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Sweetest Temptation
When the cake boss meets the tequila king… Frosting isn’t the only thing getting whipped.
Zanova Pierce got sugar, spice, and a mouth made for sin. She builds desire the way she bakes, slow, intentional, and dangerously sweet. Fresh out of a divorce, she’s focused on her business, not her broken heart.
Then there’s Samir Carter, smooth, intoxicating, and straight fire when he turns up the heat. The tequila king knows his way around temptation, but he’s got his own scars, and love ain’t something he pours easily.
She bakes temptation. He serves it straight.
And when their worlds collide, sparks fly, and boundaries melt faster than butter on a hot plate.
But under all that heat, both Zanova and Samir are still healing from the ones who swore they’d never hurt them. The question is, can they trust again? Or will this just be one sweet, sinful taste of what could’ve been?
Zanova Pierce got sugar, spice, and a mouth made for sin. She builds desire the way she bakes, slow, intentional, and dangerously sweet. Fresh out of a divorce, she’s focused on her business, not her broken heart.
Then there’s Samir Carter, smooth, intoxicating, and straight fire when he turns up the heat. The tequila king knows his way around temptation, but he’s got his own scars, and love ain’t something he pours easily.
She bakes temptation. He serves it straight.
And when their worlds collide, sparks fly, and boundaries melt faster than butter on a hot plate.
But under all that heat, both Zanova and Samir are still healing from the ones who swore they’d never hurt them. The question is, can they trust again? Or will this just be one sweet, sinful taste of what could’ve been?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
109 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 25, 2025
Goals!
Melanie told me that if I loved Ghost, wait til I met Samir. She was so on point. This man saw, then fought to conquer who he knew was the perfect love for him. Zanova had fresh hurt from 10 years of loving the wrong person. A person who couldn’t make her his everything or enough. Happenstance and right place at the right time introduced strangers where good cakes and good drink together created the Sweetest Temptation. Two people deserving the right love from the right person, fulfilled longing dreams and proof of never too late. But did I say these have got to be the freakiest people Melanie has created. This man greedy as ever, literally. Now Nova’s appetite for her sweet tooth is just as bad. Lordt! Now, my guy Ryan just like his homie and Nyala’s wild self is next up with the baby shower! I’m loving it! There were so many twists that I had all sorts of conclusions and was so wrong. Every time i thought this was that, it wasn't! Enemies were handled and all is well. I’m happy with all the outcomes.
Melanie told me that if I loved Ghost, wait til I met Samir. She was so on point. This man saw, then fought to conquer who he knew was the perfect love for him. Zanova had fresh hurt from 10 years of loving the wrong person. A person who couldn’t make her his everything or enough. Happenstance and right place at the right time introduced strangers where good cakes and good drink together created the Sweetest Temptation. Two people deserving the right love from the right person, fulfilled longing dreams and proof of never too late. But did I say these have got to be the freakiest people Melanie has created. This man greedy as ever, literally. Now Nova’s appetite for her sweet tooth is just as bad. Lordt! Now, my guy Ryan just like his homie and Nyala’s wild self is next up with the baby shower! I’m loving it! There were so many twists that I had all sorts of conclusions and was so wrong. Every time i thought this was that, it wasn't! Enemies were handled and all is well. I’m happy with all the outcomes.
November 23, 2025
Nova was his Sweetest Temptation
It’s crazy how Nova was with Jerome for at least 10 years and was never blessed with a baby. She wasn’t meant to be with him or have anything that’ll tie her to him for life. A few months of a situationship with Samir and she finally conceives… and twins at that! He was who she was really meant to be with. Samir was played just like Nova was by their spouse. Both had cheating exes who couldn’t let go. They should’ve been together lol. I knew Jamila was going to be Jerome’s bm. It’s crazy how he manipulated both women. Nyala was a real friend! I’m glad she finally settled with Ryan and expecting also. This was a great read!
It’s crazy how Nova was with Jerome for at least 10 years and was never blessed with a baby. She wasn’t meant to be with him or have anything that’ll tie her to him for life. A few months of a situationship with Samir and she finally conceives… and twins at that! He was who she was really meant to be with. Samir was played just like Nova was by their spouse. Both had cheating exes who couldn’t let go. They should’ve been together lol. I knew Jamila was going to be Jerome’s bm. It’s crazy how he manipulated both women. Nyala was a real friend! I’m glad she finally settled with Ryan and expecting also. This was a great read!
November 25, 2025
nice very nice
Omg yessss this standalone is so lit. Both of my babies were going through some stuff with their exes cheating on them and having a kid on them. And they did not know how to let go cause they knew that they fumbled the good ones and can’t get back. My girl was getting me at first with all that running she kept doing but I’m glad she put on her big girl panties and get her man. I’m glad my new babies had a happy ending and made them a family as well. U did good on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
Omg yessss this standalone is so lit. Both of my babies were going through some stuff with their exes cheating on them and having a kid on them. And they did not know how to let go cause they knew that they fumbled the good ones and can’t get back. My girl was getting me at first with all that running she kept doing but I’m glad she put on her big girl panties and get her man. I’m glad my new babies had a happy ending and made them a family as well. U did good on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
November 28, 2025
Sweetest Temptation
Samir, Samir, Samir....yep he can definitely get it!! I love everything about this man. He is professional, sexy, charismatic, charming, and street. All the things that I love in a man. He applied pressure and didn't let up on Zanova. She did everything to not fall, but the pull was too strong.
Then there were the hater exes, who fumbled their good thing then tried to get it back. Not happening,.
This was a fantastic read. I truly enjoyed it!!!
Samir, Samir, Samir....yep he can definitely get it!! I love everything about this man. He is professional, sexy, charismatic, charming, and street. All the things that I love in a man. He applied pressure and didn't let up on Zanova. She did everything to not fall, but the pull was too strong.
Then there were the hater exes, who fumbled their good thing then tried to get it back. Not happening,.
This was a fantastic read. I truly enjoyed it!!!
November 25, 2025
Love
Sometimes you have to go things to find your true love.
I love how Mir and Nova meet under the wrong circumstances. Then to meet again and find love and happy ever after. It was great watching them develop into the people they need to be. The love flow for them
Sometimes you have to go things to find your true love.
I love how Mir and Nova meet under the wrong circumstances. Then to meet again and find love and happy ever after. It was great watching them develop into the people they need to be. The love flow for them
November 29, 2025
4.5
I loved me some Samir. These are two people who were hurt by love in the worst way trying to love again. Zanova is afraid to open again after all she has been through, but Samir is a patient and determined man. This book has a lot of drama, healing and love. Definitely would recommend one of the best books I have read this month.
I loved me some Samir. These are two people who were hurt by love in the worst way trying to love again. Zanova is afraid to open again after all she has been through, but Samir is a patient and determined man. This book has a lot of drama, healing and love. Definitely would recommend one of the best books I have read this month.
December 17, 2025
Sweetest Temptation
This is my first read by this author. This will not be my last. This book was so entertaining. It was G-Ma and the best friend for me. Bestie said i got my taser. 😂😂😂. I loved it!
This is my first read by this author. This will not be my last. This book was so entertaining. It was G-Ma and the best friend for me. Bestie said i got my taser. 😂😂😂. I loved it!
November 23, 2025
Loved it
This book will take you through every emotion. Flows very well. Detailed but not to much. I would love to read more about them
This book will take you through every emotion. Flows very well. Detailed but not to much. I would love to read more about them
December 27, 2025
Samir and Zanova
This had been popping up on my timeline and really had me intrigued. I liked the premise of the tequila king and baker mixing business with pleasure after both enduring cheating spouses. The book had me captivated by the storyline and their attraction to each other. A few things I have questions about
If the tequila business was family owned, why was Samir in the streets?
My first read by this author and I'd read the sequel with their friends, a few things felt rushed toward the end but nonetheless I enjoyed this story. It wasn't drawn out but kept me entertained and you could feel their love through the pages.
This had been popping up on my timeline and really had me intrigued. I liked the premise of the tequila king and baker mixing business with pleasure after both enduring cheating spouses. The book had me captivated by the storyline and their attraction to each other. A few things I have questions about
If the tequila business was family owned, why was Samir in the streets?
My first read by this author and I'd read the sequel with their friends, a few things felt rushed toward the end but nonetheless I enjoyed this story. It wasn't drawn out but kept me entertained and you could feel their love through the pages.
December 28, 2025
Worth Reading
This book is worth the read, even though Zanova got on my last nerve the entire book. Thank goodness for Samir or I may have given up on reading this. He was a little crazy and had me rolling my eyes at times, but I loved that he pursued Zanova. I also like the little twist that was thrown in with Jerome and his baby’s momma.
My only two grips are that the book could use some editing. There were a few times that improper grammar was used. And, the ending was rushed. It took time for Samir to get Zanova, but the ending was hurried along. I was hoping the book didn’t end the way I knew it would, which end up being too predictable.
This book is worth the read, even though Zanova got on my last nerve the entire book. Thank goodness for Samir or I may have given up on reading this. He was a little crazy and had me rolling my eyes at times, but I loved that he pursued Zanova. I also like the little twist that was thrown in with Jerome and his baby’s momma.
My only two grips are that the book could use some editing. There were a few times that improper grammar was used. And, the ending was rushed. It took time for Samir to get Zanova, but the ending was hurried along. I was hoping the book didn’t end the way I knew it would, which end up being too predictable.
January 15, 2026
So sweet (pun intended lol)
I truly enjoyed this. I've quote stood out to me... “I ain’t here to rush you or fix what I didn’t break. I just want to be the man who stands beside you while you figure it out. Whatever you still feel, whatever you still fighting… I’ll love you through it. I’m here to do whatever it takes to make you see I ain’t no f**k n***a. I want to take you on dates, dinners, late-night drives, whatever you want.” and baby, Samir did all that plus more! The way he didn't let up on Zanova no matter how much she pushed away. The way he stood on business in every which way. Samir gave every ounce of, My man My man My man!! Loved this book!
I truly enjoyed this. I've quote stood out to me... “I ain’t here to rush you or fix what I didn’t break. I just want to be the man who stands beside you while you figure it out. Whatever you still feel, whatever you still fighting… I’ll love you through it. I’m here to do whatever it takes to make you see I ain’t no f**k n***a. I want to take you on dates, dinners, late-night drives, whatever you want.” and baby, Samir did all that plus more! The way he didn't let up on Zanova no matter how much she pushed away. The way he stood on business in every which way. Samir gave every ounce of, My man My man My man!! Loved this book!
January 29, 2026
Sweet Temptations
This was my first by this author and it read a decent read. Zanova and Samir are both coming from ending relationships and end up in each other’s lives just briefly only to a year later having a business partnership together.
While I did like the story there were a few things that kind of didn’t make sense to me. The part where Samir was explaining how his tequila business was passed down why was he in the streets? Another thing was towards the end and we get to the pregnancy the weeks didn’t add up and when they were discussing how far along she was. The ending to me did feel a tad bit rushed to me but it was still a good book overall.
This was my first by this author and it read a decent read. Zanova and Samir are both coming from ending relationships and end up in each other’s lives just briefly only to a year later having a business partnership together.
While I did like the story there were a few things that kind of didn’t make sense to me. The part where Samir was explaining how his tequila business was passed down why was he in the streets? Another thing was towards the end and we get to the pregnancy the weeks didn’t add up and when they were discussing how far along she was. The ending to me did feel a tad bit rushed to me but it was still a good book overall.
January 1, 2026
Phenomenal Story
Samir you're The truth!! Zanova, I'm happy you opened up your heart to love again and with that the blessings continue to flow. And your best friend was All That!
Have you ever read a story that hit areas of your life and it leaves you breathless. This story did for me and it didn't hurt to see my name (Helen) as one of the characters. Also my book husband was named after my street address (Dale).
You can't tell me nothing!
What a beautiful phenomenal story.
Samir you're The truth!! Zanova, I'm happy you opened up your heart to love again and with that the blessings continue to flow. And your best friend was All That!
Have you ever read a story that hit areas of your life and it leaves you breathless. This story did for me and it didn't hurt to see my name (Helen) as one of the characters. Also my book husband was named after my street address (Dale).
You can't tell me nothing!
What a beautiful phenomenal story.
January 13, 2026
Great read
When I say I enjoyed this story, I really enjoyed reading this story. Zanova had been through hell with her trifling ex and Samir was living life after going through a bitter divorce. Neither was looking for anything, but found exactly what they needed to heal and truly be happy.
My only critique is that this story needed editing. There were few but enough errors (missing words, incorrect words, or tense used) that it was slightly irritating.
When I say I enjoyed this story, I really enjoyed reading this story. Zanova had been through hell with her trifling ex and Samir was living life after going through a bitter divorce. Neither was looking for anything, but found exactly what they needed to heal and truly be happy.
My only critique is that this story needed editing. There were few but enough errors (missing words, incorrect words, or tense used) that it was slightly irritating.
December 28, 2025
Oouu
For a split second I just knew Zanova’s cousin was messing with her husband but then the more I read, I could tell Samir’s niece was her ex’s daughter. Her best friend was extra at times but she loved her girl down. It took me a minute to process this book but it wasn’t bad just a few grammar issues but I would recommend it from the spice alone
For a split second I just knew Zanova’s cousin was messing with her husband but then the more I read, I could tell Samir’s niece was her ex’s daughter. Her best friend was extra at times but she loved her girl down. It took me a minute to process this book but it wasn’t bad just a few grammar issues but I would recommend it from the spice alone
January 7, 2026
This was a good story
It was well written, the plot was there, the Black love was there, the Drama is there, as well as a oh wow I didn't expect that. What I thought was gonna happen was the exact opposite to what happened. So there are for sure some surprises.
I read this book in a day and it was worth my time.
It was well written, the plot was there, the Black love was there, the Drama is there, as well as a oh wow I didn't expect that. What I thought was gonna happen was the exact opposite to what happened. So there are for sure some surprises.
I read this book in a day and it was worth my time.
January 8, 2026
Loved It
I absolutely loved this story! I couldn't put it down! People come in your life for a season, Samir was just the person Nova needed in her life! They were both productive in the community and came from great families! Nova gave Salir a run for his money, but he didn't give up and he was exceptionally patient, he knew Nova would be his forever! Great epilogue!
I absolutely loved this story! I couldn't put it down! People come in your life for a season, Samir was just the person Nova needed in her life! They were both productive in the community and came from great families! Nova gave Salir a run for his money, but he didn't give up and he was exceptionally patient, he knew Nova would be his forever! Great epilogue!
January 20, 2026
Speechless!
This was the best book I have read this year. Melanie gawd damn you be doing your BIG one. I need me a Samir and you killed it with that unexpected twist, Jerome being Jamila’s baby daddy. I didn’t see that coming that’s when you know an author is top tier. This was an absolute awesome read.
This was the best book I have read this year. Melanie gawd damn you be doing your BIG one. I need me a Samir and you killed it with that unexpected twist, Jerome being Jamila’s baby daddy. I didn’t see that coming that’s when you know an author is top tier. This was an absolute awesome read.
January 21, 2026
Samir & Zanova
I really enjoyed this book. It was truly amazing how they went through things while still learning each other. Zanova really fought to not fold for him after what she went through but she finally let herself let go and see what was in store for her. Please Melanie I need a Valentine's book for an update and I need Nyala and Ryan story
I really enjoyed this book. It was truly amazing how they went through things while still learning each other. Zanova really fought to not fold for him after what she went through but she finally let herself let go and see what was in store for her. Please Melanie I need a Valentine's book for an update and I need Nyala and Ryan story
December 27, 2025
A second chance at love
I did get annoyed with Nova at times, I wanted to be like girl let that man love you but the spice was spicy! But it was repetitive spice not anything different. I liked the surprises. Jerome needed his butt beat!
I did get annoyed with Nova at times, I wanted to be like girl let that man love you but the spice was spicy! But it was repetitive spice not anything different. I liked the surprises. Jerome needed his butt beat!
January 13, 2026
ReRead Worthy
Samir and Zanova I love every second of this book. My girl was fight that love bad and when I say Samir was like I’m getting mines forget what you talking about… I love a go getta type man!!! Year I can’t wait to have the audio
Samir and Zanova I love every second of this book. My girl was fight that love bad and when I say Samir was like I’m getting mines forget what you talking about… I love a go getta type man!!! Year I can’t wait to have the audio
December 1, 2025
🥰🥰🥰🥰
I’m so happy she gave him a chance! The book started off in the clearance section of audacity but Jerome learned soon enough! Amazing read.
I’m so happy she gave him a chance! The book started off in the clearance section of audacity but Jerome learned soon enough! Amazing read.
December 14, 2025
Good
A good read, that fits the title so fully. The storyline has some drama, lies, secrets, and trauma. New beginnings lead to surprises.
A good read, that fits the title so fully. The storyline has some drama, lies, secrets, and trauma. New beginnings lead to surprises.
January 13, 2026
Yessss!!!!!
This standalone was everything and more. Samir had that BDE all day long and Zanova finally let go. Jerome was straight up trash....anywho this was a awesome read....
This standalone was everything and more. Samir had that BDE all day long and Zanova finally let go. Jerome was straight up trash....anywho this was a awesome read....
January 29, 2026
love when the third act break aint a man not being shit. he loved his nova girl no matter what tuh!
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