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Eagle Elite #9
Enrage
Part of a world I loathe.
Part of a family who hates me more than I hate myself.
Living with a girl who reminds me of my darkness.
I'm. In. Hell.
Also known as the Cosa Nostra.
My life was over the minute I stepped off that plane.
Son to a murdered mob boss.
Heir to a throne of murder and lies.
My name is Dante Nicolasi.
And there will be blood.
Part of a family who hates me more than I hate myself.
Living with a girl who reminds me of my darkness.
I'm. In. Hell.
Also known as the Cosa Nostra.
My life was over the minute I stepped off that plane.
Son to a murdered mob boss.
Heir to a throne of murder and lies.
My name is Dante Nicolasi.
And there will be blood.
379 pages, ebook
First published July 31, 2017
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
170 books18.2k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews
July 27, 2017
Blood In. No Out.
Wow! Enrage left me speechless, it fed my hungry soul yet I'm craving for more. I inhaled it like it was my last breath, I devoured it like it was my last meal, I drank all of it to quench my thirst yet I needed more. I am contented. I am satisfied yet I could not get it out of my system. It's still in my heart and mind. Hell, it's even in my soul and regardless of how many times I reread the book, I was still stunned, surprised, in awe and above all I still felt it all like the first time. The pain, the heart break, the angst, the happy moments, the Family, I have embraced it all and in the end just like any other RVD works, Enrage rocked my world.
Rachel Van Dyken's Eagle Elite Series owned me the moment I read the first book. It's my guilty pleasure and if you wanna ask me books I never get tired of rereading, it's always this series. Way back, I don't have no inkling why. It wasn't even a question. Why would you even question something you enjoyed reading over and over right? I read because it's my passion, whether other people love it or not, what's important was the fact that I enjoyed it and I loved it. However, over the years I realized without meaning to, I keep on coming back for more of this series not just the words of RVD, it wasn't even just the characters. But what made me kept on coming back for more was how RVD captured everything that made me connected to this series and the totality of it that in the end made an impact of my wholebeing. It wasn't just reading because it's my passion anymore, more like, I am reading because it's part of my life.
Enrage was no exception. I love it and just any other books of this series, it became a part of me. I was sucked right the from the very first page and I did not put it down until I finished it. It was soooo good and page after after page surprised me to no end. Dante and El's characters are easy to connect with.They were a true definition of opposites attract. Boy, how they're so different from each other but fitted just perfectly, complementing each other. Their chemistry and their individuality made me root for them even more. Cheering them on while always on the edge anticipating on the next scene. It was mind numbing and body cringing. The suspense was killing me and lies after lies, betrayal and revelations shocked the hell out of me. Their journey wasn't rainbows and unicorns, it wasn't a sugarcoated HEA but a messy life portrayed and resolved with class. It was just wow! It was rollercoaster ride and I did not expect the weight of what was thrown at them. I did not expect how I was affected of it all.
But you know what I love more about this book? Even with all the adrenaline rushing scenes, RVD managed to sprinkle lightness in the dark that made me chuckle and laugh out loud and love the characters even more. She managed to wake up my perverted soul because she coated it with scenes so hot but not in erotic way, just enough to awaken me. She warmed my heart with Dante and El. I swooned and fell in love with them. But above all, the plot twist crushed me. I did not expect it at all. My heart was wrenched and was shattered to bits of pieces. I sobbed my heart out. I pained for them. I pained for a man and woman who love each other deeply. I literally couldn't stop crying until the wee hours because I was hurt so deep as if my heart was struck with a knife and twisted it. It was bleeding yet at the end of the day, I could not help but think, there's always rainbow after the rain.
Overall, I will really recommend this book. It was incredibly written. My review was vague because I want you to read and find out yourself how amazing this book is. It's better read blind and I know you will thank me later. You will understand my ramblings and you will feel what I felt right now. It's EPIC and honestly I could read this book over and over and will not get bored. It was well thought, it's excellently portrayed and delivered. It dererves more than my 5 stars!
To RVD, awesome delivery as always! You have no idea how happy you made my heart today. Sobbing mess included.
August 3, 2017
5 ALL-THE-REASONS-STARS!!!!!
PLEASE READ THIS SERIES!!!!! PLEEEEEASE!!!!!
I loved this book because ALL THE REASONS!!! I loved it so much, I went back to the beginning and read Books 1-7 in 1 week because I could not put them down! I know. I know. I should have read this in order. I usually don’t care about reading in order, but I truly regret it this time. It doesn’t matter because I still enjoyed every…single…moment of this series. And I just want more because I can’t get enough! Obsessed is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to my love for this series.
He was a danger my heart didn’t recognize – because sometimes the heart doesn’t give a damn if the person who holds it kills people – it just recognizes its soul mate and beats anyway.
Dante. Men like Dante Nicolasi existed in two places. Books. And in my arms. Dante is the heir to a very powerful mafia line. He is violent and volatile and trained by the best of the best mafia bosses, all of them. Assigned to protect a girl in the Eagle Elite, he uses his skills to show how freaking awesome he is! Seriously, this guy. Ugh! He is all power and control but so swoony and charming. Dante is definitely one of my top favorites, especially in this series.
El. she was the only soldier in a one-woman army El was a prisoner, a slave, for a long time until she was freed by the mafia bosses. She yearns for freedom but still feels trapped. I loved loved loved that Dante doesn’t coddle her or pity her or treat her too gently because of what she went through. They are both tough with each other, challenging each other through the whole book. El is strong. All of the heroines in this series are badass!
I wish I could include ALL THE QUOTES because this whole book is awesome-sauce and beautiful-sauce.
Dante turned his head toward mine and kissed me softly on the mouth, I wasn’t expecting it.
I clung to his shirt while his lips moved nimbly over mine, softly caressing my cheek and then meeting my ear. “Speak to no one.” He kissed my neck again then whispered in my other ear. “I’m serious, El. Keep your eyes forward.” Another kiss. “Head up.” His mouth fused against mine, I gasped as his tongue slid past my bottom lip, licking me up like I was better than pie, better than vanilla. “Don’t worry. I don’t lose.”
I should have read all of these books in order.
I should have known this series would kill me.
Any regrets? Not one.
I sacrificed food and hygiene for this series, for these characters, for this phenomenal story that goes down in my reading history forever. I cried. I laughed. I died. This book killed me in all the best ways. It is everything. One my of favorite MAFIA series evah!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on
PLEASE READ THIS SERIES!!!!! PLEEEEEASE!!!!!
I loved this book because ALL THE REASONS!!! I loved it so much, I went back to the beginning and read Books 1-7 in 1 week because I could not put them down! I know. I know. I should have read this in order. I usually don’t care about reading in order, but I truly regret it this time. It doesn’t matter because I still enjoyed every…single…moment of this series. And I just want more because I can’t get enough! Obsessed is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to my love for this series.
He was a danger my heart didn’t recognize – because sometimes the heart doesn’t give a damn if the person who holds it kills people – it just recognizes its soul mate and beats anyway.
Dante. Men like Dante Nicolasi existed in two places. Books. And in my arms. Dante is the heir to a very powerful mafia line. He is violent and volatile and trained by the best of the best mafia bosses, all of them. Assigned to protect a girl in the Eagle Elite, he uses his skills to show how freaking awesome he is! Seriously, this guy. Ugh! He is all power and control but so swoony and charming. Dante is definitely one of my top favorites, especially in this series.
El. she was the only soldier in a one-woman army El was a prisoner, a slave, for a long time until she was freed by the mafia bosses. She yearns for freedom but still feels trapped. I loved loved loved that Dante doesn’t coddle her or pity her or treat her too gently because of what she went through. They are both tough with each other, challenging each other through the whole book. El is strong. All of the heroines in this series are badass!
I wish I could include ALL THE QUOTES because this whole book is awesome-sauce and beautiful-sauce.
Dante turned his head toward mine and kissed me softly on the mouth, I wasn’t expecting it.
I clung to his shirt while his lips moved nimbly over mine, softly caressing my cheek and then meeting my ear. “Speak to no one.” He kissed my neck again then whispered in my other ear. “I’m serious, El. Keep your eyes forward.” Another kiss. “Head up.” His mouth fused against mine, I gasped as his tongue slid past my bottom lip, licking me up like I was better than pie, better than vanilla. “Don’t worry. I don’t lose.”
I should have read all of these books in order.
I should have known this series would kill me.
Any regrets? Not one.
I sacrificed food and hygiene for this series, for these characters, for this phenomenal story that goes down in my reading history forever. I cried. I laughed. I died. This book killed me in all the best ways. It is everything. One my of favorite MAFIA series evah!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on
July 31, 2017
I swear this series just keeps getting better and better! 5 stars baby!
Rachel Van Dyken brought me to my knees. Off and on I cried and felt the emotional turmoil and unfairness of Dante's situation. The indignation, all consuming rage, another case of railing at the computer screen like a crazy ass loon.
I wasn't ready for the story to be over or for how it ended.....yeah just twist that knife a little bit deeper, having to wait for Chase's story absolute torture.
Ahhh to be this close to the characters, experiencing their heartache, grief and everything in between is the awesome talent of the writer...there's nothing more to say. I love this series, its action packed, filled with drama, suspense, mafia intrigue and steamy scorching O's
Rachel Van Dyken brought me to my knees. Off and on I cried and felt the emotional turmoil and unfairness of Dante's situation. The indignation, all consuming rage, another case of railing at the computer screen like a crazy ass loon.
I wasn't ready for the story to be over or for how it ended.....yeah just twist that knife a little bit deeper, having to wait for Chase's story absolute torture.
Ahhh to be this close to the characters, experiencing their heartache, grief and everything in between is the awesome talent of the writer...there's nothing more to say. I love this series, its action packed, filled with drama, suspense, mafia intrigue and steamy scorching O's
March 10, 2018
Review to come!
July 31, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
A deep intricate novel that weaves suspense, grit, and raw emotions in such a riveting and heart pounding manner. Rachel Van Dyken once again drowns her readers with her longing and heartfelt words as we are swept away once again in the world where loyalty, honor, revenge and the mafia are prominent and ingrained.
Enrage is a book that took my heart right off the opening pages as two broken damaged individuals are brought together in a unlikely fashion. While I can go on and on about what to expect in the book, I won’t since the beauty of this book is having your heart torn and slowly pieced back together. Just prepare to have some tissues on standby. Overall, I loved this book and series. The writing was flawless and the characters, well they each stole a piece of your heart. So if you looking for a book that implements it all from family, friendship, honor, truth, revenge, pain, romance, and second chances then this book is for you.
Rachel Van Dyken
A deep intricate novel that weaves suspense, grit, and raw emotions in such a riveting and heart pounding manner. Rachel Van Dyken once again drowns her readers with her longing and heartfelt words as we are swept away once again in the world where loyalty, honor, revenge and the mafia are prominent and ingrained.
Enrage is a book that took my heart right off the opening pages as two broken damaged individuals are brought together in a unlikely fashion. While I can go on and on about what to expect in the book, I won’t since the beauty of this book is having your heart torn and slowly pieced back together. Just prepare to have some tissues on standby. Overall, I loved this book and series. The writing was flawless and the characters, well they each stole a piece of your heart. So if you looking for a book that implements it all from family, friendship, honor, truth, revenge, pain, romance, and second chances then this book is for you.
Rachel Van Dyken
August 7, 2017
Dante Nicolasi is Luca Nicolasi's son and Valentina's twin. He's soon-to-be mafia boss in the Alfero family and undergoing an initiation is required to prove his leadership and can be trusted. He has to learn the difficult way with the other bosses even if he doesn't want to be part of this mafia world. He's quite temperamental and cocky but when it comes to family, he'll do what it takes to keep them all safe.
His love interest is Eleanor / El Petrov. She's sold in the Russian mafia and throughout her life was a living hell. She suffered in the hands of her ex-husband Xavier Petrov and survived when she's saved by the Italian mafia. Considering she's still an enemy, they treated her kindly. A marriage has to be done to ensure her protection. She wishes to be married to someone she wants. The sexual tension between her and Dante heightens as days passed by. He pushes her away and thinks he doesn't deserve her. He thinks she deserves a peaceful life, away from danger and treated by a man who'll treat her right. However, El desires Dante so much. As the war between the Italians and Russians linger, blood has to be spilled and there's no way out when you're in.
Enrage is the 8th book in Rachel Van Dyken's mafia series Eagle Elite and it's one of my most anticipated books this year. Each book in this series is consistently great particularly on books four to seven. I notice it's improving when it comes to the plot twist as it becomes more unpredictable. I really like the romance between the characters and the banters exchanged. It gives me joy but the last part shred my heart in pieces. I wasn't prepared for an emotional moment and GODDAMN IT THAT PLOT TWIST REALLY HURTS. I wept and I feel so numb right now. I'm in denial THAT HAPPENED --> SPOILER: Overall, I really like where the story is heading and I'm looking forward what's going to happen next. I better prepare tissues next time too.
His love interest is Eleanor / El Petrov. She's sold in the Russian mafia and throughout her life was a living hell. She suffered in the hands of her ex-husband Xavier Petrov and survived when she's saved by the Italian mafia. Considering she's still an enemy, they treated her kindly. A marriage has to be done to ensure her protection. She wishes to be married to someone she wants. The sexual tension between her and Dante heightens as days passed by. He pushes her away and thinks he doesn't deserve her. He thinks she deserves a peaceful life, away from danger and treated by a man who'll treat her right. However, El desires Dante so much. As the war between the Italians and Russians linger, blood has to be spilled and there's no way out when you're in.
Enrage is the 8th book in Rachel Van Dyken's mafia series Eagle Elite and it's one of my most anticipated books this year. Each book in this series is consistently great particularly on books four to seven. I notice it's improving when it comes to the plot twist as it becomes more unpredictable. I really like the romance between the characters and the banters exchanged. It gives me joy but the last part shred my heart in pieces. I wasn't prepared for an emotional moment and GODDAMN IT THAT PLOT TWIST REALLY HURTS. I wept and I feel so numb right now. I'm in denial THAT HAPPENED --> SPOILER: Overall, I really like where the story is heading and I'm looking forward what's going to happen next. I better prepare tissues next time too.
August 9, 2017
This is the eight book of the series and I gotta admit.. it's starting to feel like the storylines are being recycled a lot! All the Hs are starting to sound the same; they're all super duper angry, extremely brooding and oh so rude towards the h, but alas! It was just them acting out in denial of their true feelings which is more or less instalove!
What I enjoyed the most was actually revisiting past couples, and the last 15% of the book had me on the edge of my seat.
I am definitely not gonna miss Eulogy (Chase's second chance)
What I enjoyed the most was actually revisiting past couples, and the last 15% of the book had me on the edge of my seat.
I am definitely not gonna miss Eulogy (Chase's second chance)
July 31, 2017
Welcome to the family, blood in - no out.
Omg, that was Amazing!!! I was completely captivated throughout, the characters the plot the unpredictability, just wow.... throws mic.
Dante's journey in Enrage begins when he is undergoing lethal training at the hands of the bosses which basically involves being beaten and starved and beaten again, he is later sent on an assignment within Eagle Elite as a student and to gleam whatever information he has while there. This is Dante's chance to prove himself to the boss's, a worthiness of his bloodline.
El is basically a captive free but under a new watchful eye, from the Russians who used her as a play thing and sex object to the Italian Mob. The Italians saved her from the Russians and now she is under their protection but still feels like a captive, letting her go would leave her vulnerable and in danger so she goes to school and returns to the mansion in which they all share.
El doesn't know who to trust anymore but she is given the opportunity to go to school and has Dante as her protector while there.
El doesn't trust the brooding Italian at first and Dante doesn't trust the Russian who's descendants are his enemy.
This is a grown up dangerous plot within a school setting, there's plenty of action, threats, secrets, lies, danger, violence,hot, funny and draw dropping moments.
El and Dante are unable to fight their attraction for each other but for El to be fully protected she must marry an Italian from within the mafia family and one is chosen for her by one of the Boss's to the displeasure of Dante who begins to grow close to El.
Enrage is entertaining, hot, has angst and exciting moments for a mafia read with younger characters I absolutely loved it, fans of LJ Shen, A Zavarelli & Sarah Brianne will love this book.
My first eagle Elite book, I know hangs head and I'm desperate now to go back and start from the beginning although this book could be read as a stand alone and told in dual pov's
Arc gratefully received for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Read Today! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2hePKGc Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/TukJN6 iBooks: http://apple.co/2smGTUi iBooks: http://apple.co/2smGTUi Kobo: http://bit.ly/2uLx9WO Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2hdSLqh Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/b5mMmt
Blood in.. No Out... Catch up with the rest of the Eagle Elite Series Here: http://bit.ly/RVDEagleElite
Omg, that was Amazing!!! I was completely captivated throughout, the characters the plot the unpredictability, just wow.... throws mic.
Dante's journey in Enrage begins when he is undergoing lethal training at the hands of the bosses which basically involves being beaten and starved and beaten again, he is later sent on an assignment within Eagle Elite as a student and to gleam whatever information he has while there. This is Dante's chance to prove himself to the boss's, a worthiness of his bloodline.
El is basically a captive free but under a new watchful eye, from the Russians who used her as a play thing and sex object to the Italian Mob. The Italians saved her from the Russians and now she is under their protection but still feels like a captive, letting her go would leave her vulnerable and in danger so she goes to school and returns to the mansion in which they all share.
El doesn't know who to trust anymore but she is given the opportunity to go to school and has Dante as her protector while there.
El doesn't trust the brooding Italian at first and Dante doesn't trust the Russian who's descendants are his enemy.
This is a grown up dangerous plot within a school setting, there's plenty of action, threats, secrets, lies, danger, violence,hot, funny and draw dropping moments.
El and Dante are unable to fight their attraction for each other but for El to be fully protected she must marry an Italian from within the mafia family and one is chosen for her by one of the Boss's to the displeasure of Dante who begins to grow close to El.
Enrage is entertaining, hot, has angst and exciting moments for a mafia read with younger characters I absolutely loved it, fans of LJ Shen, A Zavarelli & Sarah Brianne will love this book.
My first eagle Elite book, I know hangs head and I'm desperate now to go back and start from the beginning although this book could be read as a stand alone and told in dual pov's
Arc gratefully received for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Read Today! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2hePKGc Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/TukJN6 iBooks: http://apple.co/2smGTUi iBooks: http://apple.co/2smGTUi Kobo: http://bit.ly/2uLx9WO Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2hdSLqh Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/b5mMmt
Blood in.. No Out... Catch up with the rest of the Eagle Elite Series Here: http://bit.ly/RVDEagleElite
August 9, 2017
I love this series and unfortunately this was not one of my favorites. While still well written at times I was confused. I definitely wished for more of a connection between Dante and El. I was SO SAD about Chase and Mil and wished instead that this book was Dante and El's story alone leaving out anything happening to the others :(
Chase should have had his HEA :(
Chase should have had his HEA :(
July 21, 2017
4.5+ stars---Spoiler Free review because the mafia has to keep some secrets!
"This isn't a fairy tale, and if it was, I sure as hell wouldn't be the prince."
Dante Nicolasi is undergoing some serious training at the hands of the bosses...like "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" kind of training sessions. He is young, intense, angry, intimidating, but also harbors his own inner fears and demons. He is full of hatred and rage over circumstances and desires revenge. This is his chance to prove himself worthy of his bloodline.
El is basically a spoil of war. The Italians saved her from the Russians and now she is under their protection. She has lived a hard life full of abuse. She feels numb, dead, used, and unworthy. She is full of anxiety and fear, and hates feeling trapped. She is a young woman lost in a new environment and is not sure who to trust.
Dante and El are sent to Eagle Elite as new students. And lets just say there is a whole lot of new drama going on since we last checked in with the school. Dante and El's dynamics begin to evolve due to a need for protection, a tentative friendship, sexual attraction, and a gradual build up of feelings. But it seems their lives are not meant to be truly compatible. Dante has a lot of struggles regarding his role in the family and self worth. He tries so hard to resist the pull of El. It is hard to protect someone when he believes she might need protection from himself or his lifestyle. But El is also sassy, brave, and tough. And she is not afraid to stand up for what she wants.
Would sharing their pain and demons make it better or worse? Is the danger and risk worth feeling alive in each other's arms?
This book in intense, violent, emotional, but also funny and entertaining. This group is fierce, dramatic, and brutal. They do what needs to be done. Nothing is ever easy or clear cut. Dante and El are two people living in chaos with no real guarantees of safety or a future.
Italians. Russians. Danger. Family. Bloodshed. Secrets. Money. Betrayal. Loss. Heartbreak.
There are blurred lines between right and wrong and the mafia plays by their own rules and beliefs.
Blood. Loyalty. Family. Honor. Independence. Class.
This is a mafia story. There is a lot going on with the other characters, the families, the threats, secrets, lies, danger, and violence. But it is also a love story about breaking down barriers and trying to find a bit of hope and happiness in their violent world. Both of them took a bit of warming up to because they were in extreme emotional situations and so unsure of everything in the beginning. Dante was incredibly intense and unfocused, and El was broken down and skittish.
This is about them trying to find their own inner strength, purpose, and learning to trust. These characters in this series are not assured of happy-ever-afters, so they have to live hard, love hard, and live well. They honestly never know when one day might be their last. They never know who is going to need saving and when.
This one took me longer to read because it was just so much to take in! It wore me down. It kept me thinking. It had me so full of tension. It completely broke my heart. It revolted me and made me angry at times. There were definitely some twists and surprises...some I never expected. It was mesmerizing and captivating, but in a total raw and demanding way. It is like that train wreck you cannot look away from, but you know that you are going to see things you don't want to. But this is the life with the families.
Blood in. No out.
Rachel Van Dyken is not afraid to shake things up. I never dreamed she would take the series in the direction she is. This one expertly sets up the next book with a tease. I cannot wait for more of these characters!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
"This isn't a fairy tale, and if it was, I sure as hell wouldn't be the prince."
Dante Nicolasi is undergoing some serious training at the hands of the bosses...like "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" kind of training sessions. He is young, intense, angry, intimidating, but also harbors his own inner fears and demons. He is full of hatred and rage over circumstances and desires revenge. This is his chance to prove himself worthy of his bloodline.
El is basically a spoil of war. The Italians saved her from the Russians and now she is under their protection. She has lived a hard life full of abuse. She feels numb, dead, used, and unworthy. She is full of anxiety and fear, and hates feeling trapped. She is a young woman lost in a new environment and is not sure who to trust.
Dante and El are sent to Eagle Elite as new students. And lets just say there is a whole lot of new drama going on since we last checked in with the school. Dante and El's dynamics begin to evolve due to a need for protection, a tentative friendship, sexual attraction, and a gradual build up of feelings. But it seems their lives are not meant to be truly compatible. Dante has a lot of struggles regarding his role in the family and self worth. He tries so hard to resist the pull of El. It is hard to protect someone when he believes she might need protection from himself or his lifestyle. But El is also sassy, brave, and tough. And she is not afraid to stand up for what she wants.
Would sharing their pain and demons make it better or worse? Is the danger and risk worth feeling alive in each other's arms?
This book in intense, violent, emotional, but also funny and entertaining. This group is fierce, dramatic, and brutal. They do what needs to be done. Nothing is ever easy or clear cut. Dante and El are two people living in chaos with no real guarantees of safety or a future.
Italians. Russians. Danger. Family. Bloodshed. Secrets. Money. Betrayal. Loss. Heartbreak.
There are blurred lines between right and wrong and the mafia plays by their own rules and beliefs.
Blood. Loyalty. Family. Honor. Independence. Class.
This is a mafia story. There is a lot going on with the other characters, the families, the threats, secrets, lies, danger, and violence. But it is also a love story about breaking down barriers and trying to find a bit of hope and happiness in their violent world. Both of them took a bit of warming up to because they were in extreme emotional situations and so unsure of everything in the beginning. Dante was incredibly intense and unfocused, and El was broken down and skittish.
This is about them trying to find their own inner strength, purpose, and learning to trust. These characters in this series are not assured of happy-ever-afters, so they have to live hard, love hard, and live well. They honestly never know when one day might be their last. They never know who is going to need saving and when.
This one took me longer to read because it was just so much to take in! It wore me down. It kept me thinking. It had me so full of tension. It completely broke my heart. It revolted me and made me angry at times. There were definitely some twists and surprises...some I never expected. It was mesmerizing and captivating, but in a total raw and demanding way. It is like that train wreck you cannot look away from, but you know that you are going to see things you don't want to. But this is the life with the families.
Blood in. No out.
Rachel Van Dyken is not afraid to shake things up. I never dreamed she would take the series in the direction she is. This one expertly sets up the next book with a tease. I cannot wait for more of these characters!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
August 1, 2017
Full disclosure: I started Enrage by reading the end. I needed to know. I am in Rachel's reader group and knew something BAD was going to happen. I mean, the next book is called Eulogy for God's sake. And, I am still a bit teary eyed from Elude. So, yeah, judge me if you want, but I read the end first so I could prepare myself. Still fucking hurt. Damn you Rachel Van Dyken!
