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Rakes and Ruin
Seduced
Poppy and Lord Hades
Lord Hades owns a gaming hell that sprawls underneath the city of London like the underworld. It is no the Hell Club is notorious all over Europe. Peers and millionaires travel from Vienna and Paris to enjoy the Turkish baths or play cards with the great political leaders of other countries.
Money and power exchange hands nightly underneath the sparkling ballrooms and gentlemen’s clubs, and no one knows. Until Hades discovers a boy sent to spy on him. But the boy is not a boy.
And she will pay.
Seduced is a dark and sparkling romantic story inspired by Greek myths, folklore and fairytales, as well as by the glittering world and the roguish gentlemen of Regency London.
It might look like a quick, fun read, but don’t be this story is going to break your heart into a million pieces.
Information on this
Seduced, a dark Regency romance retelling of Hades and Persephone is part of the Retold fairytale retellings collection. It is the third of the three stories included in that book, but here you can read the story by itself. It is a shorter book and a standalone. It is being published separately due to popular demand.
If you prefer, you can find Seduced as well as two more dark fairytale retellings included in one volume Retold.
*Important This book has already been published as part of the A Regency Fairytale Retellings Collection (Rakes and Ruin) book. This is a separate sole book release of the same book that is included in that collection, with no changes.
Lord Hades owns a gaming hell that sprawls underneath the city of London like the underworld. It is no the Hell Club is notorious all over Europe. Peers and millionaires travel from Vienna and Paris to enjoy the Turkish baths or play cards with the great political leaders of other countries.
Money and power exchange hands nightly underneath the sparkling ballrooms and gentlemen’s clubs, and no one knows. Until Hades discovers a boy sent to spy on him. But the boy is not a boy.
And she will pay.
Seduced is a dark and sparkling romantic story inspired by Greek myths, folklore and fairytales, as well as by the glittering world and the roguish gentlemen of Regency London.
It might look like a quick, fun read, but don’t be this story is going to break your heart into a million pieces.
Information on this
Seduced, a dark Regency romance retelling of Hades and Persephone is part of the Retold fairytale retellings collection. It is the third of the three stories included in that book, but here you can read the story by itself. It is a shorter book and a standalone. It is being published separately due to popular demand.
If you prefer, you can find Seduced as well as two more dark fairytale retellings included in one volume Retold.
*Important This book has already been published as part of the A Regency Fairytale Retellings Collection (Rakes and Ruin) book. This is a separate sole book release of the same book that is included in that collection, with no changes.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
27 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Frank
38 books552 followers Welcome to the world of M.C. FRANK's books, where characters aren't going to have an easy time of it: They will find themselves in icy-cold dystopian worlds where kissing is forbidden (among other things), or in green forests ruled by evil Sheriffs. If they're in Jane Austen's England, they have to be running away from a traumatic childhood, or if they are in our contemporary world, they're scared they'll die before they have finished high school. That sort of thing.
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 5, 2024
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT SEDUCED by M C Frank. The beautiful cover, because of the butterfly, makes me think of my mother. She loves butterflies. The title made me think there would be some hot lovin’, but the seduction was so much different than I thought it would be and I am always up for something different, when it works well. The blurb, I want to read anything about the Lord of Hell. It made me think of Lucifer, the TV series. It was the same….but different and I read until the early hours of the morning because I had to know how it would end.
The cruelty of Poppy’s hypocritical, vicar brother is beyond comprehension. He has browbeat Poppy to submission, to believing that she is undeserving…of anything good in her life.
I love the part about Poppy’s period. I don’t often read a novel where it goes into that much detail and Hades reaction was sweet.
I love when Poppy says, “You do realize that I am right here.” There was a time when she would never have commented, where she felt that anything she had to say was worthless.
It was fabulous watching all the characters grow and change, becoming more than they were before Poppy came into their lives and how they affected Poppy herself, allowing her to become the person she was meant to be.
Of course, if we have Hades, we need God to make an appearance, at least in thought.
The only downside to the story was the ending, which had me urging Hades and Wilder to dig faster, seemed rushed and we don’t find out what happened to Nicholas. But, hey, that’s a story for another day.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Seduced by M C Frank.
The cruelty of Poppy’s hypocritical, vicar brother is beyond comprehension. He has browbeat Poppy to submission, to believing that she is undeserving…of anything good in her life.
I love the part about Poppy’s period. I don’t often read a novel where it goes into that much detail and Hades reaction was sweet.
I love when Poppy says, “You do realize that I am right here.” There was a time when she would never have commented, where she felt that anything she had to say was worthless.
It was fabulous watching all the characters grow and change, becoming more than they were before Poppy came into their lives and how they affected Poppy herself, allowing her to become the person she was meant to be.
Of course, if we have Hades, we need God to make an appearance, at least in thought.
The only downside to the story was the ending, which had me urging Hades and Wilder to dig faster, seemed rushed and we don’t find out what happened to Nicholas. But, hey, that’s a story for another day.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Seduced by M C Frank.
July 14, 2024
What an addictive book...I had trouble putting it down. I absolutely adore Alexei; so heartbreaking in his feelings of worthlessness. I found myself yelling at Poppy on occasion (no spoilers) but I really enjoyed her growth. I now need to read the other two books in the series!
August 26, 2024
This story was everything I could hope for in a Hades and Persephone retelling. The similarities between the characters were perfectly balanced and M.C. Frank kept the story rolling. I felt like I was flying through the book but was so thankful to discover I was only about halfway through (I was not ready for the story to end).
M.C. Frank tore my heart to shreds with some of the quotes from Alexei and Poppy and I could physically feel my heart aching. This book is beautifully written and left me craving to stay in their world.
I took off one star for grammatically errors as there were a few too many to overlook.
Absolutely would recommend (especially to those who love a good Hades/Persephone story). This is one of those books that you will wish you could read again for the first time.
M.C. Frank tore my heart to shreds with some of the quotes from Alexei and Poppy and I could physically feel my heart aching. This book is beautifully written and left me craving to stay in their world.
I took off one star for grammatically errors as there were a few too many to overlook.
Absolutely would recommend (especially to those who love a good Hades/Persephone story). This is one of those books that you will wish you could read again for the first time.
August 30, 2024
I first read this book in the Retold set along with 2 other angsty retellings. On a re-read…this Hades & Persephone Regency retelling (in reverse) is just as rollercoastery and tugs at your heartstrings even when you know what’s coming.
This is the story of Prince Alexei—whom everyone calles Lord Hades behind his back— and Poppy—a damsel who throws herself into distress for good reason; and their unlikely romance. Alexei aka His Highness Prince Alexei Vasili Anatol Igor Mikailoff Perlin has to battle his demons and due to his childhood trauma is reluctant to accept that he deserves a normal life. The self-deprecating loathing feels Alexei has for himself immerse you straight into his psyche from the get-go. But Poppy forces him to step in and step up to save someone even in worse shape than he is. Animal-loving Persephone Wyatt has a lame arm and a wonky leg and when orphaned at 16, she’s taken in by her elder brother, the vicar. You’d expect filial kindness, but no. For every perceived sin she is punished. A special place in Hell (or Hades) should be reserved for those who should protect us but instead break our spirit. A compassionate soul, Poppy decides to help someone other than herself and that’s when her adventures, self-discovery and healing begin.
I loved that a 18th cen underground decadent gaming pit under Mayfair in good ole London was called the Underworld - and that it was the metaphor for Hell; and that, indeed, there was a Hellion Club within its walls. I loved the traumatised insights, the banter, especially Poppy sassing Alexei, the pace, the characters, the setting - everything. I was so invested in their story from the start that Alexis and Poppy became real people, with real struggles and oh, how I rooted each step for them to win against their natures and against the world. Hence, the re-read.
Loved that the author introduces the historical era of the Greek War of Independence of 1821 and that Dante’s Inferno was a reference point. Adored the coming of age moments for both of the MCs when they have deep realisations about themselves and each other. I loved Poppy’s transformation into the ray of hope she always should have been. I laughed, I cried, I hoped. I will probably re-read again (for the third time) when I need a dark and twisted myth retelling set in the late Regency era that ends well.
While Poppy is 21 and Alexei is about the same age, the coming of age topics - of discovery who they really are and first relationship and finding friends - might just as well make this a YA book. A very dark but an upper Ya book nevertheless.
Recommended for YA/NA audience who love dark fairytale retellings, Hades & Persephone myths and HEAs.
TWs: Might be difficult to read for survivors of physical and mental abuse or those still in recovery from PTSD; also there’s an episode of attempted suicide of a side character (not detailed) and a slight Kill Bill flashback (think: grime, NOT hospital); and the front of the book does have warnings.
