Fearless By Rachel Van Dyken

If you hate overly romantic romance novels and you are unable to tolerate those overly happy couples who cry a lot and recite every romance Shakespeare ever written then this novella isn't for you. No matter that it's 100 pages.

I am one of those persons but I liked this novella because it was too short for me to find issues with how overly romantic they were and I really loved 'Ruin' and missed that magic that wasn't recreated in 'Toxic'. I finally understand that the feeling only comes with Wes and Kiersten's stories. Gabe and Saylor's story was a disappointment but with this novella restored my interest in this series.

Normally we get the rugged men or the rugged ones that transform into romantics but Wes is just a  natural born romantic that falls in no cliche but his own. I don't normally go for these types but there is something about Wes Michels that you can't help but love.

We continued to get the characters thoughts at the beginning of each chapter and I found some that actually made me stop and think. Wes is a poet and I am often times surprised as to his career field because it is really a clash with his personality. The man barfs rainbows and unicorns! Even Kiersten held her own especially when she started signing as Mrs. Michels. Guess it's done by osmosis :)

This installment basically gave you one of the most meaningful proposal and wedding while lining you up for what's to come in Lisa's novel 'Shame'.

Other than the most romantic and life altering events in the life of Wes and Kiersten and a few blast from Lisa's past, this was a short but sweet epilogue of sorts to 'Ruin'. While I understand the aim and the title, fear was on the back burner in this novella and the few times it was highlighted was in small doses for Kiersten and nightmares for Lisa.

It wasn't filled with many memories from 'Ruin'  I assume because of the depression that followed that installment but there were a few highlights of every one's current fears.

The sex is YA and not much to get excited about because this book is more about vintage romance novels as oppose to the erotica that plagues this generation of romance fiction.

It was short, sweet and memorable as we kept in touch with Wes and Kiersten as they try to conquer their fears together and move on to that next chapter of their life. It might be nauseating to some but they deserve it, After all, 'Ruin' was quite intense!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20750028-fearless

Entice By Rachel Van Dyken

Here I go being the odd one out again.

I still believe that this series got better from the first novel but that ending was pitiful and left me longing for an alternate. The prologue and first chapter to the next book has me rolling my eyes and over the dramatics and theatrics of it all but once again, I am interested to see what caused all those betrayals. There is so much build up in the beginning story line and then we get to the most flaccid ending.

At first, I thought the problem might be the couple dynamics, because Trace and Nixon were struggling in the beginning but then I find that I like Trace and Nixon together, especially as they battle the residual resentments from Trace moving on and Nixon faking his death. Mil and Chase however didn't have me convinced or move.

I don't know when they fell in love and the emotions backing them as a couple feels like it appeared out of thin air. They were so bland as a couple that I found myself craving Nixon and Tracey scenes more than Chase and Mil's. Also, let's talk about how the end of this installment focused on every one except Mil and Chase. Thought it was there book o.O

This novel needs a better sense of time also. I can't tell you how much time has passed since Tracey enrolled at Elite. All I know is, that they haven't had a break since and they have lost friends along the way.

The person that strike fear into every one reminds me of Trevor Slattery from Iron Man 3, for those who are about that Marvel Comics life like myself; He was more a face of terror than terror itself. I understand setting us up for Tex's story but this ending unbelievable and flat especially from a man of his calibre and superstitious mindset.

Chase didn't portray the things I adored about him from book 1 and 2. He was suppose to be a "love sick puppy" over Mil but I just didn't believe him. His words, feelings and reactions held more impact when he was panting after Trace, than when he was discovering his love for Mil. He deserves better, Mil isn't it. I found myself missing the love triangle.

This novel continues to be YA mafia romance so expect more cliche "mafia" scenes and the continued absence of any police presence or good, on the brink of death, sex scenes. These mafia gods even fly commercial -_-

Mil was not tough and feisty as I expected. I liked the gun wheeling girl from the previous novels but this one just had really terrible flashbacks. She was more the abused 14 year old than the 20 year old mob boss. I don't even know what the point this novel was aiming to make. I am lost as to their Vegas visit and all the random acts of violence that followed.

Even Luca wasn't his usual devious self leading up to the most unbelievable final fight scene. At this point, they should all just kill each other and put us out of our misery. They literally shoot first then ask questions later and I am getting tired of the repetitive themes. The ghost that is ever present, constant betrayal from a past that their parents set in motion and relationship epiphanies that's portrayed with the same urgency as brushing your teeth. It needs a new spin because we've read this before from this same series.

You might think from my above review that I might not have liked this novel but I was actually interested. My problem is the ending. It had a great build up that had me focused and wanting to know what Mil was hiding and what Chase,  Trace and Nixon's response would be to Chase being a  married man. In the end, it was just more gunshots, death and secrets from the past that's ripping this friendship to threads.

Book 4 has me interested but I hope that we get more than the usual. While chapter one has me scared and intrigued in one I can't wait to see if Tex is the shake up I am still looking for to give this series a higher rating than the one it's kept so far.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465431-entice

Elect By Rachel Van Dyken

The mafia police has arrived and with him comes history, allegiance and most importantly ... redemption for all who seek it. Redemption is possible and it comes in the form of Luca Nicolassi. I don't know what to make of the man other than he is rather impulsive with a twisted sense of humor.

I have now even moved on to accept the Academy for the twisted mini country it provides. They rule and conquer through the walls of this school and they do it with such finesse that you fear them without even really knowing them. 'Elect' was much better than 'Elite' and brought more depth, personality and believable drama and guilt. I hurt for Chase and Nixon especially at Tracey's oblivious nature. She really is innocent and naive. This time, we get to know more about the characters, their feelings and natural responses and I like that the story was taken from Phoenix, Nixon and Chase's POV. I guess Tex is still the lackey.

Totally unexpected but Phoenix managed to shed a new light on himself. He is one of my crazies and I now wish I had spend more time getting to know him. The other big turn around for me was Nixon. Who is this selfless, hopeless, Shakespeare quoting romantic? He was the perfect man before everything else and exuded more than a cheesy, pierced guy in charge of a crime syndicate. He was fair, concise, smart, manipulative and a tad cliche but it worked in his favour.

The mind of Chase is a lovely place and I really do love this guy despite him continuously getting the short end of the stick. I understood him and sympathized with him the most and if not for the obvious route with Trace being Queen B and Nixon King to his stolen empire I could see Tracey and Chase as a couple.

As relationships go I have fallen into a comfortable role with them all. They have become more like a family of orphaned misfits and I once again ignore their age to focus on their wisdom and experience beyond their years. This novel was a lot more violent and calculated than the last and their personalities adjusted to the plot. I liked them more as next generation mafia as oppose to the ridiculously unrealistic catty college fights and grade school bullying.

Despite all the guns, deaths and threats this was still quite PG and still lacked that lust and steam needed between two people like Tracey and Nixon. I find that I liked Tracey more through Nixon and Chase's eyes but I especially loved Tracey in the eyes of Chase. She might be a terrible mafia princess but I see it growing on her and the cow references lessened!  She has adapted to the life wonderfully and I liked the B role she played in this installment. She played it well.

I got a better appreciation for this story and the characters and I was actually hooked to a few pages trying to see what the end will bring. I am satisfied but disappointed in the loss and realignments. At least I was right that Nixon seems to love being bad and that just made me love him even more! That scene with him threatening Chase in the car was real and one of my faves and I liked his conversations with Phoenix, however volatile.

The flashbacks to the past also helped to clarify the future and show all the guys in a different light. I wish we could have spent more time with Luca and Frank because old mafia is always funny and Sergio seems fulls of possibilities. The more I read is the more I wanted so it's safe to say this series is getting better with each installment.

Mil's character seems like the firecracker that this story needs to go forward and I can't wait to see her brand of crazy and what she has to carry to the table. I expect a shake up!

It still holds a touch of the Eagle Elite Academy but this novel was more mafia based as it right the wrongs and established the future. Alliances have been formed and an illusion of peace is presented but it was an interesting journey to that point and the love triangle only made it that more interesting. There was unrequited love and secrets that span years. It's more YA mafia but it was interesting and captivating at times.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18210033-elect

Elite By Rachel Van Dyken

I seem to be in a rut. Once I pick a bad book in a genre, I seem to unconsciously continue the trend. This week it's bad, unrealistic mafia romances. I don't understand the structure of this crime network and the fact that they are afraid of their Sicilian counterparts that should be family. Literally.

The premise of the Elite Academy silly, far fetched and pointless like the children who attend. They are more high school bullies than college aged adults who are suppose to be the head of billion dollar empires and countries in the future. I wouldn't want them to rule a jerk pan.

Nixon is a douche and there was not enough redeeming qualities for me to fall in love with him. Also, what self respecting Sicilian mob boss walks around with a lip ring? o.O

Tracey is like a chameleon. She is naive when she wants to be but at times I can her as part of a mafia family. That might turn into a blessing because Nixon doesn't seem like the repentant kind. That might be his saving grace for me. He likes to bad and I just love when they are bad and loving it!

Phoenix's character baffles and annoy me. His history with the Elect is lengthy but his anti climatic reveals and cheesy villain displays just had me rolling my eyes. The boy needs some work in that department. Tex spent most of his time with his tongue down Monroe's throat so I can't really judge his character. Chase is a sweetheart who doesn't d bad guy well either. Actually, none of them do but Nixon tries a little better. Eventually.

This fascination with cows is ridiculous and annoying. It's not funny, romantic or any other sentiment the author was going for. It's just plain 'ol cheesy. I can't see the path this novel is trying to take and I think the hype of the Abandonato name is too far fetched and borders on fairy tale.

Speaking of which, the names in this novel is ridiculous! They have plain old regular American names and the tackiest made up Sicilian names known to man. Alfredo without the 'D' and Abandonato? C'mon! You can do better!

There is no steam or attraction even between Tracey, Nixon and Chase. Tracey is a jovial, "farm girl" and that's all she was. Her relationship with Nixon and Chase was more friendly than steamy and the lust factor was 0. I just see them as a silly group of friends who are apparently apart of Mafia families.

I have now read a total of 3 books from Rachel Van Dyken and I really want to know who wrote 'Ruin' because I have yet to read another book that matches 'Ruin' in emotions, intensity and overall story line, progression and development. This novel was juvenile, unrealistic and over the top in every possible way.

This school would have to be another Hogwarts to have even half of the amenities it possess and the super secret, mafia academy just came off as flat, cliched and quite frankly stupid.

I didn't connect with the characters like I expected and even though I don't hate any of them I don't believe their roles either. The friendships aren't solid but what we have so far could turn into a strong fort and for that and sheer curiosity I will continue with this series for now.

I still don't know what the secret is and I think their plan was a stupid one with not much direction or point much like this novel. Everyone is impulsive and it just makes for even more mess that just confuses more than it explains. The explanations that we do get are also so out of bounds that I just move on anyway.

The story line is choppy, the characters are more YA based than NA and the mafia elements are just not convincing. If there is a love triangle, I don't see it, as there is barely any love or passion between any of the main characters. I really hope book two will find a balance and answer some questions because I am lost and very close to just giving up on the series.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17729036-elite

Toxic By Rachel Van Dyken

I remembers tidbits of 'Ruin', but I still read my review on 'Ruin' after I wrote the draft for my review. The things I loved from  that novel, were also portrayed in this one. Problem? ... This is a  completely different story, characters and scenarios. Not every one likes dark and twisty, nor am I asking for dark and twisty, but the approach felt all kinds of wrong and just didn't mesh for me. This was a bad management of issues.

This story held a juvenile undertone, that at times, had nothing to with Princess. There were many epic points, moments and facts within the story line, but their development and delivery left much to be desired. I wasn't bored, but I also wasn't into this story as much. I took quite a few breaks because my interest waned. A few of the Saylor/Gabe decisions of this novel could use a re-write.

Rachel Van Dyken strength comes in writing factual occurrences. She is really good at taking true events to make a stellar novel! The problem with this novel, is when she tries to incorporate the fiction with real world experiences. Sometimes it just didn't come together.

The issues of this story were controversial, scandalous and is sure to give you an opinion. There was never any right way to approach the main issue, but I was not feeling the results of this attempt. Even though, he would have been perceived as wrong, any way it ended. Problem is, he was.

I applaud Gabe's level of commitment to Princess. This is surely what fairy tales are made of, even if his was propelled by insurmountable guilt. The end actions of Saylor and Gabe, did not match up to the issues at hand. On the day of the funeral, I was a little resentful of them as a couple. I also believe there is more to be had from this story. There were many elements omitted. A little more time could have been spent in the past and Saylor's introduction seemed like the worse time possible in the life of Gabe.

If given enough time or set in another time, I could have appreciated and understand Gabe and Saylor as a couple. As is, I felt an allegiance to Kimmy and in turn felt that not enough time had turned over for Saylor and Gabe to have a chance. I needed four more years for Kimmy. Brain damage or not, she was still Kimmy.

Even if you exclude my loyalty to Kimmy, I also never got at what point these two really began dating or when they even fell in love. I could of sworn they were still trying to work out the dynamics of stop behaving like they hate each other. I didn't believe the depth of their relationship and that major curve ball, on the day of a funeral at that, had me gawking!

I understand Gabe and I was wrong. He's surely not gay. He did a full 360 in this book once we were aware of his secret though. Conscious change? ... I don't know. He moved from manwhore/possibly gay Gabe to 'Most likely to cry all day every day'. It's safe to say he moved from an Alpha to a Beta. o.O

I am frustrated with this story, because I know it could have been better. I was left confused and hoping for more. Better structure, delivery and depth were needed. This is a good and original plot, I just wanted a better resolution of issues

I don't know much about Saylor. It's was Gabe and Kimmy's book, as they both took the spotlight. I know Saylor's major, goals and the basics of her family, but I would have loved more alone time with her. I especially wanted to spend more time with Eric. Though brief, I enjoyed the time spent with him. It was the first stripped look into Saylor's life.

Surprisingly, Wes annoyed the hell out of me at times! He was all sage and perfect and I was like, "This is not the time to be perfect Wes". Plus side, still hilarious. He helped to give us some of the levity within this dark time.

I loved the quotes and reflection from Wes, Gabe and Saylor. I found some to be inspirational and I am glad that concept from 'Ruin', was transferred to this story. Sometimes I wanna know what's really going through the minds of the characters and these quotes did just that.

I loved 'Ruin' and even though, Gabe and Saylor as a couple, didn't do much for me, I don't think I would abandon this series. It was written well enough with a few grammatical errors. Unfortunately, the issues came off as too much for the years and wisdom of this group and the delivery became jumbled and unbelievable as it relates to Gabe and Saylor. I felt a fierce loyalty and bond with Kimmy, so Gabe came off as all kinds of wrong and his relationship with Saylor didn't do enough for me to use and justify the end.

Irrespective, I already have my copy of 'Fearless' and can't wait for the release of Lisa's story in 'Shame'. As always, I believe this series to have good, solid issues, I just hoped for a better, clear, believable and in no way disrespectful delivery.

*** R.I.P. to the real Uncle JoeBob ***

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20793938-toxic