Tempt

Secrets And Lies #1

by Ainsley Booth

Hazel:
Sam is the cold-day-in-hell very-bad-idea I want nothing to do with.
But one night on a train changes everything, and now I’m tumbling head-over-heels in lust with a man who barely has his life together. At what point in our depraved series of carnal negotiations do I admit to myself that I’m in over my head?

Sam:
Hazel is my escape, my second chance at being a good person, my first real shot at being an honest man. Sure, she mostly wants me for my filthy mouth and talented fingers, but that’s the deal with the devil I’ve made. I get to love her, and she gets to use me for my body. No feelings, no talk of forever.
It’s for the best. It’s just a matter of time before the house of cards I have carefully constructed around my family comes tumbling down again. And when it does, Hazel won’t want anything to do with me ever again.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of Ainsley Booth

If I could give this book 100 stars I would. This is the best Ainsley Booth book I have read so far. The words are sheer poetry and so emotional. I fell in love with Hazel and Sam immediately. Their story is rather unusual and quirky in the telling.

Ainsley took me on a journey I didn't want to end. Her writing was sensuous, with feelings and thoughts I found profound yet so down to earth in a very human telling.

Perhaps it was because Hazel was a writer and used her poems and description of her love for Sam that drew me in in such a moving way. I felt like I was feeling the emotion of the characters.

This is a book I will read again and again.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

{insert “gif from The Office of Pam holding up a cardboard sign that says HOT” here}

[Jessica Alcazar]

Available everywhere ebooks are sold.
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/TemptZon
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/Tempt_Kobo
Apple Books: https://smarturl.it/TemptAppleBooks
Barnes & Noble: https://smarturl.it/TemptNook
Google Play: https://smarturl.it/TemptAndroid

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars. I can’t even say what this book was about, because was there even a plot? Sam and Hazel have a history from 10 years ago, but the reader only gets snippets of it in the dialogue so it’s never really clear what went down. They like to role play and experiment and have unresolved chemistry to explore. The relationship development wasn’t angsty and the steam was undermined by side elements of the book so I don't know if this was meant to be erotica or romance, because it was lacking in both. I couldn’t follow how they fell in love and there wasn’t any conflict, it simply happened really easily while the author tried to plant the seeds for next book with other characters. This felt more like the bonus novella to read after a couple gets together rather than the journey of their ups and downs to happiness and I somehow missed the original book.

[Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone know what is happening with this series? No longer on Amazon.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a scene in this book where one of the main characters talks about snow globes. When I think of this story in my head, I picture it unfolding in a snow globe. Shake it and we are in a train, shake it again and we are in a lodge with snow or a picturesque town.

Sam and Hazel meet on a train, or do they? That first encounter is unexpected, and the twist was so well done that I re read the first few chapters after the reveal to make sure that I had not missed anything and nope, I did not, the writer, Ainsley Booth, gave us that first gift without any spoilers.
We continue to travel with Sam and Hazel as they develop their relationship, renew old friendships, make new ones, talk about old ghosts and redemption and create a path for forgiveness. Shake the globe. We take a ride with them to the past, present and future and it is magical.

I appreciated how Sam took responsibility for his actions, never wavered, and was honest and upfront. Hazel was a delight, her thoughts on Sam are sad, interesting, and funny. Her thoughts on coats hanging and the correlation to love also gave me all the feels (I may not look at the closet the same way again). Her understanding inspiring and it was fun to follow her writing process.
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place on a train, in a warehouse loft, in a winter lodge, in a cottage home, but the feel and the atmosphere of this book feels like it is taking place in a lush boudoir, a stately library with gleaming wood and brass finishes, a secluded castle with turrets and a moat, a fairy cabin deep in the woods. That is because the story of Hazel and Sam is rich, warm, decadent, and it flows over you. It has flashes of light, prisms of light in the dark, beautiful and multifaceted. Dark corners with dust motes shimmering as candles flicker over the couple cocooned there. The story moves sinuously to a warm, roasting fire, with plush rugs and hot beverages as our couple lounge and play in front of it as they explore their thoughts and fantasies Hazel and Sam have a past, they have their present, and they bring us on the sensual ride that is their time together

[Trace]

I absolutely loved this book. Can't wait for Shame and Luke and Grace's story.

I love the honesty of the relationship between Sam and Hazel. Laying all of the cards of the table.
Just when I thought the story was going to go one way it went another way.
Kept me on my toes

Thanks for a wonderful story Ainsley

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typos threw me off and I just wasn’t the biggest fan of the characters. Sam gave me bad vibes.

[Derna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this one; it was a quick read but an intriguing one. Sam and Hazel were great together. Sam had made mistakes in his past and was keen to show Hazel he had leant from then and was a different man. I liked watching their relationship develop and how open and honest they were about their past, feelings, emotions, needs, fantasies and desires. I would recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick, easy, sexy stress-free story.

Tempt is not my first book by Ainsley booth as I have always enjoyed her writing style.

I have a NetGalley copy of the next book in the series Shame, and I am looking forward to reading Grace’s story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

They knew each other and life happened. A chance meeting on a train and a snow demon story later, they give life a second chance. Loved watching Sam and Hazel's relationship develop with a little kink thrown in. Up next is his brother's book. I hope Alex gets a book too.

[Julia]

Might read this out of morbid curiosity- if it goes the way I think it will go.

[Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and filthy, my favorite combo.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no conflict in this story. I was on the edge of my seat and terrified at about 50% that something horrible would happen. Things were going too well. A conflict was about to happen. I would skim ahead to see if I could see it and then go back and read it properly. I did that several times. I just knew a big misunderstanding was about to happen. I didn’t relax until about 95%. I’m going to have to read it again, when I can just relax and enjoy it. I really liked this book. I love an honest hero. I’m giving it 4.5 stars since a lot of things were left vague and not explained or brought up again.

[Kitt Crescendo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breath of Fresh Air

You know what I enjoyed about this book?

Just when you thought you knew, you didn’t.

Two college frenemies collide at a club, like recognizing like, about to give in to their baser desires…or are they?

Two strangers on a train stopped in the middle of nowhere, a story breathed to life… Or maybe it’s all an illusion.

So intriguing, these characters… The hero is well aware of his tarnished armor. Brutally aware and honest about his shameful, less than stellar past. Instead of being weak or pathetic, somehow his fallibility makes him appealing and strong and sexy.

The heroine understands all too well what being judged looks like. People assume a lot based on her career choice. It’s made her hide herself away…until him.

No, this book wasn’t complex or complicated. It was just lush and sexy and oh so appealing. I loved every minute of these two.

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different

It took me a while to write this review. I read the book, stewed over it, forgot about it, and read it again months later. It's very different from the other books I've e ad by this author, both as Zoe York and as Ainsley Booth. It's a romance, but not romantic, or maybe it's the opposite, a romantic non romance. A lot of it takes place inside the thoughts of Sam and Hazel, and is not at all the story you think you're getting when you start it. My worst criticism is that it feels unfinished, almost like a serial rather than part of a series, something that may be intentional, and works, because I really want to know Grace's story.

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, Raw, Passionate & Romantic!!🙏😢🔥😍
Such depth & Understanding!💘🔥😍
Tempt (Secrets And Lies #1)

I absolutely loved this passionately romantic story. Sam & Hazel are devine together. His brutal honesty is hard won & appreciated. It gives her the bravery to be honest with him about her true desires. They are pretty uncomplicated once they've settled into their relationship & who they are. They're very carnal, it's hot & steamy!💘🔥💘🔥 I've pre ordered the next book in this duet to find out Grace's story! 🙏🌟

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a moment early in the book when I was almost noped out because we went back in time to meet Sam who's a douchey bro-dude but I'm glad I stuck it out because I actually really really enjoyed this. Sam has a ton of baggage because he's made so many mistakes and bad choices but it's made him a fiercely honest and open partner to Hazel. Watching their relationship develop as they get to know each other again was so lovely and their enthusiasm as they explored new aspects of their sexual relationship was so fun and sweet.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting this book. I really enjoyed it, the way the characters interacted with honesty with each other. There was a real feel that Sam had grown tremendously as a character from when she had first know him at college. It was nice to read a book where the couple were not already 100% confident in why they would like and to explore it together. Looking forward to Graces story.

[Taryne Rhedey · Rating 4 out of 5]

After this I kind of want my own birdcage.
Hazel and Sam's story is a great set of twists and history and steamy romance. Ainsley Booth is great at characters, switching perspectives and getting the reader invested in not only the main plot, but setting up following novels with great secondary characters.
I'm looking forward to reading Shame next.

[SARAH PHELPS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best

I have read so many erotic novels this year. I am also writing them. “Tempt” absolutely blew me away. The relationship between Hazel and Sam is so relatable and so hot, I think I will read it again and again. Beautifully written and plotted. This may be my favourite book in this genre. Wow!

[Jdursi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hazel and Sam’s story. I devoured TEMPT in just a few hours. Not so strangers on a train, it’s been 10 years since they’ve seen each other. When Hazel’s holiday plans are derailed, an undeniable flame is rekindled. We get a little sneak peek into the plot of the next book and I can’t wait to read it.

[CKD! · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things that temp you!

Hazel meets Sam again by chance and their crazy chemistry still exists. Ainsley has created wonderful characters with realistic backgrounds and fantasy. This story is written in a way that feels like real life. You could know these characters or be these characters. It was my first book by her but won't be my last.

[Becky Rendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempt by Ainsley Booth 4 stars

Given that this is book one in a duet, it's safe to assume it wasn't written for this project. Tempt was by far the most entertaining of the anthology- Nice-ish Anthology. Sexy and needy, Tempt takes on a life of it's own. Probably best not to read it on an international flight where you can't act any of it out!

[Cassidy London · Rating 5 out of 5]

That unfinished business? That off-the-charts chemistry? Yeah, you know the one. The one you still think about... well, TEMPT is all this and so much more. Captivating characters, intriguing story line and sizzling heat that will melt your kindle! Can't wait for book 2!

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The spicy scenes are good. The rest of the book is meh. It was more interesting in the beginning when Hazel didn’t recognize Sam, but afterwords their relationship was just mushy. There wasn’t enough drama for me. I like a HEA, but this was a little too happy.

[Megan Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUPER steamy!! This book was definitely spicy in all of the good ways. The story was very entertaining and I enjoyed this book very much overall. Not much experience in the bdsm world so this was kind of a glimpse into what that might entail.

[Kaylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was... entertaining? But honestly, this is a book that I definitely wouldn't have picked up on my own (part of Bawdy Bookworms). The scenes weren't my thing, the story arc wasn't my thing, the characters weren't my thing. Eh.

[Tab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise and I liked both characters - I liked them together but I just - the sex scenes were not really hot to me. Same with the follow up book. Which is too bad because I mostly like this author's writing style.

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Hazel and Sam have a history. I love that they reconnected and have always thought of each other through the years.