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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Thank you Give Me Books for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Violent Delights
White Monarch #1
By: Jessica Hawkins
*REVIEW*
As a new to me author, Jessica Hawkins did not disappoint. I have only recently become a big fan of mafia stories, and Violent Delights is definitely one of the best I have read. Natalia is so young, beautiful and naive, although she does not realize her own ignorance because she is too young. Natalia has seen much too much in her life, and she wants no further part in the cartel’s operation. Unfortunately for her, the guy she wants, Diego, is a big part of her father’s business. Obviously, getting out of the cartel is almost impossible, and I felt like Natalia and Diego were doomed. There is another factor in play, however, and it is an important one-Cristiano, Diego’s older brother who fled years ago at criminal accusations. Natalie has seen Cristiano at his best, protecting her, and his worst, potentially killing her mother. Does Natalia really know either brother? Where has Cristiano been, and did he commit the murder of Natalia’s mother? Does Diego have an ulterior motive for being with Natalia? These brothers are dark and light, and these traits are fairly clear at first. The story winds this way and that, and the water becomes muddy. Natalia is smack in the middle of something bigger than her, and there are so many questions. Who can you trust? Who does Natalia love, and what does she desire in life? I was completely absorbed in this story! It is cleverly crafted and well written with complex characters, love, loss, lies, betrayal and heat. I was stunned at the end, and I will immediately seek answers in the next book, Violent Ends.
One of my all time favorite reads, I recommend this book to any reader romance reader or not this is the book for you! I love it all the story, the angst the attitude from Natalia the sexiness from Cristiano its all amazing.
Jessica Hawkins became one of my favorite authors over the past few years. Her writing has always been so eloquent. Her characters all well developed and so easy to fall in love with. Their journey to one another; their story – each told so differently and so beautifully; it was easy to put her in the list of my favorites. One I had to stalk and read EVERY. SINGLE. WORD.
When I heard she was writing Violent Delights; the excitement I felt couldn’t be contained. One of my favorite tropes (mafia) written by one of my favorite authors? I almost died. No. Seriously. Then to find out what it was about? Ugh. DEAD again.
Violent Delights did NOT disappoint. I read this book straight through in one sitting. It’s so easy to read, so easy to fall into that you don’t realize how lost in the story you’re in till its 4am and you’re left speechless with your heart racing. Unsure if you should start the next book NOW because YOU NEED IT, or if you should at least take a nap first. lol
Natalia is such a beautifully strong, loyal and determined character. Cristiano. This man. THIS. MAN. I just about swooned each time his name came up on the kindle. Im absolutely in love with this protective alpha.
This is hands down my favorite Jessica Hawkins series. Im only one book in and Im about to start book 2 now.. But I already know, deep down in my gut; how phenomenal this story is going to turn out. Anything less wouldn’t be Jessica Hawkins. AAAH! I can’t wait for more!
“I wasn’t sure what aroused me more-Diego’s possessiveness or the idea of Cristiano boldly taking what didn’t belong to him.”
Violent Delights is the first book in the very talked about White Monarch series by Jessica Hawkins. I’m no stranger to Jessica’s angst filled stories. I fell in love with her Cityscape series years ago. When I read the synopsis to White Monarch, and heard enough about it from friends, I knew I needed to read it. Knowing I was going into a continuing series, I had a feeling the first book would be a little slow for me. Violent Delights in my opinion did a lot of setting up. The scenery, the characters, it was all pretty much a set up for the story to come. Though I liked it, it was definitely a slow paced story. That didn’t stop me from reading or being excited to start Violent Ends (book 2 in the series). I will say that though I found most of book 1 slow paced, towards the 90% mark I was FULLY IN. I finished book 1 at 12:20AM on a Thursday, and immediately started book 2 and continued to read it until 3:30 am!
If you’ve read Jessica in the past, you know to expect a book filled with angst, sexual tension, and possible love triangles. Violent Delights follows Natalia the de la Rosa brothers that she basically grew up with. I IMMEDIATELY knew which brother I was on sides with (I’m quick like that). The story takes place in the cartel life, and has a heavy mix of crime, violence, drugs, suspense, and a WHOLE LOT OF SEXUAL TENSION.
Like I said, book one for me set the story up, and once I was done I couldn’t start book 2 fast enough. I’m not sure where the story is headed, I can only hope Natalia winds up with the brother I love! LOL *wishful thinking*
Anyways, if you are a fan of romantic suspense, filled with two brothers pinning for the same girl, Violent Delights is for you!
Well my first taste of this author landed with a bang.
I’m not usually a fan of slow burn books, I like to get right down to the nitty gritty haha, but I can see why this talented author has done it this way. These characters and their story have so much depth that it wouldn’t work any other way.
One mafia Princess and 2 Mafia brothers from a rival family can only spell one thing, disaster. I so believed that Diego had Natalia’s best interests at heart and he truly did love her, but as the story unfolds and Cristiano returned from exile I started having doubts.
I love books that make me think and try to work out what happens next. I knew this would end in a cliffhanger but it wasn’t as bad as I expected, but still enough to ruffle my feathers. Looking forward to the next installment to see if my questions get answered
I have read a few books written by Jessica Hawkins and those books have emotionally slayed me. So when I heard that her newest series the White Monarch was going to be a cartel romance I was like I can add those to my want to read list and read them when I get a chance. If I would have known how lost I would get into this twisted world of revenge, lies, betrayal, love, and heartbreak, I would have dropped everything and read them on the days they were released.
Violent Delights had me with the feeling of looking over my shoulder and not knowing who to believe. I was swooning for a couples love but feeling guilty of eyeing a brother who should make me feel scared and weak but all I felt for Cristiano de la Rosa was weak in the knees. Christian exudes this alphaness that is hypnotizing and drew me into the story.
The storyline is strong, well written and the characters are intense. There are rules when it comes to the families of the cartels, which are loyalty, protection and stay away from the cartel kings daughter. Natalia Cruz is running away from her past and demons, running to her best friend who she loves and believes for a future beyond the cartel world, and should stay away from his brother who she swears is guilty of destroying her life and who is known as the devil himself.
Be ready for no sleep, I could not put this book down until I finished it at 3 in the morning. I was so happy that I had the next book in my hands because it left me wanting more.
5 Stars!
Hawkins has ruined me again with a book series. The angst, the suspense, the mystery and growing sexual tension between Natalia and the two would be suitors had me sitting on the edge of my seat to see who would become victor and what would become of the story.
We first see Natalia stumble upon her dead mother and Cristiano in the same room as her, looming over the body. Circumstances or not, his brother, Diego, calls for guards to arrest him for the murder. Cristiano then flees and a bounty put on his head.
Fast forward 11 years later and Natalia and Diego are planning to be away from her father, head of the cartel, so that they can both live an easy life. Diego holds some power and is making moves to earn money to set them up for their new life, however, things keep going horribly wrong – Cristiano is now back after proving his innocence and is powerful again.
There is so much suspense in the story, it is so engaging and extremely slow burn, all the things Hawkins slowly kills me with, but I love it!
The three main characters;
Natalia – she quite a naive character due to being protected most of her life and believes what she is told by Diego, her true love. She does have a feisty side though.
Diego – there is something about him that I’m not sure off. He seems nice enough, extremely caring and looks out for Natalia but is also selfish
Cristiano – although he doesn’t feature hugely, when he does his presence is domineering, commanding, sexy and alluring and I definitely swoon
This book hooked me right in and I devoured the pages, there’s lies, twists and turns and an epic cliffhanger that had me diving straight into book two!
*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene @ 83%
POV – Duel, but mainly heroine only
Hero (D) –
Hero (C) –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
I could not put this book down! The story drew me in from page 1. I loved how the story unfolded. Natalia, Cristiano, and Diego all have decisions to make. What seems good for Natalia at the start of the story may not be what is really good for her. She is trapped in the world of the Cartels. She wants desperately to escape that world, but keeps getting pulled back due to her love for Diego. As the story unfolds, we find out Diego might not be the right choice. There is a surprising twist and leaves us with a cliffhanger. I immediately went and bought book 2. I see it has another book after that also. I love that, because a story this good you never want to end. I am so glad I found this series!
Holy CRAP!!! What did I just read?!?!? What a tangled web of lies and deceit. If you are looking for a book that will leave you guessing then by all means Violent Delights is just that. There are so many twist and turns you are not sure what to believe.
Natalia the drug cartel princess is caught between two brothers. Some of it is her doing, but most is from Diego and Cristiano playing her as a pawn. Her heart belongs to 1 and her body responds to both. What is a girl to do? You need to read to find out, but be warned this is only the 1st book in this series and does end with a cliffhanger that will leave you with your jaw hitting the floor.
Jessica Hawkins is new to me author, and I am so glad I read this book. I can not wait to see what happens in the second one.
Just WOW!!! Absolutely swept away with the constant angst, extreme sexual tension and knock out alpha heroes!! OMG the book kept me turning pages well into the night. Each chapter reeling me in further until I just can’t stop!! The story delves into the Mexican cartels, bosses and hierarchy. Macho alpha brothers vying to take over the cartels while also wanting to dominate and conquer one woman. So looking forward to book #2 Violent Ends. I just can’t wait for more Christiano!!!
Jessica Hawkins has taken my breath away. This is an edge of your seat-what’s gonna happen next-holy moly I can’t get enough kind of book.
These Violent Delights are just the beginning. And I’ve never been more ready for a second book.
This book was amazing, couldn’t put it down!!!
I think the most intriguing part of the book
was Cristiano. So dark and mysterious.
He had to flee and become someone else.
Someone truly ruthless, unforgiving, and
menacing for a crime he was falsely accused of.
Now he’s back to clear his name and take
revenge on those he believes did him wrong.
Natalia is the main character,she’s naive, and
believes love conquers all. She wants no part
in the life she was born into, even though it runs
deep and I think deep down she really wants it.
She believes she’s in love with her best-friend
Diego(Cristiano’s little brother), but I think deep
down she knows it’s only infatuation & familiarity.
Now the two brothers are more at war because she’s
the one thing “the prize” they both want the most.
That cliffhanger almost killed me though, it was a little
unexpected but sooooo good!!!
I could not put this book down! I tried to wait till at least Violet Ends was published but I couldn’t wait. The plot, characters, and Spanish were perfect! Not only was this filled with so much raw emotion and eloquent plot, but as a Mexican-American reader it provided accurate representation. I was left on the edge of my seat *literally* the entire time I read Violent Delights! I’m almost left speechless because of how articulately Violent Delights was written! It’s no surprise how much I loved this work because of how amazing Jessica Hawkins is. I seriously cannot wait till Violent ends!
This book was just fantastic!! Natalia is a princes in a world full of villains. Her family is a powerful Drug Cartel. When something terrible happens she wants more than anything to leave the world she knows.
She can’t leave it all though she can’t leave her father and she has fallen for Diego he has slowly worked up the line in her fathers business. She wants more than anything to marry him and leave that life for good.
When she comes home for Easter a blast from the past and the cause of her nightmares re appeared and her world is turned upside down.
Is Diego all he promised or is something off? Did her memories get mixed up? How can her father change his mind and forgive so easily? Will Diego leave this life for a quaint life in the states?
I loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next one this book ends on a crazy cliff hanger!! I loved her writing style and the characters Natalia is a strong character. She is fierce and fights for her heart.
“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. ”
Violent Delights by Jessica Hawkins, the first book of the author’s new White Monarch series, is a sizzling new mafia romance with twists like any other. A story which focuses on mafia princess, Natalia and her struggle with losing her mother to a man she always thought of as a protector. The first man to let her down and teach her life lessons that she lives by 10 years later. Haunted by the day he left and the brother he left behind, Natalia thinks her life is as good as it can get. Ready to fight for her relationship with Diego, she has always been determined and certain her father would accept it. But when she sneaks into one of her father’s party, she is in for the ride of her life when a ghost from her past turns up at the most inconvenient time.
Her mind refuses to let her to entertain what her body already wants. Her love and loyalty to Diego and her father is questioned when Cristiano comes back to rock their worlds. She tells herself she hates him, but there’s some part of her deep down that shivers whenever she comes face to face with him. Violent Delights is an angst filled love story, with a sort of enemies to lovers. Secrets are uncovered and true colours are shown, and everything Natalia has ever known is being questioned.
Despite watching the love story between Natalia and Diego blossom from the beginning, once Cristiano comes back, it’s like we see him in a new light. All my emotions and heart is set on Cristiano, because who can resist a sexy jerk with the best intentions? It melted my heart to watch these characters fight for their lives, for their hearts and for their truth. I have always admired this author’s works but this is a whole other level. I am excited for the next book and this series overall. Such a fantastic book that demands your attention and your heart. Give it a shot!
A feud between two powerful brothers leaves Natalia Cruz as the prize for one! Cristiano and Diego De La Rosa were very close once until one night everything changed and they became enemies. Natalia is the princess in the Cruz Cartel. After a tragedy as a child she wants to live a normal life away from the Mexican Cartel and all the death that comes with. What will happen to Natalia when a war erupts between cartels and she ends up in the middle? This was a good start and introduction to the characters in this trilogy. I think all the action I was hoping for in this will definitely be in book two as this ends in a cliffhanger.
Holy Sh*t, Jessica Hawkins you ROCKED THIS BOOK!!!!! You have me shook!!!!!!! I need a life coach after this book, Cuz I don’t know what to do next!!!!!
“Believe me when I say, if Diego’s and my roles were reversed, I would hold you so tight, you would forget what it was to breathe. And I would not, for neither money nor power, ever send you into the fire just to see my enemy burn as he has done.”
Violent Delights was my first read by Jessica Hawkins… And WOW. I. AM. IN. LOVE. This is seriously my best read of 2019. Every single page of this story left me captivated and enthralled. I just could not devour the pages quick enough. This is not your average love story. Its is haunted, intense, and dark. And I LOVE it. This author knows how to bring the angst. I was hit with so many different feels this book. It was a perfectly spun wed of deceit, betrayal, and revenge. Violent Delights takes you on a intense, jaw dropping, ride you do NOT want to end. The dynamic between Natalia, Diego, and Cristiano had me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry these characters bring left me breathless. The suspense these characters brought, is what hooks me the most. They leave you no choice but to choose one brother over the other. I love a good love triangle, and man did this book deliever.
“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.”
Natalia has quickly become one of my favorite heroines. She was the perfect contradiction of haunted, curious, and brave. So many times I just wanted to shake her character for being so naive. While other times I couldn’t help but admire her determination and strength. Torn between the brother she loves, and the brother she loves to hate. Natalia’s character really takes you on a heart pounding journey.
“Cockroaches survive fire. Butterflies, on the other hand . . .” He tightened his hold on me. “They go up in smoke.”
Diego is one of those characters that leave you on the fence. I had a love hate relationship with him throughout this book. Something about him just always seemed to be to good to be true. I couldn’t help but feel his character had this air of deciet lurking just under the surface. Its almost as if Diego lives two lives. Everybody has secrets, but the funny thing about secrets is they don’t stay secrets forever.
“The Dust. That was what some had called Cristiano when he’d worked for my father. “Because he arrives on a cloud of dust, delivering death before the dirt clears.”
Cristiano is rapidly winning over my heart. What can I say, I’m a sucker for the bad boy. Everything about his character commands your attention. While demanding your heart. Cristiano is as intense, as he is mysterious. His character has this air of darkness that calls to your soul. I was entranced with his every word. Cristiano is a man you knows what he wants, and will stop at nothing to get it.
“Apparently, my discomfort amused him—but so did my fight. That didn’t surprise me. Cristiano would pinch a butterfly’s wings together just to watch her struggle.”
*5 STARS*
Will NEVER feel like enough, I wish I could give this book 10. This is one of the most consuming starts to a series I have ever read. I can NOT recommend this book enough. Like seriously you need to read it! I am beside myself waiting for book two! I NEED MORE!
partial cliffy ending. more like HFN with more to come
“She is mine.” Three words. Two different men.
A life, future, and love I don’t get to choose.
Violent Delights is book one in the White Monarch trilogy, an addicting new series from USA Today bestselling author Jessica Hawkins.