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Mine to protect. Mine to take. She is MINE!

Five brothers
One broken family
A past that will haunt them forever

"If you dare leave me for another if you ever look at another man if you ever let anyone else touch you... I’ll not let him live, Beauty. I won’t stop until I’ve ground his face into the dirt, until I’ve pulled out his eyes for looking at you, broken his mouth for daring to speak to you, until I’ve pulled out his guts, and," I glare at her, "smeared his blood on the ground."
Her breath hitches and her pupils dilate.
My thirst for violence seems to fulfill a need deep inside of her—one she doesn’t bother to hide from me either.
"You’re not disgusted by my cruelty?" I tilt my head, "My penchant for brutality seems to appeal to you, Bellezza?"
"And what if it does?" She purses her lips, "What if I it is the savagery at your core that attracts me...?"

This is the prequel to Mafia King – Dark Mafia Billionaire Arranged Marriage Romance Series

52 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2021

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About the author

L. Steele

33 books1,787 followers
L. Steele loves to write romance novels featuring powerful men and strong women who bring them to their knees. When she's not writing she enjoys trading trivia with her filmmaker husband, watching lots and lots of movies, and walking nature trails.

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5 stars
613 (35%)
4 stars
430 (25%)
3 stars
409 (23%)
2 stars
168 (9%)
1 star
85 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
Profile Image for Alexandraa XX.
668 reviews503 followers
July 20, 2021
I already read this and i have to see a scene that the hero is trying to have s*x with someone else in the club but he won’t get it up like its not getting harder for him so he push that woman away😂😂 not my favorite scene to see to begin with a story but i guess i should see later with the next book coming up. Finger cross😜 hopefully the book is better than ever and safe and happy ending. I still have high hopes for this author because i saw the heroes that she made is ott possessive alpha male. So hopefully its a safe one! Lets hope😅

In this book we get to see that and we also get to see how the hero meets the heroine. On the other book it explains a little bit that the hero is very protective so extremely protective towards the heroine like her sister said. So hopefully like please hopefully the next full book will be good. Cause the headache of reading dumbass man and not happy ending or not even safe is like a b*tch🥴
Profile Image for Katrina Wood.
16 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2024
It was alright. I only have because I got in on a stuff your kindle day. It has some smut at the beginning but turns out it wasn’t real. (That will make sense if you read but I don’t want to spoil🤣) I just wanted a small quick read and this was that. It was like 40 pages since it’s a prequel. I will not be reading the rest of the series though.
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,328 reviews15 followers
July 22, 2021
A short intro to the Sovrano crime family in Sicily that holds a long standing hatred for the seven.

We get a glimpse into the Capo of the Sovrano family, eldest son Michael Byron Dominico Sovrano, who has a burning hatred for the Don, his father who mistreated first their mother into an early grave and then moved his abuse onto his eldest son.

We see how the abuse of his father made him the hardened empty man he is today with the broken soul of a poet but maybe there is a woman out there somewhere that could soften his hardened heart and mend his broken poetic soul or maybe she will just stay a figment of a recurring dream......

Thank you for the delectable taste Ms. Steele now.......

Bring on the Mafia King!
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,086 reviews312 followers
August 1, 2021
Michael (or Michelangelo, Mika) is Capo and primed to become Don taking lead of five mafia families in Palermo, Sicily, but first he must prove himself, his strength and power. He is set to take and exact recompense on the daughter of the man who betrayed the Famiglia. But could she be the women he can’t get out of his mind, the woman he has been having dreams about?

This book lays the foundation, the setting, the personalities in the series, particularly Michael’s caustic relationship with his father, the Don, whose seat he’s poised to take. It’s a medium burn with fair amount of inner monologue. Too early to determine how the character development will manifest, but I’m interested in learning personalities and behaviors as well as reading about any bonds that are formed. At this point, I don’t trust anyone partially by design, I assume. I like Michael, antihero alpha and bad boy, and look forward to the hopeful unfolding of some craziness. Plus the brothers.

The heroine isn’t introduced in this prequel, but am anticipating her arrival along with some steam if the brothers’ sexcapades in the club can foreshadow future events.

I am digging the mafia vibe of this book and the cultural and Italian injections. Definitely intrigued to read book 1.
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,105 reviews293 followers
October 14, 2021
This was book 1 in the "Arranged Marriage" Michael aka Michelangelo or Micka is Capo and primed to become Don taking lead of five mafia families in Palermo, Sicily, but first he must prove himself, his strength and power. He is set to take and exact recompense on the daughter of the man who betrayed the family. But could she be the women he can’t get out of his mind the woman he has had dream about? This was a pretty good prequel Michael and his brothers grew up with an abusive father who is the Don his mother died of an early heart attack after years of abuse from her husband. This was a good read. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Shafeequah.
161 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2021
Michael

The long awaited release of Mafia King is introduced in this prequel.
It gives you a taste of what's to come in the next series by L.Steele.
The mystery of the Mafia is introduced and how they affect the lives of the Seven from Bad Billionaire's series. This is going to be another great series and cannot wait to get started.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,965 reviews25 followers
July 19, 2021
Mafia Heir: Dark Mafia Billionaire Romance (Arranged Marriage #.5) is just a sweet taste of what is to come. In this prequel we get the history of the Sovano crime syndicate; Michael Byron Domenico Sovrano and his famila. We also get a glimpse into how L. Steele intricately weaved The Sovano's with the seven from Big Bad Billionaires Series. I loved the characters and storyline. Absolutely loved this prequel and looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
1,900 reviews26 followers
July 30, 2021
OMG this is a novella to get you excited for Mafia King. Michael has taken of as Don and his trying to clean up and find out who is after him. This is the backstory of Michael. I can't wait to read Mafia king.
Profile Image for Lady Bonny Reading.
454 reviews18 followers
May 9, 2022
Lots of Action, violence and kinky sex. But short...only 8 chapters

This is the "Prequel" but actually book 4 of the Mafia Billionaire Romance: Arranged Marriage series. In truth, it's more like a short prequel (only 8 chapters). This series (4 books including this one) tells the story of Karma and Michael. If you've read L. Steele's Billionaire Bad Boy Series, particularly book 1, Sinclair and Summer's story, you will recognize Karma as Summer's sister. Both series are entertwined. (For clarity, Sinclair was kidnapped as a young boy (along with some other boys) by Summer and Karma's father who did so under orders from a mob boss he owed and ultimately double crossed. The mob boss is Michael's father.) You might want to read the Bad Boy Series first...at least Book one for some history about Karma, Summer, their Dad and his affiliation with the mob boss and the debt he owed. (What happened to Sinclair and his friends as young boys kind of sets the stage for this series.)

This book tells some of Michael's history, his rise to power, his strained relationship with his father and how the decision to kidnap Karma comes about. (Book 1 actually starts with Karma's kidnapping.) This book also gives background on Michael's brothers. It is a good intro, setting the stage for Mafia King...book 1 in the Mafia Billionaire Romance: Arranged Marriage series and I would recommend you read it first instead of 4th. This prequel is pretty action packed and there is quite a bit of violence as well as kinky sex scenes. (Each brother has deveoped his own particular kink, a result of their upbringing.)

I have to admit, I've only read book one of the Billionare Bad Boy Series. Each book in that series tells the story of one of the men kidnapped as a young boy and his love interest. So each book will likely give you a different perspective of their time in captivity as each boy's experience differed. As the boys have remained friends into adulthood, they will all likely appear in the other books of that series; but technically, each of those books could be read as a stand alone.

