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
Seriously. This review is about 24 hours after finishing this book and I still have NO WORDS for this story. These characters are rooted so deep in me. I have never felt such emotion and pull for characters such as these.
Rachel Van Dyken has me continuously cussing, wanting to throw something and scream. She is a freaking queen at twists and turns and hitting your emotions deep.
Her mafia is always at the top of my list. She always finds ways to weave doubt into what you think is going to happen. She is the freaking queen of mafia!!
Asher and Annie. Enough said. Nothing more will be spilled about this book or story plot. Read it now and then join us as we wallow in all that is this amazing coupe and family!
Guys. I will be honest. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like a second chance romance for Ash, but I loved it. I kind of didn’t really love his first match, even though I hated that his heart got broken. So I wont lie that I was way excited for him to find who he was truly meant for.
So yeah, I wasn’t sure till I dove in and when I did it was everything. I LOVE this series and I love this world. Rachel could write 3083586 more books and Iw oddly read them.
This novel really sets up the series in my opines. Serena’s book we got to meet the “cast” but Ash’s book we see the new generation really start to take the reins and lead and I loved that.
Ash was dark and broken and I really hated him for a good chunk of this book. But once he found his path, the non tool bag one, I was here for it. It was a story of healing and finding the light after you think you have been lost for good.
Now I’m dying for the next read because if the 20935308457clues that Rachel dropped weren’t enough, we all knew the next the book was going to be an incoming storm all on its own.
Destructive King
Destructive King is book three in this second generation Mafia and let me tell you it’s twisty and turny and all things violent But best of all this group of characters are funny and one I sometimes wish I could be a part of if they actually existed
Loved Ash and Annie and can’t wait for more in this series
I’ve never been more in love with a destructive man in my life!! Destructive King was so much more than I was expecting, and I have been looking forward to Ash’s books since we first met him in Ruthless Princess!!
Ash Abandonato is the guy you love to hate. He is the enforcer in his family, but everyone thinks that because he is the enforcer, he does it because he doesn’t have a heart. With more kills than most including family Ash is not someone you want to mess with. If you have been following his story since book one, then you know that he has been through a terrible ordeal losing his fiancé and unborn child on the same day. Now more than a year later Ash is still a ghost of the person he used to be and the one person who can bring any semblance of humanity back to him is the one person he blames for the death of his family.
Annie Smith is the timid schoolgirl we all know. She is just grateful to be alive and have somewhere to live while she finishes school. After losing her family she was taken in by the Abandonato’s (Ash’s parents) and given anything and everything she could ever want, except one thing. Ash. Annie blames herself for Claire’s death and knows that Ash blames her as well, but he cannot possibly hate her more than she hates herself, or can he? She knows that with living with the Abandonato’s Ash is going to be a constant in her life as more than just her bodyguard. How is she supposed to survive the hate he has for her?
As Ash and Annie keep clashing, they are also growing closer in more ways than one. There are some dark secrets that have yet to come out and when they do everything that Ash and Annie have started to build can unravel even faster than it was built.
A true bully mafia story that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Destructive King is some of Rachel Van Dyken’s most intense work and I cannot wait to dive deeper into this dark sinful world she has created.
Book 141 towards my goal of 290! 4/5 stars for this Mafia Romance read! I will say, this one didn’t seem nearly as violent as the others. I’m not sure if there actually was less, or if I’m getting used to it lol Love the family dynamics of this series. This one had plenty of sad bits to go along with the spicy bits. Pretty fast paced. Highly recommend if you enjoy dark romance. Love the cover. Narration was great!
4
Spanish & English Opinion
ESP ::
Tener por fin una historia de Ash estuvo perfecto. Es un personaje que me encantaba desde el primer momento y el twist inesperado solo vino a completar un libro original, y una serie excelente.
Solo tuve un conflicto y fue la actitud de Annie algunas veces. Es una reina y es buena, pero a veces era desesperante y daban ganas de gritarle “reacciona, chava”. Y no me encantó esto, porque Annie me encanta por lo que representa y es genuinamente una buena persona.
Anyway. Esta serie sigue poniéndose mejor.
ENG ::
This hero had us waiting since book 1. He’s one of my favorite characters and I really like him. I loved the unexpected twist, never imagined it and this element just added brownie points!
The only thing I had trouble with was Annie. I loved her, she’s sweet and nice and a really brave girl. But she had me screaming from the tip of my imaginary lungs how “enough is enough girl! Love is not being a mat” she was exasperating sometimes and I hated it because I love what she represents.
The couples keep making it hard to choose a favorite one!
Oh I loved this one so much!! There were so many ups and downs!! I was laughing one minute and crying the next! I truly think this was my favorite one yet! I was completely shocked at the end at the surprise. I didn’t see it coming! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!! Seriously go read this book.
• •
: Destructive King
: Mafia Royals #3
: Rachel Van Dyken
: 4.5/5
There is a reason why I try to not read books from Rachel Van Dyken during the work week… Once I start a book from this author, I have to read it even if I won’t be able to sleep. So to make sure I will have enough sleep being able to work I read the books when I actually have all the time in the world (even when it kills me in anticipation haha). Anyways, as expected this book blew my mind. I was consumed with all the angst, mystery, darkness, light, love and banter. It was also a very emotional story and there were all sorts of emotions I went through. The plot twists in this one were amazing and I definitely did not see all of them coming. Ash and Annie’s story was a special one and I loved how we also got some chapters from Chase his POV. I loved seeing the growth that Annie went through in this book. She really is such a strong character. Sometimes you really want to slap Ash for how he’s handling some things, however, eventually he does the right thing and I can forgive him. Recommending you to read Royal Bully (and preferably also the other books in the series) before this one! It will give you the best experience. Recommending this book/series to all the mafia romance lovers out there! Blood in. No out.
Most of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken
Destructive King was about as explosive as you’ve likely come to expect from this series. We always knew that whatever happened with Ash and Annie would be intense because the flip side of hate, is love. And Ash really and absolutely loathes Annie for many a reason. After their last encounter, Annie is sent to Italy for a year and she returns a different woman. She’s classy and stylish, fearless, and even though she may want to break down and cry, she keeps it together enough that Ash care barely reconcile her with the sniveling weak girl who left.
This book made me feel everything! I was laughing one minute (because, hello? This is The Family!), raging with anger the next
(because again, The Family), and then crying delicately (not!) the next (that’s all down to RvD!). It was an absolute roller coaster. I can’t say I liked Ash much but I could understand what made him the way he was and therefore I shall love him forever. He earned the title of King and truly cemented his role. Annie grew so much in this book that it was impossible to love and feel for her. I have to say that my only major disappointment was that the book finished before I was mentally ready .
This was another fab addition to the Mafia Royals series and I’m so so so excited for the next.
Blood in. No out.
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
**reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
This book is out of this world. I loved the characters so much. The mafia world is so awesome. The characters have such great chemistry. The kissing scenes and sex scenes are amazing. Loved this book.
~~top 10 recommended~~
Okay pardon my language but FREAKING WOW is all I can say of Destructive King. There are no words to say without actually telling the book because Rachel Van Dyken just outshined her ownself in this book. We saw in the prequel Ash and Claire’s romance but never imagined how far Ash will go to forget. He may have been a young boy starting in this path of death and killing but it takes a strong woman like Annie to see past his destruction. We see Annie, innocent and somewhat naive when it comes to this family, making a deal with the devil to make Ash live again. This is not your typical new adult romance but one filled with hate, betrayal and the power of a war to bring a family together. We see the OG Mafia family and the new generation like Ash taking their place in this world in a way that is true Mafia Royalty. Rachel Van Dyken brings Ash’s pain to life in a way that is filled with turmoil, hate but most of all seeing him try to survive and letting go his one true love. Seeing the King so to speak like this just guts you in the stomach you can feel it come out of the book to life that is far beyond what a reader will expect from this book. Like I said Rachel Van Dyken has truly outshined herself with Ash’s story and wonder now how will she do in the Mafia Royal book. Blood in, no out!!
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Finally. I get to read it.
I’m screaming.
OMG! Believe me, I went to through so many emotions while reading this. I felt goosebumps. I felt like I was really experiencing him. Ash.
His hard and tough, a behaviour.
His heart break. His pain.
Made.
My heart bleed!
And plot twists!!!
I live for them. OMG!!! Author blew my mind.
I was so waiting to read ash, I literally devoured.
Several times I want to hit ash at the same time hug him. OMG. It’s intense. And Annie’s development to strong heroine
I really love ash. Afterall, whose son?
CHASE, ladies!!!
Destructive King is ADDICTING from start to finish. Rachel Van Dyke is the queen of mafia romance and she doesn’t disappoint with book 3 in the Mafia Royals series.
Ash Abandonato is a monster. He is ruthless, an assassin, and destructive. He has to be that way to protect his family and has gladly accepted that role since he was young. He was so used to being the person who did the dirty work and picked up the pieces, but when his world was crumbling after the death of his fiance he was spiraling. He lost the woman he was supposed to spend the rest of his life with and he has to put the blame on someone. And that person is Annie Smith.
Annie is timid and doesn’t like confrontation. She is fascinated by Ash and ever since the death of his fiance Claire she has wanted to heal him. One night changed everything. She was finally kissing and touching Ash but it all changed when he called her Claire. She wasn’t a fool to believe that he actually cared about her, but she realized that she cared too much and could never compete with a ghost. That led to her decision to leave for a while.
Time passed and Annie came back. She wasn’t blood but she was to be protected by Chase which made her one of their own. That meant she was family. Blood in, no out. She wasn’t looking forward to being close to Ash again because he could make her fall apart with words and even a look.
Ash and Annie were forced to spend time together. He was cruel, rude, and heartless and what pissed him off more was her response. She was no longer the woman who would shed a tear if he called her names or make sarcastic remarks, she was growing into her own. She didn’t back down so easily and stood her ground in part thanks to her time away.
I don’t want to give too much away but this was by far my favorite book in the series. These two characters were so different and yet so similar. They both faced pain that cut you to the core. Ash had a lot of built-up rage and Annie’s past continued to affect her in ways she is only beginning to realize.
I give Destructive King 5 stars. It is so dark, intriguing, and yes even romantic. I adored Ash and Annie. Their relationship is every bit complicated and destructive but their connection is undeniable. There are so many unexpected moments, secrets, and revelations that made this read unputdownable. Rachel Van Dyken’s writing never ceases to amaze me. If you are a fan of mafia romance, you will devour this book in one sitting!
5
If I could give this 50 millions stars I would!
*sigh*
And here I thought I was sure nothing can top off Valerian (Breaker) and Violet’s story.
Gosh! I never thought Asher and Annie’s story would turn out this way. I mean, I knew it was going to be awesome because—hello it’s RVD, but I’m so blown away! I finished it in one day. It was so gripping! So riveting! I felt guilty leaving the book to take a break to eat or pee or tend to my child!( jk… no, not really)lol
And the plot twists man… wow! I sure wasn’t expecting that. Total shock and awe!
And my faves were the quotes about death… I lost my Dad years ago, and it still feels like I’ve just lost him yesterday… and some of the quotes spoke to me. I’ve always wondered why it seemed I was the only one grieving when I’m not the only who lost him… Some of the quotes helped me make sense of my grief…
I enjoyed the book. Best book I’ve read to-date. I’ve been in a book slump lately and this help me get back to the groove. It’s a memorable read.
I wish there was a longer epilogue! I’m a süćk€r for , naive good girls falling for the crass mafia prince who allowed himself to be reformed by love *hearteyes*
Can’t wait to read what’s next!
Rachel Van Dyken is either the coolest person ever (she totally is!) or she has some pact with the Muses because DAMN!
(Also its probably both!)
What a devious and overly chaotic mind she must have…her imagination is mind boggling. Where does she come up with this stuff?!?!?!
I am without a doubt an over eager puppy when she announces a new Mafia book. I literally salivate all the way up to publishing. Once she hits publish, I freak out. I alternate between worried sweats and gnawing on my finger nails. I don’t know whether I should devour it on the spot or hide from the possible heartache.
In the end, I can’t resist the siren call of her words. I need the answers, the feisty characters, and the mayhem. I need to be in the presence of characters I have loved and admired for years. I am a junkie with the shakes if I don’t get my fix.
Destructive King is Rachel on a bender. I think her goal was to sacrifice the hearts of all her readers to satisfy the Muses. (Seriously, I think she made a pact!) It hurts and it heals. The anger, the passion, and the forever will make your broken heart whole…one painful moment at a time.
OH Rachel what have you done to me! RVDs mafia is like no other and I was waiting (impatiently) for Ash to come front and center. After a heartbreaking backstory I wasn’t sure where RVD was going to take his story… I was NOT ready for Destructive King at all. Ash is the beast and grade A jerk to Annie but despite her past she is a beautifully broken and strong match to tackle the beast. Roller coaster is an understatement it’s more like the tilt-a-whirl mashed with the Largest roller coaster you can find. I have to always prepare myself before diving into Rachel’s mafia world because I know I’m walking into a wild ride.
I can’t say enough about how amazing Destructive King is. Blood in, No out. Steal yourself, grab some tissues and a glass of wine (or bottle) and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Hang out and enjoy.
Right from the prologue, Rachel Van Dyken had me on the edge of my seat as she took me on the raw, emotional, destructive ride that is Ash and Annie’s story. I love how deeply Ash felt everything that was going on — even if that made him cling to his past for longer than necessary. I love the quiet strength that Annie brought—it is a definite reminder to never underestimate anyone. The story took a journey through loss and learning to love again. It was heartbreaking, tragic, gritty, intense, dark, twisted, passionate—and I couldn’t love it anymore. I can’t wait to dive back into this world that Rachel has created.
If you haven’t become immersed in this world yet—you are seriously missing out. Run, don’t walk, and snatch this up now!
I am a lucky bitch who gets to ARC read this before release day. This review is fresh from my brain after binge reading this book in a matter of hours. Please read with caution!
Holy fuckballs is this one a doozy!
I can’t tell you how many times I read it and went “oh fuck did that just happen?”
Rachel just keeps dropping bangers with this series! Each book is better than the last! More intense, more dark, more sexy, more blood, more betrayal, just MORE!
Ash and Annie are FUCKING PERFECT for each other! Annie is way more than what you see on the surface. She’s a badass bitch who you won’t see coming until it’s too late! She’s a queen! Ash is his father’s son. He is cold blooded but he loves with his entire soul.
You will fall in love with all over again with quite a few characters. Your heart will break for them. You’ll want to kill for them. You’ll want to comfort them. You’ll forget that these are characters in a book because you’ll feel so intensely, so deep into your soul, that you will lose your shit at times. You’ll hate someone that you might never thought to hate. You’ll question everything but in the end, you’ll have all do the answers.
This is the book that reminds you that “Blood in, No out” is not just a saying, it’s not just a motto, it’s fucking real! This is the mafia. Are you ready? Buckle the fuck up kids this one takes you on a hell of a ride!
Asher Abandando is most certainly a Destructive King. He has assumed the mantle of leader for the new crop of la familia and so far, he has been pretty brutal. Now, its important that you read Ruthless Princess and Scandalous Prince before diving into Destructive King or else you won’t understand how Ash and Annie got to where they are now.
Asher had a fiancee. There is a backstory that is important, but I don’t want to spoil it too much if you need to read books 1 and 2. But, the fiancee is gone and Ash’s life has been miserable. He is horrible to Annie (for several reasons) but she has a bit of a crush. Now, I will say I struggle with stories that include a dead loved one. How can Annie ever compete with a ghost? And, the ghost of a woman Ash loved so much! But, Van Dyken makes it work. Annie is simply enchanting-she hasn’t had an easy life and her entry into the mafia world has been brutal. Despite that, she is kind, sweet, and tough.
Ash is more difficult for me to like. He is such a jerk to Annie! I can empathize with his grief, but that is no excuse to be an asshat. Eventually he stops being king douchecanoe and their relationship faces other obstacles. By the end, I didn’t hate him, but I felt like Annie deserved someone better. (I am kind of bitter so I doubt others will dislike him as deeply as I did).
Destructive King delivers all the crazy mafia behavior, danger, betrayal, and romance readers expect from the series. This is another exciting entry in the Mafia Royals series that readers will just devour!
I don’t even know where to start with this review!! Destructive King is THE BEST!!! It’s been months since Claire’s tragic death and Ash is still taking his anger and grief out on himself and those around him. With Annie’s return home he’s expecting the shy timid Annie that he once knew what he gets is someone he least expected. The roller coaster of emotions I experienced while reading Destructive King, the off the charts chemistry and angst between Ash and Annie to the tears that have you sobbing. Rachel Van Dyken always blows me always with her writing! This is a must read!!!!