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

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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.  

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

One of Newsweek's Most Anticipated Books of 2020

One of SheReads Most Anticipated Books of 2020

One of PopSugar's Most Anticipated Books of 2020

One of HelloGiggles’ Most Anticipated Books of 2020

One of Marie Claire’s Best Fiction by Women in 2020

One of Woman’s Day’s Best Fiction Books Coming Out in 2020

The electrifying #1 New York Times bestselling authors of THE WIFE BETWEEN US and AN ANONYMOUS GIRL return with a brand new novel of psychological suspense, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Shay Miller wants to find love, but it eludes her. She wants to be fulfilled, but her job is a dead end. She wants to belong, but her life is increasingly lonely.

Until Shay meets the Moore sisters. Cassandra and Jane live a life of glamorous perfection, and always get what they desire. When they invite Shay into their circle, everything seems to get better.

Shay would die for them to like her.

She may have to.

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REVIEW

What I liked: You Are Not Alone was extremely tense for me. The way the authors unfold the story kept me on the edge of my seat with worry and sympathy for Shay. I couldn't get to the end quickly enough.

What I didn't like: This is complex because what I didn't like did help fortify what was at stake for Shay. She finds herself in a destructive relationship, full of manipulation from some downright terrible people. Their actions made me feel sick. But without those acts, we could not have seen Shay's journey forward. Some of the situations were relatively over the top, and Shay was too trusting but, that added to the suspense. Ultimately, I still needed to find out where Shay wound up at the end.

Overall this book was engaging. I recommend You Are Not Alone for those who like a mystery to solve. 

Evernight by Donna Grant

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant “skillfully melds history and legend” (RT Book Reviews) in a thrilling series – The Kindred.

To live in the light, they hunt in the dark…

Traumatized by the most devastating event imaginable, Synne has one thing on her mind: ridding the world of the Coven. The witches and their evil allies took away everything she held dear, and not even her beloved trees can quell the rising grief and darkness seeping into her soul. However, when she crosses paths with a sexy-as-sin Scotsman, her way of thinking changes, and she discovers things about herself even she wouldn’t have guessed.

Lachlan MacCullum, next in line to rule his clan, never expected to have his world turned upside down. But the moment he lays eyes on the gorgeous Hunter, he knows he will never be the same. In addition to making him feel things he never thought possible, she opens him to a world he’d nearly forgotten about. Now, he’s consumed by the need to help her. And win her heart.

With Sybbyl on the loose and out for domination, and another bone of the First Witch close at hand, reaching the Varroki and joining forces is paramount. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Evil has a way of thwarting even the best-laid plans. At least they have each other. But for how long?

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REVIEW

Evernight is the first book in the Kindred series I have read. The author does an excellent job of describing recent events, so at no time did I feel lost. There was decent intrigue involved in the battle between Hunter and Witches. Once the action ramped up, I was completely engaged in Synne and Lachlan's story. 

I typically enjoy my paranormal romances in an urban setting, but for the battle waged in Evernight, the medieval Scottish background was fitting. It did take me a little while to get into this book. Perhaps reading prior novels would have helped attach me more to the events transpiring. Ultimately, it was worth a read, especially for those who are faithful fans of a medieval paranormal romance.

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wild, Wild Rake, the next sweeping, emotional, witty, and sharp romance in the Cavensham Heiresses series from beloved author Janna MacGregor.

Her first marriage was an epic fail.

Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry—that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?

Devan Farris—charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian—is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation—even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside—a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?

Praise for the Cavensham Heiresses series

“Full-bodied romance…with intelligence and heart.”—New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell

“Sparkling…MacGregor brings England’s Regency era to life.” —Publishers Weekly

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REVIEW

What I liked: The story came at a time I needed a lighthearted romance, and this undertook that well. Avalon and Devon are adorable together. 

Avalon's betrothal felt authentic to the time: an arranged marriage and a courtesan who becomes a mistress, then a life mate. Through all of that, it was refreshing to see Avalon develop a loose friendship rather than the standard jealousy and vindictiveness. Due to her marriage situation, the mission Avalon adapts is a worthy one. She is doing a very charitable thing by aiding those down on their luck. Avalon does not feel like the typical reserved, snotty, and stuffy lady of wealth found in that time frame, and this endeared her to me pretty quickly. Devon is splendid as the witty, charming vicar. He uses that appeal to gain favor, but not in a sleazy way. Not once did I feel Devon was insincere in his actions or words. 

What I didn't like: The romantic conflict felt pretty thin to me. It almost felt a little insulting to Avalon's intelligence, but I could be projecting. The situation did not ruin the experience for me, only a minor irritation. Ultimately, the resolution was satisfactory.

Wild Wild Rake is an incredibly enjoyable Historical Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Avalon and Devon's tale.

The Lasaran by Dianne Duvall Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters. 

Taelon searches the galaxy for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. 

For what feels like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world. 

After suffering tragic losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying experiment. 

Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep, compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.Having seen only the worst of humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him.

Together the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by mystifying preternatural beings. 

Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a lifetime?

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REVIEW

The Lasaran by Dianne Duvall is a new series that takes place in her Immortal Guardian world. The Lasaran fits well into the current universe, and it generates an intriguing opposition that will seemingly affect both stories moving forward. 

The conflict is such that it draws the reader in immediately. I concluded this story in less than 24 hours. The leads are charming, brave, intelligent, and committed to doing the right thing. It was extremely easy to side with them through the various challenges in the story.

Simply put, this book is an excellent start to the Aldebarian Alliance series. If you enjoy sci-fi romantic thrillers, The Lasaran is a must-read. And if you have not read the Immortal Guardian series, a great deal of background information is present. Although it is unnecessary to enjoy The Lasaran, it will provide a more broad picture of what is going on in their universe.