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Paris Mob / Vengeful King #1
Covenant
Danger. Passion. Obsession.
Heir to a worthless title, Christophe Marchand knows the only way to build an empire in the twenty-first century is with single-minded focus and cold, hard pragmatism.
Which means no distractions.
But that’s before he lays eyes on Charlotte Duval.
Charlotte Duval is no man’s arm candy.
An expert in antique furniture, Charlotte is in Paris to close up her recently deceased father’s antique store. Her plan? Finish the job as quickly as possible, preferably without touching the still-tender wound of their estranged relationship, and return to L.A...
And even the enigmatic Christophe Marchand can’t tempt her to stay.
Then the discovery of an elaborate ring hidden inside a 16th century writing desk sets off a chain of events that sends her to Christophe for protection. Soon the pair are traveling to Vienna in search of answers to an unsolved theft that once rocked the art world. But when their hunt intersects with an ominous takeover of Christophe’s business, it becomes clear that their common cause will either destroy them — or force them to come to terms with the true price of love.
Heir to a worthless title, Christophe Marchand knows the only way to build an empire in the twenty-first century is with single-minded focus and cold, hard pragmatism.
Which means no distractions.
But that’s before he lays eyes on Charlotte Duval.
Charlotte Duval is no man’s arm candy.
An expert in antique furniture, Charlotte is in Paris to close up her recently deceased father’s antique store. Her plan? Finish the job as quickly as possible, preferably without touching the still-tender wound of their estranged relationship, and return to L.A...
And even the enigmatic Christophe Marchand can’t tempt her to stay.
Then the discovery of an elaborate ring hidden inside a 16th century writing desk sets off a chain of events that sends her to Christophe for protection. Soon the pair are traveling to Vienna in search of answers to an unsolved theft that once rocked the art world. But when their hunt intersects with an ominous takeover of Christophe’s business, it becomes clear that their common cause will either destroy them — or force them to come to terms with the true price of love.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2016
334 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Michelle St. James
116 books586 followersMichelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2017
Type: Alpha male erotica, m/f, straightforward missionary sex
Summary: Refined, cultured, wealthy, somber aesthete Christophe Marchand runs the mob in the beautiful city of Paris, but don’t let that fool you. He has plenty of time to wait around to personally receive delivery of an antique desk, a flimsy literary pretext so that he can meet...Charlotte. Charlotte, who can barely deliver a piece of furniture without nearly going into an orgasm all over it at the sight of her handsome customer. When Charlotte discovers a valuable ring and is threatened at knife point, her mind wanders back to that hottie client who happened to have men with guns in his foyer. The ring provides an excuse for Charlotte and Christophe to be together, blah blah, here we go.
Steam Factors
Cover & Title: 2-volcanoes
The title Covenant added to a hot guy in shades against a Liberace-gold background --I thought this book was going to be about vampires. I was not far wrong, but not in the way I expected. The story itself sucked two hours out of my life, and I’m feeling drained and like a lesser being for time poorly spent.
Grammar & Mechanics: 2-volcanoes
Only three actual grammar/typo/word issues! However…
When it comes to the mechanics of describing a sex scene, why do all three use the word “snaking” in different contexts? Stop with the snaking. I’m not sure I want to think of snakes in my panties.
Also, if the writer can use (repeatedly) the word cock and refer to a clit by name, why oh why are Charlotte’s delicate lady parts frequently referred to as “her sex”? It’s as if the female author doesn’t know the language for her own body parts.
Finally, the author time and again employs the metaphor of “leaping off a cliff into a blue lagoon” to describe an orgasm. It truly makes me wonder if the author has actually ever had an orgasm. Perhaps she is just generally sure that orgasms are a very wet, ergo the reader is treated to a lagoon of wetness. In short, it’s very weird.
Content & Reality Check: 2-volcanoes
When will writers quit raping Twilight and spawning clones of Bella Swan and Edward?
I was perfectly willing to accept the alpha male of Christophe Marchand, in all his broody perfection with his infinite amounts of money and limitless free time and exquisite taste in art.
And then there was...Charlotte.
Oh, formulas. Cool controlled alpha male falls for an idiot woman whom the author tries to assure the reader is actually, well, not an idiot.
