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
This is the 3rd and conclusion of Maxime and Zoe’s story, and what an emotional roller coaster ride this ending is. Zoe has escaped from Maxime’s clutches with her brother Damien’s help, and has headed back to South Africa, where it pulls at the heartstrings as she reconnects with her brother and his new life. Maxime loses his mind by this development, and vows to get her back by any means necessary, and when his usual tactics of blackmail and manipulations do not work, he is forced to face reality. Zoe is not the naïve girl she used to be, and karma is a b…ch, so he needs to work hard to redeem himself. This is a well written flawless story which is intense, dark, raw, gritty, powerful, and with twists, redemption, and love.
Loved reading the phenomenal & extraordinary conclusion to the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. While Zoey is trying to start her new life without Maxime, Maxime tracks her down and brings her back home. Maxime’s business is not doing well being out of the mafia, Zoey begins designing a dress, and even though there is still explosive chemistry between Maxime and Zoey, Zoey doesn’t trust Maxime anymore and both Maxime and Zoey are growing farther and farther apart. Read the highly recommended. wonderfully written full of heart-break, suspense, twists, and turns, and a must read love story.
Well another day that I sat engrossed in this series! Food didn’t matter, only what happens between Maxime and Zoe! This conclusion is everything I wanted! You won’t be disappointed! I’d love to share more but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Run, don’t walk to purchase this amazing ending!
A fantastic ending to an amazing fabulous series!!!!! I love this book to the end. Hate to see Zee and Max love story end. This book was so emotional and I got angry at some parts but I loved it! A must read series!!!!
Oh again I was overwhelmed with the twists and turns of this book. The growth of the characters through out the series has been fraught with deep emotional turmoil. We have watched a young lady go from innocent to jaded to realist. Oh what an ending! I did not see the whole role reversal coming. I could not help but fall in love with the Mafia man who though he could not love only to give up everything for love. Sigh.
Gah! I have been waiting for the conclusion to Zoe and Maxime’s amazing story after that shocking cliffy in the last book. This story was filled with sizzling secrets, lies, betrayals and was filled to the brim with all the heat and chemistry we’ve come to expect from Pauls.
What I loved about this story was how the author was able to show tremendous character development and growth in both Zoe and Maxime. Zoe was no longer passive. She stood up for herself and made Maxime work! Maxime likewise wasn’t as cold and mechanical as he was in previous books. He realized what he had in Zoe and worked extra hard to get her back. Overall, I loved this trilogy and can’t wait to read what’s in store for us next for this author! 4 stars! ~Ratula
4.5 stars
This trilogy has been one of my most anticipated this year. Especially, this book with the way it ended on the last one. I wasn’t sure if Maxime was going to be able to get in my good graces again or if he would get in Zoe’s. What he was planning to do for “business” was a hard limit for me. I felt my heart break into little pieces for Zoe and understood why she had to escape. I would have been the same way. I couldn’t have watched the person that I loved go about “business” that way nor could I have handled being a secret.
I enjoyed how this book was about finding redemption and seeking solace within the love. To say that it was not an easy thing for Maxime would be an understatement. He definitely had his work cut out for him and it was not something in his wheelhouse. I am pretty sure he had never had to work so hard at something. I liked that Zoe held him accountable and didn’t just immediately kowtow into what he wanted and expected.
These were strong characters and I found myself loving them separately and together. This might not have started as a conventional love story but it was a love story just the same.
I highly recommend this whole trilogy. This was the perfect ending to the story. There were a few areas that I wish had been fleshed out more but it was almost perfect.
After the last story, I was eager to see how Zoe was doing. My joy at her decision was short lived but I should have realised that regardless of what or where Zoe went, Maxime would find her. His behaviour at this point hadn’t changed much. It felt as though he was worse. Granted, I admired him for what he did in regards to Izabella but his actions towards Zoe were not ideal. I do love an alpha male but I couldn’t stand Maxime’s actions. I think the fact that he held her loved ones over her head is what got to me. He was holding her prisoner and left her no choice. While Zoe was changing to help her survive her situation, I do believe that Maxime was changing too. Not in all the obvious ways but I think he was finally feeling things for other people. I loved that Zoe got some of her moxie back and began doing something she loved.
There were several twists and surprises that I didn’t see coming which made the story even more engaging. Even though I didn’t approve of Maxime’s actions, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the page. I was binge reading the story and before I realised it, I was nearing the end. I wondered how this story might be resolved and wondered if it even could. When I reached this part of the story, part of me was content with how Charmaine reached her conclusion. I think this point finally showed how Maxime had changed. But I think I would have liked a bit of time spent here. I felt it was tied up a little too quickly. But this is a personal feeling. I still thought it was a fine ending. Even when the story made me frustrated and angry, I still enjoyed every second of the story. It was something different and all-consuming.
Diamonds are Forever
The thrilling conclusion to the diamonds trilogy sees Zoe trying to begin a new life, far away from the figurative and literal shackles that she has been living in. She is reconnecting and evolving, sorting through her tumultuous emotions connected to Maxime.
Maxime won’t rest until he has what is rightfully his, regardless of the consequences and repercussions. Facing his own demons, Maxime has a lot to learn about himself before he can be the man he wants to be.
The story is fast paced and punchy, with lots of twists and turns. It’s the perfect end to a fantastic series!
Charmaine Pauls proves once again why she is the queen of dark romance in the final chapter of the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. The second book had left us on a cliffhanger and literally holding our breaths. Diamonds are Forever picks up where the second book left off and keeps us on the edge of our seats.
We see Zoe grow into a cynical woman who no longer believes in fairytales or frills and lace. She has seen that there’s no right when it comes to love and whom we fall in love with. She now knows that Prince Charming may not be for everyone and that sometimes the villain may be the one to sweep you off your feet.
Maxime, on the other hand, seems to have finally found his heart and possibly a redemption for his dark soul. He has finally come to realise what loving someone entails and may just be ready to give into what his heart is telling him.
This story is so much more than a mafia boss and an innocent girl’s unconventional love story. We find ourselves rooting for the bad guy, wanting him to win when we know that our conscience is telling us that it’s wrong but our heart is telling us to cheer him on. We find ourselves hoping that the bad guy will redeem himself and be the man that the heroine deserves.
I’m so sad to see this trilogy come to an end and hope that this isn’t the last time that we see Maxime and Zoe. This trilogy is truly a romance lover’s dream come true and not to be missed! Another hit by Charmaine Pauls.
Thanks to Charmaine Pauls for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Charmaine has quickly become a favorite author of mine! No one does this type of story like Charmaine- the controlling, dark and dangerous anti-hero alphas you love to hate, love stories that dance on the fine line of toxicity and passion, innocent and soft heroines who are under the controlling thrall of our hero and who develop their own teeth, and the angsty emotional push-pull that rips at your heart and mind. This whole series has been an addictive rollercoaster of plot twist, emotions, and addictive chemistry. I love Maxime and Zoe.
This third and final book of the trilogy plays with the themes of redemption and power. Charmaine has always so brilliantly explored power in relationships- she starts with physical power and control but it is really a springboard to explore psychological and emotional power- the need to control, or be controlled. Here, we get to see her flip that on its head as these two characters evolve- one giving up power and the other learning to possess it, the balance of control, the redemption of a dark man (who is still dark., don’t worry), and the development of actual partnership. Left with that jaw dropping cliffhanger, we pick up right where we left off- with a hiding Zoe and a bereft Maxime. Her escape gives him the jolt he needs to see her clearly, and her time away gives her the strength she needs to unpack her emotions. But, these two were never meant to be apart, and soon Zoe is back in clutches of Maxime, tangled in his alluring web- only to discover, this game has changed, and this is a whole new web.
What I found so interesting about this finale was how Charmaine turns these two characters’ roles completely upside down0 which really gives us a chance to marvel at how these characters have changed over the yeast that this trilogy has transpired. Our mafia man who has controlled everyone and everything finds himself struggling- he’s at the mercy of Zoe, she’s now his emotional captor. We see the softer side of him- a man who has made drastic decisions for the woman he loves, a man trying to redeem his many missteps and mistakes. Watching him gravel, watching him powerless, watching him not be in power or control was both satisfying and challenging- I’m used to seeing Maxime drive the story, control the game, and he really wasn’t for much of this book. We still get the same dark edge we love, but we also see Maxime compromise and evolve. At times he’s still trying to use his old methods of manipulation on those around him or even with Zoe, but we see him see her as a true partner more and more. And Zoe has come into her power in her relationship- she’s no longer the passive captive. Don’t worry- she’s stilt unable to resist all that is Maxime, HE softens- and she gets harder, she matures and figures out who and what she is. At times, she’s holding things together for them both, still battling her own confusing and conflicting feelings- made even more confusing by Maxime 2.0.
The battle to a HEA has been hard fought and long for these two- they’ve had to fight each other, fight surrounding danger, and most importantly they’ve had to fight themselves. Figure out who they are, especially Zoe, but most importantly figure out who they are willing to be and what they are willing to do for the person they love. Maxime sacrifices what he thought he held most dear, he changes, and he discovers how to love, to let go of his detachment. He finally gives Zoe what she needs- love and honesty. And Zoe finds her identity- she realizes she doesn’t need the fairytale, she needs the villain who kidnapped her.
Twists and action abounds, and Charmaine always delivers on the amazing sensual connection of these characters. The action felt a bit different here- in part because of Maxime’s sacrifices and Zoe’s evolution- but at times it felt like they story was happening to them more than them driving it- a real shift from the first two books, and perhaps an intentional nod to the changing power dynamics- but it definitely felt different for a Charmaine book. The ending felt a bit fast – I wanted to revel in it a bit more because I’ve loved this story so much- but overall I’ve loved this trilogy and am so glad I found this author. I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
Diamonds are Forever by Charmaine Pauls
Book 3 picks up right after Diamonds in the Rough ended, with Maxime learning that his Zoe has run away. I didn’t know what to expect from Maxime, would he continue with his original plan? Would he flip his shit?
Spoiler, he flipped his shit. Maxime gives up everything to go after Zoe. Mind you he is furious with her, but he is consumed by his need to find his little flower and make sure she is safe. At this point is when Maxime realizes that his plan of marrying Izabella while being with Zoe was the worst thing he could have possibly done to her. He doesn’t know what love is, but she is his obsession, and because she is a good person she would never be satisfied being a man’s mistress.
Zoe goes straight to Damian. She is so eager to see her brother, to reconnect with him, but after meeting him she realizes she can’t put his life in danger. Damian has a wife now, he is having a baby, and she knows if Maxime were to find out she is with him he would use her family to get to her. That is something she will never let happen.
So, Zoe Hart disappears. But then again maybe Zoe Hart had begun to disappear the day Maxime had taken her for his own. Life with him chipped her of her idealistic notion of love bit by bit. Love with Maxime only taught her pain and loss, and she internalizes all of this to become the woman Maxime never wanted her to be.
Cold, unfeeling, and most of all no longer willing to take Maxime’s shit.
Eventually, Maxime does catch up to her. I mean what else would you expect, he was always going to. He threatens her as she expected he would do and Zoe has no choice but to give in. What happens after she returns to him is where the real test of their relationship begins. Maxime no longer has the protection of the mafia, he left all of that behind for Zoe, and Zoe no longer wishes to please Maxime. She will stay with him, but it’ll be on her own terms. The gloves are off for both of them.
Reading about Zoe becoming a successful designer was a balm to my soul. She’d been beaten down so much before, to see her finally achieving her dreams was just what I needed to read. For Maxime, life away from the mafia is hard. His family is not making things easy on him (especially his brother Alexis), and Zoe is slipping away from him. He is being pushed to his limits, but as I read the book I couldn’t get over how…genuine he was. And I hated it! He didn’t get to be genuine after all the stuff he’d did in the previous books, and I think Zoe was of the same mind. She didn’t want to give him a chance but he makes it very hard on her. At the end of the day, she loves him as much as she hates him.
And when everything reaches that inevitable boiling point, love might not be enough to keep them together.
I wish the book was longer. I wish I could have stayed with the characters more, but I’ll take what I get. Charmaine didn’t give them an epilogue held too far in the future, which makes me think we might see them in the upcoming books in the series. I sincerely hope so.
I’ll miss Zoe and Maxime.
YES!!! Finally Book 3 Diamonds are Forever is out and I couldn’t wait to dive into all things Max and Zoe!!! With the way book 2 end my mind was honestly a mess trying to figure out how Maxime would win Zoe back or if he would greedily just take her an damn the consequences of breaking Zoe!
WELP, all of my scenarios were WRONG! I had no idea the direction Charmaine Pauls would take would be so vastly different from what I expected. All of my scenarios were wrong!!!!
Did Maxime grovel?
Nope, not in his character.
Did Maxime just hunt Zoe down and kidnap her?
Not really. I mean seriously, he’s in Damian’s territory. I doubt that would be a likelihood.
So how does it all unfold? How does Charmaine Pauls take us down a path of cruelty wrapped in a gilded cage to one where out fav heroine, Zoe gets her plausible happy ending; one befitting a princess?
Maxime gives it all to Zoe! You’re really gonna have to read this and experience their harrowing journey. And yes, I mean harrowing. The mood in book 3 shifts drastically. The intensity of Maxime’s dominance over Zoe in books 1 and 2 is nowhere to be felt in book 3. There is a major shift as Maxime embodies the man of Zoe’s childhood dreams. But is it to late for Zoe? Has Maxime changed her so much that she will never be the same girl he captured three years ago? This is a profoundly emotional read as Zoe tries to understand what Maxime’s true intentions are and how he will TAKE it all from her and make Zoe his once and for all. Once he’s done there will be no doubt whom Zoe belongs to. But expect the unexpected. The start blew me away and the ending left me speechless.
All I have to say is this book gave me so many feels! I really didn’t know how to take it all in I was in that kinda shock.
Both Zoe and Maxime stayed true to their characters and I loved that. The problem is, Maxime is becoming the man Zoe wanted yet Zoe doesn’t know how to navigate THIS Maxime. She expects him to resort to old methods, yet he maintains his stoic self yet really grows as a character as he stops at nothing to get what he feels he should rightfully have . . . Zoe.
Yet this time he will not stop at merely keeping her as a possession. He will have her mind, body and soul.
So what’s the catch?
Maxime’s going to win Zoe on her terms!
Happy Reading! This was one emotional rollercoaster ride for me!
Content Rating: 18+
Genre: Dark Romance
Published: September 15, 2020, by Charmaine Pauls
Hold on, dark romance fans, Charmaine Pauls has done it again. Diamonds are Forever is the last book in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy, and oh my, is it a superb ending to this outstanding trilogy. This third book takes off exactly where book two left off and is the conclusion to Maxime and Zoe’s story.
“One dark day, a little girl hid in a broom closet and buried her soul in a fairy tale.”
Both Maxime and Zoe go through some very intense growth throughout this entire book. Their road is a bumpy one filled with a deep divide and handwringing and heartbreaking ups and downs, and it’s hard not to root for this couple, even with all of Maxime’s faults. And, throughout this entire series, I was rooting for this troubled, beautiful couple.
“And then she grew up, and her wish was fulfilled. Only, she didn’t find her prince. The villain found her.”
At first, Maxime is up to his old games of manipulation, lies, and blackmail. However, it was glorious to watch him realize that none of his usual nonsense would work this time. And so, the groveling began- Maxime style groveling, and it was a beautiful thing to read. I was so proud of Zoe; she may have lost some of her innocence, but she never lost her soul. It was awe-inspiring to watch her turn into this beautiful, determined, strong woman.
Diamonds are Forever was definitely worth the wait. Pauls writes her characters raw and honestly, and even as Maxime and Zoe evolve throughout the three books, they stay true to who they are and what they believe in, even when it means giving up a bit of themselves. I really don’t know how Pauls’ does it, but she brings this couple to the brink of destruction and then gives us the perfect ending. One other thing, thank you, Charmain Pauls, for giving us a little extra in the bonus epilogue- it was perfect!
“He stole her dreams and made them come true. He took her far away, and wouldn’t ever let her go back.”
I highly recommend Diamonds are Forever trilogy: it’s one you will not want to miss! However, if you’re going to get the full experience, this series has to offer Beauty in the Broken (Diamond Magnate #1) is where it all begins. If you have already started the Diamonds are Forever trilogy, no worries, you can go back a little in time and read Beauty in the Broken.
https://pageturnerreviews.home.blog/2020/09/13/diamonds-are-forever-by-charmaine-pauls/
* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. *
** I kindly received this novel from Charmain Pauls. 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. **
Can I just say wow?!?! What a way to end the trilogy! This series got better and better with each book and now with Diamonds are Forever, you get to feel that all encompassing love that Maxime and Zoe have. So if you haven’t read the first two books, you need to one click them because the lead up is just brilliant as well.
What I adored about this final installment is how things are all wrapped up. The push and pull between Maxime and Zoe, all the family business on Maxime’s side, how Zoe’s brother plays all into it. There are some epic jaw dropping moments that left me speechless and moments that had me swooning with Maxime trying to express his love to Zoe the best way he can. There are moments where you root for Maxime then want to curse him, and the same goes for Zoe. I think that is what I really loved. The dynamic of these two and how it all plays out.
Overall, this is an amazing story that needs to be read. The concept kept me fully engrossed in every word and had me begging for more. The flow and the build adds such depth that I could not put it down as well. So if you want a unique and passionate trilogy, look no further than this trilogy!
You are an evil enchantress Pauls –
How you somehow had me rooting for Maxime and twisted my mind into believing sweet Zoey was too blame for his pain was simply diabolical!
This is the conclusion of Maxime and Zoey’s journey.
It was seriously twisted. I went in hoping for that golden HEA for Zoey. Truly not caring if Maxime’s plane went down or not – only to find myself on the fence. My feelings were a bit convoluted.
WTH?
I think they both crossed lines that should never be crossed.
Now that the walls are collapsing around them and their world is being reshaped they are forced to bend if they want to survive.
They can’t go back.
They can’t walk away.
Adapt or die
Maxime your poor soul –
I actually felt sorry for him as his world slowly slipped from his grasp
No, it didn’t right his wrongs but even villains have hearts (don’t try to convince them of that truth though)
Zoey – What the heck?
I found myself upset with your decisions numerous times.
Maxime was the catalyst, sure, but you are choosing to harden, to change, to match his emptiness
Don’t do this
The copy I read was comp but my feelings? All mine!
Diamonds are Forever is the conclusion of Zoe and Maxime’s story. While I enjoyed this book overall, I have to admit that it wasn’t my favorite of the series. That’s probably a matter of personal preference rather than Charmaine’s writing which is, as always, on point. This book picks up right where book two left off with Zoe on the run with the aid of Damian. I loved Maxime’s possessive and dominant side and his unapologetic reclaiming of what’s his in the first part of the book. However, what somewhat took away from my enjoyment of his character was the direction he took in the second part. While I understand that he went through personal and emotional growth, I still felt that he came across as a diluted version of himself. Having said that, I really loved seeing Zoe come into her own and become the woman she wanted and deserved to be. Her chemistry with Maxime was undeniable and when they did come together they definitely burned up the pages. Maxime was quite the dirty talker in some of the scenes and it was hot! I also really enjoyed catching up with Damian and Lina and getting glimpses into their life as a family. I can’t wait for more in the Diamond Magnate world!
No more edge of the seat cliffhangers and no more waiting…this is the final book in Zoe and Maxime’s journey. These two are wonderfully intriguing characters and their growth throughout the series has been compelling to read.
These two have had more than their fair share of angst and hard times. Sometimes it made me question whether they’d be better apart, but their chemistry and the spark between them both remained throughout.
This has been a absolutely addictive trilogy. I am sad it has reached it’s conclusion but hopeful this is not the last I read of this world and the characters that inhabit it…I received an advanced copy of this book from the author
This was an awesome trilogy and this book, the third and final book in the trilogy was fantastic. With so many twists and turns on every page, one was kept in suspense till the end. Maxime and Zoe are terrific characters and i loved that her brother and wife were included in this book. I do not want to give away any spoilers buts this was just a 10 star trilogy. A must read book and trilogy.
After reading and loving the previous two books in this trilogy, I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Zoe and Maxime in the conclusion to their epic tale. The story picks up immediately after the events at the end of Diamonds in the Rough and let me tell you, Maxime, in true form, does not rest on his laurels. Initially fearful for Zoe’s safety, he wastes no time in getting his house in order and setting off on what can only be described as a retrieval mission. Of course this is Maxime we’re talking about and you can bet your life he won’t play fair.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot itself, as it would be very easy to spoil the whole story. Whilst reading these books I’ve had many feelings when it comes to Maxime, anger, frustration, outrage, but one thing I didn’t think I’d ever feel was sympathy for him. Don’t get me wrong, I still could’ve throttled him on occasion. However, by letting us into his mind and thoughts, this author did a fantastic job of showing him evolve as a person, trying to come to terms with surprising new emotions in the only way he knew how. I did feel bad for him when despite his efforts, he didn’t seem to be making much headway. Change for him was difficult, feelings an unknown experience due to his nature, and his confusion at times was palpable. I did see him trying to make sense of his feelings though, attempting in his own, albeit somewhat warped, way to be what Zoe needed, something I never thought he’d willingly do. In order to manipulate her and keep her compliant, yes, absolutely, but never before in a way which allowed her to have any power. I wasn’t at all sure he’d be successful, whether he was even capable of being that person for her.
“Love is nothing but an obsession. Obsession is love.”
Without complete control over her, Maxime needs Zoe’s cooperation and agreement for things to change, and she’s not willing to give that easily. He’s hurt her and she doesn’t completely trust him, or herself for that matter, when it comes to her heart. She’s changing too, becoming stronger, and this makes him very unsettled. This more vulnerable, restrained Maxime is not something we’ve witnessed before and I was hugely intrigued by the direction the story was taking. I will say, however, if you’re expecting him to grovel, don’t hold your breath.
“If only we could pretend our love was naked and raw and real, and not a plastic mannequin in an elegant dress”
Unexpected and unpredictable, this story has been a fantastic rollercoaster ride and I’ve loved every moment of it. I was not prepared for the change of direction in this final book, which took me completely by surprise. In fact, this book, this trilogy as a whole, was nothing I expected it to be and everything I loved. Fantastic!