King of Pride: from the bestselling author of the Twisted series (Kings of Sin) Paperback – 25 May 2023

Book 2 in the King Of Sin SeriesMCs: Kai and IsabellaOkay… So, I picked this book up right after King of Wrath. And wasn’t sure what to expect ahead of reading it. But I have to say, I should have only expected the best with it being Ana Huang.This book was fresh…. So I started recording small voice memos in my phone anytime I felt I wanted to remember that part or I thought it must be included in my review.The very first thing that I recorded was, how f***ed up it was that, I was literally screaming in my head when Kai was not resorting to blackmail or anything morally grey to get the job done. It just goes to show how much I love a morally grey MMC. But that did not mean I did not love Kai, I thought he was a very welcomed breath of fresh air and I loved how despite initially being hesitant to getting involved with Isabella; Kai was certain from the first time alone that there was no going back now that he had involved himself with her. Traditionally you would get the MMC running away or saying this was a mistake etc etc, but not in this case.This is one of the major things about Ana’s writing that she breaks the norm, and you will not see the same thing from one book to another.Isabella was a relatable character. Her passion and determination towards her dream was so inspiring. Her wanting to make it on her own and wanting to do something that made her happy instead of choosing the easy route and joining her family’s business; it was nice change.The relationship between Kai and Isabella, was so heartwarming even before they actually get together. But it was small things from Kai showing Isabella the private room in the library; to Isabella trusting Kai with her unfinished and unedited manuscript; that made their relationship even more special and meaningful; and it was these small gestures that showed it was more than physical attraction and lust; and to top it all off the hand drawn hearts, pulled at the strings of his heart.On a lighter note, there were many times during this book that I found myself smiling and laughing. And I have to say anything I think of Pride and Prejudice going forward I will think of this book (if you know, you know 😜).Chapter 25, had me laughing with Kai and Dante’s plotting in the disciplinary meeting at the Valhalla club; had me giggling as I was reading it sat at work. On the flip side chapter 26, had me feeling so emotional, this chapter bore witness to the love between Kai and Isabella even more so and they still hadn’t even realised yet to full extent of what it was they felt for each other.I have to say this is my 6th book of Ana’s and I am yet to find a book of hers that I don’t like. Albeit, I was a bit upset with part of this book towards the end, but happy that it didn’t last past maybe 3-4 chapters and really really enjoyed proposal scene in the epilogue.I have already said this before, but will say it again without hesitation. Please pick up this book or any book by Ana Huang, you will not be disappointed.

I really liked King of Pride, but it was no King of Wrath. The characters were loveable and relatable, possibly the least problematic couple I’ve ever read about. The plot was good, but I would have needed a bit more drama, more external or internal conflict. I also adored the friendships between the main and side-characters, and whilst the conflict resolution was on par with the characters, it felt too perfect, too flawless for me.I loved how laid back Kai was, until someone actually angered him. All calm, proper and prideful, until not. He had quite interesting and odd hobbies, but it fit his personality really well and made him even more intriguing. His struggles and the way they were described in his POV created a very wholesome, relatable person regardless of his status. Isabella, on the other hand, was literally his opposite, chaos personified. She forced Kai out of his comfort zone and Kai pushed and taught her to trust her instinct and believe in her capabilities. Together they were funny, witty and incredibly supportive, and the chemistry was undeniable. Which was rather obvious in the intimate scenes as well because they were quite creative and entertaining.The friendships between Kai and Dante, and also Isabella, Vivian and Sloan were everything. I adore the type of friendship dynamic they had. One thing that often bothers me is when side-characters get a random personality just to have them in the book, but in this case, because each book focuses on a different couple, they need to be introduced as they are and expanded in their own respective books later on, so it’s really admirable that we can see such captivating side-characters throughout all the books.As for the plot, it was interesting, it mostly kept my attention throughout the story and as a romance and character focused reader I was satisfied with how it was written, but I would have needed a bit more drama, a bit more to happen outside of the characters’ dynamic and the romance. I felt that nothing really happened that would have made me have a reaction. This was also relevant in the resolution of the conflicts. I know Kai's reaction to the conflict at the end was on par with his personality, but for me it was lacking. I didn't particularly enjoy how the issue was resolved and so it just fell flat for me. As I previously stated, Kai and Isa are one of the least problematic couples, so it made sense for things to be sorted out in a healthy way, but it just felt too perfect, too clean, too flawless.Whilst it was an enjoyable story with captivating main and side-characters, and a sizzling romance, the conflict resolution at the end just wasn’t for me and I would’ve needed a bit more drama. I did feel like the pacing was off at times as well, as in it slowed down and things got a bit dull for a little while, but it was an entertaining read regardless, so King of Pride got 4/5 stars from me.

The queen of smutty romances does it again and she did not disappoint. One thing I love is a soppy happy ending although I love a cliff hanger even more, thankfully we didn’t get a cliff hanger and the third book in the series comes sooner than later.Kai Young is a young bachelor in the running for CEO of his family owned company. When he meets sassy, over the top and outspoken Isabella at the Valhalla club where she bartends. They stay away from each other for the better half of a year until one day Kai ruins his usual routine and comes in on a Monday instead of a Thursday and he and Isabella immediately hit it off. Isa, is an unpublished author who only works at Valhalla to pay the bills, and we can’t forget the one rule at Valhalla, no fraternizing with the help.The book was everything I dreamed of. Ana really knows how to tell a story. She also really knows how to remind you of the things we only dream we could have, a happy rich ending. The book was just as good as the first but we’ll have an honorable mention for King of Greed because I think next to lust and sloth it’s my favorite deadly sin.

The story was a nice gentle pace and the main. Chat Ayers were likable but I did feel like the lack of self worth the females lead had was really sad and not what I am used to from this author. I liked Kai and his calmness and the relationship in general he was a good standalone character and as the story develops I grew to like him more.