Mafia Crown

The moment Axel appeared in this world, I have been curious wth he came from and it was a twist I didn't see coming after Xander. But oh my goodness, did it work! I absolutely loved Axel and Theresa's story. Right from the start, they have chemistry and the banter between them adds to the tension. And there's so much drama in this one. Don't even get me on the twists that Laxmi was able to write perfectly. Every single thing about these two and their story just works perfectly. *chef's kiss* I can't wait for Elsa and Seb's story next!

Cheryl Graham-Petit

4,114 reviews23 followers

February 20, 2022

The fifth book in the Arranged Marriage series by L. Steele, Mafia Crown is Axel and Theresa's story. This well written, emotional, enemies-to-lovers, fake marriage romance is packed with revenge, danger, light BDSM, betrayal, grief, and so much more.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

Nicci Anne

127 reviews5 followers

We are onto Axel and Theresa's story.
Lots of smutt youll need a ice bath while reading this , action and twists.
Still waiting too see the wedding from the sevens point of view.
I love the way the brothers are with each other.
Be interesting to see what happens next.

Vinessa

1,940 reviews21 followers

February 25, 2022

So this book is based on a series but is definitely a standalone only showcasing the supporting characters, , building up to Seattle their stories. . Axel is a triplet with a big chip on his shoulder. Theresa is the chisle that picks away at it. Hot chemistry a bit of mystery and a few twist alot of suspense and some sinful activities.

Michelle

218 reviews1 follower

August 30, 2022

3.5 Stars!

Nicole Deanne Veracruz

860 reviews5 followers

Talk about a sexy af alphanumeric. I literally couldn't put the book down. I had to fan myself it was so hot. Axel is a anti-hero that you wish you could meet

Kim

477 reviews6 followers

December 28, 2022

I downloaded 4 Christmas books by this author because I love Christmas. I read two (1st-The Christmas One Night Stand & 2nd-A Very Mafia Christmas) and then read this as a continuation of #2. The first was "meh, ok" with 3 stars. The 2nd was annoying because the personalities/characters were so similar to the 1st book. It was 2 stars. This one would be zero stars if that was an option. I just cannot deal with this author. The men are all the same as are the women. The "alpha-holes" phrase in every book got old throughout the books too. And the women with their, "I don't want to obey, but my body makes me" is so overdone. All. Three. Books. Are. The. Same! How does anyone read them back to back and enjoy them? They're the same scenes practically. No one varies in the bedroom or with what they say when they're being a jerk it seems.

This book itself is riddled with gaps and inconsistencies and typos (just like the other books) and it's terrible and takes away from the storyline. Which, would actually have potential if not for the same character personalities throughout them all.

I complains to my 10-year-old son about how horrible and stupid this book was and he ask why I didn't Just stop reading it. I am not one to DNF a book unfortunately. Because I really would have for this book.

I read it on KU, But that shouldn't matter for typos. There was literally an equal sign in the book. How did that get past the editor and publisher and anyone who read the book ahead of publication?? Not to mention the sentence that was literally missing words and made absolutely no sense because the context was gone. And then there's chapter 8. I was reading Axel's perspective and then the name Axel popped up again as if it was a character change and I read the exact same thing as the beginning of the chapter. The only difference was the second "paste" of it had an extra three small paragraphs to wrap it up, but there was nothing in this book that was wrapped up.

The synopsis blurb is wrong, as I have found all of the blurbs to be wrong so far that I have read. And I read other reviews on other books in the series where the blurb is wrong too. Theresa was the one who pined away for Axel because she was in love with Xander, Axel's brother. The triplet who passed away. And she's the one who proposed to him even though he was a jerk constantly and putting her down and was all around no one someone should want in their life. Desperate much?

So Axel is the long lost triplet that nobody knew about until the end of book two that I read. This was his story so I needed to know what happened. But there were so many times I wanted to throw my phone because there's nothing new with how they talk or interact in the bedroom and the women are all the same. I didn't like book number two because it was too much like book number one. I absolutely despise this book because it's the same as book one and two that I read. And it seems that's just the author's MO. But it doesn't work for me. When I get wrapped up in a world of characters, I want them to have their own personalities and be unique and bring something new to the table. None of these really did that where it counted.

In book 2, the surviving triplets actually shot each other. And Axel was in a sling when he took a bullet for Theresa yet that seems to have been lost in this story. And Axel had shot Christian, but Christian denied it at the beginning of the book, and then brought it up at the end of the book. Like, really? Which is it?

Axel claims the entire time that he was there to get revenge on his brother's family, the Sovranos. Allegedly his mother informed him of his brothers on her deathbed. He had a rough upbringing and his brothers had everything because of the deal their father made in assets in exchange for keeping two kids and the mom getting one. So Axel is in the story to spy on his family and take them down and got involved with this bad guy named Freddie.

On his wedding day, he kidnaps his new wife while holding his siblings at gunpoint and he drives her to the airport and flies them to London. And of course Theresa, as a new bride who just got kidnapped, falls asleep in the car on the way to the airport and then again on the plane? Really?? Um no. There's no way her adrenaline would have let her do that. What kind of joke is this book?

So then they get to his house in London and everything is fine and loving? What did I just read? Of course his brothers come to the house, except Michael, the Don, who was otherwise occupied. But they don't shoot him or injure him? He held them all at gunpoint and kidnapped Theresa who was under their protection. Again, that's not how the mafia is going to work. So then Freddie breaks in and holds Theresa captive and wants Axel to shoot his brother Seb. So axle pulls out his gun and points it at Seb but then shoots Freddie. Theresa, because she's a spineless nobody who's just annoying at this point, falls weak and faint and doesn't want him to leave her to go pursue Freddie and kill him. It's still unknown who the bullet was for that Axel took... Maybe it was Theresa. 🙄 But the brothers all chase after Freddie but he got away from three of them while being shot and injured. Again, really? No, thank you.

Plot twist (and a stupid one): Axel is an undercover cop of 5 years who infiltrated with a gang with Freddie, who had a connection to their father, and the whole purpose was to bring down the gangs in Europe, including the Sovranos, he signed up to get his revenge. But since it's family, he said he would steer the evidence basically away from them after everything was said and done. And he told the brothers to take Theresa back with them and he would divorce her. So she's all sad and heartbroken while he's tried to figure stuff out back home and quit his job.

Oh, and Freddie? Still on the loose apparently. Like I said, nothing gets wrapped up in this book.

Ultimately he obviously comes back for her and does some groveling that I found similar to Christians in the second book. And then it turns out she's pregnant and Michael's wife, Karma, is excited because they can share stories and whatnot. Except that never happens in the books that I've read. The first book actually had the birth of Karma's baby along with Summer's baby, karma's sister apparently. I didn't read that story, nor will I because I can't stand this author. But nobody bothered to bring up Theresa's baby. Though Axel did make a brief appearance in the first book for his security firm that he decided to open at the end of this book. But otherwise Theresa wasn't talked about at all again.

So nope. Definitely wouldn't recommend any of these books. Too many holes and so much repetitiveness. They repeat their "thoughts" so much as if they needed extra words for fillers. No difference in anybody's personality or character and honestly, they were just annoying overall. I really don't know how her ratings are so good. Every book has the same trope and the same character mentality. I need variation. Something exciting and new to read. And these books just did not do that. So for me, definitely a zero out of 5 stars. But I have to give at least one. So I reluctantly do that. And I don't think I'm going to be able to finish the last two Christmas books. Because God knows the synopsis are going to be wrong and the characters are all going to be the same. Alpha-holes. Not even a variation in that. Well, I think one was a poshole for a hot minute. But still an alpha-hole.

Run away.

Find a better author or authors.

Meghan March has some amazing trilogy Mafia books well worth reading. Brittney Sahin has some wonderful assassin books too. Claire Kingsley builds amazing worlds of protective men (Bailey brothers and Miles brothers). These three ladies build world's you want to read about and write them so well.

But this author? Hard pass.

Sue

2,341 reviews

Simply riveting addition to the Sovrano Brothers Story
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
Axel and Theresa Sovrano, without spoiling the read for other this is the next chapter in the wonderful series so far and I assure you that you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the end and discover the outcome.
Michael has discovered that Xander and Christian who were twins until he had been blown up in a car bomb and killed were in fact triplets and unbeknown to both parties neither knew of the Sovrano twins in Italy or the Summer identical twin raised in England.
Theresa has sat vigil by his bedside in the hospital for two weeks whilst he recovered from a bullet intended to kill her, he had stepped into its trajectory and had been nearly killed by the mystery shooter.
The brothers have waited patiently to discover who he is and why they knew nothing of his existence however it is taking a wile to regain all of his memory. When Theresa asks Axel if he will marry her in seven days, he agrees but there are alternative reasons in play.
Read this simply edge of the chair action there will not be a moment you are not trying to guess what the plot is and whether Axel is as devious as he seems or is he playing another side as well.
Also, as the wedding day draws nearer and it is obvious that Theresa has fallen in love with the man that is the double of Xander her first love and the last thing Michael warns at the alter is.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

Tina Locklear

393 reviews3 followers

Freaking Amazing addition in the Arranged Marriage Series about the Sovrano Brothers Book 5... This is the story of Axel and Theresa’s journey and how they became an absolutely opposites attract couple. The two met when Axel was shot while protecting Theresa, and was in a coma, but while he was in the hospital recovering both of them felt a strong attraction to one another. Theresa fell hard for him because he is a triplet of the man she was in love with and tragically lost, on the other hand he falls for her because she never leaves his bedside and plus added bonus, she is beautiful.

As Axel’s has sought out his family for revenge for the sins of their father and to avenge his mother who died tragically. While in hospital recovering his true identity is discovered and so it he brothers become suspicious of why he tried to hurt his brother and his wife and the plot of taking out the family.

Axel feels like he deserves and wants his share of the Sovrano dynasty, and revenge for his mother, after the father sent her away with nothing but one of her kids and they are left to fend for themselves. Theresa is grieving the loss of the love of her life and Axel is using this to his advantage.

This was an absolutely thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and many twist and turns and it is actions packed. this is an extremely dark and emotionally raw intense read. There was love, hate, lust, revenge and strong instant chemistry between the characters, Betrayal by this family towards Axel's mom whom his father destroyed. Absolutely gripping page turner that will leave you excited to read next book in this series about these smoking hot alpha mafia siblings.

Engel Manu

997 reviews

February 17, 2024

Mafia Crown - Die Krone: Dark Romance | Eine arrangierte Mafia-Ehe ist der 5. Teil der Die Sovranos Reihe. Die Bücher können unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden. In diesem Teil geht es um Axel und Theresa. Wenn zwei Menschen aufeinandertreffen und sofort eine besondere Anziehungskraft zwischen den beiden herrscht. Doch beide könnten auf den ersten Blick nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Zum Inhalt verweise ich auf den Klappentext. Mich hat die Geschichte von Axel und Theresa vollkommen in den Bann gezogen. Beide sind super ausgearbeitet und kommen sehr authentisch rüber. Beide haben schon viel erlebt und trotzdem geben beide nie auf. Man muss die beiden einfach lieben. Ich habe das Buch verschlungen und konnte es nicht aus der Hand legen. Das Buch ist spannend von Anfang bis Ende. Das Buch hat alles was man sich wünscht. Das Cover ist wunderschön und passt super zum Buch. Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist absolut fesselnd und mitreißend. Das Buch wird aus der Sicht von Axel und Theresa erzählt. Durch die unterschiedlichen Perspektiven kann man sich super in die Charaktere hineinversetzen. Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist absolut fesselnd und mitreißend. Ich liebe die Reihe. Ich freue mich riesig auf den nächsten Teil. Ich will unbedingt den nächsten Teil lesen. Vielen Dank für die tollen Lesestunden. Ich kann das Buch nur weiterempfehlen. Absolute Leseempfehlung. ❤️❤️❤️

Renee

4,229 reviews58 followers

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Mine to destroy. Mine to ruin. She belongs to me.
He's my second chance. The man with the face of my first love. A terrifying and magnetically gorgeous man with brutal blue eyes. An outlaw whose very presence sucks the air from my lungs. A monster who doesn't remember his past, whose soul is shrouded in scars, pain and darkness. A villain who refuses to acknowledge my existence. The rogue who asks me to marry him to secure his own future. And I agree... For this may be the only chance I have to find happiness. So what if it mean binding myself to a man who hates me. Except 'until death do us part' is going to come quicker than anyone knows.

Theresa and Axel have quiet the story to tell and I don't know how to review it without giving something away. Theresa has loved on man her entire life but he is gone now but when Axel shows up things are going to get quite interesting. Secrets and lies are flying about. Things are not as they seem. It's a book that you will pick up and not be able to lay down. I know that I couldn't and loved every single second of it.

Debbie

770 reviews3 followers

Theresa is staying by Axel's side as he heals. Though she feels her heart has always belonged to Xander, she can't escape the strong resemblance between the two. But that's all in looks alone. Their actions are different as night and day. So why does she feel this pull toward Axel? What is he really doing here? Was he sent to kill Aurora or Christian? Or was that just a well planned out ploy to divert suspicion from his real target? And where has he been all these years? Who is Axel Sutton, will anyone really ever know the truth?
Wow, wow, wow.....talk about twists and turns. Don't even try to figure out where this storyline is taking you. Nope, just hop on and enjoy the ride. Because, if you think you have it figured out, you're in for a rude awakening. This book is hot! Explosive! Addictive! Simply mind blowing and I loved every word on every page. There are not enough stars to even rate this book. Giving it five stars is an insult, it deserves so much more. I'm hanging on a thread waiting for the next installment. What will happen next, only time will tell.

Shafeequah

161 reviews1 follower

March 3, 2022

The book continues from the cliff hanger in the previous book, A very Mafia Christmas. We meet Axel, the long lost triplet of Christian and the deceased Xander. Theresa, who had a crush on Xander, becomes fixated with Axel because he is the splitting image of Xander. As these two have an instant chemistry, Theresa also finds herself in turmoil as she cannot forget Xander. My initial perspective of Theresa being too submissive in the beginning certainly changes as I read further along. Axel is a master Alphahole towards Theresa but if you've read all of the previous books, you would know that the badder the Alphahole, the harder and quicker they fall. His plans for revenge on the Savrano family takes a surprising twist. While some questions from the Billionaires series are answered, and links are realised, there are still some secrets that I think will be revealed in the books to follow.
A great read, as a standalone but I would definitely recommend starting with the Billionaires series and working your way to this book.

729 reviews1 follower

I love, love, love this series!! L. Steele is an outstanding author and this book just adds to her creative expertise. Axel and Theresa are the stars of this book with outstanding supporting characters. I also noticed that a new woman character, Elsa, is best friends with Theresa. The connections with the previous books is seamless. The characters are integrated seamlessly with their personalities taking on more depth. This story is complex, full of suspense, mystery, intrigue, intensity, and of course off the charts hot!! I loved how the Seven are mentioned so that connection isn’t forgotten. I am anxiously awaiting the next book about Seb and Elsa. I wonder when the Seven will meet these seven???? Hummmm!
I received this book from Bookfunnel as an ARC for my honest review.

Bookaddict

857 reviews

Bitter-sweet.
It was bitter to read about Xander’s death. And sweet to read about his look-alike Axel.
Only look-alike (beeing his triplet), becouse he is not at all like Xander!
And Theresa will be the first to discover that!

I love their story!
Also, with this book I realize for the first time the analogy - 7 Sovrano brothers and The 7.
Perherps becouse is the first time that this analogy is accurate - without Xander, and with Axel, now there are 7 Sovranos.
And, as Michael said - is a coincidence that his father kidnapped 7 children? I think not!
This book add something to the mistery!
And can’t stop to want more of it!

I received an ARC copy and Ileave my honest voluntary review.

Dora

1,724 reviews12 followers

What a thrill! Teresa had a second chance and she clung to it tooth and nail! I love these stories full of drama, intrigue, mystery, and unexpected twists. Axel seems to be what Teresa needed to bring out her true nature. With Xander she wasn't going anywhere. Interesting and exciting as the plot surrounds one and keeps us on the lookout. What is really behind Axel's behavior? Intense this man who hides many secrets. The author knows how to keep us in suspense. And Nonna! Always with the last word. I was extremely intrigued with Seb. Action, suspense, drama, intrigue, violence, romance, and unbridled passion. These stories are Super! Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I enjoyed.

Susan

785 reviews

Even though this is book five in the series, It can be read as a standalone in my opinion. I would like to go back and read the others though as this one really reeled me in right from the beginning. It was one sleepless night as I kept on telling myself one more page over and over. I love mafia romances and this one did not disappoint. This is Axel's and Theresa's story. Axel is out for revenge while Theresa is attracted to Axel as she sees the man she was in love with in him. It's an interesting story and well worth the read.
I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving a review voluntarily.

Shifty Bugger

5,114 reviews24 followers

February 24, 2022

OMG what a fantastic story this was with Axel and Theresa, the author had out done herself again. I cannot speak highly enough about the book, actually this whole series so far has been one major rollercoaster ride. These endings twitching with excitement waiting for the next book. This book really gives you an understanding of persistence with the person that wants Axel, and family coming together. The story had lots of action, ups and downs, struggles, violence, smoking guns, forgiveness, lies deceit, secrets, arguing, love, warmth, respect, togetherness and more. I really cannot wait for the next one.

Babara-Anne

1,328 reviews15 followers

Gah! The last time I had a book hangover was with my favourite seven- Saint!

Sorry Saint Axel has usurped your position as my ultimate Alpha-hole with a gut wrenching golden heart!

This book takes you deep…… strangles you with hate……. and enfolds you with love!

That is all I can say without spoiling the plot and twists and turns that lies ahead for the reader!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the series and I look forward to more of the Sovranos!

I look forward to Sebastian’s story- he who does not believe in love!
But I do not trust the woman who brings him to his knees fully……..

Thank you Laxmi Steele for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Carolyn Spence

1,538 reviews9 followers

Another awesome chapter in this series. A new family member is introduced and it takes everyone by surprise. Theresa is tired of not getting what she wants so she finally speaks up to the chagrin of Axel. “Mine” totally the right word to describe Theresa. It a lot of give and tKe as they are both too stubborn to give an inch. Loads of intrigue, hot scenes and loads of family behaviour, sometimes over the top wi5 the brothers. I’m never disappointed reading any of Ms Steeler’s books. Love them. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Cali Mafiaa

337 reviews21 followers

Oh my gosh this book was freak’n great!!
I absolutely loved it oh my gosh all those twists & turns just ahhhhh!!! Definitely had me on an emotional roller coaster lol😅

I loved Axel & Theresa so much! I love their characters & their story!! So good!! 💜🖤

Definitely a must read!!💜🖤

“This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review."

Christine

9,652 reviews26 followers

Arc review/kindle unlimited

For honest Review. Wow fantastic the sovano's crime family find out that the have a third triplet alex sutton that was taken at birth by their mother .they find out after he was shot protecting theresa and also find out his secrets .

S I

3,207 reviews7 followers

Read

February 24, 2022

Mafia Crown by L. Steele
Axel and Theresa story is one heck of passion, anguish, hurt, revenge, betrayal. Family keeping secrets and learning to accept love and letting go. I loved reading their journey and every book by this wonderful author.

Heather Williams

82 reviews

February 20, 2022

OMG I loved this book!! This is Axel and Teresa's story. To be honest I didn't care for Axel in the beginning of the book but as his character developed he grew on me. There were some twists that made me wonder who Axel was beyond a Sovrano. I loved Teresa's loyalty and how her character grew a backbone and learned to speak out for herself. This is a stand alone but reading the others gives you more insight in the familia. Definitely a must read!!!

S I

3,207 reviews7 followers

Irene Talbert

640 reviews1 follower

This is the fifth book in the Arranged Marriage series. It's a fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
This story is so full of emotion about revenge and secrets.
Read to find out what happens.

Jennifer Borne

11 reviews