Today, I am reviewing author Liza Malloy’s second prequel and latest release in the Mafiosa Princess saga, Becoming the Prince, a contemporary romance.
Title: Mafiosa Princess – Becoming the Prince
Series: Mafiosa Princess, second prequel
Author: Liza Malloy
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Publication Date: April 30, 20254
Length: 324 pages
Publisher: Teal Street Publishing
Raised in shadows, destined to rule. But love is the one thing he can’t control.
Blurb: Luca Marino is caught between two worlds. He never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he’s destined to be a loyal son in the mafia. Upon his graduation, Luca finds himself thrust deeper into the ruthless empire, his days marked by power and violence.
While Luca’s involvement in the mafia grows deeper, so does his love for Giada Conti. Giada is everything Luca wants and everything he should avoid. She’s beautiful, kindhearted…and the daughter of a rival mafia boss. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as their worlds collide, so do their hearts. In Giada’s arms, Luca finds solace from the violence and darkness that threatens to consume him. But what if the price of their love is too high?
As Luca is pulled further into the mafia’s deadly web, he must decide how best to protect the woman he loves, and whether he can ever keep her safe while honoring the blood-soaked legacy of his family. In this high-stakes world, the line between power and passion is razor-thin, and love is the deadliest gamble of all.
Becoming the Prince is the second prequel to the MAFIOSA PRINCESS SERIES. While this book can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading it after MAFIOSA PRINCESS: BEGINNINGS. The prequels can be enjoyed before, after, or at any point during the main series.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Mafiosa Princess saga. It is the second prequel when Luca becomes the prince.
I really felt for Luca and Giada. As I read, it all made sense when I think back to the first book in the saga when Giada is in college, finishing her degree in interior design (at least I think she was in college since it’s been so long since I read the first book).
Giada is in her last year of high school, and Luca has graduated. The two have much to conquer to be together if Luca allows this to happen. I enjoyed his feelings of conflict: his love for her and how he feels a good woman like Giada needs someone much better since he is slowly being suck into a life of crime by the hand of his father.
Giada is very confused by Luca’s behaviour. She even feels used. Of course, she has no idea what’s happening behind the scenes since Luca keeps his secret life from her. Naturally, she will think the worst if she does not have the truth.
It’s truly a book of star-crossed lovers. It leads the readers rooting for them, but knowing they are doomed. It’s a perfect prequel to the saga, which leads into book one. How much they care for one another comes through loud and clear. Even when apart, they still pine for one another, and sometimes even deny their feelings for each other in true adolescent style.
This is a wonderful addition to the saga. Do yourself and get a copy. If you haven’t yet started the saga, start with the two prequels first. The author has done a great job establishing their budding relationship.
Maggie Blackbird 