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The Mafia Academy #2
Corrupting the Innocent
The second installment of The Mafia Academy Series—a forbidden romance set at a boarding school for the sons and daughters of the most powerful mafia lords.
Sofia Moretti
For years, I’ve harbored a secret love for my best friend’s older brother. Yet, he’s never shown any sign of sharing my feelings.
My fantasies will remain just that—fantasies. For two reasons. First, he’s arranged to marry the cunning and cold-hearted Aurora Salucci. Second, Antonio always does what his duty demands, and if his father wants him married to Aurora, he’ll marry her.
Forced to watch her parade him all over Sicuro Academy, I do my best to push Antonio from my mind and hope I can move on from someone who will never be mine…
Antonio La Rosa
My life has been a series of duties—to the mafia, to my father, but never to myself. Aurora and I are a good match as far as mafia politics go, but she’s nothing I’ve ever wanted in a wife with her hard edges and being about as malleable as granite.
Then there’s Sofia Moretti, my little sister’s best friend. I never looked at her with anything other than sisterly affection, until recently. Now she consumes my every thought. My every desire. Her innocence beckons me, and I yearn to be the one who taints it.
But I have a duty. And right now, the family needs me to uncover the traitor plotting against us… and that traitor may be closer than I ever imagined.
Sofia Moretti
For years, I’ve harbored a secret love for my best friend’s older brother. Yet, he’s never shown any sign of sharing my feelings.
My fantasies will remain just that—fantasies. For two reasons. First, he’s arranged to marry the cunning and cold-hearted Aurora Salucci. Second, Antonio always does what his duty demands, and if his father wants him married to Aurora, he’ll marry her.
Forced to watch her parade him all over Sicuro Academy, I do my best to push Antonio from my mind and hope I can move on from someone who will never be mine…
Antonio La Rosa
My life has been a series of duties—to the mafia, to my father, but never to myself. Aurora and I are a good match as far as mafia politics go, but she’s nothing I’ve ever wanted in a wife with her hard edges and being about as malleable as granite.
Then there’s Sofia Moretti, my little sister’s best friend. I never looked at her with anything other than sisterly affection, until recently. Now she consumes my every thought. My every desire. Her innocence beckons me, and I yearn to be the one who taints it.
But I have a duty. And right now, the family needs me to uncover the traitor plotting against us… and that traitor may be closer than I ever imagined.
270 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2023
229 people are currently reading
10490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
June 16, 2023
we need more bestfriend’s brother romances and with the marriage of convenience trope = best combo🫡
June 10, 2023
Corrupting the Innocent is the first book I've been able to read since I've been in this godforsaken book slump I'm in, and for that alone, it deserves a gold medal! P. Rayne has an amazing writing style that pulls you in from the first page and holds your attention until the last. Just like with the first book in this series, I tore through the current installment in one sitting, and I had a great time doing it!
Sofia has been pining away after her best friend's brother for years without anyone's knowledge, so when said brother is promised to marry another, she's devastated and doomed to suffer her heartbreak in silence. Antonio has never thought of Sofia as anything other than his little sister's friend until the day she opens her dorm room door in a sexy pajama set that gains his full attention for the first time.
Regardless of whatever feelings begin stirring in his heart or his pants, Sofia is off limits to him. Not only is Antonio engaged to be married, but if Sofia is caught with him, she'll be ruined. He won't risk destroying her in that way, and she refuses to be anyone's mistress.
Corrupting the Innocent is exactly what I needed to jump start my reading life! Sofia and Antonio's romance is forbidden, complicated, angsty, and delicious. Just the way I like it! This story gave me everything I needed when I needed it most, so thank you, P. Rayne. I owe you one!
If you enjoyed Vow of Revenge, don't hesitate to pick up this book. It's a great follow up to it's predecessor involving characters that probably peaked your interest the first time around. Sofia and Antonio's story is a fast paced read with spice, mystery, murder, and suspense, all things guaranteed to make your little mafia romance loving heart happy!
New adult and mafia romance fans, this one's for you!
Sofia has been pining away after her best friend's brother for years without anyone's knowledge, so when said brother is promised to marry another, she's devastated and doomed to suffer her heartbreak in silence. Antonio has never thought of Sofia as anything other than his little sister's friend until the day she opens her dorm room door in a sexy pajama set that gains his full attention for the first time.
Regardless of whatever feelings begin stirring in his heart or his pants, Sofia is off limits to him. Not only is Antonio engaged to be married, but if Sofia is caught with him, she'll be ruined. He won't risk destroying her in that way, and she refuses to be anyone's mistress.
Corrupting the Innocent is exactly what I needed to jump start my reading life! Sofia and Antonio's romance is forbidden, complicated, angsty, and delicious. Just the way I like it! This story gave me everything I needed when I needed it most, so thank you, P. Rayne. I owe you one!
If you enjoyed Vow of Revenge, don't hesitate to pick up this book. It's a great follow up to it's predecessor involving characters that probably peaked your interest the first time around. Sofia and Antonio's story is a fast paced read with spice, mystery, murder, and suspense, all things guaranteed to make your little mafia romance loving heart happy!
New adult and mafia romance fans, this one's for you!
September 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
''I can't bear to ever let you go''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Best friends brother
- Arranged marriage with OW
- Betrayal
- Violence/d*ath
- Attempted m*rder
- Bullying
- Miscarriage
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
This was a rage read but the kind of rage read I loved. It had all the elements of drama I thrive on when I read.
This is the story of Sofia who has been in love with her best friend’s older brother for years and how he never saw her until one day he does, and it is sadly too late.
Antonio is being forced to marry the daughter of his father’s second in command, and this will unify the organization. As a son who has always done what is right by his father and the mafia, he agrees, despite never wanting her or even finding her remotely interested.
Sofia is heartbroken and must now move on from her feelings. She tries to move on with someone, but it never goes anywhere. During the same time Antonio finally opens his eyes and witnesses what has been in front of him for so long and makes a move that is welcomed (obviously because she is in love).
They have a secret relationship, while he is still engaged, and she needs to see it every day. They know things will have to end once he gets married but until that day, they are going to take every second to be together.
Sadly, his ''fiancée'' is an enemy of Sofia's and his sister, as she bullied and tormented them for a long time. She tells Antonio that she is pregnant and needs him to pretend to be the father and out of loyalty and the fact she threatens Sofia, he agrees.
Having to pretend to be the father causes his and Sofia's relationship to be destroyed and she is distraught that he would lie to her as he would tell her over and over when they were together that he had never touched her.
We do however get a nice resolution to all of this, we find out that the OW wants Sofia out of the picture and has her actual lover and baby daddy (thought she did lose the baby) help with disposing of her forever but thankfully Antonio shows up and witnessed the whole thing before things went south and is able to win the fight with the cost of his ''fiancée'' and her lover falling off the roof and dying....and they'll make the world thing it was a murder-suicide.
We also find out that she and her father were working together to undermine everything in the organization.
The book ends with Antonio and Sofia engaged!
''I can't bear to ever let you go''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Best friends brother
- Arranged marriage with OW
- Betrayal
- Violence/d*ath
- Attempted m*rder
- Bullying
- Miscarriage
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
This was a rage read but the kind of rage read I loved. It had all the elements of drama I thrive on when I read.
This is the story of Sofia who has been in love with her best friend’s older brother for years and how he never saw her until one day he does, and it is sadly too late.
Antonio is being forced to marry the daughter of his father’s second in command, and this will unify the organization. As a son who has always done what is right by his father and the mafia, he agrees, despite never wanting her or even finding her remotely interested.
Sofia is heartbroken and must now move on from her feelings. She tries to move on with someone, but it never goes anywhere. During the same time Antonio finally opens his eyes and witnesses what has been in front of him for so long and makes a move that is welcomed (obviously because she is in love).
They have a secret relationship, while he is still engaged, and she needs to see it every day. They know things will have to end once he gets married but until that day, they are going to take every second to be together.
Sadly, his ''fiancée'' is an enemy of Sofia's and his sister, as she bullied and tormented them for a long time. She tells Antonio that she is pregnant and needs him to pretend to be the father and out of loyalty and the fact she threatens Sofia, he agrees.
Having to pretend to be the father causes his and Sofia's relationship to be destroyed and she is distraught that he would lie to her as he would tell her over and over when they were together that he had never touched her.
We do however get a nice resolution to all of this, we find out that the OW wants Sofia out of the picture and has her actual lover and baby daddy (thought she did lose the baby) help with disposing of her forever but thankfully Antonio shows up and witnessed the whole thing before things went south and is able to win the fight with the cost of his ''fiancée'' and her lover falling off the roof and dying....and they'll make the world thing it was a murder-suicide.
We also find out that she and her father were working together to undermine everything in the organization.
The book ends with Antonio and Sofia engaged!
June 18, 2023
I really liked this. The writing flowed easily, and I liked the couple enough, but I don't like how they progressed.
Like Sofia was in love with this man for years, and he suddenly starts seeing her and liking her back after seeing her in a cami set?? I just don't believe it.
I also didn't like Antonio and his whole "its my duty, I have to marry someone else" Like bro, fuck your duties.
It was also just so hypocritical that he would get mad that Sofia was just around other men but this bitch had a whole fiancée. I just didn't like it. He just didn't put that much effort into getting away from Aurora, for someone who supposedly loves Sofia. She was his secret while he got to do whatever, so I really just wasn't vibing with that whole thing.
But his inner monologue showed that he really did care about her, and he didn't like Aurora, but I'm still iffy about the whole thing.
But I did like some of the side characters, like Mira and Marcelo. This is the first one I read in this series, so I haven't read about them, but I might now.
Like Sofia was in love with this man for years, and he suddenly starts seeing her and liking her back after seeing her in a cami set?? I just don't believe it.
I also didn't like Antonio and his whole "its my duty, I have to marry someone else" Like bro, fuck your duties.
It was also just so hypocritical that he would get mad that Sofia was just around other men but this bitch had a whole fiancée. I just didn't like it. He just didn't put that much effort into getting away from Aurora, for someone who supposedly loves Sofia. She was his secret while he got to do whatever, so I really just wasn't vibing with that whole thing.
But his inner monologue showed that he really did care about her, and he didn't like Aurora, but I'm still iffy about the whole thing.
But I did like some of the side characters, like Mira and Marcelo. This is the first one I read in this series, so I haven't read about them, but I might now.
April 6, 2025
Meh. He totally would have married that bitch if she hadn’t conveniently fallen off the roof. 🙄
I will say that the writing style is readable (and the reason it gets 3 stars) and the hero POV is tolerable if a little unrealistic for his age… for example, what college bro would refer to his semen as “my seed”?? 👀💀 The heros “obsession” came out of left field and felt way too insta for me. Like, WHY?? Her pajamas?? Really? This was so shallow and flimsy that it made their “connection” seem awkward and forced. Which, for me, made the too early sex cringy.
I liked the heroine but didn’t really understand how she was so into being the perfect mafia wife but was then so hell bent on giving her vCard to the hero who wasn’t going to be her husband… it would have made more sense for the hero to indulge in some forced seduction. This decision by her just didn’t make sense given her goals in life. How would she even be able to fulfill her dream if she’s given away the one requirement?? Make it make sense. Sometimes the commitment to being PC gets in the way of a good story. Also… the fact that she seemed to be fine with taking him back even as she was still operating under the lie that he’d f*cked his fiance UNPROTECTED while also screwing the h at the same time. Yes the reader knows it’s not true but SHE DIDNT. The author had been trying so hard to make her “strong” despite “just” wanting to be a homemaker, and then undid it all with that doormat nonsense… this was the one time she SHOULD have demonstrated her “strength”, IMO.
In that same vein, I was irritated that the hero was just fine leaving his woman to marry someone else. Grow a pair, man. Either throw it all away and be with her, or insist that she’s gonna be your mistress (while trying to find your way out of your engagement). Show some possessiveness and mean it. Yeah, it might make you a bastard, but at least you’re a fierce, interesting, bastard. 🤷🏼♀️
I will say that the writing style is readable (and the reason it gets 3 stars) and the hero POV is tolerable if a little unrealistic for his age… for example, what college bro would refer to his semen as “my seed”?? 👀💀 The heros “obsession” came out of left field and felt way too insta for me. Like, WHY?? Her pajamas?? Really? This was so shallow and flimsy that it made their “connection” seem awkward and forced. Which, for me, made the too early sex cringy.
I liked the heroine but didn’t really understand how she was so into being the perfect mafia wife but was then so hell bent on giving her vCard to the hero who wasn’t going to be her husband… it would have made more sense for the hero to indulge in some forced seduction. This decision by her just didn’t make sense given her goals in life. How would she even be able to fulfill her dream if she’s given away the one requirement?? Make it make sense. Sometimes the commitment to being PC gets in the way of a good story. Also… the fact that she seemed to be fine with taking him back even as she was still operating under the lie that he’d f*cked his fiance UNPROTECTED while also screwing the h at the same time. Yes the reader knows it’s not true but SHE DIDNT. The author had been trying so hard to make her “strong” despite “just” wanting to be a homemaker, and then undid it all with that doormat nonsense… this was the one time she SHOULD have demonstrated her “strength”, IMO.
In that same vein, I was irritated that the hero was just fine leaving his woman to marry someone else. Grow a pair, man. Either throw it all away and be with her, or insist that she’s gonna be your mistress (while trying to find your way out of your engagement). Show some possessiveness and mean it. Yeah, it might make you a bastard, but at least you’re a fierce, interesting, bastard. 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Mafia Romance
Forbidden Love
Best Friend´s Brother
Sofia siempre ha estado enamorada del hermano de su mejor amiga, pero él nunca la ha visto.
Antonio va a ser el futuro jefe de su familia por lo que ya es tiempo de contraer matrimonio y será con la hija de alguien con cierto poder en la organización.
