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This Bitter Sweet Temptation: A Grumpy Single Dad Age Gap Romance
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
About the author
Nicole Snow
133 books6,607 followersNicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty.
Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.
Find more about Nicole here:
Website: http://nicolesnowbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolesnowbo...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicol...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleSnowBooks
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Snow/e/...
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty.
Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.
Find more about Nicole here:
Website: http://nicolesnowbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolesnowbo...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicol...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleSnowBooks
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Snow/e/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 13, 2026
A classic Nicole snow romance <3
June 27, 2026
Grumpy Single dad
Age Gap (15 years)
Bodyguard MMC
Artist FMC
HEA
Forced proximity
This is the last book in series. The whole series is about the Blackthorne heirs and tasks that they have to complete to get their inheritance as directed by their grandfather. This one is about Cleo and she is tied up with his childhood bodyguard, the MMC -Holden and has to figure out what to do with a rare artifact that her grandfather has left her with the help and support of Holden.
There is a lot of resistance and tension between the two. There is no insta love/lust situation. She remembers him as a grumpy asshole who used to spoil al the fun in her teenage years. He knows her to be a rebellious irresponsible spoiled brat. But as they spend time together, they get to see the other side of each other. Holden's daughter Kit is really cool and has interest in art which makes her instantly connect with Cleo.
I am not a fan of age gaps but as this was the last book of the series, I went ahead and read it. It was okay and didn't do much for me.
Age Gap (15 years)
Bodyguard MMC
Artist FMC
HEA
Forced proximity
This is the last book in series. The whole series is about the Blackthorne heirs and tasks that they have to complete to get their inheritance as directed by their grandfather. This one is about Cleo and she is tied up with his childhood bodyguard, the MMC -Holden and has to figure out what to do with a rare artifact that her grandfather has left her with the help and support of Holden.
There is a lot of resistance and tension between the two. There is no insta love/lust situation. She remembers him as a grumpy asshole who used to spoil al the fun in her teenage years. He knows her to be a rebellious irresponsible spoiled brat. But as they spend time together, they get to see the other side of each other. Holden's daughter Kit is really cool and has interest in art which makes her instantly connect with Cleo.
I am not a fan of age gaps but as this was the last book of the series, I went ahead and read it. It was okay and didn't do much for me.
June 17, 2026
Cleo arrives at the Blackthorn mansion, it's time to see what she's inherited. Leonidas, her grandfather, had a way with rules and regulations, especially concerning his will. Cleo soon learns her inheritance clause, would be no different. That's where her grandfather's head of security comes into play, her arch nemesis from her teenage years, Holden Verity. He's older now, but so is she. She's not the wild teen he was tasked with keeping in line. If she was, his new job would be a lot easier. He's still the same protector she remembers, bossy, brash and no nonsense, only now he works for her. Now they must rely on each other to inherit what they were both promised.
Great story with complicated characters and off the charts chemistry. Artsy extrovert meets grumpy and structured. Age may only be a number to Cleo, but Holden can't get past their different lifestyles and where they are in life. Getting involved complicated everything. Emotions and second guessing made it worse. They just need to figure out if it's all worth it. I loved everything about this book! This book is a must read!!
Great story with complicated characters and off the charts chemistry. Artsy extrovert meets grumpy and structured. Age may only be a number to Cleo, but Holden can't get past their different lifestyles and where they are in life. Getting involved complicated everything. Emotions and second guessing made it worse. They just need to figure out if it's all worth it. I loved everything about this book! This book is a must read!!
June 19, 2026
Most of her grandfather's estate has been divided and Cleo has been summoned to the mansion to discover her share. Her cousins' portions came with crazy stipulations and hoops to jump through, so Cleo expects no less. But she never expected Holden Verity to show up in her life again. He was head of security at her grandfather's estate when she was growing up, tasked with keeping her out of trouble during her summer visits. And now he's in charge of her protection when she inherits a priceless antique. As she's forced to spend time with him and his young daughter, she discovers the heart behind the hard shell he hides behind.
The sizzling tension between these two had me flipping pages through their slow burn start, their "get it out of it systems" (lol never works!!), and their HEA. Holden's protective instincts were hot as we're the single daddy vibes. This is the third book in the series and I've enjoyed every one. It can be read a a standalone but some of the characters mentioned were in previous books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
The sizzling tension between these two had me flipping pages through their slow burn start, their "get it out of it systems" (lol never works!!), and their HEA. Holden's protective instincts were hot as we're the single daddy vibes. This is the third book in the series and I've enjoyed every one. It can be read a a standalone but some of the characters mentioned were in previous books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
June 18, 2026
Nicole Snow delivers another scorching and captivating entry in her Blackthorn saga with This Bitter Sweet Temptation. This fiery age-gap romance hits every mark for fans of sizzling tension, rich storytelling, and heart-stopping moments.
The plot is exceptionally well laid out, making the twists and turns easy to follow while still keeping the excitement high. Snow’s pacing is perfect, balancing intense chemistry with family drama and suspense.
The character arcs shine, taking the protagonists on a journey that feels authentic and satisfying. Watching their growth against the backdrop of passion and high stakes creates a truly immersive experience. Best of all, the story leads to a hard-earned, heartwarming happy ending that will leave readers smiling.
If you love age-gap romances laced with heat, heart, and a dash of intrigue, This Bitter Sweet Temptation deserves every one of its five stars. Nicole Snow has once again proven why she’s a master of the genre.
The plot is exceptionally well laid out, making the twists and turns easy to follow while still keeping the excitement high. Snow’s pacing is perfect, balancing intense chemistry with family drama and suspense.
The character arcs shine, taking the protagonists on a journey that feels authentic and satisfying. Watching their growth against the backdrop of passion and high stakes creates a truly immersive experience. Best of all, the story leads to a hard-earned, heartwarming happy ending that will leave readers smiling.
If you love age-gap romances laced with heat, heart, and a dash of intrigue, This Bitter Sweet Temptation deserves every one of its five stars. Nicole Snow has once again proven why she’s a master of the genre.
June 19, 2026
I adored this book. Cleo and Holden are priceless. The stole my heart, made me swoon and left me mushier than well a ginormous puddle of mush. So many emotions here and feelings. Tension and animosity create oceans of sizzle, sparks and snap that these two roll around in basting themselves in all the extra yummy yumminess. If you are looking for a book that can get your pulse racing, steal your breath, make you laugh and melt your heart all without breaking a sweat, you need to grab this now!
June 19, 2026
A new NS story... yes, please. The blend of emotion, steamy romance, and suspense between Holden and Cleo is perfect. With all going on in their lives, how they become the family they need, is the journey full of trials, temptations and the softer side of learning to love.
July 17, 2026
I’m actually relieved this series is over. It’s not because I didn’t enjoy it, it’s because the book just takes too long to get through. There’s too many nuances and details you have to take into account, plus the wild goose chase all three stories have the heroine running around to fulfill inheritance wishes. The chapters can also drag too because they are longer than usual. In this book’s case, I feel like I got through it relatively quickly for having so many pages. There were some parts that had the book going slowly and not much happening but other than that, I feel like it held my interest and I wanted to see where it would go. I wouldn’t exactly call it a slow burn, because Holden and Cleo get together at about the 50-55% mark in the story, where it regularly happens in romance. The part leading up to that was more annoying. You had two people who were intrigued and low key attracted to each other but nobody wanted to do anything about it until Cleo just snaps one night and initiates it. From there a passionate, intense, but tender relationship starts. In between all that, Cleo figures out how to deal with her inheritance, and the journey she goes on. She does this to make sure it gets taken care of. In between all that, there ends up being a few steamy nights that helps balance out the stress of her task so she can relax and enjoy while also falling for Holden. While the book was longer than it should have been, I found myself enjoying their story and wanting to see where her inheritance takes her. It was a bit more hands on than the other stories. With what she got, she needed Holden for security and had to make more phone calls and cross references, making sure sources were legit and would do right by the inheritance. Sure she was a little naive and reckless but her heart was in the right place for it. She took her task seriously but knew when to lighten up or not let things bother her with it. Meanwhile, Holden was the opposite. I didn’t feel like he could relax or let his guard down given the circumstances. The only time he did that was when he focuses on Cleo, whether in conversations or in bed with her. He isn’t worrying about safety or inheritances and you could visibly feel the weight lifted from his shoulders when he lets go. He took on a lot of responsibility over the years and when he forgets about it, he is a completely different man. This gives him a more human feel because he’s thinking with emotion, not logic or with calculations. It was nice to see him unguarded and struggling with feelings. Before picking up this book, I did notice it got a little bit of lower reviews. Of course I was nervous, and based on what they said, I agree with some of it but definitely not enough to break the whole story or get an ok rating. I wound up giving this a 4. The storyline, plot, spice and setting was enjoyable. I was into the story and wanted to see what would happen next. Cleo kept me on my toes and I kept waiting for a shoe to drop somewhere and it does, but not the way I was expecting. That alone deserves at least a 4. The only reasons I’m not giving this a full 5 is for the length of the story and the delay in the beginning. This is regarding Cleo and Holden getting together with the hush in between chapters that made it move slowly and generate some boredom. Now, onto the next Nicole Snow book, whichever that may be. I’m still a fan.
July 8, 2026
THIS BITTERSWEET TEMPTATION is book 3 of the Blackthorn Inheritance trilogy. This story is so unbelievably sweet, infectious, fun and flirty, and an age gap romance that it is unputdownable. As usual, Nicole Snow does not disappoint. She brings out all the emotions, makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you fall in love with the characters in the story. This is Holden Verity and Cleopatra (Cleo) Blackthorn’s story. Cleo is the granddaughter of Leonidas (PopPop) Blackthorn, who left her three items in his Will and one includes an antique relic that is worth millions. Holden was head of security for Leonidas’ estate, and he used to keep Cleo out of trouble when she was a teenager. Growing up, teenage Cleo hated Holden because of how he protected her and wouldn’t let her do anything and saw him as a heartless robot and described him as grumpy, miserable, stoned-faced Holden Harda$$. He is single, and has a 10 year old daughter, Kit, who’s so adorable. Now, within the Will, Holden was asked to stay on as security and protect Cleo as she seeks the authenticity and maybe a buyer of the relic. Holden and Cleo hadn’t laid eyes on each other for years, but now Cleo is back and she is an adult and a woman. Not knowing what Cleo is like, let alone how she will feel about the situation of Holden protecting her—Holden is hoping Cleo will act like a mature woman because he needs the money. Will Cleo accept the provisions of the terms of the Will and allow Holden to protect her or will she contest the Will? As Cleo is forced to spend time with Holden and his daughter, she finds that she may have been wrong about Holden. Despite their differences and age, the chemistry between Holden and Cleo is undeniable and off-the-chart HOT! Find out what happens next. This story is entertaining and fervent with a dash of dreams coming true. There are several twists and turns within the story that makes it interesting. Nicole Snow satisfies hearts longing for laughter in their love stories, and a battle of wits is tremendously fun. I highly RECOMMEND this book—you won’t regret it!
July 12, 2026
interesting story but too long
I got up to chapter 12 and was so bored. I understood what the story was about, but the banter and recaps of how they disliked each other went on forever. I barely read some of the chapters. I was skimming them for words that would pop out that could have an impact to the story and nothing stood out. I almost DNF but enjoyed the other books so I continued.
Holden is close to 40, but the author makes it seem he is ancient by constantly talking about knee and joint pain due to his age. The man is physically fit and supposedly runs almost every day. Someone with knee issues could not exercise that much.
I couldn’t find a connection between Holden and Cleo. They never talked about anything they had in common. She is an artist but he doesn’t like art. She had more in common with his daughter and actually considered her more of a sister.
There’re was no romance. The spice scenes were blah, repetitive or either went on forever. I actually skipped a few just so I could finish the book.
It started to get interesting around chapter 25, then 2 chapters later, they were making out at the police station after almost getting murdered. The characters that were held hostage were never mentioned again, so I hope they are ok.
I got up to chapter 12 and was so bored. I understood what the story was about, but the banter and recaps of how they disliked each other went on forever. I barely read some of the chapters. I was skimming them for words that would pop out that could have an impact to the story and nothing stood out. I almost DNF but enjoyed the other books so I continued.
Holden is close to 40, but the author makes it seem he is ancient by constantly talking about knee and joint pain due to his age. The man is physically fit and supposedly runs almost every day. Someone with knee issues could not exercise that much.
I couldn’t find a connection between Holden and Cleo. They never talked about anything they had in common. She is an artist but he doesn’t like art. She had more in common with his daughter and actually considered her more of a sister.
There’re was no romance. The spice scenes were blah, repetitive or either went on forever. I actually skipped a few just so I could finish the book.
It started to get interesting around chapter 25, then 2 chapters later, they were making out at the police station after almost getting murdered. The characters that were held hostage were never mentioned again, so I hope they are ok.
June 25, 2026
Another 10 star read from Nicole!!
Even though Cleo was not the granddaughter, she was family, and that means everything.
Well, here goes PopPop with his crazy adventures. He throws Holden Verity, his security detail, into the lions den. Poor guy. It was Holden's job to make sure the Blackthorn "kids" didn't get into trouble when they were around. And, little Miss Nile Queen, was always testing his resolve.
Years later, Cleo is all grown up and Holden is now seeing her thru different glasses. Oh boy! But, Holden must finish his last job to get his stake in the inheritance that Mr. Blackthorn left for him. Easy job, right!
This book is a total must read. You have a priceless treasure, tension, bad guys, tension, hate, tension, understanding, tension, heated times, sexy times, and man oh man, that HEA.
Even though Cleo was not the granddaughter, she was family, and that means everything.
Well, here goes PopPop with his crazy adventures. He throws Holden Verity, his security detail, into the lions den. Poor guy. It was Holden's job to make sure the Blackthorn "kids" didn't get into trouble when they were around. And, little Miss Nile Queen, was always testing his resolve.
Years later, Cleo is all grown up and Holden is now seeing her thru different glasses. Oh boy! But, Holden must finish his last job to get his stake in the inheritance that Mr. Blackthorn left for him. Easy job, right!
This book is a total must read. You have a priceless treasure, tension, bad guys, tension, hate, tension, understanding, tension, heated times, sexy times, and man oh man, that HEA.
June 25, 2026
Drama, age gap.
What an end to a series!
This is the third instalment in this series and the author has kept the best stoyline until last! (The others are amazing also).
Cleo Blackthorn is a out to find out what treasures her grandfather has left her as part of his will. What she's not expecting is his bodyguard Holden Verity as part of the deal to keep her safe.
Summers while growing up at her grandfathers ment all the grandkids crossed paths with Holden trying to keep them out of trouble for their own good at one stage, but can Cleo past her old annoyance with him? What is past on from her Grandfather is something priceless, even more than her inheritance.
What an end to a series!
This is the third instalment in this series and the author has kept the best stoyline until last! (The others are amazing also).
Cleo Blackthorn is a out to find out what treasures her grandfather has left her as part of his will. What she's not expecting is his bodyguard Holden Verity as part of the deal to keep her safe.
Summers while growing up at her grandfathers ment all the grandkids crossed paths with Holden trying to keep them out of trouble for their own good at one stage, but can Cleo past her old annoyance with him? What is past on from her Grandfather is something priceless, even more than her inheritance.
July 2, 2026
Cleopatra/Cleo is notified that her grandfather left her an inheritance, and Holden was her grandfather's security man. This is an age gap, inheritance romance with an interesting storyline about a woman who inherits something but comes with some stipulations that end in a love story. The writing is good. The story started a bit slowly, but once it got going, it turned out to be a great read. The Bitter Sweet Temptation is book three and a great addition to The Blackthorne Inheritance series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 26, 2026
Cleo and Holden were exactly what I needed from this series. Their story pulled me in from the very first page and I was absolutely hooked. Their chemistry was undeniable. The sparks, the tension, the yearning. This book had me in my feels, and I loved every minute of it. Nicole's way with words gets me every time. These two will definitely go down as one of my favorite Nicole couples! So so good.
June 27, 2026
Holden and Cleopatra’s relationship was fiery in and out of the bedroom or the kitchen😉. Under all of Holden’s grumpy posturing lies a caring soul. I enjoyed the dialogue between all of the characters. Kit was absolutely adorable. The plot was interesting to follow without being overly dramatic just to fabricate drama. This was my favorite book in the series. I think people would enjoy the other two books in the series. Until next time y’all happy reading.
July 15, 2026
All for an Egg
A treasure inherited, and the hunt for a wealthy buyer reunites Cleo with her brooding former bodyguard, Holden.
Forced back into each other’s world, the adventure quickly becomes a slow-burn romance filled with danger, emotional healing, protective instincts, and chemistry that refuses to stay away.
Single Daddy Holden shows Chloe that not all treasures are material.
A treasure inherited, and the hunt for a wealthy buyer reunites Cleo with her brooding former bodyguard, Holden.
Forced back into each other’s world, the adventure quickly becomes a slow-burn romance filled with danger, emotional healing, protective instincts, and chemistry that refuses to stay away.
Single Daddy Holden shows Chloe that not all treasures are material.
August 14, 2026
Wow. I love this family so much!
Leonidis Blackthorn left something special to each of his grandkids. Finally it lands on Cleo's hands. What could her grandfather have left her? She spent many summer days here while he was alive. But he saved the most amazing gift for his Cleopatra!
Just wait until she finds out what it is!
Great story. Love the whole series! Must read all three! Enjoy!
Leonidis Blackthorn left something special to each of his grandkids. Finally it lands on Cleo's hands. What could her grandfather have left her? She spent many summer days here while he was alive. But he saved the most amazing gift for his Cleopatra!
Just wait until she finds out what it is!
Great story. Love the whole series! Must read all three! Enjoy!
June 24, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Cleo and Holden's love story. The quirky characters were very interesting and entertaining. The treasure/adventure part of the story made it a real page-turner. I received an ARC and I am leaving my honest review of "This Bitter Sweet Temptation". Looking forward to the next book by Nicole!
June 25, 2026
Loved this age gap/forbidden romance!
This book marks the end of the Blackthorn Trilogy and who knew it would have Holden the bodyguard as the MMC?! Loved it! There was angst and emotions and found family for Cleo. Always love the heat and heart that Nicole is so good at creating!!
This book marks the end of the Blackthorn Trilogy and who knew it would have Holden the bodyguard as the MMC?! Loved it! There was angst and emotions and found family for Cleo. Always love the heat and heart that Nicole is so good at creating!!
June 26, 2026
So glad to read Cleo & Holden’s story and to be reminded of Pop-Pop and his great love for his family-blood or chosen.
So wish I could have read the Bonus Content, but the Amazon Kindle version link would not work.
This book was a great Rom-Com. I am not usually a fan of suspense, but this book had just enough.
Ms Snow is becoming one of my favorite authors.
So wish I could have read the Bonus Content, but the Amazon Kindle version link would not work.
This book was a great Rom-Com. I am not usually a fan of suspense, but this book had just enough.
Ms Snow is becoming one of my favorite authors.
July 23, 2026
Cleo has an inheritance from her grandfather. Holden was her grandfather's security guy. The two have attraction but it's slow at first. Cleo needs Holden to help with her inheritance. Holden is also a single dad and wasn't looking for a relationship until he met Cleo.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.
August 12, 2026
Another good story!/
This narrative proved lengthy yet thoroughly rewarding. Having previously engaged with another installment in this series, I found it equally compelling. The work effectively balances suspense, dramatic tension, and emotional resonance. This author ranks among my preferred writers, and the consistency of quality has not wavered.
This narrative proved lengthy yet thoroughly rewarding. Having previously engaged with another installment in this series, I found it equally compelling. The work effectively balances suspense, dramatic tension, and emotional resonance. This author ranks among my preferred writers, and the consistency of quality has not wavered.
June 28, 2026
Not as good as the other two prior to this one
It was a decent story, but it lacked connection.
I didn't feel like the FMC & MMC had a good connection. Their age difference didn't do it for me either.
It was a decent story, but it lacked connection.
I didn't feel like the FMC & MMC had a good connection. Their age difference didn't do it for me either.
June 30, 2026
Leonidas definitely has the magic touch
What a ride this was! Lots of emotions all over the place, some spicy steam, a hardheaded guy (go figure!) and some intrigue and danger. Loved every minute.
What a ride this was! Lots of emotions all over the place, some spicy steam, a hardheaded guy (go figure!) and some intrigue and danger. Loved every minute.
July 2, 2026
Romance, Intrigue
I would recommend this book to anyone. I have read the other books in this series, and this one really shines. It has mystery, humor, and great sex. A real feeling of what a family means. I enjoyed each page, and was sorry to get to the last one so fast.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I have read the other books in this series, and this one really shines. It has mystery, humor, and great sex. A real feeling of what a family means. I enjoyed each page, and was sorry to get to the last one so fast.
July 4, 2026
Unearthed
A complicated past, treasure, secrets, protectors, action, adventure, little girls and obligation bring Holden and Cleoback into each others orbit! Watch the sparks fly and a family form!!
A complicated past, treasure, secrets, protectors, action, adventure, little girls and obligation bring Holden and Cleoback into each others orbit! Watch the sparks fly and a family form!!
July 5, 2026
2.5⭐️ I really didn’t like this one and many times almost dnf’d. The characters were blah and the whole thing didn’t hold my attention. And some parts were just absolutely ridiculous. The story was so drawn out and I felt myself skimming lines because they were just unnecessary.
July 8, 2026
Love this series! The angst hangs on and makes it better! The slow burn is incredible!The last of many surprises from PopPop still! The steam as only Nicole can pen it! Thank you for sharing your outstanding talents!
July 9, 2026
A Fantastic Series
Nicole Snow has again written an intriguing series. Mystery, Family, and excitement filled the pages. I could not put this book down. And not didn’t hurt that her bodyguard was so hot.
And a quick flashback mention of Enguard Security to wrap it all up.
Nicole Snow has again written an intriguing series. Mystery, Family, and excitement filled the pages. I could not put this book down. And not didn’t hurt that her bodyguard was so hot.
And a quick flashback mention of Enguard Security to wrap it all up.
July 30, 2026
I enjoyed reading Holden and Cleo’s book. Holden started out as Cleo’s bodyguard after she inherited a priceless artifact from her grandfather Leo and slowly became a lot more. This book details their journey with the artifact and their falling in love. The book is well written and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews