4⭐️ 4🌶

I am a sucker for Hades and Persephone retellings and downloaded this the second I saw it on NetGalley. It was just after midnight and I stayed up until 4am reading it because I could not put it down. I had to finish it.

I loved this Hades, his inner dialogue was hilarious. Ok sure he might have been mad that someone was trying to bypass his systems and sneak into the human realm and he may have frozen their bank accounts one by one until eventually finding the mysterious god. But that was only because he has such strong morals and work ethics. He was really a giant cinnamon roll. A super sexy cinnamon roll with shadow hands and a pierced 🍆.

Where this book lost a star for me was with Persephone. I loved that she was a strong, independent woman, who rocked her fabulous curves and who wasn’t afraid to pursue what she wanted from Hades. What I didn’t love is that she was terrible at respecting his boundaries. He set a boundary and she took it as a challenge and barreled straight through it.

I really loved the side characters. I’m hoping that Helios and Melinoe get their own books!

The spice in this book was amazing see my reference above to shadow hands and a piercing. I am also a sucker for a praise kink and sexy degradation. So this book made me so happy.

The worst part about this book is going to be waiting for the next one. I can’t wait.

Rating is probably closer to 1.5 stars.
There was nothing unique in this book. This was a Hades and Persephone retelling in the modern world very similar to A Touch of Darkness. The plot is basically non-existent ….oh wait the whole plot is I AM CHEATING ON MY BOYFRIEND. Really? Persephone is cheating on her boyfriend , but has the mind set that that she isn't doing anything wrong. Her and Hades aren't sleeping together just making out and therefore its not cheating.
This book is just tons and tons of spicy scenes, cheating, and 100's of years old gods acting like teenager's.

I LOVE reading any retelling about Hades and Persephone - so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I was so excited! Yes, I know, that most of these retellings are usually FAR from accurate, but I just love seeing how different authors take on different takes and I don't read "fantasy romance" for the accurateness.

This book.... is my least favorite retelling -- there isn't a plot (and I was definitely expecting to see more of Demeter, since visits from her are one of the rules - that was disappointing) and the characters didn't bond or even TRY to get to know each other. They saw each other, and boom - just horny all the time.

The book started out really good, and there was character development and some world building... but then once Persephone started working for Hades, that all ended and it was just smut.

My favorite parts of retellings are the authors take on how things happened - and.I was really hoping for more bonding and.. something, anything, between Hades and Persephone, other than mind-blowing foreplay throughout the book, and I was sadly disappointed.

Hades is whiny and kind of a creep... so, that ruined the book some for me.

It also ends on a cliffhanger. I literally did not even know that I was at the end of the book until I tried swiping to the next page - I ended up cursing out loud and laughing at myself.

But, the book IS entertaining and the smut IS good (and a lot of it)- So, I will be reading the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and Rose & Star Publishing for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Hades and Persephone retelling in a modern-day setting that is focused more on smut than plot. This was an easy quick read if you're looking for a workplace romance with a few magical elements thrown into it.

The beginning hooked me with the interaction of our main characters and Persephone's bold and charming personality. Her character was mostly what I expected to be and I liked the way how most gods were accurately portrayed.

I did notice that it got repetitive with the miscommunication always being used as a conflict to further lengthen the story. The thing is that the miscommunication was there again once the first miscommunication got solved and it can be tiresome at some points by adding so much of it.

There were also moments in the beginning when the connection between Hades and Persephone seemed forced by making them super horny out of nowhere making us think that their connection has great importance which it is but it was how it was portrayed that didn't hit the mark. Hades not knowing much or hearing about Demeter is weird since they are siblings and I know that they've encountered each other a few times.

overall, this was just alright but I think it was too long.

Lately I decided to read every Hades and Persephone retelling that's out there, so when I saw this book on Netgalley, obviously, I had to snatch it. I knew what I was getting into when the blurb said Seph is a social media manager, but I could have dealt with it if everything else worked. Sadly, it didn't.

It is a modern take on the myth, but with so many inaccuracies it's rather laughable. There's no plot and definitely there's no real bonding between the two, they're simply constantly horny. I love my smutty books, but there is so much I can take without thinking this is all a red flag. Sure, you can start a relationship based on good sex, but sooner or later some sustenance need to back it up, otherwise it's just a shallow horny fest. Also, this frequent rubbing together makes ME feel the pain.

On top of all this, Hades read like a whiny, miserable teenage girl, which really killed the vibe for me.

This book felt like being a fanfiction of a fanfiction. But I guess if someone liked Neon Gods and the other one where Hades owns a devious club and Seph is a journalist or something and the gods have horns, this is a mix of those. It just wasn't for me.

*Received a copy for review.*
I absolutely loved the beginning of this book. Hades is the steward for all the Gods who wish to come down from the mountain to dwell with humans. He bankrolls them and sets the rules. When they don’t follow the rules, he cuts them off. When he notices that someone has been cloaked from he, he starts an investigation. When he finds Persephone, he is drawn to her but she’s dating someone.
The story looses its way a bit once Persephone begins to work for Hades. I still enjoyed it. It dies end on a cliffhanger.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
this was a super easy read. i actually kinda enjoy it. but let me just say two things “MY SPRING” AND THAT ENDING?!?? now im gonna have to wait to read the next one. there is gonna be a next one right??

This review is going to be chaotic because I was writing this as I went.
The way the both ache for each other. But Hades omg he hmmmmm I would love to be in his mind so damn cute and hot.
Millie is being described as unhinged and bless her I need a friend like her.
This book is the perfect combination of cuteness and smut, love it
He is pierced ladies I repeat HE IS PIERCED. Ladies, I didn't count how many times I got flustered. And don't get me even started on the fact that he has horns, wings and a tail. I mean sploosh. I cannot even start to describe what I'm feeling right now. Be aware that you will most probably need a special someone to help you out while reading this book.
They both are so insecure, it's killing me but on the other hand I am the same :(
All the time while I was reading some of the 🥵 scenes left me so flustered I cannot even begin to talk about. I loved it, the amount of smut was so good, and I'm saying this as a person who usually stays away from smut but this omg so good. I honestly requested this book because I love Hades and Persephone retellings and ma'am you delivered, you delivered so good I'll be thinking about this. So ladies go ahead and get this book becuase it was so lit.
I have received the eArc of this book form Netgalley and I am leaving the review voluntarily.

I received an e-ARC of this and absolutely loved it! This is a strong 4.5/5 star read for me. Spicy scale 4/5 chili peppers for sure!

This is a modern Hades X Persephone retelling where Gods/Goddess can live on Earth sponsored by Hades, where he has to find who is slipping through his fingers. Persephone has finally convinced her mother Demeter to let her stay on Earth as long as she follows her rules. I loved the friendships Persephone makes with the other deities and the ending left me wanting a sequel now!

We get a dual POV from Hades and Persephone through the entire book which I absolutely loved. We see how they each handle their miscommunication to strengthen their relationship.

I would have given this 5 stars but I hoped for a little bit more movement in the plot.

Now, here's the thing:
It's apparent from page one that the authors had a lot of fun writing this book. And I had fun reading it, I really did.

For about half of the book. I was laughing, chortling and giggling away at the characters, at these Ancient Beings, speaking and behaving like fratboys and sorority girls.

Then, I admit, it got a bit old. So did the "will they, won't they."

To be quite candid, the conflicts in this book were contrived. Ridiculously so. I would spoil most of the story if I were to reveal them, so I won't do that. I'll just say that I probably wouldn't mind them as much if the page count was lower.

However, let's continue with the honesty and admit to ourselves that this isn't the kind of book you read solely for the story. What it really comes down to is this: Your mileage may vary on whether all the contrivances outweigh all the rest the book has going for it.

But, if you're looking for a fun, slightly ridiculous take on "Greek Gods are real and living amongst us", go for it. You'll enjoy yourself.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I loved this version of Hades & Persephone. Hot, steamy, amazingly written, it left me clicking to the next page right up until the end when I couldn’t click anymore!

3.75⭐️ I loved this.

Was this the best book I've ever read? No. Was it super-fucking-entertaining, and hot, and a bit angsty but not to the point of pain, just enough for it to be worth it? YES.

The Maiden and The Unseen is an erotic, modern, Hades and Persephone retelling that takes many allowances, and borrows myths and greek legends and puts them wherever it wants. And I loved it. If you are a stickler for old greek myth rules and accuracy, don't read this. This is the perfect fun, smutty read to get your mind out of a stressful week. It certainly did that for me.

I, however, did NOT notice that this is just the first instalment in a series, and now I want to put my head through a wall... Because of course I become emotionally invested in the lives of fake Greek Gods. Don't you? Anyway, that ending should be ILLEGAL! I'm in pain.

I need more. Like now.

3.75 / 5 ⭐️

This was spicy, super super spicy. Like can't keep their hands to themselves spicy and throwing you on my desk spicy.

I love everything Hades and Persephone. This book was great, honestly i loved it. I read it in one day, i couldn't put it down. A modern retelling of Hades and Persephone, heck yeah. The ending though had my eyes widen. Seriously i had no idea i was at the end until i tried swiping and nada. I can't wait for whatever comes next because i need more Hades and Persephone.

From the first page, you can't help but love Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune's version of Hades. He's witty, sarcastic, self-deprecating, anxious, and normal. He's the middle child who somehow became the only responsible one, and what did that responsibility gain him? The privilege of providing monthly stipends for spoiled gods who are bored with their lives and want to play mortal. One of those gods is the Goddess of Spring, and she might just be the one who breaks all his rules.

I love this version of Persephone. She's smart, strong-willed (aka stubborn), independent, and unafraid to push boundaries. When given a rule, her natural reflex is to test the bounds. I love that about her, but it induces frustration in everyone else in her life.

This is a medium-burn romance with lots of steam. The chemistry is seriously palpable, due to the forced proximity, forbidden romance. This one of my favorite Hades and Persephone retellings, primarily because Hades is relatable and Persephone is likeable (it might seem like my bar is low, but there are some incredibly unlikable Persephone personas in the world). I will absolutely be continuing this series.

I freaking love this book. A modern day retelling of Hades and Persephone. I am a big fan of their love story. I read this book in two days, i need more.

Their connection was burning, i loved reading the moments they were together. I enjoyed the point of view switch from Hades to Persephone.

This was full of spicy moments and longing.

3.5 ⭐️

I know, I know, ANOTHER Hades x Persephone retelling… BUT I LOVE THEM, ok?!

The Maiden & The Unseen is hella spicy and has an interesting twist on fated mates/how Persephone becomes Queen of the Underworld. I think I would have enjoyed it more if H&P’s relationship had been fleshed out a bit more outside of boning each other nonstop, but the cliffy does have me intrigued enough to continue the series.

My current reading binge is mythology-based books, and I'm enjoying how different authors have different takes on familiar mythological figures.

The Maiden & the Unseen starts fast, introducing us to Hades and Persephone and their separate lives. They've never met, so the book is already deviating from the usual myth. I loved the Fates, and Mellie, and the way the author brought in so many "familiar" characters from Greek mythology and gave them new roles and personalities.
There's lots of vividly described lusting before the vividly described (and plentiful) sexy times.
Ends on a cliffhanger.

A fun Hades and Persephone retelling for when you want something fast and low stakes to read. If you love retellings, smut, and the fated mate's trope, this one is for you.

I loved the use of Hades' shadows and Persephone's vines! Super original and brought some newness to retelling that could have very easily mimicked other smutty retellings.

A little cheesy at moments, but it's smut so sometimes the build-up can be cheesy but it's fun if you don't take it too seriously.

I definitely recommend this to other retelling lovers!

This was a Hades & Persephone retelling in the same vein as A Touch of Darkness, and despite the fact that I really disliked ATOD, I actually enjoyed this retelling. It has a certain cheese factor, but the characters are likeable and the smut is varied enough that it didn’t bog the story down. Though, the authors DID fall into the trap where they seemed to creat conflict that was petty and didn’t make sense in order to create tension between the main characters. Did I absolutely love this? No, but it was enjoyable enough that I would read its sequel.

Another great Hades & Persephone Retelling, it does what I was hoping for in a retelling but still be original. I enjoyed the way the two authors wrote this, it was investing and had a great fairy tale feel to it. I really enjoyed getting to know this version of the Greek Gods and glad I was able to go on this adventure with them.

“You’re supposed to be up here, so I can keep an eye on you. Make sure you’re not pulling a goddess.” Cashing a paycheck without doing any of the work. Though, in the week she’s been working here, I’ve heard nothing but compliments on her work ethic."