I didn't think it was possible to love a couple more than I loved Jess and Trace in Dirty Business, but Tijan blew that right out of the park with A Cruel Arrangement. I picked this up to read a few times, but knew I had to be in the right mind for it and I'm so glad I waited.

This time we are met with the amazing Molly and Ashton. Molly you may remember as the bowling alley owner in the first book and Ashton is head of the Walden family and Trace's best friend. I really loved Jess in the first book but admit Molly may be my new favourite and she's earned that! She's funny and smart, I love how she changed in this book with Ashton but in a good way. Ashton actually did a 180 for me from the first book as I never felt right with what he did with Jess towards the end of that book. Now I like him, a lot and I'm ok with that too!

Unlike Dirty Business I felt this had a really good pace from the get go. It doesn't slow at all and I loved the ride through to the end. I have loved these two books and recommend if you can reading them back to back, the ride would be so much better. Tijan has done an amazing job and I'm not just saying that as a huge fan of hers, I've really enjoyed the writing style with these books and as always she certainly can hold her own!

A solid 4 stars, I highly recommend this one to all Tijan fans and those who enjoy mafia books. For reference I don't enjoy mafia books, but if more were like this I might change my mind!!

A big thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for allowing me to review A Cruel Arrangement in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 Stars - 2.5 spice

This book fell a tad short for me, especially seeing as I really enjoyed book one. I think it may be that I just wished this book stayed in the perspective of books 1 characters (Jess and Trace). I was more invested in the murder mystery from Book 1 that the relationship for this book was a secondary plot for me, which made it hard to get a major grip on Molly and Ashton's relationship and fall in love with their love. The darkness of the relationship was interesting, but I just couldn't stay invested for the romantic aspects of this book. I couldn't really feel the love. HOWEVER, I did enjoy Molly's and Ashton's characters as they both were so strong and resilient to all of the chaos their lives experienced. At the end of the day, I think 3.5 is the perfect rating for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Monttlake, for an eARC of A Cruel Arrangement , written by Tijan. This is my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fantastic and Molly is just an absolute doll - loved her! A fantastic dark and thrilling storyline laced with Mafia badness and romance!

If you like mafia books this one is for you. This is the second book in the series. I really thought this one would have been about Trace and Jess, but we got Ashton and Molly this time. We do however get to catch up with the previous characters. We met these two in the previous book, but now we get to really know them. Ashton is a dangerous man in the mafia but underneath all that he has a good heart and especially towards Molly. These two had a lot of chemistry between them. Mixed with suspense this was a great story. I received this ARC through the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing this book, opinions are my own.

This book was amazing! It had it all.
•mafia romance
•fake relationship
•opposites attracts
•body guard
•grumpy sunshine
•protector
•alpha hero
Completely loved it! Ashton and Molly are my favorite. I really liked the first book in the series but I really loved this one!!!!

I really enjoyed this one! For some reason, I thought it was a continuation of the first book, but this focuses on a different couple. Ashton has a lot of internal conflict, and he’s trying to redeem himself to his friends but also paving his way as a new mafia leader. Molly is just looking for some legitimacy and security when her father hasn’t provided that for her. I like her spunk, and enjoyed how she and Ashton came together.

So captivating!

Ashton is the sexiest, most complicated anti-hero I've read in a long time. (I dare you to call him a hero to his face!) His obsession with Molly was intense but always sweet and even, if I may say, a tad vulnerable (but don't tell him I said that). This was a terrific, complex story of a couple who make their own rules and fight their way to the HEA they deserve.

I really enjoy this author's writing style, especially how she does mafia families and relationships. It's not always neat and pretty, but we always understand the motivations behind the actions.

If you've read the first book, you don't want to miss this one. If you haven't read that one yet, grab them both and settle in for some of the best mafia romances I've ever read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This was a satisfying read.

Moly, the protagonist is strong and independent. Danger follows Molly. Girl seemed to find it everywhere. And Ashton, her love interest, was always protective of her.

I did enjoy the danger side to the story. This was a good mafia romance. I didn’t think it was dark, although there is some violence.

I struggled to read this because of its immaturity regarding the mafia. There is a consistent reference to mafia and mafia life. Literally, at one point (or many points throughout), she calls the things he does “mafia stuff.” It just sounds very childish.

Ashton & Molly’s Mafia Romance Is About Survival In a World Of Lies! Both Are Broken, But They Find Understanding In One Another As They Work To Find Justin & Kelly’s Killer


ABOUT KINGS OF NEW YORK SERIES:

This is the second book in the new Kings of New York series. It is Ashton Walden and Molly Easter’s story. Set in New York, the couple’s mafia romance is about survival in a world of lies. Sexy and serious in tone, the storytelling is about family, friendship, and retribution.

To date, the series includes:
1. A Dirty Business (Trace & Jess’s story)
2. A Cruel Arrangement (Ashton & Molly’s story)

IN THIS BOOK:

The story takes place in New York. Three months have passed since the close of book one, since Justin Worthing and Jess’s best friend Kelly’s bodies were found. Trace had planned to go straight and retire from the family business, leaving his best friend Ashton to lead both the West and Walden families, but in the wake of Justin and Kelly’s deaths, those plans were halted. Jess is broken over the loss of her long-time best friend, and she is now inserting herself into the business as well. The tension between her and Ashton doesn’t help matters for Trace, who is stuck in the middle of the two. Ashton overstepped when he tortured Jess, and he has yet to fix things with her. That only complicates matters. There is payback due to the Worthing family who is moving down from Boston. Their bloody attack left Trace and Ashton as the new heads of their families, and it cannot go unanswered. Nevertheless, the West and Walden families have agreed to a temporary truce with the Worthing family, who wants to discover the culprit behind Justin’s death. Towards that effort, Ashton has an idea.

Molly Easter may be Jess’s friend, but Ashton has known her since childhood. Her father is the lowest of the low, a little crazy, and like a cockroach, he always manages to survive. His association with the Walden family is what has kept Ashton and Molly in the same orbit. Molly hates her father, and she thinks she tricked him into selling her Easter Lanes, the bowling alley that she has single-handedly turned into a successful business. Ashton, however, is about to set her straight on the matter. He surmises that he can use Molly as bait to help bring Justin and Kelly’s killer to account. Spending more time in Molly’s orbit, however, means facing his own demons. The couple faces danger and deception as they work to stay ahead of danger.

Ashton and Molly’s story is about two broken people who find understanding in one another. Ashton loves violence. He is cool and unaffected. With the exception of his friendship with Trace, he doesn’t much care about relationships. Molly is a workaholic. She hates her father, but she has managed to make a family of sorts with her employees. She is a bit of a loose screw, prone to flipping a switch under duress, and she often finds herself in trouble as a result. The couple finds healing together in this engaging mafia story. It is nicely written. The plot is somewhat complex. The story is told in first person. The POV alternates between Ashton and Molly. I rate this book four stars.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A Cruel Arrangement is the second book in the Kings of New York. Although each book focuses on a different couple, they do not work as stand-alone. Questions raised in book one are answered in the second installment. In A Cruel Arrangement, readers get a story steeped in suspense, danger and romance.

A Cruel Arrangement gives us Molly and Ashton’s story. From the moment of their introduction in book one, I sensed the chemistry between them. This, along with my need for answers to the questions arising as a result of the cliffhanger, had me eager to pick up A Cruel Arrangement.

Now Ashton was cold and dangerous. He did some stuff in the first book, which made it difficult to like him. However, he redeemed himself on this installment. One could say that love mellowed him out. However, he still had that dangerous and cold side to him which was reserved for his enemies.

Molly went through a tough upbringing. She, however, did not allow it to hinder her from becoming a successful businesswoman. I had an interesting getting to know her. Although there when moments when she did some questionable things with regarding her safety.

Their relationship started out as a business arrangement. However, when the danger resulting from this arrangement escalates, placing Molly at risk, their relationship became more. They attempted to fight the attraction between them, but they failed miserably. In addition to the danger, insecurities threatened to derail the growth of their relationship.

Now, for the second reason, the reading of this installment was imperative. The answers which I so desperately needed after that cliffhanger in book one came to light. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t at all what I expected, but it provided closure for everyone it affected.

Readers receive updates regarding the couple from the previous book. It was great catching up with them and seeing how their lives had developed. 

Overall, A Cruel Arrangement delivered a satisfying conclusion to the Kings of New York series.

Narration Review
Brooke Bloomingdale and Jason Carpenter narrated this installment. The story alternates between Ashton and Molly’s POV. I did not like the male narrator’s interpretation of Ashton. His tone was dry and emotionless. I switched speeds during his narration. Not that speeding it up helped much.

The female narrator did a wonderful job with Molly. Her male voices were good, and she did a better interpretation of Ashton than her male counterpart. While I am not sure if I would listen to Jason Carpenter again, Brooke Bloomingdale’s performance is one I would recommend to listeners.

4.5 Stars!! This sis the second book in the Kings of New York series and it does not disappoint. Ashton Walden runs the Walden family. His best friend, Trace West, runs the West family. Together, they rule New York's underworld. Molly Easter is a workaholic and has poured her heart and soul into Easter Lanes, a bowling alley she bought from her good for nothing father.

Ashton is used to getting things done and having to adjust to his emotions when he is with Molly makes for quite a good read. There are lots of twist and turns and a few surprises that keep you reading to the end. Molly has the best personality for someone who has gone through what she has. This was a really good read and an easy one-click.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

Another amazing mafia romance by Tijan. I’ve loved all of her previous mafia stories. This one is no exception. Loved Aston and Molly’s story. Was great to see Trace and Jess again in it too. This one is filled with intense action, drama, trauma, fierce friendships and epic steaminess. Molly is a hot mess, but strong and loyal. Ashton is fierce and dangerous. Together they are fiery. I highly recommend this book.

So much energy! I love this series. I love these characters. What a ride!

Wow, A Cruel Arrangement sure holds you captivated from start to finish.

Molly and Ashton are perfect for each other. I loved the building of their relationship and how they just fall into each other. Their banter will have you laughing and getting to know each of them, and their pasts will have your heart warming to them.

There is so much that happens in this story. The mafia war is now full-on. It’s full of action and tension. A smoldering slow build and anticipation that has you bursting at the seams. Trace and Jess are still prominent in this story and it’s a fantastic, action-filled, and emotional journey.

I hope for more from this series. I really hope for a story for Jake, but with he way his story arc went, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. Is Remmi next? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out. I just want more! Such an addicting series with fantastic characters! Enjoy!

When I picked this book up I didn't realize that it was book 2 of a series (even though it is clearly labeled book 2). I did not read book 1 but A Cruel Arrangement did a great job of subtly recapping the important things that we needed to know from book 1.

I love Molly, all she wants is to run her bowling alley in peace away from her deadbeat father who only brought danger and debt into her life. I really liked how Ashton was drawn to her and actively trying to hold her at arms length at the same time, it made for some interesting give and take. I was genuinely shocked by the ending. I really liked how everything was wrapped up neatly, all of our questions were answered and the danger taken care of.

I loved this book. I loved the chemistry between Molly and Ashton. We finally get to find out what happened to Jess’ best friend. There are secrets that Ashton has carried with him that involves someone from Molly’s life that he reveals to her. Ashton has a darkness inside him that he doesn’t let out much. There’s something in Molly that he recognizes.
Molly goes through some traumatic experiences but she always reacts. She might not think so but Molly is very strong. I love the changes she goes through and how she stops fighting certain things. She knows what she wants and she might be a bit impulsive but she’s always thinking about others instead of herself. Molly is a great and loyal friend. Her friends were funny in how they reacted to Jess and Ashton.
I loved the friendship between Molly and Jess and what Molly comes up with about their friendship. I loved how Ashton was with Molly after he developed feelings for her. They are in sync with one another and can communicate with just their eyes as if they’ve been together all their lives.
I loved the first book but this one outdid that one.
This is a must read.

Tijan has introduced me to mafia romance and I am here for it all. “A Cruel Arrangement” is book 2 in the “Kings of New York”, and it’s about that second “king”, Ashton, the bestie and non-blood-related brother (cousin) to Trace in the previous book. Like Trace, Ashton is an intense, complex, mafia bad ass who does not offer an average romance with cotton candy and balloons.

Ashton has been beckoned to a business under the umbrella of his organized kingdom and said business is Easter Lanes, the bowling alley where our gals hung out in book 1, which is owned by Molly.

Or so she thought. The slap in the face news that Ashton gives her is that he is the rightful owner of it, and in order for Molly to get it, he has a cruel arrangement for her.

Cue open credits…

Ashton and Molly are pushed to the edge, they are challenged, and their loyalties are tested. I enjoyed watching Ashton try so hard to steer clear of Molly, a woman that he knows he shouldn’t have in his dangerous world. Molly, too, pines for him but spits harsh words in hopes to “hate” him, but there is something about him that makes her deny all that is practical. It took awhile but these two exuded down serious chemistry and shared some haaawt scenes both indoors and out.

I also liked watching some of the pent-up anger felt by previous characters that had to be dealt with in order for Ashton’s mafia family to work. Ashton is not all innocent and he has to come to terms with what he did. Oh and the Bromance…yes please.

You need to read book 1 to embrace the plot that will pull you into a frenzy. Tijan's writing will hook you, and you won’t be able to escape the hot romance between Ashton and Molly. If you like these themes, this series is definitely for you:

*Mafia
*Alpha and Anti-Hero
*Heroine in Danger
*Fake Relationship
*Bodyguard
*Opposites Attract
*Close Proximity
*Redemption

Dang, I’m not sure where to start. All I can say is I’m swooning for Ashton right now. I mean I didn’t read the first book but now that I’ve read the second I’m dying to dive into it. I’m told he was a horrible person and from some of the past I read in Cruel Arrangement I’m believing it. He had to crawl back into most good graces. But since I had no grudge against him he didn’t have to work as hard for me to fall for him. And fall for him I did. The way he is with Molly while he would burn the world down for her…is just amazing. It’s the kinda love I would kill for. Just like Ashton. The way they start out…as children and then they meet again as adults. Sparks fly in every direction and the city may explode with the fire between the two. It’s a Mafia read I would and do recommend to anyone who loves a good mafia romance while a war is raging. When Molly finds herself in the middle of this war, Ashton may lose his mind because he put her there…or so he believes. But was she there all along. Her father has been in deep with his family for forever. Maybe he’s her savior not the one who threw her into the flames. You’ll have to read it to find out who the guilty party is. I wasn’t surprised…but I was angry. I received a free advanced copy to read and review.

I love Tijan and her writing style so much and this was not an exception. This was fantastic and one of the few I haven’t read yet but I loved it so much and kept turning the pages.

I was lucky to get an ARC copy of "A Cruel Arrangement". To be honest, I liked this book better than the dirty business because I fell in love with Ashton and also because I love Mafia stories. They make the alpha male a total badass and hotttttt... He is cruel, ruthless, cocky, intelligent and always one step ahead of the game because of course he is the head of the Walden Mafia Family. He loves to get his hand dirty. H mainly likes to torture & be cruel to other people and always get the job done. He has a very dark side of him and he enjoy embracing it. Molly Easter on the other hand is a little weird. She is a unique character and brings light into Ashton's life. Her mind tends to wander off and she is not always in the "present." When her mind switches off, there is another side of her comes out and goes fully blown damaging the person that dares to challenge her. She is funny, caring, intuitive, and a loyal friend. Her and Ashton have a deep connection/bond that draws them together. They fit together perfectly. We also get to know the background history of Ashton & Molly and whey they are so drawn together from the start. We also find out the reason why Justin & Kelly were murdered. I was shocked when it revealed who was behind their death.

I so enjoy mafia type romances and I loved Molly and Ashton. Molly was a strong, sweet woman while Ashton was smart and protective of his 'sunshine'. Overall, the buildup was really there to keep my interest and the main focus wasn't on the previous characters. I would highly recommend if you like mafia type romance and suspense. I received an ARC copy.