"Unlike any other Hades and Persephone retelling I've came across."

Thank you NetGalley and Rose and Star Publishing for for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love exploring retellings of all kinds. But I've an especially weak spot for those retelling Hades and Persephone. So to say I was very excited to see where this go is an understatement. The spicy side worried me - I don't typically read spice. But I'm always up for a palate cleanser. So I still gave it a read as well as book two and book three of the trilogy.

It started well. Hades and Persephone feel fleshed out and meet in a unique way. As the story progresses, they start to feel one dimensional. It definitely captures the obsession Hade's has for Persephone, but the story doesn't really progress. They're just sex driven. Which, unfortunately, lead to there being ALOT of spice. When putting it in, they took the cap off and just let it fall onto the pages. The story didn't need it. But it still remains to be unlike any other Hades and Persephone retelling I've came across in my reader lifetime.

This isn't the best written book. It isn't complex and the plot isn't the best and definitely doesn't provoke any thoughts or sparks any discussions about issues in the world. However, as a read that is quick and easy, this hits the spot (just like Hades and Persephone, apparently) and I did actually enjoy it.

I am a big fan of Hades/Persephone retellings, they're what actually reinstated my passion for reading. So whenever a new retelling pops up I am always down for a read. This was okay, I feel like it was missing what makes this coupling so special though. It felt more lusty than intimate and if even a teeny tiny amount of time was more focused on developing the relationship, then I feel like it would have been more impactful of a book for me. I don't mind a spice-heavy book, I don't mind if the plot is just sprinkled on top sparingly either. But for this particular genre/couple I feel like it wasn't done quite right.

This is a non-standard love story told in a first-person manner. It could be the classic tale of girl meets new boss, falls for him, and what happens after… but the girl is Persephone. And her boss just so happens to be Hades. The boyfriend is not likeable, but that’s because we’re not supposed to like him, and the love scenes are explicit as well as plot driven. I’ll probably want to read the rest of the series too

I can never turn down a Hades & Persephone retelling, I don't believe you can have too many. The Maiden & The Unseen was an enjoyable new take on the well known story and I was happy that it wasn't a copy and paste of what we already know of the dynamic.

There were many points that were comedic and light and enjoyable for the reader. The main issue between the two is miscommunication which is something that does get frustrating after a while, because if the two characters just talked to one another openly, there wouldn't be any issues, but then again, then there wouldn't be any book. This was also a very spicy book, which I am never opposed to either and I don't think took too much away from the storyline.

This was a quick read and leaves you wanting to read the next installment to know where the story goes!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

📖 𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: ⭐⭐
👥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
• FMC: ⭐
• MMC: ⭐⭐⭐
• Side Characters: ⭐⭐
✍🏻 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: ⭐⭐⭐

As a big fan of all mythology, but especially the story of Hades and Persephone, I was excited to read this story with a promising modern twist. However, after a fairly engaging start, in which I particularly liked Hades’ grumpiness and sarcasm as well as his thinking about his feelings and admitting them to himself, I realized that even he wouldn’t be able to get me to finish reading the book. I made it a little over halfway through when even my “turn a blind eye” approach no longer worked; it went steadily downhill. While I continued to like and know to appreciate that Hades had a soft, vulnerable side that you don’t often see in male leads of this genre, that he sought and took advice, and fulfilled one of my favorite tropes of “he falls first and harder”, Persephone became really quite unlikable to me, came across as whiny, naive, and selfish. It also bothered me that Hades seemed to only be able to think with his c*** after a certain point. He made rules only to break them a page later. Even just halfway through, there was already so much smut, that it distracted from an otherwise promising, if not completely thought-out idea. A real shame.

Beyond the relationship between the two main characters, which – no matter how you spin it – involved cheating that I’m not a fan of, what bothered me about the book was the uneven pacing, as was evident in Mellie’s behavior, for example. At first, she is shy and doesn’t want to attract attention, then a few pages later, she “beats up” Hades and gives him a lecture, goes to a nightclub with Persephone – whose best friend she has become within what feels like two pages – and has a one-night stand with Helios.

The writing style is pleasant, but a bit too much tell and not enough show. Thoughts, actions, and dialogues were repeated often, and – like many scenes – at a certain point felt as if the author was just trying to reach a set word count, like I do in my term papers. The pop culture references were a nice touch but made the story seem more YA than it is as a whole for obvious reasons.

All in all, I could probably find a few more positive points in the story, such as the inclusion of lesser-known characters from Greek mythology and the explanation of some concepts or stories, but unfortunately, they simply aren’t enough to make me want to finish the book.

Thank you NetGalley and author Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"God of the Dead. King of the Underworld. The Unseen. The Renowned...The Glorified Babysitter.

Zeus has finally decreed that the gods may leave Olympus and mingle - anonymously - with the mortals of the present. With zero warning or waiting for him to consent to this arrangement, Hades is placed in charge of not only helping the gods assimilate but also financing them. Unlike the other gods, Hades never withdrew from the mortal world. Instead he spent six months of every year among them, building a fortune befitting one of his many names. As long as the gods follow his strict rules for living among mortals, they have access to a generous monthly stipend. Break the rules, lose the privileges. No allowances. Ever.


Goddess of Spring. The Maiden. The Mistress. The Venerable One...The Social Media Manager.

For the last two years, Persephone has lived among the mortals, enjoying everything the world she was so sheltered from has to offer. It took years of begging since Zeus's decree to get her mother to allow her to go, and she imparted some strict rules to follow. Rule 1: No fraternizing with other gods. As far as Demeter is aware, Persephone's closest friend is definitely not Helios, the Titan of the Sun. Rule 2: No men. The mortal she's casually dating doesn't even know the gods exist. Rule 3: Every six months, Demeter comes by for a visit. This one Persephone can't get out of, and if it keeps her mother from investigating Persephone's life, what's the harm?


Destiny. Fate. Fortune. Kismet...An absolute bitch.

Fate has other ideas for Hades and Persephone, and it does not take lightly to being denied. Struggle and fight all they want. But the threads of destiny have wrapped tightly around them and tugs them tighter and tighter, no matter what the gods themselves have to say about it."

This is an entertaining and super spicy retelling of Hades and Persephone. I love reading this book.

I do love a good persephone retelling!! I did enjoy this version, and the characters, however it is to be noted it strays pretty far from the original tale. But, that isn't a bad thing, it is still enjoyable as its own story!

I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic moments shared between the characters, and I was smiling while ressing this. A lot of miscommunication between. The characters could've been avoided through open communication, they need to work on that 😂. There's a fair amount of spice anyway, but towards the end of the book, I feel it ended up being more spice than plot. Some od you may be here for that, but for me, it left me wanting answers and knowing where the story goes next, not another love making scene, sorry!
I will read the next installment as I just *must* know what comes next.

I'm short, I would recommend this book. It is a fun read and a twist on persephone and hades, modern, fun, and enticing.

Unfortunately there was too much wrong with this. One dimensional characters with no character development, no plot, and i can't believe I'm saying this but too much spice. There was a spicy scene at least every five pages it felt like. It was however entertaining enough for me to force myself to keep reading it to see how it ended. So if you're in the mood for for a palette cleanser in between heavier fantasy books and want something that is super spicy, you might enjoy this. Just keep your expectation low. Also note that this isn't a stand alone book like i initially thought, but the first book in a series.

I just couldn’t get into this book at all. In the end I wasn’t even able to get to the half way mark.

Thank you to @Netgalley, Alexis Rune, and Jeanette Rose for letting me read this in return for an honest review.

Ok, so straight off the bat, was this the best book ever? No. But did I enjoy it? Definitely 100%.

I read this in under 24 hours; yes it looks intimidating being 70 + chapters however each chapter is a few pages each keeping them nice and short, and so very easy to justify "one more chapter" until the book was finished.

This was definitely a steamy book, and it felt lacking in plot until the end in which things rammed up pretty quickly, and I'm a bit worried about Jackson tbh. I'm definitely excited to start the next one.

Also, I love Mellie. She's amazing, I will take no questions.

Persephone is very whiny in this. However, I don't see that as a bad thing. This is the first book of 3, and my girl has been sheltered all her life. I'm looking forward to her character development.

Hades... My sassy, sassy boy. I love him and his "Hades, god of biting his tongue", or "Hades, god of middle siblings." He's so done, and I am here for it.

If I come across a Persephone and Hades book, I am 100% reading it no questions asked. This one is book 1 in a 3 book series. It was enemies to lovers in the absolute best way. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the next two!

A modern day retelling of the story of Persephone and Hades and… wow, this book was, how do I put this… spicy… very, very spicy.
The story in this book unfolds over a relatively short period, correct me if I'm wrong, but I would estimate around one month. Some might argue that a lot transpires in such a brief timeframe, but if we consider the dual POV and the characters' inner monologues, how much time do we, mere mortals, spend lost in our own heads in just a day?
The insecurities and lack of real communication from both characters were, at times, a bit cringy. However, bear with me, this all occurs within a month! How many of us are completely open with someone in such a short time without insecurities? Yes, maybe they dove into the passionate and intense parts of the novel very quickly, but isn't the beginning of a relationship often marked by heightened lust and excitement?
I would have enjoyed delving deeper into Melie's friendships with Hades, Persephone, and Helios. However, since we finally learn what happened at the bar at the end of the book, I'm guessing we'll get to know them better in book 2.
The plot may have lacked a bit, but there's only so much character development that can happen in such a short time, especially for gods and goddesses who have all eternity.
On to book two…
Favorite quote:
“They are just… so lost, Hades,” Athena murmurs.
So are we, Athena. We're as lost as they are. We’re no different. Bumbling our way through the world for thousands of years, only we make bigger mistakes, bigger messes.”

”I won’t share you, Persephone. When you’re mine, you’ll be only mine. I won’t accept half of you”

While not being a terrible book, it was not my cup of tea. I did finish it, and didn't hate it though I struggled to complete it. I will probably not read it again or continue the series. There is a lot of spice in this book, so most certainly for a mature audience.

When I tell you I TORE through this book! I loved it! I loved the dual perspective, how they were both so confident but could be soft with each other. I loved that Hades was the first to fall. I loved how Persephone pushed back to him, that she is a strong woman. It sets up her role in the story so well. And I am super stoked that the next book is also available to read! Off to continue the story....

So The Maiden and the Unseen is basically erotic fan-fiction. I love a good Hades & Persephone story, but I prefer ones with actual story in them. There is basically 0% plot. All that happens is they meet and then they're either at work, going to work, leaving work, or at an apartment and either having sex or reaching third base with their powers, or talking about how they want each other but can't have each other for reasons. There is literally nothing that happens outside of a weird obstacle of her refusing to break up with her not-boyfriend (it is honestly never explained as to why she hesitated on this). Demeter never shows up, Persephone has no personality, and Hades sounds is constantly second-guessing himself and just trying to possess her. What does his company do? No idea? Any details on what she actually does as a "social media manager" for his company? Nope. What are the rest of the gods like? We barely see them. She's terrified of having to go back to her mom right? Yes, but mostly she just lusts after Hades.

In all honesty, this felt like college-level writing. It's set in the modern-world so the lingo is all modern including slang, which I don't typically love. It goes a step further than the modern world and sets it in our real world by having the model Gisele make an appearance for about 5 minutes. Very odd. Their dialogue is very elementary and they basically only talk about wanting each other. Half-way through the book Hades realizes "what do I know about her" and even from then on all we hear is that he stalks her a bit more to see what she tells other people she likes - they never have a legitimately real conversation. One dinner is even described as them spending it in "companionable silence" - do they actually know each other at all beyond how sexy they both are?

If you're looking for plot-less smut, this is for you. It's basically 95% sex or sex-related activities. I love my smut but damn give me some character arcs and overarching conflict please!

**SPOILERS BELOW**
Details and context are tossed in randomly or just never. For example:
- 3 friends that supposedly were meeting her at a club just never appear and are never mentioned again
- her not-boyfriend calls when she and Hades are going to third base, and it's the first time Hades is aware she's in a pseudo relationship, and he just never says anything about it in his chapter even though he's painted as very possessive. Seems like this would be something he comments on right after finding out.
- the timeline is confusing - sometimes subsequent chapters continue forward in time, other times they start a few days prior and then catch-up.

Oh my goodness!! This was the spicy Hades/Persephone retelling that I didn’t know I needed! The back and forth between characters and the amazing storyline really made it. The side characters were awesome too! The storyline was super engrossing too

I loved this Hades and Persephone retelling. It's spicy and fun, although the plot doesn't really get moving until the middle section of the book.

The spice scenes were natural and their attraction is obvious from the start. Some of the secondary characters weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked, but it did keep the book moving fast without.

It did make me feel everything throughout this book and I really love the retelling genre. I imagine The Maiden and the Unseen is going to blow up on booktok/bookstagram.

When they said NSFW they meant it! It made me chuckle to read that warning, “don’t read in public.” That was absolutely an appropriate warning! This books is spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love Hades and Persephone. So when I saw this I just knew I needed to read it! I have read other retellings of Hades and Persephone, but this one was a blast to read.

Right off the bat you can feel the tension between Hades and Persephone. Their “meet cute” and then having them working together, it added so much more depth to their tension. I was so frustrated at certain points, I was screaming just tell her already. I couldn’t figure out why he wouldn’t be forthcoming with things. Patience would’ve answered that for me.

Coming from other Hades and Persephone series I was happy to see Helios in the way he was portrayed and his laugh out loud moments. I also really adore Mellie and the bonus chapter was great! I love the mystery that Mellie is and I can’t wait for more. If you are looking for a wide variety of Greek Gods there are mentions of the big 3,
Helios and Demeter but the focus is absolutely Hades and Persephone.

I will say I was surprised by Demeter’s roll in this one or the limited about of page time. She is mentioned, and reflections include her but you never truly meet her character. I enjoyed Hekate and how she is portrayed as someone not even Hades would mess with. I like her attitude!

The love triangle aspect was definitely different and at some parts worthy of an eye roll. It felt played out, like what was the point. I’m still not 100% sure. The touch her and die trope was there though and that redeemed the love triangle.

The only thing I didn’t really enjoy about the book was the use of slut. That made me cringe.

Over all once I started, I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down. It is most definitely a character driven book with little plot but what’s there is strong enough to make me want to read the next book in the series.

This is a Hades x Persephone retelling in a modern world that was enjoyable to read. I wish the characters had more than just a physical attraction, however. Maybe more in depth of their relationship will be in the other books that follow. The plot wasn’t fully developed until later in the book and was unsurprising but the spice was top tier. I loved the dual POV and the setting of the modern society and am intrigued on how the trilogy will develop, especially after the ending of this book.

3 Stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC!

I read reviews and knew what to expect, but I was still kind of bored with their relationship. It felt like they had no actual emotional depth between the two, only physical attraction. Were they feeling in love because they actually had a connection or because they were "fated?" The book is trying to convince us it's the former, but they never make any actual moves to show such. Everything is about how they're destined to be King and Queen of the Underworld together.

Persephone got incredibly annoying when it came to breaking it off with her not-really-boyfriend. If they weren't really together, why couldn't she just call him. If they were never a couple, then there's no reason to hold their relationship to the standards she's putting in her mind. It got so frustrating.

The intimate scenes were...heavy-handed at best. It got repetitive after a while. Toying with BDSM and control but no actual talking to each other about boundaries.

I'm still going to read the sequel if I remember to. It was an entertaining story and I enjoyed reading it. I really liked Mellie and I hope we get her own story in the future.