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
This is the third book in Rachel’s Next Gen Eagle Elite series. They can be read as a standalone. However in my opinion it’s best to read them in order. Because it gives the reader the complete picture of everything that has led up to the present but completely at the readers choice.
Once, I started reading from the vet beginning I knew it was going to be a whirlwind of emotions from everything that Ash had experienced. I was prepared or at least I thought I was unfortunately I was not! It was gut wrenching in parts, it made me tear up but it was so good.
If you’ve read the authors work you know she can put you throw the wringer and piece you back together it’s her craft. She gives us an amazing story that sucks us into the world and won’t let us go until the last word. It was an amazing journey and I loved every single bit!
I love Ash and Annie’s story, definitely wanted Ash to be complete again. Their connection and chemistry is off the charts, I love all the characters in the series, I definitely love the suspense, mystery, and emotional turmoil that the whole story plot is giving me. I can wait for more, all these twists and turns are leaving me on edge. There is so much story behind each character, the history of the family, the situations they encounter. I am blood in and no out with the Mafia Royals stories, bring on the next one. Brilliant 5 stars!
Unlimited stars for Rachel Van Dyken’s Destructive King. This book shows there is a fine line between love and hate. I love how conflicted Ash is with his feelings and the strength Annie possesses. The author may not have intentionally set out to destroy our hearts but man oh man did she ever put me feelings and emotions through an intense rollercoaster ride; and she did a phenomenal job of it. I couldn’t put this book down and it is hands down my favourite in the Mafia Royals series so far. My heart may have been destroyed during the pairs journey but it was mended with no scars by the end. I can’t rave enough about this book. This deserves all the stars! Plus Ash’s dad was my fave OG Elite Eagle so it’s perfect that his son takes the top spot of fave new legacy!
Talk about a crushing blow and the heartbreak of a lifetime. Ash has been through so much. Much more than he should have in his young life. But it’s time to learn to move on and be the man his family needs. Annie is trying to find her way in a world that has taken everything from her. She left once, now she’s back. But is she strong enough to keep her carefully constructed walls in place. These two are amazing together, but volatile and dangerous. Annie has the ability to destroy Ash, while Ash has the ability to destroy himself and everyone around him.
As you might know, I’m picky when it comes to my mafia romance books, but RVD is a go to every time for me. I love getting lost in her words. I love her twisted imagination. I loved her carefully constructed stories. The Mafia Royals series is more than I could have ever expected. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Ash’s story and now that it’s here, I feel like I need more. This book was everything and so much more than I could have asked for.
I can’t wait to see what’s to come from this amazing author. I love getting sucked into her stories and look forward to everything she gives us. RVD, this book was exactly what I needed in a world that is difficult right now. Thank you for giving us a piece of you!
THE BEST BOOK OF 2021!!!! THE QUEEN OF MAFIA HAS STRUCK AGAIN!!!! do yourself a favor a pick up this incredible series!!!! I couldn’t put it down! it was incredible!!!
This was definitely an amazing book. I have eagerly waited for Ash’s book because his story has intrigued me since the beginning, but Rachel did a number on my emotions with every word she wrote.
The world of the Eagle Elite has always been a favorite of mine. Now, it’s the same for the world of the Mafia Royals. Ash lost the love of his life and blames Annie for it. After Annie has been away for a year, she returns with a new attitude and look. The intense hate that Ash continues to try to throw her way only intensifies the actual feelings that he has for Annie.
There are secrets that are revealed that will shake the carefully crafted world of this Mafia Family.
Rachel has once again created a book that you can continue to enjoy the words that are on every page.
I am officially and unequivocally obsessed with this series. Rachel takes us to new heights and even darker depths with this book making it one of my favorites of the series. Ash and Annie are at their absolute lowest in this but that’s exactly where they need to be in order for them to build back up into the King and Queen that they are destined to be.
I fell hard and fast for Ash in Ruthless Princess and watching him as he goes through the phases of grief and how he ultimately destroys everything around him while lost to his sadness will shatter your heart and soul. Ash has so much on his shoulders as the next in line to be at the top and the innate loss of what he thinks is his soulmate would render anyone stranded in their anguish. Ash’s pain is so visceral and so resilient that is feels as if it’s bleeding from the pages and suffocating in the sheer force of it.
But it’s the strength of pure will that Annie exudes that proves just how good of a match she is for Ash. She’s not afraid of her emotions, she’s not afraid to tell Ash he’s wrong or stand up to him in anyway, she’s resilient and steady more so than she even realizes. She’s steal and grit, she’s perseverance and delicacy, she’s warm and inviting, she’s all the things that Ash needs and more. Just her existence gives Ash what he needs to get through his pain and make it to the other side, stronger and better suited than he ever was before.
Rachel grabs your heart and squeezes the still beating entity until she leaves you gasping with sensations. The power of those feelings are enough to lay you at the altar of subjugation, but trust that Rachel will bring you through the tangled web of emotions and leave you with something so much more than you were prepared for. This series continues to get better and better as the stories go on, woven to perfection with Rachel’s unique prose and ability to render you speechless. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next because Ash and Annie has left me desperate and aching for more!
I have been anxiously waiting for Ash’s book and RVD did not disappoint. This story was dark and angsty but with so much fun thrown in along the way. I absolutely loved it. This author does a great job of making me laugh when I think I’m going to cry… definitely a must read!
I was waiting for this book since Annie first appearance, She blew my mind the evolution of this girl made this book a 100 better like she is the queen Ash deserves. I’m sorry or not if you were a Claire ash shipper but you are really not ready to see them go back and forth.
She is def not a cry baby anymore, and I like how she does not back down from Ash bull… He needs someone like her to put him where he needs to be and stop moping over Claire. You’ll be surprise and mad too I wasn’t but this secret hell, I was shaken to my bone.
The prologue will shatter you so jump right into It and don’t take a break because it’s like watching a live-action movie. This is why Mafia books are great this is all about Drama and tragedy. People plotting. The family diner is the best you will always laugh.
We all know when there is hate, love is always in the worner keep.
I was really looking forward to this one so was super excited when it landed on my kindle! Im not sure how Rachel comes up with these brilliantly twisted plots and darker shades of romance but I am so glad she does! If i thought the original Elite crew was insane and blood thirsty they had nothing on their offspring! the second generation is going to make them look tame!
In the beginning you are given the warning that you may need to grab some whisky and you will most definitely need some alcohol once you get through this but I went for the Rum.
We have met Ash in previous books and see how heartbreaking his story is up until now so I knew we would have to buckle up to see what was going to happen with the King of Darkness.
It was so good seeing all the families come together and their interactions are honestly entertaining, how no-one is seriously harmed I have no idea but it is always good to see my old favourites again, but move Chase you have some serious competition coming in from the next generation.
Once you start this book you will want to lock yourself away and make sure you wont be interrupted as once you start heaven help anyone that does bother you!
Well done Rachel on another superb read! I can’t wait to see what you are going to do with the rest of the second generation!
Since reading Royal Bully, this is the story I couldn’t wait to read and it did not disappoint. Ash’s story is a heartbreaking, emotional rollercoaster. You want to hate the Destructive King, but his guilt and inner turmoil will not let you. He is still mourning the loss of the love of his life, Claire, and their unborn child.
Annie was put under the Abandonato protection–namely, Ash’s protection. She has always been in the background and lonely. Claire was her one true friend and now she is gone. Annie went away to Italy and now she is back, stronger (physically and emotionally) than when she left. Her heart still breaks for Ash and she is still in love with the devil-the man that blames her for Claire’s death.
Another amazing mafia installment! You don’t necessarily need to read all them to enjoy this, but it definitely helps and is suggested to feel all the feels.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
5 STARS
All I can say is that this mafia romance is all-consuming and beyond amazing!!! Asher and Annie’s book was absolutely PERFECT!!! I was anticipating their story and RVD delivered a brilliant one. Destructive King by Rachel Van Dylan is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Ash and Annie’s story brought out all the feels for me!! I had a love/hate relationship with Ash during this book because he was just beyond extra in every way and because I loved Annie I wanted to throat punch him at times. His spiraling was so out of control and I understood it but the person who was in his corner the most is the person he wanted to destroy even though she was already gutted, she didn’t need him to do that for her. This story is my favorite of the series hands down!!!
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Let’s talk about “Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken”, third book in the Mafia Royals series.
Ash’s story has been growing since the prequel, little by little we are introduced by a new development, a new complication, a new Ash. Finally, with this book we’ve got to meet all his sides: the villain, the hero, the bully, the crazy, the lost, the lovable, the monster. He alone can fulfill all the pages and as Annie said, he is larger than life.
At times, I wanted to slap and kiss him at the same time. He didn’t deserve Annie after all he did to her, but at the same time, he didn’t deserve what happened to him and this story made him human in my eyes. At the other side there’s Annie. That girl. I was jealous of her strength, after so much pain and emptiness, she was reborn, just like a phoenix, stronger than ever, ready to raise hell and fight for herself.
Have you ever felt so alone even surrounded by a bunch of people? Their story squeezed my heart and it seemed that would never end, I was holding my breathe for dear life. I was so not expecting that end! I read the last chapters at least three times so it could finally sink in. What a twist, what. a. TWIST!
As I said before, I love how we’ve got to see a little of everyone. Even the older bosses, I have a new found care for Chase dammit, I’m in love! I had my doubts about Tank during these books, but in here he finally proved his place in the family. His both speech was amazing, slow claps for him.
Either way, I’m learning that Rachel has the power to make even the biggest monsters and crazy humans in someone I can love, cry for and cheer. I was ready to go to war for them. It is really incredible and I can honestly say that she is the twist queen! Bow down, bitches!
Obsessed.
This mafia series is one of my favorite series of all time. Every time I start one, I don’t ever want to put it down. It’s one of those series that I make myself slow down and savor because I’d devour it in one sitting and be even more sad it’s over.
I’ve been dying for Ash’s story to continue after reading the prequel to this series, Royal Bully. The pacing of this book is perfect! The story pulls you in immediately and throws you on a wild ride until the very end. There are twists and turns I never saw coming but loved the way the events unfolded. Annie and Ash’s story is not easy but it’s real, emotional, angst filled, and full of undeniable chemistry and love.
If you’re a fan of mafia romances, look no further. Make sure to grab this up or if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I highly recommend you start at the beginning.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
Mafia Romances have never been my thing, but I took a chance on this series because I have read and loved many of Rachel’s books in the past. Did I love this book? I sure did! This is a messy love story filled with some hardcore angst, emotion, and eventually undeniable chemistry. Watching our fearless and vengeful hero finally find his way after suffering so much in the past was breathtaking. There were moments I laughed and others where I wanted to cry, Rachel hit every single one of my emotions.
Ladies (and gents) if you’re looking for an imperfect love story with incredible character development, insane connections, and heart stopping moments then you don’t want to miss out on this book. I would recommend this entire series for those who like their romances a little darker!
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5 Falling Stars!
I knew there was nothing that would prepare me for Ash and Annie’s story. NOTHING! Ash Abandonato and Annie Smith are everything we have been waiting for!
After the death of the love of his life, Ash is a shell of he he used to be. He all but gave up on life. He was also extra cruel to Annie, because he blamed her for Claire’s death. He pretty much made her life a living hell. But he also was drawn to Annie, and that just made him feel more guilty. So he made it his mission to break her.
Annie was no pushover though. She wasn’t mousey by any means, and with the help of the rest of the mafia crew, she gave as good as she got! *Fruitsnacks! Ha!* They knew Annie was the life blood Ash needed, but refused to admit to needing.
These two… These two… They were explosive! “”I may be the devil,” he muttered. “But doesn’t mean I don’t want to give you heaven after your decent into hell.”” Annie knew that Ash had the weight of the world on his shoulders, and was the person to help him share the burden. She became the queen he needed, because she accepted him for who he was.
In true Rachel Van Dyken form, there were twists and turns up until the very end! And let me tell ya, you’ll never see what’s coming. There’s also plenty of banter between the cousins, and family dinner, which I never can get enough of. It’s another mafia story winner! And as always, blood in… no out…
This book can be read on a S/A basis. That said, for me, I think it would be an easier read if you at least read the Mafia Royals series in order. Not to worry though, there is a very comprehensive family tree and background provided at the beginning.
I’m a really big fan of the original EE series and now this spin off series and I have to say this was another great read. I really couldn’t put this one down. The story was fast paced and held my attention throughout; this one was a real page turner. There was plenty of drama and action and of course fabulous banter and wit between all the characters. What I love most is that these stories ate jam packed with emotion and Ash and Annie’s story did not fail to deliver on that account.
A book/series I would definitely recommend.
4.5 stars
I fell so hard for Ash from the very beginning of this series. He seemed to have the perfect relationship with Claire and then she died, along with their unborn baby, and Ash went into a nasty tailspin. He was drinking a lot, and even started abusing prescription drugs.
Annie tried to help, but she didn’t know how. Ash hurt her, not physically, but verbally lashed out at her. In a drunken and high stupor, he thought Annie was Claire. He hurt Annie bad enough that she asked Chase to send her away, anywhere to get away from Ash. And after a 10 month break with some Abandonato relatives in Italy, Annie comes back with a little more confidence and determination to not let Ash ruffle her feathers and make her cry any more.
With Annie back, Ash hates that he has to listen to his dad and be Annie’s protector. He drives Annie to and from school. He refuses to let Annie go anywhere or do anything without him, especially when it comes to Tank. Before long, Ash realizes he doesn’t hate Annie at all, he loves her.
And with all of this personal turmoil going on, there’s also the fact that someone is sending bombs to the kids. Ash got lucky and his was a dud, but not all of them were. In an attempt to figure out who is behind the bombs, they throw a surprise party at the most upscale hotel in downtown Chicago. The persons behind the bombs is a surprise to everyone, especially Annie.
There’s more to Annie than nearly all of the family even knows, except Chase. Chase is the head of the family for a reason.
I loved the evolution of Ash realizing his feelings for Annie. Even though there were times I wanted to kill Ash, I had faith he would quit being an ass and figure it out.
I can’t wait to read the next book. I just love this group of characters so much!
Damn. With each new book, Rachel amazes me more. Her plots are always so amazing, astonishing, mind-blowing, surprising and all that! I just love all the surprises and plot twists, specially the ones I never saw coming! There was plenty of that in Destructive King!
But you know what? This book was nothing like I imagined it to be! I thought it was gonna be incredibly sad and emotional, and it was at times, but that did not take over the book. I found it incredibly funny actually – the banter between all characters, the jokes, the sass between Ash and Annie- I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud so many times throughout the whole book. I loved it!!
Ash made me fall even more for him. He was crazy, a bit bipolar, a major asshole most of the time but you can’t help but love him to bits and hope that his pain goes away and he opens his eyes and finally sees Annie for who she is, specially who she is to him! And this girl is incredibly strong. She has sass and so much strength and willpower. And yet she also showed so much vulnerability. I loved how she had these two so very different sides to her. I loved her and although I hated what Ash put her through, I’m so glad she never gave up on him. They were so good together despite everything. It was amazing.
I can’t get over everything that happened in this book. My mind is still reeling a little bit but man I loveddd it. That ending got me my babies. I’m super excited for what’s to come. Even though I wanted a different couple next, what’s coming makes the most sense timeline wise so I’ll take it and I’m sure Rachel will make it just as incredible as every book in this series has been.
I love this whole set of characters and I can’t wait until each and every one of them finds their other half in this crazy mafia world. Like I said before the banter between characters was the freaking best in this book and I just really really enjoyed that aspect and how we still get to see the other couples evolve and see how they are doing. It was the best. Serena and Junior still crack me up, they are crazy but I loved them sm.