This was so good! Bridgerton meets mythology with a sprinkle of Pride and Prejudice. Adion is my new book boyfriend! So perfect and loved the couple’s dynamic. The little Easter eggs of my favorite myth were so fun

The Temple of Persephone was a quick historical romance with lots of plays of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. I really enjoyed watching the characters come together and of course the secrets that got revealed along the way. I look forward to reading more from Isabella Kamal in the future.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I love a Hades and Persephone esque re-telling and had never read a historical version of this re-telling. I really loved the regency era romance that was mixed with hints of the myth we all know and love. Perfect for anyone waiting for Bridgerton Season 3. I will say as I have seen in other reviews the Lord of the Dead reveal was so built up throughout the book was definitely a bit underwhelming. All in all though I did not find that to hurt my opinion of the book to much and still would recommend to anyone who enjoys a regency romance with a twist.

3.5 stars

I enjoy exploring debuts but sometimes they are a big letdown. I think that marketing this as "Bridgerton meets..." was a poor choice. Referencing one of the most popular historical romance series as a comparison does not at all help to manage expectations.

"The Temple of Persephone" is a caricature of a historical setting with excruciatingly repetitive writing. The characters and the scenes are quite farcical and the Persephone & Hades retelling is very heavy-handed. Persephone is very whiny and comes off as "not like other girls." She is very basic and has no depth, but everything is about how nobody understands her. Well, there's not much to understand.

eARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

I adored this sweet, gentle, laugh-out-loud funny historical romance. I definitely hope to read more by Kamal--this was filled was fascinating historical detail and incredibly sweet, likeable, and charming main characters.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this as I’m not normally a reader of regency romances like this. Persephone and Aidon have a quickie marriage after being caught in a compromising situation, even though it was completely innocent. Nevertheless they are both keen to marry as there is some kind of pull between them. However, Aidon is hiding the truth of his profession and his murky reputation as the Lord of the Dead hangs over what could otherwise be a happy marriage.

I very enjoyed the nod to Greek mythology in this, and the revelation that Persephone and Aidon were almost fated to end up together. It was a delicious slow burn because of the dual narrative - you’re reading it very much aware how both characters feel but they are struggling to be forthcoming with each other. The romantic and sexual tension is expertly written.

What to expect:

- spicy regency romance
- meet cute
- meant to be
- marriage of convenience

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this novel. I am a big fan of Greek mythology so having the retelling of this while establishing that the mythology does exist in this universe was well done. The characters did fit what I would expect from other mythology where Hades is misunderstood and Persephone is sweet with a backbone of steel. Frothy and cute, I would recommend for those who like the myths and a historical romance. 3 stars.

💬 "Loving you is quite literally the least difficult thing I have ever done.”💬

Thank you Netgalley for this arc 🫶🏻 Temple of Persephone is out and available to read (please don't judge me for how late this review is 🫣)

I didn't pick this for the cover (not a massive fan of people on covers) but the description did interest me.

This was a pretty mixed bag for me. I didn't love them but I didn't hate them either. I liked that there was some slow burn to it and there was an aspect to their relationship that was cute and made me think of the invisible string theory. However, I felt like the conflict didn't make that much sense to me cause it wasn't the worst thing?? Still wasn't a good thing but the reaction felt a bit over-exaggerated?? Also, there were some things that felt gaslighty to me, especially during the conflict, which was not great and made it harder to root for them.

The hint at a sequel actually got me a little excited soo I might still check it out, tho it's not a priority

I found out that the author was an Iraqi Muslim and honestly, I would've loved if the characters had a similar background.

This really didn’t work for me. The writing style, the flow, the story, the MCs. None of it. I really liked the idea behind it but nothing fit or flowed.

This was my first foray into historical romance in some time, and it didn't disappoint. Isabella Kamal hits all the high notes of regency romance in this story, from the etiquette and gossip of the day to the romantic tension between the two leads. I will say the pacing of the plot and the reveal were fairly anticlimactic, so this will be a book I reserve for readers looking for low-stakes, feel-good romances in the style of Bridgerton, A League of Extraordinary Women, and Belles of London.

Romance + Greek Mythology. It's a win-win. I enjoyed this loose retelling of Persephone and Hades mythology. This is a one off, but I wouldn't object to more of this combination.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Oh this was a joy to read. As someone obsessed with greek mythology, specifically the Hades/Persephone myth, I thought this was such a fun way to include hints of the tale in a new and interesting way. This was a slow burn with a satisfying pay off as we watch the characters come to love and understand each other after they marry. With the background mystery it kept me wanting to read to find out just what the Lord of Darkness's secrets were.

A light, enjoyable Regency Romance. This feels like a debut, but like a debut by someone who loves historical romance. We've got a quickie marriage thanks to our characters getting caught in a mildly scandalous position: Persephone breaks in to Aidon's house (side eye, Persephone) - but just to check out his library! She falls off one of those cool library ladders into his arms when the hem of her dress rips. Conveniently, the town gossip just happens to enter the library at that moment, so Persephone's dad claims that they were already engaged. Since Aidon finds it both quite convenient to be married AND because he thinks Persephone is hot, he goes along with it.

Aidon's got secrets (his nickname is "the Lord of the Dead," which is so on the nose Isabella Kamal never tries to pretend like it's a subtle reference), Persephone has a hot younger sister she feels like she can never live up to, and they both fall in love. Where the book felt most like a debut and where it could most have benefited was in the conflict: Once you get your characters together early in the text, you need to have something keeping them from conjugal bliss. Here, there's Aidon's creepy older brother, his bumbling but sweet BFF, Persephone's own village friend, and (of course) his secret secrets. Just one of those items would have been sufficient.

Is this a closed door romance? Nope! We've got several scenes with a focus on Persephone's pleasure (this includes a bath scene and some face sitting, which is never a disappointment in a historical romance). That said, despite their early marriage, the characters spend a long time circling each other before they finally collide.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Recommended for historical romance fans who don't mind the basics of the genre. Looking forward to seeing where Kamal goes from here.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Okay this romance. Normally I dislike historical romances in which a woman is caught with a man and then is “ruined” I hate being reminding of historical misogyny. But the way this plot point was used was in a pretty low pressure situation, they were in the countryside, not in high London society, and they were both okay with it. These are two main characters who have had to solely lean on themselves and no one else and it was so precious that based on their initial chemistry they thought we don’t we try something new and lean on each other.

The way their relationship developed was just chefs kiss. I loved their tentative mutual attraction and how respectful the MMC was toward intimacy. There are minor misunderstandings but they aren’t fully driving the plot.

The spice is wonderful once you make it through the bit of slow burn. It was all so cute until all the sudden MMC is saying hold on to the headboard. Excuse me?! They are just so perfect for each other. He’s a reformed rake but it’s kind of fun cause he brings back some of those aspects but only for her. Another thing I normally dislike in historical is that imbalance but it works in this book cause it’s been so long for him.

There are other side characters and side plots that were also surprisingly intense. This book ended up covering a lot but at the heart of it was an incredible romance and partners who see each other as equals.

3.5 stars. A cute regency-era romance take on the Hades/Persephone myth. Aidon Barrington is considered The Lord of the Dead in all the gossip rags. He does run a funeral business but there seems to be more to the rumors than just funeral furnishing.
Persephone Honeyfield is nearing that spinster age and just wants to escape her childhood home. She is caught in a compromising position (for that age) with Aidon, and the two marry to avoid scandal and ruination.
And of course this all works out nicely and this may be the start of a series.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this e-arc.*

I was pleasantly surprised by the unique blend of Regency romance with a touch of Greek mythology. The story revolves around Persephone Honeyfield and Aidon Barrington, whose unexpected alliance transforms from a marriage of convenience into a deeper, more meaningful connection. The character development is a standout, with each protagonist evolving beautifully throughout the story. Although Aidon's secret felt somewhat predictable, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. The mix of historical and mythological elements, engaging romance, and intriguing character dynamics made this a delightful read. Kamal's debut has certainly set a promising tone for her future works, and I'm eager to see what she writes next.

The Temple of Persephone-a standalone

By-Isabella Kamal-debut

Publication date 2-20-24 , read 2-19-24

📃 Page count: 350 kindle

🌎Setting: Oxbury, England 1811


Quick Summary: Persephone Honeyfield knows the only way out of her monotonous life of books and gossip is marriage. Aidon Barrington took over his family business providing funeral services for the ton. He feels lost and burdened by his job, his older brother, and his father's expectations. When they meet at the old Barrington estate, Gallowsgate, they are found in a compromising position though completely innocent. Persephone's father Solomon and town gossiper Mrs. Harding see them, and her father announces their engagement for propriety's sake. Persephone doesn't know what she's getting with Aidon who has been deemed Lord of Dead..

🤷🏾‍♀️ What to Expect:

⭐Regency Romance
⭐Greek mythology/characteristics of Hades and Persephone
⭐hidden secret
⭐ ️marriage of convenience
⭐️slow burn romance

🤔 My Thoughts: I loved the cross over of historical fiction to Greek mythology. Persephone and Aidon were great together once they got to know each other. Aidon was very brooding and mysterious, especially being Lord of Dead (King of the Underworld). Persephone did her duty for her sister Venus in hopes of finding her a good match. Both had father issues but were able to confront them with each other's support. The "big secret" about Aidon was a little anticlimactic, but overall this was a great love story about ghosts of the past, gossip, and becoming your true self. I hope Venus gets her HEA!

Rating: 4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5🔥🔥🔥🔥 h's 1st time

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC 🩷! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Persephone Honeyfield knows that she has to marry if she is to escape the monotony of her life. However, she knows that she is no beauty like her sister and feels that the chance of a love match is nearly zero. Yet when Persephone finds herself at Gallowsgate, the old Barrington estate, she has a run-in with Aidon Barrington, the Lord of the Dead. When they are found together, Persephone agrees to marry Aidon, to save her sister's reputation, as well as her own. Soon Persephone finds herself increasingly fascinated by her new husband, whose kind, patient nature stands in stark contrast to the ever-swirling rumors about him. Aidon is not the person who regularly appears in the scandal sheets, but she uncovers that he hides family secrets and a painful past, that threatens the success of their marriage.
Persephone and Aidon were well developed characters, each with their own past hurts which they gradually reveal, as their relationship develops. I enjoyed seeing the two grow in confidence and reveal their true feelings. Whilst it took time for each to overcome their own insecurities, I felt that the story didn’t lag. A great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I haven’t been captivated by a book as I was by this one for a long time! An astounding debut like no others: beautiful, emotional writing, glorious descriptions, vivid, lovable characters, both main and side ones, a slow burn, but with the right amount of steam when needed. Poetic in every way. Yes, the Persephone-Hades vibes are there, but this is so much more than a retelling of the myth! Persephone is really a ray of light, but more than that she’s a very strong woman, who didn’t lose sight of who she was even if the world wanted her to conform. And I really felt for Aidon, so kind and vulnerable and plunged in the dark through no fault of his own.
I really can’t wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was everything my Bridgerton and Greek Mythology loving heart desired. There is no magic, but the two MCs, Aiden and Persephone, are the mortal embodiments of their mythological namesakes.

I don't want to spoil anything because the scandal sheet gossip behind the Lord of the Dead managed to remain a mystery until the reveal near the end of the book, but this is the perfect read for someone who loves historical romance with strong women.

Also, I relate to Persephone so much. She has a love for books, reading, and knowledge, and luckily she finds a man who loves her intellect. Also, when she cut her hair out of frustration, I felt so seen. I have done that so many times. I never read a book about women with my hair length, so this was exciting for me as a short haired girlie.

Thank you to NetGalley, Isabella Kamal, and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC of this book!