Why King of Envy Is My Favorite Kings of Sin Book Yet
If you love dark, broody billionaires, Beauty-and-the-Beast vibes, and forbidden slow-burn romance, then Ana Huang’s King of Envy (Kings of Sin #5) is a must-read. In this cozy, book-club–style review, I’m chatting about why Vuk and Ayana’s story stole my heart, the tropes that made me swoon, my favorite quotes, and why this might just be my favorite book in the series. Grab a cup of coffee (or wine!) and let’s gush about this angsty, addictive mafia romance together.
MAFIA BILLIONAIRE ROMANCEFORBIDDEN ROMANCEMORALLY GREY MMCOBSESSIVE HEROBOOK REVIEW
Quick Summary
He’s the scarred, silent billionaire who never lets anyone close.
She’s the glamorous supermodel with a picture-perfect life… that’s really built on secrets.
The catch? She’s engaged to his best friend — but only for business reasons.
Forced proximity, sizzling tension, and a past that refuses to stay buried make this forbidden romance a deliciously angsty ride.
Category: Mafia Romance
Tropes: Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Billionaire Romance, Forced Proximity, Beauty and the Beast, Forbidden Romance
POV: First person, Dual POV
Format: 530 pages, Kindle Edition
Series: Kings of Sin, Book 5
Published April 29, 2025
Rating: ✦✦✦✦✦
Book Boyfriend: ✦✦✦✦✦
Book Bestie: ✦✦✦✦
Book Review: King of Envy
You know that feeling when you’ve been waiting forever for a certain character’s story, and then it finally arrives — and it’s everything you hoped for (and a little more sinful)? Yep. That was me with King of Envy. Vuk Markovic’s book had me clutching my Kindle like it was the last piece of chocolate on a rainy Sunday night.
Mood Match
Before I gush (and oh, I will), here’s the vibe check for my fellow mood readers:
Genre: Dark Romance (Level 2/5 — it’s broody but not nightmare-inducing)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Medium, slow-burn heat that simmers before it flames.
Emotional Weight: Medium angst — pairs well with your comfort drink of choice.
Vibe Words: Beauty-and-the-Beast energy, broody obsession, forbidden temptation.
Rainy Sunday Read? Oh yes. 100%. Just…be prepared to feel things.
My Thoughts
This was hands-down my favorite book in the Kings of Sin series so far. From the very first time Vuk was teased in earlier books, I knew his story would wreck me in the best way. And Ana Huang did not disappoint.
I’m a sucker for the Beauty and the Beast dynamic — the grumpy, scarred, morally grey man who terrifies everyone… except when it comes to her. There’s something about a character who would burn the world for his girl (and actually has the means to do it, wink wink) that just hits differently.
Ayana completely charmed me too. On the surface, she’s this high-fashion icon, but I loved how her perfume obsession added depth — the way she could connect each fragrance with a memory or emotion was so relatable. Honestly, it made me want to go reorganize my own little perfume stash.
The chemistry? Off the charts. The angst? Deliciously painful. The side characters and plot twists? Spot on. I devoured this book in one sitting because there was no way I was putting it down once I got pulled into their push-and-pull.
Also — am I the only one who thought Vuk had a slight stalker streak? Not complaining, but whew, the intensity!
Favorite Quotes
"If I couldn’t have all of her, then I’d hoard the piece of her that still offered me a glimpse of hope for redemption."
"When I said I wanted her, I wanted all of her. Every smile, every tear, every sigh and moan. She consumed me, body and soul, and I refused to settle for anything less in return."
"A month ago, being alone with Vuk Markovic on a dark street would have given me a panic attack. But somehow, somewhere that had changed. If I could choose anyone to be with at that moment, I would choose him."
Tell me that isn’t swoony. Tell me.
Tropes Galore
Beauty and the Beast / Grumpy x Sunshine
Mafia-Billionaire Romance
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity (hello, one-bed situation)
Marriage of Convenience
Forbidden Romance (best friend’s fiancée!!)
Morally Grey MMC
Protective/Obsessive Hero
Basically, if you love angsty-but-swoony romance with a side of danger and loyalty tests, this one’s for you.
Final Verdict
Ana Huang has officially become my go-to author. If she writes it, I’m reading it. King of Envy had me hooked from page one, broke my heart a little, and then put it back together in the most satisfying way.
If you’re into broody billionaires, fierce heroines, and that addictive mix of angst + passion, you need to add this book to your TBR.
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That’s all for my King of Envy gush-fest! Honestly, I could ramble about Vuk and Ayana for hours (and probably will if you get me started in the comments). This book had all my favorite tropes bundled into one swoony, angsty ride, and I’m still not over it.
Have you read King of Envy yet? Or do you have a favorite Beauty-and-the-Beast romance rec for me? Drop your thoughts below — let’s gush, vent, and fangirl together.
Until next time, happy reading, friends! Grab a blanket, pour yourself something cozy, and may your next book boyfriend be just the right amount of broody.