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Mafia Royals #1
Ruthless Princess
A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend…
I never thought my father would ask this of me, to become the second generation at Eagle Elite University, to rule with an iron fist, and to take care of anyone who gets in our way.
But ever since the incident.
Ever since Him.
There’s been a war in our little clique.
After all, a house divided cannot stand.
He’s the problem, not me.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
But we both drank it, again and again, never believing there would be a day when our love would start a war.
And our friendship would shatter into a million pieces.
Then again, the worst thing you could do in the mafia is hang on to hope that your life will be normal.
The second worse thing?
Fall in love with your best friend.
Enemy.
And heir to the Nicolasi throne.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend…
I never thought my father would ask this of me, to become the second generation at Eagle Elite University, to rule with an iron fist, and to take care of anyone who gets in our way.
But ever since the incident.
Ever since Him.
There’s been a war in our little clique.
After all, a house divided cannot stand.
He’s the problem, not me.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
But we both drank it, again and again, never believing there would be a day when our love would start a war.
And our friendship would shatter into a million pieces.
Then again, the worst thing you could do in the mafia is hang on to hope that your life will be normal.
The second worse thing?
Fall in love with your best friend.
Enemy.
And heir to the Nicolasi throne.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
1731 people are currently reading
9382 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
169 books18.4k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 760 reviews
January 2, 2021
Five stars and two twirls!
They are the children of the leaders of two of the five families. Junior Nicolasi and Serena Abandonato we’re doomed from the moment they first fell in love. Their parents had been through it in the past, when members of the families fell in and out of love with each other. They knew that jealousy, hurt and anger can start wars between friends and family. So they made it a rule that their kids can’t get together. No kissing, no dating, no falling in love. The punishment for betrayal is death.
In the prequel, Asher Abandonato saw what was happening between Junior and Serena and to save them from themselves. Ash made sure to test them in public and unless they outed their own relationship by publicly claiming each other which he knew they couldn’t do, they had no recourse but to betray the relationship by choosing someone other than each other. By doing that they hurt each other beyond repair. Now all they have is hate and pain.
Though Junior and Serena must still work together as the Elite of the University and the mafia Prince and Princess that they are. They are sometimes friends, sometimes enemies and always the cause of the deep hole in each other’s heart. This book had all the feels of this torturous relationship between two people that deep down want nothing more than to be able to claim each other and tell the world. But instead are forced to keep hurting each other for their own survival.
I loved the relationships in this book. Not only between Serena and Junior, but all the kids, and even the parents. Though this world is so unreal as to be comical at times, it does portray the brutality, paranoia (righteous though it is), and the kinship that must exist in the mafia. The craziest parts are how brutal these people are with their own family members in effort to make sure they are strong enough to survive in their world.
Like I said, the world is also comical at times. As a matter of fact, the book was pretty humorous in the way that these college students/made men and women make light of their world. They joke about the number of weapons they carry around daily, the fact that they are killers and that their lives are so bizarre compared to others their age. I have no clue if people like this would really joke like these kids do, but I have a feeling that you’d almost have to, otherwise some of that stuff would drive you crazy.
So much happened in this book, some of it was unbelievably surprising and some was revealing. There are definitely secrets all over the place in these families, not only about who is in love with whom, but also secrets from the past. It is quite a dark and twisty ride. I can’t wait for more. I did purchase a bunch of the Eagle Elite books, I can’t wait to get some time to start in on those and find out what kind of trouble the parents got into. RVD has outdone herself here!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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They are the children of the leaders of two of the five families. Junior Nicolasi and Serena Abandonato we’re doomed from the moment they first fell in love. Their parents had been through it in the past, when members of the families fell in and out of love with each other. They knew that jealousy, hurt and anger can start wars between friends and family. So they made it a rule that their kids can’t get together. No kissing, no dating, no falling in love. The punishment for betrayal is death.
In the prequel, Asher Abandonato saw what was happening between Junior and Serena and to save them from themselves. Ash made sure to test them in public and unless they outed their own relationship by publicly claiming each other which he knew they couldn’t do, they had no recourse but to betray the relationship by choosing someone other than each other. By doing that they hurt each other beyond repair. Now all they have is hate and pain.
Though Junior and Serena must still work together as the Elite of the University and the mafia Prince and Princess that they are. They are sometimes friends, sometimes enemies and always the cause of the deep hole in each other’s heart. This book had all the feels of this torturous relationship between two people that deep down want nothing more than to be able to claim each other and tell the world. But instead are forced to keep hurting each other for their own survival.
I loved the relationships in this book. Not only between Serena and Junior, but all the kids, and even the parents. Though this world is so unreal as to be comical at times, it does portray the brutality, paranoia (righteous though it is), and the kinship that must exist in the mafia. The craziest parts are how brutal these people are with their own family members in effort to make sure they are strong enough to survive in their world.
Like I said, the world is also comical at times. As a matter of fact, the book was pretty humorous in the way that these college students/made men and women make light of their world. They joke about the number of weapons they carry around daily, the fact that they are killers and that their lives are so bizarre compared to others their age. I have no clue if people like this would really joke like these kids do, but I have a feeling that you’d almost have to, otherwise some of that stuff would drive you crazy.
“Anything going on there?”
“Well, if there is one or both of them will die, so let’s hope not because I’m really attached to my sister, and if Maksim touches her wrong or even breathes wrong, I’m cutting his dick off.”
“Graphic,” Claire muttered next to him.
“What?” Ash shrugged. “She’s too young.”
“She’s your twin dipshit.” This from Breaker.
So much happened in this book, some of it was unbelievably surprising and some was revealing. There are definitely secrets all over the place in these families, not only about who is in love with whom, but also secrets from the past. It is quite a dark and twisty ride. I can’t wait for more. I did purchase a bunch of the Eagle Elite books, I can’t wait to get some time to start in on those and find out what kind of trouble the parents got into. RVD has outdone herself here!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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May 20, 2020
Honestly - I wish I knew what I did to my friends to make them hate me this much. I cannot think of another reason why they would tell me that I should give this author another chance after the total MURDER PORN that was Royal Bully.
But - I caved. And I read it (okay I skimmed parts of it just so be done with it) - but I read enough to really start to wonder if this author actually knows ANYTHING about the mafia at all. My final thoughts? No she doesn't. Nor does she care enough to actually to do any type of research whatsoever.
I will warn you now that I took a TON of notes as I tried to get through this atrocity so it may read more like a bullet list than actual paragraphs.
NOW I KNOW THIS AUTHOR DOES NOT DO RESEARCH. In NO WORLD WHATSOEVER DOES THE PAIN OF A TATTOO EQUAL OR BUILD TOLERANCE FOR GETTING STABBED AND/OR SHOT. JESUS FUCKING CHRIST.
After this I pretty much checked out. I continued to read/skim the rest of the book so I was treated to Serena and Junior having sex shortly I was treated to more violence, more threats, and honestly? The betrayal that I read at the hands of the children? Never would have been allowed to stand. But by that point I had already come to not expect a whole lot.
Obviously, her “fans” are going to rate this story at 4 or 5 stars. But that’s okay, they don’t know any better. And honestly? If I could bottle what she has that makes these people blindly follow whatever she throws at them without question? I would be a millionaire. So kudos to her for that much I guess.
But - I caved. And I read it (okay I skimmed parts of it just so be done with it) - but I read enough to really start to wonder if this author actually knows ANYTHING about the mafia at all. My final thoughts? No she doesn't. Nor does she care enough to actually to do any type of research whatsoever.
I will warn you now that I took a TON of notes as I tried to get through this atrocity so it may read more like a bullet list than actual paragraphs.
NOW I KNOW THIS AUTHOR DOES NOT DO RESEARCH. In NO WORLD WHATSOEVER DOES THE PAIN OF A TATTOO EQUAL OR BUILD TOLERANCE FOR GETTING STABBED AND/OR SHOT. JESUS FUCKING CHRIST.
After this I pretty much checked out. I continued to read/skim the rest of the book so I was treated to Serena and Junior having sex shortly I was treated to more violence, more threats, and honestly? The betrayal that I read at the hands of the children? Never would have been allowed to stand. But by that point I had already come to not expect a whole lot.
Obviously, her “fans” are going to rate this story at 4 or 5 stars. But that’s okay, they don’t know any better. And honestly? If I could bottle what she has that makes these people blindly follow whatever she throws at them without question? I would be a millionaire. So kudos to her for that much I guess.
May 7, 2021
From the start, this book was definitely over the top and I'm still not sure how I feel about that. Serena and Junior were in love as teenagers, but their romance is forbidden, so Asher and Claire broke them up and now they hate each other a few years later. This mafia world was definitely drama-filled and lots of crazy things happen. The parents owned this college the main characters all went to and they walked around like they owned the place. They beat each other up, parents threaten their kids, and all of the characters will do anything to protect the family. Like I said, there were definitely a lot of moments where I thought they were too over the top and I had a hard time becoming invested in the story. I liked the romance enough, but I still didn't understand the logistics of this mafia family. I didn't read the other series this is a spin-off of, and I'm not sure how well this book introduced us to the huge cast of characters and how the families were related. I think at some point Serena even made out with her cousin? But I'm not sure how everyone is related, so I could be wrong.
I did enjoy how much action and fighting we had in this, but these kids sounded a bit ridiculous at times with how they talked and what they did. They were all in their early 20s but definitely still felt like teenagers to me. I think the fact that this is new adult and really felt like a new adult novel made me not enjoy it as much. I did enjoy the angst and yearning in the relationship, but everyone pretty much knew they were in love as teenagers, so I don't know why they had to pretend no one knew and break them up. There were just some holes in the plot that I wasn't getting and this was a bit too dramatic to me.
I did enjoy how much action and fighting we had in this, but these kids sounded a bit ridiculous at times with how they talked and what they did. They were all in their early 20s but definitely still felt like teenagers to me. I think the fact that this is new adult and really felt like a new adult novel made me not enjoy it as much. I did enjoy the angst and yearning in the relationship, but everyone pretty much knew they were in love as teenagers, so I don't know why they had to pretend no one knew and break them up. There were just some holes in the plot that I wasn't getting and this was a bit too dramatic to me.
September 7, 2020
RECEIVED AN ARC FOR A HONEST REVIEW
Let me just start off by saying this is the BEST MAFIA BOOK I HAVE READ SO FAR. HANDS FUCKING DOWN. I can not express how much I loved this book.
Rachel did an amazing job with this one, I believe this is how Mafia royal romance stories should be. Both man and woman are treated equally here, literally. Their definition of foreplay is fighting each other, making each other bleed. NO HOLDING BACK. When I say fighting I literally mean punching, kicking, slicing skin with a machete etc.
Have you ever heard about a made woman?, Not a made man but a made woman? Because I honestly never have until this book. Rachel satisfied my inner female empowerment mood or side or part, I mean you know what I’m trying to say right?
God Serena and Junior, their love was so fucking pure and forbidden and just wow. My heart seriously broke for them during the start, the angst was like off the charts. I just wanted to kidnap them myself and drop them to a private island no one knows about so they could just be together. Every time I read this “Hate you for as long as we both shall live…” I just wanted to cry. Like PLS NO. STOP IT.
They both were forced to hate each other due to certain circumstances. Especially since they were forced to study in the same university due to safety reasons and had to see each other almost everyday. The love they both cherished turned into hatred as that was the only way they could protect themselves. Junior had to carry his fathers sins on his shoulder, which made it more difficult for him to prove himself in front of the bosses.
But the story wasn’t just about them (technically I mean it is but...), you get to meet the ENTIRE MAFIA FAMILY, and omg the extra protective fathers, equally crazy scary mothers and of course the bonds between all the cousins/step cousins.
“Need us to cover for you?” I exhaled in relief. “If anyone asks, she had a headache and went to lay down.” “Ohhh, a headache, nice one.” King smiled. “And your dick is like her Advil, or what?”
Like how can you not love them? They literally stuck by one another till the very end. Omg don’t even get me started on the ending, I cried like a baby, Junior and Serena. That’s all I’m going to say.
So much more happens in this book, each family has their own story, their own secrets and I can not wait to read the upcoming books and to see who is paired up with who. I think I already have a feeling about Ash.... someone who’s name starts with an A too.
I would highly recommend everyone who loves reading mafia romance books especially if they love bad ass MG’s.
October 11, 2020
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! I’m on holidays; review to come!💘
June 22, 2020
Notes
BR with the amazing ♛ Mademoiselle Smut ♛! I’m really glad we ventured into this series together. I loved our convos where we gushed, freaked out, got angry, swooned, and analyzed a certain A & A couple in this book 😉💝. We will still try our best to get a place at their family dinner table, right?!
Rating
4.5 ‘the Phoenix has risen’ ✨
Song Recommendation
Aye Mere Humsafar with English translation
Review
Blood in. No out.
Brace yourselves everyone. The new generation of Eagle Elites is here and they are here tostay rule your heart, body, and soul!
This series is advertised as a spin-off series to the Eagle Elite series, but I would highly recommend reading the Eagle Elite series to understand the background and the parents of the characters in this book. That series features the original mob bosses that rule the Italian and Russian mafia in the United States while this series focuses on their children.
We were like addicts, coming back for more, no matter how many times we knew the risk, no matter how many times we broke each other, it was something we always came back to, wasn’t it?
Ruthless Princess is surely the story of the forbidden true love between Junior Nicolasi-DeLange, heir to the Nicolasi mob family, and Serena Abandonato, heir to the Abandonato mob family. But it is also about much more than that.
It is about the intricate relationships between the mob families, the sacrifices, the heartbreaks, the heartaches, the loyalty to own’s blood, the betrayals, and the friendships. RVD spun such an intricate tale in this book to carry the plot of this book while also setting up future books in this series.
“Never thought I’d see the day the ruthless princess surrendered to the dragon.”
“Dragon?” I smirked. “Nah, the ruthless princess just surrendered to her King.”
Junior was exactly the crude, tough, dangerous, and cold mafia royal that I was expecting him to be and only one person can bring him to his knees, the girl who he has been in love with since he was sixteen. Serena was equally as dangerous, tough, hard as nails, and brave and it was due to how she was brought up by Nixon Abandonato, the boss of the Italian mafia. Having grown up together because of the closeness among the mob families, they realized early on that they belong with each other, but their love story was doomed from the start. The mob bosses have many rules to keep everything in control, but there is one rule to rule them all: no romantic relationships between the children of the mob bosses or the punishment would be death.
I could imagine only one happy ending to this scenario, to us being together, and it was my own death. And I knew… it would be worth it. To have her. To own her. To love her.
…Serena Abandonato was my suicide mission. And my heart couldn’t help but beat… yes.
Because their love is forbidden and some actions were taken to break them apart, they resort to the next best thing – hate. But even in hate with each other, they can’t help but be attracted to each other, be jealous, and be possessive of each other. They know that they need to hate each other in front of each other to save each other’s lives. These circumstances lead to fiery sexual tension and angst between them that explodes into a combustive bang. Though, the push and pull between them went on for a tad too long and frustrated me thus the rating being a little lower than 5 stars.
“You stopped being Nixon Abandonato’s daughter the minute you let me into your soul, the minute I tasted you—now, you’re mine…you get both. Good and bad. Monster and man and one day, he’ll know. It’s me who holds your allegiance, your body, your heart…your soul.”
Finally, the action! There wasn’t a single chapter (it wouldn’t be too far-fetched if I say a single page) that lacked action. The story was fast paced, and it kept me on the edge of my seat through the entirety of the book. Next, the writing! RVD is best at combining dry humor at times of stress to provide comic relief and lyrical prose at appropriate times to drive the emotions home. I think I felt every single emotion under the sun while reading this book and that is saying something. Overall, an amazing start to this new mafia series that I know is going to be epic!
King and Queen.
Pleasure and Pain.
Had there ever been a love like ours, I wondered? Saint and sinner, Heaven and Hell.
We were every extreme and everything in between.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
BR with the amazing ♛ Mademoiselle Smut ♛! I’m really glad we ventured into this series together. I loved our convos where we gushed, freaked out, got angry, swooned, and analyzed a certain A & A couple in this book 😉💝. We will still try our best to get a place at their family dinner table, right?!
Rating
4.5 ‘the Phoenix has risen’ ✨
Song Recommendation
Aye Mere Humsafar with English translation
Review
Blood in. No out.
Brace yourselves everyone. The new generation of Eagle Elites is here and they are here to
This series is advertised as a spin-off series to the Eagle Elite series, but I would highly recommend reading the Eagle Elite series to understand the background and the parents of the characters in this book. That series features the original mob bosses that rule the Italian and Russian mafia in the United States while this series focuses on their children.
We were like addicts, coming back for more, no matter how many times we knew the risk, no matter how many times we broke each other, it was something we always came back to, wasn’t it?
Ruthless Princess is surely the story of the forbidden true love between Junior Nicolasi-DeLange, heir to the Nicolasi mob family, and Serena Abandonato, heir to the Abandonato mob family. But it is also about much more than that.
It is about the intricate relationships between the mob families, the sacrifices, the heartbreaks, the heartaches, the loyalty to own’s blood, the betrayals, and the friendships. RVD spun such an intricate tale in this book to carry the plot of this book while also setting up future books in this series.
“Never thought I’d see the day the ruthless princess surrendered to the dragon.”
“Dragon?” I smirked. “Nah, the ruthless princess just surrendered to her King.”
Junior was exactly the crude, tough, dangerous, and cold mafia royal that I was expecting him to be and only one person can bring him to his knees, the girl who he has been in love with since he was sixteen. Serena was equally as dangerous, tough, hard as nails, and brave and it was due to how she was brought up by Nixon Abandonato, the boss of the Italian mafia. Having grown up together because of the closeness among the mob families, they realized early on that they belong with each other, but their love story was doomed from the start. The mob bosses have many rules to keep everything in control, but there is one rule to rule them all: no romantic relationships between the children of the mob bosses or the punishment would be death.
I could imagine only one happy ending to this scenario, to us being together, and it was my own death. And I knew… it would be worth it. To have her. To own her. To love her.
…Serena Abandonato was my suicide mission. And my heart couldn’t help but beat… yes.
Because their love is forbidden and some actions were taken to break them apart, they resort to the next best thing – hate. But even in hate with each other, they can’t help but be attracted to each other, be jealous, and be possessive of each other. They know that they need to hate each other in front of each other to save each other’s lives. These circumstances lead to fiery sexual tension and angst between them that explodes into a combustive bang. Though, the push and pull between them went on for a tad too long and frustrated me thus the rating being a little lower than 5 stars.
“You stopped being Nixon Abandonato’s daughter the minute you let me into your soul, the minute I tasted you—now, you’re mine…you get both. Good and bad. Monster and man and one day, he’ll know. It’s me who holds your allegiance, your body, your heart…your soul.”
Finally, the action! There wasn’t a single chapter (it wouldn’t be too far-fetched if I say a single page) that lacked action. The story was fast paced, and it kept me on the edge of my seat through the entirety of the book. Next, the writing! RVD is best at combining dry humor at times of stress to provide comic relief and lyrical prose at appropriate times to drive the emotions home. I think I felt every single emotion under the sun while reading this book and that is saying something. Overall, an amazing start to this new mafia series that I know is going to be epic!
King and Queen.
Pleasure and Pain.
Had there ever been a love like ours, I wondered? Saint and sinner, Heaven and Hell.
We were every extreme and everything in between.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
August 12, 2020
MOTHERFREAKING AMAZING!!! I read this book in ONE SITTING. I was CONSUMED with these characters! This is forbidden romance to the point of DEATH. Yep, you read that right, these two are absolutely forbidden to be together, it’s against the LAWS of the family. My god, I had an epic hangover after I finished, and I still think about the ride Rachel took me on. 😭😭😭 Top read of 2020. Unforgettable.
May 23, 2020
4.5 stars
Having read Royal Bully, I knew I was going to be in a world of pain(the good kind) even before I started Ruthless Princess.
I wanted to read Serena and Junior’s story the moment I was introduced to them in Royal Bully.
If I haven’t for the hundredth time mentioned this before, I will mention this again, Rachel Van Dyken writes one of the best romance books when it comes to Organized crime. Hands down! Her Eagle Elite series is perfection, an OG!
Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken was one heartbreak after another. So brutal. So vicious. Filled with emotions of love, sacrifice and family.
Not going to sugar coat it but FFFFFUUUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKKKKK Serena and Junior Killed me.. Their responsibility to choose family over love completely ruined me.
These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. The entire time I was reading the book, I felt like my heart was beating so fast, felt a lump on my throat because god dammit! These two were meant to be together. I didn’t want to accept the ridiculousness of the situation but at the same time I got it.
This book was insane! And I know I say that a lot about RVDs books but with this book, she didn’t shy away. The heartfelt emotions packed a punch right to the heart, the angst..oh good lord the angst! the brutality was just…. I was living for it all!
Speaking of heartfelt emotions, there were two particular standout scenes that tugged my heartstrings.
When Junior and Serena were laying in bed and he says,
“I’ve never been able to sleep when you’re in my arms, Serena.”
“So, what did you do the whole time?”
He hesitated and then, “Wait for you to fall asleep and wish that I wasn’t in love with my best friend…”
Excuse me but knowing what I know, this broke my heart.
Another standout scene was just a flashback. A flashback of Serena as a child, the pride and joy of Nixon Abandonato, with her dad sitting in a car. When he tells her she can never date, she giggles and then he tells her, as a tear falls from his cheek down his chin.
“Serena, sweetheart, I can’t let you go, I don’t think I would survive it.”
Nixon Abandonato, badass extraordinaire, crying.
If you’ve read this book or if you’re an fan of the original series, don’t deny the fact that this line broke your heart. I dare you.
On the lighter side, The OG crew are still one hell of a bunch.
Ruthless Princess is addictive! The plot twists, the action and adventure…. The hard, brutal fact that history does indeed repeat itself made this book an absolute pleasure.
You, Rachel Van Dyken, make me wish I never meet a member of the cosa nostra….. and yet you make wish I was a part of the familia….
The Cosa Nostra. forever.
Blood in. No Out.
Having read Royal Bully, I knew I was going to be in a world of pain(the good kind) even before I started Ruthless Princess.
I wanted to read Serena and Junior’s story the moment I was introduced to them in Royal Bully.
If I haven’t for the hundredth time mentioned this before, I will mention this again, Rachel Van Dyken writes one of the best romance books when it comes to Organized crime. Hands down! Her Eagle Elite series is perfection, an OG!
Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken was one heartbreak after another. So brutal. So vicious. Filled with emotions of love, sacrifice and family.
Not going to sugar coat it but FFFFFUUUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKKKKK Serena and Junior Killed me.. Their responsibility to choose family over love completely ruined me.
These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. The entire time I was reading the book, I felt like my heart was beating so fast, felt a lump on my throat because god dammit! These two were meant to be together. I didn’t want to accept the ridiculousness of the situation but at the same time I got it.
This book was insane! And I know I say that a lot about RVDs books but with this book, she didn’t shy away. The heartfelt emotions packed a punch right to the heart, the angst..oh good lord the angst! the brutality was just…. I was living for it all!
Speaking of heartfelt emotions, there were two particular standout scenes that tugged my heartstrings.
When Junior and Serena were laying in bed and he says,
“I’ve never been able to sleep when you’re in my arms, Serena.”
“So, what did you do the whole time?”
He hesitated and then, “Wait for you to fall asleep and wish that I wasn’t in love with my best friend…”
Excuse me but knowing what I know, this broke my heart.
Another standout scene was just a flashback. A flashback of Serena as a child, the pride and joy of Nixon Abandonato, with her dad sitting in a car. When he tells her she can never date, she giggles and then he tells her, as a tear falls from his cheek down his chin.
“Serena, sweetheart, I can’t let you go, I don’t think I would survive it.”
Nixon Abandonato, badass extraordinaire, crying.
If you’ve read this book or if you’re an fan of the original series, don’t deny the fact that this line broke your heart. I dare you.
On the lighter side, The OG crew are still one hell of a bunch.
Ruthless Princess is addictive! The plot twists, the action and adventure…. The hard, brutal fact that history does indeed repeat itself made this book an absolute pleasure.
You, Rachel Van Dyken, make me wish I never meet a member of the cosa nostra….. and yet you make wish I was a part of the familia….
The Cosa Nostra. forever.
Blood in. No Out.
May 19, 2020
4 “As long as we both shall live” Stars”
I love mafia romances. So when I read this blurb and knew this author had written another highly rated mafia series, I decided to jump on board. I did not read the prior series which was about all the parents of the children in this series. This new series said that it could be read as a standalone series and that you did not need to read the prior series, but I think I would have had a better handle on the families if I had read the prior series in my opinion. The author did a good job with filling in past history but there are 5 families with lots of kids/cousins so there were times that I felt somewhat lost or that I was missing out on information. The Royal Mafia (Serena, Junior, Asher, Izzy, Breaker, Violet, King, Maxsim, Claire) are the next generation.
Serena Abandonato, the mafia princess to the Abandonato Boss and Junior Nicolasi (De Lange), the heir to the Nicolasi Family, are childhood friends that somewhere along the way crossed a line that was forbidden and now that consequence is death. So their love had to become hate in order to try and stay away from each other. But love and hate walk a fine line and these two walk both lines very will. But first and foremost they need to keep this love relationship a secret all the while there is also an issue that is threatening the safety of families that the kids are dealing with in their own ways.
There is lots of fighting and violence in this story. But while it was directed at outside forces, there was a lot of internal conflicts going on within the families. Guns and knives are drawn and ready at the drop of a hat. So once again, somewhat confusing and hard to follow. But what I did really love is when the story really concentrated on Serena and Junior. I felt their love and loyalty to one another even when they hated each other. Their passion is sensual and intense and the push and pull they have is off the chart. The last part of the book was by far my most favorite and really pulled me into the story.
Buckle up ladies and gentlemen because this next generation of The Mafia Royals is gong to be kicking ass and taking names.
*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*
I love mafia romances. So when I read this blurb and knew this author had written another highly rated mafia series, I decided to jump on board. I did not read the prior series which was about all the parents of the children in this series. This new series said that it could be read as a standalone series and that you did not need to read the prior series, but I think I would have had a better handle on the families if I had read the prior series in my opinion. The author did a good job with filling in past history but there are 5 families with lots of kids/cousins so there were times that I felt somewhat lost or that I was missing out on information. The Royal Mafia (Serena, Junior, Asher, Izzy, Breaker, Violet, King, Maxsim, Claire) are the next generation.
Serena Abandonato, the mafia princess to the Abandonato Boss and Junior Nicolasi (De Lange), the heir to the Nicolasi Family, are childhood friends that somewhere along the way crossed a line that was forbidden and now that consequence is death. So their love had to become hate in order to try and stay away from each other. But love and hate walk a fine line and these two walk both lines very will. But first and foremost they need to keep this love relationship a secret all the while there is also an issue that is threatening the safety of families that the kids are dealing with in their own ways.
There is lots of fighting and violence in this story. But while it was directed at outside forces, there was a lot of internal conflicts going on within the families. Guns and knives are drawn and ready at the drop of a hat. So once again, somewhat confusing and hard to follow. But what I did really love is when the story really concentrated on Serena and Junior. I felt their love and loyalty to one another even when they hated each other. Their passion is sensual and intense and the push and pull they have is off the chart. The last part of the book was by far my most favorite and really pulled me into the story.
Buckle up ladies and gentlemen because this next generation of The Mafia Royals is gong to be kicking ass and taking names.
*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*
May 3, 2020
Buckle up folks and prepare to get engrossed in this story of the inner struggles between love and obligation. I’m obsessed with this next generation of mafia royalty.
And to think this is just the beginning…
This book will have you reaching blindly for your popcorn. The visuals brought forth by RVD so captivating that you won’t want to look away from the pages as the scenes play out in your head.
That’s literally how I feel typing out this review as I sit here going through the moments. And those moments guys had me fully engaged. You couldn’t have ask for a better way to be introduced to a set of characters. Love them, hate them at times but one thing is for sure you will want more of their lives.
A choice between obligation to the family vs obligation to one’s own heart. Which was more important? which was more deserving? Could you have both or were you meant to lose it all? And I was present for every moment.
This is just one of those books that you sink into. And maybe I’m not explaining it well but you know when you find a tv show that has you completely hooked. It’s got madness and betrayal and you don’t know when you have all these theories about what’s what, who’s really who. It’s dramatic, its morally questionable at times. I mean who lives like this, cause it’s insanity and why in the hell do I want so badly to be a part of it.
When you read a book like that and you make to the last word and you’re so satisfied because the book was so good yet you’re pissed because you’re not ready for this world to stop and you want to keep going.
Well that’s what I call a damn good read. And RVD delivered, she reeled me in and now I’m sitting here wanting her to have mercy on me and give me more.
This book hangover is real !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And to think this is just the beginning…
This book will have you reaching blindly for your popcorn. The visuals brought forth by RVD so captivating that you won’t want to look away from the pages as the scenes play out in your head.
That’s literally how I feel typing out this review as I sit here going through the moments. And those moments guys had me fully engaged. You couldn’t have ask for a better way to be introduced to a set of characters. Love them, hate them at times but one thing is for sure you will want more of their lives.
A choice between obligation to the family vs obligation to one’s own heart. Which was more important? which was more deserving? Could you have both or were you meant to lose it all? And I was present for every moment.
This is just one of those books that you sink into. And maybe I’m not explaining it well but you know when you find a tv show that has you completely hooked. It’s got madness and betrayal and you don’t know when you have all these theories about what’s what, who’s really who. It’s dramatic, its morally questionable at times. I mean who lives like this, cause it’s insanity and why in the hell do I want so badly to be a part of it.
When you read a book like that and you make to the last word and you’re so satisfied because the book was so good yet you’re pissed because you’re not ready for this world to stop and you want to keep going.
Well that’s what I call a damn good read. And RVD delivered, she reeled me in and now I’m sitting here wanting her to have mercy on me and give me more.
This book hangover is real !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read
May 20, 2020A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies by Rachel Van Dyken, the number-one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
May 20, 2020
****AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ****
5 NEW KINGDOM CROWNS
Omg!!!!! I said before and I’ll say it again. THIS WORLD IS MY FAVORITE MAFIA WORLD. You can’t change my mind. Bring on more. I need more.
I fell in love with the first generation of the Eagle Elite, and Ruthless Princess, book one (stand-alone) in the second generation, starts off with a bang.
Junior. Savage and I love him. Serena. A bad b*tch. They are fire together, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Their love is all consuming, the take on the world for you kind of love and I’m here for it. Their love is the epic kind, and their moments of sacrifice and the emotion felt so authentic and real. My heart ached for them, my kindle steamed up with their passion, and their anger was kindling for it all.
And all the kids who we meet, I loved. My heart hurt for them, they made me laugh and cry, and I wanted to be a part of their crew, this family who supports each other with honor and heart. I’m here for the #bloodinnoout oath. Sign me up.
The one thing Rachel Van Dyken always does with the Eagle Elite is builds a family. You felt it with the first generation, and, to be honest, I felt it more with the kids. They live and die by the rules, but these young adults had the challenge of also living up to their parents, carrying the weight that it entails. I would also venture to say that these kids may be a bit more savage than their parents, and, again, I’m so here for it. I love absolutely love where Rachel too is and where she ended this story, and I’m dying for more. I NEED MORE. I swear she could write in this world forever.
Rachel Van Dyken has started off the new Eagle Elite generation with a romance laced in darkness and chaos. Serena and Junior’s story is fraught with danger and passion that is all consuming. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This will without a doubt be a must read of 2020.
ARC review
5 NEW KINGDOM CROWNS
Omg!!!!! I said before and I’ll say it again. THIS WORLD IS MY FAVORITE MAFIA WORLD. You can’t change my mind. Bring on more. I need more.
I fell in love with the first generation of the Eagle Elite, and Ruthless Princess, book one (stand-alone) in the second generation, starts off with a bang.
Junior. Savage and I love him. Serena. A bad b*tch. They are fire together, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Their love is all consuming, the take on the world for you kind of love and I’m here for it. Their love is the epic kind, and their moments of sacrifice and the emotion felt so authentic and real. My heart ached for them, my kindle steamed up with their passion, and their anger was kindling for it all.
And all the kids who we meet, I loved. My heart hurt for them, they made me laugh and cry, and I wanted to be a part of their crew, this family who supports each other with honor and heart. I’m here for the #bloodinnoout oath. Sign me up.
The one thing Rachel Van Dyken always does with the Eagle Elite is builds a family. You felt it with the first generation, and, to be honest, I felt it more with the kids. They live and die by the rules, but these young adults had the challenge of also living up to their parents, carrying the weight that it entails. I would also venture to say that these kids may be a bit more savage than their parents, and, again, I’m so here for it. I love absolutely love where Rachel too is and where she ended this story, and I’m dying for more. I NEED MORE. I swear she could write in this world forever.
Rachel Van Dyken has started off the new Eagle Elite generation with a romance laced in darkness and chaos. Serena and Junior’s story is fraught with danger and passion that is all consuming. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This will without a doubt be a must read of 2020.
ARC review
May 19, 2020
4-4,5 stars
What a fantastic read, I really enjoyed it! I was hooked and I find the story addictive! This was a dark and intense read! It has a great plot and interesting characters!
I loved the pace and I was intrigued!Serena and Junior's romance is slow burn with all the feels!Their love was pure!
I loved the writing a lot! Rachel Van Dyken did an amazing job!
What a fantastic read, I really enjoyed it! I was hooked and I find the story addictive! This was a dark and intense read! It has a great plot and interesting characters!
I loved the pace and I was intrigued!Serena and Junior's romance is slow burn with all the feels!Their love was pure!
I loved the writing a lot! Rachel Van Dyken did an amazing job!
November 16, 2020
So… I must've read something completely different than everyone else because this was fucking awful and obviously overhyped.
The storyline was too far-fetched, unrealistic and the characters were weak and juvenile. The authors attempt in making the characters ruthless badasses was a complete fail. Their childish behavior, heavily applied to both main and side characters, was too off putting for me and that only further contributed in making this novel an absolute mess. Need I also mentioned the horrible writing? It's almost shell-shocking to know RVD wrote this. She could have done so much better. She has written better. What the fuck happened?
In short, don't bother picking this up. Making it to chapter five before calling it quits is an accomplishment in itself. This mafia romance was an utter disappointment and complete waste of time.
July 14, 2020
can someone just confirm for me that breaker and serena are cousins? BECAUSE I'M CONFUSED. THEY FUCKING KISSED???? i feel sick
___________________________________
best friends to lovers to enemies to lovers trope???
mafia??
another eagle elite spin off???
i would like to read this now. please i need it
this is serena and junior's book? Phoenix's son and Nixon's daughter??? omg my heart is not ready for this beauty
___________________________________
best friends to lovers to enemies to lovers trope???
mafia??
another eagle elite spin off???
i would like to read this now. please i need it
this is serena and junior's book? Phoenix's son and Nixon's daughter??? omg my heart is not ready for this beauty
May 20, 2020
Ruthless Princess brings us the next generation of the cosa nostra. If you haven't read the OG books (the Eagle Elite series), its totally fine. These are about their kids, so the parents are present, but you don't need to know their story to understand Serena, Junior, Asher, Izzy, and the rest of the cousins.
I will say this about the Eagle Elite crew: they all had rough childhoods as part of the mafia and I never imagined they would put their kids in this position. But, that is me trying to turn the characters into something they aren't. While Nixon, Chase, Tex, and Phoenix would never abuse their kids, they will include them in the life. They do expose them to what will be their empire. They train them to be lethal. So, this isn't a white washed, "we were mafia but we are gonna go straight and get out of the game" mafia story. Its gritty and violent. If you want a story of a former mafia family that is now gone straight, find another series. But, I think you will be missing out on a brilliant story.
Ruthless Princess belongs to Serena and Junior. They were secret lovers in high school, but they were breaking the family rules. Then it ended and now they loathe each other with the fire of a thousand burning suns. But also, still hot for each other. Its a complicated relationship. But, they do have to work together to protect the family. They need to find out of the De Lange children survived and are out for revenge. This leads to dead bodies, fierce beatings, hot, dirty sex, and a death of a loved one. Its brutal-physically and emotionally. Honestly, each page was like turning the corner in a haunted house-was it going to be a horror show or have you made it out alive? I found myself furiously flipping pages because I couldn't walk away from this story.
Listen, you can find spoilers on this book for sure. However, I beg you not to. The story is violent, but there isn't anything that might be a trigger (unless murder is your trigger. Then, you know, pass). Go in blind. Ruthless Princess is a roller coaster in the dark that has missing pieces of track throughout. You can't see when they are coming and you never expected it. Once you're in, there is no way out. Welcome to the mafia version of the Hotel California with Ruthless Princess!
POV: dual 1st
Tears: yes. so many tears.
Trope: friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, mafia
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Carter Reed by Tijan, Killing Sarai by JA Redmerski, Menace/Grievous by JM Darhower...then you will probably like Ruthless Princess!
Ruthless Princess
See full review on The Book Disciple
May 9, 2020
(3.4-3.5 stars)
The Next generation of Mafioso and second generation at Eagle Elite University is here with the “families” children. This follows friends to enemies Junior Nicolasi and Serena Abandonato. These two are like fire and water, hot and cold but sizzle off the pages. As the heirs to their mafia families there is only one important rule to follow. DO NOT get involved with the other families in a romantic way. Well, that might be hard for these two to abide by. Can they get their friendship back without getting murdered by the mob? A brutal, twisted, dark mafia romance extremely slow burn that is very “mob-realistic.” These star crossed lovers might want to be together but in doing so could cause a war! All the previous characters are in this story but it can be read as a stand-alone however, it probably helps to know their stories. This is a more violent at times book so it might not be for everyone but if you love hardened, mafia living YA in your semi-college romance then you will love this. Sadly, I feel I might be in the minority but this was not my favorite from her. I felt some of the story could of been left out to make it more condensed as I found myself skimming parts. This was very difficult for me to rate as I did like some parts and it is written well plus the cover is stunning. Told in dual POV
The Next generation of Mafioso and second generation at Eagle Elite University is here with the “families” children. This follows friends to enemies Junior Nicolasi and Serena Abandonato. These two are like fire and water, hot and cold but sizzle off the pages. As the heirs to their mafia families there is only one important rule to follow. DO NOT get involved with the other families in a romantic way. Well, that might be hard for these two to abide by. Can they get their friendship back without getting murdered by the mob? A brutal, twisted, dark mafia romance extremely slow burn that is very “mob-realistic.” These star crossed lovers might want to be together but in doing so could cause a war! All the previous characters are in this story but it can be read as a stand-alone however, it probably helps to know their stories. This is a more violent at times book so it might not be for everyone but if you love hardened, mafia living YA in your semi-college romance then you will love this. Sadly, I feel I might be in the minority but this was not my favorite from her. I felt some of the story could of been left out to make it more condensed as I found myself skimming parts. This was very difficult for me to rate as I did like some parts and it is written well plus the cover is stunning. Told in dual POV
May 22, 2020
I didn’t jump on the RVD train until very recently, so I had zero background into her mafia word wizardry before I began this book. To say I was shocked by the time I finished it, is an understatement. It wasn’t so much this book that shocked me, even tho I found it to be riveting, I was more shocked at the fact that I hadn’t read any of her books in the mafia world before now! Ya’ll, there are too many authors and not enough hours!! Someone is gonna have to come up with a way to fix that!
Listen, when it comes to the mafia and their rules, nothing is too much or over the top so when you read this story, know that it is very realistic. Obviously, maybe not relatable (unless you’re part of a Mafia Family) but true to the nature of the world within the mafia. I’ve read enough in my lifetime to know this. That alone captivated me to this story. It reads very realistic. It has the perfect amount of drama to keep my anxiety on high alert but never goes over the top to make me #twitchy. I loved every minute of my reading experience with this story.
The focus of Ruthless Princess is Serena and Junior but there is so much more going on than that. It’s not crowded with side-stories, but it is very intertwined with a lot more storylines. The cousins, the parents, the outside world in general was all just riveting and captivating to me and although some of the stuff sounded a little crazy, I loved it even more because of that! LOL It’s the Mafia, of course they all talk/act crazy, right?!
This is such a well built story that if you haven’t read a single book in Rachel’s mafia world, you’re totally fine (that’s me and I did not feel any loss whatsoever in the storyline) and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to enjoy it so much that will download every single book in the Eagle Elite series! I regret nothing! Happy reading!
The one rule that the bosses gave all the cousins, all the kids, no dating each other, it complicates thing. They all took a blood oath. Breaking that oath is like signing your death sentence.
Listen, when it comes to the mafia and their rules, nothing is too much or over the top so when you read this story, know that it is very realistic. Obviously, maybe not relatable (unless you’re part of a Mafia Family) but true to the nature of the world within the mafia. I’ve read enough in my lifetime to know this. That alone captivated me to this story. It reads very realistic. It has the perfect amount of drama to keep my anxiety on high alert but never goes over the top to make me #twitchy. I loved every minute of my reading experience with this story.
The focus of Ruthless Princess is Serena and Junior but there is so much more going on than that. It’s not crowded with side-stories, but it is very intertwined with a lot more storylines. The cousins, the parents, the outside world in general was all just riveting and captivating to me and although some of the stuff sounded a little crazy, I loved it even more because of that! LOL It’s the Mafia, of course they all talk/act crazy, right?!
This is such a well built story that if you haven’t read a single book in Rachel’s mafia world, you’re totally fine (that’s me and I did not feel any loss whatsoever in the storyline) and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to enjoy it so much that will download every single book in the Eagle Elite series! I regret nothing! Happy reading!
Read
May 20, 2020A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies by Rachel Van Dyken, the number-one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
July 10, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
warning: None of you are prepared for this book!!! let me repeat, none of you!!! it's absolutely mind-blowing!!!
“And in another life, your father wouldn’t kill me for loving you. I would have seen you pregnant with my children; I would have my ring on your finger. I would have your blood etched on my fucking soul, and I would give you my name.” Tears dripped off my chin as I nodded my head. “Serena Nicolasi.” I gasped and then changed my mind. “No. Serena De Lange-Nicolasi. Because if I get to marry the king , I want him all. The bad parts, the good. I want the forbidden. I want the Phoenix.”
I have always been a fan of Rachel Van Dyken's books because of the way she manipulates the story line. There are moments when you will cry, there are humorous moments and the story is never dull. Ruthless princess too had all of those characteristics.
I mean I was so hungover this book that I ended up making so many book edits!!!
“I’ve never been able to sleep when you’re in my arms, Serena.”“So, what did you do the whole time?”He hesitated and then, “Wait for you to fall asleep and wish that I wasn’t in love with my best friend…”
So, this is the story of Jasper and Serena. Serena is the mafia princess of her family , with her being Nixon's daughter and all and Jasper is Phoenix's son. Jasper was perfect in every damn way , but in this it was the heroine that took my heart. Serena , oh god, I don't even know what to say!! She was so perfect. Her ruthlessness , her courage and strength just made it so easy for me to fall in love with her!! In this book we also got to see our old elite generation parenting, and that was something to witness🤣🤣🤣!!!
“I’ll hate you for as long as we both shall live,” I uttered the mantra we’d been repeating to each other for years. “Hate you,” she repeated in a soft voice. “For as long as we both shall live.” And so, the hurt continued.
The way their story is portrayed is amazing. Every dialogue, their longing and the feelings they had for each other just tore my heart. And Rachel just broke my heart when she gave a certain twist in Arsher's story. I literally cried with him!!! I just hope he just gets his own book fast, I can even guess with whom his story is going to be!!😉😉
It was impossible for me to give this book anything less than 5 stars.
Recommended for all the mafia lovers , trust me , this book won't disappoint you!
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January 8, 2022
The lead is definitely one of the stronger ones that we see in dark adult romances. ⭐3.5⭐
Things I liked:
⭐ The relationship between the main leads.
⭐ The dry humour between the family members.
Things That Felt Short:
⭐ Towards the end, I was getting cringed at some dialogues.
⭐ I felt that the book was quite long. 100 pages or so could've been easily edited.
Things I liked:
⭐ The relationship between the main leads.
⭐ The dry humour between the family members.
Things That Felt Short:
⭐ Towards the end, I was getting cringed at some dialogues.
⭐ I felt that the book was quite long. 100 pages or so could've been easily edited.
May 24, 2020
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Valentine PR!
I am truly excited for Rachel Van Dyken's new mafia series featuring the next generation of characters. I've always loved The Eagle Elite and Elite Bratva Brotherhood series. It's a whirlwind journey for all the characters and now, we enter a new chapter. Regardless which series you read first, Mafia Royals can be read as a standalone series. You won't get lost as the author left a guide and a brief background from the precedent series.
Ruthless Princess is about Serena Abandonato and Junior Nicolasi. They're childhood best friends, secret lovers and sworn enemies (forced to be enemies). Their parents set a rule that their children can't form an romantic relationship, break the rules it'll be punishable by death. Serena and Junior are consumed by hatred with each other and it drains them. They passionately love each other as well as hate to save themselves. There's a lot of stakes if they get caught. Imagine pretending not to love someone for a year and the sexual tension ignited between them.
What's so good about this series is that these characters made a name for themselves. They aren't their parents' shadows and they stepped up their own rules. They aren't afraid to commit mistakes and learn from it. I'll say they are smarter. I love that aspect and I look forward for the changes as they rule the mafia. It's an intense start.
Overall, I like this book but gave it 3.5 stars. Main reason was some parts dragged on and there isn't much build up with the De Langes. We're just sidetracked and jumped back into Serena & Junior's relationship. I guess we'll see the development as the series progressed. I think it'll be on Asher's book but that's gonna be a long wait.
Final rating: 3.5 / 5 stars
I am truly excited for Rachel Van Dyken's new mafia series featuring the next generation of characters. I've always loved The Eagle Elite and Elite Bratva Brotherhood series. It's a whirlwind journey for all the characters and now, we enter a new chapter. Regardless which series you read first, Mafia Royals can be read as a standalone series. You won't get lost as the author left a guide and a brief background from the precedent series.
Ruthless Princess is about Serena Abandonato and Junior Nicolasi. They're childhood best friends, secret lovers and sworn enemies (forced to be enemies). Their parents set a rule that their children can't form an romantic relationship, break the rules it'll be punishable by death. Serena and Junior are consumed by hatred with each other and it drains them. They passionately love each other as well as hate to save themselves. There's a lot of stakes if they get caught. Imagine pretending not to love someone for a year and the sexual tension ignited between them.
What's so good about this series is that these characters made a name for themselves. They aren't their parents' shadows and they stepped up their own rules. They aren't afraid to commit mistakes and learn from it. I'll say they are smarter. I love that aspect and I look forward for the changes as they rule the mafia. It's an intense start.
Overall, I like this book but gave it 3.5 stars. Main reason was some parts dragged on and there isn't much build up with the De Langes. We're just sidetracked and jumped back into Serena & Junior's relationship. I guess we'll see the development as the series progressed. I think it'll be on Asher's book but that's gonna be a long wait.
Final rating: 3.5 / 5 stars
May 24, 2020
***5 "The Phoenix has risen!!! stars***
IT'S LIVE!!!!
"Our love was impossible.
And I knew more than her -how easy love could start a war."
Wow!!!! Just wow!!! I'm really impressed with this world that Rachel Van Dyken has create in here!!!!
The next generation is even more impressive than the first one!!!!
I won't hide to you that some times the things that were happening in here were seeming unreal, but this crazy world of brutality it might exist somewhere out there!!!!
This story was full of blood, hatred, heartbreaking, steamy and hilarious moments, but also full of sweet and sour moments!!!!
There are so many rules that have to be followed in here and in order to survive, you have no other choice to follow them. Or not???
"We were a dynasty in the making.
We'd had no choice but to learn how to fight."
Before i start talking about this story, i have to mark that you have to read before "Bully Royal"... a small novella that showed us how things turned out the way they were!!!
Junior Nicolasi and Serena Ambadonato are the spawns of two of the big bosses in the mafia... They are mafia royalties, but their fathers weren't always best friends... And because the previous generation had gone through too many shits, they have place some rules upon the next generation...
Nobody of the kids has to full around inside their own circle, no having sex, no falling in love...
Breaking this rule will mean death!!!!
A little bit cruel, don't you think??? But that was their reality!!!!
"Never had there been such hatred between a king and queen."
"Mine. It had all been mine.
Until we were both forced to choose.
And choosing her -would have killed us all."
Asher, Serena's cousin and Junior's best friend, saw the signs very early... He knew that Junior and Serena were all over each other and in order to save their lives, he decided to destroy their love...
At the present, Serena and Junior are having a weird relationship full of hatred. Or not???
The only thing that is remaining into their eyes is hate for each other and a deep hole inside their hearts that had been caused from each other...
They are trying very hard to work together as part of the Elect, but at the same time, they are not losing a chance to get on each other's throat!!!!
"One day... I'm going to kill you."
"You can't kill what's already dead."
"The fear, you could almost smell it -I lived for it- it was all I had now that love was gone, now that my heart was obliterated."
What will happen when after all this time these two are forced to live under the same roof???
Will their old suppressed feelinsg return back with a bigger force than before???
Will they risk their lives because of their feelings??? Or they will keep playing the game and stay far away from each other???
"There were no stiches strong enough, brave enough, for a broken heart like mine.
Best it stayed broken, so it never had to feel that first slice.
The pain is never in the days after you lose your heart to someone.
The pain is in the moment you realize that your forever is no longer your future, but your past."
I won't hide to you that this book made my heart ache very badly...
It was aching for Serena and Junior's behalf...
Yep, they were strong and bloodthirsty as hell, but they had a great weakness... Each other!!!
And as much as they wanted to believe that they had gotten over their time together, there was a big hollow space on their souls that could be filled only with each other...
Their struggles were leaving me breathless and my heart was in so much hurt for these two....
They were just made for each other and their families were keeping them apart!!!!
"He was the guy who used to hold me when I cried.
Now he was the reason for my tears."
"It was for the best, her hate.
Because if I had her love -I wouldn't be able to become the monster my dad needed me to be- the monster she needed me to be- to keep her safe."
I can't tell you how much i loved Serena and Junior!!!
They were both batshit crazy, but who wasn't in this group???
They were both strong and determined to save the other from this awful fate!!!!
But keeping them apart was impossible in every way that could count!!!!
They had masked their love into hate in order to survive, but was it worth it after all???
"Serena Abandonato was my suicide mission.
And my heart couldn't help but beat...yes."
"It's in my blood; my blood is damaged."
"It's not your blood that's damaged."
"If not my blood, then what?"
"Your heart."
"I guess you would know, wouldn't you? Since you still have it."
Well, these two weren't the only people that i loved fiercely in here...
All the kids in this crazy mafia royal family were so loveable in a very strange way!!! LOL!!!!
But my heart broke so much for Asher as well!!! I felt like a weird repeat of the past and my heart couldn't handle his pain!!!!
Also, i loved that the next generation decided to not be punished for their father's sins and to take matters into their own hands...
Also, I'm very angry with the heads of the families, especially Nixon!!! What the hell, man????
"I 'd been baptized in bad blood.
While he'd been baptized in death.
Both moments had created us, formed us, and both moments would define us."
"We're better than this, Ash. We're better than our parents. We need to fix this. Not make it worse."
P.S. If you're probably wondering, you can find the old generation books as the "Eagle Elite" series, but "Mafia Royals" series is brand new and you can read it without reading the EE before!!!
I've personally read only the first book in the "Eagle Elite" series, but now, i'm craving them and i need to go back!!!!
"To be who you're meant to be-you must. When power's taken -it must be stolen back."
***An ARC kindly provided for the exchange of an honest review!***
IT'S LIVE!!!!
"Our love was impossible.
And I knew more than her -how easy love could start a war."
Wow!!!! Just wow!!! I'm really impressed with this world that Rachel Van Dyken has create in here!!!!
The next generation is even more impressive than the first one!!!!
I won't hide to you that some times the things that were happening in here were seeming unreal, but this crazy world of brutality it might exist somewhere out there!!!!
This story was full of blood, hatred, heartbreaking, steamy and hilarious moments, but also full of sweet and sour moments!!!!
There are so many rules that have to be followed in here and in order to survive, you have no other choice to follow them. Or not???
"We were a dynasty in the making.
We'd had no choice but to learn how to fight."
Before i start talking about this story, i have to mark that you have to read before "Bully Royal"... a small novella that showed us how things turned out the way they were!!!
Junior Nicolasi and Serena Ambadonato are the spawns of two of the big bosses in the mafia... They are mafia royalties, but their fathers weren't always best friends... And because the previous generation had gone through too many shits, they have place some rules upon the next generation...
Nobody of the kids has to full around inside their own circle, no having sex, no falling in love...
Breaking this rule will mean death!!!!
A little bit cruel, don't you think??? But that was their reality!!!!
"Never had there been such hatred between a king and queen."
"Mine. It had all been mine.
Until we were both forced to choose.
And choosing her -would have killed us all."
Asher, Serena's cousin and Junior's best friend, saw the signs very early... He knew that Junior and Serena were all over each other and in order to save their lives, he decided to destroy their love...
At the present, Serena and Junior are having a weird relationship full of hatred. Or not???
The only thing that is remaining into their eyes is hate for each other and a deep hole inside their hearts that had been caused from each other...
They are trying very hard to work together as part of the Elect, but at the same time, they are not losing a chance to get on each other's throat!!!!
"One day... I'm going to kill you."
"You can't kill what's already dead."
"The fear, you could almost smell it -I lived for it- it was all I had now that love was gone, now that my heart was obliterated."
What will happen when after all this time these two are forced to live under the same roof???
Will their old suppressed feelinsg return back with a bigger force than before???
Will they risk their lives because of their feelings??? Or they will keep playing the game and stay far away from each other???
"There were no stiches strong enough, brave enough, for a broken heart like mine.
Best it stayed broken, so it never had to feel that first slice.
The pain is never in the days after you lose your heart to someone.
The pain is in the moment you realize that your forever is no longer your future, but your past."
I won't hide to you that this book made my heart ache very badly...
It was aching for Serena and Junior's behalf...
Yep, they were strong and bloodthirsty as hell, but they had a great weakness... Each other!!!
And as much as they wanted to believe that they had gotten over their time together, there was a big hollow space on their souls that could be filled only with each other...
Their struggles were leaving me breathless and my heart was in so much hurt for these two....
They were just made for each other and their families were keeping them apart!!!!
"He was the guy who used to hold me when I cried.
Now he was the reason for my tears."
"It was for the best, her hate.
Because if I had her love -I wouldn't be able to become the monster my dad needed me to be- the monster she needed me to be- to keep her safe."
I can't tell you how much i loved Serena and Junior!!!
They were both batshit crazy, but who wasn't in this group???
They were both strong and determined to save the other from this awful fate!!!!
But keeping them apart was impossible in every way that could count!!!!
They had masked their love into hate in order to survive, but was it worth it after all???
"Serena Abandonato was my suicide mission.
And my heart couldn't help but beat...yes."
"It's in my blood; my blood is damaged."
"It's not your blood that's damaged."
"If not my blood, then what?"
"Your heart."
"I guess you would know, wouldn't you? Since you still have it."
Well, these two weren't the only people that i loved fiercely in here...
All the kids in this crazy mafia royal family were so loveable in a very strange way!!! LOL!!!!
But my heart broke so much for Asher as well!!! I felt like a weird repeat of the past and my heart couldn't handle his pain!!!!
Also, i loved that the next generation decided to not be punished for their father's sins and to take matters into their own hands...
Also, I'm very angry with the heads of the families, especially Nixon!!! What the hell, man????
"I 'd been baptized in bad blood.
While he'd been baptized in death.
Both moments had created us, formed us, and both moments would define us."
"We're better than this, Ash. We're better than our parents. We need to fix this. Not make it worse."
P.S. If you're probably wondering, you can find the old generation books as the "Eagle Elite" series, but "Mafia Royals" series is brand new and you can read it without reading the EE before!!!
I've personally read only the first book in the "Eagle Elite" series, but now, i'm craving them and i need to go back!!!!
"To be who you're meant to be-you must. When power's taken -it must be stolen back."
***An ARC kindly provided for the exchange of an honest review!***
June 21, 2020
5 Ruthless Stars!Who ran the world? The Five Families. The Chicago mafia. Crime syndicate. Whatever you wanted to call it. We were it. It… owned us.
First of all, let me tell you—I ugly cried almost throughout this book.
I BR this with the awesome Rachel (LoverofTBR), and we had an exceptional time, getting our souls shattered. We were speculating about two certain characters throughout this book, and those two stole our hearts. This book brought a lot of explosions, and we were crying together, laughing together—we had a fucking blast!They wouldn’t approve. It was one of their many rules. And only they knew the real reason they didn’t want any of us together.
If you've read Royal Bully, you know how Asher was assigned to break the love between Junior and Serena. He had to make them hate each other to save both their lives because in the Family when rules are broken, the penalty is death.
Now, Serena Abandonato, daughter of Nixon and Trace, the new Queen of Elite University, heir to the Abandonato family and Junior Nicolasi, the only son to Phoenix and Bee, King of Elite University, heir to the Nicolasi family, hates each other. The two heirs of the Family, once so in love, now only spit hate at each other. But hatred is just as strong of an emotion that love is. And what love couldn't do for them, hate will.“One day… I’m going to kill you.” He said it like a promise.
And I answered in truth. “You can’t kill what’s already dead.”
For a brief moment, I felt his fingertips graze mine.
Junior was such a robust character. He was the pure cold and violent mafia man, but at the same time, he showed genuine emotions and loyalty to the ones he loved. Serena was just the same; she took no shit from anyone, gave as good as she got, loyal to the core; she was the real Queen. But if we look at them together, their hate was just as strong as their love. They were indestructible.“I’ll hate you for as long as we both shall live,” I uttered the mantra we’d been repeating to each other for years.
“Hate you,” she repeated in a soft voice. “For as long as we both shall live.”
And so, the hurt continued.
While this book is filled with angst and will break your heart, don't underestimate RVD's writing power because the strength of this family is magnificent in every way. You will cry with them but also laugh with them during their family dinners.Breaker just rolled down the window and grinned. “I’m the impressionable young one, like the Skywalker to your Kenobi.”
“For the last time, it’s Obi-Wan Kenobi!” Junior shouted back at him.
Breaker paused and then grinned. “These things, I forget, Master Yoda.”
This book had me feeling all the emotions! I thought I was prepared to go into this book, but then all the hate hit me like a ton of bricks. Every chapter had me feeling something different. I was, crying, laughing, screaming in anger, blushing, stressing...as you can see, I felt everything! But that is the magic of books, isn't it? Some authors know how to write a real love story, how to tug at the strings of your heart, and make you bleed. Break your soul and then mend it by showing us how strong love is. That's RVD for you!It was for the best, her hate. Because if I had her love—I wouldn’t be able to become the monster my dad needed me to be—the monster she needed me to be—to keep her safe.
If you're looking for a book, full of love and hate...full of angst, this is the book you want to pick up. You won't only fall in love with the main characters; the side characters will also steal your heart. Better yet, read the EE series and fall in love with the best men and women of this Family.While we were still connected, he looked down at me, his aqua eyes flashing as he whispered, “You will always be worth it, Serena. Always.”
A fair warning, though; Brace yourself!Blood in. No out.
May 21, 2020
The Queen of Mafia has brought another fantastic book to us, and as usual with her, I didn't get much sleep—but it was worth every minute I spent reading it, and every cup of coffee I will have to consume to function today because Junior and Serena's story is EVERYTHING! It is blood, it is family, it is passion, it is LOVE!
Old and new blood collided in a story that will most definitely tug at your heartstrings. A story that you won’t be able to put down. Rachel has created a new writing style for herself with this book, reminding us why she's the Mafia Queen.
So dear Rachel, thank you so much for writing a story that I didn't know I needed in my life, a story that's completely remarkable and so much more—a new addiction.
If you are an Eagle Elite fan, you will be in heaven! And if you are not, it doesn’t matter, you will still love it—and I will just have to tell you: Blood In, No Out... welcome to the family.
Old and new blood collided in a story that will most definitely tug at your heartstrings. A story that you won’t be able to put down. Rachel has created a new writing style for herself with this book, reminding us why she's the Mafia Queen.
So dear Rachel, thank you so much for writing a story that I didn't know I needed in my life, a story that's completely remarkable and so much more—a new addiction.
If you are an Eagle Elite fan, you will be in heaven! And if you are not, it doesn’t matter, you will still love it—and I will just have to tell you: Blood In, No Out... welcome to the family.
May 8, 2020
My favorite queen of mafia romance is back with the next generation! It's going to get HOT and bloody. They will experience a whole other form of growing pains. Their mistakes come with dire consequences. Breaking the rules could mean forfeiting your life.
The mafia family's have created their own soldiers to take over their dynasty. The offspring have come into their own and they are ready to rule. Sexy, calculating and driven. This group is ready for a new beginning. Forget the sins of their fathers, that is no longer their cross to bear. They want to rule their own way.
Serena was born and raised to be a mafia princess. As Nixon's oldest, she could be nothing less than ruthless. She gets the job done without emotion. She knows her future is set. She'll lead the next generation of Eagle Elite wearing stilettos.
Junior is weighed down by the sins of his father. Being the son of Phoenix is a heavy burden to carry. Junior will have to prove himself and make his own path, to gain respect and move the new generation forward.
The kids have one major rule. No dating within their family's. Break the rule and you die a painful death.
Serena and Junior crossed that line years ago. It was never just physical for them. They shared a soul searing love. But they knew it would mean the end. So their love turned to hate, to protect them from their fathers.
The line between love and hate is obliterated when one of their own faces a tragic loss. Serena and Junior are no longer willing to hide their love. Loving one another will mean losing everything.
I was so happy to hear that RVD was going to give us more of our favorite mafia family's. She delivers the sizzle that we have come to expect, along with characters you will quickly come to love. Both the OG and the new will leave you coming back for more. The story is not short on drama, heartache or bloodshed. Revisiting my old favorites and meeting my new ones was better than expected. Once again, the author has created a family that will keep me coming back for more.
The mafia family's have created their own soldiers to take over their dynasty. The offspring have come into their own and they are ready to rule. Sexy, calculating and driven. This group is ready for a new beginning. Forget the sins of their fathers, that is no longer their cross to bear. They want to rule their own way.
Serena was born and raised to be a mafia princess. As Nixon's oldest, she could be nothing less than ruthless. She gets the job done without emotion. She knows her future is set. She'll lead the next generation of Eagle Elite wearing stilettos.
Junior is weighed down by the sins of his father. Being the son of Phoenix is a heavy burden to carry. Junior will have to prove himself and make his own path, to gain respect and move the new generation forward.
The kids have one major rule. No dating within their family's. Break the rule and you die a painful death.
Serena and Junior crossed that line years ago. It was never just physical for them. They shared a soul searing love. But they knew it would mean the end. So their love turned to hate, to protect them from their fathers.
The line between love and hate is obliterated when one of their own faces a tragic loss. Serena and Junior are no longer willing to hide their love. Loving one another will mean losing everything.
I was so happy to hear that RVD was going to give us more of our favorite mafia family's. She delivers the sizzle that we have come to expect, along with characters you will quickly come to love. Both the OG and the new will leave you coming back for more. The story is not short on drama, heartache or bloodshed. Revisiting my old favorites and meeting my new ones was better than expected. Once again, the author has created a family that will keep me coming back for more.
Read
May 22, 2020A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies by Rachel Van Dyken, the number-one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
Read
May 21, 2020A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies by Rachel Van Dyken, the number-one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes...
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
[image error]
February 2, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Ruthless Princess is a book that I have been wanting to pick up for a year now. Now I will admit that this author isn't one that truly appealed to me, I am not exactly sure why but it wasn't until this series became released that I was more and more curious about these books here. I have to say that I was completely wrong in waiting so long in reading this author, because Ruthless Princess, is a book I didn't know that I needed. It was fantastic and wild and crazy in all the fun ways. I had a blast in seeing this book grow in its intensity and seeing the rich relationships that are developed here. And as a fan of mafia romance, I knew there was something so unique about this one here.
Ruthless Princess is a story of two young people that fell in love and their love was utterly forbidden. They grew up together and were best friends, but to fall in love wasn't okay. Their parents handed out demands and rules, and if their love affair was found out, it meant betrayal and death. The world they grew up in wasn't easy and one had to make difficult choices for the people you loved. Junior had to make a painful choice, save the woman he loved by making her hate him. And his plan worked, their hate for each other grew but even their hate for each other couldn't mask the hidden love and desire that was always beneath the surface. As the feelings of love become rekindled, so is the risk of their relationship being found out...but Serena and Junior will need to make a decision....hide what they feel and stand tall for their love even if it means ....death
WHEW BOY....this book was a powerhouse of a read. I will admit that at first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, it does have a bit of a slow start so I was unsure about it, but once it kicked gears, I was all in for the wild ride this author gives us. I was completely unhinged during the whole book and once I was invested I just didn't want to let this beautiful ravaged love story go. I adored Serena and Junior together. They are such a kick ass team, even when they hate each other fiercely. Their bantering was hilarious and I loved seeing that burning connection that just builds beneath the surface throughout the story. I have NEVER read a mafia romance like this one before though. There was such a unique take on the flow of this story and the hate/love tones within the relationship.
Also as a side note the world building on this one is fabulous. It actually had me eager to try out the connecting series to this one. The family connections are wild and crazy yet fun. I adored what we see built here and what the previous series set up this wonderful wild world. The relationship between all these friends was pure perfection. This story had me laughing and crying and experiencing a whole range of emotions that knocked my socks off.
Overall I found Ruthless Princess to be a fun and crazy story that was pure indulgence and I can't wait for more and seeing what this author gives us in this series....bring on the wild and crazy!!
Ruthless Princess is a book that I have been wanting to pick up for a year now. Now I will admit that this author isn't one that truly appealed to me, I am not exactly sure why but it wasn't until this series became released that I was more and more curious about these books here. I have to say that I was completely wrong in waiting so long in reading this author, because Ruthless Princess, is a book I didn't know that I needed. It was fantastic and wild and crazy in all the fun ways. I had a blast in seeing this book grow in its intensity and seeing the rich relationships that are developed here. And as a fan of mafia romance, I knew there was something so unique about this one here.
Because if I had her love—I wouldn’t be able to become the monster my dad needed me to be—the monster she needed me to be—to keep her safe.
Ruthless Princess is a story of two young people that fell in love and their love was utterly forbidden. They grew up together and were best friends, but to fall in love wasn't okay. Their parents handed out demands and rules, and if their love affair was found out, it meant betrayal and death. The world they grew up in wasn't easy and one had to make difficult choices for the people you loved. Junior had to make a painful choice, save the woman he loved by making her hate him. And his plan worked, their hate for each other grew but even their hate for each other couldn't mask the hidden love and desire that was always beneath the surface. As the feelings of love become rekindled, so is the risk of their relationship being found out...but Serena and Junior will need to make a decision....hide what they feel and stand tall for their love even if it means ....death
Sometimes, hearts can’t help but beat for the wrong person, and who am I to deny what my heart craves even if it ends up killing me?
WHEW BOY....this book was a powerhouse of a read. I will admit that at first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, it does have a bit of a slow start so I was unsure about it, but once it kicked gears, I was all in for the wild ride this author gives us. I was completely unhinged during the whole book and once I was invested I just didn't want to let this beautiful ravaged love story go. I adored Serena and Junior together. They are such a kick ass team, even when they hate each other fiercely. Their bantering was hilarious and I loved seeing that burning connection that just builds beneath the surface throughout the story. I have NEVER read a mafia romance like this one before though. There was such a unique take on the flow of this story and the hate/love tones within the relationship.
“As long as we both shall live,” I swore. “As long as we both shall live,” she repeated.
Also as a side note the world building on this one is fabulous. It actually had me eager to try out the connecting series to this one. The family connections are wild and crazy yet fun. I adored what we see built here and what the previous series set up this wonderful wild world. The relationship between all these friends was pure perfection. This story had me laughing and crying and experiencing a whole range of emotions that knocked my socks off.
Because… I choose you.” I held her hand tightly. “Because you own my heart.” She started sobbing quietly. “Because as Ash said, we’re only given moments, and I’m choosing to live mine with the truth.
Overall I found Ruthless Princess to be a fun and crazy story that was pure indulgence and I can't wait for more and seeing what this author gives us in this series....bring on the wild and crazy!!
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