The Darkest Temptation (Made)

The Darkest Temptation is proof that literally everything Danielle Lori writes is gold. I’m completely convinced. If you haven’t read the first two books in the Made series, what are you waiting for?? I was THRILLED when I first read The Sweetest Oblivion. I’ve always enjoyed mafia romance, but this was next level. A story I read then reread just to dive back in. Then I was swept away by The Maddest Obsession. So well written. Crazy good chemistry. Excellent banter. Characters you love and root for and angst that feels authentic and original. Unbelievably great books that satisfied my soul and made me happy to be alive and reading. So to say I eagerly anticipated this book is an understatement. And it was again exactly what I hoped for. Another re-readable instant favorite. Another heroine I could get behind, a swoon worthy dark Hero, chemistry that sizzled off the page, more laugh out loud moments, memorable side characters you either love acutely or want to punch in the face, and a plot which fuels an urgency to read as fast as possible to find out what will happen next. As a mafia romance lover, nothing quite does it for me like Bratva books. The level of danger is extreme and there is something so hot about tattooed mobsters with cold stares. So much yes. Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover the third Made book would take place in Moscow and be centered around the Bratva. So it’s fair to say I might have loved this book no matter what due to it hitting my every single romance read kink. That said, I know the difference between good writing and so-so. And Lori’s writing here was so strong. I want to re-read it again immediately so I can slow down and take my time soaking it in, because I read this like I was trying to make the Olympic speed reading team. Mila, the heroine, is a sweet person who has never swam upstream. Raised by household staff and a stern Papa who is mostly out of the country on business, she has just turned 20 and is on the cusp of accepting a proposal to a blah rich playboy from an upstanding family to satisfy her father. Her Papa just stood her up for her birthday dinner and she is feeling controlled, alone, and lost. She has no mother, no answers to her many questions, and no desire to lead the life she is being corralled into. So Mila decides to take off to Russia looking for the answers she needs, ignoring her Papa and bodyguard’s stern warnings to stay away. Like a thief in the night, she escapes her guarded home and heads for Moscow on her own. From the second she lands in Moscow, a heavy sense of foreboding enters the novel. Strange things begin happening and it becomes obvious Mila is in more danger than she knows. What did I love? Mila is true to herself. Whether she is being kind, naive, brave, bold, generous, or despondent, Mila remains true to who she is by doing what she feels compelled to do. Considering this book is based around Mila trying to find herself, I love love loved how even when she stumbles, she chooses to be authentic at every step. And oh my goodness she goes through the wringer! To see her give things her best shot, time after time, was so satisfying. Mila is brave in her vulnerability and I couldn’t help but be proud of her for it, fictional character though she may be. She has a light that she’s determined to shine even when it is snuffed our. Repeatedly. Ronan and Mila’s banter. Even if their chemistry wasn’t off the charts, which it so is, their dialogue is thoroughly enjoyable. Both are smart asses who challenge each other fabulously. Every interaction between them offered a sweet surprise, a laugh, or an eyebrow raise. The Darkest Temptation offered the best back and forth H and h dialogue I’ve read to date. Ronan is a JERK. When we first met him, I assumed he was going to be a bad guy with a heart of gold. No. He’s a jerk. He does one thing I literally couldn’t forgive. I was reading with wide eyed interest as to how the actual heck he could redeem himself. Thank god Mila is a better person than I, because this guy would’ve never left the dog house. Personal opinions aside, it was believable to Mila’s character that she was able to be drawn to him after his despicable betrayal. I loved Ronan. I kinda hated him. Just like Mila, I was surprised he could be hot and redeemable enough to get past his abhorrent lack of conscious. Christian, Gianna, and Kat!!! Some of my favorite moments included these beloved characters from The Maddest Obsession. Look for Gianna’s lesson to her daughter on passive aggressiveness. It’s a cant miss moment! Gianna and Christian’s understanding comments were soothing balms at different points in this story. Unlike some stories which bring in former characters for no other reason than to placate their fans, Christian and his girls offered important perspectives to Mila and Ronan and lended strength in the best way. The Darkest Temptation is dark, hot, funny, and engrossing. Do yourself a solid-read it!

There is so much to look forward to — jealousy ✓ — possessiveness ✓ — hot sex ✓ — an awesome showdown between Mila and OW (he doesn't have sex with anyone besides the h though so no worries) ✓ — some hilarious scenes with Christian+Gianna's daughter Kat (tied to the showdown scene mentioned above 😏) and an adorable uncle and niece scene 🥺 ✓ — the hero in denial of his obsession with the heroine and getting irritated all the time because he can't deal with his feelings ✓ *** What I wasn't a fan of is mainly the beginning. This might seem weird but I actually liked the switch from non-captive to captive. It brought that special spark that I was missing because Mila was just too enamored with Ronan right from the get-go that I seriously thought I wouldn't feel a thing between them chemistry-wise for the rest of the book. Then there was the whole plot setting... Mila irritated the hell out of me in the beginning, especially because every time there was a decision to be made, she went against every natural instinct she possessed. She had no sense of self-preservation and I really hated how she HAD to be like that or else the story would have never gotten to the captive part of it. To be fair though I was also irritated that nobody told her anything so I guess I'll just stay conflicted about these kinds of settings forever but man she was so innocent and naive at first. Good thing I learned to love her over the course of the book because she had great character development. She still stayed true to herself the whole time and I absolutely loved how sweet and selfless Mila was but she also had a feisty side so fear not, she's no doormat. She knew how to fight back and at the same time wasn't stubborn to a fault which is always a good thing in my book. *** I usually don't spend much time talking about the sex scenes in my reviews but I have to say that in TDT, they were HOT AF, and coming from me this is big. I'm so desensitized to descriptive sex scenes that besides the first scene, I just skip them all nowadays. This didn't happen here so definitely a plus for me. *** You guys, I love these heart-pinching moments so much and there were plenty of them in this book! Mila was such a sweetheart, every time Ronan hurt her in any way it made my heart ache so freaking much. (And just to clarify, this is not about me liking the heroine getting hurt, it's about the remorse the hero feels even though he doesn't admit it and doesn't really know what that feeling inside him is, while the clueless heroine is just trying her best because he didn't give her any other indication on how to act around him 🤷‍♀️). Not to forget the whole entertainment factor in all this. Mila unintentionally played Ronan so well, he got provoked by everything and in the end, always did something he really didn't wanna do. Like, he always hated looking into a woman's eyes during sex because it was too intimate for him but it irritated the sh** out of him when Mila didn't look lol or Mila acting like everything's totally cool after sex, making Ronan crazy for being so aloof. I loved all these small things because heck yeah, this is the stuff I wanna read about 😂 *** I had no problems with this book being dark so I actually don't want to say much about it. Ronan definitely does some questionable things, also there’s a dub-con scene in it so be prepared. *** All in all, there were no big issues for me except for the two things I listed above. I think I've just gotten stingy with my 5 stars over the years and after I finished TDT it just didn't feel like a 5-star-read which is why this book "only" gets 4 stars from me. I still loved it though!

The third book in the Made Series was a standout for me. Ronan and Mika are complete opposites, which made their dynamic all the more compelling, and this is easily the darkest installment in the series so far. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship develop throughout the story. I also loved seeing Gianna and Christian make appearances, which added depth and continuity to the series. Overall, this was a gripping and emotional read that I really enjoyed.

"The Darkest Temptation" by Danielle Lori is the third installment in her "Made" series and easily one of the best in this genre that I've ever read. This book has an exquisite balance of unapologetic grit and unadulterated darkness and angst that, in my mind, sets it apart from so many of its peers that often gloss over the difficult parts of the captive/captor relationship. We've got an enemies to lovers situation here (which sometimes feels very Beauty and the Beast - esque, so my personal bias may or may not already be at play here - no, I'm not sorry) and because Danielle Lori has proven herself to be an absolute master at her craft, she makes the whole thing work and then some. The romance - even amidst all the questionable, brutal, and sometimes morally gray events that go down - is absolutely believable and so difficult (if not impossible) not to get swept up in. The chemistry, angst, tension, and yearning between Ronan and Mila is absolute perfection. The banter and humor in this book is also well executed, giving readers the chance to breathe between the sustained intensity of conflict and suspense (Christian, Gianna, and little Kat in particular always seems to appear when we need them most, and Kat especially is a little scene thief. I adore her). The intimate scenes are exceptional (and burn the pages hot); this tug-of-war between two very different people with phenomenal chemistry creates a scenario where they both end up complementing each other so well, so it just adds this deliciousness to their encounters that makes them unique and absolutely unforgettable. And finally - these characters. You've got a morally dark gray, grumpy anti-hero that is dangerous, jaded, and possessive, colliding with the innocent, naïve, sunshiny heroine with her own darkness that speaks to his. These two just end up fitting together so well and I love how their relationship softens Ronan's rougher edges and actually gives Mila a chance to grow a spine. In fact, her growth throughout this book is one of my favorite aspects of it - she goes through so much, facing things that would traumatize and/or break a normal person, making impossible decisions, but she never loses her inner spark and its impossible not to admire that. And Ronan - I'm glad we get a chance to gradually acclimate to him, especially post-kidnapping/"betrayal". Like Mila, we're often left to vacillate between melting for him and wanting to cause some borderline permanent physical damage to his person. That's another thing - Danielle doesn't ever try to romanticize the darker and somewhat unsavory parts of this book, and I respect that. She acknowledges the absolutely awful things Ronan does, framing them as what they are, which makes the whole falling for him an all the more complex and rich experience. And our boy is so unhinged sometimes, but also hilarious and arrogant and in a constant state of denial for just how deep his feelings are for Mila, but in a way that works. I don't know how Danielle does it, but slow clap for the queen. In summary: I loved this book. I have zero complaints. Brilliantly executed. 11/10 recommend.

3 stars. The Darkest Temptation was easily one of my most anticipated books of 2020. I absolutely loved- and devoured- The Sweetest Oblivion and The Maddest Obsession earlier this year, and couldn't wait for more. Danielle Lori distinguished herself within the mafia genre (which is hard to do) with this series, and as a whole I adore it and the characters she has created. The first 30% and last 30% of this book are really what carried the rest of the story for me. Mila is such a wonderful, dynamic character- it's really awesome to see female characters be as equally defined by their sweetness and niceness as they are by their own brand of steel and strength. She was adorable, hilarious, and a badass. Mila and Ronan had instant chemistry, and I liked that Lori chose to have Mila instantly be intrigued and attracted to him. The sarcasm and dry wit in their dynamic brought life to otherwise filler scenes, and in the last 30% of the book, their relationship takes off, and stole my heart. However, I did feel as though the Darkest Temptation had more loose ends and filler than was needed. The middle of the book dragged a bit, and some of the side characters and plots got so much time and mention that more than halfway through the book, I felt like I still didn't really know Ronan's character as much as I wanted to. I was intrigued by the plot around Mila discovering who her father really is and her mother's legacy, but felt like it was foreshadowed so much that the eventual reveal and explanations fell short. I applaude and appreciate Danielle for telling a story that pushed her as a writer, and introduced us to two characters whose duality and humanity (and also sunshine/grump dynamic) makes me adore them. I did end this book wishing I got more time inside Ronan's head, and disappointed by the loose ends, but all in all, The Darkest Temptation shows that Danielle Lori is here to stay with her unique, compelling takes on mafia romances. And honorable mention to Kat Allister. Girl's not even three and she stole every scene she was in... I am anxiously awaiting the next gen already.

4.5 Stars This was the best of the series so far. Though it looks like there's supposed to be a 4th book. However I doubt that will happen. All we have is a title, no publishing date and this one was published in 2020. If it wasn't for the author's proclivity to be overly Wordy this would have been a 5 star read. Mila & Ronan were great MC's. There was humor, heartbreak, action and eventually some very steamy scenes. This was nearly 400 pages long. Somewhere between 75-100 pages too long! And that cost the story. It slowed down what started as great paced and attention grabbing. Dragged the story down till I finally got past the unnecessary and repetitive area. But then things picked up again and grabbed hold of me again. I wish this author would learn that sometimes 'Less Is More'. It's a great story though and I would recommend to my friends that enjoy Dark Romance.

This book is my favorite from the “Made” series, written by the extremely talented and amazing person, Danielle Lori. It is darker than the other two books from the series, but well written, with a good plot, and amazing characters. I have one major problem now. How can I turn back the time and read this amazing series all over again? While Christian and Gianna from the second book “The Maddest Obsession” are my favorite couple, Ronan Markov is definitely my favorite character from the “Made” series. This Russian God in an Armani suit, came crash landing in my heart, wrecked havoc and leaved me in pieces, then put me all back together. Ronan is my baby and I will fight anyone to protect him. Ronan Markov is the devil that runs Moscow. He has more blood on his hands than some armies combined, is smart and self possessed, cold and stops at nothing to meet his goals. And now, he craves revenge and nothing will stop him. He went to hell and back, with only his brother by his side, and made himself the men he is today. He is yet another proof that villains are not born, they are made. And that even the most cold hardhearted person can warm up and love, for the right person. The “D’yavol” met his match the day he set eyes on Mila. Mila Mikhailov has always done what was expected of her, she was good, never missed curfew, got good grades and always listened to her papa, without asking to many questions. But, when her father doesn’t come home, she starts asking questions. And this time she will get her answers. Mila is the perfect heroine. She is the living proof that we are not defined by our parents mistakes nor their actions. She was so strong, beautiful and kind, sometimes too good for the world. Stubborn, sometimes too stubborn for her own good, loyal to a fault, do-gooder, innocent and with a beautiful soul, she had no idea what was she getting into when she decided to board a plane to her birthplace, Russia. She took all the pain, cruelty and hurt that Ronan gave her, and returned it full force in her own way: with love, compassion, loyalty and kindness. She was determined and stubborn , and when he fought she fought back harder. She fought with him and then for him, even when all he did was push her away and hurt her, she saw behind his walls, and one by one she knocked them down, and got Ronan to his senses. She put everything she had on display, and she gave Ronan her most treasured possession: her heart. She didn't try to kill Ronan’s demons, she run with them. She saw him at his worst and still though he was the best, she still loved him and fought for him. This series keeps getting better with every book and I am so excited for what is yet to come.

i’ve gushed about the other books in danielle lori’s made series, but this MIGHT just be my absolute favorite of all the books. wildly different from the other two, this book was pure, palpable deliciousness. i read it obsessively, the pages flying under the scroll of my thumb, and i’m not ashamed to say that i’m still, to this day, obsessed with ronan. as with the other two books in this series, this book is a mafia romance. only now it is the russian mafia, the bratva. this is a steamy as hell opposites attract romance with a soft-strong heroine and truly dark antihero. Mila Mikhailov has spent her entire life being a dutiful, biddable, and gracious daughter, despite the fact that her father is absent in her life more than he is present. she’s never rebelled against any of his rules—especially not the one forbidding her from stepping foot in russia. but when she finally snaps under the suffocating pressure of unanswered questions, she decides to escape the rigid confines of her life under her father’s thumb and boards a flight to moscow. in her naïveté, she falls for a man with dark secrets in his eyes, tattoos on his hands, and inexplicable wealth, and when his tender caresses morph into something darker, Mila is forced to confront the fact that she’s only been a pawn in the D’yavol’s games. now captive to the most fearsome man in Russia, Mila learns that freedom comes at the expense of thawing her captor’s icy heart, and losing hers in the process. Danielle Lori’s writing was lush and dreamy, magnificently weaving a story i couldn’t tear my eyes from. i adored this book, dark and gritty as it is. i simply loved Mila, her naïveté was refreshing. she was the perfect blend of soft and strong, the epitome of sweetness. though her softness and frustrating gullibility is what got her entangled with the D’yavol in the first place, it served as teaching moment to evolve and grow stronger. ronan was the anti-hero of my fictional dreams; dark, sociopathic, ruthless, even cruel, he was the perfect foil to Mila’s sweetness. their banter was simply amazing, the steam off the charts, their entire relationship a twisted, warped roller coaster of emotions, but it suited them. a perfect dark mafia romance read, you don’t want to miss this one!

I really enjoyed this book and I think that the ending was really great. overall I loved the characters and I loved the story Evan if sometimes i wanted to scream at them.

I loved the book but I realized to late that the book wasn’t in good shape. This is the third book in a series and when I started this one I noticed the pages was not normal… :( Maybe for some this isn’t a big deal, but a book lover knows that this is heartbreaking

Good book

Great read. Character focused narrative that fits into the trilogy while standing on its own.

Yes, definitely the darkest Made book of the 3 written by Danielle Lori!! Her writing style is really unique. She has this incredible insight into human nature and into human emotions. Immediately, her characters come alive and draw you into their lives and their thoughts. You are immediately immersed into Mila's life and wonderful psyche. Mila and Ronan are complete opposite. She has been sheltered since she was born, she is truly an angel at heart and tries to see the good in people, while he is the Devil who rules a violent, dark world. It is hard to do justice to this book. The characters are simply unforgettable! 💘 The story will haunt you for a long time. It is really disturbing and dark at times mostly in the 1st half of the book because Ronan is one of the most ruthless character ever written. She is his captive for two third of the book so it was disturbing to read how he tried many times to humiliate Mila and break her spirit. But she manages to stand her ground and because she has a heart of gold, she manages to crack his ruthless "shell"... The book will keep you awake. There are some scenes and some quotes that are so beautiful that they will stay in your mind for a long time. I especially love these quotes: "I loved his black, his gray and every shade in between, I loved him so much my skin was embedded by him" And "the moonlight loved her but not as much as my shadow" " Did he dream? And if he did, was it filled with blood and murder? We might not see each otjer ever again shortly, but a part of me hoped I'd leave him to dream of yellow" 💘 Read it!! Danielle Lori has become a favourite of mine. I can't wait to read The Vintage Club and The Purest addiction.