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Goddess of Tornado Alley #1

Dead Beat Dates & Deities

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Frances Reed has kissed a lot of toads, but has yet to find her prince. Recovering from another disappointing date that not even three margaritas could improve, she consoles herself by shopping at her favorite lingerie shop, Cupid’s Closet. Before she can get to the Aphrodite Ultra Sleek push up bras, she trips headfirst into the decorative Aphrodite fountain.

Lying in the fountain bleeding, Frances watches the stone deity come to life. Angry, Aphrodite berates her for damaging her shell and for being an unworthy descendant.

Wait. What? A descendant of Aphrodite?

Later, after her hunky paramedic falls for her best friend, and a spark is ignited between her mom and her doctor, it becomes apparent that people fall in love when in Frances’ presence. She’s just got two questions—what in the world is a goddess born of the sea doing in Tornado Alley? And why can Frances make love connections for everyone in town but herself?

Aphrodite may have given her the gift of matchmaking, but it will take Cupid to teach her how to use it.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2016

13 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Wing

30 books220 followers
J.C. Wing is a bestselling, multi-genre indie author. She likes to pen family dramas, romantic comedies, thrillers, YA and the occasional limerick. She has written more than twenty novels, including The Color of Thunder, The Gannon Family Series ("The Skye Books"), the Goddess of Tornado Alley Series and the Whisper Creek Mysteries Series. She is the author of Acquainted with Butterflies, a collection of short stories, personal essays and poetry, and she is a contributing author of the Grey’s Harbor Series.

J.C. publishes under Black Cat Press, her own imprint. Her writing companions are Tara, the golden retriever of absolute happiness and Calvin and Cayenne, the cats of chaos.


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5 stars
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6 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for G.J. Griffiths.
Author 13 books88 followers
July 17, 2016
Once again J C Wing demonstrates what an accomplished writer she is with this strangely quirky tale of Frances June Reed, aka Frank, a young woman who spends life feeling just how unlucky in love can one be? The intriguing and compelling opening had this reader hooked when it involved the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the lingerie department of an upmarket store and medical attentions from a dishy paramedic. From this first disastrous day Frank sets out on a weird voyage of discovery about herself, which is definitely not of her choosing, and which is so fantasmagorical that the reader has to keep turning the pages to find out more.

I will admit to enjoying this rom-com more for the sparkling humour and laughs than the various love interests and suggestive moments that constantly befall the reluctant heroine of the story. When the apparently accidental “pairings” between couples look like falling under the control of the hapless Frank, with guidance from Aphrodite’s son, Eros (aka Archer) the story moves on to a new level of curiosity. The appearance of Archer in the story and the many and various interactions between him and other characters gave it a slightly sinister, but humorous, edge that I greatly enjoyed.

The characters are engaging, the plotline demanding and fast-paced, and the dialogue realistic. However, I found the ending too disappointingly abrupt because I wanted more. This book will definitely appeal to lovers of romantic comedy and with the constant interruptions and interference of powerful deities from Mount Olympus what’s not to like?
Profile Image for Lctevergreen.
45 reviews
August 13, 2016
Dead Beat Dates and Deities is a fun, silly, enjoyable read. Just when you wonder where J C Wing can possibly take this story you are surprised by the next turn of events. So looking forward to the second installment of Frankie's adventures. Maybe she will be able to find Muffin's true love so he will be nicer to her. I am with Frankie -lime margaritas are the best! If you are looking for a lighthearted, feel good, entertaining book that will make you chuckle out loud then you will so enjoy Dead Beat Dates and Deities.
Profile Image for Samantha Soccorso.
222 reviews36 followers
May 22, 2016
Magic Train

J.C. Wing has done it again with a well written, hilarious, spontaneous and love making novel. This novel Dead Beat Dates & Deities is well beyond what she has written before in her author career, but it is a splendid change of pace. JC knows how she wants her characters to come across and seems to read her readers minds. Not one part of this book would make anyone put it down that is a solid fact.

Frank the main character has been through hell in back with in a weeks span. She learns new things about her family heritage and gets made fun off by everyone around her in life. In comes Archer and the Goddess of Love, who turns Frank's life for a turn. Will her best friend Ella be able to keep her life in one piece while she learns all these new things about her life? Or will Muffin the neighbors dog finally bite her square in the ass?

Will Frank have another lime margarita? Will she lose her contacts again? Will she find love? Will she make love? Will she have some yummy cheese popcorn or more Greek food?

