A review by alexreviewsit
King of Wrath by Ana Huang

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Vivian is an event planner with a strong sense of familial duty. Dante is a ruthless billionaire CEO of a luxury goods company. Vivian’s father set up an arranged marriage with Dante by blackmailing him, but of course they end up falling in love. This sets up a really complicated situation as they both navigate the upcoming marriage and blackmail.

This book/series is connected to the Twisted series and most closely to Christian’s book, Twisted Lies. I loved the Christian cameo and loved to see the books events connected since the timelines run somewhat in parallel. Bridget and Rhys from Twisted Games get mentioned (as well as Vivian’s sister living in Eldorra), but they don’t end up having speaking parts/impact to the story at all. 

I did a tandem audiobook and ebook read of this. The audiobook was great as a duet between Dante and Vivian POVs. Dante’s accent was confusing, and I couldn’t really figure out what it was trying to be Italian. Eventually, I just got used to it. I will say the voice actors had incredible emotion added to their lines which added a lot to the story. 

I already loved Ana Huang’s writing, but she did it again! She really had me laughing and crying and giggling at the dialogue between Vivian and Dante. The limo!!!! That was some of the best written spice I’ve EVER read. 

Dante and Vivian had such distinct and opposite personalities and had such good banter between them. Normally, hot and cold relationships tend to make me annoyed/hate the character, but this was done so well and the motivations were outlined and described making the drama more realistic. I loved the way Dante opened up to her like no one else. His family story was kind of heartbreaking and helped to describe how he came to act as he does. The way he set up dates and did little things to make her happy! The way he as a workaholic drops work if needed to rush to Vivian’s side! Vivian’s family pleasing ways were challenged and she really saw character growth in standing up for herself. They both had really interesting family dynamics and relationships with their siblings that added a ton to the plot. That caused them to go through so much character growth and they supported each other through it. 

The plot felt like it went at an appropriate speed to make the relationship between Dante and Vivian seem more realistic, especially with knowing the blackmail situation from the start. There was some intense action sprinkled in that I totally didn’t expect either! Even though the book tells you exactly what the main conflict will be from the start, I absolutely loved how it played out. There was even a slight bit of grovel which is so appreciated. I love when the FMC doesn’t just immediately cave to the MMC doing something terrible.

I actually sobbed at the jewelry store aftermath. I felt emotions I was absolutely not expecting and Vivian’s reaction just felt so real and raw.

I am incredibly excited to read Kai and Isabella’s story next based on all the little glances and interactions between them in this book.