A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance (Hosting Gods Book 1)

I liked this book--read the entire thing, kept me engaged and I liked the characters. It is a super slow-burn reverse harem, if it even qualifies as that. I mean I don't even think there's a real kiss. Which is probably fine, considering the main character is only fifteen and her 'harem' is her stepsiblings. But the book was sweet, and the plot interesting, and I'm curious about where it's heading! Appropriate for young adults, and honestly the entire thing was aimed for a younger audience which I'm just not totally used to for the reverse harem genre--my critiques are only really based on what I expected when I read the category 'reverse harem paranormal romance'. If I had gone into it assuming a normal, YA paranormal, I would say it was excellent, engaging, with nice romantic tension and exciting potential. I almost feel like it was just categorized slightly off. But I enjoyed it! With kindle unlimited it's easy to read a portion of a book and just stop, swap it out for something more engaging, and this one captured my attention the entire time!

I love this author, and although this is something of a new direction, she still delivers. Lena Mae Hill has a real knack for creating imaginative, fantastical worlds that somehow seem authentic and believable. Here we are treated to Norse mythology alongside such modern day topics as homelessness and mental health issues, both of which are well handled, in my opinion, and the reader is left, at first, to make their own mind up.

It won't please everyone because although it doesn't exactly end on a real cliffhanger, we still have a lot of questions left unanswered so clearly this is intended as the start of a series. As such there is a fair amount of scene setting necessary which is well done, and I loved the characters. They developed before our eyes as we got to know them and Gwen was likeable and relatable. Billed as a reverse harem, this was only just starting to unfurl but I can see how that would work as all the Keen kids were attractive and charismatic in their own ways. I cannot wait to see how those relationships will develop.

As usual, the writing is quality, with a natural flow that just leads the reader in. I didn't know much about Norse mythology but I didn't need to. It was clear towards the end what was developing, at least enough to whet my appetite for more. There are several points of view telling this story which all adds to the flavour. Good start, can't wait for more!!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

Emerge was a great start to what has the potential to be a really cool series.
I am a sucker for a good Norse Mythology based novels and Emerge attacks mythology from a new, refreshing take. I absolutely loved and became invested in these characters and their development.
I got so into the characters that I actually finished this book in about 4 hours. I just couldn't put it down.

That being said, I feel like the pull between Gwen and all her "brothers" is a little on the weird side.
I wish that had been explained a little bit more. I was immensely disappointed by the ending. Just when you start to find out what is going on the story ends. It feels like an incomplete story.

I will definitely be finishing the series, because I love the characters and want to see what happens to them. I just hope the rest of the books actually satisfy a lot of the questions that weren't even close to tackled in the first one.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. This captivated me from the beginning which is hard to do. I really enjoyed it. The only problem I had was distinguishing features of who was who. The ending left a cliffhanger and left alot of unanswered questions that seem to be answered in the next book. I felt like more emotion is needed after something crazy happens, but I get why it doesn't. It was an interesting concept. I really liked the different perspectives from each supporting character. Can't wait to read the next one!

I'm having very conflicted feelings for this book. I was slow to get into it and just when I did start it ended. I understand it is going to be a series but it felt like it just stopped halfway through. Other than that it was a good read and I will have to read the rest of the books to.see if I truly love the characters and I can't leave a series unfinished.

I received an ARC of this book so.incould leave my honest review

At the end the author indicates this was intended to be stand alone and not a cliffhanger. The storyline doesn’t even conclude at all, there are missing pieces to their puzzle, people to find and an enemy still at large? I’m a bit confused how that’s not a cliffhanger? The rest of the story is interesting. I loved the blend of mythology and the author had some interesting plans.

I resonated so much with Gwen. She’s fiercely loyal and protective. The storyline is refreshing and very intriguing. It’s not your typical reverse harem trope of true mates. The attraction feels real and the relationships don’t feel forced or contrived. Can’t wait for the next.

This story is definitely different. I don't know how it would be to live all over the place. I think it'd be cool at times, but after 10 years it would probably get old and the way her mom decided it was time to leave each place would probably be pretty scary. I completely understand Gwen being terrified and at time same time a bit excited to finally have one place to say and to not be running all the time. I'm really enjoying this world and even getting the perspectives of others at times. After the different things these six teenagers find out I can't wait to see what happens to them and where this is going to take them.

This was a great read. It was compelling and engaging, you wanted to keep reading. Usually alternating POV doesn't interest me, but it didn't deduct from the story and was helpful in places. Issues like mental illness and homelessness were addressed and explained without such negative shading as I've seen before in other books. Overall a great read, even if you're not into the reverse harem aspect.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and the characters and story were well developed. I liked how the author touched on “taboo” subjects like mental he and homelessness. The characters were great. They were unique with different perspectives and dynamics. The story was excellent. It was full of suspense, action, intrigue, emotion and hot chemistry. I look forward to future books!!

NB: This book ends on a cliffhanger.