Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this arc! I loved the concept of this book and how it was executed so that it drew you in. I was not expecting the ending and thought it would end differently to how it did. I don't normally enjoy mystery-thriller books, but when I do read one I normally stick to Freida McFadden as its an author I know I love. I would definitelty read more of this author's books when I am in a thriller mood again, but I would recommend this book to people who like and love mystery-thriller books!!

This was my first read of 2025 and it was so good. I ended up giving it 4.25 stars which is what I gave book 1. The character development was amazing, and I did not expect Florian's sister to be alive at the end. I wish there was a third book in this series ab0ut 5+ years after their wedding as I wanna see them with their own little family.

Quotes:
- "Vengeance is divine. Even if I could forgive Florian, love is not what I need. I need him to finish what he started and destroy his enemy - my father".
- "Our mutual desire for revenge could unite us, but as darkness closes in, vengeance might just be what divides us".
- "I will reclaim my freedom - even if it risks a love more powerful than any crown".

Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Marriage of Convenience
- Fated Mates