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Pearl #2
Shadows of Pearl
This is BOOK TWO of The Pearl Trilogy. It is not stand-alone. If you have not read Forty Shades of Pearl (Part 1) you really need to do that first to get the maximum out of this book's plot and character development for the best reading experience possible.
Pearl Robinson feels like the luckiest woman in the world. In just a couple of months she is to be married to the man she's head over heels in love with: the wonderful and charismatic Alexandre Chevalier, fifteen years her junior and founder of the billion dollar social media sensation, HookedUp.
She is planning a white winter wedding in Lapland - the stuff that dreams are made of. Everything is perfect, not least her haute couture wedding gown designed especially for her.
But Pearl is convinced that Alexandre's sister and business partner, Sophie Dumas, has other, darker ideas.
And the shadows of Pearl's past come back to haunt her in ways she could never have imagined...
Erotic Romance - full-length novel (72,000 words - 279 pages)
Pearl Robinson feels like the luckiest woman in the world. In just a couple of months she is to be married to the man she's head over heels in love with: the wonderful and charismatic Alexandre Chevalier, fifteen years her junior and founder of the billion dollar social media sensation, HookedUp.
She is planning a white winter wedding in Lapland - the stuff that dreams are made of. Everything is perfect, not least her haute couture wedding gown designed especially for her.
But Pearl is convinced that Alexandre's sister and business partner, Sophie Dumas, has other, darker ideas.
And the shadows of Pearl's past come back to haunt her in ways she could never have imagined...
Erotic Romance - full-length novel (72,000 words - 279 pages)
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2012
193 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
About the author
Arianne Richmonde
29 books938 followersARIANNE RICHMONDE is the USA TODAY bestselling author of the psychological thrillers, THE WIFE'S HOUSE and THE NEWLYWEDS (published by Bookouture, Hachette UK), and suspense and romance.
Her Pearl series has sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Her stories are always character-driven and full of unexpected twists and turns.
Apart from writing about the passions and fragilities of human nature, she loves to spend time with her husband and their animals, including a femme fatale Husky with one blue eye and one golden eye. Arianne's a chocaholic and sometimes sneaks off to sunny, exotic locations, all in the name of research.
For updates on new releases, sales and giveaways please sign up for her Newsletter by going to: https://bit.ly/2ZoRQVx (copy and paste to your browser). Or join her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAriann... or send her an email ariannerichmonde@gmail.com - she loves hearing from readers and will always reply.
Her Pearl series has sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Her stories are always character-driven and full of unexpected twists and turns.
Apart from writing about the passions and fragilities of human nature, she loves to spend time with her husband and their animals, including a femme fatale Husky with one blue eye and one golden eye. Arianne's a chocaholic and sometimes sneaks off to sunny, exotic locations, all in the name of research.
For updates on new releases, sales and giveaways please sign up for her Newsletter by going to: https://bit.ly/2ZoRQVx (copy and paste to your browser). Or join her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAriann... or send her an email ariannerichmonde@gmail.com - she loves hearing from readers and will always reply.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
December 5, 2016
Book one was amazing; however, this book was a train wreck as Pearl was extremely unlikeable and dare I say, a bitch. Alexandre is the only reason I bothered to finish this.
*Spoiler Alert*
On which planet would a 40-year-old divorced female leap out of a public restroom to avoid getting married to a 25-year-old billionaire "greek god"?
This was bad, Pearl was an idiot who believed EVERYTHING that anyone told her without once asking for proof. I have never scoffed at a character as I did her. Can't believe I have book 3 to go through and no vodka left.
January 3, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating-5 Stars
Character Rating-5 Stars
Romance Rating-4 Stars
Heat Level-4.5 Stars
Overall Rating-5 Stars
OMG, tell me that did not happen!!!
I'm mad, I'm sad, I've been crying, I want to hit some characters in the book…well more than one person actually!
This book was an AMAZING read for me. It started off where Shades of Pearl left off. The book grabbed me right from the start and I did not want to put it down. I personally love Arianne’s writing style. I think she did an excellent job with these characters and the story line was VERY original. As you can see from my opening sentence, this book made me feel so many emotions, and even though the H & h did things that made me want to beat them, I was still totally engrossed in the story.
I must say that Arianne did hit a topic that is normally something I don't care to read about, a w/w scene. After I finished reading that scene I thought to myself, just because I don't care for w/w scenes should I take a star off my rating? My answer was NO! I've read a few w/w scenes and I have to say out of all of them, this was the most tastefully done. Of course we get plenty of HOT and heavy love scenes with our hero Alexandre and the heroine Pearl, so no need to worry about that.
I was told that this book ended in a HUGE cliff hanger, and YEP, it sure did. I WANT BOOK 3 NOW!! I need to know what will happen next. Arianne left this reader wanting and needing MORE. I know without a doubt, that book 3 is a MUST READ for me!
*A copy of this book was kindly provided by Arianne Richmond in exchange for an honest review*
December 18, 2012
This is BOOK TWO of The Pearl Trilogy. It is not stand-alone. If you have not read Forty Shades of Pearl (Part 1) you really need to do that first to get the maximum out of this book's plot and character development for the best reading experience possible.
Pearl Robinson feels like the luckiest woman in the world. In just a couple of months she is to be married to the man she's head over heels in love with: the wonderful and charismatic Alexandre Chevalier, fifteen years her junior and founder of the billion dollar social media sensation, HookedUp.
She is planning a white winter wedding in Lapland - the stuff that dreams are made of. Everything is perfect, not least her haute couture wedding gown designed especially for her.
But Pearl is convinced that Alexandre's sister and business partner, Sophie Dumas, has other, darker ideas.
And the shadows of Pearl's past come back to haunt her in ways she could never have imagined...
Erotic Romance - full-length novel (72,000 words - 279 pages)***Cliffhanger ending*** For those with sensitive hearts wait for Book 3!
Pearl Robinson feels like the luckiest woman in the world. In just a couple of months she is to be married to the man she's head over heels in love with: the wonderful and charismatic Alexandre Chevalier, fifteen years her junior and founder of the billion dollar social media sensation, HookedUp.
She is planning a white winter wedding in Lapland - the stuff that dreams are made of. Everything is perfect, not least her haute couture wedding gown designed especially for her.
But Pearl is convinced that Alexandre's sister and business partner, Sophie Dumas, has other, darker ideas.
And the shadows of Pearl's past come back to haunt her in ways she could never have imagined...
Erotic Romance - full-length novel (72,000 words - 279 pages)***Cliffhanger ending*** For those with sensitive hearts wait for Book 3!
December 18, 2012
This is the sequel to Forty Shades of Pearl and I must admit I was consciously looking out for its release based on how much I enjoyed the first story. This sequel did not let me down.
The writing was robust with a fluency that was both smooth and expressive. At times I honestly had to stop and remind myself to breathe as I became caught up in the words....there was an authenticity and genuineness about the writing that had me convinced of what I was reading. It drew me in and captivated me, honestly I was lost in this story.
I love the character of Pearl. Being 40 and in love with a man 15 years her junior is always going to be problematic for your self confidence. Throw in the fact he's a hot Frenchman, successful businessman, a hot Frenchman, attentive lover, a hot Frenchman, a damaged man and yes a hot Frenchman and you have a woman who as every right to be a little insecure. For me the best line of the book came at only 3% where Pearl says 'there's nothing like a needy woman to scare a man away. Especially one as hot as he is. I have to hold onto my independence my self possession. Or I could lose him for good.'. Oh how I wish more woman knew the wisdom of such a statement and made it the mantra of their life.
Throw into the equation a psychotic future sister in law, a seductive actress, flash backs to a tormentous event, a traitorous ex and a Pearl exploring her sexuality and you have one hell of an interesting read. Deceit and secrets will eventually come out, but what a ride waiting for it.
There was nothing I didn't like about the story, it was erotic and sexy, sophisticated and well written.
The writing was robust with a fluency that was both smooth and expressive. At times I honestly had to stop and remind myself to breathe as I became caught up in the words....there was an authenticity and genuineness about the writing that had me convinced of what I was reading. It drew me in and captivated me, honestly I was lost in this story.
I love the character of Pearl. Being 40 and in love with a man 15 years her junior is always going to be problematic for your self confidence. Throw in the fact he's a hot Frenchman, successful businessman, a hot Frenchman, attentive lover, a hot Frenchman, a damaged man and yes a hot Frenchman and you have a woman who as every right to be a little insecure. For me the best line of the book came at only 3% where Pearl says 'there's nothing like a needy woman to scare a man away. Especially one as hot as he is. I have to hold onto my independence my self possession. Or I could lose him for good.'. Oh how I wish more woman knew the wisdom of such a statement and made it the mantra of their life.
Throw into the equation a psychotic future sister in law, a seductive actress, flash backs to a tormentous event, a traitorous ex and a Pearl exploring her sexuality and you have one hell of an interesting read. Deceit and secrets will eventually come out, but what a ride waiting for it.
There was nothing I didn't like about the story, it was erotic and sexy, sophisticated and well written.
October 6, 2015
3.75 stars
February 18, 2013
Trilogies have taken off since 50 Shade of Grey despite the fact that BDSM, Dom/sub relationships have been around forever. For some unknown reason the author seems to think this is what we (the reader) wants.
So when book 2 of this trilogy was released I decided to hold back for book 3 to read them back to back. I began to read this book with so much anticipation and intended to sit back and love it. For most of this book I have been steering it towards a 2 star rating. It was such a disappointment.
I loved 40 Shades of Pearl. It was well written, good plot and good characters but I have to admit that I thought book 2 sucked. I don’t like F/F roles or relationships in books. I don’t like to read about them. It is my personal choice. In this instance I just didn’t get the purpose of having one in the story. Pearl is in a relationship with a hot, sexually dominant handsome alpha man who is 15 years younger her. What else could she want? Is the author trying to say that Pearl is exploring her sexuality???
It should be made clear that the storyline has F/F sexual content and provide you with a warning that there are scenes of this nature in the book. It then gives the reader (me) the opportunity to make a decision whether to buy the book or not. In this case I would not have bought it and it will be returned for a refund.
Pearl let me down in this book. She is 40 years old yet she seemed to have lost her level head that she had in book 1. She didn’t like what happened to her when she was raped and the trauma of her past seems to be triggered by the colour blue and then right out of the “blue” she turns to another female for comfort and extra kink. Being a mature woman would she even consider it? Despite her protestations that Alexandre would not go down the S&M route she goes ahead and does this with another female. This just did not make any sense to me. She is going to marry Alexandre and will share her deepest wishes and secrets but for some reason she finds the need to share them with another female who she hardly knows.
The story failed to pull me in completely and I hope book 3 is better. For me this one was crammed with too much action that just does not make sense.
So when book 2 of this trilogy was released I decided to hold back for book 3 to read them back to back. I began to read this book with so much anticipation and intended to sit back and love it. For most of this book I have been steering it towards a 2 star rating. It was such a disappointment.
I loved 40 Shades of Pearl. It was well written, good plot and good characters but I have to admit that I thought book 2 sucked. I don’t like F/F roles or relationships in books. I don’t like to read about them. It is my personal choice. In this instance I just didn’t get the purpose of having one in the story. Pearl is in a relationship with a hot, sexually dominant handsome alpha man who is 15 years younger her. What else could she want? Is the author trying to say that Pearl is exploring her sexuality???
It should be made clear that the storyline has F/F sexual content and provide you with a warning that there are scenes of this nature in the book. It then gives the reader (me) the opportunity to make a decision whether to buy the book or not. In this case I would not have bought it and it will be returned for a refund.
Pearl let me down in this book. She is 40 years old yet she seemed to have lost her level head that she had in book 1. She didn’t like what happened to her when she was raped and the trauma of her past seems to be triggered by the colour blue and then right out of the “blue” she turns to another female for comfort and extra kink. Being a mature woman would she even consider it? Despite her protestations that Alexandre would not go down the S&M route she goes ahead and does this with another female. This just did not make any sense to me. She is going to marry Alexandre and will share her deepest wishes and secrets but for some reason she finds the need to share them with another female who she hardly knows.
The story failed to pull me in completely and I hope book 3 is better. For me this one was crammed with too much action that just does not make sense.
December 20, 2012
In Shadows of Pearl , Arianne Richmonde has spread her literary wings and this trilogy is going to soar! Though I do not typically read "erotic" or romance novels. The intrigue of the "Grey Movement" led the moth to the flame so to speak. This book does come with a hefty warning: FOR MATURE AUDiENCES as it touches on women's issues that perhaps you, a Sister friend or mother may have experienced. Mrs. Richmonde has an amazing ability to describe in great detail. Every scene transition is fluid and effortless. All scenes are in the greatest of detail , every food, ever color, every emotion. Which makes this story immensely rich and compelling, sensual and sexual. I will not give any of this great novel away as there are twists and turns that kept me up until I devoured the entire book. (please note reading the first part of the trilogy is highly recommended and vital to the understanding of this book) Pearl, the lead character in the book has found herself in the lap of all things she has ever wanted. Alexandre Chavalier , her much younger fiancee and business tycoon of Hooked Up have moved on a bit since book 1. Pearl now resides with her love and things are moving along very well. Until that is, her past and her demons catch up to her. Meddling family members from book 1 are back into play. Her Brother Ant, who constantly makes her second guess her own worth and Sophia Chavalier. Alexandre's older ominous and nefarious older sister that seems to come between Pearl and her fiancee when ever she can. Will Pearl lose the man she loves so desperately because of her past and her demons that she refuses to confess to her soul mate or will their families rip them to bits? Will someone else steal her away from Alexandre? The sex in "Shadows" is down right scalding HOT! I mean made me want to rip my clothing off HOT. The love , the loss and authentic raw emotion in this book is like nothing I have experienced in ANY other erotic novel that has come before or after the "Grey Movement". I am not fond of the young woman in her 20s getting disrespected and punished for being in love. Do not get me wrong, some BDSM if written well can turn a broken light bulb on. With that being said this book in my own opinion EMPOWERS WOMEN. Applause for Richmonde not allowing her character to be belittled , to be successful, and uncompromising of Pearls dignity. I felt that I have lived every situation in "Shadows". It has made me, as a woman look at my own circumstances and although this is a writing of fiction, each and every woman and man whom read this novel will be affected in some way. To conclude my review , I truly believe this book and its trilogy will be on the best sellers list very very soon! And did I mention how the SEX IS SCALDING HOT whew..........
December 31, 2012
This book is somewhere around a 3.5....again, I love the premise of this story, but the writing leaves much to be desired. As I said about the first book, sometimes it reads like a SNL skit. The language is just....juvenile. Sometimes I would nearly laugh out loud at the authors descriptions of the H's body.
This one is far better than the first book, however, and I will most likely read the last of the series. I am a little OCD about books and series and it is extremely rare for me not to finish either. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so I have to see what happens :)
This one is far better than the first book, however, and I will most likely read the last of the series. I am a little OCD about books and series and it is extremely rare for me not to finish either. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so I have to see what happens :)
January 11, 2013
Oh that is not what I was expecting. I hate cliff hangers, but this was such a good read. Waiting patiently for book 3. Will be having a sleepless night now thinking about poor Pearl.
April 2, 2014
I have never (ok, I take that back - second time) been so disappointed with a main character of a book as I have with Pearl Robinson in "Shadows of Pearl". The actions of this character throughout the book are ridiculous and far-fetched for someone who is supposed to be a forty year old woman. I would understand if this woman was maybe eighteen, nineteen -- maybe even early twenties. But someone who is forty? Someone who has had some substantial experience in her life - this story must have been a joke. It is a clever con to rile up the reader. If the author's intent is to create a main character that the reader dislikes (almost hates), kudos - job well done. I thought about putting the book down several times because of Pearl and her stupid actions. But part of me could not because I had to find out what inexplicable action/thought she had next. The whole story had me thinking "WTF" the entire time reading the book. From the ridculous-ness of a forty year old marrying a twenty-five year old (yes, age is nothing but a number -- seriously though?!) to thinking her lover's sister is going to kill her (how did this idea even come up?!) to her climbing out of restroom windows (seriously though?!).
I suppose I was disappointed in the character. The author told a quirky story -- even though this book is a quick read, I had to put it down several times to "WTF" and question Pearl. I wanted to throw this book across the room several times. I bet you are asking, I did not just stop reading this book? Because once I start a book, I have an unusual need to finish it - regardless of how terrible you find a character. "Shadows of Pearl" is the second book I felt this way for a main character.
I suppose I was disappointed in the character. The author told a quirky story -- even though this book is a quick read, I had to put it down several times to "WTF" and question Pearl. I wanted to throw this book across the room several times. I bet you are asking, I did not just stop reading this book? Because once I start a book, I have an unusual need to finish it - regardless of how terrible you find a character. "Shadows of Pearl" is the second book I felt this way for a main character.
January 4, 2013
I am thrilled at the ending. THRILLED! The drama, oh...the drama. It's awesome.
Shadows of Pearl is a good read, not great...but good. I am not drawn to the characters as much as I want to be. Some of the language is just downright stupid. (if I had to read anyone talking about her "pearlette" one more time I was going to vomit. And, really? your V-8???)
At 40, I would expect that Pearl would be a bit wiser and not such a wimp. She was so in awe that she could be loved by a wealthy young man, it made her seem weak and pathetic. Also, at 40 I would really hope that she would have come to recognize that what happened to her earlier in her life was not her fault. She seriously needs therapy. Lot's of it.
I will read the sequel, which I am sure will be a HEA. I do want to see how it all plays out!
Shadows of Pearl is a good read, not great...but good. I am not drawn to the characters as much as I want to be. Some of the language is just downright stupid. (if I had to read anyone talking about her "pearlette" one more time I was going to vomit. And, really? your V-8???)
At 40, I would expect that Pearl would be a bit wiser and not such a wimp. She was so in awe that she could be loved by a wealthy young man, it made her seem weak and pathetic. Also, at 40 I would really hope that she would have come to recognize that what happened to her earlier in her life was not her fault. She seriously needs therapy. Lot's of it.
I will read the sequel, which I am sure will be a HEA. I do want to see how it all plays out!
December 19, 2012
Great sequel to the first book. Such a page turner. could not put it down. Waiting for book three . Please hurray. Can not wait to see what will happen to Pearl next. Book shows that no matter what age you are, you are still able to be loved and love someone in return. Book has so many twist and turns. I dp hope that Pearl finds the happiness she deserves and other characters are seen for their true self. This is a must buy book. But please read Fifty Shades of Pearl first, you will not be disappointed. Worth every cent.
December 29, 2012
The Shadows of Pearl...was a-maz-ing!! So much that I'm a little mad that I'm done reading it. Pearl, I love, but was SO not expecting the decisions and actions she took in this book. Alexandre, this guy, about the only thing wrong with him is the females in his life, past and present.
Pearl and Alexandre gave something pretty cool, despite their age difference and their individual baggage they carry.
I will be watching Arianne's Facebook pages like a hawk for news of more of this story. I'm beyond hooked!!!
Pearl and Alexandre gave something pretty cool, despite their age difference and their individual baggage they carry.
I will be watching Arianne's Facebook pages like a hawk for news of more of this story. I'm beyond hooked!!!
February 16, 2015
World travel, drama, romance, hot steamy sex scenes, this book has it all! I am living vicariously through Pearl and her hot, French billionaire. I am captivated by the lives of these characters.
This author writes in such an honest way, the inner voice of the main characters make me feel so much! I want them to be together. They long for each other. Things happen and whoa, the end of this book was surprising and amazing. I couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend and am looking forward to more in this series!
This author writes in such an honest way, the inner voice of the main characters make me feel so much! I want them to be together. They long for each other. Things happen and whoa, the end of this book was surprising and amazing. I couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend and am looking forward to more in this series!
December 18, 2012
Arianne has done it again! With the second instalment of the 'Pearl' series she has lured me into a false sense of security with the burgeoning romance of Alexandre and Pearl. With a healthy dose of desire, intrigue and a splash of fear the second book left me hungry for more! In this chapter of Pearl's true awakening after 20 years of shuffling through life she is met with not only physical conflict but mental as well, I only hope that both can be resolved in the final book! Viva La Romance!
August 10, 2016
Cannot wait until February! I was just telling my daughter about your trilogy. Not since Harry Potter has a series affected me so much.
Books are well written. Could not put this book down. Must read Forty Shades of Pearl first which is also awesome!
You are a talented writer and I am glad to have found you.
Books are well written. Could not put this book down. Must read Forty Shades of Pearl first which is also awesome!
You are a talented writer and I am glad to have found you.
December 22, 2012
OMG, I didn't think this book would be better than Forty Shades, but it had everything - and left us with a cliffhanger that leaves us wanting more. Can't wait for the third installment to be released next year - fingers crossed for Pearl and Alexandre.
December 11, 2013
I could not finish this book. It came across as very desperate, and beyond repetitive. I enjoyed the first book in this series, and really appreciated the storyline.
This one has a lot to be desired. :(
This one has a lot to be desired. :(
January 7, 2013
I am going to burst waiting for book 3!!! So much mystery to be unraveled...so much love to find truth. Loved this book...please when is book 3 coming out am on pins and needles.
April 4, 2013
Ohhh YES...I'M READY FOR BOOK NUMBER 3 !!!!
April 23, 2013
Wow, talk about a cliffhanger! I don't think I could take it if I had to wait on the 3rd book to come out. :)
July 8, 2013
Not into the lesbian thing and that's what the majority of this book was about. Seriously didn't need that in the book imo. I finished th e series though. Just skipped about 50-60 pages
August 17, 2015
book 2 was a little better than book 1. but as of book 2 this trilogy has not won me as a fan. one more book to go
July 21, 2015
I loved the first one and I just couldn't get through this one. I tried couldn't do it. This a DNf for me.
October 29, 2020
I wish I could just shoot Pearl. That's how I feel about this book.
October 7, 2018
Not a standalone. Must read book 1. Skipped a lot. See my review for book 1.
February 20, 2020
I got confused with how Pearl acted in the entire book...really wanted to like this book but mid-way, I was shocked by her behavior. I pegged her as a mature, strong and rational woman who wanted to be with Alexandre then she goes off and runs away from him without much of a "discussion". I find her character splitting in the seams (or her mind) for that matter. Pearl got me angry and very frustrated.
Alexandre, bless his soul, is trying to be as patient and kind as a character that it bothers me also that he's just 25 years old and be this way. I wouldn't fault him with dropping Pearl and moving on as a single bachelor! It would have made him resent hooking up with anyone older than him.
Not happy with this one...but chugged it through to give the author her space in making things "right" on the 3rd book.
Alexandre, bless his soul, is trying to be as patient and kind as a character that it bothers me also that he's just 25 years old and be this way. I wouldn't fault him with dropping Pearl and moving on as a single bachelor! It would have made him resent hooking up with anyone older than him.
Not happy with this one...but chugged it through to give the author her space in making things "right" on the 3rd book.
January 21, 2019
Good read
Awesome book! The author definitely keeps up the momentum the throughout the whole book. I read it anywhere that I can and have a hard time putting it down. Sometimes I get annoyed with Pearl and Alexandre, but the love is palpable and I hope they can figure it all out. Just bought the third book and I’m ready to dive in. Definitely a good read, kind of a cross between Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey.
Awesome book! The author definitely keeps up the momentum the throughout the whole book. I read it anywhere that I can and have a hard time putting it down. Sometimes I get annoyed with Pearl and Alexandre, but the love is palpable and I hope they can figure it all out. Just bought the third book and I’m ready to dive in. Definitely a good read, kind of a cross between Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey.
April 11, 2018
This was book 2 of Pearl and Alexandre. They’re finally engaged and getting ready to get married. I just kept thinking how lucky she is and how she was going to ruin this relationship with her insecurities. It’s just crazy how she keeps of questioning Alexandre’s love for her. So frustrating at times to read .... you just want to shake her and tell her to grow a backbone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews