A mafia romance about love and loss by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.…When you awaken in the morning’s hushI am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry;I am not there. I did not die.— Mary Elizabeth Fyre“I’m sorry for your loss.” I would rather … Fyre
“I’m sorry for your loss.” I would rather be tortured for an eternity than hear those damn words from one more person, as if Claire, my dead fiance, was a cell phone or car keys.
How about, I’m sorry your life is over.
I’m sorry you want to die too.
I’m sorry you see her in your dreams and wake up only to relive the nightmare.
I’m supposed to be the strongest of them all. Ash Abandonato, ruler, assassin, made man, brother, friend—instead, I hurt everyone I touch in hopes that they’ll feel even a sliver of the pain that bears down on my shoulders.
I didn’t lose.
It was taken from me.
And it’s all her fault, Annie Smith.
I daydream about her death.
And then I close my eyes, and I see her soft smile. I feel her touch, her kiss—it was a mistake what we did that night, but I can’t take it back, and now she’s under my father’s protection—my protection.
My worst enemy.
The woman I’m the most attracted to.
I can’t decide if I want to strangle her or kiss her, and now that she’s stuck in my life, my only goal is to make her feel the same loss I do and destroy her in the process.
I’ll trick her with my touch.
Seduce her with my kiss.
And in the end, when my enemy is at her most vulnerable—I’ll bring down an entire Empire and continue my reign as King.
Bow down, I’ll say as I bring the Five Families to their knees.
Blood in.
Never out.
Damned.
more
“…Maybe there’s no way to explain Ash Abandonato, except he’s dark when he needs to be, light when it’s asked of him— hero and villain.”
I am not even sure what to say about this one. Really. It is a lot…Pain. Chaos. Destruction. Heartbreak. Bullying. Resentment. Fighting. Lust. Uncontrollable feelings. Secrets. Lies. Threats. It’s RVD’s mafia…
Ash Abandonato is a man in turmoil. He is supposed to be leading the next generation of the mafia families, but he is suffering loss, grief, guilt, and is breaking down. He broods, cries, rages, hates, and uses poor coping strategies. He has lost himself and is spiraling out of control. And he needs a target for that rage.
(Quote) We always hated what we couldn’t have. And she had peace. I was a son of war. The two would never… could never meet.
Annie Smith is an orphan now under his family’s protection and living with them. And she is the perfect person to take his anger out on. She is sweet, kind, smart, sensitive, and likes to be invisible. But one night he pushes her too far and she leaves for nearly a year. And she is not the same when she returns.
I have to admit that I had a really hard time with Ash in this one. The author warns us about this at the beginning of the book, and she did not lie. He can be mean and a bully, but at other times overprotective and demanding. He teeters the line between seeking revenge and taking it out on her, and his natural instinct to protect her. He beats himself up. He takes it out on everyone, especially her. He runs hot and cold, and can be jealous. He makes bad decisions and says hurtful things. He feels like a failure and is terrified of failing again. It is hard to tell what is going to come out of his mouth or what he is going to do next.
(Quote) I knew I was in over my head with this constant need for revenge, for her to feel my pain, right along with this natural need to protect her from every bad thing in this world. It was like I was playing both hero and villain, and it was exhausting.
But the new Annie is stronger, braver, insightful, and can really see him. She challenges him and pushes back even when he hurts her or pushes her away. She gets better at hiding her pain both from her past and from how Ash treats her. But she thinks she will never be able to truly have his heart.
This is an angsty, intense, tragic, suspenseful, enemies-to-lovers story with characters carrying a lot of emotional baggage. These two are almost too much. The push and pull just goes on and on. It is such a thin line between love and hate that the line is barely visible. But Annie thinks Ash is more than he lets others see. And Ash hates himself for seeing just how good and strong Annie is since he feels such guilt about possibly moving on. The happy times for them are few and far between, and their whole relationship is intense all the time one way or another.
“Lonely recognizes lonely, sad recognizes sad, desolate recognizes desolate… Lost.” Her eyes met mine then. “Recognizes lost.”
And like any of these books, there are also secrets and threats lurking under the surface and some family drama, and things get more chaotic and difficult before all is said and done. And of course, there are a few holy-crap-twists thrown in as well.
It brings back all the hot-blooded and unfiltered characters we have to come to love. We get multiple points of view, and I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes father mafia bosses’ discussions and schemes in this one. And these kids are just as crazy as their parents were. I am interested in the rest of their stories.
Destructive King is book three in the standalone series, Mafia Royals. While it is not necessary to have read the Eagle Elite series before this one, it is necessary to read the Mafia Royals in order (Ruthless Princess, Scandalous Prince and then Destructive King).
In Destructive King the story takes off after the evens in Scandalous Prince and opens and entirely new and emotional romance. It is a very raw, real, and bold story that had me running the gambit of emotions and both gasping and yelling at the characters and plot. I as evolved from the first page and addicted to finding out every moment within the story.
This is the story of Ash and Annie and it is a ride. Ash is recovering from, dealing with, avoiding, a big old mess (?) because of the consequences of the past and he has a lot of hate, indifference and anger build up that comes out about Annie; but she is nothing like he remembers, and she holds her own against him.
I loved the tension between these two and while it is an enemy to lovers’ story (at least in my mind) it also has many of those tension filled passionate and darker moments that really bring the romance to life.
And let’s not forget that this is a mafia story, so the action, violence and grit is there and a welcome addition to the romance. I really enjoy the way this author writes mafia and the nuances that she can get into a story that only improves the overall enjoyment. There is danger within these pages as well as secrets, lies and moments of “what the f…” LOL.
Destructive King is a must read for mafia lovers and a thrilling addition to the Mafia Royals series. I would recommend this story to many readers who are looking for fresh, raw, and realistic stories but also love a great friction romance. I received an ARC and I am leaving my honest review.
Wow, how much can a heart take?! Grab this book and you’ll find out!
“I don’t need you to kiss the girl—I need you to make her cry.”
Ash’s pain, loss, and hate manifested itself into a living thing, breathing darkness on everything he touched, including Annie. Even though she was stronger than before, could she survive?
Revenger to protector, “an evil anti-hero friend”. To say that Ash’s actions were confusing is more than an understatement…his swinging between sweet and cruel would give anyone whiplash. Hate…Love…and that fine line in between. Their chemistry though…that was fire!! “But you don’t want the gentleman…You want the sinner.” <—— Oh hell yeah, she did ;). Despite living among the mafia families in Chase Abandonato’s home, Annie was lonely. Still feeling out of place, still remembering her life before, unable to break old habits. All while Ash battled his own demons, warring with himself, and the collateral damage was Annie. Secrets that could change everything were being kept, but would any of it matter in the end? RVD just took my heart, stomped on it, picked it back up, and somehow managed to make it soar! This story was beyond anything I’d hoped for...not sure how they keep getting better, but they do and her mafia romance is like no other. Ash and Annie are by far my new favourite mafia couple as they not only showed their weakness and vulnerability along with their resilience and strength, but also how love can heal when you see the other person for who they really are!
This book just consumed me whole. I felt everything from heartbreak to joy, it was all consuming and such a rollercoaster of emotions. I loved every minute of it.
We’ve been here before it seems, my Chase was drowning in it and crawled out of the ashes alive. Stronger. But this isn’t that book, and Ash isn’t his father, and this isn’t the same ride. So strap in and get ready for the adventure. Say hello to my BF Chase while you’re there. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Welcome to the mafia. Blood in. No out.
“I don’t believe in nirvana
But the way that we love in the night gave me life
Baby, I can’t explain
That the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
On God
Runnin’ to the altar like a track star
Can’t wait another second
‘Cause the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy”
(Holy by Justin Bieber)
Favorite quotes:
“And the package?” Panic pitched my question two octaves too high.
Sympathy mirrored in the depths of his gaze. “I need them to make sure there’s no bomb.”
“Then why are you still here?” My voice trembled. Why not let me die?
“Because here is where you are.”
~~~
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light.”
~~~
“Sometimes I still think about it, about how I punished myself because I didn’t deserve better, because I was so used to the darkness I forgot the light even existed.”
~~
“You have. You love. You lose. And then you live – the universe gives you no other choice but to wipe your tears, and take a breath, and manage one small step and then another. One day ‘all you can do’ turns into what saves your soul.”
~~
“No.” Nixon was up next. “I disagree. You give up everything for those you love at the risk of your own happiness; to do anything else isn’t love.”
I barked out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah, you won Trace, you’re such a dick sometimes.” He laughed with me. “You’re lucky I love my wife.”
“And you’re lucky you do too. Otherwise, I’d kill you for loving mine.” Nixon said so casually I had to flip him off. I meant it. My wife was….everything Trace wasn’t. She was perfect. Mine.
(god I love Chase <3<3<3)
~~~
“She’d seen me as a hero. And I’d been nothing but the villain.”
~~~
“Maybe that's the danger with your stupid white horses...men come riding in on them pretending to be your savior, and it’s too late...too late to realize that they were the villain the entire time.”
~~~
“Maybe you’ve lost your hope, but that doesn’t mean I’ve lost mine. I will fight for you. Annie. I will win you. This villain. This monster. This destructive king.”
~~~
“Lonely recognizes lonely, and sad recognizes sad, desolate recognizes desolate...Lost.” Her eyes met mine then. “Recognizes lost.”
~~~
“It was you. Maybe there’s no way to explain Ash Abandonato, except he’s dark when he needs to be, light when it’s asked of him - hero and villain. I can’t imagine you any other way.”
~~~
So so good. Love Rachel’s books and Destructive King will not disappoint. Ash and Annie is one that you will reread over and over just to feel apart of it all over again.
I finished this story with a few hours because I could not put it down. First of all, let me start by saying that I love and will forever love Chase. He’s the best husband, father, friend, protector and more and I loved the back and forth banter between him and his family. The love between them is undeniable. I truly enjoyed all of the characters in this story. Ash’s character did not disappoint. There were so many sides to him, but I loved him the most when he let his guard down and showed his softer side. Annie took everything Ash threw her way and although there were lots and lots of tears, I have to give her credit for her determination. No matter how many tears she cried, she was determined to be there for him. This story had betrayal, revenge, shocking truths, surprising twists and turns, loss and more. I enjoyed the ending and it left me with a smile on my face when it came to Kartini. Her characters deserves her own story and I can’t wait to read it. I just can’t seem to get enough of these characters and their antics and I can’t wait for more.
OMFG! What a freaking amazing way to start 2021! Destructive King was absolute perfection! I loved everything about this book.
Ash Abandonato is the ruthless, broken man who lost the woman he loved. Annie Smith is the sweet, caring girl who’s in love with the devil. These two couldn’t be more different on the outside but are two souls meant to find each other. Heartbreak and pain is what brought them together but love and the truth is what will hold them together.
Their story is raw, gritty, heartbreaking and violent. The Mafia doesn’t have fairytales, they have blood baths. And Ash and Annie have both bathed in the horrors of their past. Ash’s sense run deeper than the ocean. He’s a Mafia hitman without a heart. Annie is the reminder of his sins and the heart he once had. She’s his greatest downfall and his greatest salvation.
When one pushed the other pulled but honestly it was the raw emotion that this relationship brought out of them whenever they were around each other. They had the love/hate thing down to perfection.
I love that RVD gave Ash this storyline. Chase is the one person who knows how he feels. While they had a similar thing happen their stories are completely different at the same time.
Rachel Van Dyken is probably the only person who can make me go from laughing out loud to crying, to wanting to punch someone in the face in the same sentence. She brings out every emotion there is and brings them out in buckets. She filled this book with everything, playfulness, steam, violence. And I love the EE crew being in this series. This new playful side of them adds so much to the series.
I can’t do this book justice in a review. I’m trying so hard not to give anything away because you deserve to get the full effect of Ash and Annie’s story. All I can say is Rachel Van Dyken wrote this beautifully, broken story about heartbreak and healing. And when I say this I don’t just mean Ash.
Destructive King is absolutely amazing and I can say that it will definitely be one of my top reads of 2021. Rachel Van Dyken has set the bar high for me.
A fallen king with no hope for a future nor wanting one, Ash is lost after being distraught after losing all he did. He doesn’t see a way to move forward and has no regard for his own life, he is self-destructing with no hope and doesn’t care who he hurts along the way. After placing blame for the worse day of his life Annie sees Ash at his very lowest and wants to help him even if he only sees her as his major downfall. After a major fallout and experiencing hurt like no other Annie sees no way to deal but to leave for a while and hope when she returns things will be that least bearable. Ash only sees Annie as his demise but there is more lurking beneath the hatred. This book was beyond amazing as we follow along with the families and all the ups and downs, they must endure. Ash’s story was tragic beautiful when things happen the way they do especially when you don’t see things that are coming. I know this is vague but you will want to experience this journey with them. I absolutely can’t wait for more!!!
5 stars! Once again RVD knocks it out of the park. We met Annie and Ash in the previous Mafia Royals books and knew that Ash was going to be in a very dark place for this book. (this is a total stand alone, but reading the 2.5 books before this one will add to the enjoyment of this book) He is the assassin for the second generation and the heir apparent for the Abandonato family. Annie has been somewhat in the background and seemingly mousy. Once again RVD takes you on a journey in her mafia world filled with destruction, intrigue, twists and turns, strong characters and humor. Once I started this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I usually can figure out what is going to happen in most books but once again I was left gasping in surprise at what transpired. You will fall in love with Ash and Annie and be rooting for them by the end, even though you will want to kill Ash multiple times during their journey for being an a$$. For those of you that have read RVD’s EE books (again not required) as expected Chase is involved in his son’s story, in addition we get another fantastic family dinner scene. Definitely a fantastic way to start the new year. I recommend you run, don’t walk to read this book.
5 STARS
WOW what a fantastic start to 2021!! I m broken, wrecked, yelly and utterly and madly in love with this story. THIS BOOK legit gave me chills… Holy moly! I sound like a broken recorder but i will say this one more time NO ONE WRITE MAFIA ROMANCE LIKE RACHEL VAN DYKEN… No one! She is hands down mafia queen. Every book i read in this mafia world blows my mind and Rachel did it again. It was dark, sexy, mind boggling, intense, emotional, twisted and everything i want. And SO MUCH MORE!! She totally entranced me with this book and i couldn’t put it down. And holy shit that twist i didn’t see that one coming. Rachel had left me emotionally battered and speechless.
“I will win you.
This villain.
This monster .
This destructive King.”
Ash… Omg his grief and hurt was so palpable that i was mourning with him and feel my heart break. Sometimes I want to either hug or strangle him. And Annie my poor girl.
“Because sometimes I craved her tears the way I craved her touch.”
They hate each other but also have a sizzling chemistry and can’t seem to stay away from each other. It was such a soul wrecking and beautiful read.
“Until the stars fall”
Rachel will take you on one hella ride which you are not ready for so buckle up cause it’s about to get real.
“Blood In. No Out.
What a perfect read to start my reading year with a BOOM!
My first read of the year and couldn’t have been a better one!
How Rachel Van Dyken does get better with each and every book she writes, it’s a mystery to me.
Believe me when I tell you, this is another one leaving you breathless and speechless.
It’s going to tear you apart and you won’t know if you get your pieces together again or not.
The story of Ash and Annie is heartbreaking to a point that makes you want to sit in a corner and cry all the ugly tears.
It will make you want to beat the crap out of everyone who wants to harm them, even if it’s themselves standing in their own way.
This book is another proof why RVD is not only the queen, but a goddess of Mafia Romance!!
Her whole Mafia World around Eagle Elite and the Mafia Royals is just utter perfection I can’t get enough of.
Do yourself a favor and get lost on this. Bring wine and chocolate! After all, it’s Blook In, No Out!!
Destructive King is my first read of 2021 and not only is it a top read of the year but also secured a spot on my all-time favorite list.
I’m not even sure where to begin, every book in this series pulls you deeper into the RVD mafia spell and Destructive King is woven with a spellbinding story that will keep you rooted to one spot until you have read every word.
Ash is undeniably a Destructive King; he is engulfed in an inferno of destruction and the only person to be able to extinguish it, is the same person that’s unintentionally stoking the flames.
Annie is the light, she radiates kindness and compassion while also being able to hold her own in the moments Ash fires venomous words at her, his words spark something inside of her that brings out her fire.
Annie and Ash had a connection with a stunning intensity anytime they were near one another, when they had heated exchanges I waited for my kindle to combust. The storyline was a step beyond all-consuming the fire between them and the emotion these characters feel are so raw that you feel them deep inside your core. There were times I wished I could jump into this book and hug Ash as tight as possible. His pain was palpable and I felt as though I had a boulder on my chest and other times I wanted to go for a round in the basement with him. I don’t think I have ever had such strong yet conflicting feelings for a character because underneath the pain and grief that he’d been buried under was the king we knew he’d become.
Destructive King is a spellbinding blend of a soul on the verge of going up in flames finding the only soul that brings calm but still feeds him the fire he craves, suspense, witty banter that made me laugh and lighten the intensity, moments that shredded my heart, friends that breathe loyalty, and more feels that will be branded on your soul long after you read the last word, and steam.
Until the next Mafia Royals release because in the mafia, it’s Blood In. No Out. That goes for anyone who picks up this series one word of it and you’re part of this mafia world consumed to the point of obsession with no way out and you will love every heartstopping minute of it.
This is an honest review for an arc received.
I didn’t want to judge his mourning, but that’s not what this was—this was devastation pure and simple. This was carnage in its rarest form—this was death while still living.
Annie Smith is vulnerable, shy and quiet. An orphan by circumstance, all she’s ever wanted was to fit in, not feel so alone and most importantly be protected. Although she has secrets of her own, she desperately wants to help Ash heal from a devastating loss even though he lashes out her and slays her with his words.
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light, Annie. You just can’t see them—but believe me, they’re there.”
Ash Abandanato – assassin, boss and heir to the Abandanto crime family. He’s ruthless, cunning and sharp tongued. He takes no prisoners and is trying to find his footing after a tragedy rocked him to his core. He hates everything that Annie is and stands for, but doesn’t see what’s been there all along, her loyalty and the acceptance of his place in the family. Every time he pushes her away she somehow fights to save him.
“You give everything up for those you love at the risk of your own happiness; to do anything else isn’t love.”
This book is 5 heart wrenching stars. Rachel Van Dyken’s ability to write a tragically beautiful story is astounding . You can’t help but fall in love with Annie and cheer her on as she finds her inner strength. Ash, well you will want to scream, shake and probably smack him, but you can’t help but feel his loss and devastation. This is still the mafia so don’t expect hearts and flowers. But you can expect to fall deeper into this world and become engrossed in each of these characters and their stories. This is by far one of my favorite reads of 2020.
“You wanted to be their King—now prove you can rule.”