Don't Tempt Me

Made Men #2

by Renee Rose

The Family killed my father.
Destroyed my mother’s life.
Now its crown prince wants me.

I grew up in The Family, but I’m no mafia princess.
I’m the castaway they threw crumbs to after my father’s murder.
Now Joey LaTorre shows up at my door and won’t take no for an answer.
He’s the bad boy I crushed on as a teen–
Dangerously handsome.
Deliciously dominant.

But I can’t fall for a man like him. I won’t.
I’ll never return to La Cosa Nostra.
Even if he learns to unlock every secret to my body–
I must keep him away from my heart.

The book is a lengthened and revised version of the previously published story The Bossman.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Smut, Erotica

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

15-Time USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over five million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.

For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp

**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:

"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright

"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley

"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews

"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews

"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol

"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith

"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight

"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]

"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers

"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews

Reviews

[Renee Rose]

“Why me?” The words croak out of me.
He tilts his head to the side. “I don’t know, Soph. I just think…you might be the one.”
Panic rises in my throat. I might have conceded we were exclusively screwing. But I’m not getting pulled back into the Family. No matter how weak-kneed its crown prince makes me.
“I’m not, Joey.”
His expression shutters, but if anything, he looks more resolute. More stubborn. “We’ll see. For now, no more men. Got it?”
I lift my chin. “Are you asking me or telling?”
“I’m asking.” I see a flicker of humor around his lips. “In a forceful way.”
I can’t help it. I laugh. “Yeah, I’m getting that.”
His hands are gentle on me now, settled on my hips. He brushes his lips over the shell of my ear. “Do I still get dinner tomorrow night?”
I don’t know why I’m trembling–whether it’s from the orgasm or the conversation or just Joey’s continued closeness. “Yeah.” I breathe the word.
He puts a knuckle under my chin. “Yeah?”
I stare into the dark brown pools of his eyes and nod.
His lips brush over mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
The moment he leaves, I miss his body. Crave his attention back on me. Want to learn his secrets. But that’s crazy. I don’t know what I’m doing with this man.
Hot sex is one thing, but I can’t get into a serious relationship with him. Tomorrow night I’ll explain that clearly. When his hands aren’t on my skin. His scent isn’t surrounding me. Before he makes my body hum and my throat hoarse from begging.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Renee Rose's writing style as it never lets me down. I've read quite a bit of her work, and I swear that 99.9 % of those books were straight up perfection in my eyes, and Don't Tempt Me falls into that category. I love mafia romance since not only does it have a ton of heat, but it's always a delight when a mafia man falls hard for a woman, and then there's that whole suspense thing that gets my heart racing, and my mind super happy with twists coming in hot which Renee Rose is brilliant at it that's for sure. This is the story of Joey LaTorre, and Sophie Palazzo, who knew each other when they were younger until life hit & they stopped talking altogether. A lot of things have gone down since then, and when he hurts his back, he's told to go to Sophie (a massage therapist) and the chemistry was thick. It doesn't take any time at all for Joey to realize that Sophie is the woman from him. Let me tell you, these two were super HOT together, and that was great for real, however, the suspense & danger is amping up providing all the heart pounding, WTF moments that I love so much. So yeah, Don't Tempt Me was another perfect read in my eyes! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Tempt Me is the second book in Renee Rose’s modern romance series. In it, we meet Sophie and Joey—bit of an age gap, little bit of unrequited lusting, and a whole lotta second chances wrapped up in mafia romance that checks all the boxes for me. In fact, I liked this one more than the first book in this series. The chemistry between Sophie and Joey is magnetic, the mafia elements aren’t over the top, the family interactions help build out the story, and I LOVE that Sophie is an MT. And of course, there’s the smexy time and you know it isn’t a Renee Rose romance if you aren’t feeling all hot and bothered.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 20% well I guess I'll just stick to Ms. Rose paranormal books. I was looking forward to reading this one after reading book 1 but I had to stop at 20%. First of all, so fear was all like I can't get involved with the family I don't want to go down that path but she was awfully quick to bend over the table for some hot sex. Can we please have a character that has a little bit of a backbone and that can stand up to someone like Joey? She goes over and over in her head that she can't be with him because of his connection to the family but yet she lets him steamroll over her when it comes to taking care of her i e paying off her car loan. She's just a spineless creature who thinks with her p**** and not with her brain. " I'll tell him on the next date when he's not touching me that I can't be with him"something similar to that I'm just paraphrasing. But we all know that she will cave and let him do whatever he wants to with her. She deserves to know what happened to her father she needs closure. And it's really poor on the author's point not to disclose that to her. Of course Joey isn't going to tell her but maybe he will by the end of the book. I just couldn't make it any further than 20%. But the outcome is predictable for when they first got together and had sex in her office he didn't put the condom on so what do you think is going to happen oh gee surprise pregnancy! I will not be reading the rest of the series and I'll just stick to her paranormal books.

[Kis Baadsgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️

Always a delight to read a book from Renée. You never let me down when it comes to reading even if I'm always have book hangovers🤣thank you ❤️

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This series is just getting better and better. I absolutely loved Joey and Sophie's story. The connection between them is off the charts and undeniable. I loved it when a guy just falls immediately for a girl and thinks she's it for life from the very first moment they met. And that's what happen in this one and I loved it. I can't wait for the next book though!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOUBT—JUDGMENTS—RESENTMENTS--SECOND CHANCES

The second story in the Made Men series could read well as a stand-alone. The two main characters, Sophie Palazzo and Joey LaTorre, are not strangers, but they have been estranged from one another. Sophie’s mother, Nancy, will pull them from ‘the family’ after the death of her husband. She blames the LaTorre and wants nothing to do with them. Tradition does not allow you to leave la Famiglia, but the LaTorre will allow Nancy and Sophie to go—but that doesn’t mean they don’t keep tabs on them. Her mother has remarried and moved to Florida, but Sophie lives in New Jersey and works as a massage therapist.

The story’s plot will have Joey hurting his back, and it is recommended he go see Sophie for a massage. Sophie hasn’t seen Joey in years and would rather not see him now, but she is a professional and needs the client and the money. The one thing that neither Sophie nor Joey expects is the sizzling undercurrent of feeling between them. The massage goes from professional to risqué quickly, and once Joey has a taste of grown-up Sophie, he wants more.

“I’m the kind of guy who likes to conquer. And Sophie Palazzo is definitely my next conquest.”

Sophie: How much blackness is on your soul Joey?
Joey: More than I’d like.
Sophie: What if I can’t live with that?
Joey: You can’t deny who you are, Sophie. Where you come from. The people who loved, love, you. Loving a soldier doesn’t taint your soul. It strengthens it.

“I’m becoming more and more sure of one thing: Sophie is the woman I want by my side. My perfect match. And I intend to show her that I can be her perfect match, too.”

I loved the chemistry, angst, mystery, suspense, a touch of danger, and especially the passion between Sophie and Joey. These two just mesh so well; she craves his dominance and control, and he relishes the passion and submission she freely gives him. They do have something in common: neither one wants to be caught up in la Famiglia, but they aren’t naïve enough to think they can just walk away. When Sophie finds out she is pregnant, that unwittingly pulls her deeper into the family, and she is caught between her feelings for Joey and her loyalty to her mother.

Joey: I’m not the guy you settle down with. Not the safe guy you’d love, but the dangerous one who makes your pulse race. You are something different to me, too. I knew I knew right away I wanted you—for keeps. There are things you know in your head, and there are things you know in your gut. I knew in my gut you belonged to me.
Sophie: I think my gut knows something about you, but my heart won’t let me hear it.
Joey: Then give it time, babygirl. Don’t write us off until you're sure of the message, okay?

Sophie: This—was not the plan.
Joey: Fate intervened, bella. With you, Soph, the idea of a family is wild and colorful. Full of music and laughter and possibility. I don’t know what it would look like. It’s not a cookie-cutter thing that was derived from a plan. It’s an ever-evolving, dynamic, beautiful relationship. One fate chose for us.

The good, the bad, and the ugly all play their parts. With a rival family pushing their way into New Jersey and LaTorres territory. A disloyal family member, an explosion, lives lost, and those altered. During trying times, will the horrors of the past of losing Sophie’s father send her running away, or will she be there for Joey?

