"Problem was that fake kiss had felt way too good." Blake thinks this as he reminds himself this is a FAKE relationship. He has accompanied his best friend's sister, Carrie, so that she wasn't traveling alone.

After a craptastic break up, Carrie decides to go to Hawaii on what was supposed to be her honeymoon. Being accompanied by Blake was not in her plan. When she runs into her awful ex and his new girlfriend on her trip, Carrie is very happy to have Blake with her.

As Blake and Carrie put on a fake relationship show for her ex, real feelings come into play.

This is a fun story of two old friends that turns into more!

This is a nice, steamy brothers best friend/fake boyfriend romance. I enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fake Engagement Real Temptation is a stand-alone novel by Joya Ryan. The story follows Blake and Carrie two friends who are about to become more. Just before Carrie's marriage to another man, she finds out that he was cheating on her and that he had another woman on the side, this whole time. Their relationship for the past year wasn't going well, so you can't exactly say that this was a complete surprise which is one of the reasons I accepted so easily the fast way Carrie ended up falling for Blake. Carrie decided to go on her honeymoon because it would be ideal to get over her failed relationship and Blake goes with her because her family thought that she should have someone to watch over her. And that's how Blake and Carrie's story begins.

Before I began reading the book, I knew exactly what to expect from the story. I knew that I wasn't going to get some huge character development and that the story would be just about the two of them becoming something more. And while that might sound negative, I didn't mean it that way. It was a light and easy book to read, despite the fact that we had the ex thrown in our faces for a long time. I liked the two main characters and how they went from friends to something more. I wouldn't ask for anything more to be added and I would recommend it.

Great book great characters and I loved the story line it was so much fun and the chemistry between the lead characters was electrifying.

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.

4 stars
I love these type of books! A Hawaiian vacation/honeymoon to get away from her ex who she caught cheating.... only to go to Hawaii with her friend to pretend they are together!! LOVE it!!

This book reminded me of a movie along the same lines, but this book way was better!!

This book was a quick, fun and flirty read. I liked the best friend’s little sister angle that was going on throughout and I think it added to the appeal of the book for me.

I really liked Blake. He definitely had the alpha male vibe going throughout the book and I was just as attracted to it as Carrie was. Watching him play out his role as fake fiance while trying-and failing-from falling for her was a real treat.

Carrie’s self esteem took a hard hit in the beginning of the book and I appreciated how the author addressed that. It wasn’t just Blake that brought her back out of her shell-though he helped-but she had to believe in herself. I was cheering for her throughout the book.

I bought Blake and Carrie together. As I said, there’s the whole aspect of the best friend’s little sister romance and I thought that was well done here. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of them together after they both admitted they were in a real relationship, but that’s just me.

Overall I liked the book. I thought it was a fun read that went by quickly. I would recommend it.

I enjoyed this story. Carrie is strong and yet so fragile at the beginning, but by the end she's just strong and I liked that. Blake has issues but by the end he's pulled his head from his butt. He helps her in everyway he can through her supposed to be honeymoon. I thoroughly enjoyed it and really don't want to give anything away.

The title for this new release from Joya Ryan says it all - Fake Engagement Real Temptation

Carrie has been jilted by her cheating fiancé just before their wedding and in an effort to prove she is over her ex, she heads off to Hawaii on what would have been her honeymoon vacation... but who should be there but her ex and the woman he cheated on her with. Cue her brother sending his best friend Blake Harris to keep an eye on her (the fake engagement)... then a heated kiss between Carrie and Blake in front of her ex changes the dynamics of this "fake" relationship (the real temptation)

The overall story was slightly predictable, but I did find it an enjoyable read. There was lots of humour with the two couples competing with each other while they are stuck on excursions together. The characters definitely made the story great. The heat level for this book isn't as hot as what I usually find with Entangled books, so I'd called this a sweet romance rather than steamy

Overall, a great sweet summer read and I look forward to more from this author

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Cute and sweet, with some truly funny moments sprinkled throughout--if you like best friend's little sister or fake relationship troupes, this could be for you. The timeframe, though, feels much too short--sure, they've known each other for years, but have never been close (Blake's own words on page one) and in recent years hadn't seen each other at all. Overall it made for an enjoyable few hours--Blake and Carrie are likable characters and work well together, and hey, Hawaii--but it definitely could have benefited from more story and character development throughout to make it more.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I really enjoyed Fake Engagement Real Temptation. It was a nice break from the typical brother’s best friend trope in that there was no secret crush going on. Carrie goes on her honeymoon trip to escape her cheating ex-fiance and her brother’s overprotective best friend tags along. When her ex shows up there with his new girl in tow, she is angry and wants to show him that she’s over him so she grabs Blake and kisses him. Blake agrees to be Carrie’s pretend lover while on the trip. He is obviously attracted to her so he doesn’t mind. They end up on the same excursions as the cheating couple so they are basically competing. There were some funny moments that I liked. I enjoyed the story overall.

