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The Rise of the De Langes #1
Ciao Bella
How thin is the line between love and hate?
The Five Families thought the war was over.
They have no idea, I'm the very beginning.
I kidnapped her to prove a point—at knife point, it seemed sharper that way.
See what I did there?
I used the perfect virginal daughter from one of the most powerful Families in the Cosa Nostra to fix the broken pieces, knowing that in the process—I’d spread hers for the world to see.
I would embarrass her, shame her, use her, but I would never touch her… my one and only vow to her father in exchange for his allegiance.
The flowers at our wedding would be extravagant—people would watch it like a celebration, she’d live it as her funeral.
Call me twisted, but I thrive off her hate, I wouldn’t know what to do if I had her heart—I’m not good with pretty things I’m capable of breaking.
I’ll use every single person I can to restore order… to bring about the peace that my Family deserves.
But something sinister lurks in the darkness.
In the end, it may not be just my Family I save but theirs as well.
They say the past comes back to haunt you—that history repeats itself.
Bet they never saw this coming.
After all, when one Family falls—another will rise.
Ciao Bella.
The Rise of the De Langes
The Five Families thought the war was over.
They have no idea, I'm the very beginning.
I kidnapped her to prove a point—at knife point, it seemed sharper that way.
See what I did there?
I used the perfect virginal daughter from one of the most powerful Families in the Cosa Nostra to fix the broken pieces, knowing that in the process—I’d spread hers for the world to see.
I would embarrass her, shame her, use her, but I would never touch her… my one and only vow to her father in exchange for his allegiance.
The flowers at our wedding would be extravagant—people would watch it like a celebration, she’d live it as her funeral.
Call me twisted, but I thrive off her hate, I wouldn’t know what to do if I had her heart—I’m not good with pretty things I’m capable of breaking.
I’ll use every single person I can to restore order… to bring about the peace that my Family deserves.
But something sinister lurks in the darkness.
In the end, it may not be just my Family I save but theirs as well.
They say the past comes back to haunt you—that history repeats itself.
Bet they never saw this coming.
After all, when one Family falls—another will rise.
Ciao Bella.
The Rise of the De Langes
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
146 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
177 books18.6k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 20, 2024
One thing is certain. When you read an RVD mafia romance, you can’t believe your eyes. You might think you know what’s happening but she'll twist it and turn it and use it to shock the britches off you. The only thing you can be sure of is the players in the Five Families and Eagle Elite University. This story is freaking brilliant and masterfully told, and I couldn’t get enough!
The De Lange family has a long and contorted history, most recently experiencing a cleansing from the Five Families. As a young teenager, Ivan De Lange was rescued from his unsavory family, taken in by the Abandonato family, and has sworn his allegiance to the Cosa Nostra.
Bella Abandonato is the youngest girl in the family and may be just a little bit spoiled. She’s still a product of her heritage and upbringing, knows the ins and outs of her world, and can fight like the bada§§ she is. And fighting are what she and Ivan do best, the epitome of a hate/hate relationship since they first set eyes on each other.
If only their juvenile bickering and often-bløødy fighting was where it ended. There's something far greater than the two of them at stake, and Ivan will become more coldhearted, ruthless and malicious than Bella has ever seen before it's over. All in the hopes of rooting out evil and restoring peace in their world.
Clear your schedule, get rid of interruptions, and hold on to your hat, because once you dive into this one, you won’t be able to emerge again until the final shots are fired. With the usual mob mayhem, a river of crimson, and ridding betrayal, the twists will taunt, the turns will confound, and the secrets revealed will leave you gob smacked. If you’re at all a fan of mafia romance, this exhilarating, jaw-dropping, riveting read is guaranteed to leave you breathless!
The De Lange family has a long and contorted history, most recently experiencing a cleansing from the Five Families. As a young teenager, Ivan De Lange was rescued from his unsavory family, taken in by the Abandonato family, and has sworn his allegiance to the Cosa Nostra.
Bella Abandonato is the youngest girl in the family and may be just a little bit spoiled. She’s still a product of her heritage and upbringing, knows the ins and outs of her world, and can fight like the bada§§ she is. And fighting are what she and Ivan do best, the epitome of a hate/hate relationship since they first set eyes on each other.
If only their juvenile bickering and often-bløødy fighting was where it ended. There's something far greater than the two of them at stake, and Ivan will become more coldhearted, ruthless and malicious than Bella has ever seen before it's over. All in the hopes of rooting out evil and restoring peace in their world.
Clear your schedule, get rid of interruptions, and hold on to your hat, because once you dive into this one, you won’t be able to emerge again until the final shots are fired. With the usual mob mayhem, a river of crimson, and ridding betrayal, the twists will taunt, the turns will confound, and the secrets revealed will leave you gob smacked. If you’re at all a fan of mafia romance, this exhilarating, jaw-dropping, riveting read is guaranteed to leave you breathless!
August 1, 2024
Jumped into this not knowing there is a 1Gen then a 2Gen then this book as a first of a spin-off series. Regardless of the multitude of characters I did not loose my way much. But Rachel Van Dyken is not a good mafia author. She should stick more to romance.
As entertaining as this book was it was nothing special or memorable.
As entertaining as this book was it was nothing special or memorable.
June 22, 2024
The Mafia is back with a vengeance. Ivan and Bella have a love/hate relationship which in the end will save the Five Families because of it. These two have been enemies forever and once the true enemy knocks on their door, of course they come. There are lots of twist and turns and surprises in this book and I loved seeing all of the cousins in full mob boss mode. Loved seeing the OGs as well. Great start to a new Mafia line.
June 23, 2024
What A Fucking Book!!!! Mind Blown........
Reviewed For Saucy Review
On Kinky Korner
There isn't a hell of a lot I'm gonna be able to say about this book. But I'd say this is possibly my favourite Mafia book that RVD has written. To say I've loved all the Elite Eagles books and the spin-offs is an understatement, but this one is some kind of special.
I don't even want to speak on the story. And although the book revolves around Ivan and Bella. It's more than just them that makes this story. Every single member of the 5 families played their role. You need to make sure you have a clear diary, tissues, wine (optional), and no distractions.
This book is a huge recommend from me. It's the start of a new spin-off series, but it's a culmination of all the stories that came before it.
Reviewed For Saucy Review
On Kinky Korner
There isn't a hell of a lot I'm gonna be able to say about this book. But I'd say this is possibly my favourite Mafia book that RVD has written. To say I've loved all the Elite Eagles books and the spin-offs is an understatement, but this one is some kind of special.
I don't even want to speak on the story. And although the book revolves around Ivan and Bella. It's more than just them that makes this story. Every single member of the 5 families played their role. You need to make sure you have a clear diary, tissues, wine (optional), and no distractions.
This book is a huge recommend from me. It's the start of a new spin-off series, but it's a culmination of all the stories that came before it.
June 20, 2024
The Queen is back with another epic read in the Eagle Elite world. This author is a pro at taking her stories to depths that have you struggling to stay afloat. She drowns us with her twists and turns yet finds ways to resuscitate us once again to throw us even further. I can’t even begin to explain how she made my soul leave my body… I was shook to the core and loved every minute of it. I couldn’t read fast enough to get to the end yet I wanted to slow it down so I could enjoy every second with these characters. I bow down to this queen… her ability to have me in a chokehold in this mafia world is unbeatable. This series owns me and I’m not mad about it… I’ll happily surrender myself to this world—these characters. This is a take all my stars, must read!
November 29, 2025
I have been really loving Rachel’s mafia romance books.
This is the next generation and I just loved this book so much.
Very well done and this definitely keeps you hooked .
I do recommend this book.
This is the next generation and I just loved this book so much.
Very well done and this definitely keeps you hooked .
I do recommend this book.
June 30, 2024
***4,5 "Hello and Goodbye!!!" stars***
"Blood in, no out.
As burns this saint, burns my soul, I will get into this life alive, and get out dead.
Amen."
