From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Eagle Elite series… Every family has rules, the mafia just has more….Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to. Do not make eye contact unless you want to die. And above all else, do not fall in love. Renee Cassani’s future is set.Her betrothal is set. Her life, after nannying for the five families … after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set
Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that.
He’s a man who doesn’t take no for an answer.
And he only wants one thing.
Her.
Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying.
Good thing Vic has a firm hand.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
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“I had no heart or soul to give her—I’d already sworn it to the families. Besides, what use did I have for fairytales?”
What a brilliant idea the 1001 Dark Nights is. I really appreciate the opportunity to dip my toe in the water to see if I will like a series by trying it out with one of these shorter stories that can be read as a standalone and an introduction to a series. And I must say, I more than liked it.
Renee is working as a nanny for the summer for the families. She just biding her time, waiting to go to college in the fall. Being around the mafia men is stressful for her. They frighten her with their fierceness and she knows not to cross them. And then there’s Vic. She feels his eyes on her… all the time.
Vic knows she’s off-limits, but he can’t help himself. His favorite thing to do on and off duty is to watch the nanny. Sometimes, he’s ordered to keep an eye on her, and other times he’s unable to take his eyes off the nanny. “It hurt like hell knowing that a woman like that would never look twice at a man like me.”
Renee would be graduating from college this year. And then her future would begin. She’s been anxious to get away from the tight control of the families, ready to stretch her wings. But she can’t deny that she’s drawn to him. She should be focused on the rest of her life, but instead, she’s focused on him. She knows what he does. But she still wants him, darkness and all. “Though if any sin was worth committing—it would be him.”
Yup, you guessed it. It was H-O-T. The forbidden, hopeless, uncontainable lust they had for each other was seeping out of their pores. Vic felt helpless with envy as he protected her, knowing that she was promised to someone else. The author managed to pack a punch in this story and now she has my appetite whetted for more in the Eagle Elite series. I really want to get to know some of the characters I met better, especially Andrei. The line forms here…
I loved the sexual chemistry in this book. The character’s interactions were perfect and I was totally invested in their story. Can’t wait for the next one.
If you have never read any of RVD’s Eagle Elite Series, I may ask what rock you have been hiding under, but seriously, Envy is a great book to pick up and jump on this epic series! For EE lovers, you can’t go wrong! It is more of our mafia family and I seriously fell for Vic!
I’ve read lots of different books by Rachel but not managed to read one of her Eagle Elite series yet, I know I’m bad, so when this little beauty appeared on the scene I just had to give it a go – and just WOW, it was fantastic!! These novellas by 1001 Dark Nights are just awesome, they give you a little taster of the authors world to see whether or not you are into it and to be honest I am now kicking myself for not reading any of these sooner, it really was that good!!!
Renee is working as a nanny for the mafia bosses during the summer months, keen to escape and go to college soon. The bosses frighten her, big men, dark, brooding and always armed, she keeps her eyes downcast and tries not to look at them. But its Vic that scares her to most, big and mean, but she feels his eyes on her all the time, and she can’t help looking at him, drawn to him and his darkness like a moth to a flame.
Vic has taken an oath to protect the family, meaning no relationships or involvements with women, so that his focus remains true to the bosses. But with Renee he feels something he hasn’t felt before and he can’t help but watch the nanny, knowing she wouldn’t even look twice at a brute like him!!
But the lines start to get crossed as Vic is assigned to protect Renee and he can’t focus on anything but her and how much he wants her.
I loved these characters, they were so perfect together, yet so different from one another. Renee knows what happens in the family and doesn’t want to know the details, yet understands the violence that is common place in their lives everyday. Vic’s struggle with his oath and his decisions through the course of the story had me falling fast for him, he seems so closed off when you first meet him but how he opens up through the story was beautiful.
This was a great introduction to the mafia world in the Eagle Elite series and would highly recommend it to anyone like me that has not yet had the pleasure of meeting these men, personally I can’t wait to go back and start from the beginning now!!
5 Stars
Rachel Van Dyken’s Eagle Elite series never disappoints, and Envy is no exception. The 9.5 title in this series, features Vic Colezan Abandonato and Renee Cassini.
Whilst this pair couldn’t be any more different, they are inexplicable drawn to each other. Their attraction is forbidden, but their chemistry and connection is undeniable, intense and passionate.
Vic is Nixon’s cousin, his role and duty is to protect the family at any cost, he’s exudes darkness, danger and violence which fits his role as an assassin. When taking on the role of protector he took an oath of loyalty and celibacy, which he struggles to adhere to when around the temptation that is Renee.
Renee grew up on the outskirts of the families, but she’s well aware of who she is employed by to look after their children. She’s sweet, demure and the men of the Eagle Elite, with their fierce, dangerous and demanding demeanours frighten her.
This story is intense, dark and gritty, and full of intrigue and suspense. Whilst it’s publicised as a novella, its longer in length and will not only intrigue, you and captivate you but satisfy your cravings for more of the Eagle Elite.
I will be eagerly awaiting more of this series.
*4 Stars*
It was interesting to get Vic’s story, after having him play a role in Eulogy. It’s always fun to get a novella about some of the more secondary characters, and keep us involved in the world that a series is set in.
I enjoyed this as I have with all the Eagle Elite mafia books, and I was glad to see these guys get a turn. Renee was a new character and I really liked her. There were some surprises in store for her mind you.
A great little novella, love this EE world.
This story has all the elements I want in a love story – heart, passion, emotion, and humor. A protective and brooding hero combined with a sweet and strong heroine. Vic and Renee have sizzling chemistry and I love their witty banter. Try as they may to resist the attraction they are powerless to stop the fall. I just love when the alpha male is brought to his knees. This storyline is very well-written. The twists and turns along the way kept things interesting and it is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I adored the family scenes – the closeness, the razzing, the protectiveness were so much fun to read. I just can’t get enough of this mafia family!! Another must read from this talented author!!
Audible. 4 stars for the novella, 2 stars for the narration.
This novella is book 9.5 in the Eagle Elite series. As a 1001 Dark Nights novella – this is designed to be a little shorter and serves as an “intro” to the author for those unfamiliar or a “bonus” for long time fans. I’ve read all of the Eagle Elite books, so I’m not unbiased, but I think it is a good “taste” of the series and VanDyken’s style.
Vic was introduced in Eulogy, but you don’t have to read that to enjoy him here. (But you SHOULD read Eulogy, because it was the best of the series!)
Envy is a novella, so the speed of the relationship is quick – but I felt like it worked here and was well done. Vic & Renee were both developed & intriguing characters. They’re cute as a couple and I couldn’t help but root for them.
We also get a tiny more about Andrei – definitely setting up for his book, Debase.
Narration:
I only listened to this once. I’ve read it multiple times. I’m disappointed that Scarlet Chase was cast AGAIN. I love her as a narrator (Blacktop Cowboys series is phenomenal), but she definitely has a “mature” voice which doesn’t fit with the 19-24yo characters she keeps narrating. Additionally, one of the things that I’ve loved about this series is that each character has his/her own voice throughout the series because the narrators changed depending on the POV. However, Scarlet Chase has been the female lead for Enrage, Eulogy, & Envy and David Benin has been the lead in Eulogy & Envy as well as narrating a DIFFERENT character in Enrage.
I’ll keep pre-ordering the e-books, but I’m losing faith in the audiobooks.
A must read in this series! I absolutely loved it! Vic and Renee’s chemistry is scorching hot especially with the forbidden element. I loved the banter between all the characters as well as the better insight you have about Andrei…. I recommend reading this before Debase and can’t wait to read Andrei’s story next.
This is the first book of the EE mafia books by RVD that I have read. It was a great story but does have the dark undertones of a mafia book. I will definitely be reading some more of RVD’s mafia.
This was a great short story that gave fans, who are addicted to the EE series a “mafia fix” until the next book in the series comes out. It’s the story of forbidden want/desire between the bodyguard, Vic and the nanny Renee.
There are secrets abound that only the head of the families know.
There is lust and betrayals.
Ultimately love conquers all, and there is an HEA
I am one of those people one of the other reviewers referred to. I’ve been intrigued by the Eagle Elite books, but kinda afraid to start this series…alot of books, so little time. But, I thought I would start with this 1001 Nights Novella and am so very glad I did!! Vic and Renee are great characters, well written, compelling, and with intense chemistry. Even though I had not read any of the other books, it was fairly easy to get to know some of the other characters. The book moves quickly, was twisty and suspenseful, overall a fantastic read. But now I have a big problem………..I have to read the rest of the series!!!! Thanks RVD!!!
4.5 stars
Well this mafia story will have you wondering what secrets are being kept. I loved the suspense, I loved the banter and I loved the camradery in the mafia families and the way the woman are with one of their own.
The fact that there is some humour as well makes the story so enjoyable and I just loved how protective the men are. Vic is a force unto himself. He made an oath. Can he keep his promise or does the lure of Renee cause him to question himself.
Renee has no idea whats in store and being the nanny, well let’s just say this book will be a bumpy ride. I really loved her, she was sweet!!
Be prepared but also enjoy the fact that what happens in the mafia stays in the mafia, or does it??!!
Read it for yourself!!
RVD’s Eagle Elite series is definitely one of my favorites and Envy is a fantastic addition to the collection. It’s always fun to come back and visit with our favorite mafioso’s!
Envy is filled with action, drama, sexy times and it’s fair share of darkness. The chemistry between Vic and Renee flies off the page at you and it’s hard to believe that these two have been able to keep their hands to themselves at all! You completely understand the circumstances that Vic is fighting against, but you also feel for both of them as you can just see the pull between them. It’s almost like they are magnets and they just *need* to be with one another.
This was once of those books that I didn’t want to put down and I never knew what was going to happen next, which just added to the edge of my seat feelings I had while moving through this book. RVD never fails to deliver and this was no exception. I can’t wait for the next book in this awesome series!
Steamy look at an unwitting Mafia princess who falls for the wrong man!
OK, I’ll be the first to say that I have not read this whole series … yet! They’ve been on my TBR for a while and I have actually read a few within the series, I know, it’s a horrible habit, but it is what it is. One of the reasons why I love the 1.001 Dark Nights novellas is because they’re a great introduction for people who may not have read from these series before. However, it has just added to my ever growing TBR list, you know, the one that’s nearly impossible to get through especially if you’re like me and adding books every single day! With all of that being said, ENVY is a standalone, but it’ll definitely enhance your reading experience since a lot of previous characters in the series are in this one.
Oh my, what a read this one turned out to be. ENVY was packing heat in more ways than one! Renee and Vic have insane chemistry and it’s just so intense. From the books that I have read in this series, I have absolutely loved the heroines, they’re able to bring out the softer side of these mafia men even if it can be a rare sight in public, but it’s there. Plus, it’s not easy being a part of a mafia family, you’re constantly trying to make it to the next day. And these men will go at all lengths to protect their own. This is a mafia series, after all, expect blood and death even in the most casual setting.
I loved Vic, he’s a bit of a mystery, never really saying much and ALWAYS watching. I was so thankful for the dual POV because the peek into his mind was essential for this book. We see his struggle of trying to find a balance between keeping his oath and protecting the families and not try to give into his desire for Renee. But that’s easier said than done, the tension just builds and builds between these two and it’s absolutely scorching. There’s no stopping from keeping these two from what they want even if it could bring more blood onto both of their hands.
If you didn’t know, I’ve already been a RVD fan and Envy has been added to my #RSFave list for this year! Absolutely love this read that’ll keep you hooked from beginning to end. I was quite surprised to see myself tearing up a little bit towards in the end, like of course, Rachel would find a way to pull at our hearts in this dark mafia world!
If you have been around my blog, you know I have a special place in my heart for Rachel Van Dyken. She was one of the first authors I reviewed and kept reviewing and there is a reason for it. Rachel is an absolute genius. Rachel has a gift and it’s one that I keep coming back to. When the reading slumps starts, when I get overwhelmed with my TBR, when I’m bored, when I want something to read that I have no doubt will be good, that’s when I pick up a Van Dyken book. I have yet to be disappointed. While I love all of her book the Eagle Elite world is on its own level. I have yet to read anything like it and with every book I fall further into the belief that no other series will ever touch it.
Vic Colezan took an oath. He took an oath to put the families safety before his own. Vic has been able to easily keep that oath. It helps with his focus, it helps with the darkness within him, and it keeps the people he cares about safe. Until that very oath brings him the one thing he can’t have. Vic, oh my dear Vic, he was something special. Rachel created a character that I feel in love with from the very start. He’s loyal, brooding, violent, and just a little scary. She cements that all for us but then she will give us moments that show us his humor, his softer side, and how fiercely he loves. It’s hard to have a series this long and create characters that do no bleed into each other, but Rachel does it. She has managed to create another male lead that is all his own. He has his own flaws, his own fears, and his own personality. The only thing they all have in common is their loyalty to the Mafia and the love they have for their women.
Renee is the nanny. She was taught to keep her head down and watch the Mob Boss’s children until she could escape this life and move on. Renee never saw what was coming for her and she definitely didn’t see Vic coming either. Renee was an iffy character for me in the beginning, but she grew on me. She seemed a little naïve, but I guess a few of the girls in this series start out that way. I know its normal to be repulsed and afraid of Made men but because I’m not normal hearing her disapproval, dislike, and fear of Vic and the other members bothered me. But like I said Renee grew on me, she won’t go up on my favorite female leads list, but I didn’t hate her. I had to keep reminding myself that while she grew up in this life she never wanted it. Once she gave in and really started to get to know Vic and see passed his darkness I accepted her into the Eagle Elite world. Then the end chapter really solidified it for me.
I have to admit I fell away from the Eagle Elite series for a while. This was my first new EE book and I can’t believe I ever put them down. Rachel Van Dyken creates books that first rip your soul out and then stitch it back together again. I really didn’t think I would find another EE book that would hurt my soul so good like Tex’s book, but I think I may have found it. Rachel creates such unique characters. We are now 9.5 books in and each character is different. Each one comes with their own story. How does one person come up with so many different characters and create such an interact story. Let me repeat that we are 9.5 books in and the EE world is still going. The story is still unfolding, the characters are still growing, and the family only gets bigger. I haven’t been bored yet and I keep getting surprised. Rachel Van Dyken grabs you by the face and doesn’t let go until you are begging for me.
Be ready. If you start this series, it’s Blood In. No Out.
I’m not sure I could ever get fed up of this Mafia Series from RVD. Every book she writes delivers her trademark wit and humour mixed with the darkness and violence you associate with a Mafia read.
I love this mafia family, they are seriously insane, how they haven’t accidentally killed each other by now I’m really not sure. Would love to be a fly on the wall at their family dinners. They tell each other off and make them contribute to the money jar for swearing, as they want to tone it down for the kids, yet they wave guns and knifes around without a care!!
Renee is the nanny for families kids, they have strategically moved her into Nixon’s house without really saying why. She is afraid of the bosses even though she has been around the Mafia life her whole life. Vic, the enforcer, both intrigues and scares her. He always has this intimidating aura around him, he is dark and brooding and he awakens confidence and a need in Renee. She just has to make him forget his oath and break down his walls. Once she does oh how my kindle was burning hot!!
After the last book and now this one, I am completely intrigued by Andrei, he is so sad and drowning in the darkness. I know I should hate him but there is something about him that calls to me.
Envy by Rachel Van Dyken
I always love coming back to The Family and this 1001 Dark Night novella is perfect for a little something extra in between the full-length novels. While we still get a hefty dose of the mafia bosses and their respective families, this is the story of their nanny, Renee and the protector, Vic. While we’re fully aware of Vic’s capacity within the family and know just how much blood he’s spilled, we either aren’t aware or I simply can’t remember having read the vows he’s made and what he’s given up to take on this role. While he’s always had his eye on Renee, he’s been unable to follow through on making his move due to his commitments (and also the minor fact that he’d likely lose a limb or his life if he did). Renee is simply biding her time, nannying the kids till she returns to school while eyeballing the crap out of Vic as part of her daily routine. Naturally, nothing for The Family and it’s associates ever goes to plan and for that I’m grateful. As usual, this is a great addition to the Eagle Elite series and one that can be read without having read the series in its entirety. Having said that, this whole series is a must! The interaction and ruthlessness of these people keeps me engaged, intrigued, and begging for more.
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
“Blood in, no out.”
Rachel VanDyken (RVD) does it again! She weaves the story that we love set in the Mafia world of Elite Eagle! Envy follows Vic Colezan Abandonato, Nixon’s cousin. He has made a blood oath to protect the five families at all costs. He is quiet, broody and super hot!
“Vic was a silent killer.”
Renee Cassini is the nanny for mob bosses Tex and Nixon. She is also the daughter of a “made man,” a Nicolosi. With only weeks left until her return to her final year in college, she is eager to move on, to be free.
“….I was ready to leave all of this behind too.”
“Freedom. Finally.”
She has spent her life around the mafia and takes her parents warnings seriously:
“My parents told me not to speak to any of the bosses unless spoken to.”
Vic is always close by. Renee tries to be invisible or unnoticed. But she notices Vic. Each look is a game of cat and mouse between them. A dangerous situation occurs that changes everything between them. It brings Vic and Renee together on a whole other level. Vic must now protect Renee. But why does the nanny need so much protecting….?
“So the war of hearts begins but can there be a victor?”
Renee bring about a light into Vic. One that cannot be extinguished, but only burns brighter. She is sweet and kind. She must adapt to huge changes in her life. She takes these changes with strength and courage.
Yes! Fans of RVD will not be disappointed! And for those who haven’t read the Elite Eagle series – look out! You are in for a treat. I just loved this story! This novella is a full 239 pages of mafia madness! Everything we love is packed into this little story.
Lives are changed. Guns are drawn. The wine is flowing and flowing! There is nothing as classic as the “family” dinners. The humor, the violence (after all it IS the mafia) is classic. Nobody writes mafia like RVD!!!!
A fantastic series that has evolved from two tiny stories (Elite & Elect) and blossomed out into this amazing, exciting and dangerous world of the five families! Once you read Envy, you will need more! Lucky for you, there is plenty of Elite Eagle already available! Enjoy!
“She unmanned me.
Disarmed me.
By simply existing.”
4.5 stars!