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Lily of the Valley #1
To Love a God
I spent my whole life training to become a ballet dancer—a soloist, a star. Today, I’m a toy, a plaything, a distraction…
An offering.
A sacrifice to a caged god, to the Norse trickster.
Loki.
Trapped in a cave for the sins of his past, he waits for the end of days. Modern worshippers curry favor with gifts and trinkets, spilled blood—and women like me.
Women who resemble his long-dead wife. We all have that look, you see. I’m supposed to be flattered that I remind him of a goddess in an age gone by.
Fuck that.
I’m furious.
The ones who came before me were sweet, docile, compliant—just like her. But I’m not sweet. I’m not docile, and I will never be compliant.
I am resilient. I am determined.
I am—not—drawn to him.
I will survive this.
I will survive him.
My name is Nora Olsen, and I will not die here.
To Love a God is a full-length standalone dark paranormal romance novel set in the Lily of the Valley universe. Each book in the series can be read on its own, but characters will occasionally pop up in other stories. No cliffhangers. Always a happy ending—because even villains deserve a happily-ever-after.
An offering.
A sacrifice to a caged god, to the Norse trickster.
Loki.
Trapped in a cave for the sins of his past, he waits for the end of days. Modern worshippers curry favor with gifts and trinkets, spilled blood—and women like me.
Women who resemble his long-dead wife. We all have that look, you see. I’m supposed to be flattered that I remind him of a goddess in an age gone by.
Fuck that.
I’m furious.
The ones who came before me were sweet, docile, compliant—just like her. But I’m not sweet. I’m not docile, and I will never be compliant.
I am resilient. I am determined.
I am—not—drawn to him.
I will survive this.
I will survive him.
My name is Nora Olsen, and I will not die here.
To Love a God is a full-length standalone dark paranormal romance novel set in the Lily of the Valley universe. Each book in the series can be read on its own, but characters will occasionally pop up in other stories. No cliffhangers. Always a happy ending—because even villains deserve a happily-ever-after.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
About the author
Evie Kent
5 books155 followersEvie Kent is a dark paranormal romance author who loves a possessive anti-hero and a strong-willed heroine. She has been #teamvillain for as long as she can remember, and thinks the dark side definitely has more fun.
Her work errs toward soft dark, and features soulmate-level romances with dubious beginnings, along with a dash of angst and a dollop of kink.
Her work errs toward soft dark, and features soulmate-level romances with dubious beginnings, along with a dash of angst and a dollop of kink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 8, 2020
Going into this book I was expecting so much MORE....I wanted to be blown away, to be breathless and excited, to lose myself in this story.
However, the author was stuck in the average zone when this story had the ability to be fucking brilliant. I felt like if her beta readers pushed her just a little bit more this would of been a five star read.
”I loved sex. Loved it. Women, men, orgies, bound and gagged, soft and sweet, any hole, in my standard form or something else entirely—I just loved fucking. Always had.”
I loved Loki, but his character could of been written better. He’s a The God of Mischief so I expected way more from him. I feel like there was so much wiggle room to make him into an exceptional character.
Nora was an amazing lead, she’s a fierce little human and I actually adored her. In the end she was willing to sacrifice everything to save Loki and for that I love her.
”And there, where no one else could see, a god wept when a human moaned and finally drew a deep breath, her pulse quickening, the color returning to her cheeks.”
The reason why I’m not giving this book 5 stars is because it was a bit underwhelming. The first 50% of this book was so boring I wanted to DNF, when I actually got into the story I was almost at the end. The author also jumped a lot, like weeks in advance and while that’s usually ok in this instance it was not because we didn’t get to read how Nora and Loki actually fell in love. The transition was very very rough and it took away from the overall story. This was also described as a Dark Romance but it wasn’t...Yes there were some "dark” themes but it was a very vanilla read ( at least for me ).
With all that being said, I did enjoy it and I will read her work again. I believe she’s a fairly new author so Hopefully she gets honest feedback from readers and can correct her mistakes going forward. One thing I will say is that I love her play on words.
However, the author was stuck in the average zone when this story had the ability to be fucking brilliant. I felt like if her beta readers pushed her just a little bit more this would of been a five star read.
”I loved sex. Loved it. Women, men, orgies, bound and gagged, soft and sweet, any hole, in my standard form or something else entirely—I just loved fucking. Always had.”
I loved Loki, but his character could of been written better. He’s a The God of Mischief so I expected way more from him. I feel like there was so much wiggle room to make him into an exceptional character.
Nora was an amazing lead, she’s a fierce little human and I actually adored her. In the end she was willing to sacrifice everything to save Loki and for that I love her.
”And there, where no one else could see, a god wept when a human moaned and finally drew a deep breath, her pulse quickening, the color returning to her cheeks.”
The reason why I’m not giving this book 5 stars is because it was a bit underwhelming. The first 50% of this book was so boring I wanted to DNF, when I actually got into the story I was almost at the end. The author also jumped a lot, like weeks in advance and while that’s usually ok in this instance it was not because we didn’t get to read how Nora and Loki actually fell in love. The transition was very very rough and it took away from the overall story. This was also described as a Dark Romance but it wasn’t...Yes there were some "dark” themes but it was a very vanilla read ( at least for me ).
With all that being said, I did enjoy it and I will read her work again. I believe she’s a fairly new author so Hopefully she gets honest feedback from readers and can correct her mistakes going forward. One thing I will say is that I love her play on words.
December 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this one it was very unusual and was such an easy read. it’s an enemies to lovers captive paranormal romance with a bit of a twist and considering that most of it takes place in one place a cave where the god Loki has been trapped I wasn’t bored which is quite a feat.
So Loki has been imprisoned by a powerful witch in a remote mountain top prison for his part in starting an apocalypse. He’s been there for 800 years and the only respite and companionships he gets are when the villagers who guard his retreat bring him a mortal companion a consort.
These consorts all resemble Loki’s dead wife and for a while they stave off the monotony and loneliness until he then returns them to their own life’s.
Nora is his latest companion the first in 75 years she is on an extended sabbatical in Norway to unwind and recover from a broken heart this professional Ballerina just wants to get away from it all. Finding herself the gift to a god was not on the cards and she vows from the start not to succumb and to not make it easy for Loki.
Loki Finds Nora a breath of fresh air she’s so different to his prior consorts and there is definitely nothing meek and obedient about her. she challenges and excites him for the first time in years and despite her human status, he finds himself coming to need and rely on her. Loki is a bit of a sad male he wears a brash flippant exterior making flirtatious and glib remarks you’d be forgiven for thinking him shallow but this is just a mask and underneath all of this he’s lonely and filled with guilt and self-loathing his present circumstances chipping away at his psyche.
Nora equally loathes and is drawn to him she fights her attraction tooth and nail before slowly coming to the realisation that he is just as trapped as her and slowly a bond between these two stays to develop that is more than just the initial animal attraction.
This was very hot with lots of chemistry these two brought the heat it’s not especially dark either there is a bit of dubious consent but nothing dramatic it’s more slight coercion I liked both Nora and Loki and was definitely rooting for their future happiness.
This was also well written and such an imaginative idea and I definitely recommend this if you like paranormal romance it’s a good one.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 18, 2021
Here we have a promisingly grim look at a historically grey deity. But I don't know, something about it just doesn't sing Loki to me. I decided to let it go at 48 percent. Maybe try it, if you're more intrigued by the prospect of a dark romance than a Loki story, or even if you're not very attached to your idea of who Loki is. The writing is of good quality and the lead's personality is entertaining.
June 9, 2020
WARNING: This book is ADULT PARANORMAL ROMANCE. This world is absolutely not for the feint of heart. 18+, please. (Anyone younger please continue scrolling and NOT reading this until you’re older!) TW: kidnapping, dubcon
Full review to come. It will be spoiler-free here but possibly not spoiler-free on my blog but honestly, I still have to figure it out.
Current rating is kind of an estimate, I need to stew over a couple of points again (I can’t specify, that’d be spoiling!)
Good to note that this book kept me up till like 2AM bc I kept putting it down “after the next chapter” and then going “oh one more chapter won’t hurt” and ladies and gents, that’s the story of how I went to work running on about four hours of sleep.
Full review to come. It will be spoiler-free here but possibly not spoiler-free on my blog but honestly, I still have to figure it out.
Current rating is kind of an estimate, I need to stew over a couple of points again (I can’t specify, that’d be spoiling!)
Good to note that this book kept me up till like 2AM bc I kept putting it down “after the next chapter” and then going “oh one more chapter won’t hurt” and ladies and gents, that’s the story of how I went to work running on about four hours of sleep.
June 2, 2020
I will write a better review later this week. For now though I will just say this was a very good hate to lovers story. It just wasn't dark romance at all and it's very disappointing when you go into a book expecting one thing, promised one thing, and than get another...
April 4, 2021
Felt no connection between the characters and didn't like the characters.
July 2, 2020
Full review can be found HERE --> https://beneaththecoversblog.com/2020...
~Sonal
~Sonal
June 6, 2020
So, I think I'll give this 2.5 stars.
It was basically 2 stars initially because it was an okay read. Mediocre at best, it had some premise but unfortunately it was limited by the fact that Loki was stuck in that mountain. The half star was given due to that .
It was basically 2 stars initially because it was an okay read. Mediocre at best, it had some premise but unfortunately it was limited by the fact that Loki was stuck in that mountain. The half star was given due to that .
June 7, 2020
4/5 - Loki and Nora are a great couple and 🔥🔥🔥
This book was a read-in-one-sitting book. I couldn’t put it down. The story and characters were perfect. The story flowed effortlessly. I couldn’t flip through the pages fast enough.
Loki, the Norse god of Mischief (looks like the Norse god, but has Hiddles personality) has been imprisoned in a cave warded by a witch, for causing Ragnorak. Nora is one of the many woman over the centuries to be offered to him... against her will. Most woman only stay for a month but not Nora.
They have an angsty enemies-to-lovers thing going on. He tries to seduce her and she doesn’t let him. It takes a month or so before Nora warms up to him and Loki figures out how to not be a Neanderthal type of guy.
I was with this couple all the way. And my heart hurt at the climax but then was filled with happy happy joy joy in the end.
The reason I’m rating this 4⭐️ (which kills me bc I love everything this author writes under all her other pen names) is because it’s supposed to be a dark PNR dubcon., By Evie’s own admission, it’s fluffy gray PNR... that was a bit disappointing. I wanted a true dark romance and a true dubcon plot-line. Evie, under another pen name can write darker stuff. But this wasn’t dark at all. It was cuddly and I rooted for the ship the whole time. Usually with dark and dubcon I’m on the fence as to if the couple should really be together.
As for dubcon, I can’t call this story that at all. Dubious consent to me is, no really means yes. I didn’t feel that with Nora. Her no wasn’t really a no to me, it was more her in her head trying to justify why she should say no but she always wanted him, IMO. Nora never feared Loki when stuff started to happen. They had already forged a bond, i.e., the drinking game... they were spilling their guts to each other and a bind was forming.
Their first sexual encounter Loki doesn’t penetrate her. There’s oral sex but he leaves her wanting more. By the time they get down to business it’s more rough sex than dubcon. But my idea of this trope could be vastly different from everyone else.
FYI: manual, oral, penetrative sex. Hot, sexy sex!! Kinda rough. Nora is bruised and sore — but she is having sex with a freaking god and Loki heals her immediately. He cares and is sweet to her, never violent toward HER.
*** ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ***
This book was a read-in-one-sitting book. I couldn’t put it down. The story and characters were perfect. The story flowed effortlessly. I couldn’t flip through the pages fast enough.
Loki, the Norse god of Mischief (looks like the Norse god, but has Hiddles personality) has been imprisoned in a cave warded by a witch, for causing Ragnorak. Nora is one of the many woman over the centuries to be offered to him... against her will. Most woman only stay for a month but not Nora.
They have an angsty enemies-to-lovers thing going on. He tries to seduce her and she doesn’t let him. It takes a month or so before Nora warms up to him and Loki figures out how to not be a Neanderthal type of guy.
I was with this couple all the way. And my heart hurt at the climax but then was filled with happy happy joy joy in the end.
The reason I’m rating this 4⭐️ (which kills me bc I love everything this author writes under all her other pen names) is because it’s supposed to be a dark PNR dubcon., By Evie’s own admission, it’s fluffy gray PNR... that was a bit disappointing. I wanted a true dark romance and a true dubcon plot-line. Evie, under another pen name can write darker stuff. But this wasn’t dark at all. It was cuddly and I rooted for the ship the whole time. Usually with dark and dubcon I’m on the fence as to if the couple should really be together.
As for dubcon, I can’t call this story that at all. Dubious consent to me is, no really means yes. I didn’t feel that with Nora. Her no wasn’t really a no to me, it was more her in her head trying to justify why she should say no but she always wanted him, IMO. Nora never feared Loki when stuff started to happen. They had already forged a bond, i.e., the drinking game... they were spilling their guts to each other and a bind was forming.
Their first sexual encounter Loki doesn’t penetrate her. There’s oral sex but he leaves her wanting more. By the time they get down to business it’s more rough sex than dubcon. But my idea of this trope could be vastly different from everyone else.
FYI: manual, oral, penetrative sex. Hot, sexy sex!! Kinda rough. Nora is bruised and sore — but she is having sex with a freaking god and Loki heals her immediately. He cares and is sweet to her, never violent toward HER.
*** ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2020
I love Norse Mythology and I was so excited about this book. Evie Kent delivered a beautiful and captivating story about gods, love, heartache and sacrifice. The blurb gave me a taste of something dark and dangerous and I'm happy I had the chance to read this story because it was a real treat.
Loki, the God of mischief and deceit has been locked in a cave as punishment for being the catalyst of Ragnarok. For eight hundred years he's been trapped inside that mountain, his power diminished to a fraction of what he could do, and incapable of breaking the bars of his prison. His only solace was the occasional consorts his acolytes brought him from time to time, but even them couldn't erase the loneliness burrowed deep in his soul. Until Nora that is. The American ballerina of Norwegian lineage, the spitfire woman who made his blood thrum in his veins and intrigued him like no others before her. Travelling all around Norway was the first vacation Nora granted herself in well, forever. As a ballerina, she was constantly training at the studio and never had time to relax. But after going through some mind-bending situations she needed to take a break and rediscover herself, so a trip sounded like a good idea, but little did she know that fate had other plans for her and that everything she thought was legend and myth was in fact very real.
Told in dual POV, the story evoked so many feelings. I loved the protagonists. Loki and Nora had perfect chemistry. She was strong-headed, never backed down from a fight, continuously trying to find a way to escape her prison, taking on a mighty God which could have ended her life just by snapping his fingers. She constantly challenged Loki, and he enjoyed her fight very much. Also, seeing Loki's vulnerable side was heartwarming. He might have been immortal but he longed for acceptance and love the same as humans did. The push and pull between the two of them, the constant banter, the sweet moments and the steamy encounters, all were beautifully presented. There were dark elements thought the storyline but completely bearable and the ending was just perfect.
I enjoyed this book very much, and I am looking forward to reading more stories set in the Lily of the Valley universe. I recommend it to everyone who loves dark paranormal romances.
*ARC received in exchange for my honest review.
Loki, the God of mischief and deceit has been locked in a cave as punishment for being the catalyst of Ragnarok. For eight hundred years he's been trapped inside that mountain, his power diminished to a fraction of what he could do, and incapable of breaking the bars of his prison. His only solace was the occasional consorts his acolytes brought him from time to time, but even them couldn't erase the loneliness burrowed deep in his soul. Until Nora that is. The American ballerina of Norwegian lineage, the spitfire woman who made his blood thrum in his veins and intrigued him like no others before her. Travelling all around Norway was the first vacation Nora granted herself in well, forever. As a ballerina, she was constantly training at the studio and never had time to relax. But after going through some mind-bending situations she needed to take a break and rediscover herself, so a trip sounded like a good idea, but little did she know that fate had other plans for her and that everything she thought was legend and myth was in fact very real.
Told in dual POV, the story evoked so many feelings. I loved the protagonists. Loki and Nora had perfect chemistry. She was strong-headed, never backed down from a fight, continuously trying to find a way to escape her prison, taking on a mighty God which could have ended her life just by snapping his fingers. She constantly challenged Loki, and he enjoyed her fight very much. Also, seeing Loki's vulnerable side was heartwarming. He might have been immortal but he longed for acceptance and love the same as humans did. The push and pull between the two of them, the constant banter, the sweet moments and the steamy encounters, all were beautifully presented. There were dark elements thought the storyline but completely bearable and the ending was just perfect.
I enjoyed this book very much, and I am looking forward to reading more stories set in the Lily of the Valley universe. I recommend it to everyone who loves dark paranormal romances.
*ARC received in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2020
I didn’t really know what to expect when I started this book. The synopsis was really interesting, and nothing like I’ve read before! The whole plot idea is unique, at least for me, since I haven’t tried a book featuring Norse Gods before!
Nora is currently on a Scandinavian trip, trying to make peace with everything that happened the last year. Losing her grandfather and then finding her ex-boyfriend with her best friend was difficult for her. In order to escape for a little while, she puts her ballet career on hold and decides to travel through Norway. However, she finds herself kidnapped and offered to the Norse God, Loki, as an offering from some villagers.
Loki has been trapped into a cave for 8 centuries now. After Ragnarök started, a witch locked him in the mountain to keep him contained. He has a deal with the nearby villagers. He gives them everything they need to succeed and in return they bring him anything he asks for as well as women who resemble his dead wife. Nora is the newest one and nothing like he anticipated.
These two are something else! Loki is your typical arrogant God, thinking he’s the best thing on Earth. He finds his match in Nora, since she’s the first one to not cower and kneel to his every demand. She challenges him and makes him feel alive again! Their chemistry is apparent and when their passion finally wins, their encounters are explosive.
I liked how Nora make him work for it. She doesn’t give herself to him just because he’s a god and she’s trapped with him. The reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars was that the time they spent in the cave felt too long for my liking. All in all, I really enjoyed the story and I’m curious for the next book from the author!!!
Nora is currently on a Scandinavian trip, trying to make peace with everything that happened the last year. Losing her grandfather and then finding her ex-boyfriend with her best friend was difficult for her. In order to escape for a little while, she puts her ballet career on hold and decides to travel through Norway. However, she finds herself kidnapped and offered to the Norse God, Loki, as an offering from some villagers.
Loki has been trapped into a cave for 8 centuries now. After Ragnarök started, a witch locked him in the mountain to keep him contained. He has a deal with the nearby villagers. He gives them everything they need to succeed and in return they bring him anything he asks for as well as women who resemble his dead wife. Nora is the newest one and nothing like he anticipated.
These two are something else! Loki is your typical arrogant God, thinking he’s the best thing on Earth. He finds his match in Nora, since she’s the first one to not cower and kneel to his every demand. She challenges him and makes him feel alive again! Their chemistry is apparent and when their passion finally wins, their encounters are explosive.
I liked how Nora make him work for it. She doesn’t give herself to him just because he’s a god and she’s trapped with him. The reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars was that the time they spent in the cave felt too long for my liking. All in all, I really enjoyed the story and I’m curious for the next book from the author!!!
October 6, 2020
If you love PNR and a godly anti-hero as the lead, this is a great dark-ish romance for you.
August 6, 2020
4.5 Stars
I honestly can't say enough good things about this book!! Every single page kept me enthralled. Not only was it a unique concept, but it was perfectly executed. I know this book was described as a dark romance, but I would categorize it more as a soft-dark. I was never really cringing or felt uncomfortable with the actions of either character. I personally wasn't bothered by the fact that it wasn't too dark, but I can see why some people were angry that it was mislabeled. Then again, I guess it would be better to go towards the lighter end of the spectrum compared to crossing the line the other way.
As for the characters themselves, they both were likable. Nora was a strong female character, but it didn't feel forced. I've read so many books where authors go out of their way to make their female leads seem like exceptionally strong independent women, and it comes across as force and pushy. Kent made Nora's strength seem natural. Loki was such a complex character. It was interesting seeing him reveal more of his motives and emotions to make him a multifaceted character. The only thing taking this book down to 4.5 from a 5 star book was Loki. As the god of mischief, I expected a little bit more....mischief. The author had so many opportunities to put in some trickery and show him as the god of tricks.
As for their romance, I found myself believing their journey from hate to love. I liked that it wasn't rushed and the author allowed it to unfold organically. I believe this is the first book for Evie Kent. If so, this really was a strong debut.
I honestly can't say enough good things about this book!! Every single page kept me enthralled. Not only was it a unique concept, but it was perfectly executed. I know this book was described as a dark romance, but I would categorize it more as a soft-dark. I was never really cringing or felt uncomfortable with the actions of either character. I personally wasn't bothered by the fact that it wasn't too dark, but I can see why some people were angry that it was mislabeled. Then again, I guess it would be better to go towards the lighter end of the spectrum compared to crossing the line the other way.
As for the characters themselves, they both were likable. Nora was a strong female character, but it didn't feel forced. I've read so many books where authors go out of their way to make their female leads seem like exceptionally strong independent women, and it comes across as force and pushy. Kent made Nora's strength seem natural. Loki was such a complex character. It was interesting seeing him reveal more of his motives and emotions to make him a multifaceted character. The only thing taking this book down to 4.5 from a 5 star book was Loki. As the god of mischief, I expected a little bit more....mischief. The author had so many opportunities to put in some trickery and show him as the god of tricks.
As for their romance, I found myself believing their journey from hate to love. I liked that it wasn't rushed and the author allowed it to unfold organically. I believe this is the first book for Evie Kent. If so, this really was a strong debut.
June 10, 2022
I stumbled upon this book for mainly two reasons; firstly I really LOVE Norse Mythology and the second is to see a different perspective of the god of mischief himself Loki as I am currently on my own road to publishing a story within this same genre. So to say the least I was very excited about this book. I really enjoyed how Evie Kent wrote the story and how it was dark, spicy and full of heartache.
The story is told in dual POV which I liked and was well executed. On one side we have Loki the Norse god of mischief who in the past 800 years has been trapped in a cave as punishment for his involvement in Ragnarok. He is unable to escape the bonds of his prison as his powers were diminished. On the other side of this POV, we have Nora, an American ballerina who was kidnapped and given to the trapped god as a consort. Nora is a very fun character to read, she is strong-willed which made the situation that these characters were in the HOT TEA I needed. She never backed up from a fight even though Loki could have ended her life with a snap of his finger!
These characters have really good chemistry hence the five-star rating. I really enjoyed how Evie Kent showed Loki's vulnerable side. If you're still not sure if you should read this book just picture cute banter and hot passionate steamy moments. Like hello?! where is the holy water?! The story has some dark elements but the ending was spectacular. I'm looking forward to more books within this series. I highly recommend this book to all those who love steamy, paranormal, dark romances.
The story is told in dual POV which I liked and was well executed. On one side we have Loki the Norse god of mischief who in the past 800 years has been trapped in a cave as punishment for his involvement in Ragnarok. He is unable to escape the bonds of his prison as his powers were diminished. On the other side of this POV, we have Nora, an American ballerina who was kidnapped and given to the trapped god as a consort. Nora is a very fun character to read, she is strong-willed which made the situation that these characters were in the HOT TEA I needed. She never backed up from a fight even though Loki could have ended her life with a snap of his finger!
These characters have really good chemistry hence the five-star rating. I really enjoyed how Evie Kent showed Loki's vulnerable side. If you're still not sure if you should read this book just picture cute banter and hot passionate steamy moments. Like hello?! where is the holy water?! The story has some dark elements but the ending was spectacular. I'm looking forward to more books within this series. I highly recommend this book to all those who love steamy, paranormal, dark romances.
November 21, 2020
DNF @ 34%
Nah man I can’t do rape. I can’t even call this dubcon because she’s telling him no and trying to fight him the whole time. She doesn’t want him. So imma stop here because I don’t him to be “redeemed”
Nah man I can’t do rape. I can’t even call this dubcon because she’s telling him no and trying to fight him the whole time. She doesn’t want him. So imma stop here because I don’t him to be “redeemed”
August 6, 2020
This was exactly what I needed. An amazing dark fantasy romance.
A Norse Mythology is something that I was always fascinated with.
I've to thank @Readinginpyjamas for the recommendation. This is one of my #readinginpyjamasmademereadit list and I loved every second of this dark paranormal fantasy story.
This book is a page-turner from the beginning to the end.
It's a dark, dramatic, heartbreaking beautiful and smoking hot.
Nora is a ballet dancer from New York and after some dramatic circumstances and an ugly breakup with her cheating boyfriend (with her best friend! 😱) she needs vacation.
A long relaxing trip thought Norway and Denmark. The country of her ancestors.
Just to forget about everything that happened in the last six months. To find herself and lose some of the sadness, anger and tiredness that is her constant companion.
Loki Laufeyjarson is a Norse god, a trickster, a half-giant, god of mischief and deception.
But above all that, he's been a prisoner for the last 800 years.
His punishment for starting the apocalypse that never happened. Ravna, a Norse witch, trapped him in a cave as punishment for her mistress’s death.
What have the two so much different personalities together? A pact between the god and the villagers that supervise him. He gets everything he needs and wants and in return the villagers get long lives, healthy children, flourishing crops—wealth beyond measure and from time to time a consort.
Who must have a particular look that reminds him of his deceased wife. Yes, Nora is exactly his type.
No, I'll not spoil it for you.
You'll have to read it for yourself. This book is amazing and you should definitely read it. I recommend it to all dark fantasy romance lovers.
A Norse Mythology is something that I was always fascinated with.
I've to thank @Readinginpyjamas for the recommendation. This is one of my #readinginpyjamasmademereadit list and I loved every second of this dark paranormal fantasy story.
This book is a page-turner from the beginning to the end.
It's a dark, dramatic, heartbreaking beautiful and smoking hot.
Nora is a ballet dancer from New York and after some dramatic circumstances and an ugly breakup with her cheating boyfriend (with her best friend! 😱) she needs vacation.
A long relaxing trip thought Norway and Denmark. The country of her ancestors.
Just to forget about everything that happened in the last six months. To find herself and lose some of the sadness, anger and tiredness that is her constant companion.
Loki Laufeyjarson is a Norse god, a trickster, a half-giant, god of mischief and deception.
But above all that, he's been a prisoner for the last 800 years.
His punishment for starting the apocalypse that never happened. Ravna, a Norse witch, trapped him in a cave as punishment for her mistress’s death.
What have the two so much different personalities together? A pact between the god and the villagers that supervise him. He gets everything he needs and wants and in return the villagers get long lives, healthy children, flourishing crops—wealth beyond measure and from time to time a consort.
Who must have a particular look that reminds him of his deceased wife. Yes, Nora is exactly his type.
No, I'll not spoil it for you.
You'll have to read it for yourself. This book is amazing and you should definitely read it. I recommend it to all dark fantasy romance lovers.
July 2, 2020
4.5 Stars!
I am obsessed with all mythologies but specially Norse myths because they are so rarely exposed and I FREAKING LOVE when Loki is the main lead. I know many people equate him with Marvel's Loki, but his portrayals are so vivid and varying, that I fall in love with it every time.
This book was so so delicious and easy flowing. At the same time, it also showed what isolation and loneliness does to a person. I love that Evie handle this with such tact and grace.
I love Nora so much. My girl might not be entirely fearless, but she was close. I can't belive she called out a God on his shit. MULTIPLE TIMES!?! I admire her so so much. I have read a character like hers in a long time and I was just grinning like a fool at my babe living her life and doing amazing things.
Loki, my sweet broken man. It took him so much time to believe that someone could actually love him and that he was capable of love. I adore his character arc. His character actually bloomed and I am so in love with him. I also liked that he was a fool for Nora. *heart eyes*
I am just madly going to read every book that follows this universe because I am beyond obsessed.
TW -
I am obsessed with all mythologies but specially Norse myths because they are so rarely exposed and I FREAKING LOVE when Loki is the main lead. I know many people equate him with Marvel's Loki, but his portrayals are so vivid and varying, that I fall in love with it every time.
This book was so so delicious and easy flowing. At the same time, it also showed what isolation and loneliness does to a person. I love that Evie handle this with such tact and grace.
I love Nora so much. My girl might not be entirely fearless, but she was close. I can't belive she called out a God on his shit. MULTIPLE TIMES!?! I admire her so so much. I have read a character like hers in a long time and I was just grinning like a fool at my babe living her life and doing amazing things.
Loki, my sweet broken man. It took him so much time to believe that someone could actually love him and that he was capable of love. I adore his character arc. His character actually bloomed and I am so in love with him. I also liked that he was a fool for Nora. *heart eyes*
I am just madly going to read every book that follows this universe because I am beyond obsessed.
TW -
June 7, 2020
4.5 stars
This was a really strong debut novel by Evie Kent. I had just recently read her prequel novella and while it was a solid read, I think you get a better feel for EK's writing style in this full length book.
She described her writing as "soft dark" and I would agree. I've read a lot of dark books and while this had some themes that might upset some people it wasn't super shocking to me.
She obviously put effort into writing a believable enemies to lovers storyline, it was gradual and there is never a moment where the h could be seen as "weak or wishy-washy"
So I would definitely say if you like contemporary books mixed with a mythology/fantasy twist give this book a go.
Leads:
H: Loki an immortal god trapped in a mountain for centuries
h: Nora (23 yr old?? (I think)) ballerina who on vacation is kidnapped and placed with Loki as a companion.
This was a really strong debut novel by Evie Kent. I had just recently read her prequel novella and while it was a solid read, I think you get a better feel for EK's writing style in this full length book.
She described her writing as "soft dark" and I would agree. I've read a lot of dark books and while this had some themes that might upset some people it wasn't super shocking to me.
She obviously put effort into writing a believable enemies to lovers storyline, it was gradual and there is never a moment where the h could be seen as "weak or wishy-washy"
So I would definitely say if you like contemporary books mixed with a mythology/fantasy twist give this book a go.
Leads:
H: Loki an immortal god trapped in a mountain for centuries
h: Nora (23 yr old?? (I think)) ballerina who on vacation is kidnapped and placed with Loki as a companion.
September 5, 2020
2.75
The God of Tricks, Mischief and Lies and we got none of that. No tricks no lies no mischief.... Furthermore, no angst, no spark, no fire.
I didn't feel the connection between Nora and Loki as I thought I should have.
I don't think at all that this book falls in the category of dark paranormal romance. This was not dark at all.
To help me get through the book, I kept on picturing Tom Hiddleston as Loki and ignored all descriptions that the author kept on saying that Loki had auburn hair and such. It helped a lot :p
The God of Tricks, Mischief and Lies and we got none of that. No tricks no lies no mischief.... Furthermore, no angst, no spark, no fire.
I didn't feel the connection between Nora and Loki as I thought I should have.
I don't think at all that this book falls in the category of dark paranormal romance. This was not dark at all.
To help me get through the book, I kept on picturing Tom Hiddleston as Loki and ignored all descriptions that the author kept on saying that Loki had auburn hair and such. It helped a lot :p
November 30, 2021
There were some things that happened that I didn't really like, but I kept on reading because I wanted to know how the story would evolve.
I probably won't read this one again.
I probably won't read this one again.
December 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad I finally got to it! I’m not too familiar with Norse mythology, but I loved this retelling about Loki!
December 27, 2020
I love Loki I don’t care I don’t care. This was a fun, modern retelling of the God of Mischief and how he is misunderstood af. I spent a lot of time this year with retelling of Greek mythology (I can’t quit a good Hades + Persephone story) I think 2021 will see me invest in more Norse mythology.
September 6, 2021
A smothering of Loki lovin
After falling for Loki through recent movies and video games, a romance book about him seemed the next obvious choice. And I definitely wasn't disappointed.
It has a beauty and yhe beast vibe, but still felt fresh to read, with many unique pot points. Loki is portrated as a shades grey "villain" and I absolutely love it!
After falling for Loki through recent movies and video games, a romance book about him seemed the next obvious choice. And I definitely wasn't disappointed.
It has a beauty and yhe beast vibe, but still felt fresh to read, with many unique pot points. Loki is portrated as a shades grey "villain" and I absolutely love it!
May 26, 2022
Fan-fucking-tastic
June 11, 2020
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🛫🤔😐😏😤🥺💗
~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty: Kidnapped ballet dancer is offered to Norse god Loki as a consort. It doesn’t go as either think it will.
Loki has been trapped in a cave for the last 800 years by a witch for having a hand in Ragnarok (the apocalypse), and over the centuries the village by his cave has offered him whatever he wants in exchange for blessings like good crops and extra luck, etc. Every so often, they kidnap women and bring them to Loki to offer him companionship as well. Nora, a ballet dancer who is taking a sabbatical in Norway after some traumatic life events, gets snatched up by the village due to her resemblance to Loki’s dead wife and is also offered up as sacrifice. Unlike most other women, despite knowing he is a god, she is resistant and determined to escape. Things take a turn when the two start to get to know one another and realize they are not so different from one another despite the contrast in their mortality.
I absolutely love this author’s writing. I have read work from her various pen names and I love seeing how she continues to grow in her craft. Her descriptions offer a vivid mental image and the characters she’s created are as beautifully flawed as they are compelling. Loki, a god, exhibits strength but is broken and vulnerable in equal measure. And Nora is not a wilting violet who succumbs to Loki’s every whim; despite what you might imagine a ballet dancer to be (graceful, delicate, etc), she has an incredible amount of grit, fire and tenacity. Don’t get it twisted either: this is NOT a Stockholm Syndrome scenario. The relationship started off naturally where Nora absolutely despised her supposed “captor” but things take a turn when certain secrets are revealed and suppositions corrected. I love the climax of the book, I loved how it ended (mild spoiler: everything is wrapped up in a bow, a HEA that made my heart smile but also made sense). My only qualm was that while yes, there is some mild dubcon, there wasn’t much of what I would consider “dark”. The author does indicate it’s soft dark but I think I was hoping for just a smidge more. Otherwise a great debut under this pen name! I can’t wait to read more!
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance/Dark Romance (lite), Enemies-to-Lovers(ish)
Location: Ravndal, Norway
MC age range: Mid 20s & immortal
Lead: Nora Olsen
Love interest(s): Loki Laufeyjarson
Tear jerker: No
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Paperback page count: 319 pgs
Publisher: Self-published
Audible: No
Series: Lily of the Valley
1. To Love A God - released 06/04/20
~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative, bondage, rough
Possible triggers: kidnapping/captivity, forced proximity, dubcon (lite), violence, death, pregnancy
March 27, 2023
First things first: this author needs to learn about proper content warnings. The one she has in this book is not even close to sufficient - it just warns readers that it's a "dark romance." That is NOT adequate, not even a bit. There's no reason not to say that there's non-con and dub-con in the trigger warning - it isn't a spoiler, it's just good manners. But this author doesn't have the good graces or awareness to do so.
Look, I love dark romances. Give me angst and pain and torture. But this one just slaps you in the face with definitely non-consensual stuff (holding the FMC down and forcing her to receive oral while she yells no and tries to get away) and dubious consent sex.
So that's bad enough. Personally, I think it's terrible practice, but I can past it. Unfortunately, the book just doesn't really have any redeeming qualities. It's predictable yet forced storytelling, even downright boring at times.
Look, I love dark romances. Give me angst and pain and torture. But this one just slaps you in the face with definitely non-consensual stuff (holding the FMC down and forcing her to receive oral while she yells no and tries to get away) and dubious consent sex.
So that's bad enough. Personally, I think it's terrible practice, but I can past it. Unfortunately, the book just doesn't really have any redeeming qualities. It's predictable yet forced storytelling, even downright boring at times.
August 7, 2021
I have waited impatiently for To Love a God since I read Surrender in November and I am so glad that the wait was worth it. I really enjoyed every minute spent reading this release. Loki was a wonderful mix of trickster, seducer and loneliness while Nora was fire, sass, and determination. It was such a great combination of character traits to watch interact and playout together.
While this is classed as a dark paranormal romance I didn't find the content to be of a caliber I could no longer read. Don't get me wrong there was kidnapping, blood sacrifice, dubcon, and captivity, but I didn't feel they were of a degree that prevented me from enjoying the novel.
If you enjoy dark romance reads, paranormal or not, then I do recommend you grab a copy of To Love a God, it's worth it.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
While this is classed as a dark paranormal romance I didn't find the content to be of a caliber I could no longer read. Don't get me wrong there was kidnapping, blood sacrifice, dubcon, and captivity, but I didn't feel they were of a degree that prevented me from enjoying the novel.
If you enjoy dark romance reads, paranormal or not, then I do recommend you grab a copy of To Love a God, it's worth it.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
I will follow Liz Meldon anywhere, including the dark romance realm. I can see where this isn’t as truly dark as some might want, but for me it was perfect. Just enough dark to wet my palate, but not enough that I was too uncomfortable to keep reading. And I will forever love a plot centering around Loki. 😍
Also knowing some of where Liz/Evie is coming from in her acknowledgements - the trauma of depression and the story of Loki that Sam Macleod wrote that helped both her and me - really added an extra layer of appreciation for me of Loki’s madness. Very well done.
Also knowing some of where Liz/Evie is coming from in her acknowledgements - the trauma of depression and the story of Loki that Sam Macleod wrote that helped both her and me - really added an extra layer of appreciation for me of Loki’s madness. Very well done.
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March 17, 2023Loki in love…
Of course, I didn’t expect Loki to be tender when in love. This book was violent, passionate and sinful! Love isn’t perfect when you’re human, so why should it be perfect as a god? And the sex… The author captured the essence of the god of mischief.
Of course, I didn’t expect Loki to be tender when in love. This book was violent, passionate and sinful! Love isn’t perfect when you’re human, so why should it be perfect as a god? And the sex… The author captured the essence of the god of mischief.
July 25, 2021
It’s a very well written romance starring Loki...what else can I say 😉
TW for heroine in captivity and dubcon
TW for heroine in captivity and dubcon
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