Lusty TheseusRating: 4.5 stars
Buy Link:
Amazon | All Romance | Amazon UK
Length: Novel


See that cover? That picture tells a fraction of this erotic romp through Greek mythology that had me wishing I’d had a more classical education. This book needs to come with a warning. Something like: Might singe your iPad. And, frankly, I might not have been troubled if it overheated the dang device.

So, to sum up the mythological premise: Prince Theseus, son of Aegeas, King of Athens, volunteers to be one of 14 tributes to face the minotaur on Crete. He is able to kill the minotaur and release Athens from their obligation to King Minos. It’s a tragedy because there’s a mix up and Aegeas thinks Theseus died and kills himself…

Now, forget all of that tragedy business.

In this super-sexy, erotica version of the myth, Theseus is an unknown son of Aegeas. On his eighteenth birthday, this untried virgin sets off to meet his father bearing tokens that will identify him to the king. Along the way, Theseus meets cattle-raiding Pirithous and proves his mettle. Oh, and gets sexily deflowered. And schooled in the pleasures between men by Daphnis the nymph, and pretty much every dude in the book, who—to my great delight—are all buff and mostly nude.

Theseus’ reunion with his father is unsatisfying. He’s claimed, but Theseus is unhappy for the strife in Athens. He volunteers to meet the demand for tributes to Crete’s minotaur, avoiding war with King Minos. Also, Theseus and Pirithous become lovers who, well, are not even close to monogamous. Though they are committed to each other emotionally. Pirithous even volunteers to stay beside Theseus on his heroic quest.

I’m not going to give any more of this sumptuous tale away. Take it on faith that it is thoroughly hedonistic and, dare I say, completely porny. My goodness. I could say it shocked me, but I’ve guaranteed an honest review. So, I was totally delighted. It’s such good filthy fun, from miraculous life-giving god semen, to orgies, to grave danger. There’s always a wink and a nod to the tragic myth, but the story is lighthearted and saucy. Expect cameos from all your favorite gods: Poseidon, Triton, Ares, and Eros and some horrifying creatures of yore: nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, and harpies. Not all of these are sexy, but there’s plenty of sexy to be had. For erotica, it was surprisingly campy, with a constant buoyancy that belied the suicide mission Theseus and his fellow tributes are undertaking. It seems there are no existential jams that Theseus cannot resolve with a sexy interlude. There’s a bit of tragedy and a bit of revenge and that’s almost all good. (Clearly, not the tragedy, but there’s so much good happening that the blow is softened.)

If you like erotica, and are not averse having your Greek myth tampered with in the dirtiest of ways, this is a book you’ll enjoy. I caution those who do not enjoy polyamory, because there’s a whole lot of that happening here. Also, for those who are intrigued the book ends with an HEA and a set-up for further lusty adventures… with Jason and his Argonauts.

(Sign me up!)

A review copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press.

veronica sig