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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OMG, what an original execution of this concept! Angsty and steamy, with some super sexy alpha males and a really fun, exciting setting. Don’t miss this one!
The blurb was appealing to me,but let me tell you honestly:The blurb is the only thing that was worth reading when it comes to this book.
It did started good for me.The first chapter was really good,but then it just became to boring.
Everything was so much boring.Especially the characters.
The plot went to hell at some point and my attention came to life only at the end…but I’m not sure whether I’ll be picking up the next book.
And there is one thing that good on my nerves really bad…the love triangle.If it was intended for it to spicy up this book the author had failed…I don’t think that I ever read more boring triangle.
And which guy would,in his right mind,tell the girl he loves “to marry another man” cause that will help them all?
This just was so bad.
But I see that many people have liked it so feel free to try it out.
Five monarch stars! This book is completely unputdownable.
Before I start this review, let me tell you that I’m #TeamCristiano! Sorry, not sorry but dark, possessive and dominant alpha men are my kryptonite. So what in the ever loving hell Jessica Hawkins!!!! Violent Delights! Gah!!!! I am speechless. I am breathless. I may need a few days to come down from this. And that ending was like putting a bullet straight to my heart!!!
I am not going to lie but this is my first rodeo at reading a book written by Ms Hawkins and believe me it won’t be the last one because I am highly addicted to her witty and oh so consuming writing. What a way to get addicted to a new series! I was hooked and bewitched from the first chapter. The plot wrapped me like hot lava burning all my senses in the best way possible. The intensity and the suspense level had me at the edge of my seat.
Los giros y vueltas de la trama fueron fantásticos, me encantó no tener una idea de lo que iba a pasar a continuación. La angustia me mató por completo, me perdí en la historia y luego quedé devastada cuando llegué al final. No tengo idea de a dónde irá esta historia, pero ciertamente voy a disfrutar del viaje.
Damn it! I am not ok after reading this dangerous and overwhelming masterpiece. This book was absolutely amazing and unique in its kind. Literally, my heart stopped to beat. I devoured every word. Realmente me impresionó el desarrollo de la historia y todos los elementos que la autora tomó para crear una obra maestra literaria envuelta en el mundo de los carteles. There is no doubt that she did and great research for setting Violent Delights in the underworld of the Mexican cartels and drug Lords!
The danger, the innocent love, the carnal and savage lust add more and more to the love triangle of Natalia and De La Rosa brothers. Everything of their story form a messy web of lies, power, manipulation and lust. Such a toxic and dark mix. It is poetically wrong and sinfully consuming. Like opening the gates of hell to set free the evil to sin.
I’m pretty jealous of Natalia’s luck because two handsome and dangerous men want her. Diego showers her with “chaste love” born of their friendship and Cristiano shows her fear and wicked lust and indecent passion. One was born a manipulator and the other was born a hunter. Desire or love? That’s Natalia’s question.
What is wrong with Natalia loving Diego and craving Cristiano? Nothing. Because both brothers are like the sun and the moon, like water and oil. Different but intense in their own way. Their relationship is tainted with mistrust and hate. It is broken however they are still family, a family stained by blood and hunger of power. There is an undeclared war between them. What one wants the other wants it to and this is going to put Natalia in their midst, like a lamb to sacrifice for the lions.
Y’all! I can’t say it enough! Read this today! Like now! Jessica Hawkins is the queen of equality, dark, angst & steam! This book will live with you forever! The conflicting emotions, the betrayal, the love, the lust, the fear, will weigh heavily on you. Es todo un rompecabezas que espera ser resuelto. LA ACCIÓN. EL SUSPENSO. EL ¿EN QUIEN PUEDO CONFIAR?. LA LEALTAD. LA FAMILIA. LA LUJURIA Y EL AMOR.
Slow burn and a great start to a new series.
Epic read!!
I struggle to write this review after the fifth night of dreaming I am Natalia and I am in the difficult position of being stuck in the middle of a war. The conflicting emotions, the betrayal, the love, the lust, the fear, weigh heavily on me when I open my eyes each morning. I was not only caught up in the story, I am now living it in my sleep. Violent Delights is, and this is a number one fan’s perspective, Jessica Hawkins’ most ambitious and well written novel yet. She takes us into the mind of the beautiful and naive Natalia, daughter of a Mexican cartel boss, and takes us on a twisted journey. She gives Natalia a life of sadness and hope, a life once filled with promise now bound by obligation. She gives us two men, brothers by birth, divided by choice, and gives us countless reasons to both desire and hate them. Cristiano is a brutally handsome, ruthless man, the dark de la Rosa son, while Diego is the light. The feud between brothers is old, their feelings run deep, and as truths are revealed Natalia and the readers are left wondering who is really the right brother to trust one’s life with.
“I had run away from all this, but the devil still tempted that stupid little girl.”
I cannot get over how quickly I became wrapped up in this story. While the premise and the trope is common in the romance genre and organized crime sub-genre, it is the storytelling that is unique. Jessica Hawkins kicks off this action-packed romance with a scene that is emotional and memorable. We are immediately protective over the heroine and yet we are also aware that all may not be as it seems. With time comes answers, but those answers reveal secrets and truths that can and do change the course of Natalia’s life. The bonds between family, friends, and lovers are tested as the business side of things, the side Natalia has tried to ignore and avoid, overflow into her life. I was so impressed with Jessica Hawkins’ transition into organized crime with this novel, especially with her previous releases being contemporary romance. Violent Delights felt realistic, the family business and the competitive nature of crime was very accurate in my opinion.
“Then I’d like to change my order. Please tell the heavens it is my dying wish to hear you scream.”
Violent Delights is the first novel in Jessica Hawkins’ new White Monarch series. While it does end on a cliffhanger, it was the perfect sort of cliff to jump off of. The novel introduces the characters and their complexities and immediately readers are in the center of a fast paced battle for power and for the girl. Like all Jessica Hawkins novels, this book is incredibly well written and is an amazing start to a new series from the Queen of Slow Burn Romance.
4.5 Killer Stars! It’s very hard for me to write this review without giving a spoiler. I had very strong feelings for each of the brothers in the beginning and knew where I wanted them to end up. That being said, I am very pleased with the pace of the story and the way Jessica can write a setting as a major character. It’s visually compelling and though it’s light on the angst, in my opinion, it’s making way for another amazing series. Jessica is really good at writing epic sagas, and this is no exception! I can’t wait for the next book!
If you have never had the pleasure of reading Jessica Hawkins’ work, I challenge you to read these words:
“It was a kiss that promised lovemaking in one breath and fucking in the next. He drew away, leaving me gasping. I kept my eyes closed as the silence grew weighty between us. Why did giving into his kiss feel like walking into darkness—a temptation I knew I should resist?”
Now I implore you to read everything she has ever written. She does not disappoint. Ever.
4.5 Stars
As the daughter of one of Mexico’s most notorious cartel bosses, Natalia Cruz is no stranger to the dangers of life in her father’s home. Attending school in the US, there are very few things that she misses from her old life… and her best friend, Diego de la Rosa is one of them.
With the love that Natalia and Diego share being one of the purest and most true things in her world, when an old ghost shows up to threaten them, the future they have envisioned for themselves will be put to the ultimate test.
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Violent Delights is the heart stuttering introduction to the completely unforgettable White Monarch trilogy. Dark, sexy and filled with twists and turns, I was floored with this remarkable and unexpected read showcasing the multi-faceted talent of author Jessica Hawkins.
In the beginning of the tragic saga of the Cruz and de la Rosa families, the tangled love between Natalia and Diego that has been simmering since childhood is finally getting closer to the happily ever after that they have always dreamed of. Marriage, children, and safety… all far away from the dangerous world of the Mexican cartel.
Natalia is blinded by her love for Diego. A strong woman who was raised within the confines of the cartel, she has never wished to return to the world that has already taken so much from her. But, her love for her father and her desire to marry Diego continue to keep her tied to the dangerous life she no longer belongs to.
Diego’s character feels like he is someone who is on the precipice of doing terrible things. Professing his love for Natalia with flowery words and utter dedication, he fully supports her wish to relocate to California and build a life together. But, the sweet side he shows to Natalia may not be the real Diego…
Cristiano de la Rosa is unapologetically dark and depraved. Accused of the ultimate betrayal, he disappeared from the Cruz estate to never be seen again… at least as much as Natalia can hope that he is really gone forever…
Natalia’s story is just getting started, and if the rest of the trilogy is anything like what we have seen already, we are in for one dangerously sexy and utterly twisted ride. With a cliffhanger that leaves your palms sweating, I am utterly desperate for the next installment… that doesn’t release until June!!! I seriously don’t know how I am going to wait on this one…
Book number two, Violent Ends is set to release 6/18/2019 and the conclusion, Violent Triumphs release date is 11/12/2019. Prepare to wait on pins and needles with me… because I think this trilogy is going to be SO WORTH IT.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Violent Delights was a good start to this series. It started off a little slow but picked up towards the end. However, since this is a trilogy, I’m interested to see where Hawkins takes us in the next two books. Rating: 3.5 Stars
This. Book. Is. Everything!!
The dictionary defines the word obsession as follows: an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind.
I have an obsession with this book. It’s everything I love about NA books rolled into one gorgeously covered stack of papers.
The power.
The corruption.
The chemistry.
THE TWISTS!
Who’s the villain? Who’s the hero? How the hell will this all play out?!?! I have no idea but I’m loving every. single. page of it! I know who I’m lusting for within the story and his name is Cristiano!
This ends on a cliffhanger…which doesn’t bother me at all (and I honestly don’t get the issue with a cliffy, especially if the author is releasing the books within the same year. But to each their own).
I already have the next 2 books pre-ordered!!
Read this series!!!! READ. IT.
“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.”
On a whim, I decided to sign up to read this because despite my savage hatred towards love triangles, I have an unhealthy obsession with dark cartel and mafia romances. Watching the intricacies weave together into an intriguing and captivating narrative leaves me undeniably ecstatic for all the sordid possibilities—my head is filled with multiple theories and assumptions! I have many thoughts running through my mind, with a myriad of questions accompanying them waiting to be answered.
“The truth is in you like a heart. Like blood in your veins. Like bones.”
I’m not quite certain what to mention, or where to begin really, other than this story is beautifully bitter and tragically sweet with an innocent Natalia caught within a feud between two disgruntled brothers, Diego and Cristiano, who couldn’t be anymore different. One’s kind, hiding behind a cleverly disguised facade; the other is darker, unapologetically ruthless and merciless with a cold, but brilliant persona. I knew where my heart would align itself before this even began.
Read this with an open mind as your allegiances will be challenged by certain enigmas and despite the disgusting albeit delightful love triangle moments, this is sinfully decadent and wonderfully enchanting. Violent Delights is quickly forming into a favourite delicious slow burn forbidden romance of mine, a perfect beginning to what will become an enthralling trilogy brimming with deceitful actions and manipulative words.
“With me, you always have a choice. You’re not beholden to my wishes, but I hope you’ll still carry them on your wings and deliver them for me.”
Without an ounce of doubt, I’m entranced by this suspense filled, all-consuming narrative that sends your heart beating tenfold and your emotions soaring as the cunning deception and shrewd scheming overflows across the pages. If you love cartel settings; two, competitive brothers irrevocably different, vying for the same woman’s attention and affection; a romance darker and gritter than standard, pick this up. Hold onto your wits and emotions—Jessica Hawkins doesn’t hold back!
Damn what a storyline with so many twists. Two brothers wanting the same woman is a cause for drama and trouble. Natalia the prized possession saw things when she was small that no kid needed to see. Diego and Cristiano two brothers that disliked each other because they wanted the same thing, Natalia. The betrayals, the twists and the secrets will have you glued. And the cliffhanger?!?! Has me checking my calendar to see how soon Book 2 will be out. This is one book that I can honestly say that I have no idea the outcome in book 2 after that cliffhanger.
Wow! So many things to say without giving anything away! I am not usually a fan of a slow burn, but I am officially addicted to this series! There is so much going on in this story without it being overwhelming – it was perfect. I cannot wait for book two – Violent Delights ended on one heck of a cliffhanger!
Holy cow. I hate cliffhangers. HATE them….so I need to really love an Author and trust them if I know I’m getting into something that could end with a cliffhanger. Fortunately for me, I love and trust Jessica Hawkins because let me tell you-this book was great.
If you read this blurb and think it’s going to be mafia heavy and hesitate against reading it-I urge you to try it. This takes a different look at that kind of book. I mean, there’s families and cartels but it wasn’t overwhelming for a reader like me.
These characters? They were amazing. The set up of the dynamics between them absolutely works. I am not going to spoil anything, but I’ve picked a side in this triangle already. It wasn’t an easy decision-because I can understand multiple sides here-but it’s going to take a lot for me to switch sides in this case! I’m anxious to see what these characters will get up to next.
Jessica Hawkins took a topic I wasn’t sure I’d love and pulled me right into the story. I was there with these characters and I felt for them. That’s just talent right there. The writing flowed, the pacing really worked for me.
The ending of this book-even though I somewhat anticipated it-had me saying wow. Just wow. I’m not one to wish time away usually…but I’m ready for June so I can see what happens next in this series.
Books like this are difficult to review without spoiling-and spoilers are no fun. But I definitely enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
She warned us of another slow-burn/angst filled series and she did not disappoint! Violent Delights has been simmering with me for days now, and I fear it’s going to stay that way until the next book releases in June, or more likely until the series is concluded. Jessica Hawkins just keeps reiterating why she should be on everyone’s one-click author list. Her storytelling is layered, with her attention to detail spot on. Natalia, Diego, and Cristiano as the lead characters were just fantastic! They each have a darkness that speaks to them that adds so much to the intrigue and suspense of the story. This new White Monarch world has it all–competing brothers, redemption and revenge, the gritty Mexican cartel underworld, dark unseen motives…and this is only the beginning. I can’t wait to read more! Brava Jessica–5 stars for Violent Delights!
Violent Delights has been one of my top most anticipated reads from the moment it was announced! I freaked out when it landed on my Kindle! I loved this story so much! This was an Unputdownable read for me from the beginning to the very end. It put my heart through it all and oh how I couldn’t get enough of it!
Ms.Hawkins has done it once again! I’m still thinking about this story and have such a book hangover. I cannot wait for Violent Ends!
Violent Delights, is the first book in this new mafia series.
It’s a twisted story about one girl and two brothers!
I thought it started a bit too slow, but after awhile it got better. With each twist I felt my blood pumping faster, and with that ending, I thought my heart stopped!
-Stina, Book Haven Book Blog.
What a delightful book to read!
This one has everything I love: angst, unpredictable plot, strong characters, slow burn and a suspenseful end.
The story kept me glued to my Kindle and I couldn’t put it down until the last page!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, where Cristiano will be up front and running the show!
Violent Delights by Jessica Hawkins is book one in her White Monarch series.
Natalia is the daughter of a mexican crime boss, a cartel leader. She’s his princess and grews up in wealth and sheltered. Her best friend is Diego, a boy the family took in. When his brother Cristiano does the unthinkable everything changes. Fast forward, many years later, Natalia is back from boarding school and she wants nothing more than a relationship with Diego de la Rosa and to take him away from the violent criminal life he leads.
Violent Delights is an ok read. The story is good and the writing is great. I liked the story and the characters. It took me some time to get into the story. All in all I enjoyed the book and give 3,75 stars.