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Nico & Gigi Duet #1

My Sweetest Temptation

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Gigi
He was the devil I craved.

I knew I was screwed the moment I caught his eye.
He’s sexy, cunning, and cruel—a ruthless killer disguised as a prince.
Despite every warning sign and instinct telling me to stay away, I found myself drawn to him in a way I couldn't resist.
Our chemistry ignited a forbidden romance that simmered with intensity and danger.
But then Nico shattered my heart, leaving me at the mercy of his enemies.
In the end, I was just another pawn in a deadly game.

Nico
She was the angel who brought peace to my chaos.

The first moment I saw her, she was mine—a soul to possess.
Innocent and beautiful… everything opposite in my world.
She held the power to unravel my defenses.
Until, through her deceit and betrayal, she shattered it completely.
And now, she has been snatched away from me, leaving me hollow and raging.
My enemies will face my wrath for taking what's mine.
I will burn this world down and stop at nothing to bring my angel back home.


This is a dark romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some. TWs listed inside the book and on my website.

617 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2024

19 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

I.S.A. Bella

14 books104 followers

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5 stars
90 (67%)
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28 (20%)
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13 (9%)
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2 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews734 followers
December 9, 2025
Part 1/2

3 🎻🎹💘s

Nico was an unhinged character, morally grey, intimidating, uncontrollable, fiery and he fell really hard for Winter (aka Gigi).

Winter was ignorant of Nico’s world. I liked her spirit and how she retorted to his possessiveness.

It was a very engaging part, had interesting twists, good world building and arresting plot.

The mcs shared an explosive chemistry, their love story was engrossing.

The development of their relationship, though, tested my tolerance. Their story could have been more concise and not so longwinded.

If you would like to give it a chance, check out the trigger warnings beforehand.

It ended in a great cliffhanger, so onto the next part asap!!!!
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,548 reviews181 followers
December 31, 2024
I loved this book so much, from beginning to end I was captivated by the story. I 10/10 recommend

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
503 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2025
“My Sweetest Temptation” is the first instalment in the “Nico & Gigi Duet.” Nico is not a man you cross, a man you disagree with and especially not in public and keep your life, the exception is Willow! He is attracted to Willow (aka Gigi) and is obsessed with her. He sees her as a possession and this does not sit well with her. “….. you'll be mine, and mine alone. So you better get used to that idea because I won’t let you slip away so easily." Nico caressed my cheek, his thumb traced the curve of my jaw. “I saw you. I keep you.”

Nico is very dominant and possessive towards her. He is also very protective as she is not use to his world, nor does she understand it. She brightens his day and begins to soften his heart. He is the devil and she is his angel. The angel he never thought he wanted, let alone needed. “Because...” he simply said, “you are light and I’m dark. You are heaven and I’m hell. And together, we’re going to create chaos.”

Winter (aka Gigi) has ended up in Chicago after both her parents were murdered for reasons she does not know. “My fate had been decided for me, thrust upon me like a cruel twist of destiny, and I was left to wrestle with the shattering truth. Nothing would ever be the same again.” Her only links to her past life are her Uncle Malik and her mums lawyer, Maddison. She cannot tell anyone “under any circumstances reveal who you are, where you are from, or anything about your parents to anyone."

Nico and his organisation is under attack from an unknown source called “The Puppet Master.” His organisation and his family are under threat. So is his budding relationship with Willow. He is fighting for everyone, for survival on all fronts, but who is fighting for him ….

I am thoroughly enjoying Nico and Willow’s story - the chemistry between these two sizzle! Nico is totally captivated with Willow from the start and he will not give her up for anyone! This is such a beautiful love story that is so intense - a love that will last forever, in both good and bad times! The story is full of passion, humor, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love ♥️ There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The story goes from pages that are sizzling, to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I’m very happily hooked 😊 I did not want it to end! Just so that you are aware, this does end on a cliff hanger ….

A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,262 reviews75 followers
January 9, 2026

I was immediately hooked as soon as I started reading and I just knew I was gonna love Nico and Gigi/Winter. Nico was the typical mafia guy- club owner, loves women- but doesn’t get attached, and when he meets his girl he’s OTT possessive and jealous. No other guy is allowed to look at Winter, let alone touch her, and if they do- they’re d€ad. But the thing that pissed me off and I wished Winter would’ve thrown it back at him was she couldn’t talk, touch, or hang out with a guy, but in the beginning of their “relationship” he could have another woman on his lap. Granted I think he did it to make Winter jealous and get a reaction from her but it was still hypocritical. And I wanted to slug him when he has Lana come to his office to service him- after he was basically all in with Winter. He didn’t go through with it, but he still kissed her, dropped his pants, ordered her on her knees and suck his 🍆- which she started to before he pulled out and told her to go.
Winter/Gigi was such a great character. She had that fire and didn’t back down from Nico. I loved her sass and cocky mouth when she’d tell him off. Her past is filled with so many secrets, ones she doesn’t even know about and I can’t even imagine what’s gonna happen next.
All the side characters were so good. I loved how Nico’s guys- Lo, Matteo, Luca and Enzo all took to Winter and was just as protective of her. And when Nico thought she betrayed him it was those guys who didn’t think for a second she did. And I loved Nico’s mom. It’s messed up what happened to her in the end and it sucks. She was a voice of reason for Nico and she really loved Winter and wanted her son and Winter together.
Profile Image for Danielle Davis.
6 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
This book was a rollercoaster ride. The from the chemistry between Nico and GiGi to the backstory being revealed. Loved seeing the different sides of Nico with his Mafia King complex to his sweet side.  And GiGi with her *take no bull* from Nico attitude.
The cliffhanger will leave you on the edge of your seat needing more.
Profile Image for Nilsa.
77 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2025
I had to give this book 5 stars because it had EVERYTHING! I felt like I was reading a movie script. The story about Nico & Gigi sucked me in so quickly I finished it in 2 days! It had love, murder, mafiosos, stalker, a plot and a cliffhanger🤯 I can't wait to start on book #2!
Profile Image for Bethany Eckard.
30 reviews
February 9, 2025
It took me a minute to get into this due to kids and life (RUDE😑) but I finally had an opportunity to sit down and really read and I INHALED this book. In one night. If you’re a fan of spicy, and mafia romance- read it. Like, yesterday. so good.
1,147 reviews22 followers
December 31, 2024
I.S.A. is one of my go-to authors to read. I absolutely love her writing. I have been reading her Beautiful Broken Pieces series, and I took a short break to stop and read My Sweetest Temptation.

Like in any of her books, there are some dark themes, and in this one, it's no different. This one has themes of, mafia romance, BDSM, drugs, kidnapping, bondage, gun play, violence, sa, talks about trafficking, torture, trauma, and unaliving.

There is such beautiful angst in this book, and I love how dominant and possessive and even jealous the MMC can be at times. It was so fun reading about a virgin FMC. I am not used to that. It's not usual to read about a virgin FMC.

She's the angel I never wanted, but needed
~~Nico

Now, before I continue, I do have to put caution out there.

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Know your triggers. Make sure you check the CW before you dig into this book.

Mafia romance is one of my go-to genres. I love it. And this on, this one has to rank as one of the best ones I've read this year. And I've read a bunch.

OMG, the plot twists in this book are an insane roller-coaster. And just when you think you have got it figured out, you realize that nothing is as it seems as you don't actually have it figured out, and you are back at square one.

Nico.
Our shy MMC has through something as he has trouble trusting. Let me tell you one thing, when it's something that he wants, Nico is anything but shy.

Nico is devastatingly handsome, breathtakingly rich, speaks his mind, and doesn't weaver from what he wants. And what he wants right now just walked through the door.

Winter

A breathtaking young Italing woman just happens to be on the run. She would change her name to stay off the radar. But she still manages to make friends and find a job. Her job just happens to be as an exotic dancer. She has known that she would have to keep it simple so no one could find her. She didn't want one certain set of people to find her.

Nico, of course, spots her right away. How could he not spot an Italian lovely lady. He knows right at that moment that she was the one for him even if he couldn't admit that to himself right away.

They were meant to be

He was Hers

And

She was his

She just needed to give him a chance, open her heart to him, and get to know him. And then, if all else failed, she would be his, even if she didn't want to be.

I loved this book. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a good mafia romance with lots of twists and turns. And yes, this is a dark mafia book, so please remember that. This book does end off on a cliffhanger, so please remember that as well, This is book 1 of 2. Thankfully, it is only a duet, so we will see the conclusion in book 2, and book 2 will not end in another cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Anita Hickman.
633 reviews15 followers
December 22, 2024
Mafia Romance. BDSM. Drugs
Kidnapping. Bondage. Gun play
Violence sexual assault
Talk about Trafficking. Torture. Trauma
Cliffhanger. Unaliving.
5-star read
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
The build-up leading to
Angst
Alpha dominant possessive jealous mmc
Virgin fmc
I would give this 10 stars if I could


She's the angel I never wanted, but needed
~~Nico


Omg!!Omg!!
This is the BEST Mafia Romance book I have EVER read.

The plot twists in this book have my head spinning in a good way. Just when you got it figured out.
Nope! You don't.

Nico.
Was not shy in any means when it came to things he wanted.
He was rich, devilishly handsome, he spoke his mind not wavering from what he wanted and the woman he wanted had just walked through the door.

But he did not trust..


Winter
She was a beautiful, young, Italian woman on the run. Changing her name she still manages to make friends and get a job as an exotic dancer. All along knowing she had to keep it simple. So, they couldn't find her.

Nico spotted her right away. He knew right then and there that she was the one whether or not he could admit that to himself.

She was his..

Whether she wanted it or not......

What happens when two total worlds collide when both of them have secrets that they can't tell?

Mm.

I couldn't resist this book
One.~~
It's Mafia-related
Two. ~~
The plot twists will leave you guessing at every turn.
Three~~
I was just consumed by all the feelings in this book.
I could go on and on about this book and the author for hours.
At the end of this month, this book will be ready to be read by YOU!!
Take a chance...
You. Can't go wrong. It will consume you as it did me..

I.S.A. Bella you outdid yourself in this book.
This shows off your writing capabilities and I for one am going to get myself a physical copy to keep near for my future reread.

Can't wait for Book 2
561 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2026
Okay

story plot and editing were good. I really like the cover art. The start of the book slow, so many details, like the the songs she was listening to. It was like reading it a biography. 

Spoilers...

Her being a pole dancing stripper. It didn't match her naivety and innocence personality. How can you be a stripper and be innocent? Also it really seemed like a poor choice if she's trying to keep her fake identity hidden

Makes no sense that she's totally innocent yet she allows him to f##ger her in the nightclub with other men around. So many contradictions in her character.

I found it very disturbing that the MMC put a gun to a pregnant woman's stomach. Even though he didn't do I found it quite upsetting. I don't like the MMC he's always threatening her says he does not discriminate killing women. He did killed his first girlfriend for infidelity. He is with other women but he supposedly cares about her. The next time he sees her he cuts her thigh with knife. The interaction between them was more like teenagers then a Mafia Boss every other page he says She's Mine but yet they aren't even together. After he put her in the trunk and then choked her until she passed out. I lost interest about 50% and started scrolling through. On page 82 was the first time they had sex and it was cringe-worthy. A couple of weeks after she got attacked beat up up and almost raped by two guys. The MMC puts the MFC on a sex swing and Rams into her taking her virginity. Their first time together was one of worst and unrealistic that I've ever read. I did not like the MMC and the MFC was dumber than a box of rocks. I hate sounding so critical bureally did not enjoy this book.

3,406 reviews72 followers
January 1, 2025
524 pages of pure perfection!!!! One of the most beautifully written and emotionally charged love stories I read this past year !!! Dark mafia romance at its finest!!! My Sweetest temptation was all of the above and so much more. Have you ever come across a duet or a series that just hooked you in a way no other has for a very long time ? That you found yourself not only falling completely in love with from the very first page but had the ability to make you feel so many different emotions you never saw coming? Everything from being speechless to yelling outta pure frustration to smiling and laughing one minute to sobbing and cheering the next !!!Kinda like being on the craziest ride at the amusement park !!! you know that feeling you get in your stomach from being excited and nervous at the same time - the anticipation of whats to come next ? This Duet without a doubt is that for me . It’s the type of journey that’s going to tug at all your heartstrings, it’s going to keep you up reading well into the early morning hours fighting to keep your eyes open because yes it’s just that addictive. It’s filled with dark , raw , gritty and oh so steamy/ heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, it’s intriguing and suspenseful, there’s secrets and revelations, revenge and tragedy, obstacles, family , friendships and so much more . Def go in knowing their are many triggers such as death , murder , s*x trafficking, bondage , kidnapping, drugs and that’s only to name a few . If your feeling adventurous and love dark mafia , forbidden and age gap love stories then this is the absolute perfect read for you !!!!
11 reviews
Read
January 27, 2026
The story plot and editing were good. I really like the cover art. The start of the book slow, so many details, like the the songs she was listening to. It was like reading it a biography.
Spoilers...
Her being a pole dancing stripper. It didn't match her naivety and innocence personality. How can you be a stripper and be innocent? Also it really seemed like a poor choice if she's trying to keep her fake identity hid

Makes no sense that she's totally innocent yet she allows him to f##ger her in the nightclub with other men around. So many contradictions in her character.
I found it very disturbing that the MMC put a gun to a pregnant woman's stomach. Even though he didn't do I found it quite upsetting. I don't like the MMC he's always threatening her says he does not discriminate killing women. He did killed his first girlfriend for infidelity. He is with other women but he supposedly cares about her. The next time he sees her he cuts her thigh with knife. The interaction between them was more like teenagers then a Mafia Boss every other page he says She's Mine but yet they aren't even together. After he put her in the trunk and then choked her until she passed out. I lost interest about 50% and started scrolling through. On page 82 was the first time they had sex and it was cringe-worthy. A couple of weeks after she got attacked beat up up and almost raped by two guys. The MMC puts the MFC on a sex swing and Rams into her taking her virginity. Their first time together was one of worst and unrealistic that I've ever read. I did not like the MMC and the MFC was dumber than a box of rocks. I hate sounding so critical but I really did not enjoy this book.


Profile Image for bewdley_reads.
78 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2025
A dark mafia romance which is captivating, thrilling and leaving you begging for more

I am a new reader of dark mafia romance, and My Sweetest Temptation did not fail to impress and leave me begging for more. The opening scenes of the book had me captivated and interested and it didn’t stop there, it continued to captivate me to the point I was reading it till 3am and have not been able to stop thinking about it.

After the opening chapter, the story fast forwards and opens with a strong murder scene and completely invests you into Gigi’s story. Then Gina meets Nico, a strong MMC but what I love about this story is that Gigi is a strong defiant FMC also, for a young inexperienced girl she knows her own mind and loves to challenge the Mafia King! Which not only made me hold my breath for her, but also begging her to challenge him more as you see Nico unravel.
There are some difficult scenes in the book and even though I was reading, at one stage I was covering my eyes with my blanket, however I was hooked, and I could not put it down.
There are lots of likeable characters within the book and I hope I.S.A Bella completes more books around the characters stories also.

I am now impatiently waiting for the second book; I screamed when I realised the cliffhanger I had been left on as this book has really got under my skin!
Get it now - you will not be disappointed

TRIGGERS:
• Bondage
• Death
• Domestic Violence
• Drugs
• Gun Violence
• Kidnapping
• Murder
• Sexual Assault
• Sex Trafficking
• Swearing and Vulgar Language
• Torture
• Trauma
Profile Image for Dawn Litwiller.
394 reviews11 followers
January 23, 2025
Wow - every emotion that a person can go through is put to the test is this amazing roller coaster of a book!

I.S.A. Always weaves an emotional tale and isn’t afraid to tackle some difficult subjects and situations and this book takes it up not only to the next level, but the next five levels!!

Nico is dark and dangerous and has to be tougher than tough to survive his world and Gigi is sunshine and light that he can’t resist as much as he tries to. He can’t stay away even though he tries to for her own safety and not to dull her shine with his world. Gigi doesn’t understand Nico’s world and the push and pull he does with her could give a girl some serious whiplash. The chemistry they have is hot, hot, hot and the spice is off the charts!

Backstory and character development are written so well and the Puppet Master and mysterious side characters that you’re never too sure who’s a “good guy” or not. It keeps you guessing and is not predictable at all.

Poor Gigi goes through some huge traumas and it is completely heartbreaking that I felt it in my soul.

Then that cliffhanger! Ugh!!! This book ripped me apart and put be back together in the best way. I was sucked into this book so fast and having to wait for the next book in the duet is torture!!

I have read many of I.S.A.’s books before, but this is a completely different style and experience and I am so happy to see this new genre from her!
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,493 reviews23 followers
January 4, 2025
Ms. Bella knows how to shock readers. She does it again with this duet opener. I don't even know where to begin. There is so much going on. This book starts off fast and furious and just when readers think it is going to slow down, it moves to warp speed. There a lot of people in this book. The people that matter are Gigi and Nico. Gigi was forced into something like witness protection after her parents died. She emerged in Chicago. Nico Moretti took one look at her and knew this angel would be his. His claim on her was instant and permanent. Gigi is a little spitfire. Nico got under her skin and she refused to let him get the best of her. Gigi's smart mouth did something to Nico. He wanted to keep her but had to figure out how to stay in control.

This book has some serious warnings. The triggers are real. Please read thoroughly and be prepared. I think Ms. Bella prepares readers well for the world she creates. Nico is trying to stay on top. He has a lot of people vying for that top spot. To stay on top, he has to be ruthless. If you cross Nico, you will get dealt with. No matter the person. Does Nico have the time to fight with Gigi over who she belongs to? So many secrets. What will happen when these secrets come out? Will forgiveness be in the cards? Ms. Bella knows how to create a harsh world that is full of truths that readers can understand. Readers might not like a character but they will understand their thought process. Ms. Bella has a knack for giving readers the full picture. Now, this is a cliffhanger so be prepared. I sure hope the next book in this duet is finished because I need it now.
Profile Image for Neia Quaintance.
495 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2025
Read TWs before u read this book

Angelica is the princess of the D'Onofrio family, and she fell in love with the enemy Alphonse, and she fell pregnant. Dante helped Angelica escape leavin behind her sister Valarie to protect their mom from their dad. But now Angalica has to flew with a new identity, and Alphonse can't know where she is at so he can protect her from her family. Now that her father hurt Dante, his right hand for helping Angalica escape. Angalica had a bay girl Gigi and married another man til her father's men found her and finished her, and now Gigi is wants to learn bout a life she never knew and now haves to go into hiding with a new identity as Winter. 6 months as her new identity Winter went to a nice but dangerous club with her friend Tabi for her birthday and Winter caught the attention of the Mafia boss Nico, and he isn't easy to get attention from because Winter is the light and Nico is the dark and 2gether their goin to create choas. Winter is a firecracker, and Nico tries to stay calm with her, but they are amazing 2gether. This book is definitely a wild roller-coaster ride 4sure, but in such a good way. This book is a very good book, and it does leave on a cliffhanger that will leave u wantin more.
Profile Image for Tina.
134 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2025
All the feels on this one.

I certainly cried at a few parts. I was wincing hoping things wouldn't happen in other parts.

Nico is definitely a character. I started out hating him and now I'm more undecided. He certainly had growth throughout, but he frustrated me. While I do love an over-protective, morally grey, bossy MMC but I really struggled with him. I'm hoping I'll grow to like him more in the second book.

I did love Winter/Gigi though. And while Nico isn't my favourite, I do think the author did a great job creating a connection between the two of them. I kept reading more, and couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The twists were twisty and while I had guesses about what would happen throughout, there were a few things that fully hit me upside the head. I love being shocked by twists so I really enjoyed that.

I always love great supporting characters and this was a great read for that. Mya, Tabi, Malik, Liam, Dan, were all great characters to help support Winter through this story, but I think Enzo is probably my favourite side character so far. If you love a good pet in a book, Demon is the best.

Can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Nikki B..
918 reviews19 followers
January 13, 2025
I don't know what magic I.S.A.Bella is using to write her books, but OMG.... they suck you in.
My Sweetest Temptation is Nico and Winter/Gigi's story. This story is dark, twisted, and unpredictable. I didn't see any of the twists coming. Nico is intense and scary but Gigi brings out this whole other side to him. I was so heartbroken at the whole basement scene. You could just tell he wanted to break and give in to her but also didn't know what to believe. I can't say that I blame him. But then also putting myself in her shoes, looking into the eyes of the man you love and seeing that he doesn't believe that you're telling the truth, I was in literal tears. I cannot wait to read the next story. This one ended on such a cliffhanger. The main characters are amazing and well written, but so are all the side characters. They all play such a big role in the story, you can't help but love them as well. I highly recommend reading this book, though, I suggest checking the trigger warnings first. 10/10, recommend this.
Profile Image for Patricia Monica Provost.
140 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2025
Nico and Gigi 🥰

Nico Moretti is the most powerful man in Chicago. Don of the family, no one ever says no to him. One night, he saw Winter in his club. He wants her. He wants to own her. What he doesn’t know is the Winter is in hiding. Her real name is Georgina. She’s a mafia princess. Her mother Angelica D’Onofrio left Italy when she found out she was pregnant with her. Her father is the most powerful man in Italy, Alphonse Gambino. Will Nico found out about her history or will Gigi as Winter fall for the Devil?

First book I read from this author and it’s epic!!! The chemistry between to two characters is like a cat and mouse play!!! Nico is dark and trust no one. He is intense and have trouble to not fall for his Angel. Gigi is on the run and just wants to stay undercover. The secondary characters are there to push the story forward not just to fill spaces. It’s a duet so it ended as a cliffhanger but I really hope there will be more books in this series because really, each secondary characters need one!!! I highly recommend this duet and can’t wait to read what is next!!! 5⭐️
Profile Image for Lauren Thomas.
53 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2025
WORDS—WHERE THEY BE???

You know, I don’t even know where to begin with a review for this book. Character development? 5/5. World building? Okay, 4/5–could use a smidgen of work but honestly, it’s great as is. And the spice—okay, the spice be spicy 5/5.

Gigi’s, now Winter, life is thrown so out of balance that she can barely make heads of tales when tragedy strikes but she does her best to make the best of things. She meets a wonderful friend whose birthday coincidentally ends up being the night her life changed forever. And Nico? Dude needs to take the occasional chill pill but besides that, he’s obsessive and possessive and dang if he doesn’t look good in a t-shirt.

But no amount of give and take will mean anything if there isn’t trust and that’s one thing Nico struggles with. And if he finds out Winter’s secret, one she doesn’t even fully understand herself, can he bring himself to see past this perceived betrayal or will all be lost?

And Miss Bella—excuse you for the cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Ninni.
35 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I did not know what to expect when I started this.
I love dark romance so I hade hope for this one but unfortunately I didn’t vibe with it fully. I get the story and there were a lot of aspects I liked but also a few I didn’t like.

Unfortunately I found the FMC kind of meek. She has attitude but doesn’t really put up a fight and goes along with the MMC’s demands rather quickly which was unfortunate because it could have been so good. I did like the push and pull between Nico and Winter (Gigi) though.

The book gave enemies to lovers vibes with a possessive MMC. And I do love a possessive MMC.

There was a lot of build up throughout the book but I felt it was over too quickly. I did however like the suspense at the end of the book.

There was one sentence I really didn’t like because to me it sounded wrong.
“I knew he was experienced and probably sucked a lot of girls”

But over all the book was good.
246 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2025
So this review may be my first online it is my second overall time. I could not get into it because of how slow it was. But reading some more books not as big with slow burns. I became appreciative of them. And I’m so glad I could because this is the best book ever so far for a mafia read due to the severity of the length.
Read your triggers prior to opening this book due to how many things are going on in this book. You’ll find that this book is hellishly dark, mind blowinginly twisted, and hair pulling unpredictable and you won’t see it coming.
The characters themselves were meticulously crafted especially the main characters Nico and Gigi. Yes this book goes from lies, kidnapping, all the way to bdsm. You want lust we got it, and more. You don’t know what you’re missing out on.. like I didn’t go around one. Sadly yes were with that dreadful cliffhanger but not as ad off a many as i have read.
160 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2024
This book is an absolutely breathtaking experience. Intense, Nico is extremely explosive when it comes to Gigi, also known as Winter. He will do anything to win, keep, and protect her. I hesitate to say much for fear of spoilers, but I have read many good books and very few reach the top of my list as an all-time favorite. This one does. The writing is excellent, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I would give it a 10 rating if I could. If you like Mafia, enemies-to-lovers, explosive bedroom scenes, and a gripping plot, this book is for you. Someone is after her, and they want her as much as Nico intends to keep her. But who are they? And what about Winter in all of this? How does she feel? What does she really want? Read it and find out all the twists and turns, love and hate. Remember this author: I.S.A. Bella.
Profile Image for Kendra Light.
33 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2024
Amazing! I couldn't put this book down start to finish! 524 pages of pure greatness!
The beginning started off strong with murder and a full scenery change. The whole book was packed with action, suspense, and smut.
The main characters are Nico & Gigi. Gigi is a very strong women who was forced to get a completely new life. The minute Nico saw her he knew he was going to claim her as his own.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone into mafia/ dark romance!
Great job I.S.A. Bella!

5 stars
4 spice

TRIGGERS:
*death
*D.V.
*drugs
*torture
*gun violence
*police death
*murder
*kidnapping
*bondage
*S.A.
*S*x trafficking
*vulgar language

TROPES:
*Dark mafia romance
*he falls first
*age gap
Profile Image for Suzanne.
823 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2025
Wow, that was one hell of a ride!

For me this very long book felt it was quite slow to start, a lot of background story given first. Starting with Winter/Gigi's parents' backstory in Italy, moving to Gigi and then to her new life as Winter before the story starts. It's quite a way through before you find out the relevance of all that, but it is most definitely worth it.

When Winter becomes involved with Nico, or rather Nico storms into her life and tries to take over, you think that it might be plain sailing from that point. You couldn't be more wrong.You are drawn in, waiting for the shoe to drop, but you wouldn't guess how different things turn out!

A great gripping twist in the story leaves you on a cliff wanting the next installment immediately. Great story.
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
811 reviews17 followers
January 27, 2025
First up, read the triggers list. There are a few.

Next strap yourself in for a ride of a lifetime. This book is intense from the word go and it is a great ride. It is a dark and intense Maria love story at its finest. Secret players and lots of intrigue.

Winter(Gigi) has been through a lot. From losing her parents in a brutal murder to moving across the country. Trying to remain hidden from something that she does not understand. She is strong, but she doesn't know what she needs to be strong for.
Nico is an intense over the top Mafia boss. He sees Winter for the first time and he is taken with her. He wants to posses her make her his. But she has secrets, some she doesn't even know about.

Only bad thing about this book, it is on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Sarah Lowe.
160 reviews15 followers
March 12, 2025
Honest Review-

This Dark Romance novel includes mature themes and trigger warnings.

Nico & Gigi.♥️🖤

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star’s
Spiciness- 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chilli’s

Tropes-
Lots of Explosive Twists-🩸
Cliffhanger-⏳
Chemistry-🔥
Possessive MMC-🖤
Strong FMC-♥️

I.S.A. Bella did a phenomenal job with My Sweetest Temptation, crafting a captivating story that flows smoothly, with explosive plots, steamy chemistry, and a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

The main characters' traits are relatable and endearing, while the antagonist's actions evoke strong disdain.

The perfect amount of spice is added throughout.

I'm eagerly anticipating the release of My Sweetest Obsession, Book 2.

Thanks for sharing🖤
Profile Image for Amanda Lindsey Bursting Bookshelf Blog .
229 reviews29 followers
April 9, 2025
One hell of a ride all the way to the end! I was literally dragged into the depths of Nico's world with the devil knocking at the door on the edge of insanity. The only thing that may keep the devil at bay would be an angel! Gigi's life flips upside down and ends to start a new life as Winter. Little did Winter know that her new world would be flipped upside down, twisted and bent with a new darkness. Her dance with the devil edges with darkness wrapped up in a warm blanket. But then drastic events happen and the whole book flips and takes a turn! What a rollercoaster ride that I couldn't keep my eyes off the pages until the very end and I'm anticipating the next moves in book 2! I.S A. Bella ticked this book from start to finish! 😋 😈❤️
Profile Image for Shyla.
278 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2024
🤯 wow just wow 🤯

I’ve had the pleasure of reading all I.S.A Bella’s books she covers some very sensitive subjects in every book! This one is no different, but it’s extremely dark!

Nico is not morally grey he is on the darker scale. He was hard to like at first BUT don’t put the book down and I repeat don’t put it down! He is worth getting to know and understand sharp edges and all!

Gigi is strong! I don’t want to go into a lot of details bc her character is extremely complex and just when you think you have things figured out, Bella will shock you with a new twist.

The side characters are always some of my favorites! I loved all of Nico’s men’s possibly more than I liked Nico. Gigi’s friends are just as amazing.

This is the first book in the duet and it ends of one heck of a cliffhanger! There are also many triggers so please read them they are in the beginning of the books. This is a dark mafia book, if you like dark and mafia this book is for you!
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