Review: King of Pride (Kings of Sin #2) by Ana Huang

Plot Summary

She's his opposite in every way...and the greatest temptation he's ever known.

Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos—and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified.

With a crucial CEO vote looming and a media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can’t afford the distraction she brings.

Isabella is everything he shouldn’t want, but with every look and every touch, he’s tempted to break all his rules…and claim her as his own.

***

Bold, impulsive, and full of life, Isabella Valencia has never met a party she doesn’t like or a man she couldn’t charm...except for Kai Young.

It shouldn’t matter. He’s not her type—the man translates classics into Latin for fun, and his membership at the exclusive club where she bartends means he’s strictly off limits.

But she can’t deny that, beneath his cool exterior, is a man who could make her melt with just a touch.

No matter how hard they try, they can’t resist giving into their forbidden desires.

Even if it costs them everything.

King of Pride is a steamy opposite attract, forbidden billionaire romance. It's book two in the Kings of Sin series but can be read as a standalone.

Contains explicit content and profanity. Recommended for mature readers only.

My Review

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

King of Pride by Ana Huang is a slow-burn, emotionally charged romance that explores love, family expectations, and personal growth. The story follows Kai Young, a powerful, business-driven heir to a media empire, and Isabella Valencia, a free-spirited woman who values her independence. As the second book in the Kings of Sin series, this instalment offers a compelling mix of tension, attraction, and emotional depth that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance.

At its core, King of Pride centers on the contrast between Kai and Isabella, two individuals from different worlds. Kai is bound by the weight of his family's expectations, expected to maintain a stoic image and uphold the legacy of the powerful Young family. His role in the family business leaves little room for personal happiness, leading him to suppress his emotions and desires to fulfil his duties.

Isabella, on the other hand, embraces life with spontaneity and passion, unconcerned with society’s rules. Her carefree, independent nature challenges Kai’s controlled world and pulls him out of his emotional shell. The undeniable chemistry between them builds a push-and-pull dynamic that drives the romance, with both characters grappling with their personal fears and family obligations.

The emotional core of the story lies in Kai's transformation from a distant, emotionally guarded man to someone willing to take risks for love. This shift is driven by his struggle to defy his family’s expectations and reconcile his feelings with his responsibilities. Isabella, too, must confront her own emotional baggage and desire for independence. As their relationship deepens, she learns to balance her need for autonomy with her growing affection for Kai.

What makes the romance between Kai and Isabella so engaging is the emotional depth and chemistry that build over time. Their slow-burn connection allows both characters to evolve, pushing each other to confront their vulnerabilities and self-doubt. Their journey is filled with moments of vulnerability and growth, making their romance both compelling and fulfilling.

King of Pride beautifully examines the tension between love, duty, and personal growth. The story is about more than just falling in love; it’s about learning to compromise and grow as individuals. Ana Huang creates complex characters whose emotional struggles feel real and relatable, adding richness to the plot. While the story follows familiar tropes, the balance of passion and personal growth makes this a solid and enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance.