Aquarius

Masters of the Zodiac #5

by Poppy Flynn

Betrayed. Stoic. Broken

Five years after the woman he loved stole his destiny, Carter Hayes finds her again in the most unlikely of places. And from the moment he lays eyes on Skye, it’s clear his hunger for her hasn’t waned a bit during their time apart.

Now they’re trapped, forced to relive those wild, passion-filled nights, as well as their darkest, most painful moments, while the guild they serve is taken hostage.

But a guild coup isn’t their only problem. Carter’s own family is working against him, and unless he can let go of the past, he’ll lose his rightful place in the Aquarius guild…

And a future he never knew he wanted.

Twelve Signs. Twelve Guilds. Twelve destinies about to unfold.
One by one, the new Masters will be called to take their rightful place in history. But the path to greatness is not an easy one, and each will have their own battles to fight along the way. And if they refuse, if they turn their back on destiny, they stand to lose more than just the title of Master.
Because it isn’t only their futures on the line, but their hearts as well.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2023

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story that I have read in the Zodiac books. I really feel that Poppy Flynn has outdone herself in writing a well balanced story full of action and drama with lots of intrigue in fighting for what is right for Carter and Skye. The intimacy between these characters is spicy at best and the eventually find their happily ever after. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

terrific Paranormal romance 🥰

I love a good paranormal romance and this is one of the better ones. It has lots of danger and action and a good amount of smutty scenes as well. There is a nice HEA and I recommend this book and the series

[Melissa Headrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this with no expectation. I love the cover model & I've enjoyed the authors writing style and figured I could get into anything, zodiac always being an interest of mine. What a delight!! If you are familiar with Flynns Serendipity world this is set in a connected universe. A wonderful surprise! While our "bad guys" are pretty predictable they prove elusive for most of this story. The first half is down right otherworldly. If you know the Serendipity world you'll be right at home with the fantastical scenarios Flynn builds that come from the far recess of imagination. I'm always blown away by these things. She keeps the solution just out of reach for most of the book and I find myself turning page after page as I have time and thinking about it when I couldn't get back to it. Lovely strange trip that reads like a fever dream sometimes but in a delightful way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Aquarius', a second-chance romance, by Poppy Flynn is the fifth book in the "Masters of the Zodiac" series. Carter Hayes was born under the Aquarius sign in a Capricorn family. If you've been following the series then you know from previous works that Capricorns strategically plan their pregnancies so their children are born within their own zodiac sign. Carter missed becoming a Capricorn by ten minutes and paid a high price for it from his family. He was also marked as the Aquarius Guild Master but wanted nothing to do with the Guild or the position and rejected it. His fiancé at the time, Skye, wound up becoming his Proxy. That decision ultimately became the catalyst that destroyed their relationship. Five years later they come face to face. Their bumping into each other starts a domino of events that becomes harrowing, not only for them but for the Guild. This storyline is gripping, intense, and enthralling. The character's personalities are so relatable in their reactions that it's easy to root for them through all the trials they're put through. Of course, there is a good vs. evil element that kept my heart rate up but that's what made it all the more enticing.

[Leisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess my first issue is that this is the 5th book in Poppy Flynn's Masters of the Zodiac series which left me slightly concerned as to whether I would be able to successfully navigate the overall plot of the series in general having just picked up this instalment and not the previous books. Thankfully I was able to successfully understand this story's plot without the previous four books but look forward to catching up on them to construct the bigger picture that usually comes with a series. I thought this was a very creative concept based on the signs of the zodiac and the whole paranormal romance factor. I loved the characters of Skye and Carter and the emotional upheavals they experienced on the books journey. Great balance of romance, including kink, action, hostile takeover, strong female character and enough suspension to keep readers wanting more with each page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter isn't happy when he sees Skye for the first time in 5 years. She broke his heart and stole his destiny, not that he wanted the job of Aquarius Guild Master. Now that they're thrown together, the Guild has been hijacked, and only Carter and Skye can save things, but only if they make it out.

This is more than a romance, it's an adventure too. Carter strives to become the man Skye needs in the end, but wow, the journey to get to that point! The author tied the book into her Serendipity series, which I loved. Of course, our Hero and heroine get their HEA, which was delicious. This is the fifth in the series, although they are all written as stand alone books. Aquarius is well worth the one click, and not to be missed.

I received a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving my unbiased review.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great fun! I love Poppy Flynn’s books and this is a great addition. I love the links to the Serendipity series as the connection draws the reader further into the book. The story and the series is engaging, I am looking forwards to reading more of the series.
I like the storyline and the pace of the book. The characters are great. I love Skye and her sweetness and loyalty. Carter is a mix of sharp, funny, sexy and grumpy. He’s on a journey that changes his way of looking at life and the direction of his world and it is a journey worth taking alongside him. I enjoyed the glimpses and partial return of familiar characters from other books and would enjoy reading more crossovers set in this world/with these characters.
Another fantastic book from this author.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aquarius is Poppy Flynn's contribution to the multi-author series Masters of the Zodiak and it is a winner! The theme is good vs. evil, nature vs. nurture, trusting fate and destiny vs. planning and scheming. It's a fast-paced, nerve-wrecking suspense more than a romance, although there are a few very steamy sexy times with a kinky twist. In the end, the villains get their just desserts and Carter and Skye the HEA they deserve. Even though I'm normally not a fan of paranormal romances, this one will go on my keeper shelf to be read again!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the multi-author series where the Zodiac rules people's lives. Carter has been declared the Master of Aquarius, but he does not want it and refuses. Of course, this doesn't make a difference to the guild and Skye must take up the burden for him, even though she is not the Master. When the two meet again at a party, they are trapped together and need to work together to get themselves free and solve the puzzle of who wants to take over the guild. Great story and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advance copy via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter is the Aquarius Master but does not want the position. His girlfriend Skye became his proxy in the position and later a devious person told him she was betraying and deceiving him. Five years later and all kinds of dangerous situations arise courtesy of that same devious person plus another. The characters are well detailed, the storyline is fast-paced and unexpected. Plenty of steam, revelations, secrets, mind altering coffee, magic, voices from the past and a wonderful future in the making. Fantastic series that just keeps sucking you in more and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Dived into this story without knowing what to expect nor reading the other books in the series so was just expecting a straight forward BDSM romance. But it was a lot more, with a mix of paranormal, second chance romance and a bit of kink woven in. It was an interesting and engaging read but may be more enjoyable if I had read the earlier books as it felt like I was missing a chunk of info and links to the earlier books. It also felt like there were some gaps in this story but things do finally work out for Carter and Skye and they get their deserved HEA.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting story by Poppy Flynn. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I love reading second chance stories. I loved the interactions between Skye and Carter. Skye and Carter were going to get married before something happened that broke them up. Carter is the Aquarius Master even though he doesn't want to be. He runs from that responsibility and Skye has been acting in his stead. When they run into each other years later, things start happening. Will they figure out what is happening before it's too late?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is like the mature version of a YA paranormal romance. Also central to the story is the second chance romance between Carter and Skye after the enemy's manipulation caused misunderstanding that broke them apart. The plot was easy to follow and quite predictable, nothing really new, and the conflicts were solved neatly at the end. A nice and light read if you like the combo of second chance romance, paranormal zodiac world and D/S dynamic.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

That book begins a bit like a road trip with 2 ex lovers turned enemies. I thought their HEA would be at the end of the journey, I created in my head a nice and neat explanation for all that was happening.
Then, my theory exploded, the nice journey became a mystery thriller and I couldn't put the book down. Poppy Flynn has created not only a well written story with wonderful characters but also a series of events that guarantees a wild ride before the much deserved HEA.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a good series and Poppy Flynn has written a story that fits perfectly with the others. Carter and Skye used to be together until they were torn apart by lies. The lies and betrayal kept them apart until they end up together again. Can they figure out what is going on within the Guild? Action, danger and the steamy scenes made this a wonderful read. Can't wait for the next book!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I've read written by Poppy Flynn; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fifth book in the Masters of the Zodiac Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Skye & Carter.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was what I was hoping for in the Masters of the Zodiac series, I had enjoyed the previous entries and loved the concepts of the Zodiac. The characters were what I expected and it worked as a paranormal romance. I enjoyed what Poppy Flynn wrote.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance story with a twist of mystery that brings Carter and Skye back together after lies pushed them apart. Now they are working to figure out who wants to take over the guild.

Good read that had me turning the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be the first to admit that paranormal romances are not something I read, so I wasn't sure if I'd like this book for not. Interestingly enough, it's more of a paranormal, second chance love story with a little bit of kink and suspense. Overall, an enjoyable read. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth story in the "Masters of the Zodiac" series. I have not read any of the others and find this to be a stand alone read. This one is about Carter and Skye. It is an intriguing read with good blend of action and drama. I enjoyed how the story developed. I think the author did a good job with the plot and characters.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the series but is a standalone A bunch of authors each wrote one of the zodiac signs. This is Carter and Skylar's story. It's a second chance romance. This was an interesting and entertaining story. This story has chemistry, betrayal, lies, deceit, alternate universe, love, loss.

I received an ARC from BookSprout and volunteered to leave a review.

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a absolute page turner. I fell right into the story. The characters have depth and are believable. This book had the right amount of heat. Loved it !.

I received a free copy of this book and i am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter felt betrayed by his fiancé and cut her off completely. Skye knew she messed up, but it wasn’t what he believed. Both were victims. And it doesn’t stop there. In fact, it gets worse. Get ready for a wild ride of emotions and a twist you won’t see coming.

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of Carter and Skye meeting again after they split up because of lies told about each other. As an Aquarius myself I was intrigued. It is an action packed book. Lots of mysteries, deceit and a HEA to finish. Absolutely loved it

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me at page one and the wild ride didn’t stop. Skye and Caters story had me going through all the emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Summer Steelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those days when a sweet simple romance just doesn't cut it? When you need something more? How about a sexy, angry guild master with a broken heart? Yes, please!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story contains plenty of drama and intrigue which were well crafted to play off each other wonderfully. I enjoyed the characters and the steamy scenes in which they starred. This book was an enjoyable read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water Everywhere

I'm finding each of these novels to be interesting reads. Most can be read as individual books, though sometimes things happen in another novel that gets mentioned in another book. I'm trying to read them in order. Lol

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a romance book that will suck you right into the story and consume you! I loved this story and this book has everything you could ever want from a romance book. Definitely a must read!

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This was an action packed, angst filled addition to the Masters of the zodiac series. Great characters and a good solid storyline