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Tempting Love #2

Deadliest Desire

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Matteo

Daniella is my best friend’s younger sister—sweet, innocent Little Russo—and the one woman I should stay away from.
But when she unknowingly marries a man who’s out to destroy her family, she lands herself in danger she can’t escape, and I’m the only one who can protect her.
My first mistake? Insisting she move in with me.
Because the more time I spend with Daniella, the more the light threatens to break through my darkness, making me want things I’ve rejected for most of my life.
I should reject her too. Keep her away from me as much as from him.
That’s the problem with our arrangement though …
Her husband is bad.
Me? I’m worse.
I’m rough, ruthless, and nothing close to what she deserves. I can’t give her the white picket fence she desires.
But she doesn’t see the blood on my hands, or that I’m not husband or father material.
All she sees is the man who’ll burn down the world to save her.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2026

131 people are currently reading
642 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Ash

75 books4,262 followers
Nikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. - Pam Allyn

While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!

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5 stars
179 (51%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
814 reviews23 followers
January 9, 2026
This is the second book in the Tempting Love series, and I do recommend starting with Sweetest Sin to fully understand the world and the dynamics between the families. It will also left me wanting Matteo’s story.

This book had everything I love: romance, danger, sweetness, family loyalty, heart, an age gap, forced proximity, and very strong “touch her and die” energy.

Daniella has spent her life away from her family for her own protection, only to find herself married to a man who isn’t who she thought he was. When things escalate, Matteo, her brother’s best friend, steps in. I absolutely loved the way their relationship develops. What starts as a few check-ins and a frienship built on loyalty slowly turns into so much more.

Matteo and Daniella’s chemistry was undeniable. Watching the notorious playboy fall, and fall hard, had me swooning. Their relationship was about more than protection and danger, it was a story of growth, healing, and a deep, genuine connection.

This book is packed with intense emotions, trauma, betrayals, danger, and morally gray characters. I felt everything. There were moments that made me gasp, moments that banter that me laugh, and reveals that made me angry. The twists and reveals kept me turning the pages because I had to know what happened next.

This is a dark romance, so be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in.

There is a HEA, but the book ends on a small cliffhanger setting up the next book.
Profile Image for Karla Soto.
262 reviews9 followers
December 31, 2025
✨ARC Review✨

Deadliest Desire is the second installment in the Tempting Love series. Although it features two distinct characters and perspectives, it is best appreciated after reading Sweetest Sin. I found this book captivating, particularly the chemistry between Matteo and Daniella. It was intriguing to see how, despite Daniella originally mean to marry Dominique, she ultimately ended with Matteo. The tension surrounding their families and the unfolding events kept me on the edge of my seat, and I eagerly anticipate what comes next.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,042 reviews23 followers
January 8, 2026
This one was a rough one to read at times. Make sure you read the triggers!!

Dani has been away for a little big time and when she comes home it’s with someone in tow. One thing leads to another and secrets come to light that are trying to destroy their family.

You’re a fighter, Little Russo.

Matteo has not had an easy life. He has had his own struggles since childhood. She brings out the best in him.

This romance is filled with lots of suspense to keep you on your toes.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,681 reviews966 followers
January 9, 2026
How does Nikki Ash make write a dark and traumatic love story that is so swoony?! After the first book in this series I was desperate for Dani and Matteo's story. And it packed all the feelings.

Who knew Matteo would make me swoon even more than his brother? Matteo is somehow both softer and more devastatingly delicious, and the way he shows up for Daniella makes it impossible not to fall for him. He takes care of her in every way that matters, with patience, protection, and a quiet attentiveness that extends far beyond physical desire. From the moment he steps in when she needs him most, Matteo proves himself to be someone you can trust with your heart.

Daniella is such a devastatingly beautiful heroine. She has endured more than her fair share of trauma, yet she refuses to let it break her spirit. Her strength feels real and hard earned, and watching her navigate everything that is thrown at her made me admire her deeply. I loved her chemistry with Matteo. Nikki always excels at the quiet, meaningful moments, and here they are what really grab the heart. Like Dani teaching Matteo to read. The consistent acts of care Matteo does for Dani with patience and understanding. What begins as a connection rooted in loyalty and protection slowly transforms into something deeper and more intimate. Their relationship is not just about attraction or survival, but about healing, growth, and finding safety in each other. Matteo allows himself to be vulnerable, even when it terrifies him, and Dani becomes his safe place just as much as he is hers. There is a mutual acceptance and unconditional love they have... they see each other beyond their traumas or baggage.

This story is not a light read so please check the content warnings. It deals with dark themes, trauma, and morally gray characters. That said, it is completely gripping. The plot pulls you in immediately and never lets go, unfolding through danger, betrayal, emotional revelations, and high stakes tension that kept me turning pages.

This couple stole my heart just as thoroughly as the first, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here.
Profile Image for Sam.
423 reviews63 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
5 ⭐️/2.5 🌶️

After finishing Sweetest Sin, this was not at all what I expected for Matteo, and honestly, that’s what made it so powerful. This book is packed with everything: raw emotions, angst, trauma, healing… you name it, it’s in here.🙌🏼

I don’t want to spoil a single thing because this is one of those stories you need to experience for yourself, but I will say this, Matteo is nothing like what you think he’ll be. And Dani? She has my whole heart clenched tightly in her fist. I loved her so much 🥹

One of my favorite parts was how certain heavy topics were handled with care and depth without ever overshadowing our main characters or the plot. Everything felt balanced, intentional, and deeply emotional.

I’m still thinking about this book, a week later after I have read it and I cannot wait for the next one!

Trope: dark romance. age-gap
Profile Image for Read By Cassie.
446 reviews11 followers
January 8, 2026
Fave!

I am and always have been a sucker for any and all of Nikki Ash’s books. Her stories are absolutely amazing and this one did not disappoint.

I loved the dynamic between Matteo and Daniella. Both of their stories were emotional and I love how he came back into her life at the right time. His protectiveness of her was everything I need in a book boyfriend and just seeing how devoted he was to her, no matter what, made me love him even more.

I absolutely love this series and this world, and cannot wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Brianna Price.
197 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2026
I DEVOURED THIS

Matteo is a notorious playboy and bachelor. He doesn’t date or have the desire to until Danielle becomes someone he wants to protect and can’t live without.

Daniella has been sent away most of her life so her family can keep her safe but after she graduates she gets married to a man who isn’t what she thought he was. Turns out that man only married her so he can have half of Daniella’s brother (Lorenzo) company.

I absolutely loved these two. They had me swooning and kicking my feet. I also loved their no nonsense approach to a new relationship.
The chemistry between them was HOT.
I was absolutely giggling at the end of the book! I can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Liz Luther.
26 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 31, 2025
Matteo and Daniella are in my top 10 favorite couples.

Opposites attract at it's finest with Matteo and Daniella. Both have been put through some of life's hardest challenges. They are perfect for each other.

I cannot wait for Bri's story and to find out who is after them.
Profile Image for Stacie Stroup.
563 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2025
Holy smokes! This book is fire. Matteo is fierce in everything he does. When him and Dani finally get together it’s amazing. This book has it all..spice,fun,love and all the feels. Pick this book up and become immersed in this fantastic book world..you won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,079 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
Deadliest Desire is the second book in the Tempting Love Series and is Daniella and Matteo's story.

As is usual with anything Nikki Ash writes I was pulled right into this book from the very first page.
There is a spark between Daniella and Matteo but thats all it can be, that is until Daniella, her brother and Matteo all find themselves in danger.

