Lucas Foster lost his father four years ago. Along with the devastating loss, Luc took on the family business and channelled all his efforts into proving he isn’t a man that should be messed with. So, when Hector Griffin cannot repay his debt, Luc doesn't think twice about taking his daughter as collateral.
Mia Griffin has always looked out for her Dad and agrees to Luc’s terms, but she doesn't plan to make his life easy. Luc’s rules and aggressive attitude bring out Mia’s own hostility and soon enough the pair find themselves arguing over everything. But everyone in Luc’s life keeps telling Mia he is a good guy and Luc might be realizing that Mia is just the type of woman he needs.
As the unlikely pair start to admit their feelings for each other, Mia unearths a secret that could put her life in danger and threaten to tear Luc’s life apart. With the weight of the truth on her shoulders, Mia will need to decide whether to admit everything to Luc and upset the political balance of his world or to stay silent.
*This story contains sexual scenes, graphic violence, mature language and more. Reader discretion is advised.*
I was not built to break This mafia romance was a great play on Hades and Persephone's story. The cliffhanger at the end had me itching to read the next book
I had such high hopes for this story. Everything was going great and and then enters the H’s fuck buddy who proceeds to cause drama for the couple throughout the entire story. Seriously, there are a million other plot devices out there that can cause conflict; I’m so over the OW drama being written just to create jealousy. The writing was great though, so if you don’t mind excessive OW drama then you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Beauty And The Crime Boss by @zavi_james ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this story. It puts a fantastic mafia spin on Beauty and The Beast. I enjoyed every page and I look forward to more from Zavi. Lucas Foster is the perfect beast and Lydia is spot on for Mrs Potts. Mia fits Belle stunningly but my favorite part of the whole story is how Zavi created a whole new world (pun intended) where it’s sexily dark. 5/5!
Barely finished it. Had to skip 10 chapters to read the final 2 in my attempt to get some closure. And it’s a “To be continued” ending. It was painful to read their names being used every other sentence, literally no one talks like that. I dealt with it through most of the book and the storyline was just barely interesting enough to try to finish it out but then the writer started issuing their names twice in one sentence, every sentence! I couldn’t do it.
I actually really enjoyed this book!!!! Great mafia book and a good story.
This is about Lucas and Mia. Mia’s dad owes Lucas money and as collateral, he takes Mia.
I loved that this wasn’t an Insta love quick one. It took time for them to fall and that’s why I felt like their love was real. It took them a while to fall as well, and by the end Lucas was puty in Mia’s hands and I loved it.
I loved his jealousyyyy yummy!
The only reason I didn’t give a 5 stars is because the last 15% were just TOO long and I skimmed and cause I felt so good with their relationship I don’t think I’m interested in reading a second book about them ... it does end in a cliffhanger but I would’ve really preferred if this was a standalone cause it would’ve been powerful as one.
The last 15% were too much let alone another book 😂
For my safety ladies: not safe. Once she’s in his home, they do get to second base and then he sleeps with OW.
I didn’t mind this cause it’s wayyyy in the beginning and I really felt like Mia was a strong heroine. Even after this incident it takes them TIIIIIMMMMEEEEE to get together and I loved that he was waiting patiently for her. So in this instance, I got why he hooked up with OW, he had no idea was Mia was to him.
Mia's dad ends up owing the wrong person. How does he repay his debt? Why with his daughter of course. Mia wants to help her dad so she agrees but she won't go quietly.
Luc has taken over the family business and when a opportunity presents itself, he doesn't walk away.
Feelings develop, secrets come to light and people do not want to see them together.
So, when it's all said and down will they end up loving or hating each other?
Family sucks sometimes. In this book where a bad situation with Mia, Hector (Mia's dad) and Luc it later turned out to be a love story with lots of struggle for Mia and Luc. First it was due to Luc's half brother, Stef and then Xavier. Can't wait to read book two. Great story.
Zavi has created a beautiful story that is full of secrets, lies, hate and most importantly of all, love.
