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Eagle Elite #4.6
Bang Bang
He was my best friend ... until he became my enemy, all within the span of one night. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. The rapid fire of gunshots became the soundtrack to my life. This is the Mafia. Lines are blurred. Choices are never black and white. And the life you thought you knew is one giant lie. He was dead. I didn't want his life to be in vain, so I tried to make something of myself. I tried and failed. Now he's back. Alive. And he wants me. Nobody ever said the Mafia played fair. Welcome to the family.
155 pages, ebook
First published September 8, 2014
196 people are currently reading
3678 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
177 books18.5k 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 358 reviews
October 3, 2015
I definitely missed Rachel Van Dyken’s Elite series. It’s like Mafia romance on crack and a red bull IV. Imagine this: A bunch of ridiculously young guys, who basically own the mafia and other very cool things… oh and the girls they love. I absolutely love this series and one of the main reasons is that doesn’t matter how long I take to read each book, when I get started I just can’t stop. Unlike the other Mafia romances I’ve read, Rachel Van Dyken takes a much more light hearted and humorous angle on the whole Mafia world. Mind you, some very intense and messed up stuff happens but it just basically glides right of your back because it’s just so much fun!
“You’re afraid of the unknown, stop trying to figure everything out just trust me.”
“Trust?” I repeated. “The mafia?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re insane.”
“Or just brilliant.”
“I choose insane.”
I’m not sure why Bang Bang, isn’t list as part of the Elite Series because it definitely is. If you haven’t read the other books you’ll be meeting the most important couples of the Elite in this book. This is Amy and Axtons book, Axton is Sergio’s younger brother. I really hope Sergio get his own book very soon by the way. Axton and Amy were neighbours when they were still teenagers but when Axton and Sergio’s cover was blown they were forced apart partly to keep Amy safe and partly because they were from rivaling Mafia families. So you have a friends to lovers romance and then you also have a star crossed love.
“Fight it all you want, but there us no chance in hell I’m letting you go. Ever. You run, I chase. You cry. I fix. You fight. I take the punches. Try your damndest to push me away, try me, Ames. I wouldn’t blame you if you did, but it would sure save a hell of a lot of energy if you just gave in.”
They finally get a chance to reunite when Axton is ordered to bring her back to Chicago. There’s some angst because when Axton left, Amy was put into the foster care system and lets just say her life has not been a walk in the park. There story was cute, Axton was just pure alpha male and you know I love that stuff so yes I really enjoyed this one. I do wish it had been longer and my only complaint is sometimes I feel like Rachel’s characters don’t have sexual organs, I mean the most you get is breast lol! But other than that it was sweetly sex and I can’t wait to carry on reading this series.
“Thanks… for coming… even though it was a false alarm.”
“I’ll always come,” I vowed. “I swear.”
“I’ll keep that in mind next time I want you to run in my direction-screaming works.”
A grin spread over my face and I winked. “Just make sure it’s my name and we won’t have any problems.”
January 1, 2015
5 I love this series Stars
I don’t know why Bang Bang is not linked to the Eagle Elite series, at first I didn’t even think it was related and I don’t read novellas, but I gobbled this sucker up and I wished there was more!
Bang Bang is a novella to be read after Elicit, which is the fourth book in the Eagle Elite series. If you are a fan of the series, like me, then read Bang Bang, it will be totally worth it.
This is Ax and Amy’s story.
Amy and Ax are best friends and when they were teenagers Amy and Ax separate. Amy thinks Ax is dead and is just trying to survive.
Ax stayed away to protect her.
It’s five years later and Ax needs to get Amy back because she is in danger.
Don’t you love the damsel in distress story line? I do! I love that Amy is poor, battered and just in need of being rescued. Sure the reason for Ax staying away is kind of silly, but I went with it.
The whole book was cute and I loved seeing the gang, there’s Nick, Cash, Tex and some of Phoenix too, which I can’t wait to read!
Amy struggles to get over the past and move forward and Ax continues to protect Amy. If you are a fan of the series, then this is the perfect mini-treat.
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON | 99 cents | Novella
I don’t know why Bang Bang is not linked to the Eagle Elite series, at first I didn’t even think it was related and I don’t read novellas, but I gobbled this sucker up and I wished there was more!
Bang Bang is a novella to be read after Elicit, which is the fourth book in the Eagle Elite series. If you are a fan of the series, like me, then read Bang Bang, it will be totally worth it.
This is Ax and Amy’s story.
Amy and Ax are best friends and when they were teenagers Amy and Ax separate. Amy thinks Ax is dead and is just trying to survive.
Ax stayed away to protect her.
It’s five years later and Ax needs to get Amy back because she is in danger.
Don’t you love the damsel in distress story line? I do! I love that Amy is poor, battered and just in need of being rescued. Sure the reason for Ax staying away is kind of silly, but I went with it.
The whole book was cute and I loved seeing the gang, there’s Nick, Cash, Tex and some of Phoenix too, which I can’t wait to read!
Amy struggles to get over the past and move forward and Ax continues to protect Amy. If you are a fan of the series, then this is the perfect mini-treat.
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON | 99 cents | Novella
July 17, 2018
A nice extra short story for Eagle Elite series. It's about Ax Abandonato, Sergio's younger brother and Amy De Lange, Phoenix's cousin. They're best friends until parted ways and reunited after five years. Sweet reunion for these two. Phoenix and Sergio are still brooding heroes in this novella. Lmao 😂
August 26, 2014
For those that are wanting to jump into the Elite Series without having to read the first four books, Bang Bang is a great introduction to the Eagle Elite Gang and will get you where you need to be to start off the series without being lost. The only thing...after reading Bang Bang, you will WANT to go back and read the first four books!
Rachel creates sexy as sin, swoon worthy mafia men that make you want to run off and join the family.
Rachel creates sexy as sin, swoon worthy mafia men that make you want to run off and join the family.
September 5, 2017
I found this one to be good, not great. I liked it enough, but thought it may be a tad one dimensional compared to the other books. Now granted, I know this was a novella, but hey, I'll never complain about more EE books. 😉
So based on the beginning chapters, I expected more when these two came back together. More hurt, more angst, more joy, more feeling. Then the "twist" wasn't too shocking but I wish it didn't happen that way. Is that the answer to everything? Because it's happened in 2 other books now, and this story makes 3. This is the couple where I wanted it to happen organically, though I enjoy the outcome nonetheless.
Alrighty then, onto the next book!
So based on the beginning chapters, I expected more when these two came back together. More hurt, more angst, more joy, more feeling. Then the "twist" wasn't too shocking but I wish it didn't happen that way. Is that the answer to everything? Because it's happened in 2 other books now, and this story makes 3. This is the couple where I wanted it to happen organically, though I enjoy the outcome nonetheless.
Alrighty then, onto the next book!
September 17, 2014
Loved loved loved!!!!
Read it in one sitting(thank God it's short cuz I could'n put it down).
I love my book boyfriends protective,funny,hot and possessive,and all Abandonato men are just picture perfect like that!
And I don't have to mention that they are mobsters...
This is one of my favorite mafia series,and I can't wait for next one!
Awesome read!
Read it in one sitting(thank God it's short cuz I could'n put it down).
I love my book boyfriends protective,funny,hot and possessive,and all Abandonato men are just picture perfect like that!
And I don't have to mention that they are mobsters...
This is one of my favorite mafia series,and I can't wait for next one!
Awesome read!
September 29, 2014
This is the perfect little stand-alone to read to catch you up on the series without you having to actually read the first 4 books. Of course, i recommend reading the first 4 anyways, because the boys are worth the read.
This story contains new characters never before seen in any of the other books, so you get a little outside perspective of "the Family" when coming into the series for the first time.
Ax and Amy are amazing, as are all the other characters in this series.
