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Goddess Test #2.5B
The Lovestruck Goddess
"When I’m with him, I feel alive, not just immortal."
Flighty, capricious Ava thinks she isn’t suited to life as a Greek goddess. Their world is ruled by jealousy and war but Ava cares more for matters of the heart – and two boys specifically! But could discovering which one is her true love be Ava’s greatest weapon…
Flighty, capricious Ava thinks she isn’t suited to life as a Greek goddess. Their world is ruled by jealousy and war but Ava cares more for matters of the heart – and two boys specifically! But could discovering which one is her true love be Ava’s greatest weapon…
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
2922 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Carter
48 books4,854 followersAimée Carter is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the author of over a dozen books, including The Goddess Test series, the Blackcoat Rebellion series, and the Simon Thorn series for middle grade readers, now a #1 international bestselling series under the title Animox. Her newest middle grade book, Curse of the Phoenix, will be released in June from Margaret K. McElderry Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 8, 2013
Eros is my sun, Ares is my fire, but Hephaestus is my rock, my foundation, and no matter where I go or what I do, I will always come back to him. I know that now.
Afrodita(Ava) es uno de mis personajes favoritos en esta historia. Y poder conocer mas de ella fue asombroso.
La verdad de su relación con los hombres, es su esencia. Ella es la Diosa del amor y la lujuria, y es imposible que se delimite a un solo hombre. Pero eso no significa que ella no valore el amor. Tanto así como amó profundamente a Ares (Dylan) y él le dió lo mas importante en su vida, no supo ver mas allá, entender realmente como era todo.
Tuvo mil hombres en su vida, a algunos los amó, a otros los deseo, pero solo uno fue lo suficientemente importante como para saber entender su ser y aceptarla tal cual es.
Existen seres como Hephaestus (Nicholas)? Yo no lo sé. Pero lo que el siente y hace por ella es de un amor inimaginable. Y por eso lo amo.
Como dice, podrá estar con mil hombres, pero al final del día él sabe que ella va a ir a él, porque es su hogar.
*Ahora, finalmente entiendo porque ella estaba dispuesta a todo por él, hasta de traicionar a los demás.
Afrodita(Ava) es uno de mis personajes favoritos en esta historia. Y poder conocer mas de ella fue asombroso.
La verdad de su relación con los hombres, es su esencia. Ella es la Diosa del amor y la lujuria, y es imposible que se delimite a un solo hombre. Pero eso no significa que ella no valore el amor. Tanto así como amó profundamente a Ares (Dylan) y él le dió lo mas importante en su vida, no supo ver mas allá, entender realmente como era todo.
Tuvo mil hombres en su vida, a algunos los amó, a otros los deseo, pero solo uno fue lo suficientemente importante como para saber entender su ser y aceptarla tal cual es.
Existen seres como Hephaestus (Nicholas)? Yo no lo sé. Pero lo que el siente y hace por ella es de un amor inimaginable. Y por eso lo amo.
Como dice, podrá estar con mil hombres, pero al final del día él sabe que ella va a ir a él, porque es su hogar.
*Ahora, finalmente entiendo porque ella estaba dispuesta a todo por él, hasta de traicionar a los demás.
January 28, 2024
Was I really supposed to care about any of this? I couldn't help but laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of Hephaestus being oh so accepting of Aphrodite sleeping around. For anyone who is not well versed in Greek mythology, Hephaestus captured Aphrodite and Ares in a net while they were having sex in his bed, humiliated them by calling all the gods to see them bound and naked, called Aphrodite a bitch and told Zeus to return the bridal gifts he had received from Hephaestus in exchange for Aphrodite's hand, basically asking for a divorce. Ah yes, he also cursed Ares and Aphrodite's daughter Harmonia. What a softie, such relationship goals, wow! Yeah, I didn't buy this for one second. The fact that not one single character was compelling in the slightest and that every single one was OOC certainly didn't help
April 7, 2013
“The love that she wants or the love she needs…”
Aphrodite…by thinking of her name its all clear that she’s the Goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, means she can love many as she want.
This part of The Goddess Legacy makes it all clear on how she chooses to marry Hephaestus and how she and Ares fall in love to each other and have their first born Eros.
It’s so much twisted love story but I’m glad that Aphrodite understand her position as God.
Aphrodite…by thinking of her name its all clear that she’s the Goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, means she can love many as she want.
This part of The Goddess Legacy makes it all clear on how she chooses to marry Hephaestus and how she and Ares fall in love to each other and have their first born Eros.
It’s so much twisted love story but I’m glad that Aphrodite understand her position as God.
November 8, 2020
Ares o Hefesto. El amor que deseo o el que necesito.
Soy Team Hefesto de aquí a Pekín.
Y AFRODITA SE LLAMA AVA, PORQUE HEFESTO LE DIJO AVA.
AY NO SE
OTP
Soy Team Hefesto de aquí a Pekín.
Y AFRODITA SE LLAMA AVA, PORQUE HEFESTO LE DIJO AVA.
AY NO SE
OTP
January 11, 2016
Poor Aphrodite! Such a mean trick to play on her!
August 20, 2016
So sweet I loved this short novel. It gives us a glimpse of Aphrodite, Hepheastus and Ares.
August 21, 2020
My heart!!! I never could have appreciated this tale till I became a mother myself. Omg so perfect!!
January 22, 2020
** spoiler alert **
Book Review: Aimee Carter - The Lovestruck Goddess
"When I’m with him, I feel alive, not just immortal."
“I see what’s underneath his ugliness, just as he sees what’s underneath my beauty.”
― Aimee Carter, The Lovestruck Goddess
The Lovestruck Goddess is second in a series of five short stories about Greek gods and goddesses, compiled in The Goddess Legacy. I'll be reviewing them separately. This particular story revolves around Aphrodite, and the famous love triangle between her, Ares and Hephaestus. Above are two quotes that show a little comparison on how the two loves work - burning passion and warm compassion.
In Rick Riordan fashion, Aimee Carter retells a classic and puts a modern spin to it (and earns money). While the Percy Jackson series is heavy on adventure, though, Carter chooses to focus on romance. And with this story revolving around Aphrodite, we get to see a lot about love.
The Lovestruck Goddess tells of a different kind of love not usually tackled or widely accepted in popular YA novels and that is polyamory. I'm not averse to the idea, but I think that Carter's writing did not do it justice. What happened in the story was Aphrodite being needy or rather only fulfilling her momentary needs. She loved Ares, yes, but she also loved Hephaestus. That much was clear. But in spite her loving both gods, she acted more lovingly towards whose passion or whose care she needed at the time. Maybe it's just me. In any case, I applaud the author for tackling something different and trying to open people's eyes to this possibility.
Overall: Despite the fact that the events that transpired in this story should have occurred thousands of years ago, there is lots of slang and new words that didn't go with it. The characters also felt like a hastily done modernized stereotype of the gods. But aside from my problems with this series in general, I think the message of the story (whether it was done on purpose or not) is what's good about it. Polyamory (or having an open relationship) is not necessarily wrong, or even if we ourselves believe it is, we should not judge others involved in it.
3/5
Book Review: Aimee Carter - The Lovestruck Goddess
"When I’m with him, I feel alive, not just immortal."
“I see what’s underneath his ugliness, just as he sees what’s underneath my beauty.”
― Aimee Carter, The Lovestruck Goddess
The Lovestruck Goddess is second in a series of five short stories about Greek gods and goddesses, compiled in The Goddess Legacy. I'll be reviewing them separately. This particular story revolves around Aphrodite, and the famous love triangle between her, Ares and Hephaestus. Above are two quotes that show a little comparison on how the two loves work - burning passion and warm compassion.
In Rick Riordan fashion, Aimee Carter retells a classic and puts a modern spin to it (and earns money). While the Percy Jackson series is heavy on adventure, though, Carter chooses to focus on romance. And with this story revolving around Aphrodite, we get to see a lot about love.
The Lovestruck Goddess tells of a different kind of love not usually tackled or widely accepted in popular YA novels and that is polyamory. I'm not averse to the idea, but I think that Carter's writing did not do it justice. What happened in the story was Aphrodite being needy or rather only fulfilling her momentary needs. She loved Ares, yes, but she also loved Hephaestus. That much was clear. But in spite her loving both gods, she acted more lovingly towards whose passion or whose care she needed at the time. Maybe it's just me. In any case, I applaud the author for tackling something different and trying to open people's eyes to this possibility.
Overall: Despite the fact that the events that transpired in this story should have occurred thousands of years ago, there is lots of slang and new words that didn't go with it. The characters also felt like a hastily done modernized stereotype of the gods. But aside from my problems with this series in general, I think the message of the story (whether it was done on purpose or not) is what's good about it. Polyamory (or having an open relationship) is not necessarily wrong, or even if we ourselves believe it is, we should not judge others involved in it.
3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2015
Before I start this review I need to clarify something. I see "mythology" as religion. Because it is in fact, religion. Typically it's a religion that isn't widely practised any more and potentially not practised at all. The term mythology also tends to be used for just about any religious practice that is not a branch of Christianity. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME USING THE PHRASE RELIGION/RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IN PLACE OF MYTHOLOGY DO NOT READ ANY OF MY REVIEWS FOR THIS SERIES.
I both loved and hated this story. This is the story of Ava aka Aphrodite. Who in ancient Greek religious stories is the Goddess of Love. Ava is caught in between Ares and Hephaestus. Her father, Zeus wants her to marry the latter rather than the former.
Ava finds for herself that she can't choose between the two after she actually takes the time to get to know Hephaestus. And then chooses to be with both of them even though Ares gives her the ultimatum of "I can deal with sharing you with anyone BUT him". Which is a pretty shitty ultimatum to give someone especially when you're basically acknowledging that you're going to forever be in a polyamourous relationship with them. Especially when your only reasoning is that he's slightly deformed (because your dad was a dick) and that he's your "brother".
Ares winds up getting Ava pregnant and she gives birth to Eros (which for anyone who doesn't know ancient Greek religious stories is basically Cupid who was the Roman equivalent after Rome basically stole Greek's religion and changed everyone's names and a few job titles).
I like that the story kind of starts with her basically being told to be monogamous and she basically says fuck you I'm poly. And that it's painted in a better light than a LOT of poly type stories.
I both loved and hated this story. This is the story of Ava aka Aphrodite. Who in ancient Greek religious stories is the Goddess of Love. Ava is caught in between Ares and Hephaestus. Her father, Zeus wants her to marry the latter rather than the former.
Ava finds for herself that she can't choose between the two after she actually takes the time to get to know Hephaestus. And then chooses to be with both of them even though Ares gives her the ultimatum of "I can deal with sharing you with anyone BUT him". Which is a pretty shitty ultimatum to give someone especially when you're basically acknowledging that you're going to forever be in a polyamourous relationship with them. Especially when your only reasoning is that he's slightly deformed (because your dad was a dick) and that he's your "brother".
Ares winds up getting Ava pregnant and she gives birth to Eros (which for anyone who doesn't know ancient Greek religious stories is basically Cupid who was the Roman equivalent after Rome basically stole Greek's religion and changed everyone's names and a few job titles).
I like that the story kind of starts with her basically being told to be monogamous and she basically says fuck you I'm poly. And that it's painted in a better light than a LOT of poly type stories.
January 6, 2013
Review Taken From The Pewter Wolf
The Lovestruck Goddess follows Aphrodite, who finds herself falling for one god but might be forced to marry another by her Daddy, Zeus. So, Aphrodite runs away with the man she loves with a fiery passion, but when he leaves to fulfil his duties, where does this leave Aphrodite...? And, being the goddess of love, how much about love does she really know...?
Like with God of Thieves, I read this very quickly. And it was interesting to read Ava (as she's known in the Goddess Test [and I still haven't read Goddess Interrupted]) point of view so I sense this is more touched upon in Goddess Interrupted and The Goddess Inheritance. And she was one character I did want to know more about while I was reading The Goddess Test so this helped a bit in understanding her.
I have two problems. First, the love story. One of them happens very quickly and I wonder, now am writing this, if Aphrodite is actually in love or lust. Maybe this is me overthinking the story. My second problem is eNovella price but that isn't the author's fault so I will let this slide. This is, again, a fan read (and as I am a fan of the series, this is a good thing for me) so if you love the series and want more, this is perfect for you! If you're new to the series, then I would say read this at your peril as this want hint to the main story (which is a good thing for spoilers) but if you read The Goddess Test after this, you might be a little bit confused over how this is connected to the trilogy.
The Lovestruck Goddess follows Aphrodite, who finds herself falling for one god but might be forced to marry another by her Daddy, Zeus. So, Aphrodite runs away with the man she loves with a fiery passion, but when he leaves to fulfil his duties, where does this leave Aphrodite...? And, being the goddess of love, how much about love does she really know...?
Like with God of Thieves, I read this very quickly. And it was interesting to read Ava (as she's known in the Goddess Test [and I still haven't read Goddess Interrupted]) point of view so I sense this is more touched upon in Goddess Interrupted and The Goddess Inheritance. And she was one character I did want to know more about while I was reading The Goddess Test so this helped a bit in understanding her.
