Ink

Coven of Desire #0.5

by Ellen Mint

PART OF THE SOME LIKE IT HAUNTED COLLECTION

One bad boy demon for her birthday…

All Layla wanted was to spend her Halloween birthday alone. She never expected a nearly naked man in a red thong to appear out of nowhere in her living room. He calls himself Ink and insists he’s an incubus bound to her. Not about to fall for that, she plans to toss him out on his shiny butt when she remembers her friends kept hinting at a late birthday present. Layla fears they got her one hot session with a man built for sex. And it’s not nice to return a gift without trying it out…

In this steamy prequel to a paranormal reverse harem series, Layla learns that her entire life has been a lie and that sometimes a man who wants to answer her every desire is exactly what he appears to be.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of peril and near-death.


General Release Date: 20th October 2020

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2020

About the author

Ellen Mint adores the adorkable heroes who charm with their shy smiles and heroines that pack a punch. She recently won the Top Ten Handmaid's Challenge on Wattpad where hers was chosen by Margaret Atwood. Her books, Undercover Siren and Fever are available at Amazon as well as a short story in the Lucky Between The Sheets anthology. Married, she lives in Nebraska with her dog named after Granny Weatherwax. Her hobbies include gaming, painting, and halloween prop making. The basement is full of skeletons because they ran out of room in the closets.

Reviews

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Is Where It All Began

This is the story of how Ink came into Layla's life. On Halloween Layla goes out with her friends for her birthday. Being a nursing student whole holding down a full-time job Layla rarely takes time for herself. Her friends mentioned that they sent her a birthday gift. After coming home after partying she is shocked to find a gorgeous, extremely sexy man in her living room who tells her that he is there to grant her every desire.

Unbeknownst to Layla; Ink is an Incubus who is bound to her and was sent to help her master her magic. Layla thought that her friends sent her a male prostitute for her birthday until Ink began to just pop up randomly. It literally took a demon attack for Layla to believe that Ink was truly who he said he was. Ink explained that she was a witch and that he would be bound to her until she releases him.

Ink is charming, sarcastic and has pledged his life to keeping Layla safe. The banter between the two is Fun and Layla's inner monologue is HILARIOUS.

This book is a prequel to the book "Claw" which picks up where this book ends.

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it, can I breathe now?

I swear, I was holding my breath throughout the action packed second half of the book. I wasn't expecting that at all.

The first half was VERY steamy. Ink is a wild one. And Layla just needed some stress relief and got more than she ever could've dreamed.

I like that little foreshadowing in the library, and the actual reveal itself, it helps shape the plot.

The writing style is nice and flows well, no complaints there.

I wish Layla's friend group had more scenes and I'm interested in getting to know them better in the following books.

The only downside is how short the book is, that's just not fair.

*Thank you to Booksirens for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Ashley Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

As prequels go, I think this was a good start to the upcoming series. You definitely learned a lot about the FMC and the MMC. Although at times it seemed rather surface level, by the end of the book you are sucked (see what I did there, incubus - suck, lol) into the story and excited for the ride to come.

The FMC, Layla, is a sex deprived and all together exhausted college student who receives a male escort as a birthday present, or so she thought. There are some EXTREMELY steamy scenes in this book. I'm talking panty melting, jaw dropping steam.

The MMC is an incubus demon who is bonded to Layla and must do as she asks, always. His character growth in the book progresses naturally, which provides the reader with a better sense of who he is and what he's really after.

There was a spot or two where I felt like I could just put the book down and possibly not pick it back up, because I felt a bit unenthused while reading in those moments, BUT I am glad that I stuck to it. The storyline, the steam, the action and the characters themselves picked up by the end of the book and led to a very interesting ending that left me wanting to know more.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The writing style in this book was lovely! I could easily lose myself in the story and the pages and I was excited every time to keep reading.

I'm a fan of stories with witches, magic and other fantasy-creatures, so this book was definitely in my genre.

Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks

The erotic layer was nice as well, all though I would've loved for the first 50% and the last 50% to be swapped: Layla getting to know about herself and Ink first would've been better, in my opinion.

I would love to learn more about Layla, her history, her life and where this story is going.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and I will definitely be reading more from her. At the very least, this series will be devoured after reading this prequel. Layla Leeland is in nursing school with a solid group of friends. She went out to celebrate her 25th birthday the night before because who wants to be out on Halloween. She comes home highly inebriated to a box of unknown origins.

Her friends said they had ordered her a present. Layla decides to adopt the philosophy "Don't look a gift house in the mouth" when a scantily clad man is suddenly in her apartment. Her friends got her a prostitute? Layla spends a wild night with Ink the incubus. Layla is, of course drunk and hung over and decides to enjoy her gift to the fullest. Nothing strange about a man showing up out of nowhere and claiming to be bonded to her, right? Until she finds her friends the next day, the man might not have been the gift and he keeps showing up. Why won't he leave her alone?

Everything is going good with all the steam and sexiness that readers want. Then Layla finally opens the box. It's a book and Layla has to learn real quick what to do with that information with Ink's help. I can't wait to see the journey Layla and Ink take to navigate a world Layla never knew existed.

[BrekkeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far a prequels go, this one was one of the better ones I have read. Could it be because I am reading it before the series instead of during or after? Maybe. But...it has definitely made me want to read the entire Coven of Desire series.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel was so good! You got to see so much and the smut yes loved it! Can't wait to see what's next!!!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to I hope another book soon. It is about a witch who does not know she is a witch and an Incubus named Ink who is gifted to her on her 25th birthday. Her birthday just happens to be Halloween. Layla is actually a nursing student who thinks this incubus was a gift from her friends for her birthday. She does not know at the time that he is an Incubus. I loved the characters and really loved the story line but was really disappointed in the end because there has to be more to the story. A lot more I hope but it was exciting and sexy and hot hot hot. Really fun read and I am looking forward for more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beatriz Patricio · Rating 5 out of 5]

So damn good!! God I laughed a lot while reading this, Layla is hilarious, clumsy, quirky, and adorable. And Ink? Damn that man is sin on legs, and his skills should have its own book. I loved the silliness, the violence, the craziness, it was amazing. Even though it was just a prequel, it set the mood for the next one, and definitely spiked my interest. Can't wait to know more about Layla's journey with Ink's guidance, I'm positive it will be filled with lots of laughs, steam and crazy spells 🖤

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more Layla and Ink. This prequel was a good setup for the story. I loved that Layla is a real person who is going to classes and worried about studying. I'd like to see if that continues while she tries to figure out her new reality.

This book was steamy but since its a prequel it ended just when it should have been starting. I'm shocked Layla thought her friends would get her that for her birthday and she still used it.

Need more Ink now!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing prequel! Layla assumes her friends got her a male companion for her birthday only to have her life turned upside down! I love that she is a naive human that knows nothing of the real world around her. It is so well written and the story just flowed so much so that it felt like I was watching a movie! I sat and read it in one sitting because I was so entranced!! Great story, great characters and build up! I absolutely can’t wait to read what comes next!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy short story with strong ,likable characters in Layla and Ink. The author does a fantastic job painting her scenes in vivid detail and brings tons of humor and sexiness as well as the violence. I had some laugh out loud moments reading this one. It's well written ,moves quickly and smoothly and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jeri L. Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review****

I really enjoyed this teaser. I'm a new reader to Ellen but after devouring this book I'll be sure to check out her other works. I liked our FMC was a real girl working and trying to enjoy her seemingly normal live only to have Ink pop in for a rude but oh so sexy awakening. I'm dying for more. I can't wait for a follow-up story.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for more. This has excitement, hot and steamy, emotional, surprises, adventure and much more. It keeps your attention and makes you want more. Love the surprise she got when she discovered him. Imagine finding a man like that hot in your room. Wow! Well written and recommended. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Lacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I thought this book would have more meat to it but alas while the characters had a foundation that is all you get. Fast paced sex and a confused main character. The incubus had more depth to him. Ink had the potential to be a fantastic start to a series and instead left me without the desire to progress any further.

[Evelyn Jane Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast, easy and smoking hot story. I absolutely loved Ink because he was playful, sexy and his banter was so entertaining. I enjoyed the relationship between Ink and Layla because he helped her to discover who her true self. This is definitely a must read.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

[Brittany Caraballo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Plot: interesting, a good set up with context and an intriguing concept to develop in the coming series.

I struggled with the writing style and wanting more character development for Ink. Overall, an interesting quick read that I look forward to continuing and hope it gets better and more developed.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! This is one hot short story and it definitely did its job with getting me hooked on the series. This story has romance, suspense and supernatural elements. The leading lady is trying to turn her life around by going to nursing school. But everything changes on her birthday, which happens to be on Halloween, with a gift from her friends. But was the gift really from her friends? You'll have to read to find out!
I'm loving the story building in the book, it sets you up for the series. I do hope that the other books in the series delves into her background more so we have a clearer picture of her childhood, as it is only eluded to in this story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't imagine a guy, a demon no less, showing up one day and telling me I'm a witch. That might be really fun, but would totally shift your world view.

This was a really good prequel! I have a lot of questions about what happened to Layla's family and how Ink ended up bound to her. I'm really curious about the world that Ellen is building and it makes me want to continue the series to get my answers.

I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing where we go!

[Ams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ink is the prequel to a paranormal reverse-harem and the first book I have read by Ellen Mint.
The start of the book started off a little slow but it didn't take long for the heat or the laughter to warm up.
For those of you that pick a book by it's cover, personally I like this cover and it does keep drawing me to it.
I really enjoyed Layla and Ink's characters and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no slow burn in this book. It starts off strong and spicy. Even though small it is packed with action and beginning to show character personalities. The end leaves you wanting to read the rest of the series. I would give this book a 4 for spicyness and a 4.5 for overall read.

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story. Wished it was longer, it was that good.
Great introduction to Layla and her demon. Loved it

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced short story about an incubus and a witch (she didn't know she was one). There is a lot of sex and a few monsters arrive. Really enjoyed it.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun short, fast read prequel. We get to meet FMC (Layla) and her hot MMC (Ink), how they met, why they were brought together, and see their fun 'chemistry'.

Layla learns she is more than a nursing student and Ink isn't a male escort paid for by her friends for her birthday. Which btw, she is now 25, Happy Birthday and Happy Halloween all rolled up into one!

I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes us and how much more the temperature rises.

[Nicole McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting prequel to a new series,Layla thinks herself to be human only to have someone s3xy rock up into her life to change things forever. From what I understand this eventually leads into a reverse harem and I am totally here for that and can’t wait to see what happens next. I was given this copy to review but as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sharae Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read that kept my interest. If you like spice there is plenty to be had!

Ink shall be teaching his new witch mistress a thing or two

[Alyssa Longmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a prequel and by the way this book started steamy I think that’s a good promise for the next books in the series. I do wish there was more of a conclusion, however it is understandable to be pretty short like this. It pulled me in from the very first chapter. I think it’s so funny how it seems that Ink is so oblivious to how to act in the human world as Layla is so oblivious to being a witch and she doesn’t know how to be one. Spice level was a 9.5/10 and I’m so excited to read the next book! (:

[Fawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confused to say the least. I didn’t realize it was a prequel until after I finished and was like wait… that’s it? Fast paced to say the least, it is more of a set up to a plot without really getting around to the meat of the series plot, due to all the time spent “enjoying one another”. If you are after chapters of smut you got the right prequel to wet your whistle with. Character wise… there isn’t really much to go by for any characters mentioned in the book, let alone to start a base foundation for character growth and development for later on. Ink is a go with the flow demon while Layla definitely needs to learn more self control over her sex drive. Meanwhile her friends are just “there”.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her 25th birthday Layla finds a man in her home claiming he's her Incubus, bonded to her for life. This is only the beginning of her journey of discovering a new life for herself. Quick and spicy read.

[Smut Report]

Heat Factor: There’s definitely a lot of horniness. A lot. A lot, a lot, a lot.

Character Chemistry: There’s an insouciant horny demon who’s present for sex and not emotions, and there’s a werewolf who’s…complicated

Plot: Layla is a witch, and she’s got an incubus attached to her soul, and also she has a crush on a werewolf who (might be but probably isn’t) murdering women

Overall: Didn’t work for me but if you like totally horny, totally bonkers witchy fantasy, it might work for you?

Ink is the prequel to Claw and introduces the Coven of Desire series. Layla, the narrator, is celebrating her Halloween birthday and falls asleep wasted. She wakes up to find a smokin’ hot, winged incubus in her living room, and they have a sexy rumpus.

Layla figuring out that she’s a witch and that Ink is bound to her is somewhat secondary to her being really, really horny, even while she’s telling herself that having sex with a stranger who showed up in her apartment (and at the library… and at her apartment again) is a spectacularly bad idea. Ergo, I think it’s best suited to readers who embrace a little dubcon-ish content. If “my body is saying, ‘YES!’ but my head is saying, ‘NO!’” is not your jam, this book is probably not going to be your jam. Also please consider the power dynamic of Ink being bound to Layla and answering her every desire. If you’re into the fantasy of having a sex demon catering to every sex whim… thumbs up. If the idea that a demon who listens to desires rather than words (and therefore doesn’t actually leave when asked) but who also doesn’t really get to have his own needs doesn’t work for you… give it a miss.

Read Erin's full review of Ink and Claw at The Smut Report

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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