kendallsbookss's review
2.0
i don’t even know how to start this review.
i was excited for this book, but it didn’t really live up to my expectations.
this is suppose to be princess diaries meets mafia but i honestly didn’t get those vibes.
the majority of the book takes place in one location, which was pretty boring, and mundane.
now i enjoy smutty romances, don’t get me wrong, but 3-4 chapters of it is just a little repetitive tbh. esp when some of it was so random.
there’s also no chemistry or tension between the two characters. when i say insta-love, i mean insta-love. the inner monologues of the main characters kept talking about enemies, but they kissed the very first time they Actually met. they were never enemies. the relationship moved so quickly that i never once was rooting for, or seeing a reason as to why these characters should be together.
the male main character had absolutely no personality. i found myself rooting for the side characters instead at multiple points. our fmc had more chemistry with them then she did with the love interest!
the only time we get to see them together, or acting as a couple is when they are having sex. we never got to see them get to know each other, or actually fall for each other. it was literally sex, sex, boom in love.
for this book to only have 294 pages, it dragggged. the pacing was so odd. this is a large piece of mundane information and setting with a short burst of actual action. it had a weird usage of capitalization, with the added affects of ‘SMACK!’ being featured that really made me cringe.
the epilogue was weird. it should have been included in the actual book as a chapter, considering that was the entire plot of the book. i think putting a plot twist like that at the end, after an epilogue, was weird as well.
overall, this book felt very cliche to me. it read like a culmination of tropes & scenes added that didn’t make sense. it honestly felt like a fever dream.
i was excited for this book, but it didn’t really live up to my expectations.
this is suppose to be princess diaries meets mafia but i honestly didn’t get those vibes.
the majority of the book takes place in one location, which was pretty boring, and mundane.
now i enjoy smutty romances, don’t get me wrong, but 3-4 chapters of it is just a little repetitive tbh. esp when some of it was so random.
there’s also no chemistry or tension between the two characters. when i say insta-love, i mean insta-love. the inner monologues of the main characters kept talking about enemies, but they kissed the very first time they Actually met. they were never enemies. the relationship moved so quickly that i never once was rooting for, or seeing a reason as to why these characters should be together.
the male main character had absolutely no personality. i found myself rooting for the side characters instead at multiple points. our fmc had more chemistry with them then she did with the love interest!
the only time we get to see them together, or acting as a couple is when they are having sex. we never got to see them get to know each other, or actually fall for each other. it was literally sex, sex, boom in love.
for this book to only have 294 pages, it dragggged. the pacing was so odd. this is a large piece of mundane information and setting with a short burst of actual action. it had a weird usage of capitalization, with the added affects of ‘SMACK!’ being featured that really made me cringe.
the epilogue was weird. it should have been included in the actual book as a chapter, considering that was the entire plot of the book. i think putting a plot twist like that at the end, after an epilogue, was weird as well.
overall, this book felt very cliche to me. it read like a culmination of tropes & scenes added that didn’t make sense. it honestly felt like a fever dream.
yeonnie's review
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
unfortunately i did not enjoy this novel. from the writing to the pacing to even the characters, this was a hard read (i am so very sorry). i ended up kinda just skimming through after actually reading about 20%. it just felt like someone wanted to write a “dark smutty mafia romance with an enemies to lovers trope and lots & lots of cussing to up the steam” and didn’t really plan it thoroughly.
Spoiler
i’m going to be brutally blunt. writing is terrible if i’m being honest. like you can tell this is an early work by the author. pacing is all over the place as well — they have sex during their second encounter?? and he’s crazy obsessive over her hella fast like i understand it i mean we all love a morally grey obsessive man but holy shit this was like “i seen her once and my cock got so hard i want her so bad nobody else should even be able to look at her” type timing and i am not with it! and then with anya, she knew this man was out to get her yet after the second time coming face to face with him she was all like “holy fuck i want this man so bad i can’t stop thinking about him” ??? i mean i guess that’s what good dick does to you… but c’mon girl he literally wanted you dead… honestly i would have excused this if the writing was better, with a larger range of vocabulary; i say it’s not very good because of the lack thereof. reading this made me feel like a middle schooler wrote it. everything was super direct and even the dabs of sarcasm here and there did not amuse me. as for the characters; everyone was just super bland. now i don’t mind the supports being boring but both the mcs??? anya had no personality of her own, no development no nothing, her past & trauma were never really talked about (which i think is super important with a plot like this), and nico was thirsting over the girl - seemingly - every paragraph. it would have made more sense had they been fuck buddies and nothing more. i’m really sad about this because i had such high hopes for this book. however i really do see the potential and i have no doubt all the critique i have on this book can be improved. overall just seemed like inexperienced writing which is okay!one star for bad writing, weird pacing, and unlikeable characters ★
mafia / enemies to lovers / insta-lust / heiress fl / mafia leader ml / complicated family
dodothebookbitch's review
4.0
great beginner mafia book! very spicy and had a very interesting story. looking forward to the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, and Gun violence
bookaddictada's review
5.0
I stumbled upon this book through my TikTok as I was mindlessly scrolling through it as one should. However, my friend dmed this blurb, and automatically I was intrigued. Who would NOT get excited about mafia x Princess Diaries? When I got the notification that I was able to get an ARC of this I was BEYOND excited. Let me tell you, this definitely lived up to the hype. I legit did not put it down unless I had to eat, drink, or sleep not even kidding and here I am writing a review at 1:30 am. If I could give this book 10 stars I would but sadly Goodreads only allows 5 so we'll settle with that.
I loved everything in this book, from the characters, the pacing, and the SMUT?! The smut was so immaculate I needed to have a water bottle next to me at all times while reading. In the media, Asian women aren't seen as badass or just cool but in this book it was EVERYTHING. Natalie is the baddest bitch and she does it with grace as she steps into this world. Honestly, I didn't know who I wanted more or who I wanted to be in this case because it was a win-win situation. Nico is DOWN BAD for Natalie and just straight-up obsessed. But I also loved the moments where he would encourage her to grow and evolve into the person she is now. The found family aspect was amazing as it solidifies that blood isn't everything but the people you surround yourself with. The best part? NO unnecessary 3rd act breakup as the communication between Nico and Natalie felt realistic with their ups and downs throughout the book. I am so so so excited when the next book in the series because I am already frothing at the mouth for the next one to be released.
I loved everything in this book, from the characters, the pacing, and the SMUT?! The smut was so immaculate I needed to have a water bottle next to me at all times while reading. In the media, Asian women aren't seen as badass or just cool but in this book it was EVERYTHING. Natalie is the baddest bitch and she does it with grace as she steps into this world. Honestly, I didn't know who I wanted more or who I wanted to be in this case because it was a win-win situation. Nico is DOWN BAD for Natalie and just straight-up obsessed. But I also loved the moments where he would encourage her to grow and evolve into the person she is now. The found family aspect was amazing as it solidifies that blood isn't everything but the people you surround yourself with. The best part? NO unnecessary 3rd act breakup as the communication between Nico and Natalie felt realistic with their ups and downs throughout the book. I am so so so excited when the next book in the series because I am already frothing at the mouth for the next one to be released.
nerdy_gurl_reads's review
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I happened to come across this book while browsing PangoBooks, and the cover is what initially caught my eye, but the synopsis sealed the deal, so I took a chance and got it, and man am I sure glad I did!
Natalie’s dad died when she was very young. Her mother remarried to the head of the cosa nostra, and was labeled a traitor by the Triad. Natalie’s mother gets cancer and dies not too many years after her dad died. To keep Natalie safe, she’s sent to live with her adopted family in New York.
Nico is the consigliere of the Cosa Nostra, and the owner of a chain of nightclubs. Nico is the one who cleans up for the Cosa Nostra. He never saw himself marrying, until one day he meets a mysterious woman at one of his clubs, who was with the future don of the outfit, and he has to know who she is….
This story is so addictive, I couldn’t put it down. Natalie is such a badass character, who doesn’t take crap from anyone. I love how she can handle anyone, and doesn’t need a man to take care of her. I love how the story was not only a love story, but also suspenseful. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, I’m dying to continue this story!
Tropes
- mafia romance
- badass heroine
- playboy alphahole
- instant love
- forbidden love
- spicy
- interracial couple
Natalie’s dad died when she was very young. Her mother remarried to the head of the cosa nostra, and was labeled a traitor by the Triad. Natalie’s mother gets cancer and dies not too many years after her dad died. To keep Natalie safe, she’s sent to live with her adopted family in New York.
Nico is the consigliere of the Cosa Nostra, and the owner of a chain of nightclubs. Nico is the one who cleans up for the Cosa Nostra. He never saw himself marrying, until one day he meets a mysterious woman at one of his clubs, who was with the future don of the outfit, and he has to know who she is….
This story is so addictive, I couldn’t put it down. Natalie is such a badass character, who doesn’t take crap from anyone. I love how she can handle anyone, and doesn’t need a man to take care of her. I love how the story was not only a love story, but also suspenseful. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, I’m dying to continue this story!
Tropes
- mafia romance
- badass heroine
- playboy alphahole
- instant love
- forbidden love
- spicy
- interracial couple
nono_12's review
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amberkingmartella01's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
taliyahslibrary's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I loved the plot of this book. I’ve read many mafia books or even just dark romance books in general & this one is very unique in comparison. I will say I’ve seen it done in movies, so the whole “lost princess” bit is familiar but I still LOVED how it was executed here.
I’m obsessed with how much of bad a** Anya is. She is a force to be reckoned with. When she finally accepts the title she was meant to inherit...GURLLL I literally got chills. And Nico. Oh my gosh. Don’t get me started. I LOVE HIM SM. Yes, he’s possessive like every other mafia man but he has a lightheartedness to him that is very refreshing. He gives possessive golden retriever vibes. The way he created a safe space for Anya to be who she genuinely was at her core and the fact that he accepted ALL of her had me swooning. I love how while Nico warships the ground Anya walks, Anya still values and respects Nico as her partner.
I absolutely loved the familial relationships in this book. Anya’s relationship with her family is EVERYTHING. I loved how her & her father interacted. While he treats her with a gentleness, he trained her to be the leader she is. And her brother and sister. You could feel the love they had for her -& her them- coming off the pages. The loyalty between the three of them is palpable. I felt the same about Nico’s family as well. The way they had his back when it came to protecting Anya, is my favorite thing ever.
I truly believe this series has so much potential. Like I think this could be the beginning of the next “it” mafia series. And I’m so excited to see where part two takes us!!!
I’m obsessed with how much of bad a** Anya is. She is a force to be reckoned with. When she finally accepts the title she was meant to inherit...GURLLL I literally got chills. And Nico. Oh my gosh. Don’t get me started. I LOVE HIM SM. Yes, he’s possessive like every other mafia man but he has a lightheartedness to him that is very refreshing. He gives possessive golden retriever vibes. The way he created a safe space for Anya to be who she genuinely was at her core and the fact that he accepted ALL of her had me swooning. I love how while Nico warships the ground Anya walks, Anya still values and respects Nico as her partner.
I absolutely loved the familial relationships in this book. Anya’s relationship with her family is EVERYTHING. I loved how her & her father interacted. While he treats her with a gentleness, he trained her to be the leader she is. And her brother and sister. You could feel the love they had for her -& her them- coming off the pages. The loyalty between the three of them is palpable. I felt the same about Nico’s family as well. The way they had his back when it came to protecting Anya, is my favorite thing ever.
I truly believe this series has so much potential. Like I think this could be the beginning of the next “it” mafia series. And I’m so excited to see where part two takes us!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: Drug use, Child death, and Kidnapping
Minor: Cancer
geminimarsss's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bookedwithsylvia's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Nico Delucci has set the bar HIGH for future book boyfriends this year! I’ll start with that haha
Seriously, the man COMMUNICATES and treats her like a queen 😍❤️ not only that but the spice he was serving was perfect! So essentially he is the perfect book boyfriend, and I mean that very seriously lol I take my book boyfriend judging seriously 👀
I am definitely in love with this book and am super proud of Paulina for releasing this masterpiece! Loved the strength and determination that Natalie showed throughout even when things got really crazy! Need a book with a badass FMC Paulina’s got you with this one haha, seriously! She shows these mafia men (especially Nico lol she bruised him up a few times 🤣💀) exactly what she’s made of!
Also the banter between Nico and Natalie was hilarious 🤣 had me laughing so much so definitely a great book to start your mafia romance journey if you haven’t read any yet!
Luckily for y’all can literally read this book now, because it’s OUT in both paperback through Amazon and KU 😉
Seriously, the man COMMUNICATES and treats her like a queen 😍❤️ not only that but the spice he was serving was perfect! So essentially he is the perfect book boyfriend, and I mean that very seriously lol I take my book boyfriend judging seriously 👀
I am definitely in love with this book and am super proud of Paulina for releasing this masterpiece! Loved the strength and determination that Natalie showed throughout even when things got really crazy! Need a book with a badass FMC Paulina’s got you with this one haha, seriously! She shows these mafia men (especially Nico lol she bruised him up a few times 🤣💀) exactly what she’s made of!
Also the banter between Nico and Natalie was hilarious 🤣 had me laughing so much so definitely a great book to start your mafia romance journey if you haven’t read any yet!
Luckily for y’all can literally read this book now, because it’s OUT in both paperback through Amazon and KU 😉