He’s prince charming. Just not hers.
I have a secret.I stole a heart, or rather a marriage contract.It wasn’t mine to own, to look at or to even consider.But it was there for the taking so I took it.Huge mistake.Ronan Astor is a nobility in this world.Arrogant player.Heartless bastard.Vicious prince.Now, he’s out to destroy me. What he doesn’t know is that I’m out to destroy him too.My name is …
What he doesn’t know is that I’m out to destroy him too.
My name is Teal Van Doren, and I’m where princes go to die.
Vicious Prince is part of Royal Elite Series but could be read on its own. For better understanding of the world, you might want to read the previous books first. This is a mature new adult and contains situations that some readers might find offensive or triggering.
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This love story was everything, and in true Rina Kent fashion artfully written and in cloaked in mystery and suspense. Two characters who fit like two pieces of a puzzle, complementing each other — darkness and light, stilted and expansive, lived similar life experiences buried in trauma. Each character applied coping mechanisms that on the surface as shells disgusting who they were.
This story depicted the ever charming and flirty playboy Ronan and the unphased, unapproachable, slogan-wearing Teal. Ronan was duty bound to marry, and Teal became his betrothed. What transpired was a story of uncovering masks to falling in love and evolving into their true selves. What did all the party-going, weed, and woman mean to Ronan? What about Teal’s aversion to touching and interacting, her solitude? This story poignantly uncovers the truth of both caring, sensitive personalities without losing those uniquely pleasing characteristics of both.
As usual this author mastered character development, chemistry and sexual tension. I also enjoyed reading Ronan’s jealous tendencies and the dominant way he handled Teal, which she secretly loved. This book was steamy.
While there were touching, heart-wrenching moments in this story, there was also camaraderie, stomach-clutching humor particularly among the four horsemen, Aiden, Cole, Xander, and Ronan, on the field, at RES, or at Meet Up. It was nice to reacquaint ourselves with former characters, wondering and looking forward to knowing more about Cole, Silver, and Knox.
Be warned that this story may be triggering because of its deep topic. Frankly, I was in my feelings, but when you arrive to their happily ever after, the love affair feels that much stronger and more loving. This book was probably my favorite in the Royal Elite series, right after Deviant King. Excellent read.
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review.
I Give this Book 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.
*Updated with Audiobook Review*
HEA(?): Yes!
Heat: 5/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspenses 4.5-5/5
Dark Lite(?): Yes.
Relationship Type: MF
Format: Ebook & Audiobook
I Give this Audio a 4.5-5/5
Keira Stevens: 3.5-4/5, Her voice for me was kinda hard to picture for Teal (but that’s just me ), but her verbal ‘acting’ was very good.
Shane East: 5/5, Honestly I’ll never tire of his voice.
This was so good! I Love this book even more than I did previously, to hear it rather than reading made this book more impactful.
Bonus: The heated scenes are SO GOOD in audio!
Also:
Oh my Gosh I Need to Hear Ronan’s Mom & Dad’s Story!
The way the Narrator Keira Stevens voices Ronan’s Mothers, she sounds so beautiful!
This Book pretty much confirms that I need Edric’s Book
Ebook Review:
No Spoilers.
My Feelings Immediately After Reading:
No!!! I Simply Refuse to Believe this Book is Over! I Must Have More of Ronan & Teal!!
I can’t enough of them!
Such a Great Book!!
Sooooooooo Good! I’m Craving Coles Book Now!
I Need all the Parents to have their books as well!
First of all, this book contains triggers so please take note of the trigger warning at the beginning of the book.
Wow. Ronan and Teal were not what I expected AT. ALL. Holy heck! This author is killing me! If you’ve read the other books in the series and you’ve been dying to get an inside look on these two characters like I have, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a fact that I’m in love with this author’s characters as she creates them to be very realistic with responses and actions that are true to life as well as compelling. Teal and Ronan were created in such a manner and it didn’t take me long to fall in love with them both.
Ronan was such an interesting character, he’s added a lot of humor to the previous books with his easygoing nature and then there were his mysterious allusions to his future as the Earl’s son. I’ve been dying to know about Ronan since Cruel King but knowing how Rina writes her characters, expected the unexpected. Although he’s the loud, flirty one behind the horsemen, the way he thinks is just wow.. He’s everything, he’s still all those things but yea but his perfection goes soul deep.
& Ms. Kent did an incredible job of creating a heroine that could stand up to an alpha ass of a hero who wanted to break her, all while giving her the type of personality that made me want to just hug her. I was ready to fight right alongside her.
