A DARK MAFIA ROMANCEMy love is wasted like gemstones in the dust, walked over by an oblivious shoe. It takes many suffering years and layers of mountains to squeeze carbon into a precious stone. Now that I’m polished and hard like a diamond, he doesn’t get to kick me back into the dirt.Men like him don’t love women like me.They don’t love.Period.But he made me.He’ll live with me.Because diamonds … made me.
He’ll live with me.
Because diamonds are forever.
* Diamonds are Forever is Book 3 of the Diamonds are Forever trilogy and concludes the story. Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) and Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2) must be read first to follow the story.
Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Standalone Novel
Beauty in the Broken
Diamonds are Forever Trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1) – 19 May 2020
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2) – 14 July 2020
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3) – 15 September 2020
more
What a thrilling way to end Maxime’s and Zoe’s story! With so many twists and turns, I was captivated through the end. Thank you, Charmaine Pauls, for two more characters for me to love. I kindly received an ARC for my honest review. If you like dark romance with OTT males and strong females then this one is for you!
Been dying for the conclusion of this amazing trilogy since finishing book two. What a fantastic author that I wish I had found sooner.
I wish I could go on and on about the parts I enjoyed and what I was hoping to see in book three, but the author leaves you hanging at the end of each book, and everything in between is important details you as the reader should discover for yourself.
Will M and Z find their way back to each other or is the damage done? Even if they do, he’s hurt and lied to her way too much for it to ever be the same again. He definitely has a lot of groveling to do. Watching her start over and reconnect with D and his new life in the meantime is certainly heartwarming to see after she’s been put through so much,. We all know M and his psychological warfare games won’t let it last forever tho. How long till he tries to weave her back into his web of lies?
I started this journey with the standalone Beauty in the Broken and from there I was transfixed, so throughly reccomend not only this trilogy but that too. Those who did read that standalone will adore this book. The author hinted at them appearing, which is yet another reason why I was excited to finally get my hands of this conclusion story. Love stories that interconnect.
Will eagerly be awaiting more books from this extremely talented author.
What a beautiful conclusion to Maxime and Zoe’s story.
This couple has been through so much, there were ups and downs, and lots of outside influence, but they kept struggling to survive and love.
I loved this line in the book, it describes this couple so vividly
“I dreamed of a prince
It’s the villain who found me”
6 beautiful stars!
This has to be one of my most anticipated reads so far this year, after reading the previous instalment ‘Diamonds in the rough’ we were left with a cliff hanger like no other and for me personally I couldnt wait to see what journey Charmaine took the characters on in this final book…..and what a journey it was!
I absolutely loved Maxime and Zoe, their relationship was never conventional, Zoe always came across weak and Maxime was always hiding and manipulating Zoe behind her back yet in this book we see a change, Zoe fights back, she calls Maxime out for the liar he was and it was Amazing!! (I almost felt sorry for him)
I Loved the fact we also got to hear more about Damien and Lina (From Beauty in the Broken) and it was lovely to see Damien as a brother to Zoe!
This was a perfect conclusion to Zoe and Maximes love story, despite the way they came together…Zoe finally got her fairy tale!
I can’t recommend this book or author any more highly.
If you like slightly darker romance stories with a mafia undertone, strong possessive heroes and even stronger heroines who keep them in check….then you need to read this book! 5 huge stars
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
It seems the Grinch (I mean Maxime) can grow a heart. All this time Charmaine has benn telling us it wasn’t possible.
Diamonds are Forever has a nice family reunion. For those that loved Beauty in the Broken, enjoy the time with Damian and Lina. For those that don’t know their story, I recommend reading it next.
Diamonds are Forever is the end of Maxime and Zoe’s story but it’s quite the ending. Never one to let things chill, Charmaine Pauls puts readers, Zoe, and Maxime through a brutal obstacle course of emotions, lies, and consequences.
Diamonds are Forever, it’s true, but that doesn’t mean you can keep them. Sometimes when you hold on too tight…
No worries, Mrs. Pauls is not about to let you down. No way. Everything you thought you wanted, everything you needed it will all come to be.
Just wow. The conclusion to this trilogy has you on the edge of your seat.
Zoe is now back with Damian and Lina in South Africa and Maxime is losing it because his flower is gone.
What follows is a ride you are not expecting in the least.
The lessons and attraction in the first two books are tested to the full in this book and you are torn between wanting this love story to come to fruition and Zoe being a real kick ass.
Its difficult to discuss this book without ruining it but the twists and turns continue.
The epilogues-yes, pleural,give you a variety of emojie faces – the biggest a smile.
I have loved the journey I have been on with these books. I cant wait to see what and who else will be in these diamond books
Maxime and Zoe’s story is truly a rough ride. We pick up right where Diamonds in the Rough leaves off with Zoe escaping Maxime during his engagement party. She is now safely back with her brother and determined to start a new life without the man she loves. She now has a sister-in-law and nephew and her brother is having another baby. So she tries to find peace and comfort enjoying them. But she still misses Maxime and can’t get over all his deceit.
Max is going insane not knowing where Zoe is. He is furious but also proud of her for pulling this off. After he exhausts all his efforts in France, he figures she somehow left the country and is back home in South Africa. And of course he is right.
He finds her and “steals” her away once again. She has to go to protect her brother and his family. Their reunion is not a happy one to say the least. Without spoiling the plot, Max does some things that in his mind are ok to do, but in anyone else’s mind should have been done differently. Zoe is struggling because she has no trust left in Max, but she still loves him, and she doesn’t want to open her heart up again.
I will say we do get a HEA. It’s not easy getting there, but it’s a terrific ride. I really do love Maxime and Zoe and their unconventional love story.
Charmaine Pauls is such a talented writer and writes the best gray/dark romances.
Oh my goodness! I don’t have much to say to Maxime and Zoe story the only thing that comes is that it was a very intense and hard journey this two have to take, especially Maxime for him to understand the way to love and to redeem himself I just love that man even with his dark side he was just the perfect prince for Zoe. It’s sad to see a story end but I hope there are more stories to come in this series and we get the chance to see more of this two couples.
Just wow!! Charmaine I absolutely loved Diamonda Are Forever! The final story to Zoe and Maxime. I couldn’t wait to read this story. I literally read it in one sitting. Zoe and Maxime’s story will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Their relationship is far from normal and after Zoe gets back to South Africa to her brother, I was anxiously waiting to find out what Maxime does next. He does not disappoint. I love Zoe’s character she is strong willed, a survivor and always adapts. Maxime’s heart definitely has softened and might I say he has finally learned to love, as they say in beauty in the beast. This is not a fairy tale though. I’m so glad we get more of Damien in the story he is quite the interesting character. I am hoping he might get a story of his own, then you never know we may get more of Zoe and Maxime. Thank you for yet another phenomenal read Charmaine. You’re writing is brilliant and ALWAYS keeps you wanting more. So sad the trilogy has reached its end but not one bit disappointed it was the perfect ending to Zoe and Maxime.
Diamonds are Forever is the long awaited finale in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. Maxime and Zoe’s story is a dark, edgy mafia romance. You must read the first two books before diving into this one. I have been captivated by their story from the beginning and was not disappointed in the slighted. I loved this book, loved this series.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I knew reading the first two books of this trilogy, I’d absolutely love the conclusion to Zoey’s and Maxime’s epic story.
Charmaine Pauls did not disappoint.
Oh man. The twists and turns, I really didn’t see coming. The “villains” – I didn’t suspect.
The angst and feelings between these two.
I can’t even put into words.
Maxime is a complicated character. He really is. Zoey fights and fights and ultimately.. well. You’ll have to read to see if Maxime can love in a way that Zoey wants.
“It’s a bond that follows soul mates beyond death into eternity. Our love shines like a diamond. It’s the kind that lasts, because diamonds are forever.”
The fact that Maxime would do literally anything, sacrifice everything for Zoey.. is beautiful. Even if he does it in a pretty brutal and alphaholeish way.. my heart swoons for this man. Scars and all.
I have the first two books in paperback and I can’t wait till the third releases. These will be re-reads for me for a lifetime.
This is the final book in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. It picks up after Zoe manages to escape from Maxime’s captivity. I’m so excited to read this book as book 2 (Diamonds in the Rough) is packed with suspense and surprises.
Upon reading the first few chapters of the book, Charmaine immediately draws me in to the scenes. The emotions in her writing just leaps off the page and gone straight to my heart. That’s Charmaine’s strength. She can create dramatic scenes and extract every possible emotion from you. Excitement, hurt, fury, love and even confusion.
I love… and I mean over the moon and back love how she manages to write Maxime’s point of view when he was informed that Zoe escaped and how he deals with his emotions during the time that they’re apart. This is the kind of possessive alpha male that I crave for. He made a decision without second thoughts and chose Zoe. These kind of men that Charmaine creates is the reason why I prefer book characters than real people. Haha! I just can’t stop rooting for him and scream “Yes! Yes Maxime! Do it! Go for it! You got this!”
The wedding scene is just so dramatic and extra. I hated how Maxime handles the situation and also Zoe for not fighting back. I hated how Maxime left Zoe alone after the wedding. Basically I hate them both at this time. Haha! But I love the scene cause it makes my heart feel so many emotions and my mind think a lot of things. I imagine what I’ll do if I’m Zoe and I’m forced to a shotgun wedding. And also I love the consequence of this scene. You can see that Maxime can also be a caring and a loving husband.
These are just some of the many things that I liked about this book. Now, for the things that I think could have been better or improved is the conflict between Francine and Zoe, I would have preferred for the hotel scene between Max and Francine to be revealed later on just to stir up some more emotions from the readers like more hate on Francine and maybe a bit for Max. (Haha!) But thinking about it and coming from the wedding scene, I think that Charmaine still made a wise decision on this part. Saving our hearts from more heartaches.
The 2nd half of the book is a bit of a let down for me though. I mean it’s okay but coming from book 2 and the first half of this book, I expected more. More conflict, drama, action and surprises. I just think that Maxime is portrayed as a weak man in this book in order for Zoe to shine and show her strengths. Personally, I didn’t like how Zoe changed. I would’ve preferred if I read more about her inner turmoil with her feeligs towards Maxime. The wrap up of the story is a bit too rushed for me too. Suddenly all the bad guys are dead and honestly I’m a bit confused on how those informations unfold (Maxime’s brother, the other guy with the name I can’t pronounce, Izabella and Maxime’s mother). I’m pretty sure I read and devoured the whole book but it left me confused on those parts.
And lastly, I think Zoe’s realization at the end (Wedding dress…) is a bit of a cliche and why the hell did Maxime pack up his things and tries to leave Zoe after all the sacrifices he made? It just doesn’t make sense to me. It’s like Maxime is not Maxime. I’m also not able to pinpoint the climax in the latter part of the book.
And this is the last I promise! haha! Why is the epilogue so short? 🙁 Maybe to prepare for the next series?
Overall, this book started strong but ended up a bit short of my expectation. But as a series, this is good and promising. The excitement builds up everytime a new book is released and you’ll love or hate the characters that are being introduced.
Great job and congratulations to the author!
Can’t wait to read your next series.
*ARC is provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have never been so excited to read a book. It was such a wonderful read that I finished it in under eight hours. I just couldn’t drop it.
This is the last book in the diamonds are forever tribology, and talk about finishing strong. This book captures you from the first word.
Zoe has changed, just as Maxime is changing. I love that Zoe finally stands up for herself, and as much as I like that she has grown into a stronger woman, I can’t help feeling sorry for Maxime as he struggles to do things out of his own warped sense of love.
Again, I love how Charmaine Pauls weaves in Damian and Lina. It gives it more depth. Although, I would have loved to see more of Russell
Character development, storyline, emotions, steamy scenes, the writer captures all. But then, we should not be surprised. Charmaine Pauls is a wordsmith.
You don’t want to miss this!
This is the third and final book in the Diamonds Are Forever Trilogy. This is the finale of Maxime and Zoe’s story. A mafia romance that’s dark and edgy. So one can write this type of romance quite like Charmaine. She pulls you in and it doesn’t take long to get emotionally entangled with the story and the characters. What a story this has been with no shortage of danger or drama. This has been an incredible series that I recommend highly. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review it.
The final book in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy and it did not disappoint. This book picks up right where book two left off. Zoe was able to escape Maxime and return to South Africa. She really thought she could hide from Maxime’s far reach, but she was surprised when he found her. In his struggle to learn to love, Maxime once again forces his will on her, but his plan backfires. Instead of her learning to love him again, she hardens her heart and begins to turn into an unrecognizable woman. Maxime is beside himself. In his own way, he loves Zoe, but will he be able to earn her love in return? Will Zoe be able to look past Maxime’s flaws and be able to love him for the dark and complicated man he is? This book will leave you wanting more!
Absolutely Stunning ! I was blown away by Maxime and Zoe’s story ! This dark story kept me captivated and riveted to every single word until the end. An intriguing and memorizing storyline that captured my heart and left my mind reeling from its darkness. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing read
Maxime and Zoe’s story concludes in Diamonds Are Forever. Their story has been tumultuous to date through books 1 and 2 of this trilogy, starting with Maxime kidnapping Zoe to use as leverage in his negotiations with her brother as his diamond wholesaler. The entire story is captivating, with moments that have you completely engrossed, eagerly turning the pages to read what happens next. Charmaine Pauls keeps the story unpredictable and exciting. If you like a darker romance with characters that are flawed yet strong, you don’t want to miss this Diamonds trilogy.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
5 OFF THE CHARTS “DIAMOND BRIGHT” STARS
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
This book is NOT a standalone – it is the last in the Diamond Magnates series
Prior to reading you should definitely read Book 1 Diamonds in the Dust and Book 2 Diamonds in the Rough.
These 3 books are top favorite reads for me of 2020. The author has once again managed to pull you in – in just the very first Chapter so more than likely you will not be able to put it down until you read The End !!! I have already re-read this book twice as a sign for me of an outstanding story is not letting go of the characters – that holds especially true for Max and Zoe.
Book 3 picks up immediately where Zoe is on the run from Max. She flees to her brother Damien and his family in South Africa. Max does everything possible to track her down and only is able to discover her whereabouts after having Damien’s wife Lina followed …
Max coerces Zoe to return to France by threatening her brother and his family. First they need to convince Damien they have reconciled and worked out the issues that caused Zoe to flee. Once back in France Max secretly plans to wed Zoe without her input or knowledge. Once again she feels threatened by Max – it’s only when she discovers he has left his families business and did not go thru with his arranged marriage that she starts seeing things in a different light – however she is over loving Max as it has so far caused her nothing but heartbreak.
Ms Pauls has once again fashioned a heroine that you love because despite every heartache and many set backs she endures – gets back up – refocuses and attacks her problems head on. Max is the one that is holding onto his business by a thread when Zoe decides to pick up her fashion designing skills once again and creates some one of a kind designs that end up appealing to a well known US Hollywood actress. Zoe becomes almost an overnight “designing “ sensation.
One of the most important messages this book left me with was a sense of female empowerment. Kudos to Ms Pauls for writing such relatable female characters.
This is a no spoilers review and without giving anything away all loose ends are tied up in Book 3. You will also ABSOLUTELY LOVE the HEA.
I highly recommend this book , series and anything written by this very talented author.