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Corsican Crime Lord #2
Hate Like Honey
The price I paid to claim her cost me too dearly to ever let her go.
A deal sealed with a handshake promised she’d be mine. A broken vow ripped her from my future. I made unspeakable sacrifices to claim what rightfully belongs to me. After all the blood I shed in her name, the bond that ties us is hatred. The war cost us both dearly, but the price we paid won’t be in vain. I’ll never let her go.
If she thinks she can escape her destiny, she hasn’t seen the worst of me yet.
If she thinks she knows the devil in me, she’s about to meet the monster.
A deal sealed with a handshake promised she’d be mine. A broken vow ripped her from my future. I made unspeakable sacrifices to claim what rightfully belongs to me. After all the blood I shed in her name, the bond that ties us is hatred. The war cost us both dearly, but the price we paid won’t be in vain. I’ll never let her go.
If she thinks she can escape her destiny, she hasn’t seen the worst of me yet.
If she thinks she knows the devil in me, she’s about to meet the monster.
Audible Audio
Published October 3, 2023
140 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
72 books1,839 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 247 reviews
January 3, 2024
By the end of this book, I wanted to geld the hero like the stallion he thought he was.
This is the epitome of a toxic relationship.
“Hero”: Angelo Russo (23)
Heroine: Sabella Edwards (19)
SPOILERS BELOW:
This book would have worked if his rage had some basis in reality. Why is he so angry? He has had her watched for over two years, he knows absolutely everything she has ever done! Therefore, he knows she’s completely innocent of the things her father did. Also, his family killed her father. So shouldn’t she be full of rage as well?
The mental and physical abuse is sickening:
Branding her
Beating with a belt
Anal rape
Making her crawl around naked
Rapes her with a gun
Almost makes her pass out with the first bj she’s ever given
Fucks her against her will, then makes her sleep on the floor
This was gratuitous torture porn near the end with one awful thing after another.
For a young woman, who had grown up with nothing but the love and care from her parents, to suddenly be thrown into this kind of torture? I can’t imagine her mental health will survive this.
I see the evil streak that makes him look like a demon. This isn’t the man I met, the one I fell in love with. This is the man I married.
Is this what we are calling romance these days? The fmc usually has an orgasm, so I’m guessing that’s the excuse that this abuse is slightly ok?
The cliffhanger ending made zero sense.
This author has incredible talent, and I have loved some of her other stories. Book one of this series was good, and I found it incredibly romantic that he remained a virgin for her.
All of their firsts have been together. Unfortunately, all of their firsts now include horrific sexual and physical abuse.
Does this series get any better? Does he apologize in some way? Is there some serious groveling? I read some spoilers for the last book, and it sounds like she WTAF.
Two stars because the beginning wasn’t an awful, and the writing is quality.
This is the epitome of a toxic relationship.
“Hero”: Angelo Russo (23)
Heroine: Sabella Edwards (19)
SPOILERS BELOW:
This book would have worked if his rage had some basis in reality. Why is he so angry? He has had her watched for over two years, he knows absolutely everything she has ever done! Therefore, he knows she’s completely innocent of the things her father did. Also, his family killed her father. So shouldn’t she be full of rage as well?
The mental and physical abuse is sickening:
Branding her
Beating with a belt
Anal rape
Making her crawl around naked
Rapes her with a gun
Almost makes her pass out with the first bj she’s ever given
Fucks her against her will, then makes her sleep on the floor
This was gratuitous torture porn near the end with one awful thing after another.
For a young woman, who had grown up with nothing but the love and care from her parents, to suddenly be thrown into this kind of torture? I can’t imagine her mental health will survive this.
I see the evil streak that makes him look like a demon. This isn’t the man I met, the one I fell in love with. This is the man I married.
Is this what we are calling romance these days? The fmc usually has an orgasm, so I’m guessing that’s the excuse that this abuse is slightly ok?
The cliffhanger ending made zero sense.
This author has incredible talent, and I have loved some of her other stories. Book one of this series was good, and I found it incredibly romantic that he remained a virgin for her.
All of their firsts have been together. Unfortunately, all of their firsts now include horrific sexual and physical abuse.
Does this series get any better? Does he apologize in some way? Is there some serious groveling? I read some spoilers for the last book, and it sounds like she WTAF.
Two stars because the beginning wasn’t an awful, and the writing is quality.
October 17, 2023
The way I was excited to jump on this after the how the first book ended and now I’m disappointed. So many unnecessary things happening here that added absolutely nothing to the story and ended up dragging it. And the ending made zero sense.
Overall it was an okay read. I’m mildly disappointed because i had very high expectations.
Overall it was an okay read. I’m mildly disappointed because i had very high expectations.
December 15, 2023
I wish I had finished this one as impressed as my dear friends. ☹️
November 22, 2023
I think it’s hard to rate this book! This story is sad and so powerful that twisted my mind.
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
September 21, 2023
After Love Like Poison left me with a killer cliffhanger,i needed Hate Like Honey,badly!
So when the ARC arrived,i knew i couldn’t help myself….i hád to know what happened!
Having read the final page,i’m sitting here,lost for words,aching for these two lost souls.
How can they ever find a little peace,a little warmth,in eachother’s arms?
I’m starting to worry they never will…..
After his mother’s and twin sister’s murder,Angelo and his father go straight to the person that ordered the kill that was meant for them,Sabella’s father.
Finding them in his office,standing over her father’s body,shocks her.
But what happens after is stuff made of nightmares….
Because her father wasn’t the man she always thought he was.
And the mess left in his wake isn’t something you can brush under the carpet.
Not only that,Angelo’s father wants her dead,but dies himself from a heart attack.
Leaving a devastated Angelo as head of the business.
And once he gets his head back in the game,he comes for Sabella.
To get what was promised to him all those years ago.
No best friend will take her away from him.
Even if it means he has to kill Colin for trying to marry her to keep her safe from him.
Is that the worst that happened?
No….their story only goes further downhill from there.
Leaving me with yet another killer cliffhanger!
I need Tears Like Acid!!! Please!!!
So when the ARC arrived,i knew i couldn’t help myself….i hád to know what happened!
Having read the final page,i’m sitting here,lost for words,aching for these two lost souls.
How can they ever find a little peace,a little warmth,in eachother’s arms?
I’m starting to worry they never will…..
After his mother’s and twin sister’s murder,Angelo and his father go straight to the person that ordered the kill that was meant for them,Sabella’s father.
Finding them in his office,standing over her father’s body,shocks her.
But what happens after is stuff made of nightmares….
Because her father wasn’t the man she always thought he was.
And the mess left in his wake isn’t something you can brush under the carpet.
Not only that,Angelo’s father wants her dead,but dies himself from a heart attack.
Leaving a devastated Angelo as head of the business.
And once he gets his head back in the game,he comes for Sabella.
To get what was promised to him all those years ago.
No best friend will take her away from him.
Even if it means he has to kill Colin for trying to marry her to keep her safe from him.
Is that the worst that happened?
No….their story only goes further downhill from there.
Leaving me with yet another killer cliffhanger!
I need Tears Like Acid!!! Please!!!
September 25, 2023
These books must be read in order! This is book two and it started right where book one left off on a brutal cliffhanger.
Life keeps knocking down these characters. More bloodshed. More loss. More devastation for both Sabella and Angelo.
“At last, she’s mine, but it’s not the beginning I imagined. Our story doesn’t get a happy ending. In our case, we’re doomed to live unhappily ever after.”
Angelo succeeded in his forced arranged marriage to Sabella that he was once promised but it’s nothing like the wedding he thought he’d get when his mom and sister were planning it.
With death and destruction, he’s setting himself and Sabella further apart, Angelo’s anger will be the ruin of it all.
He think he owns her now.
Mind. Body. Soul.
I don’t know how Charmaine Pauls will redeem him in upcoming books because he was a downright asshole in this one.
“Just remember, I spared your life.”
“Now, I own it.”
And another cliffie with Angelo because a bigger ass than ever. 😂
Some plot twists. I didn’t see coming, I’m exciting to see how everything plays out!
Life keeps knocking down these characters. More bloodshed. More loss. More devastation for both Sabella and Angelo.
“At last, she’s mine, but it’s not the beginning I imagined. Our story doesn’t get a happy ending. In our case, we’re doomed to live unhappily ever after.”
Angelo succeeded in his forced arranged marriage to Sabella that he was once promised but it’s nothing like the wedding he thought he’d get when his mom and sister were planning it.
With death and destruction, he’s setting himself and Sabella further apart, Angelo’s anger will be the ruin of it all.
He think he owns her now.
Mind. Body. Soul.
I don’t know how Charmaine Pauls will redeem him in upcoming books because he was a downright asshole in this one.
“Just remember, I spared your life.”
“Now, I own it.”
And another cliffie with Angelo because a bigger ass than ever. 😂
Some plot twists. I didn’t see coming, I’m exciting to see how everything plays out!
October 3, 2023
Oh my gawd! This was crazy intense!!!
I was totally captivated by Sabella’s and Angelo's story as it picks up where the first book ends. My heart ached for Sabella as she made a choice only to be caught up in a force too strong for her to fight. Angelo is fierce in his actions and reactions to her and there were so many times that I found myself growing uncomfortable with the situation and yet I couldn’t stop reading.
This is layered with so many wicked twists due to both Sabella’s and Angelo’s decisions. I somewhat suspected a few of them, but there were many that took me by surprise. And then there was the final action that left me gasping in shock. Ms. Pauls has totally taken this story and her readers for a wild ride that, so far, has left me feeling wrecked but wanting more.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I was totally captivated by Sabella’s and Angelo's story as it picks up where the first book ends. My heart ached for Sabella as she made a choice only to be caught up in a force too strong for her to fight. Angelo is fierce in his actions and reactions to her and there were so many times that I found myself growing uncomfortable with the situation and yet I couldn’t stop reading.
This is layered with so many wicked twists due to both Sabella’s and Angelo’s decisions. I somewhat suspected a few of them, but there were many that took me by surprise. And then there was the final action that left me gasping in shock. Ms. Pauls has totally taken this story and her readers for a wild ride that, so far, has left me feeling wrecked but wanting more.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
October 6, 2023
Holy dark romance perfection heaven for me! Charmaine Pauls has created such deliciously twisted tale of passion and love mixed with hate . Angelo and Sabella took me on a full emotional rollercoaster. It was dark and deviant and raw. It was destroying me emotionally. I am feeling so much complicated messy things in my heart. And the wait for the next book will be torture. But Corsica Crime Lords is becoming one of my top organized crime romance ever.
This is book two of Angelo and Sabella's story. We left Corsica crime world's prince Angelo Ruaso in shambles as his mother and sister dies in an accident that intended to kill his father. And the man responsible is Sabella's father, Benjamin Edwards who wants to get out of the arranged marriage commitment. So begins a tale of revenge and seduction. Angelo should kill Sabella but he has this twisted obsession with her. As we leave them at the beginning of a marriage built on lies, secrets and irresistible lust..I wonder can they really have a happily ever after?
This story moves up and down with constant twists and deceptive moves. I was feeling hurt and turned on and angry and broken and scared and so many other things at the same time! The full credit goes to Charmaine Paul's storytelling. At the beginning, my full sympathy stayed for Angelo. Because Sabella's evil father destroyed his family, not honoring own promise. He was so lost and full of vengeance. And when he took the vengeance, Sabella couldn't believe him. I was upset with her for some time. Her whole life was built on lies. Her own father was a corrupt criminal mastermind with so many skeletons in his closet. But she refused to see the truth for long time. Little did she know, her whole family knew just how deeply Angelo owns her life. In every way possible. But slowly, I started feeling heartbroken for her. She was manipulated and deceived by her own family yet she sacrificed everything at the end to save them from Angelo's Wrath. Her heart was Divided. A part was falling for the caring and possessive and protective side of Angelo. And the other side hated the ruthless and vindictive and cruel side of the same man. She is a fighter. The grief and pain brought out the real monster inside Angelo's heart. He was torn between trying to ease Sabella's pain and using her mercilessly. It was fast paced and full of action packed scenes. And it was really dark..specially the s3x part. Dub con, degradation, forced proximity, different types of twisted k1nks..it had everything. It was definitely extra spicy. But I loved Hate Like Honey for the explosive all consuming raw feels it managed to make me feel.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
This is book two of Angelo and Sabella's story. We left Corsica crime world's prince Angelo Ruaso in shambles as his mother and sister dies in an accident that intended to kill his father. And the man responsible is Sabella's father, Benjamin Edwards who wants to get out of the arranged marriage commitment. So begins a tale of revenge and seduction. Angelo should kill Sabella but he has this twisted obsession with her. As we leave them at the beginning of a marriage built on lies, secrets and irresistible lust..I wonder can they really have a happily ever after?
This story moves up and down with constant twists and deceptive moves. I was feeling hurt and turned on and angry and broken and scared and so many other things at the same time! The full credit goes to Charmaine Paul's storytelling. At the beginning, my full sympathy stayed for Angelo. Because Sabella's evil father destroyed his family, not honoring own promise. He was so lost and full of vengeance. And when he took the vengeance, Sabella couldn't believe him. I was upset with her for some time. Her whole life was built on lies. Her own father was a corrupt criminal mastermind with so many skeletons in his closet. But she refused to see the truth for long time. Little did she know, her whole family knew just how deeply Angelo owns her life. In every way possible. But slowly, I started feeling heartbroken for her. She was manipulated and deceived by her own family yet she sacrificed everything at the end to save them from Angelo's Wrath. Her heart was Divided. A part was falling for the caring and possessive and protective side of Angelo. And the other side hated the ruthless and vindictive and cruel side of the same man. She is a fighter. The grief and pain brought out the real monster inside Angelo's heart. He was torn between trying to ease Sabella's pain and using her mercilessly. It was fast paced and full of action packed scenes. And it was really dark..specially the s3x part. Dub con, degradation, forced proximity, different types of twisted k1nks..it had everything. It was definitely extra spicy. But I loved Hate Like Honey for the explosive all consuming raw feels it managed to make me feel.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
January 12, 2024
3.5 STARS
I have to round down. This installment was so OTT, with far-fetched 'plot twists' and too much cruelty toward the heroine over a ridiculously short timeframe. It was devoid of romance.
Its saving grace, however, was this:
I have to round down. This installment was so OTT, with far-fetched 'plot twists' and too much cruelty toward the heroine over a ridiculously short timeframe. It was devoid of romance.
Its saving grace, however, was this:
I want to hurt him, and the sentiment scares me. The person I don't like, the one who rears her head whenever Angelo is around, is becoming a little stronger with every minute I'm in his presence.No one can deny that Charmaine Pauls is a great writer, and that moment when Sabella was stellar. Also, I'm glad I continued with the series, book 3 is turning out to be a winner!
October 19, 2023
This second book takes you down a rabbit hole of darkness and toxicity and after that explosive finish with book one, the story continues with Angelo now struggling to reconcile his conflicted feelings towards Sabella. There’s a fine line between love and hate and Angelo is straddling that baby big-time. He repeatedly crosses the boundaries of what is acceptable all in an attempt to completely possess the woman that has swiftly become his obsession.
Sabella's eyes are now open when it comes to her father but she naturally still hates Angelo for his part in her dad's fate, never once realising how fully enmeshed he still is in every aspect of her life. The hate and lust she feels for this man are opposing magnetic forces which both equally add to all of her messy confusion and guilt.
Everything comes to a head here as forces align and Angelo manoeuvres Sabella into position. But still hurting from the past he can’t help holding her partially responsible, despite also recognising her complete innocence. He’s then a strange mix of random acts of gentle caring mixed with cruel sadistic and cold behaviour, frankly, his mood swings are enough to give you whiplash and it’s obvious Angelo’s emotions are in complete turmoil.
The finish here was explosive and left me anticipating the next book but be aware this is not at times an easy read Sabella’s and Angelo’s relationship is all sorts of toxic and unhealthy. Angelo definitely has an uphill battle now to achieve any sort of redemption, but Sabella also needs to remove her rose-coloured specks and realise her family’s shit smells just as bad as her new husband's as she still seems to have her head buried firmly in the sand.
I’m now intrigued to learn how we go forward from here. As usual, this was well-written and a definite page-turner. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Hate Like Honey.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 3, 2023
Hate Like Honey swept me back into this beautiful story reminding me of all the loss and devastation, making me crave the hope and happiness that we all dream about to happen for Sabella and Angelo. Their love is all consuming, it began when Angelo was 14 years old and was promised to marry the young Sabella. This promise, and later denial, paved a path of revenge, complete with heartbreaking loss and overwhelming grief in both families.
How can this couple go forward after all the betrayal and lies? Is their love strong enough to ensure they survive the complicated and painful path they are on or will they end in tragedy and ruin?
Sensational and spellbinding story ✨✨✨✨✨
I am so thankful that Charmaine Pauls does a synopsis at the beginning of following books. Even though it has not been that long since I read Love Like Poison, this refresher throws me immediately back into the emotions and feelings from the the first book.
How can this couple go forward after all the betrayal and lies? Is their love strong enough to ensure they survive the complicated and painful path they are on or will they end in tragedy and ruin?
Sensational and spellbinding story ✨✨✨✨✨
I am so thankful that Charmaine Pauls does a synopsis at the beginning of following books. Even though it has not been that long since I read Love Like Poison, this refresher throws me immediately back into the emotions and feelings from the the first book.
December 23, 2023
This was a literal rollercoaster of a book, in true CP fashion. I'm scared about the fact that there are still 2 more books to go 💀 but onto the next one 🏃♀️.
October 25, 2023
I liked the book and thought it was more entertaining than book 1, but as another reader said, I'm not sure these two should really be together. If me wanting to be with someone led to , I would take that as a sign that we shouldn't be together.
This is a romance novel, but it's not romantic. I love Angelo as a character (not as a guy I want, LOL), but he's such a villain I just made a new shelf for that. I hope in the next two books they'll talk more because their interaction now is mostly limited to sex. Not that I dislike sex in books, because I don't, but I want the hero and heroine to also talk and get to know each other if it's a romance novel.
The end had me shaking my head.
Anyway, having said all this, I want to know what happens next, and I love Charmaine's style, so I will be reading the next two books once they are released.
This is a romance novel, but it's not romantic. I love Angelo as a character (not as a guy I want, LOL), but he's such a villain I just made a new shelf for that. I hope in the next two books they'll talk more because their interaction now is mostly limited to sex. Not that I dislike sex in books, because I don't, but I want the hero and heroine to also talk and get to know each other if it's a romance novel.
The end had me shaking my head.
Anyway, having said all this, I want to know what happens next, and I love Charmaine's style, so I will be reading the next two books once they are released.
December 31, 2023
I kept having to remind myself to breathe when I was reading this second instalment of Angelo and Sabella's story (Beta read). This is so much darker than the first book and hot as hell. I was glued to the pages, consumed by my need to know what happens next. Buckle up, you're in for one heck of a ride!
September 29, 2023
I feel so conflicted writing this review because of the emotional turmoil that this book has inflicted upon me. However, there is no denying that Charmaine Pauls has written another incredible and heartbreaking sequel for Angelo and Sabella. Hate Like Honey is the second book in the
Corsican Crime Lord
series and it follows the devastating aftermath of Love Like Poison. There were heavy consequences to Angelo's obsession for Sabella and both their families paid the ultimate price. Unfortunately, Sabella won't be able to escape Angelo's wrath—which may prove to be the downfall of their relationship and any lingering feelings of love they may have for each other. I will forever be enamored by Charmaine's prose and her ability to craft words that will tug at your heartstrings. There was this feeling of impending doom throughout the book and I was completely floored when the marriage finally happened.
I both loved and hated Angelo. He was a man who lost everything while only rage and a hollow shell of his former self remained. Angelo was determined to possess Sabella and when their union finally happened, he became someone almost unrecognizable—a darker and crueler version of himself who wanted to break the woman he loved. I hated what he did to Sabella but I can only pity him for the day she throws everything back at his face in the future. After everything that she went through, Sabella is no longer her innocent and ignorant former self. Her love for Angelo played a part in the downfall of her family and left her with only pain and tears. I hated that Angelo blamed her for everything when she was innocent in her father and brother's evil plans. I couldn't help but think Angelo and Sabella were both tragic characters in their love for each other.
In the end, this book devastated me in the best of ways and I can't wait to see how their relationship will develop even further in Tears Like Acid. The current version of Angelo does not deserve my tears and I don't know how the author will be able to redeem her hero after this book. He was incredibly cruel and heartless in how he treated Sabella but there were moments of kindness and gentleness from him. This book does end with another cliffhanger and we're left wondering what will become of Sabella's fate. Angelo is not willing to let her go but he is unable to forgive her. Fans of Charmaine Pauls, dark romance, and the arranged marriage trope will be completely enthralled by her storytelling in this brand new series featuring a seemingly irredeemable and cruel anti-hero hellbent on possessing his strong-willed and former hothouse flower of a heroine.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
“At last, she’s mine, but it’s not the beginning I imagined. Our story doesn’t get a happy ending. In our case, we’re doomed to live unhappily ever after.”
I both loved and hated Angelo. He was a man who lost everything while only rage and a hollow shell of his former self remained. Angelo was determined to possess Sabella and when their union finally happened, he became someone almost unrecognizable—a darker and crueler version of himself who wanted to break the woman he loved. I hated what he did to Sabella but I can only pity him for the day she throws everything back at his face in the future. After everything that she went through, Sabella is no longer her innocent and ignorant former self. Her love for Angelo played a part in the downfall of her family and left her with only pain and tears. I hated that Angelo blamed her for everything when she was innocent in her father and brother's evil plans. I couldn't help but think Angelo and Sabella were both tragic characters in their love for each other.
“I should’ve known then, but I was young and inexperienced. Falling in love. Falling for the wrong man. That man took my heart, and he never returned it. There’s no hope of ever getting it back, because the man I gave my love to is an illusion.”
In the end, this book devastated me in the best of ways and I can't wait to see how their relationship will develop even further in Tears Like Acid. The current version of Angelo does not deserve my tears and I don't know how the author will be able to redeem her hero after this book. He was incredibly cruel and heartless in how he treated Sabella but there were moments of kindness and gentleness from him. This book does end with another cliffhanger and we're left wondering what will become of Sabella's fate. Angelo is not willing to let her go but he is unable to forgive her. Fans of Charmaine Pauls, dark romance, and the arranged marriage trope will be completely enthralled by her storytelling in this brand new series featuring a seemingly irredeemable and cruel anti-hero hellbent on possessing his strong-willed and former hothouse flower of a heroine.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
October 3, 2023
Genre: Enemies to Lovers, Crime Lord Romance
Series Type: Series; book 2 of 4
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: South Africa and Corsica
Endearment: Bella and Cara
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Medium
Angst Level: High
Cliffhanger: Yes
Epilogue: Not Yet
My Review: The second book in this series picks up right where the first left off. Angelo is dealing with a tragic event and is sinking into a dark place of grief, guilt and increasing rage. Sabella is reeling from the dirty secrets her family is keeping from her and the deception is destroying her idealistic world. For the first half of this book Angelo and Sabella are still separated, but once they reunite it is absolute fire. Angelo is a powder keg ready to explode and Sabella is pushing all his buttons. The ending is a doozy and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment. I received an ARC from the author, but my opinions/review are my own.
Series Type: Series; book 2 of 4
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: South Africa and Corsica
Endearment: Bella and Cara
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Medium
Angst Level: High
Cliffhanger: Yes
Epilogue: Not Yet
My Review: The second book in this series picks up right where the first left off. Angelo is dealing with a tragic event and is sinking into a dark place of grief, guilt and increasing rage. Sabella is reeling from the dirty secrets her family is keeping from her and the deception is destroying her idealistic world. For the first half of this book Angelo and Sabella are still separated, but once they reunite it is absolute fire. Angelo is a powder keg ready to explode and Sabella is pushing all his buttons. The ending is a doozy and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment. I received an ARC from the author, but my opinions/review are my own.
November 9, 2023
How can this horror be called a book? Those who like this book are probably really crazy.
October 19, 2023
Hate Like Honey- Corsican Crime Lord (book 2) - Charmaine Pauls
This was not an easy book to read as it gets very dark and tugs on so many emotional strings, had me cringing more than a few times and also had me riveted to every page. I finished the second book of the series overnight and into the next afternoon.
Taking off where the first book ended I am feeling every suspenseful moment Sabella is experiencing. There is also a lot of family joy along with the heartache. She has led a princess fantasy life up until now and events lead to the reveal of deceit of her father’s secret life. If not for her strong brother, Ryan, her family would have crumbled even further.
Her brother keeps her unaware of the extent the family is basically owned by Angelo Russo. She was promised to him as a young girl and although attracted to the dark handsome young Corsican man she learns he has turned into her vision of a dark angel/monster. Throughout the story you want to root for Angelo and Sabella but too much chaos and evil weaves itself into their lives.
The author creatively inserts Sabella’s emotions into the reader as we feel her hopes, love of family, suspense , terror and even her resolve. Her feelings for Angelo are so conflicting and he gives her no leeway to possibly love him although she is definitely unwillingly attracted to him. Angelo is also torn apart as his love/hate relationship for his new bride is battered by his hatred of her family.
The cliffhanger leads to book 3 which is hard to wait for. I don’t know how this story will end but it will be a phenomenal conclusion to this series. This talented author is exceptional at writing dark stories with crime lords, and families that teeter on the edge of good vs evil with love/hate/physical tension pulling you into the drama even further.
This was not an easy book to read as it gets very dark and tugs on so many emotional strings, had me cringing more than a few times and also had me riveted to every page. I finished the second book of the series overnight and into the next afternoon.
Taking off where the first book ended I am feeling every suspenseful moment Sabella is experiencing. There is also a lot of family joy along with the heartache. She has led a princess fantasy life up until now and events lead to the reveal of deceit of her father’s secret life. If not for her strong brother, Ryan, her family would have crumbled even further.
Her brother keeps her unaware of the extent the family is basically owned by Angelo Russo. She was promised to him as a young girl and although attracted to the dark handsome young Corsican man she learns he has turned into her vision of a dark angel/monster. Throughout the story you want to root for Angelo and Sabella but too much chaos and evil weaves itself into their lives.
The author creatively inserts Sabella’s emotions into the reader as we feel her hopes, love of family, suspense , terror and even her resolve. Her feelings for Angelo are so conflicting and he gives her no leeway to possibly love him although she is definitely unwillingly attracted to him. Angelo is also torn apart as his love/hate relationship for his new bride is battered by his hatred of her family.
The cliffhanger leads to book 3 which is hard to wait for. I don’t know how this story will end but it will be a phenomenal conclusion to this series. This talented author is exceptional at writing dark stories with crime lords, and families that teeter on the edge of good vs evil with love/hate/physical tension pulling you into the drama even further.
November 7, 2023
2.5/5⭐️
La historia se fue muy al patio. No al principio, pero si a medida que avanza.
Creo que el maltrato no deja espacio a la historia de amor. La atracción y la pasión no las encuentro creíbles, no cuando Angelo es un psicópata.
La protagonista no es tan tarada como otras que leí, pero no veo forma de que se enamore.
El libro deja un enganche para el siguiente, eso está muy bien armado, porque pese a ser muy tóxico genera ganas de saber como sigue, pero no en el buen sentido, sino en el morbo de saber como la autora va a sortear todo este maltrato.
La historia se fue muy al patio. No al principio, pero si a medida que avanza.
Creo que el maltrato no deja espacio a la historia de amor. La atracción y la pasión no las encuentro creíbles, no cuando Angelo es un psicópata.
La protagonista no es tan tarada como otras que leí, pero no veo forma de que se enamore.
El libro deja un enganche para el siguiente, eso está muy bien armado, porque pese a ser muy tóxico genera ganas de saber como sigue, pero no en el buen sentido, sino en el morbo de saber como la autora va a sortear todo este maltrato.
