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.

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!

I have always been on the search for a fulfilling Hades and Persephone retelling. I hadn't come across one really lived up to my expectations until now. Katee Robert perfectly weaves a tale of steam and seduction while still giving me an engaging plot to keep me on the edge of my seat.

I will say, I wasn’t really feeling the traditional Hades and Persephone tale through this tale, but I was absolutely on board for everything this book was giving me. The dichotomy between Hades and Persephone was everything I needed from a power couple and it was so refreshing. They were truly and thoroughly equals at all times.

Hades was an absolute cinnamon roll on the inside. I loved reading how he broke down his hard exterior and stopped pretending that he cared for the people around him. Hades was so respectful towards Persephone and so in love with her. There was never a moment where he mistreated her or disrespected her, yet he was able to give me all the bad boy vibes and great banter. In a world of dom bad boys, especially from Katee Roberts, it was refreshing. So many times bad boys fall into the fallacy that they start to fall in love and because they are not in touch with their emotions they will lash out, not communicate, or push away the main character. That is not what happened. While Hades was scared to be falling in love and to care for the people around him, that didn't cause him to act up. He accepted it, communicated, adapted, and moved on. I loved that. I hate when books fall into the trap of miscommunication.

I loved Persephone. She was such a badass and was consistently self-aware of her flaws and mistakes. I was floored by how amazing she was. I loved how she slowly fell for Hades and brought out the best in him. I love seeing subs in books that are badasses and take charge of their life. Persephone was exactly that. I was living for it. She was badass and cool while being loving and kind. She had no ounce of irritating FMC in her.

The plot was simple but so well done. I was engaged and on the edge of my seat for the whole story, just waiting to see what plot twist was coming our way. I will say, there weren’t as many twists and bombs in the plot as I was expecting and the ending did happen quite quickly and easily, but I am not too beat up about it. Some Katee Robert books tend to be lacking in plot (though giving us phenomenal steam and romance). For example, Learn My Lesson. But this book was leagues away from that. The plot was engaging and easy to follow while still being new and fresh.

I am so excited to read Eros and Psyche’s story. Especially after I read the little blurb at the end of my ebook. This one was so fun to listen to and the narrators were amazing. The characters matched perfectly with the voices and I didn't feel like the narration was awkward or hard to listen to at any time. You need this audiobook. If you can read this book on audiobook, definitely do that. Reading the audiobook definitely enhanced my experience. If you are looking for a steamy Hades and Persephone retelling, check this out right now!

Thank you to Sourcebooks, Deamscape Media, Katee Roberts, and NetGalley for an audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars | 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5 steam

I love Greek myth retellings, and Hades & Persephone will forever be one of my favorite couples. I have read countless takes on their story, and this one might be my new favorite. I was completely hooked from page 1. Katee Robert flawlessly remixed their classic love story into something very original, very modern, and very spicy. 🔥🔥 Their chemistry was off the charts from the moment they met.

Roberts managed to write an urban contemporary erotica without using smut to drive her plot. She introduced an entire host of interesting and well developed side characters, AND a complex political system that combines modernity with traditional Greek mythology. (Also, I would die for Hermes and Dionysus.) The character-development of Hades and Persephone as individuals over the course of the book was spectacular, as was the organic development of their relationship- both physical and emotional. I truly believed in both of them and in the strength of their love. I cannot wait to return to the world of Dark Olympus!

I loved the male narrator of this audiobook, but I did not care for the female narrator.

Neon Gods is a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone. When Persephone is ambushed by her mother and Zeus with a public proposal for marriage from Zeus, Persephone knows that she cannot go through with the marriage. Zeus is known as a cruel man he murdered his last few Heras. Persephone flees to the lower city of Olympus and is rescued by mysterious man. That mysterious man turns out to be Hades, a man whose boogeyman reputation precedes him. They quickly realize that they are in a position to help each other. If they pretend to be together, Hades will get his much wanted revenge against Zeus and Persephone will get out of her engagement if she is seen as damaged goods.

I loved the concept of this modern retelling of Greek mythology! It's very interesting how Katee Robert framed their world. Zeus is not a person in name but a position - anyone who holds the position of Zeus is the king. Whoever marries Zeus becomes Hera. The thirteen council positions of leadership in Olympus are each named for a Greek mythology character. Although this story is framed with Greek mythology characters, it's not a fantasy story. It's set in modern times with modern constructs.

This book was filled with lots of intriguing drama that was like a fantastic soap opera. I liked the fast paced nature of the story - it starts immediately with Persephone being ambushed and then having to make the decision to go on the run.

Hades and Persephone were very hot together! They didn't play any games at the beginning of their relationship and they jumped into a sexual relationship without abandon. Their love for voyeurism was salacious and titillating - I kept thinking "oh my gosh, this is so crazy...but so good!"

This is a interesting and steamy read that I highly recommend! I listened to this audiobook and finished it in a day. I suggest that you check out the audiobook if you can.

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
⚠️: murder

I Loved this modern, hot and original take on a classic Hades and Persephone retelling! Written with a dual POV between Hades and Persephone.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen in exchange for an honest review!

Persephone can’t wait till she turns 25, gains access to her trust fund and can escape Mt Olympus. Her and her sisters have never been interested in the fame that comes from being the daughters of one of The Thirteen, and don’t crave the same power that their mother is always after. When Persephone is blindsided at a party with an engagement to Zeus, set up by her mother, she flees. When she realizes she is being chased by some of Zeus’ men, she finds herself near the River Sytx, and the bridge that leads into the Lower City. Unknown to her, she ends up running straight into the arms of Hades for help. Before this night, Persephone has always assumed Hades to be a myth, so when she finds out he is in fact alive and one of Zeus’ biggest rivals, she makes a three month agreement with him that should benefit the both of them to gain something they both desperately want, her freedom, and his revenge.

Katee Robert is known for writing hot and steamy books. This story does include:
BDSM
Dom/Sub Elements
Explicit Sex
Voyeurism
Public Sex
Dirty Talk
Explicit Language
Violence

Book Overall Thoughts:
Katee was able to take one of the most popular Greek retellings and make it completely her own. Although the gods in this world still rule over the masses, they are utterly mortal. They age, and can die like any old human, and when this happens then one of their heirs takes their place as the new god, almost like a royal line. Hades in Neon Gods is very much the king of consent. He may be dark, kinky, and have a filthy mouth, but he is always aware of Persephone’s wants and needs when she is in his presence and has quite the gooey molten center when it comes to her, and gives off the “touch her and you die” vibes. Persephone is strong, caring and finally given a safe space to explore her desires, and figure out what she wants out of her life.

I liked that both Hades and Persephone talk about their past relationships, are open with their sexuality, and there is some Bi representation that is never made a big deal and just a part of who they are and the society they live in. I enjoyed the take on Dionysus and Hermes and thought the side characters and other gods added to the political intrigue and mafiaish vibes this book gave me. The only thing that I wished was a bit different was that the final big climax seemed to be resolved rather cleanly and quickly. I wouldn’t have minded a few extra chapters making it a bit longer and darker.

Overall this was a 4.5/5 for me. A fun, kinky, urban fantasy retelling definitely worth picking up if you like greek mythology retellings with lots of steam.


Audiobook Specific Thoughts:
The two narrators chosen for this book were AMAZING. They both had great voices/accents that I felt really captured and added depth to the characters. The more intimate and explicit scenes weren’t cringy or over the top as some romance audiobooks can be. While listening to this, it is very easy to follow along and they are always very clear between whose point of view we are listening to, and what chapter you are in. The chapters aren’t extremely long, so it was nice to be able to listen while multitasking and then find a good stopping point when ready. The two voice actors are playing Hades and Persephone but each had separate voices for every charter they interacted with that were easy to distinguish as well.
In audiobooks I find it difficult to follow along sometimes with texts, messages, emails etc that break up the flow of the book being read out loud, so there were no elements like that in this book and the narration flowed nicely. Now that I have listened to the book, I want to buy a physical copy for a re-read.

Regrettably, this book just wasn't for me. I realized it pretty early in, actually, but whenever I am gifted a book on Netgalley, I always try to see it through to the end unless it's just absolutely, ungodly horrible. This one didn't fall quite into that category, but I did NOT like it. The dialogue was a little trite in places, and you could tell pretty early in that it was just going to be a gratuitous sex book with little substance.

I was disappointing because after reading the description, I thought it was going to be a pretty decent retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth. Instead, it was just "Fifty Shades of Grey" with gods and goddesses thrown in for good measure. It wasn't what I was looking for or hoping for at all, so I was bummed.

I also didn't really like the way the sex scenes were written. They were... I don't know... unnecessarily vulgar? I have no problem with sex scenes in books. I'm a published author of erotic fiction, after all. And I have no problem with those sex scenes getting graphic and dirty, as long as they're well written. These just seemed to be a contest to see how many times they could say the word "p*$$y" in one paragraph most of the time.

I understand that Hades and Persephone were supposed to have a dom/sub relationship and some of the nasty talk was about degradation and control, but it just didn't sound natural most of the time.

Finally, the entire book was so incredibly predictable. There were no twists - not even any obvious ones - and no mysteries throughout the whole book. You could VERY easily tell what was going to happen next way before it happened.

I don't know. Overall, I just wasn't a fan of this book. It reminded me of some of the stories my high schoolers turn in for creative writing class, with a lot of gratuitous sex thrown in. But hey, some people love that kind of thing, so I can definitely see this being successful in certain niche markets.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this book early. I do appreciate it. It always makes it harder for me to leave a critical review of a book when I received it for free, but I always strive to be as honest as possible with my feelings, and this one just wasn't my cup of tea.

As for the audiobook aspect of it - the narrators were fine. They did a great job, and their voices fit well with the characters. The reading pace was good. I normally listen to books on 1.6x - 2.0x speeds, but I only raised this one up to 1.25, which means it was paced pretty well. The audio quality was good, as well.