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Recently I was sent a new release called Aphrodite’s Secret (The Forgotten #1) by Samantha Ketteman. Released in February of this year, Aphrodite’s Secret is a paranormal romance that is available in both ebook and print format.
Synopsis
Kaira, still reeling from the loss of her younger sister in a tragic boating accident, lives in the dark world of exotic dancing for survival. When one man enters her life, her world is turned upside down and inside out, where reality and fantasy seem to intertwine.
Kaira feels the eyes of a striking man watching her every move on stage. Zane is a scarred man with many secrets, one of which is the knowledge of who and what Kaira really is and the danger she will face.
While Zane fights a subconscious battle about what to tell her and whether he cares enough to get involved, another has noticed her as well. An Ithacan, sent to destroy her for what she is and take her powers to the God that has commanded all Forgotten be exterminated. The God intends to absorb her powers and rule absolutely.
Before Kaira realizes what is coming for her, she finds herself tumbling into a world where a scarred man that she is inexplicably attracted to will become her only hope. A hideous creature, one such as she’s never seen, is hunting her and trying his best to destroy everything and everyone she knows to get what he wants for his Master, and only Zane knows why.
While Kaira thinks it coincidence that Zane shows up at the club the girls like to frequent after work, Zane uses the planned interception to explore the pull that he feels towards Kaira, when he has cared for no one but himself for so many years. After finally meeting, Zane notices that the Ithacan has also followed and as their eyes meet, they both know that the battle for her soul will come; who will win is less important as the insistence Zane feels to tell Kaira who and what she is before she ends up like her sister.
Excerpt
Kaira knew she should really pick up all of the glass, but she couldn’t bring herself to care about anything but paying back the person that dared to ruin something so irreplaceable. It felt like a direct attack on the memory of her beautiful sister; she would put up with many things, but that was not one of them. With revenge burning in her heart, she snatched her items from the floor and threw them back onto the vanity counter.
The tears finally began to slow and Kaira allowed herself a few minutes in her chair to calm her temper. Kaira knew how exhausting it could be if she allowed her anger to fester when she couldn’t change what had been done. She knew the next time she came to work, she would remember and relive the hurt, and that would be enough ammunition to force the anger back to the forefront of her mind.
Buy Aphrodite’s Secret
My Thoughts
I read this book over a course of a few days. The reason it took me longer than normal is that I had some trouble getting into the story. I knew it had some appeal because I didn’t want to stop reading it; I just had trouble really getting involved in the storyline. That said, I think it ended up being a great story and I did enjoy it.
Kaira is the main female character. I wasn’t sure what to think about her at the beginning of this story. She seems to be almost immune to the situation she is in with men and women alike being interested in her. She seems to not want confrontation but welcome it (as is the case with Honey). I wasn’t sure on the whole Honey storyline but felt that it did give the reader an insight into the strength of Kaira and for that I was glad. I didn’t want her to be weak and let life just happen around her. I wanted her to stick up for herself. I was a bit irked with her though when things mysteriously started happening (broken objects for instance) and she just blew it off. Seriously, if I was angry or scared and something like my best friend flying across the room happened, I would be freaked out. I don’t care that she didn’t know that her powers were present or not… that would be cause for some serious soul-searching to figure out why and if I was CRAZY! HA!
Zane is the main male character… well the main male character you want to know about. I loved Zane. Tortured by his past and his perception of wrong-doing, he is a beautiful soul that deserves love even though he doesn’t believe it for himself. I love that his attraction to Kaira was so strong and the bond he felt with her even before she realized it. The bonding of souls was amazing and his love and attention to her after that was even more beautiful than his love and attention before. He is a great boyfriend and one that is perfect for Kaira.
I was happy with the way the story spun itself, although there were times I felt a bit lost. Samantha wrote the story beautifully and the characters are likable so I think this is just my issue. I couldn’t ever truly figure out why the Forgotten Ones are hunted (at least not until the end) and I think that would have helped me through the story better. I’m looking forward to more from this author in this series because the best friend is a very fun character! She doesn’t quite know what is going on yet, but I can only assume any future stories will include her. I would give this story 3 stars and recommend that you grab it if you like paranormal romance stories.
About Samantha Ketteman
Samantha Ketteman has resided in southern Illinois for 7 years, (though still claims to be an Alabama girl), with her husband and three crazy demon children. She started reading novels at a very young age and decided two years ago to write for herself. She is working on The Forgotten series, as well as two others. She is a caffiene addict, insomniac, and general basketcase most of the time. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking of writing, much to the chagrin of her husband who has to listen to her paranormal ramblings.
Connect with Samantha Ketteman
Amazon | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
The Giveaway
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Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not responsible for giveaway or distribution of prizes.
Daniel M says
don’t have a fav yet
nannypanpan says
i have never read a paranormal romance
clarissa says
no, i have never read a paranormal romance
Madonna says
Lindsay Sands and Kimberly Raye
Ellie W says
I love Michelle Bardsley’s Broken Heart series!
Debra Hall says
no i dont have a favorite i just love to read
Laura J. says
Ooh! That sounds so interesting. And the cover’s gorgeous. This is going on my To Read list on Goodreads for sure!
Laura J. says
As for my favourite paranormal romance… That’s a very tought decision. Even picking an author is tricky. I really like Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, but I recently read “Skinwalker” by Faith Hunter, and that was fantastic.