I actually really enjoyed this take on Psyche as a warrior and giving her a little bit more than just 'the most beautiful face'. To me, I just didn't feel the chemistry between Eros and Psyche--I wasn't invested in their relationship, although I do think McNamara does a good job of redefining why it fell apart in the first place.

I enjoyed this take on the Psyche and Eros myth. The author wove together different aspects of Greek mythology to make her own version of the story. My personal favorite change was making Psyche a hero who was trained by Atalanta to slay monsters.

I’m really glad that novel regularly switches POVs between Psyche and Eros. It made them both feel more real and relatable to me.

Not gonna lie, I totally chose to read this book because of the cover art. It’s gorgeous!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Harpercollin's for providing both an eARC and advance audio book in exchange for an honest review.

You haven't read a Psyche and Eros' myth like this.

Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara is a fantasy retelling of the Greek myth, Psyche and Eros. Psyche is a princess, destined to slay a monster that is feared by the gods. But when she angers the love goddess, Aphrodite, Eros is sent to bestow a cruel curse on her. But Eros wants nothing to do with inflicting more chaos onto humanity, so he pricks himself with the arrow instead, forever yearning for the woman who will be doomed when their eyes meet. Thrown together by fate, Psyche and Eros must fight together to change the tide of the Trojan War, and not loose their hearts in the process.

I LOVE the Psyche and Eros myth, and am super happy to see it getting the same treatment as A Song and Achilles and Circe. This book is absolutely wonderful, and I will continually find myself reading it, over and over again. Which is an honor very few books get bestowed upon.

This was an interesting re-telling of the Psyche and Eros myth, woven together fluidly in a way that made sense, despite old myths often making little sense at all. It wasn't perfect, in that the characters and story often felt like they lacked substance beneath the story at play. Both Eros and Psyche felt incredibly naïve despite their ages and circumstance, and there was a lack of every day to their story that made it feel very surface-level at times. That isn't to say that the story wasn't good though. I adored it.

There were a lot of interesting and colorful characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, and the author did a fantastic job of showcasing the fickle and sometimes childish behavior of the Greek gods. For being immortal, perfect beings, they often acted like spoiled, sheltered children with too much power.

Psyche was an easy character to love - full of stubbornness and arrogance, but wielded in a charming way. She is a character full of adventure and good intentions, who learned throughout the story just how ignorant she is of the world and what it really meant to be a hero. It was nice to see her evolve throughout the story from a naïve, headstrong child to a mother willing to go to any lengths for those she loved, while still stopping along the way to grant small mercies where she could.

Similarly, Eros was a fascinating character. He was content being ignorant, and at times, completely apathetic to the world around him. He didn't care for anyone - humans, the gods, even himself at times, but he cherished his friendships. Throughout the book, he grew to understand just how wide-reaching and all-encompassing his powers were, and was willing to do anything within the bounds of his knowledge, and eventually even further than that, to preserve Psyche's life and his love for her. His love for Psyche made him a better person, and a stronger God.

Despite the lies and secrets, and outside influences at play in their relationship, the two proved that none of that mattered to them. They truly loved one another, however it came to be, and went to the ends of the Earth and beyond for that love. It was beautiful and endearing.

If you've ever been interested in the Psyche and Eros myth, I would highly recommend picking up this iteration of it - it made it digestible in a way old myths often aren't.

Thank you to William Morrow & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book

I have to say I enjoyed the story. The author took a bold and unapologetically feminist approach to the Greek myth, which I found refreshing and engaging. The modern twist added a unique touch, and the exploration of love was insightful. I appreciated the vibrant prose and the well-developed characters, especially Psyche. While there were some changes to the source material, I took it as the fiction it is and actually found them quite intriguing. It was a fun and thoroughly entertaining read, perfect for fans of similar retellings.

I blew through this book! This was a unique twist on one of my favorite myths. I loved how McNamara brought in famous Greeks throughout and interwove them with Psyche & Eros’ story. This has some adventure and mystery to it which I really enjoyed. Psyche was a badass and has some great growth throughout. Eros, meanwhile, wasn’t his normal hateful self and more apathetic than other retellings.

Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara was an okay read. Overall, the storytelling was okay but the story lacked something. I found the characters annoying and I couldn't/didn't want to root for them. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't a great book.

I don’t always like Greek mythology retellings, but I did quite enjoy this one. It was rather easy to read, so I finished it in a matter of hours.

Psyche was such a surprisingly relatable, entertaining character. I loved her little quips, her bravery, and her kindness.

Eros started out as a rather indifferent fellow, as gods tend to be. But he definitely grew on me. He was endearing in his own way.

Their love story was sweet and enduring. Overall, this book is like a pleasant cup of tea on a rainy.

“Women, when they had roles to play at all, appeared only as mothers or lovers or sometimes monsters.”

There has been an influx of reimagined Greek mythology stories written over the last several years and I have found them to be either exceptionally great or exceptionally awful. Thankfully, Psyche and Eros falls into the former category; this was truly an unputdownable read.

While this was told from both of the MC’s POVs, we spend more time reading Psyche’s POV. We get to see not only her story, but that of the other women living in this world. Women in Greek myths are rarely more than a companion or antagonistic foil to the leading male hero. This story finally changes that and gives these women more to do than linger in the background. Yes, bad things still happen to them, and they are still “sold off” into marriage for lands or political gains, but they also live fuller lives in these pages.

This is the first time in my memory that I have read a happy and hopeful ending to a Greek myth and I love it. The author acknowledges that she played around with some relationships in the Greek pantheon to tell this story, but I am totally okay with that if this is the result.

Recommended for: Greek mythology enthusiasts; readers of retellings

Content warning: talks about forced marital relations; murder; war

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review.

I went into this only knowing the very basics of the myth so with that, I loved this book. The story is timeless and the characters are so well written. I truly hope Luna McNamara decides to write more even if it isn't more wonderful retellings.

There’s a lot of artistic liberty taken with the story, but I can’t say I hated it. It’s Psyche and Eros meets Hercules with all the trials and tribulations.

A beautiful love story with a strong and strong-willed woman who learns what it means to really be a hero.

<b> <I> Thank you so much to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “Psyche & Eros” by Luna McNamara in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.</I> </b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 4 out of 5 stars

<b> My review: </b>
I was so excited to get approved for this because I love retellings of Psyche and Eros. We always get Hades and Persephone. Psyche and Eros is actually my preferred greek retelling! For those of you who are familiar with the myth, this story does stray from it though I enjoyed that. I did like how the author made Psyche a warrior. The writing was wonderful.

<b> If you liked the following, you will probably like this book: </b>
- Ithica
- Lore
- Any other Greek retellings leaning on the romance side

I'm not a big fan of Greek Mythology. I wanted to give it another try when I saw this book available for request.
And while it wasn't my favorite I do think others will enjoy Psyche and Eros. It was a fun and fresh take on Greek Mythology and the cover itself will have readers falling for it!

I really really enjoyed this book. I have read eros and psyche retellings but they have been modernized and this was set in the greek mythology timeframe. I really loved being able to read about where they both started, how they came to be together, and the trials they went through to get back to each other again. It was paced very well and beautifully written. I am honestly so in love with their story!! The author included other gods and titans in this storyline as well and how they partook in eros and psyche's story. I loved how she intertwined what was going on in the mortal world throughout the book as well. All together, a really great story that pays tribute to eros and psyche. If you love greek mythology, you will love this!

Psyche and Eros is a captivating story about finding and fighting for true love.

One of my favourite tales when studying Greek mythology was Psyche and Eros. It is one of the few tales that actually have a happy ending for the heroine in the story. I truly loved what Luna did with the tale of Psyche and Eros. She took their story and made it her own while still staying true to the original myth. This book reads like many Greek mythologies I have read before, but with some modern-day humour. This story has quests, battles, betrayals, and so much god and goddess drama. It is so fabulous.

The original story of Psyche and Eros is very short, which is why I loved reading this book so much because it felt like I got to know these characters on a deeper level. Luna breathes so much life into the characters of Psyche and Eros and gives them these larger-than-life personalities. This story is told from both Psyche's and Eros's POVs. For the first quarter of the book, these two characters don't meet. Psyche spends her childhood training to become a warrior, and Eros tries to find his place and purpose in this changing world. Psyche is impulsive, headstrong, and reckless. She doesn't want to be married off to some man and only be valved for her ability to bare his children. All she wants is to become a hero. Eros has a lot of those typical qualities. Greek gods and goddesses have. He is selfish, narcissistic, and doesn't know what to make of the humans. But he does have a kind heart. I enjoyed spending time with these characters separately and as a couple. It was great watching them grow as a person or god and realize that they truly love one another and would do anything to be together.

Luna also weaves other mythological characters and stories in this book. We get to meet other characters like Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Odysseus. It was so much fun bumping into all these characters and seeing where they are in their own myths. For example, we first meet Helen when she marries the King Menelaus of Sparta. Something she is not too thrilled about. Later on, Helen is abducted by Paris of Troy, which sets the beginning of the Trojan Wars. Adding these details adds so much richness and entertainment to the overall story. The gods and goddesses are exactly like you think they would be. They are spoiled and easily angered, and they always seem to be doing schemes against each other. I loved all the drama they brought to this book.

Fans of Greek mythology will really enjoy Luna McNamara's retelling of Psyche and Eros.

Thank you, Harper Collins Canada, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Your child will conquer a monster feared by the gods themselves."

Psyche and Eros is an standalone adult romantic fantasy following a retelling of the Greek myth, Psyche and Eros. Psyche, a princess raised to be a warrior, has always anticipated greatness in her life. A prophecy bestowed upon her always in the periphery to remind her something more exists for her. Yet there is one Greek god rife with jealousy and she sends Eros to bestow a curse on Psyche...except through a series of happenstances the curse afflicts him and suddenly a mortal and a god are forced together down a path that questions what are the many meanings of love and how far should one go in their quest for answers.

I went into this novel quite blind and I felt this aided my enjoyment in the story. I knew the story of Psyche and Eros but was pleasantly surprised with how this book took their journey and enriched it to create flawed and engaging characters. Psyche is a traditional female heroine - she yearns to prove herself and has lived a privileged life in many regards. She is often contrasted with her cousins to show this divide and think it helped show the naivety she has early on in the book. She tends to accept things without question but as the story progresses we do see her start to inquire which I appreciated. She is willful and depicted as a warrior and we get glimpse of this in her bravery, especially towards the second half of the book.

Eros is a character that falls on a fine line for me. He is meddlesome and somewhat selfish but Psyche changes him over the course of their relationship. He may be a god but there is a lot he fails to really understand. He often provided humour though his observations of the mortal realm and I think that is what kept in enjoying his POV. Although, I did question his motivations in a few areas. His relationship with Persephone, Aphrodite, Zephyr, Eris, and more help round him out a bit and I like the relationships we saw. One thing that has always resonated with me in Greek mythology in the humanness to the gods and I felt Eros and his "family" were able to show this.

This book has a little bit of spice - I would say 1 spicy pepper out of five spicy peppers but it is a very small one. There is one specific scene but it isn't very graphic and any additional references are made casually and without exposition. Instead we focus on the relationships building here.

If love was a weapon, I would wield it well.

The story and world of this book is set in a world I am familiar worth - the world of the Trojan war. Exposition is used to provide the background in the initial chapter and then gradually we see Psyche filling in gaps as we navigate the world. I do wish there was more showing than telling but the refreshers did help me feel more connected to the story. I found the story was digestible and something I could easily dive into. Admittedly I found some aspects of the plot a little confusing (as in I didn't full accept or understand the character's motivations) but I was able to push through with little resistance. The romance is light but adds some freshness to the story. The beginning is slow but we move into a more epic-style story with action and quests that is befitting of a truth myth. Overall, did this story wow me? No. Did it keep me engaged for hours? Yes.

If you enjoy Greek myths and retellings I feel this book will give you want you are looking for. I thought overall it kept me focused and reading with characters that intrigued me and a plot that didn't require too much overthinking but just enough tension and funny characters to keep me for the ride. Definitely a book to check out or add to your TBR!

Thank you William Morrow Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!

Note: spoiler TW pregnancy trope is present

I am not very familiar with Psyche and Eros's myth, but I enjoy fantasy romance, and this book satisfied my romance-loving heart. It's a love story between Psyche, a mortal girl, and an immortal Eros, the god of desire. Their love story was captivating. I liked Psyche a little bit more than Eros. His character is a bit one-dimensional because, as a god, he is perfect (with no complexity). Psyche's character is more nuanced.

I've seen reviews stating this is not an accurate retelling, but it didn't bother me. I don't mind reading loose interpretations of popular myths and stories. Sometimes it's nice to read a fresh spin on a familiar story. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to fans of Greek mythology and fantasy romance readers.

A beautiful re-telling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros. Full of magic, mystery and heroics, this story did not disappoint. Eros was tasked with cursing Psyche on Aphrodite's order. Instead, he ends up cursing himself and falls irrevocably in love w/ Psyche. Unfortunately, if they look into each others' eyes they will be torn from each other. Of course this happens and then we get to see how far these lovers will go to get back to one another. And we also get to find out if it's really love or the curse of Cupid's arrow. I especially loved how quite a few Greek tales were woven into the fabric of this story.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this e-arc.*

Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early!

In a literary world seemingly over saturated by classical and mythological retellings, this upcoming book stands out. Filled to the brim with all you would want from a classical retelling—epic in scope and lyrical prose—while also infused with wit and modernity. I loved this classical tale of star-crossed lovers told in a new (and feminist) light and any fans of retellings will be sure to fall in love with these characters as well.

Charming, fast-paced, and heart wrenching, I was hooked.

Unfortunately for me this book was a mess. It twisted the tale of Psyche and Eros and not in a good way. I did finish it but I should have just DNFed it.