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Lovestruck
Sixteen-year-old cupid-in-training Kali is in an Olympus-sized mountain of trouble. Rule number one in arrow-toting don't stick yourself. But accidents happen, and Kali instantly falls hard for her indie rock, bass-playing target, Benicio. The God of Love is going to kill her. Even if he is her dad. Being the daughter of Eros isn't all it's cracked up to be. For one thing, a girl can get jaded when her parents have the most beautiful and fatalistic love story in history. For another, immortality royally sucks when the Oracle condemns you to eternity in the wrong profession. Do the Gods care that Kali wants to ditch the love stuff and be a muse? Nope. To reclaim her heart and her destiny, Kali is left with no choice but to defy the Gods, tempt the Fates, date the mortal love of her life, and hope she doesn't lose her best friend, Hector, in the process.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2019
13 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Kate Watson
17 books687 followersKate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
April 12, 2020
Picture cupid.
Now, destroy that image and any other preconceived notions that accompany it. Apparently, we are wrong and it is the Romans’ fault.
Of course, Kali does seem quick to blame the Romans for most misunderstandings of Greek gods and goddesses; but the image of a chubby cherub with an illogically-sized bow, well that one certainly chaps her ass. Then again, she is the crankiest Erote anyone could fathom. Traits that tend to be exhausting and annoying when exhibited by a mere human are like an adorable child venting frustration when this present-day deity pitches a fit. It should not be amusing and delightful, but it actually is.
Which is not to say that Kali should be dismissed or even taken lightly. Like all great goddesses, she is terrifying and revels in vengeance. Plus, she hasn’t always been a bitter anger-ball. At a time when she was happy in life and love, Kali took her match-making training very seriously. She stayed sharp and constantly competed with her cousin, Deya, to be the best student.
Until she abruptly ascertained that the Fates have already paved our paths and nothing she does truly matters. At that Kali, becomes the most cynical, careless match-maker to ever come out of Olympus. And she just completed her fourth mismatch.
Not good for any student, it is entirely unacceptable for the very daughter of Eros to perform so poorly. Consequences for continuing in this fashion will be dire at best, so it is almost implausible that she should so royally ruin her last chance.
I love this modern-day myth and I believe Ms. Watson’s writing may have a bit of a goddesses’ blessing as she magnificently manages to share a fun story with some intriguing food-for-thought undertones. Yet another treasure that I am super-excited to take to “my” students.
This review was written by jv poore for Buried Under Books, with huge thanks to North Star Editions for the Advance Review Copy.
Now, destroy that image and any other preconceived notions that accompany it. Apparently, we are wrong and it is the Romans’ fault.
Of course, Kali does seem quick to blame the Romans for most misunderstandings of Greek gods and goddesses; but the image of a chubby cherub with an illogically-sized bow, well that one certainly chaps her ass. Then again, she is the crankiest Erote anyone could fathom. Traits that tend to be exhausting and annoying when exhibited by a mere human are like an adorable child venting frustration when this present-day deity pitches a fit. It should not be amusing and delightful, but it actually is.
Which is not to say that Kali should be dismissed or even taken lightly. Like all great goddesses, she is terrifying and revels in vengeance. Plus, she hasn’t always been a bitter anger-ball. At a time when she was happy in life and love, Kali took her match-making training very seriously. She stayed sharp and constantly competed with her cousin, Deya, to be the best student.
Until she abruptly ascertained that the Fates have already paved our paths and nothing she does truly matters. At that Kali, becomes the most cynical, careless match-maker to ever come out of Olympus. And she just completed her fourth mismatch.
Not good for any student, it is entirely unacceptable for the very daughter of Eros to perform so poorly. Consequences for continuing in this fashion will be dire at best, so it is almost implausible that she should so royally ruin her last chance.
I love this modern-day myth and I believe Ms. Watson’s writing may have a bit of a goddesses’ blessing as she magnificently manages to share a fun story with some intriguing food-for-thought undertones. Yet another treasure that I am super-excited to take to “my” students.
This review was written by jv poore for Buried Under Books, with huge thanks to North Star Editions for the Advance Review Copy.
July 14, 2019
My Very First Fae Crate Box. Click on link under the pic to see the goodies
THE GOODIES
THE GOODIES
April 10, 2019
3.5 stars
Lovestruck is a fast and enjoyable read especially if you are a fan of both light-hearted romance and Greek mythology.
Sixteen-year-old Kalixta is a reluctant cupid in training. Up until fairly recently, she was very passionate about matchmaking, which is only to be expected since her parents are Eros and Psyche, who have one of the most famous and touching love stories in history. Then, there came the Thunderclap- the moment when Kali realized everything is predetermined by Fates, including love. Kali accidentally gets struck by one of her own arrows and immediately falls in love with a mortal boy, an aspiring rock star Benicio. She rebels against the whole concept of not being able to give love freely and decides to go to the Oracle to find out how she can reclaim her heart and become a master of her own destiny.
I must admit, I was first attracted to the book by its beautiful cover which fits the story really well- fun, cute, romantic. Then, I saw that there is solid world-building. It is obvious that the author spent a lot of time trying to bring the classic mythological pantheon into this contemporary YA setting. The book has it all: parent- children relationships, sibling jealousy, and, above all, the main issue of how free we are to fall and stay in love.
Kali is a typical teenager, sweet, loyal to her friends and her family, sometimes superficial, sometimes selfish, essentially kind-hearted. She is also blessed with great friends: Deya, Teresa, Cosmo, and, of course, Hector. I can only hope that after having created these characters the author is going to write a sequel focussing on their stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and North Star Editions /Flux for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Lovestruck is a fast and enjoyable read especially if you are a fan of both light-hearted romance and Greek mythology.
Sixteen-year-old Kalixta is a reluctant cupid in training. Up until fairly recently, she was very passionate about matchmaking, which is only to be expected since her parents are Eros and Psyche, who have one of the most famous and touching love stories in history. Then, there came the Thunderclap- the moment when Kali realized everything is predetermined by Fates, including love. Kali accidentally gets struck by one of her own arrows and immediately falls in love with a mortal boy, an aspiring rock star Benicio. She rebels against the whole concept of not being able to give love freely and decides to go to the Oracle to find out how she can reclaim her heart and become a master of her own destiny.
I must admit, I was first attracted to the book by its beautiful cover which fits the story really well- fun, cute, romantic. Then, I saw that there is solid world-building. It is obvious that the author spent a lot of time trying to bring the classic mythological pantheon into this contemporary YA setting. The book has it all: parent- children relationships, sibling jealousy, and, above all, the main issue of how free we are to fall and stay in love.
Kali is a typical teenager, sweet, loyal to her friends and her family, sometimes superficial, sometimes selfish, essentially kind-hearted. She is also blessed with great friends: Deya, Teresa, Cosmo, and, of course, Hector. I can only hope that after having created these characters the author is going to write a sequel focussing on their stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and North Star Editions /Flux for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Read
May 24, 2020
June 11, 2019
This was an e-ARC I received from NetGalley, Flux publishing and the author and I would like to thank them all. I read this book in April but am now writing my review on it (I seriously need to start writing down reviews as soon as I finish a book 🙈).
