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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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I love Giulia, Cassio, and their kids with all my heart. They made me laugh and cry, they made my heart melt and break. Never for a second had they ever made me feel anger or annoyance towards them, just love and heartbreak.
I know I’ve said not too long ago that Gemma Bazzoli was my favorite girl from both series, but that ship has sailed. Giulia (Rizzo) Moretti is definitely my favorite. She was everything I hoped her to be and more. My girl has a backbone. She’s cute, she’s strong. She’s simply PERFECT. I love her, period.
Cassio, Cassio, Cassio. This is my new man right here, who I love. He was better than I could ever imagine. His story broke my heart. I wanted to murder some people on his and his kids’ behalf. His relationship with his kids, especially Danielle, made me SO EMOTIONAL. I shed a bunch of tears.
Danielle broke my heart too. My whole soul cried for him. I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and protect him. Still do, just thinking about the future and that traumatizing plot twist. I CAN’T DEAL WITH IT.
As for Cassio & Giulia as a couple. It is as Cassio said, they were completely opposites, but they complemented each other. They were perfect together, Giulia was indeed everything Cassio and his children needed and some.
So yeah, I love this book. I honestly didn’t think any of Cora’s books could beat Twisted Bonds for me, but this one just did that. My favorite of hers so far.
p.s. Cassio is now sharing the number one spot with Nino and Luca.
*ARC PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Loved this it had all my favourite tropes age-gap mafia arranged marriage a cold closed-off male with baggage and a heroine who is so much more than he could ever have imagined it just hit all the right notes with me. I do love this authors mafia romances she is definitely my go-to when it comes to this genre and this is one was a definite hit. It’s not a complicated story and deals more with the relationship dynamic which is at the forefront of this story the mafia stuff is more of a background thing.
Cassio Moretti underboss of Philadelphia needs a wife after he’s left widowed with two young children. Pickings are slim which is why he ends up engaged to a girl barely out of the schoolroom Giulia Rizzo. Giulia is not far from her eighteenth birthday her original match was killed leaving her without a fiancé now she discovers that a day after her birthday she going to be married to a man rumoured to be harsh and cruel. Cassio also isn’t over the moon about his new bride feeling she’s much too young and he’s robbing the cradle (he’s 31 to her 18) but there isn’t another option and he needs a wife. What starts out as Cassio trying to call the shots with what his new wife can wear and how she behaves swiftly evolves into so much more when his new young wife manages to surprise him at every turn.
Giulia though is literally paying for the sins of another as Cassio analyses her every action and move comparing it to his previous wife. Because of the past, he lacks trust and is extremely possessive he also dreads his new wife who he has started to care deeply about finding out just how far his sins run and withdrawing the affections he has come to crave.
This was hot and sweet and filled with chemistry. It’s a real feel-good romance as Giulia presence manages to heal what was broken and solidly this broken family. It was as usual well written and we even get some fantastic epilogues included. On a side note this can be easily read as a stand-alone it is connected to the born in blood series but it’s only loosely.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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-This book “Sweet Temptation” by @corareillyauthor is arranged marriage single dad mafia romance novel.
-This book has everything you’ll expect but at the same time it has more.
-This book is one of my favourite book by Cora and it always gonna be the best single dad romance I have ever read.
-Giulia is sweet and she took everything like a pro and it was difficult for her at start but she made her place in everyone’s heart.she is one of my book girlfriend.
-Cassio was our grumpy hero and he was always surprised by Giulia’s behaviour and nature.
-I really love the chemistry between Cassio and Giulia and how Giulia was with her new childrens and how she loved them.
-I read this book more than twice and if u haven’t read it u r missing so much cuz this one is the best book.
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Although this author has been on my watchlist for a minute (oh, don’t act like you don’t have an author-to-watch list too), I kinda slept on her. After reading Bound by Honor, I knew that this author was going to be something great. I enjoyed her writing then and I definitely enjoyed it now.
Cassio’s wife was dead and he was left to care for two young children. As underboss, he was expected to find a new wife. How convenient it was that everyone seemed to have a solution for him. His biggest problem? His future wife wasn’t even legal age!
I think the fact that Giulia was barely 18 worked really well for this story. I didn’t like how often they both referred to him as an old man. He himself was barely 30 and don’t men love the chance to be with younger women? It was a bit weird.
I loved the lead up to the big reveal behind the death of Cassio’s first wife. Good riddance! My heart broke for this man and I was thrilled by how much he was able to grow and thrive with Giulia. She was the absolute best person for him, injecting new life in what had become of his existence. And those kids… Poor sweet Daniele. I’m so happy that Giulia was more than she seemed and I’m a huge fan of how she loved these people.
Cassio was extremely alpha, but Giulia wasn’t a doormat and this made for some interesting scenes. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I was not a fan of this one I think if I would’ve been still been in middle school, I would’ve devoured this on Wattpad!!! I had no connection to our MC‘s (Giulia and Cassio) I think this book might be a good start if you’re trying to get into mafia romances because it’s so laid-back (still check triggers) The conflict is just thrown in at the end but even that is resolved quickly and I think that is why I didn’t like it. It was just very simple and it’s not dark either for those of you who are thinking it’s a dark romance (in my opinion)
And this is an arranged marriage/marriage of convenience and it does have an age gap. Giulia is 17 and Cassio is 31 however she is only 17 for the first couple of chapters where she finds out that she’s going to marry him and then it just zooms to the day after her 18th birthday (if that makes anyone feel better)
Hero: /5
Heroine: /5
Plot:.5/5
Spice: /5
Emotion: /5
Humor: /5
HEA: Yes
POV: /
Standalone
Genre: Mafia
OVERALL: /5
As far as mafia husbands go, I would pick Cassio over most. He’s loyal, protective, alpha, and actually sticks to his vows. Seriously he was swoon worthy. Giulia I absolutely loved. She couldn’t have been more perfect for him. Im always picky with heroines but Giulia was refreshing. A perfect balance of not to forward and not a door mat. Plot moved nicely, it wasn’t dark and it was great watching them grow with each other and make a family. Great read!
I remember after I finished reading this, and I’ve said to myself – yes! I have finally read my first ‘ and thank god I loved it sm! I love the story and family dynamic of the narrative. The arrange-marriage and age gap facet of it, as well as how the author decides to characterize our main characters.
I know the book outweighs the more “telling than showing” type of writings, but honestly, I didn’t mind that, I think it is descriptive is what Cora Reilly is best of, you can’t miss out on anything.
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Wow! Another fantastic mafia romance from Cora Reilly. And I loved this book even more now than when I first read it last year.
Cassio and Giulia’s story is filled with angst, uncertainty, love and hope.
Giulia is an amazing character. She is emotionally mature beyond her years. She is positive and hopeful, quirky and outspoken. She is the perfect balance to Cassio. He is one of the most feared Underbosses in the Famiglia. He is proof that even a very powerful and cruel man can be broken and can have self-esteem issues.
I loved the story as a whole, the characters, the plot, the angst, the writing style. A book worth reading in my opinion!
This is an enjoyable read, that keeps you guessing for a while. My only complaint is that considering Cassio’s reputation, i’d of expected him to be more cruel and ruthless, a character to be worked on and developed, but an enjoyable read with a good story and happy ending.
Cassio is trying rule underworld of Philadelphia while being a single father to two young children. He knows that he needs to find someone he can trust to help him care for his kids and she must be part of la familigia so she can understand how her life will be. But when his only option is Giulia, a girl 10+ years younger than him, he has reservations but knowing that he has no other options he arranges the marriage. Guilia wants nothing to do with this arranged marriage and has no experience with kids but knows her place/lot in life so she wants to prove herself to her new husband.
I am not the most experienced with mafia stories but I felt that this a bit on the mild side. There was drama, violence and steam but in my mind it all felt tame. But I adored Cassio and Guilia’s story. It had me on the edge of my seat and constantly wondering what was going on. I was beyond surprised by so much of the story line and I loved that aspect of their story. I loved the shock and awe and the twists and turns. I really enjoyed their story and would recommend it.
“She wasn’t what I’d wanted in a wife, but hell, if she wasn’t exactly what I needed.”
I 1-clicked new to me author Cora Reilly’s Sweet Temptation last night, and it was JUST what I needed!!
An age gap, mafia romance, this was a real quick read but it is dark and emotional and super sexy!!
Guilia is 17 years old when she is promised to widower Cassio, Underboss of Philadelphia. Super quirky, and cute, Guilia doesn’t know anything about raising children, being a wife, especially to a Made Man, but she’s about to get a crash course. Guilia gives as good as she gets though, once she gets over her stifling fears, and refuses to wear the stiff over-done dresses Cassio insisted ordered be ordered for her. She also sees right through the games Cassio is playing, forcing Elia to back off only one day into his twisted scheme.
Cassio is screwed. If anyone knows what his dead wife put him through they could have him killed, and his children. The only way out is through a virginal 17 year old girl, thank god he won’t be marrying her until she’s legal right? Cassio has no intention of spending time with her until Luca threatens him, and his son, again, and he knows he has no other option. He will protect Daniele with everything he has, even from himself, and whatever his scheming dead wife told the boy.
Honestly, I had no idea what to expect, but this book is SO GOOD!! It starts off sweet, speeds up to super steamy, kicks up the suspense because no one knows how Cassio’s wife died except him and his consigliere, Faro.
This was a perfect book to start with Cora Reilly, and it definitely won’t be my last! Allll the stars for this age gap, Mafia Romance!!
Honestly I wasn’t even really interested in reading this book, it was until I read twisted emotions that Giulia sparked my interest. And boy oh boy did I made a mistake thinking these wasn’t going to be as good as the other books, because honestly it was AMAZING! I fell in love with Giulia so fast, she was so kind-hearted, sweet and never ever gave up on the kids or Cassio. Also I loved the chemistry between them, I tough it will be hard for them to actually get along but that wasn’t their issue at all. I also enjoy Simona and Danielle so much, they were so sweet and cute, loved the progress on the relationship between Giulia and Danielle and actually weep tears of joy when he called her mom!
Overall this is an excellent romance book, it’s very light in questions of mafia and violence but it is amazing and loved to see Luca! 100% would recommend!
I loved this story. Cassio and Guillia are perfect for each other. I enjoyed the story from the very beginning it is a page turner that I couldn’t stop until I finished the story. I love how the story shows you that blood doesnt mean everything and they still love fiercely. Phenomenal story
Great Mafia Read
This is gonna be short and sweet.
Everyone expects this big drama when reading mafia books. But you know what I like that out MMC is ultimately a softie at heart. And I love how the FMC is very headstrong and not willing to change for anyone.
My first read by Cora and I really enjoyed it. The storyline was enjoyable and the characters were lovable.
This is my first book i ever read by Cora Reilly. I literally read it in a matter of hours which then lead to binging all of her books.
I loved how Giulia didn’t take any of Cassio excessive bossiness. Giulia was young and thrown into a marriage she wasn’t prepared for but took control and made her life work. Cassio seems like the bad guy (I mean he’s in the mafia) but as the story progresses you start to see his other sides.
It was such a good story.
This has to be my second favorite Cora Reilly book. I loved Cassio & Giulia. This book had everything I love in a book, and I loved that there was no cheating or betrayal by the main couple.
Let’s begin with Cassio: he was mysterious but was loveable. And when it came to his wife and his kids, he was a soft teddy bear. Even though he went through so much, he was still willing to open his heart and move on after everything that happened.
Giulia: Even though she was 18 when she married Cassio, she was so mature. She was one of my favorite Cora Reilly heroines, and I loved that she fought back and compromised/choose her battles carefully.
The Kids: I loved the kids in this story; Cora has a way of writing sibling relationships and writing about the kids in a way that makes you fall in love with them instantly.
Overall, I loved this book, and I would 100% recommend it to everyone!
I went in to the book not really knowing what to expect, as I kept reading I was surprised by the twist at the end. Giulia is set to marry Cassio who lost his wife and needs someone to take care of his children. Cassio is cold and wants nothing to do with Giulia, but she shows his kids the love and care they need. This is a slow building romance but when it happens Cassio and Giulia fall hard. With the twist will that destroy their relationship? Loved seeing Luca from Bound by Honor in a small scene.
This was my first book by this author and it did not disappoint. I remember staying up all night reading it, it was worth it. It made me smile and I enjoyed the characters. It was written so well, and such a good read. The characters were amazing. I loved Giulia! I was so happy to see hear in other books which I’m glad I read this one first.
Such a quick read and worth it. I honestly can’t wait to read more by this author.
Guilia and Cassio are in my top 5 couples of the Bound series and in the Famiglia. Guilia and her sunflowers, I loved how she was a bit naive but became strong when needed and on her role as a stepmother to her husband’s(he’s a widower) children. I loved the build up of their relationship and progression from his past betrayal and the reason he is the way he is with her at the beginning. But also his relationship with his son and how she helped. Love this book from beginning to end and the twist I didn’t see coming was just wow, this is a must read of corals book even though stand alone but still linked to bound and camorra books.
First, before entering Cassio and Giulia fully, I am going to say that I love seeing Luca being a capo from different eyes … the respect, admiration and fear that he provokes. And in the scenes it appeared simply wonderful.
I really liked Sweet Temptation, although at first we see a Giulia afraid of what awaits her with this marriage with a man much older than her and the only thing that is said about him is how cruel and ruthless he is, and the rumors of his wife’s death. She faced her and did not let herself.
Cassio a man who carries too much weight on his shoulders after the death of his wife and being left with 2 small children and one of them with the trauma of it (my heart suffered with this lost child). Although at first we see it closed with this marriage and it did not make it easy for Giulia (admiration for this woman for the patience and strength she had) but she won over everyone with her way of being … she gave life to this family that needed him, especially Cassio who took years away from him, making him rejuvenate.
She was the plus she needed in her day to day life, but the events of the past could blacken what she has built and achieved .. causing her to remove her claws and becoming a lioness to defend her new family tooth and nail.
Their relationship grew little by little … it was a long way, because Giulia had to first gain their trust … even though Cassio tried, she couldn’t resist her sweet temptation. But who could resist Giulia with her innocence, strength, sweetness, and insolence?
You can’t miss reading Sweet Temptation this March 10th. It was amazing work from Cora Reilly.
PS I enjoyed reading about the new characters and their relationships with Giulia and Cassio and also some of them earned and reaffirmed my hatred.
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