That can't be said for this series, 3 of the 4 books deal with Michael's and Karma's story. Typically, I don't mind series per se. I do enjoy them, especially when each is a stand alone (dealing with a different couple), or if the couple in question is together throughout the series but dealing with outside conflicts or separation that's caused by enemies. I don't even mind if a separation occurs because of a real or perceived wrong by one of couple, provided the series is only 2-3 books. But I really hate a series of 4 or more books where the relationship goes back and forth (together, apart) throughout the entire series. Unfortunately, from the synopsis given for each of the 3 books in this series, this couple separates at least twice. I love L. Steele's books, but I'm not sure I can take a back and forth relationship that spans through 3 books, so not sure if I will read any more of this series.

Addendum: Since reading this book, I have read subsequent books in this series dealing with the other brothers. I have loved them so much and gotten to know Michael and Karma better and now I have to read their story before the next brothers' stories come out.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews10 followers
Want to read
July 26, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (7/26/2021)!🎁
Profile Image for Khanique McDaniel.
1,128 reviews40 followers
October 14, 2021
I am conflicted and undecided.

There are moments that I liked but then I don't know if they outweigh the times I thought about listing an eight chapter novella as DNF.

I like Michael. He is the type of character that usually draws me to a novel and keep my attention. I also love the brothers and how they interact. There also seems to be some mystery there and I sense the beginning of some betrayal.

However, this series seems like it is going to be loaded with mafia cliches and BDSM. Neither of which I am interested in at this time.

We got a sneak peek at the next book and I already feel like Karma is going to be annoying. Still, I might read some reviews before I judge and throw in the towel here.

It's a balance and I didn't get that balance with this book. Still, I enjoyed getting to know the brothers and their father, who also looks promising.

I don't know what I will decide next but it's a free introduction, so if you do decide to give it a read, the only thing you would be losing is your time.
Profile Image for Darcy’sGoodOpinion.
332 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
Steam: 0.1/5. Strong Language: 1.5/5. Triggers: Violence, Murder, Torture, BDSM, Off-Page Child Abuse

This is a prequel novella for The Mafia King. I’m going to be blunt here. I basically thought this was a waste of time. This is all from Michael’s POV before the main story takes place and sets up that the FMC’s father betrayed him. This could have easily been included in the book in a few paragraphs or if the author felt it needed more explanation (it doesn’t IMHO) it could have been added in a 2 page prequel on the book. The only reason I’m not really upset is because this was free. If I had paid for it, it would be a different story.


#BANGReadingChallenge

5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.
Profile Image for Maryjane.
333 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2021
Michael "Mika" the Capo for Don Sovarno

Michael is the heir to the Don of the Cosa Nostra. His brothers are also part of the family. The Kane Firm sent people to attack him, under Frankie's orders. Michael's father gave the orders to kidnap the 7. But Adam Rhodes betrayed him. Now Michael has been given the order to kidnap/kill his daughter Karma West. To show the rest of the families that he is still worthy to become the next Don. What will he do when he finds her? Will he kill her or kidnap her? Or will she turn out to be the woman who he has seen in his dreams?

I can tell that this is going to be a great series everyone. Especially since it is tied into the Big Bad Billionaire series about the 7. By L. Steele.

This book was given to me as an ARC copy for my honest review. Five stars.
Profile Image for Whispered Secrets.
541 reviews22 followers
July 23, 2021
Intrigued and dying for MORE

Mafia Heir is the prequel of Mafia King by L Steele. It’s a tie in to one of her earlier series…I will not say which one…but I’m on the edge of my seat to see what’s to come. Steele every read I’ve had the pleasure of devouring has not left me distraught and this little beginning to something bigger…was no exception. Thank you for allowing us to reap the rewards of your stories. Wonderful dialog, interesting character introduction, and that dream…HOT!!! See you guys after I read Mafia King. I received a free advanced copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Fiona.
2,067 reviews23 followers
July 22, 2021
In this story we read about Michael and his relationship with his family and how he is the way that he is. He has had to protect his family from his father after his mother died, but he had to leave them while he went to school in the UK. We learn why he is the way he is and why he goes after Karma and that leads to the next story.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest and fair opinion.
729 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2021
The Seven Plus

WOW!!! L. Steele has done it again, gotten me hooked on reading a series of books that end in CLIFFHANGERS!! Boy do I hate cliffhangers but these are the only ones that I read. The characters are so full of complexities, contradictions, dysfunctional, sad, and lacking. All if these things add to the pull of the story. Waiting for the next book on pins and needles.
664 reviews
July 20, 2021
Intriguing Introduction to New Series!

This certainly whet my appetite for L. Steele’s new series. This is a spin-off from her Big Bad Billionaire’s Series. This book sets the stage for a dark mafia family. There are five brothers who are sons of The Don. Michael is the oldest and heir to the the strongest family. He strives to protect his brothers and build enough backing to oust his dad. Plus there is a lot of background information. Telling us about the brothers. Their names and personalities and predilections. And I can’t wait for the next book, Mafia King. Where Michael finally meets the girl in his dreams. Fate, or in this case L. Steele, has a wicked sense of humor.
Profile Image for Rita Leathers.
43 reviews
July 22, 2021
This is a fantastic introduction to Michael and his brothers. You see the connect to the Seven from the Billionaire's series and an insight into what could possibly be in store in the future. I am now very excited to read the next book Mafia King.
I have given voluntarily given this honest review for the ARC I received.
Profile Image for Ridwaana.
385 reviews
July 19, 2021
Exactly what I needed!

I recently finished up the Big Bad Billionaires series and I wondered how things would connect between that series and this one. This prequel is PERFECT. It’s short and steamy, and it packs a punch. Scrumptious, dark, and full of intrigue in just a few pages. It’s a great bridge that helps fill in some of the gaps and it’s also a necessary fix for me as I work through my withdrawals from the Seven and anxiously anticipate the start of this new series. L. Steele is a masterful writer, storyteller, and world builder. I have a VERY good feeling about this!
110 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2021
As we start to read the history of Michael and how he became the man he is, we begin to understand some of the background to what happened to the seven. This is just a taste of how the mafia will be intertwined with the seven family. I am really looking forward to how this will play out and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,538 reviews9 followers
July 22, 2021
Wow, can't wait to read this series. Michael, the Capo. I've read about him many times at the end of the Seven series. Totally, totally can't wait to read. So many new characters here that I can't wait to love.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,789 reviews76 followers
July 24, 2021
This was such a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for more! I’m dying to know what happens next. We get a great gmail per of our Capo and what he is all about and there is something sexy AF about is ruthlessness and all that darkness that had me begging for more!
Profile Image for mira.
831 reviews1,277 followers
November 21, 2021
3⭐️

“You could ask me to die for you and I’d gladly do it. I’d walk through fire for you, amore mio, I’d throw myself off the highest mountain. I’d kill for you.”


a good and captivating prequel.
1,724 reviews12 followers
July 20, 2021
Michael Byron Domenico Sovrano and his ruthless mob family are featured in this short but intense and intriguing story. Nefarious deals are exposed, and we get some answers to questions we have asked ourselves in the stories of the Seven. We know that Michael and Karma will be the main protagonists, so this prequel to Mafia King opens the stage for them with strong, violent, conflictive, and full of dark emotions characters. The story left me eager for the first book.

July 21, 2021
Spellbinding
This is going to grab you from the first page, so captivating and spellbinding. The characters are dark, strong and powerful. A fantastic story that builds on intensity and steam and is so enjoyable and entertaining. A must read adult romance.
22 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2021
Another great book

I now it was short and sweet but I loved it , I loved the insight it gives you and the intrigue that pulls you in for more. Can't wait for Mafia King and then Mafia Queen. Great book by a wonderful author ☺
Profile Image for Charli.
798 reviews11 followers
October 17, 2021
Mafia Romance

Will I continue the series... Maybe, but it hasn't grabbed my attention yet. Short prequel, good writing and could be a good storyline .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews

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