Although this book could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading Sweetest Sin first to get the full effect of the story.
Profile Image for Christina.
602 reviews12 followers
December 20, 2025
Another banger from Nikki Ash! I love this mafia series! Matteo is a playboy and Daniella is his best friend’s little sister until he sees her for the first time in years at her parent’s funeral and things change. Matteo tries to resist Dani but that literally never works with the mafia men. Dani is put in danger and ends up living with Matteo for protection. Things go downhill from there as it usually does with mafia romances but Matteo and Dani fall in love. I loved their story and how she was there for Matteo and was his safe place. Matteo was vulnerable often in this book even though he tried to hide it. He is dyslexic and that really messed him up especially when his dad treated him like garbage. Dani helps him with it and learning to read. It was so heartwarming to see! Loved them and can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Samantha  J Saunders.
31 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 23, 2025
Urgh, she did it again. I was hooked from the first page and read it in a day. I thought i loved Dominick and Peyton but I have a soft spot for Matteo. hes such a beautiful soul who deserved the HEA he was destined for. already looking forward to book 3 after that ending. Hats off to the incredible Nikki. another book which absolutely exceeded all expectations.
1,889 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
Another amazing story by an author who never disappoints! Matteo and Daniella have the forbidden best friends little sister romance and there are so many twists and turns you never know what happens next.
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,483 reviews152 followers
January 8, 2026
I received Deadliest Desire in return for an honest review from the author. 

First off can we address how stunning this edition!! I'm a tad bit obsessed with this series covers they are gorgeous each one is better than the next. I can't wait to see the next cover. This is Matteo and Daniella's story and it's perfect. I loved Dani right from the start she just a sweetheart and so relatable and when she made a healthy chocolate cake she I was sold. I love the sweet romance between them it's adorable. He's obsessed with her in a good way and I'm here for it all. 

She not perfect she does like a pumpkin spice latte in the summer but she did redeem herself with a muffin. I loved when she figured out how to help Matteo with his dyslexia and he was reading her the Giver. I loved everything about these two they complement each other so perfectly. I loved Peyton and Dominick from the first one but they two might have pushed them out of my favorite top spot. 

I devoured this one in just one reading session I was hooked right from page one ready to dive into Matteo's story as we met him in the prior story. It was perfect a captivating story with just the right amount of spice and just enough action to keep you on your toes. I am addicted to Nikki Ash's storytelling because each one is beautiful created with characters to fall in love with. I loved every moment of Deadliest Desires and my only complaint is I never want it to end. She's done such a wonderful job creating a world I want to live in. Highly recommend starting with the first one because they are interconnected but I love them one of my favorite billionaire romance but honestly I love all her books. She's an auto-buy author for me. Eek can’t wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Donna reads Romance.
1,047 reviews42 followers
January 9, 2026
Exceptionally Addictive!!!

A pulse-pounding pure adrenaline rush!!
This best friend sister, dark romance is raw, intense and emotionally gripping, anchored by a morally grey fighter, who is as dangerous as he is protective.
Hardened by violence Matteo carries his brokenness like an armour until Daniella becomes the one temptation he can’t outrun.
Daniella has gotten caught up into a web of revenge and with help from Matteo she finds much needed protection from the dangers surrounding her and her brother. Mateo‘s internal battle between loyalty and desire adds a constant pulse pounding edge of tension that makes every interaction between him and Daniella so very captivating and interesting.
The undeniable attraction and chemistry between these two characters is intense and when Matteo finally gives into his forbidden need for Daniella that’s when his dirty thoughts take action and Daniella discovers what it is like to be absolutely worshipped by this tatted dangerous bad boy.
This romance thrives on restraint and longing! What truly stood out for me in this story is the emotional depth beneath the grit and intensity, lies a vulnerable exploration of healing and self worth.
Both of these characters struggle with personal issues and the way they work through them together is simply breathtaking.
Gritty, seductive and irresistibly angsty, this story is perfect for readers who crave protective antiheroes, forbidden love and a dark romance that hits hard in both heart and heat.
I was completely and thoroughly delighted and greatly impressed with Matteo and Daniella’s entertaining and remarkable story.
857 reviews10 followers
January 9, 2026
Matteo and Dani forever!

“I’ve realized that it’s not love I want. It’s you.

Matteo grew up in the darkness, with all the things his family’s involved in. But when his best friend’s younger needed help to get away from the dangerous man she married he didn’t hesitate to help her out. And now she’s in his space and it’s getting harder and harder to ignore his attraction to her. Not only is she off limits being his best friend’s sister, she also deserves more than he can give her. But the heart wants what it wants and it doesn’t help that every time he’s around Daniella, his darkness seem to get lighter, Matteo can only stay for so long until he finally gives in to his desires.

Matteo might not think he’s husband or father material but he’s so wrong! The way he loves with all his heart is one of the reasons he’ll be a good husband and/or father. He’ll do anything for the people he loves and that’s all Daniella wants.
Daniella is a fighter and a survivor and one strong ass person!

The chemistry between these two is off the charts! But their connection is more than that, the way Daniella was so patient with Matteo after she found out a secret he’s been keeping.
Heartfelt moments and some heart racing ones, this forbidden, brother’s best friend, dark romance is a book I couldn’t put down!
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
741 reviews50 followers
January 6, 2026
This author never disappoints and each time I see her releasing a new book or I know she’s releasing a new book soon I get so excited and the anticipation builds! Sometimes I even worry I build the anticipation of a book to heights that maybe I might be disappointed but this author always rises to the challenge that is my need of the emotional roller coaster that is in her books!

Matteo is not at all what I thought he would be from the previous book. I love that about this character and the crazy amount of internal growth he has throughout this book was emotional. Not only did things happen I never anticipated but he reacted in ways I thought would never happen. My love for this man grew and not only because he reminded me of my husband but because of the true man I feel like we all needed from this story.

Not only did Matteo remind me of my husband but Daniella reminded me a little of myself. The way she felt about herself spoke to my soul. The way Matteo reacted to her spoke to so many aspects of my own marriage. Daniella has incredible growth from the sheltered little girl to the inspiring woman she turns out to become.

I am so honored to have an actual copy of this book because it’s been an amazing read and one I will most definitely be rereading soon! I can’t wait for the next one in this series but I am sure this one is my favorite!!
Profile Image for Sarah (eat_sleep_read21).
317 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 8, 2026
Deadliest Desire by Nikki Ash was phenomenal! I am relatively new to the Nikki-verse, and I began with Sweetest Sin, the first book in the series. I read and reviewed Sweetest Sin, and when I realized who the author was, I discovered that Nikki had followed me. That was so exciting, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Matteo's book. I was not disappointed. Matteo and Dani were precisely what I needed, and Nikki's was what I needed, too. I am now on a mission to read all of the Nikki books I want, and we're off to a good start. I'm already three books in, and I can't wait to read my next.

Matteo was the absolute sweetest! I knew he was a jokester and would deflect his feelings when I met him in Sweetest Sin, but I didn't know the why behind it, and I'm so glad that I do now. Matteo was someone I could identify with because someone very, very close to me also struggles with the issues that Matteo does, and I've been the advocate for that close person for many years because of it. It's not easy out there, and Matteo certainly struggled, but Dani saw the good and saved him. He saved her, too, though. Dani was excellent and so strong. I don't know how she managed to do any of it, but she was consistent, patient, and good. She was everything Matteo needed. I can't wait for all of you to meet them! Congratulations on your newest release, Nikki!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
January 8, 2026
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Matteo and Daniella’s story.
Dani is Matteo’s best friends’ younger sister, and she has been sheltered by her family her whole life, but when she finds herself in a situation which places her in danger, Matteo is the one who steps up to protect her.
This is a well written action packed, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, tension, angst, danger, suspense, intrigue, mystery, forced proximity, an age gap, determination, trust, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, small town dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mandy Robitaille .
2,157 reviews19 followers
January 9, 2026
Let me just say, if Nikki Ash writes it, I’m reading it, devouring it, and loving every second. Just when I think she can’t top her last book, she constantly proves me wrong.

Second in this series, Deadliest Desire was so good. Dani and Matteo definitely took me on an emotional ride. This had some dark and angsty moments, along with plenty of sweet and spicy ones, and I just ate it up. These two were just perfect for each other (though they definitely didn't have smooth sailing). Their chemistry was absolutely delicious and I just especially loved how Matteo was with Dani- she deserves all the love in the world and he is so determined to give it to her.

I love this one and I cannot wait for the next in this series! I can tell it's going to be so good!
Profile Image for Tiffany Sturms.
220 reviews
January 8, 2026
I literally devour any book Nikki Ash writes. Her writing style is amazing, it sucks you into the story and you get emotional connections with the characters very early on. I loved the first book in this series but I think the second one blew it out of the water! I could not put this book down and read it every free minute I could get. Dani and Matteo’s chemistry is amazing and spicy too! If you love mob style books, spice, and a little bit of danger, this is the book for you. I can’t say enough about this book… it’s just that good!
Profile Image for Jasmine | Filthylittlereader.
1,437 reviews77 followers
January 16, 2026
4.5 ✨

Nikki did like always, completely captivated me from the very beginning. I loved watching self declared forever bachelor Matteo fall. It’s always the biggest playboys that fall the hardest. He fought it with all his might but Daniella made it near impossible without even trying. He was the sweetest man in love. Daniella really came into her own, her confidence and self love soared and I loved that.

And the twists, the anxiousness with what is to come had me on the sweetest edge.

These two were straight up delicious! And the way Nikki kept me on my toes. One minute I thought everything was settled and boom axis tilted! I also love the way she has weaved in this riveting subplot that’s flowing throughout the series. So freaking good. I cannot waaaait to see what’s in store for Brielle!!
Profile Image for Camis.little.library .
443 reviews20 followers
January 7, 2026
4.5 stars! Tension, drama, off the charts hotness, mafia? YES PLEASE!

-Age gap
-Plus size heroine
-Forced Proximity
-Brother’s best friend
-Dark romance
-Dual POV
-Spice
-Check TW’s

Book 2 in the tempting love series, you don’t HAVE to read book 1 but I HIGHLY recommend you do!

I loved Mateo and Daniella! Mateo was so possessive, strong, and a grump- and I was here for it!

Fast paced, spice, drama, some twists and surprises- I ate it up and left no crumbs!

Highly recommend for any dark or mafia romance lovers!
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,988 reviews91 followers
January 9, 2026
Quickie Review: Oh my word. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I seriously mean it. The. Entire. Time. Twist after twist, turn after turn. Ash kept us guessing and wondering who, what and why. I absolutely loved it. I loved the not knowing, and in the end still left with a few questions. And the romance was beautifully written. This book was everything and knowing there is still more to come, I am not sure I can wait!! 5 Stars.
Profile Image for The Love Librarian.
730 reviews1,367 followers
January 13, 2026
3.5 stars - I HIGHLY recommended reading Sweetest Sin before reading Deadliest Desire. There's an underlying mystery throughout this series that is introduced in the first book.

Deadliest Desire is a brother's best friend romance between Matteo and Daniella. These two have known each other since they were young. However, recent events bring these two together when Daniella finds herself in the middle of a traumatic situation in which her only source of comfort turned out to be Matteo.

I enjoyed seeing the mystery develop with the organized crime/mafia plot. I still have no clue who did what so that's intriguing to keep trying to figure out. However, I was not moved by their romance or chemistry as a couple. It was not developed enough for me, even with them getting to know each other a bit more while she was kidnapped. Once they became roommates, it was a matter of convenience that they suddenly found each other attractive and ultimately became a couple (after working their way through some issues). I found myself glazing over the intimate scenes since I wasn't invested in them as a couple.

Overall, I'm ready to see where the mystery goes in the next book!
Profile Image for Nikki Ash.
Author 75 books4,262 followers
Read
January 3, 2026
Deadliest Desire: a brother’s best friend, age gap, forced proximity, dark romance is coming January 8th!

Please note: Deadliest Desire is not a mafia romance. The book is a dark romance because of its content. Since dark romance can mean different things to different readers, please check the detailed content warnings on my website. Your mental health matters.

Matteo
Daniella is my best friend’s younger sister—sweet, innocent Little Russo—and the one woman I should stay away from.
But when she unknowingly marries a man who’s out to destroy her family, she lands herself in danger she can’t escape, and I’m the only one who can protect her. 
My first mistake? Insisting she move in with me.
Because the more time I spend with Daniella, the more the light threatens to break through my darkness, making me want things I’ve rejected for most of my life.
I should reject her too. Keep her away from me as much as from him. 
That’s the problem with our arrangement though …
Her husband is bad.
Me? I’m worse.
I’m rough, ruthless, and nothing close to what she deserves. I can’t give her the white picket fence she desires. 
But she doesn’t see the blood on my hands, or that I’m not husband or father material. 
All she sees is the man who’ll burn down the world to save her.

Readers: You can preorder the ebook AND paperback! And the audiobook will be available on release day!

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5QWXWKJ
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963654749

Even though Deadliest Desire can be read as a standalone, while you’re waiting, you can check out Sweetest Sin: a secret baby, dark romance on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and audio!

One click: https://authornikkiash.com/books/#tem...

You can also grab a signed copy of Sweetest Sin—including the limited special edition—on my website as well as preorder the limited special edition of Deadliest Desire!

Shop signed paperbacks: https://authornikkiash.com/shop/

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Like real life, the characters are far from perfect, make morally gray decisions, and deal with subjects that may be sensitive for some readers. If you are looking for a safe romance, this series is not for you. Content warnings, which contain spoilers, can be found on my website: https://authornikkiash.com/content-wa...
Profile Image for B Mead Read.
6 reviews
January 12, 2026
🌶️ 3.5
Tags: age gap, brothers best friend, morally grey, mafia fuck it moment, pierced MMC, plus sized FMC,

This was a complicated read for me—one where the emotional journey was largely engaging, but the final destination just didn’t work for my personal taste.

Up front, the pacing felt a little wonky, especially as Daniella’s life completely implodes. She’s put through absolute hell and made to pay for transgressions she did not commit, which made it hard not to immediately feel for her. After her parents’ deaths shortly before she graduates college, she’s rushed into a marriage in the interim, and that emotional whiplash sets the tone for much of the story.

Daniella is a pseudo mafia princess who has spent most of her life sent away to boarding school for her own safety, and that deep-rooted loneliness is palpable. You can feel how badly she wants a sense of belonging. Her body image struggles were very real and very relatable, and I appreciated seeing a plus-sized FMC whose insecurities weren’t magically erased overnight.

Matteo—best friend to Daniella’s brother and thirteen years her senior—is very much a guard-dog hero. He sticks by the people who matter to him, and once Daniella is in his orbit, his loyalty is unshakeable. He’s pierced, an underground fighter, commitment-phobic, and dyslexic, and the shame he carries from his childhood—particularly from his father—is genuinely heartbreaking. His growth over the course of the book was remarkable. By the end, there’s no doubt that his love for Daniella is deep, fierce, and unbreakable. He makes her feel like a goddess, which I absolutely loved.

That said, I struggled with some choices along the way. I was especially frustrated that Matteo didn’t truly acknowledge how isolating it was for Daniella to be stuck alone in the apartment all day while he avoided her due to his own issues. I understand why it was necessary for the plot, but a little self-awareness on his part would have gone a long way.

There’s a definite “fuck it” moment, and while I wouldn’t call this instalove, Matteo does an about-face that left me uneasy. I like instalove, but here it felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop—especially once the “I love yous” started flying. That nervousness turned out to be justified.

Daniella’s strength deserves its own mention. She went through hell, and it never broke her. She didn’t dwell, didn’t wallow—and for a 22-year-old character, that kind of resilience is something else. I do wish I had more concrete data points about her personality beyond her trauma and endurance, though.

Unfortunately, this book ended with one of my least favorite tropes. While I’d say about 85% of the story was emotionally engaging and genuinely well done, the ending felt unfair—even if everyone made the best of it. Because of that, this ultimately wasn’t a book I’d recommend, though that doesn’t mean it wasn’t written well.

I intentionally avoided the trigger warnings because they were labeled as spoilers, and I’m generally very open—but I do think the SA trigger should have been included upfront. The specific trigger I missed would have been a spoiler regardless, but I still wish I’d known going in.

An emotional, well-crafted journey—just not one that landed where I wanted it to.
Profile Image for Bette.
3,309 reviews23 followers
January 14, 2026
More Tempting Love Greatness! Excellent Story & Listen🎧

Deadliest Desire
Tempting Love, Book 2
By: Nikki Ash
Narrated by: Gideon Frost, Mia Tucker

After listening to and loving “Sweetest Sin,” the first book in Nikki Ash’s “Tempting Love” series, I was looking forward to “Deadliest Desire”, Mateo and Daniella’s story. An age gap, brother’s best friend dark romance that grabs your attention right from the start and holds it hostage the entire time. Daniella’s parents and brother kept her out of the public eye and family business for her own safety, but now that her parents are gone, she is going to join her brother and work by his side. Following college graduation, she met someone, got caught up in the relationship and married quickly, which turned out to be a huge mistake. The man she married was not who he said he was and turned out to be her and her family’s nightmare. Mateo, a fighter in the ring, and someone not to be messed with, is friends with Daniella’s older brother, Lorenzo, and he helps his friend to get out of the trouble he is in and to rescue Daniella from the evil and cunning man she married. Once he gets her to safety, he keeps her under his protection, and the chemistry between these two is smoking hot, but she was off limits and too young for him. It was great to watch Mateo crumble for her, and stop fighting what there was between them. I thought they were perfect for each other and together, they got each other. I loved how he opened up to her about his downfalls, how protective he was of her, also loved how understanding, accepting and helpful she was to him. This cleverly crafted, multilayered story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, action, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Nikki Ash, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Gideon Frost and Mia Tucker were fantastic with voicing these characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Tucker was a natural in Daniella’s role, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her insecurities to her fierceness and all in between. Frost was just as amazing in Mateo’s role, showcasing his personality perfectly, nailing it from his caring and protective side to his take no names alpha side and all in between. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. These two make a great team, with voices that complement each other and a captivating performance that rivets you to the story.
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1,026 reviews98 followers
December 30, 2025
Oh Matteo and Dani - these two really do go through it and many times I just wanted to jump between the pages and hug them both🥹

Let’s start with Matteo, since he was young he would always have to put on a front or a mask so to speak. He struggled with his school work and the reason for this he was diagnosed with dyslexia but instead of receiving the help he needed his father refused to acknowledge and blamed it on behavioural issues. But Matteo received the helped he needed from his teachers brother Lucien - like his sister he saw that Matteo needed an outlet and he became the father figure and support that Matteo needed.

As we fast forward to the present we see that Matteo is an eternal bachelor kind of guy and this stems from many reasons, the obvious being he saw his parents unhappy marriage and also the world he belonged to was dangerous and he did not want to have a weakness. He believed that the love of his brother, sister, sister in law and nephews was enough and this broke my heart😭

Now Dani, she is a smart independent woman. Dani and her brother grew up along side Matteo and his family. She has her family’s full support to join the company once she’s completed her studies. But tragedy strikes and she loses her parents and while she has her brother she feels quite lonely and is just trying to survive each and every day. When a mysterious stranger sweeps her off her feet she doesn’t question it but this soon has serious consequences. The man she married turned out to have an agenda and this was to destroy her family and also Matteos from the inside out.

When Dani needs help Matteo stops at nothing to ensure she is safe and cared for and this resulted in Dani staying with Matteo until everything was fine once again. In a close proximity with one another feelings blossomed until they couldn’t be denied.

We see Matteo struggle quite a bit as it is obvious that he cares for Dani much more than he has ever cared for another person but he doesn’t want to expose her to the dangers of his world. Well to late for that since Dani was born into this world and she helps Matteo not only over come this but also helps him with his difficulties surrounding his dyslexia which is a secret he kept very close to his chest till now.

This couple faces a lot of challenges but they overcome it together and it was quite beautiful to see their development from start to finish.

I am so looking forward to the next book in this series in the near future. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thought 💭
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