And that is a problem: the author wants to tell the reader flatly, that Charlotte Duval is “an intelligent woman” and “too smart for that”. But then Charlotte does things like saying, “Hey! I just met you, and this is crazy, but I have a ring which might have your dead father’s blood on it!”
That’s a paraphrase and yet not far off from what’s actually in the novel.
Very smooth, Charlotte--not at all gauche or moronic or insensitive at all. No wonder Christophe is so smitten with you and your hot “sex” and your “blue lagoon” orgasms.
Plus, a woman who restores antiques for a living didn’t replace the gaudy imitation “art” in her rental because “it didn’t seem worth it”? That would be like me renting an apartment filled with the memoirs of Miley Cyrus and thinking, “Eh, I can live with that and nothing else to read.” As if!
Finally, Charlotte goes into physical shock because people were shooting at her, after insisting on being included in the action. Charlotte, who the author boasts regularly rides the LA subway just like she did in New York, two cities known for their extremely high crime rates.
Please.
Charlotte, you are killing me.
Best of the Rest: 2-volcanoes
The writing style overall is of fairly good quality. I like the setting and the small details which are included seamlessly, for the most part. Still, Christophe’s place in St. Germain, as well as the ensuing descriptions of Vienna and Boston and even Los Angeles, are sketchy at best. Each location could be any house, any hotel, any city, anywhere. The semi-mystery of the ring as a plot device to develop the main characters and throw in some sex is well done, which is why it is so aggravating to be burdened with a twit like Charlotte.
Honestly, you could have removed Charlotte altogether and focused on the character of Christophe, including him masturbating to the long lost memory of a past girlfriend, and the story would have not only lost nothing but been improved by her absence.
Total Steam Factors: 2-volcanoes
Give me back my two hours. I could have been watching Netflix.
Summary: Refined, cultured, wealthy, somber aesthete Christophe Marchand runs the mob in the beautiful city of Paris, but don’t let that fool you. He has plenty of time to wait around to personally receive delivery of an antique desk, a flimsy literary pretext so that he can meet...Charlotte. Charlotte, who can barely deliver a piece of furniture without nearly going into an orgasm all over it at the sight of her handsome customer. When Charlotte discovers a valuable ring and is threatened at knife point, her mind wanders back to that hottie client who happened to have men with guns in his foyer. The ring provides an excuse for Charlotte and Christophe to be together, blah blah, here we go.
Steam Factors
Cover & Title: 2-volcanoes
The title Covenant added to a hot guy in shades against a Liberace-gold background --I thought this book was going to be about vampires. I was not far wrong, but not in the way I expected. The story itself sucked two hours out of my life, and I’m feeling drained and like a lesser being for time poorly spent.
Grammar & Mechanics: 2-volcanoes
Only three actual grammar/typo/word issues! However…
When it comes to the mechanics of describing a sex scene, why do all three use the word “snaking” in different contexts? Stop with the snaking. I’m not sure I want to think of snakes in my panties.
Also, if the writer can use (repeatedly) the word cock and refer to a clit by name, why oh why are Charlotte’s delicate lady parts frequently referred to as “her sex”? It’s as if the female author doesn’t know the language for her own body parts.
Finally, the author time and again employs the metaphor of “leaping off a cliff into a blue lagoon” to describe an orgasm. It truly makes me wonder if the author has actually ever had an orgasm. Perhaps she is just generally sure that orgasms are a very wet, ergo the reader is treated to a lagoon of wetness. In short, it’s very weird.
Content & Reality Check: 2-volcanoes
When will writers quit raping Twilight and spawning clones of Bella Swan and Edward?
I was perfectly willing to accept the alpha male of Christophe Marchand, in all his broody perfection with his infinite amounts of money and limitless free time and exquisite taste in art.
And then there was...Charlotte.
Oh, formulas. Cool controlled alpha male falls for an idiot woman whom the author tries to assure the reader is actually, well, not an idiot.
And that is a problem: the author wants to tell the reader flatly, that Charlotte Duval is “an intelligent woman” and “too smart for that”. But then Charlotte does things like saying, “Hey! I just met you, and this is crazy, but I have a ring which might have your dead father’s blood on it!”
That’s a paraphrase and yet not far off from what’s actually in the novel.
