Simple Pleasures

The Terlizzis #1.5

by Cora Kent

Love is found in the darkest of places. I met the love of my life at a funeral.
She was darkness surrounded by light.
And I knew from that moment on she was the only one for me.

Simple Pleasures takes place in the years before Wicked Desires, featuring the blossoming relationship between Saverio Castiglione and his dandelion, Lucia Terlizzi.

Note: Simple Pleasures sets the scene for Saverio and Lucia's relationship in Wicked Desires.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Novella, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks

31 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2024

About the author

Cora Kent fell for her first villain before she even knew what romance was. Ever since Scar was denied a happily ever after, she’s been on a mission to give all the dark, dangerous anti-heroes the endings they deserve. If the Big Bad Wolf had swept Little Red off her feet, it might have saved the fairy tale—so that's exactly what Cora does in her novels: grants her bad boys redemption through passion, power, and the women who can handle them.

When she’s not spinning tales of morally gray heroes and forbidden desires, you’ll find her snuggled up with her cat, sipping a margarita, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.

Reviews

[Grace Btrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as the prequel to Wicked Desires and it is the perfect set up.
That first meeting sets the tone for the depth of their connection and just gives the right amount of teasing about them to know what will come.

[Araya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- Short Story
- Mafia Romance
- Dark Romance
- Older Man, Younger Woman
- Breeding
- Arranged Marriage

‘Simple Pleasures’ is the prequel to ‘Wicked Desires’ and is not meant to be a full-length novel but is meant to be a short story showing the events preceding the start of ‘Wicked Desires’.
I have to say that this was the best prequel from this authors work so far in my personal opinion. I am 100% hooked and I can’t wait to read ‘Wicked Desires’.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the beginning kinda threw me off but now it makes sense as to why we saw them at those ages!

Lucia is fierce, very outspoken and has this fierceness to her.

Daddy Sav has me wanting to 🤸‍♀️
He’s finally come to collect his Dandelion and I’m so ready!

Can’t wait to read Wicked Desires

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a little prequel, but wow...

I absolutely LOVE the fierceness of Lucia! She may be young but she doesn't fear anyone or anything!

The words that come out of Saverios mouth *oh ... my*.. Everybody loves a confident Mafia man... with a filthy tongue!!

Every time I read a Cora Kent book, I'm floored by her addictive writing style, and I cannot get enough!!

I cannot wait to dive into Wicked Desires when it comes out this year, to read their full story!

[Sinfulbat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I devoured this straight away. I couldn’t put it down. I also read all the others as well. Love your writing.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming His Other Half -
All I can say at this time is WOW! This prequel not only set my expectations of what to expect in the rest of the series, but it left me thirsting for more. The novella was captivating and had me hooked from the first page. If you are looking for a new mafia romance series to sink your teeth into, then I suggest you start with this book, before grabbing‘Ruthless Sinner’ and ‘Wicked Desires’. I can promise you, it will be a worthwhile reading experience, that you will be happy to recommend to your friends.

I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucia has been promised to Saverio, but Lucia wants no part in it. They have a past because of Saverio’s business dealings with her father, but she’s evaded him at every turn doing everything in her power to make him not want her. Saverio is 12 years older, and he’s determined not to marry Lucia until she wants him and he’s going to make sure that happens.

This short prequel to Wicked Desires makes me very interested to read this next book. Mafia men always do it for me, and it’s looking like Saverio will be no exception! Can’t wait for Wicked Desires to come out!

Thank you to Cora Kent for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!

[Courtney Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a prequel/novella to Wicked Desires ( which comes out Dec 2024)

This is how Saverio & Lucia story begins. Wonderful characters, great world building.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teaser novella to get your mouth watering for more. I can not wait to read this series. Cora Kent has a way to keep making you want more. Please don't stop writing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[~☆Courtney☆~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I was 3 chapters in to Wicked Desires and I thought, hang on..what? so now that I've read this it will makes sense 🤭

a sexy and intriguing short read!

🥀age gap (12 years)
🥀arranged marriage
🥀mafia romance
🥀man obsessed

[belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I like Lucia Terilizzi; she’s different from the other Terlizzis.”

“You want to be another as badly as I want you to be my wife.”

“I’ve been having an affair with Saverio since the day I turned eighteen.”


This short prequel got me excited to read Wicked Desires! I love Saverio’s nickname for Lucia. This short story hooks you into reading the full length story about Lucia & Saverio’s relationship.



Thank you, Cora Kent for the ARC 🤍

[Pooj · Rating 4 out of 5]

now i want to read the actual book

[Destiny Cejka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 31 pages but it sets up the next book in the series very nicely. He will own the Mafia princess no matter what. Can't wait to see how their relationship pans out.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice quick read that leaves you wanting more of Saverio and Lucia's story. I can't wait to get more background on how their story. began. As well as how it will unfold as the story progresses.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple Pleasures sets the scene for Saverio and Lucia's relationship in Wicked Desires. It takes place 11 years before Wicked Desires.

[Chrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect intro into the next book in the series. Excited to get to know Lucia and Saverio

[nova 🕷️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I used to think death was the cruelest thing in life, but now I realize it is a merciful escape.”

a prequel to the novel based on saverio and lucia. starts their story off from when they were younger to give a little backstory. at first i was a little thrown for a loop and confused, but once i kept reading it made much more sense and wow wow wow so good.

“I have only ever wanted you. I don’t need a ceremony to enjoy you. I don’t need all of my family and friends around to get what I want from you.”

already obsessed with them/their characters. and don’t get me STARTED on the TENSIONNNNN. ugh yesss 😩 literally obsessed with how obsessed he is with her. so excited to read the rest of these books when i get to them.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in fact a simple pleasure. A prequel that was short and sweet but built the foundation for the love story to come between the FMC and MMC. I’m so ready to read the next book now!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good prequel to Wicked Desires. This gives some background of Saverio and Lucia. This prequel would make me read Wicked Desires, which is Saverio and Lucia's book in the Terlizzis series.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mafia romance prequel. I would recommend it and also read the next book. Spice was on point and so was the plot.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple Pleasures is a dark, emotionally charged prequel that gives us a tantalizing glimpse into the beginning of Saverio Castiglione and Lucia Terlizzi’s story. It's the perfect setup for what’s to come in Wicked Desires—and believe me, you'll want to dive into that one immediately after.

Their first meeting, when Lucia is 14 and Saverio is 26, is innocent, but even in that brief interaction, you can see Lucia's sass and Saverio's tenacious determination. A decade later, when they meet again, their relationship has turned into something far more intense.

Saverio is a man who doesn’t ask—he claims. He means to possess and own Lucia, and he makes no secret of it. Lucia, ever strong-willed and full of sass, tells him (and herself) she won’t give in to him. But come on—we all know how this is going to end. The push and pull between them is laced with tension, heat, and whispered promises—perfectly setting the stage for what’s to come in Wicked Desires.

We also learn why Saverio calls Lucia his "dandelion"—a small, touching detail that adds depth to their connection and softens the edges of his dark obsession.

Content Note: There are brief references to SIDS and miscarriage. These moments are not graphic, but emotionally weighty, and some readers may wish to be prepared.

If you love possessive heroes, fierce heroines, and mafia romance with bite, Simple Pleasures is a perfect taste of what’s to come. I devoured it—and then ran straight to Kindle Unlimited to get my hands on Wicked Desires.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lillian Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Tropes: Age gap, mafia, arranged marriage, sexual tension
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Format: ebook
Pages: 31
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
S/S: The Terlizzis
Check trigger warnings for any book
This is the prequel to Wicked Desires, Saverio and Lucia’s story. It gives us an insight on how their relationship really started. I know the story line depicts that Saverio is obsessed with Lucia, but it’s also giving soul mates/fated mates. Like the way it’s described when the author writes that there is some kind of pull from Lucia towards Saverio that he (Saverio) can’t quite make heads or tails of. I love the banter that this couple has. And the age gap is impressive. He could be her father at that age. Like a teen/young father. Anyway, def worth a read before going into Wicked Desires. I read this after Wicked, because I’m a little confused on the reading order.

« I can call you Dandelion, or I can call you my wife. Which is it? »

« I came for you Dandelion. »

« Saverio presses his forehead against mine and looks into my eyes. “I can l and I will if I have to, Dandelion. »

Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple Pleasure is the prequel to the upcoming second book in the new Terlizzi family series, titled Wicked Desires. It follows Saverio Castiglione, a major player in the mafia with which the Terlizzi family is entangled. Previously seen in Ruthless Sinner as a powerful and ruthless leader, Saverio is now planning his next move in the aftermath of the events in the previous book. His focus is on taking control of his betrothed, the youngest Terlizzi sibling Lucia, who is perceived as a kind soul with a yearning to fulfill her maternal instincts.

What we uncover in this prequel is the true story of Saverio and Lucia. Their connection dates back to their adolescence when they first encountered each other at Lucia’s baby brother’s funeral and became enamored. Ten and a half years later, their attraction remains strong, even as they find themselves amidst a frosty fallout between the Terlizzis and Castigliones.

“Our bodies fit together perfectly, like two halves of a puzzle that were meant to be united.”

It’s clear from the start that Wicked Desires is going to be FIRE. They are deeply in love, but Lucia is reluctant to give in to the attraction, while Saverio is determined to claim her heart and soul. I am eagerly looking forward to Wicked Desires, which is set to be released in December. The wait will definitely be worth it.

[Morgan Krips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a quick prequel to Wicked Desires and defiantly did its job in wanting me to want more.

Book starts out with an age gap, nothing happens and there is no mention of any inappropriate thoughts, just the MMC being intrigued and trying to assist her in her grief, as she just went thru a devastating loss. She is the typical teenager, snarky and moody and wants to be left alone.
Saverio, age 26 — Lucia, age 14

While assisting her with her grief he comes up with her beloved nickname of Dandelion.

Book then pops to the future.
Saverio, age 36 • Lucia, age 24

Where you think they are just meeting up again at another loss for Lucia and funeral setting, but you soon find out a deal was made for him to get his dandelion and everything he desires from her. Lucia is of course still less than impressed and gives him a run for his money. And then it ends…. Just edging us, but in the best way. I love a good mafia romance, and the enemies to lovers trope this left me on the edge of my seat wanting more!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tricia Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora Kent just keeps getting better and better! This prequel has me so excited to read the full-length book when it comes out in December.

This prequel puts a spotlight on the main characters -Saverio and Lucia - by pulling details important to their story from Kent's previous works and building on them to further develop their part in this interconnected world.

From the descriptions of the trees and weather to the way Lucia's dress is described in the field of dandelions to the tense moments shared by Saverio and Lucia , this prequel was beautifully written. It was detailed enough and flowed well enough that it felt less like reading and more like a movie was playing just for me.

While reading these prequels is not necessary, I do find that they provide background information that makes the main stories even more enjoyable.

I received an e-ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[MysticMadness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple Pleasures might just be my favorite prequel by Cora Kent yet! While it’s meant as a glimpse into what’s to come with Wicked Desires (set to release in December 2024), it offers much more than expected. The vibe feels quite different from the blurb, and I found myself pleasantly surprised by the direction this story took.

One of the standout aspects of this prequel is Saverio’s character. We get to see both his soft, vulnerable side and his harsher, more intense nature. That duality made him an intriguing character to follow, and I’m excited to see how he develops in Wicked Desires.

A word of caution: there are spoilers for both Ruthless Sinner and Dark Devotion, so if you haven’t read those yet, you might want to hold off on this prequel. Overall, though, this glimpse into the world of Wicked Desires has left me eager for more!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Simple Pleasures" by Cora Kent is an intriguing prequel to The Terlizzi Family series, offering a brief but captivating look at Saverio Castiglione and Lucia Terlizzi’s developing relationship. Though short, it leaves you wanting more, making the upcoming "Wicked Desires" and "Ruthless Sinner" highly anticipated.

Be aware of content warnings, as the story includes themes that may not suit all readers. The depiction of breeding kink is notable: Saverio knows Lucia wants a baby, even as she struggles with her feelings for him. Despite his frustration with Dante’s rejection of his sister, the broken engagement has opened the door for Saverio to pursue Lucia. This match feels promising, with Lucia poised to become a great queen.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

SIMPLE PLEASURES is a prequel short story in Cora Kent’s contemporary, adult TERLIZZI FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia series. SIMPLE PLEASURES introduces Saverio Castiglione, and Lucia Terlizzi.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Saverio and Lucia) SIMPLE PLEASURES reveals some of the background and introduction of our story line couple who met at the funeral for Lucia’s baby brother Gianluca. Lucia was only fourteen years old, and Saverio was twenty six. Ten years would pass before Lucia and Saverio would meet once again, this time at the funeral for Lucia’s father, wherein Saverio and Lucia’s hidden relationship is about to be revealed.

SIMPLE PLEASURES is a fast paced, quick read with a determined crime boss, and a stubborn heroine who gives as good as she gets. The premise is engaging; the characters are determined and defiant.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a prequel this works well. There’s enough intrigue and enough, ‘what the heck….?’ To make you want to read the following book.
Lucia as a 14 yr old seemed feisty and angry. As a 24 yr old she doesn’t seemed to have changed at all. And biggest shocker is that she’s been having an affair with the man she’s arranged to marry for 6 years, even though she doesn't may want to marry him.!!!
My mind is like….’what?’
Saverio’s character is a little harder to understand. It’s like he’s watching her squirm and fight the inevitable. Knowing she’s rebelling against the arrangement by apparently sleeping with others, yet toys with her like cat plays with a mouse.
The following book, Wicked Desires is on my list. Looking forward to unravelling and following this couple.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saverio 26 Lucia 14

This is a short story set before Wicked Desires. When Lucia was young her brother died of SIDS. They meet when Lucia is picking flowers to put on her brother’s grave. They have an sweet exchange.

Saverio 36 Lucia 24

Lucia was brokered to marry Saverio because he was mad that Dante threw his sister aside so he wanted to take Dante’s sister. Lucia doesn’t want to marry him.

It’s a little weird that he met her when she was 14 and then tried to marry her years later after sleeping with her on and off since she was 18 for revenge but Wicked Desires is a great book. I read that book first this doesn’t add much to that story but it is interesting to see where this all started in a different way.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.