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Aphrodisiac
Police story surrounding a nightmarish past between two very different kinds of friends. Carina Artess, southern born, African American, -William O'Malley, southern born, wealthy, Caucasian. These two people were destined to be, if only they can find a way to heal from a tragic past.
436 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2008
5 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Keyes
25 books137 followersBorn in the south, Mississippi - grew up back and forth between there and Chicago, where she went to school. Keyes married early in life and gave birth to three beautiful children, two daughters, and a son. Currently, she has 7 grandsons and 1 granddaughter
She lives in Colorado now - after relocating from England where she used the backdrop of the small island to learn more about the world's historical past. A past that she's made a point to write about, as Ms. Keyes is a lover of history.
Currently, she is working on Saoirse - her sixth historical with Cromwell's reign that brought about Irish slaves - which will be followed by Fancy Free - another historical surrounding Cora's Daughters - the Fancy Series.
She can be found @ amberswann.org - where she continues to slowly build a world of quality interracial literature!
Drop in and join her blog!
http://amberswann.blogspot.com
She lives in Colorado now - after relocating from England where she used the backdrop of the small island to learn more about the world's historical past. A past that she's made a point to write about, as Ms. Keyes is a lover of history.
Currently, she is working on Saoirse - her sixth historical with Cromwell's reign that brought about Irish slaves - which will be followed by Fancy Free - another historical surrounding Cora's Daughters - the Fancy Series.
She can be found @ amberswann.org - where she continues to slowly build a world of quality interracial literature!
Drop in and join her blog!
http://amberswann.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 22, 2010
It's mine, I did it, wrote it - had to add it to my list!
January 21, 2013
I was on a roller coaster of emotions reading this book. It was that AWESOME!
I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. You must read it for yourself!
This was a CRAZY BEAUTIFUL experience!!!
After my meltdown, a little over half way through the book, I actually began to root for Carina and Will to be together!
Robert Damien O'Malley was the cutest thing ever!
Great job, Mercedes Keyes - the way that she handled Carina and Will's HEA was priceless!!! :-) :-)
I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. You must read it for yourself!
This was a CRAZY BEAUTIFUL experience!!!
After my meltdown, a little over half way through the book, I actually began to root for Carina and Will to be together!
Robert Damien O'Malley was the cutest thing ever!
Great job, Mercedes Keyes - the way that she handled Carina and Will's HEA was priceless!!! :-) :-)
August 24, 2012
I don't know where to begin with this review. First let me say this was an awesome read!!! I rate books according to how they make me feel and if I connect with the characters and story. So in my opinion, I would rate this book 10 stars. The author drew me in the first chapter, which started my emotional ride. This story is about forgiveness, redemption, healing & love. The author did an excellent job bringing out the flaws and personalities of each character. She made the characters feel so real. In between breaks, I couldn't stop thinking about them. I could go on and on how I feel about this book, that's how much I loved it! This is not my first book by this author, I read "The Fancy" which is also another great read. I highly recommend this book if you want to read something different and original.
April 5, 2013
This book is FANTABULOUS! OMG! I finished reading this last night. I have read many books and this one is the 1st one where I've actually cried and shed tears over. I felt all the emotions of Carina. I felt them for Will, too. It was almost like an emotional battle... I didn't like what happened but darn I understood and sympathized as to why it happened. Whewwww! Ma Bess had me laughing out loud so many times. I loved her character.
I love this book. Great read. Great story line. Great emotional connection with the characters. Definitely a stand out from the other IR books I've read. I got more than my money's worth reading this one. I surely did. Job well done, Mercedes. This book is "Da Bomb" ha-ha
I love this book. Great read. Great story line. Great emotional connection with the characters. Definitely a stand out from the other IR books I've read. I got more than my money's worth reading this one. I surely did. Job well done, Mercedes. This book is "Da Bomb" ha-ha
June 10, 2011
I found this to be a very gripping story; it is definitely not for the faint at heart. It literally gave me chills and had me in tears a couple times. Mrs. Keyes takes her reader on an emotional roller coaster from START to FINISH. After getting so far in the book, and learning just what happened in the past with the two main characters, I just found myself wondering 'how in the world is this supposed to work out??? and how is it going to make sense for these characters to come together and their union to be truly believable???'. But, let me tell ya - Mrs. Keyes is such a brilliant thinker and story-teller, that she just makes it work - and she makes it work WELL. I'm definitely a new fan and I'll continue to read her work as long as she's writing! I can say with confidence now that in MY book, she's definitely in the top 3% of the best authors of IR literature. There is a LOT of crappy & some just mediocre literature out there in the IR romance area, but crappy & mediocre CANNOT but put in the same sentence with this author’s name. Brilliant she is!!!
September 8, 2012
I loved this book! It took me by surprise this book first by the title because it is not what you think it is. When I started reading this story I could not believe that it could be a love story. I was like wow, how can you love some one after that. I kept reading and I felt like I was in it with Carina and William . I had sympathy for William the more I got to know him and his wonderful son I rooted for him. I felt his regret and sorrow. Then Carina had such a emotional journey it made me cry. I started to root for them to be together. When Miss Bess came to the story I loved it it was so funny to read about how she made Will feel like a little boy I laughed so hard I chocked up. This was a wonderful story and I enjoyed reading every minute of it.
August 29, 2015
3.5
So honestly this was a good book... however it dragged, now I know that the back story was needed after the shock factor of the first 20 pages but my goodness the first 49% bored me to tears. I was about to give up completely at around 34%. I decided to keep reading because I wanted to know the outcome.
Now quite honestly it made me think really hard about the situation because dang if it wasn't a unique one. I found myself feeling horrible for both characters because it was tough for everyone involved.
This story is tough and if you make it through the first half, the second half is awesome.
So honestly this was a good book... however it dragged, now I know that the back story was needed after the shock factor of the first 20 pages but my goodness the first 49% bored me to tears. I was about to give up completely at around 34%. I decided to keep reading because I wanted to know the outcome.
Now quite honestly it made me think really hard about the situation because dang if it wasn't a unique one. I found myself feeling horrible for both characters because it was tough for everyone involved.
This story is tough and if you make it through the first half, the second half is awesome.
August 6, 2016
I have to say the aurthor is a great story teller. This was an interesting story.
April 16, 2022
This book is not for the faint hearted
This book is set in the 60/70’s William O’Malloy and Carina Artess was close him the only child of rich parents in the south her the oldest of two children of working class parents Will was raised as much children back then by Bess, Carina’s momma Will loved Carina he had a close relationship with her purely innocent and she loved to be around him he made her feel safe even back then it was signs that this was a beautiful love between a older boy who happened to be rich and white and a little ten year old crushing on him she happened to be black and as long as everyone knew their place it was fine but then Will home from college bringing along some privilege school mates hanging out drinking doing drugs his so called friends slips a Micky in his drink that forever changes his and Carina’s life a event so traumatic that it takes years and help from a therapist from God to help fix it. If I’m being honest the author should changed the cover of her books they’re off settling imo I think she would benefit tremendously because a reader can judge a book by its cover but that aside this book is wonderfully written and pulls you by the heartstrings it’s full of betrayals,secrets,and the power of forgiveness I would recommend this book for a person who’s not faint of heart because it’s a roller coaster ride but worth all the bumps and bruises
This book is set in the 60/70’s William O’Malloy and Carina Artess was close him the only child of rich parents in the south her the oldest of two children of working class parents Will was raised as much children back then by Bess, Carina’s momma Will loved Carina he had a close relationship with her purely innocent and she loved to be around him he made her feel safe even back then it was signs that this was a beautiful love between a older boy who happened to be rich and white and a little ten year old crushing on him she happened to be black and as long as everyone knew their place it was fine but then Will home from college bringing along some privilege school mates hanging out drinking doing drugs his so called friends slips a Micky in his drink that forever changes his and Carina’s life a event so traumatic that it takes years and help from a therapist from God to help fix it. If I’m being honest the author should changed the cover of her books they’re off settling imo I think she would benefit tremendously because a reader can judge a book by its cover but that aside this book is wonderfully written and pulls you by the heartstrings it’s full of betrayals,secrets,and the power of forgiveness I would recommend this book for a person who’s not faint of heart because it’s a roller coaster ride but worth all the bumps and bruises
August 17, 2023
wow!
I have no idea how I came across this book written in 2007 and the year of 2023, but I did and first the cover drew me in and made me read the synopsis from there. The readers feedback made me think about this book. This books purpose is to tell a love story that just isn’t a love story. It’s so much more than that. This book is packed with life lessons that are so realistic and present in today’s world. This book and its premise is not an easy one to read but so worth it. This book starts in 1964 small town Alabama. The author really took me there in her writing. I could visualize the scenes she wrote. I could feel the emotions that the characters we’re going through and boy do they go through some emotions due to the circumstances that took place. Read this book. I don’t know any other way to put it. This literature that has so many layers that sucks you into the story as if you were present while these real events happened. There will be tears heartbreak, furry, and sadness for so many affected by one choice. No one can imagine how their one choice could affect so many people so deeply. I don’t normally read books written in the past, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this one.
I have no idea how I came across this book written in 2007 and the year of 2023, but I did and first the cover drew me in and made me read the synopsis from there. The readers feedback made me think about this book. This books purpose is to tell a love story that just isn’t a love story. It’s so much more than that. This book is packed with life lessons that are so realistic and present in today’s world. This book and its premise is not an easy one to read but so worth it. This book starts in 1964 small town Alabama. The author really took me there in her writing. I could visualize the scenes she wrote. I could feel the emotions that the characters we’re going through and boy do they go through some emotions due to the circumstances that took place. Read this book. I don’t know any other way to put it. This literature that has so many layers that sucks you into the story as if you were present while these real events happened. There will be tears heartbreak, furry, and sadness for so many affected by one choice. No one can imagine how their one choice could affect so many people so deeply. I don’t normally read books written in the past, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this one.
February 9, 2018
Very thought provokin
Great book.. it leaves you thinking. I wasn't ready for it to end. I liked this novel. Well written with a difficult subject matter.
Great book.. it leaves you thinking. I wasn't ready for it to end. I liked this novel. Well written with a difficult subject matter.
January 4, 2023
Well written and likeable characters, but the subject matter leaves me feeling so very conflicted. I'm not sure how to rate this yet...
October 15, 2014
This book is so different from anything I have ever read to date. After reading it I just had to sit back and take a moment - to just say "WOW", what have I just read!
Will and Carina have known each other their whole lives, Carina's mother (Beth) worked for Will's parents. When we are introduced to Will and Carina she is 10 and he is 21.
One night, after Carina gets the all clear from her mother to stay the night at her friend's house, her friend's father comes home, he's drunk and kicks her out, she's on her way home when Will happens to come by, now Will's in a incoherent state of mind and something happens (don't want to get into it without spoiling the story) that sets a cause of action that is the core of the story.
Will's privileged background afford's his family the ability to fix things middle/poor class people wouldn't be able to do and fix things they do until Will's conscience demands the better of him years later.
The story was an eye opener, I've never read a story before that told of a wrongdoer's point of view which showed the pain he felt for his past actions and at the same time showed the love he had for receiving something that is so precious and becomes to mean so much to him from the person he inflicted the pain on without her consciously knowing.
It is a story of friendship, pain, forgiveness and love.
Thanking my happy stars that this is make-believe and that I don't know anybody who has experienced this, as in a real life situation - honestly I don't believe I would be so forgiving.
I am so glad the ending was what it was, it made me shed a tear or two because I could feel the emotion of love from a parent to a child said through a song when it is to hard to put in words.
This was the first book I have read from this author, won't be my last.
Will and Carina have known each other their whole lives, Carina's mother (Beth) worked for Will's parents. When we are introduced to Will and Carina she is 10 and he is 21.
One night, after Carina gets the all clear from her mother to stay the night at her friend's house, her friend's father comes home, he's drunk and kicks her out, she's on her way home when Will happens to come by, now Will's in a incoherent state of mind and something happens (don't want to get into it without spoiling the story) that sets a cause of action that is the core of the story.
Will's privileged background afford's his family the ability to fix things middle/poor class people wouldn't be able to do and fix things they do until Will's conscience demands the better of him years later.
The story was an eye opener, I've never read a story before that told of a wrongdoer's point of view which showed the pain he felt for his past actions and at the same time showed the love he had for receiving something that is so precious and becomes to mean so much to him from the person he inflicted the pain on without her consciously knowing.
It is a story of friendship, pain, forgiveness and love.
Thanking my happy stars that this is make-believe and that I don't know anybody who has experienced this, as in a real life situation - honestly I don't believe I would be so forgiving.
I am so glad the ending was what it was, it made me shed a tear or two because I could feel the emotion of love from a parent to a child said through a song when it is to hard to put in words.
This was the first book I have read from this author, won't be my last.
May 8, 2016
A great book expertly written
The writer dealt with the themes with expertise. It was realistic to the end. She did not gloss over the emotions that real people feel dealing with rape and race. I like the fact that she did not make the heroine fall into bed with the hero just because feelings of love were declared. She was realistic because they were still two ppl dealing with rape and sexual assault. They both were still victims of a horrific incident. How the author dealt with these issues were realistic.
The writer dealt with the themes with expertise. It was realistic to the end. She did not gloss over the emotions that real people feel dealing with rape and race. I like the fact that she did not make the heroine fall into bed with the hero just because feelings of love were declared. She was realistic because they were still two ppl dealing with rape and sexual assault. They both were still victims of a horrific incident. How the author dealt with these issues were realistic.
October 3, 2013
This was not an easy book to read. You will go through emotional turmoils of one particular family and the events that affected a young her in the 60's. On the other side of that is a very moving love story, with the smut. I recommend to those readers with an open mind and who stick with the plot to see how the ending turns out.
November 28, 2016
I honestly don't know what to say about this story..... I would say that you have to go into this story with an open mind and heart. It's the type of book that will make you all kinds of uncomfortable but it explores themes such as sexual and drug abuse along with mental illness. Also, read the authors letter at the end it made me understand her reasons for writing this book.
November 26, 2019
Talented Author
What couldn't I say about this piece of work?You really have to read it for your self.Tough subject.Excellent book, very well written.I am giving this author a standing ovation for tackling something like this and doing it right.Thank you Ms.Keyes this book was a gift.
What couldn't I say about this piece of work?You really have to read it for your self.Tough subject.Excellent book, very well written.I am giving this author a standing ovation for tackling something like this and doing it right.Thank you Ms.Keyes this book was a gift.
April 7, 2014
This book will test your limits on forgiveness and love it will make you wonder how could such a thing happen and how can you over come it. Aphrodisiac was written so well you felt true emotion with the characters...I would recommend this book as a must read!!
May 19, 2014
THOUGHT PROVOKING, BITTERSWEET.....What a story! I have NEVER read a book that was 420 pages long in a 24 hour time frame. Could not put it down. I don't want to give anything away,, I just Highly Recommend this well written PROVOCATIVE story be read. BRAVO MERCEDES KEYES!!
August 23, 2013
Review to come.
February 10, 2015
This was one of the best books I ever read!! Wow!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews