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
If I had to look in the dictionary for the perfect word to describe this book, it would be tragic. This characters are young with the ability to have anything they want at the palm of their hands and still, you could feel their despair pouring out of the pages. Feeling trapped but also loyal to the family legacy, they become ruthless and dangerous. Any debt is payed with pain and blood. They know and have accepted their lifestyle. They even like it. Thrive on it. But that doesn’t mean that they are content. Serena and Junior love with the same intensity as they hate. With a dedication comparable to their loyalty to the family. And it’s their time to leave a mark, make a change. Make their own paths without dragging with it mistakes from the past.
This book is just the beginning of dangers to come and changes to be made. But one thing is clear, as family they will all face whatever comes together. And contrary to previous beliefs, love is not a weakness. Is actually a necessary reinforcement. Is what keeps Serena and Junior sane.
The Queen of mafia trope is back with a new series based on the world of Eagle Elite, it’s time for the next generation to take over. Rachel brings us back to the ruthless world of Eagle Elite University. It all starts in Royal Bully a prequel to this new series, the story about Ash, now we get to see Serena and Junior’s story one that started like no other, forbidden love has never tasted so bittersweet. A fierce heroine, one that takes being a bitch to the next level and a hero that will make you fall in love and fight anyone for. This new series can be read separately from the original one, this book is a must-read on the top reads for this year and one that came to star for a long time. Bravo RVD I give you a standing ovation for this one!
Once again Rachel has sucked us right back into the ruthless world of the Mafia and the Elite gang is all grown up with kids of there own! It’s the kids turn to take the reigns of the Kingdome and it will be one wild ride!
Serena and Junior are the King and Queen of the mafia family. Nixon is trying to prepare Serena to one day take over with Junior being her under boss but all that will be hard with the two of them constantly at eachothers throats either wanting to kill eachother or once upon a time tear eachother clothes off.
The bosses have one major rule and that’s not to fall in love with eachother. Well Serena and Junior broke that promise long ago. With someone after the family the kids are all called home to prepare for the battle of thier lives! While some prepare to protect the family and do what they have been groomed to do others will fight to not give into thier feelings. My heart hurt for the hurt and loss they will have to go threw in order to make it out on the other side. Some will rise to become the rightful role they were born into and some will not make it out the other side! Rachel has given us so many years of these wonderful characters we’ve seen them grow up and become the men they are today and now we get to see there kids do it!
Did you know that Rachel Van Dyken has a new mafia romance series? You didn’t? Well let me tell you about it. Ruthless Princess is book one in the Mafia Royals series and it was gut wrenching. I almost did not want to read it because I was afraid my boys, the original loves of my life at Eagle Elite, were not going to be in the story. Also, I knew that Van Dyken was going to tear my beating heart from my chest with this emotional story. Well, the book is not about Nixon, Chase, Tex, or Phoenix, but they are ever present which of course just made my little heart go pitter patter. Now back to characters of Ruthless Princess, there is a new generation that is taking over the mafia world and it is their turn to shine. This book is a no-holds barred kind of story with lots of guns, knives, sex, and drama. Oh, did I mention there was sex? Well there is and it is tantalizing and for the characters it is taboo. So, people I am not going to tell you again, get busy ready this series because it is to die for (pun intended). Scandalous Princess, book two, comes out in January of next year. 5-stars for Ruthless Princess by RVD
All the children knew growing up that there was to be no relationships between the kids. Growing up mafia had its rules, but they were there to keep everyone safe, the mind might know that, but the heart has a harder time keeping up. Serena Abandonato has been groomed to take over as head of the Cosa Nostra from her father and she is determined to make him proud. One thing though that would not make Nixon happy is knowing that once upon a time Serena was in love with Junior Nicolasi. Serena and Junior must see each other everyday and work together to keep the family safe but their hate is almost as strong as their love once was. Old enemies are coming back to haunt the five families and it is time for the mafia world and Junior to see exactly what a Ruthless Princess Serena can be.
Ruthless Princess by Rachel Van Dyken
Oh my Godddd.
Rachel Van Dyken kills me. See, these are the books I never thought I needed. Me reading an intense mafia book is one thing, eagerly anticipating and cursing the wait is another. But RVD has such a hold on me and has done since Eagle Elite and try as I might, I can’t shake her off. The characters, the storyline, The Family – all of it consume me, take my breathe away, only to give it back sparingly. But enough about me!
This is Junior and Serena’s story and is a complete standalone. They’ve been in love with each other for years but sadly for all, their love is forbidden. And I don’t mean forbidden in that they’ll get a rap over their knuckles for it. I mean that it’s punishable by death. As much as they try to stay apart, their hearts are drawn to each other and in this world they live in with unending ruthlessness and bloodshed, they are each other’s rock and best friend.
I fucking loved both Junior and Serena. They were perfectly imperfect, flawed as only the best characters can be. My heart ached for them and yearned with them. I laughed and I cried and I felt like I was living this story with them. Just perfection.
If you’ve read RVD’s Eagle Elite series before, you’re in for a treat but if you haven’t, don’t fear! This is a whole new generation of mafia and you don’t need to have read anything at all prior to jumping in.
As always, Blood In, No Out.
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
Been dying to read this series since it was first announced as can never get enough mafia by this author. Even from just the prologue you’ll understand why.
I try to review as I read but yet again I find myself sucked into the mafia world Rach has created unable to look away. The amazingly graphic detailing makes you feel like you’re standing there beside the Elect. Blood in no out.
The push and pull between S & J is almost painful to watch. Old time readers will understand why the parents made the rule that they have, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Now it’s just a matter of how much blood is shed and how many bodies drop before an outcome either way happens.
Throw in those fateful and feared white horses and you’ll be rocking in a corner with a machete in one hand, wine (or vodka) in the other before the book is even halfway done.
The Elect plan to do things differently than the way their parents did. Will it be better or worse? Will it help make this fated love story a fairytale or a nightmare?
I won’t say anything else so I don’t ruin the story for anyone but ONE CLICK IMMEDIATELY!!!
4.5 stars–RUTHLESS PRINCESS is the first full-length instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, New adult MAFIA ROYALS erotic, dark, mafia romance series, a next generation spin off set in the author’s Eagle Elite world. This is Mafia Princess Serena Abandanato , and Junior DeLange -Nicholi’s story line. RUTHLESS PRINCESS can be read as a stand alone: you do not have to have read the Eagle Elite series but I recommend the prequel novella Royal Bully for back story as it pertains to Asher and Claire.
WARNING: Ruthless Princes contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Serena and Junior) RUTHLESS PRINCESS follows the forbidden relationship between Mafia Princess Serena Abandanato , and Junior DeLange -Nicolasi. Serena Abandanato is the heir to the Abandanato throne but The Cosa Nostra has rules that must be obeyed or consequences are swift and deadly. As the daughter of Nixon Abandanato, Serena is off limits to all of her “cousins”, the extended members of the Abandanato family but more specifically off limits to Junior DeLange-Nicolasi, whose own family history has reshaped the current organization of the Cosa Nostra. Junior has been in love with Serena since the age of fifteen but when family members discover their current relationship, the order is sent to break them apart or meet reprisals from the family heads. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Junior and Serena, as the next generation of the Abandanato family must enforce their rule and power at the mafia owned and run Eagle Elite University with deadly consequences.
The relationship between Serena And Junior struggles in the face of betrayal, palpable sexual attraction, and the ever present threat of torture and death. Serena and Junior’s relationship is akin to Romeo and Juliet’s fated love, a love that threatens the tentative peace in the Cosa Nostra. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate with the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast includes many of the original couples for the author’s Eagle Elite series: Serena’s parents Nixon and Trace: Asher’s parents Chase and Luc: Junior’s parents Phoenix and Bee: Breaker’s parents Tex and Mo: Sergio and Val: Dante and El, as well as Claire’s uncle Nikolai Blasik. We are reintroduced to Asher Abandanato, and Claire Petrov (Royal Bully), as well as Asher’s sisters Violet and Izzy, Breaker and King Campisi, and the next generation of DeLange Including Annie and Tank.
RUTHLESS PRINCESS is a story of family, betrayal, friendships and love; of vengeance and retribution, rules and consequences. The premise is dark and heart breaking; the romance struggles in the face of threats, secrets and lies; the characters are charismatic, dangerous, broken yet strong. RUTHLESS PRINCESS is an emotional, revealing and gritty story of violence, retribution, passion and love.
This is why RVD is the QUEEN of mafia!!!!
A phenomenal book , its brutal, raw and oh so heartbreaking but soooooo sinfully sexy too.
A perfect package of awesomeness all wrapped up in mafia brutality!!!!!
Ruthless princess will grip you the minute you turn the first page and takes you on a journey of heartbreak, betrayal and revenge ,when love and hate collide and the forbidden is the only thing you need but cant have all hell will surely be let loose.
Welcome to the new era of eagle elite….Blood in. No out…..
**Received an ARC for an honest review** Wow. This book. Rip my heart out, ALL. THE. FEELS. RVD brings us back into her mafia family world with the 2nd generation, introducing us to Serena and Junior and their ruthless, devastating, and downright smokin hot romance. We also meet the other mafia generation 2.0 and have cameo’s from the original Eagle Elite. But make not mistakes, this ain’t there parent’s mafia anymore. This generation makes it very clear that this generation is their story, their’s alone with maybe a little parent meddling of course. Their stories are going to be one hell of a roller coaster ride if Serena and Junior are any indication, with the level of heart bleed in this book. I couldn’t put it down, and now I need more from this generation of mafia.
What an emotional rollercoaster ride this was!!! Lana~White Hot Reads
Serena and Junior are everything to each other but have to act like they hate each other just to survive their life in the mafia. It gutted me to see them put the mafia first before love but soon they realize if you don’t have love then you have nothing. I loved how the kids took charge and made the mafia theirs. I think I had every emotion you can think off while reading this book but in the end it was their love to prevailed.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
I loved The Bully, the short story before this one, and knew I wanted to read the rest of this series. I liked this one but didn’t love it. It gave me all the feels it takes to make a story great but there were too many cringe-worthy feelings. And it took me longer to read it because I had to make myself finish it. Yes I know it is a mafia story and not a sweet lovey-dovey story. There was just too much these young teens and young adults were put through to be part of these families. And yes I did read some of the Eagle Elite series and I loved what I read of it.
Serena and Junior are two children of the five main mafia families and falling in love is not an option. But you can’t help who you fall in love with. Whether it is an enemy or a friend. So they are keeping it a secret, but what happens if they get caught? The penalty for wanting out of the family life would be death. What will their penalty be?
Yes, it is worth reading if you like mafia romance and dark reads. Yes, it is worth reading if you love the Eagle Elite series. Yes, it is worth reading even if you hate Nixon from Eagle Elite. I am looking forward to reading the next one to see where author Rachel van Dyken takes this series.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
Rachel Van Dyken is one author who I will instantly one-click whenever she releases a new book. Her Eagle Elite series is up there with my favourites and I’ll never stop wanting more Mafia from her. I did wonder if this next generation series would just be more of what we’ve already seen in EE over the years, but honestly it was fabulous to witness the children making their own mark in a world that they have been born into. I felt that the first half of the book gave those new to the families an introduction to this life and enough information so that they wouldn’t feel lost regarding knowing who is who, but the second half had everything I love about this author’s writing and I didn’t want the story to end.
Serena and Junior’s story showed just how ruthless Mafia life can be. Torn between acting on the love that they have for each other and the rules set down by their fathers, I could see how hard it was for them. Hate and love are powerful emotions and can sometimes be blurred between two people, especially when the couple are being scrutinised by some of the most powerful men in the world and I thought the author showed this very well indeed.
I loved getting to know the others in this new generation of Mafia royalty. There were scenes throughout the book which brought out all the emotions in me. Having already read the Eagle Elite series I expected that there would be elements in this story that would surprise me and in some scenes I couldn’t predict which way the story was going to unfold….. which I loved!
I do feel it is worth reading Royal Bully before starting Ruthless Princess. As far as I am aware, Royal Bully will always be free to download and it gives you a good introduction to the characters that you will read about and a taster of what to expect in this series. I loved being back with everyone I’ve grown to know and love over the years and I cannot wait for more when Scandalous Prince releases in early 2021. I award Ruthless Princess 4-4.5 stars and a recommendation that you devour this and all of Rachel’s Mafia books if you haven’t already done so.
I read an advanced copy for an honest review,.
In this standalone book of the next generation of the mafia families, we follow the story of Serena and Junior.
They were forbidden lovers, who had to choose Family over personal choice, at the young age of 16. They separated, went off to college and thought they would move on with their lives.
Suddenly in their senior year of college, a threat calls all of the next generation kids back to Eagle Elite University to keep them safe. Ex lovers, now enemies have to work together for the common good of keeping everyone safe.
The sexual tension between Serena and Junior is off the charts. The rollercoaster ride the story takes will gut you and it will feel like a million sharp knives have stabbed you at the same time.
This story will have you smirking at the snark one minute, crying your eyes out the next and then gasping for air another time.
Before reading, buckle up, because you are going to be in for one heck of a ride!
ARC received for an honest review
Me as I was reading Ruthless Princess: I laughed. I got angry. I still hate Nixon. I was WTF and holy hell. I cried. Did I say I still hate Nixon. I cried again.
I don’t think I need to say any more.
But I will.
Firstly, that cover is FIERCE and I will definitely be getting this book for my shelf.
secondly, this could be read as a stand alone, however to me, if you haven’t read the Eagle Elite series (at least in part) things may get a little bit lost. There has been a lot of build up to this series, and you need to know some of it.
I am obsessed with this book. I am obsessed with Eagle Elite: The Next Generation.
I have so many thoughts about this tale, however I also feel that readers need to just dive in and experience this story, therefore, my lips are sealed
Serena, Junior and Ash really are their dad’s mini-mes. I could completely see their parents in them. Yet they are so much more. I felt they were more stubborn. More intense. And at times more ruthless.
I was lucky that I was buddy reading this book with a friend, as I was able to vent my feelings as I was going. And I went through allll the emotions. I was a wreck. It is the morning after the night before, and I am still at a loss for what to say.
Buy this book. And devour it. Just have wine / vodka and tissues handy.
4.5 stars
Theres something to be said when in certain parts of a mafia story that you cant help but laugh, cry, cringe and sigh all at once! This book had so many elements where tragedy, love, family and respect all play their part!
Junior and Serena’s story will have you on the edge of your seat! Mafia epicness reigns supreme! There is definitely some difficult parts but in the end family is what matters most! Do they keep their part secret to avoid hurting those closest to them?
How does the family react to things that happen and can the devastation and sadness help them discover that life is fleetingly short and we must seize the moment any way we can!
Ruthless Princess: A Mafia Royals Romance by Rachel Van Dyken is outstanding!
RVD proves once again that she is the Queen of Mafia!
I literally had chills reading this book.
Rachel doesn’t hold anything back.
Blood in, No out .
She lets us feel the pain, the passion, the need to protect, and the emotions that fuel the families. The families that rule.
Now that the younger generation is getting their toes wet in the role of leadership, we see that Serena & Junior are caught between love and loyalty to their families.
It’s so hard to watch them both suffer, while still finding ways to hurt and protect one another.
But believe me, it is worth ALL the feels!
“You’re the keeper of souls, Serena, you keep mine safe, just like I keep yours safe.”
It’s not always pretty, but at the end of the day you know that the Family will not be denied.
5 Phenomenal Stars
We need to talk about this book, so I need you to read this book. Seriously! Wow! I am not sure how to find the words to talk about this book without giving it away, so can you read it please? THANKS!
I have been a fan of Rachel Van Dyken’s books for a while now. She writes in so many genres and they are all wonderful but I think the series with mafia is always the best. Rachel Van Dyken has certainly unleashed something in her writing for this book and brought the fire. I would recommend you start with Royal Bully as it is a fast read to get you into this series and gives a bit of background for this book.
Be prepared when you crack the pages of this book you will be sucked in by the relationship between the two main characters but also the relationship with the rest of the family. If you are a new reader to Rachel Van Dyken and the Eagle Elite series is not in your finished pile, don’t worry, dig in here. You may want to go back and read to learn more about the other characters in the background of this series but you won’t feel lost without having read it.
Serena is a true mafia princess in all the ways that matter but she is not one to hide behind the shiny crown, she fights like the rest of them and is not going to cower. I love how strong this female character is written, she is not the damsel in distress and you do not want to be on her bad side for sure. I think that the thing I love about this book the most is that is portrays a female character in the best way possible, we are not one sided, we have many sides and many feelings that sometimes need to be tamped down to get the work done. We can rely on those close to us and still be the tough, take no shit person we are.
“To live meant to bleed for the Family. To die, meant to turn your back on blood.”
This book is EVERYTHING! It had my heart pumping, a few tears trickling down my cheek, fanning myself, frustrated, enraged and hopeful. Be prepared once you crack this book open you will not be able to walk away….blood in…no out!
““One day… I’m going to kill you.” He said it like a promise. And I answered in truth. “You can’t kill what’s already dead.””
The younger generation has ideas..can they pull it off or will it get them killed? There are rules. Loyalty. Sacrifices. Enemies. Secrets. Families.
“Sometimes, hearts can’t help but beat for the wrong person, and who am I to deny what my heart craves even if it ends up killing me?”
I can’t wait for more…Scandalous Prince, Breaker’s story, coming January 12, 2021
Ruthless Princess is the start to an incredible new series by Rachel Van Dyken. No you do not have to ever read a single book by this brilliant author to enjoy this story, but if you have – you are in for the ride of your life. Sit down, hold on, and give yourself ample time to binge read this badass story. Trust me. You will thank me later.
If you’ve been a fan of RVD for awhile, you’ll know that she has another Mafia series (Eagle Elite) which will take you on the rollercoaster ride of your life. Well… now the five families have grown up. Their legacy is now now taking charge and seeing my favorite characters as parents – takes this to a whole new level.
Blood in – No out. Even for their children. The rules will always be the rules – and they must be upheld at all cost. Even if it means staying from the one you love, because your happiness can only mean one thing – Death for all involved.
Serena and Junior are set to take their throne and be the rightful heirs to the kingdom their parents created. They’ve taken a blood oath to put family above all. And their fathers have made one rule – no fraternizing with the family. Their love has been written in the starts and been a part of them since they began to notice each other as teens. But their fathers won’t stop at death to keep them apart.
But is love with the ultimate price?
I am dying to know how the rest of this series plays out. I couldn’t get enough of it and completely binge read it nearly in one day.
I can’t wait to see what Rachel has in store for us next. Well done Rachel! Blood in – No Out! Please don’t ever stop writing about these memorable characters.
First off poor Junior… the man deserves a metal I would not mess with Nixon Abandanato’s daughter… Ever. That man is equal parts sexy and scary so Junior jumping in there like consequences be damned Serena is the bad ass chick only Nixon could unleash on the world. The pair together is all sex and hotness and steamy explosiveness… but when they’re not together?! All that and more from start to finish I was captivated by the story and the drama unfolding. I devoured the words and begged for the ending never to come! I need more Junior and Serena!