Very good book. I enjoyed the plot. Thanks to Netgalley, for this free copy. My opinion is my own.

When I read the blurb for Temptation Trials, I had to grab this book. I enjoy reading dystopian and I enjoy reading romance. So I figured that I would like this book. And I did, up until Cali and Stephani went on the Temptation Trials with their boyfriends. I couldn’t get into the book after that. I felt that love triangle, and I can’t believe I am going to say this, sex took over the plot. And not in a good way.

The world is ruled by a dictatorship called the Regime. The Regime took over 16 years before when some sort of apocalyptic disaster happened. Life has been rebuilt under the Regime but it isn’t easy by any stretch. Stephani and Cali have only know the Regime. Both girls chafe at the restrictions placed on them. There is one source of entertainment, a TV show called Temptation Trials. That show lets people who are convinced that their SO’s are their soul mates go on and see if they are the one. They are separated and set up on dates with other men/women. Then they have to watch their SO’s go on dates. It is a source of embarrassment and entertainment for the people.

Stephani and Cali decide to apply for the show after falling in love with their boyfriends. They don’t want to be married off at 21 to someone they don’t know. Amazed that they both got picked, they hope that they both make it to the end of the show. Both girls are pretty sure that their boyfriends will stay faithful to them. But, what the girls didn’t expect was the instant attraction to Dom and Zion, two of the male contestants. they also realize that there is something pretty shady going on.

When I started reading the description of the book, it sounded very familiar to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it until I did a quick Google search. Then I remembered. Going to date myself here but there was a show in the early 2000’s called Temptation Island. I watched the first two seasons and loved it. It had the same concept as the author’s fictional Temptation Trials. Except Temptation Island didn’t go to the extremes that Temptation Trials did.

I didn’t care for Stephani. She came across as immature and only out for herself. Being on that show didn’t raise my view of her either. I did feel bad when she dropped a bombshell towards the end of the book. Other than that, she rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t doubt that what she felt for Tobias was real but still….

I did like Cali and wished that the book focused more on her and her relationship with Kincade. I shouldn’t have been surprised when stuff happened with Zion but I was. I thought that she would have resisted. I did like that while she had conflicted feelings for Kincade and Zion, she was trying to work them out.

The sex was very hot in this book. I did think it was a little weird that the show chose to air all the girls’ sexual exploits. Even Cali and Stephani were shocked by that but realized it was for ratings. The hottest sex was between Dom and Stephani. I had to fan myself afterward. Cali’s came in a close second.

There was a twist in the plot that I saw coming. I also guessed what would happen after the girl (not saying who) gets the information. There is a smaller plot twist that did surprise me and I am wondering how that is going to pan out in book 2.

The book ends on a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers and this one was no exception. It ended and I was like “Grrrr“. I did find that there were plotlines that were dropped and were not addressed again in the book. Which drives me nuts. I do want to read book 2. I need to find out what happens next.

Temptation Trials Part 1 was a good read. I did not like one of the main characters and felt that the plot lagged towards the middle of the book. I did like the plot but felt it followed an early 2000’s reality TV show too closely. While I didn’t like the main characters, I did like them and felt that they were portrayed in a realistic way. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which I did not like. I would recommend to people but warn about the above issues.

Will I reread: Maybe

Age range: Adult

Why: Explicit sex, explicit language, and mild violence

I would like to thank Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, Independent Book Publishers Association, Members Titles and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Temptation Trials Part 1

All opinions stated in this review of Temptation Trials Part 1 are mine

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Temptation Trials by B Truly is one of the more unique dystopian novels I’ve read. After World War III, the earth is united under a global dictatorship with strict rules governing all aspects of life. While dating is not forbidden, falling in love has its consequences. At the age of twenty-one, spouses are assigned. They may be in the same city or half-way across the world, it doesn’t matter. There is one way to escape the arranged marriage though. The Temptation Trials is a government sponsored reality show designed to throw all manner of temptations at lovers. Men go to one place, women to another. If they make it to the end, they are free.

Cali never liked the show, and certainly never expected to enter. But she and her friend Stefani are unwilling to give up the men they’ve fallen in love with and so they enter. However, they underestimate just how strong the temptations can be. Will they be able to stay strong?

So, I found the premise quite interesting, combining reality show, with arranged marriage. The writing was good. I loved the reason the Temptation Trials were so hard! And gods be a good, I am glad we don’t live in that world. It as a quick read, and my only real qualm was the cliffhanger ending. I can read the second part soon though, so no biggie there.

📚📚📚📚

Really great with a new twist on paranormal. I'm going to find book two right now!

The best part of dystopian stories is the slight sense of reality in the storyline. And with as crazy as the world seems these days, it's almost like watching the aftermath of a car accident; ya know you shouldn't, but you can't help but slow down and stare as you drive by. The storyline for this book is great. A pair of new adult girls hook up with a pair of hot new adult rebels and join together to fight the good fight. The author uses a dual POV and does a good job distinguishing between the two main characters.

Where this story lacked and why I'm rating it a three has to do with the overall execution and presentation. There were several holes in the plot line. For example, in one scene one of the couples comes under some heavy shooting. In the previous scene, they were handcuffed together. They discuss running away at separate times but don't mention getting out of the handcuffs until several scenes later. Some of the dialog and word choices felt a little off for young adults. There was also a lot of repetitive info dumps.

I think the author has done a great job creating a whole story. It has strong merit and deserves a chance to shine. With a little editing, this book could easily be a five-star.

Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Reviews Team

I get how great a concept this is, it just wasn't for me. The dialogue was odd, and didn't flow which kills it for me when I'm reading and have to abruptly stop because of some ill placed or wack phrase. I also have an issue with smart characters making stupid choices, I guess that defines reality TV. So the author did a good job with portraying reality TV contestant's correctly. If you like reality TV with a little dystopian this will work for you.

Dystopian world mixed with reality tv exuals Temptation Trials Part I. It was even more fantastic than I thought it would be. Thank you netgalley for the arc for an honest review. It was interesting and such a great page-turner.

First off let me just say wow! Just WOW! This book is definitely not what I was expecting. I got to say this book made me mad a bit. The backdrop of this story is the world after World War III has ravaged the lands. The world is now sectioned off and ruled by the Regime. Life as we now know it is no more. No more music, live bands, parties, movies, socialization as we know it is over and frowned upon. At the age of 21 your husband/wife is chosen for you. You are not allowed to marry anyone you fall in love with, only the one chosen for you. To top it off, you can not even get divorced. Wow! Sucks doesn't it.

This book centers around two couples who love each other dearly and want to marry. The only exception to the rule is they must apply and participate in the Temptation Trials. Now think about that title a bit. Yep, it is exactly what you are thinking but worse. Can these two couples survive and keep their love alive?

Well lets just say, these young peeps are really put to the test. It almost makes you sick when you read all they endure and why and how. There is a twist to it that you will put together as you read the story, and let me tell you it made my stomach twist in knots reading about it, not to mentioned it pissed me off. I even wonder if there is more to the twist than I am realizing. I keep thinking back to the beginning and I feel there is more to what has been revealed. I am hooked.

This book is an emotional read. It is a page turner that grabs your attention from the very first page. You will quickly lose yourself wishing you were in the book to help these people. You will fall in love with some of the characters. But I do warn you, the book was addicting and I am wondering how long I have to wait to find out how this all ends. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a twisted tale from reality. It is a unique read that I have not come across before.