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The Santiago Cartel Trilogy #1
Brutal Kiss
All my life I’ve been a beautiful bird in a golden cage. He’s my one chance for a taste of something else.
The eldest daughter of cartel boss Ricardo Santiago, I’ve been sheltered, pampered, and carefully guarded for my entire life. At twenty-one, it’s far past the time that I should have been married, according to my parents. My father promises me that he’ll choose a husband for me that I’ll find pleasing—but beautiful chains are still chains.
There’s one thing that’s still mine, though—and I’ve made up my mind to give it to a man that I choose.
When one night of blissful pleasure turns into more, I find myself slipping into a fantasy that’s harder and harder to escape from—even harder than the reality that I know I’ll soon have to face.
My engagement is on the cusp of being announced. My choices are wearing thin. When my father breaks all his promises to me, I make a snap decision that will change everything—and Niall Flanagan, the man who showed me that the world can be so much more, will discover a terrible truth.
Even the sweetest of kisses can carry a brutal edge.
Brutal Kiss is the first book in the Santiago Cartel trilogy. You don’t need to read M. James’ other trilogies to enjoy Niall and Isabella’s story, but it is set in the same world, with some cameos from reoccurring characters.
The eldest daughter of cartel boss Ricardo Santiago, I’ve been sheltered, pampered, and carefully guarded for my entire life. At twenty-one, it’s far past the time that I should have been married, according to my parents. My father promises me that he’ll choose a husband for me that I’ll find pleasing—but beautiful chains are still chains.
There’s one thing that’s still mine, though—and I’ve made up my mind to give it to a man that I choose.
When one night of blissful pleasure turns into more, I find myself slipping into a fantasy that’s harder and harder to escape from—even harder than the reality that I know I’ll soon have to face.
My engagement is on the cusp of being announced. My choices are wearing thin. When my father breaks all his promises to me, I make a snap decision that will change everything—and Niall Flanagan, the man who showed me that the world can be so much more, will discover a terrible truth.
Even the sweetest of kisses can carry a brutal edge.
Brutal Kiss is the first book in the Santiago Cartel trilogy. You don’t need to read M. James’ other trilogies to enjoy Niall and Isabella’s story, but it is set in the same world, with some cameos from reoccurring characters.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2022
464 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books403 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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July 6, 2023Part 1
This part was unnecessarily drawn out and had plenty of repetitions.
Dnf @ 20%
This part was unnecessarily drawn out and had plenty of repetitions.
Dnf @ 20%
August 30, 2022
This was an excellent book until the very end, I felt the author put Niall through enough with Soirce and he didn’t need this idiot screwing with his life anymore. She was selfish, childish and doesn’t deserve a hea . Spoiled, little ,rich bitch that wanted everything her way and when it didn’t, she started pointing fingers and blaming , knowing she was screwing with his life. I honestly don’t care wtf happens to her. I hope she gets what she deserves. Sorry , not sorry .
January 8, 2023
OMGGG LOVED IT!!! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!!
Especially the ending , the twist 😭😭
I am really liking M James as an author.
Especially the ending , the twist 😭😭
I am really liking M James as an author.
August 29, 2022
HA the ending I’m dead 📢🤌🏼⚡️. FMC who stands up for herself and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants ✅. Read this in one sitting instead of doing my criminal law work🙌🏼
October 11, 2024
proud of isabella for owning her life, but she didn’t have to deceive sweet man, niall.
August 29, 2022
Dropped a star because of Isabella's last move. That was a proper dickhead thing to do, despite her desperation; Niall didn't deserve that.
June 18, 2023
10/10
I can't say anything but good things about this book. I don't usually like books that over 3 separate books but this Santiago Series makes that not matter.
The story between Isabella (Gabriella) & Niall is amazing. A story of a cartel princess looking for someone to deflower by her choice and an enforcer for the Irish Kings in Boston making an alliance with the Santiago Cartel.
I don't like giving spoilers but I like everyone to read my review so they know to read this series.
It's my first book by M James and I like steamy romance novels with plenty of heat. This book is just the start of their love story. It's different to the other Mafia books that I have read in that it's not so rushed. We get great detail, interesting characters with extensive back story as well as other characters and their stories.
The scenes in this book; that there are many of. Are some of the best I've ever read. I enjoy a good love scene and we get a variety of them. After one taste neither Isabella (Gabriella) or Niall can get enough. They are slow, intimate,sensual, sexy, loving, romantic, very descriptive and just plain yummy. The inexperience is clearly outlined which I really enjoyed; as a virgin & sheltered life for Isabella the situation was right for the character. Alot of books still write as if the virgin MFC knows what's happening and what to do but M James uses this to grow a deeper re between the two. I more than enjoyed the scenes and I think they were all appropriate for the description of Isabella & Niall. The only irk I had was that there was no comment on being a virgin once first entrance or blood after. But that was later explained and addressed.
The fact that their story is over 3 books allows us to get really in depth with the story and characters and it gives us stages of the relationship. This book is sort of done over the span of 2 weeks to maybe a month or less. So we get a fast paced relationship that grows and develops and gives us a timeline on the intensity of it.
I find it very annoying when we don't get time differences in other books!
The story leads very seamlessly into the next book and we also get another steamy Bonus Scene.
The other thing is that although you can read the Irish Series beforehand. Which would probably help. But I didn't because it is on Kindle Unlimited. But you don't need to although there are characters that carry over on Niall's side we get given the back story anyway. So we get the gist of what has happened without missing out on a big part of the story. M. James has very cleverly done this by giving us a recap of characters and storyline in the previous Irish Series but writing it into the story without it being a direct recap but part of Niall's story. Very smart writing. I am glad it's done that way because I HATE reading books out of order but there are 6 Irish and not on KU. So this made a VERY big bonus point for me.
For those who don't like books over several books READ IT!! There is nothing I can say wrong about this book. I will read it again and again. ♥️♥️♥️❤️🔥❤️🔥💋🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I can't say anything but good things about this book. I don't usually like books that over 3 separate books but this Santiago Series makes that not matter.
The story between Isabella (Gabriella) & Niall is amazing. A story of a cartel princess looking for someone to deflower by her choice and an enforcer for the Irish Kings in Boston making an alliance with the Santiago Cartel.
I don't like giving spoilers but I like everyone to read my review so they know to read this series.
It's my first book by M James and I like steamy romance novels with plenty of heat. This book is just the start of their love story. It's different to the other Mafia books that I have read in that it's not so rushed. We get great detail, interesting characters with extensive back story as well as other characters and their stories.
The scenes in this book; that there are many of. Are some of the best I've ever read. I enjoy a good love scene and we get a variety of them. After one taste neither Isabella (Gabriella) or Niall can get enough. They are slow, intimate,sensual, sexy, loving, romantic, very descriptive and just plain yummy. The inexperience is clearly outlined which I really enjoyed; as a virgin & sheltered life for Isabella the situation was right for the character. Alot of books still write as if the virgin MFC knows what's happening and what to do but M James uses this to grow a deeper re between the two. I more than enjoyed the scenes and I think they were all appropriate for the description of Isabella & Niall. The only irk I had was that there was no comment on being a virgin once first entrance or blood after. But that was later explained and addressed.
The fact that their story is over 3 books allows us to get really in depth with the story and characters and it gives us stages of the relationship. This book is sort of done over the span of 2 weeks to maybe a month or less. So we get a fast paced relationship that grows and develops and gives us a timeline on the intensity of it.
I find it very annoying when we don't get time differences in other books!
The story leads very seamlessly into the next book and we also get another steamy Bonus Scene.
The other thing is that although you can read the Irish Series beforehand. Which would probably help. But I didn't because it is on Kindle Unlimited. But you don't need to although there are characters that carry over on Niall's side we get given the back story anyway. So we get the gist of what has happened without missing out on a big part of the story. M. James has very cleverly done this by giving us a recap of characters and storyline in the previous Irish Series but writing it into the story without it being a direct recap but part of Niall's story. Very smart writing. I am glad it's done that way because I HATE reading books out of order but there are 6 Irish and not on KU. So this made a VERY big bonus point for me.
For those who don't like books over several books READ IT!! There is nothing I can say wrong about this book. I will read it again and again. ♥️♥️♥️❤️🔥❤️🔥💋🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 28, 2022
OMG- We’ve all been waiting for Niall’s story to come out and oh boy the wait was so worth it!! Niall has been sent to Mexico to make an agreement between The Kings & The Cartel. He will be there for a few weeks, have his meetings, attend their gala and then head home to Boston.
