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Temptation
Gabriel McCollough is the star basketball coach, Top draft pick that played in one season and retired from the game of basketball from a injury and the twenty-five-year-old alpha male every young woman in town can’t help but like.
Desiree Spence is a good teacher, a good person, a quiet, reserved soul, but a chance meeting with a handsome coach, ten years her junior, tests her limits and stirs up a controversy she could’ve ever anticipated.
He wants her. She wants him. Everyone in their lives is against their relationship.
Will they give into societal pressures or follow their hearts’ desires?
Desiree Spence is a good teacher, a good person, a quiet, reserved soul, but a chance meeting with a handsome coach, ten years her junior, tests her limits and stirs up a controversy she could’ve ever anticipated.
He wants her. She wants him. Everyone in their lives is against their relationship.
Will they give into societal pressures or follow their hearts’ desires?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2019
68 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Chiquita Dennie
64 books1,137 followersChiquita Dennie Author, Filmmaker, Podcast host, and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and a Los Angeles, CA native. Nominated for 2021 Author of the Year, Best Black Romance "Mutual Agreement," and Best Interracial Romance for "She's All In Need". In 2022 nominated Author Queen of the Year, Best Black Romance "Nasir" Best Interracial Romance "Torn" and Best Romantic Comedy "Something Gained" by Black Girls Who Write. Plus, nominated in 2023 for best black sports romance "Scoring with Sadie". Her background started in film/TV, ranging from Tyra Banks, Dr. Phil, American Idol, and a host of other Emmy award-winning shows. Also, an award-winning filmmaker with her directing debut short film "Invisible." Chiquita transitioned to publishing in 2017 after turning her screenplay Struck In Love into the Dark Romance series Antonio and Sabrina, which fans have embraced. She writes contemporary steamy romance, romantic suspense, comedy, small town, sports, women's fiction, fantasy, and so much more.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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August 7, 2023
2.75 ⭐️ Alpha males are not my type.
This novella was nice and easy, but the time jumps and the weird alphahole moments made this so much less enjoyable than it could've been. It was supposed to be just a smutty novella with some MIL angst thrown in there, but the mmc attitude was so grating... As someone who avoids violence at all cost, it was hard to support some of the MCs choices.
Also, I understand the wish to convey culturally significant language, but some dialogue here was so cringe I actually had to reread some phrases to make sure that's actually what it said.
This novella was nice and easy, but the time jumps and the weird alphahole moments made this so much less enjoyable than it could've been. It was supposed to be just a smutty novella with some MIL angst thrown in there, but the mmc attitude was so grating... As someone who avoids violence at all cost, it was hard to support some of the MCs choices.
Also, I understand the wish to convey culturally significant language, but some dialogue here was so cringe I actually had to reread some phrases to make sure that's actually what it said.
February 15, 2026
4.5 stars for me. This was a good read. I enjoyed reading the little drama with the mother because some mother-in-laws are definitely like this and can't let their child love in peace. It made the book more believable. I like all the characters. I never been a person who like getting married extremely fast but that is just a me thing. It worked for them thank goodness. Other than that, it was good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2019
Free ebook on Twitter giveaway. Ugh this book. I tried so hard. I was not impressed by the characters. Desiree changes jobs to work at a new school so she's closer to her friend, Sydney, who works at this same school. She is also trying to escape from memories? of her old marriage to David, who cheated on her. The first day Desiree's car won't start after school. Along comes Gabriel, the young, hot basketball coach who used to be in the NBA before getting injured. He instantly is attracted to Desiree. Her helps her our with her car and gives her a ride home. Desiree tries to deny the feelings she has for Gabriel. Then things get annoying for me. Desiree claims to not want drama but she has a very dramatic friend in Sydney. Desiree creates some drama herself. I didn't like these teachers doing sexual things at school, during the day. They kissed in front of students. The first time they had sex was at an away basketball game, the team spent the night at a hotel. Desiree goes to Gabriel's room and they have sex. They had sex in Gabriel's office on his couch- twice, once Sydney heard them and busted Desiree's chops about it. Also during the away game the teachers all meet up at the hotel bar. Um that's a no-no in my book. The first time Desiree goes to Gabriel's parent's house for dinner, Gabriel's mom and sister invite Ashley, Gabriel's ex who cheated on him. They still want them to be together. Desiree ends up getting in a physical altercation with Ashley, how childish. The family also doesn't like Desiree because she is 10 years older than Gabriel. I get them not liking her but they are rude and disrespectful to Gabriel, who should be the one who had their loyalty. Desiree also at a couple points has run ins with her ex, David, who shows up at her new place and them also at her wedding to Gabriel! Even after they marry, Gabriel's mom and sister are still causing drama. There were 2 time jumps. The first time jump was after a year of them dating (I thought only some months had passed.) It time jumped 3 months to their wedding. The next time jump jumped 2 years to them having a 2 year old and Desiree is pregnant again. Which was strange because Desiree had kind of seemed like she had decided she didn't want to have kids.
Overall there was too much drama from all of these adults (teachers, the main character's parents, exes, siblings, young and old they are all drama people) there was no growth for the characters either. Not on the page and really I don't think they grew off the page either. This was a dud for me.
Overall there was too much drama from all of these adults (teachers, the main character's parents, exes, siblings, young and old they are all drama people) there was no growth for the characters either. Not on the page and really I don't think they grew off the page either. This was a dud for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
Nothing Tempting
Contains Spoilers.
This wasn't "a contemporary, steamy romance between an older woman and a younger man" - Desiree and Gabriel. Nor was it the story of "two people finding love and overcoming insecurities...". "Adult content, foul language, violence" was simply a cover for what amounts to "soft porn".
The main characters, as well as their friends, were charged with teaching young people. No one would allow their children to have teachers like these. Supposedly they were teachers who were dedicated to teaching mostly, underprivileged kids from single households, how to be the best. Their foul language and violent actions, often in front of the kids, told a different story. All were guilty. Gabriel, former star basketball player now a high school coach - former playboy, who supposedly gave it all up to coach. Desiree, older woman, dedicated teacher. His best friend and assistant coach who was a worthless baby daddy to three children by three different women. Her best friend, a teacher also, was a loudmouth bully and implied slut, who was ready to fight anyone at the drop of a hat. She was considered a ride or die friend. His mother and sister treated Desiree worse than a dog and Gabriel put up with it in spite of repeatedly saying he would put them out of his life if they couldn't accept Desiree - they wouldn't and he didn't. He finally started seeing them without Desiree when he should have kicked them to the curb - mother and sister or not. There were no redeeming qualities in most of the characters. His father and her father were the exceptions, however her mother, supposedly the good one, also exhibited poor behavior and language.
The only reason I didn't rate it even lower or return it for a refund, I thought I owed it to readers like me who is in the fence about buying the book. Don't waste your time or money. Also, the premise was a good one but was never developed. The plot was thin with underdeveloped characters. The book was poorly written. The dual POV jumped all over the place and was often nonsensical. Had there been steamy sex scenes and sassy commentary, it would have made a world of difference. No attraction was felt - this book, full of graphic, descriptive sex, was simply pornography.
Contains Spoilers.
This wasn't "a contemporary, steamy romance between an older woman and a younger man" - Desiree and Gabriel. Nor was it the story of "two people finding love and overcoming insecurities...". "Adult content, foul language, violence" was simply a cover for what amounts to "soft porn".
The main characters, as well as their friends, were charged with teaching young people. No one would allow their children to have teachers like these. Supposedly they were teachers who were dedicated to teaching mostly, underprivileged kids from single households, how to be the best. Their foul language and violent actions, often in front of the kids, told a different story. All were guilty. Gabriel, former star basketball player now a high school coach - former playboy, who supposedly gave it all up to coach. Desiree, older woman, dedicated teacher. His best friend and assistant coach who was a worthless baby daddy to three children by three different women. Her best friend, a teacher also, was a loudmouth bully and implied slut, who was ready to fight anyone at the drop of a hat. She was considered a ride or die friend. His mother and sister treated Desiree worse than a dog and Gabriel put up with it in spite of repeatedly saying he would put them out of his life if they couldn't accept Desiree - they wouldn't and he didn't. He finally started seeing them without Desiree when he should have kicked them to the curb - mother and sister or not. There were no redeeming qualities in most of the characters. His father and her father were the exceptions, however her mother, supposedly the good one, also exhibited poor behavior and language.
The only reason I didn't rate it even lower or return it for a refund, I thought I owed it to readers like me who is in the fence about buying the book. Don't waste your time or money. Also, the premise was a good one but was never developed. The plot was thin with underdeveloped characters. The book was poorly written. The dual POV jumped all over the place and was often nonsensical. Had there been steamy sex scenes and sassy commentary, it would have made a world of difference. No attraction was felt - this book, full of graphic, descriptive sex, was simply pornography.
May 5, 2019
Temptation was quite the short(ish) story that I really wish had been longer. It's the story of Desiree Spence, a good girl who just went through a bad breakup, so she's starting over with a new job, but she has some trust issues. She meets Gabriel McCollough the basketball coach at her new school, and he wants her badly, but she isn't down for it since she's 10 years older than he is, and she didn't even know that he was a pro basketball player before his injury when she turned him down. He's determined to change her mind, and finally does as they have crazy chemistry, but there's all kinds of bumps in the road. Man the drama was coming from a lot of different places which was making me crazy that's for sure, which brought a push & pull that had me frustrated, especially since sexy times were explosive when they happened. So yeah, I definitely would have loved to see this story longer because I wanted to see a handful of people get their behinds handed to them to be honest. Anyway, that's enough out of me, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 6, 2019
This story is AMAZING simply amazing and I couldn't get enough from this story. It had so much in it and I loved how the author weaved this story. It is an insta love so be forewarned but it so simple that it is not unreasonable. It isn't one of those things that the see each other fall in love and happily ever after.
Gabriel is a basketball God but he is injured and becomes a coach in hopes of living out his dream of coaching basketball instead of playing. He is a God in the coaching world as well as in the ladies world. He is 25 years old and he can have his pick of any woman he wants but one day his life changes and he is caught off guard.
Desiree is moving away from the life she thought she had. She thought she had it all but she is left in the dust by her boyfriend and now she is left without her job as well. Not knowing what to do she moves and bumps into Gabriel. What happens next is just amazing I mean I love a good romance but this is a great romance with it's bumps along the way and these two will have to fight for what they want.
Gabriel is a basketball God but he is injured and becomes a coach in hopes of living out his dream of coaching basketball instead of playing. He is a God in the coaching world as well as in the ladies world. He is 25 years old and he can have his pick of any woman he wants but one day his life changes and he is caught off guard.
Desiree is moving away from the life she thought she had. She thought she had it all but she is left in the dust by her boyfriend and now she is left without her job as well. Not knowing what to do she moves and bumps into Gabriel. What happens next is just amazing I mean I love a good romance but this is a great romance with it's bumps along the way and these two will have to fight for what they want.
June 28, 2023
Got it for free thanks to stuff-your-kindle-day.
Not my typical genre, but since it was free I decided to give it a shot. I didn’t connect to any of the characters and felt like the characters didn’t connect to each other either. All the characters ever talked about was their sex lives or their future and past relationships. The spice was okay at best and the character development was non-existent.
The “old woman” was 35 years old… that should be telling you guys enough.
The male protagonist was described as an “alpha male” in the synopsis of the book which made me want to put it down.
The editors also didn’t do a good enough job on this book as some characters seem to change names or seem to have multiple names.
I’m very glad this book was free because it would not have been worth the money.
Not my typical genre, but since it was free I decided to give it a shot. I didn’t connect to any of the characters and felt like the characters didn’t connect to each other either. All the characters ever talked about was their sex lives or their future and past relationships. The spice was okay at best and the character development was non-existent.
The “old woman” was 35 years old… that should be telling you guys enough.
The male protagonist was described as an “alpha male” in the synopsis of the book which made me want to put it down.
The editors also didn’t do a good enough job on this book as some characters seem to change names or seem to have multiple names.
I’m very glad this book was free because it would not have been worth the money.
August 2, 2023
When you know you know
Both Desiree and Gabriel know from their first laying eyes on each other that they were THE ONE. Desi had her reservations about being ten years younger than Gabriel. To make matters worst, his mother and sister, and exes did not make matters any better. That mother of his was a suspicious controlling witch who wanted to say who was in her son's life. Thank goodness Gabriel was man enough and would not let anyone interfere with his love for Desi. Besides, Desi had a wonderful ride-or-die friend who had her back in all things. Sydney was a girlfriend all women should have. She had me laughing. But I wanted to slap Gabriel's mother, sister, and ex.
Thank goodness for Gabriel's tenacity. He and Desi got their HARD-EARNED HEA.
Both Desiree and Gabriel know from their first laying eyes on each other that they were THE ONE. Desi had her reservations about being ten years younger than Gabriel. To make matters worst, his mother and sister, and exes did not make matters any better. That mother of his was a suspicious controlling witch who wanted to say who was in her son's life. Thank goodness Gabriel was man enough and would not let anyone interfere with his love for Desi. Besides, Desi had a wonderful ride-or-die friend who had her back in all things. Sydney was a girlfriend all women should have. She had me laughing. But I wanted to slap Gabriel's mother, sister, and ex.
Thank goodness for Gabriel's tenacity. He and Desi got their HARD-EARNED HEA.
May 7, 2019
This is a new author to me, and I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Gabriel is a basketball coach, and Desiree is a new teacher at the same school. The chemistry between these two is intense and undeniable. This is a well written story which is filled with drama, and is a sweet, humorous read. I was intrigued and hooked throughout, and I recommend for all lovers of an older woman / younger man scenario.
March 9, 2019
The story of Gabriel and Desi is a sweet one. Personally, the character development wasnt as in depth as I would prefer but overall I did enjoy the book and if youre looking for a quick satisfying read, then this is for you.
March 11, 2019
This book is a sweet read. It’s between a older woman and a younger man and showed you the struggles between then because of family drama and society preconceptions. The writing flows, the story is solid and character development is there.
March 25, 2019
Amazing love😍😍😍😍
This was an amazing story 💕😍 Desi and Gabe had strong chemistry I live how he fought for the love and stood up to his family. I love yonger man older woman love stories
This was an amazing story 💕😍 Desi and Gabe had strong chemistry I live how he fought for the love and stood up to his family. I love yonger man older woman love stories
November 1, 2019
This a wellwritten and fastpaced story that captivated me from the start. The storyline is entertaining and actionpacked. The characters are wonderful. Can not wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy this story.
I didn't connect to the hero of heroin. I never was invested or felt like I had a full understanding of their back stories. The sexual chemistry was good. I plan on reading another series by this author. This one was just okay for me.
I didn't connect to the hero of heroin. I never was invested or felt like I had a full understanding of their back stories. The sexual chemistry was good. I plan on reading another series by this author. This one was just okay for me.
January 20, 2023
very good
Gabriel and desi make a good couple and I don’t know why his mother doesn’t see that is there another part to this story about whether his mother came around now that she has grandchildren
Gabriel and desi make a good couple and I don’t know why his mother doesn’t see that is there another part to this story about whether his mother came around now that she has grandchildren
March 26, 2019
Love it
May 8, 2019
First time author and really enjoyed this read! Definitely adding this author to my TBR list.
June 2, 2020
She’s Mine
This book is filled with exes, love, laughter, and misguided family. When you mix in basketball and baby mommas, anything can happen!
This book is filled with exes, love, laughter, and misguided family. When you mix in basketball and baby mommas, anything can happen!
Want to read
June 21, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/21/2023)! 🎁
August 26, 2025
DNF.. got half was thru it. But it was just a huge miss for me. Not a huge fan of the writing style and story overall was just lacking.
April 10, 2019
Desiree Spence just lost her job and the man she loved. With everything going on Desiree has decided she needs a fresh start, new town, new job and perhaps even a new man.
Gabriel McCullough, superstar NBA player injured after two seasons retires and becomes a coach to help with influencing the next generation.
The chemistry between Desiree and Gabriel is undeniable but Desiree is fresh out of a relationship where she was betrayed and she also has a problem with him being 10 years younger than her.
I enjoyed Desiree and Gabriel story, it was love at first sight. I liked how Gabriel knew what he wanted and would not stop until he got it. My favorite character was Sydney she was that I got your back and no one better not mess with you friend. Gabriel mom and sister really got on my nerves and I felt he should have dealt with them better than he did. I felt this story was a lil rushed and left me with unanswered questions. I wanted more and needed more. Overall it was a good storyline and I will read more by this author.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Gabriel McCullough, superstar NBA player injured after two seasons retires and becomes a coach to help with influencing the next generation.
The chemistry between Desiree and Gabriel is undeniable but Desiree is fresh out of a relationship where she was betrayed and she also has a problem with him being 10 years younger than her.
I enjoyed Desiree and Gabriel story, it was love at first sight. I liked how Gabriel knew what he wanted and would not stop until he got it. My favorite character was Sydney she was that I got your back and no one better not mess with you friend. Gabriel mom and sister really got on my nerves and I felt he should have dealt with them better than he did. I felt this story was a lil rushed and left me with unanswered questions. I wanted more and needed more. Overall it was a good storyline and I will read more by this author.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews