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Kings & Consorts #2
Sinful Temptation
Nina
I’ve been forced into an arranged marriage with the heir of the Italian mafia.
My brother made it clear.
Either I marry him, or he’ll make me wish I was dead.
I knew what was expected of me.
Put on a smile. Sit pretty. Say nothing.
What I didn’t expect was him.
My fiancée’s father. Twenty-five years older.
Forbidden.
And the only man who’s ever seen me.
Enzo
It should’ve been a simple arrangement.
But she ruined it. Ruined me.
Nina was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen.
Strong, intelligent…a virgin.
And my son’s fiancée.
I never wanted anything more.
To my credit, I tried to resist her.
But when her safety is threatened, I snap.
My son can’t have her.
Because no one touches what’s mine.
Sinful Temptation is a standalone age-gap forbidden romance and has content that may be triggering to some readers. For a full list of TWs please check the author’s website.
I’ve been forced into an arranged marriage with the heir of the Italian mafia.
My brother made it clear.
Either I marry him, or he’ll make me wish I was dead.
I knew what was expected of me.
Put on a smile. Sit pretty. Say nothing.
What I didn’t expect was him.
My fiancée’s father. Twenty-five years older.
Forbidden.
And the only man who’s ever seen me.
Enzo
It should’ve been a simple arrangement.
But she ruined it. Ruined me.
Nina was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen.
Strong, intelligent…a virgin.
And my son’s fiancée.
I never wanted anything more.
To my credit, I tried to resist her.
But when her safety is threatened, I snap.
My son can’t have her.
Because no one touches what’s mine.
Sinful Temptation is a standalone age-gap forbidden romance and has content that may be triggering to some readers. For a full list of TWs please check the author’s website.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
About the author
Poppy St. John
3 books227 followersRomance Without Restraint
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Poppy writes steamy contemporary romance with a focus on all things forbidden, dark, and taboo. She likes her main men morally gray and has always had a thing for bad boys who will do anything to win the hearts of the women they love. All her stories end with a hard-won HEA ♡
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Please click "+Follow Author" to be notified when the author has a new release.
Poppy writes steamy contemporary romance with a focus on all things forbidden, dark, and taboo. She likes her main men morally gray and has always had a thing for bad boys who will do anything to win the hearts of the women they love. All her stories end with a hard-won HEA ♡
Join the Petal & Thorn newsletter:
https://www.subscribepage.com/petalan...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Shelved as 'gave-up-on'
August 17, 2023In fact, I was a whore. I’d sucked no less than five cocks while in prison, each of them countless times. I used to blow Bruno, my old bodyguard, too, but we wouldn’t talk about him. -Nina the virgin FMC
no rating. 🤮
no rating. 🤮
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 30, 2023Very slow start, put me in a reading slump.. 🫠
August 6, 2023
NOTHING HITS AS GOOD AS A FORBIDDEN, AGE GAP ROMANCE!!!
This book was so hot & I am head over heels in love with Enzo. If you want a quick, spicy read that will have you throbbing like a heart beat, then THIS IS IT!!! The tension & chemistry between Enzo & Nina was so palpable through the pages, and the build up was SO DANG GOOD.
As the youngest daughter of a mob boss, Nina is promised to marry a mob boss’ son so they can merge family’s. What wasn’t expected was for Nina to want her fiancés daddy (&& for him to reciprocate) 💦🌶️ my gosh the spice was spicingggg!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Mafia
Fiancé’s dad
Arranged marriage (to son)
Forbidden
Forced proximity
Age gap
Slow burn
This book was so hot & I am head over heels in love with Enzo. If you want a quick, spicy read that will have you throbbing like a heart beat, then THIS IS IT!!! The tension & chemistry between Enzo & Nina was so palpable through the pages, and the build up was SO DANG GOOD.
As the youngest daughter of a mob boss, Nina is promised to marry a mob boss’ son so they can merge family’s. What wasn’t expected was for Nina to want her fiancés daddy (&& for him to reciprocate) 💦🌶️ my gosh the spice was spicingggg!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Mafia
Fiancé’s dad
Arranged marriage (to son)
Forbidden
Forced proximity
Age gap
Slow burn
March 8, 2024
Enjoyed the age Gap in this. One of my favorite tropes is set to marry someone else, especially when it's the dad who steals the girl away. Enzo tries to help his son out and it was a nice change to see a son who wasn't a total alpha hole, but could grow. I think Mateo wasn't in love with Nina but experiencing the effort a real relationship for the first time. The story is a insta-love/lust. It works though and they slowly build their connection and have lots of steamy looks and glances and touches. I was definitely down with Enzo sneaking into her room in the middle of the night. I really enjoyable read with many of my favorite tropes. Probably reread it again one day in the future.
August 15, 2023
I received an arc for a honest review.
4 Stars
🔥🔥
TROPES:
forbidden romance
age gap
fiance's father
mafia romance
arranged marriage
When I saw the tropes for this book, of course I signed up immediately. This is my first read from Poppy St. John, and I have to say, it's definitely not bad for her second book that is released. I need to go read the first book of the series.
Nina was in prison for a crime that she didn't do, and it was pretty much what her father's doing for having her locked up. Nina rather stay in jail than be out in the world where her father is around. She didn't expect her brother to release her from jail, and to found out that her father had passed. She wasn't expecting much from her brother, but to found out, he might be worse than her father. She was to get marry or else he would sell her to human traff*cking.
The moment Enzo saw Nina, he was captivated by her, but she's going to be his daughter-in-law. Too forbidden. He was definitely protective of Nina, and what can Enzo do when Nina is attracted to him too? You'll have to read the book to find out what's going to happen.
Somehow towards the last 20% or so it got kind of slow for me. I ended up skimming some pages. Besides that, I really did enjoy the book. Looking forward to more of this world!!
4 Stars
🔥🔥
TROPES:
forbidden romance
age gap
fiance's father
mafia romance
arranged marriage
When I saw the tropes for this book, of course I signed up immediately. This is my first read from Poppy St. John, and I have to say, it's definitely not bad for her second book that is released. I need to go read the first book of the series.
Nina was in prison for a crime that she didn't do, and it was pretty much what her father's doing for having her locked up. Nina rather stay in jail than be out in the world where her father is around. She didn't expect her brother to release her from jail, and to found out that her father had passed. She wasn't expecting much from her brother, but to found out, he might be worse than her father. She was to get marry or else he would sell her to human traff*cking.
The moment Enzo saw Nina, he was captivated by her, but she's going to be his daughter-in-law. Too forbidden. He was definitely protective of Nina, and what can Enzo do when Nina is attracted to him too? You'll have to read the book to find out what's going to happen.
Somehow towards the last 20% or so it got kind of slow for me. I ended up skimming some pages. Besides that, I really did enjoy the book. Looking forward to more of this world!!
January 17, 2024
I liked this book but it never went into detail about what happened when she was incarcerated😅😅 the spice was okay but it wasn’t great either. Her being in prison was her father’s doing but it never went into detail about what truly happened. What happened with the accidental death and what about the person her father killed and framed her for? Just wish there were details put into this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
Thank you for the ARC 💙
OH, oh..Me reading a book in one sitting? Means I ofcourse totally loved it. It's beautiful. The starting of the book was itself so catchy that I couldn't keep it down. Nina's brother, the only person I hated in this entire book, how tf can someone even think about selling their own sister off? Just HOW? I won't lie, I loved the chemistry between Matteo and Nina tbh- I even shipped them but ig Nina and Enzo were just meant for eachother. I won't lie again, I think..Matteo deserved a really really better ending, I loved him. It's like, Nina, if you don't want him then give Matteo to me, I need him then. The whole book was a roller coaster ride of emotions. It's mind-blowing how I just knew that I was gonna love this book the moment I saw it's cover. Even that is so pretty.
