A review by kfriend
Mafia King: A Mafia Royals Novella by Rachel Van Dyken

4.0

The Mafia Royals series is fast becoming my favorite of RVD’s. The emotional turbulence, the dark and gritty violence, the complex and flawed characters, and this unbreakable and intense family bonded by both blood and honor. I just love this world she’s created- and I have long since been waiting to sink my teeth into Tank and Kartini’s story.

Tank in particular was so entrancing to me- a man with one foot in this unlawful mafia world, and one firmly planted out. But this family demands loyalty- it’s the one law they do live by, and Tank is ready to step across the line in the sand with one crucial task- protecting mafia princess Kartini. A task she doesn’t make easy, and further complicated by the next generation wedding trip.

Truth be told, Rachel’s writing is so immersive and so emotionally complex, I wasn’t sure if she could replicate the emotional fervor, angsty, and tensions with a shorter page count in a novella. Not because she’s not brilliant, but because these stories have unfolded like a fine wine- delicious upon first sip, but increasingly flavourly and complex with every passing sip. But she still captures the magic here- in a way that I think both fans of the series will enjoy but new fans will also find accessible. This is a great taste of the Royal mafia world and its inhabitants, their unique and engaging familial dynamic, and the bold and passionate writing style of RVD.

My only complaint is just that I love them so much, I wanted more. Kartini has so many nuances, and Tank is man that has been living in two worlds, so there is a lot to them. We get their essence here, a scorching chemistry and a strong emotional intimacy, and we get a great window into this world. Rachel, even in a novella, finds a way to so clearly articulate how these two are soul mates, destined to be the perfect match. And I just wanted to spend more time with them- know more of their story, dismantle their hearts (metaphorically of course) a bit more. A great indication of RVD”s character writing- how thirsty she makes me to spend even more time in their heads.

All in all, a beautiful edition of the Royal Mafia’s world, and now I’m even hungrier for the next book in the series!