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Hearts and Arrows #2
Snake in the Grass
*18+*
It’s Round Two of high stakes Love Connection on Olympus, and this time, everything has changed. For Aphrodite, at least.
Ares is on deck, and Aphrodite is nervous. As much as she loves to hook up with him, she doesn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, which isn’t very far. He’s a big dude. They haven’t been together in a very long time, but she can’t resist him. She never could. Even when every part of her screamed that he was a liar.
Ares has a plan to keep Aphrodite, for good this time. He wants to win the game, but he’ll hold back to get what he wants. He’s sitting on a chance that he’s been waiting thousands of years for, and he’ll do what he has to do to convince her to stay forever.
The only thing that could stop him is the secret that he’s been keeping from her for eons. If she finds out, it will destroy everything.
Kat and Dillon have been through a lot, and everything has been to protect their younger siblings. They have sacrificed everything to make sure their brother and sister are safe. The players are tough and loyal. Fierce and determined. But they become each other’s weakness, even though they fight it, and even though it means danger for Kat and her sister.
If Aphrodite can get the players over their egos and issues long enough to see that they’re meant for each other, the competition will be a piece of cake. One that she’ll eat a la mode, right in front of Ares, if she beats him.
It’s Round Two of high stakes Love Connection on Olympus, and this time, everything has changed. For Aphrodite, at least.
Ares is on deck, and Aphrodite is nervous. As much as she loves to hook up with him, she doesn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, which isn’t very far. He’s a big dude. They haven’t been together in a very long time, but she can’t resist him. She never could. Even when every part of her screamed that he was a liar.
Ares has a plan to keep Aphrodite, for good this time. He wants to win the game, but he’ll hold back to get what he wants. He’s sitting on a chance that he’s been waiting thousands of years for, and he’ll do what he has to do to convince her to stay forever.
The only thing that could stop him is the secret that he’s been keeping from her for eons. If she finds out, it will destroy everything.
Kat and Dillon have been through a lot, and everything has been to protect their younger siblings. They have sacrificed everything to make sure their brother and sister are safe. The players are tough and loyal. Fierce and determined. But they become each other’s weakness, even though they fight it, and even though it means danger for Kat and her sister.
If Aphrodite can get the players over their egos and issues long enough to see that they’re meant for each other, the competition will be a piece of cake. One that she’ll eat a la mode, right in front of Ares, if she beats him.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2013
63 people are currently reading
1625 people want to read
About the author
Staci Hart
60 books6,217 followersI was the kid who stayed inside to read.
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 28, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
A literary gem!!! Staci Hart has once again slayed me with her visceral and breathtaking prose in her newest and latest release, Shift. Who would have thought a book that focuses on uniting two strangers falling in love could be so beautifully intertwined with Greek mythology? Two different stories taking place and yet one poignant and beautiful union begins.
“He would catch her. This time, he wouldn't let go.”
Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and so naturally she is paired with Ares, the God of War. Two complete opposites and yet there is a strong magnetic pull between them. In the backdrops of their connection, Dite and Ares will begin their game of love/hate. The human pawns that they will be playing with are Kat and Dillion. Either these two will fall in love or end up hating each other. Which one will win? Aphrodite or Ares? Let the games begin.
Kat and Dillion’s union is not what I consider a fairytale beginning. These two have this sexual energy brewing between them and yet untold secrets is their biggest downfall. Kat is all about protecting her sister, Kiki from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Dillion carries the burden of having an abusive father and fears that he will be just like him. Two different people from two different walks of life and yet they were destined to meet. A shift in the universe calling them to stop and see that fate brought them together and it is up to them to listen to their heart and soul. But what happens when danger comes knocking on their door? Is their love destined to prevail? Or will they discover, fate has another plan for them that ends in heartbreak?
The insertion of Greek gods and goddess and humans was what made this particular story stand out at the most. I especially loved the human storyline the most. Kat and Dillion are two complex characters but when they meet, a shift begins to take form. It is there, where readers can feel their sadness, longing, and struggles of doing what is right. The biggest underlying theme in this book is family, loyalty, and love. There is no shift in direction as to what Hart is telling her readers. Love is indeed a battle. A war of some kind where mixed emotions are raging. But in the end, love has this magical touch that can’t be explained only felt. And for Dillion and Kat, their union was beautiful. Soulful.
“He kissed her and never wanted to come up for air again. He'd drown happily, sink beneath the surface and hope he never hit the bottom.”
So if you are looking for a story that beautifully weaves family, truth, hurt, love and new beginnings in such a heartwarming manner then I highly urge you to get lost in Shift. Hart’s ability to create a beautiful imagery of two different planes of myth and reality is one tale that I will happily drown myself in. These characters. This imagery of Gods and humans. And this breathtaking message of love is one to be remembered and savored.
Staci Hart
A literary gem!!! Staci Hart has once again slayed me with her visceral and breathtaking prose in her newest and latest release, Shift. Who would have thought a book that focuses on uniting two strangers falling in love could be so beautifully intertwined with Greek mythology? Two different stories taking place and yet one poignant and beautiful union begins.
“He would catch her. This time, he wouldn't let go.”Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and so naturally she is paired with Ares, the God of War. Two complete opposites and yet there is a strong magnetic pull between them. In the backdrops of their connection, Dite and Ares will begin their game of love/hate. The human pawns that they will be playing with are Kat and Dillion. Either these two will fall in love or end up hating each other. Which one will win? Aphrodite or Ares? Let the games begin.
Kat and Dillion’s union is not what I consider a fairytale beginning. These two have this sexual energy brewing between them and yet untold secrets is their biggest downfall. Kat is all about protecting her sister, Kiki from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Dillion carries the burden of having an abusive father and fears that he will be just like him. Two different people from two different walks of life and yet they were destined to meet. A shift in the universe calling them to stop and see that fate brought them together and it is up to them to listen to their heart and soul. But what happens when danger comes knocking on their door? Is their love destined to prevail? Or will they discover, fate has another plan for them that ends in heartbreak?
The insertion of Greek gods and goddess and humans was what made this particular story stand out at the most. I especially loved the human storyline the most. Kat and Dillion are two complex characters but when they meet, a shift begins to take form. It is there, where readers can feel their sadness, longing, and struggles of doing what is right. The biggest underlying theme in this book is family, loyalty, and love. There is no shift in direction as to what Hart is telling her readers. Love is indeed a battle. A war of some kind where mixed emotions are raging. But in the end, love has this magical touch that can’t be explained only felt. And for Dillion and Kat, their union was beautiful. Soulful.
“He kissed her and never wanted to come up for air again. He'd drown happily, sink beneath the surface and hope he never hit the bottom.”So if you are looking for a story that beautifully weaves family, truth, hurt, love and new beginnings in such a heartwarming manner then I highly urge you to get lost in Shift. Hart’s ability to create a beautiful imagery of two different planes of myth and reality is one tale that I will happily drown myself in. These characters. This imagery of Gods and humans. And this breathtaking message of love is one to be remembered and savored.
Staci Hart
August 24, 2017
Staci Hart continues to SLAY ME with her words, her characters, and her brain! This is probably one of my absolute FAVORITES of hers!!! My heart hurts and yet it is so full at the same time! Ms. Hart gives us a bunch of moving parts, but lays it out in a way that flows effortlessly. There are characters to LOVE! There are characters that you will LOVE to HATE! SHIFT, book two in this amazing series HAS IT ALL! This was a BEAUTIFUL and COMPLEX MESS of a ROMANCE, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. This series is turning into something truly SPECIAL and I can't to dive into the next!
Whether you are rooting for the mortals or immortals, SHIFT has something for everyone. You would think with all of these different characters and relationships that it would be hard to keep up, but I'm telling you, once you read PAPER FOOLS, the first book in the series, you will become SO INVESTED in every single one of these characters, you will NEVER want to look away from the pages. I'm telling you, I'm absolutely HOOKED and there is no going back for me...and I'm definitely O.K. with that. I would expect nothing less from the writings of Staci Hart. She has quickly and effortlessly become one of my FAVORITE romance authors and it's because of the fact that she brings more than just characters and plot lines to the table. She brings so much heart and soul into every word she writes, holding us avid readers hostages until the last page has turned and sometimes, even beyond that.
I'm so excited for this series and the direction it is going. I can't wait to see what new characters will come up in the next book, and I can't wait to see more of these all-mighty greek gods get knocked down a peg or two. It's a PURE JOY to dive into a Staci Hart romance, and devouring SHIFT just made me more excited for what's to come.
August 16, 2017
HOLY FUCKING HELL. This book... this SERIES is just so incredible. I am so addicted and sucked in and PANTING for more. Full review to come!
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August 20, 2017
Paper Fools #99cSale: http://amzn.to/2p7KuUF
Shift: #99cPreorder: http://amzn.to/2wsS5Dg
It's happeninnnnnng!
August 25, 2017
***FULL REVIEW - AVAILABLE NOW***
5 Mythological CROWNS
I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. The way Staci Hart intertwined the romance of Kat and Dillon with that of Aphrodite and Ares is brilliant and captivated me from the very beginning.
The gods and their competition is a continuation from the first book, with Ares taking on Aphrodite. What I enjoyed about this book versus the last is the history between these two gods. The animosity that is laced with passion for each other charges each scene. Plus, I'm a huge mythology fan, so I love the connection to the myths and the gods. It is all so accurate to the actual myths, only making me love it more.
Also, unlike the last book Dillon and Kat's relationship enthralled me. I love how different they are, yet they share the same core values. The fire and the passion between shows parallels to the gods that have chosen them for this game, but there is a purity to their relationship that does not exist between the gods.
This story and the two co-existing plot lines will keep readers interested. There are the secrets between Ares, Apollo, and Aphrodite that are to be revealed, the outcome of the newest competition, and the plan to win the heart of Aphrodite. Each move by the gods not only affecting each other but the lives of mortals.
This story reminded me how much I love this world and all the players in it. It gives readers everything: romance, passion, suspense.
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ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com
5 Mythological CROWNS
I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. The way Staci Hart intertwined the romance of Kat and Dillon with that of Aphrodite and Ares is brilliant and captivated me from the very beginning.
The gods and their competition is a continuation from the first book, with Ares taking on Aphrodite. What I enjoyed about this book versus the last is the history between these two gods. The animosity that is laced with passion for each other charges each scene. Plus, I'm a huge mythology fan, so I love the connection to the myths and the gods. It is all so accurate to the actual myths, only making me love it more.
Also, unlike the last book Dillon and Kat's relationship enthralled me. I love how different they are, yet they share the same core values. The fire and the passion between shows parallels to the gods that have chosen them for this game, but there is a purity to their relationship that does not exist between the gods.
This story and the two co-existing plot lines will keep readers interested. There are the secrets between Ares, Apollo, and Aphrodite that are to be revealed, the outcome of the newest competition, and the plan to win the heart of Aphrodite. Each move by the gods not only affecting each other but the lives of mortals.
This story reminded me how much I love this world and all the players in it. It gives readers everything: romance, passion, suspense.
--------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com
July 18, 2013
OH GOOD GODS!!! HOLY HADES!!!! This book was AWESOME!!!! I was super excited to read this book. I really enjoyed the first book in the series as I’m a sucker for Greek mythology. The competition is on and this time the stakes are oh so very high as Dita takes on none other than the God of War himself - Ares!! Ares and Dita have a complicated history filled with lust/love and hate. Their chemistry is explosive, scorching OMG! Ares takes what he wants no questions asked and he wants Dita!!
The players Kat and Dillon WOW- they are both very guarded, do not trust easily and have tons of baggage! Dillon’s life has been anything but easy my heart felt for him and Owen.
Dillon lives life walking a thin line with his anger and rage that if ever crossed he doesn’t know if he would ever come back. Kat lives her life protecting her sister and trying to prove herself in a man’s world. She was strong, determined and didn’t take anyone’s BS. Dillon and Kat’s attraction is instant, but both are hesitant. Love is in the air!!!
I loved the flashbacks of the past in the story it gave a great perspective on the type of relationship Ares and Dita have as well as how Kat and Dillon grew up. As the story progresses, it’s evident Dita and Ares can’t keep their hands off each other. I loved the dynamic of their relationship, the connection they shared it was very intense and dark. It is oh so hard to resist Ares- swoon!! I must admit I was rooting for Ares and Dita to be together, but can it be so??? So many secrets and betrayals exist giving the story so much depth and emotion. I was so wrapped in the story; I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to continue the series it keeps getting better and better!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The players Kat and Dillon WOW- they are both very guarded, do not trust easily and have tons of baggage! Dillon’s life has been anything but easy my heart felt for him and Owen.
Dillon lives life walking a thin line with his anger and rage that if ever crossed he doesn’t know if he would ever come back. Kat lives her life protecting her sister and trying to prove herself in a man’s world. She was strong, determined and didn’t take anyone’s BS. Dillon and Kat’s attraction is instant, but both are hesitant. Love is in the air!!!
I loved the flashbacks of the past in the story it gave a great perspective on the type of relationship Ares and Dita have as well as how Kat and Dillon grew up. As the story progresses, it’s evident Dita and Ares can’t keep their hands off each other. I loved the dynamic of their relationship, the connection they shared it was very intense and dark. It is oh so hard to resist Ares- swoon!! I must admit I was rooting for Ares and Dita to be together, but can it be so??? So many secrets and betrayals exist giving the story so much depth and emotion. I was so wrapped in the story; I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to continue the series it keeps getting better and better!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
August 29, 2017
2 Stars
Read full review here: https://5171milesbookblog.wordpress.com
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for giving me a chance to review an advanced reader's copy of Shift.
I think that Staci Hart's idea of combining two separate stories into one book is brilliant, especially if one of the stories is about Greek Gods and what they are up to today. In fact, everything Staci Hart mentions about the Gods' relations to one another, their history, their relationships, their kids, all those things can be looked up in books or on the internet, because she used real facts from the Greek Mythology to write her work of fiction - well, as real as the Greek Mythology can be. ;) Those stories are intriguing and learning about them in a story of love and fiction is a bonus.
Unfortunately, this installment wasn't for me at all. Both stories were so slow and were prolonged artificially by the author in my opinion. The constant back and forth between Dillon & Kat and Ares & Aphrodite was tiring and could have been solved in a much quicker way. Plus, I didn't connect with Dillon and Kat which made me not care about them at all. The story and their past lives was too much and way over the top, which is why I skipped through the last 30% of the book.
Another thing that made me not want to pick up the book was the length of the chapters. I read the story on my kindle and the first four or five chapters had a time frame between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes each! Plus those chapters made up at least 50% of the book, and the book had 16 chapters in total. Maybe it's just me but long chapters are not for me. I do get why Staci Hart couldn't split it into smaller chapters, but it just made me dread the book.
**********
Oh boy.... This was a total let down...
Review to come!
Read full review here: https://5171milesbookblog.wordpress.com
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for giving me a chance to review an advanced reader's copy of Shift.
I think that Staci Hart's idea of combining two separate stories into one book is brilliant, especially if one of the stories is about Greek Gods and what they are up to today. In fact, everything Staci Hart mentions about the Gods' relations to one another, their history, their relationships, their kids, all those things can be looked up in books or on the internet, because she used real facts from the Greek Mythology to write her work of fiction - well, as real as the Greek Mythology can be. ;) Those stories are intriguing and learning about them in a story of love and fiction is a bonus.
Unfortunately, this installment wasn't for me at all. Both stories were so slow and were prolonged artificially by the author in my opinion. The constant back and forth between Dillon & Kat and Ares & Aphrodite was tiring and could have been solved in a much quicker way. Plus, I didn't connect with Dillon and Kat which made me not care about them at all. The story and their past lives was too much and way over the top, which is why I skipped through the last 30% of the book.
Another thing that made me not want to pick up the book was the length of the chapters. I read the story on my kindle and the first four or five chapters had a time frame between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes each! Plus those chapters made up at least 50% of the book, and the book had 16 chapters in total. Maybe it's just me but long chapters are not for me. I do get why Staci Hart couldn't split it into smaller chapters, but it just made me dread the book.
**********
Oh boy.... This was a total let down...
Review to come!
August 29, 2017
"They were fire and tinder, hot and destructive, dangerous and comforting."
I really am having fun with this series. I just love the idea of merging Greek Gods into the modern world. Sure, they are ruthless and play with other's lives but I can't seem to get enough of it. Not sure what that says about me.
Since Paper Fools, I wanted to get Ares and Aphrodite's story. Together these two are fire and ice. They are so much alike yet different. I was so torn throughout the entire book. I would pull for Ares and then I'd get angry with him. Yet at the end of the day, you know how much he loves Aphrodite.
Their game is set and both couldn't have picked a better player. Kat and Dillion have both lead tough lives. Neither one of them trusts easily and they only care about their siblings. So it's difficult to see how the two of them could ever fall in love. Both are fighters. One in the ring and one on the track. What I loved about these two were how broken they were but how much they needed the other to break out of their darkness.
I will admit that I was left a bit annoyed towards the end but only because I really wanted something to go my way and didn't get. Typical brat behavior. Haha.
I also liked the secondary characters in this book. Especially Kat's sister, Kiki and Dillion's brother, Owen. They are so different from their respective sibling but they all balance each other out. It really shows just how big of hearts all four of them have.
Overall, I enjoyed the second installment of this series. If you are looking for a slightly twisted story with Greek Gods and modern humans, then this might be the story for you. Games will be played. Hearts will be broken. Love will be found. Can't wait for the next one and I'll forever be pulling for Heff!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
I really am having fun with this series. I just love the idea of merging Greek Gods into the modern world. Sure, they are ruthless and play with other's lives but I can't seem to get enough of it. Not sure what that says about me.
Since Paper Fools, I wanted to get Ares and Aphrodite's story. Together these two are fire and ice. They are so much alike yet different. I was so torn throughout the entire book. I would pull for Ares and then I'd get angry with him. Yet at the end of the day, you know how much he loves Aphrodite.
Their game is set and both couldn't have picked a better player. Kat and Dillion have both lead tough lives. Neither one of them trusts easily and they only care about their siblings. So it's difficult to see how the two of them could ever fall in love. Both are fighters. One in the ring and one on the track. What I loved about these two were how broken they were but how much they needed the other to break out of their darkness.
I will admit that I was left a bit annoyed towards the end but only because I really wanted something to go my way and didn't get. Typical brat behavior. Haha.
I also liked the secondary characters in this book. Especially Kat's sister, Kiki and Dillion's brother, Owen. They are so different from their respective sibling but they all balance each other out. It really shows just how big of hearts all four of them have.
Overall, I enjoyed the second installment of this series. If you are looking for a slightly twisted story with Greek Gods and modern humans, then this might be the story for you. Games will be played. Hearts will be broken. Love will be found. Can't wait for the next one and I'll forever be pulling for Heff!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
August 28, 2017
4.5 galaxy defying stars!!!!
As soon as I finished this book I went out to my balcony and screamed how much I love Staci.
It has been a hundred years since Ares had a taste of the woman he loves. She has avoided him at all costs but now that every last obstacle has been removed, he is ready to claim her as his once again. And this time he is not letting her go.
I am going to say it even though we all know and feel it. Staci is a genius when it comes to story telling. She takes everything you love and makes it tenfold better so you can't do anything but rock yourself because you physically CANNOT handle something this amazing.
I thought I was prepared for Ares and Dita, Dillion and Kat but I was wrong. I was SO SO WRONG. Nothing could have prepared my heart for this. Dillion has my heart forever because GOD he is such a precious soul and he deserves all the happiness in this World.
I loved every character that Staci created and seriously the Gods acting as normal humans would just makes my soul happy. The entire premise is so refreshing and well crafted I just couldn't help myself from falling in love with the Greek Gods all over again. THIS SERIES IS LIFE, Y'ALL!! ~Sonal
As soon as I finished this book I went out to my balcony and screamed how much I love Staci.
It has been a hundred years since Ares had a taste of the woman he loves. She has avoided him at all costs but now that every last obstacle has been removed, he is ready to claim her as his once again. And this time he is not letting her go.
I am going to say it even though we all know and feel it. Staci is a genius when it comes to story telling. She takes everything you love and makes it tenfold better so you can't do anything but rock yourself because you physically CANNOT handle something this amazing.
I thought I was prepared for Ares and Dita, Dillion and Kat but I was wrong. I was SO SO WRONG. Nothing could have prepared my heart for this. Dillion has my heart forever because GOD he is such a precious soul and he deserves all the happiness in this World.
I loved every character that Staci created and seriously the Gods acting as normal humans would just makes my soul happy. The entire premise is so refreshing and well crafted I just couldn't help myself from falling in love with the Greek Gods all over again. THIS SERIES IS LIFE, Y'ALL!! ~Sonal
September 3, 2017
4 stars!
Shift is the second book in the Hearts & Arrows series by Staci Hart. Full of mythology, magic, and excitement, it’s an entertaining story where Greeks gods love their games and unsuspecting humans are the players. Ares and Aphrodite are the next competitors and each has their own reward in mind.
Ares has been pining for Aphrodite for thousands of years. Though they have shared years upon years of intimate moments, it's been a hundred years since they've truly been together. Ares is tired of waiting and finally has a chance to turn the tables and erase the bad blood between him and Aphrodite.
To begin the competition, the players are chosen - Dillion by Ares and Kat by Aphrodite. Dillion is a boxer who wants to disappear when he's not fighting and Kat is running from her past. Both are closed off from everyone but their siblings and both are hard and cold. Their initial meeting leads to an intense confrontation and Ares and Aphrodite are in for a fight.
I love that each book in this series is more than just one story. This one focuses on Aphrodite and Ares as well as Dillion and Kat, and the link between the two stories is amusing and magical.
Ares craves Aphrodite and I felt his desperate longing. However, his secrets are huge and I knew this story wouldn't be an easy one. Aphrodite is fun, sassy, and interesting. I love her confidence and determination to win especially because she cares so much for humans.
The game is always a challenge for Aphrodite but this one is even more difficult because of the history she shares with Ares. Even though they can't deny their connection, they fight all the time and it is difficult to imagine them moving on from their complex past towards a better future. Their chemistry is palpable and the sexual tension is strung so tight you know there'll be an explosion the moment they give into it. The buildup is delicious and together they are intense and passionate, a frenzy that is unstoppable. But not everything is as it seems and their relationship is as turbulent as ever.
The game is interesting and I thought the players were well chosen. Dillion is filled with anger and I could feel his emotional conflict pulsating through his body. His childhood was awful and it broke my heart to see what he went through. He does everything for his brother and I loved how much he cared. I felt his pain while he fought his demons and I wanted him to overcome his past. Kat had such a big heart and it saddened me that she had to take on the responsibilities she did with little help from others. I felt her frustrations and fears but also knew her dreams. She too has demons and I didn't want them dragging her down.
From the moment they meet there is a spark between Kat and Dillion. They are drawn to each other and the attraction is fierce. Both are similar and it was apparent that they would fight as much as they get along and I enjoyed watching their relationship form even when it hit bumps in the road.
Overall, Shift is an enjoyable addition to the Hearts & Arrows series. Fast-paced and entertaining, it was easy to get caught up in the story. I can't wait for more especially with all that transpired at the end!
*ARC generously provided by the author and Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review*
Shift is the second book in the Hearts & Arrows series by Staci Hart. Full of mythology, magic, and excitement, it’s an entertaining story where Greeks gods love their games and unsuspecting humans are the players. Ares and Aphrodite are the next competitors and each has their own reward in mind.
They were Mars and Venus. Man and Woman. Ares and Aphrodite. The bond between them was unbreakable, undeniable, no matter how she had tried to reject it, tried to stay away. She'd never quite succeeded. She never would.
Even the gods could not betray the will of the stars.
Ares has been pining for Aphrodite for thousands of years. Though they have shared years upon years of intimate moments, it's been a hundred years since they've truly been together. Ares is tired of waiting and finally has a chance to turn the tables and erase the bad blood between him and Aphrodite.
The ground had shifted, tilted in Ares's favor, and with Aphrodite's fitting unsteady, she would fall.
He would catch her.
This time, he wouldn't let go.
To begin the competition, the players are chosen - Dillion by Ares and Kat by Aphrodite. Dillion is a boxer who wants to disappear when he's not fighting and Kat is running from her past. Both are closed off from everyone but their siblings and both are hard and cold. Their initial meeting leads to an intense confrontation and Ares and Aphrodite are in for a fight.
"Let the games begin."
I love that each book in this series is more than just one story. This one focuses on Aphrodite and Ares as well as Dillion and Kat, and the link between the two stories is amusing and magical.
Ares craves Aphrodite and I felt his desperate longing. However, his secrets are huge and I knew this story wouldn't be an easy one. Aphrodite is fun, sassy, and interesting. I love her confidence and determination to win especially because she cares so much for humans.
"It'll all work out. I've got my ass kicking boots laces tight and my Girl Power playlist locked and loaded. Plus, when do I ever lose?"
The game is always a challenge for Aphrodite but this one is even more difficult because of the history she shares with Ares. Even though they can't deny their connection, they fight all the time and it is difficult to imagine them moving on from their complex past towards a better future. Their chemistry is palpable and the sexual tension is strung so tight you know there'll be an explosion the moment they give into it. The buildup is delicious and together they are intense and passionate, a frenzy that is unstoppable. But not everything is as it seems and their relationship is as turbulent as ever.
"We fought with words and fists and claws and teeth, and we fucked with the same."
The game is interesting and I thought the players were well chosen. Dillion is filled with anger and I could feel his emotional conflict pulsating through his body. His childhood was awful and it broke my heart to see what he went through. He does everything for his brother and I loved how much he cared. I felt his pain while he fought his demons and I wanted him to overcome his past. Kat had such a big heart and it saddened me that she had to take on the responsibilities she did with little help from others. I felt her frustrations and fears but also knew her dreams. She too has demons and I didn't want them dragging her down.
From the moment they meet there is a spark between Kat and Dillion. They are drawn to each other and the attraction is fierce. Both are similar and it was apparent that they would fight as much as they get along and I enjoyed watching their relationship form even when it hit bumps in the road.
"They're so much alike, and that might've their end. Because if neither of them will bend, they'll break."
Overall, Shift is an enjoyable addition to the Hearts & Arrows series. Fast-paced and entertaining, it was easy to get caught up in the story. I can't wait for more especially with all that transpired at the end!
*ARC generously provided by the author and Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review*
June 22, 2013
5 Outstanding Stars
I've been a fan of Staci's Good God series since I accidently stumbled over her first book Deer in Headlights . I was lucky to read an advanced copy of Snake in the Grass and it literally blew my mind.
Staci's way of writing totally hooked me and I couldn't get enough of Dita, Ares, and the other Gods. She perfectly includes some awesome flashbacks into her story which functioned as the missing pieces to a puzzle - I totally loved to read those!!
Her story put me many times on edge and it never got boring. Snake in the Gras gives you the perfect mix of romance, desire, passion, and revenge. Staci surprises the reader with twists and turns which made it impossible to stop reading.
In her second book the reader gets a deeper knowledge of the difficult realtionship between Aphrodite and Ares; especially, since it's there time to compete against each other. Ares is eager to win but doesn't want to lose Dita by doing so.Throughout their competition Dita, Ares and even Adonis have to face hardship. This story was literally a roller coaster for my emotions and nerves.
The story of the Gods human players, Kat and Dillon, are added awesomely to the story. It's pure joy to read how Dita,the Goddess of Love, brings the two players together and crossed Ares by doing so. Staci wrote a pretty sweet love story for them and I enjoyed it a lot-actually I was pretty thrilled reading how it did end.
Staci's Snake in the Grass definitely deserved 5 Stars because she wrote a magnificant story and I'm looking forward to read more of her Good God series!! I can and will recommend this book to everyone - it is a must read!
Hook Me Up Book Blog: http://hookmeupbookblog.blogspot.com.au/
I've been a fan of Staci's Good God series since I accidently stumbled over her first book Deer in Headlights . I was lucky to read an advanced copy of Snake in the Grass and it literally blew my mind.
Staci's way of writing totally hooked me and I couldn't get enough of Dita, Ares, and the other Gods. She perfectly includes some awesome flashbacks into her story which functioned as the missing pieces to a puzzle - I totally loved to read those!!
Her story put me many times on edge and it never got boring. Snake in the Gras gives you the perfect mix of romance, desire, passion, and revenge. Staci surprises the reader with twists and turns which made it impossible to stop reading.
In her second book the reader gets a deeper knowledge of the difficult realtionship between Aphrodite and Ares; especially, since it's there time to compete against each other. Ares is eager to win but doesn't want to lose Dita by doing so.Throughout their competition Dita, Ares and even Adonis have to face hardship. This story was literally a roller coaster for my emotions and nerves.
The story of the Gods human players, Kat and Dillon, are added awesomely to the story. It's pure joy to read how Dita,the Goddess of Love, brings the two players together and crossed Ares by doing so. Staci wrote a pretty sweet love story for them and I enjoyed it a lot-actually I was pretty thrilled reading how it did end.
Staci's Snake in the Grass definitely deserved 5 Stars because she wrote a magnificant story and I'm looking forward to read more of her Good God series!! I can and will recommend this book to everyone - it is a must read!
Hook Me Up Book Blog: http://hookmeupbookblog.blogspot.com.au/
August 20, 2017
I'm not sure how to write this review. Like I'm not sure how to full explain SHIFT to you at all. I have SO MANY good words swimming around in my head that could describe it but I feel that none of them are enough to actually make you understand what SHIFT is.
SHIFT takes us back to the ever magical and mythical world of greek Gods and their wars of love. Now I'm not a reader of the magical, mythical, fantasy type romances they just don't do it for me. BUT these books do, you see, Staci blends all that magical, mythical stuff with modern, contemporary romance. These gods are soooo cool and up to date. It's a compelling twist and mix of history, gods and humans, that just WORKS. So, so well. It also helps that these gods & humans are HOT!!!!!
I feel I should also make it clear that I am not a lover of 3rd person stories at all *gasp*. It's true, I generally try and avoid them. Again they just don't do it for me, I never fully feel connected to the characters or the story. BUT in SHIFT I honestly couldn't have been more connected. The whole time I was reading I was so utterly captivated by the characters, invested in the games of love, in awe at the way this story was so passionately written. From beginning to end Staci literally sits you in the damn novel and everything around you disappears bar what is playing out on the pages...
You feel the blood, the sweat, the tears. You feel the heartbreak and pain. You feel the heat and the passion. You feel the love.
NOTHING is left unsaid in this story.
SHIFT is addicting. It's pure magic delivered in a raw, compelling way. And this proves that every once in awhile you should step outside of your comfort zone and take a chance on something a little different. I have and I don't regret a single second of it.
SHIFT takes us back to the ever magical and mythical world of greek Gods and their wars of love. Now I'm not a reader of the magical, mythical, fantasy type romances they just don't do it for me. BUT these books do, you see, Staci blends all that magical, mythical stuff with modern, contemporary romance. These gods are soooo cool and up to date. It's a compelling twist and mix of history, gods and humans, that just WORKS. So, so well. It also helps that these gods & humans are HOT!!!!!
I feel I should also make it clear that I am not a lover of 3rd person stories at all *gasp*. It's true, I generally try and avoid them. Again they just don't do it for me, I never fully feel connected to the characters or the story. BUT in SHIFT I honestly couldn't have been more connected. The whole time I was reading I was so utterly captivated by the characters, invested in the games of love, in awe at the way this story was so passionately written. From beginning to end Staci literally sits you in the damn novel and everything around you disappears bar what is playing out on the pages...
You feel the blood, the sweat, the tears. You feel the heartbreak and pain. You feel the heat and the passion. You feel the love.
NOTHING is left unsaid in this story.
SHIFT is addicting. It's pure magic delivered in a raw, compelling way. And this proves that every once in awhile you should step outside of your comfort zone and take a chance on something a little different. I have and I don't regret a single second of it.
August 6, 2013
Holy Hades Five Stars!
Staci Hart your writing just keeps getting better. This book sucks you in and doesn't let go. I finished this book last night and still keep thinking about where she is going to go with the next book (which I need NOW).
Snake in the Grass follows the long complicated history of Ares and Dita. These two take love/hate relationships to a whole new level. Ares wants one thing out of life and that's Dita. Now that he thinks he has her he will do anything to keep her for good. Dita on the other hand loves Ares in bed, but doesn't want to take it anywhere else. The storm is brewing between these two straight from the start and when it arrives it is explosive.
Dillon and Kat are the mortal pawns in this round. Dillon is sexy and angry. He grew up in a home where fighting was how he protected himself and his brother Owen. His father was a drunk asshat who killed his mother and tried to beat Owen everyday. Now Dillon is afraid to get close to someone because he might snap like his father and hurt them. His struggle with control is truly heartbreaking. Staci makes you feel how raw his pain his.
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Kat is tough as nails and as loyal as they come. Shes seen to many men show there true colors to ever let one get close and even if she hadn't there is no way she would let one distract her from protecting her sister. Family is everything to Kat.....
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"
......until she meets Dillon. Shit hits the fan quick. These two can't keep they mouths shut for 30 seconds to hear anyone out. Do you know how many times I wanted to slap these two for how they were acting. There ego knows no bounds.
Dita is determined to simmer these two down long enough to show them that they are perfect for each other and she can't wait to throw it in Ares face. What she doesn't realize is Ares may have one last trick up his sleeve. Will she win this round or will Ares destroy everything?
Staci Hart your writing just keeps getting better. This book sucks you in and doesn't let go. I finished this book last night and still keep thinking about where she is going to go with the next book (which I need NOW).
Snake in the Grass follows the long complicated history of Ares and Dita. These two take love/hate relationships to a whole new level. Ares wants one thing out of life and that's Dita. Now that he thinks he has her he will do anything to keep her for good. Dita on the other hand loves Ares in bed, but doesn't want to take it anywhere else. The storm is brewing between these two straight from the start and when it arrives it is explosive.
Dillon and Kat are the mortal pawns in this round. Dillon is sexy and angry. He grew up in a home where fighting was how he protected himself and his brother Owen. His father was a drunk asshat who killed his mother and tried to beat Owen everyday. Now Dillon is afraid to get close to someone because he might snap like his father and hurt them. His struggle with control is truly heartbreaking. Staci makes you feel how raw his pain his.
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Kat is tough as nails and as loyal as they come. Shes seen to many men show there true colors to ever let one get close and even if she hadn't there is no way she would let one distract her from protecting her sister. Family is everything to Kat.....
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"......until she meets Dillon. Shit hits the fan quick. These two can't keep they mouths shut for 30 seconds to hear anyone out. Do you know how many times I wanted to slap these two for how they were acting. There ego knows no bounds.
Dita is determined to simmer these two down long enough to show them that they are perfect for each other and she can't wait to throw it in Ares face. What she doesn't realize is Ares may have one last trick up his sleeve. Will she win this round or will Ares destroy everything?
August 25, 2017
This is the second book in the Hearts and Arrows series and much like the first it is really two stories in one. Well in this case almost three stories all in one. In one story we have Ares and Aphrodite who have centuries of history, filled with lies, betrayal and love. In the other other story we have Kat and Dillon who do not get off on the right foot. While in the background there is another story playing out.
Told in alternating places Ares and Dite are up against each other in this round and this is not just a simple game the Gods play. I knew going in that there was some serious history between these two but you are only given a flavor of it in the last book. In this book their story is a lot more than I expected. It was heated and vicious and sometimes the truth will not set you free.
While down on earth Dillon is a fighter and running from who he could become, while Kat is also a fighter but she is a fierce protector who too is running from something. And even though there is a connection instantly between these two characters, first impressions can be killer.
Overall this story had a lot more in it than I bargained for. There was suspense and eye-opening truths. There was heat and passion and just a whole lot of story. As this is the second book and I had already read some of these characters, they felt different in this story. They felt more broken and serious then the last time. This whole book seemed more intense than the last one actually. There were a few take a breath moments and the beginning was setting the story up. Then it hit a point where I was locked in and I couldn't do anything other than finish. There was also this third story going on that I really enjoyed but putting it all together it felt like a lot. This is still one of my favorite authors and she has the power of great words and stories so I look forward to what more can come of this series.
October 9, 2017
“‘They’re so much alike, and that might be their end. Because if neither of them will bend, they’ll break .’”
You know a book is good when you can’t put it down and your quote highlights? Yeah those are nonexistent because you were just THAT tuned into the book. Classic Staci Hart novel right there and Shift was no different!
This book was just EVERYTHING! I can’t. I couldn’t. My heart would not stop beating for the LIFE OF ME while reading this book. Not to mention the passion each character has for their craft was just jaw dropping.
The two characters were basically one in the same which made for an even better book. They were both hardheaded and stubborn. They both knew what they wanted. They both knew it was each other yet something stood in their way. I just, can’t! Goodness me watching their story unfold with a dark undertone was almost too much for my poor heart. SO DAMN GOOD!
You know a book is good when you can’t put it down and your quote highlights? Yeah those are nonexistent because you were just THAT tuned into the book. Classic Staci Hart novel right there and Shift was no different!
This book was just EVERYTHING! I can’t. I couldn’t. My heart would not stop beating for the LIFE OF ME while reading this book. Not to mention the passion each character has for their craft was just jaw dropping.
The two characters were basically one in the same which made for an even better book. They were both hardheaded and stubborn. They both knew what they wanted. They both knew it was each other yet something stood in their way. I just, can’t! Goodness me watching their story unfold with a dark undertone was almost too much for my poor heart. SO DAMN GOOD!
July 28, 2013
This may contain very minor spoilers the end and major events were left out of the review
Ok, where do I start? I received an advanced copy of this book to give an honest review because Staci Hart is my favorite person EVER!!
So let me be completely honest
I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK BEYOND WORDS.
One of my favorite books this year. WOW the emotions that this book makes you feel, is overwhelming and completely awesome. Books that make you want to throw them across the room because you get so angry at the characters = an AMAZINGLY AWESOME READ!!!
Lets start at the beginning....
You will be happy to get a glimpse at what Lex and Dean are up to since we last left them. It’s not to long but just enough to make you want to read the first book all over again Hahaha
Ok so in the book we have a new competition with new players. This time Dita goes against Ares (that handsome god of war) and both pick players with some major issues. All your favorite gods are back and you get to hang out with a few that weren’t or had small parts in the first book. The chemistry between Dita and Ares is HOT. They have a few SEXY moments that I may or may not have read twice…. Seriously that HOT ;) They both have such a strong history together and with Adonis out of the way (Because Dita gave Apollo Daphane back) Ares finally has his shot with Dita and this time he plans to make her his forever…. Obsessive? Like scary stalker, do-anything-to-get-the-person-I-want-kind-of-obsessive (still kind of makes him hot in a crazy obsessive person way) ;) Dita is also trying to find out the real story of who killed Adonis and with the help of Perry and a few others she learns the truth but she also realizes something about Adonis. (No I’m not going to tell you) which cause a series of events that will truly break your heart and by the end bring you to tears. I actually can’t think about it because it makes me want to cry.
(Well, thanks, guess whose crying again, damn it)
**grab’s tissues, takes deep breath, release**
OK…
This time the players are Kat and Dillon and OMG do they have issues. They both come from completely different backgrounds, Dillon’s backstory is heartbreaking and Kat’s is a pretty average childhood (sort of) but they are both stubborn, hot headed and truly dedicated to their younger sibling going above and beyond to protect them. There is so much emotion between both of these characters that one minute you want to mush their faces, the next minute you are so happy and the next minute you want to throw the book then grab it again, apologize and find out what happens next. I had a few moments with Kat, that I was ripping my hair out she drove me crazy how she kept stuff to herself. At some one point I was screaming for her to PICK UP THE PHONE!!!!
Kat left Vegas to get away from her sister Kiki’s ex boyfriend who is an abusive jerk. Which brings them to NY were they go into hiding. They meet Owen and Dillon at the bar the girls work at. Kiki falls instantly for Owen and you can feel the sparks between Kat and Dillon but they are so hostile towards each other at first, kind of guarded trying to protect there younger siblings. As Kat feels herself getting closer to Dillon she is scared that she will let her guard down and Kiki’s ex will find them. How can she keep her sister safe if Dillon and her feeling for him distract her?
Any book that can make you feel the emotions of each character and have your heartbreak with them or worry that things will go wrong for them is a great read.
I love how the stories all mesh together and you can see a bit of Kat and Dillon’s story project in Ares and Ditas. It’s hard to explain without giving too much away,
You really must read the book!!! I have given you just a glimpse at what is going on there is so much more!!!!!
Staci Hart really knows how to tell a story with great detail. I loved the flashbacks; just like the first book they add so much to the story. They were just as interesting to read as the actually present day storyline.
Hanging with the Gods again was like joining a group of friend at a reunion. It was so great to catch up on what has been going on and hear about things that went on in the past.
I can’t express enough how much I love this series and how strongly I feel that you should read them. You will not be disappointed. Yet again Staci did an amazing job bringing the lives of the Greek gods and the players to life. I will miss them. Can’t wait for the next one.
Ok, where do I start? I received an advanced copy of this book to give an honest review because Staci Hart is my favorite person EVER!!
So let me be completely honest
I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK BEYOND WORDS.
One of my favorite books this year. WOW the emotions that this book makes you feel, is overwhelming and completely awesome. Books that make you want to throw them across the room because you get so angry at the characters = an AMAZINGLY AWESOME READ!!!
Lets start at the beginning....
You will be happy to get a glimpse at what Lex and Dean are up to since we last left them. It’s not to long but just enough to make you want to read the first book all over again Hahaha
Ok so in the book we have a new competition with new players. This time Dita goes against Ares (that handsome god of war) and both pick players with some major issues. All your favorite gods are back and you get to hang out with a few that weren’t or had small parts in the first book. The chemistry between Dita and Ares is HOT. They have a few SEXY moments that I may or may not have read twice…. Seriously that HOT ;) They both have such a strong history together and with Adonis out of the way (Because Dita gave Apollo Daphane back) Ares finally has his shot with Dita and this time he plans to make her his forever…. Obsessive? Like scary stalker, do-anything-to-get-the-person-I-want-kind-of-obsessive (still kind of makes him hot in a crazy obsessive person way) ;) Dita is also trying to find out the real story of who killed Adonis and with the help of Perry and a few others she learns the truth but she also realizes something about Adonis. (No I’m not going to tell you) which cause a series of events that will truly break your heart and by the end bring you to tears. I actually can’t think about it because it makes me want to cry.
(Well, thanks, guess whose crying again, damn it)
**grab’s tissues, takes deep breath, release**
OK…
This time the players are Kat and Dillon and OMG do they have issues. They both come from completely different backgrounds, Dillon’s backstory is heartbreaking and Kat’s is a pretty average childhood (sort of) but they are both stubborn, hot headed and truly dedicated to their younger sibling going above and beyond to protect them. There is so much emotion between both of these characters that one minute you want to mush their faces, the next minute you are so happy and the next minute you want to throw the book then grab it again, apologize and find out what happens next. I had a few moments with Kat, that I was ripping my hair out she drove me crazy how she kept stuff to herself. At some one point I was screaming for her to PICK UP THE PHONE!!!!
Kat left Vegas to get away from her sister Kiki’s ex boyfriend who is an abusive jerk. Which brings them to NY were they go into hiding. They meet Owen and Dillon at the bar the girls work at. Kiki falls instantly for Owen and you can feel the sparks between Kat and Dillon but they are so hostile towards each other at first, kind of guarded trying to protect there younger siblings. As Kat feels herself getting closer to Dillon she is scared that she will let her guard down and Kiki’s ex will find them. How can she keep her sister safe if Dillon and her feeling for him distract her?
Any book that can make you feel the emotions of each character and have your heartbreak with them or worry that things will go wrong for them is a great read.
I love how the stories all mesh together and you can see a bit of Kat and Dillon’s story project in Ares and Ditas. It’s hard to explain without giving too much away,
You really must read the book!!! I have given you just a glimpse at what is going on there is so much more!!!!!
Staci Hart really knows how to tell a story with great detail. I loved the flashbacks; just like the first book they add so much to the story. They were just as interesting to read as the actually present day storyline.
Hanging with the Gods again was like joining a group of friend at a reunion. It was so great to catch up on what has been going on and hear about things that went on in the past.
I can’t express enough how much I love this series and how strongly I feel that you should read them. You will not be disappointed. Yet again Staci did an amazing job bringing the lives of the Greek gods and the players to life. I will miss them. Can’t wait for the next one.
August 22, 2017
OMG this series is simply stunning I can't think of a single thing I dislike. The premise for these stories is unique, I don't know of any other books like them.
The author gives us a love story with a twist and it's not just one couple we follow. The gods are playing again they've picked their players and will use any means that win.
Kat and Dillon are fantastic characters on their own but together they are dynamite. From the moment they meet sparks fly they hate each other but somehow they have to be civil to each other. Dillon's brother Owen and Kat's sister Kiki have been struck by cupids arrow, they've fell hard and fast for each other. We learn more about the difficult and tempestuous relationship between Aphrodite and Ares, the Goddess of Love and the God of War it was never going to be easy.
With so many characters it should be confusing but it's not. It's intoxicating, beguiling, it's compelling and addictive and passionate and it had me bewitched.
I've no idea who is next but I can't wait,
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
The author gives us a love story with a twist and it's not just one couple we follow. The gods are playing again they've picked their players and will use any means that win.
Kat and Dillon are fantastic characters on their own but together they are dynamite. From the moment they meet sparks fly they hate each other but somehow they have to be civil to each other. Dillon's brother Owen and Kat's sister Kiki have been struck by cupids arrow, they've fell hard and fast for each other. We learn more about the difficult and tempestuous relationship between Aphrodite and Ares, the Goddess of Love and the God of War it was never going to be easy.
With so many characters it should be confusing but it's not. It's intoxicating, beguiling, it's compelling and addictive and passionate and it had me bewitched.
I've no idea who is next but I can't wait,
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
June 23, 2013
So excited to have been lucky enough to read an advance copy of this wonderful book. I was hooked from the beginning of the Good Gods series with Deer in Headlights. Although Deer in Headlights left large shoes to fill for a sequel, Snake in the Grass knocked it out of the park. I immediately fell in love with Kat and Dillon as well as Kiki and Owen and found myself pulling for both couples several times. You get it all with this book- laughing, crying, happy, sad and of course some steamy scenes that do not disappoint the imagination. I loved the style, tempo and pace of this book and cannot wait to jump back into this world that Staci Hart has created with the next book in the series! Highly recommend to anyone!!! 5 stars well deserved!
August 24, 2017
Shift
by Staci Hart
This is the second book on Staci's series Hearts and Arrows. Putting my feelings for this book into words have been really hard. SO MANY EMOTIONS and a lot happening at once. The trill and excitement of this story It's like watching The Hunger Games OLYMPIAN SEASON; your weapons are feelings and your goal either destroy or build love. I LOOOVE the way Staci incorporated Greek Mythology to this love stories. Having all this Sexy gorgeous Gods in the mix give it an edge. I highlighted so many details about all of them.
In SHIFT we have Dita " Aphrodite-Goddess of Love" going against Ares " The God of War". Ares and Dita have always had a very intense love/ hate relationship that goes as far as eons. This tumultuous relationship will make the battle waaaay complicated either on the game and in bed. The love making is ON FIRE each and every time. Ares doesn't care what it takes to win the game and claim Dita forever. He will do anything to get her back.
"You will be mine, and of your own volition, Aphrodite. You will want me, and you will sigh my name to the stars when I take you. Trust in this."
The human players this time are Kat and Dillon. This two are strong, resilient and stubborn. They both have a lot of baggage in their life. Family dramas that have forged them to be the fighters they are. They never expected to found a counter match for their souls and hearts. They only know TO PROTECT. Will they let go of all the pain and hate to finally be able to let the possibility of love and happiness in? Wont tell, you have to read to found out.
Many secrets and deep betrayals will make this story one full of action. The chemistry for all the couples involve more explosive. It's will leave you wanting more. You wont want to put this book down. Can't absolutely wait for book 3.
*** ARC given by author in exchange for an honest review***
by Staci Hart
This is the second book on Staci's series Hearts and Arrows. Putting my feelings for this book into words have been really hard. SO MANY EMOTIONS and a lot happening at once. The trill and excitement of this story It's like watching The Hunger Games OLYMPIAN SEASON; your weapons are feelings and your goal either destroy or build love. I LOOOVE the way Staci incorporated Greek Mythology to this love stories. Having all this Sexy gorgeous Gods in the mix give it an edge. I highlighted so many details about all of them.
In SHIFT we have Dita " Aphrodite-Goddess of Love" going against Ares " The God of War". Ares and Dita have always had a very intense love/ hate relationship that goes as far as eons. This tumultuous relationship will make the battle waaaay complicated either on the game and in bed. The love making is ON FIRE each and every time. Ares doesn't care what it takes to win the game and claim Dita forever. He will do anything to get her back.
"You will be mine, and of your own volition, Aphrodite. You will want me, and you will sigh my name to the stars when I take you. Trust in this."
The human players this time are Kat and Dillon. This two are strong, resilient and stubborn. They both have a lot of baggage in their life. Family dramas that have forged them to be the fighters they are. They never expected to found a counter match for their souls and hearts. They only know TO PROTECT. Will they let go of all the pain and hate to finally be able to let the possibility of love and happiness in? Wont tell, you have to read to found out.
Many secrets and deep betrayals will make this story one full of action. The chemistry for all the couples involve more explosive. It's will leave you wanting more. You wont want to put this book down. Can't absolutely wait for book 3.
*** ARC given by author in exchange for an honest review***
August 22, 2017
Review to come.
August 23, 2013
Dita is back in this second installment of the Good Gods series, and this time she's up against her former lover Ares. She has "good intentions" of staying away from him, but we all know where good intentions go when it concerns our ex's right? H. E. Double hockey sticks.
The player Ares chooses is Dillon, a bare knuckle underground fighter with a past that will melt any girls heart and make you want to wrap him up in the biggest hug ever. Even Kat, Dita's player, is effected and she's a shrewd streetcar racer that has no time for games or men, she's on a mission, one that doesn't involve falling in love.
Both Kat and Dillon are fiercely protective of their younger siblings, so when his brother and her sister begin to date, sparks fly between them but they butt heads and try to deny the attraction that is obvious to everyone but them.
Ares tries his hardest to create drama between then two but Love is Dita's domain, and she knows how to play this game.
Staci Hart really brings emotion to the table this time with family love. How our family can truly affect who we are and who we become. We get to see childhood glimpses of not only Kat and Dillon but Ares as well, and how it shaped them.
I really really enjoyed this one, even more so that the first book of the series and that one had me as well. I understood Kat's struggles and Dillon's, and it made me feel for each character so I was torn when things affected them or they had to hold back.
The player Ares chooses is Dillon, a bare knuckle underground fighter with a past that will melt any girls heart and make you want to wrap him up in the biggest hug ever. Even Kat, Dita's player, is effected and she's a shrewd streetcar racer that has no time for games or men, she's on a mission, one that doesn't involve falling in love.
Both Kat and Dillon are fiercely protective of their younger siblings, so when his brother and her sister begin to date, sparks fly between them but they butt heads and try to deny the attraction that is obvious to everyone but them.
Ares tries his hardest to create drama between then two but Love is Dita's domain, and she knows how to play this game.
Staci Hart really brings emotion to the table this time with family love. How our family can truly affect who we are and who we become. We get to see childhood glimpses of not only Kat and Dillon but Ares as well, and how it shaped them.
I really really enjoyed this one, even more so that the first book of the series and that one had me as well. I understood Kat's struggles and Dillon's, and it made me feel for each character so I was torn when things affected them or they had to hold back.
August 21, 2013
#Note to reader : This is book #2 in a series - it can be read as a stand-alone but if you have not read Book #1 you won't understand the prologue as I was like what , who are they ?
Lucky, for me I do have Book#1 Deer in Headlights to go back and read.
One of my favourite reading fascinations has always been that of the Greek Mythology and I adore reading about the Greek Gods e.g like PC Cast's Goddess Series . So when I saw a tour invite go out for Staci Hart's book "Snake in the Grass" I just knew that I had to read it and it would be a book that I would enjoy. In the Good Gods series , the readers are confronted with a little game that the Gods like to play when they are bored. Two gods in particular that is - we have Aphrodite aka Dite - the Goddess of Love and Ares - the God of War. What the pair do is pick two candidates - one female (Aphrodite's pick) and one male (Ares's pick) and Aphrodite has to make them fall in love and Ares's has to make them hate or kill each other. Of course , we all know who we favor and it goes to share that Love really does beat Hate. In Snake in the Grass , the unlikely pairing is Dillion - a fighter and Kat - a racer. Both have not had the easiest of childhoods and find it their mission in lives to protect their younger siblings. So what happens when their younger siblings fall in love and the pair are forced to spend more and more time together ? Can the pair get past their giant egos and sharp tongues and learn to like maybe love each other or will Ares's find a way for the pair to be in eternal hatred of one another ?
It's may the best God win with Snake in the Grass by Staci Hart, Book #2 of the Good Gods Series.
Lucky, for me I do have Book#1 Deer in Headlights to go back and read.
One of my favourite reading fascinations has always been that of the Greek Mythology and I adore reading about the Greek Gods e.g like PC Cast's Goddess Series . So when I saw a tour invite go out for Staci Hart's book "Snake in the Grass" I just knew that I had to read it and it would be a book that I would enjoy. In the Good Gods series , the readers are confronted with a little game that the Gods like to play when they are bored. Two gods in particular that is - we have Aphrodite aka Dite - the Goddess of Love and Ares - the God of War. What the pair do is pick two candidates - one female (Aphrodite's pick) and one male (Ares's pick) and Aphrodite has to make them fall in love and Ares's has to make them hate or kill each other. Of course , we all know who we favor and it goes to share that Love really does beat Hate. In Snake in the Grass , the unlikely pairing is Dillion - a fighter and Kat - a racer. Both have not had the easiest of childhoods and find it their mission in lives to protect their younger siblings. So what happens when their younger siblings fall in love and the pair are forced to spend more and more time together ? Can the pair get past their giant egos and sharp tongues and learn to like maybe love each other or will Ares's find a way for the pair to be in eternal hatred of one another ?
It's may the best God win with Snake in the Grass by Staci Hart, Book #2 of the Good Gods Series.
August 4, 2013
Holy smokes. The end of this book hit like a freight train. A big freight train. One that was probably carrying large, heavy things that would make getting hit by a freight train even more painful.
Wait. I'm not saying that this book is painful to read. It's not. It's kinda glorious. In the OMG! PLEASE PUT MY HEART BACK IN MY CHEST, YOU FIENDISH AUTHOR sort of way.
Yeah, so, umm... this book is good. Between Dita and Ares engaging in their sexy, let-me-rip-your-clothes-off-and-have-angry-sex-wth-you competition, Kat and Dillon are just... well, I like them. Dillon has issues. Kat has issues. The fact that their respective siblings hooked up with one another and are FREAKING ADORABLE in a way that makes baby kittens look like trolls just made it all better.
Seriously, I can't think of one single thing that didn't keep me hooked. Kat and Dillon? They were awesome and damaged and I LIKE THAT. Kiki and Owen? Did you see the part about their freaking adorable-ish-ness? Yeah, they were sweet. Dita and Ares? Wow. Issues much?
Ye, gods! I think I have *flaily* hands.
The series is really REALLY blowing me away. It's fun. It's full of mythology that's just twisted enough to make me grin. It has characters I care about.
ALL GOOD THINGS!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Wait. I'm not saying that this book is painful to read. It's not. It's kinda glorious. In the OMG! PLEASE PUT MY HEART BACK IN MY CHEST, YOU FIENDISH AUTHOR sort of way.
Yeah, so, umm... this book is good. Between Dita and Ares engaging in their sexy, let-me-rip-your-clothes-off-and-have-angry-sex-wth-you competition, Kat and Dillon are just... well, I like them. Dillon has issues. Kat has issues. The fact that their respective siblings hooked up with one another and are FREAKING ADORABLE in a way that makes baby kittens look like trolls just made it all better.
Seriously, I can't think of one single thing that didn't keep me hooked. Kat and Dillon? They were awesome and damaged and I LIKE THAT. Kiki and Owen? Did you see the part about their freaking adorable-ish-ness? Yeah, they were sweet. Dita and Ares? Wow. Issues much?
Ye, gods! I think I have *flaily* hands.
The series is really REALLY blowing me away. It's fun. It's full of mythology that's just twisted enough to make me grin. It has characters I care about.
ALL GOOD THINGS!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 9, 2014
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
So book 2 in the Good Gods series is easily as good as the first but for me it was for strikingly different reasons.
In book one it was the "human players" story that I kept wanting to get to, but this time, as interesting and thrilling as that storyline was, I was wrapped up in the drama of the Gods and wanted to see what was going on there!
This book is a definite page turner with a few twists and turns that were decidedly unexpected (one even made me put my iPad down for a second to take a breath and let it sink in ..... only for a second though) and again it was a cover to cover, leave me alone on fear of death type books.
Could it be read as a stand alone? My thoughts would be no. I mean it probably could but I think you would really miss out of so much that had already happened. Anyway as book 1 is a phenomenal read trust me when I say it isn't exactly a hardship.
I can't wait to see what this author has planned for the next "game" but apparently it isn't out yet ..... which is probably a good thing considering my review pile TBR lol.
An awesome 5 out of 5 stars from me!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
So book 2 in the Good Gods series is easily as good as the first but for me it was for strikingly different reasons.
In book one it was the "human players" story that I kept wanting to get to, but this time, as interesting and thrilling as that storyline was, I was wrapped up in the drama of the Gods and wanted to see what was going on there!
This book is a definite page turner with a few twists and turns that were decidedly unexpected (one even made me put my iPad down for a second to take a breath and let it sink in ..... only for a second though) and again it was a cover to cover, leave me alone on fear of death type books.
Could it be read as a stand alone? My thoughts would be no. I mean it probably could but I think you would really miss out of so much that had already happened. Anyway as book 1 is a phenomenal read trust me when I say it isn't exactly a hardship.
I can't wait to see what this author has planned for the next "game" but apparently it isn't out yet ..... which is probably a good thing considering my review pile TBR lol.
An awesome 5 out of 5 stars from me!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
August 23, 2013
I really love the concept behind this series! I felt like I was busy trying to learn the game and feel out the main characters in the first book. But with the second one I could dive right in.
In this book, backgrounds of the characters were more pronounced and I could relate to what made them behave the way they did. Being a little bit of a Greek geek I did find myself getting excited when new gods came into play, Stife being a favorite. I feel like Staci's personality descriptions of these mythological characters in todays world are spot on.
The love triangle becomes intense and I enjoyed every second of it. And I truly appriciate that the "romance" scenes are not grossly overwritten. I dont need page after page of dramatic penetration to make my cheeks heat up. Staci does a great job of keeping it short, sweet and on point.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!!
In this book, backgrounds of the characters were more pronounced and I could relate to what made them behave the way they did. Being a little bit of a Greek geek I did find myself getting excited when new gods came into play, Stife being a favorite. I feel like Staci's personality descriptions of these mythological characters in todays world are spot on.
The love triangle becomes intense and I enjoyed every second of it. And I truly appriciate that the "romance" scenes are not grossly overwritten. I dont need page after page of dramatic penetration to make my cheeks heat up. Staci does a great job of keeping it short, sweet and on point.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!!
August 6, 2013
Good gods! *fanning myself* What an amazing book! Should I say it? Do I dare? Thus far, this book is my favorite and I have a feeling, Staci Hart will dazzle me with her next book even more. First, her covers are original and stunning. It's a nice change of pace from seeing the same old stock photo covers that every author seems to be using. I giving absolutely nothing away but let me say, you won't be disappointed. And, I fell even more in love with Dita. She's totally my fictional girl crush.
June 22, 2013
Another fabulous book by Staci Hart! Reviews are not my thing, but I will say that if you loved Deer in Headlights you will fall head over heels with Snake in the Grass!
August 31, 2017
Alright guys…I am going to struggle a lit bit with this review. I absolutely love Staci Hart and her writing. She is up there isn my top 5 favorite author list. Her work is just so magical and raw and beautiful. I’ve never really read one of Hart’s books that I didn’t love. The first book in this series, Paper Fools, blew me away I loved it! I loved all the elements that Hart brought together to give us a story that was one of a kind. You can get a peek at my review for Paper Fools here. I was so excited and thankful to have the opportunity to review Shift. I had very high expectations going into this, mostly because I enjoyed the first one SO much, however, something in this book just didn’t totally click with me. That’s not to say that I didn’t still enjoy it, I did, it just wasn’t on level with what I have come to expect from Hart, and I ended it with mixed feelings.
Shift takes place after the events in Paper Fools, this is one series that I would highly recommend reading in order, as some of the events that happen in Paper Fools play into what happens in this book. Shift is Dita battling Ares, I was so excited to get their story, love versus war, I had a feeling going in that this was going to be an over the top love-hate relationship. Honestly it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I think this is where Shift let me down a little bit. I wish that the relationship between Dita and Ares had been played up a little bit more…more angst, more fighting, more angry makeup sex, more anything really. I think that the parts of the book that we got from Olympus just didn’t rise to the expectation I had for these two. There were other things that I felt were the focus of the glimpses we got to see into the dynamic of the gods. There were very few times where I felt I really connected to Ares, which in turn made me really sad as I had been waiting for his story since the first one.
On the other hand I LOVED the story of Dillon and Kat, I wish that there had been more of them in this story. Both broken souls and oh so stubborn. Their relationship had the spark that I wish Ares and Dita had. Dillon and Kat’s story is a beautiful coming together of two broken people who had to overcome so much, falling into what they never thought they would have with another person. Their part of Shift is a little bit closer to what I expect from Hart. What made me a little sad is it took a while to really get into Dillon and Kat’s story. I feel like the beginning of the book was more focused on Dita and things gong on in her world. I’m not going to lie it took me a while to get really into this book, which for me never happens with Hart’s writing. Normally I will sit and devour her books in a day.
Overall, the writing was well done, as is normal for Hart, and the concept of the book is still great. It was just missing a spark that most of her novels have. I would still recommend picking this one up if you have read Paper Fools, seeing as I seem to be the odd one out and everyone else seems to adore this book. And if you haven’t started this series, seriously pick up Paper Fools today…what are you waiting for??
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Shift takes place after the events in Paper Fools, this is one series that I would highly recommend reading in order, as some of the events that happen in Paper Fools play into what happens in this book. Shift is Dita battling Ares, I was so excited to get their story, love versus war, I had a feeling going in that this was going to be an over the top love-hate relationship. Honestly it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I think this is where Shift let me down a little bit. I wish that the relationship between Dita and Ares had been played up a little bit more…more angst, more fighting, more angry makeup sex, more anything really. I think that the parts of the book that we got from Olympus just didn’t rise to the expectation I had for these two. There were other things that I felt were the focus of the glimpses we got to see into the dynamic of the gods. There were very few times where I felt I really connected to Ares, which in turn made me really sad as I had been waiting for his story since the first one.
On the other hand I LOVED the story of Dillon and Kat, I wish that there had been more of them in this story. Both broken souls and oh so stubborn. Their relationship had the spark that I wish Ares and Dita had. Dillon and Kat’s story is a beautiful coming together of two broken people who had to overcome so much, falling into what they never thought they would have with another person. Their part of Shift is a little bit closer to what I expect from Hart. What made me a little sad is it took a while to really get into Dillon and Kat’s story. I feel like the beginning of the book was more focused on Dita and things gong on in her world. I’m not going to lie it took me a while to get really into this book, which for me never happens with Hart’s writing. Normally I will sit and devour her books in a day.
Overall, the writing was well done, as is normal for Hart, and the concept of the book is still great. It was just missing a spark that most of her novels have. I would still recommend picking this one up if you have read Paper Fools, seeing as I seem to be the odd one out and everyone else seems to adore this book. And if you haven’t started this series, seriously pick up Paper Fools today…what are you waiting for??
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
September 1, 2017
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-sh...
The Hearts and Arrows Series continues with Aphrodite taking on Ares in the games, and a new couple chosen in the game of love. The players this time around are Kat and Dillion and they are perfectly imperfect for one another.
I am quickly becoming addicted to this series. Not only do we get a new couple that the God’s are playing with (Dita to make them fall in love, and who she’s competing with to keep them apart) but we also have also have the crazy twisted story of Dita, Ares, Apollo, Adonis and all of the Gods as well.
Watching the stories intertwine was awesome and I loved watching the tough time Dita had with her pick this go around. Kat and Dillion both are very similar in the fact that they are hard headed, very protective of their siblings, hot headed, and very competitive. They are explosive, and the first few meetings between these two did not go so well, and you could tell that when they finally gave each other a chance things were going to be amazing. Both of them have different backgrounds to explain why they are so protective of their siblings, Dillions is heartbreaking, and Kat’s is just in her nature, but both would do anything for Owen and Kiki. Most of this book was spent watching Kiki and Owen trying to get these two to listen to reason and their hearts and give each other a chance, but sometimes it fell on deaf ears. I adored Kiki (Kat’s sister) and Owen (Dillion’s brother) though. They were adorable together, and even though they were the younger siblings, they at times were wiser than their brother and sister. Kat and Dillion definitely came a long way in this book and had to work through A LOT individually before they could give each other their hearts but it was definitely worth it in the end to see how far they came.
Now on to Olympus…. where to start? Dita’s world is a mess after everything that happened in Paper Hearts. Adonis has shut her out, Ares and her are competing and that relationship is always volatile, and she’s questioning everything she knows about Adonis’s death. Watching Dita struggle with the competition, her feelings for Adonis and Ares as well as trying to find out the truth was hard. As the reader you know the truth, but trying to watch her figure it out was heartbreaking. You know what’s good for her, and you want her to be happy, she is the Goddess of Love after all.. but she goes through A LOT in this book, but I think it was a good growing experience for her character, but I also believe that she is going to be going through a LOT more as the series continues, especially now that she knows the truth and after the ending of this book.
The Hearts and Arrows Series is amazing! I truly love seeing the Greek Gods and their stories playing out and seeing a new couple in each book. It is recommended to read the series in order if you want to understand everything that is going on in Olympus though. If you’re a lover of Greek Mythology and modern day romance, then this is definitely a series to pick up. The writing is amazing, and the story flows beautifully!
The Hearts and Arrows Series continues with Aphrodite taking on Ares in the games, and a new couple chosen in the game of love. The players this time around are Kat and Dillion and they are perfectly imperfect for one another.
I am quickly becoming addicted to this series. Not only do we get a new couple that the God’s are playing with (Dita to make them fall in love, and who she’s competing with to keep them apart) but we also have also have the crazy twisted story of Dita, Ares, Apollo, Adonis and all of the Gods as well.
Watching the stories intertwine was awesome and I loved watching the tough time Dita had with her pick this go around. Kat and Dillion both are very similar in the fact that they are hard headed, very protective of their siblings, hot headed, and very competitive. They are explosive, and the first few meetings between these two did not go so well, and you could tell that when they finally gave each other a chance things were going to be amazing. Both of them have different backgrounds to explain why they are so protective of their siblings, Dillions is heartbreaking, and Kat’s is just in her nature, but both would do anything for Owen and Kiki. Most of this book was spent watching Kiki and Owen trying to get these two to listen to reason and their hearts and give each other a chance, but sometimes it fell on deaf ears. I adored Kiki (Kat’s sister) and Owen (Dillion’s brother) though. They were adorable together, and even though they were the younger siblings, they at times were wiser than their brother and sister. Kat and Dillion definitely came a long way in this book and had to work through A LOT individually before they could give each other their hearts but it was definitely worth it in the end to see how far they came.
Now on to Olympus…. where to start? Dita’s world is a mess after everything that happened in Paper Hearts. Adonis has shut her out, Ares and her are competing and that relationship is always volatile, and she’s questioning everything she knows about Adonis’s death. Watching Dita struggle with the competition, her feelings for Adonis and Ares as well as trying to find out the truth was hard. As the reader you know the truth, but trying to watch her figure it out was heartbreaking. You know what’s good for her, and you want her to be happy, she is the Goddess of Love after all.. but she goes through A LOT in this book, but I think it was a good growing experience for her character, but I also believe that she is going to be going through a LOT more as the series continues, especially now that she knows the truth and after the ending of this book.
The Hearts and Arrows Series is amazing! I truly love seeing the Greek Gods and their stories playing out and seeing a new couple in each book. It is recommended to read the series in order if you want to understand everything that is going on in Olympus though. If you’re a lover of Greek Mythology and modern day romance, then this is definitely a series to pick up. The writing is amazing, and the story flows beautifully!
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