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New York Underworld #3
Coerced Queen
My husband will never love me, but I’m in this now until death do us part.
The man who threatened to carry me over his shoulder down the aisle and marry me at knifepoint is both my captor and my liberator. He makes me weak and strong at the same time.
Before, he didn’t give me an option. Now, there’s a choice. But he’s determined to push me away.
If I’m wise, I’ll take that freedom and run for my life. Because the heart of the man who captured and saved me will always belong to the woman who broke it. The man who calls himself my husband will never be mine.
Only, there is no choice for me any longer. It’s way too late to walk away.
I’m in this war now … until death do us part.
Coerced Queen is Book 3 in the dark mafia romance trilogy, New York Underworld, and concludes Anya and Saverio's story. Coerced Kiss (Book 1) and Coerced Wife (Book 2) must be read first.
The man who threatened to carry me over his shoulder down the aisle and marry me at knifepoint is both my captor and my liberator. He makes me weak and strong at the same time.
Before, he didn’t give me an option. Now, there’s a choice. But he’s determined to push me away.
If I’m wise, I’ll take that freedom and run for my life. Because the heart of the man who captured and saved me will always belong to the woman who broke it. The man who calls himself my husband will never be mine.
Only, there is no choice for me any longer. It’s way too late to walk away.
I’m in this war now … until death do us part.
Coerced Queen is Book 3 in the dark mafia romance trilogy, New York Underworld, and concludes Anya and Saverio's story. Coerced Kiss (Book 1) and Coerced Wife (Book 2) must be read first.
440 pages, ebook
Published December 16, 2024
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
97 books1,884 followersCharmaine loves to write dark and edgy romance that will melt both your e-reader and your heart.
She's a mom of two teenagers, an adorable dog, and a dominant cat. Her country of birth is South Africa where many of her stories play off. Her French husband kidnapped her to the south of France where she currently lives with her family.
When she's not writing, you'll find her in the kitchen baking cakes or in the gym lifting weights (because ... all those cakes!).
She's a mom of two teenagers, an adorable dog, and a dominant cat. Her country of birth is South Africa where many of her stories play off. Her French husband kidnapped her to the south of France where she currently lives with her family.
When she's not writing, you'll find her in the kitchen baking cakes or in the gym lifting weights (because ... all those cakes!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 16, 2024
I could not wait to find out what happened with the terrible cliffhanger we had in book 2, Coerced Wife. Pauls got right to it and delivered an amazing story that showed how strong and resilient Anya was regardless of the situation at hand.
I love the vulnerability Sav displayed and his outpouring of love for his wife was on display many times through this one. One thing that did bother me was Anya got a bit weird towards the end but we did get the HEA!
Coerced Queen is so, so good! Anya is a little badass and together they are super steamy and tough. Pauls created the perfect couple and I think it is my favorite series she has written so far! Make sure to read books 1 and 2 first!
~~~
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/coerced-quee...
I love the vulnerability Sav displayed and his outpouring of love for his wife was on display many times through this one. One thing that did bother me was Anya got a bit weird towards the end but we did get the HEA!
Coerced Queen is so, so good! Anya is a little badass and together they are super steamy and tough. Pauls created the perfect couple and I think it is my favorite series she has written so far! Make sure to read books 1 and 2 first!
~~~
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/coerced-quee...
December 20, 2024
It’s a great conclusion to the story, it seems like her others books I can’t stop reading. It’s captivating and amazing.
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
December 17, 2024
I absolutely loved the path this third and final book went. I don't want to spoil anything, but let me just say Anya's roll in this third book was perfection! You go Anya! And that epilogue with Sav...oh man, did that melt my heart. So good!
December 16, 2024
WOW, what an outstanding ending to the trilogy.
I have been enjoying this trilogy, but this ending is everything I hoped it could be and more! Charmaine Pauls didn't hold back when writing Anya and Saverio's story. No, it's not as dark as other books, but the nonstop action and the RED Wedding (book 2) took my breath away. This book concentrates on the aftermath of what occurred at Anya and Sav's wedding and way to go with writing a badass woman determined to right the wrongs against her and her husband. LOVED IT!
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCQ
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
I have been enjoying this trilogy, but this ending is everything I hoped it could be and more! Charmaine Pauls didn't hold back when writing Anya and Saverio's story. No, it's not as dark as other books, but the nonstop action and the RED Wedding (book 2) took my breath away. This book concentrates on the aftermath of what occurred at Anya and Sav's wedding and way to go with writing a badass woman determined to right the wrongs against her and her husband. LOVED IT!
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCQ
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
May 13, 2026
Ms. Pauls did not disappoint in the final chapter of Anya and Saverio's story. My favorite stories are the ones that leave bruises on my heart long after I finish the last page. Give me a heroine who looks soft enough to break, yet survives every impossible thing thrown at her. Give me a hero so possessive, obsessive, and emotionally wrecked that loving someone feels like a war inside his own chest. And in this final chapter of Anya and Saverio’s story, Charmaine Pauls delivered exactly that.
This book bleeds angst. It aches with lust, heartbreak, fear, and desperation. Every page feels tight with tension, like the story has its hands wrapped around your throat and refuses to let go. I loved this trilogy from the start, but this ending? This was devastation and payoff wrapped together perfectly.
After the horror of their wedding in book two, I honestly didn’t know how these characters could possibly crawl their way back to each other. Saverio was shattered physically, emotionally, mentally. He loved his wife with terrifying intensity, but he kept denying it, burying it, suffocating under his own pride and fear. More than once I wanted to scream at him to wake up before he lost everything that mattered.
But Anya… God, Anya was magnificent.
That woman had just given birth, her world was collapsing around her, and still she stood tall. While Saverio was drowning in pain and rage, she became his strength when he no longer had any left. She protected him, ran his business, hunted for answers, and stepped into danger again and again because someone had to fight for their family. Not because she was fearless — because she refused to let the people she loved be destroyed.
And Saverio watching her risk herself? Absolutely agonizing.
Every reckless thing Anya did for him nearly killed him in a different way. All he wanted was to keep his wife and daughter safe, but loving Anya was like trying to cage a wildfire with bare hands. The more he tried to control the danger around her, the more impossible she became to contain.
And then there’s her mother — a nightmare that just would not die.
The twists kept hitting one after another, and underneath all the violence and chaos was this heartbreaking thread of hopelessness. Anya slowly starting to believe she might never truly have Saverio’s heart hurt more than I expected. Because we, as readers, could see it. We could see how deeply he loved her even while he kept choking on the words.
And the terrifying part was wondering whether he would realize it before it was too late.
By the end, my heart felt battered and raw in the best possible way. This story hurt me, stressed me out, made me furious, and then somehow stitched me back together again. Watching Saverio finally break open emotionally after fighting himself for so long was everything I needed.
And Anya? She owned this book. Completely. She wasn’t just the heroine anymore — she became the force holding the entire story together.
Dark, emotional, obsessive, brutal, and fiercely romantic, this finale gave me everything I wanted and then wrecked me with it.
As one of my go-to authors for great characters, well defined plot and heartfelt emotions, this one stands with her best. I definitely recommend.
5 stars
This book bleeds angst. It aches with lust, heartbreak, fear, and desperation. Every page feels tight with tension, like the story has its hands wrapped around your throat and refuses to let go. I loved this trilogy from the start, but this ending? This was devastation and payoff wrapped together perfectly.
After the horror of their wedding in book two, I honestly didn’t know how these characters could possibly crawl their way back to each other. Saverio was shattered physically, emotionally, mentally. He loved his wife with terrifying intensity, but he kept denying it, burying it, suffocating under his own pride and fear. More than once I wanted to scream at him to wake up before he lost everything that mattered.
But Anya… God, Anya was magnificent.
That woman had just given birth, her world was collapsing around her, and still she stood tall. While Saverio was drowning in pain and rage, she became his strength when he no longer had any left. She protected him, ran his business, hunted for answers, and stepped into danger again and again because someone had to fight for their family. Not because she was fearless — because she refused to let the people she loved be destroyed.
And Saverio watching her risk herself? Absolutely agonizing.
Every reckless thing Anya did for him nearly killed him in a different way. All he wanted was to keep his wife and daughter safe, but loving Anya was like trying to cage a wildfire with bare hands. The more he tried to control the danger around her, the more impossible she became to contain.
And then there’s her mother — a nightmare that just would not die.
The twists kept hitting one after another, and underneath all the violence and chaos was this heartbreaking thread of hopelessness. Anya slowly starting to believe she might never truly have Saverio’s heart hurt more than I expected. Because we, as readers, could see it. We could see how deeply he loved her even while he kept choking on the words.
And the terrifying part was wondering whether he would realize it before it was too late.
By the end, my heart felt battered and raw in the best possible way. This story hurt me, stressed me out, made me furious, and then somehow stitched me back together again. Watching Saverio finally break open emotionally after fighting himself for so long was everything I needed.
And Anya? She owned this book. Completely. She wasn’t just the heroine anymore — she became the force holding the entire story together.
Dark, emotional, obsessive, brutal, and fiercely romantic, this finale gave me everything I wanted and then wrecked me with it.
As one of my go-to authors for great characters, well defined plot and heartfelt emotions, this one stands with her best. I definitely recommend.
5 stars
Read
December 22, 2024Aww I can’t believe I’m DNFing this but I’m just bored and i really didn’t like where this was going idk I just lost interest which is sad cause I love those characters.
Maybe I’ll come and finish this some other day but now I’m just done honestly
Maybe I’ll come and finish this some other day but now I’m just done honestly
December 15, 2024
Charmaine Pauls brings Anya and Saverio's heartbreaking and obsessive love story to a climactic finish in Coerced Queen. There was angst, unrequited love, found family, betrayal, sacrifice, redemption, as well as incredible character development from both Anya and Saverio. There were so many unforgettable moments that brought tears to my eyes—from Saverio's struggle to live on after the attack to Anya's determination to save both her husband and daughter, I loved it all. While Saverio and Anya did frustrate me at times because of their stubbornness, I was very happy with how the author resolved their conflict. They were both in love with each other, but Saverio's constant denial of it prevented him from acknowledging the truth and telling Anya. He was always in love with her. Saverio's obsessive and possessive love for Anya was still addicting to read about just like it did when he first threatened and controlled her in Coerced Kiss. And yet, there's no denying that their relationship has shifted. Anya is no longer the innocent young woman seduced by Saverio but a fierce mother and wife who would do anything for her family. Saverio's precious treasure had become a powerful queen in her own right.
In the end, I loved how all of Anya and Saverio's dreams came true because they were able to find love in each other. The epilogue was so sweet and I loved seeing how happy, peaceful, and content their lives had become after everything. Raphael Morelli and Anya's mother got what they deserved. Even though Saverio was never able to reconcile with his own father, he took all of that pain and turned it into love for his family and children. It was incredible to see. I hope that Charmaine Pauls will write a series or book for Dante because that man deserves a heroine just as amazing as himself—especially after everything he had done for Saverio and Anya. I loved all of the secondary characters, especially Livy who was like the mother Anya always wanted. Fans of dark and mafia romance will absolutely love this book as it features a tortured and possessive hero who will do anything to keep his beloved heroine. The trilogy began their love story as a "cat and mouse" relationship but it eventually transformed into a "game of chess" where the queen was the most powerful piece of all. I highly recommend this trilogy to those who are looking for an emotional and steamy read!
*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*
“You’re more than my match in every way… You're the reason I breathe. You’re my most precious treasure.”
In the end, I loved how all of Anya and Saverio's dreams came true because they were able to find love in each other. The epilogue was so sweet and I loved seeing how happy, peaceful, and content their lives had become after everything. Raphael Morelli and Anya's mother got what they deserved. Even though Saverio was never able to reconcile with his own father, he took all of that pain and turned it into love for his family and children. It was incredible to see. I hope that Charmaine Pauls will write a series or book for Dante because that man deserves a heroine just as amazing as himself—especially after everything he had done for Saverio and Anya. I loved all of the secondary characters, especially Livy who was like the mother Anya always wanted. Fans of dark and mafia romance will absolutely love this book as it features a tortured and possessive hero who will do anything to keep his beloved heroine. The trilogy began their love story as a "cat and mouse" relationship but it eventually transformed into a "game of chess" where the queen was the most powerful piece of all. I highly recommend this trilogy to those who are looking for an emotional and steamy read!
*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*
December 11, 2024
Coerced Queen was the perfect finale to this rollercoaster ride,it had personal growth,deeply felt emotions,ánd twists and turns throughout!
After Coerced Wife,i was on pins and needles,waiting with baited breath what would happen next.
So,when the reviewcopy of Coerced Queen arrived,i dove straight in,and didn’t come up for air until i was finished.
I’ll admit,i wasn’t hopeful of getting a happy after at first,not with Sav’s condition,or his emotions.
That man may have been in love with his wife,but he kept denying his feelings……and i wanted to shake him until he woke up more than once,but with the condition he was in,i decided to give him a little more time.
After all,i didn’t want to make things worse by hurting him beyond repair….
In the meantime,i was rooting for Anya,that woman was só strong!
She may just have given birth to sweet little Claire,but she was already taking care of business for Sav.
Making sure he had everything he needed whilst in hospital, and arranging the best help for his recovery when he finally got home.
Taking over at Dark Arts,running the business,ánd finding ways to get the information they needed about the ones responsible for the situation they were in.
Once Sav was home,he did his part,but there were ways she could get information from people that wouldn’t talk to him…..
All Sav wanted,was for his wife and daughter to be safe,and he’d do anything to make sure they were.
If only Anya cooperated…..the danger she put herself in to get things done was seriously bad for his health!
Add to the mix that b*tch of her mother,who’d escaped the center she was in,and was up to no good….
The twists and turns kept me on my toes,and the hopelesness Anya started to feel of ever gaining Sav’s love hurt,badly.
The time he needed to admit what he felt for her and Claire made me fear he’d be too late….
In the end,eveything was as it should be,and my battered heart got what it needed so badly.
I’ve always known Charmaine to give me all the feels with her stories,and make me love them in spite of the hurt,and this one’s no exception.
Loved every second!
After Coerced Wife,i was on pins and needles,waiting with baited breath what would happen next.
So,when the reviewcopy of Coerced Queen arrived,i dove straight in,and didn’t come up for air until i was finished.
I’ll admit,i wasn’t hopeful of getting a happy after at first,not with Sav’s condition,or his emotions.
That man may have been in love with his wife,but he kept denying his feelings……and i wanted to shake him until he woke up more than once,but with the condition he was in,i decided to give him a little more time.
After all,i didn’t want to make things worse by hurting him beyond repair….
In the meantime,i was rooting for Anya,that woman was só strong!
She may just have given birth to sweet little Claire,but she was already taking care of business for Sav.
Making sure he had everything he needed whilst in hospital, and arranging the best help for his recovery when he finally got home.
Taking over at Dark Arts,running the business,ánd finding ways to get the information they needed about the ones responsible for the situation they were in.
Once Sav was home,he did his part,but there were ways she could get information from people that wouldn’t talk to him…..
All Sav wanted,was for his wife and daughter to be safe,and he’d do anything to make sure they were.
If only Anya cooperated…..the danger she put herself in to get things done was seriously bad for his health!
Add to the mix that b*tch of her mother,who’d escaped the center she was in,and was up to no good….
The twists and turns kept me on my toes,and the hopelesness Anya started to feel of ever gaining Sav’s love hurt,badly.
The time he needed to admit what he felt for her and Claire made me fear he’d be too late….
In the end,eveything was as it should be,and my battered heart got what it needed so badly.
I’ve always known Charmaine to give me all the feels with her stories,and make me love them in spite of the hurt,and this one’s no exception.
Loved every second!
December 15, 2024
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes –
🖤Touch her & die
🖤Good Girl
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Fake relationship
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Dark Mafia Romance
What an ending for this series! This book closes the deal on the New York Underworld Series. Coerced Queen: A Dark Mafia Romance is the third and final book in the New York Underworld Series. This is the final book of Anya and Saverio. The supporting characters Dante, Livy, Nicole, Logan, Rachele, Raphael Morelli (Saverio’s arch enemy), Mary Brennan (Anya’s mother) and Elena(Raphael’s wife and cousin of Rachele).
This book starts where the second book ends at the blast at the wedding of Anya and Saverio. The head of the family Luigi is killed and so is his son by Raphael. Raphael broke the unspoken rule of striking at a wedding which basically starts a war. Saverio who will protect Anya even if it means death does just that and he has bad injuries from this attach. Anya gives birth to Claire and is determined to avenge this tragedy.
Anya’s fire comes out in this book. She is resilient but her strength comes alive. She is a fighter and is willing go fight for Saverio even though he keeps pushing her away from him. Dante becomes both Saverio and Anya ear. Anya refuses to give up on Saverio and declares her love for him. Dante keeps pushing Saverio to tell Anya that he loves her, but he is having a mini pity party. He is worried about the damage from the blast. However, their chemistry is still🔥🔥🔥. SCORCHING HOT!!!!
Anya steps up and plans the destruction of Raphael. Her plan, her strength and determination are GREAT. Loved how all the secrets are resolved. Really good ending of the series. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride.
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes –
🖤Touch her & die
🖤Good Girl
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Fake relationship
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Dark Mafia Romance
What an ending for this series! This book closes the deal on the New York Underworld Series. Coerced Queen: A Dark Mafia Romance is the third and final book in the New York Underworld Series. This is the final book of Anya and Saverio. The supporting characters Dante, Livy, Nicole, Logan, Rachele, Raphael Morelli (Saverio’s arch enemy), Mary Brennan (Anya’s mother) and Elena(Raphael’s wife and cousin of Rachele).
This book starts where the second book ends at the blast at the wedding of Anya and Saverio. The head of the family Luigi is killed and so is his son by Raphael. Raphael broke the unspoken rule of striking at a wedding which basically starts a war. Saverio who will protect Anya even if it means death does just that and he has bad injuries from this attach. Anya gives birth to Claire and is determined to avenge this tragedy.
Anya’s fire comes out in this book. She is resilient but her strength comes alive. She is a fighter and is willing go fight for Saverio even though he keeps pushing her away from him. Dante becomes both Saverio and Anya ear. Anya refuses to give up on Saverio and declares her love for him. Dante keeps pushing Saverio to tell Anya that he loves her, but he is having a mini pity party. He is worried about the damage from the blast. However, their chemistry is still🔥🔥🔥. SCORCHING HOT!!!!
Anya steps up and plans the destruction of Raphael. Her plan, her strength and determination are GREAT. Loved how all the secrets are resolved. Really good ending of the series. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride.
December 14, 2024
Holy heck! This whole series was FIRE and this one was the perfect conclusion to everything that went before it.
I’m usually all about the hero. Especially a dark, intensive, possessive one. However, in this book the heroine took precedence for me. Anya has completely come into herself and she’s not to be messed with. I LOVED the confidence she walked in. The character growth from the first book to this one was amazing. I really liked the way circumstances changed in such a way she was given the opportunity to really shine and oh boy, did she! Sav on the other hand was fighting a fight he never imagined he'd have. I loved his vulnerability and how that affected the storyline. His possessive, protective ways never diminished in any way which made Anya’s rise all the better as she became his equal.
This was such a well developed story from the first book and I was totally captivated. It truly was unputdownable and as soon as I reached the last page I missed these characters immediately and wanted more.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I’m usually all about the hero. Especially a dark, intensive, possessive one. However, in this book the heroine took precedence for me. Anya has completely come into herself and she’s not to be messed with. I LOVED the confidence she walked in. The character growth from the first book to this one was amazing. I really liked the way circumstances changed in such a way she was given the opportunity to really shine and oh boy, did she! Sav on the other hand was fighting a fight he never imagined he'd have. I loved his vulnerability and how that affected the storyline. His possessive, protective ways never diminished in any way which made Anya’s rise all the better as she became his equal.
This was such a well developed story from the first book and I was totally captivated. It truly was unputdownable and as soon as I reached the last page I missed these characters immediately and wanted more.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
January 31, 2025
The final book in this addictive trilogy didn't disappoint and I was absolutely transfixed throughout. It begins where we left off previously with that shocking finale and in the aftermath of this tragedy Anya rises like the queen she was also destined to become. With Sav in a bad way, Anya takes charge scheming and fully embracing her new life and identity as Sav's woman. The near loss of everything she holds dear is a stark reminder of just what she stands to lose if their enemies win and Anya is determined to hold it all together until Sav is able to take charge. He also has no idea of just how entrenched Anya now is but he's soon to find out.
Sav is naturally struggling with all of his new limitations and attempts without success to push his wife away keeping her and Clare at arm's length. He's also still firmly in denial over his feelings when it's obvious to anyone except these two that he's gaga for Anya.
We have plenty of danger, passion and a warm sense of found family there was some truly edge-of-your-seat stuff here that had me hyperventilating in sheer panic. Such an easy read that I raced through and enjoyed it massively. I Highly recommend this trilogy especially if mafia romance is your thing and this for me was a five-star series all the way. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Coerced Queen.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
December 31, 2024
Beta Read.
Frankly, there is so much of Charmaine’s shenanigans involved. Watch for this review closer to series release!
UPDATED REVIEW Dec 30, 2024:
After years of refining her skill in torturing dark readers, Charmaine Pauls has achieved near perfection. Coerced Queen made me feel such highs and lows of sadness, relief, heartache, joy, and bloody vengeance. I tore through this book in a sprint and when I finished, I had to start it all over again. It’s magnificent!
Anya De Luca finds herself in the unenviable position of holding together the remnants of a mafia faction that has abruptly loss its leadership and is the target of a much larger enemy. She’s no longer a captive. She can walk away. But she doesn’t, not because of duty, but because of love.
This phoenix doesn’t merely rise, she burns with fury and retribution. Anya is both the most loving and fearless of Charmaine’s heroines. Read it and you won’t tell me otherwise. Anya had always been clever, but now she is harder, tougher, and driven. I love the style and writing which encapsulates her growth and motivations, sprinkled with those heartfelt words and emotions that claw at my chest while reading.
Anya and Saverio have the most beautiful and amazing love story. Coerced Queen has a spectacular ending. I’m going to remember them for a long time. They are my new favourite Charmaine Pauls couple!
Frankly, there is so much of Charmaine’s shenanigans involved. Watch for this review closer to series release!
UPDATED REVIEW Dec 30, 2024:
After years of refining her skill in torturing dark readers, Charmaine Pauls has achieved near perfection. Coerced Queen made me feel such highs and lows of sadness, relief, heartache, joy, and bloody vengeance. I tore through this book in a sprint and when I finished, I had to start it all over again. It’s magnificent!
Anya De Luca finds herself in the unenviable position of holding together the remnants of a mafia faction that has abruptly loss its leadership and is the target of a much larger enemy. She’s no longer a captive. She can walk away. But she doesn’t, not because of duty, but because of love.
This phoenix doesn’t merely rise, she burns with fury and retribution. Anya is both the most loving and fearless of Charmaine’s heroines. Read it and you won’t tell me otherwise. Anya had always been clever, but now she is harder, tougher, and driven. I love the style and writing which encapsulates her growth and motivations, sprinkled with those heartfelt words and emotions that claw at my chest while reading.
Anya and Saverio have the most beautiful and amazing love story. Coerced Queen has a spectacular ending. I’m going to remember them for a long time. They are my new favourite Charmaine Pauls couple!
December 15, 2024
3.75-4 ⭐️
Coerced Queen picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of book two and I really liked how the consequences of that particular event were delved into in this book. Third/last books are almost never my favorite in a series and that is true in this series too, but the things I loved about the whole series were still there. Primarily Sav - what a romantic mobster hero! His care and love for both Anya and the baby (and her loved ones!) was definitely the highlight of this series for me.
Aside from the hero, I really enjoyed Anya's character arc from the very beginning to where she ends up at the end of this series and Livy is a great side character too. I was also interested in a couple of the male side characters, even one with minimal page time, so I am curious if the author has plans to do any spin-off stories for some of these people.
This third book hits on all of the right elements with appropriate intervals of action, steam and story development. It actually felt like almost too-perfect intervals, curated just so, and perhaps threw me off a bit... or maybe that's just in my head. It wraps up with a perfect HEA that I wasn't so sure how I felt about but really felt appropriate to the story, all things considered.
Another entertaining series by this author and I look forward to the next.
Coerced Queen picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of book two and I really liked how the consequences of that particular event were delved into in this book. Third/last books are almost never my favorite in a series and that is true in this series too, but the things I loved about the whole series were still there. Primarily Sav - what a romantic mobster hero! His care and love for both Anya and the baby (and her loved ones!) was definitely the highlight of this series for me.
Aside from the hero, I really enjoyed Anya's character arc from the very beginning to where she ends up at the end of this series and Livy is a great side character too. I was also interested in a couple of the male side characters, even one with minimal page time, so I am curious if the author has plans to do any spin-off stories for some of these people.
This third book hits on all of the right elements with appropriate intervals of action, steam and story development. It actually felt like almost too-perfect intervals, curated just so, and perhaps threw me off a bit... or maybe that's just in my head. It wraps up with a perfect HEA that I wasn't so sure how I felt about but really felt appropriate to the story, all things considered.
Another entertaining series by this author and I look forward to the next.
December 17, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟
December 8, 2024
The end!!! And what an incredible finale to this absolute must read series.
Anya finally steps out of the shadows and takes charge, while Saverio has been left licking his mental and physical scars following the explosive wedding scene at the end of book 2.
I love these characters and this world, and I am sad to say goodbye to this wonderfully mismatched couple. Dante and Livy will always have my heart as perfect supporting characters.
An exciting and unpredictable 5 star final book in the series. I received an early copy of this book from the author
Anya finally steps out of the shadows and takes charge, while Saverio has been left licking his mental and physical scars following the explosive wedding scene at the end of book 2.
I love these characters and this world, and I am sad to say goodbye to this wonderfully mismatched couple. Dante and Livy will always have my heart as perfect supporting characters.
An exciting and unpredictable 5 star final book in the series. I received an early copy of this book from the author
December 19, 2024
Saved the best for last!
After the ending in Coerced Wife, I was left stunned. Saverio had saved Anya's life, but his was hanging by a thread. In Coerced Queen, Anya truly becomes one. A queen. There is danger absolutely everywhere she turns, and she will do what it takes to protect her baby, and Saverio and what he has built.
Saverio and Anya's story has been filled with many ups and downs, and somehow, through everything they had faced, there was a HEA for them.
Charmaine has given us an exciting, thrilling, spicy, intense, and dangerous trilogy that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat. I absolutely fell in love with Saverio and Anya.
I definitely recommend The New York Underworld Trilogy. If you haven't started, you can now with book one Coerced Kiss. 👌
After the ending in Coerced Wife, I was left stunned. Saverio had saved Anya's life, but his was hanging by a thread. In Coerced Queen, Anya truly becomes one. A queen. There is danger absolutely everywhere she turns, and she will do what it takes to protect her baby, and Saverio and what he has built.
Saverio and Anya's story has been filled with many ups and downs, and somehow, through everything they had faced, there was a HEA for them.
Charmaine has given us an exciting, thrilling, spicy, intense, and dangerous trilogy that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat. I absolutely fell in love with Saverio and Anya.
I definitely recommend The New York Underworld Trilogy. If you haven't started, you can now with book one Coerced Kiss. 👌
Read
March 25, 2025DNF, I liked the first two books but the hero is already on my nerves by chapter 3.
January 6, 2025
A great finish to a fabulous series. I look forward to reading this authors future books. Definitely a one click author
August 18, 2024
So I want to thank Chamaine Pauls for allowing me to read this book ahead of time! The whole series actually!
This last book in the series left me feeling very emotional and empowered at the same time! We see Anaya stepping up and taking charge. She basically takes the rains and leads Sav from dark to…..not so dark! He will also have a rough side!
The one thing I loved how this series and the third book in particular was the spotlight on the women characters. Without trying to give too much away…..
It shows the strength of women and the partner you pick in life. The way in which they will stand to fight for you or the way in which they refuse to allow everything their partner has getting lost, simply because he is lost.
The villain and woman I wanted to hate in the book somehow stole my heart as well. She took charge and fought the male domination (her father) and set her path. I will let you figure out who I am talking about.
I loved everything about the series! It’s definitely one of the best ones yet!!!
This last book in the series left me feeling very emotional and empowered at the same time! We see Anaya stepping up and taking charge. She basically takes the rains and leads Sav from dark to…..not so dark! He will also have a rough side!
The one thing I loved how this series and the third book in particular was the spotlight on the women characters. Without trying to give too much away…..
It shows the strength of women and the partner you pick in life. The way in which they will stand to fight for you or the way in which they refuse to allow everything their partner has getting lost, simply because he is lost.
The villain and woman I wanted to hate in the book somehow stole my heart as well. She took charge and fought the male domination (her father) and set her path. I will let you figure out who I am talking about.
I loved everything about the series! It’s definitely one of the best ones yet!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 23, 2024DNFing the third book in a series sucks. But unfortunately the characters did me dirty and did complete personality changes .. like without warning. I thought I was going nuts for a minute. All the sudden the FMC became a bold, alpha boss while the MMC became a weak, insecure, totally different man.
So I scrolled to the ending to see what happened, and the same crap was happening of them not knowing how to properly communicate and not trust eachother because the FMC is of course pregnant and the MMC doesn’t believe it’s his since he thought he couldn’t have kids.. 🫣🙄
This authors work is a hit or miss for me. More hits than misses but this last book was not it.
So I scrolled to the ending to see what happened, and the same crap was happening of them not knowing how to properly communicate and not trust eachother because the FMC is of course pregnant and the MMC doesn’t believe it’s his since he thought he couldn’t have kids.. 🫣🙄
This authors work is a hit or miss for me. More hits than misses but this last book was not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
After that explosive ending of Coerced Wife I couldn't wait for Coerced Queen because that couldn't be the end of Anya and Saverio. And let me tell you the last book in the New York Underworld series doesn't disappoint and it's much more than I expected. Because Anya and Saverio rise up from the wreckage they are left in with a vengeance, grace and dignity. Saverio is healing and planning his revenge when he found out who planned the attack on his wedding. Anya is navigating life as the wife of the new mafia boss and is in charge of managing the After Dark club and what's left of the empire. Dante is helping them both. That situation made Anya to come to her full potential and to grow up to the position she's in . On top of it all her mother is messing around making matters worse for her but finally Anya could break up the toxic relationship they are in . The attack on Anya and Saverio's wedding just shows who's loyal to them and who the enemy is. Saverio is planning his revenge with force . Anya is making even bigger plans using her best weapon - her analytical skills. And she's totally a boss lady. I'd loved it how she navigate that situation with the Black Jack play . Anya and Livy are a super stars and Dante's words still make me laugh. The Queen's gambit that Anya played on the Morelli was pure genius. Combined with the power attacks Saverio executed they were merciless in their revenge. All this time Saverio is fighting his feelings for Anya while she did everything in her power to show him how much she loved him. When he finally comes to terms with his love for Anya, it's a little bit difficult for him to convince her . The constant twists and turns in Coerced Queen will keep you at the edge non stop. That final play that put an end to the war Anya and Saverio found themselves in was pure queen's play and Anya rose to her nickname . And let me tell you that final plot twist was chef's kiss. When Anya made a life changing decision life itself proved her wrong and surprised her and put an end on the biggest deception in Saverio's life. And when Saverio grovels , it's sweet and swoony. Because this hard made man is sweet only for his girls. That epilogue made my heart melt.
So if you love mafia romance with a lot of suspense and steaming hot romance the New York Underworld series is perfect for you .
Thanks to the author and Give Me Books Promotions for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
So if you love mafia romance with a lot of suspense and steaming hot romance the New York Underworld series is perfect for you .
Thanks to the author and Give Me Books Promotions for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
December 15, 2024
I've absolutely LOVED this series so much!!! Every book had me in a chokehold so hard these characters didn't wanna let me go and to be honest I didn't want them to.
Coerced Queen was the perfect ending for this amazing series!! This series had ups and downs and was definitely a rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't wanna get off of. When we were left with that cliffhanger from Coerced Wife I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next I mean that wedding scene!!! 😯 So now we are here and after the blast at the wedding that nearly ripped Sav from this world......I didn't think he was gonna survive and I honestly thought I'm gonna be heartbroken here!!! But oh my the poor man is left a shell of his former self he has so many life changing injuries it's unreal he did survive. Oh how I felt for Anya she had my heart what a woman!!! She has to deal with not only Sav her husband in critical care, just having her baby to having to run his empire. Oh my the danger she put herself in was wow!! This woman is a lioness!!!! She really is the Queen that is in the title 😍 once Sav is home he of course hates himself for the way he looks and he has a lot of work to do to get his strength back up and he feels Anya and baby Claire will be better off without him but oh no Anya isn't going anywhere!!! She stays put and makes sure she looks after everyone!!!! Don't get me started on the Epilogue!!! Super sweet to see years down the line 😍 and what their family have become.
Urgh the twists and turns in this I mean 😯 I did see the twist coming at the end sorta mid way through but still this series urgh if you ever get to read this please do Charmaine just knows how to get my emotions going when she writes honestly one of my favourite authors!! I've loved every single minute reading these three books.
Coerced Queen was the perfect ending for this amazing series!! This series had ups and downs and was definitely a rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't wanna get off of. When we were left with that cliffhanger from Coerced Wife I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next I mean that wedding scene!!! 😯 So now we are here and after the blast at the wedding that nearly ripped Sav from this world......I didn't think he was gonna survive and I honestly thought I'm gonna be heartbroken here!!! But oh my the poor man is left a shell of his former self he has so many life changing injuries it's unreal he did survive. Oh how I felt for Anya she had my heart what a woman!!! She has to deal with not only Sav her husband in critical care, just having her baby to having to run his empire. Oh my the danger she put herself in was wow!! This woman is a lioness!!!! She really is the Queen that is in the title 😍 once Sav is home he of course hates himself for the way he looks and he has a lot of work to do to get his strength back up and he feels Anya and baby Claire will be better off without him but oh no Anya isn't going anywhere!!! She stays put and makes sure she looks after everyone!!!! Don't get me started on the Epilogue!!! Super sweet to see years down the line 😍 and what their family have become.
Urgh the twists and turns in this I mean 😯 I did see the twist coming at the end sorta mid way through but still this series urgh if you ever get to read this please do Charmaine just knows how to get my emotions going when she writes honestly one of my favourite authors!! I've loved every single minute reading these three books.
December 16, 2024
What an ending to this gripping trilogy. Coerced Queen will have your heart in a chokehold. This book picks up right after the action of the cliffhanger of book 2 with both Sav and Anya having to adjust to their new normal post-wedding.
Sav has a lot to deal with emotionally and physically. He has to reform his identity with his life altering injuries. He no longer feels adequate to be a protector or partner and offers only a shell of himself to his wife. In his emotional absence, Anya steps up. She leads and takes her place within this criminal underworld. With the help of Livvy and Dante, Anya is able to save face and keep Sav's position while he recovers.
Anya's journey was my favourite part of this trilogy. In Queen, she blossoms as a new Mum, as a leader and as a wife. She takes and owns her power. The only thing missing is Sav's love. It takes him a while to catch up and for them both to see love was never the issue.
This is an absolutely brilliant and dark trilogy. Charmaine creates flawed but sympathetic characters. Nothing is without motive or backstory. I found myself utterly immersed in this underworld and it's lovingly constructed narrative. I could happily have stayed in NYC amid these lives for 10 more books.
Themes:
♡ Touch her & die
♡ He falls first
♡ Fake relationship
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Coerced marriage
♡ Good girl
♡ Dirty talker
♡ Possessive, protective anti-hero
♡ Enemies to lovers
♡ Dark mafia romance
Sav has a lot to deal with emotionally and physically. He has to reform his identity with his life altering injuries. He no longer feels adequate to be a protector or partner and offers only a shell of himself to his wife. In his emotional absence, Anya steps up. She leads and takes her place within this criminal underworld. With the help of Livvy and Dante, Anya is able to save face and keep Sav's position while he recovers.
Anya's journey was my favourite part of this trilogy. In Queen, she blossoms as a new Mum, as a leader and as a wife. She takes and owns her power. The only thing missing is Sav's love. It takes him a while to catch up and for them both to see love was never the issue.
This is an absolutely brilliant and dark trilogy. Charmaine creates flawed but sympathetic characters. Nothing is without motive or backstory. I found myself utterly immersed in this underworld and it's lovingly constructed narrative. I could happily have stayed in NYC amid these lives for 10 more books.
Themes:
♡ Touch her & die
♡ He falls first
♡ Fake relationship
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Coerced marriage
♡ Good girl
♡ Dirty talker
♡ Possessive, protective anti-hero
♡ Enemies to lovers
♡ Dark mafia romance
December 14, 2024
3.5 stars
This is the conclusion to the trilogy and this series must be read in order.
This starts right off after the events from book two. The emotional and physical impact Saverio and Anya went through bled the pages. I liked how Anya went through her mama bear change and will do anything for her child. It’s just the middle kind of dragged for me just because it was dealing a bit of emotional healing although the last 30 percent made up for it as the events really spiraled. I think I didn’t fully guess reasons why of what happened to Rachele and Sav so that was interesting. I really loved the epilogue and sad it’s over. Overall, this was still a good series and something different from Charmaine that I’ve read.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the conclusion to the trilogy and this series must be read in order.
This starts right off after the events from book two. The emotional and physical impact Saverio and Anya went through bled the pages. I liked how Anya went through her mama bear change and will do anything for her child. It’s just the middle kind of dragged for me just because it was dealing a bit of emotional healing although the last 30 percent made up for it as the events really spiraled. I think I didn’t fully guess reasons why of what happened to Rachele and Sav so that was interesting. I really loved the epilogue and sad it’s over. Overall, this was still a good series and something different from Charmaine that I’ve read.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 16, 2024
Mafia romance, adult romance
This is book three of the trilogy. You MUST read books one and two first. These books are NOT standalones.
It's the end of Sav and Anya's story and I don't know how to feel about it. I just don't want it to be over. I feel like I really connected with Anya over the three books and seeing her character growth and take on challenges was amazing and emotional. Same for Sav, as a mafia leader, he too grew.
Kudos to Charmaine for making a mafia romance that really deep dives into the inner workings of the mafia. You get alllllll the emotions and many "edge of your seat" moments. I felt scared, nervous, pissed, jealous, happy and excited...it was an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Without giving too much away, I think this title for the third book is perfect. Anya is a freaking queen. She steps forward in this book and takes on power as a mafia leader...here for it!!!
This is book three of the trilogy. You MUST read books one and two first. These books are NOT standalones.
It's the end of Sav and Anya's story and I don't know how to feel about it. I just don't want it to be over. I feel like I really connected with Anya over the three books and seeing her character growth and take on challenges was amazing and emotional. Same for Sav, as a mafia leader, he too grew.
Kudos to Charmaine for making a mafia romance that really deep dives into the inner workings of the mafia. You get alllllll the emotions and many "edge of your seat" moments. I felt scared, nervous, pissed, jealous, happy and excited...it was an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Without giving too much away, I think this title for the third book is perfect. Anya is a freaking queen. She steps forward in this book and takes on power as a mafia leader...here for it!!!
December 14, 2024
Another amazing series!
Anya and Sav’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Anya has never been shown love by the people in her life that should’ve. She is one of the strongest FMCs I’ve read to date. She doesn’t just survive… she recreates herself. She is also a freaking Queen.
The internal struggles that Sav goes through in this book is so devastating. The self sabotage and denial makes you just want to shake him! But he can’t help himself from showing what he can’t say.
The surprises in the story will leave your mouth hanging open. And the spice 👌🏼… it will make you want to buy a jacuzzi. Oh yes!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Anya and Sav’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Anya has never been shown love by the people in her life that should’ve. She is one of the strongest FMCs I’ve read to date. She doesn’t just survive… she recreates herself. She is also a freaking Queen.
The internal struggles that Sav goes through in this book is so devastating. The self sabotage and denial makes you just want to shake him! But he can’t help himself from showing what he can’t say.
The surprises in the story will leave your mouth hanging open. And the spice 👌🏼… it will make you want to buy a jacuzzi. Oh yes!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 13, 2024
Well, that's an ending that I wasn't fully expecting for this series. Book 2 ended on an explosive cliffhanger and book 3 picks up right there. There was a lot happening in the beginning of the book as both Sav and Anya are dealing with the aftermath of what happened at their wedding, which shifted the dynamics in their relationship. As their power balance shifts, so does their world outside of their home. Livy and Dante play strong supporting characters, and Nicole's presence grows as well. The ending isn't how I expected it to play out but it worked for me. It was a good way to close out the story of Anya and Sav...now I just need Pauls to immediately start a new series.
December 9, 2024
Genre/Trope: Criminal, Fake Relationship Romance
Book Type: Book 3 of Trilogy
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: New York City
Endearment: Treasure
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Medium
Angst Level: Medium
Cliffhanger: No
My Review: This book concludes the story of Saverio and Anya and takes place directly after book 2. To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of things that happened to our main characters in this book. It was very emotional and at times heartbreaking and I had a hard time adapting to the events that occurred. I did enjoy Anya’s progression though; she became so strong and resilient and really came into her own out of necessity. Sav had a rough road and it just kind of depressed me and I felt so bad for him and Anya. I loved the ending though and I’m happy with how everything turned out. The epilogue was incredibly sweet and filled my heart with joy.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book Type: Book 3 of Trilogy
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: New York City
Endearment: Treasure
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Medium
Angst Level: Medium
Cliffhanger: No
My Review: This book concludes the story of Saverio and Anya and takes place directly after book 2. To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of things that happened to our main characters in this book. It was very emotional and at times heartbreaking and I had a hard time adapting to the events that occurred. I did enjoy Anya’s progression though; she became so strong and resilient and really came into her own out of necessity. Sav had a rough road and it just kind of depressed me and I felt so bad for him and Anya. I loved the ending though and I’m happy with how everything turned out. The epilogue was incredibly sweet and filled my heart with joy.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
This final story in the trilogy just ties up all of the angst and the danger and the coercision and the longing by Anya and Sav. While darkness held sway, there were moments of light in which Anya bursts forth into her own. Sav's possessiveness is curtailed but nothing will hold back the storm of their union.
December 10, 2024
Love reading the conclusion to Saverio and Anya story so much. Love seeing how Anya growths into a world she was not looking for but made her stronger. She came out of her shell and became the queen in Saverio’s life.
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