Ana Huang
King of Wrath
Billionaire CEO Dante Russo, who thrives on control, is forced into an engagement with Vivian Lau, a jewelry heiress and daughter of his enemy, due to blackmail. Despite his plans to destroy the blackmail and their betrothal, he finds himself unable to let her go.
Vivian Lau, the perfect daughter, agrees to the arranged marriage to elevate her family's status. Though Dante isn't her dream partner, she never expected to crave his touch or fall in love with him.
❤️ Ana Huang's King of Wrath delivers a sizzling, high-stakes romance centered around one of my favorite tropes: the arranged marriage. From the very start, I was drawn into the chemistry between Dante Russo, the ruthless, emotionally closed-off billionaire, and Vivian Lau, the elegant and dutiful jewelry heiress. Their arranged marriage, born from blackmail and family obligations, sets the stage for a compelling slow-burn romance.
🔥 Dante’s character, with his need for control and his cold, calculating demeanor, contrasts perfectly with Vivian’s ambition and grace, making their dynamic both intense and layered. As much as Dante tries to keep his distance and break free from the engagement, it's clear from the beginning that his desire for Vivian will be his undoing. I loved watching his struggle to resist her and, eventually, his realization that he can’t let her go.
💎 Vivian, on the other hand, steps into this marriage with a sense of duty, not love. Yet her growing attraction to Dante—against her better judgment—adds emotional depth to the story. The way her feelings evolve is realistic and engaging, making you root for her as she navigates the tension of falling in love with a man who’s not supposed to want her.
💔 One criticism I have is the third-act breakup. While I typically dislike this, I admit that in King of Wrath, it did fit the story and the characters' journey. Even though it momentarily dampened my enjoyment, it was handled well and added an emotional push that brought more clarity to their relationship. Ultimately, it allowed both Dante and Vivian to grow and come back together in a more satisfying way.
❤️ In summary, King of Wrath is a captivating romance for fans of the arranged marriage trope. It’s packed with tension, fiery chemistry, and strong character arcs that make the journey from blackmail to love well worth the read. While the third-act breakup wasn't my favorite moment, it made sense within the story and ultimately contributed to a fulfilling conclusion. If you're looking for a dramatic, high-stakes romance with a delicious enemies-to-lovers vibe, this book won’t disappoint.