What he didn’t expect was to be the alluring and oh so beautiful Gabriela when he was at the local bar grabbing a drink. She is gorgeous and is keen on going home with him. After everything he’s been through he wants to move on and find some release even if it’s just a one night stand. Gabriela is beautiful and eager to please him and he is more than ready to make her his for as long as she’ll have him.
Isabella is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father and she knows her window for exploring the world beyond her beautiful cage is coming very soon. So she ventured out of the house determined to have one choice about herself and her body be her own. She sneaks out and heads to a local bar in hopes to find a man she is willing to give her everything too!!
I won’t reveal any spoilers because reading it play out first hand is the only way to experience this intense story. Of course, there are secrets revealed and violence may be inevitable but we won’t know for sure because the conclusion of their story won’t be out till end of September. Let’s just say Niall & Isabella’s story is going to explosive and will definitely keep you guessing on the what’s next. As always, M. James delivers an amazing book that will leave you wanting more. Happy Reading!!
What he didn’t expect was to be the alluring and oh so beautiful Gabriela when he was at the local bar grabbing a drink. She is gorgeous and is keen on going home with him. After everything he’s been through he wants to move on and find some release even if it’s just a one night stand. Gabriela is beautiful and eager to please him and he is more than ready to make her his for as long as she’ll have him.
Isabella is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father and she knows her window for exploring the world beyond her beautiful cage is coming very soon. So she ventured out of the house determined to have one choice about herself and her body be her own. She sneaks out and heads to a local bar in hopes to find a man she is willing to give her everything too!!
I won’t reveal any spoilers because reading it play out first hand is the only way to experience this intense story. Of course, there are secrets revealed and violence may be inevitable but we won’t know for sure because the conclusion of their story won’t be out till end of September. Let’s just say Niall & Isabella’s story is going to explosive and will definitely keep you guessing on the what’s next. As always, M. James delivers an amazing book that will leave you wanting more. Happy Reading!!
November 3, 2024
Isabella had lived a sheltered live and she knew that her father was going to make her have an arranged marriage, to help the cartel, with her being untouched her father knew it could help with alliances.
One thing Isabella was sure of she was going to make sure that she fixed the innocent part of her.
Niall was away doing business when he met a woman in the bar, the first woman to get his attention since all the issues. Something about her made him want to see her again, but they needed to talk first when he realised, she was innocent.
Isabella was dreading the announcement that her father was going to make about her engagement, but she had a surprise of her own that hopefully would stop the arranged marriage.
The one thing Niall didn’t expect when he attended the party that with the cartel leader they were making a deal with was to see the woman that he’s spent night with and she left a note saying she wouldn’t see him again. He never expected the announcement that she would make, and then wondering how he is going to get out of this.
Does end on a cliffhanger.
One thing Isabella was sure of she was going to make sure that she fixed the innocent part of her.
Niall was away doing business when he met a woman in the bar, the first woman to get his attention since all the issues. Something about her made him want to see her again, but they needed to talk first when he realised, she was innocent.
Isabella was dreading the announcement that her father was going to make about her engagement, but she had a surprise of her own that hopefully would stop the arranged marriage.
The one thing Niall didn’t expect when he attended the party that with the cartel leader they were making a deal with was to see the woman that he’s spent night with and she left a note saying she wouldn’t see him again. He never expected the announcement that she would make, and then wondering how he is going to get out of this.
Does end on a cliffhanger.
November 20, 2022
3.5⭐️
This was definitely a little slow for me, I wasn’t a huge fan of how the two main characters weren’t really together for all of book 1. Isabella, aka Gabriella, lied to Niall about who she was. So when he shows up at her fathers gala, which is also the announcement of her future husband, Niall is shocked to find out that the woman he’s been seeing while in Mexico is in fact the cartel princess of the man he’s doing business with. He feels betrayed, angry and hurt. After everything he’s been through with Saoirse, and the hurt he’s been carrying around, he was just starting to forget all that. And to make matters worse, he took her virginity and now she’s “ruined” for her future husband.
But the ending was definitely the best part! When her father announces she’s to be married to a man old enough to be her dad, and her worst nightmare, she announces her and Niall’s secret!
I’m excited to start book 2, I have a feeling things are about to seriously heat up!
This was definitely a little slow for me, I wasn’t a huge fan of how the two main characters weren’t really together for all of book 1. Isabella, aka Gabriella, lied to Niall about who she was. So when he shows up at her fathers gala, which is also the announcement of her future husband, Niall is shocked to find out that the woman he’s been seeing while in Mexico is in fact the cartel princess of the man he’s doing business with. He feels betrayed, angry and hurt. After everything he’s been through with Saoirse, and the hurt he’s been carrying around, he was just starting to forget all that. And to make matters worse, he took her virginity and now she’s “ruined” for her future husband.
But the ending was definitely the best part! When her father announces she’s to be married to a man old enough to be her dad, and her worst nightmare, she announces her and Niall’s secret!
I’m excited to start book 2, I have a feeling things are about to seriously heat up!
July 18, 2024
With a basic premise—cartel princess goes out to lose it to somebody other than daddy’s choice, gets more than she bargained for—you wouldn’t suspect this book to be a hidden gem, but I really enjoyed it! Sure, it’s all spice and low drama (guess they’re saving that for books two and three) but what’s there is good, slow, wistful. It’s all about savoring the moment before it ends. The spicy scenes are masterfully written and made me feel things. My main complaint/concern is that I think this story probably doesn’t have enough content to make it a full series, and I think is probably propped up by the excellent sex scenes, but so long as they don’t really get stale, it’s not really a problem. Just gotta buy the other books!
November 1, 2023
Niall gets betrayed.... again
Niall doesn't have much apart from his ' family' The Irish King's, its his way of life. He's unlucky with women too as the woman he loved loved the head of his family.
A trip abroad for family business is just the ticket to forget. If only life were that simple. He meets and falls for Gabriella only to find that she's the daughter of the head of the cartel he's dealing with. She outs their relationship to her father to get out of an arranged marriage, all hell is about to break loose..... I can't wait to red the next installment..... AWESOME !!!!
Niall doesn't have much apart from his ' family' The Irish King's, its his way of life. He's unlucky with women too as the woman he loved loved the head of his family.
A trip abroad for family business is just the ticket to forget. If only life were that simple. He meets and falls for Gabriella only to find that she's the daughter of the head of the cartel he's dealing with. She outs their relationship to her father to get out of an arranged marriage, all hell is about to break loose..... I can't wait to red the next installment..... AWESOME !!!!
August 16, 2024
I'm going to say what no one else will. F the dad. This is all his fault. What kind of crap father sets his daughter up with his enemy thinking he would ever treat her right? Not to mention he's old enough to be her father. Her father sucks. Not just because he's a cartel boss but because he's a crap father. The mom isn't any better. She only cares about money and how things will benefit her. Both her parents knew they did her dirty that's why they both looked at her with pity. They sold her out and they knew it. They can't claim they love and care about her now. The whole book is so hypocritical. I'm going to read the second one and if it doesn't get better I'm abandoning this series.
August 31, 2022
I have been waiting for Niall's book. And it was everything you would expect from the Author. Kept you on your toes. But the cliffhanger and the ending I felt was not what Niall deserves after everything he has been through. Luckily, we don't have to wait that long for the next book because I expect a major redemption. Niall won my heart from the moment his character was introduced so Isabella better get her ish together. Excited to see how this plays out. Dropped a star because I was bummed that Niall once again got played.
September 10, 2022
3.5 stars. Good beginning. Stark ending
3.5 stars
I loved this book. Niall recovering himself from his broken heart. Finding someone who wants him, for him.
And I liked Isabella in the beginning. I liked her strength and independence ( well, a tint streak).
What ruined me was the ending. I can see how Niall feels so used and discarded. She did to him what Saoirse did. Toyed with him.
Then she puts him in front of her father and another brutal cartel boss, her betrothed.
What a cliffhanger.
I will read the next book because I truly care for Niall.
3.5 stars
I loved this book. Niall recovering himself from his broken heart. Finding someone who wants him, for him.
And I liked Isabella in the beginning. I liked her strength and independence ( well, a tint streak).
What ruined me was the ending. I can see how Niall feels so used and discarded. She did to him what Saoirse did. Toyed with him.
Then she puts him in front of her father and another brutal cartel boss, her betrothed.
What a cliffhanger.
I will read the next book because I truly care for Niall.
