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 last part of the trilogy is so romantic. In my review of part two, I said that Maxime better do some groveling when he finds Zoe and he does. He changes his life but admitting his love is eluding him. I was so happy that Zoe stood up to him even more than the previous books. Charmaine writes a book where not everyone is perfect and not everyone acts like a fairytale instead she weaves a story of intrigue and romance. I cannot tout her books enough. They are full of angst but as with all romances, everything works out in the end…even if it not perfect, it is perfect for the story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Diamonds are Forever is the third and last book in this series.
Zoe ran from Maxime.He was determined to do everything in his power to get her back.He threaten her with her brother and his family would if she didn’t return home with him.
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 books.Can’t wait for the next book.
This whole trilogy has been a gem (a diamond!) – I really immersed myself into these characters and was continually fascinated by their reactions to different scenarios, especially Maxime’s thought process and evolution from the beginning of the trilogy to the end. I always love this author’s writing style, and this trilogy in particular has a lovely combination of a beautiful old-fashioned elegance combined with modern tropes and heat. After the events of the first two books I really enjoyed seeing the shoe on the other foot, so to speak, and finding out how these characters were going to resolve their issues, situations in life, and of course, feelings. A very satisfying conclusion, and I am ever eager to see where this author is planning to take us to next.
4.5 Stars
Wow. This book… this series had me hooked from the very first chapter. Maxime took my book boyfriend spot in book 1. By the end of book 2 I loathed him. Book 3 just hits you in the feels. #bestseriesof2020
Breathtakingly beautiful, and stunning beyond words, Maxime and Zoe’s dark love story had me hanging on every word. These two strong characters shattered me and then completely obliterated my heart in the most unexpected and extraordinary of ways. Charmaine Pauls saves the best for last in this most enjoyable final book of the Diamonds Are Forever trilogy.
**4 1/2 stars**
Breathtaking conclusion to Zoe and Maxime’s turbulent relationship.
What an incredible journey Ms. Pauls has taken me on!
I loved the first two books and didn’t really think the final book would be as impactful.
A lot of times in trilogies the last book isn’t as dynamic as the previous ones.
WRONG!!
Diamonds are Forever was just as strong and just has consuming.
Once I started I could not put it down.
Yes I lost more than I half of a nights sleep.
But it was so well worth it!
I love how the author portrays the characters here.
The growth she gives them and the development they go through.
How she has Maxime and Zoe self reflecting and each going through their own personal realizations of themselves.
As well as what they truly want and need from each other.
Zoe wants to protect herself from further hurt so she turns cynical and hard.
She knows Maxime can shatter her heart and soul with his lack of love and his manipulations.
Zoe knows physically she will always respond to Maxime.
But emotionally she shuts him down and builds a protective wall around her heart.
Maxime sees Zoe changing from his wildflower to something very different.
He’s finally getting a taste of his own medicine.
And he finds the taste bitter.
He’s realizing what he so very often dished out to Zoe is being served right back to him on a silver platter.
Obviously he doesn’t like it one bit.
But what I loved seeing was more importantly to he that Zoe’s actions were changing her.
And he didn’t want her sweetness and thoughtfulness as the girl he’s always known to disappear and become the hardened woman that is now in front of him.
I loved both these characters.
For some many different reasons.
But most especially for the people they are and they the people they became.
The author along with the personal struggles of Zoe and Maxime she intertwines some twists and turns that are jaw dropping.
I was like WTH I certainly did not see that coming!
My only complaint,well I wouldn’t really call it a complaint.
But what I would have loved to have seen was an epilogue from Maxime’s POV like what Zoe was given.
I was so used to seeing both points of views throughout the trilogy that I felt I missed out with not getting his feelings and perceptions at the end.
Overall all the Diamonds are Forever trilogy is incredible with brilliant writing and a storyline and plot that is captivating and riveting!
Yes! Finally the last installment of the ‘Diamonds are Forever’ trilogy. I was eager to find out how everything would develop for Zoe and Maxime and their stormy relationship and I wasn’t disappointed.
I liked that we could see how Zoe is living by herself without Maxime for a while. Her feelings and thoughts about him and her new situation. On the other hand, we find that Maxime was beyond mad when he found out that Zoe is gone. And that’s the break point of their relationship. Maxime has to decide if Zoe is worthy enough to make some changes in his life and risk it all or he can let go.
I enjoyed a lot seeing Zoe and Maxime growing up as individuals and as a couple. Or better said, trying to get there, since they have to overcome many issues. Not only fighting their inner demons but also avoiding the dangerous mob that Maxime belongs to.
Something to have in mind is that this story is more focused on Maxime and Zoe relationship than any other theme so enjoy it if that’s what you like the most. As always, wonderfully written and with extremely steamy scenes, this dark romance is a must read title among the mafia dark romances.
This is the final book in Maxime and Zoe’s trilogy. You must read all these books and in order to get the complete story. These two are complex characters and to say that their relationship has been complicated is like saying rain is wet. Over the course of this series your emotions really go on a roller coaster ride. Maxime is not a good guy. He is very often dark, dangerous, controlling, cold, twisted and yes even at times disturbing. In short he is miles upon miles away from the light filled, fairy tale loving, naïve Zoe when the originally meet. From the start of this series I felt that there was so much more to Maxime than the obvious and I do think that this book showed that to some extent. Bad guy or not he wormed his way into my heart. As for Zoe, when this series started I felt bad for her. I mean how could you not?! She was in a situation not of her own making and being forced to make impossible choices. The secrets, lies, danger, drama, intense emotions and heat all took there toll out on this pair. As a whole I enjoyed this book and was satisfied with how this series wrapped up. However, and I know that I am going to be in the minority here, I can’t say I was a fan of everything that happened in this book. While, I loved Maxime’s need to care for Zoe and how he was not above tending to her needs; letting her push and push and push him around really bothered me. I felt this elementally changed him into a totally different person. He was no angel, in fact he was more a devil but I felt bad for him because no kindness or sacrifice he made was ever seemed to be good enough for her. I know there are many readers that felt Maxime didn’t have a heart but I thought he did and in this book Zoe worked very hard at hurting it again and again and I know so many feel it was justified but I didn’t because I felt her actions where mainly out of just plain spite. In fact, there are a two very specific things that she does in this book that had me really disliking her. As for the ending, I thought it was a bit abrupt and because of that this couple never reached a even balance that I wanted to see between them. Still, I liked this series and I recommend it. On the plus side, the dual epilogues were lovely gifts for the reader. This is my sincere review that I am posting of my own accord.
We really got to see Maximo evolve in this third and final book. It took drastic measures by Zoe to wake him up but that doesn’t mean she made it easy for him when he did. I was pretty happy to see her push the limits. I love when a heroine pushes back instead of taking whatever comes their way.
Maximo is a very different kind of hero. He’s not a good guy, but he is a good guy to Zoe…and yet he also wasn’t. His character is so conflicting. Maximo is an outside the box kind of hero and that made this series more interesting. You really just couldn’t predict what he would do.
I was pretty much on pins and needles this whole last book. There were so many ways the author could have taken the direction in this last book. I just had to read this non stop to find out how everything ends. I find that this author is really good with grabbing you and not letting you go until your done. Another great series!
4.5 perfectly flawed stars!!
This is the final book of the “Diamonds Are Forever Trilogy” but don’t fret I do not believe this is the end of these characters. I am thinking we will see more “Diamond Magnate” books. This is the conclusion to Zoe and Maxime’s love story.
First of all with all three books the story just continues effortlessly. I do enjoy that the author puts a summary of sorts at the beginning of the book in case you need a refresher. But, also, if you don’t then you can skip through. It drives me nuts when authors waste the first couple chapters going over the previous books like we didn’t read them. This way if you don’t need it you skip it. Second thing is usually when books are based out of foreign countries I intend to loose things in translation or not understand parts. They may be small but it always irks me. With that said I did not feel this one bit in this book. The author did a phenomenal job writing this book. Lastly, I am
in love with these characters. Even with all the push and pull in this final book I was all for them.
Maxime is such an as sometimes but I can say I was head over heels for him this ENTIRE book. We get to see a side we didn’t really see in the other books. Zoe transforms as well but it’s not a change I was ready for. Can I say that I really hope her brothers book comes next because I think I have a crush!! And I know there is one hell of a story waiting to be told about Lina and even how he ended up with her.
My only criticism may be that things didn’t happen as organically as I would have liked. I’m not talking relationship stuff, I mean like incidents. I just felt like the twists were not very believable. But the romance and relationship stuff in this book is on point.
This was a great weekend read!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
How could I not give this five stars. It was perfect. I mean seriously perfect. I fell in love with Maxime and Zoe all over again. Their chemistry is so wonderful. Like a dream.
I am sad to see this story come to an end. I don’t want to give anything away but I will recommend reading the first two books in the series. Oh. And after reading this you will want your own Maxime too.
Great book I can’t wait to read more from this author!!!
Maxime did not suffer nearly enough
I love this trilogy! The love story between Zoe and Maxime is so intense and poignant and threaded through with darkness. That being said, this book, which was the final installment, turned out to be my least favorite, simply because I felt it didn’t quite live up to the promise oft he two previous books. But it still kept me glued to the page, so 4 ½ stars.
Book two left off after Zoe execcuted her successful escape and was on the way to South Africa to her brother Damian. Zoe is trying to pick up the pieces and to re-build her live, torn between gaining a measure of independence and overcoming her feelings for Maxime, but at the same time still missing him and unable to engage in a new relationship.
Meanwhile Maxime can’t believe Zoe managed to escape him and he comes to realize that nothing else matters but getting Zoe back. So he walks away from the family business and follows Zoe to South Africa.
I get that Maxime wouldn’t be Maxime if he became any less ruthless in going after what he wants, but still I expected a bit more in the way of self-reflection and maybe quite a bit of groveling, but he goes about getting Zoe back just in the way he did the first time, by blackmailing her and not giving her a choice. It’s once again about HIS obsession and HIS wants and not about what Zoe is feeling. Only Zoe has hardened her heart after all the emotional pain Maxime inflicted on her, and she is recklessly giving Maxime a taste of his own medicine, keeping herself aloof eomtionally and only engaging with Maxime physically, and moreover on her terms.
What I really liked was the role reversal, when due to Maxime’s fallout with his family and the attendant loss of position, Zoe for a time becomes the primary breadwinner. By channeling all her passion into designing and sewing, Zoe manages to establish a successful fashion business after all.
And despite everything that happened with his family, Maxime didn’t suffer nearly enough and it took him to the very end to realize that loving somebody means to put their happiness before one’s own.
What an absolutely stunning conclusion to this trilogy!!!
Wow! Zoe’s character really evolved in this book and that fact created much of my heart ache. I needed her to find her happy ending and yet it was so far out of sight. Her struggle was mine as I felt all her turmoil.
Watching Maxime trying to find answers to understanding Zoe and her changes was like a wrecking ball to my heart. Due to his own limitations, he wrestled with wanting to force her into being his Zoe again and allowing her to find her way to him in an organic manner and that alone amped the angst of this story up ten fold. Through it all, Maxime remained the type of anti-hero that I love as he slowly came into the light of what this relationship means to him.
I love when an author creates situations and characters that make me feel as if I’m right there in the middle of it all. And that’s exactly what Ms. Pauls did with Maxime and Zoe. There is little outside drama with Maxime’s and Zoe’s relationship carrying the weight of the conflict throughout most of the book. However, it is not without some action and drama that helped to get my blood racing towards the end.
This book pretty much wrecked me as I watched Maxime and Zoe struggle to find their happy ever after and then this author eased all my turmoil by giving me the perfect ending with an epilogue that eased all the struggle. I’ve loved each book in this trilogy and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an anti-hero who takes what he wants.
Charmaine Pauls has led me on an unforgettable journey. I was so excited for the conclusion of Maxime and Zoe’s story and saddened when it was over. But Pauls gave me everything I could hope for and then some.
Diamonds Are Forever is the conclusion to the Trilogy. We watch as Zoe has just hatched her plan of escape. Time and patience has paid off. She’s ready to end and begin again. But her departure has left Maxime stunned and numb. Maxime was not ready for the devastation of Zoe leaving. Furthermore, he refuses to accept it or allow it. As ruthless as ever, he begins his quest for Zoe. But she isn’t the same woman. She’s stronger and placed barriers that seem almost impossible to breach. What neither expected was the feelings of loss and devastation. When the truth comes to light, will anything, anyone be salvageable?
This couple and their story was one of pain, loss, fear, loathing, and yet…possibility. The characters found a way into my heart and refused to let go. Thank you Charmaine Pauls for this incredible version of a love story, lost and found.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
EntertainingHauntingHappily Ever AfterInspirationalPage-turnerScarySteamyTear-jerkerTragicTwistedUnpredictableWonderful characters
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This is the epic conclusion we have all been waiting for. Diamonds Are Forever picks up after the shocking events of Diamonds in the Dust. This book has so many things that I did not see coming. I would tell you all of them but I’m not a book spoiler. This series is definte must read. You will not be disappointed.
I could not wait to dive into this conclusion! The first two books in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy, ended with the heaviest of all cliff hangers!! I didn’t think my heart could take anymore.
This was the perfect ending to the roller coaster of a ride Charmaine Pauls took us on in this fantastic trilogy. Questions were answered, Attitudes were adjusted, Innocence became a thing of the past.
Just when you think family is everything, you realize that maybe this was a phrase made for other families.
This was a page turner from the very get go…and lasted until the very last page! Great Job Charmaine Pauls for holding my attention through out 3 full length books!!!
Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading the tumultuous conclusion to Maxime and Zoe’s love/hate relationship. I had no doubt that Maxime would use all his resources to get Zoe back again and I knew their reunion would be a physical and emotional battle of wills. I never could have foreseen all of the obstacles Zoe and Maxime would have to navigate in order to try to overcome his lies and manipulation. The long awaited conclusion to their compelling story was well worth waiting for and my compliments to Ms. Pauls for creating these unique characters and an ending to their story that overcame all of my doubts. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
I really enjoyed this series. I loved the surprises that happened in this book. It was also fast paced and left off where book 2 ended (thank you Charmaine for the summary!) I loved how gritty and raw this book is, Charmaine doesn’t shy from details. Can’t wait to see what Charmaine brings next.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Befitting end to a sparkling Trilogy that meanders through corridors of powerful diamond mafia family. It encompasses all the quintessential elements to make it a sensational thriller, culminating in the coming together of distrustful hearts.
The backdrop should be shiny and glittery but diamond mafia are anything but glamor and gowns. the sick underbelly hides heinous crimes, family becomes enemies, jealousy poisons the relationships, men are ruthless killers and kidnappers and women are subjected to ridicule, abuse and sometimes murder
Charmaine is a good storyteller. Kept me engaged and enthralled. I wanted to rush to the end as much as I wanted to take it slow. Zoe and Maxime’s sizzling chemistry just climbed to new highs and thrust fell to new lows. Their see-saw relationship was a knot of frustration in their togetherness.
As much as Zoe wanted to be here, she wanted to be needed, loved, cherished. And the rock that is Maxime’s heart, couldn’t decipher the complexities of a woman’s heart
“I want to burn and go down in flames. I want him to catch me, mend me, and pretend we’re okay.”
The pace was good and plot was full of twists and turns.
A well structured, seductive tale of hearts burning with fire of passion to rival the heat in a diamond
4.5 stars for Love on repeat
Maxime’s life comes to a crashing halt. The second he discovers Zoe has gone.
Everything was planned out. He’d marry Izabella for business. He’d produce an heir of course. But keep Zoe for himself. Zoe was his.
Now she’s gone and he’s frantic. Nothing else matters. He gives up his home, his position and his future for the woman he can’t live without.
He finds her, blackmails her and drags her back. But he’s the one on the back foot. She’s opened up something inside him. And it hurts.
‘The way I behaved wasn’t a well-crafted lesson. I was running on pure, undiluted emotions. I allowed my feelings to control me instead of the other way around.
That has never happened. I’m not sure what to do with these feelings, these things living in my chest. It’s a godawful sensation, downright depressing. I wish Zoe has never made me feel. It hurts like a bitch, worse than the flames that melted my skin.’
This is the conclusion of their story. The passion, the heat and the overwhelming desire for each other.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.