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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Vanessa Watts

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If, like me, you’ve read the other books in this series, definitely give this one a go. The other books in the series are great but this one just sets them up to be so much better.

This series introduces you to the daughters of the five families. The ones destined to not live out their own destiny but instead to be a pawn to elevate their own family in terms of money or power. This book also addresses the tragic event we hear about in the books but is never fully explained, the death of Marissa. It is so nice to see where their strength comes from and the love they have for one another as they try to figure out their own lives and not just as pawns.

This one will take anyone back to their college days and the friendships we make that pull us through. This prequel, though short, definitely sets up the mafia elite series. Though it is a standalone book, reading this before all the other books in the series would have made way more sense and the progression of the strong female characters and why they are the way they are makes so much more sense. Definitely give this one a read even if you’ve read the other books because it does close a lot of loose ends and answers some of those questions about why things happen. If you haven’t read the mafia elite series but found yourself here, then definitely read this book and then the elite series you won’t regret it.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Crystal Jimenez

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved this series from the very first book, and I still love it now after this new book in the series. I loved reading what happened before, to get some back story. This book was a little short for me, but it didn’t take away from it, I don’t think. Would 100% recommend.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Baker

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has done it yet again. She has created a story that is well written, with great characters and simply is simply incredible. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books and she always manages to pull me in from page one. I loved getting to know theses characters more and read this book in record time.
This wholes series has been one of my favourite ones and I love getting back into it with each book. They are always exciting and intense. This book is the perfectly example of that. I would highly recommend it and can’t wait to read more.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by M Policicchio

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe this author found a way for me to love these characters more than I already did. Had I read this first, I would find myself wanting to read more about these badass women. As it was, I couldn’t possibly not read about a character named after me!!! (Seriously, I know it wasn’t me but I can dream.)

This short, intense story allows a glimpse into the lives of the Mafia Princesses and why they are as strong as they are. These women are strong, loyal, intelligent, talented, and we can’t forget deadly. This is a beautiful origin story, a starting point!

If you haven’t started this series, read this now! Then, dive head first into the series. If you are already reading the series, STOP!! Read this immediately. Don’t delay. Then, pick up where you left off. It will make sense. Trust me. You need to read this book.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Heather Goodman

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great prequel to the whole mafia series. I love this one because you get to know the girls a lot more. Even though this is short it’s packed full of so much emotion. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and swoon. The author has done it again.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Emily Nolden

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love all of Amy McKinley’s books that she has written. But to read this prequel to her Mafia Elite series, is even better, or icing on the cake!

I love seeing where their story begins, where the mafia “princesses” started out. I found it sad reading from their point of view on how protective and strict their fathers are. I understand the reasoning behind them being strict, but to have no control over their daily lives was heartbreaking for me.

But that is Amy McKinley for you, always pulling at your heart strings!

In this story, Lilianna, Sofia, Emiliana, and Marissa get their first taste of freedom, which is so exciting for the reader and the characters in this story! Having freedom has a cost though. The cost for these girls is not wanting to give up their freedom that they so desperately wanted.
The real question is, what will they all do to keep their freedom? Defy their family? Or back down to their strong-willed fathers, and go back to playing the “perfect princess”.

I have actually read a couple of the stories in this series already, so the prequel gave me a new point of view for each character. Since I now read the prequel, I think I am going back to re-read the series. This prequel was absolutely amazing and I was so glad I read it. I have new insight to the way each character thinks and where they come from, and what they had to go through.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dawn Brown

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before they married Mafia bosses, they were in college. This novella gives the reader a peak into a short time of their senior year.
Opinion
I did not like this book as much as the others in the series. It focused mainly on the women and there was little romance in it. It did however give insight into what happened that fateful day while they were in college.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Michelle Austin

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I loved this prequel to the series. We get a glimpse at the girls before the huge twist that changed their lives. It was nice to see how they bonded and grew closer. We also got to see the men as well. We get all sorts of twists and turns. This novella does a great job of leading you into the series. Having read all of the books first this was a nice way to get some answers to some questions I had. I highly suggest this series, the author does a great job of pulling you right in with her writing and you will love all of the characters. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @Mab54615
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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Megan Pesek

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess was a great way to meet the five families and begin understanding the connections and ties that present themselves in the rest of the series. Defiant Princess follows the five families daughters: Liliana, Sofia, Emiliana, and Marissa in their senior year of college.
If you’ve ever considered reading the Mafia Elite series, start here. It’s a great introduction to the five families. I previously enjoyed the Mafia Elite series, so I knew I would love this too! Amy McKinley has an easy writing style that keeps you reading late into the night.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shea Gilkerson 11/13/22

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mafia Elite series is one of my favorites, and just keeps making the characters better known and more beloved to us. This is a standalone book, but a prequal to the series. The heads of the Five Families are all still ruling with an iron fist, the sons have all graduated college and were leading lives as well as performing their duties as the next in line to their mafia families. The daughters are seniors in college, enjoying their last vestiges of freedom before being married off via contract or taken back home to be folded back into and controlled by their fathers or new husbands.

This book takes place after Emiliana had been kidnapped and rescued and Camilla had been married off to the Russian Bratva, situations that are mentioned throughout the series. It leads up to another tragedy mentioned throughout the series.

As the last 3.5 years of college has gone by, Lil, Sofia, Em and Marissa have grown very close. No one can understand them and their lives the way they understand each other. They’ve grown as close as sisters, so as their college careers come to an end, and they head back to being under their fathers thumbs, they’re all a bit anxious.

The princesses are all daydreaming of being with someone they love, instead of someone they’re promised to. Sofia longs for Enzo, and he her. In order to protect him, she will push him away. Em and Stefano both broken from terrible past experiences, but together they make one another complete. Too bad no one else agrees, and his father outright refuses it. Marissa is promised to Tony, and he is now getting very possessive. While making a decision to try to make things work with her arranged marriage to him, she is anxious to speak to someone in the Bratva to see if her sister Camilla is even still alive. Lil is daydreaming of running away to stay out of her fathers clutches. Will anyone have their daydreams and wishes of true love come true?

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Juls Dick

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess is a prequel to the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley, it follows the sisters of the families prior to the events of the books in the main series. I really liked this story, even the sad parts. It was quite short though and I would have liked it to be longer (as I always do with this series as I am never ready for them to finish and want to know more!). It was really interesting to learn more about the events that are mentioned in the future books and I was screaming in my head to warn them about the traitor among them! I think this is a must read for fans of this series.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tori Werkheiser

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a prequel to the Mafia Elite Series and it was so fun! I absolutely love all the women in this series so them having a book just focused on them in their college days was a delight. We get to see them just being best friends and comforting each other and dealing with the realities of being Mafia Princesses outside of the ways we do in their own books which showcase the romances they end up in. This story is really all about the night before Marissa’s murder which was a big point in the series so seeing Marissa from a different side before her death was very interesting. I love Amy’s writing and I feel everything the girls do so this was an emotional read for me thinking of them anticipating their futures when i already know how its gonna end up i just wanted to hug them all and say its gonna be okay. If you have read any of the Mafia Elite books this is a must-read. It is fast and short but well worth it.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Lape

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series and when I found out that this was a book from the point of view of the ladies of the mafia I could not be more thrilled. I loved reading the backstories of The Five Families Princesses Liliana, Emiliana, Sofia, and Eva, along with Marissa’s death. This prequel really gives a different point of view about the struggle of the women of the mafia and that they are not invisible to the danger they are born into. I genuinely wish it was longer but I have high hopes that this is not the end for this fiery bunch of women. PLEASE keep the stories coming!!

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Beverly Finnie

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was sad when I thought this series ended, but the author strikes again. The Mafia Elite Series is revived by the Defiant Princess prequel!
Yes I love this series!
Yes, all the books are well written!
Yes I’ve read them all!
And absolutely Yes you should too!
If this is the first time you’re coming across a book in this series, you’re in luck because it’s the beginning. What happens in Defiant Princess comes up a lot through No Way Out so it’s a perfect place to start.
I wonder why it wasn’t titled Princesses because it’s told from the point of view of all 4 mafia princesses, Liliana, Emiliana, Sofia, and Marissa. When tragedy strikes the five mafia families of Chicago stick together. Which is demonstrated beautifully is this short novel prequel.
Five Families that you will fall in love with throughout this series if you haven’t read it before. If you have, we have another book to read! It’s not over yet!

@placexba

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Mercedes Jones

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mafia Princesses all living in a mansion together on a college campus, it’s easy to forget that you’re in deep with the mafia when you’re just trying to pass your final exams. This book takes you through the lives of the four girls who live together. The author, Amy, really shows the bond that these girls have together and how much they care for one another. They each are fighting their own battles but still stick together. After a night out near the end of the year, life will never be the same. Will the girls get to make their own paths instead of walking down the one their fathers choose for them or will they even make it out alive?
This was a good story, and a quick read.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Brittany Angel

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess is a prequel novel to the Mafia Elite series. While being short and sweet it gives you further insight into the relationship of the women of the Mafia Elite series. In this installment you are given a look into a pivotal moment mentioned throughout the series that only makes you love these characters more. Well written and concise.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Wendy Wary

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Big fan of this series, but this book really didn’t do it for me. Where the other books were packed with action, this one just didn’t have that same energy and pace. It also seemed to lack any real details about life at college for the mafia princesses, including their interactions with the Bratva. And I was really hoping it would detail what happened with the girls that had been alluded to in previous books, but sadly, it just left things as unclear as before.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Katie Matthews

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a good book! Absolutely amazing read and a fantastic prequel to the Mafia Elite series. It absolutely sets the tone for what is to come in this series and I loved it. I loved that we got an introduction the Princesses of the Mafia Elite it was great to meet them all and find out a little more about them and their lives. This is only a short story but it definitely helps to set the scenes for later stories. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order! Another 5 star read from this talented author!

@katiem
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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590918-defiant-princess” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663174470l/62590918._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590918-defiant-princess”>Defiant Princess</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14257449.Amy_McKinley”>Amy McKinley</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5096194661″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
First off I absolutely loved the Mafia Elite Series. I’m not a huge fan of prequels, but I like to give them a chance just to see how an author merges the past and present. This was a very quick read, but it gave a lot of insight into the women we came to know who loved and married these men in the five families. We get to see what these ladies were going through the night one of their good friends and roommates was murdered. These ladies endured a lot as we found from the Mafia Elite Series but we get to find out just how much and how strong their bond really was in the beginning. The author has done an amazing job making these characters come to life and jump from the pages. I look forward to learning more about Liliana, Emiliana and Sofia before they became wives.
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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Candice Estes

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a prequel to the Mafia Elite series, and is a phenomenal addition to the original series. For me, getting to see the female main characters, our mafia princesses, during their last year of college and see what life was like for them at that time, was a great new addition. The main thing that I found interesting was getting to know Marissa, a mafia princess who was not a part of the original series other than her death being a motivation for many of the mafia members. This book allows you to see how close Marissa was with the others, while also at times giving us her perspective at times.
I do hope that this is still not the end of this series, because I never want to leave this world!

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rachel Moss

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good read! I enjoyed getting to go back, and kind of getting some insight into the events at the beginning that had such an impact on the main series, but didn’t get talked about often. So it was nice getting information on the tragedy itself. It also gives slightly more of an insight into the mafia girls which I really enjoyed as well. It was fast paced and well written too! I definitely can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Heather Watson

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a good book to go along with the series that Amy McKinley has written. She doesn’t disappoint. I would read the other books to know where the girls are in their lives. The girls are leading their lives in college and are staying with each other. They aren’t going to know how to live without each other, but they really won’t have to once they make the packed. I cannot wait until the next installment to see what happens in this book. This one leaves you with a cliffhanger for sure.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess is a short story that is a prequel to the Mafia Elite series. I am obsessed with this series and was so excited to read it. It gave us a little back story on the girls of the Five Families, though I wish there was more info given on Marissa. I still want to know what happened!! So please, I beg, at some point let us know who dun it!! This book takes place before any of their marriages. They are enjoying their last year in college, dreading the future their fathers have chosen for them. I enjoy seeing the love and protection from their brothers. And how close they all are to each other.
While I love this series and enjoyed the book, I don’t feel like it added much to the series. Reading this AFTER all the other books, I feel like there wasn’t much new info provided. I think it would be more enjoyable as a true prequel to hook a new reader on the series. But, as I said, I am obsessed with this series, so I still recommend it and look forward to more.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Paloma Fierro 09/11/2022

Liliana, Sofia, Marissa, and Emiliana belong to 4 royal mafia families. Under the strict power of their respective fathers each of the girls is used for the convenience of the business, marriage arrangements are made with other families even those who are part of the enemy, giving them the memories of growing together as the only source of warmth throughout the hardness of the destiny. 

 

Within their luxury lives all of them have challenges to overcome: Marissa’s engagement with Toni, who was a friend and suddenly becomes a guard who seeks power in his new position. Sofia,in love with Enzo, but after a traumatic experience has lost all of his shine and she can not seem to get it back to him, thinking that theirs was not a love meant to be. Emiliana, who is marked with internal scars after being abducted and now can’t seem to be able to be part of a normal society, living always on high alert and in constant fear for her surroundings. Liliana has yet to see what her father has saved for her future, she has a seat in first row into her friends fated goals.

 

A multi-narrative story full of action, suspense, hidden love, character development that empowers the forces of each girl to its fullest, even when at the same time they deal with their fears and limitations

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being born into a Mafia family means life is never normal. College was supposed to be a period of time where Liliana, Sofia, Emiliana, and Marissa get to at least pretend to be closer to normal than how they had grown up. Senior year has approached and despite it being their last year of freedom, their families start making plans for their future. Each of them is faced with the inevitable prospect of marrying someone they don’t love or even like. When a Russian mafia member is spotted watching the girls’ house, it can only mean their time is running short. As they each face their fears and cling to the last vestiges of their normal-ish lives, can they make it through together? Or will they succumb to the mafia way and be punished for unknowingly putting themselves in harm’s way?

This prequel answered a lot of questions from the Mafia Elite series that were always mentioned but never truly explained in depth. I enjoyed getting to see the girls in their “formative” years before their lives were not really their own. Each perspective brings a different view into how the girls really became a unit that would do anything for each other. My heart broke a little for each of them as they had to go through yet another tragedy to realize that their lives really are not their own and that they are just pawns in the greater scheme of the Mafia life.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ayla Eddy

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did I click the buy now button without needing any more details other than knowing the author’s name? Sure did! I have more than loved all of the works I have ever read by Amy McKinley. Let me tell ya this book did not let me down. Another amazing story by Amy.

This novella takes place as a stage opener for the series The Mafia Elite. It gives a look into the younger lives of the mafia Princesses that we follow during the main series. It is full of adventures, danger, intrigue, drama, and mystery. Each of the characters draws you in with a way to relate to them in one way or another. Putting the book down is nearly impossible. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next.

Don’t wait to pick up this prequel to The Mafia Elite series. While you are at it, have the entire main series ready to go next. I read the prequel after the original series, but it didn’t affect any enjoyment from it.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Trista Priest

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I am not sure I have ever raced to buy a book so fast. I am not always a fan of novellas, but Amy packed this full of just enough description and details to pull you in immediately. Defiant Princess is incredibly well written and I am so excited to read the seven books in this series.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Angela Shirley

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

OMG I am obsessed by this series and thought it could not get any better, well I was wrong. This book is the prequel to the night of Marissa’s death and what went down, the only drawback this is too short and leaves you hanging.

This introduces the Princesses into the world and is written with the same intrigue and twists as all the books in this series. The characters are the ones we love and cherish, and it is great to see the characters in a time of free-spirited woman and how the fibre’s such strong friendship was founded.

I hope there is more in the series as I’m not sure I want to say goodbye to the Five Families just yet,

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the Mafia Elite series, so this prequel seemed like a great chance to get more of the characters and writing that I enjoy so much! I feel like Defiant Princess is more intended as an entry point into the series for new readers than an extension of the story for those who have already read the series. Most of the backstory won’t be new if you’re caught up on the series, and there won’t be many surprises. But it’s still fun to get to see the characters when they’re a bit younger!
So I’d say this is for readers who think you might enjoy the series and would like a taster before you commit. It’s a chance to get to know loads of the main characters and some of their key motivators in a shorter novella before you jump into the series. With the Mafia Elite series now available in two convenient box sets, this could be a great way to sample the series before getting the first set.
This book gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to newcomers to the series who want to see if it’s for them – if you like romance, action and intrigue I’m sure you’ll love Mafia Elite!

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Defiant Princess ( Mafia Elite Series Prequel ) by Amy McKinley – Review by Caralee Loonat

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love this author and I have read many of her books and this one was just another great story. I like how she brings in the drama and mixes a bit of romance. The stories are so full of action and drama that you get swept into them. The characters are always well written with enough back story to support. I love how the books blend well into the next and I cannot wait to read more from this author. I cannot put these books down as I am at the edge of my seat wanting to see what will happen next.

The chemistry between the characters is really good. I am well impressed how the author builds the world around the characters. I really felt as though I was right in the midst of the action. Mafia romances are one of my top 10 favorite genres. I will definitely be reading more of this series. I cannot wait!

Review by @caraleeloonat
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