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theladyinreds's review
DNF at 72%. High on mafia crap, low on romance. CW: captive/captor dubious consent, violence
totallybex's review
5.0
I had no idea what I was in for when I chose to read Dark Mafia Prince. All I can say is, this book is an adrenaline rush from the very first page and my heart was in my throat throughout the entire story. It’s non-stop action, major twists, and huge revelations at every turn. The writing is so vivid, I was thrust into the world of the Albanian mob, where loyalties reach only as far as the next takeover. Annika Martin spins a dark and compelling tale about a power, murder, brothers who survive against the odds, and their fight to take back what was stolen from them.
Aleskio is the rightful heir to the Albanian crime family that his father built, but that was taken away when his parents were brutally murdered. Presumed dead and on the run for years, he has trained and plotted his revenge. When Aleksio finally makes his move, the daughter of his enemy and childhood friend, Mira, gets caught in the crossfire.
Mira was raised by her father as a mafia princess, but she wants nothing to do with a life of crime. Instead, she creates a fake public persona so that she can live her life quietly outside of the crime family. When she is kidnapped by Aleksio, Mira cannot believe that he is the same person she once knew. He’s so cold and detached until their connection can no longer be denied.
This book lays the groundwork for the remaining books, so there was a lot of history to work through. I enjoyed getting to know both Aleksio and Mira through flashbacks and their own points-of-view. There were several times where I found Aleksio’s history to be utterly heartbreaking and all I wanted for him was the happy ending he deserved. He’s a complete anti-hero, but you can’t help but feel for him and what he has been through.
From the characters to the writing to the plot, it all worked amazingly well for me. While the majority of the story revolves around the danger, suspense, intrigue, and action, there is also enough love and compassion to temper the violence. I believe some parts of the story could have had more focus (especially with Mira’s development), but I am definitely hooked and plan to read the rest of this series as soon as possible.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Order: Kindle | Paperback | Kobo | iBooks | Nook
▸ For more reviews, visit
Aleskio is the rightful heir to the Albanian crime family that his father built, but that was taken away when his parents were brutally murdered. Presumed dead and on the run for years, he has trained and plotted his revenge. When Aleksio finally makes his move, the daughter of his enemy and childhood friend, Mira, gets caught in the crossfire.
Mira was raised by her father as a mafia princess, but she wants nothing to do with a life of crime. Instead, she creates a fake public persona so that she can live her life quietly outside of the crime family. When she is kidnapped by Aleksio, Mira cannot believe that he is the same person she once knew. He’s so cold and detached until their connection can no longer be denied.
This book lays the groundwork for the remaining books, so there was a lot of history to work through. I enjoyed getting to know both Aleksio and Mira through flashbacks and their own points-of-view. There were several times where I found Aleksio’s history to be utterly heartbreaking and all I wanted for him was the happy ending he deserved. He’s a complete anti-hero, but you can’t help but feel for him and what he has been through.
From the characters to the writing to the plot, it all worked amazingly well for me. While the majority of the story revolves around the danger, suspense, intrigue, and action, there is also enough love and compassion to temper the violence. I believe some parts of the story could have had more focus (especially with Mira’s development), but I am definitely hooked and plan to read the rest of this series as soon as possible.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Order: Kindle | Paperback | Kobo | iBooks | Nook
▸ For more reviews, visit
fairyfaum's review
It didn't keep my attention long enough. The connection felt somewhat forced.
bookfever's review
3.0
I liked Dark Mafia Prince for sure. Did I love it? No. It's not the most amazing book I've ever read but I still thought it had some great things in it.
So I won't say the story and writing in general was the best in this book... it wasn't bad either, though. It fell somewhere in the middle to me. But my favorite thing in the book were the characters, actually. I liked Mira but it were the brothers, Aleksio and Viktor that I loved.
Especially Viktor was a favorite of mine. And I'm sure we'll actually get to meet the third and youngest brother at some point too. But yeah, Viktor was really interesting to me and I'm pretty sure the next book is going to be mainly about him. At least that's what I hope.
Now back to Mira. I really did like her. She wasn't some helpless female character but could actually stand her own. She and Aleksio had some great chemistry. And some of the scenes together with them were so fucking hot. I loved it!
Overall, Dark Mafia Prince by Annika Martin sure was an entertaining read. It was told in different points of view, which I of course loved because it gave the story that much more. Especially where Viktor was concerned. Sorry, I'm obsessed with him. I can't wait for the next book!
So I won't say the story and writing in general was the best in this book... it wasn't bad either, though. It fell somewhere in the middle to me. But my favorite thing in the book were the characters, actually. I liked Mira but it were the brothers, Aleksio and Viktor that I loved.
Especially Viktor was a favorite of mine. And I'm sure we'll actually get to meet the third and youngest brother at some point too. But yeah, Viktor was really interesting to me and I'm pretty sure the next book is going to be mainly about him. At least that's what I hope.
Now back to Mira. I really did like her. She wasn't some helpless female character but could actually stand her own. She and Aleksio had some great chemistry. And some of the scenes together with them were so fucking hot. I loved it!
Overall, Dark Mafia Prince by Annika Martin sure was an entertaining read. It was told in different points of view, which I of course loved because it gave the story that much more. Especially where Viktor was concerned. Sorry, I'm obsessed with him. I can't wait for the next book!
fiarcurrin's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nbiblioholic's review
4.0
I JUST REALIZED THAT THIS IS MY 500th REVIEW AND BOOK READ OF 2016!!
I'm rating this 3.5 stars
After reading the blurb, and considering the premise of this story, I expected A LOT. I imagined mafia-style killings and dealings and a complicated revenge plot. While these things kind of existed, they were pretty much glossed over. I kept waiting for that something more. For more details because this couldn't be it?! This story started off strong in the beginning, but it fell off. So while this book was entertaining and suspenseful, it read like a contemporary romance (why involve the mafia at all???). It failed to keep me enthralled, thrilled or delighted.
It could be me and my silly expectations. However, there were a few things that made this book off to me:
I'm invested enough in the quest for Kiro and will be reading [b:Wicked Mafia Prince|30884689|Wicked Mafia Prince (A Dangerous Royals Romance, #2)|Annika Martin|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1468834916s/30884689.jpg|51492452] and I pray that these issues aren't repeated. Viktor was quite deadly in this book and I hope he remains the same for his own story. DON'T WUSS OUT!! Keep it 100 or else dude!!
All views expressed are my own. 100% honest 100% of the time!!
I'm rating this 3.5 stars
After reading the blurb, and considering the premise of this story, I expected A LOT. I imagined mafia-style killings and dealings and a complicated revenge plot. While these things kind of existed, they were pretty much glossed over. I kept waiting for that something more. For more details because this couldn't be it?! This story started off strong in the beginning, but it fell off. So while this book was entertaining and suspenseful, it read like a contemporary romance (why involve the mafia at all???). It failed to keep me enthralled, thrilled or delighted.
It could be me and my silly expectations. However, there were a few things that made this book off to me:
1. Mira annoyed the sh*t out of me. No joke. And I hate being annoyed by the main chick. She was a mafia princess and dedicated lawyer living in denial. Maybe its because she gave all of us legal professionals a bad rep. Like we're not observant or something. Like a lack of attention to detail is how we would win cases. Ignorance is no excuse. Ask any judge in any court anywhere! I wasn't impressed with this character. Got better things to do.
2. Aleksio went from cold, lethal and vengeful to pussycat status. WTF happened?! This is the prodigal Mafia Prince??? This is who is supposed to take the empire back? 'Oh, is that the man that helped kill my parents? Ok, let's let him live.' FOR NO REASON!! Oh no. Wait. Because dummy Mira wants a killer to stop being a killer. Oh, and for him NOT to get revenge for his parents. Because she knows what it's like to watch your parents be massacred and has a freaking say!! Gimme a freaking break already! What planet are these people on??? The only ting dark in this book was the colour of hair, suits and vehicles.
3. Nothing is really resolved between this couple or the story line and yet the next book isn't about them. Why put "The End" if it's not really the end? When there was nothing end-like to conclude the story?
I'm invested enough in the quest for Kiro and will be reading [b:Wicked Mafia Prince|30884689|Wicked Mafia Prince (A Dangerous Royals Romance, #2)|Annika Martin|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1468834916s/30884689.jpg|51492452] and I pray that these issues aren't repeated. Viktor was quite deadly in this book and I hope he remains the same for his own story. DON'T WUSS OUT!! Keep it 100 or else dude!!
All views expressed are my own. 100% honest 100% of the time!!
blissfullybooked24's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
froggy_dear's review
3.0
Romantic suspense isn't my thing, but it's a FatedMates rec, so I gave it a go. And I enjoyed it for what it is, but heroes who are genuine bad guys are really not my thing. Definitely a little bonkers, though. Wolf boy? Wow. I'm honestly curious about THAT book.
melissacutler's review
3.0
3 1/2 stars for me. The ending was rushed and unsatisfying. And she forgave too quickly the guy who kept locking her in a windowless room.