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The Kings of Italy #1
Mafia Mistress
FAUSTO
I am the darkness, the man whose illicit empire stretches around the globe. Not many have the courage for what needs to be done to maintain power . . .but I do.
And I always get what I want—including my son's fiancée.
She's mine now, and I'll use Francesca any way I see fit. She's the perfect match to my twisted desires, and I'll keep her close, ready and waiting at my disposal.
Even if she fights me at every turn.
FRANCESCA
I was stolen away and held prisoner in Italy, a bride for a mafia king's only heir.
Except I'm no innocent, and it's the king himself—the man called il Diavolo—who appeals to me in sinful ways I never dreamed. Fausto's wickedness draws me in, his power like a drug.
And when the devil decides he wants me, I'm helpless to resist him—even if it means giving myself to him, body and soul.
He may think he can control me, but this king is about to find out who's really the boss.
MAFIA MISTRESS is a full-length mafia romance written by a USA Today Bestselling author. It's the first book in the Italian Kings duet, **not** a standalone.
I am the darkness, the man whose illicit empire stretches around the globe. Not many have the courage for what needs to be done to maintain power . . .but I do.
And I always get what I want—including my son's fiancée.
She's mine now, and I'll use Francesca any way I see fit. She's the perfect match to my twisted desires, and I'll keep her close, ready and waiting at my disposal.
Even if she fights me at every turn.
FRANCESCA
I was stolen away and held prisoner in Italy, a bride for a mafia king's only heir.
Except I'm no innocent, and it's the king himself—the man called il Diavolo—who appeals to me in sinful ways I never dreamed. Fausto's wickedness draws me in, his power like a drug.
And when the devil decides he wants me, I'm helpless to resist him—even if it means giving myself to him, body and soul.
He may think he can control me, but this king is about to find out who's really the boss.
MAFIA MISTRESS is a full-length mafia romance written by a USA Today Bestselling author. It's the first book in the Italian Kings duet, **not** a standalone.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2021
2674 people are currently reading
25507 people want to read
About the author
Mila Finelli
11 books1,417 followersMila finally decided to write the filthy mafia kings she's been dreaming about for years.
She's addicted to coffee, travel and books with bad men in them.
Newsletter: bit.ly/mila_newsletter
IG: instagram.com/mila_finelli_author
FB: facebook.com/milafinelliauthor/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mila-...
She's addicted to coffee, travel and books with bad men in them.
Newsletter: bit.ly/mila_newsletter
IG: instagram.com/mila_finelli_author
FB: facebook.com/milafinelliauthor/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mila-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,938 reviews
December 1, 2021
5 Mafia Smut Stars
Me to myself when I realized I failed to make sure book two was out before reading this:
Needless to say, I'm pretty irritated with myself right now.
Perhaps when the self-loathing dissipates a bit, I might feel more compelled to say something else here.
Until then?
Me to myself when I realized I failed to make sure book two was out before reading this:
Needless to say, I'm pretty irritated with myself right now.
Perhaps when the self-loathing dissipates a bit, I might feel more compelled to say something else here.
Until then?
December 8, 2022
I really liked the first 30% of this. Mafia arranged marriage romance where the MC falls for her fiancée's dad instead. The set up was great, but nothing about this worked for me.
The hero was so mean to the heroine. And I usually like a mean hero but only when there's a balance of some sweeter moments. But this man was just cruel and never showed signs of caring about her beyond just wanting to fuck her
And the heroine annoyed me so much. She tried to act so tough and would say over and over that she will not obey him but then all he had to do was flick the bean a bit and she would lose her mind. She had zero back bone and it got old fast
the thing that really killed this book for me was
super disappointed cause I had high hopes based on the way this book started but it was a mess
The hero was so mean to the heroine. And I usually like a mean hero but only when there's a balance of some sweeter moments. But this man was just cruel and never showed signs of caring about her beyond just wanting to fuck her
And the heroine annoyed me so much. She tried to act so tough and would say over and over that she will not obey him but then all he had to do was flick the bean a bit and she would lose her mind. She had zero back bone and it got old fast
the thing that really killed this book for me was
super disappointed cause I had high hopes based on the way this book started but it was a mess
May 3, 2022
I just really hated him. Hated her. Hated them.
February 1, 2022
1.75⭐️
there’s nothing i hate more than fluffy and vanilla guys pretending to be alphas(or possessive guys)… bitch you couldn’t control an 18yo, you ain’t shit.
the writing was, in my opinion, really bad. the plot was boring. the heroine wasn't strong, y'all lying big time. she was just lazy and a cry baby. crying about how she hates being a captive but wouldn't try and manipulate anyone to get out. please just say you're wet for daddy and be proud ugh.
the hero was a joke. aint no way that a possessive guy or even an obsessed guy. i'm just so disappointed. ugh.
there’s nothing i hate more than fluffy and vanilla guys pretending to be alphas(or possessive guys)… bitch you couldn’t control an 18yo, you ain’t shit.
the writing was, in my opinion, really bad. the plot was boring. the heroine wasn't strong, y'all lying big time. she was just lazy and a cry baby. crying about how she hates being a captive but wouldn't try and manipulate anyone to get out. please just say you're wet for daddy and be proud ugh.
the hero was a joke. aint no way that a possessive guy or even an obsessed guy. i'm just so disappointed. ugh.
March 11, 2022
4.5 stars
Ahhhh SO GOOD! Going in, I had no idea that this was a romance between a girl and her betrothed's father. HIS FATHER!!! Francesca is forcibly taken from her home and brought to Italy to marry the son of another Mafia boss. But when she meets the father, there is undeniable chemistry. Francesca becomes friends with her intended, but there's no denying she's actually attracted to his father. I really loved the progression of Francesca and Fausto's relationship. I will say, after about 45% when they decide to get together, a good 25% after that is just them having a good time together physically. The plot kind of slowed down for me and I wanted to get back to the more action/mafia plot of the story. Once we got to around 65%, the plot finally picked back up again, but that lull is why I can't give this book a full five stars. But I found this so entertaining and really enjoy Francesca trying to fight becoming a mafia wife because her mother detested that role and wanted better fo her daughters. And this one definitely ended on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to pick up the second book!
Ahhhh SO GOOD! Going in, I had no idea that this was a romance between a girl and her betrothed's father. HIS FATHER!!! Francesca is forcibly taken from her home and brought to Italy to marry the son of another Mafia boss. But when she meets the father, there is undeniable chemistry. Francesca becomes friends with her intended, but there's no denying she's actually attracted to his father. I really loved the progression of Francesca and Fausto's relationship. I will say, after about 45% when they decide to get together, a good 25% after that is just them having a good time together physically. The plot kind of slowed down for me and I wanted to get back to the more action/mafia plot of the story. Once we got to around 65%, the plot finally picked back up again, but that lull is why I can't give this book a full five stars. But I found this so entertaining and really enjoy Francesca trying to fight becoming a mafia wife because her mother detested that role and wanted better fo her daughters. And this one definitely ended on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to pick up the second book!
April 9, 2022
***5 STARS***
I loved, loved, loved this mafia story. Excellent enemies to lovers, hot and spicy with plenty of angst and emotional upheaval. Just a perfect blend to make a story. Ends in a cliffhanger but the second book is available to read. Highly recommend!
I loved, loved, loved this mafia story. Excellent enemies to lovers, hot and spicy with plenty of angst and emotional upheaval. Just a perfect blend to make a story. Ends in a cliffhanger but the second book is available to read. Highly recommend!
June 17, 2025
Fuck it, 5 stars✨ This was too much fun. I'm almost embarrassed to admit it 🙈❤️🔥 This book is inappropriate, absurd, yet well-written, hot, and funny at the same time. Full review to come.
Edit: I'm not sure if I'm going to have time to come back and write a proper review, but here's the details for those who think they may be interested in this (No spoilers, except under tags):
❥This is light on the mafia-intrigue. Heavy on the smut and ex fiance's dad trope.
❥While the MMC does give off daddy vibes, I don't consider this daddy kink. Or it's the lightest daddy kink I've ever read. If you don't like daddy kink, don't let the comparisons to Your Dad Will Do frighten you away.
❥No joking around with the age-gap. Heroine just turned 18 and Fausto is 38-39.
❥There's minor ow drama, but no cheating. The H was previously married years ago. Spoilers for those concerned about ow drama:
❥The heroine is strong, I don't know what's up with that low review complaining about a weak heroine. She does have betraying body syndrome and I don't blame her one bit. Anyone in her position should have taken advantage of Fausto's body, and would have to be made of steel not to react to him.
❥The heroine does act immature at times, but this didn't annoy me. It might annoy others?
❥Fausto is an asshole. The reviews aren't joking around about that, but you can tell he's coming around and has a heart of gold underneath his tough exterior. Still morally ambiguous since this guy is a mafia boss.
❥When I compare this to a more modernized Harlequin Romance from the 70s, part of that is this book is rather predictable, and follows a similar formula all the Harlequin Romances from the 70s followed. It's so well-written I didn't mind.
❥The chemistry between these two is off the charts, the foreplay smokin' 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
❥Is this book cheesy? YES. There's some serious cheese. You gotta go into this book with a sense of humour imo. Because it's also pretty funny. I loved how the author pointed out the age-gap in these funny ways (if I ever write a proper review I'll include quotes)
❥Trigger Warnings for dubcon, kidnapping, violence, and homophobia. About the homophobia:
❥This book ends on a cliffhanger, the series is a duet. According to the author Book 2 comes out in December.
Basically, I see this book annoying a few other readers and not being their cup of tea for the above reasons. If none of that stuff bothers you I highly recommend this.
Initial review:
I gotta say, this author is 100% as talented as Katee Robert and Brianna Hale. I'm dying to know her other pen name so I can read more from her. (I don't believe for a second this is the author's debut book). This def has Your Dad Will Do vibes (thanks to the other reviewers who pointed that out), and is as taboo as any age-gap Brianna Hale has written. This also felt like an homage to the old school Harlequin Romances from the 70s, but updated to be more modern. While this has a similar vibe to Your Dad Will Do by Katee Robert, there are some elements that distinguish this book - including kidnapping, dubcon, and the H is a huge asshole. There are darker themes, but it's balanced out by the humour. Speaking of humour, what saved this book was the humour - I could tell the author was simply having fun with the story. If you've read Your Dad Will Do you know what I mean. This book is just as ridiculous at times, but the author is unabashed in her storytelling. Her writing style is A+. When I read these mafia and new adult romances what kills the book faster than anything is less than stellar writing and the author simultaneously taking themselves too seriously. I'm definitely coming back to give this a proper, full review later. This is one of the most underrated books I've come across lately.
Edit: I'm not sure if I'm going to have time to come back and write a proper review, but here's the details for those who think they may be interested in this (No spoilers, except under tags):
❥This is light on the mafia-intrigue. Heavy on the smut and ex fiance's dad trope.
❥While the MMC does give off daddy vibes, I don't consider this daddy kink. Or it's the lightest daddy kink I've ever read. If you don't like daddy kink, don't let the comparisons to Your Dad Will Do frighten you away.
❥No joking around with the age-gap. Heroine just turned 18 and Fausto is 38-39.
❥There's minor ow drama, but no cheating. The H was previously married years ago. Spoilers for those concerned about ow drama:
❥The heroine is strong, I don't know what's up with that low review complaining about a weak heroine. She does have betraying body syndrome and I don't blame her one bit. Anyone in her position should have taken advantage of Fausto's body, and would have to be made of steel not to react to him.
❥The heroine does act immature at times, but this didn't annoy me. It might annoy others?
❥Fausto is an asshole. The reviews aren't joking around about that, but you can tell he's coming around and has a heart of gold underneath his tough exterior. Still morally ambiguous since this guy is a mafia boss.
❥When I compare this to a more modernized Harlequin Romance from the 70s, part of that is this book is rather predictable, and follows a similar formula all the Harlequin Romances from the 70s followed. It's so well-written I didn't mind.
❥The chemistry between these two is off the charts, the foreplay smokin' 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
❥Is this book cheesy? YES. There's some serious cheese. You gotta go into this book with a sense of humour imo. Because it's also pretty funny. I loved how the author pointed out the age-gap in these funny ways (if I ever write a proper review I'll include quotes)
❥Trigger Warnings for dubcon, kidnapping, violence, and homophobia. About the homophobia:
❥This book ends on a cliffhanger, the series is a duet. According to the author Book 2 comes out in December.
Basically, I see this book annoying a few other readers and not being their cup of tea for the above reasons. If none of that stuff bothers you I highly recommend this.
Initial review:
I gotta say, this author is 100% as talented as Katee Robert and Brianna Hale. I'm dying to know her other pen name so I can read more from her. (I don't believe for a second this is the author's debut book). This def has Your Dad Will Do vibes (thanks to the other reviewers who pointed that out), and is as taboo as any age-gap Brianna Hale has written. This also felt like an homage to the old school Harlequin Romances from the 70s, but updated to be more modern. While this has a similar vibe to Your Dad Will Do by Katee Robert, there are some elements that distinguish this book - including kidnapping, dubcon, and the H is a huge asshole. There are darker themes, but it's balanced out by the humour. Speaking of humour, what saved this book was the humour - I could tell the author was simply having fun with the story. If you've read Your Dad Will Do you know what I mean. This book is just as ridiculous at times, but the author is unabashed in her storytelling. Her writing style is A+. When I read these mafia and new adult romances what kills the book faster than anything is less than stellar writing and the author simultaneously taking themselves too seriously. I'm definitely coming back to give this a proper, full review later. This is one of the most underrated books I've come across lately.
Read
September 6, 2021February 2022 for book #2? Say it isn't so!
Don't worry -- it's probably not going to take that long. Amazon makes you choose a release date when you put up a preorder and I panicked. My guess is right around the end of December. I know that sucks too, but I promise it'll be worth it. ;)
Don't worry -- it's probably not going to take that long. Amazon makes you choose a release date when you put up a preorder and I panicked. My guess is right around the end of December. I know that sucks too, but I promise it'll be worth it. ;)
September 5, 2021
Weak heroine!
Asshole hero!
He was a dick who threw tantrums for nothing and it was still the heroine who always ended up apologizing.
Asshole hero!
He was a dick who threw tantrums for nothing and it was still the heroine who always ended up apologizing.
December 18, 2021
A man that tries to make up with you by giving his card to you and letting you shop with no limit and get whatever you want and also has like a shit load of power and also is in the mafia and also likes to intimidate you and also is older.
🤌
Where do I sign up to be Fausto's dirty piccola monella?
I will be his one true puttanella gladly.
Like yaaasss mio paparino
Also nah oh nah.
That cliffhanger felt personal.
🤌
Where do I sign up to be Fausto's dirty piccola monella?
I will be his one true puttanella gladly.
Like yaaasss mio paparino
Also nah oh nah.
That cliffhanger felt personal.
December 13, 2021
This book was delicious! The female character was so strong. I liked a lot.
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
January 28, 2022
REREAD 28th Jan
feels the same as the first time I read. Enjoyed it immensely💃💃
~~~~~~
Original review:
no but this one was actually quite nice???? I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much- I was legit so invested and the chemistry, sexual tension was off the charts 🥵🥵 rtc.
Also, for a debut this one was pretty good 😌
Ps- what do I need to do to get book 2 already?👀
feels the same as the first time I read. Enjoyed it immensely💃💃
~~~~~~
Original review:
no but this one was actually quite nice???? I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much- I was legit so invested and the chemistry, sexual tension was off the charts 🥵🥵 rtc.
Also, for a debut this one was pretty good 😌
Ps- what do I need to do to get book 2 already?👀
July 26, 2022
Mafia Princess is certainly interesting read. I am interested finding out what's next. I certainly seduced by Fausto, the hero. He is mature, dark, dangerous and yet alluring.
Francesca is rhe heroine I am having trounle to connect. She is 18 years old, immature and spoil brat. I know Miss Finelli is focusing on burning her story with hot, bossy sex scenes, but it is not helpful when the heroine is acting like a spoil child.
While listening to the audiobook, I keep wishing Fausto ends up with more mature heroine.
Overall, I am reserving my judgement until the next book.
3 stars
Francesca is rhe heroine I am having trounle to connect. She is 18 years old, immature and spoil brat. I know Miss Finelli is focusing on burning her story with hot, bossy sex scenes, but it is not helpful when the heroine is acting like a spoil child.
While listening to the audiobook, I keep wishing Fausto ends up with more mature heroine.
Overall, I am reserving my judgement until the next book.
3 stars
October 17, 2022
I do not recommend the audio for this, because Fausto's Italian accent was... not good. But also, I just didn't love the characters all that much here and didn't feel the romance. Which sucks, because the whole age gap, forbidden mafia romance thing was right up my alley!
November 20, 2023
Re-read 11/19/23
Pre pandemic me: I will never read Mafia romance and I most definitely don’t care for daddy kink. Ew.
Pandemic me: PUT IT IN MY VEINS!
My old snooty dismissive self can take a hike because a mafia book with daddy kink is now one of my favorite books of the year.
Fausto “Il Diavolo” is THE mafia king and no one dares double-cross him unless they want to sleep with the fishes, har har. So when a fellow but less powerful Canadian mobster owes him a debt he repays it by giving Fausto his eldest daughter Frankie as a bride for his son, thus uniting the two families. Frankie has dreams of going away to college and finally living a normal life away from the suffocating constraints of being the daughter of a notorious mobster. So when she finds out she has to marry some dude she never met, she nopes on out of there and escapes. Experienced romance readers know that escaping heroines, no matter how plucky, never make it very far. They also know the captor will inevitably become enthralled by his captive and they both will want to rage bang each other out of their system. So begins this steamy story about two people with vastly different values playing a game of cat and mouse. This is also a story about two different types of prisons, of archaic, misogynistic traditions, and a man who lives to uphold them. All of these things should not make for an enjoyable read for me and yet this was one of the hottest, dirtiest, and most captivating books I've read this year.
First, a warning: this is the equivalent of book crack. I began reading before bed and didn’t go to sleep until I finished in the wee hours. Even as I wax poetic I realize that It’s not a perfect book and I would have totally given this a pass had I not seen a tweet about it that made my ears perk up. It's an age gap romance Frankie is only eighteen which normally squeaks me out but this author has a gift. That gift is not making her eighteen-year-old heroine sound like a sophisticated thirty-year-old. She actually sounds and acts her age which gives the book an edgier taboo feel that I totally dug. Fausto is an Alphahole until he’s not. Oh, dear reader, I am trash for a good character arc and Fausto’s is a slow and glorious one. Little by little the author peels away a little itty bit of his many layers and we see a man who is as much a prisoner as Frankie. And did I mention this book is insanely HOT? Like a five-alarm fire hot. It’s all the daddy kink and then some. All of this gushing to say that this book has a delicious silver fox Alphahole hero with a slightly mushy center who is totally gone for the heroine and despite all his ranting and stomping he gives in to her every wish. There’s the aforementioned daddy kink and hot Italian dirty talk. The side characters are all fleshed out, the author’s voice is fresh and modern and it’s dual POV which I prefer. There is also graphic violence as is expected of a mafia romance which isn’t my jam. It’s not a huge part of the plot although it’s always simmering in the background. Also, it bears repeating that there’s dirty banging in every way you can imagine but not at the expense of the plot or the romantic tension.
If you’re curious about dark-ish mafia romance then I’d recommend this book for a start. I’m pretty new to the mafia/MC/dark-ish romance game and have a low tolerance for blood and gore. While there was blood and gore I found it easy to skim over it. My only quibble is that this addictive book ends in a huge cliffhanger and book 2 won’t be out until maybe December. Other than that this is a solid five-star read.
TW: homophobia, kidnapping, graphic depictions, and descriptions of violence. Triggers abound due to the subject matter. Proceed with caution.
Pre pandemic me: I will never read Mafia romance and I most definitely don’t care for daddy kink. Ew.
Pandemic me: PUT IT IN MY VEINS!
My old snooty dismissive self can take a hike because a mafia book with daddy kink is now one of my favorite books of the year.
Fausto “Il Diavolo” is THE mafia king and no one dares double-cross him unless they want to sleep with the fishes, har har. So when a fellow but less powerful Canadian mobster owes him a debt he repays it by giving Fausto his eldest daughter Frankie as a bride for his son, thus uniting the two families. Frankie has dreams of going away to college and finally living a normal life away from the suffocating constraints of being the daughter of a notorious mobster. So when she finds out she has to marry some dude she never met, she nopes on out of there and escapes. Experienced romance readers know that escaping heroines, no matter how plucky, never make it very far. They also know the captor will inevitably become enthralled by his captive and they both will want to rage bang each other out of their system. So begins this steamy story about two people with vastly different values playing a game of cat and mouse. This is also a story about two different types of prisons, of archaic, misogynistic traditions, and a man who lives to uphold them. All of these things should not make for an enjoyable read for me and yet this was one of the hottest, dirtiest, and most captivating books I've read this year.
First, a warning: this is the equivalent of book crack. I began reading before bed and didn’t go to sleep until I finished in the wee hours. Even as I wax poetic I realize that It’s not a perfect book and I would have totally given this a pass had I not seen a tweet about it that made my ears perk up. It's an age gap romance Frankie is only eighteen which normally squeaks me out but this author has a gift. That gift is not making her eighteen-year-old heroine sound like a sophisticated thirty-year-old. She actually sounds and acts her age which gives the book an edgier taboo feel that I totally dug. Fausto is an Alphahole until he’s not. Oh, dear reader, I am trash for a good character arc and Fausto’s is a slow and glorious one. Little by little the author peels away a little itty bit of his many layers and we see a man who is as much a prisoner as Frankie. And did I mention this book is insanely HOT? Like a five-alarm fire hot. It’s all the daddy kink and then some. All of this gushing to say that this book has a delicious silver fox Alphahole hero with a slightly mushy center who is totally gone for the heroine and despite all his ranting and stomping he gives in to her every wish. There’s the aforementioned daddy kink and hot Italian dirty talk. The side characters are all fleshed out, the author’s voice is fresh and modern and it’s dual POV which I prefer. There is also graphic violence as is expected of a mafia romance which isn’t my jam. It’s not a huge part of the plot although it’s always simmering in the background. Also, it bears repeating that there’s dirty banging in every way you can imagine but not at the expense of the plot or the romantic tension.
If you’re curious about dark-ish mafia romance then I’d recommend this book for a start. I’m pretty new to the mafia/MC/dark-ish romance game and have a low tolerance for blood and gore. While there was blood and gore I found it easy to skim over it. My only quibble is that this addictive book ends in a huge cliffhanger and book 2 won’t be out until maybe December. Other than that this is a solid five-star read.
TW: homophobia, kidnapping, graphic depictions, and descriptions of violence. Triggers abound due to the subject matter. Proceed with caution.
December 21, 2021
5 Addictive Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
So this reading was addictive. If you are willing to just go with the story, then you are in for a very delicious, smutty, mafia-themed tale.
It will grab you from the start and then even when you realize what is happening, the lengths this author goes to give the reader a couple that on paper makes no sense, the chemistry, the way each person is exactly what they need, you are convinced this is absolutely perfect.
If you want more details and a wonderful analysis that nails this perfectly, then read Meredith, the expert at evil scheming 's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I couldn't read this fast enough and cannot wait for the second part of this duet.
Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
My Pal Val, Got Me Interested...
Yes, I Have Been Warned It Is A Duet...
Yes, I Hate Cliffys...
But When Val Gives 5 STARS...
Then I Have To Jump In...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
So this reading was addictive. If you are willing to just go with the story, then you are in for a very delicious, smutty, mafia-themed tale.
It will grab you from the start and then even when you realize what is happening, the lengths this author goes to give the reader a couple that on paper makes no sense, the chemistry, the way each person is exactly what they need, you are convinced this is absolutely perfect.
If you want more details and a wonderful analysis that nails this perfectly, then read Meredith, the expert at evil scheming 's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I couldn't read this fast enough and cannot wait for the second part of this duet.
Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
My Pal Val, Got Me Interested...
Yes, I Have Been Warned It Is A Duet...
Yes, I Hate Cliffys...
But When Val Gives 5 STARS...
Then I Have To Jump In...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 23, 2023
1⭐️ for the stupid characters
3⭐️ because I’m here for all the drama and it reads like a telenovela hahahahaa
—-
Just found out that this author is Joanna Shupe's pen name holy shit 😭
*shoots straight up on my tbr*
She said in her newsletter she really wanted to write mafia, and I was thinking "Cool! Can't wait to see what she does with the genre" then she just casually drops that she already published 4 BOOKS UNDER A PEN NAME. WTF JOANNA.
3⭐️ because I’m here for all the drama and it reads like a telenovela hahahahaa
—-
Just found out that this author is Joanna Shupe's pen name holy shit 😭
*shoots straight up on my tbr*
She said in her newsletter she really wanted to write mafia, and I was thinking "Cool! Can't wait to see what she does with the genre" then she just casually drops that she already published 4 BOOKS UNDER A PEN NAME. WTF JOANNA.
August 18, 2022
Mafia Mistress was so entertaining and at times over the top but damn I enjoyed myself. It’s all because of Francesca and Fausto. He’s 21 years older and boss of a crime syndicate. He kidnaps her so she can marry his son Guilio. Things don’t go as planned. The chemistry and attraction between Francesca and Fausto was so good and hot. She might only be 18 but she’s mature and can easily hold her own. They try to fight their attraction but Fausto wants her and what he wants he gets.
The steam was superb and the alpha domineering side of Fausto worked great with the at times submissive Francesca but she also liked to push back and tease him. Great mix and dynamic between the two of them.
Her relationship with his son Guilio was interesting and one I enjoyed besides the main couple.
The story ends with a cliffhanger which I didn’t mind cause I was prepared. My only issue was the conflict and how it was handled towards the end. Only a minor thing and I’ll still continuing the series cause I’m fascinated with these characters.
Strong debut from Mila Finelli.
4 Entertaining Stars
The steam was superb and the alpha domineering side of Fausto worked great with the at times submissive Francesca but she also liked to push back and tease him. Great mix and dynamic between the two of them.
Her relationship with his son Guilio was interesting and one I enjoyed besides the main couple.
The story ends with a cliffhanger which I didn’t mind cause I was prepared. My only issue was the conflict and how it was handled towards the end. Only a minor thing and I’ll still continuing the series cause I’m fascinated with these characters.
Strong debut from Mila Finelli.
4 Entertaining Stars
October 5, 2021
I wouldn’t say this is a groundbreaking piece of literature, but I did just stay up until 5am unable to put it down, so…
Some parts were 5 stars and other parts were max 3 stars. Our heroine, Francesca, is objectively annoying. And I don’t blame her - she’s 18, but reading about an 18 year old acting her age isn’t necessarily enjoyable 🙃.
The dialogue was a little stiff and weird, but otherwise, I thought the writing was great. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. I loved the detailed descriptions of the Italian estate and all of the supporting characters. I could picture every scene like I was watching a movie.
I loved that our hero was actually a fucking asshole. In mafia romances, it’s not realistic to me when a notorious mafia boss is randomly a complete simp for the heroine from the jump. Like, if this man was actually that careless and dumb, he would have been shot dead years ago. I didn’t mind that Fausto was a total dick. It fit the story! And it was just one of his facets - he had so much presence and charisma. And their chemistry, bitch!!!!! The spice was 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
Some parts were 5 stars and other parts were max 3 stars. Our heroine, Francesca, is objectively annoying. And I don’t blame her - she’s 18, but reading about an 18 year old acting her age isn’t necessarily enjoyable 🙃.
The dialogue was a little stiff and weird, but otherwise, I thought the writing was great. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. I loved the detailed descriptions of the Italian estate and all of the supporting characters. I could picture every scene like I was watching a movie.
I loved that our hero was actually a fucking asshole. In mafia romances, it’s not realistic to me when a notorious mafia boss is randomly a complete simp for the heroine from the jump. Like, if this man was actually that careless and dumb, he would have been shot dead years ago. I didn’t mind that Fausto was a total dick. It fit the story! And it was just one of his facets - he had so much presence and charisma. And their chemistry, bitch!!!!! The spice was 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
February 3, 2022
Dnf @34%
I'm starting to lose faith in most of y'all cause this was very bad. The writing very wattpad and it's very fast paced(Mafia books aren't meant to be that fast paced in my opinion). I hated it. I couldn't take The Hero serious and and heroine was irritating. And y'all are saying the 2nd book was disappointing I can only imagine how bad it is cause this was not it.
Note to self: Stop taking recommendations from tik tok stick to your tbr Munsaka 😭
I'm starting to lose faith in most of y'all cause this was very bad. The writing very wattpad and it's very fast paced(Mafia books aren't meant to be that fast paced in my opinion). I hated it. I couldn't take The Hero serious and and heroine was irritating. And y'all are saying the 2nd book was disappointing I can only imagine how bad it is cause this was not it.
Note to self: Stop taking recommendations from tik tok stick to your tbr Munsaka 😭
July 29, 2023
featured video: i read three mafia romances and now i wish i was illiterate...
alternate title: creepy old man kidnaps and grooms an 18-year-old girl
this was not it.... misogynistic bad vibes.
Booktube | Instagram
alternate title: creepy old man kidnaps and grooms an 18-year-old girl
this was not it.... misogynistic bad vibes.
Booktube | Instagram
March 7, 2022
RTC
____________________________________
I’m sorry it look me so long to read this, I will never ever ever doubt my bestie Alexandra again okay! When I say favorite book of the year I mean it. I don’t know what is going to top this because this duet gave me everything I needed and more.
This story is follows Francesca who grew up in the life but wants nothing to do with it. Unfortunately for her though her father owes a very powerful Capo a debt & she ends up paying the price by having to marry his son. This is easily one of the best mafia/ enemies to lovers books I’ve read. Frankie & Paparino(daddy) have my whole heart.
Honestly from the jump of this book I was obsessed with the writing and hooked into the story. Frankie is such a feisty, strong, funny & badass FMC & Fausto is everything a mafia man should be. He’s controlling, dominant, traditional, calculating, cold & sexy as fuck. Please leave your feminism at the door for this one okay.
The chemistry between these two was literally so intense & I loved the way the author built their relationship going from really loathing each other to being intrigued & obsessed with one another. Can we talk about the Italian being thrown around? Fück that shit was so damn hot & daddy Fausto is a dirty talking king who loves to EAT ahkayyyy
This book does end on a cliffhanger & there is a plot twist that might make you wanna fight air but I promise it’s redeemed in book 2. Push through all the way to the end please. If you hate it I give you permission to be mad at me.
____________________________________
I’m sorry it look me so long to read this, I will never ever ever doubt my bestie Alexandra again okay! When I say favorite book of the year I mean it. I don’t know what is going to top this because this duet gave me everything I needed and more.
This story is follows Francesca who grew up in the life but wants nothing to do with it. Unfortunately for her though her father owes a very powerful Capo a debt & she ends up paying the price by having to marry his son. This is easily one of the best mafia/ enemies to lovers books I’ve read. Frankie & Paparino(daddy) have my whole heart.
Honestly from the jump of this book I was obsessed with the writing and hooked into the story. Frankie is such a feisty, strong, funny & badass FMC & Fausto is everything a mafia man should be. He’s controlling, dominant, traditional, calculating, cold & sexy as fuck. Please leave your feminism at the door for this one okay.
The chemistry between these two was literally so intense & I loved the way the author built their relationship going from really loathing each other to being intrigued & obsessed with one another. Can we talk about the Italian being thrown around? Fück that shit was so damn hot & daddy Fausto is a dirty talking king who loves to EAT ahkayyyy
This book does end on a cliffhanger & there is a plot twist that might make you wanna fight air but I promise it’s redeemed in book 2. Push through all the way to the end please. If you hate it I give you permission to be mad at me.
April 13, 2022
alexandra was right. (not that i ever doubted her, of course)
July 2, 2025
HOW COULD YOU BE SO CRUEL TO END A BOOK LIKE THAT
જ⁀➴pre - read👀₊˚⊹
I DON'T KNOW OKAY.
leave me alone, I have book trope cravings
જ⁀➴pre - read👀₊˚⊹
I DON'T KNOW OKAY.
leave me alone, I have book trope cravings
September 29, 2022
⭐️⭐️ two stars -
I’m torn on this review between one and two stars, but am settling on two since I must’ve liked it enough, because I did carry on to Book II, so there’s the second star for you 💁♀️
I honestly didn’t really read this in its entirety, and skipped huge chunks throughout the middle. Once it became clear to me that this was more of a dom/sub story, rather than a mafia story, my interest plummeted, and I skipped huge chunks of their uncomfortable sex life.
Uncomfortable for me because I had a huge problem getting over the fact that the heroine is a mere eighteen years old. I just couldn’t get over that plot point, as all kept picturing from our Hero was a dirty old man, so that just killed the “romance” and the sexy times died a swift death for me; and I skipped all of those after the first one or two. Too cringeworthy for me, and too high of an ick factor. If she had been portrayed as in her twenties, and possibly beyond college age, I probably would’ve been more on board with this, but she’s an eighteen yo baby, and I just couldn’t move past that 🤷♀️
Overall, it’s the characters I had the problem with. The writing is standard mafia romance, and reminded me of a Harlequin romance read - up until the dom/sub sex started happening anyway.
I was curious enough to see where this was going, and did pick up Book II, which is no better and no worse that this one.
Two stars. Would try this author again, am just hoping that her heroines can not be children.
Only recommend if you’re into dom/sub, mafia-esque, easy-reading Harlequin-type reads.
I’m torn on this review between one and two stars, but am settling on two since I must’ve liked it enough, because I did carry on to Book II, so there’s the second star for you 💁♀️
I honestly didn’t really read this in its entirety, and skipped huge chunks throughout the middle. Once it became clear to me that this was more of a dom/sub story, rather than a mafia story, my interest plummeted, and I skipped huge chunks of their uncomfortable sex life.
Uncomfortable for me because I had a huge problem getting over the fact that the heroine is a mere eighteen years old. I just couldn’t get over that plot point, as all kept picturing from our Hero was a dirty old man, so that just killed the “romance” and the sexy times died a swift death for me; and I skipped all of those after the first one or two. Too cringeworthy for me, and too high of an ick factor. If she had been portrayed as in her twenties, and possibly beyond college age, I probably would’ve been more on board with this, but she’s an eighteen yo baby, and I just couldn’t move past that 🤷♀️
Overall, it’s the characters I had the problem with. The writing is standard mafia romance, and reminded me of a Harlequin romance read - up until the dom/sub sex started happening anyway.
I was curious enough to see where this was going, and did pick up Book II, which is no better and no worse that this one.
Two stars. Would try this author again, am just hoping that her heroines can not be children.
Only recommend if you’re into dom/sub, mafia-esque, easy-reading Harlequin-type reads.
November 18, 2022
The blurb sets this one up… Francesca is a mafia princess sold off to marry Fausto’s son to cover a “lost shipment”. She resists and is carted off to Italy to await the nuptials… but her and the dad quickly figure out they have the hots for each other.
I think this is a Jac/the mood I’m in thing because most of my friends loved this one. My guess is your enjoyment will come down to how you feel about Francesca. She’s definitely spirited, but where most everyone found her feisty because she’s outspoken about her situation… I found her a smidge childish as she yelled I hate you and stamped around. 🤷♀️ I just couldn’t connect with her… she was raised in the life and knew what was expected of her, so I couldn’t understand her outrage.
I was also REALLY bored most of the first half of the book as nothing is really going on… except the yelling and the stomping. I can get behind a plot-lite/smut romance… but I need some smut… and that takes a long time to get going. Things do pick up, and I really enjoyed the last 40% or so, but I’d already mentally checked out a bit.
Bottom Line- Just ok for me. I gobbled it up towards the end but struggled to keep going at the start. It ends in a cliffy, but I’m going to call it here. I didn’t love Frankie and peeking at book 2’s reviews it looks like I’ll find her even more annoying, and I’m not interested in a whipped Fausto. It's free to try with KU and the audiobooks are on scribd.
I think this is a Jac/the mood I’m in thing because most of my friends loved this one. My guess is your enjoyment will come down to how you feel about Francesca. She’s definitely spirited, but where most everyone found her feisty because she’s outspoken about her situation… I found her a smidge childish as she yelled I hate you and stamped around. 🤷♀️ I just couldn’t connect with her… she was raised in the life and knew what was expected of her, so I couldn’t understand her outrage.
I was also REALLY bored most of the first half of the book as nothing is really going on… except the yelling and the stomping. I can get behind a plot-lite/smut romance… but I need some smut… and that takes a long time to get going. Things do pick up, and I really enjoyed the last 40% or so, but I’d already mentally checked out a bit.
Bottom Line- Just ok for me. I gobbled it up towards the end but struggled to keep going at the start. It ends in a cliffy, but I’m going to call it here. I didn’t love Frankie and peeking at book 2’s reviews it looks like I’ll find her even more annoying, and I’m not interested in a whipped Fausto. It's free to try with KU and the audiobooks are on scribd.
March 18, 2022
Enjoyable!! Reminds me of some of the oldies mafia books I read years ago and loved!
dnf
December 21, 2021DNF@47% I really tried with this one since so many have loved it but I don't like the writing and I find the h immature. Also, I don't like the fact that since the h isn't a virgin she's only good enough to be a Mistress.
June 28, 2022
I’m so disappointed and frankly the age gap made me really uncomfortable. (She’s 18 and he is 40)
Both covers are absolutely gorgeous tho
Both covers are absolutely gorgeous tho
January 17, 2022
This book was highly recommended to me and it didn’t disappoint. This is about Francesca, an Italian mafia daughter in Toronto who gets married off to the son of one of the scariest mafia capos in Italy. She always thought she was going to have a chance to get an education first, so she is very against this. When she gets taken to Italy she realizes that her betrothed is actually kind and someone she could get along with, but they would never be right for each other for some reasons i don’t wanna spoil. They form a friendship, but it is clear that the father of her betrothed- Fausto- is who she has deep chemistry with. They are passionate and fiery together but Fausto is mean and cruel. They were fantastic with each other, but Fausto is truly an old fashioned Italian. He deserves a kick in the head so many times, i think this will get extra good in the next book when he learns his lessons about how his principles got in the way of him being with the love of his life. Very sexy! I’m excited to see how their story ends
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