Violent Delights: An Arranged Marriage Romance

I'm so happy and super beyond excited for the rest of this series. This book was an amazing introduction of all the characters. Many characters and especially Diego, Natalia and Cristiano. I did NOT expect what I got from this story #Great Yes, I was stoked to read it and once I found myself in their world I couldn't turn away. The setting in Mexico was a nice change. Jessica Hawkins IMO did an amazing job with the Spanish that is used throughout. QUOTE ~ “Once a man gets a taste of power, his need for it surpasses hunger. It’s a sickness that demands more.” ~ ~ Excitement. Action. Betrayal. Loyalty. Deception. AND LOVE the blind kind. QUOTE ~ I give honesty where I get it. You’ll find me dead before you find me a liar.” ~ ~ QUOTE ~ “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.” ~ ~ I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2

***ARC Provided by the Author*** Well, that didn't go as I expected. Although, there was a part toward the end where I had a pretty good idea where it was going to go, and where we were going to be left at the cliffhanger. (Spoiler Alert: I was right.) But, let me be clear...I wasn't right because the story was predictable. Nope. I was right because of how incredibly well written it was...there were things that hadn't happened, and then they did, and you just knew where things were going with Diego, Cristiano, and Natalia. There are some conventions of a love triangle that this book is poised to break (YAY!!!) that I am not going to get into because, spoilers, but let me just say I love that this book is going to go there, that it's not going to pull back from this. I think, for me, this is why I read Jessica Hawkins. I know she is going to pull no punches, my heart is going to be in my throat, and I am going to like characters who maybe I really shouldn't because, well, they are not always the best of people. Oh, and one more thing...yes, this is set in the world of the cartels, but it's really not a mafia title. Really. The body count is fairly low and it's lacking the gruesomeness of the genre. This is a romance set in the world of the cartels, but it's not the traditional mafia. Read it, you will see what I mean. Oh, and the cliffhanger. THE. CLIFFHANGER. I saw it coming, I was SO positive I knew where it was going once I got close to it. I was right, but the actual point where it cut off was so riveting, and so perfect, I can't lie...when I went to the next page and it was the "thanks for reading" page...well, I can't lie...I was not happy I have to wait until June. I loved and recommend this title.

"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!