Very smooth, Charlotte--not at all gauche or moronic or insensitive at all. No wonder Christophe is so smitten with you and your hot “sex” and your “blue lagoon” orgasms.
Plus, a woman who restores antiques for a living didn’t replace the gaudy imitation “art” in her rental because “it didn’t seem worth it”? That would be like me renting an apartment filled with the memoirs of Miley Cyrus and thinking, “Eh, I can live with that and nothing else to read.” As if!
Finally, Charlotte goes into physical shock because people were shooting at her, after insisting on being included in the action. Charlotte, who the author boasts regularly rides the LA subway just like she did in New York, two cities known for their extremely high crime rates.
Please.
Charlotte, you are killing me.
Best of the Rest: 2-volcanoes
The writing style overall is of fairly good quality. I like the setting and the small details which are included seamlessly, for the most part. Still, Christophe’s place in St. Germain, as well as the ensuing descriptions of Vienna and Boston and even Los Angeles, are sketchy at best. Each location could be any house, any hotel, any city, anywhere. The semi-mystery of the ring as a plot device to develop the main characters and throw in some sex is well done, which is why it is so aggravating to be burdened with a twit like Charlotte.
Honestly, you could have removed Charlotte altogether and focused on the character of Christophe, including him masturbating to the long lost memory of a past girlfriend, and the story would have not only lost nothing but been improved by her absence.
Total Steam Factors: 2-volcanoes
Give me back my two hours. I could have been watching Netflix.
Want to read
June 11, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/11/2020)! 🎁
October 9, 2022
Enemies to lovers kinda..
My first romance mafia book
I liked the mystery aspect of it where the main character meets Christophe..when she drops off a piece of furniture her dad had finished up fixing up before he passed away.
There is automatically chemistry between the two and then without giving anything away, they both meet back up under some unforseen circumstances and work together to find this piece of art/necklace.
And that's when the mystery part begins.
Definitely has some spicy scenes.
I gave 4 stars simply because in the beginning I almost DNF'd due to starting off slow. But im glade I kept reading. It git better.
This is the 1st book in this series.
1st book was free in Kindle.
I believe the rest of the books are available on kindle unlimited.
My first romance mafia book
I liked the mystery aspect of it where the main character meets Christophe..when she drops off a piece of furniture her dad had finished up fixing up before he passed away.
There is automatically chemistry between the two and then without giving anything away, they both meet back up under some unforseen circumstances and work together to find this piece of art/necklace.
And that's when the mystery part begins.
Definitely has some spicy scenes.
I gave 4 stars simply because in the beginning I almost DNF'd due to starting off slow. But im glade I kept reading. It git better.
This is the 1st book in this series.
1st book was free in Kindle.
I believe the rest of the books are available on kindle unlimited.
May 29, 2017
Something about French men and art
Me like-y Christophe! He is very debonair. And dangerous. Charlotte is grieving and guarded. Their meeting can be called a love at first sight? Their intimacy was so powerful with the tenderness they showed each other. It wasn't overpowered with harsh commands but soul consuming passion. The French do it better, I guess.
Anyways, this is the action and mystery that I love with Michelle's mob series. And it's shaping up to explode into something bigger. Who is behind all of this? And my main man is making some appearances, Farrell Black...can we have a moment of silence for that man?
Me like-y Christophe! He is very debonair. And dangerous. Charlotte is grieving and guarded. Their meeting can be called a love at first sight? Their intimacy was so powerful with the tenderness they showed each other. It wasn't overpowered with harsh commands but soul consuming passion. The French do it better, I guess.
Anyways, this is the action and mystery that I love with Michelle's mob series. And it's shaping up to explode into something bigger. Who is behind all of this? And my main man is making some appearances, Farrell Black...can we have a moment of silence for that man?
January 2, 2019
Charolette and Christophe unaware of what will happen
Charolette had been in Paris to clean up the affairs of her father after his death. When she had to deliver an antique desk to Christophe she never imagined how gorgeous he was. Neither one could imagine either how much their lives were going to change. 2 lonely souls meeting by chance or fate.
Charolette had been in Paris to clean up the affairs of her father after his death. When she had to deliver an antique desk to Christophe she never imagined how gorgeous he was. Neither one could imagine either how much their lives were going to change. 2 lonely souls meeting by chance or fate.
July 21, 2018
when I "picked up" thid book I some how managed to miss the type of book snd hence that it was erotica. I was enjoying the easy read and then it hit me. I'm going to read no2 as I would like to get back to the story and find out what happens.
November 25, 2022
Wow seeing these syndicate stories individual yet tied together is actually pretty cool.
The book is as described in the blurb. But wow the chemistry between Christophe and Charlotte was excellent. On to the next book to read their story.
The book is as described in the blurb. But wow the chemistry between Christophe and Charlotte was excellent. On to the next book to read their story.
May 30, 2017
Excellent. I love Christophe and Charlotte. I can't wait to read more of their story
July 17, 2017
Not as good as others from this series. Was just ok
February 17, 2018
Kept me interested and looking for the next adventure. Good romance with intriguing plot.
Want to read
April 17, 2023Purch Amz July 15, 2022
November 30, 2024
Really enjoying this book couldn't put it down just starting the second book fingers crossed it as goog
May 23, 2020
I quite enjoyed this story about Christophe and Charlotte. It has intrigue, danger and a blossoming relationship. I look forward to the next.
April 2, 2019
The beauty in life
Christophe is so focused on the collection of the antiquities from his childhood that he misses the threat to his livelihood and his love. While a collector of beautiful things and finally admitting to his feelings for Charlotte someone is getting ready to destroy his world and all the people he knows. Add to this he mystery of the Tucker's Cross and treasure hunt that has him possibly losing the only woman he even loves and you have a mess.
This book is awesome and I cannot wait for the next installment.
Christophe is so focused on the collection of the antiquities from his childhood that he misses the threat to his livelihood and his love. While a collector of beautiful things and finally admitting to his feelings for Charlotte someone is getting ready to destroy his world and all the people he knows. Add to this he mystery of the Tucker's Cross and treasure hunt that has him possibly losing the only woman he even loves and you have a mess.
This book is awesome and I cannot wait for the next installment.
September 22, 2016
Charlotte Duval is at a loss for what to do.
Her father has passed away and she is stuck with the task of what to do: close his antiques shop, the Galerie Duval in Paris or move on and go back to Los Angeles, where her own job at the Getty museum waits for her.
Does she close the shop, the one reminder of her father’s legacy and the only place she ever felt a connection to her father? Or does she return to LA where her job and her mother await her? The choice should be clear, but closing the shop would be like letting go of her father forever.
While working on repairing a desk for Christophe Marchand, one of the shops best clients, Charlotte discovers a ring embedded in one of the drawers of the desk. On the inside of the band, the phrase The fates lead the willing is inscribed in Latin.
When she drops off the desk at Marchand’s, she isn’t prepared for her reaction to him. Her heart races and she finds herself imaging what he would look like undressed. The air rushes out of her lungs in wanting. She is slightly unnerved, though, by the gentlemen guarding his home. They are carrying guns. What kind of man needs men who have guns to protects him?
That man is Christophe Marchand. Head of the Paris mob, he’s not a man to be trifled with. He rules the Paris mob with an iron fist. But he is far more than a mobster. He is a collector of memories. After his father squandered the Marchand fortune and sold off pieces of furniture to pay bills after Christophe’s mother died. Pieces that Christophe remembered form his childhood.
Christophe has painstakingly put the house back together, piece by piece. The house makes him remember his mother most of all. Christophe hadn’t realized how much his mother held the family together, his brother, his father and himself, until she was gone.
For his part, Christophe is not prepared for his reaction to Charlotte. It is almost primal.
When men break into the galerie and threaten Charlotte, demanding the ring, one of them holds a knife and Charlotte knows real fear. The men give her one day to hand over the ring. The thought of them coming back and potentially doing more harm to her and her fathers shop fills her with even more fear.
She turns to the only person she thinks can help her: Christophe Marchand…
There is so much to love about Coveted. Michelle St. James always manages to fill the pages with a story that moves me, that strikes a match and sets the world she creates aflame. However, she went one step above with Coveted. Words can’t express how much I love this book.
Christophe isn’t your average mob guy. He’s a man with so much heart but he keeps it hidden behind a hard wall, afraid to let anyone in. The fact that she gives us such a deep look into his psyche and personality deepens his connection with us. He’s so afraid to let anyone in that when Charlotte lights his match, he tries to forget her, tries not to think about her, but the heart wants what it wants. St. James paints this struggle so well that, by the time they come together, I found myself cheering for him.
We’re also given a deep look into Charlotte’s life. Living in L. A. in a job she likes, dealing with her washed up actress of a mother, St. James shows us a woman on the edge, wanting change, wanting adventure. Unsure of what she wants, heartbroken after the death of her father, Charlotte knows she just wants more.
They find solace in each other and watching them come together was a joyous experience. I was struck by the depth of these two characters. The secondary characters also sparkled and lit up the pages, but this is Christophe and Charlotte’s story, make no mistake.
I love how Michelle St. James tells the story of two people who don’t know that they’re lost until they find the other half of their hearts in the most unlikely of ways. I always say that this is the best book Michelle has written and it’s no different this time around. Michelle has given us a story of two people who are so entwined in their lives that they almost don’t recognize salvation when it happens.
Covenant was such an emotional journey that it left me wanting more! It had heart, humour and was hot enough to set the pages afire. I can’t wait until Revenant is released in October to find out how the story continues!
Her father has passed away and she is stuck with the task of what to do: close his antiques shop, the Galerie Duval in Paris or move on and go back to Los Angeles, where her own job at the Getty museum waits for her.
Does she close the shop, the one reminder of her father’s legacy and the only place she ever felt a connection to her father? Or does she return to LA where her job and her mother await her? The choice should be clear, but closing the shop would be like letting go of her father forever.
While working on repairing a desk for Christophe Marchand, one of the shops best clients, Charlotte discovers a ring embedded in one of the drawers of the desk. On the inside of the band, the phrase The fates lead the willing is inscribed in Latin.
When she drops off the desk at Marchand’s, she isn’t prepared for her reaction to him. Her heart races and she finds herself imaging what he would look like undressed. The air rushes out of her lungs in wanting. She is slightly unnerved, though, by the gentlemen guarding his home. They are carrying guns. What kind of man needs men who have guns to protects him?
That man is Christophe Marchand. Head of the Paris mob, he’s not a man to be trifled with. He rules the Paris mob with an iron fist. But he is far more than a mobster. He is a collector of memories. After his father squandered the Marchand fortune and sold off pieces of furniture to pay bills after Christophe’s mother died. Pieces that Christophe remembered form his childhood.
Christophe has painstakingly put the house back together, piece by piece. The house makes him remember his mother most of all. Christophe hadn’t realized how much his mother held the family together, his brother, his father and himself, until she was gone.
For his part, Christophe is not prepared for his reaction to Charlotte. It is almost primal.
When men break into the galerie and threaten Charlotte, demanding the ring, one of them holds a knife and Charlotte knows real fear. The men give her one day to hand over the ring. The thought of them coming back and potentially doing more harm to her and her fathers shop fills her with even more fear.
She turns to the only person she thinks can help her: Christophe Marchand…
There is so much to love about Coveted. Michelle St. James always manages to fill the pages with a story that moves me, that strikes a match and sets the world she creates aflame. However, she went one step above with Coveted. Words can’t express how much I love this book.
Christophe isn’t your average mob guy. He’s a man with so much heart but he keeps it hidden behind a hard wall, afraid to let anyone in. The fact that she gives us such a deep look into his psyche and personality deepens his connection with us. He’s so afraid to let anyone in that when Charlotte lights his match, he tries to forget her, tries not to think about her, but the heart wants what it wants. St. James paints this struggle so well that, by the time they come together, I found myself cheering for him.
We’re also given a deep look into Charlotte’s life. Living in L. A. in a job she likes, dealing with her washed up actress of a mother, St. James shows us a woman on the edge, wanting change, wanting adventure. Unsure of what she wants, heartbroken after the death of her father, Charlotte knows she just wants more.
They find solace in each other and watching them come together was a joyous experience. I was struck by the depth of these two characters. The secondary characters also sparkled and lit up the pages, but this is Christophe and Charlotte’s story, make no mistake.
I love how Michelle St. James tells the story of two people who don’t know that they’re lost until they find the other half of their hearts in the most unlikely of ways. I always say that this is the best book Michelle has written and it’s no different this time around. Michelle has given us a story of two people who are so entwined in their lives that they almost don’t recognize salvation when it happens.
Covenant was such an emotional journey that it left me wanting more! It had heart, humour and was hot enough to set the pages afire. I can’t wait until Revenant is released in October to find out how the story continues!
March 4, 2017
Wow
I don't really get into mob kinds of books because the callous disrespect for life bothers me to no end. But this, this was something else entirely. I loved the characters (although I choke the heck out of Bruno), the action, the relationship. I loved it. Can't wait to continue the series.
I don't really get into mob kinds of books because the callous disrespect for life bothers me to no end. But this, this was something else entirely. I loved the characters (although I choke the heck out of Bruno), the action, the relationship. I loved it. Can't wait to continue the series.
September 16, 2016
Mob-ilicious…
I know, it isn’t a word but this author could coin a phrase all her own to describe her books revolving around organized crime and love. Those words shouldn't go together but they do, wonderfully so, as each book I’ve read so far has created a unique world in this genre that I do not want to leave. Ever…
If you are not a stranger to this world then you know who Christophe Marchand is. And in this new series we get to dive deeper into the man who was a bit of a mystery. Until now... He is cool under pressure and in control, always. With his complex family life, starting a family – finding a wife, even a woman to love – wasn’t even on his radar. Until now…. Charlotte Duval’s relationship with her parents may seem simpler in comparison but it is just as uncertain and plagued with doubt. When they meet and realize they have a deadly secret to uncover, there is more to discover than an art mystery…
“That there was a woman in the world who could stimulate both body and mind was a revelation.”
This is a love story, a murder mystery and a treasure hunt all set within the international world of organized crime. A big undertaking but one that is pulled off with a story that is full of complex characters and intricate twists and turns. I love Christophe and Charlotte together. They feel like real people despite their far from run of the mill lives. The connection between them is emotional and physical, their courtship feels intimate and personal, with the reader allowed to hear and feel their innermost thoughts and feelings. With the high stakes world of fine art as the backdrop, it all blends together perfectly with their relationship at the center of it all.
The only way this story could have been improved was if it part two was waiting at the turn of the last page. Bring on part two, please!
**I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.**
I know, it isn’t a word but this author could coin a phrase all her own to describe her books revolving around organized crime and love. Those words shouldn't go together but they do, wonderfully so, as each book I’ve read so far has created a unique world in this genre that I do not want to leave. Ever…
If you are not a stranger to this world then you know who Christophe Marchand is. And in this new series we get to dive deeper into the man who was a bit of a mystery. Until now... He is cool under pressure and in control, always. With his complex family life, starting a family – finding a wife, even a woman to love – wasn’t even on his radar. Until now…. Charlotte Duval’s relationship with her parents may seem simpler in comparison but it is just as uncertain and plagued with doubt. When they meet and realize they have a deadly secret to uncover, there is more to discover than an art mystery…
“That there was a woman in the world who could stimulate both body and mind was a revelation.”
This is a love story, a murder mystery and a treasure hunt all set within the international world of organized crime. A big undertaking but one that is pulled off with a story that is full of complex characters and intricate twists and turns. I love Christophe and Charlotte together. They feel like real people despite their far from run of the mill lives. The connection between them is emotional and physical, their courtship feels intimate and personal, with the reader allowed to hear and feel their innermost thoughts and feelings. With the high stakes world of fine art as the backdrop, it all blends together perfectly with their relationship at the center of it all.
The only way this story could have been improved was if it part two was waiting at the turn of the last page. Bring on part two, please!
**I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.**
January 1, 2017
Really great suspense romance.
September 26, 2016
Mchelle St. James is a queen at writing mobster romance novels. I'm a big fan, and I loved Covenant!
Charlotte Duval has returned to Paris to take care of the closing of her father's antique store. Although she never had the warm and fuzzy relationship with her father, he did teach her well in the appreciation and restoration of antiques. Only a few pieces are left in the store, one being a very special desk that now belongs to its new owner Christophe Marchard. Charlotte finishes the desks restoration where her father left off. While restoring it, Charlotte discovers a ring that is worth a lot, as well holds many secrets. Eager to discover who it belongs to sends Charlotte into a world wind adventure of craziness and danger.
Christophe is a wealthy, sexy, mob boss. He is not interested in having a relationship, nor emotionally attaching himself to a woman. His one mission is to recover as many timeless pieces from his family heritage that his father sold off years ago. Upon waiting for his next purchase, Christophe finds himself interested in much more than just the desk. Never in his craziest dreams did he think that he'd feel such a strong pull towards a woman than the instant he comes into contact with Charlotte. Charlotte also feels this crazy pull towards Christophe, but she has no intention in perusing him or remaining in Paris. Her goal, in and out, take care of the shop and head back to LA. However danger comes knocking on her door and it's looking for the ring. After learning who last owned the ring, Charlotte's curiosity to find out what happened to the owner sends her back into the arms of Christophe. What neither of expect is what they discover about the ring along the way and how deep they fall for one another.
Great job Michelle St. James. I can't wait to see what you have in store for Charlotte and Christophe in book two.
Charlotte Duval has returned to Paris to take care of the closing of her father's antique store. Although she never had the warm and fuzzy relationship with her father, he did teach her well in the appreciation and restoration of antiques. Only a few pieces are left in the store, one being a very special desk that now belongs to its new owner Christophe Marchard. Charlotte finishes the desks restoration where her father left off. While restoring it, Charlotte discovers a ring that is worth a lot, as well holds many secrets. Eager to discover who it belongs to sends Charlotte into a world wind adventure of craziness and danger.
Christophe is a wealthy, sexy, mob boss. He is not interested in having a relationship, nor emotionally attaching himself to a woman. His one mission is to recover as many timeless pieces from his family heritage that his father sold off years ago. Upon waiting for his next purchase, Christophe finds himself interested in much more than just the desk. Never in his craziest dreams did he think that he'd feel such a strong pull towards a woman than the instant he comes into contact with Charlotte. Charlotte also feels this crazy pull towards Christophe, but she has no intention in perusing him or remaining in Paris. Her goal, in and out, take care of the shop and head back to LA. However danger comes knocking on her door and it's looking for the ring. After learning who last owned the ring, Charlotte's curiosity to find out what happened to the owner sends her back into the arms of Christophe. What neither of expect is what they discover about the ring along the way and how deep they fall for one another.
Great job Michelle St. James. I can't wait to see what you have in store for Charlotte and Christophe in book two.
November 7, 2016
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Covenant was a great 5 star read.
Charlotte is in Paris to take care of her deceased father’s antique store. She is working on a piece of furniture for Christophe before she heads back to L.A., while working on the desk she finds a ring.
When Charlotte delivers the desk to Christophe he is immediately drawn in by her. Christophe is the head of the Paris mob, he’s handsome, rich and is very intimidating. He is not looking for a relationship to distract him from his goal of collecting pieces of furniture from his family heritage.
When some men break into the shop looking for the ring they end up threatening Charlotte and putting a ton of fear into her. She goes to Christophe for help in finding out the history of the ring. Can he help her? Can they find out the mystery behind the ring?
These two have quite the connection that grew the more they were together. I was so happy when they finally gave into their attraction.
The sex is hot and the secondary characters were a great addition to the story. I do have to warn you that Covenant leaves us with a heck of a cliffhanger that leaves several questions. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series. Thank you Michelle for an on the edge of my seat read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Covenant was a great 5 star read.
Charlotte is in Paris to take care of her deceased father’s antique store. She is working on a piece of furniture for Christophe before she heads back to L.A., while working on the desk she finds a ring.
When Charlotte delivers the desk to Christophe he is immediately drawn in by her. Christophe is the head of the Paris mob, he’s handsome, rich and is very intimidating. He is not looking for a relationship to distract him from his goal of collecting pieces of furniture from his family heritage.
When some men break into the shop looking for the ring they end up threatening Charlotte and putting a ton of fear into her. She goes to Christophe for help in finding out the history of the ring. Can he help her? Can they find out the mystery behind the ring?
These two have quite the connection that grew the more they were together. I was so happy when they finally gave into their attraction.
The sex is hot and the secondary characters were a great addition to the story. I do have to warn you that Covenant leaves us with a heck of a cliffhanger that leaves several questions. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series. Thank you Michelle for an on the edge of my seat read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
November 5, 2016
The Covenant by Michelle St. James is a stylish and well done suspense romance. Charlotte Duval is in Paris to settle the affairs of her recently deceased father. Charlotte loves her father's antiques store but doesn't believe that she wants to make Paris her home. She has a few things to tie up and one of those is the finishing touches and delivery of a desk to Christophe Marchand. While cleaning the piece Charlotte finds an old ring hidden in the desk and not long after gets some unexpected and unwanted guests, interested in the ring. Enter Christophe Marchand. Christophe is the head of the one of Paris' mob families and is the one resource Charlotte has to find out why people want the ring and keep her safe in the process.
Both Charlotte and Christophe are interesting characters. Both are determined to keep their relationship casual as they untangle the mystery of the ring. Charlotte is a modern, smart and driven woman. Christophe is written as the gentleman criminal. He acknowledges his connections to the less savory side of life but is using it to keep his father and brother as well as his family legacy alive. The story is well paced as Charlotte and Christophe become involved with the intrigue of the ring and each other. Ms. St. James has a nice balance between the character interactions and storyline and she knows how to make a scene steamy.
This is the first book of what I believe is a trilogy so while some things are brought to light there are unanswered questions that will be coming in book 2. This one will definitely catch and hold your attention and have you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Both Charlotte and Christophe are interesting characters. Both are determined to keep their relationship casual as they untangle the mystery of the ring. Charlotte is a modern, smart and driven woman. Christophe is written as the gentleman criminal. He acknowledges his connections to the less savory side of life but is using it to keep his father and brother as well as his family legacy alive. The story is well paced as Charlotte and Christophe become involved with the intrigue of the ring and each other. Ms. St. James has a nice balance between the character interactions and storyline and she knows how to make a scene steamy.
This is the first book of what I believe is a trilogy so while some things are brought to light there are unanswered questions that will be coming in book 2. This one will definitely catch and hold your attention and have you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
September 16, 2016
Cliffhanger, I was not invested enough in the characters to worry about part 2.
September 11, 2016
Christophe Marchand is the heir to a worthless title that he is restoring with his mob money.
Charlotte Duval is a antique furniture curator working at the Getty.
While finishing the restoration of a 16th century desk her father bought for Christophe she discovers a ring with a shady past. This discovery sends the h to the H for protection and while traveling across Europe they uncover an unsolved art theft and an ominous plot to takeover Christophe's business.
There is mystery, car chases, and passionate nights in the series opener that will keep you turning the pages and anxiously waiting for the next.
Charlotte Duval is a antique furniture curator working at the Getty.
While finishing the restoration of a 16th century desk her father bought for Christophe she discovers a ring with a shady past. This discovery sends the h to the H for protection and while traveling across Europe they uncover an unsolved art theft and an ominous plot to takeover Christophe's business.
There is mystery, car chases, and passionate nights in the series opener that will keep you turning the pages and anxiously waiting for the next.
September 28, 2016
Yummy! I love these mob boss stories by Michelle St. James. You add some mystery with some sexy time and makes for a great read. Charlotte and Christophe' are full of chemistry and spunk. Both leary about a new relationship and in unsettled parts of their life. A desk brings them together and a threat keeps Christophe' by her side to protect her. The story is intense, a real page turner waiting to see what will be uncovered with the next chapter. The sex is great! The ending SUCKS. Seriously How can you do that to us. It's a Cliff hanger with lots and lots of unfinished business. I can not wait to read the next book to see where this mystery takes us.
December 9, 2016
Another amazing 1
I love this author this is the final set of mob books I have by her and I have to say I love this one as much as Paris and new york . I hope that everyone gives Michelle St. James's books a read they are beyond good
I love this author this is the final set of mob books I have by her and I have to say I love this one as much as Paris and new york . I hope that everyone gives Michelle St. James's books a read they are beyond good
September 29, 2016
Michelle St. James out did herself again. The mob storyline keeps you o. the edge of you seat. The chemistry between Charlotte and Christophe is hot and steamy.
March 31, 2017
Love this
4 & 1\2 ☆'s. All these series are awesome together. Of course, it's good to have an art loving alpha who, also, happens to be French & a mob boss...Let's hope his brother gets his just deserts..
4 & 1\2 ☆'s. All these series are awesome together. Of course, it's good to have an art loving alpha who, also, happens to be French & a mob boss...Let's hope his brother gets his just deserts..
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