Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
*Please read the author's note and trigger warnings at the beginning of the book*
This is an extremely large age gap

'The dexterous touch upon a hurting heart would heal a broken soul'

The first time my father took me to hell, I feared the dark
The next time, I left my soul there
Now, my scars run deeper than the ocean floor
Then…
Through the darkness, came light. Tall, enigmatic, older
Through the fear, came love. Seductive, soothing, sensual
Through the pain, came triumph. Redeeming, embracing, liberating

Xavier Sinclair stole the air to my lungs for just a moment before he gave me a lifetime to breathe

"I won't ask for your trust, just your calm. Feel my heartbeat, love. Listen to my voice."

575 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2023

178 people are currently reading
419 people want to read

About the author

Charlene Namdhari

20 books983 followers
I'm not a cliched romance writer.
I write plot-driven, mindfuck stories.
I'm not afraid to push boundaries (check Intoxication, Infallible and Duality)
I write steam like I shower - scalding.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
167 (63%)
4 stars
59 (22%)
3 stars
19 (7%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Carla .
1,687 reviews559 followers
April 14, 2024
It’s unbelievable how good this book is.
This story is raw, sometimes hard to read but extremely sensitive and the characters are very interesting and connected.
It’s worth reading.
Profile Image for Crystal .
974 reviews1,004 followers
May 28, 2023


Xavier Sinclair is the king, while his queen rules by his side. Hands Down Dexterity is my favorite book by the author.

I skip reading trigger warnings, but there is a long list. It's not my darkest read. On that note, Dexterity is one of the author's darkest books.

Reading Cinder’s POV though out the book is equally heartbreaking and eye-opening. I’m in total awe of her strength. How she sees simple things in life, for the first time, will give you new insight into the little things we take for granted and how horrific her life was, how she found strength and survived. Honestly, I couldn't stop crying; about 75% in there, I was cheering her on.

Let's talk about Xavier. Sweet baby Jesus. This man. Hot as hell. Powerful, yet doesn't let it get to him. Fiercely protective of his loved ones. He will put aside his feelings to do the right thing—totally swoon-worthy.

Suppose you're looking for a dark romance with an age gap. Look no further. I do recommend reading Duality first for a more enjoyable reading experience.

This book is intense and a beautiful love story. When reading, trust the process. Your emotions will be everywhere. I, for one, am grateful the author didn't leave any details out or skip over. Something I always look for in a dark romance book.

Now to sit here and patiently wait for the next book.



Profile Image for Helen Power.
Author 11 books636 followers
July 29, 2023
The second in the “Timeless Love” series, this book can easily be read as a standalone.
This is a dark and gritty romance about trauma and healing. The heroine has been through the ringer, and you should definitely read the content warnings that the author provides in the beginning of the book.
This a beautiful story, and while I’d classify it as a dark romance, and technically Xavier is a morally gray hero, he’s quite sweet, good, and kind. His dark(ish) past is hinted at, but it’s never truly elaborated upon.
The one thing that I loved the most in the first book was missing from this one. In the first book, the atmosphere is quite unique. It features an unparalleled otherworldliness, where there might be a curse on the men in the Sinclair family, but there also might not. While Dexterity is (very loosely) still inspired by Cinderella, (as the first book was loosely inspired by Snow White), I didn’t feel the same magic of the first book. This might be because there were no paranormal elements, as the “curse” from the first book was already broken with the first couple. I kind of wish that the author had expanded the paranormal aspects of this world she’s created to maintain that haunting ethereal feel that was lacking in this book.
This is also quite a long book, and it did drag a little bit in the middle. However, I still fell in love with this story and I absolutely devoured the angst! There is a very large age gap between Xavier and Cinder, but the author handles this quite well, and it didn’t make me uncomfortable.
I can’t wait for the third book in this trilogy! Will it be Rhett finding love? Hmm
Profile Image for Donna reads Romance.
1,063 reviews43 followers
December 31, 2023
I am speechless!! The amount of feelings going through me while reading Dexterity were intense and so moving. 💔❤️‍🩹❤️‍🔥

From the moment Charlene announced this book I was so very excited and a little nervous, due to some of the content. However, let me say the little apprehension I had was completely obliterated when my soul bled for these characters.

My heart shattered for Mikaela and the life she endured. Her story is so gut wrenching and it will touch you deeply.

Xavier is the kind of man you can’t help to fall for. Most of us would be attracted to this alluring, dominant and powerful silver fox without a doubt. However, what I greatly appreciate about Xavier is his relationship with his family, friends and employees, his humanity and his devotion to Mikaela.

When you see the unconditional love Xavier has for Mikaela your heart will melt and that hurt you felt before will have your heart smiling.

An EPIC and OUTSTANDING story!!!

Looking beyond the hard and painful triggers of this story you will see how the love story between Xavier and Mikaela is so breathtaking and unforgettable.

To say I enjoyed this story would be a understatement. I was blown away these characters and their heartbreaking, sensual and emotional story.

Congratulations Charlene on this ASTOUNDING book 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Profile Image for Keza Campbell.
791 reviews12 followers
May 21, 2023
A-FREAKING-MAZING!

"MY NAME IS MIKAELA Cinder Sinclair, and this is my fairy tale."


Xavier Sinclair saves Cinder from her master. He is her protector, her savior, her safe haven, a place to heal, and to find herself. He also promises to find the people responsible for hurting her.

Cinder made me cry, and it takes a lot to do that. Having never seen outside, never seeing rain. Being mistreated in the way she had been since birth.

Xavier is right she is a queen!


The sadness, the brutality, and the cruelty that takes place in this story certainly can be felt, hence the trigger warnings. But there is Sunshine once the clouds clear.

I have never hoped for a HEA so bad for a heroine before, but Mikaela Sinclair absolutely deserves one.

Charlene, you absolutely rock. Xavier and Cinder/Ella/Mikaela's book was perfect!

I absolutely recommend reading this book. Just check the trigger warnings first! ⚠️
32 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
I first discovered Charlene Namdhari’s books through reading the first book in the Serendipity series and I realised I had discover an author who had an extraordinary talent for creating fabulous books. This latest book was everything I expected it to be and so much more. An handsome older male who becomes hero to a young damaged woman half his age. I could tell with how Charlene dealt with the topic of abuse that she was knowledgeable in the subject and it’s affect on it’s victims.
The book takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions but Charlene always rewards her readers with a HEA. Once I started reading a could not put it down.
I can’t wait for No3 in this series to hit my kindle in November.
Profile Image for ZUI-NOAN.
261 reviews30 followers
May 30, 2023
Review

Tropes
Age gap
Dark Romance
Hurt comfort
Silver fox
Strong heroine

Spice 🌶
4/5

One thing I would absolutely say that I have been dying to get this book in my hands, as usually Charlene showed us that how a classic and wonderful author she is! I had always loved her books because of the topics and unique diversity she chooses to write about and there is no doubt that she do justice to her every book.

Xavier and Cinder/Ella story is full of emotions and tons of emotions which we see along with Ella. The way she connects to you is beautiful and you can feel her pain and her happiness. Xavier was perfect, the age gap for me in this was done perfectly and on point. Ella needed someone like him. The topics and handling of topics was done with justice by Charlene. The road to happiness is sure bumpy but not impossible.

It was beautiful, tear jerker and in end like a sun comes out after every storm, Ella bloom too and we all witness her blossom.

Profile Image for Bookslover09.
858 reviews67 followers
May 24, 2023
Dexterity by Charlene Namdhari
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I don't have enough words for this book; for me, this is a 10-star book. Charlene makes a fantastic story that will give you too many emotions because the cruelty and the brutality that Mikaela suffer is not for anyone, and Xavier, omg I love this man; he's not her prince; he's her savior, and you will feel everything; get you tissue ready because you will cry.
This story is a must-read, and you must read the first book
(read the triggers)
Profile Image for Tasha_loves_to_read .
750 reviews17 followers
May 29, 2023
Wow.... I'm a bit lost for words.
What a story.
My heart hurt for Mikaela. All the pain and trauma she went through. She is so brave and strong.
And Xavier. What a man. He caring and possessive and oh so perfect. The love he has for her and his family is beautiful. This book will saty with me for a long time. But let me say there is light at the tunnel. And they truly deserve all the goodness and happiness.
What an amazing book!
Profile Image for Melinda  Parker.
1,308 reviews22 followers
May 25, 2023
I don’t even know where to begin.  My words are so inadequate and I cannot do this story justice.  Namdhari delivered a journey for two people that neither expected.  Nor did I. One had given up hope and the other had accepted fate. 

Xavier Sinclair rules his family dynasty with precision. He wants to atone for the past and offer a better future.  Cinder/Mikaela simply wants to fade away most days, however, she holds onto a very small thread of hope.  A chance encounter brings these two together.   Fate delivers their destiny.  Love conquers their souls.

Sinclair finds himself inexplicably drawn to Mikaela. His protective instinct on high alert.  His heart strangely beating again.  His friends and family offering support.  But he refuses to acknowledge it or accept it.

Mikaela is trying to live again. Her fears still triumphing her hopes.  But Sinclair seems to be a balm to her soul.  He’s her chance.  He’s her protector.  He’s becoming her reason. 

This story was simply a rollercoaster ride of emotions.  I became frustrated and angry.  I found myself plotting takedowns and revenge.  My heart wept for the pain and injustice inflicted.  Hope bloomed. Hope evaporated.  Harsh reality and pain. And yet, just a small seed of hope kept bursting through.  The strength of our heroine had me awestruck.  The fierceness of our Hero kept my heart alive.

I hope readers take this journey.  Namdhari will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Judy .
182 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2023
5 stars does not give this book justice ....

I am absolutely speechless and in awe in how I'm feeling about this book. It shattered me in parts that I could not get through, but I did..❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 my heart went out to Cinder and what she went through, gladly she found her strength and got through her pain.

Can't give Charlene enough credit in creating a story like this 💝💝 ABSOLUTELY INSANE LOVE!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Booksobsessive .
768 reviews21 followers
June 20, 2023
charlenenamdhari quite simply blows me away with 𝗗���𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆!
She Never ceases to amaze me, with these stories in a league of their own.
Something held me back from starting this latest release and i don’t know why as clearly Charlene proves again to trust her fully as time and time again she delivers that 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 and 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 that’s everything you don’t expect and nothing you presume it will be.

It’s not a story for everyone and by no means in parts it’s not an easy read because it’s dark. It’s intense. Raw and brutal. Twisted and vile. but while it can leave you sick to your stomach and enraged with blood boiling anger it shocks you, has you reading with bated breath and no way can you put this down. You need redemption.

Xavier Sinclair is one of those ‘heroes of all heroes’. This man is dominant yet his patience. tenderness and care. gentle and loving ways is heart warming. His words of wisdom, his encouragement his voice of how he sees her leaves you undoubtedly loving him who’ll become many a readers favourite.

Cinder - 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞! Although broken she is a true warrior, a fighter who goes from strength to Strength who’ll leave you in awe.
From brewing imprisoned and captive there’s no wondering her timidness and unawareness to the real world. Shattering my heart how you see her discover and experience for the first time, the simple things taken for granted in life. Yet deprived. her self taught knowledge shows by the words she speaks that flaws you. The relief brought with what she over comes and her growth leaves you satisfyingly happy.

As Cinder escapes the brutal horrendous unimaginable reality of her life she finds the total opposite of all she’s known as with the guidance of a gentleman she learns to adapt and experience all her new feelings for real. She adjusts to having freedom she only dreamed of.

This story will have every emotion possible pouring out of you. It will consume you and leave you speechless.
𝐃𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞.
Profile Image for Katelynn.
983 reviews31 followers
May 23, 2023
I was more than halfway through this book and had a review of my initial notes and thoughts drafted before I went to sleep, then my 2 year old woke up to publish it for me. I ended up deleting all those notes because it didn't feel like it did this book justice. Dexterity is full of heavy emotions but highlights strength and overcoming the seemingly impossible, whether it's abuse or a family curse.

