I was once told the best revenge is usually taken in silence.
After a brutal attack on my family that left my father dead and our cartel vulnerable, retribution has been the only thing on my mind. For months, we’ve laid in wait, meticulously planning for the storm to rage over our enemies.
When a moment of opportunity arises to set our plan in motion, I don’t hesitate to take it. Little did I know, my actions would lead to our foes’ most precious belongings falling into my lap.
They took something from us. Now, I was going to take everything from them.
Brielle
The saying is you can’t outrun your past.
After nearly eight years of running, I thought my life was finally returning to normal. Working as the personal assistant for the CEO of an affluent pharmaceutical company offered me the money and resources to provide a good life for my daughter. Although my boss was known for the cold chip on his shoulder, and his illegal deeds, I enjoyed my job - and being in his company. For the first time in a long time, life was peaceful
Until the ghost from my past appears unexpectedly and tries to turn my world upside down.
When my Hail Mary comes in the form of marriage to my boss, I’m obligated to agree - not for my safety, but for my daughter’s.
But, as the demons of our pasts collide and the lines of our relationship blur, I can’t help but think there might be more to our marriage than I thought.
This was an Arc read 🥰 Wow such a beautifully written , The character development was so perfect and the storyline kept me captivated ! I feel like I was able to get to know Javier so much better because honestly I thought he was heartless 🫣. But He is such a gentle giant ! Javi was just a lost soul until he met his angels! Brielle was the sunshine he needed to help heal his heart. Omg Chloe was the highlight of this book for me, she was such sweetheart! The family dynamic in this series is so perfect , I feel like she displayed a realistic pov of a normal sibling relationship between Javi , Adrian & Lexie ! Asia did an amazing job! I hate this the end of this series 😫 This is for sure a must read , I really enjoyed myself reading this book, I felt like I was watching a movie!
I was picked to be an arc reader for the last book in the Cartel Elements series. I've been a fan of this series since last year and I can't believe it has come to an end. Asia Monet is truly a gifted writer. I am not going to give anything away. You will just need to read this book for yourself to see how amazing Asia Monet truly is with creating characters that seem as though they can exist in our current reality. Javier and Brielle's story takes on a journey of righting the wrongs of the past and moving forward with life. I cannot wait to see what Asia Monet's next story will be about. Thank you for writing the Cartel Elements series.
Reread Update: it's been less than a month, but what can I say? I am obsessed! Javier is my fave and I love him and his little family! It stays at 4.75⭐ only because Brielle's reaction at the end was insane. How you questioned his feelings after constantly saving you and your daughter's life several times and just the daily routines y'all created together MADE NO SENSE?! Javier deserved a crumb of benefit of the doubt. Still got my happy ending thankfully. We love a "you can't leave me" Mafia man. Came in clutch 💕
OG Review: I've been so excited about Javier's book and it did not disappoint. The stakes were so high and this plot had me freaking out so much. I loved Brielle and Chloe so much. They were the purest souls and I am so happy Javier knew that and moved accordingly. That third act did almost break me. I could not believe that my heart was being put through the WRINGER on so many fronts. The series ended with a nice little bow and I loved it💕 Excited for more from this author!!
This was long and kinda dry, like I never felt a spark or. Passion between our two main characters. Something about this just felt so long and drawn out. Like overall they share a common enemy and essentially a ones sided crush for most of this book. The little girl and Javier’s connection was cute and I loved how supportive the siblings were. Something about this just didn’t work for me. While I don’t mind slow burns I need the stove to be on and for me this was like a Luke warm kinda burn. The romance took too long to build up and even with all the time I still never felt connected to Javier or Brielle.
King of Ice is the third book in The Cartel Elements Series by Asia Monét. The books in this series are interconnected but can be read as standalones (they are just that detailed and well-written!). Before reading Javier’s story, if anyone had asked me, I would have said that as a MMC Adrian is unmatched, he is all fire, angst bringing unpredictable chaos to his world but with a core of sweetness. However, where Adrian and his twin never have a thought that they didn’t express, Javier has internalized his trauma and carries that burden, so his family doesn’t have to do so. When the book opens, unflappable Javier is now the head of the family, running both branches of the family business, both legal and illegal. He considers Brielle, his dependable PA, to be a friend and one of the few bright spots in his rather bleak world. When he discovers that he and Brielle have a common enemy, he steps in and rescues AND marries her, effectively frustrating his enemy and keeping his friend secure, win-win? Brielle has spent years running from her vile enemy, as she comes to care more and more for Javier, will she see his rescue as an act of care and kindness or a ploy to defeat his foe? This book was wonderful in delivery and character development; Javier tugs at the heartstrings and Brielle was amazingly resilient and remained a bright light even in adversity. The “chaos twins” Adrian and Lexie, along with their better halves, were a big part of the action. I am a big fan of the epilogues Ms. Monét provides, they really enhance my reading pleasure. I look forward to the next installment…perhaps Cousin Max?! https://theretiredreader.com/f/king-o...
After reading Book 2 in the series Heiress of Roses, I was unsure of who Javier’s love interest would be. I was happy to see that it was Brielle as she started to break some of his walls in book 2. Javier has sworn off relationships due to his own traumatic history and loss of his mother. Javier comes off cold and shut off to others. This book picks up after his father’s death as Javier settles in leading his businesses, both legal and illegal, as well as his family. Being the oldest has added pressure to ensure that everyone whom he loves is well cared for, often with little regard for his own needs. An opportunity presents itself for Javier to provide protection for Brielle from a mutual entity from their past. In providing protection, they both find things in each other, safety and family. While Brielle comes off as naïve at times, she has put in the work to make a better life for herself and tries to stand 10 toes down when she makes a decision. The book addresses both characters’ struggles with trauma and does a good job of advocating the importance of mental health. This is a slow burn for spice which doesn’t pick up until the second half of the book. It doesn’t take away from the story at all. There is good character development as well as relationship building between the couple and family. I would recommend this book. It would be most helpful to read the other 2 books in the series prior to book 3.
I’ve read books one and two already sooo I was literally so excited to be able to read this ARC and book in general. Thank you Asia Monet so much for this opportunity and once again you did your thing hunny !!!
Let’s get into the review ✨. Obviously book one and two Javier was like this very serious very icy very I hate humans type of guy. I absolutely never thought he’d find a woman let alone Brielleeeeeeeeee the peppy bright giggly overly happy assistant 🤭!!!!!!!! I figured this book about revenge on the sex trafficking gang that killed their father in the last book but this one was NOTTTTTT lol well it kinda was but not really. I loved how Javi was just like I’ll protect you I’ll love you and your daughter Briellle but please literally don’t mention 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 ever bc I’m such a serious human being. Now Brielle surprised me too bc at first I thought she was gonna be a small super apologetic very annoying butttt she was no nonsense about her daughter and her MAN 😏😝. Now obvi I love a dominating cartel daddyyyyy (cough cough Adrian 😈😈 read book one Heir of Flames) but Javi being a gentle giant lover had be gagged 😂 he went wild a free times but for the most part he was very much a gentleman 🤭. Honestly I loved every single thing about this book and I love that Javi found love and happiness because he deserves it too like his siblings 🥰🥰. Highly recommend reading this cartel romance and the two before it ‼️‼️
The story was engaging, however my frustration with Brielle made it hard to enjoy at times. I really disliked how Brielle’s past and survival were used to canonize her and let her selfishness slide. First of all, Javier saved her life when she was just and employee and offered her marriage in exchange for protection. She accepted but still pushed constantly to know his inner thoughts even when all he wanted was quiet. Javier put her up in a nice house, befriended her daughter, taught her how to defend herself, helped her get her dream job and again saved both her and her daughter’s life although she flew of the handle and endangered herself and Chloe. However, instead of thanking Javier and his family and give him the benefit of the doubt on his motives, she took Leo’s words over the family and became a brat? And somehow we are meant to feel sorry for her and it’s Javier’s fault. Really? At no point did she ask why the beef with Leo was so personal. As for claiming to have been used, it was complete nonsense. Leo found her on his own. She claimed to love Javier but she only wanted him on her terms and her idea of how their relationship should be. Two other things really frustrated me. The lack of clear physical description of Javier and Brielle as well as their age. Also proper editing for the spanish phrases would have been nice.
This was my first ARC read! (Thank you Mrs. Monet for this opportunity) JAVIER aka Chole’s Giant/ Brielle’s missing puzzle. After the death of his father, Javier took his place as head of the cartel and the family business. Little did he know that his life was going to change after his assistant goes missing and her daughter calls him to come and pick her up from school because her mom never made it. Javier panics for a little because one why would his assistant daughter be calling and who would kidnap his assistant. The same assistant that brightened his days with music and her constant questions throughout his work day. Brielle has been the longest assistant to the King of Ice. Running away from a past that somehow… this no good disgusting man shows up to her job! She knows that she has to go get her daughter from school and pack FAST! PLEASEEEE read this book to find out how the KING OF ICE found his peace of happiness!!! I absolutely loved this series!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This was my first every arc read. I was super excited when I receive my email that I was selected for this opportunity. I love love love this book out of the entire series. The way Asia Monet wrote about Javier and the way he loves the people that are important to him chef kiss. I don't want to give spoilers because I will end up tell you what happen in the book. Brielle and Javier friends to lovers relationship I adore. Chole and her Giant is an even better one. My favorite trope of touch her and die will always be number one. Asia Monet writing is amazing in my book. I can wait to see what she comes out with next. Check the triggers!
I love Javi! I knew I'd love him from the first moment I read of him. Something about the grumpy's frozen stone walls being broken down by the softness of a female gets me every time and will never get old. The relationship between Javi and Brielle is everything a grumpy/sunshine should be with a bit of dark romance in there.
Asia's writing is impeccable. She has a method to her writing that gets the job done effectively and thoroughly. Her writing is like a perfecting wrapped present, topped with a big bow. It's obviously she has thought and taken her time in writing this series.
Thank you, Asia, for writing this series and sharing your story with us!
I absolutely adore this series and was super excited to read the final book. And Javier and Brielle didn't disappoint! I was always curious about Javier because you only got to see him in spurts in the other two books but being able to understand why he is the way that he is in his own book was heartbreakingly beautiful. And Brielle is such a strong female lead. Despite everything she went through, she always saw the best in people. She and Javier had complimented each other very well. Especially Javier and Chloe! 😍😍 Also major kudos to Asia Monet for tackling some pretty hard topics and handling them with care. I am very grateful that I received this book as an arc and this series will always hold a special place in my heart 💞
✨ARC REVIEW I just knew Javier had a story to tell from the first two books and his story did not disappoint! This had me intrigued the entire time I was reading and I never knew what was going to happen next. I knew Brielle and Javier had chemistry from the previous book but when they finally came together it was a beautiful love story. You can really tell the growth with Asia Monet’s writing. This books felt more personal. I’m sad this series has ended but I can’t wait to see what’s next from Asia Monet!
This was too GOOD! I have been excited for Javier since book 1! Pookie is sensitive even though he has a rough exterior and somewhat aloofness.
I loved how Brielle was able to somewhat break him out of his shell!
Brielle and Javier had so much chemistry. I also enjoyed how much Brielle was a strong character in her own right and when it was time to, she stuck up for herself.
The plot also did what it had too! The Bianchis were a problem from book 1 and they were concluded greatly! Such an amazing end to a series that had my heart ❤️
This is my favorite book out of the 3. Javier was so hard on himself and didn't think he deserved love. Brielle had the biggest crush on her boss, and after her past comes back to haunt her, she needs Javier's protection. Her daughter, Chloe, loved her giant as she called him and wanted the family she always wished she had. Watching Javier and Brielle falling for each other was so beautiful. I teared up when he was explaining his love for her. Another amazing book, and I can't wait to see where the author goes next. I wouldn't mind a story on Miles.
This is definitely my favorite book in the series. I loved getting to know more about Javier. He had so much pressure on him from all angles. You could feel the heaviness when reading his pov. I loved that Brielle didn’t give up and was willing to carry some of that weight for him. Javi did everything for everybody even in his pain and struggle. I felt so much joy watching him slowly let Brielle in and see him fall for her. I’m glad he found his happiness because he deserved it. Asia did an amazing Job with this series I’m sad to see it end but I look forward to what’s next.
I so don’t want this series to be over. Each book was better and better! But I know all things must come to an end. This was a beautiful wrap up to this story that showed how trauma can dictate how we live and show love.
Javier, gosh I wanted to hug him so much. And Brielle I wanted to let stake her in to my life. I won’t spoil anything just read it. You won’t be disappointed!
I had no doubt that I would love this couple and I was correct. While all the Ruiz kids were traumatized by their heartless father, my heart ached for Javi. Being the oldest, he seemed to carry the heaviest burdens. From book 1 that was made pretty clear.
I recommend paying attention to the trigger warnings.
But overall I enjoyed this story, especially Chloe and her giant🥹
I almost forgot about that older brother but he was so worth the wait. It’s sad that he took on all the burdens of his siblings just so they would be alright, while fighting his own diabolical demons himself. Brielle was the perfect partner for him always trying to make sure he was of sound mind. That little Chloe was a good time, she just did and said what her little heart wanted, especially when it came to her giant.
This book touched my ❤️ !!! Friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, single mother, 🔥🔥🔥wow, the list goes on. For so long, Javier had to have a hard exterior to protect his siblings. To protect his assistant Javier marries Brielle. Javier's heart 💙 of 🧊 is slowly thawed by the love Brielle, and her daughter Chloe. Thank you for the opportunity to review King of Ice😊.
I ate this book up!!! This was an arc read and it did not disappoint. Javier and Chloe interactions were extremely adorable. With her calling him and giant all throughout the book 🥰🥰. Javier and Brielle relationship from friends to lovers was done perfectly. I loved the way the miscommunication trope was done in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I knew from their interactions in Heiress of Roses that Brielle was going to be the one to get past Javier’s walls, but I was not expecting the marriage of convenience (one of my favorite tropes by the way)! I loved how Brielle always talked to him and how she didn’t care how grumpy or intimidating he was. He was going to get her sunshine whether he liked it or not, but we all knew he liked it. I truly felt for both characters and all they had been through and I enjoyed watching their friendship blossom into love. They brought out the best in each other and you could see their growth throughout the book. You can truly see the growth in Asia Monet’s writing and character development in this book. The love shared between the three siblings and their found family was everything! It was beautiful the way his family took Brielle and Chloe in making sure they were loved and protected. While I am sad to see the series end, this was a solid conclusion. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. It made me feel all the feels with the biggest smile on my face.
Loved! Adrian's still my man, but JAVI??! I've been waiting for him. He is a man with a purpose. I truly loved his and Brielle's story. Brielle broke down his walls and they were better off for it. I love seeing a quiet, cold, and calculating man find his heart. And I loved how he was with Chloe. That's her dad for real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I wasn’t sure if I would love it as much as the first book but I actually enjoyed it more. Happy that I was able to finish this series. There are some really cute moments in this book. Both main characters dealt with some pretty rough situations so I was definitely glad that they got their HEA.
What a way to end the series! This is my fav book of the series. I loved Javi and Brie so much. Seeing Javi’s character development and get his happy ending was amazing to see. I enjoyed reading Brie’s POV as well. She’s proof that you don’t have to let what you go through consume you. She still had light after experiencing so much darkness.
This is my favorite of the three books. When a man says I will kill for you, Javier was not playing. Lexi done told her his actions speak louder than his words but oh no Brie doubted he loved her. Sigh. But seriously at the interview he done said it all. I almost fainted. But she still she doubted. Anyway both characters had a lot of healing to do. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Book was a 5/5! The story flowed so well and was jam packed from beginning to end! I was never bored and I loved the pace of Javier and Brielle. So sad the series is over but loved all the stories!!!
✨ARC Read✨ I was waiting for this book and it did not disappoint! Love a good grumpyxsunshine + marriage of convenience + mafia romance! Good romance and even better suspense. The epilogue was the perfect ending🥹
I received an ARC of this book. I enjoyed the book. It is a little lengthy but I was happy to see Javier get to be happy. You definitely get to experience a slew of emotions in this book. I recommend reading, especially if you read the previous books in the series.
I LOVE IT! This takes the spot as my favorite in the series! I'm sad to see it go, but it was a great ending.🥺 Javi and Brie were made for each other, and Chloe was just a doll! 💙❄️ Just go read it, I can't put this feeling into words. 💙💙
P.S. can we get a book about Miles and ole girl!?!? 👀👀🤣