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Blackwell Djinn #1
Three Wishes
Her Wish is His Command...
Ashley
Ashley’s life is a mess. Her estranged husband filed for divorce and dropped an even bigger bomb—he’s leaving her for the receptionist.
Heartbroken and yeah, a little blind with fury, Ashley ditches work and goes knocking on the door of the city’s dark darling, Dae Blackwell. Someone once told Ashley that Dae had the power to make your deepest desires come true and Ashley is desperate for something other than this pressing hurt.
Dae
As jinn, Dae has spent the last several hundred years striking deals with humans and then twisting their wishes for his own amusement. But now that his grandfather is at Death’s door, for the first time in history, Dae is the one in need of a miracle. When Ashley stumbles into his life looking desperate and adorable, Dae is happy to make a deal with her. Women always bend to his desires and all he needs is one wish. Just one wish to save the patriarch of the Blackwell family.
But the more time Dae spends with Ashley, the greater the attraction grows. What is it about this office assistant that makes him ravenous for her body? And why does he keep making excuses to see her?
As their deal nears its end, Dae comes to a startling realization: he’s willing to risk everything he holds dear in order to have the one woman who lights his dark jinn heart on fire.
Ashley
Ashley’s life is a mess. Her estranged husband filed for divorce and dropped an even bigger bomb—he’s leaving her for the receptionist.
Heartbroken and yeah, a little blind with fury, Ashley ditches work and goes knocking on the door of the city’s dark darling, Dae Blackwell. Someone once told Ashley that Dae had the power to make your deepest desires come true and Ashley is desperate for something other than this pressing hurt.
Dae
As jinn, Dae has spent the last several hundred years striking deals with humans and then twisting their wishes for his own amusement. But now that his grandfather is at Death’s door, for the first time in history, Dae is the one in need of a miracle. When Ashley stumbles into his life looking desperate and adorable, Dae is happy to make a deal with her. Women always bend to his desires and all he needs is one wish. Just one wish to save the patriarch of the Blackwell family.
But the more time Dae spends with Ashley, the greater the attraction grows. What is it about this office assistant that makes him ravenous for her body? And why does he keep making excuses to see her?
As their deal nears its end, Dae comes to a startling realization: he’s willing to risk everything he holds dear in order to have the one woman who lights his dark jinn heart on fire.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2019
1080 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Kardnov
16 books167 followersNikki Kardnov grew up reading vampire fiction and took her first stab at writing her own vampire novel at the age of sixteen. Now, many, many years later, Nikki enjoys writing steamy paranormal romance featuring powerful, hot-as-hell immortal heroes and smart, strong, capable heroines.
She can often be found knee-deep in a mug of coffee, curled up with a book and a cat.
To keep to stay in the loop, sign-up for Nikki's newsletter at: https://www.authornikkikardnov.com/ne...
She can often be found knee-deep in a mug of coffee, curled up with a book and a cat.
To keep to stay in the loop, sign-up for Nikki's newsletter at: https://www.authornikkikardnov.com/ne...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
August 3, 2019
I gave this book two stars because I found I loved reading about the Djinn. It’s a newer character type for me, and I thought the author did a good job of creating and explaining their world. The rest of the book is the problem. Barely any information is given about Ashley aside from being a jilted housewife. Her descriptions and behaviors have her appearing an immature 20 ish on one page and a haggard 40 ish on another. The author failing to give her an actual age (or at least a way to deduce it) is extremely annoying and distracting for most of the book. It becomes a mess when could become pertinent to a background characters story and we still do not know it. There isn’t really any information given about her. There really isn’t any mention of her likes, hopes, or dreams, not even a mention of what she studied in college or if she even went to college. There is a reference to her sleeping in the same bed as her husband for 7 years, but no clarification if that was their entire relationship, how long they had lived together, or the length of her marriage. Just a reference to the (implied) many men that she had slept with before her husband, that gave me the impression that she wasn’t exactly young when they met. She references feeling old, but no talk of whether she was planning to have children. A woman doesn’t need to want children, but it’s just another thing we don’t know about this character. Pretty much everything that is mentioned is negative. Her parents divorced had a major effect on her and obviously has led to her obsession with saving her “marriage”. Her marriage is kind of a joke. She doesn’t see herself as being attractive. Apparently, based on several remarks bu other people, men don’t really find her attractive. She hates her job. The list goes on. The only exception to the negativity thing is that Dae finds her attractive. He thinks she is the most generous person he has ever known, but aside from one act of kindness, we don’t see what could make him think that. We know everything about Dae (and even a lot about his brothers). How old he is, how old he looks, how old his brothers and grandfather look, his job, his financial worth, his interests, his family issues. The list goes on. It takes information about both characters to make a story. This author needs to find some good Beta readers, because she does have potential!
August 10, 2019
Full disclosure: I DNFed at 19%. Also: strong language (paraphrased from the book).
Up to the point at which I quit, I don’t feel the author hit their stride. The characters were flat and juvenile, and some of the “empowering” things were... yeah, no.
I realize books are escapism, but there are limits to what i can accept. I can believe in djinn granting wishes, but i just can’t get past more real-world aspects...
I can’t immerse myself in a book wherein a main character thinks it’s OK to tell a receptionist (whether that receptionist is sleeping with their estranged husband or not) to fuck off whilst in the office. In front of other people. And be proud of it. (Hello, unemployment line!)
I can’t immerse myself in a book wherein a main character disguises himself as the estranged husband’s employer and berates him for screwing up the family-friendly image of the company and being in love with his mistress’s pussy. (Holy harassment lawsuit, Batman!)
I can’t immerse myself in a book wherein a man can’t exclaim—he can shout, he can yell, he can growl, but he can’t exclaim. (What does that even mean?)
