Tag Archives: mythology

His in the Dark / His in the Fire by Willow Winters-review tour

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His in the Dark / His in the Fire by Willow Winters-review tour

HIS IN THE DARK
by Willow Winters
Release Date: February 12, 2026
Genre: adult, contemporary, mythology, romance

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There are two things I’ve always known:
Magic is real.
The Gods have no mercy for women like me.

I was born into power although what little I have is dying. Nonetheless, I’ve been protected all my life. There are myths and tales that say one day I will come to a fork in a long, long path. Either the light will take me or the dark. I never paid any mind to the whispers and warnings…

Until he crept into my window late at night.

Cloaked in darkness, silent as death. Every inch of me felt terror and yet I also felt something else. Something I’d never known.

He tasted like sin … and I loved it.

In a single moment, my entire world went dark and I was nothing more than a captive in the Underworld.
Nothing but his and suddenly all the lore brought a chill to my bones… even if he did light a fire in the most secret depths of me.

•••••••

REVIEW:🥀 His in the Dark 🥀

His in the Dark is part one of the Hades & Persephone duology by Willow Winters. As a retelling there will of course be similarities with Greek mythology, but this is a dark retelling, so trigger warnings beware.

Persephone has known two things her entire life. One, magic is real and two the Gods of Old have not one single iota of mercy to give to her. Like all those born on Olympus, Persephone was born with power, but that power slowly dies within her every minute of everyday that passes. She is safe while she remains in Olympus, but nothing can stop her magic from draining away. Or so she thinks. When Hades crawls into her dreams there is more in the darkness than she has felt before, there is sin and passion. There is power. Hades wants to show her what real power is, what freedom is, what she can be outside the confines that have been placed on her. When Persephone journeys to the underworld with Hades, her power slowly starts to return, but what does that mean? Is Hades true in his affections? Is his claim to want her as his Queen true?

The author leans into the dark romance in this tasty morsel. I wouldn’t describe it as a dark romance, more of a dark re-telling. The vibe to the story is dark because of the things that Hades would do to those that came for his girl. He lives for the “touch her and die” trope, but he’s a King, so there is so much more weight behind it. Of course there is spice, and what fabulous spice it is, but the story is what really leads the reader. The suspense, the drama, the need for more. Hades is troubled by the possible world ending war that is on the horizon if he doesn’t return Persephone to her parents, but also can’t imagine giving her up. The book ends on a killer cliffhanger that had me ready to throw my kindle across the room. Be prepared for that one readers. Overall, I can’t wait to get my hands on part two!

Reviewed by Sarah

______

HIS IN THE FIRE
by Willow Winters
Genre: adult, contemporary, mythology, romance
Release Date: February 3, 2026

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Ripped away from Olympus to the Underworld was a hell of its own making, but so is returning.
Leaving behind Hades and my rightful place as Queen of the Underworld caused an agony I’ve never known before.

What’s worse is that the war has not come to an end and my place in Olympus is questioned by all because of Hades’ demands. My mother will stop at nothing to have me safe with her and neither will Hades.

I’m left torn between life, Olympus, my mother and the throne I was always meant to have beside my lover, the King of the Dead.
I miss him dearly, I crave his touch and I need the love I felt so strongly in his presence.

What brings me the most fear though, is my own thoughts and my own power. The threat of losing what I had is enough to make me question my sanity. My mother would starve the world for me, Hades would burn it. But myself… What I’m willing to do as the suffering intensifies is blasphemy and terrifies me to my core.
There’s no going back and in this place I must find peace and balance before it’s too late.

I know one thing for certain: after dark, there will always be light. If that wasn’t true, the dark would not have a name…
And I crave both.

•••••••

REVIEW: ❤️ His in the Fire ❤️

Part two in the Persephone and Hades Duet has finally arrived! Boo one His in the Dark is a required reading before diving into the next. Just as book one was, this too also has a darker vibe to it so check your trigger warnings if needed.

We jump right back into where book one left us with that awful cliffhanger. Persephone has been taken from the Underworld, ripped away from Hades and all that she has built. Hades is left in angry fury, his loss of his Queen breaks something in him that should have everyone much more scared than they are. He doesn’t just want Persephone back, he NEEDS her back. There is no other outcome than her returning to his side. Persephone too is feeling Hades’ loss, but she is also very conflicted. She lives in two worlds, one of responsibility and pressure and one with Hades where she feels so different about now. She isn’t the same person she was before meeting him, and she has no plans of returning to that person again. Now at the brink of having what she wants most, Persephone must choose between the wrath of Olympus or Hades, the man she can’t be without.

What a read, talk about intense. Hades has officially cracked the top ten of book boyfriends. The intensity of His in the Fire is off the charts, Hades is ready to not only burn to the ground Olympus but the entire universe to get his girl back. The chemistry between these two is volatile, nothing can stop it. When Hades finally gets Persephone back in his arms, I was swooning, throwing my legs back and forth, full girl moment breakdown. These two went through the fire for one another, through Gods, through Fate, through just about every and finally got the one thing they both wanted. Each other. The Author builds a beautiful, all-consuming world with characters that grab hold of you and don’t let go. There is drama, there is pain, there is loss, there is ruthlessness, there is simply everything and it is so intense! Just go read it!

Reviewed by Sarah

 

Meet Willow Winters:

I started writing after having my little girl, Evie, December of 2015. All during my pregnancy with her I read. I only wanted to read romance novels and I read everything I could get my hands on. I would read a book a day — sometimes two. In January I was staying up late with her and just thinking of all these stories. They came to me constantly. I finally sat down and just started writing. I always wanted to do it so I figured, why not?

I never thought I would reach this point of success to be honest. It’s insane to me that I have connected with so many readers.

And I love each and every one of them for all of their support. I’ll be honest, some days are HARD. I have my littles during the day and I write at night. Some days are just simply exhausting and then I hear from a reader and it motivates me to push through and keep writing.  I couldn’t be more grateful for this wonderful career. For more information, visit https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/

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wwinters@willowwinterswrites.com

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The Sword of Light by Heather Graham – a Review

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The Sword of Light by Heather Graham – a Review

 

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Description:
Will fabled objects of myth be enough to defend their emerald isle?

The mystical Tuatha Dé Danann walked the hills of ancient Ireland long before the first Rí, or king, ever ruled the land. Before they stepped back to make way for mankind, they left behind objects of incredible power that would reveal themselves when most needed. When invaders from the North arrive, it feels like the moment that has long been foretold has finally come.

Deidre, the daughter of a Rí, and Kylin, the son of a Northman who found peace and a home in Éire, have little in common, until they begin seeing visions of these fantastical gifts. The revelation that a traitor exists among the many Irish kings forces them to work together using their newfound powers in defense of their homeland. As all they hold dear comes under threat, it may be more than just dreams that the two begin to share…

 

 

Review:

The Sword of Light is a standalone novel by Heather Graham. The story revolves around two warriors, who are on a quest to protect their lands from a traitor.  Deidre, the daughter of a Rí, and Kylin, the son of a Northman at home in Éire.  Deidre and Kylin are our heroes, and in a short time they begin to get fantastical objects, gifted weapons with magical properties. They learn that it is one of the Tuatha De Danann’s four sacred gifts that exist to protect their emerald isle.

There is action throughout as Deidre and Kylin are constantly being set upon by enemies. They also shared dreams that would lead them to clues, as to the battles yet to come. The wonderful gifts they get will help guide them, as Deidre, was given a magnificent powerful Sword, and Kylin, receives an amazing Cauldron, and they both discover the stone pebbles.  In time, they begin to fall in love, as they work closely together to uncover a traitor in their midst, and protect their people in the upcoming invasion.

I really found myself loving Deidre and Kylin, as they were perfectly matched.  The chemistry between them was awesome, especially with the magic of love. I also liked Declan, Cillian and others who were willing to help. I did enjoy Aidan, who was Deidre’s brother, and a very good leader. 

The Sword of Light was a very good read, The action and adventure were fast paced and exciting. The Sword of Light was very well written by Heather Graham. Deidre and Kylin ended up to a terrific couple, despite all the terrible danger they faced.   I suggest you read The Sword of Light.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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IMMORTAL SUN (Dark Olympus 1) by Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

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IMMORTAL SUN (Dark Olympus 1) by Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2025

There isn’t a lore that doesn’t exist around Mt. Olympus, and nobody is safe from the wrath of the immortals who watch.

My only goal: Beat him at his own game. His: Save the world and himself.

Thousands of people have disappeared from this world by way of his hand and the universe breathes for only one more drop of blood–mine. He promised he would help me find my brother.
He lied.

I don’t know why I immediately trusted Cyrus. He was stunningly gorgeous, nice, and so accommodating that maybe I felt too safe—maybe that was the first red flag. The second was that he always said my missing twin was fine, that he’d come back when he was done traveling and that I should stay put until his return. Looks are deceiving. And I forgot.

Now I’m completely screwed. I’m trapped here until the eclipse and the great Sun God says I’m the last sacrifice he has to make in order to ascend to Olympus. I have so many questions about the mixed mythology and each answer that crawls out of Seattle has me more terrified and confused than the first.
I’m surrounded by fallen angels, demons–basically every terrifying yet perfectly normal looking creature on the planet and working at a bar called Styx, counting the days until two of the very coins I take on a daily basis will be used to cover my travel.

Anubis seems nice enough but I don’t want to die. There has to be a way and I’m hellbent on finding it even if it means I join the other side.

••••

REVIEW: IMMORTAL SUN is the first instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult DARK OLYMPUS dark, erotic, mythology series focusing on Cleo, and Cyrus, the Sun god Ra.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cleo and Cyrus) IMMORTAL SUN follows Cleo as she searches for her twin brother Jake, an archeologist who was last seen near Mt Olympus, Seattle, Washington but all is not as it appears to be, and Cleo will discover she and her brother are the last surviving descendants of Chaos, and her death will free our story line hero. Cyrus, the Sun god Ra, is the god of creation and light, and in order to ascend to the heavens, he is tasked with destroying the human descendants of Chaos, including the woman with whom he will fall in love but Cleo is unlike anyone he and the other gods could have ever imagined, and in this, Cleo’s death threatens the stability of all who survive.

The world building is detailed, complicated, complex and cryptic. Nothing and no one is who they appear to be. Alliances are made, line are drawn, the gods prepare for war as Cyrus goes in search of the woman who controls his heart.

The relationship between Cyrus and Cleo is unique. Cyrus owns the nightclub Styx, and Cleo is working for the man she believes can lead to her brother but Cyrus is determined to ascend to Olympus, and Cleo is the only human standing in his way. Cyrus finds himself falling for the woman he must destroy, a fall his is unable to comprehend or deny. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and charismatic gods and goddesses including the gods who are task with preparing Cleo for her death. We are introduced Tyrell, Daggon, Apep, Inti, as well as Bast, Rat , Cow and Anubis.

IMMORTAL SUN is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, mythology and lore, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is elaborate, dramatic and edgy; the characters are dynamic, hypnotic and larger than life. IMMORTAL SUN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

My only complaint / concern is the blurb. It is a bit misleading, and only by mention, there is very little effort or exposure to vampires, werewolves, fae etc.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

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SANCTUM (Primordial Lands 1) by Luna Kayne-a review

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SANCTUM (Primordial Lands 1) by Luna Kayne

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2025

An angel destined to fall.
A demon determined to rise.
A mortal fated to unite the realms.
When Lily stumbled into the Underworld as a child, she awakened a prophecy that had been waiting for her since the dawn of time.

Now, twenty years later, she unknowingly alerts the realms of her existence, and Hell isn’t the only thing coming for her.
LILY
If you’d told me yesterday that I was chosen to battle the Celestial Lands and the Underworld alongside an archangel and an archdemon who hate each other, I would have said you were crazy.
That was yesterday.
Today, I am the key to saving both worlds. A war is coming, and the fate of a god rests in my hands.

••••

REVIEW: SANCTUM is the first instalment in Luna Kayne’s contemporary, adult, PRIMORDIAL LANDS erotic, mythological, urban paranormal fantasy menage romance series. This is twenty-six year old, Lily, archdemon Asmodeus aka Jett, and archangel Michael.

Told from three first person perspectives (Lily, Asmodeus and Michael) SANCTUM focuses on twenty-six year old Lily, a young woman whose parents were murdered twenty years earlier, a young woman who is much than she could have ever imagined. At six years of age, Lily’s spirit left the human world in the wake of her parent’s death, and she found herself under the protection of the Prince of Demons, Asmodeus aka Jett. Upon returning to the Earth realm, Lily would grow up in the foster care system, meeting her best friend and mentor Finley along the way. Fast forward to present day, a field party ends with the arrival of hellhounds and demons, with only Finley and Lily surviving to see another day. Calling out for help, Lily invokes the name of Jett, the man who saved her years before, one of the men with whom Lily will fall in love. As Jett (Asmodeus), Lily, Finley, and Asmodeus’ demon friends Ragnar, Slade and Bowie go in search of the truth, the Archangel Michael comes into play, as he becomes part of Lily’s entourage, taking hold in her heart.

The world building focuses on the uniting of the three worlds: Celestial Lands, The Underworld and Earth; the preparations for war, and the discovery of the living heart of God. Metaphors, teachings, preachings and Christian spirituality all wrapped up in a story of power and control, life and death, and the ultimate hunger for domination.

There is a large ensemble cast of otherworldly and celestial secondary and supporting characters: Soul hunters, hellhounds, The Fates aka Moirai, Synergies, Underworld demons Ragnar, Slade, Bowie: Death; Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Uriel; Lily’s best friend and guide Finley-not every one will survive.

SANCTUM is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and anarchy, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is detailed, enchanting and complex; the romances are seductive and fated; the characters are determined, desperate, dynamic and powerful. SANCTUM ends on a happily ever after-for now.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2024

Death was never supposed to fall in love…

Fenn had long given up on knowing the warmth of another by the day he met her.
Sienna Jacobsen.

A woman who was somehow immune to the touch of Death.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sienna was once again desperate to find someone she could bring home for the weekend.

Talk about the perfect time to finally meet the very literal man of her dreams.

He was supposed to be investigating Sienna’s death-touch immunity, but the only touch on either of their minds was the kind he’d so long been denied. And he couldn’t keep his hands off.

Her sisters had their reservations about Fenn, but it was his personal stalker that threatened to ruin the holiday

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is the first instalment in Rose Wulf’s contemporary, adult APOCALYPTIC LOVE erotic, paranormal, fantasy, mythology series. This is Death aka Fenn, and Sienna Jacobsen’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sienna and Fenn) CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER focuses on the building relationship between Sienna Jacobsen, a woman with the ability to see the future, and Fenn, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Fenn has never known human touch or otherwise, and as one of the Four Horsemen, never expected to fall in love but the touch of a woman with powers of her own gives Fenn thoughts for a future even if only for a limited time. Sienna Jacobsen is a clairvoyant, one of three sisters with supernatural powers, and thought to be blessed by the gods, the Jacobsen sisters try to keep to themselves but a Christmas reunion forces Sienna to look for a plus-one, and Fenn is perfect for the time. Meanwhile Fenn has a stalker, a stalker who takes aim at our story line heroine, using her sisters as collateral damage.

The world building reveals some of Fenn’s history, and the introduction of the other Horsemen, as well as the deities and demi-gods seeking revenge or the ultimate prize.

The relationship between Fenn and Sienna begins by accident when Sienna touches a man who has never been touched.For years, Sienna, as a clairvoyant, has witnessed a stranger in her dreams, a stranger who is about to become her happily ever after. Falling in love was never meant to be, Sienna suspects her relationship with Fenn comes with an expiry date. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Sienna’s ‘magical’ sisters: Maya and Piper, and her best friend Sherri; as well as the other Horsemen: Cassian aka Famine, Sulien aka War, Rajan aka Famine; Florence Dossit; and Moirai Lauryn, aka Fate, and a demi-god with ulterior motives.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance,obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is enchanting and intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are magical and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fangs So Bright and Deadly (Mythwoven 2) by Piper J Drake-review

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Fangs So Bright and Deadly (Mythwoven 2) by Piper J Drake-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

A Kitsune, a Kumiho, a Witch, and a danger not even their combined magic is strong enough to defy.

Marie Xiao lives a double life, moonlighting as a freelance consultant in corporate Seattle even as she dedicates herself—and her powers as a witch—to chasing down objects of myth and magic before they can be used to harm humankind. She carefully guards the bridges between worlds and has never once been tempted to stray.

Until she catches the eye of a pair-bonded kitsune and kumiho and her whole world is thrown into chaos.

Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro and Joseph Choe have been hoping to cross paths with Marie since their first chance meeting at an artifact retrieval gone decidedly wrong. They may work for Marie’s enemy, but they don’t see any reason why they can’t mingle a little work and play…especially when a (literal) dead man waltzes into their impromptu reunion, raising intriguing questions about a deeper magic that may be afoot. Temporarily teaming up, the trio investigate the unusual unrest…but as loyalties begin to shift and lines blur, Kuro, Joe, and Marie may find themselves at the precipice of something none of them are prepared to face…or deny.

•••••

REVIEW:FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY is the second instalment in Piper J. Drake’s contemporary, adult MYTHWOVEN erotic, Asian mythology, romance series. This is with Marie Xiao, and Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro (Kitsune) and Joseph Choe’s (gumiho) story line. FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: The relationship between Marie, Kuro and Joe is a threesome with some same $ex situations, as well as $ex scenes involving all three characters.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Marie, Kuro, Joe) FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY follows the building relationship between Marie, Kuro and Joe. All three are in a similar business, retrieving magical artifacts and objects for elite ‘customers’ but when Joe and Kuro failed to complete an assignment for Babel, they will be hexed by a pain witch, as our heroine struggles to find an answer or a cure. Meanwhile, Marie’s latest business contract for the Darke Consortium with Socrates Industries comes with an assortment of questionable quirks including a dead man walking, a blue lotus and, an Egyptian amulet with magical powers.

The world building is complex and detailed blending Asian and Egyptian mythology ;an assortment of supernatural and paranormal creatures including witches, fae, vampires, werewolves, and fox shifters kitsune and gumiho. The author encompasses and incorporates Asian cuisine, as well as Asian traditions.

The relationship between Marie, and Joe and Kuro begins as friends. Marie had previously met Joe and Kuro on a prior assignment but the cursed duo found themselves falling for our story line heroine. Joe and Kuro were a couple, whose attraction to Marie was mutual but the hex added limitations to their relationship. The $ex scenes are provocative and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large assortment of supernatural creatures including Rensho, a talking scroll. We are reintroduced to Thomas the werewolf, PA Duncan, winged Fae-Ashke , Punch (kinaree bird), Bennett, and Asamoah.

FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY is a story of power and control, magic and mayhem, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate and multi-layered; the romance is seductive; the characters are magical and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s reviews of book one WINGS ONCE CURSED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.

Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads | Youtube

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Cruel Seduction (Dark Olympus 5) by Katee Robert-review

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Cruel Seduction (Dark Olympus 5) by Katee Robert-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2023

He was my enemy. My lover. My husband. And the one man I swore by all Olympus I would destroy.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Aphrodite and Hephaestus (and Pandora and Adonis).*

Aphrodite has never flinched at getting her perfectly manicured hands dirty, and she’s not about to start now—even if that means marrying Olympus’s enemy number one, the new Hephaestus. She has a wicked plan to keep her deadly new husband off-balance, seducing the one person he seems to care about most in this world: Pandora, a woman as beautiful as she is sweet.

Two can play the seduction game, however, and Hephaestus is all too happy to put his new wife in her place. Her ex, Adonis, seems like he’ll do the trick. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous in the way of fallen angels, either.

The only problem with using seduction as a weapon? Hearts are all too quick to get involved. With Hephaestus and Aphrodite trading venomous strikes that feel a whole lot like foreplay, lines become blurred and emotions entangled. But a broken heart may be the least of their worries. With unrest in Olympus reaching new heights, these bedroom games may have deadly consequences for themselves, their city, and everyone they’ve come to love.

••••

REVIEW:CRUEL SEDUCTION is the fifth full-length instalment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult DARK OLYMPUS erotic, romance series-a modern retelling of the gods and goddesses of Olympus. This is Aphrodite aka Eris, Hephaestus aka Theseus, Pandora and Adonis’ story line. CRUEL SEDUCTION can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: CRUEL SEDUCTION is a story focusing on a polyamorous relationship including several same $ex situations, with multiple partners.

Told from four first person perspectives (Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Pandora and Adonis) CRUEL SEDUCTION follows in the aftermath of the marriage of convenience between Aphrodite and Hephaestus. Our couple are the newest members of the ruling Thirteen, and someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes. By marrying Aphrodite, Hephaestus all but secures his place in the hierarchy of Olympus but Hephaestus never expected to fall in love with the woman that pushes all of his buttons. Hephaestus reputation as a killer has earmarked him for assassination but targeting his wife means the possibility of two openings on the ruling Thirteen. Meanwhile, Aphrodite’s ex Adonis fears for Aphrodite’s life, and Hephaestus’ best friend Pandora is falling in love with Aphrodite. As Aphrodite and Hephaestus begin to navigate their acrimonious relationship, Adonis and Pandora will round out the four-some, ensuring a tight knit bond for security, protection and love.

The world building continues to focus on the fight for a position with the ruling Thirteen-think of it as the leaders of the strongest Thirteen crime families forging together to make the rules, and enforce their power and control but there is always someone else waiting for a seat at the table-death either by assassination or natural causes, is one way to take take the power from someone else.

The relationship between Aphrodite and Hephaestus aka Eris and Theseus is tempestuous at best. Eris and Theseus despise one another-Eris believes Theseus has targeted her for extermination but Theseus is a dead man walking as his reputation as a killer has made him persona non-grata, and at the top of everybody’s hit list. As our couple slowly set themselves on a path towards love, Adonis and Pandora find that they too, want to be part of the relationship with everyone else. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and intense with scenes of multiple partners and same $ex situations.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and questionable secondary and supporting characters many of who we have met in the previous story lines. We are re-introduced to Theseus adopted brothers Minotaur and Icarus, and their foster father Minos, all of whom has their eye on the ultimate prize.

CRUEL SEDUCTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed and entertaining but is often waylaid with the numerous first-person narrators such that I had to go back to double-check as to identity of the current speaker; the romance is passionate and steamy; the characters are struggling, embattled, determined and desperate. CRUEL SEDUCTION ends on a happily ever after-for now, there is no resolution in the fight for control.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Neon Gods
Electric Idol
Wicked Beauty
Radiant Sin

Please Note: The author has release several novellas and short stories that are not included in my reading order

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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ARCHENEMY (Angelbound Xavier 1) by Christina Bauer -review tour

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ARCHENEMY (Angelbound Xavier 1) by Christina Bauer

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 9, 2023

Ancient Egyptians. Powerful gods. Lost loves. And one badass warrior with wings.

Welcome to the beautiful land of ancient Egypt… only it may not stay lovely for long. The chaos god, Set, plans to destroy the human world. Fortunately, the angel Xavier has the perfect plan to imprison Set and fast. Even better, Xavier can enact his scheme alone… which is just the way he likes it. No partners. No complications. No problems.

Suddenly, a gorgeous woman materializes. Calling herself Camilla, she declares she’s from the future. All of which is strange enough, but things soon go from bad to weird when Camilla announces that she and Xavier must work together—it’s the only way to defeat Set.

Wow, does Xavier ever hate that idea.

The warrior angel decides on a strategic retreat. In other words, Xavier works to avoid Camilla at all costs. Turns out, that isn’t so easy. This mystery woman has set Xavier’s blood on fire in a way he’s never felt before. No matter how hard he tries, Xavier simply can’t desert her.

But is Camilla another element of Set’s destructive chaos magic… or is she Xavier’s only chance to save both himself and humanity?

•••••

REVIEW: ARCHENEMY is the first instalment in Christina Bauer’s adult ANGELBOUND XAVIER Egyptian gods and goddesses, fantasy trilogy, set in the author’s ANGELBOUND ORIGINS world. This is the story of lower angel/warrior/Archangel Xavier, and Purgatory’s quasi demon Camilla.

Told from first person perspective (Xavier) ARCHENEMY follows lower angel Xavier as he struggles to contain tSet, the god of chaos, in the Red Pyramid of Egypt. Set went into battle with his brother Osiris, eventually killing Osiris, wherein Osiris would embark on a life ruling the Underworld. With Xavier’s aid, Set would be imprisoned in the Red Pyramid but Set’s magic is too powerful, and the god of chaos is about to reap havoc upon the world but not before warning Xavier about a woman in red who would be Xavier’s downfall. Enter Camilla, a quasi demon of Purgatory, and the woman with whom Xavier had fallen in love. With the help of magic, Xavier and Camilla go in search of three ingredients meant to contain the god of chaos but Xavier will soon discover Camilla is dying, and it may be his fault. As Xavier and Camilla journey together in the search for the magical properties, the gods and goddesses each inquiry of Xavier if he knows why he was chosen.

ARCHENEMY blends the mythology of Egyptian gods and goddesses with Christina Bauer’s take on power and control. The premise is engaging and entertaining but adolescent in presentation and story telling-this trilogy may be suited for a younger teen audience. The characters are magical; the romance is hidden by secrets and eons of love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. 

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Blog: http://monsterhousebooks.com/blog/category/christina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer/
Twitter: @CB_Bauer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_cb_bauer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-bauer-481b12139/
Web site: http://monsterhousebooks.com/authors/cbauer

 

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