Book Review Temptation by Ivy Smoak

Temptation is the first book in The Hunted Series by Ivy Smoak. This was an enjoyable romance with a young college student who falls for her slightly older professor, James Hunter. Penny Taylor is, as expected, a shy naïve young woman who literally bumps into the man of her dreams. At the same time, she meets another young college student, Tyler Stevens, who wants to begin a relationship with her.

At first, her relationship with her professor is only in Penny’s mind. It seems that the professor is flirting, but at the same time, he keeps his distance, but before you know it, the two are engaging in intense sexual intimacies that they must keep secret from the world. This, of course, adds a layer of excitement to their romance. While this forbidden romance is happening, Tyler makes his feelings known and is repeatedly shot down by Penny. She insists that she only wants a friendship with Tyler. 

Through a series of misunderstandings, they break up and get back together a few times. This leaves the door open for Tyler, who gets jerked around a bit as he waits, hoping to change Penny’s mind about sticking him in the friend zone. He is the first to learn of Penny’s affair with their professor. As expected, it devastates him. It ends with another break-up, leaving you hanging for the second book of the four-book series.

The story is well-paced, with highs and lows that keep you reading to find out will they or won’t they. If you have read the Fifty Shades of Grey books, this story is similar. A billionaire hottie who can’t get enough of a young and naïve woman who is shy and clumsy. Her good male friend, who doesn’t have a chance of competing with the man she’s chosen, is left high and dry. She even has a more experienced best friend that is concerned about the changes in her.

This is a good read, and I have already purchased the rest of the series. Will the similarities between the Grey books and the Hunter books continue? I’m not sure, but I intend to find out.