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War of Hearts #2
Inside The Wicked
The heart-pounding and scorching conclusion to Rhett and Ana’s story.
You don’t get to be just another creature of the underworld.
I hoped to never be in the clutches of my sinister uncle again, but I will not let him break me. I wanted to spare Ana from my dark past, but as it seems, she’s a far more cunning player inside the wicked than I could have prepared for.
Are you ready to work for what it takes to rule it?
My grief might have made me cold-hearted, but I’m determined to find out the truth behind Rhett’s disappearance, even if it means gaining the trust of the monster who took him from me. There are no rules in devil’s playground, and I’m willing to draw blood, even from myself, to win.
You don’t get to be just another creature of the underworld.
I hoped to never be in the clutches of my sinister uncle again, but I will not let him break me. I wanted to spare Ana from my dark past, but as it seems, she’s a far more cunning player inside the wicked than I could have prepared for.
Are you ready to work for what it takes to rule it?
My grief might have made me cold-hearted, but I’m determined to find out the truth behind Rhett’s disappearance, even if it means gaining the trust of the monster who took him from me. There are no rules in devil’s playground, and I’m willing to draw blood, even from myself, to win.
418 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2024
208 people are currently reading
2350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
April 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This duet was so freaking good.
If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into dark romance but didn’t want to dive straight into the deep end, this is the perfect starting point. It explores darker themes, but the relationship between the main characters is not dark.
Yes, they have their push-and-pull moments, but the MMC is a total simp. Like this man was on his fucking knees for her!!!👏🏻👏🏻
Without giving too much away, one of my favorite things about this series is how action-packed and plot-driven it is. The story moves, and every twist had me on edge. But don’t think for a second that it skimps on the spice because let me tell you, the spice is TO DIE FORRRRR.
This finale wrapped up the duet in the best way while still leaving you super intrigued about the side characters (I’m begging for their books next). Anastasia and Rhett? Absolute ride-or-dies. Their loyalty, their chemistry, their growth, chef’s kiss. Watching Anastasia become the powerful, confident force she is by the end of book two? So satisfying. They are the definition of a power couple.
If you’re craving a dark(ish), contemporary romance with addictive plot, A+ character development, and top-tier spice, don’t walk, run to this duet!!!
This duet was so freaking good.
If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into dark romance but didn’t want to dive straight into the deep end, this is the perfect starting point. It explores darker themes, but the relationship between the main characters is not dark.
Yes, they have their push-and-pull moments, but the MMC is a total simp. Like this man was on his fucking knees for her!!!👏🏻👏🏻
Without giving too much away, one of my favorite things about this series is how action-packed and plot-driven it is. The story moves, and every twist had me on edge. But don’t think for a second that it skimps on the spice because let me tell you, the spice is TO DIE FORRRRR.
This finale wrapped up the duet in the best way while still leaving you super intrigued about the side characters (I’m begging for their books next). Anastasia and Rhett? Absolute ride-or-dies. Their loyalty, their chemistry, their growth, chef’s kiss. Watching Anastasia become the powerful, confident force she is by the end of book two? So satisfying. They are the definition of a power couple.
If you’re craving a dark(ish), contemporary romance with addictive plot, A+ character development, and top-tier spice, don’t walk, run to this duet!!!
May 24, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Inside the Wicked but my thoughts and review are still my own.
WHAT. A. FREAKING. RIDE. This book has me sweating the entire time in more than one way. Between the high-stakes, nail-biting action and the STEAMY scenes, I was a puddle by the end of this book. This sequel was everything I was hoping it would be. It delivered suspense, romance, character development, intrigue, the list goes on…
Inside the Wicked is arguably darker than Behind the Broken so if you are newer to dark romance, definitely check out the trigger warnings before you dive in. But with that said, Chloe handled these delicate topics with care and thoughtfulness. Nothing was done gratuitously or for the sake of shocking the reader but instead with intention which I highly appreciated. The way she handled the aftermath of some of the heavier scenes I think was the best I’ve seen it handled. She did not gloss over the healing process and instead let her characters feel and cope and have emotions and figure out their own healing process. This is super crucial in darker books and it was such a relief to see.
The new characters we meet in this book had me wrapped around their fingers, I was so invested in their individual storylines. And now knowing who the next book is about I could not be more excited! (I was secretly hoping it would be about these two characters and cannot wait for the official announcement to be released so I can scream it from the rooftops!)
Lastly, I couldn’t end this review without talking about the spicy scenes and HOLY COW were they spicy. Daddy Rhett and his dominance had me clutching my pearls through some scenes. This was definitely unexpected after reading Chloe’s other books (which are definitely spicy but in different ways) but it was totally welcome! I loved seeing Ana and Rhett’s relationship continue to progress throughout this book both emotionally and physically. All I’ll say is, that epilogue is not one to skip…(insert sweating emoji here)
Thank you so much to Chloe and Lyssa for the ARC. I am forever grateful to you both for including me.
WHAT. A. FREAKING. RIDE. This book has me sweating the entire time in more than one way. Between the high-stakes, nail-biting action and the STEAMY scenes, I was a puddle by the end of this book. This sequel was everything I was hoping it would be. It delivered suspense, romance, character development, intrigue, the list goes on…
Inside the Wicked is arguably darker than Behind the Broken so if you are newer to dark romance, definitely check out the trigger warnings before you dive in. But with that said, Chloe handled these delicate topics with care and thoughtfulness. Nothing was done gratuitously or for the sake of shocking the reader but instead with intention which I highly appreciated. The way she handled the aftermath of some of the heavier scenes I think was the best I’ve seen it handled. She did not gloss over the healing process and instead let her characters feel and cope and have emotions and figure out their own healing process. This is super crucial in darker books and it was such a relief to see.
The new characters we meet in this book had me wrapped around their fingers, I was so invested in their individual storylines. And now knowing who the next book is about I could not be more excited! (I was secretly hoping it would be about these two characters and cannot wait for the official announcement to be released so I can scream it from the rooftops!)
Lastly, I couldn’t end this review without talking about the spicy scenes and HOLY COW were they spicy. Daddy Rhett and his dominance had me clutching my pearls through some scenes. This was definitely unexpected after reading Chloe’s other books (which are definitely spicy but in different ways) but it was totally welcome! I loved seeing Ana and Rhett’s relationship continue to progress throughout this book both emotionally and physically. All I’ll say is, that epilogue is not one to skip…(insert sweating emoji here)
Thank you so much to Chloe and Lyssa for the ARC. I am forever grateful to you both for including me.
May 26, 2024
I absolutely devoured this ARC over the past 36 hours, so you are getting an unhinged review below:
🐍"Pushy."
🐍"It's my job I'm informally taking back. How else would I get you to follow me out of a 28-story window?"
🐍"Your bodyguarding methods are very unorthodox."
🐍"In more ways than one."
🐍"In better ways than others."
🌹When we begin this novel, the sequel within the War of Hearts series, we have Rhett imprisoned under the hand of his nefarious uncle Alistair – and Ana pandering to the same uncle's whims in a bid to find Rhett. The idea is: Rhett is dead, but Ana knows vicious serpents can never truly be dead without a final, fatal bite. And so begins Ana's descent into the D.C. crime underworld.
🌹I have to say that the best part of this novel was the number of morally gray characters inside it. You have Alistair, you have Rhett, you have Rhett's company Xoid, you have Jacob and – you also get a new name, Silas Balenheizer. None of them are good guys and the most refreshing aspect is none of them are made to "turn" into good guys. Many dark romance novels see the men become soft and mushy. It is different here. Each man knows all the crimes he has committed and he owns it. As an entire unit of men who hate and rival each other, they move the plot into motion, and the underworld shakes from alliances being made and alliances being broken.
🌹I said "men" and you probably think, great...women can never be players in the underworld. This is where Chloe flips on so many gender dynamics because Ana becomes far more sleek and serpentine than a "little bird" within a gilded cage should be. She performs many questionable things within reason, and she holds the g^n as good as the boys. It was nice to see her not cower but stand up, far beyond even Rhett could, and I LOVE THAT. Plus, Ana also meets Kenna, a spy who doesn't like her, and you get more than one multidimensional woman within this setting. What a miracle, seriously. It is sadly, and always, one and done. The amazing female main character and that is it for womanhood.
🌹Now, if you are looking at the romantic and smut aspect, it also delivers. You get moments that you will want no parent of yours looking at through your Kindle. The handneckl@ce girls will absolutely go ballistic after reading this book. Not keen on the handneckl@ce? That's OK! There's a lot more play, and interestingly, Ana demands as much as Rhett in a reverse-reverse UNO show of dominance. I told you it would get interesting right!? As for the romance, it packs so much heat and chocolate that I'm not sure how Chloe managed to do it all. The sheer talent of her work!
🌹OK, I'm doing my utmost best to not spoil anything. Thank you to Chloe for the ARC, seriously made my birthday. AND: everyone should read this. A hardcore, lifetime favorite. Bye, as I try to find Rhett Kaiser for myself.
🐍"Pushy."
🐍"It's my job I'm informally taking back. How else would I get you to follow me out of a 28-story window?"
🐍"Your bodyguarding methods are very unorthodox."
🐍"In more ways than one."
🐍"In better ways than others."
🌹When we begin this novel, the sequel within the War of Hearts series, we have Rhett imprisoned under the hand of his nefarious uncle Alistair – and Ana pandering to the same uncle's whims in a bid to find Rhett. The idea is: Rhett is dead, but Ana knows vicious serpents can never truly be dead without a final, fatal bite. And so begins Ana's descent into the D.C. crime underworld.
🌹I have to say that the best part of this novel was the number of morally gray characters inside it. You have Alistair, you have Rhett, you have Rhett's company Xoid, you have Jacob and – you also get a new name, Silas Balenheizer. None of them are good guys and the most refreshing aspect is none of them are made to "turn" into good guys. Many dark romance novels see the men become soft and mushy. It is different here. Each man knows all the crimes he has committed and he owns it. As an entire unit of men who hate and rival each other, they move the plot into motion, and the underworld shakes from alliances being made and alliances being broken.
🌹I said "men" and you probably think, great...women can never be players in the underworld. This is where Chloe flips on so many gender dynamics because Ana becomes far more sleek and serpentine than a "little bird" within a gilded cage should be. She performs many questionable things within reason, and she holds the g^n as good as the boys. It was nice to see her not cower but stand up, far beyond even Rhett could, and I LOVE THAT. Plus, Ana also meets Kenna, a spy who doesn't like her, and you get more than one multidimensional woman within this setting. What a miracle, seriously. It is sadly, and always, one and done. The amazing female main character and that is it for womanhood.
🌹Now, if you are looking at the romantic and smut aspect, it also delivers. You get moments that you will want no parent of yours looking at through your Kindle. The handneckl@ce girls will absolutely go ballistic after reading this book. Not keen on the handneckl@ce? That's OK! There's a lot more play, and interestingly, Ana demands as much as Rhett in a reverse-reverse UNO show of dominance. I told you it would get interesting right!? As for the romance, it packs so much heat and chocolate that I'm not sure how Chloe managed to do it all. The sheer talent of her work!
🌹OK, I'm doing my utmost best to not spoil anything. Thank you to Chloe for the ARC, seriously made my birthday. AND: everyone should read this. A hardcore, lifetime favorite. Bye, as I try to find Rhett Kaiser for myself.
December 12, 2024
Recommending this to everyone who reads Dark Romance. I loved this duology!
May 25, 2024
Chloe can seriously write nothing less than great in my eyes. I am more obsessed with this one than I was book one, and that’s saying a lot because I was insanely in love with Behind The Broken. This sequel was EVERYTHING. Ana’s glow up to her bad ass, cunning side was absolute perfection. I always love when a woman makes big moves during high stakes moments. She proved her worth over and over again, and I am so proud of our little bird. Rhett literally just keeps getting hotter and hotter. I mean COME ON, even his feral side is mouthwatering. My favorite part about Rhett and Ana though are the way these two are so obsessively in love with each other. There literally isn’t a thing in the world that these two wouldn’t do for each other. True definition of ride or die. I was sucked in from the beginning to end, but it really picked up action wise about halfway through. After that, I really didn’t want to stop reading. Stories like this are so important to me because yes this may be a happy ending, but for so many other girls/women, that’s not the case. I think about those women daily and my heart aches for them.
The way Chloe writes just makes you feel like you’re the one falling in love and you just get so connected to the story. I am fully obsessed with yet another one of her books!
The way Chloe writes just makes you feel like you’re the one falling in love and you just get so connected to the story. I am fully obsessed with yet another one of her books!
May 29, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing me with e-ARC of the book. I am choosing to leave a review, and all my thoughts are my own honest ones.
My rating is closer to about 4.5.
The way that the last book ended frankly had me screaming into my pillow and absolutely terrified for my precious Ana and Rhett. This conclusion to the duology was a beautiful story of vengeance, justice, healing, and fighting for happiness amidst it all. Lots of emotions were evoked ranging from swoon to anger.
This second book was full of morally grey characters and I was here for every second of it. The world is not black and white and sometimes in order to protect the innocent certain sacrifices must be made. This aspect of the characters along with the darker themes added a whole fascinating kind of depth as well as realism to the story.
Ana was in her vengeance and morally grey baddie era in this and I 1000% support her. With the way that things ended in book 1, she was rightfully out for blood. Ana has come such a long way from the beginning of book 1 and it was beautiful to see her break free from the cage of stifling expectations and norms. There is nothing more empowering than to see a female character shed the layers of a persona that have never served who she was or strived to be.
Rhett has my heart and will eternally have it. This man has been through literal hell and back, yet finds the strength to continue to fight not only for his beloved little bird, but to eliminate the evils of the world. I am so freaking proud of the progress he has made in allowing himself to be loved and find himself deserving of it on all fronts. He may be shrouded in pain and fear, but he respects Ana as his partner and never fails to see her success as his own. Rhett Kaiser is a dedicated man to his organization and and an attentive partner to his love and for that he is perfectionnn. He proudly lets the world know how far he is willing to go for his little bird.
I cannot stress how much of an elite power couple Ana and Rhett were in this. They have both endured so much in this book alone and they have not allowed their spirits to be broken by the true vile monsters of this world. They were vulnerable with each other following the atrocities they endured and communicated effectively at every step of the way. The moments of intimacy were both beautifully swoon worthy as well as SPICYYYYY. The spice in this was wild compared to book 1 and I ate it all up. Ana and Rhett have become more open with one another and thus they explored a lot of things that led to some moments that had my jaw on the floor. I love these two so much and I can say that without a doubt that they are modern day soulmates.
The cast of characters that we have accumulated at this point is vast and each of them played a crucial part in Rhett + Ana's road to justice. I also noticed lots of potential characters for continuing standalones and my brain cells were going haywire with the possibilities. Kenna's introduction was captivating and the more that we learned about her, the more my heart broke. Aurora is a fascinating character shrouded in mystery. AND OMG I cannot stress how absolutely feral I am for SILAS FREAKING BALENHEIZER and the moment that he was introduced... I was a goner. He may be a criminal but who isn't. Don't mind me while I sing "momma I'm in love with a criminal" at the top of my lungs.
I have added 3 new characters to my "fight on sight list". These characters were VILE SCUMBAGS and I mean it in the most disrespectful manner ever when I say that I hope they burn in the pits of hell.
I am so glad to see our beloved Rhett and Ana reach the happiness that they both deserve, but I am sad to see them go because they were everything to me. My only solace is that we will continue to see glimpses of them in the other stories planned. I am ready for what comes next but terrified for the ways in which Chloe will hurt us readers too.
My rating is closer to about 4.5.
The way that the last book ended frankly had me screaming into my pillow and absolutely terrified for my precious Ana and Rhett. This conclusion to the duology was a beautiful story of vengeance, justice, healing, and fighting for happiness amidst it all. Lots of emotions were evoked ranging from swoon to anger.
This second book was full of morally grey characters and I was here for every second of it. The world is not black and white and sometimes in order to protect the innocent certain sacrifices must be made. This aspect of the characters along with the darker themes added a whole fascinating kind of depth as well as realism to the story.
Ana was in her vengeance and morally grey baddie era in this and I 1000% support her. With the way that things ended in book 1, she was rightfully out for blood. Ana has come such a long way from the beginning of book 1 and it was beautiful to see her break free from the cage of stifling expectations and norms. There is nothing more empowering than to see a female character shed the layers of a persona that have never served who she was or strived to be.
Rhett has my heart and will eternally have it. This man has been through literal hell and back, yet finds the strength to continue to fight not only for his beloved little bird, but to eliminate the evils of the world. I am so freaking proud of the progress he has made in allowing himself to be loved and find himself deserving of it on all fronts. He may be shrouded in pain and fear, but he respects Ana as his partner and never fails to see her success as his own. Rhett Kaiser is a dedicated man to his organization and and an attentive partner to his love and for that he is perfectionnn. He proudly lets the world know how far he is willing to go for his little bird.
I cannot stress how much of an elite power couple Ana and Rhett were in this. They have both endured so much in this book alone and they have not allowed their spirits to be broken by the true vile monsters of this world. They were vulnerable with each other following the atrocities they endured and communicated effectively at every step of the way. The moments of intimacy were both beautifully swoon worthy as well as SPICYYYYY. The spice in this was wild compared to book 1 and I ate it all up. Ana and Rhett have become more open with one another and thus they explored a lot of things that led to some moments that had my jaw on the floor. I love these two so much and I can say that without a doubt that they are modern day soulmates.
The cast of characters that we have accumulated at this point is vast and each of them played a crucial part in Rhett + Ana's road to justice. I also noticed lots of potential characters for continuing standalones and my brain cells were going haywire with the possibilities. Kenna's introduction was captivating and the more that we learned about her, the more my heart broke. Aurora is a fascinating character shrouded in mystery. AND OMG I cannot stress how absolutely feral I am for SILAS FREAKING BALENHEIZER and the moment that he was introduced... I was a goner. He may be a criminal but who isn't. Don't mind me while I sing "momma I'm in love with a criminal" at the top of my lungs.
I have added 3 new characters to my "fight on sight list". These characters were VILE SCUMBAGS and I mean it in the most disrespectful manner ever when I say that I hope they burn in the pits of hell.
I am so glad to see our beloved Rhett and Ana reach the happiness that they both deserve, but I am sad to see them go because they were everything to me. My only solace is that we will continue to see glimpses of them in the other stories planned. I am ready for what comes next but terrified for the ways in which Chloe will hurt us readers too.
June 3, 2025
AUDIOBOOK REREAD JUNE 2025
OMG HE SAYS MY WIFE..how could I forget
that ?!
I need Kenna x Silas ! I beg !
..................
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Chloe and Lyssa for this arc ! I am just SPEECHLESS !!
I will admit this is a lot darker than Behind the Broken, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat as I need to know what happened next.
There so many twists and turns I was shook, this was incredibly fast paced, and the underworld is carefully well thought of.
I fell in love with Silas 🥵 hot damn. I am a sucker for morally grey... he may be morally BLACK !
❤️🔥touch her/him and you💀
❤️🔥badass fmcs
🐕 two new chihuahuas named Sam and Frodo, Shadow IS SAFE !
I am HEAVILY invested in this series as there are more (potential)couples to look at now that Rhett x Anastasia's story is over.
.
.
.
only reason why 4.5⭐️ and not the full 5, too many love declarations
OMG HE SAYS MY WIFE..how could I forget
that ?!
I need Kenna x Silas ! I beg !
..................
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Chloe and Lyssa for this arc ! I am just SPEECHLESS !!
I will admit this is a lot darker than Behind the Broken, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat as I need to know what happened next.
There so many twists and turns I was shook, this was incredibly fast paced, and the underworld is carefully well thought of.
I fell in love with Silas 🥵 hot damn. I am a sucker for morally grey... he may be morally BLACK !
❤️🔥touch her/him and you💀
❤️🔥badass fmcs
🐕 two new chihuahuas named Sam and Frodo, Shadow IS SAFE !
I am HEAVILY invested in this series as there are more (potential)couples to look at now that Rhett x Anastasia's story is over.
.
.
.
only reason why 4.5⭐️ and not the full 5, too many love declarations
June 3, 2024
Rating: 4.25✨
Spice: 3🌶
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
GUYS, the final installment of this duet was fun & nerve-wracking to read all at once, & I loved it! I loved seeing the characters I fell in love with in "Behind the Broken" AND I ABSOLUTELY ADORED MEETING NEW CHARACTERS THAT HAVE BECOME MY OBSESSION. (SILAS AND KENNA, I am looking at you two.) But that is not enough, SILAS FREAKING BALENHEIZER, YOU HAVE MADE ME ONE FERAL & UNHINGED INDIVIDUAL. I NEED MORE OF YOU.
Obsession with Silas aside, I loved seeing Ana's continued growth in this book & seeing her embrace her protective, darker side. This woman takes nothing from no one & will throw down at all costs for those she loves. With that said, she never lost that side of her that still believed in the good in people, in seeing the best in others & I think that's what made her a great FMC. The fight in her is unmatched, she could go head-to-head with the most intimidating & powerful people & she would not back down. This little birdie truly freed herself from her cage. There is no other person that would have been a better fit for Rhett freaking Kaiser, WHICH IS THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE.'
Rhett is the definition of a man that is down BAD & we love to see it. He could be the most terrifying man out there, but never to the one he loves & NEVER to those he considers family. He is also so easy to adore & admire because he has gone through every single heartbreaking thing you can think of, but he always came out on the other side stronger, a better version of himself. I seriously wanted to give him the biggest hug & let him know he is worthy of all the love in the world. In this book, Rhett faces all demons that have been haunting him, breaking him, for years & I couldn't be prouder of him. All that aside, I love how loyal & supportive he is with Ana. He supports her being an absolute independent baddie & will forever have her back. Them together are absolute GOLD.
This book had mix of action & romance where neither felt like it was overpowering the other. I also wanted to throw hands on sight with certain individuals that deserved the absolute WORST IN THE WORLD. The ending of this book had me really happy with the ways things concluded & also BEYOND EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE STORIES IN THIS WORLD! With that said, I'm not done with Rhett & Ana, so I'm really hoping we will see a lot more of them in the future! I adore them. I'm also hoping to see more of the side characters because this world would not be the same without them. If you want to read a book/series that is morally gray characters galore, this is definitely for you! Lover of touch him/her & 💀? This is for YOU, so definitely read it if you haven't already! 🖤
Spice: 3🌶
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
GUYS, the final installment of this duet was fun & nerve-wracking to read all at once, & I loved it! I loved seeing the characters I fell in love with in "Behind the Broken" AND I ABSOLUTELY ADORED MEETING NEW CHARACTERS THAT HAVE BECOME MY OBSESSION. (SILAS AND KENNA, I am looking at you two.) But that is not enough, SILAS FREAKING BALENHEIZER, YOU HAVE MADE ME ONE FERAL & UNHINGED INDIVIDUAL. I NEED MORE OF YOU.
Obsession with Silas aside, I loved seeing Ana's continued growth in this book & seeing her embrace her protective, darker side. This woman takes nothing from no one & will throw down at all costs for those she loves. With that said, she never lost that side of her that still believed in the good in people, in seeing the best in others & I think that's what made her a great FMC. The fight in her is unmatched, she could go head-to-head with the most intimidating & powerful people & she would not back down. This little birdie truly freed herself from her cage. There is no other person that would have been a better fit for Rhett freaking Kaiser, WHICH IS THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE.'
Rhett is the definition of a man that is down BAD & we love to see it. He could be the most terrifying man out there, but never to the one he loves & NEVER to those he considers family. He is also so easy to adore & admire because he has gone through every single heartbreaking thing you can think of, but he always came out on the other side stronger, a better version of himself. I seriously wanted to give him the biggest hug & let him know he is worthy of all the love in the world. In this book, Rhett faces all demons that have been haunting him, breaking him, for years & I couldn't be prouder of him. All that aside, I love how loyal & supportive he is with Ana. He supports her being an absolute independent baddie & will forever have her back. Them together are absolute GOLD.
This book had mix of action & romance where neither felt like it was overpowering the other. I also wanted to throw hands on sight with certain individuals that deserved the absolute WORST IN THE WORLD. The ending of this book had me really happy with the ways things concluded & also BEYOND EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE STORIES IN THIS WORLD! With that said, I'm not done with Rhett & Ana, so I'm really hoping we will see a lot more of them in the future! I adore them. I'm also hoping to see more of the side characters because this world would not be the same without them. If you want to read a book/series that is morally gray characters galore, this is definitely for you! Lover of touch him/her & 💀? This is for YOU, so definitely read it if you haven't already! 🖤
May 26, 2024
I have so patiently been waiting for Inside the Wicked to show up so I could leave my review since I finished it on the 21st, which was also the day I received the ARC. Let’s just say I finished the ARC in about I’d say seven to eight hours, and that was with certain distractions when I had just received it. What can I say? I’m in love with these characters and this series and am very anxious to get my hands on a physical copy to re-read it!
I have been waiting for this book since I finished the ARC for Behind the Broken, and may I say it, and Chloe, did not disappoint! My brain is literally still processing this book and everything that happened, kind of like me with some of my fav Taylor Swift albums that I love more and more on every listen, which I see this book becoming for me as well. I honestly have no words for how much I loved this story and this duet as a whole. Rhett and Ana forever.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, so eager to find out what happened next and how the cliffhanger of the first book was going to be resolved. And a book that can put me on the edge, unable to put it down, and swoon and tear up means it’s doing its job, and very well I might add. I was so excited to see Ana's revenge arc that was set up at the end of book 1 and I so loved watching Ana grow into the bad-ass woman she is, fighting against such terrible evil and to get Rhett back, who I was also so impatiently waiting to see what happened too after that evil cliffhanger. I loved seeing how he was fighting to survive what happened at the end of the first book and get back to his girl/little bird, and just overall getting to see how the journeys of these two amazing characters, both their own and the one they are on together, played out, through the darkness to the healing and beyond. As I’ve said before, I love reading stories that aren’t afraid to go to the dark side of things and explore the nitty gritty and be real, and this story was that and so much more for me. This series has touched my life in such a way that I am so thankful I got to be a part of the ride. And Rhett and Ana’s journey is one I will love and continue to go back to forever.
Everything I loved about Rhett and Ana in the first book just doubled with Inside the Wicked. And I totally am and still stick by what I said in my review for the first and just in general about the story: Everyone deserves to have the Rhett to their Ana/Ana to their Rhett. And can someone please find me my own Rhett? Like, that isn’t too much to ask for people!
I am so overjoyed that I was able to see their journeys unfold, and what a beautiful, heart-wrenching journey it was. I don’t want to get spoiler-ly (if that is even a word), and if I started even just mentioning a few events in the novel, which I won’t because A. spoilers and B. this review would end up being like ten-thousand words long (not literally but you get the point), but I feel that a majority of people will understand when I say that getting to be a part of this story and watch these characters grow and how their journey’s unfolded was an experience that needs no words to explain how incredible it is, and yet all of them to get across just how much this overarching story touched our hearts.
I also loved how the parallels and callbacks to the first were used to set up and propel the story. And the spice, much like the first, did not disappoint! Also, the character dynamics and overall relationships continued and developed in the novel – I’m in love with it ALL!
And that epilogue! Chloe knew what she was doing with that. So much spice with such sweet ending lines to close out this beautiful story. It’s official – I need more lol. My heart is so full of joy over these stories.
Like I said before, I honestly have no words – and yet so many at the same time – for this story. Just the way it was written, the character development and what ultimately happened within these pages, and also the new characters introduced . . . it was all so amazing. What else can I say but that I absolutely loved this story, and hope to see more of these characters in whatever form that might be someday, because honestly, I’m not ready to say goodbye. And to be frank, I don’t plan on it ever truly being a goodbye. Thank god for re-reads!
But most of all, I cannot wait to see more stories in this universe (and I’m hoping some updates on what Rhett and Ana are up to (do they end up getting the house one day? Do they end up having kids one day? I need to know these things!) because I need more of them in my life. I have a problem . . . NOT lol) I’m going to miss these stories and characters that touched my life and soul in such an impactful way so much, but at least I’ll here soon have both in physical format to visit and re-read over and over again.
If you want a book with spice, a beautiful relationship and bad-ass main characters, and a story and world that feels so real, definitely check these stories out, and check the trigger warnings if you feel you need to because these are dark/dark romance books.
Thank you so much again, Chloe, for giving us this beautiful story, and two amazing and oh-so-real characters in Rhett and Ana. This duet will definitely be getting a re-read soon (and if audiobooks ever happen I am pouncing on them because that would be so cool to be able to listen to the story and Rhett and Ana over and over again). Dark – and Ana and Rhett – are one of my favorite shades. And now to wait for the next one in this amazing universe. Until the next one . . .
I have been waiting for this book since I finished the ARC for Behind the Broken, and may I say it, and Chloe, did not disappoint! My brain is literally still processing this book and everything that happened, kind of like me with some of my fav Taylor Swift albums that I love more and more on every listen, which I see this book becoming for me as well. I honestly have no words for how much I loved this story and this duet as a whole. Rhett and Ana forever.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, so eager to find out what happened next and how the cliffhanger of the first book was going to be resolved. And a book that can put me on the edge, unable to put it down, and swoon and tear up means it’s doing its job, and very well I might add. I was so excited to see Ana's revenge arc that was set up at the end of book 1 and I so loved watching Ana grow into the bad-ass woman she is, fighting against such terrible evil and to get Rhett back, who I was also so impatiently waiting to see what happened too after that evil cliffhanger. I loved seeing how he was fighting to survive what happened at the end of the first book and get back to his girl/little bird, and just overall getting to see how the journeys of these two amazing characters, both their own and the one they are on together, played out, through the darkness to the healing and beyond. As I’ve said before, I love reading stories that aren’t afraid to go to the dark side of things and explore the nitty gritty and be real, and this story was that and so much more for me. This series has touched my life in such a way that I am so thankful I got to be a part of the ride. And Rhett and Ana’s journey is one I will love and continue to go back to forever.
Everything I loved about Rhett and Ana in the first book just doubled with Inside the Wicked. And I totally am and still stick by what I said in my review for the first and just in general about the story: Everyone deserves to have the Rhett to their Ana/Ana to their Rhett. And can someone please find me my own Rhett? Like, that isn’t too much to ask for people!
I am so overjoyed that I was able to see their journeys unfold, and what a beautiful, heart-wrenching journey it was. I don’t want to get spoiler-ly (if that is even a word), and if I started even just mentioning a few events in the novel, which I won’t because A. spoilers and B. this review would end up being like ten-thousand words long (not literally but you get the point), but I feel that a majority of people will understand when I say that getting to be a part of this story and watch these characters grow and how their journey’s unfolded was an experience that needs no words to explain how incredible it is, and yet all of them to get across just how much this overarching story touched our hearts.
I also loved how the parallels and callbacks to the first were used to set up and propel the story. And the spice, much like the first, did not disappoint! Also, the character dynamics and overall relationships continued and developed in the novel – I’m in love with it ALL!
And that epilogue! Chloe knew what she was doing with that. So much spice with such sweet ending lines to close out this beautiful story. It’s official – I need more lol. My heart is so full of joy over these stories.
