Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I am obsessed with this book and cannot believe I have not read any of Katee Robert's other stuff.
It is possible that all my friends will have to mute my messages for the foreseeable future as I ONLY want to talk about Neon Gods. (I'm not sorry)

It has:
- super hot Greek Gods set in modern-day
- fierce women who are powerhouses
- stunning imagery
- explicit AF sex scenes
- CONSENT! Repeat, mutual, verbal, and physical consent!

The hottest part of this book is ^^^. They agree on the rules of their play AND they check in with each other, change the scene to adjust if it is too much, and check in again, both physically and emotionally! I literally can't explain to you how this is the healthiest relationship I have ever read.

The communication and trust between these characters were not lip-service, they did not say "I trust you" and then at the first possibility of that trust being tested, break it. They actually trusted each other. Believed in the other one and did not judge based on their own preconceived notions. At all times!

#relationshipgoals does not begin to cover how much I love Persephone and Hades in this book. I was also a huge fan of the side characters, they are not cut-and-dry, Their stories are yet to fully unfold and I am here for all of them.

Now I need to go back and read Katee Robert's entire back catalog until her next book comes out. (I have a feeling I'm gonna need a tall glass of water to cool me down.)

An innovative and different approach to the classic Hades/Persephone retelling. Sexy and surprisingly sweet.

Katee Robert + Persephone/Hades = ALL IN!!! This did not disappoint!! It’s a fresh and different take on the story of P&H. There’s strong characters, beautiful story building, and spice! I love the relationship between our favs but also Persephone’s group of friends. I can’t wait for more! So steamy, so hot, SO highly recommend! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

This is a spicy modern Hades and Persephone retelling unlike any other! Katee Robert has once again blown me away. There is vendettas, scheming gods, corruption, politics, romance and so much more to be found. This is book one of her Dark Olympus series and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series once it releases.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Ms. Robert for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

One thing I should say is that I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE mythology stories and mythological retellings of pretty much every flavor. I *love* them.

I knew going in that this more of a lightly-mythologically-inspired, modern-day Hades and Persephone retelling. And I do love a Hades and Persephone story, especially. I've read some great ones and some... okay... ones.

I'd say this is a pretty loose, fairly "lite", watered down Hades and Persephone story. I would have appreciated more of the background, more about the Thirteen's politics (not just the Zeus = Bluebeard stuff), more of how the mythology works in the world. So for that aspect I'd say it was three stars. Liked it, but didn't love it.

On the other hand, I'm familiar with Katee Robert and I had expected the steam factor to be fairly high, which it definitely was. Sizzling even. So five stars for that (even though Hades turned out to be a little shmoopier than I personally would have liked).

All in all, I'd say it averages out to a solid 4 star. Frankly, I'm kind of excited about what will happen with the rest of the sisters, and even more excited about the possibility that the worldbuilding will expand some. Looking forward to it :)

The Thirteen rule Olympus just as they have since the ancient times... sort of. The Greek gods are not immortal, as legend states, but assume the mantle as the previous occupant dies. Years prior, Hades had been killed with no one to assume the throne of Lower Olympus and he has faded into myth as the remaining rule the upper city in the halo of celebrity.

Persephone is - well, let's be honest - sold in marriage to the reigning Zeus. He's a cruel corporate dictator with rumors of shady dealings and murder in his camp. She flees the announcement, pursued by his lackeys, to the border of the upper and lower city - the River Styx. Bleeding and broken, she crosses the enchanted bridge into the waiting arms of none other than Hades, the grown son of the murdered previous king.

I would read this series to death. I want to hear the stories of all these modern "deities"! A small content warning - these are erotic romance, heavy on the kink and the dark and gritty underworld feel. The graphic sex scenes helped to further Persephone's sense of agency as much as the independence and support she received from Hades did. Fantastic retelling!

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an ARC. I really appreciate it.

I struggled to get through this book towards the middle of it and it no longer was my cup of tea. My biggest issue with this book is that I didn’t find the chemistry between Persephone and Hades to be that believable. There were times where some of the writing was kind of corny and tired but other than that it wasn’t a terrible read. However, given that, I would be revisiting this book in the future.

Again, thanks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Katee Robert is a mastermind of dark romance. She knows just how to make a classic villain, like Hades, into a brooding love interest we can all yearn for. In Neon Gods, a modern day Hades & Persephone retelling, our protagonist takes refuge from Zeus with the man from everyone's nightmares, Hades. Persephone soon realizes that he isn't as evil as the rumors and legends had led her to believe. Hades is a man with a traumatic past that just needs someone to see past his tough exterior. Oh, and he also has an exclusive sex club in his basement for the VIPs of Olympus!
For those new to Katee Robert be aware that this is a 5/5 on the steam scale for explicit sexual content.

I love a good Hades and Persephone retelling and I couldn't wait to get this book in my hands! I wasn't disappointed, much.

This retelling is set in a modern world where Olympus and the Underworld are divided by the River Styx. I think they're supposed to be cities but it wasn't quite clear. The world-building wasn't the best but it didn't take away my enjoyment so all was good.

I loved Hades so much and we got a well-written character arc for him; however, Persephone's character felt pretty flat to me. She didn't possess any characteristics that her namesake is known for.

There's barely any kink so to those of you who expect a BDSM filled erotica, you will be disappointed. The two kinky scenes were definitely hot but I just wish there was more of it.

Overall, it was a good retelling that I'll definitely be recommending to all those who love a good Hades/Persephone romance!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Katee Robert, for providing a copy of Neon Gods (Dark Olympus book 1). I have reviewed honestly.

Neon Gods features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Persephone & Hades
○ Retelling
○ Modernising mythology
○ Greek mythology
○ Romance
○ BDSM club
○ Corruption

My overall rating for Neon Gods…

4 Stars!

Are you ready for a wicked, delicous, panty-dropping Hades and Persephone retelling? This book was sizzling! The modern twist on classic Greek mythology was magical and downright dirty, in the best way, of course. The way the main characters bond is just beautiful and the sex is sinful. One thing I love about MPOV is seeing the thoughts, emotions and doubts play out in each characters mind. Robert does this extremely well, creating connections between reader and characters in a compelling way. Overall, an exotic, exciting and sexy tale that adult romance readers will devour.

Wow. That’s all I can say. This book took me by surprise in the best way. Retellings can be hit or miss. This book was most definitely a hit. In fact, I think this is my favorite Hades and Persephone retelling that I’ve read! This book drew me in from the very first page. It was hard to put it down and make myself go to sleep. All I wanted to do was keep reading!

I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology and retellings, so I knew this book was right up my alley. It’s always fun to see how each author interprets the original story and crafts a new one out of it. Katee Roberts did a great job. I love that this was a modern retelling yet she still kept Olympus as this magical, special place. In this story, Olympus is cut off from the rest of the world (our world). It’s basically in a magical bubble hidden away from those who don’t live there. In Olympus, the Thirteen rule the city, though Zeus considers himself the leader of the Thirteen. A fun twist the author created is that the Thirteen are positions; each Greek God or Goddess is considered a position that is filled after a predecessor dies or gives up their role. Most of the positions are legacy positions meaning they are passed down through bloodlines.

Our story starts with Persephone, a media darling and the second eldest daughter of Demeter, attending a party at her mother’s request. Unbeknownst to her, this party is an engagement party for Zeus and his bride-to-be. It’s not until Zeus and her mother ambush her that Persephone realizes her mother has made a deal with Zeus for Persephone’s hand in marriage. Put on the spot, Persephone has no choice but to accept Zeus's proposal. Zeus has already been married 3 times; all 3 of his wives are dead. No one knows for sure, but they’re all fairly certain he killed them. Persephone has no plans of becoming number 4. Soon after the proposal, she runs. This decision is what leads her to Hades, a man she believed to be a myth.

The romance between Hades and Persephone was everything I wanted. Their chemistry--emotionally and physically--together was off the charts. I loved seeing their relationship progress. Watching them both lower their guards and be vulnerable with each other was heartwarming. Their relationship was so sweet.

If you’re a fan of Hades and Persephone retellings and a sweet yet steamy romance, then this book is perfect for you!

TW: stalking, violence/assault, voyeurism/exhibitionism, and mention of death of a loved one.

This was one sexy fun read! I loved the relationship between Hades and Persephone. What an awesome retelling of a Greek classic. This story flips the original on its head! I love that Persephone is a woman who takes charge of her own life and refuses to allow a man to run her life. Hades is an amazing man that only wants to take care of Persephone and protect her. Their passion is off the charts and Burns up the pages. I loved their banter and watching them fall in love was so thrilling. They are so well matched and meant for each other. This book was such a pleasure to read.

Probably more like 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the hell out of this story, and I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series! I hope there's DOZENS.

Persephone wants nothing more than to flee Olympus and live a life of freedom. When her mother makes a deal with Zeus securing Persephone's hand in marriage to the God, Persephone flees and stumbles into the Underworld landing in the protection of Hades who she believed to be a myth rather than a dark and alluring man.

The two work out a deal to attempt to bring down Zeus but in doing so end up falling for each other while the heat between them continues to build.

I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed every single page. This is the ultimate Katee Robert book with her signature high level steam but also adding in an emotional layer of depth to the relationship and a clever political side plot of bringing down the thirteen gods and goddesses.

I devoured this book, cannot recommend it enough, and breathlessly wait for the next.

I’m a huge fan of Katee Robert and this one did not let me down. I think it might be my favourite one yet.

This is a Persephone and Hades retelling but since I don’t know anything about that I just went with it.

I love Hades so much, he was so sweet and cute and I fell in love with him.

Persephone is a fantastic strong character that comes into her own throughout the book.

The sexy scenes in the book were perfect.


Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the arc copy of this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Neon Gods is such a pleasant surprise to me, especially since my main reason for requesting this was because I had seen so many raves for Katee Robert’s work, and was experiencing FOMO, yet it remained tempered with my disdain for broody antiheroes. However, upon starting this book, I was immediately sucked in, with pretty much every aspect winning me over.

I love the way Robert retells and expands on Greek mythology, transplanting it to a more modern world, and implying that the figures in the story aren’t these immortal beings of the myths but the latest in lineages of powerful families that take on the god mantle. It’s a bit of a gray area between fantasy and reality, but it works. I love how this generation’s Hermes is a woman, and each god talks about their own lineage of previous incarnations of that god, with the issue of inheritance even playing a role in some plot points.

As for the characters…they’re spectacular. I love Persephone. She’s strong willed and independent, and can hold her own in any situation she’s in. One of my issues with the Hades/Persephone dynamic from a theoretical standpoint is how often she feels like a captive or pawn, but I respect the way her character was drawn to make it clear that, at least when it comes to her relationship with Hades, that was never the case and she’s an enthusiastic participant in their relationship.

And Hades has me questioning all my scruples about morally gray heroes. He’s so sweet and respectful to Persephone in regards to boundaries, and only crosses them with her consent. And his portrayal as someone who can be vengeful if crossed (his history with Zeus being the major example of that), but being caring towards innocent people who depend on him is very nuanced and well-done, forming the perfect contrast to Zeus in all his depravity.

This was an absolute delight, and given Katee Robert’s already established following, I think they’ll love it. It will also serve as a great introduction to a wider audience who may not have been aware or her, but have been looking for a sexy modern take on Greek mythology.

This a Hades/Persephone retelling and it was really good. High heat level but surprisingly tender. I really enjoyed neat “modern” world that was created and how she folded the mythology in. I hope that this becomes the series!

I am a Greek mythology nerd so I was super into this. Very well written and well plotted. I will recommend Neon Gods endlessly and to every romance reader I can find and I am a librarian so there are many of them.

I always enjoy a Greek mythology story and this one was not only steamy but had an interesting twist to the gods and a plot. It was a fun ride and time!

I am always on the hunt for a new and exciting Hades and Persephone retelling, and this one delivers on all accounts. Katee Robert has constructed a world of opulence, power, ambition, and betrayal. Robert's writing is engaging, accessible, and fast paced as she weaves greek mythology into a modern world with divisive power structures, back-stabbing and constant plotting.

At the heart of this novel is the relationship of Persephone and Hades. Persephone is youthful, at times naive and someone who longs to be free of the manipulation that goes on in Olympus. After she is sold to Zeus to become his wife and new Hera, she flees and finds herself on the other side of the River Styx where the myth of Hades rules the lower city/underworld. Hades is troubled, misunderstood and thought of as lore in the Upper Cities.

Offering Persephone sanctuary in his home, is something Hades does with out thought. I love that Hades in this world can be dominate and controlling but at his heart he just wants to take care of Persephone, he wants to give her everything she needs, and he wants to protect her against all evils. In Hades' care, Persephone learns to explore her sensual side, take control of her body and learn what freedom really means.

Katee Robert crafts a world of sensuality that is steamy, sexy and romantic as well as digging into the darker and seedier underbelly of the governing parties. I love that lines of morality are blurred as it becomes very obvious that good and evil are not two distinctive sides but rather a gray area in which they exist constantly hand in hand.

I really loved this novel, it is a beautiful, sexy, dark and gritty retelling of Hades and Persephone's love. I was so delighted in watching the way Katee Robert interwove different greek gods and goddess into this world, and I can not wait to see how this world grows and expands with their stories. Highly recommend if you love greek mythology retellings that are super sexy, dark and forbidding, but have a ray of hope.