Pascal and the Forger by Avril Ashton

Pascal and the Forger is a trip back into the criminal underworld of Avril Ashton. Two men broken apart ten years ago, still in love, but their lives are still steeped in danger and lies which brings them together once more. Can Mathieu earn Win's trust back while they try to stay alive together?

From the blurb:

They used to have it all. Until they didn’t. Now, one man wants another chance to make things right, while the other doesn’t know if he can risk his heart again.

As head of the Haitian mafia, Mathieu Pascal is dangerous, ruthless, and cold-hearted. He’s also alone, but there’d been a time when he had love. With one careless decision, he betrayed the one man who ever mattered to him. He has no right to forgiveness, but he’ll do anything to prove he deserves it.

Win Beltran was at his lowest when he met Mathieu Pascal. He took the freedom the other man offered and in return, handed over his heart. He thought he was safe…until Mathieu destroyed him. Years later, Win has moved on. At least he pretends because even though he’s married to Mathieu’s rival, his heart has only ever belonged to the one who broke it.

Their shared secrets keep Win and Mathieu tied to each other as the heat of their tumultuous chemistry melts their weak resistance. But an invisible hand is orchestrating a war, and Mathieu’s enemies are drawing closer. To protect Win, he’ll burn the world to the ground as they fight for their lives and their hearts.

This is the story of Pascal and The Forger from DIG YOUR GRAVE (STANIEL #2). It features all the second-chance, angsty, pining, groveling, jealous, possessive, secrets and lies, sexy goodness you can stand.

SNik's Review:

Standalone but might be more fun if read after the author’s Staniel duo. Second Chance. Slow burn. Dual POV. 

Head of the Haitian mafia in Miami, Mathieu is familiar with loss, his father was murdered, his sister has cut ties with him, and he betrayed the one man he ever loved years ago. Win has kept his relationship with Mathieu a secret from everyone for years, even his husband doesn’t know, but when danger begins pulling them together again Win can’t stay away from Mathieu, even if he can never trust him again. 

It’s been 10 years and it’s clear that Mathieu and Win have never stopped loving each other, and the protectiveness and past history is hard for them to dismiss. There is no doubt that Mathieu will do anything to get Win’s trust back and that’s obvious as they finally spend time together once again. 

This story is gritty, with violence, action and eventually plenty of steam as can be expected in an Avril Ashton book. 

An entertaining read with some cameos and hints of more possibly to come with new characters.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Pascal and the Forger is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.