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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It’s been awhile since I’ve read an Eagle Elite story and I’ve missed the bloody bad boys! And their women. To see these young men grow into their heritage as mafioso and its brutal violence, family honor and unparalleled love is enthralling. This author created a mafia world like no other and every story transports you into the midst of such honorable brutality and shades of love that totally captivates until the last word and leaves you wanting more. I love Vic and Renee’s story! Their connection was a thing of beauty and so intense from the beginning. Always watching each other. Vic as the family enforcer/bodyguard is scary sexy and fabulous. So stoic. Oath or not he’s going to claim his woman. And his woman is sensational as she flits between the light and the dark in an attempt to discover her true self and love Vic. The dark is so appealing since that is where Vic lives, until she brings light into his life along with much awaited love and sizzle. What a pair of lovers these two are. The sexual tension is excruciating and the slow-build romance leads to explosive encounters so hot that it leaves you melting. The storyline hints at a chilling truth that is revealed in a twist at the end that exposes both Vic and Renee to harm and gives you that OMG moment so characteristic of the Eagle Elite stories. This is a great addition to the series. I was intrigued by Andrei. I hope his story is next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
Another gripping love story amongst the world of the Eagle Elite. Renee and Vic’s tale is a quick yet intense one of a sort of forbidden love. Renee’s unaware of her role in the Cosa Nostra and lives day to day as a college student and Nanny, but things get nail-bitingly serious when her life is threatened and Vic is the one man who’d give his life for her and anyone in the families. He’s sworn an oath to protect everyone at all costs…including his future.
The sexual tension, passion and amoré between Vic and Renee is quite combustible. He swore he’d stay away but his desire for her is much stronger than the path he swore and she’s not willing to let him give that up.
This was a great novella and a wonderful addition to the Eagle Elite series. Packed with heat, action and suspense it has everything I could have wanted in this story.
What can I say, except every book I pick up from Eagle Elite the more in love with the series I fall. I’ll always be up front and tell you guys that when this series first began I wasn’t the biggest fan. It wasn’t that it was bad, I just didn’t connect all that much, but wow over time Rachel Van Dyken has taken this crew from boys playing at being men, to men and women simply being badasses! Envy is just another fantastic addition to what has become one of my favorite series out there.
You will fall immediately in love with these two characters. I adored how Renee was/is about of the antithesis to everything these families are. She’s grown up not naive about the world around her but sheltered from it. She doesn’t want the life she sees around her, the life that the mothers and fathers of the children she nannies have. She wants quiet and peace. She wants to go to college and get a job, settle down to a ‘normal’ suburban life. Of course what we want isn’t always what we need or what we get. Vic, I honestly don’t know exactly what to say about Vic, except I LURVE HIM! He’s a big ol’ teddy bear wrapped up in a tough and grumble veneer. No doubt he is one of the baddest (as in badass) of the bunch, he’s THE ENFORCER for the families….just think on that, one enforcer, 4 families! He has their world on his shoulders and he takes that role with an unparalleled seriousness. The families trust him, they have put their lives in his hands…but maybe they’ve asked a bit too much.
These two characters together are wonderful to watch (not to be puny, which you will only get once you read the book) and root for. There is some complication in trying to keep up with who’s doing what and who is in charge of what, but this world is complex and Rachel Van Dyken does an amazing job of weaving these stories and keeping us on our toes. I love the way she always gives us a twist in each story. Just when you think you know, she blows your mind and takes you down a completely unknown direction.
I will say that like all 1,001 Dark Nights novellas this one can be read as a standalone, but I almost feel like you really need the entire backstory to understand the dynamics of this family…you will at least most assuredly be adding the entire series to your shelves after reading this book. As with most novellas I don’t want to go into much detail, but be assured that if you are a Eagle Elite fan you want this book and if you have never read an Eagle Elite book, don’t hesitate to pick this one up…all I can say to you then is Blood In, No Out. Welcome to the Family!
~ HAPPY READING ~
I don’t think there is another series I am as addicted to as the Eagle Elite, nor is there another that I am invested in as much. I have read and loved each and every one of the books in this series and they only seem to get better and better.
Oh Vic, he made me sad. But him with Renee gave me hope. I yearned for their stolen moments. Envy was packed full of heart, humor, action, and most importantly love. These characters fight hard but love harder and that is why I love them so much.
There will never be enough installments of the Eagle Elite series!!
RVD writes Mafia like none other and hits the “mark” every dang diddly time!!
She brings us two new complex characters and weaves them in to the gang of characters we all know and love.
Vic and Renee are a perfect example of opposites attract. RVD manipulates these characters through a minefield of issues and somehow brings them right to where they belong.
Chase is back, well, the new Chase, and he is plotting and meddling like a boss.
Nixon and Phoenix lurking. Always lurking.
I always grab the next installment of this series asap and I am never disappointed!
Blood in. No out!
This is a quick novella about my favorite families. I wont say too much because I would hate to give anything away.
This is the assassin and the nanny falling for each other.
Forbidden
Oaths broken.
Death.
Lies.
Secrets.
Truths.
Sexy times.
You will get so many feelings with this book.
I loved seeing Chase being Chase again.
Nixon I wanted to slap again.
What’s going on with Andrei?
I absolutely love vic and Renee. Vic may now be second to Chase on my list of favorites.
Of course I’m left wanting more. But I absolutely love these characters. Rachel’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with them. Experiencing everything with them. That you’re part of the family.
I am not good at writing reviews so this is going to be short. This entire series is just AMAZING! I would recommend reading them all.
It was my first meeting with Rachel’s work. I didin’t know what should I expect, specially after seeing that it can be book about mobstes. Envy was a big suprise for me.
I’m not critic book – for some reasons I’m just “only” a reader, not a writer. In my opinions I always write what did I really feel during reading book. With Envy’s Rachel gave me everything what I wanted to have in “my books”.
I started reading it yesterday very, very late at night and since the begining coudln’t stop reading, till the last page. This book shamlessly suck me in, even if in a lot of moments Envy takes me to bad and dark places…
This book isn’t only about sweet romantic love… This book can be hard sometimes…
You’ll meet there sweet, young girl named Renee and her dangerous bodyguatd who is called Vic.Their story won’t be simple, but that’s because it will be interesting… Do they have their HEA? You need to read and find out…
With reading Envy by Rachel Van Dyken, for sure Your time won’t be wasted because this is amazing story enen if it’s not nice and simply one.
Three cheers for Rachel Van Dyken and the release of Envy! Let me start off by saying Vic and Renee heat up the pages of this book like a wild fire!! What happens when you fall for the one person who makes you want to feel more… this is what Vic is faced with when he falls for the family’s nanny Renee. Working for the family to watch over and protect the ones he loves, is what his Vic is meant to do, but his new role is to watch the nanny. Envy is an amazing read that will have you sucked into this amazing world that Rachel Van Dyken has created. A gripping story line and characters that you will love, Envy is a must read!
Once again Rachel Van Dyken has done it again and in a novella making you want more of the Mafia family. Renee is like all young girls with dreams, hopes then we have Vic the man to change everything. Rachel Van Dyken put so much tension, action and hello chemistry between them even I was betting who will crack first. I loved seeing the gang again and this big silent killer get what he deserves. Cannot wait for more of the Eagle Elite.
“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.”
This is my favorite series of Rachel Van Dyken and this one did not disappoint. I love these characters, they make me happy, sad, mad, lol and cry, sometimes all in one chapter. I loved Val and Renee’s story.
“I think your taste is the only thing that could both save a sinner – and cause more sin.”
Renee Cassani is working as the children’s nanny for the summer. But she can’t wait to go back to school, finish her degree and finally have her freedom. Her mom is away for her holidays and her dad is away for business. She didn’t expect that this summer would be any different. Especially when Vic Colezan was concerned.
She was watching the kids, and he was watching her.
Vic Colezan shouldn’t fall in love with the nanny. He made an oath to the family, and he was following it through with flying colors until Renee. But her future is set, she was about to be married off. What happens then?
Renee is a breathe of fresh air. She’s supposed to be a ‘normal’ person among all of them, but her past is definitely surprising, and she sure knows how to keep Vic, and even Tex on their toes. (I just enjoyed that scene!). Vic started off as a serious person, a man who doesn’t smile and watches people like a hawk. He could scare you – but he proved himself capable of falling in love, and fighting for it. (awwww). Chase made me laugh in Envy. He’s ALMOST back to his old self (thank goodness).
Rachel Van Dyken is bringing us back to the Mafia Family through Envy. It was great to see the men of Eagle Elite, including the love of their lives and their babies. Envy is a short, fast-paced, and sexy. A book that would truly take your breath away. I didn’t know how she managed to jam-packed this short-read with those infos and twists that would still make your heart stop and break, and your jaws drop. Definitely, this one is top-shelf.
I have been a part of Rachel Van Dyken’s Eagle Elite series since it began, and as it’s continued, I’ve witnessed these complicated men come into their own, protecting their families, fighting their enemies, and falling in love regardless of the complications it would bring to their lives. I’ve also seen them forced to make decisions that would irrevocably change their lives and the lives of those they love.
Needless to say, being a member of the Mafia and for some of them the head of their families has meant making sacrifices and losing parts of their humanity the deeper they dive into the darkness that surrounds them. There’s so much at stake for each of them and that fact has turned them into much different men than the ones Van Dyken introduced readers to in the first book of the series.
In ENVY, Eagle Elite Book 9.5, Van Dyken illustrates the power that Nixon, Chase, Tex, and Phoenix wield as well as how far they’ll go to keep their families safe, their secrets hidden, and their enemies at bay, which is exactly why Nixon’s cousin,
Vic Colezan Abandonato’s focus must be on point at all times with no distractions because he’s the mafia assassin who protects all of the families; it’s his duty…it’s his vow to the families…it’s his singular purpose, which is both his pledge and his curse, especially when a certain nanny…an off-limits Mafia princess brings light into his darkened existence and makes him feel more human despite his monstrous acts.
I’ve always understood that the Mafia world follows its own rules…that right and wrong aren’t the things that truly matter and that someone’s word is a binding contract, but even with that knowledge, the fact that Vic lives only for the families and gets nothing for himself doesn’t sit well with me and it also makes me see Nixon in a new light – one that disturbs me a bit but also proves how singularly focused he is in protecting what’s his.
Renee Cassani is an anomaly in this dark, dangerous, and deadly environment. She wants nothing to do with this life, but it’s clear, especially by what’s being hidden from her, that she doesn’t have a choice. She doesn’t think she matters in the big picture, but that’s only because information has deliberately withheld supposedly for her own protection, but once the details are revealed, I question who really gained from her status.
There is definitely a forbidden aspect to Vic and Renee’s story. She’s supposed to be hands-off, especially for the family’s henchman. He’s the exact opposite of what Renee wants in life, but for some reason, she can’t condemn him and finds herself wanting a killer with every part of her heart and soul.
I really enjoyed ENVY; it definitely allowed me to form new opinions on the some of the characters and there’s one new character, in particular, that intrigues me. The fact that Chase is more present in this novella and even pushes Vic in some respects made me incredibly happy and even though Nixon tried to control the entire situation, what’s made abundantly clear is that love surpasses all things – even a controlling Mafia bastard.
4.5 Poison Apples
Envy is book nine and a half in the Eagle Elite series by the talented Rachel Van Dyken. I have read this entire series and it’s one my all-time favorites. Yes, they are mafia. Yes, they kill people. I don’t care. I love them and want them all for myself. We met Vic in Eulogy and I knew his story was going to be emotional and hot. How did I know? Well, Vic. With his quiet stares. His piercing eyes and his sexy, six-feet-four inches of deliciousness. Just like Renee, I wasn’t once put off by his job. What he does for money isn’t who he is. He’s tortured and doesn’t think he will ever be able to have a normal life. Mafia enforcers only have one job. Protect at all costs. Until Renee, he never once thought about anything else. Something about her innocence and her brown eyes calls to him. But she’s Nixon’s nanny and off limits for other reasons. Can Vic keep his hands to himself? What happens when Renee won’t take no for an answer? I loved this story! It was a novella, but it felt like a full length novel to me! I love every inch of Vic and Renee is perfect for him. We get to see all the guys again (YAY!), and I still have mad love for every one of them. This is a perfect addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Overall, I laughed out loud, actually cried, had to fan myself and swooned!
“I think your taste is the only thing that could both save a sinner – and cause more sin.”
“You’re bad for me. I want you anyways.”
“You’re bad for me, I’ll take you any way I can get.”
Envy is a novella in the ever-addicting Eagle Elite series. Even though it is part of the series, it can be read as a standalone. You really could start the series at any time. I didn’t start until Enrage and that was book eight! I was instantly addicted and so want to read the previous books. It’s killing me! I need more time in the day. Anyway, I met Vic in Eulogy and there was definitely something about him that I liked and was excited that he was got his own book.
Renee is the nanny for the five families for the summer. She didn’t grow up with them but she knows the rules. After-all, her father is a made man for one of the families. She didn’t love this kind of life but she didn’t judge them. She couldn’t. They would see right through her and make her disappear. They were ruthless when it came to their family and pride. They would kill for each other. They would die for each other. That she could respect. She was now being protected by them. She didn’t fully understand why but she had to accept it. You don’t disrespect the bosses.
Vic was assigned to the nanny. He had been watching her all summer but now it was different. He had to watch over her. Always. The problem? He wanted her and he couldn’t have her. To protect her, he had to keep his guard up and respect the oath he vowed three years ago. He was the enforcer to five families. He was a killer. A distraction could mean death in this life. Could he stay away from the one woman he questioned this life over?
I loved this one! Vic is intense. That smirk though. Just delicious. And Renee, she is a badass in the making. Together, I felt the passion. The intensity. The conflict. This is not a story involving roses and chocolate. It does have wine though.
Overall…It’s a mafia story with a twist of love, heat, and intensity. Even with all that, I laughed. This family might have guns and knives at family dinner but they bring the humor to the table too.
Quotes:
“I won’t be sleeping.” I nodded to the room. “But thank you.”
She frowned up at me. “What? Are you some kind of vampire?”
Would you let me bite you if I said yes? “No.”
“Are you going to kill anyone tomorrow?”
He sighed. “Well, it is a Friday, those are my favorite days to take a life. What do you think?”
I smiled even though it wasn’t funny. “Sorry, stupid question.”
She unarmed me in a way that was terrifying.
I think it’s entertaining that Renee is learning Vic’s little quirks, “I walk behind you, always behind you. If I walk in front of you, I can’t protect you. And that’s my job.” Everyone knows what Vic is capable of, “God help anyone who gets in his way,” Tex muttered under his breath while I shoved past everyone…” Vic is such a rule breaker, “eff the oath.” He pulled me against his chest. “I live for you now.” As usual I loved these crazy mafia men and I’m always eager for more, Rachel never disappoints
The Eagle Elite family are back they may all be that little bit older but they’ve lost none of their fierceness.
In this story we follow Nixon’s cousin Vic from previous books we know what he does for the family what he’s capable of but we don’t know him. Renee is the nanny he can’t help but watch even though she’s off limits and Renee is just biding her time so she can leave her overprotective family behind.
What I didn’t realise that Vic took an oath to remain loyal to the family that means no distractions no love interest in fact he has to be celibate.
This was a totally different take on a forbidden love story. I loved the two main characters the push and pull between them, the red hot chemistry it just worked perfectly. The author always manages to make me fall in love with her guys no matter what kind of monster they are.
I can’t wait to get more of the Eagle Elite guys it’s a series I never want to end.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I really don’t know what to say about this book or this series because how do you take something that’s already fabulous and make it even more fabulous? I have no idea either but Rachel Van Dyken does and she does it with what seems like total ease.
Vic Colezan is bodyguard to the five families as he is the best at what he does. Taking an oath 3 years earlier for the families it means he vowed to not only be loyal but to be celibate to avoid distractions along the way. So when Vic is tasked with the job of protecting Renee, the families nanny for the summer, it throws a spanner in the works because Vic has his eyes set on only one thing, Her! However life isn’t that simple, Renee is betrothed to someone else even if she doesn’t know it yet and Vic took that oath of Blood In No Out so distraction is not on the agenda, or is it?
I really can’t get enough of these books from this author. Sometimes I feel like a seriously crazy stalker when I am continually checking when there is another book coming in this series. They are simply awesome and with this one you could feel the tension emanating from the pages. Vic and Renee were both really strong characters who will have you on the edge of your seat championing them all the way through.
The story itself has all the usual shenanigans we can expect from Rachel Van Dykens Mafia mind. Oh and did I also mention that this book is seriously hot in places 😉
Overall another awesome addition to the series that you won’t be able to put down. I can’t wait to see what Andrei’s story has in store for us next because the snippets we got of him have me intrigued.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This is the first book I’ve read in the Eagle Elite series so I can tell you first hand you absolutely can read this novella without reading any of the other books in the series. That being said – I think it would be better to be caught up on the series before you read Envy.
This book features a young woman – Renee – who’s in her last year of college but nannies for the mafia bosses during the summer. Suddenly, or maybe not so suddenly, she’s in need of protection only they can provide. It just so happens to be one of the enforcers, Vic, that makes her weak in the knees instead of scared to death.
Vic also has a weakness for Renee, but he knows he’ll be dead meat if he acts on his lust for this woman. He made a vow to the families and has to keep it … or else. Which makes for a very interesting scenario when one of the bosses taunts him into going for it with Renee.
Don’t poke the bear people! Seriously. If you don’t like the potential result don’t even think about getting them started. The thing here is there’s some knowledge about Renee’s own life she doesn’t know about. Definitely puts a monkey wrench in things when she can’t even help herself!
Envy is an interesting read. If you’re a reader of the series I’m sure it’ll fill in some holes for you! If you’re like me, and the first time reading a book in the Eagle Elite series it may entice you to read all the books.
Envy is the next book in Rachel’s Eagle Elite series. With so many books and spinoffs now, I can’t even remember what number this one is! But it’s a standalone, and if reading that many books to catch up with a series is too intimidating to you, this is a great one to start with. It’s truly it’s own book but gives you a great glimpse into the EE family. And trust me when I say, you’ll want to keep reading (and re-reading!) this series.
Vic was introduced to us in Eulogy. Renee is the nanny to the 5 families’ children. But, as always with the mafia, everything is not always what it seems to be on the surface. He’s taken a blood oath and pledged his loyalty to the 5 families. She’s mafia royalty but doesn’t know it. Their futures are set… Or are they?
Y’all know by know that yeah… I’m a pretty big fan of Rachel’s writing and her mafia series is by far my favorite. I’ve read most of her books from almost the beginning of her career, and I can honestly say that she just keeps getting better and better. She’s figured out how to make these scary, intimidating antiheroes the ones you absolutely root for. And their heroines are always gals who don’t realize now strong they really are until they are nearly broken. But then they come up swinging. And never back down. Each EE book will gut you in some way. And Envy is no different. It’s still not my top pick of the EE series, but it’s definitely near the top! (Sergio will forever have my heart, peeps. No doubt! But Eulogy… man… that one GUTTED me!)
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Envy 4.5 stars. It’s hard to give 5 stars after Eulogy, lol. That one was the one that gutted me the most. But this one comes close. There’s a point in Envy that you think you know how it’s going to end and then, as usual with Rachel, she fools you and it ends in the best way for all the characters. So if mafia romance is your thing, you do NOT want to miss this book. And if you’ve never stepped into the world of Mafia romance… what are you waiting for?! Start. HERE!