A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend… take care of anyone who gets in our way.
But ever since the incident.
Ever since Him.
There’s been a war in our little clique.
After all, a house divided cannot stand.
He’s the problem, not me.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
But we both drank it, again and again, never believing there would be a day when our love would start a war.
And our friendship would shatter into a million pieces.
Then again, the worst thing you could do in the mafia is hang on to hope that your life will be normal.
The second worst thing?
Fall in love with your best friend.
Enemy.
And heir to the Nicolasi throne.
more
The mafia queen has returned, and as usual she is taking NO prisoners, because Ruthless Princess is a masterful tour de force of DARK mafia romance- and this is dark, fans will know that Rachel never holds back. Thank goodness she doesn’t- this story is dark mafia perfection – proving yet again that RVD is the master.
We’re returning the well loved Eagle Elite world with the second generation. Serena and Junior are basically a Romeo and Juliet type love- heirs apparent to Costa Nostra families and strictly forbidden from any romantic entangling with one another. With power and legacy comes responsibility and obligation- the loss of complete autonomy to serve only your own heart and mind. This story lives in that tension- the tension between when your legacy- the responsibility your bear- is at odds with your heart. Their love for each other is poisonous- to their own destinies, to their families, so they have only one option- build a shield of hate around themselves, live in that gray between love-hate because hating creates distance, but also is still an expression. But that hate is eating away at them, but family loyalty has to come first- until their world and the game changes yet again.
These characters have EXPLOSIVE chemistry- there is so much emotional energy pouring out of every word and interaction, the unexpressed longing just oozing from the pages. It is volatile, soul shattering at times, but undeniably magnetic and consuming. This goes beyond love-hate- it is visceral, dangerous, and so passionate. Both characters are ruthless, strong willed. Junior is yummy- he’s cocky and cold, menacing and brutal, but he’s also broken and hurting. I girl crushed so hard on Serena- she has such fortitude, she’s stoic and self-possessed- a true leader. And like the Eagle Elite RVD creates a rich world of characters around them- the blood in and out mafia family bond that no one can break. This crew is a force- loyal to their traditions and families, young and brutal.
I love RVD’s narrative style- her writing style is so vivid, so expressive. Her book are always an emotional roller coaster that keep you on your toes, at times using the emotional cacophony and chaos to keep us as readers on the edge of our seats. There are twists, emotional intensity, tension, angst- it makes Romeo and Juliet looks like child’s play. And man does it work- this book will eat you up, the literal definition of a page turner. I loved the Eagle Elite, but the next generation is really going to be next level- not only because we already have this established and interesting world to delve into so RVD has more to play with, but because she’s continued to evolve as a writer- and this is, in my opinion, her best work to to date. This world is captivating, dark, raw, turbulent, brutal, and unforgiving-and the story Rachel gives us is nothing short of epic! One of my favorite mafia romances of all time.
This is a standalone- recommended to enjoy the Eagle Elite but you don’t have have read it to dive in here.
Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken is the first full-length book in her brand new Mafia Royals series. Well-written and well-paced, this books teeters on the edge of bully romance with a massive amount of Mafia and another whole wedge of forbidden romance. Told in dual POV with the focus on Junior Nicolasi and Serena Abandonato.
These mafia kids were all instructed from a young age that family above all and to never fall in love with one your “cousins”. The other mafia kids were off-limits. So when Junior and Serena fell hard for each other they hid their relationship from everyone, but not well enough. Manipulated into hating each other by their cousin (for their own safety) we start this book with their love/hate relationship and the pain they keep inflicting on each other. They fell for each other when they were fifteen and now they are almost done with College.
The forbidden between them makes the line the balance even more angst-ridden and enthralling, add in a tragic loss, the family having to rally and the unique mafia shade to everything and this book is addictive, engaging, I couldn’t put Junior and Serena’s story down. Emotion and passion for pages and pages. I rated the prequel with only 3 stars because I felt lost with the introduction of so many characters (the parents and their children) but this book had a much better balance between the original series/parents stories ( Eagle Elite ) and this new spin-off series focusing on the offspring. I cannot wait to read more… Enjoy!
So… I must’ve read something completely different than everyone else because this was fucking awful and obviously overhyped.
The storyline was too far-fetched, unrealistic and the characters were weak and juvenile. The authors attempt in making the characters ruthless badasses was a complete fail. Their childish behavior, heavily applied to both main and side characters, was too off putting for me and that only further contributed in making this novel an absolute mess. Need I also mentioned the horrible writing? It’s almost shell-shocking to know RVD wrote this. She could have done so much better. She has written better. What the fuck happened?
In short, don’t bother picking this up. Making it to chapter five before calling it quits is an accomplishment in itself. This mafia romance was an utter disappointment and complete waste of time.
Way to much graphic violence with out the plot supporting the actions.
I know I am one of the minorities, I had a hard time with this book, I loved the cover, and I was so excited for the next generation because, as I stated in my review for Royal Bully I was a latecomer to the Eagle Elite series, so I just finished it before I started this one, so it was all very fresh in my head. So when I started this book I was a little lost it felt like it had been written by a different author things for me didn’t flow, I felt like information was missing and it left me confused. I usually really enjoy Rachel Van Dyken’s books, but this one was not for me, there were too many unanswered questions.
Honestly, this is my first Rachel Van Dykes book and the cover is definitely what sucked me in, but OMG. This book did not disappointment me in the least. You are immediately transported to a world where fear and pain are the norm, and you meet a a heroine who is both ruthless and powerful as well as a little scared all at the same time. In addition, you get a hero who is trying to convince himself and everyone else that it’s hate, not love that runs in his blood.
This book is emotional, a little fun, and hella sexy. I can’t wait to dive in to more books by this author and in addition, I’m patiently waiting my turn for the next book in the series.
I have missed the mafia books from Rachel so bad! I love the way she writes. Junior and Serena have such a hot connection. I felt it leaping off the pages as I was reading. I really didn’t want this story to end. I slowed down reading close to the end just so I could prolong the ending. I cannot wait for more stories from this series.
I cannot believe the second generation is finally here!! I have long awaited this book with anticipation and was not disappointed! I absolutely love getting to see some of the children of the five families story. And the amazing thing is you don’t have to miss out if you haven’t read the eagle Elite Series because this is a stand-alone. Just be prepared because it’ll emotionally throw you in all directions and keep you hanging on until the very end. And it will definitely leave you wanting more! Rachel Van Dyken has outdone herself once again this was absolutely at five star read!
I knew I was going to love this read. I salivated over The Eagle Elite Series and coming back into this world made me so freaking giddy. Rachel Van Dyken is the true queen of writing epic mafia romance. I mean I’m struggling to find words that justify just how spectacular this book is.
Junior and Serena together, their love and their hate, I lived for it. The banter, the angst, the bloody fights, the scintillating steam, it consumed my soul. I am here for every single book to follow with the Mafia Royals series. The wait is going to kill me but the masochist that I am, will revel in the torture because it will be worth everything when it comes.
Go out and one click this read ASAP! You need it in your life and you don’t even know how bad yet. You are going to love it, seriously, you are and that’s that.
Ruthless Princess (Mafia Royals #1) was another great read by Rachel Van Dyken. Serena and Junior were best friends that were turned into enemies. Serena’s father wants her to rule Eagle Elite with an iron fist and take care of anyone who gets in the way. Unfortunately there has been a war within their clique since the incident. Serena and Junior were once in love and now their at war. I absolutely loved Serena and Junior’s story and can’t wait to read more by Rachel Van Dyken. I can’t wait to read this new generation of mafia.
I haven’t read the original series -although it probably would be a good idea to do so before starting this one- and I don’t think it’s necessary since I was able to catch on with what was going on in the story. What I think is necessary to read before this one, though, is its prequel, Royal Bully.
Junior and Serena’s story is full of drama and steam, and it may be because of my weird sense of humor, but some parts also had me laughing out loud! It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride that I didn’t want to end!
The entire book, except the epilogue, which was written in Breaker’s POV, is written in either Junior or Serena’s.
Ruthless Princess is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers contemporary mafia romance written in first-person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with an HEA and deals with sensitive subjects some may find triggering. No cliffhanger, no cheating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
I’m not sure what I expected going into this. This is my first RVD book ever, I think. I’ve been intrigued by mafia stuff since I started my rewatch of Rizzoli & Isles a few weeks ago so I thought I might enjoy this book.
I’d like to start by saying that I received an ARC of this from the lovely ladies over at Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review and that’s what this is.
I really enjoyed this story, maybe because I have love for forbidden romance and also hate to love/love to hate relationships. So with that I might be a bit biased when I say that Serena and Junior are OTP and my new favorite ship. Someone tell me where I can but a mug?
A relationship that could mean death if anyone found out? Yes. Deciding that hating each other with as much passion as you loved each other because that’s the only thing you have left? Yes. Alpha male, possessive yumminess? Yes. Bad ass mafia princess? Yes. The love of family? Yes. Weird ass uncles? Yes. This book has got it all.
I have to say though, as a bit of a disclaimer, RVD says that you don’t have to read the Eagle Elite books because these new ones are standalones. I would like to disagree. I was really confused for most part of the book about who was related to who and who had fathered who and who had murdered who. I feel like reading the previous series, which is like 10 books long, would significantly improve my comprehension of things, but maybe I’m just stupid.
I also got became very curious about Ash and Claire´s story and thought that I would love to read their story. Turns out they already have a story that was released before this one. Obviously I have no idea what RVD has written before since this was my first book by her. I can’t wait to read Breaker’s story in the next book, I’m sure it’ll be all sorts of scandalous.
Now, this review is a mess and I feel like I’ve forgotten how to use the English language, so here’s a short recap;
Did I like the book? Yes, 4 stars from Kayla to Rachel Van Dyken.
Was the book hot? Hell yes!
Do I recommend it? You bet.
Should you buy it? Most definitely. You’ll find it here.
xx Kayla
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. This is book 1 the “new” mafia series by RVD. It is a total stand alone, but spins off of her EE series since this is a story about the grown kids. Junior and Serena have grown up as the child of the power mafia bosses. They have not know anything else and have been groomed to take over the business one day. The one rule that was given to all of the kids was— they couldn’t get involved with each other. Well, Junior and Serena broke that rule a long time ago, but know for the good of the families they can’t be together. This book has everything- romance, laughs (I love the family dinners) and emotion. Again- this is a pure stand alone… if you have never read any of the EE series, it explains what you need to know to just jump into this book…. but I loved getting to see the Bosses again and their banter. I will say, if you haven’t read the EE series, this book may just make you go back and read it. This is definitely one book not to miss!
I love this book – It was the perfect introduction to the new generation and whislt you dont need to read the original series to enjoy this one I would still advise you to do so.
I loved Serena and Junior. They were heartbreaking and their intent to hate each other for the good of the family. They were hot and damn Junior can definately be his fathers rival.
It was a rollercoaster of emotion in this book and get the tissues ready because you’ll need it.
I can’t wait for the next books of the series and especially Ash’s book which will be book 3. Keep them coming Rachel.
I would definately recommend to all of you mafia romance lover out there.
Thank you Valentine PR for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ruthless Princess
By: Rachel Van Dyken
REVIEW
If you had told me a year ago that I would love to read mafia fiction, I would have called you crazy. But, here I am. I have finished Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken, and it was amazing. There is something about her writing that glues my kindle to my hands, and to the detriment of everything else, I can’t put it down. This story is about the line between love and hate, desire and duty and obligation and freedom. Which path is the correct one, and who decides what is right and wrong? The violence in this story is a bit more than I like, so I skim those parts. I mean, these are, essentially, children being forced to take up the family cause. Everything that came before is engrained in them, and personal feelings and opinions don’t matter at all. I was sad for Serena and Junior because I wonder what they would do if given a choice? Why not break tradition for love? Well, I know why, but still. Why not change this life to something better? This story has all the gritty, sharp, omg moments I’ve come to expect from mafia love and hate, but it’s more than that. Junior and Serena are genuine and feelings convey in a realistic and sympathetic way. You can’t help but feel the heartache they feel. That’s what makes the story good, though. I highly recommend grabbing a copy!
What’s better than a friends-to-lovers or an enemies-to-lovers romance? Why, a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies romance, of course, and when it’s one that’s come from an author like Rachel Van Dyken, then you can expect it to be a must-read–just make sure you buckle up and are prepared for a ride unlike any other. My heart went out to both Serena and Junior. Sure, they may have been actual mafia royalty, but that meant a whole lot more pressure and the kind of expectation that regular people couldn’t possibly fathom. Everything happens for a reason, and that was certainly the case when it came to these two, but then when something is worth fighting for, you need to be able to get your head–and heart!–on straight and make painful choices. I was on the edge of my seat for so much of Ruthless Princess, and by the time I was done, I had a five-starred Mafia Royals hangover. Book two next!
Ruthless Princess is an intense mafia book, filled with twists and turns that has your head spinning and your heart breaking. Serena and Junior’s story is powerful, emotional, painful and full of surprises. One of the best books I’ve read.
RVD, is a crazy talented writer and mafia books just proves that she can write anything and blow your mind away.
Blood in. No Out! Can’t wait for Breaker’s book.
Nanedsmomba- reviewer and blogger for Life Reads With Friends
WOW! Y’all. You NEED this book like NOW. I fell in love with the Mafia world thanks to RVD and this next generation may just be better than their parents. Ruthless Princess was so good and the best part is you don’t have to read the Eagle Elite series before you read this. I would recommend it, but you don’t have to. I seriously could not put this book down, I felt like I couldn’t read the pages fast enough. Definitely some of RVD’s BEST work and I can’t wait to see what she has planned for this series. This was an amazing first book and it can only go up from here!
I love RVD’s books and I love her original Eagle Elite books, but this new series – I don’t know if it’s for me. It was written well and the storyline was there but maybe the Covid virus had me in a mood. I really thought the characters were characters of themselves. Where was the Chase and Phoenix we’d come to love? Instead we’d have Phoenix, who beat his kid when he was a child to teach him a mafia lesson? It just didn’t track for me. Then, there was the “don’t acknowledge we’re mafia, but tell everyone around that we’re mafia!!” I know a little something of the mafia and here’s what I know – don’t acknowledge it, don’t speak about it and for the love of Pete, don’t flash it around like a diamond. This book is great fiction which is why I kept reading because it’s fiction and I don’t expect it to be “The Great American Novel.” All-in-all, this was an almost 4-star read. As an author their worldbuilding is incredibly complicated and this book though more violent than any of the others…in my heart, I don’t think she made it that way for just the giggles of it. I think she did it because it’s a new series and that’s where the world is going.
5
This is this first book that I’ve read by Rachel (runs and hides) and I am completely floored. I don’t even know where to start with this EPIC Mafia Romance. This is one of my favorite genres and Rachel took all prior notions I had and blew them all away. This is an intense thoroughly brutal romance and Rachel doesn’t pull any punches, she lets you see the darkness and I AM HERE FOR IT ALL.
, , ..
Serena and Junior are star crossed lovers that were never supposed to be. They are the heirs to two heads of the Costa Nostra families and they have strict rules in place that adamantly forbid this. So, they tried to turn that powerful love into just as equally powerful hate so that they would not be killed for the sin of falling. They turn themselves inside out trying to make this happen so that they can continue to protect the family at all costs, even the costs of their shattered souls.
I love a really good star-crossed romance, and this is one that I won’t soon forget. You could feel the passion and the power of these two literally pour from the pages saturating you in this heady combination. The ache and longing are so intense that you feel it in your soul causing your own heart to ache for what they can’t have but so desperately want. It’s those visceral feelings that really make a great story for me.
In this world there’s nothing more important than family and loyalty. After tragedy strikes the new generation of the Elect take matters into their own hands changing the rules of the game, even if it causes war.
. . . .
Rachel has completely changed the game for me, every so often you fall upon and author that takes your soul and annihilates it with their genius and Rachel did that for me. I am obsessed with this series and can’t wait go back and read her entire backlist of the Eagle Elite Series to see how it all started. If you are a Mafia whore like me than you will die for this just as I have. Rachel has created something filled to the brim with such raw passion and intensity that it will leave you utterly breathless and completely sated. This book is without a doubt a Top Read for me this year, no question!!!!