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

Wow, there's a lot going on in this book!

I enjoyed most of Violent Delights very much, however I felt it dragged in some places. I was stunned by Natalia's brattiness, but I understand some men and women enjoy having to settle her down. The nature of the slow burn is AMAZING in this story, but I thought it paired well with the angsty nature of behavior between Christiano, Natalia, and Diego.

I really do wonder who was realy manipulating Natalia to bend her to their will. By the end I could recognize Dante's manipulation tactics fairly easily, but I do wond the r if I'd feel that way if Christiano had not put that bug in Natalia's ear.

I definitely think Violent Delights earned a solid 4, and I've already purchased the second on audio because I NEEEEED to know what Ms. Hawkins is going to throw at us next!

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I love this series and I'm in love with the narration of this book. They really helped capture Christiano in all his glory.

OMG!

I love love love this book. I need her to fall in love with Christian!

Well, now.

What was supposed to be a "in between/waiting for a different book's release date" purchase is officially now on my top 5 list. And that's a hard-earned award. I won't go through the plot...no doubt other reviewers have thoroughly done so already. I can, however, speak to the story's sense of imbalance, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting. There are a few overused phrases (can't remember them atm), and a few eye roll moments. Nothing that will deter you from loving this series.

Random separate note: Brian Pallino IS Christian Fox, who co-reads. I'm so tired of trying to track down Christian Fox 's narration that I officially give up. He wins. He uses so many different names that I stopped jotting them down. If he doesn't want us to find him, I won't bother hunting anymore.

Daammnn she’s so stupid🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

She let’s Diego manipulate her the way he wants, while he was using her the whole damn time 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️. What kind of man says that he loves you, then send you to the hand of another to save his own ass.🤦🏾‍♀️ She’s so stupid to believe him, and he has no shame. Also the female narrator sounds like she’s whispering the whole time, but the male narrators are great.

The story was very interesting

The story was interesting and surprising and entertaining. I enjoyed it even though this is not my usual genre.

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!

Rating series together,... I needed more

This was definitely a great series. That being said, it left me wanting to hear more from the main couple together. 2 books in and only one scene together,... slowest, burn, ever! Also, Natalia drove me INSANE! I was yelling at the third book like a crazy lady in my car listening to this. OH AND THE NARRATION IS FIRE BTW! Also, why did he have heartburn? maybe I missed the reason in there somewhere? unhealthy diet or something? lol anyway, pretty great, worth the credits :) thanks for a fabulous series!

Violent Delights

Good start to the trilogy! I could not stand Diego. He made me want to punch him through my headphones! What a crazy end! Cliffhanger alert!
Narrarion was awesome. Wished the guys had more parts.

Wow!

The Readers did these characters beyond justice. I was sitting on edge waiting for each and every turn! I really enjoyed it!!