Apollo's Courtesan

Lovers of the Gods #1.5

by Amanda Meuwissen

COURTED BY THE DIVINE

Dax was always second best among the acolytes of Aphrodite, destined to remain in the shadow of his friend and rival, Aikos, when the time came for them to ascend as courtesans. But while Aikos sought freedom to serve many and no one through his favored tenet of their goddess—desire—Dax seeks another domain.

Love.

The god Apollo is broken and lonely after countless loses of mortal lovers, thinking his heart beyond repair. Or he did, until Aikos led him to a prophecy of a possibly mended future.

Where Aikos indulged in divine desires, Dax and Apollo choose courtship. Can they beat the odds against them of attaining love between mortal and god, or will the pasts that haunt them define their forever after?

Apollo's Courtesan can be read standalone but is best as a follow-up to Last Courtesan of Olympus for those who wanted to see Dax and Apollo get their happily ever after.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Queer, Mythology, Historical

119 pages, Paperback

Published June 28, 2024

About the author

Amanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.

Reviews

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wanted to drag out reading this story because I was excited for it!! But eventually that became unavoidable 😅. To start off, the first book to this ‘now series’ has an incredible poetic-like writing style which continues on in this story. I appreciated the slow-burn relationship between Apollo and Dax, compared to Akios’ journey. It fits them much more especially when it comes to mending broken hearts and healing. It was really just a sweet read. Even if you didn’t totally like “The Last Courtesan of Olympus” I would still recommend this book, it’s pretty different but it also keeps all of the good stuff! Like the writing style I can't get enough of, and the spice ✨ I am more than excited to see where this series goes!

[Alexia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more from this couple.
I really wanted to like this since Apollo is my favorite greek god but since the plot was the romance and they had no chemistry I just found it very bland.
I did not believe this profound love they had for each other.
Dax is a character that has no function other than to love Apollo and I found him boring.
I do like how the author portrayed Apollo but I did not like how she portrayed their relationship.
I do not think it was necessary to diminish Hyacinth love for Apollo just so Dax could be the one with the most "pure" love for him.
I know there are a lot of myths about Apollo and Hyacinth and that everybody has their favorite but to say that nobody truly loved Apollo since Hyacinth feared him in the version that the author chose to tell just to make the main character be the one who truly loved him left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beautiful and poetic 💛

“I reached for his neck to draw his face closer, and though the edges of his wings licked flames along my fingertips, I feared no burn either. I fucked my Apollo, as he had fucked me, worshipped him, as he worshipped me, and whispered to him as the wind sang past us.”

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, lyrical. This was a fun sequel to Last Courtesan of Olympus. Here we have Dax being courted by Apollo. Not nearly as steamy as book one, it was an entertaining read nonetheless. Can't wait for her to tackle other pantheons.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apollo's Courtesan is the second book in the Lovers of the Gods series. This book can be read standalone but is best as a follow-up to Last Courtesan of Olympus. This is Dax a human courtesan and the god Apollos story. This is a slow burn courtship between Apollo and Dax. I love the way Amanda writes. I love the fact that both guys have things to work through. The characters and world building are outstanding in my opinion. I would definitely recommend this book and series. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

[Natalie H · Rating 2 out of 5]

July 2025
Kindle edition

I missed the timing on this one. Had I read it straight after the main story, maybe I would've enjoyed it more. Instead I went straight to Oli's and another one before finding it. It was hmm celibate compared to the main books. Good for Apollo finally getting someone. Aikos looks to be settling with Hermes or at least has a fave.

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good follow up to The Last Courtesan of Olympus.

This follows the budding relationship between Dax and Apollo, and is definitely more about the slow build, healing, learning aspect of relationships than other romance novels focus on.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Library_of_a_Trashpanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately went and read this as the follow up to Last Courtesan. I needed to know what happened to Dax.

This is a novella following the story that lets us check in on Dax and see Apollo get his HEA. I absolutely devoured this following the main story and highly recommend you read it as well!

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax and Apollo's romance was such an adorable healing journey. After losing several of his mortal loves in the past to reasons beyond his control, Apollo was so hesitant to open himself up again, and that set the tone for the way he and Dax patiently, gently fell in love. I loved the way each chapter followed a different one of Apollo's specialties, exploring healing, music, and the bringing of dawn as Dax and Apollo grew closer together. Dax gave Apollo the space to grieve his losses and share his feelings and remained steadfastly by his side to offer comfort whenever he needed it. I could tell how deeply Dax treasured his time with Apollo, and as Apollo started lowering his walls I could see their potential future together. Apollo himself went through quite the emotional journey as he processed his past heartbreaks, forgave the individuals who'd wronged him, and embraced his connection with Dax. By the time he and Dax were ready to explore their physical chemistry I was fully convinced they were in love, and that extra deep connection made their night together feel even more passionate and meaningful. I wasn't expecting a literal leap of faith to propel their relationship to the next level, but when Dax and Apollo were in each other's arms I knew there was no reason to fear their separation. The two of them glided into a sweet set of love confessions that filled my heart up to the brim with happiness, and I was incredibly satisfied by how happily their journey ended.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story!

