Vindictive Blood

Flor de Muertos #3

by Jocelyne Soto

I had one job and one job only.
Bring down the most notorious drug lord known to man.
Dead or alive, that was it.
As I worked the case more and more, the lines started getting blurred. I made enemies where I wasn’t supposed to and friends in places that would get me killed.
Then I met her, at a bar in Manhattan of all places. She became the one thing in my life that was a constant, the one thing that made the dark hole I was in, as bright as could be. She was younger but that didn’t matter to either of us. I was starting to see a future with her. That is until I heard her cries of despair for her father.
That man I’m supposed to take down?
That man is the father of the woman I love.
A federal agent falling for a kingpin's daughter never ends well.

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Mafia Romance, Romance

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2021

About the author

Jocelyne 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.

Reviews

[Sofia Silva Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

- este libro me ha gustado mas que el segundo pero menos que el primero
- algo que me ha gustado mucho de este libro es el hecho de que el romance estaba ahi pero no era lo “principal” de la historia.
- me gusto mucho como vemos a un personaje que no sabiamos mucho sobre el enamorarse y hacerlo de una forma bonita. No os voy a mentir, la primera vez que vi que iba a ser Nate y Camila pense que iba a ser uno de esos romances en los que el solo se acerca a ella por quien es y que no haya sido asi me ha encantado
- Camila como personaje me encanto porque en los otros libros no supimos mucho sobre ella ni sobre su historia y conocerla y ver su historia me encanto
- el personaje de Nate fue uno que me gusto tambien conocer porque en los otros libros lo vemos como el “villano” y verlo aqui ayudando a Leo y enamorandose de Camila me encanto
- ver tambien como cierra la historia y el tema de Ronaldo me encanto, siento que fue perfecto y tuvo tanta importancia en la historia como el romance cosa que me encanto
- en general, esta ha sido una saga que me ha encantado y este en especifico porque no solo me encantaba el romance sino que tambien me flipaba la parte de mafia y en este libro, literalmente habia momentos en los que estaba giggling and kicking my feet por la parte de mafia por lo que estaba pasando, asi que me encanta.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cartel, age gap, dangerous secrets, angst
Danger, excitement, steam
Nate and Camila. I didn’t put these two together but the author made it work. He is the cold DEA agent we met in the previous book. His sole purpose was to bring down the head of the Muertos Cartel. Particularly the head man Ronaldo Morales. Even if he has to get his hands a little dirty with the elder son. There can’t be any distraction.
Cami is young and new in NY. Art is her life and she wants to study at NYU. She does not want anything to do with the dangerous life of her father and brother. She understands her role. She does not talk about the Muertos Cartel to outsiders. She even uses a different surname.
When these two meet and fall in love, secrets are kept and when they are exposed it causes heartbreak to both of them.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

I had one job and one job only. Bring down the most notorious drug lord known to man. Dead or alive, that was it. As I worked the case more and more, the lines started getting blurred. I made enemies where I wasn't suppose to and friend in placed that would get me killed. Then I met her, at a bar in Manhattan of all places. She became the one thing in my life that was a constant, the one thing that made the dark hole I was in bright as could be. She was younger but that didn't matter to either of us. I was starting to see a future with her. That is until I heard her cries of despair from her father. That man I'm supposed to take down? That man in the father of the woman I love. A federal agent falling for a kingpins daughter never ends well.

Camila and Nate met at a bar and from the first moment they had a very interesting journey. And from that moment on they were so into each other. But he his a federal agent with the job of bringing down one of the worlds largest kingpins. Instead he is falling further and further in love with his daughter. Now I have to confess that when he just so happened to meet her in that bar he had to have known who she was. I mean if your investigating a drug kingpin wouldn't you know who there daughter was? That was just a thought and I am curious if I am the only one who thought about that. These two really go through a lot together and separately. I loved them both and was on the edge of my seat worrying that he was going to get caught and killed. Or her father would not like him and tell him to have nothing to do with Cami. It was nerve wracking at times and I really loved that. If you haven't started this series you need to. You're missing out on something amazing.

[Katharina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because Nate’s the calm to my disaster. The light to this dark life that I was born into.”

this story follows Camilla who is the youngest sister. she goes to follow her dreams in New York and while there she meets Nate. Nate is the agent who has dedicated his life to take down Ronaldo Morales. Camilla & Nate start a relationship with each other but little does Nate know that he’s dating the woman of the man he hates the most.

I swear Camilla’s personality is everything. She speaks her mind (literally), she’s so sweet & the love she has for her family.

Nate omg I won’t lie I think he’s my favorite out of the men in this series. Don’t get me wrong I adore Leo & Santos but Nate!!! DADDY NATE! I was picturing Theo James the whole time reading this lol.

The chemistry between them was everything. I adored their story so much. I feel like Camilla really helped Nate get out of that dark hole he was in.

This trilogy was so good. And It won’t be my last read by this author.

read this is you like:
- he’s an agent + she’s a cartel princess
- age gap (14 years)
- forbidden romance

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗
𝙵𝚕𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚎 𝙼𝚞𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚘𝚜 #𝟹
⏳𝟬𝟴𝗛 𝟮𝟭𝗠
🎙️𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘇 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱

🖤𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚕 𝙼𝚊𝚏𝚒𝚊
🔥𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚂𝚞𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎
🖤𝙵𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝙰𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚡 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜𝚜
🔥𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙 (𝟹𝟺𝚢𝚘 𝙷 & 𝟸𝟶𝚢𝚘 𝚑)
🖤𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙸𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚢

❝ ɴᴀᴛʜᴀɴɪᴇʟ’ꜱ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴍɪꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ɪꜱ ᴛᴏ ʙʀɪɴɢ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ʀᴏɴᴀʟᴅᴏ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀʀᴛᴇʟ ʙᴏꜱꜱ ᴡʜᴏ ᴋɪʟʟᴇᴅ ʜɪꜱ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ. ʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ꜰᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ʜᴀʀᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴄᴀᴍɪʟʟᴀ ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴀ ᴡʜɪʀʟᴡɪɴᴅ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴇɴ ʜᴇ ꜰɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ɢᴏᴛ ʜɪꜱ ꜱʜᴏᴛ ᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ, ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ᴀ ᴛᴜʀɴ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀꜱᴇ ᴡʜᴇɴ ʜᴇ ᴅɪꜱᴄᴏᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ʜɪꜱ ᴇɴᴇᴍʏ...❝

💭This book picks up right where Camila’s sister’s story left off. Camilla finally decided to move away from her father’s clutch with the support of her siblings. She applied for a scholarship in another state, and while she was there, she had a meet-cute with a handsome older stranger, and he swept her off her feet. Not long after, they even start to move in together. Everything seems to be looking up for her, but she is the only sibling of the Morales family who is still willing to give their father a chance. She still holds a little bit of affection toward her father despite all the horrible things he did to their family. Her attempts to make peace with him face a dead end, until one day she receives the news that he was killed. Even more so, the person who pulled the trigger is no other than her live-in boyfriend, Nataniel.

✅The story moves at a fast pace, and the characters are great, with plenty of steamy moments right from the start. I loved how Camila and Nataniel's initial connection played out. They had no idea they were supposed to be enemies when they first met, which made things all the more interesting. I was relieved that the third-act conflict didn’t drag on for too long and was wrapped up nicely. The ending was especially heartwarming, seeing all the siblings finally happy and together as a family.

✨Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with the perfect balance of romance, tension, and a satisfying conclusion!

🎧𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄🎧
Bradley was a new voice for me, but wow, he nailed it as Nate! His deep, charismatic voice really brought the character to life, and his accent was spot on. Vanessa, as always, was fantastic! I loved how she effortlessly distinguished between Camilla and other female character. Plus, her accent felt so authentic, adding even more to the overall experience. Both of them really delivered a top-notch performance, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰⭐️ | 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝟯🌶️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟱🎧

‼️OW drama, Nate has a co-worker/former regular casual hook-up. She was a bitch and infuriating as hell. But Camilla put her in her place, love that!

⚠️𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴/𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗸⚠️
- Violence/torture/murder
- Abusive parent

✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 FOREVER & ALWAYS PR 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read both Vicious Union and Violent Attraction I instantly started looking forward to more of this series! I couldn't wait to get into this one from the moment i found out about it. I picked it up and got back into the Flor de Muertos world! I so enjoyed this third installment!

Right from the prologue this story grabbed my attention! Camila and Nathaniel's journey pulled me in right from their very memorable first meeting! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen in Cami and Nate's story which had me glued to my kindle even more! I so enjoyed the chemistry between these two and the age gap aspect as well!

With Vindictive Blood, Ms.Soto has created such a good read that'll be sure to hook you quickly! I have enjoyed this series so much! I can't wait for more from this author! Definitely check these books out!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

"For the cold hearted man that everyone accuses me of being, I've been letting out a lot of smiles when it comes to this woman."


book 3 in "The Flor De Muertos" trilogy which Follows all 3 of the Morales Siblings. This is about The Baby Camila and a Federal agent it has
"age gap(14 years) Mexican cartel, forbidden," this one was on of my favs aside from book 1. I enjoyed it, it was sexy and loved that Camila was an artist loved the family aspect. It was a good read and a good ending to the series. Some issues did get on my nerves the constant mention of her age, the constant mention of her bad ass brother. 🥺



ARC provided in exchange for a honest review all opinions are my own.

[Lissereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this audiobook! It was the perfect conclusion to this trilogy. I want to see more of the Morales kids. I love how the Morales siblings love each other unconditionally and would do anything to protect their own. Cami had no idea that the detective she met at a bar, was the same man hunting her father down. Although there’s an age gap, Nate is her person, something she has never felt before. Cami is wise beyond her years because she grew up as a carte Princess. She had no idea she would fall so hard and fast, specially for a law enforcement member. Until she discovered who killed her father. Now she needs to figure out if is worth forgiving the man she thought she was in love with. I loved the audiobook and the narrators were phenomenal! Bradley Ford and Vanessa Vazquez were perfection, they made me enjoy the story even more.

Thank you for not letting me wait to listen to their story.

🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great audiobook and ending to the Flor de Muertos series ❤️‍🔥

What to expect:
- age gap
- Cartel princess
- DEA agent MMC
- ONS
- He falls hard


This was like reading a telanovella in the best way possible. I knew there was something more to the story with Cami but I didn’t expect all this.

This was a good, fast-paced romance. I really enjoyed Cami’s character and her energy the whole book. Although these tropes have been combined before, this felt like a fresh way to represent the characters because of the diverse representation. I love reading mexicana FMCs 🙏

🎧:
I prefer listening to contemporary romance books on audio because they are so easy to jump into. The narrators were perfectly matched to the characters. The chemistry was hot af 🥵


⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[book_fairy13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

**RECEIVED FREE ARD FOR HONEST REVIEW***

I can't believe the series is ending.
Cami and Nate are perfect for each other. Their relationship started off perfectly, with no hidden intention or revenge.

Cami is a little rebel but she is sensitive, she loves her family no matter what and is optimistic. She has been sheltered her whole life and wants to be free.
Nate is understanding and work driven. He has a mission and will do anything to make sure it happens.

The book starts with Cami's journey to NYC and she meets Nate. Both of them were interested in each other and didn't know each other's backgrounds.
It was nice to see both the characters grow and become stronger. They both love each other and I love that they took things slow.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I was hoping for and more.
It was the perfect way to end a series and it was just as transfixing as the previous book.
This couple went through a lot both together and apart and but will the obstacles in their way be too much to overcome?
I'm looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next, I'm kinda hoping she does some spin offs as there's a certain nasty person I still have questions about.
Highly recommend this book, can be read as a standalone.

[andrea.el · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

This is a good series if you’re looking to dip your toes into cartel romances, I absolutely adored this series, it was fast paced, fun and full of action to keep me entertained throughout the book, also the plot…. He is the DEA agent that takes her father’s cartel down!!!!?!!??! say less

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

vindictive blood | a review 🩸

4.5⭐️ | 4.5 🌶

Whoa! This one was fantastic. I loved how everything came full circle for the morales'. cami & nate chemistry was crazy and the SPICE! Wow! This story was a great end to the series.

[Candance Bacco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Really loved this cartel trilogy and somehow this book made me tear up at the end??? I’m ridiculous I know but cartel members deserve happy endings too!

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

The series Flor de Muertos couldn't have a better ending! Jocelyne Soto did an excellent job telling the stories of the Morales brothers, and I think Camila & Nate were perfect to close the loop, not only because their book has a different rhythm than the previous ones and we can read much more about Leo, Serena, Santos & Isabella, if not also because Nate's revenge ties the loose bones in the plot that interconnects the three books and puts a twist on the Muertos Cartel.

Camila is the youngest of the Morales family, the rebel with a free soul who is looking to fulfill her dream of studying art, a girl who wants to be independent and put as much distance as possible between her and her father: Ronaldo Morales, head of the Los Muertos Cartel, however, deep down Camila still hopes that Ronaldo can change and thus recover one of the most important men in his life, something that surprised me a bit about her character. She has a simple but strong personality, she's not afraid to say what she thinks and wants, and she is always willing to get it, even so, in one of the most important moments she experiences a small period of insecurity towards her talent, and it's a strange man, a few years older than her, who gives her the boost she needs to believe in herself, and turns her world upside down.

That man is DEA agent Nathaniel Madden, someone who has sought revenge on Ronaldo from an early age, who has no idea who Camila is and who discovers it when It's too late for both of their hearts Nate is a man known for being cold and professional, but thanks to the immediate interest he has for the young woman he met at the bar, he shows himself as a tender man, loving, capable of changing his beliefs and ideals, and to ask for forgiveness when necessary. Also, Nate is not alone in his revenge against Ronaldo, Leonardo Morales is his greatest ally and these two gave me many of my favorite moments in the book! I loved their strange relationship, how well they work together despite the "much they hate" and if we add Santos to the mix everything is even better.

Camila & Nate have the simplest beginning of the couples in this series, they know each other, are attracted to each other and are immediately carried away by their desires, the only problem is that neither of them knows who the other really is and they find out in the worst of ways. Still, I can't deny that their relationship was beautiful, they are both willing to meet each other and give themselves the opportunity to be more than just a casual relationship, Camila becomes what Nate needed to feel alive, and she finds in him the happiness that the world in which she was born had stolen from her, both are tender, sensual and very cute when they are together, and the way in which Jocelyne developed her story and the revelation of their identities was perfect, plus, it took the plot of Nate & the the Murtos Cartel to totally unexpected places and with a moving ending.

But this book not only allowed me to read a different side of Camila & Nate, it also let me discover the true protective side of Leonardo when it comes to his younger sister, and I needless to say, I fell much more in love with him and Santos with his way of talking to Cam, treating Nate, and making everything fun, even in the most tense moments.

🎧Audiobook Review (October 22, 2024)

ALC provided in exchange for an honest review

I was so happy to return to the world of Flor de Muertos this year, especially with the Día de Muertos so close, because I think Jocelyne Soto paints an excellent portrait of what this tradition means to us Mexicans and it's one of the things that always made me love this series so much.

I also have to say that I didn't remember much about what happened in Vindictive Blood and so listening to this ALC was like reading the book for the first time: I fell head over heels in love with Camila & Nate as individual characters, suffered through their personal stories, and thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists the author wrote into this book. I also LOVED the narrators and I think I would be the happiest if Vanessa Vasquez was the official narrator of Jocelyne Soto's Latina heroines because she always does it excellently, Bladley Ford was the perfect Nathaniel too and managed to convey the path of this character throughout the book.

💀Nate: 5/5
🎨Camila: 5/5
💀Plot: 5/5
🎨Love story: 5/5
💀Supporting characters: 5/5
🎨Universe: 5/5
💀Cover: 5/5

🇪🇸
ARC proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

La serie Flor de Muertos no pudo tener un mejor final! Jocelyne Soto hizo un excelente trabajo contando las historias de los hermanos Morales, y creo que Camila & Nate fueron perfectos para cerrar el ciclo, no solo porque su libro tiene un ritmo diferente a los anteriores y podemos leer mucho más de Leo, Serena, Santos & Isabella, si no también porque la venganza de Nate ata los cavos sueltos en la trama que interconecta los tres libros y le da un giro al Cartel de los Muertos.

Camila es la menor de los Morales, la rebelde de la familia, un alma libre que está en busca de cumplir su sueño de estudiar arte, una chica que quiere ser independiente y poner tanta distancia como sea posible entre ella y su padre: Ronaldo Morales, cabeza del Cartel de Los Muertos, si embargo, muy en el fondo Camila aún tiene la esperanza de que Ronaldo puede cambiar y así recuperar a uno de los hombres más importantes en su vida, algo que me sorprendió un poco de su personaje. Ella tiene una personalidad sencilla, pero fuerte, no tiene miedo de decir lo que piensa y quiere, y siempre está dispuesta a conseguirlo, aún así, en uno de los momentos más importantes experimenta un pequeño lapso de inseguridad hacia su talento, y es un hombre extraño, unos años mayor que ella, quien le da el impulso que necesita para creer en sí misma, y pone su mundo de cabeza.

Ese hombre es el agente de la DEA Nathaniel Madden, alguien que ha buscado vengarse de Ronaldo desde muy temprana edad, que no tiene idea de quien es Camila y que lo descubre cuando es demasiado tarde para los corazones de ambos. Nate es un hombre conocido por ser frio u profesional, pero que gracias al inmediato interés que tiene por la jovencita que conoció en el bar se muestra como un hombre detallista, tierno, amoroso, capaz de cambiar sus creencias e ideales, y de pedir perdón cuando es necesario. Además, Nate no está solo en su venganza contra Ronaldo, Leonardo Morales es su más grande aliado y estos dos me dieron muchos de mis momentos favoritos en el libro! Amé su extraña relación, lo bien que trabajan juntos a pesar de los "mucho que se odian" y si agregamos a Santos a la mezcla todo es aún mejor.

Camila & Nate tienen el inicio más sencilla de las parejas que forman está serie, se conocen, se sienten atraídos por el otro y se dejan llevar por sus deseos de manera inmediata, el único problema es que ninguno de los dos sabe quién es realmente el otro y lo descubren en la peor de las maneras. Aún así, no puedo negar que su relación fue hermosa, ambos están dispuestos a conocer al otro y darse la oportunidad de ser algo más que una relación casual, Camila se convierte en lo que Nate necesitaba para sentirse vivo, y ella encuentra en él la felicidad que le había robado el mundo en el que le tocó nacer, ambos son tiernos, sensuales y muy lindos cuando están juntos, la manera en la que Jocelyne desarrolló su historia y la revelación de sus identidades fue perfecta, además, llevó la trama de Nate & el Cartel de los Muertos por lugares totalmente inesperados y con un final conmovedor.

Pero este libro no solo me permitió leer un lado diferente de Camila & Nate, también me dejó descubrir el verdadero lado protector de Leonardo cuando de su hermana menor se trata, y tengo que decir que me enamoré mucho más de él y Santos con su manera de hablar con Cam, de tratar a Nate y de hacer que todo fuera divertido, incluso en lo momentos de más tensión.

🎧Reseña del audiolibro (22 de octubre de 2024)

ALC proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Fui muy feliz de regresar al mundo de Flor de Muertos este año, especialmente con el Día de Muertos tan cerca, porque creo que Jocelyne Soto hace un retrato excelente de lo que esta tradición significa para los mexicanos y es una de las cosas que siempre me hizo amar esta serie.

También tengo que decir que no recordaba mucho sobre lo que pasaba en Vindictive Blood y por eso escuchar esta ALC fue como leer el libro por primera vez: me enamoré perdidamente de Camila & Nate como personajes individuales, sufrí con sus historias personales y disfruté muchísimo de los giros en la trama que la autora escribió en este libro. También AMÉ con locura a los narradores y creo que sería la más feliz si Vanessa Vasquez fuera la narradora oficial de las heroínas latinas de Jocelyne Soto porque siempre lo hace de manera excelente, Bladley Ford fue el Nathaniel perfecto y logró transmitir el camino de este personaje a lo largo del libro.

💀Nate: 5/5
🎨Camila: 5/5
💀Trama: 5/5
🎨Historia de amor: 5/5
💀Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🎨Universo: 5/5
💀Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5

[MaybeMayaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vindictive Blood was my eighth book of the month, my thirtieth book in total and my third book from Jocelyne Soto. NATHANIEL MOTHER FUCKING MADDEN Y’ALL😭. Vindictive Blood follows the story of Nathaniel Madden and Camila Morales (Diaz). Tropes within this book are cartel romance, dark romance, age gap, forbidden love, cop/federal romance, grief, secret identities, etc. I have to preface this again, I AM A SLUT FOR DEA SPECIAL AGENT NATHANIEL MADDEN, GODDAMN😮‍💨. We’ve met both Nathaniel and Camila in the previous two books. We met Nathaniel first in Vicious Union (book 1) when he was introduced as the DEA special agent who was coming after the Muertos Cartel, as for Camila, we also met her in Vicious Union when she was introduced as the youngest Morales sibling. In the previous two books, Nathaniel and Camila’s paths never crossed. But, in this book, when Camila goes to New York for an interview with NYU, she goes to a lowkey bar and meets none other than DEA special agent Nathaniel MFKING Madden. And when I tell y’all he was smitten with her from the beginning, I KID YOU NOT, this man was making moves on her🤪. Within their first few dialogue with each other, we find out that there is a 14 year age gap between, Nathaniel is 34 and Camila is 20 (WE LOVE TO SEE A BIG OLE AGE GAP🥵). Their chemistry off the bat was delicious! Their sexual tension?! DELECTABLE👅. Nathaniel and Camila’s relationship grows rather fast but it’s completely authentic and consensual. Within their first couple of months dating, they’ve been vulnerable with each other about their family issues and the deaths of one of their parents. The dramatic irony throughout the book was OUT OF THIS WORLD. Please, because the readers all knew that Nathaniel was trying to take down the Muertos especially Ronaldo Morales (aka Camila’s dad) but he simply didn’t know who Camila truly was because she lied about her last name and gave him vague information about her siblings etc. When Nathaniel finally kills Ronaldo (as he should because fuck that piece of shit) and Camila’s brother and brother in law, Leo and Santos, get arrested, that’s when shit REALLY hits the fan because Camila’s true identity comes to light and the pieces all start falling into place. They obviously go through some tribulations due to this and it’s honestly heartbreaking because you can tell how much Nathaniel and Camila love each other. It hurts for them to not be together and they were broken up for like 6 weeks, my babies were going through it😭. In the end, they obviously get their happy ending ~ which they rightfully deserved. All in all, I definitely recommend this book! 5/5⭐️ for me! Nathaniel and Camila’s love story is definitely my favorite! It’s was full of passion, vulnerability and love! And yes, y’all, their smut scenes were🥵. Nathaniel simply couldn’t keep his hands off Camila, worshipped her body the way she deserved🤪. And the way Camila described as Nathaniel having “daddy vibes”, PERIOD SIS!!! Nathaniel was talking his shit during those smut scenes, Jesus lord! Especially when he would hit us with the “baby girl” then the “good girl” then the “pretty girl” and then the “beautiful girl”!! LIKE PLS NATHANIEL MADDEN, my ovaries can’t handle it😩. Ima miss this series a lot but I can’t wait to reread it and experience my babies all over again❤️‍🔥.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUMMARY:
Nathaniel Madden had one job and one job only. Bring down the most notorious drug lord known to man. Dead or alive, that was it. As Nathaniel worked the case more and more, the lines started getting blurred. He made enemies where he wasn’t supposed to and friends in places that would get him killed. Then he met her, at a bar in Manhattan of all places. She became the one thing in his life that was a constant, the one thing that made the dark hole he was in, as bright as could be. She was younger but that didn’t matter to either of us. Nathaniel was starting to see a future with her. That is until he heard her cries of despair for her father. That man he's supposed to take down? That man is the father of the woman he loves. A federal agent falling for a kingpin's daughter never ends well.

REVIEW:
Vindictive Blood is the third and final book in Jocelyne Soto's Flor de Muertos trilogy that concludes with the love story of Camila Morales, the youngest Morales sister, who after finally leaving her father's home has decided to try to live a normal life by going to NYU to study art. Nathaniel Madden is a DEA special agent that is after Ronaldo Morales the Kingpin of the Muertos Cartel. When Camila was ordering her food and club soda at a bar then Nathaniel happens to sit next to her was a kismet moment that was going to change their lives especially once they figure out who they really are. Camila and Nathaniel casually meet at a bar in NYC without knowing who the other person really is. As they get to know each other they don't let their 14 year age difference get in the way of how they felt. It was an intense action moment when Nathaniel breached the Morales Family home to arrest Ronaldo Morales which unfortunately ends with Ronaldo dead and Nathaniel wounded.

Things change for Camila and Nathaniel once they find out who they really all after the death of Ronaldo Morales that has them both dealing with this devastating event that changes their relationship. When Camila is told the whole story on why Nathaniel was after Ronaldo was an emotional moment as it made her aware that Nathaniel had his reasons for killing her father but that he was sorry for causing her any pain. It was a happy moment when Camila finally graduated with Nathaniel and her whole family were there to celebrate this big achievement after so much had happened with the Morales siblings. Jocelyne Soto delivered the best ending to the Morales Family in this age cap dark mafia romance where Camila and Nathaniel were able to work through their issues of their relationship with the Muertos Cartel that was initially driving them apart. I had fund reading this trilogy with each Morales sibling getting their well deserved HEA.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vindictive Blood is the third book in the Flor de Muertos series; I recommend reading Vicious Union & Violent Attraction first. I have been in love with this series from the moment I read the Vicious Union, and let me not talk about how obsessed I am with the cover of each book.

Vindictive Blood was the perfect ending to this series; Cami & Nate became my favorite couple. The writing on this book was beautiful; the story between them captivated me immediately, and I couldn't stop reading.

Camila is the youngest of the Morales siblings, rebellious, and an artist; she is trying to escape her father and the life she will have if she stays near him. After her interview at NYU, Camila will meet Nathaniel, the man who is about to change her life.

Nathaniel is a DEA agent who has been trying to bring the Muertos Cartel and especially the Kingpin Ronaldo Morales for basically his entire life. From the moment he meets Camila, he knows things feel different with her.

Cami & Nate meet unexpectedly, but the connection and attraction between them are instant. These two jump into their desire immediately, and they slowly explore where things can go between them, even though Nate is a bit worried about their age gap at the beginning, something that doesn't bother Camila at all. I love how Nate supports Cami's art and everything she does; he is so caring, attentive, loving, and makes her believe in herself more. Cami becomes for Nate what he felt was missing for a long time because the only thing Nate has focused his life on is the DEA and Ronaldo Morales. The biggest turn their relationship will face is when they realize who the other is. Camila is not involved in the Cartel, but she is a Morales. Nathaniel's only purpose is his revenge against Ronaldo Morales, no matter what.

I highly recommend this cartel romance and the whole series as it is! I'm looking forward to reading more from Jocelyne Soto and seeing what she will bring next.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vindictive Blood is the 3rd and final book in the Flor de Muertos Series. Nate and Cami’s love story is not as dark, but it burns just as hot as the other books. Their love story runs at warp speed. From a cute meet to a spontaneous date that sparks an intense chemistry. One that you can count on burning up the pages. This story gives us closure and the chance for the Morales siblings to find love, create families, and have all their dreams come true.

Book is told thru dual perspective. Is part of an interconnected series. And, is best enjoyed read in order.

Nathaniel’s (Nate) father died when he was two. When he learned as a teenager it was ordered by Rolando Morales of the Muertos Cartel, his mission became to take him down, and this story of how it came to fruition.

Camila cannot live with the monster her father has become. So, to escape the cartel life she applies to NYU. Painting became her passion years ago and has only grown.

A chance meeting brings them together. Their intense chemistry will ruin Camila for anyone else. And, despite their fourteen year age difference, the connection they share is one when given the chance, has them wanting to explore their options.

But, when the pieces of themselves they held back from one another are revealed, their options become blurred.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Jocelyne Soto book and did not disappoint. It started off a bit slow for me, but it might have been because I had just finished an action packed, fast paced romantic suspense, but either way I’m glad it picked up and got interesting. I loved how Nate and Cami first meet at a bar, and their attraction is instant. It’s interesting how he doesn’t know who she really is, even though he’s been obsessed with bringing down her father for years. Their first night was hot fast, instant attraction, it was nice how after she moved to NY their relationship slowed and they developed a friendship making them a stronger couple at the end. I enjoyed reading about their relationship, and even tough there was huge age gap between them, they still connected on a deeper level. Nate and Cami were just the best and I loved their chemistry.
This story is the conclusion of the Flor de Muertos series, interconnected standalones, about the Morales children. It brings all the loose ends from the previous books to a close and gives you a beautiful HEA. It was filled cute moments, shocking twists and turns, with an undertone of suspense. I truly enjoyed it all.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars
2/5 spice

Overall enjoyable but I wasn't a fan of how quickly Camila and Nathaniel fell in love... but I still liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.

Tropes:
Forbidden romance
Age gap (14yrs)
Cartel Princess/DEA agent
Dual POV

I wouldn't say that this book tied up all the loose ends, but it was a good way to wrap up the series. I loved that Camila still went after her dream, and Nate was super supportive. They really did work together as a couple, but the secrets were killing me. I wouldn't say it was miscommunication but more like an oversight on his part and protecting the family on her part. I think she shouldn't have left him so quickly after he messed up... she could have stayed to talk, especially after it was clear he was just doing his job. The spice level was good and not overdone. There are definitely some "good girl" moments that are *chefs kiss*, so if you like that, then you'll enjoy those scenes.

You can read this as a standalone, but it'll be more meaningful to get the full story by starting with the first book. I recommend this series for cartel or mafia romance with Latinx representation.

Trigger/Content warnings:
Gun violence, torture, death of a parent, sexual content, explicit language

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Camila took me by surprise. Miss ma'am was ready to get down. In the previous books, I assumed she would be idk quiet and reserved, but that's what I get for stereotyping. She had Madden holding on for his life. Now he was so caught up that he didn't figure out who she really was. Was that believable idk but I went along with it? I thought he would have gotten paired up with Aria, but this pairing worked to, especially if you like the age gap trope. These characters all were so connected in their parents' decisions that it was almost full circle that they are in each other's lives. I really appreciated that even though Ronaldo was an awful parent Camila still was holding out hope he would change. Isn't that every kid's desire to be important to the parents? She learned the hard way unfortunately that he only cared about power and money which was his eventual downfall.

A couple of things felt unfinished
-Leo and Santos splitting off on their own. That break was too easy
-The fallout from Emilio's assassination
-Who killed their mom? This was very prevalent in book 3 but wasn't answered.

With that being said, I think there's enough room to have more books in this series.

CN: domestic violence, emotional abuse, gun violence

[Marivel (marislitcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the ending of Violent Attraction, I was looking forward to get Camila’s love story. This story follows Camila Morales, the youngest daughter of the cartel boss and Nathaniel Madden, a DEA agent set on bringing Camila’s father down and who is 14 years older than Camila. Talk about forbidden!

The meet-cute between Camila and Nate was everything. I loved their instant connection and how they both went all in to explore if their attraction could be more. Camila’s personality was so refreshing, and I enjoyed how she spoke her mind and had no qualms about letting Nate know what she wanted and taking the reins during their intimate moments. She was exactly what Nate needed to get out of his own head. Nate! This man was so supportive and so attentive. I swooned every time he praised Camila and how he always cheered her on. Their romance went from 0-60 quite fast and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Vanessa Vasquez’s and Bradley Ford’s voicing of Camila and Nate was spot on. Vanessa did a great job of conveying Camila’s youthfulness and the maturity for her age. Bradley brought the daddy in Nate and I enjoyed the emotion he conveyed as Nate struggled with his and Camila’s age gap and the joy he experienced while in her presence.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vindictive Blood is a 14-year age gap, cartel princess/DEA agent, cartel, and secret identity romance. This book delivered on the angsty and romance and family drama! Camila and Nathaniel's story began with a random meeting in a bar at lunchtime in New York, which morphed into sexy times for days until Camila had to fly back to Texas. She knew he was a detective, but not the DEA agent who has been spending 20 years trying to take down her father. Nate didn’t know Cami was the kingpin’s daughter! They grew closer together when Nate has a chance to take down her dad with some help. The angst! The drama!

Cami and Nate’s story was a great ending to a solid cartel romance series. It wrapped up all the storylines well, but didn’t take away from the romance. The plot was fantastic. The age gap was not icky the way it was dealt with in the book. The audiobook was good! Vanessa Vasquez and Bradley Ford did a fantastic job narrating Cami and Nate. I loved the twists and turns, and what a good guy did win the cartel princess!

Thank you to Forever and Always PR for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series so much that I keep coming back for more. This 6 star was binge read.

This story is about a DEA agent, Nate, and Cami. This is an age gap, dark romance. She’s the daughter of a famous cartel leader and he want’s to bring him down.

I picked up book 1 a few weeks ago and haven’t looked back. I love this series because each book had a different storyline that was addicting. Vindictive Blood, Book 3 was so addicting that I binge read it. These 3 books should actually be read in order for better enjoyment. It’s highly entertaining and captivating. There was never a dull moment. I loved these amazing characters that were perfectly created and developed.

I haven’t read much this year due to being an ICU nurse in a pandemic but this series really hit the spot for me. It made me forget, even for a few hours, in the wonderful world of the imaginary. It was like watching a great series in my head. This series is an all time must read.

Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I cannot recommend these 3 books enough.

[Joy Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆
Vindictive Blood was really incredible. I've fallen in love with this author’s style of writing. This was everything I love about mafia romance.
Nate is an agent working for the DEA. His job is to hunt and bring down the most notorious drug lord known in this world. He is wanted dead or alive. While visiting a bar in New York, he meets Camilla “Cami". They immediately hit it off. She brings a light to his life that has been missing as he goes on with his investigation. She happens to be the daughter of said drug lord. Due to their perspective roles, both are keeping secrets concerning who they are, especially since she’s going by a different surname.
I hung onto the edge of my seat with my fingertips throughout this book, terrified for Nate. The angst within fed my addiction perfectly. I loved the character development and growth. The plot kept my attention until the last page. I highly recommend this book and especially the series. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camila and Nate's story was so good.

From their first encounter at the bar, I knew this would be an interesting journey. In my mind I wondered if Nate knew who he was sitting next to, and had the entire thing planned. Yet as their story built that thought left my mind. I was confident it was just a random meeting.

The big moment between Cami and Nate had me on the edge of my seat. I could not see how this was going to be resolved. Yet I was so glad when it was.

Then there is Ava. Everything with her has my curiosity piqued. I feel like there is more to the story than what was shared. Is she just an agent/lover scorned, or is it deeper than that?

I need to know what Jocelyne Soto is writing next! This series of hers has captivated me, and I'm a fan of her work.



AGE GAP: 14 years

[Neeru Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥

Nate and Camila come from opposite world's. One is law enforcement the other is a Mafia Princess. They meet under unexpected circumstances and instantly have a liking for each other. They share sizzling chemistry and a very special and unique bond. It's beautiful as it grows over the time.
The suspense was nerve wrecking and has you engrossed.
Despite the difference and dislike towards her father Cami's reaction towards him and what happens is natural and makes the read very realistic.
Leo, Santos, Isabella and Serena are a family that everyone craves.
Although, it's a Cartel Princess Romance it was on the lighter end in a good way.
An amazing read but I would love to have some more of all the 3 couples maybe some bonus epilogues or a holiday novella with all their kids😁.
A to be read series😊.

Recieved an ARC copy for a honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧Audiobook Review🎧
ALC Review

📚 Vindictive blood (book 3) by Jocelyne Solo

🎤 Narrators: Vanessa Vasquez and Bradley Ford

Tropes:
Age Gap
Forbidden Romance
Secret Identity
Mafia/Cartel

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎤🎤🎤🎤

Review:
I know I was going to love this audiobook. After listening to the second book I knew I want to know what was going to happen with Camila. It didn’t not disappoint! I loved this MMC. The twist and turn that happened in this book was amazing. Camila is such a sweet and heartwarming character it’s hard to picture her growing up in a cartel. The way the men in these books love the FMCs are just swoon worthy. I would definitely recommend this book and the series!

Thank you to Jocelyne Soto for letting me listen to this audiobook and letting me give my honest opinion.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camila is a talented artist who is a little insecure about her work until a stranger looked at her work of art. He inspired her and gave a boost of confidence. There was a chemistry between them and an age gap. Still they moved forward with their relationship. Never once did she reveal her secret of who she really was or her family.
For years Nate's only goal in life was to bring down the cruel and ruthless leader of the Muertos Cartel. The one who put a hit on his father. That's why he became a DEA agent.
When tragedy hits home for Cami her secret is exposed as well as Nate's goal.
An obstacle thrown in their path that threatens their relationship. Will Cami ever be able to forgive Nate?
A beautifully written love story that will keep you intrigued from beginning to end.