First off, dexterity is an absolute minefield of triggers. The author is very clear about them at the beginning of the book, and they are described in detail. I did have to take some breaks to reset my emotions because there are many heavy moments. This book is not always comfortable and feels good, but this story needs to be told and these characters were worthy of having their voices heard. Mikaela has endured the most horrific abuse known to man. One night, she is allowed freedom from her prison only to see concerned older man Xavier. Xavier is concerned for the mystery girl at the party and has connections to help him find her after she escapes her tormentor. Xavier provides her safety and healing in his home, which starts Mikaela's journey of healing.

Xavier is so patient and tender with the enchanting beauty. He encourages her to find her strength and become a regal queen living her life fully. He helps her experience minute things like rain or television while making her feel safe and cherished. He's an exceptional hero with insecurities and guilt of his own. Mikaela is resilient and a survivor who still finds love inside of her desire everything she endures. She challenges Xavier and his stance on love while finding herself. Together, they share a love that is pure and so good. This book had heartbreak turned into hope and showed happy endings can exist even amidst darkness.
Profile Image for Anita.
1,146 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
Speechless!!!!!

Five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ are just not enough for this book...
Take note of the triggers at the start of this book as it's dark brutal, and it definitely affects your emotions. You feel it all or I did! boy, this story is good intact it's flipping amazing. Charlene, you totally nailed it again.
Xavier Sinclair is definitely not a douche. He is just wow 🔥🔥 he's definitely a knight in shining armour, a saviour a king, and Cinder. Well, she is definitely a queen just like Xavier says she is without a doubt. And if any deserves a HEA, she does and so much more.
This story is So heart breaking but it is also so good. I would and will be recommending this book for sure.
To be honest, I think it's one of my favourite books for 2023.
I didn't think Charlene could beat Duality because that was a pretty amazing story too, but this one just has. Thank you for a truly amazing story that I will certainly be reading again soon and recommending to all my book world friends.
Profile Image for Luisa.
219 reviews
May 27, 2023
this book has everything you need

you will cry, your smile, your heat will break, you will be shocked and in awe,

A slow burn romance, heartbreaking and healing, love and passion,
i will say take the trigger warning at the start seriously this is a very dark but, and definitely not a midnight read,
the darkness is important, your heart will break for Cinder and her past,
like all Charlene Namdhari books, expect the unexpected, there is nothing predictable,

Cinder & Xavier's is perfect, Xavier is a good man always putting the needs of others before his own, but commands enough respect from people to not be messed with,

both characters are tortured by their past but in very different ways,
a book about over coming fear on many different levels, fear of being hurt or simply hurting the one you love,

i find the Sinclair family fascinating and its great hearing more about their background after Duality, and great to see Levana and saint going strong,

226 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2023
This book wow it really deserves 10 stars! I am in awe of how this book turned out. There was so much I really wasn’t expecting and some of it shocked the shit out of me. But even with all the intricate twist in this book it was amazing. A few moments had me choked up and in tears 😭.

Xavier Sinclair.. wow he is such a fantastic character.. soo swoon worth. I love how patient he is with Mikaela. This poor girl has been through hell.

Mikaela is an absolute badass. Her strength and willpower is something I have never seen before and I freakin love her.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading. This is definitely a darker book but amazing!

I love that Saint and Rhett where featured in this book as well.
Profile Image for LibraryofR.
247 reviews16 followers
May 28, 2023
Not your usual fairy tale

I loved this book, it grabbed me from the beginning. The hurt that Cinder endured definitely held pain in my heart but the saint, her reason for living held my heart. Xavier was that patient, loving, trusting person that thought he couldn't love anyone but lost his heart in the middle of everything. I love slow burns and this one was an extremely slow burn but worth it. Some side characters I loved were of course Saint, his girl, Rhett and Luke and all the men that Xavier trusted. Read to know what happens fully 😁 can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Andrea ( books_fiction_desire ).
693 reviews
May 23, 2023
This dark, twisted age gap story was absolutely amazing. From the moment I opened the first page I was consumed by it and couldn’t put it down.
Mikaela was one hell of a strong character who came a long way after many years of suffering. And Xavier couldn’t be any better than he was. For a man who didn’t believe that true love exists he definitely found it as soon as Mikaela walked into his life.
After reading this I can’t wait for more and would definitely highly recommend it!!!
36 reviews
May 30, 2023
such a brilliant story

This book will stay with me for a long time. Yes, some parts are difficult to read and are very dark. But the story overall is worth it. Xavier Sinclair I’d definitely a man you can’t help falling in love with.
I would definitely give this more than five stars, if possible. Thanks Charlene for writing this story and look forward to the next one. I have devoured everything this author had written and she has become one of my favourite authors.
Profile Image for JL.
322 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2023
This is by far the best book!

This is by far the best book of Charlene Namdhari's to date! But then I think that with each new book she writes! But omg!!! This was such an amazing book! Xavier and Mikaela's (Cinder) story was so beautiful in it's brokenness, healing, and love. I just can't recommend this book enough!!
74 reviews
May 24, 2023
❤️‍🔥❤️❤️‍🔥❤️❤️‍🔥❤️❤️‍🔥

Charlene Namdhari has out-done herself with DEXTERITY. Cinder & Xavier's story is perfectly written and by the end even at the beginning you want to hug Xavier, he is honestly the hottest most beautiful man ever.
Xavier is beyond gorgeous😍❤️ You want to hug him so badly but at the same time climb him and eat him up🙈❤️‍🔥
3 reviews
May 27, 2023
Masterfully written

This book made me feels every emotion under the sun but in the best way. This truly touched my soul. Charlene's story building is unmatched. She takes you on a journey that hooks you from start to finish. Just when you think you've figured it out... she throws another 5 surprises at you. Lol Looking forward to book 3.
32 reviews
May 31, 2023
Breathtaking

Absolutely love Charlene’s books. This book may be dark but isn’t darkness the other side of light? I agree with Charlene that love knows no age no right or wrong time. And all our scars are to be proudly shown as our victory over the evil. Well done, Charlene another book that kept me on the edge.
73 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2023
Oh, Charlene !!! What have you done !!

Where do I start? 😭😭
This book is so raw , so emotional, and so beautiful that it will leave you a complete mess in a good way . I will not give any spoilers, for who already knows Charlene style, you know that you are in for a roller coaster !!! To Ella and Xavier, 5 beautiful stars 💜 this book deserves so much more....
Profile Image for JD.
155 reviews
May 22, 2023
5 Amazing Stars

If you haven't already discovered this author, don't wait any longer. This book was so beautiful written, for sure please read the trigger earnings and if it's not something you like. Don't let that stop you from finding another book by this author.

This book had strong characters from the very beginning and taking the journey was heart breaking but we there is the joy at the end. It's an amazing book and it will not disappoint you.
Profile Image for Stacey Woods.
1,112 reviews30 followers
May 31, 2023
You will get emotional so prepare for the ride. The realistic side of life's perils make this story worth it. I could almost feel what's happening while reading this. Are you ready for a story that will pull at your heartstrings?
Profile Image for Camelia Dinu.
28 reviews
May 31, 2023
I think this is your darkest story to date,Charlene but you managed to spin it in something beyond beautiful.one can only hope to find that level of patience,commitment, experience,goodness and devotion in a partner.Xavier was EVERYTHING!
46 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2023
Not a cliche but a story that will shake your world

Please read the triggers page before starting the journey of reading this book, depending on your sensibility you will cry, feel desperation and if you were ever a victim of abuse remember every single hard moment that turned you into a stronger person. The book is amazing. Read it with passion and an open mind.
Profile Image for V..
58 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2023
One of the best books I've read this year.
The slow burn and the plot were epic
It was so worth the wait
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.