Tempted by Hades

Gods and Beasts #1

by Adilyn Andrews, Alicia Montgomery

Hades, the brooding and overlooked god of the Underworld discovers a shocking truth—his birthright to rule Olympus was unjustly snatched away. To reclaim his place, he must expose the betrayal that denied him his destiny. The key to the revelation lies within one Persephone, the Goddess of Spring.

Persephone, a vibrant and independent goddess with a flourishing plant shop in the Upperworld, yearns to escape the stifling clutches of her overprotective mother, Demeter. Little does she know that her chance for freedom lies in Hades. Proposing a tantalizing escape to the Underworld, Hades offers her a life beyond the confines of her overbearing mother.

As Persephone embraces the shadows of the Underworld, an unexpected romance blossoms between the god of the dead and the goddess of spring. Love, however, proves to be a complicated force as Hades grapples with the conflicting demands of his heart and his quest for justice. With each stolen moment in the depths of the Underworld, their connection deepens, and the boundaries between duty and desire blur.In this contemporary reimagining of the classic myth, the first book of the Gods and Beasts series features a full-length steamy standalone Greek retelling that blends paranormal and fantasy romance elements. It features a grumpy god, the goddess who melts his heart, plus action, steamy and spicy moments, and a guaranteed HEA!

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Fantasy Romance

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2024

Reviews

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new project for Alicia Montgomery. I loved Hades and Persephone. He is the dark to her light.
I'm not familiar with the other author. I could tell the difference I believe in the writing. I think describing everything in minute detail is unnecessary and takes away from the book. I feel like this is from the other author and not Alicia. There's nothing wrong with that and some readers love that. There wasn't as much action as you normally get from Alicia's writing style either. Over all I gave it 4 stars.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit to really enjoying pantheon stories. And I think one of the things I love the most is the vast difference from each author in how they see the gods, especially the Greek gods. Montgomery and Andrews' version of Hades and Persephone really pulled me in. If you are familiar with Greek mythology, many of the characters will be recognizable, but while some of thier tales seem to have happened back in ancient times, Hades was in a holding pattern until he has to find the goddess of spring to bring his plans to fruition.
Their story feels very slow burn as they both discover why they really need each other. As we get to know the characters, we also get to see the world they are in grow. There are some amazing story building that I am sure will be part of an overarching plot. I am really looking forward to see where they will take this series.

[Maritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mythology has long been a keen interest of mine with reading being another passion. This book seemlessly joined my two favoirites into one Romantasy book featuring Hades, God of the Underworld. Hades, sets out to find the Goddess of Spring, Persephone, after a Seer says she must be brought to him to reveal a secret. It was very interesting to see how the author merged the Gods into modern society while still keeping true to what I learned in my Mythology classes. The concept of deitites living amount us is very interesting and they are portrayed as having human faults and experiences. We get to see a lot of the Gods and Goddesses of Mythology and the book never loses interest. I would like to read more of these kinds of books and would recommend for anyone who shares similar interests to mine.

[Tara Heilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Hades and Persephone has been told many times. And I've read a lot of them. This was a completely fresh take on mythology. I always love an author mixes modern times with beliefs of the gods from long ago. These two authors have come together with a great new series. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. Hades had so many layers to peel away. Persephone, while a bit naive, she trusted her feelings and instincts. Orthrus was such a great addition. The secondary characters also played a huge part in the story. This is a must read for PNR fans and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book. I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern day twist on Hades and Persephone. This story is filled with all the Greek gods and goddesses you love or love to hate. Hades was on a quest and needs a certain goddess. Persephone is a sweet goddess who runs a flower shop in NYC. The story brings I lot of romance and also the drama the gods are known for. We get a unique view of the underworld and it may just surprise you. I loved the friends they have and how they brought the extra humor to the story. The story has so many wonderful characters and I loved the plot. Definitely want more mythology after reading this one.

[Mary Puthoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

If you like mythology but want a little twist, this is your book.
This book takes the old tales and puts a little extra in them.
It follows the tale of Hades and Persephone pretty close. It adds in shifters (my favorite) and Mom issues ( who can’t relate). There is also a hound.
This book will keep you reading. I may have been late to work because I lost track of time. I also stayed up way too late. It will not disappoint and you will be left anxiously waiting for the next one.
I wholeheartedly recommend it!

[Debbie Maude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating re telling of the myth of Hades and Persephone in a modernist setting. Hades is an extremely handsome God and, of course, Persephone is stunningly beautiful. After meeting in modern day New York their story has unusual trials and tribulations from the Underworld and a jealous nymph. Beautifully written. I recommend this to all readers of romance, I had trouble putting it down.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! I love reading about the Greek Gods especially Hades and this more modern version was just fantastic! I loved that Persephone was so strong and independent! She was a great match for Hades! There were some really great characters in this wonderfully written story! I couldn’t put this book down it was so enjoyable and interesting! Very highly recommend and I can’t wait for the next one! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hades is brooding and feels overlooked and he deserves more. A seers tells him he had a secret but he had to get with Perephone. She is a vibrant and independent goddess with a protective mother that they own a flourishing flower shop. Hades meets her and they feel a connection but he feels guilty about his secrets and don't know how to tell her. He takes her Underworld and she feels safe there and the people like her

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing telling of Hades and Persephone in a modern setting. It is a well written tale that drew me in and had twists and turns that connected me to Hades and Persephone as I cheered them on to getting their chance for a happily ever after.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted by Hades By Alicia Montgomery: Gods and Beasts Book 1 and this is Hades and Persephone romance story..The brooding and overlooked God of the Underworld and his Goddess,the Goddess of Spring who brought happiness and ligntness to his kingdom..A great book,intriguing,interesting,exciting,with lies,betrayals and secret..

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is a great reworking of the Hades and Persephone story. Hades has always felt he has existed on the outside where Olympus and the other Gods are concerned. When he needs the help of the Goddess of Spring. But can a relationship survived be built on lies of omission. I love this story Hades and Persephone are well written and passionate and only Gods can be.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoy the retelling of Hades and Persephone love story. I especially liked the modern twist setting in this one. With all the twist and turn definitely made for a interesting and entertaining read. Can't wait for the next book in this great series. As always my reviews are totally voluntary. No monetary compensation was received. The opinions I have expressed are completely my own.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique perspective

This is a different type of story for Ms. Montgomery but her style shines through. As I have enjoyed her other series, this collaboration with Ms. Andrews included similar levels of world building and character development. I truly enjoyed their interpretation of Hades and Persephone and look forward to the next book in this series.

[Robin R Finch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too predictable

Normally I really enjoy reading others twists on mythology. Sadly, this story left a lot to be desired. There were a few grammatical errors, several times the storyline got jumbled, and the spice factor was about a 1. Too many times the same words were used excessively. I gave it 3 stars but actually it should be 2 1/2.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

entertaining retelling

This was a wonderful retelling of Hades. I enjoyed it though it took me a few pages to really get into it. I’m definitely curious about how the stories play out in future books.

[Evee C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted by Hades was an amazing read, I loved Greek Mythology in school and was so excited to see one of my favorite authors Alicia write a modern spin book with Hades and Persephone. I love the twist and turns of the book and I definitely was not disappointed. I can’t wait for follow up books in mythology love stories.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone with a modern twist. Persephone is a strong independent woman who falls for the darkly handsome God of the underworld. However, there are secrets and lies which nearly undermine their romance. Wonderfully written with great characters.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was Surprisingly Good!!

I love mythology, romance and paranormal so I decided to read this Book 📕 and couldn’t put down. I can’t wait to read Gods and Beasts Book Two and I definitely recommend reading Tempted by Hades! 🩷

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was strange and hate third person pov which this was. This was also sooo boring I barely got through it took 3 days! Also it was childish but then with spice, so confused such a strange strange book.

✔️dual pov third person
✔️spice

[Laura Beltran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic

This is the first book in a series of connected Stan alone stories. I was hooked from start to finish. I loved this modern retelling of a classic Greek myth. The characters were fantastically and I'm excited to read book two

[Cait M]

DNF @ 62% That was generous. I started skimming about 3 chapters earlier, but was hoping things would improve... they didn't.

The writing is clunky. Persephone is juvenile and one-dimensional. Hades is a complete simp without any plot to help the story along.

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow

I liked the first few chapters and the last few chapters. The book seemed to drag on and I ended up skipping chapters just to get thru. I liked Persephone, Hades, and Apollo. Great characters.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story.. I absolutely loved it!! Hades and Persephone have always been a favorite couple, and this retelling does them proud.. Sweet and sexy, romantic and addictive! Wonderful characters..

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is different story that Ms. Montgomery normally writes and was written with another author. The book is great and enjoyed every bit of it. Can’t wait until the next one.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked most about Hades was his recognition that it wasn't all about him. He messed up with Persephone, made a huge gesture that was personal in nature, and worked to gain back her trust.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different take on the myth about Hades and Persephone love.
Set in modern times. Conflict with the other Gods.
Good story and characters
Voluntarily reviewed.

[Zoe Jones-Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting new take on how Hades and Persephone came together. Whilst the story was OK, I couldn’t connect with the book. Unfortunately for me it did not have the wow factor I was expecting.

[Wendy Ihnat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely different take on the Gods. I love how they took the past and mixed it with modern... Good read for me, I now see Hades in a different light.

[Petro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this story enjoyable. Lots of turns and twists.