Empire of Hate: A Second Chance Enemies to Lovers Romance

Okay, I LOVE Rina Kent she is one of my absolute favorite authors, but this book, gosh it wasn't it.ProsIt is a well written story, lots of twist amd turns, and bonus for good editing, but that is as always with Rina Kent booksNow the rest... Spoiler AlertDaniel was the worst Rina Kent hero (and I use that term loosely). Most of her characters are jerks but so fiercely loyal and protective of their heroine even if the heroine doesn't know it. But in this book I couldn't stand Daniel or Astrid (which is shocking). Knowing that Nicole wasn't allowed to ever morn her father who died saving her which had to be terribly traumatic then was forced to be a perfect little doll is a sad enough situation. Add in how she loved Daniel but he was hateful and constantly accused her of doing things she didn't and wouldn't even hear or believe the truth. And Astrid and him accusing her of raping him when he stole her drinks and tormented her was just awful. So was the fact that he slept with her, took her virginity then ignored her and then had the audacity to accuse her of cheating WTF. And Astrid when finding out she was raped, said oh well I guess now that I think about it she did seem in pain. How awful. Then even add in Uncle Henry and how he dropped her for Astrid, and then says oh well I didn't realize you were important until you left. After everything she endured she was failed by everyone in her life with the exception of Jay. And all of there excuses were she was bitchy, like who wouldn't constantly being ignored, accused of things you didn't do, and then being brutalized. This entire book failed Nicole's character. I felt she should have had a new live interest to rode off into the sunset with.

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!

Daniel and Nicole’s story started out really strong, weaving a great narrative between their traumatic past and how it led to their hateful relationship in the present.But somewhere along the way, Nicole lost her backbone. While she was a ‘b****h’ in high school, she had strength of character. In the present, she folds over and over again to Daniel’s cruel ways. We have his internal monologue so we know he cares for her, but she doesn’t and keeps putting up with him even though he treats her terribly. She’s the one who has to keep going after him it never feels like he fights for her.I really wish this book went in a better direction but knew 50% of the way in that I wasn’t going to love it.

I live for this author's words. I knew going into this book, that it was going to be a challenge to make Nicole a redeemable and likeable person. Yet, it was seamless. In fact, within a few chapters I struggled to remember why I didn't like her before.This book builds beautifully off of the others. Each book seems to be like adding pieces to a Jenga tower. They have to be placed carefully as the foundation. If a piece is missing or removed then the stability of the stories is in jeopardy. After waiting for Knox and Daniel to get their books, I can see how intricate the behind the scenes are. It is impressive that she has created all these distinctly different series but still have them interconnect.I loved Nicole. Like , I have a serious girl crush on her. She was so misunderstood even when she was nasty. However, she was one of the most resilient female leads that this author has created. Daniel... Good lord. This man. Just read the book, and you'll see what I mean. I'm so glad that he was there to finally make Nicole feel seen. There is power in being seen and Daniel gave that to his queen.Great cameos, texts, and banter between the guys that made me laugh. I also like seeing Aspen and Kingsley spar with each other. That pair is going to be fire. I cannot wait for it.

I have no words but many emotions about Daniel and Nicole's story. I love how Rina Kent works through every character, i have read every book of hers and she has never disappointed. I am not one to give anything away, just that Daniel is a twat and Nicole certainly deserves her happy forever ending. I have to admit i did get to love Daniel though. I will be reading this again for sure

Another great addition to this seriesNicole has been running from her past for years. Until she arrives at her new job, she thought she would never see Daniel again. Only fate has other plans…These two characters love to hate each other, but their chemistry is off the charts. I devoured this story in one sitting. It wasn’t dark, but was an exciting read. Really enjoyed it!

I enjoyed the exploration of how perception impacted expectations, reactions, actions and memories between primarily Dan and Nicole.It tackled several important topics and it is a powerful story.

Did you ever felt like, you are reminiscing the story even after days of reading it?For me it’s my last read “Empire of Hate” by @author_rinaI am not able to digest the fact that I was still very intact after going through a lot of emotions, a roller coaster ride I would say. I experienced too much while I am reading this.This story just has Daniel and Nicole and both of them are heroes and anti-heroes. I mean, like how the writer was able to write this story with such a compassion is something which I can’t put my mind through.I literally cried with Nicole whenever she was misunderstood and hated Daniel for that. Too many misunderstandings lead them to New York. If only, they were given a chance to clear it years back, we wouldn’t have this amazing story.You should read this story to see how freaking beautiful are Daniel and Nicole. How adorable the bond between Nikki and Jayden is. How can two people hate each other with passion though they are attracted towards each other from childhood, because there is just a thin line between love and hate.Thanks for providing us this masterpieceMy rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#romanceaddict #booksofinstagram #romancebooks #igreads #bookstagram #bibliophile #romancereaders #booklove #lovestory #rinakent #empireofhate #daniel #nicole #mustread #bestbook #bookreview #reviewersofinstagram

"She has the beauty of an angel and the personality of the devil."I felt so many emotions while reading this book and devoured it in a day. I just couldn't put it down until my baby Nicole finally got the happy ending that she deserved. At first I did not even know how to start this review because it simply overwhelmed me and gave me some real angsty pangs. The dimensions to Nicole's character were amazing and I loved discovering every hidden part of her complex story. Regardless to say, Daniel & Nicole's story took me by surprise in the best possible way. The angst built up over the years really slapped and their chemistry was on another level because of it! Rina's books are always such a treat to read and her characters never disappoint!