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Mafia Royals #5
Broken Crown
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes the final standalone in the bestselling Mafia Royals Romances…
Unrequited Love.
Arranged Marriage.
A love triangle for the ages.
A contemporary mafia retelling of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table.
I will do anything for my family, and as the heir to the Campisi Mafia throne, I fall on my sword and do what's expected of me—it wasn't an accident that I was given the name King.
I marry the girl I love—who's already in love with someone else, and because I'm a masochist, I make him her personal bodyguard.
After all, who better to protect the woman I love than the man she loves?
I have seven days after our wedding to own her—body and soul.
Seven days to show her everything I feel.
But tragedy strikes, and I'm forced to take the weight of the mafia crown on my head.
Now I need my Queen by my side.
I don't know who's with me or against me, but I will rule them all with an iron fist and make everyone proud.
As our seven days come to an end, I wonder how I will ever be able to let her go.
"Until it ends," I whisper.
A tear slides down her cheek. "Until it ends."
Amen.
Unrequited Love.
Arranged Marriage.
A love triangle for the ages.
A contemporary mafia retelling of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table.
I will do anything for my family, and as the heir to the Campisi Mafia throne, I fall on my sword and do what's expected of me—it wasn't an accident that I was given the name King.
I marry the girl I love—who's already in love with someone else, and because I'm a masochist, I make him her personal bodyguard.
After all, who better to protect the woman I love than the man she loves?
I have seven days after our wedding to own her—body and soul.
Seven days to show her everything I feel.
But tragedy strikes, and I'm forced to take the weight of the mafia crown on my head.
Now I need my Queen by my side.
I don't know who's with me or against me, but I will rule them all with an iron fist and make everyone proud.
As our seven days come to an end, I wonder how I will ever be able to let her go.
"Until it ends," I whisper.
A tear slides down her cheek. "Until it ends."
Amen.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
170 books18.2k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency 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 298 reviews
March 15, 2022
King Arthur
The following ratings are out of 5:
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romance: 💛🖤💜💙❤️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😕🤬🤯😎🥰
The Hero: King Campisi - next in line to the throne of the Campisi Famiglia, and probable head of the five families (now six). King is in love with Del Buratti of that 6th family, however she is in love with someone else.
The heroine(s): Del Buratti - she would have been head of her family at a young age when her father, then her uncle died. Though another uncle was found and took charge. Now that same uncle is wanting to join with the five families in charge of the mafia in America and is using her as their in.
The Story: The Buratti’s have clout in Italy and a small army of foot soldiers which will make great guards for the growth the five families have had with the recent pairings of many of the next generation. To solidify the entrance of the Buratti’s into the fold of the five (now six) families, an arranged marriage is settled upon between King Campisi and Del Buratti.
This sets the stage for a retelling of the tale of King Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot. King is madly in love with Del who is in love with a foot soldier named Roman. Though King is promising himself and his fidelity in marriage to Del, he will allow her to be married to him in name only (for the benefit of the families) yet allow her to remain with Roman. So he assigns Roman to guard Del and gets ready to live a life of unrequited love.
I didn’t think I would like this premise, but from the very start, I was hooked. I absolutely loved the fact that though King was a brutal mafioso, former playboy, and someone who knows how to take charge, he was also so much in love with Del that he wants her to be happy even at the expense of his own happiness. I wasn’t so fond of the fact that Del was taking her own happiness at the expense of Kings, but she also won me over.
Roman is alternately a nice guy and a guy you want to punch and King feels pretty much the same about him. The thing I like about this that I hated in the arthurian legend is that in the legend Arthur didn’t know about the love between Guinevere and Lancelot and they were cheating. In this book it is quite a different situation. And to top it off, we got all three points of view. I really liked that!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romance: 💛🖤💜💙❤️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😕🤬🤯😎🥰
The Hero: King Campisi - next in line to the throne of the Campisi Famiglia, and probable head of the five families (now six). King is in love with Del Buratti of that 6th family, however she is in love with someone else.
The heroine(s): Del Buratti - she would have been head of her family at a young age when her father, then her uncle died. Though another uncle was found and took charge. Now that same uncle is wanting to join with the five families in charge of the mafia in America and is using her as their in.
The Story: The Buratti’s have clout in Italy and a small army of foot soldiers which will make great guards for the growth the five families have had with the recent pairings of many of the next generation. To solidify the entrance of the Buratti’s into the fold of the five (now six) families, an arranged marriage is settled upon between King Campisi and Del Buratti.
This sets the stage for a retelling of the tale of King Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot. King is madly in love with Del who is in love with a foot soldier named Roman. Though King is promising himself and his fidelity in marriage to Del, he will allow her to be married to him in name only (for the benefit of the families) yet allow her to remain with Roman. So he assigns Roman to guard Del and gets ready to live a life of unrequited love.
I didn’t think I would like this premise, but from the very start, I was hooked. I absolutely loved the fact that though King was a brutal mafioso, former playboy, and someone who knows how to take charge, he was also so much in love with Del that he wants her to be happy even at the expense of his own happiness. I wasn’t so fond of the fact that Del was taking her own happiness at the expense of Kings, but she also won me over.
“But if I start thinking about King, I feel like I’m betraying Roman, and it makes my chest hurt despite the fact that I could easily have fallen for King in another life.”
Roman is alternately a nice guy and a guy you want to punch and King feels pretty much the same about him. The thing I like about this that I hated in the arthurian legend is that in the legend Arthur didn’t know about the love between Guinevere and Lancelot and they were cheating. In this book it is quite a different situation. And to top it off, we got all three points of view. I really liked that!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
January 31, 2022
Rachel Van Dyken adds another angsty and swoony story to her Mafial Royals series.
A modern take on King Arthur and his Knights of the round table, Broken Crown follows King Campisi who is in love with Del Buratti, his fiancée. The only problem is that she’s in love with her bodyguard. Their arranged marriage is supposed to bring peace between the mafia families.
Once they are married, King only has a week to show Del how much he loves her and possible convince her to love him back. Regrettably, they have to shorten their honeymoon in order for King to take up the role as leader and figure out who is out to kill the people he loves. Can he accomplish both?
Even though I felt like I was missing a bit of a build up because from the get go we are presented with King’s agonizing unrequited love for Del and the seemingly impossible situation he was in, I was still reeled in with his pain and undying love for her.
It felt so big I just wanted him to get the happy ending he longed for just like the rest of his cousins, even when he was certain it was almost impossible for him.
I couldn’t connect with Del as easily though. I felt as though her feelings changed too quickly. I would have preferred a bit more time and reflection on her part.
I blew through the story with Rachel’s hooking writing, loving everything from the epigraphs which were perfect for each chapter, to how this romance evolved.
Broken Crown is book #5 of the Mafia Royals series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is told from various points of view with a HEA. Genre: NA Romance. Tropes: mafia romance | love triangle | arranged marriage | tortured her
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/33YVGMm
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
A modern take on King Arthur and his Knights of the round table, Broken Crown follows King Campisi who is in love with Del Buratti, his fiancée. The only problem is that she’s in love with her bodyguard. Their arranged marriage is supposed to bring peace between the mafia families.
Once they are married, King only has a week to show Del how much he loves her and possible convince her to love him back. Regrettably, they have to shorten their honeymoon in order for King to take up the role as leader and figure out who is out to kill the people he loves. Can he accomplish both?
Even though I felt like I was missing a bit of a build up because from the get go we are presented with King’s agonizing unrequited love for Del and the seemingly impossible situation he was in, I was still reeled in with his pain and undying love for her.
It felt so big I just wanted him to get the happy ending he longed for just like the rest of his cousins, even when he was certain it was almost impossible for him.
I couldn’t connect with Del as easily though. I felt as though her feelings changed too quickly. I would have preferred a bit more time and reflection on her part.
I blew through the story with Rachel’s hooking writing, loving everything from the epigraphs which were perfect for each chapter, to how this romance evolved.
Broken Crown is book #5 of the Mafia Royals series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is told from various points of view with a HEA. Genre: NA Romance. Tropes: mafia romance | love triangle | arranged marriage | tortured her
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/33YVGMm
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
January 24, 2022
5+ until it ends stars
"He held me. He fed me. He protected me. And in the end— he gave up everything for me."
Broken Crown has been one of my most anticipated reads of this year and I am stunned!!! I devoured this book in just 4 hours. Once i started i couldn't put it down and since the first page i knew this book is gonna obliterated my freaking heart, mind and soul. I was hooked and mesmerized... I got chills jus reading the prologue and then it was punch after punch.
This book, this world I m obsessed with it and let me tell you Rachel finished it with a BANG!! She have officially ruined me for other mafia books because i can never read something else after this book, this rocking mafia world!!! And she just gave me my favorite read of this year.
It's different, it's everything, it's mafia, it's more!!!
The emotions and feels this book evoked is insane! I laughed, i cried, i screamed, i yelled, i freaking hyperventilated and then screamed some more!!! My anxiety was off the charts reading this book.
And omg King is everything i wanted and needed! He is dangerous, ruthless, protective and every bit of King he was born and deserved to be! He totally stole my breath away!
“Touch her again without her permission, and you will feel my wrath. Even in death, you will taste it, smell it, fear it.”
I absolutely floved these powerful mafia men, who would do anything for love, blood and family. It was dark, sizzling, twisted, emotional, painful and dangerous and i loved every broken second of it. And the ending oh my freaking god that legit brought me to my knees weeping happy tears. I never sobbed so hard and smiled so big simultaneously. It was absolute perfection. Chef's kiss😘
“I don’t want you to die.”
“But that doesn’t matter,” because it’s true. I’ll die for you, even if the only reason for my death is your sleep.”
Blood in. No out.
"He held me. He fed me. He protected me. And in the end— he gave up everything for me."
Broken Crown has been one of my most anticipated reads of this year and I am stunned!!! I devoured this book in just 4 hours. Once i started i couldn't put it down and since the first page i knew this book is gonna obliterated my freaking heart, mind and soul. I was hooked and mesmerized... I got chills jus reading the prologue and then it was punch after punch.
This book, this world I m obsessed with it and let me tell you Rachel finished it with a BANG!! She have officially ruined me for other mafia books because i can never read something else after this book, this rocking mafia world!!! And she just gave me my favorite read of this year.
It's different, it's everything, it's mafia, it's more!!!
The emotions and feels this book evoked is insane! I laughed, i cried, i screamed, i yelled, i freaking hyperventilated and then screamed some more!!! My anxiety was off the charts reading this book.
And omg King is everything i wanted and needed! He is dangerous, ruthless, protective and every bit of King he was born and deserved to be! He totally stole my breath away!
“Touch her again without her permission, and you will feel my wrath. Even in death, you will taste it, smell it, fear it.”
I absolutely floved these powerful mafia men, who would do anything for love, blood and family. It was dark, sizzling, twisted, emotional, painful and dangerous and i loved every broken second of it. And the ending oh my freaking god that legit brought me to my knees weeping happy tears. I never sobbed so hard and smiled so big simultaneously. It was absolute perfection. Chef's kiss😘
“I don’t want you to die.”
“But that doesn’t matter,” because it’s true. I’ll die for you, even if the only reason for my death is your sleep.”
Blood in. No out.
February 6, 2022
***4,5 "Until it ends!!!" stars***
OUT NOW!!
"My crown is heavy.
My love for her is heavier."
Unrequired love sucks!!!
The only sure thing is that Rachel finished the Mafia Royals series with a bang!!!!
I didn't know that I could love King that much, that I would hurt along his side for the love he was feeling...
He marry the girl that he loved, but her heart belonged to another man. How sad is that???
My heart was breaking over and over for King and I just wished for Del to love him back!!! Cause he deserved to have a Queen by his side and she was the perfect woman for him!!!
"The heart wants what it wants.
Mine wants hers. Hers wants his."
It was hard to witness King's heartbreak over the woman he loved...
There was an arranged marriage between them in order to bound their families...
But she was in love with another man and King made him her bodyguard in order to make her happy...
His only demand is to give him seven days to belong only to him and he is determined to savor these days, even if after these timw, he has to let her go for good!!!
How sad is that, ugh???
"So... what's your plan?"
"To make you fall for me."
"My heart isn't yours."
"It will be..."
I hate love triangles, but I loved this certain story very much!!!
I was dying alongside King, but still I couldn't not admire the strength that this boy had when everything was falling around him...
It wasn't his bride the only problem, but everyone was against him and they wanted to dethrone him!!!
When everything are falling around him, his only wish is for his Queen to be by his side...
Will Del's heart choose him after all???
"I found my person, but I'll forever watch her be kept by someone else."
I loved King so much!!! His love was so strong and so pure, even though the woman he loved was making him bleed over and over again...
He wanted desperately to find love the way everyone around him was finding it, but Del's feelings were above him and he was ready to sacrifice his heart in order for her to receive her happy ending...
"She may not love me. But I vow to lover her enough for both of us."
Del was an amazing woman... She was strong... A true Queen!!!
But her heart was given to a knight long time ago.... and she couldn't be with her King.
In another life, they would have been perfect together, but not in this one. Or could they???
These seven days on her King's side will be her demise... Or her salvation???
"He's dangerous... to more than just my life or the life of my family -he's dangerous to a heart that claims it's already taken."
I liked how Rachel turned out things after all!!!
After she gave me a ton of angst and heartbreaking, I saw some rays of hope...
These crazy family gave me constant heart attacks in here, but for once again they proved to me that nothing can break the bonds between them...
I believe I will miss these guys very much!!! Fair well EE second generation, I had such a great time along your side!!! I'll never forget you!!!
"If I can't have love, let me have fear. Let me have darkness. Let me live in a hell I've already reserved."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
OUT NOW!!
"My crown is heavy.
My love for her is heavier."
Unrequired love sucks!!!
The only sure thing is that Rachel finished the Mafia Royals series with a bang!!!!
I didn't know that I could love King that much, that I would hurt along his side for the love he was feeling...
He marry the girl that he loved, but her heart belonged to another man. How sad is that???
My heart was breaking over and over for King and I just wished for Del to love him back!!! Cause he deserved to have a Queen by his side and she was the perfect woman for him!!!
"The heart wants what it wants.
Mine wants hers. Hers wants his."
It was hard to witness King's heartbreak over the woman he loved...
There was an arranged marriage between them in order to bound their families...
But she was in love with another man and King made him her bodyguard in order to make her happy...
His only demand is to give him seven days to belong only to him and he is determined to savor these days, even if after these timw, he has to let her go for good!!!
How sad is that, ugh???
"So... what's your plan?"
"To make you fall for me."
"My heart isn't yours."
"It will be..."
I hate love triangles, but I loved this certain story very much!!!
I was dying alongside King, but still I couldn't not admire the strength that this boy had when everything was falling around him...
It wasn't his bride the only problem, but everyone was against him and they wanted to dethrone him!!!
When everything are falling around him, his only wish is for his Queen to be by his side...
Will Del's heart choose him after all???
"I found my person, but I'll forever watch her be kept by someone else."
I loved King so much!!! His love was so strong and so pure, even though the woman he loved was making him bleed over and over again...
He wanted desperately to find love the way everyone around him was finding it, but Del's feelings were above him and he was ready to sacrifice his heart in order for her to receive her happy ending...
"She may not love me. But I vow to lover her enough for both of us."
Del was an amazing woman... She was strong... A true Queen!!!
But her heart was given to a knight long time ago.... and she couldn't be with her King.
In another life, they would have been perfect together, but not in this one. Or could they???
These seven days on her King's side will be her demise... Or her salvation???
"He's dangerous... to more than just my life or the life of my family -he's dangerous to a heart that claims it's already taken."
I liked how Rachel turned out things after all!!!
After she gave me a ton of angst and heartbreaking, I saw some rays of hope...
These crazy family gave me constant heart attacks in here, but for once again they proved to me that nothing can break the bonds between them...
I believe I will miss these guys very much!!! Fair well EE second generation, I had such a great time along your side!!! I'll never forget you!!!
"If I can't have love, let me have fear. Let me have darkness. Let me live in a hell I've already reserved."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
February 3, 2022
MF mafia romance
This is the last book in Mafia Royals series which is a spin-off to the Eagle Elite series! Rachel Van Dyken is the QUEEN of writing mafia romance books! ❤️
Let me tell you, my heart broke for King!!! I LOVED HIM from the beginning! For a long time, I wanted to see who King really was, what was going in his mind and Rachel didn't disappoint us with this book! What I didn't expect was all the pain through which King went! I was screaming at the book at times and just wanted him to be happy.
Broken Crown is a love triangle! And when I say love triangle, I mean a real one! (get ready for your heart to be ripped apart) I HATE love triangles, but this is the last book in a series which I adore and there was no way I was gonna skip it! But this love triangle... it was painful to read!!!!!
Del - I hated her! Didn't like her even at the end of the book! Maybe this is because I hate love triangles, but during the whole book all I could think about was that King deserves better. I needed to see more of her love, more of her feelings toward King... for me honestly her feelings were sudden and plain compared to King's feelings for her. I couldn't connect with her and maybe the reason was I felt overprotective of King and after seeing how he felt... it was hard to love Del.
King - I don't have enough words for him! He is one of my favorites from the second generation! His feeling, the weight he carries... everything was portrayed in such a beautiful way by Rachel that I was left speechless at times!
Roman - who would have guessed that I would actually love this guy! (even more than Del)
And one of my favorite quotes:
P.S. Of course I can't forget to mention all of the boys. I LOVED their text messages, their interactions and how strong they were together! This whole book was a rollercoaster! It was different, really different from the other books in the series, but I LOVED IT!
I know this will not be the end of our big mafia family and I'm so thankful for Rachel Van Dyken for giving us them!!! As always Rachel you blew my mind with this book!!! You're the queen of mafia romance!!! I'll be waiting for the next books!
Initial reactions:
I'm so excited for the last book in this series! Also, I'm a bit afraid of it, knowing how Rachel loves breaking our hearts and then putting them back together!"
31.0% My poor King 😭 Ugh I HATE love triangles!!! King deserves better 🥺
This is the last book in Mafia Royals series which is a spin-off to the Eagle Elite series! Rachel Van Dyken is the QUEEN of writing mafia romance books! ❤️
Why am I this way? Why do I need to feel so deeply? So desperately? Why am I broken?
Let me tell you, my heart broke for King!!! I LOVED HIM from the beginning! For a long time, I wanted to see who King really was, what was going in his mind and Rachel didn't disappoint us with this book! What I didn't expect was all the pain through which King went! I was screaming at the book at times and just wanted him to be happy.
Broken Crown is a love triangle! And when I say love triangle, I mean a real one! (get ready for your heart to be ripped apart) I HATE love triangles, but this is the last book in a series which I adore and there was no way I was gonna skip it! But this love triangle... it was painful to read!!!!!
Del - I hated her! Didn't like her even at the end of the book! Maybe this is because I hate love triangles, but during the whole book all I could think about was that King deserves better. I needed to see more of her love, more of her feelings toward King... for me honestly her feelings were sudden and plain compared to King's feelings for her. I couldn't connect with her and maybe the reason was I felt overprotective of King and after seeing how he felt... it was hard to love Del.
King - I don't have enough words for him! He is one of my favorites from the second generation! His feeling, the weight he carries... everything was portrayed in such a beautiful way by Rachel that I was left speechless at times!
Roman - who would have guessed that I would actually love this guy! (even more than Del)
"How funny, right? My name... King. As if I can control anything when it's all out of my hands when a happily ever after is a joke..."
"I'm King Campisi. And the cross is almost too much to bear."
"I'm fine." I lie. It's what I do now. I lie. I tell people I'm not bleeding out when I can't stop the blood from flowing.
I'm angry.
I'm confused.
Quite honestly, I'm hurt, I'm betrayed, I'm undone.
And one of my favorite quotes:
If I was reading this book, I'd probably toss it against the wall and be like, what else can go wrong?
P.S. Of course I can't forget to mention all of the boys. I LOVED their text messages, their interactions and how strong they were together! This whole book was a rollercoaster! It was different, really different from the other books in the series, but I LOVED IT!
I know this will not be the end of our big mafia family and I'm so thankful for Rachel Van Dyken for giving us them!!! As always Rachel you blew my mind with this book!!! You're the queen of mafia romance!!! I'll be waiting for the next books!
Blood in. No out.
Until it ends...
Initial reactions:
I'm so excited for the last book in this series! Also, I'm a bit afraid of it, knowing how Rachel loves breaking our hearts and then putting them back together!"
31.0% My poor King 😭 Ugh I HATE love triangles!!! King deserves better 🥺
January 31, 2022
"I'll always love you, the best way I can, sometimes that means from a distance."
Well, damn King. I didn’t see all that coming!
This is a great 'ending' to the next generation and RVD gives you all the basics of what this story entails in her blurb...
