I felt like the premise was a good start. I really liked Persephone being this sheltered person who is actually trying to be a normal mortal. I liked Hades being this cinnamon who starts out being a tough guy.
But I wasn’t a fan of the constant sex or the instant love. I would have loved more scenes where hades and Persephone get to know each other. Some of the best scenes are them making breakfast together or just witty banter. It felt very repetitive by the end.
I also wasn’t a fan of the conflict. Like I appreciate Hades said no to her because she was in a relationship. But then the guy randomly turns out to be a cheating asshole… Persephone isn’t much better to be honest. I felt like they took parts of other retellings and kind of scrambled them with sex scenes. I just felt like the characters weren’t flushed out.

Thank you net galley for sending me an arc of the maiden and the unseen in exchange for a honest review.


This was unbelievably bad in terms of writing, plot, and characters.

Lets start with the writing: the same words are repeated over and over again, and the prose is audaciously lazily written.
Also can we please talk about the dialogue? Why is the main character calling herself "P" in her inner throughts, it wasn't "quirky" it read as annoying.

The author definitely pushed her own insecurities onto the characters because WHY were Persephones curves mentioned in literally every page?

Also I get that it's a modern retelling, but godamn, did we REALLY need to make the gods speak in the most genz fashion we possibly could? I mean modern or not, gods are supposed to be these powerful beings who have been around for centuries. Making them act like caricatures for the shake of "comedic" dialogue did nothing but make them come across as badly written.


The so called smut was also hilariously bad, and the instant attraction between Hades and Persephone who instantly wanna bed each other felt super cringe to read about.


Finally I have an issue with the way female relationships are mentioned in the book. Why are we still doing the "female rivalry over a man, but the mc is obviously the one who will get him, cause the other girl is mean - for -no- reason. "

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a beautiful cover! I really enjoyed seeing Hades and Persephone in the real world and I thought it was a truly unique concept. Very steamy and spicy! Honestly, I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I also really enjoyed the writing style overall.

I am so over the moon for this book!

Who doesn’t love a Hades and Persephone retelling? It’s one of my favourites and we were finally given a Persephone that isn’t meek and weak! The excitement I felt at reading about a woman who was still strong despite dealing with bullshit her whole life? Amazing!

The dom/sub relationship in this book is beautifully written! It shows a different dynamic in the bedroom then the one they have when they’re at work. And some bdsm? Impact play? Yes please!

This book is most definitely my new favourite Hades and Persephone retelling! I honestly didn’t realize I was at the end until I couldn’t turn any more pages!

eARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read my fair share of Persephone and Hades retellings. Where this modern retelling differs is Persephone is no maiden, she’s social media smart but money dumb. She cheats on the man she’s with, saying they aren’t a couple but also doesn’t try to understand how Hades feels being the side hoe.

Hades was easy to love. He has his low moments but you grow to like him because he’s trying, he’s in a raging battle with himself and their fate, and he’s trying to learn more about Persephone and her likes, he’s constantly worried about their relationship.

What didn’t work for me is the miscommunication, the toxicity, the plot that finally showed it’s face at 85%. Can you imagine how much of this book is smut? I got bored so often, because it’s either them imagining about doing each other or them actually doing each other. I love smut but this is straight up porn that wasn’t fun to read 50% of the time.

There were a few things that didn’t make sense, like Persephone overworking herself when the book starts and I guess she drops all her projects to work for Hades but we don’t exactly know, which once again goes to show how little she cares about anything. The side characters disappear COMPLETELY halfway through the book. Minthe? Millie? Helios? Hello? Don’t see them again at all.

Nothing of substance really seemed to happen? The crux of the conflicts were that Hades couldn't tell Persephone what the prophecy about them was, and that hindered their relationship, Persephone refusing to break up with Jackson to be with Hades, and Persephone trying to keep her disobeying of Demeter's rules a secret.

Overall, I was disappointed. I think the potential for this to be a unique and interesting Hades/Persephone retelling is there, but the execution was sloppy.

I wanted to love this book and while I do love the idea behind it, the modern phrases and slang were too much. Everyone was speaking like a young teenager (I guess?) even though they are all adults. It was just a huge turn off that made it difficult to even get through the book.

Example:

“Culmination, in this case, means, well…your…you know,” Clotho creaks. “Your sperm, baby batter, the liquid thunder of your thighs,” Atropos finishes.”


This is supposed to be the fates speaking? I don’t know, not for me I guess.

Thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this in exchange for an honest rescues.

DNF at 35%
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
I'm really sorry, but I just couldn't get into this book. I really enjoyed it from the first page and thought it was really funny but there was just to much sex. Definitely not for me. Like they haven't even gotten together and already every page (or every other page at least) has something sexual in it. I understand that this book is romance and is even in the erotica tag. But just because it's erotica doesn't mean every page has to have something sexual in it. There just wasn't enough plot for me in this book. It just seemed like smut without plot. I also hate cheating and miscommunication. And this book was just sex, thinking their partner doesn't like them, miscommunicate and repeat. This book just had too much repetition.
I know that some people really enjoy a lot of smut in books but I'm just not one of them.

*An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*

The Maiden and the Unseen is a minor masterpiece of smutty proportions. I'm a complete sucker for anything Hades and Persephone, so it was bound to be a hit for me. Most of the book I was torn between wanting to scream at the characters to get it together already, and simping over various characters. Of course they both had so many issues too, and the jealousy and insecurity were through the roof, creating a lot of drama. I definitely had some eyeroll worthy moments with Persephone.
I loved that Helios and Melinoë were the supportive besties, because I feel like they never get any recognition. I think that may have been one of my favorite things about the book, and my only wish is that there was a bit more of them. The different presentation of the gods and Olympus was also interesting. I found the book very amusing too, Hades even had me chuckling in just the first chapter.
While I won't say I didn't have issues with some parts of the book, and the writing isn't as good as it could be, for what it is I'd say it was done really well.

This book surprised me. It was a new take on Hades and Persephone and truly was a new take. I love a dual perspective, and both characters brought depth to the story. I thought it was interesting that Persephone was put as the far more morally grey than Hades in this retelling.
I think the plot basics are there, but there were times it could have used more editing (character choices, stronger plot thread).
This ends on a cliffhanger and I will gladly read the next book to see what happens (both with Hades and Persephone and with side characters)

I have always been a sucker for Greek romances, Hades and Persephone specifically, while this book did not lack in *spice*, it could use a LOT of help in the plot department. The plot started wonderfully, I love the concept of the god's coming down to earth and living "normal" lives, but as soon as the main characters get the hots for each other it's like the plot just dropped into a trench.

Overall, not bad, but not amazing. I really wish the plot of this story was better progressed and that it wasn't just *spicy* scenes for like the last 45% of the book.

I’ve read a lot of Hades & Persephone retellings but this might be my least favorite. Both central characters were unbelievably childish and failed to act like grown adults. I didn’t get the purpose of their arguments and their interactions with one another were truly off-putting. The dialogue was terrible and none of the gods or goddesses had any depth to them. The book was dense and the characterization was shoddy. This book just wasn’t for me.

I can never turn down a Hades-Persephone retelling and this book did not disappoint. The character of Hades and Persephone lived up to their namesakes in the best ways and the story felt modern but with the natural course of the original myth. Some of the logistics of the curse felt a little forced and like they were splitting hairs but overall it worked with the story and character development. When I reached the last page I was in shock that it was ending and I can’t wait for the next book!

This book was so good! I am a sucker for a spicy Hades/Persephone retelling, and this one did not disappoint! I loved the setting, and I feel like this was completely unlike any other versions of this story that I have read.

Another Hades and Persephone retelling (idk how many of these there are now, but it seems like a lot). You aren’t really able to bring anything new to the table when it’s a myth and it’s been redone a million times. The plot was lackluster and sidelined for the smut, which was definitely cringy at times but not awful.

There is absolutely a market for this book and I’m not exactly in that wheelhouse. I did think this was going to be more fantasy based on the cover, but the modern retelling seems to be more interesting for people currently.

What sends chills down the spine of Hades, God of the Underworld? Since the arrival of Persephone in his office, an email from Human Resource is a constant dread.

The Maiden & The Unseen is a modern retelling of the classic Hades and Persephone tale. This spicy story is a page turner that will have you staying up late to read "just one more page". I absolutely loved this book! The plot is solid, the chapters are quick due to the alternating point of view between Hades and Persephone, and did I mention that the spice level is through the roof?

If you enjoy Greek mythology and a lot of spice this is the I perfect book for you. Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and Rose & Star Publishing for providing this ARC for my honest review.

During the first 15% of this book I was convinced I was going to DNF. It starts off a bit cheesy and the world building is a bit clunky. Then Hades and Persephone meet and the next 80% of the book is mostly smut. So if you’re okay with getting through some rough writing for fun smut this is the book for you.
Another issue I had is that a lot of the interactions between Hades and Persephone could be fixed with communication(shocking I know).
There is instalust, instalove and fated mates which for the Hades and Persephone myth does make sense. The end definitely sets up for another book, not convinced I would pick it but I might, I really do love Hades.
I struggled with the beginning but then devoured the last 80% in one sitting. Overall, it’s fun and smutty, lacks a developed plot or really engaging writing but still entertaining AF.

4/5 Stars

3.5/5 Spice

Thank you to Rose & Star Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this up from netgalley on a whim because I saw that it was a spicy Hades and Persephone retelling which I always love and I am so happy I grabbed it. I have been in the mood for spicy books and this was great. The romance between Hades and Persephone was adorable and I loved the take on the common retelling. It wasn’t anything super unique but it was such a fun time that it still was enjoyable to read.

Hades is in charge of not only the underworld but dealing with any Gods or Goddesses that decide to come down from Olympus and join the Mortal Realm. He has to make sure they aren’t revealing that they are gods, provide them with money because of course they refuse to get jobs, and on top of that he has to spend 6 months out of the year in the underworld unable to physically keep an eye on the gods in the mortal realm. Persephone has always dealt with her mother being strict but when she finally convinces Demeter to allow her to live among the mortals she was happy. For the past 2 years, Persephone hasn’t had any problems, she mostly follows her mothers rules and she has had a good life until all of a sudden her money disappears. When she confronts the person in charge of her money, she realizes her money was never all her own and Hades taking a liking to Persephone, maybe a little too much on their first meeting forces her to come work for him to get it back. Can Persephone fight her attraction to Hades and keep following her mother’s rules or will she decide to break them?

In this retelling all of the Gods are still actual gods but the mortal realm is our world. Persephone has been kept a secret from everyone in Olympus except a very small handful of people that her mother lets know about her. Hades runs a fortune 500 company to provide the gods money but has to spend 6 months each year in the underworld without being able to come back to the mortal realm during that time. I felt like this book might have slightly rushed the relationship between Hades and Persephone but I think it is able to justify it in the end.

If you like Hades and Persephone retellings with more spice than plot, give this one a try. Go into this book expecting a fun time not a serious time and you will likely enjoy it. It is out now and I will be picking up the sequel whenever it comes out.

3.5⭐️

“The maiden and the unseen”, first book in a series, is a Hades and Persephone retelling set in the modern world.

The gods are bored on the mountain, they want to live with mortals. And so does Persephone: she wants to escape from her mother’s cage and live.
She’s been working as a social media manager in the mortal world for the past two years. But everything changes when the money in her bank account suddenly disappear. Fate has it that she meets Hades and starts working for him.
They try to stay away from each other (keyword: try) but, as the prophecy says, the king of the dead will meet his match in the goddess of life.

I personally enjoyed this book, it took me only two days to finish it and I can’t wait to read the next book.
The writing is easy, it flows well.
There’s plot, tension, drama, love, spice… everything.
I was surprised about how spicy this book was! I really didn’t expect that.
After the first few chapters I thought “this is giving Lore Olympus, i like it”. Well, not really. Yes, the setting is quite similar: Hades hiring Persephone, Minthe is his secretary, Zeus and Poseidon are not the best brothers. But of course everything else is different.
Persephone is a badass, Hades is a cinnamon roll who could kill you.

I’m not giving this book 4 stars only because I wish there was more plot, more action, more getting to know each other on a deeper level. But i guess, since this is the first book, we are going to get the missing pieces in the next book.

Overall Rating: ⭐️ 3.75/5 (rounded up to 4 stars)
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 4/5

Thank you NetGalley and Rose and Star Publishing for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Growing bored with their tenure on Mount Olympus, the gods have started to integrate themselves into the modern mortal world. Responsible, control-freak Hades helps to assimilate gods and goddess into society, financing their lavish lifestyles and ensuring they don’t reveal their divinity to the world while also running a Fortune 500 company and ruling the Underworld. Persephone is a social media manager that is recruited to work for Hades, under duress.

Their lives are tied together but powerful forces are trying to cut the threads of Fate.

The Maiden & the Unseen is a urban fantasy retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a contemporary twist. Yes, another Hades and Persephone retelling but I’m such a sucker for mythology-inspired romances – especially the very, very spicy ones (I’ll get to that later).

Pace
I read this book within a 12 hour period and half of that time was me forcing myself to get some sleep. This story sank its claws into me and wouldn’t let go. It’s an easy read, perfect for a fried mom brain or as a palette cleanser after a complex epic fantasy.

Characters
On the outside, Hades is a textbook morally-grey, possessive alpha-male but the glimpses of his internal struggle and vulnerability really transform him into a three-dimensional character (and totally swoon worthy).

I would have liked to see a bit more depth and development from Persephone. She seems to just cycle through the same thoughts throughout the story but, I’m hoping we see more growth in book two as she grapples with events of the cliffhanger ending.

There is an element of miscommunication between Hades and Persephone that I know some readers don’t really like. I can also find the ‘miscommunication trope’ annoying, especially if the entire plot could be wiped out with a single conversation, but I don’t really mind it in The Maiden & the Unseen. It’s used in a way that is entirely relatable (at least to me anyway), highlights each character’s insecurities, and the entire premise is not predicated on a simple misunderstanding between the main characters.

I love that we get dual POV throughout The Maiden & the Unseen and I’m a big fan of supporting characters Helios and Mellie.

Originality
It’s hard not to compare The Maiden & the Unseen with other contemporary/fantasy crossovers of Hades and Persephone retellings, like Neon Gods by Katee Roberts and A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair. While there are aspects in these other works that are a bit better in my opinion (i.e. Persephone’s character development), if Rose and Rune can expand the plot and maintain the tension and momentum in the next book, I have no doubt that this series will become just as popular as these canonical spicy Hades/Persephone romances.

The Tropes
- Mythology inspired
- Possessive Alpha-male
- Hidden/secret identity
- Curse
- Dark secrets
- Forbidden Love
- Fated mates
- “Mine.”
- Magic
- Boss/Employee

Is The Maiden & the Unseen spicy?
Oh, yea. She is very spicy.

Dare I say, the spiciest book I’ve read this year.

You don’t have to get far into the book to be rewarded with the glorious chemistry between Hades and Persephone. 20%. Just hit the 20% mark and hooooo boy.

Personally, I would classify this as ‘smut’ because 80% of the book is just them thinking about getting it on, talking about getting it on, or actually getting it on. But, I think that there is enough spark within the plot to still keep the story moving and I desperately want the next book after that brutal cliffhanger.

My Thoughts…
The Maiden & the Unseen is a damn good read that I would 100% recommend to all fans of spicy, urban fantasy or mythology retellings. With a bit more character development and fleshing-out, this series has the potential to rival the bestsellers within this genre. But, if you just want a fun, spicy read to get you out of a book slump and breeze through in one sitting – this here is your book!

Is it the most technically accomplished, intricately formulated plot? No.
Will I be buying an additional physical copy to lend out to my friends? Yes ma’am, absolutely I will.

I am positively aching to get my hands on book two!

I'm a big Hades and Persephone fan, so I'm always interested in trying out different retellings. I went in kind of blind to this one, which I usually like to do anyway, so I didn't realize this was an extremely spicy book! Which was a pleasant surprise.

The story revolves around Hades and Persephone living in the mortal realm during modern day. Hades controls the money and livelihoods of any gods who have decided to leave Olympus and live amongst the other humans. Hades resents having to be nothing more than a wallet and a mediator between his two brothers. When he notices a goddess is living on his dime but doesn't seem to have come to the realm legitimately, he cuts off her account.

Persephone has spent all of her life trapped in Olympus, hidden away from everyone by her mother, Demeter. Now that she is finely free to live her own life in the mortal realm, she wants nothing to screw up that arrangement. When her funds are frozen, she angrily shows up in Hades penthouse and demands to know where her hard earned money went. Despite the intrusion, the instant attraction makes Hades strike a bargain with her. She can have her money back, but she has to come work for him. Now they are forced to work in close proximity everyday and the sexual tension may be more than they can bear. But Hades has a secret he can't reveal and it leaves him wondering how long he can avoid his fate and and the fate of the Underworld. But to resist her is impossible...

The book itself was pretty good. This is definitely what I would consider a very smutty book, which multiple spicy scenes through out. In fact the last half of the book felt like it was more sex than it was plot. That was were it kind of lost me. The plot was not really that comple and honestly not anything revolutionary when it comes to the Hades/Persephone match. I know everyone is working from the same source material, but after reading so many of these retellings, it's getting harder and harder to spot major differences and it becomes a little predictable.

Like I said, it's still a good book and if you are fairly new to this couple's retelling, it won't seem overly familiar. If you love smut and spice, then you will enjoy this book even more! Of course it ended on a cliffhanger and it held me enough that I'd be interested to see where the story continues. So overall, I liked it but it wasn't a fav.