Callous Desire by Charmaine Pauls

Book synopsis

Callous Desire (New York Underworld, Book 4)

A Dark Secret Baby Romance

My mother raised me on knights in shining armor and happily-ever-afters. She groomed me to be the perfect mafia princess. It was only natural that I’d believe in fairy tales.

Only, I didn’t fall for the prince.

I fell in love with my father’s enemy.

I’ve never deluded myself about the man Dante is. Powerful. Cold. Ruthless. Brutal. Bad doesn’t come close to describing him. But when he held me in his arms in a rented room, he showed me that he could be good. Just for me. He always chained the monster when I was pinned beneath him, at my most vulnerable and exposed, in the most dangerous place I could be.

The darkness I glimpsed in him is embedded in his soul, coloring his heart and world black. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I lost myself to a callous man. I just couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that his seduction was only part of a cruel strategy and that I was nothing but the pawn he used for his revenge.

Note: Callous Desire is the first book in the Callous Duet and ends on a cliffhanger. Tatiana and Dante's story concludes in Callous Love. The duet is part of the New York Underworld series (Books 4 & 5). You don't have to read the other books in the series (the Coerced Trilogy) to follow this duet. The story contains violence and scenes not recommended for sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.

My Review

The world of Callous Desire is a suffocatingly intense landscape of dark mafia politics. Dante Morici is every bit the formidable boss—possessive, powerful, and driven by a relentless quest for vengeance. In this world, control is everything, and Dante’s past claims on Tatiana make it clear that in his eyes, she will always be his.​ 

The true power of this story lies in Tatiana’s painful rebellion. After a devastating betrayal, she is forced to live in a gilded cage for the sake of her son, Noah. To survive, she attempts to turn her desire into something callous, distancing herself from her feelings for Dante to prevent him from using her heart for his own gain again. It is a tragic and relatable defense mechanism; she still loves him but refuses to grant him the trust he once shattered. What complicates Tatiana’s distance is Dante’s genuine devotion to Noah. He is a wonderful father, and Noah adores him, which makes Tatiana’s struggle even more poignant. She recognizes that Noah needs his father, but she must navigate the turmoil of living with a man who is a "good parent" while remaining a "dangerous partner" to her.

The chemistry between them remains electric, leaving the reader eager for them to find a way to bridge the gap of distrust. ​ The story concludes on a high-stakes cliffhanger that leaves the characters' futures hanging in the balance. While Tatiana is in physical danger from outside forces, the real tension lies in whether Dante can evolve. As the story continues, I am hoping for a redemption that values Tatiana’s agency over his own quest for vengeance. A simple rescue won't mend the lack of trust; Dante must stop keeping secrets and give Tatiana the freedom to choose him, rather than forcing her to stay.

Excerpt

Raising my voice, I make my point. “You’re going to war with my brother.”

He clicks his tongue and shakes his head as if he thinks I’m stupid. “The war is long since over, darling. All that remains is delivering the deathblow.”

He says it so heartlessly that another shiver works its way through me. “You’re a monster.”

“Not entirely.” He takes something from his pocket and hands it to me. “Or I wouldn’t have gotten you this.”

I look at the packet on my palm. It’s the morning-after pill.

Heat pushes up my neck and face. “You didn’t just run out and get this, did you?”

I want to ask if I’ve been such a foregone conclusion—again—but he spares me by saying, “I dispatched one of my men to a twenty-four hour-pharmacy. He sent the parcel up with the food.”

“Great.” My cheeks burn hotter. “Why not tell everyone what happened last night?”

“My man is discreet. He won’t say a word. As for the hotel staff, the purchase came in a non-transparent pharmacy bag.”

My reply is sarcastic. “Isn’t that a relief?”

“As we’re on the subject… Condoms or an oral contraceptive? I’ll let you choose.”

“Neither.” I lock eyes with him. “What happened last night isn’t going to happen again.”

“Then you better be prepared to give Noah a brother or a sister.” He lowers his head and brushes his lips over my ear. “Because you can count on it happening again.”

Stolen Lust by Charmaine Pauls

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Charmaine Pauls knows dark romance, and Stolen Lust is no exception. There is a balance to the dubious consent concept that appeals to me. A love-hate relationship, or forceful union, an alpha male with a penchant for overpowering, when I want a dark romance, this is what I look for. The subject matter is not for everyone, although Stolen Lust is a bit tame in this department. But, like all her books, it creates an excellent tension with this type of theme.

A carjacking and kidnapping lead to immediate chemistry between Ian and Cas. Ian is immediately obsessed; Cas is intimidated but faces that, and the two of them are a wonderfully complex pairing. I was engrossed in their story, and the cliffhanger ensures I will be reading the next book in the series.

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REVIEW

Charmaine Pauls knows dark romance, and Stolen Lust is no exception.  There is a balance to the dubious consent concept that appeals to me.  A love-hate relationship, or forceful union, an alpha male with a penchant for overpowering, when I want a dark romance, this is what I look for. The subject matter is not for everyone, although Stolen Lust is a bit tame in this department. But, like all her books, it creates an excellent tension with this type of theme.

A carjacking and kidnapping lead to immediate chemistry between Ian and Cas. Ian is immediately obsessed; Cas is intimidated but faces that, and the two of them are a wonderfully complex pairing.  I was engrossed in their story, and the cliffhanger ensures I will be reading the next book in the series.

Diamonds are Forever by Charmaine Pauls

ABOUT THE BOOK

A DARK MAFIA ROMANCE

My love is wasted like gemstones in the dust, walked over by an oblivious shoe. It takes many suffering years and layers of mountains to squeeze carbon into a precious stone. Now that I'm polished and hard like a diamond, he doesn't get to kick me back into the dirt.

Men like him don't love women like me.

They don't love.

Period.

But he made me.

He'll live with me.

Because diamonds are forever.

* Diamonds are Forever is Book 3 of the Diamonds are Forever trilogy and concludes the story. Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) and Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2) must be read first to follow the story.

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REVIEW

In Diamonds are Forever, we find the conclusion of the Diamond Magnat series by Charmaine Pauls. Zoe makes it clear to Maxime she will not continue their relationship as it was at the end of the last book.  Although Max takes a step in the right direction to winning her back, his actions seem to provoke a change in Zoe, perhaps one not for the better.

Zoe and Maxime's journey has been a long and complicated one.  The couple had to decide whether a compromise in expectations is worth making their relationship work.  One gives in, the other stands firm.  It is both refreshing and frustrating, hoping they will conclude that persevering is worth it to stay together.  At one point, I was pretty nervous for Zoe.  When she gave in to cynicism, it briefly felt like it would kill her compassion.  Like a bit of role reversal with Maxime.  

The couple eventually meets in the middle, which I believe is the point.  Despite all the manipulations, Zoe and Maxime deserve to find happiness in each other.  They make each other better, and emotionally even each other out.  Diamonds are Forever is a satisfying ending to their tale.

 

Diamonds in the Rough by Charmaine Pauls

ABOUT THE BOOK

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), which concludes the story, will be released on 15 September 2020.

Other novels in the Diamond Magnate collection:

Standalone Novel

Beauty in the Broken

Diamonds are Forever Trilogy

Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) - 19 May 2020

Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2) - 14 July 2020

Diamonds are Forever (Book 3) - 15 September 2020

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REVIEW

Diamonds in the Rough is the second story in the Diamonds Are Forever trilogy by Charmaine Pauls. Diamonds in the Rough ensnared me from the beginning. I could not set this early copy I received down. By the end, I was bouncing in my seat.

The men are very dominating, but the leads are not abusive to their women. It may upset readers sensitive to those topics, but I enjoy the depictions. Charmaine Pauls creates the most intriguing dark and sensual characters. 

After a tumultuous start, Zoe accepts her place with Maxime. His dominance becomes a passionate craving for her, and the couple begins the semblance of a relationship. When Maxime neglects to inform Zoe of crucial personal issues, Zoe has to determine what compromises she is prepared to make. 

Random Spoilery Thoughts: Maxime broke my heart. Zoe struggles, and when she finally reaches some peace with her complex situation, he consistently makes it worse. I believe this will be a harsh lesson for him, especially when those feelings he doesn't think exist smack him in the face. I absolutely cannot wait for the third Diamonds are Forever.

Diamonds in the Dust by Charmaine Pauls

ABOUT THE BOOK

A DARK MAFIA ROMANCE

Men like us, we see things.

We do things, things that make us unfeeling.

That's the price of power and money, of living la belle vie and running the French mafia. Then she came along like a pretty wildflower pushing through the cracks on a dirty pavement - fragile yet resilient, a breath of beauty among the filth. She was supposed to be just another job, a nameless person I was to pluck from her life and hand to my brother, nothing but a pawn in the gamble of our diamond business.

There's a psychological label for men like us.

We lack empathy and guilt.

We do things to have what we want, things that make flowers wilt.

* Diamonds in the Dust is Book 1 of the Diamonds are Forever trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2) will be released on 14 July 2020, and Diamonds are Forever (Book 3) on 15 September 2020.

Other novels in the Diamond Magnate collection:

Standalone Novel

Beauty in the Broken

Diamonds are Forever Trilogy

Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) - 19 May 2020

Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2) - 14 July 2020

Diamonds are Forever (Book 3) - 15 September 2020

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

REVIEW

Diamonds in the Dust by Charmaine Pauls is the first in the Diamonds are Forever trilogy.  It also serves as a prequel to the Beauty in the Broken story, which for me, was a surprising benefit.  

This book is about dominance, as is a common theme by Charmain Pauls.  For this reason, it will most likely not appeal to everyone.  But what I love about her work is the emotional journey the characters traverse while coming to terms with their desires.  Her characters fight a battle of wills, but in the end, complement one another.  Once I start, I cannot put them down.

Maxime is dark, assertive, and seductive.  Zoe is struggling to come to terms with the severe changes in her life and her altering desires. By the end of Diamonds in the Dust, Zoe and Maxime have a long way to go, but I look forward to their journey.  

Catch Me Twice by Charmaine Pauls

ABOUT THE BOOK

A STANDALONE, SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE

“An amazingly written, heart-wrenching story of a man lost and the woman who helps him find himself—a second-chance romance unlike any other.” – Anna Zaires, New York Times bestselling author

If a man tells you he’s no good for you, best heed the warning. I learned the hard way. I had Jake Basson’s baby. He left to chase his dream. Now he’s back, demanding a second chance, but why should I give him anything after four years of nothing? No correspondence, no news. I finally have my life back on track. Jake has never been uncomplicated. He never follows the rules. I should’ve known he’d play dirty. He caught me once. I’m not going to let him catch me twice.

(Disclosure: This story contains cheating. HEA guaranteed.)

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REVIEW

Kristi and Jake marry young. Kristi spends the next four years apart from Jake, struggling to raise their child among prejudice, while he pursues his dreams of professional success.

I have decided that Charmaine Pauls is a guilty pleasure that I absolutely adore. Her novels typically have dark content that is often taboo and highly sensual. The characters suffer a challenging time before obtaining their hea, but in the end, they are considerably stronger for it. I feel connected to the characters through their distress, and that inevitable ending we all look for in a romance becomes more fulfilling. Despite acts that are less than optimal, the endurance and sincerity endear me to them. In Catch Me Twice Jake screws up badly, but I never felt he did not deserve a second chance. When Kristi wavers, I don't blame her, nor do I judge her for her ultimate decision.

Charmaine Pauls has done it again. Reading this early copy of Catch Me Twice honestly was as enjoyable as her prior works, which I have loved every one. I enthusiastically recommend Catch Me Twice for lovers of romance. Catch Me Twice fits is a good fit for those who prefer a little struggle before happily ever after.

Beauty in the Broken by Charmaine Pauls

ABOUT THE BOOK

A DIAMOND MAGNATE DARK ROMANCE NOVEL

Six years ago, Harold Dalton framed me for theft and sent me to jail to steal my diamond discovery. He gave his daughter to Jack Clarke in exchange for the excavation rights. Today, I’m walking free, and I’m coming for him with a vengeance. Six years of cruelty make beasts out of men. I’m going to take back what he stole from me, and more. I’m not interested in his properties or shares. I don’t want his small change. I want his biggest asset. Beautiful, mentally unstable, Angelina Dalton-Clarke.

Worth billions, she’s the wealthiest widow in the country, and also the craziest. Her self-harming tendencies had Jack declare her incompetent before he put a gun to his head and blew out his brains. Lina isn’t allowed to touch a cent of her riches. Her father manages her finances. He has all the signing power. As her husband, that chore will fall to me. But if she thinks I only want her for her money, she’s sadly mistaken.

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REVIEW

Lina's circumstances have nearly crushed her will at the beginning of Beauty in the Broken. Damian shackles Lina to him convinced this is the only way she will stay by his side. Charmain Pauls does a fantastic job of balancing her dark romances, and Beauty in the Broken is no exception. Lina and Damian begin their relationship emotionally crippled, often using sexual intimacy to elicit an emotional bond. They are flawed but find strength from one another. With the emotional give and take between Lina and Damian, they repair the damage inside of them. Be warned the consent is sometimes suspect, and a strong dominance theme is at play here. This scenario fits the characters well. I believe it advances their development and leads to a magnificent place. In the end, their roles are balanced, and they are both better for it. I enjoyed reading an advanced copy of Beauty in the Broken by Charmaine Pauls. I would highly recommend giving it a try.

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a new dark romance...

Erika

I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession. 

His name is Michael Crist. 

My boyfriend’s older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He's handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team and now gone pro, he’s more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me. 

But I noticed him.

I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid…For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away. 

Now, I’ve graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven’t stopped watching Michael. He’s bad, and the dirt I’ve seen isn’t content to stay in my head anymore. 

Because he’s finally noticed me. 

Michael

Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.

My brother’s girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven’t had her body, I know that I have her mind. That’s all I really want anyway. 

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college. 

In my city. 

Unprotected. 

The opportunity is too good to be true, as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they’re out. 

We’ve waited. We’ve been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true. 

*Corrupt is a STANDALONE dark romance with no cliffhanger. It is suitable for ages 18+. 

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REVIEW

Exceedingly glad I decided to read this story.  Thank you Kindle Unlimited, this recommendation was an excellent one.  At the heart of Corrupt is a sizzling dark romance. The chemistry between Rika and Michael is off the charts, their relationship develops thoughtfully and never feels forced. A huge conflict exists between the couple (no spoilers, figuring that out is part of the crazy ride), one that began when they were young, which leads to some intense interludes, both physical and emotional. 

Also present is a suspenseful mystery that could rival other stories dealing solely in that genre. The author presents a life-changing event through a series of flashbacks. Slowly we gain insight into what puts the group at odds with one another. I did not see the twists coming, and it was intense at times. I could not put this book down. 

I will most definitely be checking out more titles by Penelope Douglas, starting with Hideaway which picks up some time after Corrupt. If you like a little darkness, suspense, and some intense sensuality with your romance, Corrupt may be a good fit. It certainly hit all my buttons.  All opinions are my own. I encourage readers to reach their own conclusions.

The River Rising by MK Mancuso

ABOUT THE BOOK

River’s life was always held together by secrets, but it wasn’t until she started dating Jace Bolton, the CEO of Lark Station, that living a life of lies would consume her. 

After recently graduating college with a degree in broadcast journalism and landing an assistant job at Lark Station, River felt one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a news reporter. However, after a few dates with Jace, she’s discovered that he’s been stalking her for the past few months. Upon confronting him and praying for things to go her way, River is met with a darker reality. Not only has he been stalking her, but he knows her secret. 

Worried she’ll slip out of his grasp, Jace blackmails River into dating him and a contract is proposed. 

Having spent the last few years trying to keep the balance between quietly working as a cam model and the rest of her life separate, River knows her world is about to get a whole lot more challenging.

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REVIEW

The River Rising draws you in immediately. I did a two-day binge read which in the middle of the week is difficult unless it's an audiobook. I made it work because I did not want to put it down. This book is haunting, bittersweet, and led me to contemplate some thought-provoking ideas. Don't expect a light-hearted novel. 

Secrets are never good, they either come out or destroy from within every time. But we all keep them. And we have justifiable reasons for doing so. With the big ones though they can change the essence of who you are, especially if one is kept hostage by them. River gains first-hand knowledge of this, for that matter so does Jace and the other supporting cast. I can't say I would have done much different in most of their cases, but it is a hard lesson to learn when things go wrong.

When convinced a love is meant to be, what do you do to hold onto it? Forcing things is not the answer, even if there is a temporary stay afterward. Little can be done do to stop the inevitable end of a doomed relationship. Under different circumstances maybe River could have fared better in her situation. Sadly too much happens because of her secret, a few secrets actually, for things to wrap up tidy for her.

Obsession, compulsion, anger, depression. How far is too far before you need to worry about someone's mental well-being? When is it we are partially culpable in making someone's emotional triggers worse? Our first instinct is to protect ourselves and make sure no one is physically harmed. We should be more comfortable accepting, asking for, and giving help so bad feelings do not consume and become dangerous. We go to the doctor with a broken bone. It should feel natural to go for a fractured mind. Maybe Jace and River would not have fallen so deep in despair if that were the case, Jace especially. Jace's behavior did not manifest out of thin air someone knew it loomed below the surface. (I'm looking at you, Carter. Maybe give a guy some help huh?) 

All the characters are exceptionally fleshed out, even those we do not spend a ton of time with during the story. River's relationships and her actions were understandable. I could sympathize with Jace and see his point of view. Unfortunately, when I was unable to choose a consistent side in their affair, the ending hit me pretty hard. It would have been easier if I hated Jace from the beginning, but I really didn't. And those emotions are still with me the day after my read. Excellent job.

The editing was a bit off in a few places, but perhaps this is due to the early copy I received. Maybe one more read through would have cleaned up the remaining errors. I was still able to get the just of what was happening when this occurred. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions, but I do believe this book is well worth a try. 

Necromancer's Bride by Brianna Hale

I ran across this story on Goodreads. A group I recently joined recommended it on a best paranormal romance list of theirs. I figured I would give it a shot. The story is quite short, 66 pages I believe. I just needed a little time out, and I finished this in one sitting.

The author gives readers a warning.

This story is a dark fantasy romance with scenes of non-consent and dubious consent. Additionally, Meremon is a necromancer and enjoys unusual things. Some sex scenes might be strange or creepy for some readers.

Heed the warning, as this story does not mess around.

Holy crow. That is the first thing that comes to mind. But in a good way. Yes, there's kink, and weird stuff, and dubious consent, but it is done well. And it is sexy. As long as you can envelop in their world, which I could, and see Meremon for what he is and accept it, which I do, you should have a good time. The romance was quite sweet, as was the ending. But again, I would caution to pay attention to the warning.

It's a shame the story isn't a full-length novel. I could have easily spent a few more hours with Meremon and Rhona, and been okay with it. So, I enjoyed my time out. If this type of erotica sounds like your thing, I recommend giving it a read. 

When I was a child he brought me back from the brink of death. Since that day I have borne his mark, a black star in the center of my left palm. The villagers say it brands me as evil. I think it means something far worse. It marks me as his.

The disease that nearly killed me has returned to the village and children are dying. I’m the only one who dares to climb the mountain and learn his secrets. In exchange, I’m to clean his house and help with his strange experiments, but Meremon wants more. He wants me. And it isn’t long before I discover that his demands are as twisted as his experiments.

As always with Brianna Hale books, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily ever after. THE NECROMANCER’S BRIDE is a novella of 16,000 words.

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Heartaches: Bad Boy Vibes Part One by H.R. Irwing

Overall, Anna and Rafe's journey is compelling.  I finished it in nearly one sitting. This book is a good fit for those who enjoy a dark romance. The story-line, however, could have an adverse effect on those sensitive to sexual violence. Both main characters are victims, with the subject matter described in full.

While attending a vocational college, Anna feels like an outsider. She begins dating Matt Preston, and he makes her feel less like an outcast. Six months after their relationship begins, the couple attends a rave with Matt's brother Jason. Dosing Anna with an aphrodisiac date drug, the Preston brothers rape her, take her home, and continue the act with their father.

The assault on Anna comes out of nowhere. The scene begins to play out like an exhibitionist threesome. When it is clear the brothers drugged, and are violating Anna, the sensuality still lingers. I don't mind erotica, I prefer it to the euphemisms in other novels, but the narrative here was uncomfortable. If the author's purpose was to place the reader in the lead's shoes, bravo to the method, it worked well. I understand how making the reader experience both passion, and degradation in the act could help them empathize. I know taboo fantasies exist, but a deed this far from the safe zone isn't anything but distressing.

Anna isolates herself for weeks. Hoping to coax her out of the house, her mother takes Anna to see some old family friends. During the outing, Anna and Rafe reconnect. Her behavior indicates to him she is an abuse survivor. When questioned, Anna shares with him details of her attack. Rafe promises to help her receive legal justice, something he never had after his sexual violation.

Tess, who heads the police investigation, treats Anna like she doesn't deserve support or due process. She doesn't care about Anna, which draws Anna deeper into her anguish. Even though Rafe has no interest in her, Tess acts like a jealous girlfriend. If nothing else, the way Tess treats Anna is unprofessional. When not behaving like Anna is a threat to her romance, Tess belittles her. It is infuriating, and her character's actions are appalling.

Hired on at a military school several hours away, Rafe asks Anna go with him to make a new start. She agrees, eager to put her ordeal behind her. Anna, with Rafe close by, feels safe as she learns to defend herself. From the beginning, it is clear Anna and Rafe have strong feelings for one another. The lust Anna continues to have for the Prestons prevents her from being honest with Rafe.

A few weeks later, Matt and Jason enroll in the military school. Anna rushes to Rafe, explaining her belief that if they are together, she will no longer feel any desire for the Prestons. Anna's thoughts on the matter are reasonable, but perhaps not healthy. Rafe is in no position to give her the mental peace she needs. He can barely keep his own emotions in check. They begin a string of sexual encounters as angry as they are passionate.

Rafe's abuser arrives at the school as well. His superior during his tour in Syria, Eric seems determined to keep Rafe under his thrall. Eric desires Rafe, and he won't give him up peacefully. With Eric's declaration of this to Anna, the book ends.

Written in a third person omniscient point of view, it is insightful seeing inside Anna and Rafe's psyche.  However, at times, their thoughts become jumbled, and it is hard to tell one from the other. I was still able to enjoy the book, despite the occasional confusion. The Heartache novels contain a continuing narrative. I find myself curious to see how the relationship turns out, and anticipate continuing with the series.

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Young Enough (The Age Between Us Part 2) by Charmaine Pauls

Young Enough by Charmaine Pauls is part two in the Age Between Us series. This book is a direct continuation of Old Enough, so part one must be read first. In Young Enough, Jane and Brian continue to fight for their relationship. As time passes, Jane and Brian's obligations pull them away from one another.  

The younger man, older woman taboo is handled nicely in the Age Between Us series. Brian is what Jane needs to feel whole after a series of losses. Jane shows Brian his current way of living will not work out as he planned. They help one another grow, make each other better. Relating to Jane proved to be difficult at the start for me, but in the end, I understand the actions she took. Her priorities are not wrong. Brian makes some bad decisions, but his intentions are always pure. In the end, he does the best he can.

After reading the first novel, I was absorbed in their story. It was not hard to wish the best for Jane and Brian. Given the suffering they experienced, it was a long time coming when it finally happened. Charmaine Pauls does her tortured heroes well, with emphasis on tortured. I highly recommend this dark romance. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Old Enough (The Age Between Us Part 1) by Charmaine Pauls

Old Enough by Charmaine Pauls is part one of two in the Age Between Us series. Having read Charmaine Pauls work before, and enjoying it, I was eager to give this book a try. Warning, this book ends on a cliffhanger, and for me this book went extremely fast. I recommend having both parts on hand when beginning Old Enough.

Jane, for the most part, has been able to go on with her life after the death of a previous lover over a decade ago. On the anniversary of his death, she mourns him deeply, then returns to her husband and daughter. She considers Francois her best friend, however, a passion for him is lacking. When he asks Jane for a divorce, it still comes as a shock to her. 

Brian is a student in college. He is trying desperately to care for his emotionally troubled mother and his younger sister. A chance meeting at a bar, with a man determined to ruin Jane's life, puts Brian on Jane's path. From the moment Brian sees Jane, his gravitation to her is instant.

When Jane and Brian meet, seemingly by chance, they quickly begin an affair. Watching the romance grow, steeped in a passionate dominant-submissive intensity, was alluring.

Brian is mature for his age, having to become the head of his household at a young an age. Everything Brian does is for the benefit of others. He protects his mother, sister, and, almost immediately, Jane. The perfect balance of compassion and assertiveness, Brian is appealing as the romantic lead. 

Jane has a hard time recovering from the changes in her life. Her old friends, her ex-husband, her job, all seem to drag her further into despair. Brian becomes the one good thing in her life, and soon, even their affair becomes impossible for her to believe will survive. I felt sorry for Jane. I spent a lot of time frustrated with the treatment she endured from her family and friends. So frustrated, in fact, that I began not relating to her very well.

Unfortunately for Brian and Jane, their romance is ill-timed. Jane is dealing with her divorce, as well as the prejudice regarding her relationship with Brian. Brian is desperately trying to avoid involvement with the gang in his neighborhood. He realizes dealing with the crime family head-on, rather than avoiding it, is the only way to ensure his loved ones will remain safe. These outer influences make it appear their relationship will not survive.

Charmaine Pauls knows how to write dark, taboo romances. Her couples have to work hard for their relationship, but the payoff is better for it. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Consent by Charmaine Pauls

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Consent by Charmaine Pauls is Part 2 of the Loan Shark Duet.  Consent begins with the cliffhanger that Dubious ended on.  For that reason, I would suggest reading Dubious before Consent.

I enjoyed Consent more than I did Dubious. With the first novel, I had a hard time getting past the way Gabriel made Valentina his property. Gabriel's past abuse tainted how he could express love, and Valentina wasn't as much of a prisoner as it seemed, but it still bothered me. In Consent, this changes. Gabriel and Valentina learn of a shared connection from their pasts. Due to this, they get free of his mother's hold over them. Although these past events were a terrible way to gain that freedom, it works to their advantage. The twist was welcome. I also loved the way their story unfolds so that they can be together. Valentina gains control and is no longer at Gabriel's mercy.

Be warned this is a dark romance. There is a strong domination/submission theme in this book. I had slight issues with their story because of Gabriel's possessiveness, but in the end, I thought it turned out beautifully for the couple. I applaud the author for ridding my unease with Valentina's relationship with Gabriel. I recommend giving Dubious and Consent a try.

All opinions are my own and may not match that of others. I encourage readers to come to their own conclusions. I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley.

Dubious by Charmaine Pauls

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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.