-Arranged Marriage to unite the families
-Unrequited Love (which may break your heart)
-Love Triangle that was unexpected
This is book 5 and you must read these in order. I know some people have gone in with the previous books and read them out of order, but since this is book 5 and the last of the next generation, it wraps everything up....for now. This is King and Del's story and they have a lot weighing on them and their actions. They are mafia royalty and their crowns are heavy.
I'm going to keep this short as we get the gist of the book, but know that King just may break you.
His love for his family and for Del weighed on him heavily throughout this story. He knows what he must do to keep everyone alive and together, but at what cost? His happiness?? Watching King navigate what he must do and what he wants to do was a hard pill to swallow, but I loved that RVD made him vulnerable and a man that was in touch with his emotions. I felt for him every step of the way.
"You would take love over power?"
"Wouldn't you?"
"It would have to be a big love, King. A huge love. An inexplicable love."
Then there was Del. She kind of frustrated me at points because I wanted her to just make her decision and take her spot as Queen truly and fully. With that said, I could understand the way love and duty works and the inner turmoil that must have been going on in her head.
Overall, this was a wonderful written story to complete the Mafia Royals series. Family being pitted against one another, dark humor, emotional roller coaster, all the past characters and someone still out for the Cosa Nostra. You'll experience it all. When it comes to this mafia world, we are never done and each couple holds their very important place to keep them all together. And you'll love every minute of it....Until it Ends.
Well, damn King. I didn’t see all that coming!
This is a great 'ending' to the next generation and RVD gives you all the basics of what this story entails in her blurb...
-Arranged Marriage to unite the families
-Unrequited Love (which may break your heart)
-Love Triangle that was unexpected
This is book 5 and you must read these in order. I know some people have gone in with the previous books and read them out of order, but since this is book 5 and the last of the next generation, it wraps everything up....for now. This is King and Del's story and they have a lot weighing on them and their actions. They are mafia royalty and their crowns are heavy.
I'm going to keep this short as we get the gist of the book, but know that King just may break you.
His love for his family and for Del weighed on him heavily throughout this story. He knows what he must do to keep everyone alive and together, but at what cost? His happiness?? Watching King navigate what he must do and what he wants to do was a hard pill to swallow, but I loved that RVD made him vulnerable and a man that was in touch with his emotions. I felt for him every step of the way.
"You would take love over power?"
"Wouldn't you?"
"It would have to be a big love, King. A huge love. An inexplicable love."
Then there was Del. She kind of frustrated me at points because I wanted her to just make her decision and take her spot as Queen truly and fully. With that said, I could understand the way love and duty works and the inner turmoil that must have been going on in her head.
Overall, this was a wonderful written story to complete the Mafia Royals series. Family being pitted against one another, dark humor, emotional roller coaster, all the past characters and someone still out for the Cosa Nostra. You'll experience it all. When it comes to this mafia world, we are never done and each couple holds their very important place to keep them all together. And you'll love every minute of it....Until it Ends.
February 1, 2022
Until it ends………it’s such a defining quote throughout this story that fits so uniquely to this series. I know that this is the last book in the Mafia Royal series and I must say that I loved everything about it. All the emotions, the relationships, the banter, but mostly it is the intensity that each character brings to this series that makes them all so utterly addicting.
King is the final Royal to get his HEA. It’s unrequited love somewhat because while Del may love someone else, Roman, she does have an attraction to King and they are also friends. The push and pull of King and Del is electric, sexy and oh so angsty. Their growth and love for one another are what gets them through all the trials and tribulations of becoming the head of all the families. How heavy it is to wear the crown but as long as King has his true Queen, then all things are possible. But in order to get to that point, there is much chaos, betrayal, secrets and lies to uncover and thankfully all the Royals are front and center.
I truly loved this whole story and adored the epilogue. RVD left me in a happy spot with all my Royals and I hope she will go back and visit them in the near future because I can’t imagine that will want to stay quiet for too long.
*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*
King is the final Royal to get his HEA. It’s unrequited love somewhat because while Del may love someone else, Roman, she does have an attraction to King and they are also friends. The push and pull of King and Del is electric, sexy and oh so angsty. Their growth and love for one another are what gets them through all the trials and tribulations of becoming the head of all the families. How heavy it is to wear the crown but as long as King has his true Queen, then all things are possible. But in order to get to that point, there is much chaos, betrayal, secrets and lies to uncover and thankfully all the Royals are front and center.
I truly loved this whole story and adored the epilogue. RVD left me in a happy spot with all my Royals and I hope she will go back and visit them in the near future because I can’t imagine that will want to stay quiet for too long.
*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*
February 1, 2022
Everything had lead to this moment! Book 5 Broken Crown is the final book of the Mafia Royals series and it’s on that will shock you to your core! My heart will take days to recover from this journey but every word, every emotion was worth it!
Anyone who has read the Eagle Elite knows how complicated this world is. Each chapter starts with a quote and it’s fitting that the two prominent writings are Edgar Allen Poe’s “Annabelle Lee” and phrases from King Arthur. I don’t think stating this gives anything away because in true RVD fashion, just when you think you know what is going to happen, the world stops and you’re floored because in EE nothing is every as it seems!
King truly shows his power and I’m his strength! He lets us know why he is chosen and why his rule will be remembered! Getting to truly know his character and know his mind was a beautiful journey and one that will forever be etched on my heart! His chosen well she is a beauty and a strong one! This is more her story and journey as they both find their way to fit in their new world!
Enjoy this epic conclusion because I know I will read this book repeatedly!
Anyone who has read the Eagle Elite knows how complicated this world is. Each chapter starts with a quote and it’s fitting that the two prominent writings are Edgar Allen Poe’s “Annabelle Lee” and phrases from King Arthur. I don’t think stating this gives anything away because in true RVD fashion, just when you think you know what is going to happen, the world stops and you’re floored because in EE nothing is every as it seems!
King truly shows his power and I’m his strength! He lets us know why he is chosen and why his rule will be remembered! Getting to truly know his character and know his mind was a beautiful journey and one that will forever be etched on my heart! His chosen well she is a beauty and a strong one! This is more her story and journey as they both find their way to fit in their new world!
Enjoy this epic conclusion because I know I will read this book repeatedly!
January 23, 2022
Absolute perfection! I have been anticipating King’s book for a long time and holy fudge, RVD did not disappoint. The minute it landed on my kindle I was all-in and didn’t move until the end. Even after, I sat there in awe, reeling in the epic-ness of Del and King’s journey. You do not wanna miss this one. I had no idea where and which way this book was gonna go but it really didn’t matter. The way everything unfolded was perfect, there was no denying who is the true King. The Mafia royals have dethroned their predecessors because each and every one of them slays! Bravo RVD! I bow down to you! This book can take all my stars and crowns, 10 plus mofo crowns for this epic read!
February 23, 2022
“I want to
feel all my feelings. All of them. Even if they hurt so
bad I can’t breathe.”
JUST WOW!
I literally don’t have words.
I’m speechless !
I don’t know why, but each time I read a book from this amazing series I keep asking my self: why are they all so good?
This is hands down one of the best mafia romance book I’ ve ever read, and I have read a lot of them in my life.
So trust me when I say that this story will bring you to your knees.
I don’t know how to describe it, but I think it’s the perfect combination between a romantic story and the mafia world . It can’t get any better than this.
“Every love story is written differently. Some are painful at first,
some are beautiful only to end in pain.”
I’m not gonna spoiler anything , because I think you should go blind into this one , and ride this amazing rollercoaster of emotions and then you can come join me in my book-hangover that will probably last until i’ll have another book of this series between my hands. So I hope soon!
It has all the good stuff : Unrequired love, arranged marriage and a love triangle , and ad to the mix a bit of Mafia world and you’ll have it: fire works !
I gave this book absolutely 5 stars
my Blog
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
feel all my feelings. All of them. Even if they hurt so
bad I can’t breathe.”
JUST WOW!
I literally don’t have words.
I’m speechless !
I don’t know why, but each time I read a book from this amazing series I keep asking my self: why are they all so good?
This is hands down one of the best mafia romance book I’ ve ever read, and I have read a lot of them in my life.
So trust me when I say that this story will bring you to your knees.
I don’t know how to describe it, but I think it’s the perfect combination between a romantic story and the mafia world . It can’t get any better than this.
“Every love story is written differently. Some are painful at first,
some are beautiful only to end in pain.”
I’m not gonna spoiler anything , because I think you should go blind into this one , and ride this amazing rollercoaster of emotions and then you can come join me in my book-hangover that will probably last until i’ll have another book of this series between my hands. So I hope soon!
It has all the good stuff : Unrequired love, arranged marriage and a love triangle , and ad to the mix a bit of Mafia world and you’ll have it: fire works !
I gave this book absolutely 5 stars
my Blog
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
February 7, 2022
Full disclosure: I found out about this book while spending the week with my cousin and after reading the blurb, I instantly knew I wouldn’t like it because I don’t really do love triangles and this one had it in waves. But my cousin bought the ebook the day it was released, read it in one day, and claimed she loved it and is now her favorite one out of all the other books in the series. So naturally, she pretty much forced me to read it right after lol. So then I figured why not and planned on just skimming through it just to appease her.
To be honest, I did skim the first few chapters of this book, partly also due to the fact that this is the last in a long series and I haven’t read a single one of the previous books (and have no plans of doing so tbh). But once I reached about 40ish%, I started to really read it. And for the most part, I did end up enjoying it. The love triangle part still wasn’t my favorite and at times bothered me, but after finishing the book, I guess it wasn’t so bad after all. This was told in 3 POVs (King, Del, and Roman). And although the love triangle part dragged on for longer than I would’ve liked (but mostly on the emotional aspect though, the physical aspect of it wasn’t bothersome since she wasn’t sleeping with both guys THANK GOD I wouldn’t have been able to stomach it otherwise).
King was basically what made me keep reading the book. He was such a great H and at times I wondered if Del actually deserved him, his unconitional love and devotion to her. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t perfect. He was a player (keyword: was — he was celibate for a year, ever since he found out he would be married to Del) and he was at times arrogant. But man was he selfless. He was so in love with Del he was willing to sacrifice his freedom as well as his happiness for her. And damn if that didn’t get to me. While this might not make it to my favorite books ever, King did make it to one of my favorite heroes ever. Del, on the other hand, was okay too and I did understand her internal conflict regarding what she thought was her love for Roman versus what she was feeling or starting to feel for King. Ultimately though, the love she had for Roman could not compete with that of what grew between her and King. Hers and Roman’s was the innocent, first love kind while the one that bloomed between her and King was the passionate, all-consuming, irrevocable kind of love. And while I felt so horrible for King during the first few chapters, I did end up feeling bad for Roman in the last few. And you can’t even dislike any one of these three, because while they were in that complicated situation, they never did anything that purposely hurt any of the other. King was considerate of Roman’s feelings for the most part and didn’t slap his physicality with Del in Roman’s face (again, for the most part hehe — there were moments wherein he just couldn’t help himself, but he wasn’t cruel about it). And Roman, while King took the woman he loved for himself, never even thought about betraying King (at least not seriously lol maybe he did think about it but would never ever actually do it). His loyalty and dedication to King was oh so admirable which makes Del choosing King instead of him kinda sad to read huhu. But well, at the end of the day, he still gets what he truly wanted (to be fully recognized and accepted in the Family). Anyway yeah, bottomline is for someone who avoids love triangles like a plague, this one wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and my cousin gets to gloat about that.
Safety Gang:
-CW: love triangle, arranged marriage, some violence, explicit sexual content, attempt at assassination
-Safe sex: no condoms/any form of contraception used
-No virgins; H used to be a player but hasn’t slept with anyone for a year before sleeping with the h. And although the h never slept with the OM (Roman), it was implied that she previously had a boyfriend and wasn’t a virgin
-No cheating; although there was a scene wherein the OM forced a kiss on h once she was married to the H but she didn’t want it and the H saw and intervened
-No sex/intimate scenes with other people
-No OW drama
-Major OM drama — love triangle with H (King) and OM (Roman). The h and the OM messed around in the first couple chapters before the H and h got married, but they never had sex. Also, the H knows about it because he loved the h so much he was willing to be in pain just so she’s happy (he assigned the OM the be h’s bodyguard). But h was never physical with OM once she was married to the H.
-No separation; once the H and h get married, they stay together. Even when the H was willing to let her go for her happiness, she realized her love for the H and chose to stay with him
-HEA with epilogue (3 months later; h pregnant with twins, although it was cut at a weird scene and I wanted more)
To be honest, I did skim the first few chapters of this book, partly also due to the fact that this is the last in a long series and I haven’t read a single one of the previous books (and have no plans of doing so tbh). But once I reached about 40ish%, I started to really read it. And for the most part, I did end up enjoying it. The love triangle part still wasn’t my favorite and at times bothered me, but after finishing the book, I guess it wasn’t so bad after all. This was told in 3 POVs (King, Del, and Roman). And although the love triangle part dragged on for longer than I would’ve liked (but mostly on the emotional aspect though, the physical aspect of it wasn’t bothersome since she wasn’t sleeping with both guys THANK GOD I wouldn’t have been able to stomach it otherwise).
King was basically what made me keep reading the book. He was such a great H and at times I wondered if Del actually deserved him, his unconitional love and devotion to her. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t perfect. He was a player (keyword: was — he was celibate for a year, ever since he found out he would be married to Del) and he was at times arrogant. But man was he selfless. He was so in love with Del he was willing to sacrifice his freedom as well as his happiness for her. And damn if that didn’t get to me. While this might not make it to my favorite books ever, King did make it to one of my favorite heroes ever. Del, on the other hand, was okay too and I did understand her internal conflict regarding what she thought was her love for Roman versus what she was feeling or starting to feel for King. Ultimately though, the love she had for Roman could not compete with that of what grew between her and King. Hers and Roman’s was the innocent, first love kind while the one that bloomed between her and King was the passionate, all-consuming, irrevocable kind of love. And while I felt so horrible for King during the first few chapters, I did end up feeling bad for Roman in the last few. And you can’t even dislike any one of these three, because while they were in that complicated situation, they never did anything that purposely hurt any of the other. King was considerate of Roman’s feelings for the most part and didn’t slap his physicality with Del in Roman’s face (again, for the most part hehe — there were moments wherein he just couldn’t help himself, but he wasn’t cruel about it). And Roman, while King took the woman he loved for himself, never even thought about betraying King (at least not seriously lol maybe he did think about it but would never ever actually do it). His loyalty and dedication to King was oh so admirable which makes Del choosing King instead of him kinda sad to read huhu. But well, at the end of the day, he still gets what he truly wanted (to be fully recognized and accepted in the Family). Anyway yeah, bottomline is for someone who avoids love triangles like a plague, this one wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and my cousin gets to gloat about that.
Safety Gang:
-CW: love triangle, arranged marriage, some violence, explicit sexual content, attempt at assassination
-Safe sex: no condoms/any form of contraception used
-No virgins; H used to be a player but hasn’t slept with anyone for a year before sleeping with the h. And although the h never slept with the OM (Roman), it was implied that she previously had a boyfriend and wasn’t a virgin
-No cheating; although there was a scene wherein the OM forced a kiss on h once she was married to the H but she didn’t want it and the H saw and intervened
-No sex/intimate scenes with other people
-No OW drama
-Major OM drama — love triangle with H (King) and OM (Roman). The h and the OM messed around in the first couple chapters before the H and h got married, but they never had sex. Also, the H knows about it because he loved the h so much he was willing to be in pain just so she’s happy (he assigned the OM the be h’s bodyguard). But h was never physical with OM once she was married to the H.
-No separation; once the H and h get married, they stay together. Even when the H was willing to let her go for her happiness, she realized her love for the H and chose to stay with him
-HEA with epilogue (3 months later; h pregnant with twins, although it was cut at a weird scene and I wanted more)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : King
Heroine : Del
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Plot Summary :
This is King's story. King knows the pain of loving someone who is in love with someone else. He knows the harsh fact that while his cousin's and brothers will make family and settle down , he will always have this in completeness about him. A part of him will always be missing and there is no way he can have that.
A person might be happy that they are marrying the one they love but not him. Because the one girl he loves has always been someone else and if that's not he'll then he does not know what is.
Overall Opinion :
I have been waiting for this! I have read books about unrequited love from the heroine's pov in some books but never the hero, this one was my first and it was refreshing as hell. One thing that Rachel never fails to give is the angst. I could feel King's agony, his pain over seeing his wife, the one woman he would die for, being with someone else. I couldn't help but feel broken for the man because he deserved so much better.
That being said, I won't say that this book was my favorite of this series. The storyline was good and I was hooked no doubt but something was just missing. It was a bit rushed. I wish that the author gave both Del and King time to get their feelings in control. The way Del was in love with someone else, making life promises with them and the next moment King made her burn. The sudden switch made her feelings seem fake for both the heroes.
Also I did not get the guy she was in love with. Like he was ok with her sleeping with someone else. That was so weird. I had a hard time getting over it.
All I am saying is that the book did not touch me the way I expected it to. It's fast and the character development is very small. I would recommend this book to the people who adore and love this series. Reading this book will give you the closure you need because I honestly won't miss a chance to read about my favorite mafia men again!!
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January 25, 2022
All good things must come to an end...or do they?
If you've been my RVD's side since her first Mafia book, Elite, then you know what you're in for. Nothing ever truly ends when you're in the Mafia, but Broken Crown is a beautiful conclusion to the Mafia Royals Series.
This book not only ends with the focus on the Cappo to the second gen, but it gives the thrill and excitement of a season finale.
I once asked Rachel how she writes such intricately laced stories, that read like something I'd binge on TV. She told me it runs like a movie reel in her mind, and that says to me all I need to know, because her stories live in me like I was born to watch it.
Broken Crown can be read as a total standalone but it is better enjoyed either experiencing Mafia Royals from Ruthless Princess or back to way back when with Elite.
As a long time Mafia fan, the ending was the ending of all endings, we got old buds and new buds and a union of generations. We see the weight the crown holds for King who must one day take his dad's place. We see the fight for what a Queen who takes her place beside him must do. Most of all we see the sacrifices and how in the end you can have it all even if you lose some blood along the way.
My heart ached in the story, from the unrequited love, to the fight you must hold within yourself to push through. We see the strength you need to hold to be within the Mafia else you won't succeed far.
So many moments I wanted to cry, so many moments I wanted to scream. Rachel truly forces you to the edge of your seat and as a writer she takes that pen making sure no reader comes out of this book unscarred.
This book was the greatest conclusion I could ask for. It's been the biggest joy to dive back into EE world with the new gen, see old friends and have my heart in my throat as Rachel threatens them and their hearts once again.
It wouldn't be a Rachel Van Dyken Mafia Series if she didn't cause us damage only to heal us by the end.
Thank you Rachel for always providing the crème de la crème with your books! Every one beats the last!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
If you've been my RVD's side since her first Mafia book, Elite, then you know what you're in for. Nothing ever truly ends when you're in the Mafia, but Broken Crown is a beautiful conclusion to the Mafia Royals Series.
This book not only ends with the focus on the Cappo to the second gen, but it gives the thrill and excitement of a season finale.
I once asked Rachel how she writes such intricately laced stories, that read like something I'd binge on TV. She told me it runs like a movie reel in her mind, and that says to me all I need to know, because her stories live in me like I was born to watch it.
Broken Crown can be read as a total standalone but it is better enjoyed either experiencing Mafia Royals from Ruthless Princess or back to way back when with Elite.
As a long time Mafia fan, the ending was the ending of all endings, we got old buds and new buds and a union of generations. We see the weight the crown holds for King who must one day take his dad's place. We see the fight for what a Queen who takes her place beside him must do. Most of all we see the sacrifices and how in the end you can have it all even if you lose some blood along the way.
My heart ached in the story, from the unrequited love, to the fight you must hold within yourself to push through. We see the strength you need to hold to be within the Mafia else you won't succeed far.
So many moments I wanted to cry, so many moments I wanted to scream. Rachel truly forces you to the edge of your seat and as a writer she takes that pen making sure no reader comes out of this book unscarred.
This book was the greatest conclusion I could ask for. It's been the biggest joy to dive back into EE world with the new gen, see old friends and have my heart in my throat as Rachel threatens them and their hearts once again.
It wouldn't be a Rachel Van Dyken Mafia Series if she didn't cause us damage only to heal us by the end.
Thank you Rachel for always providing the crème de la crème with your books! Every one beats the last!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
I do NOT know where to start with this review. Wow. Just, wow. This book was so full of angst. I was on the edge the whole time, and it was throwing my emotions all over the joint too. Its no secret I love RVD's mafia books, and this one was no different. I felt for King. I felt for everything going on.
So many things go down in this book I was left wondering how on earth we were going to come out the other side. Was what I thought was about to happen, really going to happen? Would Rachel do that to us? Oh my god. I should've known she would throw anything and everything at us.
I devoured this book so fast and I loved every heart-wrenching moment it entailed. This has to be my second favourite book of this second gen series - the Mafia Royals books - after Junior and Serena. This is it for now, but I can't wait for the day RVD can come back to this world and bring us more.
Until then - Blood In. No Out.
Review also on my blog - Broken Crown by Rachel Van Dyken
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ARC kindly received for an honest review.
I do NOT know where to start with this review. Wow. Just, wow. This book was so full of angst. I was on the edge the whole time, and it was throwing my emotions all over the joint too. Its no secret I love RVD's mafia books, and this one was no different. I felt for King. I felt for everything going on.
So many things go down in this book I was left wondering how on earth we were going to come out the other side. Was what I thought was about to happen, really going to happen? Would Rachel do that to us? Oh my god. I should've known she would throw anything and everything at us.
I devoured this book so fast and I loved every heart-wrenching moment it entailed. This has to be my second favourite book of this second gen series - the Mafia Royals books - after Junior and Serena. This is it for now, but I can't wait for the day RVD can come back to this world and bring us more.
Until then - Blood In. No Out.
Review also on my blog - Broken Crown by Rachel Van Dyken
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January 24, 2022
This book is like a roller coaster of emotions, but one that’s gone off track and left me in a free fall! I swooned, I cried, I smiled…it’s just so damn good and a perfect ending to this chapter of the stories! As a side note, I hate love triangles, so I just thought of Roman as the (insignificant) past, and King as who was always meant for Del.
January 30, 2022
BROKEN CROWN is the fifth (and final?) instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, new adult MAFIA ROYALS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series-a next generation series and spin off from the author’s Eagle Elite series. This is heir to the throne, and Tex and Mo’s (Elicit) son King Campisi, and Del Buratti’s story line. BROKEN CROWN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (King, Del, Roman) BROKEN CROWN follows the building relationship and arranged marriage between Mafia heir King Campisi, and Del Buratti. King Campisi has been in love with Del Buratti for as along as he can remember but Del Buratti is in love with someone else. In an effort to reinforce their control, merging with another powerful underworld family, King Campisi is forced into an arranged marriage with the woman he loves, and only has seven days to prove he is worthy but just days into their honeymoon, King and Del are called back home when disaster strikes at the top, and our couple are caught in the direct line of fire as everything spirals out of control. What ensues is the building relationship but ‘reluctant’ marriage between King and Del, and the potential fall-out as a fight for control turns dangerous, leaving King unable to trust family or friends, including those closest to our story line couple.
Del Buratti is in love with Roman, a made-man in the Buratti family but a man beneath our heroine in status and wealth. In the wake of her father’s death, Del’s Sicilian uncle has offered our heroine’s hand in marriage to King Campisi, a marriage of unrequited love for our story line hero. King has loved, and is in love with Del Buratti, and in an effort to keep her close, offers up a ‘loveless’ marriage and Roman on the side but King isn’t willing to sit back and watch from the sidelines, and wants seven days before walking away. Del Buratti knows her rightful position is beside the King, a position that proves she is worthy of the title of Queen, when she is willing to sacrifice her life to save the man in charge.
The relationship between Del and King is that of a love triangle, as Roman is assigned bodyguard and protector of our story line heroine, the woman he loves. Watching and waiting, Roman will come to the conclusion that Del belongs at King’s side, a conclusion that offers Roman a new position within the Family. As King seduces the woman both he and Roman love, Del quickly discovers that her heart has always belonged to the man who would one day sit on the throne. The $ex scenes are aggressive and spirited but I felt little passion or warmth-it was more of a claiming and ownership.
There is a large and familiar secondary and supporting cast of colorful and energetic characters including all of the previous story line couples, and several Eagle Elite couples. In the wake of threats against his life and that of the life of the woman he loves, King is unable to trust anyone, even suspecting those closest to our couple, people he calls family and friends.
BROKEN CROWN is an emotional story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, death and destruction, sacrifice, tragedy and love. The character driven premise is captivating, gritty and sensitive; the romance is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are broken and desperate yet taking control. Although this is the final instalment in the Mafia Royals series, the story line is left open ended with the possibility of another chapter in the lives and members of the Seven Families-hint hint-Roman needs to find his own HEA.
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (King, Del, Roman) BROKEN CROWN follows the building relationship and arranged marriage between Mafia heir King Campisi, and Del Buratti. King Campisi has been in love with Del Buratti for as along as he can remember but Del Buratti is in love with someone else. In an effort to reinforce their control, merging with another powerful underworld family, King Campisi is forced into an arranged marriage with the woman he loves, and only has seven days to prove he is worthy but just days into their honeymoon, King and Del are called back home when disaster strikes at the top, and our couple are caught in the direct line of fire as everything spirals out of control. What ensues is the building relationship but ‘reluctant’ marriage between King and Del, and the potential fall-out as a fight for control turns dangerous, leaving King unable to trust family or friends, including those closest to our story line couple.
Del Buratti is in love with Roman, a made-man in the Buratti family but a man beneath our heroine in status and wealth. In the wake of her father’s death, Del’s Sicilian uncle has offered our heroine’s hand in marriage to King Campisi, a marriage of unrequited love for our story line hero. King has loved, and is in love with Del Buratti, and in an effort to keep her close, offers up a ‘loveless’ marriage and Roman on the side but King isn’t willing to sit back and watch from the sidelines, and wants seven days before walking away. Del Buratti knows her rightful position is beside the King, a position that proves she is worthy of the title of Queen, when she is willing to sacrifice her life to save the man in charge.
The relationship between Del and King is that of a love triangle, as Roman is assigned bodyguard and protector of our story line heroine, the woman he loves. Watching and waiting, Roman will come to the conclusion that Del belongs at King’s side, a conclusion that offers Roman a new position within the Family. As King seduces the woman both he and Roman love, Del quickly discovers that her heart has always belonged to the man who would one day sit on the throne. The $ex scenes are aggressive and spirited but I felt little passion or warmth-it was more of a claiming and ownership.
There is a large and familiar secondary and supporting cast of colorful and energetic characters including all of the previous story line couples, and several Eagle Elite couples. In the wake of threats against his life and that of the life of the woman he loves, King is unable to trust anyone, even suspecting those closest to our couple, people he calls family and friends.
BROKEN CROWN is an emotional story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, death and destruction, sacrifice, tragedy and love. The character driven premise is captivating, gritty and sensitive; the romance is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are broken and desperate yet taking control. Although this is the final instalment in the Mafia Royals series, the story line is left open ended with the possibility of another chapter in the lives and members of the Seven Families-hint hint-Roman needs to find his own HEA.
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 24, 2022
Confession time, mafia romance really isn’t my thing. All that vengence and betrayal and dubious moral ground is kind of off-putting. Then along comes R V D with this big messy Eagle Elite family and she not only makes me love them, but she makes me desperate for more. Because at their heart, that's what they are. They’re family borne of blood, loyalty and sacrifice, and that family bond is everything.
Then King and Del's story muddies the water and stirs up the confusion even more. You may think the lines are clear when it comes to what constitutes cheating, but if you think the lines aren’t blurred and there aren’t dozens of shades of gray when it comes to The Family, you really don’t know the mafia. So what do you do when your heart belongs to one man but you're promised to another?
A king who has many enemies must have his queen if he is to lead. But will that queen be loyal and stand beside to her king in a marriage of convenience, or will she be tempted towards betrayal by money, power or love? And how do you step into the role of family leader not knowing if you can trust your queen?
For the sake of all the families, King and Del will marry. Del, knowing her heart is promised to another, and King loving her with an eternal, unrequited love. And when betrayal threatens the lives of family members, duty and honor battle against love and desire.
I knew this would be a good read, but I thought nothing could top Maksim's incredible story and epic romance from the previous book in the series. I was wrong. So wrong. This incredibly gifted storyteller shocked, surprised and delighted me at every turn and I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down! Seriously, I devoured it in one evening, never taking my eyes from the page until I reached the amazing, satisfying conclusion.
I was mesmerized by the poetic prose and hypnotized by these unforgettable characters who have indelibly, irrevocably marked my soul. Riveting, stunning and heart-rending but charming, tender, and so exquisitely perfect, this is easily my favorite mafia romance yet. You need this book in your life, so be sure not to miss this unique, extraordinary, unparalleled read!
Then King and Del's story muddies the water and stirs up the confusion even more. You may think the lines are clear when it comes to what constitutes cheating, but if you think the lines aren’t blurred and there aren’t dozens of shades of gray when it comes to The Family, you really don’t know the mafia. So what do you do when your heart belongs to one man but you're promised to another?
A king who has many enemies must have his queen if he is to lead. But will that queen be loyal and stand beside to her king in a marriage of convenience, or will she be tempted towards betrayal by money, power or love? And how do you step into the role of family leader not knowing if you can trust your queen?
For the sake of all the families, King and Del will marry. Del, knowing her heart is promised to another, and King loving her with an eternal, unrequited love. And when betrayal threatens the lives of family members, duty and honor battle against love and desire.
I knew this would be a good read, but I thought nothing could top Maksim's incredible story and epic romance from the previous book in the series. I was wrong. So wrong. This incredibly gifted storyteller shocked, surprised and delighted me at every turn and I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down! Seriously, I devoured it in one evening, never taking my eyes from the page until I reached the amazing, satisfying conclusion.
I was mesmerized by the poetic prose and hypnotized by these unforgettable characters who have indelibly, irrevocably marked my soul. Riveting, stunning and heart-rending but charming, tender, and so exquisitely perfect, this is easily my favorite mafia romance yet. You need this book in your life, so be sure not to miss this unique, extraordinary, unparalleled read!
February 2, 2022
I’m not ready to say goodbye- but what an incredible journey. Rachel continues to solidify her reign as the queen of emotive, angsty mafia prose. These stories are captivating, complex, intense, and unpredictable- the perfect combination to keep the pages turning. But what really makes her the queen is the emotional turbulence she creates within these characters' stories- the rawness, the heartache, the drama. These characters sucked me right into their emotional chaos, all with the bittersweet tinge of recognizing this is a farewell to a world I’ve adored for years.
This finale gives us a bit of the love triangle drama in the much awaited story of King Campisi, who finds himself in an unrequited love situation with his arranged wife, Del, who loves another. King does the unthinkable to make her happy- including keep her true love close, but soon Del finds herself torn by the love she thought she had and her budding desire for King.
As always, while this is a mafia story, Rachel gives it more of a metaphysical approach- this emotional beats layered in plot vignettes that paint the journey of these characters. It’s angsty, heartbreaking in places, sweet at times, raw in others. This one is a big tangle of messy feelings, and as usual, unexpected twists and dark edges. I do wish I’d gotten to marinate in Del’s emotional evolution a bit more, but I still loved them so much.
The second generation has been such an amazing series- watching this mafia babies grow up into the powerhouses, see where they uphold tradition and where they challenge it, and paving a new future for this complicated, endearing family. I could live in these pages forever and I’d still not get enough. Blood in, no out- always and forever.
This finale gives us a bit of the love triangle drama in the much awaited story of King Campisi, who finds himself in an unrequited love situation with his arranged wife, Del, who loves another. King does the unthinkable to make her happy- including keep her true love close, but soon Del finds herself torn by the love she thought she had and her budding desire for King.
As always, while this is a mafia story, Rachel gives it more of a metaphysical approach- this emotional beats layered in plot vignettes that paint the journey of these characters. It’s angsty, heartbreaking in places, sweet at times, raw in others. This one is a big tangle of messy feelings, and as usual, unexpected twists and dark edges. I do wish I’d gotten to marinate in Del’s emotional evolution a bit more, but I still loved them so much.
The second generation has been such an amazing series- watching this mafia babies grow up into the powerhouses, see where they uphold tradition and where they challenge it, and paving a new future for this complicated, endearing family. I could live in these pages forever and I’d still not get enough. Blood in, no out- always and forever.
January 24, 2022
This is why I love RVD and Eagle Elite. I can never get enough. She continues to deliver stories with heart and characters I will never get enough of. King and Del were a great addition to the series. Loved it!
A marriage forced upon them to unite the families. The only problem is that it's not what she wants but it is everything he dreams of. His love for her has no bounds. Her heart belongs to another. He is willing to sacrifice everything for The Family.
A love triangle that will keep you twisted up. I was Team King from the start, as there was nothing not to love. This man battles with loving Del, while respecting her love for another. All the while taking on the responsibility of becoming capo to the entire Family. His responsibilities are weighing him down. Never has he needed a Queen more to fight right by his side.
Del will have to choose.
This is a story of coming into your own and taking on the responsibility you were born into, before you may be ready. At it's heart, the story is about family and finding a forever love that will hold you up when The Family responsibility is weighing you down. King found his Queen, it just took her a bit to realize she was exactly where she belonged.
This is probably the longest series I have continued to read. Each book brings back the old and gives us a new couple to love. I will keep coming back for more as the author delivers a series I never want to let go.
A marriage forced upon them to unite the families. The only problem is that it's not what she wants but it is everything he dreams of. His love for her has no bounds. Her heart belongs to another. He is willing to sacrifice everything for The Family.
A love triangle that will keep you twisted up. I was Team King from the start, as there was nothing not to love. This man battles with loving Del, while respecting her love for another. All the while taking on the responsibility of becoming capo to the entire Family. His responsibilities are weighing him down. Never has he needed a Queen more to fight right by his side.
Del will have to choose.
This is a story of coming into your own and taking on the responsibility you were born into, before you may be ready. At it's heart, the story is about family and finding a forever love that will hold you up when The Family responsibility is weighing you down. King found his Queen, it just took her a bit to realize she was exactly where she belonged.
This is probably the longest series I have continued to read. Each book brings back the old and gives us a new couple to love. I will keep coming back for more as the author delivers a series I never want to let go.
January 24, 2022
King King King…
Diving into Broken Crown, I knew I was in for an emotional rollercoaster. I knew this book being the last in the Mafia family was going to chew me up, spit me out, and then steam roll me, and oh man did it!— In a good way!
This series, this family, and these stories have become a way of life for the fans. We live and breathe the mafia series, and it’s been so good to come and be able to visit Eagle Elite again.
I knew Kings story would be my favorite. He is everything I wanted/Needed and then some. Kings story was the perfect way to end the series —even though I refuse to believe it’s the real end!
King’s story was told differently than all the rest, and I absolutely adored it! By the end, I was crying big big alligator tears. I was and still am an emotional wreck!
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go into reading King’s story lightly! Be prepared for carnage and emotional destruction! If you thought Rachel was a heart crusher before, you haven’t seen anything yet!
I legit started this book at 4PM by 2AM, I was done, but I was in a puddle of my former self! Too bad King wasn’t here with me to protect me!
Read Broken Crown! Better yet, devour it! I promise you won’t regret it!
Blood In. No Out!
Diving into Broken Crown, I knew I was in for an emotional rollercoaster. I knew this book being the last in the Mafia family was going to chew me up, spit me out, and then steam roll me, and oh man did it!— In a good way!
This series, this family, and these stories have become a way of life for the fans. We live and breathe the mafia series, and it’s been so good to come and be able to visit Eagle Elite again.
I knew Kings story would be my favorite. He is everything I wanted/Needed and then some. Kings story was the perfect way to end the series —even though I refuse to believe it’s the real end!
King’s story was told differently than all the rest, and I absolutely adored it! By the end, I was crying big big alligator tears. I was and still am an emotional wreck!
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go into reading King’s story lightly! Be prepared for carnage and emotional destruction! If you thought Rachel was a heart crusher before, you haven’t seen anything yet!
I legit started this book at 4PM by 2AM, I was done, but I was in a puddle of my former self! Too bad King wasn’t here with me to protect me!
Read Broken Crown! Better yet, devour it! I promise you won’t regret it!
Blood In. No Out!
March 6, 2022
2 Stars!
"
I am a masochist when I read, so obviously this book ticks all the box.
Unrequited.
Arranged marriage.
Love triangle.
Basically, the trope.
Yet somehow, the story is lacking. For most part it's
The characters.
Their history.
Their world.
I felt like I was thrown in the middle of the story with no background from each of them, other than being part of the mafia. So I am not convinced over the depths of
His love.
Her love.
Roman's love.
Thus leaves me wondering on
Her devotion.
Her decision.
Because it's fast.
It's sudden.
Then something happens and off they try to find who is
The liar.
The snake.
The villain.
What could've been a great story based on its blurb ends up
A disappointment.
And rushed.
This book can be read as a standalone. Unfortunately, with so many side characters, doing so will only leave you with
More questions.
More puzzling.
More confusion.
You might ask why I write my review this way? It's because this book has many parts written in this manner.
It's annoying.
It's repetitive.
It happens many times.
Until it ends.
And since I'm not a writer, obviously, my writing sucks. 🤣
" I am a masochist when I read, so obviously this book ticks all the box.
Unrequited.
Arranged marriage.
Love triangle.
Basically, the trope.
Yet somehow, the story is lacking. For most part it's
The characters.
Their history.
Their world.
I felt like I was thrown in the middle of the story with no background from each of them, other than being part of the mafia. So I am not convinced over the depths of
His love.
Her love.
Roman's love.
Thus leaves me wondering on
Her devotion.
Her decision.
Because it's fast.
It's sudden.
Then something happens and off they try to find who is
The liar.
The snake.
The villain.
What could've been a great story based on its blurb ends up
A disappointment.
And rushed.
This book can be read as a standalone. Unfortunately, with so many side characters, doing so will only leave you with
More questions.
More puzzling.
More confusion.
You might ask why I write my review this way? It's because this book has many parts written in this manner.
It's annoying.
It's repetitive.
It happens many times.
Until it ends.
And since I'm not a writer, obviously, my writing sucks. 🤣
January 26, 2022
BROKEN CROWN
Mafia Royals #5
Rachel Van Dyken
Releases 1st Feb
@Valentine_pr
POV:Dual 👑Until it ends👑
King & Del
#arc #arcreader #reader #reviewer #amreading #currentlyreading #mafia #romance #suspence #MafiaRoyalsRomance #BloodInNoOut #nextgeneration #emotional #allthefeels #drama #angst #gripping
OMG!! Where to start?! I F*LOVED King & Del's story! Fast paced, emotional read. I laughed, I cried. Then again Rachel's Mafia always makes me cry.
Can be read as a standalone, but enjoyed more read in order.
How do you write a spoiler free review for Rachel's Mafia Men?.....
King Campisi, Mafia Royalty, Tex Campisi's, Capo of the Cosa Nostra, Five Families, Godfather's Son, next in line to rule over the Five Families. The crown weighs heavy. He's meant to be the glue, but why does he feel broken and lost? His name is King after all.
A family, the Buratti's, have offered an arranged marriage, to solidify the families.
It would be fine if he didn't know who he'd have to marry for this arrangement. But he does know her. They're friends, of sorts. It also doesn't help that he's in love with her. Her, on the other hand, she's in love with someone else. It's just a transaction, business, to keep peace between them and the Five Families. The Buratti's have the best bodyguards, and since cleansing out the De Lange's they're short on soldiers, but not on money.
Del Buratti, her life isn't her own, she's now a pawn. She was meant to take over as head of her family, but an Uncle, who has no interest in her, or her wellbeing. Has stepped up to rule over their family.
She doesn't trust easily. She trusts Roman and the second generation Heirs. But doesn't trust the older generation, let alone her own family. Her uncle is only out for power.
She's never had the love she should have had growing up. She's observant, knows how to act when appropriate, blends in well, she did go undercover into Eagle Elite University to find out info.
Now she's to marry for peace and power. But, she's already in love, and said yes to marry someone else. Roman, he didn't grow up with money, his father worked his way up in the Buratti family and so has he. He's a made man for Del's family. Del's had to hand back his ring, now that she's to marry King Campisi - the Prince himself.
King knows about Del and Roman. He sacrifices his own happiness. He gives Del what she wants. Roman. As her personal bodyguard, and more. King & Del will appear as the power couple as they should be, while he watches the woman he loves be in love and seeing someone else. Hiding his pain, suffering in silence, while his heart breaks.
Del wants King to be happy, if only she could have feelings for him. Will he find someone else to be happy with?
Now that she's married to King, she's having confusing feelings for him. Sure she likes him, they're friends. But she's still in love with Roman. But now there's a hit out for the two of them. Who dares challenges King for Capo status?
Could one of his brothers, cousins, best friends be really out to kill him? Surely not! They're all tight, a locked box, have each other's backs. They're blood.
Everyone is now a suspect.
Who would benefit from the power?
Will Del stand with King?
Can she be the Queen to his King?
Or will King let her and Roman leave and not come back?
Roman is finding out that working for the Family is alot harder than the Buratti's. He's got his work cut out for him. Figuring out that the new generation have been behind ruling for the past few years. It's hard to figure out who's behind this. Sure the Family have had their fair share of enemies and defeated them in their stride.
Will they do it this time?
To fight for King's birth right and for him to become Capo?
I couldn't help but feel for King, and Del is one strong woman.
Award for side character in this book goes to Tiffany. She's brilliant. So unaffected by her surroundings. She opens her mouth and runs with it. She walks to her own beats of her drum.
The humour and banter between them all is always present, and the group chats are entertaining.
*Arc provided via Valentine PR for an honest review*
Mafia Royals #5
Rachel Van Dyken
Releases 1st Feb
@Valentine_pr
POV:Dual 👑Until it ends👑
King & Del
#arc #arcreader #reader #reviewer #amreading #currentlyreading #mafia #romance #suspence #MafiaRoyalsRomance #BloodInNoOut #nextgeneration #emotional #allthefeels #drama #angst #gripping
OMG!! Where to start?! I F*LOVED King & Del's story! Fast paced, emotional read. I laughed, I cried. Then again Rachel's Mafia always makes me cry.
Can be read as a standalone, but enjoyed more read in order.
How do you write a spoiler free review for Rachel's Mafia Men?.....
King Campisi, Mafia Royalty, Tex Campisi's, Capo of the Cosa Nostra, Five Families, Godfather's Son, next in line to rule over the Five Families. The crown weighs heavy. He's meant to be the glue, but why does he feel broken and lost? His name is King after all.
A family, the Buratti's, have offered an arranged marriage, to solidify the families.
It would be fine if he didn't know who he'd have to marry for this arrangement. But he does know her. They're friends, of sorts. It also doesn't help that he's in love with her. Her, on the other hand, she's in love with someone else. It's just a transaction, business, to keep peace between them and the Five Families. The Buratti's have the best bodyguards, and since cleansing out the De Lange's they're short on soldiers, but not on money.
Del Buratti, her life isn't her own, she's now a pawn. She was meant to take over as head of her family, but an Uncle, who has no interest in her, or her wellbeing. Has stepped up to rule over their family.
She doesn't trust easily. She trusts Roman and the second generation Heirs. But doesn't trust the older generation, let alone her own family. Her uncle is only out for power.
She's never had the love she should have had growing up. She's observant, knows how to act when appropriate, blends in well, she did go undercover into Eagle Elite University to find out info.
Now she's to marry for peace and power. But, she's already in love, and said yes to marry someone else. Roman, he didn't grow up with money, his father worked his way up in the Buratti family and so has he. He's a made man for Del's family. Del's had to hand back his ring, now that she's to marry King Campisi - the Prince himself.
King knows about Del and Roman. He sacrifices his own happiness. He gives Del what she wants. Roman. As her personal bodyguard, and more. King & Del will appear as the power couple as they should be, while he watches the woman he loves be in love and seeing someone else. Hiding his pain, suffering in silence, while his heart breaks.
Del wants King to be happy, if only she could have feelings for him. Will he find someone else to be happy with?
Now that she's married to King, she's having confusing feelings for him. Sure she likes him, they're friends. But she's still in love with Roman. But now there's a hit out for the two of them. Who dares challenges King for Capo status?
Could one of his brothers, cousins, best friends be really out to kill him? Surely not! They're all tight, a locked box, have each other's backs. They're blood.
Everyone is now a suspect.
Who would benefit from the power?
Will Del stand with King?
Can she be the Queen to his King?
Or will King let her and Roman leave and not come back?
Roman is finding out that working for the Family is alot harder than the Buratti's. He's got his work cut out for him. Figuring out that the new generation have been behind ruling for the past few years. It's hard to figure out who's behind this. Sure the Family have had their fair share of enemies and defeated them in their stride.
Will they do it this time?
To fight for King's birth right and for him to become Capo?
I couldn't help but feel for King, and Del is one strong woman.
Award for side character in this book goes to Tiffany. She's brilliant. So unaffected by her surroundings. She opens her mouth and runs with it. She walks to her own beats of her drum.
The humour and banter between them all is always present, and the group chats are entertaining.
*Arc provided via Valentine PR for an honest review*
January 29, 2022
Mind. Blown.
ARC received from author for an honest review.
What are you doing to me, Rachel Van Dyken?
I mean, every time I pick up one of your mafia books, I know it is going to be a roller coaster of a ride but mannn, I was a wreck from the prologue to the last word.
I... I... still, days later I don't know how to put into words what I think of Broken Crown,
My heart hurt for King. And it didn't stop right to the last word.My heart was ripped out of my chest, stomped on and then put back together again,
Being the last in the Mafia Royals series, there was so, so much going down and I was wondering how we were going to get through it all, But never fear, Ms Van Dyken never disappoints,
I was sitting here thinking "how can you make me dislike characters, yet have me love them at the same time?" There is always someone like that in her mafia world.
I am so, so sad that this is the end of the Mafia Royals - who would have thought I would love the next gen as much as the OG EE guys.
I hope we get more mafia in the future
BLOOD IN. NO OUT.
a>
ARC received from author for an honest review.
What are you doing to me, Rachel Van Dyken?
I mean, every time I pick up one of your mafia books, I know it is going to be a roller coaster of a ride but mannn, I was a wreck from the prologue to the last word.
I... I... still, days later I don't know how to put into words what I think of Broken Crown,
My heart hurt for King. And it didn't stop right to the last word.My heart was ripped out of my chest, stomped on and then put back together again,
Being the last in the Mafia Royals series, there was so, so much going down and I was wondering how we were going to get through it all, But never fear, Ms Van Dyken never disappoints,
I was sitting here thinking "how can you make me dislike characters, yet have me love them at the same time?" There is always someone like that in her mafia world.
I am so, so sad that this is the end of the Mafia Royals - who would have thought I would love the next gen as much as the OG EE guys.
I hope we get more mafia in the future
BLOOD IN. NO OUT.
ARC received from author for an honest review.
a>
January 28, 2022
Well, Rachel has done it again! I can't believe this is the end of Mafia Royals already. It's sad to see this series end, but knowing that it's not the last of the Mafia stories in the future, I guess i'll take what I can get lol Rachel did not make this last book easy on us. And since this story is about King, the Capo's son, well.... can you blame her for making it hard? What do you expect?
With the arranged marriage to the woman he loves it hard to be entirely happy when he knows that her mind and heart are with another man. A man he stupidly made her personal bodyguard, as if the torture of knowing wasn't already bad enough. He has seven days with her after the wedding, just the two of them so he can lay claim to her body and soul, but how can seven days really be enough when you want her every single second of every single day? How can seven days be enough with the woman you would die for? It has to be enough. It has to be enough to show her exactly how he feels. To show her that life with him could be amazing.
But when is anything fair in the mafia?
Tragedy strikes and they are suddenly torn away from their honeymoon too soon, forcing them back to reality. A reality that is coming too soon and King finds himself forced to take the weight of the mafia crown. Question is, will he have his Queen by his side during all of this? And who can he really trust when it comes down to it? The weight of the crown is heavy on his head but he'll kill anyone that tries to take it from him. He's determined to rule with an iron fist and may God help anyone who stands in his way.
I hope you all have tissue on standby for this book, because you'll need it. I know we always say this when reading Rachel's ARCs, you're not ready, but dudes.... it's always true. And you're seriously not ready for King and Del's story! lol There are so many times when I was like.... don't do it Rachel! Don't do it! And then she's just like, What? Sorry, didn't hear you. And then boom! I'm left speechless. This book tore me apart as much as it made be laugh. The crew were still there to make jokes, OG as well as next gen, but I think in this story, I was more sad for King than I was laughing at the other guys. I mean, the guy is next in line to be the Capo dei Capi of the Cosa Nostra and not only that but he's also having to marry someone he can't stop thinking about while she's constantly thinking of someone else. How does he do it?? Seriously! Ugh.
My heart broke. I was shocked with some big OMG moments that I was not expecting! As Rachel does, she does show the love too. The love for the Families is something you will only find in her Mafia books and it is so incredible. I want to say so much more but i'm afraid I will give too much away if I do lol
Just know, that this book is going to have in a whirlwind. You'll be up, you'll be down, you'll go crazy with no sleeping because you'll need to know what happens next by the end of each chapter. You'll want more even when it hurts. Get ready. I suggest pre-ordering now so then you can start reading the minute it is released.
So much love for Eagle Elite and Mafia Royals! I cannot wait for more in the future <3
P.S. Chase is still mine. Back off everyone. I see you eyeing him up. I'm watching you
With the arranged marriage to the woman he loves it hard to be entirely happy when he knows that her mind and heart are with another man. A man he stupidly made her personal bodyguard, as if the torture of knowing wasn't already bad enough. He has seven days with her after the wedding, just the two of them so he can lay claim to her body and soul, but how can seven days really be enough when you want her every single second of every single day? How can seven days be enough with the woman you would die for? It has to be enough. It has to be enough to show her exactly how he feels. To show her that life with him could be amazing.
But when is anything fair in the mafia?
Tragedy strikes and they are suddenly torn away from their honeymoon too soon, forcing them back to reality. A reality that is coming too soon and King finds himself forced to take the weight of the mafia crown. Question is, will he have his Queen by his side during all of this? And who can he really trust when it comes down to it? The weight of the crown is heavy on his head but he'll kill anyone that tries to take it from him. He's determined to rule with an iron fist and may God help anyone who stands in his way.
Until it ends
I hope you all have tissue on standby for this book, because you'll need it. I know we always say this when reading Rachel's ARCs, you're not ready, but dudes.... it's always true. And you're seriously not ready for King and Del's story! lol There are so many times when I was like.... don't do it Rachel! Don't do it! And then she's just like, What? Sorry, didn't hear you. And then boom! I'm left speechless. This book tore me apart as much as it made be laugh. The crew were still there to make jokes, OG as well as next gen, but I think in this story, I was more sad for King than I was laughing at the other guys. I mean, the guy is next in line to be the Capo dei Capi of the Cosa Nostra and not only that but he's also having to marry someone he can't stop thinking about while she's constantly thinking of someone else. How does he do it?? Seriously! Ugh.
My heart broke. I was shocked with some big OMG moments that I was not expecting! As Rachel does, she does show the love too. The love for the Families is something you will only find in her Mafia books and it is so incredible. I want to say so much more but i'm afraid I will give too much away if I do lol
Just know, that this book is going to have in a whirlwind. You'll be up, you'll be down, you'll go crazy with no sleeping because you'll need to know what happens next by the end of each chapter. You'll want more even when it hurts. Get ready. I suggest pre-ordering now so then you can start reading the minute it is released.
So much love for Eagle Elite and Mafia Royals! I cannot wait for more in the future <3
P.S. Chase is still mine. Back off everyone. I see you eyeing him up. I'm watching you
January 24, 2022
This book was so much more than I could have ever anticipated. If you’ve been here since the beginning, then you know there is so much more going on than you could even begin to guess. Each couple, each moment, each memory, each betrayal, each story cuts you to the bone, but King he obliterates your entire being. His progression into the man that he’s become was not something I could have guessed. I had no idea what I was in for with him. And honestly, I love that, I went in blind and having done that this book hit me in ways that I won’t soon recover from.
Rachel shredded me with is story, each page turned was another cut to my soul destroying it line by line, word by word, until I was a mess of so many emotions that I couldn’t keep up. I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to ruin the experience but just know that I could not stop the tears from flowing, I sat in my chair gutted and aching, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This was the conclusion that this amazingly addictive series needed. Yes, Rachel rips your heart out of your chest leaving an empty cavity where it once was, but you will not regret a single second of the pain.
This story is beautiful and raw showing King in his truest form. His strength and selflessness will squeeze your heart so tight you won’t be able to breathe. He is the true King of the Cosa Nostra and he wears his crown with power, loyalty, and love. This man will forever live in the very marrow of my being, he is without a doubt in my mind a book boyfriend that I’ll forever compare all future ones to, and I worry that none will be able to compete. This is a must read this year, every year, for forever. Blood In. No Out.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy
Rachel shredded me with is story, each page turned was another cut to my soul destroying it line by line, word by word, until I was a mess of so many emotions that I couldn’t keep up. I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to ruin the experience but just know that I could not stop the tears from flowing, I sat in my chair gutted and aching, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This was the conclusion that this amazingly addictive series needed. Yes, Rachel rips your heart out of your chest leaving an empty cavity where it once was, but you will not regret a single second of the pain.
This story is beautiful and raw showing King in his truest form. His strength and selflessness will squeeze your heart so tight you won’t be able to breathe. He is the true King of the Cosa Nostra and he wears his crown with power, loyalty, and love. This man will forever live in the very marrow of my being, he is without a doubt in my mind a book boyfriend that I’ll forever compare all future ones to, and I worry that none will be able to compete. This is a must read this year, every year, for forever. Blood In. No Out.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy
January 31, 2022
Ahhhhhh, Rachel!!! This is how you end a series and temporarily end a saga. My heart is heavy yet happy.
When Rachel forewarned many of us in her group that this book would make us cry, I truly had not anticipated the magnitude of that statement. This book rocked me and dropped me to my knees.
Broken Crown is King's story. If you have read the previous books (which I highly, highly recommend doing before reading this one), then you know who King is – Tex's son, the next Capo. But his story is not an easy story.
"She may not love. But I vow to love her enough for the both of us."
Rachel truly allowed King to tell his own story in his own way and it is wrought with so much emotion. I could feel my heart pounding the entire length of this book and even after finishing it, it hasn't slowed down.
King and Del's story is one hell of a ride. It is a love triangle, but not one you expect. It is a story of trust, strength and a love that knows no bounds. And that is all I am saying on that.
I thought I was ready for this, but I wasn't. I'm not. To have 25 stories over 12 years come to a rest….it's a lot. And Rachel ended it in the only way a mafia saga can end. There's a lot that goes in this story that brings it all together and only in a way that Rachel can.
"Until it Ends."
"Blood In. No Out."
When Rachel forewarned many of us in her group that this book would make us cry, I truly had not anticipated the magnitude of that statement. This book rocked me and dropped me to my knees.
Broken Crown is King's story. If you have read the previous books (which I highly, highly recommend doing before reading this one), then you know who King is – Tex's son, the next Capo. But his story is not an easy story.
"She may not love. But I vow to love her enough for the both of us."
Rachel truly allowed King to tell his own story in his own way and it is wrought with so much emotion. I could feel my heart pounding the entire length of this book and even after finishing it, it hasn't slowed down.
King and Del's story is one hell of a ride. It is a love triangle, but not one you expect. It is a story of trust, strength and a love that knows no bounds. And that is all I am saying on that.
I thought I was ready for this, but I wasn't. I'm not. To have 25 stories over 12 years come to a rest….it's a lot. And Rachel ended it in the only way a mafia saga can end. There's a lot that goes in this story that brings it all together and only in a way that Rachel can.
"Until it Ends."
"Blood In. No Out."
January 24, 2022
How do you wrap up your thoughts on a book that was more than just a new release for one of your favorite series ever? How do you summarize something that simultaneously gives you everything thing that you need all while tearing out your heart? Nothing I say will do this book justice.
"I'm fighting for peace in a world of nothing but war."
Wrapping up a world that has spanned as many books as this one has, I couldn't see how it was going to be possible. Not only did Rachel do right by this book, she gave everything to this world....Until the end.
"She may not love me.
But I vow to love her enough for the both of us.
Until the end.
Until the end.
Until it ends.
Amen."
I shed a tear for what went down here.
I shed a tear for what felt like I was losing family here.
I shed a tear for a chapter I wasn't ready to be done with.
I don't like walking away from this world, but Rachel left everything on the table with Broken Crown, and I've made my peace with it.
"You trust me. You always trust family."
BLOOD IN. NO OUT.
Bonus Notes:
Scene between King & Chase....
I roll my eyes. "It's against my moral compass."
He recoils, shooting me an amazed gaze. "You have one of those? What's it feel like? I've always wondered."
God Chase, I will miss you forever.....
"We loved with a love that was more than love." Edgar Allan Poe
I don't think I've seen a quote that fits this series more than that one by Edgar Allan Poe.
ARC in exchange for an honest review
"I'm fighting for peace in a world of nothing but war."
Wrapping up a world that has spanned as many books as this one has, I couldn't see how it was going to be possible. Not only did Rachel do right by this book, she gave everything to this world....Until the end.
"She may not love me.
But I vow to love her enough for the both of us.
Until the end.
Until the end.
Until it ends.
Amen."
I shed a tear for what went down here.
I shed a tear for what felt like I was losing family here.
I shed a tear for a chapter I wasn't ready to be done with.
I don't like walking away from this world, but Rachel left everything on the table with Broken Crown, and I've made my peace with it.
"You trust me. You always trust family."
BLOOD IN. NO OUT.
Bonus Notes:
Scene between King & Chase....
I roll my eyes. "It's against my moral compass."
He recoils, shooting me an amazed gaze. "You have one of those? What's it feel like? I've always wondered."
God Chase, I will miss you forever.....
"We loved with a love that was more than love." Edgar Allan Poe
I don't think I've seen a quote that fits this series more than that one by Edgar Allan Poe.
ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 1, 2022
Unrequited Love and an Arranged Marriages screams angst and emotional to me already! And that is exactly what Rachel van Dyken wanted us to feel with Broken Crown! I didn‘t think I would love anyones more then Valerians but then she had to give us this amazing hero King! He‘s not what he claims to be in the previous books and it seriously shows!
I didn‘t know if I liked Del or not in the beginning of the book but she turned out to be this amazing heroine, who know when she is needed and who also can put herself second for the greater good.
I really loved King and Del‘s story! I was rooting so hard for them! The angst and emotion was totaly worth it in the end!
I also really liked that we got to see a bit of Roman‘s POV to get a better feel for this story and how it‘s going to go! I loved how he got to be a part of this big famiy in the end and maybe he could get a little novella of his own? *wink wink*
Overall this was the perfect ending for the time being! King has bumped alot of guys down my favorite hero ladder!
5⭐️
I didn‘t know if I liked Del or not in the beginning of the book but she turned out to be this amazing heroine, who know when she is needed and who also can put herself second for the greater good.
I really loved King and Del‘s story! I was rooting so hard for them! The angst and emotion was totaly worth it in the end!
I also really liked that we got to see a bit of Roman‘s POV to get a better feel for this story and how it‘s going to go! I loved how he got to be a part of this big famiy in the end and maybe he could get a little novella of his own? *wink wink*
Overall this was the perfect ending for the time being! King has bumped alot of guys down my favorite hero ladder!
5⭐️
January 24, 2022
A for R
Fast paced. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Mafia sweet with a bit of
You know if I was a crier. I would have shed some tears.
I’ve loved Rachel’s Mafia books since I got my hands on elite. And with each series it comes full circle. While it’s the end of a series, it’s the beginning of something else. Because ummmm that ending….. is that just teasing us for what’s next???
There is so much I want to say. But I can’t because you just have to read it for yourself. And if I spend too much time in this review I’ll spoil it. So instead I spoiled it for two people who won’t read the books anyways because they aren’t into the mafia world books like I am.
King……. I always wondered what was going on in your head and with this book we finally get to see what your made of. PS he doesn’t disappoint.
Del…… you are just full of surprises aren’t you.
Roman…… I didn’t want to like you. I mean really. But you did get what you wanted after all.
I’m glad everything came to an end tied with a nice little bow.
First book read for the year and I’m glad I waited for this one.
Congrats Rachel on another fantastic mafia book!
Fast paced. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Mafia sweet with a bit of
You know if I was a crier. I would have shed some tears.
I’ve loved Rachel’s Mafia books since I got my hands on elite. And with each series it comes full circle. While it’s the end of a series, it’s the beginning of something else. Because ummmm that ending….. is that just teasing us for what’s next???
There is so much I want to say. But I can’t because you just have to read it for yourself. And if I spend too much time in this review I’ll spoil it. So instead I spoiled it for two people who won’t read the books anyways because they aren’t into the mafia world books like I am.
King……. I always wondered what was going on in your head and with this book we finally get to see what your made of. PS he doesn’t disappoint.
Del…… you are just full of surprises aren’t you.
Roman…… I didn’t want to like you. I mean really. But you did get what you wanted after all.
I’m glad everything came to an end tied with a nice little bow.
First book read for the year and I’m glad I waited for this one.
Congrats Rachel on another fantastic mafia book!
January 26, 2022
What a book! You know what they say as in they save the best for last! Well Rachel did just that. She not only made this my favorite Royals book but she has me balling like a baby through most of it which is not normal for me. My heart weeped for King and Del as they navigated there new life together. They will face many obstacles together some good and bad but with a strong Queen by your side you can face anything. I ugly cried through out this book and then I realized that this was the end for the second generation of the Mafia Royals! But I'm so excited to see how the next generation plays out!
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