Tex is ever intimidating, but oh so sweet ((the jerk made me cry!!)) Chase is still a goof, Nixon still as badass ((and my ultimate favorite)), and Sergio is ever elusive.
I recommend this book for those not willing to read all the others, but wanting a taste of the boys, and i def recommend for all who have read the series, because you get a little dose of all the awesome that is the Eagle Elite.
4+ Banging stars!
This story contains new characters never before seen in any of the other books, so you get a little outside perspective of "the Family" when coming into the series for the first time.
Ax and Amy are amazing, as are all the other characters in this series.
Tex is ever intimidating, but oh so sweet ((the jerk made me cry!!)) Chase is still a goof, Nixon still as badass ((and my ultimate favorite)), and Sergio is ever elusive.
I recommend this book for those not willing to read all the others, but wanting a taste of the boys, and i def recommend for all who have read the series, because you get a little dose of all the awesome that is the Eagle Elite.
4+ Banging stars!
November 29, 2016
3.5 "passion in new mafia generation" stars
ok, I must have been slipping cause when I started reading this novella, all of a sudden I was like, wait, wait, i know these people - Nixon, Chase, Tex, Mil, Mo, Sergio, Phoenix
*roll eyes* of course, you do, stupid...they are from Eagle Elite series
yeah, yeah, it happens to the best of us...
moving on
so this is a story of Axton Abandonato (Sergio's bro) and Amy De Lange, those of you who read the previously mentioned series, know that those are the two opposite mafia families who were at war BUT with the new generations coming to the spotlight, things are rapidly changing...and we are talking about the one big mafia merging...BUT before that took place, Amy and Ax were on the opposite sides but they were the best of friends...who were taken away from each other by lies, cover up and set up...Amy lost Ax with this sound
Bang Bang...
Her life changed drastically, she was taken to the foster home and has been fending on the edge of low existence for five years...then the destiny pushed her on a different path, when this merging came through, she would find out that Ax was very much alive and was in hiding these five long years...protecting her still
and now he was coming for her...to claim her forever.
she would fend her distrust when she realizes that her feelings never actually disappeared, she never stopped loving him but Ax will have to prove the same...
"I cause unrest?"
"You cause butterflies."
"I hope to catch those butterflies, every last one, and then I'm going to set them free again and again...until you can't take it anymore and even then...I'm going to chase, I'm going to catch. I'm going to release, and then I'll repeat the process."
Enough steem to set the house on fire, that's for sure and yet, somehow the events were sped up, It was all thrown into a bundle of action, passion and heroine's confused grasp of it all...I just felt that there was "too much", "too soon" and I was missing the link to glue it all in a completed mosaic...but it was fun, passionate and fast. *wink*
oh, yeah...
December 5, 2014
Meh. This book did nothing for me. I haven't read the rest of the series so I can honestly say I didn't feel like this book should have been labeled as a stand alone. Throughout the book I felt like I was missing something. That scene where all of the cars pull in and the previous characters step out felt like one of those movie scenes where the secondary characters show up to help with the heist and one by one the narrator lists their stats. Only I didn't get any stats. I had no clue who these couples were and how important they were in the hierarchy. I'm thinking Bang Bang might have been more enjoyable if I knew them already.
Now to Ax and Amy's story. Being a novella, everything had to happen at the speed of light and I don't think it did them justice. The reconnection seemed so unbelievable. If I were Amy I probably would have nursed my snit a little longer. But no, she's ready to marry Ax within the week. Huh?!
What I was most disappointed with though was we saw no action regarding Amy's father and brother. All these guys talked about was how they were in the mafia and their body count. So why can't we see them in action. We don't even know if they showed to the wedding. Also, I'm curious, I didn't think Made Men ever admitted to being in the mafia so it was surprising to read these guys say it out loud so much.
And the two-star clencher...there's NO SEX!! Lame.
Now to Ax and Amy's story. Being a novella, everything had to happen at the speed of light and I don't think it did them justice. The reconnection seemed so unbelievable. If I were Amy I probably would have nursed my snit a little longer. But no, she's ready to marry Ax within the week. Huh?!
What I was most disappointed with though was we saw no action regarding Amy's father and brother. All these guys talked about was how they were in the mafia and their body count. So why can't we see them in action. We don't even know if they showed to the wedding. Also, I'm curious, I didn't think Made Men ever admitted to being in the mafia so it was surprising to read these guys say it out loud so much.
And the two-star clencher...there's NO SEX!! Lame.
October 8, 2014
Bang Bang is just that - bang bang!!
If you haven't read any of the other books in this series yet, that is ok. This is a great novella that sort of introduces the whole family.
But this book centers around Ax and Amy. I love these two.
Five years is a long time to move on from someone - someone you thought was dead and gone from your life forever. But what happens when that person did it to protect you?
"Your protection broke my heart."
But you can never hide or run from the mafia - especially when you are born into it.
I love the comraderie and banter between everyone. It just makes everything that much more real - brings the story to life.
Rachel has always been one of top fave authors and I when I say top - I mean ALL TIME TOP TEN FAVE!! And this novella is another reason why.
If you have not already started this series - you need to now. And then you will find yourself wanting to read each one from the beginning immediately after reading this.
"My biggest mistake was not wating to be selfish enough to live. But being selfish enough to live for you."
If you haven't read any of the other books in this series yet, that is ok. This is a great novella that sort of introduces the whole family.
But this book centers around Ax and Amy. I love these two.
Five years is a long time to move on from someone - someone you thought was dead and gone from your life forever. But what happens when that person did it to protect you?
"Your protection broke my heart."
But you can never hide or run from the mafia - especially when you are born into it.
I love the comraderie and banter between everyone. It just makes everything that much more real - brings the story to life.
Rachel has always been one of top fave authors and I when I say top - I mean ALL TIME TOP TEN FAVE!! And this novella is another reason why.
If you have not already started this series - you need to now. And then you will find yourself wanting to read each one from the beginning immediately after reading this.
"My biggest mistake was not wating to be selfish enough to live. But being selfish enough to live for you."
think-about-it
September 23, 2015♪ Bang bang into the room (I know ya want it)
Bang bang all over you (I'll let ya have it)♪
Bang bang all over you (I'll let ya have it)♪
July 13, 2016
jak ja kocham tą serię;)
September 7, 2014
Rachel gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME with her captivating prologues that welcome us into this Mafia world she has created. I strongly urge you to read the entire series as seeing the characters is like seeing family. Though this can be read as a standalone seeing the interactions, the bantering and getting to know this cast of characters is what makes this series so special.
Ax and Amy grew up as friends, with Ax always protecting her until truths are revealed and life as they know it has changed forever. Poor Amy is sent to foster homes and Ax is off the grid until he is called back into the family to help find Amy years down the road.
Though Ax's feelings have never changed and we come to learn that he has always loved her, Amy doesn't trust him and who could blame her after everything she has been through?
This is a novella and without revealing too much about what happens - can trust be won again? Can the feelings and chemistry that are so apparent to us be rekindled and will this couple get a second chance to start again?
You will have to read this book to find out!
What I love MOST about Rachel's Elite series is how each and every man she has created know how to love and talk to their women. They will make you swoon! And Bang Bang is no different!
For those who haven't read this series - what are you waiting for?? You will love the Eagle Elite family!!!
Ax and Amy grew up as friends, with Ax always protecting her until truths are revealed and life as they know it has changed forever. Poor Amy is sent to foster homes and Ax is off the grid until he is called back into the family to help find Amy years down the road.
Though Ax's feelings have never changed and we come to learn that he has always loved her, Amy doesn't trust him and who could blame her after everything she has been through?
This is a novella and without revealing too much about what happens - can trust be won again? Can the feelings and chemistry that are so apparent to us be rekindled and will this couple get a second chance to start again?
You will have to read this book to find out!
What I love MOST about Rachel's Elite series is how each and every man she has created know how to love and talk to their women. They will make you swoon! And Bang Bang is no different!
For those who haven't read this series - what are you waiting for?? You will love the Eagle Elite family!!!
December 16, 2015
The story starts off with Ames knocking on Ax's door, he lets her in and she starts falling asleep when shots come through.
Supposidly they are both part of the mafia.
There is no relationship build up, so I'm not sure how these two are bff.
Then five years later, Ames gets a stripper job, on her first day Ax walks in and drags her out of the strip joint. For the past 5 years she has though Ax to be dead, but surprise he is not. Now he wants to take her back to their hometown of chicago.
You think this review is vague? That's all I got out of the book!
Once he "saves" her they spend 2 days in the car, a couple of hours in Nordstrom and tada the book is finished.
What did I read? I don't know. I'm still trying to decide.
No chatacter build up.
No past history.
No mafia insight.
The whole book was empty!
did-not-finish
September 9, 2014DNF at 70%
This supposedly "standalone" novella is anything but a standalone. I don't know why this novella wasn't just added to the Eagle Elite series because all the MCs from that make an appearance and play an important role here. Not a standalone in my book, and I lost interest mainly when it felt like I was dropped in the middle of a series because I haven't read the other books and I had no idea who these people were.
These mafia men were supposed to be ~so badass~ but to me they were trying too hard. And Ax talked like an eighteen-year-old.
And we also have another heroine who's a 22 year old virgin. Yeah...no thanks.
This supposedly "standalone" novella is anything but a standalone. I don't know why this novella wasn't just added to the Eagle Elite series because all the MCs from that make an appearance and play an important role here. Not a standalone in my book, and I lost interest mainly when it felt like I was dropped in the middle of a series because I haven't read the other books and I had no idea who these people were.
These mafia men were supposed to be ~so badass~ but to me they were trying too hard. And Ax talked like an eighteen-year-old.
And we also have another heroine who's a 22 year old virgin. Yeah...no thanks.
February 4, 2022
**5 'Hidden' Stars**
***Damn, I was mafia through and through.***
First of all let me start by telling how stupid I was, by NOT diving into this book sooner.
Secondly, *taking a deep breath*, Eagle Elite Series are simply the best mafia romance books I've ever read.
Thirdly, I wrongly assumed that Ax's book wasn't going to be epic. Mostly, because in the other books, he is hardly mentioned. But I couldn't be more wrong!
In this book, we meet Axton and Amy's story. They were once neighbours and bestfriends, but everything changed in one fatidic night, because Blood in no out .
***I had to find her, kiss her, make her stay.***
I have to admit this one was a bit too short for my liking , but it wasn't any less epic .
Amy's life changed drastically and Axton went into hiding since that eventful night. However, things take a different turn when the Families Bosses, know that she has valuable intel.
I'm a hardcore fan of these series, and once again I found myself completely and utterly enraptured .
Every damn time I read these Series I get giddy for more!
This book is completely worth reading.
This book is part of the Eagle Elite Series. But, it can be read as a standalone.
BOOK O.5
BOOK 1
BOOK 1.5
BOOK 1.6
BOOK 2
BOOK 3
BOOK 4
BOOK 4.5
BOOK 5|MY REVIEW|
BOOK EXTRA|MY REVIEW|
BOOK 6|MY REVIEW|
BOOK 7MY REVIEW
BOOK 8|MY REVIEW|
BOOK 9|MY REVIEW|
September 15, 2019
**Review of the audiobook**
STORY
This was my first book by Rachel Van Dyken.... I liked that there wasn’t any unnecessary fluff or filler; she gets right to the point! Unfortunately, because of that, at times it also felt like there were gaps in the storyline or information was missing. There wasn’t anything so catastrophic that I couldn’t follow the storyline, nor did it feel like Van Dyken made error, but at times it did feel like things were just a bit too brief. There’s also only about two minutes worth of sex scenes and it occurs during the last 5 minutes of the book. The build up was great though, and it’s romantic throughout!
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Caitlin Davies and Rock Engle. Although neither are the best narrators I’ve ever listened to, they are far from the worst too. Both could benefit from acting lessons, yet what they provide here is definitely well above average. Neither made any obvious mistakes and attempted to alter their voices to differentiate between characters. I would definitely listen to more of their audiobooks in the future.
STORY
This was my first book by Rachel Van Dyken.... I liked that there wasn’t any unnecessary fluff or filler; she gets right to the point! Unfortunately, because of that, at times it also felt like there were gaps in the storyline or information was missing. There wasn’t anything so catastrophic that I couldn’t follow the storyline, nor did it feel like Van Dyken made error, but at times it did feel like things were just a bit too brief. There’s also only about two minutes worth of sex scenes and it occurs during the last 5 minutes of the book. The build up was great though, and it’s romantic throughout!
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Caitlin Davies and Rock Engle. Although neither are the best narrators I’ve ever listened to, they are far from the worst too. Both could benefit from acting lessons, yet what they provide here is definitely well above average. Neither made any obvious mistakes and attempted to alter their voices to differentiate between characters. I would definitely listen to more of their audiobooks in the future.
November 13, 2014
5 MAFIA LOVING STARS!
Great novella that eased some of the pain of not having the next part of this mafia book crack, Ember, until next year!! :)
This book is about Sergio's brother Axton (Abandonato cousin) and a DeLange family member Amy.
This book was so sad in the beginning and made your heart hurt. It was a great quick read with the whole gang back and how Family always comes first, and what that means now that there are new Bosses in town!! :)
Great novella that eased some of the pain of not having the next part of this mafia book crack, Ember, until next year!! :)
This book is about Sergio's brother Axton (Abandonato cousin) and a DeLange family member Amy.
This book was so sad in the beginning and made your heart hurt. It was a great quick read with the whole gang back and how Family always comes first, and what that means now that there are new Bosses in town!! :)
October 10, 2014
This was pretty bad. The plot was boring, the lead characters were not sufficiently built. I don’t have much to say about it. It was a total waste of my time. Sorry!
December 30, 2014
This book was a nice love story, short, sweet and rushed. The whole story was a little naive.
February 21, 2016
1.5 Stars
December 25, 2018
I've lost track of how many books are in this series - it's a ton! I'm actually quite proud that I have been able to follow the reading list in the real to be read order - 4 full length novels, 1 small bonus novella and this Novella later and we have 1 great group of Sicilian mafia kids, or should I say Bosses!
This was the first Novella that tried to pack in a whole books worth of relationship and make it believable. It was hard. Thankfully Ax and Amy grew up best friends so you could kind of see the past connection, but really it all went to quick from friends to married. I would have loved a longer build up!! But on to the next - I am still wondering where this series will go...it's been great!!!
This was the first Novella that tried to pack in a whole books worth of relationship and make it believable. It was hard. Thankfully Ax and Amy grew up best friends so you could kind of see the past connection, but really it all went to quick from friends to married. I would have loved a longer build up!! But on to the next - I am still wondering where this series will go...it's been great!!!
April 18, 2020
*5 Stars*
RVD sure knows how to start off with a bang! Wow! This novella was awesome. It was a story I wasn't expecting, but definitely needed. I love all these extra little bits and pieces of the family that we get introduced to, even if it means there are so many characters haha.
Ax and Amy were awesome, and their history and the connection has truly stood the test of time, and distance. Ax is definitely one of my fave Abandanato's so far. We got some more of our faves from the main books to and I can't wait to continue!
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RVD sure knows how to start off with a bang! Wow! This novella was awesome. It was a story I wasn't expecting, but definitely needed. I love all these extra little bits and pieces of the family that we get introduced to, even if it means there are so many characters haha.
Ax and Amy were awesome, and their history and the connection has truly stood the test of time, and distance. Ax is definitely one of my fave Abandanato's so far. We got some more of our faves from the main books to and I can't wait to continue!
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September 26, 2014
First MC now Mafia made men, where will these books take me next?? I am a fan of Rachel Van Dyken having read her Seaside series, The Bet, Ruin and can add Eagle Elite to that list as well.
Ax and Amy were best friends and neighbors. He took her in when things got bad at home and he loved her from a far, even if she didn't know it. One night everything changed, Ax was gone and Amy was on her own. They were from different Mafia families and in that culture family sticks together. Everything that went down that night was her fault, so she was going to make amends for that. Well, try to anyway.
Fast forward five years and Amy's life has gone from bad to worse. Trying to make something more for yourself in memory of somebody else isn't easy and is a set up for failure. After being on her own from that day, Amy has tried to work and go to school without help from anybody. Just as she was about the do the last thing she thought she ever would, a ghost from her past swoops in and saves her. The term save being used lightly here.
Things in the Mafia families have changed a bit and the past is back out to play. Amy is now needed by Ax's family, so she was brought back home much to her dismay. Five years of thinking he was dead and now he is standing right in front of her. He was her best friend, secret crush and now he will become something she could have only imagined.
Bang Bang is a great Mafia story that drew me in instantly. There are a lot of characters to keep track of which I felt made it much more interesting. The banter between the Mafia heads was my favorite part, lots of bird flipping and threats of killing each other. Very entertaining. The book can be read as a stand alone, however I am now interested in seeing how who got to what spot in the family and will be checking out the Elite series.
Ax and Amy were best friends and neighbors. He took her in when things got bad at home and he loved her from a far, even if she didn't know it. One night everything changed, Ax was gone and Amy was on her own. They were from different Mafia families and in that culture family sticks together. Everything that went down that night was her fault, so she was going to make amends for that. Well, try to anyway.
Fast forward five years and Amy's life has gone from bad to worse. Trying to make something more for yourself in memory of somebody else isn't easy and is a set up for failure. After being on her own from that day, Amy has tried to work and go to school without help from anybody. Just as she was about the do the last thing she thought she ever would, a ghost from her past swoops in and saves her. The term save being used lightly here.
Things in the Mafia families have changed a bit and the past is back out to play. Amy is now needed by Ax's family, so she was brought back home much to her dismay. Five years of thinking he was dead and now he is standing right in front of her. He was her best friend, secret crush and now he will become something she could have only imagined.
Bang Bang is a great Mafia story that drew me in instantly. There are a lot of characters to keep track of which I felt made it much more interesting. The banter between the Mafia heads was my favorite part, lots of bird flipping and threats of killing each other. Very entertaining. The book can be read as a stand alone, however I am now interested in seeing how who got to what spot in the family and will be checking out the Elite series.
July 25, 2015
“You run, I chase. You cry. I fix. You fight. I take the punches. Try your damndest to push me away, try me, Ames. I wouldn’t blame you if you did, but it would sure save a hell of a lot of energy if you just gave in.”
This was another short novella about a few new secondary characters in the Eagle Elite family, that I guess was meant as a means to catch people up on the series if they didn’t want to read the first 4 books. While I suppose it could be used for that purpose, I would really recommend reading the first 4 books anyway. You don’t really get a lot of the back story here, just a quick introduction to all the guys and their girls when they make brief appearances so really you aren’t going to really get to know anything about these guys unless you read the other books. That being said, I thought this was an enjoyable novella and a quick read. Nothing too crazy happened in terms of the mafia situation but there were a few dealing happening in the background of the main story. I did like seeing all the guys together again, seeing them introduced through Amy’s eyes was rather amusing. The love story between Amy and Ax was also good, it was a sweet story and I really liked the ending. Now I’m super excited to start Phoenix’s story because I am loving where the author has been going with his character lately and I so want him to fully find his path to redemption!
This was another short novella about a few new secondary characters in the Eagle Elite family, that I guess was meant as a means to catch people up on the series if they didn’t want to read the first 4 books. While I suppose it could be used for that purpose, I would really recommend reading the first 4 books anyway. You don’t really get a lot of the back story here, just a quick introduction to all the guys and their girls when they make brief appearances so really you aren’t going to really get to know anything about these guys unless you read the other books. That being said, I thought this was an enjoyable novella and a quick read. Nothing too crazy happened in terms of the mafia situation but there were a few dealing happening in the background of the main story. I did like seeing all the guys together again, seeing them introduced through Amy’s eyes was rather amusing. The love story between Amy and Ax was also good, it was a sweet story and I really liked the ending. Now I’m super excited to start Phoenix’s story because I am loving where the author has been going with his character lately and I so want him to fully find his path to redemption!
September 2, 2014
Bang Bang, Ax's story, is an absolutely perfect way to join the Eagle Elite family. While I highly, seriously, whole heartedly recommend you read the entire series, you can jump right in with Bang Bang then backtrack to books 1-4 : Elite, Elect, Entice & Elicit.
Ax & Ames' story is poignant and emotionally fulfilling in all the best ways. Rachel once again delivers a story where you feel every emotion and connect deeply with the characters. Rachel seamlessly ties history and present together in this book, delivering a story that explores the bonds between both blood relatives and Family that is chosen. Some of the most touching moments happen between siblings - and don't get me started on the conversation between Tex and Ames....trust me, you will cry happy tears at that part!
Bang Bang leads into the next release in the Eagle Elite series, Ember, and of course I'm on pins and waiting for it to be released! Use your time wisely, get caught up on the entire series and be ready for Ember in January 2015!
Ax & Ames' story is poignant and emotionally fulfilling in all the best ways. Rachel once again delivers a story where you feel every emotion and connect deeply with the characters. Rachel seamlessly ties history and present together in this book, delivering a story that explores the bonds between both blood relatives and Family that is chosen. Some of the most touching moments happen between siblings - and don't get me started on the conversation between Tex and Ames....trust me, you will cry happy tears at that part!
Bang Bang leads into the next release in the Eagle Elite series, Ember, and of course I'm on pins and waiting for it to be released! Use your time wisely, get caught up on the entire series and be ready for Ember in January 2015!
August 27, 2014
Rachel VanDyken has turned me into a Mafia Chick. Seriously. I have been in love, with these characters, from the very first Eagle Elite book. And this book, just brings more love.
Axton....What he has done for love...my word.
Rachel...What she gave up for love...my word.
This is a very quick read. It can be read as a standalone. But why would you want to do that?? Once you get a glimpse into these characters, you're going to wanna read all the books, so you might as well just start at the beginning. :)
Rachel has created this twisted family that you can't help but fall in love with. Between all the guns and blood, they're a family who would do anything to keep each other safe.
"Welcome to the family" is right.
Axton....What he has done for love...my word.
Rachel...What she gave up for love...my word.
This is a very quick read. It can be read as a standalone. But why would you want to do that?? Once you get a glimpse into these characters, you're going to wanna read all the books, so you might as well just start at the beginning. :)
Rachel has created this twisted family that you can't help but fall in love with. Between all the guns and blood, they're a family who would do anything to keep each other safe.
"Welcome to the family" is right.
September 8, 2014
Rachel is the MAFIA Queen.!!
I love this series so much and every books keeps getting better and better.! She never fails to amaze me how amazing and talented she is. This short story just full of emotions and I can total relate to all the characters.
I love this series so much and every books keeps getting better and better.! She never fails to amaze me how amazing and talented she is. This short story just full of emotions and I can total relate to all the characters.
January 24, 2020
This was a really quick, fun read. I loved Ax and Amy's backstory. I wished there was a little more angst or struggle between the two, but hey, it's a short novella. I really hope we get to see them throughout the series.
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