The Boss's Temptation

Scaliami Crime Family #2

by Jagger Cole

I’m torn between a hero I don’t know, and a monster who makes my knees weak.

I come from Bratva royalty. But this is no fairytale, and I’m no princess. Right now, I’m a bartering chip. I’m being pushed to marry the cold, hardened kingpin boss of the Scaliami crime syndicate to smooth over a wrong I didn’t commit.

He’s known as a savage. A cold and calculating villain. He’s a monster, and yet he’s also captivatingly gorgeous. He’s twice my age. He makes me think forbidden thoughts I’ve never had before. He makes me crave things I shouldn’t.

Years ago, I fell for a hero. But now I’m losing my mind for a villain. One is the fantasy. The other is my future. And the lines between them are blurring by the second.

But there’s more to this than meets the eye. The walls are closing in. My own criminal family wants me to play the double agent. Outside forces want to use me against him.

But he just wants me. He wants me to scream his name. He wants to make me his in every possible way. And God help me, I want him to.


Looking for the perfect blend of steamy and sweet? Some heat with your feels? This is just what you need! No cliffhanger, and a perfect happy ever after.

This is a standalone story. The books in the Scaliami Crime Family series can be read in any order.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Suspense, Contemporary

ebook

First published November 18, 2020

About the author

A reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.

Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.

When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.

You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com


Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd

Reviews

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid arranged marriage novella.

Sexy and a bit dark. Hit the spot just fine.

This is the heroines father from the first one.

4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 "Good girl. You came so fucking good for me."

TROPES:
~arranged/forced marriage
~mafia
~age gap
~enemies to lovers

"I'm not a monster, Katrina. But I can be."

Katrina has been in love with the man who saved her from a fire ten years ago. She was just a child, but as she got older she wanted him more and more. Now at 23, she's being used as a pawn by her uncle. She's to be married to Michael, leader of the opposing mafia. She's attracted to him but in her heart she's still waiting on the man who saved her.

There's a delicateness to her that brings something fierce out in me. It makes me want to protect her.

Michael is against the wedding because Katrina is so much younger than him. Regardless, because of being in close proximity to one another, the chemistry between them explodes.

I'm desperately aching for more of him. For more of that kiss. For more of his hands on me. For more of... everything.

Michael was fierce, protecting, and possessive but he was also really gentle with Katrina, which was a nice change to see in mafia romances! I really enjoyed this book. Jagger Cole is becoming a one-click author for me!

I grip her throat- not dangerously, but hard enough to make her whimper and gasp. Her eyes widen even more. Pure desire blooms in her face. I feel her pussy dripping down on me. It's like she's jerking me off with her walls, and my control breaks in two.

I didn't read book 1 of this series and was able to jump right in! I really like Jagger Cole's writing, it's easy to read but intricately put together.

SAFETY:
Ages: 23h, 43H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, not a manwhore hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Kinks: "good girl" praise, rough sex, dirty talk, swaddling
HEA?: yes

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

This one is fast pace and drama and steam. And the dad of h in the last book in this series i thought i read this book but I didn't lol so im going out of order.


Michael is already annoyed that his Don wants him to marry he doesn't hes old and doesn't wanna wife and when he also finds out she's wayyy younger then him he even more against it but he can't say no to the Don.

Their first meet was awkward and even more so when Katrina tries to do what her uncle said please him. And she gets shot down and embarrassed that her future husband doesn't like her he thinks shes a spy or knows her uncle wants something. Their relationship from there is on thin ice and tons of sexual tension and when they tie the knot and finally get on the same page, something from their past is dropped in their lap. They have a past together and it seems someone is trying to ruin and destroy their lives.

No ow drama and tiny om drama, No cheating, Drama, Slight secondary charas, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore

Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Prologue
Slowinsta
Push away from H
Older/younger couple
23h/40H
Violence
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

MCs:
- Katrina, 23, niece of a bratva boss
- Micheal, 43, head in the US operation of Scaliami family


book info:
- no cheating / opd / 3rd act conflict
- age gap (23/43)
- mafia romance
- mention of drug overdose
- violence
- novella
- HEA
- Virgin FMC, No manhoe MMC (it was insinuated he hasn't been with any woman for years)


they met 10 years ago, she was 13 and he was 33, when he saved her from a burning house. she didn't see his face but thought of him as her hero for the next decade. and he thought of her as his angel, a little light to get him back on track.

10 years later, they were forced to an arranged marriage. they both didn't know that they already met since years have already passed. they don't want to go through this marriage but micheal was forced by his boss and and katrina was forced by her uncle. so despite not really wanting it, they still got married.

eventually, they found out about the fire incident. micheal is already uncomfortable with their 20 year age gap, and the knowledge that he saved her years ago kind of add to the unsavoury situation. there is a lot of pushing on micheal's side, which i do get because he's way too old for her. but katrina wants him anyway, she did some pushing too but she was the first one to give in to the attraction. and she made effort on making him see her as a woman and not the kid he saved back then.

when they were finally on the same page, let's just say that it was freaking hooot. maaan, the sexual tension and chemistry are palpable, and together they combust. reading their scenes made me swoon and giddy. micheal is a filthy mmc that's for sure, also he's in his forties but the stamina?? i'm not sure if that's really even possible to go at it the way they did 🤭

though there are some things that made me roll my eyes:

- how micheal is so repetitive about their age gap but still attracted to her and wants to screw her six ways to sunday

- how he always use "thick, fat, huge" when describing his package, i mean couldn't you just say d*ck or c*ck?

- how he growls all the time, like from start to end he was growling, i mean whyyy?

- how katrina lied to him by omission, i know she didn't do what her obsessed stalker wants her to do but it still pissed me that he didn't tell micheal about the threats. he's way powerful than her stalker anyway.

- or why do MCs jumped to the worse conclusion just by reading a snippet of something. why don't they ask for explanation first before throwing a hissy fit?

anyway, moving on from issues above, there were some action and suspense thrown in the end, and of course, micheal saves the day again and lastly they confessed their love for one another.

overall, i did enjoy this and it's also a quick read 150+ pages only. and i'm really looking forward to reading the last book in this series.

[Deepthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect action and tension packed book that too a novella.

Michael & Katrina ✨
It delivered well. The chemistry and sexual tension is top notch.
It would have been good if the mmc wouldn’t remind the age gap between them. And didn’t get much interaction of his daughter with fmc .🫠

Tropes: Age gap (huge 23&40), arranged marriage, close proximity, he obsessed, spicyy 🌶️🌶️🌶️, novella .

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Holy hotness! The extra bonus epilogue was hot as hell!

[Kathy Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

黑帮家族系列三本，第一本是竹马+保镖，第二本是黑老大+嫁给了我儿时的英雄，第三本是保镖+缘来是你。黑老大最好看。看完才知道这个作者是男的，难怪没有那些奇奇怪怪的女性成长🤣🤣🤣主打一个快恨准，火辣辣🧨🧨🧨

[Geeky Girl Review Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Yum

Loved this age-gap mafia romance with a bit of a history connection between the main characters

Great mix of mafia dark and romance/heat.

This book was a great addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to book 3.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the prologue there at the beginning, it had me hoping for her hero too! I was slightly jealous that she got to hold onto that fantasy for ten years and then literally get it to come true!
There was the prefect amount of tension between Micheal and Katrina, I really enjoyed watching her grow into herself. She really changed, for the better and became so much stronger and sassy. I loved it, she deserved to grow that confidence and be her own person and Micheal embraced it even which was better.
The more time they spent together the more steam and I couldn’t get enough of it. I was so ready to find out where things went after knowing what kind of man Micheal is from the first book. Katrina being the woman that showed him the light was perfect, she was perfect for him with being broken from the loss of her mother and father to how Micheal was broken from the loss of his wife. Two perfectly broken people coming together.
The little bit of suspense and mystery was great, was wondering the whole-time which way things were going to go. Pleasantly surprised to find that everything split off and finally came together.
I couldn’t wait to find out how things ended for them, would they admit their feelings for each other, or do they keep the marriage as one of just convenience? So happy to see they got that happy ending, and the buildup was so worth it. Loved how everything flowed and I was hooked from the start, thought my tablet was going to catch fire a few times (lol). Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Klaudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boss's Temptation is my third meeting with the author - and another successful one.
Due to this fact, the author makes it to my favourite authors list. Micheal Genovese controls the Scaliami family’s business. Foolish behaviour by the son of the Russian gangster Anton Korolyov (may lead to war between hostile families) Anton - in order to redeem himself, brings with him ( besides an apology) a gift. The gift which turns out to be his twenty-three-year-old niece Katrina - to whom Michael, as it turns out, is to be married by the order of his boss. The men is surprised by this turn of events. He doesn't want another marriage, much less with such a young girl. However, he can't oppose his boss. He's reluctantly takes the girl to his place. Unexpectedly, they develop mutual interest and attraction to one another. However - the girl is still thinking about a mysterious hero from years ago, who once saved her life. Will Michael and Katrina feel something for each other, or will a mysterious hero enter the stage?

The book may not have been long, but I had a lot of fun reading. I really like the motive of quite a big age difference, as I like it very much in books. In addition, the author very skillfully built up the tension between the characters, which grew to explode with live fire. I really appreciate chapters written from two perspectives -, it gives the reader far more information about the characters than in one-person narration. Although I’ve read through the book quickly, the action doesn't rush too fast. Everything is happening at the right time. I really recommend it and I look forward to more books by the author.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars. Jagger Cole is a hit or miss author for me. His books are either way too deviant, dark, twisted or how he has his male characters treat female characters. And he's a father with two daughters LOL! I'm not a prude, I do like some darkness and a little bit of deviance. But there were some books like the Savage Heirs(what's 17 or 18-year-old kids act like that?), The Hunter King (not sure I want to read a about a guy that chases a kidnapped woman around an island to have sex with her after grabbing her. And I don't know what female wants that to happen to them either) or the last one he just came out with I believe it was Burned Cinders in that, the male character treats the female character like s*** in the beginning. Did not finish that one. He also has a tendency to write his female characters weak. But I digress, this book was okay it had a good plot, and it held my attention. Really the only two issues I had with this book were, first she the female character goes from a beatdown victim of verbal abuse to a sex kitten in about 4 days. Not happening. And then on top of that the bad guys sneak into Michael's house in a big box and nobody questions that LOL! I didn't read the first book, for some reason I skipped that one. Now I need to so I can read about his daughter and her love interest.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I started reading this, I realized I recognized other characters in the story … hmmm … so I went to Jagger Cole's home page and, sure enough, there are others in the same world. WOW!!! It just made this all that much better!! If you read the blurb then you'll have a basis for what the storyline is all about. Then read the author's notes that tell us it's the perfect blend of steamy and sweet. It's exactly that! Katrina is the niece of the Bratva kingpin and her 'hero' saved her from being shot and killed. He's the star of all her fantasies. Now she's being bargained off to Michael. Michael resents being strong-armed by the Sicilian Godfather into marrying a woman twenty years his junior. She's barely older than his own daughter!! But when these two get together there is such chemistry but Katrina's family has their fingers in the works and could ruin everything. This was a wonderful read.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a fast fan of Jagger Cole's books: admirable crime lord heroes, action-filled plots you'd never expect, and chemistry between partners off the charts. Katrina was the young niece of a Bratva kingpin when this hero saved her from being shot and burned to ashes. He has been the subject of her fantasies for years before she was bargained off to be wife of the Scaliami Syndicate's boss. Michael was repelled at being forced to accept the young girl 20 years his junior by the godfather in the USA from Sicily. He was thankful that at least she was barely older than his daughter though now he would have to deal with a potential spy in his own home! This is the setup for the thrilling plot that is highly recommended!

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago they met by chance but neither of them new each other. He saved her life and disappeared but Katrina never forget the man who saved her life. Now years later they are about to come face to face. But for Michael it will be different. He is the top man in the Bravata very dangerous and has no desire for a wife. Now that he's about to marry someone he wants nothing to do with. When these two try to live together well it's about to tempt him more than he wants. Katrina has no idea what is going and why she's being forced to someone she should be terrified of. These two have chemistry and when they get together it's about to explode. But sometimes things aren't all that they seem and someone is trying to tear them apart. Will it work?

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a fast fan of Jagger Cole's books: admirable crime lord heroes, action-filled plots you'd never expect, and the chemistry between partners off the charts. Katrina was the young niece of a Bratva kingpin when this hero saved her from being shot and burned to ashes. He has been the subject of her fantasies for years before she was bargained off to be wife of the Scaliami Syndicate's boss. Michael was repelled at being forced to accept the young girl 20 years his junior by the godfather in the USA from Sicily. He was thankful that at least she was barely older than his daughter though now he would have to deal with a potential spy in his own home! This is the setup for the thrilling plot that is highly recommended! I volunteered this review from an ARC.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, freakin’ wow. If I thought I loved Vincent and Bellamy’s story, I obviously had no idea what awaited me with Michael and Katrina. Their story was explosive with lust and need from the second they laid eyes on one another. And it only continued to grow and fester until it ignited into a beautiful, raging inferno.

I wholeheartedly loved these two together and absolutely could not get enough of their amazing story and their fiery chemistry. I felt every emotion in this book. Cole did a marvelous job bringing their story to life with each brilliantly, written word. Man, I love this author!! 5 Stars!!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Boss’s Temptation so much! It starts out with danger and suspense. Then it takes you to the Mafia life of debts to be paid and arranged marriages. Our couple has met before and never forgotten each other but not the way you would think. These two only knew each other as strangers that never exchanged more than a lifesaving moment.

Katrina and Micheal have an amazing chemistry and connection. She is so innocent, and he is so rough. She is vulnerable and has led a sheltered life. He is a killer and knows no boundaries. These two had my kindle in flames! Love this series so much!!!

[Black Sheep · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh.

For the love of God, Jagger. Please expand your vocabulary.

Book page count: 173
Most repetitive words & how many times said words were used:
Growl - 103
Snarl - 41
Tremble - 40
Blush - 43

I enjoy quick or lengthy mafia reads. In some aspects, the story was convincing and close to reality. In other aspects, it had some corny, complete bullshit ‘that-would-never-happen’, type moments.

The dynamic between H & h was okay. I didn’t really feel the love, just sex and somewhat friendship development. Nothing more.

The overall plot was somewhat entertaining.

A few grammar mistakes.

Eh. 2/5

- B.S.

[Jeraca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.

I'm really enjoying this new series by Jagger Cole! I love how untraditional it is with the age gap, along with the twist of the Mafia life.

Michael is all seriousness and tough but once Katrina shows up in his life, we see a different Michael.

And Katrina! I love how much she grows into a strong, brave person through this book. Michael gave her the confidence she needed to start standing up for herself, and I love that.

As always, I loved this new installment of Jagger Cole!

[Carole Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Written

Very entertaining story with background of characters included in the development of the story. The story flowed from first time characters met to subsequent arranged marriage. Could not grasp men arriving in a container and being delivered to Katrina's bedroom. What could container possibly look like so humans could breathe and not be crushed doing transport? When will women make decision to just tell their men about danger, threats or troubles they face? Guess that would ruin the plot because it makes sense. Ending was truly a soap opera but well written.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Age Gap Arranged Marriage

This story is sexy, sinful, and has a beautiful storyline. Michael is powerful and knows the world he thrives is can be a bit old school but he had no desire to take a new wife, let along be gifted one to settle an indiscretion from the Bratva. Michael is 43 he doesn’t think a 23 bride is appropriate but when he lays eyes on Katrina he can’t look away.

There is a back story that will make your heart implode when the past is revealed. This is a beautiful story that is filled with devotion, dedication, and love. Happy Reading!!

[Sandy Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love in a story. Bratva Boss, older man, younger girl, forced marriage and fast paced. Loved it! He is head of one of the largest Bratva Mob Families in America and is forced to marry a much younger woman from another Bratva family. But once he sees her, there is a major attitude change, a gorgeous red head that takes his breath away. I was once again captured from the first page with this book. Jagger Cole is turning out to be one of my favorite authors. I am so excited when he releases a new book. Read this book today!

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I loved the connection and the chemistry between Michael and Katrina. These two are more connected than the originally thought and that little twists was awesome. Michael and Katrina both tried to fight what was happening but you can't stop what the heart wants! I really enjoyed the action in this book too. I can't wait to see what Ms. Jagger has in store for us next. I would highly recommend this book and Ms. Jagger's other awesome books.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Natasha Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so I’m gonna give this a 3.5⭐️ because I did enjoy it, and to be honest at the beginning it was a solid 5⭐️ for me, but as the book went on, it felt like it was trying to hard. Almost to the point it felt like a spoof-style mafia story.

The plot was good and enjoyable but the writing became more and more difficult for me to enjoy. Having sentences continuously starting with - I did, I went, I felt, I this I that 🙈🙈🙈 became so frustrating!!!

[soleilreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One minute you want me,” I hiss quietly. “The next you don’t. And now I’m a spy? Make up your fucking mind,” I snap.

He frowns deeply. “Watch it.”

“No, you watch it!” I hiss. “I’m not going to wake up every day wondering where I stand with you! If you don’t want me, just fucking say so, okay?” I grumble. I turn back to my book, trembling all over.

A 10/10 ⭐ for me. Short but 🥵🥵

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Bellamy’s dad’s story!
After reading the blurb I was intrigued about the man who had an escape plan for his daughter.
He did not disappoint!

Katerina has been given to Michael as a bargaining chip. As a way to keep the two mafia families together. He attempts to refuse her. Refuses her before he sees her and even more after realizing how young she is even though she is beautiful and stirs something in him.
Kinda honorable in a way.
When they get to his home he gives her her own rooms. He then turns her down when she strips her dress off.
Oh no!
How do these two get a happily ever after?!?!

Read this novella! It was great!

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.5 stars. Loved this. I started this book and I kept thinking who is Michael, why am I blanking on this. Then Vincent pops in quickly and it all clicks. Oh, Michael!! I loved it. Michael and Katrina, you get a different take on the age gap because Michael is the hesitant one. I really enjoyed this story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is still my favorite Jagger Cole book, even after many reads! Katrina’s given to Michael as a peace offering to stop a war from happening between 2 mafia families. This book is a page turner. It has drama, action, twists, eventually love and being a Jagger Cole book plenty of steam. Hello, the shed scene! 🥵 The twist with the history of the couple has always been remarkable to me. 😲 For a great mafia novella this is perfect.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

She just may be his downfall.

Micheal gets forced to take Katrina as his bride in order to bring their two families into a better partnership. Katrina is twenty years younger than Micheal and he keeps telling people their relationship is unseemly, when in reality he is super drawn to her. She is a temptation he doesn't want, but she may be exactly what he needs.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlikely Matchmaker

Michael had to marry a rival\ally's niece to settle a debt and is not happy about it, though he is attracted to Katrina even if she is twenty years his junior. He is suspicious of her motives but they definitely have chemistry. Katrina and Michael will get their HEA but first they have to deal with the mayhem that enzymes in this entertaining read.