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The Loan Shark Duet #2
Consent
When Gabriel broke down my door, he took over my body and life. Never with force, but always with clever manipulation. He stripped me of my independence, my defenses, and my clothes and turned me into an addict. My addiction is him.
Once, I had dreams and a future. Now, I have fears, scars, and insatiable needs. I'm damaged beyond repair, but if I'm to survive the most dangerous man in Johannesburg, I can't allow him to break me, because broken toys are destined for the garbage dump.
Once, I had dreams and a future. Now, I have fears, scars, and insatiable needs. I'm damaged beyond repair, but if I'm to survive the most dangerous man in Johannesburg, I can't allow him to break me, because broken toys are destined for the garbage dump.
346 pages, ebook
Published November 14, 2017
311 people are currently reading
1798 people want to read
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
72 books1,842 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 509 reviews
November 12, 2017
Holy mother of god was this book INTENSE. I think this may be one of the best duets I have read all year. WOWZA...so good. The writing remained fantastic. The pace (up until 75%) was great. The plot was engaging. The setting unique. There were twists and turns. The sex scenes were hot. The secondary characters were fantastic. And I LOVED both main characters (up until 75%). Valentina, what can I say? This poor girl was like a puppy that just kept getting kicked over and over and over again. And Gabriel, I wanted to smack him, then hug him, then smack him again.
That said, at 75% this book fell apart a bit for me. At that point, a particular event took place, and I was NOT a fan of the direction the author chose to go in. It was too far-fetched. There were plot holes. It was dragged out FAR too long. I was not a fan of the change an individual character(s) made. Especially considering it was one of the things that made that character unique to begin with. It didn't feel authentic to the characters or their actions up until that point. I honestly can't say more about it without spoiling things, so I am going to have to leave it and just say the last 25%ish disappointed me and cost this book a star.
Not much else to say. I'm a bit sad at the way the duet ended but for the most part, I loved the story and the characters and will be keeping my eye on this author to see what else she has up her sleeve. This gets two thumbs up from yours truly.
November 18, 2017
My pride won’t let me grovel for myself, but I’ll do anything for my baby.
Degrading myself like I’ve never done, I kneel down farther and kiss his feet, my tears spoiling his expensive shoes.
“Please, Gabriel, I beg you. Please, don’t kill us. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. I’m sorry for running, but I didn’t have a choice.”
Valentina run as far away as possible. She was hungry, tired, scared, but determined. And she is found. And she is desperate mostly for the life of her unborn child and of her helpless brother.
I need to emphasize here that if I didn’t know the way Gabriel thinks (thank God there is his point of view as well in the book), I would have totally hated him.
Gabriel makes one mistake after the other and he does not know how to ask for forgiveness. He has his own way of thinking and he prefers to appear ruthless than to show how much he loves and needs Valentina.
"She is right to be wary of strangers, especially strangers who touch her and stare at her for a few seconds too long"
So Valentina is brought back to the house where she is hated by Gabriel’s mother, the Gabriel’s mother’s servant, the Gabriel’s ex wife and the Gabriel’s teenager daughter, i.e. by the whole Louw family. When Gabriel decides to make Valentina officially his, Valentina is called “slut” and she is treated like a gold-digger who deliberately became pregnant to entrap Gabriel. Gabriel, on the other hand, never admits his role in Valentina’s pregnancy -although he tries to spoil Valentina rotten.
Gabriel will have a wake-up call, when one of the people that he loves dies and he will almost destroy his relationship with Valentina.
As we approach the dramatic ending, many truths will surface. The Louw family had played a tremendous part in the destruction of Haynes’ family when Valentina was a teenager and they were never punished. Thankfully, there will be divine justice in the end.
Finally, there will be a beautiful ending in the best series duet that I have read this year.
She’s my life, my love, my redemption. Not my property, but my wife. Not for nine years, but forever.
If you love dark romance, this is a highly recommended series.
May 11, 2020
Wow!!!, What a read this was, I was engrossed until the bitter end.
"Consent" starts where "Dubious" left off and right from the get-go we are plunged right back into the raw and gritty world of Gabriel Louw AKA The Breaker.
So Gabriel is now on the hunt, his very delectable prey Valentina Haynes has bolted along with her brother Charlie to whereabouts unknown.
Valentina and Gabriel Both with very crossed wires over this now very real pregnancy and a new baby on the near horizon.
Gabriel himself is counting down the minutes until he has Valentina back in her cage. This time around things are going to be different and he has plans for Valentina once he catches up with her that is.
Right, so the last book "Dubious" I didn't find at all angsty, not that I was complaining.
"Consent" more than makes up for this in buckets.
There is so much going on here in regards to angst and all characters involved take steps out of there very own cliches to evolve brilliantly throughout.
I'm also Loving the new roles for Gabriel’s bodyguards, they make fantastically funny baby-sitters and they had me chuckling along with them.
So where do I start with this, well I found this such an enjoyable read and I was glued to the pages throughout.
The story flowed easily and it was great to catch back up with everyone from "Consent"
so sorry for being vague here, but I'm trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible as I don't want to give away anything.
I only have three small nitpicks.
So number one, I like my dark heroes to stay mostly dark and in this instant, Gabriel becomes a whole lot whiter, I didn't find him that dark initially so I really didn't want him to get even lighter in nature.
And yes I do get it, why he wants to change so dramatically, it's very understandable and also extremely commendable.
It doesn't mean I have to like it though.
That brings me to number two "The Events" themselves, they were dragged out a bit too much for me and I wanted to move on from them, I cried, and then I tried to heal and I wanted poor Gabriel to heal also, then to pull himself back together.
I really don't mean that to sound harsh, it's just I thought poor Valentina was given a bit of a raw deal and could have done with a bit more TLC. instead, she was mainly ignored and pushed to the sidelines by Gabriel, dealing with a pregnancy that had been largely thrust upon her young shoulders.
On a further side note and without giving anything away I was also decidedly disappointed in The makeover, that is all I’m contributing on that matter, but so not a happy bunny here, just saying.
So despite these small grievances I loved all the rest of this and couldn't put it down "Consent" was full of Angst and drama and unforgettable characters and I would highly recommend this as an unforgettable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC of Consent this is my own unbiased honest opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 10, 2017
4.5*
This is part two Dubious has to be read first and the same goes for this review.
So Consent picks up exactly where Dubious left off. Valentina is scared and running but her fear overruled her common sense, she grabbed Charlie and ran not giving a single thought to money. Now it's too late, if she withdraws any money she'll give away their location and so she finds herself alone with Charlie, no money, no where to live and no job.
Gabriel is beside himself and desperate to find Valentina but he's not the only one searching for her Magda now has the excuse she needs to kill her.
We know it's only a matter of time before they're reunited but the question is what will happen then?
I only really had two small issues (and they are very small) with this book the first was Valentina not considering how she'd live once she ran (yes I know there's extenuating circumstances) and the second was the tragedy, Gabriel gets lost in himself and while I understood and sympathised I felt it went on just a little too long for me but it's difficult to imagine how someone would deal with that so...
This book has a load of stuff going on and I'm not even going to attempt to touch any of it (so no spoilers here) you need to find out for yourself as you're reading. It twists and turns some of which I saw coming some I didn't and it certainly kept me glued the whole way through.
It's a fabulous book (well two books) and the author has created characters I'll never forget, it's clever and interesting and I'm still a little surprised by how much I actually enjoyed it.
I'm all about the HEA and so I loved the ending for me it was perfect, the icing on the cake and I'll be looking out for other books from this author but....
I'm mentioning this only because I have friends who don't feel the same way. Dubious started as a dark read, Gabriel was a powerful and dominating man (although we always knew Valentina was his weakness) but in Consent he changes, the tragedy he suffers affects him greatly and he becomes a different man. I liked this change, I liked him and just about everything about this book but if, like my friends you like a man to stay dark and true throughout then this maybe isn't the book for you.
For the rest of us who love a great HEA then start reading now.
I very rarely give 5* but again this came very very close.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Charmaine Pauls.
This is part two Dubious has to be read first and the same goes for this review.
So Consent picks up exactly where Dubious left off. Valentina is scared and running but her fear overruled her common sense, she grabbed Charlie and ran not giving a single thought to money. Now it's too late, if she withdraws any money she'll give away their location and so she finds herself alone with Charlie, no money, no where to live and no job.
Gabriel is beside himself and desperate to find Valentina but he's not the only one searching for her Magda now has the excuse she needs to kill her.
We know it's only a matter of time before they're reunited but the question is what will happen then?
I only really had two small issues (and they are very small) with this book the first was Valentina not considering how she'd live once she ran (yes I know there's extenuating circumstances) and the second was the tragedy, Gabriel gets lost in himself and while I understood and sympathised I felt it went on just a little too long for me but it's difficult to imagine how someone would deal with that so...
This book has a load of stuff going on and I'm not even going to attempt to touch any of it (so no spoilers here) you need to find out for yourself as you're reading. It twists and turns some of which I saw coming some I didn't and it certainly kept me glued the whole way through.
It's a fabulous book (well two books) and the author has created characters I'll never forget, it's clever and interesting and I'm still a little surprised by how much I actually enjoyed it.
I'm all about the HEA and so I loved the ending for me it was perfect, the icing on the cake and I'll be looking out for other books from this author but....
I'm mentioning this only because I have friends who don't feel the same way. Dubious started as a dark read, Gabriel was a powerful and dominating man (although we always knew Valentina was his weakness) but in Consent he changes, the tragedy he suffers affects him greatly and he becomes a different man. I liked this change, I liked him and just about everything about this book but if, like my friends you like a man to stay dark and true throughout then this maybe isn't the book for you.
For the rest of us who love a great HEA then start reading now.
I very rarely give 5* but again this came very very close.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Charmaine Pauls.
November 15, 2017
Picking up where
Dubious
left off, Val has run off and Gabriel is desperate to find her. It’s literally life or death for her and her brother, but Gabriel refuses to let anything happen to her and is willing to do anything to keep the owner of his heart safe. Even if that means going against everything he once was. Even if it means the end of life as he knows it.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. The author found a fan in me from the first book and these characters held on for their life. I couldn’t let them go. I didn’t want to. With Val, Gabriel became the man he never thought he could be and it was a beautiful thing to watch his transformation. As for Val, she really came into her own. She showed strength, versatility and perseverance in the face of almost certain failure. Her fear and anger fueled her survival and I couldn’t help but admire her. These characters together seemed unsuited at first. Seriously, he was all that was bad and she was so pure and innocent. But somehow these two worked. I was completely rooting for their happy ending and after a hard-fought battle, these two found a way to come out somewhat unscathed.
I’m truly sad to be at the end of this duet. This author’s story was well-written, suspenseful, erotic, and simply incredible. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for whatever she dreams up next. If you’re a fan of mafia romance, romantic suspense, dark romance, or any type of romance featuring an alluring anti-hero and his equally enticing heroine, then you don’t want to miss out on this one.
My review of Dubious: http://bit.ly/2xybShE
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre: Mafia Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Part 2 of The Loan Shark Duet
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. The author found a fan in me from the first book and these characters held on for their life. I couldn’t let them go. I didn’t want to. With Val, Gabriel became the man he never thought he could be and it was a beautiful thing to watch his transformation. As for Val, she really came into her own. She showed strength, versatility and perseverance in the face of almost certain failure. Her fear and anger fueled her survival and I couldn’t help but admire her. These characters together seemed unsuited at first. Seriously, he was all that was bad and she was so pure and innocent. But somehow these two worked. I was completely rooting for their happy ending and after a hard-fought battle, these two found a way to come out somewhat unscathed.
I’m truly sad to be at the end of this duet. This author’s story was well-written, suspenseful, erotic, and simply incredible. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for whatever she dreams up next. If you’re a fan of mafia romance, romantic suspense, dark romance, or any type of romance featuring an alluring anti-hero and his equally enticing heroine, then you don’t want to miss out on this one.
My review of Dubious: http://bit.ly/2xybShE
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre: Mafia Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Part 2 of The Loan Shark Duet
May 7, 2023
This book is amazing. The author always does the female character strong and the most twisted story in the world.
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
December 17, 2020
This book was everything I expected and more. I freaking loved it so much!!! The whole time I was reading it I was on the brink of tearing up. I went through such an emotional rollercoaster while reading this.
I felt a murderous rage towards the Hero's mother. She is one of my most hated book characters somewhere right in between Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine De Bourgh.
I was so freaking inspired by the heroine. I just wanted things to work out for her. God knows she'd been through enough already. I was in awe of her strength.
I was desperately wishing for the couple to get together. I couldn't help smiling like a loon while reading an epilogue. That melted my heart.
If a book can make your head spin from so many emotions on a single page, it's this one.
I felt a murderous rage towards the Hero's mother. She is one of my most hated book characters somewhere right in between Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine De Bourgh.
I was so freaking inspired by the heroine. I just wanted things to work out for her. God knows she'd been through enough already. I was in awe of her strength.
I was desperately wishing for the couple to get together. I couldn't help smiling like a loon while reading an epilogue. That melted my heart.
If a book can make your head spin from so many emotions on a single page, it's this one.
November 21, 2017
What was this?!
Like really?!
I gave into my compulsion...so i had to finish what I started...and...
fuck me...
BUT
this WAS SUPPOSED to be
a DARK read!!!
but instead...it was a mushy melodrama...there was too much *eye rolls* for my usual liking or tolerance, especially since I wasn't expecting this kind of unraveling...it just made me edgy and annoyed...
and I just didn't relate to this overblown cheezy stuff that ended up like a fairytale...
May 7, 2023
**** 4 stars ****
Very well done.
Very well done.
July 26, 2017
♥♥ 5 Nail-Biting Stars ♥♥
Different reactions while reading…
I feel like it's been forever since I've fangirled over a series like this. This dark romance is amazing and brings so many different factors to the table. For one, it's hella sexy and has a lot of kinky sex, and who doesn't like that? It deals with forced seduction and how two people can build a real relationship after having such a rocky start, and how far they'll go to protect each other.
The last book left us hanging with Valentina running from Gabriel. She takes her brother with her and tries to start over, but she's dealing with conflicting emotions. She thought she'd be happy to have escaped his manipulations, but finds that she still misses him and cares for him even as she's accepting her new future without him. Of course, Gabriel won't let her leave him and does everything in his power to find her. I won't spoil anything, but Gabriel's plan for saving Val in the last book backfires, leaving a mess of miscommunication and angst on both sides.
When Gabriel finds Val, they try to start their life over, moving out of his mother's house. Val's past is intricately tied with Gabriel's family, and we get a lot of answers as to why Gabriel's mom hates her so much. As they fall in love, they both struggle with accepting that they can have something real, and it leads them to both make some stupid decisions. Gabriel killed me and I couldn't decide if I wanted to smack him for being so dumb or if I wanted to wrap him in a bear hug for being so selfless. Either way, Val's response to Gabriel's actions had me tearing up for basically half the book and let's just say that their connection is the only thing that keeps her going for a while.
I was so pleased with this series for so many reasons. I've found it so hard to find dark romances that have solid character development and plot arcs, and this had it all. Great plot, packed with action and sexual tension, and a sizzling connection between the hero/heroine that went beyond the physical. A must read!
**ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for honest review**
Different reactions while reading…
I feel like it's been forever since I've fangirled over a series like this. This dark romance is amazing and brings so many different factors to the table. For one, it's hella sexy and has a lot of kinky sex, and who doesn't like that? It deals with forced seduction and how two people can build a real relationship after having such a rocky start, and how far they'll go to protect each other.
The last book left us hanging with Valentina running from Gabriel. She takes her brother with her and tries to start over, but she's dealing with conflicting emotions. She thought she'd be happy to have escaped his manipulations, but finds that she still misses him and cares for him even as she's accepting her new future without him. Of course, Gabriel won't let her leave him and does everything in his power to find her. I won't spoil anything, but Gabriel's plan for saving Val in the last book backfires, leaving a mess of miscommunication and angst on both sides.
When Gabriel finds Val, they try to start their life over, moving out of his mother's house. Val's past is intricately tied with Gabriel's family, and we get a lot of answers as to why Gabriel's mom hates her so much. As they fall in love, they both struggle with accepting that they can have something real, and it leads them to both make some stupid decisions. Gabriel killed me and I couldn't decide if I wanted to smack him for being so dumb or if I wanted to wrap him in a bear hug for being so selfless. Either way, Val's response to Gabriel's actions had me tearing up for basically half the book and let's just say that their connection is the only thing that keeps her going for a while.
I was so pleased with this series for so many reasons. I've found it so hard to find dark romances that have solid character development and plot arcs, and this had it all. Great plot, packed with action and sexual tension, and a sizzling connection between the hero/heroine that went beyond the physical. A must read!
**ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for honest review**
November 14, 2017
Consent picks up right where Dubious leaves off and thank goodness for that because it was a huge cliffhanger that had me on edge to see what was gonna happen next. In fact, this whole series has kept me on the edge of my seat.
I don’t think I’ve been more surprised by a series than I have by this one. Not only was it so much more than I expected, it also had elements to it that just blew my mind. This has one of the most anti Hero’s I’ve read to date and I never felt a person deserved the heroine more than I did this guy.
If you have gotten to this book, you already know what this story is about and why I’m raving about it, so I won’t give any spoilers. Just know that you will not be disappointed in the second and final book.
This author is one to watch out for. If she can create a masterpiece like this, I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us. Brilliant! ARC provided by NetGalley.
I don’t think I’ve been more surprised by a series than I have by this one. Not only was it so much more than I expected, it also had elements to it that just blew my mind. This has one of the most anti Hero’s I’ve read to date and I never felt a person deserved the heroine more than I did this guy.
If you have gotten to this book, you already know what this story is about and why I’m raving about it, so I won’t give any spoilers. Just know that you will not be disappointed in the second and final book.
This author is one to watch out for. If she can create a masterpiece like this, I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us. Brilliant! ARC provided by NetGalley.
November 5, 2017
Oh yes! Love love love.
~~~~~~~~~
Oh this book is the perfect completion to the two book series. Gabriel is a perfect blend of hard and calculating. Mean and controlling. Tender and loving. Impassioned and giving.
The author gave it her all and crafted a wonderful, absorbing read that took you on a roller coaster of highs and lows. She told you what would happen, but the process still made your heart crack open. I just couldn't wait until the truth came out and my heart could be happy again too. The loss and pain was real and the HEA was so sweet. Sigh.
Fab read! A bit dark along the way but ending with lots of light and a new appreciate for this superb writer!
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~
Oh this book is the perfect completion to the two book series. Gabriel is a perfect blend of hard and calculating. Mean and controlling. Tender and loving. Impassioned and giving.
The author gave it her all and crafted a wonderful, absorbing read that took you on a roller coaster of highs and lows. She told you what would happen, but the process still made your heart crack open. I just couldn't wait until the truth came out and my heart could be happy again too. The loss and pain was real and the HEA was so sweet. Sigh.
Fab read! A bit dark along the way but ending with lots of light and a new appreciate for this superb writer!
* copy received for review consideration
October 7, 2023
The first book is better. The ending in this one is rushed and for me, simply unconvincing.
January 30, 2023
4.5-star **SPOILERS are on my review of the full duet.**
Loved it! Even better than book1 since:
1. H and h's romance got deeper with more setbacks and revealed secrets.
2. H's character growth due to his love for h changed even his job and family choices.
3. h's huge setbacks made her even stronger but not in a way that emasculated H. More in a way that made her stronger and a better partner for this already-strong H.
4. Full of emotion and angst. Some secrets were heart-breaking.
5. HEA with epilogue years later with their young kids. And the villains got their due.
Loved it! Even better than book1 since:
1. H and h's romance got deeper with more setbacks and revealed secrets.
2. H's character growth due to his love for h changed even his job and family choices.
3. h's huge setbacks made her even stronger but not in a way that emasculated H. More in a way that made her stronger and a better partner for this already-strong H.
4. Full of emotion and angst. Some secrets were heart-breaking.
5. HEA with epilogue years later with their young kids. And the villains got their due.
October 29, 2017
Wow! I absolutely loved not only this book but this duet!
I’m hesitant to say too much about the storyline so I’ll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
Valentina is such a strong woman who has suffered through so much and yet it never beat her down. There were times that my gut clinched due to her circumstances and despite her fear and despair she held tight to the hope that she could get through to the next day for herself and her brother Charlie.
While what she experienced in the first book was dark and dangerous it also stirred her as nothing else could because it came at the hand of a man she shouldn’t care for. Now she is facing a life she never anticipated and her emotions are indefinable. She knows what she wants, but she fears what she will receive instead.
Gabriel’s character goes through a huge evolution as so many secrets are brought into the light and as he faces his own sins brought on by his obsession with Valentina. For a man who is known as The Breaker, I would have never thought him capable of the love he held for the heroine. The torment he suffered through much of this book was heartbreaking and I wanted something, anything to ease his burden but this goes deeper than the need for conversation.
Charmaine Pauls writes an intense story of two souls struggling with the roles they’ve been cast and then layer by layer she builds those roles until the reader cannot ever see a way for these characters to find freedom. I consumed every wonderful, angst filled word of it.
I’m sad to say I had never even heard of this author prior to Dubious and now knowing she has a long backlist of books to her credit I’m giving evil eyes to all my GR friends who didn’t point me in her direction sooner. So consider this me pointing you to first Dubious and then Consent. (I want to avoid future evil eyes glared at me.)
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Charmaine Pauls
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers – rape
I’m hesitant to say too much about the storyline so I’ll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
Valentina is such a strong woman who has suffered through so much and yet it never beat her down. There were times that my gut clinched due to her circumstances and despite her fear and despair she held tight to the hope that she could get through to the next day for herself and her brother Charlie.
While what she experienced in the first book was dark and dangerous it also stirred her as nothing else could because it came at the hand of a man she shouldn’t care for. Now she is facing a life she never anticipated and her emotions are indefinable. She knows what she wants, but she fears what she will receive instead.
Gabriel’s character goes through a huge evolution as so many secrets are brought into the light and as he faces his own sins brought on by his obsession with Valentina. For a man who is known as The Breaker, I would have never thought him capable of the love he held for the heroine. The torment he suffered through much of this book was heartbreaking and I wanted something, anything to ease his burden but this goes deeper than the need for conversation.
Charmaine Pauls writes an intense story of two souls struggling with the roles they’ve been cast and then layer by layer she builds those roles until the reader cannot ever see a way for these characters to find freedom. I consumed every wonderful, angst filled word of it.
I’m sad to say I had never even heard of this author prior to Dubious and now knowing she has a long backlist of books to her credit I’m giving evil eyes to all my GR friends who didn’t point me in her direction sooner. So consider this me pointing you to first Dubious and then Consent. (I want to avoid future evil eyes glared at me.)
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Charmaine Pauls
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers – rape
July 11, 2021
Triggers and safety spoilers at the bottom
A pretty depressing book tbh. There were some happy and cute moments such as the hero showing how much he cares for his kids and the heroine, and the guards fussing over baby Connor, but besides those, this book definitely had more sad than happy moments. And one of the sad parts I really didn't expect, although I should have, but my screwed up thinking couldn't help but think good riddance, finally they're out of the picture (trigger at bottom). I didn't really care for the sex either seeing as there was just too much of it, and I ended up skimming most of those scenes, but I'm glad we finally got somewhere with the plot and answers. I do wish some things were different and more people were punished further than death, but I still really enjoyed this duet👌
Safety and triggers:
Ex wife is in the picture a bit
Video of heroine being raped is shown
Death of hero's daughter
A few separations but both are celibate
No cheating
No ow/om drama besides ex wife
A tiny bit of dub con
A pretty depressing book tbh. There were some happy and cute moments such as the hero showing how much he cares for his kids and the heroine, and the guards fussing over baby Connor, but besides those, this book definitely had more sad than happy moments. And one of the sad parts I really didn't expect, although I should have, but my screwed up thinking couldn't help but think good riddance, finally they're out of the picture (trigger at bottom). I didn't really care for the sex either seeing as there was just too much of it, and I ended up skimming most of those scenes, but I'm glad we finally got somewhere with the plot and answers. I do wish some things were different and more people were punished further than death, but I still really enjoyed this duet👌
Safety and triggers:
Ex wife is in the picture a bit
Video of heroine being raped is shown
Death of hero's daughter
A few separations but both are celibate
No cheating
No ow/om drama besides ex wife
A tiny bit of dub con
August 17, 2021
okay so the author thought it was a good idea to put all of this in the plotline and don't get me started on that ending...ugh
1,5 ⭐
August 8, 2020
WOW. That was a fucking ride! I stand by my earlier assessment... few authors can TRULY sustain a longer narrative either for a very long book or for a series that follows the same story. Charmaine Pauls is one of those authors! I didn't get to sleep until the sun was coming up so Charmaine Pauls just got added to the list of authors I can't read before bed.
November 7, 2017
How much did I enjoy DUBIOUS, the first book of this duet?? Enough to request an ARC of CONSENT which I NEVER do!!
Charmaine Pauls got on my radar completely by accident and I am SO HAPPY that she did. I didn't even know I was in the mood for a story such as this one till I started reading it and just ... couldn't stop. From the writing to the main characters and supporting cast, there isn't anything I didn't love about this duet. The story made me eat up pages like there is no tomorrow and I ended up DEVOURING both books in a matter of days which is unheard of [for me].
I couldn't help but fall in love with Valentina. She just oozed kindness and her unselfish ways made me root for her the entire time. And then there is Gabriel. One of the most perfect examples of an anti-hero, he stole my heart very early into the story and together they now reside on my 'favorite couple' shelf. And let's not forget that delicious age-gap, the trope I can read about all day, any day.
If you enjoy fast paced, well written reads that are a bit on a darker side, I think you'll really enjoy this duet. Charmaine Pauls has a new fan for life and I can't wait to check out more of her work.
Cheers!
**ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This title releases November 14th, 2017. You can find pre-order link below.
August 29, 2025
After how crazy Book 1 was, there was no way I could skip Book 2, so I ended up buying the damn thing!!! You know I’m poor and cheap, so buying it is a big deal.
Damn. This book took me to some places!!!! The first half of the book I was like ok 5 stars because of the drama and excitement! Then the last half I was like WTF – why is this so damn depressing!?!?!
Our man Gabriel has to deal with the consequences of his actions when Valentina ends up with a bun in the oven and jumps to ALL the wrong conclusions. Everything from there is a spiral…. Serious communication issues where you’re rolling your eyes because if they would just speak their thoughts out loud, EVERYTHING would be cleared up.
A tragedy that had my tears forming, a result that had me feeling raw, a revelation that I sorta knew was coming but still had me SHOOK, a new beginning that we all wanted so badly, finally doing the right thing at the wrong time, a STUPID ass decision that also had me getting a tissue, a friendship bond that had me smiling, and finally….. a HEA.
SEX: Where is it? There are two good scenes at the end of the book, but that’s about it. Oh.... but for sure that man still eats a mean pussy. He's a fucking PRO.
WTF: Dude…. I knew the reasons surrounding why Magda was so hell bent on killing off Val & Charlie, but I didn’t KNOW know. My jaw dropped.
TEARS: Something tragic happens and the author wrote it in such a real, honest way. It was heartbreaking, even for my cold heart. I put it in my Book 1 triggers, but I’m gonna go ahead and add it here too.
REAL LIFE: The first book, and then the first half of this book – it was a fun, wild story. The second half of this book was all real life, and nobody likes real life issues. I think the author did a great job of writing things the way they would actually happen (with the exception of Gabe), instead of how they could have gone in the fictional world.
VALENTINA: She really came full circle. Proud of you, girl.
RHETT and QUINCY: OMG. These two were everything. I loved them so much. They are the only reason my lips even twitched toward a smile. Everything else in this book was depressing as hell.
SPOILERS: I need to put this here for myself. It’ll be spoilers for you, so don’t read it. This is just so I can remember my feelings on the book. .
Do I recommend it? Sure – why the fuck not.
Damn. This book took me to some places!!!! The first half of the book I was like ok 5 stars because of the drama and excitement! Then the last half I was like WTF – why is this so damn depressing!?!?!
My addiction has grown over the months to an all-consuming obsession. Despite the coldness inside of me, she awakens emotions I thought I didn’t have. She makes me feel things I’ve never felt before––gratitude, regret, joy, and fear––and even if these feelings scare me shitless, I want more.
Our man Gabriel has to deal with the consequences of his actions when Valentina ends up with a bun in the oven and jumps to ALL the wrong conclusions. Everything from there is a spiral…. Serious communication issues where you’re rolling your eyes because if they would just speak their thoughts out loud, EVERYTHING would be cleared up.
All I want is to go home to Valentina, crawl into her body, and melt into her bed. Things between us have changed. No matter how much I lie to myself, she’s no longer the toy I pickpocketed from her life. She’s something––someone––I want enough to break every rule in the book to keep. She’s no longer my captive. I’m hers.
A tragedy that had my tears forming, a result that had me feeling raw, a revelation that I sorta knew was coming but still had me SHOOK, a new beginning that we all wanted so badly, finally doing the right thing at the wrong time, a STUPID ass decision that also had me getting a tissue, a friendship bond that had me smiling, and finally….. a HEA.
My world and pitiful existence collapse, every defense I cemented into the wall of my life crumbling around me. Regret, joy, hope, disbelieve at my incredible, miraculous luck that this amazing feminine creature can love me pour out of me, condensing in big, shameless tears that run over my face.
SEX: Where is it? There are two good scenes at the end of the book, but that’s about it. Oh.... but for sure that man still eats a mean pussy. He's a fucking PRO.
WTF: Dude…. I knew the reasons surrounding why Magda was so hell bent on killing off Val & Charlie, but I didn’t KNOW know. My jaw dropped.
TEARS: Something tragic happens and the author wrote it in such a real, honest way. It was heartbreaking, even for my cold heart. I put it in my Book 1 triggers, but I’m gonna go ahead and add it here too.
REAL LIFE: The first book, and then the first half of this book – it was a fun, wild story. The second half of this book was all real life, and nobody likes real life issues. I think the author did a great job of writing things the way they would actually happen (with the exception of Gabe), instead of how they could have gone in the fictional world.
VALENTINA: She really came full circle. Proud of you, girl.
