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G.O.D.S #2
Checkmate: Gifted. Obedient. Deadly. Students
Team Zeus were designed to protect Jolie and they swore that they would do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if that meant she would never forgive them. They have been trying for years to take down the owner of Olympia Corp–Mr. Z. Which has proven easier said than done.
Jolie is no longer the little girl they swore to protect, she is all grown up and refuses to be the same person she used to be. She has finally figured out all of the secrets and lies but at what cost? To have it all ripped away and her heart left shattered in pieces. She has no choice but to pull herself together to get the vengeance she deserves.
With her armour in place, Jolie plans to get close to Mr. Z and exploit his weakness, so he’ll let his guard down.
Old wounds are reopened, and lessons are learned. One way or another, she will bide her time and use her gifts to find her way back into Olympia and take it all down.
Brick by brick.
Once and for all.
Jolie is no longer the little girl they swore to protect, she is all grown up and refuses to be the same person she used to be. She has finally figured out all of the secrets and lies but at what cost? To have it all ripped away and her heart left shattered in pieces. She has no choice but to pull herself together to get the vengeance she deserves.
With her armour in place, Jolie plans to get close to Mr. Z and exploit his weakness, so he’ll let his guard down.
Old wounds are reopened, and lessons are learned. One way or another, she will bide her time and use her gifts to find her way back into Olympia and take it all down.
Brick by brick.
Once and for all.
314 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2022
571 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 30, 2025
Still too many holes in the plot
The book still has too many conceptual issues, in other words, holes in the plot, and still isn't giving adequate lead in or segue between chapters or major scenarios. By 59%, I was fairly certain I wouldn't finish this mess. Who would want these manipulative users? An idiot who doesn't expect or demand to be treated with respect, who thinks with her genitals first and never gets around to using her brain, who's so shallow that all it takes is a pretty face and/or a cut bod to turn her head and let her get run through the wringer and lied to all the time, who never holds those around her to account for lying, manipulating and hurting her, that's who. This is a non-sensical train wreck: only a weak libido-led moron would let people treat her this way. It makes all her tough talk that much more frustrating because it's all hot air, and she never does what she says, never holds anybody to any consequences. I am so over this stupid set of genitalia on legs without a brain or standards. I want more than a doormat that brags a lot and swaggers around only to do nothing in the end. By the half-way point with no explanation and few if any details about why action is occurring thrown in at the last minute or as an afterthought to cover up for lack of consistent development or to explain a contradiction from earlier in the story, it all makes the book feel haphazard rather than thoroughly built story that's supported throughout. Overall, the plot just seems riddled with blanket statements being thrown in out of the blue to cover up storyline contradictions or fix overlooked loose plot points. It is hard not to stay frustrated between the plot and the doormat female lead with a big mouth, so I can't get into it and enjoy the story.
Let me explain to you what happens when the female lead doesn't follow through on her tough talk/thoughts and there are NEVER any consequences for lying and the gross level of manipulation outlined in this: it means all those lies and that manipulation are meaningless, and she's all talk, nothing but a blowhard and not the badass the author is trying for. All the tough talk ends up making her look pathetic when she doesn't follow through, it doesn't develop her character other than to show that she's a coward that won't follow through on her threats and that she's choosing to let people mistreat her and is completely ineffectual. It doesn't impress anyone who actually values independent strong women or make them feel sympathy for this whiny big mouth doormat. I rolled my eyes at all the flowery declarations of love that were thrown in (along with sex scenes) when a strong woman with self-respect would be kicking butts and taking no prisoners. Instead, it's frustrating to see somebody willing to let people treat them like crud and still fall into bed with them. I'm all for taking control of your sexuality but have some freaking standards and stop rewarding people for treating you like garbage -- it isn't sexy or romantic, and I am. So. Very. Over. It.
Conceptual issues:
The excuse that team Zeus was forced to fight to the death and kill team Hades or Mr Z would hurt Jolie doesn't hold water because supposedly she's the most valuable asset Mr. Z has, and he couldn't hurt her or chance her hating him and becoming uncooperative, or worse running or killing herself, so this just isn't a believable excuse to kill off the other team. At least she should see through this, but so far, she doesn't. She's too dumb.
Then, the whole, "I need to use my body to get close to Chester," is just as hollow. It is as if the author has thrown this in to make excuses for why she's sexing up one of the guys she supposedly hates to justify why her character is not following through on her vow of vengeance against the guys who killed her team. There is owning your sexuality and then there's acting/being cheap, desperately throwing your body and sex at males in a bid to get attention despite how unworthy they are of either your body or your attention. She's the latter, cheap, desperate attention-seeking, whiny, shallow. Quite frankly, at this point in the storyline, I'm sick of this female lead, frustrated with badass talk and lack of delivery, and I seriously doubt I'm going through to the next book. With all the, "I hate them I'm going to make them pay," and then never doing anything, she seems like a mouthy braggart -- one of those people that swagger around, talk a big game and then cower when they actually have to deliver on their claims or are too shallow to stick with any course of action. Jolie just flits from one sexual encounter to another even when she swears she won't. So much for doing what you say. She is completely unreliable and cannot be trusted to hold fast to anything she says. This also is the perfect example of how the sex scenes are plopped in out of the middle of nowhere and incongruous with the overall action, as if they've been wedged in with a crowbar into a place they don't fit.
