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“Cora Reilly continues to establish herself as the best mafia romance writer of our generation. Cassio and Giulia absolutely ruined me.”— L.J. Shen, USA Today, Washington Post and #1 Amazon bestselling author
An arranged marriage standalone romance
The first time Cassio meets his fiancée, she calls him “sir.” After losing his wife, Cassio is left to take care of … 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 world as traditional 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 may not be what he and his children need, but she’s lovely and a sweet temptation he can’t resist. Giulia has always known she’ll marry the man her father chose for her, but she never expects to be given to someone so much older. Suddenly she’s supposed to be a mother to two small children when she hasn’t even held a baby before.Giulia quickly realizes that Cassio isn’t interested in a relationship on equal footing. Her mother has warned her that men of power, like Cassio, don’t tolerate insolence. Tired of being treated as a nanny, Giulia decides to fight for her version of a happy family.
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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.
Sweet Temptation was one of my most anticipated read of 2020 and this book surpassed my expectations. It’s an age-gap arranged marriage mafia romance standalone. If you’re familiar with the Born In Blood and The Camorra Chronicles series then you are aware of Cora Reilly’s work and have no questions picking this book. The book characters are inter-connected with her other series but can be read as standalone.
Cassio and Giulia is one of the best couple Cora Reilly created. I had so much good feelings reading about them, they are unlikely with their age differences and maturity but I realise that Giulia as the level-headed character of this book.
‘When your wife died, sadness and despair were the expected emotions, but I felt only anger and resentment as I watched the coffin being lowered into her grave.’
Cassio is the Underboss of Philadelphia, his ruling brutal and unforgiving and because of his profession he needs to maintain this to be respected. At 31-year- old he lost his wife, Gaia, and now he is a single parent to a son, Daniele (2-years) and daughter, Simone (4 months). Naturally he is to take another wife to care for his infants and with a heavy past he experienced he has no time/interest to indulge his new young wife.
‘How was I supposed to fix traumatized children? A neglected dog?’
Guilia is my favourite heroine, she is everything a teenage mafia heroine should be. Shouldered with responsibilities as a wife and mother role, she effortlessly and gently cares of Daniele and Simone. And also a dog who was neglected, I love how strong and stubborn she was and taking side of the dog who just needed attention and care.
Giulia knew in her world what is expected of her, it was no surprise she was to marry young. Cassio’s reputation scared Giulia but she stood up to him whenever needed. Cassio was upfront about what to expect from this marriage, he wanted a mother to care for his children only but he was surprised when Giulia was stubborn and wouldn’t settle for less, she won’t be his nanny and his whore. Cassio was a diffirent mafia hero, he didn’t treat Giulia as trash, he respected her and cared for his kids.
Even reading this book for the second time left me with satisfied feels. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for good age-gap, arranged-marriage mafia romance.
Cassio is the ruthless underboss of Philadelphia, where he rules with an iron fist. But he is also a widower with two young children, and he has no clue how to raise them. He needs a wife to accompany him to social functions and please him in bed, and he also needs a good mother for his children. Giulia always knew her father would choose a husband for her, but she never expected an older man with two children and a mischievous dog! Cassio asked for a proper and socially graceful lady and Giulia is anything but. She’s spontaneous, sassy and sometimes improper! She doesn’t know much about being a wife or mom, but she has love in her heart! She soon realises how much her new family needs her. Cassio is a man deeply hurt and afraid to put his trust in his new wife. He can’t deny his passion for her, and his children bloom under her care. But in their world, love can be seen as vulnerability. Will they be able to protect their children and their new-found happiness? Sweet Temptation was a highly-anticipated book and it exceeded my expectations! Cassio and Giulia’s strory is unforgettable and emotionally gripping. Giulia’s interactions with the children brought tears to my eyes and her love for her husband is moving and genuine. And Cassio is a tough man, but when it comes to Giulia he transforms into a husband who needs to be loved! Who said temptation can’t be sweet?
„You can’t control everything, even if you think you have to.”
Cora Reilly is undeniably the queen of the arranged marriage romances and Sweet Temptation is just another proof that she’s second to none. This story is a mix of everything I love in books like that- mafia, age gap, suspense, danger, unexpected twists and turns, and all of that softened by feminine gentleness. Addition in the form of single parent trope? I’M SOLD. This book totally hooked me and I devoured it in one sitting!
Cassio and Giulia met all of my expectations with excess. I watched the development of their acquaintance with bated breath and I kept my fingers crossed that despite the differences in age, personalities and expectations, they would find a common language and create a real, happy relationship. Which was quite a challenge, given the circumstances in which their marriage was arranged. But Cora in her true fashion has proved once again that opposites attract and they can complement each other beautifully.
Cassio is intimidating, imposing and dangerous. The life he led so far made him jaded and he focused only on his work and ensuring that his children were taken care of.
Giulia is young, optimistic, quirky and full of life. You could even say that she’s a bit naive, but this girl knows what she wants and she won’t settle for anything less.
It’s her stubborness what helped her to push Cassio to open up and allow her to breathe a new life into him. She showed him ways to finally live, not only exist. She teached him how to be spontaneous, enthusiastic and happy. She definitely wasn’t what he wanted in a wife at first, but turned out to be exactly what he needed. She pushed his buttons and challenged him at every turn, not letting him to boss her around. And their intimacy? Holy Moly! Their chemistry and lust were out of this world! I loved how eager, untamed and passionate they were! These two can easily set your reading devices on fire!
Sweet Temptation definitely lands on my pile of best 2020 reads. Cora sure knows how to write unputdownable and addicting mafia romances and this one here is totally captivating! I loved everything in this story and I need to add that Giulia is the best heroine Cora ever created. Both characters grew so much in the span of the storyline and my heart is bursting from happiness over the outcome. This book is simply amazing.
One of the best, she has written in this series.
Is another mafia arranged marriage book by Cora Reilly.
This one was very sweet. After losing his wife Cassio needs new wife to look after his two children. Giulia always knew she would get married who her father picks for her. But she never imagined it to be someone so much older then her.
In this book we follow how Giulia and Cassio learn how to work together for the kids. Giulia is trying really hard to place herself in there lives. Cassio is trying less hard.
Giulia was such a soft soul, she took care of the two kids like they have always been her own.
The way Giulia was trying to learn motherhood in such a uncommand situation showed what she had in her. She wasn’t the type to do everything Cassio tells her to do. She was her person.
Overall this was a very easy to like book
4 stars!
Sweet Temptation is a standalone arranged marriage mafia romance. It features Cassio and Giulia, an 18 year old young woman who has grown up in the mafia and knew her fate would be arranged marriage. She was lovely. She accepts everything about the arranged marriage so willingly. She adapts and accepts her responsibilities of Cassio’s wife well and I loved how she connected with his children when she herself is not more than a child herself. She had a quiet strength her that I adored. She voiced her opinions on things that were important and I loved that about her too. Cassio is your typical mafia under boss. He is ruthless when he needs to be but deep down there is a caring heart underneath his ruthless persona. He is much older than Giulia and the connection and love between them was a slow burn with lots of build up and it kept me engaged and wanting more. This book was heavily centered around the relationship between Cassio and Giulia. There was a little bit of mafia business mixed in but it was a lot less than Cora Reilly’s usual style which left me wanting more. There are some secrets that are revealed that have to do with the real reason for Cassio’s late wife’s death and I think this was written very well and was not predictable at all. Cora Reilly is becoming a new favourite author in this genre and I look forward to more of her books in the future.
This book was perfect, definitely Cassio not only fell in love with Giulia. This book is definitely another gem of Cora, a perfectly written book. We have a strong, independent and loving protagonist, she defends her family even with the boss Luca Vitiello, that gives a lot to say about a woman.
Cassio is a man at first a little suspicious and lacking in love, but Giulia little by little with patience and love will change this.
P.S. Now I also love sunflowers.
I love Mafia romance! Plus it was age gap! I really loved this book! The writing was great and Cora Reilly definitely knows how to write the sexy scenes! This book was HOT! I’ll definitely be reading more from her!
Definitely a great read. I like to read books about marriages of convenience. This is one of my many favorite themes. Unfortunately, Sweet Redemption was a story that I liked but didn’t love. Giulia was very mature for her young age. I like that she wasn’t scared or shy, that she said what was on her mind and remained faithful to herself throughout her marriage. And, at a side of a husband like Cassio, it was something hard to do. With his trust and controlling issues and his prejudices about the age difference between them. And given the fact that all she knows about him at the beginning is that he is viciously and deadly, she hadn’t had easy with him.
But it wasn’t a mafia romance as such, becouse mafia’s dealings was only mentioned very briefly in this story. There wasn’t any action that would keep me on the edge of my seat. Cora Reilly focused on the domestic aspect of their life together. It was sweet and really lovely journey, form only acquaintance to love. And thnaks to some secrets that Cossio was withholding and the fact that he had a small children, who needed a mother, I was kept interested enough to finish this book.
*ARC provided kindly by the author in exchange of an honest review*
Sweet Temptation feels like sunshine after a rainy day, intense, dramatic sweet, romantic, the twists and turns are incredible, turning me into a ball of anxious mess waiting to see how it would end. Cora wrote a story that was different from the elements in BIB and The Camorra Chronicles.
Giulia is the definition of a sunflower all bright and happy and sweet as nectar when I think of her character I think of the saying “all things sugar and spice”. She’s the perfect mixture of sweet and innocence with a dash of witty humor that didn’t fail to catch the heart of the daddy Cassio. I loved how she didn’t let anyone, not even Cassio, intimidate her, she fights for herself. One of Cora’s best female protagonists by far. Giulia proved more than the most teenager could in her situation, she took care of Daniele and Simona as if they were her own. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve read, watching the Moretti’s become a whole family.
Cassio Moretti, had my heart from the second I read the prologue, the angst he endured has flaws, everything about him was undeniable. Though it is clear he’s complex, he might not be the perfect father or husband, butu2063u2063 his transformation over the book was everything!!! His passion for Giulia was the hottest thing ever written, literally to die for. Not to mention the way he treats his kids is so sweet, such a daddy. Cassio; most ruthless Underboss, a strong and loyal man. He proved to be a good father and husband, warming my heart. His parallel to Luca was something I didn’t expect but greatly appreciated since Luca is a fav of mine. Luca remains amazing as always, I love him and the more he appears in the books better. Seeing him rule over a man like Cassio was so interesting to see, I love him as a Capo, strong and reasonable, loyal and fierce.
AND OMG THE PUPPY, LOULOU!!! SO FUCKING CUTE AAAAHHHHHH!!!! (Yeah I love puppy’s, almost as much as Growl)
AND THE PLOT TWIST’S OMG!!! I was left yelling at my phone in shock. I felt at the tension in so many moments that I thought I would come out dead after reading it. Cora surprise me, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything better.
This book was a wonderful contrast from the others in Cora’s mafia, different but in the best way possible. It focused more on the building of a family, surrounded by love and angst. I loved absolutely everything! Thank you so much, Cora, for this opportunity to review Sweet Temptation. I hope to get Daniele and Simona’s book soon, I’m rooting for Daniele to be paired with Sara in the future!
I devoured Sweet Temptation as fast as possible because it is just that good! Cassio is absolutely everything and Giulia is just as amazing. She is forced into a marriage (which is the Mafia’s way) with the Underboss of Philadelphia, who was recently widowed. Despite the fact that she is newly 18 and marrying a man who is 13 years her senior and has 2 small children she is determined to be the best wife and mother-figure as possible. Her optimism, intelligence, and tenacity is incredibly admirable and inspires you to always be positive in your own life. Her counterpart, Cassio, is everything an Underboss is supposed to be: ruthless, efficient, and obstinate. The only person who gets past the wall he has erected around himself is Giulia.
If you enjoy mafia and arranged marriage this is the book for you!!! I cannot reccomend Sweet Temptation enough, read it now!!
4.75
I’ve a big problem: i’m getting addicted to Cora Reilly’ mad men
I’m totally in love with Cassio & Giulia’ story !!!
Giulia is such an amazing character: so strong, fierce and protective despite her young age.
Cassio is the perfect made man you can’t help but fall in love with: he is cruel and rough but with his family he’s tender and loving.
What make them a great couple is the way they love unconditionally their children ( because they are their children!!).
Simona and especially Daniele stole my heart with their sweetness.
And at the end, this book warmed my heart and left me with a smile on my lips….
Emotional, sweet love story with great characters.
The sweet temptation book is a highly anticipated book which has been totally worth your wait. The story is perfect as it shows love, sacrifice for the family. Captivating with sexy and sweet moments, mysteries, intrigue and taboo themes in a perfect way.
Cassio is a magnificent smart powerful gangster who never gives up on things and who knows how to love. Guilia is a young woman who adapts to the circumstances that she has to face as the wife of a gangster boss and young mother of her children and protector of her family, never ceasing to be herself.
This is one of the best works of the author Cora creating addictive moments showing the evolution of these characters with a lot of love between them and their children. This story is beautifully expressed giving many feelings at each moment leaving you wanting to know more about them.
Book 100% recommended like all books by the author Cora Reilly.
Sweet Temptation is a stand-alone by Cora Reilly and revolves around the lives of Philadelphia’s Underboss Cassio Moretti and his marriage to Giulia Moretti, a young, optimistic woman.
I was intrigued about Giulia since being introduced to her in Twisted Emotions, she is someone who is full of love and light. A phenomenally strong heroine whose stubborn yet tender heart you will simply adore. Arguably one of the best female characters Cora has ever created, she’s one who uses her kindness and charm to win the hearts of those around her. I admired how Giulia never changed herself to conform to the standards that were expected of her, she remained her quirky, unique self throughout the entire book which made her so refreshing. She breathed new life into Cassio and ultimately made him fall in love with life again. Where he was struggling to cope before her, she taught him to find peace with her, and within his little family.
Her presence is like sunshine, it’s infectious, she brings so much light in to the Morettis’ lives and allows them to heal as a family and become a real unit. She is unmistakably sweet, something that draws Cassio to her time and time again and I can’t fault him. Giulia is witty and has a sharp tongue, something her mother resents but Cassio is taken back but amused by nonetheless.
Giulia’s perseverance and determination to protect her family made me fall in love with her over and over again. She didn’t shy away from the brutality of their world and proved her loyalty and love for her husband and family to no end, her fierce and protective nature shines through and compels you to root for her happy ever after.
Having to step up and resume the role of a mother wasn’t an easy feat but Giulia’s patience and warmth won her the hearts of their children and adorable dog, Loulou. Giulia may have been young, but she certainly wasn’t naive. She never gave up on Daniele and Simona and her loving, gentle interactions with the kids pulled at my heart strings; she always put them first and treated them as though they were her own, her journey to become their mother made my heart ache and fill up with so much love.
Giulia is exactly who was needed to balance not only the family but Cassio, they both completed one another well and drew strengths from each other. She slowly but surely broke his wariness towards her down and loved him unconditionally, every step of the way. Cassio is the other treat we’re presented with, he’s a complex yet intriguing character who has also suffered through a lot which holds him back from being able to trust his new wife and enjoy life. The added stress of his traumatised children makes Cassio feel old beyond his years but his new wife brings his charming, sexy, loving side out. All he truly wishes for is peace and happiness for his little family, the interactions between the two are heartwarming and hilarious.
Sweet Temptations was a real pleasure to read and brought so much joy to me.
Cora Reilly improves with every book that she publishes, she has a way of making her characters come to life and compel you to listen to their story and fall in love with them.This is a must read for existing fans of Reilly’s previous work and anyone new, who stumbles on to this book. A truly gifted author who will make your heart ache, in a good way, and leave you begging for more.
Sweet Temptation satisfied my very long, dry spell for a mafia romance read. Since this is not an ARC review, I don’t have time to overly elaborate. Just know I was pleasantly surprised how this 13 year old age difference main couple found their groove and made things work, despite being an arranged marriage. Thanks largely in part to her maturity/voice of reason in handling the circumstances that came with it and his patience/willingness to work with her when she made suggestions. From the get go, she saw his two small children needed love and stability and didn’t back down to make sure that happened.
There was quite an “ew” factor in what his deceased wife had been up to, which created a twist I didn’t expect. I just had to roll with it, folks. You certainly don’t have to worry about this guy still mooning over her.
From the main couple’s wedding night on, there are some VERY graphic smex scenes. However, I didn’t feel steam hijacked the unfolding relationship that developed between them.
Since this author has written some books I personally consider downright nasty in regards to OTT unacceptable misbehaving by the leading men, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. She truly is capable of writing what I consider a romance safe read. I just wish she’d tap into that talent more often. I do appreciate her stepping into the light more than the dark in this particularly read.
(These comments are based on a Kindle Unlimited version. This is not a detailed ARC review.)
5 STARS
I LOVE…LOVE…LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Giulia may be young, but her maturity is projected in her actions and her willingness to take on the tasks of her new life with ease. I didn’t find the age gap to be that bad, actually I found it hot. I’m pretty sure I didn’t mind it because you can feel the chemistry between Cassio and Giulia as if it was jumping off the pages. I honestly can’t get enough of Cora Reilly’s books and am anticipating her next release to get my fill!
Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly is a freaking EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
I have been waiting for Cassio and Giulia’s story and it did not disappoint! I really liked this book because it was it’s own story. It was still mafia related, but it had a unique and taboo story. The other thing I liked was that we hear other points of view on things that happened in the other Born in Blood series books. It really did have everything a truly good book has!
I really liked the dynamic this couple has. He is older, but that doesn’t always mean wiser. He is hard, and rules with an iron fist. She is young, sweet, and has her own feelings and opinions. She is not weak, but not dismissive of her husband either. Together they work and find happiness in a hard world.
This is the third of Cora’s books that I need to rate as five stars. I usually review her books in terms of plot and main characters, and here all those aspects were an utter perfection.
Giulia Rizzo/Moretti is one of the most likeable female characters that Cora ever created. Along with Kiara and Leona, if you ask me. She was all like Kiara and Leona combined. Sweet and caring along with feisty and strong. She was everything that I hoped for and even more. You will love her, I guarantee that.
Then Cassio was a big surprise. In a good way. I felt everything for him. I don’t want to spoil anything, but his interactions with children and Giulia were so emotional, I cried a lot.
And the plot? Something truly genius. Really. It is the best plot that Cora has ever created. So many twists and turns that I haven’t expected at all. I couldn’t stop reading. I just couldn’t.
My only advice for you? But it right now and start reading. You will fall in love immediately. No questions asked.