Caught with Zeus

Queens of Olympus #8

by Arizona Tape

As the current Zeus, Alexa isn't particularly fond of the god of gods' unsavoury reputation. Instead of mindless parties and scandalous adventures, she's determined to restore some of the temple's former glory. Unfortunately, the press doesn't agree with her modern approach. They want gossip and don't care if they have to fabricate it.
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Caught With Zeus is a twist on the classic Greek myth of Zeus with a sapphic romance. It's part of the Queens of Olympus series following various heroines in classic Greek God and Goddess retellings.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, LGBT, Paranormal, Lesbian Fiction, Adult

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2024

About the author

Arizona Tape lives her dream life hanging out with her dog and writing stories all day.

Her favourite books to write are urban fantasy and paranormal romances with queer leads, stories that she wished were around when she was younger.

When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, watching shows that make her cry, or trying her hand at her new hobby of the week.

She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her girlfriend and her adorable dog who is the star of her newsletter. Sign up here for adorable pictures, free books, and news about her books: www.arizonatape.com/subscribe



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Her books are available on all retailers and can be requested from most public libraries.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught With Zeus, is the first book in the Queens Of Olympus Series by Arizona Tate. Alexis is now Zeus and wants to be seen as efficient and someone who can get the job done but the soften her edges she pretends to have a relationship with her best friend Daphne. This is something The Daily Liar and other gossip sites cannot get enough of and what they don’t know they make up something that really rubs Alexis the wrong way. She already feels protective over her best friend but when she starts feeling nervous around her she at first doesn’t know why? Will Alexis falling in love with Daphany be the end of her political career or willbeing in love really soften the anal retentive Alexis. Also I wish I would’ve read this book before the Hades book but still loved Myas interview. I love these books they’re quick fun clean and oh so sweet and it’s definitely a book I recommend. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.#Books for those who love love, #Arizona tape, #Queens of Olympus,.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa is a relatively new Zeus, having had the job for only a short time. Her review is coming up soon, and she learns she is doing too well, upsetting the balance of the gods’ pantheon.
Her longtime best friend Daphne and her decide to fake date, becoming newsworthy to help Alexa’s upcoming review. And as usual with a fake dating trope, feelings start to happen!
Arizona Tape’s writing is excellent, as we expect. This is a fun short novella. It really only concentrates on the developing romance between the women, and so there are a few other loose ends left hanging.

[Sara • anoseinabook · Rating 2 out of 5]

La idea era buena pero ñe 🫠

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the the Queens of Olympus series and the main character is Alexa, the new Zeus, who is a hard working and duty bound person. Unfortunately, her ambition and drive have brought her the wrong sort of notice from the Titans, who rule over her. She has been changing a lot around her, getting rid of a lot of excess staff and making changes in her temple. Now her sister Cora, who works for her as her assistant, comes with the news that the new Hades wants to quit, after less than two years in the post. Alexa is supposed to be having her review in a couple of months, but she gets a surprise visit from one of the Titans, Rhea, about the lack of fun news about her in the local paper, the Daily Lyre. They expect it to be full of scandal, intrigue and drama about her and her role, not just how many staff she had sacked or about a new scholarship she was starting. She is the king of gods, or queen, and she is told the public want to see more of what the former Zeus’ have brought to the role. She is trying to reform a lot about the temple and her role, but some of the board of Titans in charge, are very old fashioned and set in their ways. They don’t appreciate the way she is doing things! They will kick her out of her job if she continues in the same manner. If she is a philanderer like previous people in her post and causing scandals 8n the paper, they won’t think she is clever enough to think of overthrowing the Titans!

So now, she has to dumb down her ideas and make them believe she is occupied with silly stuff and not interested in overthrowing the Titans. She needs a fake relationship and ends up going for a drink with her best friend Daphne, who works in the make up department of Aphrodite’s dating show. She tells Alexa that Aphrodite wants her on one of her shows, but Alexa is a little bit too reserved to want to appear on one, she isn’t as easy going and at ease with others like Daphne. They both get rather drunk and are photographed in the garden with Daphne presenting her with a flower. Someone took their photo and sent it to the paper, leaving Alexa embarrassed, as the assumption was that she was with a date, not just a friend! She tries to apologise to Daphne, but people at her work have already figured out it was her and are asking questions. They meet up, with Daphne arriving in disguise, and try to figure out what to do, with Alexa getting a kiss on the cheek in greeting that suddenly has her very aware of her friend and in a different way than normal. They agree to a fake relationship to give the public what they seem to want and to allow Alexa to keep her job until after her review, when it will be much harder to sack her. Both are catching feelings, but aren’t sure what the other feels and Alexa doesn’t want to ruin a really long friendship by acting on her feelings. A family issue brings them together and caught on camera again, as Daphne comforts her, clearly as a bit more than a friend this time and their true feelings come out.

Lots of fun at the end, as Alexa has her review with the Titans and does just about everything she can to pretend she is nothing g like her normal self in her job. She does all she can to convince them she is a airhead and not serious about the role, even though she is extremely competent and not exactly the party goer she has to persuade them she is! A good, light hearted look at the gods of old and putting a modern spin on things. Always fun to read short stories with a HEA ending guaranteed. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intricately crafted tale by Arizona Tape offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Through the eyes of Alexa, the new female Zeus, readers are transported into a world of duty, determination, and unfiltered honesty.

Arizona's unique interpretation of the Greek gods breathes new life into the age-old tales, inviting readers on a captivating journey filled with both steamy romance and laugh-out-loud moments. Alexa's character is compelling, embodying the essence of Zeus while bringing her own distinct flair to the role.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance cute and humorous moments with sizzling romance and intriguing plot twists. From Maia's transformation into Hades to the clever cameos from previous books, every detail is expertly woven together to create an immersive reading experience.

While part of a series, this book stands confidently on its own, offering readers the chance to dive into the world of Greek mythology without feeling lost. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the Greco-Roman pantheon or discovering it for the first time, this book promises to captivate and delight.

As a longtime admirer of the Greco-Roman pantheon, I found myself thoroughly enchanted by Arizona Tape's imaginative retelling. With each turn of the page, I was reminded once again why these timeless stories have endured for centuries. I eagerly await the next installment, eager to delve deeper into this captivating world.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAUGHT WITH ZEUS by Laura Greenwood and Arizona Tape is the first installment in their 'Queens Of Olympus' seres. This is another entertaining and light read from Ms Tape & Ms Greenwood. These two work really well together, creating great characters and world development.  This is a paranormal romance of the FF variety offering a different tasteful and entertaining twist on the old Greek myths.

Alexa is a modern day sexy woman and is just starting her 50-year assignment as the new Zeus. She is is duty bound, hard-working, and painfully honest, but she's just been told she's doing too much. Huh!  Seems the Titans lost power once and they are worried that all her progressive ideas are moves for a power play. She's advise to be more like the old Zeus: ap philandering, low work Zeus has no plans for a coup.

She's still on "probationary" with her evaluation in only two months. At  dinner with her BFF, they discussed what to do. When the paparazzi show up her BFF suggests they fake a relationship and let the paparazzi know when and where the will be. Alexa and Daphne have been BFFs since college and now they're faking a relationship. One night of too much drinking wine in public causes a lot of good gossip. Suddenly the fake relationship goes awry in a string of misunderstandings and fun misadventures.

The story is well written, easy to read with a fun setting that is enjoyable to read

I received a free copy of this book from authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALEXA is the new Zeus. She's meeting with Cora her sister to discuss retiring their current Hades who has been deemed useless. Then she meets with Rhea on behave of the Titans. She's doing too good of a job. Basically she has to go fast but very very slowly, They are nervous about losing power again.
DAPHNE is meeting Zeus/Alexa for dinner and is worried that she's late. But she finally arrives. She works for Aphrodite and her dating show. She does the makeup. They discuss for a while.
Theeeeeeeeeen they leave the restaurant drunk and walk. Daphne takes a flower to give to Alexa. The next day their picture is plastered on the pages of the newspapers. And she's called into Aphrodite's office. Aphrodite wants her to use her friendship with Alexa to come on her show. She won't do that to her friend. Later she visits Alexa and they come up with a plan to use the gossip mill and papers to blow a smokescreen so that Alexa can do her job sort of under cover. But will this smoke screen blow back into their faces? Will they realize not only are they best friends but something else?
A cute story on the Greek patheon!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[O'Livia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept of Caught With Zeus by Arizona Tape. It was very well written and thought out. I love how in this book by Arizona Tape we get to discover Arizona take of Greek mythology. In this book we get to meet Alexa who is the new female Zeus who is duty bound, hard-working, and painfully honest. Her ambition and drive is a threat to the Titans who rule over her. So she must make them believe that she is harmless if she wants to hold onto her job. Alexa answer to her problem is to fake date her best friend Daphne in the hopes of convincing everyone that she is preoccupied with romance and drama. But the longer this ruse goes on, the more she starts to doubt if it is honestly a ruse. So will Alexa and Daphne maintain their friendship or will their feelings get in the way? Will Alexa ever get the Titans off her back and keep her job? I guess that you will have to read Caught With Zeus to find out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught with Zeus by Arizona Tape uses one of my favorite tropes - friends to lovers. Maybe it is my favorite because I’ve seen it happen IRL and I’ve never seen enemies to lovers. Also I really liked that Zeus, aka Alexa, was not all-powerful, but was an introvert in an extrovert’s job. And being an introvert myself, I enjoy seeing one in the title role. Zeus’s friend, Daphne, was sweet and completely supportive of her friend, the head of the Greek pantheon. Both of them are essentially honest, so faking a relationship is foreign to both of them, but they do it to trick the Titans into thinking Alexa is no threat to them. It was realistic that Alexa did not totally abandon her duties just to fool the Titans, one of whom actually helps Alexa. One thing that was fun was seeing how Maia became Hades from a different POV. And there were some cameos from the other books too, but this can be read as a stand-alone with no loss of enjoyment. I received a free copy of the book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[TaniaRina Valdespino · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What a tangled web we weave…” OR “Be careful what you ask for”?
I’m still chuckling at the idea of a female Zeus, but the author was totally able to keep Alexa in character with this series (no surprise, there!).

The below brings back soo many memories of good times at uni – my best friend lives near vineyards and still goes winetasting quite often:
“Spit it out? Then how am I going to get drunk?” Daphne joked.
The owner chuckled. “By buying your favourite bottles afterwards.”
I don’t know which gave me bigger chuckles…


Some sage advice from the author:
‘A bit of eyeshadow and a bold lipstick could hide a multitude of sins.’
Perhaps this is a wee bit of post-dating advice, eh?

Fave line:
‘The point of a good pairing though, where they elevated each other.’


Next for me is Melany and Cressida’s tale in ‘Hunt for Artemis’.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting caught could lead to trouble. Or perhaps to a lot of fun. Guess our heroine is going to have to figure out when one this is pretty quickly.

This is book eight of the series, but it is written as a standalone so no issues there.

This is a paranormal romance of the FF variety offering a different twist on the old Greek myths. The story is well written and easy to read with a fun setting that is enjoyable to explore. The characters are are the main focus and they are also well done and very enjoyable. I really enjoyed this twist on the old stories and I look forward to more in the series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roderick J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but unsatisfying.

I loved the idea of the Greek pantheon as a matriarchy and the challenge of leading the gods while under the watchful eye of the Titans. However there was never any explanation for the situation of modern Greek gods as elected roles. Do they have any actual powers? Are they just ordinary humans in largely ceremonial roles? The role of Hades suggests they are a lot more than that, but nothing else does.

The central relationship also seemed very unchallenging, moving from best friends to romantically involved best friends with little more than a few hot looks and mildly passionate kisses.

In both respects I was hoping for a deeper and richer experience.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Caught With Zeus. Each story is so unique about the Olympian Gods. I’m loving them. It's delightful that you can read them out of order and still enjoy the wonderful stories.
So Zeus gets kinda in trouble with the Titans. Of course Alexa being the new Zeus, she doesn’t know how to let her hair down and have fun. What starts as a fabrication takes a turn to 'might be real' territory. Come along for the journey of Alexa and Daphne and see if they really do catch ‘feelings’ for each other.
This is such a sweet story that kept me riveted to the pages and of course I’ll be reading more of this series from Arizona. You’ll be glad you took a chance on this one.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A friends to fake lovers to real lovers romance between the Zeus, Alexa and her bestfriend Daphne. They decide to fake gossip for publicity and I thought it was really cute. This was a sweet read and I loved both Alexa and Daphne a lot. They had great chemistry as friends and it was even better when they were fake dating and were forreal falling for each other. They’re so awkward and adorable together. This was a light read for the most part but the plot of Alexa’s dying mother was heartbreaking and added some depth. I love this series to pieces and this was another great addition to it. Looking forward to more.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun storyline, with some more serious elements woven in. It is easy to read and really engaging. I love the world created by the author. Its modern reimagining of the ancient world is both new and well researched enough to feel old as well.
I love the strong female presence throughout the setting and the story. I also like the way there is nothing forced about the character interactions and they flow naturally into a really sweet and fulfilling relationship as the story moves along.
I have always enjoyed this authors books and I’m excited to read more of her take on modern/ancient Greece.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa is now the new Zeus. Her sister, Cora, is her assistant. As Zeus, Alexa is in charge of the other new gods, and she is the one that helps choose the new godly hires. For example, the current Hades wants to retire, and is only a few years into the 50 year job term. The Titans are the ones who do the reviews. I found the book to be cute and it has steamy parts and hilarious parts. Alexa as Zeus is told that she shouldn't do such a good job and be on top of things because Zeus is supposed to botch things up and do scandalous things. So Alexa decides after visiting with her bestie, Daphne and all the hullaballoo after a friendly dinner, to make believe that they are in a more than friendly, relationship as that will help both of them out. Daphne works for Aphrodite's dating show as a behind the scenes make up person. Then they are hounded by the paparazzi and journalists to find out what is going on between them. Crazy stuff happens. I enjoyed the book. I can't wait to read the next one. I adore the Greco-Romans pantheon, have for almost 40 years now.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa is the latest Zeus and has been stirring things up, correcting wrongs that she sees. But the Titans are not happy with her. Daphne is her best friend and when they are photographed together, it seems that becoming a fake couple may distract the Titans fro Alexa's activities - and help Daphne's on line business. But are they really just friends? Loved it - easy to read, and a book that made me smile :-).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read the latest book in the Queens of Olympus series and it became my favorite. The book took place before the other books in the series and I loved how it tied everything together. The dynamic between the two main characters, Alexa and Daphne, was great. It was interesting to discover that they had been friends for a long time but never realized their true feelings for each other. Overall, I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa is the new Zeus and is doing a great job of tidying things up and sorting out issues. The only problem is she’s meant to be an inept, partying, scandal making fool so that the Titans don’t feel threatened.
Luckily her bff Daphne is happy to help Alexa and they accidentally end up fake dating. What could go wrong?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa is now Zeus, however she is doing to good of a job and the Titans are not happy. They may fire her before her year is up. So she has to make them believe that she is a fun loving party girl so her best friend Daphne work out a plan to be in a fake relationship. This was a fun story to read and cite to watch the relationship get serious. I would recommend this book, it is a quick, lighthearted read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers

Apparently Alexa is too good at her job as Zeus and she needs to create a distraction. Fortunately, her best friend Daphne is ready and able to help out by staging a fake relationship between the two of them. I enjoyed the typical twists of a friends-to-lovers romance trope in this story - “I don’t want to ruin our friendship” and “I’m catching feelings, are you?” - but what added emotional depth was the situation with Alexa and Cora’s mother. A touching and sweet romance.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author who captures your attention with a unique take on an old tale. This version of Zeus as a female was a little difficult to swallow bit did keep my interest as it is a different perspective. Pick up your copy for a unique twist.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Chavers-martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this twist on the Greek gods and mythology. Casting Zeus as a modern day sexy woman and her best friend and love interest was so intriguing and interesting. Friends to lovers was written in such a great way that I forgot about the f/f relationship. Very tasteful and entertaining. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the characters and their stories it really helpedto get into the story which is a retelling of Zeus. In this story and Zeus's are chosen and this one is a female Zeus with her girlfriend to discuss the state of affairs of their worlds. It is well written and a great story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguingly Fun

Somehow this is my first Queens of Olympus book, and I'm glad it's actually book #1. Now I'm going to scoop up the others and hope they are as much fun as this one.
It's a quick read, let's the imagination wander, and plays glorious games with humor. Give it a try.

[J.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different story so to tell but still along with her new girlfriend!

Zeus is having problems, the Titans are worried about her. Too intelligent and they replace her, too dumb and they start to worry did they choose an imbecile? Daphne is her fake girlfriend and also her bff from way back when. Until thoughts come out from both ladies, maybe we no longer have to fake it! Enjoy!

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

” Queens Of Olympus” is shaping up to be the series of the season. This is a very unique take on the Olympian Gods that will keep you laughing and smiling. I’m ready for the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Alexa and Daphne pretending to be dating allows them to realize that they love each other for real. That is helped them in other ways is only a bonus.

[Barbara]

The start of a new series called Queens Of Olympus, this is the current Zeus, Alexa and her bff Daphne's short story gets this series off to a good start I will be reading the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it blends an alternate take on Greek mythology with a cute romance. It was very well written and thought out. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.