I guess in order to find out more about the book you would have to read it and fall in love like I did. I also highly recommend reading all of J.C. Wing's published novels and keep a look out for the sequel of Dead Beat Dates & Deities.
Profile Image for Sharon Heaverly .
426 reviews24 followers
November 30, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

If you are looking for a light, fun summer read this is the book for you. J.C. Wing has taken a breather from her Alabama Sky series to write her first book in a new series, entitled Goddess of Tornado Alley. .

My synopsis:
There once was a girl named Frankie who struggled finding the right man for hanky-panky.
After a date that went sour she chose to shop for an hour.
Loses her expensive heel in a fall as she shops in the mall.

Ok,Ok, that's enough!
I won't bore you with my poor attempt at poetry.

I promise you that this is the book that will lift your spirits and make you laugh out loud.
Be very careful where you choose to read this because people just might think you have flipped your lid.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. So much fun!

Profile Image for Katherine.
21 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

She's cute, she's funny, and she's a mess. Frances June Reed, Frank as she's know to her friends, is about to discover there is a whole lot more that makes her special than the 119 pairs of shoes in her closet. A sparkling romantic comedy, Dead Beat Dates & Deities, JC Wing's first book in the Goddess of Tornado Alley series keeps you laughing out loud and leaves you crying for more. I can't wait to find out what sort of trouble Frankie gets into next!

Profile Image for Terra James.
Author 19 books242 followers
July 13, 2016
JC Wing weaves a love story with wonderfully developed characters and she sprinkles in some mythology which work well with this book. Frank is a character that most women can surely relate to with her awkwardness, self consciousness, flaws, and she can be a complete hot mess but she's loveable nonetheless. Ella and Archer help her discover things about herself.

This book is well written. I love the way JC weaves mythology into the story. I love stories about Aphrodite, Zeus, Cupid, Archer and so on.... Ty so much for an awesome book.
Profile Image for Lynn Hill.
903 reviews21 followers
May 13, 2016
If you love the gods and goddesses and comedy, then you are for sure going to LOVE this book. It is full of lots of clumsy, funny, quirky characters that you will just fall in love with. You will bust a gut laughing at their antics and won't be able to put the book down until you are finished. Great job. J.C!!

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Grace Hudson.
Author 10 books130 followers
July 17, 2016
A joy to read. Frank is awesome and the whole story is cackle-worthy. I couldn't stop giggling. Rosalie was hilarious as well. The book left me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a strange desire to go shoe shopping. Highly recommended. Read it!
Profile Image for Bubbles The Book Pimp.
955 reviews
September 15, 2017
First in series first read by this author.

Ok so this book took me a few attempts to read...( normally I'm a super reader I'm a couple of books a day person )..the premise got me all excited and I really liked the concept of the story but by 50% not a whole lot was going on except frank's annoying 'friend' and her continuous jibes, the same joke about aphrodities bra and lime margarita's. Which were unfunny. BY what felt like the 20th time.

Eventually Lots of flirting between archer ( Eros ) and frankie but NOTHING..and I mean NOTHING CAME OF IT...except a 'to be continued'. Aphrodite was a bitch ( yes she's an all powerful goddess but still a bitch ) and I felt that poor frank had enough people being a bitch to her ( Ella and her mother namely! She's is hospital for concussion and they are giving her shit for having small boobs? That's not evenly remotely funny... I know it was meant to be a snarky/sassy good humoured but I didn't get that vibe... she ( Ella )was just not nice.

So in summation... less yabbering between the friends, more action and where's the romance???

With each new author I read I normally read at least two books to make up my mind but if it means more Ella-ism I might just find a different series by this author.
285 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2021
Dead Beat Dates & Deities by J.C. Wing
This is a delightful romantic comedy. Frank, a young woman, falls and hits her head on a statue of Aphrodite. Just as she is about to pass out, she swears Aphrodite winks at her. This is where things start to go crazy. All of a sudden Frank is seemingly able to match people with the loves of their lives, including her best friend and her mother.
This unique story plays on the premise that we are all descended from the Greek gods. The Greek gods and their descendants walk among us. They are able to go back and forth in time, place and dimension.
Imagine going to meet your new boyfriend’s mother, only to find out she is Aphrodite and you meet on Mount Olympus!
Come along on this fun journey as Frank and Archer explore their relationship and that of those around them. It is a really fun read!
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,578 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2017
I cannot remember the last time I read a book that had me in stitches!! Honestly this book is so damn funny, you HAVE got to read it!! Frankie's life is just a comedy of errors, from bad dates to a mother who is constantly telling everyone that Frankie's father is deceased, and a dog that wants to eat her. You would think that she had enough going on in her life...right? Nope! Frankie falls into a fountain and hits head her, then things really start to liven up!! Throw in a smart mouthed best friend and the chances of you reading this without laughing are minimal!
Cannot wait to crack the cover on book 2!!!
65 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2018
A mythic mix of gods and laughter

I loved it! I would recommend this book - without reservation - to any reader! Whether you want comedic action, or romance (note: I said 'romance' NOT
sexual calisthenics) or an enjoyable read, then this is the book you have been looking for. Grab it! Right now!! And brace yourself for a wonderful time of laugh out loud fun. I'm going to download the second book right now!
Profile Image for KathiTheBookNerd.
207 reviews
June 9, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I love how Greek mythology makes its way into modern day society. It's quirky, fun, romantic and just an overall very nice story.

It revolves about Frank and her best friend Ella mostly. I love the things that happen to Frank, she is unlucky in love and quite messy, to no fault of her own. The dialogue was easy and you get to know the characters well and feel like they are people you REALLY know. I can't wait for the second book!
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
965 reviews23 followers
May 14, 2023
Nope, not going to try

I am sure this book has some good stuff for some. It was not for me. I tried a few times to get into this book. I changed Frank's name to Frankie thinking that would help. Nothing did. I am sorry. The book sounds good. It was not good for me. Give it a try. It might be good to you.
281 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2017
What a fun romp this was to read! fun story, relateable characters and I loved the mythology and the twists and turns of the story. Didn't realize it was YA, I'm considerably older than that! and enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Janet Richardson.
26 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2020
I was in from the beginning ! Such a fanciful, quirky book. Very glad I tried something not quite like I find myself normally reading. Now for the next in this series. Once again JC Wing does a wonderful job of creating characters we are able to relate to or enjoy!
Profile Image for A.D. Herrick.
Author 22 books75 followers
November 13, 2017
Wonderful

What a wonderful story with a twist! Definitely a refreshing read. I can't wait to read what happens next! I do hope Archer is her man.
360 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2019
LOL Book!

This story is lite, funny, and fun to read,it is also well written. If you are looking for something entertaining, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for S.K. Wee.
Author 15 books342 followers
February 18, 2017
Very enjoyable read. After hitting her head and falling into fountain inside a lingerie store at the mall, Frank not only receives a concussion but also a gift for matchmaking. With true love all around, her own lack of decent romantic partner is evident. Until Eros, the god of love enters her life to provide even more confusion. Great story.
Profile Image for Carol Cassada.
Author 39 books105 followers
August 13, 2016
Dead Beat Dates and Deities is a humorous, romance novel that will bring you tons of enjoyment.

From the very beginning, I was hooked on the story. The author does a wonderful job of showcasing the humor aspects while focusing on the romance of the story. Reading the book, I kept imagining the scenes playing out like one of those romantic comedy movies.

Frankie is a character that I love. I could relate to her as she’s been unlucky in love. As for Archer aka Cupid, I liked how he was a bit of a bad boy, yet had a soft spot towards Frankie. I liked how the two of them bonded as Archer helped Frankie with her magical matchmaking ability.

Even though those two are the main characters of the story, Frankie’s best friend, and mother stole the show. I liked how Ella was a true friend to Frankie by helping her with her dilemma. As for Rosalie, she was a hoot throughout the entire book, especially when she told stories about her “late” husband.

Overall, this was a wonderful read. I was giggling the entire time reading the story. The ending left off with a little of a cliffhanger, which has me anticipating the release of the next book of the series.

I say bring on more of Frankie, Archer, and the rest of the gang.
Profile Image for Erin.
714 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I literally could not put it down. Frank is just awesome and the rest of the cast is great too. I'm pretty sure I love them all! Frank is so relatable. Not only is it a great love story (Well, many love stories actually. You have to read it to understand.), it's hilarious too!! This is one of the few books that I am definitely going to reread. I tore thru it the first time, I hope to slow the pace down the second time.

A must read and I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Kelly Stepp.
460 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2016
This was such a fun read and I loved it! There is romance, humor, awkwardness, and great relationship dynamics throughout and the friendship between Frank and Ella is to be envied. I actually laughed out loud several times while reading this and the touch of mythology is perfect. I can't wait to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this and think it could easily compete for one of the best romantic comedies out there!
66 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2016

5.0 out of 5 stars This was a really fun book. Lots of laughs, July 13, 2016
By Corrina Hicks
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This review is from: Dead Beat Dates & Deities (Goddess of Tornado Alley Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This was a really fun book. Lots of laughs, shoes, and an abundance of love. Loved the characters and the deities.
Profile Image for Megan.
58 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2019
I have never been in to gods and mythical figures, but I LOVE this book!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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