Title: Cartel Author: Lili St. Germain
Series: Cartel #1
Genre: Dark Romance
Published: January 27th 2015 by HarperCollins
The first full length Gypsy Brothers novel from the smash hit author Lili St. Germain.
How much is a life worth?
I grew up in Colombia, the daughter of a wealthy drug lord. I lived a life of extravagance, until one day a drug run went horribly wrong and everything came crashing down around us.
I was given away. A payment for a debt. The Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club became my new owners, and I did everything I could to survive.
But falling in love with the man who owned me wasn't part of the plan...
Buy Now - Amazon / HarperCollins Australia
I tell you what! This was one hell of a ride!! After reading the Gypsy Brothers series, I was pretty keen to go back and see where it all began. I loved seeing this tough but nicer side to Dornan, and Mariana… the girl that broke him.
My heart shattered for Mariana as her whole world was turned upside down. Her normal life was ripped away in the blink of an eye just because her father is an ass!! She is thrust right into uncomfortable situations, and my stomach churned each and every time! She tries to be confident and stands up for herself, but realises that she is in a different world now, and she needs to keep quiet to survive.
Dornan was drawn to Mariana from the moment he laid eyes on her. She is different to the other girls that have come through, and can’t get her out from under his skin. It was exciting to see these two together, as neither likes to stand down. He loves Mariana’s feisty side but knows she will get herself in trouble if she doesn’t rein it in.
I loved being in the world that Lili St. Germain created; she introduced me to characters that you love and others that you love to hate. Mariana’s perspective was told from first person POV, whereas Dornan and Emilo’s were from the third person and I loved how they were done this way; it gave deep insight to all the characters and what they were thinking. But no matter whose perspective I was reading, I was deeply immersed into each one, wanting to know more.
Lili St. Germain is a master at building these dark, gritty worlds that have you on the edge of your seat. I wanted to read the book slowly, to absorb all the details, but it became so exhilarating and intense that I was flicking the pages wanting more. The cartel and biker worlds are rough and scary, but Mariana’s goodness gives you hope that she will survive in this world. Kingpin isn’t due until June… and I CAN’T WAIT!!
My reviews for the Gypsy Brothers series will be coming on Mondays beginning in MARCH!!
Great review! I've been seeing this one around a lot lately. So glad you enjoyed it. Might add it to my shelf.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn @ Marilyn's Mystery Blog
I've been eyeing this one something fierce. I still have her other series on my tbr pile too. Yay for this one being a good start!
ReplyDeleteI'll try these as soon as I've finished her Seven Sons series, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI think I would love being in that world as well! I love the sound of the characters, a lot! Might have to look into this series :)
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
It is a bit of a dark read, but i loved it! The original series was awesome too... can't wait to share my reviews of that!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was! I hope you get to the Gypsy Brothers ones, so good! Dark and gritty too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Magen. It was a great read and I loved all the characters... good or bad! They are very well developed!
ReplyDeleteOMG! Loved that series! I am keen to see what you think!
ReplyDeleteThe world building sounds great, I need to add to wish list.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a tough read, to be honest. I'm glad you loved it, though. I'm curious...
ReplyDeleteIt was fantastic... This world has captivated me!
ReplyDeleteHehe! it was good, try her Seven Sons book (free) if you like that, you will enjoy this!
ReplyDeletethis does look dark, I don't remember when was the last time I read a book like this o.o but the way your describing the world, now I am curious
ReplyDeleteI am so behind on reviews. Your review reminded me I needed to get mine up for Seven Sons (Gypsy Brothers #1). Thanks got it up so I would not forget. Since I have only read the first novel in the Gypsy Brothers I am yet not curious to how he was before. I am sure that will change as I read the rest. Did you know Lili St. Germain and Callie Hart have a book coming out together Hell's Kitchen (Hell's Kitchen #1) March 2015. I love Callie Harts Blood & Roses series and lovedLili St, Germain, Seven Sons. Curious to see how they do as team.
ReplyDeleteI've only read Seven Sons but you know how much I loved it! I'd be very curious to see this different side of Dornan. And honestly, I just think St. Germain writes dark and gritty really, really well! :) Great review, Naomi! I can't wait to get to Cartel - but it might be summer before I get there. :)
ReplyDeleteit is a little dark... but I am loving those kinds of reads right now!!
ReplyDeleteYes! I did hear about that... I might be stalking Lili's FB page a bit!
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue the Gypsy Brothers series... it was a fantastic read for me!!
Oh, she certainly is a master of the dark and gritty worlds! I love it each time I pick up her books. I forget about every day life and become consumed by her worlds! I hope you get to continue these soon!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteSweetie you had me at brothers and dark romance. I need more brothers in my life..lol and I love dark and gritty tales,
ReplyDeleteHaha! You would enjoy the original series, Seven Sons was the one that got me hooked!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't this an author Liz drools all over? It's so hard for me to take that initial jump and read a MC book, but I want to try. I really do.
ReplyDeleteI have told her to read this one... She will, I have no doubt!!
ReplyDeleteI did, thank you!!
ReplyDelete