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Fractured Ever Afters #3

The Beauty in Scars

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Life isn’t always just good and evil, like stories depict. For Isabelle Dupont, scarred and timid, fiction is her only escape. After living a sheltered life, hidden from society, she’s thrown into a world only found in her books—the mafia. Dragged in with a lie and trapped by the capo, Isabelle learns there’s more to her life than what she was led to believe.

Rafael Corsetti finds himself wanting to protect the woman with strange scars and an even stranger history. She could be the key to ensuring his family’s safety and finding their enemy. Even as facts unfold and Isabelle’s hatred for him grows, Rafael wants her for himself. In the end, beauty doesn’t always want the beast.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2023

40 people are currently reading
455 people want to read

About the author

M.L. Philpitt

36 books375 followers
USA Today Bestselling author M.L. Philpitt writes both dark romance and paranormal romance. When she’s not writing made-up realities, she’s reading them. She lives in Canada with her four pets and survives life with coffee and an obsession with fictional characters, especially the morally grey kind. By day, she masks as a therapist, and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter so she can be sorted into her Ravenclaw house.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for elara.
231 reviews14 followers
May 7, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 4.5 ☆ ꒱

PUSSY EATERS 🔛🔝
Profile Image for ERICA LANGENFELD.
314 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2023
I loved this! I have read all three of the Fractured Ever After books, and this might be my favorite…and I really liked Nico&Della and Aurora & Rosen.

Rafael & Isabelle meet because of a tragedy, and he immediately offers her protection against something she didn’t even know she had to fear. Overnight, her life is turned upside down and she’s given a chance to experience life in a different way.
Rafael is a strong MMC. He’s protective and doesn’t mess around when it comes to things he wants or people he loves. He was nothing but loyal to Isabelle from the beginning, despite not knowing her at all. Isabelle is the type of FMC you want in a book because of the amount of growth you see in her. She starts out meek & timid, hidden from the world with no major life experiences despite accomplishing a lot for her age. The character arc for both of our MC’s is well written and happens smoothly and over the course of the book…which I guess is really only like a week but hey! It’s a book. I liked how characters from the other books are still present. The twist at the end was something I wasn’t expecting and I LOVE when I don’t see a twist coming. Something I noticed about this one in particular is how many Beauty & the Beast references there are..such as names of minor characters. I didn’t notice this in the other two, but I’m 100% going to be paying closer attention when I reread. The steam level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, which is probably why many pick this book up in the first place. My only issue with the entire book was some of the dialogue, but it didn’t bother me that much.

Looking forward to Flynn & Rozelyn’s book, mostly because I’m super interested to learn more about Rozelyn when she’s essentially been a “villain/wicked stepsister”throughout this series.

Thanks to the author & Next Step PR for the ARC!
Profile Image for Liz.
2,127 reviews15 followers
May 7, 2023
Isabelle DuPont lives life vicariously through the pages of her books. She’s grown up home schooled and sheltered from the outside world by her overly protective father. Even her job is in a library where she has very little interaction with people unless necessary. Until the night Rafael Corsetti shows up on her doorstep to tell her that her father is dead.

This was definitely my favourite book in the series so far. Rafe and Isabelle’s story in The Beauty in Scars was filled with so much pain and emotion as Belle learned of her fathers death and broke down. Rafe was instantly drawn to protect the fragile woman even as he tried to uncover anything she might unwittingly know about the threat to his family. There was serious palpable chemistry between them and the air sizzled as he made her read aloud passages from the PNR erotica she seemed to favour and when he found out she shared his voyeuristic tendencies, well all bets were off! I loved the background story involving the mystery of who she really was and the lengths her father had gone to, to keep them hidden and the explanation opens up a whole new can of worms for the Corsettis. I can’t wait for the next book to find out what will happen next in this fantastic series.

This is the third book in the Fractured Ever After series of stand-alone books. I would however recommend reading these books in order of release for the underlying story that arcs across the series .
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 8, 2023
THE BEAUTY IN SCARS by M.L. PHILPITT is book Three in the Fractured Ever Afters Series. This is the story of Isabelle Dupont and Rafael Corsetti. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this book. Isabelle lives a very protective life due to past issue that leads her father to be very protective of her. Isabelle does work at a library and lives through her fictional books in her apartment. One day though someone knocks at her door. There she finds Rafael who comes to inform her of her father's death. Rafael feels a connection to Isabelle and sets out to keep her safe while learning her secrets. Enjoyed this book and loving the series.

Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,932 reviews49 followers
May 11, 2023
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

I love this Fractured Ever Afters series with the Corsetti mafia family and all their ups and downs. This book looks at Rafael, the third son and capo, and Isabelle. Belle was an unknown entity to the Corsetti family until the end of book two, The Craving in Slumber, where Maurice, Belle’s father revealed her existence before he was shot and couldn’t add any more details.

It’s up to Rafael to protect Isabelle as well as discover anything she might know about her background. Good luck with that Raf! 😳 Bit by bit more information is revealed, tantalizing readers to the max, 😁 mind you not necessarily from Belle, though. When the information really starts to unfold it literally blows your mind and I love the big twist. Now, that I didn’t see coming, but it really is fantastic and adds such an interesting element.

The romance between Rafael and Isabelle isn’t ‘love-at-first-sight’ but it’s not quite enemies to lovers either—but very, very close! They can’t deny the chemistry they have but I definitely admire Rafael’s self-control when they do decide to step up into a physical relationship. Trust is something that is still a huge element that’s a bit iffy but I feel for Rafael because it’s not necessarily all his fault. The whole "Beauty and the Beast" vibes are very prominent in a modern setting and with a slightly different take on things, very cleverly done too.

I truly enjoyed the action and drama in this story, and there were loads of it throughout the book. It certainly made for an exciting read and one where, at times, I was sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would unfold. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book about Flynn, who is so intriguing, and Rozelyn, who so far has not been very endearing. Bring it on!

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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Profile Image for Karina.
126 reviews18 followers
May 9, 2023
5+⭐️
I am thoroughly and absolutely in love this series! And particularly with this book! Beauty and the Beast retelling, mafia style, yes please!

This one follows the youngest of the Corsetti brothers, Rafael, and introduces a new FMC, Isabelle. It will also set the tone for what’s to come in the next books.

I truly loved Isabelle. I usually have a hard time with innocent vīrgīń FMCs because they’re… well innocent 😬 but ML Philpitt has written her in a way that makes her relatable and that will also make you connect with her.

And then there’s Rafael Corsetti… #swoon🫠 that man is top tier book husband material ladies! He is kind, but dåńgērous, sweet, but dømīnånt. Oh, and he owns a sēx clūb 😉😏

This book is fūckīng glorious! It’s hot, it’s spicy, so romantic, angsty and suspenseful. I could go on and on telling you about how amazing it is, but it’s better if you pick it up and just read it 😉

𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🌹Retellings
🌹Vīrgīń FMC
🌹 Mafīå romance
🌹 Voyēūr / exhībitiōnist
🌹 He falls first
🌹 One bed
🌹 Førced proximity
🌹 Touch her and dīē

Spice 🌋🌋
Action ⚔️⚔️⚔️🗡️
Emotional damage 💧💧

🚨As usual check your triggers before reading 🚨

𝘈 𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘓 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘗𝘙 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
Profile Image for booknotez.
227 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2023
Isabella & Rafael

Isabella’s life is going on as ‘her’ normal. Working at the library she has her own apartment and her loving father who she meets up with for dinners. One day Rafael knocks on Isabella’s door and her world turns upside down. Isabella learns things about her fathers life that she wasn’t aware of and the dangers it has put her in. Rafael is there to protect her but is that all there is to it????

Isabella & Rafael go very well together. It’s like they’re meant to be together and their scenes are quite hot as Rafael introduces Isabella to a new world.

Not wanting to give any spoilers but I found it very cute when Rafael wanted to hear Isabella read and he always caught her at the hot scenes.

2,298 reviews91 followers
May 9, 2023

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
I love this Fractured Ever Afters series with the Corsetti mafia family and all their ups and downs. This book looks at Rafael, the third son and capo, and Isabelle. Belle was an unknown entity to the Corsetti family until the end of book two, The Craving in Slumber, where Maurice, Belle’s father revealed her existence before he was shot and couldn’t add any more details.

It’s up to Rafael to protect Isabelle as well as discover anything she might know about her background. Good luck with that Raf! 😳 Bit by bit more information is revealed, tantalising readers to the max, 😁 mind you not necessarily from Belle, though. When the information really starts to unfold it literally blows your mind and I love the big twist. Now, that I didn’t see coming, but it really is fantastic and adds such an interesting element.

The romance between Rafael and Isabelle isn’t ‘love-at-first-sight’ but it’s not quite enemies to lovers either—but very, very close! They can’t deny the chemistry they have but I definitely admire Rafael’s self control when they do decide to step up into a physical relationship. Trust is something that is still a huge element that’s a bit iffy but I feel for Rafael because it’s not necessarily all his fault. The whole ‘Beauty and the Beast’ vibes are very prominent in a modern setting and with a slightly different take on things, very cleverly done too.

I truly enjoyed the action and drama in this story, and there were loads of it throughout the book. It certainly made for an exciting read and one where, at times, I was sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would unfold. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book about Flynn, who is so intriguing, and Rozelyn, who so far has not been very endearing. Bring it on!
Profile Image for Castalia.
360 reviews32 followers
May 26, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5 and 🌶🌶.5/5

The Beauty In Scars is book 3 in the Fractured Ever After series, and while you could read this as a standalone, I do recommend reading The Hunt In Elusion and The Craving In Slumber so you get the full picture and subplots.

I have to say, while I really love Nico & Della, and Rosen & Aurora…. I LOVE Isabelle and Rafael. Beauty and the Beast with Mafia? YES PLEASE.

I always knew I like Rafael from book 1, but I wasn’t prepared for how much I would end up loving him. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥? 𝘏𝘶𝘴-𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘶𝘴-𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥? 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝙍𝙖𝙛𝙖𝙚𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞. His alpha possessive secret cinnamon roll self is perfection. That dirty mouth too…😮‍💨😮‍💨🫠.

Full stop - Isabelle, Belle is my favorite FMC of the series so far. She was so sheltered her entire life and a true bookworm. I totally related to her whole “is this real life?” mind set that so many of us would have too. Like we all know even today there are real life mafia’s and what not - and if I suddenly found myself pulled into them I would absolutely be like “is this real life?”

Listen I am not spoiling anything at all. I loved this and I definitely recommend this book and series! This is an angsty spicy slow burn with all of our favorite tropes.

❤️‍🔥Retelling
❤️‍🔥Mafia
❤️‍🔥Voyeur
❤️‍🔥Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥One Bed
❤️‍🔥Touch her and 🔪
❤️‍🔥Virgin FMC

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘗𝘙 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔.𝘓. 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
Profile Image for Kirsten | Bookish.kir.
696 reviews334 followers
May 9, 2023
* Mafia
* Forced Prox/One Bed
* Exhibitionism/voyeurism
* Virgin
* Beauty and the beast themes
* Touch her and die vibes
 
Isabelle “Belle” is a shy and sheltered bookworm living a pretty simply life. She goes to work at the library, reads when she gets home, has no friends and really only communications with her father. But then tragedy strikes and Rafael Corsetti comes knocking. He is tasked with gaining whatever information he can from Isabelle, but he soon realizes she has no clue of the dangers that surround her. Isabelle’s quiet life is about to be flipped on its axis.

This is the third book in the Fractured Ever Afters series and it is recommended that you read the other two books prior to this one as there is an overlapping plot that will be wrapped up in book 4.
 
I absolutely loved Rafael and Isabelle together, they might just be my favorite couple. Rafael is literally Isabelle’s book boyfriend come to life. He is protective, caring, gentle and helps her to push her boundaries and explore her fantasies. This book is spicy, spicier than the other two in my opinion. Those reading scenes…oof🥵.
I really enjoyed watching Isabelle’s character grow, even though the story takes place in a short amount of time she quickly went from fearful and shy to being able to embrace all of the changes and new information that has been thrown at her. 
 
This series just keeps getting better and better and even though it means the end is near, I am so excited for the fourth and final book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
110 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2023
Oh my, I love my fairy tales, and ML Phipitt has done it again. This has sucked me in from the first page. This is a standalone but better enjoy when read in the series as there is an underlying story.
Raf and Belle might be my favourite in this series so far. I have no words to describe how good this series is
Profile Image for cloudy.
607 reviews87 followers
May 10, 2023
“maybe one day you can read to me.”

there are hundreds of mafia books that are retellings of beauty and the beast, and then there's this story, which is the most true rendition of the old fairytale classic; not the disney version, but rather something more fitting of the brothers grimm's collection. this was a nod, a love letter to readers and mafia lovers alike. it elevated the library scene from the movie to a whole new level, if you know you know. albeit not as good as the previous book, at least in my opinion, the author continues to grow alongside the expansion of this universe and feels more secure in the mafia elements. i can't wait for the next book, the couple had my full attention in their very short appearance, and the confirmation that they're next made me giddy.
Profile Image for Tessabelle's Book Obsession .
106 reviews26 followers
May 11, 2023
Where do I start. We all know I am an absolute sucker for any dark fairy tale retelling, but when it is based around Beauty and the Beast how can I say no!

This is the third instalment in the Fractured Ever after Series and the Second of M.L Philpit's books I've devoured.

There are not enough words in any language to encapsulate how much I enjoyed this book. Filled with The Mafia , Dark Romance, FMC Growth, a strong MMC and loads of spicy smut, where can you go wrong!?!?
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
925 reviews42 followers
May 28, 2023
The Beauty In Scars - Fractured Ever Afters #3 - Review

Couple: Isabelle Dupont & Rafael Corsetti

Author: M.L. Phipitt

Tropes: dark romance, Mafia romance, innocent heroine, spicy reads, opposites attract, frenemy to lover, romantic suspense, Modern Beauty & the Beast retelling

Review: A modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a dark mafia twist. ML Philpitt does it again with her new book in the Corsetti crime world. The book is dual POV and first person.
 
Rafael and Isabelle are IT. While book 1 is still my favorite, I appreciated this book since it dealt with areas of the crime world that dealt with more feelings. Isabelle is a young woman who has her life turned upside down and begins to realize how little she know about her father and their past. When she meets Rafe we immediately see the tension spark between the two that begins the cascade of events between them.
 
Rafe on the other hand is the youngest Corsetti brother and Capo of their family. I really enjoyed his character and development since we see the progression of his feelings for Isabelle. His antagonistic yet protective ways were also parts that I really loved reading since in prior books we see it but never really get much from him. His more carefree demeanor drew me in more since it was not the norm for tropes in this genre and I fell in love with his desire to protect Isabelle.
 
This is book is more slow-burn than the prior books and really takes the time to build up the tension and trust between the two. This just makes Rafe’s deception that much worse when Isabelle finds out the secrets he keeps from her.
 
Ultimately the book deals with the arc of Isabelle’s father’s secret life. As the book unfolds, we learn many secrets about her family and learn about so many deceptions in regards to Dela’s “father” and his goals for the Corsetti’s. This book heats up the plot a TON and sets the stage for the final few books in the series and the epic finale I expect we will see!

Rating: 9/10, Rafe was an unexpected surprise

#TheBeautyInScarsRelease #MLPhilpitt #TheBeautyInScars #FracturedEverAftersSeries #BookThree #DarkRomance #MafiaRomance #FairytaleReimagining #BeautyAndTheBeastReimagining #OppositesAttract #KindleUnlimited #OneBedTrope #TheNextStepPR #mafiaromancebook #mafiaromancelover #mafiaromanceread #mafiaromancewriter #darkromancebooks #darkromancereads #darkromancereader #darkromanceauthors #darkromanceseries #darkromancewriter #darkromanceaddict #BookWormProblems #Bibliophile #BooksAndCoffee #IdRatherBeReading
Profile Image for Laura.
386 reviews24 followers
June 27, 2023
“Give me a chance and I’ll show you how beastly I can be, Belle.”

Isabelle never expected to have her life flipped upside down and fall into her own page turner of a story. But, finding out your father is now dead and hiding a life of working for the mafia, a notorious family at that…well that’s gonna be a shock you didn’t see coming.

And, now coming face to face with her very own anti book hero and all round dark mafiaasss Rafael, who of course is just oozing with sex appeal and awakening her book fantasies, Isabelle is struggling to come to terms with everything that is happening to her.

But one thing is for sure, Isabelle is about to become the leading strong female and push herself further than she ever dreamed possible. With a threat creeping closer though, can she really trust the Corsetti family?

I’ll hate him. I should. Rafael Corsetti has brought nothing but pain to my life since the moment he entered it, and yet, he’s also made me happier than I’ve ever been. And I’m not ready for that to end.

Can she believe that Rafael can look past her scars, her fathers actions and make her feel safe to experience everything and more than what she has only read?

I might be a dick. But I’m not a villain.

I love this series and it keeps on getting better with each book!

I think every booklover is going to fall deep for Rafael, I know I certainly did! De Falco may be hiding away but he is still causing trouble for the Corsetti family and just when they think a secret is uncovered…another is already set in motion that they didn’t see coming. I’m loving this ongoing storyline, it keeps everything and every character moving, you get to see the different family bonds as they grow too.

Isabelle was a new character and a brilliant addition, her father was the connection and she was kept in secret. With a hidden past, an innocence surrounding her and a personality that shines, I thought she was the perfect woman for Rafael and coming into this family.

I love the emotions that pour through these pages, its a quick thrown together pair and you can feel the connection they have towards each other-but it’s not all plain sailing and a few thorns are digging in even when they are close to each other.

There’s a slight cross into the next book, but it’s done well with clues where it could lead to and what might be happening…It’s gonna be amazing and well…eventful to say the least.

They say the dead men tell no lies…but what if they reveal something on their last breath?

“What are the lines anymore?”

“They’re what we make them.”



Profile Image for Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois.
Author 4 books58 followers
September 30, 2023
Rafael & Isabelle: Such an Awesome Beauty and the Beast Retelling! - 5 Stars!

Another masterpiece from author M.L. Philpitt! This is one of the best retelling versions of Beauty and the Beast that I have ever read!

The story begins with promiscuous, bad-boy, sex club owner Rafael, the youngest Capo of the Corsetti family sons. After finding out that one of his murdered soldiers has a daughter the Family never knew about, Rafael is tasked with keeping her safe in order to track down her father's murderer. Thus, leading them to their nemesis, Stefan de Falco.

Rafael is instantly attracted and intrigued by the feisty, yet introverted Kindle-loving librarian, named Isabelle. Especially, the marked scars marring her beautiful face. Polar opposites, these two are drawn together as they try to unravel the mystery of Isabelle's origin and more secrets that her deceased father may have kept concerning her true identity.

I absolutely loved their story. Even though Isabelle was not as experienced as Rafael at life and interests, he never made fun of her or tried to change her. He encouraged and adored her individuality. Oy, I loved the way her referred to her as Ma Belle for the entire book! *swoon* Rafael is definitely my favorite of the Corsetti Brothers! He was so attentive to Belle and her needs... especially her comfort during her "first time". Every woman deserves the full "Rafael Experience" for her first time! The spicy between these two was everything!!!

Again... please check out the rest of the FRACTURED EVER AFTERS series! This author has a special gift with writing retellings. I can't wait to read the rest!
Profile Image for Jane | Shelf in Bloom♥.
603 reviews19 followers
May 11, 2023
The Beauty in Scars is the third book of M.L. Philpitt's Fractured Ever Afters series. This dark mafia romance retelling of The Beauty and the Beast focuses on the story between Rafael and Isabelle.

Rafael is a Corsetti, a member of a powerful mafia family in the underworld of Montreal. Rafael finds himself in a bit of a predicament when one of the family's soldiers is unexpectedly murdered. Rafael discovers the soldier has a daughter and has sworn to protect the fallen soldier's daughter. He was fully expected to protect a child, not a grown woman who is shockingly beautiful and hits all sorts of feelings and nerves he never knew existed.

Isabelle is a shy and naive young woman who spent most of her life reading and fantasizing about the world's wonders. For unknown reasons, Isabellel's father kept her hidden from the world, barely allowing her to go out publicly and ensuring she was home-schooled all her life. After the unexpected death of her father, she finds herself thrown into the world of the mafia when Rafael Corsetti knocks at her front door, telling her she's in danger.

Rafael was everything I wanted him to be; Alfa-hero, morally grey, dominating, warm, and loving.

"I have seen you. And I'm seeing you now. You're fu--ing gorgeous, Isabelle. And if you still don't believe me, I'll tie you to this bed and keep you here until you do. Don't test me."

Profile Image for Alaine McDaniel.
688 reviews27 followers
May 12, 2023
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Oh my gosh, you guys! This is probably the BEST Disney retelling I’ve read. ML Philpitt has out done herself with this Beauty and the Beast retelling. It is action packed from the very beginning and doesn’t let up, even at the end…there’s so much more to the story. While it *can* be read as a stand-alone, I implore you to read the Hunt in Elusion and the Craving in Slumber first. There are layers on top of layers of the overarching plot that you’re not going to want to miss. Let’s dive in, shall we?

We’ve got our Beast, Rafael, the youngest brother and capo of the Corsetti mafia family of Montreal. After one of his soldiers pleads for protection of his daughter as his dying wish, a daughter the family knew nothing about, Raf goes on a search for this girl. What he finds is not what he’s expecting, but he goes to great lengths to keep her safe.

Our beauty, Isabelle, is a bookworm through and through. She’s been isolated and hidden from the world her entire life, so her escapism is through books. When the mafia beast comes to deliver life altering news, she finds herself in a mafia romance novel of her own. When secrets her dad has been keeping her whole life start coming to light, her past starts coming back for her, and she seems to be a lot more closely related to the issues the Corsettis have been dealing with.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,216 reviews73 followers
May 9, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Isabella is a girl who loves books. It is her escape because she is scarred and timid. Books are her only escape in life since she has lived a very sheltered life hidden away from society she now finds herself thrown into the world of the mafia. An organization she has only ever read about in books. She is about to learn a lot more than she ever imagined because she is trapped with the capo. Rafael Corsetti finds himself drawn to and wanting to protect Isabella. She has some really strange scars and an even stranger history. She just might be the key to ensure his family's safety while finding their enemy. Isabella though can't stand him and it quickly turns to hate as the facts unfold and not in her favor. He might want her for himself and show her that there is way more to live than what she thought. But can she overcome her hatred and let him in?
You have to read to find out. This book hooks you from the first pages and you will not put it down. I loved everything about this book and it is certainly my favorite in the series so far.
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
852 reviews15 followers
May 12, 2023
I loved Rafael & Isabella's story. They meet under tragic circumstances. Rafael is mesmerized by Isabella(Bella) and wonders about the mysteries of the scars on her face. He takes Bella under his wing as her life is in danger. But she can't believe this is real and thinks Rafael is saying this to keep her captive. Isabella works in the library, and this involves Rafael staying with her as protection during the day scaring off any would-be admirers. Rafael needs to find out if Isabella knows anything about what her father was hiding and what she knows. Will Isabella ever be free of needing protection or will her life be in constant danger and will the Corsetti family be able to find who is after Isabella?
I received an arc for my honest voluntary review for NNBB. If you love a fast-paced mafia romance with lots of twists and turns you will love this book. M.L. keeps you turning the pages until the very end. Although this is Book Three in the Fractured Ever Afters series it is possible to be read as a stand-alone. However, if you want to find out the backstories of some of the family members it's best to read the previous two books in the series first.
Profile Image for Smuttybooks_geekystuff.
707 reviews46 followers
May 11, 2023
The Beauty in Scars has instantly become my favourite story in this series so far.

Isabelle's life is turned upside down when Rafael turns up at her door, offering her protection from a danger she knows nothing about.

I really like Isabelle.
The scarred bookworm that lives her safe life is shoved into the mafia world she's only read about before.

Rafael is dangerous and dominant but also sweet and protective when it comes to Isabelle.

Of course, our bookworm is smut-lover, which provides some very interesting reading scenes between the two of them 😉

I love the Beauty and the Beast references sprinkled in this story, like character names or lines from the Disney movie.
I definitely noticed more in this one than the previous two books (time for a re-read, maybe 😏)

Flynn and Rozelyn's book is next, and I can't wait!
I'm even more intrigued after the little bits we get to see of them in this one.

As this series has a storyline that continues throughout, they do need to be read in order 🖤
2,038 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2023
This is the 3rd story in the Fractured Ever Afters Series and in this one we get to discover how Rafael is put in a tragic situation with one of his men only to find more unknowns he thought possible. Isabella has lived a sheltered life and was recently allowed to live on her. Her world gets turned upside down with the visit from Rafael and his news about her father, who is was and what he really did for work. Rafael becomes her protector and his interest in Isabella is one he’s looking forward to discovering. Rafael’s job is one he’s perfected over the years and those who know him are looking for trouble when they go after him and those he cares about. As these two get to know one another Isabella believes Rafael is a beast and he sees her as a beautiful naïve woman even with her unique scars. Rafael is a man who will do what s necessary to get the answers his family needs to get those who after them and with Rafael and Isabella becoming involved the stakes are high! The twist is delivering perfectly and is definitely not seen coming.

Profile Image for Sheewhoreads .
210 reviews16 followers
May 11, 2023
Thank you author and the next step pr for providing me with an eARC copy of this book.

“She’s intriguing in every boring way she shouldn’t be.”

This book was phenomenal!! One of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I loved the writing style and the storytelling it was amazing! I’d definitely read more books from this author.

Rafael and Isabelle have my heart i loved them so much. I’m so happy that they finally gave in to each other’s feelings it was wholesome to see them together. I loved their character and the character development was amazing. What happened to Isabelle broke my heart and I’m glad she has Rafael to keep her sane.

I highly recommend this book, this book can be read as a standalone but for your enjoyment read the first books.

✨My Rating✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

📚Type Of Book📚
✨Interconnected Standalone✨

✨Tropes✨
- Mafia Romance🔥
- Opposite Attracts🔥
- Forced Proximity🔥
- Obsessed With Her🔥
- Possessive MMC🔥
- Touch Her And Die🔥

✨Kinks✨
- Voyeurism🔥
- Exhibitionsim🔥
- Light Degradation Kink🔥
- Good Girl Kink🔥
- Reading Kink🔥

✨Trigger Warnings✨
- Kidnapping⚠️
- Death & Parental Death⚠️
- Murder⚠️
- Physical Violence⚠️
- Depictions Of Grief⚠️
- Betrayal⚠️
Profile Image for Freyja's Athenaeum.
107 reviews
May 16, 2023
M.L. Philpitt does it again! The Beauty in Scars is the third book in the Fractured Ever After Series, and after each book my love for this series just grows stronger.

Just when you think you have read your favorite book in the series, M.L. hits you with another amazing dark retelling of a favorite fairytale. Beauty and the Beast vibes from the beginning and it's spectacular!

I enjoyed so much the story of Rafael and Isabelle, and can I just say that I am loving that Isabelle is a fellow bookworm. Although The Beauty in Scars can be read as a standalone, you will get a much more fulfilling experience if you read The Hunt in Elusion and The Craving in Slumber first, because they build on the immersive, complicated, and utterly addictive Corsetti mafia empire.

I have enjoyed every book in this series, each one a little more than the last and The Beauty in Scars does not disappoint. M.L. Philpitt is an auto buy author for me, I can't wait for the next one!
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