Review: Tortured Hero, Compelling Storyline Make for an Engaging Read!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 26, 2014
Jennifer Lynne's Gods of Love series continues to enthrall and excite in this fifth installment in the series.  This installment has the trademark eroticism and steamy sexual encounters prevalent throughout the series but amps up the emotional intensity as these two individuals have pasts that they're fighting against in order to make a future.  It's a rocky journey for these two, one that made my heart ache, but one that was well worth the ticket.Thon is the God of envy and deals with this emotion at every turn which makes him the quintessential tortured hero as he fights to keep his demon side at bay.  He's been sent to the mortal realm for redemption but he just wants to be happy.  His introduction to the equally tortured Olivia changes his future irrevocably as his love for her leads him astray and very well might send him back to Hell.  It will take a higher power to save both of them though and kept me on the edge of my seat willing their HEA to fruition.  I adored Thon and his desperation in simply wanting to be loved.  He was supportive of Olivia and accepted her completely, issues and all, as a kindred soul.  Not to mention he's super sexy too!Olivia's past is mired in pain and abuse and an event she'd like to forget completely.  Unfortunately, the pain won't go away and leads to panic attacks which she keeps at bay with an orderly life surrounding home and her charity work.  It's a lonely existence that welcomes her nightly dreams of a sexy stranger.  When the dream becomes reality her life turns exciting and no longer allows her to hide.  Her love is the only thing that can save Thon but also puts him and their future in jeopardy.  It will take all her strength to bring him back to her in an ending that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Olivia is a character that's easy to relate to as she's not glamorous and has lots of emotional baggage.  Though her healing isn't fully achieved by story's end there's a sense of hopefulness for these two in their mutual support that was heartwarming.Ms. Lynne has crafted a series that's intriguing in its premise and its compelling main characters.  She deals with the heavy emotional issues in a believable and thoughtful way, never giving easy answers.  The Gods that inhabit this world are multi-faceted and their interactions with others engaging.  The sexual interludes are super steamy and nicely spaced throughout the story.  Though this is the fifth installment it's not necessary to have read the others to enjoy and become fully immersed in this one.  But with a series this wonderfully crafted, why wouldn't you want to read the entire series!?!