Reviews

The Beauty in Scars by M.L. Philpitt

blvelances's review

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4.0

4.5 second book i’m reading from this series… and it keeps getting better
rafaelisabelle>>>>

sdw0000's review

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5.0

I swear every book in this series gets better and better. Rafael is

corvinascloud's review

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4.0

“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.

khaleesimod93's review

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emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

My FAVORITE of the series! I know I'm biased because Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney Princess story, but omg, this one is so well written!! I love that Belle has scars and not "typical" beauty. And Rafe is so perfect! I love his "beast" like attitude and fits with Isabelle perfectly! Finding out who she is and the overarching plot was a shock, so I can't wait to see how it's going to work out! Ugh, so freaking nervous!!

theoriginal_b00k_nerd's review

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4.0

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

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literaryinspired's review

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4.0

This was a thrilling ride from start to finish! The story follows Isabelle Dupont, a scarred and sheltered young woman whose only escape is through the world of fiction. But when she finds herself trapped in the dangerous world of the mafia, she realizes that there is more to her life than she ever imagined.

I loved the chemistry between Isabelle and Rafael Corsetti, who becomes her protector and finds himself drawn to her despite their differences. Rafael is a strong and loyal male lead who is willing to do anything to protect the people he loves, while Isabelle is a relatable and inspiring female character who experiences significant growth throughout the book.

The plot is fast-paced and full of action and drama, with plenty of notable references to the "Beauty and the Beast" fairytale that add an interesting twist to the story. The big twist towards the end of the book was unexpected but incredibly well done, and I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Beauty in Scars" and would highly recommend it to fans of dark romance and mafia romance novels. ML Philpitt's writing is engaging and captivating, and I can't wait to read more from this author. If you're looking for a thrilling and well-written romance novel, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss!

lanelane04's review

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5.0

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice

bookflutter's review

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4.0

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."

tessabellesbookobsession's review

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5.0

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!?!?

britbaxa's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

4.0

*Rafael Corsetti* swoon!
This dark, mafia romance with a beauty and the beast theme is EVERYTHING! Rafael turns Isabelle's world upside down. Growing up a recluse, kept behind closed doors was all she knew.... And overnight her world comes crashing down with the news of her fathers death!
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Twists and turns, and the spice is *chef's kiss*!!!
Looking forward to the final book in the series!