Glimmers of sunshine and hope and aww moments: cats, especially Cerberus; sensible Rania’s calm influence; bodyguard Wilder’s knight in shining armour friendship and devotion; Hades rescuing Persephone (not the other way around); touch her and die vibes from a broken soul (not from a burly alpha brute for a change).
This is the story of Prince Alexei—whom everyone calles Lord Hades behind his back— and Poppy—a damsel who throws herself into distress for good reason; and their unlikely romance. Alexei aka His Highness Prince Alexei Vasili Anatol Igor Mikailoff Perlin has to battle his demons and due to his childhood trauma is reluctant to accept that he deserves a normal life. The self-deprecating loathing feels Alexei has for himself immerse you straight into his psyche from the get-go. But Poppy forces him to step in and step up to save someone even in worse shape than he is. Animal-loving Persephone Wyatt has a lame arm and a wonky leg and when orphaned at 16, she’s taken in by her elder brother, the vicar. You’d expect filial kindness, but no. For every perceived sin she is punished. A special place in Hell (or Hades) should be reserved for those who should protect us but instead break our spirit. A compassionate soul, Poppy decides to help someone other than herself and that’s when her adventures, self-discovery and healing begin.
I loved that a 18th cen underground decadent gaming pit under Mayfair in good ole London was called the Underworld - and that it was the metaphor for Hell; and that, indeed, there was a Hellion Club within its walls. I loved the traumatised insights, the banter, especially Poppy sassing Alexei, the pace, the characters, the setting - everything. I was so invested in their story from the start that Alexis and Poppy became real people, with real struggles and oh, how I rooted each step for them to win against their natures and against the world. Hence, the re-read.
Loved that the author introduces the historical era of the Greek War of Independence of 1821 and that Dante’s Inferno was a reference point. Adored the coming of age moments for both of the MCs when they have deep realisations about themselves and each other. I loved Poppy’s transformation into the ray of hope she always should have been. I laughed, I cried, I hoped. I will probably re-read again (for the third time) when I need a dark and twisted myth retelling set in the late Regency era that ends well.
While Poppy is 21 and Alexei is about the same age, the coming of age topics - of discovery who they really are and first relationship and finding friends - might just as well make this a YA book. A very dark but an upper Ya book nevertheless.
Recommended for YA/NA audience who love dark fairytale retellings, Hades & Persephone myths and HEAs.
TWs: Might be difficult to read for survivors of physical and mental abuse or those still in recovery from PTSD; also there’s an episode of attempted suicide of a side character (not detailed) and a slight Kill Bill flashback (think: grime, NOT hospital); and the front of the book does have warnings.
Glimmers of sunshine and hope and aww moments: cats, especially Cerberus; sensible Rania’s calm influence; bodyguard Wilder’s knight in shining armour friendship and devotion; Hades rescuing Persephone (not the other way around); touch her and die vibes from a broken soul (not from a burly alpha brute for a change).
August 21, 2024
What if there was a God for people like us….
What a great retelling! The whole setting/situation used to share this story was just perfect. An underground gaming/pleasure den in England along with the dark side of political/social unrest, pressures of “the Ton” and the pious two-faced nature of people all added to this delicious plot. Alexei was so interesting-not at all portrayed as I expected. Poppy as well brought very unique issues to light. Together they made a wonderful pair trying to understand themselves and each other through their obvious connection. Alexei’s friends and business associates also added more depth of understanding to his past and fears. I found that Rania in particular provided such valuable insight, perspective and understanding of the world to Poppy, opening her eyes to truth that has been kept from her. Overall this was a wonderful story that was hard to put down until I reached the end. With several very deep concepts raised and explored, I will be putting this novel into my list to re-read whenever affirmation of hope, support and connection for all needs to be revisited.
What a great retelling! The whole setting/situation used to share this story was just perfect. An underground gaming/pleasure den in England along with the dark side of political/social unrest, pressures of “the Ton” and the pious two-faced nature of people all added to this delicious plot. Alexei was so interesting-not at all portrayed as I expected. Poppy as well brought very unique issues to light. Together they made a wonderful pair trying to understand themselves and each other through their obvious connection. Alexei’s friends and business associates also added more depth of understanding to his past and fears. I found that Rania in particular provided such valuable insight, perspective and understanding of the world to Poppy, opening her eyes to truth that has been kept from her. Overall this was a wonderful story that was hard to put down until I reached the end. With several very deep concepts raised and explored, I will be putting this novel into my list to re-read whenever affirmation of hope, support and connection for all needs to be revisited.
