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Temptation
Not yet published
Expected 6 Nov 26THE STORM
Deception is my greatest tool. Secrets are my second language. My aim is a skill that never fails me. My career comes with risks, though the situation I’ve found myself in is one that skipped the possible outcomes.
I’ve gone from independent to captive, forced to replace the position of the man who took my father from me. Bow to one everyone treats like an arrogant God.
He was forced to train my loyalty, and that’s exactly what he did.
I craved his touch. Begged him to show me heaven. And in the end, all that was left were a pair of fools.
THE GOD
I’m the monster of the Monaghan family. Violence and bloodshed are always at the forefront of my mind. Until she whirled into my life and swept away everything I stood for.
The face of an angel with an attitude that made my blood boil. Liked to play with sharp objects and set things ablaze, and had me on the brink of turning my back on my family.
Now her hands have been shown, and they’re capable of worse crimes than mine.
We match each other in every way, but the only thing she can't do is escape from my chains.
What tropes to expect;
Contract killer FMC x Enforcer MMCDark mafia settingEnemies to loversForced proximityForbidden loveMutal obsessionSecrets & Twists
This book contains mature and dark themes that readers may find uncomfortable. Please read the content warnings on the authors website before
Deception is my greatest tool. Secrets are my second language. My aim is a skill that never fails me. My career comes with risks, though the situation I’ve found myself in is one that skipped the possible outcomes.
I’ve gone from independent to captive, forced to replace the position of the man who took my father from me. Bow to one everyone treats like an arrogant God.
He was forced to train my loyalty, and that’s exactly what he did.
I craved his touch. Begged him to show me heaven. And in the end, all that was left were a pair of fools.
THE GOD
I’m the monster of the Monaghan family. Violence and bloodshed are always at the forefront of my mind. Until she whirled into my life and swept away everything I stood for.
The face of an angel with an attitude that made my blood boil. Liked to play with sharp objects and set things ablaze, and had me on the brink of turning my back on my family.
Now her hands have been shown, and they’re capable of worse crimes than mine.
We match each other in every way, but the only thing she can't do is escape from my chains.
What tropes to expect;
Contract killer FMC x Enforcer MMCDark mafia settingEnemies to loversForced proximityForbidden loveMutal obsessionSecrets & Twists
This book contains mature and dark themes that readers may find uncomfortable. Please read the content warnings on the authors website before
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 6, 2026
About the author
Emma Barrie-Blair
4 books70 followersEmma Barrie-Blair is a Scottish, dark romance author. She's been an expert daydreamer and long-standing reader since she was a child. She decided to put that imagination to use and uncovered a passion for writing.
She enjoys the morally grey side of stories, drawn to writing all shades of darkness and blush level of smut. Expect action packed dramas, a whole lot of yearning and angst, and the odd plot twist or ten.
When she's not scheming up scenarios in her head, you'll either find her spending time with her husband and their dog, or at her local pole studio dancing her troubles away.
She enjoys the morally grey side of stories, drawn to writing all shades of darkness and blush level of smut. Expect action packed dramas, a whole lot of yearning and angst, and the odd plot twist or ten.
When she's not scheming up scenarios in her head, you'll either find her spending time with her husband and their dog, or at her local pole studio dancing her troubles away.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beta Review ! 😍😍
UNHINGED, PERFECTION, & UTTERLY ADDICTIVE
♾️ ⭐️'s
I don’t know how Emma manages to do it, but every single book she releases completely obliterates my expectations. She is constantly outshining her last release, and let me tell you, she set the bar dangerously high with this one! I literally devoured this entire book in one sitting. The words felt laced with crack I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. It is by far my favorite read of the year!
The pacing of this book was absolute perfection. The stakes and the tension were off the charts, keeping me on the very edge of my seat from Harlow’s high stakes escape to the intense capture, right down to Scotty uncovering the truth and figuring out how Stella set everything up. Every single plot point wrapped up beautifully.
The dynamic between Scotty and Harlow? To die for. Their fiery, intoxicating chemistry had me giggling at the banter and kicking my feet. Scotty's mouth and his utterly dominant aura? Whew. 🥵 Need a man like him in real life immediately!
And Harlow is the ultimate badass female main character. She completely held her own, and her words were as sharp as knives. The tension between these two was so thick it had me screaming "just fucking kiss already!" through half the book.
Emma truly outdid herself with this masterpiece. Not only did she deliver an incredible main story, but she set up the side characters perfectly. I am already desperate to get my hands on Malik and Amber’s story, and I need to know more about the other brother, Geo. (Also... I HATEDDD STELLA!! 🤬)
If you haven't picked up an Emma book yet, what are you doing? Run, don't walk!
#Bookstagram #DarkRomance #ForcedProximity #EnemiesToLovers #BadassFMC SpicyRomance
UNHINGED, PERFECTION, & UTTERLY ADDICTIVE
♾️ ⭐️'s
I don’t know how Emma manages to do it, but every single book she releases completely obliterates my expectations. She is constantly outshining her last release, and let me tell you, she set the bar dangerously high with this one! I literally devoured this entire book in one sitting. The words felt laced with crack I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. It is by far my favorite read of the year!
The pacing of this book was absolute perfection. The stakes and the tension were off the charts, keeping me on the very edge of my seat from Harlow’s high stakes escape to the intense capture, right down to Scotty uncovering the truth and figuring out how Stella set everything up. Every single plot point wrapped up beautifully.
The dynamic between Scotty and Harlow? To die for. Their fiery, intoxicating chemistry had me giggling at the banter and kicking my feet. Scotty's mouth and his utterly dominant aura? Whew. 🥵 Need a man like him in real life immediately!
And Harlow is the ultimate badass female main character. She completely held her own, and her words were as sharp as knives. The tension between these two was so thick it had me screaming "just fucking kiss already!" through half the book.
Emma truly outdid herself with this masterpiece. Not only did she deliver an incredible main story, but she set up the side characters perfectly. I am already desperate to get my hands on Malik and Amber’s story, and I need to know more about the other brother, Geo. (Also... I HATEDDD STELLA!! 🤬)
If you haven't picked up an Emma book yet, what are you doing? Run, don't walk!
#Bookstagram #DarkRomance #ForcedProximity #EnemiesToLovers #BadassFMC SpicyRomance
September 28, 2026
gods, the banter and their rivalry OMG. Harlow is such a fiery FMC that does not take a single man’s BS. then you got Scotty, aka The God
the secrets, the betrayal, the chase, so much YES
the secrets, the betrayal, the chase, so much YES
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tempted by Emma Barrie-Blair, Book 1 of the Dark Vice Series. This is a Dark Mafia Romance following Harlow Steele and Scotty Monaghan. 🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
💭 My thoughts 💭
Ahhhhhh 👏🏼Emma Barrie-Blair 👏🏼UNDERSTOOD 👏🏼THE 👏🏼 ASSIGNMENT!!! My first reaction when I finished this book was…what kind of witch craft, voodoo doll kinda spells does Emma put in her words because guuurrrrl. I have read all her books and they just keep getting better and better. Scotty Monaghan is …well he’s very hot 🥵 but he’s also ruthless, dangerous and feared but it comes with the territory being the family enforcer. This man gets on his knees for no man, woman or child …that is until he meets Harlow Steele. She takes all his logic and reason with just a flick of her wrist when she is training with him and this man has no problem falling to his knees for her. There is lots of killing, and she is such a great assassin that she makes Scotty look like a cuddly teddy bear. Lots of spice because that man is truly insatiable for her and he is shameless about it. The plot twist is top tier. This is such a great start of what I am positive will be a very great series and I cannot wait for what’s to come next.
✨I would like to thank Author Emma Barrie-Blair for the opportunity to read
💭 My thoughts 💭
Ahhhhhh 👏🏼Emma Barrie-Blair 👏🏼UNDERSTOOD 👏🏼THE 👏🏼 ASSIGNMENT!!! My first reaction when I finished this book was…what kind of witch craft, voodoo doll kinda spells does Emma put in her words because guuurrrrl. I have read all her books and they just keep getting better and better. Scotty Monaghan is …well he’s very hot 🥵 but he’s also ruthless, dangerous and feared but it comes with the territory being the family enforcer. This man gets on his knees for no man, woman or child …that is until he meets Harlow Steele. She takes all his logic and reason with just a flick of her wrist when she is training with him and this man has no problem falling to his knees for her. There is lots of killing, and she is such a great assassin that she makes Scotty look like a cuddly teddy bear. Lots of spice because that man is truly insatiable for her and he is shameless about it. The plot twist is top tier. This is such a great start of what I am positive will be a very great series and I cannot wait for what’s to come next.
✨I would like to thank Author Emma Barrie-Blair for the opportunity to read
Review of advance copy
Holy give me more pls right now!!!
Emma you genius you.... Harlow and Scotty are the feral couple that just reminded me why I love reading... The way these two are in this book I can see them plain as day and I want to be Harlow in my next life. Scotty can tie me up and make me scream God all day, any day....
We all want a man who would take a bullet for us and he bring that to life for us. The obsession with these is off the charts.
Harlow is an unhinged ruthless woman that will go toe to toe with anyone and come out on top every time. The emotions she has with loss and love hits hard and personal. Why any man would ever underestimate a woman is beyond me. She is gorgeous and insanely badass!!!!
I literally sat down and read this in one sitting. I made everyone stay away cause I needed to finish it. This is not a book you can start and stop. It is a part of breathing once you begin it. Scotty + Harlow = PERFECTION.
Dark Romance
Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Touch Either and Bye Bye
Knicknames
and Beg for it
Emma you genius you.... Harlow and Scotty are the feral couple that just reminded me why I love reading... The way these two are in this book I can see them plain as day and I want to be Harlow in my next life. Scotty can tie me up and make me scream God all day, any day....
We all want a man who would take a bullet for us and he bring that to life for us. The obsession with these is off the charts.
Harlow is an unhinged ruthless woman that will go toe to toe with anyone and come out on top every time. The emotions she has with loss and love hits hard and personal. Why any man would ever underestimate a woman is beyond me. She is gorgeous and insanely badass!!!!
I literally sat down and read this in one sitting. I made everyone stay away cause I needed to finish it. This is not a book you can start and stop. It is a part of breathing once you begin it. Scotty + Harlow = PERFECTION.
Dark Romance
Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Touch Either and Bye Bye
Knicknames
and Beg for it
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Emma write's the MMCs they are my new book friend's for real......and Temptation wasn't an exemption, meet Scotty my new babydad.
In all seriousness, I devoured this book. I have read every book of Emma's and her stories and writing only becomes better.
Scotty extremely likeable, sexy and moreish from the beginning.
Harlow is gorgeous, sassy, smart, stands on business and is not your typical FMC in a mafia setting, Girl has backbone and then some.
Scotty is a mafia enforcer and Harlow is a contract killer and they meet when his family take her captive after The angst is real, the sass is giving and the chemistry is definitely shaking. Lines get blurred and you find yourself in their story....
Forget everything I said above the only important thing you need to know about this book is Scotty gets on his knee's for Harlow. Case closed.
In all seriousness, I devoured this book. I have read every book of Emma's and her stories and writing only becomes better.
Scotty extremely likeable, sexy and moreish from the beginning.
Harlow is gorgeous, sassy, smart, stands on business and is not your typical FMC in a mafia setting, Girl has backbone and then some.
Scotty is a mafia enforcer and Harlow is a contract killer and they meet when his family take her captive after The angst is real, the sass is giving and the chemistry is definitely shaking. Lines get blurred and you find yourself in their story....
Forget everything I said above the only important thing you need to know about this book is Scotty gets on his knee's for Harlow. Case closed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is so good 😩❤️
We have Harlow a badass contract killer who is out to find the person who killed her father. And in the mix of it she ends up captive and has to replace that man who killer who father.
Then we have Scotty also known as “The God” a mafia enforcer who has to put up with Harlow 😏😂
I love the banter between them and tension was definitely there. Even though they HATED each other so much.
But what got to me the most is when Scotty who never thought he was capable of falling in love or getting on his knees for anyone. He ended up doing just that with Harlow 😭❤️
My favorite part:
Christ. I’d go to war for this woman. Start one for her, if she asks me. End it when she needs to. And the only one who has the power to destroy me in them, is her.
We have Harlow a badass contract killer who is out to find the person who killed her father. And in the mix of it she ends up captive and has to replace that man who killer who father.
Then we have Scotty also known as “The God” a mafia enforcer who has to put up with Harlow 😏😂
I love the banter between them and tension was definitely there. Even though they HATED each other so much.
But what got to me the most is when Scotty who never thought he was capable of falling in love or getting on his knees for anyone. He ended up doing just that with Harlow 😭❤️
My favorite part:
Christ. I’d go to war for this woman. Start one for her, if she asks me. End it when she needs to. And the only one who has the power to destroy me in them, is her.
October 15, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author
The book is appropriately named because Harlow and Scotty are definitely each other’s temptation. This is a true enemy to lovers and I ate it up! The twist and turns keep you on your toes even if the book was on the thicker side.
The banter and tension between Harlow and Scotty is on another level. They both say and do the most diabolical things to each other and I was living for it
Neither of these two are what you considered “good people”. Both are messed up and equally unhinged, matching each others freak that lead to some scenes that will forever live rent free in my head. Yall, when I say the spice is spicing, it’s perfection!
Both leads live up to their nicknames. Harlow, ‘Little Storm’ as Scotty dubs her, is definitely a storm to be reckoned with. She’s fiery no fcks given badass and I love her. Scotty, man I definitely can see why he’s called ‘The God’. I will gladly get on my knees for this man and worship at his alter. He’s literally every damn walking red flag, but I love it. He’s def in my top five, possibly top three book boyfriends
This was such a fun read and can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
The book is appropriately named because Harlow and Scotty are definitely each other’s temptation. This is a true enemy to lovers and I ate it up! The twist and turns keep you on your toes even if the book was on the thicker side.
The banter and tension between Harlow and Scotty is on another level. They both say and do the most diabolical things to each other and I was living for it
Neither of these two are what you considered “good people”. Both are messed up and equally unhinged, matching each others freak that lead to some scenes that will forever live rent free in my head. Yall, when I say the spice is spicing, it’s perfection!
Both leads live up to their nicknames. Harlow, ‘Little Storm’ as Scotty dubs her, is definitely a storm to be reckoned with. She’s fiery no fcks given badass and I love her. Scotty, man I definitely can see why he’s called ‘The God’. I will gladly get on my knees for this man and worship at his alter. He’s literally every damn walking red flag, but I love it. He’s def in my top five, possibly top three book boyfriends
This was such a fun read and can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of Tempted, Book 1 of the Dark Vice Series. This was an absolutely amazing read by the incredibly talented Emma Barrie-Blair.
I would strongly recommend that you carefully review the trigger warnings, as they are included for an important reason and should not be overlooked.
Can I just say it was completely mind-blowing I genuinely loved the entire book from start to finish. I was fully hooked throughout the whole story, from beginning to end, with nothing losing my attention. The dialogue and banter between the characters, along with their rivalry, were truly top-tier and really made the story stand out in a memorable way.
I would strongly recommend that you carefully review the trigger warnings, as they are included for an important reason and should not be overlooked.
Can I just say it was completely mind-blowing I genuinely loved the entire book from start to finish. I was fully hooked throughout the whole story, from beginning to end, with nothing losing my attention. The dialogue and banter between the characters, along with their rivalry, were truly top-tier and really made the story stand out in a memorable way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew I was going to love Temptation, first because I love anything Emma writes, and second because Harlow is the kind of FMC I love. She isn’t just there, falling in love - she is ALSO a mf problem. 😂
Harlow is a contract killer with a love for setting fires. Scotty is an enforcer who very quickly realizes the feral little woman dropped into his life might be jsut as messed up as he is. And their dynamic was easily my favorite part of this book. The banter, threats and sexual tension were SO good. The second half of the book definitely got me emotionally, with the secrets, betrayal, separation and Scotty realizing just how completely gone he is over this woman.
Another 5 star read from Emma.
This series is going to be amazing!
Harlow is a contract killer with a love for setting fires. Scotty is an enforcer who very quickly realizes the feral little woman dropped into his life might be jsut as messed up as he is. And their dynamic was easily my favorite part of this book. The banter, threats and sexual tension were SO good. The second half of the book definitely got me emotionally, with the secrets, betrayal, separation and Scotty realizing just how completely gone he is over this woman.
Another 5 star read from Emma.
This series is going to be amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to even begin with this ahaha.
Tbh some books are worth more than a review and this is one of them.
The fact that my fukn sanity is still intact is incase. You know what I’m liying cause my MMC is more than words to describe and that mouth of his is well you’ll find out ..
And to top it off Our. MFC is the cherry on top she only amplifies the fire
Ahaha
I don’t think I ever been in any authors inbox more than I was with Emma’s
Ahaha
This is definitely 18+ definitely read trigger warnings
But overall
This was fukn delicious
Ahaha
Definitely recommend
Omg I could write so much more
To be continued …
Tbh some books are worth more than a review and this is one of them.
The fact that my fukn sanity is still intact is incase. You know what I’m liying cause my MMC is more than words to describe and that mouth of his is well you’ll find out ..
And to top it off Our. MFC is the cherry on top she only amplifies the fire
Ahaha
I don’t think I ever been in any authors inbox more than I was with Emma’s
Ahaha
This is definitely 18+ definitely read trigger warnings
But overall
This was fukn delicious
Ahaha
Definitely recommend
Omg I could write so much more
To be continued …
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC but GODDAMN
September 18, 2026
Great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars, hands down! I had to literally catch my breath after this one. I was hooked from start to finish, edge of my seat the entire time. I loooove when there is banter between characters, the rivalry was insane. Stella can get F*cked. BRING ON BOOK TWO, IM READY AND NEEDY!
**Check your triggers before reading this one!!
**Check your triggers before reading this one!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews