**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan delivers a captivating continuation to the Kings of New York series, albeit with a shift of focus to Molly and Ashton's story. While I was surprised that the book didn't follow Jess and Trace's story as expected, I found myself thoroughly enjoying Molly and Ashton's explosive and banter-filled relationship. As a protagonist, Molly is a strong and independent character who doesn't let Ashton intimidate her. Meanwhile, Ashton's protective nature towards his loved ones and his charisma had me intrigued from the start.

It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous book, and see how they've developed. Jess's reaction to Ashton's past actions had me on edge, while the growing friendship between Trace and Ashton, and Milly and Jess was a joy to see. The balance between romance and suspense was well-executed, and the book's lighter moments provided a welcome break from the tension. Overall, A Cruel Arrangement is an excellent addition to the series, and I can't wait to see more from these characters.