This book is delightfully sinful! I can't believe I hadn't discovered Katee before this book. I have an entire backlist to catch up on and I'm here for it 🙌

Dark Hades and Persephone retelling doesn't do this justice at all. This book is wicked steamy and I loved every page. Persephone is sunshine to Hades darkness in every way possible but her little dark streak was shining through the entire time.

Plus the puppies, can't forget about them.

I've heard people rave about Katee Robert’s Wicked Villains series, so as soon I heard that she had written a modern, smutty mobster retelling of Hades and Persephone, I was dying to get my hands on it.

I was so over the moon excited to read this book. However, the story's execution sadly fell flat to me. The narration and dialogue felt unnatural and like bad detective noir, the author kept using odd mixed metaphors, and the characters felt like nonsensical caricatures.

I might be the odd one out here, but unfortunately, the writing style just wasn't for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I give it all the stars and I know this review is going to be hard to write. There are no words to describe how good this book is! This book is a Hades and Persephone retelling where they live in a modern Olympus and Persephone is being engaged to Zeus but runs away to the other side where she meets Hades. She then makes a bargain with him but is now both fallen for each other. First of all, I have to say that I'm a huge fan of any books with Hades and Persephone retellings, especially with some steam. The writing was wonderfully done in this book but such an amazing world-building, pacing, characters, plot, and setting. Everything was well done and I especially enjoyed the modern world of Olympus as it's easy to understand and beautifully described. Everything with the writing part was well done but the best part was the characters.

This book is written from both Persephone and Hades' POV. I enjoyed both characters so much and they had such amazing character development in this book. I really enjoyed how strong Persephone was as she had to run away from her engagement and her fake self as she didn't want it but later discovered who she really is. Then there is my bae Hades who I just swooned over from the beginning of the book. Not only is he a bad boy but also a sweet, caring man that will sweep any women's feet from the floor. I enjoyed his character development too as he realized there is more to his world and opened himself up from his traumatic past. I enjoyed both of their chemistry together which was not only SUPER steamy (5/5 level of spiciness) but the love where they both heal themselves and challenge each other. I also enjoyed the side characters in this book where you will meet Hermes, Dionysus, and Demeter also the villain Zeus.

The ending was well done but I was sad to see the story end. I know more books will be coming but with different main characters who I can't wait and learn more about. This book was just amazing and I had no problems with it. It had all that level of spiciness that I romance lover will love and also a great new world. I will most likely be reading Katee's other books as I LOVED this one. I recommend this book to fans of Hades and Persephone lovers, mythology, ACOMAF, and Crescent City.

A woman desperate to escape. A man who is only supposed to be a myth. A bargain that will become more than either could have imagined. Welcome to the world of Neon Gods, an insanely hot and surprisingly fun retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth. Katee Robert swept me off my feet with this decadent romance filled with seriously hot love scenes and a romance that is so sweet it made me melt.

Hades has spent his life in the shadows but Persephone brings light into his life. She’s not the biddable, sunshiny socialite she portrays in public. Beneath the mask is a bright, energetic woman whose passions match his own. And while Hades may have the image of being the fearsome king of the lower city, beneath all that lies a generous, marshmallow heart that made me melt. He’s growly and protective, she’s not one to take any shit from him, and the two of them have crackling chemistry. Their banter made me smile and the way Hades cared for Persephone made me swoon. I loved their romance so much I absolutely hated to put Neon Gods down.

Persephone ran to the lower city to escape an engagement to Zeus she knows would be deadly. Hades has been out for revenge ever since Zeus murdered his parents thirty years ago. The two of them come up with a plan: Zeus likes the pretense that Persephone is untouched so Hades will “tarnish” her. What follows is actually an exploration of her desires and it was sizzling hot. Hades enjoys public escapades but no matter what they’re doing he always makes absolutely sure that it’s what she wants. Their kinks align and consent is at the forefront so everything about the erotic scenes is incredibly hot. It’s the heart of the Hades/Persephone romance that grabbed me, but damn the sex scenes were utterly delicious.

I adored Neon Gods from beginning to end. Hades is definitely up there on my list of favorite heroes. The fact that the dark and sexy lord of the Underworld has got the gooiest center imaginable just knocked my socks off. And Persephone, who sees beneath masks and who has an honest and caring heart that has survived the politics of the upper city, is his perfect match – the queen to his king. Their romance is one of equals and it made Neon Gods incredibly addictive. I also loved the world Robert created for the Dark Olympus series. While there’s a certain paranormal element to the isolation of Olympus, overall it’s set in a human realm. The Thirteen are not gods, but rather humans who possess a title and inhabit a role. It’s a fascinating world and I cannot wait to learn more about it in the next Dark Olympus book, Electric Idol.

4/5 stars

This was the first story I read by this author and I really enjoyed it! Retellings are some of my favorite stories and this very steamy, erotic Hades and Persephone retelling had such good chemistry from the start. The mythological Olympus reimagined into a modern city with the gods being more of a title of power was an interesting spin for this story's world building. The side characters such as Dionysus, Hermes and Persephone's sisters made me want to read each of their stories in the future as well.

Things I really loved:
- Grumpy/sunshine couple
- The strong heroine, Persephone, that eventually lets her mask fall and comes into her own power throughout the story
- Hades claiming not to have friends, but tolerating Dionysus and Hermes in his space was very reminiscent of a grumbly Beast dealing with Cogsworth and Lumiere. All their interactions made me smirk or laugh!
- Chemistry between Hades and Persephone was steamy and good from the start while the sexy scenes were erotic

Things that weren't for me:
- Some of the exhibitionist scenes felt a bit disconnected from the characters. The chemistry between Hades and Persephone got lost a bit for me.

Overall, I enjoyed this steamy retelling, interesting modern mythological world, and really look forward to the next in the series!

*Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Casablanca Books for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so steamy!! I really loved the retelling of the Greek mythology story of Hades and Persephone. Robert turned this into a forbidden dark romance in the most clever way.

I thought the beginning could have used slightly more background for context. We were somewhat thrown into the story which isn't a bad thing, but I wish there was a bit more world building. I caught on halfway through the book that the gods' names were actually titles, and there could be more than one Hera or Hermes, for example, and that confused me without context.

Overall, this was such a fun enjoyable book. Definitely not for the faint of heart though! Be prepared for major explicit content. There is a huge emphasis on consent and safe sex though, which I really applaud.

My love for Katee Robert books is no secret, she happens to write relationships and kink and intimacy exactly the way I love it, so ofc I was expecting to love Neon Gods. She somehow still managed to surpass my highest expectations of this sexy, atmospheric Hades x Persephone retelling.

Neon Gods is like experiencing Katee Robert on crack. Well, I imagine doing crack is like feeling you're constantly fucking floating on a cloud, seratonin is constantly flowing, you're just fucking haPPY. I think I highlighted atleast half the book, immediately placed a pre-order, and am determined to re-read this every year.

Katee truly served the best version of Hades x Persephone I could've asked for. There's grumpy x sunshine, cinammon roll Hades, and personally, I loved how ride or die they were for each other. She also made Hades this,, embodiment of midnight and darkness and fog and I LOVE THAT TROPE SO MUCH.

Neon Gods is sexy, steamy, excellence with SO MUCH HEART, you'll be laughing and loving the side-characters, rooting for HxP to make it, cursing at the villain (we know who this fucker is), I was thoroughly invested and I really hope Sourcebooks Casa just,, gifts us all 10 (?) of these books because PLEASE i want to live in this universe forever.

Big thanks to Sourcebooks CASA for the e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

The pitch that this is ‘A Touch of Darkness’ meets ’50 Shades’ is 100% accurate.

As with most retellings, I'm always curious as to how an author is going to make the story their own, and I really appreciate KR's version. I enjoyed how Olympus and the Underworld are portrayed as different sides of a city, with a feud between two mobs kind of storyline.

And don't get me started on the steam. Holy cow, this book will have you fanning yourself. But it's definitely more than just the physical attraction. I loved reading about Hades’ growing feelings and how he copes with them. He's too precious.

Overall, a very solid retelling and I can't wait to continue the series!

Hades and Persephone's story is a difficult one to retell. I've read a few that try to do it and end up being as or even more more cringe-worthy than the original. Of course, Katee Robert handles this book with her usual blend of spice and sweetness. She deftly works the myth, originally full of kidnapping, rape, and forced marriage, into a romantic and erotic story. Persephone wins her independence with the help of (her biggest cheerleader) Hades, who retains his dark elements along with humble and lovable traits. The two of them act as perfect equals. in life and romance.
This was definitely a page-turner and one I enjoyed up to the end. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series.

I have always loved Persephone, she was my favorite of the stories but I didn't see her as being stolen for some reason.

This book is so interesting as they are replaced or voted into those name positions and this time Persephone chooses to run to Hades. To flee from someone else. Tbh, I always thought Zeus' stories were way worse to women esp mortals than the other gods. 

This book validated my view that these two actually wanted to be together. Ok I love the kidnap trope.... 😍

Ok raise your hand if you like:
🔸Safe words  (with consent)
🔸Hot steamy sex scenes (with consent)
🔸Hades and Persephone retelling
🔸Tragic backstories for bad boys that are still good men

I absolutely loved this one! It was so hot and steamy that I am not sure what to do with myself but I will leave that to my husband.

They were wicked in a way that made me want to join or at least watch, lol.

There was more than sex. You got both their viewpoints which I love in love books. I love being in their heads as they start to fall hard. Hades is kind of a anal retentive dom who is also fiercely protective and only wants to pleasure, swoon. Persephone was independent and didn't want to fall in line and in performing shock and awe to get away fell for the big bad boogie man.

There are also the 13 in Olympus and a lot of political posturing. There is a lot of danger and power struggles as Persephone tries to free herself from the upper city and their machinations. 

I cannot wait to read more in this series!

I recommend it for those who love mythology and lots of steam!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Thank you net galley and sourcebooks casa  for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review!

I love a good Hades and Persephone retelling always, so I was super excited for this one and it was just as good as it sounds! And super spicy…

I love twists on Greek mythology and seeing how each story bends the classic stories with new worlds, characters, and plots. This book was fun and modern as the city of Olympus contained Houses each ruled by one of the Thirteen. There was drama and society, favors, betrayals, and pointless parties. The Thirteen were the celebrities, the rulers, the government heads.. and one man above all of it: Zeus. Hades was a myth, but even as a myth, Persephone was still drawn to him.

I loved Persephone’s personality. She was fierce, thoughtful, and she wanted nothing to do with the fake people at the parties, the conniving acts, the deals, and the way it caged her in. When she fled, she ran without thinking.. right into the lower city and across the river into Hades himself, real.. solid.. and definitely not a myth.

I loved seeing the two of them interact, make a deal, and work together to get back at Zeus and the others. And of course, I loved seeing them fall for each other. This book was definitely steamy, sexy, and dark.. lots of graphic encounters, but honestly there was still so much meat to the story that it had the perfect balance for me. Also, I’m not into the whole Fifty Shades type of smut, so I loved that it sort of hinted around some kinks without Persephone going too far into any kind of submissive role. It seemed like it would be your typical “welcome to my scary sex dungeon” at first and I loved that Roberts gave Persephone more grit and dominance that I expected her to have.

In my opinion, there are just never enough Hades and Persephone retellings and this one shouldn’t be missed!

This is a Hades and Persephone retelling in a very modern setting. After her mother announces Persephones surprise engagement to Zeus, leader of Olympus City, Persephone does the only thing she can. She flees and ends up on the other side of the river Styx, and in the arms of a man called Hades, whom she had believed to be a myth.
I really enjoyed this read - both, Hades (dark, broody Hades - yes please!) and Persephone, are characters whom I liked and they are adorable together and perfect for each other. I also quite liked the modern setting of the story and the fresh take on the ancient greek gods. It wasn't dragging in any part and there was just enough suspense to keep me engaged and reading on. I already can't wait for the next one to come out.

This retelling of the classic myth of Hades and Persephone is very different from the original in a good way and red hot. It has a great well-developed story line, quirky characters, and did I mention it is red hot? I read it in one sitting and can't wait for the next one in the series. Highly recommended.

This was an absolutely fun, steamy, and original retelling of the Hades and Persephone Green myth. In the city of Olympus, "the 13" rule over the common people, but rather than the gods/goddesses you may expect when you hear their names (Demeter, Hermes, etc.), the 13 are elected roles held by humans--aside from the 3 legacy positions, Poseidon, Zeus, and Hades, which are passed down through bloodlines. This retelling did an excellent job of showing Persephone as an agent of her own fate, in charge of her own future and pleasure, while Hades was kind, strong, compelling, and deadset on enthusiastic consent. We love to see it! The only parts of the book I remained fuzzy on were why/how/where Olympus and the 13 exist--places like Ohio, California, and UC Berkeley are mentioned as being outside of Olympus, and I couldn't wrap my head around how and why Olympus exists in its incarnation while being with a world that also includes UC Berkeley. Additionally, despite everything in the story being relatively realistic (no magic or powers), the bridges separating two parts of Olympus somehow cause extreme pain to anyone "uninvited" trying to cross between the two sides of the city. I didn't understand the mechanics of that device, since the rest of the world is magic-free. Despite that, I thought the retelling was fun and well-written and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a modern Hades/Persephone retelling.

Oh...my goodness. I literally read this book in less than a day; I just couldn't put it down! I'm extremely picky with what romances I read, but I knew just from the synopsis that I would love this, and I was not wrong (I mean, it's a spicy, modern Hades and Persephone retelling. The premise alone had me hooked). This delivers on steaminess, plot, character/relationship development, AND creative mythological references. The Hades and Persephone story is creatively reworked for a contemporary setting, and has lots of little nods to other myths that are downright funny at times--some so subtle that they're like little easter eggs for a classicist or myth-lover.

One thing in particular that pleasantly surprised me was the focus on consent and care, which is especially interesting in an adaptation of a story that is traditionally told as an abduction. This is by no means the first retelling to make Persephone a willing participant rather than a captive, but the theme and importance of consent is prevalent throughout the novel in relation to both her and Hades. It certainly makes it easier to get into some of the...bolder scenes, shall we say?

The plot outside of Hades and Persephone's relationship took a bit of a back seat for most of the novel--it's a romance, after all--so I wouldn't recommend it to readers who are primarily plot-driven, but if you're a romance reader who appreciates some spice and enjoys the Touch of Darkness Series or Madeline Miller's myth retellings, this is definitely the book for you. Overall, it's a fast-paced and easy read with a sexy, banter-filled romance, a creative plot, and lots of mythological references.

Neon Gods is the sexy and thrilling first installment of Dark Olympus, a new greek mythology inspired series by one of my new fave romance authors, Katee Robert.

What hooks me the most about Robert is that she gives us extremely hot kink, where consent is also very clearly defined and the enjoyment and communication of all parties is at the center of attention. And we get that here and it is oh so very delicious!

With Neon Gods, we have a Hades & Persephone where the 13 gods & goddesses have been turned into the 13 leaders of the city of Olympus. And the rolls are filled by people seeking to seize power of their own. Persephone’s mother is the new Demeter and when Demeter gives her daughter to Zeus (a man notorious for his wives mysteriously coming up missing) in order to secure more power, Persephone runs to the one place she can’t be followed - across the river Styx. There she is taken in by Hades and the rest is a very smutty history.

Sometimes stories don’t give Persephone agency in these retellings, but I had no concern of that when Robert is writing. Our Persephone is sassy, sharp, and she takes what she wants. We also have a brooding grump of a Hades who’s actually a big softy - so really this couple is perfection to me and I had a blast with every second of this book. I cannot wait for more of this series!

*Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC*

I just ... where does one begin with this book? I'm still sweating thinking about some of those scenes and it was an incredible reminder that Katee Robert never lets me down when she releases a new book. The story was a fresh take on the Hades and Persephone myth, the steam was off the charts, and the characters were well developed and incredibly layered. I really enjoyed this book and I was itching to get my hands back on it all through my workday, and am even tempted to reread bits of it already. I also cannot wait to see what Katee Robert gives us next with Psyche, because I know it's going to be off the charts and just as captivating.

Now if you need me, I'm going to shove my face in the freezer and cool off because holy moly was this book hot.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for my review copy!

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you are into dark romances, Stern Brunch Daddies, some voyeuristic kink, plotting and forced proximity, and Persephone and Hades retelling, go straight for it.
We’re in a contemporary world, where Persephone is caught up in the intrigues set up by her mother, Demeter, the most ambitious fierce woman ever. Persephone has to play naive and sunshine while she hates the spotlight, and the Thirteen who rule the Upper City, except Hades, who is supposed to be a myth, except he isn’t.
I like the arc of both MCs, how the more she got to know Hades, Persephone gradually left her sweet, naive, protective mask behind and owned her own strength. How you get to see Hades peel himself off his own walls to show his feelings and his true caring self. I loved his thoughtful nature so much (the “overprotective mother bear”), definitely a Stern Brunch Daddy, all care during the day and domineering at night .
There is relatively low angst, except for a very specific sex scene. It’s not too wild either. I mean, of course it’s hot, it’s Katee Robert we’re talking about, there is voyeurism and all the range of “carnal activities”, just not much kink.
I loved the characters, and the overall arc, but I feel like the peaks are missing, I expected a roller coaster, and there are important dramatic scenes (violent ones as well) but not the emotional ones I expected. It still is a solid dark hot retelling of Persephone and Hades.

Ooooh what did I just read? I had no idea I was going into an erotic novel (my fault, the blurb was quite clear. But I saw Hades and Persephone's names and I requested it without much ado).. And what a book!

Persephone is promised to Zeus without her consent. To escape from him, she crosses over the River Styx into Hades' territory - from upper city to lower city. She thinks - as all of the upper city dwellers do - that Hades is a myth now. Only to discover that he isn't a myth. He is very real.

Hades is portrayed as a very sensitive and caring man. Persephone is no damsel in distress either. And when they both come together, there is some steamy stuff going on. My spectacle lenses steamed up and refused to clear for two days.

Hades has been hurt in the past and he has built a wall around himself. Persephone slowly breaks his walls down and makes him more human. The result is a swoon-worthy Hades and a confident Persephone.

The book is full on the smut radar but it doesn't mean there is no consent. In fact, Hades is all for consent - he won't lay a finger on Persephone unless she says so. And she is not shy either when it comes to saying what she wants. Both of them make an awesome couple.

Although this is an erotic book, the story, and the language (OMG the language!) is very, very good. It is not a bunch of sex scenes thrown in with a flimsy storyline. It is a solid storyline with some excellent sex scenes thrown in.

Special mention to Hermes and Demetra. What excellent side characters. As for Zeus, I have never liked him much.

If this is the first of a series, I am already waiting for the next one.

4.5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Katee Robert for the ARC.

This was my first introduction to Katee Robert as an author and I am VERY eager to see her explore other greek myths in this modern, dystopian setting she's established. I normally have some difficulty fully enjoying Hades and Persephone retellings as Persephone is almost always depicted as whiney and weak, but in 'Neon Gods' she's fiery and genuinely funny to watch.

I'm a sucker for an I-hate-everyone-but-you love interest and Hades fit the trope beautifully.

I'm also very happy with how the author approaches themes of consent in this story. Very often in dark adult romance, consent is put on the backburner or flat out ignored or implied. I was very appreciative of the detailed discussion and numerous discussions between the couple on boundaries.

The writing was fresh and the dialogue and banter between characters was fun and entertaining all the way through.

Katee Robert should've been who I went to first when starting to pick up stories from the dark romance genre.