Sweetest Temptation is the story of the lovely Giulia and Cassio. Cassio is grieving over the loss of his late wife but he must marry another for duty and be a mother for his two children. Enter Giulia a young seventeen year old is told by her father that she must marry a man she never met after her eigtheenth birthday. To a man ten years her senior for the sake of her family.

I didn't expect Sweet Temptation to be full of angst and twists. Giulia and Cassio go from strangers to something more within a heartbeat. But what really pulled my heartstrings was Giulia's relationship with her stepchildren. To be quite frank she falls for them before Cassio and to see them all as a family made my heart flutter.

It is a mafia romance so expect Sweet Temptation to be dark, we all know Cora Reilly this is what she is known for!

This story Sweet Temptation is hands down a masterpiece and one of the best books Cora Reilly has ever written and I don't say this lightly, trust me, since Twisted Pride has been my top favorite until now. Cassio, Giulia, and the kids have stolen a piece of my heart and left a permanent mark on my soul. It definitely has Cora's signature writing style but at the same time, it feels different too. If you're a huge sucker for the single parent, arranged marriage and age-gap tropes like me then this Mafia romance will be right up your alley. Sweet Temptation is pure perfection from the first till the last page. I strongly encourage you to pick up this fantastic story and let the intriguing characters put you under their spell. Cora, my queen, I once again bow deeply to you and your unsurpassed talent. Although this book may be read as stand-alone, I fully recommend you read her previous books to understand the small easter eggs she wrote in this book

Simply amazing!! I stayed up all night finishing this because I need just one more chapter then I’ll stop. Ha! Biggest lie I’ve ever told myself.

I don’t know where Cora gets her inspiration from or how she got started, but damn she sure can drag me into the mafia world within the first chapter. Absolutely THE best author at writing mafia romance.

This is a standalone mafia romance. With a lot of twists and by a lot, I mean a crap ton! And one particular twist will make you shutter! That’s what makes this book even more juicy. You know how Cora does! Always keeping you coming back for more!

Sweet Temptation now ranks as one of my favorite Cora Reilly books of all time, and I’m pretty sure that Cassio and Giulia now rank as my top couple right beside Kiara and Nino (gasp!). I devoured this book in one sitting, and I’ve already re-read it several times. I was profoundly moved by the tender care that Cora brought to the story of these characters- the intimate spotlight she placed on the emotional journey between them, one that was incredibly endearing and satisfying. Cassio and Giulia have a special place in my heart. I laughed, I cried, and I swooned, but most importantly, I was moved by the intimate, rich, and perfectly shaped love story that Cora gave us in this much anticipated story.

Our story starts with Cassio, a recently widowed Philadelphia underboss. After the untimely, and mysterious, death of his wife, he’s left with two small children. Pressured by his colleagues and also weighed down by his responsibilities, he chooses to remarry in order to provide a mother for his little ones, an action he views as more of a task of duty than anything else. He agrees to marry the much younger (by 13 years) Giulia, the beautiful daughter of another underboss, a woman he’s never met but has to wait 6 months to marry until she’s of age, the first of many reminders to Cassio that he’s marrying someone he considers a child. Giulia embraces her duty, but finds her new fiancé to be both imposing and domineering, and she immediately finds herself overwhelmed by the task of raising two small children, both of whom have lingering trauma and distress from losing their mother. Cassio is both put-off by the constant reminders of his young bride’s teenage ways and how little she fits his archetype of an ideal mafia wife, yet he can’t deny her beauty nor his pull to her. Sweet Temptation uses two of my favorite tropes at its core: arranged marriage and age gap, and while I pretty much devour anything Cora writes, and anything featuring these tropes, I must say that Cora has brought a fresh take to both her mafia tales and to these well-loved tropes, elevating them to new heights.

We have everything that we’ve come to love about Cora Rielly’s books- smooth and polished prose, a mafia romance with just the right dash of danger, a brooding, dangerous, damaged and emotionally distance alpha male, a likable, innocent, and bright heroine, scorching sexy times, and a satisfying tale of unexpected love against all expectations. But, this feels markedly different than some of Cora’s other tales- she somehow reduces the scale and the scope, while still maintaining incredible emotional stakes, to keep the story really focused on the evolving relationships of our two main characters. Sure, we have some other interesting fodder as it relates the mystery of Cassio’s first wife (and we get some fun twists with that), but really, our story stays small and focused, and to beautiful results. You can tell that Cora really cares for these characters- because the story feels intimate, quiet, and gentle, and she really allows the emotional relationship to evolve and breathe without trying to sprinkle in too much else for us (or our characters) to focus on. I’ve loved all of Cora’s characters, but I feel like we know and understand Cassio and Giulia better because of the scale of this story, to see the individual threads of their characters being delicately and subtlety woven together. We get to see them both evolve and come into their own as individuals- fully embracing and accepting themselves, and we also get to see them grow and evolve as a couple- figuring out how they work together, how to compromise, and understanding what real love and connection looks and feels like, to see the trust evolve. More than any other of Cora’s tales, this is an intimate character study in the development of a true partnership, and perhaps this is why their connection feels so palpable and satisfying. Sure, our characters are crazy hot for each other (and we get all the great steamy scenes we love), but the emotional connection and journey is front and center here, and the story delivers on this intimate, touching, and moving tale of two people joining together emotionally as partners.

I think Cassio has become my favorite mafia man of Cora’s, which is saying a lot. We have that same daunting brutality and danger that mark most of Cora’s men, but he also seems more tender, self-aware, and open, perhaps because unlike many of Cora’s men our tale starts with him being much older. He communicates openly with Giulia (at least on most things) straight from the start, and while he has some alpha tendencies that ruffle both us and Giulia, we understand the source of his need to control- we have such a clear window into his heart and mind. And, his mindset as a parent wins you over immediately- you see that he’s capable of deep and profound love, loyalty, and commitment, even if he’s unable to trust Giulia. I mean come on, he’s a man who agrees to a marriage he doesn’t even want because he loves his kids. SWOON. He’s so richly painted and realized as a character- his pain and experiences have understandably scarred him and left a darkness and indifference in him, but we are immediately drawn to the tenderness and compassion we see in small glimmers, first towards his kids and then towards Giulia. He’s magnetic.

And Giulia, she’s the light, the radiant sunflower to the darkness that surrounds Cassio. And she is a breath of fresh air amongst the brilliant menagerie of Cora Reilly heroines. She has the innocence, softness, and compassion that mark so many of our leading ladies- she’s kind, gentle, and patient. But, she’s also relatably quirky, brutally honest (but in a loving way), and repeatedly embraces her own vulnerability in ways that not only endear her to us but also to Cassio. She’s by far the most rational and self-aware of Cora’s heroines- she’s logical and pragmatic in accepting her fate, comfortable with herself, and is able to demonstrate strength of character without some of the arrogance, defiance, or plain hardheadedness we’ve seen in some of the stronger leading ladies (ahem, Giana…). She’s a beautiful juxtaposition of softness and strength. I really appreciated seeing a leading lady who openly communicates her feelings, embraces challenges with grace and kindness and determination, and who is so deliciously pragmatic. She wants to do right by Cassio and his kiddos, she wants to bring them back to life, without anyone having to compromise who they are. Again, another character so fully realized through Cora’s beautiful story telling.

In addition, we get to see them grow and evolve as members of the family unit, and the thoughtful, heartbreaking, and sweet ways in which we see them both parent scarred children only serves to help us better understand them as people and as evolving partners. The kids here are adorable- they aren’t afterthoughts or secondary to our tale, but front and center, and the evolution of the kids’ relationships with both Giulia and Cassio is all the more enriching to this story.

Cassio and Giulia as a couple is quite honestly a masterpiece- the story doesn’t have to be big or loud or hugely climatic- rather we get a beautiful mosaic tale of the small, intimate moments, decisions, thoughtful choices and feelings that make up the fabric of a deep and nuanced relationship that is both physically and emotionally grounded. We get to swim around in an ocean where the only focus is two characters growing together, two pieces of a unexpected but beautiful puzzle that quietly begin to lock together with each passing page.

I love all things Cora Reilly (Born in Blood series and Camorra Chronicles are basically permanently open on my kindle), and you should check them all out, but this story is really special (and also can be a standalone). My heart felt so full of tenderness and hope at its conclusion, so fulfilled by the emotional arc of our characters and their evolution as a family. Cora, this is a moving, satisfying, intimate, and richly painted relational story, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience Cassio and Giulia’s journey.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.

I have read several Cora Reilly books till date. I wasn’t sure where I had met Giulia and Cassio before. I realized halfway through the book, that she is the sweet protective cousin of Kiara (Twisted Emotions). Initially when I started the book, after first 2 -3 chapters I was thinking, this book might be a disappointment, but NO, it’s absolutely touching, refreshing and beautiful. It started out the same way like her all other books. Same tradition, same arrange marriage, teen immature heroine+ big bad wolf of a hero + Same old bloody sheet traditions. However, this book is total contrast to Cora’s other mafia romances, mainly because of how extensively the development of the Moretti family was shown. It was truly a pleasure reading about how Cassio & Giulia.

After losing his wife Gaia, Cassio Moretti is left with two small children to take care for alone. As Underboss of Philadelphia he already has his hands full with ruling over his territory. Duty demands that he marries again in order to give his children a mother. The barely eighteen-year-old Giulia Rizzo, daughter of Baltimore’s Underboss Felix, is his chosen bride. After meeting her for first time he is not sure, if she is the right choice. He thinks Giulia herself is a child. One doesn’t become women in one day, just because she turned 18. But Giulia was definitely not a girl. She was more mature women and more mature than Cassio in several instances.

Cassio is strong, ruthless Underboss of Philadelphia. Giulia is determined to fight for more! Having no experience with small children, she’s willing to learn and take good care of them and their father. Giulia was more than I expected. She’s adorable and caring, outspoken and sassy and insolent. Se knows when to fight back and she will fight tooth and nail for her family. Very tough to accept such traits out of 18-year-old, yet she is GOLD. She handled every adversity with such grace and patience that it was impossible to not fall in love with her.

Plot moves in a consistent pace. Totally loved little Daniele and Simona along with adorable dog Loulou. Daniele and Simona weren’t just there to fill the space. They weren’t forgotten at all and actually had more scenes than I thought they would have.

Sweet Temptation is one delightful treat you don’t want to miss. There are not enough words to describe how perfect Cassio and Giulia were together, even though they both couldn’t have been more different! It was angsty and compelling and filled to the brim with mafia goodness. Cora has found the perfect balance between developing Giulia and Cassio’s characters and their relationship as a couple and as parents. Pick this and enjoy the world of Giulia and Cassio.

I am all up in my feelings. For this being my first time reading a Cora Reilly book it was something else. I fell, and I fell hard for this story and for Giulia and Cassio. The writing was *chefs kiss* I’m still reeling, and the obsession is quite real. I’m addicted and there’s no going back.

Giulia was young, naive, and innocent. Being the daughter of an Underboss, she knows what’s to be expected with the Mafia lifestyle. She has no choice in who she marries and once she graduates high school, she’ll be walking down the aisle towards a man her father chose for her and who is so much older than her. Don’t let Giulia’s age fool you though. Despite her being young, she’s determined and was willing to learn and take on responsibility in her new role. She’s no pushover either, she stands up for herself and has a backbone, and she definitely made her presence known to Cassio. I loved her tenacity and strength. She was exactly what Cassio and his kids needed.

Cassio was a man with many layers. He’s intimidating, dangerous, and imposing. His job takes a lot out of him and that life has left him focused on his work and ensuing that his children were taken care of. He’s broody and closed off, but dear lord he’s a sweetheart. He’d do anything for his children, and the things he was willing to endure for them put him above and beyond. I loved him in such an intense way—he took my breath away.

Giulia and Cassio are as opposites as can be. How can this arranged marriage work? It was a challenge given the circumstances, but these two complimented each other beautifully. Giulia’s stubbornness is what propelled Cassio to open up and allow her to breathe new life into him. She taught him how to be happy and more importantly, she taught him how to have trust in someone again. And let me just say, Giulia and Cassio’s chemistry was out of this world. Straight up fire, their passion was definitely felt in the pages of this book. They might not have started on the right foot, but with time love grew and oh how beautiful it was.

Sweet Temptation is a bevy of things. It has an arrange marriage, an age gap, mafia, a single parent—with danger and suspense and unexpected twists and turns. I loved everything about this story. I loved the growth of both Giulia and Cassio. And I especially loved the children and the relationship Giulia formed with them, that ultimately led to an unbreakable bond. Simply put, I was captivated and swept away with Cora’s writing. And without question Sweet Temptation will definitely be in my best 2020 reads.

Yass, I was very excited that Cora Reilly was releasing another book. I am always a sucker for her books. She knows how to write incredible mafia genre romance books. And she wrote Giuila story.
If you do not remember Giuila, she was briefly mention in Twisted Emotions. She is one of Luca cousins and she is ready to be marry. It’s a very old tradition for the mafia but it is what it is. And unlucky, Giuila time has run out and she is to be marry. It be may inconvenience for her but she is willing to make best do. That’s very remarkable for her because most women are willing to follow tradition. She got herself a challenge but Cassio is totally different than other underbosses.
Cassio has been burned before but not for everyone. He is cool and collected but strict under his reign. But there is a lot of rage going on that Giuila is in for a journey. I think that they may struggle but they are definitely a match for each other. Their chemistry is insane that you can just image how much their love scenes going to be.

