Tempted by the Stranger
(2025)(The first book in the Temptation Hollow series)
A novel by Daria Blake
When a small town grumpy cynic who trusts no one meets a charming sunshine stranger hiding the truth, a Christmas snowstorm will force them to decide if some secrets and lies are worth forgiving.
She knew he was lying. She just didn't know how much.
Nora Castellano has spent the year since her grandmother's death becoming a fortress—especially when it comes to the Hollow Inn, the historic bed-and-breakfast that's been in her family for three generations. She's dealt with too many corporate vultures circling her property, too many smooth-talking scouts in friendly disguises. So when James Hartley checks in claiming to be a travel writer researching small-town Christmas traditions, she recognizes the signs immediately: too many questions about the property, too much interest in "development potential." She assigns him the worst room in the house and treats him with barely concealed hostility.
What Nora doesn't know is that her instincts are exactly right. James is an acquisition consultant sent by his family's corporation to evaluate the inn for demolition and redevelopment. The plan is straightforward—until he finds himself enchanted by the community's warmth, the authentic holiday traditions, and especially by the grumpy innkeeper who seems determined to hate him.
When a massive snowstorm during Christmas festival week strands them together at the inn, forced proximity and shared crisis crack open both their walls. In candlelight conversations and unexpected teamwork, Nora starts to believe she might have misjudged him. James, watching her fierce love for her community and legacy, realizes his family's plan would destroy something irreplaceable.
Some deceptions lead to truth. And the grumpiest hearts can still choose hope.
Tempted by the Stranger is Book 1 in the Temptation Hollow series. Each book is a complete standalone romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and the emotional journey from antagonism to intimacy in a charming small town where love requires letting down your walls.
Genre: Romance
She knew he was lying. She just didn't know how much.
Nora Castellano has spent the year since her grandmother's death becoming a fortress—especially when it comes to the Hollow Inn, the historic bed-and-breakfast that's been in her family for three generations. She's dealt with too many corporate vultures circling her property, too many smooth-talking scouts in friendly disguises. So when James Hartley checks in claiming to be a travel writer researching small-town Christmas traditions, she recognizes the signs immediately: too many questions about the property, too much interest in "development potential." She assigns him the worst room in the house and treats him with barely concealed hostility.
What Nora doesn't know is that her instincts are exactly right. James is an acquisition consultant sent by his family's corporation to evaluate the inn for demolition and redevelopment. The plan is straightforward—until he finds himself enchanted by the community's warmth, the authentic holiday traditions, and especially by the grumpy innkeeper who seems determined to hate him.
When a massive snowstorm during Christmas festival week strands them together at the inn, forced proximity and shared crisis crack open both their walls. In candlelight conversations and unexpected teamwork, Nora starts to believe she might have misjudged him. James, watching her fierce love for her community and legacy, realizes his family's plan would destroy something irreplaceable.
Some deceptions lead to truth. And the grumpiest hearts can still choose hope.
Tempted by the Stranger is Book 1 in the Temptation Hollow series. Each book is a complete standalone romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and the emotional journey from antagonism to intimacy in a charming small town where love requires letting down your walls.
Genre: Romance