“King of Envy” by Ana Huang is the fifth book in her bestselling Kings of Sin series. Known for her emotionally intense slow-burn romances, Huang once again delivers a story that dives deep into vulnerability, desire, and complex family expectations. In this book, readers meet Dante Russo, a cold, calculating billionaire, and Vivian Lau, the graceful yet strong daughter of a powerful new-money family.
If you’re searching for a King of Envy review that’s honest and informative, this in-depth breakdown will help you decide if this book is worth your time.
King of Envy (Kings of Sin Book 5) – Book Summary
Set in the glamorous and high-pressure world of elite families and billion-dollar businesses, King of Envy is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with forced proximity, emotional tension, and sizzling chemistry.
- Dante Russo: A billionaire with a cold demeanor, a tragic past, and a zero-tolerance policy for emotional attachment.
- Vivian Lau: A poised, elegant woman raised to maintain the perfect image but quietly fights to assert her own independence.
Check the Book: King of Envy by Ana Huang
Their families are bound by a business alliance, forcing Dante and Vivian into each other’s lives. What begins as a frosty, emotionless partnership slowly turns into something they can no longer deny. But envy, duty, and old wounds may stand in the way of anything real.
King of Envy Book Review – A Deep Dive
1. Character Development
One of the strongest elements in King of Envy is the character work. Ana Huang is known for writing morally grey male leads, and Dante Russo fits that mold perfectly. He’s emotionally distant, often unlikable in the first half of the book, and yet his transformation is believable and satisfying. Readers who enjoy watching a cold hero break down his emotional walls will appreciate his arc.
Vivian Lau, on the other hand, brings grace, dignity, and quiet strength to the narrative. Unlike some romance heroines who fall apart under pressure, Vivian remains composed but not weak. Her internal struggle—balancing family duty with self-worth—is relatable and emotionally engaging.
2. Themes and Emotional Impact
Ana Huang doesn’t just write spicy scenes—she tackles deeper themes like:
- Envy and longing
- Family expectations
- Old money vs. new money
- Cultural identity
- Emotional repression
In particular, Vivian’s Asian-American background adds a layer of cultural complexity. Her desire to honor her family while also finding her voice brings authenticity to the story. Meanwhile, Dante’s trauma and his avoidance of emotional vulnerability create tension that fuels their slow-burn romance.
Spice Level and Romance
For readers asking, Is King of Envy spicy?—the answer is yes, but it’s not just about physical attraction. The emotional foreplay and slow buildup make the steamy scenes more powerful. The passion is well-written and integral to the story. It’s not there for shock value—it’s there because it matters to the characters’ growth.
If you enjoy books like Twisted Love or King of Pride, you’ll feel right at home with the heat and tension in King of Envy.
Pacing and Writing Style
The pacing is deliberately slow, especially in the first half. This is a true slow-burn romance. Some readers might find the beginning a bit too cold or introspective, but Ana Huang’s decision to let the characters evolve at their own pace pays off by the end.
Her prose remains clean, modern, and emotionally charged. The inner monologues, especially from Dante’s perspective, give insight into the emotional depth behind his cold exterior.
Check what readers say about: King of Envy by Ana Huang
Reader Feedback – What Are Fans Saying?
Here’s a snapshot of common King of Envy reviews across platforms like Goodreads and Amazon:
What readers love:
- Dante’s emotional growth and redemption arc
- Vivian’s graceful strength and relatable struggle
- Realistic portrayal of cultural and family pressures
- Intense slow-burn chemistry
- Clean, strong writing
Common criticisms:
- The story starts slow
- Dante is hard to like at first
- Some wanted more external drama
Despite some pacing concerns, most readers gave the book 4 or 5 stars. It’s widely seen as one of the more emotionally layered books in the Kings of Sin series.
Comparison to Other Kings of Sin Books
If you’ve read the previous books like King of Wrath or King of Pride, you’ll notice that King of Envy takes a deeper emotional dive. It’s less about dramatic plot twists and more about internal conflict and emotional intimacy.
- King of Wrath: More enemies-to-lovers drama
- King of Pride: More outward charm and social tension
- King of Envy: Quiet intensity, emotional coldness, and slow transformation
Each book in the series stands on its own, but reading them in order gives better context for character cameos and world-building.
Who Should Read King of Envy?
Recommended for:
- Fans of slow-burn romance
- Readers who enjoy morally grey heroes
- Fans of Ana Huang’s Twisted and Kings of Sin series
- Romance readers who appreciate emotional tension and high-stakes attraction
Avoid if:
- You prefer fast-paced romance with instant chemistry
- You dislike emotionally repressed characters
- You want high-action plots with major external conflicts
Check the Book: King of Envy by Ana Huang
Final Verdict – Is King of Envy Worth Reading?
If you’re searching for a character-driven, emotionally intense romance with real depth, King of Envy delivers. Ana Huang has mastered the art of slow-burning tension, and this book shows her growth as a writer. It’s not perfect—the pacing may test some readers’ patience—but the payoff is emotionally satisfying and narratively rich.
This is one of those books that grows on you the deeper you go. It may not be the flashiest in the Kings of Sin lineup, but it’s arguably one of the most emotionally resonant.
