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
Where do I even start with this? This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me scream, it tore my heart and mended parts of it back together. The title is perfect — this book is RUTHLESS.
I ache for these characters. I want to jump in the book and hug them, coddle them, then slap them upside the head for some choices!
This story took me on a ride that I never wanted to get off. No matter how many times I read through Ruthless Princess, it got me every single time. THAT is the mark of a damn good book!
You need this dark, sexy, gritty read in your life.
Serena is my new favorite member of the Elect. I loved that her and Junior were equals and he knew it. She took everything that was dished out to her and came out on top. This book had everything you would expect from this Mafia family. Highly recommend this book!! Looking forward to what comes next for this second 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!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
Well what a start to a fiery series ! Straigh back in to the mafia world ! And the Eagle Elite university ! Really picking up from where we left off all those years ago !
I do love it when an author decides to do the next generation and RVD has done it well ! I would say they are more brutal, but with compassion !
Rules are rules abd what happens when you break them !!! Death ! Blood in, no out ! And for Serena and Junior ! The line between love and hate is somewhat blurred ! But the needs of the family must come first !
The fact we get glimpses into the lives of those mafia bosses we love aswell is a bonus !
Jump in and read ! Bloody great book and can’t wait for the next !
5 Stars
Diz
Ive been so excited to get my hands on this book. The next generation of Elect. The kids of the badass previous Elect. I couldnt wait to see what Rachel Van Dyken was going to bring to this new series. She brought everything I was expecting and so much more. The chemistry between characters, the love of the whole family, the twists and turns to the story.
I was gripped to the story from page 1. Serena and Junior have a love/hate relationship. They cant love freely and openly because its forbidden by the Families so they have to hate each other to hide it.
I loved seeing the past characters all grown up. Ive missed them all. Rachel Van Dyken has a way of creating a world that you want to live in.
Rachel always takes us on a roller coaster of emotions and this book was no different.
I can not wait for more books in this series!!
This book is unapologetically fabulous! RVD takes us into the Mafia World and exquisitely brings it all together in a way that makes you yearn for more violence, more lust, more fight, more suspense, more vengeance and more of everything that is this world. Ruthless Princess is a five start read for me because it brings to life a world that is perfect in every shape and form.
Serena is a true princess and a fighter. She is sassy and full of wit. She is intelligent and fierce. Junior is her other half and he is power incarnate. He is the darkness to her light. They drive this story so well that you can’t help being enamored with all that is in this book. Asher drives the story as a secondary character in a way that manipulates and twists what is written in stone. He brings another level of prowess.
Read this because what is to come is only going to drive you more wild. It is truly ruthless and precious at the same time. Bravo RVD!
I finished Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken and I’m still reeling from it!! You are not ready for this book guys!! It’s all the things!! Grown up hotties from Eagle Elite mixed with the next generation of take no prisoners mafia with Serena and Junior taking center court in this one!! You are not ready for anything RVD has in store for you guys!! I wasn’t ready for this book and I read the entire Eagle Elite series which is a mindfuck in it’s tamer moments because it has none!! This is a spin-off of the Eagle Elite Series but you don’t have to have read those books to read this but boy would I start now if you haven’t read them! They start with Elite! There’s a prequel novella out now called Royal Bully and it’s free!!
Number-one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series, Rachel Van Dyken, just released a mafia romance about best friends turned enemies!
“He used to kiss me like I was his oxygen.
Now he looks at me like I’m his poison…”
Read the full blurb and 1-click this standalone on whichever platform you love to read!
Truthfully, there was quite a bit of this book that was just not my cup of tea. And in fact, I was actually expecting to rate it lower, however, there were a few scenes in this story that saved it from being a total disaster in my opinion.
Because I like to end on a positive note whenever possible, I am going to start off with all the things I didn’t like about this story. To begin with, the ages of the kids, one of whom is an assassin at the tender age of twelve? Now I may not know much about the mafia admittedly, but I can hardly see them using children to kill their enemies. Then there is an entire scene in which their own father’s point weapons at them and threaten them with either joining up or immediate death? I know mafia life is much different than regular life, but this still seemed way too extreme (especially again when their children were fifteen and sixteen at the oldest at the time). Along with their rule that the “cousins” (who are not in fact blood related) can’t date each other, a rule that just didn’t make sense to me. Wouldn’t it be better to be with someone already in the life who knows the secrets instead of an outsider?
And honestly? The scene in which Serena after having just killed someone is now forced to fight one “cousin” and then face Junior as well? The fact that he used a machete to slice her skin open (to the muscle in one scene?) All all because she protected her family, acted on a perceived threat, and killed someone before they got the chance to question them? After being told that Serena’s father would only care that they were safe, the whole scene was just overkill in my opinion.
When it comes to Serena and Junior as a couple, there were moments when their interactions were heartfelt and moments when they were humorous. But mostly, these two gave me whiplash. Over and over again they harass each other, over and over again they tell us that they can’t be together, then one of them so much as looks at someone else for a second too long and the other one freaks out and causes a scene (in the middle of the campus quad nonetheless). But of course, they can’t stay away from one another because despite the warnings they have been given, despite the hatred they claim to feel for one another, there is also deep love.
Now I’m all for doing whatever it takes to be with the one you love, but when it has been drilled into your head time and again that if you are caught there is no option but death, I wish these two would have been careful. Instead, they seemed to nearly get caught numerous of times by her bloodthirsty father of all people. In fact, considering the way one incredibly powerful scene played out, I was surprised to learn there weren’t actually cameras in the sparring room.
But with the bad comes the good. So let’s move on to that.
The scenes with Asher and Claire? Powerful and heartbreakingly beautiful. The scenes when the kids finally rise up and take their rightful places? Formidable and intimidating. The ending? FREAKING AMAZING. Those parts of the story flawlessly showcased the writer that I know Rachel can be. They were real and they were raw, and most importantly, they made you CARE about these characters more than I had up until that point. There were choices made that not only show off the fact that a new regime is taking over (as they put it don’t ask them to repeat their families own shitty history), but it also set up the next book in the series perfectly. In fact, I think I am looking forward to Scandalous Prince more than I was this one because of the secrets that we barely got to scratch the surface of.
TD;LR – There are parts of this book that I wish the author had omitted and parts that I hated altogether, but there were also a lot of really powerful scenes that I feel will resonate with readers. I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3crcWt8
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincess
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessAppl
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RuthlessPrincessKobo
Paperback: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessPB
Hardcover: mybook.to/RuthlessPrincessHC
A mafia romance about best friends turned enemies… Sign me up! Calling all Rachel Van Dyken fans — this is a must read!
Our love started a war even hatred couldn’t end.
With each punishing kiss we fall deeper.
They will kill us for this.
OMGOODNESS YES! I love it so so much!!
“Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.”
I never imagined that I would use the words of Martin Luther King Jr. in one of my book reviews, but that’s what happens in Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia world – the unexpected – and with the next generation of both the Mafioso and those who have taken the reins at Eagle Elite University now front and center, the sins of their parents as well as the volatile and unexpected atmosphere they live in continues to dictate how they live their lives but also who they give their hearts and bodies to, even if they wanted things to go some other way.
“Hate begets hate” – hostility and resentment are emotions that easily overpower anything good when they’re constantly built upon in a way that destroys positive feelings, and it’s the sole purpose of certain members of these families to prevent things playing out between any second generation individuals that go against the edicts of the families.
“Violence begets violence” – there’s a cruelty to this Mafia world that is not just physically created; in fact, it’s the mental games that are played that cause overwhelming anguish and allow reactionary measures to be taken that may be irreparable.
“Toughness begets a greater toughness” – mental and physical toughness are a requisite for surviving in this environment, but what it also does is harden individuals in a way that will prevent their inadequacies and/or flaws from being taken advantage of, as well as causing a mask to be worn that conceals their true thoughts and feelings, making them able to withstand almost anything.
“…meet the forces of hate with the power of love” – this is where things get complicated, where love can easily be turned to hate and vice versa and it’s in this power struggle where emotions dictate individuals’ words and actions, making things even more complex due to the added stress involved in being a member of a Mafia family and obeying the dictates set before them by those in charge.
Ruthless Princess definitely has a Romeo and Juliet feel to it, but it’s a grittier and far more dangerous world for Junior Nicolasi and Serena Abandonato, not only because of the constant threat of violence and betrayal that surrounds them due to their families’ enemies, but also due to the repercussions that will come to this second generation of Mafia princes and princesses if they go against their parents’ golden rule – a dictate that is punishable by death – and created based on the fact that their parents’ feelings for other members of their crew caused ill will, pain, and acts due to jealousy that almost destroyed them all.
But the heart wants what the heart wants and while Junior and Serena were forced to turn their backs on each other and on their love, it never completely vanished; it simply laid dormant, until it could resurface in a way that would sustain itself against past missteps, moments of betrayal, and, ultimately, a set of leaders who refuse to accept Junior and Serena being together based on everything they’ve already endured and what could befall them.
But even in the mafia world, love refuses to die.
4.5 Poison Apples
Ruthless Princess brings us the next generation of the cosa nostra. If you haven’t read the OG books (the Eagle Elite series), its totally fine. These are about their kids, so the parents are present, but you don’t need to know their story to understand Serena, Junior, Asher, Izzy, and the rest of the cousins.
I will say this about the Eagle Elite crew: they all had rough childhoods as part of the mafia and I never imagined they would put their kids in this position. But, that is me trying to turn the characters into something they aren’t. While Nixon, Chase, Tex, and Phoenix would never abuse their kids, they will include them in the life. They do expose them to what will be their empire. They train them to be lethal. So, this isn’t a white washed, “we were mafia but we are gonna go straight and get out of the game” mafia story. Its gritty and violent. If you want a story of a former mafia family that is now gone straight, find another series. But, I think you will be missing out on a brilliant story.
Ruthless Princess belongs to Serena and Junior. They were secret lovers in high school, but they were breaking the family rules. Then it ended and now they loathe each other with the fire of a thousand burning suns. But also, still hot for each other. Its a complicated relationship. But, they do have to work together to protect the family. They need to find out of the De Lange children survived and are out for revenge. This leads to dead bodies, fierce beatings, hot, dirty sex, and a death of a loved one. Its brutal-physically and emotionally. Honestly, each page was like turning the corner in a haunted house-was it going to be a horror show or have you made it out alive? I found myself furiously flipping pages because I couldn’t walk away from this story.
Listen, you can find spoilers on this book for sure. However, I beg you not to. The story is violent, but there isn’t anything that might be a trigger (unless murder is your trigger. Then, you know, pass). Go in blind. Ruthless Princess is a roller coaster in the dark that has missing pieces of track throughout. You can’t see when they are coming and you never expected it. Once you’re in, there is no way out. Welcome to the mafia version of the Hotel California with Ruthless Princess!
Fans of the Eagle Elite series rejoice! With Ruthless Princess, Rachel Van Dyken throws us not so gently back into the dark, crazy and twisted world of the mafia. And no one writes a mafia romance quite like her. The original Eagle Elite are all grown up and this story with all its chaos belongs solely to the next generation…their kids. While this can be read as a stand-alone if you haven’t read Eagle Elite you’re definitely missing out on some crazy, amazing stories so do yourself a favor and go back and read them all. Believe me, you want to. Can we also take a moment to appreciate that kick ass cover? Amazing! Buckle up for this one folks. It’s one hell of a wild ride.
I loved Serena…like really, really loved her. She was so kick ass and amazing. The cover is exactly how I picture her. Then there’s Junior. I loved him too. I loved everything about the way they loved and hated each other. It was chaos, a shit ton of angst and it was all fantastic. I also really enjoyed the cousins and some other secondary characters in this book. Plus getting to see some of the OG’s was an added bonus. This second generation is just as crazy as the first. So much happened in this story that sometimes I couldn’t keep it straight. Yes, there were parts that were so unbelievably out there I was like no way. I mean who keeps a knife strapped to their leg and a lethal syringe in their boot just in case? Well, not me that’s for sure. Then I remembered what world we were in and it all just fit. There’s death, murder and chaos in this story. But there’s also unwavering loyalty and a beautiful love story. This was a great read and I can’t wait for more!
Junior and Serena’s story sleighed in the best way possible!
Serena is a young woman finding her place in the world her family has thrust her in! She lives and breathe for her family but what about what she wants, what about what she needs!?
Junior is trying his best to not cause a war of all wars but he also can’t keep what he feels at bay! Each day is a test, each day brings pain and each day he knows he can’t continue to ignore what it is he’s always wanted; her!
Though my heart hurts because well….because sometimes life is unfair! Rachel reminds me just how beautiful and healing life and family can be! Rachel really digs deep in her books and though I didn’t read the Eagle Elite I can tell you that you can slide into this series with ease! You don’t need to know what came before because what you have is the now and this new era is showing their parents that they are more than ready for what’s to come!
To my earlier statement about family; Rachel really shows the double edged sword here! She shows us how the family we are born into isn’t always the best but the family we choose to have our backs is sometimes all we need! I really love the darkness to the mob life that she shows! I have read books that talk about the ride or die aspect but you never really see that! With Rachel though you get all aspects and she doesn’t hold back! What you get is real and you can’t run from it you just find yourself more sucked in! I am definitely a new fan of her mafia books and can’t wait to go and see how it all started!
“Blood in, no out – Let’s get Ruthless”
This book is more than 5 stars. It’s a top read for the year. Easily.
I honestly have no words for this book! Well, I do, but I’m having issues on what to say because…wow.
I’ve read all the Eagle Elite series, so of course I had to read this new series. But, don’t worry if you think you have to read Eagle Elte first, you don’t! This is it’s own series! You won’t be lost. It does stand on it’s own. You will probably want to go back and read though. But not because you have to. It will be because you get so sucked into the Mafia world! You’ll need more.
This is Junior and Serena’s story.
Serena is Nixon’s daughter.
Junior is Phoenix’s son.
“The Phoenix has risen”
We get to see this new group rise up and lead.
There is blood and loss. But,would it be a Mafia book if there wasn’t?
You will tear up.
You will get emotional.
You will get scared.
You will be nervous and anxious.
You will get angry.
I absolutely love this book. The characters, story, and the writing are all amazing and fantastic. the twists are awesome!
“Life’s too short to worry about too many twirls, take as many as you want, and be thankful you have the opportunity to twirl in the first place.”
“Junior De Lange-Nicolasi was my curse and my reward. My treasure, my love. He was my perfect match in every way. And I would never, never let him go. He was my King – mine.”
OMFG! Rachel Van Dyken ripped my heart out and then slowly put it back together again. Ruthless Princess is unputdownable, gritty, cutthroat, passionate, and fierce!
Serena and Junior are mafia royalty. They have been groomed from a young age to protect family at all costs. They have been friends for a long time and have always had a close bond. When they hit their early teens, they begin to have real feelings for each other. They have to keep their relationship a secret because they aren’t allowed to date each other. If anyone ever found out, their lives would be on the line.
As the story continues, we meet them as they are young adults. One major thing has changed…they HATE each other. They get on each other’s nerves and get in countless fights.
Things continue to bring them closer together and they have to decide if they want to live a life hating each other or die trying to love each other with every part of their heart and soul.
I loved every single page, paragraph, and sentence of this book. Serena is a badass heroine. I love that Rachel Van Dyken let her be tough like the boys. She could hold her own and didn’t back down from anything or anyone. Junior is sexy, damaged, and his protective nature is so attractive. To see their love blossom and then fade hurt my heart. Their journey is always unexpected and no matter how much they hate each other, their bond is undeniable.
I give Ruthless all the stars. It is worthy of so much more than 5 stars. This is definitely one of my favorites by Rachel Van Dyken. Her writing was bold and intense that it made this book so addicting and impossible to put down. Readers, be ready for one hell of a rollercoaster filled with lots of emotional ups and downs.
4 Stars!
I’ve been wanting to pick up more of Ms.Dyken’s books this year and I’m so glad that I got to with Ruthless Princess! I have been looking forward to jumping into the Mafia Royals world since this one was announced and I really liked how I got into this story. I enjoyed it!
Serena and Junior’s journey is far from an easy one. I loved that there was history between them and the heat with these two was all kinds of blushworthy. I wasn’t quite sure what direction their story was going to go in, which pulled me into it even more.
I so enjoyed what the secondary characters brought to the story as well! I felt so much with all of these characters!
With Ruthless Princess, Ms.Dyken has created a unique story with darkness that will keep you on your toes!
I am so looking forward to the next Mafia Royals book Breaker’s story, Scandalous Prince!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Valentine PR / the author*
Another fantastic read by RVD! Hold on for the roller coaster ride this new mafia series will being! Second generation of power, betrayal, death and love, and oh my she does not disappoint!! The angst is real! Be prepared to feel all the FEELS! Can’t wait to read the next one in this series!