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“Neon Gods” is the first book of Katee Roberts’ Dark Olympus series. (I received the audiobook version to review)

When I say this book is hot, I specifically mean that it is H.O.T.T! The audiobook was done so well and worth the listen.

With that being said, I think I found a “new to me” trope that I love - mythological retellings. “Neon Gods” is a Hades/Persephone retelling and it is told with a wonderfully “Katee” twist that leaves me in a puddle of drool. 🤤 If you like your books extra steamy, delve into Katee Roberts’ previous books to get your fill. She does a great job of turning up the heat - definitely worth it!

I can’t wait to read the next retelling that Katee has planned for this series - Eros & Psyche in “Electric Idol” slated to be released in January 2022! 😊

* I received this audiobook via NetGalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for my honest review.
#NeonGods #NetGalley

This is one of the best Hades and Persephone retelling I have read to date. Sooooo steamy, such a great blend of romance and bdsm. My dark romance god and goddess. I already want to re-read and the next book in the series can not come out soon enough.

I enjoyed the twist on the gods being the powerful counsel of Olympus where those titles are passed down either through family line, marriage or voting. All powerful / influential people but not magical.

I appreciated a romance that did not have a big miscommunication or fight toward the end. There was outside problems that they almost always tackled as a team. They communicated their wants, needs and consents so well through the whole story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audiobook for review.

I am a huge fan after reading this book!
It was hot, sexy, totally unpredictable and had me falling in love with the characters from beginning till the end.
Author Katee Robert has a flair for making our history buffs fall in love in ways you never thought you could with this iconic heroes.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
5 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒popped!

Neon Gods is a bit out of my comfort zone, but since I love Katee Roberts books I gave it a go, and I'm so glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed the updated take on the gods in a more current society. I do not have an extensive novel of the myths, but I recognized some and loved how those elements were incorporated into the story.

Despite her situation Persephone is pure badass and is a fantastic match for Hades, whom most of the city believed to be dead. This was the one confusing part for me, as it seemed that other gods/goddess are either elected or the title is passed down (it's a mix of both) so I struggled to understand this part, but it's also easy to roll with as there is so much to enjoy!

Neon Gods is extremely steamy, but I was here for it. Despite all the steam Persephone and Hades have a very sweet romance and you really feel that instant connection that they made, which grew so much stronger as they fought to take down Zeus.

Highly recommend!

After Demeter, Persephone's mother, coordinates an unwanted engagement for her to Zeus, Persephone flees modern Olympus, straight into the arms of Hades. This contemporary version of Hades and Persephone is spicy! Great for fans of Jennifer L Armentrout and Christine Feehan.

I loved the idea of a modernized hades/persephone retelling, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I found I didn't particularly care for the way the characters were crafted--specifically Hades's perception of Persephone being unable/unwilling to take care of herself, especially when it came to her body/food. Alas, this was a DNF for me, but I expect others will feel differently.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for an arc of this audio book in exchange for an honest review!

I have to be honest I am an absolute fiend when it comes to Persephone and Hades stories. And this one definitely hit the spot.

This story was so different from other Persephone and Hades stories and I was hooked from the beginning. It showed the greek gods and goddesses as political figures ruling over Olympus but they were elected into the “title” except for Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. I absolutely loved how it was such an original concept.

The narrators were amazing and I loved their voices. The only part about the narration I was iffy about was when Hades was speaking as Persephone.

I recommend this book to any Persephone/Hades addict like myself!

The narrators did a great job with the book, their voices fit the character well and their pacing was on point too. I'll be sure to listen to their future works!

As a huge sucker for Hades and Persephone retellings, I wasn't a fan of the story. It felt too easy, with no twists or exciting moments. Not a fan of insta love either. I love a good smut/erotica novel but that too fell flat for me. No character development either. I know people loved this, but it wasn't for me.

This one was an interesting modern erotic retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone.

I had never heard of the author, nor did I really look into the book description.
I had just heard it was a retelling of my favorite Greek myth, and that the main character was bisexual. It being pride month, I thought it perfect to read.
If that's your motivation to read the book, don't get too excited. Yes, both main characters are bisexual, but it is just a fact about them and not a plot point. Which is great too, but it isn't a big part of the story or the characters like I was made believe it would be. But there is some LGBTQ rep in the book.
The story itself was well done. I enjoyed the world building and how Olympus was a type of modern day city. The characters were okay. Nothing made me dislike them, nor did anything make me fall in love with them.
It is not the greatest book I've ever read, but it was still an enjoyable erotic novel.
Did some parts made me think of a certain famous BDSM roman? It did. But only at the very beginning. After that it became it's own thing which I was thankful for.
If you love retellings, Greek mythology, and want to enjoy a smutty read, this one is for you!

The narrators were good. I liked when they were doing their own parts. I didn't particularly like when, for example, the narrator for Hades did Persephone's voice, or the other way around. It felt off to me, but that is just my personal opinion.

I loved the narrators for this book and enjoyed most of this book. This book was so spicy, it was a little outside of my preferences. I did enjoy the hades/Persephone story. While I will probably not continue the series, this is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone looking for major spice.

Rating: 2 5

There's nothing really wrong with this, it's just not for me. I don't like insta-love and I thought the relationship was boring and lacked chemistry. I do like the discussion of consent though.

Katee Roberts delivers a distinctly modern, spicy, and ultimately feminist version of the Hades and Persephone myth. The past couple of years have seen a delicious resurgence in retelling and reshaping Hades’s stereotypical character into one that audiences not only love, but swoon and root for. This retelling is no exception, and it’s a delightful read.

The romance is well done, the plot is fine, and most of all, I truly enjoyed Roberts’ refreshing take on Persephone. She is not a wilting blossom waiting on a savior or a sheltered novice cowering under the weight of her overbearing mother. This Persephone knows what she wants and ruthlessly pursues her agenda.

Hades is blissfully caring, sincere...sweet even. His curated mask as the boogeyman of Olympus is a paper-thin farce that Persephone easily glides through.

One thing in particular that I do like about this version is that Hades and Persephone actually communicate much better. I think that’s an important update that sets this retelling apart from others I’ve read recently.

Neon Gods by Katee Robert
Narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown & Alex Moorcock
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance
Publication Date: June 3, 2021

Neon Gods by Katee Robert is the first book in the steamy new series Dark Olympus.

Wow! This was not what I was expecting...and I mean this in the best way possible! I mean, when I heard this was a retelling of the Persephone and Hades story, I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did! I am here for retelling of the entire Greek mythology!

The story was so engaging, I could not tear myself away from it! I was captivated by the characters....oh my goodness! I absolutely loved them! Hades was addictive and so damn sexy! Persephone was smart, clever, and such a surprise!

The steam level is probably at a 10 or more! I blushed so many times I lost count!

I loved the narration by Zara Hampton-Brown & Alex Moorcock. They both had this thing they did with their voices that added to the steaminess! Wow!

I can't wait for the next book in the series, Electric Idol, to be released in January 2022! I will definitely be reading Neon Gods again before then!

I'm so grateful to Katee Robert, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Is society to the point where we can calmly drop two main characters bisexuality into a story and not make it a major plot point or character trait? If so, fantastic! Bravo for this book in doing just that.

Captivating modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth told as a healthy, erotic story. Definitely erotica, and not a romance. Hades is deeply passionate and caring (and has three puppies he cuddles, which will forever change my mental image of the god). Persephone is in charge of her destiny, and not a captive like some versions of the myth.

I do wish we were given a little more description of the modern take on god and politics. It appears that gods are named to the positions and not immortal. Not a major point, but it did nag at me during the story as I was slightly focused on trying to figure that out while reading.

Audiobook was very well done. Male and female voice actors for each chapter's point of view. I did not like the female actor's voice for the male parts in her chapter, but it did indicate that we were seeing Hades through Persephone's eyes. Male voice for Hades did the trick, but less so for his interpretation of Persephone.

This was hot. As in, I started reading this during a break at work and had to put it down to read it only at home. That happened when they were only kissing. Any scene with Hades and Persephone together is full of sexual chemistry.

I was hesitant first to read this because as much as I love the premise of a modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, it can easily be handled horribly. After all, the tale does start with a kidnapping. However, this was done masterfully by making her go to Hades willingly. The world-building is done that makes me want to know how the author will deal with other Greek myths. Having Zeus as the villain isn't much of a leap because, of course, he's the worse.

Consent is sexy, and this book is full of Hades making sure he has Persephone's consent before sexy times occur. And those are drool-worthy scenes.

The next book is going to be the Psyche and Eros (Cupid) story. Bring it on!

The narrators do a good job. My only problem was that the male narrator's voice for Persephone is so silly that I can't take the character seriously.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

It was amazing. The storyline was really good, and all the characters were very interesting. The spice level was *chef kiss*. I think my only true problem was that at some points it was slow and at others it was fast paced, but even if that the story was still wonderful. I usually am not a big fan of switching POV but I think in this story it made it hundred times better, because it gave us a better understanding of the world as a whole. Also, Hades being the dark a brooding type, and Persephone being the ball of sass and jokes really was amazing and they dynamic between them both was wonderfully written.

Big thanks to Netgalley and Katee Robert for the audiobook ARC in exchange for a review.

Persephone is essentially sold to Zeus as his wife but she decides to run away instead of ending up being his domestic violence victim. She manages to cross the River Styx, where she meets Hades. The same Hades who has apparently not existed for some time. Persephone and Hades make a deal. She needs to be 'tarnished' in Zeus' eyes and Hades wants revenge.
They decide their relationship can't be faked. No one will believe it unless they see it.
Once Persephone turns 25 in 3 months, she can escape Olympus for good. But in those 3 months they must convince Zeus that Persephone isn't worth fighting for and let Hades get his revenge.


OMG, I devoured IT!!! I really enjoyed it.
There wasn't a lot of information on how people become the Gods, (they can be inherited or taken) but I don't think that took away from the storyline at all. Persephone was a BAD ASS and is a strong woman who stands up for herself and her sisters, despite her mother's 'plans' to keep them all safe.
This was a very dark retelling that focused less on the dynamic of the Gods themselves but kept with the super hot Persephone/Hades story.

This had a lot of smutty scenes, very mature content. Touched on BDSM but was mostly voyeurism based. The undertone was heavy on domestic violence and controlling women (not on Hades part or imposing on consensual activities)

Overall 5 stars but should come with a trigger warning.

Katee Robert continues to deliver the goods.

Fans of her Wicked Villains series will feel at home in this new Dark Olympus series.

Persephone is all that is sunshine and light as she sails though Upper Olympus on her mother’s coattails biding her time until she can escape. She has her sights set outside of Olympus and nothing short an act of god will keep her there… so when she is forced into an engagement with Olympia’s highest reigning deity, Zeus, she decides she needs to escape now.

On the other side of the River Styx in Lower Olympus, Hades is king. He leads his people in their shadowy realm and waits for the day that he can stake his revenge on Zeus for destroying his family…

When Persephone runs straight into his arms they discover that they can be the solution to each others needs. Hades will protect Persephone until she is able to leave Olympus after her 25th birthday and she will be the instrument of Hades revenge on Zeus. To achieve these goals they embark on a fake relationship out in the public eye that soon becomes very real indeed!

I liked Persephone and Hades. Both characters portrayed what was expected of them in the public eye, but behind closed doors our little miss sunshine was a real vixen and our dark and brooding hero was a real teddy bear!

The dual narration of this book was well done and captured the spirit of the characters. The male and female narrators complemented each other well and their transitions were smooth with the utilization of character titles. I enjoyed listening to their reading and would listen to more of their work

Overall this was a good start to a sinfully delicious series!

Neon Gods by Katee Robert was released June 3rd, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#NeonGods #KateeRobert #Audiobook #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

I received an audiobook copy of Neon Gods by Katee Robert from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'd heard great things about the author Katee Robert before requesting this title, and I was not disappointed.
I loved this modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone story, it had a spicy romance with great communication and consent, a kinda grumpy and sunshine dynamic, strong sister relationships and puppies!
I definitely plan to read more in this series and more by this author.
4/5 stars.

This was my first Hades and Persephone retelling and it did NOT disappoint. I think this may send me spiraling down an obsessive greek mythology dive because I spent far too long looking up fan art as it was. This was SO HOT! I greatly enjoyed the narrators of this audiobook. It was well written and well read. I’ll be waiting on pins and needles for the next book. I need more of Katee’s work ASAP!