<b>I think Tijan is writing every book with a better hero than the previous one. Trace, I love you but I will die for Ashton Walden. Omg omg this mafia king is something else! I could feel his intensity from the pages. The ultimate alpha. The dangerous Underworld king. The extreme protector. The dark man becoming a different version just for his woman. A Cruel Arrangement is everything I want from my romance and then some more.</b>

Molly Easterly almost blackmailed her conman father so that he will write their bowling alley business to her. This business and her employees are everything to her. Then there is a robbery..and the head of New York's mafia enters her life. Technically her father owes absurd money to Ashton Walden and their business is actually a Walden property and he needs payout. He needs her father to find out the killers of some people close to him and Trace. There is a mafia war on the horizon and Ashton realises he feels the need to protect Molly that goes beyond his schemes.


<b>Molly and Ashton's lives crossed paths years ago where they were young. They share some ugly secrets and Ashton felt that's the reason he wants to shield Molly from the war..rather than manipulation and using her. But the thing is Molly was always special and it just took some life and death situations to make him accept it. Now Molly is not a damsel in distress. She is good people with a strong fierce stubborn personality and sweetest heart. Even in middle of danger, she always thinks about other people. She was not really ecstatic about the way Ashton took over her life, forcing her to move into safe houses or putting his people as her bodyguard but she is also smart. She knows how ugly and cruel mafia wars can be and she did try her best to compliant. But the thing is she cannot sit still when she feels things are going wrong and that means sometimes she makes some risky decisions. And those were driving Ashton crazy. The chemistry was smoking hot. They are just fireworks together. The forced proximity was key to their hearts getting exposed and I am here for all the swoon and angst. Possessive, bossy, protective, bossy, obsessed Ashton is the dream of any romance lover. Who doesn't love to see an antihero falling hard for his woman?This is also a great romantic suspense where things proceed at a break neck speed with continuous twists and turns and action. I stopped breathing quiet a few times.</b>

Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for the ARC

This was amazing! I absolutely love Ashton. Dominant, dark and oh so sexy. This was so good. Lots of drama and sexy times. Such a page turner. I can't believe I waited so long to read it.

This is the second book in the Kings of New York series that follows Ashton and Molly. While this book focuses on another couple in the same world, if you haven’t read the first one, you definitely should as the story connects.

I like to try and keep my reviews as spoiler free as I can, so I won’t say what the main focus is of the book, other than it deals with the fall out of book one and figuring out what happened and who was involved.

There were a lot of great parts to the book. I actually didn’t guess who was involved correctly, so I liked the spin with that. There also was a lot of action which was great. Sometimes one, right after the other, and with a longer book, it was nice. It kept things moving. For the most part, it was really enjoyable.

Now the reason why I gave it 4 starts (more like 3.5 to 3.75 for me) is I had a hard time connecting to Molly because I didn’t understand her character or personality. I had a hard time envisioning her with her ‘switch’ and I feel like that wasn’t explained very well. It was almost like her personality was competing with itself bubbly vs quirky vs unpredictable vs dark side. I didn’t dislike her though, just didn’t always understand her.

I also felt like some transitions were a little clunky because of Mollys personality. However, maybe some people do get it so those transitions will be a little smoother when reading. (Like when they start developing feelings, her weird very sudden attitude changes, things like that). Also Ashton’s background was a little weird too with his mom. Felt like something was missing there.

All in all a solid book. Ending lends itself to being wrapped up and this a duology, even if there is going to be more books in this world, it feels complete with the 2.

Great romance read. Loved the writing style from this author. Really hooked me in from the start and needed to know more and more.

This is the second book in this series and I LOVED IT! The first book, it had me up till the wee hours in the morning finishing and this one was no different.

Tijan jumps right in with this one, and instantly had me hooked from the first chapter. Ashton and Molly’s story will have you on the edge of your seat, and flipping the pages to see how their story unfolds.

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series! 🤍

Forever a fan of Tijan however; again and again I am let down because I'm not a fan of mafia romances. Others who enjoy action, mafia business and romance seeped in will enjoy Tijan's latest!!

A Cruel Arrangement is insanely hot and incredibly violent. It starts with an armed robbery and doesn’t slow down. Ashton is the new head of the Walden mafia, after a rival family killed his grandfather and his uncles in an unprecedented attack. Together, Ashton and his best friend Trace West rule the criminal underworld in NYC.

Molly Easter has known Ashton since they were kids; her father is in deep with Ashton’s family. Molly has tried to distance herself from the dark criminal world. She runs Easter Lanes, the bowling alley she bought from her dad.

When an armed robbery lands Molly in the hospital, Ashton is the one who shows up to take care of her. He and Trace are looking for the people who killed two of their friends. He “encourages” Molly to ask her dad to poke around, ask some questions. Unfortunately, her dad’s involvement quickly makes Molly a target. Her life is at risk, which Ashton belatedly realizes he isn’t okay with. Throw in a detective with a grudge, a handful of violent henchmen, a suspicious doctor, and sexual tension you can cut with a knife, and you’re beginning to get the picture.

I loved Molly and Ashton’s dynamic. They obviously have history when the story starts, and honestly only Molly could soften his impenetrable shell. It was great to see more of Trace and Jess from A Dirty Business. Ashton and Jess have some unresolved animosity, and I loved how they worked through that over the course of the book. Molly being thrust into the mix changed the group dynamic for the better—like she says in the book, she’s the glue.

If you love dark, gritty romances, mafia romances, and/or morally gray heroes, this one checks all the boxes. I couldn’t put it down. I kept reading late into the night because I had to know how it was going to resolve. The action and suspense were well-paced, and the *ahem* scenes were fire.

Molly knows Ashton is a bad guy. He does awful things. He isn’t redeemed at the end. He’s still a criminal, but at least he’s a criminal with a conscience and a good woman who loves him.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but I really enjoyed it! I loved seeing previous characters in this story and how it all tied together. Ashton slowly won me over in this one and I was team Molly from the start! Great story and can't wait for more.

A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan is book #2 in the Kings of New York series. This book picks up where a Dirty Business left off. I absolutely loved Molly! Being the daughter of someone who works for the mob, she seemed very shy and quiet until she is messed with then her strength shines through. I also love Ashton even though he is a mafia boss. Their dynamic together is out of this world. The banter, the caring, the fight and spirit. They are a perfect combo who crossed paths early in life. They were destined to be together. I loved the story behind this book as well. The crime and murder made for a suspenseful romance! This was a first series for me by Tijan and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Ashton may not be a white knight, but he sure is a dark one!!

A Cruel Arrangement is the second book in the Kings of New York books by Tijan.

Ashton uses an opening with Molly to use her to get something he wants, but Molly and all she is complicates things for him.

Molly owns and runs Easter Lanes it's her baby. When someone tries to rob her, she kind of loses it. Sending her onto Ashton's path.

The more time they spend together. The closer they become.

The dangerous ties are coming from everywhere in this book you absolutely don't know where to look.
It's fantastic.

Gah. Okay, now this book was not in any way a gushing kind of story, but allow me one second.
Ashton!
He was not at all what I was prepared for. He is cruel, ruthlessly brutal, and all business like. With Molly, he is completely different.

Their connection was intense, and you could feel it from the beginning of the book. It did take a slow build up to the physical level, but when that hit, it was a boom!🔥🔥

Tijan is an absolute master. Be it Mafia or not, she really knows how to write a captivating story that you can not put down.

Book 2 moves the drama Molly and Ashton. Continued danger, mystery and action.
After the cliffy from book 1, I needed answers!
Ashton and Molly are opposites. They are both string characters. Molly is the sunshine. Bubbly, fierce and smart.
Ashton doesn’t mind being cruel. He does what he has to do. However, he is protective of Molly.
this story delivers a slow burn with dynamic banter and chemistry. A Page turner that makes this seem like a quick read.

Compulsively compelling, A Cruel Arrangement is everything I had hoped it would be. I adored Molly, and I think her sunshine personality was the perfect foil for the protective Ashton. As always, Tijan executed this story flawlessly and I highly recommend it!

A Cruel Arrangement is the second book in the Kings of New York series and after the cliff hanger ending that was book 1, I was surprised to find that book 2 was Ashton and Molly's story. These two had great chemistry although they both refused to accept the sparks between them, so it was enjoyable watching them fall for each other. I loved seeing Ashton's protective side come out to keep Molly safe and I loved that Molly was independent and snarky but I will admit she frustrated me with her unnecessary risky stunts throughout the story. They were supported by a colorful cast of characters and I loved that we got to see the first couple from book 1 in the story.
There was a suspense element in this story which had me at the edge of my seat and some light hearted moments which helped break up the tension. This was a complex, twisted, fast paced tale that was easy to read and highly engrossing. I loved it and would recommend it to lovers of Mafia romance.

4.5stars-A CRUEL ARRANGEMENT is the second instalment in Tijan’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF NEW YORK dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is crime lord Ashton Walden, and business woman Molly Easter’s story line. A CRUEL ARRANGEMENT should not be read as a stand alone. For back story and cohesion I recommend reading book one A DIRTY BUSINESS.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review

SOME BACKGROUND: Molly and her friend Jess’s friends have been murdered, and no one was currently in custody, or charged with the crime. One of the deceased is the brother of one of the detectives in the organized crime unit, and said detective wants answers. Using any means necessary, Ashton Walden forces Molly to call in a favor, a favor in exchange for some heart breaking truths.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ashton and Molly) A CRUEL ARRANGEMENT follows in the aftermath of an attempted robbery at the local bowling centre owned by Molly Easter. Molly and the bowling center were under the protection of crime boss Ashton Walden but Molly would soon discover that all was not as it would appear to have been. There is a war brewing between the various factions of the local mobs, a war that places Molly Easter, up front and center, pitting her against family, friends, and the man with whom Molly will fall in love. Ashton Walden doesn’t do relationships but his attraction to Molly started several years earlier. There is a lifelong connection between our leading couple, a connection that is about to reveal the secrets and lies Ashton has been hiding for a number of years. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ashton and Molly, and the potential fall-out as betrayal, vengeance and the local mob come hunting for our story line couple.

Ashton Walden is desperate to find the person responsible for killing his best friend’s girlfriend’s friend (say that three times). Everyone is suspect; the crime bosses are refusing to cooperate; the local riff raff has been anointed to look deeper into the possible connections. Molly Easter is struggling with the revelations that everything she knew about her family and her life, has been a lie, a lie to protect the identity of someone else. Desperate to find the killer, Molly is often TSTL (too stupid too live) placing herself in the direct line of fire but Ashton has one more secret, a secret that could threaten the growing love between our story line couple.

The relationship between Molly and Ashton is a frenemies to friends to lovers. Ashton has named himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine but as the various factions of the criminal underworld begin to circle, Ashton will claim Molly as his own. Molly never thought she would fall in love with the powerful ‘captor’ but falling in love means exposing her heart to potential heart break and loss. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to former parole officer and Molly’s friend Jess Montell, and heir to the West Mafia Tristan ‘Trace’ West (A Dirty Business 1); Ashton’s right hand man Elijah; Molly’s dad Marcus ‘Shorty’ Easter; her friends and co-workers Sophie and Pialto; foster ‘cousin’ Glen; Dr.Nea Sandquist; Nurse Sloane; Detective Worthing, crime lord Nicolai Worthing; Trace’s sister Remmi West, and Ashton’s cousin Marco. The requisite evil has many faces.

A CRUEL ARRANGEMENT is a fast paced, haunting and animated story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing, engaging an d captivating: the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate, dynamic and determined.



THE READING CAFÉ: https://www.thereadingcafe.com/a-cruel-arrangement-kings-of-new-york-2-by-tijan-a-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5496905599


AMAZON COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/RW9DTNNSZYBSF/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2748379018

There were plenty of twists and turns in this story and it turned out to be a decent ride on the wild side. Molly was probably one of my favorite characters in a long time (I think I do that switch too although not to the extent she does lol). Even the toughest bad guys eventually turn to mush when faced with "The One" and Ashton is no exception. If you are looking for sexy time there is enough of that in this story to satisfy you as well as some intriguing surprise twists and rock 'em, sock 'em to go around. 3.5 stars but rounded up because--Molly!

Thanks to #NetGalley for my copy of #ACruelArrangement.

I read the first book immediately before I started this one. I wouldn’t say that it is necessary for the story to read the first book however there are some areas that follow on and where answers are provided that were missing at the end of the first book.

I wasn’t actually looking forward to reading this book when I realised it was Ashton that was the MC. In the first book I liked him at the start but then he ruined it all with what he did to Jess. I overcame this and actually started to like him and like him and Molly together.

Molly is all lightness to his dark. Despite a rubbish upbringing she tries to see the best in situations and is strong and a good match for Ashton. Together they have balance.

I liked how the relationships between Ashton and Molly and Trace and Jess were worked out through the book and I ended up preferring this book to the first one.

• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: A Cruel Arrangement
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Kings of New York #2
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tijan
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘙 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

I fell in love with Molly from those first few pages. I might love her even more than Ashton and gosh you would think that is impossible. Molly reminded me a bit of Harley Quinn and I love how she developed throughout the book. Not only for herself but for others as well. The story had me at the edge of my seat from beginning to the end and I could not have asked for more. Well made a couple of more pages since I would love nothing more than reading more about these amazing characters. If you read other books by Tijan you will definitely see some familiar names. The connection between all the characters felt so real and I just wanted to live in that world. Even when it would be dangerous, with a friend like Molly, I am sure I will survive.

Cruel Arrangement is the second book in The Kings of New York series. It picks up right where the first book left off. This book is the story of Ashton and Molly. We do see Tracy and Jess in book two as well. Cruel Arrangements is an enemies-to-lovers trope. Ashton is willing to protect the ones he loves; despite being a calculated killer who’s always alert and willing to strike. But when it comes to Molly, his feelings run deep and that scares him. Molly is selfless even though she has been through so much in life and still smiles through it all. I enjoyed how she stood her ground when it came to Ashton.

When it comes to a Mafia romance, I am a goner! It’s my weakness! Cruel Arrangement didn’t disappoint. The dynamic between the characters kept you engaged. It was dark and twisted and the slow burn romance was very passionate. The trust Ashton and Molly had for one another in a dark, cold world was very strong. Ashton treated Molly has an equal; he wasn’t all alpha male. I look forward to more by Tijan. She really knows how to attract her audience.

This book is why I never read a book series out of order, I would have benefited from reading the first book before this one.
From the first page a lot of information and characters are introduced. I was so lost and struggled to keep up with all the characters and the story.
Because of this I wasn't invested in the characters or the story.

I enjoyed A Dirty Business, but A Cruel Arrangement just took everything up a notch. Ashton was more possessive and ruthless than Trace and Molly slid more seamlessly in to the mafia life than Jess did, getting shot at enough that it became old hat for her. Lol. I was looking forward to being more immersed in the mafia life and this book brought that in spades with plenty of action and intrigue. What a fantastically wild ride.