August 21, 2024
I struggled to read the book up until 23/30% the story did start slow, we follow the story of Poppy (Persephone) and Hades. Both struggle with internal conflict. Poppy with religious issues and hades with running an excluding the club.
Along the ride we get to meet Rania and Dante each as well battling their own hell but aiding poppy and hades. Rania teaching poppy how to see through non rose colored eyes and Hades with his constant internal war and distaste for human touch but not for poppy.
Take a run into the hell club and met the characters grab some tissues cause your heart will stop for poppy and hades.
Along the ride we get to meet Rania and Dante each as well battling their own hell but aiding poppy and hades. Rania teaching poppy how to see through non rose colored eyes and Hades with his constant internal war and distaste for human touch but not for poppy.
Take a run into the hell club and met the characters grab some tissues cause your heart will stop for poppy and hades.
August 26, 2024
🎩👢Rather dark Regency romance.
On a cold London night, Alexei wandered the streets and followed the limping figure in front of him.
He now regretted his decision and should have entrusted this mission to someone else...
##########
It took me 40% of the novel to delve into this dark story rather outside my comfort zone, not liking the 18th century period.
I didn't understand everything in the reactions of these two main characters, Poppy and Alexei, damaged by life.
It remains a very mysterious dark romance, rather complex in the emotions and psyche of the characters.
To discover for fans of this genre.
On a cold London night, Alexei wandered the streets and followed the limping figure in front of him.
He now regretted his decision and should have entrusted this mission to someone else...
##########
It took me 40% of the novel to delve into this dark story rather outside my comfort zone, not liking the 18th century period.
I didn't understand everything in the reactions of these two main characters, Poppy and Alexei, damaged by life.
It remains a very mysterious dark romance, rather complex in the emotions and psyche of the characters.
To discover for fans of this genre.
August 21, 2024
This book was so far out of the norm for my preference in a book but omg in so glad I did read it.
Poppy and Hades were an odd couple originally but soon make it known, they were made for each other. Their union was built on friction and estrangement but soon ruin hot. But that connection was the ultimate.
So well written, a plot that was almost Gothic, with so many tropes and themes but ultimately, the romance rivals over all.
Very well done, and makes me want to read more of these types of books. Can't wait for more.
Poppy and Hades were an odd couple originally but soon make it known, they were made for each other. Their union was built on friction and estrangement but soon ruin hot. But that connection was the ultimate.
So well written, a plot that was almost Gothic, with so many tropes and themes but ultimately, the romance rivals over all.
Very well done, and makes me want to read more of these types of books. Can't wait for more.
Read
August 22, 2024I thought this was a dark yet interesting take that mixed drama, trouble, historical London with Hades and Persephone to deliver an interesting tale. The main characters were a bit broken and had hard troublesome histories to overcome to get the ending they deserved. Was interesting to watch it all unfold and got to meet some fun characters along with some bad ones that helped the story along and made it richer. Have to admit I laughed a few times along the way so there were both light and dark times for these two. But made for a good read.
September 8, 2024
Alexei, known as Lord Hades, has a secret and a weakness for stray cats. When he sees a young boy he doesn't recognize in his club 2 days running he assumes it's a spy. When he follows the boy out of the club in possession of one of his cats, all hell breaks loose. Especially when he realizes the boy is a young girl...
This is a fun story about two broken people drawn to each other over and over again through tragic circumstances. Each one rescues the other from their past trauma and current self esteem issues. In the end they learn to keep living despite the past trying to hold them back.
This is a fun story about two broken people drawn to each other over and over again through tragic circumstances. Each one rescues the other from their past trauma and current self esteem issues. In the end they learn to keep living despite the past trying to hold them back.
January 16, 2025
This is an amazingly written dark retelling of Hades and Persephone. The characters all meshed together well. There was a flow between them that you couldn't miss. The worldbuilding is, shall we say, interestingly described so you can actually see what The Underworld looks like. This book has all the feels of broken people that find a way to live together and be friends while trying to find themselves. There is the romance you seek but check author's website for triggers first. I love this book!
July 23, 2024
Ah, Regency London! "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", as Charles Dickens wrote. On one level, all was perfection in grace, manners. On another level, though, lay debauchery of all types. What happens when perfection and debauchery clash, brought together by a cat named Cerberus? Will the perfection cleanse the debauchery, or will the debauchery sully the perfection?
This is a wonderfully engaging tale of such a clash, filled with cats.
This is a wonderfully engaging tale of such a clash, filled with cats.
August 19, 2024
My goodness, the characters in this story! So tragic! I wanted to wrap my heart strings around them.
Not Poppy's brother though!
Alexei. Boy oh boy! I wanted to cry so many times for him.
I love the developing relationships between the mains and the supporting characters.
The imagery in this story is so top-notch. I felt like I was there!
This is my firs M.C. Frank story and absolutely will not be my last!
So, so Good!
Not Poppy's brother though!
Alexei. Boy oh boy! I wanted to cry so many times for him.
I love the developing relationships between the mains and the supporting characters.
The imagery in this story is so top-notch. I felt like I was there!
This is my firs M.C. Frank story and absolutely will not be my last!
So, so Good!
August 23, 2024
Upon pain of torture I am not allowed to say anything about the story itself, so I will say this: It is written well, a fine example of the time period portrayed, and the characters are equally well described. The story is dramatic, angsty, and is filled with action and dramatic entanglements.
It's lengthy but will maintain your attention from beginning to end. A very enjoyable read. The writing is superb.
It's lengthy but will maintain your attention from beginning to end. A very enjoyable read. The writing is superb.
February 23, 2025
this was a great Hades and Persephone retelling and was engaged with how the legend was retold. It had that element that I enjoyed from the concept and thought everything was well done. The characters felt like they were supposed to and was invested in what was happening. M.C. Frank wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2024
This book was so amazing!!! It had everything in it that I absolutely love. The characters were amazing and I absolutely loved this story but I’m not at all surprised by my feelings for this story because everything she does is so great! I HIGHLY recommend reading this story (and really all her books 😉)
August 21, 2024
Lord Hades owns the underground Hell Club where all the peers and eccentrics go to play in the gaming hall and bathe. When Poppy disguises herself as a boy to spy on Hades she catches the Lord’s attention and he’s not pleased.
Wonderful dark romance, a folklore retelling
Wonderful dark romance, a folklore retelling
August 23, 2024
This is a well-written very dark and painful read and should have a warning label for trauma issues. I was compelled to finish reading this story even though it hit some trauma issues for me it was just that good and kind of cathartic.
September 16, 2025
This is a good story. The world building is interesting. It is an interesting concept. The characters are well written. The plot is intriguing. I had difficulty connecting with the story on a personal level. Please check out the book for yourself.
August 22, 2024
Absolutely recommend this five star story. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages. Interesting characters. Some drama and suspense. A must read book.
August 22, 2024
I loved it and enjoys retellings
September 12, 2024
3 stars
A unique loosely based hades and Persephone good for readers starting into mythos books.
Filled with brawls, bargains and bettering themselves.
A unique loosely based hades and Persephone good for readers starting into mythos books.
Filled with brawls, bargains and bettering themselves.
September 21, 2024
A very well put together story but just wasn’t for me. Starts out to slow before it gets good
November 29, 2024
M.C. Frank has done it again! I loved this retelling of Hades and Persephone and look forward to more books!
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I will say that it's definitely a bit on the darker side, with two very broken protagonists who have suffered various forms of abuse. It was very loosely based on Hades and Persephone, but I think it's largely in the names of the people and places rather than a direct correlation to the myth. People will be rooting for Poppy to find her happy ending, and the Underground is a compelling setting for the story. Overall, I would definitely recommend to fans of romance, but it is not as lighthearted and breezy as most.
August 20, 2024
This book is strange. Well, maybe it's the characters that are strange. Alexei and Poppy (Lord Hades and Persphone) are both beyond broken. Childhood abuse. Mistreated in the name of religion. Self abuse. Self doubt. All so negative. But together.....can they find meaning? Can they find love? They have found cats!
August 15, 2024
Seduced is from Frank's Rakes and Ruin series. It is a dark, age-gap romance based on the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. Seduced is set in the early 1800s in London. The story features Persephone (Poppy) Wyatt and His Highness Prince Alexei Vasili Anatol Igor Mikailoff Perlin, aka Lord Hades.
Poppy, a lighthearted young woman who loved nature and animals, lived with her father until he passed. Her older brother, a recent widower, invited her to come live with him. Like his father, her brother was a vicar, a religious man, but life with her brother was vastly different. Poppy was informed that her father had spoiled her and her brother was now set on saving her soul. It seemed Poppy was a woman who had many sins for which she needed to atone and therefore spent many hours kneeling upon sharp (pomegranate) seeds and grains of rice, as per her brother's instruction. Over time Poppy became a very different woman.
Lord Hades, an affluent and powerful man, built a vast den of iniquity under the streets of London. Men traveled from across Europe to indulge in cards, Turkish baths, women, and more, all of which could be found in Hell Club, Hades underworld. Many secrets were kept in Hell Club which required protecting. When Hades discovered a small boy in his club, he was convinced the boy was a spy and intended to discover who sent him and what he learned.
Hades learned the boy was not a boy. Poppy is not at all what he expected.
"You are a strange little creature. Not strange enough to excite me, of course, but strange enough that I was to solve you."
Poppy behaved in ways that confused him, and seemed to speak in riddles. Unexpectedly, the more time he spends with her, the more time he wants to spend with her.
This book was written in a different style than I am accustomed to and it therefore took me some time to connect with the characters, but I am quite glad I persisted. Frank definitely pulled me in and "seduced" me with their writing. Like calls to like, and these characters, while appearing very different, have more in common than one might think. One of my favourite lines from the book was: "I am broken myself, but you... you are shattered." We know Hades is a powerful man. Likewise, Poppy is an incredibly strong woman, but she doesn't see it. Both suffered traumatic events that shaped them into the people they have become. Both hear the voices which have caused them enduring pain. I appreciated how these two damaged characters find and heal one another.
While not a long book, it is a moving story, and I would recommend checking it out.
Note: This book was published as part of the Retold: A Regency Fairytale Retellings Collection (Rakes and Ruin) book.
Poppy, a lighthearted young woman who loved nature and animals, lived with her father until he passed. Her older brother, a recent widower, invited her to come live with him. Like his father, her brother was a vicar, a religious man, but life with her brother was vastly different. Poppy was informed that her father had spoiled her and her brother was now set on saving her soul. It seemed Poppy was a woman who had many sins for which she needed to atone and therefore spent many hours kneeling upon sharp (pomegranate) seeds and grains of rice, as per her brother's instruction. Over time Poppy became a very different woman.
Lord Hades, an affluent and powerful man, built a vast den of iniquity under the streets of London. Men traveled from across Europe to indulge in cards, Turkish baths, women, and more, all of which could be found in Hell Club, Hades underworld. Many secrets were kept in Hell Club which required protecting. When Hades discovered a small boy in his club, he was convinced the boy was a spy and intended to discover who sent him and what he learned.
Hades learned the boy was not a boy. Poppy is not at all what he expected.
"You are a strange little creature. Not strange enough to excite me, of course, but strange enough that I was to solve you."
Poppy behaved in ways that confused him, and seemed to speak in riddles. Unexpectedly, the more time he spends with her, the more time he wants to spend with her.
This book was written in a different style than I am accustomed to and it therefore took me some time to connect with the characters, but I am quite glad I persisted. Frank definitely pulled me in and "seduced" me with their writing. Like calls to like, and these characters, while appearing very different, have more in common than one might think. One of my favourite lines from the book was: "I am broken myself, but you... you are shattered." We know Hades is a powerful man. Likewise, Poppy is an incredibly strong woman, but she doesn't see it. Both suffered traumatic events that shaped them into the people they have become. Both hear the voices which have caused them enduring pain. I appreciated how these two damaged characters find and heal one another.
While not a long book, it is a moving story, and I would recommend checking it out.
Note: This book was published as part of the Retold: A Regency Fairytale Retellings Collection (Rakes and Ruin) book.
August 21, 2024
Poppy and Alexie (lord hades) will have you hooked! When Poppy gets caught by Alexie she's not who he expects, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. A historical/period, twisting romance with Greek mythology added in a great read and can't wait for more!
August 20, 2024
I’ve read a lot of Hades and Persephone retellings because i love the Greek mythology, but I think this is by far my favorite one. Seeing Poppy and Alexei find not only each other but themselves was really amazing!
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