Book Boyfriends and Booze

In King of Wrath by Ana Huang, billionaire CEO Dante Russo, who lives by control and precision, finds himself trapped in a blackmail-fueled engagement with Vivian Lau, a polished and ambitious jewelry heiress from a family he despises. Though their marriage arrangement is purely a strategic alliance, Dante’s plans to end the engagement falter as he becomes captivated by the woman he never wanted. For Vivian, duty compels her to marry the icy, arrogant CEO, but resisting his allure proves harder than she anticipated. As desire ignites and their worlds collide, their arranged marriage takes a turn, and neither can ignore the emotions simmering beneath the surface.

Dante Russo: Our Morally Gray Italian Dream 

Dante Russo has officially secured a spot at the top of our favorite book boyfriends list. Ana Huang’s lineup of morally gray heroes gives us plenty to choose from, but Dante, along with the unforgettable Rhys Larsen, stands apart from the rest. If you’re a fan of arranged marriage tropes with a grumpy, possessive hero who speaks fluent Italian and has a heart under all that broodiness, then Dante is about to become your new obsession.

Arranged Marriage, Banter, and Building Chemistry 

Dante and Vivian’s relationship begins as an arranged marriage, but the chemistry between them is instant. The banter is spot-on, the tension palpable, and their slow-burn dynamic will keep you craving each scene. Ana Huang’s pacing is perfection—she gives us just enough romance to keep us hooked, while letting the story build. The spice doesn’t hit all at once, but when it does, each scene is worth the wait. And let’s just say, Dante’s dirty talk (especially in the back of a limo) is chef’s kiss.

Dante may start out grumpy, but once he falls for Vivian, he treats her like a queen. From possessive protectiveness to whisking her away to Paris, Dante proves he’s willing to do anything to make her happy. He’s the kind of book boyfriend who makes grand gestures without hesitation, and his loyalty is just as intense as his love. Plus, he’s got a complex background of family dynamics, blackmail, and business deals that adds depth to the story, giving you more than just romance.

The Audiobook: Jacob Morgan Brings Dante to Life 

If you’re an audiobook lover, King of Wrath is a must-listen. Narrated by Jacob Morgan (who also did Lights Out [see blog link below]), he brings Dante’s Italian accent and brooding personality to life in a way that’s unforgettable. Morgan’s talent goes beyond just reading—each character feels distinct, making you believe there are multiple narrators in the booth. If you’re looking to maximize your TBR pile, the audiobook is a fantastic choice, though you might still want to grab a physical copy for the full experience.