I have a secret….
I have a girl crush on Joya Ryan.
No no. It’s true. The woman never fails to disappoint with a book that sizzles with sexual tension and a hero that I’ll be salivating over. I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read from her, and this spicy little number was no different. What’s not a secret is my love for the older brother’s best friend trope, so of course I was all over this.
Being left at the altar sucks. What sucks even more is being left at the altar for the personal trainer her fiancee met during their plan to get in bikini shape for their honeymoon. Whoops? But Carrie is determined not to let that get her down and wants to prove to everyone that she’s over him. Her solution, go on their honeymoon to Hawaii…alone. Too bad her childhood friend and older brother’s best friend is determined to go with her and “keep her safe”. What’s worse? He’s keeping his hands to himself, damn him.
Blake knows the worst thing he can do is give into the temptation of Carrie. He’s there to protect her from pervy men and herself. And that’s it…or so he thinks. When Carrie’s ex shows up at the same resort in tow with the woman he left her for, the plan changes. What’s the best way to stick it to her asshole ex? Pretend they’re a couple. But the chemistry between them is anything but fake.
This was a perfect read to spend a weekend afternoon with. It was steamy with just the right amount of sexual tension. Carrie was sassy to Blake’s broody and together it was the perfect mix. Sometimes a girl just needs a steamy little number with just the right amount of story and sizzle, and this hit the spot just right for me.

Carrie's fiance breaks off their engagement two days before the wedding. Despite being upset, Carrie's brother's best friend, Blake, convinces her to go to Hawaii to get away. He tries to get Carrie's brother to go to keep her safe but since he's unable to get away from work, Blake goes. Carrie is furious that despite being 26, she needs a protector. She knows Blake won't let up so off to Hawaii they go. Everything is going as well as can be expected till Carrie sees her ex in Hawaii with his girlfriend! Wanting to prove she's over him, she convinces Blake to be her fake boyfriend...but as they continue with the act, they start falling for each other till the lines are blurred. It's obvious what's going to happen but a fun read while getting there!

Fake Engegement Real Temptation was such a sweet and fun romance. If you are like me and enjoy a great destination book this one will knock your sandals off. The book id full of romantic humor, sexy times, and beautiful locations.

Review by Leah for Love Romance Books

I was given this book for an honest review.

3 Stars

Carrie Morgan is a couple days away from pledging her life and love to the man of her dreams, Kevin. Unfortunately, he's not as dreamy as she's always believed. Now she's left practically at the alter. What's a girl to do, but go on her dream honeymoon regardless and have a fabulous time besides. So what if her ex-fiancé and his female companion are there at the same time. Luckily, her brother's best friend from the way back, Blake, is there to help her prove that she's truest over her ex. Could what starts out as fake turn into something real?

This was an quick read. Carrie's character remained pretty true, but Blake seemed to bounce back and forth a bit. There were a couple times that he made some random comments during a romantic interlude which would've completely killed the mood in real life. And even when things got hot and heavy he would reference their fake relationship. Perhaps it was his way of protecting himself, but I'm unable to see into the mind of the author. I liked Blake's protectiveness of Carrie, and his willingness to help, but especially how he tries to be gallant when she threw herself at him.

Just days before the wedding, Carrie learns her fiancé, Kevin, has been cheating on her for the past year. Though she's hurt and trying to hide it, she can look back and realize there were numerous signs that he wasn't the one for her. When Blake, her older brother, Lane's, best friend visits to offer comfort, he convinces her to do something for herself such as going to Hawaii as planned, well, minus the newly married part.

Blake hasn't seen Carrie for years and though he hates that she's hurting, can't help but notice that Carrie has grown into a beautiful and sexy woman. He's happy to have convinced Carrie to enjoy Hawaii, though he'd fully intended on Lane going with her. However, when Lane can't due to work obligations, Blake is shocked to hear himself volunteer to go instead.

