A DARK MAFIA ROMANCEMen like us, we see things.We do things, things that make us unfeeling.That’s the price of power and money, of living la belle vie and running the French mafia. Then she came along like a pretty wildflower pushing through the cracks on a dirty pavement – fragile yet resilient, a breath of beauty among the filth. She was supposed to be just another job, a nameless person I was … another job, a nameless person I was to pluck from her life and hand to my brother, nothing but a pawn in the gamble of our diamond business.
There’s a psychological label for men like us.
We lack empathy and guilt.
We do things to have what we want, things that make flowers wilt.
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Dark Romance Readers LOVE this Dark and Twisted Romance! See what they have to say about Diamonds in the Dust:
“This book and what is to follow is a thing of beauty, in my opinion. I don’t think there is a better way to describe it.” Jessica Alcazar, Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Charmaine Pauls delivers her most complicated anti-hero and most adorable heroine to date in this very dark and twisted modern fairy tale romance.” Buffyanna, Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Diamonds in the Dust ends in a hell of a cliffhanger,plunging me into the abyss…. I need Diamonds in the Rough more than my next breath!” Cécile Smits, Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Charmaine Paul’s writes stories that capture the reader from page 1 and then gently weaves the story until the devastating end.” Kelly, Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Diamonds in the Dust is Book 1 of the Diamonds are Forever trilogy. The story continues in Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2), and concludes in Diamonds are Forever (Book 3).
Other novels in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Standalone Novel:
Beauty in the Broken
Diamonds are Forever Trilogy:
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)
more
Beauty in the Broken was my favorite by Ms. Charmaine Pauls, and here comes a great descendant set in the same world!
This sorry is harsh, violent, rough, full of dubious content, and still, you know what I loved every page of Maxime and Zoe’s story! Maxime is a troubled, dark character that whenever I thought I got what he was thinking in some part at least, but then suddenly he does something that sets me off the trail like I was never even close to it!
Zoe was a strong female lead that had been unrevealing herself with the story progress nicely. Especially when we get to learn about her past we can see how long way she had gon since being a little girl and becoming a grown-up woman.
They will be playing push and pull games they will be so seductively good that I had nothing that could make me step aside from this story! It was so so good! I need more of it definitely!
Now to the cliffy! It was… ugh… I NEED book two right now! Right this second or I’m going ballistic!
Dark, Twisted and Very Sexy!
WOW! This is a fantastic start to what is sure to be one dark and delicious trilogy! This story is dark, twisted, suspenseful, depraved and very titillating. Maxime and Zoe were unique and amazing characters. They have this connection that may seem forced but it is strong and undeniable. Their story takes us readers on an emotional roller-coaster ride not knowing who to hate or who to love.
Zoe is an innocent and sweet woman but also strong and fierce. She knows just how to fight back and use her words as poison. Maxime is dark, angry and very mysterious. He is a true alpha male. He can’t deny that there is something unique happening between Zoe and himself. He is pulled to her and wants to protect her but he also wants to punish her and make sure she knows she’s his forever. Their intense and passionate interactions are highly combustible and explosive. I can’t wait to read more about these two and how their unique relationship changes over time.
This story is very sexy, captivating and so enjoyable to read. I loved everything about it and that ending – AMAZING! It shocked me and left me breathless. I can’t wait for the next book!
Wow I could not get enough off this it was mind blowing the characters are amazing with the writing to perfection.
A dark and dangerous world with poor innocent Zoe she is one strong woman and very brave as Maxime pushes her limits and claims her.
This was so delicious and keeps you on the edge never knowing what’s coming next and oh boy I cannot wait for more.
What a read! This is book one in a trilogy. It features French mafia diamond magnates.
I was very intrigued with the diamond magnate piece.
Ms. Paul’s weaves a fast paced, unpredictable and original read. This is dark romance at its best.
Maxime is our unfeeling antihero who has Zoe at his mercy. She is innocent and feels so much. It is interesting to see the dynamic unfold between these two and the outside forces. Can’t wait to read more as I am hooked!
I am volunteering to leave a review for this book.
WOW! What did I just read! I want more….no, I need more of Maxime and Zoe.
Charmaine Pauls has blown me away with Diamonds in the Dust.
This dark mafia story is everything I hoped it would be but more than I was expecting. The story so intriguing and captivating. The female lead Zoe is so fiesty, resilient and brave and an alpha male as dark, strong and possessive as Maxime – they’re perfectly fitting for this story.
I’m excited for the rest of Maxime and Zoe’s story July can’t come quick enough.
4.5 Twisted Stars!!
Diamonds in the Dust is a love/hate romance that ends on a cliffhanger. The story is masterfully crafted, and with plot twists that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
I’m beginning to think that if Charmaine Paul’s wrote just a sentence, I’ll still love it. Once again, I couldn’t stop till I finished the book. It was sad getting close to the end. I love that for once, our hero is not painted as sinfully handsome. It makes it all the more real. The characters are great. Zoe is adorable. Max is a softie with a hard crust, just like a chocolate cookie . I’m wary of Francine. I can’t shake the feeling she’s bad new. And the family drama? Crazy.
Everything just comes together to make it one hella interesting read. Charmaine has done well, but then she’s an amazing writer! I cannot wait for the complete trilogy
Dark Romances have become one of my favorites, this was such an enjoyable read, with an unputdownable dark storyline, and the way we are kept on the edge til the very end…
Maxime is an alpha with a cold hardened soul in the dark world of the French Mafia. Zoe is a beautiful innocent flower that blooms Maxime to life.
This book ends in a cliffhanger, I am not a fan of these types of books, but was willing to take a chance with the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy.
To my amazement it’s so worth the wondering that the ending leaves you in.
Charmaine’s creativity does not disappoint with her writing style and dark themed story. I have read many of her books and this first book in a new trilogy is just as I expected it to be, very well written, and guided me along.
July needs to be here soon for the next book. I can’t wait to experience more of the darkness this story brings from Charmaine Pauls.
I am a huge fan of this author. HUGE. I know her words. I know how she thinks. I know how she writes. I’ve read some of her books two and three times just to make sure I got every single layer she put into them.
What just happened? …. #sendhelp
HOLY BALLS, she slayed me. She vested me! I am stupefied! For a very long period of time after I finished, I sat with a blank mind. I wasn’t really thinking about the book itself; it was more like I was absorbing what I had just read. This book and what is to follow is a thing of beauty, in my opinion. I don’t think there is a better way to describe it. I’m not going to go into plot points because enough reviewers do that already so you just have to take me for my word. THIS WOMAN IS EPIC!
This is only the beginning. The story is going to change. It is going to fork. Without a doubt, I will more than likely be stupefied once again when I read the next installment, but I don’t think she can out-do what she’s written here as the beginning of this journey. We shall see…
Read Charmaine’s work. It’s not superficial reading. It almost always deals with perverse topics and the dark edges of society where the monsters live but she is really good with the words so it is exhilarating and riveting and enthralling and so well layered and developed that it will blow your mind. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. #trust
Sidebar: There is this very tiny thing I have to say because I am me and I don’t know how to not say it but the cover … Lord, who told that man it was okay to shape-shave his chest hair like that?? #twitchy
What a dark and delicious Mafia story. This author knows how to write some suspenseful dark romances. Her words keep you glued to the pages. Maxime is so mysterious and Zoe, with her innocence, make for a dynamic couple. This is the first book of a 3 book series. The cliffhanger is off the wall crazy. I can’t wait for the next installment!
4.5 stars
Let me begin by stating that this is the first book in The Diamonds are Forever Trilogy and it is one very dark read with some vivid descriptions of a sexual nature along with abusive situations, and I will caution those with triggers to read with care. Zoe is a pawn in a game that did not include nor was about her when Maxime barged into her life and took her away to protect his business interests. Zoe is forced to acquiesce to Maxime’s strength and brutality if she has any hope of coming out unscathed. How far is she willing to go? This is one captivating book that started a little slow but picked up steam as the relationship built between Maxime and Zoe. Considering what Zoe has to endure shows her resiliency and core strength to overcome insurmountable odds. This is one scintillating storyline that ends with a jaw dropping cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens when this journey continues. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Diamonds and Forever Trilogy, an amazingly Dark Mafia Romance. I previously read this Series, and loved it. The audiobook version is amazing. This story is intertwined with Beauty in the Broken, but you don’t have to read it before this one (but I highly recommend you to do so!). Otherwise, if you loved Beauty in the Broken (which is my case, and I am waiting for the audiobook version!), you’ll love this one. Charmaine Pauls NEVER disappoints. This story is dark, fast-paced, intriguing, and captivating. Maxime is the perfect anti-hero, ruthless, powerful, dark, and intriguing. Zoe, Damian’s sister from Beauty in the Broken, is young, beautiful, strong, but vulnerable, and desperate. My heart broke for her. Alexis, Maxime’s brother, is a sadistic, and OMG! I am so glad Maxime saved Zoe from his brother and his family. Some scenes are not for the faint of heart. Adara Stevens and Lee Turner Smith did an outstanding job with the narration. They are new narrators to me, and I love their voices together. They are perfect as Maxime and Zoe. I enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to listen the next book in the Series, Diamonds in the Rough. If you like dark romance, this one is definitely for you. (review updated with the audiobook version)
I will give 2 warnings for this story: 1. This is book 1 of a trilogy – it does end on a massive cliffhanger. 2. this is a dark romance with more graphic scenes of abuse/violence. If either of these warnings bother you, then please avoid the story…
If however, you dare to enter into the imagination of Charmaine Paul, you will see that there is more going on than just a cold-hearted man and the woman whose strength is yet to be tested fully.
