Temptation Trials Part I by B. Truly

BLURB

Will you be Tempted? Will Love save your Soul?

One nation under his reign.
Cardinal sins of man caused humanity to pay the price. Cali Nasser grew up in a world succeeding World War III. The aftermath forced the world dictatorship that she must now live in. A new Regime arose from the ashes. They demanded obedience and cooperation from every citizen, even in matters of the heart.

One domain … One accord … One nation. That is the moral code. In Cali’s eyes, it all revolves around a twisted plot for control.
It used to sicken Cali how people would allow the Regime to test their love through the Temptation Trials. That is, until she met Kincade. Cali’s entire point of view changes when she falls for him. She struggles with herself, debating if she should challenge the government’s law of arranged marriage.

Cali’s childhood friend, Stefani, always kept a positive perspective about their lives until she was threatened with the same dilemma, at odds over the man she loves.

Now Cali and Stefani face a desperate choice—submit to the Regime’s will, or fight for what they value most—love. Although lust, mistaken for love, could lead to damnation. Do they give up on love or sign up for the Temptation Trials, a reality TV show where every temptation is laid before them?
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Can love save their souls? 

Rated Mature 18 +
Adult, Dystopian Romance with sensuality and sexual content.

My Review 



Temptation Trials Part I by B. Truly is a very racy dystopian romance set after the apocalyptic fall of the world where who you marry is determined by the government once you reach the age of 21. Told in first person from dual perspectives of the primary female characters, the plot moves quickly in this Hunger Games like world with a very sexy "This kind of pleasure only existed in books, but we'd turned fiction into nonfiction." reality television "Bachelorette" twist. The first half of the book flies you through the insta-love-esque romance between two couples & the forbidden love they share for the year preceding their 20th birthdays. "...we were all connected--all intertwined in this chaotic game to prove our love."  The only way to ensure they'll be able to stay together & marry each other instead of being betrothed to strangers per the arranged marriage laws is to participate ~& for their relationship to survive~ the temptations of the Temptation Trials. "Will you be tempted?"..."Are you Soul-bound? Prove it to the world in the Trials."  Before it's all said & done, twists & turns reveal love triangles, power, corruption & murder! 

For me, this read took some time to flow well. I found it difficult at times to differentiate between the couples due to use of similar dialogue & could have used some clarification on how the different characters & their associations connect.  The premise of the story is a interesting mix - uncovering government corruption & very sexy romance. Between the blue haze & the government rule, it looks like a rebellion may be on the horizon... "...society was starting to rebel against being told who to love.". I'm intrigued to see how it will all end for Cali & Stefani.  "...if you flirt with temptation, it is bound to bite you in the ass.". Find out in December with ~ Temptation Trials Part II

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. 

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