Zafrina, known as Rina, is a member of the Tillbridge family we first met in The Cowboy’s Claim. Now the tale focuses on the attractive but exceedingly busy chef as she runs a restaurant at the Tillbridge Horse Stable and Guesthouse. At the start, she is almost swept off her feet – literally – by a stuntman on a practice run of a zip-line stunt.

HER SWEET TEMPTATION may refer to stuntman Scott Halsey, but I am not kidding when I say that halfway through reading this book, I got up and cooked a batch of salted caramel shortbread. Rina’s concentration on her skills, and conviction that there’s not much wrong with life that good sweet pies can’t solve, persuaded me. The ‘Tillbridge Stables’ series richly combines a multicultural cast with horses, cowboys, top quality catering and in this story, an on-location film set. That zip-line is just one of the tricks up Scott’s sleeve. He also happens to be a versatile guy, and a plumber is urgently needed at the restaurant as their longtime handyman Dennis has moved to Alaska. But Scott’s only here until filming ends….

We learn more about the complex family dynamics of the Tillbridges. Rina Tillbridge owns her premises but only with the aid of a loan; her older sister Zurie makes many of the family's financial decisions and somewhat runs everyone’s lives. Rina has badly needed this help, but now she’s starting to think she can run her life, and branch out. I was a little surprised that Rina would tell Scott, a comparative stranger, about the end of her earlier career as a sportswoman, but then I decided it was probably all on Google anyway.

As a contemporary romance with a fun cast, I love the story. I was also delighted to revisit Tillbridge Stables and hope to return for many more books. Nina Crespo is on a roll with HER SWEET TEMPTATION, which proved a great way to pass the day. That and baking, of course.

Book Summary