Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly is this amazing standalone mafia romance/ arranged marriage /age gap /single dad story. This book has all of the 4 tropes in this read and OMG, what a phenomenal story this is!!!
The book is unique, intense, forbidden, steamy, complex, has tons of layers , sizzling chemistry, rollercoaster emotions, heartbreaking moments, amazing twists/turns, and such romance...swoon-worthy!!
Giulia and Cassio make this story! Giulia is sweet, with such an open heart , loving, and Cassio- wow! He is so intense, great dad and is the Underboss. This book is one you don't want to miss... I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the fast-pace, the feels and the sweet chemistry between the main characters. I can't wait to read more from the author.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *********

I just loved this book and without a doubt it is one of my favorite books by the author. As soon as I read the synopsis of that book, I was anxious for the story because it was a novel that had children, a big difference in age, and for being in the world of the mafia. There was no way to go wrong and I loved this book, I found myself lost and captivated by the story of Cássio and Giulia.

Cássio is a character that surprised me positively. I was expecting someone tougher and more closed and although he has his reservations he proved to be a protective and caring character with his children and Giulia. I loved seeing the relationship between them and their young children and how the loss of their first wife reflected in each other's lives. I loved that the book had the POV of both and so I managed to better understand him.

Giulia is a lovely character who won me over on the first few pages. She is a young woman who had to enter into an arranged marriage as is the custom of this life, but who not only had to become a wife, but also a mother for two young children.I loved how she handled the situation and despite being only 18 years old her attitudes showed that she had to grow up quickly to adjust to the new situation. I loved that she was strong, courageous, loving, dreamy and that she knew how to impose herself on her new husband. The relationship between her and the children was lovely to read, as was the progress of her relationship with Cássio.

Sweet Temptation brings a story about starting over, trusting again, leaving the past behind and shows us that love can be found in the most complex and unlikely situations.

This story will tear your heart and then put it back together again!

After finding his wife in a pool of blood, Cassio must move on and find himself a new wife right away. He has two small children who will need a mother's care. As he is establishing his rule over Philadelphia, this mafioso definitely does not have the time or patience to deal with his children.
Giulia is the teenage daughter of his counterpart in Boston. Only six months before she turns eighteen and she will be the perfect choice for his arranged marriage.

Giulia has lived a sheltered life. She has never had to deal with children other than as an aunt playing quickly and then handing them back to their parents. The idea of marrying a man fourteen years her senior with two small children does not appeal to her at all. Soon, it becomes painfully obvious her parents will marry her away just for the benefit of this power marriage with Philadelphia's boss. Now she is bound and determined to succeed no matter what. She wants this
inevitable marriage to work. She will show them all she can be mature and will excel as a wife and mother.

Riveting and emotional, you will not be able to put this book down until you find the answers to all the secrets.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.

Will you give up everything just for a piece of happiness? 🌻🎨🌻
Giulia and Cassion were not a match made in heaven, but they made sure to make it that way!

" We were complete opposites, from our outlook on life to our experiences to our level of goodness and respective badness, but we completed each other"

When I saw the words THE END I almost cried! I didn't want it to end... the story captured me from the very beginning ❤

What will you do to keep a secret that you know will hurt the people around you? That might change the way they perceive you? Or even change their life completely? 

Cassio lost his wife of 8 years, and was left with two little children to take care of. As the underboss of Philadelphia under the rule of Luca Vitiello, he had a lot on his plate. What is the reasonable thing to do? Marry another woman to take care of his kids. He didn't know that by choosing Giulia, his once constructed life was going to change. 

Giulia was given to Cassio a day after her eighteen birthday, a quirky young woman who loves to paint and enjoy life, had to become a dutiful wife and a mother to children of another woman. 
Giulia, oh Giulia, the epitome of a strong minded, lioness like, positive thinker and optimistic woman. She inserted so much light into this sad story of Cassio and his kids and helped her rayes enter their hearts. 
🌻🌻🌻
" She was still youthfully optimistic, naively reckless and daringly unconventional."
🌻🌻🌻

Cassio the ruthless underboss, the brooding and amazingly strong Alpha who's drive is work, revenge, blood and power has no choice but to marry another woman after his wife's death. He was sure that by choosing Giulia he was getting what he wanted. A woman to warm his bed and care for his kids. He never thought that he might get what he needed... and he got so much more out of that bargain. 🤔

The build up of their story was perfect, it felt real and unforced, even with the consequence that brought them together. ❤

"Cassio stilled under my touch, but his eyes burned me" 
Their story was hot, beautifully emotional and insightful, amazing and crazy. 

I loved that we get a glimpse of past events that happened in the previous books from Cassio and Giulia's perspectives, and meeting the ruthless Capo was a bonus too. 

This book helped me understand that, whenever life presents you with a challenge, like Giulia, you need to take it with both hands and make the best of it. 

The only thing that was missing from other books, was the mafia itself. Yes, we had parts of darkness and horrific descriptions, but I was missing being a part of what happens in the Mafia, besides the gruesome politics. 

But, all in all, Cora has presented us with another fine, well written work , like she always does. And like all her work I was sucked in immediately. 

Thank you Cora for another great, hot as f*ck, emotional story. ❤
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Disclaimer- I recieved an ARC for an honest review**

Sweet Temptation was everything I wanted from this arranged marriage story set in the mafia. Cassio Moretti recently widowed needs a wife and mother for his two young children. Giulia Rizzo has always known she would become a mafia wife but she never envisionged it would be to a man as powerful as Cassio. 

At first glance it was easy to dismiss Giulia, she's a young woman who has been protected her whole life with a quirky personality that draws you to her. They say to watch out for the quiet ones and it is true in her case, she may not have much to say but she has watched and observed and is a great judge of character. I loved how she slowly worked her way into not only the childrens hearts but made Cassio realise just how special she was. Cassio is a ruthless underboss, he's protective of his family and loyal to his mafia boss but he is also a man of contradictions. He thrives on controlling everything around him but Giulia brings out his vunerable side which I enjoyed seeing. There is not alot mafia action in this story, the focus is mostly on the healing of a family torn apart by tragedy and of a man learning to love after a devastating betrayal.

This was so good!

I'm not typically that into made men romances. The angst and drama that come along with them are just not my favorite.

I thought the storyline for this one sounded interesting though so I decided to give it a read.

It was great!

I loved the characters and how their emotions were developed. The plot sucked you in, and the writing was fantastic.

All together, I'd give this two thumbs up.

This is one of those times I want to give it 10 stars! My first Cora Reilly and it won’t be my last! I’m impressed by the depth of her characters and storylines. This was amazing. I feel for the kids and dog immediately, but the love between the main characters was awesome. I wasn’t sure if they would last or there would be betrayal, like had happened before but it all came together wonderfully. And now I need more Cora in my life. 
This story has gruesome death scenes, cheating (not main characters), children dealing with loss, and a HEA. Most importantly the Mafia hotness.

Several days later and I really still can’t stop thinking about this book. I think I’m going to read it again and rereads for me are rare. So you know the book is that good. This author has really just amazed me!

