I was born a princess among criminals. An untouchable among thieves. Heiress to a life others have killed for, and one I’d do anything to escape. I vowed not to leave without Diego, my first love and best friend, but if his ruthless brother has his way, I won’t leave at all.Cristiano de la Rosa is a man as big and bold as his legend. Once upon a time, he was our cartel’s best soldier . . . until … . . until he became my family’s worst enemy. And a man like Cristiano will bend fate to his will to get what he wants—even if it means tearing me from another’s arms.
Because in the de la Rosa family, old grudges run deeper than loyalty, and betrayal is a three-letter word: war. But this feud isn’t between enemies—it’s between brothers. And I’m the prize.
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Jessica…when you’re good, you’re great. When you’re different, you’re on another level. When you write these woven tales of deceit, suspense, star crossed lovers and epic love…you’re just you.
Violent Delights is another inspired tale of love and angst, with a complicated and addicting twist that will have you riveted.
And the steam, hot looks and undeniable chemistry will have you needing to cool down!
Book 2 in this series promises to be a ride!
What the mother…how could you leave me hanging!! I finished this book hours ago and my heart rate still isn’t back to normal. When I started the book, I thought I would figure out quickly how the story was going to go but the more I read, the more the plot thickened and I soon realized that I had no idea what was happening. This book is an epic masterpiece in the world of organized crime. I devoured this entire book in no time and I still have no idea who to trust, or what the end game is; all I know is that I am absolutely dying for more. This is a book of deceit, family, revenge and a bit of forbidden love. It is super intense and will have you racing to find out what happens next.
This is the first book in this author’s White Monarch trilogy and in it we get to watch a mafia princess fall in love with her childhood friend. Their history is what formed the bond they hold so tight, no matter what they have always had each other but now the past comes back to haunt them and they have to discover where their true loyalty lies.
I can’t not recommend this book enough and it definitely needs to be at the top of your TBR!
What the mother…how could you leave me hanging!! I finished this book hours ago and my heart rate still isn’t back to normal. When I started the book, I thought I would figure out quickly how the story was going to go but the more I read, the more the plot thickened and I soon realized that I had no idea what was happening. This book is an epic masterpiece in the world of organized crime. I devoured this entire book in no time and I still have no idea who to trust, or what the end game is; all I know is that I am absolutely dying for more. This is a book of deceit, family, revenge and a bit of forbidden love. It is super intense and will have you racing to find out what happens next.
This is the first book in this author’s White Monarch trilogy and in it we get to watch a mafia princess fall in love with her childhood friend. Their history is what formed the bond they hold so tight, no matter what they have always had each other but now the past comes back to haunt them and they have to discover where their true loyalty lies.
I can’t not recommend this book enough and it definitely needs to be at the top of your TBR!
What a tangled incredible web Jessica has thought through in bringing this story to life. Natalia is the princess in a Mexican drug cartel and her life is uprooted when her mother is murdered. She has always relied on her confidante Diego who is estranged from his brother Cristiano. This book has so many complexities to it and given this is the first book the foundation is laid for an incredible journey ahead.
All I can say to keep this spoiler free is I think the characters have all been described and brought to life in the most amazing of ways and I love all the intricacies of them. Lines are blurred at times and being a cartel book you have no idea who is truly trustworthy in the whole scheme. The characters have such great dimension and left me questioning everything I had based my original opinion on which I loved.
Book 2 — it’s time…….
5 SEXY CARTEL STARS!! OMG….This book will be in my favorites for 2019. The story of Natalia, Diego and Cristiano starts out with a bang and finishes with a bang. I was on the edge of my seat all the way through with all the angst and danger. These two hot as sin brothers wanting Natalia, pulls out all their hotness and danger to win her. Wow….after 24 hours, I still can’t stop thinking of this book. This is a MUST 1-CLICK book for 2019, so what are you waiting for.
I apologize in advance for any mistakes but I write this review after a sleepless night … BECAUSE I COULDN’T PUT DOWN THIS BOOK EVEN FOR A SECOND! Jessica Hawkins has created such a captivating story that it’s impossible to stop reading. Blurb immediately captured my interest but what I’ve read outgrew all my expectations… The suspense is simply addictive. I have no idea how I can handle the wait for the second part… I’m completely hooked and I want more!
Natalia Cruz is the princess of the Mexican cartel. As the daughter of a drug lord, she knows what this life is about and that’s why she wants to create a new life far from this world with her beloved. However, Diego de la Rosa is a part of the cartel and has obligations towards it. Another obstacle on the way to their happiness is Diego’s older brother -Cristiano, who after 11 years has returned as a prodigal son. Power struggle, manipulations, lies and family feuds – this is just the tip of the iceberg, what is Violent Delights. The events in this story take such an unexpected turn that at the end you question everything you have learned so far. Jessica Hawkins has made from this book a mind game that doesn’t let you stop thinking and analyzing. And at the end it turns out that you have been manipulated in the same way as the heroine.
This book begins with a big bang and ends with an even bigger one. Jessica’s writing style is compelling and the story she described is original and shocking. I can’t wait to get following books in my hands! The White Monarch Trilogy is a MUST READ!
Are you ready for your next book hangover? Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Natalia, Diego and Cristiano are in a triangle… maybe love, but definitely heartache, lies and violence! This story has started me on a ride that I know i don’t want to get off of… I can’t wait for the next book! What team are you #TeamDiego #TeamCristiano for #TeamNatalia? Give me more Cristiano…. now!
I was blown away by Violent Delights!! This new series is going to be epic! I was instantly hooked and couldn’t put my kindle down! Jessica’s writing is flawless and flows smoothly. I have so many feelings about this book. I personally like Diego and Cristiano! Don’t ask me to pick one, because that is just not possible at this point! I can’t wait for book two!!!
Review This first installment of the White Monarch series was a one way ticket to a spring break you’ll not soon forget. Natalia and brothers/enemies Diego and Cristian entangle in an explosive triangle that drew me in from the prologue. ” My brother’s using you to light the fire, but don’t forget – a match also burns.” Natalia Lourdes is no shrinking violet, and the world she’s trying to keep out of is also pulsing through her veins. Fast paced, beautifully written and intense. Well done!
This was a new to me author and being a first in series I felt it was the perfect time to jump in and test the waters
Violent Delights opened with a bang, literally capturing my curious nature right from the start and closed leaving my inquisitive nature dangling off a cliff (yes it is a cliffhanger but ohhhh so worth it!)
The story is mostly from Natalia’s POV we do get a chapter or two where Cristiano and Diego get their voice in – This worked perfectly with the storyline as both of them seemed to hold secrets that IMO may be game changers.
I do not want to give out any spoilers as Hawkins crafted such a delicate timeline of events dotted with small clues (I almost missed one I actually went back a bit when I rethought a characters wording)
“Loyalty didn’t guarantee loyalty, even to your own blood. Anyone, even the most loyal disciple, could turn” – Cristiano
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy a touch of suspense and a bit of mystery in your romance, let us not forget the sexy leading man. Yes, I have chosen sides but I know this could change as events unfold in book two. Even if the whole love triangle thing (which it is but it isn’t) is not your cup of tea. The storyline and the cast make this an entertaining and engaging read that you do not want to pass up.
The copy I read was comp.
I need book two now
Ok WOW – this book!!!!! Can I please fast forward a few months in order to get the next book in the series!?!? I am DYING for more of this story!! I devoured this book, and I mean stayed up way too late, under the covers with my kindle lit up, ignoring my husband, my kids and my dogs. Diego, Cristiano and Natalia demanded all of my attention and they easily got it!
I have read very few cartel books, and Jessica Hawkins wrote the dark underworld secrets and betrayal of cartel families brilliantly! I was hooked from the Prologue. These characters are so real and raw from even the youngest of ages. There is chemistry, and a history of family bonds and loyalty that you just know will be tested over the years and I was completely consumed from the beginning.
Without spoiling anything, this book is full of mystery and twists, and you will find yourself glued to the pages until you finish it – and then you will want more. I was constantly theorizing in my head what had happened, or what could happen, in anticipation of what was to come. I was nervous for the heroine, as much as I was excited for her. And while you may find yourself rooting for the hero, there is a much deeper, darker pull and presence and I AM HERE FOR IT! I loved the chase, the possessiveness, and the protective nature of these men; and the fearlessness of Natalia. She may be young and in denial of wanting the cartel lifestyle, but she is not afraid to look the most evil of men in the eye. I know she is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the next book, and I can’t wait for it.
The slow burn and seduction in this book will leave you breathless and wanting more, and the storyline will leaving you hanging on by a thread not wanting to let go. I know there is still so much more to come in this series, and I am ready! Well done J Hawkins!!
I honestly don’t even know how to describe my feelings on this book. It was one of the most heart pounding, make you sweat books I have ever read! You will think you have everything figured out only to be completely wrong. This one will have your emotions ALL over the place. It does end on a huge cliffhanger that will have you begging for more.
Battle between brothers to win the heiress…the respect…the power…and the empire.
Jessica Hawkins spun a great story of deceit and mistrust. Like most drug cartel families there is danger, deceit, and mistrust. With all these elements she also factored in betrayal and violence with a hint of romance.
Main characters: Cristiano brother of loyalty. Diego brother of respect. Natalia daughter of curiosity. Costa father of power.
I liked the deceit and mistrust of the storyline between brothers, yet I wish there was more of a backstory between them. I’m referencing what is typical knowledge about drug cartel members from other books to understand the dilemma these members are in. However, I don’t like doing that because Jessica is nothing but unpredictable. Her storylines are original even when writing about familiar genres. Jessica layers her characters with an array of unconventional situations stacking up the forbidden level.
I found some of the commentary was repetitive with both brothers rehashing the same words over and over again. I had hoped this feud between brothers would have progressed into something more dangerous. Maybe the next book will produce something more sinister.
What can lies take you for? Jessica had brought the gripping story with stunning vengence, deceit, lies and complicated love. This Cartel romance was beyond hurt! I cant stop the pain but the pain created a masterpiece story!
Natalie DeLa Rosa was born into the life of darkness, politic and ruthless cartel. The story was painful and full of lies.. boy, its not an easy life
I was drawn with the depth of story… It was complicated.. full with a life energy.. a slow burned romance without having less of it. I am calling for anti hero.. The monster that you hate.. So crazy good!
I’m so happy and super beyond excited for the rest of this series.
This book was an amazing introduction of all the characters. Many characters and especially Diego, Natalia and Cristiano.
I did NOT expect what I got from this story #Great Yes, I was stoked to read it and once I found myself in their world I couldn’t turn away. The setting in Mexico was a nice change. Jessica Hawkins IMO did an amazing job with the Spanish that is used throughout.
QUOTE ~ “Once a man gets a taste of power, his need for it surpasses hunger. It’s a sickness that demands more.” ~ ~
Excitement. Action. Betrayal. Loyalty. Deception. AND LOVE the blind kind.
QUOTE ~ I give honesty where I get it. You’ll find me dead before you find me a liar.” ~ ~
QUOTE ~ “This is a game, Natalia, and you have to play— or you’ll lose. Learn your lesson should someone care enough to teach you. And never doubt that you are a prize to hold tight.” ~ ~
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2
To say I was trepidatious before starting this book would be an understatement. It involves a love triangle, which I don’t usually like to read about, and a Mexican cartel, and everyone knows that life is not sunshine and rainbows. It’s more like hand grenades and machine guns. So I picked the book up with a little tinge of fear of what I was about to read. I read the prologue, and I was hooked. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next.
The dynamic between Natalia, Diego and Cristiano was intense. Natalia’s family took in the de la Rosa brothers after their parents were killed, and Cristiano and Diego joined the ranks of her father’s army. One catastrophic event tears their family dynamic apart and sets in motion the wheels of betrayal, revenge and lies.
Jessica keeps the readers guessing as to who is telling the truth, what actually happened 11 years ago that turned Natalia’s world upside down, and who can be trusted now. All Natalia wants to do is to leave the Cartel life behind forever with her love Diego by her side, but Cristiano has returned to clear his name, and to right the wrongs that happened in the past. Blood is thicker than water, and loyalty is everything in their world, but what happens when your own blood doesn’t trust you?
My heart was in my throat leading up to the end of book 1, and I am DYING for book 2, like right now! I can’t wait to see what is in store for Natalia in the next two books. Jessica has set this story up in such a way that everyone is going to pick one brother over the other based on what little information we have so far. But there’s little tidbits woven through the story that if you’re paying close attention, you will definitely pick one brother over the other. At least that’s what I did. And I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up changing my mind a couple of times before this trilogy is complete!
I can’t wait for June to get here with book 2!
4.5 stars. Natalia Cruz learned early in life that blood is inevitable, family means everything and not everyone can be trusted – this comes with being a cartel princess. She also has her own memories that have clouded her thoughts since childhood, as muddled as they are. I wouldn’t say that Natalia is naive, but she is most definitely impressionable, curious and stubborn. Once her mind has been made up, she is difficult to persuade otherwise, even if she doesn’t have all of the information. She doesn’t want to live amidst constant violence, bloodlust and greed for power so she is hoping to move to California with the love of her life and be dissociated from all of that.
Natalia is very young, so I gave her wide berth for that because she sees what she wants to see, and not what’s really there. When I read the synopsis for this book, I already sensed discord brewing between the 2 brothers, Diego and Cristiano, with Natalia in the middle. I was immediately partial to one of them and then after seeing one of the teasers, I remained firm on that side of the court. As I was reading the book, I had the perspective of an observer through Natalia’s POV, where I could pick up clues of the things that she could not see right in front her because she refused to. Diego and Cristiano are both older than her, so they have seen and lived the ways of the cartel firsthand, experienced loss and betrayal and the rise to power, whereas Natalia is mostly sheltered from it. But they have completely different ways of interacting with Natalia because of their experiences. One of them tries to convince her of his worthiness with words but very little action behind it, while the other does nothing to deny her claims against him knowing the effort is futile, but his movements speak volumes. It will likely take time for Natalia to see who really has her best interests at heart. To me, there’s no contest as to whom is right for her.
I loved the tension forming because Natalia’s gut is speaking to her, even if she has set the speaker sound down on low. The characters and plot have been set up in such a way that the reader is constantly dangled with tidbits that keep one engaged, but still enticed to figure out the rest of the story. There is so much information that is being kept from Natalia and I am definitely eager for more answers, but at this time, the truth will not set her free because she has to have her own self journey to discover it. The prologue started with a bang, but even the end of this closes with a bang, too, in cartel style. I can’t wait to see where this story leads next.
Phew. This book was a whirl wind of back and forth. Am I rooting for Diego or am I rooting for Cristiano?! Who do I believe?! This story had lots of tragedy throughout Natalia’s life and where her journey has led her. Two brothers who find her alluring. Both are involved in the cartel’s lifestyle. Both “technically” aren’t good for her. BUT, Jessica Hawkins wrote such an enticing story that you still root for the “bad” guys.
This book still has Jessica’s normal writing style but with a twist. I feel like this book is a tad different than what I’ve read in the past. It has a lot of layers and it takes time to peel them back. This book definitely kept me on my toes and I can’t wait for the next one to find out what happens next.
What this book lacks in subtlety it makes up for in edge-of-your-seat drama.
Jessica Hawkins uses a Mexican cartel as the jumping point for this first book in a trilogy, introducing you to Natalia Cruz and the two brothers who want to claim her, Cristiano and Diego. It will take you about six chapters (and that’s if you’re only half paying attention) to figure out which brother is the good guy. It takes Natalia a whole lot longer, so don’t be embarrassed if the news comes as a shock.
This book is a set up for the rest of the trilogy. Jessica Hawkins takes you deep into the Cruz cartel’s world, letting you meet various players, including Natalia’s father. You meet drug runners, murderers, and saboteurs. It is difficult, at times, to root for any of them, knowing what they do for a living. Hawkins does her best to humanize these people (drug thugs: they’re just like you!), but ever present in the back of your mind is the knowledge that these people are not the sort you want to know in real life.
You come for the love triangle, and that’s why you stick around. Will Natalia realize which man’s intentions are pure? Will she put her heart at risk with blind loyalty? Like I said, you will know the answers before she does. She’s only twenty, after all, and has led a fairly sheltered life, despite the family business.
Of course the book ends on a cliffhanger. My hope is that Natalia doesn’t spend the second book still dithering between brothers, but if anyone can pull that off, it’s Jessica Hawkins. She packs this book with so much action that you will feel breathless as you read it. One action missing: hot headboard rocking. Jessica Hawkins even makes that okay, though. There is one scene, and you’ll want more. And then you realize that this long, slow burn will have a tremendous payoff
Jessica Hawkins is one of my favorite authors who never fails to disappoint!
This is book 1 in the White Monarch Trilogy. It has intrigue, mystery,slow burn, tension, power plays, deception, tested loyalties, doubt, confusion, love and a level of passion that’s building…If that doesn’t make you want to read this amazing story then I don’t know what will! I really don’t want to spoil this by giving away anymore! You really just have to read it to learn that it’s more than a cartel way of life (Not mafia). It’s simply fascinating! Can’t wait for book 2!