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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.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
960 people are currently reading
4751 people want to read
About the author
Poppy St. John
4 books450 followersRomance Without Restraint
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 ♡
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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 221 reviews
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.
June 22, 2025
Forbidden age gap anyone? Daddy Enzo to the rescue when he finds out what Nina’s brother is into and threatened her with as well. I really enjoyed this whole series and these morally grey men!!
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.
January 16, 2024
I actually hated this book. Poor Matteo was a playboy, according to the author, but he was really putting in the work to make his soon to be marriage work, only to have his dad basically sabotage any chance he had. Matteo was already insecure, which I’m sure led to his playboy ways, since he didn’t feel wanted by anyone. He was proven correct when his fiancé he tried so hard to get to know and make happy ended up with daddy dearest. I so don’t recommend this book.
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
August 4, 2025
3.5⭐️Pretty alright- started and finished in one sitting so it definitely did keep my interest. However some of the smutty scenes were pretty rushed which was ehhhh. But I’m a sucker for a mafia book🥲
July 25, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
August 3, 2023
It was going well until the end... idk I just felt disappointed
November 6, 2024
Poderia ter sido melhor , mas foi bom 🔥 AGE GAP BABY
January 1, 2025
2.75⭐️
March 4, 2025
This series gets even better. This one is my favorite of the series.
May 9, 2025
Good book, just not for me.
September 16, 2025
I’m proud to say that I started reading this at 11:34pm on a Wednesday night and finished at 5:30am on that Thursday.
July 29, 2024
absolutely not
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.
Read
June 30, 2025As 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, 𝘤���𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 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, 𝘤���𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 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].”
April 15, 2025
𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙜𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙣.” 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣."
I really wanted to love this book — and to be fair, there were parts I absolutely did — but overall, I walked away feeling kind of disappointed. Sinful Temptation had such a strong premise and some really compelling characters, but it ended up feeling rushed and underdeveloped, like it was trying to squeeze too much into too few pages.
𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧.
Let’s start with what worked: the setup is so good. Nina gets released from prison only to find out she’s being forced into an arranged marriage with the son of the Italian mafia Don. She wants nothing to do with it, but her brother makes it clear—marry Matteo, or he’ll sell her into sex trafficking. So yeah, the stakes are very real.
Then comes Enzo, Matteo’s father. And from the moment he meets Nina? Game over. He’s stunned by her, totally drawn in, and immediately battling this intense internal war because she’s supposed to be with his son. Nina feels the same pull toward him, and that tension between them is one of the best parts of the book. It’s dark, forbidden, messy — basically everything I look for in a forbidden mafia romance.
Enzo is exactly the kind of morally gray, obsessive, touch-her-and-die antihero I love. And Nina had so much potential to be a standout heroine — strong, broken, determined, and layered. But here’s the thing: we never really get to know them. Their connection is obvious and intense, but it still felt a bit surface-level. I wanted more insight into their backgrounds, their motivations, their relationship as it developed. Instead, we get a lot of telling instead of showing, and everything starts moving way too fast.
The pacing was probably my biggest issue. The first half is all slow buildup (a little too slow, honestly), and then suddenly everything happens at once. One second Nina and Enzo are finally acting on their feelings, the next her brother’s entire empire is crumbling, he’s trying to kill Enzo, and they’re planning a wedding. It all wrapped up so quickly, it felt like we skipped a whole middle section of the story.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. I did. The tension was addictive, the drama was high, and Enzo had some truly swoon-worthy moments — especially when he went full protective mode. And if you like mafia romances with that intense, obsessive kind of love and a hint of forbidden taboo? This one definitely delivers that vibe.
I just really wish it had been longer — or even split into two books. There was so much potential here, especially with Nina and Enzo as characters, and I would’ve loved to see their relationship explored more deeply. Same goes for Matteo — who I didn’t care for at first, but by the end, I started to feel for him a little. And that little spark between him and Penelope? Yeah, I saw it. I’m hoping there’s a spinoff coming.
Overall, if you’re into fast-paced, forbidden mafia romance with danger, lust, and just a little bit of chaos, you’ll probably enjoy Sinful Temptation. Just go in knowing that it’s more of a quick, dramatic read than a deep character-driven one. I had a good time with it, but I definitely wanted more.
I really wanted to love this book — and to be fair, there were parts I absolutely did — but overall, I walked away feeling kind of disappointed. Sinful Temptation had such a strong premise and some really compelling characters, but it ended up feeling rushed and underdeveloped, like it was trying to squeeze too much into too few pages.
𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧.
Let’s start with what worked: the setup is so good. Nina gets released from prison only to find out she’s being forced into an arranged marriage with the son of the Italian mafia Don. She wants nothing to do with it, but her brother makes it clear—marry Matteo, or he’ll sell her into sex trafficking. So yeah, the stakes are very real.
Then comes Enzo, Matteo’s father. And from the moment he meets Nina? Game over. He’s stunned by her, totally drawn in, and immediately battling this intense internal war because she’s supposed to be with his son. Nina feels the same pull toward him, and that tension between them is one of the best parts of the book. It’s dark, forbidden, messy — basically everything I look for in a forbidden mafia romance.
Enzo is exactly the kind of morally gray, obsessive, touch-her-and-die antihero I love. And Nina had so much potential to be a standout heroine — strong, broken, determined, and layered. But here’s the thing: we never really get to know them. Their connection is obvious and intense, but it still felt a bit surface-level. I wanted more insight into their backgrounds, their motivations, their relationship as it developed. Instead, we get a lot of telling instead of showing, and everything starts moving way too fast.
The pacing was probably my biggest issue. The first half is all slow buildup (a little too slow, honestly), and then suddenly everything happens at once. One second Nina and Enzo are finally acting on their feelings, the next her brother’s entire empire is crumbling, he’s trying to kill Enzo, and they’re planning a wedding. It all wrapped up so quickly, it felt like we skipped a whole middle section of the story.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. I did. The tension was addictive, the drama was high, and Enzo had some truly swoon-worthy moments — especially when he went full protective mode. And if you like mafia romances with that intense, obsessive kind of love and a hint of forbidden taboo? This one definitely delivers that vibe.
I just really wish it had been longer — or even split into two books. There was so much potential here, especially with Nina and Enzo as characters, and I would’ve loved to see their relationship explored more deeply. Same goes for Matteo — who I didn’t care for at first, but by the end, I started to feel for him a little. And that little spark between him and Penelope? Yeah, I saw it. I’m hoping there’s a spinoff coming.
Overall, if you’re into fast-paced, forbidden mafia romance with danger, lust, and just a little bit of chaos, you’ll probably enjoy Sinful Temptation. Just go in knowing that it’s more of a quick, dramatic read than a deep character-driven one. I had a good time with it, but I definitely wanted more.
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 12, 2025
4.5 Stars
This book was exactly my type of read. This was book two in St. John’s Kings and Consorts series, and I really enjoyed this one. Even though I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I felt that it gave something completely different and it was the kind of story that I really feel myself getting lost in. This was a mafia, arranged marriage, forbidden relationship, age gap romance with a strong female main character and the grumbly, sexy, dominating head of an Italian mafia family. It isn’t often that we get a “mafia princess” that we first meet in prison because she crossed her father. It gave Nina a strength that made her the perfect strong-willed brat. Part of me felt a little bad for Mateo, but he also needed to learn to stop being such a jerk when it comes to women. He could have definitely learned from his father. Enzo is dominant and strong, but soft and loving when he needs to. The relationship between Enzo and Nina is something so strong and hot. The way it develops slowly with Enzo fighting his desires but doing a poor job of not giving in was absolutely perfect.
I listened to the audiobook of this and, in my opinion, the narrators, Eliza Nyx and Lucas Troy, did an even better job with this book than they did with the first one. One way you can really get a feel for a narrator’s skill is to listen to them portray two completely different characters. The characters in this book were not the same as those in the first book and, even though these books were narrated by the same people, they felt like completely different characters. Nyx did an excellent job of playing the strong yet sweet Nina and Troy has that deep voice with just a little gravel that is perfect for the older mafia don. The two together gave life to the characters and made this story pop.
This is the second book by St. John that I’ve read and I am really becoming a fan of the world she creates. This book had that perfect forbidden spicy relationship that was extraordinarily steamy and only added to how great this book was. It is a typical mafia romance plus more. It has lovable characters that have the right mix of dark and romance. It was a great read and my favorite so far.
This book was exactly my type of read. This was book two in St. John’s Kings and Consorts series, and I really enjoyed this one. Even though I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I felt that it gave something completely different and it was the kind of story that I really feel myself getting lost in. This was a mafia, arranged marriage, forbidden relationship, age gap romance with a strong female main character and the grumbly, sexy, dominating head of an Italian mafia family. It isn’t often that we get a “mafia princess” that we first meet in prison because she crossed her father. It gave Nina a strength that made her the perfect strong-willed brat. Part of me felt a little bad for Mateo, but he also needed to learn to stop being such a jerk when it comes to women. He could have definitely learned from his father. Enzo is dominant and strong, but soft and loving when he needs to. The relationship between Enzo and Nina is something so strong and hot. The way it develops slowly with Enzo fighting his desires but doing a poor job of not giving in was absolutely perfect.
I listened to the audiobook of this and, in my opinion, the narrators, Eliza Nyx and Lucas Troy, did an even better job with this book than they did with the first one. One way you can really get a feel for a narrator’s skill is to listen to them portray two completely different characters. The characters in this book were not the same as those in the first book and, even though these books were narrated by the same people, they felt like completely different characters. Nyx did an excellent job of playing the strong yet sweet Nina and Troy has that deep voice with just a little gravel that is perfect for the older mafia don. The two together gave life to the characters and made this story pop.
This is the second book by St. John that I’ve read and I am really becoming a fan of the world she creates. This book had that perfect forbidden spicy relationship that was extraordinarily steamy and only added to how great this book was. It is a typical mafia romance plus more. It has lovable characters that have the right mix of dark and romance. It was a great read and my favorite so far.
October 9, 2025
Sinful Temptation by Poppy St. John
⛓️💥Mafia
🖤Fiancé’s dad
⛓️💥Arranged marriage (to son)
🖤Forbidden
⛓️💥Age gap (BIG GAP)
🖤virgin FMC
🧔🏻♂️MMC: Enzo (45)
👩🏻FMC: Nina (20)
Secondary character: Mateo (21), Alexi (25)
I don’t mind age-gap romances but I have a limit. I had to seriously overlook how BIG the gap was within this story. That’s the only big issue I had. I received a code to listen to this story. I loved the duet narration. Lucas is definitely getting into the favorites list. He definitely knows how to bring an unhinged male to life.
Nina was in prison for a crime that she didn't do. Nina would rather stay in jail than be out in the world. She doesn’t want to be where her father is around. She didn't expect her brother to release her from jail and when he did; she finds out her had passed. She wasn't expecting much from her brother, but come to find out — he is probably worse than her father. He tells her that she has to get marry or else he would sell her to human traff*cking. Alexei is absolutely DISGUSTING! He sells women and it doesn’t bother him at all. He was literally going to sell her. Alexei wants to join alliances with the Italian mafia so she’s to be betrothed to the Italian heir.
The problem? She doesn’t want the son, she wants the much older father, and he wants her too. She’s in an arranged marriage agreement to Mateo, Enzo’s son. Enzo wants her instead. When Nina’s safety is put in danger, Enzo does the unthinkable - and breaks the deal off with Alexei but keeps Nina in his house with him for protection. I wish she woulda stuck with Mateo 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ only because the age was more appropriate. I truthfully felt really bad for Mateo. He was REALLY trying with her. Trying to win her over and she was making it SO HARD on him (all because she wanted his dad). Mateo took her out. Bought flowers. Tried talking to her and she was constantly rejecting him. He was actually falling for her. Mateo even walked in on them in the bathroom. He fought with his dad over her. I just can’t believe it.
—Mateo needs his own book for a HEA. He deserved better than her. She was way too into his father from the beginning. Bring on a Mateo story!
⛓️💥Mafia
🖤Fiancé’s dad
⛓️💥Arranged marriage (to son)
🖤Forbidden
⛓️💥Age gap (BIG GAP)
🖤virgin FMC
🧔🏻♂️MMC: Enzo (45)
👩🏻FMC: Nina (20)
Secondary character: Mateo (21), Alexi (25)
I don’t mind age-gap romances but I have a limit. I had to seriously overlook how BIG the gap was within this story. That’s the only big issue I had. I received a code to listen to this story. I loved the duet narration. Lucas is definitely getting into the favorites list. He definitely knows how to bring an unhinged male to life.
Nina was in prison for a crime that she didn't do. Nina would rather stay in jail than be out in the world. She doesn’t want to be where her father is around. She didn't expect her brother to release her from jail and when he did; she finds out her had passed. She wasn't expecting much from her brother, but come to find out — he is probably worse than her father. He tells her that she has to get marry or else he would sell her to human traff*cking. Alexei is absolutely DISGUSTING! He sells women and it doesn’t bother him at all. He was literally going to sell her. Alexei wants to join alliances with the Italian mafia so she’s to be betrothed to the Italian heir.
The problem? She doesn’t want the son, she wants the much older father, and he wants her too. She’s in an arranged marriage agreement to Mateo, Enzo’s son. Enzo wants her instead. When Nina’s safety is put in danger, Enzo does the unthinkable - and breaks the deal off with Alexei but keeps Nina in his house with him for protection. I wish she woulda stuck with Mateo 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ only because the age was more appropriate. I truthfully felt really bad for Mateo. He was REALLY trying with her. Trying to win her over and she was making it SO HARD on him (all because she wanted his dad). Mateo took her out. Bought flowers. Tried talking to her and she was constantly rejecting him. He was actually falling for her. Mateo even walked in on them in the bathroom. He fought with his dad over her. I just can’t believe it.
—Mateo needs his own book for a HEA. He deserved better than her. She was way too into his father from the beginning. Bring on a Mateo story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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