Viv: Being labeled as peculiar and scary has always been normal for me, a comfort even. My own parents didn’t understand my unnatural pull toward the pagan lifestyle. From the time I was young, men and women alike only wanted to be around me for one thing–to be able to say that they had a kinky one-night stand. And that was fine. Until I met them.
Grace: Innocent. Virtuous. Pure. Faithful. Righteous. “Be a good girl, and you will be rewarded in the afterlife.” But what is ‘good’? My parents believe they know the absolute truth, but I’m not so sure. Married to my high school sweetheart, my life looks perfect from every perspective. But when she came into my life–my bewitching heathen–everything changed.
Kane: Grace is my everything–my entire reason for existing. When the five-star restaurant I worked at closed, her adoration and pride in me never wavered, even when I had lost hope. My saving grace came in a form I never expected, a goth goddess we never saw coming. Living without Grace wouldn’t be living, but living without Viv would kill us both.
Read as an ARC and completely loved it, it had a strong witchcraft practicing character who wasn’t cheesy, but actual practices pagan holidays and beliefs. It had found family, boundaries with blood relatives, religious trauma. All of these topics were so thoughtfully discussed within a polyamorous/queer romance. As always, characters were excellent and fully fleshed out.
Thank you Ivy again for the opportunity to give me an ARC for your second book of the series! I appreciate you in trusting us into reading your creation💕 Affliction was a good easy read which usually takes me a while to read a book. Besides that I just loved Viv getting all the love and support from her family and friends to find herself a future. It wasn’t long til she first eyes Grace and later on her husband Kane and sparks fly for everyone! I loved how their marriage didn’t affect and instead found someone equal! I just wish there was more to read about them If you want a quick read with instalove this a book for you!
This is book 3 in the Do Or Die series, a short, insta-attraction FFM romance. All three characters are so individually and unapologetically themselves.
The way fate worked in this book was like Abby and Kolson all over again. Undeniable and meant to be.
If you are after a romance that's a little bit witchy, a little bit sweet and a whole lot spicy then this is definitely for you!
|I{•------»»------•{I|] ᏕᏋᏒᎥᏋᏕ: Do or Die Series ᏰᎧᎧᏦ: Affliction ᏒᏗᏖᎥᏁᎶ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ᏕᎮᎥፈᏋ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️, 5
]|I{•------»»------•{I|] "Affliction" is the 3rd book of "Do or Die Series" and tells the story/relationship about Viv, Kane and Grace.
One sentence to describe their story: "If something/someone is meant to be each other the fate will bring them together".
Viv, Kane and Grace are great individuals. Kane is supportive and perfect husband and Grace the sunshine, who grew up in a very strict religious society/family and was always held back from her true self. And Viv the spiritual soul, when she came into their lives, it was like, Kane and Grace found their missing piece of puzzle, they completed each other so perfectly and the balance between them just wonderful.
It was also great to read about Abby & Kolson, we had glimpse about their HEA.
]|I{•------»»------•{I|] It was a quick and good read. The spice was perfectly well written and how should i say, all three were happily after 😏😏 I liked it how they had a great chemistry with each other at the moment when they meet, how they kept the balance, it was really good.
I read this book in no time! Once I started I could not put it down. Loved the fast pace of the story. The relationship between Grace, Viv, and Kane was magical, they were meant to be! And the bonds formed between the main characters and the secondary characters provided depth and emotion. In this book you’ll find romance, banter, spice, a sense of found family, and even a bit of magic. There was no major conflict outside the relationship apart from the religious mother, making the plot simple and uncomplicated. I do wish there would’ve been further exploration and development of the visions Viv was having, as they initially seemed to be an important part of the story yet were not mentioned much after the midway point of the book. However, I still loved the story and would definitely recommend, especially if you are looking for pure romance.
