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The Gods of Love #2
The Love Delusion
Frida McKenzie just wants to live a nice, normal life with her boyfriend Dan. Trouble is, as the descendent of Eros, and the Delphic Oracle respectively, this happy couple are anything but normal. So when an anti-love cult begins to sweep the city, it's down to Frida and Dan to discover the deadly intentions of The Love Delusion's handsome and charismatic leader, R A Stone. But at least they have each other, right? Wrong. Because as Frida gets deeper into this ancient grudge match, the cost of her destiny becomes clear, and the role of a hero doesn't come with a happily ever after...
224 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2019
2 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 9, 2019
The Love Delusion is the second book in a series by author Nicola Mostyn, the first book being ‘The Gods of Love’. Unfortunately I haven’t read book one and to be honest I didn’t even know it existed until I was partway through this book. However, I can honestly say that this book worked fine as a standalone.
The plot begins with Frida and her boyfriend Dan being chased in a car. They are nearly at their ‘safe zone’ when they are caught. They both commit to finding each other in the future. Why they have been tracked and by whom are not revealed at this time.
The story then moves forward two years where both of the characters have had their memories of their past lives removed. Freida is a divorce lawyer working for ‘The Love Delusion’ a movement that is about protecting the rights of single people. They convince people that love is a myth and that to have a truly happy life you need to be single.
Dan is a protester against the movement who confronts Freida about her involvement. The two feel some sort of connection but can’t understand why. That is until Freida finds a photo of herself and Dan having a picnic years earlier. She also finds a bottle of liquid with a note telling her not to tell Dan about it.
Freida travels to Dan’s flat to confront him about the photo. She believes it’s been mocked up to discredit her and have her removed from the movement but when more evidence comes to light the pair have to realise that something far more sinister might be at play, but what?
The Love Delusion is a full-on action-packed book right from the first page. I was intrigued enough to want to know who these two people were are why were they being chased and kidnapped.
The whole plot featuring immortals, some good, some evil and is exceptionally well constructed. I’ll be honest that when it comes to Gods I know them by name but what they did and what powers they had were never something I’ve really had an interested in, so when I realised that the book featured these immortals my heart sank a little and I wondered how much enjoyment I was going to get from the rest of the book. I need not of worried though.
I love how different this book is to anything I’ve read before. The characters were all intriguing and I especially enjoyed getting to know kick-ass Psyche. Freida and Dan were both easy to like and enjoy their company too.
Personally whilst this book works as a standalone I would suggest reading ‘The Gods of Love’ first so that you get the whole backstory. Plus, what could be better than having one amazing book to read, but two amazing books – I am assuming that book one is as fabulous as this one.
The plot begins with Frida and her boyfriend Dan being chased in a car. They are nearly at their ‘safe zone’ when they are caught. They both commit to finding each other in the future. Why they have been tracked and by whom are not revealed at this time.
The story then moves forward two years where both of the characters have had their memories of their past lives removed. Freida is a divorce lawyer working for ‘The Love Delusion’ a movement that is about protecting the rights of single people. They convince people that love is a myth and that to have a truly happy life you need to be single.
Dan is a protester against the movement who confronts Freida about her involvement. The two feel some sort of connection but can’t understand why. That is until Freida finds a photo of herself and Dan having a picnic years earlier. She also finds a bottle of liquid with a note telling her not to tell Dan about it.
Freida travels to Dan’s flat to confront him about the photo. She believes it’s been mocked up to discredit her and have her removed from the movement but when more evidence comes to light the pair have to realise that something far more sinister might be at play, but what?
The Love Delusion is a full-on action-packed book right from the first page. I was intrigued enough to want to know who these two people were are why were they being chased and kidnapped.
The whole plot featuring immortals, some good, some evil and is exceptionally well constructed. I’ll be honest that when it comes to Gods I know them by name but what they did and what powers they had were never something I’ve really had an interested in, so when I realised that the book featured these immortals my heart sank a little and I wondered how much enjoyment I was going to get from the rest of the book. I need not of worried though.
I love how different this book is to anything I’ve read before. The characters were all intriguing and I especially enjoyed getting to know kick-ass Psyche. Freida and Dan were both easy to like and enjoy their company too.
Personally whilst this book works as a standalone I would suggest reading ‘The Gods of Love’ first so that you get the whole backstory. Plus, what could be better than having one amazing book to read, but two amazing books – I am assuming that book one is as fabulous as this one.
September 14, 2019
4☆ A Unique Enthralling Fantasy Romance that combines Humour, Mythology and
Adventure.
The Love Delusion is a really enthralling Fantasy Romance. It's not something I would normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is the second book in the series, although it can be read as a standalone I feel I missed out on the characterisation and the world building that sets the scene.
I was pleasantly surprised at just how different this book was. It's not something I have come across before. The blurb and cover drew me in and I'm so glad I took a chance at reading it.
I have to admit I'm not familiar with Greek mythology so this was a learning curve for me, as they feature gods in the story.
I'm not too sure where to begin with my review and the blurb gives you a glimpse into the book and I don't want to risk giving something away.
What I will say is I really liked main characters Frida and Dan. Both were together in a previous world but then they are captured and their memories forcefully wiped forcing the two to go there separate ways.
