In the beginning… There was the darkness of his past. A snake in the garden and the woman he admired.
In the beginning… There was a mysterious attraction to someone she shouldn’t desire. A thirst for knowledge of things she’d never known.
In the beginning… There was temptation beyond control. It was only supposed to be one bite, but a fruit so savory was a taste he knew he’d want again.
In the beginning… There was a start to the greatest fight of his life. Love.
+++++ Round 1 for Cain Callahan, Cobra, an MMA fighter, and his sweet temptation, Sofie Vincentia. This is the short prequel to the Paradise Stories, followed by Paradise Abel and Paradise Cain.
In the beginning, there was the strongest attraction to love.
L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
With Paradise Tempted: The Beginning, L.B. Dunbar already has me completely hooked on the Paradise series! This prequel novella packs a powerful punch, delivering intrigue, drama, and heartfelt emotion in a way that has me desperately in need of the rest of this series. In such a short span of time, I found myself wholly invested in Sofie and Cain. Their undeniable connection and instant chemistry had me swooning as L.B. Dunbar introduced these enticing characters and their complicated world. Sofie and Cain are seemingly opposite in many ways and L.B. Dunbar has already managed to demonstrate significant depth in these characters, firmly planting them in my heart. Where Cain was haunted and shrouded in darkness, Sofie was innocent and filled with light. This contrast allowed for an easy push and pull between them that I absolutely loved. I reveled in the smart banter, flirtatious exchanges, and emotional honesty they shared and I seriously can’t wait to further unravel this addictive couple in their upcoming novel.
Paradise Tempted: The Beginning was beautifully written. L.B. Dunbar had me flying through the pages, totally enchanted by her lyrical prose and vivid imagery. I absolutely adore the spin she puts on classic tales and Paradise Tempted: The Beginning certainly doesn’t disappoint. This novella was well paced, allowing me to become so caught up in the story I didn’t even realize how quickly I’d devoured it until it was already over. The plot is captivating and already full of surprises. As Cain and Sofie find themselves in an awkward situation fueled by too much alcohol, L.B. Dunbar forces this couple to face the fact that their actions may be subconsciously rooted in genuine emotions. This story briefly touches upon other events in the characters’ lives that I know will play a huge role in their overall journey, leaving me anxious to see how Cain will cope with the changes his fighting career will inevitably face and wondering how Sofie’s carefully planned future will play out. L.B. Dunbar delivers her final blow with a cliffhanger that left me stunned, turning up the intrigue just in time to leave me begging for more of this series.
After devouring Cain's brother Abel's story, and being intrigued by the backstory of Cain and Sofie, reading this book was really a no brainer. And now that I've devoured this ditty the same way, all I'm left with is wanting even more.
This story delivered on everything I was wondering with the hints laced throughout Paradise Fought. Why Cain seemed to be invested in Sofie, what brought them to the point they're at in that book. It was fantastic.
The Garden of Eden reference here, especially with his tattoo and what Sophie was in the equation, much like the Cain and Abel biblical reference in the last book I read, was spot on and with the way it was written, the almost fairy tale style of the authors writing, made this a temptation I had to give into. I'm not sure what it was, but every word stood out in a way where it felt almost musical in its delivery. It made what was already a great idea and story even more.
Cain and Sofie, along with the author, made this story get under my skin to the point where I felt it all in my bones the more I read. Every emotion, every happy and upsetting instance. I felt them all.
But now the need for more Cain is even worse than it was before. So bring on the lesson in patience as I wait a few more months. lol Thanks for that author lady. I'm officially addicted!
L.B. Dunbar has definitely made a fan out of me. Fantastic story and one that I'm glad I took a little timeout to read!
I have had the privilege of reading getting to read Paradise Tempted by LB Dunbar. I am so excited to know this is the beginning of a great new series by this author. Cain and Sofie's story is equal parts sexy, sweet, hot, and in the end devastating. I've not read a lot of fighter books but in this series it looks like the fighting will not only take place in the ring. Cain is hiding in the aftermath of a fatal fight. He chooses an inn in the Napa Valley. Waking up with the shy Sofie and assuming the best, he realizes later he remembers little of the night. The cocky self assured fighter is no match for the seemingly delicate Sofie. The couple is drawn together but knows that their time together and attraction are doomed. However, they manage a few stolen moments before real life barges in and knocks out their ever so slight chance at an HEA. LB Dunbar does a fabulous job pulling the reader into the story and leaving them wanting more.
The sweetest uncontrollable temptaion... This is a story which verifies the saying "Opposites attract"... MMA fighter, Cain Callahan goes crazy for a pre-med student, Sofie Vincentia, who is NOTHING like any of the women he had ever met before. She has him wanting things he never thought he wanted! Things get a little (or should I say... a whole lot!) out of hand in one frenzied drunken night. What happens? Well....Read this prequel novella to "Paradise Found" and find out! All I can say is that I am so looking forward to the novel coming soon...I immediately pre-ordered after reading this! 5 Exciting "OMG! What's gonna happen next" Stars!!!!
I was hooked from the very beginning! One crazy drunken night lead to a lot more than I expected. It was short but sweet and steamy. WOW! The way it ended. Thank Heavens this is the prequel to a series. I need more!
A short little opening into who Cain is and what happened to start his journey. As I have already read Cain I would highly recommend reading this short before jumping into his story.
---She would cleanse my soul, and I would turn hers black.
This was a really short read, a lead up into Cains story. He's mysterious, sexy and has a secret. One that he doesn't want Sofie finding out about, one that could destroy her if she got to close to him. But that didn't stop him from wanting her. And in a drunken stupor he does something stupid and now her life will be changed...if she only knew the truth.
Sofie just met Cain but feels an intense attraction to him right away. She can't really explain it. She spent the night with him, but he didnt remember what exactly happened in the morning. It upsetted her. Until he started to remember. And the next time he kisses her, he is completely sober. She's addicted just after that one kiss.
---He leaned forward and kissed me. Being the fool I was, I let him take my lips again. The soft feel of them was a drug; an addiction. I've never done drugs before, and I never would because I couldn't imagine anything that would be as powerful as his kiss.
This was an ok read for me, not sure why I didn't love it, maybe because it was too short? I know it's a prequels but it didn't draw me in as I expected. I'm sure once I read Cains full story, I will appreciate this more. Get more of a sense of who hi is and the life he leads as an MMA fighter. And more of Sofie who seems shy but slept with Cain after only just meeting him. I'm sure there's more to her character as well. Guess I'll find out when I read the full story.
What begins as a drunken night ends in "what now". A man with a nickname "the snake" and a sweet innocent young woman meet innocently enough, but what happens next keeps one guessing. They have instant chemistry, sex appeal and compassion. Can't wait to see what the next book brings. L. B. Dunbar is another new author to me and love her writing.
When one lost soul finds comfort. Paradise Tempted, is a remarkable story of two people finding one another. When the demons of the past rear its head the couple are torn apart. In many ways readers can relate to these characters.
I really enjoyed reading Cains back story. I read this after I read Cain and Abel but definitely recommend reading this one first. This short story provides so much information on Cain.
A short introduction to Cain and Sofie. Playing pretend may be fun until it is not. Looks like anything may happen. Will these two work out? Is it really pretend?
This prequel is a fascinating take on Cain and Abel's story, and after this first taste, I can't wait to read more about the two brothers and their significant others.
I'm a huge fan of LB Dunbar, and I have already read Abel, the first book in the series and fell in love with him! He's sweet, loving, and fiercely loyal. Cain is rougher around the edges, but he is just as fiercely loyal as Abel is. As I read the story, it became evident the brothers may not be so different from one another as I thought. Cain just hides behind his fame.
Paradise Tempted: The Beginning was “pure paradise.” Cain aka Cobra, an MMA fighter, has fled to an inn at a beautiful vineyard to escape his reality, which is pretty bad, for just a little bit. He momentarily forgets his life when he meets the beautiful, innocent Sofie. Just being around her makes him feel something he never really has…happiness. The two spend a couple of days in paradise with each other until reality comes crashing in and threatens to destroy what little happiness the two shared. Just know this isn’t the end of Cain’s and Sofie’s story.
Even though this is a short story, it’s told in Dunbar’s phenomenal descriptive manner! She pulls you in by engaging all of your senses. I felt like I was a lucky bystander who got to witness Cain and Sofie’s story up close and personal. I’ve never seen a writer who can take a story from the past, this time with references to the story of the Garden of Eden, and make it her own fabulous story. I continue to be in awe of this talented woman! The references to the Garden of Eden, darkness vs. light, good vs. evil, the serpent and Eve, were just brilliant.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
"They were a refreshing lake and I needed to cleanse my soul."
I love Author L. B. Dunbar's books. She could write a cookbook and I'd probably read it. The MMA genre of writing is different from her previous books. However, Paradise Tempted carries the same great style of story telling that I've come to expect from this author.
"Her smile was the epitome of sunshine and it melted my cold heart."
My anticipation for this novella met every expectation I had. Cain is the bad boy. He is a hot MMA fighter at the height of his career who has met his ultimate temptation. Sofie is the sweet, young woman who makes Cain want to break all the rules. Told in dual points of view, these characters lit up the pages and left a trail of mystery in their wake. At first peek, I wouldn't say that Cain was the perfect book boyfriend material in regards to his personality. But, reading further I found that there was much more to his story than what was seen superficially. I felt like if he could have been a different man in a different place the question of Sofie's belonging would have been answered. Just when the story was coming to a close, a curveball came out of nowhere and made me tap the page repeatedly to get to the next part that didn't exist. I'm so ready for more of this story.
I really don’t know where to start with this review, I am bombarded with sensations from that story, and because of the nature of it (one short read within many) am dying to find out what happens next!
In true LB Dunbar style you are instantly presented with characters who have that unknown element to reel you in. Cain’s starting monologue presents you with a scene that has you wanting more, you need to know how and why things happened. Your introduction to Sofie is just as potent, the charming girl who appears to be so different from Cain’s “norm”.
