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Charmaine Pauls
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Love Like Poison (Corsican Crime Lord Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Charmaine Pauls (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 759 ratings
Every year on my birthday, my tormentor returns to claim one of my firsts.

On my sixteenth birthday, a stranger from Corsica shows up at my party. Angelo Russo looks like an angel, but more the kind who decapitates dragons than the kind with soft white wings. He’s dark like the ocean and breathless like water. He says he wants all my firsts as if he already owns them, but my father orders me to stay away from this man.

No matter how hard I try, I can’t escape him. No one can keep me safe. Every year on my birthday, he brings me a gift, each one having a detrimental effect on my life with unimaginable consequences. With every gift he offers, he claims another one of my firsts. Before I know it, he’s taken control of my existence, turning me into a nervous wreck because when I turn eighteen, I know what "first" he’ll come for next.

Note: Love Like Poison is Book 1 of the Corsican Crime Lord dark mafia romance series and ends on a cliffhanger. Sabella and Angelo's story continues in Hate Like Honey (Book 2) and Tears Like Acid (Book 3). Their story concludes in Kisses Like Rain (Book 4).
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Corsican Crime Lord
  2. Print length
    312 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 5, 2023
  6. File size
    3.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

dark romance arranged marriage, gritty mafia romance series, antihero crime lord, enemies to lovers
dark romance arranged marriage, gritty mafia romance series, antihero crime lord, enemies to lovers
dark romance arranged marriage, gritty mafia romance series, antihero crime lord, enemies to lovers

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gorgeously written and brimming with scorching-hot chemistry, this dark, angst-filled romance kept me riveted from the first page to the last!" - Anna Zaires, New York Times bestselling author

"Charmaine Pauls has another amazing dark romance coming soon that I promise will twist you up in knots once again. Stock up on those tissues!" - Buffyanna, Goodreads

"Hold on tight for the ride of your life!" - Jo, Goodreads

"It's been a minute since I have read a book from Charmaine, but this is beyond what I was expecting." - Keza Campbell, Goodreads

"Wow! What a great beginning to this new series! And holy heck, what a cliffhanger!!!" - Carvanz, Goodreads

"I'm obsessed." - The BookPlatypus

"Even though this is only the first book in the series, their story is already shaping to be heartbreaking, intense, sexy, and emotional. It had all the characteristics that I loved most about this author's writing—angst, betrayal, revenge, and obsession." - Kiss Me Books, Goodreads

"Sensational, gripping and heart stopping." - Kelly Reads Books, Goodreads

"This book gave me all the feels!!!!!" - Esther Theodat, Goodreads

About the Author

Charmaine loves to write dark and edgy romance that will melt both your e-reader and your heart. She's a mom of two teenagers, an adorable dog, and a dominant cat. Her country of birth is South Africa where many of her stories play off. Her French husband kidnapped her to the south of France where she currently lives with her family. When she's not writing, you'll find her in the kitchen baking cakes or in the gym lifting weights (because ... all those cakes!).Join Charmaine's mailing list: https: //charmainepauls.com/subscribe/Read more about Charmaine's novels on: https: //charmainepauls.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C1CDRS38
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Charmaine Pauls
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 5, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-2491833206
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Corsican Crime Lord
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 759 ratings

About the author

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Charmaine Pauls

Charmaine Pauls

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Join Charmaine's newsletter on her website to be informed of new book releases.

Charmaine loves to write dark and edgy romance that will melt both your e-reader and your heart.

She's a mom of two teenagers, an adorable dog, and a dominant cat. Her country of birth is South Africa where many of her stories play off. Her French husband whisked her away to the south of France where she currently lives with her family.

When she's not writing, you'll find her in the kitchen baking cakes or in the gym lifting weights (because ... all those cakes!).

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
759 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly readable, with one describing it as absolutely spellbinding. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback for its twists and turns, and one customer notes it's dark in tone. Additionally, the writing style is appreciated for its unique approach, and customers describe the visual elements as stunning, with one mentioning how scenes are vividly portrayed.

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ReadabilityStory qualityWriting styleVisual quality
12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with one describing it as absolutely spellbinding and another noting it's the best kind of book escape.

"Sensational, gripping and heart stopping ❤️ Poor Sabella is caught in the vicious crosshairs of a madman...." Read more

"...The author has a unique style of writing, she is awesome!!!! I loved the book!!! So I have to start the next one. Cliffhanger are something else." Read more

"Location is everything, and this novel makes for the best kind of book escape!..." Read more

"...This is absolutely stunning and gratifying to read! It's beautifully written, too and I highly recommend this one. Unputdownable!" Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's twists and turns, with one mentioning it's full of emotions.

"...It is a story full of emotions. You can't miss it. I can't wait for book 2." Read more

"...Sabella and Angelo's story, full of twists and turns, is not for the shy!..." Read more

"...I love Angelo and Sabellas story. It does end with a crazy cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to seeing where this is going. Can't wait." Read more

"Phenomenal story! I am absolutely obsessed with this story and the characters!!!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the unique writing style of the book.

"...The author has a unique style of writing, she is awesome!!!! I loved the book!!! So I have to start the next one. Cliffhanger are something else." Read more

"...I really love the writing style of the author too, not too bored down with descriptions but still paints a picture with every scene." Read more

"...This is absolutely stunning and gratifying to read! It's beautifully written, too and I highly recommend this one. Unputdownable!" Read more

"...Emotions and devilish of two worlds. Amazing words written by Charmaine. From the beginning to the end." Read more

3 customers mention "Visual quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book visually stunning, with one mentioning how it paints a picture with every scene.

"...The South African backdrop is so beautiful, that I found myself effortlessly sinking into this read!..." Read more

"...too, not too bored down with descriptions but still paints a picture with every scene." Read more

"...This is absolutely stunning and gratifying to read! It's beautifully written, too and I highly recommend this one. Unputdownable!" Read more

Oh that brutal cliffy 😩😩😩
5 out of 5 stars
Oh that brutal cliffy 😩😩😩
Gahhhh! That cliffhanger got me! I knew this book was going to leave me with some anxiety but the brutal turn of events gutted me. I am a big fan of Charmaine Pauls and her work and Love Like Poison is no exception. It is a deliciously told mafia/arranged marriage story that hooks you in as soon as the first chapter comes to an end. I have fallen in love with the broody, unwaveringly possessive, dominating, and inherently surely Angelo as one expects so I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book as soon as possible.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Tatiana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow amazing❤️‍🔥
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What can result from an unfulfilled promise...? That they are forced to fulfill it, even if it means manipulating and using who they promised you. Angelo is a born manipulator, who sees Bella's innocence, as a sweet t0ol to use in his game of revenge against her father, for not recognizing and not wanting to fulfill his promise of marriage between the two young people. Angelo belongs to a family born into power and money from poverty and rejection, his thirst for power and recognition is almost as strong as his thirst to protect, care for, and control those he considers his own. Sabella is a teenager protected from the world, living in her innocence and her dreams, but who sees in Angelo a sinful angel with notes of romanticism and possessiveness, which attract her so much. She made him promise her all her first times, and he kept them. Some with tears of joy, others with tears of knowing she was deceived and hurt, but the most important one delivered in lies, how to love someone you hate, how to desire someone who h$rts you, how to long for someone you don't know? And for Angelo what will happen now that the pain is so great, that all that moves you is reveng3 and to spill the blood of the one who harmed you? Will it be enough for him to do what he promised?

    It is a story full of emotions. You can't miss it. I can't wait for book 2.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Crystal S.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Favorite new Charmaine Pauls couple!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Angelo and Sabella are gearing up to be my favorite Charmaine Pauls couple. This was book 1 in a 4 book series, and seemed a bit of a slow burn, but when you consider that this was only a quarter of their story, it went at a good pace. I loved his possessiveness, and for once, I really loved her naivety.

    There were a few small things that I wished would have happened, like someone telling Sabella about the arrangement (there just didn't seem to be a good reason for keeping it from her), but I really enjoyed the book even with my wished changes. The cliffhanger isn't a relationship cliffie, more of one for the bigger storyline, but even that is more about what will come next, as I'm pretty sure that everyone is aware of the who and why behind it. That being said, I cannot wait to jump into the next installment when it comes out next month.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sensational, gripping and heart stopping ❤️
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Sensational, gripping and heart stopping ❤️
    Poor Sabella is caught in the vicious crosshairs of a madman. She has been promised to him in marriage, although they have never met, until he arrives at her 16th birthday and both of their lives are forever changed.
    Angelo will not allow Sabella’s father to renege on his promise and he sets up a very elaborate plan to make what he is owed come true.
    Charmaine Pauls consistently gives us characters to either love or despise, the reader either cheers them on or envisions their downfall, but the reader always feel’s something and everything.
    That cliffhanger was completely unexpected and shocking and left me feeling bereft and sad 😞
    I can’t wait for Hate like Honey ❤️
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Birdie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Angelo want me. All of me. Help!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Sabella is not 18 yet, so she is not considered an adult. At birthdays 16, Angelo brings me a present. My father tells me is a bad man, stay away from him. There is something going on but my parents will not tell me. The author has a unique style of writing, she is awesome!!!! I loved the book!!! So I have to start the next one. Cliffhanger are something else.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Not sure how I feel about Angelo. He seemed mature beyond his years, at first Then it seemed that he regressed.
    His total obsession for a very young girl was a bit of a turn off.
    The "rape" was not sexy at all. It was definitely non consensual.
    His virginal admission was also odd for a twenty two year old.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • One_More_Chapter
    5.0 out of 5 stars The South African Backdrop is so Beautiful!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Location is everything, and this novel makes for the best kind of book escape! The South African backdrop is so beautiful, that I found myself effortlessly sinking into this read! Sabella and Angelo's story, full of twists and turns, is not for the shy! Some scenes push the envelope a bit for those with a sensitivity threshold, but I myself cannot wait for more! Bottom line, excellent start for this brand new series!
    One person found this helpful
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  • voracious RReader
    4.0 out of 5 stars absolutely spellbinding and a must read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was having trouble staying interested at the beginning of the story because it was slowly getting interesting because it focused on Sabella and Angelo daily and it didn’t jump weeks and months until about two thirds through the story. When it did start to move faster in the dialogue it got so good I couldn’t put it down. The sex was outstanding and good but there was dubious consent for sure. This story is not for a feminist but for people who like angst in a romance novel. The Mafia part was not overly present in this book only alluded to and no Mafia violence but I think that is about to change in Book Two. I’m headed there now.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • ShirleyC
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Was Not Expecting That!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Charmaine Pauls is one of my favorite authors and I have read all her books but, I was not prepared for this one. Angelo’s and Sabella’s story is complex with HEAT, secrets, and deceptions. The characters are fully formed and wormed their way into my heart. By the time I finished reading this book I was left reeling, furious, and in tears. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Farah Karim
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the start to Charmaine Paul’s new series about Sabella and Angelo. A great start of which promises to be an amazing story. Ended on one hell of a cliffhanger.
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  • v
    5.0 out of 5 stars Only because this author changed my mind
    Reviewed in Canada on February 6, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Book #1. Hooked me good. Started off Angelo was ok, Bella nieve but both young. Four books seemed a bit much but author held my interest. Her father killed MMC's mom and sister which was supposed to be Angelo and his father.
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  • JANICE GUTHRIE
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love This Book! ❤️❤️❤️
    Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was an amazing story, but it does end with a cliffhanger (& what a cliffhanger it is!). Angelo & Sabella’s story is is an evolving one, one that she is not fully aware of! I cannot wait to read ‘Hate Like Honey’ & find out her reaction to Angelo’s (& her family’s) deception. Without giving away spoilers, I will only say that my anticipation regarding the mystery within Angelo’s family & how it will relate to Sabella, is palpable! I enjoyed reading ‘Love Like Poison’ & observing the ever evolving & dynamic ‘love’ story between Angelo & Sabella. ‘Hate & Honey’ cannot arrive quick enough for me!
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  • KATHY ROUSSEAU
    5.0 out of 5 stars More than a 5 star read
    Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    If you like mafia books you will love this series. This is one of the best that I have ever read and I read every day.
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  • phyl
    5.0 out of 5 stars love like poison
    Reviewed in Canada on November 12, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Omg. What a story. Angelo is determined to honour the contract between families. There are a lot of characters in this game of revenge and intrigue. Who will survive?
    Report

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