This was a very enjoyable book! I loved the play on mythology, having an older female lead, and the interactions between the characters. It was an engaging read that had me continually coming back for more.

This book is likely somewhere around a 3.5 for me. It is a big, bold introduction to a world that combines modern times with mythology in a fun, unique way. There’s all manner of mythological being thrown in that had me searching my brain for my college classes on gods and goddesses.

Shannon is a woman who is passionate about her career. She has just somewhat recently escaped from an abusive relationship and is eager to get away to an international conference. On the plane she meets a famous lead singer and they hit it off in very sexy ways. It turns out that this lead singer is actually Loki in a disguise and he is absolutely smitten with Shannon. He, of course, reveals this is in the worst possible way, resulting in oodles of misunderstandings, fear, and some god-like revelations. This whole plot line would be enough for a single book, but this one doesn’t even begin to stop there!

Shannon needs to learn to live with one foot in the human world and one in the world of the gods. Loki, for his own part, is starting to regret all his childish decisions to upset or create enemies of other god-like beings, which ends up putting a big target on the back of anyone he shacks up with. There’s grudges, revenge plots, family lineage reveals, bad best friends, even worse sisters, dragon beings, babies, and kidnapping to round this big introductory book out. By the end I was hoping Shannon would be able to just take a breather, but we end on a cliffhanger, unsure where her life will end up!

I tried. I just could not get into this book. I am sure this book will be liked, but just not my cup to tea.

I debated my rating for this book, but ultimately landed on 4 stars. Before I get into everything I loved, I want to touch on the aspects that held it back from being a full 5-star read.

I felt the book could have been a little more fast paced, the miscommunication gave me a bit of headache, particularly when they revolved around the same issue multiple times. While tension in romance is essential, a more layered conflict between the characters, or external stakes that heightened their dynamic, could have made the emotional pull even stronger. Giving the characters more opportunities to work through their misunderstandings in meaningful ways would have added depth to their connection and made the resolution feel even more satisfying.

Now onto what I liked: the characters were great, I really enjoyed seeing an older FMC, and the fresh take on mythology was fascinating. Shannon struggles in ways that feel natural, but she also rises to the challenge and grows into the best version of herself.
What I also liked was the combination of different mythologies, by having immortals take on the roles that added an intriguing layer to the world-building and made it feel fresh.

Overall, this was an engaging read with compelling characters, unique mythology, and a strong setup for the next book. The ending left me eager to see where the story goes next, and I’m hoping future installments will build on the romance by deepening the emotional stakes between the leads. If you love mythology-inspired fantasy with a bit of romantic tension and high stakes, this is definitely worth picking up!

I think that this book did several things very well. The main idea of the story is very good. I liked the magic system and how it was explained. There is very good character development and I thought that the action scenes were excellent. Some of the things the book did poorly was the very heavy weighting of romance over moving the story along. And although I liked the action scenes, they were too few and far between. Certain romance scenarios were repetitive and there was too much inner dialogue. So my rating is based on the imbalance between romance and the rest of the story. People who prefer more romance may enjoy this book more than I did. Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the digital review copy.

I had so much fun reading this book! A woman who gives herself permission to have some fun and a fling, with a rock star ends up with so much more than she bargained for. I won’t bore you with a synopsis in my review.

I tore through this book! Not only were the main characters fully developed with so many layers, even the supporting characters were rich and fleshed out.

The worlds created by Melody Grace Hicks easily allowed me to imagine them in my head. The banter, snark, heartbreak and just about every other emotion had me on a rollercoaster! Oh, and the spice! Umm…yeah. The fact that the spice was woven seamlessly into the plot? Perfection.
Fans of magic, mythology, fantasy and spice would all enjoy this book. Do yourself a favor, dive into this world.

#NetGalley #HiddenTriquetraProphecyBookOne #StrongFMC #Magic #Mythology #HeFallsFirst #Action #Steamy

Hidden by Melody Grace Hicks is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of self-discovery, family secrets, and the power of resilience. The story follows a young protagonist who, after a series of life-altering events, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and the hidden complexities of her family. Hicks weaves a tale that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

One of the standout aspects of Hidden is its richly developed characters. The protagonist is relatable and multi-dimensional, grappling with feelings of loss, confusion, and the desire to belong. Hicks does an excellent job of portraying the emotional depth of her characters, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and deeply moving. The supporting cast, including family members and friends, adds layers to the narrative, each contributing to the protagonist’s journey in meaningful ways.

The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of introspective moments and plot-driven twists that keep readers engaged. Hicks’ writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid scenes that bring the story to life. The exploration of family dynamics and the impact of secrets on relationships is particularly compelling, offering a nuanced look at how the past can shape the present.

While Hidden deals with heavy themes such as grief and identity, it also offers a message of hope and the possibility of healing. The protagonist’s journey is one of empowerment, as she learns to confront her fears and embrace her true self. This balance of darkness and light makes the story both poignant and uplifting.

Some readers may find the emotional intensity of the novel challenging, but it is this very intensity that makes the story so impactful. The themes of love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression.

In summary, Hidden is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of family, identity, and the human spirit. Melody Grace Hicks has crafted a story that is both intimate and universal, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and character-driven narratives. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of uncovering the truths that define us.