Can love last for a mafia princess?Find out in this riveting sequel to HANAMI…KENJIN KIYOHARA, the son of Asia’s most powerful tycoon has finally won the heart of SAKURA SHINTANI, the heir to Japan’s most notorious crime dynasty. But their new love is threatened as Sakura’s trigger-happy opponents see Kenjin as her ultimate weakness, making her rethink the decision to be with him. But Kenjin is … him. But Kenjin is determined to stay by her side, even if it might cost him his life.
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This book was an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful sequel!
Honestly, I have to admit, I enjoyed this book more than the first book!
I really enjoyed catching back up with Sakura and Jin! It was so great to see them still happily together!
This book was more enjoyable character-wise. I think it was a combination of the main characters growth and having spent the time getting to know them from book one. Sakura and Jin were much more personable, friendlier characters. I actually cared about them, their journey, and their outcomes in the book. I definitely felt a connection with the characters this time! The character development was much stronger in this book! Also, the supporting characters were very complementary and felt unique and important to the overall story line.
This book starts right out with an action scene and continues to keep the suspense level and build up throughout the story line. There are several intriguing plot points that set this story up for an exciting teaser of mystery.
I think this book had more action scenes than book one and not as graphic either. I felt more in suspense waiting to see what was going to happen next and trying to find out who hurt Uncle Ryuu.
In addition, this book focused more on the practical side of Sakura and Jin being together. Now that the wooing was over, their relationship was being tested from all sides. I think this is also what made the book more real and relatable. We all have to deal with outside forces straining and testing the strength of our relationships – romantic and not. Okay, so most of us don’t have to deal with a gigantic business family empire that is being handed down to us or having to run a notorious crime dynasty and all those trying to come in between them – we’re more dealing with work, friends, bills, enemies, etc. LOL!!! It takes work to make it work and we all have to fight to hold on to those that we love and care about!! Sakura and Jin are just finding that out and having to choose if they are going to put each other first or their family obligations.
Again, I loved the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on Japanese culture, customs, and traditions. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are also some unexpected twists and turns and misdirection’s that you won’t see coming!
This book is book two in the Hanami Book Series. This book can be read as a standalone. However, there is significant character and plot line overlap. I would strongly suggest starting with book one first.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all romance, new adult, romantic suspense, and contemporary readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**