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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The Heart Thief by Ker Dukey 5 stars
Spoiler alert
This story had me hooked in the first chapter and it only got better from there. Clara and Mona are sisters close in age and living on an island. The island is run by their religious overbearing father, they both dream of escaping the island to experience real life. One night Clara breaks free leaving Mona behind. Mona is devastated but only wishes the best for her sister. As a reader I’m hoping Clara finds what she’s looking for. Living on that island would have made me crazy and not in a good way. Fast forward, Clara comes to a gruesome death on Mona’s birthday this makes Mona’s need to escape and find her sister’s killer move very high on her list of things to do. This book holds a darkness but also comes through to the light. Mona manages her escape on her 18th birthday! Go Mona! When she makes it to the mainland she rashes a shore on the very property where Clara was found. The owner is drop dead gorgeous and invites her to stay with him as she seeks out the answers she needs about Clara. Colt is the owner of the property and knows immediately who Mona is. He settles her in wanting her to experience a full life away from her island home. Mona awakes the next morning to Cash Colt’s twin watching her sleep. His presence is just as intimidating as his brother but she knows right away he’s not Colt. The brother admit to knowing Clara so the three of them try to figure out what happened to Clara. Mona lived in black and white and now everything is in technicolor. She never wants to leave the brothers. As they search for answers the three become very close. Danger is lurking for Mona they are all unaware that their time could be cut short. This is where things take a turn. Answers are revealed but Mona is in deep trouble. The Brothers will do anything to protect her but when she disappears can they get to her in time. You’ll need to read the book for the answers but this one keeps you on your toes praying for that HEA for Mona.— Carolyn for Book Haven Book Blog
Mona is living under her father’s restrictive rule with a cult. She longs for a different life and is looking for her sister’s murderer. Once she leaves the island, she meets the Ward brothers. She thinks they may have the answers she’s looking for about her sister. Will Mona find she’s traded one monster for two? An intriguing look into the dark retelling of the fairytale of Moana.
Another winner in this collection!! I’m so thankful for all the authors that decided to make this collection, they keep giving us amazing books! “Heart Thief” is a loose retelling of “Moana”. To be honest, I’ve only seen the Disney movie, so I don’t know the original Polynesian myth.
“Hearts are fragile things. Like glass, once broken, they are forever changed. Your heart isn’t scarred, baby, it’s full of the memories.”
All Mona has known is the island she grew up on. Her father is the leader of a cult-like community. The people that live on the island are living by his rules, that are more cruel and strict than forgiving. They are totally cut off from other people and everyone that leaves are considered tainted and has to go through a cleansing in order to come back. Mona never believed in her father’s teaching and everything she even wanted was to leave the island. Five years after her sister’s death she decides to actually try and escape.
“You stole my heart like a thief in the night, and you’ve been stealing it every day since.”
The Ward twins, Colt and Cash never liked the Cult Island. After their mother left them to live at the island, their life changed. When Colt finds Mona on his beach, he intuitively knows that she’s from there. However, he can’t help feeling attracted to her and want her to stay; Cash might just feel the same. Things are getting more complicated with strange things are beginning to happen…!
When I finished the book, my first thought was I want more. The story was so good that I just wanted more. It was interesting and a nice change from my usual reading. The chemistry between Mona and the twins was apparent and I was hoping for more steamy times… I’m looking forward to the next book in the collection. If you haven’t started yet, then you should definitely do!!!
It’s time for a dark retelling of Moana, the Heart Thief goes deep, the story is full of twists and dark themes. Mona Walters meets The Ward brothers and yes it’s an MF, MFM story, it makes this sinister book fantastic. A must-read of the series and one that will have your jaw open for most of the chapters.
When I read the blurb of HEART THIEF I had no idea what was the choice of retelling of this author. But right at the beginning we can see it is a dark and twisted retelling of Moana.
Our heroine here calls Mona and she lives in a secluded island where her father is the leader of a cult that believes only the people that lives there is purified. Nobody can leave the place, only the ones chosen to go to get supplies. The people of the island were brainwashed to believe they were serving God. Moana didn’t know the outsite world but her heart told her there were more to it. That that life without having a choice wasn’t good. And when her sister that ran away appears dead, the desire to get out of that place takes another proportion. Now she wants to know what happened to her sister.
This is a short book but I didn’t miss anything. It gets right to the point. It has enough suspense to make you wonder what happened but it’s not difficult to figure it out. It shows all of the corrupted world of someone who tries to control by using his beliefs to overpower another person. When Mona gets away of the island, she meets the gorgeous brothers Colt and Cash. And they knew her sister. Although she went there for answers, they look like freedom to her, but they also have secrets.
I read HEART THIEF really fast because I was hooked to it. It has contents that could be triggers to some people so be aware. But I love to read dark and romantic suspense, I love how this genre take us away of our comfortable zone.
This story has 3 point of views so we get to know inside the head of Mona, Colt and Cash. This was a great way to tell this story that kept me glued into the pages. This is the third book of THE SINISTER FAIRLY TALE COLLECTION I read and enjoy. I was truly excited for this one because I love Ker Dukey stories. I recommend it.
Ker Dukey has stunned me into silence. I am not even sure how to begin my review for Heart Thief. This was some extraordinarily wicked imagination and sinful writing from Ker Dukey. I cannot believe how she twisted a classic story like Moana into this dark, depraved and suspenseful treat.
Mona has been living a restricted and suffocating life in an island where her father is the leader of a cult. He is a monster who uses his power to abuse the people living there. He is a tyrant and control freak who keeps the islanders away from modern world. She and her sister Clara always wanted to escape. Clara did, only later her dead body came back. Now Mona is more determined to leave. To find answers. But what is waiting for her on the other side of sea? Are the Ward brothers really monsters? Cash and Colt Ward is going to rock her world.
This story is so freaking convoluted that I have not wrapped my head around it yet. Mona is a fierce girl. In spite of her naivety and innocence, she was not afraid to go on an unknown journey or to confront Ward brothers. Cash and Colt are twins. They are rich, powerful, arrogant, dominating and dripping in sex appeal. Cash is a bit softer side of protectiveness whereas Colt is raw possessiveness personified. And Mona fit with them so well. She has this innate fire for justice that drives her to take risks for other people. Together they are a formidable army. The story has equal amount of insanely hot chemistry and nail biting suspense. This twist is nothing less than genius from Ker Dukey.
Ker Dukey means something gritty, something provocative and something different. Heart Thief was a sensational dark and raw retelling that stole my heart! I have a book hangover for real.
Received ARC for honest review
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This was an interesting retelling of Moana, told in multiple POV. There’s not a lot I can say without giving too much away, but know that this was a tiny bit darker than some of the other stories in this collection. Which should be expected with Dukey at the helm.
I enjoyed this very much, although it did take me a little bit to get into. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming, although it made sense in the thick of things.
Definitely a should read.
Ohh snap! This book was super good. I honestly wasn’t sure what fairytale this was based on, but I riddled it out. I have never seen the movie, but I loved Heart Thief! It’s dark and delicious. I want those Ward brothers for myself! Hot damn! Definitely recommend this book if you want a sexy, quick read with suspense and plenty of darkness!
Heart Thief (Sinister Fairy Tales series) by Ker Dukey is a story about Mona. She lives on a secluded island where her father is the head of a religious cult. Always skirting the rules Mona and her sister Clara want out of their drab, rigid existence. When Clara leaves Mona, Mona’s world is turned upside down. Years later when Clara is found dead with her heart cut out Mona is on a mission. Determined to get off the island and discover who killed her sister, Mona leaves the island and embarks on a very dangerous journey. The only clue she has is to seek out the Ward brothers. This story is not loosely based on a child’s fairy tale like the other books in the series but a gritty story of cults, murder, secrets and lies. And in true Ker fashion this is a tale that is sick, dark and twisted with doses of kinky sex. I truly enjoyed this story. Didn’t want to put this story down. Couldn’t wait to get to the end and the ending was a true surprise. Mona was a strong willed young girl who grew stronger and more adventurous as she got older. She knew her own mind and didn’t let anything deter her from her mission, not her father or her betrothed. Of course the Ward brothers didn’t disappoint in looks, sex appeal and a touch of deviousness. 5 stars for me.
This story definitely lived up to the name Sinister Fairytale! There were some parts that left me with my jaw hanging down. But those are things I do love in a story. The author definitely kept it interesting. But as I was reading I really wanted more. I just feel like there was something missing from the story. Why are they doing what they are doing? One thing I found myself getting distracted with was I knew this story was a fairytale retelling and I was trying to figure out what fairytale it was. A part of me was kind of sidetracked with that throughout the story. I found out afterwards which one it was and it was one I am not familiar with. But overall, it was a very interesting, dark, and devious story. If that is what you like, you should read this one!
3.6 Island dreams
A warped tyrant – A taboo desire – A deadly puzzle
Seriously though this would have made a five-star full length read
There were so many possibilities within this story. So many smaller threads that could have been woven into the overall tapestry.
I was hooked right from the promise of a better life.
I was so invested…
When it wrapped up I just wasn’t sated.
Mona was an inquisitive young woman. Curious of both mind and body. She was still young and a stranger to much about the outside world but not blinded by her naivety – a touch of dark to curb the innocence. She refused to become another mindless flock member. She wanted that tingle that came with true love and she wanted answers.
Cash and Colt complimented her perfectly – feeding her curiosity and sating her desires.
I was wrong about who done it but not who assisted.
You’ll see.
A great addition to the sinister collection
“There’s a thief out there, and he’s coming for Mona’s heart.”
MY first encounter with Ker Dukey was her collaboration of Play Me. I enjoyed her story-telling there, and it was confirmed with Heart Thief.
I really do need to find more time to move her stories up my TBR list!
This dark fairy tale re-telling held my interest! Oh my goodness!
I have to check out other contributions to the Sinister’s fairy tale Collection!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
4.25 stars
All her life Mona Walters only ever known the island she was born and bred on. When an unexpected gift reminded her how much she lost, she took matters into her own hands and left to find answers. But the world out there was much more than she could ever imagine especially when she fell into the hands of the Ward brothers.
Mona was a curious island girl. She had a rebellious streak in her that was both advantageous and dangerous for her. I liked the brothers’ different personalities and motivations. However one of them needed more development to make the story more effective.
I want to tear from my skin and dissipate on the breeze. I can’t live like this, with these traditions. It’s sickness wrapped in belief.
This book was an enjoyable little dark treat of the author’s reinterpretation of Moana. I have always enjoyed the subject matter featured and I liked the story direction. I also liked how some things could repulse me, yet turned on lol!
Heart Thief is a story of breaking free and new experiences. It would appeal to readers looking for a short dark read.
Heart Thief by Ker Dukey is a short novella in the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Heart thief is her retelling of Moana and wow is it a twisted, dark , mysterious and steamy modern retelling that will have the reader i drawn into the story immensely.
Mona, Cash and Colt make for a great triad. Cash and Colt’s love for Mona is strong and pretty instant, especially when she’s trying to break free from the cult like life where she lives. Mona’s past is heartbreaking and bittersweet. Without giving too much away, this novella is filled with mystery, intrigue, passion, romance, danger, suspense, raw, gritty, intense and emotional feels. It’s a race to save Mona – can her men do it or will Mona be lost forever? Great addition to the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection series.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
Ker Dukey is a darkened corner in a light filled world. I knew she would have something devilishly entertaining for us. Though I haven’t seen or read Moana, I imagine Heart Thief is a unique take on it.
As intriguing as it is, Heart Thief doesn’t quite hit the bar I held. I’ve read a few Ker Dukey novels and always leave them transfixed and clinging to the words. Heart Thief was lacking in the usual depth of character. I also felt as the the reader is on a treadmill. We got on smiled at our neighbors and started it. We upped the incline and started to walk. Once we started to get our bearings the machine mysteriously went to the highest setting, we struggled to turn it down, slow it down, or stop it. We can’t stop for fear of injury but there’s also no way we can continue without injury. Once we get the resolve to jump off, it stops abruptly- injuring us. But its the abruptness that has us walking like a shaking newborn foal…
Heart Thief just ended. Everything is tied up with a bow. We have our answers. We have our thief but it’s so frantic and quick that it feels half empty. The relationships develop very quick and it’s as though it happened when we blinked. I enjoyed the premise. I was ensared by the set up. I just feel like one minute I was clicking up the steep hill of a rollercoaster looking down below, filled with fear/adrenaline/excitement, and in the next instant I’m at the bottom. No swoop, no screams, not even a dip in gravity. I went from the precipice at the highest point to a complete stop at the bottom with my harness unhooked. I almost want to get back on and see if its because I blinked.
Reviwed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
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 step wrapped in a neat bow, fueling her to run away and seek out the person responsible of 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.
This is another addition to the Sinister Fairytale Collection. This is a retelling of Moana, though it took me seeing it someplace else to realize that is what it is. I think this book reads so well that you get sucked into the story and don’t even realize your reading a retell of a fairytale. This is the story of Mona who is raised on an island and has never seen the outside world. She doesn’t know it but her father is the leader of a religious cult and once you are in you never get to leave. She has a sister Clara that has seen the outside world and tells her stories of how love should be though Mona has Eli and she is trying to make it feel like Clara told her it should. Till one day Clara’s body is found that all Mona can think of is finding out who killed her sister. So when the chance arises she is bound and determined to leave and find out who killed her. I so don’t want to give anymore of this away. But you find these things out from like the second chapter. I loved this book so much. I loved Mona she is one strong woman to have been raised the way she was. And then there are Cash and Colt that will have you rotting for them to have their happily every after with Mona. This story gets a little dark too. It was amazing and I could have read this one for more hours than it took me to read. it.
I’m not sure what fairy tale this was supposed to be linked with. I didn’t really love this story, keeping on with the dark theme for sure. Lots of violence and some rape mixed with some sex. It wasn’t a completely predictable ending but it didn’t immediately give it away. Usually I enjoy the authors work but this one just missed the mark for me. It was well written so I give four stars.
By Tiffany
This is a dark read, one of family, sacrifice, redemption, revenge, lust, love and romance. The story is based on a fairytale and well done. I enjoyed the connections between the characters, the heart and agnst with. A great re-telling and one for dark lovers to enjoy. It’s a paranormal MFM story. *wink* I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
“You stole my heart like a thief in the night, and you’ve Ben stealing it every day since.”
I adored this book so much! I have been a fan of Ker Dukey’s for a while now and this book was so much fun to read!
Mona, Cash, and Colt are such a great triad. Their love for Mona is nearly instantaneous. Mona escapes her “cult” like life with the help of a friend and her mother. Her father runs a compound where he alone decides what is best for the people, and who they marry. With Mona’s 18th birthday approaching her father has decided that she is to marry Eli whether she wants to or not. Her father and Eli are furious she left, Cash and Colt are weary of her arrival. As the pieces of her arrival begin to fall into place, Colt and Cash’s feelings toward Mona change, just in time for her father and Eli to come rushing back to bring her home. Suddenly, Cash and Colt are racing against time to get Mona before her father pushes her into a marriage she doesn’t want to live a life she has no desire to live.
This was a fantastic read, the characters are well written and the story reads very quickly. I read it all in one setting and enjoyed every page of this tale. The sinister fairy tales have been such a great read to have. It’s been so cool to see what these authors have done to twist our happy fairy tales into a dark twisted fairy tales…so great!
“You stole my heart like a thief in the night, and you’ve been stealing it every day since.”
Holy crap. I literally was unable to put this down. It was impossible until I was done. I stayed up way into the night and like a junkie, needed to satiate my hunger.
From the very first sentence, the story just captivated me. Yes, it’s a retelling of Moana but way darker. There’s danger, mystery and suspense and some triggers that some may find disturbing.
But I needed it. Mona finds what she is looking for and so much more when she finally takes what she wants and meets Colt and Cash. It’s a love story but it’s also a story about moving forward, accepting your darkness, and moving on.