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The Lost Goddesses #3
Laverna
Rome has always had two rulers - Romulus, the god of the above, and Laverna, the goddess of the below. But the time for their hostile peace is at an end, and if they don't come together, the whole city will burn.
Laverna, the goddess of thieves, has always ruled Rome's underground with her army of outcasts. When her people are found dead, killed by a monstrous beast, she turns to the biggest beast she knows for answers—Romulus, the king of Rome himself.
Rom has lived his entire life cursed. If being tied to the great city he founded and forced to shift into a wolf every full moon wasn't bad enough, his inner wolf is also obsessed with Laverna—the one woman who will never have him.
Fate has a way of messing with the gods the way the gods mess with mortals, and Laverna and Rom will finally have to bury their past animosity to fight ancient enemies and protect their city. They will have to finally use their words and, in doing so, rewrite their own histories and learn that their passion for their city might only be outdone by their passion for each other.
Please note that although 'Laverna' takes place in 'The Gods Universe' it can be read as a standalone. It also contains adult content, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
Laverna, the goddess of thieves, has always ruled Rome's underground with her army of outcasts. When her people are found dead, killed by a monstrous beast, she turns to the biggest beast she knows for answers—Romulus, the king of Rome himself.
Rom has lived his entire life cursed. If being tied to the great city he founded and forced to shift into a wolf every full moon wasn't bad enough, his inner wolf is also obsessed with Laverna—the one woman who will never have him.
Fate has a way of messing with the gods the way the gods mess with mortals, and Laverna and Rom will finally have to bury their past animosity to fight ancient enemies and protect their city. They will have to finally use their words and, in doing so, rewrite their own histories and learn that their passion for their city might only be outdone by their passion for each other.
Please note that although 'Laverna' takes place in 'The Gods Universe' it can be read as a standalone. It also contains adult content, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2024
About the author
Alessa Thorn
49 books985 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 35 reviews
August 16, 2024
New Favorite of Gods Universe!!
I have enjoyed Alessa Thorn's Gods Universe since the first book, Asterion. So I was thrilled to see she was adding to it with these Lost Goddesses books. So far, Laverna is my favorite of the Lost Goddesses. I loved she and Romulus as soon as they came on scene as secondary characters in the previous two books, Persephone and Bellona.
Laverna and Rom's relationship was so hot, and it was also fun to get something a bit different with Rom's werewolf aspect. I liked the ties to Rome as well. Obviously all of the books make reference to mythology, but this one was a bit different because of Romulus having become an immortal instead of being born one. There were a lot of great scenes between Laverna and Rom. My only complaint is that it was too short. I could've read a book twice this long, especially with the tension between Laverna and Rom before they sleep together.
I have enjoyed Alessa Thorn's Gods Universe since the first book, Asterion. So I was thrilled to see she was adding to it with these Lost Goddesses books. So far, Laverna is my favorite of the Lost Goddesses. I loved she and Romulus as soon as they came on scene as secondary characters in the previous two books, Persephone and Bellona.
Laverna and Rom's relationship was so hot, and it was also fun to get something a bit different with Rom's werewolf aspect. I liked the ties to Rome as well. Obviously all of the books make reference to mythology, but this one was a bit different because of Romulus having become an immortal instead of being born one. There were a lot of great scenes between Laverna and Rom. My only complaint is that it was too short. I could've read a book twice this long, especially with the tension between Laverna and Rom before they sleep together.
January 4, 2026
It was interesting to see a little bit of Roman mythology for the last two books in the series. Roman mythology isn't one of my best knowledge for, so it was a little hard to connect with the book fully, but I really did enjoy reading it. I would have to say my favorite character was Romulus. I wonder if he was considered to be the first werewolf?
August 29, 2024
I have been a huge fan of Alessa's writing for a few years now. I have LOVED the whole Gods of the Universe series and each sub-seroed within the overall set. This one though? This is one of my favorites.
I liked how the romance between Laverna and Romulus unfolded. It was fun, while also being raw and vulnerable. There were a couple of parts that made me audibly "aw" and tear up, and I did highlight those parts.
I left the book missing the characters and sad that it was over. I know there's more in the series, but I really, really liked Laverna on her own, Romulus on his own, and both on their own.
Something I appreciated about this particular book was the dynamic between Laverna and Romulus: that although Laverna was Romulus' mate, and his wolf had always known this since they met, it was entirely up to Laverna. Autonomy remained an important aspect between them. The possessiveness wasn't icky on either end. It wasn't and Alpha/Omega trope but more like fated mates.
I liked how the romance between Laverna and Romulus unfolded. It was fun, while also being raw and vulnerable. There were a couple of parts that made me audibly "aw" and tear up, and I did highlight those parts.
I left the book missing the characters and sad that it was over. I know there's more in the series, but I really, really liked Laverna on her own, Romulus on his own, and both on their own.
Something I appreciated about this particular book was the dynamic between Laverna and Romulus: that although Laverna was Romulus' mate, and his wolf had always known this since they met, it was entirely up to Laverna. Autonomy remained an important aspect between them. The possessiveness wasn't icky on either end. It wasn't and Alpha/Omega trope but more like fated mates.
February 23, 2025
Great Characters, Strange Villain
Loved this one and as a result I only have one complaint. There was not enough interaction with the main villain. It was a bit strange. Almost all the information the story gives you about the villain comes from the past and you don’t get to see her interact with both main characters and the main character she does interact with barely speaks with her. One of the lackeys has more villainous monologues with the main couple than the main villain has, which is just backwards. The weirdness would probably be more noticeable except for the fact that the other characters are so interesting and the backdrop of Rome both above and below ground is so richly described. Worth the read.
Loved this one and as a result I only have one complaint. There was not enough interaction with the main villain. It was a bit strange. Almost all the information the story gives you about the villain comes from the past and you don’t get to see her interact with both main characters and the main character she does interact with barely speaks with her. One of the lackeys has more villainous monologues with the main couple than the main villain has, which is just backwards. The weirdness would probably be more noticeable except for the fact that the other characters are so interesting and the backdrop of Rome both above and below ground is so richly described. Worth the read.
October 6, 2024
Laverna and Romulus’ story was great. You could feel the centuries of tension they built up between them until it finally snapped. I love how expressive his wolf was and how steadfast in its affection (arguably obsession) with Laverna. I recall saying out loud “Oop there it is” the first time Rom dropped that he was her mate. I liked the plot line, investigating the return of some nasty witches together. It was really fun reading along as Laverna came to realize what her feelings were towards him. One of the best aspects of this book was how well Rom knew Laverna and what she needed and was willing to give her what she needed even when it went against his instincts.
April 6, 2025
Laverna & Rom appear from book 1 in the lost goddesses series. They dance around each other and everyone around them can see the chemistry.
Laverna thought Rom hated her, but Rom has known all along she's his mate but he didn't think he was good enough for her.
They finally stop fighting each other when they have to join forces to kill some witches.
The drama was actually quite light, only couple quick moments. This book very much centred around the romance.
Slipping back into AT worlds, her books are such an easy, comforting read. I now need to stay here for a while, I forgot how much I love her writing.
Laverna thought Rom hated her, but Rom has known all along she's his mate but he didn't think he was good enough for her.
They finally stop fighting each other when they have to join forces to kill some witches.
The drama was actually quite light, only couple quick moments. This book very much centred around the romance.
Slipping back into AT worlds, her books are such an easy, comforting read. I now need to stay here for a while, I forgot how much I love her writing.
August 7, 2024
Laverna and Romulus are so so fun!
I loved all of the magic and shifter dynamic, paired with the pining and the angst, I could not put it down. These two were fire on the page and had so much chemistry and passion. I genuinely laughed out loud at Laverna's petty mischief and swooned at Rom's sweet thoughtfulness. This one had some of my favorite microtropes and me squealing and swooning the whole time. I am definitely going to be going back and rereading this one soon.
I am so in love with this continuation in the Gods Universe, and cannot wait for Eris to to cause some chaos.
I loved all of the magic and shifter dynamic, paired with the pining and the angst, I could not put it down. These two were fire on the page and had so much chemistry and passion. I genuinely laughed out loud at Laverna's petty mischief and swooned at Rom's sweet thoughtfulness. This one had some of my favorite microtropes and me squealing and swooning the whole time. I am definitely going to be going back and rereading this one soon.
I am so in love with this continuation in the Gods Universe, and cannot wait for Eris to to cause some chaos.
August 16, 2024
Alessa delivers again
As always, Alessa managed to create such fun, emotional, exciting story that is on the shorter side. I have loved each of her books and this is no different. The characters go from disliking each to realizing they love each other, and their chemistry is great. Loved the story with the witches.
Can be read as a standalone, but some references will make more sense if you read the other lost goddess books (and all of the gods universe - underworld and dust) first.
As always, Alessa managed to create such fun, emotional, exciting story that is on the shorter side. I have loved each of her books and this is no different. The characters go from disliking each to realizing they love each other, and their chemistry is great. Loved the story with the witches.
Can be read as a standalone, but some references will make more sense if you read the other lost goddess books (and all of the gods universe - underworld and dust) first.
August 15, 2024
Good story installment, though the "mystery" was short lived and the final fight a bit underwhelming. There were also enough editing errors the prior 12 books didn't have (including a whole random paragraph pasted into the middle of the text and several places where people were inverted.) I wonder if a draft was uploaded instead of the final copy. Still, vivid, well fleshed out characters as always and spicy smexy fun times that didn't feel out of place.
August 15, 2024
Another God/Goddess Homerun
Alessa Thorn has done it again! This series is amazing although I adore anything she writes. Laverna and Rom’s story is wonderful. The banter between these two is fantastic and I love when she steals from him. Fun fact, so does he. With a side of witches that are looking for revenge and Rom’s brother back from the underworld, things are about to get wild.
Alessa Thorn has done it again! This series is amazing although I adore anything she writes. Laverna and Rom’s story is wonderful. The banter between these two is fantastic and I love when she steals from him. Fun fact, so does he. With a side of witches that are looking for revenge and Rom’s brother back from the underworld, things are about to get wild.
September 26, 2025
My absolute faves (but keep that hush hush)
I first got to read this masterpiece over on Alessa’s Ream platform. Let me tell you, Laverna and Rom are god tier. I just love and adore every single facet of this book. I commented on Ream that Rom is babygirl, and I stand by that. You simply can’t go wrong with any of Alessa’s work. The Gods Universe (and all her other worlds, let’s be real) is a treat from beginning to end.
I first got to read this masterpiece over on Alessa’s Ream platform. Let me tell you, Laverna and Rom are god tier. I just love and adore every single facet of this book. I commented on Ream that Rom is babygirl, and I stand by that. You simply can’t go wrong with any of Alessa’s work. The Gods Universe (and all her other worlds, let’s be real) is a treat from beginning to end.
August 8, 2024
Underworld and law
I really liked this Rome! Archeology and urbanism meet mythology. Laverna is competent, confident and powerful, Romulus is Protective, confident and commanding. I like their dynamic with each their own people or as they deal with the other side of the city. I really liked the story of looking around for the witches in renowned places. masterful!
I really liked this Rome! Archeology and urbanism meet mythology. Laverna is competent, confident and powerful, Romulus is Protective, confident and commanding. I like their dynamic with each their own people or as they deal with the other side of the city. I really liked the story of looking around for the witches in renowned places. masterful!
August 11, 2024
I finished it in one sit because it was amazing! Rom and Laverna are so cute together. As an italian, born and raised in Rome, there was only one thing that didn't make sense... the brunch. In Italy we don't even know what it is, so in my mind they were doing an Aperitivo (we do them at every hour of every day) but the rest was so accurate! I loved reading about parts of Rome that I visit every day and thinking about Laverna and Rom walking in these places. From now on I'll definitely see Rome with new eyes.
January 24, 2026
I just love Alessa Thorn and her books about gods finding romance in modern times. They are a slump breaker for me. I pick them up whenever I am stressed at work and can’t get through anything that is too dark, twisty, or gritty. Each and every book in the series is different; they do not follow the same layout, which keeps me engrossed in every one of them.
August 9, 2024
wonderful!
Thank you for constantly writing awesome reads. I enjoy the strong female main character. I like she’s kinda funny. The adult content was perfect as well. Good storyline and enjoyable reading.
Thank you for constantly writing awesome reads. I enjoy the strong female main character. I like she’s kinda funny. The adult content was perfect as well. Good storyline and enjoyable reading.
January 21, 2025
I've enjoyed the entirety of this series, but this one was disappointing. There were SO many spelling and grammar errors - at times, I had to reread sentences because they just didn't make sense. The storyline was fine, but it has gotten just a little too redundant at this point.
August 7, 2024
Laverna was a delight to read. To say my smile widen with each page turn would be an understatement
August 8, 2024
Worth the wait
Alessa Thorn is a goddess among mortals. Another great story 🔥 (Literally) can’t wait for the next one.
Definitely can’t wait to see who’s next.
Alessa Thorn is a goddess among mortals. Another great story 🔥 (Literally) can’t wait for the next one.
Definitely can’t wait to see who’s next.
August 10, 2024
"I hope you didn't think that just because you mated with her, she was going to behave herself."
That about sums up the whole book.
That about sums up the whole book.
August 16, 2024
That was chaotic - another fun one!
September 3, 2024
Rome finally free
It seems like some people always think Rome is at war with itself, and this book proves they were right. But it is also nice to see Rome in times of peace.
It seems like some people always think Rome is at war with itself, and this book proves they were right. But it is also nice to see Rome in times of peace.
September 4, 2024
Cutesy little smutty palette cleanser
September 17, 2024
really good
I love this series and the spin offs but this one was especially good. I loved Laverna’s fun mischievous spirit it made for good reading!
I love this series and the spin offs but this one was especially good. I loved Laverna’s fun mischievous spirit it made for good reading!
December 2, 2024
Audio book. I can't stand Ada Sinclair's voice acting. It's as if she considers wet mouth and breathy speech acting, which it isn't. I'm sure some may not mind it, but it really grates on my nerves.
May 17, 2025
I wasn’t so sure these two would work for me, lots of history and Laverne just seemed too different from the buttoned up Romulus. But they work very very well together and it’s a great read.
June 4, 2025
Absolute shit from a butt. At least the other books in the series were entertainingly bad but this one was just plain boring and repetitive.
November 26, 2025
Solid book. Hit the plot and character points I wanted. Fun. Would recommend. Dunno why I'm writing in such a staccato way...
August 9, 2024
As always...amazing
I will literally auto buy everything from this author everytime!!!! Great world building and I absolutely adore the twist on these "villans" stories!!
I will literally auto buy everything from this author everytime!!!! Great world building and I absolutely adore the twist on these "villans" stories!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews