Once upon a time, a lion saved a girl. His little cinnamon girl. That lion grew up into a prince. Dark, bitter, and so beautiful that it hurt to look at him. But underneath it all, the girl saw the man. I was the man. I saw his hunger for love and affection, and I had plenty to give. I fell in love, even though he told me not to. I gave him everything, because that was who I was. I was determined to show him the light in this world, and his smiles were what I lived for. He was my art, my melody, my muse. We were beautiful together. So I gave and gave, all to my bitter prince. Until I had nothing left to give. Until he left me empty. No one warned me love would push me into darkness so cold and tear me apart. To survive, I’d have to kill the cinnamon girl and become someone else. Someone I didn’t recognize.
Eva released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
Have I mentioned I hate cliffhangers, a lot of angst, and trilogies? 🤣😭🤣😭 I read it anyway, because Eva is a master storyteller, but now I’m dead. You have killed me, Eva Winners, I’m not going to make it.
Someone try to revive me when the next book comes out. Better yet, wait till the third one does, lol.
Absolutely beautiful story. Fully invested in all these wonderfully complex characters.
I'd never rated a 1 ⭐ book from Ms. Winners, but this one pissed the crap out of me.
This was icky to read for the 60% because Reina was still 17 at this point and Amon is 23. And they fooled around even though she was underaged, he kept repeating this fact in his POV multiple times in multiple chapters, yet he still didn't wait or you know be the responsible adult that he's supposed to be. Maybe I should still give him credit for not sleeping with her until she's 18.
And Reina, gosh I disliked her character so much. She's desperate, clingy, pathetic, horny, and always begging him to sleep with her. I lost count the number of times she asked him to have smex with her. She's so immature and naive maybe because of her age, idk. She has no backbone at all!!! Even after she was dumped in cruel and rude way three months later, she still went to see him to ask the reason why. I'm not sure how to feel about this honestly, maybe she's a better person because she wants to give him the benefit of the doubt or she's just a masochist.
Amon, I hated him with every fiber of my being. This asshole wanted to use Reina to get revenge on her father. The stupid trope of using the daughter to pay for the sins of her father, but it backfired because he fell for her. But the revelation at the end shook his world, and he decided to end things with them by kicking her to the curb and without actually talking to her.
Oh, and this dickhead always uses other women to push Reina away. When his mother told him that they're and Reina got back to his penthouse, she was surprised to see another woman in there because technically it was only 2 hours since she saw him. She just went back to her apartment to get some of her things. Then Amon cruelly kicked her out of his penthouse while this OW was watching them like everything was a popcorn worthy show. Idk where he found this OW, maybe a previous hookup saved in his phone, idk, she just appeared out of nowhere. After Reina left, he kicked out the OW too, still not okay with me!!!
Then, the last chapter was three months after their breakup. There's this gala that Reina attended hoping to talk with Amon. She wants to know the reason why he ended things between them and to inform him but surprise FUCKING surprise! He was there with another woman!!! And he danced with this OW in their (Amon & Reina) song and he fucking looked and kissed her with all the adoration in this world! Maybe this is supposed to drive away Reina again, idk, because it wasn't mentioned if he had been with anyone in their 3 month separation [Confirmation from book 2: He started seeing other women during their separation but based on his POV all the attempts failed. He tried moving on but he just can't do it. Gag! 🤮]. But the rage and betrayal I'm feeling right now is unparalleled and I'm seething for all the viciousness of Amon!!!! Did I mention that I hate him??? BECAUSE I DO.
I'm going to hate read the next books because fuck why is this a trilogy??? I just want to know how this will end and maybe I'm hoping Reina will somehow grow a spine.
PS. I know they're going to end up together, but I really wish they didn't. 😤
I freaking love Eva’s writing. I knew going into this that it was a trilogy, and I knew we’d get cliffhangers, but oh my, I wasn’t expecting that cliffhanger, and now I need Unforgiving Queen!
Oh, my heart! This series has only just begun, and wow, what a wild ride it’s been so far. Bitter Prince will give you ALL THE FEELS, and I have so many thoughts running through my head about what’s going to happen next, but of course, we have to wait. ☹️
At age six, Reina was falling in love, and she didn’t care; all she saw was her knight in shining armor, and she was hooked. These two are complete opposites, and they have this undeniable 🔥 tension between them. Their connection is everything, but that cliffy tore my heart out.
THIS IS A MASTERPIECE When I started reading this I knew this was going to be one of my favourite books. I love reina and everything about her, she’s everything that’s good in the world. Amon was so good. And them together were the best, they are my new favourite couple. I can’t wait to read the next book, I NEED IT SO MUCH because i can’t take the wait to what’s going to happen.
Thank you so much for the ARC to Eva Winners and The Next Step Pr
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
I NEED BOOK TWO… STAT!! I knew the millisecond the Romero sisters and the Leone brothers were introduced that I wasn’t going to sleep on their stories. First up is Reina Romero and Amon Leone, and OMG this first book in their trilogy already has me alight with anticipation for more! LOTS MORE!!
I’ve never handled slow-burn romances well, and this book was definitely a test of my patience. Oh man… the instant connection between Reina and Amon, even as kids with their history gave the beginnings of their relationship dimension and set it apart from your stereotypical childhood crushes and the insta-love romance trope. Be prepared for a lot of flirting and teasing, sexual frustration, and a whole lot of thirsting! 🤤
Reina is a picture of reminiscence when it comes to young love, with a dive-head-first attitude and daydreams of the future. Amon is a dream come true as far as first loves go. With his warmth, protectiveness, and love, he’s undeniably boyfriend material.
The storytelling is steadily-paced. It’s pretty much on one level for most of the book as it sets the world-building and introduces the cast of characters. It’s not until the last few chapters where the suspense and a sense of dread kicks up a notch perfectly setting up the opening vibe of the next book.
I’ve said this in various reviews in the past, I don’t intentionally go looking for diversity/ POC characters in my romance reads. I read what piques my interests, and if it happens to have diversity then so be it (I wouldn’t say no to more Asian representation, or characters with similar attributes and appearance as me), so Winners having included diverse characters into this mafia romance was both an interesting addition and an oh-so sweet and refreshing change of pace from the usual mafia romance books.
I won’t go into the politics and history between Japan and the Philippines, but I will say that I was happy to see Asian representation, and even the slightest mention of my homeland. It’s rare to see in romance books I read and it instantly gave a sense of relatability and connection to Amon and in general, his Asian heritage. As someone who is Filipino-born, I adore that Winners has added a location that’s technically so far off the map from your typical mafia romance geographical settings. I’m unclear what Amon’s connection is to the Philippines— if it’s more than just a sanctuary and a place to escape the grind, but nevertheless it’s a detail that had me perking up.
I love how this is another extension to the mafia world that Winners has created and interconnects with all her other book series’ but can still easily be read separately. I am slightly obsessed with the secondary characters as much as the MCs in this story. Phoenix and Dante have snuck up on me and I cannot wait to read their story afterwards! Reina’s close-knit girlfriends added light-heartedness and a genuine sense of made-family. They’re fun and rebellious, as well as loyal and caring. I also like the dynamics between the Leone brothers and hoping to see plenty more of their sibling relationship.
Winners has similar elements and tropes running in all her books, so if you’ve read any of her dark, mafia romances before, you’ll know what to expect in this one. There’s a great balance of storytelling and character development that’s surrounded in romance and suspense. In my opinion, with the characters’ ages and maturity level, it reads as New Adult Romance, which is nothing new from Winners. There’s also an age difference between the MCs that plays a significance in the dynamics of their relationship for the majority of this book, and demonstrates their personality traits. It’s taboo-adjacent and very much a forbidden love between the two.
Eighty percent sweetness, twenty percent darkness. Although it touches on dark, somewhat triggering content, it still leans heavily on the romantic side. For those who have triggers or sensitive to certain topics, this book contains graphic violence, sexual harassment/ assault, and suicide. It’s intended for readers of age.
It’s a gripping start to the trilogy that left me crying for the next instalment because I know we’ve only just scratched the surface. Reina and Amon have combustible chemistry with just enough angst in the air that it practically leaped off the pages from start to finish. I enjoyed seeing their contrasting POVs throughout. Two very likable MCs that I’m eager to see development further as the plot thickens. There are a few twists and turns, some predictable whilst others were just downright gasp-inducing. It was a little slow-going at first but it absolutely concludes with a snap, crackle, and pop! These characters are enveloped in secrecy and twisted familial bonds that had me wholly invested and mentally speculating. It certainly kept me on my toes!
It’s another thrilling, well-written narrative that avid mafia romance readers will enjoy. But if you can, I recommend waiting until the entire trilogy is complete as this is continuous storyline and this book ends on a cliffhanger. If like me, and you follow Winner’s ever-growing mafia world, then you won’t want to miss out of this one!
this man bought her a pink helmet to drive with him on his ducati?? consider me dead.😭 first of all the ending? oh my- i need the next one RIGHT NOW! we finally see the beginning of reina & amon‘s story and it couldn‘t have started in a cuter way. i just (personally) needed a little bit more drama otherwise this book was really really good as a base for their story. i’m excited to see how their story continues cause the drama is REAL🤭 also the ending was so heartbreaking i truly felt for reina.
"Out of the billions of hearts in this world, I fell for the one that refused to beat for me."
Bitter Prince: New Adult Mafia Romance (Stolen Empire Series Book 1) by Eva Winners
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and MORE!!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ ~ Spice
📌“You filled a void in my soul I never knew to be empty. I’ve always believed in love, but I know now that I was saving it all for you. Don’t you dare die on me.”📌
Oh my God! I was prepared for this book to be really good, but I guess I wasn't! Because this book was something completely out of this world! Eva!!! You are an absolute genius👏🏻🖤 I was hooked from the very first page and I REALLY tried to read this book slowly so it wouldn't end too quickly😅 But being who I am, of course it didn't work out, as this was a true masterpiece and I devoured it in 2 days😅🤩🖤 So how am I going to cope with waiting for the two remaining books!? That I truly dont know🤷🏻♀️🖤
📌 “You, my cinnamon girl…” He trailed off, voice soft. “You might be my salvation.”📌
All I will say is that whoever is reading this, hurry up and buy this book! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! Amon and Reina's story has only just begun and it will be nothing short of epic, that I can promise you😘🖤
And to my dear Eva! Thank U so much for letting me continue on this magical book journey with you and that I get to be one of your ARCreaders! You are such an incredibly talented writer and I just CAN'T wait for the next one.🖤
Bitter Prince (Stolen Empire Series) by Eva Winners. Amon is the illegitimate son of an Italian mobster and Japanese mother. Both him, his half brother, and his mother have suffered under the cruel hand of the father. Growing up, the Romero sisters keep crossing their path. Amon has always felt a special connection to Reina, the younger sister. Amon not only has demons because of the abuse of his father, but his mixed heritage has left him a bitter prince. He can't take his father's place in the Mafia, he can't take over the Yakusa due to what his mother has done and most importantly because he isn't full Italian, he will never be considered as a suitable husband for Reina. However, the attraction is so strong between Reina and Amon. Reina is more mature for her age. She is the protector of her older sister Phoenix, who is deaf. Reina has issues due to her mother's passing and a family secret. She will fight all his demons. Each has their own demons, issues, and secrets. This story is so much more than I expected. The journey between Amon and Reina is one that pulls at my heart strings. Amon is definitely a truly tortured soul who, regardless of how handsome he is, he is extremely insecure. While trying to prove himself, carve his own path, help his mother, and try and stay away from Reina, Amon also has to keep his brother from imploding. This guy has the weight of the world on his shoulders. When his mother reveals a devastating secret, Amon goes off the deep end. I wanted to cry for him. However, I was wondering if the secret is true or if there are other secrets at play. This secret also has a devastating effect on Reina, which is the beginning of events that will have a lasting impact. This sets up for the next book , and when I read the synopsis, I was saying a few choice words in my mind. Thank goodness the next book will be out a little over a month away. 5 stars . This is my first time reading this author, and I will be reading more from here.
Tropes: 👑 Mafia Romance ❤️ Slow Burn 👑 Revenge ❤️ Suspense 👑 Touch Her & Die ❤️ Dark Themes 👑 Age Gap ❤️ Virgin Heroine 👑 Obsessive/Possessive MC
✨“There was no sun in his eyes. There was no moon. But there were stars. Stars that would one day shine only for me.”✨
Amon and Reina first meet when she’s 6. He saved her from the wrath of his father. And since then Reina has dreamed only of him. And Amon has always thought of the young girl he saved never forgetting about her.
✨“Because I was so fucking lost in Amon Leone, there was no way out of him. Not for me.”✨
Since then he’s vowed to always protect her and watch over her. Even if that means giving up his title as the head of the Yakuza and his plans for revenge.
✨“Yet now, as I stared into the blues of her gaze, I recalled that feeling again, and I feared I’d willingly drown for this girl.”
“We do this, and you’re mine,” I growled. “Forever. You understand there’ll be no other man for you?” She nodded. “Ever, I emphasized.”
“You taste like cinnamon,” I murmured against her lips. “My favorite flavor.”✨
But as secrets and come to surface…so do Reinas & Amons relationship.
✨“Out of the billions of hearts in this world, I fell for the one that refused to beat for me.”✨
If you love a Dark, Mafia, with an overly possessive MC. You are going to love this book! The connection these two share is everything! The romantic dates. The possessiveness from Amon. The friendships. And this is only book 1. And it was so good! & It does end on a cliffhanger. I cannot wait for book 2 to release!! 🖤
'This is a read that won't leave a bitter taste in your mouth, but rather something tasty that you heartily consume and want even more of! Bitter Prince by Eva Winners is one to watch out for. - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Eva Winners--curtesy of Megan from The Next Step PR-- for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and leave an honest review, as part of her ARC/promo team
NOTE - This review will be spoiler-free as always, but will make reference to elements within the book's blurb. If you wish to know nothing about the book and go in as a blind read, please scroll away from my review now :)
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Bitter Prince by Eva Winners is the first book in her brand new Stolen Empire series. This series will overall comprise of three books in total, making it a trilogy read. Those books are: Bitter Prince, Unforgiving Queen & Wrathful King . A warning to readers, they are NOT standalones. These are three books that will follow on from one after the other, and contain the same set of main characters throughout. It will be best to read the series in order this time around. The release dates for the books are:
- Bitter Prince, August 17th - Unforgiving Queen, September 14th - Wrathful King, October 5th
As you can see, we've got a piece of Eva Winners to chomp on every month--even us ARC readers. Our Queen is writing to satisfy her subject's desires and we are here to worship her every word that is bestowed upon us. My advice? Don't wait for all three books to come out before you hop on this series. From what I've read of Bitter Prince , you're going to want to live in the moment of each book's release.
Before we get into things, let's talk tropes! In Bitter Prince we have:
✔ Dark Romance ✔ Mafia Romance ✔ New Adult ✔ Romantic Suspense ✔ First Love ✔ Virgin Heroine ✔ Dual POV ✔ She Falls First
And that's just touching the tip of the iceberg. There's so much more to discover while reading this book, you'll find many more tropes and sub-tropes (ones that may not be prominent to the storyline) along the way.
If this is not the first time that you've heard the name Amon Leone, you'd be right. As always with Eva's books, although they are either standalone reads or characters from individual series', her world intertwine and his name has cropped up a time or two in the past in previous novels. I won't tell you which one, that would be too easy. I'll let you discover which one that is as you read your way through her currently published novels. You'll have a blast! Amon is teamed up this time with Reina Romero, the youngest of the two Romero sisters. Time is generous to the two by throwing one another into the others' path at such tender ages, allowing us to see how those paths keep crossing as time goes on. By the time the two are adults (well, one of them), things are about to kick up into high-gear.
In a standard fairytale, it's guy-meets-girl, guy saves girl from mortal danger and the two once safe, live happily ever after. This is not, dear readers, a fairytale. Our prince is bitter lion from the world he and his cinnamon girl rather than princess, have been born into and are a part of in their respective ways. Rather than skipping to the young age in which those in fairytales meet and fall in love at first sight, our bitter, lion prince and his cinnamon girl 'princess' meet once upon a time in full innocence. That all soon changes. The harmless lion cub grows up to be a ferocious beast and future king of the mafia jungle, and his sweet cinnamon girl grows into a beautiful, independent lady who doesn't need a prince to save her. She'll do the saving herself. If only she could get that through the hard head of the bitter prince who's determined to feed his addiction of seeing her, protecting her and making his in every which way but one.
Despite all the smoke and mirrors that have been set up around Amon over the years, mostly by himself, Reina is able to see through all of those and gaze upon the man she sees on the inside. Where the hunger for love and affection was not surface-level, she saw it deep within him and with her big heart, she was up to the job to love them both as a pair and for him as an individual. The question is, would he return the love that she makes clear she wants to give to him? To them.
He told her not to fall for him, but she didn't listen. Not out of rebelling, but because when the hear knows what it wants, there's no stopping its owner from getting what it desires. And Reina desires the pants off Amon Leone and he with her, not that he'd let her know that until he feels the time is right.
Determined to show him the true beauty of the world outside of their own, Reina makes it her mission to get him to give her more of what she lives for. His smiles. Far and few between and extremely fleeting, she's on a one-woman mission to get as many as she can out of him as he is her art, her muse and melody. Anyone can see just how beautiful they are together. She sees it, so it's up to her to give all she can give to her Bitter Prince until she's empty and has nothing left to give. Hopefully the fruits of her labour will be bountiful.
With every ray of sun, there's rain soon to follow. The light has been taken over by the dark and it's a cold, sad place to be. No one warned Reina of the consequences and outcomes that would lead her to be pushed into such a place where there would be nothing waiting for her. Except for to be left in a million, hurtful pieces. In order to survive such a state, she'll have to shed her cinnamon girl persona and become something else. Someone she wouldn't recognise herself. Something, spicier.
Eva leads us down the beginning of the path at the start of where Amon and Reina's story truly begins and where this chapter of the story ends for now, we're right here waiting to continue to see what lies ahead around the corner for these pair of true lovers. So far we've had sugar, spice and everything (not so) nice--giving us everything we know and love about Eva and her writing--, it's time to see if things get spicier or even more bitter.
Time to hand over the crown from the Bitter Prince, to the Unforgiving Queen.
Excuse me mam but who forgot to mention to us readers that this is a freaking duet or trilogy?? The plot and cliffhanger of this shook me and I am here for it! Omg Amon and Reina characters are chefs kiss. Two childhood strangers, their families only meeting when necessary. An unfortunate death happens to Reina and her older sister allowing them to live with their loving grandmother trying to protect them from their father's lifestyle. As for Amon and Dante they grew up in the rough world of their, watchful and critically picked at.
Stacey wait...the blurb of this book is spot on i loved the buildup of how Reina, and Amon's character's was introduced to one another. Through the years from childhood to their early twenties we see the banter between them. innocent with curiosity to possessive alpha-Ness towards the girl he is falling in love with. But doesn't quite say. but he's actions prove otherwise. Anyways, we learn of a big secret that Amon will unfortunately find out that will change everything. And it will also make you through your book, at the door. So hence my first sentence. Anyways, I need to wait for the follow up of their story to find out what will happen next.
the H in his head kept saying over and over how she is underage and he will not have sex with her YET he kisses her and brings her to an orgasm…. All the while sporting an erection. Pedophilia is still pedophilia, Eva babe. Drawing boundaries in your head and not following through with actions is still predatory behavior.
I wish someone at the multiple check points this book went through would have been like noooo this is umm unethical and illegal. There is literally no excuse to make her 17 and him a 23 year old adult and have them be lustful towards each other. Disgusting and utterly gross. Please i beg authors to not pull this crap.
Also to add why in the world were we talking about a 14 year olds panties??? What the fuck is wrong with y’all.
I'm glad Eva Winners rarely does duets or trilogies because this one may be the death of me! An absolutely brutal cliffhanger left me desperate for more, but before that was the tale of young spirited Reina and older Amon. Both born into ruling mafia families, their paths cross as kids, where Amon saves Reina from his father's wrath. Both have difficult relationships with their respective families. Amon is infamously known for his parentage being tainted in the mafia world. He should be the ruler of the Yakuza but has to bow to his cousin instead. Reina is full of life and light that attracts Amon along with potential knowledge his mom needs. He intends to use her for those secrets but falls in love more instead. As their relationship grows, there may be too many secrets for this couple to overcome.
Reina and Amon are terrific opposites with plenty of sparks noticeable to everyone around them. Amon has a plan and is deeply loyal to his mother. He needs to be patient and find information to obtain his rightful place on the yakuza throne. Meanwhile, Reina is Uber protective of her older sister and friends. Though the youngest, she's a true mother figure. Reina still carries an innocence and unjaded love for Amon. This book is a bit of a slowburn, but the scenes we do get at the end, and the teasing was still fulfilling. If you've read the series, you expect the cliffhanger itself to be wildly different, so I was surprised by the last several chapters. The angst delivered at the end is so truly gut clenching, especially if you've read other books in the series because this is not their only hurdle to come. I'm desperate for more and counting down days until the next release!
The first book in the Stolen Empire trilogy and I was desperate for Amon and Reina’s story ever since they were mentioned in Thorns of Death and Bitter Prince did not disappoint, sucking me right in from their first kinda meet cute introduction as children when Amon took the blame for breaking a vase, to their various run ins as Amon kept a watchful and protective eye over the teenage Reina, before leading up to a shattering cliffhanger of an ending as he broke her heart and then jumped on the shards. Right now Amon, I’m hating you even though I know the method behind your madness but I still hope Reina kicks your ass!!!
With a fabulously dark and broody hero in Amon and a slightly sunshiny if feisty heroine in Reina, I knew I was in for a lot of angst with their story. And secrets! Why don’t people talk to each other instead of keep secrets….. then again that’s half the fun. I loved the group dynamics between Reina and her friends/flatmates especially when they lectured Reina on birth control and demonstrated with fruit, I’ll leave it to your imagine their method, which made me laugh, and just saying Amon, those girls are going to take you down for what you did to the baby of their group. I also loved the relationship between Amon and his brother Dante, and I can’t wait to find out just what has gone on between him and Reina’s sister Phoenix! With intrigue galore from various mafia factions including the Bratva and a new comer in the Yakuza, Bitter Prince was an addictive read. If this book is anything to go by, this trilogy is gearing up to be one of my favourite reads yet from Eva Winners and I can’t wait to read Unforgiving Queen.
I am broken. Bitter Prince has taken my heart and crushed it. I should have checked if it was a standalone before starting as my poor heart was not ready for this cliffhanger.
At this point, Eva Winners could write anything in this world and I would devour it. She creates so many layers to her love stories. Her male leads are always tortured but fall so deeply. Her female leads are sparky and don't bend to the whims of this criminal underworld patriarchy.
We've had hints of Amon and Reina in previous books. But nothing prepared me for this beautifully constructed age gap slow burn. These two feel destined. Amon fights the attraction for so long as Reina is only 17. But as they wait the chemistry between them grows. She is such a live wire. Where she has positioned herself as her sister's protector (even as the younger sibling) she is used to confrontation and defending herself. The men of organised crime families do not intimidate her. Amon, however, gets under her skin.
This romance ticked so many boxes for me. Amon was prepared to sacrifice everything for Reina. There is nothing more important than the other for them. They are each tied by family and politics. And as with all Eva's books, their love story is complicated by secrets, contracts and vengeance.
This is a mafia romance of heart smashing perfect proportions. I'll need a minute to recover and prepare for the second installment.
[eARC Review] These opinions are honest and unbiased from receiving the book as an ARC.
This is my first Eva Winners book and now I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Tropes: 🥀 Touch her or die 🥀 Possessive 🥀 Forbidden Romance 🥀 Mafia Crime 🥀 First Love 🥀 Revenge
Spice and Dirty Talk : 3.5 ⭐️ Story/Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would give this 5 stars but have I mention I hate cliffhangers (petty I know lol). So with that being said that should let you know what my true rating is 😔😔.
Within the first few chapters I became fully invested in all these complex characters.
Amon the dark protective caring lead always lurking around the corner, looking out for Reina.
📌 “I’m tired of resisting you.”
“She was mine. Her laugh, her fears, her sorrow, and her joy. Every inch of her body, heart, and soul was for me, just as every part of me was for her.” “And I’d wage war against anyone who dared take her from me.”📌
Reina the rebel, who doesn’t hold back from anything straightforward.
One thing I did like was the sibling dynamic between both the sisters (Reina and Phoenix) and the brothers (Amon and Dante). It’s was pure on both ends.
I love the story, that twist at the end, the nuggets that was dropped along the way but mostly the combing of Italian Mafia and the Yakuza. This was something I never heard of and it was interesting to read/learned about!.
For the first time in my life, it felt like the tight, dark spaces in my chest were starting to crack, letting the light in. And it had everything to do with this girl. She was my light.
Bitter Prince by Eva Winners ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review ~~ This was such a sweat read with a combination of dark and possessive. This was a whole new side of Amon we didn't know. From the minute they met when they were little to how his life was entwined with Raina's life. How even though his nickname proceeded him "Bitter Prince" Reina was able to bring the side of Amon that not everyone got to see. Reinas personality and protectiveness over his older sister. I loved seeing that. This was a slow burn for me but I still loved it. How Reina madly fell in love with him from the minute he took the fault for the base that she and her sister broke. How unknowingly to Reina Amon had been watching and protecting her from the dangerous from their lifestyle. To then boom! Hit us with a heartache at the end of it. There are secrets that will start unraveling the question is will Amon and Reina be able to recuperate from the betrayals!
I’ve been so excited to read Amon (MMC) and Renia’s (FMC) story. Eva Winners did not disappoint!
Amon, the eldest son to a mafia crime boss, is used to protecting his mom and little brother from his father. So as kids, when the sweetest six year old girls catch the eye of his dad’s anger, he once again takes the beating meant for someone else.
I absolutely loved how their relationship started from chance meetings as kids, then their worlds were always bringing them back together. Amon’s possessiveness is so yummy and his rough edges only smoothing for Reina.
Reina is the sweet and fun young college student who knows Amon’s world comes with darkness. But she sees the light in him, and refuses to let even himself see only the bad.
Amon & Reina agree to stand by one another against the odds. But their fate and family seem to have other reasons for keeping these two apart.
The twist this book ended on had me hanging onto a cliff with tears in my eyes. I’m so excited to see what comes next!
Bitter Prince by Eva Winners is book one in the Stolen Empire Series. It’s part of a trilogy a New Adult Mafia Romance so it’s not a standalone. I’ve read other books by Eva Winners so I was already a fan of this author’s writing. When I read the blurb of this book, I knew I would be in for a heartbreaking good read. The writing and worldbuilding was great, I could clearly imagine everything I was reading. The plot and pace was amazing, I found myself captivated. I couldn’t but my kindle down as I had to know what happens next.
The characters of Amon and Reina were written with such emotions and depth. I felt my heart breaking on more than one occasion. But at the same time there were a few sweet moments and moments where I smiled. I really enjoyed reading about the bonds this pair had and established. This read had suspense, secrets and intrigue. It really kept me hooked until the end. The ending though! Yes it’s a cliffhanger and yes I absolutely need the next book. Amazing read!
Oh my goodness. This book was a complete surprise for me. I had a feeling halfway through, where Winners was taking the story. I just didn’t want to believe she would let it happen. And oh how my heart was completely shattered. Utterly devastated. Ruined.
There is so much I want to say, but with every word I type, it leads straight to spoilers. I can’t do that to you guys. But man, how I wish I could fast forward to next month and get my hands on Unforgiving Queen. I need, need, need it. Like my next breath. I will be impatiently waiting to see what will happen next.
Bitter Prince was absolutely amazing and beautifully well written. It’s romance was not only steamy and sexy, but was gripping and beautiful. A love story that was everything. I was falling along side Amon and Reina. Just as helpless as they were. And I was here for it all. Seriously, we know heartbreak is inevitable. But it too delicious to walk away from.
Guys be forewarned. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, this story isn’t for you. But is it worth it? Oh my, absolutely. I just want to finish this review and go start the book all over again. Maybe then I would get a different ending? One with a happily ever after? Alas, if the blurbs for the next book is anything to go off of, my heart needs to prepare now for more pain and possibly another cliffhanger. 5 Brilliant Stars.
OK WOW JUST WOW!! CAN I SAY WHAT THE HECK COMMENSE INTENSE THERAPY SESSION I HAD TO PULL OUT MY HALF-BAKED BEN AND JERRY'S ICE CREAM FOR THIS ENDING THAT WAS WHAT THE CAN I HAVE THE NEXT BOOK PLEASE??... Eva Winners, what have you done to me? I start walking around singing Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert songs at the top of my lungs because I don't know how to feel now that I have finished reading this book! (Dramatic eye roll here at my antics)
Amon and Renia's story is the forbidden Love type of story with the mafia and so much chemistry that you feel it on the pages. Yes, at first, I was like woah woah wait a minute sir Amon back up, but then as that book went on, I was like umm ok yeah yeah get the girl boy then I went full blown wanting to scream!! I was not prepared for all this Kindle gripping, wanting to text friends to discuss/hype the book, and so much more that was almost involved while reading this book! Anon and his protectiveness for Renia since the first few pages to the possessiveness that grew into so many great moments between them.
This is a Trilogy and I will be here along for the whole ride because there is no way I will survive without knowing what's to come!
ARC Review! Omg! I don’t even know where to start. This book shattered me, gutted me, broke me and utterly and emotionally destroyed me. One of the, if not the, best books I’ve read this year! I am not okay after reading that and I am going to be biting my nails waiting for the next book.
This is the first book of the series, and where we meet Reina and Amon. Both are from mafia families of different origins and are seemingly fated and destined. Trouble is brewing in the background however and both have dark, stormy pasts. I could not put this book down because the story was amazing and the writing was impeccable. The emotions she portrayed between star-crossed, young lovers was so on-point. Beware: you want to be in the comfort of your own home for the last 15-20% of this book, as I was crying with snot dripping from my nose from the information we received and the devastating cliffhanger.
This was my first Eva book and I am a forever fan now! I will be anxiously awaiting an ARC signup for book two!
Possible spoiler so don’t read if you don’t want insight: . . . . . . . . I know this book did not have a HEA, but it is to be continued with a major cliffhanger. I have high hopes though because I do remember when Reina remembered something her parents were fighting about when she was young and it makes me feel like they will eventually get their HEA.
Bitter Prince by Eva Winners is the First book in the Stolen Empire trilogy. This is the story of Amon Leone Reina Romero. These characters where mention in the previous book 'Thorns of Death'. I just wanted to mention it so that you would know but I did think this could be a standalone book. Amon didn't have a easy childhood and he has tried to protect his younger brother Dante from their awful father. But one memory of Reina when he first saw her when they where children has stuck with him. So he has always been in the background trying to make sure she was safe too. Reina and her sister Phoenix are attending college at the Royal College of Art and Music in Paris. Renia is studying Fashion Design and her sister is studying music although do to a child illness Phoenix doesn't have her hearing. Date and Amon have always have kept a special spot for the sisters. This book does leave you wanting the next book as soon as possible. I can't wait.
I just have to say I love Amon and Reina omg this was everything I usually hate trilogy but I need more I want more there is no words to describe this book is phenomenal.
Age a gap Mafia Forbidden love Past Trauma Trilogy
Reina is two years younger than her sister and she is very protective of her especially because she can’t hear she is loyal and very upfront with others and rebel she goes after what she wants and she doesn’t let anything stop her. After her mother death she been having panic attack and she need to keep a secret and she not allowed to tell anyone. She meets the Leon’s brother and she fall for Amon when he save her from his father wrath.
Amon is the illegitimate son he mixed Japanese and Italian his father never married his mother and that very important in the mafia world. He loved his mom and his half brother but hate his father for the way he treats his mother and the way he punished his brother Dante and him when they were younger.
Over the years he see Reina and her sister Phoenix because he have business with there father Tomaso Romero and Reina has been very blunt that she want a relationship with Amon he want to wait until she is 18 years old. And both are really possessive and they don’t hide it.
“I told you, Reina. You’re mine, and I don’ts share”. “Me neither, Amon. Best remember that it’s a two-way street.”
Amon mom throw in a bomb of a secret .Amon had to step away from Reina and he bows to avenge everyone especially Tomaso Romero and the cliffhanger my poor Reina. I just need the second book like I said I need more thank you Eva Winners for this awesome book seriously I just wow I’m to excited for this book to come out.
Amon and Reina meet when both were very young. He took the brutal punishment that was sure to befall Reina for an incident at his home. He became her Hero and she imprinted herself on his heart. Her beauty, her innocence, and even her scent had seeped into his very being.
Amon and Reina have seen each other throughout the years. She still held him as the Knight in Shining Armor and he still felt her pull. He continued to protect her even when she felt no danger near. She became his mission, his obsession, his to claim. And when it became obvious that there were those that wanted to do her harm, he claimed what had always been his…her! Unfortunately, he was soon to learn that she could never be his!
We watch as Amon grows into the man we wanted and expected. He makes choices that allow him to grow into his destiny and his rightful position. But his world begins to crumble when he receives devastating news regarding Reina. Pain and bitterness seep into his soul. Will his title of Bitter Prince be his fuel or fall?
“You, my cinnamon girl…You might be my salvation.”
Read this if you like : 🤍 Mafia romance 🤍 Mutual Pining 🤍 Touch her you d!e 🤍 First love
So I have to admit I have no idea this is a trilogy. I didn’t read the blurb and just go in blind and it surprise me ever phase. What a page turner!
The story follows young Reina who wonder around Mr. Leone’s house with her sister Pheonix and they accidently broke a vase. When they about to get caught, two boys come to the rescue and that’s when Reina set her eyes on Amon Leone. Both families hold big secrets. Growing up, Reina and Pheonix meet Amon and his brother Dante who apparently become the mafia. Amon decided to protect Reina at all cost.
This is probably my first mafia book with Yakuza which is interesting. I was a bit confused at the beginning but that maybe my fault so I’m just gonna let it slide. I was hooked when they finally meet and despite I really want them just be together asap, I’m glad Amon waited for Reina until she’s eighteen. I love their bond together and the fact that they didn’t stop thinking about each other make me kicking my feet in the air. I like the sister bond between Reina and Pheonix, the friendship with her friends, and how they willing to protect each other. Same thing goes with Amon and Dante brotherhood. I like that they have same mission, and their banter sometimes crack me. I almost forgot how mafia book works, I didn’t prepare to see all things they did to their enemies. It was brutal!
The ending had me screaming because aaahhh like I said I didn’t know this is a trilogy! I can’t wait for next book, for the reveal, and hoping to see more Dante and Pheonix as well!
The wait is over (for now) because Reina’s and Amon’s story is bound to make you FEEL! We get thrown in the past and get to know some secrets (but even more are left uncovered) and we get to meet young Reina and Amon, and trust me it’s one hell of a journey!
As usual Eva brought a story, and while was probably the shortest read of hers (that i read) is it the first book in the series, and now i’m stuck coming up with wild theories of what’s going to happen until next books come out! I loved Reina, she was an amazing character and while this book focused more on Amon (i had such a feeling) i am excited to see more of her in the next books, because there are some secrets that were hinted on in other books that need to be uncovered!
Amon, Amon, Amon… our (okay Reina’s) bitter prince! He was a great character, and i enjoyed him a lot! The war between his duty to his mom and his feelings for Reina was heartbreaking, and that ending?! The choice he had to make?! Unfair!!
2nd review (after listening ti audiobook)
4.5🍁 | 1.5🌶️ | 4.5🎧
This was a reread for me. And i absolutely enjoyed it. I knew what was going to happen, but the performance of the narrators was amazing and made me still fall in love and be shocked at what was going on.
Amon and Reina’s story is amazing, and that cliffhanger hurt as much as it did the first time i read the book. I could feel their love and earning for each other and it breaks my heart that their road to each other is still long.