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The Crimsom Cartel: The Inc.
Welcome to Crimsom City! A city that was built and founded by generations of the infamous Crimsom Family.
Cano the Patriarch runs the family dynamic based on the laws set in place by his predecessors.
His sons Corbin, Cody, and Cassidy are his most prized possessions. They love, honor, and respect their father in every way. He has raised them to love women unconventionally.
A’Million, Mercedes, and Juwell have all signed their souls to the Crimsom brothers. They are all in arranged marriages put in place by Cano.
Love was never the basis of the marriages only business. However, the ladies are at a crossroads with their heart and mindsets.
Life changing events will have everyone stepping away from tradition and creating new traditions. Follow The Crimsom Cartel as they embark on a new level of status they must create. In order to sit at tables they weren’t allowed to sit at before.
Cano the Patriarch runs the family dynamic based on the laws set in place by his predecessors.
His sons Corbin, Cody, and Cassidy are his most prized possessions. They love, honor, and respect their father in every way. He has raised them to love women unconventionally.
A’Million, Mercedes, and Juwell have all signed their souls to the Crimsom brothers. They are all in arranged marriages put in place by Cano.
Love was never the basis of the marriages only business. However, the ladies are at a crossroads with their heart and mindsets.
Life changing events will have everyone stepping away from tradition and creating new traditions. Follow The Crimsom Cartel as they embark on a new level of status they must create. In order to sit at tables they weren’t allowed to sit at before.
- GenresAudiobook
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
278 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 5, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
This is some Tubi ish fr lmfao. Storyline made not a damn lick of sense— Just abuse everywhere?
It was just messy w/ no chemistry & depth at all.
It could’ve been good, I was sat for the tea, but like, the tea started getting cold after a while. This story has potential, but I feel like it needs A LOT more editing. Get into the world building, character depth, some structure at least 😭😭😭 This was fr here is so and so, abuse, switches POVs, gaslighting, abuse.
This is some Tubi ish fr lmfao. Storyline made not a damn lick of sense— Just abuse everywhere?
It was just messy w/ no chemistry & depth at all.
It could’ve been good, I was sat for the tea, but like, the tea started getting cold after a while. This story has potential, but I feel like it needs A LOT more editing. Get into the world building, character depth, some structure at least 😭😭😭 This was fr here is so and so, abuse, switches POVs, gaslighting, abuse.
July 14, 2025
Thank you Dreamscape media for the audiobook.
dnf at 19%
oh gosh where to start.
I think this book needs to have TW listed right at the beginning.The description of the book doesn't make anyone think that there would be actual abuse being depicted in the book.
The plot was the abuse and gaslighting.
The narrator was fine.
dnf at 19%
oh gosh where to start.
I think this book needs to have TW listed right at the beginning.The description of the book doesn't make anyone think that there would be actual abuse being depicted in the book.
The plot was the abuse and gaslighting.
The narrator was fine.
January 26, 2025
A Mess!
This is the most discombobulated thing I’ve ever read. The story line was all over the place. Nothing made sense. The level of abuse wild.
This is the most discombobulated thing I’ve ever read. The story line was all over the place. Nothing made sense. The level of abuse wild.
August 22, 2025
Audiobook🎧 DNF’d @ 30% — honestly should have done it sooner. I really wanted to see where this story would go but it continued to worsen. Please note there will be spoilers in this review!
I am horrified at what I’ve listened to. The Crimsom family are trashhhhhh. There are three sons being led by their abusive and tyrannical father who ran their mother off. So obviously they all mistreat women— forcing a wife to sign away her rights to their kids, the side chick was raising the kids, beating their wives, framed one for murder, constant cheating etc. Nothing is good here. And the father wants them to stay in these relationships… spare me! We even have one being intimate (barely can call it that) with his wife and says “I r@ped her throat” YIKES!
I am horrified at what I’ve listened to. The Crimsom family are trashhhhhh. There are three sons being led by their abusive and tyrannical father who ran their mother off. So obviously they all mistreat women— forcing a wife to sign away her rights to their kids, the side chick was raising the kids, beating their wives, framed one for murder, constant cheating etc. Nothing is good here. And the father wants them to stay in these relationships… spare me! We even have one being intimate (barely can call it that) with his wife and says “I r@ped her throat” YIKES!
July 11, 2025
This was a very interesting story. A story about a crime family that runs a town named after them. This gives TV show Empire vibes 100%. As soon as it starts, it's dark and gritty, there's loads of history and resentments. This book is full of heavy trigger warnings though, so it is definitely not for the fragile minds. Despite the uncomfortable triggers, I did enjoyed it.
Thanks Netgalley for the arc.
Thanks Netgalley for the arc.
July 9, 2025
1⭐️
I really tried to get into this book, but the constant dirty language and breakneck pacing made it impossible to enjoy. The characters and plot felt overly dramatic and unrealistic, like everything was turned up to eleven just for shock value. It was more exhausting than entertaining. I received an ALC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review, and unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
I really tried to get into this book, but the constant dirty language and breakneck pacing made it impossible to enjoy. The characters and plot felt overly dramatic and unrealistic, like everything was turned up to eleven just for shock value. It was more exhausting than entertaining. I received an ALC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review, and unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
July 27, 2025
I usually don't read urban novels, but I wanted a quick switch up and decided to go for one, and man, was it good! Although it's a novella, so much was covered, and by the end of it, I felt like I read a full-length novel. We get different POVs and storylines of the Crimson men as well as wives, lots of drama, and a great ending. These Crimsoms are ruthless, and I loved every minute of it!
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Mz. Lady P for this one!
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Mz. Lady P for this one!
Read
July 15, 2025I wanted to love this ALC, but unfortunately, I can't say it was for me.
Mz. Lady P gave us the mafia energy and the dark vibes, stringing several plots together with interest and ease. I appreciated there was conversation about the ways generational trauma affects what happens in the home.
However, I was caught out with the domestic situations these women were experiencing and the ways they navigate those relationships just isn't what I'm looking for in a read (I see enough of it in the real world, and that's on me). While I hear the important conversation being had I would have enjoyed this more if I felt more of that detachment from reality to digest it, and maybe a heads up on the context before going into the deep end.
P.S. if you're looking for an ending you're not finding it here.
Mz. Lady P gave us the mafia energy and the dark vibes, stringing several plots together with interest and ease. I appreciated there was conversation about the ways generational trauma affects what happens in the home.
However, I was caught out with the domestic situations these women were experiencing and the ways they navigate those relationships just isn't what I'm looking for in a read (I see enough of it in the real world, and that's on me). While I hear the important conversation being had I would have enjoyed this more if I felt more of that detachment from reality to digest it, and maybe a heads up on the context before going into the deep end.
P.S. if you're looking for an ending you're not finding it here.
January 31, 2025
Another 5 stars
I am so geeked. This book was everything. Mz Lady P never disappoints. Well done, you understood the assignment. A must read.
I am so geeked. This book was everything. Mz Lady P never disappoints. Well done, you understood the assignment. A must read.
March 23, 2025
Read this!
Another great family saga with so much action! The Crimsom family’s drama will kept me on the edge of my seat! This a page turner and top tier writing!!
Another great family saga with so much action! The Crimsom family’s drama will kept me on the edge of my seat! This a page turner and top tier writing!!
July 9, 2025
Thank you to Mz. Lady P, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whew… this was a ride.
This was my first (audio)book in this kind of gritty, raw tone. And honestly, I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for. Now that I’ve finished it? I’m still not quite sure what hit me.
The plot gets a little chaotic fast, and it was sometimes a bit tricky to keep up. But the energy? Unmatched. The characters are bold, brash, and absolutely wild. Foul language is sprinkled like confetti. If that’s not your thing, maybe don’t hit play at 9am with your morning tea.
“Come over here Cody. Let me suck your dick, make your life easy.”
Ma’am. MA’AM. I was not ready. But it was the part after that line that had me gasping out loud.
This is raw, unfiltered, and if you’re in the mood for something loud and audacious, this might just scratch the itch. But good lord… it was a lot.
Whew… this was a ride.
This was my first (audio)book in this kind of gritty, raw tone. And honestly, I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for. Now that I’ve finished it? I’m still not quite sure what hit me.
The plot gets a little chaotic fast, and it was sometimes a bit tricky to keep up. But the energy? Unmatched. The characters are bold, brash, and absolutely wild. Foul language is sprinkled like confetti. If that’s not your thing, maybe don’t hit play at 9am with your morning tea.
“Come over here Cody. Let me suck your dick, make your life easy.”
Ma’am. MA’AM. I was not ready. But it was the part after that line that had me gasping out loud.
This is raw, unfiltered, and if you’re in the mood for something loud and audacious, this might just scratch the itch. But good lord… it was a lot.
July 20, 2025
A L C • R E V I E W 🥀
The Crimson Cartel by Mz. Lady P
Narrated by Mirron Willis & Zair Jordan
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
My thoughts 💭
First, the audiobook was magnificent I loved the voice actors they did an amazing job.
The book itself was very interesting but it was a mess, if you like drama then this is the perfect book for you. So, the Crimson City is owned by the Crimson Cartel and the dad is sick so he has to get things in order for his family before his death. Let’s just say the tea, was tea’ing, the drama was drama’ing… it was crazy, this book was very dark and has a lot of triggers.
Honestly I enjoyed it, I just wish the plot had more to it and maybe that it was a little longer.
Thank you @netgalley for gifting me an ALC! 🤗
#alcreview #audiobook #audiobooks🎧 #netgalley #netgalleyreview #bookreview #bookreviewrecommendations #bookreview #audiobookreview #audiobooksarebookstoo
The Crimson Cartel by Mz. Lady P
Narrated by Mirron Willis & Zair Jordan
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
My thoughts 💭
First, the audiobook was magnificent I loved the voice actors they did an amazing job.
The book itself was very interesting but it was a mess, if you like drama then this is the perfect book for you. So, the Crimson City is owned by the Crimson Cartel and the dad is sick so he has to get things in order for his family before his death. Let’s just say the tea, was tea’ing, the drama was drama’ing… it was crazy, this book was very dark and has a lot of triggers.
Honestly I enjoyed it, I just wish the plot had more to it and maybe that it was a little longer.
Thank you @netgalley for gifting me an ALC! 🤗
#alcreview #audiobook #audiobooks🎧 #netgalley #netgalleyreview #bookreview #bookreviewrecommendations #bookreview #audiobookreview #audiobooksarebookstoo
March 13, 2025
A MUST READ🔥🔥
Talking about set in their old ways boy oh boy , Cano has done a number on his sons upbringing, to finally find out that their mother didn't abandon them and was forced out of town having to leave them behind once they knew a bond was able to be built repairing their relationship but because he always treating to take their inheritance away they end up doing stupid things, even though the 3 sons have arranged marriages they have fallen in love with their wives but because of Cano they really don't know how to love or display love the right way.
Now since their mother has return the brothers are seeking advice which makes their dad feel as if they are getting soft forgetting the way he brought them up and he figures in order to get them back on track he will threaten them with their inheritance well he thinks he can but Rena has other plans can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
Talking about set in their old ways boy oh boy , Cano has done a number on his sons upbringing, to finally find out that their mother didn't abandon them and was forced out of town having to leave them behind once they knew a bond was able to be built repairing their relationship but because he always treating to take their inheritance away they end up doing stupid things, even though the 3 sons have arranged marriages they have fallen in love with their wives but because of Cano they really don't know how to love or display love the right way.
Now since their mother has return the brothers are seeking advice which makes their dad feel as if they are getting soft forgetting the way he brought them up and he figures in order to get them back on track he will threaten them with their inheritance well he thinks he can but Rena has other plans can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
January 28, 2025
I don’t know
Honestly, what kept me reading was to see what the wives of these arranged marriages were going to do.
It felt like the storyline moved so fast that parts were missing. How did we get here?
Corbin is abusive, Cassidy is I guess decent and Cody is just money hungry and a cheater. As for their father, an abusive man as well. I felt like Cree’s storyline was okay up until the confrontation with Jax but honestly before that when she presented what she wanted to her father and brothers.
The character development was lacking at times and the storyline was just all over the place. Like how did we start talking about Avers? Just a no for me.
Honestly, what kept me reading was to see what the wives of these arranged marriages were going to do.
It felt like the storyline moved so fast that parts were missing. How did we get here?
Corbin is abusive, Cassidy is I guess decent and Cody is just money hungry and a cheater. As for their father, an abusive man as well. I felt like Cree’s storyline was okay up until the confrontation with Jax but honestly before that when she presented what she wanted to her father and brothers.
The character development was lacking at times and the storyline was just all over the place. Like how did we start talking about Avers? Just a no for me.
January 31, 2025
A Mother’s Love Is Strong
Cano did not who he was messing with after 20 years!!!…That ending made me scream!!!…
Mercedes had to do what was best for her and her broken heart, because Cody went out like a pure sucker and I hope she never return to him!!!…Rather he is married to his children mother legally or not, you had a whole wife out here looking foolish!!!…
I’m glad Corbin and Cassidy finally got them some act right!!!…
I love me some A’Million!!!…She played no games!!!…
I’m so glad these brothers got their mother and Mrs Reena is playing about leading and teaching her sons differently than their father has been doing!!!…
Cano did not who he was messing with after 20 years!!!…That ending made me scream!!!…
Mercedes had to do what was best for her and her broken heart, because Cody went out like a pure sucker and I hope she never return to him!!!…Rather he is married to his children mother legally or not, you had a whole wife out here looking foolish!!!…
I’m glad Corbin and Cassidy finally got them some act right!!!…
I love me some A’Million!!!…She played no games!!!…
I’m so glad these brothers got their mother and Mrs Reena is playing about leading and teaching her sons differently than their father has been doing!!!…
February 12, 2025
Arranged Marriage The Crimson Way!!
Cano and Cody are the worst husbands and fathers ever. Cano is just mad because Reena came home and and showed her boys how to love. They just needed a mother love. Corbin kind of redeemed himself in my eyes. Cassidy f the arranged marriage. He's going to redo his marriage, and Cano cannot stand it. He wants his boys to run their marriages with in iron fist like they do their businesses. A'Millie showed Corbin what she learned in jail. I feel sorry for Mercedes to learns that you're husband married another woman and that she gave him his first borns. Cree shouldn't wait around for Jax. She should make him chase her
Cano and Cody are the worst husbands and fathers ever. Cano is just mad because Reena came home and and showed her boys how to love. They just needed a mother love. Corbin kind of redeemed himself in my eyes. Cassidy f the arranged marriage. He's going to redo his marriage, and Cano cannot stand it. He wants his boys to run their marriages with in iron fist like they do their businesses. A'Millie showed Corbin what she learned in jail. I feel sorry for Mercedes to learns that you're husband married another woman and that she gave him his first borns. Cree shouldn't wait around for Jax. She should make him chase her
July 6, 2025
Dual Narration- Mirron Willis & Zair Jordan
I liked their voices. Well narrated.
This was an interesting story. Not a ton of development. There was potential there but needed more work. I did enjoy some points if this book but some of it didn’t make much sense.
I did finish it because I wanted to know what would happen to these characters. The storyline was a bit hard to follow/figure out.
Trigger warnings - Abuse
I liked their voices. Well narrated.
This was an interesting story. Not a ton of development. There was potential there but needed more work. I did enjoy some points if this book but some of it didn’t make much sense.
I did finish it because I wanted to know what would happen to these characters. The storyline was a bit hard to follow/figure out.
Trigger warnings - Abuse
January 27, 2025
WTF did I just read!
So much happened in such a short story. Them Crimson boys was mean as fu*k but that Daddy took the cake. I’m glad Reena took matters into her own hands though.
The highlight of this entire book was A’Million. The way she took it straight to Shanell was hilarious.
I love Cassidy because of all the brothers he’s the only one ho stood on business to see his marriage.
So much happened in such a short story. Them Crimson boys was mean as fu*k but that Daddy took the cake. I’m glad Reena took matters into her own hands though.
The highlight of this entire book was A’Million. The way she took it straight to Shanell was hilarious.
I love Cassidy because of all the brothers he’s the only one ho stood on business to see his marriage.
January 28, 2025
Great Read
This is my first time giving this Author three stars. Don't get me wrong. The book was good but it was very fast paced. It seems like everything was happening back to back so quickly that you didn't have a chance to absorb and take in the shocking news because you were hit with more and more. I just needed this to slow down just a little bit. Imagine growing up thinking your mother left you when you and your siblings are five, three, and two. Only to learn that father that raised you who is the head of a cartel. Actually dragged your mother out of the house and threatened her life if she contact you all. Imagine being young and mentioning your mother to your father and he beats the hell out of you. Corbin, Cassidy, and Cody thought for year's their mother abandoned them. Only to learn that she didn't. It was their evil and abusive ass father fault. Cano raised his son's to be just like him. It's like they were his puppet's. Even as adult's his three sons were still following his ways by being placed in arranged marriage's. It's was funny how Cano wanted his sons to bring their mother back after twenty five year's. He only did it because he's dying. Corbin being the oldest was very disrespectful as well as physically and mentally abusive to A'Million to the point she sought solace in another man that Corbin end up murdering and A'Million end up being the one to serve time for. A'Million served her time without snitching. Came home to find out Corbin married his faithful side chick that he was cheating on A'Million with during their whole marriage and force A'Million to sign her parental rights away. Cassidy chose to live separately from his wife. Although they shared a daughter. Cassidy preferred his space. He admitted he didn't know how to love properly based on how he was raised. Juwell loved Cassidy and their daughter with her whole heart but she was tired of not having full access to her husband. Cassidy wasn't necessarily as abusive as his father and brother Corbin but he had his way's and they showed when he caught Juwell and Sean. Juwell had no clue she was a pawn in Sean game. Mercedes and Cody marriage seemed like it would work. However Cody had a side chick Selena he was dealing with for year too. Cody called himself loving Mercedes in his own way but yet Mercedes wanted more for Cody. Chile my mouth dropped when Mercedes found out Cody was hiding a life altering secret. Corbin, Cassidy, and Cody was glad to have their mother back and learned they had a sister too. Cree crush on Jax was cute until she did the unthinkable and he turned her down. Cree have to learn. The laws of the Cartel when it comes to men are completely different from the women. She couldn't do what her brother's were doing. Reena was trying to teach them grown men how to love their wives properly but Cano wasn't feeling it. Asking Reena to leave because she was making them too soft was wrong as hell and Cano found that out the hard way
This is my first time giving this Author three stars. Don't get me wrong. The book was good but it was very fast paced. It seems like everything was happening back to back so quickly that you didn't have a chance to absorb and take in the shocking news because you were hit with more and more. I just needed this to slow down just a little bit. Imagine growing up thinking your mother left you when you and your siblings are five, three, and two. Only to learn that father that raised you who is the head of a cartel. Actually dragged your mother out of the house and threatened her life if she contact you all. Imagine being young and mentioning your mother to your father and he beats the hell out of you. Corbin, Cassidy, and Cody thought for year's their mother abandoned them. Only to learn that she didn't. It was their evil and abusive ass father fault. Cano raised his son's to be just like him. It's like they were his puppet's. Even as adult's his three sons were still following his ways by being placed in arranged marriage's. It's was funny how Cano wanted his sons to bring their mother back after twenty five year's. He only did it because he's dying. Corbin being the oldest was very disrespectful as well as physically and mentally abusive to A'Million to the point she sought solace in another man that Corbin end up murdering and A'Million end up being the one to serve time for. A'Million served her time without snitching. Came home to find out Corbin married his faithful side chick that he was cheating on A'Million with during their whole marriage and force A'Million to sign her parental rights away. Cassidy chose to live separately from his wife. Although they shared a daughter. Cassidy preferred his space. He admitted he didn't know how to love properly based on how he was raised. Juwell loved Cassidy and their daughter with her whole heart but she was tired of not having full access to her husband. Cassidy wasn't necessarily as abusive as his father and brother Corbin but he had his way's and they showed when he caught Juwell and Sean. Juwell had no clue she was a pawn in Sean game. Mercedes and Cody marriage seemed like it would work. However Cody had a side chick Selena he was dealing with for year too. Cody called himself loving Mercedes in his own way but yet Mercedes wanted more for Cody. Chile my mouth dropped when Mercedes found out Cody was hiding a life altering secret. Corbin, Cassidy, and Cody was glad to have their mother back and learned they had a sister too. Cree crush on Jax was cute until she did the unthinkable and he turned her down. Cree have to learn. The laws of the Cartel when it comes to men are completely different from the women. She couldn't do what her brother's were doing. Reena was trying to teach them grown men how to love their wives properly but Cano wasn't feeling it. Asking Reena to leave because she was making them too soft was wrong as hell and Cano found that out the hard way
February 25, 2025
When I tell you I don't even know if I should like these characters or hate their guts. The sons are just as bad as they daddy, but I was like I couldn't put it down. The fact that we open with one of the wives or "Ex" wives just getting out of lock up for being sat down for a crime that she didn't even do. I swear I get that the wives were in love with the men, the fuck if I know why cause if a nicca putting hands on me, would have been left, cause either he did it once and I died or her did it once and he got to die...but someone is dying...ha-ha.
I think that the most levelheaded one is def Cassidy, the way that he knew he was in love with Ju and really wanted to make the marriage real warmed my heart. Believe me he is far from great and he def still trifling but I appreciated the effort.
I felt bad for Cree, but she def gone be just as crazy as her brothers behind Jax I just feel it.
I felt so bad for Mercedes cause damn all she wanted was to be loved by Cody abusive ass only for him to pull this stunt and almost kill her from this secret. I can't believe it. I really hope that she finds some healing and honestly...idk if I want her to stay with Cody.
Reena, damn IDK what gone happen after the choice she just made but honestly I would have prob did the same and accepted the consequences after the fact. Cause how dare you get me and then decide to push me out again...like have you not learned....
I can't wait for the part two because I just know it is about to be some mess.
I think that the most levelheaded one is def Cassidy, the way that he knew he was in love with Ju and really wanted to make the marriage real warmed my heart. Believe me he is far from great and he def still trifling but I appreciated the effort.
I felt bad for Cree, but she def gone be just as crazy as her brothers behind Jax I just feel it.
I felt so bad for Mercedes cause damn all she wanted was to be loved by Cody abusive ass only for him to pull this stunt and almost kill her from this secret. I can't believe it. I really hope that she finds some healing and honestly...idk if I want her to stay with Cody.
Reena, damn IDK what gone happen after the choice she just made but honestly I would have prob did the same and accepted the consequences after the fact. Cause how dare you get me and then decide to push me out again...like have you not learned....
I can't wait for the part two because I just know it is about to be some mess.
July 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook arc!
DNF – Too Vulgar and Messy for Me
I had high hopes going into The Crimsom Cartel: The Inc., expecting an intense urban romance full of drama, family dynamics, and maybe a strong emotional arc. Instead, I got a chaotic, overly vulgar, and rushed story that just didn’t work for me—so much so, I ended up marking it DNF.
From the start, the story felt like it was trying way too hard to be edgy and shocking. The language and dialogue were incredibly explicit, not just in content but in tone—it lacked finesse or purpose and felt more like shock value than storytelling. I’m not usually squeamish about gritty books, but this one crossed into uncomfortable territory more than once.
The characters didn’t help either. Cano, the father, was absolutely vile with no depth. His sons and their wives had potential, but I never felt connected to them because the pacing was all over the place. Relationships and plot developments were rushed, dramatic without reason, and confusing to follow. There was no buildup—just chaos.
I gave it a solid try, but about halfway through, I realized I was more annoyed than entertained and not enjoying the reading experience at all.
Not for me. If you’re into hardcore urban drama with extreme language and toxic characters, this might work for you. But if you’re looking for a well-developed, emotional, or even slightly nuanced story—this isn’t it.
DNF – Too Vulgar and Messy for Me
I had high hopes going into The Crimsom Cartel: The Inc., expecting an intense urban romance full of drama, family dynamics, and maybe a strong emotional arc. Instead, I got a chaotic, overly vulgar, and rushed story that just didn’t work for me—so much so, I ended up marking it DNF.
From the start, the story felt like it was trying way too hard to be edgy and shocking. The language and dialogue were incredibly explicit, not just in content but in tone—it lacked finesse or purpose and felt more like shock value than storytelling. I’m not usually squeamish about gritty books, but this one crossed into uncomfortable territory more than once.
The characters didn’t help either. Cano, the father, was absolutely vile with no depth. His sons and their wives had potential, but I never felt connected to them because the pacing was all over the place. Relationships and plot developments were rushed, dramatic without reason, and confusing to follow. There was no buildup—just chaos.
I gave it a solid try, but about halfway through, I realized I was more annoyed than entertained and not enjoying the reading experience at all.
Not for me. If you’re into hardcore urban drama with extreme language and toxic characters, this might work for you. But if you’re looking for a well-developed, emotional, or even slightly nuanced story—this isn’t it.
July 14, 2025
The Crimson Cartel truly had so much potential. It definitely fits the description of a dark romance and the synopsis gave me such high hopes. I rate the book at three stars because I honestly think it could’ve used another round of edits in a bit more context and content. You have a strong, powerful family who seemed to be sitting in their ways, don’t like taking no for an answer and have the ability to get exactly what they want.
Mz. Lady P has the start of something really good here, but I do believe the story fell just a little bit short. The pacing of the story was a little bit off, but the characters definitely grabbed your attention. Even if they were not saw in the most flattering light. I personally have a very foul mouth and spew out some things that are worse than my truck driver other half, but yet some of the language of the story even made me cringe. There is a very very fine line of what straddles between the world of dark romance and what can be seen as abuse. That line is very visual in this story. Where that may be harsh for some people and other people will be able to take it for what it is. I did listen to the audio version of the story. I do believe the narrators did a fantastic job of portraying the story in a way that made it almost too real. I will give the Author her due credit with creating a story that definitely grabbed my attention. But in my honest opinion, I feel like we only got half of a story. And if there is a continuation to this, I would love to actually read it. I honestly feel as this should’ve been the beginning to a series. Now, with all that being said, it was definitely not the worst story I have ever read, but definitely felt short of being what I feel could have been a very good story.
Mz. Lady P has the start of something really good here, but I do believe the story fell just a little bit short. The pacing of the story was a little bit off, but the characters definitely grabbed your attention. Even if they were not saw in the most flattering light. I personally have a very foul mouth and spew out some things that are worse than my truck driver other half, but yet some of the language of the story even made me cringe. There is a very very fine line of what straddles between the world of dark romance and what can be seen as abuse. That line is very visual in this story. Where that may be harsh for some people and other people will be able to take it for what it is. I did listen to the audio version of the story. I do believe the narrators did a fantastic job of portraying the story in a way that made it almost too real. I will give the Author her due credit with creating a story that definitely grabbed my attention. But in my honest opinion, I feel like we only got half of a story. And if there is a continuation to this, I would love to actually read it. I honestly feel as this should’ve been the beginning to a series. Now, with all that being said, it was definitely not the worst story I have ever read, but definitely felt short of being what I feel could have been a very good story.
July 10, 2025
Mz. Lady P delivers a fierce, emotionally charged ride in The Crimson Cartel—a bold and gritty twist on the traditional mafia tale. This isn’t your average underworld drama; it’s a story fueled by betrayal, vengeance, and the raw strength of a woman pushed too far.
At the heart of the story is a wife who’s had enough—disrespected, broken by loss, and ready to reclaim her power. Her journey is one of pain and transformation, and Mz. Lady P doesn’t hold back in showing the rage that builds when a woman is repeatedly pushed to the edge. The added layer of spice intensifies the stakes, giving the story both heat and depth as it moves through a world filled with danger and deception.
What sets The Crimson Cartel apart is its explosive twist—one that few readers will see coming. It shifts the narrative into overdrive and reinforces the unpredictability that defines the book. The pacing is sharp, the emotions are raw, and the stakes feel intensely personal.
This novel is an unapologetic, gripping read that combines street-lit grit with a powerful female voice. The Crimson Cartel is equal parts revenge saga and emotional reckoning, proving Mz. Lady P knows how to keep her readers hooked—and ready for more.
At the heart of the story is a wife who’s had enough—disrespected, broken by loss, and ready to reclaim her power. Her journey is one of pain and transformation, and Mz. Lady P doesn’t hold back in showing the rage that builds when a woman is repeatedly pushed to the edge. The added layer of spice intensifies the stakes, giving the story both heat and depth as it moves through a world filled with danger and deception.
What sets The Crimson Cartel apart is its explosive twist—one that few readers will see coming. It shifts the narrative into overdrive and reinforces the unpredictability that defines the book. The pacing is sharp, the emotions are raw, and the stakes feel intensely personal.
This novel is an unapologetic, gripping read that combines street-lit grit with a powerful female voice. The Crimson Cartel is equal parts revenge saga and emotional reckoning, proving Mz. Lady P knows how to keep her readers hooked—and ready for more.
July 27, 2025
Rating 2
Spice 🌶️🌶️
ALC REVIEW
Yeaaa, no. This wasn't for me. I did feel like I was watching really bad trashy drama TV, so I guess thats a plus? There was way too many POV's for my liking. I guess the whole point of the book is to show how toxic and abusive everyone is. The men have their issues, but so do the women. It was like they were made for each other.
Speaking of POV, I especially didn't like being in the men's POV. Was is suppose so us the reader to be sympathetic towards them? Because I can assure you, for me it didn't. It gave me a bigger ick. I get that they didn't have the greatest upbringing to show how to love their spouses, but that doesn't give an excuse for the way they treat their wives. They are literally grown adults, you can only go so far to blame your past. It's how you go about it in the present and future. Be a better person than your parents/grandparents.
What I do understand that showing these types of relationships in books because these abusive and heavily toxic relationshps are real. I do appreciate that we get more "foul" or "dirty" language because honestly, I curse like a sailor so that was nice.
I received the ALC through Netgalley by Dreamscape Media. This is my honest and true thoughts
Spice 🌶️🌶️
ALC REVIEW
Yeaaa, no. This wasn't for me. I did feel like I was watching really bad trashy drama TV, so I guess thats a plus? There was way too many POV's for my liking. I guess the whole point of the book is to show how toxic and abusive everyone is. The men have their issues, but so do the women. It was like they were made for each other.
Speaking of POV, I especially didn't like being in the men's POV. Was is suppose so us the reader to be sympathetic towards them? Because I can assure you, for me it didn't. It gave me a bigger ick. I get that they didn't have the greatest upbringing to show how to love their spouses, but that doesn't give an excuse for the way they treat their wives. They are literally grown adults, you can only go so far to blame your past. It's how you go about it in the present and future. Be a better person than your parents/grandparents.
What I do understand that showing these types of relationships in books because these abusive and heavily toxic relationshps are real. I do appreciate that we get more "foul" or "dirty" language because honestly, I curse like a sailor so that was nice.
I received the ALC through Netgalley by Dreamscape Media. This is my honest and true thoughts
July 18, 2025
It is so very rare that I rate a book this low. I try to find some redeeming qualities, and I will say that both of the narrators in this book did a great job; they brought passion and character to the story. However with that being said this story follows a lot of people, the Crimsom brothers and their father, plus their wives/girlfriends, and we get POVs for all of them. Which makes this a mess. If this were not a novella, maybe that would work better, but there are too many POVs to establish anything about our characters. Then we have the plot, which is ok, this family is coming together to run their family empire/town, which operates on illegal and legal business. The men all have marriage contracts that basically have their wives doing whatever they want, and they have no say. These guys are all bullies, and they beat up the women. When I say beat them, I mean straight up domestic abuse, no dark romance, not just abuse, then we try and justify and glorify the abuse. I just can't. There was no real story here just abuse, deception, more abuse, sex, and lots of vulgarity just for vulgarities' sake. Honestly, that last bit wouldn't have been bad if the story had been better.
July 8, 2025
🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
This book had great potential but is ultimately just all over the place. There is no real development in the characters or in the action or events. The repetitive use of expletives is not offensive per se, but comes across as very unoriginal and childish; like the author was too lazy to think of another word to use instead of fuck. The narration is not good either. The female narrator tries way too hard to be dramatic so it comes across as extremely fake and she did not do a good job voicing multiple characters. The male narrator is the complete opposite and that he is robotic and very choppy in sentence delivery so it makes for an awkward flow and there far too many times you have no idea which character is actually speaking when it’s obvious there are multiple people involved in a conversation. This book definitely needed more time with the editor on the writing side and a higher level of production on the audio side.
This book had great potential but is ultimately just all over the place. There is no real development in the characters or in the action or events. The repetitive use of expletives is not offensive per se, but comes across as very unoriginal and childish; like the author was too lazy to think of another word to use instead of fuck. The narration is not good either. The female narrator tries way too hard to be dramatic so it comes across as extremely fake and she did not do a good job voicing multiple characters. The male narrator is the complete opposite and that he is robotic and very choppy in sentence delivery so it makes for an awkward flow and there far too many times you have no idea which character is actually speaking when it’s obvious there are multiple people involved in a conversation. This book definitely needed more time with the editor on the writing side and a higher level of production on the audio side.
July 8, 2025
DNF’d at 72%. I have no idea how this book is currently rated 4.66⭐️ I really did not enjoy this book but kept pushing through to see if my opinion changed, but it did not. I was listening to the audio book and pushed it to x2.5 just to try and finish, but I was not impressed and decided to stop.
This book is all over the place, jumping between POVs and timelines. With the audiobook, it was hard to keep the characters straight. The narrators were fine, but they didn’t use different voices for their characters to try and differentiate between them all, which adds to the confusion.
This book doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. There’s random violence and abuse (physical and verbal) and then we can’t control our emotions so we just kill someone? I’m an avid dark romance reader but this was just cringey. There’s not much detail to help paint the scenes easily in my head and overall is just bad writing. It needs TONS of editing and different writing creative choices.
This book is all over the place, jumping between POVs and timelines. With the audiobook, it was hard to keep the characters straight. The narrators were fine, but they didn’t use different voices for their characters to try and differentiate between them all, which adds to the confusion.
This book doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. There’s random violence and abuse (physical and verbal) and then we can’t control our emotions so we just kill someone? I’m an avid dark romance reader but this was just cringey. There’s not much detail to help paint the scenes easily in my head and overall is just bad writing. It needs TONS of editing and different writing creative choices.
July 9, 2025
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh now this book is messy! Now, the characters don't truly have any character development in this story; it's more of an introduction to all the characters. So you're going to get multiple POVs and the situations they're in and why! This is book 1 in a series. I liked that we got all the characters' POVs, but it could be a little confusing if you just listened to the audiobook. I actually tandem read this with the ebook. I will be continuing this series. I want to know what's going to happen. It leaves on a cliffhanger.
The audiobook is dual narrated by Mirron Willis and Zair Jordan. I want to say this is my first time listening to both of these narrators, and they did a good job bringing these characters alive! They were easy to listen to and also understand. I listened at 2x speed.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh now this book is messy! Now, the characters don't truly have any character development in this story; it's more of an introduction to all the characters. So you're going to get multiple POVs and the situations they're in and why! This is book 1 in a series. I liked that we got all the characters' POVs, but it could be a little confusing if you just listened to the audiobook. I actually tandem read this with the ebook. I will be continuing this series. I want to know what's going to happen. It leaves on a cliffhanger.
The audiobook is dual narrated by Mirron Willis and Zair Jordan. I want to say this is my first time listening to both of these narrators, and they did a good job bringing these characters alive! They were easy to listen to and also understand. I listened at 2x speed.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2025
I got 43.5 percent through the audio book and then I had to put it down. I personally will not be finishing this book. I will admit I didn’t mind it. It certainly wasn’t the greatest book I’ve ever read/listened to but also not the worst. The narrators were an interesting choice, I didn’t mind their voices in general however I wish they just let the male/female do their actual lines even if they weren’t in their chapters instead of adjusting their own voices to be lower or higher. The story line started out good but when they gave so many different points of view it got confusing. I will not be finishing the book due to the fact the used the word “Retard” I could look past a lot of the other things but that is a hard no for me personally. But if you’re open to it and are bored it’s an easy listen.
July 15, 2025
CW: violence against women, murder, assault, (constant) profanity and obscenities, gaslighting.
The drama and plot elements reminded me of Empire. At first the constant swearing was jarring - I understood that it helped centre the nitty gritty of the underworld, but it saturated too much of the dialogue.
There just wasn’t enough fleshed out about each of the women to be able to decipher who was who, or why their story arc was important. You just had to rely upon characters’ names.
I couldn’t see past the women babying grown men, perpetuating violence they experienced themselves, with no repercussions for their actions. The story centred around violence because nothing else was happening.
An advanced listener copy was obtained from Dreamscape Media via the NetGalley platform.
The drama and plot elements reminded me of Empire. At first the constant swearing was jarring - I understood that it helped centre the nitty gritty of the underworld, but it saturated too much of the dialogue.
There just wasn’t enough fleshed out about each of the women to be able to decipher who was who, or why their story arc was important. You just had to rely upon characters’ names.
I couldn’t see past the women babying grown men, perpetuating violence they experienced themselves, with no repercussions for their actions. The story centred around violence because nothing else was happening.
An advanced listener copy was obtained from Dreamscape Media via the NetGalley platform.
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