Spoilers are coming. They are marked, so unless you, like me, need to know, click at your own risk.
A quick run down of how we got to Enrage: Dante is Val's brother (Val is one of my favorite characters!). He is angry and bitter about everything but especially El. Poor, sweet, victim El. She has been abused and used and the last thing she needs is Dante's anger directed at her. But, thats exactly what happens. I wanted to nut punch him for this alone. But, he does redeem himself. Both of them have been transplanted to Chicago to live with the Abandonado's and attend Eagle Elite.
El (Elenor) Petrov is the enemy in Dante's eyes. She was married (against her will) to a monster in the Russia mob. Now she is a ward of the Italians. She has been a pawn in the game of the mafia for so long she doesn't know what a normal life is like. But, there are still plenty of secrets about her own identity she learns along the way.
Dante used to be a normal kid. He likes the movie Newsies and he used to draw. Now, he is a killer. He is learning the ways of the Italian mafia so he can take his place in the family. He welcomes the pain and anger and feeds off it. He swears he hates all the bosses, but he doesn't really...He is at Eagle Elite trying to take back power from the Russians.
In previous books, the conflict had been between the families or from smaller uprisings within the families. Since Elude though, the antagonists have been the Russians. Enrage blends the threats together. The Russians/Petrov are causing problems at Eagle Elite; Mil is up to something and it causes problems with the families. Being back at Eagle Elite gives Enrage a bit of that Elect feel-the powerful students punishing others, the violence, the terror. It reminded me how much I enjoyed the series when the characters were at EE. Now, they seem so old, when in reality, they are only in their mid-twenties. It was nice to harken back to the way the series began, but with a Russian twist.
I was getting a bit tired of the 'She's too good for me' speech Dante kept giving. I think it drug on a bit long and I was thrilled when he finally got over it. However, it was a good 75% into the book before he got over it. I wanted someone to fight FOR El. She had been an object, a 'prize', for so long, I wanted someone to make her feel more. I knew Dante would if he would just get over himself!
Aside from the Dante/El romance, the story played out in a way I never expected. And trust me, I tried to guess. I tried to think of every possible way RVD could take the plot of Enrage and still never imagined this. So, kudos for keeping me always on my toes and giving me a book that kept me up all night, with tears streaming down my face the whole time.
Now, those of you who need spoilers, I will tell you how it ends:
POV: multiple 1st
Tears: oh sweet Jesus yes
Trope: mafia, bad boy
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: series (could you read this as a stand alone? Sure, but you would be a bit overwhelmed by all the back characters and quite frankly, the series is so good, you will want to read it all anyway.)
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Cole by Tijan, Nico by Sarah Castille, Enforcer by Katana Collins ...then you will probably like Enrage!
Enrage
April 29, 2018
I HATE YOU RACHEL VAN DYKEN
Estoy furiosa, frustrada enojada y con el hígado a punto de reventarse de coraje, yo sabía que ya no tenía que seguir con esta serie pero por tu culpa Michelle volví a retomarla y me arrepiento eternamente NUNCA NUNCA pensé que fuera a pasar esto o sea a mi Chase mi pobre Chase.
No puedo con el sentimiento, ¿Por qué no Trace? que me cae como patada, me revienta cada vez que sale.
Ni siquiera puedo hacer una reseña de la historia de lo mal que me dejó el final ni calificación puedo dar en estos momentos.
Pd Soy tan masoquista que es muy probable que lea el siguiente libro.
Estoy furiosa, frustrada enojada y con el hígado a punto de reventarse de coraje, yo sabía que ya no tenía que seguir con esta serie pero por tu culpa Michelle volví a retomarla y me arrepiento eternamente NUNCA NUNCA pensé que fuera a pasar esto o sea a mi Chase mi pobre Chase.
No puedo con el sentimiento, ¿Por qué no Trace? que me cae como patada, me revienta cada vez que sale.
Ni siquiera puedo hacer una reseña de la historia de lo mal que me dejó el final ni calificación puedo dar en estos momentos.
Pd Soy tan masoquista que es muy probable que lea el siguiente libro.
June 3, 2020
4.5 stars
Wow! I liked Dante in the previous book, but I completely fell in love with him in this book. This man, so strong and loyal to his brothers in The Family.
El is broken. She'd married the devil and had been his sex slave until Frank killed and saved her from her abusive husband. Now she's brought into the Sicilian Mafia. Out from one hell and pushed into another, if you will. But things are different here. The women of the men are treated differently; she's treated better by the men... well all except one.
Dante hates her for the sole reason that she was married to Xavier Petrov, and he was a part of the Russian Mafia. And now he has to live in the same house as her, sharing one bathroom and driving her to school. But he notices things, she's different, innocent and not at all what he expected.
As Dante and El grow closer, the family believes El needs protection, and she needs to marry for her to be safe. Dante doesn't think he's worthy of her. She's known violence for so long, and his life has changed, and all Dante knows now is violence and death. So he'll let her go for her to be safe and away from the world that she hates. But things do not go according to plan. How can Dante let go of the one thing he is finding himself he can't live without?“How will I know when you’re telling the truth,”
I fired back before grabbing the handle to the door. He shoved the keys in his pocket and grabbed my arm, twisting me back in my seat until I was pressed against the soft leather, his face inches from mine.
“I will never lie to your face.” He blinked slowly, his cool blue eyes assessing. “My only tell, is that if I lie to you, I look below your eyes, above your eyes, near your eyes,” he touched one side of my face. “And I might even look through your eyes, but I will never look at the soul behind them. You’ll know I’m lying because I won’t be speaking to your soul, El.”
This book was so well written, I sat at the end of my seat as the suspense increased. The dialogues between the guys were hilarious. I absolutely adored the relationship between Chase and Dante and how protective of all the guys were of El.
“And the sexy as hell way that she rose above it, continues to rise above it, every day of her life.” He stood. “I loved that girl.”
“What happened to her?” Chris asked his eyes ping ponging between me and Dante.
“Beauty was never supposed to end up with the beast, Chris, she marries the prince. That’s what happened.” He grabbed the wine bottle, scooted his chair back, and walked out.
May 6, 2020
ARC received for an honest review
Blood In. No Out
What can I say about Enrage other than wow.
I have been a fan of this series since I first stumbled across the first book, Elite, a few years back.
Each and every story just gets better and better, and the Eagle Elite family gets bigger and bigger.
There is just something about these mafioso that keeps me coming back for more. Ms Van Dyken has created a wonderful group of people that you love or hate, depending on their actions at the time (but for me mostly love).
As a reader, you just know that you are going to have your heart ripped out at some stage whilst reading an EE book, you just never know how, when or why. And she has not disappointed with Enrage.
I adore Dante and El - the push and pull, the love/hate between them kept me captivated the whole read. I laughed, I cried, I loved and hated - sometimes all on the same page.
It is days since i finished Enrage - and I am still unsure if I have forgiven Ms Van Dyken for events in this book!
I don't know how she keeps doing it, ever single time.
Can't wait for more
Blood In. No Out
What can I say about Enrage other than wow.
I have been a fan of this series since I first stumbled across the first book, Elite, a few years back.
Each and every story just gets better and better, and the Eagle Elite family gets bigger and bigger.
There is just something about these mafioso that keeps me coming back for more. Ms Van Dyken has created a wonderful group of people that you love or hate, depending on their actions at the time (but for me mostly love).
As a reader, you just know that you are going to have your heart ripped out at some stage whilst reading an EE book, you just never know how, when or why. And she has not disappointed with Enrage.
I adore Dante and El - the push and pull, the love/hate between them kept me captivated the whole read. I laughed, I cried, I loved and hated - sometimes all on the same page.
It is days since i finished Enrage - and I am still unsure if I have forgiven Ms Van Dyken for events in this book!
I don't know how she keeps doing it, ever single time.
Can't wait for more
August 2, 2017
4.5 stars
Didn't see that coming. Full review HERE on The Romance Book Disciple!
Didn't see that coming. Full review HERE on The Romance Book Disciple!
August 6, 2017
It's no secret I love the Eagle Elite series, they are so dangerous and intriguing and at the same time they are also relaxing and funny! I know for everyone it's different but for me it was like that. Although this one was quite different..
I was curious for this one from the glimpse we got in the Christmas novel, so I was very happy I could actually start reading this one!
For me Dante wasn't a bad one I liked him immediately just like El, she has a very rough and hard past but she doesn't let it drag her down. In my eyes she was a very strong an powerful girl/woman.
So I now also get what got everyone upset, it got me pretty upset too. It's like I know that moment in Elude ( Sergio and Andi ) where I thought no this isn't how it's going Rachel is a fantastic author she's going to pull her magic and makes it a twist so it didn't really happen. But in the end it really did happen..
I did NOT saw that coming!
I was curious for this one from the glimpse we got in the Christmas novel, so I was very happy I could actually start reading this one!
For me Dante wasn't a bad one I liked him immediately just like El, she has a very rough and hard past but she doesn't let it drag her down. In my eyes she was a very strong an powerful girl/woman.
So I now also get what got everyone upset, it got me pretty upset too. It's like I know that moment in Elude ( Sergio and Andi ) where I thought no this isn't how it's going Rachel is a fantastic author she's going to pull her magic and makes it a twist so it didn't really happen. But in the end it really did happen..
I did NOT saw that coming!
August 3, 2017
This book better make up for the disgrace that was the last book. In fact, if Val were to be killed in this book, I'd completely forgive the author for the previous book. :)
July 30, 2017
4.5+ stars
No spoilers!
The Eagle Elite series has never been about taking the easy road. There is no easy road when family is blood in, no out.
Dante Nicolasi is settling into life with Cosa Nostra. Participating in daily training with the bosses, he has a lot on his plate as he starts classes at Eagle Elite.
El is no stranger to danger and terror. Now that she is under the protection of the Italian families, life is a little easier and she is adjusting to her new freedoms. But the protections she is receiving from the Italian families can only last so long and school isn’t the safe place she imagined it would be.
The games these families play aren’t always easy to swallow, nor are they always cut and dry. There is a lot going on in this book, between the main couple and the rest of the families. At times I was uncomfortable with what I could see coming, at times I couldn’t see how thing would sort themselves out. Danger is around every corner as Dante and El navigate their new roles.
I found myself drawn back into Rachel’s mafia world very quickly. The heads of the families are all nearby as Dante is tasked with investigating what is going on at Eagle Elite. Watching this close-knit group of family reminded me of all the trials they have faced over the series and made me wish I could fit in a series re-read, especially as I hit the end and was faced with the emotional climax of Enrage.
This was not an easy end to read. It absolutely fit, but part of me needs to go back and read a few of the previous books in the series because it hurts to think about where they are now. I imagine the next book in the series is going to be one that readers clamor for and I can’t wait to have it in my hands for so many reasons.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
No spoilers!
The Eagle Elite series has never been about taking the easy road. There is no easy road when family is blood in, no out.
Dante Nicolasi is settling into life with Cosa Nostra. Participating in daily training with the bosses, he has a lot on his plate as he starts classes at Eagle Elite.
El is no stranger to danger and terror. Now that she is under the protection of the Italian families, life is a little easier and she is adjusting to her new freedoms. But the protections she is receiving from the Italian families can only last so long and school isn’t the safe place she imagined it would be.
The games these families play aren’t always easy to swallow, nor are they always cut and dry. There is a lot going on in this book, between the main couple and the rest of the families. At times I was uncomfortable with what I could see coming, at times I couldn’t see how thing would sort themselves out. Danger is around every corner as Dante and El navigate their new roles.
I found myself drawn back into Rachel’s mafia world very quickly. The heads of the families are all nearby as Dante is tasked with investigating what is going on at Eagle Elite. Watching this close-knit group of family reminded me of all the trials they have faced over the series and made me wish I could fit in a series re-read, especially as I hit the end and was faced with the emotional climax of Enrage.
This was not an easy end to read. It absolutely fit, but part of me needs to go back and read a few of the previous books in the series because it hurts to think about where they are now. I imagine the next book in the series is going to be one that readers clamor for and I can’t wait to have it in my hands for so many reasons.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2017
'Enrage'by Rachel Van Dyken is book 8 in the "Eagle Elite" series. This is the story of Dante and El. I have not yet read the other books in this series, so for me this was a standalone book.
El was taken from the Russians and now is under the Sicilian Mafia protection. El feels dead inside after all that she has been through. But looking at Dante makes her feel alive...a feeling she is at first upset about. El feels that she will always be 'emotionally bleeding' until her heart stops. El is just waiting until this new mafia makes her earn her keep just as Xavier had done.
Dante is going through his own trauma by working his way into the Mafia working on him to build him up. This 'training' involves beatings and a lot of mental stuff to build him up to be the fighter / member they need. At first Dante thinks the mafia made a mistake in taking in El calls her a 'mistake' and the 'enemy' but this start to change when he gets to know her.
Dante is pretty intense and working to make himself strong to avenge his father's death. El is scared of everything and waiting for the hurt to start back for her with this new group of people she is living with.
This was a really intense book to read due to the love / hate that El and Dante felt but Dante couldn't fight his feelings for long and El grew to be stronger. Together they they helped each other.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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El was taken from the Russians and now is under the Sicilian Mafia protection. El feels dead inside after all that she has been through. But looking at Dante makes her feel alive...a feeling she is at first upset about. El feels that she will always be 'emotionally bleeding' until her heart stops. El is just waiting until this new mafia makes her earn her keep just as Xavier had done.
Dante is going through his own trauma by working his way into the Mafia working on him to build him up. This 'training' involves beatings and a lot of mental stuff to build him up to be the fighter / member they need. At first Dante thinks the mafia made a mistake in taking in El calls her a 'mistake' and the 'enemy' but this start to change when he gets to know her.
Dante is pretty intense and working to make himself strong to avenge his father's death. El is scared of everything and waiting for the hurt to start back for her with this new group of people she is living with.
This was a really intense book to read due to the love / hate that El and Dante felt but Dante couldn't fight his feelings for long and El grew to be stronger. Together they they helped each other.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
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https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
July 11, 2017
Dante seems to always ruin his girl's fun, "...I ran my finger lower, lower — his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist before I could continue my exploration. “Hunting for treasure?” He said without opening his eyes, his firm still grip on my hand. “Or just curious from last night?” Dante's woman just doesn't understand some of his frustrations, “I have a sexy as hell woman straddling me and I can’t even see her, what do you expect me to do? Laugh? You realize how painful it is to be pressed against you and not feel you?” Yeah wasn't expecting that big ole plot twist...but I loved Dante, but I'm still stunned.
August 4, 2017
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ***
5 Mafia Loving CROWNS
I love Mafia romances. The corrupt yet honorable men, the fierce and devoted women, and the world filled with blurring grey lines is nothing short of enthralling for me, and Rachel Van Dyken's world has just become my new favorite Mafia romance.
The anti-hero of this story is Dante, and I love him! It is so clear to see why El is attracted to him. Why she is drawn to all the good and bad parts of him. Because we see the good and the pain inside of him, and, as readers, we forgive what he does for his family and El because there is honor in the pain he inflicts. More than Dante, though, I love every single man I was introduced to in this book (this being my first in the series, and yes it can be read as a standalone, but here is my disclaimer: you will want to go back and read them all). They are all different but all have that perfect mix of safety and danger that makes these fictional worlds so incredible enticing.
I also love the heroine, El, and mainly because of how she overcomes her prison in hell. While she may appear weak to others, the amount of resilience she has is unparalleled. Every time she faces an enemy, I was in awe of her power, even if she is unaware of what she has. Just like the men, the group of women in this book are just as wonderful. I love the comradery among them, and they way support each other and love their men. They are the ones that make this group of men, this family, a real one.
What I love most about Mafia stories is the suspense, the danger, and the passion that is mixed together, and Rachel Van Dyken delivers a story that held my attention from the opening pages, first with the forbidden nature and sexual tension between Dante and El and then with the impending danger facing the family. Add to that the secret being hidden from all the characters, and I couldn't put it down. It had every single aspect of a good Mafia romance I could ever want. The ending, though, that ending crushed my soul and yet left me with a sense of hope. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book!
I have found my new favorite Mafia World, and I never ever want to leave. I want to stay wrapped up in this cocoon of danger and safety forever! This will absolutely be in my read again and again pile!
--------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
--------
Get your copy today:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2v9EKzt
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tPnR9z
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2tPnVpP
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2uaKYL0
iBooks: http://apple.co/2smGTUi
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2uLx9WO
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2hdSLq
5 Mafia Loving CROWNS
I love Mafia romances. The corrupt yet honorable men, the fierce and devoted women, and the world filled with blurring grey lines is nothing short of enthralling for me, and Rachel Van Dyken's world has just become my new favorite Mafia romance.
The anti-hero of this story is Dante, and I love him! It is so clear to see why El is attracted to him. Why she is drawn to all the good and bad parts of him. Because we see the good and the pain inside of him, and, as readers, we forgive what he does for his family and El because there is honor in the pain he inflicts. More than Dante, though, I love every single man I was introduced to in this book (this being my first in the series, and yes it can be read as a standalone, but here is my disclaimer: you will want to go back and read them all). They are all different but all have that perfect mix of safety and danger that makes these fictional worlds so incredible enticing.
I also love the heroine, El, and mainly because of how she overcomes her prison in hell. While she may appear weak to others, the amount of resilience she has is unparalleled. Every time she faces an enemy, I was in awe of her power, even if she is unaware of what she has. Just like the men, the group of women in this book are just as wonderful. I love the comradery among them, and they way support each other and love their men. They are the ones that make this group of men, this family, a real one.
What I love most about Mafia stories is the suspense, the danger, and the passion that is mixed together, and Rachel Van Dyken delivers a story that held my attention from the opening pages, first with the forbidden nature and sexual tension between Dante and El and then with the impending danger facing the family. Add to that the secret being hidden from all the characters, and I couldn't put it down. It had every single aspect of a good Mafia romance I could ever want. The ending, though, that ending crushed my soul and yet left me with a sense of hope. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book!
I have found my new favorite Mafia World, and I never ever want to leave. I want to stay wrapped up in this cocoon of danger and safety forever! This will absolutely be in my read again and again pile!
--------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
--------
Get your copy today:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2v9EKzt
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tPnR9z
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2tPnVpP
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2uaKYL0
iBooks: http://apple.co/2smGTUi
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2uLx9WO
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2hdSLq
July 29, 2017
It's taken me a long time to process my thoughts on this book and even now 12 hours later I still don't know how I feel so bare with me as it may be a long one.
On one hand I want to shake, shout and scream at Rachel Van Dyken but on the other hand I want to kiss and congratulate her on yet another EPIC instalment in the Eagle Elite series. I was reeled in and hooked right from start to finish. I could not put it down and luckily my children slept late because I wasn't moving for anyone or anything until every last page was consumed.
This is book 8 in the series (13 if you read all the novella's as well) and it's Dante's and El's story. Dante is Val's twin brother. Heir to a throne inherited from his dead mafia boss father. A life he doesn't want and considers it to be his hell. From the minute he steps off the plane he is trained by all of the mafia boys we have come to know and love throughout this series, Tex, Nixon, Sergio, Chase and Pheonix and they aren't gentle with him. So much anger radiates through him and he loves the thrill of the kill. Loving someone is not in his profile because he knows the life he is about to enter could have him dead in the morning.
El is scared of her own shadow, rescued from the Russian mafia after her ex husband was killed. El was a slave in the bedroom who was beaten and considered a whore. With no trust in anyone and frightened of everyone but she keeps it hidden inside and puts up a front with a brave face and attitude. To fall in love would be a miracle in itself considering everything she has went through.
Remember the oath "Blood In No Out" because trust is everything in this book.
As usual I couldn't get enough and needed so much more. Everything Rachel Van Dyken writes just keeps getting better and better, it's like a fine whisky maturing and becoming more maturer as the years go on. Rachel's becoming bolder with the darkness and slightly raunchier in her sex scenes in this series which pleases me greatly. This series is everything, usually I won't last more than 3 books in a long series as I get bored easily but I just can't get enough of our mafia boys and girls. February 2018 can't come fast enough for me because I need to know what happens next. If you haven't read this series then you seriously need to get on that now! Well done Rachel although I still don't know whether I wan't to scream at you or kiss you!
On one hand I want to shake, shout and scream at Rachel Van Dyken but on the other hand I want to kiss and congratulate her on yet another EPIC instalment in the Eagle Elite series. I was reeled in and hooked right from start to finish. I could not put it down and luckily my children slept late because I wasn't moving for anyone or anything until every last page was consumed.
This is book 8 in the series (13 if you read all the novella's as well) and it's Dante's and El's story. Dante is Val's twin brother. Heir to a throne inherited from his dead mafia boss father. A life he doesn't want and considers it to be his hell. From the minute he steps off the plane he is trained by all of the mafia boys we have come to know and love throughout this series, Tex, Nixon, Sergio, Chase and Pheonix and they aren't gentle with him. So much anger radiates through him and he loves the thrill of the kill. Loving someone is not in his profile because he knows the life he is about to enter could have him dead in the morning.
El is scared of her own shadow, rescued from the Russian mafia after her ex husband was killed. El was a slave in the bedroom who was beaten and considered a whore. With no trust in anyone and frightened of everyone but she keeps it hidden inside and puts up a front with a brave face and attitude. To fall in love would be a miracle in itself considering everything she has went through.
Remember the oath "Blood In No Out" because trust is everything in this book.
As usual I couldn't get enough and needed so much more. Everything Rachel Van Dyken writes just keeps getting better and better, it's like a fine whisky maturing and becoming more maturer as the years go on. Rachel's becoming bolder with the darkness and slightly raunchier in her sex scenes in this series which pleases me greatly. This series is everything, usually I won't last more than 3 books in a long series as I get bored easily but I just can't get enough of our mafia boys and girls. February 2018 can't come fast enough for me because I need to know what happens next. If you haven't read this series then you seriously need to get on that now! Well done Rachel although I still don't know whether I wan't to scream at you or kiss you!
December 14, 2017
Wow..... I just finished bawling my eyes out.....heart shattered and in shock on how this story ended. I honestly thought they would fix it and all would be okay in the end. I really didn’t think she would write it that way. I love this world though however messed up it is. I’m really curious to see what she will do with Chase and to see him come back from this. Can’t wait to see what the author has in store.
July 31, 2017
Review by Lisa Kane
I have come to expect the unexpected from Rachel Van Dyken’s Eagle Elite series. These books are not for the faint of heart. They are Mafia romances chock full of angst and violence and death. I always think I know the outcome and I’m almost always wrong.
Dante Nicolasi is the twin brother of Sergio Abandonato’s wife. He is being trained by our favorite good fellows to join their ranks. He suffers daily beatings to strengthen his tolerance and skill. Of course, he isn’t allowed to fight back, only to endure.
I wasn’t sure whom I hated most.
Sergio for trying to break my spirit.
Nixon for trying to break my body with his fists.
Phoenix for trying to slit my throat with a knife.
Chase for torturing me until I wanted to do.
Mil for shooting me at point blank range and then asking me to stop my own bleeding.
Tex for tying me up and pulling me behind his car.
Or Frank, for breaking two of my fingers and then laughing.
But he knows this is his life now, these are the cards he was dealt and he has to suck it up and become a monster; the same as everyone else in the family.
El Petrov was saved from her life of hell by Frank. She was raped and beaten by the Russian mob and saved by the Sicilian mob. She’s traded one life of hell for another. She knows who Dante is but she keeps her distance, he is a simmering cauldron waiting to boil over and she doesn’t need any more drama. That’s not to say she hasn’t noticed him though.
Dante Nicolasi was easily the most beautiful and horrible person I’d ever met in my entire life.
Both are being forced to attend Eagle Elite University. The school controlled by the family.
Eagle Elite University. Owned by the Abandonatos.
Run by
No one.
That was the catch.
In the time that the family has been absent from the school, the Russian mob has made its mark. Dangerous games are being played and Dante and El are in the thick of things. But they aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure. The whole family is changing, the blood infested waters are being churned up.
“Tell me it’s not always like this.” I leaned against the wall. “Tell me you’re not constantly choking from the fear and anger, tell me it gets better.”
“It comes in waves.”
Nixon said after a long moment. “So enjoy the ride when it’s good, and hold tight to those you love when it’s bad.”
The twists and turns just keep coming with this story. I’m not going to spoil the plot…but you are pure evil Ms. Van Dyken. I kept thinking to myself, “she wouldn’t go there would she? No, even she wouldn’t do this…oh how the tears flowed!
This is Dante and El’s story, but it belongs to every member of this family. Each will be shaken to the core, each will have to find their place.
I tried to thank her for saving me.
When I never even realized I needed saving.
I have come to expect the unexpected from Rachel Van Dyken’s Eagle Elite series. These books are not for the faint of heart. They are Mafia romances chock full of angst and violence and death. I always think I know the outcome and I’m almost always wrong.
Dante Nicolasi is the twin brother of Sergio Abandonato’s wife. He is being trained by our favorite good fellows to join their ranks. He suffers daily beatings to strengthen his tolerance and skill. Of course, he isn’t allowed to fight back, only to endure.
I wasn’t sure whom I hated most.
Sergio for trying to break my spirit.
Nixon for trying to break my body with his fists.
Phoenix for trying to slit my throat with a knife.
Chase for torturing me until I wanted to do.
Mil for shooting me at point blank range and then asking me to stop my own bleeding.
Tex for tying me up and pulling me behind his car.
Or Frank, for breaking two of my fingers and then laughing.
But he knows this is his life now, these are the cards he was dealt and he has to suck it up and become a monster; the same as everyone else in the family.
El Petrov was saved from her life of hell by Frank. She was raped and beaten by the Russian mob and saved by the Sicilian mob. She’s traded one life of hell for another. She knows who Dante is but she keeps her distance, he is a simmering cauldron waiting to boil over and she doesn’t need any more drama. That’s not to say she hasn’t noticed him though.
Dante Nicolasi was easily the most beautiful and horrible person I’d ever met in my entire life.
Both are being forced to attend Eagle Elite University. The school controlled by the family.
Eagle Elite University. Owned by the Abandonatos.
Run by
No one.
That was the catch.
In the time that the family has been absent from the school, the Russian mob has made its mark. Dangerous games are being played and Dante and El are in the thick of things. But they aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure. The whole family is changing, the blood infested waters are being churned up.
“Tell me it’s not always like this.” I leaned against the wall. “Tell me you’re not constantly choking from the fear and anger, tell me it gets better.”
“It comes in waves.”
Nixon said after a long moment. “So enjoy the ride when it’s good, and hold tight to those you love when it’s bad.”
The twists and turns just keep coming with this story. I’m not going to spoil the plot…but you are pure evil Ms. Van Dyken. I kept thinking to myself, “she wouldn’t go there would she? No, even she wouldn’t do this…oh how the tears flowed!
This is Dante and El’s story, but it belongs to every member of this family. Each will be shaken to the core, each will have to find their place.
I tried to thank her for saving me.
When I never even realized I needed saving.
August 3, 2017
I don't know if I'm writing a review. I'm so mad I'm shaking and also I can't stop crying so.
Chase's inner thoughts:
I wanted to pretend it was her so I could yell at it. So I could get answers, so I could ask.
Why.
Just Why.
Why I wasn't enough.
Why we weren't enough.
Why she broke us.
Why she shattered my heart.
I wanted to ask her if it was worth it. All of it.
Just gonna leave this here. I don't think I will ever heal from this tbh.
I wasn't going to write my thoughts but I'm kind of broken and I know writing helps, so here goes...
The book is from Dante/El's POVs but it didn't feel like their story, at all. Dante kept a lot bottled up inside which is what made him grow into this really angry person. The only person he was EVER sweet on, was his sister. Even that... I'm kind of disappointed with the lack of Val/Dante scenes bc in Val's book, these were some of my favorite scenes. The only times Val was ever brought up in this book or scene, was always overshadowed by the idea of Sergio and her fucking, literally. It was annoying.
Anyways, back to Dante, he is angry and alone. I'm not quite sure how this love story between him and El really even developed... ok it didn't develop tbh. It was just like here is a angry guy and a very innocent/PTSD girl that will let him in bc she is also alone.
Look, I mean. okay here's the thing, lots of people in this world are lonely af, doesn't mean the next lonely person you meet is your saviour or some shit.. but that's what this story was painted like so anyways I'm thinking okay, I'll ignore this dumbass ship and read for my other characters WHOM I LOVE SO DEARLY (TEX, CHASE, PHOENIX) :(((((.
so I kept reading. I honestly thought Tex was going to be Dante's mentor, but I guess, since when is the Capo ever a mentor to someone? You need someone who can be tough but with more heart, and ding ding ding, that's my boy Chase. Chase, god honey.... I'm just not even ready to write about what happened to you yet so I'm stalling here, but I love him so much ???? He is always so perceptive about everything that goes in/on around him, he is the most selfless, caring, trained assassin I have ever read. God that was a weird sentence to type lol..
Uhm.. so like I said this book didn't feel like Dante/El's story bc the most prominent thing that happens, the climax of the entire series, happened and had nothing to do with either of them. Dante/El's story honestly seemed so choppy. I just don't even want to discuss how poorly executed this storyline was. But in the midst of trying to keep the centre point on Dante/El, the stories around also crumbled bc there wasn't enough time to explain wtf was happening, they just one minute you see Chase/Mil doing it and the next Chase is a zombie.
Ok here goes. I'm pissed. Rachel really up and killed Mil in this book. Mil, independent af, boss lady, stronger than all of the women in this entire series Mil. It broke my heart that Chase felt her slipping away and begged her to let him help her and she wouldn't budge. She wouldn't allow him to be there for her, when she came home with blood on her hands, when she was threatened within an inch of her life, the lives of her loved ones. Chase, like I said, very perceptive of everyone, knew whenever smt was off. Rewind back to "A very mafia christmas" in the Mil/Chase scene, she won't tell him what's wrong but just cries and he gets it out of her, she feels WEAK. and I remember Chase being the sweetest ever... anyways guess that story carried into this book and she literally left him. She stopped sleeping in the same bedroom, asked for a divorce, but the end all? Says she loved him. I truly believe she loved him and that is why this is so fucked up.
I hated her death. I hated when Chase screamed Ti Amavo. I actually started crying.
Chase - had his heart broken once, and I HATED. He fell again, fell in love with someone who loved him back entirely, but Rachel decided to make her look selfish af and go about leaving Chase, leaving him in this world, alone. When Chase met Mil, he was in pieces, his heart was shattered from this bitchass (Trace), and then he was put back together, healed, and loved, by Mil. Only for two years to go by, and to be crushed yet again. I'm really not here for this again, I don't want my boy to go through heartbreak over and over.
Chase loved with everything he has, literally. He loves so much, it hurts me when he's not loved in return. He was broken before, but now he's irreparable. Chase and Mil was such a healthy relationship... I don't know why Rachel did this tbqh.
Kill Nixon or Trace. Both of these two assholes should have died 8 books ago. Fuck man.. when Trace was holding a gun to Mil, I wanted to push her tf down. When Trace had the audacity to claim Chase has part of her heart... I saw red, honestly.
Chase screaming that he's dead too when life left Mil's body hurts my soul. He is ready to follow her into the afterlife, 100%. I know my boy. He's done. He won't recover and I don't want him to. I don't want his heart to hurt anymore, I'd rather Rachel ends his life next book and I'm saying this bc I love him. How fucked up is that?
Writing didn't help a lot actually I'm just mad. I'll be mad even on my deathbed. Rachel done fucked up this entire series by doing this. I wish to unread this book. Undeveloped story or Dante/El which had potential. Her PTSD was never felt; Dante's anger and relationship with his sister was never cured.
I dont know. I'm done with this series, done with this author. I'm tired of my boys loving someone so much and never having it be enough.
Chase's inner thoughts:
I wanted to pretend it was her so I could yell at it. So I could get answers, so I could ask.
Why.
Just Why.
Why I wasn't enough.
Why we weren't enough.
Why she broke us.
Why she shattered my heart.
I wanted to ask her if it was worth it. All of it.
Just gonna leave this here. I don't think I will ever heal from this tbh.
I wasn't going to write my thoughts but I'm kind of broken and I know writing helps, so here goes...
The book is from Dante/El's POVs but it didn't feel like their story, at all. Dante kept a lot bottled up inside which is what made him grow into this really angry person. The only person he was EVER sweet on, was his sister. Even that... I'm kind of disappointed with the lack of Val/Dante scenes bc in Val's book, these were some of my favorite scenes. The only times Val was ever brought up in this book or scene, was always overshadowed by the idea of Sergio and her fucking, literally. It was annoying.
Anyways, back to Dante, he is angry and alone. I'm not quite sure how this love story between him and El really even developed... ok it didn't develop tbh. It was just like here is a angry guy and a very innocent/PTSD girl that will let him in bc she is also alone.
Look, I mean. okay here's the thing, lots of people in this world are lonely af, doesn't mean the next lonely person you meet is your saviour or some shit.. but that's what this story was painted like so anyways I'm thinking okay, I'll ignore this dumbass ship and read for my other characters WHOM I LOVE SO DEARLY (TEX, CHASE, PHOENIX) :(((((.
so I kept reading. I honestly thought Tex was going to be Dante's mentor, but I guess, since when is the Capo ever a mentor to someone? You need someone who can be tough but with more heart, and ding ding ding, that's my boy Chase. Chase, god honey.... I'm just not even ready to write about what happened to you yet so I'm stalling here, but I love him so much ???? He is always so perceptive about everything that goes in/on around him, he is the most selfless, caring, trained assassin I have ever read. God that was a weird sentence to type lol..
Uhm.. so like I said this book didn't feel like Dante/El's story bc the most prominent thing that happens, the climax of the entire series, happened and had nothing to do with either of them. Dante/El's story honestly seemed so choppy. I just don't even want to discuss how poorly executed this storyline was. But in the midst of trying to keep the centre point on Dante/El, the stories around also crumbled bc there wasn't enough time to explain wtf was happening, they just one minute you see Chase/Mil doing it and the next Chase is a zombie.
Ok here goes. I'm pissed. Rachel really up and killed Mil in this book. Mil, independent af, boss lady, stronger than all of the women in this entire series Mil. It broke my heart that Chase felt her slipping away and begged her to let him help her and she wouldn't budge. She wouldn't allow him to be there for her, when she came home with blood on her hands, when she was threatened within an inch of her life, the lives of her loved ones. Chase, like I said, very perceptive of everyone, knew whenever smt was off. Rewind back to "A very mafia christmas" in the Mil/Chase scene, she won't tell him what's wrong but just cries and he gets it out of her, she feels WEAK. and I remember Chase being the sweetest ever... anyways guess that story carried into this book and she literally left him. She stopped sleeping in the same bedroom, asked for a divorce, but the end all? Says she loved him. I truly believe she loved him and that is why this is so fucked up.
I hated her death. I hated when Chase screamed Ti Amavo. I actually started crying.
Chase - had his heart broken once, and I HATED. He fell again, fell in love with someone who loved him back entirely, but Rachel decided to make her look selfish af and go about leaving Chase, leaving him in this world, alone. When Chase met Mil, he was in pieces, his heart was shattered from this bitchass (Trace), and then he was put back together, healed, and loved, by Mil. Only for two years to go by, and to be crushed yet again. I'm really not here for this again, I don't want my boy to go through heartbreak over and over.
Chase loved with everything he has, literally. He loves so much, it hurts me when he's not loved in return. He was broken before, but now he's irreparable. Chase and Mil was such a healthy relationship... I don't know why Rachel did this tbqh.
Kill Nixon or Trace. Both of these two assholes should have died 8 books ago. Fuck man.. when Trace was holding a gun to Mil, I wanted to push her tf down. When Trace had the audacity to claim Chase has part of her heart... I saw red, honestly.
Chase screaming that he's dead too when life left Mil's body hurts my soul. He is ready to follow her into the afterlife, 100%. I know my boy. He's done. He won't recover and I don't want him to. I don't want his heart to hurt anymore, I'd rather Rachel ends his life next book and I'm saying this bc I love him. How fucked up is that?
Writing didn't help a lot actually I'm just mad. I'll be mad even on my deathbed. Rachel done fucked up this entire series by doing this. I wish to unread this book. Undeveloped story or Dante/El which had potential. Her PTSD was never felt; Dante's anger and relationship with his sister was never cured.
I dont know. I'm done with this series, done with this author. I'm tired of my boys loving someone so much and never having it be enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2017
That freaking ending. WTAF.
Didn't care much for Dante & El's story. I just read it..to read it lol
BUT... CHASE?! HELL-FREAKING-YES!
February 2018.. ARE YOU FrEAKING KIDDING ME?! WHHHYYYYY!!!
Didn't care much for Dante & El's story. I just read it..to read it lol
BUT... CHASE?! HELL-FREAKING-YES!
February 2018.. ARE YOU FrEAKING KIDDING ME?! WHHHYYYYY!!!
October 31, 2018
Italian Mafia... Family, Blood, Mafia...
Dante and El...
Fight for their future....
I just love it...
Dante and El...
Fight for their future....
I just love it...
July 14, 2017
Rachel has a way of pulling on the heartstrings of her fans, leaving them in a puddle by the end of the book.
Enrage is so full of emotion from all sides. As Dante, the son of Luca Nicolasi, finds out what it means to be the prince of the Mob - there is trouble brewing among the families that could cause the mother of all wars. Peace can only last for so long and Dante is about to be inducted into the mob life by fire.
Each book gets better and better and I think the Elite will live forever! Just remember it's Blood In and No Out and we learn just what that means in Enrage.
Enrage is so full of emotion from all sides. As Dante, the son of Luca Nicolasi, finds out what it means to be the prince of the Mob - there is trouble brewing among the families that could cause the mother of all wars. Peace can only last for so long and Dante is about to be inducted into the mob life by fire.
Each book gets better and better and I think the Elite will live forever! Just remember it's Blood In and No Out and we learn just what that means in Enrage.
July 17, 2017
What what I literally don't know what to say. This book yes another five star read. I can't get enough of this series it is hands down one of my favs and I seriously started reading these on Friday.
Dante omg yes I loved him. He's got a temper, he's danger and hot hot hot.
I honestly don't even know what to say here because as per usual RVD has sucked me in to the point where my thoughts are all over the place.
This book will have you a little bit speechless and a whole lot of OMFG what just happened. What in the hell just happened. My heart 💔💔💔
Dayumm I simply can't get enough of this mafia madness.
Dante omg yes I loved him. He's got a temper, he's danger and hot hot hot.
I honestly don't even know what to say here because as per usual RVD has sucked me in to the point where my thoughts are all over the place.
This book will have you a little bit speechless and a whole lot of OMFG what just happened. What in the hell just happened. My heart 💔💔💔
Dayumm I simply can't get enough of this mafia madness.
July 31, 2017
Well I sure as shit wasn't expecting that ending, but it is Rachel Van Dyken. She is always able to throw me through a loop with one thing or another in her books.
"Loyalty. Family. Honor. Independence. Class. Blood."
"Blood In. No Out."
Where oh where do I start this review?!? Dante was raised knowing what his family was but never having to deal with any of it. That is until his father was killed and he was thrust into the world he never wanted any part of. El wasn't given a choice when her husband was killed by the very people she is now living with.
The only thing that Dante and El have in common is not wanting to be living in the place they currently reside, with the Italian Mafia. But neither really had another viable option if they wanted to live. While Dante is being trained to become the heir to his family's throne, El is just trying to stay hidden and out of the way. What neither expected was for the other to be the light in their darkness. I won't give away any tidbits or details, but I will tell you that there is one hell of a twist that I did not see coming and had my mouth falling open at the end.
I don't know how Rachel does it, but every book in this series is just as brilliant as the previous ones and has me on the edge of my seat the whole. She gets me vested in new characters and has me itching to know how everyone else is doing. I love it!!
This is one mafia series that everyone needs to read. Rachel really knows how to keep things new and exciting and not once, repeat a previous plot line (or even a sex scene!). And I love that I get so damn into this series all over again when I read a new book. It's like a family reunion every time!
"Loyalty. Family. Honor. Independence. Class. Blood."
"Blood In. No Out."
Where oh where do I start this review?!? Dante was raised knowing what his family was but never having to deal with any of it. That is until his father was killed and he was thrust into the world he never wanted any part of. El wasn't given a choice when her husband was killed by the very people she is now living with.
The only thing that Dante and El have in common is not wanting to be living in the place they currently reside, with the Italian Mafia. But neither really had another viable option if they wanted to live. While Dante is being trained to become the heir to his family's throne, El is just trying to stay hidden and out of the way. What neither expected was for the other to be the light in their darkness. I won't give away any tidbits or details, but I will tell you that there is one hell of a twist that I did not see coming and had my mouth falling open at the end.
I don't know how Rachel does it, but every book in this series is just as brilliant as the previous ones and has me on the edge of my seat the whole. She gets me vested in new characters and has me itching to know how everyone else is doing. I love it!!
This is one mafia series that everyone needs to read. Rachel really knows how to keep things new and exciting and not once, repeat a previous plot line (or even a sex scene!). And I love that I get so damn into this series all over again when I read a new book. It's like a family reunion every time!
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