Violent Delights: White Monarch, Book 1

By: Jessica Hawkins

Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Brian Pallino, Christian Fox

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 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.

©2019 Jessica Hawkins (P)2020 Jessica Hawkins

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED.. LOVED.. LOVED EVERY MINUTE

This start to the White Monarch Trilogy was brilliant and I’ve already preordered books 2 and 3 which will be released very soon. The story is set in the world of the Mexican Drug Cartels.. and starts off with a crime, an assumption of blame, two brothers breaking their bonds of brotherhood and an innocent easily led girl. When the murder happened Cristiano was 23, his brother Diego was 16 and Natalie was 9.. fast forward ten years and the story starts with Diego and Natalie being very much in love.. but when Cristiano comes back on the scene he tells a very different story, he’s ruthless and all powerful, he has a mysterious agenda that very much includes and impacts Natalie. and he makes alliances that will change the course of everything.

Betrayal, two brother’s bitter feud, lies, secrets, smouldering sexual tension, double-crossing, a virgin’s sacrifice, mystery, three ruthless men, angst, questions with no answers and danger ebbing and flowing from the addictive scenes. Every colorful description, every well-paced and placed word, every black lie and line, every single cast member and every unique suspenseful chapter had me glued, gutted and gripped not knowing the who, what, where or why of it. It’s slow to start.. but quickly picks-up depth, speed and intensity and all you can do is hold on and remember to breathe.. and, by the end, I was blown away by this author’s talents. Natalie is a sheltered Cartel virgin Princess who becomes a pawn, her father is head of the Cruz Cartel, Diego works for him and Cristiano is a possessive, smouldering, sexy, dangerous presence ready to strike his well-aimed blows. Told mainly from Natalie’s PoV and only one from Diego and Cristiano (I think).

Worth a credit? A fantastic riveting start.. and yes definitely creditworthy.

POINTLESS BOOK, SKIP!

SKIP THIS BOOK!
Christiano and Natalia's story takes off on the second book, this entire book is based on Diego and Natalia's "love" story, There is only a very small glimpse of Christiano but nothing worth listening to a 12-hour book. I've listened to the entire series now and overall the series is okay. The story has the potential to keep you interested but the heroine is one of the most annoying character. The woman will seriously test your patience! However, everything she lacks Christiano will make up for, He is one the most well-liked characters in this story. I honestly just kept listening because of him.

I know it gets better in book 2

So I knew the story was about Cristiano de la Rosa... he's hardly in the book. I kept waiting... and waiting... and waiting... frustrating.

The narration was hard to take for me... others love Emma Wilder but I had a hard time listening to her. Her emphasis to words in every sentence was driving me nuts... it was like listening to a female version of William Shatner. Sorry. On the good side, she does get better.

This book is a love story between Diego and Natalia. You know from the beginning this relationship is doomed... right? It's in the book summary.

The story is okay... nothing major. Since I'm on book 3 right now, I can tell you the story gets way better. I really enjoyed book 2 and the narration does get better.

This is NOT a hot cartel romance series. No deep love that will capture you. Book 1 is about a passing love; soon to be an Ex. You can even skip it and go to book 2. Don't worry, I didn't give anything away.

BEST SERIES OF 2020 COMPLETE SERIES REVIEW!

This book was so awesome I’m speechless. Nothing like it. First THANK YOU JESSICA FOR NOT MAKING US WAIT A YEAR BETWEEN THE BOOKS. The Narration was boundless. I will listen to this book every year of my life it is that good. This book was worth 10 credits and you will enjoy every minute. Bravo Bravo Bravo 👏👏👏👏👏👏

FROM THE STORY TO THE NARRATORS, A+++++++++++++++

I read the mixed reviews on this book (and series as a whole) but was tired of scrolling books and decided to take my chances. I was not disappointed and in fact binge listened to all 3 books in this series in 4 days. I actually bought my own credits to purchase the last book, that is how much I was in love with the story and needed to hear the ending.

Some of the story line is a tad unrealistic and extravagant but it just stands to pull you further into the story. I loved escaping from my mundane life to hear of luxury and power, suspense and passion. Parts of this series actually had me talking out loud to myself willing the character to listen to what I had to say. The twist and turns and unknowns are nonstop. It was just the refresh and mental exercise I needed.

I am VERY picky with narration. These narrators are spot on. They are clear, easy to understand but have such a quality to their voices. ESPECIALLY Cristiano's!!! MmmmMmmm! Take the chance on this series, you will not be disappointed!

Not as Good as I hoped

I am not sure if it's me but I am totally confused as to how this book received such good reviews. The heroine is the whiniest, dumbest women portrayed in a book that I have ever read. As much as I love Emma Wilder, I plan to go months before I can listen to her again after listening to this trilogy. Pallino and Fox narrated very little of this trilogy, which is ashamed because both men are fabulous narrators.

The story was a good one and much promise, however the manner in which this book is narrated is awful. You have this strong male character, and you hear his voice and point of view rarely. Instead you are left with an extremely whiny female who made my ears scream! Don't waste your money or time. Read this one.

Not her best

I'm a huge Jessica Hawkins fan, but this wasn't my favorite. I found Natalia annoying and whiny and that the scenes and conversations dragged on and were repetitive. Because I'm such a huge fan, I will continue with the rest of the series. Hope it gets better.

Ok book. Great narrators

The book was ok but very predictable. I can sum up the H/H in a couple of words and will do so for the next two books in the series.

Hero: calculating and determined
Heroine: naive and sheltered

Off to a great start

The first book in this series set up a interesting and intriguing scenario for this series. The narrators bring out the essence of each character. Looking forward to listening to the next book in series.

Mind blowing!

I had been intrigued by this story the first time I saw the cover and read the blurb. But to listen to it on audio utterly blew my mind! You feel that rich depth of the narration to go along with this mind blowing story that kept me on my toes the whole time! I listened to it well into the night as I just could not stop! With this story, there was an amazing level of twists and turns and intrigue with this story that will completely grip you! There are a lot of layers to this story between the characters. All three, Cristano, Diego and Natalia all were complex and unique. I absolutely adored this story and am looking forward to getting my hands on the rest of the series!

Wow

Where do I start? This is the first book of Jessica Hawkins that I have read but it had been on my TBR pile for awhile, I had so many emotions and feelings as I was listening to this book I can’t believe I waited so long! I was hooked right from the start. It is a must read!

Intrigue, Surprises and Heat!

Natalia is the daughter of one of the Kingpins in the Cruz Cartel. A tragedy as a child has shown her that even though she has been groomed for it her entire life, and may have no choice, this is a life she doesn’t want. She loves her childhood friend Diego and wants a future with him but his brother Cristiano has other plans for her.

The brothers couldn’t be more different, but they both have many layers yet to be revealed and she is drawn to each of them for very different reasons. As the story unfolds, we learn nothing is a simple as it seems and as the secrets are revealed she must decide who to trust. When all is said and done will Natalia become collateral damage in the war between them?

Wow, what a twisty, suspenseful adventure this story takes you on which leaves you needing the next installment of the series. The narrators did a great job at bringing out the darkness of Cristiano, the innocence of Natalia and the emotion of the relationship that Natalia and Diego share.

Incredible listen!!!

I am not sure where Jessica Hawkins has been hiding in my library, but I am so glad I found this one! Dark, gritty, full of all the feels, this book brings everything I love to life. It features Natalia, the daughter of a mafia boss. Diego and Cristiano are brothers, both taken in by her family. The death of her mother is a catalyst in all of their lives, resulting in betrayal, mistrust and violence. Each scene builds on the one before, creating thrilling suspense and high emotions. I was completely caught up in the story and I can't wait to see what happens next! It's a wild ride!

The casting of this story is spot on! Told mostly from the point of view of Natalia, Emma Wilder comes through with a narrative that is second to none. She nails each voice, each accent and keeps the story full of thrills. The spotlight appearances of Brian Pallino and Christian Fox bring voices to Cristiano and Diego, each having the sound I expect. Pallino gives Cristiano that gritty edge making him sound dangerous and delicious! Fox nails the personality of Diego. It is an incredible listen!

The Monarchs Rule!

Did I know almost from the beginning what was going to happen and what the "twist" was? Yes. Did it take away from this sexy slow burn ride? Absolutely not! Mafia is my favorite subgenre in romance and I fairly consumed this one as soon as Cristiano's low growl began in my ear. I loved it So I'm not going to do the whole "this is what the book is about review" Read the blurb that's all you need to know. What I will tell you is how this book made me feel!

I loved this audiobook so much I listened to the second and third book right afterward. So yes I am reviewing from the perspective of someone who has listened and loved the entire trilogy. So trust me when I say this first audiobook is more than worth it. The entire trilogy is fabulous.

There's lots of stuff going on throughout the three books but the love story moves slowly and builds sexy bit by bit and you appreciate it all the more for it. There is however no slowing down the attraction and chemistry that is fairly palpable and Natalia our young heroine can do nothing to stop its intensity. There are scenes that are so sensual you swear you are experiencing them yourself. Cristiano and Diego are both extremely attractive men that would make any woman's core heat in the best of ways and Natalia is not immune.

Besides the attraction and love story there is Cartel business to conduct and lives are at risk as power changes hands in the most exciting way. I loved the overt displays of masculinity and alpha dominance. You realize fairly quickly who is a true boss and Crime Lord and who is a poser to the throne. The testosterone fairly flies in this book and I was so mesmerized by every second of it.

Take my word for it you will fall in love and lust listening to this sexy audiobook. You have a sexy alpha dirty talker that will make you blush and swoon. Because I know you will love this book, I can tell you that book 3 has the best bonus scene I have ever heard - trust me it is sexy AF!

What a series opener.

I've had this series on my TBR for a long time. But when I finally started it I was swept away so fast. I've never read a book set in Mexico like this before. It had everything I wanted. Secrets, lies, family, loyalty, tension and so much angst my teeth ached. I don't want to say much plot wise because reasons but the tension between Diego, Cristiano and Natalia as a group and separately couldn't have been written better. I'm desperate for book 2. And I am desperate for more Cristiano. The narrators are exceptional in this and I couldn't be more thrilled to finally get the hype. I volunteered to listen and review a complimentary copy of this. All opinions are my own.

Powerful

She should have listened to the fortune teller. Fantastic back story, excellent characterisation, full of twists and turns. A slow burn on a longing childhood love that my never burn as bright as she hopes.

Emma Wilder is pure perfection

This book, where do I start? So many feelings. To start, this is book one of a trilogy, so I’m going to be vague as to not spoil anything. I think people are going to fall in one of two camps, those that love it and those that don’t. And then there is me. I love the concept, I love some of the characters. I hate some of the things that happen. I shouted at my phone a few times. At times, I thought Natalia was fabulous, at other times, I wanted to shake her. And at the end, I really struggled to understand her decision- which is probably because I’m evil. I just wanted her to let everyone burn. I’ll definitely be moving on to book two - Violent Ends because I need to know what happens next.

The narration was spectacular. As a listener, I hate when an audio isn’t released at the same time as the audio. It feels like it’s an afterthought, that being said, I know Jessica spent a lot of time trying to find the right fit for this series and boy, did she. Emma Wilder was perfection. The way she was able to give voice to each of these characters and with accents was astounding. I was mesmerised by her performance. Her male voice is all the things. Narrator girl crush activated. Christian Fox and Brian Pallino make a special appearance and were fantastic as Diego and Cristiano. Their accents were spot on - I did need to actively listen to catch everything they said as opposed to being able to do other things whilst listening to Emma. The production was great with no issues.

W.O.W.

I absolutely loved this book. I've also bought it in audio because I loved it and wanted to hear it and the whole book came to life. The characters are superb. amazingly dark and delicious. I've already bought the following 2 books and audio before I finished this one because I knew the story's were going to be full of twists and turns. I'm not giving any spoilers away but nothing is what it seems. ENJOY this series it's superb! What a great read.