*Of Love and Forge* by Carly Spade offers an intriguing mix of science fiction and romance, set in a futuristic world where technology and human emotion collide. The plot revolves around a compelling central relationship, but with enough world-building and action to keep things interesting. Spade’s writing is engaging, and the futuristic setting is imaginative, with the "Neosphere" offering a unique backdrop for the story.

While the romance between the leads has some sweet and emotional moments, it didn’t fully captivate me. The chemistry was present, but at times, the relationship felt secondary to the world-building and plot, which made it harder to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The pacing also felt a bit uneven at times, with some parts dragging while others moved too quickly.

Overall, *Of Love and Forge* is a solid read for fans of sci-fi romance, offering a good balance of action and heart. It’s an enjoyable story, but it didn’t quite have the emotional depth or intensity I was hoping for. A great pick for those who enjoy a mix of genres, but not quite as memorable as I had hoped.

I want to thank the publisher, netgalley, and the author for the free copy of this book. Unfortunately this story just wasn’t for me but I will be trying books from this author again in the future.

Urban fantasy meets Greek mythology - can you say hello cyberpunk? Spade does a really clever job making the tried and true mythological characters feel fresh and new. As a reader you often see mythological retellings centered around Hades and Persephone. However, Hephaestus and Aphrodite get to take center stage - a story we didn't even realize we needed until now. This book has plenty of spicy tension and humor. If you are a fan of greek mythology, know that this story will deviate some from the classic story arc. Happy reading!

I'm really sorry for taking my time reading this. :( Reading the blurb, I didn't expect the story to go this way. It's definitely a lot spicer than I first imagined. The story felt fast-paced, and the events would happen back to back. Which I appreciate because it kept the story progressing. This isn't the usual type of book I'll read. It did throw me off in the beginning. While I've read the original mythology it's been a while - so I did get confused at times. But I'm glad I gave it a shot. I will be reading other books written by Carly in the future :)

Thank you NetGalley, Author and Publisher for giving me an opportunity to read this story <3

I never thought I would be out here reading a cyberpunk type book but I am a sucker for any and all mythology books and let me tell you. This book right here is a MUST READ! I loved every single pop culture reference. I loved being able to watch as the characters grew even beyond what was needed of them. This is definitely on my read again list. I will be keeping an eye out for all future Carly Spade books!

I completely forgot to write a review when I finished this. Oops.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is by far my favorite Carly Spade book. I love Contemporary Mythos, but this was so much more. The premise was enough to get me hooked in. Cyberpunk AphroditeXHephaestus!! Absolutely fantastic. The characterization was phenomenal and the story is incredible.

Highly recommended. 10/10

Thank you to World Tree and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I was very much intrigued by the idea of a contemporary mythology retelling, but this one unfortunately fell a bit flat for me. I have the utmost respect for the author and the story, and I think I was just not the intended audience for this book. I can DEFINITELY see others enjoying it, and it had a VERY intriguing premise as I said. I enjoyed the "modern" Greek god portrayals but I think the futuristic elements and time travel was where this book lost me. Again, there is definitely an audience for this book and I'm hoping this book finds those readers!

3.5/5 stars

I have to give this book props. I really didn't expect to enjoy this. I'll be honest and say that when requesting this book all I saw was a book about gods and was intrigued. I then while reading realized there was a cyberpunk aspect to it and got really nervous. Overall it worked out pretty great. While Cyberpunk is not at all something I tend to gravitate towards, I didn't dislike it here. It brought something unique to the book. I really enjoyed reading Ro (Aphrodite) and Heph (Hephaestus). I need a Heph in my life right now. Overall I had a really fun time and would recommend giving it a read.

This is a creative and unique retelling of a well-known mythology. I think some of it went a bit over my head (not being overly familiar with these Gods) but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Of Love and Forge was a super cute childhood friends to lovers retelling of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. I loved how the chemistry built between the two of them even though there was a long established chemistry from their childhood friendship. The only complaint I had was how different Aphrodite felt in this book than how she was in Carly Spade's book "Eros". In that book, she seemed to have the maturity of a middle-aged woman, while here she seemed more like a woman in her mid-twenties.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

I really struggled through this book and almost quit several times. It’s a different concept for the Modern Greek Gods to be futuristic, I will say this book might truly appeal to some, and parts were fun, but I felt it went on a bit too long. There was far too much use of the word tits- why is that the only word the author chose to use for breasts, who knows? Legitimately perplexed as to who the villain truly was, there were so many detours to get nowhere with that answer. Overall, I just couldn’t connect with it. It’s a shame because I liked the other books in the series.
**Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.**

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC. I really loved this book. It's a sort of cyberpunk mixed with greek mythology and time travel and spice. I really loved this Aphrodite & Hephaestus retelling. Truly stunning characters.

Loved the banter and tension between Heph and Aphrodite in this cyberpunk myth retelling. While the story was a slow burn, the nerdy references and eventual ignition of the plot kept me engaged. Grateful for the ARC from NetGalley and World Tree Publishing! ⭐⭐⭐

Carly Spade has crafter a world that eats you alive. In a mythical retelling meets cyber-punk, readers are immersed in the story of Hephaestus and Aphrodite.

Secrets, spice, and magical elements are thrown at you an incredible pace. The dual POV gives an inside look to both characters though I was more of a fan of the world through Aphrodite’s eyes.

A great escape read. I enjoyed everything about it.
Many thanks to the author and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved the setup and scenery of this book, very different and fun for a Greek mythology reimagining! This was a lot of fun and well worth checking out! The characters are clearly who you expect them to be and yet fully fledged out and enjoyable as Spade's unique take on them as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy!

What a fun read! I loved the whole storyline. I picked this book for the cover but I’ll be checking out the authors whole booklist now! Wow!

Loved this! The characters were well developed and the story was fun and thrilling. A fun and sexy book for any romance fan.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carly Spade for letting me review this book.

There are a lot of elements that I like. But unfortinately I had a hard time connecting with the story and most of the characters.

The beginning and some later parts gave me Marvel vibes. An element I liked.

I loved Heph most of the time. But the plot, the other characters... Especially all the damsel in distress stuff closer to the beginning wasn't for me.

Still, this might be just the book YOU are looking for.

Includes:
Marvel vibes