September 30, 2023
Hate Like Honey is the second book of series Corsican Crimen. In this book we see Angelo devastated by loss, and immersed in a great hatred towards her... towards everyone... He knows it’s not her fault, he knows she is innocent but he also knows that if it wasn’t for her nothing would have happened... All because of his desire for Bella, it’s all her fault.
On the other hand, Sabella has so much fear because of her guilt, and so much anguish that she doesn’t know how to react as everything unfolds around her... Angelo and Bella’s world, as they knew it, has just turned so cold, so deadly, so sinister that neither of them knows what will come next.
A promise kept, but with tears, pain, betrayal, and disappointment.
For Angelo, the only thing left is revenge and blind rage and to make Sabella pay in life for what he lost for her.
What will have to happen for that blind and blunt hatred to turn into love? Or will it be that the wound is so big that there is no salvation for either of them? What else will Sabella have to pay for having been born with a last name that she did not choose to have? Will love to be stronger than the pain and hatred that unites them? We will find out in Tears Like Acid, this exciting story, a roller coaster of emotions.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review
On the other hand, Sabella has so much fear because of her guilt, and so much anguish that she doesn’t know how to react as everything unfolds around her... Angelo and Bella’s world, as they knew it, has just turned so cold, so deadly, so sinister that neither of them knows what will come next.
A promise kept, but with tears, pain, betrayal, and disappointment.
For Angelo, the only thing left is revenge and blind rage and to make Sabella pay in life for what he lost for her.
What will have to happen for that blind and blunt hatred to turn into love? Or will it be that the wound is so big that there is no salvation for either of them? What else will Sabella have to pay for having been born with a last name that she did not choose to have? Will love to be stronger than the pain and hatred that unites them? We will find out in Tears Like Acid, this exciting story, a roller coaster of emotions.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review
October 7, 2023
Señora yo necesito el siguiente libro. No me puede dejar así 😭🥹🥹. En verdad, sus villanos de Charmaine se toman su papel en serio y Angelo no es la excepción; espero que le caiga el karma porque lo que está haciendo no se lo merece ella 😩
October 3, 2023
There is nothing sweet about the hatred that runs through this book. This book left me breathless with the tension underlying every page. The monster in Angelo is unleashed. He is no longer loving or kind. He is consumed by vengeance, hatred and sadness at the loss of his mum and sister. Sabella is no longer the girl he has pined for. She is the focus of his darkness. Someone to be consumed, controlled and owned.
This book is dark. It plays with consent and control. Angelo is too far gone and will take what he wants from Sabella without consideration. It is hard to imagine how he will he redeemed. But we have seen the potential these two have to be lovers and partners. I am sure that with two books to go there is quite a lot of ground left to cover. Sabella is a fighter and has stood her ground throughout the story. I have no doubt she will find a way to whip him into shape.
Hate Like Honey is a dark second part of Angelo and Sabella's story. Read the TW as this is an uncomfortable read at times. Charmaine has once again brought her A game to give us this tense and addictive couple.
This book is dark. It plays with consent and control. Angelo is too far gone and will take what he wants from Sabella without consideration. It is hard to imagine how he will he redeemed. But we have seen the potential these two have to be lovers and partners. I am sure that with two books to go there is quite a lot of ground left to cover. Sabella is a fighter and has stood her ground throughout the story. I have no doubt she will find a way to whip him into shape.
Hate Like Honey is a dark second part of Angelo and Sabella's story. Read the TW as this is an uncomfortable read at times. Charmaine has once again brought her A game to give us this tense and addictive couple.
October 3, 2023
I thoroughly loved reading the exciting, engaging, and enthralling story. When Angelo's mom and sister are killed, he and his father get revenge on Sabella's father, but Angelo still wants Sabella and will do whatever he can to get her and exact his vengeance on her. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and riveting story captivating the reader from the first page until the last page full of anticipation for the next story in the series by the amazing and awesome author, Charmaine Pauls!
October 23, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✔️
Do I recommend it? ✔️!
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, new adult, romantic suspense
A deal, sealed with a handshake, promised Sabella would be Angelo Russo's. A broken vow ripped her from his future. He made unspeakable sacrifices to claim what rightfully belonged to him. After all the blood he shed in her name, the bond that ties them is hatred. The war cost them both dearly, but the price they paid won’t be in vain. He'll never let her go. If she thinks she can escape her destiny, she hasn’t seen the worst of Antonio yet. If she thinks she knows the devil in him, she’s about to meet the monster.
If I thought I liked the first book, this one was the best in so many heartbreaking ways. I knew after that cliffhanger in book one to expect my heart to be stomped on with this one. I lived on the edge of my seat as the angst exploded with each twist and turn. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✔️
Do I recommend it? ✔️!
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, new adult, romantic suspense
A deal, sealed with a handshake, promised Sabella would be Angelo Russo's. A broken vow ripped her from his future. He made unspeakable sacrifices to claim what rightfully belonged to him. After all the blood he shed in her name, the bond that ties them is hatred. The war cost them both dearly, but the price they paid won’t be in vain. He'll never let her go. If she thinks she can escape her destiny, she hasn’t seen the worst of Antonio yet. If she thinks she knows the devil in him, she’s about to meet the monster.
If I thought I liked the first book, this one was the best in so many heartbreaking ways. I knew after that cliffhanger in book one to expect my heart to be stomped on with this one. I lived on the edge of my seat as the angst exploded with each twist and turn. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
November 24, 2023
Oh yeah this one got a lot darker. The surprise at the Edwards family got at the will reading made me angry and sad for them. I can understand Daisy's feelings when she goes to Isabella house and says those hurtful things to her it's not okay and I'm proud of sabella for ending the encounter. I wonder if Daisy and her mom are going to come up in the future story.
Angelo recognizes that all of this destruction is because he couldn't move on and leave Sabella alone, the way he's treating her right now is total crap. And while those sort of actions are what make these books really good, there better be some freaking good groveling in the future.
Jermaine has done a really good job of continuing Savella being a balance of strong and brave and also knowing when to give in.
Angelo recognizes that all of this destruction is because he couldn't move on and leave Sabella alone, the way he's treating her right now is total crap. And while those sort of actions are what make these books really good, there better be some freaking good groveling in the future.
Jermaine has done a really good job of continuing Savella being a balance of strong and brave and also knowing when to give in.
January 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I lied y'all, this is really dark (won't stop me from staying up tonight and finishing the series)
I lied y'all, this is really dark (won't stop me from staying up tonight and finishing the series)
October 4, 2023
Hate Like Honey is the second book in the Corsican Crime Lord series by Charmaine Pauls, and I think it might be my favorite story from her yet - which is saying something since I've loved many of her books.
As I said in my review of book one, Sabella and Angelo's story is an epic saga, like something I loved as a tween, modernized into the mafia romances of today that dark romance readers like myself love. After the events of book one I was so eager to see Angelo's descent into darkness, and he did not disappoint! At the same time, he is so darkly romantic in his obsession with Sabella; it's balanced perfectly in this second book, which delves into the tortured hatred between the two and the reasons for it.
The steam factor picks up appropriately in this one, but I love that it is appropriate to the pace set in book one and organic to the story. Groundwork for additional struggles is laid perfectly, and I am super eager to see how things progress in book three coming next month.
4.75 Stars
As I said in my review of book one, Sabella and Angelo's story is an epic saga, like something I loved as a tween, modernized into the mafia romances of today that dark romance readers like myself love. After the events of book one I was so eager to see Angelo's descent into darkness, and he did not disappoint! At the same time, he is so darkly romantic in his obsession with Sabella; it's balanced perfectly in this second book, which delves into the tortured hatred between the two and the reasons for it.
The steam factor picks up appropriately in this one, but I love that it is appropriate to the pace set in book one and organic to the story. Groundwork for additional struggles is laid perfectly, and I am super eager to see how things progress in book three coming next month.
4.75 Stars
October 5, 2023
My stomach is in knots
"My control is limited, and the war stretches a lifetime ahead of me. I have to choose my battles wisely. " - Sabella
Angelo has lost it - not just a little - not just a tantrum
He has completely lost any resemblance to humanity -
Any spark that might have been burning under all his pain and anger has long burned out
He is just a storm of pain and aggression and sweet Sabella has become his target
"We never stopped being angry. We only used our anger differently." - Angelo
Sabella has become nothing but a pawn being crassly used by all of them. I honestly don't know how much longer she can use her hatred to fuel her breaths. How can stay sane, stay strong when there isn't the smallest sliver of hope left to grasp
I don't know if I can find any light in her darkness
This is not a standalone - Prepare to have your heart ripped from your chest - This one hurts - I don't think I will ever forgive him
"My control is limited, and the war stretches a lifetime ahead of me. I have to choose my battles wisely. " - Sabella
Angelo has lost it - not just a little - not just a tantrum
He has completely lost any resemblance to humanity -
Any spark that might have been burning under all his pain and anger has long burned out
He is just a storm of pain and aggression and sweet Sabella has become his target
"We never stopped being angry. We only used our anger differently." - Angelo
Sabella has become nothing but a pawn being crassly used by all of them. I honestly don't know how much longer she can use her hatred to fuel her breaths. How can stay sane, stay strong when there isn't the smallest sliver of hope left to grasp
I don't know if I can find any light in her darkness
This is not a standalone - Prepare to have your heart ripped from your chest - This one hurts - I don't think I will ever forgive him
October 9, 2023
There were some nice scenes but it was an emotionally dark book. I really didn’t feel they are meant for each other
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