Love Like Poison by Charmaine Pauls

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.

“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 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*

Rating: ★★★★★