“Blood is Zeus is a dynamic and uniquely alluring paranormal romance! This author duo knows how to scorch the pages and tug at our imaginations. I can’t wait for more!” – NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann RyanAn ancient grudge. A forbidden love.The only thing worse than being a demon is being a Valari. As an undergraduate at Los Angeles’s Alameda University, Kara Valari can sometimes succeed at … University, Kara Valari can sometimes succeed at forgetting she’s both. Lost between the pages of the classics and tucked into the shadows of lecture halls, she can dodge the paparazzi’s lenses as well as her family’s publicized dramas—not to mention their private expectations. She has one more year to feed her true passions. Then she’ll be expected to fulfill a much darker destiny.
Cursed with inexplicable strength and godlike stature, literature professor Maximus Kane knows all about darkness. Every day he’s reminded of the missteps of his childhood and the devastating consequences they’ve had on those dearest to him. To atone, Maximus spends his nights alone and his days submerged in the quiet life of academia. His existence has become a study in control, and he’s become a master at it—until Kara Valari walks into his toughest course.
Viscerally, Kara’s everything he craves. Logically, she’s everything he rejects. She’s a starlet of privilege. She’s also a student. And after one touch, he can’t deny that she’s awakened something in him that may never go dormant. Nothing about her makes sense, but everything about her feels right. Especially in the deepest strands of his DNA, which are still shadows of mystery to him—a mystery Kara seems determined to uncover.
She’s Hollywood royalty. She’s forbidden fruit. And he’s pretty sure she could be the answer to everything.
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Kara and Maximus are part of a paranormal world that they are trying to navigate. Kara is a student at a university and Maximus is a professor there. The two meet when Kara walks into his class. The attraction between them is pure fire. Both have expectations on them that are not what they want to pursue. Will the couple be able to deal with all the drama and craziness? A good read.
Blood of Zeus was so worth the wait…the story of Maximus Kane and Kara Valari is wow! You won’t be able to put this book down until you finish!
Meredith Wild and Angel Payne deserve some serious kudos for collaboration on this one.
Electrifying Turbulent
What an intoxicating start to a new series!
This is a paranormal romance but the paranormal in this first episode runs more in the background than front and center. It is there and it makes itself known as the lies unravel and the truth breaks free. The stakes get higher and the players more deadly.
10 bolts of lightening to our fab authors for the universe they have created here. The colorful cast, supporting and main, are easy to connect with – I always enjoy it when a character can draw out the stronger emotions in me – that instant love or loathing – as if I can feel their aura radiating off the pages.
I soooo don’t want to spoil how this plays out or the storm that we as readers are left standing in (just wait for it).
Maximus was one of those characters that for me is more than just words on a page for me. His character was so tangible. I could feel the constant turmoil he attempts to repress the need to contain his aggression. The want to know more.
Kara is a ball of fiery rebellion! If anyone can understand how unfair the world is it is her. But she also recognizes that there is more to her hulking smexy professor and that more calls to her on a visceral level.
The push and pull between these two is charged and despite the chaos surrounding them you can’t help but hope they get their HEA
But at what price?
This was such a great and promising start of a series. There is literally no way anyone will read this and decide not to read the sequels. I really loved the storyline and the slow revelation of the character’s origins. Also, that last chapter was nothing short of epic. I’m looking forward to the next book so I can see what they’re up to next, especially Z.
OMG! I loved this book so hard!
Everything about this story was amazing!
Maximus is sexy. #Ilovenerds even though he doesn’t portray the nerd out loud.
I loved Kara. Together they created fireworks. You could feel the chemistry radiating off the pages of the book.
This book is steamy and emotional and had me captivated from page one.
I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Maximus and Kara. The heat and passion, the fire between them is incredibly hot! Maximus not knowing who is he completely, a professor of literature has a passion for Dante. He meets Kara who has secrets of her own. But doesn’t let him see or know that she is different. Until one night she shows him the fire in her eyes. This is a paper turning, keep you up and wanting to know so much more!! Jesse is his friend who is into astrology and cosmos. Has just discovered a new cosmo with the help of her sister Kell. You need to read this book! Intense book. They did an amazing job of writing
Blood of Zeus by Meredith Wild and Angel Payne. This is 1st book in the Blood of Zeus series. This begins Kara Valari and Maximus Kane’s story.
Kara is the quiet girl who is super smart. She comes from a family of privilege yet she has secrets, secrets she wants badly to forget but is not able to. She is in her final year of studies as a student at Alameda University. She is fascinated by the classics and one class catches her eye- Advanced Studies in Medieval Literature and the Professor is Maximus Kane. He is super intelligent, sexy, swoon-worthy, intense and dominant.
Kara starts taking that class and for Maximus, Kara is that forbidden fruit. They have this instant connection and neither understand why. They are connected and that flame burns bright.
Max is a man trying to understand his past while Kara is a woman whose does understand what is hers and is desperately trying to keep hers secret. Will they be able to survive once the secrets come out or will this break them completely apart? This ends on an epic cliffhanger…
What an amazing new series! Full of feels, heat, danger, action, excitement, suspense, intrigue, passion, mythology , romance and awesome characters. I look forward to book 2 to find out what happens next.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
A paranormal romance that is out of this world! Blood of Zeus has me wanting to go back to college just so I can find my own Professor Kane. I need Heart of Fire stat, and would pretty much sell a kidney for it right now! This series is SO good, it’ll draw you in until the last page. This is definitely my new paranormal romance and I’m sure I’ll be reading it again before the next installment releases. Be still my heart and step aside Thor, I’ve got a new God of a book boyfriend in Maximus Kane!
WOW!! What a way to start a series! I love a good PNR and this was beyond my expectations. Maximus and Kara were well written and I loved the push and pull with their relationship. Their relationship was frustrating at times due to the professor/student relationship, but I loved how they couldn’t stay away from each other. Their attraction for each other is out of this world! (Pun intended!)
I have to admit that I felt like the beginning of the book was a little slow moving for me but it definitely didn’t prevent me from reading this in one day. Absolutely can’t wait to read the 2nd book in this series!
THIS BOOK. From the moment it was announced it was one of most anticipated reads and it was captivating, mysterious, addicting, steamy. There is so much to this story, there are secrets, twists and turns. It is EVERYTHING.
Maximus is a professor. Kara is his student. They are drawn to each other. There is a whole new level to their connection, but neither of them really knows why. Kara isn’t like most people; she is a demon and Hollywood royalty. Maximus grew up in a completely different life than Kara and there is so much he doesn’t know about his past, but he can feel he is different from most people.
I LOVED the chemistry between Maximus and Kara. It is just as captivating and addicting as the story itself. You can feel the deeper connection between them. It truly is magical and perfect. You can just feel their connection, their bond and the heat between them. It oozes off the pages.
Blood of Zeus is captivating, and I cannot wait for more of this series and more of Maximus and Kara! If you’ve never read paranormal or fantasy romance before this is a FANTASTIC introduction to those tropes and if you think you aren’t a fan those tropes you can still enjoy this book and will love this story.
Blood of Zeus is a MUST READ and one of my TOP READS of 2020.
A forbidden romance filled with a dark side that keeps you wanting more. PNR at its finest. These two ladies slayed this book. The writing is incredible and the world these ladies create is one you can’t help but want to visit often. The chemistry is crackling hot. It’s a force that these two can’t just walk away from. I admit their are some pieces missing and I can’t wait to see how the next book brings things together. This is one series you need to invest in.
Maximus Kane doesn’t understand his astonishing strength or where it comes from. All he knows is he must stay in control at all times. If he doesn’t bad things can happen just ask his best friend and colleague, Jesse. Maximus has made the most out of his life by focusing on academia and keeping his underlying power in control. That is until he meets Kara Valari who makes every cell in his body sizzle.
Kara has a family secret that is multiple generations old. She has tried to ignore the impending fate that awaits her. She buries herself in books, research, academic studies. She has saved Professor Kane’s course for her last year on purpose. Why would someone like her need to study the underworld? I mean really? Be prepared for high stakes in this first book as the stage is set for Kara and Maximus to explore their passion and avoid impending doom.
4.25 stars–BLOOD OF ZEUS is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult BLOOD OF ZEUS paranormal, mythological, romantic suspense series co-authored by Meredith Wild and Angel Payne focusing on university student Kara Valari and professor Maximus Kane.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kara and Maximus) BLOOD OF ZEUS follows the building but forbidden relationship between university student Kara Valari and professor Maximus Kane, a relationship forbidden by the university ethics, and the law of the gods. From the outset, the reader is aware there is more to our couple than meets the eye. As Kara and Maximus relationship builds, their attraction and time together creates a firestorm that summons the gods, forcing Kara to reveal the truth about what she is, and her connections to the world. While Maximus continues to be oblivious to his supernatural heritage, a visit from his father begins to breakdown the barriers between earth and h*ll, barriers that no longer protect our story line couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Kara and Maximus, and the potential fall-out as their union is forbidden because Kara is promised to someone else.
Kara Valari has known about her heritage and the circumstance of her family and her birth all of her life but meeting Maximus Kane draws Kara like a moth to a flame, a flame that burns with the intensity of the sun. Unable to reveal the truth to Maximus, Kara finds herself bouncing between walking away or losing everything for love. Kara’s family is a member of the ultra-rich and famous, and in this, their every move is watched and painted for the world to see. Maximus Kane is unaware of his supernatural powers or his mythological heritage but knows he is not quite normal in the eyes of humanity. The more time he spends with our story line heroine, the more his abilities begins to manifest revealing his location, and his connections to the sky.
The relationship between Kara and Maximus is one of immediate attraction that neither one is able to explain. Kara knows there is more to Maximus than a mortal human being but our hero continues to be oblivious to his heritage, and the powerful strength that comes with his DNA. Having to keep their relationship secret from the university and the paparazzi, Kara struggles knowing that if their secrets are revealed, the punishment will be swift and deadly. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Maximus’ best friend and fellow professor Jesse NOrth; Kara’s sister Kell, their mother Veronica Valari, their grandfather Giovani Valari, art collector Arden, Maximus’ mother Nancy Kane, and a revelation as to the identity of our hero’s father.
BLOOD OF ZEUS is a story of family, secrets, power and gods; of mythological demons, angels, contracts and legends; of promises and love. The premise is intriguing, entertaining and exciting; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic. BLOOD OF ZEUS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
Blood of Zeus was chocked full of non-stop sizzling seduction. The forbidden and slow burning interactions of the professor and his student kept my rapt attention. Like a live wire ready to snap, the chemistry and physical attraction of Maximus and Kara is hot with flying sparks. And who better to picture as the godly Professor Maximus Kane than the super sexy Brock O’Hurn.
I’ve loved Meredith Wild stories in the past and this was my first Angel Payne book. The co-writing was seamless and they complement each other wonderfully. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this storyline. A combination of mythology and paranormal with a human connection that was tantalizing and seductive. A demon and a demigod brought together by an unleashed passion that explodes when temptation becomes too much! The cost of their love is a price too steep to consider but the alternative is unfathomable. Will Maximus be able to have Kara as his own and protect her from eternal damnation.
Blood of Zeus leaves us on the edge with shocking family secrets finally revealed and an uncertain future in store for the otherworldly couple – their fight will be celestial. The story continues with Heart of Fire.
When I heard that Meredith Wild and Angel Payne were writing a book together I was very excited. Needless to say they did not let me down. I love the chemistry between Maximus and Kara. They are perfect for each other. I strongly suggest that you read this book.
This was a stunning read, full of drama and mystery, secrets and lies, and the connection between Maximus and Kara is simply electrifying, I loved it!!
Maximus is a literature professor who lives his life being in constant control of his emotions after a devastating childhood incident left his best friend in a wheelchair and him trying his best to atone for his actions.
Kara is part of the Valari family, mafia royalty, but she does anything and everything she can to live the quiet life away from the glitz and glamour the rest of her family love. But her family is cursed by hell itself and her life has been mapped out and already decided for her, she is just waiting until she has to fulfil her dark destiny.
Kara has taken Maximums’ class and they are drawn to each like nothing they have known before. One touch is all it takes to shatter his tight control and awaken something within him that he cannot ignore. Kara feels compelled to be with him, but knows he is not the one for her, yet cannot deny how right it feels when they are together. But she is tempting the wrath of hell if she goes with her feelings for Maximus and denies her darker preordained path.
I loved the story line, the mystery behind how Kara is connected with hell and how Maximus does not know his origins or his father, his mother refusing to tell him anything substantial, this is not revealed until the end of the book but wow it was worth the wait! Kara is a strong and determined woman, willing to risk it all to be with Maximus, unable to deny her feelings for him. Maximus is totally swoon worthy in his attempts to keep hold of his control and keep away from Kara, but she is determined to have him, pushing his boundaries and testing his control limits.
A stunning read, totally captivating, with the drama hitting boiling point at the end when you eventually find out Maximus’ lineage! I can’t wait to read the next book, not to be missed whether you are a PNR fan or not!
I love mythical fantasies involving the Gods of long ago and this one was what I want in that type novel but with a twist. Maximus is huge, stupid strong, and has to keep his emotions on a tight leash, but he doesn’t understand why. His parentage is a mystery on his father’s side, but when he falls for Kara, he finds he can unleash his inner beast. Problem is, she’s promised to another.
I wouldn’t expect anything less than the best from these two authors and this book came dang close!
I haven’t read a PNR in a while and I absolutely LOVED this! It was intriguing, riveting and passionate.
“There’s something bizarre and forbidden and different about Kara Valari. But something warm and familiar and right too. So damn right.”
Kara Valari likes to keep a low profile. She’s in her final year of college and is aiming to make the most of it before duty calls and her life no longer belongs to her. She never factored in a searing attraction and connection with her professor, or the compelling need she has for him. However, there is no overcoming her secrets.
“I can’t pretend like I don’t want to be with you when you’re the only person in my life I’ve ever thought about breaking the rules for.”
Professor Maximus Kane is a study in control. His godlike stature and magnificence has all his female students crushing on him but he’s never been tempted to cross the line because he knows he’s…different. However, a simple brush of fingers with Kara has a monumental effect on him. There is no denying the electric connection between them. The more time he spends with her, the more he’s convinced she’s the key to his hidden past.
“When he finally lowers, our mouths collide in a desperate rush. He kisses me like he might die if he doesn’t.”
This was SUCH a fabulous read! I couldn’t put this story down. It was such a riveting read. I love mythology and I loved how it’s woven into this story. There are mysteries to be solved and insurmountable problems to overcome, as well as a love that is going to shatter destinies. Maximus and Kara are absolutely magnetic together! Gaah! I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Wow this book was so exciting!!
We have a girl who just wants to be herself but her family name makes that impossible. Then she has one year left to be who she wants to be then she has to do what her family says , then she meets him Maximus Kane , and Kara is lost , he knows he is not supposed to want her or need her but that is neither here nor there , This book made me want more and I am so excited to get the next one soon!!!
Reading tales of this nature have not been my norm. Fairy tales and such just did not excite me. So rest assured, I stepped into this book with caution. Of course I have been a fan of Meredith Wild and Angel Payne for years (sorry ladies), so to have something co-authored by them was a plus.
Now to the rest. Blood of Zeus is amazing! Is that easy enough?
Yes, it is a tale of paranormal, so much more. Kara Valari shines like a light in the public eye, but behind the glitter and gold there lurks pain, fear, despair and guilt. People do not know the family secrets and really are not aware of the damage they have endured. Her very being is tied to all the damage done in her family’s past. She is a major cog to keep them all safe. Sadly, her requirements run totally against all things normal in this world.
Professor Maximus Kane is that alpha male every woman swoons over. Strong, smart (of course), worldly and grounded. Yet, while the ladies may have eyes for him, his site is far more strained. His battle within keeps him from seeing what is before him. Past damages have forced him to restrain from life’s gifts and even those who he may adore are cautious to share what they know. It has left him a man feeling lost, confused and alone.
Kara and Maximus are a story of opposites that attract. They are a story of what should not happen, and what can happen Theirs is a story with consequences for actions, passion when there should be none, and damage unknown. Then there is that damn cliffhanger!
These two authors feed off each other to the point I am not sure who wrote what. Their skill sets merge invisibly and I was left in a realm unknown to me but all the same feeling like I was home. I cannot begin to put stars to this story because there are not enough out there.
Well done ladies and I await the rest of this saga.