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
I didn’t jump on the RVD train until very recently, so I had zero background into her mafia word wizardry before I began this book. To say I was shocked by the time I finished it, is an understatement. It wasn’t so much this book that shocked me, even tho I found it to be riveting, I was more shocked at the fact that I hadn’t read any of her books in the mafia world before now! Ya’ll, there are too many authors and not enough hours!! Someone is gonna have to come up with a way to fix that!
The one rule that the bosses gave all the cousins, all the kids, no dating each other, it complicates thing. They all took a blood oath. Breaking that oath is like signing your death sentence.
Listen, when it comes to the mafia and their rules, nothing is too much or over the top so when you read this story, know that it is very realistic. Obviously, maybe not relatable (unless you’re part of a Mafia Family) but true to the nature of the world within the mafia. I’ve read enough in my lifetime to know this. That alone captivated me to this story. It reads very realistic. It has the perfect amount of drama to keep my anxiety on high alert but never goes over the top to make me #twitchy. I loved every minute of my reading experience with this story.
The focus of Ruthless Princess is Serena and Junior but there is so much more going on than that. It’s not crowded with side-stories, but it is very intertwined with a lot more storylines. The cousins, the parents, the outside world in general was all just riveting and captivating to me and although some of the stuff sounded a little crazy, I loved it even more because of that! LOL It’s the Mafia, of course they all talk/act crazy, right?!
This is such a well built story that if you haven’t read a single book in Rachel’s mafia world, you’re totally fine (that’s me and I did not feel any loss whatsoever in the storyline) and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to enjoy it so much that will download every single book in the Eagle Elite series! I regret nothing! Happy reading!
**I was graciously given a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.**
Did anyone order some intensely angsty drama? Because it’s being served PIPING HOT TODAY MY FRIENDS. Having never read the previous Eagle Elite books (which definitely isn’t required for Mafia Royals), I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this. Being a mafia romance, obviously I knew some craziness would be in my future, but DAYUM. I was not prepared for the wild ride this book took me on and I mean that in the best possible way.
First of all, I really do feel like it’s important to read the short prequel novella Royal Bully before diving into this, especially if you’re like me and haven’t read Eagle Elite. You could probably get by fine if you really wanted to dive straight into this book (honestly, who could blame you?), but it really helped me get a good feel for the characters and mafia hierarchy. Plus, the ending of the novella sets up the feud between Junior and Serena, which plays an essential role in this story.
Reading the novella gave me a small taste of how awesome these characters would be, but oh man, they were so much better than I could have hoped. Seeing them all bicker with each other one second and then get fiercely protective the next was great. At one point Serena stabs Junior in the leg with a knife during class, they throw down on the school’s front lawn (first blood wins), and then they all argue over who steals the bread rolls at dinner. I’m 100% ride or die for this family now. BLOOD IN, NO OUT.
And let’s not forget the actual story because wheeeeeeew, WHAT A RIDE. During the first few chapters I thought I knew exactly where this book was going to go, but WOW WHAT A CLOWN.
There were so many twists that I didn’t see coming at all and I loved it! Both Junior and Serena are perfect and I liked watching their relationship progress over the book, but by the end I was completely hooked by this mafia family and I NEED to know what happens to them. Admittedly, I did kind of feel like there were a few deeper histories at play that I didn’t completely understand since I haven’t read the previous series. There was a very intense hatred towards the De Lange family that I never fully got a handle on. Now I’m just dying to go back and read all the other books in the universe because I need MORE.
—FINAL WORD—
This book was craziness and I mean that as a compliment. If you don’t mind some violence with your romance, this is definitely for you. But remember, BLOOD IN, NO OUT.
O. M. G
RVD certainly knows how to start this new series with one hell of a bang!
If you have read her Eagle Elite series like me you will be super excited to read the stories of the Elites 2nd generation! If their parents are anything to go by they are going to be forces to be reckoned with maybe even worse!
Once I started this I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down! the housework could wait!!
How do you chose between Love and Obligation? especially when the motto is Blood In No Out!
Serena and Junior their dynamic and love/hate was epic and seriously on that knife edge! The struggle to follow their family obligations and ignore their love was heartbreaking to watch but also so hot! I’m pretty sure steam was coming out my kindle at certain points.
“As Long as we both shall live,”
The new generation are ready to rule and I am super excited to see what epic twists and turns she will bring us next!
BLOOD IN. NO OUT. I freaking it! 4.5 stars! Get ready for a wild and dark ride with the next generation of the Cosa Nostra; The Elect. They will have you on the edge of your seat from the start. The intensity & the angst is present throughout the read. We are getting to know the Mafia Royal: Serena, Junior, Asher, Izzy, Breaker, Violet, and learning more of who is who within the family tree. This bunch is taking and doing things unexpected from their parents and ready to take on their new roles.
Serena Abadonato and Junior Nicolasi and the rest of the royalty made a bloody oath when they were sworn into this life. However; one of those promises is a breaking point between Serena and Junior. These rules were made so that history does not repeat itself. The feels. Oh the feels on this one will throw you off guard in many ways but in a dark and good and bad way. No matter how twisted and surprising this read will have fall deeper into this world and wanting to be a part of this family.
The queen Rachel Van Dyken knows how to break you and suck you into this world deeply. She was the first author that introduced me into the Mafia world and she had me hooked from the start. Although you do not need to read the EE (Eagle Elite Series of their parents) it does make the experience of the Mafia Royals Series world much more.
This is a brand new series with the next generation of Eagle Elite. You get a glimpse at the old character the parents but you don’t need to have read anything to enjoy this next generation.
Rachel Vandyken does it a again with a mafia story that will have you gasping, cry and fall in love with the next generation.
Serena and Junior story is one of hate, love and strength. There story is full of twirls of tears, laughter and love. That you will just want to reread over and over again.
Love thy enemy, especially when he used to be your best friend. Rachel Van Dyken’s next generation of the Cosa Nostra mafia introduces us to Nixon’s daughter Serena. She rich and powerful and just as dangerous as her father, but she hides a deep secret she’s in love with her best friend Junior. Junior suffers from a dark history after all he is Phoenix’s son, but he must put his feelings aside as he is called to duty. Best friends turn to enemies, love turns to hate. Welcome to the mafia Blood In No Out!
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions! One of the best book I have ever read that kept me hanging on to the edge of my seat. I love this new generation as much as I love the first generation. An excellent read, I cannot wait for more.
This is a 3.5 star mafia/romance story. I had a difficult time to get into the story mainly because I have never read the previous series. Although a standalone and new series, I felt I would have benefited by having read the other stories. It was hard to follow at times because there was a lot of characters. One thing it didn’t lack is entertainment and drama. It’s a mafia story that is not for the faint of heart. It’s an enemy to lover.
This is such an epic forbidden love story of two heirs of mafia families who have rules against being with each other. Holy smokes this book was amazing and by that I mean my favorite book of the year! I have been dying for it for about 2 years since Rachel Van Dyken started talking about it and it did not disappoint.
Serena is totally BA and takes no shit. She does what’s best for the Families and tries to let her hate win until she can’t fight it anymore. Junior, oh Junior, carries the weight of his father’s sins around with him and wants to do what’s best for the Family. He doesn’t want to disappoint anyone but love is love and is so hard to fight.
The banter in this book had me laughing so hard like only Rachel Van Dyken can do in a mafia story with some intense things happening. But along with the hilarious banter I felt all the emotions from laughing to crying and loved every minute of it as we got to experience everything with our favorite mafia Families.
There are so many aspects to this story that just bring back the familiar things from reading the Eagle Elite books but yet if you haven’t read them it gives you a fresh beginning to start with, you just don’t understand some of the things like Bee’s, Junior’s mom, cooking or things like that.
Read in May 2020
Serena. Mafia princess and that she is. Lives up to her name. This book was a joy to read. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I adore the mafia series. While I loved the original EE, I love the nex gen of mafia.
Rachel makes us fall in love all over again with these babies.
Serena gets stuff with with little to no emotion. Junior has weight on his shoulders because of who his father is.
I can’t wait for the newest release in this series.
Blood in, No out
Holy cannoli! OMG this book was intense! I was nervous to read because I had not read any of the Eagle Elite books, but let me tell you… not necessary. Jump in on this mafia romance with this story like me. It will take a minute to get acquainted with all the families, but once you do, what a ride!
Though I did not read the original series, I was excited to jump into this spin off, which can be read as a standalone, and I loved it. Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken is an enemies to lovers romance that will grip you from start to finish. First the family dynamic was amazing. They are not your typical family, but the love and respect is there. But because of who they are, there is no dating allowed. Period. So, when Serena and Junior begin to have feelings for each other, their cousin puts a stop to it, to protect them. Now there is nothing but hate between them, right? Though Serena and Junior must continue to interact with each other, there is no love lost there. Except if they are honest with each other. The book was dark, gritty and captivating. I am so excited to read the previous books and see what comes next.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
This follows the kids from the Eagle Elite Series. You don’t need to read the previous books as everyone is explained very well.
In this book we have the college age children.
Junior Nicolasi, is the heir to the Nicolasi throne. He has killed, hurt and punished those who cross his family and friends. He knows no other life, outside of his mafia family.
Serena is the heir to her families throne. She has grown up exactly like the boys, learning fighting skills, there is no one tougher than she is.
Junior & Serena became close as teenagers. Then backed away from each other. Now they have a hate hate relationship with each other. Even though Serena tries to be tough around Junior she can’t help but melt when he’s around.
Junior has tried to be with other women but he can never get over Serena. He says he hates her but he really loves her. Even though being with her is forbidden and he may actually die from it he has to be with her.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
All I can say is WOW!!! This book was amazing!! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Rachel really outdid herself with this one. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, It ripped me apart, but made be whole by the end. I have not had a book make me ugly cry in quite a while and Ruthless Princess did just that. I will have a book hangover for a long time with this one. Serena is beautiful and powerful. I loved seeing a female in the mafia being treated on the same level as the men, no matter if it was power or punishment. Junior is strong and sexy, he struggles to keep his love for Serena hidden, but that seems like an impossible task for them both. I love this mafia group, they are definitely different from their parents. The Next generation of mafia has risen! You do NOT want to miss this journey with them!!
Mafia princess deliciousness!
4.5 Stars!!
My first ever RVD book and I went into the deep end. And no one warned me or told me how to prepare. So I was left a right mess after I finished the book.
I will say nothing about the plot and be extremely vague about everything.
Serena and Junior are to die for. I have never read such a delicious friends to enemies to lovers. On top of this, the mafia element was just a cheery on top of an already amazing cake. I can say with full certainty that only RVD could have written this story and do it full justice.
I can only say that go in blind, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Also, I am mad excited for what’s to come in this universe because I NEED I NEED.
HOT DAMN THIS WAS AMAZING!!!
I knew it was going to be, rachel writes mafia like no other and eagle elite was amazing so waiting for the offspring has had me giddy.
I was glued from the first page, I couldnt put it down, everything about it draws you in.
Through love, heartbreak and danger, i felt it all and i cant wait to see what’s next.
I’m a little ashamed to say that I haven’t read the Eagle Elite (first generation) but that’s okay because we don’t need to in order to understand what’s going on with the next generation. It basically all comes down to always choosing family it’s always in and no out.
As you become a teenager you are sworn in to the family, your loyalties are being tested and you will have to face some challenges and will have to go through some things that you probably don’t want to but have to. Serena and Junior together were like fire and I loved each and every scene with them. They were the love/hate relationship that you just can’t get enough of, they have this deep connection that no matter what happened with their love, their family situation was always top priority and they would stop at nothing to make sure their family was safe.
This mafia queen has totally captured my heart and I need and want more of this family. I can’t wait to continue reading about the rest of the kids and what they have in store for them.
I will also certainly go back and read the first generation.
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.
He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison.
With each breath, we make our vows of hate.
Until disaster strikes…
Sending me into his arms and heart forever.
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
And for the first time in my life.
I welcome death with my enemy, my lover, my best friend a Junior Nicolasi in my arms.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Ruthless Princess is raw and emotional and oh so good. I absolutely love the cover! This book was so much more than I was expecting. They abide by rules that are not supposed to be broken. Rachel Van Dyken sure knows how to write a mafia story. Serena and Junior have gone through a lot to be together. Serena and Junior are the heirs to their mafia families. You can be friends with the other families just don’t fall for one. There were so many twists and turns along the way I didn’t see coming. I loved this book and all the characters and can’t wait for more from this series.
J’étais curieuse de découvrir cette histoire (et je n’ai pas lu avant celles des parents, my bad, maintenant j’ai envie de découvrir tout ça…) et j’ai dévoré les pages en une après midi, j’ai adoré Serena et Junior, on ne s’ennuie pas en leur compagnie, je n’avais pas du tout vu venir certains rebondissements et leur histoire est pour le moins intense. Entre la haine et l’amour il n’y a qu’un pas qu’ils franchissent allègrement, dans un sens ou dans l’autre… Le final est juste génial et je suis impatiente de découvrir l’histoire du couple suivant !!