Review of Wicked Knight: Knight’s Ridge Empire, Book 1
There are those books that sneak up on you, lurking in the shadows of your TBR pile, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. Wicked Knight by Tracy Lorraine was one of those for me. As a lover of dark romances and high-stakes tension, I was immediately intrigued by its premise—especially with the tantalizing blend of mafia themes and high school dynamics. Lorraine, already a celebrated name in the world of dark romances, does not disappoint in this opening act of the Knight’s Ridge Empire series.
The story revolves around Stella Doukas and Sebastian “Seb” of the Knight Ridge crew, both of whom are entangled in a complex web of revenge, past grievances, and undeniable chemistry. What struck me most was how Lorraine deftly navigates the themes of vengeance and self-discovery. Stella’s fierce determination to claim her truth gets readers rooting for her from the very start. She’s not just a pretty face; she’s a force to be reckoned with, and her strength contrasts beautifully with Seb’s alpha tendencies and simmering anger. Their relationship is a classic push-pull dynamic that kept me on the edge of my seat, oscillating between hate and simmering attraction.
What Lorraine excels at is crafting characters that feel real, flawed, and infinitely relatable. Seb is a quintessential “alphahole,” harboring a grudge that affects everything—especially his budding feelings for Stella. His internal conflicts brought a depth to his character that often had me reflecting on how grudges can both bind us together and isolate us. I found myself captivated by their exchanges, where layers of resentment peel away to reveal vulnerability underneath. Seriously, that tension? Chef’s kiss!
One of the standout aspects of the book is Lorraine’s writing style. The narrative flows smoothly, punctuated by poignant moments that resonate without dragging on excessively. I did notice some pacing issues; a few scenes felt repetitive, almost like they lingered a little too long. However, the character development shone through, making the journey worth it. The steamy moments between Stella and Seb are not just physical; they resonate with emotional weight, heightening their interactions and drawing you deeper into their world.
As I read, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the current obsession with dark anti-heroes. Lorraine cements her place in this genre while daring to challenge conventional tropes. One particularly impactful line encapsulated Seb’s struggle with his feelings: “When the truth cuts deeper than a lie, how do you even begin to heal?” This echo of self-awareness and conflicting desires hung in the air, and I felt it long after turning the last page.
In conclusion, Wicked Knight is a must-read for fans of dark mafia dramas intertwined with high school angst. If you love characters that are fiery and flawed, and appreciate a story that explores deep-rooted themes wrapped in romantic tension, grab this book. Lorraine’s blend of grit, heart, and heat promises to keep readers captivated—and trust me, you’ll be left craving more as the series unfolds. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!
You can find Wicked Knight: Knight’s Ridge Empire, Book 1 here >>