Tempted and Taken by Mari Carr

From the moment I hit the last page in Naughty and Nice , I couldn’t wait until Tempted and Taken released. Mari Carr teased us the chemistry and sparks that combust between Matt Russo and Liza Moretti in their novella.  And she does not disappoint with their full-length story. Book six in the Italian Stallion series stands well on its own, and you do not need to read the prequel novella (but you seriously should). 

In Tempted and Taken, we once again meet Matt Russo, a man who thinks that he knows what he wants.  

He keeps himself separated from anything permanent except for work.  Relationships are fleeting, and even the those with his family suffer from his personal demons.  As you read this story, you find that Matt’s background is far move devastating that you realize.  His life was set out at an early age, but a traumatic life experience changes the trajectory or so much for him.  He pulls away from everything and everyone he truly loves, and only gives his all-in work.

Liza Moretti is a woman that has so much love to give.  

She feels big and wants everyone in her proximity to do the same.  However, at the same time, Liza is feeling a little lost. Her family and friends are settling down, and she wants that so much, but hasn’t had the best luck in the romance department.  Then Matt happens.  These two have a decades old feud between them and their families.  Matt took this to new heights in his past, and almost doesn’t see the damage this has done to his well-being until it’s too late.

Liza and Matt throw out all the rules and fall into a relationship that terrifies Matt on a visceral level.  The pages of this book won’t let you go until the very last word.  We get more with past couples/throuples from this series one of which is Matt’s brother Gage. The world in which Carr creates is real with big familes and big feelings all over.

Do not hesitate to pick up this series.

Bright stars flew behind her eyes and then… And then she was one of them. A brilliant white ball of light floating in space.

POV: 3rd Person Multi
PoP: 44%
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers; Close Proximity; Family Series; Age-Gap
Series: Italian Stallions book 6
Type of Series: Series of Standalones
Rate: 5/5 Star
Release Date: January 9, 2024

Want more thoughts on Mari Carr??

Check out our Quick Shot of Romance for Naughty and Nice HERE: https://bookcaseandcoffee.com/qsr-naughty-and-nice-by-mari-carr/

Check out our Quick Shot of Romance for Hard and Fast where we first meet Matt in his brother Gage’s book here: https://bookcaseandcoffee.com/hardandfast/