I'm DONE! One of the two most anticipated read of march is right before me with THE END, and today I will start the second done. I started reading this story and I didn't know what I had signed up for!
It was supposed to be an easy read about an older man and younger woman romance, but I go SO MUCH MORE! And I had loved every second of it - I was purposefully slowing down my pace to read this deliciousness as long as could!
This is my FIRST book written by Ms. Reilly and I can assure you that it won't be the last one! And not to the book and plot (I promise it will be spoiler-free). We start with the scene that is a turn around of the life for one of the main characters and them we meet Giulia, young sweet Giulia, that is not even legal at that time, and now she's supposed to become one of the cruelest and ruthless Underbosses in the whole mafia - Cassio. Those two came from completely different situations - want different things and know different things about life. This marriage will need a lot to work itself out, but will they manage to do so?
Giulia, I think I found one of my BF hidden there inside of her. Daughter of one of minor Unerbooses, she is sheltered and kept in her woman frame. She's barely legal when it comes to marriage and rest. She's naive and innocent, yet she tries her best in the circumstances she's put in, even when she would like something completely different.
Cassio, may I ask for him as part of my husbands' harem? He's older, MUCH older than Giulia, he's experienced, strong, cruel, emotionless and you don't want to be on his bad side - sounds scary? It is, and be ready to see this man in his best and worse! He's a father of two children that need mother and stability that can be given only by the full family. Those three need someone to become their glue and put everything in the order.
Can a young, inexperienced girl manage to become a real wife for older Underboss and take care of his children, that notnot even out of toddler age? There will be steam, love, angst, getting to know each other, bonding, overcoming obstacles that are rooted deeper than you would think and come from the past that should be left behind!
This story is one of a time that will bring you to your knees with the power of it, and you will want it, crave it! If there will be ever any more story for them or anyone else - I'm IN! If that was not emphasized enough I will add this here as well - I F&((^& LOVED THIS BOOK!
Join Cassio and Giulia in their way to find out what is before them when their fate is sealed by their duty, but still trying to balance everything that is happening really fast!

This book is fantastic!!!  Cassio and Geulia are wonderful characters!!

“The first time I met my wife, she called me sir. “ Cassio’s first meeting with Geulia was not like it was supposed to be!  She’s is young... and Cassio feels bad because she is but in their world, this is the way things work.  They don’t have the luxury of time to get to know each other.  He’s an Underboss with small children who need a mother,, and Geulia is offered.

I could not put this book down!!!  I devoured it!!!

I recommend this highly!!!  I won’t spoil...  because it would ruin the read!  Just know, you’ll love this one. Cora Reilly writes with clarity and detail, making it hard to put down.

This, I can't find the words to describe how much I love this one! I'm so in love! This is definitely not your typical mafia romance. This is so much more! It's not heavy on the mafia business, but more on the family, how they get through their pasts and moving on.

Cassio was better than I could ever imagine. His relationship with his kids, especially Danielle, made me cryy. Cassio & Giulia couldn’t be more opposite, yet they completed one another. She brought happiness back into the Morretti family. What really made my heart flutters was her love for the children was undeniable.

This book is simply amazing! Highly highly recommended!

4.5 Stars!!

The story is masterfully written, and well-developed. This fantastic read is perfectly paced, and packed with twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll found yourself desperately turning the pages trying to find out what happens next.

Sweet Temptation is a brand-new standalone, Arrange Marriage - Mafia Romance, that is intense, emotional, raw, dark, and gritty. Expect the unexpected, because in the end, you won't be disappointed.

I received and advance copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.” 
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨.”

Ever since Cora Reilly announced the release date for Sweet Temptation, I have been so excited about this story mainly because it has some of my favorite tropes, for example:
- Single Parent? ✓
- Arranged Marriage? ✓
- Age Gap? ✓
- Marriage of Convenience? ✓
Once I read the prologue, I was instantly hooked because the mystery and the suspense in the air were too thick and real. Cora leaves the readers with this thrill of what to expect and what's to come. When I first met the characters, Giulia Rizzo and Cassio Moretti, the age gap between them put me off. Now, I do love me some age gap in books, but a specific type of especially an age where the female character is certainly mature. I have read some books with a similar age gap as these two, and I was not too fond of those books because the female character was often portrayed too young and immature. However, Cora did a great job of handling the age gap between Giulia and Cassio, and it never once felt too forced or so. 

Giulia Cassio is a very different female character from Cora's other female characters. She is quite young, has an air of innocence, yet she is fierce and determined in achieving what she wants, in this case, the love of Cassio and his kids. She is too adorable for her good; she wasn't the type to make herself look older or act older; she responded; however, it came naturally to her. She cried when she genuinely felt hurt; she laughed when she found something funny; she's witty and never stepped back down from telling Cassio when she felt hurt or when he did something wrong. She did give him her piece of mind whenever he acted like an idiot. And, there were a few times where I got annoyed with Cassio, but then, I understood where he was coming from. His first marriage is just a whole another story because of which there are situations where Cassio is seen emotionally closed off and cold. 

Before this book, we didn't know much about these characters, especially Cassio Moretti. He is known as a cold-blooded, ruthless Underboss of Philly, but there were quite a few versions to him. Though I felt like that I still didn't get to know him as better as I know Cora's other male characters, Cassio is a sweet and protective father, and also a loyal and promising husband. Giulia's happy and openly optimistic nature was the perfect balance to Cassio's grumpy and broody self. 
Together, these two went through a journey of building trust, emotional growth, and falling in love. 

Sweet Temptation is quite different from Cora's other books, and I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that this book wasn't as dark as her other books or heavily centered around mafia wars. It was all about Cassio and Giulia and their marriage: them as parents, them as husband & wife, and also as a family. The moments between Giulia and Daniele and Simona were SO cute, and especially the times when all of them came together as a family doing just usual family stuff, I loved those special quiet moments! My heart was filled with warmth reading about those moments, and to be honest, I also experienced baby fever, ugh! Daniele and Simona were adorably charming, and Daniele's bond with his puppy, so cute!! 

In conclusion, this book was quite different from what I had imagined, but it turned out to be an emotionally filling and great read! Something like a soft and warm chocolate brownie: sweet & tempting. 

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

5 temptingly sweet stars!

Wow, Cora definitely made up for my disappointment in Twisted Hearts with this new standalone! If you’re a fan of age-gap,arranged marriage, mafia romance then this one is a must read!
  
This is a standalone within the same world as Reilly’s Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles. You can definitely pick this book up without having read any of Reilly’s previous books. 

Sweet Temptation follows an arranged marriage within La Famiglia between a young and quirky, Guilia Rizzo, to the cruel Philadelphia Underboss,Cassio Moretti. Cassio is a single father with two young children and is in desperate need of a wife. There is a 14 year age gap between the two and I loved how Cora handled building their relationship. The Age gap trope is a hit or miss for me and this one landed right on target!

Told in alternating POVs, Guilia and Cassio were not an immediate match made in heaven. Both characters had their doubts about the marriage and I loved how they fell for each other slowly without force. Their love story grew naturally from physically satisfying to emotionally fulfilling! 

I do wish it had more Mafia related drama and interactions. There wasn’t much violence or mob politics compared to her previous books. We also don’t get much interaction with other characters from the Reilly’s previous books. Luca and Aria made a few small appearances but other than that the story stuck to the relationship/family building between Guilia and Cassio.  And boy was it sweet! I loved Guilia and her relationship with Simona and Daniele! Guilia faced the huge task of cleaning up the mess left behind by Cassio’s previous wife and she didn’t have a clue where to start.

Steamy and heartwarming, don’t miss this one!

Jesus Criminey!! Cora delivered an AMAZEBALLS book, which really I had absolutely no doubt about! It was a delight to read and I my husband pretty much had to deal with my sudden and spontaneous bouts of laughing...and yelling...and cursing...yeah, it's a good thing my family already knows I'm freaking nuts! 

Cassio and Giulia and a freaking delight to read and their relationship was a great ride, my one and ONLY wish is that there was a bit more...blood? I guess, in my opinion, things just settled a bit to quickly and cleanly. I expected more "Mafia" type things because generally Mafia books are a bit darker and more murdery. 

But that doesn't take anything away from the story at all, I guess I can just be a bit blood thirsty! LOL Anyway, if you haven't read this yet, freaking DO IT!!!! You won't regret it, and if you do...well...I don't know if we can be friends anymore! 🤣

* I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.*

4.5 stars

Wow, wow, wow! The first book I've read by Cora Reilly simply blew me away. I didn't know what to expect diving into this mafia world, but girl was I in for a treat!

It's like Cora Reilly swung her magic wand and sent me right into her book. I could picture everything and everyone so clearly. Her characters sprung to live immediately and won me over from the first page I've read. Do you know the feeling, when closing a book and suddenly feel the loss of something? Yeah, that happend to me here. I got quite attached to Cassio, Guilia and the kids. And now I miss them like crazy and suffer a little book hangover.

Cassio and Guilia surprised me with every turn. Cassio was passionate, caring and loving and I certainly didn't expect him to be this kind of Underboss. Ruthless and feared in his job but quite the opposite at home. I love how he respected Guilia from the beginning, well from their marriage on. I loved how he opened up to her, let her in and gave her the room to find her place.
Guilia, only sweet 18, has such a big heart and a strong, fierce mind. She stood up for herself from the beginning. But not in a childish way but all grown up. She accepted her fate easily but worked hard to turn it around. And she did it in such a lovely way, that she had them all wrapped around her little finger in no time.

I loved the dynamic between Cassio and Guilia. They complemented each other in every way. Both could grow through the other and together. And I think, Cassio just became my new favorite mafia Underboss <3

The only thing I wished more for was a little more thrill. From a book, set in the mafia world, I expected a litte more darkness and a litte more angst. Nevertheless, this book and its characters captured my heart and mind and I'm more than glad I got to meet them. They are truly something special.

Sweet Temptation is a fantastic, hot and enchanting arranged marriage, age-gap romance that has everything a romance reader heart wishes for!

Giulia, I loved her!! Young but so strong. She thinks she knows what's she getting into with her pre-arranged marriage but it's more. She wants to be an equal in her marriage to Cassio but that's not that the way the mafia world works. 

Cassio can't believe he's getting married to someone who is so young but he doesn't have a lot of choices when it comes to marriageable women. She's not what he's looking for but will she be able to change his mind.  Will he treat her the way that she wants to be?

Loved seeing the way that this story unfolded and I couldn't put it down!

I've been reading Cora Reilly for a while now and I adore her mafia books. They are sincerely the BEST mafia books I've ever read and will continue to read.

Sweet Temptation is Cassio and Guilia's story. Cassio is the Underboss of Philadelphia. After the tragedy of his wife's death, he must remarry for this two small children. Guilia was an amazing character. She's so full of life, caring, and perfect for Cassio. I love she accepted the children as hers, her new husband, and built a home for all of them. I also genuinely loved Cassio. He bears so much for this family and is fierce as hell.

Some parts did come as a shock, as the plot reveals secrets and it turned out to be heavier than I expected. Even though this isn't really a dark romance. There is taboo subject this in.

Can't wait to read more of her books!

Sweet Temptation took my breath away!! It has everything I love in a book, a forbidden romance and the mafia!! Cassio Moretti is underboss and recently a widow and left with two small children. The family thinks he needs to marry soon to have someone watch over his children. Giulia Rizzo, is 17 and her main priorities at the moment is painting and pilates. Little does she know that her life was about to change.

I was enamored with Cassio and Giulia's story. This story is full of firsts for these two. Giulia had to grow up fast, but I loved that she didn't change her ways nor did she back down from Cassio. He may be the underboss to his men, but not to her. The transformation that Giulia made from the beginning to end was great to read. She took the role of wife and mother and ran with it. Cassio knows how to get information from someone, how to lead his men and demand respect, but being in love and letting others love him not so much.

This story had me swooning and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. This story is full of secrets that all come to light and it's what happens when the secret is too big that it will affect everyone. I loved every minute of Cassio and Giulia's story that I will reread it again and again.

Everything you could want in a book and more!! The world building in this book sucks you in on page one! And before you know it... It says the end! I will definitely be reading more of Cora!

Sweet Temptation is a standalone Mafia romance.
If you like age gaps, arranged marriages and heart ache this books is for you.
Get ready to have your heart explode with love for Cassio and Giulia. Their marriage was one of convenience, but as time went on these two formed a bond so strong that they would defy all odds to protect their family.
This book is by far my favorite of Cora’s and I don’t say that lightly, but honestly this book is perfection.