It's so great to be back in this world. Viv, Grace, and Kane were the FFM love story I didn't know I needed. Adding Viv to their seemingly perfect marriage gave Kane the fresh outlook on life and Grace the power to escape a bad family situation. Love works in mysterious ways. It was also fantastic to see Abby and Kolson's wedding and their epilogue. And I need to read Chestnuts because the hints of Max and Jasper were not enough. This spicy story was so well-written that I felt like a fly on the wall for some scenes. What a great addition to the series!
As always, Ivy knocks it out of the park with this wonderful novella.
Sweet & Spicy with a touch of witchy, this FFM is a great read if you're into tarot, fate, and finding yourself.
Viv, Grace, and Kane have a fated love that rivals that of Abby and Kolson, who, of course, have to remind us of why we love them with their guest appearance in this story. Each character is unapologetically themselves and supportive of each others journey to happiness!
This was an incredibly spicy fast paced book and I’m here for it! My only criticism was that I wanted a little more time with our characters and was curious about Kane’s family! The characters were unapologetically themselves after they got over some of their personal hang ups they were working through. Viv was my favorite character and I really enjoyed all of the characters in their group. This was my first time reading a book by this author and it won’t be the last!
Viv thinks she isn’t meant to find the love of her life until she meets Grace and Kane (not 1 love but 2). She is into witchcraft and knew that the married couple were her soulmates.
Fast paced spice! Grace and Kane were always open with each other and willing to try new things and welcomed Viv into their marriage.
By far the HOTTEST Triad!!! I COULD NOT put this book down and then I didn’t want it to end! The FMC’s are both so different but are perfect together. The MMC is the cherry on top! The way this trio comes together is amazing, I loved the story so much! These characters are smoking hot… like clutching your invisible pearls and needing a cold shower HOT! And I LOVED how we got to get a follow up with other characters! Ivy’s stories are always so unique and original and I am here for it!!!
The spice was great! But the story felt rushed and didnt really have much plot to it. After loving the first book i was really looking forward to this one. I dont know. I just expected more than there was
DO OR DIE SERIES - BOOK 2 THIS BOOK IS ABOUT VIV, GRACE & KANE. WE MET VIV IN BOOK 1, NOW WE MEET HER SOULMATES. VIV IS IMMEDIATELY ATTRACTED TO BOTH GRACE & KANE WHEN SHE MEETS THEM ( SEPARATELY ). SHE DOESN'T KNOW THEY'RE MARRIED UNTIL KANE BEGINS WORKING FOR HER. IT WAS GOOD TO SEE ABBY, KOLSON, MAX & JASPER AGAIN!
If you’re looking for a fast paced, insta-love, very spicy FFM romance then you have found the perfect book!
This book had everything you could ask for in a FFM romance, and I LOVED the fact that every character was always well ✨taken care of ✨ if you know what I mean 😜
Viv was by far the most unique, different, fantastic FMC that I’ve ever come across! She is unapologetically herself and takes no shit from anyone. I LOVED HER.
Affliction was a quick read for me, but it packed a punch ! 🥊 🤗 I’ll definitely be reading others from Ivy Bennet in the future ! All of these characters got their perfect endings, and the relationships came so natural that it made reading it a breeze.
✨ witchy FMC ✨ MF to FMF ✨ insta-love ✨ all the smut
The throuple we didn’t know we needed! I loved this book. Viv was such an interesting character in Downfall, I was so excited to get her book.
Viv, Grace and Kane are perfection. Kane is Grace’s perfect and understanding husband. Grace grew up in a religious family, which held get back from her true self. But Kane was always there to support her.
Once Viv is added into the picture they all balance eachother out wonderfully.
* it was also so good to see peeks into Abby & Kolson’s life, and their happily ever after.
Tropes 🌑 FFM 🌑 Religious Trauma 🌑 Forbidden Romance 🌑 Workplace Romance 🌑 No 3rd Act Breakup 🌑 Paganism 🌑 Witchy FMC 🌑 Piercing (on page) 🌑 DP 👀 🌑 All the Praise and Dirty Talk
⚠️PLEASE READ TIGGER WARNING⚠️
🌟🔥 “Affliction” by Ivy Bennet - A Fiery, Unconventional Love Story That Will Captivate Your Soul! 🔥🌟
Dive into “Affliction” and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that defies the norms. Ivy delivers a sizzling, heart-stopping story that explores the boundaries of love, faith, and desire through the entangled lives of Viv, Grace, and Kane.
Viv’s journey from a misunderstood pagan outcast to a pivotal force in a complex love triangle is intoxicating. Her fierce independence and unapologetic nature challenge not just societal norms but the very hearts of those she entangles.
Grace’s struggle with the constraints of her upbringing versus the allure of forbidden love is relatable and heart-wrenching. And Kane? He’s the glue that binds this intricate relationship together. He’s so loving and devoted to his girls! Itmakes your heart skip a beat. Kane is chefs kiss! 😘
Bennet masterfully navigates themes of religious trauma, forbidden romance, and self-discovery, all while keeping the steam level at a maximum. You are literally on the edge of an O several times throughout the book. It’s spicy! 🥵🥵🥵
“Affliction” is more than a story; it’s an experience. With its witchy, empowering female lead, a love story that defies the odds, and a narrative that will leave you breathless, this book is a must-read. No 3rd act breakup here, just an all-encompassing dive into what it means to truly love and be loved in return.
The inclusion of the characters from past books had me kicking and screaming at 2am. I loved getting updates and more details about Kolson, Abby, Max, & Jasper.
Forget everything you thought you knew about forbidden romances and dive into “Affliction.” Your Kindle will thank you. 🔮💖
“People do not have to believe the same thing that you do to still be good, and it’s ridiculous to think otherwise.”
“Never doubt that you are a part of us. With you, our life feels complete, like you filled a piece we didn't know we were missing before.”
I have resonated with Viv since book 1! She’s witchy and weird to those who don’t know her, but never minds too much what others think of her. She has a close relationship with & is a fierce protector of her brother, Max. Her friends seek her out for advice because she just has a sense about things that they just trust and she’s deeply passionate about many things.
Now that her best friend Abby and her brother Max have both found love, Viv starts to wonder if that’s something missing in her life. She has two separate intense encounters with Grace & Kane, only to learn they are married. She can’t stop thinking about either of them even though she feels it’s wrong. What she doesn’t know is they can’t stop thinking about her either.
This is a story about owning who you are and never letting anyone dim your shine, not even those who should always love & support you. This is a story that sweeps you off your feet and makes you believe in fate/destiny/synchronicity. This is a story full of some of the yummiest spice that leaves you wanting more! I was giggling and panting by the end.
I love that we get a bonus scene from our first couple Kolson & Abby and a sweet little next chapter for Max & Jasper.
I have been waiting with anticipation for Viv's story. She is such an interesting character, and I couldn't wait to see how her story would unfold.
This is a great love story between Viv, Grace and Kane. There is NO third act breakup! 🤌🏻
These three characters meet at pivotal times in their lives and they are exactly what the other needed right in that moment.
Viv's witchy vibe is fully explored in this book. As we've only had glimpses of her in the other books, there was only a small insight into how cool her character really is.
This IS a dark romance and there ARE some themes that you may find distressing, so I DO recommend reading the shopping list if you are in anyway worried.
This is a perfect dive into pure, unadulterated love in the most unconventional way.
What to expect: FFM, Workplace romance, boss/employee/employee's wife 😏, religious trauma, paganism, parental trauma, HEA.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ivy, my angel baby. You get better and better with each book.
I’m so happy that I got to read this book early!! I read it all in almost one sitting and this has to be the spiciest rating I’ve ever given on a book too!
Let’s start by listing two cool book features: After the chapter list, it has a list of where the smut is. So if you want to have your dessert, first go right ahead!! One of the absolute coolest book playlists including Sleep Token, Beartooth, Bullet for my Valentine, and Pierce the Veil just to name a few!
I love Bi-inclusion. Especially amongst a married man and woman where her identity doesn’t get lost just because she is married to a man. Her being bisexual was always who she was and it was never seen as a negative. I thought it was really cool how two “normies” loved what Viv brought to the table since was so different from them with her dreads, tattoos, piercings etc. “We didn’t know it until she stomped her way into our hearts in her big black boots, but we’ve been missing a piece all these years. And, finally, our family is complete.”
Absolutely loved this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
🖤 Affliction by Ivy Bennett is book 3 in the Do or Die Series. I adore the characters in this book, and the outstanding way Viv, Kane and Grace’s relationship evolved. This book is fast paced and the plot develops perfectly. 🤍 Open communication and deep rooted love allows for this triad to form the most beautiful, passionate adoration for each other. My heart felt so full. There is the perfect amount of spice and fervour. 🖤The characters from previous books add fantastic layers of emotion to the story. I am fully captivated by Kolson and Abby‘s relationship. Reading more of their story had me incredibly emotional. Max and Jasper are wonderful and I love their chemistry. The banter and development of found family is beautifully written. Silly smile on my face throughout this read enjoying the heartfelt journey. The epilogues provide the perfect conclusion. 🤍 This is a fantastic read, full of captivating characters, passion, trauma, healing, and self acceptance. Highly recommend this and all the books in this series for any romance reader.
ARC review: A quick-read and short book, but still with great character development and an interesting story. I haven't really read FFM before, so it was very interesting to see the dynamic between them, and how they would approach it. I really love that it was a married couple (Kane + Grace) and another woman (Viv), which added a bit of depth and some tension, because how could Viv not come between them?
I loved seeing how seemingly 'easy' they all came together, and that they each had their own connections, and also a very strong and solid bond all three of them together. Yay, for open and honest communication!
The spice was great - it was a heavy feature, but it didn't outshine the story and their connections went beyond being physical, which was great to see. The characters are all layered, and had their own issues, but they could also work them out together, support each other and just love each other. The found family Ivy has created with this series was wonderful, and seeing her previous characters again was such a great addition!
Affliction was the perfect amount of sweet, spicy, and down right WILD. This story line is so unique in such a wonderful way, between the witchy vibes, the traditional marriage turned not so traditional😏, and the over-the-top religious mother, I was pulled in the entire time. I love Ivy’s approach to this series, where she’s taken side characters from the original book Downfall and given us a whole story line for them. It really is a treat, as you really don’t see that too often. Viv intrigued me in Downfall, so I was really excited when Ivy announced Viv would be getting her own piece in the series. And man, I was not disappointed. After reading all 3 books from Ivy’s series, it’s so hard to pick a favorite character. But I will say, the scene where Viv shows up to her parent’s house and there’s a house full of church members and the new pastor…that one pulled at my heart strings for sure. I might have to reread this one at some point just because I loved it so much. Thanks Ivy for yet another great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First, I want to say I received a copy of this arc from Ivy. So, thank you for that opportunity to review Affliction, the second book in the Do or Die Series. This was a short and easy read. I loved the first book, and I was so excited to read this one. It did not disappoint. Now, what can I say about Kane, Grace, and Viv except OMG!! This is a throuple that I would not have seen coming since Viv's character in Downfall. I loved her in there and I am so glad she got her book and to see this all unfold was lovely. Without giving too much information, Kane is Grace's husband and Grace is someone who is we can say "coming to find herself" after being raised in a religious family and views. That is when Viv comes into the picture. Viv is what Grace has been looking for and they all fit each other so well. To add, Kane is a very loving and supportive husband, so he is also fine with what Grace is going through and their relationship with Viv. *(oh, so much more I want to add but no spoilers here) * I would have given this book 5 stars, but I felt like I wanted to see more with Kane and even Grace's background/ family. The writing is well-written, and I think I liked this one better than the previous book. Can't wait to read more by Ivy in the future.
I loved this book. I was unsure of what to expect because MFF books are not my favorite to read. Yet, Ivy did a beautiful job of keeping Kane and Grace true to each other and their relationship while allowing Viv to enter their lives.
I enjoyed the flow of the story and while there are spicy scenes, they flowed with the book and didn't feel misplaced.
I love that Grace and Kane can be open with each other and trust each other enough to keep communication the top priority while they explore this new love interest. The love they have for each other comes through with every interaction you read about them.
Viv is a complex character that is usually misunderstood because of her pagan lifestyle and sight. Although she tries to deny her pull towards Kane and Grace because she does not want to ruin their relationship, she cannot stay away.
I also love that the characters from the other books are included in this one and that this made family is always there loving each other.
WOW! This was an absolutely wonderful story filled with so much emotion and an immense amount of passion and love.
The instant attraction the Viv has with both Grace and Kane was electrifying. There is something indisputable pulling the three of them together. Their connection was written in the stars! Once they give into their mutual feelings, it was like the final puzzle piece clicked into place.
“…never doubt that you are a part of us. With you, our life feels complete, like you filled a piece we didn’t know we were missing before.”
I instantly fell hopelessly in love with Viv, Kane and Grace. The amount of support, love, affection and understanding that surrounds these three was incredible to read about. The only downside was the hate coming from Grace’s horrible parents.
This was such a great story and the spice contained within its pages was absolutely perfect.
I devoured every word and loved every single second of it.
What happens when lightning strikes twice? For Viv, Kane, and Grace you find a triad of souls. This is a beautiful look at a non traditional relationship. I adore how each one has an understanding and a love for each other exactly how they are. Ivy Bennet has a fantastic way of balancing the sweet and spicy of her stories. I love how each character is cautious and careful with each other and about moving forward together. Their communication is crucial and beautiful. As a Christian it was hard to read about Grace’s parents, though I know families like that exist. It makes me sad that so many suffer at the hands of their own families when they should be their safe place. I am so happy that these characters in this series have found their own family that love and support one another. If you are looking for something that shows love, respect, and acceptance this is the book for you.
Viv, grace, and kane are truly meant to be! They complement each other so well! This is one of my favorite fated soul mates stories of all time! I love Ivy’s writing so much. She is so incredibly talented and capable of making a reader feel every emotion in her stories. It's short, sweet and spicy but it's also filled with love, trauma, healing and acceptance. I also loved the epilogue and seeing the characters from the first two books. I love this series so much and can’t wait to read Ivy’s future books.
✨Thank you so much Ivy Bennet for the opportunity to ARC read! All thoughts and opinions are my own.✨
This book was perfection! I have never read a FFM romance and I’m glad this was my first🥰
My girl Viv finally got her book and it did NOT disappoint! She’s not your “normal” gal. She celebrates pagan holidays, is technically a witch and loves her dark clothing and fish nets. She never had high hopes of falling in love and being in a relationship but her cards told her otherwise🥹
Kane and Grace. Thought they had it all in their marriage. Until they saw her🥰 The spice made me soo heated! Ivy Bennet sure knows how to write smut🥵
This book gave me so much closure on every character that was in it. I love the progress Grace made throughout the book and how she finally stands up for herself. The found family trope is one of my favorites and I’m so happy everyone found each other🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this story. It's FMF and FMC #1 Viv is a witch with the ability to see things in people's past lives. As you may recall, she saw the connection between Kolson and Abby. FMC #2 is a bi-curious ray of sunshine, Grace, who comes from an extremely religious family, who try to overpower her free will and force her to be the woman of God they expect her to be. Enter MMC Kane, an easygoing, unemployed chef, and Grace's devoted husband. When the 3 meet, there's an undeniable connection between them, but they are reluctant to act on it. Characters are well done and have excellent depth. The story moves well and doesn’t get bogged down with any crazy details. It's an organic arc that's delightful. Highly recommend this well-done, spicy masterpiece from Ivy Bennett.