ARC Review: The Price of Temptation by Harmony Williams

Title: The Price of Temptation

Author: Harmony Williams

Publication Date: Nov. 23, 2020

Publisher: Entangled

Synopsis: Lily Darling knew that marrying a con man was a risk, but her new husband swore those days were behind him. Then he disappears without a word, taking all of her money with him. So when her scoundrel of a husband mysteriously returns, years later, hoping to set things right, Lily guards her heart. But curse the man for being just as breathlessly handsome as the day she last saw him.

Adam Darling never meant to leave his innocent, beautiful wife, but if he hadn’t, he would’ve been sent to prison and Lily’s good reputation destroyed. He can’t blame her for hating him, and now that he’s back, he’ll do whatever he must to prove he never stopped loving her, even if it takes the rest of his life.

But when Lily is blackmailed by someone from their past, she wonders if the reason Adam abandoned her is more complex than a simple con. To find the truth, though, she’ll need to do the impossible—trust him—and with the attraction simmering between them hotter than ever, getting too close could get her burned…

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.

My Review:

The Price of Temptation focuses on Lily and Adam Darling, a couple who works together to steal a valuable artifact for the man who is blackmailing Lily. When Adam returns after four years, Lily wants nothing to do with him. Abandoned by Adam years ago and left in financial ruins, Lily has hardened her heart and learned to live without him. But when someone from their past blackmails Lily, Adam insists on helping her. Nothing is as it seems, and as Lily learns more about Adam, her blackmailer, and the past, she realizes that the truth is more complicated than she ever imagined.

I enjoyed this read. The story is interesting, the characters are well-developed, and the romance between Lily and Adam is fantastic! A lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance, Adam and Lily have a strong connection. Adam is stuck in such a difficult predicament and knows that his presence jeopardizes Lily’s future. However, his love for her runs deep, and he will do anything to protect her. Lily has trust issues and is still so wounded by Adam’s abandonment. She struggles to believe him, and Adam still has secrets that prevent him from being completely truthful with Lily. This complicated mix of emotions leads to some swoon-worthy angst for both characters, and I loved every minute of it! The couple has amazing chemistry, and their love for each other runs deep.

Adam’s backstory is heartbreaking and offers tremendous insight into the man that he is. I was as intrigued by his mysterious past as I was by his attempts to steal the ancient Egyptian artifact with Lily. The treachery of the antagonist, a person who targeted both Adam and Lily, adds to the mystery and intrigue.

The novel deals with some heavy issues, including PTSD, blackmail, grief, and abandonment. However, there are also messages of hope, love, redemption, and family unity. I think the book will appeal to people who like historical fiction with well-developed characters, a chemistry-laden romance, and an intriguing plot. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.