Hans is the last book in the Alliance series and let me tell you something. This is my favorite book in the entire series. There's just something about Hans that just... I love it. And I love Cassie! This story is different in the sense that from the first meeting, both characters are obsessed with each other. From the moment Cassie caught Hans off-guard and shook his hand, she was a goner.
Did I mention they're neighbors? Right across the street in a cul-de-sac!
This story is a bit more light-hearted than the others in the series. Light-hearted as in, there wasn't really any friction between Hans and Cassie. Even if it took over a year for them to have any other interaction since the first time they spoke, there still wasn't a major fight or Hans having to grovel. Don't get me wrong, I love a good grovel but when both characters are really into each other in the beginning? I will eat that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Compared to the other three books, this one starts from the man's perspective. We are introduced pretty quickly to his and Cassie's dynamic and how obsessed he is with her. At the same time, we see how into Hans Cassie is because how is it that after all this time, she's still bringing him something to eat? Despite not knowing if he actually eats it or not. She knocks but when he doesn't answer, she leaves the thing she made at his doorstep.
And Hans waits until she is in bed before grabbing it and stuffing his face. Even if it might not be something he likes, he will eat anything Cassie makes.
(Even if it isn't exactly... edible.)
But Cassie prevails! Her personality also hooks me in really easily. She's funny, a little scatter-brained, and not much can bring her down.
Now, when Cassie and Hans have their second interaction? It went from 0 to 100 very quickly. I mean, the last time they spoke to each other was over a year ago, when Cassie introduced herself to him. (Yearning... I think I love when characters yearn for each other, and they were definitely yearning for each other.) What was the tipping point? A birthday gift she got for herself, but it was delivered to Hans on accident.
Our man was jealous. There was barely a thought in his head as he made his way to Cassie's place, wanting to find out exactly who it was for.
(This scene was insane, not going to lie. If it was any other person, it would not seem okay. Just FYI.)
But now that the barrier Hans kept himself behind was broken, how can he go back to the status quo? He can't, basically. And when Cassie knocked on his door, wanting her gift back, he opened the door. And Cassie, being her friendly self, thought he wasn't feeling well and made him soup.
(He was fine... his voice was croaky because he was called away to... preform his job the night before. His profession is erasing certain bad people.)
Hans wasn't going to say no when she offered! Even if he already ate but Cassie doesn't need to know that.
Honestly, it gets a little funny after this. Hell, Hans meets her parents the day after this. And you can see how much of Cassie's personality comes from her parents. I love them. They're very friendly and are quick to pull Hans into their fold. But this scene is also heartbreaking because you learn a bit of Hans' back story. It was a bit cathectic for him as well -- it's been a while since he told the story or had anyone show him empathy for it.
And Cassie, with her big heart, healed a bit of him without realizing. Love this for him.
After this and a few other scenes, they're basically in it together. Everything Hans had to do to keep them safe, Cassie was right there. Instead of being frightened over who Hans is, she finds herself falling for him even more.
Once she is safely home, she's making a batch of cookies. This recipe... sounds interesting but I don't know if I'd be down to try it out. A sound outside catches her attention and to protect herself, she grabs a weapon. This leads to a series of events and eventually, Hans contacts the Alliance members. Which then leads to a hotel scene and Hans spilling his heart to Cassie.
Hans is a meticulous man. He plans for every scenario possible, which is clear when they head back to their homes. Even had backpacks packed for Cassie as they make their way away from the cul-de-sac.
(Cassie's a bit funny here. A hot man who is dangerous and is so clearly obsessed with her? Cassie said, 'sign me up!'. Hell, when she saw the number of cameras Hans had pointing towards her home, she asked him 'are you obsessed with me?'. This is not the normal response, but Cassie is thrilled. You go, girl.')
Also! All the women of the Alliance meet Cassie and I love it. I can imagine all of them being friends and it's amazing.
Now, let's talk about the climax in this story. Cassie gets kidnapped. Right under Hans' nose and his fear became a reality. But was never out of his sight the whole time(read the book and you'll know what I mean), and was able to track her down very quickly. Cassie is a fighter, too! She wasn't going to be taken down quietly. And at the end, she managed to also lift a weight off of Hans shoulder, freeing him from a nightmare he was constantly experiencing.
The ending is very sweet, and I love it. We see the POV of some of the previous characters and it really ties the whole series together. I think Hans was a perfect way to end this series.
Genre: Mafia/Dark Romance
FMC: Cassandra(also known as Cassie)
MMC: Hans
TLDR: Cassie and Hans were obsessed with each other from the get-go. The moment they had their second interaction, there was no one Hans could go back to the status quo from before. Unless the other three members of the Alliance, Hans isn't mafia or have men to fight with him. He also prepares for many scenarios, including having to take his neighbor, who is Cassie, with him if anyone came for him. This happens, leading to Cassie and Hans getting closer, and falling for each other harder. Eventually, the man Hans was chasing makes an appearance, leading to the ultimate stand-off. The ending of this book ties up Hans and Cassie story nicely, along with the series as a whole.
Now my thought on the series as a whole:
I liked how the FMC are on the bigger side of the scale -- I am not small myself. I felt like I could connect to them more. Also, each story had self-growth and healing, in different ways. Someone had familial trauma, others had insecurities. Some didn't think they deserve happiness, and the others showed them that it wasn't true. There were some moments of... insanity. I also love when the MMC are absolutely obsessed and so in love with their partner. And each man was this way! The women were a little insane themselves and I love that, too. Overall, I did like this series and will probably reread it if I have nothing else to read.
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