RHETT and QUINCY: OMG. These two were everything. I loved them so much. They are the only reason my lips even twitched toward a smile. Everything else in this book was depressing as hell.
SPOILERS: I need to put this here for myself. It’ll be spoilers for you, so don’t read it. This is just so I can remember my feelings on the book. .
Do I recommend it? Sure – why the fuck not.
October 31, 2021
4.5
I liked how the hero hated himself and thought he didn't deserve happiness.
I liked how the hero hated himself and thought he didn't deserve happiness.
November 15, 2017
4.5 "I'm more than a vendetta or a debt, and he's more than The Breaker" stars.
"He's my darkness and my love, and he has no idea how truly I am his."
I have been obsessed with this story ever since I devoured Dubious–one of my favorite books of this year. With Consent, Charmaine Pauls delivers an intense, nail-biting story with a lot of twisting and turnings that will keep you on the edge of your comfy seat until you hit the end.
Consent is the the conclusion of The Loan Shark Duet, the perfect ending for Valentina and Gabriel. I'm going to love Charmaine Pauls forever for giving me this story, these characters. Valentina & Gabriel's journey is one I felt in my gut, in my heart. A story that just like the author will stay with me forever.
While decidedly dark, the author skillfully adds sweetness to the story, creating an intriguing, steamy romance. And, to top it all off, an engaging writing style that will test your boundaries and draw you into a world full of violence and an endless love.
Of course, not everything was perfect. I had two big complaints. One of them was just so sad to witness, and the other one... even though, I know it was necessary for the story to run its curse, I hated it.
The side characters. Rhett & Quincy made me laugh my ass off. And the thing is that I wasn't expecting these two to add fun to the story, but they did it and I LOVED it. Loved them. I hope the author considers them for a novella.
Overall, if you love dark romances with a sweet side, then you'll devour this book, and will feel sad to finish when you do.
"Gabriel and I have never been the norm. Perhaps we weren't meant to be the norm. We're us, and I love us."
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
November 16, 2017
I already know I'm a monster, and she hates me. What I'm doing to her is selfish, wrong, and immoral, but I've never claimed to be a good man.Gabriel and Valentina are back, and the dark lies and betrayals that began piling up in Dubious just keep coming in Consent.
Be ready for a nail-biter as Gabriel's inability to cope with his burgeoning feelings for Valentina make him a desperate man, forcing him into bad decision after bad decision - which leaves Valentina to deal with his actions as best she can. As with book 1, her strength is tested again and again.
I loved these two and their messed-up relationship. Pauls' writing shines throughout all the drama, feels, scorching-hot sex, and deceit. This is the unrepentant alpha/super-strong heroine combination at its best.
Unusually, the final explanation of events comes in at around the 70% mark, leaving 30% of the story to read like an extended epilogue - I had NO problem with this at all. It gave me the opportunity to watch Gabriel and Valentina grow as individuals and as a couple.
What I did have a problem with was the way the unfolding of the final events felt a bit rushed and robbed Valentina of her chance to stick it to all of those who'd wronged her. I thought there were a few missed opportunities in this respect, but that's just me and my vengeful heart talking. :)
Overall, definitely worth reading if you're a fan of dark romance!
Here's my favorite lines from the book:
Just as I think she's not going to look at me, her lashes lift, and her brown eyes meet mine. Rivers of sadness flow through their depths, leaving muddy traces I swear I can see all the way to her soul.
September 14, 2017
ARC PROVIDED FOR HONEST REVIEW
I didn't just walk to find this ARC but my butt ran to sign up! This series is so transfixing and I read this book in one sitting.
This is an author I had never heard of before, so I had never read any of her books. These last 2 book have been so good that I now have an obsession for her and can't wait to read more of her work.
This book picks up right where the first one leads off which I love, I hate when books have time gaps in between the novels.
With that said, Gabriel is a man that you love and then bang your head against the wall because of the things he won't say. He is a man of few words, and there are so many times you want him to throw caution to the wind and say what he's feeling. Poor Valentina is one resilient woman because she has been through Hell and back, but sister never fricken complains or gives up! She stands by Gabriel through thick and thin, even times where you are screaming at her to wise up!
This book is just as good if not better than the 1st! The only thing I would have changed slightly is the ending, I just would have wanted a little more of what the book is based on. Trust me, when you get to the end you'll know what I am talking about.
I didn't just love this book I love this series, I have recommended it to all of my friends when it comes out and has wiggled its way to my top favorite.
I didn't just walk to find this ARC but my butt ran to sign up! This series is so transfixing and I read this book in one sitting.
This is an author I had never heard of before, so I had never read any of her books. These last 2 book have been so good that I now have an obsession for her and can't wait to read more of her work.
This book picks up right where the first one leads off which I love, I hate when books have time gaps in between the novels.
With that said, Gabriel is a man that you love and then bang your head against the wall because of the things he won't say. He is a man of few words, and there are so many times you want him to throw caution to the wind and say what he's feeling. Poor Valentina is one resilient woman because she has been through Hell and back, but sister never fricken complains or gives up! She stands by Gabriel through thick and thin, even times where you are screaming at her to wise up!
This book is just as good if not better than the 1st! The only thing I would have changed slightly is the ending, I just would have wanted a little more of what the book is based on. Trust me, when you get to the end you'll know what I am talking about.
I didn't just love this book I love this series, I have recommended it to all of my friends when it comes out and has wiggled its way to my top favorite.
October 25, 2017
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review.
I'm not much for long af reviews, so cutting to the chase.
READ THIS DUET, GUYS.. A TOTAL EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER WITH STEAMY OFF THE CHART SCENES, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
I'm not much for long af reviews, so cutting to the chase.
READ THIS DUET, GUYS.. A TOTAL EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER WITH STEAMY OFF THE CHART SCENES, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
January 13, 2022
Well, that was definitely an experience.
Overall I just loved the book, more so than any other book that I've read by CP before. I loved the way that the characters grew over time, and think that there was such an interesting mix of themes in the story.
I'm kind of really conflicted on how to feel about the ending of the book- there was a certain part of the story which slightly hindered my overall opinion- but just generally speaking, I really enjoyed it overall.
I personally loved how the characters developed within this book. Although the story had some dark themes in it, this book was a lot lighter and more dramatic than the previous one- and focused a lot more on the characters themselves and the acknowledgment/ development of their feelings. Even though I do love darker romances, I like how this book took a lighter approach in comparison to the previous one- it just personally worked really well for me.
This story was just filled with so many things that I didn't see coming- and I really did like that sort of OTT, really extreme and dramatic twists to the book- I was just really in the mood for it, and I think that all the details really added up nicely- and was really entertaining.
But yeah, ending aside (there were just some things that I didn't like), this was a very interesting series to read. This book was just really emotionally exhausting, but I just loved it.
Overall I just loved the book, more so than any other book that I've read by CP before. I loved the way that the characters grew over time, and think that there was such an interesting mix of themes in the story.
I'm kind of really conflicted on how to feel about the ending of the book- there was a certain part of the story which slightly hindered my overall opinion- but just generally speaking, I really enjoyed it overall.
I personally loved how the characters developed within this book. Although the story had some dark themes in it, this book was a lot lighter and more dramatic than the previous one- and focused a lot more on the characters themselves and the acknowledgment/ development of their feelings. Even though I do love darker romances, I like how this book took a lighter approach in comparison to the previous one- it just personally worked really well for me.
This story was just filled with so many things that I didn't see coming- and I really did like that sort of OTT, really extreme and dramatic twists to the book- I was just really in the mood for it, and I think that all the details really added up nicely- and was really entertaining.
But yeah, ending aside (there were just some things that I didn't like), this was a very interesting series to read. This book was just really emotionally exhausting, but I just loved it.
December 28, 2023
The story REALLY unfolds in this book, all the mystery regarding Magda’s hate and all.
Valentina, she really went through the worst and always came out strong despite losing everything, never lost hope and kept fighting. Such a brilliant fc.
Absolutely hate Magda and her late husband, the roots of all the evil.
Even though I didn’t like Carly, she didn’t deserved it. Her parents could have done better.
Overall, I loved the duet so much, it’s beautiful. ❤️
Valentina, she really went through the worst and always came out strong despite losing everything, never lost hope and kept fighting. Such a brilliant fc.
Absolutely hate Magda and her late husband, the roots of all the evil.
Even though I didn’t like Carly, she didn’t deserved it. Her parents could have done better.
Overall, I loved the duet so much, it’s beautiful. ❤️
February 3, 2020
Valentina affronterà ostacoli e pericoli, una suocera megera ossessiva e un passato doloroso che ritorna prepotente. Vivrà una vita non sua, pazzesca ma necessaria. Gabriel sarà presente, in un modo diverso, impensabile ma riconoscibile sotto certi aspetti, e proprio su questo particolare ho avuto un déjà vu, che mi ha riportato a un bellissimo ricordo di un famoso personaggio di carta, che ha vissuto la medesima esperienza, per il resto lo svolgimento mi è piaciuto tantissimo.
November 12, 2023
3.5⭐
MCs:
- Gabriel, 36
- Valentina, 23
Book info:
- Forced marriage
- Suicide
- Loss of loved one
- Third act breakup
- CSA
- HEA
Leave it to Ms. Pauls to emotionally drain the heck out of me. 🤣
I would say this final part is better than the first, and there are a lot of lies, betrayals, and revelations that happened here. Everything that unfolded was intense and consuming (in a good way)
The first book ended with Val running away when she found out that she's pregnant. She thought Gabriel would get mad about this or would think she trapped him. Little did she know that it was his plan all along, hence the birth control tampering.
So book 2 started with her and her brother, Charlie, still on the run. They successfully escaped for three months until Gabriel tracked them down. Once he got her back, he forced a marriage with her, saying this would protect her and their baby. This is true, but deep down, his reason was to permanently own Val.
Anyway, this news wasn't well received by his mother, ex-wife, and daughter. But he held his ground, and there's nothing they can do about it.
So the middle part of the story was them settling in as a family and finding their routine.
Then the start of unfortunate events happened. Gabriel's daughter, Carly, overdosed on sleeping pills; this was an accident, but they thought she did it because of her dad marrying Val. After this, months of grieving and isolation followed for him. He ignored Val and focused on work.
Then Gabriel's witch mother visited unannounced and showed Val the video of the night she got sexually assaulted. She finally put a face on the man who violated her, and this shocking news induced her premature birth. When Gabriel got back to their house, he saw the same video and was devastated to find out that his father was the responsible person for Val's attack.
After a few weeks of taking care of his son and Val, he went to his mother to talk about what she knew about her attack. She admitted everything, and after her confession, she killed herself. The hatred of this woman will definitely follow her through hell because she made sure that Val wouldn't get any dime from her business unless Gabriel dies.
With this information, Gabriel planned everything to make his wife and son good for life. He faked his own death so that his assets would be given to Val. She didn't believe that he's dead; she knew in her heart that he's alive, so she vowed to find him whatever it takes.
They were separated for 10 months, and Gabriel went through surgery to alter his looks and fix his limp. His plan was only to stay close to them and make sure they're okay. But he bumped into Val in a flea market, and for some reason she knew that this guy is her Gabriel.
I'm kind of amazed here, because Val was the one who chased Gabriel. He wants to be with her but he thought it was way better for him to stay in the shadows and let them live their lives. They "dated" for months because she was waiting for him to finally admit that he's her "dead" husband. Which he did eventually, and he thought she would get mad or push him away, but none of that happened. She decided that he's her forever, and even though the way they started was unconventional, they both accepted that they're not normal.
The epilogue was years later, and they have two children and one on the way. Only Val knows that her husband, Gregor, is also Gabriel.
Anyhoo, this was okay and emotionally draining with everything that went down here. I didn't like the two separations that happened, but it is what it is. Also, it pissed me off that Gabriel loved his ex-wife. 😑 They had a conversation after he got married to Val, and his ex-wife accused him of still loving her, and he said "maybe" 😑. Tbf, he said that what he had for Val is something he never felt before, not even for his ex, but I still didn't like that he loved someone else. It's a me problem obviously, but whatever.
I hate lying in my romance fiction, and the majority of this story revolves around lies and secrets. It was maddening and satisfying at the same time when everything unfolded. And as for the usual complaint, the body-betraying syndrome of Val has gotten worse here. There's a lot of steamy scenes here, like in the first book; these scenes took up almost half of the story.
As for the romance, it was a hard-fought battle to get their HEA, but I'm really happy for them. They both made sacrifices, and I'm just glad they became finally free to be together.
Overall, this was good—better than what I had imagined. The duet was emotionally draining and heavy, but the ending was worth it. Readers have to be patient though before it gets better. Still worth recommending, imo, if readers are into dark romance.
MCs:
- Gabriel, 36
- Valentina, 23
Book info:
- Forced marriage
- Suicide
- Loss of loved one
- Third act breakup
- CSA
- HEA
Leave it to Ms. Pauls to emotionally drain the heck out of me. 🤣
I would say this final part is better than the first, and there are a lot of lies, betrayals, and revelations that happened here. Everything that unfolded was intense and consuming (in a good way)
The first book ended with Val running away when she found out that she's pregnant. She thought Gabriel would get mad about this or would think she trapped him. Little did she know that it was his plan all along, hence the birth control tampering.
So book 2 started with her and her brother, Charlie, still on the run. They successfully escaped for three months until Gabriel tracked them down. Once he got her back, he forced a marriage with her, saying this would protect her and their baby. This is true, but deep down, his reason was to permanently own Val.
Anyway, this news wasn't well received by his mother, ex-wife, and daughter. But he held his ground, and there's nothing they can do about it.
So the middle part of the story was them settling in as a family and finding their routine.
Then the start of unfortunate events happened. Gabriel's daughter, Carly, overdosed on sleeping pills; this was an accident, but they thought she did it because of her dad marrying Val. After this, months of grieving and isolation followed for him. He ignored Val and focused on work.
Then Gabriel's witch mother visited unannounced and showed Val the video of the night she got sexually assaulted. She finally put a face on the man who violated her, and this shocking news induced her premature birth. When Gabriel got back to their house, he saw the same video and was devastated to find out that his father was the responsible person for Val's attack.
After a few weeks of taking care of his son and Val, he went to his mother to talk about what she knew about her attack. She admitted everything, and after her confession, she killed herself. The hatred of this woman will definitely follow her through hell because she made sure that Val wouldn't get any dime from her business unless Gabriel dies.
With this information, Gabriel planned everything to make his wife and son good for life. He faked his own death so that his assets would be given to Val. She didn't believe that he's dead; she knew in her heart that he's alive, so she vowed to find him whatever it takes.
They were separated for 10 months, and Gabriel went through surgery to alter his looks and fix his limp. His plan was only to stay close to them and make sure they're okay. But he bumped into Val in a flea market, and for some reason she knew that this guy is her Gabriel.
I'm kind of amazed here, because Val was the one who chased Gabriel. He wants to be with her but he thought it was way better for him to stay in the shadows and let them live their lives. They "dated" for months because she was waiting for him to finally admit that he's her "dead" husband. Which he did eventually, and he thought she would get mad or push him away, but none of that happened. She decided that he's her forever, and even though the way they started was unconventional, they both accepted that they're not normal.
The epilogue was years later, and they have two children and one on the way. Only Val knows that her husband, Gregor, is also Gabriel.
Anyhoo, this was okay and emotionally draining with everything that went down here. I didn't like the two separations that happened, but it is what it is. Also, it pissed me off that Gabriel loved his ex-wife. 😑 They had a conversation after he got married to Val, and his ex-wife accused him of still loving her, and he said "maybe" 😑. Tbf, he said that what he had for Val is something he never felt before, not even for his ex, but I still didn't like that he loved someone else. It's a me problem obviously, but whatever.
I hate lying in my romance fiction, and the majority of this story revolves around lies and secrets. It was maddening and satisfying at the same time when everything unfolded. And as for the usual complaint, the body-betraying syndrome of Val has gotten worse here. There's a lot of steamy scenes here, like in the first book; these scenes took up almost half of the story.
As for the romance, it was a hard-fought battle to get their HEA, but I'm really happy for them. They both made sacrifices, and I'm just glad they became finally free to be together.
Overall, this was good—better than what I had imagined. The duet was emotionally draining and heavy, but the ending was worth it. Readers have to be patient though before it gets better. Still worth recommending, imo, if readers are into dark romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
A roller coaster of emotions...
I honestly feel very sad to see the series come to an end, I found it really hard to "extract" myself from Gabriel's and Valentina's world cause I adored both characters and especially the plot.
One thing for sure is that all your questions are going to be answered in this part...
The author has outdone herself (as always) with the finale.. so many things are happening, blow-minding twists, explosive secrets will be revealed, emotions are all over the place... sadness, happiness then sadness again and after that, you feel angry and then again happy... as I said a roller-coaster of emotions!
Besides Gabriel and Valentina, I adored, even more, Charlie and of course in this part, I fell in love with both Rhett and Quincy.. never thought that these well trained/deadly guards will become such sweet and supported guys!!!
In this review, I have to be even more careful than the first one cause the whole book contains many spoilers and many wow facts and scenes than the first one. The characters developed steadily throughout the story and you can definitely see the differences from the first part. I want to thank Mrs. Pauls for providing me the ARCs and I can't wait to read the next great story she is going to create!
Check out my review for Dubious the first book of the series!
-> -> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I honestly feel very sad to see the series come to an end, I found it really hard to "extract" myself from Gabriel's and Valentina's world cause I adored both characters and especially the plot.
One thing for sure is that all your questions are going to be answered in this part...
The author has outdone herself (as always) with the finale.. so many things are happening, blow-minding twists, explosive secrets will be revealed, emotions are all over the place... sadness, happiness then sadness again and after that, you feel angry and then again happy... as I said a roller-coaster of emotions!
Besides Gabriel and Valentina, I adored, even more, Charlie and of course in this part, I fell in love with both Rhett and Quincy.. never thought that these well trained/deadly guards will become such sweet and supported guys!!!
In this review, I have to be even more careful than the first one cause the whole book contains many spoilers and many wow facts and scenes than the first one. The characters developed steadily throughout the story and you can definitely see the differences from the first part. I want to thank Mrs. Pauls for providing me the ARCs and I can't wait to read the next great story she is going to create!
Check out my review for Dubious the first book of the series!
-> -> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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