COVER REVEAL
Title: Stolen Life
A Diamond Magnate Novel
Series: Beauty in the Stolen Trilogy #2
Author: Charmaine Pauls
Genre: Dark Romance
Cover Design: Okay Creations
Photo: Wander Aguiar Photography
Model: Cassidy
Release Date: May 18, 2021
 

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BLURB 
 
Ian Hart stole a night of my life but he took so much more. His obsession pinned a label on me. His lust put me in an impossible situation. Now I have to choose sides. I have to decide between right and wrong. Only, no matter what choice I make, each comes with dreadful consequences. There’s only one way this can end—how every tragedy ends.

EXCERPT
 
His voice lowers with intent. “Know this, if you do run, I’ll slap a pair of ankle cuffs on you so fast you won’t have time to say my name. There’ll be no more playing nice. I’ll tie you to my bed if that’s what I have to do.” Cupping my jaw, he delivers the threat with a soft kiss on my lips. “The choice is yours.”
The heavy blow is dealt with tender words. They sift down like snowflakes to settle cold in my heart. I tremble as he pushes me down onto the hood and leans over me.
“What will it be, Cas?”
He’s not asking if I’m on board with this limited version of freedom. When he unbuttons my jeans, he’s asking a different question, and, as always, when he slips his hand into my underwear, he gets the truth.

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#3 Stolen Love – Releasing June 22
 
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AUTHOR BIO

Charmaine 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, communications, photography, graphic design, 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 creatively full-time. Charmaine has published over twenty novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles. Two of her shorts 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, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in France with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

AUTHOR LINKS
 
Website: https://charmainepauls.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForbiddenArts
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120749574670443
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Charmaine-Pauls/e/B005LY9B82
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5161287.Charmaine_Pauls
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CharmainePauls
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/charmaine-pauls
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charmainepaulsbooks

Author: Alex Berenson

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Content Rating: 18+

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary Fiction

Published: February 9, 2021, by Simon Schuster

Alex Berenson gives us a fast-paced, well-written edge of your seat book that will have you wondering what secrets your spouse is keeping from you. The Power Couple is the first book by this author that I have read, and I will go back for more. I found The Power Couple hard to categorize this book; it is a domestic thriller, with some international espionage thrown in the mix. But I will not worry about giving it a label; plain and simple, it’s a fun book to read.

The story is told by the two main characters who make up “The Power Couple,” Rebecca and Brian Unsworth. Even their last name describes them perfectly. There are so many secrets, lies, deceit, deception, and jealously between two people who supposedly love each other that it made my head spin. The author did a perfect job in writing these two despicable people. There wasn’t one redeeming quality to be found between the two of them. And if you give this book a chance, you will come to love to hate them as much as I did.  

The whole idea of this story is centered around Rebecca and Brian, who at one time loved each other. As Rebecca’s FBI career becomes more successful, Brian floats along as a stay-at-home dad, they slowly drift apart, becoming resentful of each other. Then Brian lands a job at the NSA and then invents an app that becomes instantaneously successful and earns him a big bonus. To celebrate, they go on a family vacation with their teenage daughter Kira and son Tony. While in Barcelona, Kira goes out clubbing and doesn’t come home. This is when things get very interesting, and in my opinion, Kira steals the show. Sorry, that is all I am willing to reveal about the story, no spoilers in this review.

This book was fast-paced, kept my interest throughout, and had a great ending. There are so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming, which kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible. So, for me, this was a 4.5-star rating until the very end. The ending for me did the trick, 5-stars for the incredible ending. An added plus was that the author is a man writing two strong female characters. But as I think back about this story, I am not sure who the strong female character is, Rebecca or Kira or maybe both. So, in the end, I enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend The Power Couple. 

** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **

Author: Sophie Sullivan

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content Rating: 16+

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit 

Published: December 29, 2020, by St. Martin’s Griffin

Ten Rules for Faking It is Sophie Sullivan’s rom-com debut novel. However, she is an experienced writer of cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, and sports romances and writes under the name Jody Holford. Ten Rules for Faking It is the first book I have read of Sophie Sullivan, and to be honest, I expected this book to be better than it was. My initial rating was 2.5 stars, but I rounded up because The Rules for Faking It was her first attempt at a rom-com. 

The one thing that I did like about this book was the attempt to bring light to issues surrounding social anxiety, malignant relationships, and parents that overstep their boundaries. And I feel the author could have done so much more with this storyline. I also felt that there were conflicting aspects throughout this book that just didn’t fit.

  I do not know how to categorize this book. Is it a slow burn or an insta-love romance?  I usually like both types of romances if they are believable. Unfortunately, this book was not likely. The pacing of this book was so slow that it teetered on being boring. I found myself skimming parts with the hope of getting to the meat of the story.

Let’s start with the characters; Everly, our main character, has severe social anxiety. She produces a radio show with her best friend and deejay Stacey. Everly preferers to stay out of the limelight. On her thirtieth birthday, Everly finds her scumbag of a boyfriend in bed with another woman. Then she goes to work to tell her best friend Stacey what happened, and Stacey accidentally lets Everly tell the whole story over live radio.  From this incident comes the inception of a bachelorette style dating competition, with Everly being the centerpiece. I have trouble believing that anyone with social anxiety would agree to this. Throughout this book, there seems to be a theme where Stacey knows best what Everly needs and pushes her. Sorry, but a good friend would never participate in those types of behaviors.  

Chris Jensen is Everly’s boss at the radio station. He has known Everly for a year and has had feelings for her since the moment he met her; ahh, that’s insta-love in my book. But he did nothing about his feelings for a whole year; that’s the slow burn aspect. And then boom, they both start to have feelings for each other. 

Chris was sent by his rich father to rework the radio station and make it successful. And by doing this, Chris proves his worth to his father. He claims to love Everly but is okay with putting her in uncomfortable situations throughout the book, but swoops in to pick up the pieces when she falls apart.

Unfortunately, I didn’t love any of the characters. I felt they were underdeveloped and at times spoiled and whiney, mostly Chris and Stacey. I will give the author credit for her attempt at showing us what people with social anxiety deal with daily. As far as the writing went, it was just okay, but the plot line just didn’t work for me to the point that I struggled to finish.  

*I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. *

Stolen Lust
A Diamond Magnate Novel
Series: Beauty in the Stolen Trilogy #1
Author: Charmaine Pauls
Genre: Dark Romance

Cover Design: Okay Creations
Photo: Wander Aguiar Photography
Model: Zack

Ian Hart is the most notorious criminal in the country. Like the thief he is, he came in the dark and stole a night of my life.
 
He left me with souvenirs. Disaster and fear are my new realities. I’ll forever look over my shoulder, terrified he’d return, because when he took me, he stole more than just a few hours of my time.
 
His crime has consequences neither of us could’ve imagined. If I’m to escape the nightmare of my life, I have to outsmart him. If I’m to survive, I have to outwit every enemy he’s turned against me, including Ian himself, the most dangerous and cleverest man I know.

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Charmaine 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, communications, photography, graphic design, 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 creatively full-time. Charmaine has published over twenty novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles. Two of her shorts 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, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in France with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

AUTHOR LINKS
 
Website: https://charmainepauls.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForbiddenArts
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120749574670443
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Charmaine-Pauls/e/B005LY9B82
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5161287.Charmaine_Pauls
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CharmainePauls
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/charmaine-pauls
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charmainepaulsbooks

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There is a giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card
 

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*Stolen Lust is Book 1 of the Beauty in the Stolen trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Book 2 will be released on 18 May 2021 and Book 3 on 22 June 2021.
 

Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)
 
Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)
 

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Content Rating: 18+

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary 

Published: December 1, 2020, by 8th Circle Press

The Pearl is the third book in The Godwicks’ Series, but no worries, you can read this one as a standalone. However, you will be missing out on a very sexy series, and I recommend the other books in the series. Tiffany Reisz can write erotica; we all know that.  I love that she combines a twist of mystery and a paranormal element to her writing. And in this book adds a bit of art.

You will like this book if you enjoy a storyline with a dominant older woman and a younger man. But not to worry, only about nine years are separating them. Lord Arthur Godwick may only be 21, but he is mature, a bit of an old soul with a side of brat. Arthur is nothing like the previous Godwicks we have met. He is kindhearted, patient, and you feel that he genuinely loves his family.  Arthur is summoned to The Pearl Hotel by the new owner Lady Reagan Ferry. Arthur’s younger irresponsible brother, Charlie, has run up quite a tab at the hotel. Charlie has not only run up a bill but to make matters worse, he has given Lady Ferry the painting of Lord Malcolm Godwick, which is cherished by their parents.  Arthur believes Lady Ferry has summoned him there to pay his brother’s tab. Lady Ferry does want payment but not in cash.   

The book takes off from there.  Reagan and Arthur sizzle on the page; they develop from two damaged people into a strong, funny, sensual couple that will wiggle their way into your heart. It was beautiful to watch Arthur, with his immeasurable tenderness and willingness to love, melt Reagan’s heart.  Reagan goes from a timid young woman who lived under her ancient controlling husband’s thumb to a beautiful, successful, confident woman. And then there is Arthur, sweet, loving, and the ultimate dutiful son. It is lovely to watch Reagan bring out his submissive but very sexy side. Let’s just say he knows his way around a string of pearls. 

Another thing that I found unique about this book was the way Ms. Reisz used famous artwork to enrich the plot. She cleverly wove the paintings into every aspect of the story. The Pearl was an emotionally provocative love story with some interesting plot twists. Ms. Reisz not only writes an erotic tale but also writes her characters beautifully, giving them a depth that will endear you to them. 

* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. * 

** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Content Rating: 18+

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Legal Thriller

Published: December 8, 2020, by St. Martin’s Press

Take It Back by Kia Abdullah is an explosive novel that will test your feeling on the forefront of social issues in today’s society. Take It Back examines and lies witness to the deep divisiveness that is so prevalent in our world. I commend Ms. Abdullah’s direct approach to the issues of rape, race, religion, misogyny, and bullying, and exposing the truth no matter where it leads. These are not easy topics to tackle, but Ms. Abdulla does so with her captivating writing and her command of these issues.

“It started with one girl, four boys… The Papers had likened her case to that of Stephen Lawrence. ‘A flashpoint in race relations,’ said the pundits.'”

Take It Back grabbed me from the first page and kept me wondering what was going to happen.  Filled with nail-biting suspense, Take It Back takes the reader on a journey filled with twists and turns. When you think you have figured out what is going on, Ms. Abdullah propels the story in a direction that you never saw coming—filled with lies, deceit, and hate but also moments of tenderness that are heart-wrenchingly beautiful. These emotional scenes will have you saying WTF while loving and hating some of the characters and feeling shocked and alarmed that this could and probably has happened in our society.

“It’s not, Jodie wanted to tell them. It’s not about race but rape. But the case was no longer about her. It wasn’t a flashpoint it was a war and everyone had their own agenda.”

Jodie Wolfe, a sixteen-year-old white girl with horrific facial deformities, has accused four popular Muslim boys at her school of raping her after a party they all attended. These four boys come from hard-working Muslim families that are trying to make their way in life. The four boys adamantly deny the accusations. Christine Wolfe, Jodie’s alcoholic, abusive mother, doesn’t believe her. Christine has beat down Jodie her whole life and has left her alone to deal with this situation. Even Jodie’s best friend doesn’t believe her and repletely implores her to recant her accusations. However, Zara Kaleel, a high-power lawyer turned independent sexual violence advisor working for Artemis House, fully believes Jodie.  Jodie has spent her whole life being shunned, bullied, and mocked for her physical disabilities.  Jodie is a sad, lost soul; she is just trying to be a typical teenager, and it seems she will do anything to make that happen. Zara throws her a lifeline by supporting and believing her.

“‘Men rape women not because they are sexy, but because they want to exert power over them.'”

Zara, our heroine, is far from perfect, but that makes her all the more relatable. She struggles with her demons: her relationship with her deceased father, relationships with men, and her misuse of prescription drugs and cocaine. All this aside, Zara must deal with the fact that she is a Muslim woman supporting a white girl who has accused four Muslim boys of rape. This conflict adds a whole other level of controversy to this already tense situation. 

I feel obligated to warn the reader, Take It Back is not a feel-good book. It delves into some pretty heavy topics. There are references to rape, drug, alcohol misuse, and multiple highly controversial societal issues. However, I highly recommend I this book. It is well written and researched. It will have your mind and heart tied up in knots throughout the whole book and for weeks to follow. 

* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. * 

** I kindly received this galley from NetGalley, Harper Collins Publishers, and Kia Abdullah. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Content Rating: 16+

Genre: Travel

Published: Expected Publication, November 28, 2020, by Dixi Books Publishing

She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome, written by Mark Tedesco, is truly a beautiful book to read. Tedesco takes the reader to little-known places in Rome, and he brings these places to life with his charming writing style.

If you’re looking for your typical boring travel book, you have come to the wrong place. She Seduced Me is a book filled with Rome’s rich history, art, and its fabulous eateries, written by a man who, through his words, the reader senses he truly loves this city. He will take you to out of the way places within Rome that you might not find on your own. You may ask me how I know this, well, I spent ten days in Rome a few years ago and did not go to one of the places he so alluringly describes in this book. Tedesco not only shares his love of Rome, but he also shares the people of Rome. 

Tedesco gives Rome a voice, not just his own, but the people of Rome. Whether they are a native of Rome or the expats that flock to Rome looking for more out of life. Tedesco has done his homework; he has taken the time to interview people from all walks of life for this book. From the artists and street performers who are struggling to survive. To the Romans who have lived in Rome all their lives to the expats that are taking the chance of a lifetime by moving to Rome.

“The soul of Rome lies not only in its buildings and stories, but especially in its people.”

One of my favorites is the story of Stefano. It had me shaking my head and having a good laugh. Not at Stefano, but at Tedesco. I love that he can look at himself in an honest way, making this book all the more delightful. She Seduced Me has made me realize that I have missed out on the little gems that are written in this book, like the notorious 64 bus. Tedesco briefly writes about Americans in Rome and he certainly described them perfectly. As being one of those Americans, reading this book has made me realize that some day I will go back to Rome with this book to help guide me to just experience Rome. To slow down and sit at a café and do some people watching of my own. 

She Seduced Me  is not a book to be rushed through, but a book to be savored, a book to leisurely  read and experience. It doesn’t matter if you have been to Rome or planning to go in the future this book captivates the reader by immersing you in all things Roman and I highly recommend She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome.

** I kindly received this book from  Mark Tedesco and Dixi  Books Publishing. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **

* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. * 

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5

Content Rating: 18+

Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Romance

Published: January 7, 2021, by Serial Box

Set in Victorian-era Derbyshire England, Beatrice Greene is an esteemed spiritual medium, but is she? James Walker portrays himself as a scientist who is notorious for discrediting many spiritual mediums; however, all is not what it seems when it comes to James. He sees something in Beatrice, and it fits with his dark secretive needs. James offers Beatrice a chance of a lifetime, come to Ashbury Manor and prove whether the house is haunted or not. Beatrice known she is a fraud, but if she can fake her way through this one night, she would gain financial independence.  

On the eve before Beatrice goes to the estate, she learns the frighting truth about her abilities.

“There was a shadow flickering amid the gloom in her hallway-a shadow in the shape of a man…she could hear something now…a sound like the trickle of water…Do not go, do not go, do not go…”

I did like the slow buildup to the arrival of all the characters at the manor; however, the story takes off when all the characters get to the manor. 

The authors do a great job of making the manor come alive. There were some surprises throughout the book, which helped keep my interest. The manor’s menacing macabre atmosphere was palpable, almost as if the manor took on a life of its own.

“It was a massive brick and stone fortress. Wickedly pointed spires topped each peak of the roof…the cut stones gleamed coldly in the fading light, with the entire structure the color of bone…the rain-splotched stone seemed to be oozing some dark material from the heart of the fortress…primal and ectoplasmic.”

The plot line’s basis was well thought out and reasonably well-executed, but what made this book more interesting for me was the characters. I loved the push and pull between the two main characters.  What I didn’t like was the romance between Beatrice and James. It felt forced, campy, and a bit out of place. I am not opposed to romance in horror stories, but I thought it could have been written into the plotline more subtly.  Also, I would have liked a little more insight into the supporting characters. 

Overall, I did enjoy this ominous read and look forward to seeing where these three authors take Beatrice and James on their next eerie adventure. Just a side note, there are many gruesome scenes of death, violence, and the mention of domestic violence.    

* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. * 

** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Content Rating: 18+

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Holiday 

Published: October 6, 2020, by Gallery Books

In a Holidaze will wrap you up in a warm blanket of Christmas happiness and love. I am usually not a huge fan of holiday books; however, In a Holidaze has changed my mind. Christina and Lauren have written a lovely story with fabulous characters that you will enjoy getting to known. This book has a Groundhog Day vibe, but I was thankful that it was short-lived and not throughout the whole book.

One amazing cozy cabin in Utah, a group of friends, cemented by the college experience, and their grownup children have been meeting on December 20th to spend Christmas together. You can feel the love between all these people, but this Christmas looks like it will be a bit different. 

Mae, Theo, and Andrew have grown up together and are best friends. However, Mae has been in love with Andrew, or is it, Theo, since she was thirteen years old. Oh, did you think I was going to tell you who she loves and ruin all the fun? And of course, to make things interesting, Theo and Andrew are brothers.

Mae makes a silent plea to the universe: Universe. 

                “What am I doing with my life? Please. I want…”

“So Mae askes the universe, simply: 

                 ‘Can you show me what will make me happy?’”

Mae makes a terrible mistake, but not too worry she gets the opportunity to rectify the error twice.  As Mae lives this week over two times, a remarkable change takes place. She sees what is essential in life and learns the importance of taking a chance and going after what makes her happy.

So, between boardgames and snowball fights, I was happy that the central theme of this story was Mae finding herself and finding love and not the whole groundhog theme, which, in my opinion, has been overdone. The story was cute and fun, but the characters made this book and warmed my heart. In a Holidaze turned out to have all the warm feels we have all come to expect from these two wonderful authors. If you are looking for a heartfelt, sweet, emotional read with a touch of humor, to get you into the Christmas spirit a little early, look no further; you have found your next read, In a Holidaze.

* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. * 

** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Christina Lauren. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **