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VOODOO LILY
Jannat’s world is turned upside down when her war hero husband is murdered. She is devastated by this horrific loss and finds herself refusing an arranged marriage and incurs the wrath of her desperate family. Now she must survive the city’s seedy underbelly with her newborn in tow.
She’s introduced to a new world where her role is to entertain the rich and famous and embrace a new set of rules—one that transacts in exploiting shame and carnal desire. But the old world and its rules won’t release its stranglehold. She soon discovers that everything, including her freedom, has a price. The question is… is it one she’s willing to pay?
She’s introduced to a new world where her role is to entertain the rich and famous and embrace a new set of rules—one that transacts in exploiting shame and carnal desire. But the old world and its rules won’t release its stranglehold. She soon discovers that everything, including her freedom, has a price. The question is… is it one she’s willing to pay?
- GenresFiction
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
✅✅✅✅✅ Arranged marriage
✅✅✅✅✅World building
✅✅✅ Plot
✅✅✅✅Smut
I ate it up.
✅✅✅✅✅ Arranged marriage
✅✅✅✅✅World building
✅✅✅ Plot
✅✅✅✅Smut
I ate it up.
December 14, 2022
The beginning was the best part of the novel. Jannat's time with her husband was captivating and entertaining. The story lost some substance after her husband's death and the ending was somewhat predictable. Not a bad read, just wanted more from the story.
***I would like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway, Ayura Ayira (the author), and Broadway Dern Publishing for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
***I would like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway, Ayura Ayira (the author), and Broadway Dern Publishing for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
December 19, 2022
It's a tale of sadness and loss. Passion and betrayal. The best way I can describe Jannat is she fights for what she wants. The emotional drama worked for me.
Loved it!
Loved it!
October 25, 2022
Another excellent work by the author. A very engaging book, indeed.
Jannat is compelled to wed after her father passes away. She marries Yama, a former soldier. He is a gentle and compassionate man who struggles with PTSD. Her family tries to get her to wed a wealthy man after he is slain to ensure their well-being. Jannat decides to go to the city with her infant to improve their quality of life.
It highly recommended tale featuring Jannat as the main character. An honest account of a struggle for survival, no doubt. The book is suggested to all bookworms without any doubts. Do read.
Jannat is compelled to wed after her father passes away. She marries Yama, a former soldier. He is a gentle and compassionate man who struggles with PTSD. Her family tries to get her to wed a wealthy man after he is slain to ensure their well-being. Jannat decides to go to the city with her infant to improve their quality of life.
It highly recommended tale featuring Jannat as the main character. An honest account of a struggle for survival, no doubt. The book is suggested to all bookworms without any doubts. Do read.
October 13, 2022
What you have to do
ah starts as a naive young country girl, given in marriage to a man she would not have chosen. She soon grows to love him, and is devastated by his savage murder. Life has left her few options. She becomes a very successful sex worker, and for the first time gains control of her live. A. Good read!
ah starts as a naive young country girl, given in marriage to a man she would not have chosen. She soon grows to love him, and is devastated by his savage murder. Life has left her few options. She becomes a very successful sex worker, and for the first time gains control of her live. A. Good read!
December 20, 2022
This book has so much going for it. It's a world I'm not familiar with and that's great. It's an entertaining & romantic book.
Loved the characters in it.
Especially Jannat, Yama, and Thursday.
Loved the characters in it.
Especially Jannat, Yama, and Thursday.
December 6, 2022
Good book!!!
I wasn't sure what I was getting with this book but I really enjoyed it. I felt the live she had for her husband, the pain she experienced, and her quick turn to someone tough. The book was easy to read, kept you guessing, and was very entertaining. I only wish it had a more conclusive ending but I liked it all the same. I want to know more about Jannat and her life after this ending!
I wasn't sure what I was getting with this book but I really enjoyed it. I felt the live she had for her husband, the pain she experienced, and her quick turn to someone tough. The book was easy to read, kept you guessing, and was very entertaining. I only wish it had a more conclusive ending but I liked it all the same. I want to know more about Jannat and her life after this ending!
December 31, 2022
3.7 stars out of 5
Beginning of book was pretty good. After her loss the story did keep my interest but started to lose me after a while. I thought I had it figured out but the end was the twist I didn't expect!!! That being said the ending did leave me wanting more to wrap it all up.
Beginning of book was pretty good. After her loss the story did keep my interest but started to lose me after a while. I thought I had it figured out but the end was the twist I didn't expect!!! That being said the ending did leave me wanting more to wrap it all up.
August 24, 2022
Thank you to the Sponsors for the opportunity to read and review this book. The following is my honest opinion.
This is a story about what a woman would do for her child and the circumstances that got her there.
Jannat comes from a dirt poor town. When her father dies, she is forced to marry. She marries an ex-soldier named Yama. He is a patient and loving man who suffers from PTSD. When he is killed, her family tries to get her to marry from money, to ensure their welfare. Jannat chooses to go to the city with her newborn, to try to make a better life for them.
She be becomes a high priced call girl. The reader sees the complete change in her. It is hard to believe she is not even 20 years old. The writer introduces the reader to some of her clients and how she ha handles their issues.
The story is good, although the writing can be confusing at times. There are some formatting errors and typos.
The end?.....lets just say will leave you with your mouth agape. Not sure if in a good or bad way.
This is a story about what a woman would do for her child and the circumstances that got her there.
Jannat comes from a dirt poor town. When her father dies, she is forced to marry. She marries an ex-soldier named Yama. He is a patient and loving man who suffers from PTSD. When he is killed, her family tries to get her to marry from money, to ensure their welfare. Jannat chooses to go to the city with her newborn, to try to make a better life for them.
She be becomes a high priced call girl. The reader sees the complete change in her. It is hard to believe she is not even 20 years old. The writer introduces the reader to some of her clients and how she ha handles their issues.
The story is good, although the writing can be confusing at times. There are some formatting errors and typos.
The end?.....lets just say will leave you with your mouth agape. Not sure if in a good or bad way.
March 23, 2023
📚𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📚
I was so not expecting this story. I fell in love with both main characters almost immediately and could feel all the love (and nervousness) between Jannat and Yama from day one. From the moment they meet, there isn’t a distinct spark between them, there’s only duty and tradition.
I enjoyed the building of Jannat’s relationship with her new stranger-husband and how it lead to unexpected love. Add in the hot “almost sex”. And then when they finally get there…I blushed.
HAWT!
Yama knew the kind of girl Jannat was, and what she deserved, and convinced himself that he couldn’t give that picture-perfectness to her but would die trying which just dooms them. But she saw something in him and the way he continued to protect and comfort her—through threats and close-calls—enough to realize that this was something true.
The cultural aspect, I felt, for a time, took a back seat to the romance, which I was okay with. I get it. She focused on the union.
The direct connection shared between the two characters and how their different plights drew them together intrigued me. The passionate moments between the two protagonists had me hooked, and I was inspired by the important lessons about communication and understanding. Ayura spent time developing the emotions between the characters before the husband was killed ripping my heart out one line at a time.
All that work to get to heartbreak. I hate that I loved it because I kept turning the page.
However, the innocent years ended. It reminded me of how painful but necessary adulting can be.
It became a sultry story of survival, ambition, ruthlessness, and cherishing what mattered to her. I loved the relationship between Jannat and her daughter, Senya—her love for her was truly unmatched and I was infatuated with the bond between them.
It’s a delightful, sassy story with a captivating cast of characters. Through Jannat’s struggles and triumphs, she discovers the power of resilience and learns to take control of her own destiny. This is a must-read for anyone interested in “Forgotten Women” the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the importance of never losing hope.
I understand that the author doesn’t consider herself a romance writer, but I think she should reconsider.
Book stats:
Title: Voodoo Lily
Author: Ayura Ayira
Rating: With emotional depth and a delicious steaminess…4.0 out of 5 stars
Reading sessions – 7
I was so not expecting this story. I fell in love with both main characters almost immediately and could feel all the love (and nervousness) between Jannat and Yama from day one. From the moment they meet, there isn’t a distinct spark between them, there’s only duty and tradition.
I enjoyed the building of Jannat’s relationship with her new stranger-husband and how it lead to unexpected love. Add in the hot “almost sex”. And then when they finally get there…I blushed.
HAWT!
Yama knew the kind of girl Jannat was, and what she deserved, and convinced himself that he couldn’t give that picture-perfectness to her but would die trying which just dooms them. But she saw something in him and the way he continued to protect and comfort her—through threats and close-calls—enough to realize that this was something true.
The cultural aspect, I felt, for a time, took a back seat to the romance, which I was okay with. I get it. She focused on the union.
The direct connection shared between the two characters and how their different plights drew them together intrigued me. The passionate moments between the two protagonists had me hooked, and I was inspired by the important lessons about communication and understanding. Ayura spent time developing the emotions between the characters before the husband was killed ripping my heart out one line at a time.
All that work to get to heartbreak. I hate that I loved it because I kept turning the page.
However, the innocent years ended. It reminded me of how painful but necessary adulting can be.
It became a sultry story of survival, ambition, ruthlessness, and cherishing what mattered to her. I loved the relationship between Jannat and her daughter, Senya—her love for her was truly unmatched and I was infatuated with the bond between them.
It’s a delightful, sassy story with a captivating cast of characters. Through Jannat’s struggles and triumphs, she discovers the power of resilience and learns to take control of her own destiny. This is a must-read for anyone interested in “Forgotten Women” the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the importance of never losing hope.
I understand that the author doesn’t consider herself a romance writer, but I think she should reconsider.
Book stats:
Title: Voodoo Lily
Author: Ayura Ayira
Rating: With emotional depth and a delicious steaminess…4.0 out of 5 stars
Reading sessions – 7
March 25, 2023
When I began reading this book, I had no idea what I was getting into. However, this turned out to be a great surprise as I ended up feeling just as shocked and heartbroken as the young protagonist. The story was filled with drama and suspense, and adventure. The book had some truly captivating moments.
Things I liked:
➽ Journey of emotional and sexual self-discovery.
➽ There are a few amazing characters that I connected with.
➽ Exciting journey of clues and secrets.
➽ Roller coaster of emotions.
➽Great heart-pounding moments. (I wanted more of them!)
➽ Impressive and eye-opening.
➽ Strong heroine.
➽ Vivid descriptions.
➽ Provided an escape into the world of love and fantasy and shattered dreams.
➽ Got my attention from the very first chapter.
➽I love the flawed MC.
➽I felt like a love-sick widow.
Struggling to survive, Jannat will find strength and courage she never knew she had, and ultimately a way out of the darkness. Only then can she reclaim her life and build a new future. It was inspiring to watch her fight for her own happiness.
Overall, I had a wonderful time reading this book!
Things I liked:
➽ Journey of emotional and sexual self-discovery.
➽ There are a few amazing characters that I connected with.
➽ Exciting journey of clues and secrets.
➽ Roller coaster of emotions.
➽Great heart-pounding moments. (I wanted more of them!)
➽ Impressive and eye-opening.
➽ Strong heroine.
➽ Vivid descriptions.
➽ Provided an escape into the world of love and fantasy and shattered dreams.
➽ Got my attention from the very first chapter.
➽I love the flawed MC.
➽I felt like a love-sick widow.
Struggling to survive, Jannat will find strength and courage she never knew she had, and ultimately a way out of the darkness. Only then can she reclaim her life and build a new future. It was inspiring to watch her fight for her own happiness.
Overall, I had a wonderful time reading this book!
May 17, 2023
This is a book I regret having waited so long to read because it’s well done. It’s safe to assume that this was re-edited sometime back in 2022.
When I purchased this book, there weren’t any grammatical or formatting errors that stood out to me.
I like the characters and the direction the story took. The author has created an atmosphere of tension and mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.
The ending was well done, brave, and different. I was completely caught off guard.
The lead fought for a brand-new life, but the crabs in a barrel mentality often prevails. There is an overall sentiment regarding success, you will only get as far as the people you allow into your life. Like the FML character, choose wisely!
5 stars!
When I purchased this book, there weren’t any grammatical or formatting errors that stood out to me.
I like the characters and the direction the story took. The author has created an atmosphere of tension and mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.
The ending was well done, brave, and different. I was completely caught off guard.
The lead fought for a brand-new life, but the crabs in a barrel mentality often prevails. There is an overall sentiment regarding success, you will only get as far as the people you allow into your life. Like the FML character, choose wisely!
5 stars!
March 23, 2023
In this powerful and moving novel, a young woman finds herself caught in the chaos of losing her husband and the demands of her family. Forced to flee her home and start a new life, she must learn to survive and make her own way in a world that has been turned upside down. It’s a heartbreaking, romantic, and gritty story that tackles the judgmental nature of people and the extremes a person will go to ruin another.
It's a beautiful story of second chances and finding love again—even if that only means self-love—which is the only true start to happiness.
It's a beautiful story of second chances and finding love again—even if that only means self-love—which is the only true start to happiness.
May 7, 2023
The lead is determined and uses her pain to change her life. It's no easy feat to get to the top of the dark and twisted adult world, but the gorgeous and focused woman did just that. I liked the plot and the intensity of the challenges. I felt the pacing was good. There were passages that had me feeling like butter melted in the sun. While the tone of this book took me by surprise, I appreciated that in peeling all the layers away from her life she emerged triumphant.
Romance: Medium
Language: Some strong
Violence: Low to Med
Steam: Highish
Really liked it!!!!!!!!
Romance: Medium
Language: Some strong
Violence: Low to Med
Steam: Highish
Really liked it!!!!!!!!
August 23, 2022
The story was far from what I expected however it did after a short while take hold of my attention and held it to the end, The end however left me very disappointed as it left me hanging.
The ending spoiled my read throughly. 3 stars.
I do extend my thanks to the sponsors of the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
The ending spoiled my read throughly. 3 stars.
I do extend my thanks to the sponsors of the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
August 12, 2024
An interesting story of the decisions you have to make in order to survive your circumstances of growing up and after a tragic loss. I really liked the first part of the story but struggled with the ending. The pace of the book was inconsistent.
September 14, 2022
Hard to read. Seemed to jump around.
January 25, 2023
4.25 stars!
The reality of what can happen in the third world after the death of a spouse.
Incredible ending!
*It doesn't fit neatly into the romance genre. Neither does the author.*
The reality of what can happen in the third world after the death of a spouse.
Incredible ending!
*It doesn't fit neatly into the romance genre. Neither does the author.*
May 7, 2023
Voodoo Lily is a story that grapples with tradition, expectation, sexual exploration, and developing self-worth. It is actually two stories in one—each of which has unexpected endings.
May 8, 2023
During this read, I was excited, annoyed, bored, and tense. I was into it!
For all the drama and steamy fire 4 stars.
For all the drama and steamy fire 4 stars.
December 12, 2022
I found this book rather flat. The story of a low country girl turning into a high in hooker is weak. The early part of the book is much stronger than the ending. I found the mothers drive to maker her child’s life better, lame especially after how her husband died leaving her destitute. Not really worth the time to read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews