FAKE ENGAGEMENT REAL TEMPTATION by Joya Ryan is book one in the Passion and Protection series. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the trope involving the heroine hooking up with her brother's friend. Carrie Morgan was jilted but decides to go on her honeymoon anyway. What starts out as an escape from the reality of a wedding-that-wasn't, quickly becomes a nightmare when her cheating ex has the nerve to show up with his new bedmate. Blake Harris winds up acting as Carrie's, initially, unwanted knight-in-shining-armor. I love romances with a fake romance, and FAKE ENGAGEMENT REAL TEMPTATION feeds my addiction for these types of stories.

Being in a committed relationship and starting a family is something that Carrie dreams about, but it's also what Blake has nightmares about. I like how Joya Ryan explains why Blake has relationship fears, and tells the story partly from his perspective. Blake is a man who suffered loss early in life, and he is a sympathetic character. Despite his best intentions, I love how Blake can't keep his feelings for Carrie separate from the intense physical encounters they have in a tropical paradise. Both Carrie and Blake let their guard down and give in to their desires with fabulously sizzling results.

Just as Hawaii makes a spectacular backdrop for carnal delights and romantic fantasies, Carrie's cheater ex- fiancé Kevin makes a great villain with his casual cruelty and sleazy behavior. I like that Carrie is able to see Kevin for the jerk that he is and doesn't still harbor feelings for him. The performance that she puts on with Blake is about making sure Kevin doesn't see Carrie as defeated or devastated by anything Kevin does. Blake and Carrie working as a team against Kevin's nastiness brings the two of them closer together.

FAKE ENGAGEMENT REAL TEMPTATION is lots of fun, deeply erotic, and has a couple to cheer on. Blake is there for Carrie when she most needs a shoulder to lean on, and a hottie to kiss. Joya Ryan balances the well-placed torrid trysts with the emotional punch. I look forward to reading Joya Ryan's next book.