OH, oh..Me reading a book in one sitting? Means I ofcourse totally loved it. It's beautiful. The starting of the book was itself so catchy that I couldn't keep it down. Nina's brother, the only person I hated in this entire book, how tf can someone even think about selling their own sister off? Just HOW? I won't lie, I loved the chemistry between Matteo and Nina tbh- I even shipped them but ig Nina and Enzo were just meant for eachother. I won't lie again, I think..Matteo deserved a really really better ending, I loved him. It's like, Nina, if you don't want him then give Matteo to me, I need him then. The whole book was a roller coaster ride of emotions. It's mind-blowing how I just knew that I was gonna love this book the moment I saw it's cover. Even that is so pretty.
August 6, 2023
☆ 4/5 & 2/5 spice
A quick dark mafia romance that has some twist and turns.
After being sent to prison by her father, two years later, Nina is unexpectedly being released. Nina is forced into an arranged marriage to bring the two family together for a business deal. Nina is supposed to be married off to the Italian Don’s son, Matteo, but instead she has an attraction towards his father, Enzo.
Enzo, the Italian Don, head of the Mafia is marrying off his son to the Bratva princess, but she catches his attention the first time they met. The sinful temptation, the chemistry, the angst, and the forbidden romance aspect was so hot. I love the back and fourth between the two and I was not expecting in the beginning for Nina to have eyes for her fiancé’s father. Enzo was super protective of Nina and it made me laugh at the part when he went out of his way to buy Nina, her favorite snacks because she was craving it, and she wasn’t expecting that small gesture from him.
The ending kind of threw me off and was not what I expected, but I enjoyed Nina & Enzo’s story!
Tropes:
❥ Dark romance
❥ Mafia
❥ Fiancé’s father
❥ Age gap
❥ Forbidden romance
❥ Bratva princess x Italian don
❥ Arranged marriage
❥ “Who hurt you”
❥ Forced proximity
A quick dark mafia romance that has some twist and turns.
After being sent to prison by her father, two years later, Nina is unexpectedly being released. Nina is forced into an arranged marriage to bring the two family together for a business deal. Nina is supposed to be married off to the Italian Don’s son, Matteo, but instead she has an attraction towards his father, Enzo.
Enzo, the Italian Don, head of the Mafia is marrying off his son to the Bratva princess, but she catches his attention the first time they met. The sinful temptation, the chemistry, the angst, and the forbidden romance aspect was so hot. I love the back and fourth between the two and I was not expecting in the beginning for Nina to have eyes for her fiancé’s father. Enzo was super protective of Nina and it made me laugh at the part when he went out of his way to buy Nina, her favorite snacks because she was craving it, and she wasn’t expecting that small gesture from him.
The ending kind of threw me off and was not what I expected, but I enjoyed Nina & Enzo’s story!
Tropes:
❥ Dark romance
❥ Mafia
❥ Fiancé’s father
❥ Age gap
❥ Forbidden romance
❥ Bratva princess x Italian don
❥ Arranged marriage
❥ “Who hurt you”
❥ Forced proximity
August 20, 2023
If I could I would give this book soooo many more stars. It was fantastic.
Morally grey man - check
Age gap - check
Jealous and possessive- check.
What more could you want?
Nina is in prison for a crime she did not commit, put there by her father for trying to run away. She knows life inside is better than that with her father, so she stays. Until she meets with the parole board who decide to let her go. All her worst nightmares are coming true. She’s going to have to face him again.
Enzo is the don of the Italian mafia, and has been propositioned by the Bratva, for his son to marry the Bratva princess. When he sees her for the first time she is exquisite, and he can’t believe how lucky his son is to get to marry her. But his son is obsessed with the fact that she’s untouched, and nothing else. He doesn’t appreciate the woman she is.
An undeniable tension fills the space between Nina and Enzo, but they can’t act on it. She is set to marry his son, and that will solidify the relationship between the Bratva and Italian mafia.
But Is blood thicker than water, can Enzo and Nina fight the temptation. And will the head of the Italian mafia go too far to get what he wants.
You. Have. To. Read. This. Book!
Morally grey man - check
Age gap - check
Jealous and possessive- check.
What more could you want?
Nina is in prison for a crime she did not commit, put there by her father for trying to run away. She knows life inside is better than that with her father, so she stays. Until she meets with the parole board who decide to let her go. All her worst nightmares are coming true. She’s going to have to face him again.
Enzo is the don of the Italian mafia, and has been propositioned by the Bratva, for his son to marry the Bratva princess. When he sees her for the first time she is exquisite, and he can’t believe how lucky his son is to get to marry her. But his son is obsessed with the fact that she’s untouched, and nothing else. He doesn’t appreciate the woman she is.
An undeniable tension fills the space between Nina and Enzo, but they can’t act on it. She is set to marry his son, and that will solidify the relationship between the Bratva and Italian mafia.
But Is blood thicker than water, can Enzo and Nina fight the temptation. And will the head of the Italian mafia go too far to get what he wants.
You. Have. To. Read. This. Book!
November 29, 2023
Loved the thought and plot of this but the execution just wasn’t it for me. I did really like the slow burn but nothing exciting happened at the end. Like it was so anticlimactic that Enzo just took the brother and then killed him like nothing really happened there. Yeah he was horrible to Nina but he didn’t really do anything to her while she was with Enzo. If he kidnapped her or almost killed her after the relationship with Enzo started that would have made it more interesting when Enzo killed him. Also the son falling for her was not good either cause they literally didn't have an ounce of oomph.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
this author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and considering this is only her second book that's saying much; the first in this series is my top read of the year so far. as someone who reads, almost exclusively, mafia it's not easy to surprise me – the formula of this trope stays the same, only varying in writing and the couple's dynamic. yet, for the second time now, this author has managed to create something unique within this subgenre. whereas in the first book, the fmc was a mortician, and that was intrinsic to the story, moving the plot, in this one, the female lead started out serving a prison sentence and that was the circumstance that started out the whole arc of the story. it's refreshing that the women are given such prominent places within the books, and how they are written.
* i was sent an arc by peachy keen in exchange for an honest review
* i was sent an arc by peachy keen in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
August 3, 2023
It was going well until the end... idk I just felt disappointed
August 14, 2023
Arc Review
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Sinful Temptation
By Poppy St. John
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Blurb:
Nina
I’ve been forced into an arranged marriage with the heir of the Italian mafia. My brother made it clear.
Either I marry him, or he’ll make me wish I was dead. I knew what was expected of me.
Put on a smile. Sit pretty. Say nothing.
What I didn’t expect was him. My fiancée’s father. Twenty-five years older. Forbidden.
And the only man who’s ever seen me.
Enzo
It should’ve been a simple arrangement.
But she ruined it. Ruined me. Nina was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen.
Strong, intelligent…a virgin. And my son’s fiancée.
I never wanted anything more. To my credit, I tried to resist her. But when her safety is threatened, I snap. My son can’t have her. Because no one touches what’s mine.
First off I want to thank Poppy St. John and @greyspromo for the arc opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
I am an ABSOLUTE sucker for an age gap mafia romance. I went into this book with high hopes after reading the blurb and Poppy did NOT dissapoint!! I loved this book from the moment I met Nina and Enzo!! Nina has went through alot, she was in prison due to her dad, he brother going to sell her but used her as a pawn, etc. all she wanted was freedom and to dance. She was expected to just be a wife and take care of children but then she met Enzo, her fiances father, the man who wanted to give her everything and more.
From the moment he laid his eyes on her he knew she was going to be a temptation. Enzo thought she was a prefect butterfly and would stop at nothing to protect her, even though she wasnt his to protect. I loved how this book navigated through the angst, sexual tension and love they had for one another. I mean he was smitten from the start, why else would he move her in to protect her and buy her sesame crackers. I loved how mature Mateo became towards the end and let his dad be happy even though he also loved Nina.
I loved how they grew as a couple and fell in love with one another. I also loved how Nina did not take anyones crap, she stood up for herself and took what she wanted!! I loved the spice in this book, oh lord Enzo just became the love of my life🥵 i really really enjoyed this book! I cannot wait to see what else Poppy has in store for us!!!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Sinful Temptation
By Poppy St. John
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Blurb:
Nina
I’ve been forced into an arranged marriage with the heir of the Italian mafia. My brother made it clear.
Either I marry him, or he’ll make me wish I was dead. I knew what was expected of me.
Put on a smile. Sit pretty. Say nothing.
What I didn’t expect was him. My fiancée’s father. Twenty-five years older. Forbidden.
And the only man who’s ever seen me.
Enzo
It should’ve been a simple arrangement.
But she ruined it. Ruined me. Nina was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen.
Strong, intelligent…a virgin. And my son’s fiancée.
I never wanted anything more. To my credit, I tried to resist her. But when her safety is threatened, I snap. My son can’t have her. Because no one touches what’s mine.
First off I want to thank Poppy St. John and @greyspromo for the arc opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
I am an ABSOLUTE sucker for an age gap mafia romance. I went into this book with high hopes after reading the blurb and Poppy did NOT dissapoint!! I loved this book from the moment I met Nina and Enzo!! Nina has went through alot, she was in prison due to her dad, he brother going to sell her but used her as a pawn, etc. all she wanted was freedom and to dance. She was expected to just be a wife and take care of children but then she met Enzo, her fiances father, the man who wanted to give her everything and more.
From the moment he laid his eyes on her he knew she was going to be a temptation. Enzo thought she was a prefect butterfly and would stop at nothing to protect her, even though she wasnt his to protect. I loved how this book navigated through the angst, sexual tension and love they had for one another. I mean he was smitten from the start, why else would he move her in to protect her and buy her sesame crackers. I loved how mature Mateo became towards the end and let his dad be happy even though he also loved Nina.
I loved how they grew as a couple and fell in love with one another. I also loved how Nina did not take anyones crap, she stood up for herself and took what she wanted!! I loved the spice in this book, oh lord Enzo just became the love of my life🥵 i really really enjoyed this book! I cannot wait to see what else Poppy has in store for us!!!
October 2, 2023
Wished there was deeper character development
I actually enjoyed “Sinful Temptation.” I thought the overall story arc was very good, and the characters interesting. However, either the book was too short, OR this should have been a duology.
**SPOILERS/OPINIONS**
Nina is released from prison, having been sprung by her brother, the NEW head of the Russian Mafia. Nina hated her father, and he was a cruel abusive father, and an even more ruthless mob boss. When Alexei, Nina’s brother picks her up from prison he informs her that he made it happen, and all for one purpose: An alliance. Since their father died he’d (Alexei) had been “losing” power. He’s considered “too young,” not “strong enough,” etc. to hold onto his fathers empire. Nina doesn’t care about any of this. She had truly believed she would do her prison sentence, and when released she would begin training in ballet again. But her brother literally forces her into an arranged marriage. He wants her to marry Matteo the son of the Don of the Italian mafia family, so he can unite their families and “rule” together. Alexei has already “sold” the idea to Enzo, the Don (who believes it is time that his son took on more responsibility, started to grow up, stop sleeping around etc.) so the arrangement makes sense to him. Matteo has no say in the matter, much like Nina, however he’s not being abused by his father the way Alexei is emotionally and physically abusing Nina in order to “keep her in line.”
At the first meeting of the families, Enzo’s breath is taken away…he is literally instantly drawn to his son’s fiancée. Not only does he think she’s stunning, but something about her calls to him. He’s horrified however, at his reaction, since this girl is only nineteen, and is supposed to be engaged to his son.
Nina has the SAME REACTION TO Enzo when she’s introduced to him, and to her fiancé, his son, Matteo. She barely hears or sees Matteo because Enzo has captivated her. After an incidence where Enzo comes across a hurt Nina, who reveals the abuse she’s suffering at the hands of her brother, and that she is only marrying Matteo because her brother said it was either marry Matteo, or he’d sell her at a human auction in the sex trafficking ring that he’s running (unbeknownst to the other mafia families). Enzo is horrified. He makes it possible for Nina to stay with him at his mansion (where his son has suites too - in addition to his apartments in the city) to get her away from her brother, AND he begins his plans to dismantle Alexei’s reign, and destroy his corrupt businesses, especially the sex trafficking of underage girls. However Enzo didn’t count on one thing; his searing need/obsession for Nina, and the fact that his son barely wants to spend any time with her, leaving him alone with his obsession most of the time. It becomes “dangerous” when he quickly realizes Nina feels the same way about him, and that she wants Enzo to be her first, NOT his son.
I really enjoyed the overall storyline of this book. The reason I gave it 3 not 4, or 5 stars is because I liked Nina and Enzo’s characters SO MUCH I wanted MORE of them. I felt as if we only got surface looks at these two complex characters. We barely get any background on Nina (we learn why she was in prison for instance, but it’s mentioned, and then dropped. There’s no “exploring it,” and once she’s out of prison none of the other Mafia families seem to even care that she was in prison to begin with). We learn she started ballet young…but we’re never really emerged in that part of her life - which is clearly very important to her. She desperately wants Enzo but still tries to date his son. And Matteo is 95% of the time a complete jerk, not to mention man-whore. I just wanted MORE of Nina, a deeper look at her, and a deeper look at her connection to Enzo - because they clearly had/have one. Same goes for Enzo. He’s this hard-a&& Don who pretty much rules the city with an iron fist, and shut down completely after is son’s mother passed away…that’s never really fully explored either - Enzo’s relationship with Matteo’s mother. It’s clear there is insane chemistry between Enzo and Nina, but other than “telling us,” and eventually getting to the part where they “give in” to their passions and sleep together…there “relationship” isn’t truly delved into. Again, everything seems surface level, and for two characters that had the potential to be GREAT - it was a little disappointing to realize that we, the readers, we’re only going to get the “basic” version of their love story. Throw in dismantling Alexei’s organization, Matteo finding out his dad is sleeping with his fiancée, some random meetings to coordinate an attack plan on Alexei and you’ve got yourself the entire story. The epilogue, which was actually really dissatisfying has Nina just about to walk down the aisle to marry her one true love, Enzo. All the action though, mentioned above, happens at the VERY, VERY END of the book!!! It’s like one minute Enzo and Nina are having sex, then he regrets it and feels guilty, she gets mad - you turn the page and suddenly Nina’s brothers organization has crumbled, he tries to kill Enzo but Enzo kills him instead. Then miraculously the guilt Enzo feels about sleeping with his son’s fiancée is a thing of the past. And even though it has been a total “whirlwind,” Nina knows she wants to spend her life with Enzo. It was just waaay too fast.
The characters had SOOOO MUCH POTENTIAL!!! It would’ve been awesome if this story had taken up two books instead of cramming everything into one book at the end. Two books would’ve allowed the author to truly give her readers well crafted, three dimensional, all-around explored and explained characters, as opposed to rushing through everything…including their personalities.
However, I did like Nina, and I liked Enzo (he’s definitely a Don, and that’s something I actually liked) he’s gruff, rough, violent and cold - but not with Nina. My only complaint about Enzo was he ran waaay too hot and cold. One second he’s all over Nina, the next he’s telling her it was a mistake and pushing her toward his son (when it’s clear that Nina is meant for him, not Matteo. He also tells Matteo how to woo Nina. Yup, you heard me. He’s telling his son and giving him tips on how to romance and win over the woman he clearly adores.
But, if you like Mafia romances that aren’t tooooo deep or toooo dark, you’ll enjoy Nina and Enzo’s story.
I actually enjoyed “Sinful Temptation.” I thought the overall story arc was very good, and the characters interesting. However, either the book was too short, OR this should have been a duology.
**SPOILERS/OPINIONS**
Nina is released from prison, having been sprung by her brother, the NEW head of the Russian Mafia. Nina hated her father, and he was a cruel abusive father, and an even more ruthless mob boss. When Alexei, Nina’s brother picks her up from prison he informs her that he made it happen, and all for one purpose: An alliance. Since their father died he’d (Alexei) had been “losing” power. He’s considered “too young,” not “strong enough,” etc. to hold onto his fathers empire. Nina doesn’t care about any of this. She had truly believed she would do her prison sentence, and when released she would begin training in ballet again. But her brother literally forces her into an arranged marriage. He wants her to marry Matteo the son of the Don of the Italian mafia family, so he can unite their families and “rule” together. Alexei has already “sold” the idea to Enzo, the Don (who believes it is time that his son took on more responsibility, started to grow up, stop sleeping around etc.) so the arrangement makes sense to him. Matteo has no say in the matter, much like Nina, however he’s not being abused by his father the way Alexei is emotionally and physically abusing Nina in order to “keep her in line.”
At the first meeting of the families, Enzo’s breath is taken away…he is literally instantly drawn to his son’s fiancée. Not only does he think she’s stunning, but something about her calls to him. He’s horrified however, at his reaction, since this girl is only nineteen, and is supposed to be engaged to his son.
Nina has the SAME REACTION TO Enzo when she’s introduced to him, and to her fiancé, his son, Matteo. She barely hears or sees Matteo because Enzo has captivated her. After an incidence where Enzo comes across a hurt Nina, who reveals the abuse she’s suffering at the hands of her brother, and that she is only marrying Matteo because her brother said it was either marry Matteo, or he’d sell her at a human auction in the sex trafficking ring that he’s running (unbeknownst to the other mafia families). Enzo is horrified. He makes it possible for Nina to stay with him at his mansion (where his son has suites too - in addition to his apartments in the city) to get her away from her brother, AND he begins his plans to dismantle Alexei’s reign, and destroy his corrupt businesses, especially the sex trafficking of underage girls. However Enzo didn’t count on one thing; his searing need/obsession for Nina, and the fact that his son barely wants to spend any time with her, leaving him alone with his obsession most of the time. It becomes “dangerous” when he quickly realizes Nina feels the same way about him, and that she wants Enzo to be her first, NOT his son.
I really enjoyed the overall storyline of this book. The reason I gave it 3 not 4, or 5 stars is because I liked Nina and Enzo’s characters SO MUCH I wanted MORE of them. I felt as if we only got surface looks at these two complex characters. We barely get any background on Nina (we learn why she was in prison for instance, but it’s mentioned, and then dropped. There’s no “exploring it,” and once she’s out of prison none of the other Mafia families seem to even care that she was in prison to begin with). We learn she started ballet young…but we’re never really emerged in that part of her life - which is clearly very important to her. She desperately wants Enzo but still tries to date his son. And Matteo is 95% of the time a complete jerk, not to mention man-whore. I just wanted MORE of Nina, a deeper look at her, and a deeper look at her connection to Enzo - because they clearly had/have one. Same goes for Enzo. He’s this hard-a&& Don who pretty much rules the city with an iron fist, and shut down completely after is son’s mother passed away…that’s never really fully explored either - Enzo’s relationship with Matteo’s mother. It’s clear there is insane chemistry between Enzo and Nina, but other than “telling us,” and eventually getting to the part where they “give in” to their passions and sleep together…there “relationship” isn’t truly delved into. Again, everything seems surface level, and for two characters that had the potential to be GREAT - it was a little disappointing to realize that we, the readers, we’re only going to get the “basic” version of their love story. Throw in dismantling Alexei’s organization, Matteo finding out his dad is sleeping with his fiancée, some random meetings to coordinate an attack plan on Alexei and you’ve got yourself the entire story. The epilogue, which was actually really dissatisfying has Nina just about to walk down the aisle to marry her one true love, Enzo. All the action though, mentioned above, happens at the VERY, VERY END of the book!!! It’s like one minute Enzo and Nina are having sex, then he regrets it and feels guilty, she gets mad - you turn the page and suddenly Nina’s brothers organization has crumbled, he tries to kill Enzo but Enzo kills him instead. Then miraculously the guilt Enzo feels about sleeping with his son’s fiancée is a thing of the past. And even though it has been a total “whirlwind,” Nina knows she wants to spend her life with Enzo. It was just waaay too fast.
The characters had SOOOO MUCH POTENTIAL!!! It would’ve been awesome if this story had taken up two books instead of cramming everything into one book at the end. Two books would’ve allowed the author to truly give her readers well crafted, three dimensional, all-around explored and explained characters, as opposed to rushing through everything…including their personalities.
However, I did like Nina, and I liked Enzo (he’s definitely a Don, and that’s something I actually liked) he’s gruff, rough, violent and cold - but not with Nina. My only complaint about Enzo was he ran waaay too hot and cold. One second he’s all over Nina, the next he’s telling her it was a mistake and pushing her toward his son (when it’s clear that Nina is meant for him, not Matteo. He also tells Matteo how to woo Nina. Yup, you heard me. He’s telling his son and giving him tips on how to romance and win over the woman he clearly adores.
But, if you like Mafia romances that aren’t tooooo deep or toooo dark, you’ll enjoy Nina and Enzo’s story.
August 12, 2023
As a whole I enjoyed this book for the spice when it came. I think there a few issues plot wise with how long Nina stayed engaged to Enzo’s son, it got weird and had no real resolution. Literally to the 78% point Enzo is still telling his son to woo this young woman all while he is fighting his urges. The climatic moment was truly anti-climatic when we see it, and are moved on very quickly from it without resolution to the problem. The first 75% is a long drawn out urge-fighting fest only to race through the final quarter of the book skipping vital story lines. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I’ll just say that the last half of the book felt like it was on fast-forward at triple speed.
August 13, 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
3.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🔥
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖(𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳):
MF/dual POV/HEA/mafia/age gap/forced prox/arranged marriage/fiancés dad/virgin FMC/somnophilia/touch her and die/murder/gore/mentions of trafficking/physical assault/graphic violence
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is book 2 in the Kings and Consorts series. Each book follows a different set of characters and can be read as a stand-alone.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Nina has been in a women’s correctional facility for 2yrs for a crime she didn’t commit and now she’s magically being released on “good behavior.” She knows her powerful Russian family is pulling strings for her early release and that scares her the most. She’s safer in prison but her brother has plans for her and if she doesn’t comply, her life will get even worse.
Enzo agreed to the arranged married for his son as a way to strengthen the family and the alliance between the Italians and the Russians… however what he didn’t expect was Nina to create such a possessiveness to rise in him while she’s suppose to be for his son. When her safety is threatened, he steps in an gives her safe harbor in his home. He tries to keep his distance as she’s not his… but the pull they have out shines any other morals he has when it comes to her.
This was a quick read full of lust and angst, with a dash of possessiveness and jealousy. I loved the pull between Enzo and Nina. Nina would not be deterred in her want for Enzo. Nina was feisty and outspoken. Enzo was the mafia don we all love to see become a bit unhinged and kill for his girl. I did feel like everything got resolved a bit to easily. There were situations I think could have been expanded on to make this a little more action packed. Also, I like my mafia books just a little more bloody 😬 but that’s just a personal preference. Overall I did enjoy this story.
While I wasn’t fond of Matteo to begin with, I did feel a bit bad for him as the story progresses. You could tell he he was trying and wanting to make the most out of their “arrangement.” However… I saw that little blip of chemistry between him and Penelope 🤭 sooooo maybe!? I loved to see both of them get a HEA!
** 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 … 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 =𝘋 **
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
Inside, a youthful face was a blessing and a curse. You got away with a lot when people couldn’t find it in them to imagine that somebody who looked like you was actually a dangerous criminal. If you asked Anya, I’d always been both. The angel and the devil. Two sides of the same coin.
“I should’ve cut your hands off for trying to touch her, but your life is a suitable replacement.”
She turned me into somebody that I didn’t recognize. The restraint, control, and command that I’d cultivated my whole life disappeared when it came to her. I became erratic and unpredictable. I let my desires win.
I had not a single ounce of patience to spare for anyone lately. All but one of my flying fucks had already fled, and it was that one fuck, the one that would steal away Nina’s virginity, that I held onto, forsaking all others.
“You can take it, Tesorina, just another inch. There you go. Fuck.”
“Such a good fucking girl,” I whispered between hot kisses, tasting the salt of my release on her lips. “My perfect farfalla [butterfly].”
3.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🔥
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖(𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳):
MF/dual POV/HEA/mafia/age gap/forced prox/arranged marriage/fiancés dad/virgin FMC/somnophilia/touch her and die/murder/gore/mentions of trafficking/physical assault/graphic violence
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is book 2 in the Kings and Consorts series. Each book follows a different set of characters and can be read as a stand-alone.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Nina has been in a women’s correctional facility for 2yrs for a crime she didn’t commit and now she’s magically being released on “good behavior.” She knows her powerful Russian family is pulling strings for her early release and that scares her the most. She’s safer in prison but her brother has plans for her and if she doesn’t comply, her life will get even worse.
Enzo agreed to the arranged married for his son as a way to strengthen the family and the alliance between the Italians and the Russians… however what he didn’t expect was Nina to create such a possessiveness to rise in him while she’s suppose to be for his son. When her safety is threatened, he steps in an gives her safe harbor in his home. He tries to keep his distance as she’s not his… but the pull they have out shines any other morals he has when it comes to her.
This was a quick read full of lust and angst, with a dash of possessiveness and jealousy. I loved the pull between Enzo and Nina. Nina would not be deterred in her want for Enzo. Nina was feisty and outspoken. Enzo was the mafia don we all love to see become a bit unhinged and kill for his girl. I did feel like everything got resolved a bit to easily. There were situations I think could have been expanded on to make this a little more action packed. Also, I like my mafia books just a little more bloody 😬 but that’s just a personal preference. Overall I did enjoy this story.
While I wasn’t fond of Matteo to begin with, I did feel a bit bad for him as the story progresses. You could tell he he was trying and wanting to make the most out of their “arrangement.” However… I saw that little blip of chemistry between him and Penelope 🤭 sooooo maybe!? I loved to see both of them get a HEA!
** 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 … 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 =𝘋 **
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
Inside, a youthful face was a blessing and a curse. You got away with a lot when people couldn’t find it in them to imagine that somebody who looked like you was actually a dangerous criminal. If you asked Anya, I’d always been both. The angel and the devil. Two sides of the same coin.
“I should’ve cut your hands off for trying to touch her, but your life is a suitable replacement.”
She turned me into somebody that I didn’t recognize. The restraint, control, and command that I’d cultivated my whole life disappeared when it came to her. I became erratic and unpredictable. I let my desires win.
I had not a single ounce of patience to spare for anyone lately. All but one of my flying fucks had already fled, and it was that one fuck, the one that would steal away Nina’s virginity, that I held onto, forsaking all others.
“You can take it, Tesorina, just another inch. There you go. Fuck.”
“Such a good fucking girl,” I whispered between hot kisses, tasting the salt of my release on her lips. “My perfect farfalla [butterfly].”
February 14, 2024
💭 E seguimos com os livros dark, o feed andou por um período muito rosinha. E eu sinceramente precisava de algumas leituras mais pesadas. Sim, sou dessas.
Nina Pavlova é a princesa da Bratva de Washington que sonha em ser bailarina profissional e ter uma vida além da sombra da Máfia Russa. Aos 18 anos ela tenta fugir com a ajuda de um de seus guarda costas, mas eles foram pegos, ele foi executado pelo pai de Nina e ela foi "mandada" para a prisão como se fosse a responsável pelo crime.
Dois anos depois do nada ela tem sua condicional concedida, mesmo dizendo a comissão que não se sente pronta para sair e que não se arrepende do crime. Isso tudo armado pelo seu pai... Será?
Não não, seu pai ja morreu e agora quem comanda a Bratva é seu irmão Alexei que a tira de lá para forjar uma aliança com a Máfia Italiana, tornando Nina noiva de Matteo Vitalle, filho do Don Enzo Vitalle.
Afinal, entre máfias, um casamento é uma forma de evitar ataques, unir poder e gerar mais dinheiro, e herdeiros.
Mas há um porém, o santo de Nina e Matteo não bate muito bem.
Alexei ameaça Nina de ser colocada para venda na rede de tráfico humano que ele comanda.
Eis que Enzo intervém no rolê todo ao descobrir o que Alexei faz com a irmã e a leva para ficar sob seu teto durante o período de noivado.
Nina e Matteo tentam se entender, se conectar, mas não rola. Ele é libertino, ela não quer sair de uma prisão para entrar em outra, no caso um casamento. Mas vai tentando, pois qualquer prisão ainda seria melhor do que o destino nas mãos do irmão.
Enzo protege Nina, a deseja, mas sabe que ela é para o seu filho. Inclusive ele vai tentando ensinar a ele como conquistar a garota. Com tudo que ele aprende dela conforme eles vão convivendo.
O que ela gosta, o que ela não gosta, seus hábitos.
Mas aquilo vai fermentando na cabeça dele, ele que deveria estar cortejando ela, e não ensinando seu filho como fazer.
É beeeeem slow burn, demora pro negócio pegar fogo, mas quando pega... É incêndiário.
Esse livro é muito comparado a Birthday Girl. Mas eu vou te falarque apesar de toda aquela tensão sexual construída entre Nina e Enzo vai explodir enquanto ela ainda é noiva de Matteo.
No final temos a aceitação do Matteo de que seu pai irá casar com sua ex noiva. E vou ser bem sincera: ele foi macho babaca: foi! Mas não machucou a Nina, e tentou conquistar, acho que ele começou até a se apaixonar por ela.
Eu leria um livro dele facilmente.
Temos também aparição dos protagonistas do livro 1 da série, Twisted Devotion, Ruarc e Emily.
Os livros se passam no mesmo universo e cidade, porém cada protagonista masculino faz parte de um "sindicato"do crime diferente. São livros independentes e não tem problema nenhum ler fora de ordem!
Então se você gosta de um age gap e máfia, se joga.
🏆ᴍᴇɴçãᴏ ʜᴏɴʀᴏsᴀ ᴘᴀᴛɪᴢɪɴʜᴀ ᴀᴡᴀʀᴅs
Alexei teve o final que mereceu. E Nina estava no camarote. Tenho dito e saio correndo.🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Nina Pavlova é a princesa da Bratva de Washington que sonha em ser bailarina profissional e ter uma vida além da sombra da Máfia Russa. Aos 18 anos ela tenta fugir com a ajuda de um de seus guarda costas, mas eles foram pegos, ele foi executado pelo pai de Nina e ela foi "mandada" para a prisão como se fosse a responsável pelo crime.
Dois anos depois do nada ela tem sua condicional concedida, mesmo dizendo a comissão que não se sente pronta para sair e que não se arrepende do crime. Isso tudo armado pelo seu pai... Será?
Não não, seu pai ja morreu e agora quem comanda a Bratva é seu irmão Alexei que a tira de lá para forjar uma aliança com a Máfia Italiana, tornando Nina noiva de Matteo Vitalle, filho do Don Enzo Vitalle.
Afinal, entre máfias, um casamento é uma forma de evitar ataques, unir poder e gerar mais dinheiro, e herdeiros.
Mas há um porém, o santo de Nina e Matteo não bate muito bem.
Alexei ameaça Nina de ser colocada para venda na rede de tráfico humano que ele comanda.
Eis que Enzo intervém no rolê todo ao descobrir o que Alexei faz com a irmã e a leva para ficar sob seu teto durante o período de noivado.
Nina e Matteo tentam se entender, se conectar, mas não rola. Ele é libertino, ela não quer sair de uma prisão para entrar em outra, no caso um casamento. Mas vai tentando, pois qualquer prisão ainda seria melhor do que o destino nas mãos do irmão.
Enzo protege Nina, a deseja, mas sabe que ela é para o seu filho. Inclusive ele vai tentando ensinar a ele como conquistar a garota. Com tudo que ele aprende dela conforme eles vão convivendo.
O que ela gosta, o que ela não gosta, seus hábitos.
Mas aquilo vai fermentando na cabeça dele, ele que deveria estar cortejando ela, e não ensinando seu filho como fazer.
É beeeeem slow burn, demora pro negócio pegar fogo, mas quando pega... É incêndiário.
Esse livro é muito comparado a Birthday Girl. Mas eu vou te falarque apesar de toda aquela tensão sexual construída entre Nina e Enzo vai explodir enquanto ela ainda é noiva de Matteo.
No final temos a aceitação do Matteo de que seu pai irá casar com sua ex noiva. E vou ser bem sincera: ele foi macho babaca: foi! Mas não machucou a Nina, e tentou conquistar, acho que ele começou até a se apaixonar por ela.
Eu leria um livro dele facilmente.
Temos também aparição dos protagonistas do livro 1 da série, Twisted Devotion, Ruarc e Emily.
Os livros se passam no mesmo universo e cidade, porém cada protagonista masculino faz parte de um "sindicato"do crime diferente. São livros independentes e não tem problema nenhum ler fora de ordem!
Então se você gosta de um age gap e máfia, se joga.
🏆ᴍᴇɴçãᴏ ʜᴏɴʀᴏsᴀ ᴘᴀᴛɪᴢɪɴʜᴀ ᴀᴡᴀʀᴅs
Alexei teve o final que mereceu. E Nina estava no camarote. Tenho dito e saio correndo.🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
July 31, 2023
This book is a SLOW BURN 🔥🫣 i was screaming throughout the book for them to get together ! The tension/chemistry between our main characters mixed with the forbidden romance🌶️ aspect kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entirety of the book😩. Poppy St.John is starting to become an Auto- buy author for me as i enjoy her writing style.
➖ short summary of the story (without spoilers)➖
Nina is forced into an arranged marriage after being released from prison. Her ass of a brother enforces this arrangement for an alliance, Nina is forced to married to Matteo who is the son of the Don Enzo. throughout We learn awful things about Nina brother that pushes Enzo to take her in for her own safety; little does he know how difficult it will be to resist temptation 🤭
📖Tropes📖
- Age gap romance (20 years+)
- he falls first
- fiancés dad
- forbidden romance
-arranged marriage
⚠️minor spoilers below ⚠️
Our MMC Enzo was obsessed with our FMC Nina at first sight even though Nina was his sons fiancé 😳! I absolutely loved how protective Enzo was over Nina 🫠 and how loving he was (when he wasn’t pushing her away). Enzo was just a big marshmallow when it came to Nina.
“Se ti perdo, morirò1,” - “if i lose you i will die”🥹
“I can’t live without you.”
“He didn’t deserve her. If she were mine, she wouldn’t have to wonder at any point where I was or how I felt. I would show her. Every fucking day, I’d show her.”
I would like to talk about the fact we didn’t get much closure on Matteos side 😔 i disliked him at first for being a bum and a f boy but when he fell for Nina and started opening up to her about how good it feels to feel wanted made my heart throb of sadness. He genuinely cared for her.
“It’s nice to feel wanted.”😭😭😭
“My son had given it his best effort and… he’d fallen for her, too.”
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”🥹🥹
overall rating: ★★★★☆
spice level: 🌶️🌶️
No OWD🥴
HEA🥰
idk if it is slight cheating ?
➖ short summary of the story (without spoilers)➖
Nina is forced into an arranged marriage after being released from prison. Her ass of a brother enforces this arrangement for an alliance, Nina is forced to married to Matteo who is the son of the Don Enzo. throughout We learn awful things about Nina brother that pushes Enzo to take her in for her own safety; little does he know how difficult it will be to resist temptation 🤭
📖Tropes📖
- Age gap romance (20 years+)
- he falls first
- fiancés dad
- forbidden romance
-arranged marriage
⚠️minor spoilers below ⚠️
Our MMC Enzo was obsessed with our FMC Nina at first sight even though Nina was his sons fiancé 😳! I absolutely loved how protective Enzo was over Nina 🫠 and how loving he was (when he wasn’t pushing her away). Enzo was just a big marshmallow when it came to Nina.
“Se ti perdo, morirò1,” - “if i lose you i will die”🥹
“I can’t live without you.”
“He didn’t deserve her. If she were mine, she wouldn’t have to wonder at any point where I was or how I felt. I would show her. Every fucking day, I’d show her.”
I would like to talk about the fact we didn’t get much closure on Matteos side 😔 i disliked him at first for being a bum and a f boy but when he fell for Nina and started opening up to her about how good it feels to feel wanted made my heart throb of sadness. He genuinely cared for her.
“It’s nice to feel wanted.”😭😭😭
“My son had given it his best effort and… he’d fallen for her, too.”
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”🥹🥹
overall rating: ★★★★☆
spice level: 🌶️🌶️
No OWD🥴
HEA🥰
idk if it is slight cheating ?
October 12, 2023
I loved Enzo, and Nina got a happy ever after, but it wasn't my favorite story. I felt the storyline dragged and lacked.
Favs:
Prison did nothing about that attitude, I see. How unfortunate.
Every part of her drew me in.
Her presence was suffocating.
I saw hee with my eyes closed. I saw her when she was nowhere in sight.
No man showed his true self unless he was under duress.
When it came to protecting what was mine, failure would never be an option on the table.
My attraction for him turned feral.
She turned me into somebody I didn't recognize. The restraint, control, and command that I'd cultivated my whole life disappeared when it came to her. I became erratic and unpredictable.
I didn't just list Nina. I wanted deeply to possess her. To leave my mark in her wo indelibly that she would be ruined for any other man.
There's my good girl.
Take it. Take it all.
Oh God
He's not here, Teaorina
That's it, baby girl, look how well you're taking me.
It was sobering that she could bring me to my knees.
Reading me like a book where every word mattered.
I wanted him to have me. To fuck me. To claim me. I wanted to be his. I wanted him to be mi e.
You should know by now that pushing me away doesn't work. It only makes you weaker.
Sei la ragione di ogni mio sorriso
You're the reason I smile.
Ugh, that fucking mouth.
Such a good fucking girl, my perfect farfalla.
I hoped they heard every moan
Every cry of pleasure. I wanted the whole world to know who made her scream.
He consumed me, reached as far as he could inside me, and gripped my soul.
No. I'd gone past the point of simply feeling happy. I was at peace. I was supported, loved, seen, heard, and protected. Happiness was fleeting, a sudden burst of positive emotions that eventually faded. Being loved by Enzo was sustained bliss.
Favs:
Prison did nothing about that attitude, I see. How unfortunate.
Every part of her drew me in.
Her presence was suffocating.
I saw hee with my eyes closed. I saw her when she was nowhere in sight.
No man showed his true self unless he was under duress.
When it came to protecting what was mine, failure would never be an option on the table.
My attraction for him turned feral.
She turned me into somebody I didn't recognize. The restraint, control, and command that I'd cultivated my whole life disappeared when it came to her. I became erratic and unpredictable.
I didn't just list Nina. I wanted deeply to possess her. To leave my mark in her wo indelibly that she would be ruined for any other man.
There's my good girl.
Take it. Take it all.
Oh God
He's not here, Teaorina
That's it, baby girl, look how well you're taking me.
It was sobering that she could bring me to my knees.
Reading me like a book where every word mattered.
I wanted him to have me. To fuck me. To claim me. I wanted to be his. I wanted him to be mi e.
You should know by now that pushing me away doesn't work. It only makes you weaker.
Sei la ragione di ogni mio sorriso
You're the reason I smile.
Ugh, that fucking mouth.
Such a good fucking girl, my perfect farfalla.
I hoped they heard every moan
Every cry of pleasure. I wanted the whole world to know who made her scream.
He consumed me, reached as far as he could inside me, and gripped my soul.
No. I'd gone past the point of simply feeling happy. I was at peace. I was supported, loved, seen, heard, and protected. Happiness was fleeting, a sudden burst of positive emotions that eventually faded. Being loved by Enzo was sustained bliss.
August 4, 2023
This is my first book by Poppy St. John. I believe this is her second published book (ever) so, she's a new author. I do have to go back and read the first book in this series but the tropes in this one caught my attention. Even the way this book began was great!
Nina is serving in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Something that was her father's doing, and with her brother's help of sorts, she's come out. Unfortunately, this does come with a price because her brother isn't doing this out of the kindness of his heart. Her brother has arranged for her to marry Matteo Zanetti. Honestly, he needed a lot of work in courtship but he was beginning to grow on me. They totally would have been a great couple.
But Nina and Matteo are not the couple in this story. In fact, Matteo is not the one she wants. Nina wants his father, Enzo. Enzo is likewise attracted to her from the moment they set eyes on each other. The slow burn was well executed in their story to give them that forbidden touch. But I do wish there would have been a bit more drama. I feel like they were amazing moments building up to drama but then it got smothered when it was happening. Otherwise, it was a super fun book to read. I adored all of the characters involved (except her brother, of course) and can't wait to see what's next. Maybe Matteo will finally get the girl.
❈•≫────≪•◦𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕◦•≫────≪•❈
• age gap (20/42)
• angsty romance
• arranged marriage
• dub-con, somnophilia, and praise
• forbidden romance
• forced proximity
• innocent/inexperienced fmc
• love triangle (sort of)
• mafia romance
• morally grey characters
• mutual pining
• "oh-god-not-god"
• om drama
• strangers to lovers
• your or your dad
• fiance's father
August 3, 2023
I’m a fan of Ms. St. John’s. So when I heard she had a new book coming out I was excited.
But when I found out it was mafia, age gap, arranged marriage and things don’t quite go as planned.
Yes absolutely sign me up!
I read Sinful Temptation in one sitting. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I was drooling over Enzo the sexy silver fox Don of the Zanetti family.
Powerful and confident and so swoon worthy. His aura is one of strength and arrogance because he knows his capabilities. He is not cocky nor conceited. Just self assured and assertive.
Nina has been living in hell for the past two years. Her father was a mean despicable man and her brother takes after him. But with more evilness.
Nina is a nineteen year old virgin. But she’s anything but naive. She is strong in spirt and soul.
I a deeply admired her. She’s resilient and keeps getting up and dusting herself off after each knockdown.
I loved the freaking tension and chemistry between Enzo and Nina.
The energy that swirls between them is intense and just waiting to explode.
It was a slow burn. But getting there was worth the wait. They sure did ignite and explode.
Getting to see the strong powerful mafia boss being brought to his knees by Nina was a thing to behold. His obsession with her was that strong!
But what made it more gripping and suspenseful was Matteo. That had me on edge.
And I absolutely loved Ruarc and Emily’s cameos!
But when I found out it was mafia, age gap, arranged marriage and things don’t quite go as planned.
Yes absolutely sign me up!
I read Sinful Temptation in one sitting. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I was drooling over Enzo the sexy silver fox Don of the Zanetti family.
Powerful and confident and so swoon worthy. His aura is one of strength and arrogance because he knows his capabilities. He is not cocky nor conceited. Just self assured and assertive.
Nina has been living in hell for the past two years. Her father was a mean despicable man and her brother takes after him. But with more evilness.
Nina is a nineteen year old virgin. But she’s anything but naive. She is strong in spirt and soul.
I a deeply admired her. She’s resilient and keeps getting up and dusting herself off after each knockdown.
I loved the freaking tension and chemistry between Enzo and Nina.
The energy that swirls between them is intense and just waiting to explode.
It was a slow burn. But getting there was worth the wait. They sure did ignite and explode.
Getting to see the strong powerful mafia boss being brought to his knees by Nina was a thing to behold. His obsession with her was that strong!
But what made it more gripping and suspenseful was Matteo. That had me on edge.
And I absolutely loved Ruarc and Emily’s cameos!
August 11, 2023
This was a great age-gap, dark/slow burn mafia romance with many twist and turns along the way!
Nina is in prison for a crime she was wrongfully accused but in between her cell walls she feels safer than been in the outside under her father's radar. She learns she is been released unexpectedly and that instead of her father's cruel control she is now under her brother, who now is the new head of the family business and already has a plan of marrying her in order to create an alliance.
Enzo Zanetti is the head of his family and has agreed to marry his only son Mateo to Nina and make an alliance between their families but he pretty soon learns than Nina is more than a pretty face, she is something that makes him want more but his relationship is forbidden not only because she is almost half his age but because she is soon to be her daughter in law.
I really love the protective side of Enzo, that man was determine to protect and give Nina everything she wanted and even though this was a slow burn the sensual tension between Nina and Enzo was present thought the whole book.
If you like a mafia romance with lots of angst, morally grey character, a forbidden age gap relationship and a total OTT alpha that will do everything for the woman he wants then I definitely recommend this book.
August 23, 2023
When I saw the tropes included Mafia, arranged marriage, age-gap, forbidden romance, dual POV AND fiancé's dad... I knew I had to read it!
When Nina is released early from prison, she thinks it is her father's doing and knows that can't be for any good reason - him being the one who put her there. turns out that the outside isn't what she expected, her father dead and her brother - Alex -now calling the shots.
Alex promises Nina to Mateo, the son of his rivals, as a way to foster an alliance. The problem is the instant tension created in the room isn't felt because of him, it's about his father and he feels it too. The writer builds tension really well through out the book as they both try to fight the attraction. I also enjoyed how the Italian boss used Italian terms of endearment, which were linked to footnotes with translations rather than me having to stop to google it like with many others I have read.
The only negative I have is the ending felt a little rushed in parts.
There was also a cross over from the characters of the previous book in this series, which I haven't yet read, and made me really intrigued to learn about their story!
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review - Thank you so much Poppy, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
When Nina is released early from prison, she thinks it is her father's doing and knows that can't be for any good reason - him being the one who put her there. turns out that the outside isn't what she expected, her father dead and her brother - Alex -now calling the shots.
Alex promises Nina to Mateo, the son of his rivals, as a way to foster an alliance. The problem is the instant tension created in the room isn't felt because of him, it's about his father and he feels it too. The writer builds tension really well through out the book as they both try to fight the attraction. I also enjoyed how the Italian boss used Italian terms of endearment, which were linked to footnotes with translations rather than me having to stop to google it like with many others I have read.
The only negative I have is the ending felt a little rushed in parts.
There was also a cross over from the characters of the previous book in this series, which I haven't yet read, and made me really intrigued to learn about their story!
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review - Thank you so much Poppy, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
March 14, 2024
We meet 19 year old Karina “Nina” Pavlov when she is in prison, serving a 25 to life sentence for murder, a murder she didn’t commit. After being inside for two years she gets parole, only strings her father could pull. The father that put her inside,Mikhail Pavlov the head of the Russian Bratva. Once out she learns her father is dead and her brother Alexi is in charge now. Alexi gives her two options, marry the heir to the Italian mob, Matteo, to secure an alliance or sell her virginity to the highest bidder.
When Enzo, the head of the mob and Matteo’s father, finds out what Alexi has done to Nina, he insists that she move in with them and puts her under her protection.
Nina and Enzo spend almost all of their time together, the 20 year age gap proving not to be a problem. For the first time in years, Nina feels safe and protected. The feelings and connection she should be feeling for her fiancée she is feeling for her future father in law and she doesn’t want them to stop.
I enjoyed this books, it was a good quick read. I would have liked to see Enzo and Nina get together sooner. I didn’t read the first book and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I love an age gap and this hit for me.
When Enzo, the head of the mob and Matteo’s father, finds out what Alexi has done to Nina, he insists that she move in with them and puts her under her protection.
Nina and Enzo spend almost all of their time together, the 20 year age gap proving not to be a problem. For the first time in years, Nina feels safe and protected. The feelings and connection she should be feeling for her fiancée she is feeling for her future father in law and she doesn’t want them to stop.
I enjoyed this books, it was a good quick read. I would have liked to see Enzo and Nina get together sooner. I didn’t read the first book and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I love an age gap and this hit for me.
August 6, 2023
As soon as I started reading this, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down. I love when a book grabs you immediately and keeps you invested. After I read book 1, I was really excited for this book. I was expecting something similar to book 1, I really liked the spooky setting of book 1, and the storyline was good. So I was a little disappointed that book 2 didn’t have the same spooky vibes, but everything else was really good. I loved the tropes, mafia, arranged marriage, age gap, fiancé father, this book had a lot of great ones!
What really surprised me was as much as I liked Enzo, I equally liked Matteo and really felt for him when he started really trying with Nina. He was actually falling for her, and my heart broke a little for him when everything was revealed. I always wanted Nina to be with Enzo, but a small part of me wondered how her and Matteo would be together. But I wouldn’t change the outcome for anything.
That being said I’m hoping Matteo gets a story, he really deserves his happily ever after- and I wonder if it might be with Penny!
For this being the author’s second book I think she’s done a phenomenal job!
What really surprised me was as much as I liked Enzo, I equally liked Matteo and really felt for him when he started really trying with Nina. He was actually falling for her, and my heart broke a little for him when everything was revealed. I always wanted Nina to be with Enzo, but a small part of me wondered how her and Matteo would be together. But I wouldn’t change the outcome for anything.
That being said I’m hoping Matteo gets a story, he really deserves his happily ever after- and I wonder if it might be with Penny!
For this being the author’s second book I think she’s done a phenomenal job!
August 9, 2023
Well, don’t come knockin’ when the house is rockin’- at least that’s what I wanted to say to Matteo, Enzo’s son, several times throughout “Sinful Temptation.” But let’s back it up.
Eighteen-year-old Nina gets released from prison after being sent there by her father. She returns home to find her brother has arranged for her to marry Enzo’s son, Matteo. Matteo is quite the player and, like Nina, is approaching their arranged marriage as a business deal; however, Matteo would like the other benefits from it—the s3xüal ones. However, Nina has eyes for Enzo only, and the feeling is mutual despite Enzo being twenty-five years older.
Readers will experience quite a bit of conflicted feelings from Enzo and Matteo as both grow closer to Nina.
“Sinful Temptation” took a while for me to warm up to the characters. I was drawn to Matteo and liked how his character developed throughout the story. I did feel there were a few plot holes about Nina’s time in prison and her love for dancing. But overall, I enjoyed this age-gap forbidden romance.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
Eighteen-year-old Nina gets released from prison after being sent there by her father. She returns home to find her brother has arranged for her to marry Enzo’s son, Matteo. Matteo is quite the player and, like Nina, is approaching their arranged marriage as a business deal; however, Matteo would like the other benefits from it—the s3xüal ones. However, Nina has eyes for Enzo only, and the feeling is mutual despite Enzo being twenty-five years older.
Readers will experience quite a bit of conflicted feelings from Enzo and Matteo as both grow closer to Nina.
“Sinful Temptation” took a while for me to warm up to the characters. I was drawn to Matteo and liked how his character developed throughout the story. I did feel there were a few plot holes about Nina’s time in prison and her love for dancing. But overall, I enjoyed this age-gap forbidden romance.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
July 30, 2023
I am almost speechless after just now finishing Sinful Temptation.
I have not read this author before, but my gosh, I absolutely loved this story.
After spending the last two years locked up for a crime, her father committed. Nina is being released. Only to find her sadistic brother now runs the show, and he has arranged a marriage alliance with the Zanetti's.
She is to marry the younger Zanetti, Matteo. The more time she spends with Matteo, the less she wants to be around him. The older Zanetti Enzo is a different story altogether.
They are magnetic and drawn to each other. The chemistry and heat from those two breaks the scales.
Nina is a "Sinful Temptation" to Enzo in every way, and she has him breaking his barely there control.
This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat, and not once did I put it down today. Dangerous, angsty, sexy, steamy, and hot. Everything that is my jam.
I can't wait to read more from Poppy.
I have not read this author before, but my gosh, I absolutely loved this story.
After spending the last two years locked up for a crime, her father committed. Nina is being released. Only to find her sadistic brother now runs the show, and he has arranged a marriage alliance with the Zanetti's.
She is to marry the younger Zanetti, Matteo. The more time she spends with Matteo, the less she wants to be around him. The older Zanetti Enzo is a different story altogether.
They are magnetic and drawn to each other. The chemistry and heat from those two breaks the scales.
Nina is a "Sinful Temptation" to Enzo in every way, and she has him breaking his barely there control.
This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat, and not once did I put it down today. Dangerous, angsty, sexy, steamy, and hot. Everything that is my jam.
I can't wait to read more from Poppy.
August 11, 2023
This was a sinful delight. Nina has been suffering at the hands of her family for many years. It does not change after her Father passes away. Her brother has arranged for her to marry into another family. I will admit I liked Nina's chemistry with both Matteo and Enzo. Enzo just proved to want her just the way she was.
Nina brings Enzo back to life and allows him to enjoy things he once did. He is infatuated with her almost from the beginning. He is willing to put her needs above all else and no one has ever done that for her. Not even Matteo who she is engaged to.
As much as I enjoyed the story of Enzo and Nina, I think it was missing a little something. I would have loved to see how Enzo would have reacted had he known the depth of her family's betrayal of her. She never fully tells anyone about the hell she went through. Overall it is a fun, quick read, I enjoyed the mafia storyline. Enzo and Nina really do work and are perfect for each other.
Nina brings Enzo back to life and allows him to enjoy things he once did. He is infatuated with her almost from the beginning. He is willing to put her needs above all else and no one has ever done that for her. Not even Matteo who she is engaged to.
As much as I enjoyed the story of Enzo and Nina, I think it was missing a little something. I would have loved to see how Enzo would have reacted had he known the depth of her family's betrayal of her. She never fully tells anyone about the hell she went through. Overall it is a fun, quick read, I enjoyed the mafia storyline. Enzo and Nina really do work and are perfect for each other.
July 26, 2023
This was a surprisingly quick and fun read! The story makes for a good palate cleanser as it isn't that dark, and the plot isn't super heavy in terms of content material. The chemistry between Enzo and Nina was off the charts, but honestly? I started rooting for Matteo toward the end of the book. It would have made such a fun read with the betrayal aspect and some major JP/OTT character development...
Anyway, again, super fun read. There were times where I felt like there could have been a little more world-building or development, but it wasn't anything detrimental that took me out of the story. The climax at the end also was a little lackluster, but again, it still worked for me! A 4-star rating from me isn't given easily. Just look at my page, lol. And no, I'm not questioning my rating right now... Nope.
Nah.
Totally not.
Anyway, again, super fun read. There were times where I felt like there could have been a little more world-building or development, but it wasn't anything detrimental that took me out of the story. The climax at the end also was a little lackluster, but again, it still worked for me! A 4-star rating from me isn't given easily. Just look at my page, lol. And no, I'm not questioning my rating right now... Nope.
Nah.
Totally not.
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