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The Sovranos #8
Mafia Bride
He’s No Knight in Shining Armor
Massimo Domenico Sovrano is arrogant, mean, full of swagger and oh so hot.
As one of the most feared gangsters in Italy, he can have any woman he sets his sight on.
But for some reason he wants me.
The chemistry between us is off the charts.
So I sleep with him on our very first meeting.
Only, he betrays me. He breaks my heart.
Which is why I lie to him. I tell him I am in love with someone else.
I turn my back on him and decide to focus on my fledgling career as an actress.
Now he's back in my life.
Only problem?
He's engaged to my sister...
But I know what he's about. No way can I let him spoil her life. I am going to do my best to break them apart.
I have her best interests at heart, that's all this is about.
It has nothing to do with the attraction that simmers between us and drives me out of my mind... right?
Full-length love to hate to love mafia billionaire stand alone romance filled with heightened tension, hate filled looks that turn to longing when the other person is not watching; plus one bossy mafia guy who might stop glowering enough to realize he's hopelessly in love... with the wrong (right!) firecracker of a woman. 1-Click NOW.
*a mafia booktok recommendation
Massimo Domenico Sovrano is arrogant, mean, full of swagger and oh so hot.
As one of the most feared gangsters in Italy, he can have any woman he sets his sight on.
But for some reason he wants me.
The chemistry between us is off the charts.
So I sleep with him on our very first meeting.
Only, he betrays me. He breaks my heart.
Which is why I lie to him. I tell him I am in love with someone else.
I turn my back on him and decide to focus on my fledgling career as an actress.
Now he's back in my life.
Only problem?
He's engaged to my sister...
But I know what he's about. No way can I let him spoil her life. I am going to do my best to break them apart.
I have her best interests at heart, that's all this is about.
It has nothing to do with the attraction that simmers between us and drives me out of my mind... right?
Full-length love to hate to love mafia billionaire stand alone romance filled with heightened tension, hate filled looks that turn to longing when the other person is not watching; plus one bossy mafia guy who might stop glowering enough to realize he's hopelessly in love... with the wrong (right!) firecracker of a woman. 1-Click NOW.
*a mafia booktok recommendation
- GenresDarkContemporaryRomance
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
About the author
L. Steele
34 books1,789 followersL. 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
July 23, 2022
This is book #8 in the Dark Mafia Billionnaire series (Sovrano brothers). This is Massimo Sovrano's 6th of 7 brothers to be married) and Oliva's story.
This story gets hot and steamy real quick and draws you in. Massimo has been one of the most vocal brother's (aside from Luca) who insists he's not going to fall into the love trap his brothers have. But once he meets Olivia...his tune changes pretty quick. The problem is Olivia is a single minded woman with career goals and one who never wanted anything to do with the mafia life.
Steele has weaved a series of events that seem like impossible odds for these two to ever end up together. Shootings, arranged marriage (to another), fake boyfriends, threats and kidnappings all conspire against these two but it keeps this story moving and exciting. Definitely a page turner.
I loved Olivia. She was a strong, independent woman who had goals in her life. If I have any complaints it's not how long it took her to finally realize she could have both Massimo and her career (I understood her hesitancy in the beginning), but the fact that even after she admits to him (and herself) that she loves him, she was still scared she would loose herself and who she was if she gave in. (My opinion might have more to do with the fact that I'm a pretty decisive person and I'm never afraid to show my feelings.) I loved Massimo. He was just the right amount of Alphahole dominant along with the sweet, caring, protectiveness. He knew what he wanted and fought for it when he believed there was a chance. I also loved how poetically he describes his feelings for Olivia towards the end. Steele knows how to write te perfect man! We all need a Massimo in our lives!
Ultimately, there was never a dull moment in this story! Lots of action and hot, steamy scenes. I would have given this 5 stars but, for me, Olivia's issues were a bit over done (I would have given in waaaay sooner!) ;) 😁😁 , so I take away half a star.
Side note: While there is one Sovrano brother left to find his other half, indications are the next story will be J.J. Kane's story instead. If you have been reading this series, you will know that J.J. was Sovrano enemy turned business partner and by the end of this book, an ally. Although each book in this series is a standalone (except for Michael's and Karma's which was told in the first three books), i would recommend they be read in order so that you become familiar with all the characters as the appear and evolve in each book.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. (But I have preordered it!)
This story gets hot and steamy real quick and draws you in. Massimo has been one of the most vocal brother's (aside from Luca) who insists he's not going to fall into the love trap his brothers have. But once he meets Olivia...his tune changes pretty quick. The problem is Olivia is a single minded woman with career goals and one who never wanted anything to do with the mafia life.
Steele has weaved a series of events that seem like impossible odds for these two to ever end up together. Shootings, arranged marriage (to another), fake boyfriends, threats and kidnappings all conspire against these two but it keeps this story moving and exciting. Definitely a page turner.
I loved Olivia. She was a strong, independent woman who had goals in her life. If I have any complaints it's not how long it took her to finally realize she could have both Massimo and her career (I understood her hesitancy in the beginning), but the fact that even after she admits to him (and herself) that she loves him, she was still scared she would loose herself and who she was if she gave in. (My opinion might have more to do with the fact that I'm a pretty decisive person and I'm never afraid to show my feelings.) I loved Massimo. He was just the right amount of Alphahole dominant along with the sweet, caring, protectiveness. He knew what he wanted and fought for it when he believed there was a chance. I also loved how poetically he describes his feelings for Olivia towards the end. Steele knows how to write te perfect man! We all need a Massimo in our lives!
Ultimately, there was never a dull moment in this story! Lots of action and hot, steamy scenes. I would have given this 5 stars but, for me, Olivia's issues were a bit over done (I would have given in waaaay sooner!) ;) 😁😁 , so I take away half a star.
Side note: While there is one Sovrano brother left to find his other half, indications are the next story will be J.J. Kane's story instead. If you have been reading this series, you will know that J.J. was Sovrano enemy turned business partner and by the end of this book, an ally. Although each book in this series is a standalone (except for Michael's and Karma's which was told in the first three books), i would recommend they be read in order so that you become familiar with all the characters as the appear and evolve in each book.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. (But I have preordered it!)
July 26, 2022
I gotta say I was expecting so much from this book due to its synopsis. I mean in the synopsis said that he betrayed her and that's why she had to lie and tell him she was in love with someone else when actually it's not like this. When I was reading I couldn't understand why it says he betrays her because he doesn't betrays her, he only tells her that he wants her and that's when she says she is in love with someone else.
Then again the synopsis says that she will do her best to break her sister and him apart but that doesn't even happen either. In fact he doesn't even want to marry her sister he wants to be with her the whole book. So it disappointed me a lot because the book wasn't what it promised besides this is an insta love book and I hate insta loves. He after two nights with her wants to marry her and is so intense and willing to do anything to be with her and she allegedly doesn't want him but when she finds out he is gonna marry her sister she is so sad because she in fact wants him.
This book had already tons of drama and then the author decides to insert a new Capo that also wants to marry the FMC.
It would have been so much better if Massimo had showed Olivia with time he really wanted her and loved her so she could fall in love with him because of that and not because she got kidnapped and due to him rescuing her now she loves him.
I was so upset I mean they only have been together like four days in total. Yes they met a month or so ago but like together together they had been only four days.
I'm so sorry but, despite I liked some parts and somehow I liked the chemistry I hate insta love and the "my body betrayed me and I can't say no to him" cliche, I can't give this book more than 2⭐.
I really appreciate the author and Social butterfly PR for giving me the ARC.
Then again the synopsis says that she will do her best to break her sister and him apart but that doesn't even happen either. In fact he doesn't even want to marry her sister he wants to be with her the whole book. So it disappointed me a lot because the book wasn't what it promised besides this is an insta love book and I hate insta loves. He after two nights with her wants to marry her and is so intense and willing to do anything to be with her and she allegedly doesn't want him but when she finds out he is gonna marry her sister she is so sad because she in fact wants him.
This book had already tons of drama and then the author decides to insert a new Capo that also wants to marry the FMC.
It would have been so much better if Massimo had showed Olivia with time he really wanted her and loved her so she could fall in love with him because of that and not because she got kidnapped and due to him rescuing her now she loves him.
I was so upset I mean they only have been together like four days in total. Yes they met a month or so ago but like together together they had been only four days.
I'm so sorry but, despite I liked some parts and somehow I liked the chemistry I hate insta love and the "my body betrayed me and I can't say no to him" cliche, I can't give this book more than 2⭐.
I really appreciate the author and Social butterfly PR for giving me the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
Mafia Bride Attack
I’m changing the title because that’s what this was. The female character basically attacked the poor alpha throughout the entire book.
I can’t complain about this story as a whole because I did love Massimo! I also happen to love his romantic outlook! Nothing like a big grisly alpha who has a big smushy heart. Of course I love the continuation of this series and I couldn’t wait for this book to come out. My only gripe was Olivia. She ruined the experience for me. Talk about the author’s trade mark expression of a real “testa di cazzo!”
She was just too OTT in terms of her denial of her feelings. This literally lasted for 90% of the story. And although I love the steam between the two main characters, it did not make up for the frustration I had for this seemingly nasty character, who constantly lied and was way too salty for my taste. This character flaw actually led me to skim most of the book.
Even after he apparently sacrificed himself for her several times and even when his life was in danger and she admitted that she loved him at the end, she still wanted space??? And then the finale of the book was just anticlimactic. It literally just ended with her like admitting that she loved him finally and then they jump into the next story. A true epilogue to me, has the characters experiencing something wonderful between them and it doesn’t just end on a HFN note.
I’m changing the title because that’s what this was. The female character basically attacked the poor alpha throughout the entire book.
I can’t complain about this story as a whole because I did love Massimo! I also happen to love his romantic outlook! Nothing like a big grisly alpha who has a big smushy heart. Of course I love the continuation of this series and I couldn’t wait for this book to come out. My only gripe was Olivia. She ruined the experience for me. Talk about the author’s trade mark expression of a real “testa di cazzo!”
She was just too OTT in terms of her denial of her feelings. This literally lasted for 90% of the story. And although I love the steam between the two main characters, it did not make up for the frustration I had for this seemingly nasty character, who constantly lied and was way too salty for my taste. This character flaw actually led me to skim most of the book.
Even after he apparently sacrificed himself for her several times and even when his life was in danger and she admitted that she loved him at the end, she still wanted space??? And then the finale of the book was just anticlimactic. It literally just ended with her like admitting that she loved him finally and then they jump into the next story. A true epilogue to me, has the characters experiencing something wonderful between them and it doesn’t just end on a HFN note.
July 21, 2022
Mafia BRIDE book 8
I received an advanced copy free.
Well, written keeps you hanging on with baited breath and white knuckles.
I love Laxmi’s books. (she has been torturing us of late with cliffy’s)
This book Is about (Massimo & Olivia,)
*However, it still has not cleared up or answered questions from previous 7 books regarding Karma & Michael or Karma & her sister Summer (from THE previous BILLIONAIRE’S series) its a bit frustrating not to have those stories cleaned up and done. especially with the continuity issues I mention down below at end of my review.
With that said, The characters and plots, settings and the stories are all so vividly well written.
So Olivia, is Jeanne’s best friends. In the previous book MAFIA OBSESSION Jeanne was the lead in a travelingBEAUTY & THE BEAST PLAY Olivia was hee under study. When Jeanne is kidnapped and with Luca SAVRANO they hook up and try to return back to Palermo so Jeanne can star in the play. And Luca can get home so they marry. However the director of the play doesn’t care Jeanne was kidnapped and so he cast Olivia instead as the lead. As best friends ..Jeanne is happy for Olivia but on opening night in the middle of OLIVIA’S PERFORMANCE she is shot! the shooters meant to get Jeanne but got Olivia instead. This is Olivia’s story in MAFIA CROWN Olivia. Is not who you thought she was in previous books she has a secret life. She is the Camora crime family's eldest daughter a true mafia princess. The camora is a rival clan to the Savrano’s. after Olivia is shot, she awakes in hospital with Massimo at her bedside shock they had a hot one night stand and parted ways… opps then Massimo runs into Olivia aka “Via” again at his brother luca’s wedding to Jeanne. When Massimo wants to be with Olivia she runs from him. And lies to him. So many lies it’s like she is setting up Jenna! they run into each other against Olivia’s little sister’s engagement! Massimo has agreed to marry the Camora family princess but it’s not the right sister! Opps! Will Massimo see through Olivia’s lies? Will Olivia stop lying to herself? Will Massimo marry Solene or Olivia? can Olivia stop obsessing about a mild scar on her face?
Ok my opinion
Ohmygawd olivia is barely an actress she has only had bit parts hardly any lines and most of her “performances” she even admits ended up on the cutting room floor. And she is so obsessed about a little scar gosh! And she lies so much I don’t think even she knows the truth she comes off as a Whitney spoiled entitled brat! How does any one stand her! How do her friends put up with her. And when she is shot, Jeanne takes her place .. she needs to be reminded that it was Jeanne’s role to begin with! She behaves as though she is Julia Roberts! She is barely Kim kardashian and that I saying a lot. I can’t stand the kardashian clan. Mossimo is likable and I honest think he deserves better but “love is blind.”
There is anal, D.P, w/ toy play, some Violence, kidnapping this is a dark mafia romance.
You do not need to, have read the previous connected BILLIONAIRE’S series, but it does enrich the stories in the Dark Mafia Billionaires series. Trust me. Billionaires fake wife SINCLAIR & SUMMER’S STORY and ALL “THE 7” on to 9+ books. But if you are not gonna read that series it’s fine. But you definitely need to read MAFIA HEIR (technically book 1) At least, BECAUSE it is the prologue to MAFIA KING, MAFIA QUEEN, MAFIA CHRISTMAS, MAFIA CROWN In that order. MAFIA VOWS, MAFIA OBSESSION, then MAFIA BRIDE ..next book to be released is MAFIA LUST is the 9th book J.J. & Lena’s story a Dark Mafia enemy to lover age gap romance to be released October 31, 2022
this review is for MAFIA BRIDE it takes place after books 1-8 running continuation of all previous books. it continues their story.
**HERE ARE MY ISSUES**
There is STILL NOT A PROPER continuation of Karma’s story BECAUSE Karma still has not told Michael about her heart condition! I honestly think LAXMI FOR THE EIGHTH BOOK still has not handled karma’s heart condition properly. Honestly it must not really be a big deal since she has not had any problems even though she did not complete her medication or therapy protocols since being kidnapped OVER A YEAR AGO now she is married and pregnant. and how literally is she not dead? Throughout everything she has gone through up to this point. Why give a character a medical problem and tell us how serious it is, if it’s not actually a problem at all. Seriously. Some major continuity issues here. NOW IN MAFIA VOWS a very pregnant, Karma confesses to Elsa that it is sorta life threatening under certain conditions like being pregnant and still hasn’t told Michael and at the end of every book since she tells the newest addition to the SAVRANO clan all the women know and tell her she needs to tell Michael and she promises but no never does! So agin in book eight nope still hasn’t told him and now she tells Olivia. Olivia insist she will but this is her night she won’t take it away for something so silly, nope Olivia is about to tell Michael but karma stops her. So annoying really giving a character a life threatening illness and then not really following it properly. The story is STILL NOT OVER CAUSE KARMA HAS YET TO RETURN HOME OR TELL HER SISTER “SUMMER”.
EVERY THING SHE HAS BEEN THOUGH AND WHILE I’M ON IT, WHAT LOVING SISTER DOES NOT CHECK ON KARMA? OR REMIND HER THAT SHE NEEDS HER MEDS? FIND OUT WHETHER OR NOT SHE COMPLETED HE PROTOCOL??? WHAT KIND OF SISTER IS SUMMER ?? DOES SHE EVEN KNOW HER LITTLE SISTER IS MARRIED NEARLY DIED 3 TIMES AND HAD A MISCARRIAGE AND NOW PREGNANT ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH.. ITS BEEN NEARLY 2 YEARS! via the timeline and SUMMER & KARMA HAVE NOT REUNITED AND BY ALL ACCOUNTS HAVE NOT EVEN SOOKEN! AND Btw ELSA knows Summer, from previous series. more continuity issues cause after 8 books it should be exposed by now! But still book 8 nothing! Karma was kidnapped by Michael (who is now her husband) and never did completed her protocol and her life has been is serious danger nonstop for nearly a year! Serious continuity issues Michael should have figured it out and he should have seen Karma’s phone, SINCE HE TOOK IT FROM HER. Summer would have been sending daily reminders about taking her medication and she has been without it for so many months she should be dead. (If she really cared about her sickly little sister) Cause she was apparently practically on deaths door just ONE year 8 months ago, the meds and protocol was supposed to save her life. But I think LAXMI HAS FORGOTTEN SHE STARTED THIS, AND HASN’T FINISHED IT. apparently Karma & Summer also do not have the kind of relationship Laxmi convinced us they had in previous series and previous books. So, there is that.
Guess I must wait for MAFIA LUST coming , BUT you know I have said that every single book since book 2! I don’t think it’s ever going to happen!
**
if this is how LAXMI is gonna treat all books & stories from now on, then I ’m gonna Probably need to increase my therapy, thanks Laxmi!
LAXMI I’ve been invested in KARMA’S STORY FOR More than, 3 YEARS now and I still don’t have answers! When I was first introduced to karma and Michael 17 books ago at the end of SUMMER & SINCLAIR’s story! The first book of the BILLIONAIRES SERIES 8-9 BOOK series THEN 8 BOOKs OF DARK MAFIA BILLIONAIRES (including this one) and I still don’t have the answers I need! WHY ARE YOU PUNISHING /TORTURING US?
This is ….So not right.. and do you even read these reviews?
I’m an arc reader. For Laxmi
I am also an Alpha reader & Arc reader for other authors
I think Laxmi needs a new alpha reader to point out her continuity issues. Some of the conversations Just drag too much. And you lose momentum. I’ll still read next book but really CLEAR THIS UP PLEASE!
I received an advanced copy free.
Well, written keeps you hanging on with baited breath and white knuckles.
I love Laxmi’s books. (she has been torturing us of late with cliffy’s)
This book Is about (Massimo & Olivia,)
*However, it still has not cleared up or answered questions from previous 7 books regarding Karma & Michael or Karma & her sister Summer (from THE previous BILLIONAIRE’S series) its a bit frustrating not to have those stories cleaned up and done. especially with the continuity issues I mention down below at end of my review.
With that said, The characters and plots, settings and the stories are all so vividly well written.
So Olivia, is Jeanne’s best friends. In the previous book MAFIA OBSESSION Jeanne was the lead in a travelingBEAUTY & THE BEAST PLAY Olivia was hee under study. When Jeanne is kidnapped and with Luca SAVRANO they hook up and try to return back to Palermo so Jeanne can star in the play. And Luca can get home so they marry. However the director of the play doesn’t care Jeanne was kidnapped and so he cast Olivia instead as the lead. As best friends ..Jeanne is happy for Olivia but on opening night in the middle of OLIVIA’S PERFORMANCE she is shot! the shooters meant to get Jeanne but got Olivia instead. This is Olivia’s story in MAFIA CROWN Olivia. Is not who you thought she was in previous books she has a secret life. She is the Camora crime family's eldest daughter a true mafia princess. The camora is a rival clan to the Savrano’s. after Olivia is shot, she awakes in hospital with Massimo at her bedside shock they had a hot one night stand and parted ways… opps then Massimo runs into Olivia aka “Via” again at his brother luca’s wedding to Jeanne. When Massimo wants to be with Olivia she runs from him. And lies to him. So many lies it’s like she is setting up Jenna! they run into each other against Olivia’s little sister’s engagement! Massimo has agreed to marry the Camora family princess but it’s not the right sister! Opps! Will Massimo see through Olivia’s lies? Will Olivia stop lying to herself? Will Massimo marry Solene or Olivia? can Olivia stop obsessing about a mild scar on her face?
Ok my opinion
Ohmygawd olivia is barely an actress she has only had bit parts hardly any lines and most of her “performances” she even admits ended up on the cutting room floor. And she is so obsessed about a little scar gosh! And she lies so much I don’t think even she knows the truth she comes off as a Whitney spoiled entitled brat! How does any one stand her! How do her friends put up with her. And when she is shot, Jeanne takes her place .. she needs to be reminded that it was Jeanne’s role to begin with! She behaves as though she is Julia Roberts! She is barely Kim kardashian and that I saying a lot. I can’t stand the kardashian clan. Mossimo is likable and I honest think he deserves better but “love is blind.”
There is anal, D.P, w/ toy play, some Violence, kidnapping this is a dark mafia romance.
You do not need to, have read the previous connected BILLIONAIRE’S series, but it does enrich the stories in the Dark Mafia Billionaires series. Trust me. Billionaires fake wife SINCLAIR & SUMMER’S STORY and ALL “THE 7” on to 9+ books. But if you are not gonna read that series it’s fine. But you definitely need to read MAFIA HEIR (technically book 1) At least, BECAUSE it is the prologue to MAFIA KING, MAFIA QUEEN, MAFIA CHRISTMAS, MAFIA CROWN In that order. MAFIA VOWS, MAFIA OBSESSION, then MAFIA BRIDE ..next book to be released is MAFIA LUST is the 9th book J.J. & Lena’s story a Dark Mafia enemy to lover age gap romance to be released October 31, 2022
this review is for MAFIA BRIDE it takes place after books 1-8 running continuation of all previous books. it continues their story.
**HERE ARE MY ISSUES**
There is STILL NOT A PROPER continuation of Karma’s story BECAUSE Karma still has not told Michael about her heart condition! I honestly think LAXMI FOR THE EIGHTH BOOK still has not handled karma’s heart condition properly. Honestly it must not really be a big deal since she has not had any problems even though she did not complete her medication or therapy protocols since being kidnapped OVER A YEAR AGO now she is married and pregnant. and how literally is she not dead? Throughout everything she has gone through up to this point. Why give a character a medical problem and tell us how serious it is, if it’s not actually a problem at all. Seriously. Some major continuity issues here. NOW IN MAFIA VOWS a very pregnant, Karma confesses to Elsa that it is sorta life threatening under certain conditions like being pregnant and still hasn’t told Michael and at the end of every book since she tells the newest addition to the SAVRANO clan all the women know and tell her she needs to tell Michael and she promises but no never does! So agin in book eight nope still hasn’t told him and now she tells Olivia. Olivia insist she will but this is her night she won’t take it away for something so silly, nope Olivia is about to tell Michael but karma stops her. So annoying really giving a character a life threatening illness and then not really following it properly. The story is STILL NOT OVER CAUSE KARMA HAS YET TO RETURN HOME OR TELL HER SISTER “SUMMER”.
EVERY THING SHE HAS BEEN THOUGH AND WHILE I’M ON IT, WHAT LOVING SISTER DOES NOT CHECK ON KARMA? OR REMIND HER THAT SHE NEEDS HER MEDS? FIND OUT WHETHER OR NOT SHE COMPLETED HE PROTOCOL??? WHAT KIND OF SISTER IS SUMMER ?? DOES SHE EVEN KNOW HER LITTLE SISTER IS MARRIED NEARLY DIED 3 TIMES AND HAD A MISCARRIAGE AND NOW PREGNANT ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH.. ITS BEEN NEARLY 2 YEARS! via the timeline and SUMMER & KARMA HAVE NOT REUNITED AND BY ALL ACCOUNTS HAVE NOT EVEN SOOKEN! AND Btw ELSA knows Summer, from previous series. more continuity issues cause after 8 books it should be exposed by now! But still book 8 nothing! Karma was kidnapped by Michael (who is now her husband) and never did completed her protocol and her life has been is serious danger nonstop for nearly a year! Serious continuity issues Michael should have figured it out and he should have seen Karma’s phone, SINCE HE TOOK IT FROM HER. Summer would have been sending daily reminders about taking her medication and she has been without it for so many months she should be dead. (If she really cared about her sickly little sister) Cause she was apparently practically on deaths door just ONE year 8 months ago, the meds and protocol was supposed to save her life. But I think LAXMI HAS FORGOTTEN SHE STARTED THIS, AND HASN’T FINISHED IT. apparently Karma & Summer also do not have the kind of relationship Laxmi convinced us they had in previous series and previous books. So, there is that.
Guess I must wait for MAFIA LUST coming , BUT you know I have said that every single book since book 2! I don’t think it’s ever going to happen!
**
if this is how LAXMI is gonna treat all books & stories from now on, then I ’m gonna Probably need to increase my therapy, thanks Laxmi!
LAXMI I’ve been invested in KARMA’S STORY FOR More than, 3 YEARS now and I still don’t have answers! When I was first introduced to karma and Michael 17 books ago at the end of SUMMER & SINCLAIR’s story! The first book of the BILLIONAIRES SERIES 8-9 BOOK series THEN 8 BOOKs OF DARK MAFIA BILLIONAIRES (including this one) and I still don’t have the answers I need! WHY ARE YOU PUNISHING /TORTURING US?
This is ….So not right.. and do you even read these reviews?
I’m an arc reader. For Laxmi
I am also an Alpha reader & Arc reader for other authors
I think Laxmi needs a new alpha reader to point out her continuity issues. Some of the conversations Just drag too much. And you lose momentum. I’ll still read next book but really CLEAR THIS UP PLEASE!
July 28, 2022
I have to say I'm having a good time spending my summer in Seaside, as every book has been a great experience. Summer Job follows Ella Green, who is excited about her time off, however, it won't be as relaxing as she hoped it would be that's for sure. It doesn't take any time before she's approached by a wealthy person who needs her help so now she's back up & running. I have to say that Ella was highly entertaining as she certainly marched to the beat of her own drum, and even her inner monologue kept me laughing hard. On top of working a case, she meets a man named Hunter, who is entertaining in his own right, and they definitely have a connection. This story had romance, a great supporting cast, twists coming in hot with the suspense kicker, and just an all around good time. I hope everyone reads this story as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 28, 2022
At the end of Mafia Obsession, we get a glimpse into Massimo's story. We see the Alphahole get all bothered with one of Jeanne's friends. This book starts off with how Olivia and Massimo met and we immediately feel that chemistry and know that these two are going to burn holes through the pages. When Olivia finds out who Massimo is, she tries her utmost to deny her feelings for him. She even gives him her blessing to marry her sister. Big mistake as the Sovrano men do not give up when they want something and Massimo wants her. When she has no choice but to accept his marriage proposal, she cannot deny her feelings for him any longer. As we all know, A Sovrano gets what he wants...Massimo is portrayed as a romantic at heart and it just makes you fall in love with this gentle giant.
July 26, 2022
"O Massimo, Massimo wherefore art thou Massimo?"
There's a new man in town, ladies! Meet Massimo! You're new bbf!
An unforgettable, explosive one night stand turns into something so much more.
Massimo. Mr. Alphaholeness, possessive, persistent, poetic, filthy talking, loving, caring and most feared man in the mafia. The things he will do for his Stellina! When you know you know.
Olivia left her family in order to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. Nothing nor no one will keep her from pursuing her dreams!
