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7 Forbidden Arts #8
Chiromancist
Blurb
Everything is not always as it seems.
Bono Black is not part of Cain Jones’s taskforce. He’s merely their pilot. The minute he walks into a sex club in Amsterdam, he is no longer an outsider to the war on their beautiful target, Sky Val. Bono wants her like he’s never wanted anyone, and he’s a determined man. The only snags are three major obstacles. One, Sky belongs to the most dangerous sex dealer in the Netherlands who’d see her dead before he lets her go. Two, she’s undeniably involved in the murders of a senator and president. Three, Cain has ordered her dead. But time is on Bono’s side. Before the team leader slits her throat, they need information on her boss. With the interest Sky has shown in Bono, Cain decides Bono is just the man for the job, and that seduction will be his choice of arms.
Life has never been good or kind. From where Sky Val is standing, life looks infinitely bad. Her existence is nothing but physical and emotional torture, but one motivation keeps her going. It is a secret she can’t give up on. Bought at the age of sixteen for her forbidden art to manipulate time, Sky’s owner constructed the perfect jail to confine her. The invisible chains he put on her are much more effective than a brick and mortar prison. She will do anything her owner or his boss demands, even make the handsome, caring Senegalese pilot, Bono Black fall in love with her. Love is, after all, a woman’s best weapon when her mission is to steal a man’s secrets.
Every wise person knows things aren’t always what they seem, but the truth becomes muddled in a war where the good guys suddenly seem bad, and the devil like a savior. In an upside-down world full of dangerous secrets and supernatural powers, many hearts will be broken, but only one team can win. Which one of them will walk away with their secrets and life intact?
* This is Book 8 of the Seven Forbidden Arts paranormal series, but also reads as a standalone. The story contains violence, explicit language, and consummated love scenes. Recommended for an audience of 18+.
Everything is not always as it seems.
Bono Black is not part of Cain Jones’s taskforce. He’s merely their pilot. The minute he walks into a sex club in Amsterdam, he is no longer an outsider to the war on their beautiful target, Sky Val. Bono wants her like he’s never wanted anyone, and he’s a determined man. The only snags are three major obstacles. One, Sky belongs to the most dangerous sex dealer in the Netherlands who’d see her dead before he lets her go. Two, she’s undeniably involved in the murders of a senator and president. Three, Cain has ordered her dead. But time is on Bono’s side. Before the team leader slits her throat, they need information on her boss. With the interest Sky has shown in Bono, Cain decides Bono is just the man for the job, and that seduction will be his choice of arms.
Life has never been good or kind. From where Sky Val is standing, life looks infinitely bad. Her existence is nothing but physical and emotional torture, but one motivation keeps her going. It is a secret she can’t give up on. Bought at the age of sixteen for her forbidden art to manipulate time, Sky’s owner constructed the perfect jail to confine her. The invisible chains he put on her are much more effective than a brick and mortar prison. She will do anything her owner or his boss demands, even make the handsome, caring Senegalese pilot, Bono Black fall in love with her. Love is, after all, a woman’s best weapon when her mission is to steal a man’s secrets.
Every wise person knows things aren’t always what they seem, but the truth becomes muddled in a war where the good guys suddenly seem bad, and the devil like a savior. In an upside-down world full of dangerous secrets and supernatural powers, many hearts will be broken, but only one team can win. Which one of them will walk away with their secrets and life intact?
* This is Book 8 of the Seven Forbidden Arts paranormal series, but also reads as a standalone. The story contains violence, explicit language, and consummated love scenes. Recommended for an audience of 18+.
194 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2017
6 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
72 books1,843 followersCharmaine loves to write dark and edgy romance that will melt both your e-reader and your heart.
She's a mom of two teenagers, an adorable dog, and a dominant cat. Her country of birth is South Africa where many of her stories play off. Her French husband kidnapped her to the south of France where she currently lives with her family.
When she's not writing, you'll find her in the kitchen baking cakes or in the gym lifting weights (because ... all those cakes!).
She's a mom of two teenagers, an adorable dog, and a dominant cat. Her country of birth is South Africa where many of her stories play off. Her French husband kidnapped her to the south of France where she currently lives with her family.
When she's not writing, you'll find her in the kitchen baking cakes or in the gym lifting weights (because ... all those cakes!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 22, 2017
4.25 Forbidden Stars
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
What I love the most about this series is that each and every book is so different from the others, and you never know what to expect. There was an "on the run" book, a rock star one, one involving a kingpin and a private island, tortured heroes and perfect gentlemen, tons of different countries, languages, accents. Pauls always brings me somewhere new and exciting, with a different mood and a different atmosphere.
In this case, I was surprised by how heartbreaking and dark Sky's story was, and at the same time by how thoughtful and kind Bono was to her. He may be the sweetest, gentlest hero of the series and, although Josselin will always remain my favorite, Bono sure made my heart stutter.
This instalment is set mainly in Amsterdam and it's kind of a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliet, as in Bono and Sky are as star-crossed as they come. Sky is a slave, tied to a cruel man who exploits her because of her gift. This man is also controlled by Godfrey, the villain of the series, and therefore Sky will find herself in a very dicey situation, in which she'll be called to choose between the man she's falling for and someone equally as important.
I loved to see her struggle and it broke my heart. Usually, knowing she was deceiving the hero would have me say: "Hell to the no, girl!" Instead, here I was rooting for her, even when it came to Bono's expenses, because her reasons were totally understandable and everyone in her position would have done the same.
Bono too is called to make tough choices and will try to balance his loyalty to the team and his desire to see Godfrey go down with protecting the woman he's in love with.
Dressed in a stylish leather jacket, fitted shirt, tight jeans, and pointed dress shoes, he looked like he belonged in a club that served fifty-euro cocktails, not in a trailer park with a white trash girl who read palms in a sex club.
They're so different, yet when they're together it's like nothing else in the outside world matters.
“You were waiting for me?”
“Making sure you’re safe.”
“Nobody’s going to attack me in the toilets at Melk.”
“It doesn’t matter where we are. It’s my responsibility to take care of you."
We also get to see the whole team, which is always an added bonus. The epilogue may have been my favorite chapter :) All those cute kids!
The reason I didn't give it five stars is because, as I said in some other reviews, I'm trying to be more selective and, in the first chapters, I couldn't quite get why Bono was falling so hard for her. It was a bit too insta-love for my liking. Also, he may be a bit too perfect. I think the reason I loved Josselin so much was because of his innate desperation. Bono too has a darker shade inside of him, one we discover through a palm reading and that tore through my heart as well, but otherwise he was always too much in control, too much unaffected by it. I didn't see him struggle enough.
Anyway, I adored how he was with Sky. It didn't surprise me at all how she fell so easily for him. He's perfect!
And while the first part of the book is more focused on Sky, the second is full of action, suspense and romance. It definitely sped up and gave me the feels. There are also important developments concerning Godfrey and now I'm curious to see where this new discoveries will lead the narration. We're getting closer to the final showdown and you can feel the tension in the air.
The style is, as usual, on point and overall great. There were a couple instances in which, through simple images, it shred my soul.
Carefully, she took out the stuffed bunny. It had floppy ears and a lopsided smile. Her fingers trailed over the soft fur that had never been touched by the dirt and chocolate smeared hand of a toddler. The stitches were not coming apart like in the case of favorite, comfort-bringing toys. A tear dribbled down her cheek as she put it to one side on the rug. The next item was a fire truck. It had a siren and big, sturdy wheels made for little hands. She ran it over the floor, imagining the noises boys made when they played with cars. Placing the truck next to the bunny, she reached for the book. The tales had never been read to a child. No little boy had drifted off to the magical stories.
Cue the sobbing. It may not tell you anything right now, but believe me, you will crack while reading this!
And other times when I wanted to slow clap at its cleverness.
“You know nothing about my country [Senegal], American.”
“I do,” Joss said. “We colonized Senegal, captured the country like a wild animal, made it an orphan, and then released it back into the wild after killing its instinct to fend for itself. [...]"
I'd also like to point out that the steamy scenes were exceptionally so. In quantity, they were less than in the previous instalments, but each one of them held meaning and it was super appreciated. And when I say that Bono is a gentleman, I don't mean that he's any less alpha. He's protective, assertive and hot as Sahara at noon. His dirty talk is the stuff panty-vanishing spells are made of!
