Why am I so angry? Why does the need to make another bleed reside within me? Easy, genetics right? I’m nothing like my mother and my father is dead. Now what? Whitsborough is a town that’s shiny on the outside but rotting on the inside. Unearthing one secret here means digging through hundreds of others to reach it. Finding my father’s secret would change everything. My training is helping to keep my rage in check, But my mind is fixated on the one thing I can’t have. Catalina Delgado, Cartel Princesa. She’s a human weapon trained for mass destruction, And I’m designed to self-destruct. Where’s our safe place? Or are we destined to forever be alone?
Let me tell you, I am far from disappointed in this book, and I just knew this series was going to be epic. Move over, Ivy: your cousins just became my favorite. I sat and prepared myself for a few days before I started to read this book. Deep down, I had a feeling there would be some mind trickery involved, and there is. (Insert a giddy me) If I could give this book more than five stars, I would.
Catalina, since birth, has been trained to be a soldier for the cartel. She is seen as an ice-cold queen. There is a whole story there that will break your heart, and you will want to hurt some people along the way. She is a true badass and so sassy. Love her; Carmelo Torres is still training to fight and to Take over for his Aunt. To stay Cat and Carm bring out the worse in each other is an understatement. And the chemistry is toxic, unbelievable, and intense; I was waiting for them to kill each other or rip their clothes off. Oh, stay, they may have down both. Now add Carmen, who is level-headed and even them out. It’s one big hot mess. Thank you, C.A.Rene. Carmelo quick wit is added a few notches since Ivy and I seriously enjoyed it. Especially at the church. I couldn’t stop laughing.
This is Cameron’s story and Carmelo's; the chemistry between the three is off the charts. So steamy. On my dark scale is Gray. Let’s talk about the scene-stealer Saxon. He is not the same Saxon from chapter one to the end. Still smart. He is one calm, calculated psychopath. Everyone thinks he is quiet when he is just observing. I need to know how his brain ticks, and I can’t wait for his book.
Carmelo’s Malice is easy to read and will captivate you from the beginning if you are looking for a Dark Romance that is hot, messy, and full of suspense. Carmelo’s Malice is for you. C.A. Rene is an evil genius. So happy I have stumbled upon her books.
Prologue - Carmelo How did I end up here? My arms trussed up above my head and my body swinging over a darkened cement floor. Darkened with what can only be bodily fluids. I can smell the ammonia and iron plainly from here. I can hear voices coming from my left but it’s hard to see that side with my eye swollen shut and my body hurts too much to force it to turn. I was warned this could happen and that fucking with these people would have me killed. But she was worth it. Being a Torres by blood hasn't been easy considering where it’s gotten me but I can’t help that and I know my name also means people are coming to help me. I can rest assured that I’ll either be rescued or avenged and the Rio Cartel have no idea what they’re in for. My Aunt Ember needs little convincing to fight and shed blood and I can only hope I’m alive when she rips this place apart for me. That is a sight I want to see, ever since I found out who and what she is, I can’t stop thinking about how she might look on those fucking jobs. Then I realize, the talking has stopped and I don’t know how long it’s been this quiet, until I hear a creepy whistle sounding from down the corridor. I try to swing my body to see better out of my one eye but it’s fucking useless. The sound grows louder and I know they are coming here to me, anxiety tightens in my chest. Are they whistling Kissin’ Cousins by Elvis Presley? Then it dawns on me, I know exactly who the fuck that is, and I don’t know whether to be elated or petrified. I keep trying to turn but the pain becomes too much on my shoulder blades, so I wait for the fucker to get to me. Once the whistling is directly on my left, I swing slightly, and come face to face with them. Their face covered in blood, both drying and fresh, and a sinister smile lining their lips. “Just hanging out I see.” Chapter one - Carmelo Six months earlier “Fucking concentrate!” Uncle Emmett slaps me on the side of my head and I throw my head back with a groan. “I’m tired!” “Yeah?” He growls, “I’m fucking tired of you being tired.” He’s been relentless in my training and my knife throwing skills are fucking shitty. I can work a gun and my aim is good, but when I throw a knife, it flies in a different direction. “I hate flinging these little shits around.'' I whine. Yes, I fucking whine as I twirl a little black knife around my forefinger. “Start acting like the man you were named after!” Uncle Emmett yells and I fucking see red. “Yeah?” I scream back, getting in his face. “How the fuck can I do that when the fucker was killed before I was born?” The room falls silent and Uncle Emmett’s face falls, guilt seeping into his features. “Fuck,” he mutters and turns around. “That was pretty harsh,” her voice floats into the room. I turn and see Trent’s daughter Catalina leaning against the wall, one of those little knives rotating around her finger. She flings her wrist forward and the little knife sails past my head and lodges into the dummy I’ve been trying to hit all day. The knife sits firmly between its eyes and I slap down the piece of metal I was holding. “Fuck this.” I growl and storm from the room. “Carmelo!” Uncle Emmett calls to my back, but I’m already gone. I slam my fist into the wall at the sound of my name. Carmelo. I was named after a man I never met and it’s a constant reminder. I don’t know where I came from and I can’t figure out who I am because that vital part of me is missing. I am nothing like my mother, I don’t even look like her, and I struggle every fucking day with the realization that I may never know who the fuck I am. “Daddy issues can be a bitch.” “Go away, Cat.” I hiss at her. “You sound like a little bitch.” Fuck I want to punch this chick in the face. I have never in my life wanted to hit a woman but Catalina Delgado is fucking pushing me.
I can always count on a gritty, steamy, and adventure-filled ride from this author, and this book lived up to those expectations. Enemies to lovers, Carmelo and Catalina along with the calmer Cameron discover unexpected love while embroiled in Cartel -- rather, getting themselves and their Head organization away from the Cartel. This is a stand-alone book, but best experienced after reading the original (parents') series.
Carmelo is an underground fighter, and Cameron is his best friend and de facto manager. Catalina, involuntarily bound to the Cartel, is trained in self-defense and subversion. In the midst of this internal war between Cartel with secret vigilante, they discover they all have feelings for each other. Trouple, anyone? Between Catalina and Carmelo, the interactions are explosive, fierce, passionate while Cameron is the harmony, more calming balance. But don't let anyone fool you, only alpha males here and a feisty girl comprise this relationship. Great convergence of former adored characters, including mama Ember, daughter Ivy and significant other Neil; Trent; Saxon; and others. (Let me repeat: Saxon ... a new crazy character I can't wait to read about.)
A medium burn feel where progression picks up after initial setting and character groundwork, approximately after 30 percent. What I liked most about this story were untamed interactions yet balance in the relationship between the three main characters; the MMA and Cartel backdrop were less of a draw for me.
A story of coming of age, learning about and improving oneself in this edgy, steamy adventure. Overall great read.
Carmelo's Malice is the second book in the Whitsborough Progenies, and you guessed it tells the story of Carmelo and Catalina and Cameron, the triple Cs as I named them in my head.
This story is a wild ride, Carmelo and Catalina always being on each others throats and Cameron being there to take care of them and calm them in a way. Their relationship wasn't so easily accepted by them, but in the end everything played out.
The plot and the story itself is crazy, there were some funny moments between Carmelo and Cameron, and also Catalina's remarks, and even though there is a lot of action and violence, this small snippets made the story more consistent.
I liked this one, and I can't wait to read Saxon's story, he is intriguing, and want to see how he is portraited in his own story.
I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm IN for this option!!! Don't know what I mean? Well, read the damn book!!!!
I love every single book by C.A. Rene I've read so far and I knew I'll love this more as much! She's a beast and I'm here for it!
This book is going around of beloved duo Carmelo and Cameron as well as around Catalina Delgado! A love triangle? Not really, but that's for you to find out!
Carmelo is a hot-headed dude that loves to fight! (If you've read Through the Pain and you loved Ember, you will love Malice aka Carmelo). He is named after his father, but because he didn't have a chance to ever meet him he's struggling.
Cameron is our Emmett (Finding the Light), level-headed loving guy that will do all he can to protect the people he loves!
Catalina? Thought honestly I don't know how to describe her to be honest. She's a tough woman with a lot going on in her life. She doesn't hold back when there's something to be said and if you threaten he, you better run or just sign your death certificate. I love her.
This whole book was an amazing exploration of a few delightful things might I say. From pain to sorrow, from pleasure to joy! Each chapter was special and also we've got a 3 POVs, which was awesome and easy to navigate!
I loved the ending of the book because of 3 things! 1st : Our little trio was in a need of a few punches 2nd: We got a look into our crazy psycho Saxon 3nd: Emmett freaking Torres had the coming into the stage ever!!!
I found this story also a hell of a funny! There were a few times when I almost screamed of happiness or suppressed a laughter because, in the next room people are sleeping, haha. It's a must read for 110%!
This is book two in the Whitsborough Progenies series and although you do not need to read book one, why the heck wouldn't you?
The series is interconnected so we got to see our faves from book 1 make an appearance. I love when series are like that, it's like watching a TV show. You get a peek into different characters lives as well as keep up to date on past couples. Also, helps with being burned out with the same people over and over especially if the series is long.
But I digress, on to Carmelo!! It's thruple time baby!!! You heard me. The three C's!!! Carmelo, Catalina and Cameron. This sandwich is so hot, it's a grilled cheese. Ooey and gooey and oh so pipping hot!! Burn your tongue because you can't wait to bite in hot. Steaming and smoking goodness. Fire!! Fuego!!! Y to' eso!
You know that hate to love and love to hate kinda toxic relationship we try to steer from IRL but love in our books. Here ya...come and get it. That's what we are working with here people.
Let me tell you what else I loved and how this one was different, IMHO. Usually it's the h that centers two aggressive Hs, she calms them both and helps them find their love for each other and for her. Woooo noooo. Chrissy is not going to give you basic when she writes. Nope. Catalina was every bit as hot headed as Carmelo and Cameron was their center of gravity. And I have to admit I totally thought Cameron's role was going to go the other direction but so so glad it didn't.
Now I wait, I sit and wait for Saxon's turn.
OH!!! And look at that cover, tell me he doesn't look like a latinx Magic Mike!! Aye Papi!!
Review : C. A. Rene is back with her cutthroat heroes and savage heroines. Carmelo and Saxon were sin incarnated and I loved them soo much! Catalina was the perfect badass female character.
These all have that toxic chemistry that you know is bad for health but you can't help yourself and have it enough. The storyline was good and I can't wait to see more from this author! Her books are dark with crazy characters so please keep the triggers in mind.
I would like to recommend this series to all the dark romance lovers out there!
Carmelo's Malice by C.A. Rene is a dark romance standalone in the Whitsborough Progenies series.
This is the second book in this spin-off series from Whitsborough Chronicles. I would highly recommend recommend reading that series first for full context. But it is set up to read as a standalone.
I absolutely love C.A.'s books! I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Carmelo, Catalina, and Cameron. Their relationship was messy but you couldn't help but root for them. I really enjoyed getting all of their points of view throughout the story. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Saxton's Distortion be released on October 26, 2021.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, contemporary romances, or romantic suspense.
Y’all ain’t ready !!! If you like toxic, fiery, physical relationships 👀.... this ones for you 🥵 and Jesus I wasn’t prepared to fall MORE in love with Saxon 😩 ITS KILLING ME! I need his book YESTERDAY!
I was NOT ready for this. I knew this would wreck me in the best way possible and I was right. . Let me just submerge myself in holy water cause hot dang! The spice is through the roof and I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a thirsty ho here for every second! My gosh these characters are something! I don’t know why I wasn’t expecting that level of depth. I mean from Ivys book I really should have been prepared but I wasn’t at all. And that’s on me. . I was captivated from the first chapter. I love how there is more than meets the eye in the world of Whitsborough. Around every corner there seems to be something just as twisted and sinister as the next. Add in the suspense, toxic as hell chemistry and an entertaining plot into the mix and you have yourself one heck of a book. I absolutely love Cat. If I could be any badass FMC it’s definitely her. He’s tough, takes no shit from anyone and sassy as hell. She comes across as cold but really there’s so much more and I’ve loved peeling back the layers. Carmelo, I mean where do I even begin. I have been wanting his story as well as Cams for the longest and I was so happy to get this book and the insights we did. Carmen seems to be a sane one of the bunch and in a book like this, you need that calm a level headed person to just let you take a breath. . All have their own tragic and heartbreaking story but watching them become who they are by the end and navigate through all the roadblocks has been incredible. I could not put this down and I’m so in love with these. Hara tees I can possibly see how Rene is going to out do herself with the next one, but I also have no doubt she will. An incredible read of epic proportions with amazing characters with chemistry that’s out of this world. I have loved every second of this. Well done Rene, you have done it again.
