Enticing by Bella Mathews Summary, Characters and Themes
Enticing by Bella Mathews is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant romance novel by Bella Matthews that follows the slow-burning relationship between a young, guarded single mother and a professional hockey player with a big heart.
Set in the charming, familial world of Kroydon Hills, this story blends themes of second chances, healing, and the quiet power of showing up.
Through alternating perspectives between Adelaide James and Leo Sinclair, readers are invited into an intimate narrative about trust, safety, and love’s ability to repair even the most fractured lives.
With children, trauma, and community at its center, Enticing is both tender and empowering.
Summary
Adelaide “Addie” James is a fiercely independent single mother raising two young daughters, Izzy and Lennox, in a crumbling Victorian house left to her by her late grandmother.
Haunted by an abusive relationship with her ex, Gavin, Addie isolates herself from emotional entanglements and refuses child support, determined to protect her girls at all costs.
Her younger sister Coraline, her only emotional anchor, is away studying law, leaving Addie to manage financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and overwhelming loneliness alone.
Leo Sinclair, a 26-year-old pro hockey player for the Philadelphia Revolution, is nudged into helping with a kids’ skating program called “Hockey Tots.”
There he meets Izzy, a spirited and chatty five-year-old with surprising skating skills and an even bigger personality.
Through Izzy, Leo encounters Addie—a guarded woman who, despite her cool exterior, leaves a lasting impression on him.
A series of fateful moments gradually draw Leo into Addie’s orbit.
When her car breaks down, he steps in to help, offering not just mechanical assistance but emotional support.
Izzy invites him over for dinner, and Leo’s warm interaction with both girls contrasts starkly with Addie’s past experiences.
Despite her hesitations, Addie finds herself drawn to Leo’s kindness and steady presence.
Leo becomes a constant, offering small acts of care without expectation—bringing food, repairing her car behind the scenes, and simply being present.
Meanwhile, Addie grapples with her instincts to push him away.
Years of trauma have made her wary of letting anyone into the small world she has carefully built around her daughters.
Writing has always been her escape, and she begins to channel her reawakening feelings into her work, crafting a romantic lead inspired by Leo.
As the holidays approach, Leo becomes more entangled with her family and home life.
He meets Coraline, wins her over with his sincerity, and spends time with Addie’s daughters, particularly Izzy, who starts seeing him as a father figure.
Through these growing connections, Addie begins to confront the possibility that Leo might be exactly what she and her daughters need—not a hero, but a partner.
Just as things begin to stabilize emotionally, Gavin returns, demanding visitation and reminding Addie of the trauma she fled.
His aggressive behavior rattles her, but Leo shows up just in time to protect her without resorting to violence.
The encounter forces Addie to finally confront her past, and with Leo’s support and the legal guidance of his uncle Callen, she files a restraining order and begins reclaiming her autonomy.
As Addie’s strength grows, so does her openness to a shared future.
She allows herself to believe that Leo isn’t just a fleeting kindness—he’s someone willing to walk alongside her for the long term.
They move forward together, creating a new sense of family.
Their intimacy deepens not just physically but emotionally, built on a foundation of mutual respect, care, and vulnerability.
In the epilogue, several months have passed.
Addie is thriving, writing again, and no longer trapped by fear.
Leo is a steady presence in their home and lives.
The girls have embraced him, and Addie, once so sure she could never depend on anyone, now knows she’s not just surviving—she’s safe, cherished, and finally home.
Characters
Adelaide “Addie” James
Adelaide is a deeply resilient and fiercely protective mother of two young daughters, Izzy and Lennox. Her life is marked by the scars of past trauma, particularly an abusive relationship with her ex, Gavin.
This history renders her emotionally guarded and hesitant to trust others, especially men. She lives in a decaying Victorian house, barely scraping by financially, and has learned to suppress her own desires in service of her children’s needs.
Addie is a woman who bears the weight of responsibility quietly, balancing survival and love with a heavy heart. Yet beneath her stoicism lies a passionate spirit—a former writer who begins to rediscover her creative voice through Leo’s presence.
As the story unfolds, Addie transitions from reluctant loner to someone who cautiously lets herself believe in joy and safety again. Her transformation is emotionally complex, driven by a desperate desire to shield her children from pain but eventually softened by the consistent kindness and support she receives from Leo.
Addie’s arc is one of slow trust, self-forgiveness, and reclaiming agency—not only over her household but over her own sense of worth.
Leo Sinclair
Leo is a professional hockey player whose easygoing charm masks a deeply loyal and intentional nature. At first glance, he might seem like the archetype of a confident athlete, but his true strength lies in his emotional maturity and patience.
Unlike most romantic leads who barrel into a relationship with bravado, Leo approaches Adelaide and her children with gentleness, persistence, and respect. His courtship isn’t showy—it’s grounded in small, significant actions, from repairing her car to showing up with coffee and handmade notes from Izzy.
What makes Leo so compelling is his ability to see Addie’s worth, not just as a romantic interest, but as a woman worn down by life who deserves peace. He is unafraid of the chaos that comes with her world—children, financial strain, emotional baggage—and instead finds joy in integrating himself into it.
Over time, Leo evolves from a flirtatious helper into a steadfast protector and partner. His growth is subtle but strong, as he transforms into someone ready to build a life not just around Addie, but with her.
Leo’s journey is about becoming not just a boyfriend, but a co-parent, provider, and emotional anchor.
Izzy James
Izzy, the precocious five-year-old daughter of Adelaide, is a firecracker of personality and confidence. She provides both levity and emotional resonance throughout the novel.
Her unwavering self-assurance, her humorous declarations (like being a “full stack” of pancakes), and her quick emotional attachment to Leo reveal her as both endearing and deeply vulnerable. Izzy has likely seen more than a child her age should, and her attachment to Leo signals her unspoken yearning for stability and a father figure.
Yet she’s no passive child—her bright spirit and fearless affection act as a catalyst for many key moments in the story. Through Izzy, readers see the stakes of Addie’s decisions: it’s not just her heart on the line, but her children’s emotional safety too.
Izzy is the embodiment of hope and resilience, unconsciously guiding both her mother and Leo toward a new vision of family.
Coraline James
Coraline, Addie’s younger sister, serves as her moral compass and protector, even as she prepares to leave for law school. Coraline is sharp, loyal, and unafraid to challenge Addie when necessary.
Her role is both practical and emotional—she watches the girls, offers advice, and urges Addie to open her heart while also reminding her not to repeat old mistakes. Coraline is one of the few people Addie allows to see her fear, and their relationship showcases a strong sisterly bond built on mutual trust and shared survival.
Coraline also plays a subtle but important role in vetting Leo, initially skeptical but eventually convinced of his intentions. Her transformation from guardian to supporter parallels Addie’s growth and reflects the emotional scaffolding that surrounds Addie even when she feels isolated.
Gavin (Addie’s Ex)
Gavin is the ghost that haunts Addie’s past—and momentarily disrupts her present. As an abusive and manipulative figure, he represents the trauma Addie is trying to outrun.
His sudden reappearance in the story heightens tension and reminds both Addie and the reader of what she’s truly trying to protect her children from. Gavin is not granted redemption or nuance—he remains a toxic presence, and his character functions as a stark contrast to Leo.
Where Leo is gentle and respectful, Gavin is erratic and dangerous. His presence serves as a narrative device to push Addie toward confrontation, empowerment, and the final severing of her past chains.
Lennox James
Lennox, the baby of the family, is more symbolic than fully developed as a character due to her age. However, her reactions—particularly her rare calmness around Leo—serve as silent confirmations of trust and safety.
Lennox’s presence amplifies Addie’s vulnerability; as an infant, she relies completely on her mother, making Addie’s financial and emotional stakes even more pressing. While Lennox doesn’t speak or act with autonomy, her role as the littlest symbol of future hope adds a gentle emotional current to the narrative.
Themes
Healing from Trauma and Reclaiming Autonomy
At the heart of Enticing is Adelaide’s emotional and psychological journey of healing from past abuse and reclaiming control over her life. Her trauma, rooted in an abusive relationship with Gavin, colors every interaction and decision she makes, especially in the early chapters.
Addie’s hyper-independence, financial anxiety, and mistrust of male attention are all survival mechanisms born of years spent fearing for her and her daughters’ safety. Leo’s introduction into her world isn’t a magic fix—it challenges her.
She is repeatedly forced to confront the possibility that not every man who shows interest will hurt her, yet the fear lingers. Her healing process is gradual and hard-won, grounded not in romantic idealism but in consistent, respectful behavior from Leo that contrasts her past.
The story does not minimize her trauma nor rush her through recovery; instead, it validates her fear while allowing space for new hope. Addie’s eventual decision to accept Leo’s help, to file a restraining order against Gavin, and to open her heart to a stable future illustrates her reclaiming her narrative.
This theme is further reinforced through her relationship with her sister Coraline, whose tough love and support help bridge the space between Addie’s past survival mode and her potential for thriving. Ultimately, Enticing champions the resilience of survivors and the strength it takes not only to escape abuse but to allow oneself to believe in love and safety again.
Found Family and the Importance of Community
Another powerful theme in Enticing is the idea that family is not solely defined by blood, but by consistent presence, emotional safety, and mutual care. While Addie begins the novel relatively isolated, supported only by her sister Coraline, Leo’s entry into her life brings with it a sprawling, boisterous, and fiercely loyal family.
The Sinclair clan—especially as showcased through the KroydonKronicles interludes—offers an emotional counterpoint to Addie’s loneliness. They embody unconditional support, often stepping in without fanfare to help those they care about.
This is not a case of a love interest saving a woman in distress; it’s an entire community absorbing someone into their fold and saying, “You belong here too.” Leo’s brothers, his uncle Callen, and even teammates serve as symbolic proof that chosen families can provide the same—if not more—comfort, protection, and laughter as biological ones.
Izzy and Lennox’s swift bond with Leo’s family also emphasizes how children, often seen as vulnerable, respond to environments of genuine affection and trust. The transformation is subtle but clear: Addie moves from feeling like a woman on the margins to becoming part of a new, extended family.
In a broader sense, this theme touches on how support systems—when built on love, respect, and presence—can change someone’s entire trajectory.
The Gentle Nature of Love and Masculinity
Leo Sinclair’s character brings forth a deeply refreshing exploration of masculinity—one that is grounded in emotional intelligence, gentleness, and reliability. In contrast to Gavin, Leo does not try to dominate or control Addie; he listens, supports, and waits.
This portrayal of love as patient rather than urgent is key to the novel’s romantic arc. Leo doesn’t “fix” Addie—he provides the space and reassurance that allows her to begin fixing herself.
His consistent presence is as much an emotional anchor as it is a challenge to her belief that all men will eventually leave or hurt her. Furthermore, Leo’s relationship with Izzy and Lennox demonstrates that masculinity need not be distant or authoritarian to be strong.
He cradles a baby who doesn’t normally tolerate being held, brings dinner, fixes Addie’s car without seeking credit, and reads to her daughters. These small but potent actions build a portrait of love that is rooted in service, presence, and care.
The theme here is not simply romantic love but the healing power of masculine vulnerability—how love can be expressed through gentleness, and how this type of love can offer safety without demanding submission. Leo redefines what it means to be a protector: not someone who controls or shields, but someone who stands beside and uplifts.
Motherhood as Identity, Responsibility, and Power
Motherhood in Enticing is portrayed not as a sentimentalized role but as a deeply complex identity that shapes every part of Addie’s decisions and emotions. From the very beginning, Addie’s world is centered around Izzy and Lennox, and her role as a mother is both her greatest pride and her greatest pressure.
The constant financial worry, the fear of Gavin reentering their lives, and the emotional balancing act of being both nurturer and protector are all explored with nuance. Addie does not see motherhood as something that defines her femininity or worth—she sees it as her core responsibility, the lens through which she must evaluate every risk and every relationship.
This is why her reluctance to trust Leo is so deeply rooted—not in romantic hesitation, but in maternal caution. She knows the cost of getting it wrong.
Yet, motherhood is also shown as a source of power. Addie’s decisions, especially in the latter chapters, are not reactive but protective.
Filing a restraining order, accepting support, and allowing Leo into their lives are all active choices rooted in her role as a mother. The epilogue beautifully underscores this transformation—Addie is not simply a woman who has found love again; she is a mother who has restructured her family on her own terms, with love, safety, and joy at its center.