Ronan and Teal’s relationship kept me turning pages as fast as possible. They set fire to my Kindle and the chemistry between them was felt from the first. I was glued to this from the very beginning, first because of the characters and then because of the intensity of the story as the end drew near. Add in plenty of my other favorite characters, (AidenElsa and XanKim I’ve missed you), lots of sexual goodness because this couple did not hold anything back, and this made another excellent addition to the Royal Elite Series.
Also, MVP was Lars- absolutely loved him. Now I just can’t wait for what Cole has to offer, this story just made 10x more excited for his!
Rina Kent always surprises me with the past her characters have! There is always something new to think about, some new difficulty or hurdle to leap over. It is always interesting to see how two people who did not know each other in the past are somehow connected in the future.
Thea is the quiet and introvert foster sister of Elsa. Just observing her – the messages on her clothes, the makeup and gothic way of dressing, the books she reads – people would think she is weird. Why does she behave so anti-social?
Ronan, the fourth horseman – Death – at RES school is the one always ready to throw a party at his home. His parents are never around, so there is always a party. He is never alone, his guys or some girl on his arm. Is there a reason why he needs so much attention?
Two extreme opposites are brought together in Vicious Prince and the chemistry is interesting from the initial contact. They seem to be just right when they are together. The ying to the yang, that make relationships sizzle. But is there something that might keep them apart?
The twists in Vicious Prince will have you turning the page until the end!!
Thea and Ro are my new favourite couple in this series!!!
Ronan and Teal’s story id dark, twisted and full of suspense. The relationship between Teal and Ronan is more of a love/hate relationship. Teal is the girl that nobody can get close to, Knox’s sister and Elsa’s foster sister. Ronan is going to be her husband soon and there is nothing she can do about it. Ronan also his own secrets that he hasn’t shared with anybody and that is why he acts the way he does. Ronan and Teal slowly begin to break each other’s walls down but only to have them put back up again. There story will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride of emotions. Twists and turns that you don’t see coming when reading this book will have you on the edge of your seat.
I received an early copy of this book in exchange for my review.
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What can i say about these two, they are much more than what meets the eye.
At first i was kinda scared about how this couple would work out, i mean you know how Ronan is. He is wild, social, loved and super funny, he is basically rainbows and sunshine all the time. Teal on the other hand, is totally the opposite. She is antisocial, she loves her phone and does not give a fuck about anyone.
” . ’ . ’ .”
But all those smiles were camouflage, a shield to hide what lies beneath the surface. The same goes for Teal, what she’s been through was so traumatic that she lost her self seeking vengeance.
” .”
I really loved both Ronan and Teal, seeing how they booth fell into each others arms was really beautiful.
They were both bound by the same tragedy, but at the end they both thrived.
This is one of the best series i read this year. Literally.
always knew Ronan and Teal would have a story like no other, is it really hate with them. Teal the strange girl, Knox’s sister and Elsa’s foster sister nobody gets close to Teal, but now Ronan is going to be her husband, manwhore, weed smoker joker, and his name is Death, oh and Ronan is not getting married. Rina Kent just floors me every time, just when I think no way can she beat this she just proves me wrong I’m delighted to say, this is so incredibly emotional that it did bring tears to my eyes, absolutely the best. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Holy moly! This book threw me through a loop of heart break and the warm and fuzzies. Ronan and teal are characters that grow and expand within the world and each other. The plot in this book is dark but absolutely inspirational. I loved seeing different sides of characters and getting to see who they really are as people. The story flows beautifully and gives us the information slowly and with purpose. I adored this book so much and am so amazed at Rina Kent’s talents as she writes raw and emotional stories. Vicious prince is a spectacular book and must read for anyone who loves dark romance or stories that will have you feeling it’s effects long after you finish! If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! Epic and tragic, but in the most beautiful way!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I loved this book so much! This was by far my favorite book so far in this series. Ronan and Teal are definitely my favorite couple in this series.
Rina Kent has this way of pulling the reader into the story that is mesmerizing. I started reading this book and I was instantly captivated. This story was so compelling that I couldn’t put it down. Kent’s writing style is very intimate and I connect with it so much.
These characters were just everything. I think that Teal and Ronan were the strongest characters so far in this series. I love how real their characters were. I felt so connected to them. They were likable and relatable characters. I loved how complex their characters were. Both Ronan and Teal had a lot of similar demons that they were both trying to fight in their own ways. I really feel like this series has such excellent secondary characters. It’s a whole cast of characters that really stand out.
One of the things that I loved most about this book was the connection that Ronan and Teal had. While they certainly had explosive chemistry in and out of the bedroom, their emotional connection was what really made this book shine. Deep down Ronan and Teal were that same. They were two people with the same traumas that were trying to hide from them or deal with them in different ways. When the walls started falling down between them it was a thing of beauty.
Overall, this is an opposites-attract and enemies-to-lovers story with so much depth. The story is riveting and the characters will just own you. Death and Belle will conquer your heart in this book. I can’t wait for more!
4.5 Stars
Rina does it again! These characters, this story ~ it never ceases to amaze me how Rina comes up with these story lines, they are so dark and drawing…..
I knew there was more to Ronan than we have seen in the previous Royal Elite books. And Teal, she was full of surprises! The two of them together = Explosive.
Each of the Four Horsemen have something hiding in their psyche; all so different, yet cataclysmic and unexpected. I can’t wait to see what Cole has in store for us….
WOW! Unputadownable, with a tastefully plotted, but emotional story with a twist. Ronan and Teal are my new favorite couple.
Ronan may be known throughout the school as the jokester with the neverending smile and his sarcasm is heavenly delicious! I loved it!! He is all emotion, laughter, full of brightness and life, constantly surrounded by people and the life of every party. He is the exact opposite of Teal, the girl he is set to marry, but does he hide behind a smile for a reason?
Teal isn’t shy, or outgoing, or popular, or really anything. She is immune to emotions, doesn’t really understand the majority of them, especially love. She understands the physical responses of the definition, but emotions are completely lost to her. Teal is a refreshing character to read. She isn’t driven by cattiness or jealousy or any raging teenage emotion. She’s truly the opposite of Ronan, but could she be the girl he didn’t know he was looking for?
Even though Ronan and Teal are complete opposites, they share a lot of commonalities which drive them closer together as they engage a battle of wills. Once both of their fathers agree to their arranged marriage the battle begins and neither are willing to concede. Strong willed doesn’t even begin to describe their stubborness, but it does make for a page-turning read. Their relationship is steamy, fiery, engaging, and just plain fun. Ronan is clingy in a way you’d never imagine possible which gives us moments of levity and Teal slowly unlocks emotions that she never has experienced which is humanizing and humbling.
They both battle to tear down walls, while simultaneously trying to fortify their own hearts, but with each brick knocked down they become closer and realize that they may be more alike than they ever thought possible. However, is it really possible to have a happy ending when one of the players should never have been in the fairy tale to begin with?
Ronan and Teal’s story will truly break your heart, but I personally loved the message. Everyone reacts different to the horrors of the world, but what road you take and what actions you make from those horrors is what defines you. Vicious Prince is an emotional journey, but a book so worth reading.
Death. Who would think that a story about a character nicknamed Death would touch my heart so deeply or bring me such hope?! But, I should have expected Vicious Prince would be nothing like I expected- this is Rina Kent after all- professional heart squeezer, purveyor of angst, and emotional magician. And Death is, after all, Ronan- our most unpredictable horseman, a giant ray of playful sunshine with the contradictory name. Like Ronan, I should have known his book would catch me off guard. Vicious Prince is a beautiful story of love and survival full of contrasts, just like Ronan. Somehow Rina has delivered a story that has the usual dark undertones but that is also somehow her most tender, sweetest, most hopeful story of the batch. I’m in awe.
Fans by now should know what to expect from a Rina story- dark themes, bully vibes, love-hate sparring and alpha men, physically and emotionally explosive chemistry, dynamic and troubled characters, ANGST and secrets, and beautiful character arcs that tatter your emotions. VP delivers in spades on all fronts while also creating two of her most layered, complex leads ever who both feel really fresh and unique amidst the bevy of leading characters we’ve seen thus far.
I knew I’d love Ronan- and I can say confidently, after this, I love him even more. We had glimmers in prior books that there was more to him, and now we know, the true Ronan has been hiding in plain sight- masking part of himself behind his megawatt smile and endless charm and a sea of people. Ronan is really just a lost little boy- there is so much more emotional depth and pain swimming under those chocolate eyes and carefree swagger. This boy has a beautiful, troubled soul- and Rina deliberately and carefully constructs his story, meaningful moment by meaningful moment, and then cracks him open. When we find his core, I felt my heart rupture with love for him. He’s a bit softer, more tender than the other heroes (which means our bully vibes are less hostile- which is more Ronan), don’t worry he’s still FULL of alpha. He’s Rina’s more empathetic, most soulful hero to date- and his story is a true masterpiece of character development.
But the real revelation of this story is Teal. A very different heroine that we’ve had so far in this series, and while I had doubts that I could love her in the way I love Elsa and Kim, Rina yet again caught me off guard- Teal is INCREDIBLE. She BLEW me away. As we knew her before- she’s an indifferent loner, socially awkward and disengaged by choice. But, from page 1, I saw Teal differently- she’s a mastermind playing a game of chess with this arranged marriage- she’s got secrets and shadows that are trapping her, and she’s incredibly self-aware. Rina unabashedly lets us see in her soul to understand her. And when we do, she’s stunningly beautiful- a sweet, lost soul who has just shut down, who is coping as best she can. She’s so strong, so very nuanced emotionally, and, unexpectedly, incredibly relatable. I adore Teal and her sweet, fierce heart.
The chemistry is explosive and emotionally gripping. But, most surprisingly, their connection is really effortless- even with their early enemy passion, there is just a familiarity between these two- somehow I never imagined them together, but when Rina makes it happen, it feels so natural. We think we are getting an opposites attract story- but that is not the case at all. Ronan and Teal are one shared soul- they are really the same. The way they cope is totally opposite- Ronan in people, Teal in solitude- but in their hearts, they are two people hiding, protecting themselves. And their connection defies language- love that is more than love, more than soul mates- this is the kind of obsessive, soul colliding love where you can’t tell where one person ends and another begins, where one can’t breathe without another. Ronan and Teal would willingly crack each other open just to live inside one another. This kind of connection and passion- the INTENSITY of their relationship- gave me chills. No one truly knows them, until they recognize pieces of themselves in each other. They find camaraderie and belonging in their pain, and they unlock the dormant ability to FEEL in one another. This is a love that shatters and rebirths- and I was captivated by it.
While Rina’s stories are always engaging and the characters richly developed, what sets her apart is her bold exploration of the manifestations of trauma in her writing- as one character says in this book, how trauma is “not a phase but a state of being”- how it touches everything, even the air. Rina goes there- she lets her characters’ darkest moments out, exposes their invisible scars and the weight of pain, the healthy and unhealthy ways people cope. And then she delivers these incredibly powerful, emotionally volatile character journeys where our characters find healing and love by sitting in the mutual darkness, and some how move beyond surviving to thriving. Sure, this is a love story with tropes that we love- but the thematic meaning, the emotional impact of this book supersedes that. The themes are resonant and powerful, inspired and touching. Vicious Prince is really about the unraveling of the ropes of pain restraining two damaged people who at their core share the same need- the desire for safety, for emotional freedom, and for real belonging. And they find it in the most unexpected of places- with each other. Rina also challenges us to examine how normalcy can be anything but normal, how normalcy can become a shield to mask insecurity and pain…how pain is perhaps the only normal. But Vicious Prince is also so sincerely hopeful at its core- because Rina lets love heal and liberate, she shows how love can be safety and belonging, how love empowers characters to reclaim their destinies, how love can help learn to breathe again. This beautiful story of pain and trauma wrapped tenderly with a story of love and emotional liberation was shattered and rebuilt my heart.
I didn’t think this series could get any better, but Rina has upped the ante yet again. Vicious Prince is intense and beautiful, enthralling and emotional, at every turn surprising and profoundly meaningful. And most definitely now my favorite of this series! I could not be anymore in love with this writer, and if you haven’t discovered her, you are missing out on quite the experience. Rectify that now and pick up this series!
How come he was completely off my radar and now he’s the only one on it? How come I see his face when I close my eyes at night and even dream about him?
Flawless, as always!
Vicious Prince is a tale of a boy named Ronan and a girl named Teal. He lives a perfect life, he has tons of friends, and he always wears a smile on his face. She’s a lost girl who has been trying to let go of her past. His perfect world is only a facade. And all she needs in her life is revenge.
When a little bit of faith and a little bit of revenge brings their world together, they act like it’s nothing, but really, it’s everything. They way they hate each other, the way they look at each other, the way they think about each other, they way they kiss and the way they’re made for each other…
But when the past comes crashing in and the need for the revenge still lingers, not acting on it isn’t an option anymore…
Like every time, I got lost in the story. It had me in it’s clutches right from the get go. All those firsts! I got goosebumps whenever she told those parts of the story…. Spine tinglings, breath intakes, the way the whole world disappears… So realistic. And the banter was so funny.
I re-read some sentences quite a few times during my reading. I just couldn’t help myself.
Cause girls only say ‘hate you’ to the boys they love.
In a world of five star ratings, this author always pushes a little higher and way above. Like plants that push up through concrete.
All the stars in world! Can’t wait for Nash’s story!
What a fantastic story! It was sooo good! Edgy, Raw, heart wrenching, snarky. steamy and oh so much more.
I loved the relationship between Teal and Ronan. He is the Horseman of Death and has definitely met his match in Teal. Very much a recommendation to read in my humble opinion.
I reviewed a complementary copy of this book.
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
ARC KINDLY PROVIDED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Ok this book has to be my most favorite in the series! Ronan and Teal are absolutely amazing characters, both have a secret- both have so much depth in their characters, your heart will break but somehow the beauty about the book is that, it doesn’t just make your cry- the book also makes you laugh!
Ronan is super funny, outgoing and social. Teal on the other hand is quite an introvert- two polar opposite people, I love when they came together cause the chemistry was super hot, cute and just beautiful.
The plot of the book is really emotional and gripping, Rina does a great job with her writing and letting the characters convey their emotions. I can already tell Cole’s book is going to ruin me, his character is so unique and mysterious and Silver is also EVERYTHING. My life will be empty without this series, but thank you to Rina for giving us a beautiful story about all these characters! Looking forward to more!
Review By- https://www.goodreads.com/lishylove
My Overall Ratings:
Hero- 5
Heroine- 5
Plot- 5
Angst- 5
Steam- 5
Chemistry between the main characters- 5
READ NOW: Vicious Prince (Royal Elite Book 5) BY: Rina Kent
Deliciously dark! Vicious Prince by Rina Kent has got to be one of my favorites out of the Royal Elite books. Ronan Astor was always the yummiest character but DAMN! He was even better in this book. I loved all sides of him including the sad, misunderstood dark side that no one ever saw. This book is profound like all of Kent’s books but touches on some things that are very disturbing. Kent has an astounding ability to bring her characters to life and the stories just feel so real. I started this book and didn’t stop till I got to the last page…lunch, nope…. switch over laundry, nope…. answer the phone, forget it! This book held my attention all day. Can’t wait to read Cole’s story Ruthless Empire coming in August of 2020. 5-glowing stars for Vicious Prince by Rina Kent.
Ronan Astor is EVERYONES friend, the beautiful boy with the infectious smile. The son of an Earl, Ronan is as charming as he is handsome, and he knows it. Teal Van Doren has a plan and she needs Ronan to execute it, he just doesn’t know it. An arranged marriage sounds antiquated and Ronan wants nothing to do with it, but he will not tell his father no, he’s got to have his betrothed break off the engagement. There is no way that anyone would believe how Vicious the Prince is being as he tries to get Teal to end their engagement, how far he will stoop to blackmail her. Somewhere in his plotting though the dark-haired pixie has captured Ronan’s attention and she seems to like how Vicious he really is and to his surprise he likes just how hard she fights back. As the two’s darker sides come out to play is it possible for them to fall in love, especially since they claim not to have a heart or know what love really is?
5 stars!!
This is book 5 in the “Royal Elite” series. This book can be read as a stand alone but please read them all. The build up of characters is what makes this phenomenal series.
This book is dedicated to Ronan and Teal. I knew coming into this book it was going to be exciting and crazy. Under Ronan’s smile there is something hidden. Under Teal’s scowl there is something more.
Teal and Ronan are such unique characters in the first place. I have always wanted to know the real them. This entire series has been filled with excellent story lines and even better characters. So when I say this story brought tears to my eyes and made me feel shit…get ready. They all have these broken back stories. But these two never knew each other has their own secrets. I didn’t know their secrets. I could guess but the pain of hearing them and witnessing the self destruct was painful. But it was also so beautiful.
Ronan has always been the jokester. But I knew there was more. Maybe for someone who uses humor to deflect we can spot one of our kind even in book form. He is incredible. The growth he had in this book rocked me. He may be my favorite Elite.
Teal had walls up that can reach the moon. You don’t get emotion or reaction from her. She is an anomaly. Until….Ronan. Man I knew she had a rough life. We heard it all in other books but this girl is a warrior. She is probably my favorite female in this series.
Get ready for a ride. There are some triggers that may hurt be prepared. But know these characters don’t go down without a fight.
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**