This is the second book in the King of New York. This can be read as a standalone but there is information from book one you will be spoiled on. This book is about Molly and Ashton. This mafia story has so many twist and turns that I didn't see coming. I loved how Ashton was with Molly and to see Molly grow as a strong fmc. Wouldn't mind seeing more in this world.

Great ending!

Molly is a unique and quirky character. She and Ashton take us on a wild ride as they find their way to an HEA as well as concluding the story from book 1.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Book two of the series is here and should be read after A Dirty Business. Ashton was on my *hit list after his actions in the first one so I wasn't sure if I could grow to like him but I had faith in the author and it was rewarded. This is a story that builds the further you get and it wasn't long before I was hooked on the dynamics between Molly and Ashton.

I loved them as a couple the slow build only intensified the give and take of their relationship. Molly is a strong independent woman with a feisty personality, she is fiercely loyal and loves hard. Now Ashton is the very definition of closed off, he is ruthless, unapologetic and demanding you don't get a second chance with this guy. The romance was well written, it was a mix of spicy sexy and sweet with some seriously intense chemistry. I enjoyed the mix of suspense and romance it worked perfectly with the pace of the storyline. Jess and Trace are an integral part of the story, I loved seeing the four of them coming together ... eventually. I really hope this is not the last we see of these characters and this world.

Don't we all have a switch that makes us go off to crazy town? I love that Molly knows when she hits that switch. She had a lifetime of betrayal, yet she still managed to find contentment and peace in living in the moment.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This was my place. My business. Easter Lanes. Then a guy comes in, trying to rob, daring to take it away from me. My home. My life. Heck no. I won't let my livelihood be threatened. No one know what I've done to build this life for myself. Except he might. Ashton Walden, a man I remember from when we were kids. Even back then I could tell how dangerous he would be one day. He's now the head of the Walden mafia family, and my father is so in debt to them that they practically own him. My dad and I are estranged and I want nothing to do with him or his debt. but the day after the attempted robbery, I didn't wake up in the hospital. I woke up in Ashton Walden's home. And he drops a bomb on me. If I want my livelihood back, I need to earn it back. And thus begins our cruel arrangement.

This is the story of Molly and Ashton. Molly is one of the funniest characters I have ever read in a Mafia book. She is bubbly and fun and just had a great personality. She also has a father that is so in debt to Ashton the head of his family's mafia that she is shocked that he isn't owned by them. Ashton is super smart and very headstrong and has a protective streaks miles long. All the protectiveness is aimed right at Molly too. Molly is hard working and has built from the ground up everything that he has and is certainly estranged from her father for various reason but his debt is something that she wants no part of just like she has no part of her dad anymore. Someone though tries to rob Molly and things go very wrong and she ends up needing to be in the hospital. However when she wakes up she isn't in the hospital she is in the house of Ashton Walden. Things are about to get very interesting and all of your questions from the first book are answered in this one. It was a really good read that I enjoyed.

Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

If you’re like me, and you just auto-read some authors and barely bother to ever read the blurbs of their books, then I’ll have you know The Cruel Arrangement is second in the Kings of New York series. I happened to read book one, The Dirty Business, a few months ago and remember being curious about Molly and Ashton and despite that it took me a moment to connect the whole story back again to this series when I started TCA.

The first largest advice I would give anybody, given my experience, is to read the book in a fairly continuous stretch. I ended up being forced to take breaks in between because suddenly my schedule had 482929 things I needed to do. Coming back to the story in intervals did real harm to the thread of the story. I was so lost and confused despite having read about 50% of the book in a stretch. So definitely read the book without long breaks.

Molly was definitely my most favourite heroine/character written by Tijan. She was somehow the perfect kind of quirky, whimsical and sensible. I can’t remember the last time Tijan wrote a character like her. Ashton was an interesting person to see fall in love. The people with the hardest hearts, feel the deepest for someone.

The pace was set from the very first page and it was brutal. Had it not been for those unavoidable breaks I took, I would’ve finished the book much faster. While this book could work as a stand-alone from the perspective of Molly and Ashton’s story, the entirety of the plot works well only if you’ve read the books in order. So definitely dive into The Cruel Arrangement after reading The Dirty Business.

Four stars! Definitely read the trigger warnings for this series before you enter the Kings of New York series. Be safe and happy reading.

After reading A Dirty Business I was intrigued by Ashton.
So I was excited knowing he was getting his story told. And it was absolutely not what I expected.
There is so much more to him than what meets the eye.
As more is revealed about him and his past, his actions are better understandable and why he trusts very few people.
I liked Ashton and felt for him. He’s loyal to those he loves. He protects those he is responsible for.
He’s tough, dangerous and enjoys mafia life. He lives for the danger and the thrill of the hunt.
Trying to do right by Jess after his abhorrent behavior. He’s determined to find who murdered Kelly and Justin.
By any means necessary and whoever he needs to use to get his answers.
Molly I so adored her. She’s quirky, sweet and has a flip side that surfaces when she’s under extreme duress.
. Her inner dialogue is funny and interesting. She has a unique way of thinking and analyzing.
And she is the best friend anyone could ask form.
Right away the tension between her and Ashton could be felt. Tension that starts off in a hostile way.
And slowly that tension goes from hostile to more intense feelings.
Their physical attraction builds and builds then explodes. It’s hot and sexy.
I loved how Molly was able to reach Ashton’s heart and soul. I don’t think he ever thought he’d have his one.
So it warmed my heart that he was able to find his joy and peace with Molly.
The drama and suspense to figure out who killed Kelly and Justin was exciting and had me guessing who the murderer was.
I was gripped with the story and couldn’t put it down.
And the epilogue left me with a big smile on my face.

Omg. Ashton is such a jerk and I fell deeply in love with him! This is the second Kings of New York book and all hell has broken loose. Ashton and Trace are the Dons and it picks up where we left off in A Dirty Business. The book starts off with a bang and gives us a good look at Molly. We get learn about the past through the present and are taken on a ride. Things aren’t what they seem and by the end of the book I was in shock. We get to see Trace & Jess’ life and are then are pulled into Molly and Ashton’s relationship. I really did fall in love with Ashton by the end. I loved these characters and although it’s a duet and loose ends are tied up I wish for more. It’s such a good series and Tijan again showed her talent is endless.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥

“You run and I’ll burn the world down for you.”

This is the second book in the Kings of New York series. This book had me invested from beginning to end.

Molly is the owner of Easter Lanes and one day a guy comes in a tries to rob, let’s just say the robber wasn’t expecting Molly to fight him and things get out of hand. Which leads Molly to end up in the hospital, where Ashton takes her from. Aston is the head of Walden Mafia and is looking for people reasonable for the death of Kelly & Justin. He knows the only person who can find the information is Molly’s father and so he decides to reveal to Molly that he is the actual owner of the Easter Lanes and she has been conned by her dad, also the truth behind something that happened from their past. So they made a deal that she would get the Easter Lanes, if she gets her dad to find information for him but Molly is struggling with the things she’s learned and she not taking it well. During this time, Molly is often caught in the line of fire and Ashton always seem to be there to saving her. Ashton is known for being cold and only ever cared about his best friend Trace but he now finds himself not only caring and wanting to protect Molly from harm. The relationship between these two go from them not liking each other to frenemies to lovers and once they gave into each other they couldn’t keep their hands of each other. They had a great chemistry and banter throughout the entire book. Molly becomes Ashton’s sunshine through all his darkness but don’t think that Molly doesn’t have a bit of darkness in her when she needs it, that’s why I thinks she so perfect for Ashton. Overall this book has action, suspense, steam, romance, tension, secrets, and many twist & turns I didn’t see coming. This was a great ending to this series.

I would recommend if you like:
🖤Mafia
🖤Slow burn
🖤Grumpy/ Sunshine
🖤Opposites Attract
🖤Steamy scenes🔥

Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!!!

This is the second book in the Kings of New York series, and it was an absolutely captivating read! I was hooked from start to finish by the intense and dark plot, and the author did an amazing job of capturing the twisted vibe of the story and its characters. This was Ashton and Molly's story, and I found his chemistry with Molly to be quite thrilling. The book was filled with heart-pounding suspense, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. Despite all the danger, the book also had a lot of heart, especially between Molly and Ashton. I found the twists in the plot to be unexpected and the characters to be engaging, especially Molly who was a total badass and managed to handle everything that came her way. Overall, it was an excellent second book in the Kings of New York series. The romance was swoon-worthy, the plot was thrilling, and I can't wait to see what happens next in this world.

卂᥅ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Ashton
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Molly
4 𝒞𝓇𝓊ℯ𝓁 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐴 𝐶𝑟𝑢𝑒𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐵𝑦 𝑇𝑖𝑗𝑎𝑛
Couldn't wait to get started on this one, especially after that cliffhanger in book 1, I needed answers.

This book picks up a few weeks/months after the events 𝑖𝑛 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 1 and we get right into things.

Molly, just wants to run her bowling alley and live a somewhat normal life. But that all changes when someone thinks they can rob her and she is put right into Ashton's world. And he turns her whole world upside down with the secrets he knows. And she finds out just how far her father's lies went.

Ashton, didn't want to be part of 'the' world, but he was ultimately part of it. He needs answers and there is only one person who will be able to get him answers and that's where Molly comes in.

What held me captive was the twists and turns...I had my suspicions 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑑...and when everything was revealed...shew!!!

Molly and Ashton, this couple I didn't love as much as I did Jess and Trace, I honestly just didn't feel the connection between them. But individually I liked certain things about them.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Loved the parts that mentioned Jess and Trace, loved the friendship between them.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧

A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan is book Two in the Kings of New York Series. This is the story of Molly Easter and Ashton Walden. I have read the previous book 'A Dirty Business', which I do recommend you read event though book one was the story of Trace West and Jess Montell. The Kings of New York is a interconnecting series so it will add to the enjoyment of this one. Molly is a sweet women is used to handling things on her own and having a addict gambling father who is always having issues. But she has worked hard to keep going. Ashton is the new head of the Walden family and is a dangerous and deadly. Ashton is out to get answers on a murder. This had lead him to working with Molly and so starts their story. Enjoyed this book and series.

I can admit I dragged my feet on this one. I was so excited to get it but then worried once I had it. It was dumb. It being me. I was dumb to worry about Ashton and Molly. I was dumb to think Trace and Jess would be safe. In this life, safety is an illusion.

A Cruel Arrangement is darker like Ashton. Questions are answered. Things are brought into the light. Hearts are broken. Healing beings.

Ash and Molly are the perfect halves to each other. Now that they are whole...priceless.

Get ready! This story had me on the edge of my seat, unable to stop reading from the beginning until the end. This author brings pure perfection in this intense, powerful, mafia world/enemies to lovers romance story, that may be unconventional but it was oh so captivating. Action packed, full of thrilling danger, violence, death, cruelty, ruthlessness, as well as filled full of a sizzling, steamy romance.

This is Molly Easter and Ashton Walden journey to a HEA and I was mesmerized by every word of this romance! These two have been part of a world that was not of their choosing, but one they were born into. Meeting each other at a young age, they never were close until one night when Molly’s world, Easter Lanes was threatened and her switch came into play. Usually she was kind and pure but not when backed into a corner and over reacted or irrationally overreacted or worse.

Ashton was the complete opposite to Molly. He was now the head of the Walden Mafia family, and he was dark, intense and cruel and he loved that part of his world. But now she was part of the war that his family was involved in which meant she was his business now. And the forced proximity that it created made the itch he had for Molly keep intensifying! And Molly well she had her own attraction for him as well. It was so amazing to see them both change and be so tuned in to each other becoming what the other needed.

“Unlike Trace, I liked being cruel. I liked killing. I liked the ruthlessness of this world, but I’d been holding back for him, for my brotherhood with him, for his woman, for my very delicate relationship with Jess, but Molly-she was a whole other factor.”

This was so well written and I loved how this all played out. I also loved all the secondary characters and getting more of Trace and Jess. I hope there is a spin off from this world, and if there is I will be anxiously waiting!

Received an early copy and this is my honest review.

After the ending to the first book, A Dirty Business, I was so pleased this second book was releasing quite quickly. It moves directly on with investigating who killed Justin and Kelly and let me just say… you won’t believe it!

I will be honest and say Ashton was not my favourite character in the first book, but I suspect that situation was done on purpose. He definitely grows on you and dare I say it? I actually liked him! Shock, horror. 🤣 He obviously needed a good woman behind him to make all of his good attributes shine.

Molly is a sassy, feisty firecracker who I liked instantly. She calls a spade a spade and although she might be a tad impulsive her heart is always in the right place. She certainly didn’t have it easy as a teenager but she is the type of person who makes her own way. She knows how to be a true friend and is the perfect partner for Ashton. There’s certainly no lacking in chemistry between the two lead characters but what I really liked is that the steamy scenes, although 🔥🔥, didn’t overtake the story. In my book that balance is an automatic extra point.

I enjoyed the suspense of trying to find out who murdered Justin and Kelly and whilst this was happening the mafia war raged as well. So lots of exciting action and intense drama making it a very entertaining book. Add in the great twists at the end and you have a five star story.

This was an entertaining read. I did read the first book in the series. I think that if you haven’t read it this book could be confusing. Mollys bowling alley has been threatened and she’s worked to hard for it to let it go. Ashton has just become head of his family. Molly has grown up with a deadbeat father who’s entangled in the mafia. So that life isn’t new to her. And she’s not going to let Ashton take anything away from her. But despite being opposite, they can’t deny the attraction to each other.

4 1/2 stars

Molly and Ashton's connection was unusual. They had a slow build given they had essentially had an attraction since they were young. Even though they'd both denied it, there had always been "something" there. Molly was unaware of much of the history surrounding their families and it was a burden that Ashton carried daily. It's one of the reasons she was always on the periphery of his life in some way.

Ashton is the newly appointed head of his mafia family. It all came to pass when his grandfather and uncles were brutally murdered by a rival family. Molly is the daughter of one of their lower level informants who Ashton has no respect for. Yet, he cares about what happens to Molly. When Molly is threatened in a robbery gone bad and it puts her in the sights of the police, Ashton comes to her rescue.

Molly finds herself drawn to Ashton even though she knows it's dangerous. He's mafia after all and not just any mafia. He's the scary one - - the one who does bad things. He's not the good guy. That's his friend Trace - - head of another mafia family. Ashton is the one who "protects" everyone no matter the cost. He can be cold-blooded and cruel but he's the one you want by your side when the enemy is after you.

This book had a little different feel to it that the first one in the series - - but it was every bit as good. I really enjoyed the development of Molly and Ashton's relationship. Molly's determination to always put herself at risk made me a bit crazy at times. I felt for Ashton when he was trying to keep her safe and she kept making his life that much harder. But that was just who she was and he fell in love with her after all.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This author has a way of writing that really does it for me. A Cruel Arrangement picks up right where A Dirty Business left off, but follows along on another couples journey. Molly and Ashton had intrigued me in A Dirty Business when it was clear there was something there, and I couldn't wait to read their story and it definitely didn't disappoint. Ashton is the cold, hard mafia leader who does exactly what he needs to take care of things, and Molly, despite her tragic background, and negligent and corrupt con of a dad, is a very upbeat almost sunshine personality. As opposite as they are, they also have things that connect and pull them together, in addition to crazy chemistry. Molly has a knack for finding herself in serious trouble from almost the very first line of the book to the last, which made for such an entertaining read. This book was non-stop action and I didn't want to put it down because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I kind of hope maybe we'll get more from this world from this author!

3.5 stars
This mafia romantic suspense centers around Ashton and Molly. And while I haven't read the first book, there is enough revealed throughout the story to get a grasp on the complicated situation between Ashton and Jess. There was plenty of action as Ashton searched for the answers as to who killed a couple of characters from the first book. While Ashton has a much darker side to his character, he is also protective of Molly and grows even more protective of her as the story unfolds. For me, I had a hard time connecting with Molly's character. Yes, she is independent, feels deeply for those she loves, and doesn't dwell on horrible things. But there was just something about her that I can't quite put my finger on. Overall, the storyline did keep me guessing as to what was going to happen next with some surprising twists.

I really liked Molly and her attitude towards life. She had her moments of doing dumb stuff but then she'd get over it quickly, and forgive quickly. I hate heroines that throw themselves into stupid danger but Molly has a good balance of listening to reason and acting when she felt she needed to. I'm not sure how, but I found myself liking Jess and Trace less and less in this story while liking Ashton more and more. I love the family that Molly has built for herself with her friends. This book had a good build up for the mystery of the puppet master, although I don't know that I liked the way things shook out with Justin and Kelly's ending. Jake needs his happy ending, too!