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Amour: An Illicit Love Affair

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STANDALONE

“If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.”Read with caution. On these pages, grief leads to the sacrifice of love. Faith and loyalty is questioned. Love is brewed and jumbled with betrayal. When faced with so many adversaries, can one truly be happy in the end?

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2023

87 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

Dak

54 books67 followers

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5 stars
87 (67%)
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30 (23%)
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7 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,114 followers
November 20, 2023
It’s so common to hear about the “American Dream”. It’s painted in such a way where people will do just about anything and sacrifice everything in order to achieve it! Well after reading Amour: An illicit love affair, I’m all about the African Dream! The way DAK developed and delivered this story had me devouring every single page! I’m ready to buy my plot of land and move to Kankan.

Yaniq was the eldest son of Bakary and Youma Kone. Bakary left behind his family to journey to the states in order to create a better life not only for himself and his family, but for his entire city Kankan. He worked tirelessly to achieve this goal until he was murdered and now Yaniq is headed to New York to continue his fathers legacy. Stepping foot on American soil, Yaya didn’t know what to expect however his hunger was like no other. An arranged marriage in exchange for a green card and ties to the African Cartel tossed him into a world he wasn’t familiar with. Knowing that his father left the blueprint in every sense of the word, Yaya had no other choice but to come out on top.

Amour has lost her faith after suffering loss after loss of those closest to her. Creating music is her happy place and the only thing that seems to bring her joy these days! When her path crosses with Yaya she realizes that she has a new happy place. Yaya and Amour fell hard and fast. They went from one conversation to being inseparable. She was there for him during his darkest times and he made it clear that he wasn’t ever coming up off her. Unfortunately secrets were exposed that threatened everything they were working towards.

This was an expect the unexpected type of story! Anybody can get it in DAK universe and she proved that in this standalone. I loved the drama and deceit and lies and everything in between. This book kept me on my toes from beginning to end and I didn’t want it to end. The way DAK transported me to Guinea 🇬🇳 had me checking to see if my passport had a stamp in it. From the music, to the food, and the language and the traditions and the culture I felt like I was there witnessing it all first hand. I mean it was like nothing I’ve ever read and I want more of this representation!!!

I will say that the editing was HORRIBLE!! The story was so good that I still gave it 5 starts but errors alone should’ve had me removing a star. 😒😵‍💫 I still HIGHLY recommend the book but I hope she takes this book down and gives a more edited/ polished version.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,051 reviews312 followers
February 6, 2024
This book had me pulling a all-nighter… Bakary, Yanqi's father, dies in the US, leaving behind a plan and an arranged marriage so that Niq can obtain a green card and get involved with the African Cartel. Now that he's in an arranged marriage he doesn't desire, Niq must adapt to life in the United States while still fulfilling his Mafia position. He inherited a great deal of responsibility from his influential father in the Mafia. The Guinean culture and environment were wonderful. I really like how the story combined several traditions, languages, and religions. You can never be sure who you're dealing with when working with the Mafia. Power, secrecy, deceit, snakes, and testing relationships are constant friends. When Ming and Niq's paths intersect, they fall head over heels for one other. Despite everything, Ming remains Niq's rock, guiding him through his lowest points. I've seen reviews where people say the editing is terrible. Just a heads up in case it annoys you—I was engrossed in the narrative and didn't notice. In my opinion, Dak had a fascinating method of setting the scene and delivering details of the plot. I wasn’t fan of Sami from the beginning I feel like she was spared. I felt bad for Doom his situation was messy. This is one story I definitely won’t forget in my 2024 reads.
Profile Image for Antoinette (_literaryaura_).
442 reviews89 followers
March 5, 2024
Yaya & Ming

Ok, this book was everything and It would have been a 5 star read but the editing was nonexistent!!! Not a spellcheck in sight!
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,405 reviews157 followers
February 12, 2024
My Amour

" I wanna experience you for the rest of my life. You my lifeline. Keep a ninja strong when the world around me crumbling. So you tryna marry me and do this ish called life, for life?"

YES please! This was a scene where Niq was professing his love to Amour and the chemistry that you feel through those words were how they were together. Unfortunately these two were victims of the right person, but wrong timing. Niq was young and he mishandled the love that he felt for her by not being upfront about his situation. Imagine being on top of the world and so confident in the love you share with your person. Only to realize that the love is absolutely real, but everything is not as it seems. I loved Amour because she loved hard and she held grudges lol. I know that isn't right, but sometimes you gotta show folks better than you can tell them. Her heart was broken and she wanted to make sure Niq felt that same pain.

This love story was hard. There were so many ups and downs. The deal that was made between Niq and the Lexington's brought on so much turmoil. Let me just say I didn't like any of the Lexington's, even though Doom turned out to be loyal I ain't giving none of em a pass. Due to them so many lives, friendships, and partnerships were lost and all of it took a toil on the man that Niq was.

Overall I loved this story, especially the mcs and I appreciated their journey. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this book was riddled with errors. So many small ones that just could have been cleaned up. The story was strong though and the love was beautiful.
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
June 12, 2024
4.25 ⭐️

The last 20-30 percent of this book had me on the edge of my seat. There was so much going on and I loved it. Dak didn’t spare anybody 😩
Loved the African culture throughout the story 🤌🏾
There were editing issues but it didn’t take away from the story for me.
Profile Image for Arlinda.
98 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2023
I will say this until I can't say it anymore.. when it comes to DAK.. you will definitely be on a roller coaster full of emotion, laughs, tears, and even envy when you crack open one of her books! Amour was nothing short of withstanding these expectations. The character development was so deep that I gained some new friends and even enemies in the DAK universe. Individually, Ming and Yaniq stood on their own and withstood the test and trials that life threw their way but love navigated them collectively. Every detail thats used to describe their relationship is necessary, so pay attention! The guests appearances from DAK universe also bring the story full circle (IYKYK!) Another great feature is how DAK incorporates African culture to contribute to the readers experience. It's always great to be able to relate to these characters in more ways than one and thats exactly what the "Yamour" experience is all about. Enjoy this ride to the land of everlasting love.. Yamour, Guinea. It's definitely a trip you'll never forget.
Profile Image for Nay .
444 reviews
February 14, 2024
“You my amour”
“And you my Yamour.”
It was Yaniq + Amour against the world. Yamour.
Profile Image for Kwastina Jackson.
648 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2023
So enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this story. It was not only entertaining but shed light on a religion, I didn't know much about. I related so much with Amour. She understood her worth and was uncompromising in being treated as such. YaYa's love for the people.he held close was so pure and beautiful to see. I will say that this book needs some editing. There's an error on almost every page.
Profile Image for Mary Mimi Brown.
114 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2023
Amour

⭐️Yaya & Ming⭐️

I truly enjoyed this book! My first read from Dak and I would choose a thickie but the way the story flowed it didn’t not feel like a ___ book .

I loved how the African culture was portrayed and written in this book. I truly felt like i was there with them it poured off the pages. I promise I was there with them running around in 🇬🇳!

The moment Yaya “saw” among I believe was connected to her. When I say saw it don’t mean physically. The development of the two characters was done so well. I love how this author developed her characters because when we first met YaYa he was young man trying to find his way and throughout the book you see his journey and how he grows and becomes a “boss”!

The chemistry between the two was on full effect from the beginning but like any good book we hit a wall and some mess and drama. Now there is a part when my mouth literally hit the floor when my girl Ming woke up one morning she choose violence cause what she choose to get back at Yaya was just pure VIOLENCE! Now mind you as readers what she is mad about is a simple misunderstanding. But Babygirl said she don’t care she was gonna make him feel it!! 😂.

Overall this book was 5 stars and I loved everybody of it!
Profile Image for Shelby.
2,439 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2023
🔥🔥🔥

This was really good and I enjoyed it soo much I’m beyond happy that we got to see this love blossom
51 reviews
September 24, 2023
My top read of 2023, this book is pressure!!!

WOW, I feel like I just finished a really good movie. Reading this book reminded me that prayer works, money talks and love always wins. Ok so let’s talk details; Starting with the characters some I loved (Yaniq, Doom and even Boom) and some I hated (Kira, MuMu, big cue) and some had me laughing every time their name was on the page (Nitty). When I think of favorite scenes I have to say
The main character in this book is a male who starts off scared of the smoke that comes with the lifestyle he was forced into due to circumstance, and he develops into this perfect specimen of a man. One who’s ability to win is unmatched, let’s just say he bosses all the way up and fast. The character growth in this story is so decent because while some characters was tapped in and growing there was others who appeared to be on a slide going down hill. Author Dak can I just say your creativity is a true talent. This book made me want to learn more about the characters culture the way I felt emerged into the Muslim and African culture was so cool. I didn’t feel like I was being schooled but yet I learned so much from there traditions to all the language translations. I swear I will be calling my Aunties Tanti for now on. One of my favorite scenes is the washing before the big day. I’ll definitely be sharing the details with my bridesmaids and tell them to make sure my future husband pays up. The love the main character showed in his actions in that scene just did it for me👏🏾🥰. I could truly go on and on about this book but then my review would be as long as the book because baby the book is big, I’m talking 600+ pages of greatness. Which brings me to another thing the author did well; usually with long books there comes a point in the story when the reader looks to see how much more you have left, but not AMOUR this book is written in a way that you love the details, it let you get close to the characters you are reading about. I felt I had a clear and detailed understanding of the characters emotions throughout the whole book. It was like I was craving the details and intimate moments and the author delivered. The journey that this book took me on personally was so crazy I had moments where my emotions got so high I was scared to turn the page in fear that someone I love (and yes I said “I love” because I love these characters whole heartedly) would be killed or would get there heart broken. It was so deep for me and I really needed a happy ending and there was times in the story where I didn’t no if that was going to be the case… I won’t say if I got that happy ever after ending or not; you will have to read for yourself to find that out, but what I will say is you will for sure enjoy the ups and downs this story will take you on as your read and the story develops. This book is an absolute must read!!!! Bravo to the author, this is a masterpiece!
Profile Image for Brittany.
360 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2025
This is the first book by DAK that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it despite me not knowing what to expect. When the author’s note said something about Yamour being her own made up world, I assumed this book took place in another dimension or something, especially since the cover has a dystopian feel to it. Girl the story takes place in present-day America and Guinea. But even with the synopsis, title and author’s note, I wasn’t prepared for what I was getting into.

Ok. First off, there’s soooo much death in this book. I especially wasn’t prepared for that. Some characters’ deaths shocked me and others I had been hoping for since the beginning.

Second, this book isn’t solely about Yaniq and Mignon’s (Ming) love story. It’s told in 3rd person, and we sometimes follow the other characters’ thoughts and actions. Some of these characters are a vibe and others are annoying (I’m looking at you Boom and Sami).

I like how faith was interwoven throughout. I only know the basics of the Muslim religion so it was interesting to read about the practices and phrases I’m not familiar with. I also liked how they turned to their Allah whenever things were not only bad but good as well.

Ok. Now if you’re interested in the romance, Yaniq did👏🏾 not👏🏾 play👏🏾 when it came to Ming. In the first 70% (give or take) of the book, we witness the development of Yaniq and Ming’s relationship. They face a few hardships but also have a lot of cute moments. Yaniq and Ming were equally into each other and expressed their love and desire very well verbally and physically 👀

Yaniq and Ming’s relationship in the last 30-ish% of the book is more so evolutionary. I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say there’s a significant time jump and they aren’t the same kids they once were.

I thought the epilogue put a nice little bow on Yaniq and Ming’s story, but I wish we could’ve gotten updates on Sha, Doom, and Sami. I have a few unanswered questions about them.
Profile Image for HeyYallItsMei.
335 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2023
Yamour

This is a new to me author as I learned about her in a fb urban fiction book group. I liked the story. It was a little slow to me and not that interesting. But then it caught me and it kept me. The characters are all different yet similar enough to keep them connected. The story had lots of twist and turns I didn't expect. The story was in my opinion very well developed. Them Lexingtons were something else 😂. Sage, Sami and Boom were a different breed of guttersnipe. I really liked Yanniq. He was so pure. And ppl always try to take quiet and kind hearted as weak. And Niq was not that.My only problem was with the editing I guess. It was poorly edited. There were typos and grammatical errors galore! And I get that most of the urban, self published books tend to be overrun with errors but there were points in this book that I'd have to stop and reread because idk who or what they were talking about. Many times throughout this book names were changed in error I assume or words were misspelled or completely left out of the sentence. And that made it a less cohesive read. I like for my reads to just flow. I don't want to feel like I'm in my fourth grade class asking them to fill in the blanks or asking what word should've gone here instead? I wanted to give it three stars for the amount of errors and terrible editing but I gave it four because the story actually is very good. But I've seen authors say that somehow the books get messed up once they upload them on kindle and that could very well be true as I've gotten paperbacks that didn't have a lot of errors but those paperbacks are done by authors who have no problems spending the money to get a quality editor or editing service because they know it'll all pay off in the end. I'm even willing to offer my services and I'm no professional.
2,065 reviews14 followers
October 16, 2023
Mannn….

This book was so good. The secrets that were exposed were something else. Yanig married Sami as a way to unite a partnership between he and Sage, but later found out that Sage was definitely a snake in the grass. Sami was a spoiled, selfish young woman that caused a lot of conflict into everyone’s lives and was the cause of all of the death that surrounded her. I was glad that Yanig and Amour finally got back together after so many years apart. She was the only one who could bring out the softness in him. This roller coaster read was well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention.
Profile Image for Earon Randle.
27 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2023
New Universe

In this new release, she introduced us to some new characters and new plot twists. She also uses some of our favorite characters from her other books. This is a love story of redemption. You have to redeem yourself before you can be forgiven. I love the way she incorporates her culture into this book. It is refreshing and not in your face screaming at you. She pulls the character development along nice and smooth. The storyline has an even balance like an 18 year old scotch. It goes down great without an harsh afterthought. Great job Dak.
244 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2024
Me Amour🥰

Did Yall this see this movie, because that what this read felt like. This story was so well written showing the author’s brilliant ability to not only craft story but add so many layers to it that it flowed and kept me engaged throughout.

Your are now in class and Professor Dak is teaching you about how her characters hustle, speak Mandingo, who to trust when they can’t trust anyone, respect, being a provider, a protector, a responsible adult who takes on responsibilities that aren’t theirs, honor, pride, and loyalty. She shows family unity, a strong Muslim faith, tradition, obedience, and Guinea cultural elements and identity that I felt like I was learning while reading.

This story is about Love, but there is so much more happening because love is easy right, well for Yaniq and Amour, the only thing easy about their love was realizing they have it for each other, keeping it tested not only their love, but it tested their faith, trust, patience and their lives that they were willing to give, to save the other and losing that love meant losing a part of themselves.

There are so many plot twist and acts of betrayal, secrets, lies, jealousy and anger that caused a chain of events leading to loss and death that made me want to jump in this book and pimp slap a few people. It’s sexy, erotic, passionate and romantic and I fell in love with this story.

Great story, amazing depiction and a must read!
Profile Image for _SimplyRead.
106 reviews21 followers
November 7, 2023
Ming & Yaya 😍😍


This was my first novel by DAK and I loved every bit of this.. The entire time reading this I felt as if I was transported into a different culture, I left feeling like I learned something.

Can we talk about character development??? Sis took Yaya from a humble, faith driven logical hustler to a complete unhinged menace and I loved every damn second of it!

The connecting between Ming & Yaya was intense and could be felt on page, he treated her like a queen and was about her from the jump! But that lil miscommunication built the biggest brick wall between Ming & Yaya I hated it! I know we have to have conflict on the books but I didn’t want it for them I loved their energy too much😩

Sami….. GIRL!!!!!! I hated this heffa from chapter 1! She got exactly what she deserved, because if Yaya didn’t show her anything else, he let her ass know Ming will NEVER be the one to play with. Find something safe babygirl! 💕

I need a follow up on Doom, Sha & Dime.. I loved the maturity of Sha, but DIME??? girlllllll…. 👀

Serene, her name alone just let you know she was my peace this entire book and I loved her character down!!! 💕

Inside Scoop:
Ming called that nigga on FaceTime while she…👀😩🤣#Savage

I gave this one 5⭐️add this to your list if you haven’t already. Go into this read with an open mind bc this a different culture but my good sis did her research bc at this point I am a resident of Yamour in Guinea Africa 🇬🇳

Marriage of Convenience
Instant Love/Chemistry
Secret Affair
HEA
Check the TW: Domestic Abuse, Loss of Parents


🎶 Pairing: Essence- Wizkid & Tems
Profile Image for Diane Rembert.
1,258 reviews42 followers
September 30, 2023
While others are mourning the death of Bakary, his son Yaniq is preparing to come to America and take his father's place in the streets. Upon his arrival, he is met with many secrets, but he also finds love. There's only one problem…his arranged marriage. His culture allows a second wife, but us Mingnon willing to be second best?

This book was more than a read…it was an experience. In the course of a few days, I've traveled from New York to Africa, to Atlanta and back again. My favorite character was Serene. I felt that her name fit her personality perfectly. My least favorite character was Sage, but you'll have to read the book to understand why. I also learned a few things about the Guinea culture, which is one of my favorite things. I want to thank @author.dak, for allowing me to be a part of this journey and I'm looking forward to reading more of her catalog.

There were a few minor errors, but they did not take away from the story, at all.

Do yourself a favor and go pick up this book.
272 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2024
Loyalty, Betrayal, Love

Amour: An Illicit Love Affair, is a great read. While reading I ran the gamut from rooting for certain characters to triumph and then praying for their imminent demise. From loving them to despising them. Emotional! lol
Yaniq (Yaya) and Mignon (Ming), separately won me over, but as a couple they had to work for my affection. While the chemistry between them was off the charts and love easily flowing heart to heart, trust, betrayal and forgiveness would take time. They annoyed me in several chapters throughout the story but my empathy for them prevailed.

The real champions of this story for me are the matriarchs Youma and Serene. Real mothers who sacrificed, prayed and love their children beyond measure. Especially Youma. I just wanted to hug her super tight!

The African homeland, culture, religion and traditions was amazingly woven together within this story.

This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely.

Well done, Author Dak.



Profile Image for Porsha.
356 reviews19 followers
September 29, 2023
DAK has done it again! She continues to elevate and grow with each release! Her penmanship is like no other. She has given us countless book baes: Cre, Nova, and now we have Yaniq. The book baes are evolving yall! Cre owns his own apartment building. Nova owns a port. But Yaniq! She upped the score with this one. Yaniq owns a country! Have you ever read about a nigga that has his own country? This book is like a hood Wakanda fairytale minus the fairy lol. Everyone needs to read this book and witness the purest love that Guinea and the world has ever seen. Come meet your next book bae: Yaniq Kone, son of Bakary and Youma, he will forever change Guinea and will become a permanent fixture in our hearts.
142 reviews
October 3, 2023
Good story!

Okay, this book is definitely a page turner with lots of plot twists. I did enjoy the book and would def read more from this author. But there were a few things I couldn’t get behind. 1. Serene had all that smoke for Ming when she helped Yaniq, but turned a blind eye knowing Yaniq was deceiving her own daughter? She was even willing to jump in front of Yaniq when Ming was trying to get at him! She really treated Yaniq more like her blood than her own daughter. 2. Yaniq put his hands on two women, the first time was really unnecessary honestly, but ultimately, DV is never cool. But yea, aside from number 2, again, i did the enjoy the story!
Profile Image for Nelly.
164 reviews7 followers
November 27, 2023
Love Love this author but not her best

This author is one of my favs but this book didn't do it for me. I definitely enjoyed the chemistry between Niq and Amour. That's all I really liked about the book. There was no character development. There was too many name mix ups and spelling errors. There is no depth to the story, just words as page fillers. So many unanswered questions. Do not let this review discourage you from checking this author out. She has some bangers. Much love! ❤️
20 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2024
I really enjoy the story line and the different culture in the book, the story line was so good that barely noticed any errors. Now my only gripe is that Sami n Cue was together for years and it was stated in the book that their families was close at one time, and that Cue and Sami met at Mumu’s party but no one knew who mumu was when she 1st popped back up at the park. That made lil sense to the story.
Profile Image for Shequana .
65 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2023
My first read and it won't be my last

This was my first read by this author, and I'm so happy I decided to read her work.

The culture, tradition, and love throughout the book had me wanting to go back to the motherland and redo my wedding.

Niq and Amour had some growing up to do but once they did their loved got an opportunity to bloom.

You should definitely read it.

69 reviews
October 1, 2023
a rollercoaster

This book was an emotional roller coaster that I did not want to come off of. I’m not going to tell the story but what I will say is that this is the 2nd book that had a character named mumu that had me side eying them. Yamour was definitely a great read!
727 reviews15 followers
October 6, 2023
This book 🔥

Amour: An Illicit Love Affair is that book. Niq was everything, but 4 years later, Niq was a beast. This book had so many roads and highways that I couldn't stop riding. Dak, you did this. Can we get more.
Profile Image for Kenecia.
121 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2023
Yamour
This was great story that was a slow build into the life of Yaniq's life and how he came to the states to finish his father legacy. Along the way he finds his soul mate Amour. There is a little bit of everything from religion, love, drama and love. Great job Dak!
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews31 followers
November 21, 2023
Yes

This could have Bern 5 stars, but it was so many grammatical errors. I loved me some Yaniq. My boy was so laidback and a menace. Him and Amour were perfect for each other. Of course, there is always drama.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,423 reviews26 followers
December 3, 2023
Amour

This was a really good read. Learning about the culture while reading drama, betrayal and love was an experience. Niq was really a good man. Watching him grow into his role was everything!
8 reviews
January 10, 2024
Wow

Captured and held my attention throughout the entire book. Glad it concluded in a realistic way, loved the character’s and the development of the story. First time reading this author and they are right… I’m stuck about to hit the entire catalog💗
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