I gobbled up an ARC of Neon Gods by Katee Robert and it was SO GOOD. The chemistry between Persephone and Hades was off the charts. Incredible world building without info dumps. Steamy, full of feels, and incredible character development. Loved it. A+

For readers who love Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus or want to see more of Hades and Persephone, Katee Roberts’ Neon Gods is a perfect fit. In this modernized retelling of the classic myth, Persephone finds herself on the run from the machinations of Zeus and Demeter, her mother, who conspire together to ruin Perephone’s plans for her future. After being blindsided at a party, Persephone flees into the cold winter night without hope or a plan. She finds herself pursued and her only refuge is across the River Styxx, in the lower city and in the arms of a man who shouldn’t exist. Hades has become a myth in the upper world, which is how he likes it. He lies in wait for the perfect opportunity to exact revenge on Zeus, an opportunity that lands in his lap with the arrival of Persephone.

Roberts’ novel is a quick, satisfying read that will leave readers anxiously awaiting the second book in the series. Hades and Persephone have amazing chemistry, both in the bedroom (and playroom) and outside of it. Hades is the perfect domineering cinnamon roll love interest. He genuinely cares about the people who rely on him for safety and is willing to risk his life for them all, Persephone included. Persephone is able to blossom with him and really show the feisty personality that she has had to suppress in order to survive in the upper world. Their relationship is really the star of the book. Hermes, Charon, and other supporting characters add color and help to flesh out our character’s backgrounds, especially Hades. Readers will definitely hope to see more of them in future stories.

This tale is not without its weaknesses, however. The world building is a little confusing. It seems as if this world exists in our modern world with some mild magical elements, but how the two places relate is unclear. We don’t see enough of either Hades or Persephone before their relationship begins to really appreciate how their relationship changes both of them. Also, the conclusion wraps up a little too neatly for the stakes that are at play. Nevertheless, these are not big enough drawbacks to detract from the overall story. Roberts focuses her attention on the relationship between the protagonists, which is what romance readers are going to focus on. Additionally, with more books coming in the series, Roberts will have an opportunity to flesh out some more of the characters.

There are some darker themes of which readers should be aware. There are subtle lines of abuse and self harm hinted at in the novel as well as frank discussion of murde, arson, and past trauma. Additionally, Persephone and Hades’ relationship does have BDSM themes. This rides the line of a romantic thriller, but definitely more romance than thriller.

Overall, this is a good addition to the “To Read” list for romance readers who are interested in tender relationships with very hot bedroom scenes.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for allowing me access to this ARC

I first requested Neon Gods after seeing it mentioned on social media and hearing good things about both it and the author, Katee Roberts. I have always loved the story of Hades and Persephone and am always up to read a new spin on it. I must say.... It did NOT disappoint.

Hades and Persephone had palpable chemistry in this and it is HOT.

After finding out that her mother plans for her to marry Zeus at an unexpected engagement party , Persephone runs away right into Hades' (believed to be dead) arms. She wanted away from the corrupt politics of the upper city of Olympus and from her obligations. Hades is a complete seductive, cinnamon roll of a character- I love it.

She makes a deal with Hades to prevent her from being forced to marry Zeus. For 3 months she will belong to Hades ruining her for Zeus and then she will leave. But will things really go as planned ? I absolutely can not wait for the next book in this series.

This is a retelling of Hades and Persephone's love story with erotica thrown it. Those who are familiar with the classical tale with enjoy how upending of certain plot points and characters. It is steamy, fast-paced and interesting read.

I loved this book. I have had a strong connection to the Hades and Persephone story for a very long time, and specifically to Persephone herself. She spoke to me in her conflict of loving Hades and loving her home, the desire to somehow be in both places at once. But I always had a problem with how she got to the Underworld - the kidnapping. Katee Robert addressed that issue in such an incredible way, as she did with everything else about the story. She created such a lush. beautiful, modern world. The politics and social constructs that play into the plot are fascinating. The peppered nods to the original story were wonderful. But the thing I think I appreciated the most was the respectful and accurate representation of the voyeurism and kink communities and the discussion of the politicization of sex and women's worth.

Rated: X
Sub-genre: Erotic / Retelling
Trope: Damsel in distress
Pro: Good character development, great sex scenes, fun retelling, could not put it down, well wriiten
Con: N/A
Verdict: LOVED IT!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, for providing me with this electronic advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start off by saying that this is a Katee Robert stan account. I don’t think I’ve talked about her or her books much on this blog, but just know, I absolutely love her books. This is also a Hades and Persephone and all things greek mythology related stan account. When you put all of those things together, is it really any surprise that I absolutely loved this book?

Neon Gods is set in a modern day Olympus, where the big Thirteen aren’t actually gods, but might as well be with the amount of power that they hold in the city. Persephone and her sisters never wanted their mother to become Demeter or to be thrust into the power game that is the upper city, but their mother’s ambitions won’t be denied. Persephone tests that theory, however, when her mother thrusts her into an engagement with Zeus against her will. The last thing she wants is to end up like Zeus’s last three Heras, all of whom supposedly ended up dead. She refuses to be a pawn in her mother’s twisted game and instead flees in order to escape this fate. She unintentionally allows herself to be herded towards the River Styx where she is rescued by Hades himself, the very man she and the rest of Olympus thought didn’t exist.

Hades has hated Zeus ever since he was forced into this position after the “king” himself killed his parents. He’s perfectly fine being the big bad so called myth, but when Persephone crosses to his side of the river a gift of sorts has fallen into his lap. What better way to twist the knife in his enemy’s back than to start a sordid affair with his fiancée. To be honest, Persephone has to convince Hades to even enter into this affair, but once he does….Olympus has no clue what they’re in for.

Okay okay so now that we’ve recapped, let me go over all the reasons why this book was amazing. I’m going to try to do this in a way that’s as spoiler free as possible. Hades has always been portrayed as this dark boogeyman in the shadows, the worst of the worst. That’s always been wild to me because anyone who knows anything about the Greek myths knows that in all honesty, Hades is probably the least big baddie of the thirteen, especially when you look at Zeus’s escapades. Persephone has also always been shown as this innocent piece of sunshine who was snatched away by the Underworld’s big baddie and forced to live with him for 6 months out of the year as his unwilling wife. Yeah….I don’t buy it.

Katee does this amazing thing where she takes that exact myth and all of its elements and turns it on its head. Demeter is indeed the overbearing monster, Zeus is the scary asshole, the rest of the Thirteen in the upper city are self-absorbed and only concerned about power, Persephone is a woman tired of wearing a mask and pretending to be something she’s not, hiding the darkness inside of her and Hades…..Hades is the knight in shining darkness with a hard shell and a soft gooey interior. Persephone sees beyond the scary image that he’s crafted for himself and Hades can see that Persephone is so concerned with taking care of everyone else that she never takes the time to think about what she wants or needs. What starts as a plot to make sure Persephone can be free turns into a romance that neither of them were looking for, but both of them crave desperately.

When I tell you the tension, the love, the passion jumps off the page, I’m not kidding. The way that Hades takes care of Persephone had me reading with heart eyes. He’s so sweet and tender with her, even when he’s trying to be forceful. Honestly, he was the star of this book in every way. He’s so careful with her. Even though this entire plan was her idea and she tells him up front she’s fine with whatever kinks he may have, he takes extensive care to be in tune with her needs, explore consent and her comfort level and just ease her into his world as much as he can. You can literally see his heart opening up for her on the page. And the chemistry. THE CHEMISTRY!!! The sex scenes between the two had me blushing. They were both steamy and tender and I just….WHEW. The first throne scene ya’ll….I don’t think ya’ll are prepared for that because I sure as hell wasn’t.

I could probably talk about this book at length, but the main thing you need to know is that you need to read this immediately. The drama, the sex, the passion, the love….it’s all definitely something to write home about.

Ahhh!! I thought I previously read my favorite Katee Robert book in The Fearless King but honestly she just knocked my socks off with Neon Gods. This Hades and Persephone retelling was absolutely AMAZINGGGG and my NEW favorite book by this author. I could not stop reading!! The delicious Olympus lore, the sensual and fiery chemistry and the unique spin on this Hades and Persephone retelling had me gasping for more! 

I am obsessed with the all Hades and Persephone retellings. There is something about the good girl and the bad boy that has me hooked every time. But I am so deep and irrevocably impressed with Robert's spin on this story because she made it her own. Hades was magnificent!! He was everything we could have wanted and more. Yes he was dark and growly and alpha but Robert also highlighted his amazing heart and conscience. I FLOVED being in his head and am now low key OBSESSED with him, Persephone and their love! Perspehone likewise was strong, determined and the perfect match for Hades. I loved them together so much!

Overall,  Neon Gods was one of the best stories I've ever read. I am now SO obsessed with this series and need to read every character's story. I am so looking forward to Electric Idol next year!! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review!

What a great read! Equal parts sweetness and steam, plus it was fun to see different Greek characters come into play. Fast, fun, and highly enjoyable!

I requested this book on a whim and I cannot express how happy I am that I did so.
The storytelling is fantastic, the book is sexy as HELL and the characters are superb. The fact that it's based on the Olympan gods, makes it feel very delicious for a reason I cannot really put my finger on. But it certainly adds to the sexyness of it all.

I have to really single out these characters because Hades is just such a sweetheart. For a character who is supposed the Boogeyman, this was so unexpected and great. Persephone is sassy, quick witted and a right powerhouse. Since this book plays with kink, I thought the dynamic between them, Hades being such a sweetheart and Persephone being such a badass, was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I absolutely cannot wait for part two in this series and know already that this book will stick with me for a long time.

Me: “There’s no such thing as a perfect Hades and Persephone retelling.”
Katee Robert: “Hold my beer.”

I’m struggling to articulate just how enamored I was by this book. Never have I wanted so badly to reread a book while still reading it.
Not convinced that you need this book in your life yet? Alright, let me elaborate.
Neon Gods, the first installment in Robert’s new series Dark Olympus follows Persephone Dimitriou, a society darling who wants nothing to do with her mother’s ambitions. Planning to leave the ultra-modern city of Olympus behind her as soon as her inheritance kicks in, her plans get thwarted when Zeus – yes, the Zeus – announces his and Persephone’s engagement, orchestrated by her mother.
Not one to play her mother’s games any longer and far too afraid of what Zeus will do to her if he gets that ring on her finger, Persephone flees her impromptu engagement party and decides to run away. When Zeus’ people come after her, Persephone has two choices: turn back and let others decide her life for her, or make a devil’s bargain with the man, the myth, the legend himself: Hades.
What starts out as a mutually beneficiary deal – Hades will grant Persephone safe haven and she in turn will do everything in her power to make Zeus jealous about her new alliance…and romance with Hades, his bitter rival – turns into the love story of a lifetime as the protective walls these two have built around them crumble and the world’s grandest power couple is born.
Persephone and Hades have met their match in each other. They share a lot of similar traits – they’re both cunning when they have to be, sarcastic and quick-witted, and smart beyond measure. To learn about them on their own and what makes them tick is already enough to draw you in from page one.
But together? They’re indestructible.
Robert knows how to craft banter that will keep your eyes glued to the page but dare I say, in Neon Gods the dialogue was almost next level? Hades and Persephone work so great because they bounce off each other and though they are both extremely guarded people, it was a pleasure to watch them lower the walls they’ve built to keep others at bay for no one but each other. If there’s one trope I’m a sucker for, it’s the “I hate everyone in the world but you” trope and damn it, if these two don’t bring it.
And that’s nothing to say of the incredible development of the romance in Neon Gods. Robert somehow strikes the perfect balance between steamy scenes, kinky goodness and genuine love and affection in Persephone and Hades’ relationship. And the chemistry between these two is ridiculous. Ridiculous, I tell you. I get shivers just thinking of their interactions. SHIVERS.
The thing that too me by surprise the most in this book were the incredibly sweet moments between Hades and Persephone. It’s a known fact that Robert can bring the steam (you have not lived until you’ve read the A Touch of Taboo series) and there’s plenty of steamy and kinky scenes in Neon Gods. But there are also the most heartwarming displays of affection which are all the more endearing because they come from Hades, who’s got this rep as total grump and yes, he totally has his grumpy moments, but I just could not handle this man’s kindness – the heartfelt moments he shares with Persephone and the secret things he does to help his people ruined me.
Beyond the impeccable romance, there’s also a greater plot at large – without taking too much away from the story, I’ll just say that the politics and scheming of these Gods does not stop just because this is set in contemporary times. If anything, the advances of technology and the likes only add to their powers. Zeus is terrifying enough in the ancient mythology, but in here, he’s downright omnipotent, it seems. Not to mention that the rivalry between Hades and him left me breathless at times. There’s also an amazing cast of secondary characters that any mythology fan will love (Hermes is a personal favorite) and they added so much to this well fleshed-out story. I loved the glimpses we’ve gotten at the other people who are vying for a seat at the table (or, like Demeter, will do anything to keep theirs and advance their ambitions) and I cannot wait to see where this series will take us next.
If you need me, I’ll be in my room, silently begging Katee Robert to give me the rest of the Dark Olympus series before I spontaneously combust.
Steamy, sexy and surprisingly sweet, Neon Gods is the scandalous and flawless Hades and Persephone retelling of your dreams – a mesmerizing first installment in what promises to be an unputdownable series!

Heat Factor: Look, the King of the Underworld has a certain reputation to maintain
Character Chemistry: Sparring that veers into dominance play, but underneath all that they really come to care for each other
Plot: A sexy Hades / Persephone retelling (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persephone#Abduction_myth) with some serious anti-Zeus intrigue happening
Overall: Satisfyingly fun and sexy

Let me tell you something about myself. When I was younger, I read Edith Hamilton’s Mythology dozens of times. Just the Greek bits, but still. I was really really into mythology. Which makes it somewhat surprising that this is actually the first mythology romance retelling that I’ve ever read (I have read more literary retellings of various myths). Maybe I was worried that it wouldn’t be faithful to the source material?

I shouldn’t have been. First of all, because the source material is already so eclectic that we can’t really say that there is One True Version of any story, and secondly because, well, the Persephone story is rich with possibility. (If you’ve read any good ones, I am all ears!)

Which brings me to Neon Gods, which is Robert’s take on Persephone. Overall, it’s really, really fun, as well as sexy (not as sexy as some of her other stuff). Robert imagines a world where Olympus sits in a liminal place; we’re definitely in a modern world, because we have cell phones, but Olympus itself is surrounded by some sort of (maybe magical?) barrier that distances it from the rest of the world. As in, people can’t physically leave without intervention. The city-state is ruled by The Thirteen, whose titles and roles match thirteen Greek gods.

Demeter, as one might expect, manages the food supply (I guess this need extra management due to the magical barrier). She and Persephone have a…fraught relationship. When the story opens, Persephone is at a fancy party, where Demeter and Zeus blindside her with an engagement—Zeus is on the market for wifey #3. In a panic, Persephone bolts, and ends up crossing the river Styx, thereby crossing another magical barrier and entering Hades’ domain. And then she and Hades make a sex pact so that Zeus won’t want her any more, as one does.

Here’s what’s fun about this book. Persephone and Hades have a banter-y grumpy-sunshine dynamic that just really works, both within the framework of the myth retelling and as a way to develop the relationship between the characters. There are all kinds of little treats sprinkled throughout the book for mythology nerds like me, like the time Persephone convinces Hades to adopt a puppy so he won’t be lonely when she leaves, and he ends up getting three black dogs, because of course he does. Plus, Hermes and Bacchus make repeat appearances, and some of their interactions with Hades cracked me up.

Here’s what’s sexy about this book. Hades and Persephone have a decent amount of sex, including some sex club exhibitionism. But what’s really great about it is how obviously intentional each scene is in building the layers of the relationship as it develops. This is not voyeurism for the sake of reading about sex, but rather to demonstrate the shifts in how Hades and Persephone perceive each other and themselves.

And here’s my one (minor) quibble. I wanted more world-building. I wanted details about how people become gods/politicians. Three positions are hereditary, but the rest are not—are they elected? Are they chosen somehow? Do people retire? How much of Hermes’ skills are magic, given to her after she got the job? How does Olympus relate to the rest of the world? I was just intensely curious about the nitty-gritty details of how this world works…but that’s not really the point of the book. Luckily, this is the first in a new series, so I expect that we’ll get a more rounded view of how Olympus works as we get to know more characters. I, for one, can’t wait.


I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

This book has everything I adore from a Katee Robert book - deep connection between characters, emotional depth and growth, and, of course, super steamy scenes. A fantastic take on the Hades/Persephone myth with Katee's signature style making it incredibly compelling and enjoyable.

***3.5*** This was a sexy and imaginative take on the Hades and Persephone story. Persephone finds herself an unwilling pawn in her mother’s ambition for power. Sold to the notorious and murderous king Zeus himself as his future wife, Persephone must find a way to escape and find the freedom she’s always yearned for; but can she escape with her life intact and will Hades of all people provide the freedom she so craves?

The world that Katee Robert has created is so immersive, I was hooked from page one. I loved the setting for this book, the modern take on Olympus was fascinating. I also really loved the characters, Persephone and Hades in particular I thought were done really well. Hades had so much depth to him and I loved Roberts choice to make him softer and less rigid. My complaint about this book is I really wanted more plot and backstory. The world was so interesting and I really wanted to know more about the Thirteen, how the underbelly of the upper and lower cities worked and I really wanted more of Hades background. I have so many questions. Why did Zeus kill Hades family? Did Hades parents do something to Zeus’ child? What was Hades name before he became Hades? I also felt like we didn’t really get to see as much of the development of the relationship between Hades and Persephone as we should. We got glimpses of their time together but mostly we see the engaging in the sexy times but I would have liked to see more of them interacting in a more platonic way.

Overall, this was a fun, engaging book and I am definitely interested in reading about other characters in this world. I will definitely be checking out some of Katee Roberts back catalogue. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun book. Katee Robert has a gift of writing compelling stories that are still including incredibly steamy scenes. I cannot wait to see the world Katee builds and watch this connect to her other series.

Whew. Is it hot in here?

I don’t think there’s a single more magical thing than a retelling of Hades & Persephone. Seriously. The forbidden aspects, the sacrifices, the simple way that they play off one another.
These characters were no different in a lot of those aspects, keeping true to the myths, as well as expanding on the necessary subjects, and bringing this particular pair to life.
I think this particular version of Hades may be my new favorite, a good amount of heat, but also a perfect amount of sweet. And how many times do you get to say that about the Lord of the Underworld?
And this Persephone was an intriguing mix of sass and sunshine, kind of a beauty with bite. I adored the banter between these characters.
A filthy fairytale, and an excellent beginning to a new series.

Ahhh this was such delicious sinful read. Katee never disappoints. I love Greek Mythology and the tale about Hades and Persephone is one of my most favorite and when I found out Katee will write a steamy book about it I was dying to read it. So big thank you to the publisher and net galley for making it happen. This is a must read for sure and anything this woman writes.

After seeing Katee Robert talk about this new series on Twitter I will admit to being intrigued and as I’m always up for any kind of mythology retelling I immediately added it to be TBR list.

I’m not sure what sub-genre to classify this book as. Definitely a retelling, and it IS a sort of fantasy since we are talking about Zeus, Hades, Demeter, Persephone, etc…, but these characters seem more like high flying billionaire politicians than gods. They don’t have any special powers, other than sex appeal I guess. And each of their positions is inherited like royalty. So maybe, erotic contemporary fantasy? Anyway, IT DOESN’T MATTER. This book rocked my socks off.

Persephone, and her sisters, are pawns to their mother’s ambitions. As the newly minted Demeter, she wants to keep climbing the power ladder, and one way to get there is a marriage between Persephone and Zeus. Persephone would effectively become the new Hera and a member of the thirteen. The thirteen are the ruling power of Olympus. Only Zeus’s last several wives died mysterious deaths and Persephone is filled with dread at the thought of a marriage to him. So she runs and ends up in the lower city. Which is Hades domain.

Hades rescues Persephone, but he also sees a way to finally get back at Zeus for the murder of his parents. They strike a deal, he will protect her for the next three months until she comes into her trust fund, and she will stay with him as his very public lover. She will be ruined and he will get his revenge.

To be honest, I was not expecting Hades to be such a wonderful caretaker, and almost right from the start. He carries her when her feet are injured from her mad dash to escape the city, he worries if she isn’t eating enough, he makes sure she has what she needs both physically and emotionally and I loved it. He’s supposed to be this hard-core alpha, but he was actually an amazingly sexy cinnamon roll.

Persephone is like a ray of sensual sunshine breaking through Hades’s walls and getting to the heart of him. They had tremendous chemistry and let me tell you absolute burn it all down sexiness together. One of his kinks is public sex and Persephone has no problem getting down and dirty with him. This book will singe your eyeballs with its hotness. I was not prepared. As they fall in love, they also realize their time is limited and will do whatever they have to do to protect each other. One of my favorite things? Persephone saves Hades and the lower city, she is the one who figures out a way for them to overcome the odds, defeat the bad guy, and be together.

There are frank conversations about consent and birth control and trust. There is hot sex and two people being completely honest with each other about their pasts, what they want, and what they need. There is interesting world-building and a different take on the Persephone and Hades mythology. Even the secondary characters are striking and charismatic and I can’t wait to read their stories. This book has everything and I enjoyed it so much.

Highly recommend.

Final grade- A

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this modern day retelling of the Persephone and Hades Greek Mythology with a VERY steamy twist. I completely enjoyed this story from beginning all the way till the end.
Persephone wants a life worth living outside of Olympus but must wait until she is old enough to claim her inheritance and leave Olympus for good, that is until she is tricked into an unwanted engagement to Zeus by her mother Demeter. With no other option left, Persephone runs away to the forbidden undercity and meets the Myth of the undercity, Hades. She make a bargain with him, make her an undesirable in Zeus eyes and make him believe that Persephone is now and forever belonging to Hades and within 3 months time Persephone can runaway from Olympus, never to return. How can Hades not take up on a chance to seek revenge against Zeus?

"Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over far from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all that's ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city's dark facade.

With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil's bargain with a man she once believed a myth...a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed.

Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he's spent years craving, it's all the excuse he needs to help her—for a price. Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he'll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close..."

Thank you to Katee Robert and Sourcebooks Casablanca for approving me for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hades and Persephone re-telling? Sunny heroine and a dark grumpy hero who's secretly sweet? Lots of steamy scenes? PUPPIES??? SIGN ME UP FOR THE WHOLE THING!

I loved Neon Gods and the contemporary setting that Katee Robert creates with these greek myths. I absolutely love mythical re-tellings (especially Hades/Persephone) and I was anticipating reading this book so much! I am so glad I got approved for an ARC! This book has lots of steamy scenes but also really great romantic scenes between the MC's that will have you swooning. You do not really need to know greek mythology to read this book, which is great for those who may be unfamiliar with the backstories of many of these gods/goddesses. The supporting characters were well-developed, appropriately villainous (looking at you Zeus), and fun when needed. Definitely have me hooked for more of them in the series to come. I am looking forward to exploring more of this world in the rest of this series!