Book Review: Temptation Trials by B. Truly

Title: Temptation Trials
Series: Temptation Trials Part I
Author: B. Truly
Publication Date: June 3, 2017
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Romance

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Temptation Trials
Temptation Trials Part I
B. Truly
CreateSpace, June 2017
ISBN 978-1545032367
Trade Paperback

From the author—

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.

At first glance, this is not the kind of book I’d usually choose to read because I have little fondness for reading about romance and lust and all that sort of thing and the description leaves no doubt that this book is all about that. On the other hand, I love dystopian and I’m always interested to see what concepts authors can come up with in this subgenre. Also, I admit it, I do like a fair amount of reality TV so why not give it a try?

The idea of a dictatorial government choosing who you can marry is odd but not unheard of—The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie comes to mind and I loved that story so I had high hopes for Temptation Trials. Right away, I ran into a worldbuilding problem that I’ve seen all too many times before but it was more obvious here because it shows up in the first paragraph. The likelihood that the world would have an apocalyptic war and descend into a worldwide, highly organized dictatorship in a mere six years just doesn’t make sense to me. I realize the author wanted the main characters to remember the way things used to be but…

Then, when Cali and Stefani go to an illegal party, they naturally meet two hot guys, Cade and Tobias, who happen to be sort of heroic and the dreaded insta-love sets in. OK, so I can put up with that if the story is strong enough and, in this case, it begins to get interesting when the background and the qualifying requirements of the Temptation Trials begin to come out. I could see how such a show could appeal to a lot of viewers, especially those who opt to toe the government line and accept their assigned spouses but, when these two couples decide to try the Trials, they have no idea what they’re getting into.

Although I have only myself to blame, given the maturity warning, I was put off by a lot of sexual activity and talk but the overall story was interesting and I think it will appeal especially to readers who enjoy hot romance in a science fiction setting.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2017.

About the Author

B Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old and is grateful to have accomplished this dream. She has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of action and suspense. She writes New Adult and Adult Romance, Fantasy, Sci-fi, and Paranormal.

B Truly has three wonderful children and a husband who defines the person she today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Sugarland, Texas.

Author links:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276631.B_Truly

https://www.facebook.com/BTrulysFantasies

https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly

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