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Diamonds Are Forever #2
La Chute du diamant brut
A DARK MAFIA ROMANCE
Girls like me, we know how to survive.
We each have our own little ways, but we acquire those skills at the same tender age.
If you ask me how many times a person can die, I’ll tell you many times. As many times as a man stabs you in the stomach with betrayal and wrings out your heart with lies.
Girls like me, we live.
We don’t get a choice.
We step over the cliff and fall.
Eat, sleep, die, and repeat.
(Diamonds in the Rough is Book 2 of the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) must be read to follow the story. Diamonds are Forever (Book 3) concludes the story and will be released on 15 September 2020.)
Girls like me, we know how to survive.
We each have our own little ways, but we acquire those skills at the same tender age.
If you ask me how many times a person can die, I’ll tell you many times. As many times as a man stabs you in the stomach with betrayal and wrings out your heart with lies.
Girls like me, we live.
We don’t get a choice.
We step over the cliff and fall.
Eat, sleep, die, and repeat.
(Diamonds in the Rough is Book 2 of the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) must be read to follow the story. Diamonds are Forever (Book 3) concludes the story and will be released on 15 September 2020.)
316 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
140 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
72 books1,844 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 270 reviews
July 16, 2020
And yep the Italian deal was exactly what I thought it was excuse me while I take a moment to internally dissect Maxime inch by delicious inch what a complete an utter toss-bag.
Poor poor Zoe she’s certainly been put through the emotional ringer by him.
His actions here actually defy all sense of compassion and empathy.
It’s like he can’t understand why she would even be upset and even seems to think she’ll get over it with time: no chance their sunshine, talk about needing a big reality check.
Maxime’s constant manipulations and blase attitude towards a woman that has shown him nothing but love and regard well he deserves to lose her.
I hope he chokes on his regret and I for one will be watching gleefully with pure delight at all the grovelling he will have to perform to maybe win Zoe’s affections back.
That aside this kept my attention throughout and I was definitely invested in the unfolding drama.
This was also excellently written full of passion and heat and even when I was hating Maxime which was a lot of the time let me tell you.
I was also hoping he’d have an epiphany and realise just what he held in the palm of his hand: for an intelligent bloke he wasn’t half dense at times sigh.
Zoe well I just wanted her to make a stand so I was cheering her on from the sidelines when she finally decided enough was enough.
This ended leaving me wanting more and I am going to be on absolute pins waiting for the final piece of this story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Diamonds in the rough (Diamonds are forever trilogy #2).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 14, 2020
Sigh... another cliffhanger. Why do they torture us so? I could kick Maxime’s ass. &@$*^! dick
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just when you think everything is calming down and moving forward, you know there has to be a big twist in the plot. Pauls gets me again with the cliffy on this one.
If you read my notes I leave on Goodreads while I’m reading the book, you know I was very frustrated in certain parts of the story. Especially towards the end when Maxime throws Zoe for a loop and really catches the reader off guard. Grr
I don’t think I have gotten over that yet. I’m just hoping that when book 3 comes out we don’t find that she has made a critical error. But I say you go, girl.
Diamonds in the Rough is frustrating, passionate, and super hot because of their amazing connection together. But it also pissed me off too! Maybe by the time book 3 comes out with the conclusion I will have calmed down. Maybe.
Pauls is an amazing writer in the darker side of romance novels. She does a fabulous job blending the light in between the dark. Her books are a compulsion that I just can’t miss!
* copy received for review consideration
https://amidlifewife.com/diamonds-in-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just when you think everything is calming down and moving forward, you know there has to be a big twist in the plot. Pauls gets me again with the cliffy on this one.
If you read my notes I leave on Goodreads while I’m reading the book, you know I was very frustrated in certain parts of the story. Especially towards the end when Maxime throws Zoe for a loop and really catches the reader off guard. Grr
I don’t think I have gotten over that yet. I’m just hoping that when book 3 comes out we don’t find that she has made a critical error. But I say you go, girl.
Diamonds in the Rough is frustrating, passionate, and super hot because of their amazing connection together. But it also pissed me off too! Maybe by the time book 3 comes out with the conclusion I will have calmed down. Maybe.
Pauls is an amazing writer in the darker side of romance novels. She does a fabulous job blending the light in between the dark. Her books are a compulsion that I just can’t miss!
* copy received for review consideration
https://amidlifewife.com/diamonds-in-...
July 14, 2020
4.5*
This book picks up where Dust left off. And it’s another incredible read.
My heart is torn over Zoe and Maxime. These two find themselves in an impossible situation.
Zoe has fallen in love with her kidnapper. And who can blame her. Maxime is the ultimate fantasy in so many ways. But apart from him she finds herself alone. She’s shunned by his family and doesn’t have a single friend. She’s lonely but in love. In love with a man who believes he’s incapable of loving her in return.
In reality Maxime is also a prisoner. He just has a longer leash. He’s trapped into this life with pressure bearing down from all sides. Yet he does everything within his power to make Zoe happy. Now don’t get the wrong idea. While I truly believe he loves her. He also manipulates and controls her every move.
I have to be honest. At times the first half of this book annoyed me. It felt like a never ending cycling of makeup sex. But stick with it. It gets good, so so very good.
Now ultimately what happens is not a surprise. We’ve known this was coming. But the way the story unfolds is breathtaking. I was reading until the early hours. And then I couldn’t sleep. Playing the ending over and over. Trying to work out where it will go from here. It’s a long time since a book has left me so desperate for the next one. My total lack of patience is the main reason I avoid cliffhangers.
Seriously how can I wait until September?
I just couldn’t move past this. So a re-read of Beauty in the Broken will have to do for now.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
This book picks up where Dust left off. And it’s another incredible read.
My heart is torn over Zoe and Maxime. These two find themselves in an impossible situation.
Zoe has fallen in love with her kidnapper. And who can blame her. Maxime is the ultimate fantasy in so many ways. But apart from him she finds herself alone. She’s shunned by his family and doesn’t have a single friend. She’s lonely but in love. In love with a man who believes he’s incapable of loving her in return.
In reality Maxime is also a prisoner. He just has a longer leash. He’s trapped into this life with pressure bearing down from all sides. Yet he does everything within his power to make Zoe happy. Now don’t get the wrong idea. While I truly believe he loves her. He also manipulates and controls her every move.
I have to be honest. At times the first half of this book annoyed me. It felt like a never ending cycling of makeup sex. But stick with it. It gets good, so so very good.
Now ultimately what happens is not a surprise. We’ve known this was coming. But the way the story unfolds is breathtaking. I was reading until the early hours. And then I couldn’t sleep. Playing the ending over and over. Trying to work out where it will go from here. It’s a long time since a book has left me so desperate for the next one. My total lack of patience is the main reason I avoid cliffhangers.
Seriously how can I wait until September?
I just couldn’t move past this. So a re-read of Beauty in the Broken will have to do for now.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
March 9, 2022
It was refreshing to have a hero who wasn't chiseled or beautiful like a fallen angel. On the contrary, he was actually described as being on the ugly side, but let me tell you Maxime had sex appeal in spades. Spades!! Swoon
April 23, 2023
4,5. That cliffhanger…
This series is becoming better and better.
I can’t wait for read the next book.
It’s worth the reading.
This series is becoming better and better.
I can’t wait for read the next book.
It’s worth the reading.
December 23, 2020
I am not going to leave a review for the 1st book because I have a lot of shit to say about this book and I don't think I can stop myself from talking about the 2nd book and solely focus on the first book in the review, so I am just going to condense the 2 books into this review.
In the beginning I enjoyed it a lot, I love the writing style and the way the author always come up with different arcs in the story to keep us entertain throughout without any long filler moments,which is why I was able to finish 2 books in 1 day due to the events that kept occurring one after another.
I have read a lot of book from this author, and it seemed that every book features a H that always seem to like to belt the h, I don't know why, it must be the author favourite kink cause every time I read her books, belting the h seems to be a reoccurring theme.I mean I don't mind it if the h enjoys it but do you really have to always let the H do it to prove how macho this H is?
Like, I am sure there are better ways in asserting dominance without having to belt the h.
I liked the H at first cause he was supposedly written not conventionally attractive but rather, his personality.
But that went to shit real quick.
