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Protector Superhero #1
Aphrodite's Kiss
On her 25th birthday, Zoe Smith had the chance to become a superhero. With her new powers, how was she going to give herself the birthday gift she'd really set her heart on--P.I. George Taylor? But George was looking for an average Jane--he could never love a superhero-to-be, could he?
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2001
151 people are currently reading
2196 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kenner
161 books1,241 followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
October 30, 2014
Not as good as it sounded in the blurb. The story's about a librarian who secretly has superpowers. She has until her birthday to master them and pass a test -- or lose them forever. In the meantime, she has to deal with a suitor, telling her mom and a pesky relative who's out to destroy the world.
I liked the premise, but the story actually has little to do with superpowers. They're more background to the other subplots, which all coincidentally interlock in a way that is just too cutesy for words. What need is there for a character to be a private detective when the only thing he needs to detect is the nose in front of his face? The romantic subplot was well done, but the telling mom subplot was painful and the criminal subplot was a Keystone Kops routine, but without the humor.
Finished it, but only through an act of will.
I liked the premise, but the story actually has little to do with superpowers. They're more background to the other subplots, which all coincidentally interlock in a way that is just too cutesy for words. What need is there for a character to be a private detective when the only thing he needs to detect is the nose in front of his face? The romantic subplot was well done, but the telling mom subplot was painful and the criminal subplot was a Keystone Kops routine, but without the humor.
Finished it, but only through an act of will.
February 9, 2011
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Zoe Smith is almost twenty-five years old. Instead of preparing a party for the big day, however, she's struggling with insecurities, worried about telling her mother about her halfling nature (afraid that her Mom will spurn her like she did Zoe's father before she was born), and working on her superhero skills to try to pass whatever tests she needs to pass when she submits her application to the Venerate Council of Protectors. Only problem is, she's iffy at best with telekinesis, hasn't come close to mastering flying with the cloak, and if that wasn't bad enough, as her birthday gets closer and closer, the superhuman hypersensitivity of all her senses (most women are speaking metaphorically when they talk about the orgasmic effects of chocolate - Zoe, not so much) is getting harder and harder to control. Simply put, the elementary school librarian (even potential superheros need a secret identity) is a mess. So much so that one more straw on this heavily-laden camel's back may push her into choosing forfeiting her Protector heritage and accepting mortalization, giving up her abilities and all memories of her more-than-human heritage.
Camel, meet former police detective and current private investigator, George Bailey Taylor.
He's a little down on his luck and strapped for cash since stubborn pride pushed him to leave the force when a bullet in his leg ended his ability to do field work. The private investigations business isn't exactly booming. In fact, his current case has him spying on a seemingly faithful woman with a fine reputation at the behest of his client, the scum-sucking, thug-minded husband. The whole mess is making him feel dirty. That is, until he meets Zoe during a particularly low point of the job. Five minutes with her and he knows he'll never be the same.
Zoe fights her attraction to the mortal man, even though he makes her body and heart zing stronger than the best chocolate. Unfortunately, her problems only mount when her cousin Mordichai starts popping up, acting in ways that make no sense for a fellow Protector-in-training, and don't bode particularly well for Zoe's continued existence, either. She only has a short time before her birthday, but all the worries and insecurities may have been a mighty waste of time if she can't even make it to twenty-five, let alone survive it.
Quirky and unique, Aphrodite's Kiss has several things going for it. The narrative is smooth, the dialogue has a natural conversational flow, and the mythos offers up an interesting concept, though I found it to be sparsely defined and a bit undeveloped. The romance between Taylor and Zoe was cute and sweet, but a little protracted. As a character, though, Taylor was a pleasant blend of earnest good guy and clueless male. He's got a charming, sexy way about him, balanced with a truly decent and giving nature and a protective streak a mile wide. I liked him.
Zoe was a bit flighty, which is fine for the style and tone of the story, but she was also a little slow on the uptake sometimes and her waffling about telling her mother she's a halfling and in contact with her father and older half-brother got old very quickly, as did the should-I-shouldn't-I over her attraction to Taylor. She is, in a lot of ways, an innocent. A bit naive and too trusting. Uncomplicated. Her provincialism was cute at first, but started to wear on me long before the end. Kick ass heroine who can handle herself in all situations she is not. I would have preferred it had she been more so.