September 25, 2022
Brutal Kiss
The pace of the book is a little too slow for me. The 2 don’t even meet until Chapter 6. I am used to the need for background information, but it took so long I almost deleted the book. The cliffhanger is devastating, so I definitely have to read the next installment. Enjoy.
The pace of the book is a little too slow for me. The 2 don’t even meet until Chapter 6. I am used to the need for background information, but it took so long I almost deleted the book. The cliffhanger is devastating, so I definitely have to read the next installment. Enjoy.
October 12, 2022
I am no longer vIrgin, papa
This is a story of Niall and Isabelle. She was alway a dutiful daughter till she meet" Niall and told lies to have a moment of wanted a handsome male Niall. Now at her engagement her plan arranged marriage by her father. But unexpected situation happened. End on a dramatic cliffhanger.
This is a story of Niall and Isabelle. She was alway a dutiful daughter till she meet" Niall and told lies to have a moment of wanted a handsome male Niall. Now at her engagement her plan arranged marriage by her father. But unexpected situation happened. End on a dramatic cliffhanger.
November 15, 2022
lots of spice.
Page after page of sex between the hero and the heroine, but for some reason it wasn't as exciting as some of the other mafia romances I've read. I think I was too nervous about how this would end to relax and enjoy the story. I was waiting for them to get caught. And the ending was no surprise.
Page after page of sex between the hero and the heroine, but for some reason it wasn't as exciting as some of the other mafia romances I've read. I think I was too nervous about how this would end to relax and enjoy the story. I was waiting for them to get caught. And the ending was no surprise.
November 20, 2022
Will Niall find a HEA?
Niall is still trying to get over a break up that happened almost a year ago. When he meets Gabriela (Isabella) he feels a pull towards her like he hasn't felt in a long time. But she is lying to him about who she is and when the truth comes out will either of them survive?
Niall is still trying to get over a break up that happened almost a year ago. When he meets Gabriela (Isabella) he feels a pull towards her like he hasn't felt in a long time. But she is lying to him about who she is and when the truth comes out will either of them survive?
August 30, 2022
Holy Smokes!! What and an intense and sizzling read! M. James kept me on my toes! The innocence, lies, secrets and betrayal! And what a whopper of a cliffhanger! Holy Smokes!! She flat out pointed him out! Exciting is an understatement! Definitely need September to hurry up! Incredible!
October 3, 2022
I relived it! I really enjoyed watching Isabella‘s and Neil‘s relationship develop. All of the suspense and fighting and running and the sex scenes were great to… please note this is a three book series and the last one doesn’t come out until October 23, 2022😳🙄
October 26, 2022
I do like this author and her books do keep me interested but I just wish there was more conversation between the lead characters. There’s about 8 conversations and the rest is internal dialogue which gets repetitive. Just hope there’s more in the next book.
August 2, 2024
I surprisingly loved this dark mafia romance. I read this in just a day. I just could not put it down. Lots of spice and emotions. I’m excited to read the next book. I have to know what happens next after that cliffhanger.
June 26, 2025
on kindle. this one took a bit to get into. the MCs dont meet until 30% in. i guess im not a fan of that. i like jt when they meet within the 1st chapter or 2. then he doesnt find out who she really is until the end. it ends in a cliffhanger.
August 29, 2022
🤣🤣🤣😂😂 it took me a few hours to finish this and lord have mercy. The sex the lies everything the Cliffhanger !!! Omg 😱 just as I was waiting for it !
it ended lord please book 2 hurry and be here I honestly don’t have the The patients . I urge everyone to read
it ended lord please book 2 hurry and be here I honestly don’t have the The patients . I urge everyone to read
September 6, 2022
Isabella - that idiot selfish brat. My goodness I hate her.
October 21, 2022
Absolutely did not expect the ending
October 25, 2022
Wow
What a cliffhanger!!! You can't do that. Not going to reveal what others already did but, this 1st book is good. Started with a simple hook up. On to pt. 2.
What a cliffhanger!!! You can't do that. Not going to reveal what others already did but, this 1st book is good. Started with a simple hook up. On to pt. 2.
July 10, 2023
Brutal Kiss
Isabella and Nialls story , from their first meeting sparks flew, the chemistry between them burst off the page. CAnt wait to read the next installment
Isabella and Nialls story , from their first meeting sparks flew, the chemistry between them burst off the page. CAnt wait to read the next installment
February 4, 2024
Love love love Niall
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews