Review of Open House

Open House by Krystal Shannan

Title: Open House: Pool of Souls Book 1 (Paranormal Romance)

Author: Krystal Shannan

Publication date: October 5 2012

Number of pages: 60 (novella)

About:

Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to matching soul mates.

Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their original chance to bond when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career ten years ago. Their souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance at love, but...How far will the gods go to get their own way?

Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?

Source: Amazon

My Thoughts

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

At only 60 pages, Open House was a very quick read. In fact, I managed to read 25% whilst having my breakfast and because I arrived to work 45 minutes early (why is there always congestion on my way home but not on my way to work?!) I completed the remaining three quarters.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the beginning; how Rebecca and Robert knew each other beforehand at school because so many books I read are about love at first sight, which quite frankly is beyond my comprehension.

However, their ‘love’ moved a little too quickly for my liking. I understand the whole first romance thing, and how Rebecca would like to please Rob, but having a guy that controlling, who even orders your dinner for you is not what I find attractive. I found him a leeetle bit arrogant.

I could not relate to the characters particularly or the storyline because a billionaire arriving unexpectedly, buying a mansion to move in with a girl he once tutored but was not romantically involved with is something I could not get my head around. Then just over a week later the guy proposes to her, seriously? In an ideal world it would be incredibly sweet but unfortunately it was beyond the realms of my reality but perhaps I am just too cynical.

I guess in a short story there can’t be much time spent over the wooing and whatnot but I would have liked to see a bit more of that, or maybe just an argument between the two would have been refreshing. Although to be fair, the stalker concept was a good addition, and it added a tense moment in there. 

On the other hand, I loved the inclusion of Greek Mythology in Open House. I have always wanted to learn more about the Greek Gods and Goddesses and was happily surprised to see them in this read. I especially found the banter between Ares and Aphrodite amusing, and how they were constantly trying to interfere with the outcome of RR’s relationship.

Ironically, the fact that Greek Mythology was involved in this, especially the Goddess of Love herself, helped me to believe the story and their love. This also pushed my rating of Open House from a 3.5 to a 4!

Thanks Krystal

Zed (:

Note: this book is not suitable for children as it contains explicit scenes and some strong language.