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Tempting Dreams: A Steamy Small-Town Forced Proximity Romance

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When a pipe in Angela’s shop bursts, Hudson rushes to help—only to find her in lingerie, igniting a spark that neither of them can ignore.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Lea Coll

99 books895 followers
Lea Coll is a USA Today bestselling author who writes sweet and sexy happily ever afters. She worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

She grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her family.
For new releases, sneak peaks, and updates check out Lea's website and sign up for my newsletter.
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Lea Coll ist eine Bestsellerautorin von sexy Liebesromanen mit Happy-End-Garantie. Sie arbeitete über zehn Jahre lang als Prozessanwältin. Inzwischen lebt sie mit ihrer Familie in den USA und genießt nach Jahren als Juristin die Freiheit, sich völlig dem Schreiben widmen zu können. Lea Colls prickelnde Geschichten entstehen, während sie sich um die Aktivitäten ihrer drei Kinder und deren Snacks kümmert.

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5 stars
19 (61%)
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12 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,896 reviews51 followers
March 7, 2026
Angela is a devoted single mom just trying to follow her dream of owning her own business and building a nest egg for her and her daughter. Thanks to her less than supportive parents and flakey ex, Angela has become fiercely independent and determined to make it on her own without asking for help. Unfortunately, a flood in her newly opened lingerie shop threatens to wipe out her dream before it has a chance to take hold. It also makes the apartment above it, where she and her daughter live, inhabitable.

Hudson, a plumber and contractor hired by the owners of building shows up to help when Angela needs it. Not only does he help with the shop, he gives Angela and her daughter, Ayla, a place to stay until the plumbing is repaired in the building. Hudson is very aware of the Angela’s beauty after inadvertently seeing her in some of the lingerie she sells. He wants to help the single mom out once he realizes that her finances are tight, though he never expects to fall for her and her sweet daughter.

I enjoy the gradual change in their relationship from strangers, to friends and then to lovers. Angela is slow to trust, but Hudson is patient and persistent. He has never felt this way for any other woman and knows he wants both Angela and Ayla in his future. I love the way he tries to make the holidays special for mother and daughter. His family certainly welcomes them both and encourages Hudson to tread carefully while he works on claiming them for his own. Angela gets a chance to see how a community and family can be supportive when things get tough. Not everyone leaves, tries to take control or stands on the sidelines while she does all the work. Hudson’s interactions with Ayla only make him even more irresistible to Angela, especially given her ex’s less than stellar demeanor with her.

This heartwarming, charming and uplifting book has my heartfelt recommendation.
Profile Image for Lisa Broadman.
183 reviews
February 28, 2026
This is a 4.5 for me.

This is the third story in the series and is the story of Hudson and Angela. Angela is a new business owner in town and opening a lingerie store that has a terrible flood which is how she meets plumber, Hudson. Hudson comes to the store to help with a flood and ends up forced into allowing her to move into the home that he is considering renting out.

While the story seems like a bit of a slow burn it has a good pace and kept my attention the whole time. It felt natural. The last thing either of them is looking for is a relationship yet they each can’t seem to stop thinking of one another. They try to stay away but between his fixing her shop and her living in his rental property and then Ayla inviting him over, they spend more time together than either had anticipated.

Angela is sweet, brave, strong and fierce. Hudson is protective, kind and patient. The chemistry is strong but so is the budding friendship. They are very easy to root for!

I love Hudson’s family and how accepting they are of Angela and Ayla. He brothers are too cute with her. Ayla worms her way into not only Hudson’s heart but also his family’s. I also love the community of women business owners that rally around each other and want nothing but success and good things for one another. Seeing them stand by Angela’s side when she has previously had no one was really satisfying.

I really liked this story. It was such an easy read that I didn’t want to put it down. Truly a feel good story with good people and good things for our main characters.

Looking forward to Maverick and Belle next!
2,571 reviews41 followers
February 28, 2026
Angela McCallister has been working hard to make her boutique, Tempting Dreams, a success in Christmas Town. Divorced and with primary custody of her ten-year-old daughter, Ayyla, she is just beginning to hope that the Christmas holiday will bring a boost in business. While trying on some of her new lingerie, her shop suffers a burst waterpipe. She contacts the owner of the store and local contractor Hudson Sterling who arrives to survey the damage. Unfortunately, Hunter arrived before she was able to change. Hunter has not met the owner, but certainly sees more than he expected to see of her. For now, living above the shop is out of the question and Hunter agrees for her to stay in his former home. As he spends time removing flooring to install new pipes, he begins to enjoy time spent with Angela and her daughter. One of the other store owners has strongly objected to her store as being unfit for their town and is hoping that her lease will not be renewed. When he goes out of his way to embarrass her, will the owner decide not to renew her lease? Meantime, Hudson has found himself thinking way too much about Angela. He admires her devotion to Ayla and wanting to make a good life for her. If their attraction progresses, as he hopes, to something more permanent, is there a chance for him in their lives? Such a lovely, heartfelt romance with a town and residents who take care of their own. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
561 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2026
In this small town romance, we meet Hudson and Angela. Hudson is the plumbing contractor called in when Angela's shop floods due to a broken pipe. What he doesn't expect is to find Angela trying to turn off the building's main water valve dressed in nothing more than lingerie. Angela, owner of a new lingerie shop is both embarrassed and flustered when Hudson comes to help with the burst pipe. This chance meeting will lead to so much more.

Both Hudson and Angela are mature characters, content in their lives. They don't know how much better life can be with a loving partner. Hudson embraces everything that comes with Angela's life, including her daughter. While reluctant to welcome Hudson into her life and possibly upset the bubble she and her daughter live in, Angela slowly begins to see how much he can add to every day.

I loved Hudson's quiet determination to win over Angela and her daughter. He sees how wonderful, independent and hard-working Angela is and falls in love with all of it. Angela is fiercely independent, sometimes to her own detriment. I liked her willingness to learn to ask for help and to welcome not only Hudson but others into her life. Together they are a great couple.

Four stars.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,112 reviews67 followers
March 9, 2026
I love being back in Christmas Town and especially with the Sterling brothers. Tempting Dreams is Hudson and Angela's journey to love. This story will pull you in with its beautifully written storyline and characters who are so easily relatable. From the laughs and lustful looks to the spicy, set the pages on fire scenes, this book is one that you do not want to miss.

Angela, a single mom trying to run her lingerie business, and Hudson, a Sterling brother who has you swooning over everything he does, are perfect for one another. When Angela needs help because the pipes burst in her store, Hudson is her knight in shining armor. The sparks that happen are instantaneously, and the fire between them builds with every interaction. The attraction and the final explosion is slow but well worth it. Then you add in her lovable daughter, Ayla, who just so happens to have Hudson and his whole family wrapped around her finger, and this book is spectacular.

Ms. Coll doesn't just give us a love story; she delivers one filled with tense situations, twists and turns, true friendship, and found family.
722 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2026
Hudson has it all - a solid plumbing business as part of his contracting business, a big extended family that has his back, investments and his own home. But he is lonely and knows he wants to find someone special. Single mom Angela is trying to build her dream - her own lingerie shop in a Christmas-themed shopping area. She wants something more for her daughter Ayla, who already has a largely absent dad. But she too is a bit lonely, trying to build a network of friends while growing her business. When a pipe bursts in Angela’s shop and Hudson walks in on her trying to fix it in lingerie she had been trying on, he is intrigued. As they get closer, can Hudson prove she can trust him and he wants a life that involves both Angela and Ayla? I really liked both characters in this book - they work hard to build a better life for themselves but want someone to share it with.

I have read the other books in this series and liked them a lot. This would work as a stand alone though.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,208 reviews73 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 25, 2026
My blood burned at the actions of one bitter, judgmental person. Yours will too. Ooooh, that person got to me! But I can confirm that the person is also dealt with swiftly. The takedown is good, and I’m willing to bet it’s not the final step in the journey toward someone getting the Grinch treatment for their heart. The communication and immediate “I have to explain, please hear me” is perfect. The willingness to listen is just as wonderful, even with the obvious hurt and humiliation that also have a seat at the table.

Even with all of that, this is an incredible ride from trying to stay away from someone to needing them more than your next breath. The offerings of family for a woman who needs it, the camaraderie of friendships Angela didn’t expect to find, and the love of a truly good man named Hudson all make this nearly impossible to not adore.

And now….I need Belle’s story. There’s a lot of groveling in someone’s future and I can’t wait for him to begin down that path.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,521 reviews56 followers
February 26, 2026
Angela and Hudson have seen each other around town, but when a pipe burst in her shop, he called to expect the damage. What he did not anticipate is seeing her in the lingerie she sells. But he knows better than lusting for a beautiful single mom. But when he's (kinda) coursed to offer her a place to stay, feelings start to wake up and soon staying away is proving to be impossible.