The first generation was amazing, the second got under my skin, but the next chapter is going to be explosive!!!!
I adore RVD's mafia romances... They are insane, unhinged, outrageous, and so delicious!!!
I loved that we got back to the world of EE and Mafia Royals with a new story...
The De Langes have a huge history behind them and it was inevitable to rise again from their ashes after everything that had happened to them!!! Even though there were bad cookies between them, their whole line didn't deserve what had happened to them!!!
And the start in this new chapter are making Bella Abandonatto and Ivan De Lange and their story was very complicated, but so explosive!!!
"Be nice. Get along. Don't kill each other. You aren't enemies, the people out there is."
Ivan De Lange was saved by the Five Families when he was fourteen. He was saved by the ones who killed his whole bloodline once upon a time... Now, he is living between them, between the murderers of his family and even though he is grateful, his heart is feeling black from that betrayal...
His nemesis, Bella Abandonatto, is a girl that is making his blood boiling every time she is near him... Their hatred and epic fights are something known around them and the parents have even placed house rules for these two when they are at the same room...
But things are about to change very soon...
"I'd needed someone to blame. And it's always easier to blame those you secretly respect than yourself."
Bella is a spoiled mafia princess that knows well how to fight her own way into the ranks of mafia...
Ivan has always been a thorn to her side and as much as she had tried to pull him out of her, it is impossible!!!
She hates that boy with a passion and after what he did, he can not trust him, even though she is under his thumb!!!
Ivan became ruthless and cruel and he won't stop at anything to see his family line rise for once again... And Bella is the perfect pawn for him, but she won't fall without a battle...
"In the end you have to sacrifice the few to save the many, if that makes me a monster then monster I'll be."
I loved Bella and Ivan very much!!!
Ivan had stolen my heart from the very first moment... He was a boy that was forced to grow up abruptly... A great weight had been placed upon his shoulders and he was making enemies everywhere around him because of his actions... But he dragged Bella into this with him and things had started to change inside of him!!!
"We all had our parts in this play.
Mine wasn't to play her hero.
And hers wasn't to save me from myself.
It would be a tragic ending."
Bella was the usual spoiled princess, as Serena was before her back in her book, but I liked how she was with Ivan... and even though, he was making a mess around them, she couldn't stay away from him!!!
These two were balancing a thin rope between hate and love mostly of the book and their connection was explosive either they were fighting or f**king!!!
"When I looked at her, I saw someone I wanted to both love and hate, but they went hand in hand, to love her was to hate her, to hate her was to love her."
Yep, I am addicted to this crew and I was so excited when I saw that my favorite crazy mafia bunch will make another appearance!!!
I am so ready to see the rise of the De Langes and to enjoy the new stories that Rachel will send our way...
I adore this world and I could live inside it for the rest of my life, even though the madness that follows them around!!!
"Dreams are made to be borned out of nightmares, not the other way around, Bella. You appreciate the dream when the nightmare is over..."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"Blood in, no out.
As burns this saint, burns my soul, I will get into this life alive, and get out dead.
Amen."
The first generation was amazing, the second got under my skin, but the next chapter is going to be explosive!!!!
I adore RVD's mafia romances... They are insane, unhinged, outrageous, and so delicious!!!
I loved that we got back to the world of EE and Mafia Royals with a new story...
The De Langes have a huge history behind them and it was inevitable to rise again from their ashes after everything that had happened to them!!! Even though there were bad cookies between them, their whole line didn't deserve what had happened to them!!!
And the start in this new chapter are making Bella Abandonatto and Ivan De Lange and their story was very complicated, but so explosive!!!
"Be nice. Get along. Don't kill each other. You aren't enemies, the people out there is."
Ivan De Lange was saved by the Five Families when he was fourteen. He was saved by the ones who killed his whole bloodline once upon a time... Now, he is living between them, between the murderers of his family and even though he is grateful, his heart is feeling black from that betrayal...
His nemesis, Bella Abandonatto, is a girl that is making his blood boiling every time she is near him... Their hatred and epic fights are something known around them and the parents have even placed house rules for these two when they are at the same room...
But things are about to change very soon...
"I'd needed someone to blame. And it's always easier to blame those you secretly respect than yourself."
Bella is a spoiled mafia princess that knows well how to fight her own way into the ranks of mafia...
Ivan has always been a thorn to her side and as much as she had tried to pull him out of her, it is impossible!!!
She hates that boy with a passion and after what he did, he can not trust him, even though she is under his thumb!!!
Ivan became ruthless and cruel and he won't stop at anything to see his family line rise for once again... And Bella is the perfect pawn for him, but she won't fall without a battle...
"In the end you have to sacrifice the few to save the many, if that makes me a monster then monster I'll be."
I loved Bella and Ivan very much!!!
Ivan had stolen my heart from the very first moment... He was a boy that was forced to grow up abruptly... A great weight had been placed upon his shoulders and he was making enemies everywhere around him because of his actions... But he dragged Bella into this with him and things had started to change inside of him!!!
"We all had our parts in this play.
Mine wasn't to play her hero.
And hers wasn't to save me from myself.
It would be a tragic ending."
Bella was the usual spoiled princess, as Serena was before her back in her book, but I liked how she was with Ivan... and even though, he was making a mess around them, she couldn't stay away from him!!!
These two were balancing a thin rope between hate and love mostly of the book and their connection was explosive either they were fighting or f**king!!!
"When I looked at her, I saw someone I wanted to both love and hate, but they went hand in hand, to love her was to hate her, to hate her was to love her."
Yep, I am addicted to this crew and I was so excited when I saw that my favorite crazy mafia bunch will make another appearance!!!
I am so ready to see the rise of the De Langes and to enjoy the new stories that Rachel will send our way...
I adore this world and I could live inside it for the rest of my life, even though the madness that follows them around!!!
"Dreams are made to be borned out of nightmares, not the other way around, Bella. You appreciate the dream when the nightmare is over..."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
June 22, 2024
I really tried w/this book, but I just couldn’t get fully into it- in the beginning.
Ivan’s character I loved from page 1. Bella’s, honestly I couldn’t stand. Her behavior was childish & annoying. Normally I love a love/hate relationship, w/lots of heated banter, but Bella just came off as a spoiled child.
But then it was like BAM! The story, including Bella, sucked me right in & couldn’t put it down.
My opinion of Bella changed completely & I liked her! A lot. And the banter & comebacks between them was really funny at times. But poor Ivan! He really took some beatings f/the guys! But he did it like champ, & w/a smile- literally!
My overall thoughts… the plot, storyline, characters- & especially the huge plot twist were excellent!! Really, really good!
This is one book that I’m really happy I finished because I love when I start out not liking a mc, & end up loving them!
Ivan’s character I loved from page 1. Bella’s, honestly I couldn’t stand. Her behavior was childish & annoying. Normally I love a love/hate relationship, w/lots of heated banter, but Bella just came off as a spoiled child.
But then it was like BAM! The story, including Bella, sucked me right in & couldn’t put it down.
My opinion of Bella changed completely & I liked her! A lot. And the banter & comebacks between them was really funny at times. But poor Ivan! He really took some beatings f/the guys! But he did it like champ, & w/a smile- literally!
My overall thoughts… the plot, storyline, characters- & especially the huge plot twist were excellent!! Really, really good!
This is one book that I’m really happy I finished because I love when I start out not liking a mc, & end up loving them!
June 26, 2024
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
Holy wow! I don't even know where to begin with reviewing this book. It started out easily enough and then next minute, around 30% in, I was all like YOU DID NOT RACHEL! OH HELL NO! And from then on, I was totally captured and following this story to see how things would play out.
There's the one big mystery running through the storyline but there are plenty of moments with Bella and Ivan that are sweet, frustrating, and anything else you can think of. Some typical moments from all our fave mafia crew too.
And then, as things ramp up to the end - I did not see that coming. I figured it out about two seconds before it happened, and OH MY GOD. RACHEL IS BRILLIANT AND EVIL AND WHAT WAS THAT! HOOOOOOO BOY!
This gives a lead in to some more great mafia books in this new series, 'Rise of the De Langes', and this was one hell of a way to open that series and continue my favourite mafia world. Blood In. No Out.
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The Storygraph
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
Holy wow! I don't even know where to begin with reviewing this book. It started out easily enough and then next minute, around 30% in, I was all like YOU DID NOT RACHEL! OH HELL NO! And from then on, I was totally captured and following this story to see how things would play out.
There's the one big mystery running through the storyline but there are plenty of moments with Bella and Ivan that are sweet, frustrating, and anything else you can think of. Some typical moments from all our fave mafia crew too.
And then, as things ramp up to the end - I did not see that coming. I figured it out about two seconds before it happened, and OH MY GOD. RACHEL IS BRILLIANT AND EVIL AND WHAT WAS THAT! HOOOOOOO BOY!
This gives a lead in to some more great mafia books in this new series, 'Rise of the De Langes', and this was one hell of a way to open that series and continue my favourite mafia world. Blood In. No Out.
Follow me on:
The Storygraph
June 23, 2024
This generation of mafia is definitely one of the best one yet!!! Ciao Bella brought out the big guns with Ivan and Bella. The hate between these two share from the beginning is so strong. And all these rules they all have to follow. Is great to see how their story is unfolding. The twist and turns you won’t see coming. Rachel has created such a world you love being at. And let’s not forget the OG mafia guys you love to see. They get better with age and you won’t want to miss it. This story has it all love, hate, laughs, family and of course mafia. All the feels with this incredible story. The ending was a masterpiece you’ll definitely be asking for more.
Arc provided for honest review.
Arc provided for honest review.
June 25, 2024
I would love to peak into Rachel’s mind because the books she creates are so mind blowing and emotional. The way she keeps you on edge but has you rooting for the villain is one of the many things I love about her writing.
This has got to be one of my fave books in this new generation because Bella and Ivan are both deranged and yet they both have so much to give and are pure perfection.
This book is full of twists, turns but I love the smile this “family” brings to my face. The quick barbs and the way they tease each other shows you how much love there is between them! A crazy group but a group with so much love.
Ivan is definitely a fave hero of mine, or shall I say anti hero! The way he knows Bella and knows how to push her without it being too much. He gives her what she needs to be the queen he knows she is. Bella though is seriously the best. She is temperamental but as a woman in a man’s world she lets herself be heard and isn’t scared to fight for those she loves!
This has got to be one of my fave books in this new generation because Bella and Ivan are both deranged and yet they both have so much to give and are pure perfection.
This book is full of twists, turns but I love the smile this “family” brings to my face. The quick barbs and the way they tease each other shows you how much love there is between them! A crazy group but a group with so much love.
Ivan is definitely a fave hero of mine, or shall I say anti hero! The way he knows Bella and knows how to push her without it being too much. He gives her what she needs to be the queen he knows she is. Bella though is seriously the best. She is temperamental but as a woman in a man’s world she lets herself be heard and isn’t scared to fight for those she loves!
June 25, 2024
You had me at Ciao!
The Queen of Mafia is back, and man, did she have me gasping and guessing the whole way through. RVD’s 'Ciao Bella' is one wild ride from start to finish.
Right from the start, I was hooked. I just knew she couldn’t have done what it looked like, but RVD kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to figure out what was going on with the Families. Holy plot twist, Batman! They were insane!
RVD knows how to spin a story that’s both gripping and totally unpredictable. The mafia world felt so real, I could almost feel the tension and danger myself. I love where RVD took us with this one – it’s packed with suspense, intrigue, and jaw-dropping surprises.
If you love intense stories with lots of drama and twists, 'Ciao Bella' is a must-read. Seriously, you won’t be able to put it down!"
🖤fave quotes📖
At least that’s how I imagined it, like they were some sort of mafia Elvises.—-omg 🖤😜
“And if I would have begged you to save me from drowning in the darkness, what then?”
I turned to face him. “Maybe I would have told you I’d drown right with you, the only way to the other side is through the darkness—only then can you find the light, you know?”——well dang 🥺
“…Always say hello and goodbye. No matter what.”
“Every day?”
“Every day. I want my days to start with Ciao Bella, and I want them to end with Ciao Bella.”🖤🖤🖤
Just because Nixon is my dude but I love when they mess with him:
“On a scale of one to ten, how painful was it to say that out loud, Dad?” “Fourteen,” Nixon grunted.
The Queen of Mafia is back, and man, did she have me gasping and guessing the whole way through. RVD’s 'Ciao Bella' is one wild ride from start to finish.
Right from the start, I was hooked. I just knew she couldn’t have done what it looked like, but RVD kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to figure out what was going on with the Families. Holy plot twist, Batman! They were insane!
RVD knows how to spin a story that’s both gripping and totally unpredictable. The mafia world felt so real, I could almost feel the tension and danger myself. I love where RVD took us with this one – it’s packed with suspense, intrigue, and jaw-dropping surprises.
If you love intense stories with lots of drama and twists, 'Ciao Bella' is a must-read. Seriously, you won’t be able to put it down!"
🖤fave quotes📖
At least that’s how I imagined it, like they were some sort of mafia Elvises.—-omg 🖤😜
“And if I would have begged you to save me from drowning in the darkness, what then?”
I turned to face him. “Maybe I would have told you I’d drown right with you, the only way to the other side is through the darkness—only then can you find the light, you know?”——well dang 🥺
“…Always say hello and goodbye. No matter what.”
“Every day?”
“Every day. I want my days to start with Ciao Bella, and I want them to end with Ciao Bella.”🖤🖤🖤
Just because Nixon is my dude but I love when they mess with him:
“On a scale of one to ten, how painful was it to say that out loud, Dad?” “Fourteen,” Nixon grunted.
June 26, 2024
Ciao Bella by Rachel Van Dyken is a five-star read that completely captivated me from start to finish. As someone who hasn't read a book by Rachel in a while, I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible YA Mafia Romance that she has delivered.
One of the things I loved most about this book is the layers of complexity in the story. Rachel has expertly woven a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets and twists within. The fighting between Ivan and Bella is at the next level, filled with passion and intensity that adds an extra layer of excitement to the story.
While Ciao Bella can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it is worth noting that it is part of a large world that Rachel has crafted extensively. As a reader, I appreciated this world's depth and richness, knowing there is more to discover beyond the pages of this book. Additionally, the fact that this story is second-generation adds another dimension to the narrative, making it even more intriguing and compelling.
Thank you, Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for the opportunity to review this title.
One of the things I loved most about this book is the layers of complexity in the story. Rachel has expertly woven a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets and twists within. The fighting between Ivan and Bella is at the next level, filled with passion and intensity that adds an extra layer of excitement to the story.
While Ciao Bella can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it is worth noting that it is part of a large world that Rachel has crafted extensively. As a reader, I appreciated this world's depth and richness, knowing there is more to discover beyond the pages of this book. Additionally, the fact that this story is second-generation adds another dimension to the narrative, making it even more intriguing and compelling.
Thank you, Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for the opportunity to review this title.
June 24, 2024
• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
GOOSEBUMPS!! I've read all the books in this mafia world, and this just somehow gave me the early days eagle elite vibes. The love hate relationship between the main characters was just felt through the pages. By now I know somehow everything always works out at the end of the book, but I never quite know how the author will get there and she always manages to surprise me with some twists and turns. You can read this without having read the others since the author does a good job of explaining things, it's just just you get to understand another layer. If you plan on reading this series, do go all in and start at the beginning. Loved seeing so many of my favourite characters. I really hope Rachel will continue this series in this world.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
GOOSEBUMPS!! I've read all the books in this mafia world, and this just somehow gave me the early days eagle elite vibes. The love hate relationship between the main characters was just felt through the pages. By now I know somehow everything always works out at the end of the book, but I never quite know how the author will get there and she always manages to surprise me with some twists and turns. You can read this without having read the others since the author does a good job of explaining things, it's just just you get to understand another layer. If you plan on reading this series, do go all in and start at the beginning. Loved seeing so many of my favourite characters. I really hope Rachel will continue this series in this world.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
June 24, 2024
RVD knows what she’s doing when she gives us a mafia book that we can’t put down. Bella and Ivan have a love/hate relationship that is full of not just your normal arguments but moments that will have you ducking or on the edge of your seat about to fall off of it. Honestly, I may have fallen off the edge at least twice with the twists that came out of no where that felt like a slap to the back of your head. Ivan takes over as the boss for the De Lange family and is trying to find the mole in the ranks. After one night of trying to help Ivan, the hate Bella felt for him was born. But things aren’t as they seem and Bella has to decide if trusting Ivan is the right thing to do. The emotional ride towards their HEA had everything you’ll ever think of wanting and possibly more when it comes to a mafia romance. RVD does not disappoint, giving us a mafia romance that hooks you before you even finish the first chapter. I don’t want to spoil anything but if you enjoyed her Mafia Royals series and her Eagle Elite series, this book brings everything full circle but also a new beginning.
January 4, 2026
I told you to tell me if you were tempted to fly. I almost didn’t catch you.”
It’s been a rough couple of years with nook slumps but one thing that never fails to get me reading, laughing like a maniac and gasping like shock is the escape of Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia worlds. Opening this book was like coming home and it’s been a very long time since I’ve sat and binged a book in once sitting.
Once again, RVD had me questioning evening and throwing my kindle when ghosts from many a year ago resurfaced and had me hooked and breathing heavily.
Ivan and Bella’s love hate relationship was just perfect. Boy have a missed the 5 families having dinner because it always ends in bloodshed and it’s the funniest shit ever!
As always, I love seeing the OG’s (that I read back in 2019) as parents. It’s the funniest shit ever. Here’s hoping this is the start of an amazing reading year for me and RVD helped me get my reading mojo back!
❤️Mafia
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Second generation
❤️College romance
❤️Arranged marriage
❤️Forced proximity
It’s been a rough couple of years with nook slumps but one thing that never fails to get me reading, laughing like a maniac and gasping like shock is the escape of Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia worlds. Opening this book was like coming home and it’s been a very long time since I’ve sat and binged a book in once sitting.
Once again, RVD had me questioning evening and throwing my kindle when ghosts from many a year ago resurfaced and had me hooked and breathing heavily.
Ivan and Bella’s love hate relationship was just perfect. Boy have a missed the 5 families having dinner because it always ends in bloodshed and it’s the funniest shit ever!
As always, I love seeing the OG’s (that I read back in 2019) as parents. It’s the funniest shit ever. Here’s hoping this is the start of an amazing reading year for me and RVD helped me get my reading mojo back!
❤️Mafia
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Second generation
❤️College romance
❤️Arranged marriage
❤️Forced proximity
July 1, 2024
Rachel Van Dyken is my queen. There is no other way to put it! Her books just give me life. Ciao Bella is another masterpiece in the Eagle Elite World. This story is about Nixon's baby girl Bella and Ivan, one of the De Lang orphans. Ivan has been trained by Junior to be his right-hand man and second in command of the De Lang Family. But there have been some shake ups with the De Langs, and Ivan must risk everything and steal Bella right from under Nixon's nose. There's also another issue, Bella and Ivan are enemies, to the point where there are laminated rule sheets for them at every house in the family! They fight worse than Serena and Junior did! So Ivan kidnapping Bella is a disaster waiting to happen. Nobody, and I mean nobody, does banter like RVD. She has a gift for snappy, fast-paced dialog. The conversations between Ivan and Bella gave some comedic relief to all the heavy in the story. Bella was even more sassy than Serena! I think Ivan and Bella became my second favorite EE couple right after Ash and Annie. Now, don't get me wrong, this story is still dark and gritty mafia, but like all the books in the EE world, it also has a lot of heart, and of course, Family dinner! I have to say that after this book, Rachel is on top of my evil author list. I think our shock and awe gives her breath, because oh my lord... She loves to make our jaws drop with the twists she throws us. As with all of RVD's mafia books, blood in no out.
July 2, 2024
Ciao Bella
Wow - when you revisit the Eagle Elite - you really know how to rip out hearts and make us angry! At first I was like no! She wouldn’t do that! No! Only to keep reading the next chapter to find out that yes you did indeed do that! I cried, I threw my phone, I cried some more. And I didn’t pick up my phone to read again for at least a day while I mourned. Then I thought to myself, I have to finish to see how this plays out. Let me tell you, I read the last 2/3rds of the book in a day. My heart was in my throat the entire time! And may I just say that even I didn’t see this ending coming! What a brilliant piece of work you are RVD! And even though I’m contradicting prior emotions and setting them aside for now, I loved everything about this book - except maybe the one part that devastated me - but you know, all the rest. I love EE so much. I guess I forgot how brutal this world was. IFYKYK - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow - when you revisit the Eagle Elite - you really know how to rip out hearts and make us angry! At first I was like no! She wouldn’t do that! No! Only to keep reading the next chapter to find out that yes you did indeed do that! I cried, I threw my phone, I cried some more. And I didn’t pick up my phone to read again for at least a day while I mourned. Then I thought to myself, I have to finish to see how this plays out. Let me tell you, I read the last 2/3rds of the book in a day. My heart was in my throat the entire time! And may I just say that even I didn’t see this ending coming! What a brilliant piece of work you are RVD! And even though I’m contradicting prior emotions and setting them aside for now, I loved everything about this book - except maybe the one part that devastated me - but you know, all the rest. I love EE so much. I guess I forgot how brutal this world was. IFYKYK - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 21, 2024
Yay! RVD is back with a new mafia romance! That’s a one-click for me! If you haven’t read the Eagle Elite, you’re missing out! The guys are back and adding to the chaos of their daily lives, but trust me, you wouldn’t want it any other way. I love the craziness of these families! ❤️
The DeLange family was cleansed several years back with only a few remaining survivors. Ghosts from the past threaten the future and Ivan, one such survivor, is faced with an awful choice that could result in disastrous consequences for all 5 families, to include Bella, whom he won’t admit he loves. Lies are everywhere and it’s impossible to know who to trust. Will Ivan succeed in being the villain everyone needs?
Loved this book! I’m so thrilled to have another mafia story to enjoy. I sincerely hope there will be more! I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
The DeLange family was cleansed several years back with only a few remaining survivors. Ghosts from the past threaten the future and Ivan, one such survivor, is faced with an awful choice that could result in disastrous consequences for all 5 families, to include Bella, whom he won’t admit he loves. Lies are everywhere and it’s impossible to know who to trust. Will Ivan succeed in being the villain everyone needs?
Loved this book! I’m so thrilled to have another mafia story to enjoy. I sincerely hope there will be more! I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
January 29, 2025
I love this author and I love her maffia books especially.
The banter between Ivan and Bella was so much fun and them needing rules was just so exciting!
But at times you could see it wasn't really hate, because sometimes even if it was a small moment they could talk normally with each other!
I knew it, I knew it! We got this in another book a time ago as well!
I liked to see all the oldies again as well.
The family dynamics are just so special as well, even though they laugh and joke an treathen each other . They are always there for each other!
The banter between Ivan and Bella was so much fun and them needing rules was just so exciting!
But at times you could see it wasn't really hate, because sometimes even if it was a small moment they could talk normally with each other!
I knew it, I knew it! We got this in another book a time ago as well!
I liked to see all the oldies again as well.
The family dynamics are just so special as well, even though they laugh and joke an treathen each other . They are always there for each other!
June 4, 2025
(I received an ARC for this book)
Trigger Warnings include:
graphic violence (including between MCs), murder (on page and described), depression, character has experienced brief moments of suicidal thoughts (thoughts and situations on page), dissociative identity disorder
Ivan and Bella’s hatred for each other was announced on page one, and I was instantly giddy to experience that hatred! And experience it I did! In all its beautiful glory! I laughed, way harder than I probably should have I think, when they were literally torturing and threatening each other’s lives. The Families treat them like they’re toddlers because of their antics, but they’ve had enough with the games. And then to really piss Ivan and Bella off even more, the reality of life in the mafia comes calling. I am a SUCKER for a dark romance wrapped in a romantic-comedy bow. “Here, have some LOLs, but SURPRISE! Don’t forget this is a mafia romance!” I’m a very calm, stoic reader. You’d never know what I was reading. But with this one, I absolutely disturbed the peace! I am absolutely obsessed with Ivan De Langes. And all the terrible things he does and says. And I LOVE Bella for giving it right back to him!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Will you punch me if I kiss you right now?”
• “Is it so wrong, in this world of darkness and terror, to want something for yourself?”
• “I just like seeing you on your knees, it’s quite poetic for me.”
• “Now watch me take in the pleasure of your hands on me and do whatever you want.”
• “You’re keeping your hands to yourself. I only want your mouth.”
• “I want to punish you for making me want.”
• “She chose me, so let me choose her back right now.”
• “Can’t do this without you. I don’t want to.”
• “Stay in front of me. So, I don’t get led astray. Every man needs a good partner to lead them, I do better when that person is you.”
• “She was scared, so I hugged her, I was petrified so I kissed her.”
• “I found my light. I’m just terrified I’ll be the same one to both find and extinguish it.”
• “I can hold you, but I won’t take things from you.”
• “When I was thinking about what I really wanted before my impending possible death, it was you.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Arranged (Forced) Marriage
6/10 Dark Romance
8/10 Enemies to Lovers
6/10 Forced Proximity
9/10 Mafia Romance
8/10 Slow Burn
8/10 Series
This is my review for Little Nightmare
Trigger Warnings include:
graphic violence (including between MCs), murder (on page and described), depression, character has experienced brief moments of suicidal thoughts (thoughts and situations on page), dissociative identity disorder
Ivan and Bella’s hatred for each other was announced on page one, and I was instantly giddy to experience that hatred! And experience it I did! In all its beautiful glory! I laughed, way harder than I probably should have I think, when they were literally torturing and threatening each other’s lives. The Families treat them like they’re toddlers because of their antics, but they’ve had enough with the games. And then to really piss Ivan and Bella off even more, the reality of life in the mafia comes calling. I am a SUCKER for a dark romance wrapped in a romantic-comedy bow. “Here, have some LOLs, but SURPRISE! Don’t forget this is a mafia romance!” I’m a very calm, stoic reader. You’d never know what I was reading. But with this one, I absolutely disturbed the peace! I am absolutely obsessed with Ivan De Langes. And all the terrible things he does and says. And I LOVE Bella for giving it right back to him!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Will you punch me if I kiss you right now?”
• “Is it so wrong, in this world of darkness and terror, to want something for yourself?”
• “I just like seeing you on your knees, it’s quite poetic for me.”
• “Now watch me take in the pleasure of your hands on me and do whatever you want.”
• “You’re keeping your hands to yourself. I only want your mouth.”
• “I want to punish you for making me want.”
• “She chose me, so let me choose her back right now.”
• “Can’t do this without you. I don’t want to.”
• “Stay in front of me. So, I don’t get led astray. Every man needs a good partner to lead them, I do better when that person is you.”
• “She was scared, so I hugged her, I was petrified so I kissed her.”
• “I found my light. I’m just terrified I’ll be the same one to both find and extinguish it.”
• “I can hold you, but I won’t take things from you.”
• “When I was thinking about what I really wanted before my impending possible death, it was you.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Arranged (Forced) Marriage
6/10 Dark Romance
8/10 Enemies to Lovers
6/10 Forced Proximity
9/10 Mafia Romance
8/10 Slow Burn
8/10 Series
This is my review for Little Nightmare
July 1, 2024
It's probably going to be at least 10–15 business days and an appointment with my therapist before I'm able to wrap my head around all of the emotions I just experienced.
Am I okay? No. Did I consider calling my therapist for an emergency appointment because my mind is so blown? Yes. Has my heart been beaten and battered? Yes (x♘♘♘♘). Did I ugly cry? Yes, multiple times—and this is only based on the first 10%.
If you love mafia romance, ‘enemies to lovers’, angst, forced proximity, suspense, and found family... one-click Ciao Bella and come back and thank me!!
It’s so much more than I could have imagined. In a word, it’s brilliant. The best book I’ve read all year. A top-three favorite in the Eagle Elite world. The magic that was part of the original series becomes more intense with every book. The introduction to this brand-new series set inside the Eagle Elite world is no exception—yet it’s completely different. It’s RVD mafia to the nth degree. When it comes to kicking off a new series, ‘Ciao Bella’ is beyond compare. It was epic in every way: tears falling, lives ruined, blood shed, laughter, and above all, the love and loyalty intricately woven into every character. The Eagle Elite is so much more than a mafia family; they are ALL family.
(One sentence of this is a variation on a Veronica Mars quote.)
As soon as I opened ‘Ciao Bella,’ it felt like going home, and what could possibly feel more like the comfort of home than a family dinner, mafia style? The tumultuous hate and underlying love between Ivan and Bella added fuel to their fiery chemistry. The passionate way they fought over the years, and then being in forced proximity, became a slow burn of literary edging proportions.
I adored Bella. She’s completely different from her sister. It was as though she saw everyone else’s strengths while not seeing her own. She’s the youngest and Nixon’s baby. As the baby of my family, I can say that sometimes comes with being babied far beyond the baby stage. When others are always there to hold you up, you don’t always recognize your own strength. Ivan not only saw it; he nourished it. He helped her build an arsenal so she had the knowledge to be her own hero. After all, how could a De Lange be anything but a villain?
Ivan had so many layers, and each one was more complicated than the last. The way he ended up alongside some of the most notorious members of the Cosa Nostra left niggling thoughts in the back of his mind that he would never be one of them. How do you make peace with your past when you feel like you’re staring at it every day? He was a force to be reckoned with, but could he be the rise of the De Langes without leaving the Families in a pile of ash? So many questions, and all I can say is… Take a deep breath and dive in. Hide in the bathroom and lock the door. Do whatever is necessary to avoid real-life interruptions because they will come at the absolute worst time.
Saying that ‘Ciao Bella’ captivated me would be a vast understatement. The storyline seized my attention in the first few words, and from there, every thought and emotion was completely at the mercy of the words on the pages. Every word was emotionally charged, whether it was because of Ivan being a grade-A a-hole or a million other reasons; you feel every emotion. Every tear you shed, every muttered ‘WTF,’ and all the laughs are how the characters in this world become branded on your soul.
RVD writes in a way that pulls you in so deeply, you feel as much a part of the world as the fictional characters. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy or a dark mafia tale that makes you laugh, cry, and throw things, her writing is unparalleled. And her mafia series are unequivocally the most intricately woven, mind-blowing, and enthralling stories my eyes have ever seen. Nothing will ever convince me that the EE books aren’t magical. RVD’s writing is exceptional and never ceases to take my breath away.
Ivan and Bella’s story is an emotionally riveting, epic start to the ‘Rise of the De Langes’ series. It’s a tumultuous enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, mafia romance teeming with suspense, clever banter, and witty threats like only the EE characters can pull off. RVD’s writing, especially her mafia series, has the ability to take my breath away.
The insanity of two generations of mafia families offers me hours of escape the stress of real life. From the OG series to this brand new one, every character has left an imprint on my heart and soul. These characters have made such a huge impact on me that I have not one, but two tattoos that are due to my love of the magic I feel every time I’m able to get lost inside the Eagle Elite world. This is what people are referring to when they use the phrase ‘books are the greatest escape.’ You don’t want to miss out on everything these series have to offer.
Am I okay? No. Did I consider calling my therapist for an emergency appointment because my mind is so blown? Yes. Has my heart been beaten and battered? Yes (x♘♘♘♘). Did I ugly cry? Yes, multiple times—and this is only based on the first 10%.
If you love mafia romance, ‘enemies to lovers’, angst, forced proximity, suspense, and found family... one-click Ciao Bella and come back and thank me!!
It’s so much more than I could have imagined. In a word, it’s brilliant. The best book I’ve read all year. A top-three favorite in the Eagle Elite world. The magic that was part of the original series becomes more intense with every book. The introduction to this brand-new series set inside the Eagle Elite world is no exception—yet it’s completely different. It’s RVD mafia to the nth degree. When it comes to kicking off a new series, ‘Ciao Bella’ is beyond compare. It was epic in every way: tears falling, lives ruined, blood shed, laughter, and above all, the love and loyalty intricately woven into every character. The Eagle Elite is so much more than a mafia family; they are ALL family.
(One sentence of this is a variation on a Veronica Mars quote.)
As soon as I opened ‘Ciao Bella,’ it felt like going home, and what could possibly feel more like the comfort of home than a family dinner, mafia style? The tumultuous hate and underlying love between Ivan and Bella added fuel to their fiery chemistry. The passionate way they fought over the years, and then being in forced proximity, became a slow burn of literary edging proportions.
I adored Bella. She’s completely different from her sister. It was as though she saw everyone else’s strengths while not seeing her own. She’s the youngest and Nixon’s baby. As the baby of my family, I can say that sometimes comes with being babied far beyond the baby stage. When others are always there to hold you up, you don’t always recognize your own strength. Ivan not only saw it; he nourished it. He helped her build an arsenal so she had the knowledge to be her own hero. After all, how could a De Lange be anything but a villain?
Ivan had so many layers, and each one was more complicated than the last. The way he ended up alongside some of the most notorious members of the Cosa Nostra left niggling thoughts in the back of his mind that he would never be one of them. How do you make peace with your past when you feel like you’re staring at it every day? He was a force to be reckoned with, but could he be the rise of the De Langes without leaving the Families in a pile of ash? So many questions, and all I can say is… Take a deep breath and dive in. Hide in the bathroom and lock the door. Do whatever is necessary to avoid real-life interruptions because they will come at the absolute worst time.
Saying that ‘Ciao Bella’ captivated me would be a vast understatement. The storyline seized my attention in the first few words, and from there, every thought and emotion was completely at the mercy of the words on the pages. Every word was emotionally charged, whether it was because of Ivan being a grade-A a-hole or a million other reasons; you feel every emotion. Every tear you shed, every muttered ‘WTF,’ and all the laughs are how the characters in this world become branded on your soul.
RVD writes in a way that pulls you in so deeply, you feel as much a part of the world as the fictional characters. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy or a dark mafia tale that makes you laugh, cry, and throw things, her writing is unparalleled. And her mafia series are unequivocally the most intricately woven, mind-blowing, and enthralling stories my eyes have ever seen. Nothing will ever convince me that the EE books aren’t magical. RVD’s writing is exceptional and never ceases to take my breath away.
Ivan and Bella’s story is an emotionally riveting, epic start to the ‘Rise of the De Langes’ series. It’s a tumultuous enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, mafia romance teeming with suspense, clever banter, and witty threats like only the EE characters can pull off. RVD’s writing, especially her mafia series, has the ability to take my breath away.
The insanity of two generations of mafia families offers me hours of escape the stress of real life. From the OG series to this brand new one, every character has left an imprint on my heart and soul. These characters have made such a huge impact on me that I have not one, but two tattoos that are due to my love of the magic I feel every time I’m able to get lost inside the Eagle Elite world. This is what people are referring to when they use the phrase ‘books are the greatest escape.’ You don’t want to miss out on everything these series have to offer.
June 23, 2024
CIAO BELLA
Rise Of The De Langes #1
Rachel Van Dyken
Releases 25th June
#arc #arcreader #advancedreaderscopy #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance #emotionalandgripping #triggeringcontent #hatetolove #rivals #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #standalone #forcedpriority #collegeromance #newadult #brokenhero #arrangedmarriage #TouchHerandDieVibes #strongheroine #tattedhero
POV:Dual Is it Hello or Goodbye?
Bella & Ivan
This book had me laughing, crying, and surprised.
So... stock up on tissues, drink of choice and munchies.
Welcome to the world of Eagle Elite, the second generation of the most powerful families.
Blood In. No Out.
Since the Five Families cleansed the De Lange line and the Nicolasi Family took over years ago, and giving the remaining orphaned De Lange offspring purpose, an education, a place to live, training them to be better than their previous bloodline, pledging their loyalty to the Family.
The treaty is coming to an end, who's this unknown player in the shadows that doesn't want to play nice, and what kind of revenge do they want?
At what lengths will the Families go to protect their loved ones?
Bella Abandonato, youngest daughter of Nixon Abandonato, one of the most powerful bosses of the Five Families of the Cosa Nostra. He's taught his kids well, but Bella's been too spoiled. But when pushed, she'll fight back.
When she encounters Ivan De Lange, one of the orphans they've taken in. She tried to be nice towards him at first. But it's now instant dislike, they rub each other up the wrong way, they're constantly bickering, throwing insults, fighting, the competitiveness has got that bad the Families have rules, the Bella & Ivan rules. So funny.
Ivan's hostility towards Bella is understandable, her family's the reason why his family isn't around anymore.
The two of them have pushed the bosses too far, now they've to watch out for one another.
Can they put up a united front?
Keep the peace to protect the Family?
Can they truly trust one another?
Can they stop history from repeating itself?
The OG and the New Gen bosses, can these guys get anymore funnier?!? The conversations, the one-liners are just brilliant! Even when there's a 'friendly play fighting' brawl, it's so funny.
The most dysfunctional, functioning, hilarious, who protect fiercely, families ever, just get better with time!!
*Arc provided for review
Rise Of The De Langes #1
Rachel Van Dyken
Releases 25th June
#arc #arcreader #advancedreaderscopy #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance #emotionalandgripping #triggeringcontent #hatetolove #rivals #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #standalone #forcedpriority #collegeromance #newadult #brokenhero #arrangedmarriage #TouchHerandDieVibes #strongheroine #tattedhero
POV:Dual Is it Hello or Goodbye?
Bella & Ivan
This book had me laughing, crying, and surprised.
So... stock up on tissues, drink of choice and munchies.
Welcome to the world of Eagle Elite, the second generation of the most powerful families.
Blood In. No Out.
Since the Five Families cleansed the De Lange line and the Nicolasi Family took over years ago, and giving the remaining orphaned De Lange offspring purpose, an education, a place to live, training them to be better than their previous bloodline, pledging their loyalty to the Family.
The treaty is coming to an end, who's this unknown player in the shadows that doesn't want to play nice, and what kind of revenge do they want?
At what lengths will the Families go to protect their loved ones?
Bella Abandonato, youngest daughter of Nixon Abandonato, one of the most powerful bosses of the Five Families of the Cosa Nostra. He's taught his kids well, but Bella's been too spoiled. But when pushed, she'll fight back.
When she encounters Ivan De Lange, one of the orphans they've taken in. She tried to be nice towards him at first. But it's now instant dislike, they rub each other up the wrong way, they're constantly bickering, throwing insults, fighting, the competitiveness has got that bad the Families have rules, the Bella & Ivan rules. So funny.
Ivan's hostility towards Bella is understandable, her family's the reason why his family isn't around anymore.
The two of them have pushed the bosses too far, now they've to watch out for one another.
Can they put up a united front?
Keep the peace to protect the Family?
Can they truly trust one another?
Can they stop history from repeating itself?
The OG and the New Gen bosses, can these guys get anymore funnier?!? The conversations, the one-liners are just brilliant! Even when there's a 'friendly play fighting' brawl, it's so funny.
The most dysfunctional, functioning, hilarious, who protect fiercely, families ever, just get better with time!!
*Arc provided for review
June 29, 2024
4.5stars--CIAO BELLA is the first instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult THE RISE OF THE DE LANGES dark, Mafia romance series, a spin off from the author’s MAFIA ROYALS series, set in the EAGLE ELITE world. This is twenty-one year old Ivan De Langes, and twenty year old Bella Abandonato’s story line. For background and cohesion, I recommend some knowledge of the Abandonato family via the Eagle Elite series as many of the current events are as of a direct result of the original series.Bella is the daughter of Nixon Abandonato; Ivan is believed to be the sole surviving member of the De Langes family.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Ivan, Bella, King) CIAO BELLA follows the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Ivan De Langes, in the wake of the murder of his entire family, was placed under the guardianship of the Abandonato family but Ivan is about to reign holy h*ll, and Bella is about to be the pawn in a dangerous game of winner takes all.
The world building follows several intersecting paths including the life-long animosity between our story line couple. Forced to work out their differences with violence, Ivan and Bella find themselves forced into a marriage in an effort to protect our story line heroine but behind the scenes, the secrets are dark, and the lies will bring heart break for everyone concerned.
The relationship between Bella and Ivan is an enemies to frenemies to married couple to lovers but Bella struggles with what is happening and why, suspecting there is more to the story than she could have ever imagined. Ivan, as the sole surviving member of the De Langes crime family is about to come into his dues, and with it, a target has been aimed at our story line couple. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and dangerous secondary and supporting characters including many of the couples from the author’s Eagle Elite series, and the Mafia Royals series.
CIAO BELLA is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the romance struggles in the face of prior issues; the characters are determined, broken and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Ivan, Bella, King) CIAO BELLA follows the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Ivan De Langes, in the wake of the murder of his entire family, was placed under the guardianship of the Abandonato family but Ivan is about to reign holy h*ll, and Bella is about to be the pawn in a dangerous game of winner takes all.
The world building follows several intersecting paths including the life-long animosity between our story line couple. Forced to work out their differences with violence, Ivan and Bella find themselves forced into a marriage in an effort to protect our story line heroine but behind the scenes, the secrets are dark, and the lies will bring heart break for everyone concerned.
The relationship between Bella and Ivan is an enemies to frenemies to married couple to lovers but Bella struggles with what is happening and why, suspecting there is more to the story than she could have ever imagined. Ivan, as the sole surviving member of the De Langes crime family is about to come into his dues, and with it, a target has been aimed at our story line couple. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and dangerous secondary and supporting characters including many of the couples from the author’s Eagle Elite series, and the Mafia Royals series.
CIAO BELLA is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the romance struggles in the face of prior issues; the characters are determined, broken and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 26, 2024
This review is so hard for me to write because the original Eagle Elite series contained some of my favorite characters and stories. And while this story does offer new beginnings while being very reminiscent of the original series there was one fundamental problem with it (for me at least).
Although it is billed as book number one in a new series, there is simply too much from the prior novels happening for someone who brand new to the series to be able to understand everything that is going on. And I don't just mean the overwhelming amount of characters (as one would expect from a series as long and with as many spin-offs as this one), but the sheer amount of history that is also referenced. Try as the author might, there is no way a brand new reader will be able to fully grasp the importance of the white horse. Or how badly things were with the De Lange family in the past.
However, if you are a long-time fan of the prior novels, you will not be surprised by anything that happens in this book. As Ivan himself said in the blub, history has a way of repeating itself. So that aspect was disappointing for me, and therefore, I didn't have the gut-wrenching, gasping in surprise response the author likely intended.
Aside from that, I have my usual complaints (coming from an EMS background) of how implausible some of the violence is (I'm sorry, one does not simply get shot in the shoulder and then carry on like nothing happened, and anyone having a stab wound of at least two inches deep requires stitches not a bath and a kiss), but I know that puts me in the minority and others will easily be able to overlook those things.
Other than those complaints, I have nothing but good things to say about this novel. It seamlessly blends into the Eagle Elite world, the writing keeps the reader engaged, and it perfectly sets the stage for what I am sure will not only be the next chapter of the Cosa Nostra families, but also that of many more generations to come.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Although it is billed as book number one in a new series, there is simply too much from the prior novels happening for someone who brand new to the series to be able to understand everything that is going on. And I don't just mean the overwhelming amount of characters (as one would expect from a series as long and with as many spin-offs as this one), but the sheer amount of history that is also referenced. Try as the author might, there is no way a brand new reader will be able to fully grasp the importance of the white horse. Or how badly things were with the De Lange family in the past.
However, if you are a long-time fan of the prior novels, you will not be surprised by anything that happens in this book. As Ivan himself said in the blub, history has a way of repeating itself. So that aspect was disappointing for me, and therefore, I didn't have the gut-wrenching, gasping in surprise response the author likely intended.
Aside from that, I have my usual complaints (coming from an EMS background) of how implausible some of the violence is (I'm sorry, one does not simply get shot in the shoulder and then carry on like nothing happened, and anyone having a stab wound of at least two inches deep requires stitches not a bath and a kiss), but I know that puts me in the minority and others will easily be able to overlook those things.
Other than those complaints, I have nothing but good things to say about this novel. It seamlessly blends into the Eagle Elite world, the writing keeps the reader engaged, and it perfectly sets the stage for what I am sure will not only be the next chapter of the Cosa Nostra families, but also that of many more generations to come.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
June 23, 2024
I have been a diehard Eagle Elite fan since the beginning, and I’ve always enjoyed the craziness and surprises in this series. With the previous next-generation books, I ran hot and cold with some of them, but I was completely shocked and awed by some too. I think part of it is just me and the enemies-to-lovers trope especially when it’s really extreme. Sometimes is a bit too much for me. And Ivan and Bella definitely are extreme. Bella is Nixon Abondonato‘s youngest daughter and Ivan is one of the DeLanges who was saved, and he has been working for the five families. But these two hate each other violently and it’s fueled by anger, hate jealousy, drama, and bloodshed.
The twists in the story interested me enough, but at this point I’ve read so many of these books that I was kind of digging deep trying to figure them out myself. I enjoyed being back in this world. and it did have all of my favorite OG and next-gen characters, the banter, and the extreme reactions that I have enjoyed in the previous books.
I liked the second half more than the first half, and I appreciated the parts where they were more vulnerable and forced to trust each other. And things started coming together more for me, and it brought a couple of interesting twists. I did figure out one of them out, but a couple did surprise me. And that is one of the things that is fun about this series.
This seems like it might be the springboard for more stories with the other younger siblings as there was a bit of a tease.
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The twists in the story interested me enough, but at this point I’ve read so many of these books that I was kind of digging deep trying to figure them out myself. I enjoyed being back in this world. and it did have all of my favorite OG and next-gen characters, the banter, and the extreme reactions that I have enjoyed in the previous books.
I liked the second half more than the first half, and I appreciated the parts where they were more vulnerable and forced to trust each other. And things started coming together more for me, and it brought a couple of interesting twists. I did figure out one of them out, but a couple did surprise me. And that is one of the things that is fun about this series.
This seems like it might be the springboard for more stories with the other younger siblings as there was a bit of a tease.
June 25, 2024
Ivan and Bella are rivals and enemies to the extreme. When Ivan makes a move and kidnaps Bella at knifepoint, he sparks a war between the families that has the potential to throw off the peaceful balance they have lived in since the second generation took over.
There were times that the degree to which their enemy status made it difficult to see the depth of their emotion the other direction. It was clear that they had strong feelings towards each other and a deep connection, but I struggled to see it as love except in a few instances. Bella’s innocence became a sticking point for both her family and for Ivan as they negotiated. These are characters for whom honor is high and their word (and precise language) is important.
Returning to RVD’s Eagle Elite world is always a whirlwind of chaos, danger, and deep devotion to family. This is a second generation spin off that seems to be bringing a new direction to the Five Families. I loved the drama between the families in this story and the way the small details added up to the twists at the end. I’ve been reading RVD’s mafia books for a long time and have started to see her patterns, but even as my mind worked through the breadcrumbs, I enjoyed the direction and tension that was present throughout the story.
Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
There were times that the degree to which their enemy status made it difficult to see the depth of their emotion the other direction. It was clear that they had strong feelings towards each other and a deep connection, but I struggled to see it as love except in a few instances. Bella’s innocence became a sticking point for both her family and for Ivan as they negotiated. These are characters for whom honor is high and their word (and precise language) is important.
Returning to RVD’s Eagle Elite world is always a whirlwind of chaos, danger, and deep devotion to family. This is a second generation spin off that seems to be bringing a new direction to the Five Families. I loved the drama between the families in this story and the way the small details added up to the twists at the end. I’ve been reading RVD’s mafia books for a long time and have started to see her patterns, but even as my mind worked through the breadcrumbs, I enjoyed the direction and tension that was present throughout the story.
June 28, 2024
Okay, I love a good dark Mafia romance, and this book was amazing from beginning to end. If I could give it more stars I would. I was pulled into the story at the start of the first chapter and couldn't put it down until I reached the end. It was an exciting roller-coaster of drama, mystery, murder, suspense, angst and spice. This book is a dark mafia enemy to lovers, forced proximity, and romance. I thought the storyline was original and beautifully written with vivid detail. I love a book that can make me feel what the character is feeling, and I felt the heartbreak, the betrayal, and all the fist-pumping "Yeah" I yelled a few times. I absolutely loved the reasoning behind this title, and its use in the story, made my heart swoon. The characters were everything I'd want in the bad boy MMC and the take-no-crap Mafia Princess. Yes, that is right, she wasn't a fragile piece of glass that shattered; she was strong, stubborn, knew how to throw a punch, and never backed down from a fight. Their banter and chemistry were push and pull and oil and water. I so enjoyed the unpredictability of this book, I was guessing left and right and it always brought a smile when it was not what I expected to happen. Rachel Van Dyken is an amazing author, she is gritty and real with the worlds and characters she creates.
Bella was a Mafia Princess with thorns. I loved that she wasn't a doormat and stood up for herself. She was fierce and determined. Ivan was dark, broody, a survivor, and had a few secrets. They both gave as good as they got throughout this book, it was either really comical what they did to each other or utterly heartbreaking. My heart broke and soared for these characters and loved how their chemistry changed and became something beautiful. It was a wild fun ride and I can't wait to see what Rachel Van Dyken brings next in this series. -By Brooke
Bella was a Mafia Princess with thorns. I loved that she wasn't a doormat and stood up for herself. She was fierce and determined. Ivan was dark, broody, a survivor, and had a few secrets. They both gave as good as they got throughout this book, it was either really comical what they did to each other or utterly heartbreaking. My heart broke and soared for these characters and loved how their chemistry changed and became something beautiful. It was a wild fun ride and I can't wait to see what Rachel Van Dyken brings next in this series. -By Brooke
June 28, 2024
Bella is sassy, fierce, and kind. She has moments of vulnerability though where she just wants to be seen for who she is and for someone to have her back.
Ivan lives with some ghosts as his family are considered enemies. But he has grown up to be quick witted and resourceful. What he wants is a family and a feeling of home.
These two! They’ve grown up together so understand each other well, but a pivotal moment also starts their constant bickering and them always sparring with the other. Yet beneath all that they have witty banter and an implicit connection where they truly see the other and are the other’s rock. While there are times when secrets or facades might appear to hinder their relationship, we learn there are things afoot and that these two truly make a good team. They help support one another and see their worth. We definitely cheer for this friends to enemies to lovers journey.
Moreover, we see familiar faces from across the author’s works so it may help to read those books as there are a lot of characters. But it’s also possible to start here and then go back as knowing those backstories is not required. I liked seeing the bonds between these folks and you somewhat feel like coming home and seeing where they are now since we left them. There’s definitely some humor and heart here.
The author also does a good job with the pacing do the story and keeping us guessing what will happen next. Shocking moments and unexpected reveals definitely have us enraptured as well as some of the more humbling and emotional scenes. The author excels at bringing all these elements together and understanding their deeper meanings and connections.
Overall, this was an engaging read and I cannot wait to see what may be next.
Ivan lives with some ghosts as his family are considered enemies. But he has grown up to be quick witted and resourceful. What he wants is a family and a feeling of home.
These two! They’ve grown up together so understand each other well, but a pivotal moment also starts their constant bickering and them always sparring with the other. Yet beneath all that they have witty banter and an implicit connection where they truly see the other and are the other’s rock. While there are times when secrets or facades might appear to hinder their relationship, we learn there are things afoot and that these two truly make a good team. They help support one another and see their worth. We definitely cheer for this friends to enemies to lovers journey.
Moreover, we see familiar faces from across the author’s works so it may help to read those books as there are a lot of characters. But it’s also possible to start here and then go back as knowing those backstories is not required. I liked seeing the bonds between these folks and you somewhat feel like coming home and seeing where they are now since we left them. There’s definitely some humor and heart here.
The author also does a good job with the pacing do the story and keeping us guessing what will happen next. Shocking moments and unexpected reveals definitely have us enraptured as well as some of the more humbling and emotional scenes. The author excels at bringing all these elements together and understanding their deeper meanings and connections.
Overall, this was an engaging read and I cannot wait to see what may be next.
July 3, 2024
Wow! What an amazing book full of unexpected twists and turns and of course the unforgettable banter that exists in the ever expanding Eagle Elite world. The characters may change but one thing will always remain, “Blood In, No Out”.
I loved the characters of Bella Abandonato and Ivan De Lange. Bella is the daughter of the one of the OG characters of the Eagle Elite series, Nixon Abandonato. And Ivan has grown up with Bella and their relationship can only be coined as a love/hate relationship. They can’t stand one another but somehow they always end up getting into an argument that eventuates in violence.
Ciao, Bella continues the next generation of Eagle Elite characters and we get to learn more about the cursed De Lange family line. The Five Families tried to cleanse the De Lange family line from existence but left a few key people alive. Ivan, being one of the chosen. Ivan was secretly groomed from a young age under the direction of Junior, Tex’s son. But even being a De Lange didn’t keep Ivan away from Bella.
Bella is feisty, just like all the other incredible heroine characters in this series. She comes across a little as a spoiled princess, but what do you expect being Nixon’s youngest daughter? Now that the kids are at Eagle Elite, it’s time for them to grow up. Ivan and Bella are thrown together as roommates at Eagle Elite to get them to quit fighting all the time and learn how to get along. No one expected for things to take such a quick or drastic turn though.
The plot twists in this book were AMAZING. I loved the character banter and that we get to see the OG characters come back and make an appearance. I truly hope this saga never ends and that RVD keeps building this world. I love all the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next!
I loved the characters of Bella Abandonato and Ivan De Lange. Bella is the daughter of the one of the OG characters of the Eagle Elite series, Nixon Abandonato. And Ivan has grown up with Bella and their relationship can only be coined as a love/hate relationship. They can’t stand one another but somehow they always end up getting into an argument that eventuates in violence.
Ciao, Bella continues the next generation of Eagle Elite characters and we get to learn more about the cursed De Lange family line. The Five Families tried to cleanse the De Lange family line from existence but left a few key people alive. Ivan, being one of the chosen. Ivan was secretly groomed from a young age under the direction of Junior, Tex’s son. But even being a De Lange didn’t keep Ivan away from Bella.
Bella is feisty, just like all the other incredible heroine characters in this series. She comes across a little as a spoiled princess, but what do you expect being Nixon’s youngest daughter? Now that the kids are at Eagle Elite, it’s time for them to grow up. Ivan and Bella are thrown together as roommates at Eagle Elite to get them to quit fighting all the time and learn how to get along. No one expected for things to take such a quick or drastic turn though.
The plot twists in this book were AMAZING. I loved the character banter and that we get to see the OG characters come back and make an appearance. I truly hope this saga never ends and that RVD keeps building this world. I love all the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next!
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