I had a soft spot for both Apollo and Dax after the Last Courtesan of Olympus. I was so excited to read their book, and I was not disappointed!

As a Classicist myself and having studied Greek and Roman mythology in depth is grad school, I am always a little hesitant to read fiction that involves mythology, especially if it involves Apollo because he is my favorite. I have to remind myself that it is fiction and authors will take literary license with the mythological tradition. There was a bit of that here, but I think Amanda Meuwissen tried very hard to stay as true as possible to the mythical tradition. She clearly has a solid knowledge base and understanding of it. I loved this story!

One of the primary aspects of Apollo's mythology is that he is a liminal figure, not quite an adult man, but not a child either. This is why his relationships never work out and his mortal children die in the mythical tradition. Amanda explores that aspect of Apollo and how heartbreaking it is that he has suffered so much loss. This is his chance at an HEA and Dax is perfect for him.

I adore Amanda's writing style and storytelling. It is original, romantic, and artistic. Her steamy scenes are definitely hot, but also creative and romantic. Everything she writes is so unique and immensely enjoyable. This isn't a long story, but I didn't feel like it was missing anything.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's Amanda Meuwissen's "Apollo's Courtesan." It's a novella in her Lovers of the Gods series.

["Dax was always second best among the acolytes of Aphrodite, destined to remain in the shadow of his friend and rival, Aikos, when the time came for them to ascend as courtesans. But while Aikos sought freedom to serve many and no one through his favored tenet of their goddess—desire—Dax seeks another domain.

Love.

The god Apollo is broken and lonely after countless loses of mortal lovers, thinking his heart beyond repair. Or he did, until Aikos led him to a prophecy of a possibly mended future.

Where Aikos indulged in divine desires, Dax and Apollo choose courtship. Can they beat the odds against them of attaining love between mortal and god, or will the pasts that haunt them define their forever after?"]

I was surprised at how soft and warm this book was after the dramatics of the first one. Then again, that’s Dax and Aikos for you, both sweet but polar opposites.

I’ve always loved the tales of Apollo and hate that he never had a love that wasn’t doomed. This fictional tale of a HEA for him was beautiful.

#lastcourtesanoflympus #apolloscourtesan #lastthrallofasgard #loversofthegods #loversofthegodsseries #amandameuwissen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Sreberko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apollo's Courtesan is a short story about love, loss, and forgiveness. It's beautifully written; there are whole paragraphs of pure poetry, and emotions so thick they make turning to the next page almost impossible.

It's Apollo who is courting, and I think that's beautiful.
It's the courtesan who is healing the god, and I didn't expect anything less for a sequel to the Last Courtesan of Olympus.

I would love to read more about their courting. Somehow, when I accepted that there would be no immediate hot times, I also felt like I didn't want to leave these men too fast. They still have a lot about themselves to learn, and I think that's beautiful.

I like how Aikos was present in this story, but always helping, never trespassing, and never breaking the slowly building trust between the two MCs.

Dax was just a liiiitle bit too pure to be true, but for a short and very romantic story, his character was still deeply motivated and believable.
I cannot wait for the next story in the series. Love, love, love it.

I received the ARC from the author, and I'm leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apollo's Courtesan - Dax’s Courtier

“Why did you do that?” Apollo demanded when our lips parted. “Because some things are beyond your control,” I said. “Some always will be. You need to trust, not only in a partner, but in you.” I gathered him closer, much as I could with him having to hold me tight and us descending, gliding slowly downward. “Whatever happens, whatever may come from this point on, you will not lose me. If I somehow perish from something out of your control, no matter how you react to my death, you will not lose me.“

Amanda Meuwissen adds book 1.5 to her Lovers of the Gods series, and we find ourselves enamored with Dax and his courting by the god Apollo.
Who would think a god has lived through such romantic pain that he becomes tentative in reveling in a new relationship?

Dax has studied as a courtesan, but quickly realizes he differs from most, as he seeks to find a forever love. When Apollo is led to him, Dax choses to allow this god the chance to not only find a love, but to learn he is strong enough to open his frozen heart again.

A beautifully written MM romance!

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dax and Apollo's story was a short and steamy one. In this book we got to learn more about Dax, along with learning more personal details about Apollo. The things he went to after losing his lover, and the loss he's felt since then. Upon him meeting Dax, he's caught up in Dax's strength and smarts. These two together are full of passion and form a connection almost immediately upon meeting.

I liked that this one was a bit different from The Last Courtesan of Olympus, this book focused on Dax and Apollo forming a relationship just between the two of them which I found to be really nice! I thought this book was written well and had a good flow. My only critique would be.. that I wish there was more dialogue and more of a buildup between the MC's, the story mainly focused on the steamy times that occured between these men, and while that isn't a bad thing, I just wished that there was more of a buildup. Overall though, a great continuation to Olympus and I'm looking forward to more!

[Laila · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Rating 3.5 stars -
(Shown as 4 stars)

This was an enjoyable read, but it felt VERY different from the first book. The first was more spontaneous, wild, and smutty, while this one took a slower pace, focusing on true love and delving into the hurt and sorrow from Apollo’s past relationships.

It’s told from dual pov. between Dax and Apollo.
(Which is different from the previous book’s pov. That was first person told by Aikos.)

One thing I especially appreciated was how many of the unresolved plot points from the first book were finally addressed and resolved here.
(Meaning what happened to the gods and their flares or partner lived that they had issue with before Aikos helped them overcome them.)

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

28k short story about Apollo and Dax.

Recommended to read this after "Last Courtesan of Olympus" but you don't have to. You see cameos of Aikos from that book and also references scenes and events from that book.

This was surprisingly super sweet. Slow-ish burn because of the courtship and Apollo wanting to take things slow, but the mini "dates" they went on were touching and cute at the same time.

Dual POV. Glad to see Dax's POV on certain things in the previous book and on his rivaly/friendship with Aikos. Though it's only smutty near the end, it was a very wholesome feelgood story.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second offering in a series, and while it can stand alone it shines as a successor to Last Courtesan of Olympus, in part because of the contrasts it offers as well as the continuities. This story focuses on relationship development, on building feelings, trust, and connection, and it celebrates the courtship between Dax (a lovely character, although definitely too good for real life) and Apollo. Overall, a really enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Angelena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Aikos story was exciting and fast paced, a tale of the many kind of loves this was....just beautiful. A beautiful love story of sweetness and hope, of healing of past scars and the joy of a happy future. I loved these two so much and wish I had more. Yes bedrook scenes are amazing but their conversations and interactions just make me smile. Like Apollo I hope for that all encompassing love one day. I truly hope this isn't the last we see of Dax, Aikos, and the Gods who can be just as flawed as us mere mortals

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable novella. Dax is a courtesan plucked from his priest to be courted by Apollo. Apollo has loved and lost many, leaving him feeling hollow. Dax has only ever wanted an epic love. These two are perfect together. Their courtship is a slow burn. So slow we only get one steamy scene at almost the end of the book. While this can be read as a stand alone, I don’t recommend it. I read it first but I feel like I missed a lot of the world building and stories that we probably got with Aikos’ tale. This isn’t exactly my kind of story, the language and wording is stiff like historical regency stories, I would have preferred a more modern spin to it. Though it wasn’t as stiff as some of the regency stories I’ve read. I still enjoyed the read. Apollo and Dax deserve all the love.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aikos, a newly deified courtesan brings his friend Dax to Olympus to meet Apollo the God he worshiped. This is the story of Apollo courting Dax, desiring the love of the mortal. It's a slow burn courtship with Apollo learning forgiveness of others and himself. This follow up to "Last Courtesan of Olympus" is more of a romance than the first and full of love and respect, less trickery and conceit from the Gods. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another alright read. I was happy to see that we would get Apollo and Dax's story after the way it was left in Aikos' story. I felt the same about the writing in this one. I understand why it is this way...it's Greek gods not the 21st century but I couldn't really get into it.
I liked that they courted and it was all very cute but still just an ok read.
I don't see myself reading the next in the series.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww. Just awwwww. This was such a cute spin-off to Last Courtesan of Olympus. A quick and sweet romance with some spice, I got everything I hoped for for Dax and Apollo here.

The writing was beautiful, the courtship felt well-paced, the resolution felt earned, and I just flew through this novella. I also loved how the other Gods were woven in as side characters, and getting little updates on their development and life after the main book.

Great read, no notes!

[embright15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good already. Its only going to get better for real

This was a cute lil novella for Dax and our emo baby Apollo. Patron of poetry music and feels. Slow burn, but fast, sweet and sexy. Finding one’s self.
Very good

SO EXCITED FOR WHAT AMANDA HAS PLANNED FOR THIS SERIES. FR IM DYINGGGGG

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely follow-up to The Last Courtesan. Apollo and Dax were so sweet together. I loved the slow courtship, the time spent learning about each other, and Apollo’s healing process. I enjoyed catching glimpses of some of the other gods (including Aikos!) as well. Low angst, low heat, HEA.

[Letizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly thought of re reading the first book and imagine my shock at realizing THERE’S MORE NOW!
I was so happy!

This one was really really sweet, although Hermes was my favorite, the story of Apollo in the first one was really bittersweet so i’m glad he managed to get his happy ending

they were a bit too fast to fall in love for my taste, but it was absolutely a pleasant read!

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story of finding love after loss. I liked the storyline and characters, and I enjoyed the story. Very slow burn story. You definitely will get more out of the story having read the prior book first.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EXCELLENT READ THAT MADE MY HEART SO GLAD!

This is book 2 in the Lovers of the Gods Series. This story is just so well written with engaging characters. I really enjoyed Dax and Apollo and their relationship.

[Minnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5

Sadly, I didn't like this one nearly as much as the first book. I really liked the concept and it was faily cute but in the end unnecessary. But I'm really excited to see what the author does next.

[Jessica Gorgen · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked it

I really liked this book. It was very sweet, with Dax patiently teasing out Apollo’s hurts and encouraging him to love again. And seeing the family side of the mighty gods was nice.