Scan barcode
teema's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book but not as much as the first book in this series.
I felt like this book was a little slow and that nothing much happened. Some parts were dragging but overall I did like the story and the characters. But I did want more, especially in the action department. I feel as though there was no action in this book, nothing to get the story moving and no suspense element. Hopefully the last book in this trilogy can give me the action and suspense that I wanted from this book.
I felt like this book was a little slow and that nothing much happened. Some parts were dragging but overall I did like the story and the characters. But I did want more, especially in the action department. I feel as though there was no action in this book, nothing to get the story moving and no suspense element. Hopefully the last book in this trilogy can give me the action and suspense that I wanted from this book.
dinipandareads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up
The sequel to Violent Delights was slightly faster paced and it had a bit more action though much of the focus was on the character evolution of Natalia and Cristiano and their relationship as they become “end game”.
I have to admit that while I understood Natalia’s fury, disgust and hesitance to believe anything good about Cristiano at the start, I found myself getting more frustrated with her belligerence as he continued to prove that little about his public persona was actually true. He’s not a “good guy” necessarily as he murders and does all the bad things as a kingpin of one of the most notorious cartels would be expected to do, but he’s definitely a much better man compared to Diego! Being in Natalia’s head became quite trying as the narrative got overly repetitive as she waffled on her thoughts about him. I feel like if that aspect was shortened it wouldn’t have dragged, but I think it was still believable progression for how much Natalia loathed him for years.
There is a lot of complexity surrounding family, loss and grief that’s explored in this story and a big part of Cristiano’s arc. He is very alpha but he treats his people with a lot of respect and Natalia like a Queen (mostly) despite her constantly throwing disrespect in his face. There were some possessive alpha moments that made me cringe but for the most part I really liked Cristiano and he and the people of the Badlands made this a more enjoyable read for me! Also, the Badlands and what the Calavera cartel is doing there was one of my favourite parts of the story—I have mad respect for them. When this place was mentioned in the first book I had a feeling that it would look something like this, so it wasn’t entirely unpredictable, but I love when books have this trope? When the public thinks a place hell on earth and it has a horrible reputation when in reality it’s peaceful and the people are living their best lives.
Things don’t get too steamy in this though there were definitely some hot moments! Cristiano is up there with the best of the dirty filthy talkers so if you like those kinda alphas, I think he will definitely be your man. Like, there’s no need for sexy times when you have a mouth like that!
The sequel to Violent Delights was slightly faster paced and it had a bit more action though much of the focus was on the character evolution of Natalia and Cristiano and their relationship as they become “end game”.
I have to admit that while I understood Natalia’s fury, disgust and hesitance to believe anything good about Cristiano at the start, I found myself getting more frustrated with her belligerence as he continued to prove that little about his public persona was actually true. He’s not a “good guy” necessarily as he murders and does all the bad things as a kingpin of one of the most notorious cartels would be expected to do, but he’s definitely a much better man compared to Diego! Being in Natalia’s head became quite trying as the narrative got overly repetitive as she waffled on her thoughts about him. I feel like if that aspect was shortened it wouldn’t have dragged, but I think it was still believable progression for how much Natalia loathed him for years.
There is a lot of complexity surrounding family, loss and grief that’s explored in this story and a big part of Cristiano’s arc. He is very alpha but he treats his people with a lot of respect and Natalia like a Queen (mostly) despite her constantly throwing disrespect in his face. There were some possessive alpha moments that made me cringe but for the most part I really liked Cristiano and he and the people of the Badlands made this a more enjoyable read for me! Also, the Badlands and what the Calavera cartel is doing there was one of my favourite parts of the story—I have mad respect for them. When this place was mentioned in the first book I had a feeling that it would look something like this, so it wasn’t entirely unpredictable, but I love when books have this trope? When the public thinks a place hell on earth and it has a horrible reputation when in reality it’s peaceful and the people are living their best lives.
Things don’t get too steamy in this though there were definitely some hot moments! Cristiano is up there with the best of the dirty filthy talkers so if you like those kinda alphas, I think he will definitely be your man. Like, there’s no need for sexy times when you have a mouth like that!
thislittlebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This series is just getting better. And that cliffhanger???
carleneinspired's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
Taking place immediately after Violent Delights, Violent Ends follows Natalia as she enters Cristiano's world as his bride. With terrible rumors about the Badlands in her head and a hurting heart from Diego's betrayal, Natalia is unprepared for the men, women, and children who make up Cristiano's followers. Are they there by choice or by force? Natalia does't know, but she must accept she's there for now. Whether she'll use it against him or embrace the desire she has for the devil himself is yet to be determined.
"Like a crown, black lace turned me from eager bride to cartel ruler."
I am well aware that I am the worst with reading the middle books in a trilogy or longer length series. I get way too excited to know more and then I always find myself shocked that I don't have all the answers at the end. I either need to stop reading them or wait till they all release. The good news is, Violent Ends doesn't suffer what many middle books suffer from. It is, essentially, an entire novel with a true beginning, middle, and end. Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger, but it also progressed the story along quite well, taking us from a more meek Natalia to a heroine with a bit more bite. I still didn't love her always, she can be dense, but I did appreciate that Jessica Hawkins put her into a situation to make her open her eyes a little. Cristiano continues to be the bad boy we all love, only he's not so bad, he just looks it, tastes of it, and talks like it.
The push and pull between Natalia and Cristiano continues in Violent Ends. The chemistry between them is the hottest flame, but years of hate and sorrow continue to be barriers between then. These two play the longest game of cat and mouse as they attempt to push one another to their breaking point, or in Natalia's case, Cristiano wants to see her give in to her true desires. Violent Ends takes us into the Badlands, into the devil's bed, and out into the streets where human traffickers hold the power. I really appreciated Cristiano's backstory finally being revealed to us, while it was obvious he wasn't quite as nefarious as Natalia thought, it was still a big blank spot for the character development. Jessica Hawkins gives us many of the answers we were left asking after Violent Delights, specifically why the path they must travel down is this one. Of course, it wouldn't be a novel about Mexican cartels if there wasn't more suspense, drama, and action, so yes, more questions arise by the last page.
While Violent Ends isn't your typical middle read, it still leaves you with that desperate feeling for more. Readers only have to wait until November to read the final installment of White Monarch and by then we'll all know which side is the right side. Are you Team Diego or Team Cristiano? I'd say right now, I'm 100% with Cristiano and his band of merry men.
Taking place immediately after Violent Delights, Violent Ends follows Natalia as she enters Cristiano's world as his bride. With terrible rumors about the Badlands in her head and a hurting heart from Diego's betrayal, Natalia is unprepared for the men, women, and children who make up Cristiano's followers. Are they there by choice or by force? Natalia does't know, but she must accept she's there for now. Whether she'll use it against him or embrace the desire she has for the devil himself is yet to be determined.
"Like a crown, black lace turned me from eager bride to cartel ruler."
I am well aware that I am the worst with reading the middle books in a trilogy or longer length series. I get way too excited to know more and then I always find myself shocked that I don't have all the answers at the end. I either need to stop reading them or wait till they all release. The good news is, Violent Ends doesn't suffer what many middle books suffer from. It is, essentially, an entire novel with a true beginning, middle, and end. Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger, but it also progressed the story along quite well, taking us from a more meek Natalia to a heroine with a bit more bite. I still didn't love her always, she can be dense, but I did appreciate that Jessica Hawkins put her into a situation to make her open her eyes a little. Cristiano continues to be the bad boy we all love, only he's not so bad, he just looks it, tastes of it, and talks like it.
The push and pull between Natalia and Cristiano continues in Violent Ends. The chemistry between them is the hottest flame, but years of hate and sorrow continue to be barriers between then. These two play the longest game of cat and mouse as they attempt to push one another to their breaking point, or in Natalia's case, Cristiano wants to see her give in to her true desires. Violent Ends takes us into the Badlands, into the devil's bed, and out into the streets where human traffickers hold the power. I really appreciated Cristiano's backstory finally being revealed to us, while it was obvious he wasn't quite as nefarious as Natalia thought, it was still a big blank spot for the character development. Jessica Hawkins gives us many of the answers we were left asking after Violent Delights, specifically why the path they must travel down is this one. Of course, it wouldn't be a novel about Mexican cartels if there wasn't more suspense, drama, and action, so yes, more questions arise by the last page.
While Violent Ends isn't your typical middle read, it still leaves you with that desperate feeling for more. Readers only have to wait until November to read the final installment of White Monarch and by then we'll all know which side is the right side. Are you Team Diego or Team Cristiano? I'd say right now, I'm 100% with Cristiano and his band of merry men.
gypsystar's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve enjoyed the story so far but this is definitely a slow burn and I’m over it. There is a certain amount of tension between them but not quite enough to keep me from being annoyed at the slow burn thing going here.
cdallistair's review against another edition
5.0
WOW! just wow! i’m not quite sure how i’ll be waiting until november for book 3. I absolutely devoured this book 😍
kimster82's review against another edition
4.0
Well crap. Now I have to wait 5 whole months to find out what happens next.
loslibrosderen07's review against another edition
5.0
Ayayayayyy, esta serie me fascina. Tiene un plot bastante interesante y una tensión que ha subido de nivel en este libro y mientras no es lo que usualmente se considera como wow mega spicy es en sí sensual, lo cual creo ya tenia mucho tiempo no leía un libro con esa esencia - donde el tipo de relación que ambos llevan se siente como un eterno juego antes de cruzar las líneas y gaaaah, esa boca de Cristiano me dejó pero hipnotizada por él, si fuera real esa personalidad me atraería muchísimo. Por otro lado,
Natalia tuvo momentos donde me desesperó mucho porque era de qué es lo que no hace click huh cuando todo lo tiene enfrente, pero me gusta que se ve que por más que lo intente, ese cambio hacia Cristiano al final es prometedor. Ya como pareja, me encantan y eso que ni han estado juntos formalmente hablando lol. El estilo de Jessica Hawkins me está gustando mucho. Qué icónica white monarch indeed y’all.
Natalia tuvo momentos donde me desesperó mucho porque era de qué es lo que no hace click huh cuando todo lo tiene enfrente, pero me gusta que se ve que por más que lo intente, ese cambio hacia Cristiano al final es prometedor. Ya como pareja, me encantan y eso que ni han estado juntos formalmente hablando lol. El estilo de Jessica Hawkins me está gustando mucho. Qué icónica white monarch indeed y’all.
emmabooth11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
emgibson77's review against another edition
5.0
Violent Ends is book 2 in the White Monarch series. All I have to say is I just love Cristiano!! This book is dark and chilling! And I couldn’t put it down! I already need book 3 like right now! It’s shaping up to be one of my favorite series!