Love is honorable but selfish. Love is a record of my wrongs.Love had fractured in trials but held on for the truth.And the truth was he’d hurt me, yet I loved him.He’d left me, yet I followed him.But I was done with Léo Baudin.And as soon as the semester was over, I would be done with Paris.But until then, I would learn the rest of his secrets.The ones they whispered about behind his back. The … secrets.
The ones they whispered about behind his back. The ones that had the entire city watching his every move. The ones that held him hostage.
But to know his secrets meant to know him. And to know him was to fall further for the man who’d already hurt me so much.
I hated him for breaking my heart, but I should’ve learned by now that the things we loathe become the things we love.
And just when I thought there was nothing left to keep us apart, the ghosts of his past came back to life with a truth neither of us could have expected.
And lies that neither of us could imagine.
As each layer unraveled, the choice between power and wisdom and love grew greater. And the consequences of our decision would be the judgment of this city.
But when all else fails, love always hopes.
Against all odds, love always perseveres.
The Judgment of Paris is the second book in the Odyssey Duet. It is necessary to read The Fall of Troy (Book 1) first.
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I was introduced to Dr. Rebecca Sharp’s world with these two master pieces; “The Fall of Troy” and “The Judgment of Paris” but I’m pretty certain, I’ll never find something more pure that can rival such a delicate but also painful love story.
Let me ask you something.
When was the last time a book was capable of leaving you breathless and completely full of raw feelings? When was the last time that just knowing you have to finish the last pages scare you to death?
Maybe after reading this review, you will realize that letting pass the opportunity to read this duet, it’s just not an option. And believe me, I don’t regret any second I spent devouring every word, every struggle, every exquisite moment these extraordinary characters had to endure in order to find their HEA.
The writing style of this author is out of charts. She is capable of making simple words sound like the best verse in history or give you a prose to dream of.
With tenuous descriptions of the emblematic places of Paris and everything that makes this beautiful city the center of all romance and desire; the readers will feel in detail, how the words of this author have the power to make them be part of the incomparable love story between Léo and Troian.
Nothing felt rush or too delayed. The pace in the book was something this author really understood and knew how to reflect as the story is read.
A plot twist like no other and secondary characters that were essential to take The Judgment of Paris to another level, are part of what makes this duet one of my favorite stories of this year. And even one of my favorites of all time.
I can’t thank enough to Dr. Rebecca Sharp for letting us read her work and being such an inspiration to all her readers.
I think I’ll never stop of being obsessed with this author’s talent but from now on, I can definitely say, this won’t be my last rodeo lol
I know there are more stories to read and more tears I will let fall over my cheeks. And I can only say to this author…. ¡¡¡BRING IT ON!!!
“Love is both the sacrifice and the reward. The need to give it all and the desire to take it all. Love is pleasure and pain. Beginning and end. Love is loathing.”
“There was nothing left but to accept my punishment for love—to live in the city of love—the city that also held the man I loved—and yet be without him.”
Be still my heart… The Judgement of Paris is almost too much, it pulled so hard on my heartstrings and opened my eyes to the possibility of love too painful to survive. Dr. Rebecca Sharp, I loathe you in the very best of ways. The Odyssey Duet was my introduction to your writing, but now you’re stuck with me. I’ll be stalking you like Kev, be warned.
There’s not really much I can tell you about this story other than it’s deep, like twenty-thousand-leagues deep. Like, take a deep breathe because it might be a while before you can take another. Like you might end up rubbing your heart to ease the ache. Like good luck getting this story out of your head… ever.
“That’s what happens when pain surfaces—it opens up cracks. It lets out more feelings that should stay inside.”
This story took me to a beautiful place, Paris. And it made me feel beautiful and awful things. I loved, I hated, I hurt. I sighed and swooned and suffered right along with the most amazing characters. It touched me in ways I don’t know how to describe to you. Just read it and you’ll understand what I mean. #AuthorStalkers, the line forms here…
Wow…I fell sooo in love with this Duet!!
Talk about one smoken HAWT student/teacher read and one hell ova’ ending.
I swooned soo hard while reading!!! I actually realized I had slowed down reading cuz I didn’t want it to end!!! Definitely a fav read this year for sure.
Cant wait to read more by Rebecca Sharp!!! Thank you Rosa Sharon for suggesting I read!!!
Gah how do I start this?? To capture and type my emotions out about this book.
I was completely enthralled with this story from the beginning to the end, drowning in it’s depths, lost in a sea of captivating, emotionally raw words.
It’s poignant, poetic and heartbreaking but also beautiful and breath taking.
“In the things we loathe become the things we love”
Their love story isn’t a fairy tale, it’s messy, flawed but real and powerful..
Léo is simply amazing, a God amongst men with his sweet filthy words and charm. When he loves, he loves fiercely and so passionately it hurts.
Troy is in every right an amazing heroine. She doesn’t sit waiting for prince charming to save her, she fights for herself and doesn’t give up easily. She’s selfless, willing to sacrifice things for the sake of others.
“You may have been named for a battle, but you are a fight. You are the fight”
I didn’t think I could love this second book of the duet more than the first but I was completely wrong!! Mon Dieu!!
I’ve been meaning to type up my review of The Judgment of Paris by Dr. Rebecca Sharp but got sidetracked due to my oldest daughter’s softball/volleyball schedule over the summer. Now she’s gearing up for soccer, so I have a break before those practices/games start for recreational soccer.
I read The Judgment of Paris back in July and gave it 3.5 stars due to it being predictable at certain times. There was also the issue between the characters too. Other than that though I did enjoy the second book to the Odyssey Duet and it didn’t stop me from reading the book. I’m going to try not to spoil anything, especially since the first book had a cliffhanger to it and the second book leads up to Troy going to Paris. There’s also Leo not knowing about her being in Paris until she has him in her class.
I had a funny feeling specific parts between Troy and Leo were going to happen in this book. There was going to be some serious drama, especially since the setting of the book was in Paris, France. Leo was going to fall even more in love with Paris in this book, but once they got closer in this book, then a bombshell would happen. Well, that bombshell ended up being something I predicted. Let’s say one character is very unforgiving and I wanted to go through the book and deal with the person.
Here are two things that bothered me other than the predictability of the story: Troy and Leo’s relationship seemed to be a lot more physical and than how Leo handled the bombshell situation. Grrr! It was very frustrating.
Now, the right parts of the book were the steaminess between Leo and Troy. Yes, I was bothered by their relationship being more physical at first, but towards the end, Dr. Rebecca Sharp made me adore Leo and Troy’s relationship more. There was also how Troy handled herself in certain situations.
Now, will I read additional books by Dr. Sharp? Yes, most definitely. This book may not have got five stars, but it still has become a book I will remember. It was my first Professor/Student book I’ve read in a while, and I also love how Leo and Troy’s relationship was an age-gap one.
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 4 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Duet and highly recommend reading in order.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Enemies-to-Lovers; Professor/Student Relationship
Hero: Professor; Heartbroken/Damaged; Angry
Heroine: College Student; Broken/Damaged
This book was EVERYTHING! The perfect conclusion to an all consuming love affair that broke all boundaries of wrong and right; fighting for each other when the whole world seemed stacked against them. Troy and Leo were incredible. Their love was an epic battle until the very end. The secrets and twists and turns had me holding my breath and racing through the pages to see what would happen next. I will definitely be shouting about this book to everyone!
Leo and Troy have been found out! If that’s not enough, Leo simply returns to Paris without a word of hope nor closure. Troy loves him too much to let him go and follows him to Paris. With some help from Giselle, she is signed up for Leo’s art class but he has no idea she’ll be there. Imagine his surprise when the woman he loves, but left behind, is sitting right in front of him. Perhaps there is a chance for a happy future! But, there’s still Amelie to contend with. The wife that broke Leo’s spirit when she disappeared without a trace must still be out there and he has to close that fissure. The rumor in town is that Leo endured too many arguments carried out in public and too many indiscretions that she liked to flaunt around that he killed her. Just when Leo gets the okay from the court to go ahead with his divorce, it appears that he and Troy have another chance for a future. Within days, Amelie appears out of nowhere, wanting to talk. With the return of his wife, Leo faces a dilemma. Tell Troy or not? But a son makes the question moot and how does Leo explain the existence of a son…his son! In the end, he doesn’t have to say a word since Amelie confronts Troy and tells her that Leo has a son, and she should leave him alone to have a life with his family. Once again, Troy sacrifices her love for what she assumes is Leo’s happy future and they are ripped apart once more. There is no more toxic woman than Amelie. She lies and cheats to get what and who she wants. Is she lying now and the real truth is that Leo doesn’t really have a son? Leo’s mysterious friend, Quinton, turns out to be a hero with a personally painful reason for wanting to help him find everything possible to prove that Amelie has been lying. When the truth emerges, what an intricate web of deceit and betrayal she has woven. A lot of people are going to suffer unless family and friends can all work together to stop her and her fellow schemers. In the end, the world rights itself with an ending that gives every one of them the future they deserve. There can be no doubt….she is the light to his dark and, he, the calm to her storm. Perfect!
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this duet.This book reach all of my expectation and I really enjoyed reading it.
The ending of the first book was devastating.With a possibility that their love affair could get public, professor Leo left Troy and went to his homeland-Paris.”The Judgment of Paris” picks up a few weeks later.Heartbroken and alone Troy is learning to live with the consequences of her actions(starting a love affair with your professor is not the smartest thing to do in this world).When she learns that her application to study art abroad,at Paris,at Leo’s university,Troy is shocked.But she decides to accept-that is one really great opportunity.Upon seeing Leo again,Troy is determinate to discover all of his secrets no mater the consequences.But Leo’s secrets are ugly and Troy is not ready for them.
In this book,I feel like we got the real image of Troy and Leo.They are not angry like they were in the first book.Troy never expected to find her-self in her father’s position,but her situation pushed her forward and she learned how to forgive and accept her-self the way she is.
Leo was a bit more complicated in this book.His life is still depending on the fact whether his wife is alive or not,whether she will come back or not.He can’t get away from his past.But his love for Troy is undeniable.
Their love is amazing.Even with the age difference they make it work.I was so impatient for this book,but when I finally got it was everything I hoped for.Passionate,raw,emotional and all around amazing.
I definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I have no words. No words at all to describe the perfection that was this book.
Oh my goodness. This book slayed me. SLAYED me! I didn’t know it was possible for a book to leave you in a perpetual state of emotional roller coaster, but it did. From the lowest of low as I feel the pain, hurt, sacrifice, betrayals that this couple had to go through, to the highest of high as they have finally obtained their hard won forever. I was choking with emotions, biting my nails and had to stop my reading because I just couldn’t handle the situation they were in. But at the end, I was left with a goofy smile on my face and cemented my firm belief of the power of love with that ending that they truly deserved. It was the perfect conclusion to this duet.
The Judgment of Paris, in my opinion, is one of the best forbidden, age-gap romance I have read this year. Heck, even in my lifetime. I’m running out of superlatives, but believe me when I say it is nothing short of amazing, perfection, brilliant novel.. This book deserved a perfect 10. I loved Leo and Troy’s journey to achieving their happy ever after and their love will forever be etched in my memory and in my heart.
What can I say about The Judgement of Paris? It was Epic. Amazing. Breathtaking.
Léo is a flawed hero that I have totally fallen for. Rebecca writes him as a passionate, talented, larger-than-life man, who has foibles and weaknesses like any other. It makes him more real and gives readers hope that their own Léo is out there somewhere.
Troian is a woman at the start of adulthood, struggling to find her path in life yet lucky enough to be swept up in Léo’s all consuming love. She displays wisdom beyond her years as she copes with the consequences of Léo’s previous relationship. She’s the kind of heroine readers want to be: strong yet vulnerable, passionate but level-headed.
Their love story is a joy to read. The path to true love does not run smooth, and this one is a bumpy as hell. The storyline is good but it’s the characters that make it great. They’re so detailed and three-dimensional, it’s like reading about two people that you know. Their dialogue is sublime – Léo’s passionate, dirty mouth is a winner and Troy’s impassioned proclamations of love and understanding are beautiful.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book and this duet. It has epic stamped all the way through it. I’d give it more than five stars if I could.
BEST AGE GAP EVER!!!!
Excuse me a moment, I need to remember how to breathe…….
Sharp, once again has delivered a masterpiece of all masterpieces. Every time I think she cannot top her previous book, she proves me wrong.
The Judgement of Paris is just a big beautiful black hole that sucks the life out of you. I honestly didnt think my heart and soul would survive Troy and Léo. They just absolutely slayed me, in the best possible way. My heart was torn open, shattered and then put back together in such a heart stopping way.
This book, this duet is the most amazing age gap taboo that I’ve read. Its filled with non stop emotion, so much angst. Every sentence is better than the last. Sharp has just blown me away with yet
It’s not often I find myself at a loss for words over a book but here I sit at a total loss. I felt the same way with the first book in this duet, The Fall of Troy (The Odyssey Duet Book 1) , so it’s really not a total surprise that I am feeling the same way again. Dr. Rebecca Sharp has outdone herself with this duet, she has crafted such a beautiful work of art that I truly do not see how she can top this.
Leo and Troy have a complicated love story which takes us on a journey of heartbreak and sacrifice that has you wondering if love can actually conquer all.
I highly recommend this duet to all lovers of Contemporary Romance, over 17 please due to sexual content, especially those that enjoy the following different tropes: May-December/age-gap romances, Teacher/Student Romance, and Forbidden Love/Taboo. This is the second and final book in the Duet which MUST be read in order so please if you haven’t read THE FALL OF TROY yet grab a copy today!
Happy Reading!!!
Where do I begin??!!!
The Judgment of Paris is an absolutely beautiful conclusion to The Odyssey Duet. I could tell from the book one that it was not going to be an easy ride for Troy and Leo in book 2. However, I was not prepared for this ride! And what a wonderful ride it turned out to be.
The writing is superb, the characters and emotions so well developed. The story brings you to the edge, makes you want to fall off but then pulls you back in the last second for more.
I first fell in love with the cover of Book 1 and wanted to read it, knowing from about the author or even what it was about. Now I am a new fan, I am about to read every novel written by Dr. Rebecca Sharp. Newsletters, FB, IG whatever she releases I am going to read.
You have a new loyal fan!!!
This story picks up where The Fall of Troy ended. Our heroine, Troy, must decide if she’s going to study in Paris and avoid seeing the Hero, Leo, who broke her heart, or to fight for their HEA. She, of course, decides to face Leo head on to find out why he abandoned her in the States by returning to Paris. Just when they’re about to close the door on the final chapter of his past, it suddenly swings wide open, with past relationships bringing turmoil and heart-wrenching decisions. Is their love strong enough to overcome these building obstacles, or will it be their downfall?
‘The Judgment of Paris’ is the second book in ‘The Odyssey’ duet. It picks up where ‘The Fall of Troy’ left off. The love and loathing between Troy and Léo is epic.
As we saw in the first book art Professor Léo Baudin, up and left abruptly when their affair was on the cusp of becoming public he made his way back to his homeland Paris, leaving a broken and devastated Troian behind.
Now Troy has been offered a chance in a lifetime, to study art abroad in Paris for a semester the exact place where Professor Leo Baudin is teaching.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
The Judgement of Paris is the conclusion of the Odyssey Duet. Torian “Troy” and Leo’s story was the perfect age gap teacher student romance of forbidden love.
It was so devastating and well written with redeeming characters that left you captivated emotionally and physically aching for them, heartwrenching feelings and emotions to develop and grow into this epic neverending complicated love story.
In a cruel world of secrets that suddenly become the centre of their world as they both try to escape. Their’s is a beautifully written heartwarming story, the chemistry between Troy and Leo was undeniable the passion amazing.
Highly recommended read.
The Judgement of Paris… Fan-freaking-tastic!
The conclusion to Troy’s and Leo’s story completely blew the water out of the sea. Their fairytale was twisted and steamy and angsty and absolutely addictive and delicious!
The Frenchman and his petite were a rollercoaster, and it was very thrilling to read. The drama that followed them was incredible, and still they prevailed (or did they…)
This book was unpredictable. It surprised me so much I can’t stop thinking about it! This book also made me want to visit Paris all over again, sans drama.
This book kept me on my toes, and it never lacked at all. Drama, steam, drama, steam… You get the memo. It never once got boring. I loved it!
And Leo… Le dreamy sigh…
The Judgement of Paris was an energetic d thrilling read. I loved this duet so much, and I would absolutely recommend it for everybody to read!
5 FINISHED WITH A BANG STARS!! Wow, going out with a bang for this duet. Leo and Troy definitely do not have a easy time, but boy is it worth your time to read this duet. I loved every thing about this story from age difference to forbidden, it will have you foaming at the mouth. This author writing is addicting….I could not put this book down.
I am blown away by the complete and utter beauty of The Odyssey Duet by Rebecca Sharp. The Fall of Troy (book 1) was one of the most painfully gorgeous books I’ve read in my lifetime. I knew The Judgement of Paris would be equally as stunning. It had to be. There was not way RS could bless us with such beautifully crafted characters – such devastatingly perfect plot lines – and leave us hanging with the second half. Well, rest assured, Paris is everything you’ve been waiting for. And then so much more.
Story Line: Troy and Leo’s story continues with us wondering what the fate of these two forbidden lovers will be. Lord, calling them lovers seems to be much too weak of a word to describe them. If I’ve ever read a book whose characters were soul mates, they were nothing compared to Troy and Leo. These two define love. Love is a word no one can full describe and I think we all can agree on that. However, if a book (or duet) could full embrace the essence of the word, The Odyssey Duet would be it. Not only do I get the warm, fuzzy tingling feelings just thinking about their love story, but my heart actually aches for these astounding fictional characters. Will you find out the fate of Leo and Troy? Yes. Will there be more obstacles, foes, and surprises? Without a doubt, yes. And will you re-read Troy and Leo’s entire story from start to finish many, many times over? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Interaction: I am at a loss for words trying to find just the right way to explain how perfect Troy and Leo are together. She is the light to his dark. The sun to his moon. They are their own works of priceless art. My heart and soul went on a deeply sensual journey along side characters I will forever be emotionally attached to. You will yearn for their connection. You will mourn their pitfalls. You are guaranteed to feel every single emotion Troy and Leo experience. I have never loved a love story the way I love this one. It has embedded itself on my heart and will be tattooed there forever.
Laundry: The Judgement of Paris is hands down the most beautifully sensual book I have ever read. Period. The connection I felt between Troy and Leo was incredibly intense. At times I felt like I was intruding on intimate moments I had no business witnessing. Not in a dirty way. But in a way, that if it had been me, I would have wanted to black out the outside world from moments I would treasure indefinitely. So, is there laundry? Yes. Is it light the bed on fire hot? No, it’s light Paris on fire hot. So just sit, sip your wine, and enjoy the beauty of it.
Depth: A story about forbidden love can’t have depth to it, right? Insert mega eye roll here. What is my immediate take away of the second half of their story? It’s the love story, of course. But it’s a laundry list of other details too. It’s the pain that comes with that love. It’s the decisions that are made, the priorities that are decided upon. I know, I’m being incredibly vague, but I can’t give anything away. All I will say is this – Leo becomes a man I admire, lust for and totally respect. And Troy becomes a woman I relate to, strive to be and totally respect as well.
RS, you have written a Duet worth immortalizing. Troy and Leo deserve a shrine on every shelf they grace. Their covers are absolutely stunning, but their story is one I hope every single person has the opportunity to read. The Odyssey Duet made me love hard, love deeper and love endlessly. Thank you.
This book gave me all the feels. I wanted to smack so many people. I’m glad Troy and Leo found their HEA. Amelie got of a little easy but I get why everyone just wanted to be done with her.