the book because I was so invested in their story. Solid end to the Hometown Heartless.

Now for the important question…Brynn’s story is going to be with one Callie’s bandmates, right, @britbenson !?! Please say yes, haha.

Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the acknowledgments that Brit Benson wrote at the end of this story had me sobbing. As I write this review and reflect on this amazing story, I feel so many emotions. I so expected to cry during this book, but these two and all they were put through had me sobbing. This series is amazing. These characters feel like home. I know them and love them like I love my own family. Mabel has owned my heart since she attached herself and took care of my girl Sav! You may think Sav is the one to take care of all of them, but I think Mabel takes care of Sav. I have wanted, no I’ve needed Mabel’s happiness. And let me tell you, this was it and sooooo much more.

Aurora where did you come from? And thank god for you. Brit Benson wrote that Aurora was like “creating two separate characters, drawing a picture, getting it near finished, then erasing it entirely and starting over,” and this is exactly how I felt reading her. Aurora is soooo relatable and yet so unique. We have all gone though something and right when you feel like you can reach out and grab it, life throws a loop. I was like yes, happy ending, then I was like, rug pulled out and I yelled and screamed noooo! But I promise the journey to the happy ending was soooo rewarding and beautiful written.

Again, I write this review as someone who loves this series. I got into and fell hard for Brit Benson because of her Next Life duet. I ate those books up, I read them over and over. And when I saw the first book in this series I was like rockstar is not my thing. But I had to give Brit a chance. She throws so much emotion into her stories and this series was sooooo this and so much more.

I did not want to put this book down. When I was at work I was constantly thinking about the story, the characters and how I needed to read again asap. I didn’t know where the story was going, and I’m soooo glad it went the way it did. Joy, honest, raw, heartbreak, emotional and beautiful is how I describe this amazing story. My review does not at all do the justice to this masterpiece. Thank you Brit Benson for Mabel and Aurora but mostly for this fantastic, infinity stars series!!!

[Jenny Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review

The end of a Hometown Heartless Era is closing out with Mabel Rossi’s story and it is nothing short of an intense, emotional reckoning for all in its path. This is Brit Benson’s first sapphic romance; it is an emotional gauntlet in the landscape of rock and roll celebrity meets marital wrecking ball. Delivered in duet narration by way of Samantha Brentmoor (as Mabel), Emma Wilder (as Aurora) and Anthony Palmini (as Brady and as the cast of male characters).

This book takes on heavy themes and does it in a way that honors the vast spectrum that is womanhood. Children. Marriage. The spousal relationship after the mirage disappears. The insistence that it’s never too late to admit your truths. This story leans heavily into all of this in a way that is honest and consistent. Aurora is living a life she doesn’t recognize and is saturated in shades of grief. She’s young and resigned, and when an opportunity to join Hometown Heartless on tour by way of her uncle’s offering (he’s their tour manager by the way), she grabs it like a buoy.

Emma’s performance as Aurora is exquisite. What Emma does well is she gives Aurora a safe place to bloom and grow. The journey Aurora experiences is something many woman, in one way or another, experience in the gradients of truth and soul searching many of us have done in our early twenties. The emotional trajectory Emma portrays in her role as Aurora is painfully raw and profound; not simply in Aurora’s blossoming bisexuality but in her existence as a woman growing into her heart. Emma can deliver an inner monologue that feels philosophical and spiritual. Aurora very much resonates with my own personal philosophy — it’s never too late to discover your true self.

Case in point? Listen to chapter 13. A phone call from Australia to the United States is filled with a testimony of truth executed flawlessly by Emma, and her scene partner Anthony Palmini. The contrast from the beginning of the chapter to the end of it is layered with pain, relief, revival…and sweet, innocent curiosity.

Mabel Rossi is as rebellious and steady, intuitive and intelligent as Samantha Brentmoor’s performance is. You would be unable to convince me that this woman wasn’t Mabel — maybe because the rasp, the flirtation and wisdom in Samantha’s voice had me spellbound from her first line.

What Brit does so well with all of her Hometown Heartless bandmates is to give them such vastly different identities with the same common denominator: they are all tortured dreamers. Mabel is at her own crossroads — she’s in a secret relationship with a celebrity who is unwilling to admit it out loud, and she’s struggling with her own personal history.

Both Samantha and Emma give goddess tier performances. I found myself thinking that perhaps Mabel needed to be the final story in so many ways — and the way her bandmates have evolved over the years is the support system, true family, she needs for this season of her life. Samantha dedicates her performance to Mabel’s surety in her sexuality and her genuine care for Aurora in a way that is cautious and also consuming. Her performance is instrumental to the evolution of the entire plot line.

Here’s to love and family. In all its messy forms and its beautiful grace.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

The Temptation Of Truth is book 4 in the Hometown Heartless series, it can be read as a standalone. Although you'll get spoilers from the Next Life & previous Hometown Heartless books, I highly recommend reading them in order to maximize the effect of the books. This was such a beautiful way to end the series. I am so sad it's over and so sad these characters are gone. They will forever hold a place in my heart. I have loved every single book and this one is no surprise. It took me on another emotional journey, had my heart breaking into millions of pieces but then put back together like only Brit can do. She is a master of her craft, a wizard with words and her stories are all masterpieces. If you want to feel something while reading she's your girl!

Mabel, my gorgeous Mabel, I absolutely love this girl. She's such a little spitfire with such a beautiful heart. I loved getting her as the final I think it just closed everything perfectly. Aurora was the perfect match for her, they completed each other so well and respected one another in their relationship. It wasn't easy to get to their HEA, but it was both highly deserved! The journey was so beautiful, their stories as individuals and together absolutely had me in a chokehold.

Overall, I am broken and so sad that this series is over, these characters will forever hold a place in my heart. I can't wait to read more of Brit's books, she is a true wizard and I am obsessed!

🎧 The narration by Emma Wilder & Samantha Brentmoor was outstanding. They were perfect together. Their voices fit perfectly, the emotions they put in their performances were stellar and the spice was 🥵🥵 I absolutely adored listening to them, they brought Mabel & Aurora to life so well!!!

✨️ Thank you to @mustloveaudio & @britbenson for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Earlier this year I saw a TikTok for for wrath and redemption and was immediately sucked in. I sent it to two book besties (@vixen.bookaddict and @booked.up.with.emily ) know they were die hard and wanted their advise where to start. They told me for the best experience to read another series that interconnects with this…essentially making this one book 6. What did I get myself into?! I am so insanely glad I trusted my girls, as they never steer me wrong. I am NOT a rockstar romance girlie, or at least I wasn’t until I discovered @britbensonwritesbooks. I am absolutely obsessed with her writing and these characters, I couldn’t get through the books fast enough. Real, raw, emotional, heartwarming, devastating..a found family created through the chaos of these characters and the best family of rock stars you could have ever asked for. I didn’t realize how much I needed Mabel’s story until diving in but lord she is such a great character. I love who she is individually and who she is to her people. She deserved the HEA after constantly being the rock for everyone else. A total bad ass forever showing up for everyone despite the constant feelings she internalized of never being enough and always being left behind. This was literally the perfect ending to hometown heartless and though I’m so sad to see the series go, I feel like I got to see my family shine throughout these books and I’m giddy knowing they all got their happy ending.

I can not rave about this girl enough and can’t wait until the day I can fan girl in person to tell her how incredible she is. This series is an absolute requirement to your TBR going into 2026.

Thank you @theauthor.agency for the early audio, I adored it so much just like the rest of the series. ❤️

[Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read of the Hometown Heartless series and the first book I’ve read by Brit Benson. There were definitely a lot of moving parts, probably some references I missed from not knowing the stories of the other couples but I still enjoyed it. It made me have all of the emotions, I definitely teared up at times, I was constantly livid with Brady, I felt so sad for the guilt that Aurora was carrying and that she was part of such a manipulative and abusive relationship and I felt terrible that Mabel had been deceived for so long by Kat.

It took a bit to get into the book, probably adjusting to Brit’s way of writing, which is absolutely wonderful. I felt like Mabel and Aurora were definitely made for each other, they just needed the time to learn and grow, to be the best partner they can be. The ending, I felt, was very mature. We must know when to let go for a little bit, to secure a future.

I loved the dynamic between the couples that were already together from previous books and I loved that it was emphasized a lot that bodily autonomy was one of the pillars of their relationships and that they would have no problem leaving a relationship in which one tries to force the other into something they don’t want to do.

Read the content note and make sure that you’re okay with every topic on this book before reading.

Thank you to Brit Benson and The Author Agency for providing me with an eARC.

[Soph ⋆☾⋆ bookfinsta_shh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️ 2/5🌶️ 5/5🎧

MY FAVOURITE SERIES IS OVER 😭😭 AND I MISS THEM ALL ALREADY 😭😭

This book was so beautiful, and even if you don’t think sapphic romance is something you’d enjoy, I really think this story is something special. It has a strong message a lot of women can resonate with, and following Aurora along her journey of self discovery and finding her own worth was so moving, and I think a good reminder that the expectations placed on women to have kids aren’t for everyone. We all choose our own paths, and there’s peace in admitting what you really want in life rather than following others.

As always, Brit Benson delivered on the angsty romance whilst making me sob, but I think she might’ve written her most punchable man ever, and getting to see Mabel, Sav, and the girls tear into this poor excuse of a man had me kicking my feet giggling over him getting put in his place 😈

🎧 Duet Narration 🎧
Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Samantha Brentmoor, & Anthony Palmini

MY QUEENS 🙌🏼 Brit Benson literally never fails in getting the BEST narrators for her books, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when this one was announced, but god she’s outdone herself! I was fr screaming knowing I’d get to hear two audio goddesses eat these roles up. I can’t even imagine anyone else playing Mabel and Aurora better than they did, perfect casting! And Anthony Palmini voicing the male characters was brilliant too!

💜TYSM brit benson and must love audio for this ALC💜

🎸 Sapphic Romance
🌸 Friends to Lovers
🎸 Rockstar Romance
🌸 Forced Proximity
🎸 Opposites Attract
🌸 Queer Awakening
🎸 Slow Burn
🌸 Cheating (They cheat with each other, not on each other.)

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well damn - did not expect the emotional journey this one took me on.

First off, Brit has a way with her words and writing technique that just draws you in, has you feeling everything and never wanting to letting go of the story or the characters. This entire series lives within me and is one I will never forget.

Second, this book broke me in ways I had not anticipated. This is my first queer awakening book and I love every bit of it. I had zero idea of the tropes (I tend to go into alot of books blind or with very little info) so it was a big surprise, but one that felt so natural and authentic.

Getting Mabel's story as the final book in this series was the perfect ending. Aurora was the perfect match for her in so many ways. I loved how vulnerable these two with one another. There story isn't perfect and there is alot of heartbreak, but their journey is worth everything.

GAH!!! I loved everything about this story - the characters, their stories (individually and together), their journey to get to happiness and everything in between.

As I said earlier, this series will forever be a part of me. I have loved these characters wholly and I have enjoyed their stories with my whole heart.

[Alaine McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temptation of Truth- Brit Benson
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Emma Wilder, featuring Anthony Palmini

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

I’m literally obsessed with this entire series/world. I’m so sad it’s over but so happy have been able to experience it. It’s literally everything you can ask for in an angsty rockstar romance. TTOT is perfect. It drew out all of the emotions from me. I was literally on an airplane with my hood up, looking out the window as we flew over the clouds with tears streaming down my face. Mabel and Aurora are *everything* I can’t even put my thoughts into words as to how perfect this book was and how much everyone should read it, starting with Between Never and Forever, because trust me, you’re going to want the backstories of all the other characters and see their character growth from the very beginning. It’ll make how they are in this book make sense.

Sammy B and Emma were impeccable. This is honestly going to be top audio of the year for me because of their narration. I’m calling it now and it’s February. They were the perfect cast for Mabel and Aurora. I was also blown away with how Anthony was able to make each different male character sound like a completely different person voicing them.

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphic Romance
Friends to Lovers
Rockstar Romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Queer Awakening
Slow Burn
Found family
Cheating (with not on)
Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration - Emma Wilder & Samantha Brentmoor with supporting narrator Anthony Palmini

Fabulous narration. These narrators were perfect to perform these characters and their story.

Aurora is a young women who is married to her brothers best friend, but this is not in a good way as we learn throughout the story. She’s lost herself dealing with grief and loss, trying to do what she thinks she should be at her age. Finally getting a little freedom she learns a lot about herself and finds her way.

Mabel oh Mabel. She is the hot drummer of a very famous band and in a secret relationship with her girlfriend but not 100% happy about it. She wants the world to know who’s she’s with but the girlfriend is scared to come out to the public. Mabel also finds she’s having big feelings for a straight married women.

This book has layers , emotions, depth, strong relationships in the group, the writing just draws you in and you can’t stop listening.

[gettinglostINAbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“I’m thinking that I’ve tried on a lot of lives, Aurora Jade Hammond, but this one, with you, is my favorite.”

The Temptation of Truth by Brit Benson
The Hometown Heartless, book 4
Sapphic rockstar romance
Aurora & Mabel

Being back with my Hometown Heartless family felt like coming home. Savannah, Torren, Jonah, Mabel, the whole Caveat crew. Same world, but softer, more pink and definitely more plants. And feelings that quietly wrecked me in the best way.

Loved Aurora’s journey and watching her step away from control, from a life that kept her small, and slowly choose herself was so powerful and satisfying. Meeting Mabel, pink-haired drummer with a huge heart and an even bigger truth, changes everything for her, and I loved to see that. Mabel doesn’t just love her, she teaches her how to be honest with herself. Seeing Aurora want Mabel just as fiercely in return, watching their love unfold with tenderness and certainty, made my heart lift in a way only the best romances can manage.

Լ໐∨Ꭵ∩𝑔 𝘩𝚎г 𝘸Ꭵǀǀ г∪Ꭵ∩ 𝘮𝚢 ǀᎥ𝚏𝚎, ʙ∪𝘵 𝖨'𝘮 𝘵Ꭵг𝚎Ԁ ໐𝚏 ǀᎥ∨Ꭵ∩𝑔 𝚊 ǀᎥ𝚎.“

Mabel’s own growth moved me just as much. Letting go of a relationship that she didn’t deserve and discovering her roots was tender, vulnerable, and deeply human.

This book is so much more than a sapphic romance. It’s about friendship, self-discovery, and learning to take up space again. Rockstars, found family, soft angst, and a love that feels like sunlight after a long winter. Easily my favorite sapphic romance so far.

[Kandace Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️ so sad this series has come to an end but Mabel Rossi was everything! The perfect end cap to the Hometown Heartless series

The found family in this book alone was emotional and recharging to the fullest. From hearing Mabel’s story and getting all the details start to finish was beautiful. Then insert Aurora and her grief journey and finding her path into a new and true self was perfection. The empowerment Brit gives Aurora is top notch and typing this has my eyes watering. Brit has a way in her writing to truly bring her characters to life and has you feeling their feelings wholeheartedly!!

I loved the awakening Aurora experienced and I think her and Mabel’s love is something so many don’t get to experience in life. It’s true, raw, non-judgmental, full of love, support, and compassion. So beautiful!

Thank you Brit Benson for entrusting me with the ARC for my honest review! And thank you for these beautiful stories that I hope we get bits of in the future 🤞🏼

[Mellovesaudiobooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥁 The Temptation of Truth
Hometown Heartless • Book 4️⃣
By: Brit Benson

🎙️ Narrated By: Samantha Brentmoor & Emma Wilder, with Anthony Palmini

I had a soft spot for Mabel before, but after reading The Temptation of Truth, and Mabel narrated by Samantha Brentmoor, I fell even more in love with her. She was absolutely captivating. Adding Aurora, narrated by Emma Wilder, made it an even more beautiful edition. Not to mention our beloved past Hometown Heartless crew and the side character narration by Anthony Palmini.

Mabel exuded confidence in her performance, her style, the way she spoke, or even joking; you could feel the confidence, but in her relationship, she had doubts, and
those doubts led us to see a different side to Mabel, one that wasn’t sure of all she deserved. When Aurora joined the tour, they both helped each other understand their worth.

Aurora is a sweet and shy soul, so wrapped up in her marriage that a chance to tour with Hometown Heartless could be the perfect break she needed. Sadly, it only complicated things because Aurora found it tough to voice what she truly wanted.

I was so drawn to these two from the very start. The chemistry that radiates off Samantha Brentmoor and Emma Wilder’s voices as Mabel and Aurora was electrifying. The wish Mabel and Aurora had for each other and their genuine desire to pursue their dreams and not settle for those who don’t prioritize them was truly inspiring.

This story is so much more than a rockstar romance; it’s about discovering who you truly are. It explores different aspects of finding your path as a wife, daughter, friend, and your true self and it was beautiful to see so many happy endings!

🫶🏼 Thank You MLA for the opportunity to listen and review.