Is Wicked King by Sienna Cross the Next Dark Fantasy Obsession?
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Wicked King by Sienna Cross plunges readers into a world where danger and desire intertwine in a mafia-arranged marriage that is as irresistible as it is dangerous. Cross introduces us to a ruthless king, a man as brutal as he is captivating, ruling his kingdom with an iron fist. This savage king commands power, and his arranged marriage is no different. A cold, calculated move to secure his empire. But beneath the surface of this dark, mafia-arranged love lies a simmering tension, a temptation neither can resist.
Sienna crafts a tale of passion, betrayal, and the battle for control that will leave readers eagerly counting down to the next installment of this addictive series. But is Wicked King the next must-read book? Ready to dive into the Kindle sensation everyone’s talking about? Let’s see if this wicked king will be your next obsession.
Title: Wicked King
Author: Sienna Cross
Publisher: Mystic Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance
Release Date: August 12, 2024
Pages: 366
Star Rating: 3 stars
Spice Rating: 2 chili pepper
Receiving a copy of Wicked King is twofold. One Sienna is a new to me author. Two, she is an indie author. And, since I have made it my mission to read more indie authors this year I was very excited to receive an e-copy of Wicked King.
“I must have done something right in this life to have been rewarded with a wife whose pussy tastes like heaven.”
Wicked King is the fourth book in the Kings of Temptation series of standalones. While I did start with this book in the series (for no other reason than to see if I could read it all by its lonesome) I would recommend reading the series in order, starting with Ruthless King. Some moments are referenced in this final book that don’t quite make sense because I started with this one. This was of course no fault to the author because I wanted to test the temp of the waters.
I must say this book did not disappoint and now I need to go back to read the other books in the series. Don’t get me wrong it had its faults. For one I am so over the word orbs. Sienna used it enough to wear holes in my eyes. Leaving you feeling like there are a million other words that could have been used to describe the lust and shape of peepers.
Wicked King could also be considered a slow burn (the slowest of burns actually). Although I understood Jia and her motivations (hell if I were Jia I would probably react the same way), nevertheless at 50% of the book and even long after that mark (especially if we are going by the first chapter) she should have softened to Marco like ice cream set out on the counter just enough to scoop it. But she didn’t! Causing you to yearn for progression. And while I admire her will—COME ON GIRL! She was frustrating (to say the least)! Making Jia’s development tentative at best while Marco as a certified playboy turned doting husband has great development.
At times, the story feels too slow but I think that is because of the lack of one-sided development.
“I want it all with you,” he whispers against my lips.”
The saving grace of Wicked King is that the plot is well done (the plot makes or breaks the book). Jia is finding her way to being the head of the Four Seas. Marco is standing by her side, kicking ass and taking names, and there is a little romance. In addition, Wicked King also balances the tension and action with a splash of swooning well. The witty dialogue between Marco and Jia gives you a sense of connection with the couple.
And the spice whew. The sexual tension between the two was enough to give you second-hand third-degree burns. And, while there aren’t many scenes, the scenes that were there were well done.
Will it make any of my top ten lists? No. But in the end, there is a satisfying ending that gives readers a sense of closure while making them crave what’s next for Marco and Jia. Marco can be seen as a villain but even villains deserve happy endings and Marco gets his. Even though I haven’t read the other books, I think this sentiment will hold once I do. This was a great way to end the series.
You should read Wicked King if you like:
- The Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
A dark mafia romance filled with power, danger, and an arranged marriage between rival mafia families. The tension between the characters sizzles, making it perfect for fans of brutal kings and high-stakes love. - The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
This novel combines arranged marriage with a dark, ruthless hero who holds all the power. It’s full of angst, betrayal, and steamy tension, similar to the dynamic in Wicked King. - Twisted Loyalties by Cora Reilly
A mafia romance with a savage antihero who takes control and stops at nothing to claim what’s his. The mafia world is raw and violent, much like the dark power struggles in Wicked King. - Ruthless King by Meghan March
This book features a powerful, ruthless antihero who runs New Orleans like a king. With steamy romance and intense emotions, it’s perfect for readers who enjoy tales of power, revenge, and passion. - The Darkest Temptation by Danielle Lori
A dark mafia romance where an innocent girl is drawn into the dangerous world of a savage mafia king. It has forbidden love, mafia intrigue, and a ruthless antihero—very much in line with Wicked King. - Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
A gripping, dark romance with a brutal, manipulative hero and a twisted plot of revenge and lust. This book dives deep into power plays and dangerous temptations, much like Sienna Cross’s world.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotion and the fabulous Sienna Cross for providing me with a copy to read and review. Check out the Kings of Temptation series!
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