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The Dark Kings #6
The Forge King
You know the tales of the Greek Gods. Mighty and ancient gods of old. Ares, the foreboding and handsome god of War. Aphrodite, the embodiment of sensuality and sexuality, the goddess of Love and consort of War. Hephaestus, the lame and twisted god of the Forge. He is nothing really, only the lightning maker. He is nothing at all. But the stories you know aren’t always the full truth. Sometimes they have been distorted. Turning villains into heroes and heroes into villains. But, what if the truth actually lies somewhere closer to the middle? What if Aphrodite is so much more than just a pretty face and Hephaestus is not forgettable at all but something else entirely? A terrible curse laid waste to the world that Aphrodite had once known. A world in which she was loved and loved deeply in return. A world in which she was adored by the mighty god of the forge, Hephaestus. The only male she will ever truly love again. Aphrodite has just woken up in a brand new world, one nearly identical to her own, but cruelly different too. Because in this new world she is not loved. She has few friends, if any, to speak of. And the only male she worships hates the very sight of her. It doesn’t take long to figure out that when she was tossed from her world into this new one she took over the body of the woman they’d called Aphrodite. She has none of the old Dite’s memories, but soon she learns just how wicked, cruel, and spiteful this other version of herself had been, especially to her beloved Hephaestus. And the one man she loves with all her heart, mind, soul, and body not only doesn’t want her anymore but loathes the very sight of her. Hephaestus is seeking a divorce, and now the entire pantheon believes she’s a heartless and faithless goddess. She has only days to prove them wrong and win back his love or risk losing her happiness forever, but there is just one problem. Dark magic can be cruel, and when Aphrodite took over this form she’s discovered to her horror that not only is she pregnant, but the children are probably not Hephy’s at all. She needs a miracle if she’s going to prove herself. Thankfully, sometimes miracles do happen, and this miracle just so happens to come in the form of a monster the Olympians call the god killer…
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2018
124 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Jovee Winters
37 books503 followersJovee Winters is the pen name for a USAT Bestselling author of twisted fairy tale romances.
Jovee Winters loves fairy tales. But she especially loves twisting up the fairy tales you thought you knew. You can visit her on the web at
https://www.facebook.com/joveewinters...
Jovee Winters loves fairy tales. But she especially loves twisting up the fairy tales you thought you knew. You can visit her on the web at
https://www.facebook.com/joveewinters...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 16, 2018
After reading book after book, we finally get Aphrodite's story! Prep yourself it's full of surprises and may make your jaw drop a time or two. Hephy and Dite have a storyline unlike any other. What happens if love isnt enough for a goddess of love? The Forge King is an emotional rollercoaster, not only for the characters but for the readers too.
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May 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/10/2019)! 🎁
January 21, 2024
a Aphrodite and Hephaestus retelling?? oh baby this is my lucky day
October 9, 2023
A twisted happily ever after but a humdinger.
Aphrodite had a front row seat to the curse that turned her worlds upside down. She'd helped so many get back their true loves and families but never once thought of herself. Calypso decided it was her turn now. She and Hades are determined to get Hephaestus to remember her for who she truly is, even if it kills him. Unfortunately, in this timeline, Aphrodite was a bitch who looked out only for herself. Which put them at a disadvantage. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Aphrodite decides that Hephaestus is going to love her no matter what. But he decides he's had enough of the selfish, unloving, insensitive person that's supposed to be his wife. He serves her with a divorce. Now what's she going to do? Well read on to get a telling glimpse of who Aphrodite and Hephaestus really are and if they have what it takes to love each other forever.
Aphrodite had a front row seat to the curse that turned her worlds upside down. She'd helped so many get back their true loves and families but never once thought of herself. Calypso decided it was her turn now. She and Hades are determined to get Hephaestus to remember her for who she truly is, even if it kills him. Unfortunately, in this timeline, Aphrodite was a bitch who looked out only for herself. Which put them at a disadvantage. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Aphrodite decides that Hephaestus is going to love her no matter what. But he decides he's had enough of the selfish, unloving, insensitive person that's supposed to be his wife. He serves her with a divorce. Now what's she going to do? Well read on to get a telling glimpse of who Aphrodite and Hephaestus really are and if they have what it takes to love each other forever.
October 21, 2018
Absolutely love, Love & Hephy
I started reading these as the dark queens and kings and apparently need to go back to Marie hall's start to all these. Either way they all (including this one) are impossible to put down. I am in love with the twist on all the fairy tales and the Greek gods. The whole thing is utterly amazing and unique to read. You know just enough of the fairy tale to already be invested in the story but to ride along with all the twist and turns is so entertaining. I love learning about the characters you think you already know all over again. I love watching them evolve and grow as people as well as their relationships. I am definitely a fan and am happy to continue being one. Can't wait for Rayale's story, in the meantime I need to go back to the very beginning. Happy Reading 📚💜
I started reading these as the dark queens and kings and apparently need to go back to Marie hall's start to all these. Either way they all (including this one) are impossible to put down. I am in love with the twist on all the fairy tales and the Greek gods. The whole thing is utterly amazing and unique to read. You know just enough of the fairy tale to already be invested in the story but to ride along with all the twist and turns is so entertaining. I love learning about the characters you think you already know all over again. I love watching them evolve and grow as people as well as their relationships. I am definitely a fan and am happy to continue being one. Can't wait for Rayale's story, in the meantime I need to go back to the very beginning. Happy Reading 📚💜
September 3, 2018
So most of the books after the curse took Kingdom have been couples we have already fallen in love with finding their way back to each other. This time we get to actually see a couple come back together when we don't already have the back story. I really loved the way Jovee addressed Dite and Hephy's history and their coming back together, it made the story flow together really well and give you all you needed to know to feel the pain this couple is going through.
I absolutely recommend this book and the series if you are any sort of fan of happily ever afters. This book isn't really a stand alone though so make sure you go look at some of the other previous books in the series. You won't regret it!
I absolutely recommend this book and the series if you are any sort of fan of happily ever afters. This book isn't really a stand alone though so make sure you go look at some of the other previous books in the series. You won't regret it!
September 4, 2018
Mythology with a sexy twist...
Aphrodite and Hephaestus would be the last two I’d ever think of as a loving couple, but Winters made it work beautifully. Losing their HEA due to Galeta’s curse was a painful experience, however I like the new Dite and Hephy better! Emotionally, they’ve been through the wringer, but I think it turned out for the better.
Winters humanizes the gods and goddesses of Olympia in such a way that I’ve not viewed mythology the same way since! To fully appreciate this series, start at the beginning of Kingdom written under Marie Hall. You’ll never look at a fairytale or mythology character the same way:)
Aphrodite and Hephaestus would be the last two I’d ever think of as a loving couple, but Winters made it work beautifully. Losing their HEA due to Galeta’s curse was a painful experience, however I like the new Dite and Hephy better! Emotionally, they’ve been through the wringer, but I think it turned out for the better.
Winters humanizes the gods and goddesses of Olympia in such a way that I’ve not viewed mythology the same way since! To fully appreciate this series, start at the beginning of Kingdom written under Marie Hall. You’ll never look at a fairytale or mythology character the same way:)
September 3, 2018
Best book yet!
Have wanted to read this story since before Hades story, and was not disappointed. Omg could not get my hands on it fast enough and once I did couldn’t stop reading. You want to cry with Dite and smack Hephy upside the head, but you can’t help but say see not what you thought. Hades and Caly support Dite as the true friends they are. And you are get to see the lovely interaction that Nim and Caly have back from Calys story way back in the beginning. Glad Dite finally got her happy back. Must have more! Want more!
Have wanted to read this story since before Hades story, and was not disappointed. Omg could not get my hands on it fast enough and once I did couldn’t stop reading. You want to cry with Dite and smack Hephy upside the head, but you can’t help but say see not what you thought. Hades and Caly support Dite as the true friends they are. And you are get to see the lovely interaction that Nim and Caly have back from Calys story way back in the beginning. Glad Dite finally got her happy back. Must have more! Want more!
July 19, 2019
I’m fighting to get into this book but I’ve gotta say I find the story is in horribly poor taste. If you remove all of the magic from the story, it’s about a woman who wakes up pregnant by a man she never wanted to sleep with, let alone procreate with, and her entire community, including her husband who she loves, has shunned her. The “woman raped into power” storyline is gross and overused. Usually this writer does a better job of strengthening women through other means. I may finish it, I may not. But it really makes me uncomfortable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2020
Middle of series, still captivating
I hate reading a book that is the middle of a series. There is so much in the first book you need to know in order to enjoy the other books.
From what I can tell, someone has turned Mount Olympus & it’s citizens on their heads & nothing is as it should be. The characters are well developed and the story line is captivating. The pacing is good as well. There were a few parts where I questioned the author‘a choices, but they weren’t major.
I think I would like to read the beginning of the series just to see how everything started.
I hate reading a book that is the middle of a series. There is so much in the first book you need to know in order to enjoy the other books.
From what I can tell, someone has turned Mount Olympus & it’s citizens on their heads & nothing is as it should be. The characters are well developed and the story line is captivating. The pacing is good as well. There were a few parts where I questioned the author‘a choices, but they weren’t major.
I think I would like to read the beginning of the series just to see how everything started.
July 18, 2022
How could I not love this story, Hephy is so darn sweet and Aphrodite is flawed like everone but even she can find true love. It was so devastating when the timeliness shifted and their romance became nothing but a memory. This book shows the two different paths that two different versions of Aphrodite took. The question is will the Aphrodite we all know and love be forced to face the consequences of her other self?
Could Hephestus ever look at her and see anything but the lying cheating harpy that he had known?
The answer,
Is in the book, go read it.
Could Hephestus ever look at her and see anything but the lying cheating harpy that he had known?
The answer,
Is in the book, go read it.
September 3, 2018
This was a rollercoaster of emotions that gripped me so hard I just couldn't stop reading. And my heart broke for Hephaistos... again and again and again. I felt with Aphrodite too but my heart was with him all the time. Their love story is tragic, romantic, wonderful, full of suffering and hope and love and joy, it just swept me along. Mixed in the new Calypso who I love as I had the old one, and her sugar babe Hades... and Ares. Oh Ares! I need his story prettyplease!
September 3, 2018
Another Awesome Jovee Winters book
As with the other broken couples, Hephaestus and Aphrodite had to undergo trials that break the heart, yet they come out stronger for it in a number of ways their previous selves were not. Awesome tie in to well known mythology while staying true to the love of the characters. Mythology based romance is one of my favorites to read and their story has me eager for more both in kingdom and from Jovee Winters.
As with the other broken couples, Hephaestus and Aphrodite had to undergo trials that break the heart, yet they come out stronger for it in a number of ways their previous selves were not. Awesome tie in to well known mythology while staying true to the love of the characters. Mythology based romance is one of my favorites to read and their story has me eager for more both in kingdom and from Jovee Winters.
September 6, 2018
Please don’t ever stop writing
The authors talent just leaps off the pages and into my brain, playing out like a movie. Hephy and Dite’s story felt so real, like I was there watching it all. All the love and pain, sadness, laughter, heartbreak. There are many authors I love, many whom I dont bother reading the blurbs on their books before buying, but I think this specific series/world is my all time favorite.
The authors talent just leaps off the pages and into my brain, playing out like a movie. Hephy and Dite’s story felt so real, like I was there watching it all. All the love and pain, sadness, laughter, heartbreak. There are many authors I love, many whom I dont bother reading the blurbs on their books before buying, but I think this specific series/world is my all time favorite.
September 3, 2018
I just love the new Calyssa! She's kinda amazing! Those names she called Heph!!! I about cried I laughed so hard! My heart wept for Dites and Hephy but I knew their love was strong and could be fixed. I am worried about the rest of the couples that will be under the not so tender care of Calyssa! Lol
In all - it's beautiful. Nothing less than what I've come to expect from Jovee and Kingdom.
In all - it's beautiful. Nothing less than what I've come to expect from Jovee and Kingdom.
September 3, 2018
Love the Greeks!
When Jovee first blew up
Kingdom, I was like WHAT!?!? But after reading this book, I totally understand. Without Kingdom going boom, we wouldn’t have gotten this awesome story!! Betrayal, love, friendship & of course a HEA. What’s not to love! Jovee wrote another winner!
When Jovee first blew up
Kingdom, I was like WHAT!?!? But after reading this book, I totally understand. Without Kingdom going boom, we wouldn’t have gotten this awesome story!! Betrayal, love, friendship & of course a HEA. What’s not to love! Jovee wrote another winner!
September 4, 2018
Love Jovee's books...
...and this is no exception. She has crafted this intriguing world of magic, curses, laughter, and mystery that completely suck you in and leave you aching for more. I love that she's brought gods and goddesses into this world, and l look forward to reading their stories as well.
...and this is no exception. She has crafted this intriguing world of magic, curses, laughter, and mystery that completely suck you in and leave you aching for more. I love that she's brought gods and goddesses into this world, and l look forward to reading their stories as well.
September 4, 2018
Note: I received an advance copy in return of my honest unbiased opinion.
I just can't get enough of Jovee Winters yet another well versed and put together book. The feelings she pours into her books are amazing she has a gift of having the readers feel them and envision them as well. Amazing can't wait till the next one.
I just can't get enough of Jovee Winters yet another well versed and put together book. The feelings she pours into her books are amazing she has a gift of having the readers feel them and envision them as well. Amazing can't wait till the next one.
September 6, 2018
Awsome book the forge king by jovee winters
I loved this book the characters felt real and i couldn't put it down story line is fresh and exiting i would have liked to know what dite and the others had planned lol but it was a awesome great read i hope theres more thank u to jovee winters for an amazing book 💖
I loved this book the characters felt real and i couldn't put it down story line is fresh and exiting i would have liked to know what dite and the others had planned lol but it was a awesome great read i hope theres more thank u to jovee winters for an amazing book 💖
September 7, 2018
I LOVED IT!
Not going to lie...I was hoping a certain divine brother's book was going to be next. I mean, this book was such a tease with him. It's got me curious as hell! 😩
Anyway FIVE STARS! And will update a proper review later. I'm tired as hell because it's 3:50AM and I read this book in one sitting lol.