The plot was my biggest problem with the book. I felt the central conflict was slow to develop and unevenly paced, and the transitions between the protagonist and antagonist threads were rough. The tone was so disparate that I found it difficult to peg just how to take the threat level. On one hand you have the hypersensitive Zoe and her wacky and wonderful friends and sweet potential romance. On the other you have a megalomaniac Outcast coldly but intently planning the death of a relative and the conquering of the world. Then the final conflict and denouement came...and went...with a startling about face and a few too many neat plot thread wrap ups.
The strongest pluses for the book were the characters, Taylor in particular, but also a nice mix of secondary and ancillary characters that added humor and poignancy to the story. I wish we'd had more page time with several of them, but I enjoyed Zoe's best friend and thought her brother was introduced quite nicely, even though he wasn't utilized as much as I'd hoped.
Despite my issues, this wasn't a badly written book. I just wish there had been more substantive development of the mythos and a more balanced tone. I would have enjoyed reading more about the Protectors and their role in the world had that been the case. Unfortunately, the biggest stumbling block for me with this book was that the light paranormal/superhero romance just wasn't to my reading tastes. Neither the stylistic choice of mixing quirky fun with serious threat or the subject matter of the sparsely explained superheros did much for me, and the female lead occasionally tried my patience. Taylor was a doll, though. No argument from me on that one.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Zoe Smith is almost twenty-five years old. Instead of preparing a party for the big day, however, she's struggling with insecurities, worried about telling her mother about her halfling nature (afraid that her Mom will spurn her like she did Zoe's father before she was born), and working on her superhero skills to try to pass whatever tests she needs to pass when she submits her application to the Venerate Council of Protectors. Only problem is, she's iffy at best with telekinesis, hasn't come close to mastering flying with the cloak, and if that wasn't bad enough, as her birthday gets closer and closer, the superhuman hypersensitivity of all her senses (most women are speaking metaphorically when they talk about the orgasmic effects of chocolate - Zoe, not so much) is getting harder and harder to control. Simply put, the elementary school librarian (even potential superheros need a secret identity) is a mess. So much so that one more straw on this heavily-laden camel's back may push her into choosing forfeiting her Protector heritage and accepting mortalization, giving up her abilities and all memories of her more-than-human heritage.
Camel, meet former police detective and current private investigator, George Bailey Taylor.
He's a little down on his luck and strapped for cash since stubborn pride pushed him to leave the force when a bullet in his leg ended his ability to do field work. The private investigations business isn't exactly booming. In fact, his current case has him spying on a seemingly faithful woman with a fine reputation at the behest of his client, the scum-sucking, thug-minded husband. The whole mess is making him feel dirty. That is, until he meets Zoe during a particularly low point of the job. Five minutes with her and he knows he'll never be the same.
Zoe fights her attraction to the mortal man, even though he makes her body and heart zing stronger than the best chocolate. Unfortunately, her problems only mount when her cousin Mordichai starts popping up, acting in ways that make no sense for a fellow Protector-in-training, and don't bode particularly well for Zoe's continued existence, either. She only has a short time before her birthday, but all the worries and insecurities may have been a mighty waste of time if she can't even make it to twenty-five, let alone survive it.
Quirky and unique, Aphrodite's Kiss has several things going for it. The narrative is smooth, the dialogue has a natural conversational flow, and the mythos offers up an interesting concept, though I found it to be sparsely defined and a bit undeveloped. The romance between Taylor and Zoe was cute and sweet, but a little protracted. As a character, though, Taylor was a pleasant blend of earnest good guy and clueless male. He's got a charming, sexy way about him, balanced with a truly decent and giving nature and a protective streak a mile wide. I liked him.
Zoe was a bit flighty, which is fine for the style and tone of the story, but she was also a little slow on the uptake sometimes and her waffling about telling her mother she's a halfling and in contact with her father and older half-brother got old very quickly, as did the should-I-shouldn't-I over her attraction to Taylor. She is, in a lot of ways, an innocent. A bit naive and too trusting. Uncomplicated. Her provincialism was cute at first, but started to wear on me long before the end. Kick ass heroine who can handle herself in all situations she is not. I would have preferred it had she been more so.
The plot was my biggest problem with the book. I felt the central conflict was slow to develop and unevenly paced, and the transitions between the protagonist and antagonist threads were rough. The tone was so disparate that I found it difficult to peg just how to take the threat level. On one hand you have the hypersensitive Zoe and her wacky and wonderful friends and sweet potential romance. On the other you have a megalomaniac Outcast coldly but intently planning the death of a relative and the conquering of the world. Then the final conflict and denouement came...and went...with a startling about face and a few too many neat plot thread wrap ups.
The strongest pluses for the book were the characters, Taylor in particular, but also a nice mix of secondary and ancillary characters that added humor and poignancy to the story. I wish we'd had more page time with several of them, but I enjoyed Zoe's best friend and thought her brother was introduced quite nicely, even though he wasn't utilized as much as I'd hoped.
Despite my issues, this wasn't a badly written book. I just wish there had been more substantive development of the mythos and a more balanced tone. I would have enjoyed reading more about the Protectors and their role in the world had that been the case. Unfortunately, the biggest stumbling block for me with this book was that the light paranormal/superhero romance just wasn't to my reading tastes. Neither the stylistic choice of mixing quirky fun with serious threat or the subject matter of the sparsely explained superheros did much for me, and the female lead occasionally tried my patience. Taylor was a doll, though. No argument from me on that one.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
September 5, 2023
The plot was fine. MC and love interest were annoying in their cluelessness. Not enough development of the world MC/father/ half brother came from. Meeting between mother and love interest and the scene leading up to it was painful. If only the MC had fighting skills, sigh!
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December 11, 2012Goodreads Synopsis:
Zoe Smith might look like your average, ordinary elementary school librarian, but she’s about as far from normal as a girl can get. Because Zoe is descended from a line of superheroes … and as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, she has to decide if she’s going to embrace her heritage (including all the wackiness that comes with X-ray vision and her extraordinary senses) or submit herself for mortalization and be that average, ordinary girl. Considering how lousy she’s done so far on all the Council-imposed tests, chucking the whole superhero thing might be very best thing … especially when she realizes that sexy, private investigator George Bailey Taylor is more than a little interested in her—and he’s more than a little convinced that Zoe is one-hundred percent “the girl next-door”.
An ex-cop turned PI, George Bailey Taylor’s had one hell of a life being bounced around from foster home to foster home. All he wants now is a normal life with a normal wife in a normal neighborhood. The typical American dream—and when he meets Zoe Smith, he’s certain she’s the typical American girl. Except she does have an overprotective brother who seems able to appear and disappear at will. And a creepy cousin who’s always lurking about. And why does everyone in her family pretend to actually talk to the pet ferret?
With her super powers, Zoe can do just about anything … except make Taylor fall in love with her.
For that, they’re both going to need a different kind of magic …
Zoe Smith might look like your average, ordinary elementary school librarian, but she’s about as far from normal as a girl can get. Because Zoe is descended from a line of superheroes … and as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, she has to decide if she’s going to embrace her heritage (including all the wackiness that comes with X-ray vision and her extraordinary senses) or submit herself for mortalization and be that average, ordinary girl. Considering how lousy she’s done so far on all the Council-imposed tests, chucking the whole superhero thing might be very best thing … especially when she realizes that sexy, private investigator George Bailey Taylor is more than a little interested in her—and he’s more than a little convinced that Zoe is one-hundred percent “the girl next-door”.
An ex-cop turned PI, George Bailey Taylor’s had one hell of a life being bounced around from foster home to foster home. All he wants now is a normal life with a normal wife in a normal neighborhood. The typical American dream—and when he meets Zoe Smith, he’s certain she’s the typical American girl. Except she does have an overprotective brother who seems able to appear and disappear at will. And a creepy cousin who’s always lurking about. And why does everyone in her family pretend to actually talk to the pet ferret?
With her super powers, Zoe can do just about anything … except make Taylor fall in love with her.
For that, they’re both going to need a different kind of magic …
February 2, 2011
I stumbled upon this book while looking through the ebooks my library system offers. This book had fairly high user ratings and a plotline that I thought I'd be interested in, so I gave it a shot.
I love Zoe. She's a very real character. I'm usually drawn to characters who don't quite see themselves as they really are, or are having a hard time accepting certain aspects of their personalities, and Zoe fits right in to that description. She's having a very hard time coming to terms with her "superhero-ness"(for lack of a better term!) and instead is trying to stomp out her various abilities because she can't quite control them yet.
Thanks to a variety of "coincidences," Zoe is forced to decide whether she wants to continue suppressing who she really is, or if she'll embrace her special abilities and live life to its fullest.
The end of the story gets a little bit silly. I would have liked to see a more dramatic "duel" between the two halflings, but that's my only real complaint. I can't wait to read the next one!
I love Zoe. She's a very real character. I'm usually drawn to characters who don't quite see themselves as they really are, or are having a hard time accepting certain aspects of their personalities, and Zoe fits right in to that description. She's having a very hard time coming to terms with her "superhero-ness"(for lack of a better term!) and instead is trying to stomp out her various abilities because she can't quite control them yet.
Thanks to a variety of "coincidences," Zoe is forced to decide whether she wants to continue suppressing who she really is, or if she'll embrace her special abilities and live life to its fullest.
The end of the story gets a little bit silly. I would have liked to see a more dramatic "duel" between the two halflings, but that's my only real complaint. I can't wait to read the next one!
December 12, 2008
I really enjoyed this fast read.
There was humor, action and romance all in one book. The characters were likable, well except for the bad guys.
I liked the banter between characters, not too over the top.
The super powers were nicely placed in the story and humorously at that. I laughed many times. Even the romance was not over the top which is a bid deal for me since I'm not into the overly hot and bothered romance books.
I am eagerly awaiting reading the next book in the series.
There was humor, action and romance all in one book. The characters were likable, well except for the bad guys.
I liked the banter between characters, not too over the top.
The super powers were nicely placed in the story and humorously at that. I laughed many times. Even the romance was not over the top which is a bid deal for me since I'm not into the overly hot and bothered romance books.
I am eagerly awaiting reading the next book in the series.
March 12, 2022
I was excited to read Aphrodite's Kiss because I had not read fantasy novels with the heroine being in her 20s. I loved the concept of the story and wanted to see how it would unfold.
I really enjoyed the characters, the humor, and the adventure. However the writing was slow-paced and thus didn't fully hold my interest. In addition I felt like some scenes were a bit forced which made it hard for me to get through. As a result I have to give it 3 superhero stars.
I really enjoyed the characters, the humor, and the adventure. However the writing was slow-paced and thus didn't fully hold my interest. In addition I felt like some scenes were a bit forced which made it hard for me to get through. As a result I have to give it 3 superhero stars.
February 20, 2015
Having read this in 2010 it was quite a way to start my superhero literature addiction. Having researched and listed all superhero novels to read this as a start was pretty good.
It had humour, action, an intense chemistry and attraction to die for! The characters portrayals are realistic that you can feel and think what they would believe they would be thinking in true form.
Overall, a pretty good read for someone who found this. Not to mention the title also calls you in :)
It had humour, action, an intense chemistry and attraction to die for! The characters portrayals are realistic that you can feel and think what they would believe they would be thinking in true form.
Overall, a pretty good read for someone who found this. Not to mention the title also calls you in :)
January 10, 2010
I really liked this book and this new author to me. A book about a seemingly normal librarian, who really is a superhero in training, and a private investigator who is looking for someone normal to love. Kenner threw in a great legend, a whole bunch of references to Greek mythology, a best girl friend who anyone would love to call a friend and a ferret named Elmer. It was super fun to read!
February 15, 2010
I read this series years ago. I'm still a fan of comic book heroes and this novel had everything I needed to quinch my thirst. This super powered series is full of laughs Orgasmic chocolate accidental ex-ray peeking and a couple good enough to laugh with.
October 26, 2018
Zoe is a human/superhero halfling who works as an elementary school librarian, and she doesn’t have control of her powers. She’s applied to the Venerate Council, the governing superhero organization that protects humans, but doesn’t think she stands a good chance for admittance.
Taylor an ex-cop turned private investigator and meets Zoe while on a case. He thinks she’s perfect and normal, which he thinks he wants, but then he notices a few weird things about her.
Their romance is very sweet. They both flirt like crazy, but they’re painstakingly shy, so it takes a little while for heat to grow between them. When it does, the sex is both hot and heartfelt.
Deena and Hoop, their mutual friends, are fun additions and add a lot of snark to the story.
I didn’t really like Zoe’s brother and mother. Hale, her brother, is an arrogant superhero who thinks he’s better than mortals even though he’s pledged his life to protect them.
My favorite character is the villain, Mordi. He’s Zoe’s superhero cousin and has a good reason for doing the bad stuff he’s doing.
Though I enjoyed the overall plot, I sometimes had a hard time following what was going on. Several of the characters kept lying to one another and/or not understanding what another character was saying, so there was repetition. The beginning of the book was fun and cute; the pacing slowed in the middle; and the ending picked back up but needed more detail.
I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar typos, but there were content problems. For example: after the final battle, Zoe and Taylor are side by side talking with Hale, but then Zoe and Hale are walking toward Taylor. How? All three of them were already together.
One thing I found a little weird was that only Taylor and Hale seem to care that Zoe survived her battle with Mordi. Her mother and father are off talking while Deena and Hoop are snuggling in the grass—why aren’t they happy she lived?
Anyway, this is the first superhero-themed chick-lit book I’ve read. I liked the story and the characters for the most part, but some things just didn’t make sense to me.
3 Stars
Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Taylor an ex-cop turned private investigator and meets Zoe while on a case. He thinks she’s perfect and normal, which he thinks he wants, but then he notices a few weird things about her.
Their romance is very sweet. They both flirt like crazy, but they’re painstakingly shy, so it takes a little while for heat to grow between them. When it does, the sex is both hot and heartfelt.
Deena and Hoop, their mutual friends, are fun additions and add a lot of snark to the story.
I didn’t really like Zoe’s brother and mother. Hale, her brother, is an arrogant superhero who thinks he’s better than mortals even though he’s pledged his life to protect them.
My favorite character is the villain, Mordi. He’s Zoe’s superhero cousin and has a good reason for doing the bad stuff he’s doing.
Though I enjoyed the overall plot, I sometimes had a hard time following what was going on. Several of the characters kept lying to one another and/or not understanding what another character was saying, so there was repetition. The beginning of the book was fun and cute; the pacing slowed in the middle; and the ending picked back up but needed more detail.
I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar typos, but there were content problems. For example: after the final battle, Zoe and Taylor are side by side talking with Hale, but then Zoe and Hale are walking toward Taylor. How? All three of them were already together.
One thing I found a little weird was that only Taylor and Hale seem to care that Zoe survived her battle with Mordi. Her mother and father are off talking while Deena and Hoop are snuggling in the grass—why aren’t they happy she lived?
Anyway, this is the first superhero-themed chick-lit book I’ve read. I liked the story and the characters for the most part, but some things just didn’t make sense to me.
3 Stars
Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
December 29, 2017
Sweet and easy read
One of those fun and easy to read books, entertaining, a little cheesy, but sweet with very likeable characters - from the smart familiar ferret to that one wacky partner in crime BFF. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It's cold outside, so what better way to stay in than with a hot cup of coffee or two and a fun book to read.
One of those fun and easy to read books, entertaining, a little cheesy, but sweet with very likeable characters - from the smart familiar ferret to that one wacky partner in crime BFF. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It's cold outside, so what better way to stay in than with a hot cup of coffee or two and a fun book to read.
May 30, 2017
When I saw this book, I thought the premise was incredibly stupid, but I like this author, so I got it anyway. I ended up enjoying it thoroughly and laughing out loud many times. Sometimes I just want to read fun, light fluff. This book certainly fit the bill. <3
February 8, 2019
Short review. Mixed feelings. I like the premise but the book suffers from having way to many point of views that I wish the book was more structure around just Zoe, Taylor and her cousin's point of view. I did enjoy Zoe and Taylor growing relationship and her mortal friends.
January 19, 2018
Funny
This is a wonderful story about a young woman who is going to be a heroine but first she has to pass all of her trials before becoming the super heroine she wants to be
This is a wonderful story about a young woman who is going to be a heroine but first she has to pass all of her trials before becoming the super heroine she wants to be
March 14, 2018
cute, very cute
July 26, 2018
Fun, essay, predictable read.
August 27, 2018
Cleverly written and an easy read! I love her writing style and sense of humor . There is not a ton of depth to this book but I just wanted to be entertained .. and I was! Lots of fun!
February 18, 2019
This is a really cute and original story. I enjoyed it.
July 2, 2019
Combination of romance and superheroes. Lots and lots of fun.
September 20, 2019
Look out Wonder Woman here comes Zoe
I loved this story . I love the characters, the adventure and the true love. I can't wait to read more of the Superhero Series.
I loved this story . I love the characters, the adventure and the true love. I can't wait to read more of the Superhero Series.
April 18, 2020
2.5 STARS....not enough interest for me to continue on with the series.
March 8, 2021
Pretty good but the insta-love really killed me
October 23, 2021
Interesting world, but a little too schick-lit slap-dash to purse further books. It was clear the author couldn't actually write action, when her world requires it.
February 19, 2022
Definitely not my kind of book.
November 21, 2022
fast paced with likeable characters. love this writer
April 13, 2011
Mild mannered librarian by day, super hero-in-training by night? Seems like that’s Zoe Smith’s current forecast, or at least until she turns twenty-five and can become a full-time super hero (with the Council’s approval first, of course). In the meantime, she’s on the hunt for a special necklace and will not let anything get in her way – not her crazy cousin, nor her super hunky detective sidekick.
Zoe Smith is a hot mess. Senses so hypersensitive that just the tiniest bite of chocolate sends her to the moon and back. Forget about physical contact – it’s so far beyond her ability to cope that she’s just given up trying. It’s the curse of being a super hero-in-training, I suppose. However, she tackles her challenges head on and lets nothing get between her and her objective.
Armed with her sense of humor and an array of off-the-wall sidekicks, she faces each insane obstacle with composure and a grin. I loved that Zoe was so open to whatever happened, never flinching at what had to be done. Her reluctance to let the love flow, however, made me a bit sad, even with knowing her very reasonable reasoning for why she resisted. In the end, the getting her there with her detective was well worth it.
Detective George Taylor has retired from the force and is going it alone as a private investigator. Just barely managing to pay the bills when he’s offered a job he can’t refuse, he takes on the impossible. Taylor is the perfect man. He’s handsome, he’s interesting, and he doesn’t let any of Zoe’s oddities stop him from loving her fully and completely. After all, every woman needs a man who can not only put up with, but cope with her special brand of crazy. And Taylor’s just that kind of man. It helps that he’s not afraid to put his detective skills to use and discover for himself what is going on around him.
I'm always in the mood to laugh out loud, so Aphrodite’s Kiss was a hit from the very first page. Packed full of over the top situations and characters that are just as out there, you can’t help but be drawn in and whirled away with them as they race across the city in search of a priceless stone before the eclipse. From Zoe’s matchmaking mother to her brother’s eerily intelligent ferret pal, you’ll constantly find one more reason to not put this book down. A great read for anyone looking for a fun, light read, that doesn’t skimp on the romantic!
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Zoe Smith is a hot mess. Senses so hypersensitive that just the tiniest bite of chocolate sends her to the moon and back. Forget about physical contact – it’s so far beyond her ability to cope that she’s just given up trying. It’s the curse of being a super hero-in-training, I suppose. However, she tackles her challenges head on and lets nothing get between her and her objective.
Armed with her sense of humor and an array of off-the-wall sidekicks, she faces each insane obstacle with composure and a grin. I loved that Zoe was so open to whatever happened, never flinching at what had to be done. Her reluctance to let the love flow, however, made me a bit sad, even with knowing her very reasonable reasoning for why she resisted. In the end, the getting her there with her detective was well worth it.
Detective George Taylor has retired from the force and is going it alone as a private investigator. Just barely managing to pay the bills when he’s offered a job he can’t refuse, he takes on the impossible. Taylor is the perfect man. He’s handsome, he’s interesting, and he doesn’t let any of Zoe’s oddities stop him from loving her fully and completely. After all, every woman needs a man who can not only put up with, but cope with her special brand of crazy. And Taylor’s just that kind of man. It helps that he’s not afraid to put his detective skills to use and discover for himself what is going on around him.
I'm always in the mood to laugh out loud, so Aphrodite’s Kiss was a hit from the very first page. Packed full of over the top situations and characters that are just as out there, you can’t help but be drawn in and whirled away with them as they race across the city in search of a priceless stone before the eclipse. From Zoe’s matchmaking mother to her brother’s eerily intelligent ferret pal, you’ll constantly find one more reason to not put this book down. A great read for anyone looking for a fun, light read, that doesn’t skimp on the romantic!
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
August 1, 2013
Aphrodite’s Kiss by Julie Kenner
Protectors/Superhero Series Book 1
Zoe Smith, the quiet librarian at the school is more than she seems to be, much more. She is a half-ling. It’s her twenty-fifth birthday soon and she is hoping to become a Protector, then her special skills will be used to protect the mortals. When a hunky mortal crosses her path, she struggles against the attraction. There hasn’t been one case where the Protector and mortal have had a successful relationship, her own parents included.
George Bailey Taylor went from being a cop to a private investigator. They praised him as a hero, but wanted to put him behind the desk after he was shot. He wasn’t the type of man to be stuck at a desk job. When he meets Zoe, he sees her as the perfect woman. Quiet and in need of someone like him to protect her. Taylor has no clue that woman could bench press his car if she chose to do so.
A story full of unique characters, like Zoe’s half-brother Hale and his pet ferret, Elmer. Deena and Hoop and good old cousin, Mordi. The author really brings Elmer to life, poor little guy can only be understood by Hale, a real problem when he has something important to say and no one else can understand him.
A previous book, The Cat’s Fancy, is where Hoop and Deena meet. Things happened in that book and are referred to in Aphrodite’s Kiss, so you may want to start with it. There are six books in this series: Book 2: Aphrodite’s Passion, Book 3: Aphrodite’s Secret, Book 4: Aphrodite’s Flame, Book 5 & 6 are Anthologies: These Books Were Made For Stomping & A Mother’s Way.
**Sexual Content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Protectors/Superhero Series Book 1
Zoe Smith, the quiet librarian at the school is more than she seems to be, much more. She is a half-ling. It’s her twenty-fifth birthday soon and she is hoping to become a Protector, then her special skills will be used to protect the mortals. When a hunky mortal crosses her path, she struggles against the attraction. There hasn’t been one case where the Protector and mortal have had a successful relationship, her own parents included.
George Bailey Taylor went from being a cop to a private investigator. They praised him as a hero, but wanted to put him behind the desk after he was shot. He wasn’t the type of man to be stuck at a desk job. When he meets Zoe, he sees her as the perfect woman. Quiet and in need of someone like him to protect her. Taylor has no clue that woman could bench press his car if she chose to do so.
A story full of unique characters, like Zoe’s half-brother Hale and his pet ferret, Elmer. Deena and Hoop and good old cousin, Mordi. The author really brings Elmer to life, poor little guy can only be understood by Hale, a real problem when he has something important to say and no one else can understand him.
A previous book, The Cat’s Fancy, is where Hoop and Deena meet. Things happened in that book and are referred to in Aphrodite’s Kiss, so you may want to start with it. There are six books in this series: Book 2: Aphrodite’s Passion, Book 3: Aphrodite’s Secret, Book 4: Aphrodite’s Flame, Book 5 & 6 are Anthologies: These Books Were Made For Stomping & A Mother’s Way.
**Sexual Content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
August 31, 2021
3.25 out of 5
Zoe Smith is a school librarian and a halfling. Her father is a superhero, her mother is a mortal. For a halfling, she is not particularly good at superhero stuff, so she is very anxious about her acceptance testing into the Council of Protectors (i.e. superhero club). George Bailey Taylor is a private investigator and a mortal, who meets Zoe while he is snooping around in the library.
Hieronymous, a superhero outcast, orders her son Mordichai to find a stone that will allow him to rule the world. Hale is Zoe's half-brother who is tasked with finding the stone before Hieronymous does.
I actually completely missed the beginning of the book, featuring a letter from the Council to Zoe Smith, because I didn't realize it was part of the story. I did skim it later and pretty much got bored.
The story itself is a bit contrived. Somehow everybody is connected to everybody, but the people who should know about the stone is always ignorant because the plot needs them to be ignorant. The ferret being shushed when he's trying to speak, Hale is told not to tell Zoe, and Zoe is completely oblivious. Hale is never around when he is needed. It's getting annoying after a while. Taylor being duped by everybody also gets old after a while.
OK, I get the suspension of disbelief in a superhero story. Fine. But can't they at least make the normal things consistent? Taylor is so broke that he can barely find enough change in his glove compartment to purchase something cheap to eat, but he somehow can afford to buy flowers? How about gasoline?
The writing itself is somewhat humorous, albeit a bit goofy at times. And the world does not end, so it's all good.
Zoe Smith is a school librarian and a halfling. Her father is a superhero, her mother is a mortal. For a halfling, she is not particularly good at superhero stuff, so she is very anxious about her acceptance testing into the Council of Protectors (i.e. superhero club). George Bailey Taylor is a private investigator and a mortal, who meets Zoe while he is snooping around in the library.
Hieronymous, a superhero outcast, orders her son Mordichai to find a stone that will allow him to rule the world. Hale is Zoe's half-brother who is tasked with finding the stone before Hieronymous does.
I actually completely missed the beginning of the book, featuring a letter from the Council to Zoe Smith, because I didn't realize it was part of the story. I did skim it later and pretty much got bored.
The story itself is a bit contrived. Somehow everybody is connected to everybody, but the people who should know about the stone is always ignorant because the plot needs them to be ignorant. The ferret being shushed when he's trying to speak, Hale is told not to tell Zoe, and Zoe is completely oblivious. Hale is never around when he is needed. It's getting annoying after a while. Taylor being duped by everybody also gets old after a while.
OK, I get the suspension of disbelief in a superhero story. Fine. But can't they at least make the normal things consistent? Taylor is so broke that he can barely find enough change in his glove compartment to purchase something cheap to eat, but he somehow can afford to buy flowers? How about gasoline?
The writing itself is somewhat humorous, albeit a bit goofy at times. And the world does not end, so it's all good.
January 31, 2015
I stumbled across this series recently for a penny a piece except for this first one, so I grabbed if up off here so I could start at the beginning. My expectations weren't great because although I adore Ms.Kenner's most recent works (Ghouls series and Demon's series), I found her earlier book 'Cat's Fancy' pretty sub-standard fare. I will say that this one far surpassed that one in both plot and writing style. Still Julie Kenner's writing style has continued to grow and flourish. The start of this story felt stilted, to the point where I almost considered this a lost cause. The plot seemed fabulous and original...a librarian who was really half SuperHero? Awesome! Zoe is the daugher of a superhero father and a human mother. She has until her 25th birthday, which is drawing near, to admit to her mother she has superhero powers and prove her superskills so that she can be accepted into the superhero elite, the Council. If she fails at either one, she can choose to be an Outcast of the council or a mortal. Zoe runs into all kinds of action and romance along the way. She falls for a mortal who may or may not be alright with her powers and duty to mankind. And she still has to fight for her place on the Council. After about the first 75 pages I couldn't stop reading. I found Zoe likeable and loved reading about the other quirky characters. Zoe's mother's story felt very real to me to along the way. After finishing the 1st in this Aphrodite series, I can say not only do I plan to read the next books, but I also think here we can see a nice glimpse of what is to come in the future from Julie Kenner.
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