Dark Ruler

I had a hard time connecting with this book. Benicio was not a likable character although Chantal was ok. I did like Miko the best but he wasn't the main focus of the story. This book did have danger, suspense and murder. It wasn't a bad story but it just didn't hold my attention very well. Joy Beharie and Tom Haire both did a good job bringing this story to life.
🎧Pink Flamingo Productions, The Flock Reviewer

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Ruler

Did enjoy the dual narration of Joy Beharie and Tom Haire


Chantal is a strong smart and feisty lady . Beni is dominant , controlling and possessive. This an entertaining listen , it has steam, action, humour, and twists and turns. This story ends with a cliffhanger.

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Dark Ruler

Dark Ruler, Book 1 of The Bennett Duet by Xavier Neal
Narration by Joy Beharie and Tom Haire

This was an exciting and enjoyable start to this duet. It’s been sometime since I have listened to a book by Xavier and this one had me in all sorts of emotions.

The start shows us a close friendship and kinship between Benicio and his cousin Miko that sets the stage for this mafia romance. Then in swoops our sassy heroine Chantal who isn’t backing down to no one!

I loved her sass, and her don’t get in my way attitude that had me chuckling quite a bit; especially with her interactions with Miko. She’s strong willed and knows what she wants and is able to handle herself. No wonder Beni is smitten for this outspoken courageous woman because I sure was right off the bat.

When Beni thinks he can sweep into seeing Chantal and change her life, he doesn’t anticipate such a strong willed woman who captivates his heart and his life. Their dating starts unusually because Beni isn’t accustomed to it. Made mafia men don’t pay attention to women and don’t usually listen to them either. That was makes this mafia romance a bit different but in a really enjoyable way.

There is someone who doesn’t agree with Beni and Chantal’s relationship and it’s put her life and the lives of those close to her at risk. Then there’s the fact that Chantal is one of Beni’s accountants and has brought things to his attention which likely also started to make her a target with whoever is taking from the mafia, specifically Beni the reigning Capo.

This all comes to a head with mafia style killings and an abduction, can’t wait to hear what happens next and if this curious couple will ever get their HEA.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. Both narrators are new to me but I really fell into their performances. I don’t know or understand Spanish so it was a bit distracting for me🤓at times, but also made for some comedic scenes too when Beni is translating Miko’s comments. The cliffhanger ending left me on the edge and emotional with all that happened. I really need to get my hands on book 2.

#PinkFlamingoProductions #TheFlock
#MafiaRomance #XavierNeal
#JoyBehaire #TomHaire

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My Thoughts on Dark Ruler

There was so much to love about this story for me. The narration. The fact that it featured an interracial couple. That it’s a dark mafia romance which is one of my favorite tropes. That there were great secondary characters as well as main. And that’s just a few of the things I loved.

The narration was by two voices that aren’t exactly well known to me, but I felt like they did a really good job. They fit the characters and if I had one complaint it was that the female narrator didn’t really have a great Italian accent when she was narrating Beni, the leading man, or Mikko, Beni’s best friend and second in command. But honestly, I enjoyed the performance so much overall that the accent felt like a minor issue.

I always enjoy getting to listen to books with interracial couples as I personally relate to them and some of the struggles they face. The leading lady Chantal had a very unique and interesting perspective on the world and that added a whole new level of things to hook me to this story. Beni’s interest and determination to win Chantal over endeared him to me quickly and it wasn’t long before I was in love with both the leading characters as well as the secondary ones.

Mikko, Luther, and Cherise, all of them added entertainment, if nothing else to the story, but I really felt like they all were likable, important parts. Mikko especially I would like to see get his own book as he was such a humorous, loyal, just well written character.

The story ended on a cliffhanger but that was expected since this was a duet. I cannot wait to see what happens next and how the major issues at the end of this story are resolved.
🎧The Flock🎧

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Chantal and Benicio!

Benicio is a powerful man who has been groomed to know what his responsibilities are when it comes to his family. Not that he has assumed control he know that he needs to not only marry but produce heirs however the only problem with that is that the one woman he wants for the position is also the one people will deem to most unsuitable.

Chantal is confident when it comes to her skills with numbers so when she brings an inconsistency to the forefront her feisty personality catches the attention of her boss Benicio. She infuriates and challenges him a way that no other woman has before which only makes the chemistry between them burn that much stronger.

Intrigue, heat and amusing interplay as Benicio and Chantal not only try to maneuver the relationship they are building but all the obstacles that life keeps throwing at them as we lead up to a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more of this couple. The narrators were a great choice for the characters as brought out the feisty side of Chantal and the strong protector of Benicio. 🎧 Audiobook Obsession

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Dark Ruler by Xavier Neal

Amazing narration that made the story just fly by. The dialogue and the characters fit so well to the story. I was hooked until the last of it. It is a fabulous listen.

🦩🦩 Flock Review 🦩🦩

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Great start to the series!

Xavier Neal definitely knows her way around mafia romantic suspense! Spicy, action packed and a little softness in the couple, I was caught up in the story. Chantal, feisty, confident and unafraid burst into the office of the new capo, Beni and captures his attention immediately. Yes, he has motives. He needs to find a wife and carry on the family name, but this bolt of lightening was not in the cards. Now he will make her his. But in true mafia fashion, nothing is easy, and everything is dangerous, and not only for Beni. This couple is so well paired. I love the dominance of Beni, but I also love that he will give over his control to Chantal in private. They are both extremely driven and full of determination. The one thing that did interrupt the story was the Italian to English translations. I don't think it added much to the story, and would have been good with less. And the ending! Oh my! I am left wanting to know more! Bring it on Xavier Neal! I am ready!

A wonderful cast brings this to our ears! Joy Beharie is new to me, and I enjoyed her voice. It's rich and full, giving us the true feeling of Chantal's personality. Tom Haire is amazing as Beni. Alpha charged, a little growlie and easy to love. This was a good pairing for this story.

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Next, please!!

Dark Ruler, the first book in the Bennett Duet, is a wonderfully written mafia romance. The storyline is very well-plotted and wholly engaging; my attention was grabbed from the moment I started listening, and it held through the very end. Xavier Neal's character development is superb; it was easy to connect and relate with Chantal and Benicio (Beni). I found both of them quite appealing, and their connection was instantaneous, magnetic, and electrifying. Their relationship has some challenges, but their bond remained steadfast, despite the obstacles thrown their way. Their story is fascinating, entertaining, and very steamy; a lighter mafia romance with loads of drama and some dark and suspenseful elements. I enjoyed every moment of it!

The narration is spot-on. Joy Beharie and Tom Haire's depiction of the characters was perfect. They were authentic in their roles, making the story even more engaging. Dark Ruler was a fantastic listen; the storyline and the cast were terrific. I can't wait to listen to the second book. I'm recommending the Bennett Duet to those interested in a hot and not too dark mafia romance.

🎧 TheFlock, PinkFlamingo 🎧

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Dark Mafia

Wonderful story line , great characters and perfect narration . I am looking forward to listening to Dark Reign .
audiobookobssession pinkflamingoproductions

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Audiobook obsession reviewer flock Reviewer

I dont know where the time went listening to this book it was magical
The story had so much suspense, drama and a good dash of the darkness that you would expect from a Mafia book. It also had a beautiful sweetness between the main characters that would shine through that had me hooked.

The ending certainly has me excited for the next one in the series and anything else that Xavier Neal chooses to write. This was an amazing listen.

I also wanted to give a shout out to the narrators. I dont think more perfect narrators could have been chosen. There narration just added that next level to an already amazing book

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