A review by diannet7614
Beauty and the Beast: Dark Mafia Romance Boxset by L. Steele, L. Steele

5.0

This trilogy introduces the Sovrano Family and brings the first three books in the series together in one set. There is quite a bit going on initially as it establishes the wider family while also focusing on Michael Byron Domenico Sovrano (Mika) who is the Capo of his Family and Karma. We first meet Karma as a periphery character in her sister Summer and Sinclair's book and finally she has her own story. It would be useful to read The Big Bad Billionaires series as some of the stories are mentioned in this new series (which I didn’t and then just had to read this series too!). Be aware there are triggers in these books so read responsibly.

Mafia King Book One:

Karma’s father was involved in some very dodgy dealing and now Michael has come to collect. He takes Karma back to Sicily and ultimately forces her into marriage. Maybe at first he took Karma as retribution but ultimately he does develop feelings for her. Karma is quite young and can be bratty at times but she can definitely hold her own. Karma does have a life threatening health condition which she does keep to herself.

Both Michael and Karma are very strong characters and the chemistry between them is undeniable. The book does delve into quite dark themes but they do add to the storytelling and character development. Whilst it’s clear that Michael can be very ruthless and decisive when he wants to be he’s drawn to Karma in a way he’s never been before with anyone else. Michael and Karma definitely push each other to the limit but always go back for more. I also enjoyed the relationship Michael has with his brothers but it’ll definitely be interesting to see how things pan out with Luca but to be clear he isn’t the only problem within the Family

There are lots of twists and turns and it was quite a thrilling read. This book sets up a lot of threads for the next books and ends on a cliffhanger but as it’s part of the box set the good thing is you can jump straight into the next book.

Mafia Queen Book Two:

This story picks up straight up where book one left off with Karma finally free of Michael but she’s not really. She’s not ready to say goodbye and to find out that the whack to Michael’s head may be a bit more permanent than she intended well it’s time to face the music and the Family. And what a fright she had at the ‘funeral’, ultimately Michael and Karma can’t keep away from each other despite the start they had and could not let each other go. Karma was Michael’s be all and end all and despite an unconventional start her safety and well-being are everything to him and consequently his brothers. I enjoyed how Karma developed a relationship with the brothers given how she and Michael have been known to get a little bit violent with each other!

All goes well until Karma decides that she wants more freedom and lean how to drive….wow what a cliffhanger.

Mafia War Book Three:

Well that was both an explosive and heartbreaking start, the book started quite literally with a bang and the action did not let up. Unfortunately Karma was badly injured which had a devastating and long reaching affect on both Michael and Karma as well as the rest of the family. Who is out to kill them and who can they trust given the body blow the brothers have received. Michael is vulnerable now because of his feelings for Karma while also coming to terms with his losses. But all the brothers can do is dig in and prove to those that are out to get them not to underestimate the Sovrano Family even if one of those enemies is close to home,

Wow this book is one emotional read it was fast paced, well written and a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. It ties up loose ends but also sets the scene for the rest of the series.

I voluntarily received and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy and thoroughly enjoyed these books. The characters are well written and the books draw you in until your immersed in all things Sovrano and all you can do is go for it and read all the books in the series!