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
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Well. Where do I start? I was on edge for literally this whole book. Junior and Serena were everything. The tension between them, whether they were hating each other or loving each other, was palpable.
This was a really great way to start off this new series about the second generation of Eagle Elite. It was like going back to the start, for this new gen, except way way more intense. Its the mafia we know and love, however its intensity is multiplied. We have this whole new bunch of kids, who are trying to live and respect their upbringing, at the same time as not wanting to fall victim to the same mistakes and issues.
Junior and Serena go together so well, and were the perfect pair to start us off with. Apart from being the oldest, they’re just so…I don’t even know the word. I loved that we got to learn about both of their insecurities, and the things that they want from the world. They also were trying to save each other, amongst all the hate, their underlying love never truly wavered, and held strong.
Apart from focusing on these two, there is also a huge part of the book which is about the kids as a whole. So many really big things happen, and I think some will definitely continue into the next book. There are stand-offs (at which point I was cheering), there were tragedies (at which point I was crying), and there was laughter (at which point, I of course laughed along too, because they wouldn’t be our favourite mafia heroes without their distinct personalities).
I felt a whole range of emotions whilst reading this book, and I devoured it as fast as I could. The series is written to be read as a new set of stand-alones, however I personally believe you would benefit from reading the original Eagle Elite series first, as there is too much history and backstory to really appreciate the whole thing if you haven’t. But that is my personal opinion and in no way affects my review.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and the release date is way too far away for my liking. I’m obsessed. Blood In. No Out.
After Reading the prequel Royal Bully I could not wait to dive into Ruthless Princess. This book is a Forbidden love story between the Juliet and her Romeo of the Mafia world, Serena and Junior. Two young adults who have loved each other since childhood, yet due to the sins of their parents are fated to rule, and to hate the other, not to love.
Rachel’s writing is standout, it’s clear, concise and descriptive. It’s evident she knows who these characters are inside and out. This novel is dark, it’s violent and it’s absolutely everything you want from a next generation Mafia Novel. What I did admire was the amalgamation of love woven into such a dark and violent story. Her characters were unapologetic, they are who they are, they were raised as fighters, as killers, as Kings and Queens ready to rule.
Serena and Junior’s tale is an enemies to lovers slow burn; but you know how much they both hurt to have to hide their real feelings and to try and move past them. Rachel wrote their tortured love affair with such skill that when the punches kept coming, you stood there and took them at a loss of what to feel. There are plenty of twists and turns, and whole lot of emotional carnage in this novel.
I have never read the original Eagle Elite series; but you can guarantee I will now after falling in love with all the Mafia “Daddy’s” I am dying to read their stories. Ruthless Princess not only explored the relationships of peers and lovers, but the relationship between a Father and his child. I was literally in a puddle on the floor for so many scenes when it came to Chase and Nixon!
Ruthless Princess played out as the perfect Mafia fairy tale, whilst expanding this world and there is so much more to come, I for one am here for it!
5 Stars:
The next generation of the Eagle Elite are here! And what a start this book is too. Get yourself ready to be wowed by this impressive tale… actually, I don’t know that you can be prepared? It literally hits you in every emotionally nook and cranny possible taking you through such an incredible journey.
The whole feel is very much the old-time Shakespearean tale of forbidden love due to family issues. The children ignore the directive and the consequences are dire to say the least. Blood in, death out is the code and they mean it too. This romance though is so raw, so passionate, and fiery.
Honestly, there are so many twists and twirls in this story you never know what’s around the corner, I love an unpredictable tale. Ruthless Princess is an extremely fast-paced story and you’ll quickly find yourself at the end of the story but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all rainbows and sunshine- because it isn’t. You definitely need time to digest what happens in this story as the intensity hits you and the impact is quite shattering.
This generation is here and doing it their way in their kingdom- what a realm!
Reviewer: Robyn
__________
5 Stars:
Wow! What a book, this story was one that was an all-engrossing, heart, and hate-fuelled read. I was on tenterhooks and didn’t know what was coming with the next page, or even sentence. My emotions were all over the place and they still are even though I know what happens.
Serena and Junior are fated to fail at every turn. All because of the sins and promises of and to their fathers. This book is for me like a modern Romeo And Juliet. All though their families are no longer outwardly at war. But some of their past sins still stand and need to be paid and answered for.
This story at its core is heartbreaking, beyond any words, and the two twirls references broke my heart every time. I loved going back to this family. It has been a long time coming for me. And this book stands tall and is on complete par with its predecessors.
This book is a total recommendation for me. I will say this now. It’s a contender for book of the year for me. Bravo RVD. You broke me again but in the best possible way.
Reviewer: Donna
Woah! Get ready for this blood in, no out book! Serena and Junior love each but they know shouldn’t be together. It’s just not done in the families.
One minute I was holding my breath, the next reading through the tears. I laughed, I cried, tried to see how this was going to play out. I was enthralled with this whole book from beginning to end. This book was pretty hot for a RVD book! Eep!
It’s always been about family and now the kids have to make their way. Show their parents that they were raised right but they have ideas of their own.
So buckle up and be ready to devour this book of this new series. I highly recommend if you haven’t had a chance to read the Eagle Elite series, I definitely would. You don’t have to read it before this series but it’s sooo good!
The second generation of Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia families are a force to be reckoned with. They have been raised to be fierce, brutal, and loyal to the Families. Now they are in college and the plans they each had individually are on hold as the families rally together. They find themselves students at Eagle Elite, run by the families, facing a threat they can’t see.
Serena has grown up knowing she is the heir to the Abandonato family. She has developed a sarcastic wit, fierce temper, and the ability to seduce any man, even if no one will let her flirt with anyone seriously. She fell in love with the wrong boy, and now keeps herself aloof so her feelings can’t be used against her, or even worse, break apart the families.
Junior is Phoenix’s son, living in the shadows of his father’s actions. He may not carry the De Lange name his father was born with, but he knows it runs in his veins. He is quick to brutality, and fiercely protective of those around him. He may want Serena, but he knows it is better to hate her than to break all the rules. But if he can’t have her, he’s also not sure he can watch anyone else have her either.
The rule is no dating within the families. But because Junior and Serena can’t be together, their friendship turns bitter and what was once sweet turns to acid.
This was a vicious friends to enemies to lovers situation. Nothing about life as an Elite is easy, and the hard edges everyone develops makes everyone prickly and quick to anger. The emotion between Junior and Serena is so fierce that at times I wondered how they were going to go from such strong hatred to believable love.
I struggled with the same aspect of the story as I did when I read Elite all those years ago. The combination of their ages and the college setting sometimes makes the violence feel out of place. But as they step into the roles they’ve been tasked with, I fell into their world and found myself pulled into the story. This second generation promises to be even more intense than their parents as they grow into their own and take the future of the families into their own hands.
THIS BOOK!! Oh my god!!! It was so good. Like cannot and will not put it down good. This book didn’t hold back one little thing. There was love and hatred, life and death, and so much blood. The characters were raw and determined in what they had to do for their families which made the storyline grip you and not let you go. Serena was the perfect princess for the family but she held so much pain and Junior was the cause of her pain and hated every second of it. The journey these two had to get together was intense and the surrounding characters played such a huge role that you just knew they would continue to be important. Hands down one of the best books I have read in the last couple of months.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
This book was such a great read. It had a little bit of everything: humor, sadness/heartbreak, sex, and of course mafia! Once I finished the book all I could think about is Nick Jonas’ song, “Jealous”.
This is the beginning of a new series that is a spin off of Rachel’s original mafia series, “Eagle Elite”. You do not need to read the original series to read this book, but it doesn’t hurt, plus it makes some of the book even funnier.
Again, this book is excellent and I devoured it.
I adore the Eagle Elite world, it’s where my love of mafia romance began, and many struggle to live up to my expectations after reading Rachel Van Dyken’s work. I couldn’t wait to dive into the Mafia Royals series, particularly after I devoured Royal Bully. I highly recommend reading Royal Bully before you start Serena and Junior’s story.
There are rules, the children of mafia royalty must adhere by, the biggest that they cannot have a relationship with an heir from any of the other five families, and the break the rules is punishable by death. This is a story of star crossed lovers, they were childhood friends who grew into soul mates, until they were torn apart by those they love and respect the most.
Serena Abondonato is the pride and joy and heir to the Abondonato family. For those familiar with the Eagle Elite series, she is Nixon and Trace’s daughter, and boy does she live up to her family name. Serena is a lethal bad-ass, a feisty, fierce and ruthless heroine. But despite her strength, resilience and courage she also has a vulnerable side.
Junior Nicolasi is the heir to the Nicolasi crime family, and Phoenix’s son. Junior is a tortured soul, who is attempting to atone for the sins of his blood. He’s arrogant, cold, and vicious, but his heart belongs to Serena and he longs to make her his.
There’s a fine line between love and hate, and Serena and Junior’s romance is brutal, intense, gritty and violent. Despite the pain they put each other through, they long for each other, and their forbidden love story is angsty, emotional and full of intrigue, secrets and suspense.
I’ve tried to be as vague as possible with this review but this book is phenomenal, I was wrapped in the world of blood in, no out and cannot wait for more of these intriguing, complex characters. The twists and turns kept me completely enthralled and I cannot wait for the next installment of the Mafia Royals.
~~TOP 10 RECOMMENDED~~
One word is AMAZING for Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken and much more. This is a whole new generation of a Mafia family we have seen in the past and boy it is nothing like you expect. There is something opening near the Eagle Elite University and it is something Serena and Junior were not expecting. A man who has always loved his Ruthless Princess must decide if family is important than giving his soul to her. A woman who must decide to be loyal to the family that raised her to be ruthless and scary or go all blood in with the Prince that hates her. Serena is one tough as nails woman never once showing any remorse, emotion or heart but man when it comes to Junior beware. Readers beware this is not an easy book to read but one filled with such hate, foreplay and tons of knives and guns going every way makes you wonder where it all begins. We see these two fight for everything they want but cannot have then we see others pushing them together but afraid of the main bosses. All in all this is one that will blow your mind away by this generation that makes you wonder why Rachel Van Dyken took this long to create them. Blood in No Out a Princess and Prince, two differently families fighting for a love that is impossible. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
RVD is going back to her mafia roots and I could not be more excited. Her Eagle Elite series is what made me a hardcore RVD fan back in 2013. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she has written since, but her mafia stories hold special place in my heart and I jumped at the change to read an advance copy of her newest series.
Ruthless Princess is the start of Mafia Royals series and Rachels throws down the blades from the very start. You do not need to read the Eagle Elite series to read this series because it is a whole new group of characters – kids of the Eagle Elite. The Mafia bosses do make appearances, however it’s more with showing of a lineage and helps give you and understanding how all these kids related. It is a lot to taken in, but Rachel does it with ease so you are not lost.
And when I say kids, I say that very loosely. They are adults now – all in their college years. But growing up in the mafia makes you mature much faster than a child normally would. Rachel definitely lets her characters rule the pages and does not hold back on anything. There is a lot of blood, sex and intense scenes. And I LOVED EVERY DAMN BIT OF IT!!!
Ruthless Princess is truly Serena and Junior’s story. But Rachel also uses it to set the stage for what is come of all the cousins within this series. She does is gracefully and never deters from the main story – Serena and Junior’s their forbidden romance.
I will not into details about anything. Just know that not once is there a slowdown in this book. Rachel brings the perfect mix of suspense, steam and even some humor to keep things entertaining on the lighter side. The new Mafia Regime is not holding back on anything and they are determined to not repeat the mistakes of their fathers.
As I said before, you can read this book as a standalone and not have a problem. However, I can’t promise you that after reading this, that you won’t want to go back and read the Eagle Elite series. Rachel does a phenomenal job of introducing the next generation in the Elite mafia and holds back on nothing.
Another great series that will give RVD fans something to look forward to every year with a new mafia progeny.
The next generation of the Eagle Elite are here! And what a start this book is too. Get yourself ready to be wowed by this impressive tale… actually I don’t know that you can be prepared? It literally hits you in every emotionally nook and cranny possible taking you through such an incredible journey.
The whole feel is very much the old time Shakespearean tale of forbidden love due to family issues. The children ignore the directive and the consequences are dire to say the least. Blood in, death out is the code and they mean it too. This romance though is so raw, so passionate and fiery.
Honestly, there are so many twists and twirls in this story you never know what’s around the corner, I love an unpredictable tale. Ruthless Princess is an extremely fast paced story and you’ll quickly find yourself at the end of the story but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all rainbows and sunshine- because it isn’t. You definitely need time to digest what happens in this story as the intensity hits you and the impact is quite shattering.
This generation is here and doing it their way in their kingdom- what a realm!
I have read all of Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia books, and I gotta say…this new generation is something else! I think they are more violent and agitated than their parents and that is saying a lot.
It’s the next generation of mafia and these kids do not have it easy. They are the legacy and they have been trained in the ways of the family and the older ones are beginning to earn their place. Serena is Nixon’s daughter and heir to the Abandonato throne. She is tough, sarcastic, and just as vicious as the men of the families. But her Achilles heel is her feelings for Junior.
Junior is the son of Phoenix Nicolasi. He is marked by the sins of his father and their now almost extinct former family of De Lange. He is angry, bitter, ruthless, and is also plagued by his feelings for Serena. They know the rules…no relationships between the family’s offspring. It is supposed to keep everyone focused and cut down on drama. But their underlying secret love affair turned feud is all-consuming.
This one might be the most raw and angriest friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers book I have ever read! It is forbidden love, hate, and lust. It’s sick, twisted, and many times painful both emotionally and physically. They use sparring and violence as foreplay and taunt each other terribly. They are jealous and spiteful. But under all the bravado and steel, they both have been hurt and felt rejected by the other. And both are afraid to disobey their parents and attempt to be together. It literally could mean war with their parents and various families involved. But it is becoming obvious that these two and this whole group of offspring are not going to follow along blindly or quietly.
Their relationship is so adversarial and there is so much violence, at times I was not even sure what I was feeling for the first half of the book. It seemed to bother me more than in the other books and I was not sure why–if it was because it was younger people or maybe male/female or if it was just more graphic. It is an intense, dark, emotional rollercoaster and nothing is held back. But as it went on some twists and surprises caused new perspectives and more vulnerability. As the kids started taking more ownership, I got more and more invested in them and their fight to break free of their parents’ sins and rules. I enjoyed seeing the softer cores and deep ties of these intense and unfiltered characters.
They are the new Elect and it is their turn to run Elite and to start making some decisions for the families. And even though there is not supposed to be romantic entanglements between the members, we are obviously going to be seeing more of that. I am almost afraid of what else is coming as the series progresses. This one definitely started it off with a bang…well at least a lot of knives, guns, fists, and even syringes. Blood In. No Out!
SO WORTH THE ANTICIPATION Rachel Van Dyken gives you incredible look into the next generation of Mafia!
Serena Abandanto is the Queen to her Father’s throne and her Fathers Princess, she has loved Junior Nicolasi since she was a teenager, but the were told by the Family no one will date each other from the family or it will mean death.
The story that unfolds will simultaneously break your heart and give you hope.
PSA – tissues are needed in the reading of this book!
Thank you Rachel for another spectacular read.
I don’t think there is a couple who have gone thru the more to be together than Serena and Junior. Rachel Van Dyken has given us these crazy complex world of mafia life where blood in, no out means everything. Even if you are family. I loved this book and it pulled at every emotion where one moment you can’t believe what’s happening to the next where you are wondering if they will survive. Great book and I want more!!
The Queen of Mafia did it again
Ruthless Princess actually almost left me speechless.
There are no words for the intensity, the love, the hate, all these complications that define the world of Eagle Elite, the world of the new Mafia Royals.
As a 100% obsessed fan of the original EE series I am probably biased on loving this book but I don’t care.
It’s a new generation coming and they are not only already aware of the world they live in but they are ready to take it on. With each other and with the bosses, aka their own parents.
Finding love in this craziness should be something impossible but that’s what Serena Abandonato and Junior Nicolasi found quite early on. A forbidden love, protected by … hate.
This book is an intense ride through everything but it gets you addicted right from the beginning.
It is not specifically needed to have read the previous books of the original EE series, but from my POV I would recommend it. Ruthless Princess is completely awesome and incredible as a standalone on its own but it’s even better, like over the top, if you have these background information.
5Stars and more and more … can’t wait for this to continue!!!!
The Mafia Queen is back! I finished this book a couple of hours ago and I was blown away, this was everything! it was sexy, heartbreaking and intriguing! Serena and Junior were everything!
Serena and Junior rule the Eagle Elite University. They are both next in line to take over their mafia families. They fell in love as teenagers but if their families found out they would be killed. That fear turned best friends and lovers to enemies.
Rachel Van Dyken’s new Mafia Royals series. This series is a spinoff to the previously written Eagle Elite series. After reading this story I wish that I had read the Eagle Elite series first. While it is not needed, I felt a little lost trying to keep up with all the families and their names. Besides that, I really enjoyed this story. Rachel did an amazing job drawing the reader in. I was so invested in Serena and Junior that I could not put the book down. My heart hurt for them. You could tell they were both and love and doing what they could to “hate” the other so it would not hurt so bad. I am anxious to see what will happen next with these families.
I wrote this review based on an advance reading copy that the publisher sent me.
Let me just start off by saying this is the BEST MAFIA BOOK I HAVE READ SO FAR. HANDS FUCKING DOWN. I can not express how much I loved this book.
Rachel did an amazing job with this one, I believe this is how Mafia royal romance stories should be. Both man and woman are treated equally here, literally. Their definition of foreplay is fighting each other, making each other bleed. NO HOLDING BACK. When I say fighting I literally mean punching, kicking, slicing skin with a machete etc.
Have you ever heard about a made woman?, Not a made man but a made woman? Because I honestly never have until this book. Rachel satisfied my inner female empowerment mood or side or part, I mean you know what I’m trying to say right?
God Serena and Junior, their love was so fucking pure and forbidden and just wow. My heart seriously broke for them during the start, the angst was like off the charts. I just wanted to kidnap them myself and drop them to a private island no one knows about so they could just be together. Every time I read this “Hate you for as long as we both shall live…” I just wanted to cry. Like PLS NO. STOP IT.
They both were forced to hate each other due to certain circumstances. Especially since they were forced to study in the same university due to safety reasons and had to see each other almost everyday. The love they both cherished turned into hatred as that was the only way they could protect themselves. Junior had to carry his fathers sins on his shoulder, which made it more difficult for him to prove himself in front of the bosses.
But the story wasn’t just about them (technically I mean it is but…), you get to meet the ENTIRE MAFIA FAMILY, and omg the extra protective fathers, equally crazy scary mothers and of course the bonds between all the cousins/step cousins.
“Need us to cover for you?” I exhaled in relief. “If anyone asks, she had a headache and went to lay down.” “Ohhh, a headache, nice one.” King smiled. “And your dick is like her Advil, or what?”
Like how can you not love them? They literally stuck by one another till the very end. Omg don’t even get me started on the ending, I cried like a baby, Junior and Serena. That’s all I’m going to say.
So much more happens in this book, each family has their own story, their own secrets and I can not wait to read the upcoming books and to see who is paired up with who. I think I already have a feeling about Ash…. someone who’s name starts with an A too.
I would highly recommend everyone who loves reading mafia romance books especially if they love bad ass MG’s.
Mafia romance fans, Rachel Van Dyken is back with an all-new mafia series! Ruthless Princess is a standalone—let me repeat: STANDALONE book!! While it does have some appearances from beloved Eagle Elite characters, there is nothing in this book that means you have to read the entire EE series before reading this book. Now, if you WANT to tackle that series first, I say go for it. It’s my favorite series to date by one of my top fave authors of all time.
Now that we have made that perfectly clear, on with the review!
Ummm…this book literally left me speechless. In a good way, though, I promise! Soooo much happens in this book and telling you even just a little bit borders on spoiler territory. Let me see if I can sum it up. How many times can Rachel Van Dyken break your heart and stitch it almost all the way back up before she shatters it all over again? Yeah…I lost count. I think Junior is my new beloved anti-hero, although Ash is right up there with him. And Serena is wise beyond her years by the middle of this book. There was a part that made me want to stand up and cheer for all the new-gen mafia but it was something like 2 am and hubs would have totally growled at me if I had done that. So, in my head I was jumping up and down, clapping and cheering them on all while wiping away even more tears.
NICUnurse’s Rating: If you don’t like angsty, sexy books, this book will NOT be for you. It is chocked full of angst and sexy times. And language. And violence. But hey…it’s mafia so if that’s surprising to you, mafia romance is probably not your thing. Rachel totally hits it out of the park with Ruthless Princess. The emotional roller coaster was so wild, it was probably about a week before I felt like I’d finally gotten off the ride! This is NOT a feel-good romance but there are feel-good moments in it. It’s emotional. It’s gritty. Totally angsty. Sexy. And all that Rachel’s mafia romance junkies have come to expect from her and then some! But if you’re looking for soft and sweet, it’s not on these pages. As a long-time RVD fan, this one still had me amazed. I know she’s super proud of this book, and I’m here to tell you that she has every right to be.
I give Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken 5 out of 5 stars!
5 amazing stars
Wow, oh, wow, oh, wow!
As always anything RVD is always amazing but Ruthless Princess was beyond amazing. To read of the kids and their lives now while still having the original Eagle Elite, there parents in the story is something else. I have always loved mafia reads and when I came across Rachel’s elite series I was hooked from the first page of the first book all the way through to Now read about Serena and Junior and their journey was the nest. I laughed, I cried…more than I care to admit but it was everything. The only thing that I don’t like is the fact I have to wait till next year! NEXT YEAR!!! For the next book of Breakers story. Counting down the days.
Yes once again another fantastic read from the amazingly awesome Rachel Van Dyken!