Loved it!! I mean i have always been a fan of Cora but DAMN this book sealed the deal!
I literally loved everything about this book and i think it is a must read for all the Mafia Romance fans.
This Standalone set loosely in her previous Mafia series has it all. Age gap, mind blowing hotness, very attaching character, great story line. I mean there was not a dull moment and it also avoided unnecessary drama that can sometimes be so cliché.
Guila is so adorable but strong in a very unusual way, at least for Cassio our main guy. A warning girls you are goign to fall in love with him. He is hard, broken, dark but he has a softness especially with his children that will make you melt like a gelato in the middle of the Arizona desert.

Seriously just read it you won't be disappointed

"I’d never been a man for the sweet things in life, I suddenly craved it."


Sweet Temptation was an amazing and quickly read. It surprised me and I understand now was this is one of Cora favorite couple. I lasted days to finally read this bc it was too much. It was better than I expected in every single away. It’s kinda different from others Cora’s books and still amazing in it own way. Even though some topic was like too much. LIKE TOO much.

Giulia, Giulia, she was the first best thing in this book. She always made her step up in everything, she knows her bonds, the lines but when it comes about herself and those kids even with Cassio she steps up. She was so sweet, kind, fierce in her own ways and careful. Most of the funniest parts were bc of her or with her and the kids involved.

I loved how the kids were constantly there. Like they were part of the plot, they weren’t like a long side bag. Daniele and Simona were so cute. I enjoyed reading them.

AND CASSIO, they weren’t lying when they said he seemed like Luca bc in some ways he does. He surprised me the most, totally loved how he get over his past and let a future with Giulia happen. How he described his love for Giulia not only with words but with his ACTIONS. He TOTALLY understood everything and I LOVED IT. But what I loved the most above all of things was the love had for those kids. It was extraordinary beautiful, he fought for them in every way, he showed them his love, for him and Giulia.

This book was a totally rollercoaster and I’m excited to read the kids in sins of the fathers.

Sweet Temptation was a bit terrifying. Imagine being super young, mafia family, inexperienced and engaged to an older guy. He's a widow with small children. Say what? That was the aspect of the story that just stuck with me. This poor girl goes from carefree fun to mother and obedient wife in a millisecond. I always have a suspension of disbelief with mafia stories, but this one still seemed less plausible. Otherwise, the story was everything I expected it to be-steamy, tragic, joyful, heartbreaking and tense. Cora Reilly never disappoints me, and I look forward to every new release.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and The Next Step. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

*****5 Sweet Stars*****
This book is so good; I loved Cassio and Giulia’s story. Giulia who’s a few months’ shy of 18 and obsessed with all things sunflowers. Cassio (31) is the Under-boss of Philadelphia and recently widowed. Cassio agrees to an arranged marriage to the young Giulia because he’s desperate for a new wife to mother his two small children. What Cassio didn’t expect his for his young bride to come in like a hurricane and managed to win everyone's heart even possibly his too. They aren’t prepared for one another but they find their way. I absolutely loved this book!!
*****ARC from The Next Step PR for review*****

Whether it's the dangerous attraction, vengeance, or just seeing a bad boy hold that much power and rule his own world, there’s no denying that Mafia romance calls to us. Add in a age gap romance with a single parent, and you’re practically salivating at the thought of getting this book in your hands!!

For the past four months Underboss Cassio Moretti has been through a change in his family dynamic that has sent his world upside down. Now a single parent, the first order of business for this well known ruthless boss is to get back some normalcy into his kids lives and that includes having a mother figure around. But little does Cassio knows that his future wife is not only going to reshape his kid’s lives, she’s about to change his own as well.

Eighteen year old Guiliana never expected that she was going to be the wife of Cassio Moretti. There’s a reason why he’s an underboss and it’s not because of his ability to be a leader. He gets stuff done whether it’s cruelty or power and he’s a very feared man. Not only will she be stepping into the role of a dutiful wife, Guiliana will also be taking on her biggest challenge yet: becoming a mother.

I think that the premise of the book was a really good attention grabber in a sense and I loved that it had this booming forbidden sexual appeal to it. I did struggle a bit with Cassio decisions because I felt like he was being a tool when it came to certain things and that did take away some of the likeness I had for him.

