Title: Kissed by the Gods
Author: Caty Rogan
Publication date: September 24, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- M/F
- Romantasy
- 1st person POV
- Spice
- Slow Burn
- One Tent
- Animal Bonds
- Captor/Captive
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden Love
- Political Intrigue
First Thoughts
I have read 74 books so far this year. This one is the best. Just read it. It’ll become your new obsession.
Minor spoilers ahead.
The Story
Leina has lost nearly everything and everyone she’s ever known and loved, then is taken captive by Ryot, an Altor, one of the warriors blessed by the gods with enhanced abilities. Her world is turned upside down when she finds out she is also an Altor, the first female Altor ever. Over the coming months, she must train with the men to become a warrior, and to learn to control her strength.
No way. No. Absolutely not. I’m not attracted to my kidnapper. That would be insanity.
The political elements of Kissed by the Gods kept things really interesting. Having a King who is obviously corrupt but has no real power against the Altor was such a unique idea. Keira, with nothing left to lose, put everything she has into exposing the King’s evil and removing him from power. With all she has been through, she has nothing left to fear, thus won’t allow herself to be intimidated. No matter what they say or do to her, no matter how many eyebrows go up, she doesn’t back down a single inch and I LOVED it!
Okay, can we talk about the Faravar? The divine winged warhorses the Altor warriors bond with and ride into battle? I feel like we see a lot of dragons or dragon-like creatures in romantasy and, don’t get me wrong, I love it. But I am so excited Kissed by the Gods has something so unique! And Caty’s writing made me feel like I was there riding them along with Keira and Ryot. I could practically see them. Even now, writing this review, I find my self missing them!
The ache in my legs is still there, but it’s manageable. The ache in my chest … That’s something else entirely.
The Romance
Unfortunately, being an Altor means giving up any hope of a family, or any romantic entanglement, especially with those she trains with. But there is something undeniable between Leina and Ryot. Inevitable, one might say. This is the best kind of slow burn. They try their hardest to keep things platonic, but no matter what they do, all roads lead to each other. Their bond is so strong, and it is such a joy to watch them fall so hard for each other.
“I’ve never had a dream this sweet,” I whisper.
“I’ve never had anything this sweet,” he murmurs back.
Final Thoughts
I don’t have a single complaint about Kissed by the Gods. No critique. The cliffhanger didn’t leave me angry. It just left me wanting, needing so much more. Book two can not come soon enough! Thanks so much to Caty for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC! Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend!
“My mother used to say that love isn’t a prize you win for being perfect or a currency traded for good behavior,” I say. “It’s messy. Imperfect. Deeply human. It’s about seeing someone—not as they should be, but as they are—and choosing them anyway.
