A DIAMOND MAGNATE DARK ROMANCE NOVELSix years ago, Harold Dalton framed me for theft and sent me to jail to steal my diamond discovery. He gave his daughter to Jack Clarke in exchange for the excavation rights. Today, I’m walking free, and I’m coming for him with a vengeance. Six years of cruelty make beasts out of men. I’m going to take back what he stole from me, and more. I’m not interested in … interested in his properties or shares. I don’t want his small change. I want his biggest asset. Beautiful, mentally unstable, Angelina Dalton-Clarke.
Worth billions, she’s the wealthiest widow in the country, and also the craziest. Her self-harming tendencies had Jack declare her incompetent before he put a gun to his head and blew out his brains. Lina isn’t allowed to touch a cent of her riches. Her father manages her finances. He has all the signing power. As her husband, that chore will fall to me. But if she thinks I only want her for her money, she’s sadly mistaken.
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-A story that will break your heart
-A beautiful broken girl
-Lies, secrets, and vengeance
-Dark, lustful scenes
Beauty in the Broken is…heart-wrenching, beautifully written, and darkly twisted. There are few books that I want to go back and reread, but this is one of them. I have always loved Charmaine Pauls’ books, but I do believe she has outdone herself with this book. I feel that she has written Damian and Lina’s story from the depths of her soul, ahhh and what a dark soul that must be (haha). These two characters are so perfectly broken, both separately and together, you can’t help but fall in love with them. Their story is not pretty; it’s raw, dirty and utterly compelling; you will not be able to put it down. Beauty in the Broken is a malevolent story filled with power hungry men, revenge, unbridled violence, secrets, blackmail and best of all, a profoundly dark, obsessive, twisted love one man has for one woman.
Damian Hart was a doomed young, naive man when he walked into Harold Dalton’s house. Damian made two mistakes; the first one being, trusting Harold Dalton with the diamond mine he discovered, the second, falling in love with Harold’s daughter Lina. However, Harold has also made mistakes; he stole Damian’s diamond mine and framed him for a crime he didn’t commit, but more importantly, he underestimated Damian Hart. Damian has had six, long, hard years in prison to perfect his revenge. Planning his vengeance may have propelled Damian through his years in prison, but prison made Damian into a dark, hard man. A man who will do anything, hurt anyone, to get what he wants and what he desires. Moreover, that one thing is Lina.
Angelina Dalton-Clarke, Lina, is our beautifully broken heroine. Her father has used her to advance himself in the diamond business by basically selling her into marriage with Jack Clarke. When Clark kills himself, Lina becomes one of the richest women in South Africa, but before he does he has Lina declared incompetent. Upon Clark’s death, Lina’s father conveniently takes control of her fortune. For me, Lina was the perfect combination of soft and feminine, but she was also tough as nails, a true survivor. She has suffered dearly at the hands of men that were supposed to love and cherish her. Through all her suffering she stayed strong to herself, resilient, she never gave up.
This story was expertly written, and from the first page to the last, I was hooked. This story is a dark romance, not a warm a fuzzy read. Please expect to be challenged by what our heroine must endure. At times, I felt so connected to Lina I could have cried. Ms. Pauls creates characters that you will fall in love with and others that you will hate to the depths of your soul. I felt that the story was original and expertly told, so expect to be consumed by this book. She perfectly captures the lust, love, obsession and even the hate that Damian and Lena feel for each other. Their pull towards each other begins from the first innocent moment they meet and six years later explodes in an erotic ride that had me blushing in the best way possible. Ms. Pauls is the master of the dark erotic genre.
My advice to you is clear your calendar and be prepared to be obsessed with this book.
***I kindly received this book from the 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 .***
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Beauty in the Broken by Charmaine Pauls is the story of Damian Hart and Angelina ‘Lina’ Dalton-Clarke.
Damian was framed for stealing about 6 years ago by Harold Dalton. Now Damian is out of jail and not the same man he was when he went in. Damian of course blames Harold but he also thinks Lina had a part in him doing time. Damian met Lina before he everything went down and he has been obsessed with her every since. Lina knows only abuse most of her life and was given to Jack Clarke by her father but every thinks her unstable. Jack is now dead and her father is still controlling everything in her life until Damian shows up and takes control over her. Even though Lina has suffered past abuse she is a pretty strong person for what she has gone through. Damian although crazy over her does seem harsh towards her I thought, but this is a Dark Romance so it is one I signed up for. Dark Romance standards it probably a medium temperature gauge. There is of course some BDSM and may also be some trigger issues for some readers who are sensitive to some issue.
#2019TopReads
Jesus Christ on a cracker … wow.
I just burst out laughing because I was about to write “holy dark/twisted greatness batkids” but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what I just read. If I use those words to describe what this story emanates, you’re not going to get the correct idea. BECAUSE IT IS SO MUCH MORE.
If you’re a sensitive reader (and by sensitive, I mean you want your fiction to be gumdrops and rainbows because if you wanted real life, you’d just … I dunno what, but I know you know what I mean), walk away now. This isn’t for you. Seriously. Just walk away. You’ve been warned.
This book took me longer than expected to finish. NOT because I wasn’t balls to the wall invested in every word of the story, but because I had to take mini breaks, or I might give myself a stroke. The story itself is powerful and the prose is charged. That’s the easiest way to make you understand. The author will pull you into this story and as you read, you will feel like it’s happening around you. Like you’re right there as it all happens. There aren’t that many authors I’ve ever read that can accomplish that; this is one of them. She’s managed to do it with every book I’ve read of hers. She is unstoppable in her talent.
Okay, so let’s talk about the journey to HEA for Damian and Lina. There is a lot to their story. So much so that you might even be tempted to think “too much” or “unnecessary drama”, but I can assure you, it is none of those things. Yes, there are a lot of twists in this story you must keep up with, but the author has done an impeccable job of layering every single one to make a smooth transition into the next. There is so much darkness to both Damian and Lina, that I had to remind myself this was a standalone LOL I had serious doubts about their HEA on many occasions but then I realized something … They may have been two people full of darkness, but they were each other’s light. They were each other’s redemption.
I can’t give you a play by play of this journey because … well, there’s too many LOL But I can say the title of this book is spot on to this journey. It’s a beautifully broken path of two people destined to find light thru darkness. It’s rough and it’s not pretty, but it is magnificent. #TRUST
Harold Dalton framed me for theft and sent me to jail to steal my diamond discovery. He gave his daughter to Jack Clarke in exchange for the excavation rights. When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Charmaine Pauls is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book.
I read this story before, and the audiobook version is even better than the book, if possible. This was my first Charmaine Pauls’s book, and she is now one of my favorite authors. This story is amazingly dark, and beautifully written! I loved all about it! The characters, the angst, the mystery, the suspense, the action packed, and the beautiful ending. Damian and Lina are really great characters. Damian is brutal, dominant, possessive, protective, dark, but he is also so much more than that. Lina is a beautiful and extremely strong character. This story is told with dual POV, which is great. The storyline is heartbreaking, breathtaking, captivating, and filled with twists and turns. Lee Turner Smith and Adara Stevens did an outstanding job with the narration. They both have a very pleasant voice to listen to, and I love their voices together. This is an amazing team author/narrators. I HIGHLY recommend it, and I also recommend you to listen to the spin-off of the Beauty in the Broken, the amazing Diamonds are Forever Trilogy, Zoe’s story (Damian’s sister). I am looking forward for more books written by Charmaine Pauls, and read by Lee Turner Smith and Adara Stevens.
This is my first book by this author and I am blown away. I loved this book with the twists and turns between these two characters. Can Damian and Lina find their way to happiness? Great storyline and beautifully written.
Revenge is a dish best served cold and Damian Hart is about to unleash his from the depths of his frozen heart.
Wrongly accused and sentenced to serve six long years in prison, Damian is hell bent on getting his life back from those who ruthlessly took it from him. Too bad the girl of his dreams, Angelina (Lina) Dalton-Clarke is one of those he blames.
Lina, now a very wealthy widow, declared insane, how exactly does Damian plan to exact his revenge? Well, by marrying the girl, of course, and becoming her guardian, in control of all that ill gotten wealth, which rightly should be his wealth. But what happened to her while he was away, declared incompetent…crazy…with tendencies toward self harm and unable to handle the responsibilities of day to day life. Well that’s what everyone’s been told.
I adore the way this author spins the web of lies, deceit and treachery, only to slowly peel back each layer to reveal another twist or heartbreak for our MCs. The repeated build up and then shocking or heartbreaking reveal make this story a page turning delight!
Is Damian really that cold-hearted?
Is revenge the only thing left for him?
Is Lina really crazy?
The upside for me, this is a standalone, almost unheard of today, so there is no cliffhanger and there is no long wait to unravel all the hidden secrets. Readers who love their men alpha, loyal and forgiving and their women unafraid to fight, and ultimately a HEA, I highly recommend taking the time between Chapter 1 and The End, of Beauty in the Broken.
I have read several of Ms. Pauls’ stories and everyone of them a tissue-needing heartbreaker. When will I learn? This is a dark story with some sensitive themes but I got about 80% through it without the need to break out the tissues. Damn it, she got me again. I personally think that Lina was a very strong person and held her own against everyone who thought the worst of her. There are lots of secrets and backstabbing instances that made me say “when will this poor woman catch a break”. She definitely catches her break and, holy crap, I just could not help myself. A fantastic story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
This book was beyond incredible! Damien and Lina’s romance is filled with soul deep emotion and devastating pain. I fell for both these characters so hard that it wasn’t even funny. I feel it is only fair to warn you of two things. 1. This book has some very dark scenes and subject matter. If you have any doubts about whether this book is for you, in my opinion it is not. 2. Prepare yourself and clear your schedule. This book quite simply consumed me. Everything that stood between me and reading even just one more page was an annoyance and an inconvenience. Work, friends, family, errands, eating and sleeping all suffered from my desire to keep reading this book. So, you’ve been warned.
Lina and Damien’s story touched my heart in so many ways. It was impossible not to feel horribly for both of them. The things that they suffered through and survived were both heartbreaking and horrifying. At its center this is a story of love. The kind of love that is sweet, innocent and forever. It is also the story of how that love is corrupted and how it becomes irrevocably broken and twisted into a much different love. A broken love that is dark, controlling, secretive, obsessive and often painful. And yes, as the title suggests, there is beauty in the broken. The beauty of a love that can endure everything that anyone throws at it. Including years of separation, lies, secrets, danger, betrayals and brutality. A love that can be tender and caring, while also being hard and exacting.
Lina and Damien have stolen a piece of my heart and their story will linger in my mind. This is a book that easily earned the five stars I gave it (I would give it more if I could) and its place on my keeper shelf. If you are looking for a book that will grip your mind, touch your heart and leave a mark on your soul with a rollercoaster ride of raw emotions and exquisite pain, grab this book now!
Move over ladies and let my new step into the spotlight. Damian Hart takes the possessive alpha role to new heights. He is obstinate, stubborn, and antagonistically aggressive. He takes what he wants with no reserve, and he will have you swooning and in a love coma before you even know his story.
After Damian is released from being incarcerated, he returns to claim what is his. What has been stolen from him. Angelina Dalton and his diamond mine. Once he has acquired his belongings, he sets out for vengeance on those that took part in his confinement. And although Angelina is one of those people, he has special plans for her. He will possess her, own every part of her, even the broken and damaged parts.
Angelina Dalton-Clark is a broken, yet unwavering, sturdy woman. She has been used, abused and thrown about like a unloved doll. Her rights and freedom have been taken away from her and she has been left at the mercy of three unruly men. Her father, her dead husband and now Damian Hart.
She plays her role as she knows it is futile to resist. All she wants is her freedom, to be a part of society, to have the abilities to make her own decisions and be responsible for herself. But Damian doesn’t see that, for everything he has promised her he can’t see that that is what she longs for most. He most of all should know what it is like when your freedom is no longer yours.
Charmaine Pauls is a strong flawless writer and it shows in her books. I cannot begin to rave about her storytelling abilities. The plot twists in power at full speed leaving you in a tailwind of retribution, fortitude and passion. The characters are enigmatic and captivating. Pauls has certainly outdone herself with this beauty.
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5 hot stars!! Omg can someone obsess over me the way Damien does Angelina!!
This is a story of revenge, obsession, depression, depravation, tragedy and love. I laugh as I finish that sentence with love but trust me it is there!!
Damien was destroyed by one man, Harold and his buddies) and 6 years later he is back and set on revenge. That revenge begins with Harold’s daughter Angelina….
Ok so Angelina is such a warrior. My heart ached for her this entire book. I mean I shed tears at the end. And as I look back I kind of think the same thing for Damien. I don’t think he ever went so dark I found it twisted. It was just enough to still love the man. These two together are like jelly and peanut butter. Perfection. And let’s not forget their chemistry is off the chain. Damien is all about tasting. Omg
Yes!!
This story was full of twists and turns. Damn did this author know how to create some amazing characters. Bad guys, good guys, and everything in between. I am still swooning over Russell for shit sake. I feel so invested in this book and I want more!!
This is a definite must read!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
When I finished this book, I wasn’t sure how on earth I was going to review it when quite frankly it had left me speechless. It brought out so many conflicting feelings in me but I was gripped and couldn’t put it down. It’s a dark and rather violent tale of two wronged souls, a ruthless man, hellbent on revenge and an abused young woman, stripped of her own free will for many years. The empathy I felt for her made for uncomfortable reading at times but her inner strength blew me away. Despite everything she’s been through, there’s still an element of defiance to her, a part of her that’s not totally broken, that wants and needs to fight back, and I loved her.
Damian is the very definition of the anti-hero. You know you should despise them but they are so intriguing and charismatic you find yourself clinging to the hope that they will have some redeeming qualities somewhere along the line. He’s a man who is determined to achieve his goals without regard for the law, or anyone else for that matter. I struggled a lot with his character at times, his possessiveness towards Lina and his often brutal treatment of her is hard to read. I didn’t get the sense that he was trying to be deliberately cruel, however, and he often shows a tender side too. His devotion to her is unquestionable. He may have had plans to serve his own form of justice on those who sent him to prison but once he discovers what Lina has endured, he becomes her avenging hero and payback takes on a whole new meaning. One which has far reaching consequences.
“Who is my husband? Who is the man carrying me to his bedroom in warm, strong arms, so careful with me, as if I could break, when he’s just broken me on his study floor?”
Beauty in the Broken is an amazing dark read, one which has now become a firm favourite, but it is not for the faint of heart. It’s action packed with a great storyline which, not withstanding all the twists and turns and surprises, flows really well and doesn’t feel overdone. There are some wonderfully vile people in this book, their manipulations at times had me holding my breath in anticipation of their next move. I may not have liked them, but they were fascinating characters and so well written. I loved Damian and Lina and when it came to the end, I didn’t want to let them go. Not perfect characters by any means, just perfect for each other.
4 Black Diamond Stars
Charmaine Pauls is a solid author for me. Her books always suck me in from the blurbs. I enjoy that the majority of her books are set in South Africa. The way of life is truly different there than what I am used to.
This book, Damian Hart is seeking revenge. Falsely imprisoned for 6 years for a crime he didn’t commit, he is now free and ready to take what was his to begin with.
Angelina Dalton-Clarke is the daughter who has been used and abused by her father, husband and anyone who has ever been in her life. Certified mentally unstable, everything has been taken away from her.
There is deception.
There are shocking secrets revealed.
There are punishments.
Damian had 6 years to come up with this plan. Will he be able to pull it off and these two have the ability to live the life they truly deserved all those years ago?
Amount of sex – 4.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes – 4.5 / 5
Story – 5 / 5
Overall – 5 / 5
Wow! That was amazing!
Beauty in the Broken is a fantastic standalone dark romance, and it tells the story of Damian and Lina. Lina is the daughter of Harold Dalton, the man who set up Damian which resulted in him serving six years in prison. When Damian is released, he has only one goal, and that is to seek revenge. He begins by forcing Lina to marry him. This helps gain the power and money necessary to take over Dalton’s diamond mine. Damian continues his retaliation, but along the way, his desire for Lina grows.
Beauty in the Broken grabbed me from the very beginning, and I just didn’t want to let go. I was caught between wanting to read faster to find out what happened next and wanting to slow down so I could savor every word. Damian was the perfect example of an anti-hero, and I couldn’t get enough of him.
I really can’t express how much I love this story. It was by far one of my favorites, and in my opinion, a must read!
*Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy*
(3 stars) Damian Hart was framed by Harold Dalton and thrown in Jail for a crime he didn’t commit for six long years! He’s out now…and he wants revenge for what he lost. What is worth 6 years in prison you ask? Dalton’s daughter, Angelina Dalton-Clark is the type of retribution Damian wants and she has the bank account to replace what he lost. Broken after her husband’s death, Angelina had a mental breakdown. Her father took control of her inheritance until Damian shows up to collect and taking her as his bride & get control of her money. What happens when two broken/hurt souls get together for the wrong reasons? Can Damian keep his plan for vengeance against the Dalton family on the correct path or will his true feelings for Angelina turn his revenge into something else? There are many secrets that are unveiled and not everything is as it seems. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I while I enjoyed parts of the story there are sections that seem to drag on for me. Told in dual POV
There are some books that just grab your attention from the get go.
Well Beauty in the Broken is that type of book.
From the very first sentence it had my attention and held it till the very end.
We get introduced to Damian Hart a few days after getting out of prison.
He’s spent six long agonizing years in there for a crime he didn’t commit.
Damian has come out stronger and determined to get what is rightfully his.
Plus so much more.
Damian never goes back on his word or his promises.
His inner will and spirit is that of a survivor.
He’s also possessive dominant man.
Angelina has had a complex life.
She comes from money and power.
She has everything at her fingertips.
But looks can be deceiving.
Together Damian and Lina are combustible.
They are fire and ice.
What an absolutely dynamic explosive pair they are.
The plot and storyline for Beauty in the Broken is fantastic.
The setting takes place in South Africa.
And deals with the diamond industry.
I loved that.
I thought it was exotic and new.
I don’t want to say more about Damian,Lina and the plot.
Any spoilers,even inadvertently will ruin the experience of reading what takes place with all the characters involved.
I will say that greed is one of the seven deadly sins.
It blinds the person to everything else expect their own personal gain.
And everyone else is just collateral damage.
The plot is raw,gritty and intense.
This is my first read by Ms. Pauls.
Wow she blew me away!
I loved the way she wrote and set the book up.
I really appreciated how the author combined the dark parts/elements without leaving the reader feeling hopeless.
She still gave me the feeling that there will be a light at the end of that dark tunnel.
I thought everything about this book was perfect!
Incredible characters,great plot and some turns that were jaw dropping.
Ms. Pauls is an author I will definitely be following and reading more by her.