I was able to overlook him treating her like a whore that one night because she provoked him and he wants show her that he could treat her like that or a lover and it was her choice
.And let me tell you this, i had to breath in deep and breath out very slowly to control my anger and get over it by specifying myself that the H values the h despite everything.
Of course, the author have to make the H even more of a joke because apparently this motherfucker of a H has a fiance.
And he wasn't even planning to break it!
Not even for the h because it is a important business transactions for his family.
In other books, if the H had a secret fiance, they always break it off after meeting the h because they couldn't go through it.
But not this motherfucker of a H, he was planning to keep the wife and the h, apparently when the h accused him of having to fuck his wife in the near future, he "PACIFY" her by telling the h that he is going to have a sex with her only to have a heir.So the h was like what if I want a baby?The H reaction was like no way cause it would be a bastard child.
You know who's the bastard ?You.You stupid joke a hero.
He even made her move out his house when the engagement was near and he thinks that him, building a house that is designed with so much thought for her is going to make it all okay.
I just can't take this Hero, the blatant disrespect towards the h at the end is so disgusting, just so incredibly disgusting.
He had no rights at all to belt her and control her like that when he is just going to treat her like the other woman.
This shit wouldn't fly for the H if the h tells him she is going to have a husband and have a baby with him and just going to keep the H as a side piece.Its so hypocritical.
He is jealous when other men goes near her but he lost that fucking right when he got engage to another woman and staying with the h for 2 years or so without even telling her that.
2 years is a fucking long time to grow a pair of balls.This is the supposed mafia boss that people should fear?
What a joke of a male species
I don't know what the author is thinking in creating a H like that.
Oh not to mention, he kept all the letters that the h wrote for her brother without mailing.
What a fuckface.
I am so glad the h didn't take of that shit and ran off.She finally woke up after that splash of reality that pours over her like a bucket of cold water.
He does not deserve the her.
I repeat.
Does not deserve.
Gosh, you would think cause his lacking in the facial department he would make it up with personality.
I guess the outside is as ugly as the inside.
I might read the last book installment just for a piece of mind
I am already more than halfway in completing this series and I had yet to see the H grovel, probably won't be much but its way overdue and I will take about any morsel
This series is probably going to end with me giving a 2 star review.I really can't forsee the H make up for all the shit he did to the h.
Damien, the h's brother, which had been a standalone that I have read in the past, treated the h in the other book way way WAY better.
And that's saying a lot about the H in this book.
My chest feel much much lighter after ranting all the misgivings of the book.
My head hurts in the morning for not being able to pinned down all my angry thoughts down in the review cause I was busy and letting it fester in my mind more than it deserve.
In the beginning I enjoyed it a lot, I love the writing style and the way the author always come up with different arcs in the story to keep us entertain throughout without any long filler moments,which is why I was able to finish 2 books in 1 day due to the events that kept occurring one after another.
I have read a lot of book from this author, and it seemed that every book features a H that always seem to like to belt the h, I don't know why, it must be the author favourite kink cause every time I read her books, belting the h seems to be a reoccurring theme.I mean I don't mind it if the h enjoys it but do you really have to always let the H do it to prove how macho this H is?
Like, I am sure there are better ways in asserting dominance without having to belt the h.
I liked the H at first cause he was supposedly written not conventionally attractive but rather, his personality.
But that went to shit real quick.
I was able to overlook him treating her like a whore that one night because she provoked him and he wants show her that he could treat her like that or a lover and it was her choice
.And let me tell you this, i had to breath in deep and breath out very slowly to control my anger and get over it by specifying myself that the H values the h despite everything.
Of course, the author have to make the H even more of a joke because apparently this motherfucker of a H has a fiance.
And he wasn't even planning to break it!
Not even for the h because it is a important business transactions for his family.
In other books, if the H had a secret fiance, they always break it off after meeting the h because they couldn't go through it.
But not this motherfucker of a H, he was planning to keep the wife and the h, apparently when the h accused him of having to fuck his wife in the near future, he "PACIFY" her by telling the h that he is going to have a sex with her only to have a heir.So the h was like what if I want a baby?The H reaction was like no way cause it would be a bastard child.
You know who's the bastard ?You.You stupid joke a hero.
He even made her move out his house when the engagement was near and he thinks that him, building a house that is designed with so much thought for her is going to make it all okay.
I just can't take this Hero, the blatant disrespect towards the h at the end is so disgusting, just so incredibly disgusting.
He had no rights at all to belt her and control her like that when he is just going to treat her like the other woman.
This shit wouldn't fly for the H if the h tells him she is going to have a husband and have a baby with him and just going to keep the H as a side piece.Its so hypocritical.
He is jealous when other men goes near her but he lost that fucking right when he got engage to another woman and staying with the h for 2 years or so without even telling her that.
2 years is a fucking long time to grow a pair of balls.This is the supposed mafia boss that people should fear?
What a joke of a male species
I don't know what the author is thinking in creating a H like that.
Oh not to mention, he kept all the letters that the h wrote for her brother without mailing.
What a fuckface.
I am so glad the h didn't take of that shit and ran off.She finally woke up after that splash of reality that pours over her like a bucket of cold water.
He does not deserve the her.
I repeat.
Does not deserve.
Gosh, you would think cause his lacking in the facial department he would make it up with personality.
I guess the outside is as ugly as the inside.
I might read the last book installment just for a piece of mind
I am already more than halfway in completing this series and I had yet to see the H grovel, probably won't be much but its way overdue and I will take about any morsel
This series is probably going to end with me giving a 2 star review.I really can't forsee the H make up for all the shit he did to the h.
Damien, the h's brother, which had been a standalone that I have read in the past, treated the h in the other book way way WAY better.
And that's saying a lot about the H in this book.
My chest feel much much lighter after ranting all the misgivings of the book.
My head hurts in the morning for not being able to pinned down all my angry thoughts down in the review cause I was busy and letting it fester in my mind more than it deserve.
July 7, 2020
If you are looking for a series to get your emotions so revved up that you can't think straight? Read this series.
I'm not sure I can even put into words. I'm feeling betrayed just as much as the heroine is feeling it. I wanted to cry and lash out just like she wanted to. And that ending! Oh man, was that cruel to end that way.
September can't come fast enough for the next book to release. I say all these things in a good way. The fact that I am feeling this strongly proves what an outstanding job the author did to make these characters come alive.
This author writes edgier stories and she writes dark enough to push at the boundaries I have set for myself. I find myself nervous but excited to see what she will bring to wrap up Maxime and Zoe's love story.
I'm not sure I can even put into words. I'm feeling betrayed just as much as the heroine is feeling it. I wanted to cry and lash out just like she wanted to. And that ending! Oh man, was that cruel to end that way.
September can't come fast enough for the next book to release. I say all these things in a good way. The fact that I am feeling this strongly proves what an outstanding job the author did to make these characters come alive.
This author writes edgier stories and she writes dark enough to push at the boundaries I have set for myself. I find myself nervous but excited to see what she will bring to wrap up Maxime and Zoe's love story.
July 10, 2020
Five shining stars sparkling with its own brilliance! Wow! Ms. Pauls has outdone herself with this installment of her Diamond Magnate trilogy.
I didn’t think I could become any more invested in these characters than I was at the ending of Diamonds in the Dust, but I am now totally engaged with this hero and heroine both individually and as a couple. My heart hurt for Zoe as she struggled to find something normal in this new life and when Max attempted to give it to her, my heart hurt for him as well. Their whole dysfunctional relationship had me wanting to cry.
While there is a ton of sizzle and steam, there isn’t a lot of action here and the feel of darkness is not quite as intense as in book 1. However, this never bogged down as this couple worked through their issues. The drama varies from light to heavy throughout and just when you start to think things are settling down, something new is revealed.
This story took me to a place that I never saw coming and tossed my emotions in every direction along the way. I loved that I couldn’t predict what was going to happen and as a result I’m even more clueless about what the next book will hold. Altogether, that leaves me very anxious and excited to get the next book into my greedy hands as soon as possible.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I didn’t think I could become any more invested in these characters than I was at the ending of Diamonds in the Dust, but I am now totally engaged with this hero and heroine both individually and as a couple. My heart hurt for Zoe as she struggled to find something normal in this new life and when Max attempted to give it to her, my heart hurt for him as well. Their whole dysfunctional relationship had me wanting to cry.
While there is a ton of sizzle and steam, there isn’t a lot of action here and the feel of darkness is not quite as intense as in book 1. However, this never bogged down as this couple worked through their issues. The drama varies from light to heavy throughout and just when you start to think things are settling down, something new is revealed.
This story took me to a place that I never saw coming and tossed my emotions in every direction along the way. I loved that I couldn’t predict what was going to happen and as a result I’m even more clueless about what the next book will hold. Altogether, that leaves me very anxious and excited to get the next book into my greedy hands as soon as possible.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
July 9, 2020
I was very excited to jump back into Maxime and Zoe's story after that shocking ending in book one, Diamonds in the Dust. This story was sexy, dark and edgy and just when you think you know what's going to happen, Pauls' completely ensnares you further into this amazing story!
Diamonds in the Rough is more emotional than the last book as Zoe has fallen for her captor. But as she tries to push Maxime away to protect herself, she inevitably feels more and more deeper emotions for him. While I enjoyed this story immensely, my heart couldn't help but break for Zoe as it was obvious Maxime was keeping himself emotionally distant from her.
Overall, this was a great installment in this fabulous trilogy and I can't wait for more! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Diamonds in the Rough is more emotional than the last book as Zoe has fallen for her captor. But as she tries to push Maxime away to protect herself, she inevitably feels more and more deeper emotions for him. While I enjoyed this story immensely, my heart couldn't help but break for Zoe as it was obvious Maxime was keeping himself emotionally distant from her.
Overall, this was a great installment in this fabulous trilogy and I can't wait for more! 4 stars! ~Ratula
January 12, 2022
I mean I just love this so, so much. This one for me was even better than the previous book, and was developed in a way that just worked so well for me with this type of storyline.
The book took a turn in which I wasn't necessarily expecting, which I absolutely love. I'm genuinely so, so invested in this series, and can't stop reading (no but that cliffhanger)- I'm so excited to see how it ends.
The book took a turn in which I wasn't necessarily expecting, which I absolutely love. I'm genuinely so, so invested in this series, and can't stop reading (no but that cliffhanger)- I'm so excited to see how it ends.
November 17, 2021
Recensione in Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram dell'edizione italiana "Diamanti allo stato grezzo", in uscita il 18/11
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWXp1A5MC...
La recente preoccupazione di Maxime non aveva niente a che vedere con i problemi che Damien aveva causato alla sua famiglia né coi diamanti, ma con ciò che aveva realizzato nelle acque pericolose del mare sottostante alla sua villa, dalle quali era riuscito a trarre in salvo Zoe dopo la rovinosa caduta dalla scogliera.
Quando l’aveva vista in bilico su quel dirupo il suo cuore aveva perso un battito, terrorizzato all’idea di perderla. Zoe era l’unica donna che era riuscita a fargli provare dei sentimenti, ma anche l’unica persona al mondo che gli aveva fatto sperimentare la paura.
Dopo quell’episodio aveva preso a comportarsi con lei in modo diverso e Zoe era confusa dal suo atteggiamento:
«A volte mi prende in braccio e mi coccola come se non ne avesse mai abbastanza, mentre altre volte, mi spinge via deliberatamente, tenendomi a distanza. È un tira e molla infinito».
L’intento di Maxime era dimostrare che fosse un uomo di parola e che le avrebbe reso piacevole la permanenza nella sua proprietà finché sarebbe stata obbediente alle sue regole. In caso contrario non avrebbe esitato a punirla crudelmente.
Maxime ce la stava mettendo davvero tutta per accontentarla e per soddisfare ogni suo desiderio, persino realizzare quel sogno che inseguiva da tempo. Si preoccupava di tutte le esigenze di Zoe, ma forse stava semplicemente compensando l’affetto che non riusciva a darle ricoprendola d’attenzioni.
«Vuole che io abbia uno scopo e che viva la mia passione? Per rendermi felice oppure per evitare che salti di nuovo giù dalla scogliera? Le sue motivazioni non mi sono chiare. Non le ho mai capite».
C’erano ancora tante cose che non sapeva sul conto dell’uomo che da circa due anni la teneva prigioniera in quella gabbia dorata, e le avrebbe scoperte nel peggiore dei modi.
🖋️In questo secondo volume della serie Maxime rivela tutta la sua ossessione per Zoe, della quale è geloso in un modo patologico.
Approfittando della sua giovane età, del candore e del suo lato romantico oltre che integerrimo, Maxime manipola la mente della ragazza con giochi psicologici e costrizioni varie, allo scopo di assoggettarla al suo volere così da spingerla ad innamorarsi di lui e accettare di buon grado le assurde condizioni di quell’effimera proprietà che rappresenta per lui.
Perché Zoe gli appartiene.
🖋️Maxime condiziona la volontà di Zoe in modi crudeli certo di fare solo il suo bene e di proteggerla, ma il suo è un comportamento egoista e possessivo perché la desidera e la brama in ogni istante della giornata, convinto ormai che di lei non può più fare a meno.
Ma quando la pesante ombra del tradimento e la scoperta di mille bugie fanno capolino nella mente di Zoe, il castello di carte che il cupo ed enigmatico mafioso ha costruito intorno a lei con meticolosa cura e attenzione, si sgretola, portando a galla verità che la ragazza non credeva possibili e che la feriranno nel profondo.
Alla luce di tali rivelazioni non le resteranno che pochi istanti per decidere la sua mossa.
Nulla è come sembra e Zoe deve decidere da che parte stare, ma soprattutto a chi poter dare la propria fiducia.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWXp1A5MC...
La recente preoccupazione di Maxime non aveva niente a che vedere con i problemi che Damien aveva causato alla sua famiglia né coi diamanti, ma con ciò che aveva realizzato nelle acque pericolose del mare sottostante alla sua villa, dalle quali era riuscito a trarre in salvo Zoe dopo la rovinosa caduta dalla scogliera.
Quando l’aveva vista in bilico su quel dirupo il suo cuore aveva perso un battito, terrorizzato all’idea di perderla. Zoe era l’unica donna che era riuscita a fargli provare dei sentimenti, ma anche l’unica persona al mondo che gli aveva fatto sperimentare la paura.
Dopo quell’episodio aveva preso a comportarsi con lei in modo diverso e Zoe era confusa dal suo atteggiamento:
«A volte mi prende in braccio e mi coccola come se non ne avesse mai abbastanza, mentre altre volte, mi spinge via deliberatamente, tenendomi a distanza. È un tira e molla infinito».
L’intento di Maxime era dimostrare che fosse un uomo di parola e che le avrebbe reso piacevole la permanenza nella sua proprietà finché sarebbe stata obbediente alle sue regole. In caso contrario non avrebbe esitato a punirla crudelmente.
Maxime ce la stava mettendo davvero tutta per accontentarla e per soddisfare ogni suo desiderio, persino realizzare quel sogno che inseguiva da tempo. Si preoccupava di tutte le esigenze di Zoe, ma forse stava semplicemente compensando l’affetto che non riusciva a darle ricoprendola d’attenzioni.
«Vuole che io abbia uno scopo e che viva la mia passione? Per rendermi felice oppure per evitare che salti di nuovo giù dalla scogliera? Le sue motivazioni non mi sono chiare. Non le ho mai capite».
C’erano ancora tante cose che non sapeva sul conto dell’uomo che da circa due anni la teneva prigioniera in quella gabbia dorata, e le avrebbe scoperte nel peggiore dei modi.
🖋️In questo secondo volume della serie Maxime rivela tutta la sua ossessione per Zoe, della quale è geloso in un modo patologico.
Approfittando della sua giovane età, del candore e del suo lato romantico oltre che integerrimo, Maxime manipola la mente della ragazza con giochi psicologici e costrizioni varie, allo scopo di assoggettarla al suo volere così da spingerla ad innamorarsi di lui e accettare di buon grado le assurde condizioni di quell’effimera proprietà che rappresenta per lui.
Perché Zoe gli appartiene.
🖋️Maxime condiziona la volontà di Zoe in modi crudeli certo di fare solo il suo bene e di proteggerla, ma il suo è un comportamento egoista e possessivo perché la desidera e la brama in ogni istante della giornata, convinto ormai che di lei non può più fare a meno.
Ma quando la pesante ombra del tradimento e la scoperta di mille bugie fanno capolino nella mente di Zoe, il castello di carte che il cupo ed enigmatico mafioso ha costruito intorno a lei con meticolosa cura e attenzione, si sgretola, portando a galla verità che la ragazza non credeva possibili e che la feriranno nel profondo.
Alla luce di tali rivelazioni non le resteranno che pochi istanti per decidere la sua mossa.
Nulla è come sembra e Zoe deve decidere da che parte stare, ma soprattutto a chi poter dare la propria fiducia.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC
August 31, 2020
Lush and decadent, Diamonds in the Rough ensnared me into a world where the refined are predators waiting to pounce, its opulence masks the bitter and unscrupulous, and the innocent are not made to thrive is such a callous, ego driven, patriarchal society.
Lulled into a false sense of security, the obstacles that Maxime and Zoe would have to face in book 2 seemed more likely by the hands of Maxime’s family. The fairytale world Maxime created for a very whimsical romantic Zoe was perfect and everything she could have dreamed of and yet... There was a deep niggling feeling that something was amiss. Once Zoe acclimated to Maxime and his brutish/cruel lessons, she found some semblance of contentment and dare I say happiness? It was a rough journey, but Zoe finally has the opportunity to pursue her passion in fashion design. She has the eye of an attentive lover who claims her as his “property” - this means something significant in a world where having mistress is not only tolerated but expected. Zoe is adorned with beautiful clothing, romantic getaways, a beautiful home... and yet there is this niggling feeling, a sense of foreboding that something is not quite right. And this is how Diamonds in the Rough plays out. I read with constant dread and the tension I felt was so thick I needed the bomb to drop, I wanted reprieve from this feeling of dread that had yet to transpire.
It was COMPLETELY FUCKING AWFUL...
It was COMPLETELY FUCKING DEVASTATING...
It was COMPLETELY FUCKING AMAZING!!!! 💔
I was so excited to get wrapped in the world of Maxime! While book 1 was about Zoe navigating her relationship with Maxime, book 2 delved into Zoe’s ability to navigate Maxime’s world....
And it isn’t pretty.
It gets nasty!
You feel Zoe’s uncertainty, her insecurity, her lack of position! Mistress? Really? WTF!!!!!
It all builds up to that final moment when reality hits Zoe like a ton of bricks.
I was angry! And bitter! And really pissed off! I wanted to throw my kindle! I wanted to private message the author and FREAK THE FUCK OUT!
I’m 100% invested in Zoe, in her future, in her happiness and well, her gilded cage ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH!!!!! And so with all that...
THIS WAS ONE GAWD DAMN OUTSTANDING BOOK!
So, please heed the warnings. If you like your reads to give you the kind of vibe where you’re all topsy turvy, then you really need to read this book! It will give you all the feels that us reading masochists hate to love to endure! 😜 But if you don’t like cliffies, then hold off till book three in September because this cliffy is a big one... and you might not be happy - although I was pleasantly satisfied. ☺️
Special note to the author: It’s been a while since I read a book that made me this angry, frustrated, excited and oddly hopeful all at the same time. Thank you Ms Pauls, this work was perfectly cruel and outstanding! 😘
You don’t want to miss this series, it is hawt as fuck!
Best wishes and enjoy. ❤️
Lulled into a false sense of security, the obstacles that Maxime and Zoe would have to face in book 2 seemed more likely by the hands of Maxime’s family. The fairytale world Maxime created for a very whimsical romantic Zoe was perfect and everything she could have dreamed of and yet... There was a deep niggling feeling that something was amiss. Once Zoe acclimated to Maxime and his brutish/cruel lessons, she found some semblance of contentment and dare I say happiness? It was a rough journey, but Zoe finally has the opportunity to pursue her passion in fashion design. She has the eye of an attentive lover who claims her as his “property” - this means something significant in a world where having mistress is not only tolerated but expected. Zoe is adorned with beautiful clothing, romantic getaways, a beautiful home... and yet there is this niggling feeling, a sense of foreboding that something is not quite right. And this is how Diamonds in the Rough plays out. I read with constant dread and the tension I felt was so thick I needed the bomb to drop, I wanted reprieve from this feeling of dread that had yet to transpire.
It was COMPLETELY FUCKING AWFUL...
It was COMPLETELY FUCKING DEVASTATING...
It was COMPLETELY FUCKING AMAZING!!!! 💔
I was so excited to get wrapped in the world of Maxime! While book 1 was about Zoe navigating her relationship with Maxime, book 2 delved into Zoe’s ability to navigate Maxime’s world....
And it isn’t pretty.
It gets nasty!
You feel Zoe’s uncertainty, her insecurity, her lack of position! Mistress? Really? WTF!!!!!
It all builds up to that final moment when reality hits Zoe like a ton of bricks.
I was angry! And bitter! And really pissed off! I wanted to throw my kindle! I wanted to private message the author and FREAK THE FUCK OUT!
I’m 100% invested in Zoe, in her future, in her happiness and well, her gilded cage ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH!!!!! And so with all that...
THIS WAS ONE GAWD DAMN OUTSTANDING BOOK!
So, please heed the warnings. If you like your reads to give you the kind of vibe where you’re all topsy turvy, then you really need to read this book! It will give you all the feels that us reading masochists hate to love to endure! 😜 But if you don’t like cliffies, then hold off till book three in September because this cliffy is a big one... and you might not be happy - although I was pleasantly satisfied. ☺️
Special note to the author: It’s been a while since I read a book that made me this angry, frustrated, excited and oddly hopeful all at the same time. Thank you Ms Pauls, this work was perfectly cruel and outstanding! 😘
You don’t want to miss this series, it is hawt as fuck!
Best wishes and enjoy. ❤️
July 7, 2020
Rough like uncut Diamonds, dull in appearance like the pain of unrequited love, but brilliant nonetheless, cause
Diamonds Are Forever
! Charmaine pulls no punches and doesn't slow down on the turns. The story careens at breakneck speed towards the impending crash, leaving treadmarks on Zoe's heart. What started as an act of meticulous planning in book 1 soon turns to a mangled mess in book 2.
"He’s a hardened criminal with a dark heart, and I’m a naïve romantic with an abandoned princess fantasy. Somehow, we work together. Somehow, we’ve rubbed off on each other. We’re diamonds in the rough, cutting our edges together."
Just like the gems, the story is packed with compressed heat of passion shared between Maxime and Zoe hart. She's the quintessential Stockholm Syndrome victim and a girl with virginal, impressionable heart.
"He made me dependent on him in every sense—materially, physically, and emotionally. There’s nowhere else to turn to. There’s only this house now, this beautiful place I both love and hate, and him. Love and hate."
Maxime remeins true to his form of being a cold-hearted, cold-blooded killer with an agenda. He has obligations and doesn't let his emotions tamper with his destiny.
He doesn't change his tune, only Zoe and me fell for this stone cold mafia don-in-the-making. Only nobody discounted for the emotions that silently creep between them and cage their hearts
“I’m still the pathologically lying, manipulative, coldhearted prick with the versatile criminal behavior and lack of moral judgment.”
“And high intelligence,” she adds, “not to mention ruthlessness.”
Zoe just wanted to be cuddled and loved and my heart just broke for her.
It's awash with tears, very heavy on the sentiments and takes a toll on the heart.
I never saw the twist coming and got a whiplash from the slap in the face.
Exactly like book 1, the ending is on a major cliff ie and my heart legit died crying.
Cannot wait for book 3 now
4.5 stars for hearts in the wrong places
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"He’s a hardened criminal with a dark heart, and I’m a naïve romantic with an abandoned princess fantasy. Somehow, we work together. Somehow, we’ve rubbed off on each other. We’re diamonds in the rough, cutting our edges together."
Just like the gems, the story is packed with compressed heat of passion shared between Maxime and Zoe hart. She's the quintessential Stockholm Syndrome victim and a girl with virginal, impressionable heart.
"He made me dependent on him in every sense—materially, physically, and emotionally. There’s nowhere else to turn to. There’s only this house now, this beautiful place I both love and hate, and him. Love and hate."
Maxime remeins true to his form of being a cold-hearted, cold-blooded killer with an agenda. He has obligations and doesn't let his emotions tamper with his destiny.
He doesn't change his tune, only Zoe and me fell for this stone cold mafia don-in-the-making. Only nobody discounted for the emotions that silently creep between them and cage their hearts
“I’m still the pathologically lying, manipulative, coldhearted prick with the versatile criminal behavior and lack of moral judgment.”
“And high intelligence,” she adds, “not to mention ruthlessness.”
Zoe just wanted to be cuddled and loved and my heart just broke for her.
It's awash with tears, very heavy on the sentiments and takes a toll on the heart.
I never saw the twist coming and got a whiplash from the slap in the face.
Exactly like book 1, the ending is on a major cliff ie and my heart legit died crying.
Cannot wait for book 3 now
4.5 stars for hearts in the wrong places
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July 1, 2020
6 beautiful stars 🌟
This story twisted my mind and at 70% I was having heart palpitations.
My heart is breaking for Zoe. All she wants is someone to love her and to be able to love back.
I am so angry at Maxime. How can one man be so cold and cruel. He is willing to give her everything except the one thing she craves and needs.
Another ending that was totally unexpected and it leaves me wanting more!
This story twisted my mind and at 70% I was having heart palpitations.
My heart is breaking for Zoe. All she wants is someone to love her and to be able to love back.
I am so angry at Maxime. How can one man be so cold and cruel. He is willing to give her everything except the one thing she craves and needs.
Another ending that was totally unexpected and it leaves me wanting more!
March 13, 2021
"I guess that’s the diference between us, and the crux of the problem. He doesn’t give a damn. Unfortunately, I do."
WoooooW! I read this book in one sitting, it's even better than the first part. Hot, passionate, emotional, intense and soooo frustrating 😱
"Will you love me?"
"I've given you all I'm capable of."
Amazing connection between the main characters 🔥🔥 Zoe has fallen hard for her kidnapper, and all she wants is someone to love her.
Maxime is cold, cruel, manipulative, controlling, and willing to give her everything except the one thing she needs - love.
More lies, more betrayals, and the relationship between them gets even more complicated.
I lie awake, my heart thundering in my chest as I hold the woman who makes me feel, the only person in the world who makes me fear.
Brilliant story and and I can't wait for the third part 🖤 I hope that we will see Damien (he is Zoe's brother) from Beauty in the Broken 🖤🖤
Diamonds are Forever Trilogy must be read in order:
Available now
Available now
Available now
WoooooW! I read this book in one sitting, it's even better than the first part. Hot, passionate, emotional, intense and soooo frustrating 😱
"Will you love me?"
"I've given you all I'm capable of."
Amazing connection between the main characters 🔥🔥 Zoe has fallen hard for her kidnapper, and all she wants is someone to love her.
Maxime is cold, cruel, manipulative, controlling, and willing to give her everything except the one thing she needs - love.
More lies, more betrayals, and the relationship between them gets even more complicated.
I lie awake, my heart thundering in my chest as I hold the woman who makes me feel, the only person in the world who makes me fear.
Brilliant story and and I can't wait for the third part 🖤 I hope that we will see Damien (he is Zoe's brother) from Beauty in the Broken 🖤🖤
Diamonds are Forever Trilogy must be read in order:
Available now
Available now
Available now
September 4, 2020
I really really disliked Maxime in book one -
Now?
I hope the next time he cliff dives the tide is out!
For a moment, thank goodness it was fleeting, I truly believed even though he could not love completely that there was a chance - not your fault Zoe I didn't see it coming either
And his family?
Scum! I have stronger words but...
This ends on a "to be continued" moment.
As with the first book in this trilogy, I feel like I'm missing something. It is most likely my greed to spend more time in their world immersed in the false bubble of love and fairy tale happiness.
Possibly I was not ready to have the blinders removed. To have my heart ripped from my chest. All hope shattered.
IDK
However this does end I can only hope Zoe finds her happily ever after.
She has been through the fires of hell and even while she was aflame never once did she let them see her pain.
Now?
I hope the next time he cliff dives the tide is out!
For a moment, thank goodness it was fleeting, I truly believed even though he could not love completely that there was a chance - not your fault Zoe I didn't see it coming either
And his family?
Scum! I have stronger words but...
This ends on a "to be continued" moment.
As with the first book in this trilogy, I feel like I'm missing something. It is most likely my greed to spend more time in their world immersed in the false bubble of love and fairy tale happiness.
Possibly I was not ready to have the blinders removed. To have my heart ripped from my chest. All hope shattered.
IDK
However this does end I can only hope Zoe finds her happily ever after.
She has been through the fires of hell and even while she was aflame never once did she let them see her pain.
July 15, 2020
Really liked this one.
Lots of angst.
Family issues, other woman drama.
Cliffhanger ending.
It ended and I was desperate for the next book.
It's part of a trilogy so you must read in order though the series can be read as a standalone.
I don't want to give too much away but I liked how the Hero was trying for the heroine but he seems at times a lost cause then he gives her the world.
Next book September.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Some darker themes.
Lots of angst.
Family issues, other woman drama.
Cliffhanger ending.
It ended and I was desperate for the next book.
It's part of a trilogy so you must read in order though the series can be read as a standalone.
I don't want to give too much away but I liked how the Hero was trying for the heroine but he seems at times a lost cause then he gives her the world.
Next book September.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Some darker themes.
August 2, 2020
Maxine, fuck you! And fuck off
July 17, 2020
After Diamonds in the Dust,i was happy i could go straight to Diamonds in the Rough,but now?
After finishing the arc? Knowing what i feared is true? Knowing the whole truth?
YOU ARE KILLING ME Charmaine!
I NEED CLOSURE!
I NEED Diamonds Are Forever!
Zoe is stuck,Maxime has made it clear he will never let her go.
Not only that,he very cleverly manipulates her into caring about him.
Slaying her with kindness,spoiling her as long as she behaves.
Punishing her for questioning him delivers the message she should be happy living in ignorance.
When she confesses her love for him,he is honest though....
He is a man incapable of that feeling,the most she can expect is the fact he needs her.
Her innocence makes his darkness seem lighter.
She brightens up his days,and that should be enough.
Finding out the kind of business he is in,shocks her.
Finding out the realization of another dream she had is bought and worthless,is a heavy blow.
Finding out the one friend she thought she had in the family isn’t a friend,makes her mad.
Finding out the truth about the italian deal he’s made......thát is the limit!
I am glad she made the decision she did,even though it breaks her heart.
Choosing to defy him in that way.....
And i want to smack that heartless bastard for what he did to her!
How the hell am i going to survive until September?????
After finishing the arc? Knowing what i feared is true? Knowing the whole truth?
YOU ARE KILLING ME Charmaine!
I NEED CLOSURE!
I NEED Diamonds Are Forever!
Zoe is stuck,Maxime has made it clear he will never let her go.
Not only that,he very cleverly manipulates her into caring about him.
Slaying her with kindness,spoiling her as long as she behaves.
Punishing her for questioning him delivers the message she should be happy living in ignorance.
When she confesses her love for him,he is honest though....
He is a man incapable of that feeling,the most she can expect is the fact he needs her.
Her innocence makes his darkness seem lighter.
She brightens up his days,and that should be enough.
Finding out the kind of business he is in,shocks her.
Finding out the realization of another dream she had is bought and worthless,is a heavy blow.
Finding out the one friend she thought she had in the family isn’t a friend,makes her mad.
Finding out the truth about the italian deal he’s made......thát is the limit!
I am glad she made the decision she did,even though it breaks her heart.
Choosing to defy him in that way.....
And i want to smack that heartless bastard for what he did to her!
How the hell am i going to survive until September?????
September 25, 2020
oh la, la, la...The French would say...
and since the anti-hero here is French, a French mafia to be exact, it suits right!
about this sequel...I expected the big turmoil coming and even though I expected it, it still made my heart palpitate a little bit faster...out of anger and just simply...
ah well, I'm still not sure about the guy - he's something else, at the least!
Sure, he's bordering psychopath, since he obviously has some major issues and he's unable to see things clearly in the sociably acceptable way - BUT still, what the actual fuck, what an audacity to make such a suggestion to her...
I was just...ah, fuck you very much....no thank you LOL
anyway, good for her...in the end...it left us with unanswered questions, so I dived into book 3...
and since the anti-hero here is French, a French mafia to be exact, it suits right!
about this sequel...I expected the big turmoil coming and even though I expected it, it still made my heart palpitate a little bit faster...out of anger and just simply...
ah well, I'm still not sure about the guy - he's something else, at the least!
Sure, he's bordering psychopath, since he obviously has some major issues and he's unable to see things clearly in the sociably acceptable way - BUT still, what the actual fuck, what an audacity to make such a suggestion to her...
I was just...ah, fuck you very much....no thank you LOL
anyway, good for her...in the end...it left us with unanswered questions, so I dived into book 3...
July 14, 2020
SPOILERS AHEAD. This book was an emotional rollercoaster. My heart broke over and over for Zoe but by the end, I was cheering and fist pumping. Clearly Maxime has lost his entire mind and Zoe did not stick around for him to find it. Honestly, after reading this book, I realize I am a very vindictive person. The house that Maxime decided to reassign to his new flame would have been burned to the ground with him and her in it. The audacity and the nerve of him to decide to steal Zoe's life and then decide how her future would be as well. BOY BYE! Can't wait for the finale. Let us all hope in book 3 that Maxime will either find the mind that he lost or Zoe will have found her real Prince/Knight in Shining Armor. Psychopath is too polite a term for Maxime!
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
July 7, 2020
Charmaine Pauls - Diamonds in the Rough (Diamonds are Forever Trilogy 2)
𝑨𝒓𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
I would like to thank both the author and pr company for the chance to arc this book. I appreciate the opportunity, and value the authors consideration to summarise the previous book. You cant imagine how helpful it is.
Diamonds in the Rough is the second installment in the Diamond Magnate series. It continues where we left off in the first book. And what an epic journey we face. I'm in awe of Charmaines writing and world development. She is vastly becoming one of my die hard authors. I devoured this book in one sitting. It was unputdownable and I cant recommend this series enough!
Maxime is a juxtaposition. His actions were two sided. His kindness and consideration were to keep Zoe occupied but also to ensure her happiness. Protective of his property, his affection for the heroine is the nearest thing to love he has ever experienced. His behaviour towards Zoe forever gave me whiplash. The therapy session made me see everything in a new light. For a sociopath, his lack of empathy and his thoughtful actions reiterated his complexity. His view on this diagnosis is interesting and can clearly see how the heroine draws him but also intrigues him. We gained a better insight into Maximes motives and his mafia organisation, his genetic make up and family. Yet I feel like weve only seen a thin layer of how cruel he can actually be. It leaves the reader with many questions. Will he overcome his familial expectations. Can he learn to love.
Fighting between her heart and her self worth Zoes situation becomes bearable with her ambitions and dreams of love and fairytale romance. She grows in strength, her courage and bravery was shown throughout. Never giving up even when criticised about her abilities and taste in fashion. Her status in question and reputation in tatters, with loneliness as her only companion, she is still determined and open to happiness and making the most of her circumstance. As the story jumped several times we saw depth in their relationship. Her inner war with hope, I felt she stopped resisting because she doesnt have much of a family or life to go back to. I was shocked by the plot and salute her moral integrity. Charmaine made Zoes character relatable to the reader and drew out protective and sympathetic emotions towards her, without making her feel pathetic and annoying. She reaches breaking point at the end of the book which leads us to think how will she cope with her new found freedom, and is she ready to face her brother.
Diamond in the Rough ends in a cliff-hanger. Im completely torn. This couple is everything. Their relationship is complicated, beautiful and soulshattering. If you like selfish and heartless heros and optimistic down trodden heroines, you'll love their hopeless journey to... forever. Be prepared for a rough and bumpy ride. I need to get my hands on the next book.
COMING SOON:
The Diamonds are Forever series consists of 3 books. Continue Zoe and Maxime’s story in:
Book 3: Diamonds are Forever (15 September 2020)
Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I hope to see a change in the heros character. Theres no knowing how he will react in the series finale. I cant wait to finally meet the heroines brother, Damian. Will the heroine move on? The cynic in me believes the rose tea plays a part in her pliable behaviour. I wouldn't put it past Maxime. Most of all, I'm ready to find more answers and a well earnt happily ever after. All I can envision is that lonely dress still in the closet... another example of the heroines innocent, positive outlook. I predict he will be so enraged in the next book that he marries her...in that dress! Bind them for eternity.
Find out why I gave the first book in the series 5 stars. Diamonds in the Dust 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒
Find me on:
Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Pinterest
Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
𝑨𝒓𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
I would like to thank both the author and pr company for the chance to arc this book. I appreciate the opportunity, and value the authors consideration to summarise the previous book. You cant imagine how helpful it is.
Diamonds in the Rough is the second installment in the Diamond Magnate series. It continues where we left off in the first book. And what an epic journey we face. I'm in awe of Charmaines writing and world development. She is vastly becoming one of my die hard authors. I devoured this book in one sitting. It was unputdownable and I cant recommend this series enough!
Maxime is a juxtaposition. His actions were two sided. His kindness and consideration were to keep Zoe occupied but also to ensure her happiness. Protective of his property, his affection for the heroine is the nearest thing to love he has ever experienced. His behaviour towards Zoe forever gave me whiplash. The therapy session made me see everything in a new light. For a sociopath, his lack of empathy and his thoughtful actions reiterated his complexity. His view on this diagnosis is interesting and can clearly see how the heroine draws him but also intrigues him. We gained a better insight into Maximes motives and his mafia organisation, his genetic make up and family. Yet I feel like weve only seen a thin layer of how cruel he can actually be. It leaves the reader with many questions. Will he overcome his familial expectations. Can he learn to love.
Fighting between her heart and her self worth Zoes situation becomes bearable with her ambitions and dreams of love and fairytale romance. She grows in strength, her courage and bravery was shown throughout. Never giving up even when criticised about her abilities and taste in fashion. Her status in question and reputation in tatters, with loneliness as her only companion, she is still determined and open to happiness and making the most of her circumstance. As the story jumped several times we saw depth in their relationship. Her inner war with hope, I felt she stopped resisting because she doesnt have much of a family or life to go back to. I was shocked by the plot and salute her moral integrity. Charmaine made Zoes character relatable to the reader and drew out protective and sympathetic emotions towards her, without making her feel pathetic and annoying. She reaches breaking point at the end of the book which leads us to think how will she cope with her new found freedom, and is she ready to face her brother.
Diamond in the Rough ends in a cliff-hanger. Im completely torn. This couple is everything. Their relationship is complicated, beautiful and soulshattering. If you like selfish and heartless heros and optimistic down trodden heroines, you'll love their hopeless journey to... forever. Be prepared for a rough and bumpy ride. I need to get my hands on the next book.
COMING SOON:
The Diamonds are Forever series consists of 3 books. Continue Zoe and Maxime’s story in:
Book 3: Diamonds are Forever (15 September 2020)
Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I hope to see a change in the heros character. Theres no knowing how he will react in the series finale. I cant wait to finally meet the heroines brother, Damian. Will the heroine move on? The cynic in me believes the rose tea plays a part in her pliable behaviour. I wouldn't put it past Maxime. Most of all, I'm ready to find more answers and a well earnt happily ever after. All I can envision is that lonely dress still in the closet... another example of the heroines innocent, positive outlook. I predict he will be so enraged in the next book that he marries her...in that dress! Bind them for eternity.
Find out why I gave the first book in the series 5 stars. Diamonds in the Dust 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒
Find me on:
Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Pinterest
Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
December 14, 2025
Once upon a time this impressionable reader asked her favourite author, her crowned Queen of Tortured Romance, whether she had diabolical plans to torture her latest heroine. Because, I would need to stock up on tissues. “Yes! Get those tissues ready!” Charmaine gleefully replied.
As she promised, in Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2), Zoe and Max go through further emotional Herculean trials. Having nearly lost his “little flower” to her own impulsive, thrill-seeking cliff jump that took place while she was under a dubious state of mind, Max understands fear for perhaps the first time in his life. The feeling is new to him. In fact, feelings are new to him.
Can a psychopath fall in love? This is the question that not only we, the readers, ask ourselves. Max seeks the answer too, going as far as to consult his shrink. Charmaine plays her two main characters beautifully, like a virtuoso. She gets you inside their heads. She makes them matter.
Max continues to treat Zoe like a princess, sending her to an exclusive fashion design college, fuelling what he believes are her fantasies, while fulfilling his own pragmatic worldview. Zoe never forgets she’s a captive, a commodity, her sexuality being traded for her brother’s life. Her own life is comprised of rewards and punishments doled out by her captor. She feels EVERYTHING, from the shame and self-recrimination of being acclimated to her imprisonment, to the love and compassion she develops for Max, to the stings of rejection and contempt from practically everyone else that Max recruits into his charade. She sees the darkness of her situation but she is, and has always been, a hopeless romantic. Zoe has been looking for the better sides of others and hoping to find love and acceptance. How can such an empathetic personality survive alongside someone who has no empathy?
Well, it’s not an ideal setup for a long-lasting relationship, for sure. As Max grapples with his emerging feelings towards Zoe, he continues his practice of self-inflicted trauma whenever she steps out of line and needs to be punished as well. It’s all for naught. His deeds balance nothing. And eventually Max digs himself into an emotional deficit that even ever-forgiving Zoe can not credit away.
Book 2 ends with a bombshell that is worthy of the best of all middle trilogy books. Once again, I loved Zoe even more than I thought I could after the first book. I started falling for Max, only to be utterly shocked by the ice bucket coldness of his neglect of Zoe’s one true need. By the end, I was the one whose feelings were twisted and trampled and raw. This is Charmaine Pauls at the top of her game, the mistress of lyrical words and meanings, the Queen of Tortured Romance.
This sincere review is given without obligation, for an author-provided ARC.
As she promised, in Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2), Zoe and Max go through further emotional Herculean trials. Having nearly lost his “little flower” to her own impulsive, thrill-seeking cliff jump that took place while she was under a dubious state of mind, Max understands fear for perhaps the first time in his life. The feeling is new to him. In fact, feelings are new to him.
Can a psychopath fall in love? This is the question that not only we, the readers, ask ourselves. Max seeks the answer too, going as far as to consult his shrink. Charmaine plays her two main characters beautifully, like a virtuoso. She gets you inside their heads. She makes them matter.
Max continues to treat Zoe like a princess, sending her to an exclusive fashion design college, fuelling what he believes are her fantasies, while fulfilling his own pragmatic worldview. Zoe never forgets she’s a captive, a commodity, her sexuality being traded for her brother’s life. Her own life is comprised of rewards and punishments doled out by her captor. She feels EVERYTHING, from the shame and self-recrimination of being acclimated to her imprisonment, to the love and compassion she develops for Max, to the stings of rejection and contempt from practically everyone else that Max recruits into his charade. She sees the darkness of her situation but she is, and has always been, a hopeless romantic. Zoe has been looking for the better sides of others and hoping to find love and acceptance. How can such an empathetic personality survive alongside someone who has no empathy?
"Will you love me?"
"I've given you all I'm capable of."
Well, it’s not an ideal setup for a long-lasting relationship, for sure. As Max grapples with his emerging feelings towards Zoe, he continues his practice of self-inflicted trauma whenever she steps out of line and needs to be punished as well. It’s all for naught. His deeds balance nothing. And eventually Max digs himself into an emotional deficit that even ever-forgiving Zoe can not credit away.
Book 2 ends with a bombshell that is worthy of the best of all middle trilogy books. Once again, I loved Zoe even more than I thought I could after the first book. I started falling for Max, only to be utterly shocked by the ice bucket coldness of his neglect of Zoe’s one true need. By the end, I was the one whose feelings were twisted and trampled and raw. This is Charmaine Pauls at the top of her game, the mistress of lyrical words and meanings, the Queen of Tortured Romance.
This sincere review is given without obligation, for an author-provided ARC.
July 13, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Diamond in the Rough is the Second book of the Diamonds Are forever Trilogy , written by Charmaine Pauls . Told in dual perspectives , this book pretty put my emotions through a blender. The storylines of all the books in the trilogy are connected , and it is a must to read Diamonds In The Dust before reading this book.
This book picked up where Diamonds in The Dust finished. That bloody cliffhanger from the first book had me jumping up and down for this book and when I Finally got to read , I was beyond escalated. My emotions are scattered everywhere after reading this book !
The one thing I didn't expect after reading this book , was my need to chop Maxime into pieces!! I mean I really love that man , but that Italian deal of his had me wanting to slap him into the next year. Then there was his utter disregard for how Zoe felt. He just expected her to be okay with whatever he did. I just wanted to shake him so bad!!
I am gonna be the first in row to see how much grovels to get her back !! This is my shoutout to the author , please I need a lot of groveling scenes , or else I'll go mad!!
Now let's put my dramatics aside , On an overall basis this book was Ah-ma-zing!! I just loved the storyline and can't wait for the next book!! There is not much I am going to say about the storyline of this book , as it may or may not be a spoiler for all the Maxime-Virgins out there !
This book is recommended to all the dark romance lovers with a bit of kidnapping in the twist!!
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September 27, 2021
**4.5** This series is giving me an emotional heart attack! There is SO MUCH I want to say, but I can’t ruin it for anyone else who wants to dive into these books.
Excellent writing, and a break-neck speedy plot with a heaps of angst.
So this book begins right where the first one ends, I think this is the tipping point for him, a slight crack in his sociopath mind where he puts someone else first for a change.
The problem is that Maxime treats her slightly better in this book, and that is almost worse because it makes her feel there is something there. Some connection, some emotion. That ending and cliffhanger!!!!
Excellent writing, and a break-neck speedy plot with a heaps of angst.
So this book begins right where the first one ends, I think this is the tipping point for him, a slight crack in his sociopath mind where he puts someone else first for a change.
I’m out of breath when we reach the beach, but not from exertion, it’s the fear. I’ve never felt anything like it. Never cared enough.The Italian contract was exactly what I thought it was and I can’t express the amount of rage I felt toward Maxime. I thought he pissed me off in the first book? Pfffffffff, that was nothing to how I felt about him in this one. Poor Zoe. Her little romantic, full-of-hope heart keeps getting smashed.
The problem is that Maxime treats her slightly better in this book, and that is almost worse because it makes her feel there is something there. Some connection, some emotion. That ending and cliffhanger!!!!
July 14, 2020
REAL diamonds don’t start out opulently beautiful- they start out ugly, dark, buried under the surface. Only under incredible circumstances- the perfect combination of intense pressure and unimaginable heat, painful cuts, and a literal earth shattering volcanic eruption- can the true beauty emerge from the ugly, from the rough. And oh my stars- does Charmaine Paul deliver a story that perfectly encapsulates that journey. Book 2 is a mind-blowing, psychologically electrifying, and emotional seduction. This love story is dark and intense, painful at times but cuttingly beautiful in others. No one does this type of story like Charmaine- the innocent, emotive heroine captured and trapped (not just physically but emotionally) by the dark, emotionless mafia anti-hero, the development of that Stockholm, co-dependent toxicity that is just so addictive, and the angsty emotional push-pull that rips at your heart and mind. Maxime and Zoe don’t yet have a love that is clear and shiny- we’re still buried under darkness and pressure.
Truth be told, I sometimes find that the second book in push-pull romance trilogies can be a bit frustrating- we have our relationship established and the feelings are there, but you know the HEA isn’t coming yet- which often leaves us in plot and character monotony, a “waiting for it” purgatory of book 2- but Charmaine is one of those authors who has CONSISTENTLY contradicted that trend- no stalling status quo here. This story moves quickly and keeps you on your toes, and our characters are dynamic, complex, and anything but monotonously static. Book 2 thankfully picks up immediately after that insane cliffhanger in book 1- from there I can’t say much without spoiling, but this really isn’t about plot. No, what I love about Charmaine’s stories is that they are really about character psychology, an enthralling study of how character heart and minds evolve and react when their limits are pushed, when they are forced to live in the grey, when the human response defies logic. When a captive, innocent connects with her manipulative, psychopathic captor.
Maxime continues to be everything I love in the coldhearted and manipulative captor. Charmaine’s heroes aren’t only physically dangerous and controlling, they are MENTALLY terrifying- ruthless, immoral, strategic and coercive, her heroes totally do a mind F on both our heroine and us as a reader. You never know if you need a cold shower or psychological help to temper your attraction, but either way, her heroes somehow make you want to punch them and kiss them in every breath. Maxime is a masterpiece- the cold, twisted, devious antihero- and here we start to see his heart thaw as these two settle into a new dynamic after the cliff hanger (LITERALLY, haha) from book 1 that jolts his deadened heart. Charmaine both gives us enough to feel like we are starting to GET him and his character journey but also still keeps some distance- which means Maxime still surprises us at every turn, his unpredictability keeps me rapidly turning pages. And Zoe is my favorite kind of heroine, and again, the one that Charmaine excels at- the softer, emotional and slightly naive leading lady who caves just a bit too easily- who knows her hard limits but isn’t too obstinate or resistant- who easily becomes the prey. Her growth I found to be the most compelling- her quiet inner strength and sense of self really rises to the surface in this sequel.
The chemistry continues to be scorching and, as I mentioned, intensely psychologically and emotionally ambivalent. I love how Charmaine uses character contrasts to highlight and build their connection- this is my favorite type of character connection- that dynamic tension of light and kind and good with dark and devious and dangerous. Seeing how the cold and unfeeling hero inspires strength and fortitude in our softer heroine, and how our sweet, innocent, more passive heroine somehow inspires gentleness and affection for the cold, broody beast. The chemistry is really masterfully architected - the intimacy and true feelings slithering into their relationship small moment by small moment until both we and our characters are jarred by the changing dynamics. Even so, their love is messy, damaging, bewildering- but OH so hot.
And just when I thought things couldn’t get any more intense, when I started to get comfortable in where I thought this story was going, Charmaine careens us down a dark path SO shocking that I literally screamed out loud. This conclusion was jaw dropping, heartbreaking, leaving me swimming in muddled tears of anger, sadness, fear, even hope. My mind and heart are TOTALLY eviscerated- thank goodness book 3 isn’t too far away. I don’t know how we’ll get there, but I’m so ready to watch these two figure out their messy, toxic, seemingly impossible love. I know it will be an explosive eruptive, but I’m hopeful these two can cut their way into a love as beautiful as a naturally born diamond.
Truth be told, I sometimes find that the second book in push-pull romance trilogies can be a bit frustrating- we have our relationship established and the feelings are there, but you know the HEA isn’t coming yet- which often leaves us in plot and character monotony, a “waiting for it” purgatory of book 2- but Charmaine is one of those authors who has CONSISTENTLY contradicted that trend- no stalling status quo here. This story moves quickly and keeps you on your toes, and our characters are dynamic, complex, and anything but monotonously static. Book 2 thankfully picks up immediately after that insane cliffhanger in book 1- from there I can’t say much without spoiling, but this really isn’t about plot. No, what I love about Charmaine’s stories is that they are really about character psychology, an enthralling study of how character heart and minds evolve and react when their limits are pushed, when they are forced to live in the grey, when the human response defies logic. When a captive, innocent connects with her manipulative, psychopathic captor.
Maxime continues to be everything I love in the coldhearted and manipulative captor. Charmaine’s heroes aren’t only physically dangerous and controlling, they are MENTALLY terrifying- ruthless, immoral, strategic and coercive, her heroes totally do a mind F on both our heroine and us as a reader. You never know if you need a cold shower or psychological help to temper your attraction, but either way, her heroes somehow make you want to punch them and kiss them in every breath. Maxime is a masterpiece- the cold, twisted, devious antihero- and here we start to see his heart thaw as these two settle into a new dynamic after the cliff hanger (LITERALLY, haha) from book 1 that jolts his deadened heart. Charmaine both gives us enough to feel like we are starting to GET him and his character journey but also still keeps some distance- which means Maxime still surprises us at every turn, his unpredictability keeps me rapidly turning pages. And Zoe is my favorite kind of heroine, and again, the one that Charmaine excels at- the softer, emotional and slightly naive leading lady who caves just a bit too easily- who knows her hard limits but isn’t too obstinate or resistant- who easily becomes the prey. Her growth I found to be the most compelling- her quiet inner strength and sense of self really rises to the surface in this sequel.
The chemistry continues to be scorching and, as I mentioned, intensely psychologically and emotionally ambivalent. I love how Charmaine uses character contrasts to highlight and build their connection- this is my favorite type of character connection- that dynamic tension of light and kind and good with dark and devious and dangerous. Seeing how the cold and unfeeling hero inspires strength and fortitude in our softer heroine, and how our sweet, innocent, more passive heroine somehow inspires gentleness and affection for the cold, broody beast. The chemistry is really masterfully architected - the intimacy and true feelings slithering into their relationship small moment by small moment until both we and our characters are jarred by the changing dynamics. Even so, their love is messy, damaging, bewildering- but OH so hot.
And just when I thought things couldn’t get any more intense, when I started to get comfortable in where I thought this story was going, Charmaine careens us down a dark path SO shocking that I literally screamed out loud. This conclusion was jaw dropping, heartbreaking, leaving me swimming in muddled tears of anger, sadness, fear, even hope. My mind and heart are TOTALLY eviscerated- thank goodness book 3 isn’t too far away. I don’t know how we’ll get there, but I’m so ready to watch these two figure out their messy, toxic, seemingly impossible love. I know it will be an explosive eruptive, but I’m hopeful these two can cut their way into a love as beautiful as a naturally born diamond.
July 15, 2020
How does this keep happening? Lol Once again I am in shock!!
So listen, this trilogy is so unpredictable I don’t even know if you guys should be reading reviews. Seriously. Someone is going to slip up and tell you something that will ruin the stoooooooop it moment in these installments that quite honestly, I loathe but love at the same time. I mean … who reads a Charmaine book and expects rainbows and unicorns? amirite? This one though … it’s extra people! You’ve been warned :)
Even tho I am not going to give away anything that happens in this story, I want to take a few minutes of your time and talk about Charmaine’s skill. This woman is a powerhouse. When I reviewed the first book in this trilogy I was so incredibly stunned at her wizardry that I stated “I don’t think she can out-do what she’s written here as the beginning of this journey. Well, clearly, her skill has no bounds. She has a way of pulling the reader into the darkest shadows in a story and make them adore the darkness. Her stories are exciting and passionate and never predictable. READ HER WORK!
I have zero clue the direction this story is taking any more LOL but I am looking forward to it. She twisted my mind seven ways to Sunday with the ending here so I am like *blank stare* right now. I have no doubt she will blow me away!
Even tho I am not going to give away anything that happens in this story, I want to take a few minutes of your time and talk about Charmaine’s skill. This woman is a powerhouse. When I reviewed the first book in this trilogy I was so incredibly stunned at her wizardry that I stated “I don’t think she can out-do what she’s written here as the beginning of this journey. Well, clearly, her skill has no bounds. She has a way of pulling the reader into the darkest shadows in a story and make them adore the darkness. Her stories are exciting and passionate and never predictable. READ HER WORK!
I have zero clue the direction this story is taking any more LOL but I am looking forward to it. She twisted my mind seven ways to Sunday with the ending here so I am like *blank stare* right now. I have no doubt she will blow me away!
July 16, 2020
Maxime'den o kadar çok nefret ediyorum ki tarifi yok.
Zavallı Zoe asla kendini anlamayan bir adama aşık oldu. Kitabın sonunda yaptığı tam olarak ondan beklediğim davranış şekliydi.
Şimdi 3. ve son kitabı beklemek zorundayım :( neler olacak işleri nasıl yoluna sokacak Maxime
Zavallı Zoe asla kendini anlamayan bir adama aşık oldu. Kitabın sonunda yaptığı tam olarak ondan beklediğim davranış şekliydi.
Şimdi 3. ve son kitabı beklemek zorundayım :( neler olacak işleri nasıl yoluna sokacak Maxime
July 14, 2020
This is book two in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. Make sure you read Diamonds in the Rough first.
After how book one ended I was so excited to read this story and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed as this was a brilliant read. I felt as if I was holding my breath so much while reading this story.
Brilliant story and now I wait rather impatiently for book three.
After how book one ended I was so excited to read this story and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed as this was a brilliant read. I felt as if I was holding my breath so much while reading this story.
Brilliant story and now I wait rather impatiently for book three.
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