It's been a while since I've picked up a Rachel Van Dyken read, and I must say this was quite a good start to the series. I probably would appreciate it a bit more if I had read the Eagle Elite series first.
Title: Ruthless Princess
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Mafia Royals #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 19th 2020
Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus
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…
I never thought my father would ask this of me, to become the second generation at Eagle Elite University, to rule with an iron fist, and to 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 worse thing?
Fall in love with your best friend.
Enemy.
And heir to the Nicolasi throne.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend…
I never thought my father would ask this of me, to become the second generation at Eagle Elite University, to rule with an iron fist, and to 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 worse thing?
Fall in love with your best friend.
Enemy.
And heir to the Nicolasi throne.
I’ve read a few of Rachel Van Dyken’s books over the years, however this is the first time I have dived into the Eagle Elite world. I must tell you it was a little dark and twisted, but it was quite the enjoyable Mafia read!
Living in the Eagle Elite world is not easy and there are expectations from all the children. I could see that these kids would break the rules and push the boundaries. Serena and Junior had a connection, but under pressure decided to what was expected of them. Their love/hate relationship unfolded throughout the story, and they didn’t hold back when they needed to make a point. They weren't always nice to one another, but the intensity was always there between them.
The storyline took a few turns as it looked like the elite were trying to be taken down. It was good to see the kids unite when facing a problem. I really enjoyed getting to know the other cousins in their extended family and understanding the family dynamics. I can see other relationships that are brewing and cannot wait to read more in this world.
Although a lot of the back story was explained throughout this read, I think it would be better if you have read the original series, so you can fully understand what had been going on with the parents before diving into this series. I devoured this read, and you can bet I jumped into the next one immediately. I am so excited to be back in Van Dyken’s world once again.
Living in the Eagle Elite world is not easy and there are expectations from all the children. I could see that these kids would break the rules and push the boundaries. Serena and Junior had a connection, but under pressure decided to what was expected of them. Their love/hate relationship unfolded throughout the story, and they didn’t hold back when they needed to make a point. They weren't always nice to one another, but the intensity was always there between them.
The storyline took a few turns as it looked like the elite were trying to be taken down. It was good to see the kids unite when facing a problem. I really enjoyed getting to know the other cousins in their extended family and understanding the family dynamics. I can see other relationships that are brewing and cannot wait to read more in this world.
Although a lot of the back story was explained throughout this read, I think it would be better if you have read the original series, so you can fully understand what had been going on with the parents before diving into this series. I devoured this read, and you can bet I jumped into the next one immediately. I am so excited to be back in Van Dyken’s world once again.
These two were tough, but sweet at times...
“I’ll love you as long as we both shall live.”
“I’ll love you as long as we both shall live.”
“No matter what?” She asked, “Even if this goes bad?”
“A promise in blood is a promise in my soul.” I took our hands and pressed the bloodied palms together. “No matter what I say, what you think, what I do—you own me, Serena Abandonato, and one day, I’m going to be yours, just like you’re already mine.”
Kindle Page 118
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and, adorable son. She loves to hear from readers!
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