Back in October I read an ARC of A Dirty Business, the book that precedes A Cruel Arrangement. I absolutely loved Jess and Trace’s story, but was frustrated as hell when it ended on a cliffhanger. So when I came across book two as I was perusing NetGalley, I immediately requested A Cruel Arrangement so I could learn what happened next!

A Cruel Arrangement follows the story of Trace’s “business partner” and best friend, Ashton. In the first book, Trace and Ashton both rise to the head of two powerful Mafia families. Ashton’s new empire includes owning Easter Lanes, a bowling alley owned by Jess’s friend Molly. Ashton makes a promise to resolve the fallout from the end of A Dirty Business, and in the process sucks Molly into his plans. What begins as a scheme to leverage Molly’s connections quickly evolves into something more as Ashton & Molly become closer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I love Ashton & Molly’s dynamic and I’m so grateful the events from the first book were resolved. I haven’t looked to see if there will be more books, but I see the potential for some of the secondary characters to have their own stories and I am here for it!

I did not finished this book and I am ok with that.

I must first say that I have read enemies to lovers and mafia romances before, but this one was not structured to my liking. I believe that the plot did not have any hold on me. Granted, I believe there is a first book to this that I do not have. However, this was not appealing regardless.

The employees, turned friends who would die for someone at the drop of a dime? The ruthless mafia man who suddenly changes without any specific reason? A woman clinging to a man she couldn't stand within hours? This felt rushed and farfetched. And don't even get me started on the closest friend Jess who did not really seem to be that close, but somehow wanted to remind us that she loves the female main character and goes out of her way to get inserted into affairs that are ultimately not her business. And why was Jess so mad and needed to remind us of what happened to her every five minutes? Once or twice maybe. If you're really mad, get revenge or something. Don't use that to insert yourself into every single narratives.

I went halfway through and really wanted to finish this book, but I will have to let it go. Maybe I will give it another try one day.

I am a big fan of Tijan since I first read Carter Reed a few years ago so I was pretty disappointed by how much I struggled to get into this book!! If I hadn't been reading an ARC and planning to review I don't think I would have stuck around as it took me until the 40% to feel like I cared about the characters/plot.
Once I got into it I can admit that I really liked the connection between the MMC and FMC but overall the writing felt a bit like a ramble and I definitely enjoyed the first in the series a lot more!
2.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Tijan for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

First things first, I did not read Kings of New York #1. Should I have? Probably. Maybe I wouldn't have picked this one up, or maybe I would've understood it more clearly.

This is told in a dual POV fashion by Ashton and Molly.

I'm not exactly sure what I should say, what I can say, or what I want to say. I always pick up books like this in the hope that I'm going to find a feeling different than I usually do, but it always ends up being this:

This book is way too long for the story that's told in it.

I think maybe it's the writing that isn't it for me? Maybe it's the timing? The pacing? Something about the way Tijan tells stories like this one, just don't hit right for me.

Also, don't get me started on the 'fuzzies' for Molly to Ashton, or this 'switch' that Molly has?

I'll be honest, I DNF'd this one about half way through and I just couldn't finish it.

Tijan has a unique way of writing that keeps you engaged in the story. I also think that I want to read more. Loved it and will definitely read again one day!

This is definitely a great upgrade to convert Kindle Unlimited users to Library Card Maximalists. A solid e-material purchase

“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!

3.5 Stars
I'm a big fan of Tijan's books, so I hate admitting that getting into A Cruel Arrangement wasn't easy for me. It wasn't until about 25% in that I was hooked into the characters, the plot, and the romance. I assumed having read the first book in the series that it would be easy to jump right in since the story picks up not too long after that first book ended. I was wrong. Now, that might have been because I was pretty tired when I tried to start this book. Or Tijan's rambling writing (not a bad thing, just something she is known for) rambled a bit too much in the beginning for me. Or it could just be that I wasn't all that interested in the buildup to Ashton and Molly's romance. I didn't feel their chemistry like I expected I would in those first few chapters. It wasn't until I finally did that I was into the story. There's something about the way Tijan writes all-consuming attraction that makes her romances work like magic for me.

Okay, now that I've admitted all that, let me get to the rest of the book. I ended up loving how connected Ashton and Molly were. Their chemistry came alive, and I felt that all-consuming attraction I mentioned above. I liked how they became a team. The action also ramped up the closer they got. I loved getting answers to many questions I had from the first book. I enjoyed seeing Trace and Jess again and how they were involved in the story. The only thing that really bugged me in the rest of the book was Molly's "switch" thing. That was just... I don't even know what to say about it. There were also a couple of pacing issues for me, but I would attribute those to maybe overexplaining. Overall, it was a good conclusion to the story that began in A Dirty Business. 

One last comment, or question I guess... Did anyone else think American Idol or From Justin to Kelly when Justin and Kelly were mentioned? Was that just me? I pictured those two every time the names were brought up. Kind of funny for a mafia romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for allowing me to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t end up completing the book. I didn’t like the language in the book. I’m sure the author is really great, but this book just isn’t in my preferences.

Molly, a bowling alley owner, and Ashton, a Mafia king, know of each other but live very different lifestyles. But now Molly must agree to a cruel arrangement with Ashton to keep her business and her livelihood.

I did not realize this was the second book of the series until the very end. With that being said this can be read as a standalone. A fantastic plot consisting of Mafia rivalries, a little bit of mystery, a love story and plenty of plot twists. Just when you think you have something figured out you get another curve ball.

I really liked how Ashton and Molly’s relationship really evolves throughout the entire book

This book is great for anyone looking for plot twists, Mafia romances, forced proximity, or enemies to lovers.

Now to go back and read book 1 to see how this all started!

Yet another great compelling story from this author! I love everything they write, and I have yet to be disappointed.

This was good but not as good as the first one in this series. I had trouble staying invested in the storyline and had to go back to parts to remember what was actually going on.

I’ve been waiting for Ashton’s story and it did not disappoint! This story is more mafia, more grit and has a kickass heroine. That’s what I love in a mafia romance and that’s what you are going to get in this book. Molly is the light to Ashton’s cold, calculated darkness. She has some darkness in her as well and watching her embrace it is empowering. When the switch comes, you never know what is going to happen. The war is full blown and the twist and turns will have your mind reeling. Molly and Ashton were just perfect for each other. I really enjoyed this book and how the series wrapped up. Justin and Kelly’s killers are dealt with and we get a HEA in the midst of all this darkness.

Tijan nailed it again! I was expecting this to be focused on Hess and Trace again, especially after that ending but was pleasantly surprised to find Ashton and Molly’s story instead. Molly’s resilience and acceptance to the hand she has been given, while also making the best of it and not letting anything drag her down was fun to see portrayed while Ashton tried to get any sort of read on her. The dynamic between the two was captivating as Ashton didn’t know how to deal with Molly’s abnormal responses to her world being blown up. While I was expecting Trace and Jess, any questions left unanswered by the ending of book one was wrapped up here and Trace and Jess still played major roles in the story. I can’t wait for whatever Tijan writes next!

Thank you Tijan, Netgalley and Montlake for giving me an ARC to read.

Two Mafia families.
One bowling alley ....

True story, that's how this one starts (well, that's the short version anyway), and don't you know it I've picked it up in the middle of a series. It's called the Kings Of New York.

There's alot in this book to get your head around if you pick it up without reading what went before it. Molly owns the bowling alley, buying it from her deadbeat Dad who is in with the mafia. She gets held up, and ends up at the hospital, and gets picked up by one of the Mafia Head Honchos Ashton. Molly and Ashton have a history of sorts.

I won't go too much into the plot, as it's everything that usually comes wrapped up in a nice bow in a mafia romance.

Good characters as individuals and as a collective. Some tricky relationships to navigate - like Ashton torturing the girlfriend of his rival mafia boss (who is actually his friend).... again backstory I didn't really have. Some action. What I didn't expect was the depth of Ashton, and his "niceness" amongst all the macho bullSH&*. This book is a long one, so you have to invest in it for the payoff. It's worth the read... but I need to get the backstory and read it again, if I'm being honest to really get it.

Thanks to Montlake for approving my request for this book. It's greatly appreciated.

Thank you to Tijan, Montlake, and NetGalley for chance to read A Cruel Arrangement in exchange for my honest opinion.

What an interesting book! This book was my first time reading Tijan’s work. It does work as a standalone, however, I do wish I had read first book to become a bit more familiar with the characters. This book is fast paced and engaging! Due to me not reading the first book in this series, I was a bit confused at points and found some of the filler to be a little bit of a drag.

I would still recommend this book just would advise that reading the first book is highly recommended.

Tijan is one of my most favourite author in the whole wide world. And I love her books. But mainly her writing style. And this book was no different. Everything made sense and I loved how much closure and how the things ended on a very positively happy note. Definitely full 5 stars from me!!

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc.
This genre is one of my favorites. I love Mafia romances, dark or otherwise.
Unfortunately this fell flat for me. I couldn't connect with the characters, but especially not Molly. Her POV was written very choppy and juvenile. The dialogue was confusing and just fairly off putting.
Book 1 was much better, and I still recommend you read this one to get some questions answered from the first. But due to the lack of connection to the characters I wasn't invested in their story.

Molly’s had a not-so fun life, with a dead mom and a wastrel dad who’s the lackey and info getter for Walden mafia family, but she thought her life was separate from all that, until she flips, the switch that is. Ashton tried to be good, somewhat any way, but the death of most of the men in his family led to him picking up the mantle and letting the darkness inside have full control. He seizes the opportunity that Molly’s little situation presents to him trying to use her to his advantage but soon realizes he’s met his match. Ok so I should warn you this is book two in a series, which I didn’t realize when I first started reading, so those of you who have yet to read book one (like me at the time) will probably find the beginning a bit confusing as it picks up from situations that where in the previous book ( although I have since read book one and must say it’s just as.crazy good). Do not give up, I repeat do not give up. It all makes sense (sort of) within a few chapters as it references to what happened before so I promise you’ll soon understand and be happy that you stuck with it. The way this author blends heat, tension, and a crazy slew of characters is amazingly good, leaving you reading just one more and one more chapter until you finish the book before you know it. This is a young group of mafia leaders, but the action is jam packed and the suspense of who’s behind it all is done so well ( I was guessing until almost the very end). Molly and Ashton complement each other in all ways:, anger, steaminess and tenderness. 5 stars must read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I am so grateful that I got sent an ARC copy of this book, because I could not put it down. The MCs are AMAZING, the story is AMAZING.
Love, love, love.