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Eagle Elite #8
Empire
I have lost everything.
My purpose.
My love.
My soul.
Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle--the promise I made her, brings me back.
So I breathe.
I live.
I hate.
And I allow the anger to boil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade.
I am broken, I dont want to be fixed.
One last trip to New York, one last chance to redeem a lost part of the mafia family. The Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it, my job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage.
Only this time.
I won't fall.
Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.
My purpose.
My love.
My soul.
Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle--the promise I made her, brings me back.
So I breathe.
I live.
I hate.
And I allow the anger to boil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade.
I am broken, I dont want to be fixed.
One last trip to New York, one last chance to redeem a lost part of the mafia family. The Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it, my job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage.
Only this time.
I won't fall.
Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2016
293 people are currently reading
3699 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 504 reviews
March 9, 2018
This was a hard one for me.. it is book #7 of the Eagle Elite series “ but it also is the sequel to Sergio’s book that was before this one. I’m going to say a spoiler from the last book but Sergio is mourning the loss of his wife from book 6. That book gutted me... truly though... I really wanted a HEA for Sergio after what he went through with the death of his wife. Before her death Andi prepared a bunch of letters and plans for Sergio and his future arranged wife Valentina! Sounds confusing doesn’t it?!
In true mafia style, Sergio has been asked to marry Valentina for an alliance and protection. The only reason he agreed to it was because that is what his late wife asked of him!!! It’s all morbid I know! I will say though that I adored Valentina, she was such a neat character! Sergio took way too long to accept Andi’s death and that took away from his current romance for me. I felt Valentina deserved so much better!
The one entertaining part about this story was once again the comraderie of the guys! They are so hilarious and I loved the paintball fight they put on to cheer Valentina up! Just classic! Oh and the guys getting so drunk they were making snow angels on the kitchen floor! Lmao!
I seriously love this series and am moving right along to book 8, which is about Valentina’s twin brother Dante! This is a must read mafia series! Book one is just an ok read, but keep going and I promise you that you will love the books to come!
In true mafia style, Sergio has been asked to marry Valentina for an alliance and protection. The only reason he agreed to it was because that is what his late wife asked of him!!! It’s all morbid I know! I will say though that I adored Valentina, she was such a neat character! Sergio took way too long to accept Andi’s death and that took away from his current romance for me. I felt Valentina deserved so much better!
The one entertaining part about this story was once again the comraderie of the guys! They are so hilarious and I loved the paintball fight they put on to cheer Valentina up! Just classic! Oh and the guys getting so drunk they were making snow angels on the kitchen floor! Lmao!
I seriously love this series and am moving right along to book 8, which is about Valentina’s twin brother Dante! This is a must read mafia series! Book one is just an ok read, but keep going and I promise you that you will love the books to come!
May 31, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
“The course of true love, never did run smooth.”
It’s no secret that I AM A BIG Rachel Van Dyken fan. Yes, this author could write about anything and still have me going crazy for her books. But there is one book from the Eagle Elite Series that stood out from the rest. From the moment I read Elude , I knew this book was going to steal my heart. And boy oh boy did this book left me breathless, raw, and exposed. The story of Sergio and Andi was a story that had no words because their story reminded us all that it’s the unexpected that changes our lives. And so when I discovered that RVD was going to write a continuation to Sergio’s story after losing his wife, Andi, a part of me was torn. Torn in the sense that I don’t know if there could be another heroine that could steal my heart as much as Andi did and torn if I my heart could take another raw emotional journey. And the beauty of reading an RVD book is that she makes readers see and feel a second chance love story in a new raw perspective in the eyes of Sergio and his new leading lady, Val in Empire.
“She had made love to me… knowing that she wouldn’t be the last. She had kissed me… knowing that I was promised to another. Every moment. Every touch. I was her last. But she wasn’t mine. How could she have still loved me? Knowing that? Knowing what my future held?”
Before I begin my review, it is highly recommended that you MUST read Elude before reading Empire. Readers need to know the backstory of Sergio in order to fully understand all the range of mixed emotions he goes through. Empire is a story where your are asked one question. Do you believe in soul mates?
“I didn’t want to be saved. No saving was needed. Because the truth of the matter was, I wasn’t really lost. I was just… empty.”
Can the heart love again? Can it truly move on and be at peace? Does loving again mean the memories of your first love are erased? Or does it take finding the right person to make you see that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting the memories? Sergio Abandonato thought he lost his everything when cancer took away his wife. His life. His soul. His purpose. His everything. But the funny thing about life, it moves on. It doesn’t stand still. And two months after Andi's death, her memories still haunts Sergio. How could he ever love again? With The Empire beginning to show cracks, he is forced once again to another arranged marriage. Will this new bride find a way to his broken heart?
Before Andi passed away, she left Sergio a bucket list and a letter of her wishes. She informed him that she was releasing him and wants him to love again. So can Sergio move on with his new bride to be, Val and follow the wishes of his beloved wife, Andi?
“In her arms, I wasn’t a widower . I wasn’t mafia. I wasn’t anything but a guy; she made me feel that way, like nothing else mattered. It was cheesy. It was beautiful. It was like breathing for the first time.”
Val is betrothed to marry Sergio. Their marriage is what is needed in order to restore power and keep The Empire alive. So when she meets Sergio, she is intrigued by this broody, raw, and beautiful man but knows loving him will be the hardest part since his heart is torn and struggling. Can Val break through his hard exteriors and help him face his inner demons?
“That’s the thing about pain. You live with it, you embrace the rightness of it , until someone finally reaches through the broken glass, and grabs ahold of the real you, the you that had been lost and hurting. Broken and bleeding, they hold on for dear life, refusing to let go. They join you in your pain.”
Empire is a story that grips you to the core. I mean your heart will burst with heartache, love, compassion, and hope. I thought I could never love anyone as much as Andi but I was wrong. Ms. Van Dyken proved to her readers that she wasn’t going to replace Andi but she was going to mend our broken hearts with a character that can only give Andi’s memory justice and that is through Val. For Sergio and Val, their relationship may not be the conventional love affair but it was the kind of love that tugged every strings of your heart. Sergio has always been an raw enigma of a character and closed off. And so a part of me was beyond excited to see him finally open up again and it all it took was his deceased wife’s wishes and a young beautiful bride to put a chink in his armor.
“Sergio Abandonato, my husband, was not living. He wasn’t even dead. He was a ghost. And only he could set himself free.”
I honestly don't think this book could be reviewed with just words alone because this book is about HEALING and coming to peace with whatever life throws at you. Losing someone is never easy and the memories of our loved ones will always be there to remind us of the good, the bad, and those special raw moments. And for Sergio, his story was not just saving The Empire but saving himself. And his savior was just not one person but two. His Andi and now his Val.
“Love is love. There is no explanation, no reason, no path. It is what it is, and as it should be. —Valentina”
Although Andi will go down as one of my favorite heroines because she lived life to the fullest and came to accept her time on earth was coming to an end, a part of my heart rooted for the unsung heroine, Val. Val understood she was not competing for Sergio’s love but learning to love all parts of him. And learning to love meant embracing his deceased wife and not eluding it. So as much as we try to elude death, the reality of it is that it’s something that’s inevitable just like love. And for Sergio, saving The Empire might have been the end goal but finding love again was his salvation. So if you are looking for a book that weaves loss, romance, hope, and second chances to another level then I highly recommend you to read Empire by Rachel Van Dyken.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Rachel Van Dyken
“The course of true love, never did run smooth.”It’s no secret that I AM A BIG Rachel Van Dyken fan. Yes, this author could write about anything and still have me going crazy for her books. But there is one book from the Eagle Elite Series that stood out from the rest. From the moment I read Elude , I knew this book was going to steal my heart. And boy oh boy did this book left me breathless, raw, and exposed. The story of Sergio and Andi was a story that had no words because their story reminded us all that it’s the unexpected that changes our lives. And so when I discovered that RVD was going to write a continuation to Sergio’s story after losing his wife, Andi, a part of me was torn. Torn in the sense that I don’t know if there could be another heroine that could steal my heart as much as Andi did and torn if I my heart could take another raw emotional journey. And the beauty of reading an RVD book is that she makes readers see and feel a second chance love story in a new raw perspective in the eyes of Sergio and his new leading lady, Val in Empire.
“She had made love to me… knowing that she wouldn’t be the last. She had kissed me… knowing that I was promised to another. Every moment. Every touch. I was her last. But she wasn’t mine. How could she have still loved me? Knowing that? Knowing what my future held?”Before I begin my review, it is highly recommended that you MUST read Elude before reading Empire. Readers need to know the backstory of Sergio in order to fully understand all the range of mixed emotions he goes through. Empire is a story where your are asked one question. Do you believe in soul mates?
“I didn’t want to be saved. No saving was needed. Because the truth of the matter was, I wasn’t really lost. I was just… empty.”Can the heart love again? Can it truly move on and be at peace? Does loving again mean the memories of your first love are erased? Or does it take finding the right person to make you see that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting the memories? Sergio Abandonato thought he lost his everything when cancer took away his wife. His life. His soul. His purpose. His everything. But the funny thing about life, it moves on. It doesn’t stand still. And two months after Andi's death, her memories still haunts Sergio. How could he ever love again? With The Empire beginning to show cracks, he is forced once again to another arranged marriage. Will this new bride find a way to his broken heart?
Before Andi passed away, she left Sergio a bucket list and a letter of her wishes. She informed him that she was releasing him and wants him to love again. So can Sergio move on with his new bride to be, Val and follow the wishes of his beloved wife, Andi?
“In her arms, I wasn’t a widower . I wasn’t mafia. I wasn’t anything but a guy; she made me feel that way, like nothing else mattered. It was cheesy. It was beautiful. It was like breathing for the first time.”Val is betrothed to marry Sergio. Their marriage is what is needed in order to restore power and keep The Empire alive. So when she meets Sergio, she is intrigued by this broody, raw, and beautiful man but knows loving him will be the hardest part since his heart is torn and struggling. Can Val break through his hard exteriors and help him face his inner demons?
“That’s the thing about pain. You live with it, you embrace the rightness of it , until someone finally reaches through the broken glass, and grabs ahold of the real you, the you that had been lost and hurting. Broken and bleeding, they hold on for dear life, refusing to let go. They join you in your pain.”Empire is a story that grips you to the core. I mean your heart will burst with heartache, love, compassion, and hope. I thought I could never love anyone as much as Andi but I was wrong. Ms. Van Dyken proved to her readers that she wasn’t going to replace Andi but she was going to mend our broken hearts with a character that can only give Andi’s memory justice and that is through Val. For Sergio and Val, their relationship may not be the conventional love affair but it was the kind of love that tugged every strings of your heart. Sergio has always been an raw enigma of a character and closed off. And so a part of me was beyond excited to see him finally open up again and it all it took was his deceased wife’s wishes and a young beautiful bride to put a chink in his armor.
“Sergio Abandonato, my husband, was not living. He wasn’t even dead. He was a ghost. And only he could set himself free.”I honestly don't think this book could be reviewed with just words alone because this book is about HEALING and coming to peace with whatever life throws at you. Losing someone is never easy and the memories of our loved ones will always be there to remind us of the good, the bad, and those special raw moments. And for Sergio, his story was not just saving The Empire but saving himself. And his savior was just not one person but two. His Andi and now his Val.
“Love is love. There is no explanation, no reason, no path. It is what it is, and as it should be. —Valentina”Although Andi will go down as one of my favorite heroines because she lived life to the fullest and came to accept her time on earth was coming to an end, a part of my heart rooted for the unsung heroine, Val. Val understood she was not competing for Sergio’s love but learning to love all parts of him. And learning to love meant embracing his deceased wife and not eluding it. So as much as we try to elude death, the reality of it is that it’s something that’s inevitable just like love. And for Sergio, saving The Empire might have been the end goal but finding love again was his salvation. So if you are looking for a book that weaves loss, romance, hope, and second chances to another level then I highly recommend you to read Empire by Rachel Van Dyken.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Rachel Van Dyken
June 14, 2016
I just found out this book is only being released in May 2016...
July 3, 2016
my fave in the series! devoured this book and finished at 1am...SERGIO! emotional, intense, sexy and sweet....I absolutely LOVED this book!
Rachel did the unthinkable in Elude and made me fall in love HARD with Sergio. Empire broke my heart and built it back up again. No one deserves a happy more than Sergio and Rachel has outdone herself again by giving us a riveting book full of meaning, destiny, and finding true happiness. Empire is raw and real and completely breathtaking. A beautiful story about a broken man and his second chance at a love he never thought he was worthy of. Another top fave of 2016!
Rachel did the unthinkable in Elude and made me fall in love HARD with Sergio. Empire broke my heart and built it back up again. No one deserves a happy more than Sergio and Rachel has outdone herself again by giving us a riveting book full of meaning, destiny, and finding true happiness. Empire is raw and real and completely breathtaking. A beautiful story about a broken man and his second chance at a love he never thought he was worthy of. Another top fave of 2016!
May 18, 2016
5 Beautiful Stars
Empire is part of the Eagle Elite series. You can pretty much read each book as a standalone because each book are different characters, however, this is the only book where you need to read Elude (book 6) prior to reading Empire. Trust me on this.
The feels this book made me feel. I thought I was a blubbering mess after Elude, but Rachel Van Dyken sure knows how to worm herself into the hearts of her readers. I loved Empire, I loved the journey I took, I loved the ups and downs and I loved how I felt afterwards. It’s simply a beautiful story.
Empire is about love, loss and finding peace. It’s about letting go the past and joining the present. It’s about never giving up and letting friends in to help carry the burden.
Sergio is a not an easy Hero to love. He’s damaged and very tortured. This isn’t the first book where we get a Hero dealing with the death of a spouse, but this is the first book where I knew the previous spouse and loved, I loved Andi. She was my favorite character in Elude and I loved her more than Sergio. Andi is not an easy act to follow and so I went into Empire very cautiously.
This book isn’t about Sergio yearning for his dead wife, no, it’s about his inner pain and his struggle to let Andi go and do what’s asked of him. He is betrothed to marry Val and that he will do, even if it’s only been two months since Andi’s death.
Val is nothing like Andi, she’s young, innocent and doesn’t even know she’s part of a mob family. I was instantly drawn to Val and I loved her. I loved that she was sweet and naïve, someone Sergio would never see coming.
Val and Sergio’s relationship is very rocky. You can only imagine the tension. Sergio tries hard to be nice, but that’s not him and he pushes Val away A LOT.
To my surprise, I felt and sympathize for Sergio. I completely understood where he came from. Like I said, I loved Andi and two months isn’t a long time. I wouldn’t call Empire a story where Sergio works hard to love Val, no, it’s more a story of Sergio coming to terms with his past love and allowing something more with Val.
I kind of liked that more. I loved the relationship between Val and Sergio. I loved the angst, the tension and compromises. I loved them getting to know each other and hoping that one day Sergio would be able to open his heart to Val.
This book is filled with sweet and of course silly moments. I love Rachel Van Dyken’s writing style. Even in a sappy book, she can make me laugh hard. If you are a fan of the series or completely loved Elude, you will be very satisfied and happy with Empire.
An ARC was provided
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW| AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON FREE
AMAZON
Empire is part of the Eagle Elite series. You can pretty much read each book as a standalone because each book are different characters, however, this is the only book where you need to read Elude (book 6) prior to reading Empire. Trust me on this.
The feels this book made me feel. I thought I was a blubbering mess after Elude, but Rachel Van Dyken sure knows how to worm herself into the hearts of her readers. I loved Empire, I loved the journey I took, I loved the ups and downs and I loved how I felt afterwards. It’s simply a beautiful story.
Empire is about love, loss and finding peace. It’s about letting go the past and joining the present. It’s about never giving up and letting friends in to help carry the burden.
Sergio is a not an easy Hero to love. He’s damaged and very tortured. This isn’t the first book where we get a Hero dealing with the death of a spouse, but this is the first book where I knew the previous spouse and loved, I loved Andi. She was my favorite character in Elude and I loved her more than Sergio. Andi is not an easy act to follow and so I went into Empire very cautiously.
This book isn’t about Sergio yearning for his dead wife, no, it’s about his inner pain and his struggle to let Andi go and do what’s asked of him. He is betrothed to marry Val and that he will do, even if it’s only been two months since Andi’s death.
“You’ll find someone who makes you blush just like that, someone who’s just like the guys you read about in books, you’ll find a man worth fighting for… That man… isn’t me.”
Val is nothing like Andi, she’s young, innocent and doesn’t even know she’s part of a mob family. I was instantly drawn to Val and I loved her. I loved that she was sweet and naïve, someone Sergio would never see coming.
Val and Sergio’s relationship is very rocky. You can only imagine the tension. Sergio tries hard to be nice, but that’s not him and he pushes Val away A LOT.
“Some stories aren’t filled with instant love or happily ever afters where all it takes is one kiss to seal the affection between two people. Sometimes it’s work. Sometimes it’s painful.”
“He was going to be my husband….he would never actually be mine.”
To my surprise, I felt and sympathize for Sergio. I completely understood where he came from. Like I said, I loved Andi and two months isn’t a long time. I wouldn’t call Empire a story where Sergio works hard to love Val, no, it’s more a story of Sergio coming to terms with his past love and allowing something more with Val.
I kind of liked that more. I loved the relationship between Val and Sergio. I loved the angst, the tension and compromises. I loved them getting to know each other and hoping that one day Sergio would be able to open his heart to Val.
“Our love would be ugly, deformed, awkward. It would be so many things, but I hoped, that in the end, above all else, it would be good enough.”
This book is filled with sweet and of course silly moments. I love Rachel Van Dyken’s writing style. Even in a sappy book, she can make me laugh hard. If you are a fan of the series or completely loved Elude, you will be very satisfied and happy with Empire.
An ARC was provided
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW| AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON FREE
AMAZON
Want to read
March 21, 2016I am going to read Empire with every intention to hate the new girl (already do) as an act of loyalty to Andi. Sorry not sorry.
How can I read about Sergio moving on to another girl when he was perfect for Andi, they were just absolutely perfect for each other! It's a given that my emotions are going to be on overdrive with this book. I know the author will be able to write her in a way where I'll end up liking her, maybe even loving her for that matter, but this will feel so wrong as if I'm betraying Andi:(
How can I read about Sergio moving on to another girl when he was perfect for Andi, they were just absolutely perfect for each other! It's a given that my emotions are going to be on overdrive with this book. I know the author will be able to write her in a way where I'll end up liking her, maybe even loving her for that matter, but this will feel so wrong as if I'm betraying Andi:(
June 26, 2016
No wonder Sergio Abandonato is my favorite guy in the Eagle Elite series after reading Elude -- which emotionally wrecked me. The beautiful, broken prince's story is by far the best one I've read! His story continues as it focuses on healing and moving forward. It is tough for Sergio to go through that process and his perspective brought so many emotions and I loved it.
I'm not going to put more emphasis on what happened here because that will be a spoiler. I shed some tears in this book. Both sad and happy ones. I love how the love story on this isn't abrupt and so much love for the character developments. Overall, I really love this book.. very much. Kudos to Ms.Rachel Van Dyken!
I'm not going to put more emphasis on what happened here because that will be a spoiler. I shed some tears in this book. Both sad and happy ones. I love how the love story on this isn't abrupt and so much love for the character developments. Overall, I really love this book.. very much. Kudos to Ms.Rachel Van Dyken!
November 11, 2016
If his wife was alive no way would he have been with heroine even knowing the truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2016
I need more tissues...STAT. Full review on The Book Disciple on June 1st 2016
We don't get the next book until summer 2017!?! What am I gonna do?!?
We don't get the next book until summer 2017!?! What am I gonna do?!?
June 7, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Title:Empire
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Category: Mafia, Romance
Series or Standalone: Part of series, must read Elude first.
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Scorching Level: 4.5
HEA: Not telling
The continuation to Sergio's story! Oh my God, I fell in love with his character in Elude.
And we are introduced to Valentina! Valentina is young, innocent girl and has no idea that her family is connected to the mafia.
When Sergio enters her life she doesn't know what she is supposed to do with her life and the dark, dangerous man that is supposed to be her husband. Secrets are revealed and she will find herself questioning everything.
Sergio has a tortured past, his wife has recently died and the last thing he wants it to fall in love or forget the woman he still loves.
Valentina tests his self control and the only way to keep her at arm's length is to make her fear him.
"Try to kiss me, and I won't hesitate to kill you. Ask for my love, and I'll do us both a favor and make your death look like an accident."
I burst out laghing.
He didn't.
I simply loved how the story progressed. Sergio's inner turmoil is perfectly captured and I loved how Valentina challenged him and stood up for herself.
Their relationship is complex and their banter was simply entertaining.
There is humor, danger, violence and sizzling romance.
Excellently written. One of my favorite reads of the year! I will always remember Sergio and Valentina.
If you love the series or the mafia genre, you won't be disappointed.
I recommend it. I cannot wait for Dante's story.
4.5 Stars
June 23, 2020
I skipped Elude... and I don't regret it.
When Sergio and Andi were introduced in Ember, I was thrilled for their story. And when I read the description of Elude, I was so excited. An arranged marriage in the mafia, yes, please! But then... I read some reviews full of spoilers and found out about Andi's death.
Sergio falling in love only to lose her, yeah my heart couldn't bear that. And I didn't want to get attached to And only to have her die and then for Sergio to marry another.
I'm not that strong. I need a HEA.
So, therefore, I skipped their story and read Empire. And my god, did I love Valentina and Sergio. Especially Val and her whole family. Sergio is left a shell of a man after Andi's death. When they had married, there was no love, and he vowed not to fall in love; however, he did. Now, he's broken and nothing like the man he was before. And although his wife is dead, duty doesn't let you take a day off.
Val is naive and knows nothing of the mafia. She doesn't know they exist outside of books and movies, and when she finds out that she is the daughter of the once mob boss, Luca. Not only that, she's also betrothed to a man in the mafia. Her fiancé is broken, she finds out that his recent wife had just passed and that he'll never love her.
Val is the most innocent in the group and also very naive, which I found quite funny. She never believed in violence and to then be thrust into a world full of drugs, guns, and murder does things to a person. But Val kept her belief, and her innocence brought only light into Sergio's dark life. But how do you stay with a man whose hearts belongs to a dead woman? What do you do when that man only pushes and pushes and never gives?"When you move on with your life, when you find that person, whoever she may be, she isn't going to remove every last remnant of Andi from your heart. She isn't going to take over and squeeze out memories. She's going to fit with them. Live with them. Laugh with them. It's not a matter of replacing, it's a matter of joining."
I understood Sergio and his pain. When you've loved and given your heart, how do you let go and move on? When is the right time? And to then be forced into another marriage with a woman so young, how do you not feel guilt.
But Valentina was absolutely perfect and patient. She did not take shit from Sergio and made her place in the group. I loved how all of them were so protective over her and would give Sergio shit for always hurting her.What if his wife was still alive?
Would he choose her or me?
Who would he keep alive?
Her. Every. Single. Time.
I believe if I'd read Andi's story with Sergio, I wouldn't have liked this one as much as I did. I love Sergio's soft side with Val. How he's intention was never to hurt or scare her but to only keep her at a distance so that he wouldn't fall again.
Only he does. And she does. But will he be able to let Andi go and completely give himself to Val?
dnf
October 15, 2020DNF at 40%
God this was STUPID!
A man whose wife just died shouldn’t be so horny. Where there should have been a gradual progression of emotion between the hero and heroine laced with the intensity and the grit of a mafia novel we instead have two horny and bland MCs, OTT fluffy banter/bromance that doesn’t feel appropriate in a mafia book and shallow characters. It’s sad cause this book had two of my favorite tropes, arrange marriage and the dead girlfriend/wife trope where the hero is suppose to be super reluctant to fall in love again cause it feels like betrayal but ends up helplessly falling in love anyway because of the emotions that the heroine gradually starts evoking in him. Put that in a mafia setting and IM DOWN FOR THE RIDE!!! This sadly was NOT IT!
God this was STUPID!
A man whose wife just died shouldn’t be so horny. Where there should have been a gradual progression of emotion between the hero and heroine laced with the intensity and the grit of a mafia novel we instead have two horny and bland MCs, OTT fluffy banter/bromance that doesn’t feel appropriate in a mafia book and shallow characters. It’s sad cause this book had two of my favorite tropes, arrange marriage and the dead girlfriend/wife trope where the hero is suppose to be super reluctant to fall in love again cause it feels like betrayal but ends up helplessly falling in love anyway because of the emotions that the heroine gradually starts evoking in him. Put that in a mafia setting and IM DOWN FOR THE RIDE!!! This sadly was NOT IT!
June 1, 2016
Empire (Eagle Elite #7) by Rachel Van Dyken
4.5 stars!!
This was actually a book I was dreading to read. If you have not read Elude (Eagle Elite #6) please do not read this review as there are spoilers contained pertaining to that book. Empire is the continuation of Sergio’s story, a man that should have been hard to love, but after Elude, a man I loved dearly and who had taken a huge chunk of my book heart. A man who had never deemed himself worthy of love or who even thought he wanted it, until he had it and then it was cruelly ripped away.
I thought that Empire would be a tough to love book, after all, I adored Sergio and Andi, how could Rachel Van Dyken possibly even warrant giving him another wife? How could Rachel van Dyken possibly make me even love said new wife? How could Sergio love said new wife? Argggh this was a book I desperately didn’t want to love, yet I did…Rachel Van Dyken seemingly did the impossible, she gave me Val.
This is no insta-love story, far from it. Sergio is doing what he needs to do to save the family, another arranged marriage and one that he desperately doesn’t want, nor is ready for. Sergio is still grieving, the last thing on his mind is another wedding, but needs must. But this may be just what Sergio needs even if he doesn’t realise it yet.
Val was a nineteen-year-old book worm virgin who had been sheltered from Mafia life. As far as Val knew, the Mafia were only in films and definitely not on the streets of New York, never mind her three “innocent” uncles. Val and her brother Dante were Luca’s kids and now that he is dead, Frank is carrying out his last wishes to ensure the continuation of the family. Val and Dante were sent away for their own protection but now they are to be initiated and protected by their blood.
Val was so naïve, extremely sheltered and a loner. Her only friend had disappeared off the face of the earth and other than her Uncles she only had her brother. Val was the total antithesis of Andi, she was shy and timid, fragile, saccharine sweet, she was pure but she had feisty Italian blood when it needed to come out. You could not help but fall in love with this little book nerd whose brain was totally awash with romance novel fairy tale romances and definitely not becoming some mobster’s wife.
This was a journey for both them. We see a lot of inner pain and turmoil from Sergio, those inner feelings of betrayal to Andi and her memory, that feeling that two months is too soon even though Andi knew what was expected of him and encouraged him to do so. That struggle to let go in the present but understand that the heart has the capacity to love more than once. That letting go doesn’t mean forgetting, but merely making space for another. It was hard to read, but this was a journey that Sergio needed to make and work through at his own pace, although a certain person had other ideas.
This was an emotional journey for Val, she has to grow up quick, leave life as she knew it behind and move to Chicago with her new husband. A husband that seemingly couldn’t stand the sight of her and pushed her away at every opportunity. She knows his history, she knows he needs time, but is time something that she can give him before rejection stings too much?
I sympathised and empathised with both Sergio and Val, but their blossoming friendship gave you the hope that they would make it. It was all about taking those strides, healing, forgiving and just living again. This was not about replacing Andi, this was about second chances, Andi knew that Sergio had so much to give and to deprive another of that love would have been a crime…a crime she wanted no hand in.
It was beautiful to read, it was emotional, it had twists I never saw coming but it was perfect. That emotion and character connection that I crave was on point. The book was perfectly balanced with pieces of comedy and fantastic dialogue that drew you out of your mourning faze and you couldn’t help but smile and chuckle or full out belly laugh. The family rally together, we catch up with them all and they welcome Val with open arms. It was just a fantastic read and one that Rachel Van Dyken nailed once again.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“What would Andi do?”
This was actually a book I was dreading to read. If you have not read Elude (Eagle Elite #6) please do not read this review as there are spoilers contained pertaining to that book. Empire is the continuation of Sergio’s story, a man that should have been hard to love, but after Elude, a man I loved dearly and who had taken a huge chunk of my book heart. A man who had never deemed himself worthy of love or who even thought he wanted it, until he had it and then it was cruelly ripped away.
“Pride kept me hesitant. And fear kept me distant.”
I thought that Empire would be a tough to love book, after all, I adored Sergio and Andi, how could Rachel Van Dyken possibly even warrant giving him another wife? How could Rachel van Dyken possibly make me even love said new wife? How could Sergio love said new wife? Argggh this was a book I desperately didn’t want to love, yet I did…Rachel Van Dyken seemingly did the impossible, she gave me Val.
This is no insta-love story, far from it. Sergio is doing what he needs to do to save the family, another arranged marriage and one that he desperately doesn’t want, nor is ready for. Sergio is still grieving, the last thing on his mind is another wedding, but needs must. But this may be just what Sergio needs even if he doesn’t realise it yet.
“It isn’t about what you deserve…it’s about what you need.”
Val was a nineteen-year-old book worm virgin who had been sheltered from Mafia life. As far as Val knew, the Mafia were only in films and definitely not on the streets of New York, never mind her three “innocent” uncles. Val and her brother Dante were Luca’s kids and now that he is dead, Frank is carrying out his last wishes to ensure the continuation of the family. Val and Dante were sent away for their own protection but now they are to be initiated and protected by their blood.
Val was so naïve, extremely sheltered and a loner. Her only friend had disappeared off the face of the earth and other than her Uncles she only had her brother. Val was the total antithesis of Andi, she was shy and timid, fragile, saccharine sweet, she was pure but she had feisty Italian blood when it needed to come out. You could not help but fall in love with this little book nerd whose brain was totally awash with romance novel fairy tale romances and definitely not becoming some mobster’s wife.
“I’m sorry to be the one to break the news to you, but you’re the least terrifying person I’ve ever met.”
This was a journey for both them. We see a lot of inner pain and turmoil from Sergio, those inner feelings of betrayal to Andi and her memory, that feeling that two months is too soon even though Andi knew what was expected of him and encouraged him to do so. That struggle to let go in the present but understand that the heart has the capacity to love more than once. That letting go doesn’t mean forgetting, but merely making space for another. It was hard to read, but this was a journey that Sergio needed to make and work through at his own pace, although a certain person had other ideas.
“One piece. Out of a million. But it was a start.”
This was an emotional journey for Val, she has to grow up quick, leave life as she knew it behind and move to Chicago with her new husband. A husband that seemingly couldn’t stand the sight of her and pushed her away at every opportunity. She knows his history, she knows he needs time, but is time something that she can give him before rejection stings too much?
“Sergio Abandonato, my husband, was not living. He wasn’t even dead. He was a ghost. And only he could set himself free.”
I sympathised and empathised with both Sergio and Val, but their blossoming friendship gave you the hope that they would make it. It was all about taking those strides, healing, forgiving and just living again. This was not about replacing Andi, this was about second chances, Andi knew that Sergio had so much to give and to deprive another of that love would have been a crime…a crime she wanted no hand in.
“All is lost. Romance. Love. Stories. Endings. All. Is. Lost.” ~ Sergio
It was beautiful to read, it was emotional, it had twists I never saw coming but it was perfect. That emotion and character connection that I crave was on point. The book was perfectly balanced with pieces of comedy and fantastic dialogue that drew you out of your mourning faze and you couldn’t help but smile and chuckle or full out belly laugh. The family rally together, we catch up with them all and they welcome Val with open arms. It was just a fantastic read and one that Rachel Van Dyken nailed once again.
www.theromancecover.com
June 26, 2016
4 stars!
I wanted more. Their time together was not enough for me. My expectations were too high. It's not a bust for me or anything. The writing and the story was superb. I.. I.. I just want more of them as a couple, you know? A novella would be super! :) #teamval
I wanted more. Their time together was not enough for me. My expectations were too high. It's not a bust for me or anything. The writing and the story was superb. I.. I.. I just want more of them as a couple, you know? A novella would be super! :) #teamval
June 9, 2016
I have lost everything.
My purpose.
My love.
My soul.
Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle--the promise I made her, brings me back.
So I breathe.
I live.
I hate.
And I allow the anger to boil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade.
I am broken, I dont want to be fixed.
One last trip to New York, one last chance to redeem a lost part of the mafia family. The Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it, my job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage.
Only this time.
I won't fall.
Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.
Love the blurb!!!!
May 31, 2016
‘To make eye contact with Sergio Abandonato was to know both pain and beauty simultaneously.’
I am a reviewer not an author so I am struggling to put into words how wonderfully surprising Empire was. I will be honest and say that Empire has been sitting on my kindle for quite a while waiting to be read and yet I kept going in and reading other books. Why you ask . . . honestly I was scared. I loved Andi and Sergio with my full heart and I was scared that there was not room left for me to love another girl being with him. Tainting what they had. I was upset that he could so quickly be remarrying even if it was forced. So I waited and now that I have finished I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This book and these characters are everything.
‘He was going to be my husband. And the sucky part. He would never actually be mine.’
Val is the antithesis of Andi. She is young, innocent, curvy, and startle at the sound of a gun. Though she is the daughter of Luca she knows nothing of the mafia life. And now for her protection she is to be married to the shell of what is left of Sergio. Just two months prior, Sergio buried his wife, his love and he makes it abundantly clear that he will never love another. Val and Sergio’s road together is full of tears, heartache and growth. She challenges him in a completely new way and made it impossible for the reader not to only fall in love with her but desperately hoping he would too.
‘In her arms, I wasn’t a widower. I wasn’t mafia. I wasn’t anything but a guy; she made me feel that way, like nothing else mattered. It was cheesy. It was beautiful. It was like breathing for the first time.’
While Empire is still full of the guns and blood that is expected in the series I honestly thought this book more than any other focuses on the characters and the building of their relationship. I was constantly in tears, for their struggle, for their loss, and for their love. The entire series has slowly over time become one of my absolute favorites with each book just getting better and better.
‘The house was massive. Two stories. With a fountain in the middle. Huge. Fairy tale huge. Hah, ironic, that I’d get part of the fairy tale, at least let there be a library or something. Since I’d married the beast, give me books.’
Empire was absolute perfection and I cannot think of one thing I would change. That is a lie, there is one tiny part at the every very end of the book I would change in a heartbeat . . . the part that says the next book, Enrage, won’t be out until summer 2017. I do not think I can wait that long for Dante’s story.
~miranda
I am a reviewer not an author so I am struggling to put into words how wonderfully surprising Empire was. I will be honest and say that Empire has been sitting on my kindle for quite a while waiting to be read and yet I kept going in and reading other books. Why you ask . . . honestly I was scared. I loved Andi and Sergio with my full heart and I was scared that there was not room left for me to love another girl being with him. Tainting what they had. I was upset that he could so quickly be remarrying even if it was forced. So I waited and now that I have finished I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This book and these characters are everything.
‘He was going to be my husband. And the sucky part. He would never actually be mine.’
Val is the antithesis of Andi. She is young, innocent, curvy, and startle at the sound of a gun. Though she is the daughter of Luca she knows nothing of the mafia life. And now for her protection she is to be married to the shell of what is left of Sergio. Just two months prior, Sergio buried his wife, his love and he makes it abundantly clear that he will never love another. Val and Sergio’s road together is full of tears, heartache and growth. She challenges him in a completely new way and made it impossible for the reader not to only fall in love with her but desperately hoping he would too.
‘In her arms, I wasn’t a widower. I wasn’t mafia. I wasn’t anything but a guy; she made me feel that way, like nothing else mattered. It was cheesy. It was beautiful. It was like breathing for the first time.’
While Empire is still full of the guns and blood that is expected in the series I honestly thought this book more than any other focuses on the characters and the building of their relationship. I was constantly in tears, for their struggle, for their loss, and for their love. The entire series has slowly over time become one of my absolute favorites with each book just getting better and better.
‘The house was massive. Two stories. With a fountain in the middle. Huge. Fairy tale huge. Hah, ironic, that I’d get part of the fairy tale, at least let there be a library or something. Since I’d married the beast, give me books.’
Empire was absolute perfection and I cannot think of one thing I would change. That is a lie, there is one tiny part at the every very end of the book I would change in a heartbeat . . . the part that says the next book, Enrage, won’t be out until summer 2017. I do not think I can wait that long for Dante’s story.
~miranda
Want to read
June 19, 2016Me reading the synopsis:
I have lost everything. My purpose. My love.
My soul. So I breathe. I live. I hate.
I am broken, I don't want to be fixed.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage. Only this time. I won't fall. Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, . .
. . you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.
Sergio is getting anther book!?!?! And it's already out?!? It's almost too good to be true!
I have lost everything. My purpose. My love.
My soul. So I breathe. I live. I hate.
I am broken, I don't want to be fixed.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage. Only this time. I won't fall. Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, . .
. . you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.
Sergio is getting anther book!?!?! And it's already out?!? It's almost too good to be true!
April 18, 2019
Thus ends my audiobook binge of the Eagle Elite series! Guys I can’t tell you how much I LOVED these books.
I started this series with book 8 & 9, and I immediately fell in love with Rachel Van Dyken’s world. Each character and couple has this amazing chemistry, and there is this dichotomy of dark and dangerous mafia world and this family who love and care for each other. There are guns and violence but also laughing and fun.
Phoenix story was rough, emotionally. His journey with Val crushed me for so many reasons, mainly because like him I loved Andi. It was hard to move on and let go, but I LOVED Val, too. The way RVD set up their romance and love was just everyone!
If you love mafia romance, and you haven’t read this series! Get on it with it! You are missing out!
I started this series with book 8 & 9, and I immediately fell in love with Rachel Van Dyken’s world. Each character and couple has this amazing chemistry, and there is this dichotomy of dark and dangerous mafia world and this family who love and care for each other. There are guns and violence but also laughing and fun.
Phoenix story was rough, emotionally. His journey with Val crushed me for so many reasons, mainly because like him I loved Andi. It was hard to move on and let go, but I LOVED Val, too. The way RVD set up their romance and love was just everyone!
If you love mafia romance, and you haven’t read this series! Get on it with it! You are missing out!
dnf
January 24, 2018Odio saltarme libros en la series, pero este libro lo estuve posponiendo mucho tiempo y llegué a la conclusión que no puedo leerlo, quiero quedarme con el recuerdo de la protagonista anterior y que una de las cosas que más detestó es que me cambien a los protas.
Y a Rachel sólo le digo que no la perdono por el final del libro anterior muy muy mal. SorrynotSorry
Y a Rachel sólo le digo que no la perdono por el final del libro anterior muy muy mal. SorrynotSorry
May 31, 2016
It has been almost a full year since Rachel Van Dyken wrecked my heart with Elude, and to say I've been anxious for Empire is an understatement. I learned a while ago to trust completely in RVD and have faith she would deliver exactly what readers longed for. However, I wasn't prepared for how emotionally exhausting Empire is, and it easily ties Ember as my favorite book in the series. From the dedication page until the the last chapter, I felt with all my reading soul the gut wrenching story of Sergio and Val.
"Life is full of two-twirl moments--don't allow her to settle for only one."
When I started crying on Chapter 2 of this book, I knew this was going to be a devastating read. I think watching someone learn to move on is even more difficult than loss itself. Sergio is just going through the motions and my heart ached for him immensely. Val is a refreshing change and nothing like the other ladies of this series. I immediately loved her innocence and child like charm. Not only is she a book nerd, but she is witty and caring to her overbearing family. She is exactly what Sergio needed, even if he refuses to see it. I wanted to hug Sergio one moment and slap him the next. Their journey is intense and filled with a vast array of emotions. There are highs and lows, laughter and tears, and heartbreak and healing.
"Sometimes, it's nice to be someone's hero. Just for once."
Of course, it wouldn't be Eagle Elite without new revelations and plot twists. Even after seven books, they remain fresh and completely unexpected. Frank has been a prominent character since the early books, but he really shines through in Empire. I enjoyed being inside his head and seeing him battle his inner demons. We are introduced to new and interesting characters, including my favorite, Dante. As always, RVD does a magnificent job of balancing intense moments with fun and light-hearted ones. At this point, all the characters feel like family, and I treasure the extra scenes with Nixon and crew. I can't tell you how many times I laughed through tears, and that is a testament to just how incredible this book is. Yes, there are sad moments, but I smiled more than I cried, and couldn't have loved it more.
I will be counting the days until the next installment. Eagle Elite has become one my favorite contemporary series of all time, and I highly recommend it to any adult reader
"Life is full of two-twirl moments--don't allow her to settle for only one."
When I started crying on Chapter 2 of this book, I knew this was going to be a devastating read. I think watching someone learn to move on is even more difficult than loss itself. Sergio is just going through the motions and my heart ached for him immensely. Val is a refreshing change and nothing like the other ladies of this series. I immediately loved her innocence and child like charm. Not only is she a book nerd, but she is witty and caring to her overbearing family. She is exactly what Sergio needed, even if he refuses to see it. I wanted to hug Sergio one moment and slap him the next. Their journey is intense and filled with a vast array of emotions. There are highs and lows, laughter and tears, and heartbreak and healing.
"Sometimes, it's nice to be someone's hero. Just for once."
Of course, it wouldn't be Eagle Elite without new revelations and plot twists. Even after seven books, they remain fresh and completely unexpected. Frank has been a prominent character since the early books, but he really shines through in Empire. I enjoyed being inside his head and seeing him battle his inner demons. We are introduced to new and interesting characters, including my favorite, Dante. As always, RVD does a magnificent job of balancing intense moments with fun and light-hearted ones. At this point, all the characters feel like family, and I treasure the extra scenes with Nixon and crew. I can't tell you how many times I laughed through tears, and that is a testament to just how incredible this book is. Yes, there are sad moments, but I smiled more than I cried, and couldn't have loved it more.
I will be counting the days until the next installment. Eagle Elite has become one my favorite contemporary series of all time, and I highly recommend it to any adult reader
May 28, 2016
5.0 "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" STARS!!!
With the amount of tears I shed and with the state I was in over Elude, you do not know how happy I am to finally keep my hands on Empire. First few pages and I cannot put the book down. I was pulled right into the story. Not just hooked...not just captivated but I was consumed with overwhelming emotions. From the story line, characters to every bits of pieces were a work of art and in true RVD's fashion, every single words were written flawlessly and evokes too much emotion you think you cannot handle.
Sergio and Val's story was one of those I am so worried I could not connect. For one, I am loyal to Andi. I sobbed my heart out and poured every single feeling I have for her and Sergio. With Val, I admit I'm so afraid to dig in and at the same time curious but holy guacamole, I have loved Val as much as I loved Andi. RVD just delivered something that will capture your best interest that will keep you in the edge but at the same time made you enjoy every moment. I will not go into details so I wont spoil anything. But trust me when I say RVD nailed it and more. Out of all Eagle Elite books this and Elude were my favorite. Each with different blend but the emotions and the storyline were off the charts.
It was so intense...so raw...beautifully and perfectly written. It's a must read but please read Elude first before you dive in to Empire. Experience a roller coaster ride that will give you a book hangover one you'll never forget and keep on asking for more.
With the amount of tears I shed and with the state I was in over Elude, you do not know how happy I am to finally keep my hands on Empire. First few pages and I cannot put the book down. I was pulled right into the story. Not just hooked...not just captivated but I was consumed with overwhelming emotions. From the story line, characters to every bits of pieces were a work of art and in true RVD's fashion, every single words were written flawlessly and evokes too much emotion you think you cannot handle.
Sergio and Val's story was one of those I am so worried I could not connect. For one, I am loyal to Andi. I sobbed my heart out and poured every single feeling I have for her and Sergio. With Val, I admit I'm so afraid to dig in and at the same time curious but holy guacamole, I have loved Val as much as I loved Andi. RVD just delivered something that will capture your best interest that will keep you in the edge but at the same time made you enjoy every moment. I will not go into details so I wont spoil anything. But trust me when I say RVD nailed it and more. Out of all Eagle Elite books this and Elude were my favorite. Each with different blend but the emotions and the storyline were off the charts.
It was so intense...so raw...beautifully and perfectly written. It's a must read but please read Elude first before you dive in to Empire. Experience a roller coaster ride that will give you a book hangover one you'll never forget and keep on asking for more.
May 26, 2016
The greatest love story I have ever read is the one of Sergio Abandonato.
"The course of true love, never did run smooth."
A few days on from reading this book which can be only described as a masterpiece, and I am still experiencing the feels.
The story of Sergio & Val was beautiful, emotional and damn well amazing.
The twists, the turns, the love, the hate, the laughs, the tears - just everything about this book spoke to me from the very first page.
Although, you need to read this after Elude, and Elude can be read as a standalone, the fact I have read the series from the beginning only strengthens the feelings I have towards Sergio and his quest for his HEA.
I didn’t want to be saved. No saving was needed. Because the truth of the matter was, I wasn’t really lost. I was just… empty.
At pivotal point in the book, I had to put my Kindle down and walk away, as I couldn't see through the tears welling up, and couldn't swallow past the lump in my throat.
"Life... is meant to be lived - felt - experienced. Why spend your life walking - when you can dance?"
I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars, like it deserves.
"The course of true love, never did run smooth."
A few days on from reading this book which can be only described as a masterpiece, and I am still experiencing the feels.
The story of Sergio & Val was beautiful, emotional and damn well amazing.
The twists, the turns, the love, the hate, the laughs, the tears - just everything about this book spoke to me from the very first page.
Although, you need to read this after Elude, and Elude can be read as a standalone, the fact I have read the series from the beginning only strengthens the feelings I have towards Sergio and his quest for his HEA.
I didn’t want to be saved. No saving was needed. Because the truth of the matter was, I wasn’t really lost. I was just… empty.
At pivotal point in the book, I had to put my Kindle down and walk away, as I couldn't see through the tears welling up, and couldn't swallow past the lump in my throat.
"Life... is meant to be lived - felt - experienced. Why spend your life walking - when you can dance?"
I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars, like it deserves.
June 9, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I knew this was going to crush me, but heal me at the same time.
Sergio is empty. Andi is gone, and she’s not coming back. He knows this, but he just doesn’t want to accept it. I felt so bad for him. He had a lot of responsibilities, and he was expected to do everything and anything for blood.
Val is so lovely. She’s the opposite of Andi. She’s shy, innocent, and gentle. I really didn’t want to like her too much, because I didn’t want to feel like I was betraying Andi, but like Sergio, I couldn’t help it. I know Andi would have been mad if I didn’t give Val a fair chance.
This story was heart breaking and heart warming at the same time. It’s a beautiful story. I really loved this, and I finally felt peace and happiness from Sergio.
I knew this was going to crush me, but heal me at the same time.
Sergio is empty. Andi is gone, and she’s not coming back. He knows this, but he just doesn’t want to accept it. I felt so bad for him. He had a lot of responsibilities, and he was expected to do everything and anything for blood.
Val is so lovely. She’s the opposite of Andi. She’s shy, innocent, and gentle. I really didn’t want to like her too much, because I didn’t want to feel like I was betraying Andi, but like Sergio, I couldn’t help it. I know Andi would have been mad if I didn’t give Val a fair chance.
This story was heart breaking and heart warming at the same time. It’s a beautiful story. I really loved this, and I finally felt peace and happiness from Sergio.
May 12, 2016
I finished this book in two days but waited a week to write the review . I couldn't figure out what to write. I've read the Eagle Elite series several times and out of all those badass mafia boys I have to say Sergio is my favorite ❤️ for some reason that man pulls at my heart . There is just something about him ❤️ without going too much in to the book and giving a spoiler I just want to say I'm so very happy with this book and the ending . It's perfect and I can't wait to get more from Rachel . I think the day when I find out there will be no more mafia men I will have a breakdown
June 7, 2016
Ten heartbreaking stars! TEN!
October 9, 2016
I love this story (except I wanted to punch Sergio in the nuts a few times) and the narrators are perfect!!
May 31, 2016
My heart was shredded after finishing Elude and I was so happy that I had an ARC of Empire to jump straight into.
To say Sergio is in a bad way after the tragic events in Elude is a massive understatement. The guy is heartbroken and barely existing but life must go on, and it's what Andi wanted for him. Ironically, he ends up in a situation where he is expected to enter into another arranged marriage. Only this time it's to sweet, innocent Val who has led a very sheltered, protective existence under the nurturing watch of her Mafia uncles and her hot-headed brother, Dante.
My heart bled for Serg in this book as he struggled to come to terms with his devastating loss while doing what needed to be done for the family business. I felt everything along with him and his emotions and feelings were so well-written. It was raw and credible and I wanted to consume the grief on his behalf.
However, he acted appallingly toward Val and there really was no excuse. I won't mention specifics for fear of spoiling the story for anyone, but there were certain scenes that were outrageous and I wanted to jump into my Kindle and throttle him for scaring her so badly.
Val is a little sweetheart who I really warmed to. That said, I found her character transformation far too quick and unbelievable, and it was inconsistent. She didn't know any of this world existed and while there were some great scenes that showcased her fear and unhappiness overall I felt it was downplayed too much.
I also didn't ship Val and Serg. Perhaps it's because I had just read about Andi and Serg, but I couldn't /didn't buy into it which took away from the story for me. For me, Andi and Serg were the true partnership, true soulmates, and I didn't get the attraction between Val and Serg. I was also slightly uncomfortable with the age gap between them. Not that I have any issue with age-gaps per se, but she was young, sweet and innocent and he is the polar opposite. It didn't sit well with me, but, hey, that's probably just me.
I adore this world that Rachel has created, and the cast of characters are all interesting and unique (and a bit cray-cray it has to be said.)
It's written in Rachel's usual inimitable style and it flowed beautifully.
I am very invested in this series now, and as soon as I can find some down time, I plan to gorge on the first five books in the series.
In summary, this was a good read and if you are a fan of this series or this author then it's a must read. However, for me, this wouldn't be one of my favorite RVD reads.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog on 7th June. http://myyanabookobsession.com
To say Sergio is in a bad way after the tragic events in Elude is a massive understatement. The guy is heartbroken and barely existing but life must go on, and it's what Andi wanted for him. Ironically, he ends up in a situation where he is expected to enter into another arranged marriage. Only this time it's to sweet, innocent Val who has led a very sheltered, protective existence under the nurturing watch of her Mafia uncles and her hot-headed brother, Dante.
My heart bled for Serg in this book as he struggled to come to terms with his devastating loss while doing what needed to be done for the family business. I felt everything along with him and his emotions and feelings were so well-written. It was raw and credible and I wanted to consume the grief on his behalf.
However, he acted appallingly toward Val and there really was no excuse. I won't mention specifics for fear of spoiling the story for anyone, but there were certain scenes that were outrageous and I wanted to jump into my Kindle and throttle him for scaring her so badly.
Val is a little sweetheart who I really warmed to. That said, I found her character transformation far too quick and unbelievable, and it was inconsistent. She didn't know any of this world existed and while there were some great scenes that showcased her fear and unhappiness overall I felt it was downplayed too much.
I also didn't ship Val and Serg. Perhaps it's because I had just read about Andi and Serg, but I couldn't /didn't buy into it which took away from the story for me. For me, Andi and Serg were the true partnership, true soulmates, and I didn't get the attraction between Val and Serg. I was also slightly uncomfortable with the age gap between them. Not that I have any issue with age-gaps per se, but she was young, sweet and innocent and he is the polar opposite. It didn't sit well with me, but, hey, that's probably just me.
I adore this world that Rachel has created, and the cast of characters are all interesting and unique (and a bit cray-cray it has to be said.)
It's written in Rachel's usual inimitable style and it flowed beautifully.
I am very invested in this series now, and as soon as I can find some down time, I plan to gorge on the first five books in the series.
In summary, this was a good read and if you are a fan of this series or this author then it's a must read. However, for me, this wouldn't be one of my favorite RVD reads.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog on 7th June. http://myyanabookobsession.com
January 31, 2019
I’m heartbroken by this book. Elude was my absolute favorite book of this series and I was hoping this book would be able to give Sergio a happy ending without ruining the love story between he and andi. Andi wanted him to move on and move again and so did I, but not like this. I know most reviewers liked Val but she drove me nuts. She came off as very childish and self-involved. The man just lost his wife to cancer and she kept focusing on her own “is it me—am I just not woman enough” insecurities. Her innocence and naivety, which were supposed to be endearing and set her apart from andi, just irritated me and made the age difference between them feel much bigger (19 vs 29/30). The ending was horrible—it minimized everything i invested in as a reAder in the last book. Spoiler- andi is only his best friend and first love, Val is his soulmate. Gutted by this revelation. Poor Andi deserved more. Love them both or acknowledge the love they both had in your heart, don’t relegate the dead wife to a runner up and place holder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2016
I freakin loved it!
To be honest I must say first I was a bit scared to read this one because Elude left
me heartbroken and I wasn't sure if I could take it all.
I think it was more because we got to see and know Andi and that made it all that much harder. Because let's be honest we all fell for her we all loved her!
But this one was very good!
If you have like me trouble because you were just that heartbroken and don't want to continue
because your not sure you can take it? Just go for it, I did to and it was so worth it.
But for this one it is important you read Elude first.
To be honest I must say first I was a bit scared to read this one because Elude left
me heartbroken and I wasn't sure if I could take it all.
I think it was more because we got to see and know Andi and that made it all that much harder. Because let's be honest we all fell for her we all loved her!
But this one was very good!
If you have like me trouble because you were just that heartbroken and don't want to continue
because your not sure you can take it? Just go for it, I did to and it was so worth it.
But for this one it is important you read Elude first.
May 3, 2020
*5 Stars*
Whoa. I wasn't sure if I wanted another Sergio book, but I really enjoyed this one, and more so than his first. Val and Sergio were so completely opposite, yet when it finally came down to it, they worked so well.
I really liked being introduced to Val and Dante, and I am very interested in reading Dante's story. I like the Uncles, and I enjoyed getting more Frank as well. Val was the complete opposite of Andi, but Andi was so woven into this story (in more ways than one), that it was impossible to leave her in the past.
Sergios grief, Vals innocence and naivety to the mafia world, it all comes crashing together in this novel, that had me feeling all the highs, and all the lows.
There were plenty of fun moments with our loveable gang as well, because hell, they're family, and I loved that about the book too.
Loved every minute and can't wait to read more. Blood In. No Out.
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Whoa. I wasn't sure if I wanted another Sergio book, but I really enjoyed this one, and more so than his first. Val and Sergio were so completely opposite, yet when it finally came down to it, they worked so well.
I really liked being introduced to Val and Dante, and I am very interested in reading Dante's story. I like the Uncles, and I enjoyed getting more Frank as well. Val was the complete opposite of Andi, but Andi was so woven into this story (in more ways than one), that it was impossible to leave her in the past.
Sergios grief, Vals innocence and naivety to the mafia world, it all comes crashing together in this novel, that had me feeling all the highs, and all the lows.
There were plenty of fun moments with our loveable gang as well, because hell, they're family, and I loved that about the book too.
Loved every minute and can't wait to read more. Blood In. No Out.
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