I can't handle miscommunication, and this was rife with it. I needed Persephone to chill out and communicate with Hades in the worst way possible.

That being said, it was a decent read that was written and interesting.

this is the second book in this series and I liked it more than the first. it was way less spicy and we got to know the characters a lot better! Something which was different in this book to the first is that there is a lot more story here and some plots and turns you can't see coming! I really liked most of the characters accept hades he was so annoying and there was some miscommunication which isn't my favourite. I would recommend it if you like fantasy, romance and some miscommunication as well as friendships in books. I will be reading the third book very soon because I want to know how the story ends.

(thank you netgalley for this arc-copy!)

The writing itself in this was as good as the first, but I felt like the whole process of actually finding Hades and getting him out of Tartarus was really rushed. Beyond that (although it was really well written as far as realism goes), I could not get much enjoyment out of reading their attempts to help each other cope with their PTSD. It was so painful.

I really this book , the characters and the story is original and i think is perfect for the people that loves Greek mythology.

As the narrative unfolds, Hades, newly crowned king, is abruptly whisked away from his opulent penthouse and thrust into a horrifying situation - a monstrous, life-draining tree. Panic bleeds through the pages as he sends out a desperate call for help. While I anticipated Persephone's intervention, the answer sends him hurtling towards a place he clearly dreads: his own forgotten past.

This latest installment in the series proved to be utterly captivating. The striking cover art immediately grabbed my attention, and the concise chapters ensured a fast-paced read. The author's portrayal of Persephone and Hades' dynamic was particularly captivating, especially their interactions. While Demeter's character remained unlikeable, Cerberus defied expectations, proving to be surprisingly endearing. Melinoe's presence was equally welcome, and the author's evocative writing style effectively transported me into the shadows, making me feel like a silent observer of the events. The conclusion leaves me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this enthralling series.

really like the story and world building in this book! I love these characters so much and that cliff hanger hurt my heart!!! Looking forward to reading book 3

Loved the growth we see with Persephone and her relationship with Hades. Persephone really embraces her role as Queen of the Underworld, and I just love it.

One of things I liked about the first book in this series was the modern setting of this Hades/Persephone retelling including the added spin of a workplace romance. Admittedly, Hades and Persephone have bigger problems right now but a single call to Minthe is really the only connection to that element this time round. This book felt completely different - it's really angsty and Persephone was a little hard to connect with. The miscommunication and lack of real communication in general is there for a lot of the book and although there is still plenty of spice, that flirty connection from book one wasn't as prevalent and instead it's a lot more serious. Hades is also working through some trauma in this and the overall tone is a lot heavier than book one. I didn't mind this but would have loved lighter moments to balance it out.

That being said I loved the introduction of the other gods; Zeus and Persephone's friction was a highlight and I really wanted to know more about Morpheus and Thanatos as well as Aphrodite and Hephaestus . I am also looking forward to the action kicking up in the next book now Demeter is making her final moves.

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read

As I hoped, this volume was indeed better than the first one. Maybe because they were separated so we actually got more plot and less sex scenes.

This volume picks up exactly were the story was left, but Hades' POV is really confusing. This book is focused on how they are gonna solve the problems created by how Hades hidden what he knew about the fades, but also about how Persephone is adapting to the underworld.

I found this volume to be much more entertaining, especially when more gods are presented and I get to see the author's reinterpretation of the Greek mythology.

There are a lot of things going on and the ending is a bit upsetting, but it's just the perfect reason to read the next volume.

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

I've gone back and forth over this one with my rating. I'm going to go with a 4 star rating. The beginning of this book picks up right where we left off (a bonus IMO). However, I was taken back by how quickly Hades if found (not really a spoiler as it says he's been taken in the synopsis). Really this plot point is resolved within about 40% of the book. Since it was mentioned in the synopsis I was expecting it take much longer with more suspense on how/who took Hades. That being said, it did start to pick back up again with some action (and not the smut action but there's plenty of that as well) but with the beginnings of the next Titan war looming on our couple. This really brings up the rating to me and makes up for the quick resolution of the previous plot point. I'm excited to get into the next (and sadly final) book in the trilogy and can't wait to see how the Titan war progresses and how we proceed more with Demeter.

I really wanted to like this book more, but after the first book, it kind of feels like a let down.

This book was definitely a lot more dark and serious than the first, which makes sense with the direction the plot took, but unfortunately that meant that a lot of the more engaging qualities in the first book (quick wit/banter, super spicy scenes, etc.) were pretty minimal. The miscommunication and insecurity were still front and center, perhaps even more so than the first book. That being said, I think the darker emotions were handled well and felt very realistic, it just isn't really what I would prefer to read about.

I did like the direction the plot took and seeing Persephone come into her own power. I also really enjoyed the further insight into some of the other gods. Retellings can have a tendency to make the other gods one-dimensional and pretty stereotypical, but the added details made them feel more fleshed out and fresh.

I definitely still want to continue the series, hoping that there's a little more action/a little less depression.

As a newcomer to the series, I found myself diving into the second book without the context of the first, which may have been my oversight. The story picks up with Hades imprisoned in his memories, leaving Persephone unaware of his whereabouts. While the emotional connection between Hades and Persephone is evident, I struggled with the portrayal of their spiritual presence and locations, feeling that clearer rules regarding their abilities to vanish and materialize would have enhanced my understanding.

I found myself encountering repetitive occurrences throughout the narrative, which seemed to serve only to prolong the story rather than deepen its complexity. While the simplicity of the writing style was accessible, I occasionally found it to be fatiguing.

Despite these challenges, I persevered through the book, driven by my curiosity about how the story would ultimately unfold. I appreciate the opportunity to have experienced this installment and look forward to potentially gaining a clearer understanding of the series by revisiting its beginnings

So let me just say this book was phenomenal and was extremely hard to put down. I did not want the story to end it was that good and addicting to read.

A Hades and Persephone retelling but with a spin.
I am going to go into this review stating that I enjoyed the first installment of this book more than I did this one. The miscommunication trope just went on for far longer than it needed to be.
Overall, I enjoyed the teas but I had higher hopes for the second book.

Thank you to Netgalley the Publisher, of Rose and Star Publishing, LLC, and the authors Alexis Rune, and Jeanette Rose for providing and allowing me to review this book. Which, I'm giving my honest and sincere review.

"The Mistress & The Renowned" the second book in the Love and Fate series, and let me tell you, it's an absolute treasure!

I Love retellings and I love Hades and Persephone retellings, this book immediately caught my attention, and I'm thrilled to say it exceeded all my expectations. Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune have masterfully crafted a tale that breathes new life into the timeless myth, with writing that is both enchanting and enthralling.

The story picks up with Hades, the God of the Dead, ensnared and stripped of his power, fighting to cling to his remaining essence. Meanwhile, Persephone unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the role of Queen of the Dead, a position she never desired nor consented to. Their intertwined destinies unfold amidst a backdrop of nightmares and looming fate, creating a narrative that is as haunting as it is captivating.

What truly sets this book apart is the author's skill in creating a sense of urgency and tension, drawing readers deeper into the unfolding drama with every twist and turn. Themes of destiny and fate reverberate throughout the story, highlighting the inevitable bond between Hades and Persephone.

In conclusion, "The Mistress & The Renowned" is a must-read for anyone who loves Hades and Persephone retellings. With its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and beautifully crafted prose, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Love and Fate series, eager to continue the journey alongside these captivating characters.

In conclusion, "The Mistress & The Renowned" is a must-read for anyone who loves Hades and Persephone retellings. With its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and beautifully crafted prose, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Love and Fate series, eager to continue the journey alongside these captivating characters.

I enjoyed this, truly. I cannot wait for others to read!! I found that I highlighted a ton, which is a good thing for me!.
It was fast paced, engrossing, and I instantly fell in love with the characters and their world. An absolutely beautiful story.. Thank you so much for the read!!

The Mistress & The Renowned is the second book in the Love and Fate series, a Hades and Persephone retelling. This book starts with Hades being pulled away from Persephone as she just is transported to the Underworld for the first time as the new queen (which she still doesn't understand). She can't find Hades and when she does find out what has happened to him, watch out as she will find him (even though she complains about how mad she is at him). Since I received all three books from NetGalley I felt like I needed to read all three books. If I wasn't given this to review I probably would have DNF's after the first one and not read this or the third book. My main problem was most of the issues between the FMC and MMC were due to miscommunication and the FMC attitude of hating how people treated her then treating others the exact same way. 2.5 rounded up to a 3.

Once again Jeanette and Alexis' writing captivated me from the beginning and held my attention the whole time. I found myself wanting more and more. And it's been quite sometime since I've felt this way. I'm so excited for when book three is written and released. I need to know everything and truly this is my favorite Hades and Persphone retelling. I'm obsessed with these characters. Congratulations! And I can't wait for what you have in store for us.

I absolutely love Hades/Personephone retellings and this one definitely is one of my favourites now! I hadn't read anything by these authors before but I will definitely keep my eye out for more!

I had no idea when receiving this arc that it was book 2 in the series. I read the first book and then came back to read this arc.

What a great hades x persephone retelling. It is dark and twisted and slightly unhinged which is everything I expect it to be given it is a retelling of the literal god of death. The story was gripping and exciting. It was also left on a big cliffhanger which literally left me shocked.

My only quip was that the miscommunication got really frustrating really quickly. I found myself skipping pages at times because some of their conversations about some problems were so repetitive. The spice in this book was okay in terms of writing, I felt it was written a little bit better in book 1 though.

Whew, we live through the after effects of that cliffhanger for a while. Book 2 had a very different feel, but it had to be based on events. I liked the introduction of an animal sidekick 👀 and more time with Mellie!

Let's see where this goes!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book for an honest review.