Wow, just wow! Beautiful Beast is an absolutely amazing story that captivates from start to finish. Neva Altaj has truly outdone herself with this one. What makes this book even more special is knowing that the author listened to her readers’ constructive criticism and made the adjustments necessary to become an even better storyteller. It’s rare to see an author so committed to growth, and Neva’s dedication shines through every page. The love and romance in this book were beautifully crafted, with an intensity that kept me hooked. The connection between the characters felt genuine and deep, making their journey all the more engaging. However, if I had one more request, it would be this: more spicy scenes, please! The moments we got were fantastic, but I couldn’t help but crave more of that passion and heat. Neva, keep progressing and pushing boundaries. You’re doing a phenomenal job, and I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!

I loved the expansion of Neva Altaj's mafia world. I love that the characters are scarred, flawed, and crazy. It makes the stories feel a little more real and a lot more fun. Can't wait to read more of the Mafia Legacy series.

Such a great story, from start to finish.The characters are funny at times, very intense just enough to keep you reading. A love story, built in with just enough violence to make it a good Mafia story. Oh my peeps you're going to enjoy this one. So well written ! Next Please.

Loved this book. I'd say more plot than spice but the spice that is there is delightful and lots of emotional spice too. I already purchased another book by this same author. Great plot. Good spice. The right amount of humor and playfulness.

I absolutely adore this author’s books! The Perfectly Imperfect series is one of my favorites and I’m currently impatiently waiting for book 10 in that series. Meanwhile, this new series, Mafia Legacy, picks up the stories of the offspring of the couples in Perfectly Imperfect, starting with Nina’s and Roman’s daughter, Vasalisa (or Vasya) and Rafael who is the head of the Sicilian mafia. The setting is in Sicily but if you’ve read the Perfectly Imperfect books, you know that Roman is head of the Russian bratva in Chicago which is also where his family and daughter live. Vasya ends up in Sicily and in Rafael’s orbit. The story has a modern beauty and the beast vibes, but here’s also a bit about destiny and kismet. I loved every character in this book. The plot is compelling, the two main characters are engaging and so perfect for each other but how they navigate their attraction while still fighting their inner demons makes for such a moving and emotional storyline. I love that we get a glimpse of Nina and Roman’s lives and other children as well as the crazy relationship Vasya has with her Uncle Sergei. Rafael is so beautifully written - he definitely deserves to be loved - and I’m so happy he and Vasya found their HEA. I cannot wait for the next book.

Beautiful Beast is the first book by this author that I've read, and I truly enjoyed it. Really liked all the characters, including all their quirks and foibles. The storyline was unique and kept me reading throughout. It had just the right amount of mafia drama, imo, and a helping of humor here and there. I'd say the spicy servings were more than generous! Looking forward to the next book!

5 STARS!!! ⭐️ Tropes: - He falls first - Forced proximity - Age gap (16 years) - Beauty and the Beast - Scarred hero - Mafia-captive romance - Possessive "touch her and you die" MMC - Destined-to-be-together storyline “You are so beautiful, that every time I’m with you, I have the urge to pinch myself to prove you’re real.” He pulls my face closer to his. “And you’re pretty on the outside, too.” ”My lily of the valley is my personal brand of poison, and there’s no antidote for it. Not for me. She’s coursing through my veins, and nothing on this earth will ever purge her.” Can we all agree this man needs an award? Everything he’s been saying is absolute chef’s kiss—I’m dying over here! Seriously, Rafael de Santi has me completely floored with every word. Guys you NEED NEED NEED to read this book and everything this author has written because you will not regret it! Especially for the girlies who love everything mafia and bratva! Neva Altaj has easily become one of my all-time favourite authors and I literally love everything she writes!! This is the second-gen series following the Perfectly Imperfect series. It starts with Vasilisa, the daughter of Roman and Nina from Imperfectly Perfect (Book 1), and her captor, Rafael. While you don't need to read the previous series to enjoy this one, I highly recommend it for a deeper context and background on the characters. This book was exactly what I wanted and more—I finished it in just 24 hours! The twist of Vasilisa being kidnapped for hacking for fun, rather than her family connections, was a surprise I didn’t see coming. 😲 I absolutely adore Vasilisa—she’s one of my favorite FMC ever. Vasilisa’s IT skills stood out; her feisty and smart personality made her the perfect match for Rafael. She’s definitely her mother’s daughter, and I loved that. If you’re into heroes who are obsessively protective and have a soft spot just for the FMC, Rafael de Santi is your guy. He’s a scarred Sicilian with a seriously intense vibe. Their love was pure, beautiful, intense, and passionate, making me feel all the feels. And can we talk about the bickering between Rafe and Roman at the end? It was hilarious and added a whole new layer of humor This is easily one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve come across. The journey of fated love, from the prologue to the moment they realize they’re meant to save each other, was both emotional and heartwarming. I also love how the author keeps the previous series’ focus on imperfections and disabilities, making this mafia romance really stand out. And did I just catch a hint about the next couple? A Mafia x bodyguard romance? I’m already hooked— I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

This book has it all. Its a mafia romance with some of the most well developed characters I've ever read. This author takes a seriously strong, independent woman who is stuck with a father determined to dismiss her talent and intelligence and set her up with a quiet, boring normal guy. Her fun and games lead to her being kidnapped by a mafia boss in Sicily. What a back and forth the two go through while he keeps her there to correct her mistake. There are laughs, witty banter, lots of emotion and tears. There is also tremendous love, devotion, and a sweet HEA. I don't give many five star ratings, but I'd give this one even more.