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Dubious by Charmain Pauls is part 1 of the Loan Shark Duet. This book ends on a cliffhanger. I would suggest part 2 be close at hand when reaching the end of part 1.
Valentina's brother found himself indebted to the infamous loan shark Gabriel the Breaker. Valentina has always felt responsible for her older brother Charlie. During Valentina's teenage years Charlie was in a severe accident that caused his brain damage and took their parents lives. When the money owed to Gabriel is more than Valentina can pay, she agrees to become Gabriel's live-in help.
Valentina and Gabriel eventually form a believable romantic bond. Their attraction to each other goes beyond the physical. It is clear Gabriel cares for Valentina, and despite her situation, she begins to care for him. Gabriel's past is not conducive to a proper relationship, but he does his best to keep Valentina content. Valentina's compassion and patience help her bond with Gabriel. Gabriel's mother, the leader of their illegal activities, is mentally abusive to Gabriel and has been his entire life. When Magda repeatedly threatens Valentina's life, Gabriel does everything he can to keep Valentina safe. Valentina has a horrible set of circumstances that surround her parent's death and her brother's need for care. Their pasts create the desire to find comfort in each other, further drawing them into a relationship.
At its heart, this book is a very dark romance. Valentina is essentially Gabriel's indentured servant with little choice in what happens to her in his care. Valentina is unable to say no to Gabriel, and she is fully aware that his mother is not at all happy with her presence. I had to suspend these thoughts at times to enjoy the book, but in the end, I accepted their connection. I will most definitely be continuing their tale. I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley.
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