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Pool of Souls #1

Aphrodite's Call

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Librarian's Note: Previously published under the name "Open House".

Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their chance to fall in love when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career. Rebecca's and Robert's souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance, but... How far will Ares go to get his own way?

Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to matching soul mates.

Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2012

79 people are currently reading
681 people want to read

About the author

Krystal Shannan

86 books1,430 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan lives in a sprawling ranch style home with her husband, teenage son, and two almost teenage daughters. Her home is full of love and laughter and lots of animals. In fact the welcome mat warns visitors that it’s a zoo inside—chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, dogs and fish! You name it, they’ve probably had it in their home at some point.

Krystal writes stories filled with magick, fantasy, passion, and just enough humor to make you laugh out loud. Join the fun and escape to a whole new world.

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72 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,029 reviews25.3k followers
September 7, 2015
Open House is book one in the Pool of Souls series by Krystal Shannan. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

This is a short story about how the deities are battling to control us humans here on earth. Aphrodite, the God of Love, and Ares, the God of War, have a love hate relationship of their own. Right now they are battling over whether or not the souls of Robert Corvin and Rebecca Carol will be allowed to bond.

Ares and Aphrodite:

Robert and Rebecca met back in high school. Robert was a nerdy student and Rebecca was a cheer leader. They both felt mutually attracted to each other but neither of them admitted it to one another. Ares intervened after high school, wanting Robert for his own purposes, and aimed him towards MIT and Rebecca went a different direction. Ten years later, their souls which are destined for one another, have another chance.

kitchen sex

Aphrodite knows that these two souls are the perfect match and she helps their paths to cross once again, giving them the second chance they need to reestablish what once could have been. But Ares is having none of it and throws as many obstacles in their paths as he can.

open house sign:

Rebecca is now a Realtor and Robert a multi-millionaire. Rebecca is sure that Robert doesn’t even remember her when she meets with him to show him a house in Houston where she just happens to live. But Robert knew all along that she was here and knew that he just had to have her in his life. He can’t explain the pull he feels towards her but knows he doesn’t want to fight it. The question is, can Rebecca and Robert make it through all the road blocks Ares tries to put in their paths or will true love, souls that are the perfect match, finally be allowed to bond together as they were intended? Book two in this series is called Finding Hope where Ares and Aphrodite find a new couple to torment and fight over.

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Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
December 23, 2012
In essence, anyone who reads this is getting two stories for the price of one. And how cool is that? I love reading books that include the Greek gods and goddesses so I took the opportunity to grab this one. It was a sassy and sweet, but yet 'hotter than Hades throne room' short story.

The story is fairly short so it gets to the matter quickly. Two people who secretly crushed on each other in high school now have a second chance when Robert decides to move his tech business back to Texas. He spotted the grown up Rebecca at a wine festival and is now confident enough to try for her. Robert finds his way back into Rebecca's life by making sure she's the realtor that is sent out to show him a home that he's interested in buying. They hit it off quickly enough, but naturally things aren't that simple.

The trouble is that Robert and Rebecca have no idea that in essence their romance is the focus of a tug of war between the Greek gods, Aries and Aphrodite. Both want to use these human souls for their own ends and use the situation as a chance to show each other a little spite due to their thousand year long anger over a break-up. Both are determined to have their way so plot to thwart each other at every turn.

The plot or should I say plots offered enjoyable stories for different reasons, but I do wonder if they would have been even better if the focus would have been more strong on one or the other instead of almost evenly divided the way it was. I found the human story a sweet little piece and the gods' portion amusing. Both plots had the common denominator of providing some torchy sex scenes particularly Aries and Aphrodite- whoo boy!

So if you're looking for a quick read for some light, yet steamy entertainment, you might wish to give this one a try.
Profile Image for ★Moonrise.
139 reviews314 followers
October 11, 2014
Open House is a novella that introduces us to Robert and Rebecca, two high school sweethearts who parted ways over ten years ago when Robert first left for college. After building up his company and securing a contract with the Navy, Robert returns to his hometown in search of the woman he left behind. But now that the great god of war, Ares, senses that Robert is drifting off course, Robert’s plans to reunite with Rebecca may be derailed. It wouldn’t be the first time. But the gods are fickle and the future is in flux. And while Ares has been working behind the scenes, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, is battling to gain control over the fate of these two human souls. Although her mission appears noble, she has her own reasons for her desperate quest. Can the love between Robert and Rebecca withstand the immortal powers of the gods? It has been three lifetimes, and Ares isn’t about to surrender so easily.

I am a little apprehensive when I start a book that attempts to meld the ancient Greek gods of Olympus with the modern world, but Krystal Shannan has accomplished just that! Not only has she seamlessly melded these two worlds, she has brought such incredible sexual chemistry to the characters that they sizzle off the pages! I know the history of Ares—a brutal god who is feared amongst the gods themselves. But how can you resist this leather-clad, hunky and gorgeous god of war that exudes pure, raw sexual energy? This is how I imagine Ares should and would be, if he were to enter our realm. A truly fantastic, fresh take on mythology in the modern world, I fell in love with this novella and all its mythological charm! I am eager to see what transpires in book #2!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
February 6, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/6/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Zed Whisper.
198 reviews12 followers
January 3, 2013
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

At only 60 pages, Open House was a very quick read. In fact, I managed to read 25% whilst having my breakfast and because I arrived to work 45 minutes early (why is there always congestion on my way home but not on my way to work?!) I completed the remaining three quarters.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the beginning; how Rebecca and Robert knew each other beforehand at school because so many books I read are about love at first sight, which quite frankly is beyond my comprehension.

However, their ‘love’ moved a little too quickly for my liking. I understand the whole first romance thing, and how Rebecca would like to please Rob, but having a guy that controlling, who even orders your dinner for you is not what I find attractive. I found him a leeetle bit arrogant.

I could not relate to the characters particularly or the storyline because a billionaire arriving unexpectedly, buying a mansion to move in with a girl he once tutored but was not romantically involved with is something I could not get my head around. Then just over a week later the guy proposes to her, seriously? In an ideal world it would be incredibly sweet but unfortunately it was beyond the realms of my reality but perhaps I am just too cynical.

On the other hand, I loved the inclusion of Greek Mythology in Open House. I have always wanted to learn more about the Greek Gods and Goddesses and was happily surprised to see them in this read. I especially found the banter between Ares and Aphrodite amusing, and how they were constantly trying to interfere with the outcome of RR’s relationship.

Ironically, the fact that Greek Mythology was involved in this, especially the Goddess of Love herself, helped me to believe the story and their love. This also pushed my rating of Open House from a 3.5 to a 4!

Thanks Krystal!
Profile Image for Jillian (NetGalley Addict).
312 reviews66 followers
September 14, 2014
Rebecca works for a real estate agency and one day she gets personally requested to show a high dollar house for a guy who tutored her in high school who is now a rich tech guy. Rich tech guy aka Robert has come back to his home town because he saw Rebecca at a wine tasting, remembered and decided to move his entire company from DC to Texas so he could date her. They are soul mates and there are two gods who are fighting over them if one wins they will be together if the other wins they will forever be apart. Alright so this is a quick novella and while the two people knew each other in high school they haven't seen each other in ten years, Robert has been back for one day and within like an hour Rebecca the thirty year old virgin has given up her virginity to him then only a couple days later she is in his creepily decorated just for her mansion and they are going to get married.


The gods who were in the story were more annoying than anything else, really it was all just leading up to the two of you having sex. Should have done that in the first place instead of messing with the two people in the story, they could have not been in the story at all and I would have been perfectly fine.


It's not a badly written novella, I just prefer to have more of a storyline than these two people are soul-mates, Gods are messing with them, hey I just met you and I love you. If you like straight up sex and insta love then this is something you would love.


Profile Image for A.R. Von.
Author 32 books1,178 followers
October 21, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this book! It’s a short beautiful, satisfying read that is fun, funny and exciting with a perfect sensual and paranormal touch that any romance and paranormal reader (18 and over) will love!

Rebecca works for a realty agency in her home town and is about to take on possibly the biggest sale of her career. She’s very smart, pretty and lively and is determined to make this sale and show her boss how capable she really is. When she finds out who it is that’s looking to buy the beautiful home things become more intense and nerve racking for her. It’s been years since she’s seen her handsome math tutor. Will he recognize her and what will he think of what she has become?