This story and dialogue are captivating with a sassy but submissive Sophie who realizes a man like Joey knows precisely how to push her buttons. Who knew she craved kink with her sex? The scenes sizzle with power exchange, from the playful spankings, punishments, and explicit sex scenes. One thing about Joey, he is a man who knows how to get things done in business and in his personal life. The relationship with Sophie has his rethinking his status and ranking in the family. She makes him want more—a family—and a future.

“Could I abdicate my throne? Take a step back from the organization?”

“Today’s another beginning. We say goodbye to our single, child-free lives. We become a family.”

[Claire Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in this Made Men series, and edited and extended version of The Bossman, a good entertaining age-gap / mafia read with plenty going on!

Sophie works as a massage therapist, struggling to make ends meet at the best of times, living on her own. Her father was in the mafia until he was killed, her mum suspects they had something to do with his death, never liking him being in the mafia, and got out of the Family with Sophie after he was killed. Her mum moved away to Florida and remarried, Sophie stayed loving what she did, but you never really get to leave the Family.....

Joey cooks the books for the Family, he has a back injury and is recommended to go see if Sophie can help him out. He hasn't see her for years, since the day of her dad's funeral when he took her away to the coast for some time to herself. It's years later and little Sophie is all grown up and beautiful, the pull to her is still there, and Joey finds himself lusting after her, as she tries to mend his sore back.

Sophie can't believe Joey is in her studio after all these years, but boy is she glad she's the one tending to him and his sore muscles, but she's getting a little hot under the collar! But he's part of the Family, something she want's nothing to do with, she is still raw and angry about her father's death, but cannot ignore the pull she is feeling towards Joey. Her healing hands end up riling Joey up until he can no longer resist and takes her in her studio. He knows one taste of Sophie will never be enough, and he get her to commit to having 3 dates with him, in the hope he can win her round.

These two work so well together, Joey is older and experienced and Sophie finds herself submitting to him, enjoying his dominance and control, finding out she has a bit of a kink for it. Hot scenes with good power exchanges, spankings and punishments with sass from Sophie and Joey knowing how to push all her buttons. Joey finds himself rethinking about his whole way of life, he wants more of what Sophie can offer, but can he step back from the Family and offer her more?

This was a good read with plenty going on, not just in the bedroom, but with a rival gang, a disloyal member of the Family with threats and danger around every corner! Looking forward to reading more from this series.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an insta-lust story between two people who’ve orbited around one another in the mafia world. And once past that initial moment of desire, Don’t Tempt Me is a fun read. Joey is consistent and focused on his interest in Sophie; once he experiences their physical compatibility, he’s all in with her. Sophie has a lot of reasons to resist this made man; her mother never liked the mafia, and Sophie lost her dad to mob violence.

I loved the way Rose worked the mystery of what happened to Sophie’s father through the story. The way it was incrementally revealed through a dropped hint here and there felt true to life, and I loved that Sophie put the pieces together to lead to a sense of resolution not only for herself but for others. And I really liked that Joey’s interest in Sophie led him to examine his life and decide what parts meant something to him and to his future.

My only quibble with Don’t Tempt Me is that first physical encounter that happens between Sophie and Joey. It happens at her work when he’s come to be treated by her (she’s a massage therapist). After stressing the point that being physical with a patient would not be appropriate (going so far as to make that the distinguishing factor between a massage therapist and a masseuse), I had trouble accepting that Sophie would immediately get physical with Joey just because he got turned on by a massage. It was really jarring, and it made it hard for me to accept their relationship being more than just an encounter for the first few chapters.

So once it gets going, Don’t Tempt Me is a wonderful read. It’s a question of whether you’ll accept that opening encounter or struggle with it. But persevere; you’ll be rewarded with the rest of this book!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 -4 Star Read*

I absolutely adored Don't Tease Me (Made Men Book 1). It was everything that I didn't know I needed in that moment. I smiled. I laughed. I shook my head in disgust, but overall, it was just light-hearted with that sense of family I adore. At the end, there was a quick snippet for Don't Tempt Me (Book 2), and I had a inkling that I would feel the same way.

Sophie Palazzo always knew that her father was a mobster. It's kind of hard not to when he comes home with other people's blood on him. He was good to Sophie, and in her mind, that's all that mattered until his untimely death. She's all grown up and has worked to distance herself from that lifestyle.

Joey LaTorre's never expected the sparks to reignite when he walked into Sophie's studio. He was was there for a massage, but he shouldn't have been surprised at their connection. They had shared a moment at her father's funeral, and it almost felt like fate. Sophie is everything that Joey wants. Can she look past what he really is and accept walking back into the fold?

I am going to rip off the band aid and just say it: I liked Joey. I didn't like Sophie.

Here's why:

Her father's death is the catalyst to everything. Sophie's a teenager, so I gave her the benefit of the doubt. She may not have understood the power plays that she was surrounded by. When Joey re-enters her life, all of that unresolved conflict gets thrown at him. I could understand some of it, but there comes a point where Sophie goes too far. Her actions boarded on cruel and inhumane. It was at that point where I thought Joey was better off with someone else.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie has done her best to stay away from the Mob family that her father was part of up until he was killed. Her mother has never forgiven them and they seemed content to leave the two of them alone. Now, her mother has remarried and moved away and Sophie is trying to make her own way as a massage therapist. She is not happy when she sees Joey's name on her appointment book. Joey's father was her father's boss and though she has good memories of Joey, such as they are, she doesn't really want to renew the connection. He insists that his back hurts and the massage is a necessity so she agrees to help him. But maybe she takes the massage a bit too far. Then he stops her car from being re-poed and says he will pay it off if she agrees to go out on three dates with him. What's a girl to do? But is there really any way she can let herself be brought back into the Family? She doesn't even know exactly how her father died and no one seems to want to tell her what happened that night. Much as she wants, and even needs, Joey, she just can't bring herself to trust him.

The mob, secrets, kink. Lots going on here. Sophie and Joey have something special if they can only put the past behind them and embrace their future. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an extended version of The Bossman featuring Joey LaTorre, the reluctant heir apparent to the mob and Sophie Palazzo. Sophie grew up in Joey’s world but after the death of her father, her angry mother cut all ties with the mob blaming them for her loss. Now Joey is back ostensibly for a massage but checking up on Sophie for his brother and finding that the girl he comforted at her father’s funeral is now grown up, he can’t keep away from the woman she’s become.

Don’t Tempt Me comes with a well-matched hero and heroine in Joey and Sophie. They have fantastic chemistry and together explore the lighter elements of a Dom/sub relationship. There is slight angst with Sophie facing difficulties in putting the past and her memories behind her and is resistant to rejoining the family and definitely doesn’t want to live with the daily fears of Joey going to jail or worse but at the same time Joey is trying to figure a way out without upsetting his brother. It takes almost losing Joey before Sophie realises what’s important. With just the right amount of spice and drama, this was a relatively quick and easy read. Perhaps someone can explain to me though is why is it that beneath the sharp Italian-suits of reluctant mobsters lurk the hearts of accountants? That’s all they seem to want to be if they can escape the life!

[Diane G · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t Tempt Me: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance” is the second book in the series “Made Men” and tells the story of Joey LaTorre and Sophie Palazzo. They both grew up in the Mafia family - La Cosa Nostra. When Sophia was a teen-ager her Dad was murdered, Sophia never learned the truth of his death and hasn’t achieved closure. Her mother moved and started a new life away from “The Family”. Sophie has no wish to return to a life with La Cost Nostra but she wants to know how her father died. Lots of secrets, no one talks - will Sophie ever find the answers?
After 13 years, Joey reconnects with Sophia, who is now a grown woman. Ummm, Joey has always felt a connection with her and now it is stronger! Sophia had a teenage crush on Joey and when he reappears, the sparks are still there! But, Sophie decides she wants nothing to do with him or the life he represents. Let’s see how long that lasts? There are family secrets, hurts from the past and strong feelings pulling them together - Can they work it out? Will they help one another get past the barriers?
The story is impressive, fantastic and a beautifully told romantic tale. Through Renee Rose’s wonderful talent, we are shown how the characters learn about themselves, each other, relationships and that together they grow stronger and can realize a brighter future. And, the story takes off, as we watch!

[whatjtreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waver between a 3 and 4 for this one, so I guess it's really a 3.5. Renee Rose writes mafia light romance with a BDSM theme, which has kind of been her routine and what works for her.

This is the second book in a series, and features main character Joey LaTorre and Sophie Palazzo. This is a surprise pregnancy book, and happens towards the end. There is definitely lust at first sight here, and it starts early on in the book. Joey and Sophie are a part of La Cosa Nostra, Joey's family is the ruling family. The book begins with Sophie's father's death and funeral, which is where Joey and Sophie meets. He takes her for a ride just to get away from the funeral, and she develops a little girl crush on him. Because of her father's death though, she does not trust the mafia and as she grows, only dates safe guys who aren't in the life. They meet again when she's a massage therapist, and Joey comes to her workplace to get help from an injury in his back. This is where they meet again and there's a quick hookup. I feel like maybe this is where the disconnect for me comes from? They just suddenly saw each other and then fall into bed. Their relationship is really dependent on these strong hormonal feelings rather than something a little deeper.

This was definitely a quick read. Light on the love and mafia action, but high steam and quick pace.

[Mysti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really didn't have any big complaints. Lots of sex. It's lacking some drama and it's pretty tame for a mafia book.
So you've got Sophie (poor massage therapist who's dad was a made man killed when she was a teen) and Joey (mafia guy that doesn't really want to be there). So when Sophie's dad dies, her and her mother "leave" the family life. She meets up with Joey like 12 years later and they have some hot massage sex. Oops. Anyway, Joey is super sweet, no cheating, he's not even a whore. He basically just worships Sophie from day 1.
She doesn't want to want him, but the chemistry is too hot to resist. She doesn't want to get drug back into the family. She's also holding onto a lot of anger and resentment that her dad was killed and she wasn't told how.
My biggest complaint is that in every mafia story you ALWAYS know that the men don't talk about "work" with the women. It's that way for Irish, Italian, Mexican, whatever - that's one thing that's the same in all of them. Yet Sophie gets all crazy when Joey can't tell her things. And it's not like she's new to things. She knows the rules and still hold them against him.
Regardless, she's not that annoying. This book is chocked full sex. Like 85% is sex. I really don't have any complaints with that.
Oh - I wouldn't exactly call it BDSM, but there's some spanking and apparently that's a big deal to some people.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful continuation of series wonderful characters and marvellous scenario
This is a wonderful second book in this series and I have to say that I loved this wonderful book it was a great addition to the series and I have to say that you will enjoy every moment, you will be kept guessing and thoroughly engrossed by this wonderful plot.
The interaction between Sophie and Joey’s journey through this wonderful story is truly wonderful read, it was extremely heart-warming and I enjoyed every single moment of this book. Sophie is totally doubtful about her and adamantly distrusts the LaTorre family and she has fought against the feelings and the attraction she has against actually allowing herself to meet Joey.
He is a perfect package and I have loved the actual interactions between their sexual interactions which were hot and extremely spicy and I am sure that once you begin reading this book you will not put it down until you reach the end.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one just didn’t do it for me; however, I still like this authors voice so it wasn’t all bad. Couple things went wrong.

*Joey is not an Alpha he is a beta who was trained to be an Alpha. This means he is sort of alpha but he’s a whiny bitch about it.
*this book is heavily focused on spanking. I am totally on board for some spanking and play like the first book but this book was entirely about spanking. If this is your kink enjoy.
*I didn’t dislike Sophia but I didn’t like her either there was just nothing there.
*compared to the first book the bff relationship was extremely weak. Gina was awesome and I loved her and she serves multiple purposes. Servena sounds awesome but she exists just to exist there is no point to this character and I think if the author had fleshed out the bff relationship a bit more it would have made me like Sophia a lot more.

So yeah this was a bit of a dud for me but not giving up on this author yet.

Side note chapter 16 is desperately in need of an editor it was almost unreadable. The whole series has occasional slips but nothing too horrific the exception being chapter 16.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Palazzo is a massage therapist who was raised in a mafia family, but after her father's death, her mother broke them away from the Family as she always hated her husband's work...so when Joey LaTorre comes in for a massage, Sophie was surprised and wondered why...but they had shared a bond after the funeral held for her father years before, and now seeing her all grown up, he decided she was the woman for him. Joey had to deal with her reluctance to see him because of his family as he was crown prince of the LaTorre mafia, second to his older brother Al...Joey gets her to agree to three dates...but after one night with Sophie, she was already under his skin...and despite her natural aversion to the mafia that took her father from her, Sophie may be reconsidering her options with Joey....but you will need to read this tale to see what happens....I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Wickla · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sophie lost her Dad as a teen her mother took her away to escape the Family. The death of her Dad cast a shadow over her blaming them for his death wondering which of them was responsible.

When Joey walks into her place of work Sophie is surprised, she had a teenage crush, both adults now things heat up very quickly between them. When he steps to to give her support a deal is struck 3 dates and her debt is paid.

Joey falls head long in love with Sophie but she is not able to see past his role in the family, holding back from her mother that Joey is back in her life she struggles internally for her feelings towards Joey as she gets more involved. When confronted by some home truths Sophie has to make a tough decision, does she walk away or choose a life with Joey and the Family.

Was gifted an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily leaving a review based on my personal opinion that I would definitely recommend downloading this latest offering in the made men series.

[Kerri Lightle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow you want hot steamy well this book give it to you. Sophie had been out side of the family she grew up in before her dads death but now grown up and working hard to stay a float but joey is part of her pass and well a small crush but he's a grown man now. After that one day when he happens to be on her list for massage does everything come slamming back to her.

Joey now grown and well happens to have thrown his back out on a recommendation from his brother seeks out the hands for a massage from sophie . but his soul seems to recognize hers again and things go off in a different direction.

Together they find out how they fit together again and well have Sophie come back into the fold of the family where she belongs. But don't worry there's of course drama and underhanded events to keep things interesting but your going to love this couple. I can't wait to see what s next for this series

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Sophie has known Joey since she was a kid. When her father died he rescued her from the funeral and they developed a bond sort of. It’s not until 13 years later they’re reunited and he sees her as a grown woman that he’s instantly drawn her. Unfortunately she wants nothing to do with him or the life he represents. But the more she sees him, she can’t deny her feelings and starts to wonder what it’d be like to be with him. Then she finds herself pregnant and at first they’re both excited about it, until his mom gets in her head. Sophie is determined not to let history repeat itself with her and Joey and she won’t ask him to choose. So she makes the decision for both of them.
This was a good, short read, but I found myself shaking my head at one point in the book and annoyed at Sophie.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey and Sophie's story has elements of spanking and instalove, or maybe it's instalust. They definitely had some type of emotional connection stemming from their encounter at the funeral for Sophie's father.

There was betrayal and retribution. I think the interesting issue was that while Joey didn't want to partake in some of theater more questionable aspects of being part of the "family", he didn't have as much problem taking care of the money.

I wasn't sure if Joey was trying to move the family into legitimate business, or trying to move some or all of the key into legitimate investments to provide an air of legitimacy.

I kept feeling like I had read this before, then I found out it was an extended version of The Bossman, which I had read before. This was ok.
Sophie and Joey got their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a shocker-another awesome book from the mind of Renee Rose. The past come back into Sophie's life-she's just not sure it is in a good way. Joey is the mafia made man that she crushed on as a teen-now they are both all grown up. Sophie has left the life after the death of her father. The death she knows is caused by his role in The Family. He pops into her new life, one the she has built outside of the mafia, just the way her mother wants it.

Joey and Sophie have off the charts chemistry that won't be denied. Joey will do anything to make sure Sophie knows she is his-his to cherish, protect, and discipline if need be. Sophie is all for it-except for the becoming Joey's. She does not want to be dragged back into the mafia way of life. The problem is that Sophie's heart is basically ignoring her mind.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, Emotional and Wonderful!!

Sophie lost her dad at age 12. She has adopted the opinion of her mother that The Family was the cause of her father’s death, is no good, and to be avoided.

At age 25 working as a massage therapist, her current customer is Joey LaTorre, step-brother of the ruling don. One never quite leaves The Family, and this is a check-in. Joey was kind to Sophie when she was younger and grown-up sparks fly when she puts her hands on him. Sophie understands the Family life, even though she resents it, between that and her spitfire attitude Joey is intent on winning her over.

Balancing commitments, family, work and a relationship creates a wonderful story between these two. An absolutely entertaining and intriguing read!!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Mumto2girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book. The writing and editing is exactly what I expect from Ms. Rose and so that part of the book was good. My struggles centered around Sophie’s character. She didn’t want to have anything to do with the family and yet slept with Joey within literal minutes of re-meeting him. She didn’t want to be part of the family but entered into a relationship with him. She flip flopped so much; rather than making an intentional decision about her life, she fell into decisions and then regretted the consequences of them. I do not like the glamorized version of life in The Family but if she wanted t9 be part of it, own it and move forward. I did like the closure that she got from talking about her father’s death but my distaste for her coloured my whole enjoyment of the book.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Tempt Me by Renee Rose is book Two in the Made Men Series. This is the story of Sophie Palazzo and Joey LaTorre. I have read the previous book which did add to my enjoyment of this one. Sophia and Joey knew each other when they where younger. But Sophie mom blamed the LaTorre family for the death of her husband. Sophie and her mom where allowed to leave the 'Family' but they where never out of the 'Families' eye. Now in their preset day, Sophie's mother has remarried and lives away from Sophia. Sophia has become a Massage Therapist working to build her clients and business. Joey ends up hurting his back and needs a therapist which is how he ends up under Sophia care. This starts their story. Enjoyed and I hope to read more from this author!

[phys_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie and Joey have history since both of their parents were apart of the Cosa Nostra. Joey was there for Sophie during her father's funeral and she has never forgotten. Thirteen years later she meets him again and he is determined to have her. Due to her father and mother's difficult marriage because of la famiglia, Sophie isn't interested in a relationship with Joey. But Joey will do everything he can to make her see that she is meant for him.

I loved Joeys determination to make Sophie see they are meant for eachother. Even through all of Sophie's rejections he always come back to her. The spice was superb and the story line was chef's 💋. I will continue this series as it releases. I haven't read any of Renee's books until now but will definitely be reading more!

[Heart5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey and Sophie weren't exactly a match made in heaven. Sophia grew up with a mother that hated the Family. Her dad's influence was able to moderate some of the hate, but after his death there was no one. Years later when Joey walks into her shop, despite everything, she can't seem to turn away

The story itself is good. Joey and Sophie were both likeable characters. Joey was tough when he needed to be, yet gentle when Sophia needed him to be. Sophie seemed somewhat lost in the world pre-Joey. Her hesitancy was understandable and the author did a good job working through her feelings about Joey as well the loss of her father. Although this was a second book in the series, it would work fine as a standalone.

[riana · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was actually i book i really liked. it's super fast to read, had characters i was quite attached to, and a relationship i was rooting for. i love joey and sophie. i understood where they came from, their emotions, and their actions. joey did some of the best courting work and like fr spoiling 🥰🥰🥰 sophie's apprehensions were 100% valid, as well. and her actions of self preservation was something i could fault her for (not even joey's mom who catalyzed that reaction)

my only complaint would probably be the writing. it was a bit off for me and too casual at times. i think there's inconsistencies throughout the book. but definitely, j liked the writing here compared to the previous book. or maybe i'm blurring the lines with how well j took to the plot and the storyline.

4 stars

[Donna Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite this book being mafia themed, I found Sophie and Joey’s journey
heartwarming. I loved the push and pull as Sophie struggled with her
emotions. Sophie’s distrust of the LaTorre family plagued her as she
fought her attraction for Joey. Sophie put up a wall to keep Joey out
of her heart, but he was what she both needed and craved. Joey was
an alpha male with a strong dominant streak, which made Sophie melt.
He was the perfect package, and I loved how he was so tuned into
Sophie’s moods giving her sizzling sex and the spankings she dreamed
of.

Entertaining story with likable characters who share intense chemistry.
There were many spanking scenes scattered throughout the storyline.