"Tempting Lies" by Sara Whitney was a sweet, funny, and heartwarming story featuring likeable, complex characters and an excellent slow burn romance between main characters Aiden and Thea. I really connected with each of them, and it was easy for me to root for them both individually and as a couple. Even though their relationship was fake at first, their chemistry was very real, and I loved the way their connection slowly evolved over the course of the story.
I really felt for Aiden because it seemed that no matter what he did, his reputation as a playboy got in the way of his efforts to do right by his family and their construction business. In desperation, he came up with the idea of faking a relationship with Thea in order to make himself seem more stable and settled. As a result, Thea was able to buy the rundown "princess house" of her dreams because Aiden and his crew agreed to renovate it at a reduced rate. Thea seemed rather flighty at first because of the way she jumped from job to job and refused to commit to a relationship, so I wasn't sure how much she'd be able to help Aiden's reputation. As I got to know her, however, things about her started to make a lot more sense. Thea wasn't truly flighty, but she was unwilling to settle for anything that didn't make her completely happy. I couldn't really blame her for that, and in the end, it worked out for the best because her choices led her to Aiden.
Aside from Thea and Aiden, I really enjoyed several of the book's secondary characters. I'm particularly excited that Thea's best friend Faith will be featured in the next book of the series. She was so snarky and funny but always supported Thea, and she also gave Aiden exactly the wake up call he needed near the end of this story. I hope Brandon, the owner of the radio station where Thea worked, will also be featured in a future story. I hate the way his dad treats him and think there's more to him than his frat boy exterior would suggest.
Overall, I loved "Tempting Lies" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to the next book in the series!
*Review copy provided by the author via InkSlingerPR. All opinions expressed are my own.