Hate Like Honey by Charmaine Pauls

I feel so conflicted writing this review because of the emotional turmoil that this book has inflicted upon me. However, there is no denying that Charmaine Pauls has written another incredible and heartbreaking sequel for Angelo and Sabella. Hate Like Honey is the second book in the Corsican Crime Lord series and it follows the devastating aftermath of Love Like Poison. There were heavy consequences to Angelo's obsession for Sabella and both their families paid the ultimate price. Unfortunately, Sabella won't be able to escape Angelo's wrath—which may prove to be the downfall of their relationship and any lingering feelings of love they may have for each other. I will forever be enamored by Charmaine's prose and her ability to craft words that will tug at your heartstrings. There was this feeling of impending doom throughout the book and I was completely floored when the marriage finally happened.

“At last, she’s mine, but it’s not the beginning I imagined. Our story doesn’t get a happy ending. In our case, we’re doomed to live unhappily ever after.”

I both loved and hated Angelo. He was a man who lost everything while only rage and a hollow shell of his former self remained. Angelo was determined to possess Sabella and when their union finally happened, he became someone almost unrecognizable—a darker and crueler version of himself who wanted to break the woman he loved. I hated what he did to Sabella but I can only pity him for the day she throws everything back at his face in the future. After everything that she went through, Sabella is no longer her innocent and ignorant former self. Her love for Angelo played a part in the downfall of her family and left her with only pain and tears. I hated that Angelo blamed her for everything when she was innocent in her father and brother's evil plans. I couldn't help but think Angelo and Sabella were both tragic characters in their love for each other.

“I should’ve known then, but I was young and inexperienced. Falling in love. Falling for the wrong man. That man took my heart, and he never returned it. There’s no hope of ever getting it back, because the man I gave my love to is an illusion.”

In the end, this book devastated me in the best of ways and I can't wait to see how their relationship will develop even further in Tears Like Acid. The current version of Angelo does not deserve my tears and I don't know how the author will be able to redeem her hero after this book. He was incredibly cruel and heartless in how he treated Sabella but there were moments of kindness and gentleness from him. This book does end with another cliffhanger and we're left wondering what will become of Sabella's fate. Angelo is not willing to let her go but he is unable to forgive her. Fans of Charmaine Pauls, dark romance, and the arranged marriage trope will be completely enthralled by her storytelling in this brand new series featuring a seemingly irredeemable and cruel anti-hero hellbent on possessing his strong-willed and former hothouse flower of a heroine.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Blitz: Defy by Sienna Snow

Defy by Sienna Snow is now live! 

Sophia Morelli's wild and rebellious nature has earned her a notorious reputation in Bishop's Landing. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Damon Pierce, her brother's best friend and a Dom at Violent Delights with secrets of his own.

The temptation to submit to his dangerous possession becomes too hard to resist. As the intensity of their connection grows, so does the danger that comes along with surrendering to desire—for an affair this passionate could be doomed before it truly begins.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3qfFS2F

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/Defy

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3JzzlXk

Nook: https://bit.ly/46rl2gB

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3PCfMlj

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3RApaqg

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/43EMHtb

Meet Sienna

Inspired by her years working in corporate America, Sienna loves to serve up stories woven around confident and successful women who know what they want and how to get it, both in—and out—of the bedroom.

Her heroines are fresh, well-educated, and often find love and romance through atypical circumstances.  Sienna treats her readers to enticing slices of hot romance infused with empowerment and indulgent satisfaction.

Sienna loves the life of travel and adventure.  She plans to visit even the farthest corners of the world and delight in experiencing the variety of cultures along the way. When she isn't writing or traveling, Sienna is working on her "happily ever after" with her husband and children.

 

Connect with Sienna

Website: https://siennasnow.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15076071.Sienna_Snow

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sienna-Snow/author/B01M1DHVMD/

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsiennasnow/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bysiennasnow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sienna_snow

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsiennasnow

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sienna-snow

 

Release Blitz: Fall Into You by J.T. Geissinger

Fall Into You by J.T. Geissinger is now live! 

Ruthless. Arrogant. Ice cold.

That's how everyone describes Cole McCord, billionaire CFO of McCord Media. As notorious for his bad attitude as he is for his good looks, he's the one every girl's mother warns her about.

We spend one passionate, unforgettable night together, two strangers who bond over neat whiskeys and messy confessions in a Beverly Hills bar. Then we go our separate ways in the morning, never expecting to see each other again.

We soon discover that some connections can't be undone. Some bonds, once made, can't be broken.

And some loves can be as deep as they are destructive...yet impossible to let go.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://geni.us/FallIntoYou

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Kvryu5

Meet J.T. Geissinger

J.T. Geissinger is a #1 international and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty novels. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over ten million copies worldwide and been translated into more than twenty languages.

She is a three-time finalist in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.

 

Connect with J.T. Geissinger 

Website: www.jtgeissinger.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5865943.J_T_Geissinger

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xQN4za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JTGeissinger

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1546609172103644

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtgeissingerauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jtgeissingerauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-t-geissinger

Text BOOK to 844-946-2079

 

Fall Into You by J.T. Geissinger

While Cole wasn't intense as Callum from Liars Like Us, he was a truly fascinating and unique character to me because he pushes people away even though he loves very deeply and desperately. J.T. Geissinger's latest book, Fall Into You, focuses on Cole—the middle McCord brother who we previously met in Emery and Callum's book. While it isn't necessary to read the first book, I would still highly recommend it because all the characters are interconnected and related to each other. I thought Shay was perfect for Cole because his loneliness, obsession, and darkness complimented her own loneliness, sense of humor, and and sunny personality. This was how they met in the first place and what followed was a night worth remembering for the two of them. I thought it was interesting that Cole was incredibly romantic but also contradicting because he didn't think he deserved Shay. He was the king of mixed signals and I wanted to shake him for putting himself and Shay through the wringer because they deserved to be loved.

"I want to own her, body and soul. Even more than that, I want her to own me."

As for the heat/spice level, Geissinger never disappoints. Cole and Shay had incredible chemistry and their coupling was all-consuming, emotional, angsty, and highly erotic. I could not get enough of these two but they certainly had a lot of roadblocks to their relationship mostly due to Cole's hot and cold personality. I thought Geissinger did a fantastic job paralleling both Cole and Shay's inner thoughts and perspectives when it came to the nature of their relationship. I loved reading Cole's POV and I'm so happy that we were able to read his innermost thoughts and see how in love and obsessed he was with Shay. As much as I loved Cole, I equally loved Shay. She was relatable, witty, independent, stubborn, and knew what and who she wanted. Nothing could stand in her way—including Cole. The romance was well-developed and the secret Cole was keeping shocked me because he gave up so much for it.

"I think you're beautiful. All your parts. All your broken pieces. They're beautiful to me, and so are you."

In the end, Cole and Shay's story was absolutely worth the wait and fans of J.T. Geissinger will not be disappointed by this book. I loved the rollercoaster ride of emotions that the author put me through. It was truly heartbreaking at times because Cole was sabotaging his own love life and future. The last part of the book knocked me sideways because I could not believe what I was reading. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it was Cole. He lost so much and it broke my heart. I am definitely looking forward to the youngest McCord brother's book, Carter, and Cole's best friend, Axel. We're given a sneak peek into their characters and they're both a hoot. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a morally gray and lonely hero who is deeply in love with his sweet and sassy heroine but holds himself back for her. You will be completely enamored by their opposites attract relationship and personalities.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

Defy by Sienna Snow

Defy by Sienna Snow is the second book in the Violent Delights series and it follows the tumultuous love story of Sophia Morelli and Damon Pierce. I have conflicting feelings about this book because while I loved their sexy relationship, I also thought it was extremely messy due to the miscommunication and secrets between them. At one point, I was very frustrated with Sophia because she was being immature and disrespectful towards Damon—especially with her safety and refusal to tell him the truth. The fact that she had a murder charge over her head did not deter her from danger at all. It doesn't help that Damon tolerates her bratty side and seems to like it when she talks back to him. They were truly opposites in terms of personality because while Damon is possessive and controlling, Sophia is defiant and highly values her independence due to past trauma with her parents. It was a recipe for disaster with a potential for heartbreak.

"It's impossible for me to let you go. Even if the best thing for you is to do just that."

In the end, I enjoyed reading the continuation of Damon and Sophia's story even though they frustrated me at times with their decisions. As expected, the sexual chemistry between these two was super steamy and I wanted more of that instead of the unnecessary drama because of the murder charge. It is unfortunate that Damon and Sophia will need to sort out of their own issues before they can truly obtain their happy ending. Sophia is the type of person who does not like to be controlled but Damon thrives on that feeling because he views it as being protective of her. I am curious to know how Sienna Snow will end their story because the book ends with heartbreak once again for the two of them.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: Tears Like Acid by Charmaine Pauls

Charmaine Pauls has revealed the gorgeous cover for Tears Like Acid!

Releasing: November 7, 2023

Cover Designed by: Book Cover By Design 

Photography by: Wander Aguiar 

In my line of business, every day dawns with the smell of death in the air. But it’s not a bullet that’s going to slay me. It’s Sabella, the woman who was promised to me, the woman who betrayed me.

I hate and want her in equal measure, an agonizing situation of my own making. We’re heading down a path of destruction, but there’s no turning back. At the first chance she gets, she’ll stab me in the back again. She’s a dangerous risk and a threat to my family. If I were wise, I’d eliminate that risk and leave her funeral to the sharks. I must be an idiot, because I’m going to finish what I started, no matter the cost.

Note: Tears Like Acid is the 3rd book in the Corsican Crime Lord series. Love Like Poison (Book 1) and Hate Like Honey (Book 2) must be read first. Sabella and Angelo's story concludes in Kisses Like Rain (Book 4). The story contains scenes not recommended for sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3EgMgdL

*Available wide for ONE WEEK only before going into KU.

Add Tears Like Acid to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3sJQPe1

Start the series with Love Like Poison today → https://bit.ly/LoveLikePoison

Pre-order Hate Like Honey Book 2, releasing October 3rd → https://bit.ly/3QMxKCa

Pre-order Kisses Like Rain Book 4, releasing December 5th → https://bit.ly/45BmSv3

Sign up for a reminder when the book is available → https://charmainepauls.com/subscribe

Meet Charmaine

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.

Connect with Charmaine

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

AMAZON

GOODREADS

TWITTER

BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM

Blog Tour: Love Like Poison by Charmaine Pauls

Love Like Poison, an all-new dark, all-consuming, arranged-marriage, mafia romance and the first book in the Corsican Crime Lord Series from USA Today bestselling author Charmaine Pauls, is available now!

Every year on my birthday, my tormentor returns to claim one of my firsts.

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).

Start reading today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3K8UVlf

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/lovelikepoison

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/3nNFR4H

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3MgkvYa

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3Kwiaa8

Nook: http://bit.ly/3Kwcxss

*Please note that Love Like Poison will be available wide for ONE WEEK ONLY after the release date before going into Kindle Unlimited.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3nEsZxP

Pre-order Hate Like Honey Book 2, releasing October 3rd→ https://bit.ly/3R1p4YM

Pre-order Tears Like Acid Book 3, releasing November 7th→ https://bit.ly/3EgMgdL

Pre-order Kisses Like Rain Book 4, releasing December 5th→ https://bit.ly/45KL8Ld

Keep reading for a look inside Love Like Poison!

“You don’t look old enough to be a waitress,” he says, finishing his evaluation by inspecting my legs. “How young are they hiring these days?”

I don’t correct him. If he knows how young I really am, he won’t give me another ounce of his attention. Although walking away is without a doubt the wiser option, I don’t want to turn my back on him. Not just yet.

His lips quirk, amusement sparking in his eyes. “Has the cat got your tongue, bella?”

A jolt runs through me. How does he know my name? Only my family and close friends call me Bella. But no. He said it differently. He said it like a term of endearment. I know what bella in that context means, and it warms my chest with a pleasant heat.

“You have an accent,” I say.

“French-Italian.”

“Are you from Italy or France?”

“Corsica.”

“You speak English very well.”

“My mother insisted that we learn from a young age. It’s important to speak it for business.”

His cryptic and polite answers are a clear sign that he’s getting bored with the conversation. I should go, but I linger, unable to pull myself away. “I wish I could speak a foreign language.”

“Shouldn’t you be working?” he asks, nodding at the box in my hands. His animosity gets my hackles up.

“Shouldn’t you be mingling with the guests?”

He grins. Taking a Zippo lighter from his pocket, he taps the joint against the metal. “Parties are boring, but birthday parties are the worst.” He casts another glance at my unsuitable attire. “You obviously agree.”

Although I do share his sentiment, I can’t help but turn defensive. “Then why did you come?”

Bringing the joint to his mouth, he watches me from the slits of his eyes as he lights it. He inhales and blows out a thin line of smoke. “Business.”

The smoke twists into a ribbon before dispersing in the air, leaving the pungent odor of weed behind. “Business?”Was I wrong about him being a guest? “Are you with the caterers?”

He laughs. “My father and Mr. Edwards are business associates.” Studying me through the thick lashes of his hooded eyes as he takes another drag of the joint, he adds after blowing out the smoke, “Of sorts.”

“So you’re only here for business reasons,” I say, my ego unjustifiably bruised.

“That’s how it would seem.”

I fail to keep the sarcasm from my voice. “I can see how that must suck for you.”

He shrugs. “It comes with the territory.”

When I don’t reply, he holds the joint out to me.

I shake my head. “I don’t smoke.”

“Do you drink?”

My parents let me have a little wine or champagne on important occasions. “Not often.”

His voice drops an octave. “Good.”

He carries on smoking while I just stand there, racking my brain for something to say.

Turning his face, he looks at me as if to ask why I’m still there. “You better run inside and get to work.”

I don’t like the way he speaks to me. I resent how he thinks he can order me around. Most of all, I hate how easily he dismisses me.

When he stubs the joint out on the wall and flicks the butt in the party trash that’s piling up next to the door, I know he’s going to walk away. And I don’t want him to. I stall by using what my feminine intuition tells me will get his attention. Defiance.

“No,” I say, lifting my chin.

His eyes flare as if he doesn’t hear that word often.

“I won’t jump because you told me to,” I continue.

He pushes off the wall. “What did you say to me?”

Standing taller, I tap into my confidence that usually comes naturally but for some reason now has failed me. “Why must I go? You leave if you don’t want me here. You shouldn’t have picked this spot if you were hoping to smoke your drugs without being caught. Which is completely not cool. Not smoking in secret but smoking at all. Especially drugs. It makes you totally uncool.”

Shit. Can I just shut up now?

His dark eyes widen with humor rather than anger. A smile flirts with his lips.

He’s laughing at me. How embarrassing.

I don’t wait for his reply. My intention is making a grand exit while I still have some dregs of dignity left to cling to, but just as I turn toward the kitchen, my mom walks through the door.

Double shit.

For more information about Charmaine Pauls and her books, visit her website:

https://charmainepauls.com/

Release Blitz: Love Like Poison by Charmaine Pauls

He’s dark like the ocean and breathless like water. 

Love Like Poison, the steamy first book in the dark mafia Corsican Crime Lord Series from USA Today bestselling author Charmaine Pauls, is available now!

Every year on my birthday, my tormentor returns to claim one of my firsts.

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).

Start reading today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K8UVlf

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/lovelikepoison

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/3nNFR4H

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3MgkvYa

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3Kwiaa8

Nook: http://bit.ly/3Kwcxss

*Please note that Love Like Poison will be available wide for ONE WEEK ONLY after the release date before going into Kindle Unlimited.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3nEsZxP

Pre-order Hate Like Honey Book 2, releasing October 3rd→ https://bit.ly/3R1p4YM

Pre-order Tears Like Acid Book 3, releasing November 7th→ https://bit.ly/3EgMgdL

Pre-order Kisses Like Rain Book 4, releasing December 5th→ https://bit.ly/45KL8Ld

Meet Charmaine

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.

Connect with Charmaine

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

AMAZON

GOODREADS

TWITTER

BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM