Tempted in the Tropics

Suddenly Smitten #2

by Tracy March

The only thing they agree on is the sultry heat between them.

Paige Ellerbee’s life is far from perfect after moving back to small-town Maple Creek—there’s her struggling bakery, Sweet Bee’s; her aging father; and the fact she’s practically the only single girl in town. But when Lane Anderson, the town’s hot—and young!—new doctor, moves in next door, she wouldn’t mind receiving some intensive care…until their first conversation starts a feud.

Lane came to Maple Creek to lay low after inadvertently being associated with a pill-prescribing scandal. When the gorgeous blonde next door asks for his help with a program that could raise eyebrows, he has to refuse. He's been burned in the past when blinded by love, yet Paige's feisty personality has his blood running hot.

When a little matchmaking lands Lane at Paige’s best friend’s wedding in St. Lucia, suddenly the romantic island vibe tempts them to kiss and make up. A temporary truce might be just what they both want—but forever love might be more than they can agree on.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Doctors, Chick Lit, Amazon, Small Town Romance

192 pages, ebook

First published September 9, 2013

About the author

Award-winning author Tracy March writes romantic thrillers and lighthearted romances inspired by her real-life happily ever after.

Always up for travel and adventure, Tracy has flown in a stunt plane, snowmobiled on the Continental Divide, ziplined in the Swiss Alps, and been chased by a bull in the mountains of St. Lucia. She loves Nationals baseball, Saturday date nights, and Dairy Queen Blizzards—and rarely goes a day without craving pizza.

Tracy lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with her superhero husband who works for NASA.

Reviews

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. I so loved Tempted in the Tropics by Tracy March. It was entertaining from start to finish with the perfect blend of romance, laughter, and passion. In the follow up book to The Practice Proposal, Tempted in the Tropics follows Paige and Lane's story. Paige Ellerbee runs Sweet Bee's Bakery in Maple Creek and Dr. Lane Anderson is in town to cover for his uncle's medical practice, which is next door to Sweet Bee's. The two of them have a rocky start, but a long weekend in St. Lucia changes that...

The pacing of Tempted in the Tropics was perfect. Sometimes in contemporary romance there is a lull here or there in the story, but not so with this one! I really had a hard time putting it down because there wasn't an easy stopping point - I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. The setting was awesome because most of it took place in St. Lucia. If Tracy modeled the resort in the book after one she stayed in, I definitely want to visit St. Lucia!

The characters were well developed. Paige is full of spirit and Lane was raised much more conservatively, and is rather "uptight" according to Paige. There are some absolutely laugh-out-loud funny scenes in this book as well as some very sweet and tender "aww" moments. I really enjoyed how the romance built up between Paige and Lane because it was so true of their characters. It was Cole and Liza's wedding (from The Practice Proposal) that brought Paige and Lane to St. Lucia. There was a little matchmaking going on behind the scenes that made sure they had to spend time together to start things off.

As with Tracy's other stories, the intimate scenes were left up to the reader's imagination. She does a fantastic job giving bits and pieces of the physical chemistry like the soft kisses and touches, the characters thoughts and emotional responses and at the end of the book it was just as passionate and sexy as books with detailed sex scenes.

So far it might seem like Paige and Lane had an easy road with their relationship, but that was not the case. There were still questions and doubts, disapproving parents, ex-fiances, family health concerns and potential job failure that really tested their ability to be together. Through it all, Paige and Lane had great friends by their side and continued to be drawn together by the peace they got from one another. The ending to the story was absolutely perfect and allowed me to let out a very happy sigh. If you are looking for a passionate, romantic and very entertaining contemporary romance read, I highly recommend Tempted in the Tropics!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super happy to read this book, after reading and enjoying the first in the Suddenly Smitten series, The Practice Proposal and was hoping that Paige would get her own book, and here it is.

Paige is one of those characters that you want as a best friend. She runs her own bakery, works next door to her dad and has a great life. All she is missing is someone special.

Enter Dr Lane Anderson, who is in town to take over his uncle's medical practice for a month and to get his head back in focus after a scandal wrecks havoc in his professional and personal lives.

Add in a little matchmaking, a fantastic trip to an island paradise, with rooms that we all would love, some major chemistry, a wonderfully helpful hotel staff member (love Gerard) and you get a story that will have you reading till you finish the book.

Watch for the scene when Paige meets Lane's parents, especially the pair of undies that make a special appearance. Hilarious.

I will be putting this author on my auto buy list and I'm sure other readers will too after they finish this book.

This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.

[LJT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book! The storyline is fresh, modern and engaging. This is a fast-paced read the flows fluidly from beginning to end. The author does an excellent job of creating sexy seduction scenes that sizzle with heat.

Bakery owner and pastry chef Paige Ellerbee is a smart young woman with a lot of heart. When she found out her mom was dying from cancer, she returned to her hometown of Maple Creek to help her dad take care of her mom. She decided to stay in town permanently so that she could watch over her dad and be close to her only family member. Her dad owns the local barbershop and she brings him a tasty treat and coffee almost every morning. They are very close and Paige can't imagine not seeing him on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, the town Paige grew up in is now primarily populated by senior citizens, so meeting men and having a social life is especially difficult. However, the townspeople love her and she finds great comfort in knowing that her "Special Recipes" help to keep them healthy. The town doctor keeps her apprised on which folks require low fat, no sugar, or gluten free items and she alters her recipes accordingly. That is until the local doctor goes on a month long vacation and his nephew, Dr. Lane Anderson, fills in temporarily and refuses to follow the dietary communication process.

A month in Maple Creek is just what Lane needs to clear his head. He recently lost his thriving medical practice due to being associated with a prescription drug scandal that his medical partner was involved in. His medical partner was also his fiance and she was cheating on him with the lawyer who was handling her case. Needless to say, Lane is extremely careful with his doctoring and with his heart.

When Paige and Lane meet, there is an instant attraction and dislike at the same time. However, with some meddling by Paige's best friend Liza and Sylvia, Liza's mother, they get to know each other and a relationship blossoms. Both attending Liza's wedding to Cole in St. Lucia, turns up the heat and passion. They agree to an island fling, with no strings attached. However, emotions come into play and they end up falling in love with each other.

Luckily after a week apart and overcoming some obstacles, they are able to find their happiness together.

If you are looking for a well-written, hot contemporary romance, look no further than Tempted in the Tropics.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one go! Granted I was on an 8 hour flight, but this book made it a much more happy pleasurable experience and as my husband sat snoring away beside me, I in turn sat swooning and signing over one very delectable and dishy doctor. With loveable characters, a captivating storyline and set in a descriptively beautiful setting, I was once again smitten and loved every page. I would recommend reading The Practice Proposal first though; this book focusses on Paige, and Cole and Liza’s journey continues to evolve and plays a huge part throughout.

I loved Paige in the first book, but she really comes into her own in this and you can’t not love her determined, feisty yet sweet nature. As for Lane, well the synopsis wasn’t wrong when it says he could give McDreamy a run for his money. There simply aren’t enough adjectives to describe him and the man had my heart from the start. He and Paige may not get off to the best of starts, but when flung together in St. Lucia, a fling surely can’t hurt…

This magical book is filled with romance, flirting, humour, wit, joy, sadness and passion. It pulled my heartstrings yet made me laugh-out-loud and whilst the steamy content stays behind closed doors, the build-up is sizzling. I thoroughly recommend and I can’t wait to visit Maple Creek again to see who will find love next (perhaps Cyn and Trent?)

I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 1st book in this series and was pleasantly surprised by it. When I was offered an ARC of Tempted in the Tropics and saw who this book was about I jumped at it. Paige was hilarious in the 1st book. I'm glad the author chose to write hers next. I actually liked this book better than the first.

Paige is a pastry chef who left her job at a fancy D.C. hotel to move home and take care of her mom when she became terminally ill. After her mom passed she couldn't leave her dad alone so she stayed in a small town full of seniors and opened up her bakery "Sweet Bee's". The bakery is her entire life. Helping to care for the towns seniors makes her happy.

In comes Dr. Lane Anderson. He's in town taking over his uncles medical practice for a month while his uncle's on vacation until he can figure out what he's going to do with his life after having to close his practice in Texas.

These two didn't hit it off. Lane's previous experience with women causes him to be suspicious of Paige. Paige see Lane as being some snooty doctor getting in the way of her taking care of the townspeople. The story follows what happens when they're thrown together for Liza and Cole's wedding.

I have to say I think the funniest parts of this book involve Lane's parents. When they meet, and when they go to dinner. I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my face! I hope the author continues this series! I wouldn't mind reading Trent's story next.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part about this book was the sense of humor Paige Ellerbee's character used to propel her flirtation with the new resident in town, Dr. Lane Anderson.
They were sweetly antagonistic and the whole town was part of their matchmaking. I loved how the characters from Tracy's first book in this series "The Practice Proposal" were seamlessly part of this second book in the sequence and I liked knowing how their friendships continued. The setting of the beautiful Caribbean trip was so descriptive for the backdrop of Paige and Lane's love story that I could visualize their rooms perfectly and I am betting they could get an uptick in tourism from this book due to the romantic vibe that permeated the wedding party's stay. The humorous encounters with parents and the morning after walk of shame didn't detract from the festivities and had me smiling continuously.
Once back to real life where Paige's bakery needs more money to keep going and Dr. Anderson's stay is almost over then the feelings these two have tried to hide behind a fling come to the surface but fitting their lives together seems impossible when his past haunts him. Working it out might just involve the whole town helping them find a solution.
I cannot wait for the next installment from this series.
I received an advanced reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Tracy March's previous book in the series The Practise Proposal, I was looking forward to the release of Tempted in the Tropics. I can tell you it didnt disappoint, in fact in my opioion this book was even better!!!

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. With lovable characters, that you wish you knew in real life, a brilliant storyline and some genuine laugh out loud moments (the thong incident comes to mind) Tempted in the Tropics is a sweet story that you wont want to put down, I know I didnt.

I gave this book 5 stars, something I dont do lightly, highly recommended :-)

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted in the Tropics follows the book The Practice Proposal, this time focusing on Paige and the new doctor in town, Lane. The chemistry between the two is so palpable that you feel as if you are watching the story unfold rather than reading it. Lots of steamy moments, plenty of smiles and several laugh-out-loud moments make the book so wonderful that you won't want to put it down until the very end.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

TEMPTED IN THE TROPICS is a story of new acquaintances turned enemies, turned lovers. It's an enjoyable read until you get to the Tropical part of the story. From there the book becomes a heated love affair. Okay, it becomes a little more than heated. Who knew dessert could be so mind blowing?

Paige Ellerbee, the owner of Sweet Bee’s bakery, has given up her life to move back to her hometown of Maple Creek, Maryland; a small town full of elderly people. Paige initially returned to help take care of her mother who eventually dies of cancer and now she stays because she can't bare to leave her father alone.

Lane Anderson is a man trying to recover from the deceit of his former fiance and partner. Lane’s professional reputation has taken a very hard hit and he desperately needs to repair it if he wants to continue to practice medicine. Lane is given the opportunity to get back into practicing medicine by his uncle Pete Hartley, the only doctor in small town Maple Creek. Pete and his wife are planning on taking a month long vacation to Europe and ask Lane to take over the practice while he is away.

Paige and Lane’s first meeting at her father’s barbershop turns out to be a little irritating for both, to say the least. But it definitely made them think of the other throughout the day. If the first meeting was irritating, then the second is downright bloodshed. Okay, so no blood was actually shed but Paige definitely wanted to send the arrogant, holier than thou Dr. Anderson packing. It turns out Uncle Pete has been sharing medical information with Paige, in order to make sure his patients eat a little better and stick with his treatment plan. Lane thinks this borders on violating privacy laws. He refuses to continue this agreement, thus making a struggling Sweet Bee’s struggle even more.

Things get interesting when Paige and Lane each accept a dinner invitation from Mrs. Hawthorne. She’s like the Queen Bee of Maple Creek and she isn’t someone you want to cross. Neither knows the other has been invited and the dinner turns out to be a wedding date/venue announcement for the wedding of Paige’s best friend, Liza and Cole from THE PRACTICE PROPOSAL. Paige of course will be the maid of honor. Liza, Clay, and Liza’s mother want Lane to come along as well and play his classical guitar. Are you smelling a setup? You should.

Once Paige and Lane get to the paradise location, they agree to put all of their differences aside temporarily to make sure the wedding goes smoothly. The beauty and magic of the island turns out to be just what these two need in order to set aside their differences. A short-term tropical romance turns out to be too tempting for these two to pass up. What ensues is what romance is all about. What should have only lasted three or four days is enough to make these two question themselves and what they are willing to give up for each other and the chance to have a perfect love.

Now, when it comes Tracy’s Suddenly Smitten Series I tend to cry for personal reasons. I am more than happy to say that things do work out in the end, but it’s touch and go for a moment. When it comes to romantic proposals, no one does them better than Tracy March.

Source: Publisher

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for this honest review*

If you are looking for a sweet, nicely developed escape from it all, this is the book for you.

This is the second in the "Suddenly Smitten" series. The first book was the lovely “Practice Proposal,” which was Liza and Cole’s twisting and turning love story. Paige is Liza’s feisty best friend who is dealing with the oft-familiar happiness with her friend finally finding love, while wondering when her turn will come. By the way, Practice Proposal is really lovely, I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already. For those of you that have read PP, there are some great parts with Cole and Liza and Liza's mom that just made me smile.

I was excited to read Paige's story after Practice Proposal. She is a funny, quirky heroine that left a successful pastry chef gig in DC to help her dad after her mother died. She is uprooted to the small town where she grew up that is mostly retired folks so being single seems to be a permanent condition. She meets the cute temporary doctor, Lane Anderson, in town for only a month and sparks fly.

Lane is sweet and he and Paige go from hate to lust to love in a cute progression that was very endearing. The scenes in St. Lucia are more than worth the price of admission and had me wishing I could go there for every vacation in the future. Ms. March has two clear strengths: humor and visual imagery, and she really brings them to bear here. Some scenes with Paige are laugh out loud funny. I wish I could describe them here but I won’t spoil your fun. You will know them when you see them!

There is some conflict between them two of them based on an arrangement she and his doctor uncle (whom he is filling in for) where she made healthy recipes that he can't participate in that causes a rift between. This conflict was a bit weak and forced for me (hence the 4 star rating) and it brought out a bit of the shrew in Paige, but Ms. March didn’t push it too hard. This issue was not overdone and was really the only weak point of the book. They resolved it nicely and it proved to help the plot develop, so I was fine with it overall.

Overall, this is a nice installment in a delightful series. Its like Paige's dessert treats - yummy, with just enough nutritious heart to make it stick with you and make you wish for another tasty morsel. The cast of characters is expanded in this book and set up for some great future books. Paige and Lane delivered what a good Entangled Bliss is supposed to - honest people, cute issues and sweet romance.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any additional compensation for my opinion of the reading material. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

A woman trying to keep her bakery from failing clashes with her small town's temporary new doctor in Tracy March's Tempted in the Tropics. A swiftly paced, contemporary romance, Ms. March's characters quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages to discover what was going to happen next. Adding just a touch of humor, the right amount of snarky dialogue and a sweetly, sexy romance, made this a very enjoyable book vacation getaway.

Operating Sweet Bee's bakery helps Paige Ellerbee honor her mother's memory and keep tabs on her aging father. A young woman who left her busy career in a big town, Paige still longs for adventure and romance. Only in Maple Creek, there's really no one she's interested in - at least until the new doctor arrives in town. Then Paige finds herself both attracted and annoyed with the very same man.

Taking over his uncle's practice on a temporary basis, Lane Anderson intends to start his medical career over. Burned by his previous medical partner, who also happened to be his fiancée, Lane intends to make sure nothing gets in the way of his career again. He doesn't intend to make any mistakes.

The scenes between Paige and Lane are fun, full of snappy dialogue and simmering heat. While attracted to each other, they quickly find themselves on opposite grounds because of their secrets; her financial worries about the bakery and his troubles with the medical board. Ms. March does a good job developing both characters and bringing them together over a mutual friend's wedding, and tropical vacation, which gives them a chance to get away from their problems and give in to their attraction, even though they both agree it's only temporary.

The secondary characters in the story were also well developed and I enjoyed getting to know Paige's dad, her best friend Liza (the heroine from the previous book in this series) and her assistant "Cyn". While there is no "villain" in the romance, the secrets they both have keep a wall between them until they learn to trust each other.

Will Paige and Lane realize their romance is more than temporary? Will Lane decide living and working in Maple Creek is just what the doctor ordered? You'll have to read Tempted in the Tropics to find out, I really enjoyed it and I think you will too.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige Ellerbee is the owner and chef of Sweet Bee's in Maple Creek , Maryland. She was formerly the pastry chef at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. but returned to her childhood home when her Mom became seriously ill and subsequently passed away. Not wanting to leave her grieving Dad, she opened her pastry shop right next to her Dad's barber shop. She loves the sleepy town of Magic Creek, and all the eccentric townspeople. Paige fills her shop with her mother's award winning pastries, baked with a special touch....magic! A lot of her patrons come to the shop with special "prescriptions" from the town Dr. for their made to order muffins. She bakes gluten free, sugar free and the healthiest of muffins with her unique ingredient!

Dr. Lane Anderson is in town for a few weeks while his uncle, Dr. Hartley travels in Europe. He is recovering from a broken engagement, and a serious blow to his career. He is in Maple Creek to help the townspeople, and make some decisions about his future. Lane and Paige's first meeting, despite an immediate spark between them, is not a good one. He will not provide documentation for her customers to get their special muffins. The legal issues concern him. They agree to disagree, but when an amazing opportunity presents itself, a destination wedding in the Tropics, all bets are off. They each decide a quick "fling" in Paradise would be wonderful. No strings, just sex and fun! They suddenly realize there is only one problem. They both want some strings!

I love small town stories, and this one is so much fun. The characters are delightful and we get to catch up with Liza and Cole and their wedding in St. Lucia.
Ms. March's description of the island, the resort, and their sanctuaries is spell binding. I so wanted to be there! I could almost smell the scent of flowers and candles.

I highly recommend this novel, especially with the fall and winter coming soon! You can dream away in the Tropics.

I received this novel from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a fun, sweet read. I instantly liked Paige. She was young, energetic, with a big heart - but very independent and not afraid to speak her mind. I think the pink streak in her hair showed that she was a little rebellious and not afraid to have a little fun. Because she was living in a town with mostly retired folks, she liked to liven things up a little.

She fits in well in the community, having moved back home to help take care of her mother, who has recently died of cancer. She took over Sweet Bee's bakery and has made a go of it with the help of the town doctor. He lets her know his patient's needs and she bakes up goodies that stick with their dietary limitations. It's a win-win-win. She gets business, patients get to eat goodies, and they get healthier. Until said doc goes on a month long vacation and leaves his nephew, Lane, to run his practice. He doesn't share with him the "partnership" he has with Paige and will not honor it.

See, Lane was recently burned by his ex-partner/ex-fiance when it was discovered that she was prescribing medicine that wasn't needed. He was found guilty by association. So, even though Paige and his uncle have covered things technically, he doesn't even want to come close to anything that might look illegal. He might disagree with Paige over this, but the air around them crackles whenever the two of them are in the same room. When they end up on a tropical island for a friend's wedding, they decide to put their differences aside and see where it takes them.

I liked the way the author created the sexual tension and situations, without being really graphic about it. She also writes with a great sense of humor - with I find necessary with any romance! This is the second book in the series, and I didn't have the pleasure of reading the first one. I do not think this detracted from this book at all though and would recommend this to anyone looking for a light, fun, romantic read!

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute entry in the series where we get to see the friend of the heroine in book one find love when she didn't expect it.

Paige is happy running her little bakery in her hometown and getting to keep an eye on her father but she does want more than that. She wants to have a man look at her and love her like Cole loves her friend Liza but with a town full off older people and married younger ones she knows she probably won't find it any time soon. She's worked hard to help people in her town with the cooperation of the doctor but when his nephew comes in to cover for him while he is on vacation all hell breaks loose. She doesn't know his story but is pissed when he won't continue the little program she has with his uncle. As much as she is pissed at him there is a huge amount of chemistry between them and when it combusts while at Liza's wedding she ends up making herself vulnerable to a man she knows is leaving and has a lot of baggage he needs to work through. I liked her strong personality and adored how she wasn't 100% willing to let him in unless he was completely invested as well. They make a good couple when they both just be themselves.

Lane is at a really bad point in his life. His partner who he also happened to be engaged to just ruined their medical practice in Austin and to add insult to injury was having an affair with her attorney. His life is in shambles so when his uncle asks him to step in and help while he's out of the country well why not? He starts things off rather badly but as you get to know him he does redeem himself. I loved his willingness to be in the moment with her although things don't always work out as they planned and when he does realize what he has with her is special he does an amazing grovel to try to win her back. This is a man who has had his world rocked to the core but is a great guy that needs someone as in the moment as she is to bring him out of his doldrums.

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading


Yesterday, I started Tempted in the Tropics by Tracy March. We all know how much I enjoy the Bliss line and I couldn't pass this delectable read. Plus, the story eventually ends up in an island paradise. By the way, I would love to go to a resort like the one described in the book.

Anyway, we have Paige Ellerbee who owns a little bakery in town. Cute little store, and she's also helps the locals with her baked goods. Though she gets a little help from Doctor Hartley. However, he ends up going on vacation and turns his practice over to his nephew till he returns.

Lane Anderson got himself in some trouble with his practice in Austin. Even though the situation wasn't his fault, he doesn't want to continue helping Paige while his uncle is gone. Well, you know this is going to cause some tension.

Let's just say that Lane and Paige got off on a rocky start. Paige would probably understand more if Lane had been upfront with her about his troubles. However, we couldn't have that could we; that would make the situation a little too convenient. Basically takes an island get away to bring these two together. Just to let you know, it wasn't all peachy king on the island either. Let's just say there were a few bumps in the road. Some of those bumps were awkwardly funny.

Overall, I enjoyed this sweet read. My end I was getting little teary eye. I was a little worry, Lane would miss his chance with Paige. However, he came through like a true hero. Since this is a Bliss book, you will find that happy sappy feel good feeling. So, if you are looking for something like that, I would suggest Tempted in the Tropics. If not that, then for resort paradise. I'm not kidding when I say I would love to go to a place like the book.

Copy provided by the publisher

[pinK · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not common for me to read a book where I love the heroine nearly as much as I did in this novel. Paige Ellerbee is such a fantastic person that I couldn't help but wish I had someone just like her as a friend. Not only did she give up a high paying pastry chef job at a posh hotel for her family, but she stayed behind in a small town making Dr approved muffins for the elderly to help them keep themselves in line for their health. She's a completely admirable and fantastic woman that easily deserved a bit of romance in her life.

That romance was fantastically delivered by none other than the new stiff shirted new doctor that refused to help her continue the Dr Approved Muffin plan, which was wreaking havoc on her business and making her fear that she was going to lose her bakery. The two are whisked away to the Caribbean in order to go to a mutual friend's wedding, where they call a truce and the sparks start to fly.

My only real concern about the book is that I have a hard time believing that these two would have been so easily able to call a truce. Although I can understand that a truce was definitely in order so they wouldn't cause problems with the wedding, I feel that the lack of any real hostility is a bit unbelievable. There's a bit, peppered through the pages, but really, Paige seemed to just cave in to the fact that the doctor could potentially ruin her business, which did not seem congruent with the remainder of her character.

This small hiccup did not leave me turned off to the book, though. Tempted in the Tropics is a great quick read, perfect for summer!

Note: I received a free copy of this book for honest review.

[Debbie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Suddenly Smitten series was a fantastic read. Paige Ellerbee, is a sassy firecracker to say the least. She moved back to the little town of Maple Creek, when her mother got sick, and after her death, she just could not bring herself to move and leave her father behind. She owns a little bakery called Sweet Bee's, that is in between her father's barber shop and the doctors office. When the town doctor, takes a month long vacation, he asks his nephew, to fill in for him. Lane Anderson, is hot, single, and a little bit stiff. He is a fine doctor who has been through a scandal recently and is using this time to decide what to do with his life now. Paige and Lane's first meeting is not a good one, not at all. She makes special recipes for the towns people, who are on certain types of diets, but Lane refuses to give her the information that she needs. They soon have to call a truce, since both of them will be attending Cole and Liza's wedding (from The Practice Proposal), which happens to be in St. Lucia. His parents will also attend the wedding and they are really stuffy and overbearing. With the attraction growing between them, they decide to have a temporary fling, that will end when they return home. But will it? Will they find a way to get past their differences, and make a temporary fling into something more permanent? You will have to read the book to find out! The secondary characters in this book are fantastic and lovable, and I hope to see more of Trent and Cyn. Tracy March did a great job with this book, I laughed out loud, cried, and pulled for both Paige and Lane. A truly great read!!

[Nathi *Shut it and let me read* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ownnnnn what a lovely sweet romantic story <3



It's a light sweet romance and I got myself so wrapped up with the characters that was hard to explain!
First you should the first book The Practice Proposal that I totally loved as well!
Then when you come to this book you will likely to be already smitten with Paige and on this book she's just such a sweet phenomenal character!
It reminds me a lot of the heroines from the Sophie Kinsella books that I love so much! Those sweet characters that you can help but fall in love with them and cheer deeply for a HEA!

Hello Tracy March! You did a wonderful job and who end up "Suddenly Smitten" was me!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on my blog, Becky on Books.

Tempted in the Tropics was a satisfying follow up to March's earlier The Practice Proposal--we even get to see that book's hero and heroine, Cole and Liza, tie the knot! The fact that they do so at a tropical location is just sugar sprinkled on the top of the muffin...throw in a sassy baker and a dreamy doctor, and you've got a fun way to spend a less-than-tropical autumn evening.

I enjoyed the tension between Paige and Lane; the author did a nice job of showing just the right amount of heat without taking it too far. It was great seeing Liza and Cole again--even their pies came back for an encore! The proposal at the end just goes to prove that March really knows how to bring it with that romance staple. Loved it!

I can't wait to see what's up next for this series.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Yazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

In Tempted in the Tropics by Tracy March, Paige Ellerbee needs to keep her struggling bakery, Sweet Bee’s in the black. She was fine while the publicity from her friends Liza Sutherland and Cole Collins used her bakery for a pie bake off to see who was more creative. But now time has passed and she needs every client she has. Unfortunately, when Dr. Hartley goes on a once in a lifetime vacation, he has his nephew fill in for him for the month. And the new doctor does not want to follow the ways of his uncle.

Lane Anderson has had enough trouble on his hands. And if he continues with his uncle’s way to give certain information to Paige to make her special magic baking for his patients it can get him into deeper trouble since the original forms to release that information are not in his name. Which means that he will not give her that information and she can loose customers. Read More...

[Ebony Spikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you fell in love with Paige Ellerbee, the sweet & sassy baker & best friend of Liza Sutherland then strap in for her tantalizing ride to her "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity. I fell in love with Paige and her sassy personality and love how Tracy March followed up with Paige's story while continuing to share Liza and Cole's story. Paige has crossed path with Dr. Lane Anderson who is struggling with the aftermath of life uncontrollable left turns that people get caught up in. As much as he not trying to fall in love again so soon after he had his heart broken, he can't help but fall under Paige's spell. As magical and real as it is, reality & life circumstance weighs in so who knows where this roller coaster will stop!! Read Tempted In the Tropics to find out!! Must read followup to The Practice Proposal, another 5 stars for Tracy March!!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good to read. You know the saying about opposites attracting? It's so true. Paige and Lane are opposites, but so attracted to each other from the moment they meet. The chemistry between them is sizzling, even though they are irritated with the other from the start. They have something between them that sparks. There were scenes that has me laughing, and a couple that had me crying. But it was all good. I loved Paige's spunk and honesty, and her good heart. Lane isn't quite sure what to make of her, but he does make up his mind eventually. Tracy has done a fabulous job with this book. I'm looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sultry, Sexy, Sweet...the three perfect 'S' words to describe Tempted in the Tropics by Tracy March. Dr. Lane Anderson sounds simply delectable. Paige is a strong, sassy, enjoyable female lead. The story is perfectly set at a gorgeous tropical resort...I fell in love as much with the descriptions of paradise as I did with Paige and Lane! If you want a hot, contemporary romance, Tracy March delivers!

I received an electronic copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted in the Tropics was a great follow-up to Tracy March's The Practice Proposal. We were able to see the fun-loving Paige fall for Lane, an "uptight" doctor. I enjoyed the slow build-up of their romance. Their time on St. Lucia was fun to read about...loved their dates!
As an added bonus, we were able to see Cole and Liza (The Practice Proposal) finally tie the knot!
If you enjoy a sweet romance, this is definitely a book worth curling up with for an afternoon!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved the book. Paige and Lane romance was exciting. I laughed out loud with the thong incident and that it can back again! The town of Maple Creek is the perfect magical town. Good job Tracy. I will be looking forward to your next book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I really enjoyed the authors writing style as she added just the right amount of humor, drama and spice! There were times I caught myself laughing out loud! And her descriptions of their island getaway were beautiful! Made me really want to be there!
All in all a great little read that will melt your heart and make you smile!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the tropics with this story of Paige and Lane. I loved Paige's magic cupcakes. Just the right mix of humor, drama and romance. This is was my first book by Tracy March and will not be my last.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. I loved the characters and the story.  My only problem is that it ended too quick.  I would have liked more. Can't wait for the next book :)

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes
Dr. Anderson glanced cautiously from one of them to the
other as if he wondered what planet he’d landed on. “I’m sure
there are lots of things keeping you two gentlemen healthy—diet;
medications, maybe; exercise; even good genes. But I haven’t seen
a lot of documented clinical evidence about the health benefits
of magic muffins.” He shook his head and smiled, seeming to find
some humor in what he’d said.
How dare he waltz in and question the
benefits of her recipes or the magic people believed was in them?
She stepped out of the shadows and into the main area of the
shop, hands on her hips, her chin tipped up stubbornly.
All three men turned to her, wide-eyed.
Leveling a sharp gaze at Dr. Anderson, she said, “If that’s the
case, doctor, then it seems to me you’d be wise not to comment
on things you know nothing about.” Paige shot him her nastiest
stink-eye, turned on her heel, and left.
He scrubbed his hand through his hair, looking exasperated.
“What do you know about HIPAA forms?”
If he meant to distract her with the sexy hair-ruffling thing, it
worked—but only for a second. She clenched her teeth until her
jaws started to ache. “I may not be a highly educated and extremely
uptight doctor like you, but I’m not an idiot. HIPAA forms legally
authorize others to access confidential patient information.”
“‘Dear Mrs. Hawthorne,’” she read.
“‘Since you are a valued Sweet Bee’s customer’”—she glanced
up over her glasses and smiled appreciatively at Paige—“‘and
one of Dr. Hartley’s “Special Recipe” patients, I wanted to let
you know that the program will continue in his absence, yet I will
not be provided updated information regarding your needs while
that uptight jerk Dr. Anderson is substituting. I apologize for any
inconvenience this may cause. We’ll get back to business as usual
once Dr. Hartley returns from Europe. Thank you so much for
your patience and for supporting Sweet Bee’s.’”
Lane’s stomach clenched. “You’re driving? Everything’s
opposite here, you know. Driver on the right side of the car, car
on the left side of the road.”
“Awesome, right? I’ve never driven like that before.”
He winced. “Good to know.”
She shrugged one of her shoulders. “I figured we’d go to the
drive-in volcano on the way.”
“Drive-in volcano?”
“Yep.” She reached into her tote bag, pulled out a brochure
with a smoky gray pit shown on the front, and handed it to him.
“Simmering, steamy, and sulfur-smelling.”


She stepped over to the patio while Lane got out of the pool.
Karen and Don faced her, their intent gazes simultaneously
resting on something behind Paige at about knee level. Paige
turned to see her sundress and bright-pink-lace bra tossed across
the chaise longue, her thong dangling by a thin strip of elastic
from the armrest. Her stomach pitched. Champagne bubbled in
the back of her throat, and she thought she might hurl. And why
not? A puddle of puke would be like icing on the cake of this
train-wreck scene.
Paige practically leaped over to the chaise and scooped up her
clothes. She yanked her thong from the armrest, but the elastic
caught on the curved end. The thong snapped from her fingers
and went flying, landing limply in the pool beyond her reach.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read the first book in the series but this one was worth reading. You have to love Paige. She is a feisty but sweet natured woman who has seen her share of sadness. She gave up the life she loved to take care of her mom who had cancer and eventually died. She stayed with her dad so he would not be alone but I also think it was because she didn’t want to be alone. Then she meets Lane, the handsome, sexy doctor who took over for his uncle while he was on vacation. He is skeptical and doesn’t believe in what his uncle and Paige were doing to keep the older people healthy or the “magic” Paige’s muffins cause. He and Paige but heads at every turn but when they both a on St. Lucia for Paige’s BFFs wedding things start to heat up between the two. They decide that a fling is the way to go and it can’t hurt anyone since Lane will be leaving Maple Creek soon. But you know in your own heart it will. Things don’t always go the way you expected. Lane’s mother and father show up to try to talk him into taking back his ex and find Paige’s thong going flying through the air while she is trying to gathering her clothes.
The book draws you in and keeps you captivated by antics and the way Paige and Lane play off each other. The book is filled with humor, wit, passion, sorrow, laughter, sarcasm, and even some high jinx. The author left the steamy content to your imagination yet you still could feel the attraction building between them. It will make you laugh and cheering them on. Once they get back home and to their real life will this be just a fling or will it be more? I highly recommend this book.

5 SEXY ANGELS

[Trai · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I read and loved March's The Practice Proposal so much I requested a review copy from Entangled, who were obliging enough to provide me with one in exchange for a review. My thanks to them! (As a disclaimer, my review is honest and in no way influenced by my receiving the book from the publisher.) **

Paige Ellerbee first appeared in The Practice Proposal as Liza's endearing, endlessly supportive best friend, who worked hard at her own bakery, Sweet Bee's. Now, it's Paige's turn to take center stage and find some romance of her own. In the past, she moved to the sleepy small town of Maple Creek when her mother was terminally ill, and later stayed on to keep her now-widowed father company. Maple Creek is mostly composed of elderly residents, and Paige helps out the local physician, Dr. Hartley, by making special muffins (gluten-free, sugar-free, etc., as required) and providing them at low cost to his patients to help them eat healthy.

The Special Recipe program is quickly endangered when Dr. Lane Anderson, Hartley's nephew, comes to town to fill in for his vacationing uncle. Betrayed personally and professionally by his ex-fiancee, Lane knows every professional move he makes is going to be carefully scrutinized, and can't risk the slightest association with the HIPPA-approved but still questionable program. He inadvertently insults the within-earshot Paige by shooting down the locals' belief in the "magic" of her muffins, and later learns that Paige thinks of him as an "uptight jerk." Both of them find the other attractive, but is it any wonder they don't get along?

But they're going to have to get over that, as both of them are invited to take part in Cole and Liza's wedding. Soon enough they're off to the island paradise of St. Lucia, and Paige calls a truce. They both want to be civil for each other for the duration of their stay. Some swimming and mudbathing in a local tourist attraction alerts them both to their simmering physical chemistry, and their pact to be civil quickly evolves into a steamier one: a fling, no strings attached, to be ended upon their return to Maple Creek. But what happens when they both start wondering if a fling can turn into something more?

I spent a slow Sunday reading this book, and while I'd already really enjoyed March's writing style, particularly her skill at crafting a relationship dynamic, in the previous book, I was uncertain how I'd feel about this one. I so enjoyed reading the slow buildup of Cole and Liza's relationship, seeing how they waited to have sex until they were ready, that I wasn't sure I'd be as taken in by a book that was founded on the exact opposite dynamic--a sexual fling lasting only a few days.

I needn't have worried, because just like The Practice Proposal, the couple felt so real to me that I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, hoping they'd work things out. Paige is just as likable here as she was in the previous book, and though she has a slightly wild side, it's never taken so far as to become grating. It's easy to root for her to find love after she's already spent so many years valuing her parents' happiness before her own. Lane's struggle to trust again after being burned so badly in his previous relationship isn't the huge point of contention other novels would've made it out to be; Paige never presses for the whole story and asks for it at the right time, without having made ghastly assumptions about what it could be, and allows them both time to process the revelation afterwards.

The characters were so well-handled it was easy to be taken in by their sexual tension, and though the scene always fades out before the act itself, there's still plenty of steam to be had! Whether it's swimming naked or giving a whole new meaning to the word dessert, there's just such a sense of fun and exuberance, fitting for a book that's based around a vacation. While disapproving parents do figure slightly in the narrative, what Lane and Paige are doing is never made into something shameful or wrong. And while the relationship starts off as purely sexual, that's never all it is; Paige and Lane tell each other about themselves, their pasts and their presents, and make apologies for the wrongs they've accidentally done each other.

Overall, Tropics really defied my reservations about the premise and became something I truly enjoyed reading; I came out of it just as eager for another book by March as I had been after I finished The Practice Proposal. I eagerly guessed which character (or characters!) could possibly serve as the hero or heroine in the next book. Regardless of whether or not March does return to Maple Creek, I'll eagerly read anything by her, and recommend this one to anyone who wants a fun, steamy romance to offset that incoming fall weather!