Empire of Hate

This book… 6/5 starsThis was better than I was hoping for. I was in the fence reading Cruel King since Nicole was an idiot and did a lot of stupid stuff but I also knew that if I read that, this book would be even more rewarding so I did read Cruel King before this and I honestly recommend you do this to because afterwards you will appreciate even more Nicole’s character development.I also must mention that I buddy read this with my book bestie and it was probably THE best buddy read we had so far cause we had a lot of back and forth on theories and such so it was really fun.I knew Daniel was gonna be a goner when Nicole showed up in his life, he didn’t fooled me like he fooled himself. Since I read Cruel King I knew Daniel’s character so I knew that deep down he had issues and had a good heart.With Nicole I didn’t liked her very much when she was young but I also knew she was under a lot of pressure so from the get go I knew she had her reasons for doing the stupid stuff she did. Then stuff happened and she had to grew up suddenly and that part really showed her character. Despite being this fake person in front of others she was always suffering inside. The character development for Nicole was out of this world, she turned up to be this amazing, kind and fierce survivor and I’m her cheerleader.Their relationship was honest to god so sad but also beautiful in a way.They kept missing each other, misunderstanding each other and pushing each other away when in reality they only wanted to have someone to love them unconditionally.Their sexy times was really good although for some reason ( in my head apparently there was hints about kinky stuff 🙈) I thought they were gonna be a big kinky but no… was it really good though? Yes it was!I end up from disliking Nicole to really really liking her but Daniel had my heart from the start and this was a point of discussion in my buddy read, we may had some disagreements here 😂.The humor on this book was awesome and it blew my mind that Rina could make me laugh out loud and also make me cry in THE SAME CHAPTER.Daniel and Nicole had so many similarities which made them even more perfect for each other.Now I had to address other characters because they were amazing.Kingsley and Aspen? Hello? That right there was some next level angst and sexual tension, I want their book so bad!Astrid and Levi and their spawns 😂 ( if you read this you would know why this was funny) made me happy every time they appeared.Now do I think Astrid needed an apology from Nicole? Yes I did. Did I get that? No. I realize reading this that I’m not the type of person who forgives and forget, I can hold a grudge. 🤷‍♀️But Astrid was so understanding towards Nicole, she didn’t judge and I appreciated that. Also this right here was a point of discussion where I realized that apparently I’m a tinny but defensive towards Astrid and Levi 🙈. Me and my book bestie agree to disagree.Every time Knox and Nathaniel are in the same room or group chats it ends up being hilarious.Btw I’m still waiting for Knox and Anastasia’s wedding 🙈Oh and everything involving the word Junior? It was Priceless and hilarious! 😂Jayden was flat out adorable and he had some funny choice of words * chefs kiss*. I should note that we had some crazy theories regarding Jayden, my theory was so wrong!The whole thing involving Chris, I wanted blood and I didn’t get it but there was revenge so was semi satisfied 🤷‍♀️I want asap a book about Zach who’s Daniel’s brother! He was so detached and cold and so I want to see him happy!This was again an amazing read and now I have Daniel competing with Knox for the number 1 spot on my list!

HOLY MOLY- what a beautiful, addictive, captivating, and emotionally complicated story. And I just loved it- this is Rina at her best- taking characters that are so deeply flawed, who have made catastrophic mistakes, and who have harmed each other so deeply, and finding ways to redeem and heal them. To let their damages not only free, but to allow it to become the catalyst for a connection.My jaw dropped when I found out who this story was about- I wasn’t sure I could forgive. But oh my, these are two of my favorite Rina characters EVER. I love their story- though it is certainly very complicated. They are MESSY- and so their emotions and progression also feels a bit messy and super angsty, because they have so much to work through- this is some SERIOUS baggage. But I love them both- and I love them both together, I'm so we got this story. I love how imperfect they are, and I love how perfect for each other they end up being- because they see the real in each other, they make each other more visible/more worthy. I never thought I would be on Nicole’s side, but she is nothing that I expected. I was rooting for HER, and WOAH, that shocked me. Rina keeps her just as we remember- she stays true to HER, but she also lets us see the facets of her we never knew. And Daniel, oh my. I’ve always loved this man, and each passing story I love him more and more. HIs lightness and humor and the ways he’s been a friend. He finally gets a moment to shine, and boy does he shine. I LOVE him so deeply.Narratively, I love how Rina balances the concepts of past and present- past transgressions and misunderstandings, present mistakes and tensions, all creating a beautiful story of redemption, healing, and understanding. It’s a really well crafted juxtaposition, where we see this relationship evolve in multiple places, and see the various versions and evolution of these characters. The past story is SO engaging, especially if you’re read the prior story where this couple’s journey begins (though I think standalone readers get all the context they need). But this truly recasts both of these characters, rebuilds them and recalibrates us as readers to who they REALLY are and what really happened. It’s powerful and compelling. The miscommunication, the longing, the unrequited feelings. And then the present story is a total contrast- we have one story that is unrequited, obsessive first love and then another that is enemies to lovers/super angsty and dramatic. We care about finding truth in BOTH stories- the past and the present, and we empathize with the characters in both. It makes the dynamics in each shine as well- because it also highlights how they’ve changed and how they are exactly the same. We see Daniel hardened, bitter, still lovable and fun but burned by her. And then with Nicole we see the tragically obsessive, desperate little girl who does anything to get the attention of the boy she loves- eating a peach, or being a person she hates juxtaposed to the responsible, selfless, broken woman just trying to survive. It makes the story REALLY emotionally complicated, because you have so much to unpack and work through. Their issues are deep rooted - and some of their issues aren’t even truth- so they have to resolve how they’ve hurt each other, they also have to uncover how they misunderstood each other, and then they have to also address their PRESENT day issues. Super dynamic and super angsty! THis book HUUUUUUUUUUURTS because of it- like really hurts. The angst is real.We have some amazing cameos from our other characters in both parts of our narrative, and SO many secrets to uncover. And, we have some really brilliant set up for our final book in this series of standalones. I’ve finally warmed up to one character in particular, and I can’t wait to see just what we uncover when we get in her head. But the group of friends (and their HILARIOUS group chat) always pop in and steal the show for some needed levity and connective tissue. love how all these pieces keep getting woven together. And the prologue is one of my favorite that Rina has written. What a beautiful and intriguing set up to a story I thought i knew but clearly didn’t- it was surprising and refreshing and set up this whole dynamic perfectly.Another brilliant Rina story! My favorite in the series thus far!