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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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