Las esperanzas de Sofia se desploman al saber del compromiso del amor de su vida y más sabiendo que con la mujer que se casa es una mala persona.
Un día tienen un encuentro donde él finalmente se fija en ella, pero es demasiado tarde porque HELLO… COMPROMETIDO!!, aunque eso no lo disuade de seguir viéndola, conquistándola y tener una relación prohibida
Este libro fue mucho mejor que el anterior.
Y a pesar de que pareciera que hay infidelidad, no la hay porque el compromiso sólo es de palabra y él nunca ha estado con su prometida y su relación secreta con Sofía tiene fecha de finalización porque el día que se case todo termina.
Lo que me molestó de este libro fue Antonio que no fue lo suficientemente valiente para luchar por Sofia y su amor, el deber y la responsabilidad hacia su familia podía más y es que nunca hizo el intento y si no fuera por las cosas que pasan al final creo que hubiera seguido adelante con la boda.
De ahí en fuera si me gustaron como pareja y tiene muy buenas escenas spicy
Forbidden Love
Best Friend´s Brother
Sofia siempre ha estado enamorada del hermano de su mejor amiga, pero él nunca la ha visto.
Antonio va a ser el futuro jefe de su familia por lo que ya es tiempo de contraer matrimonio y será con la hija de alguien con cierto poder en la organización.
Las esperanzas de Sofia se desploman al saber del compromiso del amor de su vida y más sabiendo que con la mujer que se casa es una mala persona.
Un día tienen un encuentro donde él finalmente se fija en ella, pero es demasiado tarde porque HELLO… COMPROMETIDO!!, aunque eso no lo disuade de seguir viéndola, conquistándola y tener una relación prohibida
Este libro fue mucho mejor que el anterior.
Y a pesar de que pareciera que hay infidelidad, no la hay porque el compromiso sólo es de palabra y él nunca ha estado con su prometida y su relación secreta con Sofía tiene fecha de finalización porque el día que se case todo termina.
Lo que me molestó de este libro fue Antonio que no fue lo suficientemente valiente para luchar por Sofia y su amor, el deber y la responsabilidad hacia su familia podía más y es que nunca hizo el intento y si no fuera por las cosas que pasan al final creo que hubiera seguido adelante con la boda.
De ahí en fuera si me gustaron como pareja y tiene muy buenas escenas spicy
December 23, 2023
Indecisive hero alert 🆘😭
June 8, 2023
This book had it all, and I was there for every moment of it. Mafia, Dark, Arranged Marriage, Love Triangle, Sisters Best Friend, Virgin Heroine, Academia, Steamy, and so much more!
Sofia has had a crush on Antonio for years but he is now engaged to marry someone else so it's time to push her feelings aside and move on. Only now that Antonio finally sees her for the woman she's become and not just his little sisters best friends things get more complicated.
Continue Reading my #bookreview here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCtI
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Sofia has had a crush on Antonio for years but he is now engaged to marry someone else so it's time to push her feelings aside and move on. Only now that Antonio finally sees her for the woman she's become and not just his little sisters best friends things get more complicated.
Continue Reading my #bookreview here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCtI
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
November 22, 2023
My heart breaks for her
June 15, 2023
1.5 stars
The h is so weak for the H. It’s insane. She’s his dirty secret while he has a fiancé. All because is his duty? Oh sure, he can sleep with her while he still gets to be the ‘responsible’ one. So easy.
I think if the h had more of a backbone, I’d been more okay with it. Unfortunately she’s meek and weak as heck. No thank you
The h is so weak for the H. It’s insane. She’s his dirty secret while he has a fiancé. All because is his duty? Oh sure, he can sleep with her while he still gets to be the ‘responsible’ one. So easy.
I think if the h had more of a backbone, I’d been more okay with it. Unfortunately she’s meek and weak as heck. No thank you
June 18, 2023
This was more like YA although H was the mob boss's son. Because I was in the mood for dramas, and this book happenened to have a lot: arranged engagement, pin for someone who can't marry you, secret affair, etc.
September 8, 2025
3.75⭐️ Another fun installment in the series, full of unrequited love (at first), yearning, a touch of angst, and plenty of drama.
Like I said in my review of book one, this series isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. I mean, it’s literally about Mafia heirs from the Italians, Russians, Cartel (and more) all attending a special private college. Totally unrealistic, but honestly? That’s what makes it so entertaining. The found family vibes, the couples, the messy drama! It’s addictive.
I can’t wait to read the next book about Gabe and Aria!😏
Sofia has always had feelings for Antonio but never acted on them, knowing he’d never look her way. Meanwhile, Antonio agreed to an engagement with another girl purely out of duty..yaaaa knoow him being the good son and future head of his family and all. He didn’t love her, didn’t even kiss her, but accepted it without complaint. Fast forward to one night when he suddenly sees Sofia not just as his sister’s best friend or the quiet, respectful girl he’s always known, but as a grown, beautiful woman. Cue confusion, attraction, and all the drama we love. Oh yeaaah baby!!😏🔥
I liked this book way more than the first. Sofia was such an upgrade from the previous FMC, who had that whole “I don’t need a man” attitude that kept annoying me. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong heroine, but Sofia’s softer, family-centered dreams felt refreshing, especially in today’s world where it’s almost frowned upon to want those things. She just wanted to be a wife and mom, and I hate how the first book made that seem like it wasn’t enough. Here, she was written with more nuance, and I actually found her way more relatable.
My one gripe? Antonio’s sudden change of heart was too quick for me. One night of seeing Sofia in sexy pajamas with no makeup on and suddenly he’s all wait, why do I feel this way? 😒
A little more buildup would’ve made his shift more believable. But honestly, after that, I was hooked. Their secret late-night meetings, the sneaking into her room, the jealousy when they had to watch each other with their “official” partners, the slow-burn yearning…ughhhh it was all so addictive.😏🤌
Tropes:
• Hero is engaged to someone else
• Forbidden romance
• Long-term unrequited love (FMC has loved him for years)
• Jealousy scenes
• Yearning, because they couldn’t act on their feelings in a public way and had to keep everything secret
Like I said in my review of book one, this series isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. I mean, it’s literally about Mafia heirs from the Italians, Russians, Cartel (and more) all attending a special private college. Totally unrealistic, but honestly? That’s what makes it so entertaining. The found family vibes, the couples, the messy drama! It’s addictive.
I can’t wait to read the next book about Gabe and Aria!😏
Sofia has always had feelings for Antonio but never acted on them, knowing he’d never look her way. Meanwhile, Antonio agreed to an engagement with another girl purely out of duty..yaaaa knoow him being the good son and future head of his family and all. He didn’t love her, didn’t even kiss her, but accepted it without complaint. Fast forward to one night when he suddenly sees Sofia not just as his sister’s best friend or the quiet, respectful girl he’s always known, but as a grown, beautiful woman. Cue confusion, attraction, and all the drama we love. Oh yeaaah baby!!😏🔥
I liked this book way more than the first. Sofia was such an upgrade from the previous FMC, who had that whole “I don’t need a man” attitude that kept annoying me. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong heroine, but Sofia’s softer, family-centered dreams felt refreshing, especially in today’s world where it’s almost frowned upon to want those things. She just wanted to be a wife and mom, and I hate how the first book made that seem like it wasn’t enough. Here, she was written with more nuance, and I actually found her way more relatable.
My one gripe? Antonio’s sudden change of heart was too quick for me. One night of seeing Sofia in sexy pajamas with no makeup on and suddenly he’s all wait, why do I feel this way? 😒
A little more buildup would’ve made his shift more believable. But honestly, after that, I was hooked. Their secret late-night meetings, the sneaking into her room, the jealousy when they had to watch each other with their “official” partners, the slow-burn yearning…ughhhh it was all so addictive.😏🤌
Tropes:
• Hero is engaged to someone else
• Forbidden romance
• Long-term unrequited love (FMC has loved him for years)
• Jealousy scenes
• Yearning, because they couldn’t act on their feelings in a public way and had to keep everything secret
February 8, 2025
Brother’s best friend and mafia romance tropes. Yes please! The push and pull between Sofia and Antonio was so intense I couldn’t put this book down. This was my first book by the author and now I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to Goodreads and author P. Rayne for my gifted copy. This book did not disappoint.
Thank you to Goodreads and author P. Rayne for my gifted copy. This book did not disappoint.
May 31, 2023
“𝕴 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚, 𝕾𝖔𝖋𝖎𝖆. 𝕸𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝕴 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝕴 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖞𝖔𝖓𝖊.”
I literally loved this book, I was waiting for it since I read the first one about Marcelo and Mirabella and we had the first snippet of Sofia and Antonio.
Their chemistry is everything to me.
Sofia is the opposite of Mirabella, if Mirabella wants to be capable of looking for herself, Sofia wants the “normal” life of a mafia wife.
I loved that the author set a vision in which women CAN desire to be housewives and have kids instead of a career. Because that is also a choice if there’s the possibility. Don’t get me wrong, I am all on independent women, but you can still be independent and wish to live as a stay at home mother.
I really loved Sofia and her development, where she learnt how to stand up for herself even if it causes her heartbreak going against the man she loved since forever.
Absolutely loved it and 100% recommended.
I literally loved this book, I was waiting for it since I read the first one about Marcelo and Mirabella and we had the first snippet of Sofia and Antonio.
Their chemistry is everything to me.
Sofia is the opposite of Mirabella, if Mirabella wants to be capable of looking for herself, Sofia wants the “normal” life of a mafia wife.
I loved that the author set a vision in which women CAN desire to be housewives and have kids instead of a career. Because that is also a choice if there’s the possibility. Don’t get me wrong, I am all on independent women, but you can still be independent and wish to live as a stay at home mother.
I really loved Sofia and her development, where she learnt how to stand up for herself even if it causes her heartbreak going against the man she loved since forever.
Absolutely loved it and 100% recommended.
June 10, 2023
4.5 STARS
This second book in the authors’ Mafia Academy series features sweet, innocent Sofia and powerful, alpha Antonio. They attend Sicuro Academy, a college specifically for Mafia children. It’s such an interesting, cool world the authors have created. A lot of interesting characters and plenty of intrigue. I love mafia academia stories. This book/series is less dark and gritty than traditional mafia romance but, has all the other interesting, suspenseful and unique elements that come with mafia romance.
Sofia is the best friend of Antonio’s younger sister (who is the main character of the first book in the series, I suggest reading them in order.) She’s harbored a secret crush on him for years.
He is in an arranged engagement for the benefit of his family/mafia ties. It’s not a love match on either side. His future is already decided for him.
Antonio finally starts to notice Sofia in a physical way, they begin a secret relationship with an end date as it’s impossible for him to get out of his upcoming arranged marriage and it would ruin her reputation and chances at finding a good, mafia husband if they are discovered.
It’s a bit angsty in the best ways. It is butterfly inducing, sexy and dare I say a bit sweet. Let me clarify, Sofia is up for spicy encounters for an inexperienced young woman, I loved it! They are such a sexy, fun match.
There’s drama and mystery around a few situations and when they unfold a lot happens fast that involves many players and mafia families.
I was quite pleased with how everything played out at the end.
It was such an entertaining, sexy, fun read. I love the characters. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m loving this series and the cast of characters so much.
This second book in the authors’ Mafia Academy series features sweet, innocent Sofia and powerful, alpha Antonio. They attend Sicuro Academy, a college specifically for Mafia children. It’s such an interesting, cool world the authors have created. A lot of interesting characters and plenty of intrigue. I love mafia academia stories. This book/series is less dark and gritty than traditional mafia romance but, has all the other interesting, suspenseful and unique elements that come with mafia romance.
Sofia is the best friend of Antonio’s younger sister (who is the main character of the first book in the series, I suggest reading them in order.) She’s harbored a secret crush on him for years.
He is in an arranged engagement for the benefit of his family/mafia ties. It’s not a love match on either side. His future is already decided for him.
Antonio finally starts to notice Sofia in a physical way, they begin a secret relationship with an end date as it’s impossible for him to get out of his upcoming arranged marriage and it would ruin her reputation and chances at finding a good, mafia husband if they are discovered.
It’s a bit angsty in the best ways. It is butterfly inducing, sexy and dare I say a bit sweet. Let me clarify, Sofia is up for spicy encounters for an inexperienced young woman, I loved it! They are such a sexy, fun match.
There’s drama and mystery around a few situations and when they unfold a lot happens fast that involves many players and mafia families.
I was quite pleased with how everything played out at the end.
It was such an entertaining, sexy, fun read. I love the characters. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m loving this series and the cast of characters so much.
June 17, 2023
I was really intrigued by this book series when I discovered it and to be honest, I had some expectations when I started it. AND let me tell you, it didn't disappoint at ALL !!! 💌
It was the first book I was reading in this universe and LORD I WAS SURPRISED. This novel was absolutely insane and I really enjoyed the "mafia side" of it. I liked that we were following a forbidden love story but also a plot surrounding mafia and the different families. The mafia universe was a solid aspect of the story and as a mafia-romance lover, this one had MARVELOUS VIBES.
I just loved how the authors wrote the story and put some little details where needed, especially around the academy and the different characters. Everything was very immersive and I really appreciated seeing a bunch of different personalities but all bound by the mafia and the underworld they live in. It was a wonderful reading and I kinda ate it up ! ✯
Antonio & Sofia were absolutely adorable. I just adored the chemistry between them and also every little moment they were sharing. Their relationship is kind of physical at first but then, we can easily understand that it is way DEEPER and sincere than that. And gosh, I loved them. My heart ached and melted for both of them. I am so glad they could find their peace with each other and enjoy a "love match". 🦋
I totally recommend this book and I already can't wait to discover what is next in the series ! This universe is quite addictive and I already need more ! ✨
Go read it or add it to your TBR right now :) It is available on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon, soooo grab your copy guys 🖤
It was the first book I was reading in this universe and LORD I WAS SURPRISED. This novel was absolutely insane and I really enjoyed the "mafia side" of it. I liked that we were following a forbidden love story but also a plot surrounding mafia and the different families. The mafia universe was a solid aspect of the story and as a mafia-romance lover, this one had MARVELOUS VIBES.
I just loved how the authors wrote the story and put some little details where needed, especially around the academy and the different characters. Everything was very immersive and I really appreciated seeing a bunch of different personalities but all bound by the mafia and the underworld they live in. It was a wonderful reading and I kinda ate it up ! ✯
Antonio & Sofia were absolutely adorable. I just adored the chemistry between them and also every little moment they were sharing. Their relationship is kind of physical at first but then, we can easily understand that it is way DEEPER and sincere than that. And gosh, I loved them. My heart ached and melted for both of them. I am so glad they could find their peace with each other and enjoy a "love match". 🦋
I totally recommend this book and I already can't wait to discover what is next in the series ! This universe is quite addictive and I already need more ! ✨
Go read it or add it to your TBR right now :) It is available on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon, soooo grab your copy guys 🖤
December 28, 2024
2.75 🌟
I the idea of this book sounded so good but the writing felt very Wattpad to me. Some things really irritated me too and I found myself cringing a couple of times
I the idea of this book sounded so good but the writing felt very Wattpad to me. Some things really irritated me too and I found myself cringing a couple of times
June 7, 2023
Corrupting the Innocent by P. Rayne is book Two in the Mafia Academy Series. This is the story of Sofia Moretti and Antonio La Rosa. Sofia is best friends with Mira and Antonio is Maria brother. Sofia has always had a crush on Antonio since she was little but Antonio only sees her as a little friend of his sister. In their present day Antonio is engaged to marry Aurora (Not a nice person) who he doesn't love but is doing a marriage to build family ties. Sofia knows this and with it that her love will go no where. But, Antonio is starting to see Sofia in a different light which is showing him the women she has become. Loving this series and I highly recommend Ms. Payne's writing.
June 17, 2023
I obviously love this series as I read this in little over a day! This is a great best friends brother trope! The mafia aspect is there but not overwhelming and graphic which I love. I also love the academia trope and am looking forward to more characters’ stories. Sofia is sweet and honest and I love how Antonio fell for her and how she changed how he treated women. I can’t give too much away so I’ll just say PICK UP THIS SERIES AND READ IT!
July 30, 2023
I came here for the angst but what I get was less than what I expected. It didn’t sit right with me that Antonio only look at Sofia after he saw her with little clothes on so it’s more like insta-lust for him. For example, his thoughts are always about her sexually. Like majority scenes of them together were pretty much of them doing the deeds. Can’t even blame Antonio on that part though since everytime he volunteered to help her with the games activity they hold, she always push him away and he just relents. They barely spend time together doing anything else. The whole game’s situations they have to deal together was such a wasted opportunity to establish their connection. Also they got together pretty much halfway through the book so the pining literally just stopped there. I can’t help but to feel like Sofia is always the second choice. And don’t get me started on the things she did were pretty ridiculous too. Like how she knew he’s never going to choose her even if she loses her virginity to him. Like okay good for you to loss your virginity to the love of your life but is he even worth the consequences you’re going to face later on? She has got to be one of the most embarrassing fmcs I have read. I can’t help but to notice that she would have been chewed up if Antonio is a jackass… Can you imagine seeing the guy you love with another woman’s hands all over himself and you just sit there and has to go through the humiliation. Could never be me. And I hate the fact that it’s so blatantly obvious the guys can hook up with anyone they like while the girls has to remain pure for their future husbands /bleergh/ The only saving grace on this story is that Antonio is not a manhoe and he acts like a gentleman most of the book.
But still, he’s not alpha enough for my kind of mafia prince. How could I? He barely can concoct a plan when he found out his fiancé is pregnant and threatens Sofia. So he just agreed with her plan and again; in his mind and plan, he’s still not man enough to take that opportunity to go out of the marriage arrangement and make Sofia his. And get this- he was coerced to kiss the fiancé (seriously? You’re the heir to the mafia, why are you letting a chick making demands from you just like that?) then of course Sofia saw it so she pathetically run away and fell asleep for two hours alone. 2 FREAKING HOURS. ALONE! And you want me to be convinced that Antonio loves her enough for her heart only? And not just her body? And he had the audacity to be all moody and snappy when she go to him to tell what she heard about the fiancé and another guy. Good lord.
And want to know what’s even sadder? Antonio would never get together with Sofia if Aurora hadn’t done what she did. Don’t tell me I’m wrong because we all know that’s the truth. And that’s why I stand by what I said; Sofia will always be the second choice to Antonio.
Look, the premise of the story is interesting and intriguing hence why I read this one without reading the first book beforehand but dadly the writing and the execution leaves me little to no desire for me continue reading the series. I haven’t read the first book either but I don’t think that I will. The author’s writing is just not my style of preference.
But still, he’s not alpha enough for my kind of mafia prince. How could I? He barely can concoct a plan when he found out his fiancé is pregnant and threatens Sofia. So he just agreed with her plan and again; in his mind and plan, he’s still not man enough to take that opportunity to go out of the marriage arrangement and make Sofia his. And get this- he was coerced to kiss the fiancé (seriously? You’re the heir to the mafia, why are you letting a chick making demands from you just like that?) then of course Sofia saw it so she pathetically run away and fell asleep for two hours alone. 2 FREAKING HOURS. ALONE! And you want me to be convinced that Antonio loves her enough for her heart only? And not just her body? And he had the audacity to be all moody and snappy when she go to him to tell what she heard about the fiancé and another guy. Good lord.
And want to know what’s even sadder? Antonio would never get together with Sofia if Aurora hadn’t done what she did. Don’t tell me I’m wrong because we all know that’s the truth. And that’s why I stand by what I said; Sofia will always be the second choice to Antonio.
Look, the premise of the story is interesting and intriguing hence why I read this one without reading the first book beforehand but dadly the writing and the execution leaves me little to no desire for me continue reading the series. I haven’t read the first book either but I don’t think that I will. The author’s writing is just not my style of preference.
September 30, 2023
Holy hotness! Antonio and Sofia are absolutely on fire in Corrupting the Innocent! If you love dark mafia academy romance, this is a must read for you. P. Rayne has delivered all the tension and heartache of a forbidden romance here. Best friend's brother trope meets unrequited love but you get to experience the epic happily ever after at the end.They mixed the action and the pain so well.
Sofia has a secret crush on Antonio La Rosa, the would be Don of the Italian mafia family and her best friend Mira's brother. They are studying all together at Sicuro Academy, the neutral ground where offsprings of all Underworld organizations come to train. And he is getting married soon to Aurora, an evil girl from another powerful family. Suddenly ..Antonio cannot ignore his attraction to his sister’s sweet innocent Best friend. But what about his duties to his family?
This was definitely a case of opposites attract and grumpy-sunshine. Antonio is absurdly sexy..his alpha ways, his filthy mouth, his jealous possessive controlling ways. In one word, everything you can possibly want from an antihero. And he is opposite of Sofia in every way..She is so sweet and adorable and nice but she has a hidden sassy filthy side too that was exposed by Antonio. She may be a shy virgin but she also has a lot of strength and courage and Antonio definitely brings out the best and worst in her. Oh all the emotional conundrum here! Antonio is stuck in a loveless marriage arrangement to a heartless manipulative b1tch who tries to hurt Sofia and his sister at every chance. And he is hopelessly obsessed with the forbidden fruit. Bring all the angst and heartbreak please! Sofia thought she could be happy with few secret days of passion but it just deepened her feels and made it worse because Antonio fell for her too. There are secrets and twists and drama and Conspiracies those will keep you on the edge. I was rooting for them and cheering for them and wanted to unalive anyone coming between them but they found their way back to each other and I was at the verge of tears when the ending came. It was fast paced. It was spicy and forbidden. It was full of explosive drama and feels. I cannot wait to come back to Sicuro Academy!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Sofia has a secret crush on Antonio La Rosa, the would be Don of the Italian mafia family and her best friend Mira's brother. They are studying all together at Sicuro Academy, the neutral ground where offsprings of all Underworld organizations come to train. And he is getting married soon to Aurora, an evil girl from another powerful family. Suddenly ..Antonio cannot ignore his attraction to his sister’s sweet innocent Best friend. But what about his duties to his family?
This was definitely a case of opposites attract and grumpy-sunshine. Antonio is absurdly sexy..his alpha ways, his filthy mouth, his jealous possessive controlling ways. In one word, everything you can possibly want from an antihero. And he is opposite of Sofia in every way..She is so sweet and adorable and nice but she has a hidden sassy filthy side too that was exposed by Antonio. She may be a shy virgin but she also has a lot of strength and courage and Antonio definitely brings out the best and worst in her. Oh all the emotional conundrum here! Antonio is stuck in a loveless marriage arrangement to a heartless manipulative b1tch who tries to hurt Sofia and his sister at every chance. And he is hopelessly obsessed with the forbidden fruit. Bring all the angst and heartbreak please! Sofia thought she could be happy with few secret days of passion but it just deepened her feels and made it worse because Antonio fell for her too. There are secrets and twists and drama and Conspiracies those will keep you on the edge. I was rooting for them and cheering for them and wanted to unalive anyone coming between them but they found their way back to each other and I was at the verge of tears when the ending came. It was fast paced. It was spicy and forbidden. It was full of explosive drama and feels. I cannot wait to come back to Sicuro Academy!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
July 2, 2023
*thank you Valentinepr & P. Rayne for this arc in exchange for an honest review!*
we head back to the Mafia Academy for Sofia and Antonio’s story, & let me tell you that this was a WILD ride!
this is book two in the Mafia Academy series and while you could probably read this as a stand-alone I recommend you read the first book, so you know the dynamics & characters.
THIS ONE SUCKED ME IN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND I HAD TO FINISH IN ONE SITTING!!!
Sofia is nothing like her best friend Mira, whose story we read in the first book, Vow of Revenge. Sofia wants to be the traditional mafia wife and have kids. she also wants to marry for love instead of be set up in an arranged marriage. she’s so sweet and kind to everyone, which at times drove me crazy and made me want to jump into the book so I could fight for her, lol.
Antonio is Mira’s older brother and the next Don of the La Rosa family. he’s always been bound by loyalty and is currently engaged in an arranged marriage to the good for nothing Aurora Salucci.
Antonio does whatever needs to be done and doesn’t ever question his dad or his decisions.
all of this time Antonio hasn’t seen Sofia as anything other than his little sister’s best friend but when things changed OH MY GOD!!! the love that they had for each other was so cute. I loved seeing a softer side of Antonio that nobody ever saw. he was instantly comfortable with Sofia and the stolen moments they shared were beautiful. but, knowing that at the end of the day everything had to be hidden & Antonio was still engaged brought me so much sadness for both of them.
I don’t want to spoil anything so let me stop talking, but just know that this is a MUST READ! I seriously think this one beats Vow of Revenge for me. you know that i’m also a sucker for a good bestie’s brother/little sister’s bestie romance.
*as always, check tw’s*
we head back to the Mafia Academy for Sofia and Antonio’s story, & let me tell you that this was a WILD ride!
this is book two in the Mafia Academy series and while you could probably read this as a stand-alone I recommend you read the first book, so you know the dynamics & characters.
THIS ONE SUCKED ME IN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND I HAD TO FINISH IN ONE SITTING!!!
Sofia is nothing like her best friend Mira, whose story we read in the first book, Vow of Revenge. Sofia wants to be the traditional mafia wife and have kids. she also wants to marry for love instead of be set up in an arranged marriage. she’s so sweet and kind to everyone, which at times drove me crazy and made me want to jump into the book so I could fight for her, lol.
Antonio is Mira’s older brother and the next Don of the La Rosa family. he’s always been bound by loyalty and is currently engaged in an arranged marriage to the good for nothing Aurora Salucci.
Antonio does whatever needs to be done and doesn’t ever question his dad or his decisions.
all of this time Antonio hasn’t seen Sofia as anything other than his little sister’s best friend but when things changed OH MY GOD!!! the love that they had for each other was so cute. I loved seeing a softer side of Antonio that nobody ever saw. he was instantly comfortable with Sofia and the stolen moments they shared were beautiful. but, knowing that at the end of the day everything had to be hidden & Antonio was still engaged brought me so much sadness for both of them.
I don’t want to spoil anything so let me stop talking, but just know that this is a MUST READ! I seriously think this one beats Vow of Revenge for me. you know that i’m also a sucker for a good bestie’s brother/little sister’s bestie romance.
*as always, check tw’s*
September 22, 2023
Another amazing book from P.Rayne. Heading back to the Mafia Academy for Antonio and Sofia's story.
Sofia has had a crush on Antonio for years but can't have him because he is her best friend's brother and also engaged to a cold hearted "B". It was arranged marriage between 2 powerful family. He doesn't love his future wife and after spending more and more time with Sofia he realizes that she isn't the little girl he use to thing her as. Feelings start and passion and sex follows. Antonio is also trying to figure out about guns going missing or stolen from the family's dealing.
Sofia tries to forget Antonio by dating someone else but she can't do it. Aurora finds out about them and blackmails Antonio into stop seeing Sofia. Major plot twist there too. lol
When they find out who took the guns and killed Antonio's bf dad all hell breaks lose.
Didn't see the twist in the plot. WOW!!
All I can say is everyone got what they deserved.
Sofia has had a crush on Antonio for years but can't have him because he is her best friend's brother and also engaged to a cold hearted "B". It was arranged marriage between 2 powerful family. He doesn't love his future wife and after spending more and more time with Sofia he realizes that she isn't the little girl he use to thing her as. Feelings start and passion and sex follows. Antonio is also trying to figure out about guns going missing or stolen from the family's dealing.
Sofia tries to forget Antonio by dating someone else but she can't do it. Aurora finds out about them and blackmails Antonio into stop seeing Sofia. Major plot twist there too. lol
When they find out who took the guns and killed Antonio's bf dad all hell breaks lose.
Didn't see the twist in the plot. WOW!!
All I can say is everyone got what they deserved.
March 23, 2025
»There's only one man who's permitted to have his lips on you and that's me. If I see him touch you again, I'm going to cut his fingers off one by one.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
My precious baby girl. She is sweet, caring and overall a soft woman. I like the fact her character stays exactly as she was portrayed in the first book.
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒐 ࣪⋆✮
He was an asshole - but a hot one. I could relate to him and his struggles and he was a great character with rough edges.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was an emotional rollercoaster and I couldn‘t stop reading. There is a lot of heartbreak in this book and I suffered with our poor Sofia. It was hard to read sometimes cause she deserved better but it was so real! This whole book felt real which made it perfect. Real life is not always a bright fairytale: it hurts and is about wanting things you shouldn’t.
Antonio is engaged and his fiancée is an important and steady part of this book. They appear often together which was hard to read (cause she’s an annoying bitch) and Sofia dated another guy too. Like I said this is not a fairytale and instead a twisted and heartbreaking romance story. It was built up well and I could relate to both of them.
And yes the story and characters annoyed me sometimes but that‘s what makes a good book amazing. To feel something and to have imperfect characters and stories that catch you as a reader. The author made the characters realistic and through their inner monologue you could really understand both of them and their feelings.
Sofia and Antonio are perfect together. While she is soft and quiet he is brutal and possessive. They’re the typical mafia couple but I loved it. I‘m so glad they got their happy end after all of this shit going down. Although I‘m a little sad we didn‘t get more dating time with these two.
By the way I loved that the author didn‘t change Sofias soft and naive character. Not every book women needs to fight her man. It‘s okay to wish for a husband and kids!
Overall this was an amazing book and I went through a bunch of different emotions while reading it.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes! If you‘re ready for some heartbreak.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, touch her and die, forced proximity, mafia college, mafia heir x mafia princess, forbidden love, he is engaged to someone else, best friends brother, virgin fmc, secrets and lies
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Vow of Revenge ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Corrupting the Innocent ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Coveting the Mafia Kings Sister ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Craving my Rival ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
My precious baby girl. She is sweet, caring and overall a soft woman. I like the fact her character stays exactly as she was portrayed in the first book.
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒐 ࣪⋆✮
He was an asshole - but a hot one. I could relate to him and his struggles and he was a great character with rough edges.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was an emotional rollercoaster and I couldn‘t stop reading. There is a lot of heartbreak in this book and I suffered with our poor Sofia. It was hard to read sometimes cause she deserved better but it was so real! This whole book felt real which made it perfect. Real life is not always a bright fairytale: it hurts and is about wanting things you shouldn’t.
Antonio is engaged and his fiancée is an important and steady part of this book. They appear often together which was hard to read (cause she’s an annoying bitch) and Sofia dated another guy too. Like I said this is not a fairytale and instead a twisted and heartbreaking romance story. It was built up well and I could relate to both of them.
And yes the story and characters annoyed me sometimes but that‘s what makes a good book amazing. To feel something and to have imperfect characters and stories that catch you as a reader. The author made the characters realistic and through their inner monologue you could really understand both of them and their feelings.
Sofia and Antonio are perfect together. While she is soft and quiet he is brutal and possessive. They’re the typical mafia couple but I loved it. I‘m so glad they got their happy end after all of this shit going down. Although I‘m a little sad we didn‘t get more dating time with these two.
By the way I loved that the author didn‘t change Sofias soft and naive character. Not every book women needs to fight her man. It‘s okay to wish for a husband and kids!
Overall this was an amazing book and I went through a bunch of different emotions while reading it.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes! If you‘re ready for some heartbreak.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, touch her and die, forced proximity, mafia college, mafia heir x mafia princess, forbidden love, he is engaged to someone else, best friends brother, virgin fmc, secrets and lies
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Vow of Revenge ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Corrupting the Innocent ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Coveting the Mafia Kings Sister ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Craving my Rival ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 24, 2025
*1.5
Yeah I read the second book after really disliking the first one….don’t judge. But this was a best friend’s older brother trope which is one of my favorites and the way it was being hinted at in the first book, I had to give it a shot.
Half points again for the easiness to read.
This dude wasted no time moving from she’s like a little sister to me to dang she’s hot to now I’m jealous of any man who talks to her. Like please be realistic. I should have know by the length of the novel that this was going to be rushed but it was pretty much a matter of pages that this occurred. I’m supposed to believe that these two pretty much grew up together and he viewed her like a sister but he sees her in some pajamas and suddenly wants to sleep with her???
Also—although the cheating is a bit of a gray area in this book (he has an arranged marriage with someone who they don’t have feelings for each other and it is purely business) I still wish the main girl wouldn’t have settled for being his booty call (for lack of a better term) until he got married.
Although this book tried to trap me into being curious about the third book in this series I am firmly trying to resist the temptation. We will see how well that goes.
Yeah I read the second book after really disliking the first one….don’t judge. But this was a best friend’s older brother trope which is one of my favorites and the way it was being hinted at in the first book, I had to give it a shot.
Half points again for the easiness to read.
This dude wasted no time moving from she’s like a little sister to me to dang she’s hot to now I’m jealous of any man who talks to her. Like please be realistic. I should have know by the length of the novel that this was going to be rushed but it was pretty much a matter of pages that this occurred. I’m supposed to believe that these two pretty much grew up together and he viewed her like a sister but he sees her in some pajamas and suddenly wants to sleep with her???
Also—although the cheating is a bit of a gray area in this book (he has an arranged marriage with someone who they don’t have feelings for each other and it is purely business) I still wish the main girl wouldn’t have settled for being his booty call (for lack of a better term) until he got married.
Although this book tried to trap me into being curious about the third book in this series I am firmly trying to resist the temptation. We will see how well that goes.
June 17, 2023
Corrupting the Innocent is the second book in The Mafia Academy series. There is some references to actions that happened in book one but it can be read as a standalone. It is told from a dual person point of view, which allows us to get an in depth look at both Antonio and Sofia.
The Mafia academy is an interesting place, It’s like a college for criminals. Book two take place at the academy and focuses on Antonio and Sofia relationships. This is the forbidden little sister’s best friend and arranged mafia marriage tropes.
Antonio and Sofia forbidden relationship is complicated and filled with Angst. Both are struggling with the Mafia motto of Family and Duty first. It is what is expected of them. Antonio is set to marry another and Sofia is to suppose to save herself for her future husband. If they are discovered it could destroy both their futures.
If you like a story with stream, murder and mystery. You will love this one. This amazing couple gets their happily ever after and we get all the answers in the end. We might even get a glimpse at who the next couple will be. I can’t wait to see who it is.
The Mafia academy is an interesting place, It’s like a college for criminals. Book two take place at the academy and focuses on Antonio and Sofia relationships. This is the forbidden little sister’s best friend and arranged mafia marriage tropes.
Antonio and Sofia forbidden relationship is complicated and filled with Angst. Both are struggling with the Mafia motto of Family and Duty first. It is what is expected of them. Antonio is set to marry another and Sofia is to suppose to save herself for her future husband. If they are discovered it could destroy both their futures.
If you like a story with stream, murder and mystery. You will love this one. This amazing couple gets their happily ever after and we get all the answers in the end. We might even get a glimpse at who the next couple will be. I can’t wait to see who it is.
June 17, 2023
Book 2 in the Mafia Academy series by P. Rayne!! Although this is a series of interconnected standalones - I highly recommend reading book 1 first. You meet Sofia and Antonio in that book and get to know them, their story, and the world better by starting at the beginning (not to mention Mira and Marcelo were HOOOTTTT).
Anyway, Sofia is Mira's best friend. They have been friends their whole life and around the beginning of high school, she developed a huge crush on Mira's brother: Antonio. Antonio is next in line to become the Don (leader) of the south east Italian mafia. In this mafia world, arranged marriages are normal and expected for the leaders. Antonio, unfortunately, is arranged to be married to Aurora: Mira's high school bully. 75% of this book is having to put up with Aurora (both the reader and poor Sofia). Antonio and Aurora are not a love match. There are no feelings and is only being done through obligation/duty. It still hurts Sofia (obviously). Early on in the book, Antonio FINALLY notices Sofia for more than being his sisters best friend. Things escalate between them pretty quickly and it gets HOT!
There is a plot outside of the romance in this book. It has to do with the mafia world with product being stolen, capos being murdered, and strain with the Irish and Russians. It all felt kind of unnecessary and added in for the benefit of calling this a mafia book. It almost felt like two books happening at the same time until the end where it all comes together beautifully.
I found this book to be SUPER predictable. I guessed each twist right before it happened. Maybe it was the obvious foreshadowing or the fact that I read way too many books, but this one did not have the shock factor that the first book had.
In addition, Antonio gets SO MEAN at the end in his efforts to protect Sofia. And she forgives him SO EASILY and I am still mad about it.
The teaser for book 3 has me salivating. I CANNOT wait to learn more about the secretive and elusive Gabe Vitale and his match with a certain little sister!!!!! It's going to be so good!!!!
Anyway, Sofia is Mira's best friend. They have been friends their whole life and around the beginning of high school, she developed a huge crush on Mira's brother: Antonio. Antonio is next in line to become the Don (leader) of the south east Italian mafia. In this mafia world, arranged marriages are normal and expected for the leaders. Antonio, unfortunately, is arranged to be married to Aurora: Mira's high school bully. 75% of this book is having to put up with Aurora (both the reader and poor Sofia). Antonio and Aurora are not a love match. There are no feelings and is only being done through obligation/duty. It still hurts Sofia (obviously). Early on in the book, Antonio FINALLY notices Sofia for more than being his sisters best friend. Things escalate between them pretty quickly and it gets HOT!
There is a plot outside of the romance in this book. It has to do with the mafia world with product being stolen, capos being murdered, and strain with the Irish and Russians. It all felt kind of unnecessary and added in for the benefit of calling this a mafia book. It almost felt like two books happening at the same time until the end where it all comes together beautifully.
I found this book to be SUPER predictable. I guessed each twist right before it happened. Maybe it was the obvious foreshadowing or the fact that I read way too many books, but this one did not have the shock factor that the first book had.
In addition, Antonio gets SO MEAN at the end in his efforts to protect Sofia. And she forgives him SO EASILY and I am still mad about it.
The teaser for book 3 has me salivating. I CANNOT wait to learn more about the secretive and elusive Gabe Vitale and his match with a certain little sister!!!!! It's going to be so good!!!!
May 14, 2025
Sofia es una joven con valores muy tradicionales, espera el momento en que pueda casarse con algún mafioso y tener hijos. Pero desde hace muchos años ese deseo lo tiene pensando en un solo hombre, Antonio.
Antonio es el sucesor, el próximo líder de su familia, lo cual trae responsabilidades como el contraer matrimonio con alguien a quien no quiere, ni tampoco soporta.
Sofia para él siempre fue la mejor amiga de su hermana, hasta que comienza a verla con otros ojos.
•
Me gustó mucho la historia de ellos 💞
Antonio es el sucesor, el próximo líder de su familia, lo cual trae responsabilidades como el contraer matrimonio con alguien a quien no quiere, ni tampoco soporta.
Sofia para él siempre fue la mejor amiga de su hermana, hasta que comienza a verla con otros ojos.
•
Me gustó mucho la historia de ellos 💞
June 8, 2023
Sophia has had a crush on her best friend's (Mira) older brother Antonio for years. Antonio is the son of a Don. And now Antonio has to marry the girl his father chose. Sophia has to see Antonio and his mean fiance everyday at school. So she makes the decision to move on, but Antonio no longer sees her as his sister's friend. He sees HER. And soon the energy between them changes....
I ate this book up. I really liked Sophia, she was the opposite of Mira and fit Antonio so well. P. Rayne gave Sophia a voice and I loved that.
Antonio was grumpy and took his responsibilities seriously. Antonio was sweet with her and their love was beautiful.
There is a bit of a love triangle because Antonio is engaged but this is part of the plot since Antonio is engaged. And I really liked how it was written.
They know their time together is limited and I only wanted their HEA more because it was so precious.
The story's pace kept me hooked. It was not a too dark book and I did not see the plot twist coming at all. I cannot wait to read the next book of the series. They keep getting better.
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 & 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨
➛ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Mafia, College, Best Friend's Brother, Friends To Lovers, Secret Romance, Close Proximity, Virgin h,
➛ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲
➛ Interconnected Standalone
➛ Series: 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆, this is book 2. Can be read as a standalone!
➛ Next book: 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁. Releasing 06.08. (Best Friend's Older Brother and so much more.)
𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ✅
*This is a dark romance. Content might not be for everyone.*
I ate this book up. I really liked Sophia, she was the opposite of Mira and fit Antonio so well. P. Rayne gave Sophia a voice and I loved that.
Antonio was grumpy and took his responsibilities seriously. Antonio was sweet with her and their love was beautiful.
There is a bit of a love triangle because Antonio is engaged but this is part of the plot since Antonio is engaged. And I really liked how it was written.
They know their time together is limited and I only wanted their HEA more because it was so precious.
The story's pace kept me hooked. It was not a too dark book and I did not see the plot twist coming at all. I cannot wait to read the next book of the series. They keep getting better.
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 & 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨
➛ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Mafia, College, Best Friend's Brother, Friends To Lovers, Secret Romance, Close Proximity, Virgin h,
➛ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲
➛ Interconnected Standalone
➛ Series: 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆, this is book 2. Can be read as a standalone!
➛ Next book: 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁. Releasing 06.08. (Best Friend's Older Brother and so much more.)
𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ✅
*This is a dark romance. Content might not be for everyone.*
April 8, 2024
Me gustó mucho más que el primero.
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