Review:
*I received an ecopy of this via Enchanted Book Promotions. This has not influenced my review.*
A superhero-supervillain romance, mental illness, family, friendship, hot sex, emotion—there’s so much to love about this book!
I didn’t go a very good job of reading the blurb though because I thought this would be about the actual Greek gods masquerading as modern-day superheroes/villains. It turned out it was actually about normal people with powers in a kind of alternate universe whose super names were based on Greek mythology. Now, I’m generally not a big fan of superheroes, and I didn’t take to either of the main characters immediately, but clearly I should’ve had some faith in this author because I ended up loving this.
Danny had quite a dark side for a superhero, but that was what made him an interesting and complex character. The book was basically about his plan to get revenge by trying to make Mal fall in love with him so that he could then break Mal’s heart, but the author did a good job of making me sympathize with and understand Danny’s situation and mindset before he set off on that quest (and then deepening that understanding as the story went on), so he was still likeable. Now, obviously his plan was not ok or a healthy way of dealing with things, but that was exactly it—Danny wasn’t ok or healthy emotionally at that point; he had depression, he was angry, he was struggling, his friends and family were worried about him, and I think he was kind of worried about himself but just couldn’t figure out how to fix things. I felt for him, even though I knew what he was doing was wrong, especially since it was clear that what he was doing wasn’t just about revenge, regardless of what Danny kept trying to tell himself. Danny was drowning, and Mal was the life-preserver he was desperately grabbing onto, his escape from everything. Plus, the only reason Danny felt so hurt and betrayed by Mal in the first place was because he already had some sort of trust or feelings for the guy even before everything that happened.
Mal was kind of the opposite—a villain with morals and a soft, caring side, plus emotional (and physical) scars of his own from his past. I felt for him too, knowing that he had panic attacks because of his past, that he felt like he didn’t deserve someone good because he was a villain, that he didn’t think anyone would ever just want him without getting something in return.
And oh my goodness, the sex between Danny and Mal was HOT. The chemistry between these two was palpable. There was also just a bit of dominance and submission between them, power play—one would take control, and the other would happily let them. That sort of thing has to be done right for me to be able to enjoy reading about it, and this book kind of toed that line for me at first because Danny was rather pushy before knowing if Mal would be ok with it, but then it was clear that both characters were enjoying it.
They were also just so damn cute together with great romantic chemistry as well. I couldn’t help but smile at their sweet moments when they let a bit of actual care and feelings slip even though their relationship was supposed to be just sex.
As for the mental illnesses, I can’t speak with certainty about the accuracy or quality of the rep, but I can tell you they seemed to be portrayed really well. Danny’s behaviors and coping mechanism weren’t all healthy, but they weren’t promoted as such. Things like medication, talking, how there’s no instant cure, and how anyone can be struggling or depressed regardless of how good their life may seem were all addressed. And Danny had amazing friends and family who were there for him and wanted to help. If everyone had friends and family like that, the world would be a better place.
“There are no rulebooks out there that say only people who look miserable and have a tough life deserve to be depressed. It doesn’t work that way. Just because you have a good job, and a crazy night job, and friends and family who seriously, seriously, man, love you . . . that doesn’t mean you can’t be unhappy.”
Last but not least, this isn’t a complaint from me, but I will note that this was kind of only part of a story since the main threads weren’t resolved. I didn’t mind though because it still had a climax and was plenty long and felt complete enough to work split up like this.
So yeah, between these two guys, their individual inner struggles, and their cuteness together, I couldn’t help but feel things while I was reading and get sucked into the book. And the heaviness of the characters’ struggles was balanced well with the sweet moments and the supportive relationship/friendship/family. I can’t wait to read more about Danny and Mal!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes superheroes and villains, sweet M/M romance, scorching hot sex, mental illness, and supportive friends and family.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: Lovesick Gods (Lovesick Part 1) by Amanda Meuwissen
Book Review: Lovesick Titans (Lovesick Part 2) by Amanda Meuwissen
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Normally, this probably wouldn’t be a book that I picked up for myself, but you’ve piqued my interest. You condensed everything brilliantly! I read a book recently that drained me emotionally, so I’ve been trying to read light books until I feel whole again. This seems like it would be a little deep, since it delves into mental illness and scarring histories.
I’m in love with Greek mythology, so I’m a little disappointed it’s not about them specifically, but I do like the idea of superheroes masquerading as their namesakes. Plus, you seemed to really enjoy this book, and I trust your opinion. Great review on this!
“Scorching hot sex.” How can I not read it?
What’s funny is that it’s not a book I’d normally pick for myself either lol since I usually don’t even like superhero stuff. But I like this author’s other books, and there was the whole misunderstanding, and in the end it worked out for the best for me that I had the wrong expectations and gave it a chance. This isn’t quite what I’d call light, but it had a good balance of emotional/heavy and sweet/supportive.
Thanks!
Guuuurrrrllll, the sex was so hot. That is always a plus lol.
Always. 😉
I like having blogger friends who can also appreciate a good sex scene 😛
Haha! I can definitely do that!
😛
This is totally new to me, but the concept is really interesting – detective by day, god by night, and then enters into a torrid romance with his nemesis. Glad you enjoyed it. Great review!
The nemesis romance was a lot of fun! Thanks!
This sounds so different and interesting to the norm of these genre novels, for me anyway, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a hero/villain romance like this. Great review, Kristin! You do find the best stuff!
I don’t think I had ever read a hero/villain romance either! Thank you! <3
I’ve read a few stories from the villains perspective – but mostly YA so this sounds kind of cool to me. I see it’s a part 1 so I guess there’s still time for the loose threads to be resolved.
For What It’s Worth
I know the kinds of books you’re talking about, but no, I don’t think this is anything like those. This is more just about two people with powers, one of whom plans heists and whatnot lol, and there’s a separate antagonist for the story. But yeah, those threads will be resolved, I just wanted to warn people they wouldn’t be resolved yet in this book 🙂
I have to admit that cover wouldn’t have caught my eye at all, but your review does make it sound like a great book. It does sound like Danny has a dark side indeed, that plan sounds a bit nasty, but that’s good the author made you understand why he did this and his reasoning.
I kinda like the whole idea of a superhero and villain falling in love with each other. And how Danny has a bit of a dark side for a superhero and Mal has a soft side for a villain, sounds like they are both interesting characters. And it sounds like the romance was very well done too.
That’s good to know that while it’s only part one it does have a good ending. And neat the mental illness portrayal was done well too. Great review!
It really was a great book! I think it’s always a good sign when an author can make you like a character even when they’re doing something you know is crappy.
The hero-villain romance was fun, and I liked that they were both complex characters.
Thanks!
I read the synopsis and still thought it was going to be about actual Gods lol this sounds fun though, I need more m/m in my life; so it’s definitely going on my list 🙂
Lol so you understand why I had the wrong idea! It’s a great book though, I hope you love it!
Wow it sounds like there’s a lot packed into this book! I really really like the idea for this! And the romance sounds good too- so yeah, I’m up for this book! Fantastic review!! You’ve made me super keen to check this out 😀
There is! But it’s all great. Thanks! I hope you love it as much as I did 🙂
I can see where the blurb might be misleading, because when I read the synopsis it reminded me a little of The Immortals, although clearly it’s not like that . And yeah even though Danny’s doing some bad stuff, it’s a good sign if the author can still make them sympathetic. I mean good people sometimes do bad things, right?
Glad it was good. 🙂
So it’s not just me! Lol. I agree, it’s a good sign when an author can make you like a character even when you know they’re doing something crappy. Real people are flawed and yeah, even good people aren’t perfect!
Thanks!
Ahhhh yes, the classic “I will make you fall in love with me to break your heart but whoops I fell for you” plot. I know that sounds snarky but I actually love it! Throw in a Greek mythology-inspired angle and I’m here for it. Sounds like Danny and Mal are pretty complex characters who work well together, which is key in a romance. And any time a “villain” or villainous type is the protagonist of a story, I’m intrigued.
Yay! If you like that kinda plot, then I think you’ll love this. And everyone likes complex characters with great chemistry, so you’ll like that too 😉 It’s interesting because the protag was technically the hero but he was the one with the more villainous intentions.
Wow, Kristen, I can’t thank you enough for giving this new title of mine a chance, even though it normally wouldn’t have been something you’d choose. Your reviews are so thoughtful and insightful, and you really get across to your fans here what’s going on without dropping spoilers, to better pique the interest of potential readers.
It was an emotional WRITE, I can tell you that, but I hope you enjoy how part two (planned for Spring 2018) wraps up those remaining threads. I fell in love with these characters while crafting them and their intricate layers, the mental illness side particularly resonating with me as I delved into it, and I also appreciate that you enjoyed the steamier side to this as well.
Thank you again! I look forward to your thoughts on the conclusion and appreciate your candid and well-crafted review!
I’m really glad I gave it a chance too! And thank you so much for the kind words about my reviews <3
I can see how it'd be emotional to write considering it was emotional to read as well. I liked the serious and the emotional and the steamy sides 🙂 I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how things continue and wrap up in the next one!
scorching hot sex and mental illness?? OMG I wish I wasn’t such a prude! I’d love this book [winks] you should have a blog dedicated to romance books. You are pretty convincing LOL loved this review 😉
Since when are you a prude?? Lol we all know you have a secret love of romance books 😛 But psh, my blog is not a family blog, so I can review all the dirty books I want w/o needing a separate blog 😉 Thanks!
This sounds really unique and awesomeful! XD
It is! I really liked it!
Sounds like an interesting read. To be honest, I thought it was going to be like you said, not a superhero book but a Gods in disguise thing. It does sound pretty good even if it wasn’t what you were originally expecting and I’m kind of intrigued now. You just know the plan Danny has concocted will backfire in a brilliant way.
I do feel less stupid knowing it wasn’t just me who thought that lol. But luckily it was still good! Of course the plan will backfire, haha.