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meowrie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
5.0
CD Reiss has written so many mafia series (I think this is her 4th one), but they are each wonderfully different in their own way.
Even though Massimo Colonia is the brother of the main female character in the Take Me series, this book can definitely be read without reading that series (although, I highly recommend that trilogy. It is heaven under the olive trees, or some Italy metaphor that is just out of my grasp).
Massimo is disgraced and living in a kind of purgatory in Italy, but yearns to return to New York and seize back his Father's Kingdom. And then he meets and rescues Delfina. Fates collide and true love and passion both scream at you and whisper through the pages directly from the always eloquent and poetic words of Reiss.
I love this sort of book from time to time, but only when it's done well. And this author is one that I trust to hit the nail on the head every time.
Edit 05/15/2024 listened to the audiobook.
I'm in love. I'm in love with the voice of Marcio Catalano. Elena Wolfe is excellent as always. Highly recommend this audio
Even though Massimo Colonia is the brother of the main female character in the Take Me series, this book can definitely be read without reading that series (although, I highly recommend that trilogy. It is heaven under the olive trees, or some Italy metaphor that is just out of my grasp).
Massimo is disgraced and living in a kind of purgatory in Italy, but yearns to return to New York and seize back his Father's Kingdom. And then he meets and rescues Delfina. Fates collide and true love and passion both scream at you and whisper through the pages directly from the always eloquent and poetic words of Reiss.
I love this sort of book from time to time, but only when it's done well. And this author is one that I trust to hit the nail on the head every time.
Edit 05/15/2024 listened to the audiobook.
I'm in love. I'm in love with the voice of Marcio Catalano. Elena Wolfe is excellent as always. Highly recommend this audio
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Misogyny
semwriter's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I fell in love with the cover first, and then this book drew me in. I've never read from this author before, but I want to read more right away. Wow.
amsr's review
5.0
It has been awhile since I have read anything by CD Reiss and I had forgotten how much she draws you into her world!
Mafia Kingdom is of age-old customs that some readers may find disturbing so do check the TW at the start of the book before you are drawn into Massimo and Delfina's story.
This forbidden romance has a lot of twists that you do not expect and I struggled to put it down.
Mafia Kingdom is of age-old customs that some readers may find disturbing so do check the TW at the start of the book before you are drawn into Massimo and Delfina's story.
This forbidden romance has a lot of twists that you do not expect and I struggled to put it down.
fsmeurinne's review
4.0
This story had me eagerly diving into the world created by CD Reiss, following the footsteps of "Mafia Bride" and "Take Me." The novel introduces Massimo Colonia and Delfina Gargiulo, set against mafia dominion and age-old customs. I was immediately drawn into Massimo's quest to reclaim his kingdom, but his chance encounter with Delfina stirred my emotions. Their forbidden love, amidst the turmoil of power struggles, was electric. The impending Armistice Night, a tradition that could change their lives forever, added more suspense to the narrative. Reiss masterfully balanced the intense chemistry between Massimo and Delfina with the complex web of mafia politics. I found myself on the edge of my seat, unraveling the twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. This book is a testament to Reiss's storytelling prowess, blending tradition, desire, and a world where love defies all odds.
maferg01's review
4.0
No one does Mafia like CD Reiss. Mafia Kingdom is a new bridging story between her recent mafia series and a new project releasing next year… that involves Vampires. Written with an old world feel in Sicily, Mafia Kingdom is a forbidden romance with shadowy enemies, several unexpected plot twists, and a slight Romeo and Juliet vibe. Not as tragic as the original material, but our lovers exist on a deadline – a historical tribute that is paid in blood and flesh. The story opens with Massimo as an exiled king in a city that hates him. Delfina is the virginal princess hidden behind tall walls. Usually the virgin trope is painful to read. Though Delfina is innocent, she also has a strong backbone, questions authority, and has a sense of adventure which provides the backbone for her evolution throughout the story. While Massimo immediately appeals to readers, I personally found Delfina the more intriguing of the two.
After 50 years of peace, the families in the System receive summons from Carmine Montefiore – present your daughters and he will choose a bride. Though Delfina’s family is no longer a part of the System, her father receives a letter. On her way home one night, she is attacked by her escort and her unlikely rescuer is the pariah of the city. Massimo is a king in exile, stolen away from New York with his kingdom in ruin. Unable to forget the woman he rescued, he finds Delfina. What starts out as intrigue moves quickly to love at first sight, then passion as Delfina attempts to save herself from her fate. As the story draws to a close, readers are taken on a wild ride where secrets are revealed and everything changes for our star-crossed lovers.
This story builds slowly as the pieces of this new world get moved into place and our lovers have a sweet early courtship. The villains, both known and unknown, lie low until the story picks up and races to the end. That is where this story and the two main characters shine. Both Delfina and Massimo reveal their fortitude when the Montefiores return and the stakes get high. I loved how we finally get to see why Massimo was a Capo, and he’s not the only one who is fighting for his future. Delfina has a razor sharp tongue and the balls to use it. The story ends on a sweet note with their HEA, but I hope in the next series we get a glimpse of what happens next for this dynamic couple.
After 50 years of peace, the families in the System receive summons from Carmine Montefiore – present your daughters and he will choose a bride. Though Delfina’s family is no longer a part of the System, her father receives a letter. On her way home one night, she is attacked by her escort and her unlikely rescuer is the pariah of the city. Massimo is a king in exile, stolen away from New York with his kingdom in ruin. Unable to forget the woman he rescued, he finds Delfina. What starts out as intrigue moves quickly to love at first sight, then passion as Delfina attempts to save herself from her fate. As the story draws to a close, readers are taken on a wild ride where secrets are revealed and everything changes for our star-crossed lovers.
This story builds slowly as the pieces of this new world get moved into place and our lovers have a sweet early courtship. The villains, both known and unknown, lie low until the story picks up and races to the end. That is where this story and the two main characters shine. Both Delfina and Massimo reveal their fortitude when the Montefiores return and the stakes get high. I loved how we finally get to see why Massimo was a Capo, and he’s not the only one who is fighting for his future. Delfina has a razor sharp tongue and the balls to use it. The story ends on a sweet note with their HEA, but I hope in the next series we get a glimpse of what happens next for this dynamic couple.
valeehill's review
I just couldn’t understand any part of what I read. It was like I appreciated the flow of words but all meaning was in a language I didn’t understand. Bummer.
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