What do you think?
Rise of the Lost Gods #1
Goddess Forsaken
Roommates with benefits never looked so good.
Bounty hunter Lindsey Haven loves a good mystery, but not when a series of strange occurrences makes her homeless. Her friend's offer to let her house-sit for the summer - and maybe discover an explanation - couldn't come at a better time. But she doesn't realize she'll have to share the place with a frustrating, arrogant, sexy as hell distraction. How is she supposed to finally find some answers if all she can think about is him?
Dax Russell believes in fate, after all, his grandmother had the sight. So when his army buddy offers him a dream job in exchange for an easy summer of guarding a cat and some broken pottery, he knows the move is meant to be. Bonus: he gets to live with the feisty beauty that he keeps seeing in his dreams. Now if only she’d admit there’s more between them than a shared bathroom.
When a hidden threat pulls them into a thousand-year-old struggle for power, Lindsey, Dax, and a cat who's more than she seems have to work together to prevent a catastrophe of god-like proportions.
Goddess Forsaken is a full-length paranormal romance novel in the Rise of the Lost Gods series, featuring demigods with unexpected magic and the fated guardians who will do anything to protect them.
Bounty hunter Lindsey Haven loves a good mystery, but not when a series of strange occurrences makes her homeless. Her friend's offer to let her house-sit for the summer - and maybe discover an explanation - couldn't come at a better time. But she doesn't realize she'll have to share the place with a frustrating, arrogant, sexy as hell distraction. How is she supposed to finally find some answers if all she can think about is him?
Dax Russell believes in fate, after all, his grandmother had the sight. So when his army buddy offers him a dream job in exchange for an easy summer of guarding a cat and some broken pottery, he knows the move is meant to be. Bonus: he gets to live with the feisty beauty that he keeps seeing in his dreams. Now if only she’d admit there’s more between them than a shared bathroom.
When a hidden threat pulls them into a thousand-year-old struggle for power, Lindsey, Dax, and a cat who's more than she seems have to work together to prevent a catastrophe of god-like proportions.
Goddess Forsaken is a full-length paranormal romance novel in the Rise of the Lost Gods series, featuring demigods with unexpected magic and the fated guardians who will do anything to protect them.
266 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this. A well written paranormal romance full of mystery and intrigue, an exciting storyline and some fab characters, oh and don’t forget the cat!! Lindsay is our kick ass bounty hunter who ends up sharing a house with Dax who is so totally hot and with a little hidden magic they have to work together to prevent a catastrophe of god-like proportions. Phew! A great read!
October 4, 2022
It's a decent book but it's slow-paced. I normally can't put a book down once I start it, and always want to know what's going to happen next, and I just didn't feel that urgency with this book. I put it down several times to do other things and if I hadn't finished it, that wouldn't have bothered me overmuch either.
I've always liked the fated mates trope and I love a protective hero. Dax is protective towards Lindsey, but ... Lindsey keeps holding back and pushing him away, and we never really get a good explanation as to why she does that. We are told that she had a bad home life, but not enough details to feel the emotions coming from there. Her past ought to bring strong emotions, which is why she has decided that it's better to go through life alone.
What little we do know doesn't explain why she thinks people will always leave and no one will love her enough to stay. It's true that her mother didn't give her the love she needed, but her mother also didn't leave, even though her father did. But she never says one thing about her dad and doesn't seem to care about the absence of a father figure in her life. She felt unwanted by her mother, but she doesn't doubt that she is unlovable or that there is something wrong with her which makes her unlovely. So the experiences she had as a child don't really match up with the decisions she has made as an adult or the core beliefs that she has about herself.
She was also a very frustrating character because she contradicts herself. She wants to learn how to control her magic, because she's concerned about her magic hurting others. She has been told that she will only be able to control her magic by bonding to someone whom the Fates have designated as her "guardian". She feels manipulated by the Fates and hates the idea of having no control over her life, so she refuses to do what is necessary. Which means that, it's like I want A, but I can only get A by doing B, but I refuse to do B because I refuse to be reliant on someone else and I won't let anyone push me into doing something I don't want to do. Then what about wanting A? Apparently that is not as strong as her stubbornness.
I think because I like the fated mates trope, it's frustrating to me when someone fights against embracing their fated mate. In this case, you know Lindsey will have to embrace Dax sooner or later, because she can't solve her problem without accepting him first. But she's all, "I want him but I don't want to want him just because the Fates make me want him," and, "He wants me but it's not about me, it's because he didn't have a choice about it," and she goes over this same thing again and again, thinking in circles, which was annoying.
She has dreams and clearly the dreams are significant, but she never shares them with Dax. We also never see her trusting him enough to reveal her past and her pain to him. I don't even know how she got into her very unusual profession! Dax is hurt by how she holds back from him; he keeps waiting for her to open up to him. So I really wanted to see her redeem herself in this area. But the book ends with him still not knowing very much about her, because SHE WOULDN'T FREAKING TELL HIM. I felt dissatisfied with the ending of the story, as I felt things were actually unsettled between them with these kinds of issues unresolved. Saying "I love you" is not enough!!!
I did like that she's strong enough to stand up for herself and that she's capable. I liked that she would do hard things like force herself to confront people rather than bury her head in the sand or run away. I liked the initial banter between her and Dax, but later the banter died out and got lost in the sex and the mystery unfolding around them. That was a pity.
Initially, I liked the cat, Calliope. But her personality did not endear her to me, and I later changed my mind.
There's a bit of "how would that person know that?" in the book, to which no answers are given. Dax snarkily says that anything not easily explicable could be explained away by saying, "It's magic," and truly the book did give me this sort of vibe. And if Kora truly wanted to help, why didn't she just come out and have a straightforward conversation with Lindsey? Oh, I know the author was probably setting up the next book, but the whole Kora thing was a bit annoying too.
I thought the way that the author chose to clue us in on the backstory and history was interesting -- we learnt about it as Lindsey learnt about it, in a conversation with her mentor. But I couldn't help but wonder how this would be managed in later books, because with every new person they find, they're going to have to clue that person in also and tell that person the whole story all over again. I wonder if it will get rather repetitive.
Overall, the premise is interesting and execution is somewhat decent, but I wouldn't want to read it again. At the moment, I also have no plans to read the next in the series.
I've always liked the fated mates trope and I love a protective hero. Dax is protective towards Lindsey, but ... Lindsey keeps holding back and pushing him away, and we never really get a good explanation as to why she does that. We are told that she had a bad home life, but not enough details to feel the emotions coming from there. Her past ought to bring strong emotions, which is why she has decided that it's better to go through life alone.
What little we do know doesn't explain why she thinks people will always leave and no one will love her enough to stay. It's true that her mother didn't give her the love she needed, but her mother also didn't leave, even though her father did. But she never says one thing about her dad and doesn't seem to care about the absence of a father figure in her life. She felt unwanted by her mother, but she doesn't doubt that she is unlovable or that there is something wrong with her which makes her unlovely. So the experiences she had as a child don't really match up with the decisions she has made as an adult or the core beliefs that she has about herself.
She was also a very frustrating character because she contradicts herself. She wants to learn how to control her magic, because she's concerned about her magic hurting others. She has been told that she will only be able to control her magic by bonding to someone whom the Fates have designated as her "guardian". She feels manipulated by the Fates and hates the idea of having no control over her life, so she refuses to do what is necessary. Which means that, it's like I want A, but I can only get A by doing B, but I refuse to do B because I refuse to be reliant on someone else and I won't let anyone push me into doing something I don't want to do. Then what about wanting A? Apparently that is not as strong as her stubbornness.
I think because I like the fated mates trope, it's frustrating to me when someone fights against embracing their fated mate. In this case, you know Lindsey will have to embrace Dax sooner or later, because she can't solve her problem without accepting him first. But she's all, "I want him but I don't want to want him just because the Fates make me want him," and, "He wants me but it's not about me, it's because he didn't have a choice about it," and she goes over this same thing again and again, thinking in circles, which was annoying.
She has dreams and clearly the dreams are significant, but she never shares them with Dax. We also never see her trusting him enough to reveal her past and her pain to him. I don't even know how she got into her very unusual profession! Dax is hurt by how she holds back from him; he keeps waiting for her to open up to him. So I really wanted to see her redeem herself in this area. But the book ends with him still not knowing very much about her, because SHE WOULDN'T FREAKING TELL HIM. I felt dissatisfied with the ending of the story, as I felt things were actually unsettled between them with these kinds of issues unresolved. Saying "I love you" is not enough!!!
I did like that she's strong enough to stand up for herself and that she's capable. I liked that she would do hard things like force herself to confront people rather than bury her head in the sand or run away. I liked the initial banter between her and Dax, but later the banter died out and got lost in the sex and the mystery unfolding around them. That was a pity.
Initially, I liked the cat, Calliope. But her personality did not endear her to me, and I later changed my mind.
There's a bit of "how would that person know that?" in the book, to which no answers are given. Dax snarkily says that anything not easily explicable could be explained away by saying, "It's magic," and truly the book did give me this sort of vibe. And if Kora truly wanted to help, why didn't she just come out and have a straightforward conversation with Lindsey? Oh, I know the author was probably setting up the next book, but the whole Kora thing was a bit annoying too.
I thought the way that the author chose to clue us in on the backstory and history was interesting -- we learnt about it as Lindsey learnt about it, in a conversation with her mentor. But I couldn't help but wonder how this would be managed in later books, because with every new person they find, they're going to have to clue that person in also and tell that person the whole story all over again. I wonder if it will get rather repetitive.
Overall, the premise is interesting and execution is somewhat decent, but I wouldn't want to read it again. At the moment, I also have no plans to read the next in the series.
May 18, 2021
This was a well written and fun paranormal romance with a mix of Gods, demigods, magic, and fated guardians. Lindsey Haven and Dax Russell are wonderful characters, who help each other through hard times, disasters, fate, and unexpected forces. Dax is an ex army guy who is ready to go towards what fate has waiting for him. Lindsey has a harder time and would rather push what fate wants away instead. They are wonderful characters because they each help soothe the rough edges of the other. Calliope is a wonderful and frustrating character. I can't want to read what comes next. I definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2022
I was looking for a cozy romance book with some magic and this delivered!
Lindsey and Dax each think they have a summer house to themselves, but find themselves with two surprises
1. They have a hunky roommate
2. Their lives are now full of magic, talking cats, and ancient gods
I mean, what more can you really ask for?
This book was well edited and a smooth read. Well developed small town and a fun cast of characters. There were some twists that were expected, but enough that I didn’t see coming that kept me interested and coming back!
🌶 not fade to black but not super spicy, cute romance read level
Lindsey and Dax each think they have a summer house to themselves, but find themselves with two surprises
1. They have a hunky roommate
2. Their lives are now full of magic, talking cats, and ancient gods
I mean, what more can you really ask for?
This book was well edited and a smooth read. Well developed small town and a fun cast of characters. There were some twists that were expected, but enough that I didn’t see coming that kept me interested and coming back!
🌶 not fade to black but not super spicy, cute romance read level
October 6, 2022
Interesting
This was a fun twist on Greek mythology. It’s not like the traditional retellings where right away you know which god or goddess the MC is a reincarnation or descendant of. Nicole takes you on a journey and leaves you wondering “WHO IS IT?” until the end. I enjoyed the story for the most part, although there were some parts that had me wondering if I missed a prequel book. Lindsay and Dax are a fun couple who don’t do the usual bs of hiding their feelings until extreme danger. Dax is extremely open, upfront, and tells it like it is always. Lindsay is extremely guarded and trusts no one, but learns that may just be her downfall if she lets it.
This was a fun twist on Greek mythology. It’s not like the traditional retellings where right away you know which god or goddess the MC is a reincarnation or descendant of. Nicole takes you on a journey and leaves you wondering “WHO IS IT?” until the end. I enjoyed the story for the most part, although there were some parts that had me wondering if I missed a prequel book. Lindsay and Dax are a fun couple who don’t do the usual bs of hiding their feelings until extreme danger. Dax is extremely open, upfront, and tells it like it is always. Lindsay is extremely guarded and trusts no one, but learns that may just be her downfall if she lets it.
March 30, 2025
If you like non stop action and suspense, this is the book for you. With every answer comes a whole new set of questions and every time you think you know the answer a new twist leaves you in the dark again. This is a great, action packed, read and a definite must. Scarlet is a woman with a lot of scars, but also with a lot of heart and a lot of guts. Alaric is a protector with a few emotional scars of his own. Together they are magic and give this book just the right amount of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2021
I received a review copy of this book. Unfortunate timing slowed my ability to get through it in a timely fashion. That may have colored my reaction, as well. I had a hard time connecting to the heroine, and side characters. The actual book was well written and edited, so I was able to finish it, but it wasn't enough to keep me up when I should have been sleeping. I feel like I might have given it a fourth star if I had read it at a different time. Read Goddess Forsaken yourself, and see what you think.
April 14, 2021
I loved loved loved this book! Lindsey Haven is a sort of bounty hunter and she is a legit badass! And Dax is a hunky ex army guy that I would love to have in real life.. if ya know what I mean. I have always been a fan of budding romances between two people, who are secretly perfect for each other but just don't know it yet. Lindsey is real and has been through stuff and doesn't rush to trust people, and I find that so relatable. And I love Calliope! She is so much snark in one tiny body, it's awesome. I can't wait for her next book in this series!
May 1, 2021
Always nice to find 2 favorite genres together in 1 story. Paranormal and novel. This story fulfilled that perfectly and I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
A strong female lead, an attractive male lead, a mystery, a blooming love and a talking cat. This makes for fun moments
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A strong female lead, an attractive male lead, a mystery, a blooming love and a talking cat. This makes for fun moments
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2021
Goddess Forsaken by Nicole Hall is Book 1 in the Rise Of The Lost Gods series. Well written storyline that is exciting, filled with action, intrigue, and mystery. The characters are interesting. Lindsay is a bounty hunter and Dax has magic. They must work together to prevent a disaster. A fast paced, action packed, page turning adventure. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
April 6, 2021
This is an entertaining fantasy romance.. I liked it.. It is fun and quirky, with interesting and likable characters..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
This was a great start to a new series. This book was filled with well written, entertaining characters and the story line was interesting and kept my attention. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2021
This is a paranormal romance that is intriguing, entertaining and exciting. There is interesting mystery and likable characters. Well written with a storyline that is fun and unique. I am very excited to read more.
April 20, 2021
Book 2 starts of at a medium pace and continues so at the same pace through out. It's a romance surrounded around the supernatural. It was an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2021
Entertaining
An interesting look at the gods and how they night interact with the current world view. I thoroughly enjoyed all off the characters, enough so that I will continue with the series.
An interesting look at the gods and how they night interact with the current world view. I thoroughly enjoyed all off the characters, enough so that I will continue with the series.
April 21, 2022
I enjoyed Lindsey and Dax’s story – especially the two of them sneaking around town to follow a magic trail. It was a fun story with loads of twists and all the feels.
Can’t wait to learn more about Kora, Moira and Calliope – there’s something going on there!
Can’t wait to learn more about Kora, Moira and Calliope – there’s something going on there!
May 5, 2022
Life lesson: don’t mess with stuff about which you know nothing.
I like how this wasn’t an ‘enemies-to-lovers’; rather, it was more flirty banter balanced with normally-expected push-away boundaries that hurt people employ. Fast-paced.
On to book #2.
I like how this wasn’t an ‘enemies-to-lovers’; rather, it was more flirty banter balanced with normally-expected push-away boundaries that hurt people employ. Fast-paced.
On to book #2.
August 17, 2022
Mildly entertaining, it felt incredibly slow. At times it really gave off Percy Jackson vibes but like as an undertone only. The FMC is indeed a badass but it felt like she - as well as everyone else - barely developed.
April 7, 2021
A fun little romance that is unique and entertaining. I liked the characters and the storyline was interesting.
April 9, 2021
Excellent read. Fast paced and action packed. Steamy and hot read.. These two spark together like a nuclear reactor.
April 10, 2021
Well written read with romance, mystery, plot, and a strong bounty hunter at the center of it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews