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 have absolutely no words! Rachel Van Dyken has left me completely speechless with my jaw on the floor. Absolutely nothing has prepared me for Ruthless Princess. Rachel Van Dyken has just taken the game to a whole other level. If you thought their parents were amazing wait until you meet the new generation of The Elect.
“Hate you as long as we both shall live.”
Ruthless Princess will be a top read for me. I can’t even example how much I loved this book. Junior and Serena’s story is an emotional rollercoaster. I cried more during Ruthless Princess than I did during the entire Eagle Elite series. The struggle that this generation goes through is something else. Let’s start with the connection between Junior and Serena. These two were meant to be together. The pain they felt from being apart hurt me while reading. We all know the rules “Blood in, no out.” They bled for their families physically and emotionally.
The older generation set rules in place to keep history from repeating itself, and in the Mafia breaking the rules will get you killed. The parents were relentless in their need to keep these rules in place. My heart has never beat so fast as it did while reading Ruthless Princess. I think what we forget sometimes is that these parents are Mafia bosses, and that always comes first. There’s a different way of doing things. The ring, I cried so many tears while reading the ring scenes. These kids lost their innocents way before they should have, but it really felt like part of their souls died in this ring. I’m still crying just thinking about it.
Junior and Serena tried to do what they thought was the right thing and pick their families over themselves, but the love they had for each other won out. They are like magnets there’s just no way to keep them apart, no matter how hard they tried.
Then there was Ash, and the only thing I could think was “like father, like son.” My heart broke for him, and I hope that he eventually gets his happy. What happened just proves that normal will never be something they have. It will be the one thing that takes them down.
This new generation is loyal to a fault. They chose each other over the families. Their loyalty is to each other first and their families second. Something that has never been done in the five families. This new generation is going to be stronger than their parents ever were.
Rachel Van Dyken has started the Mafia Royals series with a phenomenal book. Ruthless Princess is hands down one of my top 5 reads of 2020. This book is an addicting, emotional, brilliant story. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s Mafia books and then there is RVD Mafia. RVD delivered a dark, twisted, steamy, read that has left me begging for more. I need Scandalous Prince more than I need air right now. I wish I could give a book more than 5 stars because 5 just doesn’t seem like enough for this book. If there is ever a series you need to read it will be Mafia Royals.
This booooook!!!! I don’t even know where to start! I want more now!!! When I first started reading this book I was like…it’s good so far. Then the more I got into it the more I couldn’t put it down. This was such a rollercoaster of a ride!! I have soooo much to say, but I won’t because I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone!! All I know is that even though the books in the series are all standalones I want the next one now!!! I have been sucked into this world I don’t want to leave! I have not read the Eagle Elite series, but I will be! Even though you don’t have to read them to read Ruthless Princess I think I would of had a better understanding of their world and why things are the way they are if I had read them first. This book will stick with me for a bit! I would absolutely recommend this book!u2063
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Received an arc for an honest reviewu2063
I still have a book hangover! I’m having the hardest time trying to get into other books I have to read!!! I just want to go back and reread it!!u2063
First and foremost………THAT COVER!!!! It is simply STUNNING!!
Junior and Serena sweet lord what a roller coaster these two put us through. If what you love and crave is mafia love then this is your next read.
The story is incredible, unbelievable, epic love. Are we meant to have it all family and love??? RVD sure gives us everything we were looking for in this beauty. It is completely captivating.
A true brilliant story leaves you completely and utterly satisfied on the final page…..but still you want more because of the characters. This is exactly what RVD has done here.
I look forward to more stories of this family
I love mafia romances. So when I read this blurb and knew this author had written another highly rated mafia series, I decided to jump on board. I did not read the prior series which was about all the parents of the children in this series. This new series said that it could be read as a standalone series and that you did not need to read the prior series, but I think I would have had a better handle on the families if I had read the prior series in my opinion. The author did a good job with filling in past history but there are 5 families with lots of kids/cousins so there were times that I felt somewhat lost or that I was missing out on information. The Royal Mafia (Serena, Junior, Asher, Izzy, Breaker, Violet, King, Maxsim, Claire) are the next generation.
Serena Abandonato, the mafia princess to the Abandonato Boss and Junior Nicolasi (De Lange), the heir to the Nicolasi Family, are childhood friends that somewhere along the way crossed a line that was forbidden and now that consequence is death. So their love had to become hate in order to try and stay away from each other. But love and hate walk a fine line and these two walk both lines very will. But first and foremost they need to keep this love relationship a secret all the while there is also an issue that is threatening the safety of families that the kids are dealing with in their own ways.
There is lots of fighting and violence in this story. But while it was directed at outside forces, there was a lot of internal conflicts going on within the families. Guns and knives are drawn and ready at the drop of a hat. So once again, somewhat confusing and hard to follow. But what I did really love is when the story really concentrated on Serena and Junior. I felt their love and loyalty to one another even when they hated each other. Their passion is sensual and intense and the push and pull they have is off the chart. The last part of the book was by far my most favorite and really pulled me into the story.
Buckle up ladies and gentlemen because this next generation of The Mafia Royals is gong to be kicking ass and taking names.
Rachel Van Dyken just destroyed me thoroughly in Ruthless Princess. My heart is not equipped to survive all this brutal emotional torture. This is so much more than a mafia romance. This is a legendary tale crafted in blood, sweat and tears.
Ruthless Princess is the beginning of a whole new Mafia series from the master herself. And what a beginning it was. Serena and Junior’s love was doomed from the beginning. They are heir to two Cosa Nostra families and it is strictly forbidden. Faced with desperation and devastation, they change their love to mutual hate. And they try to ruin each other while trying to protect their families. In their rich, powerful, violent and cutthroat world, loyalty and obedience hold extreme importance. But the Elects, new generation of Eagle Elite are going to change the rules of the game. Even if it means war within.
This story is extremely volatile and intense. And RVD didn’t sugercoat anything at all. And my dark heart enjoyed every moment. Everything in this story is explosive. The intense hate between Serena and Junior rivals their nuclear hot passion. Their love is so epic and so extraordinary that it brought me to my knees. Serena is a powerhouse. She is the definition of badass queen. She is fierce, strong, fearless and the true heiress. But she also has the most beautiful heart. Her ability to love unconditionally and determination to do the ultimate sacrifice amazed me. And then there is Junior. Tortured, broken and destroyed boy trying to keep his monster under control. He is infuriating, he is arrogant, he is vicious, he is cold hearted and he is unapologetically in love. The combination is lethal. Serena is exactly what his ragged edge needs. Just like Serena needs his darkness.
This is one of the best mafia romance I have read as RVD excelled in every aspect. The drama. The tension. The twists. The gore. The dark energy. The all out, unlimited, raw and gritty power. The twisted and intriguing story line that kept me on my toes. And this soul deep and heartbreaking romance was placed right in middle of the chaos. I was going crazy with all the angsty pain. At one point, I just stopped reading to control my tears. RVD literally ripped me apart. The ache of an impossible love story is always so good.
I feel I will face an early death because of all these merciless injuries to my soul caused by genius writers like Rachel Van Dyken. Ruthless Princess consumed me and I am an emotional mess right now. I am utterly, irrevocably and completely in love with this heartaching, powerful and passionate mafia romance.
Received ARC for honest review
A brand-new mafia romance!
I love Rachel Van Dyken’s writing, and Ruthless Princess is my new favorite by her. It’s dark yet comical at times, sexy and passionate, and I adore these kids. If you haven’t read her Eagle Elite series, first, yes, this is a spinoff, but can easily be read as a standalone, and secondly, you will want to find out more about the five families anyway because it does make it that much more rewarding and has many homages to that incredible series. Anyway, Serena and Junior first had like and lust, which grew into hate when they realized their families would kill them for being together-literally, but that hate may just be masking love and passion. I am loving the offspring of the five mafia families, they each have their own personality and it’s interesting seeing them come into their own. I cannot wait to see where this interconnected series of standalones is sure to take us, but one thing I am positive about is that they will be amazing. Ruthless Princess is stunning in its imagery, captivating in its story, and fascinating due to its characters. You simply can’t miss this one!
The next generation of the cosa nostra is facing the reality of what being born into royalty is all about. As the children of the Eagle Elite, a standard has been written in stone for those to follow. They have been groomed for years for the moment when their generation would take over the reigns of a legacy that is greater than any one member. That time to rule is NOW!!
Rules were implemented for a reason. Serena and Junior have broken the sacramental rule of not dating within the group. The duo finds themselves burning with a fever for the other that outshines the forbidden. A test of their loyalty will pull Serena and Junior apart, divided by the legacy of their family. Uncovering the existence of the DeLange dynasty takes precedence over all activities. With their lives hanging in the balance, Serena and Junior cannot ignore the pull of their feelings for one another. What is the cost of their forbidden love when the rules are simple and clear?
Oh my word!! As a fan of the Eagle Elite series, I have to admit I became giddy when Rachel Van Dyken announced she was gracing readers with a new legacy in the empire that kept readers coming back for more. The Mafia Royals is the first book that will pull you into the new generation of the Elite. This book has it all……death, the mafia hierarchy, and passion of the forbidden. From the very first chapter, I was obsessed. The offspring of the Elite are coming out swinging and taking no prisoners!!
Ruthless Princess has laid the groundwork of an exciting and epic new series!! Simply put…..I couldn’t get enough. The new generation of mafia descendants has set the bar high. Their legacy will differ from their parents, but the turmoil will definitely be lurking beneath the surface. An excellent book that holds the promise of what is yet to come.
“This book is my soul, and I hope that when you read the very last page, you can’t stop thinking about these characters. Blood in, no out. Let’s get Ruthless…”
When you read these words before you even get to the actual story, you know you’re in for an emotional journey from beginning to end.
Ruthless Princess is the first book in the Eagle Elite spin-off series entitled Mafia Totals. There’s no need to worry, you don’t have to have read the Eagle Elite series in order to read this stand-alone.
Junior Nicolasi, son of Phoenix Nicolasi, and Serena Abandanto, daughter of Nixon Abandanto, are the focus of this book. With appearances from the original Elect and the introduction of the new generation, Ruthless Princess is everything I hoped and more. With all of the romance, suspense and snarky comments from all of the characters this book leaves you wanting so much more.
“Two twirls, man.”“Two twirls,” I repeated and looked at Ash. After a few seconds, Ash finally repeated, “Two twirls.” Tank got into his truck with us and started the engine. “What does two twirls mean?”“Everything,” Serena said, tears in her eyes.
‘I had my family. I was looking at them. I had my future. I was holding her hand. We made our own rules. Because death made it so.’
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Royal Princess is INSANE! If you are a long time fan of Eagle Elite, you’re going to love it! If you’ve never read a @ book before, you’re going to love it! This book is a Stand-Alone in an all new series! You don’t have to have read anything else to fall in love with this generation of mafia royals! Utterly addicting!
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This generation of Mafia Royals is as deadly with their actions & weapons as they are with their words. The witty banter is on point! The chemistry between characters could burn the whole school down! I loved getting lost in this world for a few hours.
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I have been in love with the Eagle Elite guys for a long time so when I heard we would get their children’s stories in a spinoff I was curious as equally as excited. This book follows the next generation of leaders of the families and they have been raised to protect and be loyal to family first. Serena and Junior find themselves in a predicament because there is a fine line between their hatred and love for one another, but to love each other is a death sentence in the mafia, so they have to keep hating each other to protect each other. These two have to fight to survive and try to navigate a way around feelings that will eventually get them killed by their own family. At times I hated the way things would be going for Junior and Serena, but then I knew there had to be reasons for what was happening. I loved that we got to see the original Elect and see how they are handling letting the reins over to the next generation. I also loved that the familial ties are still there, but none of them will hesitate to do what is necessary to protect family above all else. There were so many twists that I did not see coming and a few times I felt as if my heart was being ripped in two, but the author has a way of helping the reader try to mend their hearts. I love this family and the ride so far with the next group of mafia leaders is an interesting one and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. Blood In, No Out.
The way Rachel Van Dyken spins these tales should be illegal. Or someone should give her an award. Her newest release, Ruthless Princess, is a stunning display of her craft and draws you further into the Eagle Elite world.
The Mafia Royals series is a spin-off of the original series so that if you have not read any other of her mafia books, you will not get lost. Start with Ruthless Princess, actually start with the freebie Royal Bully, so you get the full scope of these characters and a little of their backstory. Ruthless Princess is a STANDALONE.
Those of us that have read the Eagle Elite Series know that all your favorites show up and do their normal thing but in a more parental way. The Mafia Royals, if you haven’t guessed, are the kids (teen and 20-something adult children) of the originals.
RVD throws us into the deep end of the pool without teaching us to swim and then walks away, leaving us to fall deeper into this mafia web. My heart broke, was viciously stabbed, and then duct-taped back together again. Why she does this, I don’t know, but I selfishly keep coming back for more.
I might even say that the mafia kids are more devious, show more strength, and are harder than their predecessors. But maybe I just need to do a re-read of EE. I will say this—RVD puts it out there, scars and all. There is so much passion, love, and hate wrapped up in this story it is all-encompassing and will leave you breathless.
The Next Generation Has Arrived!
My favorite queen of mafia romance is back with the next generation! It’s going to get HOT and bloody. They will experience a whole other form of growing pains. Their mistakes come with dire consequences. Breaking the rules could mean forfeiting your life.
The mafia family’s have created their own soldiers to take over their dynasty. The offspring have come into their own and they are ready to rule. Sexy, calculating and driven. This group is ready for a new beginning. Forget the sins of their fathers, that is no longer their cross to bear. They want to rule their own way.
Serena was born and raised to be a mafia princess. As Nixon’s oldest, she could be nothing less than ruthless. She gets the job done without emotion. She knows her future is set. She’ll lead the next generation of Eagle Elite wearing stilettos.
Junior is weighed down by the sins of his father. Being the son of Phoenix is a heavy burden to carry. Junior will have to prove himself and make his own path, to gain respect and move the new generation forward.
The kids have one major rule. No dating within their family’s. Break the rule and you die a painful death.
Serena and Junior crossed that line years ago. It was never just physical for them. They shared a soul searing love. But they knew it would mean the end. So their love turned to hate, to protect them from their fathers.
The line between love and hate is obliterated when one of their own faces a tragic loss. Serena and Junior are no longer willing to hide their love. Loving one another will mean losing everything.
I was so happy to hear that RVD was going to give us more of our favorite mafia family’s. She delivers the sizzle that we have come to expect, along with characters you will quickly come to love. Both the OG and the new will leave you coming back for more. The story is not short on drama, heartache or bloodshed. Revisiting my old favorites and meeting my new ones was better than expected. Once again, the author has created a family that will keep me coming back for more.
Ruthless Princess is the first book in the Mafia Royals series. The Mafia Royals is the second generation of the Elect Elite. So If you have read the Elect Elite series then you are familiar with the heads of the Mafia families and these are their kids. If you haven’t no worries you can still read this one and be totally fine. You will love Junior, Violet, Izzy, Serena, Asher and the rest of the family. This is Serena and Juniors book and one heck of a rollercoaster ride. Think Romeo and Juliet when it comes to Serena and Junior. They have such a love/hate relationship that pulls you in. You feel the passion between them even at their youngish age. Nothing can stop these two. They are strong and that pull between them they fight so hard against leaves you glued to the pages. I’m going to throw this out there if you want some back story on Asher I would read Royal Bully to get the full effect. Now you will just get a little emotional with this one. But you will cheer Asher, Junior and Serena on as they step up against their families and prove they are ready to lead the families in a different direction. I could not get enough of this one. I need more of these Mafia Royals and cannot wait to see the direction Rachel Van Dyken takes us next.
Let me first say that I have not read the original Elite series.
The characters, the storyline and the emotion I felt while reading the prequel, Royal Bully captured my attention and my heart, but this book captured my everything down to my soul.
I was rooting for Serena and Junior from the little I knew of them while reading the prequel but that barely touched the surface of the chemistry and devotion, they had for each other. The love/hate banter between them made me swoon one page only to have my heart shredded the next.
The writing was phenomenal, I was so quickly pulled into the spell of RVD’s words I felt like I was right there with them my reality fell away, I was wrapped up in a world that was ran by the mob and I didn’t want to leave.
These kids who had always known what their adult lives would entail or thought they did but throughout this book the bond between the cousins strengthened and as that happened, they grew stronger as a family that were determined to leave their own mark on the world and make their own rules. I’m so happy I get to read along from the beginning as this series will certainly be an epic journey.
I recieved an ARC of this from Valentine PR on behalf of the author. My opinion is my own and has not been influenced.
This kept me up to 5am. I loved every minute. I laughed, I cried. I still wanna be Tex Campisi.
But Junior and Serena put me through the ringer. I can’t believe Rachel Van Dyken. She’s not afraid to go there. In any aspect. She’s the queen of Mafia romance. I love this world. I’ve been in it for years and would happily spend just as many still here.
This is a standalone series that’s connected to RVD’s Eagle Elite series. You don’t have to read that, although I cannot recommend it enough.
This childhood friend to enemies to lovers story is full of passion and emotion. I was sucked in and couldn’t sleep until the last word. Even then, I’m already looking for time to reread this.
Blood in. No out.
I don’t even want it. What I do want is Breakers story. Right now.
This was hands down my best read of 2020. I found Rachel a little over a year ago with her Eagle Elite series, I’m not ashamed to admit how much of my life has been consumed with her books. I go through and preorder every single one as they’re announced (other than Dark Ones…sorry Rachel PNR is just not my jam). I was lucky enough to get an ARC for myself to review on my blog and I cannot wait to post it over there.
This book tore me to pieces, put me back together and tore me to pieces again. It had a glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite Mafia men and women as well but I loved that it was a totally different story. You don’t have to have read Eagle Elite to keep up with these kids.
The character development was outstanding. Every character had traits of their parents that I both loved and hated, but I’ve not even gotten to the best part yet, Serena and Juniors story.
Serena is one of those characters you love to hate but secretly find yourself rooting for. I was really worried that Junior was going to get his fathers dark traits but what he did to save those kids was outstanding. He’s got the better parts of Phoenix for sure.
I of course was rooting for them the entire book and I was seriously worried that Rachel was going to destroy us with no HEA and a cliffhanger…which she gave us a shelf hanger…that works right, not as big of a cliffhanger but still a hanger?
You absolutely must add this to your TBR…or just go read it when it comes out. You will not read a book that compares in 2020.
The next generation of the Eagle Elite is here and they are magnificent. Mafia royalty has arrived on your kindle, buckle up for more pain more danger more brutality just MORE.
The children of my favourite Mafia families are ready to take their rightful place and rule. All the characters from the previous books are here to observe guide and torture all in the name of family. Serena is the mafia princess she is her fathers daughter, Nixon has tried his best to prepare her for this world and it’s expectations. Junior is weighed down by his father’s past actions, Phoenix made mistakes and he is still paying for them years later.
There are rules in this life and dissent is setttled one way BLOOD IN NO OUT. I thought the parents were intense but the new Elite are full on and in charge. The writing is sublime the characters are perfect and the storyline is a heartbreaking thrilling ride from start to finish. I loved Serena’s fierceness, she is courage strength in sharp stiletto shoes and the star of the book for me.
Although this is the start of a new series I would recommend starting with The Eagle Elite series because there is a lot of history with all the guys that will impact on the children and their stories and without knowing it all you will be left guessing.
TOP BOOK OF 2020
And that ladies and gents is how it’s done! Anyone who knows me knows of my love for Rachel Van Dyken’s Mafia books and she did not let me down with Ruthless Princess.
Ruthless Princess is a brand new mafia series from RVD and you DO NOT need to read her Eagle Elite series to read this one… BUT if you have read that series then you will enjoy this book so much more!
Serena and Junior, Nixon and Phoenix’s kids. My heart when I heard that they would be getting together was racing because I knew, I just knew of the history between Nixon, Phoenix and Trace and I just knew that their love story wouldn’t be with out heartbreak and causing me to have a heart attack! I cried waaaaay to much with this book and I felt physical pain at several points. It was utterly heartbreaking!
Serena is my new girl crush. That girl was so strong when she needed to be but when she showed her vulnerable side, I legit died.
Junior is now on my book boyfriend list because even though he knew his love for Serena could end up with him dead, he always put her first, even if it hurt her because that’s what love is. Love is hurting when the other person hurts, keeping them safe even if it’s from themselves and lifting them up when they don’t see any way out. That was Junior all over and I fell so deeply in love with him.
A brand new, mafia, enemies to lovers, college romance that will stop your world while you are reading because you won’t want to adult for a single minute when this hits you’re kindle! One of my favourite books by RVD.
Side note:I think I highlighted about 70% of this book, so that just shows you how much I enjoyed and how well written it was!
Blood in, no out!
I’m so freaking happy that RvD is back with her mafia world. In this new series we meet the next generation of Eagle Elite. Ruthless Princess is book one and I’m already sucked into this dangerous world.
I could not put this book down and finished it in a day. This story had all the things I love about mafia romance. Love, hate, forbidden lust, humor, secrets and conflicting loyalties. It was dark and delicious.
Cannot wait to read more.
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You don’t need to read Eagle Elite series to read this one. It’s a brand new series. However I do recommend reading Royal Bully (the free prequel)
Ruthless Princess evoked every emotion out of me and then threw me for a loop as the twists and turns blew my mind! Rachel Van Dyken surprised and excited me with this second generation of Mafia. Junior and Serena are explosive, bada$$, sexy, and trapped in a life and situation that didn’t ask for. The intensity, raw sexiness and hot as hell desire these two possess is spectacular and I could not get enough! Don’t even get me started on the others – especially Asher. This generation is sharp, hopeful, enticing, powerful and consuming to the core. Hold on to your hats and glasses because you’re in for a hell of a ride.
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends