Princes of Carnage

Pretty Ruthless Monsters #1

by Eva Ashwood

The enemy of my enemy is my… husband.When my father died and I stepped into his shoes as leader of Enigma, I vowed to protect the gang he’d built. And I won’t break that promise—no matter what I have to do to keep it.So when a mysterious attacker targets our territory, I swallow my pride and propose an alliance between Enigma and the Princes of Carnage, a biker gang led by Nico Morelli. We’ve been rivals for years, but his territory is under attack too, and we’ll have a better chance of defending ourselves if we work together.Except Nico doesn’t just want an alliance. He wants a guarantee that I won’t turn against him, so he proposes something else.A marriage.Now I’m wearing my enemy’s ring and living under the same roof as him and his two best friends. Atlas, the tatted up biker who seems to hate me and crave me in equal measure. And Killian, the silent 6’6” wall of muscle who never says a word to me but seems to notice everything I do.All three of these men are as savagely beautiful as gods, with black hearts and bloody hands. It should be easy for me to hate them. To remember that this is just a business arrangement.But when Nico touches me… when Killian watches me… when Atlas protects me…Everything I thought I knew starts to unravel.This book Jealous, possessive MMCsTouch her and die vibesMarriage of convenienceEnemies to loversMotorcycle gangsLots of spice

Princes of Carnage is a full-length new adult romance with dark themes, morally gray anti-heroes, and scorching heat. It is book one of four in the series.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary

450 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2024

About the author

Eva Ashwood has been a reader her whole life and a writer for several years. She loves telling stories of alpha males and the fierce women who bring them to their knees.

She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.

Reviews

[nikki]

dnf @3%

I cannot believe this just happened but here we are. I’m DNFing an Eva Ashwood book. I don’t think I’ve ever DNFed so fast before. I have a habit of searching for certain keywords (especially when I’m unsure if the book is safe or not) so I obv did it with this one too and guess what I found? That it has OW drama. There was a mention of one of the H’s (Atlas) having an ex-gf and her wanting to get back tg with him despite him being the dumper. Okay, seemed manageable. But then we have a scene where he goes to club to forget the h (Quinn), gets drunk, dances seductively with the ex (because why not right? *note the sarcasm*), lets her kiss him because it feels good and only pushes her away when she tries to get his dick out and DING DING DING that’s when the h catches them.

I hated that. I fucking hate it. I hate it when the H tries to “forget” the h and then pulls this typa shit. And even worse? He enjoys it. Idgaf if you’re drunk or high or whatever the fuck you’re doing. This shit ain’t it. Honest to god, I’ve got zero patience for this and even Nico and Killian aren’t enough to make me wanna see this through - which tbh, makes me sad because I have a feeling that I might like them a lot. But nothing’s worth ruining my mental health and peace so there’s that ig. For my safety girlies that wanna read this but want to skip the drama/scene mentioned above, it’s chapter 23 and 24. You’re welcome🥰

[Maria]

damn this was freakin long

[Taylor Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IN THE FLYING EFF WAS THAT ENDING?! Absolutely not. No way. We didn’t go through all of that… for THAT? WOW. BRB just downloading book two.

UPDATE: Book two isn't out until next year?! What kind of sick joke is that?! WOW.

[dess · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m so scared to continue after that ending.

[Jaz Hatherley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of embarrassed to have this on my good reads lmao but mafia romance 🤝 ovulating

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Started off strong but got boring near the middle onwards. I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience trope so that was fun at least.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to the series. I loved that the story hit the ground running and there weren't any boring moments. I was pleasantly surprised with how Quinn's relationship with the guys went. There's mention of the gangs being enemies, but they were relatively amicable and so things start surprisingly well. There's definitely not a lack of steam; you get that here in spades, for sure.

I think the second part will get even better, especially with what happened in the end. I do hope Crown of Lies will be released soon because I can't wait to read what happens next.

[SheaButtahBookhead · Rating 1 out of 5]

Plot:📖
Originality: 📝📝📝📝
Narration:🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action:👊🏽
Troupe: RH
Triggers: assault (mostly off page), violence


I’m going to hold your hand when I say this… it’s a DNF for me. If you’re looking for a RH with plenty of spice, you may enjoy this book.

The issue I have is the story comes off very childish and unrealistic. Like the author did no research on MC’s (not “motorcycle gang”) or crime families. The plot is slow due to all the sex scenes and I was hoping for a more complex story I could sink into.

[Colleen Shrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was over way too soon, even though it was 500 pages 😂. The build up of the relationship between Quinn, Atlas, Killian, and Nico was perfect. The chemistry between them towards the end was palpable. I wish the second book was ready to go right now, I can’t wait to see how Quinn, Atlas, Killian, and Nico’s relationship continues.

Ps. There is a chase seen and it is *chefs kiss*

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG…!!!

TALK ABOUT TENSION. Eva baby, we got beef. that cliffy was sickkkkkk… UGH, i love all the guys so much. I almost ALWAYS have a favorite but I dont think i can choose. AND MY BA GIRL YESSS QUINN.

i love the group dynamic so much and I am DEPRESSO ESPRESSO that i have to wait for book 2 😵‍💫

5/5 ⭐️
4.5/5 🌶️

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/3✨

The beginning showed so much promise. That first phantom scene.🔥🔥🔥But then the plot got super slow and boring. Maybe if the marriage of convenience was drawn out a bit more? Some more tension? I was anticipating more. More action, more violence, more darkness. I don’t understand the praise for Quinn. She doesn’t come off as a “boss” to me. She appears more bossy and childish. The spice and ending were great. Debatable if I continue the series but I would be open to reading something else from the author.

[auds thoughts {hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 4🔥

This was SEXY, and I blew through it! Marriage of convenience, rival gangs, secrets, denied attraction, why choose!

I knew things were going too smoothly…and of course the men had to go and fuck it up. We love a vengeful woman…and I can’t wait to find out why she’s so special….There’s also some obvious shit that went down in the men’s past, I’m dying to know. Eva I’ve missed your writing so much!!

Tropes:
Marriage of convenience, rival gangs, bikers, why-choose, enemies to lovers, betrayal, secrets, forced proximity, hunter/prey kink, slight dom/sub kink, Strong FMC, protective MMCs, denial of feelings, touch her and 💀

TW: past assault, alludes to other past abuse to come out in future books, schmurder, intense SEXY TIMES, stalking, and others

[Kayla Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR HEART RIPPED OUT OF YOUR CHEST… I am unwell, how am I supposed to wait until the end of February to read the next book and then it’s a 4 book series!?😭 I’m ruined. I need to know what happens next! Overall this has been one of my favorite dark romance reads of the year! Make sure if you’re new to dark romance, read the trigger warnings before picking up these types of books!

[Camryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG UMMMMM LOVE but WTH was that ending!!?

[Outchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely unlocked a new level of smut. And there's a LOT of it.

Overall nice read, the whole gang stuff is kind of brushed over though. Liked the FMC and the MMCs.

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers.






Oof betrayal, I had a feeling the book would go that way but that sucked to read.


I like the main character, she gives me Hades vibes from Tate james and I didn't know until now how much I needed a character like that again. I will say the main male characters left something to be desired for me but I did like the book. I'll also say I know the next book will have some more enemy to lovers vibes but I'm not sure I'm ready to sign up for a whole book of back and forth about trust. That can get old so fast in these books. And it sure as hell doesn't need to be a whole book worth.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love eva ashwoods writing but this book was mid

[Sara Mcfadden · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay

This was honestly just not a fun read for me. It was formulaic and dragged out. I do not think I will continue this series

[Alina]

note : not safe, there is a scene with one of the mm s with his ex 50% in and the fmc sees them.
and it's in the mmc's pov and he is thouroughly enjoying himself

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMALL SPOILERS AHEAD-
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️- the spice was spicin
Just finished reading Princes of Carnage and I’m DYING for the next book! Exhibit A of why I try not to read a series before they are all released. Other than that being a me problem this book was so good! There were a good amount of twists and turns and I couldn’t really anticipate where it was going. I was waiting the whole time for the Phantom story line and was shocked when it didn’t go the direction I thought. I’m also in love with Killian and Atlas- she may be married to Nico but I don’t think he was the star player in this book. I’m sure by the time all of the books are out I’ll have a special place in my heart for all 3 of these men.
One big difference between this book and a lot of the other mafia/gang books is that Quinn can seriously hold her own and it was a good change of pace to have the FMC be in a place of power as well throughout the whole book!
Definitely recommend but if you don’t do well with cliff hangers then maybe wait until all of the books are out :)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Ahh!! Such a good start to this series!! If you love gang/MC stories where the FMC doesn’t have to choose just one MMC.. this is for you.

The group dynamic was SO good. And good lord if you love spice… this is freaking JAM packed with it. Once it starts it doesn’t stop.

Quinn is the leader of Enigma & she’s noticed her group has been targeted lately. When she realized one of the rival MC gangs is being targeted as well she decides to suggest an alliance.

Nico, leader of Carnage agrees to the alliance with conditions, one being they get married. Taking it one step further his 2 second in commands, Atlas and Killian go where Nico goes.

These men, they are all so brooding and rough around the edges but damn.. I can’t pick a favorite. I feel like they each became my favorite whenever I was reading their POV or interactions with Quinn.

The cliffhanger was just enough to make me want to continue the series but also not feel the cliffhanger hangover. Much appreciated Eva!!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Bloody Brilliant! I really can't praise this 1st book in The Pretty Ruthless Monsters series. My head is literally exploding with all of the twists and turns in it.

Quinn (FMC) finds herself ruling the Enigma gang after her father's death. Perfect for her as she was a smart, strong-willed powerhouse of a woman that is pretty much underestimated by the majority of the men in this dangerous world she lives in. So when a proposition is brought to her of an alliance with the Princes of Carnage - Nico, Atlas & Killian things get decidedly more complicated.

Gang politics, secrets, lies and threats mix together with plenty of hot and steamy scenarios throughout this book. That definitely kept me guessing right up until one flaming hell of a cliff-hanger ending that had my jaw hitting the floor. It was that good!! I can't wait for book 2 now.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started off really strong for me. It kept my attention and was really shaping up to be another fun series for me to read.

I honestly like all of the characters personalities and what they bring to the table, but the farther along the book I got into reading it just felt like the story wasn’t moving at all. I get that we have to learn more about the characters and what they are going through but it just felt repetitive until the last 30 minutes of the book.

I really loved the chemistry between the chapters, I just felt like there maybe could have been a bit more emotional moments. I did enjoy the book, it just felt too slow of a pace. Maybe the next book will get more story to it.

[Tiffany Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ughhhhh the QUEEN of cliffhangers!!! I’ve read so many of Eva ashwood’s series and there is always two things I can count on, burning hot smut and an ending that makes you want to scream!!! Cannot wait for book 2!!! If you don’t mind reading an incomplete series and being left wondering wtf for several months, then this is the book for you!! Quinn is a bada$$ b*tch, Nico melts me with his smooth Italian and brooding personality, Atlas makes me giggle & there is seriously something so hot when he calls Quinn “vicious,” I’m so here for it. And Killian….my fu€k!ng GAWDDDD. Well done Eva, well done.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running the mafia after your father died has plenty of pit falls as Quinn finds out. Then you add marrying the MC president Nico and his two body guards Atlas and Killian, to appear strong against their adversaries. They work to show a united front of their enemies with some pitfalls. Never a dull moment from the steamy hot behind the doors to being shot at and chased. Great book!

[nothing but amazing books Lacey Threapleton Wygerde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book form Eva . Her books alway draw you in and keep you captivated . This whole book kept me on the edge of my seat. i was completely eating this story up and loving every second of it . I literally can’t wait till book two come out . I highly recommend !!!!!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start for the series. The chemistry is off the charts with the four of them. I think Emmett is going to be an issue eventually. With the clubhouse gone does this mean it will bring the gangs closer whether they want or not.

[Ceilidhchaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Romance Why Choose

This has alot of really good tropes. Forced marriage of convenience. Enemies to lovers. Stalker romance. Who touched you? With hand removal. The lack of ⚔️ is a bummer though

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screaming!!! Crying!!! Throwing up!!! CRYING!!!!! Miss Eva has never not once missed with her books and Princes of Carnage is no gd exception. Quinn was everything, Nico, Atlas, and Killian were everything, I NEED MORE. The plot twists, the tension, the smut, the mf betrayal, the cliffhanger?! I need the next book NOW. All three men cater to all your needs (and Quinn’s wink wink) and Quinn is such an amazing badass fmc I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

****

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG, THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. Easily the best, most romantic, spicy RH Eva has ever written. I cannot wait for the second book!!

**Full RTC