Callous Love

New York Underworld #5

by Charmaine Pauls

He can never know about the life we created in a bed of lies, because the man I called my lover is the monster who killed my parents, and I’m next on the list.

From USA Today bestselling author Charmaine Pauls comes an intense and steamy emotional dark mafia romance with tropes including secret baby, second chance, forbidden love, forced marriage, betrayal, revenge and redemption, possessive alpha male, touch her and die, and a strong female lead.

I know what it’s like to be used. Dante ruined me for the sake of his revenge. He destroyed me for his selfish gain without thinking twice.

What he doesn’t know is that we created something pure and innocent in that bed of lies. We made a new life, one I have to hide from him at all costs, because the man I called my lover is the cold-hearted monster who killed my parents, and I’m next on the list. He left me with no choice but to run.

For five long years, I’ve been hiding, barely surviving, always outsmarting the men who hunt me while Dante’s ghost stalks my shadows and haunts my thoughts. And now that he’s caught a whiff of my scent, he’s like a bloodhound on my trail.

He’s out to finish what he started. I’m the last obstacle standing between him and the fortune he stole from my family. But this isn’t a fairy tale, and I’m not that girl anymore. I decide how my story ends.

Callous Love is the second book in the Callous Duet and concludes Tatiana and Dante's story. Callous Desire must be read first. The duet is part of the dark mafia romance New York Underworld series (Books 4 & 5). You don't have to read the other books in the series to follow this duet.

Genres: Second Chance, Dark Romance, Dark, Mafia Romance, Audiobook, Forced Proximity, Suspense

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2026

About the author

Charmaine 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!).

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5
This story doesn’t matches my expectations because I think the events are rushed and hard to believe.
It’s worth reading.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally wrecked me! The intensity between Tatiana and Dante didn’t just continue, it exploded. Every bit of tension, obsession, fear, and desperate love that was building in their first book comes to a head here, and I loved every minute of it. While their relationship takes a new turn due to the cliffhanger in Callous Desire (you must read it before this one) things are still messy, still complicated, but now it’s deeper, darker, and so much more consuming. I couldn’t stop reading even when my heart was breaking.

This picks up right where things left off, and the emotional stakes are sky high from the very first page. The push and pull between these two had me completely on edge. Dante with his ruthless, possessive edge, and Tatiana fighting to find herself while being pulled deeper into his world. I loved how their past and present continued to intertwine, revealing just enough to keep the tension tight and unrelenting.

And that ending? Wow! This author knew exactly how to weave sweetness into this dark world, leaving my heart racing and my emotions all over the place. Charmaine Pauls brought this couple to a conclusion in a way I never saw coming. This was brutally addictive and emotionally charged, and it left me completely wrecked.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama
Triggers for the series: Kidnapping, captivity, dubious consent, coercion, power imbalance, possessive controlling hero, emotional manipulation, psychological trauma, violence, brutality, threats, injury, forced proximity, loss of autonomy, trauma bonding, dark sexual content, fear, intimidation, references to past abuse, identity struggle, moral ambiguity
Steam 5 /5; explicit

[Buffy・❥・ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I **L.O.V.E.D** this duet… don’t get me wrong there were more than a few times where I wanted to throw my kindle across the room though because either the MMC (mainly) and a few times the FMC… were being so stupid towards one another but overall the character development and storyline made up for it. This story is truly the definition of the “enemies to lovers” trope.. the history and trauma b/t the FMC and MMC ran deep but they never wavered from one another even when their personal motives were questionable. Ugh I loved it 100/10 recommend!

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

And this fabulous duet is complete! I absolutely loved the first book (check out the review I posted a couple of weeks ago!), and I had a feeling this one was going to give us even more - it definitely delivered! I love the fast pace and the suspense of it all. This is truly a unique love story, with some serious soulmate vibes. There are so many things unfolding, and I was on the edge of my seat as it all happened. If you like dark romance and complex relationships, you’re going to want these in your life!

🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
In duet, and done so well! Heather Firth and Christian Black have the perfect voices for these characters!! They brought out the tension and emotions in the best ways, and really elevated the experience for me.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Dark mafia romance
Forbidden
Second chance
Morally gray antihero
He’s possessive & protective
Enemies to lovers
Betrayal, revenge, redemption
Secret baby
Strong heroine
Forced marriage
Touch her and ☠️
Dual POV
Spice

Thank you One Night Stand Studios and Charmaine Pauls for the advanced copy!

[٭ · Rating 3 out of 5]

قبل كل شيء روايات مالازم توصل ل 400 صفحة و صدق رواية ذي كانت حشو على فاضي مايكفي ثنائية و لازم كمان نغرق في صفحات ما تضيف شيء للقصة ياريت بس بلوت كان يستاهل ل نمشيها ف كاتبه ليه مطولتها؟! وليه خلات بطلة تسامح البطل؟ ذا الوسخ إستغلها أبشع إستغلال عشان ينتقم من أبوها و قتل أمها مالهش مبرر تباً للحب والمحبين ذنبه مايغتفر نقطة على سطر مايهم المبرارات بقصد أو بدون قصد رجل أذاك و حرمك من أمك وشردك أنتي وأبنك في فقر مدقع سنين ولما تزوجك يضغط عليك نفسياً ومستخسر فيك كلمة أحبك و يقولك «حبينا بما يكفي لنا نحن الإثنين زي ماضي» يا رجل ماتعطيني عقار لي تتعاطه كيف قتلت أمها وبدك تغفرلك تفو لك بجد حيوان وكمان لما فقدت ذاكرة إستغلها المكبوت عسى تنخسف بيك الأرض و سماء دعواتي عليك أنت و كاتبه تفو 😭نرجع و نقول كفايه من الهبل «سامحته لأنها تحبه» لا تعطون فرصة لرخيس خلوه يدفع ثمن أفعاله و يتجرجر الحب ليس تصريح مرور مجاني للإفلات من كل شيء 🤌🏻شوهتو أم الحب 🙂

[ApoorvaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

[Bushra Ayub Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thiss breaks my book block

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion to Dante and Tatiana’s twisted and passionate journey to love was such an emotional ride. The cliffhanger from the previous book set us up for new challenges and provided a huge twist for how Dante could move forward with Tatiana, but I actually loved that aspect of it. Without spoiling anything, it was a plot point I don’t usually enjoy reading, but this was done so well and handled quite masterfully. There was tons of spice and passion between our two star-crossed lovers and the devotion they shared for their little blossoming family was so beautiful to experience. I really enjoyed this duet very much!!

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Enjoyed the first one more than this

[Izzie d]

Callous Love is the second book in the Callous Duet and concludes Tatiana and Dante’s story. Callous Desire must be read first. The duet is part of the New York Underworld series (Book 4 & 5). You don’t have to read the other stories in the series to follow this one. The story includes violence and scenes not recommended for sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.
 
Tropes
Secret baby
Second chance
Forbidden love
Enemies-to-lovers
Touch her & die
Soulmates
Betrayal, revenge & redemption
Morally gray antihero
Possessive & protective alpha male
Strong heroine

[Menoka Malthoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness! Now as we get into the next part of Tatiana and Dante’s story! Tatiana’s past and her ordeal are all revealed. But just when you think she is going to settle into some sort of stability, around twist comes along and had my heart racing! In this part we learn more about what happened to Tatiana and Dante. Both have suffered. While one ran out of fear and the need to protect her child, the other chased to claim the person he desires desperately. The gruesome truth behind Tatiana’s experience was told in a manner that is true to nature. Many people can relate to this in life. Just when you think things cannot possibly get any worse….it gets worse! What I loved most about Dante is that he really opens up. He isn’t afraid of admitting his feelings and talking to Tatiana about it. It would have been nice if he does it earlier but why would that be the case! He is tortured by his brother’s death and vowed to avenge him. While he does use Tatiana for information and his need to take everything makes you as a reader question, “where is this going?” However, as you go through twists and turns we see that his love and need to protect his family is just as powerful as Tatiana’s. The other part of this that I loved are how all the supporting characters are described. It also gives some relief to the intensity of the main characters put you through. Charmaine Paul has given us another great book in a series that’s a must read. Especially if you are a big believer in dark twisted romance.

[Janabookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐/5⭐

Callous love is a good book, but is it a good sequel to callous desire? It's debatable...

I find callous love a complete different book and not a sequel to callous desire.

The whole Amnesia thing...i have to say work well in Tiana and Dante 's relationship. Otherwise as I have said in my review of callous desire- before reading this book i really find it hard to digest how come their relationship will ever work and how even Tatiana forgives Dante after everything.
I really didn't see the Amnesia angle at all- it's a brilliant move and kinda not too as it really took away the edginess of the story which makes the first part a rollercoaster ride.

That's why I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the callous desire.
I just need the hate, the yearning, the grovelling but author change the storyline abruptly. It' s like not until chapter 40 that we get back to were we left off in callous desire.

I mean i know author wants to give Tiana 's character a chance to heal her past trauma and make Dante realized what could their relationship be if he hadn't f*ked up but I feel like it could be achieved without the whole Amnesia thing. Maybe it's me, i kinda want things a lot more hardcore like Callous desire.

Not until the very end that we actually got to know the reason why Dante wants the necklace so much, and after that it make sense why he is done what he is done. Still it could be better if the revelation comes out more explosive and not this mello down.

I just miss the angst which makes callous desire so perfect, I am not saying it' a bad book but it doesn't capture the essence of first part well. So much missed potentials.

I have to say unlike Tiana, i could never forgive Emily, Jazz was right to hate her too. And here , there is a drastic change in Tatiana 's character like the women I got introduced in the first book was a shadow of that woman now in this book. I just couldn't digest the 360 this book has taken.

Ps: I love jazz and Reino, Wish we get some of their POVs too. I'm so happy they get their happy ending too.

And ofcs, the sexy stuffs...it was good but the intensity which the first part carries, it was missing here which could make it ten times hotter.

Overall it was a good read but it could be better. It's not live up to the hype of first part in my opinion.

[Anjali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to go against the majority of other reviewers and say that this book didn’t completely do it for me. The previous book had far more development and action than this one, and I felt like at least 25% of the book was going in circles. Maybe it’s because of what the main female character went through and the resulting impact in this book, but I think it stunted some of the plot’s development. Side note: the male lead was described as having blonde/brown hair (or am I misremembering?) and the cover shows a guy with dark brown hair - this threw me off more than I expected.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for Callous Love by Charmaine Pauls. This is Book 2 and the conclusion of Tatiana and Dante’s story !

The cover and book blurb are excellent attention grabbers who doesn’t want another visual of Dante ! The story picks up immediately after Callous Desire with such push and pull tension between the characters.

Readers should make sure to read content triggers but otherwise dive in - what you can expect :

Kidnapping
Power / coercion
Trauma
Chemistry that is like a forest fire
Well written story and characters

Wow this is a page turner up until “ The End “

Loved it and the duet ! Highly recommend this author !

[DeyaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely LOVED the audio for Callous Love by Charmaine Pauls. It picks up right where Callous Desire left off and I was hooked from the very beginning.

The intensity, the raw storytelling, the emotions, everything is packed with tension that keeps you flipping pages… or in my case glued to my headphones 🎧 lol.

The characters are layered, complicated and honestly a little unhinged in the best way. I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic and the emotional depth woven throughout the story.

And the narration?! Heather Firth and Christian Black absolutely KILLED IT. Their performance brought the characters to life and made the experience even more immersive and addictive.

Huge thank you to One Night Stand Studios for the ALC!! 🫶

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this duet! Ms Pauls knows how to write tropes that I love, specifically mafia worlds. Dante was exactly what a dark and dirty Hero should be, and Tiana was a great heroine. Together, they took us on a wild ride. I listened to the audiobook, and while I didn't love the first book narration, the voicing didn't bother me at all this time. I was able to totally be emersed into the story. I'm not really a fan of amnesia stories, but it was a little different here, in that it was only certain snips of time that were lost, sort of a selective amnesia that blocks trauma. If I'm honest, my initial thoughts were that that this second book in the duet was a bit too long, but it's didn't read that, I was always into it and enjoying myself. Overall, this is probably one of my favorite couples/stories that I've read by this author, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callous Love by Charmaine Pauls delivers an intense, twist-filled continuation of Tatiana and Dante’s story that had my heart racing. As Tatiana’s traumatic past unravels and long-buried truths come to light, just when stability seems possible—another shocking turn hits. The emotional weight is heavy, raw, and at times brutal, but it feels real.
Dante is the ultimate tortured mafia hero—possessive, driven by revenge, yet surprisingly open about his feelings when it truly counts. Watching him wrestle between vengeance and love added depth to his character. Tatiana’s strength, especially as she fights to protect her child and herself, makes her easy to root for.
Though the book felt slightly long at first glance, it never dragged—I was fully immersed the entire time. With compelling side characters and relentless tension, this dark, twisted romance duet is a must-read for mafia romance fans. One of my favorite couples from this author so far!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callous Love was everything I needed it to be and then some!