In Beauty & The Crime Boss we are introduced to Mia Griffin, a sweet and innocent woman with a strong will that is prepared to do anything for her father, even selling her own freedom to Lucas Foster.
Lucas is a cold and ruthless Mafia Boss who demands Mia’s freedom as payment for her father’s debts. What Lucas is unaware of, is that Mia has her own mind and will teach him how to love in a way that will turn his world upside down. There’s enough twists and turns in this story that you will feel like you are on a rollercoaster ride!
You may want to prepare yourselves, I can guarantee you’re in for one hell of a ride! You won’t be able to put it down once you start reading!
Mia Griffin is as sweet and innocent as possible, Lucas Foster is the polar opposite, where she's warmth and sweetness, he's cold and ruthless. Mia trades her freedom to save her father's life when Lucas takes her as a payment for his debt, little did he know that the little pretty woman with her very own mind will turn his life upside down... Brace yourselves folks, you won't be able to put it down when you start this. It has everything, AND THE FEMALE LEAD IS A BADASS!! You will love Mia and you will love Luc even when you hate him 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Rating: 3.5 🌟🌟🌟 Writing: 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Hero: 🌟🌟🌟 Heroine: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Plot: 🌟🌟🌟 Multiple point of view
This was my first from the author. It was an easy read, flowed and worked. I liked Mia and Luc. My favourite person has to be Dante. Hopefully he’ll have a book of his own.
However there was something lacking, I really wanted to give 5 stars but I felt like the H and h lacked chemistry.
Though the book was from multiple POV, it was narrated rather than action and dialogue which is what I like. I like reading what has been said rather than the first person saying this happened and this was the exchange etc...
Luc is supposed to be a made man, a crime boss but there were lots of things lacking when it comes to the usual made men I’ve read about.
There’s no security around the property, Luc is supposed to be ruthless but I just don’t see it. He’s had Mia as payment for her fathers gambling debt but months pass by and he’s not really made a move or demanded anything except to join for dinner and making her part of the family. He bends over backwards for Mia and is talking about emotions and love - that rarely happens in the mafia books I’ve read. There’s some narrative as well from his end about not wanting to face Mia’s anger or whatever. He’s soft for someone who’s a crime boss.
I wanted more action, I wanted to know what his role was in the organised crime world. We don’t really know what he does. He apparently goes to ‘work’ then returns home dirty sometimes with blood. But tries to return home on time to have dinner with Mia. So yeah I was really disappointed with him.
Mia was okay, I loved her giving it back to Luc but there was something lacking in her as well.
It’s due to ending that things started looking interesting so went and read the 2nd book which did not disappoint.
Anyway this one was a good and easy read. Things flowed but there is a lot of drama involved throughout the book. Overall a good read and will recommend if you don’t mind other women and jealousy drama 🙄🤣
This book was something… in a good way? — This book was alright. I will read the second book since it did left us off at a cliffhanger.
Mia (I imagine her as Maia Mitchell)
She was alright. Kinda annoyed but there’s really nothing to say.
Lucas (I imagine him as Levi Stocke)
He really fell hard easily. He was a gruesome (like I expect every man in a dark romance) but he wasn’t really to an extent that I want. Even though he wasn’t gruesome, he tried his best for Mia! — The things I didn’t like was it was kinda a fast pace love rather than a slow burn. I thought the book would be boring but it had some twist and turns. There were things were kinda expected when we got subtle hints. Overall, 3-3.5/5 stars. I’ll read the second book bc my boy Lucas finally getting his sense and being the gruesome I want!!!
Wow what a roller coaster ride! Beauty & the Crime Boss was an amazing Debut Novel from author Zavi James. Welcome to the Foster Family, where not everything is as it seems and even the secrets have secrets of their own. This author does a great job weaving a story that keeps you drawn in until the very end. Disclaimer, this book does end on a cliffhanger, but book two is already out and ready to be devoured.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Luc is relentless in business and his personal life. I absolutely love how jealous and possessive he is. He is the epitome of a mob boss. Then you have Mia. She is the perfect contract to Luc. Where he is dark and moody, she is sunshine and bright. That's not to say she is a pushover. Even though she is kind, she has a back bone and is able to stand up for herself.
This book is HAWT! Like for real the tension is palpable. You can taste it in the air, causing your own body to tense right along with them. If you like steam, then this book has it.
The only issue that I found with this book is that I felt like it was slow at times while other scenes happened in rapid succession, which effected the pace of the story for me. With that being said, it didn't ruin the story. It is just a personal preference for me.
Overall, what a great story. The characters are dynamic, the story engaging, and the heat off the charts. If you like mafia/mob romances, then give this one a try.
I have to say that this book exceeded my expectations, from the story, the characters to the ending, I loved it from beginning to end.
First of all, I love the story, I think it is accurate to say that it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, because the story of Lucas & Mia begins when she has to move in with him as collateral that his father will pay the debt he owes to Lucas, which leads them to develop feelings for each other. In addition, the writing is magnificent, fluid and maintains the rhythm throughout the book.
One of my favorite things was the characters: Lucas is completely different from what I expected, it is true that the beginning is a rude person and doesn´t show his feelings, but very soon he begins to see Mia from different way and to show himself as he really is: kind, with a good heart and caring for the people who matter to him. Obviously, due to his work, he also has a violent, impulsive and explosive side that Mia is not prepared for at the beginning. On the other hand, Mia is a simple, pretty and kind-hearted girl, at first she is not very kind when it comes to Lucas, but as the coexistence increases her feelings for him begin to change.
Without a doubt, I am a fan of the main characters, I think I had never read a book in which both protagonists liked me in the same way. I love reading Lucas as a tender, loving boy who is willing to do anything to make Mia happy, and with “anything” I definitely DON´T mean the violent part, he has many qualities that are adorable and I LOVE that he is vulnerable from very early in the story. Mia seemed super brave, friendly and I love that she also sets rules in her friendship with Luc, I think she is a very strong character who accepts the conditions of her life but don't know smash by them.
And the secondary characters are just as good, definitely Dante is my favorite, I find him adorable and the relationship he has with Lucas, even though it´s complicated at times, I really liked it. But my favorite is the bond that he creates with Mia since he has known her, although I would have liked to see more of them. Dominic was also a very cute character and I liked his story too. Other characters that I found spectacular were the villains, besides being completely unexpected, I think they are written very well, since I definitely hate them at times.
Regarding the plot, I loved that it develops in a coherent way, a lot happens but I think everything is explained in a satisfactory way and I really enjoyed it, it has some unexpected twists, moments of tension, fun, hotness and an ending that I loved as much as it made me suffer.
Beauty and The Crime Boss was an exciting read that I couldn't put down once I started, with amazing characters and a very interesting and well developed story.
Thanks to Books and Moods for the book
🇪🇸 Tengo que decir que este libro superó mis expectativas, desde la historia, los personajes hasta el desenlace, me encantó de principio a fin.
En primer lugar, me encanta la historia, creo que es acertado decir que es un retelling de La Bella y la Bestia, pues la historia de Lucas & Mia comienza cuando ella se tiene que mudar con él como garantía de que su padre pagará la deuda que tiene con Lucas, lo que los a desarrollar sentimientos por el otro. Además la escritura es magnifica, fluida y mantiene el ritmo durante todo el libro.
Una de mis cosas favoritas fueron los personajes: Lucas es completamente diferente a lo que esperaba, es vedad que el inicio es una persona grosera y que no muestra sus sentimientos, pero muy pronto comienza a ver a Mia de manera diferente y a mostrarse como realmente es: amable, con buen corazón y cuidadoso de las personas que le importan. Evidentemente, debido a su trabajo también tiene un lado violento, impulsivo y explosivo para el que Mia no esta preparada al inicio. Por otro lado, Mia es una chica sencilla, bonita y de buen corazón, al principio ella tampoco es muy amable cuando se trata de Lucas, pero a medida que la convivencia aumenta sus sentimientos por el comienzan a cambiar.
Sin duda alguna, soy fan de los personajes principales, creo que nunca había leído un libro en el que ambos protagonistas me gustaran de igual manera. Me encanta leer a Lucas como un chico tierno, amoroso, y que esta dispuesto a hacer cualquier cosa para que Mia sea feliz, y con “cualquier cosa” definitivamente NO me refiero a la parte violenta, tiene muchas cualidades que son adorables y AMO que se muestre vulnerable desde muy temprano en la historia. Mia me pareció super valiente, amigable y me encanta que también ponga reglas en su amistad con Luc, creo que es un personaje muy fuerte que acepta las condiciones de su vida pero no se deja aplastar por ellas.
Y los personajes secundarios son igual de buenos, definitivamente Dante es mi favorito, me parece adorable y la relación que tiene con Lucas, a pesar de que es complicada por momentos, me gustó mucho. Pero mi favorito es el vinculo que crea con Mia desde que la conoce, aunque me hubiera gustado que ver más de ellos. Dominic también fue un personaje muy lindo y su historia me gustó también. Otros personajes que me parecieron espectaculares, fueron los villanos, además de que son completamente inesperados, creo que están escritos muy bien, ya que definitivamente los odie por momentos.
Con respecto a la trama, me encantó que se desarrolla de forma coherente, pasan muchas cosas pero creo que todo se explica de manera satisfactoria y lo disfruté muchísimo, tiene algunos giros inesperados, momentos de tensión, divertidos, sexys y un final que me encantó tanto como me hizo sufrir.
Beauty and The Crime Boss fue una lectura emocionante que no pude dejar una vez que comencé, con personajes increíbles y una historia muy interesante y bien desarrollada.
A very long book that's not finished. It started to drag along. I didn't like Mia. They tried to make her a reasonable person. I just couldn't get with her train of thought. She forgives the Lucas who blackmails her father and threatens his life (within a month's time I think), keeps her away from her only family (unless it's on his terms), breaks someone's arm (whose considered a brother) and yet she can't forgive others for their mistake. Lucas puts his blood brother in the hospital for a lie and she tries to justify his actions. She always condones the violence Lucas commits on others. Really. For once a book should make the heroine stronger. I will read the second book when it comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Although this writer has talent, this work is in desperate need of not only editing for the U. S. market, but the story line is poorly executed. I lost track of grammar glitches and character profiles badly handled. Dropping in POVs from characters other than the two main ones was lazy and screams novice. I struggled to read as far as chapter 50 . This writer would do well to seek out an experienced developmental editor.
Zavi delivers a beautiful love story that is not so straight forward. Mia is a strong willed woman that does something loving for her father but at what cost. She falls for Luc but again at what cost. This story has a mix of the mafia, hate, secrets and love. You will not be able to put it down once you start reading it.
DNF at 58 %. Characters are lacking development, there are quite a few grammatical errors, plot is cliche and POV changes way too often. If you’re looking for a good enemies-to-lovers story, this is not for you.
I have to admit, when I first started this book, it felt a little slow and took me dome time to get into, but I'm so glad I persevered! This is everything you want in a Mafia romance. Lucas was cold and unforgiving at times, and there were moments that made you wince right alongside whoever he was talking to, but he was a different person with Mia. Mia was a strong character, innocent yet held herself well, and she stood up to Lucas. They became friends first, and it was nice to watch them develop that friendship first. There were so many twists and turns a long the way that I felt for Lucas and Mia. They almost have a Romeo and Juliet type romance with some Beauty and the Beast on the side. I loved the side characters. They all added depth to the story. The plot is strong, and I like how we get to see all these different sides to Lucas. We also get to see his world ouof Mia and her reactions to it. These families are big on loyalty and Lucas relies on the people he can trust to steer him right, but what he doesn't realise is the people he thinks he can trust are stabbing him in the back. I was devouring this book. Every page I read had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously looking at how much I had left to read, only to realise this ends on a cliffhanger!! And what a cliffhanger it was! I am so glad I get to head straight into the next book because I did cry out in frustration! If you're looking for enemies to lovers, slow burn Mafia romance, then definitely add this book (duet probably!) To your list!
I have to admit, when I first started this book, it felt a little slow and took me dome time to get into, but I'm so glad I persevered! This is everything you want in a Mafia romance. Lucas was cold and unforgiving at times, and there were moments that made you wince right alongside whoever he was talking to, but he was a different person with Mia. Mia was a strong character, innocent yet held herself well, and she stood up to Lucas. They became friends first, and it was nice to watch them develop that friendship first. There were so many twists and turns a long the way that I felt for Lucas and Mia. They almost have a Romeo and Juliet type romance with some Beauty and the Beast on the side. I loved the side characters. They all added depth to the story. The plot is strong, and I like how we get to see all these different sides to Lucas. We also get to see his world ouof Mia and her reactions to it. These families are big on loyalty and Lucas relies on the people he can trust to steer him right, but what he doesn't realise is the people he thinks he can trust are stabbing him in the back. I was devouring this book. Every page I read had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously looking at how much I had left to read, only to realise this ends on a cliffhanger!! And what a cliffhanger it was! I am so glad I get to head straight into the next book because I did cry out in frustration! If you're looking for enemies to lovers, slow burn Mafia romance, then definitely add this book (duet probably!) To your list!
In a nutshell, Lucas James Foster is a crime boss. Hector Griffin is in arrears with him; we're talking like thousands of moolahs over here. Hector couldn't pay him, tried to negotiate with Lucas. Lucas ain't buying it cos he can smell Hector's bulldung so, he took something, or rather someone as a collateral; and that's Mia Griffin - Hector's Babygirl the Beauty. • Luc came to claim his "biznez collateral" but was soon feeling rather irritated by Mia's fiestiness (if that's even a word?) and defiance. However, Mia warms to Luc's "family" & staffs which just aggrevates his temper. • Mia doesn't give in easily. She stood by her groud despite being on a "leash"...alas, after months of being together....something sparked between them...like....you know....ok if you don't know then it's available on KU 😂😂😂 (leaving you guys hanging here just like how Zav did to me..us...) • Ok since it's a cliff-hanger; I'm telling you that there are bastards and bitches as well as obstacles that tried to rip them apart AND NOW MIA'S GONE! LIKE WE DUNNO WHERE SHE WENT TO OR WHAT SIAAAAAA. Sigh. • Toodles guys, Imma do #1 and get started on Regrets & Revenge~ 😘
There is something to be said about a well written book, let alone one that can make you want to binge read the whole series. There is nothing else that can be given but a 5 out of 5 stars. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves it has to be mentioned that this book has a cliff hanger ending. The fact is this book is a Dark Romance with some extreamly hot scenes. This would be a Habenaro Pepper on the pepper scale.
This romance is one that is not for everyone, it involves a lot violence and crime. I think that if you give it a chance it will grab you and sucks you into the story. If you do read this I think you should plan on setting aside a day or two, because you will want keep reading the series. This book may have your heart racing and have you reading as fast as you can to find out what happens. I would recomennd this book to only those who enjoy dark romances.
This is not a series that you can only read one of the books. It is a three book story, you won't get the end of the story unless you read all three books.
I hope that this helps you find your next Tantalizing Tome!
Romance genre: mafia Series: Foster Family Length: 382 pages
Plot: Mia's father is deep in debt to Lucas Foster, a local crime boss. Lucas decides to allow him to make payments but he will take Mia as collateral. At first, Mia is very unhappy, but eventually, Mia and Lucas come to love each other. But the relationship is not smooth sailing. Lucas's brother causes trouble, as does his godfather. Mia's father isn't accepting of their relationship either. Despite their engagement, there is a strong force pulling them apart. The story ends on a cliffhanger with Mia leaving...for reasons.
Character development: This is a very new adult-ish mafia type of story. There's a lot of push-pull in the relationship. There is a bit of OW drama in the form of an ex-fling of Lucas's showing up at the beginning and then inserting herself in the drama a couple of other times. Both main characters are on the young side and there's a lot of yelling and stomping off until the next fight. Despite the mafia theme and the taken-for-a-debt trope, the story itself was not dark at all. I think it tried, as in when Lucas did things like breaking Dante's arm because he touched Mia, but honestly, that came off more petulant than it did bad-a$$ criminal. Maybe they'll grow up a little in the sequel, after life seasons them a bit.
After reading "Of Gods and Monsters", I truly fell in love with Zavi James's writing !! Such a talented writer !!! She keeps the story intriguing and almost has you holding your breath, because every page has a plot twist (I might be exaggeratting with this one 😅😂)
This book reminded me of the whole "Beauty and the Beast" story line... But trust Zavi to add her own "spice" to that story !!! Loved the references to Hades and Persephone, but it has nothing to do with their story !!! Saw a review comparing both... Blasphamy !! I really enjoyed this book ! It was long tho.. And the events pulled things inside me everytime !!!
Stefan (HATED reading his POV btw) and Xavier are both on my black list forever... 😤 And that bitch Amber too !
Really liked the characters development throughout the book ! Mia is a cute and strong MC, Luc is a very interesting man... Loved reading about Dante and Dom !!
I truly feel like I read 2 books in one... Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I actually really enjoyed this mafia book, it definitely had a very interesting plot and I loved that it started with a friendship. This story is all about Lucas and Mia, they met due to Mia's dad owing Lucas money and as collateral, he takes Mia. The cliffhanger at the end of this book had me quickly downloading the second book to see what happens to Lucas, Mia, and their friends/family. The romance in this story was quite brooding and sweet, I will say there was a little bit of a back and forward motion, but it's all based around a miscommunication as well as Lucas's mafia job. This book is quite enjoyable if you like a twisty mafia read, as I will say lines do get cross,ed and loyalty gets questioned.
I enjoyed this book although found myself skipping some parts. The story is about Mia and Luc and what started off as a debt turned into love. The only thing I do not like is when authors start putting ‘love’ in their story when these are strong mafia men and they turn into soppy lovers, it doesn’t sit well with me when the main man starts saying, ‘love’ and not in the context of ‘I love you’, I just don’t see it. Apart from that I am looking forward to continuing the story of Mia and Luc.
Zavi had absolutely blown me away with this book. Absolutely outstanding from the very 1st chapter. Everything about this book is wonderful from the story lines and the characters and especially the dynamics between the characters. I am so sad that I need to wait till February to get tbe next installment but it will be so worth it.
This is a definite must read and definitely a story you will read again xx
Reading this didn't quite satisfy. It lacked something but I can't quite put a finger on it. FYI there is a cliffhanger which I really can't stand if you have to wait so long before the next one comes out.
Love the chemistry between all the characters, it has a bit of action which always gets me into the book and then comes the anticipation of everything else. But I can't say that it makes me excited to read the next one
A story filled with drama and flawed characters. Even though the characters are flawed they are perfect in their own way. This one was a page-turner and I just had to see what happens. This is the type of story which will stick with you for a while. Luca and Mia fall in and out of love. They are destined to be each other's downfall or so one thinks after reading this story. I was not ready for the bombshell ending. However, Mia made a huge mistake. You have to read to find out.
While reading this book I found myself gasping for breath as I turned the page because I was so caught up in the story that I had forget breathe. My heart pounded. My stomach twisted right along with the characters. That's good story telling. The only not so perfect part was a few editing issues. But other than that this was a great start to the trilogy and I'm off to dive into the next book.