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Corsican Crime Lord #1
Love Like Poison
Every year on my birthday, my tormentor returns to claim one of my firsts.
A DARK MAFIA / ARRANGED MARRIAGE ROMANCE
On my sixteenth birthday, a stranger from Corsica shows up at my party. Angelo Russo looks like an angel, but more the kind who decapitates dragons than the kind with soft white wings. He’s dark like the ocean and breathless like water. He says he wants all my firsts as if he already owns them, but my father orders me to stay away from this man.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t escape him. No one can keep me safe. Every year on my birthday, he brings me a gift, each one having a detrimental effect on my life with unimaginable consequences. With every gift he offers, he claims another one of my firsts. Before I know it, he’s taken control of my existence, turning me into a nervous wreck, because when I turn eighteen, I know what first he’ll come for next.
Note: Love Like Poison is the first book in the Corsican Crime Lord series and ends on a cliffhanger. Sabella and Angelo's story continues in Hate Like Honey, Book Two.
A DARK MAFIA / ARRANGED MARRIAGE ROMANCE
On my sixteenth birthday, a stranger from Corsica shows up at my party. Angelo Russo looks like an angel, but more the kind who decapitates dragons than the kind with soft white wings. He’s dark like the ocean and breathless like water. He says he wants all my firsts as if he already owns them, but my father orders me to stay away from this man.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t escape him. No one can keep me safe. Every year on my birthday, he brings me a gift, each one having a detrimental effect on my life with unimaginable consequences. With every gift he offers, he claims another one of my firsts. Before I know it, he’s taken control of my existence, turning me into a nervous wreck, because when I turn eighteen, I know what first he’ll come for next.
Note: Love Like Poison is the first book in the Corsican Crime Lord series and ends on a cliffhanger. Sabella and Angelo's story continues in Hate Like Honey, Book Two.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
About the author
Charmaine Pauls
62 books1,740 followersCharmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained a degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising, communication, and brand marketing. Her writing has always been an integral part of her professions.
After relocating to Chile with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write full-time. Charmaine has published several novels and short stories since 2011. Two of her short stories have been selected by the International Literary Society for an anthology from across the African continent.
When she is not writing, she likes to travel and read. Charmaine currently lives in France with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.
After relocating to Chile with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write full-time. Charmaine has published several novels and short stories since 2011. Two of her short stories have been selected by the International Literary Society for an anthology from across the African continent.
When she is not writing, she likes to travel and read. Charmaine currently lives in France with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
August 25, 2023
Wow! What a great beginning to this new series! And holy heck, what a cliffhanger!!!
Angelo is an alpha male extraordinaire! He’s still young, but you’d never know it by his thoughts and plans. His actions towards Sabella do not reveal to her the depth and length he is willing to go and I suspect, as a reader, even I’m not aware of how far he will go. But this author has definitely set it up to where it’s feeling like there may not be a limit to what he will do to get what he wants. He’s already pushed the line to extremes. I just don’t think we’ve seen his limit by any means.
Sabella is still young, innocent and a bit naive. She’s in the first blush of love and my heart ached for her because I knew what was happening in the background of her life. I was completely caught up in her story and anxious for each page I turned as something new was revealed or circumstance changed. I’m curious to see how her character continues to develop as the series continues and she matures.
This is a fast read but it really laid out everything we are going to need to know moving forward as well as setting a few things in line for the continuing storyline. There is definitely a sense of impending doom to the whole situation on Sabella’s side. As for Angelo, I’m totally invested in what he's going to do and how things will play out. I believe this hero is going to take us all for quite a ride!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Angelo is an alpha male extraordinaire! He’s still young, but you’d never know it by his thoughts and plans. His actions towards Sabella do not reveal to her the depth and length he is willing to go and I suspect, as a reader, even I’m not aware of how far he will go. But this author has definitely set it up to where it’s feeling like there may not be a limit to what he will do to get what he wants. He’s already pushed the line to extremes. I just don’t think we’ve seen his limit by any means.
Sabella is still young, innocent and a bit naive. She’s in the first blush of love and my heart ached for her because I knew what was happening in the background of her life. I was completely caught up in her story and anxious for each page I turned as something new was revealed or circumstance changed. I’m curious to see how her character continues to develop as the series continues and she matures.
This is a fast read but it really laid out everything we are going to need to know moving forward as well as setting a few things in line for the continuing storyline. There is definitely a sense of impending doom to the whole situation on Sabella’s side. As for Angelo, I’m totally invested in what he's going to do and how things will play out. I believe this hero is going to take us all for quite a ride!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
November 16, 2023
This serie start with a great plot, with doubtful characters and amazing chemistry!
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
December 30, 2023
I started this book carefully, because I know this author tends to write the worst physical and emotional abuse of her FMCs. Check TWs.
Hidden, arranged marriage
Warring mafia groups
Deep family secrets
Virgins
Excellent character development
Decent mix of innocent and dark
Ends on a cliffhanger
Sabella is 16 when she first meets Angelo. She is a wide eyed, innocent teenager, who loves her father deeply, wants to be a marine biologist and enjoys swimming in the ocean. She has no clue that her father had previously arranged for her to be married to Angelo when she turns 18.
Angelo (18) is utterly taken with Sabella at first sight. He tells her she wants to claim all of her firsts. Like any teenager, she romanticizes this worldly man, and they began to secretly text back-and-forth.
The ending is excruciatingly heartbreaking. On to book two.
Hidden, arranged marriage
Warring mafia groups
Deep family secrets
Virgins
Excellent character development
Decent mix of innocent and dark
Ends on a cliffhanger
Sabella is 16 when she first meets Angelo. She is a wide eyed, innocent teenager, who loves her father deeply, wants to be a marine biologist and enjoys swimming in the ocean. She has no clue that her father had previously arranged for her to be married to Angelo when she turns 18.
Angelo (18) is utterly taken with Sabella at first sight. He tells her she wants to claim all of her firsts. Like any teenager, she romanticizes this worldly man, and they began to secretly text back-and-forth.
The ending is excruciatingly heartbreaking. On to book two.
December 11, 2023
3.5 stars
Good start.
Good start.
October 16, 2023
Here we go… 🎧
I’m yet to encounter a Charmaine Pauls book that I did not enjoy 😉
I’m yet to encounter a Charmaine Pauls book that I did not enjoy 😉
September 7, 2023
If you have read Charmaine's work before, you know she loves her darkness, and that's something I love the most about her. She is not afraid to show us her dark side.
That's why I was a little surprised when I read Angelo and Sabella's story and didn't find the darkness she had me used to feeling while reading her books. But while I was there getting frustrated with Sabella's behavior, I realized she was just laying the foundation for what is to come next and believe me, I was scared because that ending was crazy.
Since this book was just a taste of what's coming next, the story is on the slow burn side. We meet Angelo and Sabella and see them go from crushing to love to heartbreak to hate to lust.
I love Angelo and his questionable behavior, but if you're not into heroes who tend to be more like the villain, think about it before reading this one.
Family, lies, deception, and very bad blood are what you will find here. The real story begins with the ending. I'm sure Charmaine will blow up my mind and make me add another villain to the list of book boyfriends, so I can't wait to read the next book.
That's why I was a little surprised when I read Angelo and Sabella's story and didn't find the darkness she had me used to feeling while reading her books. But while I was there getting frustrated with Sabella's behavior, I realized she was just laying the foundation for what is to come next and believe me, I was scared because that ending was crazy.
Since this book was just a taste of what's coming next, the story is on the slow burn side. We meet Angelo and Sabella and see them go from crushing to love to heartbreak to hate to lust.
I love Angelo and his questionable behavior, but if you're not into heroes who tend to be more like the villain, think about it before reading this one.
Family, lies, deception, and very bad blood are what you will find here. The real story begins with the ending. I'm sure Charmaine will blow up my mind and make me add another villain to the list of book boyfriends, so I can't wait to read the next book.
August 28, 2023
Charmaine Pauls has a delicious new story that i’ve been waiting to get my hands on for months.
So,getting the ARC of Love Like Poison was a véry welcome gift that i couldn’t wait to get into.
What i got was the start of a very rocky journey for the innocent Sabella and the man that became obsessed with her,Angelo.
His family helped her father gain the power he has today,and the price was her hand in marriage.
Only,her father refuses to acknowledge that price….
Angelo and his father attend her sweet 16th birthday,and that’s where she sees him for the first time.
Not knowing anything about him,or the deal her father is desperate to get out of,she falls for this dark,alluring man. He intrigues her.
At the same time,Angelo likes what he sees,and he’s happy she will become his when she turns 18.
But he needs something to pressure her father into honoring the deal they made….and she’s the key to getting it.
By the time she finds out what he made her do on her 17th birthday,it’s too late and she hates him for it.
Breaks all contact with him,or so she thinks….
Until her 18th birthday arrives,and he takes another first….
Her father isn’t aware of what happened between the two,but he knows he still doesn’t want her with him.
So,what to do to make sure it never happens??
Angelo,in the meantime,went home,giving her the last few months of freedom until the wedding she still doesn’t know about.
But then disaster strikes,leaving his family broken….and me with a killer cliffhanger!!!
I love how both Sabella and Angelo were drawn to eachother.
Even though it was a business arrangement,he liked what he saw in her,and wanted to get to know her better.
Made promises he meant to keep.
And she liked what she saw in him,too….even if her parents showed only contempt for him and his father.
Keeping her contact with him a secret,is exactly what a 16 year old would do,even if she was a good girl.
The guilt she felt after he betrayed her was relatable,too.
Because by that time,they’d been messaging for a whole year,and he’d been sweet to her,interested in her daily life.
And still he came back the next year,making her wonder….
With her father’s strange behaviour,and the discussion she heard between her parents,she couldn’t help,but want to find out what was going on,right?
The start of their story may have been sweet,but what followed most certainly was not.
Following the steps Sabella and Angelo take made me weary of where they’d end up.
Lovers,or enemies for life?
Her father’s meddling,pushing her towards the best friend that feels like a brother,doesn’t work,because she’s already hooked on Angelo,even if she doesn’t want to be.
When the masks come off,who will be the real villain in Angelo and Sabella’s story??
The dark angel claiming her firsts,or the businessman that looks down upon him?
So,getting the ARC of Love Like Poison was a véry welcome gift that i couldn’t wait to get into.
What i got was the start of a very rocky journey for the innocent Sabella and the man that became obsessed with her,Angelo.
His family helped her father gain the power he has today,and the price was her hand in marriage.
Only,her father refuses to acknowledge that price….
Angelo and his father attend her sweet 16th birthday,and that’s where she sees him for the first time.
Not knowing anything about him,or the deal her father is desperate to get out of,she falls for this dark,alluring man. He intrigues her.
At the same time,Angelo likes what he sees,and he’s happy she will become his when she turns 18.
But he needs something to pressure her father into honoring the deal they made….and she’s the key to getting it.
By the time she finds out what he made her do on her 17th birthday,it’s too late and she hates him for it.
Breaks all contact with him,or so she thinks….
Until her 18th birthday arrives,and he takes another first….
Her father isn’t aware of what happened between the two,but he knows he still doesn’t want her with him.
So,what to do to make sure it never happens??
Angelo,in the meantime,went home,giving her the last few months of freedom until the wedding she still doesn’t know about.
But then disaster strikes,leaving his family broken….and me with a killer cliffhanger!!!
I love how both Sabella and Angelo were drawn to eachother.
Even though it was a business arrangement,he liked what he saw in her,and wanted to get to know her better.
Made promises he meant to keep.
And she liked what she saw in him,too….even if her parents showed only contempt for him and his father.
Keeping her contact with him a secret,is exactly what a 16 year old would do,even if she was a good girl.
The guilt she felt after he betrayed her was relatable,too.
Because by that time,they’d been messaging for a whole year,and he’d been sweet to her,interested in her daily life.
And still he came back the next year,making her wonder….
With her father’s strange behaviour,and the discussion she heard between her parents,she couldn’t help,but want to find out what was going on,right?
The start of their story may have been sweet,but what followed most certainly was not.
Following the steps Sabella and Angelo take made me weary of where they’d end up.
Lovers,or enemies for life?
Her father’s meddling,pushing her towards the best friend that feels like a brother,doesn’t work,because she’s already hooked on Angelo,even if she doesn’t want to be.
When the masks come off,who will be the real villain in Angelo and Sabella’s story??
The dark angel claiming her firsts,or the businessman that looks down upon him?
August 25, 2023
This is your classic hate to love, arranged marriage, mafia romance and I’m obsessed. Charmaine Paul’s knows how to take all the classic tropes of mafia and make it work.
Sabella and Angelo. Angelo was promised Sabella’s hand in marriage and despite her father denying he ever consented, Angelo will get what his wants as soon as Sabella turns 18.
Book one is when Bella is 16 to 18 and the relationship build up till she’s of age.
Both are virgins! And take eachothers firsts. 🖤
Don’t worry. This isn’t a sweet romance.
It’s dark, spicy, and twisted.
If you have a branding kink. Read this.
Sabella owns her truth. She’s a strong and outspoken heroine. Angelo is the dominant and possessive as hell- antihero we all love.
“A part of me dies. Another part wakens. The devil born from the flames inside me is nothing compared to the monster who rises from the cold ashes.”
Both family’s hate eachother. What can go wrong? This book leaves off on a cliffie…. No pun intended…. But I know this author that her books in series come out quick one after the other and I’m dying to see what Angelo and his father are going to do next… 😈
Sabella and Angelo. Angelo was promised Sabella’s hand in marriage and despite her father denying he ever consented, Angelo will get what his wants as soon as Sabella turns 18.
Book one is when Bella is 16 to 18 and the relationship build up till she’s of age.
Both are virgins! And take eachothers firsts. 🖤
Don’t worry. This isn’t a sweet romance.
It’s dark, spicy, and twisted.
If you have a branding kink. Read this.
Sabella owns her truth. She’s a strong and outspoken heroine. Angelo is the dominant and possessive as hell- antihero we all love.
“A part of me dies. Another part wakens. The devil born from the flames inside me is nothing compared to the monster who rises from the cold ashes.”
Both family’s hate eachother. What can go wrong? This book leaves off on a cliffie…. No pun intended…. But I know this author that her books in series come out quick one after the other and I’m dying to see what Angelo and his father are going to do next… 😈
January 9, 2024
4 STARS!
Please check trigger warnings before reading.
I'm not starved for approval, but I crave his.The title sums it up . . . and I'm diving into book 2.
Please check trigger warnings before reading.
August 31, 2023
Wow, Wow, I am officially addicted to Charmaine Pauls, You are a Queen.
What can result from an unfulfilled promise...? That they are forced to fulfill it, even if it means manipulating and using who they promised you.
Angelo is a born manipulator, who sees Bella's innocence, as a sweet tool to use in his game of revenge against her father, for not recognizing and not wanting to fulfill his promise of marriage between the two young people. Angelo belongs to a family born into power and money from poverty and rejection, his thirst for power and recognition is almost as strong as his thirst to protect, care for, and control those he considers his own. Sabella is a teenager protected from the world, living in her innocence and her dreams, but who sees in Angelo a sinful angel with notes of romanticism and possessiveness, which attract her so much. She made him promise her all her first times, and he kept them. Some with tears of joy, others with tears of knowing she was deceived and hurt, but the most important one delivered in lies, how to love someone you hate, how to desire someone who hurts you, how to long for someone you don't know? And for Angelo what will happen now that the pain is so great, that all that moves you is revenge and to spill the blood of the one who harmed you? Will it be enough for him to do what he promised?
It is a story full of emotions. You can't miss it. I can't wait for book 2.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
What can result from an unfulfilled promise...? That they are forced to fulfill it, even if it means manipulating and using who they promised you.
Angelo is a born manipulator, who sees Bella's innocence, as a sweet tool to use in his game of revenge against her father, for not recognizing and not wanting to fulfill his promise of marriage between the two young people. Angelo belongs to a family born into power and money from poverty and rejection, his thirst for power and recognition is almost as strong as his thirst to protect, care for, and control those he considers his own. Sabella is a teenager protected from the world, living in her innocence and her dreams, but who sees in Angelo a sinful angel with notes of romanticism and possessiveness, which attract her so much. She made him promise her all her first times, and he kept them. Some with tears of joy, others with tears of knowing she was deceived and hurt, but the most important one delivered in lies, how to love someone you hate, how to desire someone who hurts you, how to long for someone you don't know? And for Angelo what will happen now that the pain is so great, that all that moves you is revenge and to spill the blood of the one who harmed you? Will it be enough for him to do what he promised?
It is a story full of emotions. You can't miss it. I can't wait for book 2.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2023
**I’m currently about 70% through this & have some thoughts…
The chemistry & connection they started off building was looking good…. They both seemed like normal, decent people. And then the wheels came off.
I just felt that nothing really happened in this whole book. Things obviously did but they were so fragmented, and trying to pull in so many different elements means that there’s no depth to it.
There’s so much wrong with this book, and I don’t even mean that the “dark romance” element offends my ladylike sensibilities.
- they’re never together so there’s no time for any chemistry to build.
- I don’t care about her school & college. I don’t care about his sick dad & isolated mum. Yes, I said it.
- he brands her in her sleep & she doesn’t wake up? Come on. Completely nonsense. (The branding isn’t the issue for me in a dark romance, it’s the ridiculousness that she doesn’t notice)
- he has no character.
- she is bland.
- the sex is awful.
Sidenote: it’s not sexy that he’s an inexperienced virgin who doesn’t know what he’s doing. I like it as a twist on the norm, but does NOT do it for me.
I don’t even know why I’ve read this far but I’ll be darned if I’ve wasted my time thus far for nothing.
Let’s hope something comes from these last chapters so I can understand all these 4/5 star reviews!!
**nothing came from the final chapters. A cliffhanger isn’t a fair description if it’s blisteringly obvious what happened, who’s behind it & who lives to deal with it. Yawnsville.
The chemistry & connection they started off building was looking good…. They both seemed like normal, decent people. And then the wheels came off.
I just felt that nothing really happened in this whole book. Things obviously did but they were so fragmented, and trying to pull in so many different elements means that there’s no depth to it.
There’s so much wrong with this book, and I don’t even mean that the “dark romance” element offends my ladylike sensibilities.
- they’re never together so there’s no time for any chemistry to build.
- I don’t care about her school & college. I don’t care about his sick dad & isolated mum. Yes, I said it.
- he brands her in her sleep & she doesn’t wake up? Come on. Completely nonsense. (The branding isn’t the issue for me in a dark romance, it’s the ridiculousness that she doesn’t notice)
- he has no character.
- she is bland.
- the sex is awful.
Sidenote: it’s not sexy that he’s an inexperienced virgin who doesn’t know what he’s doing. I like it as a twist on the norm, but does NOT do it for me.
I don’t even know why I’ve read this far but I’ll be darned if I’ve wasted my time thus far for nothing.
Let’s hope something comes from these last chapters so I can understand all these 4/5 star reviews!!
**nothing came from the final chapters. A cliffhanger isn’t a fair description if it’s blisteringly obvious what happened, who’s behind it & who lives to deal with it. Yawnsville.
September 22, 2023
Charmaine Pauls' Corsican Crime Lord series is by far one of her darkest to date. It's emotional romance had my insides twisted up into knots while delivering on the dark fantasy that is so incredibly taboo and forbidden.
At her sixteenth birthday party, Sabella Edwards meets the most alluring of guests. Angelo Russo is confident, intense, and ever so sexy. Bella melts under the unwavering gaze of the handsome twenty-year-old, but for Angelo it's all part of the young crime boss surveying his betrothed. Unfortunately, Bella's father is planning to double cross Angelo and renege on the promise of marriage, to the detriment of Bella, Angelo, and so, so many others in the Edwards and Russo families ...
Charmaine Pauls is at her most potent with her evocative narrative poetry. Her young characters are impulsive, surprising, and yet sympathetic. Did you fall in love with Sabella and her incredible ocean rendezvous with the great white? Yes? In true Charmaine tradition, the more lovable the heroine the more tears the reader will shed. Buy more tissues. You've been warned. Oh, and did the signet ring shock you? I asked our intrepid author how she planned to redeem Angelo in Book 2.
She doesn't.
Happy reading!
(Beta Read)
At her sixteenth birthday party, Sabella Edwards meets the most alluring of guests. Angelo Russo is confident, intense, and ever so sexy. Bella melts under the unwavering gaze of the handsome twenty-year-old, but for Angelo it's all part of the young crime boss surveying his betrothed. Unfortunately, Bella's father is planning to double cross Angelo and renege on the promise of marriage, to the detriment of Bella, Angelo, and so, so many others in the Edwards and Russo families ...
Charmaine Pauls is at her most potent with her evocative narrative poetry. Her young characters are impulsive, surprising, and yet sympathetic. Did you fall in love with Sabella and her incredible ocean rendezvous with the great white? Yes? In true Charmaine tradition, the more lovable the heroine the more tears the reader will shed. Buy more tissues. You've been warned. Oh, and did the signet ring shock you? I asked our intrepid author how she planned to redeem Angelo in Book 2.
She doesn't.
Happy reading!
(Beta Read)
December 22, 2023
I don't want to say much at the risk of giving anything away but this had me captivated. I started one afternoon and completed it early hours the next morning as a beta read.
I love the way Charmaine makes you feel so many emotions at once with such intensity. And she doesn't disappoint by leaving you open-mouthed at the end of the book with her ever-infamous cliffhanger.
Readers are in for a treat!
I love the way Charmaine makes you feel so many emotions at once with such intensity. And she doesn't disappoint by leaving you open-mouthed at the end of the book with her ever-infamous cliffhanger.
Readers are in for a treat!
August 27, 2023
From the moment Angelo Russo met Sabella Edwards, he vowed to make her his no matter the cost. Charmaine Pauls returns with a brand new series that highlights the thin line between love and hate. I found Love Like Poison incredibly fascinating because it tells the story of how an arrogant man went through considerable lengths to entrap the sweet and innocent young woman who was always meant to be his. Angelo and Sabella were complex characters and I was completely spellbound by their "poisonous" relationship because it was built on lies. However, not everything was a lie—Sabella had real feelings for Angelo and even he was not immune to it. Even though this is only the first book in the series, their story is already shaping to be heartbreaking, intense, sexy, and emotional. It had all the characteristics that I loved most about this author's writing—angst, betrayal, revenge, and obsession.
Much like the doomed relationship in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , the rising tensions and animosity between Angelo and Sabella's families will play a major role in future books as both will have to contend with the shocking events at the end. Despite his vow to take all of her firsts, Angelo never took more than what was offered and waited until she was of age for the next step in their relationship. However, there is no denying that Sabella's naivety and first brush with love made her susceptible to Angelo's manipulations. What made it even more complex is that Angelo does not seem to be aware of his own feelings for Sabella. He knew that he was going to be hated after she found out the truth, but he never expected to be hurt by it. All of these events will ultimately culminate and lay down the foundation for their relationship in the future.
In the end, I was completely addicted and mesmerized by this book because Angelo and Sabella's story was already so intense since the beginning. I'm so excited to read the next book, especially after that cliffhanger ending that made me gasp in horror. I can only predict that there will be more heartbreak and angst in store for readers and Sabella because Angelo will never let her go. I might be crazy for saying this, but I am rooting for them and their happy ending. Although their first time together was brief, it was incredibly sexy. Fans of Charmaine Pauls will not want to miss out on reading this brand new mafia romance series because it has all the tropes and excellent writing that we all know and love about her. Angelo and Sabella will absolutely capture your attention and have you wanting more.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
“I did what I had to do to bring us together. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us together.”
Much like the doomed relationship in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , the rising tensions and animosity between Angelo and Sabella's families will play a major role in future books as both will have to contend with the shocking events at the end. Despite his vow to take all of her firsts, Angelo never took more than what was offered and waited until she was of age for the next step in their relationship. However, there is no denying that Sabella's naivety and first brush with love made her susceptible to Angelo's manipulations. What made it even more complex is that Angelo does not seem to be aware of his own feelings for Sabella. He knew that he was going to be hated after she found out the truth, but he never expected to be hurt by it. All of these events will ultimately culminate and lay down the foundation for their relationship in the future.
“The truth is naked and messy. How can something so beautiful be so ugly?”
In the end, I was completely addicted and mesmerized by this book because Angelo and Sabella's story was already so intense since the beginning. I'm so excited to read the next book, especially after that cliffhanger ending that made me gasp in horror. I can only predict that there will be more heartbreak and angst in store for readers and Sabella because Angelo will never let her go. I might be crazy for saying this, but I am rooting for them and their happy ending. Although their first time together was brief, it was incredibly sexy. Fans of Charmaine Pauls will not want to miss out on reading this brand new mafia romance series because it has all the tropes and excellent writing that we all know and love about her. Angelo and Sabella will absolutely capture your attention and have you wanting more.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
December 22, 2023
Charmaine Pauls just gets it.
I've missed her books so much and this one was so good. The buildup, the plot, the characters?? I'm obsessed.
No, but wtaf was that ending??? Starting the next one asap 😭.
I've missed her books so much and this one was so good. The buildup, the plot, the characters?? I'm obsessed.
No, but wtaf was that ending??? Starting the next one asap 😭.
September 29, 2023
This is the first book in a new series and as usual, this author brought forth the goods. Genre-wise it’s a romance set in the organised crime world in her usual stomping ground of South Africa and this first instalment managed to draw me in and invest me in what’s to come.
A contract promising Sabella’s hand in marriage was arranged when she was just a child something she has no knowledge of. Her father’s shady business practices connect him to the Russo family a prominent but dangerous lot who have now come in person to make sure when she reaches her majority the debt will be settled.
When Sabella’s father backtracks refusing to honour the original agreement it sets in place a chain of events that causes Sabella to get caught in the ensuing crossfire. This story is messy dark and has an unconventional and obsessive tone to the romance that I instantly appreciated.
Angelo is a brilliant anti-hero he’s dark ruthless possessive and totally razor-focused on obtaining his desires which in this case is that which was initially promised and then taken away from him. He’s now prepared to take Sabella however he can have her even if that means she ends up hating him in fact he’s kind of expecting her to. Despite Angelo being totally ruthless there were also times we observed a much sweeter side to his persona though these were only fleeting glimpses that Angelo managed to swiftly shove deep and quash.
These two are still young so this book wasn’t majorly explicit mostly due to Sabella’s age as she’s only yet sixteen to Angelos twenty but this then also made it so much more tragic when her blinkers are taken away well halfway as she still wears them regarding her family.
This is the first part of their journey together and Sabella is still yet to learn her fate which her family have kept her ignorant of. She has no idea of what her father is mixed up in or even that she was a pledge used to his advantage so at the moment all of her hate is focused on the one she believes has manipulated her which is Angelo.
We leave this on a shocking cliffhanger which is definitely going to have some major repercussions for all and I’m excited to see where we go from here. As usual, this was well written and was an easy please read be aware this has triggers and is a dark romance the hero does some questionable things during the course which of course I loved. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Love Like Poison.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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September 6, 2023Trigger Warnings
Triggers include but are not limited to abuse, torture, asssault, blood (gore), death, guns, graphic violence, graphic sexual scenes, punishment, spanking, branding, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, kidnapping, substance abuse, non-con/dubcon.
Triggers include but are not limited to abuse, torture, asssault, blood (gore), death, guns, graphic violence, graphic sexual scenes, punishment, spanking, branding, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, kidnapping, substance abuse, non-con/dubcon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Tropes: dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, romantic suspense
Every year on her birthday, her tormentor returns to claim one of her firsts. On Sabella's sixteenth birthday, a stranger from Corsica shows up at her party. Angelo Russo looks like an angel, but more the kind who decapitates dragons than the kind with soft white wings. He’s dark like the ocean and breathless like water. He says he wants all her firsts as if he already owns them, but her father orders her to stay away from this man. No matter how hard Sabella tries, she can’t escape him. No one can keep her safe. Every year on her birthday, Angelo brings her a gift, each one having a detrimental effect on her life with unimaginable consequences. With every gift he offers, he claims another one of her firsts. Before she knows it, he’s taken control of her existence, turning her into a nervous wreck, because when she turns eighteen, she knows what first he’ll come for next.
This promises to be one rather exciting series. I've been wanting to dive into one of Charmaine Pauls' trilogies for some time now. As soon as I first heard of this one, I jumped at the chance to fall under the spell of it. This was the beginning of Sabella and Angelo's story, and although certain parts were a little too slow for me, it holds incredible promise. The push and pull between them was epic. The plot was expertly layered but addictive. I am dying for book two of their story. It's already evident why this author is a queen in the world of dark romance. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Edited to add: I've just listened to the audiobook, and it brought Antonio and Sabella's story to life in the best way. Both Narrators were phenomenal in how they delivered their performance. Gideon Frost had a voice that spread warmth throughout my entire body as the accent set my nerves on fire. I will definitely be looking for other books he's worked on. Laurie West's smokey voice added innocence and just the right amount of emotion. I loved this audiobook, and I highly recommend listening to it.
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Tropes: dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, romantic suspense
Every year on her birthday, her tormentor returns to claim one of her firsts. On Sabella's sixteenth birthday, a stranger from Corsica shows up at her party. Angelo Russo looks like an angel, but more the kind who decapitates dragons than the kind with soft white wings. He’s dark like the ocean and breathless like water. He says he wants all her firsts as if he already owns them, but her father orders her to stay away from this man. No matter how hard Sabella tries, she can’t escape him. No one can keep her safe. Every year on her birthday, Angelo brings her a gift, each one having a detrimental effect on her life with unimaginable consequences. With every gift he offers, he claims another one of her firsts. Before she knows it, he’s taken control of her existence, turning her into a nervous wreck, because when she turns eighteen, she knows what first he’ll come for next.
This promises to be one rather exciting series. I've been wanting to dive into one of Charmaine Pauls' trilogies for some time now. As soon as I first heard of this one, I jumped at the chance to fall under the spell of it. This was the beginning of Sabella and Angelo's story, and although certain parts were a little too slow for me, it holds incredible promise. The push and pull between them was epic. The plot was expertly layered but addictive. I am dying for book two of their story. It's already evident why this author is a queen in the world of dark romance. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Edited to add: I've just listened to the audiobook, and it brought Antonio and Sabella's story to life in the best way. Both Narrators were phenomenal in how they delivered their performance. Gideon Frost had a voice that spread warmth throughout my entire body as the accent set my nerves on fire. I will definitely be looking for other books he's worked on. Laurie West's smokey voice added innocence and just the right amount of emotion. I loved this audiobook, and I highly recommend listening to it.
December 8, 2023
4 stars
Tropes : enemies to lovers, NA, possessive H, romantic suspense, arranged marriage
Ending : cliffhanger
Triggers : death, violence, gore
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OM (a guy hit on the h)
Celibate : yes
Kink: dual virgins, dubcon, branding, somnophilia, choking, bondage, no condoms but a reluctant morning after pills
Hero : Angelo Russo (20-22)
Heroine: Sabella Edwards (16-18)
This book made me confused. I read it like I enjoyed it but when it reached some parts when it should bother me since it always bothered me in previous books, in this one I was indifferent. Idk why tho. I mean I didn’t skim this nor I lost my interest in this but I somehow felt detached from this.
The story started when the H, Angelo was 20 years old and the h Sabella was 16. Both of their fathers arranged their marriage. When Angelo saw her, he was hooked and became quite possessive with her. She didn’t know that they’re arranged to be married when she turned 18.
For a year they contacted via text messages until she turned 17 and he stole her dad’s black book that filled with sensitive info regarding his business, Sabella started to hate Angelo and refused to entertain his texts.
When she turned 18 he came to her and took her v card. He was giving her his v card as well. In this one, Sabella tried to lie to him and got a rise out of him by telling him she was no longer a virgin and then the dubcon scene started.
He regreted it soon after he knew she lied. Then had sex twice before he branded her. Usually I would be annoyed and upset whenever there was a branding scene, but weirdly enough in this I didn’t care that much.
They didn’t use any condoms nor Sabella was on pills. But she insisted to take the morning after pills, he reluctantly agreed. The wierd thing was he bought condoms as well but he knew well enough they’ll not sleep together again anytime soon so it was a bit confusing to me as to why he did that.
The ending tho. Although both Angelo’s mom and sis didn’t have a lot of scenes in this book, I still felt sad.
Hopefully he won’t be cruel towards Sabella just because her dad or bro was the one who arranged the whole thing. (At least that’s what I suspected).
Will move towards the 2nd book.
Tropes : enemies to lovers, NA, possessive H, romantic suspense, arranged marriage
Ending : cliffhanger
Triggers : death, violence, gore
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OM (a guy hit on the h)
Celibate : yes
Kink: dual virgins, dubcon, branding, somnophilia, choking, bondage, no condoms but a reluctant morning after pills
Hero : Angelo Russo (20-22)
Heroine: Sabella Edwards (16-18)
This book made me confused. I read it like I enjoyed it but when it reached some parts when it should bother me since it always bothered me in previous books, in this one I was indifferent. Idk why tho. I mean I didn’t skim this nor I lost my interest in this but I somehow felt detached from this.
The story started when the H, Angelo was 20 years old and the h Sabella was 16. Both of their fathers arranged their marriage. When Angelo saw her, he was hooked and became quite possessive with her. She didn’t know that they’re arranged to be married when she turned 18.
For a year they contacted via text messages until she turned 17 and he stole her dad’s black book that filled with sensitive info regarding his business, Sabella started to hate Angelo and refused to entertain his texts.
When she turned 18 he came to her and took her v card. He was giving her his v card as well. In this one, Sabella tried to lie to him and got a rise out of him by telling him she was no longer a virgin and then the dubcon scene started.
He regreted it soon after he knew she lied. Then had sex twice before he branded her. Usually I would be annoyed and upset whenever there was a branding scene, but weirdly enough in this I didn’t care that much.
They didn’t use any condoms nor Sabella was on pills. But she insisted to take the morning after pills, he reluctantly agreed. The wierd thing was he bought condoms as well but he knew well enough they’ll not sleep together again anytime soon so it was a bit confusing to me as to why he did that.
The ending tho. Although both Angelo’s mom and sis didn’t have a lot of scenes in this book, I still felt sad.
Hopefully he won’t be cruel towards Sabella just because her dad or bro was the one who arranged the whole thing. (At least that’s what I suspected).
Will move towards the 2nd book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
My favorite OG mafia queen is back with another epically alluring, tension-filled and captivating enemies to lovers arranged romance story. Love Like Poison is the beginning of what I know will only become a more angsty story, the foundation of a love story that is fraught with deceit, control, longing and complicated emotions. Charmaine has certainly hooked me with this morally gray beginning, and I’m excited to dive deeper into the darkness with Angelo and Sabella as their mesmerizing story continues.
This is really a story of beginnings, almost like an extended prologue that takes us deep into the backstory of Angelo and Sabella. Both young, promised to each other, part of a world of powerful man’s demands, mistrust, and power plays. Only when the time comes, Sabella’s father conveniently has forgotten his promise of his daughter to the Russo heir. Angelo’s family may have power, but their history is still held against them. But Angelo is not letting go of his young bride- not only because of his fascination with her but because of how useful of a tool she can be in his plans. What starts out as sweet crushing and young love interest soon sours to hatred, distrust, and a battle of wills.
Since this is a backstory, the burn here is REALLY slow, in part because the story begins when they are both teens. I loved the foundations, though I found myself twitchy to get to the darker, more erotic aspects that I love in Charmaine's stories. Power dynamics that obviously can’t quite be explored with characters so young. But even though they are young and this is not quite as dark as Charmaine’s other stories (though I think it will be), make no mistake that this is not a sweet romance. Angelo even as a young man has all the villainous makings of an epic anti-hero. He has a past that gives him depth and substance, but ultimately he’s unapologetically ruthless in his aims, especially with Sabella. But, I loved most of all that he shares the same physical innocence she does - though how that manifests is quite delicious. He’s domineering, possessive, and needs power and control. And he’s not scared to take it, no amount of deceit, manipulation, violence, or coercion are too far for him. But he’s a man who has something to prove.
But Sabella is no wilted flower, despite her youth and innocence. She’s got fire to her, even if she’s powerless at the hand of Angelo. She’s young, so at times her immaturity initially grated me, but then I have to remind myself she’s just a teen, in a horrible situation, and struggling to navigate the conflicting feelings she has for Angelo, the boy she first dreamed of who transforms into her monster.
What I love MOST about Charmaine stories are the ways she explores power dynamics in seemingly toxic and unconventional relationships, how the power shifts and evolves as feelings start to intermingle with other desires (revenge, possession, control). This story has the makings of another fascinated psychological exploration of these two characters’ dynamics- the beginnings of which we only get to see here. The story only seems to be beginning as we wind into an epic cliffhanger- holy moly I’m ready for more!
This is really a story of beginnings, almost like an extended prologue that takes us deep into the backstory of Angelo and Sabella. Both young, promised to each other, part of a world of powerful man’s demands, mistrust, and power plays. Only when the time comes, Sabella’s father conveniently has forgotten his promise of his daughter to the Russo heir. Angelo’s family may have power, but their history is still held against them. But Angelo is not letting go of his young bride- not only because of his fascination with her but because of how useful of a tool she can be in his plans. What starts out as sweet crushing and young love interest soon sours to hatred, distrust, and a battle of wills.
Since this is a backstory, the burn here is REALLY slow, in part because the story begins when they are both teens. I loved the foundations, though I found myself twitchy to get to the darker, more erotic aspects that I love in Charmaine's stories. Power dynamics that obviously can’t quite be explored with characters so young. But even though they are young and this is not quite as dark as Charmaine’s other stories (though I think it will be), make no mistake that this is not a sweet romance. Angelo even as a young man has all the villainous makings of an epic anti-hero. He has a past that gives him depth and substance, but ultimately he’s unapologetically ruthless in his aims, especially with Sabella. But, I loved most of all that he shares the same physical innocence she does - though how that manifests is quite delicious. He’s domineering, possessive, and needs power and control. And he’s not scared to take it, no amount of deceit, manipulation, violence, or coercion are too far for him. But he’s a man who has something to prove.
But Sabella is no wilted flower, despite her youth and innocence. She’s got fire to her, even if she’s powerless at the hand of Angelo. She’s young, so at times her immaturity initially grated me, but then I have to remind myself she’s just a teen, in a horrible situation, and struggling to navigate the conflicting feelings she has for Angelo, the boy she first dreamed of who transforms into her monster.
What I love MOST about Charmaine stories are the ways she explores power dynamics in seemingly toxic and unconventional relationships, how the power shifts and evolves as feelings start to intermingle with other desires (revenge, possession, control). This story has the makings of another fascinated psychological exploration of these two characters’ dynamics- the beginnings of which we only get to see here. The story only seems to be beginning as we wind into an epic cliffhanger- holy moly I’m ready for more!
October 19, 2023
This was a little bit of a mixed bag for me, which was disappointing as Charmaine is one of my favorite authors.
The book got off to a great start but lagged for me in the middle. I was thinking of giving it 2 stars. Then, the events leading up to the first sex scene pushed it to a 4. I would never forgive a guy who branded me, no matter how hot he was, so I was surprised it didn't bother me as much as I expected it to (it was spoiled to me by reviewers, sorry I am also spoiling it, but I think it's important to know in terms of if you want to read the book or not). I found the buildup to the sex scene very hot. Charmaine always excels at writing sex scenes. I think I was just so entertained by Angelo's over-the-top craziness, his possessiveness and obsession, that it didn't bother me. It went on par with his character.
It's amusing how Sabella's father was letting Angelo off the hook, that he didn't need to marry Sabella after all, but Angelo wanted to possess her so badly. Imagine if he hadn't been hot, LOL.
The cliffhanger was a little weird, tbh. I knew something was up with
Honestly, even if I rated this 2 stars, I still would read Book 2 because I trust Charmaine to write good books. I think this was just too slowburn for me, and the middle wasn't eventful enough for me to love it.
The book got off to a great start but lagged for me in the middle. I was thinking of giving it 2 stars. Then, the events leading up to the first sex scene pushed it to a 4. I would never forgive a guy who branded me, no matter how hot he was, so I was surprised it didn't bother me as much as I expected it to (it was spoiled to me by reviewers, sorry I am also spoiling it, but I think it's important to know in terms of if you want to read the book or not). I found the buildup to the sex scene very hot. Charmaine always excels at writing sex scenes. I think I was just so entertained by Angelo's over-the-top craziness, his possessiveness and obsession, that it didn't bother me. It went on par with his character.
It's amusing how Sabella's father was letting Angelo off the hook, that he didn't need to marry Sabella after all, but Angelo wanted to possess her so badly. Imagine if he hadn't been hot, LOL.
The cliffhanger was a little weird, tbh. I knew something was up with
Honestly, even if I rated this 2 stars, I still would read Book 2 because I trust Charmaine to write good books. I think this was just too slowburn for me, and the middle wasn't eventful enough for me to love it.
October 16, 2023
2.5 Ms. Pauls' is one of the authors I follow in this genre because her writing is so good and her stories are ones that reel you in. Her anti-hero's are always very dark and disturbing as is Angelo. They are usually very hard to connect with for part of the series because they are so self-centered and self-serving. They are very slow to show any feelings for the heroine in the story even though they often come off as "doing them a favor". They usually start to change their attitudes as these female characters begin to grow on them or are faced with threats and possible death. They are slow to change their ways, but eventually come around, even if it is the final book of the series.
Unfortunately this book begins with a 16 year old Sabella who has been protected by her family and who has becomes an older Angelo's target to further his agenda. She is too young and innocent for his antics and for two years is harassed by this man at every turn in her life. He becomes the "boogey man" who stalks her dreams and her actions. There relationship seem like a teenage crush vs., a dangerous predator.
My dislike for this book is the fact she is too young to be a heroine with a character such as Angelo. She doesn't have enough life experiences to adequately deal with him. Had she been older such as 23 or 24 with more maturity behind her, I may have continued the series. When he mistakenly takes her virginity on her 18th birthday because he believes she has been with other men, was the end of this series for me. It is a response you would expect from an immature high school crush, not a grown man. He is rough, unforgiving and thoughtless and isn't a character that I feel will eventually become redeemable or show any humanity. He is very hot headed instead of taking the time to evaluate certain circumstances. His role as crime lord seems conflicting to a character who is still getting his sea legs. Even monsters who go "boo" in the night have their moments whereas their darkness is met by the light of another. Angelo's character seems incapable of living in the light, only the darkness that surrounds him; his revenge and his agenda.
Hopefully Sabella matures and grows a spine and doesn't become a shadow of herself or who she could be.
Unfortunately this book begins with a 16 year old Sabella who has been protected by her family and who has becomes an older Angelo's target to further his agenda. She is too young and innocent for his antics and for two years is harassed by this man at every turn in her life. He becomes the "boogey man" who stalks her dreams and her actions. There relationship seem like a teenage crush vs., a dangerous predator.
My dislike for this book is the fact she is too young to be a heroine with a character such as Angelo. She doesn't have enough life experiences to adequately deal with him. Had she been older such as 23 or 24 with more maturity behind her, I may have continued the series. When he mistakenly takes her virginity on her 18th birthday because he believes she has been with other men, was the end of this series for me. It is a response you would expect from an immature high school crush, not a grown man. He is rough, unforgiving and thoughtless and isn't a character that I feel will eventually become redeemable or show any humanity. He is very hot headed instead of taking the time to evaluate certain circumstances. His role as crime lord seems conflicting to a character who is still getting his sea legs. Even monsters who go "boo" in the night have their moments whereas their darkness is met by the light of another. Angelo's character seems incapable of living in the light, only the darkness that surrounds him; his revenge and his agenda.
Hopefully Sabella matures and grows a spine and doesn't become a shadow of herself or who she could be.
October 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Empezó muy bien. Se sale de muchos de los clichés del Dark Romance/mafia.
Para empezar a mi me suma mil puntos que no pongan a la quinceañera con el cuarentón.
Me gusta que los dos sean jóvenes, (solo se llevan 4 años).El por momentos parece mayor y en otros es bastante inmaduro, eso creo que está muy bien llevado.
Ella actúa como la edad que tiene.
Me gustó la ubicación entre Sudáfrica y Corcega, se sale de lo común. Hay descripciones pero no tantas, yo apostaría por un mayor contexto y ambientación.
Para el final del libro se pone turbio de una manera no nice, muy en contraste con la primera parte.
El protagonista se vuelve muy tóxico y hace cosas que no se que tanto se pueden perdonar.
No me gusta que sea una tetralogia, 4 libros para este tipo de historias es demasiado, en general se vuelven redundantes, llenos de relleno, idas y venidas.
Veremos como evoluciona la historia.
Empezó muy bien. Se sale de muchos de los clichés del Dark Romance/mafia.
Para empezar a mi me suma mil puntos que no pongan a la quinceañera con el cuarentón.
Me gusta que los dos sean jóvenes, (solo se llevan 4 años).El por momentos parece mayor y en otros es bastante inmaduro, eso creo que está muy bien llevado.
Ella actúa como la edad que tiene.
Me gustó la ubicación entre Sudáfrica y Corcega, se sale de lo común. Hay descripciones pero no tantas, yo apostaría por un mayor contexto y ambientación.
Para el final del libro se pone turbio de una manera no nice, muy en contraste con la primera parte.
El protagonista se vuelve muy tóxico y hace cosas que no se que tanto se pueden perdonar.
No me gusta que sea una tetralogia, 4 libros para este tipo de historias es demasiado, en general se vuelven redundantes, llenos de relleno, idas y venidas.
Veremos como evoluciona la historia.
September 4, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I loved this book! The first in a new series from Charmaine Pauls, Love Like Poison is an establishing book of sorts, which is not to say it is short because it is good length, but it shows us the beginning of Sabella and Angelo, both as individuals and the start of their relationship. It feels like the Part One of an epic saga, albeit more modern, and I was addicted to those in my tweens so it really struck gold for me.
Told in dual POV, we see the motives and beliefs of each character, and how not having all of the information will inform different feelings, actions and consequences. I may have been frustrated about key info being kept from the heroine, but it really drives the story and foreshadows results I am eager to see.
Angelo is a quintessential Pauls hero - his uber possessiveness is capital D delicious! Love his devotion to his promised and his patience and determination to have her, at all costs. Also love his loyalty to family and his reactions to all the ways Sabella pushes him.
As usual with this author, the locations are described beautifully - I've always wanted to travel and never really have, but I feel like I am when I read her settings. I am not a visual reader but the locales really come to life for me with the way this author writes them.
This first book ends on not really a cliffhanger to my definition, but is an event that catalyzes the story, and I can't wait to read more. Luckily this series rapid releasing, so I don't have long to wait.
I loved this book! The first in a new series from Charmaine Pauls, Love Like Poison is an establishing book of sorts, which is not to say it is short because it is good length, but it shows us the beginning of Sabella and Angelo, both as individuals and the start of their relationship. It feels like the Part One of an epic saga, albeit more modern, and I was addicted to those in my tweens so it really struck gold for me.
Told in dual POV, we see the motives and beliefs of each character, and how not having all of the information will inform different feelings, actions and consequences. I may have been frustrated about key info being kept from the heroine, but it really drives the story and foreshadows results I am eager to see.
Angelo is a quintessential Pauls hero - his uber possessiveness is capital D delicious! Love his devotion to his promised and his patience and determination to have her, at all costs. Also love his loyalty to family and his reactions to all the ways Sabella pushes him.
As usual with this author, the locations are described beautifully - I've always wanted to travel and never really have, but I feel like I am when I read her settings. I am not a visual reader but the locales really come to life for me with the way this author writes them.
This first book ends on not really a cliffhanger to my definition, but is an event that catalyzes the story, and I can't wait to read more. Luckily this series rapid releasing, so I don't have long to wait.
August 23, 2023
Sensational, gripping and heart stopping ❤️
Poor Sabella is caught in the vicious crosshairs of a madman. She has been promised to him in marriage, although they have never met, until he arrives at her 16th birthday and both of their lives are forever changed.
Angelo will not allow Sabella’s father to renege on his promise and he sets up a very elaborate plan to make what he is owed come true.
Charmaine Pauls consistently gives us characters to either love or despise, the reader either cheers them on or envisions their downfall, but the reader always feel’s something and everything.
That cliffhanger was completely unexpected and shocking and left me feeling bereft and sad 😞
I can’t wait for Hate like Honey ❤️
Poor Sabella is caught in the vicious crosshairs of a madman. She has been promised to him in marriage, although they have never met, until he arrives at her 16th birthday and both of their lives are forever changed.
Angelo will not allow Sabella’s father to renege on his promise and he sets up a very elaborate plan to make what he is owed come true.
Charmaine Pauls consistently gives us characters to either love or despise, the reader either cheers them on or envisions their downfall, but the reader always feel’s something and everything.
That cliffhanger was completely unexpected and shocking and left me feeling bereft and sad 😞
I can’t wait for Hate like Honey ❤️
July 7, 2023
This is the first book in the series and ends on cliffhanger.
What a start, the captivating and thrilling ride it is gonna be .
(Beta read)
What a start, the captivating and thrilling ride it is gonna be .
(Beta read)
December 14, 2023
THE CLIFFY WHAT
November 9, 2023
This doesn't seem like a dark romance. It's like in the book the main characters just f*ck, no more.
September 4, 2023
The start of this series is written in a way I haven't seen Charmaine do before. Its a long beginning of the first 2 years of how Sabella (age 16-18) and Angelo (age 20-24) met. Angelo is immediately obsessed with Sabella as she is basically a business marriage arrangement with each others families much to Sabella's father Edward's denial. Angelo wants all of Sabella's firsts and even though sometimes Sabella resists and rebels more towards the end, she ultimately gives in. We learn a bit about each insight of the families as well. I think the plot is just scratching the surface. There is a major cliffy that would alter a certain characters motive. I can't wait to see how it will all play out.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 2, 2023
Whew boy! You best be prepared and strap in for this one because we are going on a long ride that is dark, intense, twisty and hot! This is the first book of four, so yeah that cliffy is coming and when it hits it is apocalyptic!! Sabella and Angelo make a very intriguing pair. With chemistry that is simply undeniable and sparks that are fiery, the heat just scorches and sizzles. The storyline sucks you in quickly with a seductive and smartly crafted combination of tension, drama, emotion, action and twists that has you gobbling up every juicy word and feverishly keeping those pages turning. For all its darkness (and trust me there is plenty of it, so beware the content warnings!), there is also some surprising sweetness that glimmers through here and there. I really like this couple. You truly have to feel for Sabella (even if I think she desperately needs to get a clue!) and Angelo is as swoony as he is over the top. Can't wait for book two!
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