So many revelations, it'll leave you spinning!
The trauma that Tatiana has endured, is insanity, but she comes out stronger because of it.
Tatiana and Dante's journey, isn't an easy one, its twisted, dark, and emotional.
I couldn't have loved it more.

I'm so ready to devour everything Charmaine Pauls writes.

[Amy Toward · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get a conclusion to an intense, spicy, dark romance that Charmaine Pauls is known for. I loved how Tatiana and Dante’s story played out. The thrills, danger, and surprises kept me glued to the pages. You can never go wrong with this author’s morally dark romances. They are so entertaining!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of Tatiana and Dante's story and the conclusion of their story. Be sure you've enjoyed Callous Desire before diving into this book. This duet of books told a tale that was truly captivating. I know my heart and feelings got put through the wringer as this tense and suspenseful rollercoaster ride unfolded. I really like Tatiana and my heart never stopped aching for her. My feelings for Dante though ended up being more complex. I love a gray or even much darker hero, and I was really feeling him in the first part of the story but unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in him in this book. I still loved this duet, but he caused me to take a star off my review. I thought that the narrator's gave great performances. Their voices fit the characters well and made listening easy and engaging.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

~Callous Love~New York Underworld Book 5~Charmaine Pauls~

~Duet Narration~Heather Firth & Christian Black~

~Production~One Night Stand Studios~

"He's like a beast in a fashionable three-piece suit, a gentleman on the outside with a darkness lurking inside him."

♡Callous Love picks up where Callous Desire left us begging for more! This books takes you on a emotional rollercoaster ride to the past showing you what led Tatiana & Dante where they are today. Dante's love for Tatiana & Noah is so strong but nothing is more unbreakable than his vow to always protect them!

The duet narration for this audiobook was fantastic. Heather & Christian both did an amazing job while continuing to bring this story & its characters to life!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This conclusion to Dante and Tatiana story was a tough journey for them both. The things Tatiana had to go in this world of theirs was not an easygoing thing. This author sure knows how to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and how to put you back together too. Dante and Tatiana deserved all the happiness that they could get.

[Tracy Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I admit my opinion of Dante has changed. I truly loved these two books. My heart broke over and over for Tatiana. But now I see the heartache and pain she went through really did bring her to a wonderful life.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This pick up after Callous Desire and Callous Desire must be read first. As the conclusion to this duet, Tatiana has to decipher her thoughts and feelings on Dante on who he really is and means to her. This did have a build up to get to the climax as there is some mystery and reveals to the story I didn't see coming. Loved the epilogue.

The narrators Christian Black and Heather Firth were perfect for their roles and love this was Duet listen too. They did a great job.

I received this audiobook 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.

[Booklover · Rating 2 out of 5]

The whole thing about morally grey characters, is that they don’t kill innocent people. Because if they do, that makes them no different than villains who needs to be locked up behind bars. Dante had no problem in killing people just because they saw Tatiana’s face. What does that make him, if not just another criminal that actually needs to be behind bars for life?

This book starts with past events of Tatiana, her parents and brother. I didn’t care about these details, we already got the gist of it in the previous book. Same as previous books, there was way too much telling and inner thoughts. It makes me loose interest in the book.

Tatiana is kidnapped for 5 days. She loses her memory along the way. How? Why? Because she got locked up in a trunk. Does that make sense?

Dante, for all his big talk, was useless. He wasn’t the one who found her. Where is all the alpha talk if you can’t find your woman? Even the way he lost her, was unconvincing. He wasn’t even the one to find her kidnapper. Pathetic.

I didn’t like it one bit. I expected him to do some hacking and tracking, pull the big guns, be an actual mafia man, go on a killing spree to safe her. We got none of that. Such a disappointment.

Tatiana having amnesia and still being in denial and actually not wanting to remember her past so she avoids asking questions, yeah right. But she has no problem jumping Dante’s bones. And him letting her, taking advantage of her, fully knowing she hates his guts. 40 out of the 45 chapters is about her being ignorant and smut.

Such a disappointment.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Universal



When Callous Love begins, it doesn't start off right where cliffhanger left us. No, it gives us a glimpse into the past, and continues revealing the layers that make up Tatiana's complicated, but strong personality and the events that shaped her into the woman she is in her present. She and Dante have a lot of obstacles to get past, and I was on edge as each page took me closer to the end and there was still a lot of unrest between them.



Dante finally has his Tiana back, but he also has a lot of guilt for the things he's done, is still doing, to her. The one thing he does know, is that she's his, and that people will pay for what was done to her. There's still the matter of the thing he wants that she knows the location of, but is it as important as it was? His family just might end up being more important than everything.



What a ride Tatiana and Dante have taken! Their journey is dark, twisty and suspenseful, and in the end, I was finally sold on them as a couple. I have to admit I was still doubting Dante almost until the very end, he's definitely on the black end of the morality spectrum. But like most of Charmaine's MMCs, he does have one redeeming feature among all his alphahole anti-hero vibes - and that's his feelings for his family. But for all of Dante's dark energy, Tatiana is his opposite. She (and Noah) is my favorite part of their story. She's so strong, had gone through so much, but emerged even stronger. Tatiana and Dante's love is undeniable, they took a lot of punches, and finally, finally got the happiness they went through so much to find.



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Brit · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
2 🌶
🎧 duet

Callous Love picks up right where Callous Desires left off. I could not stop once I started. My heart was racing! The tension and suspense had me in a chokehold.

Audiobook is duet narrated by Heather Firth & Christian Black. They were the perfect narrators for these characters.

Thanks to One Night Stand Studios for ALC.

[Jessica Alcazar]

I don't even know what to say ...

YOU'RE NOT READY!

[monti · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
omfg the start had sm potential to be way better than the first but this was worse in fact i was accs excited to read this at the beginning of the book it was interesting at the start which is why this was so disappointing

the characters pmo so bad and a whole lot of nothing happened in the book.

90% of the book she still doesnt have her memory so it gets to a point where their sweet and romantic moments are annoying asf bc she wouldnt be acting that way if she had her memory. i was skimming so much bc of how infuriating it was.
like whats the point of dragging it especially when nothing was happening in the plot. like the development of dante was pointless since she didnt have her memory and she pissed me off so bad omg "i dont wanna know bc were happy now" and she js accepts that he doesnt say ily back bitch stand tf up. and him not saying ily back was so stupid?? like the reason???? LMFAOO wtf so the whole necklace plot it was all bc of her all for her but he cant say ily to her he keeps her in the dark ab everything and js expects her to take it and she does LOL. like this whole time hes accs loved her deeply and yes we can see that from our perspective bc we get both but from hers hes an untrustworthy bitch whos used her only for revenge and literally killed her mum in the process. this is y his confession and him at the end didnt move me bc wow it took 90% of the book for nothing to happen and then and only then he admits he loves her even tho everything hes done is for her but despite them being able to fuck and get mad at each other he couldnt tell her the truth anytime before like the shit ab her not being willing to listen to her is so bullshit i hate when the plot pulls ts when he can force her to marry him, live with her, sleep in his bed, force her to tell him who hurt her etc when he has no right but he still does, yet for some reason he cant force her to listen to him and clear up misunderstandings how its always been her and hes loved her and shes his priority?? BULLSHITTTT omfg this is so fucking rage inducing.

and r we gonna ignore the fact that he killed her mum still lol like y do they never address it yes he may not have meant to be the fact of the matter is he did. yeah he says sorry like 2 times from the first book but is that it?? i expected a whole heap of grovel separate to the fact that he uses her for his vengeance, but the fact that her mother is literally dead by his hands. i expected genuine heartfelt apologies and speeches and actions that arent just sex and pointless things.

also back to the love confession at the end ts was so rushed im sorry but the fucking 180 all it took was him to say i love u and give her freedom to fold. now im not saying she shouldve left him forever but at the very least THAT should not have been rushed the fact that she accepted it he got off easy asf she shouldve made him work for it. prove it with actions before she reciprocated instead of just accepting it. and that bullshit about how she was finally standing up to herself only to completely switch up when he finally does the fuckass bare minimum for the first time. and this also goes back to the bullshit reasons that are the root of their main fighting and angst - the fact that she sees herself as a pawn bc he never involves her for anything and keeps her in the dark despite everything he does being for her causing her this grief and stress being bc hes a fucking manchild baby who cant just tell her he loves her, hes sorry and its always been her. that end confession was due ages ago.

anyway, besides that it wasnt bad but yeah

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW. If you thought Callous Desire put you through it… Callous Love said “hold my cryptic mystery necklace” and proceeded to absolutely wreck me. What a wild, addictive, adrenaline-filled finale!

This is definitely not a gentle conclusion. This is intense, messy, emotionally charged chaos in the BEST way. Picking up after that brutal cliffhanger, we are thrown right back into Tatiana and Dante’s world where everything is higher stakes, more dangerous, and way more consuming. The tension that was building in book one? It fully detonates here. Obsession, fear, love, betrayal… all of it hits at once and does not let up. The twists? The shocks? how the beginning unfolds. It's jaw dropping moment after another.

Dante and Tatiana are complicated in every sense of the word. Toxic at best, destructive at worst. Their connection is not clean or easy, it is layered with history, pain, and a whole lot of damage. And yet… it works. There is something so addictive about the push and pull between them. Dante is still that ruthless, possessive force, but here we finally start to see more of what is underneath. The guilt, the love, the internal conflict. He is very much a morally gray antihero, and I will be honest, I was questioning him for a WHILE. But watching him slowly unravel and actually feel things? Yeah… it's so good. And he has a lot to make up for here. And I do think he does. He shows up in the obsessive, would do anything for you REAL love (vs. toxic love) way I needed from him.

Tatiana, though? She is the heart of this story. Everything she has endured, everything she has survived, and the strength she carries because of it… it hits hard. Watching her piece together her past while trying to protect what matters most had me fully hooked. She bends, but she does not break, and I loved that about her.

The story does a great job weaving past and present together, slowly revealing truths that keep the tension tight the entire time. And just when you think you have a handle on things… nope. Another twist. Another emotional hit. It is relentless in the best way. The suspense element is really done. There's so much to unfold and figure out, and that extra edge that kept me flying through chapters.

And that ending… WOW. I did not see it coming in the way it unfolded, but it delivered. After everything these two go through, the finale is so rewarding emotionally, and honestly a little bit surprising in the best way. Dark, but with just enough softness woven in to make it feel good too.

Also, the side characters and family dynamics added some much needed balance to all that intensity. It made the world feel fuller and gave little moments to breathe in between all the chaos. I'm actually so excited for the sneaks of what's next! EEP! It's gonna be so good.

The duet audio is SO freaking good. Only my second Charmaine audio and this is such a good way to consume her work. Christian Black absolutely owns Dante. That deep, commanding tone brings out every ounce of his dominance, control, and underlying intensity. You feel it in every single line. And then Heather Firth as Tatiana brings so much emotion to the role. You can hear her strength, her vulnerability, her resilience. It makes Tatiana feel incredibly real, and I loved what she brought to it. Their vocal chemistry is delicious. The tension, the angst, the emotional moments… everything hits harder in audio. It genuinely pulls you deeper into the story and makes the whole experience even more immersive. And the suspense slaps in the format.

Overall, this is a dark, twisty, emotionally heavy conclusion that leans all the way into obsession, redemption, and complicated love. It is not pretty, it is not easy, but it is completely addictive. If you love mafia romance with broken characters, high tension, and relationships that walk that fine line between toxic and consuming, this duet is absolutely worth the ride.

***You do need to read Callous Desire first/this can not be read as a standalone.

What to Expect
🖤Second Chance
🖤Mafia
🖤Kidnapping
🖤Secret Baby
🖤Heroine in Danger
🖤Possessive Hero
🖤Dark Themes (check triggers!)
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Emotional Angst
🖤Slowly Revealed Backstory
🖤Dub Con Tension
🖤Duet Finale