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Flor de Muertos #2
Violent Attraction
She was a Cartel Princess.
I was a soldier. A helping hand. A life that didn’t matter.
None of that stopped me from falling in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her.
This Cartel Princess was everything to me.
And I was able to show her, but only in secret.
After years of hiding I had finally found the courage to tell her father, but he announced he’d arranged a marriage for her. One that will bound families.
One that is all about power and money.
The man that she is set to marry is a dangerous man. He doesn’t love her. He only wants her for the money and power that she comes with.
I need to try my hardest to stop this arrangement.
No matter how much blood I shed.
Isabella Morales is mine.
I was a soldier. A helping hand. A life that didn’t matter.
None of that stopped me from falling in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her.
This Cartel Princess was everything to me.
And I was able to show her, but only in secret.
After years of hiding I had finally found the courage to tell her father, but he announced he’d arranged a marriage for her. One that will bound families.
One that is all about power and money.
The man that she is set to marry is a dangerous man. He doesn’t love her. He only wants her for the money and power that she comes with.
I need to try my hardest to stop this arrangement.
No matter how much blood I shed.
Isabella Morales is mine.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2021
About the author
Jocelyne Soto
30 books321 followersJocelyne Soto is a writer, born and raised in California. She started her writing journey in 2015 and in 2019 she published her first book. She is an independent author who loves discovering new authors on Goodreads and Amazon. She comes from a big Mexican family, and with it comes a love for all things family and food.
Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.
Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
October 21, 2021
While i did enjoy book 1 i felt like this one was a bit cheesy like the hero is always being described as a bad ass the storyline was a little chaotic idk i just was in a funk while reading this so maybe it was just on me.
This one has mafia, violence, forbidden, some sad scenes, slow burn.
ARC was received in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and are honest.
This one has mafia, violence, forbidden, some sad scenes, slow burn.
ARC was received in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and are honest.
October 16, 2024
4.5⭐️ | 4🌶
this one was definitely darker than the first. oh my God. I was so frustrated at times that I wanted to scream. I HATED Ronaldo! hated his actions. he was a repulsive, sick piece of shit. But he got what he deserved.
I loved Bella & Santos. They were fantastic. They chemistry, the sacrifice, the pain. I think I need a palette cleanser before Camila, though, because this series is wild!
this one was definitely darker than the first. oh my God. I was so frustrated at times that I wanted to scream. I HATED Ronaldo! hated his actions. he was a repulsive, sick piece of shit. But he got what he deserved.
I loved Bella & Santos. They were fantastic. They chemistry, the sacrifice, the pain. I think I need a palette cleanser before Camila, though, because this series is wild!
October 17, 2021
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
⚠May contain spoilers for Vicious Union ⚠
This series gets better with every book! Violent Attraction had a much more surprising, complicated and tender story than I expected, from the first chapters the book took a different direction that helped me to understand much better the relationship between Santos & Isabella, and that surprised me so muchtoo. I enjoyed every moment of this book, and once I started, I couldn't put it down.
Isabella was a character that I loved much more, I loved knowing the bond and love so special that united her with her mother and knowing how her sudden death affected her. In Vicious Union I met a strong and brave Isabella who is loving and protective of her siblings, but in this book I could read how her personality became like that, and I totally loved her! I think she's a much more complicated character than she seems at first glance, she experiences situations and emotions that are complex and many times she has to resign herself to her father's wishes to protect those that she loves. But Violent Attraction also showed me a different side of Bella: her love for fashion and her desire to create her own place in the world through that passion, unfortunately, her dreams are interrupted when her father forces her to marry Emilio Castro, the heir to a minor cartel in Guadalajara, so that the Muertos Cartel gains more power, but the biggest problem is that she has always been in love with Santiago, Leonardo's best friend, and the man who has always been there for her in the most important moments in her life.
I have to say that Santos is my favorite since I first read him on Vicious Union, so I was already in love with him when I started reading this book, and my expectations were much higher, expectations that he exceeded in the best possible way. Santiago is a kind, loyal man who protects the people he loves, like Leonardo, Santos is forced to enter the world of the cartel, but for a completely surprising and beautiful reason, yet it's a life that doesn't make him very happy, but gives him the opportunity to be close to the people he loves, including Isabella. His character also faces complicated and tragic situations throughout the book that lead him to be the cruel and bloodthirsty soldier that he is, but Santos also had his hidden surprises, such as his close relationship with Camila, the youngest of the Morales, or her personality so tender, adorable and loving, that I was definitely not expecting.
And another thing that I didn't expect was the way in which Jocelyne Soto decided to tell the plot in this book, obviously, everything revolves around the imminent marriage between Isablella and Emilio , and the wishes of Santos to prevent it at any cost, and to be able to be with her, but the author decided to mix all this in a perfect way, I must say, with the past of both main characters , with the cartel's plot that began in Vicious Union, that has very unexpected twists, and most importantly: telling us how the mutual attraction between Santiago & Bella began.
I think so far this is my favorite love story bye Jocelyne Soto ! beacuse even though Isabella & Santos face difficult and sad situations throughout their history, they are also one of the most tender and adorable couples I have ever read. I loved how their story began, that they were ALWAYS willing to support each other, especially in difficult times, and that even when everything was complicated, their love was impossible to hide. In addition, the relationship between Bella & Santiago is also full of surprising situations that made me enjoy the book even more, it was wonderful to read their complicated journey, the obstacles in their way and the decisions they had to make, it was completely worth it.
Of course, in this book we can read a little more about Leo & Serena, and see some of the events of Vicious Union from the point of view of the new main characters, In addition, the interconnected plot continues to reveal secrets about Ronaldo Morales and his maneuvers to maintain power, and gives us a small, but powerful, preview of the end of the series and Camila's, which promises to be just as impressive.
🎧 Audiobook Review🎧 (September 16, 2024)
ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
It's no secret to anyone how MUCH I love the Flor de Muertos series and Jocelyne Soto's books, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy Santos & Isabella in this new format and I loved falling in love with them all over again and all the drama in their story!
I loved remembering how special it is for both characters to celebrate el Día de Muertos and how much they both have to fight for their love throughout this book. Also, I think that Jocelyne Soto, once again, chose the perfect narrators to bring Santos & Bella to life, making this audiobook a completely different experience with a story that I love so much!
💀Santos: 5/5
💀Isabella: 5/5
💀Plot: 5/5
💀Love story: 5/5
💀Secondary characters: 5/5
💀Universe: 5/5
💀Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
🇪🇸
ARC proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
⚠Puede contener spoilers de Vicious Union⚠
Ésta serie se pone mejor con cada libro! Violent Attraction tuvo una historia mucho más sorprendente, complicada y tierna de lo que esperaba, desde los primeros capítulos la historia tomó una dirección diferente que me ayudó a comprender mucho mejor la relación entre Santos & Isabella, y que me sorprendió demasiado. Disfruté cada momento de este libro y, una vez que comencé, no pude dejarlo.
Isabella fue un personaje al que amé mucho más, me encantó conocer el vinculo y amor tan especiales que la unía a su mamá y saber cómo la afecto su repentina muerte. En Vicious Union conocí a una Isabella fuerte y valiente que es amorosa y protectora con sus hermanos, pero en este libro pude leer como fue que su personalidad se volvió de esa forma, y la amé por completo! Creo que ella es un personaje mucho más complicado de lo que parece a simple vista, experimenta situaciones y emociones que son complejas y muchas veces se tiene que resignar a los deseos de su padre para proteger a los que ama. Pero Violent Attraction también me mostró un lado diferente de Bella: su amor por la moda y sus deseos de crear su propio lugar en el mundo por medio de esa pasión, desafortunadamente, sus sueños se ven interrumpidos cuando su papá la obliga a casarse con Emilio Castro, el heredero de un cartel menor en Guadalajara, para que El Cartel de Los Muertos obtenga más poder, pero el mayor de los problemas es que ella siempre ha estado enamorada de Santiago, el mejor amigo de su hermano Leonardo, y el hombre que siempre ha estado para ella en los momentos más importantes de su vida.
Tengo que decir que Santos es mi favorito desde que lo leí por primera vez en Vicious Union así que ya estaba enamorada de él cuando empecé a leer este libro, y mis expectativas eran mucho más grandes, expectativas que superó de la mejor manera posible. Santiago es un hombre amable, leal y que protege a las personas que ama, al igual que Leonardo, Santos se ve forzado a entrar en el mundo del cartel, pero por una razón completamente sorprendente y hermosa, aún así, es una vida que no lo hace muy feliz, pero le da la oportunidad de estar cerca de las personas que ama, entre ellos Isabella. Su personaje también enfrenta situaciones complicadas y trágicas a lo largo del libro que lo llevan a ser el soldado cruel y sanguinario que es, pero Santos también tuvo sus sorpresas escondidas, como su relación tan estrecha con Camila, la menor de los Morales, o su personalidad tan tierna, adorable y amorosa, que definitivamente no me esperaba.
Y otra cosa que no esperaba fue la manera en la que Jocelyne Soto decidió contar la trama en este libro, obviamente todo gira en torno al inminente matrimonio entre Isablella y Emilio, y los deseos de Santos de impedirlo a cualquier costo para poder estar junto a ella, pero la autora decidió mezclar todo esto, de manera perfecta debo decir, con el pasado de ambos personajes principales, con la trama del cartel que comenzó en Vicious Union, y que tiene giros muy inesperados, y lo más importante: contándonos cómo comenzó la atracción mutua entre Santiago & Bella.
Creo que hasta el momento esta es mi historia de amor favorita de Jocelyne Soto! Pues a pesar de que Isabella & Santos enfrentan situaciones difíciles y triste a lo largo de su historia, también son una de las parejas más tiernas y adorables que he leído. Me encantó como comenzó su historia, que SIEMPRE estuvieran dispuestos a apoyarse mutuamente, especialmente en los momentos difíciles, y que aún cuando todo complicado, su amor fuera imposible de esconder. Además, la relación se Bella & Santiago también esta llena de situaciones sorprendentes que me hicieron disfrutar aún más del libro, fue maravilloso leer su complicado viaje, los obstáculos en su camino y las decisiones que tuvieron que tomar, pero valió completamente la pena.
Por supuesto, en este libro podemos leer un poco más sobre Leo & Serena, y ver algunos de los acontecimientos de Vicious Union desde el punto de vista de los nuevos personajes principales, además, la trama interconectada sigue revelando secretos sobre Ronaldo Morales y sus maniobras para mantener el poder, y nos da un pequeño, pero poderoso, adelanto del final de la serie y la historia de Camila, que promete ser igual de impactante.
🎧 Reseña del Audiobook🎧 (16 de septiembre de 2024)
ALC proporcionada amablemente a cambio de una reseña honesta
Para nadie es un secreto lo MUCHO que amo la serie Flor de Muertos y los libros de Jocelyne Soto, así que no podía dejar pasar la oportunidad de disfrutar a Santos & Isabella en este nuevo formato y me encantó enamorarme de nuevo con ellos y con todo el drama que hay en su historia!
Me encantó recordar lo especial que es para ambos personajes celebrar el Día de Muertos y lo mucho que ambos tienen que luchar por su amor a lo largo de este libro, además, creo que Jocelyne Soto volvió a elegir a los narradores perfectos para traer a la vida a Santos & Bella, y así hacer de este audiolibro una experiencia completamente diferente con una historia que amo demasiado!
💀Santos: 5/5
💀Isabella: 5/5
💀Trama: 5/5
💀Historia de amor: 5/5
💀Persoanjes secundarios: 5/5
💀Universo: 5/5
💀Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
⚠May contain spoilers for Vicious Union ⚠
This series gets better with every book! Violent Attraction had a much more surprising, complicated and tender story than I expected, from the first chapters the book took a different direction that helped me to understand much better the relationship between Santos & Isabella, and that surprised me so muchtoo. I enjoyed every moment of this book, and once I started, I couldn't put it down.
Isabella was a character that I loved much more, I loved knowing the bond and love so special that united her with her mother and knowing how her sudden death affected her. In Vicious Union I met a strong and brave Isabella who is loving and protective of her siblings, but in this book I could read how her personality became like that, and I totally loved her! I think she's a much more complicated character than she seems at first glance, she experiences situations and emotions that are complex and many times she has to resign herself to her father's wishes to protect those that she loves. But Violent Attraction also showed me a different side of Bella: her love for fashion and her desire to create her own place in the world through that passion, unfortunately, her dreams are interrupted when her father forces her to marry Emilio Castro, the heir to a minor cartel in Guadalajara, so that the Muertos Cartel gains more power, but the biggest problem is that she has always been in love with Santiago, Leonardo's best friend, and the man who has always been there for her in the most important moments in her life.
I have to say that Santos is my favorite since I first read him on Vicious Union, so I was already in love with him when I started reading this book, and my expectations were much higher, expectations that he exceeded in the best possible way. Santiago is a kind, loyal man who protects the people he loves, like Leonardo, Santos is forced to enter the world of the cartel, but for a completely surprising and beautiful reason, yet it's a life that doesn't make him very happy, but gives him the opportunity to be close to the people he loves, including Isabella. His character also faces complicated and tragic situations throughout the book that lead him to be the cruel and bloodthirsty soldier that he is, but Santos also had his hidden surprises, such as his close relationship with Camila, the youngest of the Morales, or her personality so tender, adorable and loving, that I was definitely not expecting.
And another thing that I didn't expect was the way in which Jocelyne Soto decided to tell the plot in this book, obviously, everything revolves around the imminent marriage between Isablella and Emilio , and the wishes of Santos to prevent it at any cost, and to be able to be with her, but the author decided to mix all this in a perfect way, I must say, with the past of both main characters , with the cartel's plot that began in Vicious Union, that has very unexpected twists, and most importantly: telling us how the mutual attraction between Santiago & Bella began.
I think so far this is my favorite love story bye Jocelyne Soto ! beacuse even though Isabella & Santos face difficult and sad situations throughout their history, they are also one of the most tender and adorable couples I have ever read. I loved how their story began, that they were ALWAYS willing to support each other, especially in difficult times, and that even when everything was complicated, their love was impossible to hide. In addition, the relationship between Bella & Santiago is also full of surprising situations that made me enjoy the book even more, it was wonderful to read their complicated journey, the obstacles in their way and the decisions they had to make, it was completely worth it.
Of course, in this book we can read a little more about Leo & Serena, and see some of the events of Vicious Union from the point of view of the new main characters, In addition, the interconnected plot continues to reveal secrets about Ronaldo Morales and his maneuvers to maintain power, and gives us a small, but powerful, preview of the end of the series and Camila's, which promises to be just as impressive.
🎧 Audiobook Review🎧 (September 16, 2024)
ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
It's no secret to anyone how MUCH I love the Flor de Muertos series and Jocelyne Soto's books, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy Santos & Isabella in this new format and I loved falling in love with them all over again and all the drama in their story!
I loved remembering how special it is for both characters to celebrate el Día de Muertos and how much they both have to fight for their love throughout this book. Also, I think that Jocelyne Soto, once again, chose the perfect narrators to bring Santos & Bella to life, making this audiobook a completely different experience with a story that I love so much!
💀Santos: 5/5
💀Isabella: 5/5
💀Plot: 5/5
💀Love story: 5/5
💀Secondary characters: 5/5
💀Universe: 5/5
💀Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
🇪🇸
ARC proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
⚠Puede contener spoilers de Vicious Union⚠
Ésta serie se pone mejor con cada libro! Violent Attraction tuvo una historia mucho más sorprendente, complicada y tierna de lo que esperaba, desde los primeros capítulos la historia tomó una dirección diferente que me ayudó a comprender mucho mejor la relación entre Santos & Isabella, y que me sorprendió demasiado. Disfruté cada momento de este libro y, una vez que comencé, no pude dejarlo.
Isabella fue un personaje al que amé mucho más, me encantó conocer el vinculo y amor tan especiales que la unía a su mamá y saber cómo la afecto su repentina muerte. En Vicious Union conocí a una Isabella fuerte y valiente que es amorosa y protectora con sus hermanos, pero en este libro pude leer como fue que su personalidad se volvió de esa forma, y la amé por completo! Creo que ella es un personaje mucho más complicado de lo que parece a simple vista, experimenta situaciones y emociones que son complejas y muchas veces se tiene que resignar a los deseos de su padre para proteger a los que ama. Pero Violent Attraction también me mostró un lado diferente de Bella: su amor por la moda y sus deseos de crear su propio lugar en el mundo por medio de esa pasión, desafortunadamente, sus sueños se ven interrumpidos cuando su papá la obliga a casarse con Emilio Castro, el heredero de un cartel menor en Guadalajara, para que El Cartel de Los Muertos obtenga más poder, pero el mayor de los problemas es que ella siempre ha estado enamorada de Santiago, el mejor amigo de su hermano Leonardo, y el hombre que siempre ha estado para ella en los momentos más importantes de su vida.
Tengo que decir que Santos es mi favorito desde que lo leí por primera vez en Vicious Union así que ya estaba enamorada de él cuando empecé a leer este libro, y mis expectativas eran mucho más grandes, expectativas que superó de la mejor manera posible. Santiago es un hombre amable, leal y que protege a las personas que ama, al igual que Leonardo, Santos se ve forzado a entrar en el mundo del cartel, pero por una razón completamente sorprendente y hermosa, aún así, es una vida que no lo hace muy feliz, pero le da la oportunidad de estar cerca de las personas que ama, entre ellos Isabella. Su personaje también enfrenta situaciones complicadas y trágicas a lo largo del libro que lo llevan a ser el soldado cruel y sanguinario que es, pero Santos también tuvo sus sorpresas escondidas, como su relación tan estrecha con Camila, la menor de los Morales, o su personalidad tan tierna, adorable y amorosa, que definitivamente no me esperaba.
Y otra cosa que no esperaba fue la manera en la que Jocelyne Soto decidió contar la trama en este libro, obviamente todo gira en torno al inminente matrimonio entre Isablella y Emilio, y los deseos de Santos de impedirlo a cualquier costo para poder estar junto a ella, pero la autora decidió mezclar todo esto, de manera perfecta debo decir, con el pasado de ambos personajes principales, con la trama del cartel que comenzó en Vicious Union, y que tiene giros muy inesperados, y lo más importante: contándonos cómo comenzó la atracción mutua entre Santiago & Bella.
Creo que hasta el momento esta es mi historia de amor favorita de Jocelyne Soto! Pues a pesar de que Isabella & Santos enfrentan situaciones difíciles y triste a lo largo de su historia, también son una de las parejas más tiernas y adorables que he leído. Me encantó como comenzó su historia, que SIEMPRE estuvieran dispuestos a apoyarse mutuamente, especialmente en los momentos difíciles, y que aún cuando todo complicado, su amor fuera imposible de esconder. Además, la relación se Bella & Santiago también esta llena de situaciones sorprendentes que me hicieron disfrutar aún más del libro, fue maravilloso leer su complicado viaje, los obstáculos en su camino y las decisiones que tuvieron que tomar, pero valió completamente la pena.
Por supuesto, en este libro podemos leer un poco más sobre Leo & Serena, y ver algunos de los acontecimientos de Vicious Union desde el punto de vista de los nuevos personajes principales, además, la trama interconectada sigue revelando secretos sobre Ronaldo Morales y sus maniobras para mantener el poder, y nos da un pequeño, pero poderoso, adelanto del final de la serie y la historia de Camila, que promete ser igual de impactante.
🎧 Reseña del Audiobook🎧 (16 de septiembre de 2024)
ALC proporcionada amablemente a cambio de una reseña honesta
Para nadie es un secreto lo MUCHO que amo la serie Flor de Muertos y los libros de Jocelyne Soto, así que no podía dejar pasar la oportunidad de disfrutar a Santos & Isabella en este nuevo formato y me encantó enamorarme de nuevo con ellos y con todo el drama que hay en su historia!
Me encantó recordar lo especial que es para ambos personajes celebrar el Día de Muertos y lo mucho que ambos tienen que luchar por su amor a lo largo de este libro, además, creo que Jocelyne Soto volvió a elegir a los narradores perfectos para traer a la vida a Santos & Bella, y así hacer de este audiolibro una experiencia completamente diferente con una historia que amo demasiado!
💀Santos: 5/5
💀Isabella: 5/5
💀Trama: 5/5
💀Historia de amor: 5/5
💀Persoanjes secundarios: 5/5
💀Universo: 5/5
💀Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
November 21, 2024
4.5/5 🌟
I loved this so much!!
I loved this so much!!
August 2, 2024
- este libro fue uno que me dio rabia que lo leyera en el momento en el que lo leí porque estaba en un bloqueo lector entonces tarde un montón en leerlo y no lo disfrute de la forma en la que yo sé que lo hubiera disfrutado si el momento hubiera sido otro.
- la historia de Isabella y Santos fue una que aunque me encantó también me frustró demasiado, como que siento que, sobretodo al principio, se ponían barreras que realmente no existían simplemente porque tenían miedo
- si que es verdad que conforme la historia va avanzando esas barreras se conviernten en barreras reales y ahí es cuando la historia me fué gustando más
- el personaje de Isabella fue uno que me encantó porque siento que ella era una mujer fuerte y luchadora que siempre intentaba superar todo lo que la vida le echaba a la cara sola y eso me encantó
- Santos por otra parte me ponía muy nerviosa, como que en vez de comunicarle a Isabella lo que estaba pasando y lo que hacia para protegerla preferia daño solo para poder protegerla desde las sombras cosa que no me gusto nada.
- algo que me puso muy nerviosa era la forma en la que describía el tiempo, en el sentido de que es un libro que empieza con la boda de Isabella (iykyk) y luego va desde que Santos y ella eran pequeños hasta ese momento, pero en vez de poner *12 Años antes* ponía *Santos 18 años* en plan te decía la edad que tenían cada uno en ese capítulo en vez de decirte cuanto hace de esa escena y no se porque me molesto un montón
- fue un libro que me gustó bastante pero aun así no me encantó, en plan lo disfruté pero sin más. Pienso continuar con la saga porque son libros de mafia adictivos que estan bien aunque este no es mi favorito.
- la historia de Isabella y Santos fue una que aunque me encantó también me frustró demasiado, como que siento que, sobretodo al principio, se ponían barreras que realmente no existían simplemente porque tenían miedo
- si que es verdad que conforme la historia va avanzando esas barreras se conviernten en barreras reales y ahí es cuando la historia me fué gustando más
- el personaje de Isabella fue uno que me encantó porque siento que ella era una mujer fuerte y luchadora que siempre intentaba superar todo lo que la vida le echaba a la cara sola y eso me encantó
- Santos por otra parte me ponía muy nerviosa, como que en vez de comunicarle a Isabella lo que estaba pasando y lo que hacia para protegerla preferia daño solo para poder protegerla desde las sombras cosa que no me gusto nada.
- algo que me puso muy nerviosa era la forma en la que describía el tiempo, en el sentido de que es un libro que empieza con la boda de Isabella (iykyk) y luego va desde que Santos y ella eran pequeños hasta ese momento, pero en vez de poner *12 Años antes* ponía *Santos 18 años* en plan te decía la edad que tenían cada uno en ese capítulo en vez de decirte cuanto hace de esa escena y no se porque me molesto un montón
- fue un libro que me gustó bastante pero aun así no me encantó, en plan lo disfruté pero sin más. Pienso continuar con la saga porque son libros de mafia adictivos que estan bien aunque este no es mi favorito.
July 15, 2023
💍
This was strangely sweet entry in this series...childhood sweethearts/brother's best friend. What I think is interesting is that the writing for this series has dark themes but isn't on page. The reader gets to insert whatever darkness which is something to get used to but I kinda dig it. Now back to Isabella and Santos - their story is told in flashbacks but we also get more background information on the cartel. In book 2 the mom comes up more and I was hoping for a reveal. It seems like she will pop up more in book 3. Needless to say I was expecting more friction between Ronaldo and Leo but like I mentioned before I think you have to fill in the blanks because things aren't necessarily happening on page.
CN: gun violence, emotional abuse, death of a parent
This was strangely sweet entry in this series...childhood sweethearts/brother's best friend. What I think is interesting is that the writing for this series has dark themes but isn't on page. The reader gets to insert whatever darkness which is something to get used to but I kinda dig it. Now back to Isabella and Santos - their story is told in flashbacks but we also get more background information on the cartel. In book 2 the mom comes up more and I was hoping for a reveal. It seems like she will pop up more in book 3. Needless to say I was expecting more friction between Ronaldo and Leo but like I mentioned before I think you have to fill in the blanks because things aren't necessarily happening on page.
CN: gun violence, emotional abuse, death of a parent
December 29, 2025
Overall, this was solid.
I respect the FMC, Isabella - cartel princess.
The plot involving a cartel father calling the shots for his adult children so that his cartel thrives was guuuuddd. And I love how the siblings are family oriented and get along so well.
The MMC, Santos fell flat for me; but it was sweet that this began as a childhood crush.
I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd and final book!
I respect the FMC, Isabella - cartel princess.
The plot involving a cartel father calling the shots for his adult children so that his cartel thrives was guuuuddd. And I love how the siblings are family oriented and get along so well.
The MMC, Santos fell flat for me; but it was sweet that this began as a childhood crush.
I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd and final book!
May 23, 2022
⭐️4.5/5
This story pulled at my heart strings. I felt so bad for Isabella because she was arranged to marry a man she did not love. The man she spent her whole life loving Santos one of her dad’s soldiers, she couldn’t have. Santos loved Isabella in secret for so many years and when he finally felt like he was able to say something, that was taken away when he finds out she’s arranged to be married. Their journey is hard and tragic, but their love is so beautiful.
This story pulled at my heart strings. I felt so bad for Isabella because she was arranged to marry a man she did not love. The man she spent her whole life loving Santos one of her dad’s soldiers, she couldn’t have. Santos loved Isabella in secret for so many years and when he finally felt like he was able to say something, that was taken away when he finds out she’s arranged to be married. Their journey is hard and tragic, but their love is so beautiful.
September 23, 2024
Absolutely loved this audiobook. This was a new author to me and I devoured this book, obviously in the listening sense lol I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series! Isabela is forced to a marriage of convenience, but how can she go through with it when she gave her heart to her brothers best friend when they were teenagers? Would Santos let her go through the wedding? What happens when you are a cartel princess and there’s no way out? This book had me in the edge on every single chapter. Totally recommend it, I love mafia romance books so much!
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Isabella Morales is mine and I will love her until my death and beyond.”
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Isabella Morales is mine and I will love her until my death and beyond.”
September 15, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️ Violent Attraction is the second book in the Flor de Muertos series, a Mexican Cartel, brother’s best friend, speaking around, and forbidden romance. I requested this book for the cover and the blurb. Jocelyne Soto did not disappoint!
Isabella was the kingpin’s daughter and Santos was one of her father’s soldier. This was a world full of secrets, varying agendas, and betrayal.Isabella and Santos loved each other from afar since they were teens. They secretly dated until Isabella is forced into an arranged marriage with someone who is an enemy. Despite loving each other, they had to learn to communicate within their very dangerous world. Their story was equally tragic and beautiful. We see Leo (Isabella’s brother) and Sabrina, whose book was Vicious Union. I did not need to read Vicious Union to understand Violent Attraction, but I absolutely want to go back and read it! I love Jocelyne Soto’s writing. It flowed beautifully as this book had a large timeline. The romance was angsty as they pined for each other when they could not be together! The conflicts were believable! The audiobook was done well. Lola James was fantastic as Isabella, and Gregory Salinas is becoming one of my favorite male narrators! The emotion they put into the narration made the book shine! I’m excited for Camilla’s book!
Thank you to Always & Forever PR and Jocelyne Soto for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Isabella was the kingpin’s daughter and Santos was one of her father’s soldier. This was a world full of secrets, varying agendas, and betrayal.Isabella and Santos loved each other from afar since they were teens. They secretly dated until Isabella is forced into an arranged marriage with someone who is an enemy. Despite loving each other, they had to learn to communicate within their very dangerous world. Their story was equally tragic and beautiful. We see Leo (Isabella’s brother) and Sabrina, whose book was Vicious Union. I did not need to read Vicious Union to understand Violent Attraction, but I absolutely want to go back and read it! I love Jocelyne Soto’s writing. It flowed beautifully as this book had a large timeline. The romance was angsty as they pined for each other when they could not be together! The conflicts were believable! The audiobook was done well. Lola James was fantastic as Isabella, and Gregory Salinas is becoming one of my favorite male narrators! The emotion they put into the narration made the book shine! I’m excited for Camilla’s book!
Thank you to Always & Forever PR and Jocelyne Soto for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
She was a Cartel Princess. I was a soldier. A helping hand. A life that didn't matter. None of that stopped me from falling in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her. This Cartel Princess was everything to me. And I was able to show her, but only in secret. After years of hiding I had finally found the courage to tell her father, but he announced he'd arranged a marriage for her. One that will bound families. One that is all bout power and money. That man that she is set to marry is a dangerous man. He doesn't love her. He only wants her for the money and power that she comes with.
I need to try my hardest to stop this arrangement. No matter how much blood I shed. Isabella Morales is mine.
This is the second book in Jocelyne Soto'ls Flor de Mu Series. You have to read the first book Violent Union or you are going to be lost when you dive into this one.
This is the second book in the Flor de Murtos Series form Jocelyne Soto. You have to read the first book or you are going to be last. Violent Unon is now out so you can grab it. I was so excited to be back in this world and if you think we get eased back into it slowly you would be so very wrong. We dive in head first to a wedding and and some major surprises. blood shed and chaos. This is a story that is highly involved in the Mexican big time and Isabella and Santos have a lot to fight against and a lot to fight for. After all this isn't about the bride or the happily ever after or the grandkids. It's about money and power and to broke my heart because I really love Isabella. She didn't ask to be born into this life and certainly. I loved how this story really focused on the relationship if Isabella Santo. They will have you swooning and you might not even actually be aware that it is happening. Or why you're swooning. I don't really want to talk about the story except to say that it one heck of an emotional rollercoaster that you never want to get off. I loved every single second of it and didn't lay it down. You don't want to miss this ride on the dark side.
She was a Cartel Princess. I was a soldier. A helping hand. A life that didn't matter. None of that stopped me from falling in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her. This Cartel Princess was everything to me. And I was able to show her, but only in secret. After years of hiding I had finally found the courage to tell her father, but he announced he'd arranged a marriage for her. One that will bound families. One that is all bout power and money. That man that she is set to marry is a dangerous man. He doesn't love her. He only wants her for the money and power that she comes with.
I need to try my hardest to stop this arrangement. No matter how much blood I shed. Isabella Morales is mine.
This is the second book in Jocelyne Soto'ls Flor de Mu Series. You have to read the first book Violent Union or you are going to be lost when you dive into this one.
This is the second book in the Flor de Murtos Series form Jocelyne Soto. You have to read the first book or you are going to be last. Violent Unon is now out so you can grab it. I was so excited to be back in this world and if you think we get eased back into it slowly you would be so very wrong. We dive in head first to a wedding and and some major surprises. blood shed and chaos. This is a story that is highly involved in the Mexican big time and Isabella and Santos have a lot to fight against and a lot to fight for. After all this isn't about the bride or the happily ever after or the grandkids. It's about money and power and to broke my heart because I really love Isabella. She didn't ask to be born into this life and certainly. I loved how this story really focused on the relationship if Isabella Santo. They will have you swooning and you might not even actually be aware that it is happening. Or why you're swooning. I don't really want to talk about the story except to say that it one heck of an emotional rollercoaster that you never want to get off. I loved every single second of it and didn't lay it down. You don't want to miss this ride on the dark side.
October 22, 2021
Violent Attraction is the second book in the Flor de Muertos series; from the moment I finished Vicious Union, I've been so curious and ready for the rest of the books in this series.
The storyline grabbed me from the beginning. I love how we got chapters in the past and chapters in the present because it shows how the relationship between Isabella & Santos grew over the years; all the emotions, angst, and suspense in this book kept me on edge, turning page after page.
Isabella is strong, brave, passionate, and loving. Isabella has always had a crush on Santos, and as they grew up, she made sure she made her feelings known to him. It takes time before they give their love a chance, albeit in secret, but life is not done throwing obstacles their way; this time, Isabella's father has set her to an arranged marriage, and it looks like there's no way out.
Santos is loyal, protective, and determined. Santos kept his feelings towards Isabella to himself; it takes losing a loved one before Santos realizes that he is about to lose Isabella too. Now that they are done keeping their relationship a secret, Isabella is thrown into an arranged marriage, and Santos will die before he let someone else marry her.
Santos & Isabella's story is not an easy one. I love getting to know Isabella in this book after the glimpse we got from her on Vicious Union; her love for fashion and how she kept her mum present in her thoughts was heartwarming. Despite being with the one she loves, Isabella is not truly happy since her father controls more than one aspect of her life, and she has to submit to his doings. Santos, I love how he is with the ones he loves; all he wants is to protect Isabella, but he has hurt Isabella more than once because he makes the wrong decision thinking it is the best for her; that frustrated me; regardless of that, the way he fought until he finds a way to get Isabella out of the arranged marriage made me love him even more. Even though there are a lot of difficulties along the way, there's so much love, passion, and chemistry between Santos & Isabella; that is stronger than anything trying to get in the way.
I can't wait to see what Jocelyne Soto will bring with Camila's story; this was a great Cartel Romance book.
Read
October 16, 2021
MY RATING: 1*
RELEASE DATE: 19 October 2021
CLIFFHANGER: No
ARC was kindly provided for an honest review
I really did. I loved the premise of the story. Unfortunately, by the end of the book, the only thing I liked about it was just that…the premise. It had so much potential but damn, it had more holes in it than a damn sieve.
Isabella is a nice enough girl. Daughter to a cartel kingpin who’s loved Santiago most of her life, one of her father’s soldiers. Until one day her father decides to marry her off to another man. Santiago keeps going back forth on his relationship with her in the name of protection. That’s fine and all but damn
We know he’s badass, cartel man, because he only tells us every other page. We know she tells us she grows us and is fed up with men using her for their own gain blah blah, but literally the next page is being the victim she just swore blind she was done being.
There’s a scene where she got herself a job after graduation and she tells her mother that she’s made it, living her best like etc
I don’t know. This was just so disappointing. The blurb had me honestly. I expected some serious firework. The possibilities were endless. I mean come-on, the princess cartel is in love with his father’s soldiers. If that’s not a plot for some serious kickass, what-the-fuckery, I don’t know what is.
But don’t take my review as gospel. Apparently, some people got a 5* copy. Having said that, I did skip a few pages, okay more than a few pages because quite frankly, it was just waffle. Maybe that was the 5* part of the book. So
July 2, 2024
Disappointed and Disgusted.
What did I just attempt to read? I DNF’d this book at 10%. The first book was also bad but at least I was able to get through it. As a Mexican American, I wanted to read more books written by Mexican authors. Book one had nothing of the culture and was very repetitive about how “bad boy” the MMC was, we get it, he’s the next in line for the cartel, you don’t get there by being good. The FMC was white, which was fine but do you really have to let me know each chapter?
Now for this book, I was hesitant to continue the series because the first book did not mention anything about Mexican culture other then the brief Día de de Los Muertos but even then did not go into very much detail. I this book, the FMC is the Head of the Cartel’s Daughter and the MMC is Cartel’s right hand man. Both main character were Mexican so I thought I would get more Mexican words/phrases, I thought it would go into more details of the Mexican culture and embrace in the fun traditions.
Right off the bat we get the description of the MMC, we love a good description. Why did this author decide to end this description with “everything opposite of your everyday Hispanic Man” and that “you wouldn’t even know he was Mexican unless he told you.” Why was this necessary? Did the author not do her research about Mexico? What is the “everyday Mexican” if I wasn’t offended by the subtle aggressions in the first book, I’m offended now. Also, she decides to let us know that the Mexican language is all over the place she describing the Spanish to English.
I was still going to try to attempt the reason however, that quickly changed when the author decided to give us a teenage Santiago telling Isabella that he wants hike up her skirt and see what kind of panties she’s wearing. Umm, excuse me? What did I just read? I can’t. Disappointed and disgusted.
What did I just attempt to read? I DNF’d this book at 10%. The first book was also bad but at least I was able to get through it. As a Mexican American, I wanted to read more books written by Mexican authors. Book one had nothing of the culture and was very repetitive about how “bad boy” the MMC was, we get it, he’s the next in line for the cartel, you don’t get there by being good. The FMC was white, which was fine but do you really have to let me know each chapter?
Now for this book, I was hesitant to continue the series because the first book did not mention anything about Mexican culture other then the brief Día de de Los Muertos but even then did not go into very much detail. I this book, the FMC is the Head of the Cartel’s Daughter and the MMC is Cartel’s right hand man. Both main character were Mexican so I thought I would get more Mexican words/phrases, I thought it would go into more details of the Mexican culture and embrace in the fun traditions.
Right off the bat we get the description of the MMC, we love a good description. Why did this author decide to end this description with “everything opposite of your everyday Hispanic Man” and that “you wouldn’t even know he was Mexican unless he told you.” Why was this necessary? Did the author not do her research about Mexico? What is the “everyday Mexican” if I wasn’t offended by the subtle aggressions in the first book, I’m offended now. Also, she decides to let us know that the Mexican language is all over the place she describing the Spanish to English.
I was still going to try to attempt the reason however, that quickly changed when the author decided to give us a teenage Santiago telling Isabella that he wants hike up her skirt and see what kind of panties she’s wearing. Umm, excuse me? What did I just read? I can’t. Disappointed and disgusted.
June 26, 2023
3.75 ★
this story follows Isabella Morales who’s a cartel princess. after a tragedy happens she gets close to her brothers best friend, Santos who’s a soldier for the muertos cartel. they both instantly get a connection & start falling for each other. knowing they can’t shout to the world that their together, Isabella ends up getting arranged to marriage to a sadistic man, Emilio.
I was so excited for this one. I love me a good brothers best friend trope. While I did enjoy reading this, I felt like the story needed more.
You get the past and present and while I do love reading about the backstory on how everything started with them, I also felt like it got repetitive from the first book at some point. I found myself skimming those parts.
I loved Isabella’s character a lot. She’s fierce & when she loves, she loves. I did feel like she needed to make Santos grovel cause this man kept going back and forth. While I understand his reasoning, it still upset me. I did enjoy their chemistry & the spice was hot as well.
now, santos is still daddy bc the way this man stayed FAITHFUL even when they weren’t together yassss! 🫶🏼 I also love how he was very protective of her.
I did enjoy it but I feel like the first book is my favorite so far. Can’t wait to get to Camila’s story 🖤
read this if you like :
- she’s a cartel princess & he’s a solider
- arranged marriage
- childhood friends to lovers
- brothers best friend
this story follows Isabella Morales who’s a cartel princess. after a tragedy happens she gets close to her brothers best friend, Santos who’s a soldier for the muertos cartel. they both instantly get a connection & start falling for each other. knowing they can’t shout to the world that their together, Isabella ends up getting arranged to marriage to a sadistic man, Emilio.
I was so excited for this one. I love me a good brothers best friend trope. While I did enjoy reading this, I felt like the story needed more.
You get the past and present and while I do love reading about the backstory on how everything started with them, I also felt like it got repetitive from the first book at some point. I found myself skimming those parts.
I loved Isabella’s character a lot. She’s fierce & when she loves, she loves. I did feel like she needed to make Santos grovel cause this man kept going back and forth. While I understand his reasoning, it still upset me. I did enjoy their chemistry & the spice was hot as well.
now, santos is still daddy bc the way this man stayed FAITHFUL even when they weren’t together yassss! 🫶🏼 I also love how he was very protective of her.
I did enjoy it but I feel like the first book is my favorite so far. Can’t wait to get to Camila’s story 🖤
read this if you like :
- she’s a cartel princess & he’s a solider
- arranged marriage
- childhood friends to lovers
- brothers best friend
October 21, 2021
I was given an arc and exchange for an honest review. The series just keeps getting better and better and I absolutely love the atmosphere and characters. Santos and Isabella were absolutely complex and beautiful characters. They both grew through the whole series. I still loved having Leo and Serena around, and I cannot wait for Camilla to expand into the next book as well.
The inter-workings of the cartel and all the betrayal was fascinating and I loved getting to the bottom of all of the murders and plots at play here.
The author does a great job of writing, especially the romantic scenes they are full of spice and all the angst that you need.
This is a brother‘s best friend romance full of broody males and sassy independent women. I really enjoyed how they still include all the ceremony and traditions with the Dia de los Muertos.
Five beautiful stars from me and cannot wait to continue this series .
The inter-workings of the cartel and all the betrayal was fascinating and I loved getting to the bottom of all of the murders and plots at play here.
The author does a great job of writing, especially the romantic scenes they are full of spice and all the angst that you need.
This is a brother‘s best friend romance full of broody males and sassy independent women. I really enjoyed how they still include all the ceremony and traditions with the Dia de los Muertos.
Five beautiful stars from me and cannot wait to continue this series .
October 19, 2021
Having read Vicious Union I've been looking forward to picking up more of Ms.Soto's work! I got back into the Flor de Muertos world quickly. I enjoyed this second installment!
Isabella and Santos' journey isn't an easy one. These two had great chemistry. I really liked how the ball got rolling rolling from the start and how I was pulled into this story. I wasn't sure what all was going to happen. I so enjoyed how i felt so many things throughout with these characters!
With Violent Attraction, Ms.Soto has created a such a good read that will be sure to grab your attention! I am so looking forward to the third installment, Vindictive Blood!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Isabella and Santos' journey isn't an easy one. These two had great chemistry. I really liked how the ball got rolling rolling from the start and how I was pulled into this story. I wasn't sure what all was going to happen. I so enjoyed how i felt so many things throughout with these characters!
With Violent Attraction, Ms.Soto has created a such a good read that will be sure to grab your attention! I am so looking forward to the third installment, Vindictive Blood!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
October 15, 2021
This story started out with a blast, a forced wedding, blood, and chaos and then the back story followed and filled in the gaps.
Isabella and Santos story is wrapped intensely in the Mexican cartel, the Muertos, a father deeming his daughter to marry someone to benefit the family, but her heart belongs to someone else.
I did not read the first book but I didn't feel like I was missing anything while I delved into Violent Attraction.
This story was sweet at times and brutal at other times but I really enjoyed the story.
Isabella and Santos story is wrapped intensely in the Mexican cartel, the Muertos, a father deeming his daughter to marry someone to benefit the family, but her heart belongs to someone else.
I did not read the first book but I didn't feel like I was missing anything while I delved into Violent Attraction.
This story was sweet at times and brutal at other times but I really enjoyed the story.
July 12, 2023
Loved this sequel more than the first book. Brothers best friend trope was so cute and idc if some people thought it was cheesy! Santos saving his girl from an arranged marriage was EVERYTHING. Can’t wait to start the third book!
October 17, 2024
Loved this one although the female lead annoyed me at times. Its just disappointing when female characters are archetyped as a badass but aren't when it counts IMO. But the fact that it got me upset should tell you the book is good read lol.
January 5, 2022
OMG I am absolutely obsessed about thid series!!!!! What a way to start my year. This book is everything, perfection! Exactly what I needed. I need to read book 3 now!
September 25, 2024
Omg omg …… definitely an amazing part 2, I won’t give spoilers but the author knew what she was doing… Book 3 here I go!!!!
October 6, 2024
Loved it great read from start to finish. The suspense the thrill. Was on point. The spice the tension and the twists and turns.
October 18, 2024
Santos is just everything!!!
April 17, 2025
It took awhile to get through this one because: life, mostly, but also this one was just a wee bit less exciting than the first, though the love between Bella and Santos was great, some of his choices bothered me. But it’s a me thing so if you started the series, keep going, if only to see the repugnant Ronaldo get deleted, which I pray happens in Camila’s book.
February 12, 2024
This is the second book I've read by this author. The writing has potential to be really good. The story is good. The characters are good. But in my opinion, it seems like this writer hadn't been writing like this for very long when she wrote these books. What infuriates me is that she had an editor yet the editing is awful. I honestly thought she had to do the editing herself (which I understand as a self published author who has edited my books to death and STILL finds mistakes when I decide to change something...), something I am sympathetic to. But to know an editor of some sort let these books be published the way they are is irritating. Because many of the problems with the writing could have been fixed through editing. Still, I like her stories and her characters and I do genuinely believe she has a lot of potential so I am going on to the third book in the series. And I am hopeful that with each book, the writing will improve a little more because from my experience, the longer you write, the better you get, if you had potential to begin with. Let's see if the same will be true of her editor....
October 20, 2023
This was sweet, like the cheesy kind of sweet that often is found on Wattpad lol, I read this in one whole work sitting!
October 3, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
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