An unexpected discovery forces Lana, Honda and Yuki to rethink their relationship, and Lana to confront her painful past. Then lightning strikes again and shatters Lana's world and understanding of reality -- as shapeless and mortal danger looms on the horizon, Honda finally confesses why he chose her to become his submissive.
To her horror, their boundless thirst and dark urges has cursed roots, not only on Honda's side, like what he believed, but also on Lana's. They have no choice: only together will they stand a chance to defeat the heinous monsters stalking them and put an end to the spiraling madness engulfing them.
Desperate to protect her most precious treasure against timeless forces bent on destroying them, Lana takes a radical decision in relation to Yuki and attempts to let go of her traumatic past. As a terrible storm gathers above their heads, the time for secret is over. The trio must come out clean with the powerful heads of their families if they want a chance at a real future together and survive what is coming for them.
An avid reader of thrillers, science-fiction, horror and romance, I have been writing for nearly 25 years. Lila Mina is one of my pen names.
I am a firm believer in cross-genre literature. Life is too complex, too rich and surprising to limit stories to one genre only. I love blending genres to create powerful characters, emotional plots and exciting stories that hopefully will stay a long time with my readers. My stories feature multiracial couples and sometimes menage who come together, bound by love and passion, to fight against forces bent on taking them apart.
I live in Japan. The rich and beautiful traditions, the amazing nature and the long history of this country are a constant source of creative inspiration.
After more than two years of work, I will release the first book of my TEMPER saga in ebook and paperback in March 2019, and books 2 and 3 in May and July. I am actively looking for reviewers, so feel free to contact me to discuss about an eARC.
A highly explicit and sensual story with paranormal undertones, it is a tale of survival, resilience, personal growth, loyalty and unbreakable love between three unforgettable characters. It takes my readers along the transformative journey of self-discovery of Lana Martin.
A continuation of the Temper Saga, we once again are drawn into the BDSM world of Lana, the Aikido disciple of Honda, as well as the sexual focus of Honda and his wife. Although Honda is a sexual force to be reckoned with, his wife is equally adept at bringing the sensual shock value to the table . . . or floor . . . or wherever the mood strikes her. I went into this book curious as to how the author could possibly top the first one in delving into a world of taboo proclivities and mysterious innuendos. Well, she did so beautifully, erotically, disturbingly, and eloquently. Oh, and with an early revelation I did NOT see coming, and wondered how the characters would possibly deal with it. (I can't stand to give a spoiler, but I assure you, it's a surprise for sure ... to ALL the characters.)
This story begins to take a steady turn into the supernatural, explaining some of the bits and pieces we encountered in Temper Deference. Ghosts, evil-spirit-shifter types, and a curse that has somehow led all characters to this path. If you're into strange and erotic to the nth degree, this is your must read!
⛤⛤⛤⛤⛤ Wow. I'm hooked on this series. I just love all the characters in this book. I must say I did cry some reading this book. And I now understand more about what they are facing and loved watching the relationship grow between the 3 of them.
So this is the second book in the series and it just continues to be a great read. There’s so much more in this book. More danger, more secrets revealed, more heartache but also more love and joy too.
LANA - I continue to love this woman. She fights with all of her strength to have it all. She remains able to hold onto her own strong personality while becoming deeper involved with her Dom and companion. This is no easy feat with someone like Honda. But she has an inner strength that many do not.
There are a couple of points in the book where I was afraid she was just going to give in and be whatever he told her to be but she fought back. Roar!
Some absolutely heartbreaking secrets are revealed and they brought a tear to my eye. As strong as she is, she terrified as she finds out that this passion between her and Honda may not all be “natural”. And now that the future is even more complicated, that fills her with dread. I love that she truly loves Yuki as well. To be honest, I do too.
HONDA- Right. This guy is still an overbearing fucker, lol. I still wanna punch him in the dick but...he is trying. He makes a few commendable attempts to chill and stop being so overbearing.
Knowing now what may be causing some of his personality issues, I can sort of give him a break. But if it wasn’t for the fact he had an utterly talented tongue, fingers and big dick, he’d be out the door.
The thing is, he needs Lana. He needs someone who can take the darker side of him and who can stand up to his bull shit. Someone who can challenge him but also knows (and enjoys) how to submit to him 100% when needed.
I just wish he would stop going on about how feelings are not welcome in their situation. Ass-hat! She loves you and whether you want to admit it or not, you love her too. Men!
YUKI - Who doesn’t love Yuki? She is such a beautiful soul. She loves and respects them both and is often the glue holding them together in situations where tempers are frayed. I love that she and Lana have this amazing relationship where they can love each other without labels or jealousy. It just is what it is.
SEX SCENES - Once again, the sex was rockin’. I’m gonna be honest, I wanna be included. Who wouldn’t? It was saucy, sexy and intense. There is one scene in particular where I was like “Damn girl” at Lana. You are owning this. The tables were turned, yo!
FINAL THOUGHTS - Ths was amazing with a brilliant paranormal twist! I loved learning about the Japanese spirits and demons etc. It was just the icing on the cake for me and I’m now more curious than ever how this is going to work out. I am learning a lot about Japanese culture and I’m likely going to go study it in detail after this.
I really enjoyed the first book, but this one wasn't as strong. The sex scenes weren't as sexy, the sensei wasn't as wise, and the ghosts in the attic were a distraction for me.
This one leaves off with book 3 a necessary follow-on. But not for me.
Admit it, you’ve heard that time old cliché—‘actions speak louder than words’—haven’t you?
Well, it’s true... and it has never been truer than in DREAD—book two in the Temper Saga. Believe me when I tell you, actions prove the true emotions driving the characters—time and again, but there is nothing cliché about the author’s delivery of any part of this incredible installment in this profoundly gripping trilogy.
As the bonds of the polyamorous relationship between Lana, Honda, and Yuki evolve on so many complex levels, the paranormal aspects of the story begin to fully take root. Characters continue to develop as their torments are made known and their wills are tested. Details of painful past experiences and dreadful curses are revealed slowly, and mixed with plentiful amounts of wickedly sensual and boundary pressing passions that are critical to this saga’s development—and to the development of each character.
Based on the unparalleled first installment of The Temper Saga—DEFERENCE, I had high expectations going into this book. Lila Mina crushes once again in DREAD! She delivers a riveting story with shocking revelations—DREAD took me on a ride that was more emotional than I ever anticipated. I wiped away tears. I turned pages anxiously—while holding my breath. I was scared. I was relieved. I giggled a few times. And although this sentiment is often markedly dismissed by certain characters, it cannot be denied—because Lila Mina’s exceptional writing illustrates the characters’ behaviors and actions so vividly, I felt love pouring from page after page.
There’s a cognitive mold, in the characters, made of dedication to hierarchy and dutiful respect to traditions built on century old customs. A mold which requires acute diligence and adherence... factor age-old curses with extreme consequences onto that, and it is that very mold dramatically fracturing at a tantalizing slow pace as the story continues to unfold... and it keeps pages turning with urgency.
Lila Mina beautifully weaves threads including: lust, power, dominance, submission, supreme trust, erotic passion, respect... into a beautifully written story, anchored with subtle moments of tender romance. Simmering chemistry between the characters keeps interest piqued and heightens the already dramatic story when it explodes in unpredictable ways when it’s least expected.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, this one definitely hits emotional buttons and leaves me aching for the next decadent—even dreadful—detail!
My heart! I loved the first book in the series but the second one was even better! I literally read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down once I started. As Lana’s relationship with her master Honda and his wife Yuki progresses, the happy trio have to face not only external enemies (well, perhaps, not enemies per se but Yuki’s father, Nakazawa, definitely was not a happy camper in this installment and easily stole a prize as an antagonist of the day) but also their own past, which could very well affect their future. With Honda’s gentle guidance, Lana finally opens up to him and tells a tragic story of her youth (get your tissues ready - it’s heartbreaking) and soon both realize that the heartbreaking event ties them together in a most unexpected, and dangerous way. I loved the elements of the paranormal that were introduced into an already compelling story. Particularly the scene with the spirits near the sea was so vividly described, I could almost see it with my own eyes. Hauntingly beautiful imagery! The progress of the trio’s relationship and the character development of each, and especially Honda, was brilliantly done. I loved watching them all grow and learn how to trust and open up to each other. The exotic setting of Japan, its complex system of customs and traditions makes the story even more enjoyable. Overall, it was a brilliant new installment and I already can’t wait to start book three! Five very well-deserved stars!
It just keeps getting better. We move deeper into this unconventional but beautiful relationship and things start to come to light about the forces that has brought this triad together. It’s amazing and fascinating and will be one series that I will reread for many years to come. I started with the first book Deference in KU but after reading it I immediately bought all 3.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and, if anything, I enjoyed book two even more! Dread continues the story of Lana and her complicated relationship with married couple, Honda and Yuki. But things get a whole lot more complicated in this book, with Lana becoming pregnant despite being told years ago that this would not be physically possible for her. Plus, the threesome face judgement from others as people become more aware of their unusual relationship, and the judgement is harsh considering the important roles of tradition and honour within the Japanese culture.
On top of all of this, there also seems to be supernatural forces that are against the trio. There were hints of this in the previous book, but it is a lot more prevalent in Dread. Honda is able to give Lana some answers about certain weird things that have happened to her (and to him) but there are a lot more unanswered questions than there are answers at the moment. The unseen threat to them makes it impossible for the reader to know just how things might turn out in book three of the series.
I really felt for all the characters in this book. There just seems to be one problem after another for them to deal with and I found myself really hoping that they could find a break from all the drama for just five minutes. But the trio deal with each challenge as it presents itself, and nothing comes close to breaking the bond between the three of them.
While I loved all the characters, Yuki would have to be my favourite. She proved herself to have such a big heart in the first book when she happily invited another woman into their lives to satisfy her husband’s needs. But, in this book, the love that she feels for both Honda and Lana seems never-ending, especially when she so lovingly accepts the fact that Lana is carrying her husband’s baby. Her unconditional love for the two people in her life is really quite inspirational and incredibly special. Honda and Lana are both temperamental and stubborn, so despite the bond they share they do often clash, but Yuki is the loving balm that actually allows the trio to work so well together.
I really can’t wait to read the third book in the series and I hope that all the mystery surrounding the supernatural forces will be cleared up, and I really hope that the three of them will be able to find their peace and their happy ending. This is a series that manages to seamlessly mix scorching hot BDSM scenes with mystery and emotional angst; keeping the reader gripped from start to finish and leaving us wanting more. These books are a must-read!
Amount of sex 5 / 5 How explicit is the sex scenes 5 / 5 Amount of BDSM/Fetish 5 / 5 Story 4.5 / 5 Overall: 4.5 / 5 Review: I am really enjoying this series. It moves swiftly and is very steamy - like my Kindle is on fire level of sexy. The magic between the three characters: Lana, Honda, and Yuki is mesmerizing.
So why am I giving this glowing review so far a 4.5 instead of a 5? There are two reasons - first, the book is one book split into three parts. While there is a cliffhanger of what will happen next, it lacks a climax (ha, ha, pun not intended because trust me there are lots of climaxes). This kinda irritates me in general. My second reason is this book makes an unexpected turn into the paranormal. I just didn't expect it. What I thought was a series about how these three characters navigate differences in culture, the culture around them, and their relationships has moved to be all that and there is a paranormal element. My main complaint is there was very little set up in the first book (there were two small parts), not that there is any fault in the writing or the story itself. I think ultimately these two reasons tie together - if it was one book, it may not have been such an odd turn.
Mind you, I still really like the series. I love the cultural, character, and relationship development as well as the paranormal part. It was the lack of understanding this was going to happen, which frankly maybe my problem, not the books'. I was just as shocked as Lana is about what is going on around her.
My complaints are small in contrast to the way Mina weaves this complex story. It is a second book, which always makes it harder to review because you don't want to give anything away (and there is a lot to give away). Lots of juicy action, great relationship dynamics and well drawn with a complex culture.
The writing and characters were very robotic. Where there should have been passion and feeling there's just not. I don't really buy the romance between Yuki/Honda/Lana. For goodness sake I have no idea what Honda's first name even is and Lana is having his child and having s*x with his wife! I don't even think she knows what it is. The other thing that got me is how "ok" Lana is with everything:
-Apartment burns down mysteriously, and now you need to go live with your bdsm master and his wife, totally ok. -Lana's best friend has s*x with Honda's wife, Yuki, who Lana is in a romantic relationship with, no problem. -Honda is cursed by evil demon yoki to need rough s*x, no big deal. -Yuki's father asks Lana to be his mistress/sexually harasses her, still going to work for him.
The other thing that really bothered me was when Lana's friend got mad at her for not having a "Catholic" service for her baby that died in the past and instead had a very meaningful Shinto service. Like dude you had s*x with her pretty much wife while you were in a relationship with another dude, but this is where you draw the line?! You want to be a "good" Catholic now?! WTF.
I think this book/series had a lot of potential, however, it is severely undermined by the lack of conflict or when there is conflict it just seems out of place.
Will not be finishing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Once again... I’m blown away by Lila Mina’s writing. This is the second book of the Temper Saga and it is just so hard to put down. It is so good. The story is not stretched to fill the pages, it’s full of substance and purpose. Also, the description of the culture is so interesting. She is able to highlight the differences with the characters being Japanese and international, as it seems Lana does not necessarily represent an Italian or Canadian woman, but an international citizen.
I love how it is full of angst and suspense and lust and it almost seems as if love is also present in this complicated relationship.
Well, I’m off to read the conclusion of this wonderful, well written story.
When I read the first book. I was pulled into the life of three very different characters. Each one strong, and yet vulnerable in very different ways. The respect and traditions the Japanese culture has, was carefully and beautifully defined in both of these books. I love the intensity between Lana and Honda. When I think of what Lana and Yuki have, is sweet and powerful in their own right. The fire between all three is so scorching hot, you need to fan yourself and hope for more scenes like it. I have really enjoyed the shift in dynamics in this book. Lila has out done herself and I look forward to reading the next book. I hope she either creates more like this series or finds a way to extend this one. I just love it.
I loved the mind blowing experience of book one in this series. Now I'm having my mind blown again. The hints of paranormal in the first book intrigued me. Couldn't see where the author was going with them, but now we get into the crux of the matter. Fabulous escapism of a read. The relationships and sex scenes are so intense that I found it hard to breathe at one point. Cultural references and the japanese honour system play a huge part in this book and the author's brillianly descriptive scenes make it all feel so real. Can't wait to get my hands on the last book to discover the ending to this intense and intriguing read.
I was given an ecopy of this book by the author in exchange for review.
I adored the first book in the trilogy, so I was really excited to jump into the next one. I'll admit I was a bit relieved that the sex scenes weren't quite as... intense, as the first book (I'm not that much into blood play, I'll admit). But they were still much more inventive than your average erotica and I appreciated it.
As for the "cursed roots" aspect of Lana and Honda's relationship, I'll admit I was a little skeptical about it at first. Without getting into too much detail, it takes a strange supernatural turn. While I warmed up to it over the course of the story, it's not necessarily my favorite plot twist. But I do enjoy how it alters their relationship and allows for character growth.
The reveal of Lana's backstory, as hinted at in the first book, was tragic and heartbreaking. But she remains a fairly strong character in her own right. Yuki has some demons in her past as well brought to light. She's still my favorite (and she can seduce me ANY day).
The one big struggle I had with the book was wanting to see more of the Japanese culture. As the author lives in the country, I was hoping to see more of that first-hand knowledge. There are religious ceremonies and athletic competitions that are glossed over, when I would have enjoyed seemed a play by play of what goes on.
The ending definitely leaves a lot up in the air and teases some serious drama in the third book. While it's a bit more reserved than the first, this still isn't a book for those who haven't read a decent amount of erotica before. This is for the smut veterans.
I loved the first book, but this one was even better. This one goes into the paranormal genre in the form of Japanese demons. We learn the roots of Honda and Lana's rage and how they ended up drawn together. I still love Yuki and how she plays into the relationship. Yuki's father makes a good antagonist on top of the lore of demons in the background, but I love how Lana can stand up to him and hold her own. She's a strong female lead, as is Yuki.
Overall, an enjoyable read for those who like kink and darker books
This is the second book in the series about Lana and her relationship with both Honda and Yuki. The book starts with an unexpected discovery but there is so much more to come in this book. The relationships are all evolving and we begin to understand the characters a lot more. Book 1 was able to draw you in and this book is able to do the dame. There are so many emotions going on that you cant help feeling for all the characters. The suspense, love story and paranormal all work well together and the book flows perfectly. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
4.5 stars. This series is seriously addictive! Had to roll my eyes at “surprise baby“ at first but it did change the dynamic of the throuple in meaningful and interesting ways. Yuki is a treasure and I truly adore her. Honda is hot and annoying at the same time, but he is such a layered and interesting character. He's finally showing a few cracks in his unyielding exrterior and I've been waiting for that. My only criticism is that the individual books don't have complete story arcs. It feels more like one big story that's been cut into three parts at the appropriate points, lengthwise. There's no satisfactory ending to the individual parts and that's leaving me slightly frustrated. Will definitely read the last book in the series though.
Omg, this keeps getting better!!! Steamy, eloquent, and most significantly, the author obviously knows Japan so well, you just feel as if you’re right there with her. This is everything that “50 shades” should have been.
Could not stop reading until the end! Love the suspense, the love story, the relationships. A great novel and a wish that more relationship would be like this one.
Dread kicks everything up a notch, the plot, the emotions and definitely the heat. Characters delve into their pasts to plan for their futures and the stakes are higher than ever. The introduction of paranormal elements was a welcome addition, and that pulled me into book.
Honda is finally growing and changing as a character, and while he is still not my favorite, I appreciate the character growth.
The first book in this series was great, and this one brought some secrets to light that kept the story interesting and moving forward. The world is still captivating and the characters still strong.
But something kept me from being engrossed in book two. I really slugged through some parts, especially with all of the extended family and corporate drama tied in. It's unfortunate, because the plot takes numerous drastic turns that intrigue the hell out of me. It's almost like there is a bit too much going on for me to really become engrossed in it.
I will 100% finish this trilogy, but I think I need a filler book or two before I tackle #3.
This is the second book I'd the series and it is just as marvelous as the first. The supernatural element is an interesting twist and it serves to explain the motivations of one of the characters. The dominance and submission elements are explored more and those scenes are explosive and very explicit! Which made it more enjoyable for me to read. I would recommend that anyone that enjoys the supernatural and dominance and submission read this book. You won't be sorry.
The Temper series is excellently localized in Tokyo, Japan. The author has extensive knowledge on culture and language there as well as the map of Tokyo, so for that alone I would say these books are worth a glance.
What seemed like plain erotica in book 1 morphs in this book to include some horror and fantasy elements that I believe will be further established in the third book. This book is clearly stronger than its predecessor, since the vision the author has for this story is clearer now.
Off to book 3 and then I‘ll hopefully be able to review the whole work!
Phenomenal. Hot. Keeps getting better!!! Wow, what can I say? The story is only getting better, more thrilling, scarier, even hotter with every new part. And this one... Dios Mio, as Lana would put it. xD Especially the ending, it's glued to my mind, twisted into those little brain cells I have like a sticky paste that doesn't want to let me go. I'll forever have sleepless nights thinking about Nogitsune. Aaaah, did you feel that cold shiver of fright as well? And the mask! Omg, I want to cry just thinking about the mask! Am I a coward? Yes, definitely! Would everyone knowing me tell me to stop reading this story? Yes, certainly. Would I have ever listened? Not in a million years! Because you know what? Holy fucking shit was it good!!! Do you know this feeling of sitting down in a rollercoaster? The restraint comes down, strapping you in and you suddenly have this one thought running through your head: "Why did I think this was a good idea?" And then the rollercoaster ride starts and you slowly move higher and higher and you want to cry and scream and get off this thing. You're terrified, you think you're going to die, you hate yourself and all your friends for ever dragging you on that ride along with them. Yet you can't get out. You're strapped in and somewhere very deep inside of you, you know you will survive this because it's just a rollercoaster ride and it won't actually kill you. Yet the feelings are there and they are real and there's just no shaking them. That was Temper Deference. Dread is the rollercoaster ride, it gets up and down and you're screaming and crying as one loop after the other hits you up until the point that you've lost all sense of room and time. The sky is suddenly underneath your feet and as you try to get ahold of it, it's back above your head while your racing towards the new high before you fall into the lowest low. Everything is spinning and turning and your emotions are all over the place. And now I'm waiting for Deliverance, I'm waiting to get off this rollercoaster knowing it may have been the wildest ride I ever hopped on, but also the most fun. And as the wide and happy grin is still on my face, I'll get back into the line and wait for the whole journey to start all over.
So good! The steamy moments in this story are amazing and more important than most would think. They set the tone and outline the true things going on, all while hinting at what things are still being held back yet to unfold. That hint of the paranormal I was picking up finally stuck it’s head out. The visual I got when reading of their night in the hotel was beautiful and alluring as well as the strange and intriguing connection that Lana and Honda share. There are definitely still many layers of hidden things going on but it has made me all the more intrigued and I look forward to continuing the story. The writing, storyline and detail are amazing and so incredible to me as I know nothing about the Japanese culture (although Kitsune are among my absolute favorite creatures). Lila Mina is an incredibly talented writer and I have enjoyed very much reading her works.
As this complex and intriguing story continues, it becomes more intense and suspenseful. The main characters finally reveal some of their pasts and we get to learn so much more about them. Their relationship grows and becomes so much stronger. Book 2 is fascinating, complex and utterly intriguing. I absolutely love these characters and their interesting relationship.
Once again the author weaves Japanese history and folklore into the story giving us readers interesting twists throughout. So well written!
I can’t wait to see how this story concludes with book 3.
I have become addicted to this series. Dread was just as good as book 1 so I can only imagine how well Deliverance will be. The level of passion, commitment and love between the characters is mind blowing. You cannot help but feel like an intruder peeping in on their private moments. A flawless story and one so involved in Japanese culture will have you learning so much. Highly recommended series that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Storms gather when Lana finds herself in the same cursed as Honda that happen 20 years ago just a different type of madness of against unseen forces , that has shown in different forms. As she is caring a precious load . With the trio working together they can face those hidden dangers that loom in the darkness .