A mafia romance about secrets and soulmates by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go, before I sleep —Robert FrostI was born under fire and swore to protect her until my dying day, I just never knew that one day, I’d be the very monster I was protecting her from. protecting her from.
She didn’t know it was me.
She didn’t know that I had no choice and would do it again and again to save her.
I may as well have given her the mark on her finger.
The one that shows where her loyalty must lie.
Because we don’t sin in silence.
And eventually, you have to pay up what you owe.
My need to protect her turned into a lie to save her.
And when she found out—I turned in to the very monster I was trying to protect her from.
Watching Violet Abandonato walk out of my life was like a knife to the chest, a wound that refused to heal.
The bosses sent me to protect her, to watch over her even though I was the demon she fled.
We both carry scars.
But if all I can have is her hate for as long as I breathe.
I’ll take it.
Because at the end of the day, I should burn in Hell forever thinking Chase Abandonato’s perfect angel would pick me—over her perfect life.
“I broke you,” I confessed.
“The worst part… is that you liked it,” she snapped right back.
Welcome to the second generation of the mafia, may the best man or woman, be left standing.
May God bless our tainted souls.
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4.25 stars- SCANDALOUS PRINCE is the second full-length instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, new adult MAFIA ROYALS dark, mafia romance series, a next generation spin off set in the author’s Eagle Elite world.. SCANDALOUS PRINCE 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.
WARNING: SCANDALOUS PRINCE contains scenes of violence and assault that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from four first person perspectives (Breaker, Violet, Valerian, Ash) SCANDALOUS PRINCE focuses on love, loss, betrayal, secrets and lies. Breaker Campisi has loved Violet Abandonato most of his life but Breaker knew he would never have been allowed to marry the woman he loved being the ‘adopted’ son of Capo Tex Campisi. With his life about to change direction, Breaker made plans that would break the heart of the woman he loved, and forever alter his connection with family and friends. When a new king of the Russian mob is crowned, Violet finds herself caught between love and hate as she is claimed by a stranger who professes to know everything and more about our story line heroine. Secrets run deep, betrayal and dishonesty are at the heart of the story as Violet must come to terms with her future, a future without the man that she loves.
SCANDALOUS PRINCE is a story of family, of blood, of perception, and power. In the world of the mafia, blood is power, and in this the rightful heir has claimed his throne. Valerian Petrov, back from the dead, takes controls in an effort to protect the woman he loves. One year earlier, Violet Abandonato, would be claimed by Valerian Petrov, and in doing so, sealed the fate and the families between the Cosa Nostra and the Russian mob.
Rachel Van Dyken pulls the reader into a tale of twists and revelations; of heart break, anguish and pain; of acceptance, retaliation, betrayal and love. The roller coaster premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is impassioned and fated; the characters are broken but strong, energetic and charismatic.
This is hands down my favorite mafia book by Rachel Van Dyken. She had me on edge from the beginning of the prologue. As the book went on I ended up with more questions while I was screaming in my head at Rachel for what she’s done and closing my book hoping for a different outcome when I opened it back up. But in normal RVD fashion everything started making sense and I was blown away with how everything played out. And I’m really glad I got talked down from looking ahead a little bit in the book.
As I read the book I could feel all the emotions the characters were feeling and felt so submersed in their world. This book gripped me and didn’t let go until the end. This is the best mafia written by Rachel Van Dyken and a book I will be rereading a lot!
The Eagle Elite series, the parents are older, and the ‘kids’ are now in college. The Mafia Royals series is about the college kids. The books can be read as standalones.
In this book, we have Chase Abandonato – from Eagle Elite series, his daughter, Violet Abandonato
We also have Tex’s adoptive son Breaker. When Breaker first came to the family, he was 10 yrs old, and they didn’t know much about his past when he was younger.
Breaker has been Violets close guardian since they were teenagers. They have been in love with each other since they were teenagers. They knew they would never be allowed to date or marry, they hid their on again / off again romance from everyone. Breaker & Violet have such a close relationship and it is full of twists and turns.
Mafia life isn’t for the faint of heart that’s for sure!
Favorite Quote from the Book, Blood in, not out.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is Mafia and then there is RVD Mafia! Rachel Van Dyken never fails to leave me absolutely speechless. Breaker and Violet’s story was just perfection!
Breaker and Violet are destined to be together. They have an unbreakable bond that is just amazing to read. The rule of the family is they kids can’t date each other. If they break the rule death is the punishment. And let’s just jump right into that. Seeing what happened with Junior and Serena was no easier in someone else’s POV. I was still in tears on the edge of my seat. I think it added a different emotion watching it from the eyes of someone who was living through what they were being punished for.
The emotion in this book. I knew she was going to break me. I knew she would play with my feelings and I still wasn’t prepared for what happens. RVD has this amazing ability to make me cry one minute and laughing so hard it hurts the next. She brings out all the feels, and holds nothing back. The twist and turns, secrets and lies just had me needing more.
It just feels like Van Dyken has taken this next generation and made them even more than their parents were. While I feel the original EE characters definitely add to this series. The entire Cosa Nostra world I just want to live in and never leave.
Scandalous Prince is another jaw dropping, 5 star read from Rachel Van Dyken. It’s everything I expect from her. And by that I mean I expect to be left speechless and needing more. If you love Mafia you need this book and this series!
Scandalous Prince…..OH MY GOD…..SERIOUSLY…..WHAT THE HECK…THERE YOU GO PLAYING WITH MY HEART, AGAIN…. Am I getting your attention yet??? Those are just some of the things that I may have shouted out while reading this one. Scandalous Prince is one book you will not be able to put down and you wont want to either. If you haven’t figured it out yet this is Breaker and Violet’s story. So you may want to hang onto your seats some and just sit back with a glass of wine (or a bottle) or even a bottle of vodka and get comfy for what is to come. We are back with the Mafia Royals in this book 2 of the series. Violet and Breaker are more then meets the eye. Both are groomed to be what is expected of them within the family. Once you discover the secrets, lies and all those twist and turns you will devour what is Breaker and Violet. I want to just go on about everything but I’m going to let you the reader find out how Violet and Breaker will turn you inside out for yourself. I seriously love everything Rachel Van Dyken threw at us in Scandalous Prince and may be nursing a book hangover because yes it is that fantastically good. I need more Mafia Royals like now. Couldn’t put this one down…Love Violet so much in this one….Oh the feels. GO ONE CLICK THIS ONE!!!!!!
Incredible! Unputdownable! Rachel Van Dyken has created another outstanding story that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I had theories, and the author repeatedly had me questioning those thoughts and changing my mind on how I believed this story was going to go. I absolutely loved every single twist and turn in Breaker and Violet’s story and would have devoured this book in one sitting, had I been allowed to.
I always go into a book blind, so having not read the synopsis I expected this to be a continuation of Serena and Junior’s story. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book concentrates on Breaker and Vi, but don’t worry, there are plenty of scenes that include the cousins and their elders. I don’t think Rachel’s mafia stories would be quite the same without some drama and banter amongst them all.
From the moment I started this book I honestly couldn’t put it down. This book is filled with darkness and light. There is despair and hope. You will love the interactions and banter between all the characters but then there will be moments when you will just want to cry. The pledges made plus the love and friendships between the families ensure that they would sacrifice themselves for each other, but also won’t hesitate to ensure that any one breaking their rules pays the price. I must say that I absolutely love how this generation are making their own mark in this mafia world.
I’m not going to say anything else other than please read this outstanding story. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. I absolutely loved getting to know Violet and Breaker – two incredible individuals who share a fabulous friendship and a desire for more. This couple are everything you want in an angsty love story…. I absolutely adore them both.
I am so excited for what Rachel Van Dyken is releasing next. Rachel is the Queen of mafia romance and I adore her writing style. I’m desperate for Ash and Annie’s story but at the end of Scandalous Prince she very nicely introduces Romeo Sinacore, who will feature in Mafia Casanova which is due to be released in November and is written in collaboration with M. Robinson. I absolutely cannot wait for both books!!
Breaker and Violet’s story is so much more than I expected! The twists and turns I didn’t see coming kept me on my toes and furiously flipping pages.
The huge lies and secrets had me continually wondering and guessing, and every time I thought I had things figured out, something else would happen and I question everything all over again.
I’m not going to give anything away, but every mind blowing, violent, angsty, emotional, and edge of your seat moment was worth it for the steamy, sweet, and unconditional love that was worth fighting for!
5
I looooove it!
*sigh*
I was so excited for this book ever since it was announced!
I love this one more than the first book!
The twists and turns… the feelings, the angst… the frustrations. It was everything.
It was sexy, sweet, funny and excitingly swoon-worthy. I was holding on to every single word, every single page… every single moment.
I never would’ve guessed THAT about Breaker….
Heartwarming. That’s a word you’d never expected to describe a mafia romance.
Love Vi’s and Breakers’ story and I can’t wait to read about Ash and Annie next!
“Stop thinking, thinking is bad when you want something selfish, let me be selfish, please? Plus, I know how you look at me…”
He swallowed slowly and looked away, asking, “How’s that?”
I cupped his cheeks with my hands, “Like you want me to stay but need me to go.”
This angst filled, heart-stopping, phenomenal story…I couldn’t put it down. I’m addicted to this world Rachel has given us. The layers, the world building, and the depth of her stories are nothing short of outstanding.
Rachel is an expert at delivering us a story that is full of feeling and intensity. Scandalous Prince is a prime example of her flawless talent.
“Forgive me-” I whispered into the cool night air “-for showing you the knight, when the whole time, I was the wolf. Forgive me. Amen.”
Breaker’s story tore me up, spit me out, and then punched me in the face page after page – after page. Violet was so strong, and I respected her a lot through out this book. Then, my man Chase, wow – I loved him so much.
From family dinners to secret rendezvous, this story is going to blow you away, brake your heart, and then hopefully piece it back together.
“I would take the lies from her lips, would die for that final kiss, I would lose again so that the love of my life could finally win.”
Do not miss this latest mafia romance from RVD, this is a top 10 book for this year, no doubt about it.
“I wish you were mine to love.”
“I wish you were mine to keep.”
It always takes me a bit to get back into this crazy mafia world and settle into the story. These stories are so layered and interconnected that I have to get my bearings each time. And I am going to make this as spoiler-free as possible because there are so many surprises and twists.
Breaker Campisi and Violet Abandonato. Oh my. These two poor souls. Son of Tex, the Capo, and daughter of Chase, one of the scariest monsters of them all. Best friends. Star-crossed, wanna-be lovers. Trapped in various ways due to the rules and politics of the families.
Breaker has secrets…big ones. But it is a poorly kept secret that he loves Violet. He has always been her protector, but sometimes he fails and then beats himself up over it. Violet struggles with being the perfect and pure daughter of a politician and a mafia underboss. She is uptight and a perfectionist and feels the need to show off an immaculate facade. But she is also willing to sacrifice for her family and the stakes are getting higher.
Their cousins, Junior and Serena started breaking the rules and lived to tell about it and now are allowed to be a couple. Breaker and Violet would like to follow suit. They have a bond not easily broken, but also not supposed to be anything but friendship and protection. But the heart wants what the heart wants and it could cost them everything. Their situation has some even bigger complications and could mean dire consequences. And Violet only knows part of it. When another would-be suitor begins to push into the middle of it, it becomes even more complex and dangerous.
“There will never be anyone else…for as long as I have breath, Violet Abandonato will forever own my soul.”
There are so many powerful people in these stories with their own agendas. We have Italians and Russians and the parents and the new generation of mafia kids. And their lives are spinning because of it. All of these people are tough, violent, strategic, menacing, and do not hold back. They often enjoy bloodshed at gatherings and are not afraid to actually fight each other…with fists or weapons.
Lies and secrets will be revealed. Loyalties will be tested. Families and friendships will be strained. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be on the line. Sometimes there are choices that could literally mean life or death, and there are no easy answers. When trust is shattered, forgiveness is not guaranteed.
But can Violet and her true scandalous prince rise from the ashes?
This is a raw, intense, heartbreaking, passionate, and suspenseful story of friendship, forbidden love, secrets, and deceptions. It is told in multiple points of view so we are privy to various angles of the story and the inner monologues of these troubled characters.
I can admit that I figured out the major twist early on, but it did not take away any of my enjoyment. This story is very well crafted, layered, and full of both subtle hints and red herrings. I had several theories running through my head early on as the author took me on this mysterious and intriguing journey. I loved all the moving parts in this and how the pieces were weaved together at times and changed course at others. There is so much going on in this book.
I was intrigued and invested in the main characters and all of the side characters and their stories. The intertwined relationships between all the kids (and their parents) are forged in blood and in their hearts. Everyone in this group has issues and seems to fall for the people they are not supposed to and it will certainly bring more problems and drama in the future. I am looking forward to more with Ash, Annie, Izzy, Maksim, Tank, Kartini, and King. We also meet a new intriguing man who we will see again in a future spin-off story. As long as she keeps writing in this crazy mafia world, I cannot resist jumping back into it…even when sometimes they shock me and take me out of my comfort zone. I am helpless to resist the pull of RVD’s mafia. Blood in. No Out.
I had a feeling that Violet and Breaker’s story was going to be amazing and at the same time sad and hard. Oh boy did Rachel deliver on my expectations.
Violet is so good at playing the good politicians daughter, but she hates every second of it. Thankfully she has Breaker watching over her, and to rescue her when she needs it. But what if Breaker can’t always be there?
Everyone has secrets. Breaker knows most of Vi’s, but nobody knows the worst of Breaker’s secrets.
Violet ends up betrothed to someone else. She can’t be with Breaker, her father and the family would never allow it. No matter how hard she fights, she ends up with someone else.
How in the world did Rachel figure this story line out?! And how does she give us readers a Happy Ever After? Read the book to find out-you won’t regret it!
You are not ready for this book!
Scandalous Prince is a bumpy, wild ride that you are not expecting. The twists and turns come from all directions, and no matter what you do, what you think, you just aren’t prepared for them!
Scandalous Prince is full of darkness and light, despair and hope, banter that will make you laugh and moments that will bring tears to your eyes. It is sexy and passionate. It will break your heart and then slowly but surely mend it back together. You will go through just about every emotion while reading — and then you will feel them all again!
Trust me on this, this a book that you NEED to read! And maybe more than once!
ARC received for an honest review
Back in 2013, just a month or so after we started bloggig, I received an ARC of this mafia book titled Elite, by a new to me author, Rachel Van Dyken.
And from that moment I have been hooked on her Eagle Elite / mafia stories.
I have been through thick and thin with them all (hands off Chase, he is mine!), and now I am doing the same with Eagle Elite: The Next Generation.
I never thought I would love a series as much as I did the OG EE, however Ms Van Dyken is proving me wrong with the Mafia Royals.
Scandalous Prince is Breaker and Violet’s story, and we are thrown right into the deep end with this one. I have a friend who had read this book a few days before me, and I was messaging them with updates as I was going. I was all woah, WTF and hang on a minute! This was edge of your seat, non-stop, adrenaline rush kind of reading.
Gah, I don’t know how to put into words how much I loved this book. I only finished it last night, and I already want to read it again!
Just know that whatever you think is happening, you have no idea what is going to happen next.
I loved getting more of my man Chase and the rest of the original crew. I love the banter and snark and laughs between them all. And you know the saying “let’s keep things in the family?” Well yeah, this lot really do like to keep things in the Family (in a non-incestuous way of course!)
It was also great seeing a few things from Ruthless Princess from another side (you don’t need to have read RP but why would you not want to??).
I also loved the bit of set up we have for Ash’s story. I CAN.NOT.WAIT for that one!
In the words of 2007 Britney, Gimme more!
5+ stars
Are you kidding me right now? What the ever loving hell is going on? That was my only two reactions while reading the book.
“One day I will have you, Violet Abandonato, and it will be my name you scream…not his.”
RACHEL Van Dyken is the MAFIA QUEEN! Hands down no one can write mafia romance and do it justice like Rachel. Only she and i freaking bow down to her genius wickedness.
I flove her writing style and only she can make me laugh and cry at the same time with her humor and funny dialogues even when i m pissed at certain characters
“I wish you were mine to keep.”
“I wish you were mine to love.”
I wasn’t expecting the beginning to be like this and then it was blow after blow till i was sobbing mess and yelling. Rachel made my head spin with this story. She have woven a web of twists and turns full of heartbreak, angst and lots and lots of emotion. I was screaming and crying most of the time while reading and was like WAIT… WHAT???
Rachel definitely knows how to breaks us, leave us bloody before she heals our broken hearts.
“Sometimes love asks us to do the impossible, and all we do is hope it’s strong enough, big enough, to cover a multitude of sins.”
Scandalous Prince is one of those books which you will never forget. This story consumed me and even though i m finished i still can’t stop thinking about it… I was engrossed from page one and couldn’t put it down for even one second. I was on edge throughout biting my nails and waiting to see what next! It is addictive, dark, captivating and dangerous read.
“The darkness calls not once but twice, it demands I answer regardless of my strife, I say the words let me go, the answer is always the same, a resounding no.”
My mind is blown! Ruthless Princess was my first taste of Rachel’s mafia world and i thought that was addictive but it was nothing compared to this EPIC, MIND BLOWING READ. I absolutely love love it soooo freaking much. Breaker have stolen my heart. This book has become one of my favorite read of this year!
Prepare to get your heart and soul obliterated by BREAKER! Buckle up you are not ready for this crazy, wild ride. This is a one-click, MUST read.
Highly recommend you don’t wanna miss this one.
Blood In. No Out.
I don’t even know where to begin with this review and there isn’t too many books that leave me stumped on where to begin. I enjoyed this STANDALONE story a lot. If you want flowers, roses and sunshine this is not the story for you. It has dark elements to it that may not be for everyone but it was definitely a story for me. There’s twists and turns that will have you thinking you’ve got it figured out and some that will knock you on your ass. The characters are dark, dangerous and ruthless yet at the same time they are protective, caring and loving. The storyline is one that will have you hooked and the ending is one that will leave you wanting more. This is a standalone story but I wish that I had read the first book in this series. The author provides readers a family tree but I feel that if I had read the previous book it wouldn’t have taken me a while to really know who’s who and where they stand in the pecking order. A pecking order that doesn’t really apply to this story because anyone can be taken out at any time no matter their power or position. It definitely keeps readers on the edge of their seat. However, it’s not all dark, dirty and gritty. There’s also sweet, funny and romantic moments. The ending left me ready for the next story because I’m dying to see Ash brought down to his knees. I just know he will fight it every step of the way and I can’t wait to read every page of it.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!
**Just remember this is a MAFIA story so don’t be surprised, shocked, distraught or pissed when there’s DARK things happening in the story.**
Clear your calendar!
You won’t be able to do anything but read so be prepared! This book will slay you.
Scandalous Prince is a stand-alone but is book two in the Mafia Royals series. Those who love the Eagle Elite series will love visiting favorites again throughout the book but if you haven’t read them, don’t worry! You will follow along just fine and will see why Rachel Van Dyken is the queen of mafia romance!
Violet Abandonato is the beautiful daughter of a very powerful family and is struggling in the world of politics of which her father is involved… plus there’s the mafia. Did I mention she’s also a mafia princess? Luckily she has her cousins and best friend, Breaker, to help her remember who she is. Unfortunately for Violet, there are secrets all around her and life as she knows it, is about to drastically change.
This book is a gritty, steamy, suspenseful, emotional roller coaster that will leave you breathless up until the very end and you will STILL want more! It’s taken me days to process all that this book is and I know this review won’t do it justice. You won’t be prepared…..You will struggle with a multitude of feelings all at once….over and over! My best advice? Read it! Oh, and having some wine nearby is probably a necessity.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an honest review for an arc received.
“I wish you were mine to keep.”
OMG!!!! Really I want to add a few more words there, but I’ll be PG. LOL This book, gah, I don’t even know where to begin. I thought it would be hard to follow up from Ruthless Princess, but wow did Breaker and Violet deliver. So let me sum this up for you without giving anything away. Ready??? Hahahaha you WILL NOT be ready for this book. The Prologue will gut you, the first few chapters will ruin you. Surrender to RVD!!!!!
“After the queen saved her king, did they live happily ever after?”
Breaker Campisi has loved Violet Abandonato for years. Knowing that he would never be allowed anything more with her, he settles on being her protector. But what would you be willing to sacrifice for the one who holds your heart? The one you swore you would never let harm come too? Your life? Your family? It’s the mafia, there is always a sacrifice.
“I wish you were mine to love.”
Violet Abandonato has always been the dutiful daughter. She’s madly in love with Breaker Campisi. Although she refuses to believe that her father would never allow her to be with Breaker, she settles on being with him in secret. But the events of one dreadful night will change everything. Will the sacrifices Violet and Breaker make be enough or will this set things in motion that neither may be able to recover from? Is their love strong enough to get them through? Will Breaker ever be deemed worthy enough in the eyes of the bosses?
“Blood is blood, I’m giving you my soul, my life, and erasing it right now.”
Holy bagels! 5 million stars!!!!! This book is hands down the best book I’ve read in 2020!!!! Rachel Van Dyken leaves you desperately wanting more out of this mafia series. The twist, the turns, the heartbreak, the loyalty, the love, ugh its the MAFIA man! You will think that you are ready…but you’re NOT!!! Get ready for a wild ride. This is a one-click, MUST read. Totally worth missing a few hours of sleep. Now to speed up the clock so that we are in January and ready for the next installment in this series.
“The darkness calls not once but twice, it demands I answer regardless of my strife, I say the words let me go, the answer is always the same, a resounding no.”
Until Next Time…Read On!
Rachel is the QUEEN!! Hands down no questions about it! I absolutely love her style of writing. The dialogue is on point & the texts conversations are perfect! Scary Dad is great and holy smokes smooth crossover with Romeo Rachel can demolish your heart and put it back together better than it was before…just like she did with Valerian & Violet. She took the broken boy and gave him more than he thought he deserved….She broke Vi only to make her realize her rightful place. Gotta love when a plan comes together;) Cheers to Phoenix & Andrei
Im honestly not sure what to say.
This is without a doubt, mafia romantic suspense at its finest. The author has true talent at writing a story that has twists and turns you don’t see coming, along with entertaining banter and characters that could probably use a hug now and then.
I was completely captivated from the prologue to the epilogue. All the words just made my heart beat fast and I often thought…oh my goodness…..really? What on earth?
Scandalous Prince is one of my top reads for 2020. It is intense, intriguing, scary, worrying, steamy, heartwarming, funny and absolutely brilliant. I felt what the characters go through. I could empathise with them and truly wondered how everything would turn out. It was just that gripping.
Go right now and 1 click and be prepared to let the world go by as you delve into the world of the Mafia Royals. You wont be sorry you did. Trust Me!
I don’t even know where to start to put into words the emotions I felt while reading this masterpiece. My heart was raked over searing hot coals at points and flying high at others.
“The pain was unbelievable. The guilt was unimaginable. I would not come out of this the same. Neither of us would.”
In the mafia there is always uncertainty…guilt…secrets…protection…deceit…passion…tradition…loyalty…honor…
“I couldn’t look away. Save me, my pulse beat. Kill me. My heart died. I’m all that’s left… my soul bled. And nobody was there to pick up the pieces. Nobody was there to hear my scream. Nobody was there. Nobody.”
Sometimes going after what you want may break you…or them…
“I wish you were mine to love.”
“I wish you were mine to keep.”
Can’t wait for Mafia Casanova and Mafia Royals…the addiction is real.