Tempting (Red Lips & White Lies)

Welcome back to Kroydon Hills, where both hockey and football reign supreme. Tempting (Red Lips & White Lies #1) is the first book in the second series featuring the next generation of Sinclairs, Kingstons, Hayes, Murphys, Ryans, and Beneventis.

This series is starting off hot & spicy…with Kenzie & Nixon’s story.

Dr. Mackenzie Hayes is back in Kroydon Hills after completing her medical residency down in DC & has started working at her aunt’s practice & the local hospital. Nixon Sinclair was drafted to the local hockey team shortly before Mackenzie headed down to DC.

They’ve known each other for years…since Mackenzie’s cousin assumed guardianship of her and her brother Easton…and brought them into the fold of the Kingston family.

So…what happens when you’re leaving a family gathering & you almost run into your boss from work? The one that is kinda giving off the wrong vibes? Where your ‘childhood’ friend offers an ‘solution’…a little white lie…for a night or two?

What becomes of that ‘little white lie’…when you both admit feelings for each other? Let’s not forget family & friends…ones that don’t mind putting their noses into everyone’s lives…

The answers…the spiciness….the happily-ever-after…found within the pages of Tempting.

I stumbled upon Bella Matthews earlier this year, with an ad for The Keeper (Playing to Win #1), and have binge read all of her books since. The Playing to Win (four books) series is the first series featuring the second generation, while the ‘older’ generation is featured in the following series: Kings of Kroydon Hills (four books), the Restless Kings (three books),The Risks We Take Duet, and the Defiant Kings (five books).

I absolutely loved this book…the text messages between the girls…the messages between the guys…and the romance between Kenzie & Nixon. Kenzie was the type of character I could relate to…someone that focused so much on their education/career—that having a life outside fell by the wayside…she’s lucky though…she has the family to remind her that work isn’t everything.

I’m waiting on pins & needles for the next book in the series…which happens to be Callen’s story. Now…one of the biggest ‘players’ is going to fall…and I personally can’t wait to meet the woman that is going to be the cause of that fall.

This was the first book I read of Bella Matthews and all I can say is wow where have I been now I need to read everything leading up to Nixon and Kenzie to just consume myself into this world. She has created the absolutely destroyed me and built me right back up. The emotions Nick and Mac brought out of me or some of the most beautiful I've experienced. I laughed I cried, and at times clutched my chest over how it all felt. I fell in love with Nixon, a man who is searching for his own legacy not just the name on the back of his jersey. He's got so many layers that you get to see and covered with the way he is with Mack seeing him be the man she needs and him realizing that having it all means having her was pure perfection he has his possessiveness for her that I absolutely am obsessed with. He's the kind of possessive that made her see herself a strong cherished and loved then there's Mac this girl has fought her way to be exactly where she wants to be in her career and never giving into anything more because deep down, she doesn't want to hurt due to loss she experienced, even though she's been surrounded by love and the best family and friends she could ask for they're still that part that is locked away through being with Nixon. She's slowly opens herself up and those walls start to come down with his patients she finds healing Loving him a gift that was always meant to have these two have captured my heart and I'm forever grateful that the beautiful Bella Matthews created these two and they are now a part of my HA vault. I can't wait to continue to fall in love with all that is to come.

I just finished Tempting by Bella Matthews, and it was everything I hoped for and more. I absolutely love next-generation stories, and this one is no exception. Watching the kids of the characters from the original series grow up is such a treat, and Matthews did a fantastic job with it.

The spice level in this book is amazingggg—just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting. As someone who’s currently obsessed with hockey and medical romances, this story hit all the right notes for me. The chemistry between Mackenzie and Nixon is off the charts, and the steamy scenes are perfectly interwoven with emotional depth.

I was really touched by Mackenzie’s courage and her commitment to doing what’s best for herself. Her journey felt authentic and inspiring, and I loved seeing her and Nixon’s relationship blossom throughout the book.

I’m already excited for Callen’s story in Redeeming. Matthews’ storytelling continues to impress, and Tempting has only made me more eager for what’s next in the series. If you’re a fan of the genre, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!

Tempting (Red Lips & White Lies Book 1) by Bella Matthews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 🏒👩🏻‍⚕️🏒👩🏻‍⚕️🏒/5

I always knew Kenzie’s story would be unique and beautiful. As someone that has lost a parent, I really like how Bella demonstrates with Kenzie how losing someone so dear to you, can change not just your life but its shape entirely . How sometimes it is easier to lock all the emotions and pain away, that you forget how to live or how to even take risks for what’s worth fighting for. The way Nixon saw Kenzie for who she truly was, like no one ever has. Made me fall in love with him over and over again. He didn’t see her as someone that needed to be fixed. He saw a smart, beautiful, and successful woman who stole his heart at the age of 13 before he even realized it. Their story is so beautiful because Nixon didn’t feel the need to fix Kenzie's broken pieces, instead he shaped himself to fit those pieces. Making a whole piece, something that Kenzie needed , but didn’t know. Personally this hit home for me on a whole different level, that made me feel seen. That it’s okay to grieve, but it’s also ok to live life without guilt or without following someone’s expectations but our own.

Bella you have done it again, this was another well written story. Can’t wait to read Callan and fell in love with him as well.

This couple took me in a ride and I enjoyed every second of it.

Nixon was in love with Kenzie since they were teenagers, long before he knew what love was; but after a life changing tragedy, Kenzie puts all her focus into her career.

Kenzie and Nixon both think their careers are all they have time for so when they agree to a no strings attached “friends with benefits” arrangement they think they’ve found the perfect solution to their mutual attraction. He’ll teach her how to be intimate and keep the creepy doctor off her back, and he’ll get more from the woman he’s always wanted.

The thing is, those strings were attached way before either of them realized. The way their families were so connected made things complicated and hard to navigate, especially once their little arrangement quickly became so much more for the both of them.

The way that man loved and desired her would make any woman fall head over heels. Kenzie didn’t stand a chance. Their chemistry was electric. Nixon stood by her side and loved her through her healing and it was beautiful to be a part of that journey. This couple was special.

I can’t recommend this book enough!

This book is so good! Ares had been my favorite for so long but oof Nixon came into the picture and I think it’s safe to say that they now share that title. I’m so happy Kenzie finally got her happy ending and with none other than Nixon 😍😮‍💨 This is written so beautifully and gave me all the feels. Their group chats are always hilarious. It’s something I look forward to reading. 😂

Nixon just returned back to Kroydon Hills the same Kenzie went to DC. I remember him in the Knockout and he was such a great brother to Grace, accompanying her to Ares’ father’s funeral. He offered his silent support to his sister and did not cause any ruckus even after learning that they are together. I totally loved him then but I fell in love more with him in this book. As the saying goes, silent waters run deep. Nixon is just like that. He bulldozed his way in Kenzie’s life and turned it upside down in a very good way.

Kenzie on the other hand was in Kroydon until she went to DC for her residency. She is focused on her career and there were no mentions of past boyfriends on other books. She kept to herself most of the time and seems to be always busy studying. She has been a good friend to every one of her best friends. She saw them find their happy ending one by one and by the time she was back to Kroydon, she’s the only single one among them. She was not looking for anything relationship because she is so dedicated to her career. But then Nixon offered himself up on a silver platter and she was not able to resist no matter how hard she tried.

Their story transitioned smoothly. I really love how patient Nixon is when it comes to Kenzie. He supports her in any way he can and does not take offense when she was busy with her work. They work so well together! He is really perfect for Kenzie 🥰

I ✨LOVED✨ this book. I wish I had time to go re-read all of the previous series, because I am literally obsessed with the Kroydon Hills crew!

This book had all of the things you expect and love in a Bella Matthews book - spice, laughter and so much swoon. I love the Krodyon Hills universe Bella has created; the girl squads and guy groups. I so enjoy that you get to revisit the past couples in all the books, and see how their stories continue. I honestly highlighted half of the book - between spicy scenes, Nix and Mac swoon, and the always funny group texts. (Bella, please never stop writing the group texts!)

Possibly Spoilery Review Below Nix and Mac were so perfect. In the book and for each other. They both started out adamant that they didn't want a relationship to interfere with their careers, both noticing how much the other had ~grown up~ since they were teenagers, to finally both finding the piece they were missing in the other. The fake dating, ~spicy lessons~ and then secret dating were a fun combination, and I loved the family aspect of this too. The "pressure" from their friends and family, grossing each other's siblings out with s.e.x. talk, Kenzie/Leo and the apple!

Now, where can I find a Nix in real life? texts. (Bella, please never stop writing the group texts!) Possibly Spoilery Review Below Nix and Mac were so perfect. In the book and for each other. They both started out adamant that they didn't want a relationship to interfere with their careers, both noticing how much the other had ~grown up~ since they were teenagers, to finally both finding the piece they were missing in the other. The fake dating and ~spicy lessons~ were a fun combination, along with the "pressure" from their friends and family. Now, where can I find a Nix in real life?

I shouldn’t even be surprised at this point. Bella has done it once again. This book got me all in my feels. Nixon and Kenzie are EVERYTHING. I feel like this one hits a little different given that she’s been away with school and he went away for it too so it’s not so in your face Grayson royalty even though it so is. I liked the change of pace and that you could still feel all that love from the family. The way they fall is beautiful and the spice was spicin!! 10/10 would (and already have) read again and can’t wait for the next in the series.

I don’t know what it is about the Sinclair boys but they’re definitely some of my favorite and Nixon is no different. I loved his character in this book! It was filled with some of the best microtropes sports romance offer. Kenzie is also a great character, although I do like how Nix calls her Mac. I was a bit thrown off by Easton’s attitude given he did pretty much the same thing. Another thing that was a little annoying was how Nixon viewed being a Sinclair. I’m glad he realized it was all self imposed. As usual I love the getting to hear how other characters in the Kroyden universe are doing. All in all a very spicy sport romance with a good story line.

What can i say, I’ve read every single book of this whole crazy family so far and this one is just as sappy and fun and spicy. The ending was a bit wild and out there with the Dr and i was expecting more blow up from that but I liked that miscommunication with them resulted in being ok with being upset and not just breaking up. At this point I’ve been invested in this whole family I’m just reading it all to stay informed 😂