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A Venus and Mars Affair #3
Ms Directed
Five years ago, Abby Marsh quit architecture school and returned home to help her family when they needed her most. She had to set aside her dreams, possibly forever.
But now that her sister’s grown up and her mom’s doing better, maybe it’s time to reevaluate. Maybe she could resume her education. It would be expensive and time consuming. And a lot of hard work. One thing for sure: She won’t have time for love, even though the new park ranger is super nice. And cute.
But Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the god of war, think there’s no time like the present. They arrive to help Abby find her best happiness. Everything’s working out great.
Until the goddess of discord shows up.
But now that her sister’s grown up and her mom’s doing better, maybe it’s time to reevaluate. Maybe she could resume her education. It would be expensive and time consuming. And a lot of hard work. One thing for sure: She won’t have time for love, even though the new park ranger is super nice. And cute.
But Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the god of war, think there’s no time like the present. They arrive to help Abby find her best happiness. Everything’s working out great.
Until the goddess of discord shows up.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Kay Keppler
17 books20 followersKay Keppler likes happy endings, whether they’re in the fiction she writes, the fiction she edits, or the fiction she reads. After all, an unhappy outcome is what the newspaper is for! Her characters are resourceful to a fault, hard-working to the extreme, and loyal to the end—qualities she absorbed growing up in a small town in Wisconsin. Resisting the character-building aspects of deep snow and cold, she now lives in California and spends her time creating happy endings.
You can reach her at
kaykeppler.com, kaykeppler@yahoo.com, @KayKeppler, or facebook.com/kaykeppler.
You can reach her at
kaykeppler.com, kaykeppler@yahoo.com, @KayKeppler, or facebook.com/kaykeppler.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 17, 2023
Warning may contain spoilers!
This is a sweet small town romance between the local postmistress Abbey and the new to town park ranger Hank who are both fighting to defend their small town against developers who want to build a large resort in the idyllic lakeside town.
Emotions are stirred when the Roman Gods start to meddle in the lives of townsfolk and when goddess of discord Eris arrives in town trouble ensues.
I enjoyed the cute romance although the story was a little predictable. Venus and Mars the titular characters only appear as minor characters for most of the book. Just meeting up for weekend romps at the towns b&b whilst Venus is working on getting the main characters together. In fact the majority of the relationship seems to be based on physical attraction.
The fact that these characters are going to get together is obvious from the get-go and the only hurdle to this is the postmistresses plans to return to university. However the fact that Hank only goes for Abbey because she looks “hot” (his words, ick) after a cliche shopping scene is a little disappointing.
No one in town seems to question the appearance of these strangers who all confidently have the names of Roman gods.
Whether the townsfolk are just that vapid or if in this world gods are known to appear to mortals is not really explained.
Townsfolk also don’t question the instant garden that grows at the b&b so maybe they are that vapid.
The nasty developer character seems to inexplicably have a change of heart mid book and then is not heard about until the end of the book in a news report.
There also seem to be some not plot holes as such but senses of deja vu when the cops at this town are always busy with the same things (a traffic accident on the highway) despite being needed days apart.
There are a few things in this book that soil the cute mood though such as Abby and her sister slut-shaming Eris and the way Hank, Charlie and Mars talk about their prospective partners at the bowling alley. (Ick!) To give the men a little credit though they do realise they need to apologise.
And without spoiling the whole book Hanks grand gesture at the end of the book is ill thought out at best. Taking something personal of Abbeys and sharing it without yet consent and the subsequent phone call they have about it is a little cringe worthy
However if you go along with the willing suspension of disbelief it’s a cute little read
I received an arc of this book and am reviewing voluntarily
This is a sweet small town romance between the local postmistress Abbey and the new to town park ranger Hank who are both fighting to defend their small town against developers who want to build a large resort in the idyllic lakeside town.
Emotions are stirred when the Roman Gods start to meddle in the lives of townsfolk and when goddess of discord Eris arrives in town trouble ensues.
I enjoyed the cute romance although the story was a little predictable. Venus and Mars the titular characters only appear as minor characters for most of the book. Just meeting up for weekend romps at the towns b&b whilst Venus is working on getting the main characters together. In fact the majority of the relationship seems to be based on physical attraction.
The fact that these characters are going to get together is obvious from the get-go and the only hurdle to this is the postmistresses plans to return to university. However the fact that Hank only goes for Abbey because she looks “hot” (his words, ick) after a cliche shopping scene is a little disappointing.
No one in town seems to question the appearance of these strangers who all confidently have the names of Roman gods.
Whether the townsfolk are just that vapid or if in this world gods are known to appear to mortals is not really explained.
Townsfolk also don’t question the instant garden that grows at the b&b so maybe they are that vapid.
The nasty developer character seems to inexplicably have a change of heart mid book and then is not heard about until the end of the book in a news report.
There also seem to be some not plot holes as such but senses of deja vu when the cops at this town are always busy with the same things (a traffic accident on the highway) despite being needed days apart.
There are a few things in this book that soil the cute mood though such as Abby and her sister slut-shaming Eris and the way Hank, Charlie and Mars talk about their prospective partners at the bowling alley. (Ick!) To give the men a little credit though they do realise they need to apologise.
And without spoiling the whole book Hanks grand gesture at the end of the book is ill thought out at best. Taking something personal of Abbeys and sharing it without yet consent and the subsequent phone call they have about it is a little cringe worthy
However if you go along with the willing suspension of disbelief it’s a cute little read
I received an arc of this book and am reviewing voluntarily
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
Venus, goddess of love, is sent to Swallow Lake, Wisconsin, to arrange Abby Marsh’s Happy Ever After.
Mars, Venus’ soulmate and protector, is tied up managing a war elsewhere, but usually has time to visit Venus at weekends.
However, Mars’ sister Eris, goddess of chaos, strife and discord arrives in town, bringing mischief and mayhem into the equation. She also brings the lowly god of Parking along with her, which causes more problems for the residents.
Abby Marsh dropped out of college five years earlier, following a family tragedy. She was also literally left at the altar by her fiancé. Living in a small town means that everyone knows everyone else’s business, and she vows never to date another man again.
The arrival of a new Park Ranger, Hank, in the town coincides with a threatened redevelopment of the area, which will devastate the natural beauty of their lake, and their endangered wildlife.
Abby & Hank join forces with the residents who are against the development going ahead, and they become good friends, but can Venus bring them together as more than friends, without Eris sticking her nose in?
This story was fun to read, with all the interference from Eris, as well as the Property Developers getting sidetracked, and forgetting why they are there!
I really enjoyed it, and look forward to more from this author.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Mars, Venus’ soulmate and protector, is tied up managing a war elsewhere, but usually has time to visit Venus at weekends.
However, Mars’ sister Eris, goddess of chaos, strife and discord arrives in town, bringing mischief and mayhem into the equation. She also brings the lowly god of Parking along with her, which causes more problems for the residents.
Abby Marsh dropped out of college five years earlier, following a family tragedy. She was also literally left at the altar by her fiancé. Living in a small town means that everyone knows everyone else’s business, and she vows never to date another man again.
The arrival of a new Park Ranger, Hank, in the town coincides with a threatened redevelopment of the area, which will devastate the natural beauty of their lake, and their endangered wildlife.
Abby & Hank join forces with the residents who are against the development going ahead, and they become good friends, but can Venus bring them together as more than friends, without Eris sticking her nose in?
This story was fun to read, with all the interference from Eris, as well as the Property Developers getting sidetracked, and forgetting why they are there!
I really enjoyed it, and look forward to more from this author.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
May 13, 2023
This book did not do it for me.
I enjoyed the sweet relationships Abby had with both her mom and sister throughout the story, and her relationships with those in their quant town of Swallow Lake. The combat between sisters Venus and Eris was classic, as was the small town / big corporation drama.
That being said, there was a lot about this story that fell short for me. There were plot holes galore, that I’ve chalked up to the differing POVs throughout the book. Each character has a POV at least once, if not more. This left me often confused trying to determine where that character had been last time they were showcased as a POV. The book likely would’ve felt more seamless if some side characters were left from the POV; leaving Mars, Venus, Abby, and Hank to tell the story. Moreover, there were some raunchy lines seemingly at random throughout the story (see Jackson’s description at the midpoint of Eris and Susannah.) These were abrupt and didn’t feel natural to the storyline.
Overall - Ms. Directed was not my favourite read. If you can follow the ebbs and flows of these individual character’s points of views, while also getting past the total disregard for strangers in this tiny town appearing out of nowhere (Eris/Venus/Mars/Parker) this is a good fluffy romance.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher!
I enjoyed the sweet relationships Abby had with both her mom and sister throughout the story, and her relationships with those in their quant town of Swallow Lake. The combat between sisters Venus and Eris was classic, as was the small town / big corporation drama.
That being said, there was a lot about this story that fell short for me. There were plot holes galore, that I’ve chalked up to the differing POVs throughout the book. Each character has a POV at least once, if not more. This left me often confused trying to determine where that character had been last time they were showcased as a POV. The book likely would’ve felt more seamless if some side characters were left from the POV; leaving Mars, Venus, Abby, and Hank to tell the story. Moreover, there were some raunchy lines seemingly at random throughout the story (see Jackson’s description at the midpoint of Eris and Susannah.) These were abrupt and didn’t feel natural to the storyline.
Overall - Ms. Directed was not my favourite read. If you can follow the ebbs and flows of these individual character’s points of views, while also getting past the total disregard for strangers in this tiny town appearing out of nowhere (Eris/Venus/Mars/Parker) this is a good fluffy romance.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
I enjoyed everything about this well-written, entertaining book, including the likeable and engaging characters. Abby dropped out of college to take care of her mother and younger sister after her father dies. She’s now working for the post office in a tiny Wisconsin town, and builds birdhouses in the family’s garage. Abby no longer wants a relationship after being jilted when her fiancé developed a crush on Abby’s sister (who became a top lingerie model). She dreams of returning to architecture school. Hank is the new local park ranger. Hank, Abby and others work to stop a developer who is wants to build a large hotel on local lakefront property. There are multiple fun and interesting characters, including the developer’s representatives, the local newspaper’s editor, the B&B owner and more. To stir the pot, a few Greek gods show up with their own agendas and relationships. This book has several developing romances, humor and HEAs. Highly recommended! I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2023
Set in the small town of Swallow Lake, Abby joins forces with new Park Ranger Hank when there is a proposal to build a new hotel complex that will completely take over the area. Things become more complicated when Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars the god of war become involved - followed by the goddess of discord.
This is actually the third book in the series, I haven't read the first two (yet) but have read other books by this author and enjoyed those. As usual I do enjoy stories set in small communities, this time there is the added factor of Venus and Mars becoming involved and the nasty developers (are there ever any good ones?). Great fun, slightly spicy (but not in any way explicit), a touch of eco awareness and a story that I really enjoyed, with characters that I liked and can definitely recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book through BookSirens, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
This is actually the third book in the series, I haven't read the first two (yet) but have read other books by this author and enjoyed those. As usual I do enjoy stories set in small communities, this time there is the added factor of Venus and Mars becoming involved and the nasty developers (are there ever any good ones?). Great fun, slightly spicy (but not in any way explicit), a touch of eco awareness and a story that I really enjoyed, with characters that I liked and can definitely recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book through BookSirens, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
May 12, 2024
I enjoyed this one so much more than the first book in the series.
The characters interacted well and there were enough side stories going on to keep you interested and wanting to know more.
Full of interesting, likeable and relatable characters and the addition of Eris was genius. Unlike the previous book, this time I felt myself getting really invested in the lives of these characters.
Venus and Mars seem to have much more personality and humanity than in the previous book. I really enjoyed the interplay between the gods, showcasing a whole different world and dynamics at play behind the scenes.
Looking forward to seeing more Books come in this series hopefully
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I'm looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters interacted well and there were enough side stories going on to keep you interested and wanting to know more.
Full of interesting, likeable and relatable characters and the addition of Eris was genius. Unlike the previous book, this time I felt myself getting really invested in the lives of these characters.
Venus and Mars seem to have much more personality and humanity than in the previous book. I really enjoyed the interplay between the gods, showcasing a whole different world and dynamics at play behind the scenes.
Looking forward to seeing more Books come in this series hopefully
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I'm looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2023
Oh my goodness this made me laugh so much.It is the first book i have read by Kay Keppler and it won't be the last.
I loved the main character's Abby and Hank.Hank moves to swallow lake as the new park ranger and Abby is the postmistress.They are both attracted to each other,but Abby has sworn off men and dating.
That is when Venus the goddess of love steps in to help them along the way to their happily ever after.
Things don't go as planned when Mars Venus soulmate comes to visit her,his sister Eris follows causing chaos along the way.Add the bad guys in and all the dual pov's and you have a great story with lots of laughter,some tears,romance and a happily ever after.
Absolutely fantastic read very highly reccomend.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I loved the main character's Abby and Hank.Hank moves to swallow lake as the new park ranger and Abby is the postmistress.They are both attracted to each other,but Abby has sworn off men and dating.
That is when Venus the goddess of love steps in to help them along the way to their happily ever after.
Things don't go as planned when Mars Venus soulmate comes to visit her,his sister Eris follows causing chaos along the way.Add the bad guys in and all the dual pov's and you have a great story with lots of laughter,some tears,romance and a happily ever after.
Absolutely fantastic read very highly reccomend.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
This book had a fun plot line: a small town trying to stop developers from taking down cabins to build apartments and other businesses being led by an architect school dropout, Abby. This book has many character interactions and side plots, which were sometimes fun additions, but I missed out on seeing Abby's relationships more, even though she was the main character.
This book involves multiple POVs, which sometimes were confusing to keep track of since they often changed and jumped around. While the world-building was pretty great, with a full community of characters, there seemed to be a lack of focus on any single character or plot line, making parts of the book boring or confusing.
I would say this book is good for someone looking for a book that does not have a huge emphasis on romantic relationships and emphasizes community and a wide range of characters.
This book involves multiple POVs, which sometimes were confusing to keep track of since they often changed and jumped around. While the world-building was pretty great, with a full community of characters, there seemed to be a lack of focus on any single character or plot line, making parts of the book boring or confusing.
I would say this book is good for someone looking for a book that does not have a huge emphasis on romantic relationships and emphasizes community and a wide range of characters.
May 21, 2023
Oh my, what a fabulous book!!!
I started reading this to pass the time on a coach journey to London and was disappointed when we arrived at our destination, as I had to put the book away. with only a few chapters left
The first paragraph made me think that it would be another woman finds man love story but I was not expecting the Gods to literally intervene. What an amazing twist in the tale with Venus, Mars and Eris meddling in the trials and tribulations of love in Swallow Lake
Abby is adorable and deserving the love of a good man despite being jilted at the alter, Hank the newcomer to Swallow Lake who is intrigued by Abby
Love love love the whole book and would read it again and again
I started reading this to pass the time on a coach journey to London and was disappointed when we arrived at our destination, as I had to put the book away. with only a few chapters left
The first paragraph made me think that it would be another woman finds man love story but I was not expecting the Gods to literally intervene. What an amazing twist in the tale with Venus, Mars and Eris meddling in the trials and tribulations of love in Swallow Lake
Abby is adorable and deserving the love of a good man despite being jilted at the alter, Hank the newcomer to Swallow Lake who is intrigued by Abby
Love love love the whole book and would read it again and again
May 28, 2023
What a delightful story! Set in the small town of Swallow Lake, this book has so much character! Abby, the postmistress, has given up a lot of her dreams to support her family. After being left at the altar three years ago, she has sworn off dating. The new park ranger Hank may make her question that decision.
Their small town is the target for a big hotel development company and the town is divided whether to embrace the change or try to stop it.
And then there is Venus, who is in town with the objective to make Hank and Abby fall in love. When Venus's boyfriend Mars comes to town to visit, his sister Eris follows and the results are chaotic!
This book was just wonderful!
Their small town is the target for a big hotel development company and the town is divided whether to embrace the change or try to stop it.
And then there is Venus, who is in town with the objective to make Hank and Abby fall in love. When Venus's boyfriend Mars comes to town to visit, his sister Eris follows and the results are chaotic!
This book was just wonderful!
April 16, 2023
Abby has reached a point in her life where she needs change. She stopped her career progress to look after her sister and mother, but is in a position to put life into perspective. Venus has a large part to play to help Abby find her soulmate, just as Mars is Venus's. There are various characters introduced and changes in perspective when the story should revolve around Abby. This is a soft and comfortable story to follow with intervening Gods and Goddesses.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
April 20, 2023
What a fun and quirky story about a little town that gets turned upside down when the gods come for a visit. Venus, Mars, Eris and Parker cause quite a stir as they battle against each other, with Eris leaving a wake of trouble behind her. I enjoyed seeing Abby and Hank’s relationship grow. Would have enjoyed more of Charlie and Kate. Perhaps another story? What about Susannah and Andy? All in all, an entertaining story from beginning to end.
April 21, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamic between all of the characters although at times I wished there was more focus on the two main characters and not so much on the side characters.
I enjoyed the aspect that the gods Venus, Mars and Eris were interfering in the mortals lives and the conflict it brought to the story.
A nice, clean romance novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the aspect that the gods Venus, Mars and Eris were interfering in the mortals lives and the conflict it brought to the story.
A nice, clean romance novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
I love this series where” the gods” come down and walk amidst us
This was a great story with “ the gods” all trying to overcome human’s feelings sometimes it was funny Eris however really annoying
Abby was just delightful what a character so glad she got what she deserved
Hank sounds adorable too what a thing he did for Abby ❤️
Simply great read wish I had some of their powers
I love this series where” the gods” come down and walk amidst us
This was a great story with “ the gods” all trying to overcome human’s feelings sometimes it was funny Eris however really annoying
Abby was just delightful what a character so glad she got what she deserved
Hank sounds adorable too what a thing he did for Abby ❤️
Simply great read wish I had some of their powers
December 5, 2023
First of all I want to say thank you to Netgalley and the publishers as I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this book, found it very engaging with loveable characters, and dotted with romance, humour and fun. Abby and Hank join forces to stop the building of a new hotel complex which will takeover the small town of Swallow Lake however things become more complicated when you through in a few meddling gods and goddesses!
Loved this book, found it very engaging with loveable characters, and dotted with romance, humour and fun. Abby and Hank join forces to stop the building of a new hotel complex which will takeover the small town of Swallow Lake however things become more complicated when you through in a few meddling gods and goddesses!
April 10, 2023
Ms. Directed is Book 3 in A Venus and Mars Affair by Kay Keppler. I thought that the title was fun and I was not disappointed! The story has a romance, ecology, and interference from the "gods" Dr J, Venus, Mars, and the mischievous Eris. I think the story is light hearted and fun. This book made me smile. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this fun and entertaining book. Looking at Abby and how she was going to start her life with her hopes and dreams was great. The fun part of the gods of Venus and Mars made this book quite entertaining. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this book of the series as well as the 1st one. The story line was inconsistent at times, and some of it seemed unnecessary. The whole gods and not God concept bothers me. Nevertheless, this book felt rushed to publish, yet it did have a Interesting ideas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 18, 2023
I'd rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I love how it can make you laugh as you read, but I did see a mistake in the book on page 79. 😅 I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance, an easy read, and loves chaos and drama.
May 18, 2023
Thank you to @netgalley, @KayKeppler and @Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC. Abby moved back home to nurse her mom back to health. While delivering mail on her current route, she runs into the new Park Ranger, Hank. They soon find out they are in a fight to keep their land protected from a new resort. The Mars, Venus and Eros arrive on the scene ready to make some changes!
This was really cute, fun story. The addition of the gods usually isn't my thing but it made the story really clever! I have enjoyed every one of her books!
#MsDirected #KayKeppler #Feb2023
This was really cute, fun story. The addition of the gods usually isn't my thing but it made the story really clever! I have enjoyed every one of her books!
#MsDirected #KayKeppler #Feb2023
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews