Dante Russo has been bred since childhood to become CEO of his family's company and that's all he ever wanted. But now he's being blackmailed into an engagement with Vivian Lau, heiress to his new enemy's jewelry company. As new money, she's expected to marry an acceptable man of her parent's choosing. She doesn't question Dante's reason for accepting her in return, but she's determined to make the most of it. Dante however will stop at nothing to destroy the blackmail and get his revenge... even if it will destroy his fiancé.
I liked seeing the development of Dante's character from his cold and arrogant attitude in the beginning. And Vivian learns to stand up for herself and not be such a doormat to her father's ambitions. The pacing was just right, the romance was spicy, and the HEA was well worth fighting for. I love the Twisted series, but I think I'll like this new series even more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Ana Huang, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of the traditional publication of King of Wrath. This new edition hits shelves on April 25th!

This review is coming from my second time around through King of Wrath. I received an early copy of the Bloom Books edition, having read the indie-published version back in the fall. So I am already a huge fan of Ana’s work and this series kicks off in such an exciting way. This book was made for me, a billionaire marriage of convenience!

Check out my more detailed thoughts below…
Characters: Dante and Vivian are the leads of this first story in the Kings of Sin series. Dante Russo, an Italian businessman is your classic male hero who comes across as icy and as you get to know him he thaws. He reminds me a bit of another Dante, Giana Darling’s leading hero in the Anti-Heroes in Love duet, so if you love that book you should read this. If you already are a huge fan of this series, I’d recommend Giana’s to you. The best part of this story though is Vivian Lau. She had humble roots until her teens, and that’s when her father was able to grow their family jewelry business into a behemoth company. She is so determined, and independent, she is a badass in the best way possible. One of my fave moments is when she spends a ton of Dante’s money after he left for a month-long business trip and once he pushes her on it she passive-aggressively returns all the money with a cheque left on his bedside. As this is the first book Ana also established a cast of side characters, including Vivian’s besties Isabella and Sloane. The little bits we got of them intrigued me, and I cannot wait to dive deeper into the Valhalla Club with Isabella and Kai in the next instalment. Speaking of Kai, loved him too and I cannot wait to learn more about him.
Setting: This story is predominately set in New York City. The Laus are based in Boston but Vivian lives in New York and stretches for independence through her event planning business. The dominant set of the story is Dante’s apartment and it makes a splash in early scenes. I loved how as Vivian was burrowing her way into Dante’s home, she was burrowing her way into his heart.
Pacing: The book is paced decently well. As this is a re-read I was expecting to read it quite quickly, but I found myself wanting to savour each and every word.
Romance: I adore this couple! Of course, this starts with them as virtual strangers, thrust together into a marriage of convenience simply a business deal. I loved how from early on Ana built tension between Dante and Vivian. Their first kiss and early touches were so hot, and once they began to explore each other more it got even hotter.

I'm a huge fan of arranged marriage romance novels. Dante Russo caught my attention in Twisted Lies, and I was excited to see more of him in King of Wrath. The book starts with Dante and Vivian Lau entering into an arranged marriage, both of them reluctant and under pressure. Dante is being blackmailed, and Vivian feels obligated to her family. As the story progresses and they move in together, the tension between them heats up, and the dynamic becomes more complex. The author does an excellent job of building their relationship from a forced arrangement to something more meaningful. The book is full of heart-pumping moments, and I found myself rooting for Dante and Vivian. Overall, it is an excellent start to a new series, and I can't wait to read more. The characters are intense, the plot is intriguing, and the writing is superb. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys arranged marriage romance novels.

Ana Huang has done it again.
Such an amazing quick read. Lots of great banter between the 2 main characters. Strong and independent FMC.
Dante is being blackmailed into marrying Vivian, Mr. Lau's daughter. He works to get rid of all of the evidence of blackmail while faking an engagement to Vivian but he cant ever seem to take his eyes off her or stop thinking about her.

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convince, Arranged Marriage

ARC provided by NetGalley and Bloom Book for an honest review.

3.5✨
This book was good albeit your typical billionaire arranged marriage trope. In terms of bringing anything new to that trope, this book doesn't. But I looked the characters and it was interesting enough.
The climax was a little lackluster but I'm looking forward to reading Kai's story and we did get to see characters from the Twisted series.

I read the book twice.

The first billionaire romance I’ve read in a long time. This is my first Ana Huang book. It’s also an arranged marriage trope that I’m not typically a fan of.

The author wrote Dante well and he was NOT overly rude to the main lead, Vivian. A lot of aggressive male lead romances go too far into the anger/controlling aspect and it’s a BIG turn off to me, but this one gave a good balance.

The ending was a lot sweeter than I imagined it to be and it wrapped up the family drama with Vivian nicely. Maybe a bit TOO nicely, I’ll admit.

The next book comes out soon so I’m excited to see where this universe goes.

Full review here - https://youtu.be/UduhuqQKYXw

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
I haven't been reading as much romance these days as I used to, but Ana Huang is such a popular author these days, that I just had to give her a chance! Unfortunately, I wasn't very impressed. The story was so predictable that I only needed the first couple of chapters to know what happens in the whole book. The progression of the love story wasn't very believable as well and there were many things that happened off the page, during time jumps. Maybe if I had read the actual scenes, I would have rooted more for the couple. I did like the secondary characters and will give the author another chance, by reading the next book in this series. Isabella was really funny and Kai intrigued me, so I'm excited for their story.

“How does he look at me?” Janis smiled. “Like he never wants to look away.”
Ok yesssssss!!!! I loved this book! I knew I would because Ana Huang can do no wrong in my eyes. I loved the Twisted series and this series will be no different. Some may argue and leave reviews saying the story line is the same as every other enemies to lovers/billionaire story. To be fair, it is but I am here for it and will continue to read and love every minute of it. I loved both characters together and separately. For me, it was nice that Dante wasn’t an “arrogant ass” like many characters in this genre are often written as. The spice was great. I liked that characters from the Twisted books made their way into this one too. Would recommend this book! Can’t wait to read King of Pride next!

"King of Wrath" by Ana Huang is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, featuring the captivating love story of Vivian Lau and Dante Russo. Forced into a marriage by Vivian's father's blackmail, the couple embarks on a journey of self-discovery and passion that will leave readers glued to the pages. Huang masterfully crafts each character, creating strong and relatable personalities with depth and complexity. Vivian's unwavering loyalty to her family and Dante's multifaceted persona will leave readers rooting for the couple's happily ever after.

The novel delves into the theme of family dynamics, exploring how money can change people's values and relationships. Huang also highlights the importance of looking beyond one's wealth to see the true identity of a person. The dual perspectives used in the novel add depth to the story, giving readers insight into each character's motivations and emotions.

While the book offers plenty of romance, steamy scenes, and twists and turns, some scenes may be uncomfortable for some readers, such as romanticized violence and recurring themes of secrets and dishonesty. However, "King of Wrath" offers a refreshing take on the popular billionaire, forced marriage trope, avoiding common cliches and delivering a captivating story that will satisfy fans of the genre. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and emotional love story.

King of Wrath- 2.5⭐️3.5🌶️

She’s the wife he never wanted . . . and the weakness he never saw coming. 

Ruthless. Meticulous. Arrogant. Dante Russo thrives on control, both personally and professionally. 

The billionaire CEO never planned to marry – until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with a woman he barely knows: Vivian Lau, jewellery heiress and daughter of his newest enemy. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or charming she is. He’ll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal. 

There’s only one problem: now that he has her . . . he can’t bring himself to let her go. 
***
Elegant. Ambitious. Well-mannered. Vivian Lau is the perfect daughter and her family’s ticket into the highest echelons of high society. 

Marrying a blue-blooded Russo means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to her new-money family. While the rude, elusive Dante isn’t her idea of a dream partner, she agrees to their arranged marriage out of duty. Craving his touch was never part of the plan. 

Neither was the worst thing she could possibly do: fall in love with her future husband. 

✨My Opinion✨

This is a Bloom Books publication release. I have not read any of the Kings of Sin or Twisted series.

Dual POV
Arranged marriage
Forced proximity
fake fiancé
dislike to lovers
billionaire romance
Miscommunication

It was a little too heavy on the grumpy with the grumpy/sunshine for me. But it was a fun read. Not the most amazing, but not absolutely terrible.

The MMC has a decent backstory, but didn’t see it played out quite as well as it could have been. I never quite understood what he did for a living or how it was important or how it gave him access to beat people in police holding cells…

The FMC was a little lacking in much other than family loyalty and her friends. She lacked the sparkle that explained how she brought the MMC out of his shell other than proximity…

There were a few moments of good tension. Things were great in the beginning… but it tapered off and didn’t retain its intensity through each relationship development.

*Thank you Bloom Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It’s modern times but people are still being forced into arranged marriages- bc rich people need to form alliances to get richer and even more powerful. Us poors wouldn’t understand. We marry for money, but by our own choosing. No blackmail involved.

Dante is a hot and powerful billionaire from old money. Vivian is the daughter of a new monied selfish piece of shit who blackmails Dante into marrying Viv. The two move in- he’s a grouchy ass but forgiven bc he looks like a sculpted Italian statue (but w a way bigger package). Obvi they have off the charts sexual chemistry. Obvi they hook up all over the place- including a steamy yet slightly unsanitary sexcapade in a limo. Obvi these two fall for each other. Obvi Dante fucks it up bc hot billionaire playboys have low emotional intelligence.

This book has been billed as super spicy sex romp on IG and it was fairly hot but I could have used more bc I’m a drug addict. Overall, I enjoyed the read, but it was all pretty predictable- I could have used some curveballs like a kidnapping or something bc #dangerkink. Overall this is a solid, reliable forced marriage billionaire romance. I look forward to the rest of this series!

Smut- 2.68 stars
Romance- 4.27 stars
Story- 4.35 stars
Being forced to marry a gorgeous, ripped billionaire who calls you a “good girl”- 52.92 stars

King of Wrath - 3.5/5 ⭐️
📍 Enemies to Lovers
📍 Marriage of Convenience
📍 Forced Proximity

I enjoyed this book and the dynamic between the characters was fun. Even though I found the story a bit repetitive I am curious to read the author's other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the gifted copy!

Ana never ceases to amaze me through her writing. King of Wrath is the first of a series that I am now very much needing all at once! With an arranged, or rather forced marriage, there is some tension between Vivian and Dante. The reason behind their marriage... well that is something that drives so much character development not just for one character, but both of them. Vivian follows suit of her heritage and culture doing as her "Father" always says, while Dante had the opposite life growing up. These two were sure to butt heads from the start, but their relationship is one that I loved feeling alongside them.

The allusions to the seven sins were not missed, as this is the King of Sins series, and the way Wrath is tied in is perfection. I wish I had a Dante after reading this. The whole time I was guessing who the rest of the series could be about and I am so excited to read about Isabella and Kai next!

This is my first Ana Huang book, and I can easily say that she just gained a fan for life. I was intrigued by the Kings of Sin series because each one is based on one of the Seven Deadly Sins. On top of that, I love a good arranged marriage/marriage of convenience story, and I’ve been getting more into billionaire romances as of late. After all, there are very few of us who don’t dream of suddenly coming into money and finding most (but certainly not all) of our worries swept away amidst the rush of cash and caviar.

I was delighted that King of Wrath incorporated various tropes, but found a way to sidestep many of the stereotypes. As the title implies, Dante Russo runs his business with an iron fist, but as with all heroes of his archetype, he has a softer side underneath his mask of arrogance. What surprised me most was that our heroine, Vivian Lau, is not poor or broke or even staunchly middle-class. She is a jewelry heiress who, as a child, did not have money, but has been wealthy enough for most of her life to know how to carry herself in various high-society circles. Though there is a difference in their wealth—as Dante is old money and Vivian is new—I loved that Ana Huang did not use their fiscal differences to drive the story forward.

I loved the cat-and-mouse game these two played as they were forced into close proximity, especially because of how often those roles were reversed. Both Dante and Vivian could hold their own against each other even in the most cutthroat of circumstances, and it was a delicious kind of foreplay to witness. The book takes place over the course of a year, and while I would’ve been happy to read an account of every day in between, the pacing of the story was excellent—moving past the frivolities of daily life and stopping on the moments that matter most. It was believable that these two went from distasting each other to tolerating the other’s presence to falling in love. It is not an easy or uncomplicated love, but one that feels real and earned.

Ana Huang knows how to build tension, where even just a single touch can have you devouring the pages, looking for more. Once these two finally end up in bed together, there’s still enough strain between them to keep it interesting. Every time they give into their carnal desires, you know they’re one step closer to admitting what we already know—that they’re falling for each other. Better yet, I found myself as interested in the story--both their individual plot lines as well their combined arc--as I was in the steamy scenes. And now, I can't wait to devour King of Pride.

Thank you Net Galley and Source books for a free copy in exchange for a honest review!

I have been a big Ana Huang fan since 2021 when Twisted Love went viral on book tube and on Tik Tok and swirled around the book followers I watched and I loved it.

King of Wrath was so expection, Dante and Vivian were arranged to be married by her father and you can feel the range from Dante and complete distane for her father and some degree to Vivian but as their around each other he warms up to her. You can feel Dante melt for her, his jealousy, possessive nature. You Touch Her you Die.

Dante takes revenge on her father and their conflict was clear and when she finds out shit hits the fan. The gravel to get Vivian to forgive him is to die for, some of the best I have ever read. The sex scenes where fantastic, Ana always has one stand out, in this one the limo scene is really hot.

I would highly recommend this novel of fans of Ana as her stable troupe and characteristics in her male and female characters are present in this one. My rating is 4.75

I loved this book so much. I picked it up on a Saturday morning and didn't put it down until I had read the whole thing.

The way Dante and Vivian's story unfolded was perfect. I loved that it wasn't insta-love - the way their relationship developed felt natural and was so sweet. I loved the cameos of Stella and Jules from the Twisted series - it was like bumping into old friends! There was also a perfect amount of spice, as usual. Just perfection.

The only thing that stops this from being a five for me is the subplot with Dante's brother and the mafia princess. It felt like that was used at the very beginning to set up the scenario and then it lost steam. It was referenced a couple of times but without the urgency that it had initially.

I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Wow wow and wow! I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down, brought my kindle with me everywhere to finish it!

THIS FREAKING BOOK!!!!

i swear ana could write a cook book and id eat that up. once again she grabs me into this world and now it has a chokehold on me and i cant stop thinking about it. i am so freaking glad that this is a seven book series. i could re-read this all day long and not get tired of it. i love an arranged marriage story, and this one definitely gives mafia vibes to it. which is my favorite kind. their dislike and banter was so fun to read and it kept me craving more and more as the story went on. I love the way that ana story tells. the characters always draw me in and there is just something about them that makes not want to ever put the book down. the chemistry between vivian and dante was fire. it was in the little moments that i fell in love with them together. being that vivian had not really interacted with dante much before her parents agreed for her to have an arranged marriage with him, it was fun seeing how they merged their lives together. dante is such a grumpy ceo and we love to see it. I really loved dante's dirty mouth too- i meannnnn come on!!!! everything about this book was perfectly ana. i ate it up so much. and it makes me so freaking excited for the rest of the series to come out. i cannot wait to add them all to my ana huang collection!

five starts / three chili peppers

tropes:
- arranged marriage
- billionaire
- forced proximity
- interracial
- dislike to love

Such an incredible book. I have loved everything I have ever read from Ana Huang. Meeting Dante in the Twisted series I was so excited to get his story finally. From just the brief scenes he was in, I was already obsessed with him.

The spice was amazing, but that was to be expected with Ana's books.

The crossover with Christian and Stella!! Ahh that made me so happy

Tropes
- Arranged Marriage
- One bed
- "Touch her and die"
- Age gap (28 to 36)
- incredible groveling after 3rd act breakup

Cannot wait for King of Pride next!!

I received this audiobook and eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Here we are again. I don’t know how this author does it every time, but I absolutely adore this book. It took me longer than normal to read, because life is always getting in the way of good books, but let me tell you that when I was listening to this book I was 100% engrossed! The narrators of this book, Emily Woo Zeller and Jacob Morgan, did an absolutely amazing job! I don’t think anyone could’ve done a better job than these two. They not only did good playing Vivian and Dante, but the side characters that they voiced were great! I absolutely love when authors are able to do a duet narration. It just makes the listening experience somehow 10 times better, for me at least. I enjoyed this story, so very much. In my eyes this author can do no wrong and is one of my auto-buy authors! I can’t wait to read the next books in this series, I’m super excited! This book is an absolute 5⭐️ read and on my list of top reads for this year.

PS: I don’t know what it is about Heroes named Dante, because every single one I’ve ever read I’ve LOVED LOVED LOVED! They also always seem to be quite the dirty talkers 😮‍💨🔥.

PPS: That limo scene was probably one of the spiciest things I have ever read while around people who had absolutely no clue what I was listening to 🤣🔥🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here are some of my favorite highlights/quotes:

“Dante Russo, are you…jealous?” A soft growl rumbled through my chest. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” “Maybe.” She tilted her head, her hair fanning over her shoulders in a cloud of raven silk. “I wouldn’t blame you if you were. Nothing is going on between me and Kai, but he’s quite handsome. And that accent. There’s something about a British accent that just does it for me. I blame it on…” Vivian faltered when I pushed off the wall and walked toward her, my steps slow and methodical. “My obsession with…” She inched back, the teasing glint in her eyes replaced with equal parts trepidation and anticipation. “Pride and Prejudice when I was younger,” she finished breathlessly. Her back hit one of the bookshelves. I stopped a hair’s breadth away from her, so close the beads of her dress grazed the front of my suit. “Are you baiting me, mia cara?” A dangerous edge ran beneath the soft inquiry.

“Please.” She panted, her grip strangling my hair when I nipped the soft skin of her inner thigh. My cock pulsed so hard it ached, but I didn’t touch it, too focused on the glistening temptation in front of me. “Please what?” I received only a whimper in response. “Please eat out this pretty little cunt of yours?” I taunted, my voice soft but the words rough. “Tongue fuck you until you beg me to let you come? You have such a smart mouth, mia cara. Use it.” “Yes.” The word was half plea, half demand. “I need your mouth on me. Dante, please.”

“Because you’re mine.” His teeth scored my neck. “You wear my ring. You’ve come on my face and hand. You live in my head all the fucking time, even if I don’t want you to.” His palm slid to my hip, where his fingers dug grooves into my skin. “And God, I want to punish you for driving me so damn crazy. Every. Single. Day.”

I didn’t look like the good, respectable girl I’d been raised to be. I looked wanton and needy and ravished beyond comprehension.

Grumpy, brooding Dante had grown on me the past few months. But sweet, playful Dante? He was kryptonite to my heart.

Like I said, I’d been to Paris many times. But this was the first time I was actually falling in love in the City of Love.

I did, however, push his fish into his vegetables when he wasn’t looking and delighted in his look of absolute horror when he saw his food had touched.

I had all the money in the world, but it couldn’t buy me the only thing I wanted. Her, back by my side.

She was my wife, my partner, my guiding star. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.