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
5 Fantastic Stars
Oh my goodness!
Rachel Van Dyken, the queen of mafia has done it again!
Seriously every time I read your book I say it’s the best one yet and here we are again and Ash’s and Annie’s story is the best one yet. It gets you hooked from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want to leave it. I needed to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, the next chapter would throw me and I was back to square one again.
Honestly you want a good mafia series to read, then Mafia Royals is the one to read. Then when you’re finished with that and are so love with them go back to where it all began and read the parents stories in Eagle Elite and fall in love even more with RVD and see why she is amazing!
I’m still relatively new to Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia’s world with Royal Bully as my first read from her. And what an introduction it was to Chase and Ash. My heart broke so much for Ash by the end of Royal Bully and as we saw more of him in Ruthless Princess and Scandalous Prince. So I was so ready for his and Annie’s story in Destructive King.
Like a lot of people, I wasn’t so sure about Annie because of how much Ash loved Claire. I’m not sure why I even worried because it’s Rachel and she’s an amazing writer and story teller. I loved watching Ash trip over himself when it came to Annie. She challenged him and kept him on his toes in a way that Claire never could. And to be honest, part of me hates that the entire time it felt like a compare and contrast between Annie and Claire, but by the time the book was over, there was no comparison. Annie was and always will be the winner when it comes to Ash.
I also enjoyed getting to know more of Annie’s backstory. Like Ash, we saw her character in the previous stories but didn’t see the full character arc. She was always so much stronger than I gave her credit for, and I love her for that. Her an Ash really are so well suited for each other and both found their redemption in one another. Not to mention, this story definitely brought the steam
If you’ve been thinking about picking this book up, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for! You definitely won’t regret it!
Hands down the best of the mafia books! I don’t know how Rachel keeps doing it, but each book is more intense. And as a reader, the more invested you are to the characters the more the book is going to move you.
I remember the first time I read Elite. The shock of what the hell did I just read? Destructive King took me back to the first time I read RVD Mafia book. I didn’t know what the heck was happening, where the story was going and I fell head over heels for the broken hero. Ash most certainly puts a run for the money as favorite character again his dad Chase.
The great thing about this series is that it can read as standalones within the series. So you can pick up any of the books and read. But I’ll guarantee that once you read one, you will be hooked and ready to jump into the rest of the series.
Rachel is the Mafia Queen and she can never step away from this series LOL. Otherwise, all these mafia princesses that she’s raised up… who know what they will do.
I loved this book. Ash was so blind and broken that he was having trouble seeing what was right in front of him, his grief and guilt was consuming him, he needed someone soft yet strong to pull him out, and Annie was that person. Ash tired so hard to push her out of his life, but she knew that she wanted him , even if it broke her too. This book will have you laughing with all the banter between the bosses and the kid and it had a big secret that is revealed. I can’t get enough of this series!!
Highly emotional, dangerous and intriguing journey filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a edge of your seat read from beginning to end.
WHOA! What an INCREDIBLE story! After finishing Destructive King one thing I know for certain is that Rachel Van Dyken is in a whole league of her own in the mafia romance genre. To me, her stories stand out for her angsty, emotional storylines, the crazy twists and turns, and by these complicated, dynamic characters. I admire their fierce loyalty and intense passion for each other. They LIVE and DIE by their motto. “Blood In. No out.”
From the moment I opened the first page of my kindle, I was CONSUMED by every word written. If you read the blurb or previous books in the series you will know Ash well and to stay he is hurting is a HUGE understatement. His pain is some of the realist, raw pain I’ve even experienced for a fictional character. My heart ripped in shreds for Ash so many times and Annie coming into his life when she did cannot be described as anything but necessary and perfect for them. This is not a love story for the faint of heart. It is dark, gritty and intense. It is extremely messy and will leave you feeling SO MUCH! Ash is lethal, ruthless and hard but at the same time is protective and loves so fiercely. Annie is strong, sassy and brilliant. There is so much more to her beneath what we were first introduced to in the previous books. I love how Rachel weaves humour into her mafia books. It’s dark subject matter at times but I can always count on Rachel to deliver the snarky banter and one liners that have me laughing out loud as well. This book is perfectly titled. Ash is one dangerous, delicious, destructive king and this story annihilated my heart in so many ways but in the best kind of way. A must read for mafia romance readers and a top book of 2021!
