It's probably been a year since one of my coven sisters (Rachel or Willow, I know it was one of you, forgive me lol) first brought Carly Spade's books to my attention. At the time it was Hades, which is a character I love in just about any retelling and I still haven't gotten to that book. So, I jumped at the chance to read 'Of Love and Forge,' when it came up in the tour email and I'm so glad I did!
This book is a lot of fun. Just a great romp through a city with cyberpunk vibes where people are enhanced to the nines and barely bat an eye at whatever wild thing is going down nearby.
From a writing standpoint, it's very light, simple, and straightforward. The story moves quickly, the plot isn't overly complex, but there are layers to the lead characters. There's lots of great banter between them, interspersed with action sequences, and some smoldering interactions as well.
I love, love Heph. He's hot as would be expected, a bit grumbly, but with a definite vulnerable side. He's got this wall built from the image as the world has made him see himself, other gods included.. but there's so much more to him than meets the eye.
Ro, as he likes to call her, should be an out of touch personality probably, but despite her spoiled goddess behavior here and there, she's extremely likable and surprisingly relatable at times. She really tries to complicate things for him in the beginning and you come to see that's just the kind of relationship they have had over the centuries.
If you're looking for a break from heavier reads, want to sit down and have a good time, this would be a great book to pick up. It's pretty fast-paced and enjoyable.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)