And when someone decides to take matters into their own hands and drive Angela away, Hudson is determined to show her that she has a place to stay and that's safe in his arms.

I loved this story - it was fun, fast paced and I loved the way the whole town stood by her side when things seemed to go wrong for her.

I can not wait to see how Maverick and Belle find their way back to each other.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
344 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2026
Angela, a single mom, is a new business owner on Candy Cane Lane, hoping selling her lingerie will become a profitable venture. Right before the busiest Christmas rush the water pipe breaks and floods the shop. Grumpy Hunter Sterling, is called to repair the damage, neither are prepared for the instant attraction, and when he sees Angela wearing a sexy teddy during a photo shoot, he's done. To add to it she needs a place to stay while work on the shop is going on and he offers to let her stay in his vacant house. He finds he is enjoying being with her and 10 year old Ayla. Angela, not only has to figure out the business, one the men who owns a store wants her gone, he says her shop does not fit Christmas Town. I loved the story between Hunter, Angela and Ayla, moving toward being a family and the other characters standing behind Angela. I've enjoyed the Sterling Brother Series and look forward to Maverick and Belle's story.
1,351 reviews
March 3, 2026
Tempting Dreams is the third book in this series. Angela has a lingerie store in Christmas Town. One night while she's trying on a new set of lingerie, the water pipe bursts. She doesn't know what to do to shut off the water. Hudson is the contractor for the plumbing and goes to help her. He's surprised by her state of dress - or undress. He manages to get the water shut off. But she can't stay with her daughter in the apartment above the store without water. Hudson offers his house that he's been planning on renting. He has a protective feeling toward Angela and Ayla and wants to show them what it's like to have someone take care of them. The Sterling family sees that Hudson is getting feelings for Angela and Ayla. They are getting feelings, too. As they spend time together, they begin to feel like a real family. I liked this story and how the Sterling family accepted Angela an Ayla. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,641 reviews136 followers
March 1, 2026
Tempting Dreams is single mum Angela McCallister and Hudson Sterling’s heartwarming romance set in Christmas Town. It’s book three in The Sterling Brothers and it’s a beautifully written holiday romance that’s movies are made from.
Angela is desperate for her lingerie boutique to be a success but when a pipe bursts its seems her hopes could be dashed until contractor Hudson walks into her life. What follows is a heartwarming and entertaining romance as Hudson spends time with Angela and her daughter Ayla.
This is a story about finding love when you least expect it, it’s about trust and honesty and I loved everything about this book. I fell hard and fast for Hudson and I adored Angela but it was Ayla that stole my heart.
Profile Image for Sharing My Book Boyfriends.
1,394 reviews17 followers
March 3, 2026
A heartwarming single mom story! Angela is a single mom to ten year old Ayla and struggling to run her lingerie shop, despite the harsh criticism from a fellow business owner. The last thing she needs is a burst pipe, forcing her to temporarily close her shop. When Hudson comes to check out the damage he gets quite the surprise. Angela had been trying on lingerie when the pipe burst. As much as he tries to forget seeing Angela like that, it's suddenly all he thinks about. He also quickly finds himself wanting to spend time with her daughter too. Is Hudson too good to be true, or are Angela's dreams finally coming true? I am definitely loving all these characters in this charming town, and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Theresa Natole.
1,242 reviews21 followers
March 10, 2026
Hudson is the perfect guy for Angela and Ayla. He is caring, loving, supportive, and a partner. Something she didn’t have with her ex. Hudson knew Ayla was part of Angela and treated her as such. He included her when they went out, read her bedtime stories, even built a snowman with her. He was more of a father to her than her own biological one.
Angela started having feelings for Hudson but was afraid. Because of her ex she didn’t trust easily. Now more that ever it wasn’t only about herself. She had to put Ayla first.
Hudson knew it would take time for her to realize what they has was long lasting. He wasn’t going anywhere. He would give her all the time she needed. She and Ayla were it for him. Together they made a perfect family.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
March 11, 2026
Since her divorce Angela has been focused on her daughter Ayla and working to ensure the success of her business. When a plumbing issue results in her being temporarily homeless she never expected that the plumber would be the one to not only help her with her business but reigniting her belief in love as well.

Hudson’s first meeting with Angela is memorable and left him with an image he can’t forget. He wants to help Angela and Ayla but the more time he spends with her the more he realizes that he can’t see a future with them in it as he shows her what love and family really means.

This is a heartwarming story that is filled with romance and all the feels and the way that Hudson and the rest of his family embraced Angela and Ayla will touch your heart.
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,378 reviews18 followers
February 27, 2026
Hudson is the local plumber extrodinare, Angela is a single mom with a young daughter a new business selling lingerie. Unfortunately now she is also in need of Hudson's services as her business is flooding and she's in nothing but her underwear.
It's a great beginning. The story is a bit of a slow burn but its not necessarily a slow paced romance either. It's fun and full of friendship. The whole community is their to support this romance, this couple, this new part of their family.
I have voluntarily left this review.
1,316 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2026
Angela is building a future with Tempting Dreams, but not everyone is happy about it. Things take a turn for the worse when a pipe bursts flooding her shop. Enter Hudson to the rescue. There’s chemistry for sure, but this single mom has some pretty strong walls built around her heart. Loved the interactions between Hudson, his brothers and sweet Ayla. And Angela and the other women of Christmas Town really pull together for each other!! Dreams do come true…just not always how you expected!
3,189 reviews
March 10, 2026
I have a soft spot for single mom who find their forever and this newest release did not disappoint. The third book in the small town Sterling Brothers series brings Hudson and Angela story to life. Their story started off with an awkward yet steamy moment as she finds herself in need of his service. As their life gets more intertwined and their attraction heats up so does the chance at forever. Will this small town bring everything that they deserve for Angela and her daughter Ayla? One click to find out in this enjoyable and swoon worthy romance must read!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,300 reviews61 followers
March 11, 2026
Spice, heart, and small-town swoon – Tempting Dreams delivers it all.

Lea Coll turns up both the heat and the heart in Tempting Dreams, the third book in the The Sterling Brothers series — and honestly, this one had me hooked from the very first page.

Set against that irresistible small-town backdrop we all crave, this story is packed with emotion, tension, and the kind of chemistry that makes you fan yourself one minute and clutch your chest the next.

I will never say no to a single-mom romance, and Angela is exactly why. She’s strong, resilient, and fiercely devoted, even when life keeps throwing challenges her way. There’s a quiet power to her — the kind that doesn’t shout but stands firm — and watching her navigate love while protecting her heart had me fully invested.

And then there’s Hudson… oh, Hudson. He doesn’t just walk into the story — he claims it. Protective, patient, and utterly swoon-worthy, he slowly works his way past Angela’s walls in a way that feels authentic and deeply emotional. The chemistry between them? Spinetingling. The emotional depth? Completely absorbing.

With twists and turns that keep you turning the pages and a hard-earned HEA that will have you sighing in contentment, Tempting Dreams is another unforgettable addition to this series.

If you love:
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Single mom heroine
✨ Protective hero
✨ Emotional depth with high heat
✨ A satisfying, well-deserved HEA

Then this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.
Profile Image for LLS.
934 reviews23 followers
March 4, 2026
A great addition to this series! Angela is a single mom who is trying to make her business a success. When a pipe burst in her lingerie shop, Hudson answers the call. Angela had serious walls built up and Hudson knew it was going to be tough to show her that it was okay to lean on others. Loved being back in Christmas Town. Such a wonderful setting for the Sterling Brothers' stories. Really enjoyed reading their journey to happiness. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,337 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 2, 2026
Loved this slow burn sooo much! This was a sweet slow burn that was so worth the wait. Angela is a single mother who owns a lingerie store. She’s a hard worker who is doing the best she can for her and her adorable daughter. When her shop floods, Hudson comes to her rescue. The last thing he expects when he received a call about busted pipes was to not only see her standing in the middle of her shop in lingerie…but to fall head over heels for her and her daughter. As he works on getting her shop back to order these two get to know each other…and sparks go flying. Because these two have an undeniable pull and crazy chemistry. This is a sweet story with adorable moments and I truly enjoyed it. This was a well layered read that was a perfect addition to this amazing series. I’m already looking forward to seeing what is coming next.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,954 reviews25 followers
February 27, 2026
This was a good book. I liked Hudson and Angela. I really liked the way Hudson is there for her and Ayla. Their relationship forms at a nice pace. I enjoyed the storyline and I like all the characters. It's an enjoyable world to read about.
585 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2026
We have Angela & Hudson’s story & it’s fantastic!! This author writes from the heart with her story telling and you will absolutely love this book. You will experience all the feels with these wonderful characters, a definite must read!!
Profile Image for Jana.
75 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 23, 2026
A book that you wouldn't want to put down. Hudson, Angela and Ayla will hit you right in the feels! And the sexy times, my oh my! Love Love Loved it!
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