We don’t always get what we want in life. I’m resigned to not getting the man I’ve always dreamed of. The man I wish would call me his. For me it’s always been him. Reed. My Dad’s best friend. Yet when I start working for him things change. He doesn’t look at me like he used to. He looks at me with longing, with lust. He looks at me how I look at him. Could I really get everything I’ve ever wanted? Or will he deny me like everyone else in my life.
Reed
I’ve got everything I want in life. The job of dreams. Money. Women. So why does Bella suddenly make my life look empty unless she’s in it? It’s impossible, though. Nothing can happen. She’s my best friend's daughter.
Thank you so much F.R Burns for allowing me to ARC read this one I had the best time with Bella & Reed’s story 🥰
Now we know how much I loveee an older MMC and Reed hit all of the marks; he was protective, dominant & down right scorching hot and don’t even get me started on his authoritative side because you’ll see me turn into a puddle in real time 😮💨 The way that this man didn’t let anyone get between him and Bella was the hottest thing EVER like yes sir please stand up for your girl & let her know that no matter what she will be taken care of and that she is your everything, we love reassuring men over here 🤭
Not only did I love the relationship between these two but I adored how much Bella grew as a person during the story, she went from a shy girl who is afraid to upset her parents or rock the boat to a badass lady who knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to take it, like yes you absolutely queen you deserve the man of your dreams and you shouldn’t let others get in the way of that 👀 I absolutely loved Bella’s character and related to her in certain ways especially as her confidence grew and she allowed her true self to shine!
Overall, I had the best time reading this one and it had all of my favourites favourite things in one place; spice, an older man and a bratty badass queen - I am so happy that these two allowed themselves to be together and to experience the love that they deserve, I would ask Bella if she would be willing to share Reed but I fear he wouldn’t even look at anyone who isn’t Bella so i’ll just pretend that he’s mine 👀🥹
ARC Review Where do I even start with The Temptation by F.R. Burns? This novella completely swept me up and didn’t let go — the kind of spicy, swoon-worthy read that leaves you grinning long after the last page. Thank you so much, F.R. Burns, for the ARC opportunity — I’m genuinely grateful I got to read this early! this story follows Bella, a fresh college grad stepping into a new chapter of her life — and suddenly finding herself working closely with her dad’s best friend, Reed. There’s just so much forbidden energy in their dynamic: the age gap, the unspoken tension in every shared glance, the sharp chemistry that simmers even before it boils over. The tension is electric. What I loved most was how it managed to be both steamy and heartfelt. Yes — it’s spicy. Yes — it’s bold. But it also gives you moments where you genuinely care about these characters. But also, the spice!! It. Be. Spicing!!! Reed and his sinful mouth will have you panting! It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh, blush, and go “aww” all in one sitting. I genuinely can’t wait to see what the rest of this forbidden series holds! Huge thanks again to F.R. Burns for letting me read this ARC ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well, it took approximately 0.2 seconds for my kitty to wake up 🤣
F.R.Burns should honestly be arrested because making this dominant, sexy AF older man this sinfully filthy is a CRIME. I was fully prepared to reach into the book, drag him out by the collar, and keep him for myself.
REED is unfairly insatiable…like this man clearly has zero refractory period, unlimited stamina, and frankly, science needs to study him 🔥 He is quite literally obsessed!
Good thing he’s a keeper though, because Bella is permanently, irreversibly, spiritually ruined by this man and his truly monstrous manhood.🥵
This spicy, forbidden 153 page novella will have you sweating like you just ran a marathon and biting your nails while you wait to see how daddy dearest reacts to his daughter getting tangled up with his best friend 👀
Oh my, I have bought F.R. Burns first two books but I haven't read them yet due to arcs. I am forever grateful she gave me a spot on her arc team and now I finally read one of her amazing books and she completely blew me away.
This book is hot and sizzling. It has a 22 year old age gap between the characters and their chemistry is off the charts. If you love hot, smutty, age-gap, short and sizzling novella's then pick this one up. You won't be disappointed!
The book starts with Bella starting working at her father's and his best friend's company. She will shadow Reed, her father's best friend, and learn everything from him all in order to take over his job when he retires. But Bella is nervous, nervous because she has always liked Reed and has been drawn to him for years and years. He is the only one that ever made her heart jump and so far no one ever came close to him.
Reed on the other hand is expecting the young girl he saw years ago and is completely shocked when this hot, mature and strong woman enters his office. He is instantly drawn to her and cannot help by being physically drawn to her.
They instantly hit it off, but both try to keep it professional until....
If I didn't know better, I'd think she was attracted to me. But that would be insane, right? It would also be a recipe for disaster, because if I get even a hint of her being attracted to me as I am to her? My control will be non-existent.
And THAT ladies and gentlemen is what kicks off this hot, all consuming and brilliant novella. It's about two people who are on fire in each other's nearness. Who cannot control what they feel and how it bursts out of them.
I love how domineering and authoritative Reed is. It borders on being almost selfish. But it's all with Bella's complete consent and support. And because she never felt forced I could enjoy that side of him.
I also loved Bella and her group of friends. They were so fun and all over the place in a good way. I love how she tells Reed, no I need my girl time sometimes, suck it up and don't bother me when I am with them. I love how feisty, spirited and joyful she is. How she comes out of her shell and becomes one hell of a woman.
F. R. Burns continues to prove why she’s an auto-buy author for me. Her stories are addictive, her trope choices always hit just right, and *My Temptation* delivered exactly what I crave in a steamy, fast-paced read. Even the bold pink cover feels unforgettable—perfectly matching the intensity of the characters inside.
Reed is the ultimate silver-fox hero: confident, successful, and dangerously tempting. As the longtime best friend of Bella’s father and the owner of a production company, he knows he should keep things professional when Bella comes to work for him. The problem? The girl he once knew is gone, replaced by a grown woman who immediately turns his world upside down. From their first interaction, the attraction is undeniable, and Reed struggles between doing the “right” thing and wanting her far too much.
Bella has spent years quietly longing for Reed, and now that she’s in her twenties and working closely with him, those feelings are impossible to ignore. She’s ambitious, bold, and done living under her parents’ expectations. When a business trip puts them in close quarters, the tension finally snaps—and once it does, there’s no going back.
If age-gap romances and forbidden dynamics are your weakness, this book will absolutely work for you. The chemistry is explosive, the emotional connection forms quickly, and the passion burns hot from start to finish. Reed’s possessiveness, devotion, and refusal to hide their relationship—even if it costs him his friendship with her father—made him impossible not to swoon over. When he chooses Bella, he chooses her without hesitation, every single time.
Beyond the romance, Bella’s friend group adds humor and personality that balance the heat perfectly. Their chaotic group chats and unwavering support brought plenty of laughs and made Bella’s journey toward independence even more enjoyable.
Short, spicy, and completely consuming, *My Temptation* is the kind of novella that lingers in your head long after you finish. If you love forbidden love, intense attraction, and an older MMC who knows exactly what he wants, this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
I devoured this novella in one sitting and spent the entire time kicking my feet like a teenager with a crush. Reed and Bella’s dynamic is the exact kind of forbidden tension that makes my brain short‑circuit in the best way.
Bella is all soft curiosity and quiet bravery, she’s sweet without being naïve, open without being reckless. And then there’s Reed… her father’s best friend, his business partner, twenty‑three years older, and absolutely incapable of keeping his hands off her once he starts. The man weaponizes his voice and ability to talk dirty. Every line out of him is a low, rough command or a filthy promise, and Bella melts for it. Honestly, so did I.
The tension between them is unreal. It’s that slow, charged kind of heat where every glance feels like a touch and every touch feels like a line crossed. Reed tries so hard to keep his distance because he knows he shouldn’t want her, knows exactly what it would cost, but the second Bella looks at him like he hung the moon, he’s done for. And when he finally gives in there are sparks everywhere.
I really loved how this novella balanced the taboo with genuine emotion. Reed isn’t just older, he’s protective, steady, and absolutely undone by this girl he was never supposed to want. And Bella isn’t just curious, she’s choosing him with her whole heart, even when it terrifies her. Their chemistry is explosive, but their connection is what makes it addictive.
This book is just for you if you love age gaps, father’s best friend tension, filthy‑mouthed, morally gray men, and sweet FMC’s who surprise you. This may be short novella but it sure packs a spicy, emotional punch.
A huge thanks to F.R. Burns for the early copy! Can’t wait for Ava’s book next.
My Temptation by @frburnsauthor Release Date: 30th Jan 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
- REVIEW -
If slow burn romances are your thing, this book probably isn’t for you. But if you’re like me and live for insta-lust, fast-paced novellas with a shit ton of spice, then Temptation is absolutely your kind of read.
From the very first interaction, Reed and Bella’s chemistry is immediate, intense, and impossible to ignore. There’s no easing into it here. This story jumps straight into heat, and it does not let up. Their relationship was hot, hot, hot… and dirty.
And Reed?
The mouth on that man should honestly come with a warning label. The dirty talk alone had me giggling. He’s confident, bold, and completely unapologetic about wanting Bella and it makes every scene between them even more explosive.
What takes this to the next level is the forbidden element: Reed is her father’s best friend. That layer of taboo adds so much delicious tension to the dynamic, and it kept me hooked the entire time. The risk, the secrecy, the temptation (😉). It all works so well in such a short, punchy format.
This is the perfect novella if you’re in the mood for something quick and filthy.
And honestly? After finishing this, I am so excited for Ava’s book next. If this is any indication of what’s coming, I cannot wait to dive into her story.
F. R. has become one of my absolute favorite authors. Her books are captivating but I love the tropes she chooses for her stories. My Temptation was just that, another MUST read. I am so blessed and thankful she trusted me with her baby to beta read. I was immediately drawn to the story and characters. This will be one of three in The Forbidden Series. This HOT pink cover keep you remembering these amazing characters.
Reed-MMC and best friends with the FMC's father. He owns a production company and Bella (FMC) will be taking a job there under his wing. The moment Reed see's her, he is instantly drawn to her beauty and that she is no longer the teenage girl he once knew. She is all woman and he is extremely attracted to her.
Bella-FMC and works under Reed. They spend a lot of time together and during a business trip these two finally let their feelings show. Bella is in her 20s and VERY attracted to Reed. She has been for years.
Overall, if you enjoy age gap and a quick read, I HIGHLY recommend this book. The chemistry these characters bring to the table and the instant love they grow makes for an amazing story. They have been living rent free in my mind for months now and I can't get enough about sharing them. ADD TO YOUR TBR!!!!
The anticipation was real waiting for this book to drop into my inbox!
This book follows Bella & Reed. Bella has been crushing on Reed for as long as she can remember. She is starting a new job at her father's & Reeds company. Reed didn't think about Bella much, just that she was her best friends daughter. When she turns up at work for her first day, well, let's just say he notices her 🤭
"You cannot f*ck your bestfriends daughter, Reed' 🫣
Both of them are dancing around this attraction they have for eachother, Bella was Reed to see her as a grown women and not a little girl from when he last saw her.
On a work trip to San Francisco, Bella bumps into an old college friend, he invites her out with some friends. She is looking fabulous and Reed can take his eyes of her! He stalks to the club and finally claims her!
When the spice hits omg, it is fire! Had to fan myself a little 🤭 this book has made me absolutely feral! If your looking for slow burn you've come to the wrong place! Its spicy, hot and fast paced. This book is everything!!
I absolutely adore Bellas friendship group, how they all rally around eachother, the closeness is amazing! Im so happy she has that. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!!
The problem is, that the more time I spend with her, the more I’m starting to realize that this is not just some passing fascination. My attraction, my feelings, my absolute need for Bella, could in fact be real.
“Don’t play with me, baby girl.” “We’re not playing, Reed. Remember? We can’t be anything. You don’t get to call me ‘baby’, but, maybe I’ll meet someone tonight who can.”
“Oh, baby girl. It might have taken me longer to get here than you, but I’m all in. I told you once I started this that I wouldn’t be able to stop. I’ll never get enough of you, Bella. Do you understand? You’re mine now, and I’m never letting you go.”
Hot damn!! Bella and Reed are burning up the pages in their book! These two do not mess around! They start getting it on within the first couple of chapters and don’t lighten up at all throughout this book, and I am not complaining one bit! It’s a fast paced, fun and oh so sexy novella! I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!
Tropes: Age Gap Possessive MMC Virgin FMC Insta Lust Dad’s Best Friend Novella
Thank you F.R Burns for the amazing opportunity to Beta read and then obviously I downloaded the ARC and read that too because I am DOWN WAY BAD for these MCs‼️
This is the PERFECT book for any Age Gap lover, and when you throw in that the MMC is Best Friends with the FMC dad, yeah that had me hooked!
Bella wanted Reed her whole life, crushing on him from afar, and when they started working together and she realized he had feelings for her too? All bets were off, she went for it, and then he went for her‼️
The love, the passion and lust that these two share could set the world on fire! The way Reed Claimed not only her body but her heart and didn’t want to hide their relationship even if it meant losing the friendship of her father didn’t even phase him, because he would choose her EVERY TIME!
This book was such a passionate love story of a forbidden romance that just left you wanting more! I am so excited to see what’s next…
Tropes: 🍍Age Gap 🩷He’s her fathers best friend 🍍V!rgin FMC 🩷Forbidden 🍍Workplace Romance 🩷Spicy AF
Oh my God, I loved this novella. My Temptation was devoured in one sitting and had me laughing out loud more than once.
F.R. Burns has officially made the age gap trope one of my favorites, because the way she writes it just works every single time. Bella and Reed are everything I love in a forbidden romance: father’s best friend, business partner, and absolutely off limits. The tension was so good and the forbidden vibes were perfect.
Bella was such a fun FMC. She was confident, witty, and impossible not to love. Reed I really liked, but I will be honest. By the very end he got a little too intense and bossy for my taste. Just a tiny bit. Enough to notice, not enough to ruin the story.
And the spice. Oh my God. There was a lot of it and it was really, really good. Exactly the kind of spice I love in a novella.
Funny, forbidden, spicy, and addictive. F.R. Burns did it again and I absolutely ate this up.
Bella lands a job at her dad’s company, only to find herself working closely with Reed—her father’s best friend and longtime colleague. Reed has known Bella her entire life, but years have passed since he last saw her, and she’s no longer the girl he remembers.
Reed dreads the idea of her working under him… until he sees her. The attraction is instant, intense, and completely wrong. He knows the risks, the consequences—and that he should walk away. But once Bella is back in his life, Reed realizes resisting her may be impossible.
This book had me fluttering in places I didn’t even know could flutter. It’s spicy as hell, and I absolutely loved every second of it. Featuring an age-gap romance with a domineering, irresistibly sexy older man, it delivers on all fronts.
Even though it’s a short read at 153 pages, it packs in a surprising amount of story—and a whole lot of spice. Perfect if you want something quick, intense, and unapologetically hot.
FMC: Bella, freshly out of college and going to work at her dad’s company with her dad’s friend (as her boss) named Reed. Bella is also a virgin who is controlled in every aspect of her life by her parents. She wants to prove to them that she is no longer a little girl, but rather an adult. And she exceeds at her job.
MMC: Reed, co owner of G.R. Productions, working along aside of Bellas dad. The one that no one wants to cross. Basically a hard ass to the employees and also a grump. But we also love a man that knows that he wants….
They are a masterpiece. And I love the character development of both of them throughout the story- together and individually.
The story was great and I can’t wait to read the other books when they come out!
Thank you for the ARC opportunity @frburnsauthor - Reed is literally 👌, he is an absolute Daddy!!!
Need a novella that is super sweet, super spicy with a great workplace romance plot too. If so My Temptation is the one for you!!! It’s cold here in the UK but @frburnsauthor added a whole lot of heat here.
Reed is the perfect dad’s best friend character- he has a filthy mouth, is obsessive and possessive, oh and he surfs too!! He is the dream!!! I adored Bella too; super sweet and trying to step out of some slightly controlling parents. We love a girl gang who support the FMC and hers is fab.
This is a novella but the workplace romance plot is detailed and explored with some 🌶️ thrown in to. The perfect smutty palette cleanser and I loved it!!! I can’t wait for Ava’s story now @frburnsauthor
My Temptation is such a great time! When I say these characters have INSTANT chemistry, I mean it! I love F.R.'s writing because somehow she manages to create such great stories while keeping them fast paced and HOT! 🥵
Bella is such a vibe and she knows EXACTLY who and what she wants! I love her character and how grown she is for her young 21 years of age!
Then Reed, whew this man is dominant and bossy in all the right ways. I couldn't get enough of his obsession for the FMC, and his dedication is everything!
These characters give that forbidden dynamic and their chemistry is perfect! 🤌🏼 I literally couldn't put this down!
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in this new series!
This is an ARC review I am leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
This book tells the story of a forbidden relationship where Bella falls in love with her father’s best friend. The theme is always deliciously provocative, raising moral questions about right and wrong.
Bella and Reed are compelling characters within this taboo setup, and following their journey felt natural and engaging. Naturally, once the relationship is exposed, tensions rise between the longtime friends.
The book is a quick read, and if you’re looking for a slow burn with minimal smut, this might not be the best choice. I recommend it if you’re craving a fast escape into the heat of a forbidden romance—one that ultimately delivers a happy ending for everyone involved.
This is my honest opinion. I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a great read. Reed is Bella's boss...and her father's best friend. She has had a crush on him forever but hasn't seen him for a few years, only to find her crush hasn't changed. Reed isn't looking forward to Bella working with him until he sees her for the first time in years. She's no longer the little girl he remembers but a woman he wants. Thankfully, Reed wasn't overly involved with Bella when she was a child and there is no Daddy talk. I love that they stand by each other when others object and I love Bella's relationship with her friends. I received a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
Wow! I devoured this book, what a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down.
Reed & Bella are explosive, inevitable, and soulmates. Their chemistry is out of this world.
Reed is obsessed and he is not afraid to show it, after he finally snapped it was like a light switch from keeping his distance to not wanting to be apart for a day. This man is dreamy, perfect, and my next book boyfriend.
Bella is a ray of sunshine, she is so relatable, that she could be my bestie easily. She is strong, determined, and takes what she wants.
The book is a perfect combination of romance, spice, and amazing characters. I loved every minute while I was reading this book. It's a must add to your TBR!
I finished this in one setting! So yeah, its safe to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!! You will too and if you enjoy a filthy talking, daddy style MMC 🔥
Also, Bella's friends in this book...😆😆😆😆😆 I think its rare to find a bunch of people that TRULY have your back and I thats why I adore these relationships so much.
I really can't wait to dive into one of thier stories next.
✨️ COMING JANUARY 30TH 2026 ✨️
Tropes:
🩷 Dual POV 🩷 Age gap 🩷 Forbidden romance (Dad’s best friend!) 🩷 Possessive MMC 🩷 Virgin FMC 🩷 Insta lust 🩷 Praise kink 🩷 C*ck warming
If you are looking for a short and spicy read, then look no further! Bella and Reed's story is downright filthy and I am here for it!
Age gap Workplace romance Dad's best friend Spicy AF
When Bella starts to work at her father's company, she is tasked with shadowing Reed, her father's best friend. Reed wanted nothing to do with this pairing, but then he sees the girl turned woman, and he is completely enthralled with her.
These two are absolute soulmates, and their love story is fun and flirty and spicy AF!
This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last! This is a quick age gap nouvella. Bella fresh out out college, having to work at her dad's company, learning the job under her dad's partner, and his handsome best friend Reed. It is one of best tropes, forbidden with added tension. Love that there is no third act break up, it's a book solely concentrated on their relationship. Which I loved. For a quick read it is not missing spice.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review your book.
Bella is fresh out of college when he lands herself a job working with her dad’s best friend, Reed. Reed is a protective, obsessed and authoritative MMC who will not let anything get in his way when it comes to Bella.
The attraction and chemistry is there from the start with these two.
I loved how Bella grew and changed as a person throughout the novella. She started as a shy young girl and was a strong badass women by
This forbidden, age-gap romance was just fantastic. I loved every second of it and couldn’t put it down!
Devoured in one sitting. His mouth is next level filth in the best way. Not a slow burn by any means. Lots of sweet, cute, funny, very steamy and pineapple filled moments (IYKYK). Bella and Reed should absolutely not work yet they are made for each other. He is possessive and dominant and she is confident and bratty. A new author I'll be adding to my TBR for sure.
I Alpha read this and Reed Burke is my number one Burns MMC.
This was a quick and spicy novella with everything I love from Burns. Reed Burke was the hot older man that Bella might have been crushing on growing up 😏. He wanted to do the right thing but man Bella made it hard for him. He was so sweet on her with all the little things he would do. This man and his mouth and his unquenchable appetite. He was so possessive and loved all up on her.
Bella was determined to break away from her parents to be her own person and to get what she wanted. Her girl squad was a total hit they were entertaining and had me laughing anytime they came got together or their anything goes group chats popped up. He is like the unofficial older brother protector to the friends too. I was here for it all.
Big age gap boss and FMC virgin. One of my tropes that i would not miss and glad i did not hesitate to read this ARC. First book in this author but damn i need to recover from this. I need this book again and again.. it did not disappoint and it really shows their chemistry. Daddy Reed is so hot.
Hoping for next story..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶❤️ ARC review and this is my h Bella and Reed's story was so hot & sexy. We have obsessed possessive MMC , with a dirty mouth. Dad's best friend, age gap, virgin fmc, breeding kink and my favourite cock warming. Dont be fooled by this novella it packs a punch. You will love these two and they deserve their HEA. The epilogue was so sweet too.