Laters guys 😊 xx
Not going to lie...I was hoping a certain divine brother's book was going to be next. I mean, this book was such a tease with him. It's got me curious as hell! 😩
Anyway FIVE STARS! And will update a proper review later. I'm tired as hell because it's 3:50AM and I read this book in one sitting lol.
Laters guys 😊 xx
September 11, 2018
Fantastic
I want more. Can you read something and want more. This is actually that type of book. Not sure where to begin. Love the story . It makes you think about so many things . I recommend this book, is going to make you laugh, be inspired and curious about what is next. The author make a great plot .
I want more. Can you read something and want more. This is actually that type of book. Not sure where to begin. Love the story . It makes you think about so many things . I recommend this book, is going to make you laugh, be inspired and curious about what is next. The author make a great plot .
October 12, 2018
Didn't want it to end
This is an amazing story, a must read for anyone who loves twisted fairytales, romance or even just fiction itself. I don't like to give away any of the plot line so no spoilers from me but i do love this authors work and this is by far my most favourite book to date. Only down side i now have to be patient and wait for the next installment 😣
This is an amazing story, a must read for anyone who loves twisted fairytales, romance or even just fiction itself. I don't like to give away any of the plot line so no spoilers from me but i do love this authors work and this is by far my most favourite book to date. Only down side i now have to be patient and wait for the next installment 😣
October 21, 2018
This may yet be my favorite in the Kingdom world. Aphrodite has worked so hard to help so many find their HEA that I was so very happy to see her story come along. Hephaestus and Aphrodite are so rarely given a happy story. I was near tears so many times watching their story unfold. The feels were real. I really enjoyed it!
November 11, 2018
An different twist on Greek gods
I've come to like Aphrodite from Jovee's other books. But I never quite understood Dite and Hephy. Every greek story makes him seem disgusting in every aspect. But you see him through the eyes of Aphrodite and see his beauty. I love Jovee's books and especially loved dite and hephy's story.
I've come to like Aphrodite from Jovee's other books. But I never quite understood Dite and Hephy. Every greek story makes him seem disgusting in every aspect. But you see him through the eyes of Aphrodite and see his beauty. I love Jovee's books and especially loved dite and hephy's story.
June 8, 2019
Dite and Hephy!
Yay! I loved it! Dite did not have an easy transition in Kingdom after the curse, everyone hates her and she has no idea why. When your one true love doesn't love you anymore what do you do? Angsty and funny how does she do it... Calyssa may be my new favorite character, her failed pins and butchered names crack me up.
Yay! I loved it! Dite did not have an easy transition in Kingdom after the curse, everyone hates her and she has no idea why. When your one true love doesn't love you anymore what do you do? Angsty and funny how does she do it... Calyssa may be my new favorite character, her failed pins and butchered names crack me up.
October 20, 2019
Omg I loved the story of Aphrodite and her Hephaestus! The only thing I didn’t like was some part at the end, but that’s because I wished one thing happened and it didn’t. That didn’t make that I hate the end I just wished for one thing to happen but ow well some things don’t work that way. Now I need to wait till the next book, can’t wait......
February 15, 2020
Wow!
In the end I was hoping somehow things would work out for the better and they did with some big differences. It was heartbreaking and also wonderful once you read how things fell into place. But MAN the curse did Aphrodite shady! BUT! This version of Hephy learns to appreciate her more then the last version of him I don’t want to spoil it by saying more then I should.
In the end I was hoping somehow things would work out for the better and they did with some big differences. It was heartbreaking and also wonderful once you read how things fell into place. But MAN the curse did Aphrodite shady! BUT! This version of Hephy learns to appreciate her more then the last version of him I don’t want to spoil it by saying more then I should.
July 21, 2020
I hated this book!!!!
I gave it 5 stars because let’s be real.. it deserves 5 stars but even though it was ssooo good, I hate all the pain Aphrodite and Hephaestus both had to endure. Also I want to know what was the big secret.... oh and with every book I read more and more I hate Hera.
I gave it 5 stars because let’s be real.. it deserves 5 stars but even though it was ssooo good, I hate all the pain Aphrodite and Hephaestus both had to endure. Also I want to know what was the big secret.... oh and with every book I read more and more I hate Hera.
June 29, 2023
Absolutely love this story. What a cool twist on the story of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. I have re-read this book so many times. Such a quick, easy and adorable read. I am really into the kinder more gently MMC vs the traditional possessive and aggressive ones, and Hephy really fits that bill. Adore this book.
September 3, 2018
Hephaestus and Aphrodite loved each before the change and now, now things are changing again. They are beginning to remember the way things were but aren’t anymore. They are beginning to remember their feelings for each other but are afraid of being hurt again. Loved this book!!! Loved Hephy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews