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The clock is ticking.
Thoughts and problems colliding.
And no one knows who wants what.
With the news of Pascal’s royal quandary unraveling, and threats coming every way they turn, the four should be rallying together to protect their own. But, as always, heads are spinning, arrogance and arguments brewing, and now the future looks as uncertain as it could be. Bleak and without true cause or direction.
Unless Lilah works out what to do.
Instinct – that’s what Sabella talked of. That’s what she said was needed for peace to settle. But how to achieve it with Alexander incapable of such a thing? How can four settle into one and find their fairy-tale ending?
It should have been so simple. So clear.
And yet the murky depths keep unfurling. And the problems keep expanding.
And one will be left wanting at the end.
Thoughts and problems colliding.
And no one knows who wants what.
With the news of Pascal’s royal quandary unraveling, and threats coming every way they turn, the four should be rallying together to protect their own. But, as always, heads are spinning, arrogance and arguments brewing, and now the future looks as uncertain as it could be. Bleak and without true cause or direction.
Unless Lilah works out what to do.
Instinct – that’s what Sabella talked of. That’s what she said was needed for peace to settle. But how to achieve it with Alexander incapable of such a thing? How can four settle into one and find their fairy-tale ending?
It should have been so simple. So clear.
And yet the murky depths keep unfurling. And the problems keep expanding.
And one will be left wanting at the end.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2019
About the author
Charlotte E. Hart
41 books330 followersHailing from the depths of the quiet British countryside, Charlotte likes nothing better than sinking into her characters dark and devious world's. Sometimes they're kinky, sometimes they're twisted, and sometimes they're a serious hold on tight situation, but her stories are always filled with romance and love in some form.
"Life is a torrent of differences, different needs and wants, and it doesn't always end that well. Yet we strive to find our countering balance, hopeful for a happy every after. "
Charlotte E Hart
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 29, 2019
This begins right where we left off with the previous book and almost straight from the start new battle lines are being drawn and the whole structure of this most unconventional little arrangement is in real danger here of imploding as all crumbles from the top all the way down to its currently rocky foundations.
So this story was a complete rollercoaster and being invited along for the journey was akin to taking a complete mystery tour.
One with such a fluid attitude towards the fringes of love and acceptance and a complete disregard for the conventional.
Mate is a dirty and decadent playground with an unorthodox approach to what is usually the expected behaviour.
Sometimes the freedom to just be is needed to be able to fly and flourish and the love and acceptance of the ones we hold dear is all that is needed to be true to ourselves.
Mate is an exploration of this freedom and it really was compelling reading.
As usual, it was excellently written and I just adored being back in the midst of Alex, Beth, Pascal and Lilah and as for that finale, well let us just say that it was as unconventional as the rest of this but felt just so fitting and appropriate all the same.
The rules of romance are held to a slightly different standard than the norm with this particular Quartet.
So yeh until the next time Bravo such a fitting finale this actually was.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Mate (Crossover Duet #2).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
November 30, 2021
Mate concludes this crossover duet and must be read after the first book Check, plus both the VBD and White trilogies.
I enjoyed reading Mate. Like Check, it is written giving the perspectives of all four main characters which is perfect for enabling the reader to gain a much greater insight into all the characters individual actions, thoughts and feelings. Their relationships are complicated and unique and I loved how this storyline unfolded. I hope that this isn’t the last we see of Alex, Pascal, Beth and Lilah as I need to know what happens next for them all.
There were scenes in this book that had me on the edge of my seat – they were thrilling and angsty, and because these leading men and ladies are rather unpredictable, I never could anticipate which path the story would follow. However, at times I felt like I wanted to skim read as even though the story always progressed, some of the scenes I felt were just a little bit too much of the same and yet I do appreciate that this showed us what the characters were going through. Those moments were few and far between though and the final chapters in this book are not to be missed.
It’s been an incredible journey following the lives and love of four characters that I have grown very fond of. This storyline is filled with kink, intrigue, passion, love, secrets, truths, pain and angst. It is one that I highly recommend to you to read.
I enjoyed reading Mate. Like Check, it is written giving the perspectives of all four main characters which is perfect for enabling the reader to gain a much greater insight into all the characters individual actions, thoughts and feelings. Their relationships are complicated and unique and I loved how this storyline unfolded. I hope that this isn’t the last we see of Alex, Pascal, Beth and Lilah as I need to know what happens next for them all.
There were scenes in this book that had me on the edge of my seat – they were thrilling and angsty, and because these leading men and ladies are rather unpredictable, I never could anticipate which path the story would follow. However, at times I felt like I wanted to skim read as even though the story always progressed, some of the scenes I felt were just a little bit too much of the same and yet I do appreciate that this showed us what the characters were going through. Those moments were few and far between though and the final chapters in this book are not to be missed.
It’s been an incredible journey following the lives and love of four characters that I have grown very fond of. This storyline is filled with kink, intrigue, passion, love, secrets, truths, pain and angst. It is one that I highly recommend to you to read.
September 16, 2019
This is by far one of the most intriguing books I have ever read. I found myself crying, angry, fearful, engaged, and so much more. I was on this emotional roller coaster. This book made me want things that I know I could never have but it also showed me what the power of love can make you overcome. I can relate to all of these characters and that is what make this book so emotional to read. I will definitely be reading this book again. Who knew that two little words could make me ball like a baby. “IT HURTS” I can’t even fathom where this author come up with a storyline like this one You have authors that right love stories and you can guess the outcome and what will come next before reading it. This book took me to a place I never knew existed, trapped me with the dynamics of the story, and pulled emotions out of me as I read each page. How the characters evolved took me on a journey of love, hate, forgiveness, and reminded me that love is worth fighting for. Trust me you would be missing out if you pass up reading this book. Happy Reading !!!!!!!
September 17, 2019
I so wanted to love it 😢
I have held my breathe waiting on this book and my comments are only my perspective and I fully appreciate I will be in the minority
I am truly heartbroken at the turn the story has taken.
Wishing I had not rushed to read it as the reality is I loathe it.
Hating that it has coloured my love for the characters and the pleasure I had re reading their journey.
I know the story has not ended for one of the characters but it has ended for me.
I have held my breathe waiting on this book and my comments are only my perspective and I fully appreciate I will be in the minority
I am truly heartbroken at the turn the story has taken.
Wishing I had not rushed to read it as the reality is I loathe it.
Hating that it has coloured my love for the characters and the pleasure I had re reading their journey.
I know the story has not ended for one of the characters but it has ended for me.
September 16, 2019
Mate is:
love
joyful
witty
funny
sad
WTF? (often btw)
disbelief
anger
hate
sarcasm
angst
sadistic
sensuous
riveting
Mate is all the things a story should be.
Thank you Charlotte 💋💋
love
joyful
witty
funny
sad
WTF? (often btw)
disbelief
anger
hate
sarcasm
angst
sadistic
sensuous
riveting
Mate is all the things a story should be.
Thank you Charlotte 💋💋
December 23, 2025
I have all of my thoughts posted in this review here, just in case someone wants to start the entire saga (8 books!) and needs to know what they're in for. Because seriously this book is kind of offensive and misogynistic.
the tldr version (at least for me lol) with spoilers:
There are two trilogies involving two different couples plus this duet. It becomes poly when they basically become 3 sets of lovers. But in the end, we find out that all along the men loved each other more than they would ever love the women they're partnered up with. In fact, they explicitly state this. They say the women can't compare and they can basically walk away from them at any time. They've always been more to each other, more than the women ever meant to them (I don't even know why they got their own trilogies then). It's gross, especially because they both want to start families with them. Why was it written this way? The men get everything they want, like always, and the women have to accept it or they'll leave them. But ultimately it doesn't matter because the men plan to leave them one day anyway. They're already dreaming of doing so.
So gross. I can't even.
Clearly I'm in the minority about this series, and many people just like it because it's messy, angsty, and complicated. I can even see based off the writing how people would be drawn in. But the misogyny is so blatant that I can't get over it. It's not just that the men love each other more; the real problem is the women are made to be self-sacrificial for the men's happiness. This happens in real life all too often. Women settle out of love. But these women deserve someone who feels an all-encompassing love for them--that they are their true love (you could argue that you could have more than one true love, but these men only have one). That their men aren't dreaming of the day when they'll let you go.
It’s made even worse because these women actively work to bring these men together. It’s posited as the men are empty without each other and of course the women will help because they want the men to be happy. But how crappy is it that they help to bring the men together to only eventually be disregarded because the men no longer need the women after all their efforts? Despite what the book would lead you to believe, they’re working against their own best interests. The women actively helped the men because one man was resisting the other. And the women’s love was actually used as a guide for the men to use to figure out how to love and be soft with each other. And once they are able to get everything they need from each other they don’t need the women anymore.
This book definitely doesn't feel like a romance so maybe I'm too harsh about the couples not being each other's true loves, but the two previous trilogies are labeled as romance on goodreads, and with that you expect an HEA. You do not expect to learn many many books later that there never actually was one. Yes, they may mostly seem happy, but when the men love each other more than their love interests from their respective trilogies and plan to leave said love interests eventually, the first 6 books seem very misleading. Not only was there never an HEA, but by the way the men want it to just be the two of them, there never will be for the women. And if this series isn't romance, why couldn't these women leave these men and find true happiness where they were never meant to feel second best. At the very least this author should have wrote another book to do just that.
I guess I just don't understand why so many books were written to build up the romances of the two couples if they weren't truly endgame. How can readers not get attached to them and want them to be together? Clearly, most reviews are pretty positive, so I must be in the minority, but I do think romance readers won't like this duplicity. Most likely if you pick up the previous trilogies, you would think the books are about the couples, but, it turns out, it was about the men and only the men all along. And sadly, despite the author attempting to write decent female characters (Lilah was awesome), I can’t help but ask, do you hate women?
the tldr version (at least for me lol) with spoilers:
There are two trilogies involving two different couples plus this duet. It becomes poly when they basically become 3 sets of lovers. But in the end, we find out that all along the men loved each other more than they would ever love the women they're partnered up with. In fact, they explicitly state this. They say the women can't compare and they can basically walk away from them at any time. They've always been more to each other, more than the women ever meant to them (I don't even know why they got their own trilogies then). It's gross, especially because they both want to start families with them. Why was it written this way? The men get everything they want, like always, and the women have to accept it or they'll leave them. But ultimately it doesn't matter because the men plan to leave them one day anyway. They're already dreaming of doing so.
So gross. I can't even.
Clearly I'm in the minority about this series, and many people just like it because it's messy, angsty, and complicated. I can even see based off the writing how people would be drawn in. But the misogyny is so blatant that I can't get over it. It's not just that the men love each other more; the real problem is the women are made to be self-sacrificial for the men's happiness. This happens in real life all too often. Women settle out of love. But these women deserve someone who feels an all-encompassing love for them--that they are their true love (you could argue that you could have more than one true love, but these men only have one). That their men aren't dreaming of the day when they'll let you go.
It’s made even worse because these women actively work to bring these men together. It’s posited as the men are empty without each other and of course the women will help because they want the men to be happy. But how crappy is it that they help to bring the men together to only eventually be disregarded because the men no longer need the women after all their efforts? Despite what the book would lead you to believe, they’re working against their own best interests. The women actively helped the men because one man was resisting the other. And the women’s love was actually used as a guide for the men to use to figure out how to love and be soft with each other. And once they are able to get everything they need from each other they don’t need the women anymore.
This book definitely doesn't feel like a romance so maybe I'm too harsh about the couples not being each other's true loves, but the two previous trilogies are labeled as romance on goodreads, and with that you expect an HEA. You do not expect to learn many many books later that there never actually was one. Yes, they may mostly seem happy, but when the men love each other more than their love interests from their respective trilogies and plan to leave said love interests eventually, the first 6 books seem very misleading. Not only was there never an HEA, but by the way the men want it to just be the two of them, there never will be for the women. And if this series isn't romance, why couldn't these women leave these men and find true happiness where they were never meant to feel second best. At the very least this author should have wrote another book to do just that.
I guess I just don't understand why so many books were written to build up the romances of the two couples if they weren't truly endgame. How can readers not get attached to them and want them to be together? Clearly, most reviews are pretty positive, so I must be in the minority, but I do think romance readers won't like this duplicity. Most likely if you pick up the previous trilogies, you would think the books are about the couples, but, it turns out, it was about the men and only the men all along. And sadly, despite the author attempting to write decent female characters (Lilah was awesome), I can’t help but ask, do you hate women?
July 18, 2020
Disappointed
I have been so enthralled with the two previous series, I thought I would get closure of the four in this duet. Unfortunately, I feel the story was cut too short and you don’t find out the complete ending.
I have been so enthralled with the two previous series, I thought I would get closure of the four in this duet. Unfortunately, I feel the story was cut too short and you don’t find out the complete ending.
October 23, 2020
I loved the first books but now the story is old and all the characters do if argue and fight and they have changed over the book series and now they are just a whinny lot and shadows of their former selves, I could not even finish this book.
May 21, 2021
Well what can I say these 4 are the best I can't believe I left it this long to read but I want more hope one day there will be another book out, a great read.
October 21, 2019
Omg I was so tired last night after reading this till god knows what time I couldn’t right a review so here goes
I love these characters so much but this was a very conflicting read for me, It didn’t go the way I wanted it to but I guess that’s a personal preference to each reader, I will say it will give you what you might be expecting or wanting from all the other series before.
I did feel a little flat at the end like it could have been rapped up a little better with each character, I didn’t get a final satisfaction from it .....considering there may be no more of these characters stories in the future, so I’m bit disappointed.
But it was great to get back to these characters again and delve into their lives once more, I just hope it continues as so much more can be delved into with these guys :)
I do recommend reading if you’ve read the previous serious coz you can never get enough of Alexander lol
Happy reading xx
I love these characters so much but this was a very conflicting read for me, It didn’t go the way I wanted it to but I guess that’s a personal preference to each reader, I will say it will give you what you might be expecting or wanting from all the other series before.
I did feel a little flat at the end like it could have been rapped up a little better with each character, I didn’t get a final satisfaction from it .....considering there may be no more of these characters stories in the future, so I’m bit disappointed.
But it was great to get back to these characters again and delve into their lives once more, I just hope it continues as so much more can be delved into with these guys :)
I do recommend reading if you’ve read the previous serious coz you can never get enough of Alexander lol
Happy reading xx
December 30, 2019
I do love me some Pascal VDB! And he is in full effect in this next installment of the VDB series. Alexander and Elizabeth are at odds at having a baby. Pascal and Lilah are at odds for Pascal lamenting the changes in Alexander and his relationship. Lilah is trying to get through the legal issues of Pascal being a Duke and possibly running his country. And Eden is in shambles because of Thomas's sensual leanings. Leave it to Lilah to try to get everyone on the right course - but will it be the right move for her? Please bring on the next book! I really need to see how all of this beautiful chaos ends!
December 30, 2019
I do love me some Pascal VDB! And he is in full effect in this next installment of the VDB series. Alexander and Elizabeth are at odds at having a baby. Pascal and Lilah are at odds for Pascal lamenting the changes in Alexander and his relationship. Lilah is trying to get through the legal issues of Pascal being a Duke and possibly running his country. And Eden is in shambles because of Thomas's sensual leanings. Leave it to Lilah to try to get everyone on the right course - but will it be the right move for her? Please bring on the next book! I really need to see how all of this beautiful chaos ends!
September 26, 2019
This is book 2 in the crossover series, and it most certainly does not disappoint. Picking up from where check ended, the story of our favourite four continues. This was an emotional read and what a rang og emotions this book brought out in me. When you think you have an idea of were the story may be going the author throws in something to make the story take a whole new turn.
I am loathe to give anything away because this is a must read & highly highly recommended. I don't know what else to say except well done Charlotte on another fantastic read.
I am loathe to give anything away because this is a must read & highly highly recommended. I don't know what else to say except well done Charlotte on another fantastic read.
September 28, 2019
5 beautiful dark stars!!
I cannot get enough of Pascal. What a devious man he is and he took this to the next level with Alex. WOW! I absolutely love the way the author writes about Pascal. He is so regal, elegant, honest and oh so dirty. I also love that he is a bit snobby. We get so much more of Alex, precious Beth and your heart will break for Lilah.
I took my time with this book because I was not sure if or when we will see these four characters again. I appreciated the time the author gave each character and the placement of the POV’s were perfect.
I cannot get enough of Pascal. What a devious man he is and he took this to the next level with Alex. WOW! I absolutely love the way the author writes about Pascal. He is so regal, elegant, honest and oh so dirty. I also love that he is a bit snobby. We get so much more of Alex, precious Beth and your heart will break for Lilah.
I took my time with this book because I was not sure if or when we will see these four characters again. I appreciated the time the author gave each character and the placement of the POV’s were perfect.
September 29, 2019
Great writing, however
I hate the characters,except possibly Pascal, who I think is just plain totally looney. Lilah......don’t get me started. She is selfish and IMHO is at fault, all in an effort to keep Pascal. Alex is just a jerk. Typical wants his cake and eat it too. Elizabeth is just plain pitiful and by her own admission, a slut. However blaming her in any way for what happened and the uncertainty is just plain wrong. She was drugged! Even with all that I would still like to know how this turned out.
I hate the characters,except possibly Pascal, who I think is just plain totally looney. Lilah......don’t get me started. She is selfish and IMHO is at fault, all in an effort to keep Pascal. Alex is just a jerk. Typical wants his cake and eat it too. Elizabeth is just plain pitiful and by her own admission, a slut. However blaming her in any way for what happened and the uncertainty is just plain wrong. She was drugged! Even with all that I would still like to know how this turned out.
September 20, 2019
Check.
Mate.
One winner.
Not in this game.
One of the most intellectual reads this year. Superbly written, with care to every detail that transports the reader into the game, as if they, too, are a pawn on the board between Pascal, Beth, Alexander, and Liliah. My emotions were all over the place. The unconventional became a delightful dance of boastful lust, love, and discovery. Hated for it to end just like a game of chess.
Mate.
One winner.
Not in this game.
One of the most intellectual reads this year. Superbly written, with care to every detail that transports the reader into the game, as if they, too, are a pawn on the board between Pascal, Beth, Alexander, and Liliah. My emotions were all over the place. The unconventional became a delightful dance of boastful lust, love, and discovery. Hated for it to end just like a game of chess.
September 28, 2019
So dastardly despicable. Enchanting and all consuming. Charlotte pulls me in to their gruesome debauchery every time. Not for the faint hearted, this foursome takes domination and submission to the next level.
Not where i saw things going, but these characters always leave me guessing as to what their thoughts and intentions are. Each character has something that both draws me in and pushes me away.
But that ending was not enough for me, I need more.
Not where i saw things going, but these characters always leave me guessing as to what their thoughts and intentions are. Each character has something that both draws me in and pushes me away.
But that ending was not enough for me, I need more.
October 6, 2019
This book starts right where Check finishes. I've loved every moment of Alex, Beth Pacsal and Lilah's journey, and this book is just as amazing, if not better then the ones before it. It is definitely recommended that the White and VDB books are read first to understand the characters.
Another outstanding book from Charlotte.
Another outstanding book from Charlotte.
September 22, 2019
Wow what a amazing story read that starts up right were the last book ended. Not even sure how to explain this book series other then is a must read and you will be whating to read in one sitting as it grabs you from the first words to the very ending.
September 27, 2019
With no let up in the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the reader, this book is a direct continuation from the previous novel.
New and old battles, different end games, a battle of wits rather than of war fare but holy hell what a ride
New and old battles, different end games, a battle of wits rather than of war fare but holy hell what a ride
September 19, 2019
Such a disappointment
I loved all the other books in this series but absolutely hated this last one. We didnt even get to find out whos baby it was!
I loved all the other books in this series but absolutely hated this last one. We didnt even get to find out whos baby it was!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews