<b>Stars:</b> 5
<b>FMC: </b> Hades (Hayden)
<b>MMC(s): </b> Lucas, Zed, Cass
<b>Tropes: </b> Slow burn why choose
<i>> Reviewer add:</i>
<b>Perspective:</b> Single first person, past
<b>Plot or character driven:</b> Both
<b>Spicy scenes breakdown:</b>
<i>> Present?</i> Yes
<i>> Detailed? </i> Yes
<i>> With only one character? </i>
<i>> Multiple, with both/multiple characters?</i> Yes
<i>> Personal favorite?</i>
<b>Burn speed:</b> Various, depending on the man
<b>Can this be read as a stand-alone: </b> Yes, but it’s the start of a new series and so reading only this one gives you only half a story.
<b>Re-Readability: </b> High
<b>Monster level:</b> 0 - Human.
<b>Content Notes:</b> (These are neither tropes nor warnings.) Why choose romance, dark romance, mafia romance, sex worker MMC, Sex Work
<b>Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: </b> Violence, Lucas is still in HS, Other woman/Sister drama, Medical issues (parent, mentioned)

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review. Thank you to the author for allowing me to ARC read for you.

“My gun was still against his side, my finger still on the trigger, but that seemed so very appropriate as we kissed like we were at war.”

This is Hades’ story, from the small things about her sister to navigating the stripper with a secret (Lucas), her best friend (Zed), and the rival leader (Cass) that she wants. Except she’s also the leader of her own criminal empire and it just hit me right.

This was my first Tate James book and oh fuck yes. I’m a fan. I love Hades, and I really can’t wait to read the rest of this series. All of the guys are so different, which I truly appreciate in a WC romance, but they all have distinct voices that makes this a joy to read.

I can’t wait to read more.

I'm just undecided on this book. It was okay with parts that i just didn't mesh with. However the cliffhanger at the end makes me want to read the next book .

Review of 7th Circle by Tate James
* * * * *
A sensational series that starts off with a bang and will have you gripping to the very end!

A killer woman who you don't wannt to mess with, and willing to put a bullet in anyone who threatens those she cares about and what she has worked for...and it seems a ghost is coming back to just do that.
Hayden took over her empire with bloody justice. She was now a power and feared woman, and proved herself worth of that power and fear. If only her private life was not that complicated. On top of looking after her business and reputation, she's also protector to her sister - a rebelous little devil who has no idea what her big sister had to do to protect her.
We have big broody Cass, a gang leader who is all gruff and hot, but has an issue with their age difference. His rejection hurt her, but now she has another welcoming distraction. Lucas.
Hot and young and now her employee. Things should not have gone as far as they did, according to her best man and best friend, but Lucas has this magnatic pull on her that she can't let go...even when she finds out his secret.
Someone is screwing around with their turf. People turning up dead with a symbol that is personal to our fearless Hades.
A ghost has come back, and they are coming back for her.

Left off with a fantastic cliffhanger! Blood and mystery and possbile death!
Out girl Hayden is into a bit of strife, in both business and her love life.
Love how tough and deadly she is, making full grown men respect her as well as be scared sh*tless! I want to be her when i grow up.
With our main three men and their ties to our Hades, I love seeing how things slowly - or quickly in some cases - develope between them all.
Love the series. Addicted!

7th Circle by Tate James is an exciting, dark romance set in the gritty underworld of Shadow Grove. Hayden, known as Hades, leads the Tri-state Timberwolves gang with ruthless efficiency, but her emotions and relationships complicate her life. The plot centers around her entanglements with Lucas, a younger man, and her best friend Zed, creating intense romantic tension. Despite some moments feeling exaggerated, the story remains compelling with its mix of crime, romance, and power struggles. The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving many questions unanswered and making you eager for the next installment. The criminal elements add a raw edge to the story, and Hayden's character stands out for her mix of strength and vulnerability. Overall, it's an entertaining read that keeps you hooked, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

#BookReview #7thCircle #TateJames #DarkRomance #GrittyRead #ShadowGrove #CrimeFiction #GangLeader #StrongFMC #RomanticTension #CliffhangerEnding #MustRead #BookSeries #Suspenseful #NewAdultFiction #ReadingRecommendations #PageTurner #LoveTriangle #BookLovers #NextInSeries

Dark and sexy romance that I truly found myself enjoying. Loved seeing a strong FMC. Having a female Hades is such a cool twist!

ARC REVIEW❤️

4⭐️

Wow, I really liked this! Hayden has a real femininity and humanity about her. She doesn’t feel like a one dimensional caricature like some strong females can come off the page as.
And sweet, sweet Lucas. How he has my heart. I hate how oblivious Hayden is to his love, and for that matter, how Zed is obviously in love with her and probably Cass, too. Big fan of this possibly being RH!
I really like the criminal aspects of this, just the grittiness and unflinching ability for these characters to get shit done. I went into this book blind, and I’m getting the sense that I should have read the Madison Kate series first which I now will be going back and doing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tate James for the arc.

Oh how I adore Tate James and her dark romances. 7th Circle is set in the world of Shadow Grove (same as Madison Kate) and has the infamous Hades as our female lead. And she is just as badass as expected, if not more. This book is dark and sexy and I am so here for it. Tate also does sucha good job at delivering distinct relationships and characters for each of Hades' harem. I can't wait for more of Lucas, Cass, and Zed in the rest of the series. This book was fast paced and I truly couldn't put it down!

3.5

I had such an odd experience reading this book cause while I had some issues with it, I also just found it so entertaining. It’s nice to see a fmc who’s the boss of a gang and is widely feared by her rivals but I wish there would have been more showing rather than telling cause Hades doesn’t have many moments where she shows how she earned her reputation. As for the romances, I’d say Zed is my favorite by far cause I love the tension between them since they’re best friends. I also really liked Lucas and how sweet and to the point he is— I would’ve preferred he not be eighteen though. Cass is the oldest and feels like Hades’ is too young for him and that he’s too old for her but you can clearly see that they have a connection. I ended up enjoying this one despite it not setting up the series in the best way, so I will be continuing after that ending.

7th Circle follows Hayden/Hades who is the leader of the Tri-state Timberwolves gang at the age of 23. She gets involved with a younger man, Lucas, despite constantly trying to push him away but he won't listen. On the business side, someone is dealing PCP in her territory which is strictly forbidden. She works closely with her friend Zed and another gang member Cass who she has been admiring. The book ends in a cliffhanger and many questions left unanswered.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was entertaining and kept me hooked. Although some phrases and aspects of the story are kind of silly, it all worked together with the characters and storyline. I can't wait to read the rest of the series but I know I need to backtrack and read the Madison Kate series as well.

Thank you to Bloom Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the very definition of addictive romance! 7th Circle was absolutely crazy mind blowing jaw dropping ride. The action. The suspense. The fast paced plot with massive twists and turns. The scorching hot chemistry. And the biggest bada&& FMC I have ever read. Well Hades is the hero and the heroine at the same time. She rules with an iron fist and her reign is ruthless. The why choose part is shaping up deliciously with some epic antiheroes and a surprisingly sweet alpha hero. I am not sure they can handle Hades though..rather she is the queen reigning supreme. But there are enemies and it ends with a heart stopping cliffhanger.

Hades has wiped out her tyrant father and his followers and taken control of Tri-state Timberwolves. She has set up an empire of exclusive night clubs like 7th Circle and Anaechy those work as a cover up of her less than legitimate business. Her best friend Zed has been her most trusted man all these years. Shadow Grove has many other gangs but they all bow to Hades. She has a complex dynamics with Cass, leader of the Reapers. They are in a lust-hate-care mess. But the guy who really messed up her head is Lucas. The newest young hire in 7th Circle to work as male stripper. She gave in to their scorching hot passion but she cannot let it distract her because the enemies she eliminated years ago are coming back from shadow.

Hades is one of the strongest lead I have ever read. She has taken down the evil nexus of her father but that doesn't mean she has gone straight. She has turned their organisation into a profitable one with unlimited powers with a legitimate business front. All other organized crime gangs are under her control. They are afraid of her merciless rule. But she has a vulnerable side too. Her sister is her biggest weakness. Before she took control of her destiny, she was hurt and abused and that has left scars. The recent sabotaging incidents and attacks are giving her nightmares because the old enemy looks to be gaining power again. She is stretched thin. The business. The violence. The relentless struggle to keep it all together. The last thing she need is the emotional whiplash from the men in her life. Cass, the leader of the Reapers, behaves hot and cold. Once he pushes her away because she is much younger..but on the other side, he acts all possessive protective alpha. Zed is her second in command and her best friend. They built the empire together and they went through a lot of horror. He is a bit of womaniser but in this changing situation, where Hades is in danger, his actions say something more than friendship. And then there is Lucas. Younger than Hades. Apparently innocent background. Open and relentless about his feelings. Hades doesn't want to drag him in her volatile world but he refuses to back down. The story is full of action packed adrenaline filled moments those will keep you on your toes. And that ending was devastating! I cannot wait to read next book.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

4/5 Stars

Thank you to Bloom books and Netgalley for providing me with an arc.

I read book one for Madison Kate earlier this year and I did really enjoy it but didn’t get around to finishing the series but when I saw that 7th circle was up for request I grabbed it as I was curious and I am so happy I did. This one can be read without reading the Madison Kate series and while I plan on finishing that one now I am happy I grabbed this one and I already have started book 2. This series follows Hades and her men, it is dark and deliciously filled with tension. I was pleased that this one was spicier than what I remember of the first Madison Kate book. I devoured this one and I can’t wait to continue the series as that cliffhanger was evil.

Hades is the leader of the Tri-state timberwolves after the massacre she planned and led five years prior that took out her father and all those loyal to him. To the general public the timberwolves are somewhat of a myth to be feared but aren’t real, but that can’t be further from the truth. She will do anything to keep her empire running and her sister safe and everyone else who depends on her. But when things start to fall out of her control, she will do anything to get it back and kill those who thought they could cross her.

I love Hades and she is such a badass. I really loved some of her softer moments specifically with Lucas but I loved the ones where she is full on Hades even more. She doesn’t put up with shit and is willing to do anything to protect those she cares about. I loved seeing the start of her relationships with Lucas, Zed, and Cass and I can’t wait to see them develop more throughout the series. I loved her putting Cass in his place more than once and I can’t wait to hopefully see some more groveling from him. I am curious for her and Zed’s relationship as we started to see signs of something more but I think it will really kick off in Anarchy. Lucas is precious golden retriever angel and I adore him. He is loyal and falls really hard for Hades but doesn’t let her push him away.

I really loved this one and I think I liked it even more than the first Madison Kate book. I definitely will be finishing this series and hopefully circling back to finish Madison Kate soon as I am falling in love with Tate James’s writing.

5 ⭐ 2 🌶️ 5 🎧

Hades is such a bad a m f and I love her so much. I adore MK, but Hades is my favorite FMC in the Shadow Grove universe. This woman is tough as nails and she is still feminine as heck. This book is so much fun and ends on a cliffhanger that has me on the edge of my seat, I can not wait to see what happens with her, Lucas, Zed and Cas in Anarchy.

The audio is fantastic, Noelle Bridges and Lucas Webley do a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and Audio Sorceress made an amazing production.

Hades is the FMC I wish Madison Kate had been. I devoured this series. I can’t wait to see what Tate James delivers next!

7th Circle plunges readers into a gritty narrative packed with tension, intrigue, and a labyrinthine exploration of power and morality. At the center of this pulsating tale stands Hades, a compelling anti-hero who has orchestrated one of the most infamous events in the criminal underbelly—the massacre of the Tri-state Timberwolves. As his empire rises from the bloodstained ashes of the old guard, readers are drawn into Hades's world, where loyalty is a currency and survival often comes at a staggering cost. From the outset, James crafts an atmosphere heavy with foreboding—a world where true motivations remain obscured, and trust is a rare commodity. Hades is both feared and revered, a figure who embodies the traits of a ruthless leader yet grapples with the weight of his own vulnerabilities. The exploration of his character is particularly enthralling: while he is determined to protect his empire and those who depend on him, he is also painfully aware that his choices—especially regarding personal relationships—can lead to devastating consequences.
The plot thickens as Hades's desire for control is challenged by his own desires. James skillfully weaves a tapestry of high stakes, where sex and power become dangerously intertwined. Hades’s internal conflict over his personal weaknesses adds depth to a narrative that is as thrilling as it is reflective. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each one offering a distinct perspective within the chaotic realm of organized crime. Their interactions with Hades not only enrich the plot but also reflect the broader themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of ambition. Overall, I highly recommend this book, especially to fans of dark romance and suspense!

Story line was really good, definitely keeps you on your toes, especially with that cliffhanger, can’t wait for the next installment!

Just finished diving into *7th Circle*, the first book in *The Hades Series* by Tate James, and wow—what a ride! This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a strong, badass female lead. Hades absolutely owns Shadow Grove, and her character is as fierce as they come.

Even if you haven't read the Madison Kate series, no worries—you can still fully enjoy this book, though there are a few nods to the MK storyline. But let’s talk about the spice level—it’s off the charts! 🌶️ Plus, there's a gripping mystery/thriller element that keeps you on the edge of your seat, leading up to a cliffhanger that left me craving the next installment.

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Hades and the crew. If you're into dark romance with a side of mystery, add this to your TBR!

I’m always a little nervous to reread books, but so far, Shadow Grove remains to be one of my favorite dark romance worlds.

Tate James is a master of weaving together suspenseful plots with some spicy spice; 7th Circle is no exception.

Hades is an incredible FMC. She is an absolute badass who demands respect in any room she enters and will do anything to protect those that she loves.

It’s hard to choose a favorite of the Hades men. Lucas, Cass, and Zed are all completely different and bring out a different side to Hades.

I can’t wait to continue through this series again, I may also have to visit other parts of Shadow Grove again as well!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

Spice: 🌶🌶.5 / 5

Okay, SO. I started this and had no idea why I would do this to myself. Right off the bat, smut. If that's your thing, that's so great for you. But I love taking the time to get to know the characters and getting some of the plot out of the way.

First impressions? Not great. About 1/3 of the way in? INTRIGUED. I understand why these are highly rated. I loved the way Hades was such a badass at a young age, and it made me crave more of her backstory. This quickly got good when we started introducing more gangs and how the way things are handled in Shadow Grove.

I was hooked after this. Although this was rated 3 stars, I have faith that this book sucked me in enough, making me want to continue this series. For being my first novel by Tate James, I'm excited to dive in more.

I heard somewhere that this was a reverse harem, and the introduction of potential lovers in this book has me excited to continue, as past books that are reverse harem have left a bad taste in my mouth. Can't wait to continue on. 😈

I really enjoyed the Madison Kate series overall (minus finding the ending to be a little lackluster) and had heard from many people that they actually liked this one better. So far, I might agree with them!

Right off the bat we have Hades, who is a bad ass woman in charge of the Timberwolves. She's smart, she's fierce, and she's surrounded by hot men. I love her character and she's what I wished MK had been more of in the last book.

The men in this book are delicious. While she's only with one of them in this book, we are introduced to them all and I cannot wait for the stories to develop more with the other men.

The plot in this is exciting and quick paced. There's clearly someone from her past trying to make waves in her life now, and the thrill of everything is so good! With the cliff hanger, I can't wait to see what happens next for Hades and her men.

Tate James. TATE JAMES!! You are a queen. I don’t think there’s been a book by her that I didn’t love, and this one… YES. If you haven’t read anything by this author…. RUN. NOW!