Olivia kept pushing Massimo away no matter how strong their chemistry was. Lies upon lies she told.
Now he is betrothed to he sister!
Gotta read this!!
There's a new man in town, ladies! Meet Massimo! You're new bbf!
An unforgettable, explosive one night stand turns into something so much more.
Massimo. Mr. Alphaholeness, possessive, persistent, poetic, filthy talking, loving, caring and most feared man in the mafia. The things he will do for his Stellina! When you know you know.
Olivia left her family in order to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. Nothing nor no one will keep her from pursuing her dreams!
Olivia kept pushing Massimo away no matter how strong their chemistry was. Lies upon lies she told.
Now he is betrothed to he sister!
Gotta read this!!
July 26, 2022
This is my first book from L Steele . Absolutely love it, can’t for for her next projects .
I recommend this book to everyone to read . Thank you for this amazing opportunity
I recommend this book to everyone to read . Thank you for this amazing opportunity
July 26, 2022
Wow just wow, I flew through this book and all I can say is what a ride! This story had It all, fantastic characters, lust, romance, family drama, intrigue and action and is quite the page turner. Also it’s always the quiet ones you have to look out for!!
This is the eighth book in the Sovrano series and whilst there is enough information in the story where you could technically read it on its own I wouldn’t recommend it. Rather read the whole series as it adds so much more to the story as each book builds on the characters and enhances the storyline.
This book focuses on Massimo and Olivia (Via). They meet by chance at a club and enjoy a night of no strings anonymous fun together. At least that was the plan…The dynamic between Massimo and Via was so so hot. They bounced off each other literally and figuratively!! No one stands up to Massimo the way Via does except for his brothers and their connection was wonderful to read, painful at times but still wonderful.
Massimo is the numbers guy of the Sovrano family, whilst he can be quiet he is quite dynamic, deadly when he needs to be and focused on what he wants. And what he wants is Via, he can’t get her out of his head but can’t find her. That is until he goes to pick his future sister-in-laws bridesmaids up and there was Olivia! Massimo goes after what he wants, I loved how there was no messing or prevarication on his part, he absolutely would not deny his feelings, Via was it for him. Though the hospital scene was heartbreaking, I really felt for Massimo. The only way forward as far as he was concerned was to move on and to help his family by marrying the Camorra princess.
Olivia is a woman with many secrets, she is determined to defy her origins and be a successful actress. With her best friends Jeanne and Penny by her side this production of Beauty and the Beast could be her big break. She accidentally secured the lead after Jeanne was caught up in a kidnap plot. Unfortunately for her Via was badly injured and her face disfigured when enemies of the Sovrano’s mistook Via for Jeanne. Badly injured the one person she wants is Massimo, unfortunately the one thing she absolutely does not want is to be involved with the Mafia…again. So the secrets and lies begin, to protect her heart and well-being she has to break both her heart and Massimo’s and walk away.
Imagine her surprise when she finally faces her family again at her sisters engagement party to come face to face with Massimo, her sisters Fiancé. She loves her sister dearly but to watch her marry the love of her life is a step too far, but it seems that Massimo isn’t that willing to let go either. So begins a real cat and mouse game of getting Via to actually acknowledge her feelings and act on them. She is a Camorra princess so a union would still unite the families despite her brothers machinations.
I loved how Massimo was so single minded where Via was concerned, although a bit overbearing at times he was always always in her corner. Even if she doesn’t want him to be! There were actually times I wanted to shout at Via for all the secrets and lies and give her a good shake or even the odd whack on the head. But that’s the sign of such a well written story that you get so invested with the characters you get lost in the story. Via is determined to defy the expectations of just being a woman in the Camorra, only good enough to be bartered in an arranged marriage, she has grit and determination in spades it’s just unfortunate she can’t see what a good thing she has with Massimo.
I loved the interplay with all the secondary characters, they added a depth to the story and progressed the overarching storylines running through all of the books. If I had one quibble it’s that Karma’s story is still not resolved although that being said no doubt Ms Steele is saving that for the final book!
Now I can’t wait for JJ’s story, all in all I highly recommend this book, in fact this entire series. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book, if you want to get lost for a few hours you should really pick up this book and immerse yourself in all things Sovrano you won’t regret it.
This is the eighth book in the Sovrano series and whilst there is enough information in the story where you could technically read it on its own I wouldn’t recommend it. Rather read the whole series as it adds so much more to the story as each book builds on the characters and enhances the storyline.
This book focuses on Massimo and Olivia (Via). They meet by chance at a club and enjoy a night of no strings anonymous fun together. At least that was the plan…The dynamic between Massimo and Via was so so hot. They bounced off each other literally and figuratively!! No one stands up to Massimo the way Via does except for his brothers and their connection was wonderful to read, painful at times but still wonderful.
Massimo is the numbers guy of the Sovrano family, whilst he can be quiet he is quite dynamic, deadly when he needs to be and focused on what he wants. And what he wants is Via, he can’t get her out of his head but can’t find her. That is until he goes to pick his future sister-in-laws bridesmaids up and there was Olivia! Massimo goes after what he wants, I loved how there was no messing or prevarication on his part, he absolutely would not deny his feelings, Via was it for him. Though the hospital scene was heartbreaking, I really felt for Massimo. The only way forward as far as he was concerned was to move on and to help his family by marrying the Camorra princess.
Olivia is a woman with many secrets, she is determined to defy her origins and be a successful actress. With her best friends Jeanne and Penny by her side this production of Beauty and the Beast could be her big break. She accidentally secured the lead after Jeanne was caught up in a kidnap plot. Unfortunately for her Via was badly injured and her face disfigured when enemies of the Sovrano’s mistook Via for Jeanne. Badly injured the one person she wants is Massimo, unfortunately the one thing she absolutely does not want is to be involved with the Mafia…again. So the secrets and lies begin, to protect her heart and well-being she has to break both her heart and Massimo’s and walk away.
Imagine her surprise when she finally faces her family again at her sisters engagement party to come face to face with Massimo, her sisters Fiancé. She loves her sister dearly but to watch her marry the love of her life is a step too far, but it seems that Massimo isn’t that willing to let go either. So begins a real cat and mouse game of getting Via to actually acknowledge her feelings and act on them. She is a Camorra princess so a union would still unite the families despite her brothers machinations.
I loved how Massimo was so single minded where Via was concerned, although a bit overbearing at times he was always always in her corner. Even if she doesn’t want him to be! There were actually times I wanted to shout at Via for all the secrets and lies and give her a good shake or even the odd whack on the head. But that’s the sign of such a well written story that you get so invested with the characters you get lost in the story. Via is determined to defy the expectations of just being a woman in the Camorra, only good enough to be bartered in an arranged marriage, she has grit and determination in spades it’s just unfortunate she can’t see what a good thing she has with Massimo.
I loved the interplay with all the secondary characters, they added a depth to the story and progressed the overarching storylines running through all of the books. If I had one quibble it’s that Karma’s story is still not resolved although that being said no doubt Ms Steele is saving that for the final book!
Now I can’t wait for JJ’s story, all in all I highly recommend this book, in fact this entire series. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book, if you want to get lost for a few hours you should really pick up this book and immerse yourself in all things Sovrano you won’t regret it.
July 26, 2022
* Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the author for giving me an arc of this book. *
3.5/5 stars. It hurts me to give this rating because I honest to god thought this was going to be a 6 star book for me. With the first 20 chapters or so, I was over the moon but then everything went downhill from there and it wasn’t the story per say or anything of the sort but the heroine, Olivia. I even made 60 notes in the book.
Until Chapter 23 or so I was 100% with Olivia, I really liked her fire and the fact that she doesn’t want to be part of the world she was born into and that she wanted something more and so she decided to run away and pursue her dream and I’m totally behind that but then… then chapter 13 happened and even I got hurt with the things she said to Massimo but it was understandable why she did it so I was mostly okay with it but then this lie she told just got bigger and bigger with the progress of the book and she had every chance in the world to come clean and she didn’t. She had every chance to get what she wanted which was Massimo but instead she decided to doubled down on her lie and hurt him even more and keep in mind that he was everything and more to her since the beginning so to me this “stubbornness “ or whatever you wanna call it , was unjustified and it made just flat out not liking her. I went from a 6 star to a 3 on a dime cause Olivia got me super frustrated and annoyed with her.
It was funny to me how oblivious she is to mafia life but claims she can take care of herself 🙄. I mean she created the danger she was in and made it even worse by opening her mouth and when Massimo offered her protection ( bodyguards) she refused because she knew how the mafia world worked and knew how to protect herself… just no, at this point I think she just doesn’t understand what she’s saying and what she’s capable of which is not to protect herself against the danger she was in, that’s for sure.
Then because it’s Olivia ,she went and got kidnapped. And if you ask me, it was because she was stupid. Like I understood why she wanted space but you can be protected and still have space 😑.
Massimo was swoon worthy from chapter one until the end. Honestly I have zero complaints about him and he demonstrated time and time again that Olivia was the one for him and she just didn’t accepted and just treated him badly specially when he was being so open about his feelings. He made the ultimate sacrifice and it was very sweet but I also felt like Olivia didn’t deserved it.
I feel like he’s the most romantic of the Sovranos, the things coming out of his mouth were just 🫠🫠🫠🫠.
Sexy times were very sexy, hot and everything in between but it was also sweet 🥵🫠🥵🫠🦋.
By the end I only wanted them together cause she was the one that could make Massimo happy, that’s really it.
I didn’t cared about her and the reason I finished this book was because Massimo was 10 in every single way and I LOVE him.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, the little preview we got was great. I think I’m really going to enjoy the next one.
3.5/5 stars. It hurts me to give this rating because I honest to god thought this was going to be a 6 star book for me. With the first 20 chapters or so, I was over the moon but then everything went downhill from there and it wasn’t the story per say or anything of the sort but the heroine, Olivia. I even made 60 notes in the book.
Until Chapter 23 or so I was 100% with Olivia, I really liked her fire and the fact that she doesn’t want to be part of the world she was born into and that she wanted something more and so she decided to run away and pursue her dream and I’m totally behind that but then… then chapter 13 happened and even I got hurt with the things she said to Massimo but it was understandable why she did it so I was mostly okay with it but then this lie she told just got bigger and bigger with the progress of the book and she had every chance in the world to come clean and she didn’t. She had every chance to get what she wanted which was Massimo but instead she decided to doubled down on her lie and hurt him even more and keep in mind that he was everything and more to her since the beginning so to me this “stubbornness “ or whatever you wanna call it , was unjustified and it made just flat out not liking her. I went from a 6 star to a 3 on a dime cause Olivia got me super frustrated and annoyed with her.
It was funny to me how oblivious she is to mafia life but claims she can take care of herself 🙄. I mean she created the danger she was in and made it even worse by opening her mouth and when Massimo offered her protection ( bodyguards) she refused because she knew how the mafia world worked and knew how to protect herself… just no, at this point I think she just doesn’t understand what she’s saying and what she’s capable of which is not to protect herself against the danger she was in, that’s for sure.
Then because it’s Olivia ,she went and got kidnapped. And if you ask me, it was because she was stupid. Like I understood why she wanted space but you can be protected and still have space 😑.
Massimo was swoon worthy from chapter one until the end. Honestly I have zero complaints about him and he demonstrated time and time again that Olivia was the one for him and she just didn’t accepted and just treated him badly specially when he was being so open about his feelings. He made the ultimate sacrifice and it was very sweet but I also felt like Olivia didn’t deserved it.
I feel like he’s the most romantic of the Sovranos, the things coming out of his mouth were just 🫠🫠🫠🫠.
Sexy times were very sexy, hot and everything in between but it was also sweet 🥵🫠🥵🫠🦋.
By the end I only wanted them together cause she was the one that could make Massimo happy, that’s really it.
I didn’t cared about her and the reason I finished this book was because Massimo was 10 in every single way and I LOVE him.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, the little preview we got was great. I think I’m really going to enjoy the next one.
July 29, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Massimo Domenico Sovano is arrogant, mean, full of swagger and oh so hot. As one of the most feared gangsters in Italy, he can have any woman he sets his sights on. But for some reason he wants me. The chemistry between us is off the charts. So I sleep with him on our very first meeting. Only, he betrays me. He breaks my heart. Which is why I lie to him. I tell him I am in love with someone else. I turn my back on him and decide to focus on my fledgling career as an actress. Now he's back in my life. Only problem? He's engaged to my sister.....But I know what he's about. No way can I let him spoil her life. I am going to do my best to break them apart. I have her best interest at heart, that's all this is about. It has nothing to do with the attraction that simmers between us and drives me out of my mind....right?
This is a mafia hate to love romance and is a stand alone in the Arranged Marriage Series from L Steele.
This is the story of Oliva and Massimo. He is one of the seven brothers and is not going to fall for the things his brothers have and fall in love. Who needs it or wants it? Not him and he is not letting it happen. Why would one of the most feared mafia men in all of the city want or even need to be in love. After all he is a really hot guy and he could have any woman that he wants. Olivia is a single woman who is focused on being and actress and has not one intention of having anything to do with any thing mafia life. However when he meets Olivia the sparks are flying all over the place and they end up having one of the best nights of their lives until he betrays her and destroys her heart. She vows to work on her career and never think about him. But, one day, here he comes strolling back into her life like he owns the place. But, he isn't alone. He is with her sister and they are engaged. She has to save he sister form this man and the life she would lead and she is going to do anything and everything she has to to get the job done? However are he intentions pure or does she really not want he sister to be with the man that gave her the greatest night of her life. You have to read and find out. I really loved this story. It is smoking hot and will have you turning the pages well into the night.
Massimo Domenico Sovano is arrogant, mean, full of swagger and oh so hot. As one of the most feared gangsters in Italy, he can have any woman he sets his sights on. But for some reason he wants me. The chemistry between us is off the charts. So I sleep with him on our very first meeting. Only, he betrays me. He breaks my heart. Which is why I lie to him. I tell him I am in love with someone else. I turn my back on him and decide to focus on my fledgling career as an actress. Now he's back in my life. Only problem? He's engaged to my sister.....But I know what he's about. No way can I let him spoil her life. I am going to do my best to break them apart. I have her best interest at heart, that's all this is about. It has nothing to do with the attraction that simmers between us and drives me out of my mind....right?
This is a mafia hate to love romance and is a stand alone in the Arranged Marriage Series from L Steele.
This is the story of Oliva and Massimo. He is one of the seven brothers and is not going to fall for the things his brothers have and fall in love. Who needs it or wants it? Not him and he is not letting it happen. Why would one of the most feared mafia men in all of the city want or even need to be in love. After all he is a really hot guy and he could have any woman that he wants. Olivia is a single woman who is focused on being and actress and has not one intention of having anything to do with any thing mafia life. However when he meets Olivia the sparks are flying all over the place and they end up having one of the best nights of their lives until he betrays her and destroys her heart. She vows to work on her career and never think about him. But, one day, here he comes strolling back into her life like he owns the place. But, he isn't alone. He is with her sister and they are engaged. She has to save he sister form this man and the life she would lead and she is going to do anything and everything she has to to get the job done? However are he intentions pure or does she really not want he sister to be with the man that gave her the greatest night of her life. You have to read and find out. I really loved this story. It is smoking hot and will have you turning the pages well into the night.
August 8, 2022
Mafia Bride is book 8 in the Arranged Marriage series by L. Steele and can easily be read as a stand alone and focuses on Massimo Sovrano and Olivia "Via" Camorra's journey to a HEA.
Both are trying to escape their responsibilities for a night and cross paths at a club outside of town. They are drawn to each other immediately and agree to a no strings attached one-night-stand. The next morning Massimo awakes alone, his little spitfire having disappeared while he slept. Thus begins the chase of a lifetime for him.....
I enjoyed Massimo, he is the perfect alpha-hole. He is gruff and often gives Via the illusion of giving into her demands yet he secretly watches over her not really able to stay away. He fell hard and fast for Olivia.
Olivia on the other hand wasn't convinced. She "ran away" from home at an early age in pursuit of an acting career with the blessing of her Father, the matriarch of the Camorra crime family, and did not want to relinquish her freedoms easily. While she did recognize her attraction and the explosive chemistry Massimo and her shared she fought her feelings fiercely. Eventually having resigned that he lost her and trying to move on Massimo agrees to an arranged marriage, not realizing Via was his intended's sister.
This novel is full of dramatics and while it was entertaining there were moments that I thought the story was coming to a close only to realize I was only 50%, 65%, 80% of the way through their story!! Yes, I save my Kindle for the smut *wink*. Olivia was overly stubborn IMO and the push/pull she bestowed upon Massimo was heartbreaking and went on and on and on and on and on... in the end though I was glad I pushed through because the grand gesture of love Massimo showed Via - because of course she would still need a grand gesture for fu3ks sake - was beautiful and hit straight through the heart.
If you love delicious and slightly taboo smexy scenes that go on for pages and an alpha-hole who falls in love first with a reluctant heroine who is OTT stubborn then this is your jam and I recommend you give it a go... you feel me?
*************
Dual POV
No cheating, no sharing or OM drama
OW drama - Hero engaged to Heroine's younger sister briefly but only ever had eyes for the heroine
No virgins - S3x positive female
Violence/Murder/Self-harm
Both are trying to escape their responsibilities for a night and cross paths at a club outside of town. They are drawn to each other immediately and agree to a no strings attached one-night-stand. The next morning Massimo awakes alone, his little spitfire having disappeared while he slept. Thus begins the chase of a lifetime for him.....
I enjoyed Massimo, he is the perfect alpha-hole. He is gruff and often gives Via the illusion of giving into her demands yet he secretly watches over her not really able to stay away. He fell hard and fast for Olivia.
Olivia on the other hand wasn't convinced. She "ran away" from home at an early age in pursuit of an acting career with the blessing of her Father, the matriarch of the Camorra crime family, and did not want to relinquish her freedoms easily. While she did recognize her attraction and the explosive chemistry Massimo and her shared she fought her feelings fiercely. Eventually having resigned that he lost her and trying to move on Massimo agrees to an arranged marriage, not realizing Via was his intended's sister.
This novel is full of dramatics and while it was entertaining there were moments that I thought the story was coming to a close only to realize I was only 50%, 65%, 80% of the way through their story!! Yes, I save my Kindle for the smut *wink*. Olivia was overly stubborn IMO and the push/pull she bestowed upon Massimo was heartbreaking and went on and on and on and on and on... in the end though I was glad I pushed through because the grand gesture of love Massimo showed Via - because of course she would still need a grand gesture for fu3ks sake - was beautiful and hit straight through the heart.
If you love delicious and slightly taboo smexy scenes that go on for pages and an alpha-hole who falls in love first with a reluctant heroine who is OTT stubborn then this is your jam and I recommend you give it a go... you feel me?
*************
Dual POV
No cheating, no sharing or OM drama
OW drama - Hero engaged to Heroine's younger sister briefly but only ever had eyes for the heroine
No virgins - S3x positive female
Violence/Murder/Self-harm
October 16, 2022
Yeah, yeah she wants to be an actress!!
Right I have to admit that I really did like this book and I truly believe you will too!!
BUT......
I got so fed up on Olivia's constant moaning and griping, about the fact that she wants to carry on acting. I love any woman who wishes to maintain their identity, as well as following her dreams.
However it's all she says on every page, (ok slight exaggeration there!!) Even after she's married and Massimo follows her to London, just so she can carry on chasing her dreams, she's still b*tching about it!!
FFS woman he's not once said that you can't carry on and even though he does everything to ensure your happiness, she's screaming out yet again, "I need my own identity and want to pursue acting!!" Gesü Christo!!!!It
But guess what.....
Seb is no longer the second oldest of all seven, marking him as Massimo's second oldest brother, as he's now....apparently Massimo's younger brother.....did anyone else notice that??
You didn't?? Not to worry and sorry for bringing it up right now, Che Cazzo!! Lol
But if you don't mind Olivia being a moaning ninny, you'll find this book is great. Although truth be told, I'd have preferred more written about Alvaro and made more of an issue and more lethality with the interactions with the Sovrano brothers.
It just didn't grab me as believable if I'm honest!! It felt like the author couldn't really be bothered with him. As either the bad doing and things, OR a really seriously and buy doing more despicable and deplorable things!!
The narration side is by two fantastic narrator's, Sebastian York and Mackenzie Cartwright, whom I've always thoroughly enjoyed listening to them!!
The only issue is that Sebastian kept doing a mild Italian accent, when doing Olivia's voice, even after stating how Massimo thought she was American due to having an American accent!! So that was the only issue as far as their portrayals of each of the characters.
So when it comes to both audio and reading the book, at the same time.....I would truly and completely fully, and without a doubt recommend!! I only gave this four stars due to the slight annoyance of Olivia and the siblings positional line-up 🙈🙉🙈🙉
Right I have to admit that I really did like this book and I truly believe you will too!!
BUT......
I got so fed up on Olivia's constant moaning and griping, about the fact that she wants to carry on acting. I love any woman who wishes to maintain their identity, as well as following her dreams.
However it's all she says on every page, (ok slight exaggeration there!!) Even after she's married and Massimo follows her to London, just so she can carry on chasing her dreams, she's still b*tching about it!!
FFS woman he's not once said that you can't carry on and even though he does everything to ensure your happiness, she's screaming out yet again, "I need my own identity and want to pursue acting!!" Gesü Christo!!!!It
But guess what.....
Seb is no longer the second oldest of all seven, marking him as Massimo's second oldest brother, as he's now....apparently Massimo's younger brother.....did anyone else notice that??
You didn't?? Not to worry and sorry for bringing it up right now, Che Cazzo!! Lol
But if you don't mind Olivia being a moaning ninny, you'll find this book is great. Although truth be told, I'd have preferred more written about Alvaro and made more of an issue and more lethality with the interactions with the Sovrano brothers.
It just didn't grab me as believable if I'm honest!! It felt like the author couldn't really be bothered with him. As either the bad doing and things, OR a really seriously and buy doing more despicable and deplorable things!!
The narration side is by two fantastic narrator's, Sebastian York and Mackenzie Cartwright, whom I've always thoroughly enjoyed listening to them!!
The only issue is that Sebastian kept doing a mild Italian accent, when doing Olivia's voice, even after stating how Massimo thought she was American due to having an American accent!! So that was the only issue as far as their portrayals of each of the characters.
So when it comes to both audio and reading the book, at the same time.....I would truly and completely fully, and without a doubt recommend!! I only gave this four stars due to the slight annoyance of Olivia and the siblings positional line-up 🙈🙉🙈🙉
July 22, 2022
A wonderful read, great characters and continuation to wonderful series
Two people are out on the same night and end up at the same small bar where they are looking to have a drink and possibly hook up for one night of sex, what they hadn’t expected was that they actually enjoyed each other’s company and once was not enough for either of them.
Olivia “Via” could not get him out of her mind he had been simply magnificent, she had never experienced anything like it and them the whole thing had come crashing down around her ears when she had been nearly killed and her acting and stage shows seemed to dry up overnight.
Olivia had found Maximo sitting at her bedside when she woke up and he had proposed to her and she had not known what to say so had pretended that she had a fiancé and had watched her one and only love walk away for the final time, she had hurt him and had ripped out her own heart in the process.
Olivia’s sister contacted her to come to her engagement party and she was shocked to find that she was being pushed into an arranged marriage by her brother and mother with very little thought of her wishes and dreams.
As the engagement between the two families goes ahead it becomes apparent that both parties are not happy about the pairing but with Nonna’s wishes and the boys promise to her to marry within a month Maximo was determined to change Via’s mind.
This is a simply wonderful read that I guarantee once you begin reading this book you will not be able to put it down until you reach the end, discover the outcome and find out the final outcome.
Will love out and save the love and the lives of both sisters……
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.
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.
Two people are out on the same night and end up at the same small bar where they are looking to have a drink and possibly hook up for one night of sex, what they hadn’t expected was that they actually enjoyed each other’s company and once was not enough for either of them.
Olivia “Via” could not get him out of her mind he had been simply magnificent, she had never experienced anything like it and them the whole thing had come crashing down around her ears when she had been nearly killed and her acting and stage shows seemed to dry up overnight.
Olivia had found Maximo sitting at her bedside when she woke up and he had proposed to her and she had not known what to say so had pretended that she had a fiancé and had watched her one and only love walk away for the final time, she had hurt him and had ripped out her own heart in the process.
Olivia’s sister contacted her to come to her engagement party and she was shocked to find that she was being pushed into an arranged marriage by her brother and mother with very little thought of her wishes and dreams.
As the engagement between the two families goes ahead it becomes apparent that both parties are not happy about the pairing but with Nonna’s wishes and the boys promise to her to marry within a month Maximo was determined to change Via’s mind.
This is a simply wonderful read that I guarantee once you begin reading this book you will not be able to put it down until you reach the end, discover the outcome and find out the final outcome.
Will love out and save the love and the lives of both sisters……
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.
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.
July 17, 2022
“If every, single, filthy thing I’ve learned from the internet was distilled into an expression, it would be this smirk.” I loved this statement by Olivia so much that I’m using it to start my review. This is the story of Massimo and Olivia,“Via,” as only Massimo calls her, and their rocky path to happiness. Let me preface this by saying, I always knew Massimo would be my favorite. There were times when I read his brothers’ books that I wondered because they made dramatic transformations, but Massimo had shown himself to be reliable and true over and over again in the other books, so this was exactly what I expected.
One of the things I like best about this story is that Massimo never has any doubt about his feelings for Olivia. No matter how stupidly she continues to deny her feelings for him, to the point of Olivia questioning herself, wondering why she is such an idiot, Massimo is the rock to her flailing life choices. He’s always there for her, even when she thinks he’s not. Sure, he’s a man of his word, and he’ll do what he’s promised to do, but he continues to try to figure out a way to get everything they want without letting anyone down. Unfortunately, every time he presents one of these possibilities to Olivia, she shoots him down.
I don’t want to ruin any of the details of this story because, even though I knew it would be a happy ending, I did not anticipate the twists and turns it would take to get there. And I felt anxious waiting for it to happen. I can’t tell you how many times I questioned why Olivia had to be so dense and self-absorbed. But L Steele knew what needed to happen, and my complaining only served to make this a stronger and more rewarding story. I hope that my editing helped. I highly recommend this story, but like all books from this author, it’s for mature audiences only.
One of the things I like best about this story is that Massimo never has any doubt about his feelings for Olivia. No matter how stupidly she continues to deny her feelings for him, to the point of Olivia questioning herself, wondering why she is such an idiot, Massimo is the rock to her flailing life choices. He’s always there for her, even when she thinks he’s not. Sure, he’s a man of his word, and he’ll do what he’s promised to do, but he continues to try to figure out a way to get everything they want without letting anyone down. Unfortunately, every time he presents one of these possibilities to Olivia, she shoots him down.
I don’t want to ruin any of the details of this story because, even though I knew it would be a happy ending, I did not anticipate the twists and turns it would take to get there. And I felt anxious waiting for it to happen. I can’t tell you how many times I questioned why Olivia had to be so dense and self-absorbed. But L Steele knew what needed to happen, and my complaining only served to make this a stronger and more rewarding story. I hope that my editing helped. I highly recommend this story, but like all books from this author, it’s for mature audiences only.
July 24, 2022
The eighth book in the Dark Mafia Billionaires series and for me this is definitely one of the hottest and steamiest in the series as Massimo Sovrano picks up a stranger in a bar one night little thinking he had just waved goodbye to his freedom. The trouble is Olivia, given her family background has no intention of getting involved with anyone even remotely to the mafia and if she’d known who Massimo was he wouldn’t have even got one night with her. What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? Let the fun and games begin as Massimo tries to win his woman!
This story starts with a bang and doesn’t let up for a second as Massimo fights for the woman he’s quickly become obsessed with. Arranged marriages, shootings, kidnappings, pretend fiancés, scorching chemistry, threats and danger. Mafia Bride gives us all these and more in no particular order. I almost got dizzy from all the nonstop action until I decided to stop trying to overthink things and just enjoy the read. I have to say though I’m getting a bit fed up of the whole Karma and her secret plot thread. At this time he must be the only member of his family who doesn’t know and considering anyone who meets Karma figures it out, it really doesn’t say much for his intelligence or observational skills. Just tell the man already!
I would strongly recommend that you read this series in order of release as certain events in the previous book Mafia Obsession, play a direct part in Mafia Bride and it will add to your enjoyment knowing the background.
This story starts with a bang and doesn’t let up for a second as Massimo fights for the woman he’s quickly become obsessed with. Arranged marriages, shootings, kidnappings, pretend fiancés, scorching chemistry, threats and danger. Mafia Bride gives us all these and more in no particular order. I almost got dizzy from all the nonstop action until I decided to stop trying to overthink things and just enjoy the read. I have to say though I’m getting a bit fed up of the whole Karma and her secret plot thread. At this time he must be the only member of his family who doesn’t know and considering anyone who meets Karma figures it out, it really doesn’t say much for his intelligence or observational skills. Just tell the man already!
I would strongly recommend that you read this series in order of release as certain events in the previous book Mafia Obsession, play a direct part in Mafia Bride and it will add to your enjoyment knowing the background.
July 27, 2022
I was given the opportunity to ARC read Mafia Bride, and this is my honest opinion. I've had the pleasure of reading "The Seven" and the entire Mafia series and it's one that I know I will read over and over again in its entirety. Each of these seven men and their women were incredible, but Massimo's story was even more. I wish I had a way with words like Ms. Steele does to express the dynamics of this amazing read. I didn't expect how instant his attraction to Olivia was. He was the rational, more analytical one of the bunch. The chemistry between the two was explosive! Steamy doesn't quite describe it. Their chemistry was really intense, the fire and the passion, in and out of the bedroom between Massimo and Olivia was incredible. Not once did Ms. Steele build up only to simply drop off to the next scene.
It goes without saying, I'm giving this a 5-star rating. I don't give them out often and more than once within a series. The overall quality of writing is wonderful! I don't live in a mafia world and am highly unlikely to step into it even briefly, yet through Ms. Steele's words I've felt like I was in the room seeing and feeling what these characters were. I always love that there is no cheating or cliffhangers in these books. They all can be read by themselves, but to truly grasp the whole story, one really needs to start from the beginning. They build off one another and blend together throughout the series. They are family. They are the Cosa Nostra. This is their family's story. Enjoy!
It goes without saying, I'm giving this a 5-star rating. I don't give them out often and more than once within a series. The overall quality of writing is wonderful! I don't live in a mafia world and am highly unlikely to step into it even briefly, yet through Ms. Steele's words I've felt like I was in the room seeing and feeling what these characters were. I always love that there is no cheating or cliffhangers in these books. They all can be read by themselves, but to truly grasp the whole story, one really needs to start from the beginning. They build off one another and blend together throughout the series. They are family. They are the Cosa Nostra. This is their family's story. Enjoy!
July 25, 2022
Like his brothers, Massimo found himself struggling with an overflowing, possessive passion, and a woman difficult to control. I liked the way he was seducing Olivia letting her know his emotions and what he was feeling for her. An intelligent, protective, dominant, possessive and… seductive man! Sigh! What combination! A man straight into action! For me, in these kinds of stories that is important. Olivia gave a lot of thought to things dragging her insecurity and losing sight of what was really important. That clouded what could be good judgment. Luckily, she knew how to open her eyes, put on her unmentionables in its place and face what she had to do. A point in her favor! I'm eager to see them outcome of Karma's situation that has been in the corner for a long time and it's got me jittery. I was surprised that JJ is going to have his moment in the Alphaholes' space. The silver wolf must have many skills to share, and I hope there is a good issue around his character. I really like these stories where the ingenuity and imagination of the authors keep me trapped in their web thinking and enjoying the action, suspense, and intrigue in the story. And of course, a good villain, romance and a burning passion complete my enthusiasm. Wink, wink!
July 28, 2022
Mafia Bride doesn't mess around.
It starts off... wow!!!
Massimo and Olivia meet, have a night of fun and games and then the next time they meet...
Massimo is engaged to her sister.
An arranged Mafia marriage so to speak.
Massimo has always been the quietest of all the Sovrano brothers, but you know what they say?
Still waters run deep!
And it certainly hits the spot!
Massimo wants Olivia, need I say more?
I loved reading more about Massimo, but in all honesty, I'm not too mush of a fan of Olivia "Via".
She's Mafia princess and a spoiled one who is trying to be an actress , with limited success.
She has got a minor scar that she thinks is getting in her way of succes...
Well, my surprise , when Massimo does an true act of love to show her how much she means to him... Not going to spoil it for you...
If you like age gap, mafia, dark romance, arranged marriage, hot & spicy books, well, look no further...
Combined in one neat book, you got it all...
Mafia Bride is a stand-alone book, but part of a bigger series, 2, in fact. I would suggest to start at the very beginning, as there are various continuing stories intertwined. Some of which still remain unanswered, but I'm sure we'll find out soon...
It starts off... wow!!!
Massimo and Olivia meet, have a night of fun and games and then the next time they meet...
Massimo is engaged to her sister.
An arranged Mafia marriage so to speak.
Massimo has always been the quietest of all the Sovrano brothers, but you know what they say?
Still waters run deep!
And it certainly hits the spot!
Massimo wants Olivia, need I say more?
I loved reading more about Massimo, but in all honesty, I'm not too mush of a fan of Olivia "Via".
She's Mafia princess and a spoiled one who is trying to be an actress , with limited success.
She has got a minor scar that she thinks is getting in her way of succes...
Well, my surprise , when Massimo does an true act of love to show her how much she means to him... Not going to spoil it for you...
If you like age gap, mafia, dark romance, arranged marriage, hot & spicy books, well, look no further...
Combined in one neat book, you got it all...
Mafia Bride is a stand-alone book, but part of a bigger series, 2, in fact. I would suggest to start at the very beginning, as there are various continuing stories intertwined. Some of which still remain unanswered, but I'm sure we'll find out soon...
August 4, 2022
Michael Sovrano is don of the Sovrano Cosa Nostra and has been in negotiations for an alliance with the Camorra family. Massimo Sovrano is going to be in an arranged marriage to the oldest Camorra daughter. Olivia Camorra has returned to Palermo from her drama studies in L.A., cast as the understudy in the production of Beauty and The Beast. Needing to let loose one evening, Olivia decides she wants something a little more challenging than spending the evening at home, and she runs right into Massimo Sovrano at the bar. At first glance, she knows he's someone to be reckoned with and no better person with whom to have a one night stand. Massimo spots her as soon as she walks in and makes it his mission to have her tonight. What he doesn't know is that he's found the spitfire daughter of the Camorra arm of the Cosa Nostra. They are combustible when they're together, but they're also good at pushing each other away. Massimo shows himself to be a passionate, sometimes calming, force in Via's life, but she never lets him think that he has total control....until he does. This is a wonderful story with a premise that is intriguing and captivating. The characters are colorful, energetic and strong, resulting in a passionate and seductive romance.
July 26, 2022
The story was enjoyable. It starts off with a bang and Massimo and Olivia are explosive together. But Olivia isn't a woman to be tied down. I felt a great deal of respect to her and her decision to follow her dream. She refused to be married and rely on a man. Olivia wanted to know herself before losing her identity by being in a relationship with a man. Massimo... that man.
He is tenacious and persistent. He knew there was something there with Olivia and he wasn't going to let anything get in his way... even Olivia herself. There were moments where I wasn't sure what would happen with the two of them. Drama, action and a great deal of steam is packed into these pages. It was a great story even when I was a little irritated with Olivia and her actions. But she needed to understand what she had and find the courage to grab it.
He is tenacious and persistent. He knew there was something there with Olivia and he wasn't going to let anything get in his way... even Olivia herself. There were moments where I wasn't sure what would happen with the two of them. Drama, action and a great deal of steam is packed into these pages. It was a great story even when I was a little irritated with Olivia and her actions. But she needed to understand what she had and find the courage to grab it.
July 21, 2022
The story of Massimo and Olivia is one of lies, love, lust and fear. Olivia is determined not to be ruled by her family and has left home to become an actress. She just landed an understudy role in the Beauty and the Beast. She meets Massimo at a bar where his introduction to her is to stop her from getting another drink. Her hackled are raised and she tries to leave. Massimo takes a gentler tack and they have a one night stand.
Until, they meet twice again, purely by chance. In the meantime Olivia is shot during a performance, falls and scars her face. Massimo is getting engaged to her sister and each finds out the other are part of Mafia families. What with Olivia's brother planning to "sell" her to the head of the Mexican Mafia and the negotiations between the two families following the engagement of Massimo to Solana, there is plenty of action. The stories Olivia concocts to make Massimo leave her alone are epic and it is inevitable her house of cards will fall.
A very enjoyable read. It kept my interest and I loved every page of it.
Until, they meet twice again, purely by chance. In the meantime Olivia is shot during a performance, falls and scars her face. Massimo is getting engaged to her sister and each finds out the other are part of Mafia families. What with Olivia's brother planning to "sell" her to the head of the Mexican Mafia and the negotiations between the two families following the engagement of Massimo to Solana, there is plenty of action. The stories Olivia concocts to make Massimo leave her alone are epic and it is inevitable her house of cards will fall.
A very enjoyable read. It kept my interest and I loved every page of it.
July 24, 2022
This is the seventh book about the Sovrano family. The Cosa Nostra. The leading family in Italy. It features Massimo. The business manager of the family. He is the numbers man and one of the most ruthless. He meets Olivia at a bar outside of Palermo. She is an actress in a “Beauty and the Beast” play in Palermo. She is just looking to blow off a little steam with a one night stand. No names. No phone numbers. Just one night of fun. But Massimo soon realizes that doesn’t work for him. He has found “the one”. But she leaves before he wakes. Leaving him to search high and low for her. But her friend Joanne is getting married. And he is assigned the task of flying Olivia and Penny to serve as bridesmaids. The fun just keeps rolling from their one night. This story is full of twists and turns. Massimo continues his pursuit with a relentless determination. And Olivia tries to evade him at every turn. Their romance is at times funny and then steamy and turns dangerous. I love L. Steele’s dark and dangerous romances. I did receive an advance copy for my review.
July 26, 2022
When you mix Massimo a dirty talking alpha male Mafioso and Olivia a sassy, smart mothed stubborn woman you have one hot story that you wont be able to put down. This book is action packed and brings us back to how Massimo originally met Olivia and how what started out as a one night stand ended up being so much more. What will he do when she runs from him, will he chase or give up and move on. When she turns him away he ends up engaged to her sister. Let the chasing begin. He has decided that he will not let her go and things just get more interesting. These two are a power couple in the making. He is a man who will stand by her choosing a career she just can't let her independence go. She feels falling for someone takes who she is away that she will loose herself can he help her understand that she wont. She has to get over her feelings as well as he needs to put some restraint on his over protectiveness. Can these two work out their differences and become that power couple. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
July 26, 2022
L Steele has once again outdone herself with Mafia Bride , one of the most captivating and beautifully written romances I have read in quite some time .Dark , Raw , Gritty , emotional, suspenseful, steamy , romantic , family , friendships, twists and turns , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments , non stop action, passionate, intense , page , tuner , wonderfully written characters that are so unique, likable, relatable and extremely multi layered , drama , arranged marriage, unforgettable and unputdownable. I’m not going to give any details away as far as the storyline because trust me when I say to fully appreciate what a fantastic job L Steele did and all the emotions Maximo and Olivia’s story will stir in you , you really need to go in with a totally open mind and read it for yourself. But prepare your for a very long night of reading and definitely make sure you have the free time as once you start it’s pretty much impossible to stop . L Steele has once again hit another home run right outta the ballpark
July 30, 2022
This series is like ageing red wine it just gets better with time ❣️📕😉
So Olivia and Massimo cross paths in a bar where she’s winning a few rounds with tequila ( she’s not afraid of tequila 🤣) Massimo tries to interfere and he actually wins the battle and what follows nearly has me having tequila shots 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Olivia has fought hard to break from her family and it’s traditions but I just wanted her to twig she could have both things her desired and she does in the end but it took her a while ! I wanted to shake her at times just so she snaps out of it but she’s a great character she may have pushed my buttons at times but more often than not she had me laughing , she’s a tough cookie this one and you can’t help but love her ….
Massimo , what a delectable piece of mafia man yumminess he is and he has a way with not only his mouth and hands 🔥🤦♀️❣️but he’s also such a romantic and had me in melted puddles at his feet on many occasions ❣️ I love me some Massimo 😉
One to shout from rooftops !
So Olivia and Massimo cross paths in a bar where she’s winning a few rounds with tequila ( she’s not afraid of tequila 🤣) Massimo tries to interfere and he actually wins the battle and what follows nearly has me having tequila shots 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Olivia has fought hard to break from her family and it’s traditions but I just wanted her to twig she could have both things her desired and she does in the end but it took her a while ! I wanted to shake her at times just so she snaps out of it but she’s a great character she may have pushed my buttons at times but more often than not she had me laughing , she’s a tough cookie this one and you can’t help but love her ….
Massimo , what a delectable piece of mafia man yumminess he is and he has a way with not only his mouth and hands 🔥🤦♀️❣️but he’s also such a romantic and had me in melted puddles at his feet on many occasions ❣️ I love me some Massimo 😉
One to shout from rooftops !
September 3, 2023
Audiobook Review
3.75 stars
Massimo and Olivia’s HEA starts with a shteamy ONS encounter. Massimo is very alpha, very smexy and very very Mafia. Olivia has been running from her origins and struggles to come to grips with her past life and the life she always imagined for herself.
If you like overprotective but totally besotted mafiosos and a heroine that cannot tell the difference between being loved and being smothered this is the book for you.
My slight eek with this book was Seb becoming Massimo’s younger brother when he has always been the older and second oldest in the Sovrano siblings.
Mackenzie Cartwright was amazing as Olivia, and as much as I love SebYo, his slight Italian accent when reading Olivia’s parts and saying that is and sounds American was just a no no for me.
Wish the Author had reviewed/edited these things before releasing the audio files. Despite this the book is still a good one
3.75 stars
Massimo and Olivia’s HEA starts with a shteamy ONS encounter. Massimo is very alpha, very smexy and very very Mafia. Olivia has been running from her origins and struggles to come to grips with her past life and the life she always imagined for herself.
If you like overprotective but totally besotted mafiosos and a heroine that cannot tell the difference between being loved and being smothered this is the book for you.
My slight eek with this book was Seb becoming Massimo’s younger brother when he has always been the older and second oldest in the Sovrano siblings.
Mackenzie Cartwright was amazing as Olivia, and as much as I love SebYo, his slight Italian accent when reading Olivia’s parts and saying that is and sounds American was just a no no for me.
Wish the Author had reviewed/edited these things before releasing the audio files. Despite this the book is still a good one
July 26, 2022
This series is hot and on fire and this book is very explosive. Massimo, Massimo, Massimo is all I can say as he is a super alpha male to the core. The story of Massimo and Olivia (Via) is one of passion as both are instantly attracted the each other but family commitments get in the way for a little while. So much chemistry between them and when Via is in danger, Massimo will stop at nothing to protect her even if it means putting his life on the line. Devoured each and every word. Another great instalment in the Sovrano family series by Ms Steele and although this is book eight in the series it certainly has the same power as the other books. Loved it so much and I am really looking forward to the next book.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 26, 2022
This is the 8th book in this incredible series, and this is Massimo and Olivia’s story. Massimo is a sexy, arrogant, ruthless, and most feared crime boss in Italy, but he never doubts his feeling for Olivia. Olivia is Jeanne’s best friend, and she has her own secret life, as the eldest daughter of the Camora crime family. When Olivia is shot instead of Jeanne, she wakes up in hospital to find Massimo at her bedside. This is a well written story which is a love / hate romance, with explosive chemistry, betrayal, lies, secrets, heartbreak, tension, and is a riveting page turner, with many more questions which need answered. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Social Butterfly PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Social Butterfly PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2022
Massimo and Olivia (Via) met by chance at a club and enjoyed an anonymous, hot, no-strings night together, It was supposed to be just hot sexy fun..... Somehow what they shared became more, their chemistry is palpable but she's not like any woman he's been with before, she's prepared to stand up to Massimo, no one else does, except for his brothers.
He never expected to see her again, but then it turns out she is a friend of his brother's future bride and is a bridesmaid at the wedding. With almost tunnel vision he goes after what he wants and what he wants is Via. But although she's drawn to him there's no way she's getting involved with someone in the Mafia.
The story was well-written and fast-paced. The characters are well-drawn and very interesting. The chemistry is hot and their connection can not be denied but will she change her mind?
He never expected to see her again, but then it turns out she is a friend of his brother's future bride and is a bridesmaid at the wedding. With almost tunnel vision he goes after what he wants and what he wants is Via. But although she's drawn to him there's no way she's getting involved with someone in the Mafia.
The story was well-written and fast-paced. The characters are well-drawn and very interesting. The chemistry is hot and their connection can not be denied but will she change her mind?
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