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The VDB Trilogy #3

Serenity's Key

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Everything changes in life, and Pascal Van Der Braack knows that. He knows the constant conundrum that taints and twists the rules. He’s usually the one who twirls them, effortlessly. But what he doesn’t know is how his last threads of sanity will weather this current storm brewing.
Lilah has lied.
Alexander has lied.
And Jon Innsbrucker has stolen his daughter.
All his hopes now lie with the woman who cheated him of love, a man who won’t tell him the damned truth while he smiles out his amusement, and his own sense of harboured self-reliance.
Games and manipulations - the highest order of any day’s pleasure, but not this time. This time war has begun and the clock is ticking down a death watch over his precious moments. Safety is key, and it begins the journey that takes him to a place he considers sanctuary. Rome.
Where will they all be at the end of the day? And who will love whom in this eternal quest for peace?


Lilah
Stretching my arms again, I stare out of the window and continue to watch the hotel across the road. I’m not really sure where I am, but it’s a small district on the outskirts of Berlin somewhere. An affluent one. There are only a few houses dotted around and they’re all ginormous, with ornate architecture and large gates flanking their wings.
The taxi followed the limousine all the way from the airport, and eventually I stopped it when I saw them pull up and walk into the Strazborg Excelsior, Roxanne carrying Claire.
It seems to be a complex of some sort, because I, too, am in the Strazborg Excelsior, but a different building on the opposite side of the road. Why it’s called Strazborg given that we’re in Berlin, I don’t know or care. I’m too tired to give a damn, frankly. All night on the plane, I watched them quietly while hiding behind my hat and trying to keep my eyes open. Then I kept my eyes firmly focused on the black limo as it travelled its way here, wherever here is. And now I’ve started my watch from this window, waiting for whatever fate befalls me because he asked me to come.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2016

16 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Charlotte E. Hart

43 books330 followers

Hailing from the depths of the quiet British countryside, Charlotte likes nothing better than sinking into her characters dark and devious world's. Sometimes they're kinky, sometimes they're twisted, and sometimes they're a serious hold on tight situation, but her stories are always filled with romance and love in some form.

"Life is a torrent of differences, different needs and wants, and it doesn't always end that well. Yet we strive to find our countering balance, hopeful for a happy every after. "
Charlotte E Hart
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,492 reviews1,594 followers
January 21, 2019
41rNpkAYT6L

This lived up to all my expectations and I really didn't want this fantastical journey to conclude but no matter there's another instalment of this addictive saga in the pipeline and I for one am absolutely giddy about that particular fact.

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So this starts off exactly where we left events in the previous instalment and I was completely invested here from the very onset.
This is the book where Lilah really comes into her own in regards to her emerging sexuality and her handle on her personal wants and desires.
Finally managing to separate her agenda from Pascal's Influence and take the reins in regards to her own satisfaction and appetites.
Lilah knows what she deserves and needs and is totally prepared to demand that Pascal fulfil his side of the bargain here.
Pascal as a person starts to finally open up to Lilah finally trusting her with his secrets and revealing his hidden centre core that he has kept deep within himself concealed even from his beloved Alexander and His Rose.
Lilah manages to reach a place within Pascal that he has never revealed to anyone before and it was pure magic to behold her unveiling.
I could actually feel the aura of love and acceptance here projecting from the very page: it had an ambience all of its very own that I felt within: down to my very bones.
I also adored the relationship forming between father and daughter it was just so special to see Pascals paternal side slowly emerge as he attempts to build solid foundations with his daughter and also by extension Lilah herself.
They ultimately are for him his fairy tale despite his feelings for his beloved.
We are also treated to a lot more of the brooding and sadistic Mr White and we finally realise his own particular end game which was a tad unexpected but in a totally good way.
Elizabeth is also in the Picture here though she very much took backstage with Alex, Pascal and Lilah leading the Charge.
That's my only complaint here I did feel a tad sorry for her she was so bewildered and out of her depth and being kept completely in the dark regarding Alex's Intentions left her floundering a tad. I did feel for her: though I was also annoyed that she was so hostile towards Lilah.
But then in her defence ultimately that was Alex and Pascal's fault as she wasn't actually aware of the larger picture to form her own balanced opinion here so Lilah really was the scapegoat and whipping boy for all Elizabeth's confusion and frustrations with the boys.
So this was again all things unconventional a celebration of individualism and acceptance and I devoured every word placed before me.
It's well written, addictive and I can honestly say completely unpredictable.
I adore this series so much: it's just so unique and different in terms of offerings and I can honestly say I have never quite met a romantic interest quite like our Mr Van Der Braack he's definitely in a league all of its own and then some.
He has carved a piece of my heart from me and taken possession.


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So glad he finally got his Cane back I was certainly missing that addition I felt like he lost a limb as that cane was almost like an extension of the man himself.
So this one is a complete no brainer and gets the definite seal of approval from moi: Just loved it so much.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Serenity's Key (The VDB Trilogy, #3).
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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Profile Image for skulls121973.
246 reviews18 followers
September 3, 2019
It’s done I have finished this outrageous, mind blowing, depraved, sadistic, thought provoking, funny (at times) double trilogy .....I feel a little lost now like I’m missing something, like I might have lost a limb.....it’s bizarre to say the least but I’m glad I experienced the mind of Charlotte e Hart .....thank you for a very different and enlightening read.

If you thick skinned and open to read with an open mind and heart, add these two trilogy’s to your ‘to read’ list and experience something outside your daily realm

I know these characters will stay with me for a long time to come
Profile Image for Kimberly.
354 reviews
January 11, 2017
ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW
I admit I read Serenity’s Key a bit slowly … I never wanted the story of Pascal Van Der Braack, Lilah, Alexander and Elizabeth to ever end.

Lilah, after leaving Pascal behind, witnesses Jon Innsbrucker fleeing New York with Pascal’s daughter Claire and soon to be ex-wife Lucinda. Pascal begs Lilah to follow them to Berlin, but after what transpired when they last were together, will she? Jon Innsbrucker is the worst kind of deviant and Pascal needs to find his daughter so he uses everything he has to convince Lilah.
Once Pascal and Lilah meet in Berlin, Lilah lays is all out to Pascal – for them to work at any level she needs honesty from him – something he does not want to do. Lilah will not budge. She will walk away without his honesty on all things. She needs to understand his past and why he is the way he is to help him.

Lilah has come so far, with the help and guidance of Alexander White and her beloved Pascal. She is strong and fierce. She now knows what she wants and fights for a new job in New York and a dream apartment. Can she be what Pascal needs for his future? And what of Alexander and Elizabeth? Where does she fit in to this odd relationship? Is Lilah the glue that holds them all together? How can she free her mind to embrace what is normal for them all.

Every paragraph is an epiphany – the way Charlotte E. Hart writes is a blessing to us true readers who want to expand their minds and have them blown at the same time! 5 huge stars!
Profile Image for Jodie Scott.
236 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2017
Serenitys key by Charlotte E Hart

I have honestly enjoyed every single book in this series and I'm so super sad to see the end of it *sigh* Mr VDB has left a lasting impression on my heart and mind.

This is book 3 of 3 in this trilogy but I would highly recommend reading ‘The white’ trilogy before diving into this set of books as the two tie in beautifully together. Charlotte is nothing short of a genius with her words you see them jump off the page and come to life right on the pages in front of you. The descriptive language used is some of the best i have ever had the chance to read.

This book is a lot slower in pace than the others but it doesn't make it any less entertaining than the others in the set. It gives you closure where its needed and also hope for the future ;-)

Everyone needs a pascal in their life *sigh* and a Mr White for that matter *double sigh* Its been an incredible journey watching these characters live and mature and grow through this set of books. I feel like i have known them all my life!

As always my thanks go to Charlotte for giving me a slice of heaven. Your amazing and cant wait to see where we go on the next part of your writing journey. *smooches*
Profile Image for Polly Ross.
60 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2016
Having read the previous books in this amazing series I was so excited to start the final book especially as book 2 left us with such a cliff hanger, this book was more than I had even hoped for I will not give spoilers as I hate it when people do that but this book gives you the perfect ending to one of the most dramatic exciting series that I've ever had the pleasure to read. Pascal van der Braak and lilah just work so well as a couple they are the perfect match for each other and this book brings everything together to give them all the perfect ending. I have loved every one of the books in this series and know I will reread them often and I live in hope that one day these wonderful characters come back again in another book.
Profile Image for philomena mitchell.
16 reviews
December 17, 2016
Worth it

I waited patiently for the 3rd and final book ( or is it Charlotte ), I cried, I laughed, I peed my pants ( only joking ), I love the story that just flows, twists and turns, pain and pleasure, the trilogy has them all, Pascal, I will love you until my dying breath,
Profile Image for Ann (Literary Lust).
1,608 reviews25 followers
October 27, 2021
This is a must-read series for those who enjoy a darker side to romance. Charlotte E. Hart never fails to impress me with her words and The VDB trilogy certainly lived up to my expectations.

This instalment of the series needs your full attention. Ultimately, this trilogy may be Pascal’s life story but it also includes Lilah, Alex and Beth in an intricate way. Their relationships are complex and intertwined. The dynamics of what was Alex, Pascal and Beth’s previous relationships have changed now that Lilah is in their lives, and they are all having to discover and work through ways to love and accept each other.

In my opinion, Lilah shone and at times stole the show during Serenity's Key. When you consider her journey throughout the trilogy from when we first met her to the person she is today, it truly is an incredible one. I have fallen more in love with Pascal… if that was possible. I always will enjoy being in the company of Alex – he always adds so much to the storyline which I love. I am not completely certain of my feelings regarding Beth at this moment in time and I am surprised at this. I feel we’ve seen a big change in her, but considering that her role in Alex and Pascal’s lives has drastically changed with the inclusion of Lilah, I can understand why she may be struggling.

This is a story of love - different variations of love and ways of showing it too. I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing many emotions throughout the trilogy. One of the highlights of this storyline is its unpredictability, and I loved every single twist and turn that kept me turning those pages to discover how the story would unfold.

Although I am kicking myself for not reading this trilogy sooner, due to being so late reading this series, I can avoid that feeling when you finish a series that you never want to end. I am aware that I can have more of Lilah, Pascal, Beth and Alex in the Crossover Duet (books titled Check and Mate), and I cannot wait to discover what happens next.

I award Serenity's Key 4-4.5 stars. Please read The White Trilogy before this one as it will give you a greater understanding of the characters and it is an incredible read too. It obviously goes without saying that this trilogy must be read in release order. Enjoy!!
305 reviews
April 29, 2018
Read others first

Read the White Trilogy and the first 2 in the VDB series first.
I have read them all. Did not like the others as much but this one is worth reading the he others. This one is well edited. The others, especially the White series, not so much. Maybe the author changed editors or they just got better.

I LOVE Pascal and Lilah, especially Lilah who is a selfless strong woman who is strong enough not to make Pascal choose, although I believe, in the end, he would choose Lilah as hers is unconditional love.

IMHO, neither Alex or Elizabeth or likable. Alex is redeemed just a bit by his willingness to protect. Elizabeth is a spoiled seashore jealous bitch. My opinion of her did not change throughout the two series, although haughty Alex, in this one, redeemed himself slightly. Pascal, I always loved.

I am not a person who judges love based on gender. However, I believe Pascal and Lilah have true love. I would like Kenton see Lilah and Pascal’s story play out to where Pascal really sees that Lilah is true unconditional love.

I don’t see this as a true happily ever after. Pleas unmask Elizabeth for what she truly is and give Lilah and Pascal a true happily ever after. They deserve it. OK for Elizabeth and Alex to have theirs together. Those two jealous self centered individuals (especially Elizabeth) deserve each other.
I won’t rate the other b/c the editing would mak we have to downrate them more than the story deserves.
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
December 17, 2016
What am I going to do now? They've gone. Left my life.
Pascal and Lilah have brought joy to my life. A type of excitement you can only find when submerging yourself in literature. Their love is pure. It's beautiful. It surpasses boundaries and brings everyone together.
They just make me smile.
I love that Lilah has bollocks. Big, hairy, fully loaded bollocks. She's the woman every other woman dreams of being. She totally rules this book, dominates not only the storyline but every single character too. It's not often you come across a female lead in this genre that so totally rules the roost, especially when there is a man like Mr White there.

This book...not just about the sex. There is emotion aplenty running throughout. And suspense. And drama. And truth and trust.
Of course there is sex...and it wouldn't be a Charlotte E Hart book without it being on the HOT and dirty side!

I am so pleased that all the characters from both The White Trilogy and The VDB trilogy have found their unity. This is the perfect finale for their journey.
Profile Image for WBS-S.
698 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2020
Fantastic series! Highly recommended reading.

If you like dark, complex flawed individuals, each in their own way then this series is a must read. I very rarely give a book 5 stars but this one ( and the others in the series) was perhaps the best love story I’ve ever read. The characters are so fully developed and well-understood by the end of the journey they have taken. There was such depth and great detail in this book. It was well-written, thought-provoking and fully engaging. I loved it. Filled with depth and a range of human emotions with love conquering all and being the one emotion to win in this series! I will certainly be looking at some additional books written by this author.
Profile Image for There.
106 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2019
One of the most complicated, intertwined love stories

I'm still not sure where all this is going, but I am sure that I'm going to love the journey.

I love the way Charlotte opens us up to dwelling deeper into why people are the way they are. And question our understanding on what is right and not. How can it be wrong if it's done from a place of love?
And with these four characters there's plenty of love to go around.

Initially I was hesitant with Pascal, but as the story has evolved I have fallen in love with him. A man that gives so much of himself and helps others to heal. What could be better than him getting his happily ever after?
Profile Image for MichelleLuc.
226 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2018
5 Crazy Stars

Wow!!! Loved this series and could not put it down! The third book does answer a lot of questions but also brings up more... Lilah is one of my favorite characters in the series and first time reading about a female Dominant. I liked that it was a slow realization vs. a quick one day turnaround. Also that she did not apologize for anything and her personality was not over the top. I loved her thoughts on Beth, I felt the same reading some of the chapters from the White series. I giggled at some of her thoughts and just enjoyed the hell out of this series!!!
Profile Image for Kala.
14 reviews
April 26, 2018
Rollercoaster!!!

I have read this series and the White series. I couldn't put them down. But after saying that, both series left me angry. This one especially! I love BDSM books but some of this was brutal and I really think a line was crossed with the abuse. I understand the dynamics of the BDSM but I don't really think you can call the abuse that Alexander gives Pascal is any kind of love. It will probably be best to stay from this writers books. I don't write reviews often but this left me enraged.
3 reviews
October 18, 2017
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from the first Seeing White to the final Serenity's Key. I have followed Alexander and Elizabeth's journey and then with the introduction of Pascal and then Lilah and the dynamics between them all. Am I the only one that after building up the love between Alex and Pascal was very disappointed that the only only love scene between them was not described in detail like all others. I must say I did feel CHEATED...
Profile Image for Sonja Martin.
55 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2018
I read each book starting with seeing white ending with serenity I think if they broke off as couples without Pascal and Alex having sex to me I feel Pascal found his way with lilah and let Elizabeth and Alex find their own way and just became close friends would have been better because it sort of made the two women worthless in the situation especially Elizabeth I probably would have given it a 5 star but it didn't end well for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vikki Love.
227 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2018
Utterly captivating

The VDB series is so breath takingly beautiful. I love every thing about it, and the way Charlotte writes is so captivating.
Pascal is by far my favourite character of all time. The way his mind works and how he loves is just so... He will forever hold a piece of my heart and mind.
Profile Image for Sandravides.
542 reviews10 followers
June 21, 2017
This book the most dramatic exciting series . I love Pascal van der Braak and lilah just work so well as a couple they are the perfect match for each other and Alexander White. The love of this characters the bond unique.
Profile Image for Ana Oh.
655 reviews13 followers
July 21, 2018
Lovely, Lovely, Lovely

This is a completely sweet and twisted series. Pascal is perfect, there are few characters who read more deeply. He is complex, endearing, charming, and an idiot, all rolled into one man.

Enjoy.
Profile Image for Christy Hopper.
42 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2019
An excellent story!

I still feel that there should be more maybe a standalone on how this will move everyone forward. I felt there was such possibility of unanswered questions that would still need resolved.
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