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Tormented by Temptation
Deshona Edmonds is a magnet for men who reinforce her mother’s belief that she will never win at love. She’s determined to find a new cusp of men and prove her mother’s predictions wrong.
For Alijah Dawson, she is the magnet for the idea of love he thought he left behind. He wants to overcome the sting of his last relationship.
Their separate move to Kaigood, with no family or friends, makes it hard to avoid each other, especially when a leasing mistake leaves them sharing an apartment. Their initial conversation leaves him in pain, literally, . . . when he meets the end of her bat. But close quarters have a way of shaking the lines neither plan to cross. Accidental stares linger too long, and the walls intended to keep them apart start to feel suffocating.
What happens when fate doesn’t ask for permission to come knocking again? Find out within the pages of Tormented by Temptation.
For Alijah Dawson, she is the magnet for the idea of love he thought he left behind. He wants to overcome the sting of his last relationship.
Their separate move to Kaigood, with no family or friends, makes it hard to avoid each other, especially when a leasing mistake leaves them sharing an apartment. Their initial conversation leaves him in pain, literally, . . . when he meets the end of her bat. But close quarters have a way of shaking the lines neither plan to cross. Accidental stares linger too long, and the walls intended to keep them apart start to feel suffocating.
What happens when fate doesn’t ask for permission to come knocking again? Find out within the pages of Tormented by Temptation.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
September 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️. I thought this was a cute read. Forced proximity with low angst and light hearted moments. Good pacing. I would recommend.
June 9, 2026
Tormented by Temptation by Riley Baxter had me completely hooked from beginning to end. This story delivered the perfect mix of angst, chemistry, emotional turmoil, and undeniable attraction. The tension between the main characters practically leaped off the pages, and every interaction kept me invested in seeing how their journey would unfold.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth. Both characters were carrying their own struggles, which made their connection feel authentic and layered rather than rushed. The push and pull between desire and vulnerability created the kind of drama I love in a romance, and the chemistry was impossible to ignore.
Riley Baxter did a great job balancing heartfelt moments with enough steam and conflict to keep the story engaging. If you enjoy romance filled with temptation, emotional growth, and characters who have to fight for their happily ever after, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR. A satisfying read that kept me turning pages long into the night.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth. Both characters were carrying their own struggles, which made their connection feel authentic and layered rather than rushed. The push and pull between desire and vulnerability created the kind of drama I love in a romance, and the chemistry was impossible to ignore.
Riley Baxter did a great job balancing heartfelt moments with enough steam and conflict to keep the story engaging. If you enjoy romance filled with temptation, emotional growth, and characters who have to fight for their happily ever after, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR. A satisfying read that kept me turning pages long into the night.
July 1, 2026
Must Read
It has been a minute since I sat down to review a book, but this one absolutely demanded it.
If you are looking for an overnight, fast-paced romance, this isn't it—and that is exactly why it works so beautifully. It is the definition of a slow burn. The author takes the time to truly build the foundation, establishing the characters, their chemistry, and their world with incredible depth.
But let me tell you: once this story gets its hooks into you and finally takes off, it never stops. The momentum builds flawlessly, turning a quiet, patient buildup into a gripping, unstoppable romance that I completely lost myself in. The tension, the cultural richness, and the emotional payoff were worth every single page.
I really, really enjoyed this read. If you love African American romance with deeply developed characters and a love story that hits like a freight train once it starts, do not sleep on this one.
It has been a minute since I sat down to review a book, but this one absolutely demanded it.
If you are looking for an overnight, fast-paced romance, this isn't it—and that is exactly why it works so beautifully. It is the definition of a slow burn. The author takes the time to truly build the foundation, establishing the characters, their chemistry, and their world with incredible depth.
But let me tell you: once this story gets its hooks into you and finally takes off, it never stops. The momentum builds flawlessly, turning a quiet, patient buildup into a gripping, unstoppable romance that I completely lost myself in. The tension, the cultural richness, and the emotional payoff were worth every single page.
I really, really enjoyed this read. If you love African American romance with deeply developed characters and a love story that hits like a freight train once it starts, do not sleep on this one.
June 6, 2026
Tormented by temptation
This was a cute and easy read. Deshona and Alijah were both running from heartbreak and ended up being forced into living together because of a cum outer glitch. These two being forced to live together helped heal something inside of them both. Their attraction was immediate but it took a little bit for them to finally act on it, but once they did, they seemed to fall in love fast.
I loved that Alijah was able to show Deshona that not all men are trash as she was raised to believe and seemed to have experience on her own and I loved that Deshona was able to restore Alijah’s hope in finding his forever love that would reciprocate his love in the way he needed.
If you’re looking for a quick and cute read with minimal drama and if you like the forced proximity trope, this is a good one to read.
This was a cute and easy read. Deshona and Alijah were both running from heartbreak and ended up being forced into living together because of a cum outer glitch. These two being forced to live together helped heal something inside of them both. Their attraction was immediate but it took a little bit for them to finally act on it, but once they did, they seemed to fall in love fast.
I loved that Alijah was able to show Deshona that not all men are trash as she was raised to believe and seemed to have experience on her own and I loved that Deshona was able to restore Alijah’s hope in finding his forever love that would reciprocate his love in the way he needed.
If you’re looking for a quick and cute read with minimal drama and if you like the forced proximity trope, this is a good one to read.
July 20, 2026
Deshona and Alijah, Accidentally Falling For You
The accidental love story was such a sweet love story!!!…
Deshona has lived in the patterns of her mother’s damaged view of men and she decided it was time for her to make a change to create her own views!!!…
Alijah had the beautiful and example of what love is and how it is openly shown, but his disaster of a relationship sent him running!!!…
The getting to know you phase after the accidental meeting kept me laughing!!!…I love how lightheartedness this story continued with, even after Alijah introduced Deshona to his family and the dynamics with the friends!!!…
I truly respected the fact that Deshona’s mother took responsibility in the message she impressed upon her and was basking in the fact that her daughter found someone that loved her and she was able to love back in return!!!…
The accidental love story was such a sweet love story!!!…
Deshona has lived in the patterns of her mother’s damaged view of men and she decided it was time for her to make a change to create her own views!!!…
Alijah had the beautiful and example of what love is and how it is openly shown, but his disaster of a relationship sent him running!!!…
The getting to know you phase after the accidental meeting kept me laughing!!!…I love how lightheartedness this story continued with, even after Alijah introduced Deshona to his family and the dynamics with the friends!!!…
I truly respected the fact that Deshona’s mother took responsibility in the message she impressed upon her and was basking in the fact that her daughter found someone that loved her and she was able to love back in return!!!…
June 8, 2026
A Present Better Than My Past!
I finished it in one setting it was endearing and sweet with passion all in between. Dee and Alijah both needed fresh starts. They ended up meeting each other in a once in a lifetime encounter. They had to settle into their new situation and work together amicably. Eventually temptation creeps in as well. Despite all the negative advice and failed relationships it didn’t have either of them closed off to love. They just needed to start over fresh with a new environment, person, and mindset. It also taught them real love exists if you’re patient enough, free your heart and mind, and let GOD send you the one you can have what you dream and envision for yourself.
I finished it in one setting it was endearing and sweet with passion all in between. Dee and Alijah both needed fresh starts. They ended up meeting each other in a once in a lifetime encounter. They had to settle into their new situation and work together amicably. Eventually temptation creeps in as well. Despite all the negative advice and failed relationships it didn’t have either of them closed off to love. They just needed to start over fresh with a new environment, person, and mindset. It also taught them real love exists if you’re patient enough, free your heart and mind, and let GOD send you the one you can have what you dream and envision for yourself.
June 14, 2026
Alijah and Deshona!!
Alijah and Deshona both decided to leave their hometowns because they were both disappointed by love. Due to a computer glitch, they end up renting the same apartment. The more time that they spend in the apartment together, the more they are drawn to each other. It's not long before they give into temptation. I really felt for Alijah and Deshona and all of the hurt and pain that they went through so I was happy that they found love with one another. I was also happy that their fresh starts caused them to find the person they were supposed to be with. This close proximity book had spicy love scenes, great chemistry and humor. Both of their consciences were hilarious. 😂😂 I enjoyed everything about this book from beginning to end.
Alijah and Deshona both decided to leave their hometowns because they were both disappointed by love. Due to a computer glitch, they end up renting the same apartment. The more time that they spend in the apartment together, the more they are drawn to each other. It's not long before they give into temptation. I really felt for Alijah and Deshona and all of the hurt and pain that they went through so I was happy that they found love with one another. I was also happy that their fresh starts caused them to find the person they were supposed to be with. This close proximity book had spicy love scenes, great chemistry and humor. Both of their consciences were hilarious. 😂😂 I enjoyed everything about this book from beginning to end.
June 6, 2026
Fresh start
I don't know how many men would have walked away like Alijah did but I knew he was a real man when he did. Everyone is not down for that as they like things to themselves if you are committed to that person. I knew I was going to like him throughout the book.
Deshona said she had to flee the toxicity. I get that because it becomes draining. Family or not. WANT your peace.
Now together they were a time, from first meet. My doubts were there for sure but I love being proved wrong when it comes to situations.
I don't know how many men would have walked away like Alijah did but I knew he was a real man when he did. Everyone is not down for that as they like things to themselves if you are committed to that person. I knew I was going to like him throughout the book.
Deshona said she had to flee the toxicity. I get that because it becomes draining. Family or not. WANT your peace.
Now together they were a time, from first meet. My doubts were there for sure but I love being proved wrong when it comes to situations.
June 7, 2026
Dee and Ali
What a fun story! Heartbreak led them to a new city and each other.
The apartment mixup was a blessing. Although Alijah walked into a bat, he managed to calm Deshona down before she took his head off. They started as roommates and then became more.
They had to learn how to trust again, and remind themselves that everyone is not the same. Alijah came from a big loving family whereas Deshona grew up with a man bashing Mama. However, love always wins.
What a fun story! Heartbreak led them to a new city and each other.
The apartment mixup was a blessing. Although Alijah walked into a bat, he managed to calm Deshona down before she took his head off. They started as roommates and then became more.
They had to learn how to trust again, and remind themselves that everyone is not the same. Alijah came from a big loving family whereas Deshona grew up with a man bashing Mama. However, love always wins.
June 18, 2026
Tempting and Tantalizing Tale
Baxter weaves a tale of love between what was enemies to lovers for sure. Alijah and Des were such an equal balance of opposites attract, professionals with relationship and family struggles. Together they found what they were searching for in new surroundings and riding the rough waves to a happily ever after. Worth snuggling with on a rainy weekend.
Baxter weaves a tale of love between what was enemies to lovers for sure. Alijah and Des were such an equal balance of opposites attract, professionals with relationship and family struggles. Together they found what they were searching for in new surroundings and riding the rough waves to a happily ever after. Worth snuggling with on a rainy weekend.
June 10, 2026
found love
This was a sweet read Alijah & Deshona two people hurt by love move to start over & regroup in life an love…there was attraction between Alijah & Deshona but the moment it turned physical all bets were off….. they were what each other needed to heal their hearts
No drama just finding love
This was a sweet read Alijah & Deshona two people hurt by love move to start over & regroup in life an love…there was attraction between Alijah & Deshona but the moment it turned physical all bets were off….. they were what each other needed to heal their hearts
No drama just finding love
June 4, 2026
Great read
Now, this was the pure definition of a forced proximity that was a true forced proximity. The relationship didn't just come instantly. It was developed. But the chemistry, the yearning and the want was there all along, and it just made for a great explosion.
Now, this was the pure definition of a forced proximity that was a true forced proximity. The relationship didn't just come instantly. It was developed. But the chemistry, the yearning and the want was there all along, and it just made for a great explosion.
June 21, 2026
Tormented By Temptation
I enjoyed this short love story. It is sweet, heartwarming and comical, at times. Thankfully the mix-up at the apartment complex worked in Deshona and Alijah's favor.
I enjoyed this short love story. It is sweet, heartwarming and comical, at times. Thankfully the mix-up at the apartment complex worked in Deshona and Alijah's favor.
June 28, 2026
Mishap to love
Alijah and Deshona end up as roommate due to a mix up. Their relationship starts off rocky but they eventually end up in a relationship and they both never expected but are thankful for. This was a beautiful love story.
Alijah and Deshona end up as roommate due to a mix up. Their relationship starts off rocky but they eventually end up in a relationship and they both never expected but are thankful for. This was a beautiful love story.
June 28, 2026
Love Overload
Deshona and Alijah were made for each other. What a pair. Each one of them had really never experience real love.
This story deserved 20 Stars.
Riley you never cease to amaze us with your story telling.
Deshona and Alijah were made for each other. What a pair. Each one of them had really never experience real love.
This story deserved 20 Stars.
Riley you never cease to amaze us with your story telling.
August 8, 2026
Refreshing
An urban tale without drug dealers, ballers, or assassins. Just boy meets girl romance in forced proximity. Ali is definitely adorable, what a sweetheart. I was generally tickled over and over again. I can’t remember the last book that I enjoyed so much.
An urban tale without drug dealers, ballers, or assassins. Just boy meets girl romance in forced proximity. Ali is definitely adorable, what a sweetheart. I was generally tickled over and over again. I can’t remember the last book that I enjoyed so much.
June 9, 2026
A good read.
I wanted a little more...
I wanted a little more...
June 9, 2026
Oh so cute!
A really sweet romance. Deshona had a lot of disappointment to overcome and Alijah as just the man to heal all her ills! Nice, entertaining quick read.
A really sweet romance. Deshona had a lot of disappointment to overcome and Alijah as just the man to heal all her ills! Nice, entertaining quick read.
June 16, 2026
3.5⭐️
June 17, 2026
Love wins
I loved this book it was super funny and super cute. Fmc and Mmc had to get out they own way and embrace what was brewing between the two 10\10 would recommend
I loved this book it was super funny and super cute. Fmc and Mmc had to get out they own way and embrace what was brewing between the two 10\10 would recommend
June 24, 2026
T.T.
The book was fun and sassy between the couple. As the relationship progress I love servitude that was shown by both characters.
The book was fun and sassy between the couple. As the relationship progress I love servitude that was shown by both characters.
July 3, 2026
🤞🏽Forever Alijha and Deshona ❤️
August 25, 2026
Cute asf
August 19, 2026
Deshona and Alijah were a good time! Both moved to a different city after needing a change of scenery to help recover from heartbreak. Deshona had my boy Alijah going crazy before he finally broke through her walls and allowed him to make her his. I loved a good forced proximity story and this one did not disappoint. As a side note they should've sued that apartment complex for that foolishness!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews