Sergio's story was set up in Ember. He is about to get married...against his will. But he has to do his penance and this is a family decision. His bride-to-be is Andi--a Russian Mafia Princess turned ally now under the Italian's protection. And her life span is projected to be short.

She is optimistic despite a death sentence and he is held down by darkness, guilt, and loneliness. She needs to feel safe and that is the one thing he can promise although he vows not to feel or care.

Andi has a unique, funny, uplifting, sarcastic personality that Sergio finds hard to resist---though he tries so hard. Her zest for life pisses him off. It makes him realize even that that he has not been living...only existing.

I loved their banter. Andi was such a breath of fresh air. She was so outgoing and full of mischief. She was dangerous in her own right.  The brooding, angry, isolated Sergio did not know what hit him. And Andi was relentless about trying to tear down the walls around his heart and unleash the real man he has hidden so long. 

Sergio and Andi's story was moving, heartbreaking, and inspiring. I felt their connection, hoped with them, and even cried with them. I loved how they came to understand each other and support each other in the only ways they knew how. I was full of anxiety and tension waiting to see how their story would play out. I was torn with wanting to read faster and not wanting it to end. I was praying for miracles, divine intervention, or some Italian mafia magic.

Along with the love story there was also of course danger, drama, and suspense with the mafia families. So Sergio has his hands full with trying to keep his promise to keep her safe...as well as himself.

I was thrilled to have all of families back and surround Sergio and Andi...Nixon and Trace, Chase and Mil, Phoenix and Bee, Ax and Amy, Tex and Mo, and Frank. Even Luca's presence is still felt. They all provided much needed comedic relief while also bringing in the full family and Italian mafia experience. I love these characters and spending time with them feels like being with a familiar, dysfunctional family.

I was not sure how this story would end. But it was obvious that Andi was special and was a catalyst for change not only with Sergio but for the family as well. She was such a beautiful, positive presence that was inspiring and encouraged all of them to live life to the fullest, love hard, and appreciate their gifts. I was not sure Rachel Van Dyken could outdo Phoenix's story Ember, but this one might have done it. Sergio is definitely another unlikely hero that I came to really love. And I have to say that Phoenix impressed me in this one again.

This book had me feeling so many emotions. One minute I would be laughing, then holding my breath, and then crying, and then it would shift all over again. I loved getting both points of view and understanding the character's' motivations and growth. I was completely enthralled from the prologue to the end and could not put it down. I am still thinking about this moving story and these characters today. It also had some interesting surprises and twists that we should see play out in the next book Empire and a spin off Rip. I am already intrigued by the story lines and characters.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Sergio has been in a bit of limbo, but even when he knew what he was doing with his life he never truly felt anything. Avoiding intimacy, friendships, and relationships with his family, he had isolated himself to the point that he was dead inside. 

He has promised to marry Andi in order to give her the protection of the family. But he also promises he will never love her, and never be anything more than her husband on paper.

Andi is so optimistic. Facing leukemia and a struggle for health, she challenges Sergio to really live.

This series just keeps getting better. While each book takes these mafia families in a different direction, at the heart is the family. But the storytelling within has grown and developed in such a way that each new book feels like a continuation of both the story and the author’s craft. I remember reading Elite thinking the story was great, but some of the situations just felt a little too dramatic to be real. To me, this series has lost that over dramatic feel. Yes, there are still crazy mafia wars, guns brandished during family arguments, and plans that seem to defy all logic, but it has settled into a realm that works and feels a little closer to reality.

I have so many passages highlighted. More than I typically would mark. But there were so many places where the story spoke to me, the characters uttered hard truths, and the words were absolutely perfect. 

This was such a ride. I was amazed at the way it had me crying and laughing nearly simultaneously but for such varied reasons. This was tragic, and funny, in a way that felt natural and real within this fictional world. I would say Elude challenged me the most of all the Eagle Elite books, especially as there is so much sadness. But it was so beautiful. I love Andi and Sergio’s story and can’t wait for Empire (expected this Fall). 

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.