Mia was perfectly happy with her boring mid-twenties life, thank you very much. So she didn't have many friends, or a man. Maybe her job kind of sucked, and hobbies hadn't caught up with her yet. There was still plenty of time, at least that's what she told herself each night before tucking into her lonely bed. Then tall, dark, and sinful Erik blazed into her life, showing her all that she was missing...and more. After finally experiencing real bliss, could she truly let him go?
Tired of living a solitary existence for centuries, Dieri Bastiz sought peace from the Romani that had cursed him so long ago. The same ones that he'd hunted until he'd sated his thirst for vengeance. When Mirela appears into his path like a bird in flight, he finds the spark his life had been missing for so long. Yet all is not as it seems at this quiet faire. Can monsters truly be redeemed, or does loyalty reign?
I'm Mandi. All my life I told everyone that I would be a writer...I just didn't know what I was going to write about. Naturally, they told me to chase my dreams but didn't expect much. Well, here I am...31 years old and a writer. It took a lot for me to get where I am, but I don't regret any of it!
In addition to writing, I run an online store at mandismuses.net, a roleplaying website, and have just passed the criteria to achieve my 3rd Degree Wiccan Priestess certificate. Currently working on several romance book ideas at once... if only I could get them to sort themselves out. I don't know what is on the horizon for me, but you can bet I'll be embracing it with open arms!
**Official Bio**
Mandi resides in Ohio, where she shares her workspace with an ornery bassle pup. She's an avid reader and blogger, who adores music. Whenever there is a concert in town, you can bet she's taking the night off and cheering on her favorite bands. She can easily be bribed with peanut butter M&Ms, gemstones, hot lead singers, and gargoyles. :)
We are on a ride call life and I plan on riding it until the wheels fall off , having as much fun along the way and a few wrecks as well however, Mia is simple living day in day out the same existence wake up repeat although, she wants more just unsure if it is right to want it or to live the same old daily routine until she is bullied by her best friend (that is what they are to do push us out of our comfort zones) into an auction earning herself a date. Now buckle up because sexy as all get out Erik is getting ready to take us all for a ride but will wake Mia up out of her day-to-day routine showing her that there is so much more to life than she is putting in but the dreams …those dreams. Dieri has been cursed walking a path of trying to break the curse but when he meets Mirela from the same bloodline thinking she just me be the end to all his wondering but is she is the question and will both couples find happiness
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In all honesty, I was not a fan of the first novella in this volume, Awakened, and as I don’t review one-star reads, I will be focusing on the second novella in Risque Romance Vol. 1 instead. Enthralled was a Four out of Five stars read. I loved that Dieri and Mariela are quite similar. Her bloodline is so intertwined with his existence, her understanding what he wants and wanting to help him, him needing the help but not wanting to darken her world, and yet their meeting is kismet, drawn together by powers outside of their control, but also she awakened something in him he long thought was gone. It was beautiful. I loved the heat in this; I was fully absorbed, and as normal, I craved much more of it. As much as I loved this book and its ending, I feel like I had a few questions about what happens now—the curse on both sides? What’s happening with Lucas? The band of people after Dieri? Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast read.
As with the rating, my recommendation will focus entirely on the second novella in Risque Romance Vol. 1 by Mandi Konesni. I’d recommend Enthralled to those who love a paranormal romance with a lost and forlorn MMC, an enticing and alluring FMC, curses galore, fate being a little minx, monster redemptions, a fast past romance, a fight for love, the war of desiring what you shouldn’t have but needing it anyway, and of course for those that love a happily ever after.
After reading the Wayward Soul Trilogy from Mandi Konesni I was intriqued to read more of her books and so glad the next one was this book as the two fantasy adult fairy tales are so good I am looking forward to reading the other volumes in this series. Mandi's writings draw you into the characters as for me connected with their story, vulnerability, hope, excitement and she has great steamy hot sex scenes that are full of erotic passion and as enticing as the mystery adventure stories themselves. The modern day settings and bringing supernatural into the mix for me is great combination. Really enjoyable and exciting reads, looking forward to more. Received free ebook as volunteered to leave honest review of experience.
Risque Romance: Volume 1 by Mandi Konesni contains 2 novellas Awakened and Enthralled. Both stories in this volume are vampire related folklore/mythology. Mandi does an amazing job pulling you into the stories. You can’t help but fall in love with Mia and Erik (Awakened) and Dieri and Mirela (Enthralled). I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, folklore, or paranormal romances.
Absolutely fantastic! That's saying something for a genre I don't normally care for. Mandi has a way of making this not only interesting, educational, fun and makes me feel like I'm involved! Two great love stories! Highly recommend, especially for those like myself.
The Risqué Romance Volume 1 contains 2 novellas, Awakened and Enthralled. These stories are super sexy and erotic! I loved Mia and Erik. It was easy to root for them. Dieri and Mirela’s story sucked me right in. I love the backstory that we get with them. All around very enjoyable reads.
This is a genre that I don't read and so this is a first. My personal tastes run in the horror genre which is, under ordinary circumstances, a far cry from romance. As it's always a good idea to broaden the reading horizon, I delved into Risque Romance Vol. 1 with an open mind.
As this book is comprised of two novellas, I'll review each one in turn.
First up is Awakened.
The story of Mia and Erik. We get a good feel for each of the characters as they are fairly well created for us. Our connection to Mia is formed in an empathetic bond, strengthened due to her feelings about her job choice and lack of self esteem/confidence. The mysterious Erik starts out as a harder bond to form but ends up being one we also empathize with and root for in the end.
The book is well written and creative, drawing us into the world of an incubus and finding us rooting for him, and at times, even fantasizing along with Mia. As I tend to also be a bit old fashioned and shy, the sex scenes were a bit too graphic for my tastes. Those of you that are not used to erotic scenes might find yourselves blushing and uncomfortable as you read some of the sex scenes. You'll also most likely find yourself aroused as the scenes are also very well written with foreplay that does tingle the senses.
Overall, this is a good read. One note to the author, I do see a tendency to over-use "ing" in starting sentences which tends to be a distraction from the flow of the scenes as it becomes monotonous to read in repetition. I suggest finding other ways to break it up in editing future books.
Next up is Enthralled
Dieri and Mirela's story. I found this story alluring and I didn't want to put it down (much to the displeasure of my cat who had a late lunch as I got lost in the story). I loved the way this started in the past and gave back story. I adored the characters and my emotions were stirred throughout the brief time I got to spend in this world. This one could be a movie and a tear jerker at that. It'll have you caught up in the characters and their history.
As with the first novella, this one has some sex scenes that'll curl your toes. You do not want to read this in the company of others as you'll be blushing (if you're like me) and heated up with the fantasy. This romance is exactly that too. It stirs the emotions as you'll root for Dieri and Mirela. As with any good book, I find it always sad when it ends as I have to put the characters, that I've formed a bond with, on the bookshelf.
This is a good read too. My only wish is that it had been longer as these characters, to me, feel like they need more of a story, it's just that good a creation. I would love to see this one fleshed out into a full novel.
To end the review, even if you don't read romance books, you should read this one, well two since it has two in it. I actually hate romance movies and just would never have picked up one if I hadn't been expanding my horizons and if I didn't know how well Mandi writes as she shares her work at LiterarySocial. If you love romance and erotica, paranormal romance, etc, then you'll find these two stories memorable and well worth your time.
Mia doesn't want to date she just wants to be left alone but when she promised her friend Jess she would go to an auction she didn't know it would've her auctioned off. When a man bids 15,000 for plain dumpy her she is very confused but she agreed to go on a date so she goes. She has been having weird dreams and when she finally gets to see Erik she has a face to go with her dreams. Strange idea but kinda cool. I requested this book for free from the author and have decided to review it
You get double the enjoyment with this book. The first story shows what is most important us what is inside you, your heart, your soul. Even as others call you plain. For the right one....you are everything. You will risk yor life for the chance. Fantastic story. The second story tells us that time has a way if changing how you look at things. For years he was hunting to kill. Now he is hunting for salvation. Can fates allow a second chance. A redemption. A love for the stars. Fantastic. Cannot wait for volume 2
The two stories in this book were both amazing reads. In Awakened, Mia and Erik's story was incredible, I liked how it developed and then Mia changed it. I am waiting for a Thalia's story now (hint hint). In Entralled, Mirela and Dieri's in amazing in the mythology of their families for centuries before they ever meet.
Ms. Konesni gives us two different tales of two different couples. Tales of love, sacrifice, redemption, and forever. Utterly fantastic! Loved it! Can't wait for book 2.
This book is spit into two different Novellas, so basically you get a two for one deal. Mandi has given us first up Awakenings, the story is nice, it stars our first couple Erik and Mia, it is dreamy and at times intense, the main sex scene is erotic. But you are never completely sure of what Erik is, you assume that Mia's idea on this is true, but he never actually says it. I feel it could be made successfully into a longer book or have a second book written. The second book is Enthralled, in this story we meet Dieri and Mirela. He has a curse placed upon him by Romani gypsies, and wanders through the centuries trying to break it. Mirela is from the bloodline he needs to end it. The story is good, we get a good background it adds life to it, the intimacy is red hot . I liked this story immensely, all in all a very good read