What do you think?
Rate this book
Santoro Mafia #3
Massimo
I’m his enemy’s daughter.
His captive.
His revenge.
Until he becomes my weapon to wield against the monsters in my world.
Nova
I am the Mancini Princess. A pawn in my monstrous father’s game. His key to an alliance worthy of a king.
However, I end up under the control of a new monster - Massimo Santoro. A lethal man whose hate, wrath, and malice toward anyone with the Mancini name is palpable.
I’ve had years of learning not to fight the monsters in my world, and I try to hide behind my meek and obedient facade, but Massimo sees through it instantly. Where my life with my father was filled with brutal lessons designed to condition and mold me into what he wanted me to be, with Massimo, he unravels them all.
Until I’m unfurling and blooming into the woman I’ve always wanted to be.
But Massimo has the power to do what my father never could… Completely break me.
Massimo
I was born to lead my family. As the Don, it’s imperative that I’m calm, in control, and unyielding.
So when my enemy strikes at my family, I steal his ultimate bargaining chip – Nova, his precious, virginal daughter. I ruin his plans to use her to forge the alliance he covets.
I take Nova as a pawn in this deadly game to destroy her father, but I discover that his sins against her may be greater than against me.
Now, instead of Nova being a pawn, I’m determined she’ll be my queen. And together, we’ll cut off the head of the villainous monster who has ruled her world.
Because she’s mine. Mine to protect. Mine to help heal. And if Mancini thinks I’ll relinquish my claim, I’ll burn his world to the ground.
Hell… I’ll burn it all to ash either way.
--
Dive into Massimo , the enthralling 3rd book in the mafia romance Santoro Mafia series, which features Massimo and Nova’s story. It includes an MMC with possessive, “touch her and I’ll smite you from the face of the earth” vibes. There’s no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a HEA is guaranteed. This is a standalone book; however, for the best reading experience, it’s suggested to read the books in order.
Things to know about Massimo :
Italian mafia It is MFCaptive romanceTrauma romanceHe takes care of her and helps her healOver-the-top (OTT) protective male main character (MMC)Female main character (FMC) with a spine of steelPast trauma for the FMCHealing and transformation arc for FMCAge gapV!rgin FMCPregnancy“My wife”Dual POVReaders are strongly advised to check the content warning inside.
His captive.
His revenge.
Until he becomes my weapon to wield against the monsters in my world.
Nova
I am the Mancini Princess. A pawn in my monstrous father’s game. His key to an alliance worthy of a king.
However, I end up under the control of a new monster - Massimo Santoro. A lethal man whose hate, wrath, and malice toward anyone with the Mancini name is palpable.
I’ve had years of learning not to fight the monsters in my world, and I try to hide behind my meek and obedient facade, but Massimo sees through it instantly. Where my life with my father was filled with brutal lessons designed to condition and mold me into what he wanted me to be, with Massimo, he unravels them all.
Until I’m unfurling and blooming into the woman I’ve always wanted to be.
But Massimo has the power to do what my father never could… Completely break me.
Massimo
I was born to lead my family. As the Don, it’s imperative that I’m calm, in control, and unyielding.
So when my enemy strikes at my family, I steal his ultimate bargaining chip – Nova, his precious, virginal daughter. I ruin his plans to use her to forge the alliance he covets.
I take Nova as a pawn in this deadly game to destroy her father, but I discover that his sins against her may be greater than against me.
Now, instead of Nova being a pawn, I’m determined she’ll be my queen. And together, we’ll cut off the head of the villainous monster who has ruled her world.
Because she’s mine. Mine to protect. Mine to help heal. And if Mancini thinks I’ll relinquish my claim, I’ll burn his world to the ground.
Hell… I’ll burn it all to ash either way.
--
Dive into Massimo , the enthralling 3rd book in the mafia romance Santoro Mafia series, which features Massimo and Nova’s story. It includes an MMC with possessive, “touch her and I’ll smite you from the face of the earth” vibes. There’s no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a HEA is guaranteed. This is a standalone book; however, for the best reading experience, it’s suggested to read the books in order.
Things to know about Massimo :
Italian mafia It is MFCaptive romanceTrauma romanceHe takes care of her and helps her healOver-the-top (OTT) protective male main character (MMC)Female main character (FMC) with a spine of steelPast trauma for the FMCHealing and transformation arc for FMCAge gapV!rgin FMCPregnancy“My wife”Dual POVReaders are strongly advised to check the content warning inside.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
131 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 9, 2025
QUICK STATS
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔: ❤️❤️❤️
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: Mafia Heir x Mafia Heiress, Touch her & Die, Virgin FMC, Good Girl x Bad Boy
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ ℒℯ𝓋ℯ𝓁: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼: Sexual content, Graphic Violence, Family Abuse, On-Page Death
╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝
Massimo, Book 3 of the Santoro Mafia Series, is a standalone, dark romance novel following the 'beast', Massimo Santoro, who kidnaps and becomes obsessively in love with Nova Mancini, daughter to a ruthless Don and Massimo's enemy. It's a soft enemies-to-lovers, as Massimo thinks that Nova is feigning her fear since she's "the snake's spawn", when really she's just immensely traumatized by her father's cruelty. The darkness in this book isn't tampered, and what I loved was that Massimo and Nova stuck to their character descriptions. Nox did an incredible job not deviating from how their characters behaved. While I found the first third of the book investing, the other two thirds, in my opinion, fell flat, and the action dragged on. Despite that, Massimo and Nova have undeniable chemistry and I loved how Massimo became completely, utterly obsessed with Nova!
CHARACTERS
NOVA: Nova is the protagonist of the story, or one of them. She's 20, I believe, and is the daughter of the Mancini Crime Family. She's described as having 'fire and fight', something that the author repeats a lot throughout the story, but I didn't see it in her until the end when she fights against her father, and even then, I felt like it came suddenly. Nova had a lot of internal monologue about how she would become better, but nothing really encouraged that train of thought. I will say, though, that I LOVED Nova's character. She was cunning in her own way, and she wasn't being timid for timid's sake. I liked that she wasn't wimpy or just gave in for submission's sake. She had reasons after her father . Nova is a protagonist I think deserved more of the story time, because I would have loved to see how her relationship with Gemma mended and how she became confident in herself and her abilities, not only with Massimo's help, but also by herself.
MASSIMO: Massimo is the second protagonist in the story and Nova's love interest. The story is written in a dual POV, and I found that I enjoyed a lot of Massimo's chapters, probably because that's where all the action was. Massimo is dominant and expects obedience from everyone except Nova, and lemme say, I LOVE a man who's weak for his woman. Massimo worships Nova and I love how protective he is over her. If I were Gemma, though, I would've smacked him because if my cousins ever talked to me like Massimo did... 😂In any case, I loved how supportive he was of Nova and how he encouraged her to seek redemption on her own terms. He never forced her into anything (except for a scene at the beginning - but he groveled and I LOVE a groveling man LOL).
THE PLOT
I will admit, I was a little confused by the plot. I know there was something happening with the Chinese Mafia, but I think I'd have to read Creed and Vito's story to understand exactly what. The central plot, apart from Massimo and Nova's relationship, is about Nova's trauma all caused by her father. I was CHEERING when Massimo and Nova gave her father what he deserved. I could practically see his smirk being wiped off his face! Also, this is a tangent, but Creed reminds me of Creed from The Office and I keep picturing him to look like Creed 😅
One thing I noticed in the story is that there was a lot of telling. Nova often said that she had a 'fire and fight' in her, but I didn't really see it until the end of the book, and even then, it wasn't as explosive as I was expecting. Nox did an INCREDIBLE job depicting Nova's trauma and how she began to accept and heal, but I wish I'd seen some more feminine rage on her part, because I could sense that Nova had it in her; she didn't get much of an outlet to explore that, though.
I was also confused about the accidental pregnancy plotline, because I didn't quite understand what it added to the story. Maybe it would raise the stakes and make Massimo more anxious about Nova, but he was already incredibly overprotective of her, so I'm not sure. I hope we get to see the baby, though! Massimo gives me HUGE girl dad vibes ✨😋
THE SPICE
Ooh the spice was intense! I was shocked when Nova bit Massimo's neck, and he ENJOYED it! I was worried he'd get angry but it led to an intense make-out scene. Nox doesn't shy away from Massimo worshipping Nova, and seeing Nova learn about pleasuring herself was something I loved for her character development. I wish we had that scene in front of Massimo instead of over the phone, because I would have loved to see him break composure! There is a power dynamic between them, but Massimo respects Nova's boundaries and always asks if she's doing okay.
THE TRIGGERS
One of the biggest triggers in this book, apart from the mafia violence and the way that Massimo treats Nova in the beginning of the story (since he thinks she's cunning and vicious like her father), is Nova's father. It's stated that he was physically and verbally abusive to Nova, and there are scenes depicting marital violence - not between the MCs, but between Nova's parents. Please keep yourselves safe and check the author's list of triggers before reading ❤️
╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝
Overall, I enjoyed this book! Massimo and Nova's dynamic is something you don't see a lot anymore and I liked that Nova had her moments where she would take what she wanted without thinking of her father. Massimo is a total book husband and I hope to see their family soon!
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔: ❤️❤️❤️
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: Mafia Heir x Mafia Heiress, Touch her & Die, Virgin FMC, Good Girl x Bad Boy
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ ℒℯ𝓋ℯ𝓁: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼: Sexual content, Graphic Violence, Family Abuse, On-Page Death
╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝
Massimo, Book 3 of the Santoro Mafia Series, is a standalone, dark romance novel following the 'beast', Massimo Santoro, who kidnaps and becomes obsessively in love with Nova Mancini, daughter to a ruthless Don and Massimo's enemy. It's a soft enemies-to-lovers, as Massimo thinks that Nova is feigning her fear since she's "the snake's spawn", when really she's just immensely traumatized by her father's cruelty. The darkness in this book isn't tampered, and what I loved was that Massimo and Nova stuck to their character descriptions. Nox did an incredible job not deviating from how their characters behaved. While I found the first third of the book investing, the other two thirds, in my opinion, fell flat, and the action dragged on. Despite that, Massimo and Nova have undeniable chemistry and I loved how Massimo became completely, utterly obsessed with Nova!
CHARACTERS
NOVA: Nova is the protagonist of the story, or one of them. She's 20, I believe, and is the daughter of the Mancini Crime Family. She's described as having 'fire and fight', something that the author repeats a lot throughout the story, but I didn't see it in her until the end when she fights against her father, and even then, I felt like it came suddenly. Nova had a lot of internal monologue about how she would become better, but nothing really encouraged that train of thought. I will say, though, that I LOVED Nova's character. She was cunning in her own way, and she wasn't being timid for timid's sake. I liked that she wasn't wimpy or just gave in for submission's sake. She had reasons after her father . Nova is a protagonist I think deserved more of the story time, because I would have loved to see how her relationship with Gemma mended and how she became confident in herself and her abilities, not only with Massimo's help, but also by herself.
MASSIMO: Massimo is the second protagonist in the story and Nova's love interest. The story is written in a dual POV, and I found that I enjoyed a lot of Massimo's chapters, probably because that's where all the action was. Massimo is dominant and expects obedience from everyone except Nova, and lemme say, I LOVE a man who's weak for his woman. Massimo worships Nova and I love how protective he is over her. If I were Gemma, though, I would've smacked him because if my cousins ever talked to me like Massimo did... 😂In any case, I loved how supportive he was of Nova and how he encouraged her to seek redemption on her own terms. He never forced her into anything (except for a scene at the beginning - but he groveled and I LOVE a groveling man LOL).
THE PLOT
I will admit, I was a little confused by the plot. I know there was something happening with the Chinese Mafia, but I think I'd have to read Creed and Vito's story to understand exactly what. The central plot, apart from Massimo and Nova's relationship, is about Nova's trauma all caused by her father. I was CHEERING when Massimo and Nova gave her father what he deserved. I could practically see his smirk being wiped off his face! Also, this is a tangent, but Creed reminds me of Creed from The Office and I keep picturing him to look like Creed 😅
One thing I noticed in the story is that there was a lot of telling. Nova often said that she had a 'fire and fight' in her, but I didn't really see it until the end of the book, and even then, it wasn't as explosive as I was expecting. Nox did an INCREDIBLE job depicting Nova's trauma and how she began to accept and heal, but I wish I'd seen some more feminine rage on her part, because I could sense that Nova had it in her; she didn't get much of an outlet to explore that, though.
I was also confused about the accidental pregnancy plotline, because I didn't quite understand what it added to the story. Maybe it would raise the stakes and make Massimo more anxious about Nova, but he was already incredibly overprotective of her, so I'm not sure. I hope we get to see the baby, though! Massimo gives me HUGE girl dad vibes ✨😋
THE SPICE
Ooh the spice was intense! I was shocked when Nova bit Massimo's neck, and he ENJOYED it! I was worried he'd get angry but it led to an intense make-out scene. Nox doesn't shy away from Massimo worshipping Nova, and seeing Nova learn about pleasuring herself was something I loved for her character development. I wish we had that scene in front of Massimo instead of over the phone, because I would have loved to see him break composure! There is a power dynamic between them, but Massimo respects Nova's boundaries and always asks if she's doing okay.
THE TRIGGERS
One of the biggest triggers in this book, apart from the mafia violence and the way that Massimo treats Nova in the beginning of the story (since he thinks she's cunning and vicious like her father), is Nova's father. It's stated that he was physically and verbally abusive to Nova, and there are scenes depicting marital violence - not between the MCs, but between Nova's parents. Please keep yourselves safe and check the author's list of triggers before reading ❤️
╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝
Overall, I enjoyed this book! Massimo and Nova's dynamic is something you don't see a lot anymore and I liked that Nova had her moments where she would take what she wanted without thinking of her father. Massimo is a total book husband and I hope to see their family soon!
Read
May 30, 2025I couldn’t get into the story mostly because the FMC is meek-ish… sorry ya’ll I know she’s been through a lot with her father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
5/5 This book was oh so good.
TROPES:
-dark mafia
-enemies to lovers
-he takes her captive
-size difference
-"my wife", "mine", "touch her and die"
Let me start off by saying I HATEDDDDDD the MMC Massimo for the first few chapters. But honestly, I can kinda understand why he acted the way he did and kidnapped Nova the FMC. Their families are mortal enemies, her father is pure evil, and Massimo wants revenge. So he takes his enemies daughter.
He's 100% convinced that she's not meek and submissive, and he is right but not for the reasons he thinks. After a few days in captivity without her eating, he realizes And when he realizes that, he LOSES. HIS. MIND. She's no longer his captive, she is under his protection.
So, things change. He gently tries to change the rules that are ingrained into her mind. He discovers he has a "caretaking kink" (PSA- NOT a daddy kink, he just genuinely loves taking care of her). That eventually leads to other things... like him hand feeding her while she's warming his cock, lol.
I loveddddd this book, omg. It was so incredibly good! The way he broke down her defenses. Took care of her. Helped her during her PTSD and panic attacks, it was so sweet. He really redeemed himself by the end. 5 stars!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine (super innocent, she's never even had an O. her dad was obsessed with keeping her "pure" for marriage), not a manwhore hero
OM/OW drama?: none
Cheating/sharing? none
Triggers: abuse/childhood abuse (from FMC's dad), PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, kidnapping, captivity, murder
Kinks: breeding, cockwarming, dirty talk, "good girl", praise, he pushes it back inside multiple times ;), rough sex
HEA?: yes! <3
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
TROPES:
-dark mafia
-enemies to lovers
-he takes her captive
-size difference
-"my wife", "mine", "touch her and die"
Let me start off by saying I HATEDDDDDD the MMC Massimo for the first few chapters. But honestly, I can kinda understand why he acted the way he did and kidnapped Nova the FMC. Their families are mortal enemies, her father is pure evil, and Massimo wants revenge. So he takes his enemies daughter.
He's 100% convinced that she's not meek and submissive, and he is right but not for the reasons he thinks. After a few days in captivity without her eating, he realizes And when he realizes that, he LOSES. HIS. MIND. She's no longer his captive, she is under his protection.
So, things change. He gently tries to change the rules that are ingrained into her mind. He discovers he has a "caretaking kink" (PSA- NOT a daddy kink, he just genuinely loves taking care of her). That eventually leads to other things... like him hand feeding her while she's warming his cock, lol.
I loveddddd this book, omg. It was so incredibly good! The way he broke down her defenses. Took care of her. Helped her during her PTSD and panic attacks, it was so sweet. He really redeemed himself by the end. 5 stars!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine (super innocent, she's never even had an O. her dad was obsessed with keeping her "pure" for marriage), not a manwhore hero
OM/OW drama?: none
Cheating/sharing? none
Triggers: abuse/childhood abuse (from FMC's dad), PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, kidnapping, captivity, murder
Kinks: breeding, cockwarming, dirty talk, "good girl", praise, he pushes it back inside multiple times ;), rough sex
HEA?: yes! <3
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
May 29, 2025
just when you thought the series couldn't get any better! This is book 3 and lora doesn't not disappoint with this one !!! it's definitely getting hard to pick a favorite Massimo ties with Creed right now 😅
love a spicy I mean spicy mafia romance then my God please read Nova and Massimos story because he falls for the enemies daughter and he'd do anything to help her grow a backbone again her father that she's fear half her life she is nothing like him and Massimo supports her in every step.
Massimo oh where to begin 🥵 I loved his character and his weakness for Nova 🫠
ma'am you did it again and I can't wait to see what's in store next
*❤️🔥 Mafia Romance
*touch her and ☠️
*virgin Fmc ( charge your toys ladies it's about to get hot &"steamy)
*good girl x bad boy
* Mafia Heir x Mafia Heiress who find her backbone !
love a spicy I mean spicy mafia romance then my God please read Nova and Massimos story because he falls for the enemies daughter and he'd do anything to help her grow a backbone again her father that she's fear half her life she is nothing like him and Massimo supports her in every step.
Massimo oh where to begin 🥵 I loved his character and his weakness for Nova 🫠
ma'am you did it again and I can't wait to see what's in store next
*❤️🔥 Mafia Romance
*touch her and ☠️
*virgin Fmc ( charge your toys ladies it's about to get hot &"steamy)
*good girl x bad boy
* Mafia Heir x Mafia Heiress who find her backbone !
May 30, 2025
Massimo is on my top book boyfriend lists because he is ruthless, he is caring, he knows how to love and show it, and he literally tore down a rival empire down to the ground for her! This enemies to lovers is so different but so heartfelt and good. This book had me tackling so many emotions that I keep rushing to get back to the book just to know what happens next. I'm so that this series is over but I'm so excited for the next interconnected series. Her writing is so good that you want to know the stories of all the secondary characters! I want to know about all of their stories!
May 16, 2025
I loved this story so much! The back story for the fmc was so heart wrenching and her journey of healing was so beautiful
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
Read
July 21, 2025hii anyone has safety info?
December 15, 2025
I was expecting a lot more from a book with such a high rating but this really fell short. I almost couldn't continue beyond the 10% mark because there were 2 phrases/expressions that the author wrote on basically every god damn page and it was driving me insane.
Please if I ever see a book with the pet name "princess" I will gauge my eyes out now. Thnx Lora. I mean even the other Don's were calling this girl the Mancini Princess it was so f-ing cringey.
Also comparing the Mancini family to snakes/vipers at every opportunity. Got old so quick and I wanted to throw something every time I came across that phrasing again.
The plot was fairly straightforward with the exception of the other mafia family dynamics - maybe that's on me for not reading the other books before this but I feel a decent story shouldn't leave you confused even if you read the connecting books out of order.
I enjoyed the MMC at first but then he became a bit dopey. Like he caught feelings for the FMC REALLY fast and had like a personality transplant. The author also tried to convince us that he was this badass monster feared by so many people - but it was always telling vs showing. And so many of this dude's men/inferiors straight up gave him attitude that he did nothing about 💀 it was hard to respect him or see him as a Don after that (especially bc he had to basically keep reminding people he is a Don).
The FMC... eeh. I actually really enjoyed seeing a soft gentile main girlie - I think I have badass heroine fatigue - but I also didn't really believe the extent of her struggles. The author should have shown us more of her childhood and the abuse she suffered tbh bc at times I was cringing at this girl for being so dramatic. And the constant fainting got old eventually too. And she was so convinced everyone was out to trick her and like yeah I get it she was psychologically tormented but let's still apply some critical thinking skills no?
All in all this started out fairly strong but as soon as the characters got together I lost interest quickly, and I found the storyline of the other mafia families/the FMCs dad and who he was working with really confusing to the point I just skimmed the end pretty much.
Please if I ever see a book with the pet name "princess" I will gauge my eyes out now. Thnx Lora. I mean even the other Don's were calling this girl the Mancini Princess it was so f-ing cringey.
Also comparing the Mancini family to snakes/vipers at every opportunity. Got old so quick and I wanted to throw something every time I came across that phrasing again.
The plot was fairly straightforward with the exception of the other mafia family dynamics - maybe that's on me for not reading the other books before this but I feel a decent story shouldn't leave you confused even if you read the connecting books out of order.
I enjoyed the MMC at first but then he became a bit dopey. Like he caught feelings for the FMC REALLY fast and had like a personality transplant. The author also tried to convince us that he was this badass monster feared by so many people - but it was always telling vs showing. And so many of this dude's men/inferiors straight up gave him attitude that he did nothing about 💀 it was hard to respect him or see him as a Don after that (especially bc he had to basically keep reminding people he is a Don).
The FMC... eeh. I actually really enjoyed seeing a soft gentile main girlie - I think I have badass heroine fatigue - but I also didn't really believe the extent of her struggles. The author should have shown us more of her childhood and the abuse she suffered tbh bc at times I was cringing at this girl for being so dramatic. And the constant fainting got old eventually too. And she was so convinced everyone was out to trick her and like yeah I get it she was psychologically tormented but let's still apply some critical thinking skills no?
All in all this started out fairly strong but as soon as the characters got together I lost interest quickly, and I found the storyline of the other mafia families/the FMCs dad and who he was working with really confusing to the point I just skimmed the end pretty much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
🖤 Mafia Romance
🥺 Tr@uma FMC
❤️🩹 Comfort/Healing
🫂 Forced Proximity
💪 Protective/Possessive MMC
A good captor/captive mafia romance that also carries some suspense with the warring family drama, though I must admit it confused me a bit (reading the previous books would be helpful to this but one could still read this as a standalone).
Massimo has taken her as a pawn against his enemy and expects a spoiled princess but in fact she's damaged from abus3 from her father. Massimo can be very tender and is sensitive to Nova's queues when she's being triggered. But I liked that when he's in "Don Mode", he's very much a man of action and always calculating.
Nova was locked away at times by her father; he controlled her, threatened her etc. But internally she says how she's actually a more boisterous personality that's been tempered. I like knowing that her true self will come alive through Massimo. But on occasion her reactions felt too bold considering the abus3 in the early stages of her captivity. It's very much a cat and mouse game between them of who will break at first. Each believes they are showing a different face to the other, playing a part.
As the walls come down, we see how they are quickly attracted to one another (maybe a bit quicker than I would've liked...I love more angst). But we get an evolution of their relationship that show how fast they click. He's OTT protective REALLY fast. Again, maybe too fast? Overall it's a "heightened" mafia romance I'd say when it comes to the Romance aspect. I'm sure some will love that part. Pacing felt slowed too as we entered the second act.
I have to admit I want Gabe and Gemma's story. I'm a sucker for the scarred bodyguard who saved her life.
🥺 Tr@uma FMC
❤️🩹 Comfort/Healing
🫂 Forced Proximity
💪 Protective/Possessive MMC
A good captor/captive mafia romance that also carries some suspense with the warring family drama, though I must admit it confused me a bit (reading the previous books would be helpful to this but one could still read this as a standalone).
Massimo has taken her as a pawn against his enemy and expects a spoiled princess but in fact she's damaged from abus3 from her father. Massimo can be very tender and is sensitive to Nova's queues when she's being triggered. But I liked that when he's in "Don Mode", he's very much a man of action and always calculating.
Nova was locked away at times by her father; he controlled her, threatened her etc. But internally she says how she's actually a more boisterous personality that's been tempered. I like knowing that her true self will come alive through Massimo. But on occasion her reactions felt too bold considering the abus3 in the early stages of her captivity. It's very much a cat and mouse game between them of who will break at first. Each believes they are showing a different face to the other, playing a part.
As the walls come down, we see how they are quickly attracted to one another (maybe a bit quicker than I would've liked...I love more angst). But we get an evolution of their relationship that show how fast they click. He's OTT protective REALLY fast. Again, maybe too fast? Overall it's a "heightened" mafia romance I'd say when it comes to the Romance aspect. I'm sure some will love that part. Pacing felt slowed too as we entered the second act.
I have to admit I want Gabe and Gemma's story. I'm a sucker for the scarred bodyguard who saved her life.
June 5, 2025
This is the third and final installment in the Santoro Mafia series, and in my opinion, it’s the most powerful one yet.
Massimo Santoro was born to lead. As the eldest son, he was raised to inherit the title of Don—and when his father dies, he steps into the role without hesitation. To exact revenge on his longtime enemy, Sylvestro Mancini, Massimo kidnaps Sylvestro’s daughter, Nova. At first, Nova seems like nothing more than a pampered, spoiled brat—perfect leverage for vengeance.
But as Massimo gets to know her, his perception begins to shift. Nova isn’t just a pawn; she’s a prisoner in her own life, molded and manipulated by her father’s ruthless ambitions. Beneath her polished exterior lies a deeply broken woman desperate for freedom. As Massimo helps her unravel the trauma inflicted by her father’s so-called "lessons," something unexpected happens—he falls for her. And with that love, his mission changes. It's no longer just about revenge; it's about protecting Nova and giving her the power to rise.
Before diving in, please read the content warnings—this book contains difficult and emotionally intense themes. That said, it’s also the most compelling and emotionally raw entry in the series. Massimo is a cold, calculated Don, never one to show emotion—until Nova. With her, he becomes a different kind of monster: the one who slays hers.
I ugly cried through so many scenes. What Nova endures is heartbreaking, but her journey from victim to empowered queen is unforgettable. Their story is one of redemption, healing, and the fight to reclaim one’s life from those who tried to control it.
An unforgettable conclusion to the series. Nova and Massimo’s story will stay with me for a long time.
Massimo Santoro was born to lead. As the eldest son, he was raised to inherit the title of Don—and when his father dies, he steps into the role without hesitation. To exact revenge on his longtime enemy, Sylvestro Mancini, Massimo kidnaps Sylvestro’s daughter, Nova. At first, Nova seems like nothing more than a pampered, spoiled brat—perfect leverage for vengeance.
But as Massimo gets to know her, his perception begins to shift. Nova isn’t just a pawn; she’s a prisoner in her own life, molded and manipulated by her father’s ruthless ambitions. Beneath her polished exterior lies a deeply broken woman desperate for freedom. As Massimo helps her unravel the trauma inflicted by her father’s so-called "lessons," something unexpected happens—he falls for her. And with that love, his mission changes. It's no longer just about revenge; it's about protecting Nova and giving her the power to rise.
Before diving in, please read the content warnings—this book contains difficult and emotionally intense themes. That said, it’s also the most compelling and emotionally raw entry in the series. Massimo is a cold, calculated Don, never one to show emotion—until Nova. With her, he becomes a different kind of monster: the one who slays hers.
I ugly cried through so many scenes. What Nova endures is heartbreaking, but her journey from victim to empowered queen is unforgettable. Their story is one of redemption, healing, and the fight to reclaim one’s life from those who tried to control it.
An unforgettable conclusion to the series. Nova and Massimo’s story will stay with me for a long time.
June 6, 2025
Massimo is book three in the Santoro Mafia series and is the story of Massimo and Nova. This is a dark mafia, touch her and die romance full of spice.
Taught to submit and listen and not fight the monsters that surround her, Nova is a mafia princess that has been groomed by her father to be a good mafia daughter and wife. Massimo is the Don of the Italian mafia and as his enemy strikes at his family, he must steal the one thing his enemy possesses that will gain him leverage, their daughter Nova. Massimo wants to use Nova against her father but soon learns that she may have more reason to hate her father than he does and instead of a pawn, Massimo wants Nova as his Queen.
The beginning of the story showed Massimo's misguided disdain for Nova when he thought she was manipulative and cunning like her father, but once he got to know her, he understood that she had been mistreated by her father and that she was a bigger victim than anyone. Please read the content warnings as there are some dark themes that may be unsuitable for some readers. This is a story of redemption, love and learning to stand up for oneself with the power of someone who has your back behind you. This story is a spicy mafia romance that has a lot of emotional growth for Massimo and his feelings for Nova and her love for him and learning to be the Queen Massimo sees her as.
Taught to submit and listen and not fight the monsters that surround her, Nova is a mafia princess that has been groomed by her father to be a good mafia daughter and wife. Massimo is the Don of the Italian mafia and as his enemy strikes at his family, he must steal the one thing his enemy possesses that will gain him leverage, their daughter Nova. Massimo wants to use Nova against her father but soon learns that she may have more reason to hate her father than he does and instead of a pawn, Massimo wants Nova as his Queen.
The beginning of the story showed Massimo's misguided disdain for Nova when he thought she was manipulative and cunning like her father, but once he got to know her, he understood that she had been mistreated by her father and that she was a bigger victim than anyone. Please read the content warnings as there are some dark themes that may be unsuitable for some readers. This is a story of redemption, love and learning to stand up for oneself with the power of someone who has your back behind you. This story is a spicy mafia romance that has a lot of emotional growth for Massimo and his feelings for Nova and her love for him and learning to be the Queen Massimo sees her as.
May 26, 2025
Massimo is book three of the Santoro Mafia Series.
I loved book one. Book two was marvelous. But this one blew both of those out of the water. I really believed going into this one that it would be my favourite because the bits and pieces we saw of Massimo made him seem like he would be my favourite. And it exceeded my expectations. This was perfection!
I was invested from the start and loved everything about this. Massimo is really hard set on getting his revenge and makes a lot of mistakes at the start. He really makes a lot of dumb decisions which cause some more damage to Nova. She has already been through so much in her life and the psychological trauma she has faced really plays a key part of the first half of this book. While Massimo thinks she is stubborn, Nova is really just conditioned to act in certain ways. The pain we feel from her was felt off the page so well. I was so upset with her and was begging her to try to break her conditioning. When Massimo finally smartens up and starts acting like a civilized person, I clapped and congratulated him for being a decent human being.
This book gave me all the feels. I am sad the series is done, but we do get a bit of a teaser for the spin off series which I am eagerly awaiting.
I loved book one. Book two was marvelous. But this one blew both of those out of the water. I really believed going into this one that it would be my favourite because the bits and pieces we saw of Massimo made him seem like he would be my favourite. And it exceeded my expectations. This was perfection!
I was invested from the start and loved everything about this. Massimo is really hard set on getting his revenge and makes a lot of mistakes at the start. He really makes a lot of dumb decisions which cause some more damage to Nova. She has already been through so much in her life and the psychological trauma she has faced really plays a key part of the first half of this book. While Massimo thinks she is stubborn, Nova is really just conditioned to act in certain ways. The pain we feel from her was felt off the page so well. I was so upset with her and was begging her to try to break her conditioning. When Massimo finally smartens up and starts acting like a civilized person, I clapped and congratulated him for being a decent human being.
This book gave me all the feels. I am sad the series is done, but we do get a bit of a teaser for the spin off series which I am eagerly awaiting.
May 26, 2025
I love this, it was honestly really sad throughout but it was worth it seeing both characters grow and fall deeply in love with each other. I was crying through most of it actually, but there were just some parts that made me swoon. The plot was amazing, Nova has been mentally and physically abused by her father all her life and when she gets kidnapped by Massimo she believes he’s the same. And I’ll be honest he was stubborn and treated her terribly at first, but he realises his mistakes and spends the rest of the book grovelling. And I mean hardcore grovelling. For a mafia Don, he’s such a caretaker it’s so cute. I love how he knows her strength from the start and spends the rest of the book helping her find it. It was really sad watching her struggle to find her way and struggle to accept Massimo. But it just made the ending more heartwarming. I loved both the characters, but I really to want read Vito’s book, he seems so unhinged and totally my type. I seriously need therapy because I love the birth control tampering trope, and it was done well in this book. This kind of Mafia boss finds a broken girl and heals her/strengthens her is a pretty popular trope but this one is one of the best written ones I’ve read so far. I give this a 4.5/5
May 26, 2025
Talk about perfectly imperfect—Massimo. He is one sexy, caring, nurturing, … deadly man. Just what Nova needed. That poor girl. Good thing someone is able to see past her walls. Someone that recognizes her trauma. Someone that wants to Theirs was one rough, scary, nail biting, heart stopping, thigh clinching, love filled, beautiful story.
My absolute favorite Nova quote:
"Don't fight the monsters, father. Because the monsters always win."
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
* Massimo
FMC:
* Nova
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Santoro Mafia — Book 3
Epilogue:
* Nova
Tropes:
* Mafia Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* MMC redeems hisself
* Pure love, care, protection for FMC
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Mafia violence, torture, gore
* Profanity
* Death
* Abuse
* From Parent to FMC
* Psyc, torment, food control
* Water control, locked in cold cell,
* Locked in pitch dark room ext
* Watched Father beat/torture Mom
* Kidnapping
* Immuring
* Birth control tampering
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2 - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
* Depending on your level of pearl clutching 😉
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My absolute favorite Nova quote:
"Don't fight the monsters, father. Because the monsters always win."
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
* Massimo
FMC:
* Nova
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Santoro Mafia — Book 3
Epilogue:
* Nova
Tropes:
* Mafia Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* MMC redeems hisself
* Pure love, care, protection for FMC
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Mafia violence, torture, gore
* Profanity
* Death
* Abuse
* From Parent to FMC
* Psyc, torment, food control
* Water control, locked in cold cell,
* Locked in pitch dark room ext
* Watched Father beat/torture Mom
* Kidnapping
* Immuring
* Birth control tampering
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2 - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
* Depending on your level of pearl clutching 😉
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2025
Massimo by new-to-me author Lora Nox is a roller coaster and a must-read for mafia romance fans. The story kicks off with Massimo using his cousin Gemma to trick Nova into trusting her—only to abduct Nova and bring her to his estate.
Nova, already scarred from years of psychological abuse by her father, is understandably terrified and deeply triggered by the kidnapping and isolation. At first, Massimo thinks she’s faking it—playing scared—but those close to him quickly urge him to look deeper. Once he realizes Nova isn’t who he thought she was, things between them escalate fast. She still doesn’t fully trust him, but her desperation to escape her father keeps her close.
Massimo becomes obsessed—he just can’t stay away. And once they finally start connecting, their relationship turns surprisingly solid. The way fathers treat their daughters in this series is honestly heartbreaking, but it adds depth to the emotional stakes.
I would’ve loved more time with the extended family and their partners, but the pacing didn’t really allow for it. By the end, Nova has grown so much—stronger, more confident—and Massimo plays a big role in helping her get there.
Overall, this was a wild and emotional ride. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Lora Nox!
Nova, already scarred from years of psychological abuse by her father, is understandably terrified and deeply triggered by the kidnapping and isolation. At first, Massimo thinks she’s faking it—playing scared—but those close to him quickly urge him to look deeper. Once he realizes Nova isn’t who he thought she was, things between them escalate fast. She still doesn’t fully trust him, but her desperation to escape her father keeps her close.
Massimo becomes obsessed—he just can’t stay away. And once they finally start connecting, their relationship turns surprisingly solid. The way fathers treat their daughters in this series is honestly heartbreaking, but it adds depth to the emotional stakes.
I would’ve loved more time with the extended family and their partners, but the pacing didn’t really allow for it. By the end, Nova has grown so much—stronger, more confident—and Massimo plays a big role in helping her get there.
Overall, this was a wild and emotional ride. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Lora Nox!
May 13, 2025
I’ve been a huge fan of Lora Nox since reading Creed and she’s quickly become one of my favourite authors.
I arc read Massimo, the third book in the Santoro Mafia series, and goodness, it did not disappoint 😍.
Not giving too much away, this book follows Massimo, the oldest Santoro brother and the Don of the Santoro mafia. He kidnaps Nova, the daughter of his enemy for payback and well, one thing leads to another, Nova comes out of her shell and morphs into a queen and even more amazing fmc, and Mass falls and falls hard.
I loved this so much. The writing, plot, the fact that Mass behaved terribly to start and was then able to redeem himself, the spice 🥵 was spicey and hot. Real Lora fashion.
This is a standalone book and you don’t need to read Creed and Vito to read this, but I highly recommend that you do. There are some spoilers in this book regarding the first two.
Lora mentions at the end that her next series will be the Havoc Guardians MC later in the year which is part of the same universe. I know we will have some epic books here 😍
Do yourself a favour and get on this asap!
I received an arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I arc read Massimo, the third book in the Santoro Mafia series, and goodness, it did not disappoint 😍.
Not giving too much away, this book follows Massimo, the oldest Santoro brother and the Don of the Santoro mafia. He kidnaps Nova, the daughter of his enemy for payback and well, one thing leads to another, Nova comes out of her shell and morphs into a queen and even more amazing fmc, and Mass falls and falls hard.
I loved this so much. The writing, plot, the fact that Mass behaved terribly to start and was then able to redeem himself, the spice 🥵 was spicey and hot. Real Lora fashion.
This is a standalone book and you don’t need to read Creed and Vito to read this, but I highly recommend that you do. There are some spoilers in this book regarding the first two.
Lora mentions at the end that her next series will be the Havoc Guardians MC later in the year which is part of the same universe. I know we will have some epic books here 😍
Do yourself a favour and get on this asap!
I received an arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2025
The 3rd book, the final brother, the Don of the family, the finale. Massimo. I wasn’t ready for this, for him. For his story. The Santoro brothers are my new Roman Empire 🖤
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any spicier, any hotter, any more “sweet Jesus 🥵”… entering fucking MASSIMO!
Did I start out wanting to smack that man upside the head? Yes, yes I did. But that quickly changed when he actually MET the real Nova. The way this man takes care of his woman… HIS PRINCESS 🫠🫠🫠 You see Mass come full circle from vengeful Mafia Don, to gentle protector, to “she’s MY Princess”, to a stoic Mafia king handing his Queen the key (or knife 💁🏼♀️) to his entire kingdom. God damn.
Nova… my heart aches for what that girl endured at the hands of her father. And to relate (to a very small shred) of the mental obstacles she had to overcome… her story is dark and twisted and at times, I wanted to clutch my my non-existent pearls and possibly punch someone. The way this girl marched straight into the fire and came out blazing 🙌🏻
“Don’t fight the monsters father, because the monsters always win.”
Hell yeah, my girl. Hell yeah 🖤
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any spicier, any hotter, any more “sweet Jesus 🥵”… entering fucking MASSIMO!
Did I start out wanting to smack that man upside the head? Yes, yes I did. But that quickly changed when he actually MET the real Nova. The way this man takes care of his woman… HIS PRINCESS 🫠🫠🫠 You see Mass come full circle from vengeful Mafia Don, to gentle protector, to “she’s MY Princess”, to a stoic Mafia king handing his Queen the key (or knife 💁🏼♀️) to his entire kingdom. God damn.
Nova… my heart aches for what that girl endured at the hands of her father. And to relate (to a very small shred) of the mental obstacles she had to overcome… her story is dark and twisted and at times, I wanted to clutch my my non-existent pearls and possibly punch someone. The way this girl marched straight into the fire and came out blazing 🙌🏻
“Don’t fight the monsters father, because the monsters always win.”
Hell yeah, my girl. Hell yeah 🖤
May 29, 2025
emotional rollercoaster
This book is about a Mafia don named Massimo. Massimo has been wronged by another underworld boss, Mancini time and time again. To get back at him Massimo kidnaps his daughter, dubbed The Mancini Princess, Nova. When Nova is brought to Massimo he treats her with disdain until is realized that she has been abused and conditioned in ways that are absolutely horrific. What started as a bad situation, quickly turns into a redemptive and deep story about a couple who finds solace and new life within each other.
I can’t even form thought on how good this book was. I’ve never read a Lora Nox story before so I had absolutely no idea what I was walking into, but woo boy the depth of this story really knocked my socks off. The story winds in such a wonderful pace, really helping develop the characters and the plot. I became emotionally invested in the love story between Massimo and Nova, her healing and his redemption. The spice was SPICY and I discovered something within this book that I’m going to incorporate in my own marriage ;). Massimo’s love and devotion to Nova really jumps off the page. Read this, babe, you know you wanna.
This book is about a Mafia don named Massimo. Massimo has been wronged by another underworld boss, Mancini time and time again. To get back at him Massimo kidnaps his daughter, dubbed The Mancini Princess, Nova. When Nova is brought to Massimo he treats her with disdain until is realized that she has been abused and conditioned in ways that are absolutely horrific. What started as a bad situation, quickly turns into a redemptive and deep story about a couple who finds solace and new life within each other.
I can’t even form thought on how good this book was. I’ve never read a Lora Nox story before so I had absolutely no idea what I was walking into, but woo boy the depth of this story really knocked my socks off. The story winds in such a wonderful pace, really helping develop the characters and the plot. I became emotionally invested in the love story between Massimo and Nova, her healing and his redemption. The spice was SPICY and I discovered something within this book that I’m going to incorporate in my own marriage ;). Massimo’s love and devotion to Nova really jumps off the page. Read this, babe, you know you wanna.
June 18, 2025
Massimo
MASSIMO is a Mafia Romance with depth and excellent characters. I think the reactions of Nova after her abuse are realistic and really well written. Massimo is a complex character, monster and protector, hero and antihero.
The sheer weight of the world building gets in the way of the story occasionally; there are just so many crime organizations and bosses that it’s cumbersome. But it’s a valiant effort.
The plot has twists that are surprisingly logical. And logically surprising. It certainly kept me engaged.
I found MASSIMO to be well written and entertaining. Recommended.
MMC/FMC- Massimo and Nova
Heat- open door, explicit, Virgin heroine, c-warming and breeding kinks.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- like an NRA swap meet. Including but not limited to psychological abuse, food control, Unaliving, graphic violence, language in multiple languages, torture, kidnapping, birth control tampering. Heed well the trigger warning.
Tropes- Captor/Captive, J/P Hero, Instalove, Found Family, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso.
MASSIMO is a Mafia Romance with depth and excellent characters. I think the reactions of Nova after her abuse are realistic and really well written. Massimo is a complex character, monster and protector, hero and antihero.
The sheer weight of the world building gets in the way of the story occasionally; there are just so many crime organizations and bosses that it’s cumbersome. But it’s a valiant effort.
The plot has twists that are surprisingly logical. And logically surprising. It certainly kept me engaged.
I found MASSIMO to be well written and entertaining. Recommended.
MMC/FMC- Massimo and Nova
Heat- open door, explicit, Virgin heroine, c-warming and breeding kinks.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- like an NRA swap meet. Including but not limited to psychological abuse, food control, Unaliving, graphic violence, language in multiple languages, torture, kidnapping, birth control tampering. Heed well the trigger warning.
Tropes- Captor/Captive, J/P Hero, Instalove, Found Family, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso.
November 10, 2025
WHAT. A. RIDE.
Holy Hell. Or I should say Holy Monster.
When I finished Creed I was convinced this series couldn't get better. Boy was I wrong. Because then came Vito and destroyed that misconception pretty quickly. At that point I was sure there could be no next level to this brilliance ... I usually hate being wrong but in this instance I am Very Glad indeed...
... I'd didn't see Massimo coming.
This book. This BOOK, people, is my new obsession.
Just to make sure in case it it hasn't been obvious so far, I loved every chapter, page, sentence and word of this book.
Massimo and Nova are everything and their story is not just an every day mafia romance. There is so much brilliance in there. You can feel how much thought went into writing every part of this book.
And I am sure I've never read a book by a new author and could give a list off the top of my head with at least 10 different characters that I would love to see getting their own stories.
Lora Nox you have just gained a devoted reader for life. I can't wait for the next book!
Holy Hell. Or I should say Holy Monster.
When I finished Creed I was convinced this series couldn't get better. Boy was I wrong. Because then came Vito and destroyed that misconception pretty quickly. At that point I was sure there could be no next level to this brilliance ... I usually hate being wrong but in this instance I am Very Glad indeed...
... I'd didn't see Massimo coming.
This book. This BOOK, people, is my new obsession.
Just to make sure in case it it hasn't been obvious so far, I loved every chapter, page, sentence and word of this book.
Massimo and Nova are everything and their story is not just an every day mafia romance. There is so much brilliance in there. You can feel how much thought went into writing every part of this book.
And I am sure I've never read a book by a new author and could give a list off the top of my head with at least 10 different characters that I would love to see getting their own stories.
Lora Nox you have just gained a devoted reader for life. I can't wait for the next book!
November 14, 2025
This Series is well worth the read!!
This is a new author for me … the first series I have read so left my review for the end.
ALL 3 books are worth the read and have FMCs that are strong, brave, resilient - each with their own trauma and history that will leave you as a reader feeling their pain and rooting for their happiness. Triggers are handled sensitively by the author and the characters of the 3 brothers are well written, a clear bond between all 3, mild humour that lightens the tone and gives insight into their characters … Vito is the clear joker of the family despite being their enforcer and protector!! And Gina… who doesn’t love a strong matriarch that loves her daughter in-laws fiercely? Truly a great series … yes there are a few typos, and a slight bit of descriptive repetition but nothing that can’t be resolved with extra proofreading.
I wanted Gemma and Gabe’s story but read the bonus to Massimo so kinda know how they end!!
Will definitely be reading more of this authors work. Well done!
This is a new author for me … the first series I have read so left my review for the end.
ALL 3 books are worth the read and have FMCs that are strong, brave, resilient - each with their own trauma and history that will leave you as a reader feeling their pain and rooting for their happiness. Triggers are handled sensitively by the author and the characters of the 3 brothers are well written, a clear bond between all 3, mild humour that lightens the tone and gives insight into their characters … Vito is the clear joker of the family despite being their enforcer and protector!! And Gina… who doesn’t love a strong matriarch that loves her daughter in-laws fiercely? Truly a great series … yes there are a few typos, and a slight bit of descriptive repetition but nothing that can’t be resolved with extra proofreading.
I wanted Gemma and Gabe’s story but read the bonus to Massimo so kinda know how they end!!
Will definitely be reading more of this authors work. Well done!
July 6, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another fantastic book written by Lora Nox, I absolutely loved reading about the characters it was if they came to life. There was Massimo he is the Don he and his brothers want to take down their enemy Mancini family and stop their trafficking ring, they also keep a few girls as sex slaves. Nova Mancini has been treated like dirt she is malnourished and Evan been broken by her own father and her brothers are the same. When Massimo taken her he could see how she was treated by her father he was also selling her off to a brutal man that would end up killing her. Massimo has shown Nova, what it is like to have feelings and slowly introducing more foods and coffee. Massimo is showing Nova, that he cares for her so when one of his brothers visits him he hides her not knowing what his brothers will understand that he wants to keep her.
Another fantastic book written by Lora Nox, I absolutely loved reading about the characters it was if they came to life. There was Massimo he is the Don he and his brothers want to take down their enemy Mancini family and stop their trafficking ring, they also keep a few girls as sex slaves. Nova Mancini has been treated like dirt she is malnourished and Evan been broken by her own father and her brothers are the same. When Massimo taken her he could see how she was treated by her father he was also selling her off to a brutal man that would end up killing her. Massimo has shown Nova, what it is like to have feelings and slowly introducing more foods and coffee. Massimo is showing Nova, that he cares for her so when one of his brothers visits him he hides her not knowing what his brothers will understand that he wants to keep her.
January 2, 2026
I like the trope, which is why I wanted to read this. Powerful man kidnaps enemies’s daughter, and then falls in love. The fact that Massimo was actually cruel to nova in the beginning provided the angst, but it dried up almost immediately. I was really thrown by how quickly nova was having lustful thoughts about massimo. I suspend a lot of belief for mafia books, but I just didn’t think it was realistic with how much trauma she had from her father (and even in the beginning Massimo himself) for her core to be clenching while thinking he was tricking her. I did love his OTT possessiveness but not going to lie some of the dialogue was a bit cringey.
A heavy, heavy focus on nova’s virginity 🙄
Phrases/descriptions repeated dozens of times:
Fight and fire
Snake, snake’s spawn
Mancini princess, princess
Hear me roar (once was enough)
I wish there wasn’t so much space dedicated to side characters. It seems like many of them have their own books anyways.
