Dubious
By Charmaine Pauls
- Release Date: 2017-10-10
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
Description
“I was supposed to kill her, but I devised a dubious plan to keep her.”
"Perversely hot, gritty, and richly textured, Valentina and Gabriel's story is one of the best dark romances I've read." –– Anna Zaires, New York Times bestselling author of Twist Me
I’m a loan shark. Breaking people is in my blood. The Haynes’s were supposed to be a straightforward job. Go in and pull the trigger twice. One bullet for Charlie, one for his sister. But when I saw Valentina, I wanted her. Only, in our world, those who owe us don’t get second chances. No way in hell will my mother let her live. So I devised a plan to keep her.
It’s depraved.
It’s immoral.
It’s dubious.
It’s perfect.
Just like her.
Note: Dubious is the the first book in The Loan Shark Duet and ends on a cliffhanger. Valentina and Gabriel's story concludes in Consent, Book 2.
Reviews
Dubious
5By Yer MomzKinky. Depraved. Exhilarating. Gabriel is an incredible, tormented, powerful, nurturing dom. Val is unlocking her inner strength and embracing the intoxicating power of submission. I loved it. And I’m buying the next book in the series.Dubious
1By Crazy not lazyThis is, by far, the biggest waste of time I have ever read! Don’t waste your time reading this book. This book almost turned me off reading!Charmaine writes the Dark Hero perfectly!
5By Nookworm1This book was riveting from beginning to end! The characters are so rich and complex and just well developed. She really takes you into the gritty world of poverty and sacrifice for the ones you love. If you like Dark Romance, snag this ASAP!FIVE STARS
5By Ksarak KentMy first Charmaine Paul book and I’m patting myself on the back for picking such an addicting read. Though I have a feeling all of Pauls’ books will be tremendously addicting. I’m relatively new to this Dark Romance world. And with each different author, I get sucked deeper and deeper into this genre and I’m certainly not complaining. This book actually delved into some of the activities that I really don’t find appealing. Yet because of the author’s writing style and abilities, those actiivities turned into very interesting reads. Some of the best parts of the book actually. I honestly can’t say there was a single aspect of this book that I didn’t enjoy. Enjoyed ALL of the characters. Even found the villain engrossing and never felt the urge to skip her parts of the book. Didn’t have one issue with the supporting characters and especially not the leading characters. So, needless to say since I loved Dubious book 1, Consent book 2, is a definitely must read. Dubious = 5 starsAbsolutely addicting!
5By judegirl83Absolutely amazing!! Part 1 of the Loan Shark Duet has grabbed hold of me and held me captive from start to finish! This read was addicting in the best way possible. Valentina is such a strong person who will do what she must for those she loves dearly. Gabriel is not one to mess with and everyone knows that. When their paths collide it’s in a tragically beautiful way and all that follows is not for the weak of heart. A total MUST-READ!!! I’m beyond ready to dive into part 2 of this duet!!!Hooked & Addicted
5By JMiracle27This is my first Charmaine Pauls read and I can say with certainty that it will not be my last. It's dark, twisted, sexy and oh so addicting. Gabriel is sexy, controlling and downright domineering. The chemistry between him and Valentina is hot. Page after page you hope and pray that the characters get some kind of happy ending. Valentina doesn't want to be there but it's her only option to keep herself and her brother safe. But what happens when shes practically set up to fail from the very beginning? Gabriel's mother and his ex are characters you will want to just punch in the face. But they make the story that much more interesting. There are so many factors to consider in this book and the way Charmaine ends it will have you begging for the next book to see where these characters go from here.Can't wait for book 2
5By 5illygooseI couldn't put it down once I started the book....it was very engaging from the start to end....waiting for part 2!Unexpectedly Shocking
4By Reckless Readers"It's depraved and immoral. It's dubious. It's perfect." The start of the loan shark book is a little confusing because it is like a run down town in some parts. You quickly realize that the loan sharks have the power to make or break you however it is more the second half than not. Valentina's brother racks up a huge debt but because he is mental handicap they don't care. Gabriel is with Valentina though. Every encounter he hold her like she is made of glass and always takes care of her. I think I fell in love with his hardcore exterior but even more so when he shows his caring side. I can't decide if Valentina was brave or just plain stupid at the end! I can't give it away but it is unexpectedly shocking.Blown away!
5By ~Mindy Lou~You know, I read some glowing reviews before reading this. I read where this was an unexpected read and yet I’m still kind of shocked with how much this story affected me. Valentina just breaks my heart. The unfairness of everything she has had to endure and still comes out fighting. Most people would have broken long before. But the biggest surprise? Gabriel. The fact that this author took an evil man who does unspeakable things to people and made me care about him just astounds me. The obsession. The need for love in such a bleak world. The good hidden behind the evil. Even the side characters were a surprise. The author showed us a little glimpse into the brutality of these men and then gives us the humane side of them. How can people have such opposing sides is fascinating. The complexity to all the characters made for a fascinating read. I was so wrapped up in this book, I completely ignored life. If you can handle dark or triggers such as rape and physical violence, you really should check this book out. It does end on a cliffhanger, but you won’t have to wait long for the next book. Personally, I can’t wait to see how such an impossible situation is going to turn out. ARC provided by NetGalley.Glued to the pages!
5By lovesbooks6565I was generously given an ARC for a honest review. I do not normally read dark romance but this book kept me glued to the pages! And I have the next book Consent ready on my Kindle. But before I get sucked into that book, I wanted to write this review because I enjoyed Dubious far more than I expected. Ms Pauls is a new author for me....I was introduced to her writing in the Kindle Worlds Krinar series. Her take on the Krinar series was fresh and interesting. This book is more like Anna Zaires Twist Me series, where the heroine is forced to be with the hero in the beginning. Gabriel is dark as they come....basically he is a killer. And Valentina's story is so very sad.....and Charlie is heartbreaking. The book is set in South Africa but it could be set in any urban city where drugs, crime, and human predators feed off the weak. I won't get into the plot of the story......there is darkness but there is also lightness where she slowly starts to affect Gabriel. There are times where it is very hard to like Gabriel because of his actions but considering his upbringing and current life its a wonder he can even love. The book ends on a cliffhanger but the 2nd book will come out very soon after Dubious is released.
