Xerxes Cannon wears many horse breeder, arms dealer, and prince. He’s a proud member of the Consortium and his parents mean everything to him. The only title missing is the one that means Vanya Kennedy belongs to him.
One look was all that was needed for him to be captivated by the copper-haired beauty. The last thing she wants is to be further involved with him or the organization that he belongs to. But their connection is inevitable. And so is the danger that creeps closer because of it.
As Vanya becomes more comfortable with her association with the Consortium, a business arrangement brings her even closer into Xerxes' orbit putting her in the crosshairs of danger from her past and his. Will Vanya allow Xerxes to be her Blarasian Avenger, or will she let the threats keep her from love?
This book is written in dialect because the MMC and his family have Iranian accents. Please be forewarned before you indulge.
Although I wasn't expecting that ending, I am still in love with Xerxes and his lady. The story kept me thinking, screaming and loving this couple to pieces. Yes! You need to read about these Persian\Black fine as all get out leading men...
I was so excited about this read, and ma’am you did not disappoint! Especially with Xeres low key stalking Vanya, and her ducking and weaving this poor man. 🤣 How were they ever going to get together? Well…… good things come to those who wait. The patience and understanding that Xeres exhibited toward Vanya was beautiful. 😍 He knew that she was his one and took his time and allowed her to get comfortable with him and his way of life organically. After learning of all that Vanya had gone through in her life, no wonder she was so skittish. But chile her village rallied around her so that she could learn, grow, and helped her to soar. 🥰
There was some consortium business that had to be handled, as well as some personal; however, it did not take away from the sweet love story between Xeres and Vanya. Now Ori… whew this will be another unforgettable tale. I can already feel it. Great job! 👍🏾👍🏾
Overall an entertaining read with some heavy topics. I haven’t read the other books in the series (🫣🫣I know I know), but I was still able to follow everything and enjoy the story. Everyone in this story is slightly insane and aren’t afraid of handling business.
You can’t help but love Xerxes, he’s very deadly and all about Vanya. Vanya has had a lot she’s had to overcome but she’s doing it, and as she lets down her walls she gains so much.
This book is long, but I understand because it really is a journey. I still think it could probably have been shorten at least a little.
I understand that the books are all in a connected universe and the ending set the stage for the next character’s book, but I really really would’ve liked an epilogue maybe a year into the future to see how Xerxes, Vanya, and his parents were doing especially with the exciting news they had.
What can I say Ms.Dandridge never misses with her pen and this falls right in line with the Consortium series. Xerc has had eyes for Vanya since Frankie’s and Liam’s wedding and did not let up off of her at all. Definitely a must read for sure!!!
Book 8 and the series is still as good as book 1. Vanya and Xerx are the couple you have been longing for in a romance book. I have never read someone speak so poetically while being a gat toting pistol holding.... you know the rest. Enjoy cause this book is like no other.
I loved the book from beginning to the end Shazadeh showed out do not mess with Vanya...but now the ending Ms Monroe l am clutching my pearls please hurry with book 9.
Murdery Persian Prince + Quiet Trauma-lived Realtor =Royal Magic
But will your man burn down an entire monarchy for you? Step ya game up 😁
You’re a reminder for me zhat I have endured, worked hard enough and rest is not something I can avoid. That love is not.”
Calling all hurt/comfort Enthusiasts because this novel is a big ole hurt comfort trope alive and in color. With a dide of touch her and die aka make her cry and die aka breathe on her wrong and die vartiey.
"The armor you wear to protect someone from doing it again. You do not have to worry about that anymore, ghoroub. I am more than ready to be your human shield.”
A big sized novel embracing Xerxes cultural halves as well as poor Vanya we have a pretty sweeping romance. We've been keyed up for Xerxes and Vanya since Liam's book. Where Xerxes was immediately swoony and smitten. He pulled out his cultural good manners and Vanya didnt know what to think. Well its a year later and its time to collect on the romance.
That man put the lightest pressure to obtain his heart and light.
“There’s no book on Vanya Kennedy.” “No. But you are the author of your story so I studied you to learn about you."
A large part of the book is playing into "what is Blackness" and affirming Black culture. Xerxes is a Black man but he doesn't have the phenotype, so his access to Blackness may be questioned but he handles ot with care. Make no mistake about it he says he's Black & Persian but the B comes first and he's without a doubt a Black man. Plus the way he guided Vanya into understanding Black culture from her perspective was beautiful and again shows how each bride fits their man and vice versa.
Vanya due to her Mormon cult upbringing has no clue how to adapt Black culturally. One thing I greatly appreciate with these books is how Dandridge shows the full spectrum and rainbow of Blackness. It isn't one very narrow or specific thing. Culturally and even communal Blackness can be so diverse and expressive. Kudos for shining that message.
"As I turn you into a beautiful mess, I will lick you clean and my dick and I will ruin you all over again.”
The romance is most definitely a slow burn and pace. The violence does get there eventually but we get some great brothers of the Consortium scenes, some callbacks and some look at how all of Monroe's series feed into the other.
Good Quotes: 💭 "All of zhis work has been so zhat I can grant you whatever your heart desires because you have fulfilled parts of me zhat have never seen zhe sun to grow."
💭“It’s time for me to get my princess.”
💭“Khodâ be man binâyi dâd tâ betavânam in lahze râ bebinam. (God gave me sight to behold this moment.)”
💭 "Dooset dâram. Az hâlâ tâ vaghti ke khorshid dige nasooze (I love you. From now until the sun ceases to burn.)”
I swear your books make me think and I alright in the head. specifically, The Consortium Series. Just when I think no one will rival my man Priest, you send along Xerxes and baby yeah when you wrong him action is taken and then some. The cold calculation of his plans was something that I lived for.
Loved that Xerxes never gave up on what he felt for Vanya...the high key stalking was too cute...👀 he was patient and def let a bond form without making her uncomfortable. he was intentional in what he wanted with her. Their relationship was one that developed so organically, the terms of endearment that he used for her was beautiful. I specifically like when his mom called her butterfly, that explanation made me swoon. his parents were so sweet and welcoming I see why people want the back story...they are super sweet but unhinged.
After everything Vanya suffered, she deserved to live a soft girl life. Her thirst for knowledge was something that made me smile and also get misty eyed at because of everything that she had to endure as a child with that evil as family.
Now when her fam rallied behind her they were all hands-on deck, and anyone could get they shit rocked.
Let's just say the murdery end was gold. When I tell you it was funny as shit especially when Sampson got to get his get back for the situation with his Black.
I loved the interaction of all the characters. The elders of the fam were the sweetest and just as deadly. Navi and Ahmad story I am interested in what will go down there.
I'm invested in Ori and Asha story now as well cause that last line had me cackling🤣🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If only I could have a man like him! Xerxes was a man of means, but a high moral character. He believed in treating people with respect, dignity and kindness as well as paying people what they deserved. He was big on people being able to provide for their families and that their wages should reflect their worth. He was a man of integrity and honor. But cross him and the ones he loved and you could end up meeting his scythe. Don’t mistake his loyalty to his people and patience for weakness. His vengeance is finite he’s just very calculated and willing to wait for all of the pieces to be set into place before his wrath is unleashed. Xerxes encountered his true love once and played the long game to get her. He never let up, even though Vanya wouldn’t give him the time of day. He gave her space, time, protection, provision, and applied the necessary amount of pressure and attention to let her know that he was there, she could count on him, he would always protect her and that she was his. Vanya had some serious mindsets to reverse and heal from. She’d been through hell and closed herself off to any kid of love with the exception of her best friend. She didn’t think herself worthy or even capable of receiving and giving love in return due to her trauma. Xerxes proved that he was a man worthy of her love. Throw in his despicable and extremely entitled family, his mayhem craving consortium brothers and this book was a time! Love can heal wounds when it’s from the right person. This was an amazing read!
With each man in the Consortium, I keep saying "yep, he's perfect! That's the one! That's my book husband in this series." Until I got to Xerxes. I loved the little popups of him in the previous books, but they didn't do his character any type of justice. We all knew that he was going to apply major pressure to Vanya and he did not disappoint. The only one who seemed a little clueless at how this was supposed to go was Vanya.
As more of her story unfolded, it was more and more heartbreaking everything that she went through with her adoptive family. Every time they popped up (especially Jonathan), I was hoping Xerses would cancel their breathing subscriptions. Just like his brothers before him that needed to right some wrongs done to their women, he didn't hold back on the creativity or the torture.
It makes me smile that some of the characters who don't have blood relatives have found a home in this group of great men with extremely questionable lifestyles. Not only did Vanya find sisters in her husband's circle, she found something she didn't know she was even missing.
This story ended on a good cliffhanger to set up Ori's story coming up next. I can't wait for that release to see what in the world is going on!!
I'm glad that Vanya finally received the love and acceptance that she craved, not only from Frankie but Xerses, his parents, and the men and women of the Consortium. I love the surprise with Ahmad. Vanya finally stepped into her blackness and stopped being timid and mild. She gained strength and confidence from the people that loved her who poured into her. Xerses has become my 2nd favorite. I absolutely love the way he loved, cherished, and protected Vanya. He put plans into place that took care of a multitude of sin and revenge. This is a beautiful crafted story that I recommend reading.
I don’t think this book could have been anymore perfect that it was. Even with the length, I was not ready for it to end. Dandridge has a way with words that leaves you feeling as if you are with the characters. Everything is so clear…you feel every emotion and Xerxes made you feel them all! She continues to be one of the dopest authors I have ever read and this book did not disappoint. It is filled with passion, love, revenge, family, and hope fulfilled. This is a must read!!!!
I was fully immersed from start to finish in this book. All of the characters old and new were on point with their personalities. When I wasn’t reading the book I was talking in my head, in the accents.
Miss Monroe you’ve done it again! However, I was not surprised because you always do it!
Thank you, Ms. Dandridge. You have done in again. Xerxes was the brother I was waiting to read about. Brilliant storytelling, beautiful attention to details about the different cultures. I've enjoy reading all of the books (Priest not so much) thus far in this series. I will be sadden deeply when it comes to the end. Looking forward to the next book. Thanks again.😀😍
I was totally emerged in this book from beginning to end. I enjoyed all the characters from the new to the old. X played the long game getting his girl and Vanna made him work for it. I liked how she didn’t act like a damsel in distress despite the horrible childhood she had. Loved every minute of this story. Can’t wait for Ori. Please do t make us wait too long. Ms. Dandridge you that thing once again. Definitely a must read🖤🖤
There’s a lot to love about this specific story from the romance, the brotherhood, the sisterhood, the found family, the humor, the drama, etc. but I think my favorite thing about this story is Vanya & her character growth. I feel like there’s a lot of black girls & women that can relate to the internal struggle that Vanya experienced. The story is good & it’s well written but Vanya specifically was one of the highlights for me.
Man that Xerxes was poetic as he was a savage and I love seeing it. Now Vanya had a hard upbringing that was more like a sick cult so she had a lot to unpack. I like that Vanya found the strength within and left the cult behind but with Xerxes' help become comfortable and confident in herself. Great read can't wait to see what us going on with Ori.
Loved catching up with the Consortium Crew. My heart went out to Vanya for what she endured at the hands of those evil kidnappers(iykyk). Loved how Xerxes loved Vanya and helped her heal all while destroying his and her enemies. His family (Cannon's) were exactly what she needed. If you haven't read this book or the series I suggest you do!!!!
You know we love a long read! Dandridge, we appreciate your work! I couldn’t WAIT to see behind the scenes with Xerxes. His interactions in the other books were always so passionate. He did not disappoint in this book. Vanya was like the bestie we all want. Sweet, considerate but definitely a rider! I’m ready for Ori and also Ahmad!
If Ori didn’t have me hollering at the end 😂😂😒. Why is he scared 😂😂
I was hoping for an Ahmad and Navi book
I love Vanya and Xerxes. They matched perfectly. I was so happy that she got a biological connection. The pain and suffering she went through were deplorable. That adopted brother 😡😡😡. Vengeance is mine said Xerxes.
This may be my favorite book in the series and that’s saying a lot. I love the found family for Vanya. Xerses was so patient and sweet. Babette and Frank constantly assuring her that she should be comfortable in her level of blackness. I loved this book.
This book did NOT disappoint as I knew it would not. I can go on for hours about the accents, cultural and historical knowledge dropped within the story. Dandridge is a talent unmatched. Can’t wait for her next book!
I love your stories I so never want these stories to end! I love how they all connect in some form or fashion!!! The ending omg is crazy! I just have to know.