Fighting Temptation by K.C. Lynn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jaxson is arrogant, angry and aggressive. Yet he’s also beautiful, strong and honorable. I unconditionally and irrevocably love every damaged part of him. And for the boy, who didn’t believe in love, he would always and forever have mine. ~Julia Sinclair

Julia was different from anyone I’d ever met. I never thought someone so good and genuine existed until her. The more I saw of her the more I became addicted to her. Every time I was around her she would destroy some of the darkness that lurked inside of me. She made the bad shit in my life seem not so terrible. Then, before I knew it, I had fallen for a girl from another world. ~Jaxson Reid


Two unlikely friends—the innocent, good girl and the notorious bad boy. One fateful night brought them together, and they formed a bond—one so strong it was unbreakable—until one night they gave into temptation.

Fast forward five years and Jaxson is back to fix the mistakes he’s made with the only girl who’s ever mattered to him. Only someone isn’t happy with his return, someone who thinks Julia is theirs and they will stop at nothing to make sure it stays that way—forever.

Jaxson will not only fight to protect Julia, but will also battle the new and existing demons that haunt his soul from death, corruption, destruction and war.

Fighting Temptation

Sunset Bay Redemption

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️🤣🙁🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

🎖️ Audiobook Review: Fighting Temptation

Genre: Military Romance • Small Town • Friends-to-Lovers
Narrators: Callie Dalton & Teddy Hamilton

—

💔 Julia: The Good Girl with Grit

Raised by her gran after losing her mother, Julia’s quiet resilience anchors the story. Her ritual of visiting her mother’s grave becomes a haunting turning point when a late-night visit nearly ends in tragedy—until Jaxson, the town’s notorious bad boy, intervenes. That moment sparks a bond that defies small-town judgment and sets the stage for a love story built on trauma, loyalty, and longing.

—

🛡️ Jaxson: The Protector Who Pushes Her Away

Jaxson’s troubled upbringing and reputation as Sunset Bay’s outcast mask a deeply protective nature. His decision to join the Navy SEALs is both escape and sacrifice—he leaves Julia behind, convinced she deserves better. But his absence doesn’t erase the possessive undercurrent: he warns off rivals, especially Wyatt, whose violent past makes him a chilling threat.

—

🔥 Plot Pulse

Six years apart. One war injury. A heroine who finally stops waiting.
Julia’s emotional arc is compelling—her loyalty to Jaxson is unwavering until his silence from the hospital forces her to reclaim her agency. Her decision to date Wyatt, unaware of his abusive history, adds tension and stakes. The story leans into familiar tropes but delivers them with enough emotional weight to keep listeners invested.

—

✅ What Hit Home

• Julia’s choice to date the very man Jaxson warned her about adds delicious dramatic irony.
• Jaxson’s jealousy and protectiveness walk the line between swoony and toxic—perfect for fans of possessive alpha heroes.
• Julia isn’t just a damsel—she’s emotionally complex and makes her own choices, even when they hurt.
• Military romance lovers will appreciate the blend of grit, loyalty, and emotional restraint.

—

⚠️ What Felt Worn

• The “I’m too broken for love” trope gets a full workout here. Jaxson’s refusal to let Julia choose for herself feels more paternalistic than noble.
• The “no kids because I had a bad childhood” angle is a bit overplayed and could’ve used a fresher take.

—

🎧 Narration Breakdown

Callie Dalton brings warmth and clarity to Julia’s voice, making her emotional journey feel grounded and real. Teddy Hamilton, as always, delivers a rich, commanding performance—his vocal range and pacing elevate Jaxson’s internal conflict and intensity. Their dual narration adds depth and rhythm, keeping the emotional beats tight and immersive.

—

📝 Final Take

If you love military romance with emotionally scarred heroes, heroines who fight for their own agency, and narration that pulls you into every heartbeat of longing and regret—this one’s worth the listen. Just be ready for some well-worn tropes and a hero who needs a serious lesson in emotional transparency.

—

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub

View all my reviews