ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Lex is damaged by her childhood, she jumps into relationships but runs from any feeling that could possibly lead to love. Dean too is unable to love, his connections with women are fleeting and often damaging to those he cares for. When Aphrodite and Apollo are chosen for the games, with all of Olympus watching on, both draw on their past anger towards one another to choose the best candidates to hurt the other's chance at winning. Both hold the other accountable for lost love and a game of love or heartbreak is the perfect place to channel their anger. Dean and Lex are made for each other though and while Dita and Apollo put their heads in the game it is impossible to deny that the two human souls could heal one another.

"Well, no one knew love like she did. She owned it. It almost felt rigged, like an inconceivable task, but then again, challenges wouldn't be much fun if one were not an expert in the subject matter they defended. Of course, when it was between Apollo and Dita, it was never for fun."

I love Greek Mythology, the idea that Gods could be playing games with humans for entertainment is what first drew me into Paper Fools. Told through several points-of-view, Staci Hart brings readers into the lives of Aphrodite "Dita," Apollo, and the pawns in their game of wits, Lex and Dean. Readers are swept into the beauty of life in Olympus, quickly seeing that the gods play with humans lives to either entertain themselves or to get at another. Dita and Apollo have an interesting relationship filled with disdain and distrust; Hart writes in such a way that readers feel the pain both feel over lost love. Lex and Dean are very obviously damaged and though we learn of their past we only see how it effects them in the present time. I loved the idea of Lex and Dean, especially the game of the Gods, but it was hard to find their instant chemistry believable when thinking in terms of human connection.

"She was beautiful-there was no doubt about that -but it was more than that, something he didn't understand, some magic about her that had taken him over, and he hoped his obsession with her would be over soon. Because he didn't know how much he could take."

Previously written and released as Deer in Headlights, Paper Fools is a heavily edited new version by Hart. Though the story line is the same the writing has definitely been taken up a notch. Previous readers will find that the story flows better, while new readers might find complaint with the lengthy side stories that make getting into the story a little bit harder. I had a difficult time keeping the story straight, while it was interesting to read about Aphrodite and Apollo, and their competition, the side stories really took away from Dean and Lex for me. Much of the story tells the tale of Aphrodite and Apollo's centuries long feud, as well as details their lives through out time and presently. I felt the urge, several times, to write down the characters and timeline, because it was hard to keep track of and the POV changing made that even harder. Lex and Dean felt like a backseat story for me and, though I rooted for them endlessly, I never felt a connection to the characters. I wanted them to be fleshed out further and for the Greek Mythology story lines to be shorter.

"He was all she hoped for and all she feared. One day, and everything hinged on the decision she would make at the end. But the truth was, the decision had already been made. She'd never really had a choice in the matter."

Paper Fools is a complex, yet fun and sexy read from the always amazing author, Staci Hart. The story is unique and the writing in this new edit is excellent, especially the smut scenes that drew so many comments previously. Paper Fools is definitely a romance read I'd recommend to fans who like their love stories a little bit twisted. ( )

3.5

I've always been intrigued by mythology. I love reading stories that are based around it, especially Greek mythology. This story has some of our favorite Gods and Goddesses, except with a twist.

What do the Gods do to pass their time lounging about in Olympus, oh yeah, that's right they place bets, and play games using humans. This may seem kind of cruel, but it was entertaining. It was almost like watching a reality show. You know, the train wrecks you can't take your eyes off of?? There is a lot of quirky humor in it, and I really enjoyed that. The fact that Aphrodite has to work her butt of to try to keep Apollo from winning is even better. The goddess of love shouldn't have to work so hard to make people fall in love. We get glimpses into the lives of the gods, past and present, while also watching the ups and downs of Dean and Lex.

I like the spin Hart put on the gods. Especially the looks into their pasts. It makes them seem more human, and you realize how much pain and other emotions they've dealt with through their long lives. The story moves along pretty quickly. I mean there is a time limit for this relationship to happen. There are ups and downs, fear of being hurt, and fear of stepping into the unknown. We can see why Dean and Lex have come to be who they are. And we hope that they can get over the hurdles set before them to become an item.
As I said before, I love the spin, and found myself rooting for both gods to win. But you'll have to read the book to see the outcome! ( )

See what happens when the ancient Gods and Goddesses rearrange the mortal humans lives just for fun and games. Poor Lex and Dean are turned upside down and inside out when it comes to their love life. One is in a relationship and the other is known to be a lady killer. What will the Goddess Aphrodite have in store for them and how will Apollo do to keep them apart. It's really all just a game and we are the pawns.

Love, love, love this cute and funny novel. Cannot wait to read some more. ( )