When Gabriel broke down my door, he took over my body and life. Never with force, but always with clever manipulation. He stripped me of my independence, my defenses, and my clothes and turned me into an addict. My addiction is him. Once, I had dreams and a future. Now, I have fears, scars, and insatiable needs. I’m damaged beyond repair, but if I’m to survive the most dangerous man in … Johannesburg, I can’t allow him to break me, because broken toys are destined for the garbage dump.
(CONSENT is the second and final full-length novel in a duology. The first book, DUBIOUS, must be read in order to follow the story.)
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WOW. That was a fucking ride! I stand by my earlier assessment… few authors can TRULY sustain a longer narrative either for a very long book or for a series that follows the same story. Charmaine Pauls is one of those authors! I didn’t get to sleep until the sun was coming up so Charmaine Pauls just got added to the list of authors I can’t read before bed.
1/2 STARS
Wow!!!, What a read this was, I was engrossed until the bitter end.
“Consent” starts where “Dubious” left off and right from the get-go we are plunged right back into the raw and gritty world of Gabriel Louw AKA The Breaker.
So Gabriel is now on the hunt, his very delectable prey Valentina Haynes has bolted along with her brother Charlie to whereabouts unknown.
Valentina and Gabriel Both with very crossed wires over this now very real pregnancy and a new baby on the near horizon.
Gabriel himself is counting down the minutes until he has Valentina back in her cage. This time around things are going to be different and he has plans for Valentina once he catches up with her that is.
Right, so the last book “Dubious” I didn’t find at all angsty, not that I was complaining.
“Consent” more than makes up for this in buckets.
There is so much going on here in regards to angst and all characters involved take steps out of there very own cliches to evolve brilliantly throughout.
I’m also Loving the new roles for Gabriel’s bodyguards, they make fantastically funny baby-sitters and they had me chuckling along with them.
So where do I start with this, well I found this such an enjoyable read and I was glued to the pages throughout.
The story flowed easily and it was great to catch back up with everyone from “Consent”
so sorry for being vague here, but I’m trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible as I don’t want to give away anything.
I only have three small nitpicks that in hindsight made me deduct half a star, but really these are just little things overall.
So number one, I like my dark heroes to stay mostly dark and in this instant, Gabriel becomes a whole lot whiter, I didn’t find him that dark initially so I really didn’t want him to get even lighter in nature.
And yes I do get it, why he wants to change so dramatically, it’s very understandable and also extremely commendable.
It doesn’t mean I have to like it though.
That brings me to number two “The Events” themselves, they were dragged out a bit too much for me and I wanted to move on from them, I cried, and then I tried to heal and I wanted poor Gabriel to heal also, then to pull himself back together.
I really don’t mean that to sound harsh, it’s just I thought poor Valentina was given a bit of a raw deal and could have done with a bit more TLC. instead, she was mainly ignored and pushed to the sidelines by Gabriel, dealing with a pregnancy that had been largely thrust upon her young shoulders.
On a further side note and without giving anything away I was also decidedly disappointed in The makeover, that is all I’m contributing on that matter, but so not a happy bunny here, just saying.
So despite these small grievances I loved all the rest of this and couldn’t put it down “Consent” was full of Angst and drama and unforgettable characters and I would highly recommend this as an unforgettable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC of Consent this is my own unbiased honest opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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FUCKING CRAZY, SEXY, MIND-BLOWING, AND HEART STOPPING. I can’t express how much I love this duology.
P L O T
THE PLOT IS MESSED UP AND CRAZY!
When I thought Consent couldn’t get any better compared to Dubious and the drama couldn’t get any worse, it just did. Compared to Dubious, this is more fast paced. We no longer take it a day at a time because Valentina is pregnant and she’s bound to give birth before the book ends. We stay in the important events.
C H A R A C T E R S
The character development is hard to miss. Everyone has their own problems and their own struggles and they are so human for it. My most favorite ones in this sequel is their bodyguards Quincy and Rhett. They have really fallen under Valentina’s spell; not in a sexual way but their more loyal to her than to Gabriel now and they adore her so much. Gabriel keeps repeating that she has that effect on people, heck she even worked her magic on someone else in the Louw family.
Valentina is no longer powered by her anger but she’s become so much stronger, mentally and physically. While Gabriel is on his own path to walk on. Turns out he’s insecure and he’s still not over the thought about not being worthy of Valentina.
W R I T I N G
(Spoiler) There has been a lot of deaths in this book and I understand why they had to be killed of because it’d be too complicated and the story could not progress well if they still breathe. (End of spoiler)
What an education to sexual activities and tricks this is. There was an ‘orgasm oil’ I don’t know if it’s a real thing but it’s in the book. Once again I repeat, my respect for erotic authors is still great.
O V E R A L L
I thought this book was about Valentina and her struggles, but in the end I realize it was about Gabriel. He’s more broken than Valentina with wounds that run too deep which causes for him to have a hared time accepting himself and forgiving himself for the lives he has taken and the life he was forced into by his mother.
This will surely be one of my best reads of the year. Charmaine Pauls has pierced my heart, this book made me cry a couple of times. My heart hurts during those heart-pounding events. 5 stars is not enough to rate this book, it should get 10!
I am torn here. I liked the first part of the book to about 70%. But things changed even the characters and their dispositions. It was a nice HEA but not a smooth transition for me. Life was difficult and dangerous then kind of perfect to quickly for me.
** spoiler alert ** This was kinda all over the place for me. They get married and his mother is awful. His daughter is so rude but then dies and most of these people are mean to Valentina. They get married and are happy but then he kills himself so he can leave her and the baby the family money. Once this happens there is debt and all this crap she has to clean up just to live and its a mess. I don’t understand his thinking on that decision at all. Then he comes back after healing himself but he looks different and Val knows it him right away. I did love that they had an HEA but how they got there wasn’t great at all.
~Every living being fights for one thing. Freedom.~
Looking for a story that will get your pulse racing, heart pounding and panties wet? This is it!
I have been struggling with writing this review, not because the book is poor, but because I wanted to find the right words that would entice and persuade everyone to read this duet. There are quite simply not enough stars to be given to this compelling tale!
This book is everything it could have been and then some. It is a story where both characters are flawed and the choreography of their relationship is turbulent and complicated. A sinfully intense romance that will have your blood pumping to new levels.
I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading Consent waiting for that proverbial shoe to fall. You just know that something dastardly will happen, he is a loan shark for the mob after all. He is living on a bed of lies and deceit, sitting on pins and needles waiting for the bottom to drop and the truth to come out. The sequence of events are heartbreaking, terrifying, distressing, frantic and nothing short of jaw dropping.
The reader gets so caught up in their story, that you totally forget about the back story, the rape of Valentina when she was a child. Gabriel is intent on finding the offenders and making them pay, but he keeps hitting road blocks, as if someone is one step ahead of him.
The story soars to new heights when all the truths come out and is nothing short of astonishing and unimaginable. I cannot recommend this duet enough. Please pick up both these brilliant reads!!
Consent is a fitting conclusion to the Loan Shark duet. When it starts, Valentina is on the run with Charlie, having decided she can’t live with a man she thinks will force her to terminate her pregnancy. The pregnancy Gabriel forced on her. I wanted to shake her because really?! On the run with no money with her disabled brother and she’s pregnant? So stupid…but understandable, considering the circumstances she was in. Of course Gabriel is not about to let his property go, though. You have to know that was never a permanent option.
I liked Valentina’s character growth here in Consent. She grew a little and developed a little bit of a backbone. I don’t think she was ever weak, she’s certainly a survivor and strong, it’s just that she was always a little meek. I wanted a little more fire from her, and in Consent she finally shows some. Bravo!
Lots of shit happens, though, and of course Valentina and Gabriel’s road to an HEA couldn’t possibly be easy. Not with his family and not with their history. Some really big secrets are revealed, betrayals are exposed and some unfortunate things happen. I don’t want to call them tragedies, because really they were kind of a relief, but they were kind of unfortunate, if only because certain people suffer because of them. I won’t give spoilers, I’ll just say that some were kind of predictable, but the big one was a complete surprise to me, and to everyone else with the exception of the one person who knew the big secret.
I’ve really enjoyed this duet. Gabriel and Valentina make for an exciting, passionate couple. I can’t say that I ever fell in love with either of them, but their story is so readable and engaging that I couldn’t put either book down. I really hope more is coming from Charmaine Pauls and this world she’s created. Perhaps Rhett and Quincy could get their own stories? Hint hint .
A page turner chuck full of steamy romance.
Consent by Charmaine Pauls is book 2 in The Loan Shark Duet and continues right where Dubious (book 1) left off. This fast paced, addictive, emotionally charged novel will have you hooked and totally engrossed in the pages of this story.
Charmaine takes us deeper into Gabriel and Valentina’s complex relationship and life and thoughout this novel there was never a dull moment.
So many emotions, so many twists and turns, it will all have your head spinning and have you wondering what’s next.
Told in dual POV we are given both parties feelings and insights which make them both so much more relatable. Apart from these two well-developed main characters, the secondary characters continue to lend support and balance to the story.
Although a duet, this book is so different from the first book and I loved how Charmaine switched up the plot. Yes Gabriel continues to be the domineering male he always was but Valentina was so much stronger in this story. I loved it.
Charmiane Pauls outdid herself with this novel. She gives life to these characters and weaves a tale that’s so utterly fascinating you will not be able to stop reading for one moment. This well-written page turner is worth way more than five stars and I would highly recommend it.
Please Note…you must read Dubious (Book 1) before diving into Consent (Book 2).
Picking right up where we were left hanging at the end of Dubious, this book takes off! Valentina is on the run and Gabriel is about to blow a gasket if he doesn’t locate her.
As we find out more on the history of each Gabriel and Valentina, it makes you realize how much a person can change once they find out who they truly are. Gabriel is not the same man he was in Dubious, that’s for sure… in more ways than you know! Valentina is even stronger than she was before.
What a great conclusion to this Duet! Couldn’t have asked for a better ending!!
Steamy and dark with a happily ever after ending. A must read!
A, “JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER”, Series!!!
WOW!!!… JUST, WOW!!!
We go into CONSENT with angst and are not given a moment of reprieve.
A page turner all throughout, you won’t be able to put down!
I slept all of 4 hrs last night because I was so enthralled and eager to know what came next!!!
Just one more Chapter… yea, right…lol
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and thank you Author Misty Walker for the great recommendation! xx
Whoa! What a fantastic finale to the Loan Shark Duet! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! This series has been one hell of a wild and twisty ride. These characters are so frustrating at times but it was awesome to see their growth in this book. Highly recommend this duet!
4.5 stars
Consent picks up where Dubious left off, with Valentina facing more challenges in her life than she ever thought possible. This is a difficult review to write without giving away spoilers, so parts will be deliberately vague. I will say, however, that this book is not as dark as Dubious but this author is extremely talented and so it is just as wonderful, but definitely heavier emotionally. It will keep you on your toes as secrets are revealed and questions are answered.
There are twists and turns and several ‘didn’t see that coming’ moments, some of which had me gasping out loud and others which brought tears to my eyes. Several bad decisions are made for the right reasons and I love the way these characters grow, change and evolve as a relationship built from deceit turns to love and affection. Dual POV gives us an insight into their true thoughts and feelings, despite the lies they tell each other. Quincy and Rhett also really come into their own in this book and there are many lighter moments from them which had me chuckling to myself.
Ms Pauls is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed my first introduction to her writing, which won’t be my last. I will definitely be looking out for her books in the future. The only reason I dropped half a star is I felt one decision Gabriel made was badly thought out by him and not in keeping with his character. Having said that, it did lead to a whole new world and opportunity eventually opening up for Valentina, so all ended well.
A fantastic dark, sexy, action packed read, I highly recommend this book, together with its partner Dubious, which must be read first.
Charmaine Pauls writes a stunning conclusion to her Loan Shark Duet in Consent.
Gabriel and Val’s story is full of heartbreak, survival and perseverance. Consent picks up the story right where Dubious left us hanging on the edge of the abyss. Val ran, Gabriel chased…she had to know she wouldn’t get far, because men like Gabriel don’t lose.
Lies and secrets are definitely not the way to build a solid foundation, but as the story unfolds and the truths are revealed, love grows.
This story is full of thoughtful human emotion… hurt, anger, deceit, loyalty, trust, commitment and love. It takes some unexpected turns and has you reaching for the tissues at the same time you’re cursing OMGs at your kindle screen. The cast of side characters will melt your heart at their devotion and loyalty in the face of adversity and the final chapters were truly a surprising delight.
If you haven’t read this author, I suggest you take the plunge.
Sequel to Dubious. Same characters with a few unexpected outcomes. A page turner to the very end. Both books, Dubious and Consent, are a very satisfying read.
A quick note: This book does have darker themes, and falls under dark romance/dark erotica genre. With that said, the encounters between the two main characters IS CONSENTUAL!
Consent (The Loan Shark Duet #2) is the second book in the series. It’s imperative that you read the first book (Dubious) in order to get the full effect/outcome of this book.
Valentina has given her all to Gabriel. He has effectively torn her away from the life she was used to. In the process changing parts of her heart and soul. She’s fallen for Gabriel in a way that defies everyone and everything around them. Even when that means giving into her emotions for Gabriel. She’s come to depend on him not just with the way he plays her body but her heart as well. Because even the darkest corner has a little light to it. In this book, she finds out what it takes to be broken and put back together again. She goes through a ridiculous amount of mind numbing moments that will challenge her every fiber. To love, have loss, to survive and rebuild will bring her to her knees. But what she becomes is anything but tragic!
Gabriel will do whatever it takes to keep Valentina by his side forever. There will be no setting her free and he will crush anyone in his path. He does the unthinkable in his obsessive ways where she is concerned, and he succeeds in changing the careful balance he has maintained within the family and the business. What he doesn’t foresee is how horrible event can be the catalyst for losing it all, and I mean it ALL. He’s such an intense character who even with his dark depravity and hunger for control, has a bit of a fleck of fire in him that will spark the explosion that brings Valentina full circle.
Overall, this book is so worth the wait (from the first one), the binge reading, an emotional rollercoaster that had me cursing at my poor kindle (I’m sorry Archibald! – Yes my kindle has a name!), and the sleepless night that I endured because how the heck could I put it down???? It’s seriously an incredible story that shows such strength, passion, depth, and feelings. Not just in the main characters either! You can’t help but be drawn into their web with the way Charmaine spins this suspenseful tale! LOVED it so much!
Wow! Impressed
This continues where we left off at in book one – I am doing my best at a no spoiler review
Psychologically twisted and physically trained to be his perfect pet – HIS – and no one threatens what is HIS
Valentia is going to protect those she loves no matter what the price to herself and as we all know from book one she does not always think before acting , too many times she allows her emotions to guide her actions and in this case it may cost her everything she originally set out to protect
Gabriel – again I would really love to hate him – but I can’t – He may just redeem himself -then again he may just be digging his own grave
I will say this – the twists and plot reveals are explosive- many I saw coming others I was truly shocked – This is an intense and twisted romantic thriller
The amazing conclusion to the story that started in tragedy and ended with an incredible heart wrenching ending. I absolutely loved this duet and would highly recommend it!! Charmaine is a wonderful writer and a great story teller.