Last, but not least, I wanted to point out a fact which made me really happy, and it is how Bono didn't deny past feelings for a woman he was with years prior. In romances today, it seems like the hero had never been in love before the heroine. If he ever had a serious relationship, 99% of the times, he claims it wasn't real love. Well, I believe humans are capable of loving more than one person in their entire lives, and even if this person hurt them (which is not the case here), it doesn't make the feeling any less real. So hearing Bono admit his feelings for a previous woman which is not in the picture anymore, made me one happy reader. It's human, it's real.
I'll end the review with a snippet which became one of my favorite because it truly sums up the melting pot which is this series.
Tim speaks with an Australian drawl, and well, you know what Sean sounds like when he rolls his Scottish r’s. Ivan’s accent is so typically British—Don’t you think?—and then there’s Maya, Sara, and Wayne’s South African dialect. Asia speaks Danish, of course, and Cain and Alice are as New York-ish as they get. Very colorful indeed."
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. I would also recommend you read the other books in the series, especially "Loving the Enemy" and "Pyromancist" (Josselin's) the first two, which are my absolute favorite.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
What I love the most about this series is that each and every book is so different from the others, and you never know what to expect. There was an "on the run" book, a rock star one, one involving a kingpin and a private island, tortured heroes and perfect gentlemen, tons of different countries, languages, accents. Pauls always brings me somewhere new and exciting, with a different mood and a different atmosphere.
In this case, I was surprised by how heartbreaking and dark Sky's story was, and at the same time by how thoughtful and kind Bono was to her. He may be the sweetest, gentlest hero of the series and, although Josselin will always remain my favorite, Bono sure made my heart stutter.
This instalment is set mainly in Amsterdam and it's kind of a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliet, as in Bono and Sky are as star-crossed as they come. Sky is a slave, tied to a cruel man who exploits her because of her gift. This man is also controlled by Godfrey, the villain of the series, and therefore Sky will find herself in a very dicey situation, in which she'll be called to choose between the man she's falling for and someone equally as important.
I loved to see her struggle and it broke my heart. Usually, knowing she was deceiving the hero would have me say: "Hell to the no, girl!" Instead, here I was rooting for her, even when it came to Bono's expenses, because her reasons were totally understandable and everyone in her position would have done the same.
Bono too is called to make tough choices and will try to balance his loyalty to the team and his desire to see Godfrey go down with protecting the woman he's in love with.
Dressed in a stylish leather jacket, fitted shirt, tight jeans, and pointed dress shoes, he looked like he belonged in a club that served fifty-euro cocktails, not in a trailer park with a white trash girl who read palms in a sex club.
They're so different, yet when they're together it's like nothing else in the outside world matters.
“You were waiting for me?”
“Making sure you’re safe.”
“Nobody’s going to attack me in the toilets at Melk.”
“It doesn’t matter where we are. It’s my responsibility to take care of you."
We also get to see the whole team, which is always an added bonus. The epilogue may have been my favorite chapter :) All those cute kids!
The reason I didn't give it five stars is because, as I said in some other reviews, I'm trying to be more selective and, in the first chapters, I couldn't quite get why Bono was falling so hard for her. It was a bit too insta-love for my liking. Also, he may be a bit too perfect. I think the reason I loved Josselin so much was because of his innate desperation. Bono too has a darker shade inside of him, one we discover through a palm reading and that tore through my heart as well, but otherwise he was always too much in control, too much unaffected by it. I didn't see him struggle enough.
Anyway, I adored how he was with Sky. It didn't surprise me at all how she fell so easily for him. He's perfect!
And while the first part of the book is more focused on Sky, the second is full of action, suspense and romance. It definitely sped up and gave me the feels. There are also important developments concerning Godfrey and now I'm curious to see where this new discoveries will lead the narration. We're getting closer to the final showdown and you can feel the tension in the air.
The style is, as usual, on point and overall great. There were a couple instances in which, through simple images, it shred my soul.
Carefully, she took out the stuffed bunny. It had floppy ears and a lopsided smile. Her fingers trailed over the soft fur that had never been touched by the dirt and chocolate smeared hand of a toddler. The stitches were not coming apart like in the case of favorite, comfort-bringing toys. A tear dribbled down her cheek as she put it to one side on the rug. The next item was a fire truck. It had a siren and big, sturdy wheels made for little hands. She ran it over the floor, imagining the noises boys made when they played with cars. Placing the truck next to the bunny, she reached for the book. The tales had never been read to a child. No little boy had drifted off to the magical stories.
Cue the sobbing. It may not tell you anything right now, but believe me, you will crack while reading this!
And other times when I wanted to slow clap at its cleverness.
“You know nothing about my country [Senegal], American.”
“I do,” Joss said. “We colonized Senegal, captured the country like a wild animal, made it an orphan, and then released it back into the wild after killing its instinct to fend for itself. [...]"
I'd also like to point out that the steamy scenes were exceptionally so. In quantity, they were less than in the previous instalments, but each one of them held meaning and it was super appreciated. And when I say that Bono is a gentleman, I don't mean that he's any less alpha. He's protective, assertive and hot as Sahara at noon. His dirty talk is the stuff panty-vanishing spells are made of!
Last, but not least, I wanted to point out a fact which made me really happy, and it is how Bono didn't deny past feelings for a woman he was with years prior. In romances today, it seems like the hero had never been in love before the heroine. If he ever had a serious relationship, 99% of the times, he claims it wasn't real love. Well, I believe humans are capable of loving more than one person in their entire lives, and even if this person hurt them (which is not the case here), it doesn't make the feeling any less real. So hearing Bono admit his feelings for a previous woman which is not in the picture anymore, made me one happy reader. It's human, it's real.
I'll end the review with a snippet which became one of my favorite because it truly sums up the melting pot which is this series.
Tim speaks with an Australian drawl, and well, you know what Sean sounds like when he rolls his Scottish r’s. Ivan’s accent is so typically British—Don’t you think?—and then there’s Maya, Sara, and Wayne’s South African dialect. Asia speaks Danish, of course, and Cain and Alice are as New York-ish as they get. Very colorful indeed."
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. I would also recommend you read the other books in the series, especially "Loving the Enemy" and "Pyromancist" (Josselin's) the first two, which are my absolute favorite.
August 29, 2022
Wow! What a twisted path this couple has to travel to find their happily ever after!
Bono was an exceptional hero. I loved that he took a stand due to Sky’s current relationship status and he stuck to it until he had her free and clear. Getting to that point was rife with drama and angst and the threat of blood shed on several occasions.
Sky was a token that everyone was using and my heart hurt for the situation she was in. As much as I loved Bono, I wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to do what Sky needed and take care of the most important thing that she had. She had every right to be emotionally weak but she continued to set about doing what needed to be done to save that one thing.
This is truly a wild read with some topics that might trigger sensitive readers. I was cheering for Bono along the way even as I wept for Sky. This one kept me on my toes and I found it hard to set it aside even for a moment.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Bono was an exceptional hero. I loved that he took a stand due to Sky’s current relationship status and he stuck to it until he had her free and clear. Getting to that point was rife with drama and angst and the threat of blood shed on several occasions.
Sky was a token that everyone was using and my heart hurt for the situation she was in. As much as I loved Bono, I wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to do what Sky needed and take care of the most important thing that she had. She had every right to be emotionally weak but she continued to set about doing what needed to be done to save that one thing.
This is truly a wild read with some topics that might trigger sensitive readers. I was cheering for Bono along the way even as I wept for Sky. This one kept me on my toes and I found it hard to set it aside even for a moment.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
August 27, 2022
Charmaine weaves a wonderful story and this one was hard to put down. So much that I finished it in a day.
Sky’s life has been one of endless suffering and servitude. She was sold to Doumar aged just sixteen. He started raping her when she was eighteen. Getting her pregnant tied her to him forever. He now totally controls her.
Bono is determined to win her over but he has no idea what he’s up against.
Her love for her son. A son she sees for 15 mins once a month. Is what she lives for. She’d do anything for him. So while she’s attracted to Bono she knows they have no future.
I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the conclusion.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
Sky’s life has been one of endless suffering and servitude. She was sold to Doumar aged just sixteen. He started raping her when she was eighteen. Getting her pregnant tied her to him forever. He now totally controls her.
Bono is determined to win her over but he has no idea what he’s up against.
Her love for her son. A son she sees for 15 mins once a month. Is what she lives for. She’d do anything for him. So while she’s attracted to Bono she knows they have no future.
I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the conclusion.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
August 31, 2022
The 7 Forbidden Arts series is created in a world that’s unique,intriguing,dangerous and véry interesting.
Each story evolves around a different couple,but there’s a red thread throughout.
Each couple has one person that has a Forbidden Art,and each couple has it’s own hurdles to take before they find their hea.
Each story is unique,and a work of art.
So,getting the ARC of these stories is a treat i look forward to,very much.
Even if by now we’re getting close to it’s final story,and i’ll have find a way to deal with not hearing anything new from this wonderful world…..
This time,we’re on my home turf,the Netherlands!
The heroine,Sky,lives in Amsterdam under the thumb of her cruel owner,Doumar.
He bought her from her grandmother when she was only 16,and has no plans to ever let her go. His hold on her comes from the fact that he raped her as soon as she turned 18,until she had a baby.
If you follow this series, you know that for people like Sky a pregnancy is very dangerous,so he asked Godfrey for help.
Which led to the both of them being under hís thumb…..and then she meets Bono.
Godfrey wants her to cosy up with the pilot,and get vital information on the team,but did Bono have to be some damn attractive?
Did he have to be so….good??
The team has flown to Amsterdam following a lead on Godfrey.
Joss and Bono will visit the Chiromancist that’s rumored to be in town to see what the future may hold.
If she is what they think she is,and if she’s working for who they think she does,her life has to be cut short…after they get what they came information on the whereabouts of Godfrey.
And Bono is the man assigned to get it.
Only,once Bono sees her,he knows he has to try and save her.
There ís a connection,so much chemistry between them,he can almost taste it.
But why won’t she give in?
What is making her choose that bastard Doumar over him??
The more he gets to know her,the more he’s convinced she is the one for him,but time is running out….
When Sky finds out what Godfrey’s plans are,she has an even more difficult decision to make….
Not only her son’s life is at stake,but the man she’s grown to love is in danger,too!
There’s no way she could sacrifice either,but miracles don’t grow on trees….right?
What Sky had to endure in her life was heartbreaking.
The way Doumar treated her and their son Niels was despicable!
For Doumar and Godfrey she was only a means to an end,a tool to be used, and abused, as they wanted.
But what happened to Bono in the past was awful,too.
It was a good thing “the family” came along and gave him the purpose he needed.
That had his back when he needed more time with Sky.
I feared for their lives as they raced towards an explosive end,with twists and turns that had my head spinning.
Bono and Sky NEEDED their happy ever after!!!
They DESERVED it!!
When i reached that final page,i was glad to see where they were,but it left me with a burning question,too….
Will the team find Godfrey’s wife before it’s too late?
And what will Cain decide to do with her if they do?
I can’t wait!!
Each story evolves around a different couple,but there’s a red thread throughout.
Each couple has one person that has a Forbidden Art,and each couple has it’s own hurdles to take before they find their hea.
Each story is unique,and a work of art.
So,getting the ARC of these stories is a treat i look forward to,very much.
Even if by now we’re getting close to it’s final story,and i’ll have find a way to deal with not hearing anything new from this wonderful world…..
This time,we’re on my home turf,the Netherlands!
The heroine,Sky,lives in Amsterdam under the thumb of her cruel owner,Doumar.
He bought her from her grandmother when she was only 16,and has no plans to ever let her go. His hold on her comes from the fact that he raped her as soon as she turned 18,until she had a baby.
If you follow this series, you know that for people like Sky a pregnancy is very dangerous,so he asked Godfrey for help.
Which led to the both of them being under hís thumb…..and then she meets Bono.
Godfrey wants her to cosy up with the pilot,and get vital information on the team,but did Bono have to be some damn attractive?
Did he have to be so….good??
The team has flown to Amsterdam following a lead on Godfrey.
Joss and Bono will visit the Chiromancist that’s rumored to be in town to see what the future may hold.
If she is what they think she is,and if she’s working for who they think she does,her life has to be cut short…after they get what they came information on the whereabouts of Godfrey.
And Bono is the man assigned to get it.
Only,once Bono sees her,he knows he has to try and save her.
There ís a connection,so much chemistry between them,he can almost taste it.
But why won’t she give in?
What is making her choose that bastard Doumar over him??
The more he gets to know her,the more he’s convinced she is the one for him,but time is running out….
When Sky finds out what Godfrey’s plans are,she has an even more difficult decision to make….
Not only her son’s life is at stake,but the man she’s grown to love is in danger,too!
There’s no way she could sacrifice either,but miracles don’t grow on trees….right?
What Sky had to endure in her life was heartbreaking.
The way Doumar treated her and their son Niels was despicable!
For Doumar and Godfrey she was only a means to an end,a tool to be used, and abused, as they wanted.
But what happened to Bono in the past was awful,too.
It was a good thing “the family” came along and gave him the purpose he needed.
That had his back when he needed more time with Sky.
I feared for their lives as they raced towards an explosive end,with twists and turns that had my head spinning.
Bono and Sky NEEDED their happy ever after!!!
They DESERVED it!!
When i reached that final page,i was glad to see where they were,but it left me with a burning question,too….
Will the team find Godfrey’s wife before it’s too late?
And what will Cain decide to do with her if they do?
I can’t wait!!
April 25, 2017
One of the main things I like in this series is that every single installment has a completely different background story (like a whole new world) yet the characters of the series stay connected and they evolve with an impressive way!!
With that been said let's talk about this story which is Bono's.. I have to say that when I saw that this is his story I was intrigued and I anticipated what the author is going to create and in which way the main events will develop.
Bono is a mysterious guy and we didn't know much of his life and his personality we just knew that he works for the team as pilot been his main occupation. Well in this seventh book we will finally learn a lot of things about his past and about himself, the thing that really won me was his approach to our heroine and the way he was treating her like a real-time old fashioned gentleman (I mean it in a good way!!).
Sky is certainly the big surprise in the story, to be honest In the beginning I had mixed feelings about her but as the story was unfolding my opinion changed completely, you'll understand what I'm saying when you read it and to give you a little something let's just say that she doesn't act willingly...
Besides the main events about Godfrey (I really hate that guy..) and his devilish plans, we get to learn about Sky's forbidden art who is a Chiromancist and about that I have to say that I found her gift very interesting (manipulating time!!!!) not that the other arts weren't but hers was quite unique.
Furthermore, I really enjoyed the romance between our characters and all the other things that that made this story enjoyable such as the twists, the suspense and the mystery, in addition, the plot evolves steadily keeping the interest throughout the story. Of course, as always I was very excited to the appearance of the rest of the team!!
I definitely recommend the story and all the books of the series, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!! I'm looking forward to reading the next great story from the author!!
August 18, 2022
I've only read Book 7 and now 8 (this one) in this series, but the story arc is really interesting, and I'm really looking forward to reading Book 9. This can be read as a standalone, but you should really start with book 1 in the series! I really wish I started with book 1 because I think I'd enjoy them more and everything would make more sense to me.
Sky is a chiromancer, meaning she can see the future and past by reading someone's palm. She is the slave of a cruel man, who raped her repeatedly when she was 20 until she fell pregnant with his son. He uses the son as a way to get Sky to do his bidding. Just wanted to put that out there for readers. Sky is with him, the OM, for most of the book. In my opinion, the romance took a backseat to the story, whereas the book before this one was more romantic.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Sky's love for her son, Niels. The first scene where we met him was very powerful since it showed Niels feeling a little uncomfortable/wary around his mom, who was so desperate to love him.
Thinking about it more, I didn't feel much chemistry between Sky and Bono, but that may have just been me. There were only 2 sex scenes I think?
Sky is a chiromancer, meaning she can see the future and past by reading someone's palm. She is the slave of a cruel man, who raped her repeatedly when she was 20 until she fell pregnant with his son. He uses the son as a way to get Sky to do his bidding. Just wanted to put that out there for readers. Sky is with him, the OM, for most of the book. In my opinion, the romance took a backseat to the story, whereas the book before this one was more romantic.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Sky's love for her son, Niels. The first scene where we met him was very powerful since it showed Niels feeling a little uncomfortable/wary around his mom, who was so desperate to love him.
Thinking about it more, I didn't feel much chemistry between Sky and Bono, but that may have just been me. There were only 2 sex scenes I think?
November 1, 2023
Another fabulous addition to this ongoing series I believe this is book eight in the line-up and this one had a slight edge for me in regards to its predecessor though I rated them both the same. In this edition we are back with the whole team and in Amsterdam the team are hot on the trail of their nemesis Godfrey and this leads them directly to another arts practioner who is closely connected to him and whom they have marked for death.
Sky is a Chiromancist she has the ability of prediction and fortune telling. She can see past and future and actually walk that timeline making her a very hot commodity, she's in a situation where her young son is being held as collateral for her continued cooperation and good behaviour and she currently makes a lot of money for her proclaimed owner Doumar. She does what she does because she has no choice and hates her very existence attempting to make plans to escape with her son in the future, he is her only thought and her sole concern. She also has a tragic backstory and knows her situation seems hopeless.
Bono is the pilot for the team and is usually well out of the main action, he is still very much a part of the team and this extended self-made family but isn't usually the one that has to make the hard decisions. After it's immediately obvious he feels a connection to Sky and she to him he's tasked with getting close to her and milking her for information on Godfrey. But the more time Bono spends around the girl with the sad eyes the more he realises things are not so cut and dried as they first appear and it's not long before he's vowing to save Sky despite not quite knowing what from.
Two individuals both with their own agendas and both equally conflicted fall deep and this latest book in the series was fast-paced, full of tension, and danger and with plenty of passion included. We also have the added complication of an outside group Medusa causing widespread panic over the existence of paranormals.
I liked here how we got the whole team back together and in this book, they felt solidified as a unit and then this also managed to move the story along nicely and the end goal is now firmly in sight. This series is such a good one and each book In it feels different and fresh. It's all a little bit special forces combined with some internal family dynamics and a touch of the paranormal and it just works so well, I definitely recommend reading it. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of The Chiromancist
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 8, 2022
Sky and Bono.
Bono doesn’t possess any forbidden arts but is the pilot for his friends, the paranormal task force that we’ve met through this entire series.
When Cain and the task force ask Bono for help, going undercover to gain information from an evil but powerful man Doumer, they realize Sky, a woman in his clutches, holds a forbidden art. A chiromancist. She can time travel in the past or future and see glimpses of a persons life.
As Bono gets closer to Sky, he fails to understand why she’s with such a scumbag who hurts her.
Things aren’t what they seem and she’s being kept close to Doumer because they have a son together. Using that child as a pawn to keep Sky in line, it’s out Bono in a hard position to do his job while also falling for Sky and wanting to protect her and her son.
It’s not as spicy as other books of Charmaine, it’s a slow burn. But it’s definitely a page turner to see what’s going to happen with Sky and Bono being caught in game.
4⭐️
Bono doesn’t possess any forbidden arts but is the pilot for his friends, the paranormal task force that we’ve met through this entire series.
When Cain and the task force ask Bono for help, going undercover to gain information from an evil but powerful man Doumer, they realize Sky, a woman in his clutches, holds a forbidden art. A chiromancist. She can time travel in the past or future and see glimpses of a persons life.
As Bono gets closer to Sky, he fails to understand why she’s with such a scumbag who hurts her.
Things aren’t what they seem and she’s being kept close to Doumer because they have a son together. Using that child as a pawn to keep Sky in line, it’s out Bono in a hard position to do his job while also falling for Sky and wanting to protect her and her son.
It’s not as spicy as other books of Charmaine, it’s a slow burn. But it’s definitely a page turner to see what’s going to happen with Sky and Bono being caught in game.
4⭐️
April 24, 2017
In her first novel, “Second Best”, prolific novelist Charmaine Pauls debuted as a politically concerned writer who exposed the political turbulence of one of South Africa’s multiple long wars and its psychological effects on the protagonists. In her latest novel, “The Chiromancist,” she has developed her own brand of language based on the savagery of sex and the sickening images of a depraved society. Once again, a ‘tough and troubled woman’ takes the fore, while Bono and Doumar complete the triangle and fight it out to possess her soul. The ‘hot’ sex scenes take a secondary seat to the more fascinating aspects of the 7 forbidden arts and the immortal qualities of jellyfish.
Valene Georges
Valene Georges
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2017
Charmaine Pauls really delivers with Chiromancist.
I almost couldn't stand the amount of pain and torture Sky went through every day. I was chomping at the bit, wanting Doumar to get what he deserves for being so cruel. And Sky definitely deserves a happy ever after for having to endure Doumar.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It's an emotional roller coaster you won't want to miss!
5 stars!!
I almost couldn't stand the amount of pain and torture Sky went through every day. I was chomping at the bit, wanting Doumar to get what he deserves for being so cruel. And Sky definitely deserves a happy ever after for having to endure Doumar.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It's an emotional roller coaster you won't want to miss!
5 stars!!
April 24, 2017
What a riveting novel. Chiromancist is another interesting installation in the Forbidden Arts series. This is Bono and Sky's story. However this insta-love novel had some darker themes which might be a trigger for some readers. With lots of action, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat while break your heart at times. The twists and turns will have you hooked while wanting more. Anther spectacular page-turner from Charmaine Pauls this was a great read.
April 24, 2017
This book - like all of the others in the series - is just so good. I read it over the one weekend and it was too short. More like this one please
September 3, 2022
This is such an interesting and creative series- a delicious combination of Charmaine’s Pauls’ dynamic eroticism and sizzling story telling with a mystical/paranormal bend. I’ve not read the entire series, but each book is easy to dive into,each with their own backstory and architecture. Though, reading them in order is certainly the best experience.
Our heroine Sky is a chiromancer, meaning she can see visions of the future and the path by touching someone else’s palm. She’s in a pretty horrible situation- a slave to her serial rapist who leverges the child he impregnated her with a a method of control. We have a ton of twists and secrets, a compelling plot, and lots of draw dropping moments.
As far as the romance goes, this one takes a while to build and it really focuses more on the broader story and action. IWe get a little spice, but this didn’t feel like a normal Charmaine book for me as far as both quantity of sexy times and the overall sensuality. Our couple does not get together until pretty late in the book, though once they do it is quite sweet. But each of our characters is interesting, and I loved their dynamic. And I really loved our heroine- she’s a true survivor, boh vulnerable and brave. She’s a loving mother, despite so many hardships. But the suspense is really just the best part- and the story and series itself is so unique, it’s quite a marvel.
Our heroine Sky is a chiromancer, meaning she can see visions of the future and the path by touching someone else’s palm. She’s in a pretty horrible situation- a slave to her serial rapist who leverges the child he impregnated her with a a method of control. We have a ton of twists and secrets, a compelling plot, and lots of draw dropping moments.
As far as the romance goes, this one takes a while to build and it really focuses more on the broader story and action. IWe get a little spice, but this didn’t feel like a normal Charmaine book for me as far as both quantity of sexy times and the overall sensuality. Our couple does not get together until pretty late in the book, though once they do it is quite sweet. But each of our characters is interesting, and I loved their dynamic. And I really loved our heroine- she’s a true survivor, boh vulnerable and brave. She’s a loving mother, despite so many hardships. But the suspense is really just the best part- and the story and series itself is so unique, it’s quite a marvel.
April 21, 2017
Chiromancist
Charmaine Pauls
Reviews on Amazon. Goodreads. And the book addicts. (Fb)
Another great addition to the seven forbidden arts series
Charmaine tells another wonderful story.. I love how it's all coming together .. and can't wait for the next book.
There is a lot of drama in this book and it's excellent.. it's a wonderful ride of sex, love , trust and a little bit of oh holy crap did she really do that!!
The books in this series can be read as stand alones .. but why would you want to do that when the my are all so good..
Charmaine Pauls
Reviews on Amazon. Goodreads. And the book addicts. (Fb)
Another great addition to the seven forbidden arts series
Charmaine tells another wonderful story.. I love how it's all coming together .. and can't wait for the next book.
There is a lot of drama in this book and it's excellent.. it's a wonderful ride of sex, love , trust and a little bit of oh holy crap did she really do that!!
The books in this series can be read as stand alones .. but why would you want to do that when the my are all so good..
May 17, 2017
It would not the first time that a word from this author had me scrambling for googling Gertie! The art of reading the future from the palm of a person’s hand is engrained in many a folklore and history, although gypsies always seem to be at the forefront as specialists in the craft!
So before I had even opened Chiromancist’s pages, intrigue had got me thinking! Then by page 2 and the mention of Sambaya, the gentle ringing of a bell in a geography classroom a lifetime away, stirred movement between my ears that caused me to ask Gertie, who confirmed the African thought! Then the author started to craftily develop characters between the pages, getting your emotions going, creating heroes, villains and victims!
In the process of setting you up for the tide of emotions the author sucks you into many scenes where you live the words and keeps you wondering just when, where and how does love develop, and in what way is that going to fit into the story as a whole!
The paranormal theme of Chiromancist is not too far removed from reality as the reader is taken to scenes that elicit compassion, disgust, pity, even revulsion, a wonder whether an alleged prude such as yourself should be reading such delicately played out and consummated love scenes, and of course the desperate need to see the comeuppance of the villain although all of the odds seem to be stacked in his favour!
As the author suggests Chiromancist is a stand alone read, but there are a few gaps that the reading of the whole series of Seven Forbidden Arts will fill in.
An excellent read for the nocturnal reader, easy to read and even a few unexpected life lessons, one when our ultimate hero sends backup to wait for the lady outside the lady’s!
*****
So before I had even opened Chiromancist’s pages, intrigue had got me thinking! Then by page 2 and the mention of Sambaya, the gentle ringing of a bell in a geography classroom a lifetime away, stirred movement between my ears that caused me to ask Gertie, who confirmed the African thought! Then the author started to craftily develop characters between the pages, getting your emotions going, creating heroes, villains and victims!
In the process of setting you up for the tide of emotions the author sucks you into many scenes where you live the words and keeps you wondering just when, where and how does love develop, and in what way is that going to fit into the story as a whole!
The paranormal theme of Chiromancist is not too far removed from reality as the reader is taken to scenes that elicit compassion, disgust, pity, even revulsion, a wonder whether an alleged prude such as yourself should be reading such delicately played out and consummated love scenes, and of course the desperate need to see the comeuppance of the villain although all of the odds seem to be stacked in his favour!
As the author suggests Chiromancist is a stand alone read, but there are a few gaps that the reading of the whole series of Seven Forbidden Arts will fill in.
An excellent read for the nocturnal reader, easy to read and even a few unexpected life lessons, one when our ultimate hero sends backup to wait for the lady outside the lady’s!
*****
May 1, 2017
This is another great instalment in the ‘Seven Forbidden Arts’ series by Charmaine Pauls and one that took me on bit of an emotional ride. I haven’t read all of the books but I do aim to rectify that asap but it does show that each can be read as a standalone but there is a common thread through them all that I think makes them best read in order. This is a 4.5 star read for me.
This book focuses on Bono and Sky, two unlikely souls that come together in an intense and exciting tale. Sky is such a strong character and she has had to be if she was to get through everything she has endured. Unsure of Bono but unable to resist how he refuses to allow her to wallow and is there to give his strength and make her realise her own ever more.
This is a thrilling tale that takes you into world that gets you thinking as you read. Each and every gift is well thought out by the author and is well explained with brilliant writing that would be a great read for anyone wanting to take a leap into trying a great paranormal series to read. I would recommend this book and the others to all and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
This book focuses on Bono and Sky, two unlikely souls that come together in an intense and exciting tale. Sky is such a strong character and she has had to be if she was to get through everything she has endured. Unsure of Bono but unable to resist how he refuses to allow her to wallow and is there to give his strength and make her realise her own ever more.
This is a thrilling tale that takes you into world that gets you thinking as you read. Each and every gift is well thought out by the author and is well explained with brilliant writing that would be a great read for anyone wanting to take a leap into trying a great paranormal series to read. I would recommend this book and the others to all and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
August 31, 2022
Chiromancist is the eighth book in Charmaine Pauls 7 Forbidden Arts series. Like the rest of the books in this riveting paranormal series it is exciting, emotional and intense. To those, like myself, who don’t know what a Chiromancist is, it is a person who has the ability to read the future of someone by looking at their palm.
The heroine of this story and the Chiromancist in question is Sky Val. To say that she has had a hard life would be putting it very very mildly. Having lost her mother at birth and sold by her grandmother at sixteen, she is now the slave of Doumer, the boss of Amsterdam’s most infamous sex club. He is a dangerous man who believes that he owns Sky and has no intention of ever letting her go. To make matters worse for Sky, Doumer has made sure that she never leaves him by impregnating her and keeping her son away from her. Sky lives for the possibility of being able to live with her 5 year old son and is willing to do anything and everything that Doumer demands of her. Her life takes an unexpected turn when one day two men come to the club to have their palms read.
Bono Black has come to the sex club with his boss Joss to have his palm read by the Chiromancist that they are after. It seems that she and Doumer may be the link they need to finally get to Godfrey. As soon as Bono sets eyes on the blonde beauty with the eyes that befit her name, he is determined to set her free of the life she is forced to live. He is still haunted by the memory of the last woman whom he loved and was unable to save and lost and he still carries the scar on his face as a constant reminder of his failure.
In this game of espionage and betrayal, will Cain Jones’s team finally be able to catch Godfrey at last and put an end to his nefarious plans? Will Sky finally be able to get away from Doumer’s claws and run away with her son? Will Bono be able to save Sky and have his happily ever after?
This series is one of the best paranormal romance series that I have ever read and I will be devastated when it finally comes to an end. Like always, Charmaine Pauls has managed to create a heroine who has been through absolute hell and yet stands strong and determined in the face of all the obstacles she faces. A heroine that will fight to her last breath to protect the ones she loves. She has again created a hero that is strong both physically and mentally and that will kill and die for his woman. And the end result, as always, is a happily ever after that brings us joy and yet sadness at the same time because it means that we will have to bid farewell to these amazing characters. Another masterpiece by the talented Charmaine Pauls!
Thanks to Charmaine Pauls for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The heroine of this story and the Chiromancist in question is Sky Val. To say that she has had a hard life would be putting it very very mildly. Having lost her mother at birth and sold by her grandmother at sixteen, she is now the slave of Doumer, the boss of Amsterdam’s most infamous sex club. He is a dangerous man who believes that he owns Sky and has no intention of ever letting her go. To make matters worse for Sky, Doumer has made sure that she never leaves him by impregnating her and keeping her son away from her. Sky lives for the possibility of being able to live with her 5 year old son and is willing to do anything and everything that Doumer demands of her. Her life takes an unexpected turn when one day two men come to the club to have their palms read.
Bono Black has come to the sex club with his boss Joss to have his palm read by the Chiromancist that they are after. It seems that she and Doumer may be the link they need to finally get to Godfrey. As soon as Bono sets eyes on the blonde beauty with the eyes that befit her name, he is determined to set her free of the life she is forced to live. He is still haunted by the memory of the last woman whom he loved and was unable to save and lost and he still carries the scar on his face as a constant reminder of his failure.
In this game of espionage and betrayal, will Cain Jones’s team finally be able to catch Godfrey at last and put an end to his nefarious plans? Will Sky finally be able to get away from Doumer’s claws and run away with her son? Will Bono be able to save Sky and have his happily ever after?
This series is one of the best paranormal romance series that I have ever read and I will be devastated when it finally comes to an end. Like always, Charmaine Pauls has managed to create a heroine who has been through absolute hell and yet stands strong and determined in the face of all the obstacles she faces. A heroine that will fight to her last breath to protect the ones she loves. She has again created a hero that is strong both physically and mentally and that will kill and die for his woman. And the end result, as always, is a happily ever after that brings us joy and yet sadness at the same time because it means that we will have to bid farewell to these amazing characters. Another masterpiece by the talented Charmaine Pauls!
Thanks to Charmaine Pauls for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
Charmaine Pauls', 7 Forbidden Arts series has been a brilliant read so far and that's no different for Chiromancist.
Bono Black has played a part throughout the series, being the pilot for the team. I always hoped we'd find out more about him and this is it.
This one feels like a more intense read than the rest but it was so captivating.
The next book in this series is the last book and we'll finally get the answers to all of those unanswered questions. I'm so excited for it!
Bono Black has played a part throughout the series, being the pilot for the team. I always hoped we'd find out more about him and this is it.
This one feels like a more intense read than the rest but it was so captivating.
The next book in this series is the last book and we'll finally get the answers to all of those unanswered questions. I'm so excited for it!
September 6, 2022
Loved it from beginning to end! Every book in this series is full of twists, turns and suspense. Bono and Sky were perfectly written with a push and pull relationship!! Charmaine Pauls never disappoints! Can’t wait for the next book!
June 6, 2017
An intense, exciting, emotional installment to the series…
This is the eighth book in the Seven Forbidden Arts series which can be read as a stand-alone though the underlying suspenseful storyline that crosses all the books does move forward here.
Being the recipient of a forbidden art can be a blessing or a curse. For Sky Val it meant being dealt an awfully bad hand in this life. As a Chiromancist she has the ability to read timelines, past, present, and the future if a person allows her to, making her a highly coveted property to control. Betrayed by family into a life of servitude to a brutally vicious man the chains he placed on her cannot be easily broken and she’s forced to do things she would never have otherwise done. Yet she defies her captor when she can and usually pays a costly price when she does so. Can she find a way to escape the prison she’s trapped in before the most precious thing in her universe is destroyed?
Bono Black does not wield any of the forbidden arts but he’s the pilot to a team that does. He’s also the man who caught the attention of the woman arts holder they need to use for information before she’s assassinated by them. The sadness in her stunning blue eyes drew him, as he gets to know the woman he finds that she’s a contradiction and he has his own plans for her that won’t sit well with the team. Though he won’t knowingly betray them and believes he has things handled but does he really? With their physical presence setting off a series of dire events it’s uncertain whether they’ll even be able to survive. Will the Chiromancist’s prediction for them come true?
Forced to do a reading brought Sky an intriguing man who elicited unwanted emotions inside her, she’s assigned to use him as the man who controls her master has a decidedly evil agenda for his team. Bono is a protective, caring man unlike any Sky has ever known and it confuses her. Could he be for real? Her true life experiences would tell her otherwise but there’s something different about this man that has her wondering possibilities. Bono’s own inner torments enable them to connect at a deep level. Her art though showed her what they came for and how it will end. Can she change an inevitable outcome?
This book was an intense, exciting, emotional installment to the series that I couldn’t put down. When I run across a character that life doesn’t break no matter the horrors thrown at them I applaud their inner strength, their level of endurance and I have to root for them though circumstances might place them on the wrong side. Sky is such a character, she’s defiance personified to the end and she had me going there. Would she do what she was expected to do or not? I honestly wasn’t sure, it was too close to call and I rather liked her solution, the ultimate rebellion, but more so how it all turned out. This book was fast paced with quite an action and suspense resolution to the situation. We got to see the whole team and the underlying storyline seriously moved forward. We learn the psychotic Godfrey’s horrendous plan. How will it all turn out is what keeps me following this series. There are some brutal scenes to contend with that heighten the suspense and have you deservedly hating certain characters.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
4.5 stars
This is the eighth book in the Seven Forbidden Arts series which can be read as a stand-alone though the underlying suspenseful storyline that crosses all the books does move forward here.
Being the recipient of a forbidden art can be a blessing or a curse. For Sky Val it meant being dealt an awfully bad hand in this life. As a Chiromancist she has the ability to read timelines, past, present, and the future if a person allows her to, making her a highly coveted property to control. Betrayed by family into a life of servitude to a brutally vicious man the chains he placed on her cannot be easily broken and she’s forced to do things she would never have otherwise done. Yet she defies her captor when she can and usually pays a costly price when she does so. Can she find a way to escape the prison she’s trapped in before the most precious thing in her universe is destroyed?
Bono Black does not wield any of the forbidden arts but he’s the pilot to a team that does. He’s also the man who caught the attention of the woman arts holder they need to use for information before she’s assassinated by them. The sadness in her stunning blue eyes drew him, as he gets to know the woman he finds that she’s a contradiction and he has his own plans for her that won’t sit well with the team. Though he won’t knowingly betray them and believes he has things handled but does he really? With their physical presence setting off a series of dire events it’s uncertain whether they’ll even be able to survive. Will the Chiromancist’s prediction for them come true?
Forced to do a reading brought Sky an intriguing man who elicited unwanted emotions inside her, she’s assigned to use him as the man who controls her master has a decidedly evil agenda for his team. Bono is a protective, caring man unlike any Sky has ever known and it confuses her. Could he be for real? Her true life experiences would tell her otherwise but there’s something different about this man that has her wondering possibilities. Bono’s own inner torments enable them to connect at a deep level. Her art though showed her what they came for and how it will end. Can she change an inevitable outcome?
This book was an intense, exciting, emotional installment to the series that I couldn’t put down. When I run across a character that life doesn’t break no matter the horrors thrown at them I applaud their inner strength, their level of endurance and I have to root for them though circumstances might place them on the wrong side. Sky is such a character, she’s defiance personified to the end and she had me going there. Would she do what she was expected to do or not? I honestly wasn’t sure, it was too close to call and I rather liked her solution, the ultimate rebellion, but more so how it all turned out. This book was fast paced with quite an action and suspense resolution to the situation. We got to see the whole team and the underlying storyline seriously moved forward. We learn the psychotic Godfrey’s horrendous plan. How will it all turn out is what keeps me following this series. There are some brutal scenes to contend with that heighten the suspense and have you deservedly hating certain characters.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
4.5 stars
August 31, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5* Intense Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Chiromancist is the 8th book in the 7 Forbidden Arts series and is Bono and Sky’s story.
Once again, this instalment was unique and original. It had some darkness to it that was exciting and nail-biting at times. Sky and Bono were perfect together and their chemistry palpable however the obstacles and secrets between them made their journey to being together challenging.
This was a wonderful addition to the series and has brought us closer to the thrilling conclusion in the next and final book Man!
August 27, 2022
Unputdownable. I flew through this, I really enjoyed reading Bono's story. The pacing was perfect, so many things happening at once, and I couldn't guess how things would be resolved.
I really enjoyed learning more about Bono and his background. I am partial to getting in depth information about all of the characters in a series, and Charmaine Pauls provides exactly that with her novels.
The only thing I'm having trouble with is keeping track of who's with whom, and which children resulted from each union. This may be because I'm reading them spaced out rather than all at once though.
I really enjoyed learning more about Bono and his background. I am partial to getting in depth information about all of the characters in a series, and Charmaine Pauls provides exactly that with her novels.
The only thing I'm having trouble with is keeping track of who's with whom, and which children resulted from each union. This may be because I'm reading them spaced out rather than all at once though.
May 7, 2017
This is the eighth book in the Seven Forbidden Arts Series. I loved it!
Bono Black is a wonderful character. I really liked him when I was first introduced to him earlier in the series, but never really knew much about him, so I am glad to get a chance to do so now. He is not a practitioner of one of the forbidden arts, but a pilot in the employ of Josselin de Arradon (Joss to his friends) and Cain Jones. The team is still in pursuit of their nemesis, Godfrey. Their lead takes them to Amsterdam, where a powerful Chiromancist is hiding in plain sight. As Bono is the only human in the team, he finds himself going undercover. He finds himself drawn to Sky Val. As danger threatens, can he discover Godfrey's whereabouts and save the woman he has come to love?
Sky Val is also a wonderful character. I must admit that I felt really sorry for her as she has not had an easy life. She is a Chiromancist, and is able to use her power to either see into the past, as well as into the future. Sold into slavery, she works for her owner, a sex dealer, by using her art to tell the fortunes of his clients. When she meets Bono she is drawn to him, but she has a secret that binds her tighter than any physical tie to her boss. Can she break the shackles of the past and find a future with the Senegalese pilot?
This story is told mostly through the eyes of Bono and Sky, though there are a couple of scenes told through the eyes of other characters. I enjoyed getting to see the other characters from the team once more. This book is set several months after the events in book seven and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I said in my review of Scapulimancist that I thought it was the best of the series so far. I have now had to revise it to this book instead. It kept me hooked from the first page.
I found myself on a huge emotional roller coaster ride as Sky's past was revealed. I know that there is still slavery in the world (sex trafficking and other types), but have never really given it much thought apart from feeling sorry for those caught up in it and not knowing what I could do to help. However, I found myself unable to shake off the emotions this story stirred up in me that easily. Sky's story is not even unique (sadly), but the way the author wrote about it pulled at my heartstrings. Slavery may have been banned by law but it is still practiced today, though not as blatantly in the open as in the past. Unfortunately, wherever there is greed and money involved, the demand for this type of underground activity (be it slavery or even the ivory trade) will never diminish. This depravity sickens me and needs to be stopped. I am glad the author has given a voice to at least one victim (though fictitious) to shine a light on a dark practice and I commend her for it.
The story arc is reaching its climax, and I reached the end of the story with mixed feelings - sad that it was finished, but happy at the way it concluded. At the end of the book there is a teaser for the ninth and final book in the series and I am now looking forward to reading it as soon as I can. I must admit that once this series is over I will miss it, as the characters have become like friends to me.
Charmaine Pauls has written an entertaining standalone erotic romance. Her characters are lifelike and come alive on the page. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.
Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend that you read this series in order. Due to the explicit nature of some of the scenes, as well as use of profane language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction, erotica, erotic romance or paranormal romance genres. – Lynn Worton
Bono Black is a wonderful character. I really liked him when I was first introduced to him earlier in the series, but never really knew much about him, so I am glad to get a chance to do so now. He is not a practitioner of one of the forbidden arts, but a pilot in the employ of Josselin de Arradon (Joss to his friends) and Cain Jones. The team is still in pursuit of their nemesis, Godfrey. Their lead takes them to Amsterdam, where a powerful Chiromancist is hiding in plain sight. As Bono is the only human in the team, he finds himself going undercover. He finds himself drawn to Sky Val. As danger threatens, can he discover Godfrey's whereabouts and save the woman he has come to love?
Sky Val is also a wonderful character. I must admit that I felt really sorry for her as she has not had an easy life. She is a Chiromancist, and is able to use her power to either see into the past, as well as into the future. Sold into slavery, she works for her owner, a sex dealer, by using her art to tell the fortunes of his clients. When she meets Bono she is drawn to him, but she has a secret that binds her tighter than any physical tie to her boss. Can she break the shackles of the past and find a future with the Senegalese pilot?
This story is told mostly through the eyes of Bono and Sky, though there are a couple of scenes told through the eyes of other characters. I enjoyed getting to see the other characters from the team once more. This book is set several months after the events in book seven and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I said in my review of Scapulimancist that I thought it was the best of the series so far. I have now had to revise it to this book instead. It kept me hooked from the first page.
I found myself on a huge emotional roller coaster ride as Sky's past was revealed. I know that there is still slavery in the world (sex trafficking and other types), but have never really given it much thought apart from feeling sorry for those caught up in it and not knowing what I could do to help. However, I found myself unable to shake off the emotions this story stirred up in me that easily. Sky's story is not even unique (sadly), but the way the author wrote about it pulled at my heartstrings. Slavery may have been banned by law but it is still practiced today, though not as blatantly in the open as in the past. Unfortunately, wherever there is greed and money involved, the demand for this type of underground activity (be it slavery or even the ivory trade) will never diminish. This depravity sickens me and needs to be stopped. I am glad the author has given a voice to at least one victim (though fictitious) to shine a light on a dark practice and I commend her for it.
The story arc is reaching its climax, and I reached the end of the story with mixed feelings - sad that it was finished, but happy at the way it concluded. At the end of the book there is a teaser for the ninth and final book in the series and I am now looking forward to reading it as soon as I can. I must admit that once this series is over I will miss it, as the characters have become like friends to me.
Charmaine Pauls has written an entertaining standalone erotic romance. Her characters are lifelike and come alive on the page. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.
Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend that you read this series in order. Due to the explicit nature of some of the scenes, as well as use of profane language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction, erotica, erotic romance or paranormal romance genres. – Lynn Worton
August 28, 2022
Bono Black has been in all the past Forbidden Acts books, this absolutely can be read as a standalone with no problems.
His the pilot of the team the one they depend on to get them out of dangerous situations.
He is the quiet type but gets things done. To me he was very intriguing and I wanted to know more about him. But I never thought Ms. Pauls’ would give him a book just because he does not possess irregular or inhuman powers.
So I was thrilled to find out Chiromancist was Bono’s story.
I absolutely fell in love with the sweet kindhearted man.
His full story is filled with pain and sorrow, yeah you may want to keep tissues on hand.
But once he sees Sky he absolutely and unequivocally knows she’s his.
Deep in his heart and soul he knows she’s his soul mate, his one.
No this book is not an instalove story.
It’s about developing trust and a bond built on caring and dependable.
Not the physical or sexual attraction Sky and Bono had for each other.
He wanted Sky to feel safe and secure with him and not just feel or think he wanted her for her body as other men have.
Sky’s backstory is truly heartbreaking and devastating.
Doumar has broken her in every possible way.
So when she meets Bono she doesn’t know what to make of him
On more than one occasion she says to him that he’s an unusually man because all she ever known was a man who is cruel and evil.
So to her Bono is an anomaly. Not her norm or something she’s used to seeing.
Their story is beautiful and heartbreaking mixed together.
The physical interactions are sensual and emotional. Sexy, sweet, tender and passionate.
This series of Ms. Pauls’ is incredible and just keeps getting better and more riveting.
It’s a captivating original set of books that are unpredictable, unforgettable and utterly attention grabbing. They are also beautiful love stories filled with lust, passion and of finding your one and only.
His the pilot of the team the one they depend on to get them out of dangerous situations.
He is the quiet type but gets things done. To me he was very intriguing and I wanted to know more about him. But I never thought Ms. Pauls’ would give him a book just because he does not possess irregular or inhuman powers.
So I was thrilled to find out Chiromancist was Bono’s story.
I absolutely fell in love with the sweet kindhearted man.
His full story is filled with pain and sorrow, yeah you may want to keep tissues on hand.
But once he sees Sky he absolutely and unequivocally knows she’s his.
Deep in his heart and soul he knows she’s his soul mate, his one.
No this book is not an instalove story.
It’s about developing trust and a bond built on caring and dependable.
Not the physical or sexual attraction Sky and Bono had for each other.
He wanted Sky to feel safe and secure with him and not just feel or think he wanted her for her body as other men have.
Sky’s backstory is truly heartbreaking and devastating.
Doumar has broken her in every possible way.
So when she meets Bono she doesn’t know what to make of him
On more than one occasion she says to him that he’s an unusually man because all she ever known was a man who is cruel and evil.
So to her Bono is an anomaly. Not her norm or something she’s used to seeing.
Their story is beautiful and heartbreaking mixed together.
The physical interactions are sensual and emotional. Sexy, sweet, tender and passionate.
This series of Ms. Pauls’ is incredible and just keeps getting better and more riveting.
It’s a captivating original set of books that are unpredictable, unforgettable and utterly attention grabbing. They are also beautiful love stories filled with lust, passion and of finding your one and only.
August 30, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CHIROMANCIST"
WOW!!!! This hooked me right away with suspense, intrigue, danger, violence, major obstacles, secrets, supernatural powers, murders, romance, mystery, twists that have you turning the pages.
Sky Val is a Chiromancer she can see into future & past by reading palms her life has been one of servitude & endless suffering at the hands of Doumar she was sold him at 16yrs he stated raping her at 18yrs got her pregnant with Niel's that's how he controls her.
Bono Black is a pilot for Cain Jone's Taskforce he walks into a sex club in Amsterdam he's not an outsider to war on their beautiful target Sky Val but she belongs to very dangerous sex dealer in the Netherlands Doumar & he'd rather see her dead than met her go.
Sky is involved in the murders of a Senator &
President so Cain orders her death but before they do that they need info on Doumar when he sees that Sky is interested in Bono he decides he's the man for the job to get the info.
I definitely recommend to get this phenominal story you can't put down so well worth the read following Sky & Bono's journey will they get a HEA, will she give him the info he needs on her boss, will she get her freedom you have to get this book you so won't be disappointed so many secrets & twists.
AWESOME AWESOME MUST HAVE BOOK!!!
WOW!!!! This hooked me right away with suspense, intrigue, danger, violence, major obstacles, secrets, supernatural powers, murders, romance, mystery, twists that have you turning the pages.
Sky Val is a Chiromancer she can see into future & past by reading palms her life has been one of servitude & endless suffering at the hands of Doumar she was sold him at 16yrs he stated raping her at 18yrs got her pregnant with Niel's that's how he controls her.
Bono Black is a pilot for Cain Jone's Taskforce he walks into a sex club in Amsterdam he's not an outsider to war on their beautiful target Sky Val but she belongs to very dangerous sex dealer in the Netherlands Doumar & he'd rather see her dead than met her go.
Sky is involved in the murders of a Senator &
President so Cain orders her death but before they do that they need info on Doumar when he sees that Sky is interested in Bono he decides he's the man for the job to get the info.
I definitely recommend to get this phenominal story you can't put down so well worth the read following Sky & Bono's journey will they get a HEA, will she give him the info he needs on her boss, will she get her freedom you have to get this book you so won't be disappointed so many secrets & twists.
AWESOME AWESOME MUST HAVE BOOK!!!
August 31, 2022
I adore this series. The underlying series arc of the team versus Godfrey is gripping and threads everything together. But I love how each book is the story of an individual art and a couple born from that struggle. The romance has an underlying supernatural magic and mysticism.
Chiromancist is the story of the team pilot Bono and his match, Sky. Sky lives a life of servitude to Doumar (who works closely with Godfrey). She reads fortunes and accepts his torment to keep communication open with her young son who is kept in Doumar's care. She is tied to the abuse and control of her owner and is forced to work against Bono to save her son.
Bono is swept away by Sky from their first meeting. She is his chance to play a part in the team. While he doesn't have his own Art, he is a vital part of their missions and supports the work of the team as a whole. His drive to protect her at all costs divides him between his team and his heart.
This is another gripping installment in the Forbidden Arts series. You get a real sense that the series is rapidly drawing to a close. Godfrey is a close and definite threat. There is a movement against those with supernatural powers. The team are unified and the story needs its epic conclusion. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Cain in the final book.
Chiromancist is the story of the team pilot Bono and his match, Sky. Sky lives a life of servitude to Doumar (who works closely with Godfrey). She reads fortunes and accepts his torment to keep communication open with her young son who is kept in Doumar's care. She is tied to the abuse and control of her owner and is forced to work against Bono to save her son.
Bono is swept away by Sky from their first meeting. She is his chance to play a part in the team. While he doesn't have his own Art, he is a vital part of their missions and supports the work of the team as a whole. His drive to protect her at all costs divides him between his team and his heart.
This is another gripping installment in the Forbidden Arts series. You get a real sense that the series is rapidly drawing to a close. Godfrey is a close and definite threat. There is a movement against those with supernatural powers. The team are unified and the story needs its epic conclusion. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Cain in the final book.
August 31, 2022
Unputdownable PNR book!!! A roll-a-coaster of emotions guaranteed!
Chiromancist is the re-published eighth book of the 7 Forbidden Arts series, a paranormal romance written by the very talented Charmaine Pauls. The story centers around Sky and Bono. Sky has a rare and unique ability that can predict the future of others. She has had a tragic life from an early age and is put in an impossible situation by evil men. Trapped in a reality she so desperately wants to escape from, she meets Bono. He is sent by his team to extract information from her, which is crucial for destroying the person who wants to control the world. Both have a mission they have to complete, but unfortunately it is for opposite sides. During that time they discover their mutual attraction and love for each other and the impossibility of it. It is a story that will cause havoc with your emotions. It will make you feel everything, from heartfelt moments to heartbreaking ones. Truly amazing book, with many twists and turns, sexual tension and nice amount of steamy scenes. It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend you read the other books of the series first, as it can enrich your reading experience. Recommended ❤❤❤
Chiromancist is the re-published eighth book of the 7 Forbidden Arts series, a paranormal romance written by the very talented Charmaine Pauls. The story centers around Sky and Bono. Sky has a rare and unique ability that can predict the future of others. She has had a tragic life from an early age and is put in an impossible situation by evil men. Trapped in a reality she so desperately wants to escape from, she meets Bono. He is sent by his team to extract information from her, which is crucial for destroying the person who wants to control the world. Both have a mission they have to complete, but unfortunately it is for opposite sides. During that time they discover their mutual attraction and love for each other and the impossibility of it. It is a story that will cause havoc with your emotions. It will make you feel everything, from heartfelt moments to heartbreaking ones. Truly amazing book, with many twists and turns, sexual tension and nice amount of steamy scenes. It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend you read the other books of the series first, as it can enrich your reading experience. Recommended ❤❤❤
October 17, 2022
This is the 8th book in the series, and everyday we're a little closer to figuring out how to bring down Godfrey. High suggests reading these books in order, as they have a unifying story arc that connects all the characters together.
Bono is simply pilot, and he himself has no special powers. He's pulled into Cain Jone's world and helps Cain out due to their relationship over the years and the loyalty between them. Bono's job is to get close to Sky Val, who is enslaved and being forced to work as a fortune teller. She can manipulate time and see things in the future, and she is forever connected to a man who only wants to use her. Bono wants to liberate her, but he can't seem to pull her away. I loved that Bono is such a part of the story here, and how good of a man he is. He only wants to rescue Sky, and her situation bears some resemblance to another woman in his past life. He's smart and even thinks one step ahead, and won't stop until he can save Sky. Sky's loyalty and love puts her in a difficult position, and even though she loves Bono, it's difficult for her to leave. I loved seeing her rise above her difficulties so that she can take care of all the people she loves.
This is another great installment, and I can't wait to read the last book!
Bono is simply pilot, and he himself has no special powers. He's pulled into Cain Jone's world and helps Cain out due to their relationship over the years and the loyalty between them. Bono's job is to get close to Sky Val, who is enslaved and being forced to work as a fortune teller. She can manipulate time and see things in the future, and she is forever connected to a man who only wants to use her. Bono wants to liberate her, but he can't seem to pull her away. I loved that Bono is such a part of the story here, and how good of a man he is. He only wants to rescue Sky, and her situation bears some resemblance to another woman in his past life. He's smart and even thinks one step ahead, and won't stop until he can save Sky. Sky's loyalty and love puts her in a difficult position, and even though she loves Bono, it's difficult for her to leave. I loved seeing her rise above her difficulties so that she can take care of all the people she loves.
This is another great installment, and I can't wait to read the last book!
June 20, 2017
´Chiromancist´ is book eight in a book that presents seven extraordinary abilities and we finally get to the last one. This time the experienced pilot from Cain´s team has to take a bigger role for the team. He goes as just a mere companion to a sex club only to end up hooked by the intriguing Sky. A woman with a tortured past and a history of abuse. Their attraction is so evident that enemies will try to use it to their advantage.
As I always say, this author creates great characters. They seem real and human (of course, extraordinary humans). The tension makes the pages tremble and the passion burns every page.
I really like the Seven Forbidden Arts series because it presents all kinds of people from all over the world. This time we go to Amsterdam as the main scenario for all kinds of action and danger. The only thing I didn´t like was that I would have like to read more about Sky´s ability, we did get to enjoy a couple experiences but a few more could have been better.
This one is a MUST if you have read the other books.
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
As I always say, this author creates great characters. They seem real and human (of course, extraordinary humans). The tension makes the pages tremble and the passion burns every page.
I really like the Seven Forbidden Arts series because it presents all kinds of people from all over the world. This time we go to Amsterdam as the main scenario for all kinds of action and danger. The only thing I didn´t like was that I would have like to read more about Sky´s ability, we did get to enjoy a couple experiences but a few more could have been better.
This one is a MUST if you have read the other books.
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 4, 2022
I absolutely loved everything about this book, in fact the whole series, Charmaine Paul’s has an ART of her own to captivate your imagination with her truly amazing storytelling.
Bono Black has no forbidden arts he is the task forces pilot and cares a lot for the safety of the whole paranormal team. When Cain Jones the task forces leader asks for his help with an actual mission he is more than happy to assist, that’s until he sees HER Sky Val the target, a women who has such a dark and disturbing history where she has been lied to and manipulated since childhood, not to mention the secrets of her own she has hidden. Bono is captivated and swept away by Sky Val , could there be a chance to turn the outcome of this mission around, but with so much deceit, twists and turns, what will become of the team and have they been betrayed!!!
All the answers are right here in this book, SO what are you waiting for??
I was given this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
Bono Black has no forbidden arts he is the task forces pilot and cares a lot for the safety of the whole paranormal team. When Cain Jones the task forces leader asks for his help with an actual mission he is more than happy to assist, that’s until he sees HER Sky Val the target, a women who has such a dark and disturbing history where she has been lied to and manipulated since childhood, not to mention the secrets of her own she has hidden. Bono is captivated and swept away by Sky Val , could there be a chance to turn the outcome of this mission around, but with so much deceit, twists and turns, what will become of the team and have they been betrayed!!!
All the answers are right here in this book, SO what are you waiting for??
I was given this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
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