The Cartier Cartel: A Legend and An Icon

by Jessica N. Watkins

Everything changed the moment Livia came into my world. She’s got me thinking about things I ain’t never thought about before, like a future that ain’t all guns, wars, and money. But how do I keep her safe from the chaos I live in every day, especially when enemies are lurking in every shadow, waiting for the perfect moment to strike? I’ve been holding it down for my family since before me and my brother took over the Cartier Cartel. But balancing love and loyalty ain’t easy when the streets stay calling. My world is full of bloody revenge and deadly secrets, but Livia makes me want more. The problem is my enemies know how to play dirty. Every decision I make could cost me my empire, my family, and the woman who’s got me questioning if I can even be the man she deserves. I built this life brick by mfing brick, but now I gotta figure out if I can survive it and still have her by my side.



I wanted to be successful in a game that didn’t come with referees or arenas, even though I knew the stakes were life and death. The streets whispered to me and my brother, calling us into a world we were born into. We run the Cartier Cartel while trying to stay one step ahead of enemies who’d rather see us buried. But with every move we make, the past keeps creeping in, dragging secrets and betrayal with it. And, now, there’s Aria. She’s the one thing I never saw coming, a woman who makes me crave something more than just survival, but in my world, love comes with a price. The enemies are stacking up, and even family ain’t always who they seem. I want to trust Aria, to let her in, but how do you give someone your heart when the streets have taught you to never show your hand? The game doesn’t stop for love, and the streets don’t wait for second chances. If I can’t figure out how to protect my family, my cartel, and my girl, the streets I were born into might just be my downfall.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Crime

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2025

About the author

Author of Urban Chick Lit, Erotica, and Contemporary Urban Fiction... Jessica N. Watkins was born April 1st in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts with Focus in Psychology from DePaul University and Masters of Applied Professional Studies with focus in Business Administration from the like institution. Working in Hospital Administration for the majority of her career, Watkins has also been an author of fiction literature since the young age of nine. Eventually she used writing as an outlet during her freshmen year of high school as a single parent: “In the third grade I entered a short story contest with a fiction tale of an apple tree that refused to grow despite the efforts of the darling main character. My writing evolved from apple trees to my seventh and eighth grade classmates paying me to read novels I had written about kids our age living the lives our parents wouldn’t dare let us”. At the age of twenty-eight, Watkins’ chronicles have matured into steamy, humorous, and realistic tales of women's literature. She hopes that The Epitome of Femistry series will successfully emulate ideal femininity while tackling stereotypes, familiar heartache, and relatable distress in a humorous, sophisticated, and erotic fashion.

Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops or book signings. Email her for more information at Jessica@femistrypress.net.

Additional information can be found at www.jessica-n-watkins.com.

Follow Jessica on Twitter - @authorjwatkins.

Follow Jessica on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/authorjwatkins

Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ Every year, I improve as a reader; even if it's fiction, it must make sense. I am aware that when writing in a specific genre, the plot or structure is typically the same, and the approach used by the author to create the characters distinguishes each book. Building a solid basis for character development adds to the story's intrigue.

This book had a lot of potential, but it didn't make sense due to a lack of character development and organization. The deception and twist saved this novel, but Legend and Icon were unable to convince ME that they were ready to lead the Cartier Cartel. They gave "gang leaders" with inadequate preparation, resulting in too many things to slip between the cracks. Cartels are more sophisticated, impersonal, and fearful although gangs are less organized. This did end off on a cliffhanger so with book 2 I wonder will we get answers.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Legend and an Icon by Jessica Watkins
🎧 Audiobook ARC | Book 1 in The Cartier Cartel Series

🔥 Tropes:
- Mafia/Cartel Romance
- Brothers navigating legacy and love
- Multiple POVs
- Found family vs blood loyalty
- No HEA (yet!)
- Cliffhanger ending
- Ride-or-die women
- Power struggle + grief + romance
- “What kind of life do you really want?” dilemma

💬 Overall Thoughts:

This was my first audiobook by Jessica Watkins, but definitely not my first time reading her work and she delivered. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the drama is drama-ing. You’re dropped into the chaos and never let go.

We follow Legend and Icon, two brothers trying to hold their family together after their parents are unalived early in the story. Their grief, their loyalty, and their struggle to choose love over legacy are the emotional backbone of this book. Both are navigating new relationships Legend with Nada, and Icon with Livia and those romances are not side plots. They’re pivotal, tender, and full of tension.

There are multiple POVs, and Jessica Watkins does a phenomenal job weaving them together. But let me be clear: you have to pay attention. There’s a lot happening betrayals, secrets, shifting alliances and if you blink, you’ll miss something.

We also get glimpses of their younger sister, who’s grieving and trying to find her place; their half-brother Pharaoh, who’s ambitious and reckless; and an aunt whose betrayal sends shockwaves through the family. Every character matters, and every decision has consequences.

And yes this ends on a wild cliffhanger. Book two is already out (no audiobook yet), and you’ll want to jump in immediately.

✅ Likes:
- Fast-paced, twisty storytelling
- Emotional depth woven into the action
- Multiple POVs that actually add to the story
- Complex family dynamics
- Romance that feels earned
- Cliffhanger that makes you scream (in a good way)

❌ Dislikes:
- Not a dislike, but a warning: this is not a standalone. You need book two ASAP.
- You might need a flowchart to track all the storylines but honestly, that’s part of the fun.


If you lovea book with cartel heat, layered characters, and a plot that never lets up, A Legend and an Icon is a must-read. Jessica Watkins knows how to keep you on your toes and your heart in a chokehold.

I received this audiobook for free in exchange for a honest review. thank you Jessica and Netgalley.

[Lyasha Chante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica N. Watkins delivers a gripping tale of loyalty, love, and survival in The Cartier Cartel. This urban fiction novel follows the dynamic duo of brothers Icon and Legend Cartier as they navigate the tumultuous world of running their family’s cartel while managing personal relationships and raising their younger siblings. The result is a story packed with tension, unexpected twists, and complex characters that keep you hooked from start to finish.

The brothers’ personalities couldn’t be more different, yet they balance each other in ways that make their bond both relatable and compelling. Icon is the epitome of calm and calculated, steering the cartel with precision. Legend, on the other hand, is a fiery hothead, acting on impulse and relying on raw emotion. Their opposing natures create friction, but also make their partnership one of the book’s strongest elements.

Watkins doesn’t just stop with the brothers. The younger siblings, Tempo and Saint, add another layer to the story as they struggle to prove their worth in the cartel, diving headfirst into challenges they may not be ready for. Their journey introduces tension and high-stakes moments that deepen the family’s struggles and highlight the cost of the lifestyle they’ve inherited.

Romance also takes center stage in The Cartier Cartel, with Icon and Legend both finding unexpected love. Icon’s relationship with Livia, a confident woman unlike anyone he’s encountered, is a refreshing take on opposites attracting. Their chemistry feels natural, but their romance is fraught with challenges, especially when Livia discovers the truth about his dangerous lifestyle. Meanwhile, Legend’s budding relationship with Aria, an art analyst from a family that would never approve of him, is equally compelling. The added layer of Aria’s own secret brings an extra dose of drama and intrigue.

What sets this book apart is Watkins’ ability to weave intricate storylines that balance street-life drama with heartfelt moments. The stakes are raised when one of the Cartier Cartel’s last loyal soldiers is found dead, sparking a war that threatens everything they’ve worked to protect. Watkins expertly uses this catalyst to propel the story forward, introducing twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Overall, The Cartier Cartel is an engrossing read that combines action, drama, and romance in a way that only Jessica N. Watkins can. The characters are richly developed, the dialogue feels authentic, and the plot is filled with enough surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a story that offers grit, heart, and unexpected moments, this is a book you won’t want to miss.

[Queen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT!!!!!

Whew Jessica girl u used ur good pen when you wrote this book! This was soooo good! The plot twists had me literally screaming WHAT!!! I know you lieing! I need more why would you end this like this girl!!!!

[LaTanya Garry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

When Tempo got into it with Saint at school and he blurted out who he was. I knew she was going to tell her mother Eloise and expose her father Sterling secret. What I didn't expect to happen was for all the chaos and life changing situations to happen. Sometimes it be the people closest to you that will snake you. As street smart as Sterling is and how he raised both of his son's Legend and Icon to be. I'm surprised none of them figured out who was behind Eloise murder. It was sad what happened to her. I had a feeling Stone was a snake from the beginning. Eloise death was very suspicious and it had to be someone close to the family that did it. Icon, Legend, and Tempo was heartbroken. Sterling was in a state of rage and he also knew his children blamed him for their mother's death. Trying to get revenge. Icon, Legend, and Tempo lost more than their mother that night. Tempo being the youngest and a young teenage girl. Accepted Saint and clung to him. Icon accepted Saint as well but Legend held animosity. Being a grown man but low-key a momma's boy. I could tell every time Legend had to be around Saint. He think about his mother and it leave him angery. Icon and Legend thought their Aunt Nadine was this praying Church woman. Neither of them had no idea had cold and calculating she really is. I always felt Nadine had something to do with their parents murder. When Nadine made that deal with Vincent. It showed how grimey she really was Icon had no clue his aunt tried to use him as a pawn until Dane was killed. Icon and Legend started trying to piece together who was behind what happened to Dane. While they started to uncover the truth. They were shocked that Nadine name came up. While dealing with a war from a rival game and trying to keep the cartel their father built 10 steps ahead. Neither brother's knew that their younger siblings was trying to pave their own way in the drug game. Tempo and Saint got way above their head with Quin. Icon found himself falling for Livia which his aunt Nadine tried to sabotage. Livia is a sweetheart. However I can't stand the way her uptight saddity mother talk down on her. Icon is a breath of fresh air for Livia after she dealt with a failed engagement that her mother seems to denean her about. I believe Legend was drawned to Aria because she was a few year's older and had a nurturing spirit. Legend had never been in love and neither had Icon but the women they met seemed to change that for them. Aria knows her and Legend live completely two different lifestyle or so she thought. Aria had no clue that her mother and father had secrets that could damage her and Legend already fragile relationship.

[Angela Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again!!!

Jessica Watkins has yet again created some fictional men that make you want to jump inside the book to meet them! I absolutely loved Legend and Icon! This book had me on the edge of the sofa with my mouth wide open from beginning to end! That ending was definitely a plot twist! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Angel Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was anticlimactic and little repetitive. I was excited to see how the storyline would play out, and I must admit it had me going up until the end. However, we wont know anything until after reading part 2??? And I literally mean NOTHING. There’s absolutely no closure for any of the MANY cliffhangers we were given. It’s like the dots we’re supposed to connect and the author really tried to give a twist but it just got too complicated for absolutely no reason. A couple of those story lines could’ve been wrapped up by the end.

Honestly, the uncle still being alive would’ve been enough of a twist. But The kids being kidnapped, the brother being shot, the girlfriends being kidnapped, one drugged by her own mama, the man who allegedly k*lled the Cartier’s mom being one of the girlfriend’s dad?! And all in the last 15 pages of the book?! I couldn’t get with it 😫

[Antoinette Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down

OMG!!! this the first time reading anything by this Author. Legend and Icon some bad boys. But Adobe a d Stone I definitely wasn't expecting that nor the truth about the block gang. I cannot put this book down I don't want to get into too many details but I know part 2 got to be fire.

[Rochelle Bryant Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I had high hopes for this story but felt like it is the typical storyline. And it’s long and a series. I was hoping for more.

Narration was good and probably the only thing that kept me listening.

Thank you Netgalley and Jessica for the ALC.

[T G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this family 😀

I like the way the book begins with pictures and an introduction to each of the characters. They seem to be a loving family, but secrets have a way of changing things and devastating losses and grief bring some family members closer, while others settle for betrayal. While the two youngest members of the Cartier family Saint and Tempo are
trying to prove themselves a lot is going on. I like the women that Icon and Legend Cartier have fallen in love with. Anxiously rushing to read book two. The author has done a wonderful job with this book.

[A Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

This book was boring. Livia and Aria were boring. Their personalities were flat, and nothing about them justified the way Icon and Legend were chasing them down like they were life-changing women.

Imani, on the other hand, was straightforward. She knew what she wanted and told Icon flat out. That’s grown-woman energy. But she was called thirsty just for being direct… meanwhile Livia was playing games and still got chased, even though nothing about her made her stand out. She wasn’t even interested in Icon and still slept with him on the first night like it was nothing. So what exactly made her worth the chase.

Aria and Legend were the same vibe. He’s running behind her, and she’s acting unsure the whole time. She’s OLDER, so the back-and-forth just felt tired. The book didn’t show anything that justified the obsession these men had with them.

I really wanted to like this book, but the constant push-and-pull with these grown women not wanting these oh-so-fine, rich men begging for a chance, was annoying. Based on the caliber of men the author developed them to be, why not choose women who actually want them instead of chasing childish women who don’t know what they want and just want to be chased. A little push and pull is fine, but it was way too much here.

[Tenika Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody Wants To Be The Boss!! Icon was the thinker between the two. Legend is the hot head . Tempo is the baby girl of the bunch. I think Saint wore that chain because he was tired of being a secret. I also think Tempo and Saint were trying to make a name for themselves besides being known as Cartier siblings. Saint is known for a baller. Icon is just trying to make sure that he doesn’t go off track.Tempo and Icon recognized him as their sibling. Legend disliked him because he thought he was a reason their mother got killed. Icon saw Livia and knew he had to have her. Nadine is cutting side deals to become more powerful and for protection. Promised Vincent that Icon would be with his daughter Imani. Legend saw Aria and knew that he had to have her knowing that there was an age difference. Nadine is a church goer and a trifling deceiving heffa. She killed their mama and tried to blame it on A block. Now she has them beefing and killing for something she started. I knew it was going to be some mess when their uncle Stone popped up from the dead, he was supposedly got killed in the warehouse. By Aria daddy was cleaning the illegal money for A block and after her father died her mama just continued to do so.

[Big Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cartier Cartel has all the elements of good urban fiction—family drama, relationship drama, disloyalty, secrets, and, of course, MMCs with BDE. We have Icon and Legend, who are now the heads of their family cartel after their father’s murder. They are trying to keep it all together, but inside and outside forces are working hard to decimate their organization. Meanwhile, they just want to be loved on since they lost their mother, too.

Then we have the younger siblings Tempo and Saint, who are hard-headed and create even more chaos for their older brothers. They aggravate my nerves so badly.

I liked that the FMCs aren’t too pliable, either. But how can they stand on business when Icon and Legend make living life dangerously look and feel so good? Whew, chile!

Jessica N. Watkins never fails to pen a page-turning story. But this may be my favorite read of hers thus far, and I’ve been all up and through her catalog.

I only gave this 4 stars because it ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for book 2!

[T K Vaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Secrets

This book stressed my nerves and broke my heart in the same breath!!!…
Nadine worked every last one of my nerves and I knew Stone was going to a whole problem when this story continued!!!…
I truly hope Icon makes it out of this and back healthy and Legend is able to keep them safe!!!…
I’m glad to see there is a continuation because I had a lot of questions!!!…
Those younger siblings done opened a door and all lleh is going to break loose to get them back!!!…
Livia needs to hold on too and I hope she is a fighter because she definitely comes off as a fighter!!!…

[Lyric · Rating 2 out of 5]

not worth it

This book had so much potential. I DNF’d this book countless times, because it’s so much back and forth. The females are I love him, I want to be with him - then the next moment , I can’t do this anymore, I need space. I couldn’t even count how many times the back and forth happened amongst these couples. To top it off the book didn’t even get somewhat interesting til at least 50% in. The really good stuff came at the absolute END of the book. By that time I was over it. I would love to read book 2 based on this cliffhanger, but I refuse to give this author any more of my time. On to the next book in The INC series.

[Erica Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just became way too much All OF A SUDDEN

It was going good and then everything just became over inflated about 60% through the book. I’m going to read the second book, but this just soured me on this sequel. Sometimes less is more. It was people retiring from the dead after not hearing about them in the book since the first 10% in. Aunt Nadine, Uncle Stone, parents of girl friends, siblings. All began to do way too much!

[Valondra Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunned Stiff

This book is so good so grab your popcorn. Jessica did her big one with this story from beginning to end. Icon and Legend became head of the Cartier cartel after supposedly loosing their parents and uncle Stone. Facing many obstacles and challenges I think finding out about the betrayal of Aunt Nadine hurts more than anything. Now why she had to be that greedy along with her husband Stone. Also why the 2 babies of the family trying to be gangster and has gotten mixed up in more than they bargained for. This book is so amazing I can’t wait for book 2

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥🔥

Now when they say keep your enemies close but what should you do when your enemies turn out to be family. The Carriers children all trying to do the right thing which was kept their family legacy going and the two younger ones only want to have and do something just for themselves but got way over their heads. Just as the secrets start to come out a whirlwind of twists and turns come up, people getting kidnapped, shot at😮😮, this first book got my attention and didn't let go I just hope everyone makes it out ok and justice is served.

[Shadavaine Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Ain’t Sh*t

This Book right Here OMG This was So Good Like What The Hella These siblings was something else be for there uncle to have some to do with the killing of there mother and father that was so crazy and there aunt she was a hot mess too like you knew all this time your husband won’t dead. And poor Saint and Tempo they done got in some mess like this was a good book. This was my First time reading from this author and baby when I say she wrote the hell out of this book she wrote the hell out of it This book Was 10/1000 I Can’t wait to read part 2 😘🥰

[A Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cartier’s

Now this is cartel story! That twist at the end kept twisting! Like I mean twisted more than a rag that someone in the desert tryna wring out some water! Saint and Tempo really lacking the good sense the good Lord gave them but it’s really Tempo just doing the most! Now I cannot wait for book 2 because Nadine and Stone?! Legend and Icon what are yall gonna do? Aria and Livia whaaaaaaaaa?????

[Still Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story

I was hoping for a different ending. I thought both Sterling & Stone were teaching the next generation a lesson. The amount of family betrayal in this book had me cussing out loud. I’m rooting for Icon and Livia. I felt bad about the lengths Saint felt he had to go through to be accepted into a family that he was born into. I hope there is a positive turn around for him. Overall it was a great story and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Jessica D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! It picked up so fast and never slowed down. There were so many stomach drops that kept me so locked in. The family dynamic was relatable. I loved how Icon, Legend, Tempo and Saints story was told and how they intertwined. The love matches were refreshingly different. Tempo and Saints relationship was fun to watch blossom. My heart hurt for them all but Legends pain was the deepest i feel like.

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

Pretty good read, but had some areas that could have been improved. In saying that, there was a lot of lies, secrets and deception throughout. There could have been more character development with Tempo, but I think that she will make up for it in book two. I did like how Tempo and Saint’s relationship flourished. It’s time for all of the secrets to be revealed.

[Judith Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

I'm beginning to love these Cartel, Inc. series. Two brothers who now run their families Cartel before the age of 30 after losing both parents. Then they both fall in love, and now all he'll has broken loose because an older uncle feels he should be the head of it all. Moving to part 2.

[Neka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Now Jessica you didn’t have to do us like that. But I loved it, it had everything Betrayal lies deceit I want to see how everyone get out of the situation they was put in. Can’t wait for part 2.

[Lizzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t finish… it just wasn’t my thing. The story felt really repetitive, and the writing style didn’t click with me. The cartel itself read more like an unorganized gang, and I personally wasn’t into the whole high-schoolers-selling-drugs angle. The female love interests kept going back and forth on whether they actually wanted to be with the two main male characters, which got tiring after a while. There’s definitely a ton of drama (so if that’s your thing, that’s a plus!), and there’s a wild plot twist that caught me off guard. But with so many short POVs that didn’t add much, it started to feel like filler. I also didn’t see much real character development. The story opens on Tempo’s first day of school, when she meets Saint, her brother from her father’s secret affair… after recognizing the chain he’s wearing. Things spiral quickly from there: her mom dies that same night, her dad soon after, and the story jumps ahead two years. Her brothers, Icon and Legend, are holding the family together and get involved with two women who have their own separate lives and careers. The romance is steamy, which was interesting to read, but the back-and-forth dynamics dragged for me. After her parents’ deaths, Tempo and Saint grow close, and when Saint starts selling drugs, Tempo decides she wants in. The plot itself is promising, but overall it just felt like a lot. Too much drama, too many POVs, and not enough depth.

Audiobook Experience:

The female narrator voices sounded way too young, almost like children. And it was really hard to ignore. It honestly got pretty annoying after a while. Everything else about the audio was great though! The male narrator especially did a solid job and fit their characters well.

For content notes: the N-word is used multiple times (not in a derogatory way), along with a lot of cursing.

Big thank you to @Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the early listening copy 💛

[Kristy aka Brooksie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely rate this low, especially on an advanced reader copy I requested. It honestly bothers me a lot. I had to DNF this book at 54%. It sounded interesting to me, and I thought I would like it. The story had potential, but the writing style wasn't to my taste. That is a me thing —personal preference —so take that with a grain of salt.

This organized crime family did not seem very organized. I know that kids do what the younger kids did in this book all the time, but I don't want to read about it. Whatever shady stuff the woman who was supposed to be the mother figure to the kids after their parents died was pulling —I'm not sure where it was going —but I didn't care for it either. It didn't even make sense why she was doing it. And why is a kid who has a huge basketball career basically being handed to him decide, naw, I want to be a big-time drug dealer instead of a famous basketball star. No kid does that. They get into sports or college to pursue a better career path, and get away from that and build a better life for themselves.

The biggest issue I had was the repeated use of the same derogatory word. If I put a tick mark every time it was used, it would be a large number, and that was only for listening to half the book. It was not necessary to be used at all. In my opinion, it should never be used ever. So to hear it repeated over and over was upsetting. The only thing that I didn't mind were the open-door sex scenes. I have to admit, those were hot. It wasn't worth it to me to continue listening just for those moments.

Normally, I don't leave a rating for books I DNF, but in this case, I couldn't continue due to major issues I found unnecessary.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wish it could have been a more positive one.

[CarlyK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

From the very first chapter, The Cartier Cartel pulls you into the dangerous and emotional world of the Cartier family. Jessica N. Watkins crafts a gritty, fast-paced story that blends romantic suspense, family legacy, and power struggles in the world of the cartel.

The story follows brothers Legend and Icon Cartier as they carry the weight of their family’s empire while trying to navigate love, loyalty, and betrayal. The dual perspectives kept the tension high — I loved how each brother’s storyline felt distinct yet intertwined. The chemistry between the couples was intense, and the romance added a softer edge to the otherwise brutal world of the cartel.

The narration of the audiobook (ALC) brought the characters to life — the narrators captured the raw emotion and streetwise tone perfectly. It was easy to stay immersed in the drama and the danger because the performance felt so authentic.

That said, the pacing dipped slightly in the middle, and with so many characters introduced early on, it took me a bit to get my footing. However, the ending more than made up for it — full of twists, passion, and a cliffhanger that guarantees I’ll be back for book two.

Overall, The Cartier Cartel is a thrilling start to what promises to be a bold, addictive series. If you enjoy urban fiction, romantic suspense, and stories centered around family, power, and survival, this one should be on your list.

[Marylovesreading · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Review: *The Cartier Cartel: A Legend and an Icon***
**Author:** Jessica N. Watkins
**Narrated by:** Morae Brehon; Midnite Michael
**Rating:** ⭐⭐☆☆☆

I really wanted to enjoy *The Cartier Cartel: A Legend and an Icon*, but unfortunately, the audiobook just didn’t work for me. The narration was difficult to follow, and that made it hard to stay engaged. I gave it about three hours before I decided to stop listening.

By that point, the story had set up an intriguing premise — a history of infidelity by the head of the Cartier Cartel that results in a son the same age as his legitimate daughter, the murder of the daughter’s mother, and years later, the re-emergence of all these players in each other’s lives. The setup had potential, but the execution fell short.

I also found the frequent use of derogatory language jarring. While I understand that it may fit the gritty world of a cartel story, it still made the listening experience uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, since I only had access to the audiobook version through an advance copy, I wasn’t able to switch to print or ebook. Between the narration and the difficulty connecting with the story, I couldn’t continue.

**Final Thoughts:**
The premise showed promise, but the combination of narration issues and language choices made it hard to enjoy. I’m giving this one 2 stars.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the advance listening copy.*

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to give anything away when it comes to this story and I definitely have to give kudos to the author because the story was amazing. I was captivated from beginning to end and the cliffhanger ending left me wanting the next book. Money and power will have family members turning on each other and when it comes to this story blood means nothing when power, control and money rules the world. This story is full of power, action, responsibilities, secrets, loss, sorrow, revenge, betrayal, enemies, deaths, scheming, anger, jealousy, love, steamy scenes and so much more. I honestly, can't wait for the next story because I'm excited to know what will happen with Legend, Icon, Saint, Tempo, Livia and Aria. Nadine and the person that made a surprise return near the end of the story. No one is safe and everything is at risk of crumbling down when there are too many people that want to be kings with not enough thrones. The thing that stopped me from rating this story 5 stars are the narrators because I didn't care for their voices and there were a few parts in this story that were a bit repetitive. However, even with that being said this story did not disappoint and it's one I would definitely recommend.