Carrie can't believe Blake is giving her an ultimatum, but decides to agree to him accompanying her. After they arrive on the island, she's surprised to discover the spark of attraction she feels for Blake. The bigger surprise is seeing that Kevin and his fellow cheatee are there as well. Carrie impulsively kisses Blake when Kevin sees her and pleads for Blake to play along. Blake agrees, but with the condition that it ends when they leave.

But what happens when things no longer feel fake? When it's just the two of them and their attraction can't be denied, can they admit the truth? Are they still just playing their roles? Or are they beginning to see that neither were ever acting? Can Blake who has avoided commitment after losing his Mom, give Carrie the family she's always yearned for? Can Carrie help Blake realize that love may be scary, but it's so worth it? Will Blake take the risk and admit his love for Carrie? Or will the fear hold him back, costing him his one chance at happiness?

One-click now and follow along as two people discover a love that's real and everlasting. While I did enjoy the book as a whole, I will say there were two instances of Blake's internal monologue that were unnecessary and took away from the growing connection between him and Carrie. They aren't in any way integral to the story and no, they probably won't bother the majority of readers, but I found them to be a little tacky. One is when Carrie is doing a hula dance. She and Blake are exchanging eye humps, and Blake mentally thinks how he's been to bachelor parties before, had lap dances before, but they in no way compare to what Carrie is doing. Yes, that's a compliment, yet that could still be done without forcing the visual of Blake having other women giving him lap dances in the past. The second was as they're getting intimate and exchanging banter, he says, in a nutshell, that he's never had a woman complain about his "multi-use tool" and "it gets the job done." Yeah, just what the woman you're about to have sex with wants to know...a reminder about your sexual history. Okay, it was in the past, but come on. A man wouldn't want to be reminded of his woman being with others, so why do that in the reverse? They were unnecessary and took me out of the pull that was happening between the couple, lessening the impact of both scenes.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

If you like the fake to real and brother's best friend trope, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Blake and Carrie find they have good chemistry as they pretend to be in a relationship. This of course leads to actual feelings, but Blake being a stubborn male, makes a mess of things. The good news is he makes up for it nicely. Most of the story is predictable, but still fun. Lighthearted and sexy romance perfect for a quick afternoon read!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.

Such a sweet story with a lovely storyline.From the moment I start reading I was into the story.It was funny and steamy.I really enjoyed it!

I have to say I am really enjoying Joya Ryan‘s style. The few books I have read so far have been just right in the sexy and romantic. The book should have been an over done cliche with the whole left at the altar going on my honeymoon anyways and falling for my brother’s best friend tropes but it wasn’t. And did I mention the ex fiance ALSO goes on the honeymoon with his NEW girlfriend …. C’MON, who doesn’t wanna get some of that?!?! Cue …. smh and laughter.

It was cute and enjoyable to read. It was short and sweet and sexy and just the right amount of tension to keep you reading. This is really a great story with likeable and relatable characters (maybe not the ex so much lol) written in a way that didn’t seem silly or over done. High props from this reader!

Joya Ryan has written an engaging romance story about friends who come to realize that they have “feelings” for each other. And all this happens after Carrie is left at the alter by her scheming and lying ex boyfriend/fiancée. He left her for Carrie’s trainer that SHE got to work out and look good for the wedding, well her ex and her trainer sure were knocking boots when Carrie caught them. No worries, she cut the ex-loose and decided to go on her honeymoon alone. Since she pretty much paid for everything. She is going to go to Hawaii alone but nope, her older brother and by extension, his best friend Blake are worried about why she is leaving. So Blake offers to go and keep an eye on her. Blake and Carrie are friends but she is bound and determined to do things her way. Blake has always wanted Carrie but he has known he has to keep his mind clean and hands to himself around her but Carrie doesn’t care. Either they give in to the passion and see where things go or he can go off by himself because she doesn’t plan on letting him go with her. There is a lot of twists and turns in this book that wheat my interests and when the ex happens to just show up at this Retreat. Its time for these two to come up with something to throw the ex off Carrie’s back and also make the ex think she has moved on and fallen in love and he ( the ex) is totally forgotten.
Oh what a total wrong idea for these two. They elicit a hot chemistry whenever they are around each other. Blake keeps telling himself he is there to protect Carrie but that fake excuse falls by the waste side when Carrie is around. There are many twists and turns in this book that will keep you entertained and you will fall in love with the MC and their problems. Will they or wont they is the question. You have to read to find out,.

My rating: 4.5 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***