*Advanced reader copy received in exchange of an honest review.
#RVDEliteReviewTeam
Ash and Annie are my favorite!
RVD has done it again, she makes you laugh, she makes you gasp, and she makes you fall in love with characters you normally would not. The Mafia Royals series is one that I’m loving even more than Eagle Elite, seeing this new generation rise up through all their trials and tribulations is inspiring and a little bada$$ too! Ash may feel that he’s no longer redeemable after losing his love, but Annie is determined to show him his worth. I love the push and pull and strength of these two. An amazing story that stays with you long after you finish!
Anne was not one of my favorite characters from previous books. While this is a stand alone novel I would highly suggest reading the other books in the series. I thought Anne was kind of week and a complete push over. I was happy to find that by the end of the book she was so much better. Ash started out this book in such a bad place. In a previous book the love of his life was killed in a tragic accident while pregnant with their child.
I think this is one of my favorite books of Rachel’s because of all of the twists and turns. I look forward to reading this book again to try and catch all the things I missed the first time I read it because I was rushing through to find out what was going to happen next.
Wow, what can I say, I loved this book. My heart was breaking for Ash and Annie. I thought I would never like Annie for Ash, but I was so wrong. These two are so broken, their story had me in tears several times. Even though this is a stand alone, I loved seeing the returning characters from the Eagle Elite series. It was hard to put this book down to go to sleep. This was definitely a page turner and full of surprises. The mafia series is my favorite series of Rachel Van Dyken and I love all of her books but this is my all time favorite. I can’t wait for the next book.
Loved it! So full of twists and turns, excitement and emotion. I love these characters, these families and all of their constant drama. I can’t wait for what comes next!
Anti-heroes are some of my absolute favorite alpha males because as much as they seem reprehensible, especially those like Ash Abandonato whose primary role is one of cruelty as well as doling out revenge and death, there’s much more to them than their dangerous and standoffish demeanor and the fact that they carry themselves in a way that preserves the air of authority as well as a void of emotion is deliberately undertaken so that what they truly feel and what they truly want and need is not something their enemies can use against them or attack. There’s also a menacing mystery of what someone like Ash would do when his irrevocable changes and he puts the cause of his heartbreak squarely on the shoulders of someone who doesn’t deserve it but that doesn’t stop Ash from wanting his pound of flesh.
Ash’s hatred for Annie is twofold and it’s those complicated feelings, especially the ones that make Ash want her for more than revenge that pisses Ash off the most and forces him to continue to forcefully spew venom and hatred at her, even though his attraction to her is palpable and more demanding the more time he’s around her.
As a heroine, Annie Smith, in my opinion, is a combination of a few of the strong female characters already present in this world, but where she stands out and rises above is how she endures despite her past, despite her background and she makes it abundantly clear that she cannot be toyed with…that she refuses to cower or bow down, even if she does fear the consequences of her actions. And it’s her ability to persevere…to take everything Ash throws her way that solidifies her spot next to him instead of behind him, but securing that position isn’t easy, but if there is anyone who can do it, it’s Annie.
Like all of Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia stories, other plot lines continue to be expanded on and unraveled. While a focus is on the hero and heroine struggling to find their way, both individually and together, the world around them is fluid and dealing with the complications involved in being a part of the mob is something that never stops needing attention, never stops requiring everyone to watch their back and protect those they love, which means that while Ash and Annie’s complex relationship unfolds, that’s not the only thing that Ash needs to worry about, so, like it or not, his ongoing battle with himself and Annie cannot take up all of his attention and how he compartmentalizes everything speaks to his need for control, even when it’s clear some things he can’t solely determine.
I am a huge advocate for comic relief characters/situations amid heavy and dark settings and story lines, which is why I love the snark and pithy one-liners that play a large role in Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia world.
I hope Van Dyken never stops writing in her mafia world because I can’t get enough of it and its characters.
4.5 Poison Apples
LISTEN TO ME! fucking fuckery running amok HOLY BALLS!!
Okay, so obviously I’m a fan … Also, I did a thing .. so when I got the email saying when this ARC would land on my kindle, I went back and reread Princess and Prince and OMG, it was an epic binge never to be topped by any other binge ever again. Amen.
Okay, I’m going to say a bit more about this story because, greatness.
First of all, can we chat about this cover? I mean … *blink* it is ridiculous in its on-point portrayal of Ash and I am in love with it! Although every time I see it, I burst out laughing, it is an exact replica of this story. That alone gives the book mad serious props because so many times covers say very little about the story, instead focusing on trends and what will catch a reader’s eye. And you know what, this definitely catches the ye LOL but it also speaks volumes about the story. It makes me giddy. I know, I’m stupid extra about these things *shrug*
Okay so now the story … spectacular hate to love you journey! I mean spectacular!! RVD created a super couple with Annie and Ash. I could NOT stop reading and that was even after binging the two previous books the day before I started!! Granted, I had previous read the stories so I was only reading to familiarize myself with details but still, I COULD NOT STOP. The push and the hate and the pull and the love and everything in-between wasn’t just captivating, it was thrilling. I was on edge the entire time. SHENANIGANS!
Man, what I wouldn’t do to be able to re-read this story as if it was the first time. It’s an epic ride kids. Buckle up. Blood in. No out!
Ugh can I please please please become a mafia wife already??!! Rachel, I have no idea how your devious brilliant mind comes up with this stuff but don’t ever stop! Lol Ash is such a hard a**, brutal, broken, vengeful, dreamy, handsome and sexy loyal man and I would love to be his Annie! ok but seriously, holy cannoli what a freaking ride!!! This book!! This book killed me in all the right ways!! My emotions were literally ALL OVER the place! I can’t even explain the mind blowing ness of this story! Even when I think I know what Rachel will do in the book, she changes it up on me. Her characters are always so full of layers and depths you don’t always see coming. I absolutely adored seeing lots of the other family members from previous books. It’s always such a nostalgic and happy feeling when they pop up! Yet again, another phenomenal story from our Mafia Queen!!
Raw, dark and beautiful. I loved every page in this book. The writing has such incredible depth you can’t help but sink into this incredible world Rachel has created. The characters are fierce and I love the sense of family. This was such a unique and emotional journey that will be hard to top. I can’t wait to see what Rachel comes out with next.
Once again, Rachel Van Dyken shows us why she is the queen of mafia romance with Destructive King! The new generation is totally giving the OG’s a run for their money, as Ash and Annie’s story was unputdownable!! They completely captivated me from the beginning to the end, and their chemistry was off the charts! I thought I had a slight idea of what might happen after things that had happened in the previous books and early events in this story, but my jaw kept hitting the floor with all the twists and bombs she dropped on us. So many things happened that I did not see coming at all. Truly, everything about Destructive King was absolutely brilliant and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
When a book sits on your brain for several days that you can’t pick up another book, to me it’s a great book.
Of all of the mafia books only one other has had that power and that was Eulogy both by RVD. Her ability to reach down and pull emotions from the reader.
In Destructive King Ash Abandonato has been like the title completely destructive since the death of the love of his life. The one he has chosen to hate was Claire’s best friend Annie the one that came to his families protection.
Their story will have you laughing one page and in tears the next.
This book is highly recommended you won’t regret it.
Finally we have our Destructive King, Ash! Born to the mafia life where blood in, no out means everything Ash feels the pressure of all that his life entails. After losing Claire, he went off the deep end and in previous books we have gotten a taste of what he is going through. With this one we get all the gory details and I loved every moment of it!
Annie is an orphan with secrets of her own and never give up attitude. She definitely needed one with how brutal Ash was at times. While enduring the love hate relationship they had going she needed to learn herself too and be confident in her place within the family. These two together were so good and I devoured every word. RVD has just blown me away with this series and every book and every character we dive into just gets better and better!
WOW! Ash’s story just blew me away. Ash was so distraught, destructive and so deep in mourning I didn’t know whether to cry, hug him or scream. Quiet, always in the background Annie finally found herself. The chemistry between these two is just off the charts. Of course there are twists and turns but these will leave you spinning and screaming. Rachel Van Dyken is the Queen of mafia and this book will not disappoint. BLOOD IN NO OUT
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: DESTRUCTIVE KING
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:Rachel Van Dyken
TYPE: BOOK #3 OF MAFIA ROYALS…
READING ORDER:
Royal BullyRuthless Princess (1)Scandalous PrinceDestructive King
POV: FIRST PERSON: MULTIPLE POV.
MY RATING: 4.5 ” I AM ADDICTED TO THIS WORLD” STARS.
What a fantastic way to start your 2021…This book was my first read of this year and I couldn’t have chosen it better. Rachel Van Dyken has truly left me tongue-tied and in a daze. Even after finishing this book hours ago, I cant seem to find words to describe what an astounding experience this book was!!!
Ash… You can’t even imagine the agony he is going through…As the heir to senator/ Mafia Boss and one of the most powerful families, showing weakness is not an option. But when his Fiance and unborn child died in a car accident…He is broken. His mourning is anything if not self-destructive and a danger to everyone around him. And his main animosity lands on Annie Smith, an unintentional reason behind his Fiance’s death.
Annie Smith, an orphan, and a bright student, under the protection of the Abandanatos. She never had an easy life, firstly abused by her adoptive parents then by others. But now, she has found a true family in her friends and these strangers. Ony one person is against her presence…Ash Abandanato. He hates her…but this feeling is mutual. but underneath this animosity is sizzling chemistry and attraction.
‘We made zero sense. I’d thought. And now I realized. We were the only thing that did make sense in this cruel world. Fallen King and his Orphan Queen.’
Ash and Annie are hot together….well, that’s an understatement. They are everything.
Ash was a true a$$hole to her…he never raised his hands but the wound given to her by his words was enough to break her heart.
The plot twist was so surprising…in most books, we kinda have a hunch of what’s going to happen but here, I had no clue…I was just in for a ride with no control whatsoever…but I truly devoured it page by page…
“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.”
This world will gulp you in and refused to let you go… the characters from the previous series were so entertaining to watch.
Although this is standalone, I will just suggest you read all the books in the order because of spoilers. And the continuity will get you more intrigued in the storyline.
Now, come on…be a part of the family !!!
BLOOD IN, NO OUT
Destructive King takes you on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride! I knew Asher Abandonato’s story was going to take my emotions, along with my heart and flay them to shreds then patch me back together then start all over again. It’s like a crazy rinse/repeat cycle that only we romance lovers understand. The mafia romance world is so richly detailed and easy to understand. In this story, Ash suffers from loss and it’s an incredible loss. Because of that loss, he lashes out and wants to destroy anything good. Enter Annie… Annie is good and sweet and kindness personified. Yet when Ash and Annie are around one another- fireworks fly. The chemistry between them is hot. Ash does things that are not good in order to make himself feel better at the expense of Annie. The emotions are raw, intense, dark, angsty, hot, twisted, gripping, emotional, full of grief, full of secrets, full of feels…. the emotions run the range from pain to rage to forgive to love. What an amazing mafia romance read.
My Rating: 4.7 stars ************