Sweet Poison: An arranged marriage mafia romance

by Rachel Van Dyken

The final book in Rise of The De Langes an interconnected standalone mafia romance...

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦.
𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳.
𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭…
His breath hit my neck, lips brushing skin.
"𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘵?”
All it took was one phrase—“𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦?”—and I was already losing.
To the enemy.
To a Tinder date gone violently wrong.
To the Syndicate’s most dangerous heir.
It was supposed to be my last middle finger to the establishment before they sacrificed me on the family altar of arranged marriage. So I took control. I made the rules. I chose the husband.
Louis De Lange.
The twin who should’ve died.
The traitor.
The man who lost my sister—his so-called true love.
He said he had nothing left. So I made him my weapon.
But the problem with controlling a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
You never see the fangs until they’re already at your throat.
The plan was simple. The timeline set. Sixty days to infiltrate, manipulate, and survive.
But I wasn’t banking on Louis being more than broken—I wasn’t ready for how dangerous he could be when he finally decides he’s done bleeding for everyone else but himself.
I was playing to win.
He was playing to lose.
And we were both about to learn…
The sweeter the poison the more bitter the fight.
To the end. Love. Hell. Or destruction. Let the games begin.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Forced Proximity

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2026

About the author

Rachel 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-...

Reviews

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish)]

I was not ready for this, not ready at all! Oh my heart. My heart is my throat! Any lover of Eagle Elite be prepared because Rachel is showing us that everything we thought we knew, we didn’t. As this world comes to a “end” it’s also the beginning of so much more.

The way Rachel rips your heart out but soothes it the way only she knows how is a reason I keep coming back to her books because no one gets the “dark” but “light” I need at times like she does.

Sweet Poison is the culmination of years of angst, drama, love and ultimately healing that is The Eagle Elite. Rachel took us on an unforgettable journey with this world. As the second gen so much was on their shoulders but the biggest secret of all and the biggest test they will ever face comes to their door step and be ready to lose your heart and your tears!

Louis and Tempest are the perfect couple to experience “last”! Their story weaves a new web that is about to change everything. Their love, their bond all of it is all consuming and I couldn’t put this book down, I’m only sad I read so fast because now, now I don’t know what to do. I will feel this book hangover for weeks!

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}]

***3,5 "His air!!!" stars***



"You were pretty so I touched you,
you were easy so I took you,
you were lost so I found you,
you were nice so I ruined you."

I have loved the Eagle Elite crew and I have loved their heirs!!! Of course, I jumped on the De Langes' train from the very first moment and I was eagerly waiting for Luis turn with Tempest...
These two sounded toxic and very forbidden since Louis was Tempest's twin sister's ex!!!
Yep, there was much history there and we learned it in the previous book!!!
I really loved the previous two books of the series and I wanted to love fiercely this book too, but it felt kind of rushed and incomplete...
Don't get me wrong!!! I enjoyed the ride, but I needed a little bit more... of everything!!!

"Do you want to play a game?
I should have said no. I should have asked for more terms. I should have thought it through...

Tempest has troubles and she needs Louis De Lange to become her husband and her pawn...
She had everything figured out!!! Louis will serve his purpose and then they will both go their merry way...
It doesn't matter that her sister was the one that she was replacing in Louis' life!!! He was only a pawn and she is having the upper hand. Right???

"Don't get caught. Don't get killed. And don't fall in love with me. I'll only disappoint you."

Louis had lost the love of his life and now, he is entering a loveless marriage cause he has nothing to lose, but he can finally gain revenge for his loss...
He is becoming a pawn, but his mask is firmly in its place...
Let them think he is just a pawn, he will rise above them all!!! No matter that his new wife is palying him, he will take the life that belongs to him!!! He will avenge him!!! Even though his wife's pretty eyes are doing something strange to him...
He will not fall!!! He can never fall!!! Or can he???

"In another life, I would have been everything to you."
"And now?"
"Now I'll drink your poison and allow myself to be used -but nothing, and I do mean nothing, is free in this world, Tempest."

I liked the whole idea of the book, but I needed more words and more space for this toxic romance to develop...
There were so many good elements in this story, but there was missing something from all of them!!!
I just needed more depth, more explanations, more feelings from both Louis and Tempest!!! They deserved a little bit more!!!
Still... I can not wait to read the new series that will come next and I suppose that Cassian's story will be the first one!!!!

"My name was Louis De Lange. And today I'd marry the sister of the girl I loved. Only one of us would be walking away from this marriage alive. And I really hoped it was her."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Christina Lyons (irb_beach_girl)]

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐.5 but I'm giving a 5 here because a 4 star isn't enough!! I haven't had the opportunity to read the rest of the series and I think maybe that would've made a huge difference in the beginning of this book for me. That said, once I learned the characters, I was right in it all the way!

Sweet Poison by Rachel Van Dyken is officially out today ... GO GET IT! Yes...YOU!
Happy Release Day Rachel Van Dyken!!

I was grateful to have received an advanced readers copy of this voluntarily and it was sooooo good!!

This book is an interconnected standalone but is the final book in the Rise of the DeLanges as part of the Eagle Elite series. Tempest (FMC) and Louis (MMC), are red hot! They are the epitome of enemies to lovers/forced proximity. The author does an incredible job sucking you in with the Mafia-Romance storyline but somehow manages a soft undertone that hits on your heartstrings eve while the characters are rough around the edges. Any time a book can make me ask myself "what just happened?", that hits a certain level for me. This did that. I was up all night unable to put it down because I was wanting more!

If you are someone who looks for tropes such as Mafia romance, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, then this is definitely for you and I highly recommend! ❤️

[Alysia Massart]

I have loved the Eagle Elite book series from the second I started reading them and knew I was going to like this book too. It did have the same funny, sexy, sweet, and mysterious moments as other books in the series. I was a bit disappointed with this book in certain aspects. One of the big ones for me was that I need a family tree and since the series is so big I think there should be or more talked about how everyone is related. I could have sworn that Luca was Dantes dad, but this book made it seem like Frank was? I'm sure it was me not remembering it correctly, but there were also other continuity errors that I agreed with after reading another review before writing mine. I wish a certain scene lasted longer and was more meaningful as it would have been in the past. I know thats vague, but I'm sure you'll know what I mean if you read the book. I also felt like the two main characters could have used more of a slow burn instead of it just happening and they liked each other then. I also don't think it was truly an arranged marriage especially in the world of this series. Overall I did like the book, the deep words, and will definitely be preordering the next series. I will always want the original guys to have a book of just them hanging out, playing pool, and going on vacation with the wife and kids(I don't believe that this series will ever really be over).That would be an amazing spring break or summer book!

[Crush Critiques]

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to really like this book as much as the others in this series because I’m not a fan of Tempest getting involved with her sister’s ex. It’s messy and it’s complicated… and it’s what RVD does very well.

I honestly don’t want to say much about the book because I feel like you should go in without any prior knowledge except for what was revealed in the previous books. Some of the revelations have you reading “just one more chapter” until you’ve finished the book in one sitting. There are deceptions that hit you like a sucker punch. And there are scenes that have you feeling the character’s heartbreak as if it were your own.

Unfortunately though, there are also quite a bit of continuity errors and plot inconsistencies that somehow were overlooked, which at times made reading frustrating and confusing. Being that I read an advance copy I’m not entirely sure if this ARC is an uncorrected copy or not as there was no writing other than the author’s note and the book itself. The table of contents however is a mess, so while I’m leaning towards it being uncorrected, I simply don’t know. As a result, I am not letting the errors affect my rating as I normally would. I will check the released version soon to see and adjust my review accordingly.

We have come to the end of the Eagle Elite world. As sad as I am that this book marks the end of an epic journey with these mafia families, I know that whatever RVD creates next will be on my TBR list.

Blood In… No Out

I received an ARC copy courtesy of
Rachel Van Dyken, however my review is my own unbiased personal opinion, left of my own volition.

[Tracey Vuolo]

Sweet Poison was a bullet to the heart! This book changed me and I will be thinking about it long after the last page was read and I finished wiping the tears from my eyes. The loyalty, heartache, danger, fear, guilt and sadness were busting at the seams as the families had to live knowing their time is running out. The game was played with precision and the twists and turns cut like a knife. The moments between Dante and Louis were devastating but woven with a deep love and beauty that gutted me to the core in the most perfect and priceless way. When Louis finally figured out why Tempest was worth protecting, it stole my breath! Names always mean something as does family - the good, the bad and the ugly - GAH!!! The letter and the white rose were everything and I bawled like a baby!!!! The world isn’t ready for what’s next RVD…but we are!!! Bravo!!!!

Tracey, Life Reads with Friends Book Blog
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Time is one thing that’s hard to promise, Tempest.”

“Course you’re my son. The minute you said ‘I do’- regardless of the reasons, you became mine too.”

[Linda]

3.5 🌟

I wanted to love this book but I'm conflicted.

#1. I would of like this story to be a but longer since final in the series but something I noticed about this author majority of her books are quick reads less than 200 pages. I felt there was a lot untouched that given it's a final book some more closure was needed, more explanation etc.

#2. This book does have a very sad moment because we do lose a member of the family tragically and it's spoken about another one that passed few years back but I feel like more could of been spoken about.

#3. Tempest and Louis banter can be somewhat entertaining but theres no development in their relationship so it's difficult to get attached to their story.

overall this story is worth a read I just wish there was more to the story not rushed.

[Sarah Dale]

This is the 3rd and sadly last in this amazing series!

Louis De Langes is set to marry Tempest. Its a marriage of convenience as they both need something out of it but it turns into something more.

I was hooked from beginning to end and for me it ended to soon and broke my heart in doing so! I don't want to say goodbye, this book and series finished way too soon!

I don't want to say too much as it will give the story away and honestly you need to experience every twist, turn and heart wrenching moment yourself!

I cannot wait to see what Rachel brings us next.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion

https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...

[Andrea Morgan -Bookaholic Sisters blog]

Rachel Van Dyken, what have you just done to me!!!

I have no words....................

