A compelling blend of dark academia and mafia romance that draws readers into a world of power, betrayal, and forbidden attraction. Set in the exclusive Sicuro Academy, a boarding school for the children of crime families, this first installment of The Mafia Academy Series introduces a rich tapestry of family rivalries and dangerous alliances.

The narrative follows Mirabella La Rosa, a mafia princess desperate to escape an arranged marriage, and Marcello Costa, the presumed-dead heir seeking vengeance for his father's murder. Their dynamic drives the story forward, with their antagonistic relationship evolving through layers of tension and unwilling attraction. Their interactions (sharp dialogue and palpable chemistry) keeps the pages turning at a speed that will surprise you.

What sets this book apart is its intricate world-building, with a detailed hierarchy of crime families, complete with territories and complex relationships that adds depth to the romantic subplot. The academy setting provides a unique backdrop that blends the familiar elements of dark academia with the dangerous undercurrent of mafia politics.

While the romance is certainly steamy, it's the plot twists and character development that truly shine. The pacing builds steadily, with revelations strategically placed to maintain suspense throughout the narrative. Both protagonists are well-developed, their motivations clear and their actions consistent with their established personalities.

This book will appeal to readers who enjoy their romance with a side of danger and intrigue. It successfully balances its darker themes with moments of intensity and passion, making it a strong entry in the dark romance genre. Readers should note this is a mature romance with explicit content.

LOVED this book. I’ve been craving a mafia romance and this one scratched the itch. I proceeded to bing the rest of the entire series in the following days after I finished this one!

A dark romance set in boarding school, a very interesting concept and I enjoyed reading it so much.
The author had penned down the plotline very interestingly that it kept me hooked till the very end.
The characters were well drafted and each were given sufficient scope to contribute to the plotline.

4.25 stars! This book was really enjoyable—flew through it in one night! Idk but there's something about this time of year (fall lol) that perfectly fits the vibe of dark mafia college romance books. Last year it was the Kingmakers series, this year it's The Mafia Academy series hehe.

The enemies to lovers was so well done, and it made sense within the story. I liked both Mirabella and Marcelo's characters, and I think Mirabella's motivations seemed "realistic," given the patriarchal environment. I loved the action and suspense scenes. One of my favorite micro tropes is "war games," and it was great that that was included.

I do wish the characters had a bit more depth, and I wish their relationship became more emotional? I didn't feel as emotionally attached to their relationship as I'd have liked. I also didn't love the sexist/patriarchal themes. It's definitely realistic in that sense, but I like when these types books are escapist and not sexist towards women (unlike the real world lol). But definitely will continue reading this series, I can't wait to see more of the side characters!

Thank you so much to Avon Books for sending me a copy of Vow of Revenge. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

I devoured this book. I was concerned going in that it would be too similar to another mafia romance I recently read, but the tension and heat between these characters was so much fun. It set things up well for a series. It was fast paced and completely addicting. And I’m so excited for more P Rayne.