Loved reading the fabulous and fantastic first book in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. Zoe is kidnapped by a nefarious, criminal family and to protect her brother, Damian, who is in jail, Zoe becomes Maxime’s mistress. Zoe has conflicting feelings toward Maxime, the eldest son of the family. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, full of action and suspense, and a riveting story line. Can’t wait to read the next story in the series.
Zoe is Damien’s (Beauty in the Broken) younger sister. She lives a miserable poor life but dreams of a prince to save her. Maxime is mafia and has blood on his hands from his family enemies. He kidnaps and keeps Zoe to control her brother. He doesn’t want to turn her over to his sadistic family so he keeps her to protect her. This is a dark mafia romance with a cliffhanger as there are to be two more books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am leaving a review.
Every time I start a Charmaine Pauls series, I’m torn on how to read them. A part of me is overly excited to jump right in and read until I finish (usually until the early am), but the other side of me wants to prolong it so I’m not as anxious until the next release. Whenever I get midway through the book I get sad because I know its coming to an end. I tried to hold out but with every new chapter, I had to read on to find out what happens next.
Zoe Hart has not had it easy. She grew up in an unsafe part of town where she remains as an adult. Watching her father abuse her mother and brother left a mark on her as well. The only escape she had was her brother Damien and the princess book he would read to put her at ease. She grew up with the hope that one day, a knight in shining armor would come and sweep her off her feet. A handsome man who would love her and show a better life. While on her way home from an underpaying job, she is kidnapped by the opposite. Maxime takes her from the only home she has ever known. He threatens the life of her brother but promises his safety in exchange for her cooperation. He gives her the things she has always dreamed about having, but in the process destroying and tainting them and her.
I have to admit, Charmaine Pauls’s novels have me dissecting every past relationship lol. I love the vulnerability within these lead male characters. Yes, they may come across as a-holes (not by choice) that you want to hurt badly, but once you learn of their story/history you can’t help but want to hug and love (and screw) them. I have to say, my favorite part about Maxime is that he isn’t a handsome man but it doesn’t take away from his attractiveness. The way he is confident, dominant, and possessive is such a turn on! I love the fact that he wants to show Zoe what a good life entails, even though it’s for the wrong reasons. My heart goes out to Zoe. Having someone taint your hopes and dreams can be devastating. She tries to remain resilient for her brother but is losing sight of who she is each day she is with Maxime. I LOVED this book! The unwanted chemistry between Zoe and Maxime is freaking hot! I cannot wait until the second and third book
comes out because that cliffhanger left me screaming “NOOOOOOO”.
Diamonds in the Dust by Charmaine Pauls is the First book in the Diamonds are Forever Trilogy. This starts the story of Zoe Hart and Maxime ‘Max’ Belshaw. Zoe is a young inocent women who is struggling to make it but she has dreams that other in her position would be harden to think about. But with that said she is a strong women who does the best she can. Maxime is a harden man who really doesn’t have feelings of good nor do his actions have good intentions. But when he sees Zoe she makes him feel something and makes him wonder. In Maxime’s mind he is the better of two evils that she is present with as choices. Zoe brings wonder to Maxime world where all is dark and harden. This was a page turning read for me and I cannot wait for the next installment in their story!
Wonderful start to a new trilogy, be advised, book one ends in a cliffhanger. Zoe and Maxime’s story are dark and intense with loads of steamy and plenty of twists and turns. The story really draws you and from beginning to end. Zoe is strong and was supposed to be just another job to the harden Maxime but Zoe was able to break through and they both fell hard. Looking forward to book two! I loved it!
Wooooooooow I cannot wait for the next 2 books. I absolutely love these dark and steamy books from Charmain Pauls.
All of Charmain Pauls books are written so well that I feel like I have visited these places and met these people.
Maxime is the type of man that commit unspeakable crimes and not bat a lash, Zoe is an innocent but very strong willed. Together there is definitely a great story brewing. I am so eager to keep reading how things all play out for Maxime and Zoe.
Love love love! Anyone who likes dark romance should definitely give this book a read. I cannot wait for the next books!
I absolutely love Charmaine Pauls’ stories. They are dark and edgy and always make you feel like you’re on edge, consumed by the very next page. Maxime and Zoe were quite delicious. Very sexy and addicting and yet there was an emotional undercurrent between them that could not be denied. I enjoyed this story very much!
Diamonds in the Dust was more than the usual dark kidnapping/blackmail story. Zoe Hart was the exception to Maxime Belshaw’s rules. Why this strong and fierce woman triggered his protective instincts was just one of the reasons why she was embedded under his skin. She was a woman he did not expect but one he had to use as a means to an end. But when emotions get involved, his level of obsession and protectiveness reach new heights. I also loved how fierce Zoe was and how compelling their attraction was. Maxime is a little different from Pauls’ previous heroes in that his heart and conscience also run free reign among his dark desires. And Zoe, while resentful and angry at Maxime, also realizes that the connection between them that can’t be denied.
Overall, this story was a great start to a trilogy and I look forward to the next installment in their story. 4 stars! ~Ratula