REVIEW: King of Pride by Ana Huang

King of Pride by Ana Huang: If ever there were two people more different to each other it would be Kai and Isabella, but with chemistry that burns white hot these two just can’t seem to keep their distance from each other. The question is can these two actually turn their fiery hot chemistry into more, can the sparky purple haired girl with a wild carefree perspective in life make it in the world of a buttoned up, tailored businessman? Or are these two just to different to make this once in a life time connection work?

“There was something about her that drew me in like a siren calling to a sailor. Destructive, certainly, but so beautiful”

King Of Pride is easily my favourite book by Huang, this book was slightly different from her other books in that it was more on the sweet and cute side. It was so easy to get hooked in by these two characters as they tried to navigate their way through their feelings for each other but also trying to blend their two very different lifestyles. One of the things that really worked for me in this book was the fact that there was no unnecessary drama between Kai and Isabella, I think I would go as far as to say that these two were Huang’s most mature and put together characters.

I just adored Isabella, she was such a treat to read. Totally embracing her sassy, charming and witty nature. I just loved that she was so comfortable with who she was, even if that did not fit the conventional molds. I loved the fact that she was so ready to speak her mind even if she upset a few people on the way, she had strong beliefs and was not afraid to stand up for them, and this only made me love her character all the more. However even with her strong girl boss exterior she too had insecurities that popped up ever so often making her question her place, this only made her character all the more relatable. All in all, Isabella was a great leading lady and I really enjoyed getting to follow her story.

As for our hero, well Kai Young just stole my heart! This guy was book boyfriend perfection! I mean how can you not just find your heart melting with this guy? He translated classics into Latin just because he found that relaxing, I mean can you get cuter than this? Kai truly was different from all of Huang’s others heroes, I don’t know if it was just the fact that he cared more or if it was that he did not hide his feelings. Whatever it was I can safely say that Kai was one of the best heroes that I have read in a while, you could clearly feel his caring and gentle nature in the way he was always there for Isabella. His belief in her was clear as day and I love that he was always there to support and encourage her to follow her dreams. For all his buttoned up reserved nature Kai was a total sweetheart.

“I’d never fallen in love before her. Once I did, I did it the way I did everything else. Completely. Totally. Irrevocably.”

Aside from having a genuinely cute relationship, I just could not get enough of the chemistry between these two! These was a spark unlike any other between these two and getting to see their slow burn attraction grow to boiling point was just so satisfying. I just ate up the fact that Kai would get jealous of any guy that Isabella would talk to, but more than this I loved the fact that Isabella enjoyed having Kai show his feelings for her in this jealous and possessive way. Now Im not going to give anything away here but all I will say is there is a feather scene that will have you fanning yourself!

King of Pride is a total must read, this slow burn, opposites attract romance is just the right amount of spicy and sweet that it will have you hooked from start to end!

Book Info:

Publication: April 27, 2023 | Bloom Books | Kings of Sin #2

She’s his opposite in every way…and the greatest temptation he’s ever known.

Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos—and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified.

With a crucial CEO vote looming and a media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can’t afford the distraction she brings.

Isabella is everything he shouldn’t want, but with every look and every touch, he’s tempted to break all his rules…and claim her as his own.

***

Bold, impulsive, and full of life, Isabella Valencia has never met a party she doesn’t like or a man she couldn’t charm…except for Kai Young.

It shouldn’t matter. He’s not her type—the man translates classics into Latin for fun, and his membership at the exclusive club where she bartends means he’s strictly off limits.

But she can’t deny that, beneath his cool exterior, is a man who could make her melt with just a touch.

No matter how hard they try, they can’t resist giving into their forbidden desires.

Even if it costs them everything.