Book Review for TEMPTED BY LOVE by Jennifer Ryan

17/8/2018

She was this Montana Man’s greatest temptation . . .

Alina Cooke—little sister of his two best friends—is the last woman DEA agent Jay Bennett should be waking up next to on the day of her brother’s wedding. But their powerful attraction ignited a powder keg of desire, and their once simple friendship has just become impossibly complicated.

Alina’s always been steady, focused, and lived on the safe side of life. Jay is totally devoted to his dangerous job. She knows a future with him will be filled with worry that one day he won’t come home. She’s done it with her brothers. She’s not sure she can face that uncertainty with the man she loves. Yet being in his arms is a bad idea they keep repeating, again and again.

When Alina is run off the road, Jay fears his job has made her a target. But the threat in Alina’s life is closer than they think. As the enemy gets more ruthless, Alina proves she’s no easy target and Jay will do anything to bring them down. Because surviving and being together is the only thing that matters.

Montana Heat series is one of my favorite romantic suspense series I have read in the past year or so. Jennifer Ryan's writing is sharp, bright, and passionate. It brings out the intensity of the action and suspense and the enormity of the emotions whirling in the minds and hearts of the protagonists. Starting one of her books puts an automatic 'do not disturb' sign surrounding me because I will be immersed into the tale, and not coming out for anything until I get to the end of the exciting book.
Tempted by Love tells the story of Alina Cooke and Jay Bennett, a love story of a best friend's little sister tempting the seasoned agent.
Alina is a smart, professional, goal-oriented, accomplished woman. She grew up with two older brothers who work for the law enforcement and knows the dangers and threats it involves. To fall for a man who puts his life in danger daily is not the ideal situation in Alina's mind, yet the temptation is burning hot every time she looks into Jay's eyes, the feelings churning and growing in her heart taking over the rational thinking.
Jay Bennett is a sensible, wise man with a quick, brilliant tactical mind. He is a dedicated man of the law who has put the job first for most of his career. Now his priorities are challenged as he realizes his attraction to Alina is much more than a physical fling.
I loved the chemistry between Jay and Alina. There's unique honesty, straight talking, and true feels and connection happening between them. They have known each other for some time, yet when they finally have a chance to spend time with just the two of them, the romantic feelings start to bloom.
And when their lives are in danger, they have to face and accept some realities of life faster than they expected.
There is a twofold suspense building up in the tale. Alina's pharmacy is facing unexpected turbulence and is connected to the recent crimes in the neighborhood. The opioid crisis in the States is in the front and center of the tale, giving perspective and even information on the dangers and depth of the issue.
The second fold of the suspense is the action from Jay's point of view from True To You, book two in the series, where King and Cara Potter are battling against the druglord and their feelings towards each other. That deadly war ends up putting King and Jay's lives into dire straits, and Alina's feelings towards Jay are challenged.
The escalating tension of the threats and danger surrounding Jay and Alina, the growing feelings between them, and all the challenges they have to face regarding their families, the drama from the past, present, and the possibilities of the future together, it all is twined into an exhilarating, riveting, and entertaining tale.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Jennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.