From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Mafia Royals series…One of the first rules they give you when you’re undercover—never fall for the enemy.I didn’t just fall for the enemy.I became what I was supposed to hate.What’s worse: I fell in love with one.I live a double life, and both sides know it’s only a matter of time before I’m forced to … to choose.Rebirth through mafia blood.Or death at the hands of the very government I swore to protect.I have one more job before my time’s up.I just wish it was anything but babysitting a mafia princess who’s half my size but knows how to pack such a brutal punch I worry about my ability to have children.Tin’s small but terrifying.And I’m her new bodyguard while we all go on a much-needed vacation.I just have to stick to the plan.And remember rule number one.And stop kissing her.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.Reviews for Mafia King:“I knew when I read the blurb I couldn’t wait to read it and it did not disappoint in the least. This was so good! I’d definitely recommend it.” – Give Me All the Books“Love me some Mafia Royal. Rachel Van Dyken has done it again! 5 star and a must read!” – Reads to Breathe“This is a well written flawless fast paced story, which is filled with angst, secrets, loyalty, engaging and relatable characters, and love, which all leads to a steamy and enjoyable all-consuming read.” – Wendy’s Book Blog“For a novella there was a lot packed into these pages. I never tire of these five families!” – Mom’s Guilty Pleasure“This novella is filled with love, friendships, angst, twists, secrets and humour and I am certain that like me, you’ll not want to put this story down once you’ve started reading it.” – Literary Lust
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“We’re all of us, a bit insane, don’t you think?”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance:
Heat/Steam:
Story/Plot:
World building:
Character development:
The heroine: Kartini Abandonado (a.k.a. Tiny) – she is tiny like her name but can pack a huge punch. Like the other kids of the 5 mafia families, she has been trained to be merciless, not only to protect herself and her family, but also to rule the mafia like their parents. Her father is Sergio Abandonato, a mafia leader, killer and doctor.
The Hero(es): Tank De Lange – After joining the FBI and training to be an agent he was given the undercover job to insinuate himself in with the children of the 5 families who all attend Eagle Elite College. He did that and more. He became friends with them and found out that he is related by blood to some of them. He discovered they aren’t what he thought when it comes to family. He has to make a decision soon to stay in the mafia or to go back to the FBI full time.
The Love Story: Tiny is a rebel. Though she thinks her Dad hung the moon, she rebels against being the standard mafia princess. She parties, wears revealing clothing, drinks like a fish and smokes weed. She is also tough as nails and smart as a whip. While her cousins Junior and Serena elope to Mexico, her father buys her a ticket to take a two week vacation and he forces Tank to be her bodyguard as his last act before he makes his decision.
“If there was one man in the entire world that my dad would murder for touching me without even hearing an excuse—it would be Tank. FBI agent, friend of the Families and the government, made man, and all-around conundrum of goodness and virtue.”
I liked this from the beginning. Tiny has a great story, going from being the apple of her fathers eye to losing her confidence in herself and not being able to get herself out of the rut she was in for the last year after she became broken. Tank has wanted her for a while but has held back because he values his life.
I liked the different storylines and how they all connected. Especially about Tank and the FBI and why he was protecting Tiny. Though I must admit there were a few times that I wondered what the heck was happening. It was like we weren’t being told the whole story so when something happened I didn’t fully understand what was going on and yet the characters seemed to know. It all eventually came out, but for a while, I was re-reading passages to make sure I didn’t miss something.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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: Mafia King
: Mafia Royals #3.5
: Rachel Van Dyken
: 5/5
I love Rachel’s Mafia series and this book is no exception. It was also refreshing to read a novella again after some time. Even more so, this is such a great novella! I love how Rachel captured so much of the characters, their layers and the story so completely in less words than your standard book. Tiny (Kartini) and Tank were so much fun together. They have great interactions and banter. Also with all of the other characters they were so much fun as well. It was a great read and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. If you are interested in Mafia books or want to read Mafia for the first time I highly recommend starting out with Rachel’s Mafia books. I loved all of them and I would recommend starting out with the Eagle Elite series.
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
Tank and Tiny
Tank infiltrated the Mafia two years before and is in charge of protecting Tiny. But soon he’s going to have to choose, the Family or the FBI? But will Tiny be his as well? Only one way to find out….get your read on
Book 142 towards my goal of 290! 4.5/5 stars for this Mafia Romance read. This may have been my favorite couple story yet, I hate they only got a novella! Loved the dual narration. This one does have some trigger warnings so be sure to check those if you need to <3 This series definitely has its dark moments, but still really good!
Readers this is not your typical bodyguard story but one filled of lies, betrayal and hello the suspense of passion to come. I loved that Rachel Van Dyken brings us more of the Mafia Royals especially the younger generations in Katrini aka Tiny Abandonato. In a way I felt sorry for Katrini, not only living in this family but trying to figure out who she is in this family. Seeing these two together was hot and boy their easy bantering was awesome in many ways. Seeing the whole family again trying to get Katrini back into living to speak it takes a tough man like Tank for the job. Though it was a Novella it is a great addition to this series and still have more of the younger ones coming, cannot wait.
“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.”
I was surprised as I read Mafia King. It wasn’t what I expected but I loved it! The dysfunction mafia characters and the banter!
Tank is an FBI agent working for the mafia. He knows the day will come when he has to choose a side. In the meantime his duty is to protect and babysit the Boss’s daughter. He definitely has his hands full!
Tiny may be small but she is a firecracker! She goes out of her way to push Tank’s buttons. In the blink of an eye her world was shattered. She changed.
Can’t wait for more stories in this series!
This is book 3.5 in the Mafia Royals series. It is a novella. But with the way Rachel writes, it sucks you right in and feels like a full length novel.
This is King and Katrini’s story.
My heart hurt for Kat once we see the reason she went from sweet little girl to a rebellious woman.
King is made, but he’s also FBI. He has a huge choice to make. Pick a side. He chose the right one.
I absolutely love these books, and characters. I get sucked in from the very first words.
It appears that Kartini loves to give attitude. But she shows how quickly life can change. Tank isn’t thrilled about the turn of events. It was fun to watch him get frustrated. Theirs was a story that once I started reading it seemed to end. But that’s why it’s called a novella. Sad thing was that I didn’t want it to. Good thing this is part of a series.
I liked how the author made Kartini able to take care of herself and in the next instance seem so vulnerable. Tank is strong in mind and spirit until he has someone in his space. The only trouble I had was figuring out who was the stick of dynamite and who was the match.
If you’ve not read the Mafia Royals before this might be a good introduction for you. If you are a fan of the author, I’m sure that you can’t wait to see how this fits into the series. And if you like happy endings, well the author has given that to us. It was sweet, romantic, and a great fit for our main characters. Now I’m left wanting more and wanting it now.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Mafia King is the new novella by Rachel Van Dyken in the 1001 Dark Nights anthology. For me this was a one-click purchase and I wasn’t disappointed. Mafia King tells the story of Tank and Kartini ‘Tiny’. Kartini is the oldest daughter of Sergio (who we’ve met in previous novels) and although one of the younger siblings, she feels like she doesn’t fit in with either adults or the children. That is until one night she has to make a decision which will change the course of her life.
Tank also has to start making decisions. Is he going to be part of the Family or the FBI? He has also sworn to protect Tiny, not a small feat, especially when her snarkiness and need for self-destruction seems to be everywhere he turns. He also can’t deny the attraction that he has for her, even though he continues to fight her wily ways.
Together both Tank and Tiny just make this story, they are so suited for one another. The book has enough actions, drama and passion to keep you turning the pages. The rest of the family are here too to add their opinion as well as letting us see what they are up too. The only downside to this novella is how short it is. I would have loved a longer book, but I feel that way about all of Ms. Van Dyken’s novels….there just aren’t enough pages.
Overall, this was a great edition to the Mafia Royals series, and I can’t wait to see whose up next.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
So freaking good. I loved learning a bit more about Kartini and why she was the way she was. I knew she was acting out for a reason but I just didn’t know what that was until this novella. We also got Tank’s final decision in this book though I think all readers knew which side of the coin he was going to fall on. Like really I would have been surprised if it wasn’t what it was. For a short novella it had a lot in it and it was such a great read that I didn’t want to put it down.
*I received an arc for an honest review*
I highly recommend this book. It’s awesome.
Tank and Kartini’s story was short, sexy, sweet and had just the right amount of Mafia Royals action that we all know and love when it comes to @rachvd books.
Tank finds himself not only assigned as a personal security detail for Kartini from the five families, but he also finds himself being assigned to find out as much information as he can and to get as close as he can to her from his boss at the FBI. Kartini is tired of being treated like a little kid, when in fact she’s harboring secrets that would and could put her cousins to shame. When Tank and Kartini find themselves in close quarters, in a romantic setting for Junior and Serena’s wedding all the things happen! * insert hands rubbing together Chris Pratt gif* Not only does all of their tension come to head, but loyalties are finally drawn in the sand making Tank finally choose between the family he was born into or the life on the side of what he always thought was right.
Y’all I just loved this one so much! Part of me of course wishes it was a full length novel, but I always feel like that when it comes to novellas. Their story was perfect for them, and it was just such a great read. And I loved getting to see all our other favorite Elite and Mafia Royals characters.
For Tank it’s time to make a tough decision, continue working with the FBI or or become part of the Mafia Family he’s been with. When Tank’s new assignment from the FBI and Sergio is to watch Kartini, Tank knows he has his work cut out for him. Kartini aka Tiny is making her mark on the Mafia family and showing her cousins that she’s growing up, now of only the object of her affection would see that as well. Forced to keep an eye on Tiny at a family wedding, things start to heat up between the two. How can something so tiny pack such a big punch. I LOVED Mafia King, the chemistry and banter between Tiny and Tank is amazing. Excellent writing that will keep you coming back for more, a must read!
: MAFIA KING
: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
: STANDALONE
: RACHEL VAN DYKEN.
: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
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TANK AND TINY were inevitable explosives just waiting to blow in your face…the push and pull in their relationship was at times Hilarious and kinda hot.
It’s time for Tiny to join the big kids and man!!! She deserves to join them !!!
This was a short enemies to lovers…bodyguard Romance with a whole Mafia edge. The Mafia world that RVD has created is unlike any out there…it has funny moments and sad, gutted moments. My feelings were like on a pendulum, one sec you feel so high on life and other you feel so sad for them.
What I could give for this book to go on and on!!!
There was so many previous characters playing as secondary characters and so so much Fun…
I have missed Sergio so much and to see him in the role of a father was just a Bonus to this fun read.
I absolutely loved this book! I loved seeing the interaction between Tank and Tiny. I just wish the story was longer! It went way to fast! I feel like this one is a must read again! I can’t get enough of the mafia families from Rachel!
A novella – intro to RVD’s mafia world. We meet Kartini and Tank who share a love hate relationship. It is working undercover and she is a mafia princess. Things are about to come to a head. Loyalties will be tested. It’s a fast paced story filled with sexy and fun banter
I really love this new generation. They are just as bad if not worse than their parents!!! Perfection!! RVD is so great with all of the ‘mafia’ references, ‘rich’ spoiled kids, and the way they love to hate to love each other. Such a great addition to the series.
“We’re all of us, a bit insane”
This is marketed as a standalone novella – part of the 1001 Dark Nights collection
But believe me when I say this is just a teaser,
A small taste of what the main course has to offer
It will leave you craving more…
More of the families
More of the friendships
More of the connections
More of the suspense,
More of the romance
More!
“One day, you’ll have to decide if you’re willing to burn the world for one person”
Tank knew he would have to decide between his job and his new family someday. When Tiny (wait till you meet this little terror) became a target his someday comes a lot sooner than he planned.
This is a novella-length HEA standalone that takes place in Van Dyken’s Mafia Royal series – which is a must-read for those who enjoy the mafia romance genre.
Packed with tension, twists, and just the right amount of steam
Tank and Tiny 4-ever! There is so much goodness packed into this novella and I couldn’t put it down! Rachel is the Queen of mafia and this story does not disappoint!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I love this Mafia family. Karini stole my heart from jump. Really, she was sassy and boy does she keep Tank on his toes. Tank I was iffy about at first but man did he shine after he decided to make it known where he stood.
Tank and FBI informant placed in the fold of a Mafia family. With orders to take out the Mafia Princess. One problem Tank was so deep he really got to see how this family operated Blood & Loyalty. He was. Put in charge of protecting Kartini by her father yep, the same girl he was supposed to take out.
Kartini is a mafia warrior she likes being protected but push comes to shove she can hold her own and shows she is a mafia princess. She still likes to get into mischief and a certain bodyguard a bit of trouble and sass.
I loved Tank and Kartini. They had that connection from the start but Tank had. A job to do and Kartini was having fun keeping him on his toes. I have to say I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. I think I need to go back and read the beginning of this series.
A few of my favorites:
“One day, you’ll have to decide if you’re willing to burn the world for one person or if your job means so much to you – your past – that you’re willing to fuck up your future. That’s your crown. That’s your baggage. That’s your cross to bear.”
“I love you, Tiny. I will always love you more than my life, more than my next breath – blood staining your hands or not. You’re mine.”