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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Holy Hell!! This book! I’m honestly just mind blown! It was so good, I would give it 10 freaking stars!!!
The suspense, the twists, just everything is blowing my mind! I have a love hate relationship with this book! It tugged every string in my body! I can not wait to read this need the next book!!
What an awesome beginning to this trilogy! Violent Delights is everything I hoped for and then some. The plot twists, secrets, lies, and deceipt have you second guessing yourself constantly. By the end you’re completely turned around and left with more questions. Who can you really trust, who will win the girl, and what is really going on? As always Jessica brings more angst and tension than ever before, while keeping things extra sexy. Page after page of intrigue kept me on edge. The plot thickens as the story progresses and I just cant wait to get more of Natalia, Diego and Christiano.
The suspense and secrets in this story totally had me on the edge of my seat and left me with so many questions! Natalia found her mother in the end stage of her murder and came to conclusions of what happened based on what she saw in that moment; that Cristiano was responsible for the destruction and betrayal. Eleven years later she returns home and things are both the same yet different. After developing a relationship with her best friend turned boyfriend Diego, who happens to be Cristiano’s brother, Cristiano is brought back into the fold and Natalia has questions that can’t be answered. While the book is told mostly from Natalia’s perspective, we do get one from Diego and one from Cristiano’s perspective, and it raised more questions than answers for me. I became extremely invested in who actually killed Natalia’s mother and what Diego’s motives are with his relationship with her. I am also intrigued by Cristiano and what his motives towards his brother are, as that was partially the reason he is back from hiding. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series to get some questions answered and see how the relationship between Natalia, Cristiano, and Diego pans out after what I feel was Diego’s betrayal and ulterior motives.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I normally don’t read cartel books but this one kept my attention. I like the suggestion that you never know if the characters are hiding a hidden agenda. I like Natalia but I can’t decide if she’s too naive, just exasperating, or too brave for her own good. I think her strength will develop more in the next book. Cristiano and Diego are the perfect enemies that leave you torn on whom you’re rooting for (Cristiano has my vote lol). The end of the book was set up perfectly so I’ll definitely be eagerly awaiting what happens with Natalia, Cristiano, and Diego.
I have no idea where to even begin to describe my love for this book. Jessica has swept me into this dark, ruthless world of the cartel where her characters have caused complete havoc to my heart. Violent Delights has become my FAVORITE book this year! Over twenty-four hours since I’ve finished and…I AM STILL REELING!
Violent Delights is HEART STOPPING story telling at it’s finest! The mystery and suspense — twists I didn’t expect. The ANGST. It hits you from all sides with these characters. I was dying at every interaction, the smallest of touches, or words spoken between Natalia, Diego, and Cristiano. DY-ING. It’s intense and edgy. Captivating. I’m so incredibly wound up in everything this story entails.
“My brother’s using you to light the fire, but don’t forget — a match also burns.”
I’m not even going to mention which “team” I’m on at this point. But this series has started off with a bang and you NEEEED to read it! I’m so excited to experience the ride this series will take us on!
This is the first book in the White Monarch Trilogy, a Mafia Romance. I read it before, and the audiobook version is amazing. Natalia, Diego and Cristiano are great, complex, and intriguing characters. Their journey is filled with angst, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, betrayal, and love. The world building is captivating, and dark. This storyline is enthralling and intricate. Emma Wilder, Brian Pallino, and Christian Fox did an outstanding job with the narration. Now, I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the Series, Violent Ends. (review updated with the audiobook version)
The cover alone had me going and once I started
Devilishly delightful!!
The cover alone seduced me with promises of a sleepless night and an unforgettable story. From page one I was sucked into the dark and seductive world of the Mexican cartel.
This is book one of the White Monarchs Series, and the stage has been set fantastically for a thrilling and twisted ride.
Fast paced, exciting, and explosive, the story of Natalia and brothers Diego and Christiano offered a unique perspective into the world of family, culture and Mexican Cartel.
What happens as the brothers pine for Natalia you’ll have to read and discover for yourself.
All 3 characters can hold their own and the battle of wills left me exhausted and totally sated.
After the major cliffhanger book 2 cannot arrive fast enough.
4.5 Team Cristiano stars!
Cartels, brother vs brother, young love, murder, secrets, a virgin, and an ending that will leave you with your mouth open and wanting more…do I have your attention yet?
I’ll be honest, I was a little apprehensive going into this one because cartel romances are hit or miss for me, with typically the darker ones holding my interest more than others. I trust Jessica to always give me a good story, but could she write a cartel romance that would work for me? YES, yes she can! It was the perfect blend of young and naive, sweet and romantic, and dark and delicious. The storyline is one that is going to evolve with secrets, intentions, power plays and manipulation revealed strategically along the way and I can’t wait! I look forward to the character evolution and growth that’s to come because I think the stuff is going to hit the fan, lol. Stating for the record I am #TeamCristiano from the very beginning, lol.
Wow another angsty book by the queen. Jessica Hawkins I don’t even have words. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The White Monarch trilogy kicks off with Violent Delights, and my attention was captured right from the beginning.
The reader is immediately immersed into the dark and depraved cartel world, where no one escapes unscathed. Violent Delights introduces A LOT of characters, however they are easy to keep track of.
The cartel itself becomes a huge character in this book, adding layers to the story and building a strong foundation for the next two books in the series.
With the foundation laid in book one, and a cliffhanger leaving some difficult decisions for the main characters to make, this series is well on its way to becoming another classic from Jessica Hawkins.
Natalia loves her best friend, Diego, but she knows he’s not the man her father wants for her. No matter, she will convince him somehow. But then tragedy occurs and she finds herself shipped out of the country, only to return years later. She wants her man, Diego, and now is the time to convince her father.
But then Cristiano happens. Cristiano, the man whom she blames for the worst thing to ever occur in her family’s history. The man who happens to be Diego’s older, much harder brother. Now she’s pitted between the two brothers and she’s not having it. But is her will strong enough to overcome what fate (and Cristiano) have deemed will happen?
Holy shit! I FREAKIN loved Violent Delights!!! It’s oozing with tension, roiling with secrets and pain, with an underlying layer of passion. Now the question is, what will become of Natalia? And Cristiano? And Diego? And Natalia’s family? I cannot wait for the next installment, Violent Ends!!! I have to know now but I guess I’ll settle for just knowing that when it comes it’s gonna be a doozy!
“Just remember- No monster thinks of himself that way. He’s just living by a different code than yours”.
Talk about a delicious slow burn!! Violent delights will have you begging for more while trying to fan yourself of pure stripped down sexual tension. Add in the imminent danger, forbidden touches, and the question of who’s playing who, you’ve got yourself a heck of an introduction to a new series that is sure to make it a lasting impression.
Natalia Cruz grew up in a different world than most girls. Being the princess of one of the most feared drug Cartel families, she’s seen a lot and has suffered a tragedy that would shape the course of her adulthood. Returning home to Mexico to spend her school break with her Dad, life as Natalia knows it is about to get even more dangerous and complicated. After all, one brother wants to make her his permanently and the other, will become her downfall.
I really liked the flow of the story in this one. I’m one of those people that has no problem with a slow burn read if it’s done right and it’s no secret that this author is an excellent writer. Her ability to pull you in and make her storytelling seem lyrical in a sense, is the reason why I’m a life long fan.
The only issue I had was that early on in the book, I pretty much guessed the outcome of what was going to happen at the end and I was expecting this to be a bit more darker. But with that being said, this is the first book in a three part series so I think that this author is going to surprise us as we move forward and I can’t wait for that!
With a cliffhanger that will leave you on edge and begging for your next hit, Violent Delights will leave you wanting more.
Let me start off by saying after reading the blurb I thought I knew what I was diving into when I first opened this book but Violent Delights surpassed any expectations I had and I loved every single word!!
The angst, tension, suspense, intrigue, loyalty, love and deception woven throughout this spellbinding read had my heart pounding and me teetering on the edge of my seat. Diego, Natalia and Cristiano drew me in like a moth to flame and had me all sorts of intrigued. My emotions were pulled every which way and though I already have a clear favorite I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds.
Violent Delights starts the White Monarch triology off with a bang and promises so much deliciously dark delights to come.
This book is LIFE!!! I’m trying really hard not to put spoilers. But it’s so hard. Because there’s so much I want to say!!! Eeek!!! Heart twisting, gut wrenching, full of angst. I loved every second of reading this story. I was completely enveloped in these characters. And I’m not gonna lie. My husband may have hated me a bit during. I felt like I was living in this book. Every emotion was mine.
When Jessica Hawkins shared the teasers for this boom I wasn’t sure what to expect and I am glad for that.
Violent Delights is the start to a new trilogy following Natalia and her relationship with the De la Cruz brothers. Her father is the leader of a Mexican cartel and the brothers were brought into her family at an early age. A triangle forms as tragedy befalls her family and Natalia leaves Mexico to be kept safe.
This book was unexpected to me. Yes, it’s setting is in Mexico with cartels but it’s not a true mafia book to me. Jessica Hawkins weaves what is setting up to be an amazing trilogy and I cannot wait for more. This book does end in a cliffhanger but the next book is just a few months away!
“Family bonds, wealth, vengeance, and violence– it was a vicious cycle of sins and pain.”
TWO brothers fighting over ONE girl??? SIGN ME UP! This was an addictive start to the WHITE MONARCH series! I did not want to put it down after starting it! A story about loyalties and betrayal among families…we get to see the workings of the cartel world as we delve into the cartels dark world and see what happens when trust is broken and love is tested.
This is more of the writing style I came to love from Jessica after reading her SOMETHING IN THE WAY series. I was glued to the page, intrigued beyond measure and compelled to keep reading. Early on in the book, I had already chosen my side….#TeamCristiano. And that loyalty remains to the end. For me, I feel as if Jessica made it nearly impossible to choose any man other than him. I will say, I typically don’t seek out these types of plot lines (cartel) in a romance novel, but since it was Jessica writing it, I knew she had the potential to give me something I will be consumed by. Well, she did just that!
“He held me like I was an instrument to be played, one he would snap in half before he gave it up. Not even Diego held me so greedily.”
I DEFINITELY am looking forward to seeing where this story goes! I have a feeling we will have a LOT of angst in store for us as the storyline develops and the dynamic between Cristiano, Natalia and Diego builds. I can’t wait to see these two brothers actually go head to head for Natalia. She has NO idea what is in store for her! I holding out hope that Jessica will pack ALL THE FEELS with this rivalry. TWO brothers vying for ONE woman spells out ANGST and I for one can’t wait to read how it unfolds. Now I am anxiously waiting for book 2 because this book ends on a scene that leaves you wanting to know what’s going to happen next.
EXCERPT:
He cocked his head. “I should be mad, shouldn’t I?” He cleared some of my hair away, lighting goosebumps over my neck and shoulders. “But I’m more intrigued to know that my brother is watching us now.”
I stilled so I wouldn’t betray how he was affecting me. If you touch me, you’ll be dead.” I warned him.
“Ah, but I already have. Not once, not twice, not even three times,” he said, grazing my hip with one hand as he brushed his knuckle under my chin once more. “and now, I’m touching you again.” He placed his hands on my jaw, cupping my face as carefully as he might cradle a baby bird. He tilted my head up until I could look nowhere but his eyes. “I put my hands up your skirt earlier. And where was your Diego?”
HOT! *fans self*
This novel is also labeled as a “dark romance”, but I think Jessica tip-toed around that. I wouldn’t consider this book as dark as others I’ve read. Also, it is marked as “angst”, but honestly the angst doesn’t kick in until the end, in my opinion, but nonetheless, I was intrigued throughout WITHOUT all the angst. And I will say at times, I did feel some certain things were repetitive and some of the storyline was predictable…so that’s my reasoning for giving it 4 stars.
4 stars!
Anticipated Release Dates for the next books:
VIOLENT ENDS June 18, 2019
VIOLENT TRIUMPS November 12, 2019
This is the first book in Ms. Hawkins new trilogy and it’s a mafia story done right. So many twists and turns. There is so much angst and steam. I could not put down this book! If you pick up this book you will be sucked in right away. And what a cliffy!!! Can’t wait for book 2!
WOW!!! Loved this book!!! I devoured this one!! COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!! Jessica never disappoints with her storytelling and this one was no different!! Cannot wait for the next book!!!
Jessica really surprised me by going for a darker story compared to her usual style but boy did she slay! Violent Delights is a book that made me swipe the kindle pages faster than ever. There’s so much suspense and tension between the characters and oh the delicious yet frustrating unknown that made me so anxious!
The characters are mind-blowing! I don’t want to get too much into it because it’s difficult for me to avoid spoilers, but honestly Jessica has outdone herself. Natalia is loyal but fierce and it’s killing me that her trust might have been displaced (see? so many unknowns that are killing me!). Diego and Christiano are brothers by blood and while they share similarities, the vibe they give couldn’t be more different.
The story is so fascinating! Totally pulled me in from the first word. The present story line takes place among changed in the community that will impact and twist the story around quite a bit. It deals with demons of the past as well as demons of the future. I have to applause Jessica’s plotting skills for this one!
Absolutely loved it! Five stars!
A sweeping tale of tumultuous love, set against the backdrop of vicious world of Mexican cartels. They’re bloodthirsty people low on tolerance of betrayals and treason.
A heady saga of power hungry men and what they won’t sacrifice to grab it. Love…Life….Loyalty!!
“Once a man gets a taste of power, his need for it surpasses hunger. It’s a sickness that demands more.”
Dark grey clouds of murder and treachery hang low and growling over the entire cast of characters.
Each character suffers and I did with them.
I fell in love with tender kisses of Diego, was scared and thrilled with Cristiano, sympathized with Costa.
Trapped in this swirling thunderstorm I found a delicate butterfly, Mariposa- The White Monarch!
Natalie Lourdes King Cruz
“She is a heavenly creature cut from the finest cloth with which God had to work. A fabric so fine, that to be dressed in it is to be a king, and to forget anything that came before it.”
But right now She’s a pawn!
The three men in her life are seemingly set to ruin her life
Costa King Cruz- her indulgent & grieving father
Diego De La Rosa- her childhood first love
And Christiano De La Rosa- her worst nightmare, her fierce protector and her heart slayer
It’s a very intriguing & colourful story. Most of the time my heart was in my mouth. Double crosses and nefarious dealings crisscrossing its landscape. The narration was volatile & dangerous. The mood very dreadful and horrific. So many hints of gruesome violence in the background made my heart thud faster throughout the story, I was running full speed ahead without a pause button. It’s an unputdownable read. I can’t wait for next book to see what does freedom buy!!
5 stars for webs of deceptions