I have two problems. First, the love story. One of them happens very quickly and I wonder, now am writing this, if Aphrodite is actually in love or lust. Maybe this is me overthinking the story. My second problem is eNovella price but that isn't the author's fault so I will let this slide. This is, again, a fan read (and as I am a fan of the series, this is a good thing for me) so if you love the series and want more, this is perfect for you! If you're new to the series, then I would say read this at your peril as this want hint to the main story (which is a good thing for spoilers) but if you read The Goddess Test after this, you might be a little bit confused over how this is connected to the trilogy.
June 30, 2015
This short story was extremely cute, especially the ending. In really gave me new insight to Ava/Aphrodite. In the previous books, I just thought of her as Kate's friend/goddess. I thought she was kind of an air head who was a bit of a dead weight. She never actually did anything useful in the previous books, and she was a bit of a slut (which I was able to let go since she is Aphrodite). In this story, I thought Aimee Carter did a good job at explaining why Aphrodite is the way she is. It makes sense to me now. Since she's the goddess of love, it's natural that she'll see love everywhere, and must give love if she is receiving love. Although, I can't excuse Zeus. I mean, he married the goddess of marriage. What the hell did he expect?
Aphrodite also mentioned that some of the tests they put the newer gods through were kind of pointless. I couldn't agree more. No one is perfect, so I don't even see how anyone would be able to pass those tests if this was a real story. I understand why greed, selfishness, and envy are bad qualities, but some of the others shouldn't really affect the way they rule.
Anyways, this was a nice little story. It did move a little slowly in the middle, but the ending definite makes up for that. It ends on a strong note with a nice message - making me give this its third star.
Aphrodite also mentioned that some of the tests they put the newer gods through were kind of pointless. I couldn't agree more. No one is perfect, so I don't even see how anyone would be able to pass those tests if this was a real story. I understand why greed, selfishness, and envy are bad qualities, but some of the others shouldn't really affect the way they rule.
Anyways, this was a nice little story. It did move a little slowly in the middle, but the ending definite makes up for that. It ends on a strong note with a nice message - making me give this its third star.
December 17, 2014
I liked The Lovestruck Goddess. It's all about how Aphrodite became Ava and her first loves. Aphrodite was in love with Ares although she was betrothed to his brother, Hephaestus. The two run away to the island where she grew up in order to love each other freely, but Ares must leave to go to war despite Aphrodite's protests. While he's away, she finds a mortal man who is injured and takes care of him. Of course, they fall in love and he calls her Ava. I loved finding out where her human name came from, but the twist isn't really a twist, so that made the story a little less interesting.
While I did enjoy learning more about Ava in The Lovestruck Goddess, I can't say that I grew to like her more. I found her incredibly whiny and childish. Her decision making skills also left a lot to be desired. However, I did enjoy the theme of love coming in many forms and being able to love more than one person at a time. Romantic love wasn't the only love explored either. There's also familial love. I don't think this novella gave as much insight as the previous, but it was still a nice, quick read.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
While I did enjoy learning more about Ava in The Lovestruck Goddess, I can't say that I grew to like her more. I found her incredibly whiny and childish. Her decision making skills also left a lot to be desired. However, I did enjoy the theme of love coming in many forms and being able to love more than one person at a time. Romantic love wasn't the only love explored either. There's also familial love. I don't think this novella gave as much insight as the previous, but it was still a nice, quick read.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 26, 2016
After reading this short story, I really feel a deeper understanding of Aphrodite and the pain that she has felt over Ares and Hephaestus, and having to choose between the two loves that consumed her. Without the context of The Lovestruck Goddess, the Goddess Test series' version of Aphrodite seems troubled, especially with her having to choose between men in the series. The short story explores the life that she has lived in Olympus and the choices she has had to make regarding who she loves, as well as what love truly entices her the most. The love she wants, or the love she needs? What will she decide. We, as readers, are able to have an inside glance into her mind as well as the truth behind why Aphrodite is the way that she is. Readers are able to understand the choices that she makes in the series as well as the reasons behind them. I highly recommend reading this short story in order to understand her character better as well as additional information behind her story.
** You can find all of my reviews here, on my Goodreads page; add me as a friend!, as well as on my blog: www.thepaperworlds.blogspot.com and can find me on Instagram and Twitter as @thepaperworlds and on my Tumblr: www.thepaperworlds.tumblr.com **
** You can find all of my reviews here, on my Goodreads page; add me as a friend!, as well as on my blog: www.thepaperworlds.blogspot.com and can find me on Instagram and Twitter as @thepaperworlds and on my Tumblr: www.thepaperworlds.tumblr.com **
January 24, 2013
In here we see more of the goddess of love. I like the way the author explores the different ways to have love, lustful love, companionship love, familial love.
My respect goes to Hephaestus I wouldn't be so brave to accept that kind of relationship. But then again, I feel more in common with Aphrodite.
To be torn between two loves, two different persons, two different kinds of love and still love them equally, that's a hard decission to make.
My respect goes to Hephaestus I wouldn't be so brave to accept that kind of relationship. But then again, I feel more in common with Aphrodite.
To be torn between two loves, two different persons, two different kinds of love and still love them equally, that's a hard decission to make.
July 10, 2013
With a love of burning heat and passion and another of a slow and steady flame, Aphrodite indeed has a decision to make! Fleeing Olympus in hopes of escaping the marriage Zeus has set for her, Aphrodite decides to return to her birthplace to spend her life with Ares. All is happy until Eros is born and Ares leaves. Aphrodite is now lacking in love until a mortal man washes up hardly breathing on her shores.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2014
Oh Aphrodite/Ava. I am so glad I figured out who Eros/Eric's father is now! And I was just as surprised as Kate when we found out that Ava was married, but now we get the whole story of why she married.
But now I want to re-read the ending of the third book and see if someone else was affected by Ava's fate...
So far I'm loving these stories!
But now I want to re-read the ending of the third book and see if someone else was affected by Ava's fate...
So far I'm loving these stories!
October 14, 2015
It's hard to say anything about Aphrodite after reading this.
Yes she's the goddess of love, yes she can love more than one person, and yes Hephaestus is great, and for a goddess who'll live eternity I understand her point of view especially the love goddess, but if we look at it from the human's point of view I don't think so...
P.S. Eros is cute :D
Yes she's the goddess of love, yes she can love more than one person, and yes Hephaestus is great, and for a goddess who'll live eternity I understand her point of view especially the love goddess, but if we look at it from the human's point of view I don't think so...
P.S. Eros is cute :D
December 13, 2012
This is the story of Aphrodite choosing between Zues's sons. I thought it was an endearing story explaining the differences between love and lust. After finishing, I wasn't at all surprised of who she chose. The better brother definitely won.
April 27, 2013
I liked this story because it shows that Aphrodite actually loves Hephaestus! I also thought it was great that the author included Eros in the story. I liked Hera's story a little more but I really enjoyed this one as well!
August 5, 2016
A novella telling the back-story of Ava/Aphrodite. All about whether to choose the love you want or the love you need.
Not a bad novella, it was nice to know the story of one of the more prominent characters from the main series.
Not a bad novella, it was nice to know the story of one of the more prominent characters from the main series.
June 18, 2015
It was a good story about Aphrodite, but I still don't really like her, again she can't really choose just one man and to see that she has not learnt from her mistakes makes me look at her as an annoying little teenage girl.
So no not the biggest fan of her...
So no not the biggest fan of her...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2015
HEPHAESTUS IS THE BOMB, ARES IS A CHILD, EROS IS ADORABLE, AND APHRODITE IS GREAT. Zeus isn't a douche in this (probably because he loves aphrodite too much,) and Hera sounds like her own angry self again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2012
Plot: 3 1/2 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Style: 3 stars
Pace: 4 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Style: 3 stars
Pace: 4 stars
April 5, 2013
Loved it. :)
August 15, 2013
This story was super cute and relatable!I didnt know that Ava/Aphrodite had a son though... But I really liked seeing and learning about their pasts!
July 21, 2013
A Goddess short story.
Always liked Ava, but it was good to see how the orignal myths and legends of the God/Goddess's all ties in with each other.
Always liked Ava, but it was good to see how the orignal myths and legends of the God/Goddess's all ties in with each other.
September 27, 2013
*squeeee* Hephaestus is so sweett!! <3
February 14, 2016
4 Stars: Compelling. A page-turner. loved the characters. An excellent book, there was an interesting plot and unique story elements.
should go to the top of your reading list
should go to the top of your reading list
July 3, 2015
I didn't like this one as much.
January 5, 2016
Read as part of pack
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews