A MAFIA PRINCESS Sacrificed to maintain the fragile peace between her family and his, only Aurora Bianchi can sate Max De Luca’s desires and keep his darkest depravities under control. But now his father wants complete control of The Syndicate… and she’s an obstacle to their plans.
A pawn her husband is forced to sacrifice.
HER PROTECTORS Enzo and his crew are brought in to dispose of the casualties of war, brutally slaughtered and left for dead. However, the bodies aren’t nameless thugs - they’re Syndicate royalty… and they’re not all dead. He and his crew find themselves drawn into a mafia coup, and there’s only one side they would ever consider taking.
Enzo, Sinclair, Nico and Benedict will raze The Syndicate to the ground to avenge Aurora, but first they must save her.
AURORA DE LUCA IS DEAD…RORY BIANCHI WILL RISE
Authors Note: This is a polyamorous (MMFMM) mafia romance where the FMC will never be asked to choose between her leading men. Being romance there is of course an HEA, however books 1 & 2 in this series are a duet so I am going to make you work for the HEA.
Laura Bennett is a romance author drawn to mixing equal parts intricate plot, engaging characters, swoon worthy romance and spice. She has a passion for writing and a love of reading that inspired her to take a leap, bringing her own characters to life.
Starting with The Bianchi Chronicles she'll be diving into a world of morally grey men, strong women and complicated moral outlooks. Join her author journey as we start off by exploring her dark mafia universe.
4.5 ⭐️ Okay so picture this, you’re part of a mafia cleanup crew, your completely unhinged boss just murdered two people ( he’s the worst kind of fucking psycho) and you’re on body disposal duty when ✨surprise✨one of the bodies isn’t actually dead. And not just anyone she’s the daughter of a powerful crime family. Like, talk about a meet cute, right?? 😭
This book had me in a chokehold from the jump. The dynamic is so refreshing compared to the usual why choose books, we’re used to at least one of the MMC’s treating her like shit or not getting on board with the dynamic but not here every single one of these men is immediately in protector mode. Like full-on, “we will wash the blood out of your hair in a bowl because you’ve been through hell and you deserve to be taken care of” energy. 🥹
She’s basically in a self-induced coma from disassociating (understandably, after everything), and the gentleness with which they handle her was everything, they know that she is a fighter and she is a boss ass bitch, but they gave her a safe space to feel vulnerable after all of the horrible things she’s been through. Every single MMC is incredible but all so different. Each one is helping her heal in such a different, intentional way it’s layered and beautiful and ugh I love it so much.
All the emotional stuff aside THIS SHIT WAS SPICY !! Normally in a why choose series we have to get through the first book before the spice really starts to kick in but not this one, and let me tell you it was 🔥🤤🤭
One thing I really loved is how the story was told. Mafia romance can sometimes get a little chaotic with all the characters, families, shifting loyalties but this was super easy to follow. Like, I actually understood what was going on the whole time and it made me even more invested. I wasn’t just trying to keep track I was fully in it.
The way Laura captures Aurora coming back to herself after losing everything was so raw, real, painful and it’s so so beautifully written. I felt like I was right there with her, feeling every moment she got a piece of herself back and I was on the sidelines cheering her on. It made me SO emotional because that poor woman has been through hell and back, and she deserves to have these four men completely worshiping her the way they are.
There was so much action and so many “OH FUCK” moments packed into the end of this book I was literally on the edge of my seat. And that ending?? BROOOOO I AM NOT OKAY. I’m freaking out. I’m stressed. Im scared as hell for book two…. But here I go 😭
how did this have everything and nothing at the same time. like all the pieces were there and i liked all the men AND the fmc (rarity in dark romance) but by god did i feel nothing
Easily my favorite dark romance that I’ve read! This one didn’t feel over the top like most do in my opinion. It felt so real. There were so many real heart breaking moments but also wholesome and spicy moments. I loved it! Benny and Nico are my absolute favorites. The way they can go from being incredible wholesome together and then flip into mafia mode was awesome! I definitely recommend!
And coming from someone who doesn’t really read RH. I was surprised how much I loved it!
But as soon as you start chapter one, you are pulled in to a crazy plot that keeps you guessing.
After being in a horrific marriage with her twisted husband that sees her being left for dead, it’s the cleanup crew that realises she is still alive. Realising how important she is in the Mafia world they take it upon themselves to help hide her while she recovers.
Aurora is a badass, even in her healing!
And the guys? I love them all 🥵
And the ending!!! I nearly passed out! Bring on book 2!
Oh, I loved this book so much! Perfect characters’ dynamic, heart breaking moments, great writing, interesting story. What else would you want? Jumping into the next immediately!🫶 “I demand a lot. But I also give a lot. When I fall, I fall hard, and I will never give up on someone I have dedicated myself to.”
I received Broken Princess by Laura Bennett through a Goodreads giveaway, and boy, am I thankful! I think this might actually be a first — a dark romance that I thoroughly enjoyed, that wasn’t painful to get through, and my very first mafia book!
The action and the different POVs were absolutely on point. I was never confused, and I really enjoyed the transitions. And that ending… oh my goodness, I was on the edge of my seat! I had no idea what was going to happen, and it was just so thrilling!
I can’t wait to read the next book in The Bianchi Chronicles — I think it’s safe to say I’m officially obsessed!
DNF @63%. Unfortunately kinda put me into a slump. The plot had a promising execution and interesting MMC characters. The FMC however is insufferable, and the plot felt incredibly dragged around the 50% mark. The authors writing was not enticing enough to skim read either, as most of the dialogue and “smut” felt incredibly flat.
Not gonna lie, I had zero expectations with this book! but surprisingly enough it was pretty good, I had a blast reading it. And that cliffhanger OMFG I hope this is not the ending of that character because if it is, I’m gonna crash out in this moment!!!!! This book kept me entertained and immersed in the story and what was happening. It's true that, as is typical of these stories, a FMC, after years of torture and SA, is magically cured of everything with the magic of the MMC's dick. so this always leaves me feeling a bit meh! But other than that, the interpersonal relationships and the development of the story were very good. I’m excited for the next book, I was thinking of waiting for the audiobook too, but I think I can’t wait.
This wasn't a bad book, but besides the beginning and end, nothing really happened plot-wise, and the plot that we got was really predictable.
The middle of the book is for us to see the relationship grow, but I didn't enjoy it that much. I'm not the biggest fan of "we knew each other in the past," so the relationship gets built upon that.
I don't comment on the spice usually because I enjoy it, but this time was the first time when I considered skipping the scenes entirely. The dom-sub dynamic is mentioned in the trigger warning list, but the spice is fully based on that, and since it's not my cup of tea, I had a hard time with it.
Safe to say that I'm not going to continue with the series.
3.5 almost a 4 for me which hasn't happened in an extremely long time. Spoilers ahead.
Let's break it down in categories because I actually felt like this was a long read for me.
Characters: Let's start with the princess Aurora. This character was very well done. Often when we make a "badass" character its almost cartoonish in action. They are super hard and don't need anyone etc. Aurora is a good mixture of funny, vulnerable, and badass. She has had unspeakable things happen to her and clearly needs some time, space, and therapy to work through her dissociation but she comes off as a warrior not an asshole. I liked that she still believes in others and jokes and was a real character not just a product of her trauma.
The boys: let's start with this is almost the perfect size for a harem. People try to have like 5-7 and we just lose personality and connections along the way that are needed.
Enzo: He ends up being the one we almost know the least about by the books end and I want more. Obviously it won't be happening super fast in book two because he's being horribly tortured and no one knows he's alive.......but. Still. Nico: Nico ends up coming out as one character we really see be loving and supportive but also very true to himself and his own person and needs. We see him as a boyfriend with Benny and a friend and as a torturer as well. I like the depth. I will say he reads older than 24, so I'm not sure if the energy we were getting prepped for Sin just carried over or what. Benny: Benny the golden retriever. That's all I really have to say. He holds that role in the group and we can see he wants to be more but he isn't yet by the end of the book Sin: Now sin and Nico seem almost interchangeable to me. Which is why Nico seems so much older I think. They both have similar kink and they both come at things with a since of maturity and ability to look at an issue from the outside which is why I struggle a little with not just having one of them and not both. Shrink the group to three unless they are so completely different that we need that extra person.
Plot: This was a damn good Mafia/serial killer plot. They weave it together well and you get intrigue along with all the action sequences. I will say I knew who the killer was as soon as the morgue scene happened but still a good Segway into the next book to keep us hating him. I even liked the slow down pieces where the main characters did just mundane normal things together. Sometimes that gets lost in romance books like this and it will just be noted as a day they spent watching movies and quickly jump forward in time. So I appreciated it.
Overall: Overall thoughts. I liked the book and it's intriguing but I think I need a pause before jumping into the next book. This book just had so much going on plot wise and relationship wise that I feel like taking a break for continuing chaos but in a good way if that makes sense. The only other note for anyone who has not read this book and continued to read this review. I am not the world's biggest fan of a ton of MM in my reading. I don't mind it but it isn't something that I enjoy reading about as much as other relationships. I know shocker straight white female isn't into it, not that there is anything wrong with it just not for me. Having said that, this book is very heavy in MM and I may not have originally picked it up if I knew how much. If I look back I think a majority of the scenes we get involved MM so if that's your thing go for it!
This was really predictable but at the same time even though I knew what was going to happen it stressed me the fuck out.
And even though this ended on a cliffhanger I’m not going to bother with the 2nd book in the duet. I didn’t care enough about anyone after 472 pages to continue into book 2 for another 417 pages.
In my opinion I don’t think this needed to be why choose, and we haven’t even got to the proper why choose relationship with all 5 of them yet. But so far I just liked Aurora with Sinclair. I think Nico and Benny as an already established couple were fine as they were. Then I read spoilers for the next book and Enzo is going to be a submissive and I’m sorry but when it’s the man being a sub it’s just not for me.
When the 3rd book comes out it’s an interconnected standalone about 2 characters from the duet and it’s set during the same timeline as the duet so I might read that and I’ll just see where these guys end up via that story.
Multi pov h25, the H’s were I think 23,24, 35ish?, 40 Why choose with mm (MMFMM) No OWD Omd- Auroras husband is a deranged psychopath Cliffhanger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
By everything Holy and unholy depending on your preference this book is outstanding ! I have devoured this book, held it tightly in my hands as each word was delightfully absorbed.
Laura you are a goddess . The characters you have created and the yummy descriptions of each one are very thigh clenching worthy.
Trigger warnings are a must and if like me you use them as a shopping list then the book is a must.
I have laughed, gasped, clenched and forgotten how to breathe ….and loved it.
I really really need the next book out now but sadly I will have to wait.
Such amazing writing and the story line is hook line and sinker captivating from the very first page. I’m super picky with my 5* reviews and this is hands down firmly in my top faves.
A why choose, mafia, kink with kickass characters.
Laura is also on TT to follow and she has an awesome stress device !
This book throws you straight in at the deep end and had me hooked instantly, I dont normally go for mafia based stories, but this is so well written that it had me invested from the start. I love the balance of violence and humour throughout and the subtle sexual tension.
The spicy scenes involving MMF & MM had me questioning if the hot flushes were my age or the level 🌶 and the shower scene left me needing a cold one. The power dynamics within those relationships were spot on, too.
I devoured this book in a day and can't wait for the next in the series. Laura, you should be proud!
I'm now praying for a man like Nico to come throw me around, a good boy like Benny, a top like Sin and Enzo for my Netflix and chill.
I just don’t care for dom/sub stuff, and I should have done more research before I started it. It just wasn’t my thing. All the reviews I read talked about how obsessed they were with her from the beginning, and I like that aspect but I just really don’t enjoy dom/sub/debasement. I wanted to see how it ended so I read the sequel but just didn’t find it worth it.
Im honestly not even sure what to rate this book. Im stuck between a 3.5 and a 4 star rating... msybe rounded up to 4 star? I found this book on Instagram I believe and went into it with some high expectations, I will say. So I was kind of let down. I liked it at first, it started off strong, but then not so much when it got down to the "torture" aspects, I wasn't a big fan any longer. Here's a text I sent my friend when she asked what I was reading... "It's kinda weird honestly. It's called Broken Princess. As of now wouldn't recommend. It's apparently a mafia romance. But it's off to a weird start. Like the girl was brutally tortured(it wasn't described at all) by her husband just all of a sudden right at the beginning he's calling a mafia like "clean up crew" to clean up her and her dad's dead bodies. Her dad's like the head of some mafia whatever too so it's a big deal. The clean up crew comes and realizes the girl is alive and that she's the daughter of this head mafia guy. Her dad's unrecognizable, they don't know it's his body. She's in and out of consciousness, they're trying to hide that they're saving her, they take her back to some safe house. Now, they're trying to find the people that partnered with her husband to try to kill her and her dad. Lol, but like, they're currently just torturing people to get answers, and I'm not a fan of it. And there's been 0 romance. Like what am I reading." Shortly after that, there was a sex scene but it was so short lived and nothing romantic about it really. It's just kind of been an odd book, while they search to find people in their corner who could take down the husband who thought he killed her. So odd, in fact, that I picked up another book in the middle of this one and put this one on pause. Which i never do. But it had good ratings so I had to continue. At one point, the book says "unable to hold back the snigger at his expense." I thought it was snicker.. I don't know. Eventually it gets a little more interesting as the FMC and one of the guys gets cornered and kidnapped, then the husband who tried to kill her makes an appearance, there's a house fire, two of the guys get shot, Aurora is the new "don" and more is to be revealed in book two. But I did feel like the pacing of this book was a bit off, something about it in general seemed off. I almost feel like I'm being generous with my rounded up 4 star rating. Oh well though. So a part of me wasn't sure about continuing the series, but I might read another book then pop back over to book two.
4.7⭐️ When I say I want to read a mafia story THIS is what I’m talking about! I absolutely devoured this book🍴
I have a million thoughts but the most important one is how do I get book two asap! I’m finding it impossible to pick a favourite character but it’s hard not to just cave and stay Benny & Nico because their dynamic is top tier!!
This book had me hooked from the start and I was reading this book like my life depended on it 🤣 The chaos, the violence, the tension, the shock! Where do I even begin🤩
I will say I was able to guess correctly with one plot point (which upon reflection wasn’t very hard to work out🤣🤣) so I felt like I was investigating and searching for the rats too 🕵🏻♀️
Salvatore and Dr Em though 👀 I see you ahhahaha don’t think I didn’t catch that
Also I have soooo many thoughts/theories for what will follow because my word that ending🤯 holyfckshitimscaredforhowbadthiscango
Broken Princess really surprised me in the best way. I was immediately drawn into the story, but it was the characters that truly made this book shine. They felt layered, emotional, and easy to root for, even when they were messy or flawed.
The pacing kept me engaged, and the emotional moments landed well without feeling overdone. The ending was great and left me eager for more, setting things up perfectly for book two.
Overall, this was a strong, enjoyable read, and I’m definitely planning to continue the series!
4.5 ⭐️ You guyssss, why is this not talked about more?!! Mafia Why Choose, strong yet broken fmc, 4 mmcs with their own tortured pasts, a really interesting plot and a terryfing villain. Yeah, this is good you guys. The spice level is quite high and very kinky, but the plot is so good I didn’t mind it. The scenes were a little drawn out for my taste, but again I’m so invested that it don’t mind it. I love the fmc in this. I spent the last 5% sobbing uncontrollably. So yeah, it was a good time.
This book was a change from what I usually read, and it had me hooked. I am a massive fan of mafia novels. This book was a great read, and I loved the plot, which was brilliant and it definitely kept me interested in what happened next, the characters were well written and you get hooked on their storylines and what happens to them. The ending definitely has me interested in reading the next book.
Oh my god!! What did I just read?? I loved the guys.. they are so broken they just tug at my heart strings..each has his own story to tell.. even tho I don’t usually like the female characters Aurora is so strong and badass.. and tho her evil husband broke her there is hope because if these men.. The spice is sooo good 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 5/5 highly recommend
4.0 ⭐️ 4.0 🌶️ (Reverse Harem) I don’t know why I am such a sucker for mafia style reverse harems but here I am (again). The FMC in this is the literal definition of badass, and the growing relations between everyone pulled me in, this book instantly hooks you into the story. I immediately downloaded the second book 😍 **Check your trigger warnings - this book definitely has its dark aspects **
okay this is going to be added to my list of top dark romance reads. omg was this so good. i could not stop reading. i fell in love with every single character so fast. aurora is definitely one of my new favorite fmcs!
I was lucky enough to be sent the ARC of this book. Within the first couple of pages I was HOOKED. Absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone and I cannot wait for the second book.
Mafia romance Why choose Some dark themes so check trigger warnings and ends on a cliffhanger making you desperate for the next book.
~ARC~ Oh…. My…. I am speechless! What a book! Mind is blown! Emotions are all over the place. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! Just WOW!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
4.5 ⭐️ Jesus fucken Christ this had some hard to read parts, and that ending had me in tears. It was pretty quick paced and had me on the edge of my seat for what twists was going to happen next. It’s getting docked a half star because some of the connections between her men seemed like they didn’t fully form, they just kind of happened. But it was hot as fuck and right up my D/s dynamic alley lol. Cannot wait to dive into the second book.