A pawn. A lover. A gamble.

like everything I've read from this author, this book was truly amazing, i laughed, i cried, i couldn't turn the pages fast enough,
my poor heart is shattered into a million pieces, and i loved every minute of it!!

if you haven't read any of rachela mafia yet, then you absolutely need to, once youve jumped into the world of the Eagle Elite, you'll never want to leave, trust me!!

Blood in, No out.

[Michelle Quintana]

Great read

The only thing that I'm disappointed with is that the book was along enough. Because of that, I feel that Louis and Tempest were short changed. There were some shocking twists and some sad goodbyes. I feel like their love story didn't have time to be fully developed. The ending was so sad but I hope they show up in future books.

[Elizabeth]

So, I went into this one a bit blind not having read all the previous books but now I definitely need to! The book wasn’t long but it had so much packed in. The back and forth and tension between Louis and Tempest was so good. And that ending was so emotional and had me in tears. It definitely wrapped everything up so well.

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and Rachel Van Dyken for the arc of this book.

[Trinity]

Good lord will someone please save me from this deluded author who seems to think watching mafia movies is “doing research”. I swear for someone who made it a point to rant in a forward back in 2020 about all the research they supposedly do – GIRL be so fucking for real right now. You DON’T RESEARCH. You write whatever bullshit pops into your head without so much as a simple google search to back it up. And your fans (most of them anyway) don’t know enough about how things work to question it. Unfortunately for you? I do.



Micro-dosing on multiple poisons within the span of weeks (maybe a month, two if I’m being generous). Not happening. Not only does it take micro-dosing on the same thing repeatedly to even hope to build a tolerance, most poisons are just that. Poison. Meaning even if you could micro-dose them, the effect they would have on your body (especially your liver) would be more likely to kill you than anything else. And then after all of that, to be knocked out by a laced glass of wine was just laughable. Turns out the big bad mafia enemy of this book wasn’t so big and bad after all.

Of course, it seemed like the whole micro-dosing thing was just used as a plot point since one of them made Louis so horny that he was “unable to resist” Tempest. TO THE POINT THAT SHE SHOT HIM. Ahh yes, another tried (and failed) mafia plot point from this author. This time, it’s rather unclear just because the author simply said, “the bullet tore into the soft tissue of his outer shoulder and exited, lodging into the wall.” Okay, does this mean the bullet grazed him? Did it pass through a different part but he’s so muscular it didn’t hit bone?

I guess this is perhaps the author’s way of keeping people from pointing out exactly how she wrote this scene wrong, but unfortunately for her....



To begin with, not only did it NOT work, and he was still trying to touch and kiss Tempest, but just a few pages later she talks about how hard it is to take the bullet out and address his wound. Although thankfully he was already “passed out” because that’s always a good thing to have happen to your husband who you supposedly need alive. ANYWAY – she supposedly bandages him up, he passes out face down on the bed and the mastermind, not mastermind behind things tells her that Louis still has ANOTHER dose of whatever to take?

There were LOTS of other just blatant inconsistencies (some of which I’ve seen other people point out) like how do you jump from the bathroom to the study in the span of a minute? And without actually moving? Or change clothes without changing clothes? Also yeah, this is NOT AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE so there is that as well.

But the biggest, most laughable thing for me was the fact that be the end of this Tempest becomes a “made woman”, just as she had always wanted. GIRL THAT TITLE DOES NOT FUCKING EXIST AND ANYONE WHO TOLD YOU IT DID WANTED YOU TO LOOK STUPID. Yes, women can and have stepped up in place of their husbands when said husbands have been incarcerated. Yes, they called the shots “like a boss”, however the term “made woman” DOES NOT EXIST outside of reddit, movies, and books like this.



I was SO EXCITED when I saw that this was the LAST in her mafia series, but apparently, it’s NOT. It’s only the LAST in THIS group. She sadly has more to come, only now we’re bringing in actual descendants of royalty into it. And by that, I mean “royalty” that she MADE UP because apparently, she wrote historical romance once upon a time?

I guess she got tired of people pointing out the fact that “mafia royalty” also DOES NOT EXIST OUTSIDE OF BOOKS LIKE HERS? So now she wants to create a world where it does? I don’t know. But I like historical romance so maybe I’ll see if I can find hers because I’ve seen a lot of people say she USED to be a phenomenal writer before she started publishing a bunch of books a year spanning multiple genres.

Girl, maybe just stick to what you know and what you’re actually GOOD at instead of just selling slop like this?

[Sophie Jarvis]

I adore Rachel and the Eagle Elite series is embedded in my soul. If you haven't read any of her mafia I 100 percent recommend you do but the books are more meaningful if you start at the beginning. I'm not sure this is a true stand alone, at least go back to the first and second books in the rise of the De Langes before reading this.


Rachel if you ever stumble across this review please be careful with our trust in you. Those of us who live and breathe Eagle Elite, and there are quite a few of us, fell in love with them because of your incredible characterisation, you could tell that these books came from your soul and you loved the world and the characters. The level of detail and the interaction between the characters is what made your mafia series by far the best I've ever read and I've read alot! I could go to any online bookstore and within seconds have dozens of options of mafia romance, alot of them are ok, some are good, a few are great, yours is absolutely standout. This is because it was obvious from reading the books they were a labour of love and you poured yourself into the details and interactions between the characters, no other mafia series I have come across does that to the level you do and that's what makes us return as readers and be so obsessive about this series. We're invested in them as people and their relationships, whatever storyline or threat is happening in the particular book is largely irrelevant because we want the details, the phone convos, the texts, the dinners, the games, family time. I want to know the og bosses reactions when their kids announced they were pregnant, how they reacted to their first grandchildren being born, their reactions to their grandchildren's names etc. As the books have progressed they have become less detailed in the storyline between the families, less characterisation and too many mistakes. The last two books particularly have been littered with mistakes that are so frustrating to read as an og reader because they jolt you out out of being engrossed in the story, incorrect character names, incorrect timelines and character ages and hair colours on top of grammatical errors. It's really frustrating because it's careless. I can tell you are much more thinly stretched than you used to be and that's understandable but 90 percent plus of these mistakes a good beta reader or 2 would have picked up and I don't mean that to be in any way a dig at your current beta readers, it's just the truth, there aren't a couple of mistakes, there's alot and some are quite big.


Some parts of this book (especially towards the end) were so incredibly beautifully written they have left a mark on my soul but the mistakes and lack of details let it down.


I don't want to come across negative but please don't sell yourself short, don't churn them out, give us that live and breathe this mafia life with you what we desperately crave, lots of the life between the og bosses and their kids because we will support you forever and that's what sets your mafia apart from the rest. Please don't let this series get gradually watered down into a ten a pennie mafia series that anyone could write because it's just between a fmc and mmc with a bit of sex and violence thrown in. Your gift is in the details, make the books a bit longer than they currently are so they don't feel rushed, don't be so focused on them being standalones because truly they aren't. Only you can do them justice x

[Krys]

I know I said I was done with this series after the last book, but when I was offered an early copy of this one (and assured by those who had been involved with it that it took longer than expected to get out because they needed extra time to make sure it would “be the best it could be”), I figured… why not? Even after the number of errors I found in the previous installment, didn’t my history with this series mean that I owed the author a chance at redemption?

Unfortunately, this book was filled with so many continuity errors that it genuinely made my head hurt.

Look, I understand that being a full-time author means juggling multiple storylines under tight deadlines. I respect that. But at some point someone, anyone, needs to be paying close enough attention to catch these things before publication. It almost feels like the popularity of this series is being relied upon as a safety net, as though readers either won’t notice or simply won’t care. Unfortunately for everyone involved, I am not that reader. I have standards for the books I enjoy, and I hold every book and author I read to those standards.

So let’s all grab a glass of wine, and jump right in shall we?

Right out of the gate, we have Louis thinking about his brother and what happened to him when they were younger, and he vows that when he finds the person responsible he will “repay them in kindness". I’m fairly certain the intended phrase was “repay them in kind" considering the fact that he’s clearly talking about taking someone’s life. Small? Sure. But then there’s the fact that this is marketed as an “arranged marriage” romance when it absolutely is NOT. Tempest chooses Louis because she needs him to infiltrate a rival family so that she can get the information she needs in order to keep her own discretions from coming to light.

And speaking of Tempest, every other daughter in this world is hyper-guarded to the point of being forced into marriage if a man so much as sneezes in their direction. But Tempest? She’s free to go on Tinder dates and hook up in the college library without issue. Make it make sense.

The phrasing issues continue. Raven (Tempest's sister), who is now happily married, is described as “screwing with his enemy in the wrong castle,” when clearly the author meant “screwing his enemy.” We also get lines like “Not that mattered” instead of “Not that it mattered.” Again, small things in isolation. But they pile up. Quickly.

And those are the easy ones.

The continuity lapses are where things truly unravel. Early on, Raven is drinking champagne. Later, she’s touching her stomach in a way that clearly signals a visible pregnancy. You could argue timing ambiguity, but this kind of thing happens repeatedly, often within pages of each other.

For example; Tempest leaves for brunch with her new husband while wearing a white pantsuit. We are explicitly told Louis straps a knife to her thigh before she pulls her pants up. They return home, and suddenly she runs upstairs to change out of her dress. Her dress. From where?

Later on, she shoots Louis in the shoulder. The bullet passes through him and embeds in the wall. Two pages later, she’s digging it out and dressing his wound.

And the one that truly made me stop reading and just blink at the page: Louis pretends to be sick while at her family's home. Tempest takes him to the bathroom. We are told he’s gripping the counter. She’s near the sink. He admits he isn’t sick, pulls her close, kisses her.... and her father walks in. Fair enough. But then he says, “Can you two be newlyweds anywhere but my office?”

I’m sorry… your what?

At no point did we leave the bathroom. They are magically transported into her father’s office mid-scene. It felt like I had skipped a page. I hadn’t.

Now, I will absolutely give credit where it’s due. The banter between Tempest and Louis had moments of genuine wit, and I did enjoy their dynamic, particularly when they weren’t internally monologuing about how they were using each other. The flashbacks to Frank were charming and gave us a glimpse of his warmth as a grandfather. And a main character’s death was handled beautifully, in fact the line “may heaven grant you peace after a lifetime of war” genuinely hit me like a punch to the gut. And I absolutely loved the throwback to a character from Rachel’s earlier historical romance writing days, long before her massive popularity.

But those bright spots weren’t enough to outweigh everything else.

Sadly, if unchecked errors, and inconsistent storytelling are going to be her new standard moving forward, I don’t know how much longer I can justify continuing with her new releases. And that’s disappointing to say as someone who has been a fan of this author since 2013.

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.

[Sandy S]

SWEET POISON is the third and find instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult RISE OF THE DE LANGES dark, Mafia romance series, set in the author’s EAGLE ELITE worlds. This is Louis De Lange, and Mafia princess Tempest Alfero’s story line. SWEET POISON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty, but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion. Tempest is the sister to Raven (Little Nightmare 2).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tempest and Louis) SWEET POISON follows Louis De Lange as he seeks vengeance for the murder of his twin brother. An arranged marriage to the sister of the woman he once loved, Louis is one step closer to his final revenge but Louis never expected to fall in love with the woman whose life is was about to destroy, a woman who has come to accept that all is not as it appears to be.

The world building covers two timelines as we are witness to Louis’ plunge into his need to seek revenge. Marrying Tempest Alfero was never on the horizon but when the woman he loved marriage someone else, Louis was determined to destroy the demons that ended his brother’s life.

The relationship between Louis and Tempest is an arranged Mafia marriage; a contentious arrangement in which Tempest has been given the task of preparing Louis for what was to come, a task that would either make Louis more powerful, or slowly kill our hero before he got is revenge. As our couple struggle with the present, they are both aware that Louis’ next assignment could end his life. There lone $ex scene is mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, charismatic and powerful secondary and supporting characters including the return of Raven and Ace, Raven and Tempest’s father Mafia Boss Dante Alfero, Cassian,and several members of the Abandonato Crime Family.

SWEET POISON is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is limited but impassioned; the characters are determined and dynamic.

copy supplied for review

[Katy]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
mafia related violence including death on page, death of loved ones, poisoning and “conditioning”

The first two books of the series were on my list of favorite reads in their respective release years, so I was absolutely thrilled when this release was announced! This book did everything I needed it to. It fills in holes (not truly holes, just added information), ties all the ends, creates new beginnings, and we get plenty of time to get to know and understand Louis. Poor guy fell in love with another man’s woman…and this is him learning he loved the wrong sister. This is the story of revenge, vengeance, games. But mostly respect and understanding. Unlikely partnership. Very unlikely. Louis and Tempest never expected themselves to be anything but enemies during their marriage. When emotions run high, hot, and complicated, it’s easy to get lost in the what ifs. I didn’t think this story, this band of chaos could make me emotional…but then revenge turned into a tearjerker. True identities are revealed. Enemies created, enemies ended. The fun it was as a reader/lover of this series! And the new beginning that is created?! Oh, I am looking forward to that!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “You’re beautiful. You exist. Plain and simple. It’s biology.”
• “Do what makes you feel alive, honey. Do what makes you brave.”
• “You’re mine. Through life and death. You stay by my side. No matter what.”
• “I see no one else.”

6/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Arranged Marriage
6/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Enemies to Lovers
4/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Mafia Romance
8/10 Series

This is my review for Ciao Bella
This is my review for Little Nightmare

[Catreena]

SWEET POISON
Rise of the DeLanges #3
Rachel Van Dyken
RVD Elite Influencers
Releasing 11th Feb

Blood In, No Out

POV:Dual
Louis & Tempest

I refuse to believe that this is the "end" of Rachel's Eagle Elite world. I've enjoyed reading this world since stumbling upon it in 2013. Yes, all of this mafia world books are emotionally draining, gut wrenchingly heartbreaking, ugly cry, throw your Kindle or paperback in the freezer to hope their attitude changed. The story lines were excellent, some blindsided you, some you saw coming, twists and turns giving you whiplash, rollercoaster of emotions. There is the family bond, the quick witted, back and forth banter, and most important, having your back.
Therapy sessions may exist, Book hangovers do exsit. And this one didn't disappoint.
Have your box tissues, munchies and beverage of choice at hand (each sold separately)

SO.....
Do you want to play a game?

After losing everything, his family, the woman he loved. Louis is now in an arranged marriage to the sister of the woman he lost to another man.
Tempest and Louis both want information, and they'll do anything to get it.
He's playing both sides. She's claiming her own path instead of the Families choosing for her.
Is someone making them play against each another?

In true Rachel Mafia fashion, there were tears, rollercoaster of emotions from the start.

My heart went out to Louis, he's broken, doing what's asked of him, going through life until he gets his closure he's been looking for, and Tempest, she wants to be seen, comes off prickly, guarded, she'd do anything for her loved ones.
The push and pull between them, and the will they won't they?

What secrets will be revealed? And at what costs?

*Arc provided for review

[NICUnurse Stephanie]

I’ve been an RVD fan since circa 2013, when I stumbled across Ruin. One thing is for sure when you pick up a book by this author: nothing is ever what it seems, especially with her mafia romance books. I always go in with an open mind, knowing that if I have any preconceived notions, she will blow them out of the water. These books are a serious addiction of mine, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. With that said, you can read this book as a standalone story, but starting from the first book will give you the best reading experience. Or, if you have plenty of time, start from the first book, Elite, and you’ll have the most amazing binge-reading session. At this point, I’m ready to go back to the very beginning and read them ALL in order now that the author is saying it’s complete.

As far as Sweet Poison is concerned, though, strap yourself in because it’s a bumpy ride! This is the conclusion to this Eagle Elite spinoff, The Rise of the DeLanges, and the entire Eagle Elite series (for now, she says). Tempest and Louis’s relationship is contentious from the beginning, so it’s an enemies-to-lovers romance. While I do love RVD’s mafia romance books, the romance with this couple felt really rushed compared to some of the others. She set the bar exceptionally high for herself with Elude, though. After adding a critical secondary character, RVD sets the stage for what promises to be a very intriguing new series that I’m 100% here for. Eagle Elite has been an amazing ride, and I’m really sad to see it end. And end in this way.

As usual with this author’s books, what you think you know isn’t even close, so make sure you have a clear calendar before diving in because you will not want to put this one down. Rachel Van Dyken is called the queen of mafia romance for a reason!

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Vaneece]

I have put off my review because I can’t even begin with this review without tears. Tempest and Louis are NOT your average boy meets girl. It starts as a game. It ends….well that’s where the tears are.

I started with Rachel many years ago. I have been with the Eagle Elite family tree since the beginning climbing every branch as it bloomed. I have read every book many times. Well, except for Sergio and Andi. I can’t without many tears.

Rachel takes us on a wild ride while planting the seeds of a new tree for her next mafia series. No! Please no don’t let this tree become fire wood.

Anyway, I never give spoilers so you will not see one with me but my hope is that the ending of this is like when Luca, Nixon and Phoenix disappeared for a little while in their respective branch of the family tree. There’s always room in the next series to at least “fix this raw opened wound in my chest”. Part of my mafia family is missing. The only factor helping me still exist is Phoenix and his existence. I know everyone probably thinks what’s this woman drinking, the poison. Her ramblings doesn’t make sense. Guess what it will when you read Sweet Poison.

Now run along and read it’s well worth the puffy, red eyes. I think for you to get the whole punch to the gut you should start way back when the tree was planted in Eagle Elite. Do you have to in order to read this book. NO! Should you…Yes!

Go now, grab your tissues, your glass of wine or better yet bring the bottle you don’t even need a glass and read.

Trigger Warning…..don’t plan anything for the next few hours and don’t start before you have to go get the kids.

[Kristi T]

Sweet Poison is the end of a Mofia Era —its explosive chemistry, razor-sharp banter, and heart felt emotions that sneak up on you when you least expect it.

From the very first chapter, the tension is soul crushing. The push and pull between the Louis & Tempest is electric (maybe explosive) —equal parts dangerous and addictive. Their dynamic feels layered, not just built on attraction but on wounds, trauma, pride, and vulnerability that unfold at just the right time. Its slow burn but not & is perfectly executed, making every moment of surrender feel well earned.

What truly stands out is the emotional undercurrent. Beneath every witty exchange and steamy tension lies a story about trust, healing, and learning to let someone in when it feels safest to keep them out. The angst never feels forced; it’s raw, authentic, and balanced beautifully with moments of humor & heart.

And the chemistry? Off. The. Charts. The title Sweet Poison couldn’t be more perfect—their love story feels intoxicating in the best way, pulling you in deeper with every chapter.

I have loved these characters for 13 years. I feel like I have watched Temp in the background & now it was finally time for someone to see her. Really see her. If you like ememies to lovers that blends intensity with heart, strong character growth, and a relationship that feels both explosive and tender, this is your book. But you need to read from the beginning. You won't regret it. Until we meet again,
Blood In No Out

[Jamie]

Sweet Poison by Rachel Van Dyken is the final book in the DeLange/Eagle Elite world—and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. After reading and loving every book in this series, picking this one up felt bittersweet. Part of me didn’t even want to start it… because starting it meant it would end. And with it, a whole era.

Tempest and Louis absolutely cemented themselves as one of my top couples of the entire series. Tempest, who at first felt like she might just be a stand-in for her sister, completely came into her own. Watching her step out of the shadows and claim her space was powerful and emotional. She wasn’t just filling a role—she was rewriting it.

And Louis… Louis is that dangerous blend of broken, manipulative, and fiercely protective that makes for an unforgettable anti-hero. He’s layered, morally gray, and so deeply scarred—but underneath it all is a love that feels consuming and inevitable. Their dynamic had tension, heat, vulnerability, and just enough chaos to make it addictive.

If I have one complaint, it’s that I wanted more. More moments. More scenes. More time with them. I wasn’t ready to close this chapter, and I definitely wasn’t ready to leave this world behind. Now I’m feeling the pull to go all the way back to the beginning with the OGs from Eagle Elite and relive it all from the start. That’s how you know a series leaves a mark—when the ending doesn’t feel like goodbye, just an invitation to begin again.

This book didn’t just wrap up a story. It closed a chapter I’ve been living in for years.

[Dimitra A.]

A head-spinning, un-put-downable story!
Oh, my God! What in the world have I just read? I am so overwhelmed and I have the urge to rock myself in the corner after finishing this. Rachel Van Dyken managed to rip my heart and revive me all in one breath! I did NOT see this one coming AT ALL! This is Tempest (Dante’s daughter (Eagle Elite)) and Luis’ story. And it turned my bookworm heart upside down! Complicated, deadly and the base line of an entire different chapter in the Mafia world – this is, after all, if what I have read is true, the last book regarding the Rise of the De Lagnes! I don’t think I can discuss anything about the plot without revealing crucial things, so I won’t. I will just say that Tempest and Luis’ road in life is definitely not paved in roses. I don’t think I can even classify the things that happened as lies or manipulation or anything, really, because the layers behind everything are so deep and complicated that NOTHING is what it seems. The end of this story marks a new beginning in the Mafia world –and I can’t wait to dive in what Rachel Van Dyken decides to bring next. My feelings were all over the place and I felt them to the core - good and bad (see, I can’t even specify them because even this could betray things regarding the plot for all of us who have read the rest of the books in this series and the interconnected ones (Eagle Elite and Mafia Royals)!). It’s frustrating! Just know that I highly, highly recommend it! 5 stars are not enough, really.

[Ann (Literary Lust)]

I would never, ever be ready to say goodbye to Eagle Elite. This series has been part of my life for well over ten years - long before I started tracking my reading on Goodreads, and likely since Elite first released in 2013. For a series I've followed for more than a decade, each new book continues to bring something fresh and special - and Sweet Poison is no different.

I love spending time with this next generation just as much as I love the originals. However, when they all appear together, it truly feels like coming home. I love the relationships that have been cemented over the years, the humor they share, and even the darker sides of their connections. Never underestimate them, though - they will do whatever they need to survive. After all: Blood in. No out.

Louis and Tempest are the perfect couple to close this series. Their story spins a new web - one poised to change everything. I loved the connection they share and the admirable strength they both bring, which is absolutely necessary when tied to these families.

Sweet Poison was an emotional read because, honestly, saying goodbye nearly broke me. That said, Rachel Van Dyken handled it beautifully. This may be the end of one era, but at the same time, another is dawning. I love everything Ms. Van Dyken writes, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Sweet Poison is another incredible must-read in this exceptional mafia world.

[Heather]

Sweet Poison is the final book in The Rise of the De Langes and the last of the Eagle Elite series (at least for now!). The title of this one sums it up pretty well and while you don't need to read others in the series to enjoy this one, I would recommend it given all those from past books who pop up in this one.

Louis De Lange wants to know who killed his brother and but to do so, he's going to need to fraternize with the enemy. While he had already dated Raven, Tempest's sister, and used her to get information he needed, his focus is now on Tempest and finding a way to marry her to get answers.

Tempest Alfero is anything but calm. She is more like her father and those that work for him than anything else. In order to gain the access they need, she needs to marry Louis, but will it end badly for her after she does? She knows what he did to her sister, so the question remains what does he already know?

Now that they are married, both Louis and Tempest work their own angles to try to get the information they need. The fact that their chemistry is undeniable and explosive adds a whole other layer to this already addicting story.

While this may be the last book in this series for now, it was ended in a way that gave us closure while still leaving the door ajar to revisit it when the time is right. A fitting way to end it!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

[Anastasia]

Rachel Van Dyken’s mafia series’ has been some of my favorite books since she started releasing them in 2013 (I believe). I even have a few tattoos inspired by these books. If you have not read any of them you are missing out. They are amazing and each one is special in its own way. They take you on an emotional roller coaster. She is an amazing writer.

Tempest has always wanted to be seen. She always felt like she was second best to her sister. I know her family never wanted that and they tried their hardest for her not to feel like that but being part of the 5 families and everyone is basically related to everyone, it’s easy to live in the shadows. So to take her life in her own hands she decided she would choose who she married under her own terms and not an arranged one that benefitted the families. The only down fall was that the person she chose once loved her sister so intense, he faked his own death to save her life. She ended up loving and marrying someone else, but that other story (her own book).

Louis knew there was something special about Tempest. He realized early on that the feeling he had for her sister had nothing compared to the ones that Tempest ignited in him. She was his equal and he would do anything in his power to protect her and watch over her, even if she didn’t feel the same way as him. He would do anything to protect her and keep her safe, even if it meant hurting her to save her life. But would she ever forgive him, for the things he had to do or will she turn her back on him and walk away. She had to make that decision on her own and he would live with whatever she chose.

Received this ARC for my honest review and opinion.

[PP's Bookshelf]

Sweet Poison by Rachel Van Dyken is like hanging at the cliff side with a tiny thread and any moment the secret will make you free fall into abyss of angst and heartbreak. Tempest and Louis were doomed from the beginning. The mafia princess and her bodyguard knew there arranged marriage is a pawn in the bigger game. But it didnt stop their hearts falling from each other. The ending is probably the most brutal twist ever delivered by the author. You will get happily ever after but will also leave heartbroken


🖤Mafia romance.
🖤 bodyguard romance
🖤 arranged marriage
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 romantic suspense
🖤 epic first generation & secondary characters

The Eagle Elite world is complex and deceptive and dangerous. This cannot be read as standalone. Tempest always wanted to be made and now she has some extremely difficult choices to make. She has to find someone to marry so that he can be part of Alfero family and infiltrate their enemies. Louis has been living for revenge and this marriage will bring him closer to his goal. It was supposed to be a contract. Specially when he was once in love with Tempest's older sister. The plot is layered and suspense filled and I didn't know what the next chapter will bring. Louis saw the different side of Tempest. He went from being an arranged marriage husband to extremely protective husband.one understood her dilemmas. Being strong for family took away part of her souls. And she was at risk of losing the man she has unexpectedly fallen for. It was a heartbreaking dynamics. The choices were impossible and they made it. The battle isn't over. I cannot wait for what this world brings next, though my heart was shredded. Louis will protect Tempest at any cost. She couldn't have dreamt of a better man to support her through the storm.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Heather Miller]

The final book in Rise of The De Langes an interconnected standalone mafia romance

Louis De Lange is trying to figure out who killed his brother. But, to do so, we must marry into the family who is his enemy. Louis had dated Tempest's twin sister, Raven Alfero who he drugged and got information out of. Louis has his sights set on Tempest. He knows he needs to marry into the Alfero family.

Tempest Alfero is all bottled up rage and hate it seems. Tempest rivals her father Dante Alfero and his men. Tempest knows she needs to marry Louis in order to gain access into the Syndicate. But, will marrying this man be the end of her? Will it be the end of her family? Tempest knows Louis was with her sister, and knows he drugged her to get information out of her. But, what secrets does Louis know?

Tempest works with Cassian to get drugs, that she needs to drug her now husband, to build up his tolarance so he can survive whatever the Syndicate throws at him during the interigations. What neither of them know is that Louis has been drugging himself for awhile to build up his tolerance to any drugs that he may receive while he is around the mafia families he is around.

Blood in. No out.

Thank you Rachel Van Dyken for the eARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.

[Sammyll]

The Final, book in the Rise of the De Langes series, starts with the angst, passion and everything you expect from this interconnected mafial series. The way Rachel writes is gripping, passionate, never letting up with the thrills.
An arranged marraige for Louis and Tempest, he want answers, she wants to manipulate, both never playing by the rules of their own games. The twists and turns were emotionally challenging but all of the answers were needed from years of hate, trauma and to try to fix what was broken. Oh Louis, I felt his pain, his loss, years of pent up anger. The banter was engaging, I loved it all!
Together, they become so much more than a contract. When Louis finally see's Tempest as his wife, someone he loves , protects it's so heartwarming. They have come so far, needing their own answers. Tempest is a strong capabale woman, one who refuses to bow down. But her walls start to crack, her heart openes up to Louis. Pulled apart from the lies, who was the one who was pulling the strings!

An ending to this world that is fitting, a decade of books that means so much to so many readers. But now an introduction to a new era! Rachel has executed an ending that is perfect. This book hangover has left me bereft!
ARC review, all opinions are my own.

[Candy Smith]

I went into this book knowing two things for certain 1) Once I dived in I wasn't coming back up for air until I finished and 2) It was going to be emotional.These are two things I've come to expect when reading the Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken! So exactly how I expected, I read it in one day and I finished this book late last night and Rachel wrecked me(in a good way that us bookworms love to be wrecked)! I absolutely obsessed with this series and again I was totally immersed into the characters and their story! It definitely leaves you guessing who is playing who and what exactly is the real game being played. I figured a couple of things out,one I suspected early on but I was holding out hope I was wrong so I held on and more things had me clinging to every word and every action of the characters which held my heart in their hands until the very end. There’s a slow burn with witty banter along with the dangers that we expect from a Mafia book but there's also family,sacrifice,secrets and lies and an ending that leaves you breathless and satisfied at the same time! As I will always say,I think Rachel is the Queen of Mafia Romance so when I can't recommend this book and series enough! #BloodInNoOut

[Becky Rendon]

Smile for the poison

Oh that's not the phrase! Silly me!
Everytime I read one of Rachel's mafia books, I smile for the poison and am surprised when it hurts so much.

I don't know if it's the attachment or the understanding that it's the end of an era but this hurt so much. As an original Eagle Elite fan (my gateway to Rachel VanDyken addiction), I have a hard time saying goodbye. I hate goodbyes, especially mafia ones. The idea of leaving these characters behind hurts almost as much as the poison in these pages.

Tempest, much like her name, is not what everyone thinks. She is not her sister. She is not less than the shadow she is inevitably hidden in as her sister stands before you. Tempest is built different. She wants more out of and in this life. She is willing to hold it together and fix what went wrong. When she learns the price of her mistakes, she holds her head high (while I was left a sobbing mess).

Raise a toast to a beautiful end, a devastating beginning, and a peace that I never thought I'd have after reading this.

I'm still irrationally mad at Rachel Van Dyken for yet again hurting someone I love. Blood in, no out. Guess I'm still in!