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Dirty Gentleman
Lauren
His world. His rules.
When I come face to face with my captor, Valter Kallas—a ruthless mobster, his plans for me are made clear. Do what he wants, and I’ll have a wonderful life.
Refuse and he’ll make sure I won’t survive the cruel Baltic winter.
Left with one choice, I do the only thing that I can to stay alive—obey.
There’s just one problem, his son, Damen. Tall, dark, and dangerous Damen.
No matter how much I try, Damen Kallas sees through the lies and barriers I put between us.
I should keep my distance. Instead, in my desperation, I ask him for protection—a decision that ultimately intertwines our fates.
Trusting him could be my only hope or my ultimate demise.
Damen
Even in a world as dirty as mine, I have rules that I won’t break. Lines I won’t cross.
As the oldest son of Valter Kallas, the head of the notorious Kallas crime family, I’ve never had a reason to go against my father’s rule…until a mysterious stranger arrives.
Blond, beautiful, a liar, and my newest obsession.
Lauren Sanders should never have stepped foot in my world. She doesn’t belong here.
I should send her away. Instead, I’ll protect her. It’s a decision that will put a target squarely on my back.
She could be my destruction or my ultimate salvation.
This is a standalone contemporary romance.
His world. His rules.
When I come face to face with my captor, Valter Kallas—a ruthless mobster, his plans for me are made clear. Do what he wants, and I’ll have a wonderful life.
Refuse and he’ll make sure I won’t survive the cruel Baltic winter.
Left with one choice, I do the only thing that I can to stay alive—obey.
There’s just one problem, his son, Damen. Tall, dark, and dangerous Damen.
No matter how much I try, Damen Kallas sees through the lies and barriers I put between us.
I should keep my distance. Instead, in my desperation, I ask him for protection—a decision that ultimately intertwines our fates.
Trusting him could be my only hope or my ultimate demise.
Damen
Even in a world as dirty as mine, I have rules that I won’t break. Lines I won’t cross.
As the oldest son of Valter Kallas, the head of the notorious Kallas crime family, I’ve never had a reason to go against my father’s rule…until a mysterious stranger arrives.
Blond, beautiful, a liar, and my newest obsession.
Lauren Sanders should never have stepped foot in my world. She doesn’t belong here.
I should send her away. Instead, I’ll protect her. It’s a decision that will put a target squarely on my back.
She could be my destruction or my ultimate salvation.
This is a standalone contemporary romance.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
6 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Christy Pastore
43 books1,190 followersInternational Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed french fry addict, Christy Pastore writes sexy, contemporary romance books that contain no nonsense (mostly) heroines and swoony gentleman with a naughty side.
Readers so overwhelmingly embraced one Wicked Gentleman, Jackson Hart specifically, turning many of her #AuthorGoals into a reality.
When Christy’s not turning her risqué thoughts into something worth reading, you’ll find her geeking out on all things pop culture, obsessively stalking Pinterest for home interior ideas, lunching with friends, or researching her next vacation destination.
She has strong opinions about folding laundry, fruity wines, the Oxford Comma, fashion, and mixed vegetables.
Christy lives in central Indiana with her husband and their three loveable cats, Cheeto, Dorito, and Brew. But as cute as they are, please send scratching posts asap because they’re slowly destroying the furniture.
Readers so overwhelmingly embraced one Wicked Gentleman, Jackson Hart specifically, turning many of her #AuthorGoals into a reality.
When Christy’s not turning her risqué thoughts into something worth reading, you’ll find her geeking out on all things pop culture, obsessively stalking Pinterest for home interior ideas, lunching with friends, or researching her next vacation destination.
She has strong opinions about folding laundry, fruity wines, the Oxford Comma, fashion, and mixed vegetables.
Christy lives in central Indiana with her husband and their three loveable cats, Cheeto, Dorito, and Brew. But as cute as they are, please send scratching posts asap because they’re slowly destroying the furniture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 30, 2023
4.25 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Wowzer, this was darker-themed than I expected. Lauren is kidnapped while on vacation and sold into a sex trafficking ring. As Lauren figures out where she is and what has happened to her she meets Damen. Damen the dark soul that could be a villain or dark hero when Lauren first meets him has a connection to Lauren's kidnapping. How will it all unfold and who is the true villain of this story?
I enjoyed seeing some of Christy's past characters join forces for this dark romantic suspense.
CW: Sex Trafficking, Emotional Abuse, PTSD, Trauma, Family Dysfunction
Video review available in Week 17: Apr 23 – Apr 29, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Wowzer, this was darker-themed than I expected. Lauren is kidnapped while on vacation and sold into a sex trafficking ring. As Lauren figures out where she is and what has happened to her she meets Damen. Damen the dark soul that could be a villain or dark hero when Lauren first meets him has a connection to Lauren's kidnapping. How will it all unfold and who is the true villain of this story?
I enjoyed seeing some of Christy's past characters join forces for this dark romantic suspense.
