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Hades & Persephone Duology #1
His in the Dark
There are two things I’ve always
Magic is real.
The Gods have no mercy for women like me.
I was born into power although what little I have is dying. Nonetheless, I’ve been protected all my life. There are myths and tales that say one day I will come to a fork in a long, long path. Either the light will take me or the dark. I never paid any mind to the whispers and warnings…
Until he crept into my window late at night.
Cloaked in darkness, silent as death. Every inch of me felt terror and yet I also felt something else. Something I’d never known.
He tasted like sin … and I loved it.
In a single moment, my entire world went dark and I was nothing more than a captive in the Underworld.
Nothing but his and suddenly all the lore brought a chill to my bones… even if he did light a fire in the most secret depths of me.
Prepare for a dark retelling of Hades and Persephone with spells and war and a love story that would change our world forevermore.
Magic is real.
The Gods have no mercy for women like me.
I was born into power although what little I have is dying. Nonetheless, I’ve been protected all my life. There are myths and tales that say one day I will come to a fork in a long, long path. Either the light will take me or the dark. I never paid any mind to the whispers and warnings…
Until he crept into my window late at night.
Cloaked in darkness, silent as death. Every inch of me felt terror and yet I also felt something else. Something I’d never known.
He tasted like sin … and I loved it.
In a single moment, my entire world went dark and I was nothing more than a captive in the Underworld.
Nothing but his and suddenly all the lore brought a chill to my bones… even if he did light a fire in the most secret depths of me.
Prepare for a dark retelling of Hades and Persephone with spells and war and a love story that would change our world forevermore.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2025
302 people are currently reading
2973 people want to read
About the author
Willow Winters
172 books21.2k followersWillow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!
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Want a text alert? Text "Willow" to (302) 205-3701
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Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
Stay up to date!
Want a text alert? Text "Willow" to (302) 205-3701
Sign up to my newsletter + get EXCLUSIVE content, sneak peeks, and FREE books monthly: https://willowwinterswrites.com
All the other details you need to know: https://geni.us/3B53kF
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
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February 12, 2025We're finally here! His in the Dark is live!!!
I really hope you love my Hades and Persephone retelling as much as I loved writing it!
It’s time to dive in -
https://willowwinterswrites.com/produ...
Get the ebook on retailers here - https://geni.us/hisinthedark
Happy reading loves xo
I really hope you love my Hades and Persephone retelling as much as I loved writing it!
It’s time to dive in -
https://willowwinterswrites.com/produ...
Get the ebook on retailers here - https://geni.us/hisinthedark
Happy reading loves xo
February 26, 2025
OMG this book! I LOVED it, it was so dark and spicy and truly a "touch her and die."
The "touch her and die" trope is popular, we read it a lot with "regular" humans, but when you have Hades as your "touch her and die" character, I mean there is no bigger threat than the ruler of the underworld.
Reasons I loved this book: the above statement, also I felt this is more on the dark romance side. I have read books that claim to be dark romance and they really aren't, but I felt this does fit well into the dark romance realm. It is not that the story is super dark, it is more the things that Hades is willing to do to keep Persephone are pretty dark. Again, yes, he is the ruler of the Underworld, so I expect him to be that way, and he really was in this story. I loved how Persephone was able to start thriving in the Underworld, and find her magic again, even if it was different than what she had on Olympus. Also, super spicy! The desperation Hades has for Persephone's submission ends up being a turn on even for her.
Persephone has been slowly losing her magic on Olympus, and for some reason starts to gain it back in the Underworld. She has no idea why, but we do find out at the end of the story. Hades is dealing with a large, world ending potential war, if he does not return Persephone to Demeter and Zeus. Hades refuses, this causes an upset in the balance of human deaths, so souls start pouring into the Underworld in too large of numbers to sustain. If something doesn't change, the upset to the balance could cause catastrophic, if not world ending permanent damage.
The story ends on a horrible cliffhanger, and I got mad for a minute because I didn't realize there would be another book. But I cannot wait for the next chapter in this story!!!
Fav Quotes:
"I will do so even if it requires sacrificing all of hell and burning it to the ground for her pleasure. Whatever her heart desires, I will discover it and I will bend the Underworld to her will."
"Persephone is f****** mine. And no one else is going to have her. Not a f****** soul could take her from me. God. Titan. Or anything or any one. She is mine. Forever."
"I've risked the world - all of the worlds - for her."
Thank you to Hambright PR, and the author, for a review copy of this book!
The "touch her and die" trope is popular, we read it a lot with "regular" humans, but when you have Hades as your "touch her and die" character, I mean there is no bigger threat than the ruler of the underworld.
Reasons I loved this book: the above statement, also I felt this is more on the dark romance side. I have read books that claim to be dark romance and they really aren't, but I felt this does fit well into the dark romance realm. It is not that the story is super dark, it is more the things that Hades is willing to do to keep Persephone are pretty dark. Again, yes, he is the ruler of the Underworld, so I expect him to be that way, and he really was in this story. I loved how Persephone was able to start thriving in the Underworld, and find her magic again, even if it was different than what she had on Olympus. Also, super spicy! The desperation Hades has for Persephone's submission ends up being a turn on even for her.
Persephone has been slowly losing her magic on Olympus, and for some reason starts to gain it back in the Underworld. She has no idea why, but we do find out at the end of the story. Hades is dealing with a large, world ending potential war, if he does not return Persephone to Demeter and Zeus. Hades refuses, this causes an upset in the balance of human deaths, so souls start pouring into the Underworld in too large of numbers to sustain. If something doesn't change, the upset to the balance could cause catastrophic, if not world ending permanent damage.
The story ends on a horrible cliffhanger, and I got mad for a minute because I didn't realize there would be another book. But I cannot wait for the next chapter in this story!!!
Fav Quotes:
"I will do so even if it requires sacrificing all of hell and burning it to the ground for her pleasure. Whatever her heart desires, I will discover it and I will bend the Underworld to her will."
"Persephone is f****** mine. And no one else is going to have her. Not a f****** soul could take her from me. God. Titan. Or anything or any one. She is mine. Forever."
"I've risked the world - all of the worlds - for her."
Thank you to Hambright PR, and the author, for a review copy of this book!
May 19, 2025
His in the Dark by W. Winters was a fun and creative retelling that I genuinely enjoyed. The premise pulled me in early on, but what really hooked me was the ending-it left me eager and excited to dive into book two.
That said, I found myself struggling a bit with the heavy emphasis on description. At times, it felt like there was more focus on setting the mood than advancing the story or building meaningful dialogue between the characters. This made it a little harder for me to fully connect with them emotionally.
Overall, it was a solid read with a lot of promise, especially in how it sets up what's to come. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
That said, I found myself struggling a bit with the heavy emphasis on description. At times, it felt like there was more focus on setting the mood than advancing the story or building meaningful dialogue between the characters. This made it a little harder for me to fully connect with them emotionally.
Overall, it was a solid read with a lot of promise, especially in how it sets up what's to come. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
February 28, 2025
4.75⭐️
’Hell hath no fury like a God scorned. Willow Winters presents to us a Hades and Persephone re-telling that is as unique as she is, and is a dark, steamy breed all of its own. It’s all going down in the Underworld, and so are its rulers’ - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Willow and her VPO--Sophie--for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review as part of her ARC/Promo team.
NOTE - - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but it will contain references to contents within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this book as a blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now :)
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
His in the Dark is the inaugural book into the re-telling of two very familiar Greek mythological characters, Hades and Persephone. It follows on from the prequel read, A Deal for a Kiss, which first introduced Willow’s visionary re-telling of them to us, her readers.
This prequel read can be read as a standalone romance, as well as being officially linked to this introductory read. It is recommended to read that first before diving into the beginning of their tale here.
December of twenty twenty-four gave us a snippet as to what we would be facing come what, at the time, was assumed to be their full-length love story. More on that, later on. The taste was just enough to appease our appetite for another stellar re-telling by the woman who does them incredibly well, that we were left sated until we could be reunited with them once more.
The time officially came to do just that.
There are two things that Goddess, Persephone, has always herself known. One, magic in all its imperfect majesty, is very real. Two, the mighty Gods that rule over heaven, hell and everywhere in-between, have not a single shred of mercy for a woman like her.
Like every celestial being, she was born with the power that the fates saw fit to bestow upon her. That power, it seems, is only temporary. What she was granted—the minuscule amount that it was—slowly dies within her with every day that passes. Luckily up until the present, she has been protected from anything and everything that posed a threat to her or her power.
This, however, could all change and sooner than she thinks.
Whispers and tales of myth and legend that have become familiar to her, embedded within her soul, all now speak and say that one day she will come to a fork that splits a long, long path. Two outcomes lie one each at the end of both paths. One will take her towards the light—not that light, and the other will plunge her into endless darkness. Whispers and warnings be damned, she won’t head them for she knows which path she will take before she even steps forward to make the decision.
Of course, there is always a first time for everything. For the first warning she will end up paying attention to not only walks into her life, he bypasses the front door and creeps right in through her own window.
Sheathed in the darkness that is the same that feed his soul and as silent as the death he sees every day, Hades has arrived to collect the prize his eyes see before him. There isn’t an inch in Persephone’s body that doesn’t feel the terror that radiates within her while in his presence but also, there’s something else right alongside it, too. Something more that she’s never known of.
As a lover of Greek Mythology from a very young age told to myself and others in a way to entrance, this read and its prequel were both right up my alley. The love of tales so tame and innocent for equally as innocent ears and minds did not dwindle, but followed me into adulthood where I can savour, relish in and devour something darker, dirtier and delicious. I was destined to read Willow Winters and her re-tellings.
I, for one, am contented at the choice not to modernise Hades and Persephone and their budding to full-on passionate romance. For some authors such as Emily McIntire whose fractured fairytales favour and suit that twist within the romance genre—which are must reads in their own rights, I have to add—, Willow’s re-imaging keeps that air and nod of the classic mythological tale while heightening her rendition with vivid imagery, detailed descriptions that not only sets the scene but places you within them. It’s an homage to the original while standing on its own feet as something otherworldly brilliant.
Equally as brilliant are our main characters themselves. Straight away, Hades delivers Hades by way of being the controlling, dominating ruler of the underworld we have come to know and love outside of the Willowverse, delivered to us again in a unique style that will make anyone warm up to him while wanting to get down on their knees and…well…you know. Pray *wink wink* for his mercy. We do, though, get a glimpse of his soft side. Just a tiny peek that was an insight into other parts of his personality that no one, other than Persephone (and us as readers) will ever get to see.
Developing throughout the story as much as our leading man is our leading lady. From the glimpse of her we had in the prequel to here in the first book, we’ve already seen the start of a shift in her character which I have no doubt will continue and be equally as promising in book two. The stage has been set here for her, and I am yearning to see what will become of her as things no doubt get worse before they take a turn for the better. The best of our palatable Persephone, I feel, is yet to come and what a woman—a Goddess—she will be!
Did you catch that I said book two? That’s right, my fellow readers, we were hook, lined and sinkered (yes, that is a word) into believing tha this was going to be a full-length novel. A one and done story that gives us a happily ever after at the very end. The joke—a good one—was firmly made on us.
I won’t ever say no to more Willow an in this case, more Willow with two characters that I could happily read about for as long as time itself exists, but I did not see that cliffhanger coming. I know others who have read this will have done the same thing as I did as the end got closer and closer but things had yet to wrap up in a nice, neat little bow. One of our eyes began to squint with suspicion and the understanding that this wasn’t going to be the end. Not yet.
That is the only reason why this story did not get a five star rating from me. If I had gone into this read with the prior knowledge and understanding that it was a cliffhanger, five stars it would have been given because this story does deserve as such. That said, Willow is a master at cliffhangers we can’t be mad at (and secretly enjoy) so…I think all is forgiven and you never know on a second go around, there might just be an upgrade and more stars in the ‘sky’. Aka, here on Goodreads.
After all, one can never get enough of the body-vibrating, soul-stirring and tantalisingly tingling ’My Queen’ from our Hades.
It might be farewell for now, but we will see these two again next year as things get even hotter in the next instalment, His in the Fire.
(P.S. The artistic rendition cover of this book? I shall see that she is mine. It’s a must for not only my hands to hold but to covet on my bookshelf. That is all.)
’Hell hath no fury like a God scorned. Willow Winters presents to us a Hades and Persephone re-telling that is as unique as she is, and is a dark, steamy breed all of its own. It’s all going down in the Underworld, and so are its rulers’ - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Willow and her VPO--Sophie--for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review as part of her ARC/Promo team.
NOTE - - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but it will contain references to contents within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this book as a blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now :)
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
His in the Dark is the inaugural book into the re-telling of two very familiar Greek mythological characters, Hades and Persephone. It follows on from the prequel read, A Deal for a Kiss, which first introduced Willow’s visionary re-telling of them to us, her readers.
This prequel read can be read as a standalone romance, as well as being officially linked to this introductory read. It is recommended to read that first before diving into the beginning of their tale here.
December of twenty twenty-four gave us a snippet as to what we would be facing come what, at the time, was assumed to be their full-length love story. More on that, later on. The taste was just enough to appease our appetite for another stellar re-telling by the woman who does them incredibly well, that we were left sated until we could be reunited with them once more.
The time officially came to do just that.
There are two things that Goddess, Persephone, has always herself known. One, magic in all its imperfect majesty, is very real. Two, the mighty Gods that rule over heaven, hell and everywhere in-between, have not a single shred of mercy for a woman like her.
Like every celestial being, she was born with the power that the fates saw fit to bestow upon her. That power, it seems, is only temporary. What she was granted—the minuscule amount that it was—slowly dies within her with every day that passes. Luckily up until the present, she has been protected from anything and everything that posed a threat to her or her power.
This, however, could all change and sooner than she thinks.
Whispers and tales of myth and legend that have become familiar to her, embedded within her soul, all now speak and say that one day she will come to a fork that splits a long, long path. Two outcomes lie one each at the end of both paths. One will take her towards the light—not that light, and the other will plunge her into endless darkness. Whispers and warnings be damned, she won’t head them for she knows which path she will take before she even steps forward to make the decision.
Of course, there is always a first time for everything. For the first warning she will end up paying attention to not only walks into her life, he bypasses the front door and creeps right in through her own window.
Sheathed in the darkness that is the same that feed his soul and as silent as the death he sees every day, Hades has arrived to collect the prize his eyes see before him. There isn’t an inch in Persephone’s body that doesn’t feel the terror that radiates within her while in his presence but also, there’s something else right alongside it, too. Something more that she’s never known of.
As a lover of Greek Mythology from a very young age told to myself and others in a way to entrance, this read and its prequel were both right up my alley. The love of tales so tame and innocent for equally as innocent ears and minds did not dwindle, but followed me into adulthood where I can savour, relish in and devour something darker, dirtier and delicious. I was destined to read Willow Winters and her re-tellings.
I, for one, am contented at the choice not to modernise Hades and Persephone and their budding to full-on passionate romance. For some authors such as Emily McIntire whose fractured fairytales favour and suit that twist within the romance genre—which are must reads in their own rights, I have to add—, Willow’s re-imaging keeps that air and nod of the classic mythological tale while heightening her rendition with vivid imagery, detailed descriptions that not only sets the scene but places you within them. It’s an homage to the original while standing on its own feet as something otherworldly brilliant.
Equally as brilliant are our main characters themselves. Straight away, Hades delivers Hades by way of being the controlling, dominating ruler of the underworld we have come to know and love outside of the Willowverse, delivered to us again in a unique style that will make anyone warm up to him while wanting to get down on their knees and…well…you know. Pray *wink wink* for his mercy. We do, though, get a glimpse of his soft side. Just a tiny peek that was an insight into other parts of his personality that no one, other than Persephone (and us as readers) will ever get to see.
Developing throughout the story as much as our leading man is our leading lady. From the glimpse of her we had in the prequel to here in the first book, we’ve already seen the start of a shift in her character which I have no doubt will continue and be equally as promising in book two. The stage has been set here for her, and I am yearning to see what will become of her as things no doubt get worse before they take a turn for the better. The best of our palatable Persephone, I feel, is yet to come and what a woman—a Goddess—she will be!
Did you catch that I said book two? That’s right, my fellow readers, we were hook, lined and sinkered (yes, that is a word) into believing tha this was going to be a full-length novel. A one and done story that gives us a happily ever after at the very end. The joke—a good one—was firmly made on us.
I won’t ever say no to more Willow an in this case, more Willow with two characters that I could happily read about for as long as time itself exists, but I did not see that cliffhanger coming. I know others who have read this will have done the same thing as I did as the end got closer and closer but things had yet to wrap up in a nice, neat little bow. One of our eyes began to squint with suspicion and the understanding that this wasn’t going to be the end. Not yet.
That is the only reason why this story did not get a five star rating from me. If I had gone into this read with the prior knowledge and understanding that it was a cliffhanger, five stars it would have been given because this story does deserve as such. That said, Willow is a master at cliffhangers we can’t be mad at (and secretly enjoy) so…I think all is forgiven and you never know on a second go around, there might just be an upgrade and more stars in the ‘sky’. Aka, here on Goodreads.
After all, one can never get enough of the body-vibrating, soul-stirring and tantalisingly tingling ’My Queen’ from our Hades.
It might be farewell for now, but we will see these two again next year as things get even hotter in the next instalment, His in the Fire.
(P.S. The artistic rendition cover of this book? I shall see that she is mine. It’s a must for not only my hands to hold but to covet on my bookshelf. That is all.)
February 11, 2025
✩4
✦What to Expect✦
•Hades/Persephone retelling
•Dark romance
•He takes her
•Greek mythology
•”My Queen”
✦Characters✦
•Persephone
•Hades
✦Fav Quotes✦
She will be mine in every way. Every possible essence of her will bear my mark.
“Rage and possessiveness look beautiful on you.”
She was born to be a Goddess.
And she was born to rule.
✦Thoughts✦
My first Hades & Persephone retelling!
I couldn’t put this down! As always Willow crushes it and I’m so intrigued by this story!
Hades encouraging Persephone to find her power and calling her “my Queen” non stop… ate it up
That cliffhanger?!
I can’t wait for the next book!
✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable
✦What to Expect✦
•Hades/Persephone retelling
•Dark romance
•He takes her
•Greek mythology
•”My Queen”
✦Characters✦
•Persephone
•Hades
✦Fav Quotes✦
She will be mine in every way. Every possible essence of her will bear my mark.
“Rage and possessiveness look beautiful on you.”
She was born to be a Goddess.
And she was born to rule.
✦Thoughts✦
My first Hades & Persephone retelling!
I couldn’t put this down! As always Willow crushes it and I’m so intrigued by this story!
Hades encouraging Persephone to find her power and calling her “my Queen” non stop… ate it up
That cliffhanger?!
I can’t wait for the next book!
✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable
February 12, 2025
As the daughter of Zeus, Persephone should feel powerful but hers are waining. The only time she feels something is in her dreams at night. There is another within them and a powerful pull she can’t ignore but when this goddess of life is taken by Hades, the ruler of the underworld, what will become of her? He wants to show her how powerful she can be with him but what would be the consequences? This is the beginning of a dark retelling from greek mythology. A little slow to begin for me as we get the backstory of the g0ds but then it does pickup leaving you on quite the cliffhanger. Can Hades claim his Queen? I cannot wait to see what happens in this dark romance retelling. Told in first person and multiple POV
February 27, 2025
Thank you to Hambright for sending me a copy of the ebook of His in the Dark.
His in the Dark is a dark romance Hades and Persephone retelling that sticks fairly close to the Greek mythology (with the exception of Hades being her uncle– no incest here). Now, I am a big fan of Greek myth retellings but not a dark romance reader so I was rolling the dice with this one and have some mixed feelings after reading it.
First of all, this book ends on a cliffhanger. If that's not your thing you might want to wait until the second book comes out to pick it up.
Second, I don't know if this is a dark romance thing or a quirk of this novel but I needed more time with these two characters getting to know each other on page, post-kidnapping. I actually didn't mind how long it took for them to actually meet in person, especially knowing this is a multi-book story, but once they did meet, I needed more from their relationship than some Stockholm Syndrome. Persephone is struggling with her power and Hades keeps offering to help her with that. In this book a big part of that help comes from an intermediary, a witch who lives in Hades's realm, but I wanted him more involved.
I have learned to accept that most modern romance, especially indie modern romance, will be in first person, present tense. I have radically accepted that present tense is here to stay. But the present tense usage in this book felt weirdly detached from the characters themselves. I'm not sure how else to phrase that. The present tense novels I really like (Fourth Wing, Deep End, etc) all leverage the present tense POV for an immediacy in the action; to make the reader feel like they're right there, next to the narrator. It doesn't work for me when the verb tense feels immediate but the tone feels distant. I was also deeply irritated that it seemed like the author had never encountered the subjunctive mood before. All of the "woulda, coulda, shoulda" moments used simple past tense when the subjunctive was more appropriate and it drove me nuts.
I did really enjoy the exploration of the magic in this world. That was something fresh and new for me in a Hades and Persephone retelling. Usually the discussion of Persephone's power is less mystical but I liked the mysterious elements. I also thought the sex scenes were well written and incorporated into the characters' journeys.
Overall a mixed bag. 2.5 stars.
His in the Dark is a dark romance Hades and Persephone retelling that sticks fairly close to the Greek mythology (with the exception of Hades being her uncle– no incest here). Now, I am a big fan of Greek myth retellings but not a dark romance reader so I was rolling the dice with this one and have some mixed feelings after reading it.
First of all, this book ends on a cliffhanger. If that's not your thing you might want to wait until the second book comes out to pick it up.
Second, I don't know if this is a dark romance thing or a quirk of this novel but I needed more time with these two characters getting to know each other on page, post-kidnapping. I actually didn't mind how long it took for them to actually meet in person, especially knowing this is a multi-book story, but once they did meet, I needed more from their relationship than some Stockholm Syndrome. Persephone is struggling with her power and Hades keeps offering to help her with that. In this book a big part of that help comes from an intermediary, a witch who lives in Hades's realm, but I wanted him more involved.
I have learned to accept that most modern romance, especially indie modern romance, will be in first person, present tense. I have radically accepted that present tense is here to stay. But the present tense usage in this book felt weirdly detached from the characters themselves. I'm not sure how else to phrase that. The present tense novels I really like (Fourth Wing, Deep End, etc) all leverage the present tense POV for an immediacy in the action; to make the reader feel like they're right there, next to the narrator. It doesn't work for me when the verb tense feels immediate but the tone feels distant. I was also deeply irritated that it seemed like the author had never encountered the subjunctive mood before. All of the "woulda, coulda, shoulda" moments used simple past tense when the subjunctive was more appropriate and it drove me nuts.
I did really enjoy the exploration of the magic in this world. That was something fresh and new for me in a Hades and Persephone retelling. Usually the discussion of Persephone's power is less mystical but I liked the mysterious elements. I also thought the sex scenes were well written and incorporated into the characters' journeys.
Overall a mixed bag. 2.5 stars.
December 30, 2025
A quick and dark Hades and Persephone retelling. I enjoyed this rendition of their story.
Hades knows who he wants and why he wants her. He will do anything to make her see that she belongs to him. And that while he may have taken her somewhat unwillingly, he has given her every opportunity to make her own choices and choose him in return.
Hades knows who he wants and why he wants her. He will do anything to make her see that she belongs to him. And that while he may have taken her somewhat unwillingly, he has given her every opportunity to make her own choices and choose him in return.
February 14, 2025
E-Gods and Goddesses! I have always loved a dark retelling, and it’s even better when it comes from one of my favorite authors. Combining betrayal, power, and obsession, Ms. Winters gives a new take on the mythological tale of the fierce and tortured Hades, King of Death, and the innocent and resilient Persephone, Goddess of Life. Their romance has a dark edge and pulls you into the mysterious and chaotic Underworld with every twist and turn.
Hades—oh my god! His obsession with Persephone is both intense and ridiculously entertaining. He’s a god for crying out loud, but he’s got this deep yearning for her light amidst his dark, brooding nature. And let’s not forget Persephone, who is so torn between her own blossoming powers and Hades’s compelling dark desires. Their dynamic? It’s electric and something you don’t want to miss.
It’s intriguing to see how Persephone wrestles with what the world expects of her and what she wants. And Hades is not just a brooding god lurking in the shadows; he has plans for her! He wants her to rule the Underworld by his side as his Queen. He wants her at any cost, which will destroy the world around them.
This retelling dives deep into the struggle between light and dark. I found myself rooting for this unlikely couple, hoping they find a balance where they can coexist. The writing by Willow Winters is alluring and provocative, weaving a tapestry of passion and mystery that’s impossible to put down. However, there’s a catch, folks. I have been cliffhangered again and will have to wait to find out their destiny.
If you’re up for a thrilling ride with a misunderstood God and a fish-out-of-water Goddess, pick up this book and dive headfirst into the world of Hades and Persephone. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to Ms. Winters for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
Hades—oh my god! His obsession with Persephone is both intense and ridiculously entertaining. He’s a god for crying out loud, but he’s got this deep yearning for her light amidst his dark, brooding nature. And let’s not forget Persephone, who is so torn between her own blossoming powers and Hades’s compelling dark desires. Their dynamic? It’s electric and something you don’t want to miss.
It’s intriguing to see how Persephone wrestles with what the world expects of her and what she wants. And Hades is not just a brooding god lurking in the shadows; he has plans for her! He wants her to rule the Underworld by his side as his Queen. He wants her at any cost, which will destroy the world around them.
This retelling dives deep into the struggle between light and dark. I found myself rooting for this unlikely couple, hoping they find a balance where they can coexist. The writing by Willow Winters is alluring and provocative, weaving a tapestry of passion and mystery that’s impossible to put down. However, there’s a catch, folks. I have been cliffhangered again and will have to wait to find out their destiny.
If you’re up for a thrilling ride with a misunderstood God and a fish-out-of-water Goddess, pick up this book and dive headfirst into the world of Hades and Persephone. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to Ms. Winters for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
April 13, 2025
Hmmm... I found it dull. Basically too many descriptions and less dialogues. I didn't even notice why our girl here suddenly had a change of heart all of a sudden, since they barely communicate. I love a good chemistry and communication in my romance. Like, it is the bare minimum I would like to ask in my book. Is it too much to ask?
Anyway, I feel like this book didn't give me anything new to the mythology. Maybe we could expect more variation down the line but as a first book, it is a below average read for me.
Anyway, I feel like this book didn't give me anything new to the mythology. Maybe we could expect more variation down the line but as a first book, it is a below average read for me.
February 21, 2025
This was a new style read for me, I was interested to read it based on the Hades/Persephone retelling aspect. I think I expected this to be more of a complete twist like a modernized version of the story so that was my only hang-up. I loved the visual imagery of this one, somehow the words made me actually feel the cold. I loved Persephone's character development throughout the story, I'm interested in seeing how she handles things in book two after that cliffhanger.
Thanks to Willow Winters and Hambright PR for a copy of this read!
Thanks to Willow Winters and Hambright PR for a copy of this read!
February 13, 2025
⋆˚✿˖°♥❀ 𝗔 𝗥 𝗖 𝗥 𝗘 𝗩 𝗜 𝗘 𝗪! ❀♥˖°✿˚⋆
You’ll enjoy this book if you like these tropes… ♡
❥ Hades&Persephone Retelling
❥ Dark Romance
❥ Greek Mythology
❥ She’s His Queen & Only His
❥ Abduction
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ Paranormal/Fantasy
❥ Captive Romance
❥ Fated Mates
❥ Undeniable Chemistry
Willow Winters is one of my unicorn authors. A unicorn author to me is an author that I will automatically one-click. I don’t need to see the cover, blurb or anything. I just know that she is going to serve us something amazing in every book she releases and His In The Dark was no exception.
I’m not a big fan of Greek mythology but this retelling took me by surprise. I could not put it down. Willow raised the bar with this beauty. I was so intrigued with Hades and the underworld and Persephone and her power and magic. The connection and chemistry between Persephone and Hades is explosive, powerful and intense!
It seems as though the world is against them at every corner, but they are not ones to bow down and let them win and in the end, fate holds all the cards. Even though these two are opposites and are the most unlikely match, they truly are perfect for each other and I couldn’t help but cheer them on.
I’m not going to dive in any deeper. I will say though, if you love your spicy, dark romantic retellings then this book is for you. Willow Winters did not disappoint. No words can give this book justice. Once again, She hung me out to dry with this story. My stomach was in knots and I was all bent out of shape… and I loved every fucking minute of it. I don’t know how she does it.
This book was dark, it was twisted, it was mysterious, magical, gritty, suspenseful and intense. I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed!
FIVE STARS
✰✰✰✰✰
You’ll enjoy this book if you like these tropes… ♡
❥ Hades&Persephone Retelling
❥ Dark Romance
❥ Greek Mythology
❥ She’s His Queen & Only His
❥ Abduction
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ Paranormal/Fantasy
❥ Captive Romance
❥ Fated Mates
❥ Undeniable Chemistry
Willow Winters is one of my unicorn authors. A unicorn author to me is an author that I will automatically one-click. I don’t need to see the cover, blurb or anything. I just know that she is going to serve us something amazing in every book she releases and His In The Dark was no exception.
I’m not a big fan of Greek mythology but this retelling took me by surprise. I could not put it down. Willow raised the bar with this beauty. I was so intrigued with Hades and the underworld and Persephone and her power and magic. The connection and chemistry between Persephone and Hades is explosive, powerful and intense!
It seems as though the world is against them at every corner, but they are not ones to bow down and let them win and in the end, fate holds all the cards. Even though these two are opposites and are the most unlikely match, they truly are perfect for each other and I couldn’t help but cheer them on.
I’m not going to dive in any deeper. I will say though, if you love your spicy, dark romantic retellings then this book is for you. Willow Winters did not disappoint. No words can give this book justice. Once again, She hung me out to dry with this story. My stomach was in knots and I was all bent out of shape… and I loved every fucking minute of it. I don’t know how she does it.
This book was dark, it was twisted, it was mysterious, magical, gritty, suspenseful and intense. I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed!
FIVE STARS
✰✰✰✰✰
December 29, 2025
4⭐️ - I loved it
ARC Read
Willow Winters, my favourite author writing a book about my favourite story: Hades and Persephone. I had to read this book and I loved every minute of it. His in the Dark is a slow burn romance set in the world of the gods in ancient Greece with a true enemies to lovers trope. I loved the character development of the FMC and the growing relationship between the main characters. But above all, I loved the ancient greep world and mythology which was done right in this book.
I can’t wait for the next book!
ARC Read
Willow Winters, my favourite author writing a book about my favourite story: Hades and Persephone. I had to read this book and I loved every minute of it. His in the Dark is a slow burn romance set in the world of the gods in ancient Greece with a true enemies to lovers trope. I loved the character development of the FMC and the growing relationship between the main characters. But above all, I loved the ancient greep world and mythology which was done right in this book.
I can’t wait for the next book!
February 17, 2025
4⭐️
“With Persephone’s hand in mine, I am the same God I was before. And I am a God I have never met.”
Tropes
🥀 Persephone & Hades Retelling
🥀 "My Queen"
🥀 Abduction
🥀 Forced Proximity
🥀 Dark/Captive Romance
🥀 Fantasy aspects
Okay honestly, I swear this book isn't as dark as it sounds. It was an interesting read- though it was a step outside my comfort zone for sure. I've never read anything like this before, but I'm so happy I gave it a chance!
The chemistry and tension between Hades and Persephone were immaculate. Truly. I had no idea who I was rooting for, or if I was rooting for them both. The Greek mythology aspect of this drew me in so quickly. I'll be the first to admit that I knew of Hades and Persephone, but never understood their story! The author so effectively puts a twist on their story that even I, who didn't know much about these two, was able to become SO invested in their story.
I cannot wait for book 2! Maybe it's good that I don't know their story, it makes me even me excited and allows me to wonder what will happen next.
Fave Quotes
“Open your eyes, I order her silently. Open your eyes and let me see into the darkest parts of you… and the brightest. Let me see all of you.”
“They did not want her as she was. I crave her as she is presently and as what she will become. Mine.”
“My love will always be greater than my anger.”
“I will care for you,” he adds. “Even if you do not care for yourself.”
“The thought of losing her... I can’t bear it. Of her choosing to stay away if given the chance. Deep in the marrow of my bones I fear she would. That I haven’t provided enough to keep her. Or worse, that they take her from me and her father holding her captive as punishment. I cannot leave the Underworld. If she is taken… I will live an eternity of hell without her.”
“As if I will have to fight to come away with the information I need to protect my queen. And I would fight. I would tear down any realm if that is what it took to keep her at my side.”
“Despite my fears, I feel myself falling. Falling in love. Or maybe it is deeper than love. Maybe it is a love I did not know existed until I came to the Underworld.”
“With Persephone’s hand in mine, I am the same God I was before. And I am a God I have never met.”
“How could my feelings for him not grow? They do. They catch like a wildfire. And I can tell—I can feel—that his feelings are growing as well. Those emotions transform into something like peace. Something like being at home.”
“Persephone,” I say again, unable to stop myself. “My Lady. My Queen. My Love. My Goddess. You are every name that can come from my lips. You own everything I do and everything I am.”
“Everything you are?” Persephone asks, her eyes shining.
“You misunderstand, Persephone." I draw in another breath. The magic of the bond overwhelms me, but not as much as Persephone. "You are my everything. Everything.” I close the last inch between us and kiss her hard on the lips. That is the taste of my queen. That is my Persephone. "To me."
“She does not know how worthy of this she is. If the worlds burn and the Gods destroy one another, Persephone would be worth it. Because she is my Elysium. She is not just one version of heaven. She is not a fleeting ideal. She is the only place I will ever find rest or peace. She is the only place where touch is a haven. My only Elysium. My Persephone.”
“Nothing matters. Nothing matters but Persephone, and she is not here.”
“With Persephone’s hand in mine, I am the same God I was before. And I am a God I have never met.”
Tropes
🥀 Persephone & Hades Retelling
🥀 "My Queen"
🥀 Abduction
🥀 Forced Proximity
🥀 Dark/Captive Romance
🥀 Fantasy aspects
Okay honestly, I swear this book isn't as dark as it sounds. It was an interesting read- though it was a step outside my comfort zone for sure. I've never read anything like this before, but I'm so happy I gave it a chance!
The chemistry and tension between Hades and Persephone were immaculate. Truly. I had no idea who I was rooting for, or if I was rooting for them both. The Greek mythology aspect of this drew me in so quickly. I'll be the first to admit that I knew of Hades and Persephone, but never understood their story! The author so effectively puts a twist on their story that even I, who didn't know much about these two, was able to become SO invested in their story.
I cannot wait for book 2! Maybe it's good that I don't know their story, it makes me even me excited and allows me to wonder what will happen next.
Fave Quotes
“Open your eyes, I order her silently. Open your eyes and let me see into the darkest parts of you… and the brightest. Let me see all of you.”
“They did not want her as she was. I crave her as she is presently and as what she will become. Mine.”
“My love will always be greater than my anger.”
“I will care for you,” he adds. “Even if you do not care for yourself.”
“The thought of losing her... I can’t bear it. Of her choosing to stay away if given the chance. Deep in the marrow of my bones I fear she would. That I haven’t provided enough to keep her. Or worse, that they take her from me and her father holding her captive as punishment. I cannot leave the Underworld. If she is taken… I will live an eternity of hell without her.”
“As if I will have to fight to come away with the information I need to protect my queen. And I would fight. I would tear down any realm if that is what it took to keep her at my side.”
“Despite my fears, I feel myself falling. Falling in love. Or maybe it is deeper than love. Maybe it is a love I did not know existed until I came to the Underworld.”
“With Persephone’s hand in mine, I am the same God I was before. And I am a God I have never met.”
“How could my feelings for him not grow? They do. They catch like a wildfire. And I can tell—I can feel—that his feelings are growing as well. Those emotions transform into something like peace. Something like being at home.”
“Persephone,” I say again, unable to stop myself. “My Lady. My Queen. My Love. My Goddess. You are every name that can come from my lips. You own everything I do and everything I am.”
“Everything you are?” Persephone asks, her eyes shining.
“You misunderstand, Persephone." I draw in another breath. The magic of the bond overwhelms me, but not as much as Persephone. "You are my everything. Everything.” I close the last inch between us and kiss her hard on the lips. That is the taste of my queen. That is my Persephone. "To me."
“She does not know how worthy of this she is. If the worlds burn and the Gods destroy one another, Persephone would be worth it. Because she is my Elysium. She is not just one version of heaven. She is not a fleeting ideal. She is the only place I will ever find rest or peace. She is the only place where touch is a haven. My only Elysium. My Persephone.”
“Nothing matters. Nothing matters but Persephone, and she is not here.”
February 17, 2025
Kindle Unlimited: No
Stand-alone: No-Duet
Author: Willow Winters
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Hades and Persephone
Trope(s): Dark Romance, Hades and Persephone Retelling
I LOVE mythology. So, when I saw the blurb I was all in. Be aware that this is a duet and there will be a wait for the next book. This book carries the feel of Willow’s books. Detailed, angsty, tragic, haunting, with a very dominant MML. As the story builds, so does the heat. My heart hurt so much as the book ended. The cliffy hangover is real.
‘I am not only his queen when I am like this. I am also myself. It is the first time in many months that I have felt the power of my own body. And, I have needs and desires that no one else has ever brought out in me.’
Persephone is daughter to Zeus and Demeter. Living her life in Olympus slowly losing her powerful magic. Fearing what is to become of her. And, where she will call home.
She feels alone in her grief as she mourns what once was. But, in dreams she is not alone. He visits, his power strong.
Hades is the god of the Underworld, King of the Dead. All souls come through him.
All the other gods lived a life full of blessings, while he was alone for years. But, there is a silver lining- a gift to set him free from his isolated life. A queen promised to him.
The Fates have spoken.
Holding onto hope, Persephone searches through magic more time. The timing is perfect for Hades to make his move to save his queen.
He has watched her for years, pining and obsessing.
She fears submitting to him will have her lost to him.
Hades wants her to rule beside him. In his way he gives her the space, freedom, and time to see her reality. He wants her free from the lies she has been fed and free to embrace her power.
What Persephone cannot see is that there are people close to her that have betrayed her. Hades wants her strong and prepared when the time comes to face them.
Persephone slowly begins to acclimate. Slowly with help she relearns magic. She lets go of the fear keeping her from flourishing.
As Persephone and Hades grow closer Demeter is wreaking havoc trying to locate her daughter.
The Fates have spoken Persephone must rule her own fate. Finding her power will allow fate to find her.
Hades and Persephone are bonded. For all eternity they will be able to sense one another. Two halves of a whole.
Hades has risked all the worlds for her. But, Persephone must return to Olympus. All of their worlds are dependent on it.
Only Hades has strengthened their bond by offering her the seeds of the Underworld.
Stand-alone: No-Duet
Author: Willow Winters
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Hades and Persephone
Trope(s): Dark Romance, Hades and Persephone Retelling
I LOVE mythology. So, when I saw the blurb I was all in. Be aware that this is a duet and there will be a wait for the next book. This book carries the feel of Willow’s books. Detailed, angsty, tragic, haunting, with a very dominant MML. As the story builds, so does the heat. My heart hurt so much as the book ended. The cliffy hangover is real.
‘I am not only his queen when I am like this. I am also myself. It is the first time in many months that I have felt the power of my own body. And, I have needs and desires that no one else has ever brought out in me.’
Persephone is daughter to Zeus and Demeter. Living her life in Olympus slowly losing her powerful magic. Fearing what is to become of her. And, where she will call home.
She feels alone in her grief as she mourns what once was. But, in dreams she is not alone. He visits, his power strong.
Hades is the god of the Underworld, King of the Dead. All souls come through him.
All the other gods lived a life full of blessings, while he was alone for years. But, there is a silver lining- a gift to set him free from his isolated life. A queen promised to him.
The Fates have spoken.
Holding onto hope, Persephone searches through magic more time. The timing is perfect for Hades to make his move to save his queen.
He has watched her for years, pining and obsessing.
She fears submitting to him will have her lost to him.
Hades wants her to rule beside him. In his way he gives her the space, freedom, and time to see her reality. He wants her free from the lies she has been fed and free to embrace her power.
What Persephone cannot see is that there are people close to her that have betrayed her. Hades wants her strong and prepared when the time comes to face them.
Persephone slowly begins to acclimate. Slowly with help she relearns magic. She lets go of the fear keeping her from flourishing.
As Persephone and Hades grow closer Demeter is wreaking havoc trying to locate her daughter.
The Fates have spoken Persephone must rule her own fate. Finding her power will allow fate to find her.
Hades and Persephone are bonded. For all eternity they will be able to sense one another. Two halves of a whole.
Hades has risked all the worlds for her. But, Persephone must return to Olympus. All of their worlds are dependent on it.
Only Hades has strengthened their bond by offering her the seeds of the Underworld.
March 30, 2025
3.25⭐
A dark Hades & Persephone retelling with Beauty and the Beast vibes!! I am a sucker for a Greek mythology retelling and this was another good one!!
Blurb:
Persephone feels she is losing her powers in Olympus. She believes she has finally found a way to get them back, and stronger, until she is taken in the night. Taken to the Underworld. To Hades.
Hades knew Persephone was made for him. He knew she was meant to rule beside him and be with him for the rest of time. He had to have her. When she is brought to the Underworld, he has her right where he wants her.
He feels the desire immediately. Persephone doesn't know what these feelings are for her captor, but she feels the pull to his world and the sin he encapsulates.
Review:
This was a good version of the Hades & Persephone retelling that had all the tension, war, spice, and world-building. I did think that it moved a little slow at points. We really didn't get to see the two characters really build together.
I loved seeing Persephone come into her power and realize that she's stronger than she thinks. Her character growth was really interesting and to see her truly be the goddess she is.
Hades felt like he was just beyond obsessed with Persephone, so their connection didn't feel as authentic as it could've.
The climax of the book was in the last few chapters which was a little disappointing but the cliffhanger ending makes me excited for the next book!!
Check out His in the Dark if you like:
🖤Dark Romance
🚪Forced Proximity
🔥Spicy Greek Mythology Retelling
⛓️Captor/Captive
A dark Hades & Persephone retelling with Beauty and the Beast vibes!! I am a sucker for a Greek mythology retelling and this was another good one!!
Blurb:
Persephone feels she is losing her powers in Olympus. She believes she has finally found a way to get them back, and stronger, until she is taken in the night. Taken to the Underworld. To Hades.
Hades knew Persephone was made for him. He knew she was meant to rule beside him and be with him for the rest of time. He had to have her. When she is brought to the Underworld, he has her right where he wants her.
He feels the desire immediately. Persephone doesn't know what these feelings are for her captor, but she feels the pull to his world and the sin he encapsulates.
Review:
This was a good version of the Hades & Persephone retelling that had all the tension, war, spice, and world-building. I did think that it moved a little slow at points. We really didn't get to see the two characters really build together.
I loved seeing Persephone come into her power and realize that she's stronger than she thinks. Her character growth was really interesting and to see her truly be the goddess she is.
Hades felt like he was just beyond obsessed with Persephone, so their connection didn't feel as authentic as it could've.
The climax of the book was in the last few chapters which was a little disappointing but the cliffhanger ending makes me excited for the next book!!
Check out His in the Dark if you like:
🖤Dark Romance
🚪Forced Proximity
🔥Spicy Greek Mythology Retelling
⛓️Captor/Captive
December 17, 2025
I devoured it. Dark, decadent, and dripping with spice. This is “touch her and die” taken to its most lethal extreme. We see this trope everywhere with mortals, but when Hades himself is the one making the threat? There is no higher authority, no greater danger, no escape. He is the Underworld and he will burn worlds to keep Persephone. What truly sold me is that this actually earns the dark romance label. Not just in name, but in intent. The darkness lies in what Hades is willing to do, the lines he will obliterate, and the ruthlessness he embraces to keep Persephone by his side. And honestly? It fits him perfectly. Watching Persephone not only survive but thrive in the Underworld, rediscovering her magic, reshaping herself into something powerful and new was incredibly satisfying. The spice? Off the charts. Hades’s desperation for her submission is intense, possessive, and somehow intoxicating even to Persephone herself.As the stakes rise, so does the tension. Persephone’s magic fades on Olympus yet blooms in the Underworld, hinting at truths she doesn’t yet understand. Meanwhile, Hades faces a looming, world-ending war as Demeter and Zeus demand Persephone’s return. His refusal throws the balance of life and death into chaos, flooding the Underworld with souls and threatening irreversible destruction. And then that ending. A brutal, cruel cliffhanger that had me genuinely mad for a hot second until I realized there’s more to come. Needless to say, I am desperate for the next book. 🔥🖤
February 15, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
🖤His In The Dark
✨by Willow Winters
🖤available NOW!
Get ready for a compelling and dark retelling of Hades x Persephone! 🖤🔥 from the moment I started this book, I was SAT. I finished it in no time, loving the build up with every page!
✨Persephone, daughter of Zeus, is struggling with her magic and she can feel her powers draining by the minute. She starts having dreams about a mysterious man surrounded by darkness… and eventually comes face to face with him. Only, he’s not just an ordinary man, the handsome face of darkness belongs to none other than Hades himself.
🖤Hades is more than willing to take Persephone to the Underworld with the preface of her becoming his Queen to rule alongside him. His instant attraction and loyalty toward Persephone is something otherworldly and she is determined to resist him in every way.
✨Contrary to everything Persephone says she wants and longs for, she feels herself being drawn to the darkness as Hades awakens part of her she didn’t even know existed.
🖤This Hades x Persephone retelling was captivating from the get go with such a well crafted narrative that keeps you invested and wanting more. If you love Greek mythology, dark romance, fated mates and more, definitely give this one a read! Willow did a remarkable job creating this world and I can’t wait for book 2!!
TROPES:
- Dark Romance
- Hades x Persephone retelling
- Greek mythology
- Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Fated Mates
✨Thank you so much to Willow Winters and Hambright PR for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!
🖤His In The Dark
✨by Willow Winters
🖤available NOW!
Get ready for a compelling and dark retelling of Hades x Persephone! 🖤🔥 from the moment I started this book, I was SAT. I finished it in no time, loving the build up with every page!
✨Persephone, daughter of Zeus, is struggling with her magic and she can feel her powers draining by the minute. She starts having dreams about a mysterious man surrounded by darkness… and eventually comes face to face with him. Only, he’s not just an ordinary man, the handsome face of darkness belongs to none other than Hades himself.
🖤Hades is more than willing to take Persephone to the Underworld with the preface of her becoming his Queen to rule alongside him. His instant attraction and loyalty toward Persephone is something otherworldly and she is determined to resist him in every way.
✨Contrary to everything Persephone says she wants and longs for, she feels herself being drawn to the darkness as Hades awakens part of her she didn’t even know existed.
🖤This Hades x Persephone retelling was captivating from the get go with such a well crafted narrative that keeps you invested and wanting more. If you love Greek mythology, dark romance, fated mates and more, definitely give this one a read! Willow did a remarkable job creating this world and I can’t wait for book 2!!
TROPES:
- Dark Romance
- Hades x Persephone retelling
- Greek mythology
- Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Fated Mates
✨Thank you so much to Willow Winters and Hambright PR for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!
March 2, 2025
Willow Winters has never once failed to pull me in. Her books are quick, intensely spicy, and filled with some dangerously seductive characters. Whether it’s bikers and small towns, mafia bosses, or even gods, Winters knows how to craft a world that lures you in and doesn’t let go.
What stood out most to me in His in the Dark was how different it felt from what I’ve read by her so far. This wasn’t just a spicy retelling—it was an incredibly spicy retelling, and I was obsessed with how true it stayed to the original details. So often, retellings twist things beyond recognition, but this one? It honored its roots while bringing a dark, sultry edge that made it impossible to put down. This was a true retelling, and one that deserves to be recognized.
Willow Winters also knows how to deliver when it comes to dark romance, and His in the Dark is no exception. The tension, the push and pull, the undeniable chemistry—it all builds into a story that’s as seductive as it is consuming. There’s a delicious intensity to the way the characters interact, that perfect blend of danger and desire that makes dark romance so addictive. If you love your stories with a little bite, a lot of heat, and an irresistible edge of darkness, this one absolutely delivers.
Thank you so much Hambright PR and Willow Winters for gifting me with an early copy!
What stood out most to me in His in the Dark was how different it felt from what I’ve read by her so far. This wasn’t just a spicy retelling—it was an incredibly spicy retelling, and I was obsessed with how true it stayed to the original details. So often, retellings twist things beyond recognition, but this one? It honored its roots while bringing a dark, sultry edge that made it impossible to put down. This was a true retelling, and one that deserves to be recognized.
Willow Winters also knows how to deliver when it comes to dark romance, and His in the Dark is no exception. The tension, the push and pull, the undeniable chemistry—it all builds into a story that’s as seductive as it is consuming. There’s a delicious intensity to the way the characters interact, that perfect blend of danger and desire that makes dark romance so addictive. If you love your stories with a little bite, a lot of heat, and an irresistible edge of darkness, this one absolutely delivers.
Thank you so much Hambright PR and Willow Winters for gifting me with an early copy!
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February 12, 2025His In The Dark by Willow Winters is a dark and steamy retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. The story follows a young woman whose powers are fading, and her life gets flipped upside down when a mysterious man from the Underworld shows up. Despite the fear she feels, there’s a pull between them that she can’t ignore.
Hades is intense and obsessed with Persephone, wanting her submission but also captivated by her light. Persephone struggles with her powers and beliefs, but she’s drawn to the darkness Hades offers. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their relationship is fiery from start to finish.
This book does a great job of mixing magic, desire, and the clash between light and dark. The world-building is solid, and the characters, especially the main ones, are well-developed. The ending leaves you wanting more, with a cliffhanger that makes you eager to know what happens next.
If you enjoy dark romance with a mythological twist, His In The Dark is a must-read. It’s intense, spicy, and impossible to put down.
᪥ Fantasy
᪥ Dark Romance
᪥ Close Proximity
᪥ Hades x Persephone
᪥ Greek Mythology
᪥ Cliffhanger
Hades is intense and obsessed with Persephone, wanting her submission but also captivated by her light. Persephone struggles with her powers and beliefs, but she’s drawn to the darkness Hades offers. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their relationship is fiery from start to finish.
This book does a great job of mixing magic, desire, and the clash between light and dark. The world-building is solid, and the characters, especially the main ones, are well-developed. The ending leaves you wanting more, with a cliffhanger that makes you eager to know what happens next.
If you enjoy dark romance with a mythological twist, His In The Dark is a must-read. It’s intense, spicy, and impossible to put down.
᪥ Fantasy
᪥ Dark Romance
᪥ Close Proximity
᪥ Hades x Persephone
᪥ Greek Mythology
᪥ Cliffhanger
February 26, 2025
I read a Hades Persephone retelling last year & loved it…now I’m trying to read them all
If you know the story of Hades & Persephone this one followed suite…Hades loved Persephone & would do whatever it took to make her his queen…it took Persephone a bit of time to decide if she was worthy of being a Queen & being loved
Strings were pulled & feelings were hurt….what happens when you hurt the feelings of a goddess…uh mass destruction at its finest
Just when we were getting down to business we are left with a cliffhanger….come on 2026 because I need the next book now
While Willow Winters is known for writing some smutty books…she’s also known for painting a picture with her words….& she painted quite the picture in this one….we had a time bit of open door with a ton of plot
Give this retelling a read & check out A Deal For a Kiss prior to reading this one….it shows you a brief glimpse of what you’re in for
If you know the story of Hades & Persephone this one followed suite…Hades loved Persephone & would do whatever it took to make her his queen…it took Persephone a bit of time to decide if she was worthy of being a Queen & being loved
Strings were pulled & feelings were hurt….what happens when you hurt the feelings of a goddess…uh mass destruction at its finest
Just when we were getting down to business we are left with a cliffhanger….come on 2026 because I need the next book now
While Willow Winters is known for writing some smutty books…she’s also known for painting a picture with her words….& she painted quite the picture in this one….we had a time bit of open door with a ton of plot
Give this retelling a read & check out A Deal For a Kiss prior to reading this one….it shows you a brief glimpse of what you’re in for
December 18, 2025
I love Willow Winters and I’ve mostly read her BeedeeSM books, but I was still so excited to read this one because Hades and Persephone was my favourite Greek myth, as I was a Greek myth and Persy Jackson girl growing up. If you want a retelling that actually follows a lot of the original story, then read this one because I was really shocked at how the story was so similar but so different (usually retellings are very modified like A Touch Of Darkness). This one plot was amazing! Hades kidnaps Persephone as the story goes but from there it just gets really intense. I love Persephone has got that fiery spirit in her and although Hades is trying o make her submit, she ends up really bonding Hades to her own will. Hades is very whipped and basically will rage war to keep her. Awww isn’t he such a sweetheart? The plot gets really dramatic as their time together starts running out and Demeter is out to find hers. The ending was a heartbreaking cliffhanger and now I can’t wait for the next book in the duology! And obviously we can’t get the iconic scene in mythology where she turns Minthe into a mint plant for flirting with her man.
February 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Hades x Persephone Retelling
🖤Abduction
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Dark Romance
Thank you so much Willow and her team for letting me read this book early!
I love a good retelling, and when I heard Willow was writing a Hades x Persephone dark romance I immediately got excited!
The story was super interesting! The Duel POV was very good, and I also enjoy getting a couple other POV’s as well! The spice was of course great (it’s Willow) and the chemistry was 🥵
I enjoyed learning the background of Hades and the Underworld. I also enjoyed the plot with Persephone and her magic. The connection between the God of Death and the Goddess of Life was breathtaking. I cannot wait to continue the story in the next book and see what happens with their love story and if they get a HEA. Definitely recommend to ANY dark romance lover!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Hades x Persephone Retelling
🖤Abduction
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Dark Romance
Thank you so much Willow and her team for letting me read this book early!
I love a good retelling, and when I heard Willow was writing a Hades x Persephone dark romance I immediately got excited!
The story was super interesting! The Duel POV was very good, and I also enjoy getting a couple other POV’s as well! The spice was of course great (it’s Willow) and the chemistry was 🥵
I enjoyed learning the background of Hades and the Underworld. I also enjoyed the plot with Persephone and her magic. The connection between the God of Death and the Goddess of Life was breathtaking. I cannot wait to continue the story in the next book and see what happens with their love story and if they get a HEA. Definitely recommend to ANY dark romance lover!
March 19, 2025
⭐️3.5🌶️3💧0
📗 Greek Mythology
📕 Hades & Persephone
📘 Dark Romance
📙Forced Proximity
📚Cliffhanger Ending
This book felt like it dragged on. The world building at the beginning felt slooooowww. Once she finally entered the underworld things finally start to pick up but the journey to get there was, for lack of a better word, boring. I often found myself skipping sections.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book once things picked up. But it was a struggle
#hisinthedark #willowwinters #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
📗 Greek Mythology
📕 Hades & Persephone
📘 Dark Romance
📙Forced Proximity
📚Cliffhanger Ending
This book felt like it dragged on. The world building at the beginning felt slooooowww. Once she finally entered the underworld things finally start to pick up but the journey to get there was, for lack of a better word, boring. I often found myself skipping sections.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book once things picked up. But it was a struggle
#hisinthedark #willowwinters #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
February 13, 2025
I am a sucker for a Greek Mythology retelling but especially one for Hades and Persephone. Willow does a great job writing provocative yet attention grabbing stories.
Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Her powers are fading and she is unsure what to do. Hades is obsessed with Persephone. Her light calls to his dark and he won’t stop until he has her. Which in his mind means he obviously needs to take her.
Please make sure to check your triggers and be aware that this does end on a cliffhanger.
Tropes You Will Love:
✨ Hades/Persephone Retelling
✨Forced Proximity
✨Dark Romance
✨Abduction
Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Her powers are fading and she is unsure what to do. Hades is obsessed with Persephone. Her light calls to his dark and he won’t stop until he has her. Which in his mind means he obviously needs to take her.
Please make sure to check your triggers and be aware that this does end on a cliffhanger.
Tropes You Will Love:
✨ Hades/Persephone Retelling
✨Forced Proximity
✨Dark Romance
✨Abduction
February 16, 2025
Willow how could you! I have to wait a whole year to read the next one!
I will forever and always love Hades and Persephone retelling! This one hit hard I absolutely loved it. It’s over 300 pages but I literally couldn’t put it down. I finished it in under 12 hours. Yes it’s that good!
I loved the twist on the story. It made it different from all the rest of the same retellings. Hades will always be a hot shadow daddy. Thank you so much Willow and Hambright for this ARC!
I will forever and always love Hades and Persephone retelling! This one hit hard I absolutely loved it. It’s over 300 pages but I literally couldn’t put it down. I finished it in under 12 hours. Yes it’s that good!
I loved the twist on the story. It made it different from all the rest of the same retellings. Hades will always be a hot shadow daddy. Thank you so much Willow and Hambright for this ARC!
February 18, 2025
Received this as an ARC
I loved it, I can't believe y'all left me with a cliffhanger though. I cannot wait for the next book!
I can already feel Persephone is going to badass and powerful, no matter if its her powers, magic or just her simple presence. I haven't read a Willow Winters book before this and was expecting a littleeee more spice or descriptive scenes, but then again maybe I'm just a hoe x
☾ Dark Romance
☾ Hades/Persephone Retelling
☾ He kidnaps her
☾ Forced Proximity
☾ Rediscovering her power
☾ Underworld Politics
I loved it, I can't believe y'all left me with a cliffhanger though. I cannot wait for the next book!
I can already feel Persephone is going to badass and powerful, no matter if its her powers, magic or just her simple presence. I haven't read a Willow Winters book before this and was expecting a littleeee more spice or descriptive scenes, but then again maybe I'm just a hoe x
☾ Dark Romance
☾ Hades/Persephone Retelling
☾ He kidnaps her
☾ Forced Proximity
☾ Rediscovering her power
☾ Underworld Politics
February 21, 2025
When it comes to Willow Winters I’m reading it ALL!
She never ceases to amaze me with her master craftsmanship of storytelling.
And in this retelling, you will find a combination of intense twist and turns, forbidden romance (my kryptonite), magic and war & an overall captivating storyline. I was sucked right in from page one!
This is absolutely a must read! Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for the advanced reading copy.
She never ceases to amaze me with her master craftsmanship of storytelling.
And in this retelling, you will find a combination of intense twist and turns, forbidden romance (my kryptonite), magic and war & an overall captivating storyline. I was sucked right in from page one!
This is absolutely a must read! Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for the advanced reading copy.
February 14, 2025
I love this Hades x Persephone retelling! Hades is down bad for Persephone! His obsession seems selfish until we realize he genuinely loves and believes in Persephone. Their passion runs hot as they try to navigate through the loss of her powers. Fate is pulling them together, but not without a fight. I am beyond excited for book 2!
December 19, 2025
I am so excited for book two!!
This was such an incredible read! I just couldn’t put it down.
This story was filled with romance, hate to love (on her part👀), steamy scenes, secrets and action and that ending has got me BEGGING for more!
I’m completely in love with the characters the FMC is stubborn, badass and kind, and I mean who doesn’t love a woman that turns others that tries to take your man away into plants 👀🤭
And the MMC… well where do I even start? I would crawl over glass and lava bare skinned for this man 🫠 He might be a villain to some but to me hes the morally grey hero any girl dreams of!
✨Tropes✨
⚔️Hades x Persephone Retelling
🥀Touch Her And Perish
⚔️Ladynapping (for her own good👀)
🥀Stubborn FMC
⚔️Obsessed MMC
This was such an incredible read! I just couldn’t put it down.
This story was filled with romance, hate to love (on her part👀), steamy scenes, secrets and action and that ending has got me BEGGING for more!
I’m completely in love with the characters the FMC is stubborn, badass and kind, and I mean who doesn’t love a woman that turns others that tries to take your man away into plants 👀🤭
And the MMC… well where do I even start? I would crawl over glass and lava bare skinned for this man 🫠 He might be a villain to some but to me hes the morally grey hero any girl dreams of!
✨Tropes✨
⚔️Hades x Persephone Retelling
🥀Touch Her And Perish
⚔️Ladynapping (for her own good👀)
🥀Stubborn FMC
⚔️Obsessed MMC
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