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Cartel #2
Kingpin
The second scorching novel in the USA Today bestselling Cartel trilogy from the smash-hit author Lili St Germain.
They say love conquers all.
It's a lie.
Five days a week, I dressed in smart business clothes. I painted my face, and went to work as an accountant. But nothing about my life was normal.
For eight years I had been the property of the Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club. I laundered their money so well they'd never let me leave. My only glimmer of light was the man I loved. The man who had saved me.
Dornan.
His love had been the only thing that kept the demons at bay. But he'd become so immersed in the cartel's brutal business that I hardly knew him anymore.
Dornan had been my salvation, but he was also my undoing.
Would he pull me down into the darkness until he destroyed me? Could I save him?
Did I even want to?
They say love conquers all.
It's a lie.
Five days a week, I dressed in smart business clothes. I painted my face, and went to work as an accountant. But nothing about my life was normal.
For eight years I had been the property of the Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club. I laundered their money so well they'd never let me leave. My only glimmer of light was the man I loved. The man who had saved me.
Dornan.
His love had been the only thing that kept the demons at bay. But he'd become so immersed in the cartel's brutal business that I hardly knew him anymore.
Dornan had been my salvation, but he was also my undoing.
Would he pull me down into the darkness until he destroyed me? Could I save him?
Did I even want to?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2015
154 people are currently reading
3341 people want to read
About the author
Lili St. Germain
44 books4,341 followersLili is a USA Today bestselling hybrid author who has sold over a million books since January 2014. She writes stories about vengeful girls and villainous men, with readers crowning her "The Queen of Darkness" and "The best when it comes to dark, brooding and bloody romance."
Lili quit corporate life to focus on writing and so far is loving every minute of it. Her other loves in life include her gorgeous husband and beautiful daughter, good coffee, Tarantino movies and spending hours on Pinterest.
She loves to read almost as much as she loves to write.
Lili quit corporate life to focus on writing and so far is loving every minute of it. Her other loves in life include her gorgeous husband and beautiful daughter, good coffee, Tarantino movies and spending hours on Pinterest.
She loves to read almost as much as she loves to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
December 25, 2015
Raw, Gritty and Darker
This second book in the 'Cartel' fast-forwards nine years into Mariana's captivity. Still trapped in the same apartment, unable to leave of her own volition, and spending her days cooking the books for the cartel, Mariana remains devoted to Dornan. She loves him, despite it all.
Regardless of her love for Dornan, Mariana spends most of her time alone, longing for his next weekly visit. She's come to realize that she will always have to settle for scraps where Dornan is concerned. He will never place her first. They will never get out of this life. They are never going to be together in any meaningful way, beyond the stolen moments that she treasures each Sunday.
As Mariana comes to terms with her life circumstances, she commits to stay the course. However, Murphy has a need for her particular skill set. With her family again threatened, she is forced to undergo drastic measures to ensure the safety of her son. Her actions will change everything.
Finding herself in a really bad spot, Mariana calls on Dornan, only to be reminded of her place in line behind his wife, family, and business. Desperate, she calls on John to help her fix the mess she's made, changing the dynamics of their relationship forever. Now, this man knows all of her most dangerous secrets, things that Dornan doesn't even know.
As this story progresses, we have a front row seat to the decline of Dornan. Little by little, the darkness of his daily business has seeped into his soul, leaving a cold, callous man in it's wake. He cannot un-see the things that he's seen, and it is slowly killing the humane side of him.
Eventually, Mariana has to face the fact that the man she loves, no longer exists. She finds comfort in the arms of his best friend and begins to look for a way out.
This book was far more gritty and raw than the first book in the 'Cartel' series. Even though I know where this story is headed, I cannot pull myself away from it. I have loved every minute of this story. Even knowing that this will end horribly, I am dying to get my hands on the next book.
This second book in the 'Cartel' fast-forwards nine years into Mariana's captivity. Still trapped in the same apartment, unable to leave of her own volition, and spending her days cooking the books for the cartel, Mariana remains devoted to Dornan. She loves him, despite it all.
Regardless of her love for Dornan, Mariana spends most of her time alone, longing for his next weekly visit. She's come to realize that she will always have to settle for scraps where Dornan is concerned. He will never place her first. They will never get out of this life. They are never going to be together in any meaningful way, beyond the stolen moments that she treasures each Sunday.
As Mariana comes to terms with her life circumstances, she commits to stay the course. However, Murphy has a need for her particular skill set. With her family again threatened, she is forced to undergo drastic measures to ensure the safety of her son. Her actions will change everything.
Finding herself in a really bad spot, Mariana calls on Dornan, only to be reminded of her place in line behind his wife, family, and business. Desperate, she calls on John to help her fix the mess she's made, changing the dynamics of their relationship forever. Now, this man knows all of her most dangerous secrets, things that Dornan doesn't even know.
As this story progresses, we have a front row seat to the decline of Dornan. Little by little, the darkness of his daily business has seeped into his soul, leaving a cold, callous man in it's wake. He cannot un-see the things that he's seen, and it is slowly killing the humane side of him.
Eventually, Mariana has to face the fact that the man she loves, no longer exists. She finds comfort in the arms of his best friend and begins to look for a way out.
This book was far more gritty and raw than the first book in the 'Cartel' series. Even though I know where this story is headed, I cannot pull myself away from it. I have loved every minute of this story. Even knowing that this will end horribly, I am dying to get my hands on the next book.
February 20, 2017
***4 "Cholita!!!" stars***
As the pages are passing by, the story gets even more dark, brutal, savage and so damn fucked up!!!
Honestly, guys, this series is driving crazy my mortal compass, but it's so freakin' addictive!!!
You can't stop reading until you unravel anything fucked up shit that is hidden in there and of course, you're dying to see what will happen in the end, even though you can't see a light at the end of the dark tunel....
And damn, i don't think that i have any hope that we will have a nice ending, especially since i know how twisted and sick are both Ross's men!!!
"I didn’t want to rule the world.
I didn’t care about power.
I just wanted to be free."
Well, this story made me so damn sad... There is so much darkness in it, you know???
And i felt so bad for Mariana... Her situation was bringing me so much sorrow!!!
It was sad that after 9 years, she was still in love with Dornan because she thought that he saved her once upon a time.... Yep, Stockholm Syndrom for sure!!!
Because how can this be love when she is trapped and prisoner of her lover???
"I loved him. I loved him even in my darkest moments. Even in his."
She was the other woman, a mistress, a woman hidden from everyone... She couldn't do anything without being monitorized, she had a watch dog after her all the damn time, even inside her house and she never stopped living under Emilio's threats and filthy gestures...
And her lover was responsible for all of those things!!!!
Is this saving??? Is this love???
"You don't understand. He loves me. He saved me."
John looked at me sadly, the smile fading from his face.
"You call this saved?"
Well, after 9 years, nothing had changed for Mariana...
She was still a possession of the Cartel, even though she was working for them and she had some kind of liberties...
She was still with Dornan and they were very good together even though they weren't spending so much time with each other...
She was still living under Emilio's thumb and that creep Murphy still was after her...
But it was about time things to change....
For better or for worse???
"Dornan had been my salvation, but he was also my undoing."
Mariana is starting to see Dornan for who he really are...
Dornan is becoming more brutal than before.... The little humanity in him that we witnessed in the first book is slipping away from him and the things are getting uglier...
Mariana's love is becoming hate, and her heart is starting to beat for someone else...
But she will never be able to get away from Dornan and the Cartel...
“He’s not the person I met nine years ago. He’s scaring me. I don’t know how to help him out of this darkness he’s sinking into. It’s like poison, and I’m scared he’s going to pull me in with him.”
In here, we saw more of John and we met him better...
I liked him before, but now, i loved this guy... He was leading a life that wasn't fitting in his character and it was so damn pity!!!
John was a great father to Juliette and damn, in here, we realised the part that he took in this story and my heart was bleeding for him and for poor Juliette...
We also found out Dornan's seventh son because i was wondering where he had been....
But damn, the way he met his father was so bad!!!! Poor boy!!!
I think that this certain fact made me hate Dornan a little bit more...
"They say drowning is a peaceful way to die, but Dornan Ross wasn't so sure about that. He had been drowning in blood and lies his entire life."
Pff!!! Generally, the things got fucked up in so many levels in here...
You couldn't wrap your mind around all those facts...
To be totally honest with you, Mariana changed as well...
She did unspeakable things and yes, i know that you have to do many bad things to survive but my mind was mentally kicking my ass when i was trying to jystify her actions....
Yes, i know that she had to do all those things, but she was the only pure person in this fucked up story, i wanted her to stay untouched!!!
"In my head, I was already planning how to get away from him because he’d destroyed our love so swiftly, so brutally, I barely remembered what it was that had tethered us together for so many years."
Anyway...
The only sure thing is that i will keep reading those books, even if they kill me!!!
Yes, Gypsy brothers series too, even though i need a little break of all this dark atmosphere!!!
Nah, i don't think i will be able to take a break!!! Damn!!!!
***ARC generously provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
As the pages are passing by, the story gets even more dark, brutal, savage and so damn fucked up!!!
Honestly, guys, this series is driving crazy my mortal compass, but it's so freakin' addictive!!!
You can't stop reading until you unravel anything fucked up shit that is hidden in there and of course, you're dying to see what will happen in the end, even though you can't see a light at the end of the dark tunel....
And damn, i don't think that i have any hope that we will have a nice ending, especially since i know how twisted and sick are both Ross's men!!!
"I didn’t want to rule the world.
I didn’t care about power.
I just wanted to be free."
Well, this story made me so damn sad... There is so much darkness in it, you know???
And i felt so bad for Mariana... Her situation was bringing me so much sorrow!!!
It was sad that after 9 years, she was still in love with Dornan because she thought that he saved her once upon a time.... Yep, Stockholm Syndrom for sure!!!
Because how can this be love when she is trapped and prisoner of her lover???
"I loved him. I loved him even in my darkest moments. Even in his."
She was the other woman, a mistress, a woman hidden from everyone... She couldn't do anything without being monitorized, she had a watch dog after her all the damn time, even inside her house and she never stopped living under Emilio's threats and filthy gestures...
And her lover was responsible for all of those things!!!!
Is this saving??? Is this love???
"You don't understand. He loves me. He saved me."
John looked at me sadly, the smile fading from his face.
"You call this saved?"
Well, after 9 years, nothing had changed for Mariana...
She was still a possession of the Cartel, even though she was working for them and she had some kind of liberties...
She was still with Dornan and they were very good together even though they weren't spending so much time with each other...
She was still living under Emilio's thumb and that creep Murphy still was after her...
But it was about time things to change....
For better or for worse???
"Dornan had been my salvation, but he was also my undoing."
Mariana is starting to see Dornan for who he really are...
Dornan is becoming more brutal than before.... The little humanity in him that we witnessed in the first book is slipping away from him and the things are getting uglier...
Mariana's love is becoming hate, and her heart is starting to beat for someone else...
But she will never be able to get away from Dornan and the Cartel...
“He’s not the person I met nine years ago. He’s scaring me. I don’t know how to help him out of this darkness he’s sinking into. It’s like poison, and I’m scared he’s going to pull me in with him.”
In here, we saw more of John and we met him better...
I liked him before, but now, i loved this guy... He was leading a life that wasn't fitting in his character and it was so damn pity!!!
John was a great father to Juliette and damn, in here, we realised the part that he took in this story and my heart was bleeding for him and for poor Juliette...
We also found out Dornan's seventh son because i was wondering where he had been....
But damn, the way he met his father was so bad!!!! Poor boy!!!
I think that this certain fact made me hate Dornan a little bit more...
"They say drowning is a peaceful way to die, but Dornan Ross wasn't so sure about that. He had been drowning in blood and lies his entire life."
Pff!!! Generally, the things got fucked up in so many levels in here...
You couldn't wrap your mind around all those facts...
To be totally honest with you, Mariana changed as well...
She did unspeakable things and yes, i know that you have to do many bad things to survive but my mind was mentally kicking my ass when i was trying to jystify her actions....
Yes, i know that she had to do all those things, but she was the only pure person in this fucked up story, i wanted her to stay untouched!!!
"In my head, I was already planning how to get away from him because he’d destroyed our love so swiftly, so brutally, I barely remembered what it was that had tethered us together for so many years."
Anyway...
The only sure thing is that i will keep reading those books, even if they kill me!!!
Yes, Gypsy brothers series too, even though i need a little break of all this dark atmosphere!!!
Nah, i don't think i will be able to take a break!!! Damn!!!!
***ARC generously provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
December 16, 2016
WHY?!!! I'm not sure I can keep reading! I'm not sure I'm brave enough to read the next book! I started to fall in love with Dornan in the first book! Yes, he had a dark side and was the villain in a sense but I felt he was redeemable! He didn't want to become a dark person or anything like his father. However, in this book Dornan is still fighting his demons and trying not to let the darkness consume him. Towards the end of Kingpin he starts loosing that battle and my heart is completely shattered!!! Why!!! I can't! Lol! Lili advised me to read this series before reading Gypsy Brothers because she "wanted to see my experience with Dornan going in blind"!!! Not cool, Lili! Not cool at all! I don't appreciate being your experiment and playing with my emotions like this! Hahaha! I would have preferred a heads up...Thank you very much! At least then I would have had a hardened heart towards Dornan! Instead you make me fall in love with him and then you just yank him away from me and make me start to hate him instead! You are lucky your writing style, storytelling/plots and characters are so addictive that I can't help myself but read the next one, Empire! I'm going in!
{I voluntarily reviewed this ARC that was graciously provided by Lili St. Germain and HarperCollins Publishers}
{I voluntarily reviewed this ARC that was graciously provided by Lili St. Germain and HarperCollins Publishers}
December 18, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
If you want the hearts, flowers, and one true love kind of romance that is all nicely packaged in a big red bow, then stop turn around because KINGPIN is not that kind of book. But instead this book is raw, bloody, gritty, and dangerous. It is in your face fourberie and chicanery. KINGPIN is where hearts will be torn and loyalties will be tested. Where the only thing that matters is survival.
Kingpin picks off where it last left off in Cartel so reading the first book is a must in order to grasp the magnitude of each vital characters in this series. Did I expect a happily ever after in Kingpin? Well no, but a part of me craved happiness for Mariana and Dornan. We all know that Mariana loves Dornan. She can't help but be drawn to Dornan and the power, control, and pleasure he evokes from her. While still being held captive by Dornan and his father, Mariana seeks for the day that she can finally be free. Free to be with her family and reunited with her son in Columbia. But as she wishes and craves for that, she still is held back by her love for Dornan. Her love is pure yet it confuses her because she should not want the love of a man who has held her captive and yet has saved her life. A man who has turned dangerous and volatile. A man who has killed in front of her eyes. A man who has blood in his hands. A man who has a darkness surrounding him. And so when she feels that the man she has loved begin to change, another man begins to enter the forefront of her mind. Dornan's best friend, John Portland. John is the antithesis of Dornan in every aspect. Dornan is hard, dominant, dangerous, unpredictable and controlling whereas John is gentle, kind, and compassionate. Torn between two men, Mariana must pull the trigger and decide. Decide if it is the love of Dornan that she craves, or the love of John that she needs to soothe her heart, or is it the love of revenge that will help her escape from her captivity?
"Dornan had been my salvation, but he was also my undoing."
Kingpin left me begging for more. I need more John Portland. I need more Mariana. And I especially need more Dornan. Is it wrong that I am drawn to the bad guy and yet equally drawn to John and his kindness? Ahhh...Lili St. Germain, do you see what you are doing to me? I am torn and yet wildly excited as to what wicked and devious plan you have in store for the final book, Empire. All I can say, Kingpin once again has wickedly and sinfully consumed me with it's raw and suspenseful prose. Ms. Germain has taken her readers down a dark, gritty, and bloody journey and there is only one way out... and that is to take out the Empire. So as I impatiently await for Empire, I'm ready for the carnage, revenge, and what awaits for Mariana? So can something so wrong feel so right? And the answer is yes, because Lili St. Germain has her readers consumed with a bad boy that we all know we should hate but can't help love.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Lili St. Germain
If you want the hearts, flowers, and one true love kind of romance that is all nicely packaged in a big red bow, then stop turn around because KINGPIN is not that kind of book. But instead this book is raw, bloody, gritty, and dangerous. It is in your face fourberie and chicanery. KINGPIN is where hearts will be torn and loyalties will be tested. Where the only thing that matters is survival.
Kingpin picks off where it last left off in Cartel so reading the first book is a must in order to grasp the magnitude of each vital characters in this series. Did I expect a happily ever after in Kingpin? Well no, but a part of me craved happiness for Mariana and Dornan. We all know that Mariana loves Dornan. She can't help but be drawn to Dornan and the power, control, and pleasure he evokes from her. While still being held captive by Dornan and his father, Mariana seeks for the day that she can finally be free. Free to be with her family and reunited with her son in Columbia. But as she wishes and craves for that, she still is held back by her love for Dornan. Her love is pure yet it confuses her because she should not want the love of a man who has held her captive and yet has saved her life. A man who has turned dangerous and volatile. A man who has killed in front of her eyes. A man who has blood in his hands. A man who has a darkness surrounding him. And so when she feels that the man she has loved begin to change, another man begins to enter the forefront of her mind. Dornan's best friend, John Portland. John is the antithesis of Dornan in every aspect. Dornan is hard, dominant, dangerous, unpredictable and controlling whereas John is gentle, kind, and compassionate. Torn between two men, Mariana must pull the trigger and decide. Decide if it is the love of Dornan that she craves, or the love of John that she needs to soothe her heart, or is it the love of revenge that will help her escape from her captivity?
"Dornan had been my salvation, but he was also my undoing."
Kingpin left me begging for more. I need more John Portland. I need more Mariana. And I especially need more Dornan. Is it wrong that I am drawn to the bad guy and yet equally drawn to John and his kindness? Ahhh...Lili St. Germain, do you see what you are doing to me? I am torn and yet wildly excited as to what wicked and devious plan you have in store for the final book, Empire. All I can say, Kingpin once again has wickedly and sinfully consumed me with it's raw and suspenseful prose. Ms. Germain has taken her readers down a dark, gritty, and bloody journey and there is only one way out... and that is to take out the Empire. So as I impatiently await for Empire, I'm ready for the carnage, revenge, and what awaits for Mariana? So can something so wrong feel so right? And the answer is yes, because Lili St. Germain has her readers consumed with a bad boy that we all know we should hate but can't help love.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Lili St. Germain
December 31, 2016
Kingpin
Cartel #2
by Lili St. Germain
We fast forward Nine years after Mariana was taken, at first we find that nothing seem to have change between Mariana & Dornan… She still in love with Dornan- They are still lying to Emilio- but now Mariana come to realize that she will always have to settle for scraps where Dornan is concerned. He will never place her first. They will never get out of this life.
Mariana remains Dornan's dirty Lil secret. Dornan is starting to show some the soulless man we meet in the Gypsy Brothers Series…… You can say he is Dornan Ross, son of Emilio Ross. Born to II Sangue & VP of Gypsy Brothers. But most important you can call him one Evil ass man
After 9 long years locked up in the same job & same lonely apartment, Mariana find herself stuck in a bad situation, unsure she can find her way out this situation.. Her first instinct is to call Dornan & she realizes very fast that he been lying her about him not still sleeping with his wife,
Nowhere to turn or anyone else she can trust, Mariana turns to John
As you can imagine this friendship start off very strange. As Marina finds herself confiding more & more in John, the secrets the two share bring them closer together
You are going to be pulled in again & the twist & turns will holds you in its grip until the very last page. This one is alot Darker & gritty then the last book
1- Cartel
2- Kingpin****
3- Empire
Mariana is such a strong female...I was so happy to finally see her really fight for to get some type of revenge in this book
Even though I know where this story is headed, & how Mariana & Dornan end- it’s not so much the details but the Journey-and so far this is one hell of a Journey
I can't wait to read Empire!!
***I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Cartel #2
by Lili St. Germain
We fast forward Nine years after Mariana was taken, at first we find that nothing seem to have change between Mariana & Dornan… She still in love with Dornan- They are still lying to Emilio- but now Mariana come to realize that she will always have to settle for scraps where Dornan is concerned. He will never place her first. They will never get out of this life.
Mariana remains Dornan's dirty Lil secret. Dornan is starting to show some the soulless man we meet in the Gypsy Brothers Series…… You can say he is Dornan Ross, son of Emilio Ross. Born to II Sangue & VP of Gypsy Brothers. But most important you can call him one Evil ass man
After 9 long years locked up in the same job & same lonely apartment, Mariana find herself stuck in a bad situation, unsure she can find her way out this situation.. Her first instinct is to call Dornan & she realizes very fast that he been lying her about him not still sleeping with his wife,
Nowhere to turn or anyone else she can trust, Mariana turns to John
As you can imagine this friendship start off very strange. As Marina finds herself confiding more & more in John, the secrets the two share bring them closer together
You are going to be pulled in again & the twist & turns will holds you in its grip until the very last page. This one is alot Darker & gritty then the last book
1- Cartel
2- Kingpin****
3- Empire
Mariana is such a strong female...I was so happy to finally see her really fight for to get some type of revenge in this book
Even though I know where this story is headed, & how Mariana & Dornan end- it’s not so much the details but the Journey-and so far this is one hell of a Journey
I can't wait to read Empire!!
***I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
December 30, 2015
Dornan, you bad, bad boy!
While I liked book one, this one was so much better! With a solid plot and fully developed characters, the writing was terrific. Kingpin held intrigue and mystery.
Nine years after she was taken, Mariana and Dornan are back with all their rough sex and secrets. They still face the problem of his father and his wife - the two people that keep them apart. Mariana remains Dornan's dirty little secret. Yet, that's not the only secret Mariana keeps, because chaos ensues and Mariana is out for revenge. And she is definitely a bad ass.
It is difficult to review this because I could easily reveal spoilers. Instead, I am keeping this short. If you liked book one, I definitely recommend book #2!
My only issue with the book is that ENDING! I am in cliffy hell right now! I have to wait until June. JUNE?! for Empire to come out so I can see how this ends.
ARC given in exchange for honest review
While I liked book one, this one was so much better! With a solid plot and fully developed characters, the writing was terrific. Kingpin held intrigue and mystery.
Nine years after she was taken, Mariana and Dornan are back with all their rough sex and secrets. They still face the problem of his father and his wife - the two people that keep them apart. Mariana remains Dornan's dirty little secret. Yet, that's not the only secret Mariana keeps, because chaos ensues and Mariana is out for revenge. And she is definitely a bad ass.
It is difficult to review this because I could easily reveal spoilers. Instead, I am keeping this short. If you liked book one, I definitely recommend book #2!
My only issue with the book is that ENDING! I am in cliffy hell right now! I have to wait until June. JUNE?! for Empire to come out so I can see how this ends.
ARC given in exchange for honest review
December 14, 2016
5 Explosive Stars*****
(ARC Kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Ten years have passed since Mariana was taken from her home in Colombia, and away from her family. She is now the book-keeper for the biggest drug cartel in the world.
Secrets, sex, and blood are the terms of the dangerous game she plays. Everything is a stake, and even if she tried, she can't stop now. Mariana has become addicted to the beautiful pain she gets at the hands of the monster, who visits her at night.
Mariana is Dornan's dirty little secret. She works as the book-keeper for the club, and the drug cartel during the day and at night she is a prisoner of Dornan, and his father. Her life is not her own anymore. The violence and the pain these lovers endure everyday has reached inside Dornan's heart and unleashed a darkness so strong, like nothing he's ever seen before, hurting everything and everyone who gets in his way, including his beloved Mariana.
Will their love be able to survive the blood they continue to draw from each other? Will their hearts finally shatter or, become stronger?
So many secrets, so much pain, and the passion gets hotter and hotter...
(ARC Kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Ten years have passed since Mariana was taken from her home in Colombia, and away from her family. She is now the book-keeper for the biggest drug cartel in the world.
Secrets, sex, and blood are the terms of the dangerous game she plays. Everything is a stake, and even if she tried, she can't stop now. Mariana has become addicted to the beautiful pain she gets at the hands of the monster, who visits her at night.
Mariana is Dornan's dirty little secret. She works as the book-keeper for the club, and the drug cartel during the day and at night she is a prisoner of Dornan, and his father. Her life is not her own anymore. The violence and the pain these lovers endure everyday has reached inside Dornan's heart and unleashed a darkness so strong, like nothing he's ever seen before, hurting everything and everyone who gets in his way, including his beloved Mariana.
Will their love be able to survive the blood they continue to draw from each other? Will their hearts finally shatter or, become stronger?
So many secrets, so much pain, and the passion gets hotter and hotter...
January 5, 2016
Lili St. Germain has created the perfect villain. There are no adequate words to describe Dornan. He’s sex and sin rolled together on two legs. Charismatic and dominate, deeply passionate and protective of those he loves. But perfection has cracks and with those cracks harbors darkness. Over time that darkness grows becoming something twisted and evil, leeching all the goodness.
Mariana knows first hand of those shadows, she’s experienced them first hand with Dornan’s father Emilio and Il Sangue Cartel, sealing her fate with Gypsy Brothers. On the surface she’s nothing more than an accountant handling their books.
If you dig a little deeper, scratching at the scab surrounding her heart where all the lies, deceit and betrayals holds her silence, you’ll find she’s slowly being killed by love. Applause...applause, another five bullet hole success!
December 17, 2015
Review: Surj
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Good lord, this series... this book... these characters.... they are seriously playing all sorts of havoc with my emotions, my feelings, my nerves and my anxiety levels. I don't think I can take any more but in the same breath I'm addicted to the world of the Cartel and the Gypsy Brothers MC and I cannot step away until the final book has been read. I won't allow myself to. "Blood in, blood out" isn't that what they say? Well let's just say I have been slowly bleeding out (metaphorically of course) from the moment I turned the first page of "Seven Sons" two years ago, the sweet yet painful torture continuing as I have immersed myself into the world of Juliette, Jase, Dornan, Mariana and John. Lili St Germain has written one hell of an amazing saga with these characters and despite already knowing the endpoint, I haven't been able to turn my back on the underbelly that is this world yet.
I saw so much growth in Mariana's character and I think that was partly due to her growing frustration of the situation she was in not only with the cartel and Dornan but also her need to protect those she loved. Mariana reminded me so much of Juliette with her smart mouth but in this book, she became quite the kick ass heroine with a ruthless brutality when the need arose. Mariana was becoming more and more calculating in her thoughts and actions and I loved that she wasn't a doormat for Dornan or the Cartel although one thing did remain... she was a prisoner and that was something she had learned to accept. There was no getting away from this life unless it was in a bodybag.
John was a character that I had been introduced to very briefly in the previous book but one that really did steal a piece of my heart in "Kingpin." Despite being the President of the Gypsy Brothers MC, I could sense the constant struggle and inner conflict he faced on a daily basis. Like so many characters within this series, he too was a slave to the Cartel with little or no way out. He was a good man and I sensed that right from the outset, finding myself routing for him and a HEA (even though I already knew the outcome).
"Kingpin" was the beginning of the end when it came to anything good within Dornan Ross and was such an eye opener for me. As revelation after revelation came at me thick and fast, this author really did pull out all the stops when it came to leaving me gobsmacked. Those aces she had up her sleeve came with perfect precision and timing leaving me desperately trying to work out whether I had got things so completely wrong or whether it was Lili St Germain fucking with me all over again. Seriously, I wouldn't put it past her... she really is a master of messing with your mind!!!
This was yet again another action packed, drama filled addictive read that ended on another cliffy. Not as bad as some this author has given us but a cliffy all the same. I cannot wait for the final book in this series "Empire" but am a little gutted we have to wait six months. The joys of a traditionally published book I guess. What I do know is, the wait will definitely be worth it, even if it is just to give me the closure I need. Although..... I did wonder whether Emilio's story might be on the cards. What turned him into the ruthless son of a bitch he was??? I don't think I'm ready to let this series go... can you tell?
I rated "Kingpin" ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
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Good lord, this series... this book... these characters.... they are seriously playing all sorts of havoc with my emotions, my feelings, my nerves and my anxiety levels. I don't think I can take any more but in the same breath I'm addicted to the world of the Cartel and the Gypsy Brothers MC and I cannot step away until the final book has been read. I won't allow myself to. "Blood in, blood out" isn't that what they say? Well let's just say I have been slowly bleeding out (metaphorically of course) from the moment I turned the first page of "Seven Sons" two years ago, the sweet yet painful torture continuing as I have immersed myself into the world of Juliette, Jase, Dornan, Mariana and John. Lili St Germain has written one hell of an amazing saga with these characters and despite already knowing the endpoint, I haven't been able to turn my back on the underbelly that is this world yet.
I was twenty eight years old. We were in love. And it was the saddest thing in the world.In "Kingpin," I saw the story of Dornan, Juliette and John continue but boy did I find myself in all kinds of knots over what I was reading. I really didn't know whether I was coming or going when it came to Dornan Ross and there were a few occasions (I'm ashamed to say), he almost had me eating out of the palm of his hands. Did I feel sympathy towards him? Did I feel a pang of pain for the hand of cards he'd been dealt? Surely not? Thank god these moments were fleeting on my part because no sooner had he got my pity when two seconds later he would unleash the beast within and reveal a side I despised The monster was never far away and regardless of how he justified situations, regardless of how he thought he was doing the right thing, he really was ruthless, brutal and barbaric with a conscience that belonged right alongside the devil's.
They say drowning is a peaceful way to die, but Dornan Ross wasn't so sure about that. He had been drowning in blood and lies his entire life.
I saw so much growth in Mariana's character and I think that was partly due to her growing frustration of the situation she was in not only with the cartel and Dornan but also her need to protect those she loved. Mariana reminded me so much of Juliette with her smart mouth but in this book, she became quite the kick ass heroine with a ruthless brutality when the need arose. Mariana was becoming more and more calculating in her thoughts and actions and I loved that she wasn't a doormat for Dornan or the Cartel although one thing did remain... she was a prisoner and that was something she had learned to accept. There was no getting away from this life unless it was in a bodybag.
"You don't understand. He loves me. He saved me."
John looked at me sadly, the smile fading from his face.
"You call this saved?"
John was a character that I had been introduced to very briefly in the previous book but one that really did steal a piece of my heart in "Kingpin." Despite being the President of the Gypsy Brothers MC, I could sense the constant struggle and inner conflict he faced on a daily basis. Like so many characters within this series, he too was a slave to the Cartel with little or no way out. He was a good man and I sensed that right from the outset, finding myself routing for him and a HEA (even though I already knew the outcome).
"Kingpin" was the beginning of the end when it came to anything good within Dornan Ross and was such an eye opener for me. As revelation after revelation came at me thick and fast, this author really did pull out all the stops when it came to leaving me gobsmacked. Those aces she had up her sleeve came with perfect precision and timing leaving me desperately trying to work out whether I had got things so completely wrong or whether it was Lili St Germain fucking with me all over again. Seriously, I wouldn't put it past her... she really is a master of messing with your mind!!!
I saw fresh bruises blossoming across my skin, and marvelled at how close love and death could become. Dirty. Messy, inexplicably intertwined.
This was yet again another action packed, drama filled addictive read that ended on another cliffy. Not as bad as some this author has given us but a cliffy all the same. I cannot wait for the final book in this series "Empire" but am a little gutted we have to wait six months. The joys of a traditionally published book I guess. What I do know is, the wait will definitely be worth it, even if it is just to give me the closure I need. Although..... I did wonder whether Emilio's story might be on the cards. What turned him into the ruthless son of a bitch he was??? I don't think I'm ready to let this series go... can you tell?
I rated "Kingpin" ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
December 26, 2015
*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher HarperCollins, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. ***
Damn you Dornan! You made me like you a little bit after book 1. I know what happened in the ‘Gypsy Brothers’ series but putting that into the very back of my mind, I did see your better side but now I hate you again …
Poor Mariana, what more do you have to go through before you finally get ‘rest’! I admire her strength! This author really knows how to create strong female characters!!
In this second book ‘Kingpin’ we are 9 years ahead and Mariana is still is a privileged captive who still loves Dornan even though he’s still living with his wife. Some things happen which make her see/feel the evil man he is, more often. Her lover slowly turns into the monster hidden deep inside him. She feels more and more attracted to compassionate, kind, thoughtful John, prez of the Gypsy Brothers and Dornan’s friend. John is married and even though his wife isn’t worth the title wife and mother he remained loyal to her all those years. But now he’s having difficulties fighting his attraction towards Mariana. Can he keep fighting his attraction? Which man will she choose? Can they have a future?
Again a wonderful, well written, captivating, emotional, twisted story. Even though I’m dreading what is going to happen I’m really looking forward to the conclusion in this series … ‘EMPIRE’, the irresistible conclusion to the Cartel trilogy will be published on June 1, 2016 according to GoodReads... OMG I don’t know if I can wait that long!
Available for pre-order on Amazon US : http://amzn.com/B00KHHF02E
Damn you Dornan! You made me like you a little bit after book 1. I know what happened in the ‘Gypsy Brothers’ series but putting that into the very back of my mind, I did see your better side but now I hate you again …
Poor Mariana, what more do you have to go through before you finally get ‘rest’! I admire her strength! This author really knows how to create strong female characters!!
In this second book ‘Kingpin’ we are 9 years ahead and Mariana is still is a privileged captive who still loves Dornan even though he’s still living with his wife. Some things happen which make her see/feel the evil man he is, more often. Her lover slowly turns into the monster hidden deep inside him. She feels more and more attracted to compassionate, kind, thoughtful John, prez of the Gypsy Brothers and Dornan’s friend. John is married and even though his wife isn’t worth the title wife and mother he remained loyal to her all those years. But now he’s having difficulties fighting his attraction towards Mariana. Can he keep fighting his attraction? Which man will she choose? Can they have a future?
Again a wonderful, well written, captivating, emotional, twisted story. Even though I’m dreading what is going to happen I’m really looking forward to the conclusion in this series … ‘EMPIRE’, the irresistible conclusion to the Cartel trilogy will be published on June 1, 2016 according to GoodReads... OMG I don’t know if I can wait that long!
Available for pre-order on Amazon US : http://amzn.com/B00KHHF02E
December 13, 2015
I just finished Kingpin and OOMMGG! Talk about a big kick to the lady raisins. Book 2 was so freaking amazing that I am left at a loss for words right now. This is one of those books that makes you want to fist bump the literary gods and leaves you salivating for the next installment.
So many feels happening right now that I can’t figure out if I want to punch Dornan or coddle him. And John…wow! What can I say? I knew something was up with him but didn’t see that coming.
I am definitely on major book watch right now and would literally sale my first born son to get my hands on Empire right now. Yes people, this book was that damn awesome!
So many feels happening right now that I can’t figure out if I want to punch Dornan or coddle him. And John…wow! What can I say? I knew something was up with him but didn’t see that coming.
I am definitely on major book watch right now and would literally sale my first born son to get my hands on Empire right now. Yes people, this book was that damn awesome!
February 11, 2017
More reviews at Li'l Kit’s Reviews.
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 5.0
The second book in the Cartel Series was even better than the first! I could not put this book down, I'm not sure why I haven't read this book before now, but damn sure happy that I have!
Kingpin picks up 9 years later and we find Mariana is now the "Accountant" for the Gypsy Brothers/El Sangue Cartel. For 9 years she's lived on the knife's edge of life, never knowing when or if Emilio is going to snap and kill her or worse... because with Emilio, there is always worse.
Emilio's son Dornon is still able to keep his relationship with Mariana a secret.
But Dornon is starting to get suspicious of Mariana. Is she telling him the truth? Is she hiding something from him? Is there someone else? It's easier for Dornan to not think too much on these things.
Dornan's character, in my opinion, has firmly planted both of his feet on the dark path of his life.
I'm loving this series!
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 5.0
The second book in the Cartel Series was even better than the first! I could not put this book down, I'm not sure why I haven't read this book before now, but damn sure happy that I have!
Kingpin picks up 9 years later and we find Mariana is now the "Accountant" for the Gypsy Brothers/El Sangue Cartel. For 9 years she's lived on the knife's edge of life, never knowing when or if Emilio is going to snap and kill her or worse... because with Emilio, there is always worse.
Emilio's son Dornon is still able to keep his relationship with Mariana a secret.
But Dornon is starting to get suspicious of Mariana. Is she telling him the truth? Is she hiding something from him? Is there someone else? It's easier for Dornan to not think too much on these things.
Dornan's character, in my opinion, has firmly planted both of his feet on the dark path of his life.
I'm loving this series!
December 28, 2019
What an adrenaline rush!
‘What do you do when you want something you can’t have?’ ‘I wait,’ I whispered, my own convictions sliding away like melted butter as he rested a hand on my hip, just above my panties, and squeezed. ‘And then?’ “When nobody’s looking, I take it.”
This book kept me on edge the whole time! This is how you write good cartel/mafia. My teeth feel as though they are chattering Because I literally don’t know what in the world is going to happen. I love Mariana so much! She is strong, ballsy, mouthy, and smart. I can’t wait to see what plan she concocts in this next book.
‘What do you do when you want something you can’t have?’ ‘I wait,’ I whispered, my own convictions sliding away like melted butter as he rested a hand on my hip, just above my panties, and squeezed. ‘And then?’ “When nobody’s looking, I take it.”
This book kept me on edge the whole time! This is how you write good cartel/mafia. My teeth feel as though they are chattering Because I literally don’t know what in the world is going to happen. I love Mariana so much! She is strong, ballsy, mouthy, and smart. I can’t wait to see what plan she concocts in this next book.
December 20, 2016
ERIN'S REVIEW
5 STARS
OMG!!! Just when you think the story can't possibly get any better, the next book comes along. BAM! A story that punches you in the gut, but leaves you addicted to the pain. I finished Cartel and immediately started this book. I am totally hooked on these characters and the road their lives have taken. I couldn't put the book down. You think you know how things will go, but you will be left reeling just as I was. I could never have predicted the journey these characters would embark on, where their roads would lead. I love that I was kept on my toes, not able to forsee the future.
SAM'S REVIEW
5 STARS
I absolutely ADORED Cartel- Book 1 in this series and have been awaiting the arrival of Book 2, Kingpin. This spinoff of the Gypsy Brother's Series by the mastermind that is Lili St. Germain is a perfect addition and I cannot praise or recommend these books enough. This author is outstanding and I am addicted to the roller coaster of feelings she gives me each and every time.
St. Germain, has this power to make you care for even the most brutal of characters. Thinking about it now, I actually felt something more that hatred for Dornan Ross throughout Cartel! Like, kind of sorry and sad for him. What... Does that make me insane? CLEARLY IT DOES because we all know just what that devil of a man is capable of. He is twisted in every way shape and form and the best part is, I wouldn't have it any other way!
In Kingpin, we start to see the side of Dornan that we are familiar with and from then on, the story grows into something raw, gritty and WILD.
We once again are blessed with the character, Mariana who can I just say I absolutely ADORE. Her strength and courage really are outstanding and the way the author has portrayed Mariana's character is PERFECTION. She takes badass to a whole new level and readers will respect her, envy her and want to save her all at the same time.
I don't want to give too much away because spoilers are just NOT COOL! Readers MUST ensure they read book one in the series first, and it is highly recommended that you read the Gypsy Brother's Series before jumping into the Cartel Series.
The story does contain twists and turns that will leave you absolutely mind blown and the suspense will carry you through from beginning to end. The second half of this book can only be described as INSANELY AMAZING and will leave you BEGGING to get your hands on, Empire.
I cannot wait to see what Lili brings to the next instalment and one thing I am sure of is that we are in for one helluva ride.
5 STARS
OMG!!! Just when you think the story can't possibly get any better, the next book comes along. BAM! A story that punches you in the gut, but leaves you addicted to the pain. I finished Cartel and immediately started this book. I am totally hooked on these characters and the road their lives have taken. I couldn't put the book down. You think you know how things will go, but you will be left reeling just as I was. I could never have predicted the journey these characters would embark on, where their roads would lead. I love that I was kept on my toes, not able to forsee the future.
SAM'S REVIEW
5 STARS
I absolutely ADORED Cartel- Book 1 in this series and have been awaiting the arrival of Book 2, Kingpin. This spinoff of the Gypsy Brother's Series by the mastermind that is Lili St. Germain is a perfect addition and I cannot praise or recommend these books enough. This author is outstanding and I am addicted to the roller coaster of feelings she gives me each and every time.
St. Germain, has this power to make you care for even the most brutal of characters. Thinking about it now, I actually felt something more that hatred for Dornan Ross throughout Cartel! Like, kind of sorry and sad for him. What... Does that make me insane? CLEARLY IT DOES because we all know just what that devil of a man is capable of. He is twisted in every way shape and form and the best part is, I wouldn't have it any other way!
In Kingpin, we start to see the side of Dornan that we are familiar with and from then on, the story grows into something raw, gritty and WILD.
We once again are blessed with the character, Mariana who can I just say I absolutely ADORE. Her strength and courage really are outstanding and the way the author has portrayed Mariana's character is PERFECTION. She takes badass to a whole new level and readers will respect her, envy her and want to save her all at the same time.
I don't want to give too much away because spoilers are just NOT COOL! Readers MUST ensure they read book one in the series first, and it is highly recommended that you read the Gypsy Brother's Series before jumping into the Cartel Series.
The story does contain twists and turns that will leave you absolutely mind blown and the suspense will carry you through from beginning to end. The second half of this book can only be described as INSANELY AMAZING and will leave you BEGGING to get your hands on, Empire.
I cannot wait to see what Lili brings to the next instalment and one thing I am sure of is that we are in for one helluva ride.
April 17, 2025
Dark, ruthless and unforgiving…another great suspenseful story from Lili St Germain.
We were a match made in hell.
It’s been eight long years since Dornan set eyes on Mariana and managed to keep her for himself. Mariana has become a valuable asset to Emilio and his associates with her talented book keeping skills. It’s a simple life, if she doesn’t step out of line. Complying with what is expected of her keeps her and her family alive and sustains her desire to survive. Cautiously guarding her secrets and embracing the security Dornan offers her for what it is. He’s provided her with a sanctuary and along the way she has grown to love him and what he represents. Their arrangement is tempered by what it is, a mutual arrangement benefiting them both providing a slither of sanity denied to them when in the company of others.
“I don’t know how to help him out of this darkness he’s sinking into. It’s like poison, and I’m scared he’s going to pull me in with him.”
Slowly Dornan’s cold and heartless behaviour emerges, leaving Mariana divided by what she sees. What we are exposed to in the Cartel series is the slow transition from man to monster, far from complete but the signs are there. No one is spared, all fed by injustices and tragedies with everyone focusing on their own survival.
In the beginning I found Kingpin hard to get back into. Between the dark and murderous scenes and the coverage of the illegal trade they ply, I had to recall the empathy I experienced for Dornan in the first book. It doesn’t take long for the story to take hold. What stayed with me, hitting hard throughout reading Kingpin was knowing so many people were used as pawns merely because of their family connections or being associated with the Cartel. Being familiar with the characters, this was not a surprise.
Kingpin ends on a cliff hanger but having read the Gypsy Brothers series I didn’t find this an issue. Empire, the next book in the Cartel series has already been added to my TBR list!
We were a match made in hell.
It’s been eight long years since Dornan set eyes on Mariana and managed to keep her for himself. Mariana has become a valuable asset to Emilio and his associates with her talented book keeping skills. It’s a simple life, if she doesn’t step out of line. Complying with what is expected of her keeps her and her family alive and sustains her desire to survive. Cautiously guarding her secrets and embracing the security Dornan offers her for what it is. He’s provided her with a sanctuary and along the way she has grown to love him and what he represents. Their arrangement is tempered by what it is, a mutual arrangement benefiting them both providing a slither of sanity denied to them when in the company of others.
“I don’t know how to help him out of this darkness he’s sinking into. It’s like poison, and I’m scared he’s going to pull me in with him.”
Slowly Dornan’s cold and heartless behaviour emerges, leaving Mariana divided by what she sees. What we are exposed to in the Cartel series is the slow transition from man to monster, far from complete but the signs are there. No one is spared, all fed by injustices and tragedies with everyone focusing on their own survival.
In the beginning I found Kingpin hard to get back into. Between the dark and murderous scenes and the coverage of the illegal trade they ply, I had to recall the empathy I experienced for Dornan in the first book. It doesn’t take long for the story to take hold. What stayed with me, hitting hard throughout reading Kingpin was knowing so many people were used as pawns merely because of their family connections or being associated with the Cartel. Being familiar with the characters, this was not a surprise.
Kingpin ends on a cliff hanger but having read the Gypsy Brothers series I didn’t find this an issue. Empire, the next book in the Cartel series has already been added to my TBR list!
December 17, 2015
5 OMG that was amazing stars
Well just when I thought I knew the story of Mariana and Dornan, Lili Saint Germain goes and turns it all on it's head. My head is seriously overwhelmed with it all.
This book, which is told in Mariana, Dornan and John's point of view, takes place pretty much 9 years on from Mariana's capture. I loved Mariana in Cartel, but in this book she just goes that one step further for me as a character. Her nurturing personality really takes a hold and knowing what I know from the Gypsy Brothers series, I'm really excited and scared on her behalf for the next and final installment in this series.
Dornan, Dornan, Dornan - I really want to like him and I feel so wrong in saying that, because quite frankly the man is a coward and a complete and utter lunatic. Deep down I sense there's good in him, but maybe that's just my wishful thinking.
I really fell in love with John in this book and so wish things had been different for him. He really is the pawn in a much bigger game involving the Gypsy Brothers and the Il Sangue Cartel.
For much of this book I couldn't grasp how a certain male character from The Gypsy Brothers series has any kind of link to Dornan and Juliette, but let me tell you that all becomes clear.
This series had lulled me into what I can only assume is a false sense of security and I only hope that Lili completely turns this story on its head from the one I'm familiar with, because I'm not sure my heart can take much more. But nevertheless I've been completely blown away once again.
Well just when I thought I knew the story of Mariana and Dornan, Lili Saint Germain goes and turns it all on it's head. My head is seriously overwhelmed with it all.
This book, which is told in Mariana, Dornan and John's point of view, takes place pretty much 9 years on from Mariana's capture. I loved Mariana in Cartel, but in this book she just goes that one step further for me as a character. Her nurturing personality really takes a hold and knowing what I know from the Gypsy Brothers series, I'm really excited and scared on her behalf for the next and final installment in this series.
Dornan, Dornan, Dornan - I really want to like him and I feel so wrong in saying that, because quite frankly the man is a coward and a complete and utter lunatic. Deep down I sense there's good in him, but maybe that's just my wishful thinking.
I really fell in love with John in this book and so wish things had been different for him. He really is the pawn in a much bigger game involving the Gypsy Brothers and the Il Sangue Cartel.
For much of this book I couldn't grasp how a certain male character from The Gypsy Brothers series has any kind of link to Dornan and Juliette, but let me tell you that all becomes clear.
This series had lulled me into what I can only assume is a false sense of security and I only hope that Lili completely turns this story on its head from the one I'm familiar with, because I'm not sure my heart can take much more. But nevertheless I've been completely blown away once again.
December 20, 2016
What an amazing, psychotic , thrilling, chilling, erotic, dangerous read of a book that you will have. KINGPIN is not a book that has romance with a HEA at this junction, NO, it is not lovey dovey hearts with a hero –NO, there is really none of that here. There is blood, and dangerous people with raw, emotional pain that comes thru. Nothing is set in stone. Everything is up in the air, everything is fluid –hearts get broken and loyalties are tested to the point of being broken. The only thing you need to know is survival is the key.
Kingpin picks off where it last left off in Cartel and I DO recommend reading Cartel first before reading Kingpin. Part of me had hoped there was a HEA for Mariana and Dornan. As a reader, I know that Mariana loves Dornan because that comes across clearly yet in this book, we get to see this character of John Portland. He is Dornan’s best friend and he nothing like Dorana—he is nothing like him, where Dornan is brutal at times, Portland can be kind and understanding. Mariana is torn and trying to figure out where her heart now lies. Now her heart is torn and she needs to decide what to do—she is a prisoner and yet does she stay or does she take a risk and run with John? The cliffhanger at the end was great and I cannot wait for the next book to answer the shocking end that this book left us hanging on. And OMG what a crazy, sick, and thrilling end to stop…I cannot wait .
My rating: 4.8 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Kingpin picks off where it last left off in Cartel and I DO recommend reading Cartel first before reading Kingpin. Part of me had hoped there was a HEA for Mariana and Dornan. As a reader, I know that Mariana loves Dornan because that comes across clearly yet in this book, we get to see this character of John Portland. He is Dornan’s best friend and he nothing like Dorana—he is nothing like him, where Dornan is brutal at times, Portland can be kind and understanding. Mariana is torn and trying to figure out where her heart now lies. Now her heart is torn and she needs to decide what to do—she is a prisoner and yet does she stay or does she take a risk and run with John? The cliffhanger at the end was great and I cannot wait for the next book to answer the shocking end that this book left us hanging on. And OMG what a crazy, sick, and thrilling end to stop…I cannot wait .
My rating: 4.8 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
February 6, 2017
This book series is my first with this author so I went in completely blind. I had no idea that this was born from the Gypsy series. I have since found out that the intent from the author was to give you a background story on some very important players in that series.
First, just let me confess that I made the mistake of reading book 3 first so I know how this ends. While I could have just read book 3 and be done, I was also missing more in depth details of a very important character change in books 1 and 2 that ultimately explains this character in the Gypsy series.
I really don't want to give away much because as someone who had little to no knowledge of what I was about to partake in, the shock factor of where this author was taking us was very impressive. Honestly, If I had known what I was about to read, I probably would have thought it wasn't for me and passed on it. Instead, I was completely blown away. I'm even glad that I got to read this series before I start on the Gypsy series, but I'm a reader who likes to be surprised.
What information I am willing to give away is to warn you that this series is dark, violent and is not considered safe. If you want a more realistic approach to what life would be like inside a cartel, I think it's safe to say the author did an outstanding job.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
First, just let me confess that I made the mistake of reading book 3 first so I know how this ends. While I could have just read book 3 and be done, I was also missing more in depth details of a very important character change in books 1 and 2 that ultimately explains this character in the Gypsy series.
I really don't want to give away much because as someone who had little to no knowledge of what I was about to partake in, the shock factor of where this author was taking us was very impressive. Honestly, If I had known what I was about to read, I probably would have thought it wasn't for me and passed on it. Instead, I was completely blown away. I'm even glad that I got to read this series before I start on the Gypsy series, but I'm a reader who likes to be surprised.
What information I am willing to give away is to warn you that this series is dark, violent and is not considered safe. If you want a more realistic approach to what life would be like inside a cartel, I think it's safe to say the author did an outstanding job.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
January 27, 2016
That was different, definitely dark. I wish the next one was already out would like to see how her story ends. Have the first of the Gypsy Brothers series ' Seven Sons' wanted to start reading it but this trilogy is a prequel to that one. Did enjoy this one though but am afraid that the third is now going to end so well for our heroine.
December 18, 2015
Tragic. One simple word describes the entire mood of this book. All of the questions I had reading Cartel, all the "Why?s" about how Dornan became what he did, were answered. Those reasons didn't make me hate for his cruelty and brutality though. No, they just made me sad and brokenhearted. Did he ever have a chance? I asked that in the last book before I had any answers, and it's still a question I can't help but wonder about.
I'm going to try and avoid any spoilers from the Gypsy Brothers series or Zero Hour but you really need to read those before this series. Even though this takes place before the GB series begins, I personally feel it's vital to a complete understanding of the characters. Believe it or not, I HATED Dornan Ross in the GB books. I never would've thought he'd be someone who worked his way into my very soul, but after reading Cartel it was beyond my control. I can completely understand why Mariana fell in love with him.
We get to know John Portland in this book. Which was actually almost a surreal experience. I've known his story through other people's eyes, but really he's always been just a dead man who was talked about by those that knew him. Being inside his thoughts this time, knowing his doomed future left me feeling uneasy...like I wanted to warn him to take a different path. His kind heart was his downfall, his goodness ruined him and by association also Juliette. I wonder what he would've done differently if he knew what was headed his way.
We also get to see tender, loving moments between Juliette and Dornan. Something I had read before had happened but to see it for myself just caused that crack in my heart to get even deeper. For them to go from that to what they ended up with is devastating to say the least.
Another character we learn a little more about is Celia, Dornan's wife. Who I hate with an unreasonable passion. Even after hearing his reasons I can't believe he allows her to control his life the way she does. He controls everything and everyone around him except for his father, but he can't control his wife? It just makes me wonder if he really loved Mariana like he said he did or whether she really was just a side piece. At the risk of making myself sound like a terrible person I admit to wanting him to leave her and his sons for Mariana. We'd have a wholly different story if he had made that choice.
The actions of Dornan that make Mariana end up seeing him as a monster are actually understandable to me. He felt betrayed and hurt beyond anything he could emotionally handle. Knowing his way of life, nothing else could be expected. And I think Mariana has some nerve to call him a monster at the end of the book after she committed her own crimes that were for the same kind of reasons as his! Why is it OK for her and not him? Not only that, but some of the vile things he does he's forced to do to guarantee HER safety! They both could've chosen different ways to deal with their feelings but they didn't. This entire book was full of opportunities for the characters to make choices. Choices that were life changing, but they might not have realized that at the time. Reading it is like watching a fatal car crash in slow motion and not being able to do anything to stop it's inevitability.
This read is painful, there's no denying that. But at the beginning of the book I started highlighting parts where Dornan was being "un-Dornan like"; as in being something completely opposite from what he was in the Gypsy Brothers series. The result is NUMEROUS highlights of him being absolutely beautiful. I don't know how to hate him, I simply can't do it. Even knowing what he ultimately does and who he becomes, I still can't hate him. This book was just the beginning of his downward spiral into moral depravity. My feelings may change after the next one, but I'm not so sure. He's the most complex character ever written; no one has ever illicited such conflicting and confusing feelings in me.
I'm ready for Empire, it can't release soon enough!
I'm going to try and avoid any spoilers from the Gypsy Brothers series or Zero Hour but you really need to read those before this series. Even though this takes place before the GB series begins, I personally feel it's vital to a complete understanding of the characters. Believe it or not, I HATED Dornan Ross in the GB books. I never would've thought he'd be someone who worked his way into my very soul, but after reading Cartel it was beyond my control. I can completely understand why Mariana fell in love with him.
We get to know John Portland in this book. Which was actually almost a surreal experience. I've known his story through other people's eyes, but really he's always been just a dead man who was talked about by those that knew him. Being inside his thoughts this time, knowing his doomed future left me feeling uneasy...like I wanted to warn him to take a different path. His kind heart was his downfall, his goodness ruined him and by association also Juliette. I wonder what he would've done differently if he knew what was headed his way.
We also get to see tender, loving moments between Juliette and Dornan. Something I had read before had happened but to see it for myself just caused that crack in my heart to get even deeper. For them to go from that to what they ended up with is devastating to say the least.
Another character we learn a little more about is Celia, Dornan's wife. Who I hate with an unreasonable passion. Even after hearing his reasons I can't believe he allows her to control his life the way she does. He controls everything and everyone around him except for his father, but he can't control his wife? It just makes me wonder if he really loved Mariana like he said he did or whether she really was just a side piece. At the risk of making myself sound like a terrible person I admit to wanting him to leave her and his sons for Mariana. We'd have a wholly different story if he had made that choice.
The actions of Dornan that make Mariana end up seeing him as a monster are actually understandable to me. He felt betrayed and hurt beyond anything he could emotionally handle. Knowing his way of life, nothing else could be expected. And I think Mariana has some nerve to call him a monster at the end of the book after she committed her own crimes that were for the same kind of reasons as his! Why is it OK for her and not him? Not only that, but some of the vile things he does he's forced to do to guarantee HER safety! They both could've chosen different ways to deal with their feelings but they didn't. This entire book was full of opportunities for the characters to make choices. Choices that were life changing, but they might not have realized that at the time. Reading it is like watching a fatal car crash in slow motion and not being able to do anything to stop it's inevitability.
This read is painful, there's no denying that. But at the beginning of the book I started highlighting parts where Dornan was being "un-Dornan like"; as in being something completely opposite from what he was in the Gypsy Brothers series. The result is NUMEROUS highlights of him being absolutely beautiful. I don't know how to hate him, I simply can't do it. Even knowing what he ultimately does and who he becomes, I still can't hate him. This book was just the beginning of his downward spiral into moral depravity. My feelings may change after the next one, but I'm not so sure. He's the most complex character ever written; no one has ever illicited such conflicting and confusing feelings in me.
I'm ready for Empire, it can't release soon enough!
February 12, 2017
This was so GOOD!
It confused the fuck outta me and I LOVED IT!!
The story picked up and went sideways to a more raw, gritty and a darker path, it was so interesting.
Marianna and Dornan was in love but was love really enough in this cruel world? Marianna realizes that Dornan was not getting them out of their lives and she was just another dirty secret. She realizes that the man she loved was getting sucked further down into darkness and oblivion.
And it upsets and aggravates her and seeks comforts somewhere else....where?
Gypsy brothers Prez John Portland...
My god! He's everything!!! I was actually cheering for them. He was so kind and i can't wait where this story will end up.
One thing i love about dark romances is that happy endings were not guaranteed. You will have absolutely no idea where it will end up and that's exactly why i am terrified of this fuckin' ending!!! T^T
Onto Empire!!!!!
It confused the fuck outta me and I LOVED IT!!
The story picked up and went sideways to a more raw, gritty and a darker path, it was so interesting.
Marianna and Dornan was in love but was love really enough in this cruel world? Marianna realizes that Dornan was not getting them out of their lives and she was just another dirty secret. She realizes that the man she loved was getting sucked further down into darkness and oblivion.
And it upsets and aggravates her and seeks comforts somewhere else....where?
Gypsy brothers Prez John Portland...
My god! He's everything!!! I was actually cheering for them. He was so kind and i can't wait where this story will end up.
One thing i love about dark romances is that happy endings were not guaranteed. You will have absolutely no idea where it will end up and that's exactly why i am terrified of this fuckin' ending!!! T^T
Onto Empire!!!!!
January 30, 2017
Lili St. Germain book Kingpin 2 was given to me in an ARC in exchanged for an honest review. I am giving this book 5 stars because wow this book deserves everyone of those stars. I mean the Author really out did herself in this second part to her Cartel trilogy. This book opened up so many new doors for Mariana and while she starting to see who she can finally trust she is also losing the man she thought she loved and once thought she would die without, but as one man is leaving her heart another man is taking his place. Kingpin is going to have you so hooked you are not going to want to put this book down. I mean this book has so many surprises and some crazy twists. My mind is still in a wacky state because there was just so much more of information I was absorbing in this book. I love when a book can leave you in a state of mind where you can just go over it and over it in your head, and that's why the way the Author left off is a perfect way to end part 2. I mean the way the writer left us needing more but also at the same time leaving us just satisfied until we get our next fix I just loved it. I so cannot wait for Kingpin 3 to see how the Author is going to say goodbye to Mariana story along with the men in her life. If you have not read this trilogy yet go start reading the books you will become addicted to these books.
February 22, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Kingpin was one of those awaited books where once you see it, you are clearly transfixed on what will happen next.
As usual Lili St. Germain style, there is a lot of blood, violence, sex and mayhem; along with, a lot more substantial new inside looks and twists that will have you grasping for more.
Like most readers, I did not know what to expect in this~~ as I do still carry the impressions of Dornan from the Gypsy Brothers series and still try to hold that maybe there is some bout of redemption in him. Like, is there any humanity at all in that man's heart at all?
I guess, what readers can expect is what they cannot. Just expect the unexpected is all I can say.
It's going to be a bumpy ride for sure for Dornan, Marianna, Juliette and even Jase--- that's for sure!!
Kingpin was one of those awaited books where once you see it, you are clearly transfixed on what will happen next.
As usual Lili St. Germain style, there is a lot of blood, violence, sex and mayhem; along with, a lot more substantial new inside looks and twists that will have you grasping for more.
Like most readers, I did not know what to expect in this~~ as I do still carry the impressions of Dornan from the Gypsy Brothers series and still try to hold that maybe there is some bout of redemption in him. Like, is there any humanity at all in that man's heart at all?
I guess, what readers can expect is what they cannot. Just expect the unexpected is all I can say.
It's going to be a bumpy ride for sure for Dornan, Marianna, Juliette and even Jase--- that's for sure!!
December 20, 2016
You know when a book is well written when the author can take you from one place to another and then back again which will have your head spinning. That’s what I feel about Dornan; I have a love/hate thing going for him right now. Then if you factor in the darkness that comes from the biker and cartel world you then have a book that you can’t put down. This is the second book in a series that will pull you in keep you up turning pages because you are trying to figure out who you want to root for. You also have to love the fact that Mariana is such a strong female character. Yes, you are left with yet another cliffhanger but this is oh, so worth it.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given honest review.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given honest review.
January 11, 2016
I was a little worried about half way through that it wasn't going to be as good as the rest of the series, but then it was like a switch and things just stared falling into place. From the point I couldn't put it down.
I keep having flipping feelings for Doornan, at the end of this book I'm back to not liking him.
I also have a growing fondness for John. I just want to pluck him away from the ugly world of the Cartel.
Ended with a major cliffhanger, but in a way I feel I already know what will happen but I
Can't wait to see all the twist and turns it takes to get there.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who like dark erotica.
I keep having flipping feelings for Doornan, at the end of this book I'm back to not liking him.
I also have a growing fondness for John. I just want to pluck him away from the ugly world of the Cartel.
Ended with a major cliffhanger, but in a way I feel I already know what will happen but I
Can't wait to see all the twist and turns it takes to get there.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who like dark erotica.
December 25, 2015
I'm torn between Dornan and John all tho I think John is winning in my eyes. I can tell he has a true heart and hes an amazing father. Ya I think it's Him I would choose. Dornan is just to damn dark, he's monster as Marianna said the things he has done is unforgivable. Marianna my heart is in peices for this girl she's been through way to much I feel so bad for her. I pray she gets her Revenge. Amazing job @lili_stgermain again you have proved to us that your work is outstanding way beyond 5 stars doll.
December 16, 2016
ALERT! SPOILERS ALERT!
I didn't even know I finish this book so fast like God. I need part 3 lol. I want to know what will happen next. I was so hoping for John and Mariana to do the do and they finally did. Lmao I so want her with John, but I don't I mean I hope he's nothing like Dornan because I want her with him he's definitely the book babe in the book series. Lol, Dornan is becoming like his dad, and it's sicking. I bet going to run away and poor Jason I bet he is going to hate his father for killing his mom.
I didn't even know I finish this book so fast like God. I need part 3 lol. I want to know what will happen next. I was so hoping for John and Mariana to do the do and they finally did. Lmao I so want her with John, but I don't I mean I hope he's nothing like Dornan because I want her with him he's definitely the book babe in the book series. Lol, Dornan is becoming like his dad, and it's sicking. I bet going to run away and poor Jason I bet he is going to hate his father for killing his mom.
September 12, 2016
Omfg ..I've never wanted so many people in one book to die!!! I was actually really liking Dornan for a minute but he can go straight to hell like right now..ughh Mariana I'm so over her because she just did something that's gonna get the only somewhat innocent man in all this cluster fuck killed. Man oh man was this book good and now worst of all I have to wait until November for Empire!!!!
Want to read
September 1, 2015according to amazon.de this book is going to cost 14,06 €! for an ebook? seriously?
March 11, 2021
WOW! So many things happen and Dornan is changing....falling to the dark side! So good and onto the next one! Love the audiobook!
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