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Mafia Royals #0.5
Royal Bully
The prequel to the much anticipated Mafia Royals series....
Something dark this way comes.
He's gorgeous, mean, and mine.
He catches me dreaming about him, and then just like my dream, he decides to make me his.
I should have said no when he asked me to swear fealty to him.
The knife clued me in first.
The blood second.
And third, it was the blessing of the most famous mafia bosses in the known world as they sat around the dinner table and told me that I had no choice but to join.
Because they knew my secrets.
And running meant I was nothing more than target practice.
I said yes because of my bully.
And he told me he'd keep me safe.
But who keeps me safe from him?
Something dark this way comes.
He's gorgeous, mean, and mine.
He catches me dreaming about him, and then just like my dream, he decides to make me his.
I should have said no when he asked me to swear fealty to him.
The knife clued me in first.
The blood second.
And third, it was the blessing of the most famous mafia bosses in the known world as they sat around the dinner table and told me that I had no choice but to join.
Because they knew my secrets.
And running meant I was nothing more than target practice.
I said yes because of my bully.
And he told me he'd keep me safe.
But who keeps me safe from him?
ebook
First published March 31, 2020
910 people are currently reading
2558 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 434 reviews
June 1, 2020
Really gets to the heart and humanity (or inhumanity) of living in the Mafia!
Damn you RVD for writing such an awesome book and even though this series is a new series in and of itself, it is basically a “New Generation” of Mafia that is going to the Eagle Elite University. They are the children from her original Eagle Elite series and though you don’t need to read that series to understand any of this book, now I actually want to read that series. So now that is another whole slew of books added to my already overflowing TBR. Well actually they were on it, but now I am moving them, way up.
This book was so good. I’m not sure I would call this one bully romance at all, but the next two are being set up that way and they should be terrific. Though I don’t want to give any spoilers away about them other than to say that the couple (Serena Abandonato and Junior Nicolasi) that those books are about were in this book and were in love and the love was so forbidden that if their fathers found out they would have both been put to death.
So the main character in this book, Asher Abandonato who is the executioner for the families had to break them up for their own good. Now they hate each other. So I guess he was the bully in this book but he had a good reason.
This book was so good in its own right because it showed the brutality that these people live with. They are born into this life and have to live within the rules and can never get out. If they try then they are considered to be loose ends because they know too much and they no longer have any reason to protect the life. That means they are dead, it doesn’t matter who they are or whose kid they are or who they are related to or who loves them. What sucks even more is that their own family and especially Asher has to be the one to do the dirty work.
In this book Asher falls in love with a girl in one of his classes at Eagle Elite University. Her name is Claire and he promises to protect her if she agrees to go out with him. She knows who his family is, everybody does, and she still is attracted to him. She is excited by him and also a bit scared, but she quickly learns what she has gotten into.
I don’t want to give anymore away but Rachel Van Dyken does a terrific job of showing how exciting and tragic it can be to live a life like that and how much it can cost for the different people. I just can’t see how any of it can even be worth it. But it seems like they all are stuck in situations of their own making when they are the ones that could possibly have the power to change some of it. But what do I know. I mean if you are so afraid that your own family will tell your secrets that you end up killing them, then maybe it is time to go legit? How much money do you need? It just seems nuts to me.
Either way, it is extremely fascinating and I can’t wait for more. I went right out and bought the first four of the Eagle Elite books. I just hope I can find time to start on them…
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
Damn you RVD for writing such an awesome book and even though this series is a new series in and of itself, it is basically a “New Generation” of Mafia that is going to the Eagle Elite University. They are the children from her original Eagle Elite series and though you don’t need to read that series to understand any of this book, now I actually want to read that series. So now that is another whole slew of books added to my already overflowing TBR. Well actually they were on it, but now I am moving them, way up.
This book was so good. I’m not sure I would call this one bully romance at all, but the next two are being set up that way and they should be terrific. Though I don’t want to give any spoilers away about them other than to say that the couple (Serena Abandonato and Junior Nicolasi) that those books are about were in this book and were in love and the love was so forbidden that if their fathers found out they would have both been put to death.
So the main character in this book, Asher Abandonato who is the executioner for the families had to break them up for their own good. Now they hate each other. So I guess he was the bully in this book but he had a good reason.
This book was so good in its own right because it showed the brutality that these people live with. They are born into this life and have to live within the rules and can never get out. If they try then they are considered to be loose ends because they know too much and they no longer have any reason to protect the life. That means they are dead, it doesn’t matter who they are or whose kid they are or who they are related to or who loves them. What sucks even more is that their own family and especially Asher has to be the one to do the dirty work.
In this book Asher falls in love with a girl in one of his classes at Eagle Elite University. Her name is Claire and he promises to protect her if she agrees to go out with him. She knows who his family is, everybody does, and she still is attracted to him. She is excited by him and also a bit scared, but she quickly learns what she has gotten into.
I don’t want to give anymore away but Rachel Van Dyken does a terrific job of showing how exciting and tragic it can be to live a life like that and how much it can cost for the different people. I just can’t see how any of it can even be worth it. But it seems like they all are stuck in situations of their own making when they are the ones that could possibly have the power to change some of it. But what do I know. I mean if you are so afraid that your own family will tell your secrets that you end up killing them, then maybe it is time to go legit? How much money do you need? It just seems nuts to me.
Either way, it is extremely fascinating and I can’t wait for more. I went right out and bought the first four of the Eagle Elite books. I just hope I can find time to start on them…
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
June 17, 2020
Okay. Let me- let me just…
Alright. Here we go.
Notes
BR with ♛ Mademoiselle Smut ♛. Reading this book wouldn’t have been even half as much fun if I didn’t have you to freak out with 😊
Rating
4 ‘Blood In. No Out.’ 🌟
Song Recommendation
Wajah Tum Ho is a great fit for Asher and Claire’s story. Here is the English translation for anyone interested.
Review
Royal Bully is a prequel novella to a mafia romance series, Mafia Royals. This series is a spin-off to the mafia romance Eagle Elite series!
What. A. Awestriking. Start.
Never has a prequel novella been this comprehensive with all the elements that I expect from a full-length novel. It had passionate chemistry, impeccable writing, a HUGE mafia Familia (dry humor required to join), sense of loyalty, action, and suspense all the while being an amazing set-up for the series!
Asher Abandonato, son of Chase Abandonato and the new generation executioner of The Familia, was just as dangerous and swoon-worthy as I had hoped for him to be. He was so much like Chase and I was so here for it considering Chase was one of my favorites from the Eagle Elite series. Here is a quote that perfectly portrays Chase as a father (🥰):
He’d never been afraid to show physical affection to any of us kids, if anything, I got more hugs than I did slaps. Like he knew the burden he asked us to carry was the hardest thing he would ever do and that hopefully, by keeping that human connection, we wouldn’t lose ourselves to the darkness.
Because of who his parents are, it was no surprise that Asher was so persistent in pursuing when he found his ‘the one’ even when it includes downplaying just what being part of The Familia means.
“He always said it would be like this.”
“He?”
“My dad…He said that when you find that person, the one who reaches into your soul and refuses to let go—that you make sure never to give them any reason to run.”
Claire, Nikolai’s niece, is Asher’s ‘the one’ and they realize this when they meet at their university and stare at each other for two months before Asher makes a move. I usually don’t like insta anything, but RVD spun magic into her writing and I found myself enjoying how fast their relationship moved.
I looked up, Asher was staring down at me with something in his eyes, I realized I’d seen ever since the first day we met.
Guilt and want, all tangled together in one tantalizing package that I’d taken, opened, consumed, and damned myself with.
Things get serious real fast and soon Claire realizes what loyalty to The Familia means. It helps Claire realize just how fast she has jumped into this world and in Asher’s arm and that she doesn’t know much about his demons, his world, or the violence and brutality that it entails.
…even though there was blood on his hands, he still had the ability to make me want him, even though every single part of me knew that this man kissing me, would rather kill me than let anyone else do it. Even though I knew that damning truth. I still kissed him back.
Gah, what an awesome prequel novella was this!! It was perfect in showing how hate blossomed between Serena and Junior’s relationship and tore them apart. A relationship that would have been deadly had it been revealed to The Familia. But as the relationship is broken, it leaves them both deeply hurt and thirsty for each other’s blood. As this review is getting out of hand, I will leave you with this quote that captures the essence of their relationship.
“You’re dead to me.” You could hear the pain in his voice, the anger. She’d been his world. He’d been hers.
“I hate you.” She spat in his face and then turned on her high heels and kept walking…
Alright. Here we go.
Notes
BR with ♛ Mademoiselle Smut ♛. Reading this book wouldn’t have been even half as much fun if I didn’t have you to freak out with 😊
Rating
4 ‘Blood In. No Out.’ 🌟
Song Recommendation
Wajah Tum Ho is a great fit for Asher and Claire’s story. Here is the English translation for anyone interested.
Review
Royal Bully is a prequel novella to a mafia romance series, Mafia Royals. This series is a spin-off to the mafia romance Eagle Elite series!
What. A. Awestriking. Start.
Never has a prequel novella been this comprehensive with all the elements that I expect from a full-length novel. It had passionate chemistry, impeccable writing, a HUGE mafia Familia (dry humor required to join), sense of loyalty, action, and suspense all the while being an amazing set-up for the series!
Asher Abandonato, son of Chase Abandonato and the new generation executioner of The Familia, was just as dangerous and swoon-worthy as I had hoped for him to be. He was so much like Chase and I was so here for it considering Chase was one of my favorites from the Eagle Elite series. Here is a quote that perfectly portrays Chase as a father (🥰):
He’d never been afraid to show physical affection to any of us kids, if anything, I got more hugs than I did slaps. Like he knew the burden he asked us to carry was the hardest thing he would ever do and that hopefully, by keeping that human connection, we wouldn’t lose ourselves to the darkness.
Because of who his parents are, it was no surprise that Asher was so persistent in pursuing when he found his ‘the one’ even when it includes downplaying just what being part of The Familia means.
“He always said it would be like this.”
“He?”
“My dad…He said that when you find that person, the one who reaches into your soul and refuses to let go—that you make sure never to give them any reason to run.”
Claire, Nikolai’s niece, is Asher’s ‘the one’ and they realize this when they meet at their university and stare at each other for two months before Asher makes a move. I usually don’t like insta anything, but RVD spun magic into her writing and I found myself enjoying how fast their relationship moved.
I looked up, Asher was staring down at me with something in his eyes, I realized I’d seen ever since the first day we met.
Guilt and want, all tangled together in one tantalizing package that I’d taken, opened, consumed, and damned myself with.
Things get serious real fast and soon Claire realizes what loyalty to The Familia means. It helps Claire realize just how fast she has jumped into this world and in Asher’s arm and that she doesn’t know much about his demons, his world, or the violence and brutality that it entails.
…even though there was blood on his hands, he still had the ability to make me want him, even though every single part of me knew that this man kissing me, would rather kill me than let anyone else do it. Even though I knew that damning truth. I still kissed him back.
Gah, what an awesome prequel novella was this!! It was perfect in showing how hate blossomed between Serena and Junior’s relationship and tore them apart. A relationship that would have been deadly had it been revealed to The Familia. But as the relationship is broken, it leaves them both deeply hurt and thirsty for each other’s blood. As this review is getting out of hand, I will leave you with this quote that captures the essence of their relationship.
“You’re dead to me.” You could hear the pain in his voice, the anger. She’d been his world. He’d been hers.
“I hate you.” She spat in his face and then turned on her high heels and kept walking…
May 6, 2021
This was fun! While it definitely started off quick and progressed quickly (it's a novella), I actually really enjoyed these characters and this set up for Serena and Junior's story. I wasn't sure how I felt about the big mafia family with a bunch of college kids that are all super close to each other, but their dynamic grew on me and I cannot wait to read the first book in this series!
April 18, 2020
Family members come in different sizes and colors.
All I can say is on my God what a book. The start of a series you have to read. The mafia a group of family members who love together play together and kill together. Claire is now part of this family
All I can say is on my God what a book. The start of a series you have to read. The mafia a group of family members who love together play together and kill together. Claire is now part of this family
May 1, 2020
I know its claire and Asher's story but god dammit..serena and Junior broke my heart.
Actually this whole book left me with a chill that ran down my spine.... Loved it!
I loved how the book started out..i was like "yaas!! This is what i came here for", then it got almost wholesome ..as wholesome as one can get when it comes to this mafia family hahaha
Then my heart was singing cause we got to meet the OG gang. I was happy. Beyond happy! I was laughing, rolling my eyes at their antics and smiling along with the characters. Wohoo!
I was half-way done with the book when it started getting badass. We got to see the not so adventurous...and the cruel side of the mafia. I was loving every minute of it.
What a GREAT start to a new series.
Actually this whole book left me with a chill that ran down my spine.... Loved it!
I loved how the book started out..i was like "yaas!! This is what i came here for", then it got almost wholesome ..as wholesome as one can get when it comes to this mafia family hahaha
Then my heart was singing cause we got to meet the OG gang. I was happy. Beyond happy! I was laughing, rolling my eyes at their antics and smiling along with the characters. Wohoo!
I was half-way done with the book when it started getting badass. We got to see the not so adventurous...and the cruel side of the mafia. I was loving every minute of it.
What a GREAT start to a new series.
April 16, 2020
Hmmmm....maybe because this was short, it felt very rushed. This is my first RVD and I was excited because of the mafia element. But there was ALOT of information in a short amount of time that had me confused. I did not read The Elite Series but I felt that if I had, I would have had a better grasp on this next generation.
Asher and Claire......this couple got together super fast and because their story was so short, I never really felt their connection. And also, maybe it was because I was trying to figure out who everyone was and the rules and their instant connection.
I will say that the next book has me very intrigued. The couple is walking a tightrope that only leads to death if their connection comes to light. I have a feeling that Serene and Junior’s story is gonna be crazy and explosive and I can’t wait.
*advanced copy provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review*
Asher and Claire......this couple got together super fast and because their story was so short, I never really felt their connection. And also, maybe it was because I was trying to figure out who everyone was and the rules and their instant connection.
I will say that the next book has me very intrigued. The couple is walking a tightrope that only leads to death if their connection comes to light. I have a feeling that Serene and Junior’s story is gonna be crazy and explosive and I can’t wait.
*advanced copy provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review*
May 15, 2020
***4 "My life for yours!!!" stars***
"There is no escape for us.
And because I wanted you -I damned you too.
What the fuck did I just do?"
This novella was a nice introduction in a brand new series by Rachel Van Dyken!!!
Of course, this series will be connected with some characters of the "Eagle Elite", since i would say that this series is about the next generation, but believe me when i'm saying that this series is something entirely different and you can dive in them without second thought!!!
This was a nice story, even though it felt rushed, but since it is an introduction for the rest of the books, it was as it has to be...
"Welcome to the Family. Blood in. No out."
This was Asher and Claire's story...
This was about the choice that Claire had to do, since she fell for a dangerous boy, very tied in the mafia!!!
This was about Claire's first meeting with Asher's crazy and very big family full of killers...
This was about Asher's role in the family...
This story was the beginning and it showed us how a great love story can be destroyed for their "good"!!!
"We're in this curse together."
"At least we have each other."
I liked Claire and Asher....
I liked how they were between them...
I liked that I saw Claire to be torned between her mind and heart...
I felt sorry for Asher's forced decisions and the things that he had to do in the name of the Family!!!
I also loved that i saw some known characters from EE, even though i have read only the first two books in the series...
It was good that i went back to Eagle Elite university and i can not wait for more...
"His love was worth it.
His heart was worth it.
But I had to ask myself.
At what cost."
"There isn't an escape. The more I do this, the more I lose myself. My soul isn't there anymore, it's barely existing. I don't know how to find myself anymore."
God, my heart really broke for Serena and Junior!!!!
It was so unfair what happened to them, but hell, it was so easily to break them!!!
And now, I can not wait to dive in "Ruthless Princess" cause I can not wait to see how this broken love-present hatred between these two will be played out!!!!
My poor kids!!! You didn't deserved to be shattered like this!!!
"You want me to destroy them?"
"No son, I want you to break their hearts."
"What have we done?
"Saved their fucking lives."
"There is no escape for us.
And because I wanted you -I damned you too.
What the fuck did I just do?"
This novella was a nice introduction in a brand new series by Rachel Van Dyken!!!
Of course, this series will be connected with some characters of the "Eagle Elite", since i would say that this series is about the next generation, but believe me when i'm saying that this series is something entirely different and you can dive in them without second thought!!!
This was a nice story, even though it felt rushed, but since it is an introduction for the rest of the books, it was as it has to be...
"Welcome to the Family. Blood in. No out."
This was Asher and Claire's story...
This was about the choice that Claire had to do, since she fell for a dangerous boy, very tied in the mafia!!!
This was about Claire's first meeting with Asher's crazy and very big family full of killers...
This was about Asher's role in the family...
This story was the beginning and it showed us how a great love story can be destroyed for their "good"!!!
"We're in this curse together."
"At least we have each other."
I liked Claire and Asher....
I liked how they were between them...
I liked that I saw Claire to be torned between her mind and heart...
I felt sorry for Asher's forced decisions and the things that he had to do in the name of the Family!!!
I also loved that i saw some known characters from EE, even though i have read only the first two books in the series...
It was good that i went back to Eagle Elite university and i can not wait for more...
"His love was worth it.
His heart was worth it.
But I had to ask myself.
At what cost."
"There isn't an escape. The more I do this, the more I lose myself. My soul isn't there anymore, it's barely existing. I don't know how to find myself anymore."
God, my heart really broke for Serena and Junior!!!!
It was so unfair what happened to them, but hell, it was so easily to break them!!!
And now, I can not wait to dive in "Ruthless Princess" cause I can not wait to see how this broken love-present hatred between these two will be played out!!!!
My poor kids!!! You didn't deserved to be shattered like this!!!
"You want me to destroy them?"
"No son, I want you to break their hearts."
"What have we done?
"Saved their fucking lives."
April 17, 2020
I love this mafia family. Omfg. Now we enter a new chapter, a new generation of mafia realm. They set their own image from their parents. This novella left me hanging and I need Ruthless Princess ASAP. The intensity of its characters brings the excitement. This novella features Asher/Marco Abadonato and Claire Petrov. I don't know if they'll have another book. Many things came out of my mind.
Possibilities, what-ifs...EVERYTHING. It's such a good novella.
Possibilities, what-ifs...EVERYTHING. It's such a good novella.
September 7, 2021
♕
Re-read:
March 2021; 3.5 stars ☆
♕ Originally read: May 2020; 5 stars ☆
═══════════════☩══♛══☩═══════════════════
Royal Bully is FREE on Amazon!
═══════════════☩══✦══☩═══════════════════
I decided to do a re-read of Royal Bully for preparation of Destructive King. Royal Bully is the first book to introduce the next generation mafia. This series is a spin off series of Eagle Elite and some plots from that series carry over like the significance of the 'white horse.' However, you DO NOT need to read Eagle Elite as RVD explains those plots through the lens of the new generation in a concise way.
Two books focus on Asher in the Mafia Royals series:
➟ Royal Bully is a 9 chapter (91 pages) prequel book about Asher (Marco) Abandonato & Claire Petrov
➟ Destructive King which is the 3rd book in the Mafia Royals series is Asher & Annie's story
STORY PLOT
Asher (H) sets his sight on Claire (h) which ultimately forces her to be further immersed into the mafia world. This was not the life Claire wanted for herself but she loves Asher too much to step away from the life that they are beginning to build for them self inside the mafia. Basically, the short story specifically focuses on Asher and Claire as well as foreshadows to Junior and Serena's heartbreaking relationship (which their book is the next one to fully kick of the Mafia Royals series).
MAIN CHARACTERS
⪼ Asher (Marco) 'Ash' Abandonato
He is Luciana and Chase Abandonato son as well as brother to Violet and Izzy. Family is extremely important to him as the saying goes "Blood in, no out" with the mafia so he is fiercely loyal to his family. Unfortunately, growing up in the mafia has gradually turned his soul darker and darker to the point to possibly no return until Claire comes into his life.
⪼ Claire Petrov
She likes to be in the shadows and wants to be as far as possible from the mafia. Even though she is a Petrov, the mafia is not the life she wanted to be so entrenched in. But she struggles to decide to take the leap to stay with Asher or stay in a world she never wanted anything to do with and lose a bit of her own humanity and soul every time she sees Ash come back covered in blood.
⪼ Next gen + OG mafia members
I loved seeing the original four Elite as dads! Their banter is still funny and I liked seeing the craziness of the family again!
Junior + Serena - I loved the foreshadowing to their story! Ugh, Asher was put in a bad spot with this one and it was sad to see their love turn to hate. Lastly, I am calling it... I feel they will be my favorite. Update 3/21: I love them so much.
OVERALL~
✨ Why did I rate it 3.5 stars now? ✨
Originally, I rated it 5 stars but after doing the re-read I feel that I loved Junior/Serena and missed the OG mafia that I rated it based on that. However, now looking more closer at Asher & Claire... I felt that their relationship was underdeveloped and based on lust/sex not love.
Honey, that reaction is based off of strong instalust. Claire admits these intense feelings only when they have sex. Anyways, these two barely know each other but apparently love each other as at 56% in the book, Ash declares he loves her and now she admits she does too even though she barely knows him.
Lastly, I just noticed this after the re-read... apparently Ash killed a cousin who was obsessed with Violet and she liked him back. Even though Axel is a distant 5th cousin which would make his son a 6th cousin, this is still questionable. Of course, nothing came of it and Violet ends up with someone 100% unrelated but it was sorta disturbing that this was mentioned.
Alexa please play...
💘 Royals by Lorde and follow that up with Blood // Water by grandson ?! 💘
I am ready... for the Mafia Royals series!
┍━━━━━━━━━♔━━━━━━━━━┑
Mafia Royals Series
#0.5 Royal Bully ➳ Current: 3.5 stars/Original: 5 stars
#1 Ruthless Princess ➳ 5 stars
#2 Scandalous Prince ➳ 2.5 stars
#3 Destructive King ➳ 2 stars
#3.5 Mafia King ➳ 2.5 stars
#4 Fallen Dynasty ➳ TBR
#5 Broken Crown ➳ TBR
┕━━━━━━━━━♔━━━━━━━━━┙
♕ Originally read: May 2020; 5 stars ☆
═══════════════☩══♛══☩═══════════════════
Royal Bully is FREE on Amazon!
═══════════════☩══✦══☩═══════════════════
I decided to do a re-read of Royal Bully for preparation of Destructive King. Royal Bully is the first book to introduce the next generation mafia. This series is a spin off series of Eagle Elite and some plots from that series carry over like the significance of the 'white horse.' However, you DO NOT need to read Eagle Elite as RVD explains those plots through the lens of the new generation in a concise way.
Two books focus on Asher in the Mafia Royals series:
➟ Royal Bully is a 9 chapter (91 pages) prequel book about Asher (Marco) Abandonato & Claire Petrov
➟ Destructive King which is the 3rd book in the Mafia Royals series is Asher & Annie's story
STORY PLOT
Asher (H) sets his sight on Claire (h) which ultimately forces her to be further immersed into the mafia world. This was not the life Claire wanted for herself but she loves Asher too much to step away from the life that they are beginning to build for them self inside the mafia. Basically, the short story specifically focuses on Asher and Claire as well as foreshadows to Junior and Serena's heartbreaking relationship (which their book is the next one to fully kick of the Mafia Royals series).
MAIN CHARACTERS
⪼ Asher (Marco) 'Ash' Abandonato
He is Luciana and Chase Abandonato son as well as brother to Violet and Izzy. Family is extremely important to him as the saying goes "Blood in, no out" with the mafia so he is fiercely loyal to his family. Unfortunately, growing up in the mafia has gradually turned his soul darker and darker to the point to possibly no return until Claire comes into his life.
⪼ Claire Petrov
She likes to be in the shadows and wants to be as far as possible from the mafia. Even though she is a Petrov, the mafia is not the life she wanted to be so entrenched in. But she struggles to decide to take the leap to stay with Asher or stay in a world she never wanted anything to do with and lose a bit of her own humanity and soul every time she sees Ash come back covered in blood.
⪼ Next gen + OG mafia members
I loved seeing the original four Elite as dads! Their banter is still funny and I liked seeing the craziness of the family again!
Junior + Serena - I loved the foreshadowing to their story! Ugh, Asher was put in a bad spot with this one and it was sad to see their love turn to hate. Lastly, I am calling it... I feel they will be my favorite. Update 3/21: I love them so much.
OVERALL~
✨ Why did I rate it 3.5 stars now? ✨
Originally, I rated it 5 stars but after doing the re-read I feel that I loved Junior/Serena and missed the OG mafia that I rated it based on that. However, now looking more closer at Asher & Claire... I felt that their relationship was underdeveloped and based on lust/sex not love.
⟿ "My reaction was completely uncalled for. It was lust. Not high school, oh goodie, I hope he kisses me lust. But the kind that wraps itself around you so tight that it’s hard to breathe."
Honey, that reaction is based off of strong instalust. Claire admits these intense feelings only when they have sex. Anyways, these two barely know each other but apparently love each other as at 56% in the book, Ash declares he loves her and now she admits she does too even though she barely knows him.
Lastly, I just noticed this after the re-read... apparently Ash killed a cousin who was obsessed with Violet and she liked him back. Even though Axel is a distant 5th cousin which would make his son a 6th cousin, this is still questionable. Of course, nothing came of it and Violet ends up with someone 100% unrelated but it was sorta disturbing that this was mentioned.
Alexa please play...
💘 Royals by Lorde and follow that up with Blood // Water by grandson ?! 💘
I am ready... for the Mafia Royals series!
┍━━━━━━━━━♔━━━━━━━━━┑
Mafia Royals Series
#0.5 Royal Bully ➳ Current: 3.5 stars/Original: 5 stars
#1 Ruthless Princess ➳ 5 stars
#2 Scandalous Prince ➳ 2.5 stars
#3 Destructive King ➳ 2 stars
#3.5 Mafia King ➳ 2.5 stars
#4 Fallen Dynasty ➳ TBR
#5 Broken Crown ➳ TBR
┕━━━━━━━━━♔━━━━━━━━━┙
April 3, 2020
So - this author has been recommended to me time and time again - especially her mafia series. But that one is a bit too much (nine books or more in at this point I believe) - so when I saw that she was releasing a brand new spin off series I thought NOW IS THE TIME TO SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT!
Now I don't know if what I got was like a preview or if the file was corrupted or something because the start of this novella? Seems more like I picked up a book and started reading in the middle. And unfortunately, a lot of this review is going to be hidden for spoilers as I try to make sense of what the F*CK I just read.
So these two are students at a prestigious (mafia run) university called Eagle Elite. Asher is of course, all Adonis come to life and richer than Midas. Claire is.... huh. I don't remember if we actually got a good description of her or not.
ANYWAY.
These two have "known" each other for roughly two months, although we aren't lead to believe they have spoken more than a dozen words to one another (if that). It seems more a case of Claire is lusting after the hot guy on campus. That's cool.
She wakes up after having an erotic dream about it. Or rather - he wakes her up as he just happened to be passing by her room and heard her moaning his name so of course he let himself in. Totally normal and not creepy at all. And they have sex. A little weird considering as I said from the start of the book to this, there is nothing to suggest these two were friendly in any way (aside from her sex dream). Cordial to each other in class maybe - but nothing to suggest why she just lets him undress her and screw her into the mattress (other than her lusting after him of course).
Thankfully they are spared of any post-coital awkward conversation when HIS dad just appears in her room catching them naked and sweaty together. Oh, and did I mention his dad is apparently super scary AND a senator? In addition to being mafia of course.
Anyway - super scary sad doesn't seem surprised to find his son naked and inside some girl - instead he invites them both to dinner. But this isn't just your normal embarrassing "meet the family" dinner. No this dinner includes EVERYONE. All of his "aunts and uncles" (who for the most part aren't really uncles - but seriously sexy and super scary fellow mafia dudes), and his cousins - and SO MANY NAMES I STARTED GOING CROSS EYED. Dinner goes off mostly without a hitch until -
UHHHH. WHAT?
So they have sex again because it totally makes sense to want to screw someone up against a wall after they've just had their entire life slipped upside down, while blood is dripping from the cuts in their palms. Claire - exhausted - takes herself off to bed and Asher goes to meet with his dad. Only to find out that he's got to go to the secret basement torture chamber in the house and kill -
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT THAT PEOPLE FIND SO APPEALING ABOUT THESE BOOKS? I just don't get it. It doesn't make sense. Murder is committed on a whim, family looks the other way while their children are being killed in cold blood?
WHAT. THE. ABSOLUTE. F*CK.
So Asher does the deed he's tasked to do because that's "his job" in the family. And he goes upstairs to wash the blood from his hands - mind you he's also got it on his clothes - and he wakes up poor, sleeping Claire. Who in a rare show of actually behaving like a NORMAL, SANE person freaks out. Instead of comforting her - Asher tells her how it's going to be.
And then he somehow twists it around until she is the one comforting him. And of course - they have sex again. Because that cures everything right?
The next day they - and by they I mean all of the "cousins" - take over Eagle Elite (the university I mentioned before). Something about taking their rightful place or whatnot. I don't know - by this point I think I was starting to check out. Anyway - Asher is determined to break the hearts of his cousins (who will star in the next book - the first full one if I was reading it correctly) - so he tells Junior to pick a girl and get on with it. So uh - apparently Junior fingers a girl right there in the hallway?
Of course one of the Professors sees this and is justifiably horrified - but when she tries to put a stop to it - she's fired. Because apparently these snot nosed as*holes own the school and can do whatever they want?
And then we come to the final - for me - nail in the coffin for this series - and maybe reading more by this author. The cousins return home from their very eventful day. And are ushered down into that basement torture chamber. Where Claire. Sweet, innocent, up until now normal and SANE Claire is
I'm seriously a bit worried for the fans who think any of the aforementioned behavior is okay - much less declaring it sexy. On the plus side - all of this was crammed into a total of less than 100 pages - so it's not like I had to suffer for long.
Now I don't know if what I got was like a preview or if the file was corrupted or something because the start of this novella? Seems more like I picked up a book and started reading in the middle. And unfortunately, a lot of this review is going to be hidden for spoilers as I try to make sense of what the F*CK I just read.
So these two are students at a prestigious (mafia run) university called Eagle Elite. Asher is of course, all Adonis come to life and richer than Midas. Claire is.... huh. I don't remember if we actually got a good description of her or not.
ANYWAY.
These two have "known" each other for roughly two months, although we aren't lead to believe they have spoken more than a dozen words to one another (if that). It seems more a case of Claire is lusting after the hot guy on campus. That's cool.
She wakes up after having an erotic dream about it. Or rather - he wakes her up as he just happened to be passing by her room and heard her moaning his name so of course he let himself in. Totally normal and not creepy at all. And they have sex. A little weird considering as I said from the start of the book to this, there is nothing to suggest these two were friendly in any way (aside from her sex dream). Cordial to each other in class maybe - but nothing to suggest why she just lets him undress her and screw her into the mattress (other than her lusting after him of course).
Thankfully they are spared of any post-coital awkward conversation when HIS dad just appears in her room catching them naked and sweaty together. Oh, and did I mention his dad is apparently super scary AND a senator? In addition to being mafia of course.
Anyway - super scary sad doesn't seem surprised to find his son naked and inside some girl - instead he invites them both to dinner. But this isn't just your normal embarrassing "meet the family" dinner. No this dinner includes EVERYONE. All of his "aunts and uncles" (who for the most part aren't really uncles - but seriously sexy and super scary fellow mafia dudes), and his cousins - and SO MANY NAMES I STARTED GOING CROSS EYED. Dinner goes off mostly without a hitch until -
UHHHH. WHAT?
So they have sex again because it totally makes sense to want to screw someone up against a wall after they've just had their entire life slipped upside down, while blood is dripping from the cuts in their palms. Claire - exhausted - takes herself off to bed and Asher goes to meet with his dad. Only to find out that he's got to go to the secret basement torture chamber in the house and kill -
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT THAT PEOPLE FIND SO APPEALING ABOUT THESE BOOKS? I just don't get it. It doesn't make sense. Murder is committed on a whim, family looks the other way while their children are being killed in cold blood?
WHAT. THE. ABSOLUTE. F*CK.
So Asher does the deed he's tasked to do because that's "his job" in the family. And he goes upstairs to wash the blood from his hands - mind you he's also got it on his clothes - and he wakes up poor, sleeping Claire. Who in a rare show of actually behaving like a NORMAL, SANE person freaks out. Instead of comforting her - Asher tells her how it's going to be.
And then he somehow twists it around until she is the one comforting him. And of course - they have sex again. Because that cures everything right?
The next day they - and by they I mean all of the "cousins" - take over Eagle Elite (the university I mentioned before). Something about taking their rightful place or whatnot. I don't know - by this point I think I was starting to check out. Anyway - Asher is determined to break the hearts of his cousins (who will star in the next book - the first full one if I was reading it correctly) - so he tells Junior to pick a girl and get on with it. So uh - apparently Junior fingers a girl right there in the hallway?
Of course one of the Professors sees this and is justifiably horrified - but when she tries to put a stop to it - she's fired. Because apparently these snot nosed as*holes own the school and can do whatever they want?
And then we come to the final - for me - nail in the coffin for this series - and maybe reading more by this author. The cousins return home from their very eventful day. And are ushered down into that basement torture chamber. Where Claire. Sweet, innocent, up until now normal and SANE Claire is
I'm seriously a bit worried for the fans who think any of the aforementioned behavior is okay - much less declaring it sexy. On the plus side - all of this was crammed into a total of less than 100 pages - so it's not like I had to suffer for long.
June 10, 2020
this was like too fast too furious for me, yes, it's a novella....
yes, the things in a novella are meant only to invoke and allure you to read either more of, OR jst to indulge into a short scene of the characters you've become to love OR not...
here, it did neither...sadly
I'm not even sure I'll read this spin-off series...
yes, the things in a novella are meant only to invoke and allure you to read either more of, OR jst to indulge into a short scene of the characters you've become to love OR not...
here, it did neither...sadly
I'm not even sure I'll read this spin-off series...
April 10, 2020
Thank you Social Butterfly and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Royal Bully
By: Rachel Van Dyken
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Royal Bully is actually a novella and serves as a prequel to the upcoming Mafia Royals series. The series will focus on the next generation of mafia families, beginning with Ruthless Princess on May 19th. Royal Bully is a good introduction if you are not familiar with anything. This novella gives you a taste of Asher and Claire, complete with drama and heat, and it's just enough to give a glimpse of what might be, serving to make you want more. Now, we all are eagerly anticipating the next book!
Royal Bully
By: Rachel Van Dyken
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Royal Bully is actually a novella and serves as a prequel to the upcoming Mafia Royals series. The series will focus on the next generation of mafia families, beginning with Ruthless Princess on May 19th. Royal Bully is a good introduction if you are not familiar with anything. This novella gives you a taste of Asher and Claire, complete with drama and heat, and it's just enough to give a glimpse of what might be, serving to make you want more. Now, we all are eagerly anticipating the next book!
April 17, 2020
Royal Bully was a fantastic start to Rachel Van Dyken's new Mafia Royals series. It was edgy, sexy and very addicting. I seriously cannot wait for Junior and Serena's book after that crazy last chapter.
I am also hoping that Claire and Asher have a longer more detailed story as I feel like their story is unfinished! 4 stars! ~Ratula
I am also hoping that Claire and Asher have a longer more detailed story as I feel like their story is unfinished! 4 stars! ~Ratula
April 2, 2020
Just a quick taste of what’s to come...inferno level sexiness, ruthless blood shed, family bonded for life, loyalty above all else and hot AF mafia men you won’t be able to resist. I cannot wait for more!
Asher sets his sight on Claire and there is no going back. He’s gives her a no holds barred introduction to mafia life. You’re either in for life or you’re dead.
These two will set your kindle on fire. This is not the life Claire was raised in, but since Asher is the man she chose to love, it’s now her future. He is charming and irresisible, but his dark side is pure black. She may just be the only thing that can save his humanity. Claire is torn between loving Asher and accepting the mafia life as her own. This was only the beginning.
Get ready for our favorite mafia families offspring because they are taking over at Eagle Elite University. It’s going to get messy and whole lot more sexy!
Asher sets his sight on Claire and there is no going back. He’s gives her a no holds barred introduction to mafia life. You’re either in for life or you’re dead.
These two will set your kindle on fire. This is not the life Claire was raised in, but since Asher is the man she chose to love, it’s now her future. He is charming and irresisible, but his dark side is pure black. She may just be the only thing that can save his humanity. Claire is torn between loving Asher and accepting the mafia life as her own. This was only the beginning.
Get ready for our favorite mafia families offspring because they are taking over at Eagle Elite University. It’s going to get messy and whole lot more sexy!
April 14, 2020
Woah. That was dark and gruesome and angsty. However, I still managed to chuckle in a few places. While this was a fantastic setup for this series, and especially the next book, I really hope we get more Asher and Claire later on.
This is definitely a spinoff/sequel to the Eagle Elite series, but don't worry if you haven't read it. I haven't and I was fine with this. Now I just need to go back and read it cause I'm curious about those guys and some things that were said :)
This is definitely a spinoff/sequel to the Eagle Elite series, but don't worry if you haven't read it. I haven't and I was fine with this. Now I just need to go back and read it cause I'm curious about those guys and some things that were said :)
March 16, 2024
Prch Amz April 3, 2020
Somewhere between 2.75 stars and 3 stars.
The story from the very beginning was jumpy, disjointed and completely unrealistic.
This book is a prime example of why I don't read much 'Adult YA'.
Under 100 pages and I struggled to not DNF.
While I can understand why a lot of my GR friends enjoyed this, I just can't get beyond the unadulterated hogwash of what this story is trying to sale.
This is a series about the 'children' (offspring) of adults that rule the mafia world.
I can't explain without some spoilers, so ...
Nope, I don't buy it. And my spoiler barely hits on other problems I had with the story.
Somewhere between 2.75 stars and 3 stars.
The story from the very beginning was jumpy, disjointed and completely unrealistic.
This book is a prime example of why I don't read much 'Adult YA'.
Under 100 pages and I struggled to not DNF.
While I can understand why a lot of my GR friends enjoyed this, I just can't get beyond the unadulterated hogwash of what this story is trying to sale.
This is a series about the 'children' (offspring) of adults that rule the mafia world.
I can't explain without some spoilers, so ...
Nope, I don't buy it. And my spoiler barely hits on other problems I had with the story.
January 3, 2021
OMG! I'm totally obsessed now over this series and this was only the novella/prequel start to the series. This book is really dark that's filled with blood, sex, and drama. I believe this would also be my first Mafia romance I have ever read and now I feel as if I have been sleeping on this genre now.
I would most definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read and get into some dark Mafia romance.
I would most definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read and get into some dark Mafia romance.
May 5, 2025
“Blood in. No out,” he whispered.
Claire was obsessed with Asher from the moment she saw him. One day, she was having wet dreams about him only to find him in her room when she woke up. Thus began the journey of their relationship. Well, the journey began way before that but whatever. By the time she realized what being with him really meant, she was way too deep to get out. Hell, only out was death. So, she had no choice but stay in that mafia family. Bound together until death.
What the hell? First of all, the writing style was not for me. I felt like I was getting constant whiplash reading this book. It seemed like some fifteen years old wrote this book. And I'm seriously not getting the fucking hype here. Why the high rating again? 🤨 Anyway, I love violence in my mafia books. I really do. Love the darkness too. The more the merrier. But this book is utterly insane. Not in a good way. Because I didn't really get the fact that these people were killing their own fucking family because what? To protect what? They're slaughtering their own family members for some kinda mafia code BS? Heck, even parents were killing their children. At the rate they're going, there wouldn't be anyone left to be protected. This was way over the top. Moreover, Asher said he would never choose Claire before his duty. Wow. Man of a woman's fucking dreams who would never choose her if something goes wrong. Please note the sarcasm. I really don't care anymore. Good thing it was only a short book. I'm almost too afraid to think about what the next books in this series are going to be like. Sheesh! And I have no desire to find that out. However this book had so much potential though. Sigh!🙁 Btw, the book name made no sense because it was not really a bully romance or something.
April 18, 2020
So I want to be honest and tell you I have never read any of Rachel Van Dyken's mafia books. This is the first one I have read of hers and I LOVED it. Royal Bully is a great start to this new series which I have read is the second generation to the Eagle Elite series- which I know want to read even more.
I will not be giving anything away, so don't look for that on this review 😈 I will, however, say if you are looking for a quick read that will bring you into a mafia world, and keep you on your toes. Royal Bully is that book!
Want to read
April 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/3/2020)! 🎁
June 17, 2020
So...what the fuck.
BR with with the best Rachel (LoverofTBR) I have never had this fun reading before. We had so much fun reading and reviewing this book! Gah. What a fucking book. My heart can take no more—we're still reading the next book cause we're whores for this kind of pain. Aren't we Rachel?!
Some weeks ago, I finished reading the Elite series, and RVD quickly became one of my favorite authors. So when I found out that we are getting the next generation of EE, I pretty much blacked out. And what a fucking way to start this series, with the son of Chase and Luciana, Asher Abandonato. The executioner. His job is to sentence those who betray the family to death. Aside from his horrible job to kill people, he's a replica of his father. Their relationship was fantastic, and I loved seeing more of Chase.
Claire, the niece to Nikolai, is not ignorant of the mafia but has never run in the same circle as them until Asher. Now she's thrust into a whole different world where violence is everyday occurrence and death is normal. But will she be able to stand by Asher, or will she betray him?
There's one important rule in the family: Fight, kill, bleed, destroy—but never, ever, look at any of the uncles' kids in any way other than like your own brother or sister. The penalty was death. So when Asher finds out about Serena and Junior, his mission is to break them. To make them hate each other. Or else their sentence is death.
I typically don't read prequels because I can find them quite dull, but if you're thinking of reading this series, READ THIS BOOK. You will not regret it.
As you can see, we felt all the emotions. Brace yourselves, cause you're in for a heck of a ride. Well done, RVD, well done.
Make sure you head over to Rachel's page for her review. Rachel (LoverofTBR)
BR with with the best Rachel (LoverofTBR) I have never had this fun reading before. We had so much fun reading and reviewing this book! Gah. What a fucking book. My heart can take no more—we're still reading the next book cause we're whores for this kind of pain. Aren't we Rachel?!
Some weeks ago, I finished reading the Elite series, and RVD quickly became one of my favorite authors. So when I found out that we are getting the next generation of EE, I pretty much blacked out. And what a fucking way to start this series, with the son of Chase and Luciana, Asher Abandonato. The executioner. His job is to sentence those who betray the family to death. Aside from his horrible job to kill people, he's a replica of his father. Their relationship was fantastic, and I loved seeing more of Chase.
"I was cursed with a younger version of myself, wasn't I?"
I smirked. "Did you just call your favorite child a curse?"
He groaned. “Did you just call yourself favorite?”
Claire, the niece to Nikolai, is not ignorant of the mafia but has never run in the same circle as them until Asher. Now she's thrust into a whole different world where violence is everyday occurrence and death is normal. But will she be able to stand by Asher, or will she betray him?
"I do love you," he said in a sad voice. "But not enough to leave you alone… maybe I do take after my dad in more ways than one because he was never willing to sacrifice everything for the girl he fell for—and it seems… history has no choice but to fuck with us over and over again."
There's one important rule in the family: Fight, kill, bleed, destroy—but never, ever, look at any of the uncles' kids in any way other than like your own brother or sister. The penalty was death. So when Asher finds out about Serena and Junior, his mission is to break them. To make them hate each other. Or else their sentence is death.
“You’re dead to me.”
You could hear the pain in his voice, the anger.
She'd been his world.
He’d been hers. “I hate you.”
I typically don't read prequels because I can find them quite dull, but if you're thinking of reading this series, READ THIS BOOK. You will not regret it.
A small part of the convo between Rachel and I:
Rachel: Just finished Chapter 3 and I am scared and drooling in equal parts 😅
Me: Rachel, I'm still drooling!!! I decided to read these chapters at work, which wasn't a very bright idea. I had no clue it would start with a bang...literally!!!
Rachel: Girl, this book took a wild turn!! 😨😲😱
Just going to leave you with this: Chapter 5 is heart-wrecking 💔
Me: Uh...wtf was that! 😳
Rachel: What a book! Never has a prologue to a series has been this…comprehensive with all the elements I would expect out of a full-length novel!!
Me: I know, right! What a fucking book! I'm completely and utterly broken for Junior and Serena. What a way to break them.
As you can see, we felt all the emotions. Brace yourselves, cause you're in for a heck of a ride. Well done, RVD, well done.
Make sure you head over to Rachel's page for her review. Rachel (LoverofTBR)
May 20, 2020
“Promise me you’ll always be there, no matter what.”
He trembled beneath my touch.
“My life for yours, Claire.”
**FREE NOVELLA and a MUST READ!**
LOVED Ash and Claire's story! It was the perfect intro to the Mafia Royals! I need more RFN! Cannot wait for more Ash! HE. IS. EVERYTHING. Sexy, swoony, fun and intense! I adored this story and read it on the edge of my seat!
𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘
𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙣, 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙨, 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙈𝙖𝙛𝙞𝙖 𝙍𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3g4hKGK
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RoyalBully
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/RoyalBullyApple
Nook: https://smarturl.it/RoyalBullyBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/RoyalBullyKobo
Smashwords: https://smarturl.it/RoyalBullySW
Something dark this way comes.
He's gorgeous, mean, and mine.
He catches me dreaming about him, and then just like my dream, he decides to make me his.
I should have said no when he asked me to swear fealty to him.
The knife clued me in first.
The blood second.
And third, it was the blessing of the most famous mafia bosses in the known world as they sat around the dinner table and told me that I had no choice but to join.
Because they knew my secrets.
And running meant I was nothing more than target practice.
I said yes, because of my bully.
And he told me he'd keep me safe.
But who keeps me safe from him?
June 10, 2020
4 1/2 Stars
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-ro...
I am a lover of mafia romance, and it’s all thanks to Rachel Van Dyken and I’ve been dying for her to release something new for what seems like forever, and this prequel taste into the new Mafia Royals Series is exactly what I needed!
The next generation of the family may be even more ruthless and crazy then their parents, and that is saying something! Royal Bully introduces us to the children but focuses on Asher and Claire and the true meaning of Blood In No Out!
We get to see a sweet and kind side of Asher when he’s with Claire and then a ruthless killer when he’s taking care of family business as well as watch Claire come to terms with who the man she fell in love with is, as well as who she really is as well, and it’s a quick twisted tale!
If you’re wanting a quick fun, but twisted mafia read, I highly suggest picking Royal Bully up today. If you’ve read the Eagle Elite Series or if you’re brand new, this new series is going to be one I know I’m going to be counting down the day for each release to get my hands on each book!
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-ro...
I am a lover of mafia romance, and it’s all thanks to Rachel Van Dyken and I’ve been dying for her to release something new for what seems like forever, and this prequel taste into the new Mafia Royals Series is exactly what I needed!
The next generation of the family may be even more ruthless and crazy then their parents, and that is saying something! Royal Bully introduces us to the children but focuses on Asher and Claire and the true meaning of Blood In No Out!
We get to see a sweet and kind side of Asher when he’s with Claire and then a ruthless killer when he’s taking care of family business as well as watch Claire come to terms with who the man she fell in love with is, as well as who she really is as well, and it’s a quick twisted tale!
If you’re wanting a quick fun, but twisted mafia read, I highly suggest picking Royal Bully up today. If you’ve read the Eagle Elite Series or if you’re brand new, this new series is going to be one I know I’m going to be counting down the day for each release to get my hands on each book!
May 15, 2022
There is nothing I love more than diving back into a world that I forgot was so good. I've had this novella on my kindle for a little over a year, but I never picked it up. Today I did and now I want nothing more to dive desperately back into the Mafia Royals.
Asher and Claire's story was instalove with the added bloody dose of mafia Rachel Van Dyken is so well known for. I have read the first three books in the Mafia Royals, so I knew what I was getting into but to get more about Asher and Claire was totally worth it.
If you can read this before you start book one of the series. It gives you a good lineup of "who's who" so that way you have some kind of idea of what is going on.
Asher and Claire's story was instalove with the added bloody dose of mafia Rachel Van Dyken is so well known for. I have read the first three books in the Mafia Royals, so I knew what I was getting into but to get more about Asher and Claire was totally worth it.
If you can read this before you start book one of the series. It gives you a good lineup of "who's who" so that way you have some kind of idea of what is going on.
August 30, 2020
RVD is such a diverse incredible author. Her writing is unique and I am addicted to this series! Whether it’s mafia, romcom or contemporary she slays it ever single time. It was amazing getting back into the EE world and learning all of who is who in the next generation. This prequel sets up the next book (Ruthless Princess) perfectly. This story is full of loyalty, family, trust and blood shed. It is not for a weak of heart but these alpha mafia men are back and hot AF and I am ready for more!
January 23, 2021
I'm not really sure about this one. It was free, and I wanted to read it to see if I liked the author and subject before getting the other books cause I've been seeing a lot about them on Instagram.
There were so many people introduced it was almost dizzying. It was a nice romance but the mafia drama...whoa!
And then I read the previews of the next three books...what the feathers... this couple comes back in book 3, and it ain't good. I'm still debating if I want to read any more of this series.
There were so many people introduced it was almost dizzying. It was a nice romance but the mafia drama...whoa!
And then I read the previews of the next three books...what the feathers... this couple comes back in book 3, and it ain't good. I'm still debating if I want to read any more of this series.
April 3, 2020
I am die hard fan of the Eagle Elite books by RVD. I'm #teamchase for life. When I heard she was doing a spin off of EE I was thrilled. This is a completely new series set in the EE world. You don't have to read those books to dive into this series. I would never tell you not to read them, because I love and think you should, but you don't have to if you don't want to.
What could be hotter than a book with mafia, Chase, and Chase being a politician?
NOTHING.
God I love him.
This novella is about Chase's son Asher and a new girl named Claire. The books starts out with a bang from the get go. We're dropped right into the middle of the story and get to see how the kids (children of the couples from EE series) learn they have to take their place at Eagle Elite University.
While I do love this book, and can't wait for the series, I feel that this one is only going to draw in the fans of the series already. It's great don't get me wrong, but I think it could have been a bit better if it was a smidge on the longer side. This way it could have had a bit more to drawn in the newer fans. I feel that this one might overwhelm them a bit. I really hope it doesn't, because I would love for someone to discover a new series they can't get enough of.
Besides all of that, there's nothing I love more than being dropped back into the mafia romance genre. It's edge of your seat, can't put down, fan yourself good. RVD is an incrediable writer, and this book just shows how much she nails mafia romance stories. It's going to be a wild ride with these books, and I can't wait for more.
ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 18, 2020
Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!
Rachel is back at it again! Damn! This prequel was as much to entice you to start the new Mafia Royals Series than to send a salute to all our previously loved Mafia Family! I'm here for all of it!
Rachel Van Dyken must have been in the mafia in a past life or something because no one is this good at being able to write such complex emotions. You are so damn talented Rachel and it's an honour to live in a world where I get to read your words.
This prequel follows Asher and Claire's live story. Asher is Mafia, Claire is not, oh so she thinks she's not...
They both have undeniable chemistry and the type of soul shattering love Asher's dad, Chase warned him about. He wants her. She wants him. If only things could be that simple.
This short follows a quick, sensual, murderous and heartbreaking story that introduces you to the Five Families and sets you up for Mafia Princess.
Grab it now is all I'll say, because this book as short as it may be will imprint in your heart and have you geared up for more Mafia love and heartbreak to come.
A novella for all lovers of Rachel's previous Mafia series and a novella to get you falling in love with her new Mafia Royals Series.
Thank you an ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel is back at it again! Damn! This prequel was as much to entice you to start the new Mafia Royals Series than to send a salute to all our previously loved Mafia Family! I'm here for all of it!
Rachel Van Dyken must have been in the mafia in a past life or something because no one is this good at being able to write such complex emotions. You are so damn talented Rachel and it's an honour to live in a world where I get to read your words.
This prequel follows Asher and Claire's live story. Asher is Mafia, Claire is not, oh so she thinks she's not...
They both have undeniable chemistry and the type of soul shattering love Asher's dad, Chase warned him about. He wants her. She wants him. If only things could be that simple.
This short follows a quick, sensual, murderous and heartbreaking story that introduces you to the Five Families and sets you up for Mafia Princess.
Grab it now is all I'll say, because this book as short as it may be will imprint in your heart and have you geared up for more Mafia love and heartbreak to come.
A novella for all lovers of Rachel's previous Mafia series and a novella to get you falling in love with her new Mafia Royals Series.
Thank you an ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2020
In Royal Bully, the prequel to her newest mafia series, Van Dyken proves that she deserves to be the Queen of Mafia Romance.
In her signature no holds barred style, Van Dyken's Royal Bully hits the ground running and doesn't let you go until you read the last page. But even then you will be begging her for more. Thank God we don't have long to wait until Ruthless Princess releases.
Intertwined with steamy sex scenes and intense violence is the budding romance between Claire and Asher that is as forceful as it is demanding.
Unbeknownst to Claire, her family has been keeping a secret from her, one that explains so much how she got into such an exclusive college as Eagle Elite.
There is one thing that threw me off a bit: the title. Asher isn't exactly a bully towards Claire. Is he a bully? Oh yes, in the exact style as the notorious family he was born into.
You do NOT have to read Eagle Elite to read this series. Yes, it does contain characters from that series, but this is a brand new series with brand new characters.
Be prepared to be initiated into the Cosa Nostra. You won't regret it.
Blood in. No Out.
In her signature no holds barred style, Van Dyken's Royal Bully hits the ground running and doesn't let you go until you read the last page. But even then you will be begging her for more. Thank God we don't have long to wait until Ruthless Princess releases.
Intertwined with steamy sex scenes and intense violence is the budding romance between Claire and Asher that is as forceful as it is demanding.
Unbeknownst to Claire, her family has been keeping a secret from her, one that explains so much how she got into such an exclusive college as Eagle Elite.
There is one thing that threw me off a bit: the title. Asher isn't exactly a bully towards Claire. Is he a bully? Oh yes, in the exact style as the notorious family he was born into.
You do NOT have to read Eagle Elite to read this series. Yes, it does contain characters from that series, but this is a brand new series with brand new characters.
Be prepared to be initiated into the Cosa Nostra. You won't regret it.
Blood in. No Out.
August 10, 2020
Okay since I read Ruthless Princess first, I was spoiled for Asher and Claire's story which made me not invest a lot in their relationship. I will not spoil what happened just in case you have to read the next book. Here we follow Asher and Claire, Asher is one of the sons of the high ranking members in the five family mafia and he is the executioner, basically, he carries out the killings.
She falls for him on their first meeting and she does everything to get him to notice her. Luckily and unluckily for her, his interest is piqued and they begin some sort of relationship.
He introduced her to his dysfunctional family and she learns about the mafia and his role. But of course, she doesn't leave because she loves him and she already knows too much.
By the way if she leaves, he would have to kill her.
Like I said earlier I know what happens to them later on so, I am not invested in their relationship.
She falls for him on their first meeting and she does everything to get him to notice her. Luckily and unluckily for her, his interest is piqued and they begin some sort of relationship.
He introduced her to his dysfunctional family and she learns about the mafia and his role. But of course, she doesn't leave because she loves him and she already knows too much.
By the way if she leaves, he would have to kill her.
Like I said earlier I know what happens to them later on so, I am not invested in their relationship.
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