Envy: An Eagle Elite Novella

Book Boyfriend: ?????
Vic Colezan is a trained assassin that pledges loyalty to the five mafia families. He is used however they see fit and has no hope for a life of his own. He made his peace with that decision because it brought him focus and purpose. Vic is a tattooed, quiet, yet dominant male who is fiercely protective of the people and things he cares about. And he is surprisingly good with kids. He gives up himself for the betterment of the family – sacrifice. That is until he finally succumbs to his desires to claim Renee. He knew every decision he made had consequences for not only him but her. He couldn’t let her go because she saw who he was – a killer – and still loved him.

Strong Female Lead: ????
Renee Cassani understands mafia but has been able to grow up relatively normal. She is a nanny for the families (the five controlling mafia families) and knows her place. Renee is shy and timid because she knows what these people are capable of. As she becomes the target of not only trained killers but Vic, she comes into her own. Renee finds power in her sexuality and power in her position in the family. She isn’t scared to voice her thoughts or feelings about situations that directly affect her. Renee finds her place in a family of criminals and murders while holding onto her innocence. I really enjoyed watching her character grow but remain true to who she is.

Plot: ????
There’s a tension between Vic and Renee from the start and only grows throughout the story. He is sworn to protect the families at all costs and by doing so, he has given up all hope for a life of his own. She is his weakness and brings the desire for love, family and a future of his own that wasn’t there before. Vic fights his urge to claim Renee as his own but love conquers all, right? Wrong. She is promised to another… another that lives in Italy… practically royalty. And when he comes to collect, all hell breaks loose.

Steamy Factor: ???
Just like in all Rachel Van Dyken’s books, she keeps it classy and not over-the-top. She definitely includes the sexy times because it shows the chemistry between the characters but it isn’t her main focus. There were some scenes that definitely had me fanning myself and longing for a Vic of my own! The chemistry is undeniable but the emotional connection is there too.

Overall: ????.5
I absolutely LOVE the Eagle Elite series and this new novella was no different. I started reading it when I was on my way to Ireland and could not put it down. I literally finished it in a day. RVD’s Eagle Elite books aren’t your typical romances – twists and turns, murder and the “good guys” aren’t always the good guys. But you still cheer for them and fall in love with their alpha male personalities. If you haven’t read this series, do it! If you haven’t read this book, do it!

Eagle Elite is one of my favorite series. Hands down. There are a lot of books in the series and you definitely have to start at the beginning to keep up with this crazy mafia family tree. One of the things that I LOVE about the 1001 Dark Nights novellas is that you can get a glimpse into an established series even if you haven't read the other books. Envy gives you that glimpse inside of the family as the Assassin falls for the Nanny. But in true Eagle Elite style, not everything or everyone is what they seem. Envy is a little scary, pretty hilarious and A LOT sexy. You'll fall instantly in love with these dark, broken, scary men and the sassy, badass women who love them. #BloodInNoOut

5 Stars

Rachel Van Dyken's Eagle Elite series never disappoints, and Envy is no exception. The 9.5 title in this series, features Vic Colezan Abandonato and Renee Cassini.

Whilst this pair couldn't be any more different, they are inexplicable drawn to each other. Their attraction is forbidden, but their chemistry and connection is undeniable, intense and passionate.

Vic is Nixon's cousin, his role and duty is to protect the family at any cost, he's exudes darkness, danger and violence which fits his role as an assassin. When taking on the role of protector he took an oath of loyalty and celibacy, which he struggles to adhere to when around the temptation that is Renee.

Renee grew up on the outskirts of the families, but she's well aware of who she is employed by to look after their children. She's sweet, demure and the men of the Eagle Elite, with their fierce, dangerous and demanding demeanours frighten her.

This story is intense, dark and gritty, and full of intrigue and suspense. Whilst it's publicised as a novella, its longer in length and will not only intrigue, you and captivate you but satisfy your cravings for more of the Eagle Elite.

I will be eagerly awaiting more of this series.

There will never be enough installments of the Eagle Elite series!!
RVD writes Mafia like none other and hits the "mark" every dang diddly time!!
She brings us two new complex characters and weaves them in to the gang of characters we all know and love.

Vic and Renee are a perfect example of opposites attract. RVD manipulates these characters through a minefield of issues and somehow brings them right to where they belong.
Chase is back, well, the new Chase, and he is plotting and meddling like a boss.
Nixon and Phoenix lurking. Always lurking.

I always grab the next installment of this series asap and I am never disappointed!

I always love when a novella does not feel rushed and you still get all the feels with it, that is exactly what you go with this Eagle Elite novella. This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you have read any of the Eagle Elite series, this is an added bonus. Vic is an Abandonato and top assassin for the families. While Renee is the innocent nanny, who tends to be a little afraid of Vic’s intenseness. This novella has plenty of sweet and sexy moments, while still capturing the intense feeling you get from reading the mafia. It also had me laughing out loud at a couple of parts. This story was the complete package of what you could want. I definitely recommend!!

Live. Laugh. Love.

The Mafia keeps getting better and better! Dark. Twisty. Family above all else- well- most of the time. What’s best for the families may not be the best for you.

This story was hot, heartfelt, and everything you want in a book. I can’t sing its praises enough. Rachel knows how to have you laughing one moment & holding your breath the next. How to go from reckless to thoughtful all within a few sentences. My mind can’t comprehend the magnitude of how amazing this was. Can’t recommend hard enough. And there was just enough tease that I can’t wait to have the next story.

Once again Rachel Van Dyken has done it again and in a novella making you want more of the Mafia family. Renee is like all young girls with dreams, hopes then we have Vic the man to change everything. Rachel Van Dyken put so much tension, action and hello chemistry between them even I was betting who will crack first. I loved seeing the gang again and this big silent killer get what he deserves. Cannot wait for more of the Eagle Elite.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Everytime I read another story in this series, I fall in love all over again. I seriously love these characters. They charm their way in everytime. This one is a novella that is jam packed with adrenaline, sexiness, emotion and way more than I ever thought could be packed into a novella. I cannot get enough of these stories and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for more. This is definitely one of my top series, mafia or otherwise. I have reread them now, well let's just say quite a few times. I can't wait for the next one and I hope that Rachel keeps writing more.

Another gripping love story amongst the world of the Eagle Elite. Renee and Vic’s tale is a quick yet intense one of a sort of forbidden love. Renee’s unaware of her role in the Cosa Nostra and lives day to day as a college student and Nanny, but things get nail-bitingly serious when her life is threatened and Vic is the one man who’d give his life for her and anyone in the families. He’s sworn an oath to protect everyone at all costs...including his future.

The sexual tension, passion and amoré between Vic and Renee is quite combustible. He swore he’d stay away but his desire for her is much stronger than the path he swore and she’s not willing to let him give that up.

This was a great novella and a wonderful addition to the Eagle Elite series. Packed with heat, action and suspense it has everything I could have wanted in this story.

Absolutely loved this! Nothing like a little bit of my favorite mafia family to brighten my day.

This story is about Vic... yes all of our favorite elite players are present but the primary focus is Vic and the nanny..

This book would be alright as a stand alone but being familiar with everyone makes it even better. ?

This is a stand alone novella in Rachel Van Dyken’s Mafia Series. This love story between a bodyguard and a nanny has it all - secrets, tender moments and bloodshed. Vic and Renee have become my new favorites! I enjoyed watching them deny their attraction for each other. I was so captivated, I read it in one setting.
I love this series and wish it was a TV series. If it ever becomes one, RVD needs to write the scripts or get final script and casting approval! What I like best about RVD’s writing style is that it’s not overly detailed and there is no internal character dialogue.

the Eagle Elite series is one of my favorite series and don't think I could ever get tired of it! the only thing I wish for the series is for it be an epic interconnected series that sees the growth and changes to all the main characters, instead of just a series of stand-alone, but that just me and I'll still take what I can get.

Envy was another fun addition to the series. I loved both Vic and Renee and thought they were the perfect match for each other. There's was a forbidden love and loved the tension between the two as they tried to fight the feelings for each other and it was great to watch them lose.

This novel really set up Andrei's book and can't wait to see where this series heads next and all I say is it will be dark, but I'm along for the ride.

I think it's entertaining that Renee is learning Vic's little quirks, “I walk behind you, always behind you. If I walk in front of you, I can’t protect you. And that’s my job.” Everyone knows what Vic is capable of, “God help anyone who gets in his way,” Tex muttered under his breath while I shoved past everyone..." Vic is such a rule breaker, “eff the oath.” He pulled me against his chest. “I live for you now.” As usual I loved these crazy mafia men and I'm always eager for more, Rachel never disappoints

Between the novels and novellas, there are 16 books in the Eagle Elite series. Wow, Right?!?! Most of the time a series will dwindle out after book 3. That is not the case for this series. The Mafia world that Rachel has created can continue for years. Every single book is better and more intense than the last. They aren't fictional characters, they're family.

No one enters the family just because. There is always a reason and a price. The question is, are Vic and Renee willing to pay their's?

Another amazing Mafia novella from Rachel. (She is amazing, join her reading group and you are instantly like family). She draws you right in from the first page and you hold on to the last page not wanting the story to end. Renee starts out as a Nanny, but there is more to her- as we come to expect. And then there is Vic. The story is a stand alone, but he is a character that is building off of a minor part in another book (seriously, read the Mafia series!). You won't regret it!

This book was actually my first mafia read and my first RVD book and all I can say is WOW...I am completely hooked and cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series. This book read great as a standalone but left me wanting to know more of the characters. It is told in Renee (the babysitter) and Vic's (the hired killer) POV. So much of this story had me on pins and needles not being able to read it fast enough. The author's words truly seem to just flow flawlessly.

Envy: An Eagle Elite Novella was an addictive, sexy mafia romance!!! RVD bewitches readers to fall in love with her complicated and yet lovable heroes. And in this novella, RVD has me and fellow readers falling hard for Vic as he can’t fight his growing forbidden attraction to Renee, the nanny. So if you are looking for a whirlwind story that was addicting, full of sexual chemistry, and of course RVD’s staple of mafia romance then this is the book for you.

I loved this book so much! Vic peaked my interest in Eulogy and I loved getting to see his story unfold in his own book. Oh and him him and Renee?! Woowee they were explosive together! I mean the phrase, "I watch the nanny." Ahhh so beautiful and hot!! Also loved that my favorite character of all time, Chase, made a few appearances. Rachel is my favorite author of all time and I can't wait to see what's next in this series!

He watches the nanny, thinks about her, lusts after her. She has no idea who she is, but of course they all do. Secrets are kept, white lies are told. Love finds its way into the darker soul of Vic. He’s bound to the family took an oath, but she’s a temptation he can’t ignore. Ahhh such a good book!!!

What can I say besides “I love my Eagle Elite”!!! “Envy” was nondifferent!! Vic and Renee had thatinstant chemistry that cannot be denied!!! Vis was hot, sexy, alpha, and so loyal. Renee was fiery and sweet and an awesome heroine!! Their chemistry was off the charts!!! Another EE winner!!

Every book from the Eagle Elite series is just as good as the first one. I absolutely loved getting to know the ghost from Chase's. I hope these books keep coming and coming. Rachel Van Dyken has a way with spinning these stories so you do not know what to expect. Great Read!

I love this series!! And every book has more twists and turns!! I always think i have it figured out, but then I’m surprised. I loved Vic and Renee, and of course loved getting more of the other characters!! This is a novella, but it has a ton of story, i loved it

I enjoyed Vic and Renee's story. The passion between them. There were a few places this book pulled on my heartstrings for sure. Plus I liked getting little bits of the mafia men I have come to love and enjoy. I'd definitely recommend this one.

Such a good story and even though I suspected some things, I was pleasantly surprised with the ending. I loved getting to read Vic's story after meeting him in the last Eagle Elite book. This series is one of my all time favorites and this novella was another 5 star read for me.

Even for those who haven’t read the Eagle Elite series, this stand-alone is awesome. It’s even better if you know the others in the story so what are you waiting for? Great book with another view into the families. Love Rachel’s books!

This is part of the eagle elite series and brings us deeper into the mafia families! With each book Rachel gives us more of what we love in this series and keeps us wanting more. I loved Vic's story and couldn't put it down from page one!