Robert is a very good looking successful business man that’s looking to move back to his home town for various reasons. One of them is relocating his business. Finding the perfect real estate agent was a breeze after he found out the woman he has had feelings for since high school but never let it be known, works for a local agency. Making a specific request for her and only her, he anticipates seeing her again and hopes the fates are on his side.

Behind the scenes the gods really do have their hands in the outcome of many things. But when two of them are fighting against one another for the same thing, it gets a bit rough. Which one will come out on top in the long run?

I look forward to reading much more from Krystal Shannan. She created such excellent short with lovable characters, vivid settings and her writing is very fresh. I found myself hooked up until the very end and I bet you will too :)
Profile Image for ★Moonrise.
139 reviews314 followers
October 11, 2014
Open House is a novella that introduces us to Robert and Rebecca, two high school sweethearts who parted ways over ten years ago when Robert first left for college. After building up his company and securing a contract with the Navy, Robert returns to his hometown in search of the woman he left behind. But now that the great god of war, Ares, senses that Robert is drifting off course, Robert’s plans to reunite with Rebecca may be derailed. It wouldn’t be the first time. But the gods are fickle and the future is in flux. And while Ares has been working behind the scenes, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, is battling to gain control over the fate of these two human souls. Although her mission appears noble, she has her own reasons for her desperate quest. Can the love between Robert and Rebecca withstand the immortal powers of the gods? It has been three lifetimes, and Ares isn’t about to surrender so easily.

I am a little apprehensive when I start a book that attempts to meld the ancient Greek gods of Olympus with the modern world, but Krystal Shannan has accomplished just that! Not only has she seamlessly melded these two worlds, she has brought such incredible sexual chemistry to the characters that they sizzle off the pages! I know the history of Ares—a brutal god who is feared amongst the gods themselves. But how can you resist this leather-clad, hunky and gorgeous god of war that exudes pure, raw sexual energy? This is how I imagine Ares should and would be, if he were to enter our realm. A truly fantastic, fresh take on mythology in the modern world, I fell in love with this novella and all its mythological charm! I am eager to see what transpires in book #2!
Profile Image for Valerie Mcqueen.
204 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2013
Open House by Krystal Shannan

Rating 5*****

This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review.

Rebecca has only wanted one man in het life since high school. Unfortunately, he left Texas long ago. Needless to say she was shocked when her important client turned out to be none other than her long lost crush Robert. Knowing he is relocating back to Texas gives Rebecca the chills, but it may not be smooth sailing because Rebecca and Robert are involved in a struggle between the Gods for who retains the rights to their soul.
Wonderfully written novella. It gives enough detail without being obscene. I have a fondness for mythology, so I could really picture both Aphrodite and Ares as they were portrayed. Several times characterization is sketchy in novellas but that is so not the case here.
The plot is well developed without being choppy. In fact, I could have read a lot more of their story. This is the first of a series, so I look forward to reading more of her tales. For ne this is a great recommended read
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
January 10, 2013
In a cleverly plotted short story that weaves the gods of Olympus with two recently reunited high school friends, Krystal Shannan has created a story that is both fun and unique, with love, laughs and some really steamy sex.

With two souls fated to match finally meet and connect, their relationship moves at warp speed, even when two very determined gods are invested in the outcome. Robert is the owner of a major defense contracting company, and Ares is most interested in keeping him alone and focused on his day job. Aphrodite knows that Robert is destined to his match in Rebecca, and will stop at nothing to ensure the match. With several divinely placed roadblocks in their path to an HEA this short moves at breakneck speed, and though it will leave you wanting more, it is perfect for a light evening
with a book.

I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for Booked and Loaded. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Profile Image for Heidi.
186 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review.

A fantastic hot and steamy romance with a bit of Godly influence! What happens when you play with Aphrodite? You fall in love.. what happens when you make her angry? She will destroy you! So don't mess with her souls! In this adventurous novella we hop from mortal world to Aphrodite's palace as we discover what the Goddess of love has in store for two soul mates kept apart. The two souls have no idea they are in the hands of two angry Gods battling each other to gain control of them. Great story line, well developed characters and steamy hot love scenes this book has it all and you will not be left wanting! I can't wait to read Book 2!
Profile Image for Summer Hedrick.
196 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2013
I recieved a copy of this book from the author for a free and honest review.