CW: Sex Trafficking, Emotional Abuse, PTSD, Trauma, Family Dysfunction
Video review available in Week 17: Apr 23 – Apr 29, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
April 22, 2022
Dirty Gentleman by Christy Pastore was dark, dangerous and suspenseful. This dark romance has endless twists. Damen isn't the gentleman for sure but for Lauren, he will show how protective and ruthless he can be. Sensual. Action packed. A page turner.
Lauren thought she is going to a music concert with her new friend Cynthia. But she is kidnapped there and sold to Valter Kallas, a rich powerful and corrupt mafia boss from European country named Vutrelia. She is a fighter and Valter wants to use her photographic memory as a business asset. Her path is crossed with his son, Damen. Who is not a nice man in traditional sense. But he is not corrupt like his father and has a twisted moral compass. Will he help Lauren?
This plot is really exciting. The setting of Europe. And the luscious city with glamour and sin. The twists were plenty. And just when you feel that Lauren and Damen have found some sense of stability, new enemies will strike. Their dynamics is complex. Lauren is an intelligent and brave woman and she is trying her best to survive in the situation. She obviously doesn't trust anyone here and her heart has been through a lot. But Damen made her feel uncharacteristically safe and protected. This man is an enigma. He is ruthless and lethal and dark. The kind of alpha hero who makes you swoon. And once he claimed Lauren, he did everything to keep her safe. The chemistry is sensual and dirty and hot. But for me, the plot was the hero.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Lauren thought she is going to a music concert with her new friend Cynthia. But she is kidnapped there and sold to Valter Kallas, a rich powerful and corrupt mafia boss from European country named Vutrelia. She is a fighter and Valter wants to use her photographic memory as a business asset. Her path is crossed with his son, Damen. Who is not a nice man in traditional sense. But he is not corrupt like his father and has a twisted moral compass. Will he help Lauren?
This plot is really exciting. The setting of Europe. And the luscious city with glamour and sin. The twists were plenty. And just when you feel that Lauren and Damen have found some sense of stability, new enemies will strike. Their dynamics is complex. Lauren is an intelligent and brave woman and she is trying her best to survive in the situation. She obviously doesn't trust anyone here and her heart has been through a lot. But Damen made her feel uncharacteristically safe and protected. This man is an enigma. He is ruthless and lethal and dark. The kind of alpha hero who makes you swoon. And once he claimed Lauren, he did everything to keep her safe. The chemistry is sensual and dirty and hot. But for me, the plot was the hero.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 26, 2022
This is a great must read. Lots of suspense and twists and turns. This book is filled with dark themes (kidnapping, human trafficking, drugs, mafia, and violence). There is nothing "light" about those themes (as some reviewers have mentioned). The emotional and mental torture of the kidnapping alone will be a dark cloud over Lauren's life forever.
Dirty Gentleman is an action packed page turner with satisfying steamy and swoony moments. I love the way the Damen protected Lauren and when it came time for the sexy moments - wow!
A slow burn mysterious story unlike anything you've read. A MUST READ!
Dirty Gentleman is an action packed page turner with satisfying steamy and swoony moments. I love the way the Damen protected Lauren and when it came time for the sexy moments - wow!
A slow burn mysterious story unlike anything you've read. A MUST READ!
April 21, 2022
Dirty Gentleman had the perfect blend of romance and angst that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Damen and Lauren’s chemistry was off the charts. I loved how strong and resilient Lauren was despite everything that she had to endure. Damen was her light guiding her through her darkness and it was a beautiful thing to read.
The book combines just enough romance and suspense that you are satisfied with the spice, but you are also guessing what is going to happen next. When I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did, which was heart-breaking, but it is what made it a great read.
You should check the trigger warnings before reading the book and it was a little uncomfortable for me to read at times, but the author made everything seem so real and vivid, which is a great testament to her writing. This was a great page-turning read!
The book combines just enough romance and suspense that you are satisfied with the spice, but you are also guessing what is going to happen next. When I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did, which was heart-breaking, but it is what made it a great read.
You should check the trigger warnings before reading the book and it was a little uncomfortable for me to read at times, but the author made everything seem so real and vivid, which is a great testament to her writing. This was a great page-turning read!
April 23, 2022
This book is marketed as a dark and sexy read, which is basically my two favourites things to read about and this did not disappint me, at all.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
April 25, 2022
Trigger warning: human trafficking (no rape)
Ms. Pastore is an automatic one-click author for me and she proves once again why that is! I was sucked into Lauren and Damen’s from page one! We are talking edge-of-seat reading here! Dirty Gentleman was filled with mystery, suspense, many twists and turns, steam, chemistry, family and was darker than her usual reads that is for sure!
Lauren is kidnapped, and then is sold to Valter Kallas, no thanks to her own family. This mobster has big plans for her, and she better do as he says. She knows it’s the only way to survive and buy her time at finding a way out of his grasp.
Damen Kallas, son of Valter isn’t an angel himself, but isn’t as bad as his father. The crime world is not for the faint of heart, but he knows that something is up with Lauren from the moment he meets her. She isn’t a part of the crime world and he will stop at nothing to figure out why she is at his father’s side.
Lauren finally finds a small window of opportunity to escape Valter, but then ends up under Damen’s protection. The mystery of the who, what, where’s, and whys all unfold throughout their story. Little by little, and by each twist and turn we find out what happens to these two!
Ms Pastore was also dropping those Easter Eggs I look forward to finding in her books. Alex Robertsen) from Bound to Me – Harbour Series book one and Brant and Caroline Cardwell from Sweet Agony – the Cardwell Family book two both make appearances. Not sure how many other Easter Eggs I haven’t found yet! Will have to do another read through!
Ms. Pastore is an automatic one-click author for me and she proves once again why that is! I was sucked into Lauren and Damen’s from page one! We are talking edge-of-seat reading here! Dirty Gentleman was filled with mystery, suspense, many twists and turns, steam, chemistry, family and was darker than her usual reads that is for sure!
Lauren is kidnapped, and then is sold to Valter Kallas, no thanks to her own family. This mobster has big plans for her, and she better do as he says. She knows it’s the only way to survive and buy her time at finding a way out of his grasp.
Damen Kallas, son of Valter isn’t an angel himself, but isn’t as bad as his father. The crime world is not for the faint of heart, but he knows that something is up with Lauren from the moment he meets her. She isn’t a part of the crime world and he will stop at nothing to figure out why she is at his father’s side.
Lauren finally finds a small window of opportunity to escape Valter, but then ends up under Damen’s protection. The mystery of the who, what, where’s, and whys all unfold throughout their story. Little by little, and by each twist and turn we find out what happens to these two!
Ms Pastore was also dropping those Easter Eggs I look forward to finding in her books. Alex Robertsen) from Bound to Me – Harbour Series book one and Brant and Caroline Cardwell from Sweet Agony – the Cardwell Family book two both make appearances. Not sure how many other Easter Eggs I haven’t found yet! Will have to do another read through!
April 25, 2022
Besides being a darker romance, this is an interesting look at family. I love my family, but a lot of people have complicated relationships with them. I see that family may not always be about sharing the same blood. It's also another look at trusting people. This was a glimpse at human trafficking and how it can happen all over the world. It was a scary and fascinating look with an HEA. Even though it was a story, I loved for Lauren that she wasn't treated as bad as she could have been. It was always interesting to get a look at those with more wealth and how some of them may live. I loved the suspense and how we got to look at another part of the world. I loved the dark and steamy moments too.
May 3, 2022
Dirty Gentleman is one heck of a page turner!! This dark, suspenseful and sexy book had me all worked up and I just couldn’t get enough of Damen and Lauren.
Lauren is a courageous woman considering she was kidnapped while on vacation in Mexico and sold into a sex trafficking ring in the Baltics. She’s now immersed in the Kallas crime family where she meets Damen Kallas. Aka Mr. tall, dangerous and devastatingly handsome and the son of the head of the Kallas crime family. Fate brought them together and sends them on a wild and crazy ride. Their story is very intriguing and engaging with great plot twists and incredibly HOT sex scenes. If I could pregnant, I know it would be with triplets based upon these scenes!! This book is a definite must read.
Lauren is a courageous woman considering she was kidnapped while on vacation in Mexico and sold into a sex trafficking ring in the Baltics. She’s now immersed in the Kallas crime family where she meets Damen Kallas. Aka Mr. tall, dangerous and devastatingly handsome and the son of the head of the Kallas crime family. Fate brought them together and sends them on a wild and crazy ride. Their story is very intriguing and engaging with great plot twists and incredibly HOT sex scenes. If I could pregnant, I know it would be with triplets based upon these scenes!! This book is a definite must read.
April 22, 2022
Lauren was doing her life when she ends up kidnapped & sold into human trafficking which is how she was bought by Master Kallas. He lets her know quickly that she either obeys, or she dies so Lauren is going to obey especially as she needs to get a shot at actually escaping. Damen is his son, and since she's desperate to get away, she asks said son for protection, but seriously, the Kallas family isn't exactly on the up & up so she really took a big chance by doing so. Damen feels a connection to Lauren despite the fact he's never gone against his father so you already know things will get dicey. These two have serious chemistry so it was only a matter of time, and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for that other shoe to drop. I have to say there are triggers in this book because of the dark undertone of human trafficking which is real world issue so please take heed of the warnings. So yeah, that's enough out of me about the book, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 22, 2022
Having read Ms.Pastore's work before i've been wanting to pick up more of her books. Ever since Dirty Gentleman was announced i've been looking so forward to it! I picked it up as soon as i could and got into this world. I so enjoyed this story!
Lauren and Damen's journey grabbed my attention from the get go! As these two are brought into each other's lives, i couldn't wait to see how things would play out for them. I was so glad that i got to dig into both of their minds.
This story had darkness to it and it definitely kept me on my toes! I felt so much throughout with both Lauren and Damen. The chemistry between these two was so great!
With Dirty Gentleman, Ms.Pastore has created such a good read that will pull you in! I am so looking forward to more from her!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
Lauren and Damen's journey grabbed my attention from the get go! As these two are brought into each other's lives, i couldn't wait to see how things would play out for them. I was so glad that i got to dig into both of their minds.
This story had darkness to it and it definitely kept me on my toes! I felt so much throughout with both Lauren and Damen. The chemistry between these two was so great!
With Dirty Gentleman, Ms.Pastore has created such a good read that will pull you in! I am so looking forward to more from her!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
April 27, 2022
This is a dark and dangerous book that I could not put down reading until the early hours. Lauren is at a music festival with someone she regards as a friend first of many mistakes. Then she is drugged and when she wakes up is not treated well. Then she is sold at a live human auction to Valter Kallas. She is drugged again and put on a plane and wakes up to her living nightmare. She is told to make herself at home. When she meets Valter he says that she is in
Vutreila That it was her sister and brother in law loosing a lot of money who gave them her because of her photographic memory. He introduces her to his sons as a friend staying with his as she is on a gap year from college. He changes her last name and get Lauren to help him. Lauren later leaves a party early and ask Damen for help. I’ll not spoil the rest only to say it’s a must read. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given
Vutreila That it was her sister and brother in law loosing a lot of money who gave them her because of her photographic memory. He introduces her to his sons as a friend staying with his as she is on a gap year from college. He changes her last name and get Lauren to help him. Lauren later leaves a party early and ask Damen for help. I’ll not spoil the rest only to say it’s a must read. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given
April 23, 2022
Suspenseful, thrilling with gripping twists, this book is the perfect blend of romance and crime thriller.
Dirty Gentleman is no gentleman, but he’s ruthless and passionate to protect and take care of what he has to.
When his path crosses with our heroine Lauren, things are not what they appear and she has to wonder whether he’s going to help her or get her in deeper trouble.
Well written, exciting with a beautiful setting as the back drop, this page turner of a story kept guessing what was going to happen until the end.
Dirty Gentleman is no gentleman, but he’s ruthless and passionate to protect and take care of what he has to.
When his path crosses with our heroine Lauren, things are not what they appear and she has to wonder whether he’s going to help her or get her in deeper trouble.
Well written, exciting with a beautiful setting as the back drop, this page turner of a story kept guessing what was going to happen until the end.
April 22, 2022
I'd been eagerly anticipating this book and couldn't wait to get my hands on it!
It was gripping and dramatic with all the suspense thrown in too, the hits just kept on coming but I couldn't stop reading until I'd reached the end.
Damon and Lauren's story was a captivating read that had it all. I don't know where Lauren got her strength from to stay so strong and keep her head above water but she did with such resilience. Damon was the perfect hero and would stop at nothing to protect what's his. I loved it!
I can't wait to see what book this author writes next!
It was gripping and dramatic with all the suspense thrown in too, the hits just kept on coming but I couldn't stop reading until I'd reached the end.
Damon and Lauren's story was a captivating read that had it all. I don't know where Lauren got her strength from to stay so strong and keep her head above water but she did with such resilience. Damon was the perfect hero and would stop at nothing to protect what's his. I loved it!
I can't wait to see what book this author writes next!
April 22, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Lauren
His world His rules.
When I come face to face with my captor, Valter Kallas-a ruthless mobster, his plans for me are made clear. Do what he wants, and I'll have a wonderful life. Refuse and he'll make sure I won't survive the Cruel Baltic winter. Left with one choice, I do the only thing I can to stay alive-obey. There's just one problem, his son, Damen. Tall, dark, and dangerous Damen. No matter how much I try, Damen Kallas sees through the lies and barriers I put between us. I should keep my distance. Instead, in my desperation, I ask him for protection-a decision that ultimately intertwines our fates. Trusting him could be my only hope or my ultimate demise.
Damen
Eve in a world as dirty as mine, I have rules that I won't beak. Lines I won't cross. As the oldest son of Valter Kallas, the head of the notorious Kallas crime family, I've never had a reason to go against my father's rule...until a mysterious stranger arrives. Blond, beautiful, a liar, and my newest obsession. Lauren Sanders should never have stepped foot in my world. She doesn't belong here. I should send her away. Instead, I'll protect her. It's a decision that will put a target squarely on my back. She could be my destruction or my ultimate salvation.
Lauren had plans for her life and loved the life she was living. She never in a million years expected to find herself being kidnapped and then sold to Valter Kallas. The rules are very simple. If you want to live you have to obey to stay alive. She has to make the decision on what she will do to survive the cruel Baltic winters and she decides to obey but really wishes that she has a savior. A girl can dream after all and that savior just might come in the form of Master Kallas's son Damien. When they meet there is an instant attractions and Damien is obsessed after a little bit but he is the oldest so of a crime lord. Will these two ever be able to trust each other or will Lauren escape with our without Damien's help? Those are questions you will get the answer to as you read the book and it one that hook you from the beginning and you get this really great escape for some time with these characters. This book is also a little on the darker side and I should have said in the beginning that you need to heed the warnings because it might contain triggers for some readers. I think this is a story that will fill your romance loving heart though. Lauren certainly didn't have a good life. She had a horrible family. Even her sister was terrible But I really liked Lauren. Damien has been raised in a crime family but I really thought he was a mysterious good looking man who is super attracted to a girl in a bad situation caused by his father. He could go either way and stick totally with his father or totally fall for Lauren and really want to save her.
Lauren
His world His rules.
When I come face to face with my captor, Valter Kallas-a ruthless mobster, his plans for me are made clear. Do what he wants, and I'll have a wonderful life. Refuse and he'll make sure I won't survive the Cruel Baltic winter. Left with one choice, I do the only thing I can to stay alive-obey. There's just one problem, his son, Damen. Tall, dark, and dangerous Damen. No matter how much I try, Damen Kallas sees through the lies and barriers I put between us. I should keep my distance. Instead, in my desperation, I ask him for protection-a decision that ultimately intertwines our fates. Trusting him could be my only hope or my ultimate demise.
Damen
Eve in a world as dirty as mine, I have rules that I won't beak. Lines I won't cross. As the oldest son of Valter Kallas, the head of the notorious Kallas crime family, I've never had a reason to go against my father's rule...until a mysterious stranger arrives. Blond, beautiful, a liar, and my newest obsession. Lauren Sanders should never have stepped foot in my world. She doesn't belong here. I should send her away. Instead, I'll protect her. It's a decision that will put a target squarely on my back. She could be my destruction or my ultimate salvation.
Lauren had plans for her life and loved the life she was living. She never in a million years expected to find herself being kidnapped and then sold to Valter Kallas. The rules are very simple. If you want to live you have to obey to stay alive. She has to make the decision on what she will do to survive the cruel Baltic winters and she decides to obey but really wishes that she has a savior. A girl can dream after all and that savior just might come in the form of Master Kallas's son Damien. When they meet there is an instant attractions and Damien is obsessed after a little bit but he is the oldest so of a crime lord. Will these two ever be able to trust each other or will Lauren escape with our without Damien's help? Those are questions you will get the answer to as you read the book and it one that hook you from the beginning and you get this really great escape for some time with these characters. This book is also a little on the darker side and I should have said in the beginning that you need to heed the warnings because it might contain triggers for some readers. I think this is a story that will fill your romance loving heart though. Lauren certainly didn't have a good life. She had a horrible family. Even her sister was terrible But I really liked Lauren. Damien has been raised in a crime family but I really thought he was a mysterious good looking man who is super attracted to a girl in a bad situation caused by his father. He could go either way and stick totally with his father or totally fall for Lauren and really want to save her.
May 5, 2022
4.5 stars!
I read a few of this author’s books way back in 2017! I’m not sure why I haven’t read any of her books since, but I know that this book was releasing and it sounded like my kind of read, so I grabbed a copy and read it as soon as I could! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book! It only took me a few sittings to read and I liked the direction it went in! The plot developed at a really nice pace and it kept me wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next! There was also a romance in the plot, and it was slow burn, which made sense because of how the characters met! The romance did allow for some sexual tension and some steamy scenes between the two main characters as well! There was also some action and suspense scenes in the plot and these scenes added a lot to the plot and fueled it! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Lauren was the main female character, and in this book my heart went out to her because she was taken from her life and was then betrayed by the people closest to her! I felt like Lauren did what she had to do in the situation she was placed in and I admired her! She also grew in this book and was much stronger at the end! Damen was the main male character and love interest of Lauren! Damen came from a mafia background, but he was actually different to what I was expecting! He was only violent when he needed to be and he didn’t really like being involved in the mafia world! He was also protective of Lauren and he wanted her to be safe, especially after what she had already been through! This book was written from both Lauren and Damen’s point of views, and I was expecting it to be because of the way the synopsis is written! I loved that it was written from both characters point of views because it helped me connect more with Lauren and Damen and see their feelings for each other develop and see how they were feeling! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as the characters did go through some situations by themselves! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything was wrapped up and all the questions raised in the plot were answered! The ending was also left at the perfect place! I now can’t wait to check out this author’s other books that I haven’t read yet! I know she has more standalone books! I also love the cover for this book and it would draw me to the book, but I’m not sure if it represents the darker side of the plot! The cover model does represent Damen very well though!
I read a few of this author’s books way back in 2017! I’m not sure why I haven’t read any of her books since, but I know that this book was releasing and it sounded like my kind of read, so I grabbed a copy and read it as soon as I could! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book! It only took me a few sittings to read and I liked the direction it went in! The plot developed at a really nice pace and it kept me wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next! There was also a romance in the plot, and it was slow burn, which made sense because of how the characters met! The romance did allow for some sexual tension and some steamy scenes between the two main characters as well! There was also some action and suspense scenes in the plot and these scenes added a lot to the plot and fueled it! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Lauren was the main female character, and in this book my heart went out to her because she was taken from her life and was then betrayed by the people closest to her! I felt like Lauren did what she had to do in the situation she was placed in and I admired her! She also grew in this book and was much stronger at the end! Damen was the main male character and love interest of Lauren! Damen came from a mafia background, but he was actually different to what I was expecting! He was only violent when he needed to be and he didn’t really like being involved in the mafia world! He was also protective of Lauren and he wanted her to be safe, especially after what she had already been through! This book was written from both Lauren and Damen’s point of views, and I was expecting it to be because of the way the synopsis is written! I loved that it was written from both characters point of views because it helped me connect more with Lauren and Damen and see their feelings for each other develop and see how they were feeling! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as the characters did go through some situations by themselves! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything was wrapped up and all the questions raised in the plot were answered! The ending was also left at the perfect place! I now can’t wait to check out this author’s other books that I haven’t read yet! I know she has more standalone books! I also love the cover for this book and it would draw me to the book, but I’m not sure if it represents the darker side of the plot! The cover model does represent Damen very well though!
April 21, 2022
Lauren's life really turned into something she never imagined. Kidnapped and sold to Valter Kallas she has to obey to stay alive.
Then there could be some kind of solution: maybe Damen, Master Kallas' son, could be THE protector she needs?
There's some kind of attraction but both are really suspicious about each other...
Can Lauren escape? What'll Damen do?
Read Dirty Gentleman by Christy Pastore to find out more!
Well... phew... this book was definitely sonething else because of the dark elements. Honestly it was heavy to read about Lauren's kidnapping etc. because I'm not really used to it. But this story turned into so much more and my hopeless romantic heart was really satisfied!
When you've got a really good life with a wonderful family and great friends you not always totally appreciate how good your life is.
Dirty Gentleman made me realise that there's really a lot of darkness around us but it's important to never lose hope and stay strong although it's sometimes easier said than done.
Lauren had to deal with so much stuff. Phew. Not the best family, well let's call it by the name: she has horrible parents and a even more horrible sister. 🙈
OMG! I gasped a few times while I read this book! I couldn't believe the things that happened to Lauren. I felt with her along the way and was so happy when Damen appeared.
Damen Kallas isn't Prince Charming on a white horse. He's the son of Master Kallas and is a business man as well. He's handsome and kinda mysterious but not that bad because there's this attraction to Lauren right from the start. Awwwww! Be still my beating heart! 💓
I won't spoil too much but Dirty Gentleman turns into a really good love story.
Yes, there's a lot of dark elements and suspense nonetheless, but there's so much hope and good stuff in the end too.
Then there could be some kind of solution: maybe Damen, Master Kallas' son, could be THE protector she needs?
There's some kind of attraction but both are really suspicious about each other...
Can Lauren escape? What'll Damen do?
Read Dirty Gentleman by Christy Pastore to find out more!
Well... phew... this book was definitely sonething else because of the dark elements. Honestly it was heavy to read about Lauren's kidnapping etc. because I'm not really used to it. But this story turned into so much more and my hopeless romantic heart was really satisfied!
When you've got a really good life with a wonderful family and great friends you not always totally appreciate how good your life is.
Dirty Gentleman made me realise that there's really a lot of darkness around us but it's important to never lose hope and stay strong although it's sometimes easier said than done.
Lauren had to deal with so much stuff. Phew. Not the best family, well let's call it by the name: she has horrible parents and a even more horrible sister. 🙈
OMG! I gasped a few times while I read this book! I couldn't believe the things that happened to Lauren. I felt with her along the way and was so happy when Damen appeared.
Damen Kallas isn't Prince Charming on a white horse. He's the son of Master Kallas and is a business man as well. He's handsome and kinda mysterious but not that bad because there's this attraction to Lauren right from the start. Awwwww! Be still my beating heart! 💓
I won't spoil too much but Dirty Gentleman turns into a really good love story.
Yes, there's a lot of dark elements and suspense nonetheless, but there's so much hope and good stuff in the end too.
April 18, 2022
Thank you to Christy Pastore and Give Me Books Promotions for the ARC of Dirty Gentleman. From the beginning to the end, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely love Lauren, she really great at handling all of thing that are thrown at her. We see some great character development from her, which I alway love in books that I am reading. I love that this book combines romance, and suspense. It was a perfect amount of spice in the plot, and it had you wondering what in the world was going to happen next! Damen was so swoon worthy, and is definitely one of my new favorite book boyfriends! 🖤
I definitely recommend reading this book if you love thrillers, and romance because this is the perfect combination of the two!
PLEASE make sure to check trigger warnings if you need to! 🖤
I definitely recommend reading this book if you love thrillers, and romance because this is the perfect combination of the two!
PLEASE make sure to check trigger warnings if you need to! 🖤
April 22, 2022
4 and 1/2 stars
I must say this was a great read. It was intense in parts and jumps into the fray almost straight away. It was a bit of a shock and I think that was on purpose to feel what Lauren felt. The saying that those who we love can hurt us the most rings true in this story. Damen was a great character. A grumpy and dark alpha male that learns some truths that his father was keeping hidden. Wystan was also a brilliant character but there were so many that I enjoyed seeing as well like Dorel and Marek. While the story took on some heavy issues, there was a sense of hope among the pages. I won't say too much more but it was a great story and it was a page turner.
I must say this was a great read. It was intense in parts and jumps into the fray almost straight away. It was a bit of a shock and I think that was on purpose to feel what Lauren felt. The saying that those who we love can hurt us the most rings true in this story. Damen was a great character. A grumpy and dark alpha male that learns some truths that his father was keeping hidden. Wystan was also a brilliant character but there were so many that I enjoyed seeing as well like Dorel and Marek. While the story took on some heavy issues, there was a sense of hope among the pages. I won't say too much more but it was a great story and it was a page turner.
April 20, 2022
Dirty Gentleman by Christy Pastore is a contemporary billionaire romantic suspense told in first person dual POV. The story follows the relationship between 24-year-old Lauren Sanders, a virtual concierge who goes on vacation and winds up drugged, captured, and sold into slavery; and 32-year-old Daman Kallas, a billionaire hotelier and son of the crime lord who purchased Lauren.
I enjoyed Lauren and Daman’s story. The characters were intriguing and well-developed. The story had me on the edge of my seat in chapter one, wondering what would happen to Lauren next, and rooting for her to escape. Dirty Gentleman was suspenseful, mysterious, dark, and steamy, with many twists and turns.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
I enjoyed Lauren and Daman’s story. The characters were intriguing and well-developed. The story had me on the edge of my seat in chapter one, wondering what would happen to Lauren next, and rooting for her to escape. Dirty Gentleman was suspenseful, mysterious, dark, and steamy, with many twists and turns.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
May 22, 2022
Christy,
This is it girl!!!!
I loved that the chapters were somewhat short and most definitely to the point! No detail was spared! It was a quick read because I literally couldn’t put it down!
Your attention to detail never lets me down. In every scene, I was there. Every scent, I could smell it. Every emotion, I felt it! The fear, anger, love, lust, I had ALL the feels!
The plot was amazing….you kept me on my toes all the way to the very end! As I always say….if I am not hooked in the first chapter, I tend to move on from a book. I have NEVER moved on from one of your books.
I could feel the butterflies in my stomach with every stolen moment of Damen and Lauren’s. You took Lauren’s pain, suffering, emotions, love, and determination, and you spun a wonderful web of a story with so many truths of the world today that don’t always turn out like this in the end.
Thank you for the thousands of words you wrote and deleted and the hours you spent researching and formulating a plan for this story. Lauren’s story needs to be heard and loved by others.
This is it girl!!!!
I loved that the chapters were somewhat short and most definitely to the point! No detail was spared! It was a quick read because I literally couldn’t put it down!
Your attention to detail never lets me down. In every scene, I was there. Every scent, I could smell it. Every emotion, I felt it! The fear, anger, love, lust, I had ALL the feels!
The plot was amazing….you kept me on my toes all the way to the very end! As I always say….if I am not hooked in the first chapter, I tend to move on from a book. I have NEVER moved on from one of your books.
I could feel the butterflies in my stomach with every stolen moment of Damen and Lauren’s. You took Lauren’s pain, suffering, emotions, love, and determination, and you spun a wonderful web of a story with so many truths of the world today that don’t always turn out like this in the end.
Thank you for the thousands of words you wrote and deleted and the hours you spent researching and formulating a plan for this story. Lauren’s story needs to be heard and loved by others.
April 29, 2022
Kidnapped and bought as a “pure” young lady, Lauren was shuffled around and feared for her life. She is a strong heroine…which she needed to be to survive.
Damen Kallas, the son of Valter Kallas, the major player in a crime family, was intrigued from the first moment he laid eyes on Lauren. What started out as curiosity…turned into protection.
Dirty Gentleman, by author Christy Pastore, is full of twists…both in the plot and the characters. There is trafficking, dark moments, backstabbing, heat, and blackmail. I enjoyed this romance all the way through, but really loved the extra “HOLY COW!” moments in the end.
Damen Kallas, the son of Valter Kallas, the major player in a crime family, was intrigued from the first moment he laid eyes on Lauren. What started out as curiosity…turned into protection.
Dirty Gentleman, by author Christy Pastore, is full of twists…both in the plot and the characters. There is trafficking, dark moments, backstabbing, heat, and blackmail. I enjoyed this romance all the way through, but really loved the extra “HOLY COW!” moments in the end.
April 17, 2022
Damen was a bright light at the end of Lauren's dark tunnel. Damen is a saint by no means , but was a savior of sorts for Lauren. So much happened in the storyline . When i thought the worst had blasted in like a bad windstorm, something else was set in motion to bring the situation back to bleak. Bianca & Lauren deserve so much love & happiness in there fresh start in there lives of freedom. Kudos to the author for all of the info that was so real & vivid in the story. A page turning read .
May 3, 2022
Great read! Kept me on my toes all the way to the end. Love that she covered a hard topic that had to be hard to write and research. The love story along with the suspense puts this book at one of my top favorites!
April 13, 2022
Every page I was sucked into this book! I felt like I was right along side the characters. I could feel every emotion, good and bad.
April 27, 2022
Wow. Well that was a wild ride! With twists and turns page after page this book kept me up well into the early morning hours. I enjoyed this book from the very first page. Christy Pastore knows how to write captivating stories with intriguing characters. I loved this "different" perspective on the dark world of human trafficking.
A must read that will keep you on the edge of your seat chapter after chapter.
A must read that will keep you on the edge of your seat chapter after chapter.
June 23, 2023
Got this book in my Romance Reveal box, and really enjoyed it. I love for my steamy books to have some intrigue and mystery, not just be all sex all the time, and this book had mystery and intrigue for sure. Loved the brothers, and how they both ended up at the end. The Sweet Home Alabama part at the end was just great as well!
April 21, 2022
DIRTY GENTLEMAN
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Christy Pastore
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Couple: Lauren & Damen
Favorite Character: Damen
Tropes: Darkish romance; virgin heroine; captivity; antihero
Review:
When I’ve read the warning in the beginning of the book announcing it would deal with the subject of human trafficking I pictured a book as dark as it can be, since it’s a really heavy theme. What I got was something too light to be believable. Is it a bad thing? It depends entirely of what you expect/want from a book, it was a huge surprise and I felt it was missing something all the way until the end.
The book takes a while to get to the hot scenes, but when it does, they are quite good.
The plot twist in the end? I was not expecting it at all.
Summing it up, the book was good, but it did not met my expectations (it to be really dark).
***I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion***
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Christy Pastore
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Couple: Lauren & Damen
Favorite Character: Damen
Tropes: Darkish romance; virgin heroine; captivity; antihero
Review:
When I’ve read the warning in the beginning of the book announcing it would deal with the subject of human trafficking I pictured a book as dark as it can be, since it’s a really heavy theme. What I got was something too light to be believable. Is it a bad thing? It depends entirely of what you expect/want from a book, it was a huge surprise and I felt it was missing something all the way until the end.
The book takes a while to get to the hot scenes, but when it does, they are quite good.
The plot twist in the end? I was not expecting it at all.
Summing it up, the book was good, but it did not met my expectations (it to be really dark).
***I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion***
April 21, 2022
Lauren is kidnapped and sold to Valter who is a ruthless mobster, and to stay alive she needs to obey her captor. Damen is Valtor’s eldest son, and he is mysterious, ruthless, and protective. From the moment Damen sets his sights on Lauren there is an intense attraction between them, but will he be able to protect and keep her safe from his crime family. This is an enjoyable story which is dark, raw, gritty, and with trust, twists, intrigue, suspense, family, and romance, which leads to an action-packed page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and I recommend her work.
September 16, 2023
Different take on the damsel in need of rescue
Christy Pastore takes the unusual task of incorporating difficult, real-world content into her stories. This one is no different. Dirty Gentleman weaves a dark, contemporary tale that suites the times we live in. The characters are imperfect and complex. Some scenes depicting human trafficking are disturbing, though necessary to move the story forward. It's a tough subject matter to tackle, but the author manages it, while telling a story that's part romance, part suspense. A unique novel for a reader looking for something apart from the usual fare.
Christy Pastore takes the unusual task of incorporating difficult, real-world content into her stories. This one is no different. Dirty Gentleman weaves a dark, contemporary tale that suites the times we live in. The characters are imperfect and complex. Some scenes depicting human trafficking are disturbing, though necessary to move the story forward. It's a tough subject matter to tackle, but the author manages it, while telling a story that's part romance, part suspense. A unique novel for a reader looking for something apart from the usual fare.
April 28, 2022
5ish stars.
This definitely started out being a nice vacay read to dark really quickly!
I loved the transition to dark and the storyline that followed. My only huge issue was a few muddy spots that gave me pause to sort it out. But otherwise, such a good read!
This definitely started out being a nice vacay read to dark really quickly!
I loved the transition to dark and the storyline that followed. My only huge issue was a few muddy spots that gave me pause to sort it out. But otherwise, such a good read!
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