The second book to The Loan Shark Duo was a huge rollercoaster ride! I am so impressed by Charmaine Pauls writing that I am going to have to read more of her books. I really felt for both Valentina and Gabriel in this book. There was so much drama and heart-ache and was really surprised where the story went in that there were serious shockers left and right. I can't say too much or it will give the story away, but I was impressed. It was very steamy and erotic (as was the first book).

The only thing that bothered me was the epilogue. It seemed a little far-fetched and OTT, but it didn't detract from the story.

One of the best duets I've read in a long time! Always interesting, great story line and very well written. Start with book 1 and see for yourself!

This is the 2nd book in the series and I really loved it! I had mixed opinions about the beginning of Gabrielle and Valentina's relationship. Being forced to pay off a doubt incurred by her brother, Valentina must submit to Gabrielle's desires and dominance. The first book deals with their on going relationship. This book is a continuation of their story. It starts out with Valentina on the run and in hiding from Gabrielle. When they finally get together again, Gabrielle needs to protect her from his enemies, including his own mother. There is a terrible tragedy that pulls them apart. Then a very surprising revelation by Gabrielle's mother. A true shocker that I didn't see coming! In order to protect Valentina, Gabrielle must do something drastic. This is the one part I had a hard time dealing with. I think someone in their circle would figure it out. I did love the ending, and hope the author is busy writing her next series! Can't wait!

Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit 4 / 5
Story 5 / 5
OVERALL 5 / 5

Consent is the second book in the Loan Shark Duet by author Charmaine Pauls. This story is not a standalone, and it must be read after Dubious, the first book in the duet. Dubious is an intense and emotional story, and it just blew me away! I couldn’t wait to read Consent to find out what happens next.

Consent begins where we were left off with Valentina in a taxi leaving Gabriel’s house. She is such a strong woman, and I understood why she did it. Gabriel was in an awkward position, and I think he meant well but didn’t necessarily go about it the right way.

This story was more emotional than the first book and not as dark. I was more connected to the characters and felt their joy, pain, anger, sorrow, and happiness. I absolutely loved the ending!

A fabulous duet and a definite add to your TBR list!!!

Oh this book is the perfect completion to the two book series. Gabriel is a perfect blend of hard and calculating. Mean and controlling. Tender and loving. Impassioned and giving.

The author gave it her all and crafted a wonderful, absorbing read that took you on a roller coaster of highs and lows. She told you what would happen, but the process still made your heart crack open. I just couldn't wait until the truth came out and my heart could be happy again too. The loss and pain was real and the HEA was so sweet. Sigh.

Fab read! A bit dark along the way but ending with lots of light and a new appreciate for this superb writer!

Charmaine Pauls delivered an extraordinarily plotted and emotionally compelling story with Consent. Gabriel and Valentina's story had twists and turns, ups and downs, and a completely engaging love story. The angst and emotion in this story were off the charts. I wasn't sure where the author was planning on taking things after the way things left off in book 1, but she definitely upped the game in this story. I loved how all the components of the story flowed together so well. The big tragedy that occurred left me reeling emotionally, and was so well done. I really enjoyed this duet and the way things played out with the characters. This was my first reading experience with this author but it definitely wont be my last.

This is part 2 of a duet so you really need to read book 1 to fully appreciate this story.
This is my first set of books by this author and I enjoyed them.
Gabrielle and Valentina.
Their story continues right from where book 1 ended, Valentina is on the run and Gabrielle wants her back.
The couple are reunited quite quickly and secrets and history are revealed so we can understand the reasons why Magna hates Val so much.
I liked the fact it is set in South Africa, this gives it an original feel and the dangers seem so real.
We see another side to Gab here as he walks his path of redemption.
It had dark parts, there may be some triggers for some as some of Val's history involved rape.

I love these duet books series! I could feel the raw emotion in his book between Daphne and Gabriel. As well as the other charcters. "If you love something set it free. If it comes back its meant to be" perfectly fits this book! It shows true love can be found anywhere and is never hidden.

Wow! I absolutely loved not only this book but this duet!

I’m hesitant to say too much about the storyline so I’ll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.

Valentina is such a strong woman who has suffered through so much and yet it never beat her down. There were times that my gut clinched due to her circumstances and despite her fear and despair she held tight to the hope that she could get through to the next day for herself and her brother Charlie.

While what she experienced in the first book was dark and dangerous it also stirred her as nothing else could because it came at the hand of a man she shouldn’t care for. Now she is facing a life she never anticipated and her emotions are indefinable. She knows what she wants, but she fears what she will receive instead.

Gabriel’s character goes through a huge evolution as so many secrets are brought into the light and as he faces his own sins brought on by his obsession with Valentina. For a man who is known as The Breaker, I would have never thought him capable of the love he held for the heroine. The torment he suffered through much of this book was heartbreaking and I wanted something, anything to ease his burden but this goes deeper than the need for conversation.

Charmaine Pauls writes an intense story of two souls struggling with the roles they’ve been cast and then layer by layer she builds those roles until the reader cannot ever see a way for these characters to find freedom. I consumed every wonderful, angst filled word of it.

I’m sad to say I had never even heard of this author prior to Dubious and now knowing she has a long backlist of books to her credit I’m giving evil eyes to all my GR friends who didn’t point me in her direction sooner. So consider this me pointing you to first Dubious and then Consent. (I want to avoid future evil eyes glared at me.)

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Charmaine Pauls

Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers – rape

4.5*

Consent picks up where Dubious left off, with Valentina facing more challenges in her life than she ever thought possible. This is a difficult review to write without giving away spoilers, so parts will be deliberately vague. I will say, however, that this book is not as dark as Dubious but this author is extremely talented and so it is just as wonderful, but definitely heavier emotionally. It will keep you on your toes as secrets are revealed and questions are answered.

There are twists and turns and several 'didn't see that coming' moments, some of which had me gasping out loud and others which brought tears to my eyes. Several bad decisions are made for the right reasons and I love the way these characters grow, change and evolve as a relationship built from deceit turns to love and affection. Dual POV gives us an insight into their true thoughts and feelings, despite the lies they tell each other. Quincy and Rhett also really come into their own in this book and there are many lighter moments from them which had me chuckling to myself.

Ms Pauls is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed my first introduction to her writing, which won't be my last. I will definitely be looking out for her books in the future. The only reason I dropped half a star is I felt one decision Gabriel made was badly thought out by him and not in keeping with his character. Having said that, it did eventually lead to a whole new world and opportunity opening up for Valentina, so all ended well.

A fantastic dark, sexy, action packed read, I highly recommend this book, together with its partner Dubious, which must be read first.

Great continuation of Dubious, this story picks up right where Dubious left off. Very well written dark romance.

Thank you Charmaine Pauls! The duet series was fantastic - I enjoyed every bit of it. I've been disappointed with the contemporary romance stories that I've been reading for months and this book changed it. I love every character you featured and how they helped evolve the two main characters. It was certainly a page-turner and I don't say that for all the books I've read. It was filled with twisted events and a real roller coaster of emotion.

3.75 stars
So, this whole package delivered by Miss Charmaine Pauls was astounding at best. I mean I did not see that ending coming at all. This book started where the previous one ended on a cliffhanger and Thank God for that. Also, I didn’t have to wait for reading this one, which was a bonus. Otherwise I sure had scratched my eyes out in anticipation.
All the characters remained same along with few minor additions or subtractions as well (May those souls rest in peace!). The little suspense element got solved with yet other problems rising. The writing remains fluid and easy to read. According to me, the ending was little over the top but then, dramatics won’t hurt. The plus point was that I didn’t saw this duet getting this much of my interest. In the future, I’ll definitely like to read other works of Ms. Pauls.

If you enjoyed "Dubious", the first book in the Loan Sharks series, then you are absolutely going to love "Consent". This series truly has it all. Where the first book was dark and intense, the second book gives us more inside into Valentina and Gabriel's history. Don't get me wrong, there is still a lot of angst, not to mention some dominance/submission, but it is also very emotional and deep. Reading this book, you feel like you are watching an epic romance movie. The kind of movie that has it all. A physically scarred hero and an emotionally scarred heroine. A heroine, who in time grows from a timid yet determined young woman into a woman who is fiercely independent and able to take on the world. And a fierce and cold hero, who turns into a passionate and loving man.

"Consent" answers all the questions that rose with the first book of the series. The man/men behind Valentina's attack and the reason for Charlie's brain damage. Why Magda is so interested in the Haynes siblings and whether she will finally give up her quest to get rid of them. What will become of Valentina's pregnancy and how it will effect her and Gabriel's relationship? With a whole lot of twists on the way, all our questions will finally be answered!

I have read hundreds of romance novels and I must admit that although I have many that I have loved and enjoyed, there aren't many that are truly memorable. This series, however, is one that I won't be able to forget. The hero and heroine are remarkable. There are many fictional couples who claim to be destined or even soulmates, but Gabriel and Valentina give a whole new meaning to the word. They may have started their relationship in less than ideal circumstances, but what they experience and what they feel for one another is so intense and passionate that you literally feel the heat. This is one series that you never want to finish and hope that it is turned into a movie so that you can witness this story over and over again. A stunning read!!!

A dramatic conclusion to the Loan Shark duet series. I was fortunate to be able to read these books back to back. This series was my first, but not my last, by Charmaine Pauls. I Loved it (them).

A continuation of the earlier very dark tale. Twists of fate and eventual strange happy ending .

This is the second of a two part series. It's a bit of a dark romance as the alpha male takes the girl as a sort of prize, so she is prisoner as the story starts in the first book. The second is worth the wait and the ending is everything you'd want. This is a good author and I will look for her next books.

Picking up right where this dark read left off, Valentina is running for her life. Gabriel desperately wants her back, but he’s not the only one. Magda finally has all she needs to pull the trigger. Who will find her first? You’ll have to read to find out.

I must say this second installment wasn’t quite as dark as the first. Gabriel’s a changed man, it seems. The ending for this one was perfect for me. This was exactly what I was looking for in my next read. Enjoy!

This 2 book series is amazing! It's like being on an emotional rollercoaster. The characters are wonderfully written and it's easy to empathize with them. The story is like none other, although may have triggers for some. 5 stars! I didn't want it to end. Thank you Charmaine!

This is the second book in the Loan Shark Duet. You must read the first one Dubious before you read this one or you will have no idea what is going on. Concent picks up right where Dubious leaves off. It is a very emotional book from beginning to end. You ever know what surprise will be on the next page you read. Sometimes it is good and sometimes it will bring you to tears. Gabriel and Valentina have a connection like no others. Nothing or no one can stop their love, it just takes them a while to realize it.

Great books by Charmaine Pauls. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. ❤️❤️❤️❤️📚📚📚