Sunday, October 2, 2022

Ace of Diamonds by Alta Hensley

Ace of Diamonds (Wonderland, #3)Ace of Diamonds is the final book in the Wonderland trilogy and conclusion to Nick Hudson and Lyriope Morelli's obsessive and maddening love as they seek to overcome the odds against them. Lyriope made some questionable decisions that frustrated me. I was confused by her sudden desire for Bryant Morelli's love and acceptance when he treated her horribly. Instead of accepting Nick's love and offer of freedom, she stayed in a situation that was abusive and harmful to her. In her attempt to gain her father's approval, Lyriope's naivety and need to be part of a family almost killed her. Nick, who has been watching on the sidelines and waiting all this time, wanted her to come to terms with her own situation before making his move. There was no doubt that he was ever going to let her go—she was his.
"Wonderland. It was my everything… Until she entered my life. Now it's her. Only her. She is my everything. And I believe she knows it."
Despite my frustrations, Nick and Lyriope's story was a whirlwind of emotions and all-consuming lust. The love scenes were incredibly erotic and dirty—Alta simply excels at building up the sexual chemistry of her characters. Nick's obsessive love for Lyriope was a heady thing to witness because he wanted to own all of her. The same can be said for Lyriope whose sexual inhibitions and desires flourished because of Nick. She was equally as obsessed and in love with him. However, Lyriope's decision to stay with her father also meant that she could not be with Nick. Bryant had arranged for her to be married immediately to the Sidorovs. I honestly had no expectations for Bryant Morelli. Lyriope deserved better. I wanted her to realize that he was never going to see her as his daughter and to stop making excuses for him. Unfortunately, she didn't come to this realization until the end.
"Nothing about you and me and the life we'll live will be ordinary. Our love is extraordinary. Our love crosses into madness, my queen, and I don't want it any other way."
In the end, I enjoyed Nick and Lyriope's tumultuous love story because it was unexpected, emotional at times, and extremely spicy. Even though Lyriope took some time to be the queen that Nick needed her to be, she was able to overcome her own shortcomings and forsake Bryant Morelli for her chosen family. We might be getting a book for Harrison, Nick's right-hand man, and Sasha Morelli—Lyriope's sassy and confident cousin. I'm rather curious about these two and hope Alta will be writing a book for them in the future. Fans of Alta Hensley and the Midnight Dynasty world will not want to miss out on this hot and steamy romance with many references to Alice and Wonderland. I recommend this trilogy to those who like reading the dark billionaire trope with a possessive and controlling "Mad Hatter" of a hero who will do anything to own his defiant and stubborn "Queen of Hearts."

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

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