Book Review: King of Wrath

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank heaven for Ana Huang. I must say, she saved the day with this book! I was beginning to fall into something of a reading slump. The last few books I have read this year, weren’t cutting it. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed them – but they didn’t glue me to the page or completely capture my attention. All in all, they were just damp squibs. Nobody likes a damp squib.

Thank heaven, the gods, and the universe for Ana Huang. I read her books last year in quick succession, but this year I plan to pace myself. But I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down! Is it spicy? Sure! Does it have a plot? Yes. Is the female lead Asian? ABSOLUTELY. (for those who don’t know – I am half Asian – so I am somewhat biased – just a little) I may have ordered the rest of the ‘Kings of Sin’ series that’s available to buy on Amazon. Ana Huang is a great writer but not great for my bank account.

Our two leading characters: Dante Russo and Vivian Lau, are opposites in many ways – but there is only one that is emphasised to the nth degree: social standing. Vivian Lau is part of the nouveau riche, whilst Dante is old money. Sure, wealth is wealth, but the older the money, the higher you stand in society. No matter how many Chanel handbags you own – if you’re new money? You might as well be walking around with a reusable Primark bag.

Dante and Vivian are somewhat forced into a marriage through ruthlessness on Vivian’s Father’s part (aka blackmail) and the pure stupidity of Dante’s brothers’ part (because sleeping with a Mafia Princess is a really good idea). Suffice to say neither is happy about the arrangement. But Vivian doesn't know about the blackmail, she does it out of duty. If Asian daughters know one thing – it is to respect your parents and forever do what you're told. Even when you’re 30 – trust me it’s a struggle. But I should mention – they low-key hate each other to begin with, or at least Dante sees Vivian as an enemy and Vivian is trying to be civil. And well, forced proximity -politeness turns into something more… a trip to Paris etc etc. Queue lovely, gushy, mushy romantic feelings.

This book made me very happy – it you need a pick-me-up, you’ll love Ana Huang.