King of Wrath, the captivating debut novel in Ana Huang’s Kings of Sin series, is a steamy contemporary romance that delves into the complexities of an arranged marriage between two unlikely individuals.
Published in October 2022, this engaging story follows the tumultuous journey of Dante Russo, a ruthless billionaire CEO, and Vivian Lau, a jewellery heiress, as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns of their forced union
What is King of Wrath?
King of Wrath is a contemporary romance novel written by the American author, Ana Huang. Published in 2022, it is the first book in her ongoing Kings of Sin series, which explores the seven deadly sins through the lens of billionaire romance. The story follows the arranged marriage between Dante Russo, a ruthless and controlling billionaire CEO, and Vivian Lau, a jewellery heiress and luxury event planner.
King of Wrath delves into themes of power dynamics, emotional vulnerability, and the challenges of opening up to true emotions.
Characters
Dante Russo
Dante Russo is the ruthless, meticulous and arrogant billionaire CEO at the heart of the story. He thrives on control in both his personal and professional life. Russo never planned to marry until blackmail forces him into an arranged engagement with Vivian Lau, a woman he barely knows. Despite his initial disdain for Lau, he finds himself drawn to her beauty and charm, struggling to reconcile his growing feelings with his need for control and desire for revenge against her father. Russo undergoes a significant transformation, shedding his cold exterior as he falls in love with Lau.
Vivian Lau
Vivian Lau is the elegant, ambitious and well-mannered jewellery heiress who agrees to the arranged marriage out of duty to her family. As the perfect daughter, Lau has always fulfilled her parents’ expectations, even when it means marrying someone like the rude and elusive Russo. Throughout the story, Lau begins to see beyond Russo’s harsh exterior and finds herself craving his touch, despite it never being part of her plan. She grapples with her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Lau, ultimately standing up for herself and choosing love.
Francis Lau
Francis Lau is Vivian Lau’s father, a self-made jeweller who uses blackmail to secure his family’s place in high society by forcing Russo into an arranged marriage. He is a formidable antagonist, driven by his ambition and unwilling to acknowledge his mistakes. He represents the obstacles Vivian must overcome to find happiness on her terms.
Luca Russo
Luca Russo is Dante Russo’s younger brother, whose compromising photos are used by Francis Lau to blackmail Russo into the engagement. Although he appears only briefly in the story, Luca’s presence looms large as the catalyst for the arranged marriage and the threat that drives much of Russo’s actions.
Sloane
Sloane is Lau’s best friend, who provides unwavering support and a voice of reason as the latter navigates the challenges of her arranged marriage. She represents the importance of loyal friendships and serves as a sounding board for Vivian’s thoughts and emotions.
ALSO READ: When the Moon Hatched: Fast-paced romantasy novel set in a stunning immersive world
King of Wrath book
King of Wrath is about the tumultuous relationship between Dante Russo, a billionaire CEO, and Vivian Lau, a jewellery heiress, who find themselves in an arranged marriage due to blackmail. This contemporary romance novel, written by Ana Huang, delves into themes of control, duty, and the complexities of unexpected love.
The narrative begins with Vivian Lau, a luxury event planner and the daughter of a self-made jeweller, who is called back to Boston by her father, Francis. There, she learns of her engagement to Dante Russo, the CEO of the Russo Corporation. This engagement is not born out of love but is a strategic alliance. Francis has blackmailed Russo by threatening to expose compromising photos of his brother, Luca, which could lead to dire consequences.
Initially, both Russo and Lau are reluctant participants in this arrangement. Russo, known for his ruthlessness and meticulous nature, views Lau as a pawn in his plan to eliminate the blackmail threat and destroy her father’s company. Conversely, Lau, who has always been the perfect daughter, feels obligated to comply with her family’s wishes, despite her misgivings about marrying someone she barely knows.
As the story progresses, the forced proximity of their engagement leads to a gradual shift in their relationship. Russo’s disdain for Lau begins to wane as he discovers her charm and intelligence, while Lau starts to see beyond Dante’s cold exterior. Their initial mutual dislike transforms into a complex attraction, marked by emotional struggles as they navigate their feelings.
Russo’s internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with his growing affection for Lau, which clashes with his desire for control and revenge against her father. Lau, meanwhile, faces her challenges, balancing her loyalty to her family with her burgeoning feelings for Russo. Their relationship is further complicated by misunderstandings and external pressures, including the looming threat of blackmail.
The climax of the story occurs when Lau uncovers the truth about the blackmail and Russo’s ulterior motives. Feeling betrayed, she temporarily distances herself from him, leading Russo to realise he has fallen deeply in love. In a bid for redemption, Russo pursues Lau, seeking to rebuild their relationship on a foundation of honesty and mutual respect.
ALSO READ: ‘One Dark Window’: Gothic fantasy duology that elicited mixed reactions
Who wrote King of Wrath?
King of Wrath was written by Ana Huang, a bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels. She has achieved significant acclaim, including being a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Huang’s writing is particularly recognised for its exploration of themes such as power dynamics, emotional vulnerability and the complexities of relationships, often featuring strong heroines and alpha male protagonists.
Huang’s literary journey began with her popular Twisted series, which garnered a dedicated fanbase and established her as a leading voice in the romance genre. The series is characterised by its steamy romance and intense character dynamics, appealing to readers who enjoy complex emotional narratives intertwined with romantic tension.
In addition, Huang has expanded her repertoire with the Kings of Sin series, which includes the King of Wrath, published in October 2022. This series delves into the themes of the seven deadly sins, providing a fresh perspective on the billionaire romance trope. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, allowing her stories to reach a global audience.
Huang is also a travel enthusiast and she frequently infuses her stories with beautiful settings and exotic locations, enhancing the immersive experience for her readers. This attention to detail not only enriches the narrative but also allows readers to escape into the luxurious worlds she creates.
How to read King of Wrath
To read King of Wrath by Ana Huang, you have several options:
- Purchase the book: You can buy a physical or digital copy of King of Wrath from various retailers. It is available in different editions, including standard and exclusive versions with bonus content. Notably, the Barnes & Noble edition features red foiling, while the Indigo edition includes unique extras not found in the standard release.
- Audiobook: If you prefer listening to books, King of Wrath is available on audiobook platforms like Audible. It features a duet narration by Jacob Morgan and Emily Woo Zeller, who bring the characters of Dante Russo and Vivian Lau to life.
- Library access: You can check your local library for a copy of King of Wrath. Libraries offer physical copies and digital loan options through apps like OverDrive or Libby.
- E-readers: If you own an e-reader, you can download King of Wrath from platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books. This allows for convenient reading on the go.
- Reading groups: Joining a book club or reading group can enhance your experience. Discussing the book with others can provide deeper insights and different perspectives on the characters and themes.
ALSO READ: Fourth Wing characters: Unveiling the diverse personalities in Rebecca Yarros’ epic novel