This is a teenage romance story in which we find a teenage Erote (or a Cupid in training) Kali constantly misadventuring on her attempts to lead human couples to fall in love as part of her training and which eventually leads her to pricking herself on her arrow and falling in love with a human teeenage boy Benicio who happens to be a musician and a romantic at heart. Whats more, Kali hates being a Erote since she has always wanted to become a Muse like her best friend Hector and is furious with the Fates and the Oracle who she believes are responsible for condeming her to this profession.
So this book was well cute and quirky. Like I have said many times in the past, I love Greek and Roman mythology and will read anything even remotely related to it and the gods and goddesses that make up that myth world.
This is a teenage romance story in which we find a teenage Erote (or a Cupid in training) Kali constantly misadventuring on her attempts to lead human couples to fall in love as part of her training and which eventually leads her to pricking herself on her arrow and falling in love with a human teeenage boy Benicio who happens to be a musician and a romantic at heart. Whats more, Kali hates being a Erote since she has always wanted to become a Muse like her best friend Hector and is furious with the Fates and the Oracle who she believes are responsible for condeming her to this profession.
So this book was well cute and quirky. Like I have said many times in the past, I love Greek and Roman mythology and will read anything even remotely related to it and the gods and goddesses that make up that myth world.
February 12, 2019
This arc was provided to me for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
Kali, a cupid in training has just made a terrible mistake. She has just broken the number one rule, don’t stick yourself. Now she is head over heels in love with indie rocker, Ben. Now Kali has to risk it all it fix her wrongs even if she has to tempt the fates and defy love.
The whole idea of cupid in training is one of my favorite tropes. I love the idea of working for Cupid, the love master himself. It's always such a cute story! And I won’t deny that this was also a cute story, but it was just not for me.
The main character Kali was so unlikeable. From the moment I was introduced to her, her attitude just put me off. It’s hard to connect to a story when you don’t like the characters especially the MC. The plot lines were okay but very predictable for a story like this. The one thing I liked the most was all the Greek Mythology. It’s always fun to get little modern tales about some of my favorite Greek Gods.
Personally, I don’t think I am the appropriate audience for this book. Everything seemed so juvenile to me. ( I get that it is YA, but this feels like it’s more of on the younger side of things ) With that said, I do recommend this to the younger generation as it does have a nice message at the end of it.
2 stars
Kali, a cupid in training has just made a terrible mistake. She has just broken the number one rule, don’t stick yourself. Now she is head over heels in love with indie rocker, Ben. Now Kali has to risk it all it fix her wrongs even if she has to tempt the fates and defy love.
The whole idea of cupid in training is one of my favorite tropes. I love the idea of working for Cupid, the love master himself. It's always such a cute story! And I won’t deny that this was also a cute story, but it was just not for me.
The main character Kali was so unlikeable. From the moment I was introduced to her, her attitude just put me off. It’s hard to connect to a story when you don’t like the characters especially the MC. The plot lines were okay but very predictable for a story like this. The one thing I liked the most was all the Greek Mythology. It’s always fun to get little modern tales about some of my favorite Greek Gods.
Personally, I don’t think I am the appropriate audience for this book. Everything seemed so juvenile to me. ( I get that it is YA, but this feels like it’s more of on the younger side of things ) With that said, I do recommend this to the younger generation as it does have a nice message at the end of it.
August 17, 2019
Fluffy, fun, quick read.
February 15, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this.
The beginning of this book played out like a regular contemporary YA romance, albeit with a twist, but it went places I was not expecting.
Kali's not a regular YA protagonist. Most YA protags have relatively few years of experience. Kali is a Greek Goddess so she's been around longer and she's got a bit more wisdom behind her.
When we first meet Kali she's disillusioned with the whole matchmaking process. She believes you can't fight fate. Without giving too much away, the book deals with the theme of "choosing your fate".
This book is a fun way to learn about some Greek Mythology.
The beginning of this book played out like a regular contemporary YA romance, albeit with a twist, but it went places I was not expecting.
Kali's not a regular YA protagonist. Most YA protags have relatively few years of experience. Kali is a Greek Goddess so she's been around longer and she's got a bit more wisdom behind her.
When we first meet Kali she's disillusioned with the whole matchmaking process. She believes you can't fight fate. Without giving too much away, the book deals with the theme of "choosing your fate".
This book is a fun way to learn about some Greek Mythology.
April 23, 2019
I received an electronic ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The final rating I've landed on this is a generous 3 stars.
This actually was a really cute way to incorporate Greek myths and the gods & goddesses into a YA story. The idea that the gods, demigods, and the whole Greek pantheon is irritated by the "cursing Romans" is hilarious. At one point, a side character says "when in Rome," and everyone goes silent and it's incredibly awkward and for some reason I found it hilarious.
I read this in one sitting and it was entertaining enough with no major plot holes and decent writing. But there are some more minute aspects that irritated me enough to roll my eyes over this book many times.
Starting with the MC, Kali. A very selfish, whiny, silly girl. I swear if it weren't for the supporting characters (Deya, Theresa, Cosmo) I wouldn't have been able to read some of Kali's scenes. She just was so narcissistic it would make me mad while I was reading.
Also it took me a while to understand the world I was reading about. The author throw out terms like "Thunderclap" and more and expected the reader to know what that was, but I was just really confused until things were explained in more detail many many pages later. Which was frustrating because Kali's personality and parts of the story itself hinged on the understanding of things like the Thunderclap.
This book/the author was very suggestive at multiple points - specifically in scenes with Aphrodite and with Kali and Hector & Ben. But while Kali clearly had very.. eh hem... suggestive thoughts, she outwardly acted very young. Especially given that she ages like an immortal and not a "mortie."
I did very much like the lesson learned in this book, which is basically that a relationship doesn't have to be outwardly bad or abusive to be toxic. Many other factors could make it toxic, and you should try to get out of it if you can.
Also this book was sooooo hetero.
Anyway, Hector is freaking adorable and Theresa is a spitfire of a girl and Zoe deserves the best. So yeah, 3 stars.
The final rating I've landed on this is a generous 3 stars.
This actually was a really cute way to incorporate Greek myths and the gods & goddesses into a YA story. The idea that the gods, demigods, and the whole Greek pantheon is irritated by the "cursing Romans" is hilarious. At one point, a side character says "when in Rome," and everyone goes silent and it's incredibly awkward and for some reason I found it hilarious.
I read this in one sitting and it was entertaining enough with no major plot holes and decent writing. But there are some more minute aspects that irritated me enough to roll my eyes over this book many times.
Starting with the MC, Kali. A very selfish, whiny, silly girl. I swear if it weren't for the supporting characters (Deya, Theresa, Cosmo) I wouldn't have been able to read some of Kali's scenes. She just was so narcissistic it would make me mad while I was reading.
Also it took me a while to understand the world I was reading about. The author throw out terms like "Thunderclap" and more and expected the reader to know what that was, but I was just really confused until things were explained in more detail many many pages later. Which was frustrating because Kali's personality and parts of the story itself hinged on the understanding of things like the Thunderclap.
This book/the author was very suggestive at multiple points - specifically in scenes with Aphrodite and with Kali and Hector & Ben. But while Kali clearly had very.. eh hem... suggestive thoughts, she outwardly acted very young. Especially given that she ages like an immortal and not a "mortie."
I did very much like the lesson learned in this book, which is basically that a relationship doesn't have to be outwardly bad or abusive to be toxic. Many other factors could make it toxic, and you should try to get out of it if you can.
Also this book was sooooo hetero.
Anyway, Hector is freaking adorable and Theresa is a spitfire of a girl and Zoe deserves the best. So yeah, 3 stars.
December 10, 2018
I missed books like this one!
Like it was the cutest, funniest book I've read in a long time.
I'm a huge fan of Percy Jackson so finding a good Greek Mythology book was hard and this one was just perfect. I loved how they handled life in Olympus and the whole Erotes things was just so clever!
Kali was cool and funny and just lost enough to be recognized as a teenager, I loved her friendships with everyone, especially Hector, they had this cute love teasing relationship that I still can't get enough off and were so good for each other, they understood each other and they are jut the best (I feel like I want another book of them but I don't want them to change).
The most surprising and amazing thing was Artemis, she was like the best teacher/fake parent ever, I did not expect that at all. Don't want to spoil but she finally gets some justice in this book.
And Kali's parents where like something unheard of in Greek Mythology and oh my God she called him Monster for God's sake! I just loved them
I was not expecting the big reveal at the end like at all but it was just as cool and amazing as everything in this book.
And we need more Theresa! She was so mysterious and I feel like she deserves a happy ending too.
And Deya and Cosmo were so unexpectedly cute I could not handle it! Like I honestly hated Aphrodite for a minute there.
I love prophecies because they give the book a whole other direction and this one deinately fulfilled it.
Uh I almost forgot Ben, he was a good boyfriend and they had cute moments but I was kind of mad at Kali at the beginning because of Zoe and everything but then I just though, well it happens in real life, why not here? And it all worked out in the end.
I loved this book and it was like the most amazing surprise, you feel happy and great reading it and I just can't wait for more of this author!
Like it was the cutest, funniest book I've read in a long time.
I'm a huge fan of Percy Jackson so finding a good Greek Mythology book was hard and this one was just perfect. I loved how they handled life in Olympus and the whole Erotes things was just so clever!
Kali was cool and funny and just lost enough to be recognized as a teenager, I loved her friendships with everyone, especially Hector, they had this cute love teasing relationship that I still can't get enough off and were so good for each other, they understood each other and they are jut the best (I feel like I want another book of them but I don't want them to change).
The most surprising and amazing thing was Artemis, she was like the best teacher/fake parent ever, I did not expect that at all. Don't want to spoil but she finally gets some justice in this book.
And Kali's parents where like something unheard of in Greek Mythology and oh my God she called him Monster for God's sake! I just loved them
I was not expecting the big reveal at the end like at all but it was just as cool and amazing as everything in this book.
And we need more Theresa! She was so mysterious and I feel like she deserves a happy ending too.
And Deya and Cosmo were so unexpectedly cute I could not handle it! Like I honestly hated Aphrodite for a minute there.
I love prophecies because they give the book a whole other direction and this one deinately fulfilled it.
Uh I almost forgot Ben, he was a good boyfriend and they had cute moments but I was kind of mad at Kali at the beginning because of Zoe and everything but then I just though, well it happens in real life, why not here? And it all worked out in the end.
I loved this book and it was like the most amazing surprise, you feel happy and great reading it and I just can't wait for more of this author!
January 14, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I have enjoyed Kate Watson’s previous books and was very excited for Lovestruck. While I enjoyed some of it, for the most part I think it’s a case of just not being the right book for me.
I thought the first half or so of the book was kind of messy. The world-building left a lot to be desired for me. It mostly consisted of throwing out random bits of information on different characters from Greek mythology – most of whom had absolutely nothing to do with the plot. I think it also relied on the assumption that the reader was already familiar with the subject, which I’m not super into. I know there are a lot of fans of Greek mythology out there, so I can see a different audience really appreciating it.
The characters were ok and sometimes humorous, which I enjoyed, but I never really fully connected to them. Another reason why this may not be the right book for me is that there was a lot of teenage, love-triangle angst. It was one of those situations where I just felt a little too old for what was going on. However, I did like how the love-triangle resolved. Just from reading the synopsis I felt like I knew exactly how it was going to play out, but once I got into the book I realized it might go down the less obvious path and I shipped it.
Overall, I thought Lovestruck was an ok read, but just not for me. I think a younger audience and fans of Greek mythology will appreciate it a lot more than I did.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
I have enjoyed Kate Watson’s previous books and was very excited for Lovestruck. While I enjoyed some of it, for the most part I think it’s a case of just not being the right book for me.
I thought the first half or so of the book was kind of messy. The world-building left a lot to be desired for me. It mostly consisted of throwing out random bits of information on different characters from Greek mythology – most of whom had absolutely nothing to do with the plot. I think it also relied on the assumption that the reader was already familiar with the subject, which I’m not super into. I know there are a lot of fans of Greek mythology out there, so I can see a different audience really appreciating it.
The characters were ok and sometimes humorous, which I enjoyed, but I never really fully connected to them. Another reason why this may not be the right book for me is that there was a lot of teenage, love-triangle angst. It was one of those situations where I just felt a little too old for what was going on. However, I did like how the love-triangle resolved. Just from reading the synopsis I felt like I knew exactly how it was going to play out, but once I got into the book I realized it might go down the less obvious path and I shipped it.
Overall, I thought Lovestruck was an ok read, but just not for me. I think a younger audience and fans of Greek mythology will appreciate it a lot more than I did.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
May 5, 2019
**FULL REVIEW**
What a super-cute story!
Taken from a cupid spin-off, Lovestruck had me smiling and swooning while learning more about Greek Mythology.
Finding love at a young age seems like a natural thing for Cupid's daughter but despite her natural calling to help others fall in love, she is determined not to fall victim to the same arrow-pierced fate. A typical teenager, unhappy with the gifts she has; instead, wanting to be something or someone she's not, goes on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately, finding love...right where it's been all along.
I found myself completely enraptured in this story. From the beginning to the end, I found myself pulled to turn the page. The multiple storylines that entwine kept things interesting during the low parts of Kali & Ben's relationship. Her friends, her family...even her parents and teachers.
The intricacy of this story made it fly off the pages and had me thinking about it even when I couldn't actually read it. All the events that lead to an ending that gave me every warm and fuzzy feeling...I actually will be reading it again!
I want to see if I missed anything the first time in my race to see what happens--sometimes the Fates play tricks on you, and sometimes, they lead you exactly where you're meant to be.
**4 Calling of the Heart, Stars**
What a super-cute story!
Taken from a cupid spin-off, Lovestruck had me smiling and swooning while learning more about Greek Mythology.
Finding love at a young age seems like a natural thing for Cupid's daughter but despite her natural calling to help others fall in love, she is determined not to fall victim to the same arrow-pierced fate. A typical teenager, unhappy with the gifts she has; instead, wanting to be something or someone she's not, goes on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately, finding love...right where it's been all along.
I found myself completely enraptured in this story. From the beginning to the end, I found myself pulled to turn the page. The multiple storylines that entwine kept things interesting during the low parts of Kali & Ben's relationship. Her friends, her family...even her parents and teachers.
The intricacy of this story made it fly off the pages and had me thinking about it even when I couldn't actually read it. All the events that lead to an ending that gave me every warm and fuzzy feeling...I actually will be reading it again!
I want to see if I missed anything the first time in my race to see what happens--sometimes the Fates play tricks on you, and sometimes, they lead you exactly where you're meant to be.
**4 Calling of the Heart, Stars**
March 20, 2019
*3.25 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kali is an Erote, which is basically a Cupid (since the romans stole their religion and renamed most things). For months now, shes's been very unsure of her calling and being Eros daughter hasn't exactly helped. She's been messing up a lot and screwing up matches, until she really messes up and sticks herself on an arrow, matching herself with a mortal.
This was a fun, light read. I had a good time reading the drama between all the gods, I do love a good Greek mythology story. But I was often a bit bored. Still, the characters were fun and I liked getting to know them. I liked the secondary characters, they were kinda fun. My main issue was how straight this was, like as Erote, Kali and her best friend, assumed a woman's match had to be with a man without even knowing anything about the person. And all the discussed matches were between a man and a woman. Even withing the Greek god, everything was m/f and I don't know as much as I wish I did Greek mythology wise but I do know it's very much not all m/f.
Anyway, that kinda bugged me but other than that, this was kinda cute and fun.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kali is an Erote, which is basically a Cupid (since the romans stole their religion and renamed most things). For months now, shes's been very unsure of her calling and being Eros daughter hasn't exactly helped. She's been messing up a lot and screwing up matches, until she really messes up and sticks herself on an arrow, matching herself with a mortal.
This was a fun, light read. I had a good time reading the drama between all the gods, I do love a good Greek mythology story. But I was often a bit bored. Still, the characters were fun and I liked getting to know them. I liked the secondary characters, they were kinda fun. My main issue was how straight this was, like as Erote, Kali and her best friend, assumed a woman's match had to be with a man without even knowing anything about the person. And all the discussed matches were between a man and a woman. Even withing the Greek god, everything was m/f and I don't know as much as I wish I did Greek mythology wise but I do know it's very much not all m/f.
Anyway, that kinda bugged me but other than that, this was kinda cute and fun.
January 15, 2019
I love Kate Watson's books, and LOVESTRUCK was no exception.
In LOVESTRUCK, Greek goddess Kali is a cupid-in-training who accidentally sticks herself with an arrow, making herself fall in love with brooding teen musician Benicio.
It sounds like a standard rom-com, but one of the things I love about Kate Watson's books is that they always portray love as the complicated, messy, sometimes difficult thing that it is. And that was certainly true in LOVESTRUCK. And the book does so without giving up any of its wonderful light-heartedness.
The other thing I love about Kate Watson's books is how they create an entire world that permeates the entire atmosphere of the book. LOVESTRUCK is set in the world of Greek gods, and it's not just the setting that lives in that world. The world-building extends even to the language and slang the characters use, which is wonderful and sometimes hilarious.
I'd definitely recommend LOVESTRUCK to anyone who wants a light, engaging read that sends you into a fully immersive world where love is hard and realistic and delightful.
In LOVESTRUCK, Greek goddess Kali is a cupid-in-training who accidentally sticks herself with an arrow, making herself fall in love with brooding teen musician Benicio.
It sounds like a standard rom-com, but one of the things I love about Kate Watson's books is that they always portray love as the complicated, messy, sometimes difficult thing that it is. And that was certainly true in LOVESTRUCK. And the book does so without giving up any of its wonderful light-heartedness.
The other thing I love about Kate Watson's books is how they create an entire world that permeates the entire atmosphere of the book. LOVESTRUCK is set in the world of Greek gods, and it's not just the setting that lives in that world. The world-building extends even to the language and slang the characters use, which is wonderful and sometimes hilarious.
I'd definitely recommend LOVESTRUCK to anyone who wants a light, engaging read that sends you into a fully immersive world where love is hard and realistic and delightful.
March 14, 2019
This book was so darned cute! And dramatic, but in a good way!
What I liked:
-Kali is so wonderfully flawed! She has attitude and she’s selfish and in her own head a lot, but she also cares about those around her and is very determined. Super relatable!
-Greek gods! I loved seeing Watson’s take on the gods of Olympus (and team Artemis!)
-Prphecies—I love this trope, especially because this one wasn’t very predictable!
-The romance! Watson wrote what I felt was very realistic romance. It was messy, with many flaws and worries. She took the love triangle and really spun it.
-The humor! Gosh, this book is hilarious, and I just couldn’t stop laughing!
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I’m excited to see what else Kate Watson writes
What I liked:
-Kali is so wonderfully flawed! She has attitude and she’s selfish and in her own head a lot, but she also cares about those around her and is very determined. Super relatable!
-Greek gods! I loved seeing Watson’s take on the gods of Olympus (and team Artemis!)
-Prphecies—I love this trope, especially because this one wasn’t very predictable!
-The romance! Watson wrote what I felt was very realistic romance. It was messy, with many flaws and worries. She took the love triangle and really spun it.
-The humor! Gosh, this book is hilarious, and I just couldn’t stop laughing!
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I’m excited to see what else Kate Watson writes
March 25, 2019
*I was given an E-ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for my Honest Review*
I Unfortunately have to give this book 2 stars. I'm not sure where it went wrong. I wasn't a major fan of the writing, and the story it's self was just meh. The plot just didn't pull me in and I couldn't for the life of me connect with the characters. I was really intrigued when I the whole greek mythology we mention, however it just didn't feel right whenever the author would mention one of the greek gods. I always pulled me out of the story, and it could very well be that maybe this book wasn't for me. It's honestly a shame I didn't like it because I really wanted to.
I Unfortunately have to give this book 2 stars. I'm not sure where it went wrong. I wasn't a major fan of the writing, and the story it's self was just meh. The plot just didn't pull me in and I couldn't for the life of me connect with the characters. I was really intrigued when I the whole greek mythology we mention, however it just didn't feel right whenever the author would mention one of the greek gods. I always pulled me out of the story, and it could very well be that maybe this book wasn't for me. It's honestly a shame I didn't like it because I really wanted to.
April 6, 2020
This book was adorable! I enjoyed the Greek mythology aspects and the journey of self discovery Kali went on throughout the book. The setting of the book between Olympus and the mortal world was a lot of fun too! It was a great fun and fluffy contemporary read!
April 8, 2019
Where to start with this book? I should start with the fact that I do love stories about Gods and Goddesses. Their personalities, their whims, the fact that they're all powerful, it all wraps up into something that has me firmly invested in books revolving around them. So when Lovestruck appeared on my reading list, I was pretty darn excited. As a Cupid in training, and a reluctant one at that, I hoped that Kali and I would get along swimmingly. After all, who doesn't love a story about star crossed love?
I'm going to start with the honest fact that Kali and I didn't get along as well as I'd hoped. While I absolutely understood that this is a YA story, Kali's character felt really young to me. The fact that Kate Watson set Kali on a path that she wasn't 100% sold on, really touched my heart. I felt hopeful and anxious right along with her, as she tried to figure out how to get around her supposedly inevitable fate. However I also felt frustrated with her, a lot. Her attitude towards her friends, and her inability to see how selfish she was being, made me want to smack her more than a few times. I did feel like she ultimately learned and grew up by the ending, but Kali isn't an easy character to love. That might be rough for some readers.
Still, the story that Watson weaves around Kali's fate fueled dilemma is an excellent one. She perfectly weaves backstories for each of the Gods and Goddesses who are featured, without it ever feeling like something overwhelming. I loved watching Kali interact with all of them, and giggled quite a bit at the parent/child relationships in this book. It should be noted that there are also really excellent messages woven into the tapestry of this book. Watson touches on familial relationships, one-sided friendships, and (best of all, in my opinion) on what a real romance looks like. I can't count the number of times that I found myself nodding my head along with Kali's realizations that the relationship she was in might be toxic. Oh, to have read this book as a teenager.
Lovestruck also has its fair share of laugh out loud moments! The interactions between godly brothers and sisters had me cracking up. I love that these ethereal beings are just as silly and petty as all of us here on Earth. This book moves so quickly, and 300 pages all but flew by. Overall, I had a really good time with this book. It might read a little younger than I'm used to for YA, but it has a ton of heart. For that, I happily award it 3 stars.
I'm going to start with the honest fact that Kali and I didn't get along as well as I'd hoped. While I absolutely understood that this is a YA story, Kali's character felt really young to me. The fact that Kate Watson set Kali on a path that she wasn't 100% sold on, really touched my heart. I felt hopeful and anxious right along with her, as she tried to figure out how to get around her supposedly inevitable fate. However I also felt frustrated with her, a lot. Her attitude towards her friends, and her inability to see how selfish she was being, made me want to smack her more than a few times. I did feel like she ultimately learned and grew up by the ending, but Kali isn't an easy character to love. That might be rough for some readers.
Still, the story that Watson weaves around Kali's fate fueled dilemma is an excellent one. She perfectly weaves backstories for each of the Gods and Goddesses who are featured, without it ever feeling like something overwhelming. I loved watching Kali interact with all of them, and giggled quite a bit at the parent/child relationships in this book. It should be noted that there are also really excellent messages woven into the tapestry of this book. Watson touches on familial relationships, one-sided friendships, and (best of all, in my opinion) on what a real romance looks like. I can't count the number of times that I found myself nodding my head along with Kali's realizations that the relationship she was in might be toxic. Oh, to have read this book as a teenager.
Lovestruck also has its fair share of laugh out loud moments! The interactions between godly brothers and sisters had me cracking up. I love that these ethereal beings are just as silly and petty as all of us here on Earth. This book moves so quickly, and 300 pages all but flew by. Overall, I had a really good time with this book. It might read a little younger than I'm used to for YA, but it has a ton of heart. For that, I happily award it 3 stars.
January 1, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest opinion.
I wanted to pick up a sweet contemporary novel and to some degree Lovestruck is just that. There's a lot of humour and the writing is easy to follow, which is exactly what I am looking for in this genre. However for some reason it's all mixed up with Greek mythology and until the very end I was not sure how I felt about that - the ancient gods and mobile phones combo doesn't really do it for me.
I also had an impression that there was a lot going on! So many romances, so many couples, so many myths as background stories... I do applaud the educational aspect but it was just a tad too busy!
But definitely a book for lovers of Ancient Greece and romance!
I wanted to pick up a sweet contemporary novel and to some degree Lovestruck is just that. There's a lot of humour and the writing is easy to follow, which is exactly what I am looking for in this genre. However for some reason it's all mixed up with Greek mythology and until the very end I was not sure how I felt about that - the ancient gods and mobile phones combo doesn't really do it for me.
I also had an impression that there was a lot going on! So many romances, so many couples, so many myths as background stories... I do applaud the educational aspect but it was just a tad too busy!
But definitely a book for lovers of Ancient Greece and romance!
March 22, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit Lovestruck by Kate Watson sounded like a lot of cheesy mythology inspired fun. I have a soft spot for Greek mythology and I couldn't resist a story about an Erote, aka a cupid-in-training, who breaks the first rule of the job - accidentally sticking herself with an arrow and falling hard for the target. For me, the mythology aspects were my favorite - Artemis' has some of the best parts even though she's one of the side characters. Unfortunately, Kali really began to grate on my nerves after a while. I don't know maybe I'm getting to old for this stuff, but I do know I'll stick with Rick Riordan's brand of mythology in the modern world.
I have to admit Lovestruck by Kate Watson sounded like a lot of cheesy mythology inspired fun. I have a soft spot for Greek mythology and I couldn't resist a story about an Erote, aka a cupid-in-training, who breaks the first rule of the job - accidentally sticking herself with an arrow and falling hard for the target. For me, the mythology aspects were my favorite - Artemis' has some of the best parts even though she's one of the side characters. Unfortunately, Kali really began to grate on my nerves after a while. I don't know maybe I'm getting to old for this stuff, but I do know I'll stick with Rick Riordan's brand of mythology in the modern world.
July 5, 2019
Lovestruck in a nutshell:
- Kali is a Cupid
- Buuuut she doesn’t want to be! She’s not sure this is her calling.
- Too bad; the Fates decided
- Accidentally matches people - whoops!
- Accidentally matches HERSELF with a mortal - MAJOR WHOOPS
- Little love triangle but easy choice!
- Awesome to see parents and other adults prominent in the story
- THE ENDING IS THE BEST
So yeah, I loved it. I loved watching Kali struggle with her fate and feeling like she had little control over her life. This felt real for what teens experience IRL (of course, without the whole god and powers business). This is the perfect summer romance - fun with a side of seriousness!
- Kali is a Cupid
- Buuuut she doesn’t want to be! She’s not sure this is her calling.
- Too bad; the Fates decided
- Accidentally matches people - whoops!
- Accidentally matches HERSELF with a mortal - MAJOR WHOOPS
- Little love triangle but easy choice!
- Awesome to see parents and other adults prominent in the story
- THE ENDING IS THE BEST
So yeah, I loved it. I loved watching Kali struggle with her fate and feeling like she had little control over her life. This felt real for what teens experience IRL (of course, without the whole god and powers business). This is the perfect summer romance - fun with a side of seriousness!
December 29, 2018
I love all of my book babies equally, like any good parent. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that this book baby is the most delightful of all of my book babies. Am I saying book baby too much? It kind of feels like it.
Whatever, I'm doubling down! This book baby has everything: gods and goddesses! star-crossed love! romantic comedies of error! dangerous quests to defy the Fates! best friends who go to Hades and back for one another! hot boys who are real, live Greek gods! pop culture references! an immortal with bladder-control issues! and more!
Seriously, what's not to love?
Whatever, I'm doubling down! This book baby has everything: gods and goddesses! star-crossed love! romantic comedies of error! dangerous quests to defy the Fates! best friends who go to Hades and back for one another! hot boys who are real, live Greek gods! pop culture references! an immortal with bladder-control issues! and more!
Seriously, what's not to love?
February 28, 2019
This was so good. It took a bit to grab me, but when it did I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I loved the mythology intertwined with the modern world, the “mortie” side characters, and the romance.
January 7, 2019
Quirky, witty, and charming, this novel is brimming with heart—and it’s sure to capture yours. I enjoyed every minute. <3
November 24, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book.
When I looked this book up it immediately knew it would be perfect for me. Greek gods, love arrows, and a girl who just can't figure out what she wants. Sign me up! I loved the relations to the big gods but also the fact the author threw in some minor gods and focused on them. It wasn't about Zues and that made it all the better. Instead we see a group of friends willing to do anything to help a girl out of a tough situation. A guy who will do anything for her and one collosal misunderstanding.
My only problem with this book, it's long. So long that in the middle I wondered what was going to take it so long. But I pushed through and the ending is worth it.
Perfect for fans of Olympian Challenger and other Greek God stories.
When I looked this book up it immediately knew it would be perfect for me. Greek gods, love arrows, and a girl who just can't figure out what she wants. Sign me up! I loved the relations to the big gods but also the fact the author threw in some minor gods and focused on them. It wasn't about Zues and that made it all the better. Instead we see a group of friends willing to do anything to help a girl out of a tough situation. A guy who will do anything for her and one collosal misunderstanding.
My only problem with this book, it's long. So long that in the middle I wondered what was going to take it so long. But I pushed through and the ending is worth it.
Perfect for fans of Olympian Challenger and other Greek God stories.
December 24, 2018
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I may be a bit biased because I am a huge fan of Greek myth, but I believe the book was the perfect blend of light yet complex that I have been craving for! The characters, the world, the story all combined it's hard not to get sucked into it. The story follows Kali, a love Goddess in training who is trying to regain back control over her own life instead of leaving it up to Fate (aka the three Greek sisters who write the fate of everyone). Although the story is based on magical beings and all the like it really represents a struggle that every person goes through, and the main character's stubbornness (Kali) is inspiring (even when it leads to a different outcome of some sorts).
Characters
I have to give credit where credit is due, the characters overall were delightful and well developed! Most of the time, only the protagonist(s) gets a form of development and backstory, while others are not even living up to their role as supporting characters and are two dimensional. At times, certain characters only made cameos for five scenes, but somehow there is a sense of development between these scenes. The only character that I felt needed more refining was Cosmo, I did not get why he was into one of the other characters and there was no chemistry between him and said character. Watson truly has built a world in which you care and empathize with each person. At the end of the day, they were all loveable goofballs who warmed your heart.
Kali:
I have to say, I loved Kali even when she was indirectly hurtful. Although to some her stubbornness might come off as annoying, especially when it seems like she has it all, it is still understandable. To live thinking that everyone gets a say on your life but you is frustrating beyond means, and Kali's willingness to go the extra mile to wrestle back her own control is admirable. Although she was meant to be this perfect Greek goddess she had many flows, in which her own pursuit made her blind to the needs of her friends and family. This made her feel tangible and real, as I rooted for her to make amends with the people around her. It was only when she interacted with Ianira, I get it she was jealous but there was a moment where she was downright mean and I did not like and it felt childish at best. Ianira's character as a whole was simply meant to create drama as she lacked any development, and it really fed in the cycle of negativity towards the image of that girl who is trying to steal your man when knowing that he is with someone else. She felt very superficial, as if she was created simply to add something to the story.
Hector:
I am conflicted about Hector, on the one hand, he felt like a dreamboat on the other hand he felt like a dreamboat. I am not trying to sound crazy, it is just that he resembled the perfect guy every girl dreams about, which I naturally do not mind. Yet he was TOO perfect, and lacked any real depth or complexity that made me truly love him and root for him. Not to mention, for all his pining over a girl he never tried to fix anything or even had chemistry with the said girl to begin with. I understand why Watson may not have created a sense of chemistry (given the content of the story) but regardless of that there always need to be chemistry between the two characters even when they are at ease with each other. I did truly like him though, he was empathic, kind and patient and tried his best to accommodate the girl he likes.
Deya:
Honestly, Deya is THE best friend anyone could ask for. Her care for Kali was just beautiful and wholesome, I mean that girl ALWAYS went out of her way to help her friend and ensure that she is safe. Not to mention, she does not shy away from calling out people's bullshit even when it is her best friend. I just wished more time was dedicated to her because of how much I loved her. Her backstory was amazing, and the growth she displays made me tear up as if I was a proud mother. Her dedication, wit and just general badassery (is that a word?) make every person fall in love with her.
The Story
Greek myth? Check. Amazing squad of friends? Check. Fight for love? Check. Overbearing yet loving family? Check check check! The story was absolutely delightful, I loved every aspect of it. Although I do enjoy dark and heavy novels (I love reading about the struggle and coming through of characters), the lightness of this book was welcomed. For merely 200 pages the book is packed! There was never a dull moment, and I could not put it down as I simply wanted to know what would happen next to the lovely stubborn munchkins (I just realized I am calling Greek Gods and Goddesses munchkins. Oh well they are). Watson has managed to employ the Greek myth in an amazing manner, and did not shy away from trying to include her very much wecolmed interpretation of this beautiful world. At no point did the mythology overpower the story, and the story itself did not erase the myth behind it. There was an overall good balance between the two.
All in all, I highly people to get their hands on the book when it comes out!!!!
June 27, 2019
Once again, I want to really thank this author for sending me the copy of this book (I also reviewed her Seeking Mansfield novel!). Thank you so much, Kate Watson! It is amazing getting to review her work, and I am excited to get this review going! Lovestruck marks the last of my June reads, putting us at a whopping 4 books, not bad for a month before my colossal July reading, and oddly enough this continues a trend from Red Rising, as we go into another Greek Mythology inspired book (I can’t tell you how happy that makes me!!) Cue the ‘I can go the Distance’ music, and let’s get into what was an amazingly fun feminine Hero’s Journey!
See Full Review at: https://awritercandream.wordpress.com...
See Full Review at: https://awritercandream.wordpress.com...
January 3, 2019
2 1/2 stars
I got Lovestruck by Kate Watson as a freebie on Netgalley and was excited since I haven’t read anything by this author before. I've been meaning to check out her Mansfield Park retelling for a while but just didn’t get to it. After reading the synopsis, I thought this book sounded interesting and I was really excited about the Greek mythology aspect. Unfortunately, Lovestruck didn't struck a chord with me.
Let's start with the positive. The one thing I enjoyed quite a lot about Lovestruck was that it is based on Greek mythology. The way it was done wasn't entirely new but it was still interesting to see the author adapt these mythical characters to a more modern story.
Ok now on to the negative - One of the major thing I took issue with was the writing. Despite it not being terrible, it was much too juvenile for me. I can hear people trying to tell me it's a YA book (I know, I know!) but it was still too young and simple for me to really enjoy it. The book felt like an attempt to make it young and fresh - I just didn't think it worked. There were at times some superfluous descriptions that didn't seem to bring anything except filling space and those kept taking me out of the story. It seemed like the author was trying to tie loose ends that didn't need tying in the first place. Stuff like "I magick a chair up and sit down" - I don't really care where the chair comes from and we haven't gotten a layout of the room so who's to say there is or isn't a chair there. Just say "I sat down" no one is going to know there wasn’t a chair there. It sounded like it was there only to remind us that most of the characters are Greek gods and can do magic. For me they crowded the story with unnecessary description.
And oh, let’s talk about the characters, how can I say this... I disliked most of them. The main character Kali is such a brat. She came off as entitled and selfish as well as super whiny. She treats her friends like crap, she seems to be so disinterested in their lives because she is more centered around her own. She kept referencing a certain event that changed everything in her life and it is made out as a pivotal point for her but we don’t get to learn what it is till about three quarters in the story. When they finally reveal this life-changing moment it's so anticlimactic. It was such a disappointing reveal. I just couldn't care about what was happening to any of these characters. This story was so predictable, from about the second chapter I could tell you exactly how it would end.
This book was slow but I mean slow with a capital S. It started off pretty good and then it seemed to get on the back of a turtle and lagged from there. Nothing was happening for what seemed an eternity until we got very near the end where BOOM! action for a chapter or two. From the synopsis and the start of the story I thought Kali and her friends would go on a quest to change her fate and defy the gods, and it would be a more action oriented book but it kinda was just static. Like seriously guys it took me about a month to get through this book cause I kept losing interest.
Lovestruck is a YA contemporary fantasy but I felt it was much more of a contemporary in the over feel of it. I wish I would've liked it more but it was a 2 ½ stars overall for me.
Thank you Flux and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I got Lovestruck by Kate Watson as a freebie on Netgalley and was excited since I haven’t read anything by this author before. I've been meaning to check out her Mansfield Park retelling for a while but just didn’t get to it. After reading the synopsis, I thought this book sounded interesting and I was really excited about the Greek mythology aspect. Unfortunately, Lovestruck didn't struck a chord with me.
Let's start with the positive. The one thing I enjoyed quite a lot about Lovestruck was that it is based on Greek mythology. The way it was done wasn't entirely new but it was still interesting to see the author adapt these mythical characters to a more modern story.
Ok now on to the negative - One of the major thing I took issue with was the writing. Despite it not being terrible, it was much too juvenile for me. I can hear people trying to tell me it's a YA book (I know, I know!) but it was still too young and simple for me to really enjoy it. The book felt like an attempt to make it young and fresh - I just didn't think it worked. There were at times some superfluous descriptions that didn't seem to bring anything except filling space and those kept taking me out of the story. It seemed like the author was trying to tie loose ends that didn't need tying in the first place. Stuff like "I magick a chair up and sit down" - I don't really care where the chair comes from and we haven't gotten a layout of the room so who's to say there is or isn't a chair there. Just say "I sat down" no one is going to know there wasn’t a chair there. It sounded like it was there only to remind us that most of the characters are Greek gods and can do magic. For me they crowded the story with unnecessary description.
And oh, let’s talk about the characters, how can I say this... I disliked most of them. The main character Kali is such a brat. She came off as entitled and selfish as well as super whiny. She treats her friends like crap, she seems to be so disinterested in their lives because she is more centered around her own. She kept referencing a certain event that changed everything in her life and it is made out as a pivotal point for her but we don’t get to learn what it is till about three quarters in the story. When they finally reveal this life-changing moment it's so anticlimactic. It was such a disappointing reveal. I just couldn't care about what was happening to any of these characters. This story was so predictable, from about the second chapter I could tell you exactly how it would end.
This book was slow but I mean slow with a capital S. It started off pretty good and then it seemed to get on the back of a turtle and lagged from there. Nothing was happening for what seemed an eternity until we got very near the end where BOOM! action for a chapter or two. From the synopsis and the start of the story I thought Kali and her friends would go on a quest to change her fate and defy the gods, and it would be a more action oriented book but it kinda was just static. Like seriously guys it took me about a month to get through this book cause I kept losing interest.
Lovestruck is a YA contemporary fantasy but I felt it was much more of a contemporary in the over feel of it. I wish I would've liked it more but it was a 2 ½ stars overall for me.
Thank you Flux and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2019
When I stumbled upon this book on NetGalley, I was immediately reminded of two other books by this author I read. Both were somewhat retellings of classics, namely Seeking Mansfield (retelling of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen) and Shoot the Moon (aspects of Great Expectations). I liked the first more than the latter, but definitely enjoyed Watson's writing plenty. So of course I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to read one of her new books!
THE GOOD>
Do I have to repeat myself? Of course I do! Once again, Kate Watson's writing blew me away. Although I wasn't able to read in one go as I normally would have in the past, I could still feel the story's hold on me. Every time I picked it back up again, it didn't take me long to get into it at all. Which is brilliant considering I could only read two to three pages at a time and there could be days in between - oops.
Another good thing about this novel is more because I read those two other books by Watson. Both of those were contemporary, whereas Lovestruck is filled with mythology and has a definite fantasy-aspect present. Seeing how authors try different things, dwell in other genres is something I love. It shows another side of their abilities, their imagination and I am all here for just that.
The story itself was pretty good as well. My favorite part? Definitely Artemis' story! She's one of the side characters and I truly was way more invested in her than in any of the other characters. Not sure if that's.. really a good thing?
THE BAD>
Okay. Actually, I know that's not really a good thing. Mainly because the main character got on my nerves a lot when I was reading. She felt ridiculously egocentric at times. Why? Well. Imagine your best friend being "cursed" to be in love with you, but you broke up with him a while back. Yet you still cannot stand it, at all, when he spends time with someone who might be a new love interest? All while she's focused on someone else herself. Like. No. I didn't like that at all and struggled with it quite often.
But that's not all! Unfortunately. I mentioned mythology. And that aspect is.. overly present. Maybe a bit too much for my liking? Gods and goddesses were thrown around everywhere, to the point of me not being able to figure out who's who again. That probably has to do with my lack of knowledge too but.. it took away from the story since I kept wanting to look up what a certain god's story was again. It made me feel like the mythology-aspect was a bit forced in some ways. It could just be me though!
It was an enjoyable enough read and I flew through it. I do wish some things were different but.. alas. I guess you cannot like every book a specific author writes, right?
3/5
EARC received in exchange for an honest review.
THE GOOD>
Do I have to repeat myself? Of course I do! Once again, Kate Watson's writing blew me away. Although I wasn't able to read in one go as I normally would have in the past, I could still feel the story's hold on me. Every time I picked it back up again, it didn't take me long to get into it at all. Which is brilliant considering I could only read two to three pages at a time and there could be days in between - oops.
Another good thing about this novel is more because I read those two other books by Watson. Both of those were contemporary, whereas Lovestruck is filled with mythology and has a definite fantasy-aspect present. Seeing how authors try different things, dwell in other genres is something I love. It shows another side of their abilities, their imagination and I am all here for just that.
The story itself was pretty good as well. My favorite part? Definitely Artemis' story! She's one of the side characters and I truly was way more invested in her than in any of the other characters. Not sure if that's.. really a good thing?
Love has the power to heal, enrich, and beautify; but when it goes wrong, it has the power to destroy.
THE BAD>
Okay. Actually, I know that's not really a good thing. Mainly because the main character got on my nerves a lot when I was reading. She felt ridiculously egocentric at times. Why? Well. Imagine your best friend being "cursed" to be in love with you, but you broke up with him a while back. Yet you still cannot stand it, at all, when he spends time with someone who might be a new love interest? All while she's focused on someone else herself. Like. No. I didn't like that at all and struggled with it quite often.
But that's not all! Unfortunately. I mentioned mythology. And that aspect is.. overly present. Maybe a bit too much for my liking? Gods and goddesses were thrown around everywhere, to the point of me not being able to figure out who's who again. That probably has to do with my lack of knowledge too but.. it took away from the story since I kept wanting to look up what a certain god's story was again. It made me feel like the mythology-aspect was a bit forced in some ways. It could just be me though!
It was an enjoyable enough read and I flew through it. I do wish some things were different but.. alas. I guess you cannot like every book a specific author writes, right?
3/5
EARC received in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2019
Lovestruck
By Kate Watson
Flux Books; North star Editions Publication Date April 2,2019
five star *****five Star***** Five Star *****
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old cupid-in-training Kali is in an Olympus-sized mountain of trouble. Rule number one in arrow-toting matchmaking: don't stick yourself. But accidents happen, and Kali instantly falls hard for her indie rock, bass-playing target, Benicio. The God of Love is going to kill her. Even if he is her dad. Being the daughter of Eros isn't all it's cracked up to be. For one thing, a girl can get jaded when her parents have the most beautiful and fatalistic love story in history. For another, immortality royally sucks when the Oracle condemns you to eternity in the wrong profession. Do the Gods care that Kali wants to ditch the love stuff and be a muse? Nope. To reclaim her heart and her destiny, Kali is left with no choice but to defy the Gods, tempt the Fates, date the mortal love of her life, and hope she doesn't lose her best friend, Hector, in the process.
For my complete review on Wordpress including my cast of characters for this stunning book
https://floetrygirl123.wordpress.com/...
OMG I am stillllll swooning.
For a long time I have warded off romance, and since this book was categorized as YA Scifi Fantasy I went ahead and picked it up to review.
First I minored in Humanities, and for me to continue reading a book about Mythology it has to be A. close to accurate, and B. something I haven’t already read or studied a hundred thousand words ago. And it can’t be cliche.
Her characters were so amazing I have already cast them in my head.
Lovestruck hit all the points of a wonderful rom com, It had action and told each of the characters mythological backstories ; just sliding in details that made each of their characters come alive. The reader is transported into this magical dimension between Earth and the heavens with a mere swish of an arrow hitting the target. Kate Watson doesn’t make this all about the characters inner drama, she takes great care in making each page a cinematic experience for the reader. This isn’t just a book, this will transcend just like Divergent did to the big screen and hopefully ( fingers crossed) NETFLIX so we can binge watch over and over and over.
So if it isn’t obvious, why this book is a five.
. 1. I have cast the whole set of characters, and this movie is in glorious technicolor.
2. You continue to want to go back and reread points in the story, and you get more beautiful details each time you do.
3.Lovestruck has overshadowed every thriller , every YA and every fantasy I have read this year. It is one I will definitely add to my collection of books.
4.Enter the giveaway on Instagram .. Storygramtours has partnered with Flux books ( my new fave publisher) to give a copy away to a lucky person.
5. Kate Watson.. can there be Lovestruck two???? I mean you need to do Cosmo's story..
6. Is there an audio book... really we need my cast of characters to read the parts.. ( please see link above to my blog post!)
Ack... I have gone totally fangirl for this book.. just read it.
By Kate Watson
Flux Books; North star Editions Publication Date April 2,2019
five star *****five Star***** Five Star *****
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old cupid-in-training Kali is in an Olympus-sized mountain of trouble. Rule number one in arrow-toting matchmaking: don't stick yourself. But accidents happen, and Kali instantly falls hard for her indie rock, bass-playing target, Benicio. The God of Love is going to kill her. Even if he is her dad. Being the daughter of Eros isn't all it's cracked up to be. For one thing, a girl can get jaded when her parents have the most beautiful and fatalistic love story in history. For another, immortality royally sucks when the Oracle condemns you to eternity in the wrong profession. Do the Gods care that Kali wants to ditch the love stuff and be a muse? Nope. To reclaim her heart and her destiny, Kali is left with no choice but to defy the Gods, tempt the Fates, date the mortal love of her life, and hope she doesn't lose her best friend, Hector, in the process.
For my complete review on Wordpress including my cast of characters for this stunning book
https://floetrygirl123.wordpress.com/...
OMG I am stillllll swooning.
For a long time I have warded off romance, and since this book was categorized as YA Scifi Fantasy I went ahead and picked it up to review.
First I minored in Humanities, and for me to continue reading a book about Mythology it has to be A. close to accurate, and B. something I haven’t already read or studied a hundred thousand words ago. And it can’t be cliche.
Her characters were so amazing I have already cast them in my head.
Lovestruck hit all the points of a wonderful rom com, It had action and told each of the characters mythological backstories ; just sliding in details that made each of their characters come alive. The reader is transported into this magical dimension between Earth and the heavens with a mere swish of an arrow hitting the target. Kate Watson doesn’t make this all about the characters inner drama, she takes great care in making each page a cinematic experience for the reader. This isn’t just a book, this will transcend just like Divergent did to the big screen and hopefully ( fingers crossed) NETFLIX so we can binge watch over and over and over.
So if it isn’t obvious, why this book is a five.
. 1. I have cast the whole set of characters, and this movie is in glorious technicolor.
2. You continue to want to go back and reread points in the story, and you get more beautiful details each time you do.
3.Lovestruck has overshadowed every thriller , every YA and every fantasy I have read this year. It is one I will definitely add to my collection of books.
4.Enter the giveaway on Instagram .. Storygramtours has partnered with Flux books ( my new fave publisher) to give a copy away to a lucky person.
5. Kate Watson.. can there be Lovestruck two???? I mean you need to do Cosmo's story..
6. Is there an audio book... really we need my cast of characters to read the parts.. ( please see link above to my blog post!)
Ack... I have gone totally fangirl for this book.. just read it.
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