Romance usually isn’t my wheelhouse, but I dabble occasionally. I’m also a huge fan of myths, legends, and lore. So, when I came across this series, I figured I’d give it a shot. It was not quite what I was expecting. Though I do appreciate that there is at least an attempt made to stress the consensual nature of their relationship, this Hades and Persephone retelling left much to desired in the way of plot and character development. This is smut for smut’s sake; pure and simple. Some scenes and aspects seem like they were ripped straight out of the famous graphic novel series ‘Lore, Olympus’…with less substance. Great for anyone that enjoyed the 50 Shades series. I was hoping for more developed drama. I got the whole series on a while, so here’s to hoping the writing gets better.

*ARC received from Netgalley - all opinions are my own*

TLDR: If you’re looking for a HadesxPersephone retelling that’s all spice with a tiny dash of plot, then this might be the book for you. Just be mindful that both characters have terrible communication skills and, Hades especially, is written in a very childish way.

Definitely not my favourite retelling as I tend to like my books, even the spicy ones, with at least a half decent plot with some substance attached. This reads as a pretty generic office romance with a hint of greek gods.

We only really get to see Hades and Persephone despite the first half of the book showing quite a bit of Helios and Melinoe which was a nice break but becomes very clear that their appearance at the start is just to kick of a book about them which was pretty annoying as it was nice to see both our main characters interacting with other people and the world around them.

In retellings I’m used to seeing Persephone often portrayed as a bit of a bratty character or being the more immature in the relationship but both Hades and Persephone were heard to stand at many points in the story. This made Hades hard to read in particular as you just expect so much more from his character and, at points, he is written as a more serious and melancholy character before going back to being whiny and childish. Both characters definitely could have benefited from some mature writing.

My review is conflicted as there are definitely good bits of writing throughout The Maiden and The Unseen, the character writing just hinders it so much. I think it’s best suited for those that are mainly just here for the spice and smut and can easily read without expecting too much from the plot/ characters.

Thank you to Rose and Star Publishing LCC and Netgalley for this digital copy!

I love Greek mythology, in particular Hades and Persephone retellings. This is slightly different than the typical Hades and Persephone retellings which makes it stand out from the rest (and I've read quite a few retellings). There were just lines in this book that made me crack up laughing, in particular, Persephone's line about Hades potentially having hay fever.

Overall, I had a very enjoyable time with this book. There were a few things I wish it had more of like more world-building and more of Mellie and Helios (but maybe we'll get more of both in the next book).

Didn’t know what to expect from this book as sometimes retellings can miss the mark. But this book didn’t miss.
A lot of spicy content between the main characters. They could not keep their hands off each other.
Both the MMC and FMC really lacked confidence when it came to their relationship.
I’m gutted it ended on a cliffhanger as I want to know where the hell Hades is?!
Also need more Mellie and Helios content ASAP!

I'm on the fence on this iteration of the Hades and Persephone myth. Yes, i understand it's loosely based on thevstory, but I struggled at times getting to it. In addition, at 70+ chapters, the book seemed to drag on and on. I know its partnof a series and the length of the book makes for a shorter overall series; however, to have a cliffhanger at the end of this very long book serms weird. I did enjoy the book in parts, but feel it could have been shorter. The world building was good and I liked the modern nature of the study. Overall, it was a decent read and I applaud the author for telling a story that has been so often repeated.

I was excited about reading this retelling of Hades and Persephone story and I LOVED the book cover (it felt very romantic, if I had to rate the book just based by it it would definitely be a 10!!).
As we all know, Persephone and Hades retellings can be either amazing or the complete opposite. This one in my opinion was just meh…
It was just constant smut and there was not much of a plot, this made the book feel so incredibly long because it often felt like it kept repeating the same stuff over and over. Also the smut was a bit too cringy for me, I had to skip almost half the book…

It was more smut than plot and I suppose some readers may enjoy that but ultimately this book was not for me at all, I would have loved a more developed story…

Here’s the story summed up

Persephone, serving as the social media manager, finds herself in a financial predicament after Hades, the deity associated with wealth, orchestrates a scheme targeting a god who has trespassed into the human realm. Though the narrative lacks a clear explanation, it remains uncertain if Persephone's unauthorized entry is significant.
However, the focal point shifts to her burgeoning romantic entanglement with Hades, despite being in a relationship with someone else who believes they are exclusive. The tension escalates as her partner's concerns are dismissed, overshadowed by Persephone's perception of their relationship status.

So, all in all, I was quite disappointed in this one, but perhaps someone who doesn't care about a storyline would enjoy it!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for kindly sharing this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune is a captivating book that tells the story of Hades, the god of the dead, and Persephone, the goddess of spring. The authors have done an excellent job of bringing these characters to life and making them relatable to the readers.

In this book, Zeus has allowed the gods to leave Olympus and live among the mortals, and Hades is put in charge of helping the gods assimilate into the mortal world. Persephone has been living among the mortals for the last two years, following her mother's strict rules. However, fate has other plans for Hades and Persephone, and they find themselves drawn to each other despite the rules.

The authors have created a unique and exciting world that blends mythology with the modern world. The characters are well-developed, and their personalities and struggles are relatable. The story is well-paced, and the plot twists keep the readers engaged.

Overall, The Maiden & The Unseen is a must-read for anyone who enjoys romance, mythology, and fantasy. The book is beautifully written, and the characters are engaging and memorable. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.

I've found exactly what I was looking for in this Hades & Persephone retelling:

- A focus on the legendary couple with a few delightful twists on the classic tale.
- A storyline that's engaging yet light, perfect for those who prefer romance over high stakes.
- Fast pacing that makes it an easy and enjoyable read.
- Good spice to keep things interesting (a lot of it).

While this retelling doesn't radically alter the well-known narrative, it introduces enough fresh elements to keep it engaging and unique. If you enjoy stories centred on character interactions and romantic development, you'll likely enjoy this book.

However, if you're seeking a plot-heavy read, this might not be the pick for you. As the first book in the series, it focuses primarily on establishing the relationship between Hades and Persephone, setting the stage for potential plot expansion in future books.

For those intrigued by a romantic tale with a mythological twist, this is a promising start. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story evolves in the next installment!

"The Maiden and the Unseen" is a riveting modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth that introduces us to a world of gods and goddesses living amongst mortals. The story takes us on a journey through the lives of Hades, the God of the Dead, and Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, who are fated mates. Hades spends six months in the Underworld, performing his duties as the God of the Dead, while the other six months are spent on Earth, where he takes on the role of a strict enforcer of the rules for the gods and goddesses who have chosen to live with the mortals. Persephone, on the other hand, has been living on Earth for two years, trying to avoid her mother's wrath by adhering to a strict set of rules.

The book is an enticing blend of passion and tension as Hades and Persephone are drawn to each other despite their attempts to resist their fated attraction. Their sexual tension is palpable and leads to some steamy scenes that will leave readers yearning for more. However, their communication problems can be a bit frustrating for readers as it repeats throughout the book.

One of the highlights of the book is the humorous text message conversations between the two characters, where they say what they can't say in person, and push each other to the edge of their limits. However, their attraction to each other is undeniable, and they keep coming back to each other, even when they try to resist.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Overall, "The Maiden and the Unseen" is an excellent retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth that introduces us to a world of gods and goddesses and their struggles with love, fate, and duty.

I enjoyed this book, particularly for its modern take on the Hades and Persephone myth. While it had its shortcomings, such as lacking in plot depth and some inconsistencies, I found the banter and tension between the main characters captivating. The steamy and angsty elements added to the allure of this modern retelling

I found the FMC in this Hades and Persephone retelling to be relatable. She spent time trying to conform to the “norm”, battling her mummy issues. The inner battle with how she perceives herself, tugged at the heart strings.

I adore the fate concept. No matter the steps taken to prevent the inevitable, what is meant to be will be. The instant pull they had to each other had me kicking my feet. The miscommunication they had started to annoy the life out of me but I enjoy the torment. They have an insatiable need for each other.

Cannot wait to read the rest of this series to see what transpires.

This was a really spicy and steamy romance book !!. The book cover is really pretty. I didn’t like the character, persephone in this book as it somehow not show the correct personality as the greek gods. A lot of miscommunication.

Thank u netgalley for the arc!

There are definitely some mixed emotions about this book.

I love a Greek myth retelling, so it wasn't hard to convince me to request this series. I liked the modern workplace setting and the characters. I also liked the tension in the beginning when Hades had no idea who Persephone was and was trying to find her. It definitely had its strong points in terms of their banter and tension, so I did enjoy that.

However, it all felt a little drawn out and maybe sort of forced at a point. The switch from hate to love felt abrupt to me, and I feel like there was a lot of redundancy for certain themes within the story itself. I just don't think I entirely loved the writing style.

I did like the curse aspect and the ending, so I will continue on to book two and see how things go. This series has a lot of potential so I'm hoping I click better with the next one.

Well, where do I start with this book? It feels like the authors sprinkled a bit of Greek mythology with an extra dose of sex. Unfortunately, the characters lacked depth, and the storyline fell somewhat flat. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't leave a strong impression either. With advance copies of the next two books, I'm curious to see if things pick up. However, I'm not holding my breath for major improvements based on my current experience.

Thank you Netgalley and Rose and Star Publishing for the ARC.

Thanks so much for providing me with a copy of this book. There were some really enjoyable aspects of this book, including the modern twist on the story of Hades and Persephone. I liked that it wasn’t accurate to mythology as I felt that suited the fact it had been set in the modern day. I also liked the introduction of other side characters and feel like these relationships will develop throughout the series. I did think that the plot gets lost in all of the spice that this book has. You get hints of plot development but don’t find out too much over the span of the book as a lot of the story is about the development of the relationship which I can understand. However I would have liked to know a bit more backstory or have slightly quicker plot development to accompany this. At the end of the book there are definitely hints at further developments which will likely be setting up for the next book in the series so it may be that future books in this series have more development of the plot where the reader is able to find out more. Regardless of this it was a nice easy read which was enjoyable.

The Maiden & the Unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune
Release Date: September 27, 2022

Pages: 431

Love and Fate series
🌀The Maiden & the Unseen
🌀The Mistress & the Renowned
🌀The Queen & the King
🌀The Nightmare & the Daydream

⚠️Content Warning⚠️
Please check content warnings BEFORE reading.

Format: 📱

What to Expect:
🖤Age Gap
💙Contemporary Romance
🖤Dark Romance
💙Dirty Talk
🖤Enemies-to-Lovers
💙Erotic Romance
🖤Fantasy
💙Fated Mates
🖤Forced Proximity
💙MF
🖤Mythology
💙Piercings
🖤Retelling
💙Shadow Daddy
🖤Urban Fantasy
💙Workplace Romance

Ratings:
FMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:
I have read several Hades and Persephone retellings over the past few years, but this has to be one of my favorites. Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune do an excellent job of telling the story in dual POV without the points of view feeling unconnected.

When the gods first descended from Olympus to live among humans, Hades was charged with financing their endeavors. Persephone works hard as a social media manager. She’s under the impression her salary funds her lavish lifestyle. But what happens when her bank account unexpectedly hits zero?

The Maiden & the Unseen is perfect for readers who enjoy Greek mythology, off-the-charts chemistry, and Hades with a dirty mouth.

The Maiden & the Unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune had me pleasantly surprised! Going in, I wasn't sure if it would be my thing, especially since it's not my usual fare of dark romance, but boy, did it prove me wrong.

⚡️ What sets this book apart is its refreshing take on Greek mythology. From the get-go, I found myself drawn into a world where gods navigate the complexities of modern life with humor and charm. The dynamic between Hades and Persephone, especially, kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

🌱 Amidst the humor, there's also a poignant exploration of fate and destiny. As Hades and Persephone navigate their unconventional relationship, they must confront their own desires and the meddling of other gods. It's a journey filled with laughter, heart, and a healthy dose of "bitch please" attitude.

🔥 What I appreciated most about this book was its ability to blend humor with heart. Yes, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but there are also tender scenes that added depth to the story. Hades and Persephone's relationship felt authentic and nuanced, making their journey all the more captivating.

📚 In conclusion, The Maiden & the Unseen exceeded my expectations and left me eagerly anticipating more. Whether you're a mythology enthusiast or simply looking for an entertaining read, this book delivers on all fronts.

This was an absolute stunning read. I'd been in a bit of a reading funk until I chose to read this and I was not disappointed. I didn't put it down until I'd read the very last page!

The way the relationship developed between Hades and Persephone was phenomenal. The passion and desire between the two characters would have any happily married person jealous. They have such a beautiful and fiery connection.

The way the story is written is flawless and so descriptive. Reading the scenes was like being transported to the place itself.
The characters had their own individual personalities, so It wasn't like reading the same book over and over again.

I'd highly reccomend this book to whoever would listen to me.

To start with the good, I appreciate that Persephone wasn't a literal teenager or young adult among millennia old gods.
Now for the rest...
This story resembles other contemporary Hades/Persephone retellings (like „Lore Olympus” and „A Touch of Darkness”) far more than it does the Greek myth it is supposed to be based on, and as a great Greek mythology enthusiast who is interested in the actual mythological figures rather than what pop culture has made of them, reading this was not a very pleasant experience. I feel that this didn't need to be a retelling, it could easily have been a regular contemporary fantasy novel and all it would have taken is different names for the characters.
But even ignoring the Greek mythology elements which is surprisingly easy, I found the romance unconvincing (given that 90% of the time the two are thinking about sleeping with each other or actually doing so rather than connecting in any other meaningful way), the characters rather immature and one-note, and the plot so repetitive that I must admit I skimmed through a large portion of it.
Not for me at all, for sure, but doubtlessly many other readers love it.

The maiden and the unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune.
Love and Fate Book 1.
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.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover. That's what drew me to this book. I did like the illustrations in the book. Hot and dirty. I did love this retelling of hades the best. I got into it straight away. I did love how Persephone and Hades were together. The texts. Also how Jackson was. I can't wait for the next book. 4*.