This is an honest review for an arc received.
I didn’t want to judge his mourning, but that’s not what this was—this was devastation pure and simple. This was carnage in its rarest form—this was death while still living.
Annie Smith is vulnerable, shy and quiet. An orphan by circumstance, all she’s ever wanted was to fit in, not feel so alone and most importantly be protected. Although she has secrets of her own, she desperately wants to help Ash heal from a devastating loss even though he lashes out her and slays her with his words.
“The only difference between the dark and the light is one small switch. The things in the dark still exist in the light, Annie. You just can’t see them—but believe me, they’re there.”
Ash Abandanato – assassin, boss and heir to the Abandanto crime family. He’s ruthless, cunning and sharp tongued. He takes no prisoners and is trying to find his footing after a tragedy rocked him to his core. He hates everything that Annie is and stands for, but doesn’t see what’s been there all along, her loyalty and the acceptance of his place in the family. Every time he pushes her away she somehow fights to save him.
“You give everything up for those you love at the risk of your own happiness; to do anything else isn’t love.”
This book is 5 heart wrenching stars. Rachel Van Dyken’s ability to write a tragically beautiful story is astounding . You can’t help but fall in love with Annie and cheer her on as she finds her inner strength. Ash, well you will want to scream, shake and probably smack him, but you can’t help but feel his loss and devastation. This is still the mafia so don’t expect hearts and flowers. But you can expect to fall deeper into this world and become engrossed in each of these characters and their stories. This is by far one of my favorite reads of 2020.
“You wanted to be their King—now prove you can rule.”
Angie
NOLA504nerds Book Blog 
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