I’m Beatrice Kennedy, but everyone calls me Beat. I live a low-key life, fresh out of college and drifting from town to town until I find my home. I love music, and how it stirs even the deepest and untouched parts of your soul. Depending on what you choose to listen to, would depend on what it touches. It’s the drug we all damper in, only different strains. My strain is Jazz. The smooth … instrumental strums that take over me. The sound of cigar smoke, bourbon and an old dusty fedora hat. My strain wasn’t rap, and it sure wasn’t laced with some A-class shit like murky blue eyes casted down from the Lord and the Devil’s handcrafted smile. I knew who he was—the whole world did. One fateful night set off a chain of events, events that no one was coming back from. You can’t save people who don’t want to be saved. You can’t pull them up from the ocean when they’ve latched themselves to an anchor. Love was my anchor, destruction was the water that was drowning me, and the rope that was so tightly clamped around my ankles, was woven with the lyrics of Aeron Romanov-Reed, also known as, ‘Manik. He steals hearts from all around the world, but one night, he stole something that wasn’t his to steal.
Me.
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I don’t want this to be over !!!! Manik was one of my most anticipated reads. When it comes to Amo Jones I can always count on her to deliver gritty reads with intense characters.
Manik was a presence !!! I don’t know how else to describe him. Dominating, Intense and impossible to ignore. I found myself getting caught up in him, consumed by him. I couldn’t help but love him even when his actions were questionable and sometimes downright cruel.
This storyline was brilliant and I’ll be honest when I say there were some twists and turns that caught me off guard and had me saying no effing way !!!!!
This was just so good my one complaint is that the story ended. But when it comes to Amo Jones I find that I can’t get enough. I love her writing style and her male characters !!! Well shit they are just hot AF.
And her dedication in this book is gold !!! Just had to say that as well.
Loved it loved it loved it.
OMG! What did I just read?! Amo Jones legit just owned me with Manik. I haven’t felt like this since Frost and good Lord she deserves all the praise in the world for this book. Aeron “Manik” Romanov-Reed and Beatrice “Beat” Kennedy were FIRE and they just burned down the whole world with this story!
If you’re looking for spoilers I wouldn’t even know where to start. This isn’t that kind of review. But what I can say is that this wouldn’t be another gripping novel by this author if this story wasn’t a fierce, intense and crazy AF rollercoaster ride filled with steamy and raw passion, visceral emotions and realistic characters. But at the heart of this AMAZING story is how two people who were never supposed to be together found a way to come out on the other side. This story was hands down brilliant!
Like in all Jones’ stories, she writes incredibly strong females who give as good as they get. Beat may be my favorite heroine to date from this author as she went through such traumatic circumstances in her life but was still able to bring out the human side of such a dangerous, ruthless and dominating man. Likewise, Manik was able to show Beat that there was more to him and life beyond the surface but you just had to look deep enough. He brought out her inner darkness where she was able to go toe to toe with the beast and bring him to his knees.
All in all this story was unequivocally fantastic and seriously makes me want to dive deep in this author’s devious brain for more of her juicy stories! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Reviewed For I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore
Well this may very well be a first for me while reading a book by Amo Jones. I for once didn’t throw or break my kindle. Oh I wanted to, boy did I want to while reading ‘Manik, more than once in fact, but I didn’t want to miss a single moment, a single word so I refrained myself. I absolutely LOVED ‘Manik, hell love isn’t a strong enough word for how much I loved it. It is dark, it is mind fucking, it is sexy, it is one of the best books I have read this year. For me, Amo Jones has become my reigning queen of dark romances.
Beatrice aka Beat and Aeron aka Manik these two will have you screaming, cussing, sitting on the edge of your seat one minute and reaching for let’s say some relief the next. I love an asshole hero and let me tell you Aeron he fits that description and then some. I wanted to kick him more than once and I wanted to climb him like a tree as well. Aeron is Manik, he is the son of a Bratva boss, and well so much more but you have to discover all that there is to him yourself. Beat goes through some very dark and painful things, things that would break someone who isn’t strong. Aeron made her life hell but also saved her in his own twisted way. The chemistry and pull between these two is unlike anything you could possibly imagine. The secrets that are revealed, the lies that were told, all add another depth to their relationship.
‘Manik is a book that you do not want to miss out on. If you love dark romances like I do then ‘Manik needs to be at the very top of your TBR list and if you have never read a book by Amo Jones then grab one and see why I have named her my queen of dark romances.
Aeron Romanov-Reed “Manik” and Beatrice “Beat” Kennedy were so dynamic! These two were awesome characters. This story has more twists and turns to keep you on your toes. A must read.
Oh my god, this book was just FREAKING FANTASTIC!
I loved everything about it, the story line was captivating as were the characters in this book.
I still haven’t been able to compose myself after reading this amazing story. Manik, oh my god Manik! This man owns my heart. He’s just one of those intense, broody and sexy alpha men that makes you just want to claim him on the spot.
I devoured this book ( no lie) I mean I was so freaking mesmorized with it I just gobbled this sucker in one sitting.
All I can say is this book will take you on a twisted roller coaster ride that you will never forget!
Here’s the story where life can be born… from ashes.
HATE and LOVE,
DIRTY and PURE,
DARK and LIGHT,
WILD and CALM…
THIS BOOK… break souls and hearts.
I don’t even remember what’s my name today because Amo Jones literaly blowed my mind by ‘Manik and Beat’s story. I had to re-read this book 2 times to finaly get my mind straight… How much can be addictive ‘Manik’s murky love side….? People… You don’t even realize.
Beat is so strong – I really want to have at least half of her beauty, tallent and strenght.
‘Manik is handsome in VERY anty-hero way… You would never want to meet him alone, he’s as scarry as You can imagine.
THIS BOOK gave me huge hangover… for sure it was MEGA , BIG, HUGE RIDE. Amo mixed perfectly every possibly feelings here … I still can’t decide where hate ends but love starts… where roughness begin pure lust … where freedom changing in submission – submission from Your own choice. I have no words to describe how this book can hihgjhack for „bad love” and mafia lifestyle. I want to write here so much, but what can say more? THIS BOOK is simply EVERYTHING.
For everyone who knows Amo’s books it wasn’t very big suprise – that this girl can write dark … For people who don’t know how amazing author she is… ‘Manik could be good beginig for Jone’s shadowy wild adventure.
I love Beat… I love-hate ‘Manik now… and for sure after this book Amo Jones stays still in my Walk Of Fame for Authors… from this darker romances side.
Manik is a dark, standalone, enemies-to-lovers romance that sucks you right in from the first page and keeps you entertained until the very end. I love all of Amo Jones’ previous books and Manik does not disappoint. It is fast paced that is guaranteed to give you a book hangover.
Aeron “Manik” is a famous rap artist who is also a member of a Russian mafia family. He has a dark soul, is very sexy, and is very much an alpha antihero. Beatrice “Beat” is a very strong survivor who discovers that everything she thinks she knows isn’t necessarily true. I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say it is interesting to watch their relationship evolve. There are so many twists and turns and just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws you for a big loop. Manik and Beat together are dynamic. Their chemistry is palpable, but there were times where I really wasn’t sure if they would and maybe even should end together given all the obstacles and revelations.
This author always does a great job with character development. She writes about characters who are beautifully flawed and dark. The author creates an anti-hero that you want to dislike, but you cannot help but love instead. The storyline of Manik is unique and Amo Jones’ has an amazing way of leading you through Manik and Beat’s journey. I received this book as an ARC and I voluntarily leave this review.
What?? What did I just freaking read?? One of my top reads of the year that’s what. Amazing, absolutely amazing.
In true Amo form are minds are totally blown. This is so not what I was expecting…. I’m speechless, overwhelmed and totally in love.
Arron and Beatrice are wonderful characters, a little messed up, oh okay a lot messed up but their story will definitely blow your mind. Just when I think I know where the author is going I’m thrown into another direction. And it’s amazing!!! Y’all gotta read this, it’s definitely a must read.
*Review by Micelle
What?? What did I just freaking read?? One of my top reads of the year that’s what. Amazing, absolutely amazing.
In true Amo form are minds are totally blown. This is so not what I was expecting…. I’m speechless, overwhelmed and totally in love.
Arron and Beatrice are wonderful characters, a little messed up, oh okay a lot messed up but their story will definitely blow your mind. Just when I think I know where the author is going I’m thrown into another direction. And it’s amazing!!! Y’all gotta read this, it’s definitely a must read.
OMG…this book was fantastic. Amo Jones is a new author I discovered earlier this year and I have not been disappointed in any of her books. Her writing is detailed, well-crafted and just superb and Manik was no exception. Manik was a captivating, thrilling and downright riveting dark romance that had me hooked from beginning to end.
These characters were flawed yet so well-developed and you couldn’t help but love them. Even the secondary characters were lovable. The story was fast-paced and intriguing with never a dull moment. The twists and turns had you on the edge of your seat through out the story. Can I just say here how much I loved Manik and Beat together. They were the perfect couple with such intense chemistry you could feel it jumping off the pages of the novel.
This page-turner was a phenomenal read. Definitely worthy of more than 5 stars I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it.
Manik will leave you thinking what the hell did I just read.
This book is fast paced, will mess with your head, is action packed and sinfully enticing.
Manik a rap extraordinaire whom is alpha mafia god. This savage man will give you whip lash.
Beat is a quite sassy girl, whom finds herself in a situation, she’s been delt a Crappy hand but keeps fighting.
This standalone is a fantastic read.
4.5 Stars – A recommendation for all the lovers of dark romance!
In true Amo Jones fashion was this an unputdownable and awesome story that nobody should miss out on, especially when you’re looking for a crazy ride only this author can deliver.
The blurb didn’t give much away and as always I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into with this new book from Amo Jones. I only knew that I had to be open for everything and be ready once again for a twisted story that has me questioning so much and drive me crazy until I finally get all the answers. Well, I wasn’t so far off because the characters sure as hell knew what it meant to be dark and dangerous, badass but sexy as hell. It’s hard to review this book without giving much away but Manik was a great mix of Raze and Bishop. It was an unputdownable book although the story was slower at a few chapters especially in the first half of the book which I had to consider in my rating.
It wasn’t an instant love with me but with every little bit Aeron gave and showed me himself did I fall deeper. I am sure that he will have a lot of readers swooning and cursing at the same time but melt and break a lot of hearts in the process too.
I liked that Beat was such a badass heroine although she sometimes seemed a bit unsure of herself and what to do and therefore acted overdramatic at times, but who could blame her with all that happened and with a kidnapper and stalker like Manik breathing down her neck. He was a walking contradiction and I wasn’t surprised by all the shocking revelations I didn’t see coming in this book.
The author once again delivered a suspenseful and twisted story that had me captured until the end and I loved how she spun everything together into an intricate pattern and left no questions unanswered.
This is a must-read for all the Amo Jones fans but also a perfect way to get to know this author’s writing style if she’s new to you. I recommend this book for all the lovers of dark romance and mafia stories that like to get hot and heavy with the characters in one way or another.
A darkly delicious romance that kept me enthralled until the very last word!
Beat was a drifter. She has no family, no roots. She’s tough when she needs to be, resilient because she had no choice and easy to love because she’s awesome. Being at the wrong place, at the wrong time, brings forth a series of events and leads her to Manik.
Manik was a possessive alpha male that I couldn’t help but love in spite of his darkness. He is a very successful rapper but also part of the Russian Mafia. He has a a dark side that comes out when he needs to do a job for the Bratva.
Manik takes Beat captive as he was ordered to do and so their story begins. So many secrets. Everything is done for a reason. Someone is pulling the strings and orchestrating their own agenda. You’re about to be taken on a ride with many unexpected twists.
I read this book in one sitting from cover-to-cover! I thoroughly enjoy dark romance and this author delivered on every level. It was super hot and sexy, with a cast of characters that I enjoyed. It also kept me guessing because I never knew what was going to happen next. If you enjoy dark romance, you will not be disappointed.
Captivating Darkness
Brace yourself for darkness which is what you may expect from a bratva book that is not afraid to take you places that don’t see coming. This book took me in and didn’t let me go until the very last sentence and it was one h*ll of a ride the whole way through. The author wrote the characters in the way that made you feel a part of the dark world of the bratva with all the ugliness that comes with that. I have to say that I am now an Amo Jones fan and look forward to reading more of her books
5 I want my own Manik stars!!! #TopRead2018
“There’s a darkness inside of him that is hidden behind the secrets he preserves and the cries of his victims. It’s not a place I want to visit, but there’s an appeal to him. I’m drawn to his shadows so I can see who they reflect.”
Amo killed it in every way possible. I felt Manik deep in my bones, I was there, in the story, feeling every minute and loving every second. Not since Razing Grace have I been this giddy after reading one of my favorite “dark anti-hero” Authors and I want to read it again, and again, and again to never lose this high!! Manik is quiet chaos, commanding me from the pages to do his bidding, and Beat and I got taken right along for the ride. I was a goner from the dedication of this book, and became lost to the world with every word I inhaled.
“I’m entranced, having been lured into a cage that he holds the key to.”
EXACTLY!!! Manik had me twisted like a teenager chasing him for an autograph (not even funny). His dark, brooding magnetism was intoxicating and no matter what he did or said, I was hooked. Not only that, Beat was an amazing compliment to his danger, and I loved watching their searing hotness burn my kindle right up!! The twists, the turns, the antics, the hysterical secondary characters, the surprises it just made for one of my favorite reads this year hands down. Kudos to this Author for always bringing the A game and giving me my favorite book boyfriends of all time!!
“Aeron, she moans my name like she’s been reciting it in her dreams. Maybe she has, but they’d be in her nightmares…”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
“How can someone so achingly beautiful hold a soul so dark. Or maybe that’s how it works, maybe the most beautiful faces hide the darkest souls.”
That. Right. There. That quote is everything to me. Jones has this rare ability to bring out the beauty in the darkest areas and MANIK is no exception. It’s raw, gritty and deliciously dark.
I’m going to start off my saying that the ONLY thing that held me back from a 5 star rating was because I’m so used to this explosive darkness from Jones from the start and while the story did provide a set up towards that quickly, I didn’t really start to feel it in my bones until closer to the second half of the book.
HOWEVER, do not get me wrong. I absolutely loved MANIK. I loved the contrast between Beat and Manik that on paper should look like sweet and innocent versus dark and dangerous but in reality, they are more alike that one would think. There are so may twists in their story that will make you gasp and keep your head spinning. Just when you think you have it figured out, BAM, you get hit with something else that will either fuck with your head or your moral compass. Most likely both and for that, I couldn’t get enough of them.
I’ve kept this review pretty vague because I want readers to form their own opinion on Beat and Manik’s story. Some parts of their story we’ve heard before but other’s make them unique, which I find exciting. If you want something dark that will push your boundaries and won’t ask for forgiveness, then you need to read MANIK.
Amo has done it again.
Had me from the first chapter and I have not wanted to put it down. This book is so freaking amazing. Dark and twisted. In addition, intense it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
I loved the characters, the story, I love everything about a book it is so well written.
Manik I just love him. This is hands down my favorite book by this author, for now, haha it could all change again with next book. Cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
If you love this author’s books then I totally recommend this one.
My review can also be found on my blog: Bookmark by Jasmina
5 STARS!!!!
Amo Jones, You just blew my mind with this book. I never felt so many emotions at once.
This is captivating story with the fast pace, suspense and really dark romance.
I need to calm my trebbling heart now and gather my thoughts.
About the book:
Manik is a standalone dark romance
Written as a dual narrative book.
Here comes Beats and Manik story.
Beatrice Kennedy is a young woman who just finished collage. Everyone called her Beats. She is working as a bartender in the night club with her roommate Kyle.
When she was eight, has lost her parents and doesn’t remembered much from that time. Only vague dreams hunt her down during sleep.
Her only family who raised her, were her pops, who past away some time ago. Now she’s all alone trying to find her way in this world.
She love jazz music but her truly passion is dancing. She can drown into it and there she’s finding her small piece of heaven.
But one night has changed everything in her life.
One night she was a witness of horrible circumstance which turned her world up side down. Nothing from that moment will ever be the same. It was a night, that would change her life forever…..
When I started reading I didn’t know what to expected, because Manik was my first from Amo’s books, but definitely won’t be the last.
This story is so twisted and unpredictable with unexpected turns of action. I was shocked with the level of darkness in the story. It made my heart raced a hundred miles an hour.
Manik is an arrogant asshole.
From the outside he is so damn handsome with his blue eyes, blonde hair and lots of tattoos printed on his body, but don’t get fould by his look. He’s also very dangerous and manipulating man. Dominating alpha male who’s always get what he wants, don’t even asking for it.
He’s got other names but you don’t want to call him that. He is a very complex character – Manik, Zver, Vor and syn, each one as lethal as one before it is dark gritty and gruesome.
Deep down in his dark soul, evil beast is awaiting to jump out and “swallow you whole”.
But I think that foremost he is torn between his true passion Rap and loyalty to his dad and family. He is a famous rapper and also son of the Russian Bratva boss. The world around him is full of darkness, secrets and shady business.
Beatrice was first woman who’s awaken something unknown inside of him what’s not supposed to ever see the light of a day. He doesn’t know how to name those feeling, because he was trained not to feel.
When you read about Aeron and Beats relation, you will see fear and danger mingled with strong chemistry and steamy lust.
This book is freaking awesome. It takes you to the emotions you never new existed.
Now, I’m so addicted to those feelings and I want more of Amo’s books.
It was like the lightning go trough my body. Even there was so many evil and dangerous moments, I had hope that after the storm there will be a rainbow. Was it worth it? Absolutely yes, but you have to find it out on your own.
If you looking for something dark and dangerous with spicy story, definitely should grab that book.
An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Amo Jones has done it again. ‘Manik is everything I’ve come to expect from this author. It’s got an a**hole man to love/hate/ lust over while picturing the gorgeous babies you’d make together (just go with it! I’m a little obsessed with ‘Manik), a brilliant female lead who I loved and it’s got a story with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. My only complaint is that it’s a stand alone (I really need another 15 books featuring ‘Manik).
As with all of Amo Jones books this is one that’s best to go into blind. The twists and turns will confuse you at times (if you’re anything like me) but you will get the answers to your questions eventually. The chemistry between ‘Manik and Beatrice is of the charts and there’s something about the two of them that’s quite addictive.
‘Manik is another brilliant book from this author that I couldn’t put down.
Manik, aka Aeron Romanov-Reed, is a famous rapper but also the son of the infamous Russian Bratva boss. Beatrice is a bartender who has no family and moves from place to place. Meeting Manik at the back of the bar where she works was a huge mistake for Beatrice and the start of an incredible adventure.
This story is not for the faint of heart but it is one amazing journey that I am so pleased I have taken. Fantastic writing from this author with great character development where the descriptions are so vivid you feel like you could almost reach out and touch each character. A solid storyline that is fast paced and easy to read, it definitely a page turner…who needs to sleep when you have such a great book to read? Some twists and turns that keep you on your toes and even some of the characters in the story!
The chemistry between Aeron and Beatrice is red hot and off the charts however I liked that this author developed the storyline further before anything major happened with their intimacy. Manik is a little like the ‘Midnight Mayhem’ artists with their illusions- very talented and creative. Beatrice’s slides in well with her expertise in dance. Katiya, Aeron’s sister, is another fabulous character that you can’t help but instantly like as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!