Maddelena's first encounter with Cesare is when they are in their teens. But the two come from opposite Italian families who are long-term sworn enemies.

But that one encounter will only dim until reignited and set into motion a forbidden passion that will set the two families to war.

This is a great storyline mixing racing cars, mafia gang families and forbidden romance all into one, making this novel a great escape for any romance reader.

Cox tells this narrative with alternating chapters, with the two main characters, Maddelena and Cesare, seeing both narratives of the families; I like how this gave more depth to the narrative.

I found myself thinking, not only is Cesare dangerous, he is SEXY!!

This is a great first book in a series, and I am excited for what next novel will be.

Yet another one I just ate up. I love the allure, danger and attraction the mafia trope provides. The plot always gets to me. I did feel like something was missing. It didn't take away too much from the story. I was still just as engrossed.

Very fun and spicy read about mafia family and with F1 Racing i feel it was very interesting and a great trope Enemies to lovers which is one of my favorite..Definitely going to pick up the second book when it comes out in November.

If you want a gritty but spicy romantic read, this story will tick all the boxes. Cesare and Maddelena are from rival crime families, forever divided by a historic vendetta. Set in the world of motor racing, with excellent characters, tangible chemistry and more than a little gritty crime violence. It is fast-paced, emotional, and romantic. I like the couple and their complex relationship. It has a satisfying mix of attraction, emotional commitment and danger. The setting is glamorous, and the sense of menace prevails throughout.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The Mastermind is a dark mafia romance set in the world of Formula One. It features characters reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet and is filled with intrigue. As two powerful Italian families are vying for ultimate dominance, and at the centre of it all are Cesare Salvatore, a mafia heir and elite Formula 1 driver, and Maddelena Mancineli, the fiercely independent daughter of his family's biggest rival.

But when Maddelena is accused of betrayal, she and Cesare are forced into a dangerously close partnership, fueled by blackmail and secrets.
And with tension, danger, and sizzling chemistry, The Mastermind delivers a fiery and fast-paced read. That perfectly blends the dark allure of mafia romance with the adrenaline-fueled excitement of Formula 1, making it a unique take on the genre and something I've never read before, but would definitely read again.

- 3/5
🪝 - 3/5
🌶️ - 4/5

Slightly disappointed with this one, I really wanted to love it going into it especially with Mafia tropes but I just got bored when it got to the formula 1 side of it which is okay as jut something I wouldn’t read.

I did enjoy Cesar being this hard person to everyone around him but when it comes to Maddelena he’s a puppy. Love that they finally stopped think about the parents rivalry.

I don’t know if I just want into it at the time but just felt I could put it down at my point and left it.

This book sounded quite promising… however the plot was very predictable and it gave the feeling of a retelling of Romeo and Juliet rather than a new story.

The characters were quite well written, and their development was quite good from the beginning to the end which I particularly enjoyed.

Oh boy at first it took me a few chapters to really get into the story but once I did I was absolutely hooked. Definitely a good read!

It took me a couple of chapters to get into this Romeo-and-Juliet style story but once I was in, I was hooked!

The chemistry between Maddelena and Cesare was taut and electrifying! Their relationship went against everything they'd been taught about the other's family, but I loved Cesare's conviction and determination in pursuing Maddelena. The passion that ignited between them had a been a long time in the making and, wowsers, was it worth waiting for! Whenever they were in close proximity, there was a palpable energy between them. This book was the first in a series and a few storyline threads were thrown out which I'm looking forward to picking up in the books to come.

Well if I wasn’t drawn in by the cover (!!) I only had to see the words “lust-hate” in the blurb and I was all “shut up and take my money!” This book didn’t disappoint, I flew through it. Intriguing characters and a really gripping immersive story. Extremely spicy so look away if you are under eighteen - sometimes the raunchier type of story can be a bit cringy but The Mastermind was pitched just right. Toe curling for all the right reasons. If you’re looking for a hot, addictive, gritty in places read - this book is for you. My first experience of a Zara Cox novel and it won’t be my last!

A dark romance with Mafia families. F1 Racing, Secrets, Betrayal, and lots of spice!

Cesare has two rules…family first and don’t get caught.
Maddelena has one rule…stay away from Salvatore men.

Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden love
Family rivalry
Dirty talk
Sleepwalker who happens to be a sleep talker too!

An attraction that started as teens explodes almost a decade later when they must work together to figure out who is attempting to sabotage who. If Cesare and Maddelena can find a way around their family rivalry these enemies might become lovers.

Lots of action both off and on the track with lost of secondary characters teasing the possibility of more books.

I didn't know that a book that combines Formula 1 and the Mafia could have such good results.
It's a dual POV. Enemies to lovers. Rival families. A dispute between the Salvatores and the Mancinellis.
And the chemistry between Cesar and Maddelena? OMG. It's been there since very early on, but the rivalry between the families held them back. Until they forgot about it. Of all the people in the world, the heart chooses what makes it feel alive.
I loved every second of this story. The writing is very good. For me, it might have been too spicy, but not bad either, by the way. I loved Cesar. I love reading about these men who want to show evil, but are the cutest of all.
Ahhhhh, and I want more of Rafa's story, okay?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

The Mastermind delivers heat, action, and just the right amount of chaos. Think Romeo & Juliet, but with fast cars, loaded weapons, and a whole lot of unresolved sexual tension.
Cesare Salvatore is the heir to a powerful Sicilian crime family—and a world-class F1 driver on the side. Maddelena Mancinelli is the sharp, no-nonsense daughter of his family’s oldest rival. From the outside, they’re sworn enemies. Behind closed doors, it’s a different story entirely.
Their chemistry is explosive. From a teenage kiss that lit the fuse to full-blown adult obsession, these two burn up every page they’re on together. Their shared past only adds fuel to the fire, and when Maddelena is accused of betraying Cesare’s crew, the only way to uncover the truth? Blackmail. Close quarters. Zero self-control. You know where this is going—and it’s filthy in the best way.
What really worked for me is how the mafia world and the F1 racing circuit were woven together. I was skeptical at first, but the tie-in was smart and added a fresh spin on both genres. The writing was sharp and fast-paced, and the spice was definitely on the higher end—dirty talk fans, you’ve been warned.
If you’re into forbidden romance, family feuds, and morally gray characters who can’t seem to keep their hands—or secrets—to themselves, The Mastermind needs to be on your radar. I’m already eyeing the next book in the series because I need more from this world.

᪥ Mafia
᪥ Enemies To Lovers
᪥ Dark Romance
᪥ Obsessive, Protective MMC
᪥ F1 Racing
᪥ Dual POV

Just a handful of reasons why I should hate Cesare Salvatore, heir to the Salvatore Sicilian mafia throne. Other reasons? His insanely gorgeous face. How hot he looks in his Formula One race suit. The feral look in his eyes when he’s pounding his enemy into the ground… But as a Mancinelli, I abide by one family rule: Stay away from the Salvatores. Betrayal. Forbidden Attraction. Vendetta Ignited.

Cesare believes there’s a traitor in his crew…put there by me. He’ll uncover the truth by any means, including blackmailing me into his bed. What he doesn’t know is I’ve crushed on him since high school; have craved his blood-stained hands on me since one mistake sparked a lust-hate relationship. Discovering he’s equally hot for me risks re-igniting a family vendetta and unearthing brutal decades old secrets many have been killed for. Can we stop before sparks turn to inferno? Because if it does? Forget Romeo & Juliet. Our forbidden attraction will destroy empires.

Interesting read! Loved the spice and the story, but the writing was mediocre (sorry!). Overall an enjoyable read and I'll be back for more! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Formula One drivers and mafia = fast cars and villains.

It's a fast paced story and super spicy. It's a decent storyline, but the writing is choppy and odd in places. There is multiple tropes here - forbidden love, family rivals, mafia ties - it has Romeo and Juliet vibes in a racing world.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I am a sucker for a good mafia romance. Always have been and always will be. Zara Cox definitely caught my attention with The Mastermind.

We may start off a little bit on the slow side, but let me tell you, we definitely pick it up for a fast pace edge of your seat story. Mafia meets Formula One racing. Not only are they rivals by their family names, they’re arrivals on the track as well. Cesare Salvatore is a race car driver and the heir to his family legacy. Maddelena Mancinelli is the daughter Mancinelli family head and over sees the running of their racing team. The two arrivals by birth, but yet have this crazy irresistible attraction to one another. Their relationship borders on hate and lust. When they find out, they have a mole on their team, Cesare goes to every length to get to the bottom of what is going on. Even if that means taking the one person that he feels, he can get the answer answers from. Maddelena is one tough cookie, she will see toe to toe with the best of them. yet she has two weaknesses, one feeling things for a man that she should never want to and something completely beyond her control, which could totally destroy her family.

I really enjoyed The Mastermind. Zara Cox puts a nice twist on the typical mafia romance. The addition of F1 racing almost made this book move at break next speed once we got going. It’s a darker modern day inspired by Romeo and Juliet type of story that caught me off guard in the best possible way.

I really liked the combination of formula one and Mafia Romance, it was something different to what I've read before, so it kept me intrigued. I loved the chemistry and forbidden love tension and drama from being rival families. There's a good plot to spice ratio, and their relationship feels believable and genuine, building from their lust. I enjoyed the balance of high stakes from their families finding out, and the drama from their rival formula one racing, and their families secrets and schemes.
Cesare's character was a fun mix of dominance, possessiveness and caring protector, and his weakness is the girl he can't get out of his mind, who happens to be an enemy. It definitely had the Romeo & Juliet vibes, but without the tragic ending.

4.5 ⭐️
📕: The Mastermind by Zara Cox
Dark Secrets
Fast Cars
Filthy Lust
Mafia Boss
Enemies To Lovers
Dark Mafia Romance
Sworn Rivals

This book is a roller coaster of High stakes, suspense, and a thriller in a dark mafia world romance!! This is my first book to read of Zara Cox and it won’t be the last.. I loved the action and intense moments of this book. Cesare is a F1 driver and also the underboss to the Sicilian-American Crime Family .Maddelena Mancinelli is Cesare’s rivals sister in F1 and the mafia world.He knows the mafia world is cruel and brutal .

So Much to be Found in These Pages!!

Cesare is the underboss of a Sicilian-American crime family. Maddelena Mancinelli is consigliere of her family’s assets and CEO of Furia Racing. Cesare races for his family. Arch enemies, family politics, traitors, a mix of innocence and siren, and dark sinister undercurrents.

The relationship is forbidden and scintillating. The action is fast paced. The females are bargaining chips. A propensity for sleepwalking and talking provides a heightened danger.

Quite the page-turner. Will keep you glued to the page.

Zara Cox delivers a sizzling, high-stakes romantic thriller in The Mastermind, where love, loyalty, and legacy collide in the most dangerous of ways. Set against the brutal backdrop of two rival mob families locked in a generations-long feud, the novel centers on the forbidden romance between their heirs—evoking shades of Romeo and Juliet, but with far more heat, grit, and bloodshed.

From the first page, Cox plunges readers into a world of power, violence, and obsession. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the spice is balanced beautifully with emotionally charged moments and sharp dialogue. Despite the violence surrounding them, their love story remains the beating heart of the novel, creating a constant tension between desire and danger.

The mob dynamics are vividly drawn—ruthless, unforgiving, and complex. Cox doesn’t shy away from the brutality of this world, and the emotional stakes are raised by the fact that even family isn’t safe from betrayal. The action is fast-paced, and the loyalty tests are relentless, making for a truly compelling read.

The Mastermind is a bold, sexy, and suspense-filled start to what promises to be a gripping series. Zara Cox masterfully blends romance and dark underworld intrigue, leaving readers breathless and eager for what’s to come.