A heavy, heavy focus on nova’s virginity 🙄
Phrases/descriptions repeated dozens of times:
Fight and fire
Snake, snake’s spawn
Mancini princess, princess
Hear me roar (once was enough)
I wish there wasn’t so much space dedicated to side characters. It seems like many of them have their own books anyways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
This one was just as captivating as the first two in thd series. Each brother is so totally different from the others but they are so tight that they become a complete picture of a wonderful family. Yes they can be violent and unhinged but they are so protective and caring that you can forgive just about anything they get up to. Massimo is the leader of the family and rules with an iron fist I. A glove. There is nothing he won’t do for his people and once he realizes what and who Nova truely is she becomes his person and becomes her protector and healer and of course her enabler in any shenanigans she wants to get involved with they are a perfect match. I hope others will be more stories in this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2025
I am in love with Massimo. He is my favorite of the Santoro Brothers.
While their relationship started out rough it turned into a beautiful love story.
She was just supposed to be revenge against his enemy but he fell hard and fast, once he got over his stubbornness. She was supposed to be a meek and mild princess but she became his hell cat.
Massimo helped Nova heal from things that no one should have to heal from but are very real torments people go through, with that being said before you read this book check the trigger warnings. While Massimo being an unhinged Don had me kicking my feet giggling some things were hard to read. Nova is Massimo’s equal in every way.
Lora’s writing makes it so easy to fall into the characters and really feel the things you are reading. I can not wait to follow her on her writing journey!
While their relationship started out rough it turned into a beautiful love story.
She was just supposed to be revenge against his enemy but he fell hard and fast, once he got over his stubbornness. She was supposed to be a meek and mild princess but she became his hell cat.
Massimo helped Nova heal from things that no one should have to heal from but are very real torments people go through, with that being said before you read this book check the trigger warnings. While Massimo being an unhinged Don had me kicking my feet giggling some things were hard to read. Nova is Massimo’s equal in every way.
Lora’s writing makes it so easy to fall into the characters and really feel the things you are reading. I can not wait to follow her on her writing journey!
May 29, 2025
Massimo is book 3 in the Santoro Mafia series and is an absolutely fantastic enemies to lovers journey! Massimo "Beast" Santoro and Nova Mancini should not even be in the same room together much less have the feelings they have for each other. Nova has been through complete hades at the hands of her father. The Mancini Crime Family has treated her far less than human her whole life. She's been a bargaining tool, nothing more. But Massimo, The Beast, changes everything for her and for awhile he doesn't even realize it. Their journey is heartbreaking and intense and will completely consume you from the very first page.
"My princess, my little hellcat who walked through the fires of hell, emerging forged into my queen."
"He's my monster. The beast who loves his beauty. And he's my savior."
I absolutely 100% recommend Massimo and Nova's journey!
"My princess, my little hellcat who walked through the fires of hell, emerging forged into my queen."
"He's my monster. The beast who loves his beauty. And he's my savior."
I absolutely 100% recommend Massimo and Nova's journey!
May 31, 2025
This is book three in the Santoro Mafia series. Normally I hate starting in the middle of a series let alone the end, but you can read this book as a standalone even though you understand it's a series. I'm not sure why I picked this book but will say I now have another author who I'll probably read anything she puts out. This is Massimo and Nova's story.
I'll say for the first few chapters, Massimo was one of the most horrendous people. He kidnaps Nova to get back at her father and ignores Gemma's warnings and constantly triggers her. Once the light bulb goes off and he realizes what's happening, he immediately stops and starts helping Nova heal. By doing so, he realizes who she truly is, and the slow burn romance begins. He becomes her monster and monsters always win right? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'll say for the first few chapters, Massimo was one of the most horrendous people. He kidnaps Nova to get back at her father and ignores Gemma's warnings and constantly triggers her. Once the light bulb goes off and he realizes what's happening, he immediately stops and starts helping Nova heal. By doing so, he realizes who she truly is, and the slow burn romance begins. He becomes her monster and monsters always win right? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
This was definitely my favorite of the series. It started out rough and that made it difficult to like Massimo. He had no clue the suffering Nova had been through at the hands of her father, brothers and men. His behavior was awful.. but when he saw that Nova wasn’t who he thought her to be.. a switch flipped. It was difficult for Nova to let go of many years of cruel manipulation and programming. Reading about how she grows and takes back her power? AMAZING!! 🙌
I am a huge fan of the Heroine in peril trope.. so this was right up my alley. 😉
There is A LOT going on in this book. Kept me guessing. The author of this series is new to me and I really enjoyed her writing. To better understand the dynamics in this book.. I’d recommend reading the previous two books in the series. It’s a complex.. well written book!
Spice was perfect in this one. 🥵
5🌟 3🌶️
I am a huge fan of the Heroine in peril trope.. so this was right up my alley. 😉
There is A LOT going on in this book. Kept me guessing. The author of this series is new to me and I really enjoyed her writing. To better understand the dynamics in this book.. I’d recommend reading the previous two books in the series. It’s a complex.. well written book!
Spice was perfect in this one. 🥵
5🌟 3🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
This book had me hooked like crazy. From first pages I was already hooked.
Massimo is exactly the kind of MMC I go crazy for. Rough, dangerous, cold at first, but when he falls? He falls. And Nova surprised me so much. I loved how strong she was without being loud about it. Their dynamic had tension, spice, and all the drama I wanted. This was spicy, spicy.
The pace was fast, the emotions hit hard, and the way their connection changed everything was so satisfying. Definitely some twisted moments, so check the tws, but honestly this book gave me everything I wanted from a mafia romance.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
Massimo is exactly the kind of MMC I go crazy for. Rough, dangerous, cold at first, but when he falls? He falls. And Nova surprised me so much. I loved how strong she was without being loud about it. Their dynamic had tension, spice, and all the drama I wanted. This was spicy, spicy.
The pace was fast, the emotions hit hard, and the way their connection changed everything was so satisfying. Definitely some twisted moments, so check the tws, but honestly this book gave me everything I wanted from a mafia romance.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
May 23, 2025
My FAVORITE Santoro brother!
Listen, I have nothing against the other two Santoro brothers, honestly, they all have their strengths and would all be lovely partners....BUT this man! This man (insert chefs kiss here).
I LOVED this book! I loved the story. I loved the dynamics of the characters. I loved how the trauma and healing were depicted. Massimo would whole-heartedly be my decision if I had one, lol.
Nova! The portrayal of her character, her inner battles, and her healing...yes. Honestly, at this point, I need a caretaker too!! Thank you for the beauty and the beast vibes because those are honestly one of my favorite vibes!
I received this book as an ARC read and my review is voluntary.
Listen, I have nothing against the other two Santoro brothers, honestly, they all have their strengths and would all be lovely partners....BUT this man! This man (insert chefs kiss here).
I LOVED this book! I loved the story. I loved the dynamics of the characters. I loved how the trauma and healing were depicted. Massimo would whole-heartedly be my decision if I had one, lol.
Nova! The portrayal of her character, her inner battles, and her healing...yes. Honestly, at this point, I need a caretaker too!! Thank you for the beauty and the beast vibes because those are honestly one of my favorite vibes!
I received this book as an ARC read and my review is voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews