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The Lost Goddesses #2
Bellona
There's one mortal who the goddess of war would burn the world for...and someone was just dumb enough to put a bounty on his head.
Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, lives in secrecy among mortals, concealing her divine identity while offering her services as a skilled protector and mercenary. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it, and she was totally fine with it until one day, when a mortal man kissed her, she experienced peace for the first time. And she's been pouting about it ever since.
Rafael has never forgotten the beautiful angel of death who swooped in to save him twenty years ago. With a bounty on his head and his business partners ready to sell him out to the new head of a powerful mafia family, Rafael has no choice but to call a secret phone number that has been passed down through his family. He just didn't expect the same mercenary to answer.
With Fate pushing them together once more, Bellona will do anything to keep Rafael safe from his enemies, even if it means ignoring how the cheeky mortal makes her feel. Rafael might be a moving target for every bounty hunter in Italy, but he's not going to let his angel of death get away from him a second time.
The goddess of war is about to encounter the one battle she can't win, and it's going to force her to question everything she ever knew about herself. It’s a good thing she has a whole extended family of gods and monsters to help her keep Rafael safe and maybe find a whole new purpose along the way.
Please note that although 'Bellona' takes place in 'The Gods Universe' it can be read as a standalone. It also contains adult content, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, lives in secrecy among mortals, concealing her divine identity while offering her services as a skilled protector and mercenary. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it, and she was totally fine with it until one day, when a mortal man kissed her, she experienced peace for the first time. And she's been pouting about it ever since.
Rafael has never forgotten the beautiful angel of death who swooped in to save him twenty years ago. With a bounty on his head and his business partners ready to sell him out to the new head of a powerful mafia family, Rafael has no choice but to call a secret phone number that has been passed down through his family. He just didn't expect the same mercenary to answer.
With Fate pushing them together once more, Bellona will do anything to keep Rafael safe from his enemies, even if it means ignoring how the cheeky mortal makes her feel. Rafael might be a moving target for every bounty hunter in Italy, but he's not going to let his angel of death get away from him a second time.
The goddess of war is about to encounter the one battle she can't win, and it's going to force her to question everything she ever knew about herself. It’s a good thing she has a whole extended family of gods and monsters to help her keep Rafael safe and maybe find a whole new purpose along the way.
Please note that although 'Bellona' takes place in 'The Gods Universe' it can be read as a standalone. It also contains adult content, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2024
129 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
49 books975 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 19, 2025
ugh I loved Bellona and Rafael together.
Some content warnings: sex trafficking, including children; implied rape of trafficked victims, off page; threat of rape, on page
Some content warnings: sex trafficking, including children; implied rape of trafficked victims, off page; threat of rape, on page
May 5, 2025
I’ve been hoarding this book since it came out, doing a very slow reread of the series. I loved Bellona she’s exactly the kind of h I love and this author is known for. Excellent read.
May 12, 2025
I always enjoy this series. I was so happy to see that the new spin off is about women, and that there are some really badass ones here.
I don't know a lot about Bellona, but I love a War Goddess who stands for the protection of women. I also love that she was a muscle mommy, had scars, and had no problems ripping people in two if push came to shove (I worried that the rough edges would ha been softened because "she's a girl"). I also loved her relationships with Rafael and Set.
Set is clearly her best friend. The person who understands her best and knows what she needs to calm down and when to just let her rampage in a constructive way. Their relationship is completely platonic, and clearly always had been.
With Rafael, he is a somewhat gentle soul who can take care of himself to a point, but recognizes when he's in over his head. He isn't ashamed of needing help, even if that help comes with golden hair and luscious lips, and he actually prefers her in all her bloody glory. Arm muscles, golden scars, rage filled eyes, none of it bothers him. But he still worries about her getting hurt too, even knowing it takes a whole heck of a lot to kill a Goddess. And I think that is so wonderfully realistic.
I really loved this book, I think, as always, a little more would have been good, but it wasn't significantly lacking in any way.
I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store with Laverna
I don't know a lot about Bellona, but I love a War Goddess who stands for the protection of women. I also love that she was a muscle mommy, had scars, and had no problems ripping people in two if push came to shove (I worried that the rough edges would ha been softened because "she's a girl"). I also loved her relationships with Rafael and Set.
Set is clearly her best friend. The person who understands her best and knows what she needs to calm down and when to just let her rampage in a constructive way. Their relationship is completely platonic, and clearly always had been.
With Rafael, he is a somewhat gentle soul who can take care of himself to a point, but recognizes when he's in over his head. He isn't ashamed of needing help, even if that help comes with golden hair and luscious lips, and he actually prefers her in all her bloody glory. Arm muscles, golden scars, rage filled eyes, none of it bothers him. But he still worries about her getting hurt too, even knowing it takes a whole heck of a lot to kill a Goddess. And I think that is so wonderfully realistic.
I really loved this book, I think, as always, a little more would have been good, but it wasn't significantly lacking in any way.
I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store with Laverna
May 11, 2024
I love Alessa’s writing so much - her gods and goddesses series is absolutely amazing! If you love Greek and Egyptian mythology then you’ll love this series. This book, however, begins the story of the Roman gods. I’ve not read anything like it, and I am obsessed with all things ancient (history buff remember!!).
I found this too be a fab take on the MC relationship as Bellona is the hardcore goddess of war and is protecting the human Rafael from the bad guys (in particular a VILE mafia boss lady who, honestly, makes my skin crawl so bad!). I loved how she takes charge, protects him wholeheartedly and Rafael goes along for the ride!! 😂😂. Honestly, a refreshing take on the whole gods v human dynamic!! Don’t get me wrong, Rafael is not the weeping wallflower and is a strong man but he is also so head over heels for Bellona, it was so sweet!
I also loved the cameos from previous books - Hi Set!!!!!! I freaking love that man ( I mean god!!). Also Medusa, the fabulous internet extraordinaire that she is!! I might need a full reread!!!!!! I can’t wait for the next one!!
I found this too be a fab take on the MC relationship as Bellona is the hardcore goddess of war and is protecting the human Rafael from the bad guys (in particular a VILE mafia boss lady who, honestly, makes my skin crawl so bad!). I loved how she takes charge, protects him wholeheartedly and Rafael goes along for the ride!! 😂😂. Honestly, a refreshing take on the whole gods v human dynamic!! Don’t get me wrong, Rafael is not the weeping wallflower and is a strong man but he is also so head over heels for Bellona, it was so sweet!
I also loved the cameos from previous books - Hi Set!!!!!! I freaking love that man ( I mean god!!). Also Medusa, the fabulous internet extraordinaire that she is!! I might need a full reread!!!!!! I can’t wait for the next one!!
May 4, 2024
Another great book by Alessa!
I adore the Gods that Alessa write about and Belzona is no different. Not only are they amazing retellings but the spice is off the charts. This is the perfect mix of 🌶️, 🗡️ and danger around. Bellona is a War Goddess who fell for a mortal 20 years ago when she saved him. Rafael is that mortal that has never been able to get that avenging angel out of his head. Now that that’s a bounty on his head, he needs her and she won’t let anyone touch him, especially the crazy mafia queen who just wants to marry him for his position and power. Buckle up and get ready for visits from our favorite other main characters from past books. This one is a must read for any mythology lover or lover of anything Alessa writes!
I adore the Gods that Alessa write about and Belzona is no different. Not only are they amazing retellings but the spice is off the charts. This is the perfect mix of 🌶️, 🗡️ and danger around. Bellona is a War Goddess who fell for a mortal 20 years ago when she saved him. Rafael is that mortal that has never been able to get that avenging angel out of his head. Now that that’s a bounty on his head, he needs her and she won’t let anyone touch him, especially the crazy mafia queen who just wants to marry him for his position and power. Buckle up and get ready for visits from our favorite other main characters from past books. This one is a must read for any mythology lover or lover of anything Alessa writes!
May 15, 2024
I love Alessa Thorne, but this just kind of followed the same formula that she uses in most of her god universe. I honestly skipped the spicy scenes because I was more interested in the plot, and they’re so repetitive at this point (or maybe I’m desensitized to light smut and have a problem? 😂). I loved Bellona, and I especially love that she was the dominant one in the relationship, and Rafael was totally happy about it. His character fell flat for me. The best part of the entire book were the cameos (we get to revisit Set quite a bit, peek at Hades & Persephone and the babies, gets lots of time on page with Hermes, and a bit of Thoth, Kema, Circe, and Selene). Romulus totally intrigued me, as did Laverne, and I’m excited to see their story will be up next. I’m just hoping it a smidge more interesting than this one.
July 9, 2024
Ballona is badass and kinda mean and I love it. She and Rafael have been stuck on each other for 20 years when she rescued him from a kidnapping. Now he needs her protection again. The plot follows their attempts to fix the bounty on his head as their relationship evolves. I think Bellona might have freaked out more than anyone else trying to reconcile her feelings with her “Goddess of War” role. I loved how Rafael was happy to just step back and let her do her thing without being intimidated or threatened. Their chemistry was on fire. Set is way too cute too “Mother henning” all the family. That epilogue has me piqued. I can’t wait to read Romulus and Laverna’s story. I bet they have great hate sex that isn’t really hate sex, they just tell themselves that.
April 25, 2024
I'll read anything Alessa Thorn writes.
Her stories always have the same vibes - fast paced & quick love stories with spice.
We return to the Gods series, this time focused around the Roman gods/goddesses.
Bellona the goddess of war is vicious, there is plenty of action in this book, the violence gave me vibes from AT other series Mercenaries & Magic.
Rafael is human and yet so unfazed by Bellona's godliness. He is a sexy Italian man, strong minded and yet so gentle with Bellona. I loved the sprinkles of Italian spoken through the book.
We get the other gods making appearances, especially Set, and set the stage for the next book couple.
Her stories always have the same vibes - fast paced & quick love stories with spice.
We return to the Gods series, this time focused around the Roman gods/goddesses.
Bellona the goddess of war is vicious, there is plenty of action in this book, the violence gave me vibes from AT other series Mercenaries & Magic.
Rafael is human and yet so unfazed by Bellona's godliness. He is a sexy Italian man, strong minded and yet so gentle with Bellona. I loved the sprinkles of Italian spoken through the book.
We get the other gods making appearances, especially Set, and set the stage for the next book couple.
May 14, 2024
Loved being back in the Gods universe with Alessa Thorn.
My specialism is Ancient Greeks and mythology, but I’ve always been intrigued by Bellona- the almost feral goddess of war in the Roman Pantheon. As always Alessa puts a new twist on the old myth, giving Bellona a new purpose in the new world.
With Bellona as the badass FMC, her counter foil Raphael is perfection. Elegant, madly in love and wanting to worship his goddess, I’m in love!
We get to see more of Set and old favourites like Circe as well.
Intrigue, mystery, spice and romance- Alessa always delivers.
Loved the sneak peak at Laverna as well 🖤
My specialism is Ancient Greeks and mythology, but I’ve always been intrigued by Bellona- the almost feral goddess of war in the Roman Pantheon. As always Alessa puts a new twist on the old myth, giving Bellona a new purpose in the new world.
With Bellona as the badass FMC, her counter foil Raphael is perfection. Elegant, madly in love and wanting to worship his goddess, I’m in love!
We get to see more of Set and old favourites like Circe as well.
Intrigue, mystery, spice and romance- Alessa always delivers.
Loved the sneak peak at Laverna as well 🖤
April 20, 2024
wow
This was so incredibly good. I read this entire book in one day. Start to finish it is action packed with lots of heart and some laughs. A lot of friends from the gods universe pop in and make appearances. Bellona is a total bad ass, and will stop at nothing to protect her man Rafael.
I swear Alessa puts something special in her books, they are addictive and I have loved them all. This one is no exception.
This was so incredibly good. I read this entire book in one day. Start to finish it is action packed with lots of heart and some laughs. A lot of friends from the gods universe pop in and make appearances. Bellona is a total bad ass, and will stop at nothing to protect her man Rafael.
I swear Alessa puts something special in her books, they are addictive and I have loved them all. This one is no exception.
April 20, 2024
a+ story!
I loved it. One of the things I liked best about this author is how she writes the male/female dynamic. Most romance authors fall back on the typical male dynamic but she does something with it thT seems unusual. Like when she had Rafe talk about wanting to give up control in this story. Usually it is the female characters talking about that. And I like that the author is shaking up that.
I loved it. One of the things I liked best about this author is how she writes the male/female dynamic. Most romance authors fall back on the typical male dynamic but she does something with it thT seems unusual. Like when she had Rafe talk about wanting to give up control in this story. Usually it is the female characters talking about that. And I like that the author is shaking up that.
April 20, 2024
Alessa Thorn's books continue to hit it out of the park. Bellona was fun, sexy, and Raphael being a silver fox was icing on the cake.
The fighting styles in this one really stood out to me with new and interesting ways to murder. I was all for every minute of it and can't wait for the next one!
For these reasons, 5🌟
The fighting styles in this one really stood out to me with new and interesting ways to murder. I was all for every minute of it and can't wait for the next one!
For these reasons, 5🌟
July 25, 2024
War Mommy!
This entire series has the most special place in my heart. I’m a lifelong mythology fan, and I have love love loved all of Alessa’s books in this whopping arena of lore. Bellona was every bit as fierce, protective, bad@$$, and utterly incredible as I knew she would be, and the romance in this was *chef’s kiss.* Brb gonna sign up for Ream so I can read Lavernaaaaaa!
This entire series has the most special place in my heart. I’m a lifelong mythology fan, and I have love love loved all of Alessa’s books in this whopping arena of lore. Bellona was every bit as fierce, protective, bad@$$, and utterly incredible as I knew she would be, and the romance in this was *chef’s kiss.* Brb gonna sign up for Ream so I can read Lavernaaaaaa!
February 22, 2025
Overall Good
Some things were dropped, like Bellona’s possible ancient marriage, which was annoying as I like to have things wrapped up neatly. Didn’t mind the role reversal theme much, though it was done a bit heavy handedly and was sometimes a little absurd. Cute couple though and I love a good champion of women.
Some things were dropped, like Bellona’s possible ancient marriage, which was annoying as I like to have things wrapped up neatly. Didn’t mind the role reversal theme much, though it was done a bit heavy handedly and was sometimes a little absurd. Cute couple though and I love a good champion of women.
April 22, 2024
A hit of Alessa Thorn
Not better than her better books, this was exactly what you’d expect from Alessa Thorn.
It has lots of cameos and references, and I think if you haven’t read her previous Hades Universe stories, this one is better if you do.
Not better than her better books, this was exactly what you’d expect from Alessa Thorn.
It has lots of cameos and references, and I think if you haven’t read her previous Hades Universe stories, this one is better if you do.
April 24, 2024
Great storyline
Please don't let this be the last book in this series! This series is keeping me turning the pages. You get sucked in right from book 1! So good, I don't want to leave this world yet!
Please don't let this be the last book in this series! This series is keeping me turning the pages. You get sucked in right from book 1! So good, I don't want to leave this world yet!
April 25, 2024
Maybe not my favorite one, but I loved it nonetheless! As an Italian, living in Rome, the references were so accurate! I loved seeing my city from the characters' eyes and I can't wait to read the next book about the protectors of my city!
April 28, 2024
Gods I’ve missed this universe
Alessa doesn’t disappoint with this new instalment of the Gods Universe. Focussing on Bellona, Goddess of War and Champion for women. Bells is a badass, and her story is a wild ride.
Alessa doesn’t disappoint with this new instalment of the Gods Universe. Focussing on Bellona, Goddess of War and Champion for women. Bells is a badass, and her story is a wild ride.
June 4, 2024
Bellona was such a great book to get back into reading after my reading slump. It has everything. A sexy, mid 40s MMC, a badass FMC, and cameos from just the best gods from the Egyptian and Greek series.
June 18, 2024
I loved it!
A great start to a new series in this universe! This had quickly become one of my favourite gods and goddesses series!
I can't wait to continue on!
I loved how these first two books has bridged together the other two series and introduced us to more. 😁
A great start to a new series in this universe! This had quickly become one of my favourite gods and goddesses series!
I can't wait to continue on!
I loved how these first two books has bridged together the other two series and introduced us to more. 😁
November 14, 2024
fantastic give me 14 more (even though this is number 12) bellona was a great kick off to the list goddesses portion of the series and laverna??? ooooo baby that 2000 year enemies to lovers will be soooo good
no notes, perfect as always, quick listen
overall: 4/5
spice: 2/5
no notes, perfect as always, quick listen
overall: 4/5
spice: 2/5
April 21, 2024
I’ll read anything she writes. Always fun with good spice & a clever story line.
April 21, 2024
Roman Goddess of War as the personification of Woman's Rights? Sign me up!
I'm absolutely stoked to see where this series goes. 12 books in and still on fire!
I'm absolutely stoked to see where this series goes. 12 books in and still on fire!
April 21, 2024
Im still so obsessed with this series ! It just keep on getting better and better !
I cant choose a favorite ! I cant wait for the next book
I cant choose a favorite ! I cant wait for the next book
April 23, 2024
I liked this one.
I really like this series. I start a book and don't want to put it down. The characters are great . I love your writing.
I really like this series. I start a book and don't want to put it down. The characters are great . I love your writing.
April 23, 2024
great series!
Love the lost goddess spin off. All of the series surrounding The Gods universe is pretty good. It's definitely a fun and sexy take with excellent locales.
Love the lost goddess spin off. All of the series surrounding The Gods universe is pretty good. It's definitely a fun and sexy take with excellent locales.
April 27, 2024
Not bad
Decent writing, plot and characters but nothing too exciting. I would definitely read other books in this series. Maybe Romulus and Laverna.
Decent writing, plot and characters but nothing too exciting. I would definitely read other books in this series. Maybe Romulus and Laverna.
May 5, 2024
Rafael you have my heart!!!
I need Rom and Laverna’s book like, right now
I need Rom and Laverna’s book like, right now
June 23, 2024
10/10 🔥🖤💀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews