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Beauty in the Stolen #3
Stolen Love
A DIAMOND MAGNATE NOVEL
Once upon a time, a thief stole me in the middle of the night. He took what he wanted, gave me an illusion, and ripped it all away to claim his ultimate trophy. My heart may be physically weak, but fighting to live made me stronger. I won’t perish as easily as that. I’m turning the tables on him. After all, I learned from the best. I’m robbing him of what he stole from me.
*Stolen Love concludes the trilogy.
Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)
Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)
Once upon a time, a thief stole me in the middle of the night. He took what he wanted, gave me an illusion, and ripped it all away to claim his ultimate trophy. My heart may be physically weak, but fighting to live made me stronger. I won’t perish as easily as that. I’m turning the tables on him. After all, I learned from the best. I’m robbing him of what he stole from me.
*Stolen Love concludes the trilogy.
Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)
Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)
220 pages, ebook
Published June 22, 2021
120 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
72 books1,838 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 243 reviews
March 16, 2023
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.” Lifting our locked hands to my chest, I place her hand over my heart. “You live in here, inside me, and you always will, no matter who comes after me or who takes my place. You’ll always be a part of me. I’ll always belong to you. That’s why you’re mine.”
If this don’t buys you to read this book, nothing will…
This series was the best. The characters were strong and lovely.
It’s worth the reading.
If this don’t buys you to read this book, nothing will…
This series was the best. The characters were strong and lovely.
It’s worth the reading.
November 23, 2021
I was gagging to get my mitts on this final book especially after that astounding and shocking cliffhanger we were given in the previous one.
This is the continuation and conclusion of Ian’s and Cas’s story and this actually begins a year later.
I personally would have preferred it to start straight after but I still followed where this went avidly even as it slightly broke my heart at the same time.
Ian is still very much grieving while Cas is a changed woman after being nursed back to health by the local villagers she’s now out for revenge on the man she believes ordered her death while Ian is still under the mistaken assumption that she betrayed him.
When these two again connect things don’t go quite to plan and they both find themselves running for the lives from a vengeful cop who wants Cas silenced and Ian’s head on a block.
This was fast-paced and well written it had some truly painful moments and both Cas and Ian have to deal with the fallout from the past. We get to meet up again with Damian and Leon also reared his head. Ian also proves just how far he’ll go to protect the woman who completely owns his heart whilst Cas just wants to save him right back.
Got to say though my favourite part of this whole book was that elevator scene with Damian that was pure viewing gold absolutely hilarious and I greatly appreciated the touch of humour this added.
This series has been a rollercoaster one that I’ve enjoyed greatly it’s a trilogy so does need to be read in order and I definitely recommend it this author always manages to suck me right into the action investing me and spinning such a gripping yarn a definite auto-buy now for me.
I’m looking forward to experiencing Leon’s story next.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Stolen love. (Beauty In The Stolen, #3).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 20, 2021
Suspenseful, creative, and twisty! 💥💥 So much love for this one!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one likes a cliffhanger. No one! But when you get to crack that book in the next installment with the answer to the rest of the story, it seriously makes your day.
I have to say this couple was one of my favorites to read and I’m definitely sad now that I’ve said goodbye. This book was everything!! It lived up to the building suspense from the prior stories and leaves you smiling.
I am not sharing much because you seriously need to read book 3. Stolen Love is mainly focused on connection, retribution, and of course, the depth of love for one another.
While it is low on the steam meter, your heart will definitely be fulfilled at the end. Paul’s loaded it with twists, turns, and suspense. You find yourself cheering them on. It’s truly a great conclusion.
Pauls steps out from the pack with her edgy, dark romance stories that leave you craving more with every new publication. I’m just addicted to her books!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review https://amidlifewife.com/stolen-love-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one likes a cliffhanger. No one! But when you get to crack that book in the next installment with the answer to the rest of the story, it seriously makes your day.
I have to say this couple was one of my favorites to read and I’m definitely sad now that I’ve said goodbye. This book was everything!! It lived up to the building suspense from the prior stories and leaves you smiling.
I am not sharing much because you seriously need to read book 3. Stolen Love is mainly focused on connection, retribution, and of course, the depth of love for one another.
While it is low on the steam meter, your heart will definitely be fulfilled at the end. Paul’s loaded it with twists, turns, and suspense. You find yourself cheering them on. It’s truly a great conclusion.
Pauls steps out from the pack with her edgy, dark romance stories that leave you craving more with every new publication. I’m just addicted to her books!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review https://amidlifewife.com/stolen-love-...
June 22, 2021
“Love makes you blind, but so does vengeance.”
Charmaine Pauls rips my heart out and then tucks it back in every time. She truly is a master at capturing the full range of emotion.
They say there’s only a thin line between love and hate. Stolen Love follows the explosive ending of Stolen Life with a vengeful exchange between two former lovers. But, the reappearance of a deadly enemy puts things in their proper perspective.
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.”
I can’t tell you how Charmaine blew me away with this story. I mean it. I can’t tell you. This book made me both HATE her and LOVE her. Kind of mirrors Cas and Ian’s tumultuous reunion. Once again, she delivers a bold and emotional storyline that makes us cry and rage and reflect, but definitely won’t leave us complacent. Her words are bold, poetic, and resonant. This story made me think and feel so hard that my head and my heart were at war! It is artistic manipulation at its most brilliant.
To give us some respite, Charmaine pops in some much needed cameos from Lina, Damien, Josh, and Josie. They were breaths of fresh air in Ian and Cas’ intense, high stakes, high action roller coaster adventure. This one continues to haunt my heart weeks later. No one makes me feel as deeply as Charmaine.
“You. That’s all I’ve wanted from the moment I laid eyes on you. Just you.”
For more book-related fun, please follow my Bookstagram!
(This is my opinion, but you should know that I beta and ARC read for this author.)
Charmaine Pauls rips my heart out and then tucks it back in every time. She truly is a master at capturing the full range of emotion.
They say there’s only a thin line between love and hate. Stolen Love follows the explosive ending of Stolen Life with a vengeful exchange between two former lovers. But, the reappearance of a deadly enemy puts things in their proper perspective.
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.”
I can’t tell you how Charmaine blew me away with this story. I mean it. I can’t tell you. This book made me both HATE her and LOVE her. Kind of mirrors Cas and Ian’s tumultuous reunion. Once again, she delivers a bold and emotional storyline that makes us cry and rage and reflect, but definitely won’t leave us complacent. Her words are bold, poetic, and resonant. This story made me think and feel so hard that my head and my heart were at war! It is artistic manipulation at its most brilliant.
To give us some respite, Charmaine pops in some much needed cameos from Lina, Damien, Josh, and Josie. They were breaths of fresh air in Ian and Cas’ intense, high stakes, high action roller coaster adventure. This one continues to haunt my heart weeks later. No one makes me feel as deeply as Charmaine.
“You. That’s all I’ve wanted from the moment I laid eyes on you. Just you.”
For more book-related fun, please follow my Bookstagram!
(This is my opinion, but you should know that I beta and ARC read for this author.)
June 9, 2021
Happy?
I’m ecstatic
Stolen Lust was fabulous.
Stolen Life was brilliant.
Stolen Love was beautiful.
After the unbelievable cliffhanger (truly evil author move) on the previous book I couldn’t wait to start this. And I truly mean that, I changed my plans and dropped the book I was currently reading like a hot potato. I don’t remember ever wanting a book as much as I did this one. And it didn’t disappoint.
There’s no spoilers here so there’s very little I can say that won’t spoil it in some way.
This is another amazing series. I do love the Hart family and I’m so looking forward to Leon’s book (no inside information here just hoping we get his book. I mean seriously the author can’t leave him out although after that cliffhanger I wouldn’t put anything past her).
I loved this book, I loved Ian and Cas, the story beginning, middle and end. In other words everything.
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.” Lifting our locked hands to my chest, I place her hand over my heart. “You live in here, inside me, and you always will, no matter who comes after me or who takes my place. You’ll always be a part of me. I’ll always belong to you. That’s why you’re mine.”
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided the author.
I’m ecstatic
Stolen Lust was fabulous.
Stolen Life was brilliant.
Stolen Love was beautiful.
After the unbelievable cliffhanger (truly evil author move) on the previous book I couldn’t wait to start this. And I truly mean that, I changed my plans and dropped the book I was currently reading like a hot potato. I don’t remember ever wanting a book as much as I did this one. And it didn’t disappoint.
There’s no spoilers here so there’s very little I can say that won’t spoil it in some way.
This is another amazing series. I do love the Hart family and I’m so looking forward to Leon’s book (no inside information here just hoping we get his book. I mean seriously the author can’t leave him out although after that cliffhanger I wouldn’t put anything past her).
I loved this book, I loved Ian and Cas, the story beginning, middle and end. In other words everything.
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.” Lifting our locked hands to my chest, I place her hand over my heart. “You live in here, inside me, and you always will, no matter who comes after me or who takes my place. You’ll always be a part of me. I’ll always belong to you. That’s why you’re mine.”
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided the author.
June 14, 2021
Spoilers included below
The things that I liked most about the series including this 3rd and last book, are the hero Ian and his and Cas' relationship. I love jealous, possessive, obsessed and faithful heroes and Ian was, in spades. From the moment that Ian met Cas she was it for him. From the start to the finish. From the first book to the last. No other one but Cas would do. He had no other love but her. It didn’t matter that there was a 1 year separation and he thought that she was dead. He was faithful to her and she was faithful to him. Ian could not even get hard for another woman and I loved it.
Sure in the first book Ian tried to ignore the feelings but he couldn't and he took her even though she didn’t want to be with him. I get so bored when heroine give in and that didn’t happen here. I liked that Cas fought her feelings for Ian in the first book and periodically through the next two books. Cas made him work for it but when she was in, she was in. She accepted her love for Ian despite all of the pain and suffering she endured because of her relationship with him.
Not every book can appeal to every reader and I will admit that I didn’t like this book as much as the first two.
While I liked that this book, like the other two had sexy times, they were not as hot and it took too long for them to happen. In addition a great chance for them to occur early in the book was missed, which is described below.
Book 2 was ended on cliffhanger and this book started good. Cas wants to get revenge against Ian for the things that she perceived that he did to her. She changed her appearance and pretended to be a prostitute who was trying to pick him up. Initially not knowing it was Cas, Ian was thrown that he got hard for her as in 1 year he had zero interest in OW. He had no intention of being with her, thinking that she was OW but wanted to walk her back to where she was staying to get her back safely.
While Ian was walking behind her he was shocked by all of the dirty things that he wanted to do with her. He was also surprised how jealous and possessive he felt about this prostitute, when he only ever felt that way about Cas
The sexual tension was starting to build between the two of them and I was 100% in and ready for hot sexy times to commence. Before they reach her hotel room Ian figures out who Cas is based on something that she did. He thinks,
“My only aim is getting her across the street and into her room when I can strip her down to the truth. She is my Cas. I know it. I know it with an inborn instinct.”
“I have an unstoppable urge to press her against that wood and slide my hand up her thigh under that skirt.”
“Bracing a palm on the doorframe, I lean in. Our bodies barely brush together but every inch of her length burns my skin through the layers of our clothes. I title my head to the arch of her neck and inhale that erroneous scent of candy while she’s going through her bag, ignorant about the fact that I’m sniffing her like a dog in heat.”
“I slide an arm around her waist, hold out my palm in front of her, and order in a gruff voice, “Give me the key”.
I was 100% in and ready for the sexy times to commence. However they didn’t. A couple of things happen including a bad guy appears on the scene and they don’t. They don’t even kiss. I felt letdown.
Also, what happens to Cas, before she sees Ian again, was depressing and bummed me out. The reader finds these things out very early in the story and for me it set the mood for the entire book. I kept hoping that what happened to her didn’t have permanent ramifications but it did and so the ending was bittersweet, at least for me.
There is no question that the author is a good writer and I will be reading the next book that she publishes, as long as it like the books in the series, no cheating with a jealous and possessive hero.
The things that I liked most about the series including this 3rd and last book, are the hero Ian and his and Cas' relationship. I love jealous, possessive, obsessed and faithful heroes and Ian was, in spades. From the moment that Ian met Cas she was it for him. From the start to the finish. From the first book to the last. No other one but Cas would do. He had no other love but her. It didn’t matter that there was a 1 year separation and he thought that she was dead. He was faithful to her and she was faithful to him. Ian could not even get hard for another woman and I loved it.
Sure in the first book Ian tried to ignore the feelings but he couldn't and he took her even though she didn’t want to be with him. I get so bored when heroine give in and that didn’t happen here. I liked that Cas fought her feelings for Ian in the first book and periodically through the next two books. Cas made him work for it but when she was in, she was in. She accepted her love for Ian despite all of the pain and suffering she endured because of her relationship with him.
Not every book can appeal to every reader and I will admit that I didn’t like this book as much as the first two.
While I liked that this book, like the other two had sexy times, they were not as hot and it took too long for them to happen. In addition a great chance for them to occur early in the book was missed, which is described below.
Book 2 was ended on cliffhanger and this book started good. Cas wants to get revenge against Ian for the things that she perceived that he did to her. She changed her appearance and pretended to be a prostitute who was trying to pick him up. Initially not knowing it was Cas, Ian was thrown that he got hard for her as in 1 year he had zero interest in OW. He had no intention of being with her, thinking that she was OW but wanted to walk her back to where she was staying to get her back safely.
While Ian was walking behind her he was shocked by all of the dirty things that he wanted to do with her. He was also surprised how jealous and possessive he felt about this prostitute, when he only ever felt that way about Cas
The sexual tension was starting to build between the two of them and I was 100% in and ready for hot sexy times to commence. Before they reach her hotel room Ian figures out who Cas is based on something that she did. He thinks,
“My only aim is getting her across the street and into her room when I can strip her down to the truth. She is my Cas. I know it. I know it with an inborn instinct.”
“I have an unstoppable urge to press her against that wood and slide my hand up her thigh under that skirt.”
“Bracing a palm on the doorframe, I lean in. Our bodies barely brush together but every inch of her length burns my skin through the layers of our clothes. I title my head to the arch of her neck and inhale that erroneous scent of candy while she’s going through her bag, ignorant about the fact that I’m sniffing her like a dog in heat.”
“I slide an arm around her waist, hold out my palm in front of her, and order in a gruff voice, “Give me the key”.
I was 100% in and ready for the sexy times to commence. However they didn’t. A couple of things happen including a bad guy appears on the scene and they don’t. They don’t even kiss. I felt letdown.
Also, what happens to Cas, before she sees Ian again, was depressing and bummed me out. The reader finds these things out very early in the story and for me it set the mood for the entire book. I kept hoping that what happened to her didn’t have permanent ramifications but it did and so the ending was bittersweet, at least for me.
There is no question that the author is a good writer and I will be reading the next book that she publishes, as long as it like the books in the series, no cheating with a jealous and possessive hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
This. Was. EPIC!!! After the cliffhanger from book two, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was going to be good, but I never realized how truly amazing it was going to be.
Not only this book, but this series, is multi-layered, always pulling me further and further into this incredible world. Everything about this story and its characters is so well developed, I could vividly picture it, taste it, feel it with each turn of the page. I never wanted it to end.
This was filled with action, drama, and angst all wrapped in twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. And through it all is the simmering tension between Ian and Cas. I don’t want to spoil anything but I have to say that there were periods of time that I found myself sobbing over the situation they found themselves in either individually or as a couple.
Truly, this was such a beautiful, heart wrenching, highly satisfying read. Can’t wait for more in this series!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Not only this book, but this series, is multi-layered, always pulling me further and further into this incredible world. Everything about this story and its characters is so well developed, I could vividly picture it, taste it, feel it with each turn of the page. I never wanted it to end.
This was filled with action, drama, and angst all wrapped in twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. And through it all is the simmering tension between Ian and Cas. I don’t want to spoil anything but I have to say that there were periods of time that I found myself sobbing over the situation they found themselves in either individually or as a couple.
Truly, this was such a beautiful, heart wrenching, highly satisfying read. Can’t wait for more in this series!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
June 10, 2021
Reading Charmaine's stories is like literally taking a journey into the minds and feelings of her characters, into customs and cultures of a nation I have never visited but only dreamed of. Her words flow beautifully with grace and poise, and then the characters come through strong and clear.
Cas and Ian have been on a spectacular journey. Their love is strong and intense, their passion is stunningly lovely, their connection is unparalleled.
The setting for these characters is breathtakingly exquisite, Charmaine uses her beautiful words to paint the background, from the beautiful river, to the waterfalls, to the animals, I could imagine I was there listening, experiencing all those wonders. And the lore and tales of the river were superb.
I am sad this couples story is over, and I hope to see them cameo in future books like Damian and Lina and the mentions of Zoe? And what about Leon, will he be next? (I hope so)
I encourage you to embark on these stories of Hart siblings and the adventures they continue to entertain and delight this reader.
Cas and Ian have been on a spectacular journey. Their love is strong and intense, their passion is stunningly lovely, their connection is unparalleled.
The setting for these characters is breathtakingly exquisite, Charmaine uses her beautiful words to paint the background, from the beautiful river, to the waterfalls, to the animals, I could imagine I was there listening, experiencing all those wonders. And the lore and tales of the river were superb.
I am sad this couples story is over, and I hope to see them cameo in future books like Damian and Lina and the mentions of Zoe? And what about Leon, will he be next? (I hope so)
I encourage you to embark on these stories of Hart siblings and the adventures they continue to entertain and delight this reader.
June 22, 2021
Warning spoilers.
Series must be read in order.
Book 2 was left on a huge cliffhanger.
Book 3 starts with the heroine recovered seeking revenge.
During the separation, which is a year, neither are with anyone else.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero had arranged to have her shot, or so it appeared in the previous book.
There were some events that were skimmed over so the story starts a year later, they were some events I would have liked to see.
Revenge on Reuben, her healing by the villagers that was all pretty much predictable from book 2 but we start the story a year later so these events are told to us as happened.
She looses the baby and has to have a hysterectomy, so no more kids.
When they get together again she felt he had her shot and he felt she betrayed him.
They both get to explain.
He says he didn't ask Reuben to shoot her, he acted himself.
She gets to explain the deal with the bent police detective.
I could see his explanation that Reuben acted without his say so and there is a comment he took her out on the river so there were no bugs which considering he thought she was setting him up, okay but he seems genuinely shocked shed think he wanted her dead. I just couldn't quite understand why he did it the way he did.
The story went in a different direction to what I was expecting, sorting out the detective.
We have scenes of Damian and Lina from previous books and talk of Zoe and Maxime.
Breadcrumbs dropped for Leo's book.
Events in the book cause the heroine to realize she loves him too much to hold events against him and the Hero is totally devoted to her.
HEA.
ARC.
Series must be read in order.
Book 2 was left on a huge cliffhanger.
Book 3 starts with the heroine recovered seeking revenge.
During the separation, which is a year, neither are with anyone else.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero had arranged to have her shot, or so it appeared in the previous book.
There were some events that were skimmed over so the story starts a year later, they were some events I would have liked to see.
Revenge on Reuben, her healing by the villagers that was all pretty much predictable from book 2 but we start the story a year later so these events are told to us as happened.
She looses the baby and has to have a hysterectomy, so no more kids.
When they get together again she felt he had her shot and he felt she betrayed him.
They both get to explain.
He says he didn't ask Reuben to shoot her, he acted himself.
She gets to explain the deal with the bent police detective.
I could see his explanation that Reuben acted without his say so and there is a comment he took her out on the river so there were no bugs which considering he thought she was setting him up, okay but he seems genuinely shocked shed think he wanted her dead. I just couldn't quite understand why he did it the way he did.
The story went in a different direction to what I was expecting, sorting out the detective.
We have scenes of Damian and Lina from previous books and talk of Zoe and Maxime.
Breadcrumbs dropped for Leo's book.
Events in the book cause the heroine to realize she loves him too much to hold events against him and the Hero is totally devoted to her.
HEA.
ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
4.5 almost 5! Interesting story with lot of twist. Each chapter in all 3 books are different and unpredictable! Try it and you will fall in love with the loving Hero and strong heroine in South Africa!
June 17, 2021
Oh boy!! Charmaine puts the readers in a barrel and throws them over the waterfall, I can guarantee you'll barely survive this non stop, action packed, Rollercoaster ride with your heart & soul intact.
This book just hit the ground running. Starting at the exact place book 2 Stolen Life left us submerged in the water, at the bottom of the tumbling Zambezi river, right at the edge of Victoria Falls!!.
I mean, let me take a breather Charmaine!! but nooo, the story gallops full steam towards me like a herd of angry hippos, both feral and lethal. It just tramples all the sentiments and love that had built up in the first two books. All i see is smashed hearts, crushed lives and shattered trust.
"Love makes you blind, but so does vengeance."
I was stumped as to what will Charmaine do to bring this story around?
How will Ian Holt recover from such a huge personal loss?
How will Cassandra Joubert ever live to see another day?
All these questions swirled in the aftermath of violently passionate tale of drowned love in this scintillating and riveting series.
"Time does what time does. It fades memories. When she wakes up one morning and has difficulty recalling my face, this knowledge will see her through. When she wonders if I still love her, she’ll only have to remember I’ve always been a man of my word."
You will be on tenterhooks with every page turned and every chapter finished. The end cannot come fast enough as Charmaine serves and twists and u-turns and rides this juggernaut on the dead end street. She's masterfully plotted this intriguing, illusive story. Like a hardened carbon turned diamond, Hart brothers have been through all kinds of unimaginable hardships to emerge as brilliant masters of their respective domains.
"Blood is thicker than water"
...and this is proven time and time again throughout this series.
Fabulous job done Charmaine, don't rest too much, we need to hear Leon's story(Trilogy) next!!
This family of Hot Sexy brothers just keep on giving🥰
5 stars for Goddess NyamiNyami
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
This book just hit the ground running. Starting at the exact place book 2 Stolen Life left us submerged in the water, at the bottom of the tumbling Zambezi river, right at the edge of Victoria Falls!!.
I mean, let me take a breather Charmaine!! but nooo, the story gallops full steam towards me like a herd of angry hippos, both feral and lethal. It just tramples all the sentiments and love that had built up in the first two books. All i see is smashed hearts, crushed lives and shattered trust.
"Love makes you blind, but so does vengeance."
I was stumped as to what will Charmaine do to bring this story around?
How will Ian Holt recover from such a huge personal loss?
How will Cassandra Joubert ever live to see another day?
All these questions swirled in the aftermath of violently passionate tale of drowned love in this scintillating and riveting series.
"Time does what time does. It fades memories. When she wakes up one morning and has difficulty recalling my face, this knowledge will see her through. When she wonders if I still love her, she’ll only have to remember I’ve always been a man of my word."
You will be on tenterhooks with every page turned and every chapter finished. The end cannot come fast enough as Charmaine serves and twists and u-turns and rides this juggernaut on the dead end street. She's masterfully plotted this intriguing, illusive story. Like a hardened carbon turned diamond, Hart brothers have been through all kinds of unimaginable hardships to emerge as brilliant masters of their respective domains.
"Blood is thicker than water"
...and this is proven time and time again throughout this series.
Fabulous job done Charmaine, don't rest too much, we need to hear Leon's story(Trilogy) next!!
This family of Hot Sexy brothers just keep on giving🥰
5 stars for Goddess NyamiNyami
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
June 9, 2021
Hold onto your seat because this last book is going to take you for a ride! Scratch that, this whole series is going to take you for a ride. I loved it. It was action packed, which means it read very fast. Ian is everything you can want in an anti hero. Cas seemed too innocent at first but once Ian corrupted her heart, she turned out to be quite the anti heroine as well. I enjoyed every moment of this couple, their story, and the Hart siblings that we got sneak peaks of. If you have enjoyed her other Hart series, you will enjoy this one just as much if not more.
October 14, 2023
2/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶
Después de que el segundo libro me dejara en vilo, el cierre de esta trilogia, me decepcionó.
Si bien hay mucha acción y muchas cosas que pasan, no fue encierre esperado
Lo que no me gustó de este tercer libro es el cambio en el tono. De golpe se puso súper dramático y los otros libros no eran así.
Hasta lo spicy brilla por su ausencia.
El obligado happy ending, lo sentí agridulce. Creo que los protagonistas, sobre todo ella, no merecía pagar semejante precio. Tampoco la revancha se sintió suficiente.
Pero bue.
La historia es linda. Me quedo con el libro 2 que me encantó y hago de cuenta que el tercero no ocurrió... jajaja.
2/5🌶
Después de que el segundo libro me dejara en vilo, el cierre de esta trilogia, me decepcionó.
Si bien hay mucha acción y muchas cosas que pasan, no fue encierre esperado
Lo que no me gustó de este tercer libro es el cambio en el tono. De golpe se puso súper dramático y los otros libros no eran así.
Hasta lo spicy brilla por su ausencia.
El obligado happy ending, lo sentí agridulce. Creo que los protagonistas, sobre todo ella, no merecía pagar semejante precio. Tampoco la revancha se sintió suficiente.
Pero bue.
La historia es linda. Me quedo con el libro 2 que me encantó y hago de cuenta que el tercero no ocurrió... jajaja.
June 22, 2021
If you thought Stolen Life was fast paced, then wait until you read Stolen Love. It starts off right where Stolen Life left off and let me tell you that Charmaine Pauls knocked it out over the waterfall on this one.
Ian and Cas’s love story was real and very emotional. I could feel the emotions both went through as they realized what really happened between them. I’m not going to give out anymore because you really need to experience what I experienced.
Could Cas and Ian ever forgive one another? Would their love be able to survive all the blows that kept coming at them? Would they ever be able to live and love each other with not secrets and lies between them? Thank you, Charmaine, for sharing your gems with us! I can’t wait for what else you will grace us with. Kara~ 5 Heart Pounding Stars
Ian and Cas’s love story was real and very emotional. I could feel the emotions both went through as they realized what really happened between them. I’m not going to give out anymore because you really need to experience what I experienced.
Could Cas and Ian ever forgive one another? Would their love be able to survive all the blows that kept coming at them? Would they ever be able to live and love each other with not secrets and lies between them? Thank you, Charmaine, for sharing your gems with us! I can’t wait for what else you will grace us with. Kara~ 5 Heart Pounding Stars
June 23, 2021
Charmaine Pauls is one of my favorite dark romance suspense writers- she packs so much action and heat into her highly entertaining and adrenaline packed stories. And after that jaw dropping and heartbreaking finale, I was so excited to dive back into this story and discover just WHAT happened to Cas and Ian- and how they were going to come back from that devastating moment. In this action packed and surprising finale- we get all the answers!
I love Charmaine’s unique dark storytelling- she goes for the jugular, keeps the action and steam high, and writes plots that are somehow equal parts emotive, engaging, yet efficient. I have found, though, that the third book in her trilogies is often my least favorite of the three, even if I love the series as a whole, and such is the case here. One of my least favorite plot conventions is the unnecessary time hop to separate the couple- and then a hasty and easy resolution once they are reunited. I get the reasoning- it gives characters time to grow and mature, but that is what actually frustrates me about it- all of the authentic and important character evolution happens OFF page- and after a gargantuan misunderstanding, all of the emotional processing and complex growth occurs without us seeing it or feeling it. Cas tells us she’s different, Ian has learned from his mistakes- but we don’t see that growth. And without that, when their resolution is so quick and easy, it makes the time hop feel like a plot contrivance and unnecessary. All it took was one meeting and a simple conversation to clear the air! Of course, I don't want to belabor it, I want them together, too- but with such an action heavy finale and this time jumping plot device (that CP uses often), I can’t help but feel like we missed some of the good emotional stuff. Their trauma and heartbreak is absent (and Cas in particular suffered GREATLY), and the make-up is glossed over and too brief- I just wanted more emotional resolution to go with all the action- to me that was the heart of this story, and that’s the part that let me down a bit.
All that said, I still love this trilogy and really enjoyed the finale- the rest was amazing and super entertaining-we got all the truth and many answers, we get a chance to catch up with a beloved character, and we have lots of fast-paced, high octane action to keep the pages turning. Our characters do get their version of a HEA- and we have some sweet moments and ample steam amidst all the danger and twists. All in all, I enjoyed this trilogy and love these characters and this diamond magnate world- looking forward to seeing what Charmaine cooks up next.
I love Charmaine’s unique dark storytelling- she goes for the jugular, keeps the action and steam high, and writes plots that are somehow equal parts emotive, engaging, yet efficient. I have found, though, that the third book in her trilogies is often my least favorite of the three, even if I love the series as a whole, and such is the case here. One of my least favorite plot conventions is the unnecessary time hop to separate the couple- and then a hasty and easy resolution once they are reunited. I get the reasoning- it gives characters time to grow and mature, but that is what actually frustrates me about it- all of the authentic and important character evolution happens OFF page- and after a gargantuan misunderstanding, all of the emotional processing and complex growth occurs without us seeing it or feeling it. Cas tells us she’s different, Ian has learned from his mistakes- but we don’t see that growth. And without that, when their resolution is so quick and easy, it makes the time hop feel like a plot contrivance and unnecessary. All it took was one meeting and a simple conversation to clear the air! Of course, I don't want to belabor it, I want them together, too- but with such an action heavy finale and this time jumping plot device (that CP uses often), I can’t help but feel like we missed some of the good emotional stuff. Their trauma and heartbreak is absent (and Cas in particular suffered GREATLY), and the make-up is glossed over and too brief- I just wanted more emotional resolution to go with all the action- to me that was the heart of this story, and that’s the part that let me down a bit.
All that said, I still love this trilogy and really enjoyed the finale- the rest was amazing and super entertaining-we got all the truth and many answers, we get a chance to catch up with a beloved character, and we have lots of fast-paced, high octane action to keep the pages turning. Our characters do get their version of a HEA- and we have some sweet moments and ample steam amidst all the danger and twists. All in all, I enjoyed this trilogy and love these characters and this diamond magnate world- looking forward to seeing what Charmaine cooks up next.
September 27, 2022
My 250th book of 2022!
The second productive thing I've done today is to finish this series (the Diamond Magnate) and trilogy. I took my book to the library to finish reading it because I couldn't stand to be in my dorm room anymore. It's not like there's a couch in my dorm room, but there is one in the library.
So there was a lull and I was feeling slightly over this story, right, and then it got SO good! So suspenseful. The last 100 pages were an amazing study of how to resolve a conflict. I wasn't expecting the twist of
I don't think Cas and I would be friends IRL, but I liked how she was a strong heroine, badass, not afraid to fire a shot, and didn't let her heart defect stop her. I also really liked the analogy to the story of the African river god pining for his wife that both Ian and Cas wore matching pendants of.
If you're not opposed to reading a dark romance trilogy (580 pages) with the hero being a professional thief and repeatedly kidnapping the heroine, definitely check this one out!
I laughed out loud in the second to last chapter with Damian's POV. It wasn't needed for the romance story, but it was a nice bonus scene to segway into Leon's romance story (Imperfect Intentions/Affections). I just hope Ian won't be robbing the Louvre in the future, LOL. Don't tempt fate, lol. Also, I was like seriously? (ew) when they lay down in the dirt to have sex on the last page. But at the same time, I like how Charmaine didn't try to make Ian 100% give up his thieving ways because that wouldn't fit with his character, and this is fiction--no one needs to be a morally upstanding person.
The second productive thing I've done today is to finish this series (the Diamond Magnate) and trilogy. I took my book to the library to finish reading it because I couldn't stand to be in my dorm room anymore. It's not like there's a couch in my dorm room, but there is one in the library.
So there was a lull and I was feeling slightly over this story, right, and then it got SO good! So suspenseful. The last 100 pages were an amazing study of how to resolve a conflict. I wasn't expecting the twist of
I don't think Cas and I would be friends IRL, but I liked how she was a strong heroine, badass, not afraid to fire a shot, and didn't let her heart defect stop her. I also really liked the analogy to the story of the African river god pining for his wife that both Ian and Cas wore matching pendants of.
If you're not opposed to reading a dark romance trilogy (580 pages) with the hero being a professional thief and repeatedly kidnapping the heroine, definitely check this one out!
I laughed out loud in the second to last chapter with Damian's POV. It wasn't needed for the romance story, but it was a nice bonus scene to segway into Leon's romance story (Imperfect Intentions/Affections). I just hope Ian won't be robbing the Louvre in the future, LOL. Don't tempt fate, lol. Also, I was like seriously? (ew) when they lay down in the dirt to have sex on the last page. But at the same time, I like how Charmaine didn't try to make Ian 100% give up his thieving ways because that wouldn't fit with his character, and this is fiction--no one needs to be a morally upstanding person.
June 10, 2021
It feels surreal that Ian and Cas' story is over. This trilogy has been so amazing, heartbreaking, and action-packed from start to finish. Stolen Love felt different from the second book but the feelings and emotions were just as turbulent. Charmaine Pauls did an exceptional job tying up all the loose ends for our hero and heroine by leaving us with a future that is bright and with so much potential. A lot has happened since the events in Stolen Life and with that heart-wrenching ending, I was waiting with bated breath for their eventual reunion. Let's just say I was not disappointed. Despite everything, Ian and Cas are still in love with each other. However, there are painful consequences that must be addressed. I am completely satisfied with what Ian decided to do in the aftermath of that ending.
Charmaine Pauls has crafted a love story that is full of angst and emotion since the beginning and this last book in the trilogy is no different. I would say that it's the most action-packed and suspenseful out of the three. Cas is a changed woman. Parts of her remain the same but her heart is gone because it was given to a thief by the name of Ian Hart. So many revelations, truths, and misunderstandings between the two are finally brought to light. The story begins with Cas who has decided to track down Ian to enact revenge. At first, I was really confused but then I also understood where she was coming from. However, I also knew that things weren't going to go as planned. The love that these two had for each other, despite everything that has happened, was my favorite part of this book. They're soulmates, plain and simple.
In the end, Stolen Love was an outstanding ending to the trilogy and will absolutely leave you on the edge of your seat and in tears while wanting more. Might I say a book for Leon Hart and his special someone? We also get a special appearance from Damian Hart and Lina! Zoe and Maxime were also mentioned. I loved Ian and Cas so much. Their love story started off dark but it became so much more. To Ian, Cas is the only one for him and vice versa. If you love reading books with a badass hero and heroine who go through so many trials and tribulations to be together, then I highly recommend this trilogy! You won't regret it!
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
"Love makes you blind, but so does vengeance."
Charmaine Pauls has crafted a love story that is full of angst and emotion since the beginning and this last book in the trilogy is no different. I would say that it's the most action-packed and suspenseful out of the three. Cas is a changed woman. Parts of her remain the same but her heart is gone because it was given to a thief by the name of Ian Hart. So many revelations, truths, and misunderstandings between the two are finally brought to light. The story begins with Cas who has decided to track down Ian to enact revenge. At first, I was really confused but then I also understood where she was coming from. However, I also knew that things weren't going to go as planned. The love that these two had for each other, despite everything that has happened, was my favorite part of this book. They're soulmates, plain and simple.
"You're not mine because I own you, but because you own me… I'll always belong to you. That's why you're mine."
In the end, Stolen Love was an outstanding ending to the trilogy and will absolutely leave you on the edge of your seat and in tears while wanting more. Might I say a book for Leon Hart and his special someone? We also get a special appearance from Damian Hart and Lina! Zoe and Maxime were also mentioned. I loved Ian and Cas so much. Their love story started off dark but it became so much more. To Ian, Cas is the only one for him and vice versa. If you love reading books with a badass hero and heroine who go through so many trials and tribulations to be together, then I highly recommend this trilogy! You won't regret it!
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
August 12, 2022
This series was so, so good. - 4.5 stars-
Coming into the series, I already knew how it would end, but I didn't expect the journey to get there to be so meaningful?
Was I ok after reading the beginning of the book, and seeing the permanent repercussions on Cas and her future? No. I'm still really upset about it 😭.
But all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the series as a whole. From the character development to the general settings, the writing just worked so well for me. Ian was such a good 'hero', the way he was so undoubtedly in love with Cas, and how sensitive he was with her- I just love him. And Cas was Ian's equal in all the ways that counted. The development of their love was so real, that I'm genuinely obsessed with them as a couple.
The only things I didn't really like came down to personal preference (mainly about the cliffhangers), but the series overall got so much better with time, and was fun to read.
Coming into the series, I already knew how it would end, but I didn't expect the journey to get there to be so meaningful?
Was I ok after reading the beginning of the book, and seeing the permanent repercussions on Cas and her future? No. I'm still really upset about it 😭.
But all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the series as a whole. From the character development to the general settings, the writing just worked so well for me. Ian was such a good 'hero', the way he was so undoubtedly in love with Cas, and how sensitive he was with her- I just love him. And Cas was Ian's equal in all the ways that counted. The development of their love was so real, that I'm genuinely obsessed with them as a couple.
The only things I didn't really like came down to personal preference (mainly about the cliffhangers), but the series overall got so much better with time, and was fun to read.
June 14, 2021
I don't think I dared to even blink while reading Stolen Love by Charmaine Pauls. Magnetic. Captivating. Engrossing. This dark romantic suspense took me to a fast paced, adrenaline filled, passionate and devastatingly emotional journey.
Cas believes she has been betrayed by the man who kidnapped and stole her heart. After surviving death, she is on a mission to take revenge on Ian Hart, the most notorious criminal of the continent. But when they come face to face, all hells break lose. Truths come out and it appears the real enemy is elsewhere. It's a long road before they can even think of happily ever after.
Oh my freaking heart. I seriously cannot believe that I survived this rollercoaster. My heart was taken through heaven and hell. And I don't know what to do with all these colourful and complex emotions. The twists and turns never stopped coming. I recovered from one heart attack and immediately next action packed sequence came. Ian and Cas are unique together. The life with Ian made Cas her a stronger, more stubborn, deadly and fierce version. Do not underestimate this fiery woman. She doesn't need rescuing. Rather she can bring on rain of fury on people trying to hurt people she loves. On the other hand, the life with Cas made Ian feel that love is the most precious jewel in world. He is still the alpha antihero with violence flowing in his veins. But his anger and darkness is directed at the enemies now. Tbey emerged as an indomitable team in this conclusion and that was just pure magic. They had a rough road as they had to solve their issues without using their bodies but they did it. I felt myself on verge of tears at the ending.
Stolen Love by Charmaine Pauls drowned me in angst, chemistry and suspense and I didn't came up till the last word. This story completely consumed me.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Cas believes she has been betrayed by the man who kidnapped and stole her heart. After surviving death, she is on a mission to take revenge on Ian Hart, the most notorious criminal of the continent. But when they come face to face, all hells break lose. Truths come out and it appears the real enemy is elsewhere. It's a long road before they can even think of happily ever after.
Oh my freaking heart. I seriously cannot believe that I survived this rollercoaster. My heart was taken through heaven and hell. And I don't know what to do with all these colourful and complex emotions. The twists and turns never stopped coming. I recovered from one heart attack and immediately next action packed sequence came. Ian and Cas are unique together. The life with Ian made Cas her a stronger, more stubborn, deadly and fierce version. Do not underestimate this fiery woman. She doesn't need rescuing. Rather she can bring on rain of fury on people trying to hurt people she loves. On the other hand, the life with Cas made Ian feel that love is the most precious jewel in world. He is still the alpha antihero with violence flowing in his veins. But his anger and darkness is directed at the enemies now. Tbey emerged as an indomitable team in this conclusion and that was just pure magic. They had a rough road as they had to solve their issues without using their bodies but they did it. I felt myself on verge of tears at the ending.
Stolen Love by Charmaine Pauls drowned me in angst, chemistry and suspense and I didn't came up till the last word. This story completely consumed me.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
June 10, 2021
“You,“ I say without hesitation.
“That’s all I’ve wanted from you the moment I laid eyes on you. Just you. I have no preset ideas or qualifying criteria.”
Well, I can truly say that Cas and Ian have a love like no other. Because it’s damn near unbelievable how easily forgiving they both have been with each other.
If you’re caught up on the series, you know that book 2 leaves off on a crazy insane cliffhanger.
Then book 3 comes along and so much is glossed over. An entire year has passed with Cas healing and with getting shot, she lost a huge part of her future. So she supposedly trains and gets her mind and body ready to retaliate.
Entire year passes that is completely glossed over, and Cas and Ian reunite. Cas wants to kill Ian (yea right) And they just quickly start working with each other because they have a bigger fish to fry with one of their enemies trying to kill them both in the moment.
There was zero angst. Zero groveling. Regardless of who took the shot in book 2, I just feel like everything was glossed over and a new plot took over in book 3. It was the most disappointing book I have read this year to be honest. Book one was OK. Book two was absolutely fantastic. And book three, I am so disappointed that I have been trying to avoid reviewing this book. The author kills off two “enemies” in a simple sentence each. No one went after them they just apparently died within the year that was glossed over. So Cass does not get any vengeance on who took the shot at her in book two.
At all. Nor does she get any vengeance towards the female that started the domino fact of another enemy after her.
The characters do get an HEA. The last few paragraphs were probably my favorite when they talk about stealing a damn ostrich.
There is also an epilogue that opens up for another characters story. I know this is sort of a negative review, but I will absolutely give the new series a try. It sounds incredibly amazing as usual for Charmaine Pauls books, this series was just not for me personally.
“That’s all I’ve wanted from you the moment I laid eyes on you. Just you. I have no preset ideas or qualifying criteria.”
Well, I can truly say that Cas and Ian have a love like no other. Because it’s damn near unbelievable how easily forgiving they both have been with each other.
If you’re caught up on the series, you know that book 2 leaves off on a crazy insane cliffhanger.
Then book 3 comes along and so much is glossed over. An entire year has passed with Cas healing and with getting shot, she lost a huge part of her future. So she supposedly trains and gets her mind and body ready to retaliate.
Entire year passes that is completely glossed over, and Cas and Ian reunite. Cas wants to kill Ian (yea right) And they just quickly start working with each other because they have a bigger fish to fry with one of their enemies trying to kill them both in the moment.
There was zero angst. Zero groveling. Regardless of who took the shot in book 2, I just feel like everything was glossed over and a new plot took over in book 3. It was the most disappointing book I have read this year to be honest. Book one was OK. Book two was absolutely fantastic. And book three, I am so disappointed that I have been trying to avoid reviewing this book. The author kills off two “enemies” in a simple sentence each. No one went after them they just apparently died within the year that was glossed over. So Cass does not get any vengeance on who took the shot at her in book two.
At all. Nor does she get any vengeance towards the female that started the domino fact of another enemy after her.
The characters do get an HEA. The last few paragraphs were probably my favorite when they talk about stealing a damn ostrich.
There is also an epilogue that opens up for another characters story. I know this is sort of a negative review, but I will absolutely give the new series a try. It sounds incredibly amazing as usual for Charmaine Pauls books, this series was just not for me personally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
Trilogia indimenticabile 💘💘
Con Amore Rubato, si conclude la stupenda trilogia della serie "Rubare la bellezza". Il libro inizia riprendendo l'incredibile finale del secondo libro, Vita Rubata.
Quest'ultimo capitolo è stato molto emozionante, intenso, assolutamente avvincente e oscuro. E ammetto di aver versato anche qualche lacrimuccia.
Ho provato molta empatia per Ian e Cas, ho sentito la loro profonda disperazione, la loro rabbia e brama di vendetta, le paure e l'angoscia nella caccia al detective Wolfe, come se percepisce tantissimo il sentimento profondo e straziante tra Cassandra e Ian💘
Charmaine Pauls, ci ha regalato una serie fenomenale, geniale. una storia d'amore passionale, ben scritta e ricca di colpi di scena inaspettati, adrenalina, suspense, angst, un eroi Alfa e protettivo come piace a noi, e un eroina tosta, forte e intelligente!!
Enoltre, l'autrice ci ha fatto vivere in luoghi a dir poco affascinanti, con scenari suggestive e ambientazioni da sogno!
Infine, è stato bellissimo ritrovare Damian e Angelina, protagonisti del primo libro che apre le porte alla serie "Il Magnate dei Diamanti ".
Ora aspettiamo con ansia la storia di Leon, che l'autrice ha appena pubblicato in lingua inglese, sono fiduciosa che per fine anno l'avremo in italiano 🤞🤞
Consiglio vivamente la lettura di tutti i libri della straordinaria e originale, Charmaine Pauls!
Ringrazio la Grey Eagle pubblications, per la copia ARC di questa indimenticabile lettura❤
Con Amore Rubato, si conclude la stupenda trilogia della serie "Rubare la bellezza". Il libro inizia riprendendo l'incredibile finale del secondo libro, Vita Rubata.
Quest'ultimo capitolo è stato molto emozionante, intenso, assolutamente avvincente e oscuro. E ammetto di aver versato anche qualche lacrimuccia.
Ho provato molta empatia per Ian e Cas, ho sentito la loro profonda disperazione, la loro rabbia e brama di vendetta, le paure e l'angoscia nella caccia al detective Wolfe, come se percepisce tantissimo il sentimento profondo e straziante tra Cassandra e Ian💘
Charmaine Pauls, ci ha regalato una serie fenomenale, geniale. una storia d'amore passionale, ben scritta e ricca di colpi di scena inaspettati, adrenalina, suspense, angst, un eroi Alfa e protettivo come piace a noi, e un eroina tosta, forte e intelligente!!
Enoltre, l'autrice ci ha fatto vivere in luoghi a dir poco affascinanti, con scenari suggestive e ambientazioni da sogno!
Infine, è stato bellissimo ritrovare Damian e Angelina, protagonisti del primo libro che apre le porte alla serie "Il Magnate dei Diamanti ".
Ora aspettiamo con ansia la storia di Leon, che l'autrice ha appena pubblicato in lingua inglese, sono fiduciosa che per fine anno l'avremo in italiano 🤞🤞
Consiglio vivamente la lettura di tutti i libri della straordinaria e originale, Charmaine Pauls!
Ringrazio la Grey Eagle pubblications, per la copia ARC di questa indimenticabile lettura❤
June 22, 2021
I wanted this book right after I finished the cliffhanger of book two. It was almost painful to have to wait.
The first two books were intense, dramatic and filled with tension, sexual tension and that borderline psychopathic obsession and possessiveness that Pauls does so well. I expected angst and passion, groveling and drama out of this book. Including a majorly emotional showdown of The hero finding out he’d had his pregnant love shot!!
Nothing.
Book three picks up a YEAR later. All the drama is over. The villainous shooter, the betraying woman are dealt with off-stage, the baby is lost and more loss there, and all is done and this book’s plot goes in a totally new direction. And it’s all plot driven- none of the emotional connection and drama of books one and two.
Another reviewer nailed it when they wrote ‘glossed over’. Seriously, that is how it felt. I felt robbed of the emotional resolution I needed.
I wanted more of the same as the first books- like she’s being and he finds out the truth and kidnaps her to make her forgive and keep her safe from Wolfe... anyhoo. Not my favorite of the trio by far.
The first two books were intense, dramatic and filled with tension, sexual tension and that borderline psychopathic obsession and possessiveness that Pauls does so well. I expected angst and passion, groveling and drama out of this book. Including a majorly emotional showdown of The hero finding out he’d had his pregnant love shot!!
Nothing.
Book three picks up a YEAR later. All the drama is over. The villainous shooter, the betraying woman are dealt with off-stage, the baby is lost and more loss there, and all is done and this book’s plot goes in a totally new direction. And it’s all plot driven- none of the emotional connection and drama of books one and two.
Another reviewer nailed it when they wrote ‘glossed over’. Seriously, that is how it felt. I felt robbed of the emotional resolution I needed.
I wanted more of the same as the first books- like she’s being and he finds out the truth and kidnaps her to make her forgive and keep her safe from Wolfe... anyhoo. Not my favorite of the trio by far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
I take back all the bad things I said about the first book. Read as an entire series, it was fabulous. There were WAY too many ‘gotcha’ cliffhangers, but I sucked up my irritation and kept going. I’m still upset about the multiple terrible things that happen Cas at the end of book 2. I wanna go back and undo just ONE thing for her future. But overall, I would read this series again.
Heart-pounding action, fabulous locations, excellent steam, inst-love grown into real love. The arc of these characters over these three books is CRAZY. Especially Cas. A heroine that I actually liked, she was on a mission in this one and I was all for it!
Heart-pounding action, fabulous locations, excellent steam, inst-love grown into real love. The arc of these characters over these three books is CRAZY. Especially Cas. A heroine that I actually liked, she was on a mission in this one and I was all for it!
June 15, 2021
A poignant and heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story
I usually don't include quotes, but I am making an exception because the following encapsulates Cas and Ian's relationship (it's Ian speaking):
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.” Lifting our locked hands to my chest, I place her hand over my heart. “You live in here, inside me, and you always will, no matter who comes after me or who takes my place. You’ll always be a part of me. I’ll always belong to you. That’s why you’re mine.”
This is the third and final installment in Charmaine Pauls’ Beauty in the Stolen trilogy. After the way Stolen Life ended, I had a hard time imagining how Ian could ever come back from that. As it turns out, that was actually the comparatively easy part.
At the very end of Stolen Life Ian takes Cas out on a boat on the Zambezi river in order to interrogate her away from any potential listening devices. Before Cas can answer any questions, she gets shot by Ruben, just as she decides to take her chances and prepares to jump into the crocodile infested waters (talk about a cliffhanger ending). Not quite unexpectedly she doesn’t die (because then book three would be kind of moot). She survives, but at a very high cost. I takes her a long time to recover, and during that time she decides to take revenge on the people who are responsible for trying to kill her, starting with Ian. But before she can confront Ian, she needs to regain her strength and to come up with a plan. But when she finally has Ian in her sights, she is unable to go thru with it. Also, unfortunately, she was not the only person after Ian; detective Wolfe is trying to tie up loose ends, too, and so Cas and Ian are once more thrown together, bound by their goal to eliminate the danger that Wolfe poses and to expose his corruption. Through their renewed forced proximity Cas realizes that she still has feelings for Ian, but she is not sure whether she can ever forgive him or trust him again.
Ian, after having thought Cas dead, isn’t unsure about his feelings at all, but he is prepared to give Cas all the time she needs while they play a game of cat and mouse with Wolfe. And when the chips are finally down, Ian decides to sacrifice his life and happiness to ensure that Cas gets her life back…
I loved this last installment of Cas and Ian’s story: first, I am a sucker for the revenge trope, and even though Cas ultimately couldn’t go thru with it, emotionally I was with her all the way in wanting to see Ian suffer for what he had done to her. And I have to hand it to Chairmaine Pauls, the way she manipulated reader expectations, only to turn them upside down, that was rather clever. After the revelations in book 3 I went back and re-read the ending of book 2, and it was actually quite deftly done, how she led us to make assumptions that weren’t necessarily true, helped by the first-person narration, so that we saw Ian’s actions thru the eyes of Cas.
And I loved the redemption arc for Ian, from ruthless kidnapper to solicitous and self-sacrificing lover, which was actually quite believable, as he has been very attuned to Cas’ feelings and well-being from the very start.
I also liked the glimpses we got of Ian’s little brother Damian and Lina (Beauty in the Broken), and Leon, when Ian swallowed his pride and asked them for help for Cas’ sake.
The story didn’t turn out the way I had expected after book 2, but all the unexpected twists and revelations kept me glued to the page. A poignant and heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story!
I usually don't include quotes, but I am making an exception because the following encapsulates Cas and Ian's relationship (it's Ian speaking):
“You’re not mine because I own you, but because you own me.” Lifting our locked hands to my chest, I place her hand over my heart. “You live in here, inside me, and you always will, no matter who comes after me or who takes my place. You’ll always be a part of me. I’ll always belong to you. That’s why you’re mine.”
This is the third and final installment in Charmaine Pauls’ Beauty in the Stolen trilogy. After the way Stolen Life ended, I had a hard time imagining how Ian could ever come back from that. As it turns out, that was actually the comparatively easy part.
At the very end of Stolen Life Ian takes Cas out on a boat on the Zambezi river in order to interrogate her away from any potential listening devices. Before Cas can answer any questions, she gets shot by Ruben, just as she decides to take her chances and prepares to jump into the crocodile infested waters (talk about a cliffhanger ending). Not quite unexpectedly she doesn’t die (because then book three would be kind of moot). She survives, but at a very high cost. I takes her a long time to recover, and during that time she decides to take revenge on the people who are responsible for trying to kill her, starting with Ian. But before she can confront Ian, she needs to regain her strength and to come up with a plan. But when she finally has Ian in her sights, she is unable to go thru with it. Also, unfortunately, she was not the only person after Ian; detective Wolfe is trying to tie up loose ends, too, and so Cas and Ian are once more thrown together, bound by their goal to eliminate the danger that Wolfe poses and to expose his corruption. Through their renewed forced proximity Cas realizes that she still has feelings for Ian, but she is not sure whether she can ever forgive him or trust him again.
Ian, after having thought Cas dead, isn’t unsure about his feelings at all, but he is prepared to give Cas all the time she needs while they play a game of cat and mouse with Wolfe. And when the chips are finally down, Ian decides to sacrifice his life and happiness to ensure that Cas gets her life back…
I loved this last installment of Cas and Ian’s story: first, I am a sucker for the revenge trope, and even though Cas ultimately couldn’t go thru with it, emotionally I was with her all the way in wanting to see Ian suffer for what he had done to her. And I have to hand it to Chairmaine Pauls, the way she manipulated reader expectations, only to turn them upside down, that was rather clever. After the revelations in book 3 I went back and re-read the ending of book 2, and it was actually quite deftly done, how she led us to make assumptions that weren’t necessarily true, helped by the first-person narration, so that we saw Ian’s actions thru the eyes of Cas.
And I loved the redemption arc for Ian, from ruthless kidnapper to solicitous and self-sacrificing lover, which was actually quite believable, as he has been very attuned to Cas’ feelings and well-being from the very start.
I also liked the glimpses we got of Ian’s little brother Damian and Lina (Beauty in the Broken), and Leon, when Ian swallowed his pride and asked them for help for Cas’ sake.
The story didn’t turn out the way I had expected after book 2, but all the unexpected twists and revelations kept me glued to the page. A poignant and heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story!
June 23, 2021
▪︎ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE OF HONEST REVIEW▪︎
Rating ~~> ☆☆☆☆.5/5 (4.5/5)
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the final installment. After that cliffhanger my heart was at the back of my throat. Finally!
Pauls did a wonderful job with the final book.
I loved the character arcs of Ian×Cas and of course Damien×Lina were the best part of the book. Your girl here is actually starving for more Hart sibling interactions. They are by far my favourite mafia family ever.
I love the little parallels in their story with African Mythology. It added a sort of mystical feeling to the book. I really really love Ian×Cas and can't wait for where their *Thug Life* leads them. I can imagine them robbing the Louvre!! Although I hope they take care because art is my second love and I could never see any art work damaged due to thieves. 😂🤌
I feel like Leon's character is going to be explored so much more. Paul, he deserves a book of his own don't you agree and maybe one shots' of all the Hart siblings??? Puhlease?
I feel like the 'miscommunication' and then the understanding part of the book felt too rushed and was not explored enough. After the angst and heartbreak in book 2 I expected more from that particular plot line. It all tied up a little too neatly for me. That by far is my only complaint about the book.
All in all a spectacular book and a very deserved 4.5 stars.
Rating ~~> ☆☆☆☆.5/5 (4.5/5)
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the final installment. After that cliffhanger my heart was at the back of my throat. Finally!
Pauls did a wonderful job with the final book.
I loved the character arcs of Ian×Cas and of course Damien×Lina were the best part of the book. Your girl here is actually starving for more Hart sibling interactions. They are by far my favourite mafia family ever.
I love the little parallels in their story with African Mythology. It added a sort of mystical feeling to the book. I really really love Ian×Cas and can't wait for where their *Thug Life* leads them. I can imagine them robbing the Louvre!! Although I hope they take care because art is my second love and I could never see any art work damaged due to thieves. 😂🤌
I feel like Leon's character is going to be explored so much more. Paul, he deserves a book of his own don't you agree and maybe one shots' of all the Hart siblings??? Puhlease?
I feel like the 'miscommunication' and then the understanding part of the book felt too rushed and was not explored enough. After the angst and heartbreak in book 2 I expected more from that particular plot line. It all tied up a little too neatly for me. That by far is my only complaint about the book.
All in all a spectacular book and a very deserved 4.5 stars.
June 24, 2021
Wow.... this book by far was the hardest book of Charmaine’s that I’ve read to date. It has left me feeling a very real sense of loss.
Based off the way Stolen Life ended we knew that we were going to be in for some very difficult things, and that was exactly what we got. I have to admit that the outcome of everything was not what I was expecting, but I can see the symmetry in the overall storyline of the series in the way that Charmaine decided to have the story go. In that I can see the harsh beauty of it, even though it left my heart broken. This series is an original unique experience that will bring out all of the emotional highs and lows within you. Be prepared to go on crazy exciting heartbreaking journey.
Based off the way Stolen Life ended we knew that we were going to be in for some very difficult things, and that was exactly what we got. I have to admit that the outcome of everything was not what I was expecting, but I can see the symmetry in the overall storyline of the series in the way that Charmaine decided to have the story go. In that I can see the harsh beauty of it, even though it left my heart broken. This series is an original unique experience that will bring out all of the emotional highs and lows within you. Be prepared to go on crazy exciting heartbreaking journey.
June 10, 2021
Absolutely fantastic conclusion to the Beauty in the Stolen trilogy! I have loved every minute of Ian and Cas’s wild adventure. Stolen Love is exciting and fast-paced, but also heartbreaking at times. I will say my heart was pounding throughout this entire book... well, the whole series really!
The Beauty in the Stolen trilogy is romantic suspense perfection. It’s gritty, thrilling, sexy, and unique, with characters you can’t help but love. I highly recommend this series!
The Beauty in the Stolen trilogy is romantic suspense perfection. It’s gritty, thrilling, sexy, and unique, with characters you can’t help but love. I highly recommend this series!
October 10, 2023
Trilogia indimenticabile 💘💘
Con Amore Rubato, si conclude la stupenda trilogia della serie "Rubare la bellezza". Il libro inizia riprendendo l'incredibile finale del secondo libro, Vita Rubata.
Quest'ultimo capitolo è stato molto emozionante, intenso, assolutamente avvincente e oscuro. E ammetto di aver versato anche qualche lacrimuccia.
Ho provato molta empatia per Ian e Cas, ho sentito la loro profonda disperazione, la loro rabbia e brama di vendetta, le paure e l'angoscia nella caccia al detective Wolfe, come se percepisce tantissimo il sentimento profondo e straziante tra Cassandra e Ian💘
Charmaine Pauls, ci ha regalato una serie fenomenale, geniale. una storia d'amore passionale, ben scritta e ricca di colpi di scena inaspettati, adrenalina, suspense, angst, un eroi Alfa e protettivo come piace a noi, e un eroina tosta, forte e intelligente!!
Enoltre, l'autrice ci ha fatto vivere in luoghi a dir poco affascinanti, con scenari suggestive e ambientazioni da sogno!
Infine, è stato bellissimo ritrovare Damian e Angelina, protagonisti del primo libro che apre le porte alla serie "Il Magnate dei Diamanti ".
Ora aspettiamo con ansia la storia di Leon, che l'autrice ha appena pubblicato in lingua inglese, sono fiduciosa che per fine anno l'avremo in italiano 🤞🤞
Consiglio vivamente la lettura di tutti i libri della straordinaria e originale, Charmaine Pauls!
Ringrazio la Grey Eagle pubblications, per la copia ARC di questa indimenticabile lettura❤
Con Amore Rubato, si conclude la stupenda trilogia della serie "Rubare la bellezza". Il libro inizia riprendendo l'incredibile finale del secondo libro, Vita Rubata.
Quest'ultimo capitolo è stato molto emozionante, intenso, assolutamente avvincente e oscuro. E ammetto di aver versato anche qualche lacrimuccia.
Ho provato molta empatia per Ian e Cas, ho sentito la loro profonda disperazione, la loro rabbia e brama di vendetta, le paure e l'angoscia nella caccia al detective Wolfe, come se percepisce tantissimo il sentimento profondo e straziante tra Cassandra e Ian💘
Charmaine Pauls, ci ha regalato una serie fenomenale, geniale. una storia d'amore passionale, ben scritta e ricca di colpi di scena inaspettati, adrenalina, suspense, angst, un eroi Alfa e protettivo come piace a noi, e un eroina tosta, forte e intelligente!!
Enoltre, l'autrice ci ha fatto vivere in luoghi a dir poco affascinanti, con scenari suggestive e ambientazioni da sogno!
Infine, è stato bellissimo ritrovare Damian e Angelina, protagonisti del primo libro che apre le porte alla serie "Il Magnate dei Diamanti ".
Ora aspettiamo con ansia la storia di Leon, che l'autrice ha appena pubblicato in lingua inglese, sono fiduciosa che per fine anno l'avremo in italiano 🤞🤞
Consiglio vivamente la lettura di tutti i libri della straordinaria e originale, Charmaine Pauls!
Ringrazio la Grey Eagle pubblications, per la copia ARC di questa indimenticabile lettura❤
June 22, 2021
This was me at the end of the second book. That was a shocking cliffhanger. I couldn't wait for this third part to see in which direction the author will go with the story.
And it turned out better than I thought! Another great series by my favorite author 😍
"Love makes you blind, but so does vengance."
This is the conclusion of Cas and Ian’s story and begins a year later.
Ian is grieving, and he still thinks Cas betrayed him.
Cas is survivor, and she wants revenge.
When they meet again things are not what they thought they were. They have a common enemy and only together they can defeat him.
"She’s the missing link in the chain that holds me together."
Ian and Cas are amazing couple. They are equal and willing to do anything to protect each other.
"I’m not sorry for taking you that night. I’m not sorry for making love to you, and I’m not sorry for going after you again and again."
This series is amazing. Fast paced, suspensful, intense, action-packed and hot sex scene.
Dual POV and this series is so far the lightest in Diamond Magnate series.
One of my favorite scene is elevator scene with Damian and Leon 🤣🤣🤣
I can't wait for Leon's books 🖤
Beauty in the Stolen series must be read in order:
Ian Hart & Cassandra, Available now 
Ian Hart & Cassandra, Available now 
Ian Hart & Cassandra, Available now Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Standalone Novel
Damian Hart & Angelina, available nowDiamonds are Forever Trilogy
Zoe Hart & Maxime, available now 
Zoe Hart & Maxime, available now 
Zoe Hart & Maxime, available now 
July 16, 2022
💋Recensione per il blog New Adult e dintorni💋
E siamo giunti al finale di questa travolgente trilogia di Charmaine Pauls.
Ian e Cas ne hanno passate di ogni ma è proprio quando tutto sembra perduto che danno il meglio di loro per sopravvivere e soprattutto per avere il loro tanto atteso lieto fine.
‘Una volta mi ha detto che umiltà significa che siamo i soli colpevoli dei nostri errori, ma che i nostri successi non sono tutto merito nostro. Ah. Sono l’unica colpevole per averlo amato.’
Dolore e sconcerto, queste sono state le emozioni destabilizzanti dopo il bruttissimo cliffhanger nel finale del secondo capitolo. Cas si trova persa e sola a dover ricominciare, lontana da Ian che l’ha delusa nel peggior modo possibile. La vendetta è il suo unico obiettivo e ha un dolore nel petto che non contempla solo la delusione verso Ian ma molto, molto di più. Ian dal canto suo è un anno che ha smesso di vivere e ha tanto da raccontare a una Cas che, quando si ripresenta davanti a lui, sembra un fantasma, ha una pistola in mano e tanta rabbia in corpo.
Ma ancora ci aspettano un turbinio di eventi e tanta adrenalina prima di arrivare al gran finale.
'Fa male da morire ma allo stesso tempo mi si gonfia il petto. Mi sento come l’adolescente che non sono mai potuto essere, innamorato per la prima volta. La sequenza è sbagliata, innamorarmi dopo averla già amata, ma per noi è giusto così.’
Un finale che vi assicuro avrà una conclusione stupenda davvero degna di questa oscura ed eccitante trilogia.
Ho iniziato questa lettura con tanta apprensione per come era finito il secondo capitolo della trilogia. Avevo poche speranze e davvero tanta amarezza per come erano andate le cose ma la Pauls mi ha piacevolmente stupita per come è riuscita a far virare gli eventi ma soprattutto per come è riuscita a farmi rivalutare Ian e amare ancor di più Cas. Forte e testarda, nonostante tutto quello che ha passato, prima di incontrare Ian e poi ancora per colpa sua. Questa donna ha la grinta di un leone non potrete non ammirarla.
La parte hot è in secondo piano anche se sempre molto presente e intrigante, le emozioni sono state le grandi protagoniste di questo gran finale. Il modo in cui riesce a districare gli eventi mi hanno fatto amare ancor di più questa splendida autrice.
“Non sei mia perché mi appartieni, ma perché io appartengo a te.”
Aspetto con ansia i suoi prossimi libri. A questo punto non vedo l'ora di leggere la storia di Leon, ultimo dei fratelli Hart, spero che la sua dilogia venga tradotta presto. Un nerd molto sexy che vive ancora nel crimine e che sembra aver conosciuto finalmente qualcuno che gli interessa più del dovuto.
Una vera chicca del libro è il ritorno di Damian che sembra avere sempre un ruolo di risolutore nel destino dei fratelli Hart, bello ritrovare lui e Lina, innamorati e felici. Loro hanno aperto la Diamond Magnate Collection e la strada a un’avventura incredibile che l’autrice ha scritto con estrema bravura.
Leggete questa trilogia e anche voi sarete ammaliate da questo finale al cardiopalma.
E siamo giunti al finale di questa travolgente trilogia di Charmaine Pauls.
Ian e Cas ne hanno passate di ogni ma è proprio quando tutto sembra perduto che danno il meglio di loro per sopravvivere e soprattutto per avere il loro tanto atteso lieto fine.
‘Una volta mi ha detto che umiltà significa che siamo i soli colpevoli dei nostri errori, ma che i nostri successi non sono tutto merito nostro. Ah. Sono l’unica colpevole per averlo amato.’
Dolore e sconcerto, queste sono state le emozioni destabilizzanti dopo il bruttissimo cliffhanger nel finale del secondo capitolo. Cas si trova persa e sola a dover ricominciare, lontana da Ian che l’ha delusa nel peggior modo possibile. La vendetta è il suo unico obiettivo e ha un dolore nel petto che non contempla solo la delusione verso Ian ma molto, molto di più. Ian dal canto suo è un anno che ha smesso di vivere e ha tanto da raccontare a una Cas che, quando si ripresenta davanti a lui, sembra un fantasma, ha una pistola in mano e tanta rabbia in corpo.
Ma ancora ci aspettano un turbinio di eventi e tanta adrenalina prima di arrivare al gran finale.
'Fa male da morire ma allo stesso tempo mi si gonfia il petto. Mi sento come l’adolescente che non sono mai potuto essere, innamorato per la prima volta. La sequenza è sbagliata, innamorarmi dopo averla già amata, ma per noi è giusto così.’
Un finale che vi assicuro avrà una conclusione stupenda davvero degna di questa oscura ed eccitante trilogia.
Ho iniziato questa lettura con tanta apprensione per come era finito il secondo capitolo della trilogia. Avevo poche speranze e davvero tanta amarezza per come erano andate le cose ma la Pauls mi ha piacevolmente stupita per come è riuscita a far virare gli eventi ma soprattutto per come è riuscita a farmi rivalutare Ian e amare ancor di più Cas. Forte e testarda, nonostante tutto quello che ha passato, prima di incontrare Ian e poi ancora per colpa sua. Questa donna ha la grinta di un leone non potrete non ammirarla.
La parte hot è in secondo piano anche se sempre molto presente e intrigante, le emozioni sono state le grandi protagoniste di questo gran finale. Il modo in cui riesce a districare gli eventi mi hanno fatto amare ancor di più questa splendida autrice.
“Non sei mia perché mi appartieni, ma perché io appartengo a te.”
Aspetto con ansia i suoi prossimi libri. A questo punto non vedo l'ora di leggere la storia di Leon, ultimo dei fratelli Hart, spero che la sua dilogia venga tradotta presto. Un nerd molto sexy che vive ancora nel crimine e che sembra aver conosciuto finalmente qualcuno che gli interessa più del dovuto.
Una vera chicca del libro è il ritorno di Damian che sembra avere sempre un ruolo di risolutore nel destino dei fratelli Hart, bello ritrovare lui e Lina, innamorati e felici. Loro hanno aperto la Diamond Magnate Collection e la strada a un’avventura incredibile che l’autrice ha scritto con estrema bravura.
Leggete questa trilogia e anche voi sarete ammaliate da questo finale al cardiopalma.
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