What made this book really stand out was the heroine for me. This was an eighteen year old teenager who knew nothing about being an adult and she was literally thrown into this grown up world and let me just say, she conquered the heck out of it. She didn’t whine, she stood up for herself, and she held her own in a male dominating world. I loved her strength, determination, her fierceness and I loved how the kids meant more to her than anything else.

If you’re looking for a mafia romance style forbidden romance, you can give this one a try.

First read by this author. The writing is not for me. If feels very choppy and sophomoric. Weird since this author has written several books.

3.5 stars 🌟

Sweet Temptation was really hard to get into and finish. It was suspenseful throughout but did not quite hold my interest.

Cassio is an Underboss in the Mafia and he's lost his wife which he has two children with. All he's looking for is a wife to take care of his children and he doesn't care as long as she's of age. Giulia is an Underboss's daughter that isn't quite 18 yet, in which Cassio picks for his wife as soon as she's 18.

I do love Giulia's character because she has the spunk to withstand anything at this stage in her life. Sweet Temptation did hold some suspense throughout which kept me wondering as to what took place before he married Giulia.

*This ARC was received in exchange for my honest opinion.

For months, I couldn’t contain my excitement levels—I was thrilled to bounce back into some delicious mafia romance with a marriage of convenience threaded into it. I also hadn’t read Cora Reilly’s Born in Blood Chronicles series in such a long time either. In my all honest opinion though, Sweet Temptation didn’t exhilarate me. It was a decent read, kind of tame and the lead moments to the wedding infuriated me. Overall, this narrative lacked grit, angst and suspense to make it memorable.

“It was as easy as that. Whenever I looked at the photo of Giulia and our little family that I carried in my wallet, one overwhelming feeling filled me: happiness.”

Cassio Moretti deserves a roundhouse kick for his views on women and the unreasonable demand that his new wife—who’s just turned eighteen, something he always reminds us of—will be an immediate mother to Daniele and Simona. I realise and understand, in this make-believe environment, that housewives aren’t uncommon but instead the standard. However, I don't need to be told. all. the. time. especially when there’s no chemistry between the characters. Don’t even start me on honey.

What shocked me most is Giulia Rizzo. She doesn’t resemble a withered heroine, scared of her future outcome. Instead she realised and understood her future within a male-dominated society, and followed each encounter with determination to survive the uncertain circumstances. Giulia’s this bundle of kindness, tenacity and fierceness, all equally admirable qualities that more heroines need in romance literature!

“I won’t become someone else only because you don’t like who I am. You chose to marry me. You can’t form me into the wife you want. You can’t control everything, even if you think you have to.”

I felt awkward and uncomfortable reading Cassio and Giulia’s first night together. Written clinically, the entire situation was awfully stunted in emotion and forced in deliverance. Even when emotions started to blossom and flourish between Cassio and Giulia, it felt like a transaction—demand and receive, rather than equally divided. It also came across as unbelievable as hell. Cassio obtained himself a perfect “wife” slash live-in nanny with benefits and Giulia somehow became a mother to a traumatised toddler, baby with no memories, and trained the abused dog with innumerous issues.

Sweet Temptation was solid and decent, but a few sections missed its intentions. I ached to have more sacrifice and ruthlessness that we're accustomed to in mafia romance—Cassio is described as merciless and this wasn't showcased—and rather this came across as domesticated; as Daniele and Simona's transformation instead of true romance. Even as Cassio and Giuilia's romance bloomed in slow burn fashion, the chemistry simmered before it scattered and the shock factors that were unveiled were, quite frankly, not shocking but anticipated.

5 SUNFLOWER STARS!! I am in love with this beautiful love story. Now with that being said....there is so much more to this book, like mafia, suspense, betrayal and killings. Cassio and Giulia story will keep you turning pages and falling in love with these characters. Cora Reilly is amazing at mafia storytelling, you need to 1-Click this book.

This book captured me from the very first page. I absolutely loved this book, it had all the tropes I love in one book! It has the opposites attract trope, age-gap, the single parent trope as well as an arranged marriage/marriage of convenience. And it was done beautifully.

This is a story of family and love above anything else. If you have read Cora Reilly's previous mafia books, then you know there is more action in that book. However in this book, it is mostly focused on the family aspect and the couples relationship and less action than Cora's other books. However, I loved the focus it had on family, on Guilia and Cassio's relationship as well as their kids, Daniele and Simone. The way Cora Reilly did it, made me completely adore it and love all these characters so much.

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.