But does love truly conquer all?
Especially when one believes Love is simply a Myth and in order to Truly be happy, being Single is the only option! and the other is against The Love Delusion Cult.
So what happens when Frida discovers a picture of her and Dan? Is she about to recover those memories and to what cost?
Love Delusion is a Unique Story that's an Enthralling, Intriguing, Heart Warming, Compelling Read, that combines cleverly witty humour with romance, Adventure, A good dose of suspense, Fantasy and exciting twists.
It's an action packed story about two people fighting for what's right, love and humanity.
It's about Trust, Connections, memories, Beliefs, Moral Dilemma and love.
The characters are strong, quirky, complex and very well written.
So if you are looking for a Romance with a difference, that has mythology, humour, and an Urban fantasy twist then you will thoroughly enjoy The Love Delusion!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Adventure.
The Love Delusion is a really enthralling Fantasy Romance. It's not something I would normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is the second book in the series, although it can be read as a standalone I feel I missed out on the characterisation and the world building that sets the scene.
I was pleasantly surprised at just how different this book was. It's not something I have come across before. The blurb and cover drew me in and I'm so glad I took a chance at reading it.
I have to admit I'm not familiar with Greek mythology so this was a learning curve for me, as they feature gods in the story.
I'm not too sure where to begin with my review and the blurb gives you a glimpse into the book and I don't want to risk giving something away.
What I will say is I really liked main characters Frida and Dan. Both were together in a previous world but then they are captured and their memories forcefully wiped forcing the two to go there separate ways.
But does love truly conquer all?
Especially when one believes Love is simply a Myth and in order to Truly be happy, being Single is the only option! and the other is against The Love Delusion Cult.
So what happens when Frida discovers a picture of her and Dan? Is she about to recover those memories and to what cost?
Love Delusion is a Unique Story that's an Enthralling, Intriguing, Heart Warming, Compelling Read, that combines cleverly witty humour with romance, Adventure, A good dose of suspense, Fantasy and exciting twists.
It's an action packed story about two people fighting for what's right, love and humanity.
It's about Trust, Connections, memories, Beliefs, Moral Dilemma and love.
The characters are strong, quirky, complex and very well written.
So if you are looking for a Romance with a difference, that has mythology, humour, and an Urban fantasy twist then you will thoroughly enjoy The Love Delusion!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
September 10, 2019
Quirky, witty and brilliantly written, The Love Delusion is a smart, sassy and scintillating read that will draw you in from page one and keep you engrossed and entertained until the very last full stop.
Frida McKenzie does not have much time for relationships. Frida believes that romantic love is an illusion and a myth which the Western world is weirdly obsessed with. As a member of The Love Delusion movement, Frida is passionate about finding a cure for society’s ridiculous and ill-founded belief that romantic love is the sole panacea available that will make everyone happy and fulfilled. Practical and sensible Frida believes that such notions cause more harm than good and she is adamant that she will do whatever it takes to help people see the light and stop believing in such sentimental nonsense. However, little does Frida realise that her quest is going to hit a stumbling block that is going to make her reassess all of her beliefs…
When Frida finds a picture of herself with a man she barely knows, she is confused and very frightened. She has no such recollection in her memory and the cast- iron certainties that had once shaped her entire life begin to unravel and leave her to question what does she really know about the movement that has taken over her life. What happened to Frida’s memories? Is there something far more sinister going on at The Love Delusion than she initially thought? Who is the man in the picture and why can’t she remember anything about her life with him?
As a long-awaited battle approaches, the stakes are higher than ever and Frida must tread careful if she is to not only vanquish the pervading menace that could destroy civilization, but also find the answers to all the questions that are troubling her. Will Frida succeed in her quest for the truth? Or will she end up paying the ultimate price?
When I first started reading The Love Delusion, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I found this book to be a hilarious page-turner where the action never flags, the drama is edge of your seat compelling, the suspense breath-taking and the romance touching and uplifting.
Nicola Mostyn effortlessly blends genres into a beguiling and engrossing narrative that will hold you spellbound from beginning to end. Readers looking for an intelligently written and highly enjoyable read that is a little bit different from the norm need to look no further than Nicola Mostyn’s latest novel, The Love Delusion.
Frida McKenzie does not have much time for relationships. Frida believes that romantic love is an illusion and a myth which the Western world is weirdly obsessed with. As a member of The Love Delusion movement, Frida is passionate about finding a cure for society’s ridiculous and ill-founded belief that romantic love is the sole panacea available that will make everyone happy and fulfilled. Practical and sensible Frida believes that such notions cause more harm than good and she is adamant that she will do whatever it takes to help people see the light and stop believing in such sentimental nonsense. However, little does Frida realise that her quest is going to hit a stumbling block that is going to make her reassess all of her beliefs…
When Frida finds a picture of herself with a man she barely knows, she is confused and very frightened. She has no such recollection in her memory and the cast- iron certainties that had once shaped her entire life begin to unravel and leave her to question what does she really know about the movement that has taken over her life. What happened to Frida’s memories? Is there something far more sinister going on at The Love Delusion than she initially thought? Who is the man in the picture and why can’t she remember anything about her life with him?
As a long-awaited battle approaches, the stakes are higher than ever and Frida must tread careful if she is to not only vanquish the pervading menace that could destroy civilization, but also find the answers to all the questions that are troubling her. Will Frida succeed in her quest for the truth? Or will she end up paying the ultimate price?
When I first started reading The Love Delusion, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I found this book to be a hilarious page-turner where the action never flags, the drama is edge of your seat compelling, the suspense breath-taking and the romance touching and uplifting.
Nicola Mostyn effortlessly blends genres into a beguiling and engrossing narrative that will hold you spellbound from beginning to end. Readers looking for an intelligently written and highly enjoyable read that is a little bit different from the norm need to look no further than Nicola Mostyn’s latest novel, The Love Delusion.
September 17, 2019
Utterly mad sequel to the excellent Gods Of Love. Frida and Dan go to even greater lengths to stop Anteros in a shockingly believeable plot of epic proportions. Loved it.
Read
August 30, 2019
This was the continuation from book 1 The Gods of Love, where Frida and her love Dan had forgotten each other. Frida was a divorce solicitor who was a part of a cult against love. She was the Love Delusionist, an Anterist. The mortals were being manipulated by the Greek Gods Hades and Anteros, who were using the cult to sway people on earth against love.
A picture of herself with a man got her investigating into the depths of it. She met Dan, who thought they were role playing, and soon a woman named Psyche led them to the truth where they realized that the Anteros and Hades had planned all this, and there was a battle looming. Was love going to disappear from Earth?
My first book by Nicola Mostyn, the latter parts of the book was fun once I got to know the characters and their past. The Greek gods were the characters in this book in all theur glory, where love and immortality was the theme. It was quite a twisted conundrum to see all the subplots of the mythology being used here. Balance was tipping over on earth, and it was up to our two main characters along with Psyche to stop them all.
The story had action and adventure, it had love and war. It showed Gods in a different perspective, they were still the wily lot. Tartarus and Kronos found their place. The fight between the Gods and the mortals had its many twists, and it soon became a race against time to bring back love as a choice for humans.
Nicola Mostyn's writing had humor in its core. The action had me backing up the two protagonists, I kept egging them on to move faster to stop the gods. There were moments especially in the end where the words gripped me.
Where there is love, there is hope
A single moment stolen in time, a moment where the truth stopped time, a moment when time showed what love was all about. That was when I fell in love with this book completely. The author's words were so powerful, an earth magic, you could say. She showed me what it took, the purity of our hearts and the spark in our souls, were all that was needed to shower this book with its brilliance.
A story which grew on me, an adventure which warmed my heart, and an author whose words became a sparkling delight—What more could I ask for from the Greek Gods of books? An unexpected, fun read!!
This was the continuation from book 1 The Gods of Love, where Frida and her love Dan had forgotten each other. Frida was a divorce solicitor who was a part of a cult against love. She was the Love Delusionist, an Anterist. The mortals were being manipulated by the Greek Gods Hades and Anteros, who were using the cult to sway people on earth against love.
A picture of herself with a man got her investigating into the depths of it. She met Dan, who thought they were role playing, and soon a woman named Psyche led them to the truth where they realized that the Anteros and Hades had planned all this, and there was a battle looming. Was love going to disappear from Earth?
My first book by Nicola Mostyn, the latter parts of the book was fun once I got to know the characters and their past. The Greek gods were the characters in this book in all theur glory, where love and immortality was the theme. It was quite a twisted conundrum to see all the subplots of the mythology being used here. Balance was tipping over on earth, and it was up to our two main characters along with Psyche to stop them all.
The story had action and adventure, it had love and war. It showed Gods in a different perspective, they were still the wily lot. Tartarus and Kronos found their place. The fight between the Gods and the mortals had its many twists, and it soon became a race against time to bring back love as a choice for humans.
Nicola Mostyn's writing had humor in its core. The action had me backing up the two protagonists, I kept egging them on to move faster to stop the gods. There were moments especially in the end where the words gripped me.
Where there is love, there is hope
A single moment stolen in time, a moment where the truth stopped time, a moment when time showed what love was all about. That was when I fell in love with this book completely. The author's words were so powerful, an earth magic, you could say. She showed me what it took, the purity of our hearts and the spark in our souls, were all that was needed to shower this book with its brilliance.
A story which grew on me, an adventure which warmed my heart, and an author whose words became a sparkling delight—What more could I ask for from the Greek Gods of books? An unexpected, fun read!!
September 7, 2019
Wow - talk about different! This is a fantastic mix of romance, suspense and Greek mythology all skilfully interwoven into an enthralling page turner.
Frida and Dan used to be lovers who were fighting to protect humanity. However, betrayal, capture and a drink make them forget everything about what they have been involved in - including each other! When they meet again, they're on opposite sides with Frida being a devotee and leader in the Love Delusion movement and Dan is against it. They have a lively debate that both find interesting but both think this is the first time they've met . . . until Frida discovers a photo of them both together that neither of them can remember being taken. That's the restart of their attempts to discover just why they've forgotten and them rejoining the battle for love and humanity, one in which gods and creatures from mythology are leading - with some supporting and others opposing there's a battle ahead but just what is the ultimate goal of those attempting to convince everyone that love is just a myth?
This is an action packed fantasy which transports the reader into the dilemmas faced by Frida and Dan. The struggles they face deciding just who they can trust whilst endeavouring to remember what happened before is brought to life as the story unfolds. It is the second book in a series but I haven't read the first and still enjoyed this. It is a very different and surprising story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat right to the end so I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense entwined with mythology in a fun, fast paced read.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Frida and Dan used to be lovers who were fighting to protect humanity. However, betrayal, capture and a drink make them forget everything about what they have been involved in - including each other! When they meet again, they're on opposite sides with Frida being a devotee and leader in the Love Delusion movement and Dan is against it. They have a lively debate that both find interesting but both think this is the first time they've met . . . until Frida discovers a photo of them both together that neither of them can remember being taken. That's the restart of their attempts to discover just why they've forgotten and them rejoining the battle for love and humanity, one in which gods and creatures from mythology are leading - with some supporting and others opposing there's a battle ahead but just what is the ultimate goal of those attempting to convince everyone that love is just a myth?
This is an action packed fantasy which transports the reader into the dilemmas faced by Frida and Dan. The struggles they face deciding just who they can trust whilst endeavouring to remember what happened before is brought to life as the story unfolds. It is the second book in a series but I haven't read the first and still enjoyed this. It is a very different and surprising story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat right to the end so I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense entwined with mythology in a fun, fast paced read.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
October 17, 2019
après avoir adoré le tome 1, j'attendais avec impatience ce tome 2 et je n'ai pas été déçue *-*
Nicola Mostyn manie très bien l'humour, un rythme bien dosé entre des scènes calmes et des scènes d'action trépidantes, le suspense et évidemment le WTF xD ... c'est très librement inspiré de la mythologie grecque avec des références plus ou moins connues (là je dis merci à moi-même d'avoir lu "mythos" de Stephen Fry ente temps lol parce que je les ais reconnues xD).
le seul truc dommage c'est que c'est une duologie donc plus de Dan et Frida sniff xD
Nicola Mostyn manie très bien l'humour, un rythme bien dosé entre des scènes calmes et des scènes d'action trépidantes, le suspense et évidemment le WTF xD ... c'est très librement inspiré de la mythologie grecque avec des références plus ou moins connues (là je dis merci à moi-même d'avoir lu "mythos" de Stephen Fry ente temps lol parce que je les ais reconnues xD).
le seul truc dommage c'est que c'est une duologie donc plus de Dan et Frida sniff xD
January 30, 2020
She is fire approaching,
blazing sexo-drama eyes,
breathlessly, Aphrodite, a commotion of the heart,
Aphrodite struts down the sidewalk,
buildings crumble,
and she prays for rock-it-down-harder-days,
it ain't enough to be love strong,
the heart must be given absent,
effusive embarrassments,
acts of intimacy exploratory
and displayed true love achingly.
She throws, "No love lost" at me,
love implodes, reloads,
the deadly death of lovers ever in a collapsible state,
if you want true love, love yourself first and then slit your wrists.
love yourself last and Aphrodite will desire you, set fire to you.
#poem
Chris Roberts, Patron Saint of the Misbegotten Heart
blazing sexo-drama eyes,
breathlessly, Aphrodite, a commotion of the heart,
Aphrodite struts down the sidewalk,
buildings crumble,
and she prays for rock-it-down-harder-days,
it ain't enough to be love strong,
the heart must be given absent,
effusive embarrassments,
acts of intimacy exploratory
and displayed true love achingly.
She throws, "No love lost" at me,
love implodes, reloads,
the deadly death of lovers ever in a collapsible state,
if you want true love, love yourself first and then slit your wrists.
love yourself last and Aphrodite will desire you, set fire to you.
#poem
Chris Roberts, Patron Saint of the Misbegotten Heart
August 15, 2023
Even though I have not read the first book of this series: ‘The Gods of Love’, it was still an interesting book to read, I didn’t expect Greek mythology to be apart of it but it made the story interesting and for my hard to put down. This book gives a wonderful insight to the idea of love and it’s power, I would recommend. I just wish there were a few more twists at the end but still enjoyed it.
Read
September 7, 2019This is the second book in a series where I didn't read the first. Usually that is a problem but this series is perfect for this situation. The book opens with two people being captured. You don't know why they are running. The next chapter is two years later and their memories have been wiped. If you didn't read the first book you get to figure out what is going on right along with the characters. It worked really well. I'm sure reading this book is a totally different experience if you read the first book and know everything that they have forgotten.
Frida is active in a group that aims to support and protect the rights of single people. They are changing the culture. No more requirements to pay double occupancy rates on trips if only one person is going. No social shaming for not having a date. The group is growing rapidly. People are figuring out that love is a delusion and they don't have to fall for it. Frida enjoys her life until she meets a protestor on her way to a meeting. She feels drawn to him but she doesn't know why. Then she finds a picture that she doesn't remember of the two of them together.
I read this a long time after I signed up for the book tour so I didn't remember anything about the synopsis. I was totally surprised by everything that happened just like the characters. I think I was expecting something along the chick lit/romance line but this is more of a light fantasy book. There is magic all around.
I quite enjoyed this book. It would be perfect for anyone looking for a fun, fast paced story with twists and turns that you might not expect.
Author Bio –
Nicola was born and lives in Manchester. She has a Master's degree in English Literature and has spent more time immersed in the works of Philip Larkin than is strictly healthy. Her inspirations are Stephen King, Tina Fey and Joss Whedon and as such she's a big fan of the funny - both ha ha and peculiar. Her debut, The Gods of Love, was shortlisted for The Writers’ Guild Best first novel. The Love Delusion is the companion novel. As well as writing novels, she works as a creativity coach and has written a non-fiction book for aspiring writers, Seven Creative Gremlins. For more about Nicola visit www.nicolamostyn.com
Social Media Links –
Twitter - @nicolamostyn
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolamostyn...
Insta: @NicolaMostyn
http://nicolamostyn.com
https://linktr.ee/nicolamostynThis review was originally posted on Based On A True Story
August 22, 2023
This book lied to me about everything it was.
Gone was the edgy anti-love dystopian cult I expected, replaced by an entirely unlikable main character and a very sub-par love plot.
The introduction of Greek mythology was cheap, vague, and unnecessary.
Gone was the edgy anti-love dystopian cult I expected, replaced by an entirely unlikable main character and a very sub-par love plot.
The introduction of Greek mythology was cheap, vague, and unnecessary.
January 20, 2024
This book was not at all what I expected it to be. It was pure fantasy in the end, and I am not a great fan of fantasy; however, I persisted and actually enjoyed this bizarre tale.
August 27, 2019
I had been anticipating the sequel to 'The Gods of Love' and was delighted when I was approved for the ARC. I'm always slightly nervous if a follow-up will meet my expectations, and I'm glad to report that this book does. The action-packed pace of the first book is maintained, but this time there is an additional depth because of how much I was invested in Freya and Dan being okay. Some old characters from the first book pop up and the fabulous blend of Greek mythology and urban fantasy kept me on my toes for the adventure.
A fabulously fun read and my thanks go to the publishers and Net Galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
A fabulously fun read and my thanks go to the publishers and Net Galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I started my book blog to shout about books that I love. Today is a very good day to be a book blogger! Today The Love Delusion launches and oh my gods and goddesses I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
We are back with Frida and Dan, so I thoroughly recommend that you read The Gods of Love first – it sets the world and characters up and is also frigging awesome, so why wouldn’t you?!
That said, this is not the Frida and Dan that we knew and loved. From the very beginning we are plunged back into another world-saving adventure, but the bad guys got to out heroes before we could properly catch up with them, and now they are… changed.
One of the many things I love about Nicola Mostyn’s stories is how very real Frida feels. We, the reader, know from the very start that she is an unreliable narrator due to circumstances, but she is the one telling the story and she is (almost) fully committed to her version of events. It is simultaneously frustrating and exciting, and I fizzled with nervous adrenaline through the entire book.
The story returns to the battle between the gods – specifically Anteros and Eros/Zeus – and our poor oracle and love lawyer are pawns on the playing board. Except that they aren’t good as doing what they are told, or what is expected of them, or even understanding any of the above in the first place. While the concepts of love and not-love duke it out, Frida has to face some nasty truths about herself and about the strength of faith… for good and for bad.
If you enjoy urban fantasy adventures with mythological roots, that have a strong female lead stuffed with self-doubt and sarcasm, then look no further. My only complaint is that this is the LAST BOOK! It is a duology, not a sprawling epic multi-series. How can the author do this to us?! Still… I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Now go and BUY THIS BOOK!!! It won’t change your life, but it’s a rollercoaster of a read and bloody funny!
We’ve been on the road for ten minutes when I get a bad feeling, an uneasy prickling on the back of my neck. It could just be a reaction to my new pineapple-scented suntan lotion or maybe even a simple case of abject paranoia, but a) I’ve never been the sensitive type and b) if these last few months have taught me anything, it’s that things aren’t ever as awful as they seem – they’re always so much f*cking worse.
– Nicola Mostyn, The Love Delusion
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
I started my book blog to shout about books that I love. Today is a very good day to be a book blogger! Today The Love Delusion launches and oh my gods and goddesses I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
We are back with Frida and Dan, so I thoroughly recommend that you read The Gods of Love first – it sets the world and characters up and is also frigging awesome, so why wouldn’t you?!
That said, this is not the Frida and Dan that we knew and loved. From the very beginning we are plunged back into another world-saving adventure, but the bad guys got to out heroes before we could properly catch up with them, and now they are… changed.
One of the many things I love about Nicola Mostyn’s stories is how very real Frida feels. We, the reader, know from the very start that she is an unreliable narrator due to circumstances, but she is the one telling the story and she is (almost) fully committed to her version of events. It is simultaneously frustrating and exciting, and I fizzled with nervous adrenaline through the entire book.
The story returns to the battle between the gods – specifically Anteros and Eros/Zeus – and our poor oracle and love lawyer are pawns on the playing board. Except that they aren’t good as doing what they are told, or what is expected of them, or even understanding any of the above in the first place. While the concepts of love and not-love duke it out, Frida has to face some nasty truths about herself and about the strength of faith… for good and for bad.
If you enjoy urban fantasy adventures with mythological roots, that have a strong female lead stuffed with self-doubt and sarcasm, then look no further. My only complaint is that this is the LAST BOOK! It is a duology, not a sprawling epic multi-series. How can the author do this to us?! Still… I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Now go and BUY THIS BOOK!!! It won’t change your life, but it’s a rollercoaster of a read and bloody funny!
We’ve been on the road for ten minutes when I get a bad feeling, an uneasy prickling on the back of my neck. It could just be a reaction to my new pineapple-scented suntan lotion or maybe even a simple case of abject paranoia, but a) I’ve never been the sensitive type and b) if these last few months have taught me anything, it’s that things aren’t ever as awful as they seem – they’re always so much f*cking worse.
– Nicola Mostyn, The Love Delusion
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 23, 2020
This book is a follow on from The Gods of Love. You don't have to read the first book before Love Delusion. As this to me could be a stand alone book. This book covers all the bases so don't worry. (I've got the first book just need to read it )
You start of the book by following Frida around laughing at the thought that people still love each other and her group (or cult) join together each week to discuss future events.
Frida is on her way into the building when a striking gentleman wants to discuss what the love delusion movement is all about and how ridiculous the idea actually sounds. Frida can't stop thinking about this man knowing she has seen him before. Frida finally gets into the building to talk to her group and discovers that the founding father of The Delusion is coming to visit her city and wants to speak to her group about how well they're spreading the word about his movement.
Frida cannot contain herself all her hard work has been leading upto this moment. Meeting the man himself or a God/s 😉 she goes home to clean up to get rid of some excitement energy and discovers a photograph. The photograph is her next to someone she's never even met before or has she?
Frida then goes and discovers who this mysterious person is.
This is where the books starts to get really exciting. After the back story the whole book just gets turned upside down and sideways.
There is talks of secret groups trying to stop this couple getting back together as they are the only ones that could stop the Gods from ruining mortals lives and relationships. The Gods discovered that the more people who fall out of love the stronger they become.
The world and character building is some of the best I have read. I'm really impressed how Nicola Mostyn has written this book. She really gets you engrossed into the book that you don't notice that the pages are turning over none stop. There is a character called Physce and she is my favourite character in the book. If you read it you will find out why and the fact she couldn't give a fuck about anything. Not even when she is speaking to Medusa like she isn't even fazed about what she could do. I did mention there was Greek Gods in this book?
The adventure this couple has once everything clicks into place have is honestly amazing (could be made into a blockbuster film) they travel into the underworld over world whatever world to get where they need to be.
Nothing will stop these two from completing their task and getting every mortal back to feeling the love.
You start of the book by following Frida around laughing at the thought that people still love each other and her group (or cult) join together each week to discuss future events.
Frida is on her way into the building when a striking gentleman wants to discuss what the love delusion movement is all about and how ridiculous the idea actually sounds. Frida can't stop thinking about this man knowing she has seen him before. Frida finally gets into the building to talk to her group and discovers that the founding father of The Delusion is coming to visit her city and wants to speak to her group about how well they're spreading the word about his movement.
Frida cannot contain herself all her hard work has been leading upto this moment. Meeting the man himself or a God/s 😉 she goes home to clean up to get rid of some excitement energy and discovers a photograph. The photograph is her next to someone she's never even met before or has she?
Frida then goes and discovers who this mysterious person is.
This is where the books starts to get really exciting. After the back story the whole book just gets turned upside down and sideways.
There is talks of secret groups trying to stop this couple getting back together as they are the only ones that could stop the Gods from ruining mortals lives and relationships. The Gods discovered that the more people who fall out of love the stronger they become.
The world and character building is some of the best I have read. I'm really impressed how Nicola Mostyn has written this book. She really gets you engrossed into the book that you don't notice that the pages are turning over none stop. There is a character called Physce and she is my favourite character in the book. If you read it you will find out why and the fact she couldn't give a fuck about anything. Not even when she is speaking to Medusa like she isn't even fazed about what she could do. I did mention there was Greek Gods in this book?
The adventure this couple has once everything clicks into place have is honestly amazing (could be made into a blockbuster film) they travel into the underworld over world whatever world to get where they need to be.
Nothing will stop these two from completing their task and getting every mortal back to feeling the love.
September 29, 2019
The first thing I need to say about this book, is that it really is not what I was expecting! I don’t know what I expected, but this wasn’t it, in the best kind of way. I suppose I was expecting a typical romantic story, but what I found was something with a very different concept behind it, that was then well developed to intrigue and engage from start to end. My only quibble would be that occasionally the story did seem to slow more than was comfortable, that being said it didn’t stop me wanting to finish the book!
Th start of the story certainly hooks you into the tale, with our couple being chased. They are caught and agree that they will find each other in the future, which seems fairly standard in some ways does it not..? Only the story then went somewhere I didn’t expect.
We find that our characters have lost their memories, and not only are they living very different lives separately, but they are also part pf a movement, cult, belief whatever you want to term it, in which it is believed that a person can lead a fuller, happier life by remaining single, and avoiding the “love delusion”.
I didn’t realise until after reading the story that this is actually the second book, I wouldn’t have know that from reading it, and it certainly didn’t atop me from enjoying the story. I wasn’t entirely certain where the story would end up going initially, after all a car chase isn’t a typical romantic tale beginning! And yet, I am thoroughly glad I continued reading.
If you enjoy Fantasy and Romantic reads, then this is certainly worth while picking up! Perhaps... don’t make my mistake, and start with the first book though!
Th start of the story certainly hooks you into the tale, with our couple being chased. They are caught and agree that they will find each other in the future, which seems fairly standard in some ways does it not..? Only the story then went somewhere I didn’t expect.
We find that our characters have lost their memories, and not only are they living very different lives separately, but they are also part pf a movement, cult, belief whatever you want to term it, in which it is believed that a person can lead a fuller, happier life by remaining single, and avoiding the “love delusion”.
I didn’t realise until after reading the story that this is actually the second book, I wouldn’t have know that from reading it, and it certainly didn’t atop me from enjoying the story. I wasn’t entirely certain where the story would end up going initially, after all a car chase isn’t a typical romantic tale beginning! And yet, I am thoroughly glad I continued reading.
If you enjoy Fantasy and Romantic reads, then this is certainly worth while picking up! Perhaps... don’t make my mistake, and start with the first book though!
September 7, 2019
Hi Folks, first of all, I have to say that I really like this cover.
This is a second book in the series and I have to admit that I could have enjoyed this book more if I had read the first. (my bad!) So while I did enjoy The Love Delusion, I would have loved to read the previous book because at times I felt like I was missing plenty of information.
I can say that while I was bamboozled at times, I did enjoy the story and would definitely read more by Ms Mostyn. Her characters are will developed, which is an enormous must for me and they were interesting, as was the plot.
The writing style was moreish, she makes you want to turn the page to see where the story goes. I hope that there is another book in this series and I will read it. (once I have read the first.) The Love Delusion's cult against love was a unique one for me and I am impressed when, in this day and age with so many books on the market, to find what feels like a fresh plot is refreshing.
This is a second book in the series and I have to admit that I could have enjoyed this book more if I had read the first. (my bad!) So while I did enjoy The Love Delusion, I would have loved to read the previous book because at times I felt like I was missing plenty of information.
I can say that while I was bamboozled at times, I did enjoy the story and would definitely read more by Ms Mostyn. Her characters are will developed, which is an enormous must for me and they were interesting, as was the plot.
The writing style was moreish, she makes you want to turn the page to see where the story goes. I hope that there is another book in this series and I will read it. (once I have read the first.) The Love Delusion's cult against love was a unique one for me and I am impressed when, in this day and age with so many books on the market, to find what feels like a fresh plot is refreshing.
September 7, 2019
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
I was very kindly offered an ARC of this in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I have given it 3.5 stars.
Going into the book, I didn't realize that it was in fact book two of a duology, which slightly changes how I feel about it.
It's actually a really good read, I initially felt like something was missing but now I know it was a whole other book but it can be read without it. We meet two people who are running from something but we don't know what that is, skip forward two years and we meet the same two people who now have no clue who the other one is.
This is a modern fantasy adventure story, that puts a modern twist on Greek mythology, think of it as a romantic Percy Jackson. I had no clue what to expect when I dived into this book and once I started getting into the story, I found I couldn't put it down.
Strong kick ass female characters and plenty of action make this a story not to be missed.
I was very kindly offered an ARC of this in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I have given it 3.5 stars.
Going into the book, I didn't realize that it was in fact book two of a duology, which slightly changes how I feel about it.
It's actually a really good read, I initially felt like something was missing but now I know it was a whole other book but it can be read without it. We meet two people who are running from something but we don't know what that is, skip forward two years and we meet the same two people who now have no clue who the other one is.
This is a modern fantasy adventure story, that puts a modern twist on Greek mythology, think of it as a romantic Percy Jackson. I had no clue what to expect when I dived into this book and once I started getting into the story, I found I couldn't put it down.
Strong kick ass female characters and plenty of action make this a story not to be missed.
September 9, 2019
Not sure what I was expecting but it is was a pleasant surprise and not something I had read before. I was a little disappointed to learn that this is the second book in a series but it didn’t matter a jot of difference because it was so easy to fall into. The prologue grabbed me straight away and I was excited to read more. I was taking it all very seriously and was questioning the whole movement and ideology. The whole Darwin comparison and the back story of the movement, cult whatever you want to call it is very compelling and very believable, it is interesting and intelligent writing opening up the whole debate on beliefs. The story is told from Frida’s p.o.v and is witty, heartwarming and tragic. She is a complicated, diverse, well rounded and beautiful character with lots of depth. A fantastic fantasy love story because ultimately that is what this is with lots of mythology, magic, suspense, mystery and adventure. I loved it.
September 10, 2019
I enjoyed The Love Delusion. It was a fun blend of Greek Gods, adventure and a bit of humor. It has an interesting plot that intrigued me from the beginning. It took me a little while to fully immerse myself into the story, but once I knew the characters, I was all in.
I love the action in this story. There were quite a bit of twits and turns and it moved the plot forward, keeping me fully entertained. Nicola Mostyn’s writing is wonderful. She has a way of captivating her readers with witty characters and fabulous action.
Overall, I enjoyed The Love Delusion and look forward to reading more from Nicola Mostyn. A unique tale of Greek Gods which was a lot of fun to read. Definitely recommended!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
I love the action in this story. There were quite a bit of twits and turns and it moved the plot forward, keeping me fully entertained. Nicola Mostyn’s writing is wonderful. She has a way of captivating her readers with witty characters and fabulous action.
Overall, I enjoyed The Love Delusion and look forward to reading more from Nicola Mostyn. A unique tale of Greek Gods which was a lot of fun to read. Definitely recommended!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
August 27, 2019
I have really enjoyed reading this book, from the description I thought this would be a similar read to Delirium.
I have enjoyed the author's style of writing, I was able to engage in the story and follow easily.
I was unaware that this was the follow up to another book so not all aspects have fully made sense. However, a cult against love is always an interesting concept.
This is a concept which really intrigued me so overall this has been an enjoyable read. I am definitely keen to read more by this author.
I have enjoyed the author's style of writing, I was able to engage in the story and follow easily.
I was unaware that this was the follow up to another book so not all aspects have fully made sense. However, a cult against love is always an interesting concept.
This is a concept which really intrigued me so overall this has been an enjoyable read. I am definitely keen to read more by this author.
July 11, 2021
I am a big fan of fictional love stories. However, I needed something that is far from business, politics, COVID-19, economics, etc suddenly. I took the book from the library without reading the comments on the back cover just after a quick read in the first chapter.
My choice was not wrong. I could not put it away once I started to read. The book is full of adventure and uncertainty in the magic in the real world. Greek myths, love for each other....
I would recommend the book for those who search for adventurous love stories.
My choice was not wrong. I could not put it away once I started to read. The book is full of adventure and uncertainty in the magic in the real world. Greek myths, love for each other....
I would recommend the book for those who search for adventurous love stories.
October 9, 2019
Memory loss. One of my least favourite plot devices. And yet. The set up for this happening was clearly laid out in the first book, so we aren’t blindsided by it, and the element of having one person remember and the other not is handled well. We also get an expanding cast and they are wonderful; the refreshing, light tone of the first book isn’t lost. Overall, this is another caper and it’s not quite as strong as the first, but it’s still a fun read with people you actually like.
May 13, 2020
I struggled rating this. I think I liked it just as much as the first one, and I actually loved the re-introduction to Dan, but I didn't really like Anterist-Frida. I know it's the point that she's super cynical, she's been manipulated and she's lost something important to her only she doesn't remember what. But we had Frida being introduced to the magical world and not really believing any of it was real and being super cynical in the first book and I didn't think we needed all of that again - it just felt quite repetitive - at about the 30% mark and it got better from there. Frida knows she hasn't been a great friend and she wants to fix that. I liked that Dan and Frida had kind of swapped places compared to the first book, that was interesting and I am still a fan of their relationship
This second book also surprised me more than the first one, it was less predictable and I appreciated that, plus I grew to really like Psyche - she was great.
Overall The Love Delusion was a satisfying end to the duology, another fun and fast book that I'm happy to have picked up.
This second book also surprised me more than the first one, it was less predictable and I appreciated that, plus I grew to really like Psyche - she was great.
Overall The Love Delusion was a satisfying end to the duology, another fun and fast book that I'm happy to have picked up.
February 20, 2026
When you start off a book with a mystery, it is a difficult job to give the reader just enough hints to maintain interest, while not giving the whole game away. This one, I think, gave the game away too quickly. From appearing to be a tantalising mystery about a brainwashing cult, the book rather suddenly swerved sideways into a different sort of story altogether. It was entertaining enough, but the book as a whole does not fulfil its early promise.
November 18, 2019
Strap yourself in for a wild ride on this funny and fast-paced romantic urban fantasy adventure! I have to applaud Nicola Mostyn on the imagination required to concoct The Love Delusion. It's utterly unique and yet draws on so many themes from myths and modern culture. Very clever. This and the first book in the duology, The Gods of Love, deserve to be bestsellers, in my humble opinion.
September 6, 2019
“The Love Delusion” is a genre defying magical adventure. It was refreshing to see some strong female leads in this type of story and I really enjoyed the fast-pace. It’s 4 stars from me!
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
December 30, 2024
This is a second book in the duology. It picks up where the last one left off and you kind of need to read the first one before this one otherwise it may not make sense.
In this one Frieda is a divorce lawyer who is part of an anti-love cult. When she is cleaning her apartment she finds a photo of herself with a man she recognises as a protester outside the cult. She doesn't remember the photo being taken.
It is good and is a fun YA. There are some sexual themes so probably not for a really young YA audience.
In this one Frieda is a divorce lawyer who is part of an anti-love cult. When she is cleaning her apartment she finds a photo of herself with a man she recognises as a protester outside the cult. She doesn't remember the photo being taken.
It is good and is a fun YA. There are some sexual themes so probably not for a really young YA audience.
September 6, 2019
Myths, monsters and modern love.
December 18, 2019
4.5 stars
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