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Mafia Royals #3
Destructive King
A mafia romance about love and loss by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
…When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
— Mary Elizabeth Fyre
"I'm sorry for your loss." I would rather be tortured for an eternity than hear those damn words from one more person, as if Claire, my dead fiancé, was a cell phone or car keys.
How about, I'm sorry your life is over.
I'm sorry you want to die too.
I'm sorry you see her in your dreams and wake up only to relive the nightmare.
I'm supposed to be the strongest of them all. Ash Abandonato, ruler, assassin, made man, brother, friend—instead, I hurt everyone I touch in hopes that they'll feel even a sliver of the pain that bears down on my shoulders.
I didn't lose.
It was taken from me.
And it's all her fault, Annie Smith.
I daydream about her death.
And then I close my eyes, and I see her soft smile. I feel her touch, her kiss—it was a mistake what we did that night, but I can't take it back, and now she's under my father's protection—my protection.
My worst enemy.
The woman I'm the most attracted to.
I can't decide if I want to strangle her or kiss her, and now that she's stuck in my life, my only goal is to make her feel the same loss I do and destroy her in the process.
I'll trick her with my touch.
Seduce her with my kiss.
And in the end, when my enemy is at her most vulnerable—I'll bring down an entire Empire and continue my reign as King.
Bow down, I'll say as I bring the Five Families to their knees.
Blood in.
Never out.
Damned.
…When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
— Mary Elizabeth Fyre
"I'm sorry for your loss." I would rather be tortured for an eternity than hear those damn words from one more person, as if Claire, my dead fiancé, was a cell phone or car keys.
How about, I'm sorry your life is over.
I'm sorry you want to die too.
I'm sorry you see her in your dreams and wake up only to relive the nightmare.
I'm supposed to be the strongest of them all. Ash Abandonato, ruler, assassin, made man, brother, friend—instead, I hurt everyone I touch in hopes that they'll feel even a sliver of the pain that bears down on my shoulders.
I didn't lose.
It was taken from me.
And it's all her fault, Annie Smith.
I daydream about her death.
And then I close my eyes, and I see her soft smile. I feel her touch, her kiss—it was a mistake what we did that night, but I can't take it back, and now she's under my father's protection—my protection.
My worst enemy.
The woman I'm the most attracted to.
I can't decide if I want to strangle her or kiss her, and now that she's stuck in my life, my only goal is to make her feel the same loss I do and destroy her in the process.
I'll trick her with my touch.
Seduce her with my kiss.
And in the end, when my enemy is at her most vulnerable—I'll bring down an entire Empire and continue my reign as King.
Bow down, I'll say as I bring the Five Families to their knees.
Blood in.
Never out.
Damned.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
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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March 21, 2023
“Assassin. Mean. He was a god. King. Mine.”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💜💛💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
The setting: Chicago
The Hero(s): Asher Abandonato - the enforcer in the Abandonato Famiglia. Ash is the one charged with the protection of the family, of getting their enemies to talk and with killing them. Even when they are family that want nothing more than to get out of the life, but that wasn’t allowed because they knew too much to be out in the world alone. He had is first kill at age 12 and by the time he was a senior in High School he had 30+ kills under his belt including some cousins.
The heroine: Annie Smith - after losing her adopted parents, Annie moves in with Senator Chase Abandonato and family (Ash is Chase’s son and lives in the huge pool house). Annie’s past is unclear but it seems that Chase knows something about Annie’s background and she is in some way connected to the mafia by blood.
The Love Story: In Royal Bully, Ash met Claire and thought she was his soul mate. She later died in a car accident and Ash blames Annie for Claire’s death for some reason. Annie has always had a crush on Ash and tries to help him with his grief, but he wants none of that and eventually decides what he wants is revenge.
I really enjoyed this story for many reasons and I liked that the storylines had a lot of mystery and there weren’t obvious clues as to what those mysteries entailed. There was enough to show that there were mysteries, but not too much that we knew the answers early on. That was the one issue I had with the last book.
In this one there was the mystery about Annie’s background and another as to why Ash blames her for Claire dying. There is also a mystery about why Annie is keeping the fact that she and Tank (the Abandonato’s new recruit, an FBI Informant) have known each other for years and didn’t just meet last year at Eagle Elite University.
It is possible that some of these things were answered in previous books, but I have a terrible memory for minor details in books I have previously read (my age is showing). Not only that, I read over 300 books last year and I read the first two in the first quarter of the year, so it is hard to remember.
There were some more mysteries as well that moved the plot along, such as the stuffed white horse that Ash found. The meaning behind that in the mafia is “Rat”. Obviously we don’t think Ash is a Rat, but who does and why?
I usually hate books where Hero has a significant other that died. I guess because of all the grief and angst, but also I like the protagonists in a romance to find their “one” and not have had two “ones” if you know what I mean. I don’t mind previous romances in their past, because obviously the exes were never the soul mate or they would still be together.
That is just me though, my preferences and most of the time (like now) when I end up reading second-chance romances with a death of the ex, I end up not minding. In this one the grief Ash felt spurred on his feelings of hate for Annie, but he totally wanted her as well right off the bat, which made him hate her even more. I ended up liking the story and it made the passion between them whenever they were in the same room, so hot!
Lastly the humor in the book was great. This young blood thirsty mafia family makes fun of how ruthless and savage they are. They are all a bit crazy and the things they do and say are sometimes pretty hilarious! I loved it.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💜💛💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
The setting: Chicago
The Hero(s): Asher Abandonato - the enforcer in the Abandonato Famiglia. Ash is the one charged with the protection of the family, of getting their enemies to talk and with killing them. Even when they are family that want nothing more than to get out of the life, but that wasn’t allowed because they knew too much to be out in the world alone. He had is first kill at age 12 and by the time he was a senior in High School he had 30+ kills under his belt including some cousins.
The heroine: Annie Smith - after losing her adopted parents, Annie moves in with Senator Chase Abandonato and family (Ash is Chase’s son and lives in the huge pool house). Annie’s past is unclear but it seems that Chase knows something about Annie’s background and she is in some way connected to the mafia by blood.
The Love Story: In Royal Bully, Ash met Claire and thought she was his soul mate. She later died in a car accident and Ash blames Annie for Claire’s death for some reason. Annie has always had a crush on Ash and tries to help him with his grief, but he wants none of that and eventually decides what he wants is revenge.
I really enjoyed this story for many reasons and I liked that the storylines had a lot of mystery and there weren’t obvious clues as to what those mysteries entailed. There was enough to show that there were mysteries, but not too much that we knew the answers early on. That was the one issue I had with the last book.
In this one there was the mystery about Annie’s background and another as to why Ash blames her for Claire dying. There is also a mystery about why Annie is keeping the fact that she and Tank (the Abandonato’s new recruit, an FBI Informant) have known each other for years and didn’t just meet last year at Eagle Elite University.
It is possible that some of these things were answered in previous books, but I have a terrible memory for minor details in books I have previously read (my age is showing). Not only that, I read over 300 books last year and I read the first two in the first quarter of the year, so it is hard to remember.
There were some more mysteries as well that moved the plot along, such as the stuffed white horse that Ash found. The meaning behind that in the mafia is “Rat”. Obviously we don’t think Ash is a Rat, but who does and why?
I usually hate books where Hero has a significant other that died. I guess because of all the grief and angst, but also I like the protagonists in a romance to find their “one” and not have had two “ones” if you know what I mean. I don’t mind previous romances in their past, because obviously the exes were never the soul mate or they would still be together.
That is just me though, my preferences and most of the time (like now) when I end up reading second-chance romances with a death of the ex, I end up not minding. In this one the grief Ash felt spurred on his feelings of hate for Annie, but he totally wanted her as well right off the bat, which made him hate her even more. I ended up liking the story and it made the passion between them whenever they were in the same room, so hot!
Lastly the humor in the book was great. This young blood thirsty mafia family makes fun of how ruthless and savage they are. They are all a bit crazy and the things they do and say are sometimes pretty hilarious! I loved it.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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January 31, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
And she had peace.
I was a son of war.
The two would never… could never meet.”
There are Books that you are crazy about and then there are the ones that consume your whole soul , the books about which you think all the time and greedily eat all the crumbs the author throws at you about that said book. “Destructive King” was that book for me. So many years of reading books and I can assure you that I have never wanted a book as bad as I wanted this one! It would suffice to say that I had high hopes from this one and It stood up to everyone of my expectations! In typical RVD fashion , Rachel has managed to blow my mind and I can’t recommend this book enough to every Mafia Lover!! There is no way that you can call yourself a “mafia” lover if you have not read the “Eagle Elite'' series first. It’s absolutely forbidden.
Protector.
Monster.
Bully.
Mine.”
From the moment I read about “Ash'' and “Annie” in the last book of the series , I knew their book was going to be one of my top reads and The anticipation drove me crazy! The storyline was amazing and don’t even make me talk about that plot twist. You guys just have to see it yourself but let me just warn you that this book was the best start to a new year that I could have had and it was a masterpiece in itself!
Ash was the son of the ruthless senator / Boss Chase. He was an assassin at the age of 12 and was known for his ruthless character just like his dad. But he had love in his heart too. That is until he lost his Fiance in an accident and that even changed him forever. She was the other half of his soul , the one who kept him calm. And Now she is gone so there will be destruction all over. And the main person caught in that destruction will be Annie. The girl who was responsible for her Fiance’s Death. The one who makes him want so much more all the while making him hate her. The one he is going to happily destroy until there was nothing left of her.
This villain.
This monster .
This destructive King.”
Annie had never had an easy life. An orphan , she was first abused by her adoptive parents and then by the others. When she met Chase’s family , she thought she had finally found her light and a family. And she had. There was just one problem. A gorgeous and cold problem. Ash hated her and he never left any opportunity to show that to her. She was ready to give him her soul but he never wanted that from her. So she left him. But now she is back. Being back Home after a year was making her nervous and so was her encounter with the man who still hated her with the same burning passion. And this time he had decided to complete the task that he left halfway last time. The task of breaking her completely.
Tears meant she was still fighting.
They meant she still cared.
They meant I was something”
Ash and Annie’s story was definitely an amazing mafia read and the author , as usual , left me reeling for the stories of the leftover characters. I can’t wait to know whose book and next and devour them too!! A definite recommendation to all the mafia romance lovers out there!
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January 25, 2021
I should always have faith in this spin off series of the Eagle Elite series! This series is the Royal Mafia series and it features the next generation of the Eagle Elite’s children... of course they are all grown up and bad ass!!! I was not disappointed in the least, and this will definitely be my first “best of 2021”!
This is the third instalment and it’s about Ash and Annie... they have a lot of speed bumps on their journey and believe me when I say their relationship goes through so much pain before any happiness comes along.
What I love about this whole series is how even though it’s dark and violent at times, it also has a ton of humour! The mafia families interactions are hilarious and I love how they have each other’s back at any cost!!! Also the sexual chemistry between Ash and Annie is smokin!!! There isn’t a ton of sexual action in the first half of the book, but believe me.. the wait is well worth it!!!
I highly recommend this series.. but before you read it I would suggest reading the Eagle Elite series first!!! It’s my favourite mafia romance series ever!❤️
This is the third instalment and it’s about Ash and Annie... they have a lot of speed bumps on their journey and believe me when I say their relationship goes through so much pain before any happiness comes along.
What I love about this whole series is how even though it’s dark and violent at times, it also has a ton of humour! The mafia families interactions are hilarious and I love how they have each other’s back at any cost!!! Also the sexual chemistry between Ash and Annie is smokin!!! There isn’t a ton of sexual action in the first half of the book, but believe me.. the wait is well worth it!!!
I highly recommend this series.. but before you read it I would suggest reading the Eagle Elite series first!!! It’s my favourite mafia romance series ever!❤️
January 9, 2021
You have no idea how excited I was for Destructive King!
I knew Ash and Annie’s story was going to be hell..my kind of hell. A hell where emotions are high, the chemistry is off the charts, and the bonds of friendship and revenge are insanely addictive.
Asher Abandonato had already stolen my heart a long time ago. I knew this man would ruin me. No child of Chase Abandonato would just breeze past me and NOT LEAVE a lasting impression.
Having lost the woman he loved, Ash is miserable and It broke my heart to read about his struggles, indecisions and his misery. Even before Claire’s death, Asher already had this air of power to him but after Claire’s death, he became this ruthless, deathly and dangerous man… and I was living for this dangerous king.
Annie was half in love with a man who loved a ghost and I felt so much for her. I adore Annie and I’ve felt this feeling of protectiveness even before this book.
Ash and Annie are so different yet they just click. He is the hard to her soft, the ruthlessness to her gentle, compassionate soul but no one can deny that they are soulmates.
Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken is CRAZY GOOD. I loved it so much so that I feel like it ended way too soon. Within a blink of an eye, I felt like I’ve lived a lifetime with this crazy mafia family.
Destructive King is faultless. It made me laugh and cry, it made me swoon and blush. I always get excited to read scenes with the entire family and the interactions in this book just made me fall for this entire crazy mafia family so much more.
Destructive King was also a whirlwind of so much anger, sadness, revenge and lust. Oh my God the angst and lust!!!!! Asher and Annie could burn the pages of any book! I was honestly not prepared for the angst..the whole enemies to lovers trope… *chef’s kiss*
Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken is perfection. I cannot wait to read more from this series.
Until then,
Blood in. No out.
March 10, 2021
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: DESTRUCTIVE KING
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:Rachel Van Dyken
TYPE: BOOK #3 OF MAFIA ROYALS...
READING ORDER:
Royal Bully➡Ruthless Princess (1)➡Scandalous Prince➡Destructive King
POV: FIRST PERSON: MULTIPLE POV.
MY RATING: 4.5 " I AM ADDICTED TO THIS WORLD" STARS.
What a fantastic way to start your 2021...This book was my first read of this year and I couldn't have chosen it better. Rachel Van Dyken has truly left me tongue-tied and in a daze. Even after finishing this book hours ago, I cant seem to find words to describe what an astounding experience this book was!!!
Ash...😭😭😭 You can't even imagine the agony he is going through...As the heir to senator/ Mafia Boss and one of the most powerful families, showing weakness is not an option. But when his Fiance and unborn child died in a car accident...He is broken. His mourning is anything if not self-destructive and a danger to everyone around him. And his main animosity lands on Annie Smith, an unintentional reason behind his Fiance's death.
Annie Smith, an orphan, and a bright student, under the protection of the Abandanatos. She never had an easy life, firstly abused by her adoptive parents then by others. But now, she has found a true family in her friends and these strangers. Ony one person is against her presence...Ash Abandanato. He hates her...but this feeling is mutual. but underneath this animosity is sizzling chemistry and attraction.
Ash and Annie are hot together....well, that's an understatement. They are everything.
Ash was a true a$$hole to her...he never raised his hands but the wound given to her by his words was enough to break her heart.
The plot twist was so surprising...in most books, we kinda have a hunch of what's going to happen but here, I had no clue...I was just in for a ride with no control whatsoever...but I truly devoured it page by page...
This world will gulp you in and refused to let you go... the characters from the previous series were so entertaining to watch.
Although this is standalone, I will just suggest you read all the books in the order because of spoilers. And the continuity will get you more intrigued in the storyline.
Now, come on...be a part of the family !!!
BLOOD IN, NO OUT
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:Rachel Van Dyken
TYPE: BOOK #3 OF MAFIA ROYALS...
READING ORDER:
Royal Bully➡Ruthless Princess (1)➡Scandalous Prince➡Destructive King
POV: FIRST PERSON: MULTIPLE POV.
MY RATING: 4.5 " I AM ADDICTED TO THIS WORLD" STARS.
What a fantastic way to start your 2021...This book was my first read of this year and I couldn't have chosen it better. Rachel Van Dyken has truly left me tongue-tied and in a daze. Even after finishing this book hours ago, I cant seem to find words to describe what an astounding experience this book was!!!
Ash...😭😭😭 You can't even imagine the agony he is going through...As the heir to senator/ Mafia Boss and one of the most powerful families, showing weakness is not an option. But when his Fiance and unborn child died in a car accident...He is broken. His mourning is anything if not self-destructive and a danger to everyone around him. And his main animosity lands on Annie Smith, an unintentional reason behind his Fiance's death.
Annie Smith, an orphan, and a bright student, under the protection of the Abandanatos. She never had an easy life, firstly abused by her adoptive parents then by others. But now, she has found a true family in her friends and these strangers. Ony one person is against her presence...Ash Abandanato. He hates her...but this feeling is mutual. but underneath this animosity is sizzling chemistry and attraction.
‘We made zero sense. I’d thought. And now I realized. We were the only thing that did make sense in this cruel world. Fallen King and his Orphan Queen.’
Ash and Annie are hot together....well, that's an understatement. They are everything.
Ash was a true a$$hole to her...he never raised his hands but the wound given to her by his words was enough to break her heart.
The plot twist was so surprising...in most books, we kinda have a hunch of what's going to happen but here, I had no clue...I was just in for a ride with no control whatsoever...but I truly devoured it page by page...
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light, Annie. You just can’t see them—but believe me, they’re there.”
This world will gulp you in and refused to let you go... the characters from the previous series were so entertaining to watch.
Although this is standalone, I will just suggest you read all the books in the order because of spoilers. And the continuity will get you more intrigued in the storyline.
Now, come on...be a part of the family !!!
BLOOD IN, NO OUT
January 17, 2021
Absolute messiness about billionaire teenagers (honestly I have no idea how old they are... sometimes it’s a university story sometimes a late twenties....). Not a single second of this book is mafia related. The writing is messy and goes through mood swings galore.
And hot take of 2021:
*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧ abuse isnt romance *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧
And hot take of 2021:
*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧ abuse isnt romance *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧
September 7, 2021
2 STARS ⋆
emotional punching bag: adjective
emo·tion·al · punching bag | \ i-ˈmō-shnəl- punching bag
: Annie "Smith" *actually* Sinacore
Example of emotional punching bag in a Sentence
// Annie Sinacore is the main heroine and Ash's emotional punching bag for ~85% of the book.
conflicted: adjective
con·flict·ed | \ kən-ˈflik-təd
: Asher (Marco) 'Ash' Abandonato
Example of conflicted in a Sentence
// Ash is the main hero and had conflicted feelings about Annie for ~80% of the book.
════════════════☩══♛══☩══════════════════
Mafia Royals Series
emotional punching bag: adjective
emo·tion·al · punching bag | \ i-ˈmō-shnəl- punching bag
: Annie "Smith" *actually* Sinacore
Example of emotional punching bag in a Sentence
// Annie Sinacore is the main heroine and Ash's emotional punching bag for ~85% of the book.
conflicted: adjective
con·flict·ed | \ kən-ˈflik-təd
: Asher (Marco) 'Ash' Abandonato
Example of conflicted in a Sentence
// Ash is the main hero and had conflicted feelings about Annie for ~80% of the book.
════════════════☩══♛══☩══════════════════
Mafia Royals Series
#0.5 Royal Bully ➳ 3.5 stars
#1 Ruthless Princess ➳ 5 stars
#2 Scandalous Prince ➳ 2.5 stars
#3 Destructive King ➳ 2 stars
#3.5 Mafia King ➳ 2.5 stars
#4 Fallen Dynasty ➳ TBR
#5 Broken Crown ➳ TBR
January 2, 2021
I am a lucky bitch who gets to ARC read this before release day. This review is fresh from my brain after binge reading this book in a matter of hours. Please read with caution!
Holy fuckballs is this one a doozy!
I can’t tell you how many times I read it and went “oh fuck did that just happen?”
Rachel just keeps dropping bangers with this series! Each book is better than the last! More intense, more dark, more sexy, more blood, more betrayal, just MORE!
Ash and Annie are FUCKING PERFECT for each other! Annie is way more than what you see on the surface. She’s a badass bitch who you won’t see coming until it’s too late! She’s a queen! Ash is his father’s son. He is cold blooded but he loves with his entire soul.
You will fall in love with all over again with quite a few characters. Your heart will break for them. You’ll want to kill for them. You’ll want to comfort them. You’ll forget that these are characters in a book because you’ll feel so intensely, so deep into your soul, that you will lose your shit at times. You’ll hate someone that you might never thought to hate. You’ll question everything but in the end, you’ll have all do the answers.
This is the book that reminds you that “Blood in, No out” is not just a saying, it’s not just a motto, it’s fucking real! This is the mafia. Are you ready? Buckle the fuck up kids this one takes you on a hell of a ride!
Holy fuckballs is this one a doozy!
I can’t tell you how many times I read it and went “oh fuck did that just happen?”
Rachel just keeps dropping bangers with this series! Each book is better than the last! More intense, more dark, more sexy, more blood, more betrayal, just MORE!
Ash and Annie are FUCKING PERFECT for each other! Annie is way more than what you see on the surface. She’s a badass bitch who you won’t see coming until it’s too late! She’s a queen! Ash is his father’s son. He is cold blooded but he loves with his entire soul.
You will fall in love with all over again with quite a few characters. Your heart will break for them. You’ll want to kill for them. You’ll want to comfort them. You’ll forget that these are characters in a book because you’ll feel so intensely, so deep into your soul, that you will lose your shit at times. You’ll hate someone that you might never thought to hate. You’ll question everything but in the end, you’ll have all do the answers.
This is the book that reminds you that “Blood in, No out” is not just a saying, it’s not just a motto, it’s fucking real! This is the mafia. Are you ready? Buckle the fuck up kids this one takes you on a hell of a ride!
January 15, 2021
Asher Abandando is most certainly a Destructive King. He has assumed the mantle of leader for the new crop of la familia and so far, he has been pretty brutal. Now, its important that you read Ruthless Princess and Scandalous Prince before diving into Destructive King or else you won't understand how Ash and Annie got to where they are now.
Asher had a fiancee. There is a backstory that is important, but I don't want to spoil it too much if you need to read books 1 and 2. But, the fiancee is gone and Ash's life has been miserable. He is horrible to Annie (for several reasons) but she has a bit of a crush. Now, I will say I struggle with stories that include a dead loved one. How can Annie ever compete with a ghost? And, the ghost of a woman Ash loved so much! But, Van Dyken makes it work. Annie is simply enchanting-she hasn't had an easy life and her entry into the mafia world has been brutal. Despite that, she is kind, sweet, and tough.
Ash is more difficult for me to like. He is such a jerk to Annie! I can empathize with his grief, but that is no excuse to be an asshat. Eventually he stops being king douchecanoe and their relationship faces other obstacles. By the end, I didn't hate him, but I felt like Annie deserved someone better. (I am kind of bitter so I doubt others will dislike him as deeply as I did).
Destructive King delivers all the crazy mafia behavior, danger, betrayal, and romance readers expect from the series. This is another exciting entry in the Mafia Royals series that readers will just devour!
POV: dual 1st
Tears: a few
Trope: bully, mafia, dead love
Series/Standalone: series
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
other mafia romances like Beautiful Criminal by MN Forgy, El Diablo by M. Robinson, Menace by JM Darhower...then you will probably like Destructive King!
January 14, 2021
LISTEN TO ME! fucking fuckery running amok HOLY BALLS!!
Okay, so obviously I'm a fan ... Also, I did a thing .. so when I got the email saying when this ARC would land on my kindle, I went back and reread Princess and Prince and OMG, it was an epic binge never to be topped by any other binge ever again. Amen.
Okay, I’m going to say a bit more about this story because, greatness.
First of all, can we chat about this cover? I mean … *blink* it is ridiculous in its on-point portrayal of Ash and I am in love with it! Although every time I see it, I burst out laughing, it is an exact replica of this story. That alone gives the book mad serious props because so many times covers say very little about the story, instead focusing on trends and what will catch a reader’s eye. And you know what, this definitely catches the ye LOL but it also speaks volumes about the story. It makes me giddy. I know, I’m stupid extra about these things *shrug*
Okay so now the story … spectacular hate to love you journey! I mean spectacular!! RVD created a super couple with Annie and Ash. I could NOT stop reading and that was even after binging the two previous books the day before I started!! Granted, I had previous read the stories so I was only reading to familiarize myself with details but still, I COULD NOT STOP. The push and the hate and the pull and the love and everything in-between wasn’t just captivating, it was thrilling. I was on edge the entire time. SHENANIGANS!
Man, what I wouldn’t do to be able to re-read this story as if it was the first time. It’s an epic ride kids. Buckle up. Blood in. No out!
Available now! Download your copy today!
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/DestructiveKingApple
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XhdsV1
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/DestructiveKing
BN: https://smarturl.it/DestructiveKingBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/DestructiveKingKobo
Okay, so obviously I'm a fan ... Also, I did a thing .. so when I got the email saying when this ARC would land on my kindle, I went back and reread Princess and Prince and OMG, it was an epic binge never to be topped by any other binge ever again. Amen.
Okay, I’m going to say a bit more about this story because, greatness.
First of all, can we chat about this cover? I mean … *blink* it is ridiculous in its on-point portrayal of Ash and I am in love with it! Although every time I see it, I burst out laughing, it is an exact replica of this story. That alone gives the book mad serious props because so many times covers say very little about the story, instead focusing on trends and what will catch a reader’s eye. And you know what, this definitely catches the ye LOL but it also speaks volumes about the story. It makes me giddy. I know, I’m stupid extra about these things *shrug*
Okay so now the story … spectacular hate to love you journey! I mean spectacular!! RVD created a super couple with Annie and Ash. I could NOT stop reading and that was even after binging the two previous books the day before I started!! Granted, I had previous read the stories so I was only reading to familiarize myself with details but still, I COULD NOT STOP. The push and the hate and the pull and the love and everything in-between wasn’t just captivating, it was thrilling. I was on edge the entire time. SHENANIGANS!
Man, what I wouldn’t do to be able to re-read this story as if it was the first time. It’s an epic ride kids. Buckle up. Blood in. No out!
Available now! Download your copy today!
AppleBooks: https://smarturl.it/DestructiveKingApple
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XhdsV1
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/DestructiveKing
BN: https://smarturl.it/DestructiveKingBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/DestructiveKingKobo
January 30, 2021
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I love RVD's mafia books. I finally caught up on them all in 2020, and have been reading each of these Mafia Royals books as they release. I can't get enough of this world.
I was really interested in seeing how Ash and Annie's story would play out. I always thought there was some interest there from both sides, but given what Ash has been through in the previous books, and his behaviour, I really wasn't sure how things could turn around for them.
I really liked Annie, and I loved her progression throughout the story. Some things that happened in the book, I kind of guessed, some others had me surprised, but there is one huge plot twist at the end where I was like OH HELL NO! Ash struggles through this demons in this book, but the real Ash, underneath it all? When he comes out to play, he's amazing. And put them together, and it's a really nice coupling.
I loved all our mafia family moments, and I was laughing out loud at some little snippets. I nearly cried in some parts too, so there's definitely a bit of everything in this one. I love this world and all its intricacies, its like coming home, all the craziness, emotion and hilarity included.
I can't wait for more from this series, or more from this world. As always, highly recommend.
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I love RVD's mafia books. I finally caught up on them all in 2020, and have been reading each of these Mafia Royals books as they release. I can't get enough of this world.
I was really interested in seeing how Ash and Annie's story would play out. I always thought there was some interest there from both sides, but given what Ash has been through in the previous books, and his behaviour, I really wasn't sure how things could turn around for them.
I really liked Annie, and I loved her progression throughout the story. Some things that happened in the book, I kind of guessed, some others had me surprised, but there is one huge plot twist at the end where I was like OH HELL NO! Ash struggles through this demons in this book, but the real Ash, underneath it all? When he comes out to play, he's amazing. And put them together, and it's a really nice coupling.
I loved all our mafia family moments, and I was laughing out loud at some little snippets. I nearly cried in some parts too, so there's definitely a bit of everything in this one. I love this world and all its intricacies, its like coming home, all the craziness, emotion and hilarity included.
I can't wait for more from this series, or more from this world. As always, highly recommend.
Follow me on:
January 12, 2021
Blood in- no out. I’ve never felt that more strongly than with Destructive King. I barely made it past the prologue’s heading quote before I was already in tears. I’ve always loved RVD’s mafia books, but this story is the king of them all. All of the elements I love about an RVD story are here- the angsty, dark intensity we adore, but there’s a profound and deep humanity to this story that sets it apart, a pathos that makes Destructive King a story that pierces the heart more deeply than the ways Rachel has made us bleed before.
Those who’ve been ravenously following these characters have seen Ash before- his volatility, his cruelty, his destructive nature. He’s perhaps the character I’ve been most anxious to crack open- and RVDl does more than crack him open here. She destroys him, and in turn destroys us. A future king who has been destroyed- by his own anger, his grief, his guilt. Quite simply, Ash is devastating. RVD lets us sit in his misery, suffer alongside him, and hurt from his pain. And we hurt because someone else is suffering alongside him, the target for his anger- innocent Annie. Sweet orphaned Annie who moves him in ways he doesn’t understand or see- until potentially irreparable damage is done. We watch Ash not only self-destruct, but we watch him destroy Annie, too. And it is gutting.
RVD’s love stories are always angsty and messy- but this one is particularly turbulent. Grief does things to people. There is so much emotional trauma in their story- both past and present- and RVD really makes them suffer in their emotional stasis, in their toxic feelings. She makes them EARN it. But they know what they say about things that are hard fought- it makes it all the more worthy in the in. The reward is SO sweet here- because it is so hard earned. Because these two characters have to grow and change SO much- they not only have to confront their complicated history and feelings for each other or their own baggage. They have to confront the hardest enemy of all- their own flaws.
Ash is everything we wanted him to be and more. He’s a dark devil, but we also find his vulnerability here, even if that vulnerability is his own cruelty and his regret. We get so deep into his heart that we actually understand how Annie can love someone who treats her so viley- because we can’t help but hurt for him. His transformation from the broken heir into the rightful king is perhaps RVD’s greatest character arc to date. His story is visceral, emotive, explosive, and transformatively profound.
But his journey doesn’t outshine Annie’s- I love her contrast to our edgier mafia ladies. She’s soft and light- but that does not mean she’s weak. She feels- DEEPLY- and she’s emotional. And she bleeds out from the wounds Ash routinely inflicts. But she finds growth in her pain- exuding a quiet resilience and tender fortitude. She finds a way to exist in this world she was thrust into while still remaining who she is. She’s the most selfless and compassionate character in the series- its beating heart, so it is no wonder she beats new life into the destructive king.
Our story is chock full of the characters we love- and for a story that is so heavy and melancholy in places, we are treated to a surprising amount of humor- often in the form of Junior or Maksim. And, as usual, our narrative is equal parts emotional angst and mafia suspense. RVD has a uniquely immersive type of story telling- where you as the reader are just on the cusp of knowing- always wondering just what we missed, knowing we’re just outside of the truth. Destructive King is a pretty spectacular example of this- and when those revelations come, oh man, my heart might have stopped. Turbulent and complicated until the very last.
These stories are captivating, complex, intense, and unpredictable- the perfect combination to keep the pages turning. By far my favorite RVD book to date- I’m not sure how she’s going to top this!
Those who’ve been ravenously following these characters have seen Ash before- his volatility, his cruelty, his destructive nature. He’s perhaps the character I’ve been most anxious to crack open- and RVDl does more than crack him open here. She destroys him, and in turn destroys us. A future king who has been destroyed- by his own anger, his grief, his guilt. Quite simply, Ash is devastating. RVD lets us sit in his misery, suffer alongside him, and hurt from his pain. And we hurt because someone else is suffering alongside him, the target for his anger- innocent Annie. Sweet orphaned Annie who moves him in ways he doesn’t understand or see- until potentially irreparable damage is done. We watch Ash not only self-destruct, but we watch him destroy Annie, too. And it is gutting.
RVD’s love stories are always angsty and messy- but this one is particularly turbulent. Grief does things to people. There is so much emotional trauma in their story- both past and present- and RVD really makes them suffer in their emotional stasis, in their toxic feelings. She makes them EARN it. But they know what they say about things that are hard fought- it makes it all the more worthy in the in. The reward is SO sweet here- because it is so hard earned. Because these two characters have to grow and change SO much- they not only have to confront their complicated history and feelings for each other or their own baggage. They have to confront the hardest enemy of all- their own flaws.
Ash is everything we wanted him to be and more. He’s a dark devil, but we also find his vulnerability here, even if that vulnerability is his own cruelty and his regret. We get so deep into his heart that we actually understand how Annie can love someone who treats her so viley- because we can’t help but hurt for him. His transformation from the broken heir into the rightful king is perhaps RVD’s greatest character arc to date. His story is visceral, emotive, explosive, and transformatively profound.
But his journey doesn’t outshine Annie’s- I love her contrast to our edgier mafia ladies. She’s soft and light- but that does not mean she’s weak. She feels- DEEPLY- and she’s emotional. And she bleeds out from the wounds Ash routinely inflicts. But she finds growth in her pain- exuding a quiet resilience and tender fortitude. She finds a way to exist in this world she was thrust into while still remaining who she is. She’s the most selfless and compassionate character in the series- its beating heart, so it is no wonder she beats new life into the destructive king.
Our story is chock full of the characters we love- and for a story that is so heavy and melancholy in places, we are treated to a surprising amount of humor- often in the form of Junior or Maksim. And, as usual, our narrative is equal parts emotional angst and mafia suspense. RVD has a uniquely immersive type of story telling- where you as the reader are just on the cusp of knowing- always wondering just what we missed, knowing we’re just outside of the truth. Destructive King is a pretty spectacular example of this- and when those revelations come, oh man, my heart might have stopped. Turbulent and complicated until the very last.
These stories are captivating, complex, intense, and unpredictable- the perfect combination to keep the pages turning. By far my favorite RVD book to date- I’m not sure how she’s going to top this!
January 12, 2021
This book is everything I love about a mafia romance series! The cast of characters is addictive, and Ash Abandonato and Annie Smith were absolute perfection as the anti-hero and surprising heroine in this enemies-to-lovers story.
I have been anticipating Ash's story ever since the first book of the series. He is the bad boy King of the mafia royalty, and he acts every bit of his role. He is a bully, cruel and mean, yet will defend and protect his family to the death if needed. Although he does not like to show any emotion, he wore his broken heart on his sleeve and it brought me tears at times. This man was as broken as he could be when Annie crossed paths with him one night that changed everything for both of them.
Annie is the innocent orphan who the Abandonatos took in and promised to protect. She appears to be naive, inexperienced and her eyes have been opened by this group of mafia royalty. Her world spiraled downward when she lost her best friend and felt utterly alone. But she surprised me in every way, and I loved it!!! No matter how badly Ash treated her, she never backed down. She held her head high and did what she had to in order to survive and move forward. She was fierce, loyal, and earned people's trust and compassion. She was the light in the darkness that Ash never even knew he needed.
There is so much more to this story other than just Ash & Annie's relationship - the twists and turns, the side characters and their antics, and of course the mafia bosses. But at the core of this all-consuming book is Ash & Annie. They set the pages on fire with their love-hate relationship. There were times I cried tears of pain for both of them, and then cheered with tears of joy. They both overcame tragedy and fought their own demons in order to accept what was right in front of them the entire time. Their love for each other evolved and grew, and they deserved their HEA like no other couple!!
I am absolutely addicted to this series and can't wait for what's to come next! Well done RVD once again!!!!
I have been anticipating Ash's story ever since the first book of the series. He is the bad boy King of the mafia royalty, and he acts every bit of his role. He is a bully, cruel and mean, yet will defend and protect his family to the death if needed. Although he does not like to show any emotion, he wore his broken heart on his sleeve and it brought me tears at times. This man was as broken as he could be when Annie crossed paths with him one night that changed everything for both of them.
Annie is the innocent orphan who the Abandonatos took in and promised to protect. She appears to be naive, inexperienced and her eyes have been opened by this group of mafia royalty. Her world spiraled downward when she lost her best friend and felt utterly alone. But she surprised me in every way, and I loved it!!! No matter how badly Ash treated her, she never backed down. She held her head high and did what she had to in order to survive and move forward. She was fierce, loyal, and earned people's trust and compassion. She was the light in the darkness that Ash never even knew he needed.
There is so much more to this story other than just Ash & Annie's relationship - the twists and turns, the side characters and their antics, and of course the mafia bosses. But at the core of this all-consuming book is Ash & Annie. They set the pages on fire with their love-hate relationship. There were times I cried tears of pain for both of them, and then cheered with tears of joy. They both overcame tragedy and fought their own demons in order to accept what was right in front of them the entire time. Their love for each other evolved and grew, and they deserved their HEA like no other couple!!
I am absolutely addicted to this series and can't wait for what's to come next! Well done RVD once again!!!!
January 1, 2021
Emotionally battered but showered with love, this mafia romance is EVERYTHING! My favorite assassin gets his second chance at soul searing love. Tear out your heart, stomp on it, put it back together and repeat. His love isn’t pretty but it will consume you.
“Blood in, no out.” Once you are a part of the family, there is no escape. You’re either all in or you’re dead. And once your’re family, they will protect you with their lives.
Ash is still mourning the loss of Claire. When he lost her, he lost everything. He’s angry and detached from everyone. He’s just existing until Annie. She brings out the worst in him. He blames her for losing Claire and he’s determined to make her feel his pain.
Annie was brought into their fold. She’s now under their protection. She’s just trying to make a life for herself and survive Ash. He is not going to make it easy. She’s now his target and he will show no mercy.
The author will stoke the flames and the chemistry sizzles. Our possessive alpha will not disappoint. They ignite when they are together. The attraction is fierce but the mutual hate is just as strong. Their feelings are complicated and the secrets they keep will tear them apart. The twists abound and nothing is as it seems. Get ready for the chaos because whenever the mafia families are together things are gonna get crazy!
“Blood in, no out.” Once you are a part of the family, there is no escape. You’re either all in or you’re dead. And once your’re family, they will protect you with their lives.
Ash is still mourning the loss of Claire. When he lost her, he lost everything. He’s angry and detached from everyone. He’s just existing until Annie. She brings out the worst in him. He blames her for losing Claire and he’s determined to make her feel his pain.
Annie was brought into their fold. She’s now under their protection. She’s just trying to make a life for herself and survive Ash. He is not going to make it easy. She’s now his target and he will show no mercy.
The author will stoke the flames and the chemistry sizzles. Our possessive alpha will not disappoint. They ignite when they are together. The attraction is fierce but the mutual hate is just as strong. Their feelings are complicated and the secrets they keep will tear them apart. The twists abound and nothing is as it seems. Get ready for the chaos because whenever the mafia families are together things are gonna get crazy!
January 8, 2021
I love a love-hate, enemies to lovers relationship. It’s always angsty, passionate, volatile, with a touch of melancholy. Ash and Annie fit the bill perfectly. His destructive spiraling and revenge on Annie is mixed with secretive desire as well. Annie’s love for Ash is filled with guilt, compassion, and hate. Their pull towards one another is always blocked by a ghost of their past.
I loved every part of Ash and Annie. The author created fantastic banter that was vicious, empathetic, and humorous. The secondary characters, “the kids” and “the dads”, all played vital roles in seeing and knowing that Ash and Annie belong together. The road to Ash and Annie was complicated and destructive but it turned redemptive and loving.
This was a great way to start the new year off. This book was filled with fireworks, battles, secrets, longings and epiphanies.
*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*
I loved every part of Ash and Annie. The author created fantastic banter that was vicious, empathetic, and humorous. The secondary characters, “the kids” and “the dads”, all played vital roles in seeing and knowing that Ash and Annie belong together. The road to Ash and Annie was complicated and destructive but it turned redemptive and loving.
This was a great way to start the new year off. This book was filled with fireworks, battles, secrets, longings and epiphanies.
*advanced copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review*
January 11, 2021
***5 "Until the stars fall..." stars***
"Life hurts a lot more than death." -Anonymous
How am I going to start writing this review???
Of course, I loved AND this story on the Mafia Royals series and I'm kind of addicted of this crew and their adventures!!!
It was finally Ash's turn, a tortured hero that he was carrying his own cross to bare and sweet and peaceful Annie's and I was anticipating this story so much!!!And Rachel for once again delivered a very beautiful and eventful story that was getting under your skin!!!
"Sometimes being lost... is the only way to be found."
If you have read the previous books in the series, you will know that Asher had suffered a great loss... He lost hισ significant one, his other half and he was living in pain and devastation...
Annie was a sweet and very closed off girl who used to be Claire's friend and she was under Ambandonatos's protection...
Annie was with Claire, the day that she died and Asher for a reason is accusing her for his loss... And he wants nothing than revenge, even though he is having weird reactions toward Annie since the first moment that she had entered his life!!!
"Hate was a weird emotion. But hate for the woman who you held responsible for your fiancee's death? Impossible to explain. It could only be felt. And I hated that every time I felt it -it felt wrong."
This was a very wild ride full of antsy and hard moments!!!
Ash was hurting and in a way he has stuck on the past... and he is refusing to see what is right in front of him.
Annie is also devasting because of Asher and the way that he is resenting her all the damn time... The truth is that Ash had hurt this girl very much and he keeps hurting her in every opportunity he is having...
His actions and reactions are frustrating as hell... He wants to make her pay, but at the same time, he is protecting her...
Both Annie and us, we are about to have a very wild and frustrating ride!!!
"Don't know why you keep trying. It's like you think you see something in me that you can save when I don't want saving. I don't need rescuing. And I would never pick you out of all people to be my hero, even if I did."
"My heart cracked in half.
He stole it then.
He stomped on it.
He wrecked it like he wrecked everything.
And I let him..."
I loved Asher since "Bully Royal", even though his story was Claire didn't make me swoon!!!
From the other hand, he and Annie, even though so opposite between them, they were perfect for each other...
Where he was dark, she was light...
Where he was rough, she was soft...
Where he was mean, she was kind....
They were the perfect couple where they could balance each other. And even thought they hade taken their sweet time in here while tormenting me, I wouldn't change anything in this story!!!
"I'd wanted to hurt her. I'd wanted to embarrass her. Take her heart and stomp on it, then kiss it better and fuck with her head. And because I was still so messed up, I'd forgotten my own plan. I'd fallen. Bit by bit."
"Maybe that's the danger with your stupid white horses... men come riding in on them pretending to be your savior, and it's too late... too late to realize that they were the villain the entire time."
Rachel Van Dyken is an expert on Mafia romances full of suspense and turns that you could never imagine and I'm trusting her completely with her stories...
This crew that she had created in here and on Eagle Elite series is the best and it's always giving you so much pleasure to be on their company....
Yep, there are secrets and weapons and bloodthirsty characters in here, but they are a united team that can offer you suspenseful and funny moments at the same time.... They are a crew who knows how to love fiercely and how to be loyal to each other...
I really never want to end this mad world!!! Thank you, Rachel for these crazy, but beautiful rides that you are offering me with your mafia dudes and ladies!!!
"You have. You love. You lose. And then you live -the universe gives you no other choice but to wipe your tears, take a breath, and manage one small step and then another. One day 'all you can do' turns into what saves your soul."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"Life hurts a lot more than death." -Anonymous
How am I going to start writing this review???
Of course, I loved AND this story on the Mafia Royals series and I'm kind of addicted of this crew and their adventures!!!
It was finally Ash's turn, a tortured hero that he was carrying his own cross to bare and sweet and peaceful Annie's and I was anticipating this story so much!!!And Rachel for once again delivered a very beautiful and eventful story that was getting under your skin!!!
"Sometimes being lost... is the only way to be found."
If you have read the previous books in the series, you will know that Asher had suffered a great loss... He lost hισ significant one, his other half and he was living in pain and devastation...
Annie was a sweet and very closed off girl who used to be Claire's friend and she was under Ambandonatos's protection...
Annie was with Claire, the day that she died and Asher for a reason is accusing her for his loss... And he wants nothing than revenge, even though he is having weird reactions toward Annie since the first moment that she had entered his life!!!
"Hate was a weird emotion. But hate for the woman who you held responsible for your fiancee's death? Impossible to explain. It could only be felt. And I hated that every time I felt it -it felt wrong."
This was a very wild ride full of antsy and hard moments!!!
Ash was hurting and in a way he has stuck on the past... and he is refusing to see what is right in front of him.
Annie is also devasting because of Asher and the way that he is resenting her all the damn time... The truth is that Ash had hurt this girl very much and he keeps hurting her in every opportunity he is having...
His actions and reactions are frustrating as hell... He wants to make her pay, but at the same time, he is protecting her...
Both Annie and us, we are about to have a very wild and frustrating ride!!!
"Don't know why you keep trying. It's like you think you see something in me that you can save when I don't want saving. I don't need rescuing. And I would never pick you out of all people to be my hero, even if I did."
"My heart cracked in half.
He stole it then.
He stomped on it.
He wrecked it like he wrecked everything.
And I let him..."
I loved Asher since "Bully Royal", even though his story was Claire didn't make me swoon!!!
From the other hand, he and Annie, even though so opposite between them, they were perfect for each other...
Where he was dark, she was light...
Where he was rough, she was soft...
Where he was mean, she was kind....
They were the perfect couple where they could balance each other. And even thought they hade taken their sweet time in here while tormenting me, I wouldn't change anything in this story!!!
"I'd wanted to hurt her. I'd wanted to embarrass her. Take her heart and stomp on it, then kiss it better and fuck with her head. And because I was still so messed up, I'd forgotten my own plan. I'd fallen. Bit by bit."
"Maybe that's the danger with your stupid white horses... men come riding in on them pretending to be your savior, and it's too late... too late to realize that they were the villain the entire time."
Rachel Van Dyken is an expert on Mafia romances full of suspense and turns that you could never imagine and I'm trusting her completely with her stories...
This crew that she had created in here and on Eagle Elite series is the best and it's always giving you so much pleasure to be on their company....
Yep, there are secrets and weapons and bloodthirsty characters in here, but they are a united team that can offer you suspenseful and funny moments at the same time.... They are a crew who knows how to love fiercely and how to be loyal to each other...
I really never want to end this mad world!!! Thank you, Rachel for these crazy, but beautiful rides that you are offering me with your mafia dudes and ladies!!!
"You have. You love. You lose. And then you live -the universe gives you no other choice but to wipe your tears, take a breath, and manage one small step and then another. One day 'all you can do' turns into what saves your soul."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
January 4, 2021
➳ Rating: 5/ 5 stars
Damn. With each new book, Rachel amazes me more. Her plots are always so amazing, astonishing, mind-blowing, surprising and all that! I just love all the surprises and plot twists, specially the ones I never saw coming! There was plenty of that in Destructive King!
But you know what? This book was nothing like I imagined it to be! I thought it was gonna be incredibly sad and emotional, and it was at times, but that did not take over the book. I found it incredibly funny actually - the banter between all characters, the jokes, the sass between Ash and Annie- I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud so many times throughout the whole book. I loved it!!
Ash made me fall even more for him. He was crazy, a bit bipolar, a major asshole most of the time but you can’t help but love him to bits and hope that his pain goes away and he opens his eyes and finally sees Annie for who she is, specially who she is to him! And this girl is incredibly strong. She has sass and so much strength and willpower. And yet she also showed so much vulnerability. I loved how she had these two so very different sides to her. I loved her and although I hated what Ash put her through, I’m so glad she never gave up on him. They were so good together despite everything. It was amazing.
I can’t get over everything that happened in this book. My mind is still reeling a little bit but man I loveddd it. That ending got me 🥺 my babies. I’m super excited for what’s to come. Even though I wanted a different couple next, what’s coming makes the most sense timeline wise so I’ll take it and I’m sure Rachel will make it just as incredible as every book in this series has been.
I love this whole set of characters and I can’t wait until each and every one of them finds their other half in this crazy mafia world. Like I said before the banter between characters was the freaking best in this book and I just really really enjoyed that aspect and how we still get to see the other couples evolve and see how they are doing. It was the best. Serena and Junior still crack me up, they are crazy but I loved them sm.
Damn. With each new book, Rachel amazes me more. Her plots are always so amazing, astonishing, mind-blowing, surprising and all that! I just love all the surprises and plot twists, specially the ones I never saw coming! There was plenty of that in Destructive King!
But you know what? This book was nothing like I imagined it to be! I thought it was gonna be incredibly sad and emotional, and it was at times, but that did not take over the book. I found it incredibly funny actually - the banter between all characters, the jokes, the sass between Ash and Annie- I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud so many times throughout the whole book. I loved it!!
Ash made me fall even more for him. He was crazy, a bit bipolar, a major asshole most of the time but you can’t help but love him to bits and hope that his pain goes away and he opens his eyes and finally sees Annie for who she is, specially who she is to him! And this girl is incredibly strong. She has sass and so much strength and willpower. And yet she also showed so much vulnerability. I loved how she had these two so very different sides to her. I loved her and although I hated what Ash put her through, I’m so glad she never gave up on him. They were so good together despite everything. It was amazing.
I can’t get over everything that happened in this book. My mind is still reeling a little bit but man I loveddd it. That ending got me 🥺 my babies. I’m super excited for what’s to come. Even though I wanted a different couple next, what’s coming makes the most sense timeline wise so I’ll take it and I’m sure Rachel will make it just as incredible as every book in this series has been.
I love this whole set of characters and I can’t wait until each and every one of them finds their other half in this crazy mafia world. Like I said before the banter between characters was the freaking best in this book and I just really really enjoyed that aspect and how we still get to see the other couples evolve and see how they are doing. It was the best. Serena and Junior still crack me up, they are crazy but I loved them sm.
January 18, 2021
***AVAILABLE NOW - MUST READ***
5 STARS
This is my first five star read of 2020, and it was EVERY. SINGLE. THING. Angst, heartbreak, steam, and heart, RVD slayed my heart with Ash and Annie, and it only made me love the Elite world all the more.
Ash is so broken and angry and the beginning of this book, for good reason. As a reader you excuse it his rage because of his grief. Seeing him heal and come alive again was one of the best parts of the story.
Annie is a heroine with grit. She was up for the challenge of handling our angry king. She sat in his destruction, soothed him when needed, called him out when the time demanded it. She was his equal and complimentary to his character in every way.
The Eagle Elite family is one of my favorites ever. The banter and joking along with the violence and love all go hand in hand. The familial scenes were the perfect comedic moments, AND I GOT TO SEE MY FAVE EE CHARACTER for a bit!!!
The plot had some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, and that is what pushed this into the 5 star category. I loved the surprise plot twist, and faking action as a result.
Destructive King couldn’t have been any better. RVD gave me my first book hangover of 2020. I don’t know what to do with myself.
•Standalone
•Mafia Romance
5 STARS
This is my first five star read of 2020, and it was EVERY. SINGLE. THING. Angst, heartbreak, steam, and heart, RVD slayed my heart with Ash and Annie, and it only made me love the Elite world all the more.
Ash is so broken and angry and the beginning of this book, for good reason. As a reader you excuse it his rage because of his grief. Seeing him heal and come alive again was one of the best parts of the story.
Annie is a heroine with grit. She was up for the challenge of handling our angry king. She sat in his destruction, soothed him when needed, called him out when the time demanded it. She was his equal and complimentary to his character in every way.
The Eagle Elite family is one of my favorites ever. The banter and joking along with the violence and love all go hand in hand. The familial scenes were the perfect comedic moments, AND I GOT TO SEE MY FAVE EE CHARACTER for a bit!!!
The plot had some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, and that is what pushed this into the 5 star category. I loved the surprise plot twist, and faking action as a result.
Destructive King couldn’t have been any better. RVD gave me my first book hangover of 2020. I don’t know what to do with myself.
•Standalone
•Mafia Romance
January 23, 2021
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I've been DYING to read this book since last year because the book is about Ash Abandonato. He is very much like his father, Chase Abandonato. My favorite broken mafia men. 🖤 Calculating, stoic and badass. He's filled with hatred after a tragic loss of his love one and he's never the same. He puts the blame on Annie for his fiance's death. He's nothing but cruel to her and drove her away.
Annie Smith is a gentle soul. You can never hate her and I was rooting for her more than Claire did. She's a pure class act and The Abandonatos saved her life from her abusive father and has taken protection. She loves Ash from the distance and it broke her heart. As she returns, she vows to never get disrespected. Most especially Ash.
Annie and Ash have a great sexual tension. Truthfully speaking, they are a better pair than Ash did with Claire. I wish Ash saw it earlier and he should have groveled. Overall, their story gave me bliss and heartache.
I've been DYING to read this book since last year because the book is about Ash Abandonato. He is very much like his father, Chase Abandonato. My favorite broken mafia men. 🖤 Calculating, stoic and badass. He's filled with hatred after a tragic loss of his love one and he's never the same. He puts the blame on Annie for his fiance's death. He's nothing but cruel to her and drove her away.
Annie Smith is a gentle soul. You can never hate her and I was rooting for her more than Claire did. She's a pure class act and The Abandonatos saved her life from her abusive father and has taken protection. She loves Ash from the distance and it broke her heart. As she returns, she vows to never get disrespected. Most especially Ash.
Annie and Ash have a great sexual tension. Truthfully speaking, they are a better pair than Ash did with Claire. I wish Ash saw it earlier and he should have groveled. Overall, their story gave me bliss and heartache.
January 13, 2021
Well well well, look what we have here. Another mafia teenage story written in the narrative of 11 year-olds.
This was purely diabolical. 👁👄👁🔫
The twist at the end is definitively one of the worst “reveals” I’ve read in my life.
This was purely diabolical. 👁👄👁🔫
The twist at the end is definitively one of the worst “reveals” I’ve read in my life.
August 12, 2021
I have only about an hour left but I've decided to let it go. I did not enjoy the main character at all. And I should have known i wouldn't love it as the premise don't promise a kind hero. But I might read/listen something else by Rachel Van Dyken but be more aware of what the blurb says first
March 18, 2022
Auch der dritte Teil hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen!
Hier hat es länger gedauert, bis zwischen den Protagonisten auf der Beziehungsebene etwas passiert ist. Trotzdem war es nicht langweilig und der mega tolle Schreibstil der Autorin ist einfach genial! 😍
Schade fand ich, dass eigentlich DAS Thema, welches Annie immer wieder so beschäftigt und belastet hat, zum Schluss auf zwei Seiten erläutert wurde. Das war viiiiel zu schnell!
Auch die Reaktion war nach dem Motto „Oh Gott. Nein. Das ist ja schrecklich“ und danach ging es einfach weiter.
Hier hat es länger gedauert, bis zwischen den Protagonisten auf der Beziehungsebene etwas passiert ist. Trotzdem war es nicht langweilig und der mega tolle Schreibstil der Autorin ist einfach genial! 😍
Schade fand ich, dass eigentlich DAS Thema, welches Annie immer wieder so beschäftigt und belastet hat, zum Schluss auf zwei Seiten erläutert wurde. Das war viiiiel zu schnell!
Auch die Reaktion war nach dem Motto „Oh Gott. Nein. Das ist ja schrecklich“ und danach ging es einfach weiter.
January 12, 2021
This book just consumed me whole. I felt everything from heartbreak to joy, it was all consuming and such a rollercoaster of emotions. I loved every minute of it.
We’ve been here before it seems, my Chase was drowning in it and crawled out of the ashes alive. Stronger. But this isn't that book, and Ash isn’t his father, and this isn’t the same ride. So strap in and get ready for the adventure. Say hello to my BF Chase while you’re there. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Welcome to the mafia. Blood in. No out.
“I don't believe in nirvana
But the way that we love in the night gave me life
Baby, I can't explain
That the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
On God
Runnin' to the altar like a track star
Can't wait another second
'Cause the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy”
(Holy by Justin Bieber)
Favorite quotes:
“And the package?” Panic pitched my question two octaves too high.
Sympathy mirrored in the depths of his gaze. “I need them to make sure there’s no bomb.”
“Then why are you still here?” My voice trembled. Why not let me die?
“Because here is where you are.”
~~~
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light.”
~~~
“Sometimes I still think about it, about how I punished myself because I didn’t deserve better, because I was so used to the darkness I forgot the light even existed.”
~~
“You have. You love. You lose. And then you live - the universe gives you no other choice but to wipe your tears, and take a breath, and manage one small step and then another. One day ‘all you can do’ turns into what saves your soul.”
~~
“No.” Nixon was up next. “I disagree. You give up everything for those you love at the risk of your own happiness; to do anything else isn’t love.”
I barked out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah, you won Trace, you’re such a dick sometimes.” He laughed with me. “You’re lucky I love my wife.”
“And you’re lucky you do too. Otherwise, I’d kill you for loving mine.” Nixon said so casually I had to flip him off. I meant it. My wife was….everything Trace wasn’t. She was perfect. Mine.
(god I love Chase <3<3<3)
~~~
“She’d seen me as a hero. And I’d been nothing but the villain.”
~~~
“Maybe that's the danger with your stupid white horses...men come riding in on them pretending to be your savior, and it’s too late...too late to realize that they were the villain the entire time.”
~~~
“Maybe you’ve lost your hope, but that doesn’t mean I’ve lost mine. I will fight for you. Annie. I will win you. This villain. This monster. This destructive king.”
~~~
“Lonely recognizes lonely, and sad recognizes sad, desolate recognizes desolate...Lost.” Her eyes met mine then. “Recognizes lost.”
~~~
“It was you. Maybe there’s no way to explain Ash Abandonato, except he’s dark when he needs to be, light when it’s asked of him - hero and villain. I can’t imagine you any other way.”
~~~
We’ve been here before it seems, my Chase was drowning in it and crawled out of the ashes alive. Stronger. But this isn't that book, and Ash isn’t his father, and this isn’t the same ride. So strap in and get ready for the adventure. Say hello to my BF Chase while you’re there. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Welcome to the mafia. Blood in. No out.
“I don't believe in nirvana
But the way that we love in the night gave me life
Baby, I can't explain
That the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
On God
Runnin' to the altar like a track star
Can't wait another second
'Cause the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy”
(Holy by Justin Bieber)
Favorite quotes:
“And the package?” Panic pitched my question two octaves too high.
Sympathy mirrored in the depths of his gaze. “I need them to make sure there’s no bomb.”
“Then why are you still here?” My voice trembled. Why not let me die?
“Because here is where you are.”
~~~
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light.”
~~~
“Sometimes I still think about it, about how I punished myself because I didn’t deserve better, because I was so used to the darkness I forgot the light even existed.”
~~
“You have. You love. You lose. And then you live - the universe gives you no other choice but to wipe your tears, and take a breath, and manage one small step and then another. One day ‘all you can do’ turns into what saves your soul.”
~~
“No.” Nixon was up next. “I disagree. You give up everything for those you love at the risk of your own happiness; to do anything else isn’t love.”
I barked out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah, you won Trace, you’re such a dick sometimes.” He laughed with me. “You’re lucky I love my wife.”
“And you’re lucky you do too. Otherwise, I’d kill you for loving mine.” Nixon said so casually I had to flip him off. I meant it. My wife was….everything Trace wasn’t. She was perfect. Mine.
(god I love Chase <3<3<3)
~~~
“She’d seen me as a hero. And I’d been nothing but the villain.”
~~~
“Maybe that's the danger with your stupid white horses...men come riding in on them pretending to be your savior, and it’s too late...too late to realize that they were the villain the entire time.”
~~~
“Maybe you’ve lost your hope, but that doesn’t mean I’ve lost mine. I will fight for you. Annie. I will win you. This villain. This monster. This destructive king.”
~~~
“Lonely recognizes lonely, and sad recognizes sad, desolate recognizes desolate...Lost.” Her eyes met mine then. “Recognizes lost.”
~~~
“It was you. Maybe there’s no way to explain Ash Abandonato, except he’s dark when he needs to be, light when it’s asked of him - hero and villain. I can’t imagine you any other way.”
~~~
September 26, 2021
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light, Annie. You just can’t see them—but believe me, they’re there.”
This story is FIRE!
I think it’s my favorite from this series.
I don’t even know how to put into words what this book did to me.
It’s a mixture of all the best and passionate feelings all together in one crazy ride.
Asher Abandonato , his name only says everything there’s to say. After losing the love of his life his word is spiraling out of control . He can’t deal with his lost , so he tries to drawn it in alcol and all sort of things. But the thing he enjoys the most: tormenting the innocent Annie Smith.
“But you don’t want the gentleman…” He pressed forward, his lips against my cheek as he whispered. “You want the sinner.”
After losing her adoptive parents , she moves in with Chase Abandonato and his family . She has a really difficult past and she’s really fragile. But the worst part is her crush on Asher . He hates her, he blames her for Claire’s death but at the same time he can’t help but wanting her.
“She’d seen me as a hero. And I’d been nothing but the villain.“
The chemistry between the two of them is life fireworks . They are the definition of soulmates .
And the sexual chemistry is literally of the charts.
Their journey wasn’t easy, it was filled with angst , some unresolved issues, and so much passion.
“Until the stars fall.“
I literally couldn’t put it down.It has become my all time favorite mafia romance hands down!
And remember BLOOD IN, NO OUT!
I gave it 3542874 stars!
my Blog
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
This story is FIRE!
I think it’s my favorite from this series.
I don’t even know how to put into words what this book did to me.
It’s a mixture of all the best and passionate feelings all together in one crazy ride.
Asher Abandonato , his name only says everything there’s to say. After losing the love of his life his word is spiraling out of control . He can’t deal with his lost , so he tries to drawn it in alcol and all sort of things. But the thing he enjoys the most: tormenting the innocent Annie Smith.
“But you don’t want the gentleman…” He pressed forward, his lips against my cheek as he whispered. “You want the sinner.”
After losing her adoptive parents , she moves in with Chase Abandonato and his family . She has a really difficult past and she’s really fragile. But the worst part is her crush on Asher . He hates her, he blames her for Claire’s death but at the same time he can’t help but wanting her.
“She’d seen me as a hero. And I’d been nothing but the villain.“
The chemistry between the two of them is life fireworks . They are the definition of soulmates .
And the sexual chemistry is literally of the charts.
Their journey wasn’t easy, it was filled with angst , some unresolved issues, and so much passion.
“Until the stars fall.“
I literally couldn’t put it down.It has become my all time favorite mafia romance hands down!
And remember BLOOD IN, NO OUT!
I gave it 3542874 stars!
my Blog
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
April 22, 2023
I've never been more in love with a destructive man in my life!! Destructive King was so much more than I was expecting, and I have been looking forward to Ash's books since we first met him in Ruthless Princess!!
Ash Abandonato is the guy you love to hate. He is the enforcer in his family, but everyone thinks that because he is the enforcer, he does it because he doesn't have a heart. With more kills than most including family Ash is not someone you want to mess with. If you have been following his story since book one, then you know that he has been through a terrible ordeal losing his fiancé and unborn child on the same day. Now more than a year later Ash is still a ghost of the person he used to be and the one person who can bring any semblance of humanity back to him is the one person he blames for the death of his family.
Annie Smith is the timid schoolgirl we all know. She is just grateful to be alive and have somewhere to live while she finishes school. After losing her family she was taken in by the Abandonato's (Ash's parents) and given anything and everything she could ever want, except one thing. Ash. Annie blames herself for Claire's death and knows that Ash blames her as well, but he cannot possibly hate her more than she hates herself, or can he? She knows that with living with the Abandonato's Ash is going to be a constant in her life as more than just her bodyguard. How is she supposed to survive the hate he has for her?
As Ash and Annie keep clashing, they are also growing closer in more ways than one. There are some dark secrets that have yet to come out and when they do everything that Ash and Annie have started to build can unravel even faster than it was built.
A true bully mafia story that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Destructive King is some of Rachel Van Dyken's most intense work and I cannot wait to dive deeper into this dark sinful world she has created.
Ash Abandonato is the guy you love to hate. He is the enforcer in his family, but everyone thinks that because he is the enforcer, he does it because he doesn't have a heart. With more kills than most including family Ash is not someone you want to mess with. If you have been following his story since book one, then you know that he has been through a terrible ordeal losing his fiancé and unborn child on the same day. Now more than a year later Ash is still a ghost of the person he used to be and the one person who can bring any semblance of humanity back to him is the one person he blames for the death of his family.
Annie Smith is the timid schoolgirl we all know. She is just grateful to be alive and have somewhere to live while she finishes school. After losing her family she was taken in by the Abandonato's (Ash's parents) and given anything and everything she could ever want, except one thing. Ash. Annie blames herself for Claire's death and knows that Ash blames her as well, but he cannot possibly hate her more than she hates herself, or can he? She knows that with living with the Abandonato's Ash is going to be a constant in her life as more than just her bodyguard. How is she supposed to survive the hate he has for her?
As Ash and Annie keep clashing, they are also growing closer in more ways than one. There are some dark secrets that have yet to come out and when they do everything that Ash and Annie have started to build can unravel even faster than it was built.
A true bully mafia story that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Destructive King is some of Rachel Van Dyken's most intense work and I cannot wait to dive deeper into this dark sinful world she has created.
December 23, 2020
I always get excited when a book from one of my favorite worlds lands on my kindle. This Mafia world that Rachel has built it one of those ones that I wish was real just so I could be a part of it, even if it is about the Mafia.
These characters are larger than life and I get absorbed in their stories. Destructive King was one of my most anticipated reads for the year. I knew Ash's story was going to be about loss, I knew his story would be full of heartache. I knew his character would be one that was needing to find peace and before that peace would be a lot of pain and I was ready for it. SO ready for it.
The dang Prologue had me taking a breath thinking OH BOY that's how you start a book off. Damn, ok buckle up. I am a sucker for books that feature Hero's that are going through some real shit. I love seeing them find their way out of despair. I love when I see that love can help them do that.
This book was full of that mafia drama that I've come to know and love from this series. Rachel does an amazing job of infusing a bit of humour as well just at the right moments. And I will say that it makes me fall more in love with this world. I legit want to be a part of it, I want to attend a dinner with the families, I want to live in the moments. That's what a good story does in my opinion it makes you want to be a part of it.
Destructive King will keep you on your toes until the very end. And what an ending. I'm not going to say anymore than that, you will see what I mean when you get there.
I love for this world and for this series, I truly hope it never ends.
These characters are larger than life and I get absorbed in their stories. Destructive King was one of my most anticipated reads for the year. I knew Ash's story was going to be about loss, I knew his story would be full of heartache. I knew his character would be one that was needing to find peace and before that peace would be a lot of pain and I was ready for it. SO ready for it.
The dang Prologue had me taking a breath thinking OH BOY that's how you start a book off. Damn, ok buckle up. I am a sucker for books that feature Hero's that are going through some real shit. I love seeing them find their way out of despair. I love when I see that love can help them do that.
This book was full of that mafia drama that I've come to know and love from this series. Rachel does an amazing job of infusing a bit of humour as well just at the right moments. And I will say that it makes me fall more in love with this world. I legit want to be a part of it, I want to attend a dinner with the families, I want to live in the moments. That's what a good story does in my opinion it makes you want to be a part of it.
Destructive King will keep you on your toes until the very end. And what an ending. I'm not going to say anymore than that, you will see what I mean when you get there.
I love for this world and for this series, I truly hope it never ends.
January 3, 2021
5 stars
This isn't going to be a detailed review because there were A LOT of twists and turns and I don't want to give away any spoilers.
What I will say is, this is not a sweet happy book, it is intense, powerful and full of emotion. I laughed, I cried and I wanted to punch some of the characters but at the same time I fell in love with them.
Each chapter is unique and earth-shattering. Each character has their own secrets and passions. This book is a complete page-turner and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Valentine pr and Rachel Van Dyken for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't going to be a detailed review because there were A LOT of twists and turns and I don't want to give away any spoilers.
What I will say is, this is not a sweet happy book, it is intense, powerful and full of emotion. I laughed, I cried and I wanted to punch some of the characters but at the same time I fell in love with them.
Each chapter is unique and earth-shattering. Each character has their own secrets and passions. This book is a complete page-turner and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Valentine pr and Rachel Van Dyken for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
Ash Abandanto suffered a loss that took away all his light. His reaction to the grief is destruction - to himself and those around him. Though she didn’t cause his pain, something about Annie sets him off and she becomes a target that often sets him off.
Annie Smith lives with the Abandanto family under their protection after her adoptive family was killed. She isn’t confident in her place in the house, but is also watchful and sees things others miss. After nearly a year away from the household, she returns a different person, stronger, more world-wise (or world-weary?) and ready to continue with school. She doesn’t expect to find Ash in nearly the same state she left him, minus some pills, but in the same state of grief.
I loved Annie. She is compassionate and caring, but also has a backbone when she needs it. Her character arc through this series and particularly in this story is incredible. She learns to handle the chaos and danger that is mafia life. When we met her, she was quick to tears and was Tank’s shadow as he protected her from much of the danger and threat. She is an orphan living under Abandonato protection, and this causes her to question her place in their lives. Through this book, we see her taking on her own battles, standing up to her fears and speaking out when needed.
I struggled with Ash. Because he is the titular character when I struggled to fall in love with him, I struggled to fall in love with the whole book. He is a genuine a******. At first, he is so consumed by grief that he doesn’t care who he destroys as he “deals” with his pain. But he isn’t dealing with his grief, he is wallowing in it, keeping Claire the focus of his pain and anguish and lashing out at anyone who stands in front of him. When he begins to see Annie, he is still clouded by grief and I felt like he went from not caring at all to being overprotective. As a reader, we know things about both Claire and Annie that made it hard to forgive some of Ash’s actions. I knew going into this that he would be hard to love, but I had also hoped it would be easier to find pieces of him to love.
The brutality and destruction of mafia life has escalated in each of these second generation (Mafia Royals) books. With the intensity of their lifestyle, comes intensely felt emotions. In Destructive King I felt like the mafia life was there and was as engrossing as ever, but there were also too many things happening that didn’t feel like they fit with the way this world has been developed, particularly several of the events at the end of the book. (I’m keeping this vague to avoid spoilers.) But I also loved seeing the multiple viewpoints (there are several chapters from Chase’s point of view showing a different side to some previous events) and the intense bonds between these families.
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Annie Smith lives with the Abandanto family under their protection after her adoptive family was killed. She isn’t confident in her place in the house, but is also watchful and sees things others miss. After nearly a year away from the household, she returns a different person, stronger, more world-wise (or world-weary?) and ready to continue with school. She doesn’t expect to find Ash in nearly the same state she left him, minus some pills, but in the same state of grief.
I loved Annie. She is compassionate and caring, but also has a backbone when she needs it. Her character arc through this series and particularly in this story is incredible. She learns to handle the chaos and danger that is mafia life. When we met her, she was quick to tears and was Tank’s shadow as he protected her from much of the danger and threat. She is an orphan living under Abandonato protection, and this causes her to question her place in their lives. Through this book, we see her taking on her own battles, standing up to her fears and speaking out when needed.
I struggled with Ash. Because he is the titular character when I struggled to fall in love with him, I struggled to fall in love with the whole book. He is a genuine a******. At first, he is so consumed by grief that he doesn’t care who he destroys as he “deals” with his pain. But he isn’t dealing with his grief, he is wallowing in it, keeping Claire the focus of his pain and anguish and lashing out at anyone who stands in front of him. When he begins to see Annie, he is still clouded by grief and I felt like he went from not caring at all to being overprotective. As a reader, we know things about both Claire and Annie that made it hard to forgive some of Ash’s actions. I knew going into this that he would be hard to love, but I had also hoped it would be easier to find pieces of him to love.
The brutality and destruction of mafia life has escalated in each of these second generation (Mafia Royals) books. With the intensity of their lifestyle, comes intensely felt emotions. In Destructive King I felt like the mafia life was there and was as engrossing as ever, but there were also too many things happening that didn’t feel like they fit with the way this world has been developed, particularly several of the events at the end of the book. (I’m keeping this vague to avoid spoilers.) But I also loved seeing the multiple viewpoints (there are several chapters from Chase’s point of view showing a different side to some previous events) and the intense bonds between these families.
January 2, 2021
Can I just say how glad I am that I started off the new year with this AMAZING book. It was an easy 5 star for me and I’ll tell you why.
Rachel knows how to write mafia. She has managed to write about killing, murders, and family drama with such finesse that you think you are reading an actual true story. She makes it seem like mafia life isn’t that bad, convince your husband to let you get a “Blood in, No out” tattoo and that you can somehow too join the crazy messed up family!
Ash has completely stolen my heart. When I first read about him in the novella I knew he would be something special. And the author definitely does his story justice. He is completely and utterly broken, but if you read this book, you will see him grow into a beautiful, fearless leader- what he was always destined to become.
And don’t even get me started on Annie. She is a strong lead character that you will admire. You will love to read about how she will come into her place in the family. She really turned out to be another favorite character
The author does a great job of setting up the future stories and yet also giving you enough background so that if you pick this up, you won’t be lost. (But trust me when I say you SHOULD read the others!!) I really love the characters, the flare for the dramatics and the love story she has created. It was beautiful and will likely make its way to my top reads of 2021- and it was the first book I read of the year!
Rachel knows how to write mafia. She has managed to write about killing, murders, and family drama with such finesse that you think you are reading an actual true story. She makes it seem like mafia life isn’t that bad, convince your husband to let you get a “Blood in, No out” tattoo and that you can somehow too join the crazy messed up family!
Ash has completely stolen my heart. When I first read about him in the novella I knew he would be something special. And the author definitely does his story justice. He is completely and utterly broken, but if you read this book, you will see him grow into a beautiful, fearless leader- what he was always destined to become.
And don’t even get me started on Annie. She is a strong lead character that you will admire. You will love to read about how she will come into her place in the family. She really turned out to be another favorite character
The author does a great job of setting up the future stories and yet also giving you enough background so that if you pick this up, you won’t be lost. (But trust me when I say you SHOULD read the others!!) I really love the characters, the flare for the dramatics and the love story she has created. It was beautiful and will likely make its way to my top reads of 2021- and it was the first book I read of the year!
January 13, 2021
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it!💕
The only problem was that I just felt that the revelations and plot twists should have come a bit earlier and not in the last chapters, it just made the ending a bit unsatisfactory and rushed. I also wanted it to be more long, I couldn't get enough of Annie and Ash. They were downright explosive together💥🔥.
I kissed the side of her mouth.
I tasted.
I healed.
I was somehow reborn for just a few seconds, like her touch let the light in, destroying some of the darkness I’d kept so close for so many reasons.
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