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The Godhunter #2
Of Gods and Wolves
Vervain Lavine finally has a moment to relax. She's defeated Aphrodite, taking back the magic that the goddess stole from humans. Now Vervain holds the powers of Love, Sex, War, and Victory inside her but she's not really sure if that makes her a goddess. She is fairly certain that she's still mortal but her new immortal boyfriend, Thor doesn't seem to be worried about it.
What he is worried about is Vervain's bond to a werewolf Prince and the fact that said Prince is the first-born son of Fenrir, the Wolf God. Then there's the minor issue of a Harvest goddess whose daughter Vervain liberated and the angry Aztec god who hasn't been seen since the last time Vervain ruined his plans to launch the next world war.
All valid arguments for concern but Vervain can't afford to waste her time worrying. When you're a mortal witch trying to keep up with gods, every moment is precious. So she tries to laugh off her anxieties instead, "Let them plan and plot against me. The best laid schemes of gods and wolves oft go awry."
What he is worried about is Vervain's bond to a werewolf Prince and the fact that said Prince is the first-born son of Fenrir, the Wolf God. Then there's the minor issue of a Harvest goddess whose daughter Vervain liberated and the angry Aztec god who hasn't been seen since the last time Vervain ruined his plans to launch the next world war.
All valid arguments for concern but Vervain can't afford to waste her time worrying. When you're a mortal witch trying to keep up with gods, every moment is precious. So she tries to laugh off her anxieties instead, "Let them plan and plot against me. The best laid schemes of gods and wolves oft go awry."
ebook
First published June 12, 2013
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About the author
Amy Sumida
244 books977 followersAmy Sumida is the Internationally Acclaimed author of the Award-Winning Godhunter Series, the fantasy paranormal Twilight Court Series, the Beyond the Godhunter Series, the music-oriented paranormal Spellsinger Series, the superhero Spectra Series, and several short stories. Her books have been translated into several languages, have won numerous awards, and are bestsellers. She believes in empowering women through her writing as well as providing everyone with a great escape from reality. Her stories are full of strong women and hot gods, shapeshifters, vampires, dragons, fairies, gargoyles... pretty much any type of supernatural, breathtakingly gorgeous man you can think of. Because why have normal when you could have paranormal?
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
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The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
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Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
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Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter and get a free short story:
http://google.us11.list-manage.com/su...
The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmySumidaAut...
Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15360...
Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 19, 2015
From their first encounter I was team Trevor. I just had this feeling. Once I pick a guy in these "harem" books I always stick it out. If the heroine goes in another direction it makes me HATE the book.
So for the first book I was forgiving of all Vervain's shameless behavior. I didn't care because I didn't want her to be with Thor. Now that she is with Trevor, she is driving me crazy.
She wants to have sex with every single man she comes in contact with. And somehow keeps finding herself in situations where she is naked with other men who are not her mate.
I'm not sure if I can continue with this series. I feel very strongly about her touching and constantly fantasizing other gods when she is "so devoted and in love" with her mate.
So for the first book I was forgiving of all Vervain's shameless behavior. I didn't care because I didn't want her to be with Thor. Now that she is with Trevor, she is driving me crazy.
She wants to have sex with every single man she comes in contact with. And somehow keeps finding herself in situations where she is naked with other men who are not her mate.
I'm not sure if I can continue with this series. I feel very strongly about her touching and constantly fantasizing other gods when she is "so devoted and in love" with her mate.
April 23, 2018
3.75 stars (second read)
I really do love this series. Vervain continues to be a favorite - strong, sassy, hilarious, snarky, and with a take-no-prisoners attitude. And I adore the God Squad - both the concept and most of the characters in it. They are some of the best in the series I think.
Vervain's current love interest(s)/attraction(s) on the other hand - up and down. Both because they themselves change and because some are better than others. But regardless of whether I am personally frustrated with their characters or decisions, they are very well articulated. I definitely feel connected to them (for good or ill).
The story was action-packed. As usual, a LOT is happening to Vervain.
Sure, on the negative side, it means...well, a LOT is happening to Vervain :) But on the positive side, there is lots happening to make for an exciting story. It is, of course, a little absurd for one character to be attacked, hunted, kidnapped, and tortured. But there are only so many different types of scenarios that can happen to make the story exciting and action-packed, so I can see why themes are recurring. I don't really mind, because it is different enough each time, and I like watching her get out of them. And it keeps the story really moving along. Immersive.
Honestly, this is probably a series that most other authors would have changed up the main characters with each book, or each couple of books, and that usually bugs me. I get into the characters in a series I like and am always bummed when I have to switch to someone new. So I appreciate the continuity in characters here and I can forgive the less-than-realistic repetitions of the conflicts. At least she isn't a damsel-in-distress, always needing to be rescued! She manages to escape on her on in most cases.
Anyway, perfect? No.
Fun? Most definitely.
Worth the read? Without a doubt.
UPDATE NOTES:
87.0% "You're being an idiot Vervain."
85.0% "This one made me snort the latte I was drinking at the time...
74.0% "Actually there are all sorts of great snarky lines from Vervain as she is settling the Intare!
Then they fell to the ground all at once. Let me tell you, standing on a dais while a room full of gorgeous men fall to their knees to worship you, is not half bad. I highly recommend it."
74.0% "OMG, that is hilarious!"
60.0% "LMAO, great line!"
47.0% "LOL first time I have seen an author get the phased/fazed thing mixed up the other way around! It's always that they have written phased, when they meant fazed. But here Sumida has written fazed when she meant phased. LMAO"
45.0% "I love Trevor...he's pretty amazing :) (Even if his name isn't)"
45.0% "Ugh,,,"honey-eyes" has got to be one of the stupidest, most annoying nicknames ever. Come to think of it, there are a lot of dumb nicknames in this series: Bunny Nose, Sizzle Butt, Hot Stuff... I am sensing a trend. One I'd like to see stop! LOL"
17.0% "LMAO so awesome! Sumida is a Firefly fan :)"
16.0% "LOL hilarious metaphor for heartache (apropos though)
2.0% "You know those happy little giggly shivers you sometimes get when reading a book you love? Yeah...all about those feels right now :) Sometimes there's even a little excited clapping involved. LOL"
1.0% "All of this recap should really have been in a prologue or something. Because it makes for a crappy first couple pages of the book."
I really do love this series. Vervain continues to be a favorite - strong, sassy, hilarious, snarky, and with a take-no-prisoners attitude. And I adore the God Squad - both the concept and most of the characters in it. They are some of the best in the series I think.
Vervain's current love interest(s)/attraction(s) on the other hand - up and down. Both because they themselves change and because some are better than others. But regardless of whether I am personally frustrated with their characters or decisions, they are very well articulated. I definitely feel connected to them (for good or ill).
The story was action-packed. As usual, a LOT is happening to Vervain.
Sure, on the negative side, it means...well, a LOT is happening to Vervain :) But on the positive side, there is lots happening to make for an exciting story. It is, of course, a little absurd for one character to be attacked, hunted, kidnapped, and tortured. But there are only so many different types of scenarios that can happen to make the story exciting and action-packed, so I can see why themes are recurring. I don't really mind, because it is different enough each time, and I like watching her get out of them. And it keeps the story really moving along. Immersive.
Honestly, this is probably a series that most other authors would have changed up the main characters with each book, or each couple of books, and that usually bugs me. I get into the characters in a series I like and am always bummed when I have to switch to someone new. So I appreciate the continuity in characters here and I can forgive the less-than-realistic repetitions of the conflicts. At least she isn't a damsel-in-distress, always needing to be rescued! She manages to escape on her on in most cases.
Anyway, perfect? No.
Fun? Most definitely.
Worth the read? Without a doubt.
UPDATE NOTES:
87.0% "You're being an idiot Vervain."
85.0% "This one made me snort the latte I was drinking at the time...
“There are many good lessons in these stories,” Fenrir mused, hours later, surrounded by empty beer cans and scraps of pizza. “I especially like the little toad creature with the speech impediment. It shows how power can come in even the most repulsive of forms."80% "I have to say, I am not a huge fan of the way Trevor is evolving here. He is kind of turning into Thor. What is with men and possessiveness?"
"Little toad?" I squished my face up at him. "Do you mean Yoda?"
"Yes, yes." Fenrir waved dismissively. "I enjoyed the humor of the cowboy captain as well, but I think the main character, this Walker of the Skies, I think he’s a lover of men.”
74.0% "Actually there are all sorts of great snarky lines from Vervain as she is settling the Intare!
Then they fell to the ground all at once. Let me tell you, standing on a dais while a room full of gorgeous men fall to their knees to worship you, is not half bad. I highly recommend it."
74.0% "OMG, that is hilarious!"
I took his arm, and the boy puffed his chest out so far that I was afraid he might float away. My lion balloon led me through the hallways, and I was promptly lost.73.0% "I always really liked Darius and Fallon...wish there was something there!"
60.0% "LMAO, great line!"
I was about to give Thor a piece of my mind when I realized that he was right. I get carried away in a fight, the last time it was literally carried away . . . by Blue. Wasn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over, while expecting a different result? Maybe it was best to stop giving people pieces of my mind, I evidently needed them all.56.0% "God I love Horus! LMAO"
“This is amazing.” Horus took another bite of french toast. "The bread is crisp on the outside, but almost like cake inside, and this filling with berries and cream cheese is superb."52.0% "Oy...Finn is really rather pathetic here. Maybe I take back my earlier comment! LOL"
The whole table stared at Horus in shocked silence, but Horus was so fascinated by his food that he was oblivious to everything else. I started to giggle, then it caught on until everyone was laughing.
Horus looked up and around him with a smear of cream cheese on his lips. “What?”
47.0% "LOL first time I have seen an author get the phased/fazed thing mixed up the other way around! It's always that they have written phased, when they meant fazed. But here Sumida has written fazed when she meant phased. LMAO"
45.0% "I love Trevor...he's pretty amazing :) (Even if his name isn't)"
45.0% "Ugh,,,"honey-eyes" has got to be one of the stupidest, most annoying nicknames ever. Come to think of it, there are a lot of dumb nicknames in this series: Bunny Nose, Sizzle Butt, Hot Stuff... I am sensing a trend. One I'd like to see stop! LOL"
17.0% "LMAO so awesome! Sumida is a Firefly fan :)"
16.0% "LOL hilarious metaphor for heartache (apropos though)
“Heartache isn't a disease, nor is it meant to be carried.” I reached up and rubbed at his frown lines. “It's meant to be tossed about like a hot roll until it's cooled enough to eat. Then you consume it and use it to make you stronger. You don't sit with it in your hands, staring at it till it turns moldy and gross.”9.0% "Telling line here about Thor and Vervain...foreshadowing?"
2.0% "You know those happy little giggly shivers you sometimes get when reading a book you love? Yeah...all about those feels right now :) Sometimes there's even a little excited clapping involved. LOL"
1.0% "All of this recap should really have been in a prologue or something. Because it makes for a crappy first couple pages of the book."
May 28, 2019
"It's just that I used to think all those people were egotistical when they'd say 'Why is God punishing me?' I mean how could one person be so important that a god would sit around trying to come up with ways to torture them?" I snorted. "Now here I am, faced with the reality of a goddess, who probably spends quite a bit of time sitting around, thinking of ways to torture me. Should I be flattered?"
~
I wasn't above using every advantage I could against a goddess, against anyone really, when my life was at stake. Play dirty and live to feel bad about it. I think I might make that my new motto. If I lived through this.
1st read 2014
2nd re-read 2019
So…I have mixed feelings here. I enjoyed the ride, overall. There was some good action, some decent banter, the smexy times went downhill a bit, though. Mostly it was a decent story. But there are quite a few things that, well, bugged the ever-lovingly fuck out of me.
First off, I like Vervain and Trevor together, he bonded with her, it's only natural they should be a couple, it works. It's also a little weird though. Considering Trevor was very much "the other man" when it came to Vervain and Thor, he sure is jealous and possessive when the lions show up. Also, he seems like a bit of a pushover, and honestly for a guy who has been around for centuries and is the prince of his people, he almost dies an awful lot. Vervain has had to save him (at least) twice now, you'd think he'd be able to protect himself better.
On to Vervain and Thor, honestly I don't know what to think. I have a feeling they might not be done, but at the same time, I think it would be weird if they get back together. Really, I can see both sides of the "breakup"…but…it seemed like an easy out to move along the relationship with Trevor. I didn't like Thor as much in this one either, he also came off a little too timid? That might not be the right word. Something…for a "god" his personality didn't match, I'm not sure what the exact problem was, but I didn't like him as much in this book.
Next up, Vervain and Blue…god what a clusterfuck. First off, there's this one scene where he shows up at the new club:
Blue came up the stairs with Kuan-Ti at his side and everyone went silent. "Vervain invited us, are we unwelcome?"
"Of course you're welcome," I turned and glared at the others before I went over to greet them. Technically they were still on the wrong side of the god wars but then so was Odin and everyone was cool with him so it must've been our history that upset people. However, our history was just that…ours and history, so my friends needed to back off.
Of course, that's what upset them, bitch! Duh! The dude tried to kidnap and rape you…repeatedly! Sure you made him all better with your brand new love juju, but come on. You can not be so dense as to think they would all welcome him with open arms after centuries of him being a ruthless warlord. Now don't get me wrong, a part of me always hoped Blue would be "redeemable" because I kinda liked him. But just because you say "he's all better now, I fixed him right up" doesn't mean anything. And he doesn't help his own case at the end of the book, honestly after that last scene I don't know how I feel about him, and I don't know how I feel about Vervain's rationalization of what happened. I guess we'll have to wait and see where it goes?
What's next? Oh, Vervain and the lions. She essentially inherited a harem. (Sheesh, say that three times fast) So, I get it and I'm glad all those lions are "free" and everything. But the whole thing seems like both a complication and an easy out, if that makes sense. Something good happens? Well now you have 80 lions to consider too. Something bad happens? Well now you have a new house and 80 lions to run to. It could go either way.
Okay now, Vervain and Odin. Not into it. No matter what, it's still your ex's dad. I'm getting some possible reincarnation vibes there though. I'm going to try to reserve judgment on that whole thing, but…still kinda squicks me out.
So all in all, book two has done absolutely nothing to assuage my "golden clam" fears. Seriously if this chick picks up a new dude in each book? By the time you hit the end of the series she will have her own damn football team…including a second string and back-ups and coaching staff and upper management and maybe even a PR and marketing team and probably a physical therapy staff too. I love reverse harem, but that's just excessive. Also, my biggest pet peeve so far…everyone Vervain fights threatens to rape her. Seriously, enough already. Book one had (I think) 2 guys threaten it and this one had 3! I mean enough already! There has to be another way to create conflict. Why can't people just want to kill her? Is that not enough?
But whatever I'll at least read the next one, I already own it.
Assassination has been an honest living for hundreds of years," Fenrir stared down at me from his impressive height, with those honey-eyes that were so like Trevor's.
"It's not anymore," I reached up to tuck a long strand of glossy black hair behind his ear, which I could only do because I was wearing stilettos. "You don't need to kill for anyone anymore. You have more than enough wealth and now your Froekn can learn other ways of making a living."
"How can you be so fierce yet so soft, little Frami," Fenrir set me back next to Trevor a little reluctantly.
"You can only be truly fierce with great passion," I resisted sliding an arm around Trevor's waist, "and passion is the root of compassion. All great fighters should have something to fight for, something to love."
"Sometimes your words make me laugh," Fenrir walked over to the railing beside me with a secret smile, "and sometimes they make me think, but they always make me grateful to have you as our Rouva."
For once, I didn't ruin a grand compliment with a joke. I just took Fenrir's huge hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you."
~
I never understood it when people talked about great love turning into great hate. Real love can't be turned into something else. It can be killed but it can't be altered like that. At least not for me.
If you hate someone you once loved, it's because they did something horrible to you. And if someone you thought loved you does something horrible to you, then they really didn't love you in the first place, did they? That kind of realization can kill love. You cease to love them because you realize your love was one-sided and it's difficult to continue to love someone who doesn't love you back. It has nothing to do with change, it's not a transformation. It's a death.
~
We were trying a night alone together and so far it had gone well. I sank right into a feeling of comfort with him. There was a Vervain shaped dip in his side, almost as if he'd been made to cuddle me.
Thor had always been a little too large. Too large to snuggle with well. Too large for my bed. Too large for my life. Trevor fit just right. I smiled as I rubbed my cheek against his fresh cotton shirt. Nick was curled up against his other side, my cat taking to my wolf like they were litter mates. It was so perfect, it was scary.
~
I approached the first guy I came across, a buff babe with dark hair cut short and dark eyes. I had to hand it to Nyavirezi; she had good taste in men.
"Hey you," I called in my most friendly, I'm the new boss but I'm totally cool voice. "Do you know where Darius is?"
His eyes widened a second before he dropped to his knees and lowered his forehead to the ground. I guess my cool voice needed some work.
"Stop that," I bent over and tapped him on the head. "Get up now, it's a new regime in the lion kingdom… er, queendom… lionessdom. Now I'm sounding dumb." Before I could go on, the love magic took over, flowing down the link it had already established between us and calming his anxieties.
"Tima?" His voice was low and just as sexy as his body. He raised his eyes and met mine with a hesitant smile as he got to his feet.
Holy hot lions, Batman, didn't I have enough temptation as it was?
"You can call me Vervain," I patted him reassuringly. "And you are?" I know, you'd think having a magical connection would at least supply me with all of their names but it didn't seem to work like that.
"Lucian," he tilted his head and regarded me intently. Waiting for my next trick, looked like.
"Do you know where Darius is, Lucian?" What the hell, did they all have names straight out of a bodice ripper novel? I guess it matched their hot physiques. Then I remembered Alfred.
"Sure," he fully smiled. "I'll escort you to him if it pleases you."
"It would do much pleasing of the me," I laughed but he just smiled politely and held out his arm. "Whoa, you really meant escort, huh? Okay."
I took his arm and the boy puffed his chest out so far I was afraid he might float away. My lion balloon led me through the hallways and I was promptly lost. I hoped they didn't turn into scary possessive lions because I wasn't sure I could make it back to the tracing point on my own.
As we walked, we passed other lions, who dropped to the ground upon seeing me. I spent a great deal of time picking them up and telling them to lay off on the scary cult worship crap. From now on, Kool-Aid was off the menu for these boys.
~
I wasn't above using every advantage I could against a goddess, against anyone really, when my life was at stake. Play dirty and live to feel bad about it. I think I might make that my new motto. If I lived through this.
1st read 2014
2nd re-read 2019
So…I have mixed feelings here. I enjoyed the ride, overall. There was some good action, some decent banter, the smexy times went downhill a bit, though. Mostly it was a decent story. But there are quite a few things that, well, bugged the ever-lovingly fuck out of me.
First off, I like Vervain and Trevor together, he bonded with her, it's only natural they should be a couple, it works. It's also a little weird though. Considering Trevor was very much "the other man" when it came to Vervain and Thor, he sure is jealous and possessive when the lions show up. Also, he seems like a bit of a pushover, and honestly for a guy who has been around for centuries and is the prince of his people, he almost dies an awful lot. Vervain has had to save him (at least) twice now, you'd think he'd be able to protect himself better.
On to Vervain and Thor, honestly I don't know what to think. I have a feeling they might not be done, but at the same time, I think it would be weird if they get back together. Really, I can see both sides of the "breakup"…but…it seemed like an easy out to move along the relationship with Trevor. I didn't like Thor as much in this one either, he also came off a little too timid? That might not be the right word. Something…for a "god" his personality didn't match, I'm not sure what the exact problem was, but I didn't like him as much in this book.
Next up, Vervain and Blue…god what a clusterfuck. First off, there's this one scene where he shows up at the new club:
Blue came up the stairs with Kuan-Ti at his side and everyone went silent. "Vervain invited us, are we unwelcome?"
"Of course you're welcome," I turned and glared at the others before I went over to greet them. Technically they were still on the wrong side of the god wars but then so was Odin and everyone was cool with him so it must've been our history that upset people. However, our history was just that…ours and history, so my friends needed to back off.
Of course, that's what upset them, bitch! Duh! The dude tried to kidnap and rape you…repeatedly! Sure you made him all better with your brand new love juju, but come on. You can not be so dense as to think they would all welcome him with open arms after centuries of him being a ruthless warlord. Now don't get me wrong, a part of me always hoped Blue would be "redeemable" because I kinda liked him. But just because you say "he's all better now, I fixed him right up" doesn't mean anything. And he doesn't help his own case at the end of the book, honestly after that last scene I don't know how I feel about him, and I don't know how I feel about Vervain's rationalization of what happened. I guess we'll have to wait and see where it goes?
What's next? Oh, Vervain and the lions. She essentially inherited a harem. (Sheesh, say that three times fast) So, I get it and I'm glad all those lions are "free" and everything. But the whole thing seems like both a complication and an easy out, if that makes sense. Something good happens? Well now you have 80 lions to consider too. Something bad happens? Well now you have a new house and 80 lions to run to. It could go either way.
Okay now, Vervain and Odin. Not into it. No matter what, it's still your ex's dad. I'm getting some possible reincarnation vibes there though. I'm going to try to reserve judgment on that whole thing, but…still kinda squicks me out.
So all in all, book two has done absolutely nothing to assuage my "golden clam" fears. Seriously if this chick picks up a new dude in each book? By the time you hit the end of the series she will have her own damn football team…including a second string and back-ups and coaching staff and upper management and maybe even a PR and marketing team and probably a physical therapy staff too. I love reverse harem, but that's just excessive. Also, my biggest pet peeve so far…everyone Vervain fights threatens to rape her. Seriously, enough already. Book one had (I think) 2 guys threaten it and this one had 3! I mean enough already! There has to be another way to create conflict. Why can't people just want to kill her? Is that not enough?
But whatever I'll at least read the next one, I already own it.
Assassination has been an honest living for hundreds of years," Fenrir stared down at me from his impressive height, with those honey-eyes that were so like Trevor's.
"It's not anymore," I reached up to tuck a long strand of glossy black hair behind his ear, which I could only do because I was wearing stilettos. "You don't need to kill for anyone anymore. You have more than enough wealth and now your Froekn can learn other ways of making a living."
"How can you be so fierce yet so soft, little Frami," Fenrir set me back next to Trevor a little reluctantly.
"You can only be truly fierce with great passion," I resisted sliding an arm around Trevor's waist, "and passion is the root of compassion. All great fighters should have something to fight for, something to love."
"Sometimes your words make me laugh," Fenrir walked over to the railing beside me with a secret smile, "and sometimes they make me think, but they always make me grateful to have you as our Rouva."
For once, I didn't ruin a grand compliment with a joke. I just took Fenrir's huge hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you."
~
I never understood it when people talked about great love turning into great hate. Real love can't be turned into something else. It can be killed but it can't be altered like that. At least not for me.
If you hate someone you once loved, it's because they did something horrible to you. And if someone you thought loved you does something horrible to you, then they really didn't love you in the first place, did they? That kind of realization can kill love. You cease to love them because you realize your love was one-sided and it's difficult to continue to love someone who doesn't love you back. It has nothing to do with change, it's not a transformation. It's a death.
~
We were trying a night alone together and so far it had gone well. I sank right into a feeling of comfort with him. There was a Vervain shaped dip in his side, almost as if he'd been made to cuddle me.
Thor had always been a little too large. Too large to snuggle with well. Too large for my bed. Too large for my life. Trevor fit just right. I smiled as I rubbed my cheek against his fresh cotton shirt. Nick was curled up against his other side, my cat taking to my wolf like they were litter mates. It was so perfect, it was scary.
~
I approached the first guy I came across, a buff babe with dark hair cut short and dark eyes. I had to hand it to Nyavirezi; she had good taste in men.
"Hey you," I called in my most friendly, I'm the new boss but I'm totally cool voice. "Do you know where Darius is?"
His eyes widened a second before he dropped to his knees and lowered his forehead to the ground. I guess my cool voice needed some work.
"Stop that," I bent over and tapped him on the head. "Get up now, it's a new regime in the lion kingdom… er, queendom… lionessdom. Now I'm sounding dumb." Before I could go on, the love magic took over, flowing down the link it had already established between us and calming his anxieties.
"Tima?" His voice was low and just as sexy as his body. He raised his eyes and met mine with a hesitant smile as he got to his feet.
Holy hot lions, Batman, didn't I have enough temptation as it was?
"You can call me Vervain," I patted him reassuringly. "And you are?" I know, you'd think having a magical connection would at least supply me with all of their names but it didn't seem to work like that.
"Lucian," he tilted his head and regarded me intently. Waiting for my next trick, looked like.
"Do you know where Darius is, Lucian?" What the hell, did they all have names straight out of a bodice ripper novel? I guess it matched their hot physiques. Then I remembered Alfred.
"Sure," he fully smiled. "I'll escort you to him if it pleases you."
"It would do much pleasing of the me," I laughed but he just smiled politely and held out his arm. "Whoa, you really meant escort, huh? Okay."
I took his arm and the boy puffed his chest out so far I was afraid he might float away. My lion balloon led me through the hallways and I was promptly lost. I hoped they didn't turn into scary possessive lions because I wasn't sure I could make it back to the tracing point on my own.
As we walked, we passed other lions, who dropped to the ground upon seeing me. I spent a great deal of time picking them up and telling them to lay off on the scary cult worship crap. From now on, Kool-Aid was off the menu for these boys.
February 6, 2018
Rating : 3 stars
July 12, 2015
Still having a love/hate relationship with this series. I love who Vervain has ended up with but she is constant drooling over all the male gods and its getting over the top. Its one thing to notice people are attractive its another to fantasize and have to practically run away cause you wanna screwed every body. She practically dry humps all the male characters.
May 30, 2020
Very slow burn RH. Don't expect the RH to start until you have read a few books. This is a plot driven series with 30 books and spinoff series.
It's awesome and I kinda love it so much I read the first 7 books back to back. Memorable characters with lots of action and a kickass FMC.
It's awesome and I kinda love it so much I read the first 7 books back to back. Memorable characters with lots of action and a kickass FMC.
July 27, 2018
This book for a second in a series was even better than the first! The lion shifter part has been my favorite! I realize that V is basically a goddess of love but it’s getting kinda irritating that everyone keeps falling in lust with her. I kinda just want her to have a happy ending but this girl has some really deep seated insecurities. It’s kinda causing her to manhop and unfortunately despite my wishes that this was a reverse harem it’s not that kind of book and she needs to get ahold of herself. She’s attracted to EVERYONE. It’s find to find people attracted but maybe she just needs to stay single a while because she has some issues. I see that this series has quite a few books. I hope she gets her crap together and makes some decisions cause my head is spinning.
December 30, 2021
That didn't go anywhere near where I expected it to. Just what the hell???? Oh my gosh. I just have no words. Banter is still awesome but now all the damn characters. I need book three..... I need it bad.
Also vote it's not a R/H because she isn't with any of them simultaneously. It's one at a time like cookies.
Also vote it's not a R/H because she isn't with any of them simultaneously. It's one at a time like cookies.
April 8, 2020
Book 16 complete.
August 21, 2017
3.5 stars
I desperately want to rate this higher. It's my favorite subgenre subgenre subgenre, but I just can't.
I like reverse harems, I like urban fantasy, I like a fighting woman, and I don't even mind the whole Mary Sue aspect.
What I do mind is the way her magic works in this book. Seriously, phrases like "butterflies of love", "my love magic" and "the love power" and variations therupon should be banned - not just from this book, from any book.
There is just too much insta-presto therapy, and "soul-healing" going on in this book.
It's all way too Kumbaya for me, and also - unrealistic, in a bad way.
She can just use her "love magic" to reach into people and immediately heal the scars from centuries of abuse? Ah, no thanks.
It also makes a lot of the characters seem kind of similiar, when she can just "heal" them and make them the perfect love interests.
I don't know if it's the only way the author can write a love affair, but I really dislike how cheesy and lovey-dovey Vervain acts - both when she was with Thor, but also with Trevor. Both parties seemed way too... into it. The men became completely imasculated in the relationship, in my opinion.
Which is why I'm rooting for Blue, or Odin (or maybe it's just because I'm a sucker for the powerhouses) - I'm hoping those two (especially the new and improved Blue) will take a bit of a harder line in a relationship, than Vervain's previous men have.
Overall - the soul healing "love magic" needs to be reduced, for my sanity's sake. I had the chorus to Bob Sinclair's "Love Generation" on a loop in my head for the first half of the book, and I was actually on the verge of scrapping the whole of it for being absolute hippie garbage.
I don't mind my Mary Sue's, but I need at least some characters who don't just worship every word out of her mouth, or just blindly adore her, for not-too-many reasons. On that front, I'm hoping Odin, and especially Blue, will provide some counterbalance to the bevy of lovestruck pets that Vervain is starting to accrue.
All in all, I'll probably start the next book relatively soon, if only because I've already scoured all the lists of urban fantasy, and I think this series is the best one that I haven't already read.
I desperately want to rate this higher. It's my favorite subgenre subgenre subgenre, but I just can't.
I like reverse harems, I like urban fantasy, I like a fighting woman, and I don't even mind the whole Mary Sue aspect.
What I do mind is the way her magic works in this book. Seriously, phrases like "butterflies of love", "my love magic" and "the love power" and variations therupon should be banned - not just from this book, from any book.
There is just too much insta-presto therapy, and "soul-healing" going on in this book.
It's all way too Kumbaya for me, and also - unrealistic, in a bad way.
She can just use her "love magic" to reach into people and immediately heal the scars from centuries of abuse? Ah, no thanks.
It also makes a lot of the characters seem kind of similiar, when she can just "heal" them and make them the perfect love interests.
I don't know if it's the only way the author can write a love affair, but I really dislike how cheesy and lovey-dovey Vervain acts - both when she was with Thor, but also with Trevor. Both parties seemed way too... into it. The men became completely imasculated in the relationship, in my opinion.
Which is why I'm rooting for Blue, or Odin (or maybe it's just because I'm a sucker for the powerhouses) - I'm hoping those two (especially the new and improved Blue) will take a bit of a harder line in a relationship, than Vervain's previous men have.
Overall - the soul healing "love magic" needs to be reduced, for my sanity's sake. I had the chorus to Bob Sinclair's "Love Generation" on a loop in my head for the first half of the book, and I was actually on the verge of scrapping the whole of it for being absolute hippie garbage.
I don't mind my Mary Sue's, but I need at least some characters who don't just worship every word out of her mouth, or just blindly adore her, for not-too-many reasons. On that front, I'm hoping Odin, and especially Blue, will provide some counterbalance to the bevy of lovestruck pets that Vervain is starting to accrue.
All in all, I'll probably start the next book relatively soon, if only because I've already scoured all the lists of urban fantasy, and I think this series is the best one that I haven't already read.
January 31, 2014
Vervain is back and knee deep in trouble all over again. She has made plenty of enemies, has quite a few men interested in her for one reason or another, and can't seem to stay out of the hunk of it for long. I love the humorous moments, the tender scenes, and the tough decisions. The characters may be gods, but they have more than a little humanity to harm, too. I am definitely getting the next book.
March 22, 2016
The explanation of mythological people is absolutely fascinating. The only question I have is; aren't the Atlanteans humans too? I mean I know they are and were ridiculously advanced, but I still find the fact that they refer to humans as another species to be an interesting part of these books.
That being said, this book and series has been 5 stars!!!
That being said, this book and series has been 5 stars!!!
April 10, 2018
Of Gods and Wolves begins a week after the events in the first book. Vervain is still adjusting to her new ‘love’ powers, as well as her new shinier look. She’s still got Thor, Trevor and the God Squad in her court, as well as Nick tangling around her feet. Blue is still out there being all twisted and cruel, Demeter is none to happy about her daughter moving in full time with Hades, and Trevor’s Dad, Fenrir, wants Vervain to prove her worth by either fighting or getting down and dirty with his son in front of all the wolves. What’s a girl to do?
So much happens in the first half of the book. Most of the threads with the antagonists from the first book are neatly tied off (for now), and we see enemy turn into friend. There are many new characters introduced. We get to meet Fenrir, the Wolf God, and all his wolves, Odin (no explanation needed), Loki (again, no explanation needed), and many different gods and goddesses as well as lion shifter men. Did I mention they were sexy lion shifter men? Mmm, only about 80 sexy lion shifter men (whaaat?).
Sumida has once again expertly pierced together many different myths and cultures - I really liked the Rwandan touches - to weave a unique chapter in the Godhunter series. Sumida’s writing is flawless and strong, her characters are complex and her world building is awesome. I did feel that the majority of the action featured in the first half of the book, the second felt more like the beginning of another book. I’m also not a huge fan of Trevor. He comes across as young and childish, and sometimes appears to be missing some human intelligence (he is a wolf, I guess). He’s not the only one like it though; give me an alpha male any day, these simpering men who do as Vervain bids just don’t quite do it for me.
I wouldn’t call this book slow burn, but for those reverse harem fans; it is definitely a slow build. So far I’m enjoying the ride; I know it’s early days yet in the series for me but I’m looking forward to seeing where Sumida takes everyone - and what other myths and cultures make an appearance.
So much happens in the first half of the book. Most of the threads with the antagonists from the first book are neatly tied off (for now), and we see enemy turn into friend. There are many new characters introduced. We get to meet Fenrir, the Wolf God, and all his wolves, Odin (no explanation needed), Loki (again, no explanation needed), and many different gods and goddesses as well as lion shifter men. Did I mention they were sexy lion shifter men? Mmm, only about 80 sexy lion shifter men (whaaat?).
Sumida has once again expertly pierced together many different myths and cultures - I really liked the Rwandan touches - to weave a unique chapter in the Godhunter series. Sumida’s writing is flawless and strong, her characters are complex and her world building is awesome. I did feel that the majority of the action featured in the first half of the book, the second felt more like the beginning of another book. I’m also not a huge fan of Trevor. He comes across as young and childish, and sometimes appears to be missing some human intelligence (he is a wolf, I guess). He’s not the only one like it though; give me an alpha male any day, these simpering men who do as Vervain bids just don’t quite do it for me.
I wouldn’t call this book slow burn, but for those reverse harem fans; it is definitely a slow build. So far I’m enjoying the ride; I know it’s early days yet in the series for me but I’m looking forward to seeing where Sumida takes everyone - and what other myths and cultures make an appearance.
May 19, 2018
4.5 Stars
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I really liked this installment in the Godhunter series. It was fast paced and constantly had my attention. Amy Sumida does a great job of balancing the plot and the character driven plot lines. There is just enough of both to appeal to a person that prefers plot and to a person who prefers character development. I really like that about this series.
I love Vervain. She always has me laughing and I really enjoy her inner monologue. I appreciate how much Vervain struggles with doing what she wants to do and doing what she thinks is right. I think that that aspect of her character makes her seem more realistic and I connect with her more because of it.
One thing I was shocked about was the number of inspirational quotes in this book. There were a lot of things that Vervain said in her head that stood out to me and really made me think. They were mainly about relationships and dealing with break ups. I found a lot of them to be very true and very inspirational to me.
Another thing I really like about this series is how realistic it is when it comes to relationships. I really appreciate the fact that Vervain grows out of some of her relationships and I thought how she struggled with her feelings towards others was very realistic. While her breaking up with Thor was heartbreaking to me, I can appreciate the fact that the author did it. It really makes this series different and lets me know that Vervain is not going to always stay with the person she is with just because she loves him. It makes the relationships between characters all the more real.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I will be continuing the series with Oathbreaker and I hope I enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed this one. I really look forward to reading it.
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I really liked this installment in the Godhunter series. It was fast paced and constantly had my attention. Amy Sumida does a great job of balancing the plot and the character driven plot lines. There is just enough of both to appeal to a person that prefers plot and to a person who prefers character development. I really like that about this series.
I love Vervain. She always has me laughing and I really enjoy her inner monologue. I appreciate how much Vervain struggles with doing what she wants to do and doing what she thinks is right. I think that that aspect of her character makes her seem more realistic and I connect with her more because of it.
One thing I was shocked about was the number of inspirational quotes in this book. There were a lot of things that Vervain said in her head that stood out to me and really made me think. They were mainly about relationships and dealing with break ups. I found a lot of them to be very true and very inspirational to me.
Another thing I really like about this series is how realistic it is when it comes to relationships. I really appreciate the fact that Vervain grows out of some of her relationships and I thought how she struggled with her feelings towards others was very realistic. While her breaking up with Thor was heartbreaking to me, I can appreciate the fact that the author did it. It really makes this series different and lets me know that Vervain is not going to always stay with the person she is with just because she loves him. It makes the relationships between characters all the more real.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I will be continuing the series with Oathbreaker and I hope I enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed this one. I really look forward to reading it.
November 13, 2023
Enjoyed it!
I'm so sorry but I was over Thor from the last book... like why?! I mean seriously he was not really for her or at least not what I would envision she would need. Now. We gor Trevor who was great when he was number 2 only now he's so jealous and we are suppose to end up with a Harem? Seriously? I get that he'd likely accept it if he's forced to because she's got no alternative, which I hate to say it, is exactly where I see this going.
I thunk my problem with reverse harem stories stems from this. I don't particularly like that it's only a thing because of something that has to be because she'll die if she doesn't. For some reason to me this cheapens the Harem fantasy. I mean men who have Harems don't have to have a reason other than "they love them all" so bah! It's like having an alpha male share is only possible if you make it detrimental to the survival of the character.
Besides that gripe the story was good though unresolved which frankly I would have figured the whole book would have enco.passed this in its entirety and I'm a little disappointed that now its getting carried over into another one or more who knows. I also am not sure I like the whole I'm draining goddesses and will one day be the ultimate power!!! Mwahaha ...
There is sometimes just things that are described to a minutea level that is unnecessarily wordy. It reminds me of when I read False Memories by Dean Koontz and was passed at the end because I forced myself to finish whole chapters that had no reason to be there!
Oops forgot I gotta pick up my groceries! Happy reading!
I'm so sorry but I was over Thor from the last book... like why?! I mean seriously he was not really for her or at least not what I would envision she would need. Now. We gor Trevor who was great when he was number 2 only now he's so jealous and we are suppose to end up with a Harem? Seriously? I get that he'd likely accept it if he's forced to because she's got no alternative, which I hate to say it, is exactly where I see this going.
I thunk my problem with reverse harem stories stems from this. I don't particularly like that it's only a thing because of something that has to be because she'll die if she doesn't. For some reason to me this cheapens the Harem fantasy. I mean men who have Harems don't have to have a reason other than "they love them all" so bah! It's like having an alpha male share is only possible if you make it detrimental to the survival of the character.
Besides that gripe the story was good though unresolved which frankly I would have figured the whole book would have enco.passed this in its entirety and I'm a little disappointed that now its getting carried over into another one or more who knows. I also am not sure I like the whole I'm draining goddesses and will one day be the ultimate power!!! Mwahaha ...
There is sometimes just things that are described to a minutea level that is unnecessarily wordy. It reminds me of when I read False Memories by Dean Koontz and was passed at the end because I forced myself to finish whole chapters that had no reason to be there!
Oops forgot I gotta pick up my groceries! Happy reading!
February 17, 2017
I'm quite conflicted about this book and series. I really wanted to like it more than I did. There were definitely some scenes and characters (Trevor) that I loved; however, most scenes felt disconnected from each other, and I do not always like Vervain's personality throughout the book. This book starts directly where the last left off. While that might seem good to some, to me is made it apparent that the main action/plot of the last story did not get resolved. The problem with Blue got resolved within a few paragraphs within the first couple chapters of the books. It almost felt like a throw-away to get to another part of the story. Speaking of the story, I've noticed that Amy Sumida can get quite long-winded in her descriptions, which made me lose interest in what I was reading between the action. The plot-twists were very predictable, and something bad was happening almost all the time. I would have preferred a more succinct story that could control the plotlines and use one overarching plot/villain. I have no idea if I want to try the next book. I feel like this story did not resolve anything major thing anyway.
November 10, 2018
Enjoyable
Liked the concept of a witch godhunter, with confusing relationships tween gods, their offspring, werewolves, werelions, a multitude of confusing issues etc.
It is definitely an adult book, because the sex, descriptions of past and current expressions are pornographic, leaving me glad I was not listening to the scene in my car with my 80+ year old mother, just my wife. I would have been extremely embarassed, but was only made uncomfortable.
But I will try the next book, because her details of the scenes are exquisite, reminding me of my own time spent on Oahu in the early 80's. I also like her insights and views on relationships, psychology.
Liked the concept of a witch godhunter, with confusing relationships tween gods, their offspring, werewolves, werelions, a multitude of confusing issues etc.
It is definitely an adult book, because the sex, descriptions of past and current expressions are pornographic, leaving me glad I was not listening to the scene in my car with my 80+ year old mother, just my wife. I would have been extremely embarassed, but was only made uncomfortable.
But I will try the next book, because her details of the scenes are exquisite, reminding me of my own time spent on Oahu in the early 80's. I also like her insights and views on relationships, psychology.
April 20, 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
I'm still very invested in this story. The tumultuous relationship with Thor and the emergence of Trevor were more firmly developed in this installment. Blue's back and forth was enough to give me whiplash. The lion thing was a little over-the-top, but again, I was able to suspend my disbelief for the. good of the story. Even the creepy run-in with Odin just made me more interested.
Am I going through some kind of break from reality due to quarantine, or is this series actually good? I'm not confident enough in my mental state to answer that question honestly. BUT, it's entertaining me, and right now, that's worth its weight in gold.
I'm still very invested in this story. The tumultuous relationship with Thor and the emergence of Trevor were more firmly developed in this installment. Blue's back and forth was enough to give me whiplash. The lion thing was a little over-the-top, but again, I was able to suspend my disbelief for the. good of the story. Even the creepy run-in with Odin just made me more interested.
Am I going through some kind of break from reality due to quarantine, or is this series actually good? I'm not confident enough in my mental state to answer that question honestly. BUT, it's entertaining me, and right now, that's worth its weight in gold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
Myths and legends.
Vervain Lavine is with Thor but the wolf prince, Trevor, is bonded to her. Then his father, Fenrir, wants the bond broken so she has to prove herself to keep both her and Trevor alive. Luckily she now has Aphrodite’s powers because ‘proving herself’ means fighting three wolves opponents! As if that isn’t enough, Demeter is after her blood and Blue seems to be up to his old tricks! As usual Amy Sumida has written an action packed adventure romance with a tough heroine.
Vervain Lavine is with Thor but the wolf prince, Trevor, is bonded to her. Then his father, Fenrir, wants the bond broken so she has to prove herself to keep both her and Trevor alive. Luckily she now has Aphrodite’s powers because ‘proving herself’ means fighting three wolves opponents! As if that isn’t enough, Demeter is after her blood and Blue seems to be up to his old tricks! As usual Amy Sumida has written an action packed adventure romance with a tough heroine.
October 28, 2018
Well better than the first but I’m not sure this counts as RH, it’s more a checklist of guys to mark off and move onto the next one. Plenty of characters old and new. Light hearted but contains triggers. Loki was just vile. I liked Kirill he was sweet and so was Fenrir. The humour and sarcasm was there. Didn’t like Thor or how certain characters seem to become like him when given the chance. Fast paced, violent with smut.
September 16, 2017
Of Gods and Wolves
Book two in the Godhunter series is just as good as the first! Vervain the kick ass heroine that has you rolling in laughter with her snarky remarks is a joy. The myths, gods, legends and action will keep you on the edge of your seat. I'm in love with this series!
Book two in the Godhunter series is just as good as the first! Vervain the kick ass heroine that has you rolling in laughter with her snarky remarks is a joy. The myths, gods, legends and action will keep you on the edge of your seat. I'm in love with this series!
January 22, 2019
Good read.
I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first, but I definitely enjoyed it. There's a lot of story, and it got a teeny bit jumbled through the middle. I lost interest a bit. It doesn't get slow, ever. All that continuously fast paced storytelling CAN get a tiny bit monotonous. All in all it's a good read, just be prepared for action.
I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first, but I definitely enjoyed it. There's a lot of story, and it got a teeny bit jumbled through the middle. I lost interest a bit. It doesn't get slow, ever. All that continuously fast paced storytelling CAN get a tiny bit monotonous. All in all it's a good read, just be prepared for action.
December 24, 2019
Five Stars
I can’t say enough about this author. Her books are a favorite of mine. Every time I read a new series, it’s my favorite because I’m reading it at that moment. If you like a slow burn RH with an actual story you can
get lost in, start here with this author. With Spectra. With her Godhunter series. With Twilight Court.
I can’t say enough about this author. Her books are a favorite of mine. Every time I read a new series, it’s my favorite because I’m reading it at that moment. If you like a slow burn RH with an actual story you can
get lost in, start here with this author. With Spectra. With her Godhunter series. With Twilight Court.
August 6, 2020
Damned amazing (spoilers)
Didn't see that coming, new men equals new challenges. Thor messed up but she's never alone for long. Vervain's got new problems to solve with vengeful goddesses and sorting out her bond to the woof prince. Currently still one guy can't wait to read more. JL
Didn't see that coming, new men equals new challenges. Thor messed up but she's never alone for long. Vervain's got new problems to solve with vengeful goddesses and sorting out her bond to the woof prince. Currently still one guy can't wait to read more. JL
March 14, 2017
Story still going strong
These books are super long which I love!! And the story is going strong! I really enjoy the story and the world that has been created can't wait to see how it continues!
These books are super long which I love!! And the story is going strong! I really enjoy the story and the world that has been created can't wait to see how it continues!
June 12, 2017
Great follow-up
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. I was a little sad relationships shifted around a bit but loved the addition of 87 new characters. ;) Poor Vervain always has her hands full. I am excited to continue with book 3.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. I was a little sad relationships shifted around a bit but loved the addition of 87 new characters. ;) Poor Vervain always has her hands full. I am excited to continue with book 3.
June 23, 2017
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I can understand why some people may find Vervain irritating but isn't that just the point? She is someone who deals with trouble by turning it into a joke (or a movie quote) and that just who she is. Looking forward to book 3.
August 5, 2017
Again the plot and character development left a lot to be desired. I liked Vervain much more, Odin was an interesting new character, but Thor and Blue could have been more... just more. Having said that I found this book to be much better than the first one.
January 17, 2018
She grows on you
I am 100 o/o Verbs in now. She really grew on me in this book. And I totally get why Trevor is better for her then Thor, bot boy oh boy does she have her pick of hotties.
I am 100 o/o Verbs in now. She really grew on me in this book. And I totally get why Trevor is better for her then Thor, bot boy oh boy does she have her pick of hotties.
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