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The Mastermind Duet #1
Ivory Tower
When Delilah Turner starts working at the Carluccio-owned gentlemen’s club as a dancer, she has two goals. Find what she needs to take the mafia family down and prove herself to the family who doesn’t know she exists.
If it weren’t for the Carluccio family, her surname should actually be Russo - as in the Russo family, the second of the two most notorious mob families in New Jersey. And she’s the sole remaining heir to that throne.
Except as soon as she starts her undercover mission, a mystery client catches her eye, completely consuming her thoughts. Dante Romano started as a client at the club, but he’s become so much more in a short amount of time.
Will she be able to unravel the mystery that’s starting to strangle her and keep the guy? Or is history destined to repeat itself?
If it weren’t for the Carluccio family, her surname should actually be Russo - as in the Russo family, the second of the two most notorious mob families in New Jersey. And she’s the sole remaining heir to that throne.
Except as soon as she starts her undercover mission, a mystery client catches her eye, completely consuming her thoughts. Dante Romano started as a client at the club, but he’s become so much more in a short amount of time.
Will she be able to unravel the mystery that’s starting to strangle her and keep the guy? Or is history destined to repeat itself?
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
December 17, 2022
Ok listen I’m not normally a mafia romance fan, BUT i am a Morgan Elizabeth fan. So i had to read. AND BY GOD AM I GLAD I DID.
The plot to this one is a bit thicker than her normal rom coms but i lived for every second of it. I also love that it wasn’t a dark mafia romance as many are- it felt as lighthearted as a mafia romance could. THE SPICE? As if Morgan ever disappoints… that shit was SPOT ON.
Can i just say that THAT ENDING? I HAVE BEEN LEFT SPEECHLESS. GOBSMACKED. WHAT. I genuinely was left speechless at that plot twist, not at ALL what i saw coming. I cannot wait until book 2!!!!!
The plot to this one is a bit thicker than her normal rom coms but i lived for every second of it. I also love that it wasn’t a dark mafia romance as many are- it felt as lighthearted as a mafia romance could. THE SPICE? As if Morgan ever disappoints… that shit was SPOT ON.
Can i just say that THAT ENDING? I HAVE BEEN LEFT SPEECHLESS. GOBSMACKED. WHAT. I genuinely was left speechless at that plot twist, not at ALL what i saw coming. I cannot wait until book 2!!!!!
January 10, 2023
3.5*
This book took me wayyy longer than it should’ve to finish but that’s mainly my fault. But that’s besides the point. The point is that every time id open the book I had fun and id love the characters.
If you guys liked tis the season for revenge by this author then you’ll like this book too. In my honest opinion the characters were a little too similar for me to just ignore.
I wasn’t really that invested in the plot, I’m sorry.
Dante really treats Delilah like a queen and I love that. The way he dotes on her and cares for her is ADORABLE. Sigh. And the spice is HOT
Delilah is cute. I liked her but idk I couldn’t really connect with her as much as I’d have liked to.
Thank you Morgan Elizabeth for the ARC!
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Marco NEEDS his own book!
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Ooh honey - krigarè
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Everyone walking in there is dressed nice, and I’m—”
“And you are perfect,” he says.
“People will stare,” I whisper.
“They’ll stare because some scum bag is walking into the restaurant with the most gorgeous woman on his arm.” A blush burns my cheeks.
~STOP THATS SO FUCKING HOT IDGAF
Is that what I am? A little bit of sunshine?"
"You're the whole damned solar system, Lilah,"
~😭💕💘🦋
“I step to her, pulling her into my arms as my hand moves up her back, fisting in her long hair. I fucking love her hair—the feel of it, the look of it, the smell of it. The way her breathing changes just a bit when I tangle my fingers in it and tug just a bit. “
“There are a lot of things in this world you can question, fiorella. This? This is not one of them.”
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Tis the season for revenge - Morgan Elizabeth
This book took me wayyy longer than it should’ve to finish but that’s mainly my fault. But that’s besides the point. The point is that every time id open the book I had fun and id love the characters.
If you guys liked tis the season for revenge by this author then you’ll like this book too. In my honest opinion the characters were a little too similar for me to just ignore.
I wasn’t really that invested in the plot, I’m sorry.
Dante really treats Delilah like a queen and I love that. The way he dotes on her and cares for her is ADORABLE. Sigh. And the spice is HOT
Delilah is cute. I liked her but idk I couldn’t really connect with her as much as I’d have liked to.
Thank you Morgan Elizabeth for the ARC!
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Marco NEEDS his own book!
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Ooh honey - krigarè
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Everyone walking in there is dressed nice, and I’m—”
“And you are perfect,” he says.
“People will stare,” I whisper.
“They’ll stare because some scum bag is walking into the restaurant with the most gorgeous woman on his arm.” A blush burns my cheeks.
~STOP THATS SO FUCKING HOT IDGAF
Is that what I am? A little bit of sunshine?"
"You're the whole damned solar system, Lilah,"
~😭💕💘🦋
“I step to her, pulling her into my arms as my hand moves up her back, fisting in her long hair. I fucking love her hair—the feel of it, the look of it, the smell of it. The way her breathing changes just a bit when I tangle my fingers in it and tug just a bit. “
“There are a lot of things in this world you can question, fiorella. This? This is not one of them.”
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Tis the season for revenge - Morgan Elizabeth
December 24, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
THE ENDING HAS ME SCREAMING. BOOK TWO WILL BE ABSOLUTELY INSANE, AND I CAN’T WAIT!
If you want a light mafia romance with a MMC that very much resembles Christian Harper from Twisted Lies, this is the book for you!
Dante is an obsessed, love-sick king. Finding out how much he knows about Lilah and how he plans to be apart of her life was SO interesting. Dante slowly devised a plan for Lilah to be his forever, and it has me swooning. Everything about Dante alluded to more—whether that be more drama, more love, more intrigue. Dante is an interesting character that will keep you guessing, but his love for Lilah is never to be questioned or forgotten.
Lilah is so badass. She has changed so much since we saw her in Bittersweet. Her life blew up—causing her to become a new version of the Lilah she always thought she was. Her family history has given her a new identity, and Dante has emboldened her to be strong, to protect herself, and to fight for what she wants. Dante will ensure he can build Lilah up so she is guaranteed to get what she wants.
This does leave off on a cliffhanger, as this is part of a duet. However, book two (Diamond Fortress) will be releasing soon. Diamond Fortress starts with HUGE news about Lilah and Dante—proving the book will be amazing.
THE ENDING HAS ME SCREAMING. BOOK TWO WILL BE ABSOLUTELY INSANE, AND I CAN’T WAIT!
If you want a light mafia romance with a MMC that very much resembles Christian Harper from Twisted Lies, this is the book for you!
Dante is an obsessed, love-sick king. Finding out how much he knows about Lilah and how he plans to be apart of her life was SO interesting. Dante slowly devised a plan for Lilah to be his forever, and it has me swooning. Everything about Dante alluded to more—whether that be more drama, more love, more intrigue. Dante is an interesting character that will keep you guessing, but his love for Lilah is never to be questioned or forgotten.
Lilah is so badass. She has changed so much since we saw her in Bittersweet. Her life blew up—causing her to become a new version of the Lilah she always thought she was. Her family history has given her a new identity, and Dante has emboldened her to be strong, to protect herself, and to fight for what she wants. Dante will ensure he can build Lilah up so she is guaranteed to get what she wants.
This does leave off on a cliffhanger, as this is part of a duet. However, book two (Diamond Fortress) will be releasing soon. Diamond Fortress starts with HUGE news about Lilah and Dante—proving the book will be amazing.
Read
February 17, 2023DNF : around thirty-five %
the plot had me intrigued, ngl … the insta-love/lust killed me though. i just- *sighs* i think i was supposed to like dante's over the top obsessiveness but i unfortunately could not stand it. if i were lilah i would've dick punched this man and changed zip codes.
also, girl-boss mafia infiltration and revenge where?!? i have diagnosed lilah with an extreme case of, dickmatized-distractionitis. it's severe and in most cases cannot be treated.
“this is the best idea i’ve had in four years, fiorella,” he says. “you are the first selfish thing i’ve done in at least two. please. be selfish with me. let’s have this.”
the plot had me intrigued, ngl … the insta-love/lust killed me though. i just- *sighs* i think i was supposed to like dante's over the top obsessiveness but i unfortunately could not stand it. if i were lilah i would've dick punched this man and changed zip codes.
also, girl-boss mafia infiltration and revenge where?!? i have diagnosed lilah with an extreme case of, dickmatized-distractionitis. it's severe and in most cases cannot be treated.
June 4, 2023
DNF, 20% in. Couldn’t handle her wanting chicken fingers at a nice restaurant 😭
December 28, 2022
I really wanted to love this book and was so intrigued by the description of it! It sounded like a perfect mix of mafia and revenge and spice. It had a lot of potential but unfortunately fell really flat for me. The plot was really jumbled and the family history tough to follow along. I also felt like there was a lot unexplained and that didn’t help.
It was also very insta lust and the attraction was immediate with little to no buildup. The two main characters — Delilah and Dante — were pretty unlikeable in my opinion. Delilah was clueless, immature and her plans for revenge made no sense because she didn’t actually do anything?? Also Dante was so possessive and creepy… I didn’t find him attractive or hot at all. Plus he was literally obsessed with her.
I loved Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth but this book (and a few others I’ve tried by her) have fallen flat. I’d skip this one.
It was also very insta lust and the attraction was immediate with little to no buildup. The two main characters — Delilah and Dante — were pretty unlikeable in my opinion. Delilah was clueless, immature and her plans for revenge made no sense because she didn’t actually do anything?? Also Dante was so possessive and creepy… I didn’t find him attractive or hot at all. Plus he was literally obsessed with her.
I loved Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth but this book (and a few others I’ve tried by her) have fallen flat. I’d skip this one.
March 18, 2023
ehhh it was okay but i got so annoyed with dante constantly telling delilah that she needs to trust him and his plan. like the number of scenes where i had to read the same conversation between them was exhausting
February 21, 2023
Oh my god, this was good and that ending makes me want to jump into the next book right now. Even though it’s mafia, it’s not that dark. It’s funny, Dante falls first and I love when the man falls first.
Read
April 10, 2023DNF @75%
Too many red flags to ignore. 😑
Too many red flags to ignore. 😑
December 18, 2022
I received the ARC of this novel 12/17/22, and could absolutely NOT put it down.
This is the first time I have read a 'light' mafia romance novel, and I would like to petition the court for 2023 to be the year of light mafia... especially if it's written by Morgan Elizabeth.
Lilah is everything you look for in a heroine- she is smart, funny, independent, and absolutely refuses to be told otherwise. Lilah enters a male dominated world, a dangerous one, and takes it by storm with that refusal. Enter Dante- the morally grey hero of your dreams. This is a hero who knows what he wants, understands who he is in love with, and will do anything to ensure she gets what she deserves.
Morgan Elizabeth effortlessly pulls the reader into the underbelly of a world we have come to know and love in her other novels. You will find yourself immediately rooting for Lilah and Dante, enjoying each twist and turn as they unweave many years of lies, omissions and betrayals.
This was another perfect hit of action, romance, spice ... and Morgan Elizabeth's speciality of dirty talking men who kneel for their women. It does end on a cliffhanger, however there is a peek into book two (OMG?????? I squealed) and it provides a sweet taste of what's next to come.
This was 5/5 for me!
This is the first time I have read a 'light' mafia romance novel, and I would like to petition the court for 2023 to be the year of light mafia... especially if it's written by Morgan Elizabeth.
Lilah is everything you look for in a heroine- she is smart, funny, independent, and absolutely refuses to be told otherwise. Lilah enters a male dominated world, a dangerous one, and takes it by storm with that refusal. Enter Dante- the morally grey hero of your dreams. This is a hero who knows what he wants, understands who he is in love with, and will do anything to ensure she gets what she deserves.
Morgan Elizabeth effortlessly pulls the reader into the underbelly of a world we have come to know and love in her other novels. You will find yourself immediately rooting for Lilah and Dante, enjoying each twist and turn as they unweave many years of lies, omissions and betrayals.
This was another perfect hit of action, romance, spice ... and Morgan Elizabeth's speciality of dirty talking men who kneel for their women. It does end on a cliffhanger, however there is a peek into book two (OMG?????? I squealed) and it provides a sweet taste of what's next to come.
This was 5/5 for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
Я б хотіла поставити 4 зірочки. Але. Але.
Як на мене це 3,5.
Цікава мафіозна історія. Сильна, розумна і зламана головна героїня. Владний, але підкорений жінкою чоловік.
Прекрасно, похмуро, сексуально.
Та як на мене, затягнуто. Можна було б менше ходити по колу навколо секретів, ще менше мішати драму і приторно-солодку романтику.
Місцями не вистачає динаміки. Але в цілому не погано, щось тут таки є. Пішла читати другу частину, бо фінал першої трохи приголомшливий, хоча й очікуваний.
Як на мене це 3,5.
Цікава мафіозна історія. Сильна, розумна і зламана головна героїня. Владний, але підкорений жінкою чоловік.
Прекрасно, похмуро, сексуально.
Та як на мене, затягнуто. Можна було б менше ходити по колу навколо секретів, ще менше мішати драму і приторно-солодку романтику.
Місцями не вистачає динаміки. Але в цілому не погано, щось тут таки є. Пішла читати другу частину, бо фінал першої трохи приголомшливий, хоча й очікуваний.
January 6, 2023
so my gut feeling while reading this was that it would be 4 stars. i called that at like 36% in. HOWEVER. the last 5% of the book added a whole other star, thus bringing it to 5 stars.
i’ve only read one other book by morgan elizabeth so i assumed that even though it was a mafia romance, it would still be romcom-y and kind of predictable. i’ve never been happier to say that i was WRONG!!
there’s so much more plot to this book than a typical romcom and there is a ton of mystery and intrigue around lilah and dante (just a personal gripe for me, but why does every main man who is italian HAVE to be named dante????? there’s so many other names!!!!! anyway. just a little side rant) and so much talking of “plans” from both of them. you really feel lilah‘s frustration with dante for not sharing the details of his plan with her, and just when you think you know where the story is going, it spins in a totally different direction!!
maybe i just haven’t read enough mafia romances and i should have expected certain twists, but i was thoroughly surprised. i loved being able to look into the past with lilah’s mom’s journal entries. it added a whole other layer to the story that made it more enjoyable for me.
and don’t even get me started on the ending. THE ENDING!!! BLEW ME AWAY!!!!! i sat at my desk and stared at the last line for a good 5 minutes before i realized that that was it. that was how the book ended. so i don’t think i’m alone when i say: BOOK 2 WHEN?!?!?!
i’ve only read one other book by morgan elizabeth so i assumed that even though it was a mafia romance, it would still be romcom-y and kind of predictable. i’ve never been happier to say that i was WRONG!!
there’s so much more plot to this book than a typical romcom and there is a ton of mystery and intrigue around lilah and dante (just a personal gripe for me, but why does every main man who is italian HAVE to be named dante????? there’s so many other names!!!!! anyway. just a little side rant) and so much talking of “plans” from both of them. you really feel lilah‘s frustration with dante for not sharing the details of his plan with her, and just when you think you know where the story is going, it spins in a totally different direction!!
maybe i just haven’t read enough mafia romances and i should have expected certain twists, but i was thoroughly surprised. i loved being able to look into the past with lilah’s mom’s journal entries. it added a whole other layer to the story that made it more enjoyable for me.
and don’t even get me started on the ending. THE ENDING!!! BLEW ME AWAY!!!!! i sat at my desk and stared at the last line for a good 5 minutes before i realized that that was it. that was how the book ended. so i don’t think i’m alone when i say: BOOK 2 WHEN?!?!?!
January 27, 2023
Why isn’t this book being talked about more?! I’m obsessed. This book had me HOOKED. I couldn’t put it down. The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that Delilah irritated me at times, constantly repeating herself when it came to Dante and the plan. Like miss girl, either trust him or don’t. Stop repeating yourself 😤 they had the same exact argument at least 16738383 times in the book. I kept double checking to make sure I didn’t accidentally backtrack on my kindle or something. But nonetheless, I ATE this book up. DANTE???????! He had me sweating. The mouth on that man???? I’m deceased. Don’t let the cartoon cover fool you, this book is FILTHYYYY. Also, be prepared to have your mind blown on the last page. That cliffhanger had me shook. I’m immediately running to read the next book.
January 25, 2023
Morgan!
I am so thankful that Majorcan chose me to beta read this one!
When I tell you I could not put it down I mean it! I have been with Morgan from the very beginning and just when I think she can’t get any better she blows my mind!
I loved the couple in this one I loved the twist and turns I never saw coming.
I fell in love with Delilah and how she wanted to show that she wasn’t just a princess and didn’t need protection! I loved her character development throughout the book and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next one!
Also can we talk about Dante HE IS HOT holy moly I think I marked almost everything he said! I loved him!
I can not wait for the next one!!
5/5⭐️
5/5🥵
I am so thankful that Majorcan chose me to beta read this one!
When I tell you I could not put it down I mean it! I have been with Morgan from the very beginning and just when I think she can’t get any better she blows my mind!
I loved the couple in this one I loved the twist and turns I never saw coming.
I fell in love with Delilah and how she wanted to show that she wasn’t just a princess and didn’t need protection! I loved her character development throughout the book and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next one!
Also can we talk about Dante HE IS HOT holy moly I think I marked almost everything he said! I loved him!
I can not wait for the next one!!
5/5⭐️
5/5🥵
December 23, 2022
⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️
Ivory Tower was a fairly enjoyable read. While, there were elements and moments that I absolutely loved and enjoyed, there were just parts that I really struggled with. So I’ll be honest and say, I do have some mix feelings about this book.
It is dual POVs of the main characters, Delilah Turner and Dante Romano, and there are some great tropes like an age gap, an innocent heroine, and a possessive hero.
The overall storyline was interesting with Delilah’s revenge plot and the slight mafia themes. The story also had some amusing, surprising and crazy moments. There were scenes throughout the story that I absolutely loved but there were also times that I was quite frustrated with Delilah and the pacing of the revenge to be honest. There was also a lot of repetition throughout the story that was very annoying as well.
I will also say, that I was a bit confused in the beginning as it felt like this was a continuation of another book. I know that Delilah’s sister has her own book, Bittersweet and what happens in her book takes place before this one. So I would recommend just reading that book first for better context and backstory. I didn’t so I think that may have been why I struggled in the beginning.
The romance between Dante and Delilah was great. I really liked how obsessed Dante was from the start and did everything he could to protect Delilah. Their chemistry, banter and spice was amazing as well.
I’ll be honest and say that I actually liked Dante a lot more than Delilah. Some of Delilah’s actions and behaviors were just too frustrating and naïve, as she didn’t really have an exact plan for her revenge or knew how things were handled in the mafia world. So I would love more character growth or development for her in the next book.
The ending does leave off an a good cliffhanger. So I’m interested to read how Delilah and Dante’s story and revenge will unfold in the next book, as there’s still a lot of unresolved issues.
Overall, just a decent and steamy read.
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review**
Ivory Tower was a fairly enjoyable read. While, there were elements and moments that I absolutely loved and enjoyed, there were just parts that I really struggled with. So I’ll be honest and say, I do have some mix feelings about this book.
It is dual POVs of the main characters, Delilah Turner and Dante Romano, and there are some great tropes like an age gap, an innocent heroine, and a possessive hero.
The overall storyline was interesting with Delilah’s revenge plot and the slight mafia themes. The story also had some amusing, surprising and crazy moments. There were scenes throughout the story that I absolutely loved but there were also times that I was quite frustrated with Delilah and the pacing of the revenge to be honest. There was also a lot of repetition throughout the story that was very annoying as well.
I will also say, that I was a bit confused in the beginning as it felt like this was a continuation of another book. I know that Delilah’s sister has her own book, Bittersweet and what happens in her book takes place before this one. So I would recommend just reading that book first for better context and backstory. I didn’t so I think that may have been why I struggled in the beginning.
The romance between Dante and Delilah was great. I really liked how obsessed Dante was from the start and did everything he could to protect Delilah. Their chemistry, banter and spice was amazing as well.
I’ll be honest and say that I actually liked Dante a lot more than Delilah. Some of Delilah’s actions and behaviors were just too frustrating and naïve, as she didn’t really have an exact plan for her revenge or knew how things were handled in the mafia world. So I would love more character growth or development for her in the next book.
The ending does leave off an a good cliffhanger. So I’m interested to read how Delilah and Dante’s story and revenge will unfold in the next book, as there’s still a lot of unresolved issues.
Overall, just a decent and steamy read.
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review**
January 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK! I don’t have any words! Knowing that there is a second book coming in a matter of weeks settles my racing heart, but STILL!! THIS. BOOK.
I absolutely loved this mafia romance by Morgan Elizabeth! This is my second book by this author and she has honestly become a favorite. Her words flow so smoothly which allows me to just fly through the story. There were so many different twists that kept me intrigued the whole way through. I can’t recommend it enough.
The romance between Delilah and Dante was electric right from the start. Just like Dante, I couldn’t get enough. And just like in Tis the Season for Revenge, there was a heckuva lot of spice that just illustrated the passion between these two.
The second book in this series will be published on January 31, 2023. I cannot wait to get my hands on Diamond Fortress next!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK! I don’t have any words! Knowing that there is a second book coming in a matter of weeks settles my racing heart, but STILL!! THIS. BOOK.
I absolutely loved this mafia romance by Morgan Elizabeth! This is my second book by this author and she has honestly become a favorite. Her words flow so smoothly which allows me to just fly through the story. There were so many different twists that kept me intrigued the whole way through. I can’t recommend it enough.
The romance between Delilah and Dante was electric right from the start. Just like Dante, I couldn’t get enough. And just like in Tis the Season for Revenge, there was a heckuva lot of spice that just illustrated the passion between these two.
The second book in this series will be published on January 31, 2023. I cannot wait to get my hands on Diamond Fortress next!
January 16, 2023
Morgan Elizabeth currently has me in the palm of her hand. That ENDING???? THE FACT THAT I AM PLANNING TO CANCEL KU BEFORE THE NEXT BOOK COMES OUT????? UNBELIEVABLE.
Anyways, I had no idea that this book was a follow up to Bittersweet so just lucky me that I read that right before but I am LIVING for the revenge plans from miss Lilah in this book, also we know I LOVE when the MMC falls first and is an overprotective KING so I am thirsting after book 2 thx!!!!
Anyways, I had no idea that this book was a follow up to Bittersweet so just lucky me that I read that right before but I am LIVING for the revenge plans from miss Lilah in this book, also we know I LOVE when the MMC falls first and is an overprotective KING so I am thirsting after book 2 thx!!!!
January 7, 2024
3.75!! This whole time I figured I would rate this book a solid 3 but that ending made me want to give it a 4!!! WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT. This book is SPICYYYYYYYYYY 🌶️ but I shouldn’t be surprised with a mafia series. Onto the next in the series 🫡
January 4, 2023
OMFG!!!! The ending?!!!!!! DID. NOT. SEE. THAT. COMING!!!!
Anything this author writes sign me up!!!! Add mafia? Say less 👏🏻 Ms. Morgan Elizabeth’s men are top tier! Dante Romano in no exception 😩💕.
Anything this author writes sign me up!!!! Add mafia? Say less 👏🏻 Ms. Morgan Elizabeth’s men are top tier! Dante Romano in no exception 😩💕.
January 26, 2023
**thank you Morgan for the opportunity for this arc and apologize for my delayed review**
OH. MY. GOD!
The cliffhanger for this book! Makes me need to read book 2 asap!
This was my first mob/crime family book and gave me big time sopranos vibe.
OH. MY. GOD!
The cliffhanger for this book! Makes me need to read book 2 asap!
This was my first mob/crime family book and gave me big time sopranos vibe.
January 2, 2023
1.5 stars
I wanted to like this book. Described as a "light" mafia romance, and with Morgan Elizabeth's stellar reputation for writing good smut with plot, I thought I was in for a treat. What an absolute disappointment.
This book was so bad, on all fronts. It is the same scene on repeat for 200 pages.
- The first aspect I did not like is why is Dante so obsessed with Lilah: it is so weak. I do love a character obsessed but this made zero sense.
- Then, going to the plot. It is convoluted at best, lazy at worst. Delilah is supposed to be the secret daughter of an old mafia capo who was killed years ago, but actually, every single person in this book knows who she is, but she doesn't know that everyone knows... So her plot for revenge, based on her secret identity, is just never going to work.
- Then the characters. I have never disliked characters more. And I hate A King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair with a passion. This was worse, because no one carries the book. There is not one single trait that can save this horrendous book. Both Lilah and Dante are very flat and one-dimensional: he is an obsessed mafia boss who repeats "you are mine and I need to protect you" probably 100 times without ever proving it with actions; she is a politician's princess hell-bent on revenge without any follow through.
She describes herself as "revenge and power" and yet listens to Dante and follows him like a puppy when he says "trust me". But the whole book is an internal monologue of "I should never trust him" and yet, she does, and he is a pathological liar.
His entire plot line is to say "I need to protect you, trust me" and then to proceed scheming behind her back, for her own good of course. But it just comes across as manipulative and gaslighting.
- If at least the spice was good. But no. It is not. We get one scene and then a repeat of that scene with possessive language that makes no sense in the context of the book. I read a lot of mafia, mostly mafia romance actually so I am very used to that kind of verbatim from the hero but here, it just falls flat and does not work. I felt zero chemistry between the characters and let's not forget that our FMC "forgets" to disclose that she is a virgin. I have nothing against a hero being turned on by the virginity of the FMC but in this case, it just made me feel icky and uncomfortable.
And obviously, this book is part of a duet so it ends on a cliffhanger that makes me hate this book even more. A betrayal. I bet you did not see that one coming...
I wanted to like this book. Described as a "light" mafia romance, and with Morgan Elizabeth's stellar reputation for writing good smut with plot, I thought I was in for a treat. What an absolute disappointment.
This book was so bad, on all fronts. It is the same scene on repeat for 200 pages.
- The first aspect I did not like is why is Dante so obsessed with Lilah: it is so weak. I do love a character obsessed but this made zero sense.
- Then, going to the plot. It is convoluted at best, lazy at worst. Delilah is supposed to be the secret daughter of an old mafia capo who was killed years ago, but actually, every single person in this book knows who she is, but she doesn't know that everyone knows... So her plot for revenge, based on her secret identity, is just never going to work.
- Then the characters. I have never disliked characters more. And I hate A King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair with a passion. This was worse, because no one carries the book. There is not one single trait that can save this horrendous book. Both Lilah and Dante are very flat and one-dimensional: he is an obsessed mafia boss who repeats "you are mine and I need to protect you" probably 100 times without ever proving it with actions; she is a politician's princess hell-bent on revenge without any follow through.
She describes herself as "revenge and power" and yet listens to Dante and follows him like a puppy when he says "trust me". But the whole book is an internal monologue of "I should never trust him" and yet, she does, and he is a pathological liar.
His entire plot line is to say "I need to protect you, trust me" and then to proceed scheming behind her back, for her own good of course. But it just comes across as manipulative and gaslighting.
- If at least the spice was good. But no. It is not. We get one scene and then a repeat of that scene with possessive language that makes no sense in the context of the book. I read a lot of mafia, mostly mafia romance actually so I am very used to that kind of verbatim from the hero but here, it just falls flat and does not work. I felt zero chemistry between the characters and let's not forget that our FMC "forgets" to disclose that she is a virgin. I have nothing against a hero being turned on by the virginity of the FMC but in this case, it just made me feel icky and uncomfortable.
And obviously, this book is part of a duet so it ends on a cliffhanger that makes me hate this book even more. A betrayal. I bet you did not see that one coming...
July 24, 2023
5/5⭐️
What. The. FUCK
This has been an emotional rollercoaster since page 107.
I love Dante and Lilah and she’s such a girl boss and I love that for once the fmc is staying true to her morals throughout the whole book.
Yes Dante and Lilah are a bit toxic but like in real life we ignore that.
The ending has been in shock and I’m already starting the second book.
Also I love Dante but I really wish the he would’ve just told her the plan, because I honestly see no reason to why he wouldn’t tell her.
Maybe we’ll find out in book two, but that’s messed up.
I feel like Marco should talk to Lilah about… you know and stuff because this is really confusing to me.
I really wish that things will get more clear in book two, because the last 50 pages were a mess that was left untouched and that’s why I hate cliff hangers.
I really want Dante to tell her the plan, because he doesn’t think of it and I really need to know what the plan is, because it’s annoying that the main character knows something that I don’t and I’m supposed to be the god of the book (I mean gods always watching right?)
The book is well written and don’t think I didn’t notice the Taylor swift reference. That’s why I love Morgan Elizabeth, a swiftie who writes novels.
SPOILER
Why will Dante do that? Did Paulie knew? Did Marco knew?
I really wish that she won’t end up with Paulie because what the fuck? I need explanations and I need them NOW.
END OF SPOILER
I loved this book so much and I recommend even for those who don’t like romance it has an amazing plot that keeps you wanting to never sleep and finish this book in one sitting.
What. The. FUCK
This has been an emotional rollercoaster since page 107.
I love Dante and Lilah and she’s such a girl boss and I love that for once the fmc is staying true to her morals throughout the whole book.
Yes Dante and Lilah are a bit toxic but like in real life we ignore that.
The ending has been in shock and I’m already starting the second book.
Also I love Dante but I really wish the he would’ve just told her the plan, because I honestly see no reason to why he wouldn’t tell her.
Maybe we’ll find out in book two, but that’s messed up.
I feel like Marco should talk to Lilah about… you know and stuff because this is really confusing to me.
I really wish that things will get more clear in book two, because the last 50 pages were a mess that was left untouched and that’s why I hate cliff hangers.
I really want Dante to tell her the plan, because he doesn’t think of it and I really need to know what the plan is, because it’s annoying that the main character knows something that I don’t and I’m supposed to be the god of the book (I mean gods always watching right?)
The book is well written and don’t think I didn’t notice the Taylor swift reference. That’s why I love Morgan Elizabeth, a swiftie who writes novels.
SPOILER
Why will Dante do that? Did Paulie knew? Did Marco knew?
I really wish that she won’t end up with Paulie because what the fuck? I need explanations and I need them NOW.
END OF SPOILER
I loved this book so much and I recommend even for those who don’t like romance it has an amazing plot that keeps you wanting to never sleep and finish this book in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Book was pretty repetitive.
Couple fights
He says “I can’t tell you yet” “I wish I could tell you the plan but not yet” “Do you trust me?”
Then they bang a bunch
Start another fight.
In the beginning she has a mystery boss but it’s pretty obvious MMC is the secret boss watching her on camera. Wanted more from MMC when he meets FMC for the first time (ie why he’s been searching for her for 2years) There were a lot of names/characters to keep track of.
ENDS ON CLIFFHANGER!
The scene where he’s teaching her to shoot was pretty hot.
Book was pretty repetitive.
Couple fights
He says “I can’t tell you yet” “I wish I could tell you the plan but not yet” “Do you trust me?”
Then they bang a bunch
Start another fight.
In the beginning she has a mystery boss but it’s pretty obvious MMC is the secret boss watching her on camera. Wanted more from MMC when he meets FMC for the first time (ie why he’s been searching for her for 2years) There were a lot of names/characters to keep track of.
ENDS ON CLIFFHANGER!
The scene where he’s teaching her to shoot was pretty hot.
January 6, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up
I was excited for this one, it seemed right up my alley but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
The book starts off strong but quickly gets a little confusing. I thought it was completely a standalone but there were constant mentions to something that seemed like it happened before and yup - the fmcs sister has her own book and events that happened in that one lead to this one. That wasn’t advertised well or explained properly to readers who didn’t read that book.
The fmc Delilah seems like she has a good revenge plan at first but then absolutely nothing happens. She’s extremely repetitive and so easily trusts Dante when it’s like… isn’t your whole point to be bad ass and independent?
Dante is a great H, but damn if I had to hear “will you trust me?” ONE more time.. literally he doesn’t answer a single thing for her, just keeps her guessing. Nothing moves forward until the last 10%. I love an obsessed hero but this was obsession and lust, we didn’t really get much of them actually getting to know each other or falling in love. For me, as a reader who much prefers romantic moments rather than smut, it wasn’t enough for the build up of i love yous 🤷🏻♀️
The smut was well written though (i did speed read/skip some bc it happened too often for me), and overall the tone of the book lived up to light mafia in the blurb. It just simply wasn’t for me.
There will be a book 2 though, and I’ll debate if I’ll read it for the closure lol.
SAFETY
Virgin fmc, hero not a virgin but no past really talked about
OW the hero has to go on a date with, nothing happens but the fmc sees pic and gets jealous - the OW shows up at a dinner as a well and the H has to pretend to be with her
I was excited for this one, it seemed right up my alley but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
The book starts off strong but quickly gets a little confusing. I thought it was completely a standalone but there were constant mentions to something that seemed like it happened before and yup - the fmcs sister has her own book and events that happened in that one lead to this one. That wasn’t advertised well or explained properly to readers who didn’t read that book.
The fmc Delilah seems like she has a good revenge plan at first but then absolutely nothing happens. She’s extremely repetitive and so easily trusts Dante when it’s like… isn’t your whole point to be bad ass and independent?
Dante is a great H, but damn if I had to hear “will you trust me?” ONE more time.. literally he doesn’t answer a single thing for her, just keeps her guessing. Nothing moves forward until the last 10%. I love an obsessed hero but this was obsession and lust, we didn’t really get much of them actually getting to know each other or falling in love. For me, as a reader who much prefers romantic moments rather than smut, it wasn’t enough for the build up of i love yous 🤷🏻♀️
The smut was well written though (i did speed read/skip some bc it happened too often for me), and overall the tone of the book lived up to light mafia in the blurb. It just simply wasn’t for me.
There will be a book 2 though, and I’ll debate if I’ll read it for the closure lol.
SAFETY
Virgin fmc, hero not a virgin but no past really talked about
OW the hero has to go on a date with, nothing happens but the fmc sees pic and gets jealous - the OW shows up at a dinner as a well and the H has to pretend to be with her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Um…I’m sorry. I’ll be back to review it in a little bit. For now I am immediately starting book 2.
Hi, it’s me. I’m back. I’ve processed and I’m here to review sorta hahaha.
When I started this book I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I knew Lilah from Bittersweet, where we met her as the gullible and naive mayor’s daughter who wasn’t actually the mayor’s daughter after all.
I knew there was potential in her but wow this brought so much out!!
Lilah is on a quest to take down the family who hurt Lola and take her place as the rightful ruler of the Russo family, her real father’s family. She comes out guns a blazin in this book and I wasn’t ready.
Dante? Simp. Look him up in the dictionary and that’s what you’ll find. This guy has it BAD BAD BAD for sweet Delilah and gosh was it incredible to read. The ferocity he comes at her with automatically is just incredible. Their electricity and tension was so palpable and so good.
I loved their journey to each other in this book and hearing the beginnings of their plots to head their families together, leading them to something better than they are now.
The way this ended?! Screaming. Wasn’t expecting it IN THE SLIGHTEST.
This was exciting, funny, sexy, surprising and overall just insanely fun to read.
Hi, it’s me. I’m back. I’ve processed and I’m here to review sorta hahaha.
When I started this book I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I knew Lilah from Bittersweet, where we met her as the gullible and naive mayor’s daughter who wasn’t actually the mayor’s daughter after all.
I knew there was potential in her but wow this brought so much out!!
Lilah is on a quest to take down the family who hurt Lola and take her place as the rightful ruler of the Russo family, her real father’s family. She comes out guns a blazin in this book and I wasn’t ready.
Dante? Simp. Look him up in the dictionary and that’s what you’ll find. This guy has it BAD BAD BAD for sweet Delilah and gosh was it incredible to read. The ferocity he comes at her with automatically is just incredible. Their electricity and tension was so palpable and so good.
I loved their journey to each other in this book and hearing the beginnings of their plots to head their families together, leading them to something better than they are now.
The way this ended?! Screaming. Wasn’t expecting it IN THE SLIGHTEST.
This was exciting, funny, sexy, surprising and overall just insanely fun to read.
October 16, 2023
Book 1 of 2 of the Mastermind Duet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance/Adult/Contemporary Romance/Dual POV
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers 𝘪𝘴𝘩
- Star Crossed Lovers
- Light Mafia Romance
- Heavy on the spice
- Touch her and i’ll burn the world down
Morgan Elizabeth is an auto read author for me and i’m mad it took me so long to finally get to this series in my tbr. BUT THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT MORGAN 👏🏻
There are family feuds, family secrets, dirty mafia mob bosses, and romeo + juliet star crossed lovers. I forget how much I really enjoy mafia romances because I absorbed this book. BUT THE ENDING. cliff. freaking. hanger.
Thank the gods book 2 is in the kindle ready to go.
Usually Morgan’s books feel like adorable rom-coms with a lotta spice and usually a very unexpected plot twist. Reading this mafia romance took her rom com to a whole other level.
Also did I mention that her books are taylor coded? Because Alexa, play Ivy by Taylor Swift
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance/Adult/Contemporary Romance/Dual POV
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers 𝘪𝘴𝘩
- Star Crossed Lovers
- Light Mafia Romance
- Heavy on the spice
- Touch her and i’ll burn the world down
Morgan Elizabeth is an auto read author for me and i’m mad it took me so long to finally get to this series in my tbr. BUT THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT MORGAN 👏🏻
There are family feuds, family secrets, dirty mafia mob bosses, and romeo + juliet star crossed lovers. I forget how much I really enjoy mafia romances because I absorbed this book. BUT THE ENDING. cliff. freaking. hanger.
Thank the gods book 2 is in the kindle ready to go.
Usually Morgan’s books feel like adorable rom-coms with a lotta spice and usually a very unexpected plot twist. Reading this mafia romance took her rom com to a whole other level.
Also did I mention that her books are taylor coded? Because Alexa, play Ivy by Taylor Swift
December 18, 2022
Morgan Elizabeth does it again! I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint! Lilah is sister to Lola from Bittersweet (read that book first if you want some backstory), and she’s heir to rule in her mafia legacy her father left for her but first she has to take down their rivals who killed her parents- sounds basic enough right? Nope, Lilah goes undercover as a stripper at her rivals club and falls head over heels for Dante, a man she thinks is just a kind customer but ends up being from her enemies mafia family! Dante is everything you want in a man, he’s a dirty talking, sharp around the edges man who dislikes anyone but Lilah and better yet, he doesn’t want to control her but build her up and burn the world for her👏 Lilah is a strong fmc who has him literally on his knees for her;) My favorite thing about Dante is every single time he sees her after they’re apart, he simply says “Missed you” and hugs her as if it’s been years not hours- it’s a touch of tenderness in a hot headed mafioso man:) He teaches her how to protect and defend herself as opposed to just doing it for her. We love to see it! The spice is superb, the dirty talk and hand necklaces are the best and the character building is great! This book ends on a cliffhanger as a second book is coming but it’s gonna be worth it I assure you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 1, 2023CWs in the book and on storygraph.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
If you’re in the market for a light mafia age gap romance with an absolutely unhinged teddy bear of an love interest, then give this one a go! When I say unhinged I mean would burn the world down for her energy. He is SO gone for her the whole time. I was so completely entertained and I’m kind of mad at myself that I have to wait a month for the second part of the duet. I do think that this story would have been stronger had it been trimmed. There was a lot of circling and repetition of the same conversations and issues that were essentially filler. I am excited to see what comes next, though! Especially after that ending!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
If you’re in the market for a light mafia age gap romance with an absolutely unhinged teddy bear of an love interest, then give this one a go! When I say unhinged I mean would burn the world down for her energy. He is SO gone for her the whole time. I was so completely entertained and I’m kind of mad at myself that I have to wait a month for the second part of the duet. I do think that this story would have been stronger had it been trimmed. There was a lot of circling and repetition of the same conversations and issues that were essentially filler. I am excited to see what comes next, though! Especially after that ending!
December 23, 2022
I was so excited to receive another ARC from Morgan, Elizabeth, and once again, she did not disappoint! I’ve read a lot of mafia, but not much light mafia and I really loved it!
Lilah is such a complex heroine. She’s treated like glass but she’s so strong, intelligent, and fierce. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. She was made to be the queen in this men’s world. Ugh and Dante?! 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 Chef’s kiss of a book boyfriend. He falls first and falls so damn hard. He’ll do anything to protect her. The cliffhanger was wild but thank god Morgan gave a sneak peek of book 2! Cannot wait for another book of Lilah & Dante!
Lilah is such a complex heroine. She’s treated like glass but she’s so strong, intelligent, and fierce. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. She was made to be the queen in this men’s world. Ugh and Dante?! 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 Chef’s kiss of a book boyfriend. He falls first and falls so damn hard. He’ll do anything to protect her. The cliffhanger was wild but thank god Morgan gave a sneak peek of book 2! Cannot wait for another book of Lilah & Dante!
January 28, 2023
3.5 stars
Man that cliffhanger!!!! I will say this is more character driven then plot. There are mystery elements that happen periodically on the past. I just wished we got more side plot scenes. The mafia aspect is pretty medium tone. I think this first half of the duet is just touching the surfaces of the plot to a bigger climatic arc in book 2. This one was sort of too insta love for me for Lilah and Dante. I wished there was more buildup between them before we got to them getting together. Dante is pretty controlling but he has his reasons? I'm still trying to figuring him out. I will definitely be reading the next one.
Man that cliffhanger!!!! I will say this is more character driven then plot. There are mystery elements that happen periodically on the past. I just wished we got more side plot scenes. The mafia aspect is pretty medium tone. I think this first half of the duet is just touching the surfaces of the plot to a bigger climatic arc in book 2. This one was sort of too insta love for me for Lilah and Dante. I wished there was more buildup between them before we got to them getting together. Dante is pretty controlling but he has his reasons? I'm still trying to figuring him out. I will definitely be reading the next one.
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