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Sweet Temptation

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Who Would Like This Book:

If age-gap romances, arranged marriage tropes, or found family stories tug at your heartstrings, "Sweet Temptation" checks all the boxes. It leans heavily into character growth, with a determined heroine and a stoic widower navigating unexpected parenthood and a complicated romance. The chemistry sizzles, the domestic scenes are adorable, and if you like single-dad angles (especially where the heroine wins over the kids), that's part of the charm. Fans of low-angst mafia romance with lots of heart and just enough steam will find this one especially satisfying.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If pronounced age gaps, repeated mentions of youth and inexperience, or "nanny as a wife" setups aren't your thing, some aspects of this story might feel uncomfortable or dated. Readers looking for lots of mafia action, complex plot twists, or darker tones may find the softer, family-centric focus underwhelming. And if kids, dogs, or parenting don’t belong in your romances, be warned - they’re front and center! Some also found the pacing uneven, especially if you prefer more angst or less domesticity in your dark romance reads.

A sweeter, surprisingly wholesome (yet spicy!) take on mafia romance with strong found-family vibes, but recurring age-gap and parenting themes may not work for everyone.

About:

'Sweet Temptation' by Cora Reilly tells the story of Cassio, an Underboss and single father, who unexpectedly finds love with Guilia, a young woman who steps into the role of caring for his two young children after the death of his wife. The book explores themes of mystery surrounding Cassio's past, unexpected joy, and the growth of a romance that defies mafia stereotypes. Readers appreciated the natural progression of Cassio and Guilia's love, as well as the heartwarming relationships they built with each other and the children.

Characters:

Characters in the book are well-developed, with Guilia as a resilient heroine and Cassio as a complex figure grappling with family and past traumas.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is approachable and engaging, focusing on character interactions and emotional developments.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on an arranged marriage involving a young bride and an older widower with children, highlighting their evolving relationship amidst family dynamics.

Setting:

Set in a modern mafia backdrop, the emphasis is on domestic life and family interactions.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally quick, with some early events feeling rushed but later gives way to deeper emotional connections.
Gaia and I had been married for eight years. On the day of our anniversary, death ended our marriage. A fitting end to a bond that had been doomed from the very start. Maybe it was fate that today was...

Notes:

The main female character, Guilia, is only 18 years old, while the male lead, Cassio, is 32, which creates an age gap dynamic.
Cassio is a widower with two young children, emphasizing the theme of family in the story.
The book is set in a mafia context, but it focuses more on the relationship and family dynamics rather than intense mafia plots.
Guilia's character is described as kind-hearted and optimistic, bringing a 'sunshine' quality to the story.
The couple's chemistry is highlighted through various spicy scenes that excite readers.
The narrative includes themes of character growth for both Guilia and Cassio, showcasing their development throughout the book.
Some elements of the story address the challenges of being young and inexperienced as a stepmother.
The book's plot contains unexpected twists related to Cassio's past and his first wife's death, adding depth to the storyline.
The book can be read as a standalone despite being in a larger series by Cora Reilly.
The relationship dynamics navigate themes of internal conflict and emotional healing, especially for Cassio after his previous marriage.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of animal abuse and references to violence from the past.

Has Romance?

Romance is a key focus with a strong emotional connection developing between the characters.

From The Publisher:

An Arranged Marriage Standalone Mafia Romance.

The first time Cassio met his fiancée, she called him 'Sir'.

After losing his wife, Cassio is left to take care of two small children while trying to establish his rule over Philadelphia. Now he needs a mother for his children, and someone who can warm his bed at night.

But in a traditional world as his, choosing your wife is duty not pleasure.

Rules have to be followed. Traditions heeded.

That's how he ends up with a woman-a girl barely of age. She might not be what he and his children need, but she's wicked lovely and a sweet temptation he can't resist.

Giulia always knew she'd marry a man her father chose for her. Only she never expected to be given to someone much older.

Suddenly she's supposed to be a mother to two small children when she hasn't even held a baby in her life.

Giulia quickly realizes that Cassio isn't interested in a relationship on equal footing. Her mother always warned her that men of power like Cassio don't tolerate insolence; yet, tired of being treated as a nanny and clueless child-bride, Giulia decides to fight for her vision of a happy family. more

March 2020
291 pages

Ratings (123)

Incredible (24)
Loved It (52)
Liked It (27)
It Was OK (10)
Did Not Like (4)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (215):

Read It (137)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (53)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (21)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
9 months

4,5⭐️

I liked Cassio but did not love

 
Incredible
1 year

One of the best mmcs ever so sweet

 
 
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