Medusa's Heart: A Contemporary Paranormal Erotic Romance Novel

by Joey W. Hill

John Pierce has been in covert operations all his adult life. He doesn’t know anything else but that and being a Dom, because that’s how he blows off steam and balances the nagging emptiness inside of him. Since he was a kid, he’s carried around an infatuation that’s grown into an embarrassing obsession. He’s in love with a myth—Medusa

“Mad Merlin” Maddock doesn’t think that’s crazy. He believes in powers deeper and stronger than men or gods, a connecting energy like the oceans. To those powers, healing a broken heart could create a ripple effect in the universe impacting all, even if that heart lives in the alternate dimension of folklore and myth. JP is the first one Maddock plans to send across those lines to bond with the woman he’s always wanted.

JP agrees to be his first guinea pig for two reasons. One, Maddock is so damn convincing, and two, the need for her has tripled since he met the guy. If Maddock can send JP into her world, JP will let nothing stop him from claiming her for his own and healing her heart, because he’s sure as hell she’s the missing piece of his.

He just has to make sure she doesn’t turn him into lawn ornamentation first.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Erotica, Paranormal Romance, Mythology, Magic, Paranormal

ebook

First published October 31, 2016

About the author

"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"

A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.

"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady

Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!

If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...

You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill

Reviews

[Debi Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medusa’s Heart by Joey W. Hill

“John Pierce has been in covert operations all his adult life. He doesn’t know anything else but that and being a Dom, because that’s how he blows off steam and balances the nagging emptiness inside of him. Since he was a kid, he’s carried around an infatuation that’s grown into an embarrassing obsession. He’s in love with a myth—Medusa.
“Mad Merlin” Maddock doesn’t think that’s crazy. He believes in powers deeper and stronger than men or gods, a connecting energy like the oceans. To those powers, healing a broken heart could create a ripple effect in the universe impacting all, even if that heart lives in the alternate dimension of folklore and myth. JP is the first one Maddock plans to send across those lines to bond with the woman he’s always wanted.
JP agrees to be his first guinea pig for two reasons. One, Maddock is so damn convincing, and two, the need for her has tripled since he met the guy. If Maddock can send JP into her world, JP will let nothing stop him from claiming her for his own and healing her heart, because he’s sure as hell she’s the missing piece of his.
He just has to make sure she doesn’t turn him into lawn ornamentation first.”

I’ve always been fascinated by stories of myth and legend. For at the heart of those stories is an element of truth about the human condition. The mythological Medusa and the story of her transformation into a snake-headed monster never seemed complete. I knew there had to be so much more to tell. Thankfully, that telling is in the very capable hands of the wonderful Joey W Hill.
A brutal rape in the temple of Athena sets off a chain of events that leave Medusa alone on an island, forever changed and fighting all comers to be left in peace. Battle hardened and hypervigilant, she lives a solitary existence, the only comfort being the creatures now a part of her and her dreams of a man who calls to her.
Enter John Pierce Zeus. Given the opportunity to finally meet the woman who calls to his heart, JP is determined to right the wrongs done to her and heal the heart of the damaged soul within. But first he has to win her trust. And trust is at the very core of this story. We always assume that love heals all wounds, but fail to recognize that trust is what allows that emotion to reach its deepest and most profound level. To that end, and with a lifetime spent in covert-ops, JP knows that in order to gain her trust, he has to stay the course and prove to her that he’s worth trusting. Upon meeting for the first time, he tells her that his sole purpose for being there is to serve her in whatever way she needs. Mistrustful of everyone, she tells him to leave. When he refuses, she strikes out at him, but he’s prepared for her attack, deflects it and repeats his commitment to serve her. And so it begins…
There is a progression to JP and Medusa’s relationship that is deftly handled with a truth and logic that flowed seamlessly. We see the woman behind the “monster” who wants so badly to believe that she can trust again, to love and be loved. JP is not without his own wounds. That they have both seen and done things that have left deep scars on their souls, it’s in the sharing of those stories that the first steps towards trust and understanding are built. As JP spends more time with Medusa he also recognizes a natural submissive which calls to his own Dominant nature. Just as it appears that their relationship has moved onto more solid ground and they’ve been able to come together for the first time sexually, an unforeseen threat takes them into a new situation and new surroundings.
It’s in this second part of the story where the importance of Trust becomes apparent. Without giving the whole game away, Trust is key to everything.
We also meet a new cast of characters in this second part, each worthy of a story of their own. From Merc the part angel, part human, part incubus. To the vampire Lady Yvette and her 2nd marked servants. A few returning characters from other series also play a part in expanding Medusa’s world. Marcellus and Clara from the Daughters of Arianne as well as Cai and Rand from the Vampire Queen books. Through each of these additional characters, Medusa comes to realize that she is worthy of a life of her own.
The sexual content of JP and Medusa’s relationship is best described as BDSM lite. Considering the violent rape which occurred in Medusa’s past, the level of D/s in this story is wholly appropriate. Having said that, the level of erotic heat between the two when they come together is off the charts. The way Joey has handled the BDSM elements, by story’s end a deeper D/s relationship is definitely on their horizon.
This is the second book Joey W Hill has written involving a well-known myth or legend. The first being the absolutely wonderful “Night’s Templar” in her Vampire Queen series. It’s not a stretch to say that what she brings to the original myths about Medusa, adds a depth, poignancy and truth which in my humble opinion she rightly deserves.

[Rene' Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This book is outstanding! If you are looking for a new twist to Medusa, here is it is. The way Joey writes this story the characters come to life. You will not be able to put it down, you'll find yourself seeing and feeling as if you are there. Medusa is a strong and remarkable woman. John P is a very determined man on a mission to get the woman of his dreams. And you will love the snakes. I would love to see them in a future book. Absolutely the book to read.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey W. Hill has created an alternative love story for Medusa in place of the traditional legend of a killer.
The story isn't at all predictable and will keep you guessing beginning with the first chapter.
As usual, Ms. Hill has created richly developed characters that made it nearly impossible to put the book down.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me several years to get through it to my chagrin. I received this book a while back for a review. It took me several times to get into it. For some reason, I just didn't feel the pull. This is strange because usually for a Ms. Hill book, I'm riveted and sucked in from page one.

I am a lover of Greek Mythology too. I always felt Medusa received a raw deal. She was turned because of her spurning of a god intent on taking her. How is this fair? In this reinterpretation, Ms. Hill brings some interesting perspective. I liked the Medusa in this story even if it took me about 50% into the book before I actually started to get into the book. Why was it so difficult? I have a few ideas. First, let's start with what I liked.

I liked John Pierce. He is an admirable hero with a White Knight Syndrome. Usually, I avoid White Knight stories because the White Knight usually has a huge chip on their shoulder and just wants to rescue a damsel in distress to rescue and be known for it. Usually these kind of males are hopeless in relationships and only good at finding a damsel and moving on to another. John is something else. He is focused and knows what he wants. He wants a woman of his dreams and when offered the opportunity to be with her, he grabs it with both hands and holds dearly to it. John's patience and dedication is impressive.

Medusa is a female who is understandable. She is a metaphor of women who have been victimized and believe it was because of their beauty that caused it to happen. She's a sad representation of victims who blame themselves and end up isolating themselves because of one act of despicable violence. It is sad because the female then does everything to make herself look unappealing and builds up figurative walls to keep others out. Even though Medusa is now powerful, she still is at heart a wounded girl who is backed up in a corner and will strike out at anything that she feels is a threat.

John's interactions with Medusa and his coaxing is what brings her out of her shell and to see things differently. A femi-nazi's point of view could be that this story once again underscores a woman needs a man to make her whole. Another perspective is that a person who is loved and given time can heal and become whole again. It matters not if the saviour is a male or female. It is someone who empathizes and gives the just the right amount of encouragement for the victim to metamorphose into a survivor. A survivor who uses her experience to make a difference and become stronger. This is what I love about this this story. Medusa's eyes are opened and sees herself not as a monstrosity holding onto her hurts but as a warrior defending other helpless women in their time of need.

The story becomes interesting once John and Medusa come to this century and into this world. They enter a supernatural circus run by a Vampire Domme. The switch is so drastic I felt a bit of whiplash. Still, I loved the overt dominance and submission in effect once the circus becomes a safe haven for Medusa. The erotic sexiness makes me all melty and horny.

The last half of the book moves fast with action, sex and uber alphas commanding attention. I loved it. For those who couldn't get through the first third or half of the book, the last half makes it all worth. So what was it that made this story odd?

I think it is because I couldn't quite grasp if this was a contemporary romance or a supernatural. I couldn't find my frame of reference for the longest time. I felt like I was running in the same spot and I didn't know why we were stalled with Medusa and John. Whilst I understand the need to build trust between Medusa and John and the need for her back story and his, it was so bloody slow. If the island time could have been condensed and shorted to 1/3, maybe I would haven't have taken 3 years to read this book. After reading it, I want to read about the other characters. I'm intrigued and I really want to learn more about "Mad" Merlin.

This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who enjoy Greek mythology and unusual erotic scenes.

*provided by BDSM Book Reviews

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Imaginative Stars!

Consider this for a moment: the unfortunately all too recognizable premise that, just maybe, a simple, working woman was an unwitting and unwilling casualty of her gender. Now apply that concept to the legend of Medusa, add a lot of magic and just about every other kind of supernatural support you can think of, and you have one more in a long list of truly unique, Hill-esque approaches to the paranormal romance genre. Whooda thunk it: Medusa was actually a victim, both of a man and subsequently, a system that didn't quite understand how best to help. This story concept is so unintentionally current, it will heighten the read for any woman who breathes, and hopefully, for any man who knows what it means to be one.

In this introductory tome to what I truly hope becomes a wicked new series, legends magically cross over as a very Merlin-esque "Maddock" transports a very ordinary, very human man to a time and place where he hopes to convince an also very real Medusa that he both sees and understands the real story; the real 'her'. The first half of the book takes place in the time of Medusa on her island-of-exile, where Medusa experiences her first real, trusting relationship since her ordeal. JP uses all his tactical training and service-Dom ethic to develop that relationship with Medusa, while also navigating the very live snakes that are integrally connected with and protective of Medusa.

Note to readers: If you hate snakes? You won't by the end of this book. Each has a very distinct and often entertaining personality, such that they themselves, become strong characters in the book.

The second half of the story takes place neither here nor there: its an in-between place where the victimized, marginalized and traumatized of the supernatural world live and work and await their earned redemption, or wait-out a danger to themselves in relative safety. Some of the inhabitants of this magical place are actually characters from other Hill books. Some are there for reasons well described in this and prior books. Still others are there for reasons yet to be discovered and either way, new stories loom. There are captivating new characters, and species for that matter, in this book who need their own hard-earned HEA (hint: Merc) and the potential to have this become another winning Hill series is, to coin a phrase, YUGE!.

However, it is the process by which Medusa gives herself permission to *not* be a victim that is the core of this book, and while I won't detail how it happens or what results, it will most definitely satisfy readers. All the feel-goods are there, but as I love in a Hill book, they come with hard work that is never really over, and they often leave scars. There is a real-life relatability to her stories and the characters who inhabit them, even in the presence of a fantastical setting; something that is its own form of magic.

[Reanna Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing

So much to say, this book is so fascinating. I've never really considered Medusa, not overly familiar with her story but this story is just WOW!!! Joey W. Hill has an amazing way with words. Her characters are so real, I laughed, cried, and felt every up and down to my core. So much loss in this book but through love both Medusa and John gained so much. I love all of the amazing concepts of this book and the look at other characters from Joey's worlds. Whether you've read other books or are brand new I would absolutely recommend this book. If your like me though you won't stop with just one.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mythology so I was really excited to read Joey's take on Medusa. You just don't see her in a love story.

I love the idea of bringing modern times together with mythological times. With all the enemies she has to face she need John Pierce to protect and fight along with her.

With love will her curse ever be broken? Will Athena take mercy on her? Will Medusa end up in modern times?

Could be. You have to read to find out, though.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting premise for starters: John Pierce Zeus goes through a time portal to rescue Medusa (yes, that lady with snake-y hair and stone-turning look) because he has a 'thing' for her.
Oh, and because he's dreamed of her for most of his life.

If you can get over that, then you'll manage to get into the story - which is somewhat more unusual than Ms Hill's normal fare. The character of Medusa really came alive for me: such a young thing to be subjected to such a curse. But how she deals, shows strength, and a willingness to survive at all costs, is quite astoundingly brave. JP is a disillusioned black-ops man, with Dominant tendencies, which he puts to good use by helping abused subs/women cope with their lives. He's also enamoured with all the stories/myths/tales about Medusa, so her initial reaction is that he's a liar and a con-man wanting to harm her.

Anyway, it's about two people, with dark histories, learning to get along with each other; and coping with the "stone-turning look" is at times quite funny.

We get a bit more 'fantastic' when JP and Medusa are brought forward (via a time portal) into a 'Circus' environment run by a Vampire. Yes, we have little hints of the reigning Vampire Council; and we also have a Guardian Angel (Marcellus) who, if you've read Ms Hill's Mermaid books, then you'll know who he is :)

Only 4 stars this time, because the story can be quite slow in places, and quite repetitive, with JP expressing how he will always be there 'to serve' Medusa (even tho' it's her serving him really in their D/s relationship). Not a bad story, but not one of the best.

[JG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medusa's Heart is in one word intense. Ms. Hill is really remarkable when it comes to transmitting characters emotions through the written word and Medusa's Heart is no exception. This book is a mix bag of genres, readers will probably have no idea how to classify it except that it definitely belongs in Ms. Hill's fantastic worlds from her previous books. The plot is definitely a re-exploration of the myth of Medusa, the woman who can turn you into stone. Here, the author does her research well delving into the myth and adapting it to a modern day situation, rape. The subject matter is heavy, how to survive it, to move forward and to trust again. Although, John Pierce appears as the knight in shining armor, its more by his offering of himself, of his own trust to Medusa that slowly makes her reciprocate in return. However, it doesn't stop there, apparently Ms. Hill has decided that aside from mixing myth with sci fi, adding on paranormal and fantasy elements plus characters from her previous books is a must for this book. A pinch of action/adventure and other potential romances is added to give readers one totally unique and enthralling romance also known as Medusa's Heart. Readers are asked to watch out for the snakes (since they are completely adorable!)

*ARC provided by the publisher*

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey W. Hill has done it again! First off snakes eww right? Wrong. Joey gives Medusa's snakes names and personalities that somehow remove the ick factor. I think JP’s reaction helps with acceptance too. Medusa's Heart Is a sweet love story with a bit of romantic suspense and a little bit of BDSM and a whole lot of magic. I am not fond of time travel love stories but in this case it was pretty much just a way to get these two together. This book pulled me into another time and place and I just loved it! I hope we get to revisit the Circus in a future book.

[littleKitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Ms. Hill makes so many of the books in different series interact with each other. I love the mention of other characters that were so interesting showing up again. John and Medusa end up going to one of those places when Medusa's island is invade for a second time.

This is a different take on the Medusa myth. It is creative and very well thought out. It is also something that might be true. The things that happened to women during that time period were never easy or comfortable and sometimes brutal. The beginning of this story brings that brutally to life. What happens to Medusa is terrible and so very common. It is a testament to her strength that she has made the best of her life after the terrible incident. She is also very aware of all the misery that she may have cause trying to stay alive. She has been so terribly alone with just her snakes for company. She doesn't feel sorry for those events. She does know that things can't continue the way they have.

I also love John Pierce Zeus. He is brave and tough. He knows what he wants and is willing go the distance to get that one person that he dreams about. When he arrives on the island he is patient and understanding. It is probably because of what he has done most of his life. He reminds me of Tyler in some ways and I wouldn't be surprised if they had run into each other somewhere along the line.

This is sort of historical fiction. It goes into the Medusa myth. It is a well written and thought out story. I loved all the history and the background. I love the build up of the relationship between Medusa and John Pierce Zeus. I also love that the circus and all the people that inhabit and work in that circus.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skim read through the first half of the book as it took me a while to settle in to the story. I enjoyed the second half of the book much better.
I found the D/s thing was a little overdone and skipped most of those parts. Given the subject matter I wish there had been a bit more incorporation of Greek Mythology or ancient greek culture.

[Varian Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 4.

My only complaints are the slow pace and Medusa becoming human again. And the kidnapping near the end, but that's just because I'm Very Tired of sudden suspense plots in romance novels.

But for my few complaints, this book had me crying in the break room, so 4.5 stars overall.

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full length novel with great characters of mythology and a present day Hero.

[Anna Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Joey W. Hill. This one took a bit for me to get into but was a sweet story. Not my favorite of hers but still very solid. Lots of detail and emotion. I would love a series based on thr Circus.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Joey Hill story! She never disappoints.

[Kimi5564 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts slow, finishes strong. A MUST, MUST, MUST read (or re-read 😉) BEFORE "Vampire's Choice."

[Eve Dangerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Joey W Hill's books. I think they blend spirituality, erotica, history, mythology and LGBTQ culture in delightful and interesting ways. I don't know anyone who tells the kinds of stories she does. That being said, I had no idea what to make of this book before I read it. I thought it was older than what it was because the cover kinda... What's a tactful way of saying 'looks like it was made on Microsoft PowerPoint in 2002?'
But, to my surprise Medusa's Heart was released this year and damn, it's a good novel. John Peirce, handsome ex-military type and man-pain feeler of some standing, has always crushed out on Medusa. Yeah the snake lady with the crazy human statue-making eyes. Turns out she's real and in love with him too (though she doesn't know it, or who he even is) so John goes to visit her on her island and convincd Medusa (who does have snakes in her hair, but also wings, claws, fangs and Voldemort coloured irises) that she's his soul mate. If this sounds batshit it's only because I'm abbreviating the story which does a lovely job of explaining this situation with grace, magic and science. Medusa, far from being the shrieking harpy that history has painted her as (wow, history turning a female heroine into a crazy, man hating shrew! That's never happened before!) is a rape survivor and a hostage to a tragic circumstance that forced her to accept her powers. This situation wasn't a cheap grab at drama but a senstive and truly touching exploration of how a victim of a violent hateful crime can learn to heal herself and her heart.
Like a lot of Hill books, Medusa's Heart was long, trippy, had a lot to say about BDSM particually the nature of subs and doms. Also, it rocked. Admittedly, I zoned out a little during the Circus descriptions though I eagerly await further novels surrounding the colourful cast of characters presented. Would reccomend.

[She Hearts Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Joey has written such a unique story. She has taken the legend of Medusa and made it into this sizzling hot love story as only she could do. She most definitely gives good scorch. I love that JP comes to her giving her the more she needs to get past the betrayal she suffered. I also loved the world of in between with all kinds of characters there. I love Joey's mind who whipped up the whimsical and brought me to a place that was so interesting and be still me heart. Where there are so many more stories to be revealed. I can't wait for more.

I give Medusa's Heart 4 hearts!

[Chloe Sy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't expect I would like this so much after being let down by the drama in Joey's last book 'Worth the Wait', but I really, really loved 'Medusa's Heart'! I thought the premise from the summary was silly at first, but Medusa and JP really grew on my as the chapters went by and I couldn't put it down at all.

I know I'll be rereading this book for many evenings to come. Definitely a keeper--ranking up there with my favorites from Joey: Ice Queen and Elusive Hero :)

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medusa's story has never been written so lovely and beautiful, until now. Medusa's Heart is well written, overwhelmingly tender, and tells the true beauty of Medusa inside-out. There isn't a single author out in this world, that could have done what Joey just did, which is, nailed this book. The Contemporary Paranormal Erotic story of Medusa has all the elements required to have you tearing up with happiness.

[Firstpella · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 52%.
Was enjoying greatly - classic Hill, shades of the greatest ever (Ice Queen/Mirror) with a mythological slant of innovation...heading for a solid 4.
And then. The 'circus' came to town. And I hate with a passion unmatched the circus in real life and in my fiction. No ones' fault, certainly not the writer who is brilliant.
But no.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joey and everything she writes and this book is only more proof to her brilliance !!!! reading about snakes is hard for me but I couldn't put this book down and it captures me and makes me want more !!!
it is a masterpiece, a combination of fantasy, history and reality, and of all that I love from Joey's characters !!!

can't wait for the next book project !!!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book! Right from the start it had home hooked, Joey is such a great story teller, I love the way the characters are so deep. Hope we have some more, would love to read the stories of some of the other circus characters.

[Rhonda Fortner]

I been reading this off and on for awhile , I meant to have it done a very along time ago as I am way behind, my opinion so far is it is a very long book and complecated in detail , I am enjoying it , don't get me wrong but it was not what I expected, since I have only read one other book from this author I really not sure what I expected, But it is a complex story at that and it does take talent to write something so extreme in details and story . If you want along read with alot of depth this is it , I will finish my review when I am done reading it . And I apologize for not getting this one done sooner