I was lucky enough to receive both books consecutively so I did not have to wait to read the second installment. Unfortunately, this one was not as interesting as the previous. It has so many plot twists that becomes too unreal, and the I love you but you don't believe it/know it becomes boring after a while.

Such a pity for a series that had a promising start.

I couldn't get through the first book, so I didn't even get to the second. Such a shame because it sounded interesting.

All I can say is Thank God I was given the opportunity to read both the first book in this story and this sequel at the same time because I don't think I could have survived the waiting. The first book in this story was hot and this follow up was pure fire. The brokeness of Gabriel and Valentina runs so deep that they are both drowning and can only cling to each other for survival while at the same time running as far as they can get from the love they so obviously crave and need. If you are looking for a different kind of love story with great sex and a twist of sadism then this is for you. The lines become very blurred on who is the villain of the story and who is the knight in shining Armour that we girls so often dream about. The same people who you detested in the first book began to sneak into your heart and sucker puck you when you least expect it. This is definitely worth the time to read.

This was a fantastic conclusion to this duet series. There were more twists and turns in this story and shocking parts I never say coming. Valentina took a lot of blow back from everything that happened and even though none of it was her fault Magda and Sylvia had it out for her. However, Magda isn't as strong when dealing with pressure; she couldn't handle it. Gabriel made the ultimate sacrifice but in the end Valentina got what she deserved and I was completely satisfied with the ending and this series. I look forward to my next read from this author and I recommend this book to all readers but beware that there are dark subject matters within these books.

4 "I didn't say I love you" stars
Consent is not a standalone and I feel like I should have been asked for consent before I jumped into this wild book.
consent takes back up the second Dubious ends.

" the embrace is what he offers. this is his answer. he wont set me free. what I get in return for love is a consolation hug "
"He covers my clit with his lips and sucks me through the orgasm until I'm trembling with aftershocks. "

"Touch yourself he commands. I find my clit and rub while he fucks me with his fingers and cock. I'm not cognizant of time or place, only of him and our bodies as he pushes me to the darkest of pleasures, to a point no one should go. he fucks me into floating bliss, always pushing the boundary to physical highs. I'm frightened I wont survive but somehow always do. And he is right there with me as he curses and cries out his climax. coming inside me while driving me past my limits and beyond, he makes me lose myself in the best and worst way possible. "

This story continues with what Valentina does after finding out (view spoiler) You can start feeling the pain Gabriel is experiencing with the loss of Valentina, you hurt for Valentina and somehow you hurt for yourself. You can taste the desperation, the will to live and the poverty hanging in the air. You start getting answers to all of book 1's puzzle pieces with an intense shock in chapter 15 that boils my blood and makes you want to punch a wall.


after two books I am glad I get to say good bye Magda because boy is she a bitch

no one in book 2 stays the same person book 1 made them out to be.. this book is filled with wrenches that change the course of every characters fate and really makes you realize that love is an ugly beautiful thing.

this book can and may bring you to tears easily with the potential triggers of : [attempted suicide, suicide, murder, BSDM elements and pregnancy.

Be sure to have a box of Kleenex handy if you're reading this one - it was one emotional ride, but I loved every minute of it (mostly). If you're on the fence about this 2-part series, don't be. Read it already! It's dark and mysterious, but the love and warmth you feel in the end is so worth it.

This one picks up where the first book ended and hopefully you've read that one since the next line is a spoiler from the first book. Valentina has left Gabriel and is on the run. Once she found out that she was pregnant, she was afraid for her and her baby's life, thinking that Gabriel would be upset and think she intentionally got pregnant. Of course, we know the truth behind it all, but she doesn't. He spends months looking for her before finally finding her in a desperate situation. I appreciated the strength Val had through all this and Gabriel's never-ending dedication to finding her, but it took way too long to make that happen in my opinion. Of course, that only made things more suspenseful.

Once they're reunited, things move very quickly for the couple. But it's what Gabriel must do to protect her. Amidst all this, tragedy strikes Gabriel's family and I was honestly stunned and heartbroken. This part of the book was just tough to take. Because of this tragedy, Gabriel withdraws and at this point I really hate him. He's neglecting his baby and Val and it goes on for way too long. I was heartbroken for Valentina and understood that Gabriel was just suffering from grief, but he took it too far.

When he finally does come to his senses, it's nearly too late. He ends up making a big sacrifice to help make his new family happy and I wasn't quite expecting that twist. But of course it all works out in the end. I loved Gabriel in the end and respected his decisions. It only made them both stronger and helped them build an honest living.

The last 10% of the book was sweet and I loved how his relationship with Valentina grew into an honest and loving relationship. The epilogue was awesome and made the angst we suffered through most of the book worth the wait.

I still find the premise of the story very slightly disturbing with its kind of stockholm syndrome, but at the same time the characters were already attracted to each other and Gabriels upbringing wouldn't exactly have had him mentally sound. It was a great summer read. Thanks

A roller coaster of emotions...

I honestly feel very sad to see the series come to an end, I found it really hard to "extract" myself from Gabriel's and Valentina's world cause I adored both characters and especially the plot.

One thing for sure is that all your questions are going to be answered in this part...

The author has outdone herself (as always) with the finale.. so many things are happening, blow-minding twists, explosive secrets will be revealed, emotions are all over the place... sadness, happiness then sadness again and after that, you feel angry and then again happy... as I said a roller-coaster of emotions!

Besides Gabriel and Valentina, I adored, even more, Charlie and of course in this part, I fell in love with both Rhett and Quincy.. never thought that these well trained/deadly guards will become such sweet and supported guys!!!

In this review, I have to be even more careful than the first one cause the whole book contains many spoilers and many wow facts and scenes than the first one. The characters developed steadily throughout the story and you can definitely see the differences from the first part. I want to thank Mrs. Pauls for providing me the ARCs and I can't wait to read the next great story she is going to create!

excellent read

Wow did I love these two books! What a great love story. I couldn't stop reading this book! Loved the ending!

I felt bereft as I finished Dubious as I loved the book and also loved the characters of Gabriel and Valentina. I have been lucky enough to have an advanced copy and Im at that stage where you cannot speak to anyone because you just want to revel in the story once you have finished it.
The interplay between Gabriel and Valentina and the complexity of a relationship built on lies and power is challenged much more by so many revelations within this book.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that the history of both main characters explains so much of what occurred in the first book.
Magda is as big a witch as you expect.
There is sadness and laughter in this book and quite often with Quincy and Rhett i had a big smile on my face.
You will need a fan for the more intimate scenes.
These two books are my first introduction to Charmaine Pauls and I am hooked.
Thanks to NetGalley,the publisher and the author for the opportunity to review and devour early.
5 stars

Wow, wow, wow
Totally loved this second instalment. You just need to read it & make sure you read book one. This second book was amazing. I'm in love with these characters.

This was a exciting Duet! The first book hooked me. The second was just as great if not better. Val is the girl who has though every wrong that can go on in her young life. Parents die, big brother in car accident with had brain damage, and more that goes on to make these two books so addicting.

As the this book comes along Gabriel finely figured out how his greed, selfishness, and mother ruined his life. He puts all his wants and need aside for Valentina. At the end of this book become not so dark of a romance. Not what ending I would have in mind for this couple, but I'm not the writer. I still loved the story anyway.

an okay story for the most part. Good plot. interesting

The exciting conclusion of Gabriel and Valentina! I simply devoured this book late into the night desperate for any details on what happened and how their love survived. Valentina is a strong woman who cares for those around her and does what she can to protect Charlie and her unborn child. Questions are finally answered that will throw your emotions through a roller coaster. Gabriel will do anything to protect his family and ensure her safety due to his numerous enemies. All that matters is that Valentina is never touched by the violence that had consumed his everyday life. Loved Consent and how Charmaine Pauls draws you in a page at a time!

SQUUUEEEE! I literally thanked sweet baby Jesus when I received the email saying I'd been approved for an early read of Consent! After finishing Dubious, I lied back, let out the biggest sigh.. then growled. What the hell was I going to do whilst waiting for the second part!? Well, jokes on me cuz apparently someone out there loves me; I was sent a copy!
Right, so Consent literally picks up straight where Dubious left off, like to the actual minute. I love that! There's no annoying time gap where you're left thinking you stepped into a freaking time machine & now you're in another universe, questioning whether the book you thought was a follow on actually is!? Well, with this one you definitely didn't just start reading a whole different series!
Dubious gives you a sneak peak at the first chapter of Consent. I read it before, but I obviously swallowed it whole again! Gabriel is trying desperately to find Valentina. She has grabbed her brother, Charlie & they've done a runner! See, I told you it picks up straight after Dubious! :D Don't panic though, it does not take long for the story to move on at a calm, respectable pace.
There's one thing that's just niggling at me.. it really bothers me that Valentina in one breath says she hates Gabriel. It's clear she doesn't mean it & she's putting on a front. Understandable. Here's what bugs me though.. stick to your guns, girl! In one scene, five seconds after the 'I hate you' speech, Gabriel carries her upstairs. She's already wet for him & they get it on. No. Just no. I mean, she could at least pretend that she actually does hate the guy & maybe try to fight him off or something? I've never been pregnant & fallen in love with the dude that's keeping me against my will, so I obviously don't have a very objective view on this. I just wish Valentina would grow a back bone & stick up for herself, instead of just rolling over & being all, 'yes, Sir.' all the time! It's like they were both pretending to hate each other, just cuz Gabriel couldn't get his head out of his ass long enough to tell Valentina how he really felt.
The plot of this entire story is so complex. In fact, at one point I stopped & realised I hadn't taken any notes on the last 10 chapters I'd read! Good job I still have my memory & I think this book is going to stick with me for a long while! There are unexpected deaths & near deaths! There's changes of heart, changes of plans, raw romance, unanswered questions finally answered, twists & turns & so much more! I think I've given away far too much already, though!
The epilogue, although quite short, I felt covered everything that it needed to. I'm glad it wasn't just pointless rambling. Short, sharp & hella sweet!
Everyone seriously needs to read these books. They are ahhmazing!
Thank you so much for this early copy!