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Kings of New York #2
A Cruel Arrangement
From New York Times bestselling author Tijan comes the intensely passionate story of a man trying to make amends and the woman who makes him want to keep his promises.
This was my place. My business. Easter Lanes.
Then a guy comes in, trying to rob me, daring to take it away from me.
My home. My life.
Hell no. I won’t let my livelihood be threatened.
No one knows what I’ve done to build this life for myself.
Except he might.
Ashton Walden, a man I remember from when we were kids.
Even back then I could tell how dangerous he would be one day.
He’s now the head of the Walden mafia family, and my father is so in debt to them that they practically own him.
My dad and I are estranged and I want nothing to do with him or his debt, but the day after the attempted robbery, I don’t wake up in the hospital.
I wake up in Ashton Walden’s home. And he drops a bomb on me.
If I want my livelihood back, I need to earn it back.
And thus begins our cruel arrangement.
This was my place. My business. Easter Lanes.
Then a guy comes in, trying to rob me, daring to take it away from me.
My home. My life.
Hell no. I won’t let my livelihood be threatened.
No one knows what I’ve done to build this life for myself.
Except he might.
Ashton Walden, a man I remember from when we were kids.
Even back then I could tell how dangerous he would be one day.
He’s now the head of the Walden mafia family, and my father is so in debt to them that they practically own him.
My dad and I are estranged and I want nothing to do with him or his debt, but the day after the attempted robbery, I don’t wake up in the hospital.
I wake up in Ashton Walden’s home. And he drops a bomb on me.
If I want my livelihood back, I need to earn it back.
And thus begins our cruel arrangement.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
3657 people are currently reading
8234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 883 reviews
May 4, 2023
Kings of New York!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☹️🙃😍😘
The heroine: Molly Easter - her father has always let her down. He works for the Walden mafia and owes them more money than he can ever repay. Though the one thing Molly learned from him was how to con. She grew up in foster care, but still has some sort of relationship with her father and when he called her to bail him out of jail, she conned him into selling her his struggling bowling alley, which she has since turned into a thriving business. So when it is threatened by an armed gunman, she defends the place with everything she has.
The Hero: Ashton Walden - since his uncles and grandfather were murdered several months ago, he has taken over the family business and is now fully in charge of the Walden mafia. Though he was in a legitimate business before that, he is fully capable of running it well. He is as brutal as he needs to be and has a stellar education and all the business acumen to be a great leader.
The Story: when Molly ends up in unconscious in the hospital, Ashton thinks it is time to let her in on some information she hadn’t known about her father. She is now beholden to him and promises to do some things for him. I liked this one better than A Dirty Business from the start, since I wasn’t too fond of Jess’s chosen profession as a parole officer.
I love just about everything that Tijan writes and I love the fact that this series is about a different couple in each book. Though it is still better to read them in order, I love the fact that we aren’t getting stuck with a huge cliffhanger that leaves the book feeling unfinished. Though there was a bit of a cliffhanger in the last book, it wasn’t one that the romance depended on to be complete.
I also kind of love the fact that she does mafia so well even though she doesn’t pigeonhole it into a cookie cutter, Italian mafia, Irish mafia or Russian Bratva type of stereotype. In this book she has the Walden mafia, the West mafia, the Worthing mafia, in other books she has done the Bennett mafia. With these names, they could be any race, color or nationality. I think that is great.
I really liked Molly from the start. She was from a bad background but picked herself up through hard work and effort and she is an independent woman, but is also vulnerable and has her own distinctive issues and problems. I love the fact that Ashton is a strong, dominant figure from the start, even though with the recent death of his family, he is also dealing with quite a lot.
Like I have said before in my reviews, Tijan is a master at writing great characters and it is never just the main characters in her books that have distinctive personalities. She writes terrific friends, foes and everything in between, but especially the friends. Trace and Jess from A Dirty Business featured prominently in this book and I really loved the friendship/brotherhood between Ashton and Trace.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☹️🙃😍😘
The heroine: Molly Easter - her father has always let her down. He works for the Walden mafia and owes them more money than he can ever repay. Though the one thing Molly learned from him was how to con. She grew up in foster care, but still has some sort of relationship with her father and when he called her to bail him out of jail, she conned him into selling her his struggling bowling alley, which she has since turned into a thriving business. So when it is threatened by an armed gunman, she defends the place with everything she has.
The Hero: Ashton Walden - since his uncles and grandfather were murdered several months ago, he has taken over the family business and is now fully in charge of the Walden mafia. Though he was in a legitimate business before that, he is fully capable of running it well. He is as brutal as he needs to be and has a stellar education and all the business acumen to be a great leader.
The Story: when Molly ends up in unconscious in the hospital, Ashton thinks it is time to let her in on some information she hadn’t known about her father. She is now beholden to him and promises to do some things for him. I liked this one better than A Dirty Business from the start, since I wasn’t too fond of Jess’s chosen profession as a parole officer.
I love just about everything that Tijan writes and I love the fact that this series is about a different couple in each book. Though it is still better to read them in order, I love the fact that we aren’t getting stuck with a huge cliffhanger that leaves the book feeling unfinished. Though there was a bit of a cliffhanger in the last book, it wasn’t one that the romance depended on to be complete.
I also kind of love the fact that she does mafia so well even though she doesn’t pigeonhole it into a cookie cutter, Italian mafia, Irish mafia or Russian Bratva type of stereotype. In this book she has the Walden mafia, the West mafia, the Worthing mafia, in other books she has done the Bennett mafia. With these names, they could be any race, color or nationality. I think that is great.
I really liked Molly from the start. She was from a bad background but picked herself up through hard work and effort and she is an independent woman, but is also vulnerable and has her own distinctive issues and problems. I love the fact that Ashton is a strong, dominant figure from the start, even though with the recent death of his family, he is also dealing with quite a lot.
“I say ‘like’ because in my family, what we do, if you ‘love,’ then you’re considered weak. My family wasn’t weak. I might admit that I ‘cared’ about them, but love . . . I’ll never say that word. Once you ‘love’ someone, you will lose them.”
Like I have said before in my reviews, Tijan is a master at writing great characters and it is never just the main characters in her books that have distinctive personalities. She writes terrific friends, foes and everything in between, but especially the friends. Trace and Jess from A Dirty Business featured prominently in this book and I really loved the friendship/brotherhood between Ashton and Trace.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
April 19, 2023
The perfect beginning which had me in stitches, to the perfect ending giving them their much deserved HEA. These two were perfection. Perfectly matched, his darkness to her lightness, her switch, to his striving to keep her safe.
Danger seemed to be Molly’s middle names, with a gun to her head, danger always seemed her out.
Aston, had his hands full when it came to her, where hate and love skipped hand in hand.
So easy to get into, harder to put down. Whatever this author writes, I will read. Past characters and new ones make their presence known.
April 25, 2023
This is one of those books that builds. At the beginning I was thinking I wasn't sure I would enjoy this couple over Jess and Trace's. And then the story built, and built, and I freakin loved this couple! Molly was such a unique and interesting heroine. I loved how she was an innocent in this war, then by the end, she slipped into Ashton's life like she was born for it.
I was so mad at Ashton for what he did to Jess in the first book and I never thought I would be ok with what he did. Now, I'm not ok with it, but I loved how the author see what he truly did and that was due to Molly coming into his life. It was a great moment in the book. I also adored how he was with her even when he was in denial of his feelings.
You get a lot of couple time in this book, which is what I always want. Overall, this is one of my favorites and I can see myself re-reading this series.
I was so mad at Ashton for what he did to Jess in the first book and I never thought I would be ok with what he did. Now, I'm not ok with it, but I loved how the author see what he truly did and that was due to Molly coming into his life. It was a great moment in the book. I also adored how he was with her even when he was in denial of his feelings.
You get a lot of couple time in this book, which is what I always want. Overall, this is one of my favorites and I can see myself re-reading this series.
May 17, 2023
…..still trying to make sense of this
January 24, 2023
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Cruel Arrangement releases April 25, 2023
*second in the Kings of New York series*
*review contains a spoiler for the ending of the first book*
First of all, that dedication? Absolutely ruthless.
A Cruel Arrangement picks up 3 months after the ending of A Dirty Business, and tries to focus on the investigation of who killed Justin and Kelly. I say try, because there really wasn’t much direct active investigating in my opinion.
Told in dual pov from Ashton and Molly, who we got to know in book one — Ashton, head of Mafia, and Molly, owner of Easter Lanes, a bowling alley.
Similarly to Jess and Trace’s story in book one, Ashton and Molly seemed to have a past where their family history intermingled.
I really struggled with reading this. I found that the writing just wasn’t up to par, the maturity wasn’t there, and the characters barely had any personality.
We didn’t get any depth or development — the “why’s” and “want’s” that are supposed to bring together two people in a relationship. The initial forced proximity was not enough, especially given the fact that Ashton struggled to keep Molly safe when he was the one to put her in the line of danger in the first place. The whole situation just wasn’t thought out well and Molly’s reasoning of “fuzzies” was not enough for me to believe in their supposed sexual tension.
There were a few brief mentions of Molly having some sort of “switch”, but it’s never explained further. A switch to what? Dissociative identity disorder? To me it felt like “switch” (whatever that is) was used as an excuse to justify doing “stupid things”.
I also wasn’t really a fan of all of the casual use of claiming insanity.
Additionally, did Jess have to be referred to as “Trace’s woman” or “the love of his life” every single time? We get it, they’re together. Just use her name, Jess. It’s that simple.
I was eager for Ashton’s pov coming from the first book in this series but the lack of strong characters and depth paired with the casual and lackluster writing, had this feeling really detached.
CW: gun violence, trauma, death, grief, torture, mafia, bombs
Examples:
> so many mouth noises like “argh”, “oomph”, “gah”, etc.
> this scene: “I poked at his chest, and yeah, that felt good. It felt great. I did it again. “It’s called communication.” Another poke.” childish, especially in context with a powerful mafia leader.
> ”She and I. We were the opposite, but also the same. I was cruel. She was… whatever she was. She had a switch. Happiness. Half-crazy?” what do you mean “whatever she was […] half-crazy?” if you can’t even take the time to explain that, that’s lazy.
> Ashton referring to his dick as a “him” instead of an “it”: “She undid my zipper, opening me and reaching in, finding my cock. She smoothed a hand over him, pulling him out, stroking.”
> “I popped one last mini thingy in my mouth” - either call it what it is, a hors-d’oeuvre, or say a tiny bite of food. But, thingy??
> “He went in bare our first time tonight, and we’d had a conversation right after.” How hard is it to discuss these things before slipping your dick inside of her? Conveniently they were both clean, but you can’t undo that if the outcome was any different.
> Utilizing the same third act plot device of OW drama. I am so over this.
A DIRTY BUSINESS REVIEW: click here
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Cruel Arrangement releases April 25, 2023
*second in the Kings of New York series*
*review contains a spoiler for the ending of the first book*
First of all, that dedication? Absolutely ruthless.
A Cruel Arrangement picks up 3 months after the ending of A Dirty Business, and tries to focus on the investigation of who killed Justin and Kelly. I say try, because there really wasn’t much direct active investigating in my opinion.
Told in dual pov from Ashton and Molly, who we got to know in book one — Ashton, head of Mafia, and Molly, owner of Easter Lanes, a bowling alley.
Similarly to Jess and Trace’s story in book one, Ashton and Molly seemed to have a past where their family history intermingled.
I really struggled with reading this. I found that the writing just wasn’t up to par, the maturity wasn’t there, and the characters barely had any personality.
We didn’t get any depth or development — the “why’s” and “want’s” that are supposed to bring together two people in a relationship. The initial forced proximity was not enough, especially given the fact that Ashton struggled to keep Molly safe when he was the one to put her in the line of danger in the first place. The whole situation just wasn’t thought out well and Molly’s reasoning of “fuzzies” was not enough for me to believe in their supposed sexual tension.
There were a few brief mentions of Molly having some sort of “switch”, but it’s never explained further. A switch to what? Dissociative identity disorder? To me it felt like “switch” (whatever that is) was used as an excuse to justify doing “stupid things”.
I also wasn’t really a fan of all of the casual use of claiming insanity.
Additionally, did Jess have to be referred to as “Trace’s woman” or “the love of his life” every single time? We get it, they’re together. Just use her name, Jess. It’s that simple.
I was eager for Ashton’s pov coming from the first book in this series but the lack of strong characters and depth paired with the casual and lackluster writing, had this feeling really detached.
CW: gun violence, trauma, death, grief, torture, mafia, bombs
Examples:
> so many mouth noises like “argh”, “oomph”, “gah”, etc.
> this scene: “I poked at his chest, and yeah, that felt good. It felt great. I did it again. “It’s called communication.” Another poke.” childish, especially in context with a powerful mafia leader.
> ”She and I. We were the opposite, but also the same. I was cruel. She was… whatever she was. She had a switch. Happiness. Half-crazy?” what do you mean “whatever she was […] half-crazy?” if you can’t even take the time to explain that, that’s lazy.
> Ashton referring to his dick as a “him” instead of an “it”: “She undid my zipper, opening me and reaching in, finding my cock. She smoothed a hand over him, pulling him out, stroking.”
> “I popped one last mini thingy in my mouth” - either call it what it is, a hors-d’oeuvre, or say a tiny bite of food. But, thingy??
> “He went in bare our first time tonight, and we’d had a conversation right after.” How hard is it to discuss these things before slipping your dick inside of her? Conveniently they were both clean, but you can’t undo that if the outcome was any different.
> Utilizing the same third act plot device of OW drama. I am so over this.
A DIRTY BUSINESS REVIEW: click here
December 28, 2023
“I’m not your knight.” I swallowed over a lump. “No, you’re not. You’re the bad guy.”
This is a mafia romantic suspense book with lots of action and thrill. I adored Molly, she was such a bubbly, funny and cute girl. Looking at her personality, it fit why Ashton called her his sunshine! And Ashton was perfect! He was smart, capable, headstrong and protective. They balanced each other perfectly! After cliffhanger of the last book, I was left with so many unanswered questions but all of them were finally cleared up in this one. Overall, the characters were delightful, the execution was brilliant and the storyline will undoubtedly keep you hooked!
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
This is a mafia romantic suspense book with lots of action and thrill. I adored Molly, she was such a bubbly, funny and cute girl. Looking at her personality, it fit why Ashton called her his sunshine! And Ashton was perfect! He was smart, capable, headstrong and protective. They balanced each other perfectly! After cliffhanger of the last book, I was left with so many unanswered questions but all of them were finally cleared up in this one. Overall, the characters were delightful, the execution was brilliant and the storyline will undoubtedly keep you hooked!
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
January 24, 2024
I started this knowing I didn’t want to read the first one in the series because parole officer/mafia king is something I don’t want to read about. And I must say, although I missed so many details and relationships from the first book, it can be read as a standalone.
Few things from this book:
- Mafia king being sweet? Check
- Cute girl being his plaything? Check
- Still don’t like Jess from book n1? Check
- The whole premise of this book a bit over the top? Check, check, check.
But still, three stars for me it is.
Ps: Don’t come at me but I found her dad funny and I hate what the H did to him. Leave the man alone ffs.
Few things from this book:
- Mafia king being sweet? Check
- Cute girl being his plaything? Check
- Still don’t like Jess from book n1? Check
- The whole premise of this book a bit over the top? Check, check, check.
But still, three stars for me it is.
Ps: Don’t come at me but I found her dad funny and I hate what the H did to him. Leave the man alone ffs.
Read
November 30, 20240🌟
Way too predictable.
Usual mafia nonsense. At certain points I felt they dragged the plot unnecessarily.
Way too predictable.
Usual mafia nonsense. At certain points I felt they dragged the plot unnecessarily.
April 25, 2023
4.5 'Pinkie' Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
After the cliffhanger that Tijan left us with at the end of A Dirty Business, I was definitely curious to know what was coming next in this series. I was also excited to know who would be the special lady to make Ashton fall in love. Tijan did not disappoint, of course. If you are a fan of mafia romance and bad boys falling head over heels in love, you have to check out this series and this new release!
So, A Cruel Arrangement is the second (and I believe last) installment in Tijan’s Kings of New York series and, as I mentioned, it tells the story of Ashton Walden and Molly Easter. We met these two characters in the first book, both being friends of the main characters there. Ashton is now the head of the Walden family mafia and he has Molly’s business in his hands. If he helps her with something, he is willing to give her back the place she calls home. However, what happens when Ashton’s darkness is attracted to Molly’s light?
She was mine.
I wasn’t letting her go.
She was, just, she was mine.
She owned me, and god help anyone who tried to take her away from me.
I did thoroughly enjoy the two books in this series. They do share similarities but they are still very different from one another. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed A Cruel Arrangement even a bit more. I do love reading characters who cannot stop being drawn to each other. While Ashton and Molly don’t want to accept the sparks between them, it’s not so easy to ignore them. When that chemistry finally explodes, it’s not only sexy, it gets emotional fast and it was really amazing to read. These two fall HARD for each other and I loved it. And yes, there are many obstacles on the way, secrets and mafia business but this couple is stronger than all of that.
I was in the arms of a guy who was my next chapter. Whether it was good, long, bad, brief, whatever, or wherever Ashton planned to take me, he was the next chapter.
Therefore, I am rating A Cruel Arrangement with 4.5 STARS because it was a great continuation of the first installment of this series. I loved getting to know more about all these characters and reading how Ashton and Molly fall in love. It wasn’t all easy but it was worth it in the end. Their connection is just truly beautiful. I wish we had a bit of a longer epilogue though to wrap everything up but still I really enjoyed this book overall. If you are a fan of mafia romance, make sure to check out this series!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
After the cliffhanger that Tijan left us with at the end of A Dirty Business, I was definitely curious to know what was coming next in this series. I was also excited to know who would be the special lady to make Ashton fall in love. Tijan did not disappoint, of course. If you are a fan of mafia romance and bad boys falling head over heels in love, you have to check out this series and this new release!
So, A Cruel Arrangement is the second (and I believe last) installment in Tijan’s Kings of New York series and, as I mentioned, it tells the story of Ashton Walden and Molly Easter. We met these two characters in the first book, both being friends of the main characters there. Ashton is now the head of the Walden family mafia and he has Molly’s business in his hands. If he helps her with something, he is willing to give her back the place she calls home. However, what happens when Ashton’s darkness is attracted to Molly’s light?
She was mine.
I wasn’t letting her go.
She was, just, she was mine.
She owned me, and god help anyone who tried to take her away from me.
I did thoroughly enjoy the two books in this series. They do share similarities but they are still very different from one another. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed A Cruel Arrangement even a bit more. I do love reading characters who cannot stop being drawn to each other. While Ashton and Molly don’t want to accept the sparks between them, it’s not so easy to ignore them. When that chemistry finally explodes, it’s not only sexy, it gets emotional fast and it was really amazing to read. These two fall HARD for each other and I loved it. And yes, there are many obstacles on the way, secrets and mafia business but this couple is stronger than all of that.
I was in the arms of a guy who was my next chapter. Whether it was good, long, bad, brief, whatever, or wherever Ashton planned to take me, he was the next chapter.
Therefore, I am rating A Cruel Arrangement with 4.5 STARS because it was a great continuation of the first installment of this series. I loved getting to know more about all these characters and reading how Ashton and Molly fall in love. It wasn’t all easy but it was worth it in the end. Their connection is just truly beautiful. I wish we had a bit of a longer epilogue though to wrap everything up but still I really enjoyed this book overall. If you are a fan of mafia romance, make sure to check out this series!
March 25, 2023
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan delivers a captivating continuation to the Kings of New York series, albeit with a shift of focus to Molly and Ashton's story. While I was surprised that the book didn't follow Jess and Trace's story as expected, I found myself thoroughly enjoying Molly and Ashton's explosive and banter-filled relationship. As a protagonist, Molly is a strong and independent character who doesn't let Ashton intimidate her. Meanwhile, Ashton's protective nature towards his loved ones and his charisma had me intrigued from the start.
It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous book, and see how they've developed. Jess's reaction to Ashton's past actions had me on edge, while the growing friendship between Trace and Ashton, and Milly and Jess was a joy to see. The balance between romance and suspense was well-executed, and the book's lighter moments provided a welcome break from the tension. Overall, A Cruel Arrangement is an excellent addition to the series, and I can't wait to see more from these characters.
A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan delivers a captivating continuation to the Kings of New York series, albeit with a shift of focus to Molly and Ashton's story. While I was surprised that the book didn't follow Jess and Trace's story as expected, I found myself thoroughly enjoying Molly and Ashton's explosive and banter-filled relationship. As a protagonist, Molly is a strong and independent character who doesn't let Ashton intimidate her. Meanwhile, Ashton's protective nature towards his loved ones and his charisma had me intrigued from the start.
It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous book, and see how they've developed. Jess's reaction to Ashton's past actions had me on edge, while the growing friendship between Trace and Ashton, and Milly and Jess was a joy to see. The balance between romance and suspense was well-executed, and the book's lighter moments provided a welcome break from the tension. Overall, A Cruel Arrangement is an excellent addition to the series, and I can't wait to see more from these characters.
April 14, 2023
Sorry but this book wasn't it for me. The characters lacked depth and the story fell flat for me. I was confused af half the time as to what was actually going on. Maybe it's because I wasn't that hooked/interested from the start. Maybe it's because I hadn't read the first book and felt lost. Who knows? The premise seemed really interesting to me but unfortunately it didn't deliver. Regardless, the writing was pretty decent so yeah bonus points for that ig.
*Thank you to Valentine PR and Tijan for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.
*Thank you to Valentine PR and Tijan for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.
May 3, 2023
I wasn't invested in the characters or the story. The characters lacked depth and I was confused half of the time. Not enough romance as well. DNF at 80%.
April 5, 2023
5 Stars
After giving the first book in this series a 5 star review, I was so excited for this one but also nervous that it wouldn't be as good as the first. I definitely did not need to worry!
I highly recommend reading these books in order as although the main characters in this book are different, the story flows from the first book into this one.
This series is based in New York and is centred around two mafia families that work together against others. It is a thrilling read with danger, violence, adventure and mystery. I was completely hooked not just on the romance but the other storylines that are at times a tough read but also so well written that it is hard to put them down.
The lead characters in this book are Ashton and Molly. Ashton is one of the tougher, meaner and more dangerous members of the Mafia family. In book one, it was difficult to like him for his decisions and so I was worried I wouldn't like him in this book. But I loved him. Yes he is definitely a bad guy but he also has a good heart in there too and I adore his loyalty and how he treats those he loves. Plus he sounds HOT.
Molly, we met a little in book one and I loved her. I continued to love her in this book especially because we got to see all her layers including her tough life so far but also her caring, loving nature and her bravery.
The romance was SO good. It was cute, sexy and filled with intense chemistry. I loved every second of it and didn't want the book to end.
I think it's safe to say that I loved this book. The writing, storyline and characters were all exceptional and I cannot recommend this series more. However please make sure to check out trigger warnings too. I really hope this series continues!!
Please note that I was gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
After giving the first book in this series a 5 star review, I was so excited for this one but also nervous that it wouldn't be as good as the first. I definitely did not need to worry!
I highly recommend reading these books in order as although the main characters in this book are different, the story flows from the first book into this one.
This series is based in New York and is centred around two mafia families that work together against others. It is a thrilling read with danger, violence, adventure and mystery. I was completely hooked not just on the romance but the other storylines that are at times a tough read but also so well written that it is hard to put them down.
The lead characters in this book are Ashton and Molly. Ashton is one of the tougher, meaner and more dangerous members of the Mafia family. In book one, it was difficult to like him for his decisions and so I was worried I wouldn't like him in this book. But I loved him. Yes he is definitely a bad guy but he also has a good heart in there too and I adore his loyalty and how he treats those he loves. Plus he sounds HOT.
Molly, we met a little in book one and I loved her. I continued to love her in this book especially because we got to see all her layers including her tough life so far but also her caring, loving nature and her bravery.
The romance was SO good. It was cute, sexy and filled with intense chemistry. I loved every second of it and didn't want the book to end.
I think it's safe to say that I loved this book. The writing, storyline and characters were all exceptional and I cannot recommend this series more. However please make sure to check out trigger warnings too. I really hope this series continues!!
Please note that I was gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2025
3 ⭐️
This book was a bit of a struggle for me to get through . I was really excited for this read but it didn't really live up to my expectations.
This book was a bit of a struggle for me to get through . I was really excited for this read but it didn't really live up to my expectations.
April 25, 2023
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: blackmail
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
What a fantastic story! I was a bit concerned because I hadn't read the first one in this series, but its truly a standalone. It just made me really excited to go back and read the first one.
A Cruel Arrangement had an interesting storyline that was well written and moved quickly, but really what sets it apart are the characters. The character development was phenomenal- especially for the heroine. Super quirky, pretty neurotic FMCs always make the story more interesting and relatable - at least for me, lol. Molly was just fabulous and a true survivor. Loved Ashton and how confuses he was by his out of control feelings for her. Just tons of great chemistry and push and pull between them. Very solid 5 star read that I'd definitely recommend!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: blackmail
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
What a fantastic story! I was a bit concerned because I hadn't read the first one in this series, but its truly a standalone. It just made me really excited to go back and read the first one.
A Cruel Arrangement had an interesting storyline that was well written and moved quickly, but really what sets it apart are the characters. The character development was phenomenal- especially for the heroine. Super quirky, pretty neurotic FMCs always make the story more interesting and relatable - at least for me, lol. Molly was just fabulous and a true survivor. Loved Ashton and how confuses he was by his out of control feelings for her. Just tons of great chemistry and push and pull between them. Very solid 5 star read that I'd definitely recommend!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Want to read
December 15, 2022Added. I need answers!!!!
December 13, 2022
Anything by Tijan is worth reading, waiting for it❤️
May 9, 2023
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Overall Opinion :
If there is one thing that Tijan excels in for me , it's Mafia romances. I absolutely love broody heroes in Mafia romances and she delivers them so well. When I saw the blurb for this one , I knew I had to have it at any cost. It is an arranged marriage romance with a mafia plus enemies to lovers trope and I am so ready for it.
I finished this one in a single sitting as the chemistry and the mystery kept me totally hooked. Tijan has done it again and given me another amazing hero through her books. I absolutely love her book Bennet Mafia and this one is close too!!
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there!
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April 23, 2023
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars
A CRUEL ARRANGEMENT is the second installment of the Kings of New York series.
Can it be read as a standalone? Honestly, I do believe so, especially since this is two new narrators connected to the previous two. It has been so long since I read the first in the series, I had forgotten many plot points, yet I had no problem diving in. While I do believe the novel can be read as a standalone, the emotional payout is greater if read in series order.
Tijan did an excellent job spiking my memory to events that happened in the previous novel without a dreaded info-dump. A smooth transition between sets of narrators, the novels flawlessly connecting as the story continues.
Molly Easter is sweet yet has tons of moxie. She owns the bowling alley, which she purchased off her gambling addict of a father. They're connected to the mafia through his debts. Molly keeps a clear divide between her life and her father's, only to discover what she thought was truth was false, upturning her entire life.
Ashton is the new head of the Walden family. While he is a loyal and supportive friend, the darker and grittier aspects of life are his true calling. He enjoys the cruelty of it all when it comes to those who put his way of life at risk.
Opposites attract, yet there are some similarities too. Ashton is on a quest to discover who murdered a pair of their friends, especially since his best friend's girlfriend is hurting. Ashton sees it as a way to heal the wound he created during the last novel. Since it all connect to Molly, a shared group of friends, Molly is willing to do anything to help.
On the mafia front, there are three mafia families preparing for war. Ashton and his best friend, new to being in charge, are allies. The murdered friend was a member of a rival mafia family by blood but not by deed. Add law enforcement in the rival mafia family, burglaries drawing Molly into it, along with her shyster of a father, Molly become Ashton's full-time job.
While I was entertained, I was not hooked as I usually am with Tijan's novels. All the right elements were there, but they just didn't seem to grab my interests. I enjoyed Molly's character and personality, but Ashton wasn't as intriguing during his own narration as he was in the previous novel when I wasn't deep inside his head.
There were a ton of pages but I felt it meandered. I didn't feel the need to feverishly read as I usually do with a Tijan novel. I was able to put the novel down and go do other things without the story invading my thoughts. I wasn't connected to it. I wasn't hooked. I wanted to love it, and I did enjoy most of it, I just wasn't as enthralled as I hoped to be.
I loved Molly other than the odd "switch" and I wanted the intriguing Ashton from the previous novel instead of the one-note character I felt him to be while inside his head. Honestly, I felt the "voice" of both narrators sounded more like teenagers, not fully grown adults who owned businesses and were in charge of many beneath them.
3.5 Stars
A CRUEL ARRANGEMENT is the second installment of the Kings of New York series.
Can it be read as a standalone? Honestly, I do believe so, especially since this is two new narrators connected to the previous two. It has been so long since I read the first in the series, I had forgotten many plot points, yet I had no problem diving in. While I do believe the novel can be read as a standalone, the emotional payout is greater if read in series order.
Tijan did an excellent job spiking my memory to events that happened in the previous novel without a dreaded info-dump. A smooth transition between sets of narrators, the novels flawlessly connecting as the story continues.
Molly Easter is sweet yet has tons of moxie. She owns the bowling alley, which she purchased off her gambling addict of a father. They're connected to the mafia through his debts. Molly keeps a clear divide between her life and her father's, only to discover what she thought was truth was false, upturning her entire life.
Ashton is the new head of the Walden family. While he is a loyal and supportive friend, the darker and grittier aspects of life are his true calling. He enjoys the cruelty of it all when it comes to those who put his way of life at risk.
Opposites attract, yet there are some similarities too. Ashton is on a quest to discover who murdered a pair of their friends, especially since his best friend's girlfriend is hurting. Ashton sees it as a way to heal the wound he created during the last novel. Since it all connect to Molly, a shared group of friends, Molly is willing to do anything to help.
On the mafia front, there are three mafia families preparing for war. Ashton and his best friend, new to being in charge, are allies. The murdered friend was a member of a rival mafia family by blood but not by deed. Add law enforcement in the rival mafia family, burglaries drawing Molly into it, along with her shyster of a father, Molly become Ashton's full-time job.
While I was entertained, I was not hooked as I usually am with Tijan's novels. All the right elements were there, but they just didn't seem to grab my interests. I enjoyed Molly's character and personality, but Ashton wasn't as intriguing during his own narration as he was in the previous novel when I wasn't deep inside his head.
There were a ton of pages but I felt it meandered. I didn't feel the need to feverishly read as I usually do with a Tijan novel. I was able to put the novel down and go do other things without the story invading my thoughts. I wasn't connected to it. I wasn't hooked. I wanted to love it, and I did enjoy most of it, I just wasn't as enthralled as I hoped to be.
I loved Molly other than the odd "switch" and I wanted the intriguing Ashton from the previous novel instead of the one-note character I felt him to be while inside his head. Honestly, I felt the "voice" of both narrators sounded more like teenagers, not fully grown adults who owned businesses and were in charge of many beneath them.
May 2, 2023
A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Molly is the owner of Easter Lanes and estranged from her father. Ashton is the head of the Walden mafia family after the head members of his and the West family are murdered. Molly wants nothing to do with him despite her father being deeply in debt to them. However, after Easter Lanes is the site for an attempted robbery, Molly finds herself in danger and waking up in the home of Ashton Walden. To make matters worse, he reveals to her that she owes a lot more than just money to get her life and livelihood back.
This book is the second in the Kings of New York series. And although it’s a standalone, I cannot imagine reading this book without reading the first (A Dirty Business). First, the book starts 3 months after Book 1 ends. I also felt more connected to the intricate connections and interactions between the characters of both books because I had background knowledge.
Ashton was such an interesting character in Book 1 that I was excited for his own story. Molly is quirky, to say the least, but she matches Ashton. Their banter and slow burn romance was fun to watch unfold. Tijan does slow burn well. I’m not usually one for a slow burn, but the suspense side of the plot is well done, and the tension between Ashton and Molly comes at the right time that it was absolutely worth it. Again, I like how Tijan builds a mafia story that is believable and I believe that has a lot to do with the character building as well as this having a large suspense plot that is at the forefront of the story telling.
I cannot recommend this enough.
Tropes:
Bodygurad
Enemies to lovers
Escaping a killer
Fake Relationship
Grumpy/sunshine
Kidnapped
Mafia
Thank you to Tijan and Valentine PR for sending me an ARC of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Molly is the owner of Easter Lanes and estranged from her father. Ashton is the head of the Walden mafia family after the head members of his and the West family are murdered. Molly wants nothing to do with him despite her father being deeply in debt to them. However, after Easter Lanes is the site for an attempted robbery, Molly finds herself in danger and waking up in the home of Ashton Walden. To make matters worse, he reveals to her that she owes a lot more than just money to get her life and livelihood back.
This book is the second in the Kings of New York series. And although it’s a standalone, I cannot imagine reading this book without reading the first (A Dirty Business). First, the book starts 3 months after Book 1 ends. I also felt more connected to the intricate connections and interactions between the characters of both books because I had background knowledge.
Ashton was such an interesting character in Book 1 that I was excited for his own story. Molly is quirky, to say the least, but she matches Ashton. Their banter and slow burn romance was fun to watch unfold. Tijan does slow burn well. I’m not usually one for a slow burn, but the suspense side of the plot is well done, and the tension between Ashton and Molly comes at the right time that it was absolutely worth it. Again, I like how Tijan builds a mafia story that is believable and I believe that has a lot to do with the character building as well as this having a large suspense plot that is at the forefront of the story telling.
I cannot recommend this enough.
Tropes:
Bodygurad
Enemies to lovers
Escaping a killer
Fake Relationship
Grumpy/sunshine
Kidnapped
Mafia
Thank you to Tijan and Valentine PR for sending me an ARC of this book.
June 26, 2023
From New York Times bestselling author Tijan comes the intensely passionate story of a man trying to make amends and the woman who makes him want to keep his promises.
_
I am new to the Kings of New York, this is Ashton's story. Luckily it can be read as a standalone since this is book 2.
Molly and Ashton's chemistry is intense. Ashton is the head in his Mafia family. Molly has had a bad childhood and finds out she was conned and is connected to him. Now someone is after her.
This story had so much suspense and action.
Read if you like:
✨ Mafia
✨ Murder mystery
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Rivals to lovers
Thank you montlake for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
_
I am new to the Kings of New York, this is Ashton's story. Luckily it can be read as a standalone since this is book 2.
Molly and Ashton's chemistry is intense. Ashton is the head in his Mafia family. Molly has had a bad childhood and finds out she was conned and is connected to him. Now someone is after her.
This story had so much suspense and action.
Read if you like:
✨ Mafia
✨ Murder mystery
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Rivals to lovers
Thank you montlake for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
January 20, 2023
I absolutely adored Molly and Ashton! In book one we saw just how far Ashton was willing to go for the people he loved so seeing all that dark protective energy get placed on our cutesy sunshine h, Molly, was so damn good to read. Molly is so so sweet and selfless, she deserved a badass mafia boss like Ashton.
This book picks up right where book one left up but this isn’t a continuation of Jess and Traces story. I loved that they felt like side characters and didn’t distract from the MCs love story. I liked how the mystery all played out. There were times when it nearly veered too much into mafia politics and mafia war stuff for my own personal taste but then Tijan would quickly switch gears and focus on the romance aspects so luckily it worked out okay but I did find myself still craving more romance at the end of the book.
I really hope that we get more in this world! Everything that’s been brewing in book one gets a solid wrap up but there’s enough happening in this mafia universe that we could see more books. I’d like to see if more people get added to their found family and inner circle.
Overall: 4.5
This book picks up right where book one left up but this isn’t a continuation of Jess and Traces story. I loved that they felt like side characters and didn’t distract from the MCs love story. I liked how the mystery all played out. There were times when it nearly veered too much into mafia politics and mafia war stuff for my own personal taste but then Tijan would quickly switch gears and focus on the romance aspects so luckily it worked out okay but I did find myself still craving more romance at the end of the book.
I really hope that we get more in this world! Everything that’s been brewing in book one gets a solid wrap up but there’s enough happening in this mafia universe that we could see more books. I’d like to see if more people get added to their found family and inner circle.
Overall: 4.5
January 23, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! It’s so funny because when i first received this book I didn’t realize it was part of a series so I was a bit confused regarding the background on jess, ashton, and grace. I say this next part though with utmost respect to Tijan, I felt like I didn’t need to read the first one to understand and catch up in this one. And I know how that can sound and I will say I am planning on reading the first one and highly recommend other people do first, but I think Tijan’s writing style really explains things so well that I didn’t feel completely lost.
Now for my actual review, loved it! I’m not usually a mafia girly but this one just pulled me in. The relationship between molly and ashton was just so sweet and you could tell there was a lot of trust between them. The fact that ashton felt such deep guilt surrounding his mothers actions and was doing what he could do to make up for it says enough. I usually don’t read mafia books specifically because I hate how the MMC always acts like the FMC is useless and she doesn’t need all the facts, is using her or just plain out lies/has an ulterior motive, which really aggravates me. I loved how ashton was so straight up with her and what was happening, it showed how much he saw her as his equal even when she was putting herself in dangerous situations.
I’d recommend this to anyone and everyone, just make sure to check trigger warnings as there’s obviously violence and death.
Really looking forward to going back and reading this first book!
love and kisses <3
Now for my actual review, loved it! I’m not usually a mafia girly but this one just pulled me in. The relationship between molly and ashton was just so sweet and you could tell there was a lot of trust between them. The fact that ashton felt such deep guilt surrounding his mothers actions and was doing what he could do to make up for it says enough. I usually don’t read mafia books specifically because I hate how the MMC always acts like the FMC is useless and she doesn’t need all the facts, is using her or just plain out lies/has an ulterior motive, which really aggravates me. I loved how ashton was so straight up with her and what was happening, it showed how much he saw her as his equal even when she was putting herself in dangerous situations.
I’d recommend this to anyone and everyone, just make sure to check trigger warnings as there’s obviously violence and death.
Really looking forward to going back and reading this first book!
love and kisses <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
I was looking forward to Ashton's story but it didn't meet my expectations at all. Ashton was very different and not as charismatic as in the first book (which I rated 4⭐️) , and I couldn't care less for Molly, who was so dumb it was no wonder she had a gun pointed at her every 5 minutes. Zero chemistry, no witty banter, even the secondary cast was boring. It's as if the two books were written by different authors. The one star is solely for Ashton and Trace's bromance, which is the only reason why I didn't DNF this book after the first couple of chapters.
Note: not a standalone.
Note: not a standalone.
April 29, 2023
This was so good. I loved every page. There were some elements that I wanted more, but overall a super great read. I love this new side of Tijan. She is expanding and handling adulting in a literary sense very well.
Ashton was so dark and cruel. Yet he had a tender vulnerable side that made him redeemable. Molly his love interest was just perfect in every way. Quirky, unpredictable, naive and brave. I loved the evolution of her character and the love that blossomed. This was such a great story. Additionally, I loved getting updates on Jess.
Ashton was so dark and cruel. Yet he had a tender vulnerable side that made him redeemable. Molly his love interest was just perfect in every way. Quirky, unpredictable, naive and brave. I loved the evolution of her character and the love that blossomed. This was such a great story. Additionally, I loved getting updates on Jess.
June 21, 2023
This author needs to be stopped. Flat characters with shitty story lines
April 15, 2023
Swoony anti-hero anyone? I’ve read some anti-heroes who just weren’t redeemed enough to make me love them, but this crafty storyteller knows how to write a first-rate, swoony anti-hero! In no time at all I was immersed into this dark New York underworld, spellbound, captive, and desperate to find out what would happen next.
Molly Easter loves her bowling alley and her tiny circle of friends. She’s worked hard at renovating and making the business a success, and it's something she’s done on her own. And she should be proud of the person she has become, especially with her ignoble origins as the daughter of her grifter father.
But then Molly learns that her sweet little bowling alley isn’t exactly hers, but instead is in the clutches of the biggest crime lord in the city, Ashton Walden. In order for her to keep her bowling alley, he wants her help in the biggest crime war the family has ever faced.
Oh my heart, this story! I loved a man I knew my heart should hate and I cheered for the darkness in his perfect match. These two are absolutely made for each other, and I was there for every glorious second of drama and danger and running towards it along with the characters.
Full transparency here, I don’t even like Mafia romance, but this gifted wordsmith has left me wanting more! The thing she does exquisitely well is the beautiful redemption that makes all the unsavory parts so, so worth it. Ashton and Molly's story is easily one of my top five reads for the year, and Tijan goes to the head of the list for swoony anti-heroes and Mafia romance. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, give this one a chance and I swear you won’t regret it!
Molly Easter loves her bowling alley and her tiny circle of friends. She’s worked hard at renovating and making the business a success, and it's something she’s done on her own. And she should be proud of the person she has become, especially with her ignoble origins as the daughter of her grifter father.
But then Molly learns that her sweet little bowling alley isn’t exactly hers, but instead is in the clutches of the biggest crime lord in the city, Ashton Walden. In order for her to keep her bowling alley, he wants her help in the biggest crime war the family has ever faced.
Oh my heart, this story! I loved a man I knew my heart should hate and I cheered for the darkness in his perfect match. These two are absolutely made for each other, and I was there for every glorious second of drama and danger and running towards it along with the characters.
Full transparency here, I don’t even like Mafia romance, but this gifted wordsmith has left me wanting more! The thing she does exquisitely well is the beautiful redemption that makes all the unsavory parts so, so worth it. Ashton and Molly's story is easily one of my top five reads for the year, and Tijan goes to the head of the list for swoony anti-heroes and Mafia romance. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, give this one a chance and I swear you won’t regret it!
July 10, 2023
“You run and I’ll burn the world down for you.”
I loved loved loved the FMC Molly. Her first scene in this book is her swallowing her keys to save it from the hands of dude trying to mug her shop, need i say more?!
And if i had to describe our MMC Ashton, he was a blend of Christian Allister (shooting someone threatening his girl before he finished his dialogue, and falling for her first hehe) and Tristian Caine (“hates” FMC for their shared past interaction that she has forgotten about and is mad obsessed with her)
In the beginning i did not seem convinced that they would be interesting enough but oh boy was i wrong, the story kept building and i kept swooning and giggling and heart-eying and butterflying and…… you get what I’m saying. So i end this rant by saying that I’m glad i didn’t give up on these two!
I loved loved loved the FMC Molly. Her first scene in this book is her swallowing her keys to save it from the hands of dude trying to mug her shop, need i say more?!
And if i had to describe our MMC Ashton, he was a blend of Christian Allister (shooting someone threatening his girl before he finished his dialogue, and falling for her first hehe) and Tristian Caine (“hates” FMC for their shared past interaction that she has forgotten about and is mad obsessed with her)
In the beginning i did not seem convinced that they would be interesting enough but oh boy was i wrong, the story kept building and i kept swooning and giggling and heart-eying and butterflying and…… you get what I’m saying. So i end this rant by saying that I’m glad i didn’t give up on these two!
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