In the short time you see the characters together you are drawn into their world with an ease that only comes with a finesse in story telling, something LB Dunbar is very skilled in. And just when you think that you are going to be left merely wondering what would happen next, in comes the twist in the tale that leaves you begging for more.
I would whole heartedly recommend Paradise Tempted to anyone, and can’t wait to find out what more is in store for the pair in LB Dunbar’s future works. A refreshingly different story to tickle your tastebuds, worth 10 stars in my book!
In this prequel novella, we meet Cain Callahan, an MMA fighter who killed his latest opponent in a fight, not long ago. He is trying to get away from everything for a while, especially his father, who is not the greatest of people.
He wakes up in a bed, with a girl that he supposed he hooked up with last night, but quickly learns that it’s not as it seems. He spends the day with her, and pieces of his memories of the night before slowly return to him. In a drunken game, they pretended to get married, but it didn’t go farther than a kiss. Sofie is not like the other girls, vying for his attention. She’s like a piece of Heaven, and brings out a part of him that he didn’t know was there in the first place. Will it lead to anything more?
It was quite short, but we get a taste of these two characters and how great they are together. I loved other books by this author, and I’m quite excited to read more about this couple.
I was not sure what I was getting myself into, me reading a book about a fighter? L.B. Dunbar suggested that we read this book first. The next book, will be released on June 6, 2016 and I wanted to be prepared. I was not prepared for how much I would love this book and how much I would need to read about what is going to happen with the lives of Cain and Sofie. While I am waiting for the rest of Cain and Sofie's story, I am going to read about Cain's brother Abel. I love L B Dunbar's use of famous characters through history as a basis for her books. I can not wait to see what the next 2 books hold for the Callahan family. Do not let the use of fighting as a basis for this chase you away. I am not a fan of the sport but I am a fan of LB Dunbar and this book.
What a delightfully alluring read from L.B. Dunbar. I'll admit that after reading Abel's story I was not a fan of Cain. However, in the short time I got to know him here, I fell hard. Mainly because of Sophie and how she opened him up. It was nice seeing a lighter side to the troubled man who is hiding from not just from his father but life. Paradise Tempted is packed full of wit, humor, charm and of course sexiness. And that ending- had me smirking and itching to get more of Cain and Sophie's story. Because it is far from over!
This was sooo good! The story starts with the morning after.... But the morning after what? I was completely hooked, and wanted to know exactly what happened. I was completely drawn in, and could not put this story down. Little bits are revealed, as Sofie and Cain unravel the story. It's short, well written, and has some unexpected moments. The characters are well developed for a short story; I hope to see more of them both in future. I have been left wanting more from the fabulous LB Dunbar!
I was given and ARC of Paradise Tempted:The Beginning by L.B. Dunbar for a fair and honest review.... So Cain....well he is one interesting and deep character...one i look forward to learning more about...and Sofie as well. This story starts out more of an aftermath of an evening of wild events that end up with them in bed with each other, but it's not what you would think. They end up entwined in ways you never expect....can't wait to read they rest of their story.
Awesome Prequel - will have you needing to read more!
This is my first L.B. Dunbar book & I am already hooked! This is an awesome prequel to this Paradise series. You get to meet Cain and Sofie in this book all the while setting the tone for the rest of the series. I can't wait to read more about Cain & Sofie, Snake & innocent seductress have a one night stand with a twist...this book has a huge cliffhanger that will have you excited about reading the rest of this series.
This book is absolutely amazing!! Paradise Tempted had me hooked from the very beginning. Like the Cobra ready to strike, Cain is all kinds of sexy alpha man with just enough of a soft side that you just want to cuddle him. Sofie is the perfect match for this sexy alpha male, his Achilles heel and his complete weakness without him even realizing. LB Dunbar has done an amazing job of bringing these characters to life.
I really enjoyed this intriguing short story, especially how the story slowly unfolds. Cain and Sophie are interesting characters who meet under unusual circumstances. They are from different walks of life but are great together. This is a terrific story with a surprise ending that'll leave you wanting more of Cain and Sophie.
Cliffhanger....wait until the release of Cain's story in June 2016! Really intriguing and sexy start of the series, but only a 45 page novella prequel. I knew it was a novella prequel before purchasing, but didn't know about the cliffie with the rest of the story not released yet for these characters. Book 1 (Abel) is already out though. Can't wait for more!!!
Omg I cannot wait for the full novel of Cain and Sofia's story!
This was an awesome novella! Ever since I read Paradise Fought I really wanted to know more about Cain, he is such a mystery in that. This book gave me what I wanted but also making me want more! Another awesome read by L.B. Dunbar!
Great intro into the series. Like this story very much. Cain has his demons and finds the peace and innocence of Sophie. Too bad for him that his father practically owns him. They fall in love and think they are pretend married. It is beautiful and the sex hot! As he leaves he finds out the truth but doesn't go back to speak with Sophie. What happens next, hmmmm? 3.5 stars