Like I said before, I honestly have no words – and yet so many at the same time – for this story. Just the way it was written, the character development and what ultimately happened within these pages, and also the new characters introduced . . . it was all so amazing. What else can I say but that I absolutely loved this story, and hope to see more of these characters in whatever form that might be someday, because honestly, I’m not ready to say goodbye. And to be frank, I don’t plan on it ever truly being a goodbye. Thank god for re-reads!
But most of all, I cannot wait to see more stories in this universe (and I’m hoping some updates on what Rhett and Ana are up to (do they end up getting the house one day? Do they end up having kids one day? I need to know these things!) because I need more of them in my life. I have a problem . . . NOT lol) I’m going to miss these stories and characters that touched my life and soul in such an impactful way so much, but at least I’ll here soon have both in physical format to visit and re-read over and over again.
If you want a book with spice, a beautiful relationship and bad-ass main characters, and a story and world that feels so real, definitely check these stories out, and check the trigger warnings if you feel you need to because these are dark/dark romance books.
Thank you so much again, Chloe, for giving us this beautiful story, and two amazing and oh-so-real characters in Rhett and Ana. This duet will definitely be getting a re-read soon (and if audiobooks ever happen I am pouncing on them because that would be so cool to be able to listen to the story and Rhett and Ana over and over again). Dark – and Ana and Rhett – are one of my favorite shades. And now to wait for the next one in this amazing universe. Until the next one . . .
May 25, 2024
Inside the Wicked picks up after the events of Behind the Broken. The character development for Anastasia is absolutely incredible. Where she starts in Behind the Broken to where she ends in Inside the Wicked is remarkable. I love how she comes into her own and getting to see her mind work. Playing a dangerous game pitting two crime lords against each other would have been unthinkable in Behind the Broken, but it fits perfectly with Anastasia’s character in Inside the Wicked. As much as I love Anastasia and Rhett, a new player has officially entered the game. I can’t wait to learn more about Silas. The little tidbits we got scattered throughout Inside the Wicked were not enough to satisfy the need to know more about this man. I’m also intrigued to learn more about Kenna. The small amount we learned was heartbreaking, but I can already tell her character is going to be one worth knowing. One of the parts of Inside the Wicked I liked best was the supporting characters and getting to see Anastasia/Rhett working as a team with those around them. Rhett has created a network of fascinating personalities so getting to see more of those individuals was the perfect touch. I also thought Chloe nailed the pacing on this one. It alternated well between slower scheming moments and high action/tension scenes. Overall, I loved this book and thought it was a perfect wrap up to Anastasia and Rhett’s ARC while leaving plenty of possibilities for spin offs and pop ups from them in the future.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of the author
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of the author
May 27, 2024
Inside The Wicked is yet ANOTHER rollercoaster that our dear Chloe has taken us on.
It picks up 3 months(ish) after the ending of Behind The Broken (BTB) where (first book spoiler) Inside The Wicked (ITW) is quite different pacing compared to BTB - BTB explored and explained the darkness that lay within Rhett whereas ITW explores the darkness that Ana is capable of.
ITW has a lot a storybuilding incorporated in the beginning probably 50% that sets a slower pace that leads up to a punch at the end. Ana makes a lot of decisions thinking she's really good at chess but my girl is so dumb 😭 Love her tho lol. I'm super interested to explore Silas's infatuation with Kenna as there was no obvious reason why he was so keen on having her - she was a cold and mysteriously one-dimensional character but I'm sure she'll be fully fleshed out eventually (hint-hint).
I had my jaw-dropping moments, I laughed, I didn't cry (lol) but I would recommend both BTB and ITW to anyone who enjoys thrillers, underworld societies, and romance. Please check trigger warnings to ensure it is your cup of tea!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book, courtesy of Chloe's Street Team, in exchange for my honest review.
It picks up 3 months(ish) after the ending of Behind The Broken (BTB) where (first book spoiler) Inside The Wicked (ITW) is quite different pacing compared to BTB - BTB explored and explained the darkness that lay within Rhett whereas ITW explores the darkness that Ana is capable of.
ITW has a lot a storybuilding incorporated in the beginning probably 50% that sets a slower pace that leads up to a punch at the end. Ana makes a lot of decisions thinking she's really good at chess but my girl is so dumb 😭 Love her tho lol. I'm super interested to explore Silas's infatuation with Kenna as there was no obvious reason why he was so keen on having her - she was a cold and mysteriously one-dimensional character but I'm sure she'll be fully fleshed out eventually (hint-hint).
I had my jaw-dropping moments, I laughed, I didn't cry (lol) but I would recommend both BTB and ITW to anyone who enjoys thrillers, underworld societies, and romance. Please check trigger warnings to ensure it is your cup of tea!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book, courtesy of Chloe's Street Team, in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2024
ARC REVIEW 💙
Inside the Wicked by Chloe C. Penaranda ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an utterly captivating, chaotic and phenomenal ending to Ana and Rhett's Story.
This book was extremely fast paced and honestly never a dull moment. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough because I had actual anxiety about what was happening 🤣
The romance and love between the MCs is so beautiful and above all else! Their banter, fun and spice is utterly swoon worthy.
I cannot wait to read book 3 for the side characters stories. I am so interested to see where Chloe takes them!
This duology is for you if you like:
🖤 Darker/ish themes
🔥 Spice
👀 Daughter of the president and her body guard
😵 Organised crime/ underworld vibes
Inside the Wicked by Chloe C. Penaranda ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an utterly captivating, chaotic and phenomenal ending to Ana and Rhett's Story.
This book was extremely fast paced and honestly never a dull moment. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough because I had actual anxiety about what was happening 🤣
The romance and love between the MCs is so beautiful and above all else! Their banter, fun and spice is utterly swoon worthy.
I cannot wait to read book 3 for the side characters stories. I am so interested to see where Chloe takes them!
This duology is for you if you like:
🖤 Darker/ish themes
🔥 Spice
👀 Daughter of the president and her body guard
😵 Organised crime/ underworld vibes
May 25, 2024
Loved this! This was a great conclusion to the duet. Chloe continues the story and adds more intrigue and thrills. Honestly she really kept me on my toes with this one. I loved all the twists and turns. I also enjoyed her saying juuuust enough about side characters that has me knowing I will be picking those up as soon as the come out as well. I enjoyed seeing Ana come into her own. Rhett, morally grey men what can I say? I love him. He has his dark past but it wasn’t his choosing as much as it was chosen for him. Getting to see him accept the peace and them moving on together was the cherry on top. Highly recommend. I got this as an ARC, but this is 100% honest as I just needed to get my hands on the second half of this story as quickly as possible!
September 1, 2025
Loved this duet! The second one was better than the first and so worth it! The dark world in this was what hooked me and all the unraveling of it. I loved the passion Rhett & Ana had. Nothing could stop them. The found family in this one was top tier also! Highly recommend
July 30, 2024
longer review to come im currently still in shock
May 26, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive the eARC of this book and let me tell you - it did not disappoint. Inside The Wicked picks up after the first book, Behind The Broken. I want to mention the character development that readers go through during this book, Ana specifically. Her character development is AMAZING and beautifully written. Her confidence increases, her determination increases - it’s simply amazing and fun to read. This is a dark romance, so be aware of the trigger warnings before diving into this book. Behind the Broken gave me Haunting Adeline vibes and this book, is like Hunting Adeline - not as intense - but it’s truly a terrific read if you love dark romance. This duology easily became one of my favorites. Chloe you did it again!
…also can we talk about how my heart was racing throughout each character, how close they came to being caught by certain people, THE HIGH SPEED CHASE, THE EXPLOSIONS?! Also…can we talk about Silas for a moment 🫣🤭 I absolutely can’t wait for Behind The Sinner that will feature Silas and Kenna.
Reading about Kenna and a bit of her backstory, I really attached to it. She’s cold and bitter, but she really doesn’t know any different, and I feel so bad for her, but she a very strong person and I want to read more about her.
Also the spice is this book - 🫠🤭🥵 - that’s all 😍
…also can we talk about how my heart was racing throughout each character, how close they came to being caught by certain people, THE HIGH SPEED CHASE, THE EXPLOSIONS?! Also…can we talk about Silas for a moment 🫣🤭 I absolutely can’t wait for Behind The Sinner that will feature Silas and Kenna.
Reading about Kenna and a bit of her backstory, I really attached to it. She’s cold and bitter, but she really doesn’t know any different, and I feel so bad for her, but she a very strong person and I want to read more about her.
Also the spice is this book - 🫠🤭🥵 - that’s all 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: E-Book
𝔻𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕋𝕠 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕: 36 Days
ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖: High
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: Medium
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Happily Ever After
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: This was an action packed book! With the pacing having some thing happening at every turn. It was very easy to read and follow along with the story even though so much is happening.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “We’re living in hell, sweetheart. I’m just waiting for you to decide if you’re going to stay in the part that burns or let me show you how to craft fire into a palace.”
&
“We’re inside the wicked now, and the only way to kill the kings of the underworld is together.”
&
“The darkness can be wild and passionate, but ice will only ever be numb and unforgiving.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣: Chapters 25 & 41
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Ana: This girl goes through it in this story and in so happy she gets the ending she deserves!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: This book focuses on the intense and tumultuous journey of Rhett and Ana leaving off right where book #1 ended. This book dives deep into the underworld, where Ana must navigate the treacherous landscape to uncover the truth behind Rhett’s disappearance. The story was packed with suspense, dark secrets, and a fierce determination that kept me on the edge of my seats the entire time making it the perfect ending to the Duet. 🖤
𝔻𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕋𝕠 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕: 36 Days
ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖: High
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: Medium
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Happily Ever After
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: This was an action packed book! With the pacing having some thing happening at every turn. It was very easy to read and follow along with the story even though so much is happening.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “We’re living in hell, sweetheart. I’m just waiting for you to decide if you’re going to stay in the part that burns or let me show you how to craft fire into a palace.”
&
“We’re inside the wicked now, and the only way to kill the kings of the underworld is together.”
&
“The darkness can be wild and passionate, but ice will only ever be numb and unforgiving.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣: Chapters 25 & 41
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Ana: This girl goes through it in this story and in so happy she gets the ending she deserves!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: This book focuses on the intense and tumultuous journey of Rhett and Ana leaving off right where book #1 ended. This book dives deep into the underworld, where Ana must navigate the treacherous landscape to uncover the truth behind Rhett’s disappearance. The story was packed with suspense, dark secrets, and a fierce determination that kept me on the edge of my seats the entire time making it the perfect ending to the Duet. 🖤
September 19, 2025
Obviously, this book is, by necessity, quite a bit darker than book 1. We're in the thick of 3 different criminal organizations, with evil men doing evil things. There's threats around every corner.
There's a lot of angst in the first half of this book. A lot of waiting for the couple to reunite while watching them both struggle against their separate situations and deal with horrors of the underworld neither will ever forget.
The politics of the underworld are complex and multi-layered. There's never a dull moment watching as Ana navigates this dangerous world - she's got her bitterness, her heartbreak, and her newly forged steel spine. She's playing powerful men off one another in a precarious and dangerous dance all aimed at getting Rhett back. But she's also still so ignorant of what the world she's stepped into is all about. But it's almost like the reader is learning right alongside her.
And don't get me started on her interactions with Xoid. So cool how she becomes one of them, even without Rhett in the picture. (I also sort of enjoyed how Adam became an unexpected - if somewhat bumbling- ally in this book.)
Rhett's situation - for the first half of the story - is... dire to say the least. He's essentially being held prisoner, being forced to eat scraps and commit acts against people his morals rail against. He's being tested, being broken by his uncle. He's forced to play by his uncle's rules or run the risk of said uncle harming Ana.
Having to choose between my morality and the thing I love most in this fucking world might be what breaks me once and for all.
This part of the book is written SO well, but it's also SO uncomfortable. Uncomfortable, in a good way? I guess. I'm gonna say this - take the trigger warnings seriously, because they are front and center in this book. It doesn't ever really get easier.
If you thought book 1 had dark elements, that was just the tip of the iceberg.
And the second half of the book - when Rhett and Ana finally get together? Woo-boy. The action scenes alone are worth it.
But also the romance - 2 very broken people trying to figure out how to love each other and be with each other again while battling intense and deep-rooted demons, all while the world around them is on fire and hunting them. It's an intense, wild ride, but there are so many tender moments filled with patience, compassion and faith in one another.
"I fucking live for you, Anastasia Kinsley. I want to marry you and build that damn house with the porch. I want to love you until we're six feet under, and I'll find you in the next hell. What I feel for you isn't something anything in life prepares you for. You're in my fucking bones, my every thought. If such a thing as a soul exists, you're half of mine--there's no other explanation. So leaving only lets him win. I'm going to love you in every day, every fucking second. I've caught you, little bird, and I'm never letting you fly away, because I'm going with you."
Ugh, shut up.
The two fight with each other. Often. Rhett feels horrible guilt about putting Ana in danger, and more than once he suggests taking her back to her parents so they can keep her safe. Ana adamantly refutes it every time. The push and pull is delicious - we're watching these two people wrestle with darkness and choosing one another over and over again.
PTSD is a real bitch, but it's written beautifully and realistically. It's great to see these two people overcome it together - not rushed through for the sake of smut, but realistically evolved so that the relationship feels stronger and more solid by the end.
The stakes they are up against are higher than sky-high. They're stuck between 2 cartels and a third entity who's just as dangerous. The razor thin line they walk, attempting to manipulate these evil, powerful men into turning on each other had me on the edge of my seat right up until the epilogue.
Add on that Ana's father is the PRESIDENT OF THE USA, concerned about his image and his daughter and a constant thorn in her side and, well.
I think this may be the best overall story in this genre that I've read this whole year. If you're into dark, mafia-type seedy underbelly criminal organization stuff, check this out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
There's a lot of angst in the first half of this book. A lot of waiting for the couple to reunite while watching them both struggle against their separate situations and deal with horrors of the underworld neither will ever forget.
The politics of the underworld are complex and multi-layered. There's never a dull moment watching as Ana navigates this dangerous world - she's got her bitterness, her heartbreak, and her newly forged steel spine. She's playing powerful men off one another in a precarious and dangerous dance all aimed at getting Rhett back. But she's also still so ignorant of what the world she's stepped into is all about. But it's almost like the reader is learning right alongside her.
And don't get me started on her interactions with Xoid. So cool how she becomes one of them, even without Rhett in the picture. (I also sort of enjoyed how Adam became an unexpected - if somewhat bumbling- ally in this book.)
Rhett's situation - for the first half of the story - is... dire to say the least. He's essentially being held prisoner, being forced to eat scraps and commit acts against people his morals rail against. He's being tested, being broken by his uncle. He's forced to play by his uncle's rules or run the risk of said uncle harming Ana.
Having to choose between my morality and the thing I love most in this fucking world might be what breaks me once and for all.
This part of the book is written SO well, but it's also SO uncomfortable. Uncomfortable, in a good way? I guess. I'm gonna say this - take the trigger warnings seriously, because they are front and center in this book. It doesn't ever really get easier.
If you thought book 1 had dark elements, that was just the tip of the iceberg.
And the second half of the book - when Rhett and Ana finally get together? Woo-boy. The action scenes alone are worth it.
But also the romance - 2 very broken people trying to figure out how to love each other and be with each other again while battling intense and deep-rooted demons, all while the world around them is on fire and hunting them. It's an intense, wild ride, but there are so many tender moments filled with patience, compassion and faith in one another.
"I fucking live for you, Anastasia Kinsley. I want to marry you and build that damn house with the porch. I want to love you until we're six feet under, and I'll find you in the next hell. What I feel for you isn't something anything in life prepares you for. You're in my fucking bones, my every thought. If such a thing as a soul exists, you're half of mine--there's no other explanation. So leaving only lets him win. I'm going to love you in every day, every fucking second. I've caught you, little bird, and I'm never letting you fly away, because I'm going with you."
Ugh, shut up.
The two fight with each other. Often. Rhett feels horrible guilt about putting Ana in danger, and more than once he suggests taking her back to her parents so they can keep her safe. Ana adamantly refutes it every time. The push and pull is delicious - we're watching these two people wrestle with darkness and choosing one another over and over again.
PTSD is a real bitch, but it's written beautifully and realistically. It's great to see these two people overcome it together - not rushed through for the sake of smut, but realistically evolved so that the relationship feels stronger and more solid by the end.
The stakes they are up against are higher than sky-high. They're stuck between 2 cartels and a third entity who's just as dangerous. The razor thin line they walk, attempting to manipulate these evil, powerful men into turning on each other had me on the edge of my seat right up until the epilogue.
Add on that Ana's father is the PRESIDENT OF THE USA, concerned about his image and his daughter and a constant thorn in her side and, well.
I think this may be the best overall story in this genre that I've read this whole year. If you're into dark, mafia-type seedy underbelly criminal organization stuff, check this out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
March 23, 2025
And we are back! The second installment of War of Hearts is here and ready to steal your sleep and your heart! With absolutely flawless narration from Jacci Prior and Teddy Hamilton to serve up the dual narration you know and love from book one.
We start of jumping head first into where book one left off and let me tell you the tension is there to meet the moment. Our FMC and MMC are in the thick of it and it’s unputdownable from the jump as a result. The energy we had at the cliffhanger resumes perfectly and I felt like no time had passed since I finished book one. I loved that pacing because I was dying to know what happens next and Chloe DELIVERS so well here! This book will take you for an emotional, heart breaking, heart healing thrill ride that will have you dying to get this duo a happy ending while never wanting it to truly end. This book is at its core about finding the strength that lives deep inside you, knowing it can take you absolutely anywhere, and get you through all of the depths of absolute hell. It’s about finding love that’s worth braving every single step of it for, and never letting go. There is so much to take from this series, and I know I will never let go of what it gave me, a reminder of the strength of survivors and that love can find you even in the darkest parts of your life. That we all deserve a Rhett and an Ana, full stop.
I still can’t believe how much I felt in just two books, there’s so many incredible moments with brilliant pacing so it never feels overloaded with action somehow. Everything just flows even with dark and serious plot lines it never felt bogged down by it. I can’t tell you how many times I cried, and gasped, and shouted out loud (because it was a lot!) but I can tell you this book is one that will join the ranks of books I wish I could reread again after getting book amnesia because that first read feeling is everything here! I know that even though I can’t reread it again for the first time, that this will be a series I come back to time and time again. I cannot recommend it enough, especially for anyone who wants a peek into the world of Dark Romance in a DR light format. You will swiftly find out why the He Falls First and IS OBSESSED trope will always and forever be my favorite.
I mean it’s pretty clear I absolutely loved every single second of it, but I gotta say the cherry on top of this delicious duology was definitely the narration. Most especially the expressiveness we get through this dual narration. Jacci brings so much heart on the page to life with her emotional performance, it listens like an immersive audio every step of the way. There is an earnestness she brings alive that really cranks up the emotional tone of the pain that Ana goes through and makes it all so palpable. You can really feel the pain we experience on the page being delivered by Jacci in a way that gets you right in the chest and doesn’t let go. Teddy knows exactly how to bring the grit, rage and loyal steadfast determination of Rhett to life, his growling timber fits Rhett so well it really cements his image in your brain. This narrator combo is as a result is explosively crafted and so gripping you will never want to read without them again. Not when you have a duo like this who somehow can make the perfection that is the story, somehow even better.
Thank you so much to Chloe C Penaranda for giving me this ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts
We start of jumping head first into where book one left off and let me tell you the tension is there to meet the moment. Our FMC and MMC are in the thick of it and it’s unputdownable from the jump as a result. The energy we had at the cliffhanger resumes perfectly and I felt like no time had passed since I finished book one. I loved that pacing because I was dying to know what happens next and Chloe DELIVERS so well here! This book will take you for an emotional, heart breaking, heart healing thrill ride that will have you dying to get this duo a happy ending while never wanting it to truly end. This book is at its core about finding the strength that lives deep inside you, knowing it can take you absolutely anywhere, and get you through all of the depths of absolute hell. It’s about finding love that’s worth braving every single step of it for, and never letting go. There is so much to take from this series, and I know I will never let go of what it gave me, a reminder of the strength of survivors and that love can find you even in the darkest parts of your life. That we all deserve a Rhett and an Ana, full stop.
I still can’t believe how much I felt in just two books, there’s so many incredible moments with brilliant pacing so it never feels overloaded with action somehow. Everything just flows even with dark and serious plot lines it never felt bogged down by it. I can’t tell you how many times I cried, and gasped, and shouted out loud (because it was a lot!) but I can tell you this book is one that will join the ranks of books I wish I could reread again after getting book amnesia because that first read feeling is everything here! I know that even though I can’t reread it again for the first time, that this will be a series I come back to time and time again. I cannot recommend it enough, especially for anyone who wants a peek into the world of Dark Romance in a DR light format. You will swiftly find out why the He Falls First and IS OBSESSED trope will always and forever be my favorite.
I mean it’s pretty clear I absolutely loved every single second of it, but I gotta say the cherry on top of this delicious duology was definitely the narration. Most especially the expressiveness we get through this dual narration. Jacci brings so much heart on the page to life with her emotional performance, it listens like an immersive audio every step of the way. There is an earnestness she brings alive that really cranks up the emotional tone of the pain that Ana goes through and makes it all so palpable. You can really feel the pain we experience on the page being delivered by Jacci in a way that gets you right in the chest and doesn’t let go. Teddy knows exactly how to bring the grit, rage and loyal steadfast determination of Rhett to life, his growling timber fits Rhett so well it really cements his image in your brain. This narrator combo is as a result is explosively crafted and so gripping you will never want to read without them again. Not when you have a duo like this who somehow can make the perfection that is the story, somehow even better.
Thank you so much to Chloe C Penaranda for giving me this ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts
November 17, 2025
I’m not sure what it was about this book that made me lose interest in the characters and the overall plot. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Ana and Rhett, and I couldn’t get enough of them. However, I felt like Ana underwent a complete 180-degree transformation from the first book. Her constant whining and crashing out became quite annoying for me. Additionally, her reliance on Rhett as her crutch was a significant issue. I felt like her love for Rhett had become an integral part of her personality in this book.
In my opinion, the plot was quite repetitive and dull at certain parts. While it’s a good story with a lot of potential, unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
“Having to choose between my morality and the thing I love the most in this fucking world might be what breaks me once and for all.”
“‘Obsession is a quick root in us all. Some just enjoy embracing the madness of it.’”
“‘A trainer of cowering dogs is nothing to an alpha of wolves who follow out of respect and fear. Balance makes all the difference.’”
In my opinion, the plot was quite repetitive and dull at certain parts. While it’s a good story with a lot of potential, unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
“Having to choose between my morality and the thing I love the most in this fucking world might be what breaks me once and for all.”
“‘Obsession is a quick root in us all. Some just enjoy embracing the madness of it.’”
“‘A trainer of cowering dogs is nothing to an alpha of wolves who follow out of respect and fear. Balance makes all the difference.’”
May 17, 2025
Inside the Wicked was an adrenaline pumping end to Ana & Rhett’s story. It was filled with trauma, pain, fear, twists, scheming, reunion, anger, and soul deep love. I don’t wanna go into this any further than that because it would be way too easy to accidentally spoil something but yeah this ending definitely cemented this duet as a new favorite dark romance of mine.
Oh and once again the duet narration of the audiobook was just as perfect as the first one. Most highly recommend.
4.5-5⭐️
4🔥
What to expect:
Book 2 in a duet
MF
Revenge/vengeance
Trauma
Rescues
Criminal underground
Spicy time in a Ferris Wheel & Fun House
Found family
Squirting
“My wife”
TW/CW: Violence, death, murder, gun violence, mention of self harm (chapter 3), death of a child, on-page sexual assault (chapter 25), deep grief, suicidal ideation, themes of human trafficking, explicit sexual scenes, PTSD, captivity, mentions of underage sexual assault and grooming, disarming a bomb, car accident, blood, wounds
Oh and once again the duet narration of the audiobook was just as perfect as the first one. Most highly recommend.
4.5-5⭐️
4🔥
What to expect:
Book 2 in a duet
MF
Revenge/vengeance
Trauma
Rescues
Criminal underground
Spicy time in a Ferris Wheel & Fun House
Found family
Squirting
“My wife”
TW/CW: Violence, death, murder, gun violence, mention of self harm (chapter 3), death of a child, on-page sexual assault (chapter 25), deep grief, suicidal ideation, themes of human trafficking, explicit sexual scenes, PTSD, captivity, mentions of underage sexual assault and grooming, disarming a bomb, car accident, blood, wounds
September 14, 2024
This book was an absolute rollercoaster for me 🥹
This book ripped my heart out, shredded it and then somehow mended it back together. So much happened, so much chaos. And so confronting if you have been a victim yourself as a child.
Ana fought so hard to find Rhett, trained herself, allied with Rhett’s uncle to take him out. For only Forbson and Silas to show their heads.
When they found each other again, it was explosive and it just made me read more to see where it will take me.
When Rhett finally admitted to himself he was also a victim as a child by his uncle I felt that so much. I’m glad Ana’s dad finally listened to her and let them be with each other.
Loved the epilogue! Getting to read about their honeymoon 🥹
Recommend this to all dark romance lovers out there! Check TW though!!! Chapter 26 is intense…
This book ripped my heart out, shredded it and then somehow mended it back together. So much happened, so much chaos. And so confronting if you have been a victim yourself as a child.
Ana fought so hard to find Rhett, trained herself, allied with Rhett’s uncle to take him out. For only Forbson and Silas to show their heads.
When they found each other again, it was explosive and it just made me read more to see where it will take me.
When Rhett finally admitted to himself he was also a victim as a child by his uncle I felt that so much. I’m glad Ana’s dad finally listened to her and let them be with each other.
Loved the epilogue! Getting to read about their honeymoon 🥹
Recommend this to all dark romance lovers out there! Check TW though!!! Chapter 26 is intense…
May 27, 2024
This book feels a bit special to me because it's the first completed story by Chloe. I really enjoyed reading something different from what I discovered Chloe.
This second book was truly amazing and when by the third chapter you already have tears in your eyes you know you are in for a ride.
It was action packed, quick to read because you can't keep turning the pages and knowing what goes next, when they will know, how will they managed it, etc.
I love Ana and Rhett but the whole cast is amazing, each character brings it's own little touch to the story. Chloe really does know how to do a found family trope.
I had fun guessing about the couples we would follow next during the book and I can say I'm really excited for what's coming.
This second book was truly amazing and when by the third chapter you already have tears in your eyes you know you are in for a ride.
It was action packed, quick to read because you can't keep turning the pages and knowing what goes next, when they will know, how will they managed it, etc.
I love Ana and Rhett but the whole cast is amazing, each character brings it's own little touch to the story. Chloe really does know how to do a found family trope.
I had fun guessing about the couples we would follow next during the book and I can say I'm really excited for what's coming.
May 30, 2024
did you think i’d ever give this any less then 5 stars??
5★ 3.5🌶️
y’all. YALL. I was destroyed and put back together just to be destroyed again. this was fucking DARK and it was the most beautiful dark romance i could ever read. PLEASE read the TW’s beforehand! book 1 isn’t as dark but this touches on some really upsetting topics that may be triggering to some. I was so happy I got an ARC for this one too 🥹
I am just in awe of this duology. I do not think i’ll ever spend a day not thinking about Rhett and Ana. Genuinely am still shocked that Chloe was able to write such a beautiful story in only two books. I love her fantasy work, but this, THIS SERIES!!! It honestly is going to take the cake for me. It has everything I look for in a good romance and I was eating it up!!!
I really can’t talk about much in this because this is the second book in the duology but I absolutely loved it. I was crying, anxious, scared, and also happy, elated, and giggling at Rhett’s dirty talk like no other. The spice was HOT!!! This has to be chloe’s spicy-est books to date! I I was loving the things they explored together and was just so happy to see them be so happy. It was genuinely perfection and I will hear no arguments against this book/series.
Chloe, you are a goddess and a queen. thank you for giving me the chance to read this early, I cannot WAIT for the next duet 🥹❤️
5★ 3.5🌶️
y’all. YALL. I was destroyed and put back together just to be destroyed again. this was fucking DARK and it was the most beautiful dark romance i could ever read. PLEASE read the TW’s beforehand! book 1 isn’t as dark but this touches on some really upsetting topics that may be triggering to some. I was so happy I got an ARC for this one too 🥹
I am just in awe of this duology. I do not think i’ll ever spend a day not thinking about Rhett and Ana. Genuinely am still shocked that Chloe was able to write such a beautiful story in only two books. I love her fantasy work, but this, THIS SERIES!!! It honestly is going to take the cake for me. It has everything I look for in a good romance and I was eating it up!!!
I really can’t talk about much in this because this is the second book in the duology but I absolutely loved it. I was crying, anxious, scared, and also happy, elated, and giggling at Rhett’s dirty talk like no other. The spice was HOT!!! This has to be chloe’s spicy-est books to date! I I was loving the things they explored together and was just so happy to see them be so happy. It was genuinely perfection and I will hear no arguments against this book/series.
Chloe, you are a goddess and a queen. thank you for giving me the chance to read this early, I cannot WAIT for the next duet 🥹❤️
July 30, 2025
The minor characters definitely stood out for me fr. I'm trying to see how far Silas's obsession for Kenna can go. His devotion for this girl is probable!!! But I must admit I was in such a love-hate relationship with Kenna frfr
Adam & Rix? I literally saw it coming 😂 it was literally just a matter of time.
The last half of the book was so packed with emotion stirring drama😭💔 loved the ending still though.
Adam & Rix? I literally saw it coming 😂 it was literally just a matter of time.
The last half of the book was so packed with emotion stirring drama😭💔 loved the ending still though.
August 26, 2024
What a great conclusion to Rhett & Ana’s story!
While it took me a bit to get back into this story, I really enjoyed seeing how far Rhett & Ana would go for each other. They were both determined to make it to their happy ending & boy did Chloe deliver on that!
Thank you to Chloe & her team for an ARC of book 2 of A War of Hearts.
While it took me a bit to get back into this story, I really enjoyed seeing how far Rhett & Ana would go for each other. They were both determined to make it to their happy ending & boy did Chloe deliver on that!
Thank you to Chloe & her team for an ARC of book 2 of A War of Hearts.
June 3, 2024
What a roller-coaster from start to finish! Loved the balance in this book, and in their relationship. So much happened and I think the balance between action and spice was well done. Can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
June 27, 2024
When I say I love all the books this author writes … I mean it.
The sequel to this duet was literally unputdownable. I had finished this book in a day. There was constant action, banter, spice 🌶️🔥, twists and I was finding ways to not have to leave my book 🤣
The sequel to this duet was literally unputdownable. I had finished this book in a day. There was constant action, banter, spice 🌶️🔥, twists and I was finding ways to not have to leave my book 🤣
October 27, 2025
4.75⭐️
”Until our very last tomorrow”
I LOVED this book so much. I’ve never read a book and loved basically all the side characters, I’m so invested in their stories aswell! I need more books in this world ASAP.
”Until our very last tomorrow”
I LOVED this book so much. I’ve never read a book and loved basically all the side characters, I’m so invested in their stories aswell! I need more books in this world ASAP.
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