Once I started reading this book, I was instantly drawn in. I love a book that makes me feel like I'm part of a character. Aphrodite is pulling to souls together while Ares tries to push them apart. Of course Aphrodite wins!

I had chill bumps reading this book! It is full of love, laughter, sex and happy tears. I cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,897 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2013
Wow! This hot and sexy short read is about two adults who never acknowledged their love im high school and come together as adults. I loved how this story included a few of the greek gods into the story line. Excellent read! WaAR
41 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2013
I was given this book as a gift for an honest review.
Perfect blend of love, lust, romance, and hot steamy sex!
Will for sure follow this series! Great book and well worth reading! Great job!

great short, will read more by this author !
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,661 reviews
October 31, 2012
Loved it! Had all kinds of emotions packed up in a short story. Great writing, loved how we learned of 2 relationships going on. Love the cover too!
Profile Image for Michelle.
95 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2013
Great mix of mythological, adventuresome, and romance. I loved how she tied all of the aspects of the book together and made it a great story you wanted to keep reading, even after it was finished.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,672 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2016
A good romance story with an extra twist because of the two Greek Gods which are involved in this going the way they want. And they don't want the same.

Rebecca and Robert know each other from the past years ago and now when he is a millionaire he is looking for her again. He does it in a different way, he lets her sell him a huge house on the condition she helps him decorate it. They grow back together very fast, but not everything goes as plan thanks to the two Gods who intervene. Including an evil ex-boyfriend who is really creepy.

Good read by this writer I discovered not that long ago, but from who I really like what she is writing.
Profile Image for Maria Wilson.
460 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2018
I love Aphrodite

I really like the way this author combined the Greek gods and the human realm but didn't intertwine them. I mean the gods do interfere in the human realm but the humans are not aware of the gods. It was a different take than what I normally read and found it interesting.
1,007 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2019
Connecting with his soul mate

An enchanting tale filled with Goddesses and Gods interfering with humans. Aphrodite is trying to bond to humans together who are soul mates. Ares meanwhile wants to keep them apart so that the male can keep helping the war effort. Read the srory which I fully recommend.
Profile Image for Lori Flemming.
354 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2020
Hot

A true love story for believers of true love ! Well written with just the right amount of conflict to spice up the story . Fast paced reading. The Gods can be a capricious lot, so keep your eyes and ears open . Krystal Shannan has a way to make you believe in love at first sight !
1,145 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2017
Robert and Rebecca

Bonded souls finding each other with the help of the goddess of love. Robert and Rebecca have loved each other since high school, after ten long years they finally reconnected with the help of the goddess of love 💘. A great short novel with a HEA!
Profile Image for Jennie.
108 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2020
I loved the integration of some Greek Gods in the story. The thought of higher beings guiding our lives, helping us find our soul mates. Interesting concept. The characters and story was pretty good. I wish this book was a bit longer. Bit other than that I truly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Jamie Lerner.
405 reviews21 followers
August 5, 2018
Quick, hot, fun

This story was short but it was perfect. A great quick read to refresh from all the really long series i have been reading. I'm excited to read the next one
2,655 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2022
it was wayyyyy 2 short!! i liked how 2 souls can become one when they were always meant 2 b 2gether. but Aries is a fucking asshole 2 try 2 do his damnest to hurt everyone involved.
Profile Image for Alisa.
44 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2013
* This book was received in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little leery to read this book as it contains explicit sex scenes, which I was not aware of when I agreed to review this book. That being said I never go back on my word to an author so I just took a deep breath and started reading. Not considering the sex scenes this story was actually a very sweet. Overall the storyline was great. Gods and goddesses twisting and turning the human experience to meet their wants and desires is tale as old as time itself. Aphrodite is one of my favorite characters from Greek mythology. How could you not love the goddess of love? In this story Aphrodite is find herself pitted against Ares, the god of war, in her struggle to bring two souls, Robert and Rebecca, together as they are destined. Robert just happens to be the owner of a company that is developing a new weapon for the government and Ares does not want love getting in the way of its development. It is quite entertaining to see Aphrodite and Ares try to outmaneuver each other.

The story goes back and forth between Aphrodite and Ares and the human world where Rachel and Robert are blissfully unaware of the meddling of the gods. Needless to say the road to happiness is not smooth for Rachel and Robert. He is dealing with business problems caused by moving his company all the way across the country. Rachel also has her share of problems, like her crazy ex that likes to stalk her whenever a new guy comes in to her life. The closer she and Robert become the crazier her ex becomes.

Overall this is a good book when you exclude the sex scenes. I do wish the author would have added a little more explanation as far as the Greek mythology is concerned. I do not remember much more than the basics from school so it would have been nice to have a little more understanding of their story. It is a short read but still has enough going on that you don’t feel deprived and you can't help but be drawn in to Robert and Rebecca’s story, all the while hoping that true love will conquer all. I read an excerpt for the second book and it sounds just amazing as the first, but unfortunately I will be skipping it as it also contains explicit sex. If you don’t mind that sort of thing in the books that you read then I would highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Laura.
606 reviews24 followers
August 6, 2016
I won a free copy of this book from the author; here is my honest review.

Open House is a short novella in which two young soul mates, Rebecca and Robert, are match-made by the Goddess Aphrodite after years of being apart and not realizing they had highschool crushes on each other; however, Aphrodite's lover, Ares, has other plans that might tear them apart forever.

I wanted to love this book--I really did. It seemed to have a great premise. I'm a huge fan of mythology, and I was intrigued by Aphrodite being a matchmaker for soul mates. Her conflict with Ares, God of War, seemed like it might pose disastrous for the lovers.

However, I felt that the bonding of Rebecca and Robert demanded a larger plot arc than was developed here. I just didn't feel enough conflict. Sure, there are a few small obstacles (), but they were resolved without much difficulty. Even with these minute speedbumps, the conflict was all external -- there was not a single moment of doubt in my mind that Robert and Rebecca were going to be okay in the end despite Aphrodite mentioning that souls that are almost bonded but then separated are forever incapable of finding each other. I wanted to see their relationship develop (ex. maybe Robert says something stupid because of Ares that pushes Rebecca away and Aphrodite has to find a way to make to prevent them from messing up, or something). Instead, they meet and then all they can think about is making love 24/7. I wanted to see more of their personal and professional lives clashing, of what their friends think of the relationship, of what their family thinks, maybe. Ares' interference could have done so much more.

The struggle between Aphrodite and Ares was much more interesting; it seemed that they were the main players, not Robert and Rebecca. If this was the intent, however, I didn't feel that Aphrodite and Ares got enough of a stage. I liked the descriptions of Aphrodite's realm but still felt there could have been more development.
Profile Image for Harlie Williams.
Author 2 books41 followers
November 10, 2012
This was such a great story. Gods, Goddesses, a reunion story, second chances, and hot loving between frenemies. What more could you want?

I love the back and forth scenes between the gods and mortals. The flow and interaction was great and kept the story moving. In some ways, I liked the scenes between Aphrodite and Ares the best. The dialogue was mythical but also present day. Their ending scene was beyond…and yes, that’s all I’m going to say. You need to read the story. I’m mean.

Robert and Rebecca were two people that I could totally identify with especially with the class system in high school. I was that cheerleader type back then and if I could have a second chance with someone my high school, it would a totally hot gearhead. Yes, you read that right…gearhead! Damn, that boy was hot, even hotter at the reunion. I digress, sorry. And to make matters worse, we were friends through our love of fast cars but I shied away from a romantic relationship because of the class system. *sigh*

The scenes between Robert and Rebecca were poignant and hot. I like reunion stories were the backstory is explained in a couple of sentences and not explained again. I got it the first time. Their story never felt rushed or hurried. The open house scene was intense for me and I really wanted to smack Ares at this point. I can’t wait to see what other things he has in store to iritate Aphrodite. His nickname for her is priceless, too.

Its a short story but well developed. The characters are well defined and I CAN NOT wait for the next book in this series. Ares and Aphrodite are two characters that have the depth that I’m looking for in a paranormal, mythical tale. Bravo!

*I received a copy from the author for a fair and honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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