Monsters come in many forms.Some want shiny new toys to play with—others want blood.Mona Walters dreams of adventure, of a world beyond the shoreline she’s confined to. She yearns for vibrancy in her dull, mundane existence, but succumbs to the bleakness.Until the necklace her sister wore the night she was brutally murdered shows up on her door wrapped in a neat bow, fueling her to run away and … her to run away and seek out the person responsible for stealing her sister’s life.
Mona wished for more—for color in her gray world.
What she didn’t realize was just how much more she would get.
And that the world outside her own was soaked in red—blood red.
The world she dreamed of is made of nightmares.
A rich, influential world of two brothers—and once they have her in their sights, they plan to keep her there.
Her father kept her secluded for a reason.
Be careful what you wish for.
There’s a thief out there, and he’s coming for Mona’s heart.
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This story was full of the essentials for a Ker Dukey story. First and foremost, there was a fabulous storyline and even though she puts a dark spin on a fairytale with a completely fascinating story… it’s deep and layered with some seriously fantastic characters and this incredibly sexiness that will keep you fanning yourself like a southern at church! However, it wouldn’t be a truly Ker Dukey story without a seriously messed up storyline… there’s so many twists and turns with ups and downs that we might as well on a rollercoaster. Heart Thief was way quicker than I wanted it to be but I was just happy to get a chance to read her words again after her latest short story release.
I happened to have watched Moana several times when it first came out and I really enjoyed it. The strength of a young woman finding the courage to go out on her own and get the answers she’s searching for. So the premise is close between the movie and the book… I’m sure there’s some other story out there… a Greek myth or something like that but I don’t know anything about that. So anyways, while the two have similarities, there are also some major and serious differences. Wow, this story! I mean, Dukey can seriously write dark romance. I love the strength Mona shows. She’s crazy strong and brings some real woman female power to the story and I can seriously dig it!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions
While reading this book it took me a little bit to figure out which fairy tale it was about but in the end I figured it out that it was Moana. Would think with the main character having the name Mona it wouldn’t have been that hard but I read it so quickly because it sucked me in from page one.
Mona lived a very strict life on the island where her father was the leader. More or less she lived in a cult because of the way she was expected to do things in her life. Her older sister Clara was able to get “out” and visit/live in the normal world. She would tell Mona about the fairy tale of the outside world. Mona knew that she wanted to join her sister. However, her father had other plans for her.
Colt and Cash had ties to Clara and really don’t like people from the island. When Mona washes up on Colt’s lawn he is drawn to her. They help Mona adapt to their way of living and also try to help figure out what happened to Clara.
The twists in this book kept me wanting more. Overall this was one of my favorite of the Sinister Fairy Tale books.
4.5 Sinister stars!!
Been a huge fan of this author for what seems like forever so I was so excited when I learned that she was going to part of The Sinister Fairy Tales collection. Her story is a delectable retelling of Moana. It’s dark and disturbing with twists and turns around every corner. I couldn’t put it down once I started.
I love the Sinister Fairy Tale Series!! If you have any visions of Disney’s Moana in your head drop them now No Dwayne Johnson singing in this one! Instead, it’s a fascinating, suspenseful edge of your seat read! That’s full of hot steamy dark romance!! If you love sex & action, pick this one up
Ker Dukey rocked this Sinister Fairy Tale!!!! I absolutely loved this!!!! I wanna read it over and over!!!! It’s dark, taboo, lucious, yummy, and keeps you entangled until the very end!!!!! Absolutely PERFECT!!!!
I really liked Mona, I think that she is really brave and fearless and adventurous which was really hard to live with under her father’s rule, I expect. But, I think that it helps her out a lot later. I really like that strength in her and how it helps her.
Colt and Cash are definitely interesting. The way that they interact with each other, their father, and Mona is really interesting to watch because they change a lot and you have to pay attention sometimes.
There is a lot of pain in this one. All three main characters are dealing with huge amounts of pain and grief, and it’s interesting to see how those things affect the actions of the characters.
If you like a fairy tale with a darker sinister twist or two then you must read this. I jumped straight in and was loathed to end my journey with Moana, I could have kept going. Not that it didn’t feel finished or anything, I just love the characters and could have read more.
I love Moana so much, she has been brought up on an island, her father being the leader of the cult they’re part of. I felt so much for her, having to go through and watch some of the sick processes they have to endure in the cult. Moana knows there is more out there and wants to escape. I was rooting for her every step of the way throughout the story.
There are a few twists and turns along the way that kept me on the edge of my seat which I absolutely loved. I would definitely recommend you one-click this Sinister Fairytale!
This is a fairytale cloaked in darkness that delivers a whole lot of mystery and suspense! As the story unfolds, I read with trepidation as I wasn’t really sure what to expect.
Mona may have grown up on an island, but there was nothing beautiful there, it was much like a prison. Wanting to know what happened to her sister and wanting a life away from the island, she escapes, to find a world that may be scary and confusing, but also liberating. As she’s introduced to lives of the Ward brothers and things begin to be revealed, it’s hard to know if she’d left the monsters behind on the island or if she’d just traded old monsters for new.
An unpredictable page turner that kept me reading from beginning to end in one sitting! A steamy must read for every dark romance lover.
4.35 stars
This is another installment of the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection and it is a dark retelling of the story of Moana. Mona and her sister Clara live on an island with their cult leader of a father who runs everyone with an iron fist. His laws preclude people from going off the island, except for those that are getting supplies, and keep non-islanders away. If someone dares to leave and return, they are put through a cleansing ceremony after spending time in the dungeon. Clara manages to escape her captivity after giving Mona a heart necklace of which she held the twin. Each necklace was engraved with the first initial of the sisters’ names. A year after Clara leaves, on Mona’s birthday, she is found dead and her heart is missing. Upon her eighteenth birthday, Mona escapes the island and embarks on a journey to the mainland where she meets Colt and Cash to help her discover the truth. This is one gritty, sexy and dark storyline that is not for the faint of heart. I volunteered to read a copy of this book.
Okay, I had to step away from this read for a bit as there are some extreme graphic scenes. My heart broke and I just needed a breather. I did not want to DNF so stepping away is the best way for me. This collection is dark and some get more graphic with those scenes. When we get in to graphic rape it hits on an extreme that I feel isn’t needed. Once you get past that, the story itself is good. Mona is trying to get away from her cult leader of a dad and the island that they live on. The rules, the way of life for these people, just isn’t what she wants. She wants to find her own path in life. Once she’s able to get away she meets Colt and there’s a spark between them. I enjoyed the heart of the story, the danger, the mystery and the spice between Mona, Colt and his brother Cash. Their story is worth more but I had to take away based on that extreme situation earlier in the book.
Heart Thief is the latest addition to the sinister fairytales collection and is a dark retelling of Moana. The story was original, gritty and different and will have you glued to the pages. Told in varying POV, this story had some nail biting suspense, some intense chemistry, mystery and danger. Although a short read, this tale about breaking free and trying new experiences was imaginative and you will not be able to put it down. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to all lovers of dark romance.
“Another addition to the Sinister Fairy Collection and what story Heart Thief was. Probably it’s gonna be a long post because I’ve so man things I want to say about this story. First I know that the Sinister Fairy Collection main point is the retelling of classic fairytales and I’m a lover of retelling but the thing with Heart Thief is that more than being a retelling of Moana to me it was my first time reading something about her story. I was pretty excited about that! Plus it had a dark theme which made it more appealing to read. The movie never seemed interesting to me being al childish but I was really ready for this dark romance and OMG! What did I just read?! Monsters come in many forms, such an accurate phrase for this plot. Mona dreamed for adventure she wanted to explore the world but sadly she was trapped on an island with a sadistic father and annoying, manipulative best friend. The moment her sister was murdered her life wasn’t the same, she was determined to seek the person responsable for ruining her life. When the opportunity came she escaped from that island looking for the Ward Brothers. Once the three of them met, things would never be the same.
Mona’s history really broke my heart. She was trapped on a world of injustice, violence, domination and secrets. Her father was the most awful person ever! Cruel and poisoning their people minds. She desperately needed to run away and I’m so happy she managed to run away and experience what living really is.
Cash and Colt were the sweetest brothers. Don’t change my mind!
Cash was a beautiful soul. Don’t get me wrong he had that player attitude but deep down he was so much more. He cared for Mona and treat her so special. Mysterious and intriguing. Hot, handsome, smart and caring. My heart ached for him when he find out. I gave my word of no spoilers.
Colt, Colt, Colt. I tried not to fall for him but he made it so easy. The way he treated Mona at first was mean and hurtful but knowing the reason why he acted like that I just wanted to hug him so tight. He had that dark, mysterious and somehow untouchable attitude. No matter how much he tried to denied it he had a thing for Mona the moment he laid his eyes on her. One of the things I loved the most about him was his frankness. He said what he wanted no matter if it was cruel or sexual. He had me dropping my jaw. Also he was loyal, protective and caring. So hot!
One thing I didn’t like so much was the slow speed at the beginning. Don’t get me wrong, the moment Mona met Cash and Cold the were no longer slow speed but to reach that point it took a while and to me it was lots of background story that could have been part of the prologue but anyway I fell in love with this book.
THAT ENDING!!!! I thought my heart was gonna to be broken because I was Team Colt and Team Cash, yes I confess. I liked them both with Mona though she belonged to Colt but anyway I prepared myself for the final and OMG YES!!! I couldn’t have asked for a different ending so unexpected yet so perfect. Ker really knows who to make a girl’s heart happy.
Don’t waist a minute and join Can, Colt and Mona journey!”
This was a very loose contemporary retelling of Moana which I have to confess I have actually never seen I know shocker right.
Mona longs to escape her island prison.
The daughter of the leader of a cult her whole life has been about obeying and following her father’s strict laws.
Her older sister turned away from the faith and was savagely murdered supposedly by outsiders further forcing the message home that the world beyond there shores is evil and corrupt.
Mona’s eighteenth birthday brings forth another barbaric cleansing ritual and a proposal of marriage from Eli causing her to panic.
Her flight path throws her directly into the crosshairs of Cash and Colt; twin brothers who were heavily involved in Mona’s sisters hidden past and this meeting causes long-buried secrets to finally resurface.
So this was well written and all sorts of intriguing.
The suspenseful side of this was well done but I thought this concentrated on the mystery of Mona’s sister Clara and what happened to her to the detriment of forging a connection between Mona Cash and Colt.
The problem for me here was mostly the length of this.
It was just not long enough to build enough momentum to hook me in.
It was either going to be the suspense or the romance that suffered and for me, it was definitely the connection that took a hit.
I also didn’t feel we really got to know anyone here on any deeper level.
They all seemed to merge together in my head with nothing to individually separate them again I think this was mostly down to the short length of this.
All the bones were here I just never got a real sense of the characters and there separate distinct personalities and voices to set them apart from each other especially the brothers themselves at least not enough to convince me of there affections.
Especially important considering this was a ménage.
I do think in this scenario with multiple love interests it’s vitally important to separate the characters for believability and connection and I felt Cash kinda got left behind slightly as the focus seems to be focused more on Colt and Mona.
Despite the above, this actually was an easy and enjoyable read and I did find the finale hugely satisfying.
It was fast-paced and interesting and the actual writing was great; no surprise there as I have read and enjoyed this author previously.
Finally, this is not a dark romance the boys are absolute sweethearts to Mona but it does have dark themes and violence throughout.
I do recommend this as It kept my attention and was entertaining but it could have been so much better than it was.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Heart Thief.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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This book was originally part of the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection.
This installment is loosely based on the Disney fairytale cartoon of Moana.
If your familiar with this author then you know, loosely means…
this ain’t no children’s story.
It’s suspenseful, captivating and wickedly twisted.
There are some dark romance elements and triggers to seal the author’s trademark queen of darkness status.
Well paced and well written, this read is a great escape from our daily grind!
She does not believe her father’s preaching and she wants to live her life on her terms. That means she has to sneak away and find a way to get off the Island that she was born and raised on. Just because he believes what he is saying and others follow his lead, does not mean that his teachings are right or just.
Mona is a young girl who has a dark side, even though her father is the leader and minister of their group on the Island. His teachings have been tough and cruel, and Mona does not believe any of his teachings. Her and her older sister, Clara, dream of a life away from the Island, but their father has always told them that the world outside the Island was dark and dangerous.
Clara manages to escape and find happiness, but it is not what she was hoping for. She is taken in by the Ward brothers who are wealthy twins. They have a history with the Island that she comes from and their reactions to her are different.
I really enjoyed this story, it has the right amount of darkness, danger, and twisted characters that have you wondering if they are who they portray themselves to be. This story is dark, twisted, and very steamy. Mona is not as naïve as the Ward brothers believe she is. She is naïve when it comes to the outside world, but she is a quick learner and finds herself where she wants to be, which is free from her father and his demented teachings. There are a lot of twists in this story and the danger and unexpected turns pulled me in and held me until the end of the book. I give this story a 4.5-star review and suggest it readers who are interested in dark romance, retellings of fairy tales, and women who are not afraid to reach for what they want and take no prisoners in the process.
Heart Thief was a intriguing, suspenseful and romantic fairytale retelling. Mona’s spirited feistiness and determination to explore beyond her home drew me in quickly. When her path unexpectedly crossed with the Ward brothers little did they realize the twists life would soon throw their way. The attraction between them was apparent from the start and I enjoyed gradually getting to know Colt, Cash and Mona. Though I would have loved a bit more of their story Cash and Colt made me want a pair of Ward brothers all for myself. Heart Thief was a great addition to the Sinister Fairy Tales collection full of suspense, intrigue, danger and romance.
Wow! This book will have you thinking long after you’ve finished!
Beware the faces of angels who wield literary pens like ominous swords, because Key Dukey has a given us a fairytale so sinister that you will demand that good prevails, and applaud when it does in a bloody form.
This is my first read from Ker Dukey, and considering I’ve read almost half of the Sinister Fairytale collection so far, I had an idea of what to expect. I’ve already said, these are not our childhood stories, and this dark re-telling of Moana will keep you glued to your literary pages. Her sinister fairytale definitely ventures in the bowels of human depravity and I wondered how on earth any love story could be dredged from its depths.
I loved the naiveté in regards to modern society that Ker Dukey wrote into Mona’s character when she finally escaped her island prison, and the humour that surrounded it. It was like seeing every mod-con that we take for granted and the colloquialisms we use, with a fresh set of eyes.
Cash and Colt have every reason to hate the Island and its inhabitants. They are double the alpha and double the sexy, but Mona has a feisty side and she is perfect for them. I needed love to prevail.
Mona is a story about the corruption of power and how a sick and twisted mind in charge of an isolated community can rule its inhabitants with an iron fist, abuse women and girls, and deputise other’s into thinking it is normal and lawful behaviour. It begs the question, are those who perpetrate crimes under orders truly criminals? Would you be more or less forgiving that Moana and her mother? If this alone keeps you thinking about Ms Dukey’s book long after you’ve finished, then she has done her job. Even better if you love her twisted writing I’m guessing, because you’ll be in for a treat.
While it is the typical shorter length story for the Sinister Fairytales collection, Ker Dukey has packed in one hell of a punch – to my heart and soul. It was gripping, confronting, dark and disturbing, and once started I had to hit it in one reading session. Wow, Ms Dukey, you challenged my soul, beliefs and convictions. 5 Stars for that and Mona’s dark story.
Heart Thief by Ker Dukey is part of the Sinister Fairy Tales series. This can be a standalone book. This is the story of Mona who went looking for answers about her sister Clara. Clara left their island when Mona was around 13 but her sister have her a heart necklace with the letter C. Clara had taken the heart necklace with M so that they could always have each other’s heart. But not long after word came that her sister is dead. So now years later Mona who is 18 wants to leave the island her father has deadly control over along with look for those answers she needs. This leads her to Cash and Colt who are brothers that had connections to her sister. This is the dark retailing of Moana fair tail.
Quick dark read.
Heart Thief by Ker Dukey was an excellent addition to the Sinister Fairytales series! From the start it is fraught with tension, a world being built before our very eyes with drama, intrigue, and plenty of room for fascinating character development!
Mona is spirited, feisty, fiery, and stuck in a life that doesn’t allow her any freedom, any chance to find out who she truly is and who she wishes to be. She’s still dealing with a painful loss, and doesn’t know if it will ever become any easier. But she does know that she wishes to explore the outside world, and wonders of she’ll ever even get that chance.
Colt and Cash are living a half empty life, though materialistically their lives are perfect, they have chips on their shoulders from their father, from past experiences, from haunting memories. They don’t know what is really worth it any longer and simply are going through the motions.
When they meet, it is combustible, full of chemistry, and a rollercoaster ride that has tons of dips and turns to try and avoid all the obstacles thrown in the way. The story is intriguing, the mythology touching, the memories beautiful and painful, the journey captivating.
I loved the initial development of all the characters, and would have loved some more depth to give even deeper understanding of what the story revealed!
I can’t wait to read another book by this author, I am loving their style!
“You stole my heart like a thief in the night, and you’ve been stealing it every day since.”
It’s been quite some time since Ker’s last solo release but good things come to those who wait. The queen of darkness has returned and Heart Thief had everything my little black heart desires.
Heart Thief is a standalone from the Sinister Fairy Tales collection. A dark retelling of the Disney movie Moana.
Two sisters, Mona and Clara live on Cult Island. A place where they we’re taught by their father and leader of the cult that the outside world was evil. It was forbidden to leave and those who did not obey the laws would be punished but it never kept them from wondering what life was like beyond their home.
It all changed when Clara left and never came back.
Mona receives a mysterious package on her eighteen birthday from someone on the outside. It’s her sister’s locket, the other half of the necklace Clara gave to her before she was murdered.
Leaving the island is the only way to know the truth. Why Clara disappeared. This leads her to meeting the twins, Cash and Colt. The last ones to be with her. This is when the story gets twisty. Who’s telling lies and who’s keeping secrets?
Boy do we get the best treat ever with these twins.
“Tell me what you want, little islander?”
RAWR!!! Trust me when I say the ending is de-f’cknlicious and left me wanting more!