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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Mafia King is a novella and is therefore somewhat fast-paced, but there was no shortage of action, drama and steamy moments. I really enjoyed the story line and I thought the dynamic between Tiny and Tank was both hilarious and sweet. I loved their banter and the back and forth between them. I definitely think there was a lot packed in to this book, so at times keeping the cast of characters straight was a bit difficult. Having said that, this was my first mafia read from this author and I think it was very well written and I am most definitely going to be checking out the rest of the series because I definitely need more!
Tank and Kartini are explosive!!Lana~White Hot Reads
The banter between Tank and Kartini (aka Tiny) is nothing short of spectacular. Tiny tries to make Tank’s life a living hell all the while trying to cover up her feelings for him. As Tank is toeing the fine line between FBI agent and mafia guy, he is tasked with babysitting Tiny. Sparks fly and he must decide the mafia or FBI. I won’t say which he chooses but if you’ve read anything in this series you can guess which one he picks.
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.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Mafia Royals series…
If you have been reading the Mafia Royals series, this is a bonus book in this series.
Kartini Abandonado (a.k.a. Tiny) – she is tiny like her name but can pack a huge punch. Her father is Sergio Abandonato, one of the mafia leader’s in the family. Everyone thinks Tiny is just cute and adorable and she’ll never hurt anyone. We’ll, someone tried to do just that, hurt her. Tiny showed what all the years of training has done, she packed a punch! The other kids in the family saw that she could / can hold her own.
Tank De Lange – Is an FBI agent. He was given the undercover job to insinuate himself in with the children who all attend Eagle Elite College. He became friends with the five families and their children. Tank found out that he is related by blood to some of them. Tank has to hold his own daily with the family. He trains with the others, he’s fought beside them, he’s covered things up for them. Tanks discovers they aren’t what he thought when it comes to family. The Five Families will do anything and everything for those in their circle. Tank has to make a decision to stay in the mafia or go back to the FBI as a full time agent.
Tiny has had a crush on Tank for a little while now. However, the family has rules about who you can / can’t date. Tiny doesn’t seem to have confidence in herself any longer. But, she has been rebelling and trying to gain that confidence back again. Tank is forced to be Tiny’s bodyguard while the family travels to Mexico for 2 weeks for Junior and Serena’s wedding. Tank knows if he touches Tiny he will be killed by her father. However, she’s wearing such little clothing, it leaves little to the imagination! Tank knows he won’t last the 2 weeks as just her bodyguard.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Tank fought it hard. He has a choice to make. He has to decide on the family or his badge. One choice will get him what he wants most the other will get him killed. Katrina, is the mafia princess. She is a total daddies girl. She is the one thing that could destroy him.
Rachel’s mafia world just keeps getting better and better. The intrigue the danger the passion are off the charts in this book as we get more of the new guard and speckles of the dangerous old guard. Blood in, No out the motto that will suck you in and never let go!
Mafia King is the perfect little read packed full of smexy times, family and all the banner. I mean what more could you want?! MAFIA!!! Enough said!
Rachel Van Dyken has a way of writing that just sucks you in from the outset. I’m so wrapped up in what happens with the families within this world and I was so ready for Mafia King!
Tank has been undercover for some time and the time has come for him to choose the family or the FBI. He is given one last assignment to protect Kartini during the two-week family vacation where he will need to make the ultimate sacrifice if needed.
Kartini, also known as Tiny, may be small in size and stature, but there is nothing small about her personality. She is a mafia princess and has learned from the best. One of her favorite things to do is to ruffle the feathers of the “old man”, Tank.
Tank and Tiny are the epitome of fireworks! She loves to give him a hard time and all he wants to do is do his job all while trying to stay out of the line of fire of her father. They push each others buttons without a doubt, which just ups the heat factor!
I was never a big mafia fan until I found RVD and her books. She has a way of crafting these characters that makes you invest in them and care about what happens to them. I eagerly look forward to each and every release!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Mafia King is Kartini and Tanks story and although its a novella it packs a mighty punch and was an unputdownable read for me.
Where does Tanks future lie with, the mafia or the FBI? Why has he been asked to protect Kartini?
Secrets, lies, blood, great banter, some laughs and steamy tension all made for an intriguing, as well as interesting story!
Kartini is definitely a force to be reckoned with. She is now a made woman but with Tank in close proximity, can she resist temptation?
I loved the suspense. I loved the way these two were and how the families support and protect their own at all costs! A mafia story not to be missed!
Let me begin by saying that I hate novellas. I never feel like there is enough time for character development, or for the story to progress in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re being careened about on a speeding train. So I tend to give them a bit more leeway than I do full-length novels. However, I requested this one knowing it was a part of an anthology because I was already invested in these characters and their story.
That being said, my review of this story is going to be a meet in the middle kind of thing as I will be speaking on it from the standpoint of someone who knows these characters and as a critique of this story as a stand alone.
If you
are familiar with the Mafia Royals series, I believe you will feel as though Rachel did a good job at doing these characters justice in the time constraint allowed. I enjoyed their bickering, and the way they found their way to helping each other heal. I liked the inclusion of the others, showing just how close the family is to one another, and being able to attend the wedding of a favorite couple from the series.
However, as it was novella, there were parts of this that seemed rushed, and if you didn’t already have some background on the characters and their relationship, I don’t know that you would feel a connection with them. In that instance, you would probably find it to be more a case of instalove (or lust considering) since you don’t see them interact as much as those who have read the other books.
Speaking as someone who is a long-time reader of Rachel’s work, I don’t know that this novella will necessarily be enough to entice new readers to the series (due to the things mentioned above). Thankfully though, if there is anyone who is on the fence after reading Mafia King, the first in the series (Royal Bully) is available for free on Amazon to help them make up their minds.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Crossing the line has never been so tempting
The newest release by Rachel van Dyken in her epic Mafia series will again bring you to the edge of your seats.
The fine line between good and bad will blur even more while you watch Tank, aka the FBI agent playing both sides, guarding Kartini, aka Mafia princess as its finest.
The chemistry between them is exploding right from the very first page and gives you all the chills you could possibly ask for.
I am probably repeating myself for the 100th time (#sorrynotsorry) but nobody is writing Mafia like RVD. Like it is part of you already. Like you want to crawl into it. Like you just want to hug them and protect them from all evil, though the jury is still out who that really is.
So again, this is another great read nobody should miss. No matter if already sucked into this world or as a newbie. After all, as always, it’s Blood In, No Out!!
Kartini and Tank story was my first book of RVD but I love mafia Romance this whole series is a very highly recommended series & I must say I m impressed like wow . The chemistry & interaction between kartini & tank was amazing to watch .
Also I love Kartini so much & I was so so curious to know that what the heck happened in the past. & Tank I love him so much.I love both both them & the Secrets & suspense makes the story even more good to read & the other characters in the story was intriguing as heck . So I m looking forward to reading more of RVD’s Books.
God Tank was everything I needed and more, Miss Van Dyken outdid herself with this novella, it was so much fun to read it!
While this book is a stand alone book I would like suggest checking out other books in the series. They are all amazing. Having read the other books I wasn’t really attached to Tiny at all but I did really like Tank. Tiny really grew on me through this book and I loved the growth between the two main characters. My only wish is that this had been a full novel instead of a novella. I enjoyed the flash backs of Tank and Tiny the twist at the end of the book.
Mafia King, is written by the amazing Rachel Van Dyken! This novella continues the story of the next generation of Mafia royalty! I promise you that no one writes Mafia romance like Rachel! She somehow manages to tell a love story, while the world is going to hell and you never know who the bad guys really are!
In this story Kartini and Tank are fighting their attraction and what better way then a family vacation? Did I mention on a private island owned by the family? What could possibly go wrong? Well Tank had to choose between his job as an FBI agent or to join the enemy The Mafia! Meanwhile Kartini is struggling to deal with the aftermath of losing her innocence after her first kill and trying to figure who she is.
This story is filled with angst, passion and somehow trying to fall in love without getting killed! Oh and a lot of mayhem tossed in!
I swear Rachel had me laughing out loud, holding my breath and cheering by the end of this fabulous, tense and amazing book! I highly recommend this book and I give it all the stars in the sky!
“…how does a protector? A man? A father? Trust something so precious in the hands of someone who’s not his own?”
For a novella there was a lot packed into these pages. I never tire of these five families!
“I needed to keep her close. Forever. To protect her. Fight beside her. Mark her.”
There was twist, angst, discovery, regret, humor, steaminess and curiosity to where Rachel will take us next!
“I’ll never be happy with pieces of you. I crave the entire thing.”
There is no greater feeling than with only a few words being transported from reality into a fictional world that is so illustratively written that the author makes you feel as though you’re a part of this magical world she created because as they say in the mafia, blood in, no out, and that same sentiment applies to those of us who have been enraptured by this series.
Kartini, known as Tiny, and while she may be small in stature, on the outside she’s a wrecking ball of sassy and rebellious, and all of that makes the perfect mask for obscuring the parts of her that she’s not willing to let others see.
Tank, oh my starry days, this man, he’s growly, irritated, and a blend of deviant and sweet like only a mafia man can be because it’s not “normal” sweet, it’s mafia sweet.
Tank and Tiny’s chemistry is off the charts before they even lay a finger on one another, but add in some uneven ground and an offered arm, and 2 souls begin to intertwine forming an inextinguishable soul-searing connection.
Tank and Tiny are in a battle of wits, and push one another’s buttons like it’s their job, and it masterfully feeds the flame between them causing a combustible tension. They are all sorts of witty, flirty, and fiery which was as hot as it was amusing.
Mafia King is a novella that delivers soul-searing chemistry, an emotional punch, witty banter, suspense, steam, and 5 mob families that have a way of ensnaring you, blood in, no out.
Rachel Van Dyken’s ability to weave words into an enthralling story is nothing short of wizardly. She ever so eloquently pulls you from reality with a few words and places you directly into the world she’s created, and not once are you released from that world until you’ve finished the very last word.
I have not read any other books in this series, and was worried that I would not be able to follow the story but Rachel Van Dyken did an awesome job of making this story enjoyable without any of the background. She did such a wonderful job, now I want to start the series.
Tank is straddling a line between good and bad, FBI and Mafia, but he has to make a choice. But now he is tasked with the babysitting duty of Tiny, and she makes his job very difficult until they come to a mutual understanding!
Mafia King was a quick, fast paced, hot read that kept me glued to its pages from the very start.
Bring on Tank and Tiny!
Tank is going to Hell. Well, he’s already pretty much there. An undercover FBI agent straddling the line between his duty and the five mafia families. He has been living a double life and trying to live by at least his own rules and following the others that he can. He has already been watching out for a mafia princess who has now turned into a little rebel, and now has been charged with guarding her in a foreign country for two weeks. It will probably require him to finally choose his loyalty once and for all and it just might kill him.
Kartina Abandonato went from Daddy’s sweet girl to a broken, guarded, rebellious she-devil in one night. She may be tiny, but she is also smart, sarcastic, tough, and challenging. She is troubled and has secrets, and has only pushed boundaries more and more in the past year. And Tank is her favorite to taunt and torture. But deep down she is lost and looking for an anchor, as well as some peace and acceptance.
These two are full of fire and barbs. She loves to exasperate him and he thrives on pushing her. But under it all she wants a knight in shining armor to at least want to protect and save her, even if she does not really need it. And he wants what he knows is not his to take. But there are plenty of secrets and hidden agendas still prevalent in the situation. And it looks like before the end of this vacation, some decision will be made by him or for him…one way or another. Hopefully, no one has to die…this time.
This can be read as a stand-alone, and is a bit lighter read than some of the others in this series. But it also brings back most of the important mafia crew, both the younger set and originals. There is always some more drama swirling in the background and I cannot wait to get more with Maksim, Izzy, and King.
Mafia King is fabulous. I loved every moment of this one. You get to know Tiny and Tank just a little more. Tiny is so fierce and knows how to handle herself. You feel for her in the ways her family treats her but in the end she comes out on top. I love the fight Tank has with himself over his feelings for Tiny. There is fantastic chemistry between Tank and Tiny. I love the fact that Tank being FBI is in the folds of the Mafia Royals and just fits so well. This is one explosive read that you cannot put down. Tank and Tiny are amazingly hot. I love the giggle moments in this one too. If you haven’t read any of the Mafia Royals books yet you really need to because they will suck you. Go one click this one now.
Mafia King is a novella set in the Mafia Royals world. It can be read alone, but it is set after Destructive King and before Fallen Dynasty.
“I blamed him as much as I wanted him.”
OMG! This novella has it all!! The laugh out loud funny, the twists that had my heart in my stomach, and the sweeter moments. It was so great to be back in the EE world, no matter how short or long the book.
Tank was one of my absolute favorite side characters and we get to learn a little more about him in this book. He is an FBI agent who is supposed to be working for them against the Five Families, but once he was in the Family, he realized not all bad people are villain’s and not all good people are the heroes.
Kartini “Tiny” was a sweet girl until one night changes everything. She is now a spit fire who isn’t afraid of much, especially not her bodyguard, Tank. She was hilarious, and heartbreaking as most of the heroines in this world are.
The rest of the crew joins them in Mexico for some fun in the sun and chaos ensues. Can’t take that crew anywhere. I really enjoyed this book and all it had to offer, and I can’t wait to see what comes next from Rachel VanDyken.
The more I read from this series, the more I want. I can’t get enough of this book world and these characters! This one may be a novella, but it has just as much drama, steam, and heart as the full-length novels in the series.
The time has come for Tank to decide where his loyalty lies, either with the Family or the FBI. But first, he has one last assignment: to protect Karitini (Tiny) Abandonato on the two-week family vacation. He’s tasked with staying close to her, keeping her safe, and sacrificing his life for her, should it be necessary.
Tiny may be small in stature, but her personality is larger than life, and she’s definitely not one to mess with. She is a mafia princess, after all. And she loves nothing better than to wind Tank up and give him as much trouble as possible.
Tiny and Tank are the epitome of a love/hate relationship. I’ll warn you, stay back out of range, because the sparks arcing between these two put the best Fourth of July fireworks display to shame. Tank is just trying to do his job (and avoid being offed by Tiny’s father) and his strongest emotion when it comes to Tiny is exasperation. It’s all he can do to keep the wild princess who acts like she has a death wish out of trouble.
I’ve never been a fan of mafia romance, but R V D changed that for me. She has an amazing way of humanizing her characters. They may be part of the underworld and may not bat an eye at wet work, but they steal your heart in an instant and make you want to swear your own blood oath to the Family. You can check out the series and start anywhere, and this novella is a good way to dip your toes in this world. This story will steal your breath, blow your mind, and leave you on a euphoric high. It will be one of your best reads this year, so run to the 1-Click and start reading today!