Olivia Reid’s death has always been in the cards. When a man starts stalking her, he brings her pleasure instead of murder. He wants more than her orgasms. He seems to want her very mind. By giving him one thought every night, she manages to push forward the deadline of her extinction. But for how long can she buy her life before her mind is empty, and her stalker has what he wants?
Cain Jones is the leader of a paranormal crime taskforce dedicated to protecting mankind from the revival of evil and the dawning of a second Dark Age. The team under his command uses their seven forbidden arts secretively to fight their archenemy, Godfrey Reid, a man who is set on turning immortal and wiping out the human race. Fighting battle after battle, Cain makes a breakthrough when he locates his opponent’s weakness–Mrs. Olivia Reid. She’s his only link to Godfrey, and his only chance at accomplishing his mission. He’ll break her if he has to. He’ll even steal her thoughts. As the investigation progresses Cain has to face a truth he doesn’t want to admit. He has an ulterior motive for personally keeping an eye on his enemy’s dwellings. Watching Olivia sleep, Cain soon becomes as obsessed with his archenemy’s woman as with killing Godfrey. She’s everything he’s ever wanted. But will she forgive him for killing her husband?
Man is the ninth and final book in the Seven Forbidden Arts paranormal erotic romance series, but also reads as a standalone. This book contains graphic language and sexual scenes. Reader discretion is advised.
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!).
Since the moment Charmaine Pauls started to republish The 7 Forbidden Arts,i’ve been hooked. Every story drew me in deeper,every couple made me love these people more. Knowing what’s at stake,the survival of the human race,i needed them to succeed at stopping this madman that wanted to become immortal. To become a quantumancist. And now we’re there….at the final confrontation,the moment Cain and his makeshift family have been working towards. After reading the ARC,i feel relieved,and happy with the outcome,but there’s still one detail worrying me….. Is that going to be solved,will it remain contained?
Cain and his team have come so far in their quest to save the world from Godfrey,and now they have a place they know he’ll come to for certain…..his wife’s home. Watching her gives them nothing so far,and he can’t read her mind. Which leads to his decision to try something else…seduce her. Not because he’s drawn to Olivia like a moth to a flame,but simply to get the information they need….right? Only,the closer they get,the more he really wants her….even if this means they’re basically cheating on her husband. Technically, they haven’t slept together,but the things they do are…. But after hearing Godfrey hasn’t touched her that way for years,he doesn’t feel guilty for giving her what she clearly needs,someone that listens to her,that cares about her and for her. And even though Cain and Olivia both know it can’t last,they dó fall for eachother. Even if she has her doubts about his motives,he ís the only person that does things for,and to her that Godfrey never did…. But when Godfrey shows up,when he reveals his plans to her,she KNOWS he has to be stopped! And she knows she’ll have to be the one to do it. Because Cain has a family,people that need him….. Will she succeed,or will it be Cain and his team that go after him? And can Godfrey still bé killed….or is it too late???
Man had me glued to the pages,biting my nails when Godfrey showed up. And enjoying the intimate moments Cain and Olivia had. Seeing everyone again,knowing how they were doing….that felt good. Knowing what could happen was frightening,but i had faith in Cain and his team. They were more than capable of dealing with everything Godfrey threw at them. The only thing that worries me,is what they decided to do at the end….or better yet,what they didn’t do. But i also know i can trust them to make sure nothing bad can come of that decision…..right?
An epic conclusion of the series, the anticipation of what is going to happen with the plot been evolving steadily kept me in my seat 'till I finally reached the very last page of the book.
The ninth storyline is being told from Cain's and Olivia's point of view, it was nice to finally meet Cain and to learn his personality he always got my attention and without a doubt I can say that he is a multidimensional character and he is filled with mystery it was really enjoyable unfolding his many layers throughout the story. Olivia, on the other hand, is a sweet and caring character who has a big heart and wants to give love despite anyone's flaws.
Their instant attraction hooked me immediately as well as their passion, that made the story quite sensual and steamy. Besides, that other elements that can keep any reader at the edge of their seat will definitely be the suspense, the action, the mystery, the adventure... believe me this part is full of them and of course I wouldn't expect anything less for the conclusion of the series.
Once again I was super excited to read about the other characters of the series and of course I was ecstatic about their involvement in the master plan of how to destroy the villain.
Seems like yesterday when I started this wonderful series and it's really hard to say goodbye but as we say "all good things come to an end". If you haven't read the series I certainly recommend you to do it!!
~ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review!~
This is the series finale, the end of the line and the moment we've been inching towards throughout this explosive series and it was worth all of the anticipation and the wait for sure. I've always been incredibly interested in discovering more regarding Cain, he's always seemed such an enigma the powerful figure-head in charge of the Forbidden Arts task team. This final book is focused on him and I adored getting to know him on a more personal level as during this I felt like I really got to know him intimately.
So after the events of the previous book and the reveals here the team now move in on Olivia, Godfrey's long-suffering estranged wife. Setting up suvaliance and watching her hoping she's the missing link that will lead them directly to their nemesis. Olivia is under no illusions when it comes to her husband her rose-coloured specks were removed a long time ago. Godfrey is a source of fear for her and the one she holds partially responsible for her son's death she knows he is evil and longs for an escape from his control
After realising Cain is here due to her husband and that she is in fact an insignificant pawn in this power struggle between two ruthless individuals Olivia is naturally conflicted. She doesn't know who she can trust definitely not Godrey but she's also wary of Cain's intentions also.
I liked this one a lot Cain felt so much more human and relatable and I felt we got to delve beneath his skin and it was fascinating. He's a lot warmer and more emotional than I'd imagined previously and when he falls it's deep. Olivia fascinated him despite him trying to take a step back it was impossible, for the heart wants what it wants and Cain was willing to sacrifice even himself to keep everyone safe and this protective vibe was quite the discovery as previously he'd appeared so totally ruthless.
These two had explosive chemistry together and I loved them as a couple. This was fast-paced and incredibly twisty and I was never bored. As usual, the writing was top notch and the finale brilliant. This series has been fantastic each book offers something different you do need to read in order due to the ongoing events running throughout but it's definitely worth reading. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Man.
I have adored the 7 Forbidden Series and Man is the final book and is Cain Jones, the leader of the paranormal task force story. I could not wait to read his story; it was well worth the wait as it did not disappoint.
In the past 8 books we have we got glimpses of Cain but did not get to learn about his personality and how important his role was in the lives of the Forbidden Arts Task Force.
His attraction to the forbidden Olivia, who is the wife of the enemy Godfrey was unexpected and obsessive. These two had incredible chemistry and when they acted upon it, it was sizzling!
Their journey to eradicate Godfrey was exciting and had me reading late into the night. I also enjoyed the dual POV.
This series is one of my favourite from the very talented Charmaine Pauls.
The seven arts paranormal crime task unit is going after their biggest enemy. Godfrey. A man that wants all 7 forbidden arts for himself and irradiate all humans from earth. He must be stopped.
Cain is the leader and finally gets his story…. With his archenemy’s wife. Olivia has been tormented and abused by Godfrey and he’ll never let her go. Until Cain finds her and realizes she’s just as traps in Godfrey’s power.
Romance, spice. And mystery. This is a great conclusion to this series. All the previous characters in previous books are in this one with growing families. I loved it!
I was gifted my copy direct from the author, that I write a review was not required but I darn well gotta!!
Book 9 in this series, and you really REALLY should read all the other books, in order, to get the full picture. You need to know what Godfrey has book up to and what has happened to Cain's team along the way. Much is referenced to from previous books, and you need to know what happened.
AND because I bloody well said so!!
She captures his attention in a way no woman has for years. There has been no one since his wife died. Too bad that Olivia is the wife of Godfrey, the man Cain and his team have been after for some time. He'll use her to get what he wants, and kill her if she steps in his way. Won't he?
When I start a series, I find there is one character who needs to have a story, one who piques my curiosity and I wait, sometimes patiently, sometimes not, for their story. Cain was probably that character right from the start.
And he did NOT disappoint me!
As leader of the Forbidden Arts task force, its come down to Cain getting Godfrey. And its done in such a way that I was .... say what now?? I had to double back, an several points along the way to check I hadn't missed anything. Because let me tell ya, this book took so many twists and turns, that had I not been glued to the sofa to get this book finished, I would have been dizzy!!
We get what Godfrey has been doing to keep his wife in check. We get what he has done to himself to become immortal. And it ain't pretty, no ma'am! Godfrey is a bad, bad man and he does finally run out of those nine lives he had! Well, sorta, kinda, maybe. Bit of a spoiler so not gonna elaborate but did NOT see that coming!
We catch up with everyone here. Every team member and their other half takes part in bringing Godfrey down. They aren't all in the same place, but they all pop up at some point and I loved that.
Cain is, quite possibly, the dirtiest man in his team! Oh my, yes indeed! And I would say, his story is the steamiest of the whole series! So much steam! Steamed up glasses!! Phew!! But boy oh boy, so darn good!!!
But I'm sad! Because this is the LAST book in this series, a series I loved from the time Bono dropped Josselin out the helicopter in front of Clelia, all the way back in the beginning. I'm gonna miss these people, I really am. Maybe, Ms Pauls, there could be a catch up book, a few years from now, just to see how everyone is, and oh! all the babies! Oh pleeeeeeeeeeeeze???
If you are finding this series now, at the last book, go back to the beginning, go right back to the beginning, with the prequel, Loving the Enemy. You won't be disappointed!
I don't wanna end my review, because I don't want to say goodbye!
Man, the 9th and final book of the Seven Forbidden Arts series was an intriguing novel. Cain Jones, the leader of the paranormal crime task force got his story and it did not disappoint. Charmaine Pauls gave us a story that was gripping and had you on the edge of your seat. Filled with action, suspense and romance this paranormal novel will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Cain and Olivia had a chemistry that burned through the pages of the book. I loved both Cain and Olivia. I loved Cain's protectiveness towards Olivia inspite of who she was married to and I loved Olivia's quiet strength. Together these two made the perfect couple and the sex scenes between them intensified rapidly and was smoking hot. As the final book in the series Charmaine Pauls gave us a fitting ending that tied all the couples together. It should be noted that there are some scenes in the novel which can be a trigger to sensitive readers. This page-turner was an excellent read and a wonderful conclusion to the Forbidden Arts series.
Man by Charmaine Pauls is book 9 in the Seven Forbidden Arts Series. This series is a interconnecting one so it does add to your enjoyment and understanding if you have read the previous books. This is the story of Olivia Reid and Cain Jones. If you have read the previous books then you have met our leading man Cain who runs the Paranormal Task force. Cain is after Godfrey who is a immortality and needs to be taken down. This book has Cain finding Godfrey's wife Olivia who he plans to use to bring out Godfrey. But what Cain didn't bank of was his instant attraction and obsession with her. Olivia at one time thought she loved Godfrey but now she is scared of him and knows he will kill her. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author soon!
Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. Even though Cain's goal is to end Godfrey's reign, his greatest enemy, Cain is drawn to Godfrey's wife, Olivia. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written captivating the reader from the first page of the story until the last page, and a must read riveting story by the phenomenal author, Charmaine Pauls.
This is the ninth and concluding book in the Seven Forbidden Arts Series. I loved it!
Cain Jones is a fascinating character. Although he appears in nearly every book of the series, he remains largely mysterious. I am glad the author decided to use the final book in the series to focus on him. He is the boss of the paranormal task force and oversees the team on behalf of his sponsors. He is also instrumental in playing matchmaker to his team (although they don't know it). Cain and his team have been searching for Godfrey, their nemesis, in an attempt to stop him achieving his ultimate goal - total world domination and immortality. When he finally tracks down Godfrey's wife, he finds himself completely obsessed with her because he can't read her mind. But as danger lurks in the shadows, will he be able to protect Olivia and stop Godfrey in time?
Olivia Reid is also a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is a determined and strong willed woman. She thought she loved Godfrey when she married him, but now she lives in terror of him. When a mysterious stranger appears in her bedroom, she only feels relief that she's about to die. But as her attraction to the mysterious stranger grows, she finds herself facing a psychotic husband who will stop at nothing to reach his goal.
This story is told through the eyes of Cain and Olivia. I enjoyed getting to see the other characters from the team once more too. This book continues on from the end of Chiromancist, though a month or so after the events in book eight, and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I said in my review of Scapulimancist that I thought it was the best of the series so far. I have now had to revise it to the last two books too. The story kept me hooked from the first page.
I have been awaiting the arrival of this book with mixed emotions: eager to read it, but dreading it too. This is because it is the last book of the series and it means the end of watching the team facing obstacles and overcoming them, as well as finding their significant other. The characters have become like friends and I will miss them. It also means the story arc reaches it's zenith, and what a rush it is! All the loose ends are tidied up for the most part. I still had a few unanswered questions buzzing around my head relating to a character that was introduced. I don't want to say too much as it could be a spoiler. However, I found this character most disturbing and I hope that he gets the help he needs. Otherwise he will be another dangerous sociopath/psychopath for the team to deal with when he gets older. There is still the mystery surrounding the quantamancist's identity who helped Ivan in Necromancist, and it remains unsolved by the conclusion. Having said that, the story ends satisfactorily. Whether it is a HEA or HFN remains to be seen. I would like it if the author were to re-visit the team in the future to see how they are getting on, but even if she decides not to, it has been an emotional roller coaster ride from the first to the last book, and I can always re-read the series when I get the chance.
Charmaine Pauls has written an entertaining standalone erotic romance series. Her characters are lifelike and come alive on the page. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I have added her to my favourite authors list and am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend that you read this series in order. Due to the explicit nature of some of the scenes, as well as use of profane language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction, erotica, erotic romance or paranormal romance genres. – Lynn Worton
Loved this book !!!! This is the final book in the Seven Forbidden Arts Series. Each reads as a complete standalone but I just happened to have read (first) Loving the Enemy (a prequel full length novel of the Seven Arts series ) & then Man. So I have LOTS to discover & read in between - but really loved both of these books.
You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor's Wife ... one of the 7 Commandments and yet one Cain finds himself breaking pretty much immediately after stalking & watching Olivia ( the wife of his sworn enemy ) Cain and Olivia's story is just for lack of a better word AMAZING !!!
Olivia is living a secluded - very private life. She has known much heartache bearing the loss of a son and living in a loveless marriage that has made her a prisoner in her home suffering both mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband Geoffrey. Cain is sent in as the leader of the team task force to take Geoffrey out with the end result being his death. His approach is thru Olivia ...
Olivia is a talented world renowned artist yet she is hiding away terrified of her husband who she discovers is pure evil and a threat to mankind. If Olivia does not do his bidding he tortures and kills innocent people. Cain is able to read minds but he cannot read Olivia's until she finds a way to trust him. When they first meet he will not tell her his name so she calls him Mr Assh@%@%@%le Stalker - or Mr. Stalker ( loved that - LOL ) Their attraction is immediate and for so many reasons I loved how they eventually get to their HEA !!! They both deserve true happiness and for me as a reader knowing what they have gone thru you are just so happy they find it together.
I loved that Cain takes care of Olivia not only physically but emotionally - being in an extremely abusive relationship she doesn't know if she can trust Cain. They both have a strict morale compass - that makes what they feel for each other seem wrong - they struggle with their attraction since Olivia technically still married to Geoffrey but she is tied to him thru fear and intimidation - not love.
I've never read a book quite like this - as I am learning with this author's work - there are always plot twists and turns. I've been known to be up into the wee hours of the morning reading her work since I can't stop reading "just one more Chapter" to find out what is coming next ! Loved the emotional roller coaster ride of this story. Amazing 5 star read for me for the following reasons : amazing characters - thought provoking storyline and plot - sizzling chemistry - some laugh out loud humor - just could not put this book down !!! Highly recommend this book and author !!
Man, oh Man, what to say about this - the bittersweet finale to the Seven Forbidden Arts series. In this instalment, we finally get some hands on knowledge of Cain, the enigmatic leader. He is getting closer to Godfrey, and now has Godfrey's wife in his sights - quite literally. However, Olivia isn't what he was expecting, and she calls to him in ways long forgotten.
The whole crew is here, with twists and turns still coming. This is no 'take it slow' finale, no way. It's full of action, tense, with nail-biting suspense right to the very end. It was lovely catching up with all the previous couples, and seeing how they were getting on with their lives. But make no mistake, this edition is all about Cain, Olivia, and Godfrey. Yeesh, that man has creeped me out for 8 books so far, and continues to do so in this one!
I don't do spoilers, but I will say two things. First one, is 'Pegs'. First reaction - ouch! Second reaction - who knew?! 😇 And the second thing, I won't say who, but I will say tears. Even knowing what I know now, it still makes me tear up.
Have I intrigued you? I certainly hope so! This book is an amazing climax to a fascinating concept, that has kept my interest and enjoyment from the first page of the first book, to the final page of this book. Absolutely outstanding! The whole series is a 5-star read as far as I am concerned.
Absolutely, most definitely, and indubitably, recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
I can’t tell you how much I have loved this series. It’s so good and so riveting. And I got a front row seat to seeing each character fall in love and get their HEA. Now it’s Cain’s turn. That man just intrigued me from book one. He’s strength is magnificent and he’s awe inspiring when making his decisions. Especially the tough gut wrenching ones. Now I got to know Cain more in-depth. He’s a complex character. That had a mysterious energy to him. So it was great to see his layers being peeled back throughout the story. Since the death of his wife no woman has ever caught his attention. Until Olivia. Who also happens to be the wife of his and his team’s number one enemy. Ms. Pauls’ once again gives us a story that is gripping and utterly captivating. Filled with action, suspense, mystery and spice. Cain and Olivia had a chemistry that burned hot and heavy. Their attraction to each other and the passion they had lit the pages on fire. I also loved getting to see the rest of the team members and their significant others. Just a spectacular to the Forbidden Arts series!
This book was everything !!! It was so captivating and beautifully written!!! The story was amazing and its now series end and we have Cain finally having his story told. Cain has spent years chasing after his archenemy Godfrey but he is always elusive, close but not close enough. Cain knows how dangerous and extremely ruthless Godfrey can be especially towards obtaining the 7 forbidden arts, but never underestimate Cain he is just as ruthless.Cain and his team were watching Olivia hoping she could help them with there quest of finding Godfrey, the closer Cain got to Olivia the more romantically they became involved, what he didn't expect was that Olivia was in fact Godfrey's wife, how would this affect the mission???and how wold the rest of the Arts team react to the revaluation???.There's plenty of explosive action and a few twists you didn't expect, it was also good to catch up with the rest of the team and there new families. A fantastic finale to an epic series. I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide
What an incredible finale! I must admit that after an nine-book journey, I approached this grand finale with trepidation. Will all the time and emotional investment be worth it? Wow! Thank goodness, YES! YES! YES!
Cain Jones is the Commander of the top secret paranormal Forbidden Arts task force. The Forbidden Arts team is poised for a final showdown with their arch nemesis, Godfrey Reid, a sociopathic megalomaniac who has been trying to steal each of the seven Arts in his plan to take over the world. Cain has the self-appointed task of discovering Godfrey’s whereabouts through spying on and interrogating his wife, Olivia Reid.
Cain’s voyeurism, and later interactions, with Olivia are too sensual, too personal, too profound. He is supposed to get inside her head but instead, he can’t get her out of his. He’s falling for his enemy’s wife. Deadly sin? Fatal flaw? Weakness of character? Dereliction of duty?
None of the above. Trust me. There is so much more beneath the surface. This book is jammed-packed with revelations and the entire team is involved this time. I can’t describe more because I don’t want to “spoil” this but suffice to say, Godfrey is even more crazy, evil, cruel, hateful, arrgh! AWFUL than I had originally believed.
This book was exciting, suspenseful, delightful and fulfilling. At times I was turned on, intrigued, creeped out, or saddened. I like a book that gives you lots of “feels” and this one did it for me. I loved all of it! I know the story is concluded, but this is an amazing world and hopefully the author will consider a “Spin-Off” series, perhaps involving the Arts kids in the future
I cant really believe this is book nine! After each book I think it is my favourite but OMG the tension and attraction between Cain and Olivia pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Not the most conventional meeting and one with an agenda but the change of tact and the obvious attraction are too great to deny in this finale. The lengths that Godfrey will go to for ultimate control are beyond imagination but not is ego and bring about shocking revelations of his control of Olivia and many others. A real page turning feast. I just love this story.
I absolutely loved this whole entire series. I loved and I mean absolutely loved Cain especially from the beginning of the series ad at last we have his story and it is everything. You see Cain and his team literally saving the world this book literally has it all the drama the intense on your seat moments and of course the steamy good times. I quite enjoyed Olivia’s character and she is determined and strong and a good fit for Cain considering the circumstances. The hot and heavy will have you fanning yourself and the action of the plot will keep you glued until the very end. Fantastic ending to the series. Thank you Charmaine for your brilliant story telling.
Cain has pledged his life to protecting humanity from destruction, by the charismatic and ruthless Godfrey Reid, a duty for which he is ready to sacrifice everything. When he finds out that his enemy’s weakness is his beautiful wife Olivia, he plans to use her without remorse. Olivia feels lost after putting her trust in a husband who turned out to be a monster. Nothing prepares Cain and Olivia for the obsession and passion that will bloom between them, and the devastating effects of their attraction! Man is the action-packed and fascinating final chapter of Cain Jones and his team's quest to save the world. His story is a brilliant page-turner!
Kindly provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review......
Oh Dear God what an amazing end to an utterly spectacular series !!. Seriously 10++++ Stars for this beauty xx
Okay, the review........
This was Cain.....YES finally !!! Cain and Olivia's story and sheesh what an emotional roller coaster. Unfortunately Godfrey hovers in this story but go Cain, go !!!. Lord almighty the twists, the passion, the suspense....... Charmaine takes you to the edge !!!
A Truly Phenomenal Read !!!!! Amazing Charmaine and many thanks for this opportunity x
Man is the ninth book in the Forbidden Arts Series which finds the paranormal crime task force, led by Cain, who are attempting to save humanity by finding Godfrey, his nemesis, through Olivia, his wife. When Cain finds Olivia he is immediately attracted to her and to his surprise finds out the truth about her actions. This finale for the series has complex characters, drama, plot twists, and steamy chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Whew another great book by Charmaine Pauls ! I am so glad to get Cains story !! I knew it would be awesome !! That sexy silver fox !( or that's how i pictured him). You are a sexy beast !!! There is mystery.. some hot up against the wall sex.. hot men .. I mean what else could you ask for !! If you haven't read any of her books you should start. They will take you on a very interesting ride !! And it's wonderful !!!
Cain's Story Is Finally Here... I could not wait for this story to come out! Every book before this had me hooked on this series... now we get a closer look at Cain and his group trying to save the world from Godfrey! Good Vs. Evil! This author knows how to write a captivating tale... the right amount of drama, romance, and suspense! I enjoyed every moment as it unfolded! Great read, awesome series!
What a fabulous conclusion to this series. This world is so well imagined and described. I feel like it could be real, And getting the opportunity to become reacquainted with all my favourite characters was an added bonus.
This is Cain Jones’ turn to be in the spotlight. He is determined to finally bring about the demise of his archenemy, and he is willing to sacrifice anyone in the process, but in doing so, he is drawn to Olivia. These two seem perfectly matched, but they have a colossal, rocky mountain to climb on their journey to a happy ever after.
The end game is in play, and the unsuspecting world is depending on the outcome.A really superb ending to an epic series…I received an advance copy of this book from the author.
This series is beyond entertaining. I’ve been anticipating Cain’s story for awhile now. I knew his story would be electric. Like all of Ms.Paul’s books, there’s twists and turns we don’t see coming. There’s plenty of heat. And the Forbidden Arts crew is always a great addition. The ending to this fabulous series was everything I hoped for and so much more. You will be immersed in this special world of the Forbidden Arts as the words just fly off the pages. Bravo Charmaine!
This book was absolutely wonderful and great way to end the 7 arts series. Cain and his team track down Godfrey to stop his experiments on becoming immortal and they were in the fight of their lives. I highly recommend this book
An explosive, gripping, highly imaginative conclusion to the series…
This is the ninth and final book in the Seven Forbidden Arts series. The reading is enhanced if you’ve read most of the previous books.
Battling a deadly enemy that has eluded him for too long, Cain Jones, leader of the paranormal taskforce finally has a promising lead and it’s a mission he takes on personally, to monitor the wife of his enemy. The woman he finds is unexpected, she’s beautiful, sexy and a loner with no apparent connections to anyone. She’s an artist with a mind strong enough to successfully shield from his attempts to read her thoughts, an intriguing contradiction that Cain will have to break to achieve his objective. Yet the more he watches her he comes to realize she’s more than the mission when she should be totally forbidden.
Sometimes living is worse than death, for Olivia Reid that is the reality of her life. She’s denied even the option of death, a threat made by her psycho husband keeps her breathing. The man she married is not the man he once was and she’s powerless to stop him, at least she is on her own, but she has moments of defiance. One night she awakens to a presence, a man watching her sleep, and though instinctively knowing he’s an enemy she finds herself enraptured by him and the sensual pleasure he provides. That this man will take her life if he has to is undeniable but she can’t help enjoying the moments shared with him and becomes plagued by a decision she must make. Should she help him? Can she trust this intensely controlled man who harbors many secrets he won’t share?
We get to see more of Cain than we have previously, what has been hidden behind the façade of the man who dresses all in white and he’s an intense multi-faceted individual with a purpose he will not be deterred from no matter what the costs but there is a lighter, more caring, side to him not seen before. The palpable chemistry between the protagonists was scorching, unfolding as a slow burn culminating in uncontrollable desire yet it was more than a physical connection.
Olivia was a great complement to Cain, a highly intelligent woman with deep wells of inner strength to have survived the torment of marriage to an evil monster with horrific godly aspirations. She’s a caring, nurturing person forced into a self-imposed exile to protect others. How these two dealt with infidelity which is a touchy subject was commendable, they both admitted deep concerns over their feelings and actions, neither took lightly the breaking of vows even if Olivia’s marriage hadn’t been one for a long time and was truly a travesty. Cain had to balance saving the world and protection of his team against the life of a woman he’d rather not kill or destroy but would if deemed necessary.
This book was paranormal romantic suspense at its best, an explosive, gripping, highly imaginative conclusion to the series with shades of Frank Herbert’s Dune in the evolution of the quantumancist. The forbidden arts team is all in on this one, some working directly with Cain as they await the appearance of Godfrey, the others struggling with ways to eradicate the seventh forbidden art to save the human race from imminent destruction. Nothing was a given, there were many unexpected devilish twists and turns to captivate the reader. The story is told from both protagonists’ point of view, the many fine threads woven throughout the series come together in a spectacular conclusive clash. Well done!
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
All the other books lead to this one, and is best read in order so you can know what happens to the ultimate bad guy Godfrey. This book focus on the leader Cain Jones, and he knows exactly how to get to Godfrey: through his wife Olivia. However, Cain did not count on his attraction to Olivia, and in recognizing how she’s also manipulated by Godfrey. I really like how Cain and Olivia are humanized in this story, and that despite the burden and responsibility that’s on Cain for saving the world and seeking justice for paranormals, he is also a man and deserve happiness too. Glad they both had a chance to truly live life freely.
What a journey this has been. Diving into the world of the 7 forbidden arts and the supernatural team led by Cain Jones who are not only fighting evil and protecting the world but who are also finding the love of their lives in the process.
“Man” is the ninth and final book of the series. Cain Jones has finally found the wife of his arch nemesis Godfrey. Godfrey has killed many and lost his son and step-son in his pursuit of immortality. Olivia is beauty and goodness personified and has suffered in the hands of Godfrey. Cain can’t seem to keep his mind and eyes off the beauty who he believes will lead him to Godfrey and help him to finally stop him.
Olivia knows how evil her husband is but even she doesn’t know the depths Godfrey has gone to, to become immortal and all powerful. She has heard about Jones and his paranormal team but wasn’t prepared for his protection and care.
In this final scene between good and evil, light and darkness, who will win? Will Cain Jones and his team be able to save the world from the evil clutches of Godfrey and his clones or will the world forever be cast in darkness.
This series is. True treat for any paranormal romance fan and not to be missed and if you live this series, thank you will absolutely devout Charmaine Pauls’ dark romance books. All hail the Queen of Dark Romance!
Thanks to Charmaine Pauls for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
By book nine I was so invested in these characters and the desperate desire to see Godfrey meet his appropriate end, that saying goodbye was a little bittersweet.
I had so anticipated the Cain and the team's ending that I couldnt imagine how Charmaine would tie everything together. But Cain and Olivia's story was a perfect conclusion. Cain was still the overseer and protector of this band of found family but this book humanised him and gave him depth to his emotion. His uncontrolled attraction and desire for Olivia flowed through the pages. Their romance had power beyond their control. At no point did I even question their relationship despite her being married (usually a turn off in a romance). When said husband is the unhinged Godfrey who has subjected her to countless horrors, I kinda felt like her finding love and comfort with Cain was a well deserved reward for what she had put up with. In fact, I think Godfrey got off easy.
This final instalment had action, excitement, love and healing. It gave all of the characters a moment to shine but Cain and Olivia shone above all else. These two were something else. I loved the whole mystery element to their relationship and the sensual build up to them becoming everythings to one another.