A Cruel Arrangement (Kings of New York)

by Tijan

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

A Cruel Arrangement is the second book in the Kings of New York. Although each book focuses on a different couple, they do not work as stand-alone. Questions raised in book one are answered in the second installment. In A Cruel Arrangement, readers get a story steeped in suspense, danger and romance.

A Cruel Arrangement gives us Molly and Ashton’s story. From the moment of their introduction in book one, I sensed the chemistry between them. This, along with my need for answers to the questions arising as a result of the cliffhanger, had me eager to pick up A Cruel Arrangement.

Now Ashton was cold and dangerous. He did some stuff in the first book, which made it difficult to like him. However, he redeemed himself on this installment. One could say that love mellowed him out. However, he still had that dangerous and cold side to him which was reserved for his enemies.

Molly went through a tough upbringing. She, however, did not allow it to hinder her from becoming a successful businesswoman. I had an interesting getting to know her. Although there when moments when she did some questionable things with regarding her safety.

Their relationship started out as a business arrangement. However, when the danger resulting from this arrangement escalates, placing Molly at risk, their relationship became more. They attempted to fight the attraction between them, but they failed miserably. In addition to the danger, insecurities threatened to derail the growth of their relationship.

Now, for the second reason, the reading of this installment was imperative. The answers which I so desperately needed after that cliffhanger in book one came to light. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t at all what I expected, but it provided closure for everyone it affected.

Readers receive updates regarding the couple from the previous book. It was great catching up with them and seeing how their lives had developed.

Overall, A Cruel Arrangement delivered a satisfying conclusion to the Kings of New York series.

Narration Review
Brooke Bloomingdale and Jason Carpenter narrated this installment. The story alternates between Ashton and Molly’s POV. I did not like the male narrator’s interpretation of Ashton. His tone was dry and emotionless. I switched speeds during his narration. Not that speeding it up helped much.

The female narrator did a wonderful job with Molly. Her male voices were good, and she did a better interpretation of Ashton than her male counterpart. While I am not sure if I would listen to Jason Carpenter again, Brooke Bloomingdale’s performance is one I would recommend to listeners.