Then the counseling thing, seriously, you'd think it obvious a person needs to trust their counselor at least have faith in them but she no longer trusts Brennan as far as she can throw him and she can't pick him up, so what the hell? The thought that she would accept help from one of the pieces of poo that made her feel this way makes me see red and basically just give up on the character? She's described as this massive badass, bad attitude, misanthropic cynic, yet she complies and follows along with everything asked of her like a good little submissive robot or puppet. If it were any of the independent, non-conformist, frquently betrayed, neglected, exploited or abused until jaded, foster kids I knew they would just refuse to comply, wouldn't go to the guidance counselor, or if they went wouldn't talk, and they would definitely tell Kai to get his ass away and stay away. Real deep seated grief and real hatred from betrayal are not short-term linear recoveries and being jaded or cynical would make that process much more difficult and longer to work through and it certainly wouldn't happen around the dickheads that caused the problem in the first place. The other friends, yeah, I could see giving in and hanging out a bit, but she already had suspicions that they're part of the overall conspiracy, so you'd think she would be cautious about that too. She's just too freaking trusting and gullible for somebody who's supposed to be a saavy cynical foster kid, so her compliance just makes her look like a puppet or a monumentally unintelligent and shallow person.
If she really wanted to screw up Mr Z's plans she should just get a syringe full of something that would kill her, get into the crematorium, shoot herself up with the poison after timing the crematorium to start after she's dead and have it burn her up, eliminating all of her ovum and her DNA, then he'd have nothing! Cheerio, win, win.
The book still has too many conceptual issues, in other words, holes in the plot, and still isn't giving adequate lead in or segue between chapters or major scenarios. By 59%, I was fairly certain I wouldn't finish this mess. Who would want these manipulative users? An idiot who doesn't expect or demand to be treated with respect, who thinks with her genitals first and never gets around to using her brain, who's so shallow that all it takes is a pretty face and/or a cut bod to turn her head and let her get run through the wringer and lied to all the time, who never holds those around her to account for lying, manipulating and hurting her, that's who. This is a non-sensical train wreck: only a weak libido-led moron would let people treat her this way. It makes all her tough talk that much more frustrating because it's all hot air, and she never does what she says, never holds anybody to any consequences. I am so over this stupid set of genitalia on legs without a brain or standards. I want more than a doormat that brags a lot and swaggers around only to do nothing in the end. By the half-way point with no explanation and few if any details about why action is occurring thrown in at the last minute or as an afterthought to cover up for lack of consistent development or to explain a contradiction from earlier in the story, it all makes the book feel haphazard rather than thoroughly built story that's supported throughout. Overall, the plot just seems riddled with blanket statements being thrown in out of the blue to cover up storyline contradictions or fix overlooked loose plot points. It is hard not to stay frustrated between the plot and the doormat female lead with a big mouth, so I can't get into it and enjoy the story.
Let me explain to you what happens when the female lead doesn't follow through on her tough talk/thoughts and there are NEVER any consequences for lying and the gross level of manipulation outlined in this: it means all those lies and that manipulation are meaningless, and she's all talk, nothing but a blowhard and not the badass the author is trying for. All the tough talk ends up making her look pathetic when she doesn't follow through, it doesn't develop her character other than to show that she's a coward that won't follow through on her threats and that she's choosing to let people mistreat her and is completely ineffectual. It doesn't impress anyone who actually values independent strong women or make them feel sympathy for this whiny big mouth doormat. I rolled my eyes at all the flowery declarations of love that were thrown in (along with sex scenes) when a strong woman with self-respect would be kicking butts and taking no prisoners. Instead, it's frustrating to see somebody willing to let people treat them like crud and still fall into bed with them. I'm all for taking control of your sexuality but have some freaking standards and stop rewarding people for treating you like garbage -- it isn't sexy or romantic, and I am. So. Very. Over. It.
Conceptual issues:
The excuse that team Zeus was forced to fight to the death and kill team Hades or Mr Z would hurt Jolie doesn't hold water because supposedly she's the most valuable asset Mr. Z has, and he couldn't hurt her or chance her hating him and becoming uncooperative, or worse running or killing herself, so this just isn't a believable excuse to kill off the other team. At least she should see through this, but so far, she doesn't. She's too dumb.
Then, the whole, "I need to use my body to get close to Chester," is just as hollow. It is as if the author has thrown this in to make excuses for why she's sexing up one of the guys she supposedly hates to justify why her character is not following through on her vow of vengeance against the guys who killed her team. There is owning your sexuality and then there's acting/being cheap, desperately throwing your body and sex at males in a bid to get attention despite how unworthy they are of either your body or your attention. She's the latter, cheap, desperate attention-seeking, whiny, shallow. Quite frankly, at this point in the storyline, I'm sick of this female lead, frustrated with badass talk and lack of delivery, and I seriously doubt I'm going through to the next book. With all the, "I hate them I'm going to make them pay," and then never doing anything, she seems like a mouthy braggart -- one of those people that swagger around, talk a big game and then cower when they actually have to deliver on their claims or are too shallow to stick with any course of action. Jolie just flits from one sexual encounter to another even when she swears she won't. So much for doing what you say. She is completely unreliable and cannot be trusted to hold fast to anything she says. This also is the perfect example of how the sex scenes are plopped in out of the middle of nowhere and incongruous with the overall action, as if they've been wedged in with a crowbar into a place they don't fit.
Then the counseling thing, seriously, you'd think it obvious a person needs to trust their counselor at least have faith in them but she no longer trusts Brennan as far as she can throw him and she can't pick him up, so what the hell? The thought that she would accept help from one of the pieces of poo that made her feel this way makes me see red and basically just give up on the character? She's described as this massive badass, bad attitude, misanthropic cynic, yet she complies and follows along with everything asked of her like a good little submissive robot or puppet. If it were any of the independent, non-conformist, frquently betrayed, neglected, exploited or abused until jaded, foster kids I knew they would just refuse to comply, wouldn't go to the guidance counselor, or if they went wouldn't talk, and they would definitely tell Kai to get his ass away and stay away. Real deep seated grief and real hatred from betrayal are not short-term linear recoveries and being jaded or cynical would make that process much more difficult and longer to work through and it certainly wouldn't happen around the dickheads that caused the problem in the first place. The other friends, yeah, I could see giving in and hanging out a bit, but she already had suspicions that they're part of the overall conspiracy, so you'd think she would be cautious about that too. She's just too freaking trusting and gullible for somebody who's supposed to be a saavy cynical foster kid, so her compliance just makes her look like a puppet or a monumentally unintelligent and shallow person.
If she really wanted to screw up Mr Z's plans she should just get a syringe full of something that would kill her, get into the crematorium, shoot herself up with the poison after timing the crematorium to start after she's dead and have it burn her up, eliminating all of her ovum and her DNA, then he'd have nothing! Cheerio, win, win.
January 22, 2022
I have been dying to get my hands on this baby after that epic cliffy we were left with in G.O.D.S and let me tell you I was not disappointed! Jolie is completely beside herself and her heart has been shattered. My heart broke. For Jolie at her loss for Team Hades and honestly I did t want to like Team Zeus not even a little bit but as we dive deeper in the story you come to understand where they where coming from and that they really didn’t have a choice and they begin to melt your heart. Jolie and the guys have their relationship growing pains but seeing how much they fit together and how much they love and care for her is undeniable. There are so many surprises and twists and turns that I cannot mention without spoilers just know that this book was MFKN amazing and I am loving this series so much!!!
January 18, 2022
Checkmate
Ummm...I'm not sure what to say! I feel like anything I write would lead to spoilers and I really don't want to do that with this book. The beginning does pick up from the ending of book 1 with her team being gone. I really felt for Jolie, no one ever wants to go through that. I will say that I am thrilled for book 3! Gah...😍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ummm...I'm not sure what to say! I feel like anything I write would lead to spoilers and I really don't want to do that with this book. The beginning does pick up from the ending of book 1 with her team being gone. I really felt for Jolie, no one ever wants to go through that. I will say that I am thrilled for book 3! Gah...😍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 22, 2022
3-3,5 ish stars
April 24, 2025
"I have no choice but to pull myself together and get the vengeance I deserve ."
Jaye said, "Trust the process," and that I did, and the trust was not broken! 🥹 This is just as good as the first, maybe even better! 😍 Hades and Zues are as hot as ever. I simply can not choose a favourite. 🥵 Just like the first one, THE GOD DAMN ending, leaving me hanging! 😩 So much was going on, leaving me with so many more questions. It was getting so crazy and I was sat for all of it! 🧎🏻♀️ Luckily, i can dive straight into the next one to find out WHAT the HECK has really been going on in Olympia? 👀 I'm having so much fun reading this series it's definitely what I've needed to not go into a slump! 🙌🏻
Jaye said, "Trust the process," and that I did, and the trust was not broken! 🥹 This is just as good as the first, maybe even better! 😍 Hades and Zues are as hot as ever. I simply can not choose a favourite. 🥵 Just like the first one, THE GOD DAMN ending, leaving me hanging! 😩 So much was going on, leaving me with so many more questions. It was getting so crazy and I was sat for all of it! 🧎🏻♀️ Luckily, i can dive straight into the next one to find out WHAT the HECK has really been going on in Olympia? 👀 I'm having so much fun reading this series it's definitely what I've needed to not go into a slump! 🙌🏻
January 24, 2022
I loved seeing the relationships between Jolie and the guys really progress and seeing them all start to work as a team. I can’t say much without spoilers, so I’ll just say this was awesome, and I’m happy that I was right about one of the twists. I’m excited to see what happens next in the final book :)
April 17, 2024
so the plot thickens
I have enjoyed this plot thoroughly
As much as I love a reverse harem 10 is a lot to keep track of 😅
Between them, the side teams and friends it’s a whole lot of characters
All that aside the plot has held my interest so well
I have enjoyed this plot thoroughly
As much as I love a reverse harem 10 is a lot to keep track of 😅
Between them, the side teams and friends it’s a whole lot of characters
All that aside the plot has held my interest so well
July 7, 2023
Wow
What an ending. I wonder how many?
I can't wait to find out and see how this all ends
I love Jolie and her guys
10/5
What an ending. I wonder how many?
I can't wait to find out and see how this all ends
I love Jolie and her guys
10/5
January 12, 2024
Only read because I had started the series and thought it cannot get worse.
April 3, 2024
Better than the first
This was a great continuation of this crazy 10 dude harem. So much going on and I wonder if another dead rising will happen in the next book.
This was a great continuation of this crazy 10 dude harem. So much going on and I wonder if another dead rising will happen in the next book.
November 17, 2022
Still twisty and turny
I still am floored. Who’s good? Who’s bad? Um what with that ending? I’m so confused on the purpose of these experiments still. I still don’t get what his whole point was. But that ending woah.
I still am floored. Who’s good? Who’s bad? Um what with that ending? I’m so confused on the purpose of these experiments still. I still don’t get what his whole point was. But that ending woah.
January 23, 2022
I'm so torn about this book. I don't think it's a 4 star but it's not quite a 5 either. I freaking loved the first book. I'm really not a fan of dark stories but for me, it wasn't dark although it had dark elements.
The end of the first book killed me so I was glad to see book 2 started quickly. I definitely had a hard time keeping track of the guys. These are the new ones, these are from book 1, these aren't her guys at all. And having them work at the high school was weird. The whole being in high school thing was weird. I didnt feel as connected to the new guys which I guess should be expected after what happened in book 1.
I didn't like Jolie as much in this book. I get that she was sort of created for this group of guys too although not to the depth that she was for the first group. There was a lot of "I hate you, but screw me anyway cause I'm horny" going on. I did catch myself rolling my eyes.
I expected the twist and was glad to see it but then keeping everyone straight was impossible. I don't see how everything is going to work but I have faith that Jaye will convince me it can. I'm eager for some clarity on Mr. Z and his brother. And the end...WTF. Yeah... I'm sure Jolie is going to LOVE Mr. Z's "gift". You gotta be kidding me. I don't know how I feel about the book going in that direction. Especially when you believe a character should make a certain decision but what she does (or what you believe she will do in book 3!) is opposite.
The end of the first book killed me so I was glad to see book 2 started quickly. I definitely had a hard time keeping track of the guys. These are the new ones, these are from book 1, these aren't her guys at all. And having them work at the high school was weird. The whole being in high school thing was weird. I didnt feel as connected to the new guys which I guess should be expected after what happened in book 1.
I didn't like Jolie as much in this book. I get that she was sort of created for this group of guys too although not to the depth that she was for the first group. There was a lot of "I hate you, but screw me anyway cause I'm horny" going on. I did catch myself rolling my eyes.
I expected the twist and was glad to see it but then keeping everyone straight was impossible. I don't see how everything is going to work but I have faith that Jaye will convince me it can. I'm eager for some clarity on Mr. Z and his brother. And the end...WTF. Yeah... I'm sure Jolie is going to LOVE Mr. Z's "gift". You gotta be kidding me. I don't know how I feel about the book going in that direction. Especially when you believe a character should make a certain decision but what she does (or what you believe she will do in book 3!) is opposite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2022
Brilliant follow up
In the last year I have become more than obsessed with Jaye Pratt and her stories. The first G.O.D.S book got me hooked and then checkmate reeled me in. I love this world that Jaye (and Crystal North) have created and I'm addicted to them. Jolie's continuation is brilliant. Her 'boyfriends' are hilarious and a little bit alpha-hole but still worth it. I liked the introduction of more friends that just want to be friends and not love interests. My absolute favourite part of the book was the funeral. I don't often have a physical reaction to the books I read but this moment got me to put the book down and breathe deeply for a minute. This book was worth the wait and definitely worth the time.
In the last year I have become more than obsessed with Jaye Pratt and her stories. The first G.O.D.S book got me hooked and then checkmate reeled me in. I love this world that Jaye (and Crystal North) have created and I'm addicted to them. Jolie's continuation is brilliant. Her 'boyfriends' are hilarious and a little bit alpha-hole but still worth it. I liked the introduction of more friends that just want to be friends and not love interests. My absolute favourite part of the book was the funeral. I don't often have a physical reaction to the books I read but this moment got me to put the book down and breathe deeply for a minute. This book was worth the wait and definitely worth the time.
January 23, 2022
The ending of book 1 completely threw me and I was dying to see what was going to happen next in book 2. I'm sitting here struggling to work out how I'm going to write this review without letting out any spoilers? So much happened in it that's why. The secrets and lies were just bloody brilliant!! I had so many wth moments throughout this book I think my jaw was on the floor for the whole book. I liked that Jolie and the guys relationship got more book time. It was great to see the dynamic with all of them more.
I also loved the little cameo from a few Knox Academy characters. A great crossover. What the bloody hell was that ending though??? It completely floored me!! It was that good. I'm dying for book 3 now. This is a cracking series
I also loved the little cameo from a few Knox Academy characters. A great crossover. What the bloody hell was that ending though??? It completely floored me!! It was that good. I'm dying for book 3 now. This is a cracking series
July 30, 2023
I kept wondering if she would tell them about the first daughter not really being a thing. That she was actually created for all 10 of them. But then it seems like they already figured it out. They are smart as hell. It was a setup from the start to see how both teams would do. But it was an unfair advantage. Zeus were older and because she was younger held off those creepy feelings for her, plus they knew more and were more mature. They planned her disappearance and they knew she was still alive so of course unlike Hades who gave up on her, they didn't. If Hades knew they would do anything to get her back and they wouldn't of understood why they had done it. They were so much younger when it happened, they had no idea what had been going on.
I really thought for a minute that Mr. Z and his brother were the same person lmao. They are got a weird vibe from him. I wonder what's going to happen when Melinda gets her memories back. What she is going to remember. But also, Mr. Z died thinking she chose his brother when really, her memories had been taken and all she knew was the brother and what the brother told her. She mentioned seeing a picture of her and him...but it could've been her and her husband. Who knows.
The way that Jolie found out her other guys were still alive was so fucking funny. Laughn just pops out from a morgue fridge while his brother was 'balls deep in her' lmfao
I really do not know how to feel about Mr. Z. At the end, it sounded like he was trying to do the right thing. Also, his assistant called and told them what was happening right before one team had to kill the other - so it sounds like Mr. Z gave them the chance to do something about it. I highly doubt his assistant would just call them and tell them.
So about this pregnancy. Is she about to have 10 kids? Or maybe it'll be a kid with all their DNA? Or maybe 2 kids split with half DNA of one group and the other kid with half DNA of the other? IDK but I really fucking need to find out lmao
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 2/5
World Building 3/5
Overall 5/5
I really thought for a minute that Mr. Z and his brother were the same person lmao. They are got a weird vibe from him. I wonder what's going to happen when Melinda gets her memories back. What she is going to remember. But also, Mr. Z died thinking she chose his brother when really, her memories had been taken and all she knew was the brother and what the brother told her. She mentioned seeing a picture of her and him...but it could've been her and her husband. Who knows.
The way that Jolie found out her other guys were still alive was so fucking funny. Laughn just pops out from a morgue fridge while his brother was 'balls deep in her' lmfao
I really do not know how to feel about Mr. Z. At the end, it sounded like he was trying to do the right thing. Also, his assistant called and told them what was happening right before one team had to kill the other - so it sounds like Mr. Z gave them the chance to do something about it. I highly doubt his assistant would just call them and tell them.
So about this pregnancy. Is she about to have 10 kids? Or maybe it'll be a kid with all their DNA? Or maybe 2 kids split with half DNA of one group and the other kid with half DNA of the other? IDK but I really fucking need to find out lmao
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 2/5
World Building 3/5
Overall 5/5
February 8, 2025
This book picks up right where the last one left off. There will definitely be spoilers in this review, so be warned.
Tha being said, I knew there had to be more to their death than "she would be hurt unless they killed the other team". That is a very weak reason. It was obvious something was up, too, when all of Team Zeus kept telling her to just suck it up and get over it and move on. Seriously?
The sheer devastation from their deaths was written well. I could feel the despair and my own heart hurt from their loss. I still had an inkling that they really weren't dead, but as I kept getting further and further into the book, I started to question things. I was at about 51% and starting to wonder if maybe I was wrong and they actually were dead. Then practically right after I thought that, the big reveal was made.
She had every right to be pissed after finding out they lied to her... again. What I don't appreciate, though, is that she practically forgave them for it immediately and went right on sleeping with them. Yeah, she yelled and gave her ultimatum, but that was it. She just let them get away with it and moved on. I can tell you I would soooo be holding a grudge by this point. They would be lucky I would be even acknowledging their presence in the room.
Somehow, I just knew she would get grabbed at the end of the book, but the cliffhanger on this one is just... odd. I"m really hoping this doesn't go completely offrail at this point, but it looks like it will.
I did enjoy this book, overall, and I have been enjoying the series. What is bothering me, though, is that she has 10 men. Seriously, 10 is way too many. I'm having a hard enough time trying to keep one team straight and how their are all related. I don't know how she is managing to keep everyone happy and keeping everything straight.
Tha being said, I knew there had to be more to their death than "she would be hurt unless they killed the other team". That is a very weak reason. It was obvious something was up, too, when all of Team Zeus kept telling her to just suck it up and get over it and move on. Seriously?
The sheer devastation from their deaths was written well. I could feel the despair and my own heart hurt from their loss. I still had an inkling that they really weren't dead, but as I kept getting further and further into the book, I started to question things. I was at about 51% and starting to wonder if maybe I was wrong and they actually were dead. Then practically right after I thought that, the big reveal was made.
She had every right to be pissed after finding out they lied to her... again. What I don't appreciate, though, is that she practically forgave them for it immediately and went right on sleeping with them. Yeah, she yelled and gave her ultimatum, but that was it. She just let them get away with it and moved on. I can tell you I would soooo be holding a grudge by this point. They would be lucky I would be even acknowledging their presence in the room.
Somehow, I just knew she would get grabbed at the end of the book, but the cliffhanger on this one is just... odd. I"m really hoping this doesn't go completely offrail at this point, but it looks like it will.
I did enjoy this book, overall, and I have been enjoying the series. What is bothering me, though, is that she has 10 men. Seriously, 10 is way too many. I'm having a hard enough time trying to keep one team straight and how their are all related. I don't know how she is managing to keep everyone happy and keeping everything straight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
The Twists Keep Coming
I was left shocked at the end of book one and the shocks kept coming throughout book 2. The title of villain seems to be shifting from Mr. Z to another but things are still somewhat ambiguous. I was hoping to see more of Jolie’s abilities in this book but I was left disappointed. Maybe Jolie isn’t meant to be a bad*** like I had hoped while reading book 1, maybe the author has other plans for her as character.
Reading further will have some spoilers so just to warn those who haven’t read this book yet.
Jolie is finding herself juggling not 5 but 10 men now and honestly, it seems a little daunting. I have read books with big harems before and the author really has to be mindful of devoting page time with all the men and the female characters to continue that character building for the reader. Some authors do it really well and other authors tend to let certain characters fall into the background. Once team Hades made a return, I felt like some characters were fading into the background and forgotten about. Hopefully some of those characters will have more page time in book 3 to rebuild some of that character and relationship building. Having a lot of scenes with all the men together with interactions does help which the author did include in this book. I think with how much is going on with the plot, this series could benefit from a novella just focusing on Jolie and her 10 men, rather than juggling that with the overall plot and drama with the organization.
I will definitely be finishing the series by reading the next book to see what ultimately happens in Jolie’s life.
I was left shocked at the end of book one and the shocks kept coming throughout book 2. The title of villain seems to be shifting from Mr. Z to another but things are still somewhat ambiguous. I was hoping to see more of Jolie’s abilities in this book but I was left disappointed. Maybe Jolie isn’t meant to be a bad*** like I had hoped while reading book 1, maybe the author has other plans for her as character.
Reading further will have some spoilers so just to warn those who haven’t read this book yet.
Jolie is finding herself juggling not 5 but 10 men now and honestly, it seems a little daunting. I have read books with big harems before and the author really has to be mindful of devoting page time with all the men and the female characters to continue that character building for the reader. Some authors do it really well and other authors tend to let certain characters fall into the background. Once team Hades made a return, I felt like some characters were fading into the background and forgotten about. Hopefully some of those characters will have more page time in book 3 to rebuild some of that character and relationship building. Having a lot of scenes with all the men together with interactions does help which the author did include in this book. I think with how much is going on with the plot, this series could benefit from a novella just focusing on Jolie and her 10 men, rather than juggling that with the overall plot and drama with the organization.
I will definitely be finishing the series by reading the next book to see what ultimately happens in Jolie’s life.
January 22, 2022
We finally get our questions answered from that cliffhanger from the first book! Not right away but we finally get told the truth!
And OH. MY. GOSH. I just knew it. I just knew it! Is all I’m gonna saw. I refused to believe otherwise 😂 so if you haven’t read the first book and don’t care for spoilers then keep reading. If you have read the first book and want to go into this blindly. Stop. Here.
Okay so the book starts back with Jolie having to process what happened to team Hades. And she’s struggling (I mean can’t blame her) to be near team Zeus right now.
The funeral……. Tears 😭 her saying goodbye was heartbreaking.
After awhile she realizes what team Zeus did and had to choice. And even though it breaks her she understands. So she says. But she starts to open back up to them.
However, plot twist happens while with Creed in the morgue (😏) and walks in the one and only Laughn! Let’s just say Jolie hits the floor and wakes up to 10 people staring at her. You read that right TEN. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
Mr. Z finds out the secret and takes Jolie with the help of Betty (🙄) who is current #1 enemy right now. The boys with the help of other teams, mr. Z brother and the order (hello Amelia and boys I’ve missed you!) they get Jolie back.
Bye bye Mr. Z but not without bang though! And enter major cliffhanger!
Jaw. Hit. Floor.
Omg. Omg. Omg.
I need answers.
Book 3 when you coming out?! 😅
Congratulations Jaye on such a great second book. And I can’t wait to read more!!!
And OH. MY. GOSH. I just knew it. I just knew it! Is all I’m gonna saw. I refused to believe otherwise 😂 so if you haven’t read the first book and don’t care for spoilers then keep reading. If you have read the first book and want to go into this blindly. Stop. Here.
Okay so the book starts back with Jolie having to process what happened to team Hades. And she’s struggling (I mean can’t blame her) to be near team Zeus right now.
The funeral……. Tears 😭 her saying goodbye was heartbreaking.
After awhile she realizes what team Zeus did and had to choice. And even though it breaks her she understands. So she says. But she starts to open back up to them.
However, plot twist happens while with Creed in the morgue (😏) and walks in the one and only Laughn! Let’s just say Jolie hits the floor and wakes up to 10 people staring at her. You read that right TEN. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
Mr. Z finds out the secret and takes Jolie with the help of Betty (🙄) who is current #1 enemy right now. The boys with the help of other teams, mr. Z brother and the order (hello Amelia and boys I’ve missed you!) they get Jolie back.
Bye bye Mr. Z but not without bang though! And enter major cliffhanger!
Jaw. Hit. Floor.
Omg. Omg. Omg.
I need answers.
Book 3 when you coming out?! 😅
Congratulations Jaye on such a great second book. And I can’t wait to read more!!!
September 29, 2024
A Masterful Continuation with Impeccable World-Building
The second book picks up flawlessly where 𝔾.𝕆.𝔻.𝕊. left off, taking readers deeper into Jolie's emotional turmoil. Jolie is still reeling from the death of Team Hades. The emotional depth in Jolie’s character is incredible, as she tries to reconcile her feelings for Team Hades (Boston, Case, Laughn, Marlow, and Davis), while living with her new family—Team Zeus (Creed, Chester, Kai, Trace, and Brennan).
The world-building in this book is top-tier, creating a vivid backdrop for Jolie's internal and external struggles. Each of the guys she now lives with brings something unique to her life: Chester’s intensity and charm are swoon-worthy, Creed’s sensitivity always grounds her, Kai’s patient wooing is refreshing, and Brennan’s vulnerability adds a new emotional layer. Jolie’s final reconciliation with Trace was satisfying, and I loved seeing her relationship with each of them evolve.
This book expertly balances action, romance, and character growth, leaving me eagerly anticipating reading 𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕘𝕒𝕞𝕖. It’s a must-read for fans of reverse harems, and the intricate relationships and world-building make it a truly immersive experience!
The second book picks up flawlessly where 𝔾.𝕆.𝔻.𝕊. left off, taking readers deeper into Jolie's emotional turmoil. Jolie is still reeling from the death of Team Hades. The emotional depth in Jolie’s character is incredible, as she tries to reconcile her feelings for Team Hades (Boston, Case, Laughn, Marlow, and Davis), while living with her new family—Team Zeus (Creed, Chester, Kai, Trace, and Brennan).
The world-building in this book is top-tier, creating a vivid backdrop for Jolie's internal and external struggles. Each of the guys she now lives with brings something unique to her life: Chester’s intensity and charm are swoon-worthy, Creed’s sensitivity always grounds her, Kai’s patient wooing is refreshing, and Brennan’s vulnerability adds a new emotional layer. Jolie’s final reconciliation with Trace was satisfying, and I loved seeing her relationship with each of them evolve.
This book expertly balances action, romance, and character growth, leaving me eagerly anticipating reading 𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕘𝕒𝕞𝕖. It’s a must-read for fans of reverse harems, and the intricate relationships and world-building make it a truly immersive experience!
February 9, 2022
Jaye will quite willing rip your heart out with her words. This book will pull at your emotions as you experience utter devastation, betrayal and agony alongside the characters.
Jolie will breaks hard you experience every iota of her emotional agony at the loss of Team Hades at the hands of Team Zeus. She experiences loss like never before but coupled with the betrayal of Team Zeus she is shatters into dust. It is only with their persistent support that she begins to rebuild and will eventually become stringer than she was before.
Team Zeus are feeling the affects of what they were made to do, trying to live with the girl they love when she despises them and is grieving their brothers makes for trying times. I love how the guys slowly build their relationships with Jolie and in some cases she's is the only one who can bring them back from the brink.
This book is full of twists you don't see coming, it will have you on the edge of your seat while you try and hold yourself together. There are lies, half truths and betrayals a plenty. As always in the world of Olympia nothing is ever what it seems and the biggest question of all is who can you trust to tell you the truth?
Jolie will breaks hard you experience every iota of her emotional agony at the loss of Team Hades at the hands of Team Zeus. She experiences loss like never before but coupled with the betrayal of Team Zeus she is shatters into dust. It is only with their persistent support that she begins to rebuild and will eventually become stringer than she was before.
Team Zeus are feeling the affects of what they were made to do, trying to live with the girl they love when she despises them and is grieving their brothers makes for trying times. I love how the guys slowly build their relationships with Jolie and in some cases she's is the only one who can bring them back from the brink.
This book is full of twists you don't see coming, it will have you on the edge of your seat while you try and hold yourself together. There are lies, half truths and betrayals a plenty. As always in the world of Olympia nothing is ever what it seems and the biggest question of all is who can you trust to tell you the truth?
April 25, 2023
Jolie and her men are back in the second book of the G.O.D.S. Series. Team Zeus must bring Jolie out of her depression after the death of all members of Team Hades. She's reeling at their loss, and her forgiveness of the first team will come at a high cost. Each of the guys means something different to her. They were all genetically engineered to complement each other, five men to one girl. Now, they need to learn how to navigate their new relationship. Sex has been introduced into their lives, one by one with Jolie, and she doesn't have to choose just one. She has a smorgasbord of men to pick from. Jealousy plays a massive part for the alpha men, but Jolie is not about to back down. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. She's comfortable in her own skin and brings some men out of their shells. Strife doesn't come from only within their four walls. Her crazy father is conspiring against them, and it will take all their combined abilities to free themselves of his influence. The question is whether or not the boys will bow down to Jolie or if she will cut them loose for being too pig-headed to enjoy her company.
January 20, 2022
I loved G.O.D.S. but after that cliffhanger I was NOT ok! Thankfully Checkmate picks up pretty much right where it left off, so we don’t miss anything. Jolie is heartbroken at the loss of Team Hades. She is rightfully very angry at Team Zeus, and wants nothing to do with them. She swears she will never forgive them for their betrayal, no matter how many times they tell her they had no choice. Eventually she sees for herself just how true that is, how they are punished if they fail a mission, and she starts to try to move on from it. As much as I loved Team Hades in book 1, I really started to love Team Zeus in this one. These guys are all genetically programmed to love Jolie, they are literally made for her, and her for them. Even with that, they’re not perfect and they all have issues to work through. But they do work through them eventually. I can’t really say much more without spoiling anything and I really don’t want to do that! Suffice it to say, I loved this book just as much as the first and I absolutely can’t wait for book 3. Highly recommend!!
June 29, 2023
"Checkmate" is book two in the "G.O.D.S." series and I was just as hooked on the storyline as in book one. Nothing in this series is as it seems, and while some twists and turns were expected, others weren't (or at least not always the way I anticipated things to go). It kept me captivated throughout the entire book, and even though book two gives us plenty of answers (or rather more puzzle pieces to fit together) there are still things I'm waiting to find out...
When a series has a lot of characters, whether they are main or side characters, it's always a challenge to let them all shine in their own way and give them a true personality throughout the storyline. I really love how the author managed to do that within this series. I can't explain how without giving away spoilers, but they all have their own important role to play in Jolie's story, and it makes them all truly unique and memorable.
With book two being just as good as book one, I can't wait to see what the author did with the final book in this series!
When a series has a lot of characters, whether they are main or side characters, it's always a challenge to let them all shine in their own way and give them a true personality throughout the storyline. I really love how the author managed to do that within this series. I can't explain how without giving away spoilers, but they all have their own important role to play in Jolie's story, and it makes them all truly unique and memorable.
With book two being just as good as book one, I can't wait to see what the author did with the final book in this series!
November 25, 2022
What did I
Okay let me start out by saying this book two is a slow start. You kind of get antsy when it comes to wanting things to flow. Yes the guys are there they're making things happen Julie is learning a lot and then you have Mr as a story goes on she learns new secrets and with those secrets they're trying to take this jersey down. With the hopes of maybe getting his brother to help Julie just doesn't trust him and it's all in her guts. So if things keep going she learns more truths about friends about what's going on in this organization and she just wants to take it down it needs to be run a different way and Mr z know that. So as we're thinking and looking at Mr z as the evil enemy in this whole story he's actually not who we think he is. It's a little bit of a twist yet just crazy all around so if you haven't read book one read it his book two it's just it's slow but once you hit a certain point boom hold on because it's a bumpy ride.
Okay let me start out by saying this book two is a slow start. You kind of get antsy when it comes to wanting things to flow. Yes the guys are there they're making things happen Julie is learning a lot and then you have Mr as a story goes on she learns new secrets and with those secrets they're trying to take this jersey down. With the hopes of maybe getting his brother to help Julie just doesn't trust him and it's all in her guts. So if things keep going she learns more truths about friends about what's going on in this organization and she just wants to take it down it needs to be run a different way and Mr z know that. So as we're thinking and looking at Mr z as the evil enemy in this whole story he's actually not who we think he is. It's a little bit of a twist yet just crazy all around so if you haven't read book one read it his book two it's just it's slow but once you hit a certain point boom hold on because it's a bumpy ride.
January 22, 2022
Wow, Jolie has been through so much since she lost her memories and the hits just keep coming for her in this book! There are so many twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put the book down and now I am counting down until we can get our hands on book three because I need to know what happens.
This book focuses on Jolie and Team Zeus. The guys from Team Zeus are dangerous, protective, and hot. I really love Creed, Chester, and Kai. I could definitely use more of them! Jolie is tested so much in this book but shows that she can handle this life. I’m excited to continue to see Jolie grow and become stronger. I’m also excited to see all the relationships between her and the guys develop.
This book has mystery, drama, heartbreak, and steam. What more could you want? The book does end with a cliffhanger so be prepared!
This book focuses on Jolie and Team Zeus. The guys from Team Zeus are dangerous, protective, and hot. I really love Creed, Chester, and Kai. I could definitely use more of them! Jolie is tested so much in this book but shows that she can handle this life. I’m excited to continue to see Jolie grow and become stronger. I’m also excited to see all the relationships between her and the guys develop.
This book has mystery, drama, heartbreak, and steam. What more could you want? The book does end with a cliffhanger so be prepared!
January 18, 2022
What the actual f….
Jolie and Team Zeus are back. Team Hades is dead - killed by Team Zeus. Jolie holds a lot of anger due to the loss of Boston, Marlow, Davis, Case and Laughn. She returns to school and her “normal” life only to find that she can’t escape Team Zeus. They are assigned to her school. Eventually, Jolie agrees to find a way to move forward with Team Zeus.
Like G.O.D.S., there are a lot of twists and turns in the story. Jolie continues to roll with the punches and the cliffhanger inevitably means a lot more punches are on the way for Jolie and the guys.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another cliffhanger that left me with a WTF feeling. I’m eager to see how this story ends for Jolie. I’m invested in each and every one of these characters. Bring on book 3!
Jolie and Team Zeus are back. Team Hades is dead - killed by Team Zeus. Jolie holds a lot of anger due to the loss of Boston, Marlow, Davis, Case and Laughn. She returns to school and her “normal” life only to find that she can’t escape Team Zeus. They are assigned to her school. Eventually, Jolie agrees to find a way to move forward with Team Zeus.
Like G.O.D.S., there are a lot of twists and turns in the story. Jolie continues to roll with the punches and the cliffhanger inevitably means a lot more punches are on the way for Jolie and the guys.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another cliffhanger that left me with a WTF feeling. I’m eager to see how this story ends for Jolie. I’m invested in each and every one of these characters. Bring on book 3!
January 24, 2022
The GODS series is one of my hands down absolute favorites, one that I will continue to think about and go back to long after it’s completion. Checkmate is just as good as the first book, just completely different. In this book we really get to know Team Zeus individually (and together 😉). I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the guys after how book 1 ended but I still ended up loving them, and of course my unhinged psycho Chester is my fave. I do love that Jolie always kept Team Hades in the front of her mind, her end goal never faltered. There were some great steamy scenes but all the personal interactions were where it was at here. Lots of info bombs, truths and secrets are dropped so this story is ever developing. Special shout to Daddy Warbucks/Olly and Rathew 🤣
March 4, 2022
Kindle. 2:9-Low low 3 rounding down. Again I was in the mood for a quick read like the first book so I dove into the second book. It dragged out. Hard to follow at times many characters felt just thrown in (hard to keep track of who is who with all the different groups). I felt the fmc came off more young childish which I didn’t like in this book. Also no problem resolution just moved on and that irks me writing just reads incomplete. Everything just felt skipped over with the barest acknowledgment. While the same old excuse for why people had no choice got old as well.
-I still think it read/jumped all over the place
-a bit hard to pick up plot between waiting for release
-overall The writing style turns me off and takes away from the story too much for me to continue series.
-I still think it read/jumped all over the place
-a bit hard to pick up plot between waiting for release
-overall The writing style turns me off and takes away from the story too much for me to continue series.
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