All hail the queen Tate James!! Holy CRAP SHE SID IT AGAIN!! Hades,Lucas, Zed and Daddy Cass!! The queen of “why choose” can do no wrong! Strong female character I’m equally in love with and scared of? Check! 3 completely different crazy hot men for me to drool over while wishing I was Hades? Check! A cute but equally troublesome little sister who maybe needs to find her self but is nicknamed Persephone or seph so you’ll deal? CHECK! This series had it all and just like with Madison Kates series everybook just got better and steamier and more compelling and intriguing the deeper you dove. Give Tate a crown because she is a literary QUEEN!

7th Circle by Tate James is an electrifying start to the Hades series, blending dark romance, action, and suspense into a captivating read. James crafts a gritty, immersive world where danger lurks around every corner, and power dynamics play a crucial role in the characters' lives.

The protagonist, Hades, is a compelling and multifaceted character whose strength and vulnerability draw readers in. Her journey through the treacherous underworld is fraught with intrigue and tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and complexity to the story.

James' writing is engaging and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions that bring the dark, atmospheric setting to life. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing, and the romantic tension between characters is expertly woven into the narrative, adding an extra layer of intensity.

While 7th Circle delves into some dark themes, it balances them with moments of genuine emotion and connection, making the characters' struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable. The book leaves just enough unresolved to make readers eager for the next installment in the series.

Overall, 7th Circle is a gripping and thrilling read, perfect for fans of dark romance and action-packed stories. Tate James has crafted a captivating tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

I really enjoy the dynamics in this book. Hades is badass. I was instantly a fan of Lucas too, I can’t wait to see the characters development unfold further in the sequels

4⭐️ 3🌶️

It’s been a hot minute since I first read this book but it was just as enjoyable the second time around! 7th Circle is the perfect escape from reality with a baddie FMC and smoking hot MMCs and so much tension you could it it with a knife!

I absolutely love Hades. She is such a baddie who doesn’t take crap from anyone over anything. I love how strong she is and yet she continuously tries to let others in. Now when things don’t go as she wants she immediately puts up walls. But who could blame her?

I love the guys as well. Lucas is just so darn sweet, Cas is the broody daddy of my dreams and Zed is the most loyal man ever.

The suspense was intense too! Who is brining prohibited products into Shadow Grove? Who is trying to start a gang war? Is her fiance really dead? I can’t wait to dive into Anarchy!

Thanks to Netgalley and bloombooks for this ARC. This is definitely instalove/instalust. More on the lust side. It’s reverse harem with our FMC being a bada** bish and a crime syndicate of the underworld. This is also a why choose romance with a lot of smut between Hades, Cass, Lucas and Zed. There’s definitely action from the beginning and lots of banter and I just love Hades attitude throughout the book even though sometimes it gets annoying but this from beginning to end is really fun and I loved the characters and the plot too. This is more a character driven story though. We get to know Hades more as the story goes on and it’s entertaining and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger

Shadow Grove is my comfort imaginary place. I revisit this town every year to reread these series. I'm super excited for Tate James to have both the Madison Kate series and now the Hades series picked up for trad pub!

Now, I love Madison Kate - it holds so much nostalgia for me, but Hades gave me the bad ass, scary boss lady we all secretly wish we could be. Each of Hayden's guys, brought out a different side of her to help demonstrate how well rounded her character is.

Lucas brings out her soft and playful side. He keeps her young after having to live a very hard life.
Zed is her second in command, he keeps her focused on her goal and is her childhood best friend. He's the one who has been with her though it all and acts as her rock. Cassiel makes her strong. He's the leader of a rival gang and actively keeps her on her toes.

This is such a well rounded group. They balance each other out in every way (age, experience, personality, etc.) and the story line in this series is SO good, it's worth the read even if you didn't love the Madison Kate series.

7th Circle does a fantastic job of setting the scene and introducing us to some new characters and feeding us more of some favourite characters (ahem Cass) from the MK series.

I've read this series three times at this point, so I'm grateful for NetGalley and Bloom Books/Source Books for giving me the opportunity to review and ARC of the re-published version! Also, I'm loving this new cover!

If you were a fan of the Madison Kate series, then you will love the start of the Hades series. I am new to this world but I had a great and fun time reading this! Tate James has outdone herself with the character of Hades. She's a badass in every single way, but I love when we get to see glimpses of her softer side shining through and I loved the dynamic she had with all the love interests. I thought they all worked so well and brought different things to the characters and relationships. This was a great read! It had a lot of action, drama, and messy emotions.
It's a dark, contemporary romance that revolves around the infamous Hades, a badass young woman of power in the criminal underworld and a must read for lovers of dark and why choose lore.

4.5⭐️
7th Circle is the first book of the Hades series and can’t be read as a standalone…ends on a cliffy! This was everything I expected from Tate James and I loved it! Hayden is one bada$$ boss lady and she doesn’t take crap from anyone! I love that Cas from Madison Kate is a main character in this series because I love me some Daddy Cas! He is my favorite of the guys! This book is full of suspense, intrigue and is action packed! Dare’s past is catching up with her and the mystery of it had me hooked! I’m excited to continue the series and get more of Hayden, Zed, Cas and Lucas!

**7th Circle by Tate James: A Personalized Review**

"7th Circle" by Tate James is an exhilarating plunge into the world of dark romance and suspense. Set in a gritty, urban landscape, the story masterfully intertwines elements of danger, power, and passion. The protagonist, Hades, is a compelling anti-heroine whose strength and complexity drive the narrative forward. Her journey is marked by intricate plot twists and intense emotional undertones, making the book difficult to put down.

The author's vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue create a captivating atmosphere, immersing readers in the raw, unfiltered reality of Hades' world. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of intrigue and tension that defines the story.

For those who appreciate a blend of dark themes and romantic tension, "7th Circle" offers a thrilling reading experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Tate James has crafted a novel that not only entertains but also challenges readers to explore the darker facets of desire and loyalty.

Tate James brings us back to Shadow Grove with an all new female heroine in her Hades series. Hades is the exact type of female main character I love to root for. Fierce and brave, big boss energy, yet not afraid be vulnerable at times. 7th Circle is a fantastic first book in the series, setting the scene with its layered characters and fast paced plot.

This is Tate, so I know there will be plenty of twists and turns to come and I am here for the ride! Expect quite the cliffhanger that will make you ravenous for book two. Definitely recommend this book for dark romance readers, especially if you enjoy a strong and fierce female lead!

Tate James can do nothing wrong! Except maybe her cliffhangers. They hurt. But! The book is amazing 🤩 hades is such a badass! Loved it!! The men are top tier 🥰 can’t recommend enough!
And the cover is 10/10. So cool

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I fell in love with Tate James writing while reading the Madison Kate series. I was so happy to return to the world of Shadow Grove in this series. Hades is a badass female main character who is a boss. If you enjoyed the Madison Kate series you will love this book. I did not want to put it down. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I do hope we get some more appearances of the characters from the Madison Kate series.

Such a strong start to what I know will be another amazing series by Tate James!!

I absolutely loved this book. Gripped me from the start and I can not wait to know more about these characters!

So intrigued by Hades. I’d been dying to find out more about her in Madison Kate and I’m so glad she gets her own go at it with a lineup of HOT men.

I’m so excited for these new dynamics. For more drama and explosive relationships.

Lucas is so dang sweet and wholesome 😆 I’m excited to see what his role is in all of this.

And I’m dying to see what happens with Zed and Cas. 🤭

Can’t wait to learn all of their secrets!

Hades, Lucas, Cass & Zed
Why choose, collectors style
MC club
Strong FMC

Omg I love this book!

Hades is amazing! Such a strong FMC!

I can't wait to see how the relationships develop over the series.

What a cliffhanger! Can't wait for book 2!

Once again, Tate has done an amazing job!!

I love Tate James and the Madison Kate series so I was super excited for this and it totally delivered! It’s so different then Madison Kate but still that guilty pleasure can’t put it down style . I loved that the FMC was Hades and running a big organization being a total badass. I read the whole thing in one sitting and would for sure recommend. Can’t wait to add it to our library!

I love a badass FMC and dear gods, Hades delivers on that. I am such a Tate James fan, and loved the Madison Kate series, so switching gears I was nervous but this stands out on its own and I am equally obsessed.

Hades is a grown ass woman, running an empire. The stakes are way higher and the plot and relationships reflect that. The plot is way more intricate and active and I am thoroughly invested. The cliffhanger on this one was freaking rouuuugh, Tate has certainly earned her reader’s tagline “WTF Tate?!”

This one is quiiiiick to spice and I am freaking obsessed. The boys are totally different in this one, we don’t get the “bro” dynamics like Archer/Kody/Steele, but its a fun new set up and I am loving each one and can’t wait to see where they all come together (no pun intended LMAO) Can’t wait for book 2!

I Loved this book! I found myself unable to put this down.
I loved FMC Hades- she was strong and bad ass and her own heroine in her story. I loved the relationship between her and Seph as well as her friendship with Zade.
Hades had men both cowering at her ferocity and throwing themselves at her for a chance, loved the why choose/ reverse harem aspect- would have loved a little more interaction between the FMC a and her suitors ( I’m left wanting more - so this certainly isn’t a negative )
The storyline was solid and wasn’t over shadowed by the spice ( 🌶️🌶️)
Left us on a cliff hanger! Off to pre order the rest of the series

This book was not what I expected and unfortunately fell short of my expectations. I had expected a more mature female character given she was running a big criminal organisation, instead this felt more like a young adult read with characters in their late teens or early twenties, and I just didn’t buy the fact that hear characters could be involved in organised crime. The romantic storyline felt one-dimensional and not very developed, although the characters had good chemistry. I can see the appeal for younger readers but unfortunately it wasn’t for me.

This is a spin off circle to the Madison Kate series. It is a standalone series however you will be more into it if you read this series afterwards because the build up to Hades makes this book SHOCKING and exciting. I am straight obsessed with this series just like was with the Madison Kate one
. I am straight obsessed with this series . more more more.. the love interests, the heat, the violence, the murders all of it. Delicious

HOLY SMOKES- 7th Circle is nothing like I expected- so pretty much the total Tate James experience. This is Shadow Grove like we’ve never seen it - and I am obsessed. Entertaining and sexy- of course. But what has me most enamored with 7th Circle are the deeply complicated character dynamics and the artful contrasts that make up this story. By far Tate’s most psychologically interesting series to date- and we’ve only just begun!

I’ve written and deleted this review so many times, because when it comes down to it, I don’t want to spoil a single thing. That is part of what makes this story so incredible- the anticipation of discovering the much teased identity of the mythic Hades. And the only way to REALLY absorb this story as it is meant to be told is to just dive in.

This story is BRILLIANT- and I’m convinced that this is going to be Tate’s most complex, most revolutionary series yet. Most certainly, this is her strongest writing to date. But unlike my normal review approach, I can’t really dive into the literary magic with much specificity without risking inadvertent allusions to our namesake's identity- so, this review will be shorter than normal and incredibly vague. But know this- this story is literary genius. Tate is going somewhere here that is incredibly inventive, radically fresh, and so cleverly constructed. (and hey- Once you read, join the spoiler room- you’ll find my more thorough/specific analysis speckled throughout comments, haha)

What I love so much about Tate James as an author is that she always sees the big picture- not just the story in the moment. Remember this, dear reader, because each book in her series advances the story in a very meticulous and artfully crafted way. 7th Circle is about foundations- helping us understand the players, understand the landscape, and re-orienting us as readers to a world we think we know. We’ve seen Shadow Grove through MK’s eyes- but MK is no longer our protagonist. We now see Shadow Grove, and some of the characters we’ve met before, through very different eyes. And Tate lays this out brilliantly, because this world, these people, feel somehow both familiar and entirely new. Oh, we have the same gritty darkness, the urgent intensity and explosive chemistry we loved about MK’s version of the world, but we also get to experience it in a whole new light. And Tate is so clever in how she uses tone, character voice, and pacing to establish this series as a world of its own. This is one of the most interesting, compelling, and original character voices I’ve read in a while. But the pacing is what I loved most here- Tate takes her time laying the foundation. The “action”/ the suspense and drama we know is coming builds slowly- so that we can REALLY immerse ourselves in this new Shadow Grove, but most importantly so we can really immerse ourselves in this harem. Because their dynamics are what steal the show.

I want to talk about this creative genius of this harem SO much, but I can’t say too much without spoiling anything, but I will say this- this harem feels very different than MK’s, or any other harem I’ve read. The foundation of this harem, the connective tissue is radically different- and SO interesting. There are so many complexities to the relationship dynamics. The role of history and power is going to be a huge factor in how this story evolves, I think, and it is going to make things messy and fluid in ways that are so energizing. The way these characters are matched is just insanely brilliant writing- the way Tate has gotten to the core of the characters and understood the harem’s construction through that lens, WOW- I just can’t wait to see where it goes. And the parts she focuses on in this story in the harem progression- not at all what you’d expect, but turns out to be just such smart character writing. Remember, we have books to go, so Tate makes an important investment in this story- she's establishing our main character, the heart of this series. So I can already see the writing on the wall- this harem is going to be original, and dynamic.

For those wondering, I LOVE HADES. Though I loved every character in this story. Regardless of whether your theories were right or wrong (I was wrong…), buckle up for this ride, because Hades is 10x better than I ever imagined. This is a revolutionary character in many ways- and Tate is letting this character breathe in gritty glory.

This is going to be a wild ride- and most certainly Tate’s most inventive series yet. The first few chapters alone establish just what this story alone established this- and, of course, in typical Tate fashion, she leaves us with a cliffhanger that has been battered, bruised, and mystified. I am ALL in!