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Valley of the Old Gods #4
Railed at the Bacchanal
GODS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
Diyo might be the god of pleasure, but I’ve got a corner on that market too. I work for cash, not bargains. For the right person and the right price, I’ll do just about anything to make you happy—make your life easier. Too bad my latest client decides my happiness—my freedom—is his to steal.
A boot to the chest, a tumble down a well, and I’m stuck in the old gods’ realm unless I make a bargain with the one being in either of our realms who’s better at what I do than I am.
Too bad I can’t trust the old god to give without demanding to take as well.
Diyo might be the god of pleasure, but I’ve got a corner on that market too. I work for cash, not bargains. For the right person and the right price, I’ll do just about anything to make you happy—make your life easier. Too bad my latest client decides my happiness—my freedom—is his to steal.
A boot to the chest, a tumble down a well, and I’m stuck in the old gods’ realm unless I make a bargain with the one being in either of our realms who’s better at what I do than I am.
Too bad I can’t trust the old god to give without demanding to take as well.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2023
38 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Dalia Davies
52 books276 followersDalia Davies fell into monster romance--almost by accident--and loves it here. She drinks her weight in tea every day and has been told on numerous occasions that she “knows too much”.
She pairs old gods, monsters, and aliens with human women who get exactly what they want and maybe a little more than they came for.
Brought up on fairytales read while hiding in the back stacks of her small-town library and sneaking in creature features at friends' homes, she always wanted a way to meld two fantasies into one. When not writing, she plays the banjo poorly, dreams of traveling the world, and avoids large crowds and loud noises.
Living in the southwestern US, she lets the outside heat permeate her stories and hopes they leave you panting.
This is, of course, a pen name. It is one of many I write under. You can find my other works as:
Andi Simms - Contemporary Romance
Ava Lunaria - Paranormal Romance
She pairs old gods, monsters, and aliens with human women who get exactly what they want and maybe a little more than they came for.
Brought up on fairytales read while hiding in the back stacks of her small-town library and sneaking in creature features at friends' homes, she always wanted a way to meld two fantasies into one. When not writing, she plays the banjo poorly, dreams of traveling the world, and avoids large crowds and loud noises.
Living in the southwestern US, she lets the outside heat permeate her stories and hopes they leave you panting.
This is, of course, a pen name. It is one of many I write under. You can find my other works as:
Andi Simms - Contemporary Romance
Ava Lunaria - Paranormal Romance
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 21, 2024
3.25 stars✨
This might be the sweetest book in this series so far lmao. Diyo is so cute and I love them and I love them and Jovie together🥹
This might be the sweetest book in this series so far lmao. Diyo is so cute and I love them and I love them and Jovie together🥹
February 1, 2023
“Fuck me like you want to keep me.” I say. “Fuck me like you want to punish me for leaving.”
“Fine. Fuck me the way I deserve.”
The smile that creeps onto their lips is fiendish.
“Be careful what you wish for.”
Jovie gets a job from Mr. C. Mr. C tricks her into Diyo's realm, where they have 3 nights of hedonistic sex/pleasure and Jovie looses her heart to Diyo.
I loved this book. Just the right touch of short, hedonistic but with enough story to carry the day.
I loved Diyo. Loved their drawing/art work within the story. I also loved the little slice of 'real life' in the conversation Jovie had with her mum. But most of all I loved Jovie. She knew what her work was, didn't make excuses for it and the minute she was in a bad spot, she paid attention to the fine print and had options.
I thought Diyo calling Jovie my Joy at the beginning was them teasing her, but I loved that in the short length of the book till the end, you actually see it grow into a genuine term of endearment.
Looking forward to more gods.
“Fine. Fuck me the way I deserve.”
The smile that creeps onto their lips is fiendish.
“Be careful what you wish for.”
Jovie gets a job from Mr. C. Mr. C tricks her into Diyo's realm, where they have 3 nights of hedonistic sex/pleasure and Jovie looses her heart to Diyo.
I loved this book. Just the right touch of short, hedonistic but with enough story to carry the day.
I loved Diyo. Loved their drawing/art work within the story. I also loved the little slice of 'real life' in the conversation Jovie had with her mum. But most of all I loved Jovie. She knew what her work was, didn't make excuses for it and the minute she was in a bad spot, she paid attention to the fine print and had options.
I thought Diyo calling Jovie my Joy at the beginning was them teasing her, but I loved that in the short length of the book till the end, you actually see it grow into a genuine term of endearment.
Looking forward to more gods.
June 18, 2024
Diyo is so precious and Jovie was a good fit for them, with her self confidence, fearlessness, and compassion. Cute little short story with lots of spice
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: falling, mentions of sex work
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: falling, mentions of sex work
February 3, 2023
Different Tale
I read this book because I loved Railed by Krumpus. It was a delight. This book is entirely different animal.
Some clarity:
*Diyo uses They/Them pronouns
*Diyo has female and male parts
*Public sexual displays
*No OW/OM
*Special peen
*Diyo is in "monster/animal" form the entire story
Pro:
The author weaves a good tale. It's short. The FMC is sexually forward. She knows exactly what she wants and she isn't mean or bossy or selfish. There are no smirks, no sass just a regular sensical woman. Diyo as the O(other)MC is not spiteful. They are not in the business of tricking and deceiving.
Con:
You never really get Diyo's perspective. You don't know their driving force. I would love to know when it stopped being a game. I would love to what exactly made Diyo give their heart.
I read this book because I loved Railed by Krumpus. It was a delight. This book is entirely different animal.
Some clarity:
*Diyo uses They/Them pronouns
*Diyo has female and male parts
*Public sexual displays
*No OW/OM
*Special peen
*Diyo is in "monster/animal" form the entire story
Pro:
The author weaves a good tale. It's short. The FMC is sexually forward. She knows exactly what she wants and she isn't mean or bossy or selfish. There are no smirks, no sass just a regular sensical woman. Diyo as the O(other)MC is not spiteful. They are not in the business of tricking and deceiving.
Con:
You never really get Diyo's perspective. You don't know their driving force. I would love to know when it stopped being a game. I would love to what exactly made Diyo give their heart.
December 6, 2023
Some Demigod level debauchery right there.
Yeah, I won't pretend I read this for anything but spice between mortals and gods. But it was so much more than that. It was written so well, I'm ready for the next installment in the series.
When Jovie asks:
"Could anyone blame me for wanting to belong to a god whose sole purpose is pleasure?"
The only logical answer is no, no darling, no one can blame you.
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes:
The Valley worldbuilding continues from that infamously hot Easter Bunny debacle. I do love how she can create whole histories and backdrops in a few short paragraphs.
Character Development/Favorite Character:
Jovie is torn between being the one who calls the shots and makes the rules and runs her life to being a toy for a God. She lacks balance in the immediate aftermath of "the bargain".
Diyo, The God of Pleasure is a just god and in the same breath, not quite as ruthless as any old God from any old pagan religion. Humans are toys but Diyo seems to care for their new toy, Jovie. Oh yeah, and Diyo is a hermaphrodite/rebus/double organed - which peaked my interest by at least nine LEVELSof curiosity.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
●Mr C maneuvering Jovie into unwitting offering
●...ahem 🔥Day 3 of the Bachannal.
●uhm why does the bachannal smell like camphor? That is not an enticing sexy scent. I mean might as well have said lemongrass or something
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
“Some things are worth selling your soul for, Jovie.” (Mr C to Jovie )
"I made the rules, and I’ve made sure my contracts are as binding as the old gods’ bargains." (Jovie on the wording of a deal)
"Diyo is dangerous. They’re the type of god who could make you stay…the type of god who could just as easily hand you off to one of their less pleasant kin" (Jovie on kissing a God)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts:
●The Wishing Well.
●The Realm of The old Gods.
●The dangers of making bargains with gods.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance Books by 2025
Yeah, I won't pretend I read this for anything but spice between mortals and gods. But it was so much more than that. It was written so well, I'm ready for the next installment in the series.
When Jovie asks:
"Could anyone blame me for wanting to belong to a god whose sole purpose is pleasure?"
The only logical answer is no, no darling, no one can blame you.
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes:
The Valley worldbuilding continues from that infamously hot Easter Bunny debacle. I do love how she can create whole histories and backdrops in a few short paragraphs.
Character Development/Favorite Character:
Jovie is torn between being the one who calls the shots and makes the rules and runs her life to being a toy for a God. She lacks balance in the immediate aftermath of "the bargain".
Diyo, The God of Pleasure is a just god and in the same breath, not quite as ruthless as any old God from any old pagan religion. Humans are toys but Diyo seems to care for their new toy, Jovie. Oh yeah, and Diyo is a hermaphrodite/rebus/double organed - which peaked my interest by at least nine LEVELSof curiosity.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
●Mr C maneuvering Jovie into unwitting offering
●...ahem 🔥Day 3 of the Bachannal.
●uhm why does the bachannal smell like camphor? That is not an enticing sexy scent. I mean might as well have said lemongrass or something
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
“Some things are worth selling your soul for, Jovie.” (Mr C to Jovie )
"I made the rules, and I’ve made sure my contracts are as binding as the old gods’ bargains." (Jovie on the wording of a deal)
"Diyo is dangerous. They’re the type of god who could make you stay…the type of god who could just as easily hand you off to one of their less pleasant kin" (Jovie on kissing a God)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts:
●The Wishing Well.
●The Realm of The old Gods.
●The dangers of making bargains with gods.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance Books by 2025
August 11, 2024
can only reiterate what I said in my previous reviews: she does better in her novellas because those don't hinge on her building a believable romance (but God do I want her to write an aromantic character so badly), the worldbuilding is cool but feels neglected, and I still enjoy her writing.
Jovie was not planning to end up in Diyo's realm but she makes the best of an unplanned situation and she is just in time for the fun.
Diyo is my favourite God so far because I felt their character had actually something to offer even if it's not explored too deeply in the novella itself. I am less into the fact that Davies has called them intersex representation when what she describes is the kind of "true" hermaphrodism that is more fiction than reality. [And I don't mind when authors play around with bodies and sex organs, especially when gods/monsters are involved - but calling it intersex when they can manipulate their body to such a degree feels not fully thought through.]
Jovie was not planning to end up in Diyo's realm but she makes the best of an unplanned situation and she is just in time for the fun.
Diyo is my favourite God so far because I felt their character had actually something to offer even if it's not explored too deeply in the novella itself. I am less into the fact that Davies has called them intersex representation when what she describes is the kind of "true" hermaphrodism that is more fiction than reality. [And I don't mind when authors play around with bodies and sex organs, especially when gods/monsters are involved - but calling it intersex when they can manipulate their body to such a degree feels not fully thought through.]
February 16, 2023
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓𝒔. 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes/Content: NBiW, God of pleasure/human exhibitionism/public play, intersex representation, flavored 💦, horns used as dildos
Series: Valley of the Old Gods #4
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Jovie will do just about anything for the right price. She's paid by a client, Mr. C, to find some cups. When she delivers them to him, he tells her they're for Diyo, the God of Pleasure, and tries to get Jovie to deliver them. When she declines, Mr. C kicks her down a well and into Diyo's domain. Diyo is taken with Jovie, and they make a deal to spend three days and three nights together.
This was such a fun read and the spice was perfect. I love the world that Dalia has built and enjoy each time I get to revisit with a new God's story. Diyo and Jovie are honestly just the sweetest couple. Diyo is so taken with Jovie and worships the ground she walks on. I loved how sweet they were and the pure joy they felt with Jovie around. The spice was perfect and I loved the use of their horns 😏
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes/Content: NBiW, God of pleasure/human exhibitionism/public play, intersex representation, flavored 💦, horns used as dildos
Series: Valley of the Old Gods #4
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Jovie will do just about anything for the right price. She's paid by a client, Mr. C, to find some cups. When she delivers them to him, he tells her they're for Diyo, the God of Pleasure, and tries to get Jovie to deliver them. When she declines, Mr. C kicks her down a well and into Diyo's domain. Diyo is taken with Jovie, and they make a deal to spend three days and three nights together.
This was such a fun read and the spice was perfect. I love the world that Dalia has built and enjoy each time I get to revisit with a new God's story. Diyo and Jovie are honestly just the sweetest couple. Diyo is so taken with Jovie and worships the ground she walks on. I loved how sweet they were and the pure joy they felt with Jovie around. The spice was perfect and I loved the use of their horns 😏
March 3, 2023
*Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Insta-love is always a good time with Dalia Davies 😌
In this 90 page novella, we see a new deal made with one of the old gods. This time around, it’s a party god who lives to experience joy—Diyo, the god of pleasure.
Diyo falls head over heels for our main character who is terrified of happiness without strings attached.
Your honor, I love them!!! AND I WISH WE HAD MORE!!
I’m very greedy and in love.
CW: explicit sexual content
Insta-love is always a good time with Dalia Davies 😌
In this 90 page novella, we see a new deal made with one of the old gods. This time around, it’s a party god who lives to experience joy—Diyo, the god of pleasure.
Diyo falls head over heels for our main character who is terrified of happiness without strings attached.
Your honor, I love them!!! AND I WISH WE HAD MORE!!
I’m very greedy and in love.
CW: explicit sexual content
January 29, 2023
I adored Diyo when they were first introduced in previous books, and it was a delight to see them find their love. Their Joy. The world of the Old Gods is so fascinating to me, the little rules and world building, and I find the gods themselves so cool. The way they are represented and able to recreate themselves is great. I also appreciate the nods and little cameos to other characters, always nice to see where their stories have gone since they were last seen.
May 10, 2023
Another excellent addition to this series. This was short, sweet, and spicy. Once again my complaint from the first book stands: it's not long enough. I wish we had seen more of why Diyo falls for Jovie and Jovie for Diyo.
June 12, 2023
This was... Fine. I love a good smut book, there's nothing wrong with smut for the sake of smut. But trying to tell me that after 3 days, where they exchanged exactly 0 personal conversations that didn't have to do with the act of having sex, suddenly they love each other? That don't do it for me.
June 26, 2024
Erotic and Sweet…
This is my second book by this author and I’m not disappointed! They know how to write spice as well as some world building and sweetness to round out an alluring little story. Quick read of sexiness and tenderness.
This is my second book by this author and I’m not disappointed! They know how to write spice as well as some world building and sweetness to round out an alluring little story. Quick read of sexiness and tenderness.
December 31, 2024
im confused on what the gender of the one on the cover is, they said they werent a girl, but their mom called them a girl and Diyo used female names and such on them within the book so im confused on if they are trans or genderfluid... other than that. it was a good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
Horns are surprisingly versatile, loved it ♥️
February 16, 2023
2.75 ⭐
The only thing I hate about this book is it only has one pov 😭
The only thing I hate about this book is it only has one pov 😭
March 7, 2023
3.75 Of this series, I have liked this one the most.
March 8, 2023
Once again, just killing it with the old gods, and their people absolutely loved this one fell in love with the romance and I am so happy with that ending
March 8, 2023
I didn't feel the connection with this one. But I still like Dalia Davies work! I truly feel scandalous reading these haha.
April 10, 2023
I loved how low angst this is despite taking place in such a rich, high stakes fantasy world. Beautiful love story and very steamy. Quick read.
June 8, 2023
This book being so short is a crime. It’s SICK !
October 10, 2023
Everything was cute and smutty 🥰🤩
January 12, 2024
I appreciate how the author ties in the other books from the series. Loved the little novella!
February 7, 2024
Dnf the other books were better
April 7, 2024
3.5
i love diyo! they’re my fav god so far. i wish this book was longer tho
i love diyo! they’re my fav god so far. i wish this book was longer tho
April 10, 2024
So creamy and spicy
I loved this story. Honestly I wish it would never end. While it was quick, and I knew where it was going, I thoroughly enjoyed this beginning to end.
I loved this story. Honestly I wish it would never end. While it was quick, and I knew where it was going, I thoroughly enjoyed this beginning to end.
July 17, 2025
fun short read, more spice then plot. I loved diyo in the bunny book we saw them in but I didn't like them as much in this one. they seemed a little too obsessed with the MFC.
January 29, 2026
NBF, monster romance, spicy, gods, fawn, betrayal, agreement.
March 25, 2023
I love this book so much! It has the perfect balance of short and sweet. I found Joice and Diyo's relationship intriguing and LOVE the moment Joice gave into her feelings for Diyo (and the horns! Love the use of them 🤌). Another great thing about this book is seeing character cameos from previous books, especially with Minx and Diyo! I can't wait for the next book! 🥰
February 13, 2026
The insta love felt a little two forced for me.
November 22, 2023
Another absolutely amazing book by Dalia.
I’m starting to enjoy books that aren’t novel length.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I’m starting to enjoy books that aren’t novel length.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews