Title: Aphrodite’s Secret
Author: Samantha Ketteman
Series: The Forgotten (Book 1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Feb 28 2013
Edition/Formats Available In: E~book & Print
Synopsis:
Kaira, still reeling from the loss of her younger sister in a tragic boating accident, lives in the dark world of exotic dancing for survival. When one man enters her life, her world is turned upside down and inside out, where reality and fantasy seem to intertwine.
Kaira feels the eyes of a striking man watching her every move on stage. Zane is a scarred man with many secrets, one of which is the knowledge of who and what Kaira really is and the danger she will face.
While Zane fights a subconscious battle about what to tell her and whether he cares enough to get involved, another has noticed her as well. An Ithacan, sent to destroy her for what she is and take her powers to the God that has commanded all Forgotten be exterminated. The God intends to absorb her powers and rule absolutely.
Before Kaira realizes what is coming for her, she finds herself tumbling into a world where a scarred man that she is inexplicably attracted to will become her only hope. A hideous creature, one such as she’s never seen, is hunting her and trying his best to destroy everything and everyone she knows to get what he wants for his Master, and only Zane knows why.
While Kaira thinks it coincidence that Zane shows up at the club the girls like to frequent after work, Zane uses the planned interception to explore the pull that he feels towards Kaira, when he has cared for no one but himself for so many years. After finally meeting, Zane notices that the Ithacan has also followed and as their eyes meet, they both know that the battle for her soul will come; who will win is less important as the insistence Zane feels to tell Kaira who and what she is before she ends up like her sister.
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Excerpt:
Kaira knew she should really pick up all of the glass, but she couldn’t bring herself to care about anything but paying back the person that dared to ruin something so irreplaceable. It felt like a direct attack on the memory of her beautiful sister; she would put up with many things, but that was not one of them. With revenge burning in her heart, she snatched her items from the floor and threw them back onto the vanity counter.
The tears finally began to slow and Kaira allowed herself a few minutes in her chair to calm her temper. Kaira knew how exhausting it could be if she allowed her anger to fester when she couldn’t change what had been done. She knew the next time she came to work, she would remember and relive the hurt, and that would be enough ammunition to force the anger back to the forefront of her mind.
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My Review:
In the spirit of full disclosure I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Bad:
The plot was long and drawn out. The descriptions were heavy handed in every area, except the emotions which were glossed over. I found myself having to stop every so often to recoup so I could continue reading. The climax was anticlimactic, as was Kiara’s transformation. The book needs the firm touch of an editor. I felt cheated by not learning who Kai’s father was. The POV’s were all mixed up. There wasn’t as much tension as I’d have hoped for.
The Good:
I always enjoy reading a new writer’s take on the Greek Gods and Godesses. I enjoyed the obvious love Aphrodite held for her daughter. That’s not something you see often. I adored Jasmine’s character and Zane’s. I enjoyed the new take on strippers and why they do that particular job. The backstory for Zane with Zeus was an interesting twist. I loved the ending where Zane was reunited with his brothers.
Buy Link:
Amazon
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17458055-aphrodite-s-secret
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About the Author:
Samantha Ketteman has resided in southern Illinois for 7 years, (though still claims to be an Alabama girl), with her husband and three crazy demon children. She started reading novels at a very young age and decided two years ago to write for herself. She is working on The Forgotten series, as well as two others. She is a caffeine addict, insomniac, and general basket-case most of the time. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking of writing, much to the chagrin of her husband who has to listen to her paranormal ramblings.
Author’s Social Media:
Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Ketteman/e/B00BM30CUW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Blog
http://samanthaketteman.blogspot.com/
Facebook Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Ketteman-Author-Page/334974643286916
https://www.facebook.com/samantha.ketteman.9
G+
https://plus.google.com/105666303084567030732/posts
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6970009.Samantha_Ketteman
Kitty's Inner Thoughts 
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