4.5 Copper Cuff Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5

I don't believe in fate. I don't believe in coincidence. But when three of your friends beg you to put a book on your TBR and you make a statement to say, "Sure, I'll read this next" knowing that you probably won't because you've got 156 other books on your TBR and you need to give THOSE BOOKS A FAIR CHANCE... but when you add the book 5 mins before the choice is made and the BOOK YOU JUST ADDED is CHOSEN...Fate and coincidence do get questioned...

(Note - I don't pick my next read off my TBR, my Husband does based on names I give him in a random order)

I had high expectations that I was going to love this. And I love it when expectations meet reality.

This is a Dual POV following Dr Quentin Scott and Grayson (Gray). Quentin is a successful scientist who has been allocated to a research program that is studying the Gods in helping them assimilate into Human Society. Twelve Elite Gods have come down to Earth and Gray, the God of Choas is not happy. But something about Quentin intrigues him and he only agrees to cooperate if she is assigned to him. Now she has to deal with his Chaos and shadow daddy charm as well as her own undeniable explosive attraction to him.

The writing was captivating and instantly drew me in. I legitimately knew by page 25 that I was going to love this when we were first introduced to Gray and his dramatic entrance. His actions, explosive manipulative behaviour and charm made me instantly fall for his personality and instantly LOVE HIM. Though he is not what I expected. In the beginning, he comes off as pretty selfish, spoiled and entitled. And whilst those are definite themes that remain with his personality, he is also kind, caring, and cares about the people in his circle. He would also do anything and everything for them. He has a heart of gold (or at least half gold) and while you have to see it beneath his dark shadowy exterior, he makes for such a beautifully developed character.

Quentin is determined. That is the most apt word I would pick to describe her. She has an intrinsic need to focus and succeed in life, often at a detriment to her relationships and the people around her because she is so easy to pull herself into her work and only dedicate herself to her work. She hasn't formed that many meaningful connections in life. She also tends to react quite easily to her emotions, which can make situations extremely heated and tense, especially when it comes to Gray. They are an explosion of fireworks, chemistry, primal need and chaos when brought together. But as with most emotional situations, logic flies out the window and she does not always make the right decisions. She is also incredibly stubborn and resolute in her belief (and not belief).

Regarding the Worldbuilding... While I want to commend some part of this, as somebody who loves science, facts and research, it is often something that I dread seeing a book merge Science and Paranormal Fantasy, especially paranormal religious aspects because it can be done so badly. However, the blending into the world was believable and the lore easy to understand (though I did have to page back a few times to remember what each god was responsible for now and then). However, I wanted more into how their gifts work and how they respond to prayers and their Divine Jobs (this is brushed a little to the wayside and I think might be left for Book 2 but I wanted it NOW).

Besides Quen and Gray, there were compelling side characters like Charlie, Sloane, Eric and the secretive Archer... I adore Sloane and Eric and how sweet and cute and just adorable the two of them are. I love them. I love their family. I love their dynamic. And I loved how they just wanted to protect their family and Gray by extension.

This book is not entirely five stars to me because there are a couple of things that frustrated me. The first is, that I was not really sure what the main plot of the book was for the longest time. It doesn't feel like there was this big overarching target that they trying to get to. Normally there is some "Quest" or something that has to be solved, it was very much a research experiment and learning about the gods. While aspects are uncovered and there are developments, it felt almost very slice of life, which I didn't have a problem with, but there wasn't this big pull in a direction.

The second is elements or assumptions implied about the characters at the start that are not who they are. And this is not because of growth - for example. Quen is painted as this person ANGRY at the Gods and does not believe in them... Quite frankly, she was very indifferent. She didn't behave like she was angry - she just acted like she didn't care. So that underhanded anger is never really seen or shown. There are also aspects mentioned about how she has this underlying darkness and that is never elaborated much on. I felt like a carrot was dangled in front of me and just never given to me as it was brushed aside or forgotten.

Then...there is the cheating element... and my issue is just how Quentin handles these situations. As I mentioned her personality is very emotive so she is impulsive and acts on feelings and in the moment - to the detriment of those around her I wanted her to be a little more logical (because a scientist is logical) and mature and not be as spiteful and shortsighted on her actions in pursuit of personal gratification.

Trope Summary:
▶ Dual POV
▶ Meddling Gods
▶ Enemies Hate to Lovers
▶ Unique Magic System
▶ Shadow Daddy
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ Forced Proximity (Workplace and Roommates)

Microtropes:
▶ Hand Necklaces
▶ Subtle Under Table Touches
▶ Helps her Dress (Zips up her dress)
▶ Biting
▶ Pray to Me

Overall I enjoyed this. I cannot wait to get into the second book! Really if you want an unexpected romance pick this up!!!! 

I had this particular series on my radar for a while and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

I really enjoyed the premise and even the fated mates which is not my favourite trope was done very well. I'll read the second book for sure and will probably check out the author other work.