Overall, the attitudes conveyed in the book just Did Not Do It for me, especially not when the characters didn’t have enough development to make up for the wince-worthy bits.
Maybe it improves. Maybe the characters deepen and the pacing picks up, maybe the world-building fleshes out more of the setting. I won’t be finding out, as I just can’t move beyond the distasteful, ludicrous parts.
Up to the point at which I quit, I don’t feel the author hit their stride. The characters were flat and juvenile, and some of the “empowering” things were... yeah, no.
I realize books are escapism, but there are limits to what i can accept. I can believe in djinn granting wishes, but i just can’t get past more real-world aspects...
I can’t immerse myself in a book wherein a main character thinks it’s OK to tell a receptionist (whether that receptionist is sleeping with their estranged husband or not) to fuck off whilst in the office. In front of other people. And be proud of it. (Hello, unemployment line!)
I can’t immerse myself in a book wherein a main character disguises himself as the estranged husband’s employer and berates him for screwing up the family-friendly image of the company and being in love with his mistress’s pussy. (Holy harassment lawsuit, Batman!)
I can’t immerse myself in a book wherein a man can’t exclaim—he can shout, he can yell, he can growl, but he can’t exclaim. (What does that even mean?)
Overall, the attitudes conveyed in the book just Did Not Do It for me, especially not when the characters didn’t have enough development to make up for the wince-worthy bits.
Maybe it improves. Maybe the characters deepen and the pacing picks up, maybe the world-building fleshes out more of the setting. I won’t be finding out, as I just can’t move beyond the distasteful, ludicrous parts.
July 3, 2019
First time reading a book by this author and was not disappointed. It’s getting harder and harder to find anything unique in the supernatural romance genre so I enjoyed this one as the storyline of a djinn family with limited wishes was something I hadn’t come across before. And no these djinn/genies are not your big blue dudes.
I really enjoyed the relationship building between Dae and Ashley as there was a good steady progression of “hey girl I kind of like you” to “yes you are the one” and I appreciated that the progression took more than 5 mins. I also liked the relationships between the Blackwell brothers who are of course sequel bait but came off more well rounded then just character fillers. Only complaint is I could have used more hot and heavy action bc let’s face it we are here for the sexy times and I feel like this one could have the steam cranked up quiet a bit.
I did receive a free copy in exchange for my review.
I really enjoyed the relationship building between Dae and Ashley as there was a good steady progression of “hey girl I kind of like you” to “yes you are the one” and I appreciated that the progression took more than 5 mins. I also liked the relationships between the Blackwell brothers who are of course sequel bait but came off more well rounded then just character fillers. Only complaint is I could have used more hot and heavy action bc let’s face it we are here for the sexy times and I feel like this one could have the steam cranked up quiet a bit.
I did receive a free copy in exchange for my review.
July 3, 2019
First and foremost, I would like to begin by saying that I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. That being said...
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of this book. It was very different and I personally haven't read anything like it, which is always refreshing when you can't seem to do anything but read.
We first meet our heroine, Ashley, at her job on a Monday morning. Absolutely miserable because her husband has left her for another woman. Who happens to be the receptionist where she works. Where they work. Oh, did I forget to mention her husband is an executive at the same company who works on the same floor as her? Oops.
What you imagine happens next is most likely right: she is upset, miserable, doesn't know what to do or how to act at work now. What you never like hearing about though, is when a woman is wronged and she practically grovels at their feet, making excuses and wanting them back. Which is exactly what follows. It was cringeworthy and made me dislike her at first, but then I thought maybe I was being a bit of a judgy bitch. I can only imagine what that would be like, I'd probably be a giant mess too.
However, this is what leads to her meeting our Hero, Dae. Motherfucking clever, confident, sexy as sin Dae Blackwell. I loved his personality and the relationships he had with his siblings and grandfather made him more likeable. Like, woah, he's just like us! Except not at all!
His actions made sense when you know that he needs a nice and desperate human to give him a wish in order to save his dying grandfather, Red. If you haven't read the book let me tell you this, she is truly desperate. And very nice! See? Not so judgy. It was nice seeing him within his element with his family. He was a good guy and very entertaining.
Overall, I didn't have any qualms with either character. It was a nice short-ish read and I am so hopeful that Lola get's her own book! She was the mandatory comic relief who is loyal to a fault. So much fun.
The ending was a bit predictable and actually pretty short when it was easily the most important part of the book, but it was a very likeable HEA and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of this book. It was very different and I personally haven't read anything like it, which is always refreshing when you can't seem to do anything but read.
We first meet our heroine, Ashley, at her job on a Monday morning. Absolutely miserable because her husband has left her for another woman. Who happens to be the receptionist where she works. Where they work. Oh, did I forget to mention her husband is an executive at the same company who works on the same floor as her? Oops.
What you imagine happens next is most likely right: she is upset, miserable, doesn't know what to do or how to act at work now. What you never like hearing about though, is when a woman is wronged and she practically grovels at their feet, making excuses and wanting them back. Which is exactly what follows. It was cringeworthy and made me dislike her at first, but then I thought maybe I was being a bit of a judgy bitch. I can only imagine what that would be like, I'd probably be a giant mess too.
However, this is what leads to her meeting our Hero, Dae. Motherfucking clever, confident, sexy as sin Dae Blackwell. I loved his personality and the relationships he had with his siblings and grandfather made him more likeable. Like, woah, he's just like us! Except not at all!
His actions made sense when you know that he needs a nice and desperate human to give him a wish in order to save his dying grandfather, Red. If you haven't read the book let me tell you this, she is truly desperate. And very nice! See? Not so judgy. It was nice seeing him within his element with his family. He was a good guy and very entertaining.
Overall, I didn't have any qualms with either character. It was a nice short-ish read and I am so hopeful that Lola get's her own book! She was the mandatory comic relief who is loyal to a fault. So much fun.
The ending was a bit predictable and actually pretty short when it was easily the most important part of the book, but it was a very likeable HEA and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
August 19, 2021
What am amazing book!!
Midlife Wish was a fantastic read... It had a great story with a twist on the typical djinn tale. Every book I've read from this author has been amazingly well written and the worlds she creates are fantastical.
Ashley is having a bad day... She's been given divorce papers and found out that her husband has been seeing the office receptionist... Where they BOTH work. Shes desperate to get him back and decides to go visit Dae Blackwell who is supposedly able to grant wishes. She's given 3 wishes, but during their time together, Ashley discovers she may not want her husband back after all.
Loved the book... Loved the ending!! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Midlife Wish was a fantastic read... It had a great story with a twist on the typical djinn tale. Every book I've read from this author has been amazingly well written and the worlds she creates are fantastical.
Ashley is having a bad day... She's been given divorce papers and found out that her husband has been seeing the office receptionist... Where they BOTH work. Shes desperate to get him back and decides to go visit Dae Blackwell who is supposedly able to grant wishes. She's given 3 wishes, but during their time together, Ashley discovers she may not want her husband back after all.
Loved the book... Loved the ending!! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
April 14, 2020
So Instalove but still interesting
I'm not a fan of instalove even the fates magical kind and that's probably my biggest gripe about the story.
That said I really loved where Kardnov went with this story. Ashley wasn't young, though her exact age isn't mentioned she's over 36 and it sounded like it was a few years ago at least that she had been 36 the way it was worded. She isn't blonde, she isn't stick skinny or model tall or completely at the opposite end of the spectrum in order to fit a niche. She's just normal. I mean she definitely sounds beautiful but I loved that she wasn't fat or skinny or exceptionally short or tall or really young or really old and she didn't have blonde or red hair. She's not a niche character, she doesn't have looks that fit a mold and she still sounds beautiful in all of her normalicy of having a body somewhere between thin and plus size, somewhere between tall and short, somewhere between old and young and the same hair color as the majority of the planet. Her hair was brown, her body type average and yet she's beautiful and I'm little bit in love with the fact that Kardnov realizes what so many authors in this genre don't seem to, the middle is still gorgeous, still beautiful, still head turning. The girl without the exotic features still gets the attractive man and he still realizes her worthy. Even without the magic or anything else, that right there, Ashley's character in and of herself is swoon worthy because Kardov wrote the beauty in the middle of the road.
I could probably gush about how normal Ashley is for hours on end because I'm so impressed by her character, that said I could also relate to her, to approaching 40 and looking up to say is this really it? I loved her journey even more than her love story. She was wonderful.
I found the world building interesting and can't wait to read more of the world. That said I probably would have preferred it if the story had taken place over more than a couple of days and make if Ashley hadn't become a bigamist since her divorce never actually gets taken care of in the story. I'd love to have seen these characters really fall in love rather than it being instant.
Overall though I enjoyed the series and really look forward to more.
I'm not a fan of instalove even the fates magical kind and that's probably my biggest gripe about the story.
That said I really loved where Kardnov went with this story. Ashley wasn't young, though her exact age isn't mentioned she's over 36 and it sounded like it was a few years ago at least that she had been 36 the way it was worded. She isn't blonde, she isn't stick skinny or model tall or completely at the opposite end of the spectrum in order to fit a niche. She's just normal. I mean she definitely sounds beautiful but I loved that she wasn't fat or skinny or exceptionally short or tall or really young or really old and she didn't have blonde or red hair. She's not a niche character, she doesn't have looks that fit a mold and she still sounds beautiful in all of her normalicy of having a body somewhere between thin and plus size, somewhere between tall and short, somewhere between old and young and the same hair color as the majority of the planet. Her hair was brown, her body type average and yet she's beautiful and I'm little bit in love with the fact that Kardnov realizes what so many authors in this genre don't seem to, the middle is still gorgeous, still beautiful, still head turning. The girl without the exotic features still gets the attractive man and he still realizes her worthy. Even without the magic or anything else, that right there, Ashley's character in and of herself is swoon worthy because Kardov wrote the beauty in the middle of the road.
I could probably gush about how normal Ashley is for hours on end because I'm so impressed by her character, that said I could also relate to her, to approaching 40 and looking up to say is this really it? I loved her journey even more than her love story. She was wonderful.
I found the world building interesting and can't wait to read more of the world. That said I probably would have preferred it if the story had taken place over more than a couple of days and make if Ashley hadn't become a bigamist since her divorce never actually gets taken care of in the story. I'd love to have seen these characters really fall in love rather than it being instant.
Overall though I enjoyed the series and really look forward to more.
April 20, 2020
Dae and Ashley
“Midlife Wish” is book one in Nikki Kardnov’s Blackwell Jinn series. This book follows Djinn Dae and human Ashley.
Ashley thought that her and her husband James were on a break, but when she is served divorce papers she is heartbroken, to make things worse he is already seeing another woman whom works with them both. Depressed and desperate to get James back, Ashley decides to go to the Blackwell’s residents and ask Dae for a Wish. Rumours around Blackwater is that the Blackwell family are not normal, they are otherworldly.
I loved the chemistry between Dae and Ashley, the slow burn for their relationship was great it wasn’t an instant love, although there was a pull between them, it wasn’t acted on. The bond between the Blackwell’s is so good, they love/hate and constant teasing and banter was hilarious. Dae is very underestimated, he is such a great caring and loving guy, he has a big heart for those he loves, he is fiercely loyal and protective. Ashley did seem to be very self conscious and not overly confident, which is total understandable considering she was cheated on and never given any praise or appreciation. But I did find it frustrating how quickly she changed her mind after the bar scene, (a little cryptic I know, but don’t want to give any spoilers away) she was all for it then she made the wish and changed her mind... hmmm, she wouldn’t even listen, so I did get annoyed then, but all was redeemed and rectified in the end.
Plus a little happiness for Red, although he hasn’t followed through with the last Wish he granted, I would have thought that would have been the first thing he would have done. If you want to know about Red and this last Wish go and read the novella “Last Wish” to read about Red and Cassie.
I’m really enjoying this series so far and can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
“Midlife Wish” is book one in Nikki Kardnov’s Blackwell Jinn series. This book follows Djinn Dae and human Ashley.
Ashley thought that her and her husband James were on a break, but when she is served divorce papers she is heartbroken, to make things worse he is already seeing another woman whom works with them both. Depressed and desperate to get James back, Ashley decides to go to the Blackwell’s residents and ask Dae for a Wish. Rumours around Blackwater is that the Blackwell family are not normal, they are otherworldly.
I loved the chemistry between Dae and Ashley, the slow burn for their relationship was great it wasn’t an instant love, although there was a pull between them, it wasn’t acted on. The bond between the Blackwell’s is so good, they love/hate and constant teasing and banter was hilarious. Dae is very underestimated, he is such a great caring and loving guy, he has a big heart for those he loves, he is fiercely loyal and protective. Ashley did seem to be very self conscious and not overly confident, which is total understandable considering she was cheated on and never given any praise or appreciation. But I did find it frustrating how quickly she changed her mind after the bar scene, (a little cryptic I know, but don’t want to give any spoilers away) she was all for it then she made the wish and changed her mind... hmmm, she wouldn’t even listen, so I did get annoyed then, but all was redeemed and rectified in the end.
Plus a little happiness for Red, although he hasn’t followed through with the last Wish he granted, I would have thought that would have been the first thing he would have done. If you want to know about Red and this last Wish go and read the novella “Last Wish” to read about Red and Cassie.
I’m really enjoying this series so far and can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
September 7, 2020
Excellent Storyline With Massive Disappointments
As good as the storyline may be, I had to go with the honest rating of only 2 stars.
I liked the plot itself. To me it’s unique, or at least nothing like anything I’ve read or come across, and I’ve read a fair amount to say the least.
You feel a draw to the good, the bad, the ugly-in other words the protagonists and antagonists.
But the two major drawbacks that caused this to crash and burn down to 2 stars are:
1) The repetitiveness over and over of simple characteristics and features the author redundantly throws in, again, and again, and again!! I call them “page fillers”-needless repeats in an effort to bulk up the page count. It becomes insultingly foul after a bit, as if the author believes her audience isn’t bright enough to retain the most basic of information.
Not only does it become dull and mundane, it’s quite distracting to the point I had to either put the book down quite a few times from loss of interest, or just plain irritation, or just try to skim through to the next point of relevancy.
2) A number of times the book itself becomes nothing more basic than E-Porn, and actually attempts to turns any type of deep soul, life bonding, lovemaking into cheap vulgar trash. And again page-fillers galore! Page after page where I needed to put it down, or skim through the vulgarity to find the next section that actually picked back up on the actual storyline.
To call this a para-romance is a joke. And I typically don’t read romance, other than because it seems I’m forced to anymore with the flooding of the paranormal genre. It appears any and everyone looking to E-Publish im today’s day and age, has found this to be the ripest field to pick from, or on, depending on how you look at it.
Doubtful that as much as I was attracted to the characters and the plot that I will continue on with the series.
As good as the storyline may be, I had to go with the honest rating of only 2 stars.
I liked the plot itself. To me it’s unique, or at least nothing like anything I’ve read or come across, and I’ve read a fair amount to say the least.
You feel a draw to the good, the bad, the ugly-in other words the protagonists and antagonists.
But the two major drawbacks that caused this to crash and burn down to 2 stars are:
1) The repetitiveness over and over of simple characteristics and features the author redundantly throws in, again, and again, and again!! I call them “page fillers”-needless repeats in an effort to bulk up the page count. It becomes insultingly foul after a bit, as if the author believes her audience isn’t bright enough to retain the most basic of information.
Not only does it become dull and mundane, it’s quite distracting to the point I had to either put the book down quite a few times from loss of interest, or just plain irritation, or just try to skim through to the next point of relevancy.
2) A number of times the book itself becomes nothing more basic than E-Porn, and actually attempts to turns any type of deep soul, life bonding, lovemaking into cheap vulgar trash. And again page-fillers galore! Page after page where I needed to put it down, or skim through the vulgarity to find the next section that actually picked back up on the actual storyline.
To call this a para-romance is a joke. And I typically don’t read romance, other than because it seems I’m forced to anymore with the flooding of the paranormal genre. It appears any and everyone looking to E-Publish im today’s day and age, has found this to be the ripest field to pick from, or on, depending on how you look at it.
Doubtful that as much as I was attracted to the characters and the plot that I will continue on with the series.
August 20, 2020
Note to self - The copy of this book that I purchased did not have a half-naked man on the cover. Apparently this book is also titled "Three Wishes." I did not realize it was a paranormal romance (gag) but thought it was going to be more along the lines of The First Wive's Club or The Lives and Loves of a She Devil. I will probably finish reading it since I've started but time will tell.
Pros: Mercifully fast read. At least one "chapter" consisted of one page. Obviously not geared towards young adults. There was some humor that made me laugh.
Cons: Borders on soft porn. There are more books about the Blackwells and I'm afraid it will be similar to another series I read about djinns where the books all had the same plot; just different characters.* This is a hypothetical theory since I don't plan on reading them.
Overall not the worst book I've ever read in this genré. Whatever happened to Lola? She was deserted at the party and never heard from again. That's no way to treat your bestie.
The brothers who chose their "marks" or whatever they're called after Dae had picked his, seem to blow through their three wishes in record time. Dae and what's her name are still dithering, trying to figure out what she really wants. How did Poe manage to appear on what's her name's back porch and then have gone through his mark's three wishes practically the next moment? He wouldn't have been able to poof in and out if the wishes had all been granted.
Also, this whole idea of having a caeli, AKA soulmate, doesn't ring true. The boy's mother had been married to her caeli and yet didn't find true love until she met a mortal whom she gave up her life for. Their grandfather, Red, didn't seem to have ever met his caeli but found the love of his life, again a mortal. So what's the big deal? How come Dae's brothers found what's her name so attractive when she was a self-described frump? She certainly couldn't have had the kind of mystical power over them that she did with Dae.
I'd better end this review before I lower it to one star...
*The Djinn Wars by Christine Pope for those who thought this was a great read.
Pros: Mercifully fast read. At least one "chapter" consisted of one page. Obviously not geared towards young adults. There was some humor that made me laugh.
Cons: Borders on soft porn. There are more books about the Blackwells and I'm afraid it will be similar to another series I read about djinns where the books all had the same plot; just different characters.* This is a hypothetical theory since I don't plan on reading them.
Overall not the worst book I've ever read in this genré. Whatever happened to Lola? She was deserted at the party and never heard from again. That's no way to treat your bestie.
The brothers who chose their "marks" or whatever they're called after Dae had picked his, seem to blow through their three wishes in record time. Dae and what's her name are still dithering, trying to figure out what she really wants. How did Poe manage to appear on what's her name's back porch and then have gone through his mark's three wishes practically the next moment? He wouldn't have been able to poof in and out if the wishes had all been granted.
Also, this whole idea of having a caeli, AKA soulmate, doesn't ring true. The boy's mother had been married to her caeli and yet didn't find true love until she met a mortal whom she gave up her life for. Their grandfather, Red, didn't seem to have ever met his caeli but found the love of his life, again a mortal. So what's the big deal? How come Dae's brothers found what's her name so attractive when she was a self-described frump? She certainly couldn't have had the kind of mystical power over them that she did with Dae.
I'd better end this review before I lower it to one star...
*The Djinn Wars by Christine Pope for those who thought this was a great read.
August 18, 2021
Would She Find What She Really Needed ? . . .
Ashley Laurent’s husband started an affair with his receptionist then started divorce proceedings. For some reason, she wants him back and wants to resume her normal life. She actually is not sure what direction her new life would even take. First she needs healing.
A temp had once told Ashley that the Blackwells could make anything happen. Rumor also said the family the town of Blackwater was named after could possibly be a family of djinn. With nothing to lose, and not sure she believes in either love or magic , she visits Dae Blackwell to see if he can grant her a wish. But when she stated her first wish, the power that raced through him was far more than he had ever experienced. Could she be his caeli—his Fated? If a djinn could be lucky enough to find his caeli and she or he was willing to bind to them, a djinn would have access to his magic always. She wasn’t supernatural, but why else did she have this effect on him? When the wishes started to come true, Ashley stopped to reassess what she wants now. She has one wish remaining. Should she go back to her safe, mundane life? Or jump into something entirely new?
My favorite line in the book was Dae’s telling Ashley, “Do not let someone else’s lie become your truth.” That just hit me as something profound. As for the characters, I think Ashley was not very self-aware, almost naïve. I enjoyed Dae’s character very much. Grab your copy and see what Ashley decides to do next. Will it take her to the HEA that is the true wish she needed to make?
Ashley Laurent’s husband started an affair with his receptionist then started divorce proceedings. For some reason, she wants him back and wants to resume her normal life. She actually is not sure what direction her new life would even take. First she needs healing.
A temp had once told Ashley that the Blackwells could make anything happen. Rumor also said the family the town of Blackwater was named after could possibly be a family of djinn. With nothing to lose, and not sure she believes in either love or magic , she visits Dae Blackwell to see if he can grant her a wish. But when she stated her first wish, the power that raced through him was far more than he had ever experienced. Could she be his caeli—his Fated? If a djinn could be lucky enough to find his caeli and she or he was willing to bind to them, a djinn would have access to his magic always. She wasn’t supernatural, but why else did she have this effect on him? When the wishes started to come true, Ashley stopped to reassess what she wants now. She has one wish remaining. Should she go back to her safe, mundane life? Or jump into something entirely new?
My favorite line in the book was Dae’s telling Ashley, “Do not let someone else’s lie become your truth.” That just hit me as something profound. As for the characters, I think Ashley was not very self-aware, almost naïve. I enjoyed Dae’s character very much. Grab your copy and see what Ashley decides to do next. Will it take her to the HEA that is the true wish she needed to make?
July 18, 2019
Three Wishes
Meet the Blackwell Boys: Dae, Thorin, Mad, Poe and their grandfather Red. These gentlemen are Jinn. They have 3000 wishes to grant and then they pass on. There are no bottles but there is a gorgeous mansion where they all live. They grant wishes and find ways to twist them. Jinn feel the need to help but have a mischievous side that will spin your wish unless the wording is clear and concise. Be warned.
Ashley is a human. She has heard that the handsome and playboy Dae Blackwell will grant wishes. Ashley’s husband, James, is considering divorce and sleeping with the receptionist at work. She only wants her husband back and her mundane existence to resume. She is heartbroken, sad and desperate. You can see where this is going. Ashley goes to Blackwell House and asks for Dae, wanting to make a deal.
Dae and Ashley meet. Wow, he is so much more handsome than his pictures. Ashley stirs something in Dae that makes him want to help and protect her. He tries to guide her in her wish. Things in life rarely go as planned and Jinn and humans are no exception. Ashley wants a sort of revenge and Dae wants the girl but also wants a way to save his grandfather Red who is dying.
This was a new take on paranormal romance. It was interesting and twisty. A fun angsty filled ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next brother’s book and to find out IF they can save Red.
Meet the Blackwell Boys: Dae, Thorin, Mad, Poe and their grandfather Red. These gentlemen are Jinn. They have 3000 wishes to grant and then they pass on. There are no bottles but there is a gorgeous mansion where they all live. They grant wishes and find ways to twist them. Jinn feel the need to help but have a mischievous side that will spin your wish unless the wording is clear and concise. Be warned.
Ashley is a human. She has heard that the handsome and playboy Dae Blackwell will grant wishes. Ashley’s husband, James, is considering divorce and sleeping with the receptionist at work. She only wants her husband back and her mundane existence to resume. She is heartbroken, sad and desperate. You can see where this is going. Ashley goes to Blackwell House and asks for Dae, wanting to make a deal.
Dae and Ashley meet. Wow, he is so much more handsome than his pictures. Ashley stirs something in Dae that makes him want to help and protect her. He tries to guide her in her wish. Things in life rarely go as planned and Jinn and humans are no exception. Ashley wants a sort of revenge and Dae wants the girl but also wants a way to save his grandfather Red who is dying.
This was a new take on paranormal romance. It was interesting and twisty. A fun angsty filled ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next brother’s book and to find out IF they can save Red.
June 30, 2019
Unique story. Hard road to an HEA. Sensitive and poignant ending.
I don’t read a lot of paranormal fiction but this book was unique and crazy good! I loved the premise: a family of out-of-this-world good-looking men who never seem to age live in this small town but have mysterious lives. Rumor has it that they dispense wishes and our heroine needs one.
Monday morning and Ashley goes into work only to have divorce papers delivered to her there! To rub salt in the wound, her husband James also works at this firm and is having an affair with the receptionist! After some contemplation Ash decides to follow the rumor mill and go to see Dae Blackwell and ask for her husband back. Dae is a Jinn or genie, sans lamp. What happens next is outstanding story-telling. There is an obvious “connection” when Dae and Ashley meet but Dae is so not into human liaisons. So good…
Can’t wait for the other brothers’ stories. Mad the ex-military man, Poe the most irritating of them all and lastly Thorin quiet until you get him riled. At the end was an option to get LAST WISH a novella about Red, the grandfather who looks young enough to be their brother. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through THP, Tortoise House Press. Read this book. You’ll love it.
I don’t read a lot of paranormal fiction but this book was unique and crazy good! I loved the premise: a family of out-of-this-world good-looking men who never seem to age live in this small town but have mysterious lives. Rumor has it that they dispense wishes and our heroine needs one.
Monday morning and Ashley goes into work only to have divorce papers delivered to her there! To rub salt in the wound, her husband James also works at this firm and is having an affair with the receptionist! After some contemplation Ash decides to follow the rumor mill and go to see Dae Blackwell and ask for her husband back. Dae is a Jinn or genie, sans lamp. What happens next is outstanding story-telling. There is an obvious “connection” when Dae and Ashley meet but Dae is so not into human liaisons. So good…
Can’t wait for the other brothers’ stories. Mad the ex-military man, Poe the most irritating of them all and lastly Thorin quiet until you get him riled. At the end was an option to get LAST WISH a novella about Red, the grandfather who looks young enough to be their brother. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through THP, Tortoise House Press. Read this book. You’ll love it.
July 12, 2019
We've all seen or read stories of trickster genies who give the lamp owner three wishes, but then twist them so that they get what they want but not in the way that they imagine (or want). This book takes that old mythical trope and plays with it in a most delightful way. The hero is jinn (I know it is usually spelled djinn, but not here), and in this world, jinn live to make contracts with people who want three wishes, and then they do their best to do bad things (usually) with those wishes. When the story opens, Dae thinks his next mark is going to be just a regular job, but from the start, it is very different for him. This story had all sorts of great elements to it: a budding but unlikely romance that surprises both in the couple, complex family dynamics, and moments where characters really question themselves. The book pulled me right in, and I felt empathy for the heroine right away because of how her future ex-husband was treating her. I enjoyed the varying characters of the Blackwood brothers and look forward to future books in the series that might feature them. A compelling and fascinating read!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
February 18, 2021
Suspension of disbelief is obviously critical with this book. Dae is a djinn (another word for a genie). Every djinn has 1,000 contracts they can enter, with three wishes to grant per contract. After they've used up all their contracts/wishes, the djinn dies. An interesting way to provide some scope for character development.
Ashley's husband has left her for a younger woman. Desperate to get him back, she makes a contract with Dae and sets about to use her wishes to get her husband back home where he belongs. This is where I felt a bit let down. Now, I know I shouldn't judge, because I'm fortunate enough to have never been in Ashley's situation, but I like to think I've had a little more self-respect. I can understand wanting revenge. I can understanding wanting peace or closure or resolution. I can't understand wanting back a husband who has lied, cheated, put you down and moved on with another woman. I found myself wanting to slap Ashley and say 'You deserve better!' Fuck, being alone would be better than being with someone who treated her the way her husband treated her. And she persisted in this even after Dae had shown interest in her, even after she'd slept with Dae. I didn't get it. I really didn't.
I liked the glimpse into Dae's family, and I liked the way the author introduced tension and conflict with Red. That was well done. I just wish I'd been able to have more respect for Ashley, and this would have been a fun read.
Ashley's husband has left her for a younger woman. Desperate to get him back, she makes a contract with Dae and sets about to use her wishes to get her husband back home where he belongs. This is where I felt a bit let down. Now, I know I shouldn't judge, because I'm fortunate enough to have never been in Ashley's situation, but I like to think I've had a little more self-respect. I can understand wanting revenge. I can understanding wanting peace or closure or resolution. I can't understand wanting back a husband who has lied, cheated, put you down and moved on with another woman. I found myself wanting to slap Ashley and say 'You deserve better!' Fuck, being alone would be better than being with someone who treated her the way her husband treated her. And she persisted in this even after Dae had shown interest in her, even after she'd slept with Dae. I didn't get it. I really didn't.
I liked the glimpse into Dae's family, and I liked the way the author introduced tension and conflict with Red. That was well done. I just wish I'd been able to have more respect for Ashley, and this would have been a fun read.
July 9, 2019
Nikki Kardnov has written a book that will pull you in fromthe first page and not let go until the last.It is aboout a woman who is married and has gotten served with divorce papers at work and that is also where her husbands works along with his new girlfriend. She is a emotional wreck because she thought that her husband and her were going to work out their problems. Ashley is told by a friend that there is someone who has powers to make things happen and she goes to see him.
Dae Blackwell is a Jinn and he grants a person 3 wishes. After talking to Ashley he tells her that he will grant her wishes. There is a instant connection between Ashley and Dae but they don't understand it. As things progress between them their feeling grow for on another.
Will Ashley use her last wish to keep her husband or will she use it for something else.
Can Dae let Ashley go or will he try and get her to come back to him and stay.
This book has a few twist and turns in it along with high emotions and strong willed characters . I enjoyed this book and I thing that you will too.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dae Blackwell is a Jinn and he grants a person 3 wishes. After talking to Ashley he tells her that he will grant her wishes. There is a instant connection between Ashley and Dae but they don't understand it. As things progress between them their feeling grow for on another.
Will Ashley use her last wish to keep her husband or will she use it for something else.
Can Dae let Ashley go or will he try and get her to come back to him and stay.
This book has a few twist and turns in it along with high emotions and strong willed characters . I enjoyed this book and I thing that you will too.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2020
From Audible Account Review:
The author and both narrators were new to me but I'll certainly be looking for other audio-books by them in the future.
While I don't tend to indulge in supernatural or fantasy novels, I received a free audio-code for this novel through a Facebook group giveaway and I'm delighted that I did. This unique story line was intriguing and kept me in anticipatory knots. While the main female character frustrated me with some of her decisions, I know that her viewpoints are not uncommon with regards to remaining in a life, work, and relationship rut; wanting to keep the comfort of familiarity going.
The story progressed at a perfect rate while in actuality was only a few days, it was easy to follow and comprehend. The author painted very vivid pictures of the story line but leaving the physical descriptions of the characters just vague enough to conger mental images on my own. My only real gripe was that the novel cover model does not resemble the description of Dae.
I look forward to listening to the next books in this series and highly recommend this listen.
The author and both narrators were new to me but I'll certainly be looking for other audio-books by them in the future.
While I don't tend to indulge in supernatural or fantasy novels, I received a free audio-code for this novel through a Facebook group giveaway and I'm delighted that I did. This unique story line was intriguing and kept me in anticipatory knots. While the main female character frustrated me with some of her decisions, I know that her viewpoints are not uncommon with regards to remaining in a life, work, and relationship rut; wanting to keep the comfort of familiarity going.
The story progressed at a perfect rate while in actuality was only a few days, it was easy to follow and comprehend. The author painted very vivid pictures of the story line but leaving the physical descriptions of the characters just vague enough to conger mental images on my own. My only real gripe was that the novel cover model does not resemble the description of Dae.
I look forward to listening to the next books in this series and highly recommend this listen.
November 14, 2019
I very rarely give a book a 5 star rating but this is one of the few. I had to put down this read / listen and come back to it and the whole time I couldn't get off my mind off - I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am addicted to these characters and the idea of djinn - which is a testament to how well Kardnov writes characters that you can relate to but also escape with. The narrators on this listen were phenomenal! Dae's voice and accent made me melt - I could listen to him read the phone book, or the dictionary. Storyline was engaging and flowed really well - never got bored (although there was a little repetition). The dual point of view was also well done. Honestly - I just loved this listen and can't wait (please hurry) for more in this series!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
August 17, 2021
Ashley didn't expect to be served the divorce papers, when her husband James had only said they were having a break. Now she has to deal with the whole office talking, for Ashley works at the same company that James does, and to make it worse so does the woman he left her for. Can a well placed wish be all Ashley needs to fix it all? Or would she better to look at another man? Dae is a djinn, although it's not really a confirmed rumour, it's enough for Ashley to seek him out. What will Dae think of Ashley and her wishes? And what if Dae would like her to wish for different things? I loved the attraction between Dae and Ashley, their intriguing romance, how easy they both were to love, although sometimes I didn't like all of Ashley's decisions. Bring on the next djinn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2019
Generously giving this 3 stars. It wasn't bad, but I guess I had high expectations for a Djinn type of story, though it was different than I expected it to be. The main characters were too flat for me. Dae, was a bit off putting in his arrogance, and Ashley was a bit too much of a doormat for her husband, for me to get past those things in order to like them. I especially couldn't relate to her wanting her husband back the way she did though he cheated on her. Just seemed to unrealistic for me, cheating is a definite no forgiveness for me. The flow was a bit of stop & go enough that I considered quitting a time or two, and it had some places that just didn't work for me. It is definitely not a book I would re-read, and I didn't like it enough to want to continue with the series.
July 10, 2019
A wonderful written story that I couldn't put down once I started reading, in fact this was an all day reading, it was so good. This was a well written story by a new artist that involves around a family of Jinns. The family members are Dae, Poe, Mad, Thorin and Red. The premise of this book is a Jinn has 1000 deals of three wishes then he dies. In this story Ashley who's husband just served her divorce papers seeks out Dae at his families home to make a wish to get her husband back. Ashley makes a deal with Dae. Both start with personal motives for their deal in this touchily romance but be careful what you wish for? I can't wait for the next story about Poe. I volunteer to read and review this ARC.
July 13, 2019
So I really liked the characters and the ideas of this story but the cheating and the fact that Ashley never resolved her divorce kinda put me off. She just kinda shrugged and decided that what she originally wished for wasn't what she wanted after all so screw it and that's the end of that. I mean I don't blame her for making that choice but I still think there should have been an effort made to clear the air as they say. Anyways like I said the characters are very likable. Dae is smoking hot and so damn lickable... I do wish she had spent more time talking about his tattoos but that's just a personal preference. The other brothers interest me as well especially Mad... I like the brooding warrior type. So if you can put aside the cheating and divorce part it's a really good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
Oh my! This was a fabulous book, a very enchanting romance. Brokering a deal with a jinn for three wishes, any kind of wish, has got to be a lucky someone's dream come true. Ashley is in dire need of a miracle to get her soon to be ex husband back. Tracking down a Blackwell jinn, Dae Blackwell to be exact, to help her seems like the answer to her prayers. But fate works in mysterious ways as Ashley and Dae are about to discover. I had a fun time reading this first book in the series and look forward to the rest as there are three other scintillating brothers who will certainly have their own stories to tell. Good job!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. This is my first time reading this author, but I don't think it will be my last.
Wow!!! This story was gr8. Grabbed me from the first page and held me to the end. I couldn't put it down. Ashley lives a life like most of us, just going through the motions. But when her husband asks her for a divorce, she remembers a story from a temp co-worker about Jinn and getting 3 wishes. Oh she gets her three wishes and a whole lot more from Dae, the jinn. I recommend this read 5 Thumbs up.
Wow!!! This story was gr8. Grabbed me from the first page and held me to the end. I couldn't put it down. Ashley lives a life like most of us, just going through the motions. But when her husband asks her for a divorce, she remembers a story from a temp co-worker about Jinn and getting 3 wishes. Oh she gets her three wishes and a whole lot more from Dae, the jinn. I recommend this read 5 Thumbs up.
May 5, 2020
I liked this book, and can't wait to read the rest of the djinn family's stories.
When Ashley's husband dumped her for a new (read, younger) love interest, Ashley goes to the most powerful man around - Dae Blackwell. Little does she know he's djinn. Little does she know the family patriarch is dying, and the brothers want one of their marks (wish-givers) to use a wish to save him. She falls for Dae, and hard. But...she can't get over her husband's dumping her, and wishes for him to come back.
It's funny, erotic and intriguing in turns. The author's take on djinn powers and how they work is new to me, and I like it.
When Ashley's husband dumped her for a new (read, younger) love interest, Ashley goes to the most powerful man around - Dae Blackwell. Little does she know he's djinn. Little does she know the family patriarch is dying, and the brothers want one of their marks (wish-givers) to use a wish to save him. She falls for Dae, and hard. But...she can't get over her husband's dumping her, and wishes for him to come back.
It's funny, erotic and intriguing in turns. The author's take on djinn powers and how they work is new to me, and I like it.
June 27, 2019
I loved reading this Paranormal/ UF fantasy romance between a human woman who is down-on-her-luck, and a Jinn who has been alive for centuries. The characters were awesome, defined, likable and had the reader rooting for them. The tormented Jinn, who is nearing the end of his life has found someone to love and keep. This author has given us a snapshot of the jinns existence entertaining, magical, and engaging way. I'm very excited to read the next enchanting installment. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review
June 29, 2019
Wow! This was my first book by Nikki Kardnov and I am impressed. The story is well written with beautifully developed characters. I loved Ashley and Dae together. The had great chemistry that could be felt throughout the story. I loved the support characters and how well they interact throughout it. We get to see bits and pieces of all of our characters within the story. It is full of magic and mystery which makes you feel like there is another world out there. It is most definitely worth reading and doesn’t disappoint.
June 30, 2019
I did not want to put this book down! I loved the concept and creativity that was made in creating the Blackwell jinn and especially Dae. His interactions with Ashley were just what I wanted. It swept me up into the world the author created and left me wishing it did not have to end. Loved the main and supporting characters and I really hope we get to read stories about all of Dae's brothers. I will be looking forward to more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
I LOVED the Three Wishes book! It got me thinking what would I wish for if I had a Jinn like Dae. Love his brothers, Mad, Thorin and Poe too! Each one a unique Jinn with different ideas of a human mark(client). I enjoyed the Jinn/mark storyline and relationships with all the characters. I gotta say I was a little worried about Dae and Ashley but in the end...…..ha ha you'll have to read it to find out!!! Looking forward to reading more about the Blackwell family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2020
Ashley is blindsided by divorce papers from her estranged husband at their work. He is dating the "perfect" receptionist also from the same job. When Ashley learns the the billionaire playboy, Dae Blackwell, can give her any thing her heart desires she jumps on it. It becomes one of those "be careful what you wish for" things. Her soon to be ex destroyed her self confidence and Dae brought it back. I did get frustrated with her wishy washy attitude toward James and wanting him back. What is she going to do with him now? The narrators brought the story to life and I really loved it.
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