Review for Aphrodite Calling by Jennifer Lynne

A woman with a secret past

Gina Deveraux is forced to confront her painful past when she attends a high school reunion. Born with male genitalia, she spent her childhood and teen years living as a boy, and has only now returned in an effort to put the past behind her so she can begin to live life without the continuing fear of loneliness and rejection.

A god of sexual desire on the edge of burnout

Himeros is one of the erotes, an aspect of Eros, and as such it is his duty to answer the call of sexual desire whenever a human needs him. But he has been living among mortals too long and his interest has waned. When he decides to accept one last call he finds a woman who is unique. A woman who encapsulates the whole human experience in her body, and her soul. Has he finally found the one with whom even a god of desire could find fulfillment?

After all, forever is such a long time to be alone.

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Jennifer Lynne has created an unforgettable character with Gina Deveraux.  Up until recently Gina was genetically male, but knew that her body wasn't right.  It made for a difficult time growing up, especially during high school.  She's now returned for her high school reunion with the body she always knew she was supposed to have and prove something to those who were cruel to her.  She gets unexpected help, and a night to remember, courtesy of a plea to the Gods and meets someone just as lonely as she is.  Together, they make a uniquely unforgettable couple.

Gina is still uncertain of herself at the start of the story.  Basically, she's unsure of her body's capabilities and ability to please.  She wants to live up to the idea of what a woman is.  I felt compassion towards her and her uncertainties and so wanted her to have her revenge.  I admired her and found much to like about her.  Himeros is the God sent to help Gina fully embrace her new self, help her gain confidence and fully accept her new body.  The fact that he's super sexy and can read her thoughts and those of others is a definite bonus.  There are numerous steamy sexual interludes between them, including a bit of a show for a particularly cruel former classmate.  He treats her as the woman she's always known she was and it's very empowering.  He has issues of his own though that only she can heal.  He's been lonely for a long time and lost his compassion for others.  By making a connection with Gina he realizes he doesn't need to be alone anymore.  Seeing such a powerful creature needing the help of a lowly human made him endearing and brought him to a level that was more relatable. 

There was much to like about this story, but there were also some issues.  The purpose of the Gods was touched on but still wasn't as clear as I'd hoped.  We discovered lots about Gina but Himeros' background wasn't as defined and his outspokenness was a bit over the top.  The sexual interludes, while extremely satisfying, overtook the story a bit sacrificing richer character development.  Overall though this was an enjoyable read that can be read on its own.  I look forward to which of the sexy Gods of Love Ms. Lynne will introduce us to next and recommend you discover these sexy Gods for yourself.

My rating for this is a B-/C+ 

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.