CA Rene has created yet another frigging masterpiece. This time, in the story for Carmelo. And if you paid close enough attention, it’s Cameron’s story as well. Carmelo, the cousin of Ivy, the nephew of Ember, son of Carmelo. His past is what shapes him, his present and future is what defines him. Cameron, the son of Tommy. The ever-present best friend, he’s the calm before the storm. These guys are thick as thieves and work well together. They both have a shared history with Catalina Delgado. And isn’t she just a firecracker? A badass with tenacity and strength but also a sweet vulnerability that made my heart ache for her. Cat and Carm have similar personalities and if you’ve ever seen shared personalities duel, it’s like that. The constant bickering, the chemistry, the quick wit. It was entertaining and I loved every minute when they are together. They are explosive. Both in the sexual sense and the uhh...not so sexual sense. They are turbulent and aggressive. Not exactly normal, but what is normalcy these days? Carmelo is a fighter, now being groomed to take over for Ember in the Head Corp. Cat acts almost like a double agent, doing runs for the Cartel and bringing back information to the Head Corps. But she has trouble and drama looming ahead. This book played out like a movie and I was gripped from the beginning. And seriously, every time Saxon is in the scene that psycho steals it. I don’t think I could love him more than I do now. Well done, Chrissy! Absolutely phenomenal!
Chrissy has done it again, Every book I have read of her's takes you on a journey that you are not prepared for and Carmelo's Malice is no different.
This may be Camelo's story but it is also Cameron and Catalina's and if you hadn't already guessed then yes this is a MMF romance. Carmelo has always thought a part of him was missing and it isn't till he starts finding out more about his deceased father till he starts to gather strength, Oh don't get me wrong, Carmelo is a fighter so he has the physical strength, he just needs the mental strength to start believing in himself. Carmelo & Cameron are best friends and they have shared women before, They are complete opposites, while Carmelo is always on the verge of blowing up, Cameron is the clam one. Catalina is a Cartel Princesa and she is a human weapon trained for mass destruction and destined to be married to someone else. Carmelo is being groomed to take over the Head Corp so his Aunt Ember can retire.
Carmelo & Cam both have feelings for Cat but they will not act on it as they do not want it to become between their friendship, They find out Cat feels the same way and their relationship starts. Carmelo & Cat are full of passion, anger and the chemistry is off the charts while Cat & Cam have the passion and Cam is the one that seems to bring some sense of clam between the three of them.
This was an explosive read that I could not put down and Saxton "fans myself" he is freaking on point and cannot wait to read his story.
I am extremely lucky to be a part of C.A. Rene's beta team and as always, she blows me away with the stories that she writes! Carmelo's Malice was absolutely amazing!!!! Such an addictive read! The perfect MFM romance that is dark and delicious teamed with epic chemistry, toxicity, passion and just enough suspense. I will tell you one thing, C.A. Rene knows how to write the hottest scenes. GAHHHHHHHH!!! Seriously!! I loved Carmelo! Even though there were times that his words were cruel and cutthroat enough that I wanted to punch him, he was just so damn hot!!! And don't get me started on Saxon. I fell madly in love with him in Ivy's Venom and even though he was only a small part of this book, he made me love him even more and took this book to the insanely great level that it is. I LOVE HIM!!!!!! I cannot wait to see what is coming next!!!!
This time it’s Carmelo and Cameron’s turn with the woman they both love - Catalina. Carmelo and Catalina are like oil and water or something more toxic but they’re perfect for each other. And Cameron is the guy that balances them out.
It wouldn’t be a Whitsborough book without some sinister, dark drama filled with sadistic criminals and crazy good guys. And I enjoyed every minute of it as well as the polyamorous relationship that unfolds between the three. Can we say scorching?
Overall I enjoyed it but wish there was more to it. I felt there was things that could have been explored or extended.
Oh and before I forget...how about Saxon? He stood out as a character I can’t wait to read about in the next book.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Carmelo and Cat are just an explosion waiting to happen. I loved then from their first fight and their relationship had me hooked into this story. But throw Cameron into this mfm story and just wow, it is so amazing. I absolutely loved getting to know Cameron and watching him fall for Cat and become part of this relationship with the man who he is closer to than a brother. These two guys don't have a sexual relationship but they work together to give the firey, headstrong, badass Cat their everything. I love love love the Whitsborough world and all the amazing people that are a part of it who we get to revisit. Chrissy knows how to write an amazing story and this series is a must read.
Book 2 of the Progenies. Another set of the next generation brought to you from the crazy & intense brain of C.A. Rene.
She loves giving us a nice toxic relationship. With this one she gave us 2 toxic people with the 1 who brings them all together.
Slowly more of the kids are finding out their family history and where they fall in line to continue it. Is it something they want? Do they want to walk away? How upset are they when they learn what’s been hidden from them for so long?
This is a standalone in the Whitsborough Progenies series. Although they're all standalones (focusing on specific characters), the main set of characters are in all of the books, including the original series Whitsborough Chronicles. I highly suggest reading those before or after this one just so you know the backstory of this entire crazy bunch of family/friends. You can read this solo and it's still a great book. You'll just love ALL of the other characters too. Great, great series. Both of them.
This is the story of Carmelo's and Cameron's relationship with Catalina. First, Cat is awesome. Her story is tragic, but she's a strong cookie. I could actually feel her emotion of constantly being suppressed like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Ye, she's willing to sacrifice herself to save anyone and everyone she loves. I'm not sure how I feel about Carmelo. He has a lot of identity issues given that he never knew his father who died before he was born. Those issues have (up until this book) basically been a roadblock to him maturing. He's always struggled with not knowing exactly where he came from even though he's surrounded by this large and loving group. Blood is not the defining character of what's considered family with this group. He definitely did a LOT of maturing through this book. And while his chemistry with Cat was fire, I was mostly drawn in to his internal growth. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't really get into his relationship with Cat on a romantic level. Now, CAMERON, on the other hand, had me sucked in from jump. At the beginning of the book, he's really struggling with being separated from his family and what direction he wants to go in his life. He felt so aimless and didn't want to bother his cousin/best friend Carmelo because he thought his life had purpose where he felt his did not. Almost like he felt like a burden. To be clear, Carmelo would have been there for him in a heartbeat if he had any inkling of Cam's struggles. The way Cam's relationship formed with Cat was beautiful. Friendship that led to more. Although he reached out to her because he thought she needed a friend (which she did), I don't think he realized that he needed a friend too. His reaction to Cat when she tried to make Carmelo jealous had me crying because you could really feel his heartbreak. Their relationship was hearts and flowers, while Carmelo and Cat's relationship was ice and fire. It made for a great balance. I just happened to be totally #TeamCam.
I squealed when Saxon appears right at the beginning of the book because I LOVE his character. His camaraderie with Cameron mostly (but also Carmelo) with his dry humor is just beyond words. If you've read Ivy's Venom, then you've already fallen in love with him. We get so much more of him in this book and I just ate it all up.
It looks like Saxon's book is next and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. His character is so interesting and entertaining I think I could read multiple books focused solely around him.
Oh my…I am loving the second generation of Whitsborough. C.A. Rene, author, is one of my favorite authors and I loved the Whitsborough Chronicles Series including the Whitsborough Progenies. C.A. Rene did a fantastic job with the characters of Carmelo’s Malice. Carmelos never knew his Dad who dies saving his Aunt Ember (from the Whitsborough Chronicles Series) making him feel like he needed live up to an image he had of his Dad. Cameron is trying to figure what his future will look like and thinks he has finally found a plan thanks to Carmelos. Carmelos and Cameron always felt close and didn’t feel ok being apart. Catalina grew up in Mexico being groomed to marry the son of the head of the Rio Cartel and living part time with her Dad at the underground compound of the Eastside Rampage. The three of them are part of the second generation of the Whitsborough Chronicles Series. They have a connection and all fulfill a need in each other. Carmelo’s Malice is the story of how they found their HEA. Carmelos, Cameron, and Catalina all of a different history and characteristics that give them depth making them easy to relate to and empathize with. Carmelo’s Malice is filled with lots of twists, turns, things going sideways, secrets, surprises, revelations, heat 🔥🔥, and emotions. From the first page to the last readers will become engrossed and will have a very hard time to put the book down much less want to be interrupted. I know I didn’t want to put it down or have any interruptions while reading Carmelo’s Malice. There was so much going on and I could not wait to see what happened next. As you already guessed it I highly recommend Carmelo’s Malice. I have to say I have never been disappointed with any of the books I have read from C.A. Rene and Carmelo’s Malice is no exception. While Carmelo’s Malice is about Carmelo, Cameron, and Catalina and their HEA there were glimpses and information about other characters from the second generation of Whitsborough Chronicles Series characters and the next up will be Saxon in Saxon’s Distortion and I for one can’t wait for it to be released. I have read all of C.A. Rene’s books so I won’t have any of her other books to read while waiting for Saxon’s Distortions but if you have not read them I highly recommend you do so as C.A. Rene is a outstanding writer and it’s so easy to get lost in her books. ⚠️ Warning…C.A. Rene books are dark and do have trigger warnings. Please heed them. Hope you enjoy Carmelo’s Malice and other books by C.A. Rene as much as I do. Enjoy your reading!!
Arc for honest review .Carmelos Malice completely Blew me away , it grabbed onto me from the very start And never let go.C.A Rene is such a amazingly talented author not to mention one of my favorites , It’s for that reason I knew before even picking this book up it was going to be Epic , Emotional, Raw , just simply perfection. Since birth Catalina has been trained to be a soldier for the cartel .most people see her as being cold , a ice queen .There is a whole story , one that will break your heart . I found my self completely balling my eyes out , My heart gent broke for her . One of the things I loved best about her is how Strong she is , she is so sassy , a complete rebel. I completely fell in love with her character so much . Carmelo Torres is Training to fight , eventually taking over for his aunt . Cat And Carm are combustible- and don’t really bring out the best In one another . Like oil and water .But the chemistry between them is toxic , unbelievable at times and insanely intense .Now add in Cameron , because this is not only Carm’s and Cats story it’s cams as well . You guessed it this is a MMF romance . And the chemistry between these three is completely off the charts . I literally Stayed up until the early hours of the morning, because I could not stop thinking about the dark and delicious , yet oh so steamy romance .It has it all , darkness , intrigue, twist and turns you won’t see coming for days .This spectacular Book exceeded all my expectations and more . C.A Rene is a queen when it comes to Dark romances and more .
C.A. Rene is back at it again with another kickass addition to the Whitsborough Progenies. Carmelo’s Malice follows Carmelo, Catalina and Cameron.
First off I just want to say that I am in total awe of just how kickass, sassy and strong Cat is. She is absolutely fierce and extremely loyal to the cause which we definitely see in this book. Some of my favourite moments were the toxic, intense and passionate interactions that she had with Carmelo. I love how I could never tell if they were going to have sexy time or get stabby.
Carmelo is seriously misjudged because he comes across as being an angry bad boy and his Torres last name is not helping whatsoever. But as the story progresses we get to see that he is loyal, caring, protecting, kindhearted and is also a little broken just like the rest of us. Cameron is the glue that holds everything together, he is the calm in the middle of the Carmelo and Catalina storm. I love the bond that he has with Carmelo because it is pure and unbreakable.
Okay so I am definitely getting on the OMG Saxon totally stole the spotlight train because this is the truth. Especially the church scene which nearly killed me and I have to say that this was my utmost favourite part of the book. He seriously had me intrigued in Ivy’s Venom but now I am totally chomping at the bit for Saxon’s book.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
This is book 2 in the Whitsborough Progenies! This is a dark romance with a triple POV. If you have any triggers be wary before diving in! If you haven’t read The Whitsborough Chronicles then grab that before you start on The Whitsborough Progenies!
“Forgive me Daddy, I have sinned.”
@Carene never fails to give us a story that blows our mind and puts the humor in the perfect place! I knew I was going to love Carmelo from the start but what I didn’t anticipate was Cat and her fierce self! She reminds me of Ember but not as unhinged! She’s fierce and hard and is not one you want to mess with but she has a side to her that’s soft and vulnerable. Poor Cameron is always in the middle diffusing situations that they get themselves into. He’s the calm before the storm and all three are perfect together! This story will take you back to the begging and have you choking up from the start! Who loves daddy issues in your characters? Me too! Grab this book ASAP! As always we’re waiting for my baby’s book! Saxon is going to knock you off your feet and have you panting for more! It’s going to be epic, like Ember epic! And no you bitches can’t have him! Fight me!
Thank you to Talk Nerdy 2 Me and the author, C.A Rene, for providing a copy of Carmelo's Malice (Whitsbourer Progenies book two). I have reviewed honestly.
Carmelo's Malice features, but is not limited to, the following themes: ○ New adult ○ Dark romance ○ Polyamorous relationships ○ Enemies to lovers ○ Cartel/mobs/Mafia ○ Arranged marriage ○ Forbidden romance
My overall rating for Camelo's Malice is…
4 Stars!
The Whitsbourer Progenies are grown and learning the tools of the trade in this insightful and twisted sequal. With three main characters we see a variety of personalities and explore the unusual yet whimsical inner workings of a polyamorous relationship. Unfortunately, I didn't bond well with any other the main characters in this book. Yes, I liked them, but I didn't love them like I loved Neil and Ivy. This made the story less personal then I generally like. Looking past this, the general storyline was brutally beautiful and the plotline thickened deliciously as the story progressed. Overall, an enjoyable and well written read for dark romance lovers.
I love this author and I can’t get enough of her books. When we think it can’t get any better, she proves us wrong and blows our fucking minds. Catalina...the mouth of that girl, so dirty and dangerous. She’s a fucking weapon, sharp, precise and deadly. But that tough exterior is deceiving, because deep inside she’s a pained, lonely girl that needs someone to be there for her, to support her, to protect her, and most of all, to love her. And she found it in not one, but two sexy and loyal as hell men. With Carmelo, she’s always been his weakness, the girl he loves to hate. Their fights work like foreplay, and they’ve been at it for years. They are explosive together, but that just makes it more exciting, dangerous. Cameron is loyal. He was ready to break his own heart so Carmelo could fix his own. He’s her safe place, her comfort. While Carmelo feeds her fire, Cameron calms both of their flames. Their journey was intense, painful, dangerous, but it just made the ending sweeter. I can’t wait to read Soren’s book, he’s the one caught my attention the most in this series. I going to enjoy that peculiar, dangerous and so fucking intriguing mind of his 🖤
I just absolutely love CA Rene’s books. She creates the dark atmosphere and story that just appeal to someone who loves dark romances. Carmelo’s malice is no different than any of her other books. Carmelo and Cameron are like yin and yang. Cameron is the calmness to Carmelo’s dark vibe and anger he sometimes can have. Catalina is one of my least favorite female characters though lol. She is still good, but her stubbornness was almost to the point I wanted to punch her lol.
But the real star of this show (IMO), is Saxon lol. He is the comic relief but in a dark, sinister, IDGAF sense. He is blunt, to the point and a little psycho...but lets be honest. We all love the psycho ones in our dark romances (in real life, not so much haha). I am anxiously awaiting his story.
If you have been following Ember and Vincent’s story since the Whitsborough Chronicles, then you really need to continue on with this series (book 1 was Ivy).
Anyone else wondering what it would be like if one day C.A. Rene decided to write a rom-com? Carmelo fun nature and internal thoughts had me cracking up on multiple occasions alongside with the other supporting characters. *looks around for Catalina every time she attacks him and Cameron's growing 🍆 AND ESPECIALLY SAXON 👀👀 - there's something seriously unhinged about him that calls to me 👀👀*
Also, can I say hot damn? Because HOT DAMN. When Cat and Carmelo get at each others' throats and take in Cam with them things get INTENSE. 🥵🥵🔥
We have some sorts of an arranged marriage here with a plot that kept me invested and devouring this book pretty fast and um, a few dead bodies, the OG characters from the previous books that we so love... Long live the Black Slaughter...
Might be just me but I thought this book was funny more than bloody and sure as hell flipping hot. Definitely on the lighter side but still a deliciously dark romance that I couldn't put down.
Carmelo’s Malice has just took my breath away. It completely pulled me in from the beginning and I never out it down today.
Catalina has been training since birth to be a soldier for cartel but it make her strong and people think cold and ice queen. And that is a heartbreaking story. Carmelo has always training to take his aunt place. But the chemistry and sometimes oil and water. Cat and Carm doesn’t bring the out the best in each other that where you have Cameron. He is like a calm they don’t know they need.
Carmelo’s Malice has wonderful characters. C. A. Rene has done fantastic with writing a dark romance. I have been reading a lot of dark romance lately and C. A. Rene has get a special way writing that makes her one of my dark romance author. She always delivers with the drama passion love and steamy scenes in her book and Carmelo’s Malice has all that and more. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Carmelo's malice is interesting that's for sure. It is a beautiful combination of slow-burn, insta-attraction, second chance, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers. Trust me I know it sounds confusing but it's not and it worked really, really well.
I did initially have a paragraph for each character but thought that it might make it a bit too long so I'll summarise my thoughts instead of the stream of consciousness.
I love Carmelo, Cameron and Catalina. They are so very passionate in their way and all suit each other so very well. They each had pressures and expectations that they were trying to live up to as well as the "who am I" all young (+middle+older) adults have.
The inclusion of the rest of the fam and their interactions I've also loved. I had theories and theories but I was still taken by surprise.
This book was bursting at the seams, I don’t know how C. A. Rene managed to fit so much story into one book. I read Ivy’s Venom and really liked it, this story has crossover characters (including Ivy herself) but it’s completely different. We get to know Carmelo and Cameron better and they are truly BFF goals. We also get to know Cat who is a total mystery at first but also a total spitfire. Cat and Carmelo are basically the same people so they are constantly butting heads but Cameron seems to neutralize them pretty well. In this story, an addition to the love story, we also have to deal with the Mexican Cartel and some carry over from lost grudges with them. The storyline is super fast so there’s always a lot going on that keeps you engaged. And if loving Saxon is wrong I don’t wanna be right! I cannot wait for his story!
This was a great addition to Whitsborough progenies series!
Carmelo stuggles with finding out who he is and where he belongs in his family. But as he gets to find out more about his father and rest of the family he’s beginning to understand what it means to be a Torres.
Carmelo and Catalina were toxic together but luckily, they had Cameron to keep balance! Catalina was strong and fierce and I loved that she wasn’t afraid to go toe to toe with Carmelo and threw a couple of punches at him that he most definitely deserved. Their chemistry was explosive and I loved their dynamic. All three of them fit perfectly together. And talk about hot sex scenes!
The storyline had its intense moments with some mafia, but my favorite is when this whole crazy family is together. Saxon definitely stood out as a side character and I can’t wait for his story!
Carmelo is something else. He is living in his dead father's shadow. It doesn't matter where he turns he feels like he's trying to live up to a man that he never knew. He makes him just a bit bitter. Let's just say he's better off having his family and friends there with him to keep him level. The kid is a bit of a mess.
And things get messier when Cat is around.
She's usually off working with the cartel being a double agent and all that. She's feisty and won't hesitate to put Carmelo in his place. When she does it's fire and toxic. Those too are fire and gasoline. But add Cameron and we've got a smolder.
Was I hyped up for a poly relationship. IS THE POPE CATHOLIC?!
As per usual Rene did not disappoint.
Carm disappointed me a few times though. He knows what he did.