Vera’s a ghost—but not the dead kind. She drifts, all haze and hollow, after what David did. Powerless again. Not blood. Not even Nikolai’s perfect fucking… appendage… can reach the part of her that went under. Helpless.
And the Goddess? She hasn’t said a damn word since the candy factory.
Nikolai sees her fading—this woman who forced his heart to beat after centuries of silence. So he does the one thing she may never forgive. He breaks her open. Rips out the pain, terror, and fury until the beautiful monster inside claws her way back up—kicking, stabbing, screaming.
Because the spirit that hunted her through David has found a new host. And the killing’s already started.
If they don’t end this fast, it won’t just be Vera’s chest that shatters—it’ll be her soul.
I love these episodes! I know I say that with each one but if you read them you will see why. They have spice, funny banter, murder and our mmc loves stalking his woman. The way the mmc tried to protect her and done what he done to get her back from what happened in the last episode just shows the lengths he will go for her. Plus the way he talks to her and worships her 🫠. They are the perfect deranged couple especially with the goddesses little gifts she gives her. There is so much that goes on in this episode. I am looking forward to seeing how it ends in the next episode.
I like that we are getting more from Goddess. I still love Nikolai and how he’s trying to remind Vera who she is. Character development is good.The cliffhanger though wtffff!
Episode 3 is a work of pure emotional trauma. We start with Vera broken and dejected, a mere husk of herself. Nikolai cannot handle seeing his precious Vera like this and so he does what any decent unhinged lover would do, he throws her back in the lion's den and forces her inner Monster back out.
I loved that we find out so much more about the Goddess's origins and which Nordic goddess she is!! I was so excited to learn her back story and get so much more insight to the Goddess's love of violence and also who and what kind of immortal monster enemy they are really up against.
Nik is back to his old romantic ways. "But it's not just your perfect body," he said. "It's what's inside it that truly floors me. The stunning, raw beauty of your soul-if that's what it is-whatever force makes you, you. Fierce. Unrelenting. Protective. And somehow, impossibly, gentle in those moments when you think no one's watching." Vera's reply: "You make me sound like more than just a short, fat serial killer," 😂
There is the same dark, possessive and unhinged spice that we are addicted to from the first two episodes.
Episode 3 delivers an intense emotional punch. Vera is shattered—more a hollow version of herself than the character we knew—struggling to cope with the aftermath of Episode 2. Nikolai reaches the limits of his patience, pushing Vera back into the challenging situations she once faced in an effort to awaken her inner strength—or perhaps her inner monster.
I especially appreciated learning more about Goddess’s origins and backstory, which shed light on the true nature of the immortal enemy they’re up against. Meanwhile, Nikolai returns to his familiar romantic ways, adding a layer of tension and complexity to their dynamic.
The ending left me genuinely upset. The dark, possessive, and unhinged energy continues to make these episodes addictive, seamlessly blending romance, suspense, and psychological intensity. Episode 3 is a gripping installment that keeps the tension—and the emotions—running high.
I thought we would get answers... The further we went, the more the story threads intertwine, new secrets, new plot twists. Although I didn't find out much new info, and the focus was more on Vera, her feelings and psychological state, but Goddess's past and her history, allowed us to understand what was happening more and the ending was shocking. Everything seemed to be developing so well, it was as if we were seeing some kind of respite, but no, the peace doesn't last long.
I can say that I quite like such episodes, short, clear with fairly short chapters (yey!), I feel like I'm really watching episodes of the series, only in book form. I wonder how the problem that emerged at the end of the episode will be resolved. Maybe we'll get at least some kind of answer in next one?
My god this was so good. I am very much emotionally invested in this story, Vera and Nikolai are just beautiful. The way this man cares for this woman is undeniably perfect and I love that we get a curvy female lead that I can totally identify with (well except the serial killer part LOL)
I love that we get more from the goddess in this one, the background we learn in this book was not 100% where I thought it was going but ooo, it's brilliant and makes SO MUCH SENSE.
Not as much spice in book 3 but the bit we do have are fucking delectable. Death by snu-snu anyone?!
The villain is written so well and I love all the tension and twists with this character, he is pure fucking evil with all the obsession of your classic stalker.
Episode 3 is pure emotional chaos in the best way. Vera is left shattered and hollow after everything she’s endured, and Nikolai is determined to drag her back from the edge—no matter how unhinged his methods get. Their dynamic stays dark, obsessive, and deeply addictive, with that push-pull tension between protection and destruction at its core.
We also get more insight into the Goddess and her origins, which adds depth and raises even more questions about the supernatural force behind everything. The stakes feel higher here, especially with a new threat closing in and Vera’s identity still unstable.
It’s intense, bloody, and emotionally heavy, with just enough banter and spice to balance the darkness. And of course—it ends on a cliffhanger that makes the wait for Episode 4 feel unbearable.
Ink , Blood and Other Afflictions Episode 3 By Kristen Coar
🫦Curvy Librarian FMC with a curse to serial Unalive 🖤 Feminine rage 🫦Immortal Stalk/er MMC 🖤Banter 🫦 Touch Her/Him and 🪦 vibes 🖤 An Obsessive serial unaliver on the hunt for the FMC
The beautiful progression of Vera's character in this episode is incredible, she Blooms 😍 when she finally sees herself for who she is deep down! I could have cried. There are the revelations about the goddess and her stalker which in themselves are freaking awesome! Nikolai goes above and beyond to pull Vera out of her slump because he is a gentleman like that 😉 that one scene had me literally in stitches 😆 IYKYK! And the ending THE ENDING!!!! 🪦 I absolutely need episode 4. Like yesterday.
Another crazy episode! Vera is dealing with the trauma from the candy factory and hasn't been herself lately. With another host comes another round of "copycat" murders. Nikolai also has to figure out how to bring Vera back from her depression. While it's not conventional, it's effective! We even get more from the Goddess' POV. So much goes on in these short episodes, it's so easy to get lost in the story and have finished before you even realize it. There are more twists and turns and one heck of a surprise at the end of this story! There is murder, mayhem and also a big realization from Vera that I imagine is going to change her wolrd!
I loved this episode! This series is quirky, dark, hilarious and full of mystery and suspense!
It's crazy how invested I am in this series of novellas. Each one is more in depth, crazy, dark, mysterious and captivating than the last.
I love getting more in depth with Vera and Nikolai as individuals and as a couple. Seeing Vera breaking and coming back stronger is so much fun. These two are perfectly bloodthirsty and perfect for each other.
This episode has more twists and turns than a roller coaster, and it's an equally wild ride. The banter is spot on, the character development is fantastic and I can't wait for the next episode!
ink, blood, and other afflictions: episode three by kristen coar ★★★★★
episode three is pure chaos in the best way. the tension cranks higher, the emotions hit harder, and the dark vibes are absolutely thriving. kristen coar knows how to balance sharp, bloody writing with just the right amount of bite and banter, and it makes the whole thing impossible to put down.
this installment somehow manages to be even more intense and addictive than the last, with stakes that feel bigger and darker every chapter. it’s fast, it’s twisted, and it’s completely unhinged in all the ways i wanted it to be.
five stars, no question. this series just keeps getting better.
This episode was much more emotional, with the aftermath and clear trauma being more intense. But the author did a great job walking Vera through it all and explains it in a way that it's easy to understand what's Vera and what's the Goddess. We get more Goddess story, and that alone was quite the surprise. I loved Nikolas in this episode and his desire to protect her and also get her back to her regular head space. However, that ending was a direct punch to my throat. Excellent hook by the author!
Poor Vera, she has lost everything. Feels nothing. They need to find how to help her before she loses her soul. Can I say I love how Kristen puts these out in episodes. Enough to keep your attention but short enough to read on your way to or from work. You never get total answers, but just enough to know that this is a storyline that you can't get away from. And you need more! Now! Watching Vera bloom and come into herself is such an amazing story and I'm here for it. I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can Vera be healed after what happened with David?
As we start this story, Vera is still pretty much traumatized after what happened with David. Poor Nikolai knows he has to do something to get the Vera he loves back again—strong, feisty, a real fighter. Wow! All I can say is I wish I had someone who loves me the way Nikolai loves Vera and everything he’s willing to do for her. Now I can’t wait for the next one because there is quite the twist in this one.
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
OMG!! I'm going to have the hardest time not spoiling this in this review!! I am so invested in Vera and Nikolai!! This book was so wild and so good I need the next episode right now immediately!! This does end on a cliffhanger. However, I couldn't put this book down!! Vera is a sassy bad ass possessed by a goddess and involuntarily climaxes every time she 💀 a man! Nikolai is an 800 yr old immortal who longs to die, gets off on pain, and protects Vera at all costs!! This book might be a quick read, but it's an amazing read nonetheless!! I need episode 3 and 4!!
Valhalla beckons and Vera is going to send Nik there!
I am so obsessed with this series, I have beta read all three so far and have loved every minute of it!
The dark Goddess inside Vera is slowly becoming my favorite character! Nik is soo sweet he anticipates everything Vera needs and tries to deliver before she unalienable him!
I can't wait for the next episode in the series especially after that ending.
Omgosh, Vera??? What is going on??? I am absolutely here for what is happening! My heart hurts for what she and Nikolai have gone through. But the end?!? Kristen! Omgosh, I need to know what happens! I am so invested in these novellas until the whole book comes out, this is going to be so good. The vibes are perfect; I am along for this fun journey!
4.5/5 ⭐ 3/5 🌶
I am so thankful to Kristen Coar again for letting me ARC read these episodes in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this episode because it shows Vera still being human; stuck in her head, has fears, doesn’t NEED a man but does appreciate him….. after a while lol. And the way Nik dies?! 🫦🫦 I also love in this episode we find out more about the goddess that other entity. Great read, finished in a few hrs! CANT WAIT for the next episode the way this one ended made me sick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In the 3rd episode of Ink, Blood, & Other Afflictions we pick up where episode 3 left off and find Vera in a vulnerable state. Our knight in shining dragon armor, Nik, steps in to snap her out of it. Our Goddess gives us a little more details on her origins and we find out more about this mysterious red mist being who refuses to let go. Bring on episode 4!
The story continues in episode 3! We get three povs. Vera is struggling because of the fear, knowing someone wants to kill her. Nikolai is in love with her and fiercely protects her. We learn more about the history between Munin and Hunin. This series is fun, entertaining, dark and delicious! There are 4 episodes total and they will all be available on Sept 8!
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness, this series is SO fun! I'm loving how the more I learn about the goddess, the more questions I have. I'm having a blast trying to figure everything out. Our MCs are perfect for each other, and I love seeing their relationship grow. The warehouse scene was EPIC spice. So excited for episode 4!
I loved getting a little more backstory on the Goddess in this episode. I also loved seeing how in love & obsessed our MMC is with our FMC. Seeing our FMC starting to embrace her true nature was amazing to see as well. The twist at the end has me so ready for episode 4!
I was lucky to read this as an ARC read. This was another absolutely amazing episode, I have loved the way these are short and sweet but never lacking. Filled with a great plot, amazing character and is such an enjoyable read. It has spice, banter, murder and a MMC that strokes the FMC and they are amazing together.
I loved getting more background for the Goddess in book 3 of this spicy novella mini-series! It built up amazingly and definitely took you on a ride. I cannot wait to finish book 4 and see how everything concludes. Seeing Vera truly grow into herself in this installment sets up for, what I think will be an amazing ending.
Oh. My. God! That ending! It’s already got me craving for more! A quick short read that’s oh so worth it! Each turn of the page keeps you hooked so deep and will not let you go! I’m so ready for part four I just can’t contain myself!
This book is getting better with every episode, somethings come as a huge surprise whereas some can be seen in advance if you watch for them. The storyline behind this is totally unique and I’m loving every second devouring the episodes as they come out.
Yet another great episode, the banter in this had me laughing and crying! This episode not as spicy but it was good!! The MMC just worships the FMC and will go to no lengths to protect her!! We were left with a cliffhanger yet again!! Hats off to the Author!!
Episode 3 was fantastic!! I'm loving the dynamic between Nikolai and Vera, they are such a cute couple in the most bloody dangerous way 🐦⬛🔪🩸 Cannot wait to read episode 4!!! this cliff hanger left me Needing more!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“He died with my c*nt on his mouth—and I came like I owned the last beat of his heart.”
Of course Kristen Coar had to end the book as it was getting good!!! Well-it was already good but I just wanted more!!! I’ll be picking up episode 4 immediately