Gold Dust Grimoire: A Mythological Paranormal Romance

by Billie Nicks

Evie is a witch with a secret. Since she was young, she has seen a boy’s eyes and heard his voice when nobody else in her coven could. The boy who didn’t exist grew up alongside her, her constant companion when she was alone and scared. She always knew she was different than her sisters, and she yearns for someone who will always choose her above all else.

Cole Aidoneus is a man with a destiny, the reincarnation of the original King of the Underworld. Even though he is fated to marry the reincarnation of Persephone so he can claim his throne, he has dreamt of one girl with red hair since he was 12. She was everything to him in a world that didn’t make sense and asked too much of him.

One fateful night, they discover that the other exists, and no force on this earth or the Underworld can keep them apart. But, as they realize that their love is one found only in legends, they’re in a race against time to claim their title as the Lord and Lady of the Underworld before an apocalyptic prophecy can come to bear.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Romance

584 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2024

Reviews

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying I love fated-couple/mates and love at first sight trope. Like, this is my jam and nobody could deter me away from picking up a book with these tropes.

However, I'll admit the trope is a weakness in itself. With love at first sight or the fated trope, you kinda lost the build up towards the relationship, the building of chemistry, the story of how we as the readers, fall in love with the characters and understand why they attracted to each other. With these tropes, we were just lazily given the excuse, 'it's because they're fated to be together' or 'because it's love at first sight'. So, I'll also understand why some people don't like these tropes. Kinda lazy writing but not really (I prefer to call them simple).

What I'm getting at is that, with a simple trope, you kinda need a complicated plot or at least, an intriguing one. With twists and turns. My problem with this book, it didn't have that requirement. Well, it was trying to be complicated but somewhere, it lost the plot and focussed more on the smut. And yeesh, I always hated myself when I say this because I fucking love smut in my books, however... I think by adding unnecessary smut scenes in this book, it took away the opportunity for the plot to work and their relationship to develop outside of the bedroom.

Anyway, my rambling aside, it was a disappointing read for me. It could've gone better if the more intrigue was inserted in the plot, alongside some complexities. All I got was one very unhinged and dysfunctional couple. And not in a good way.

[mel. ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 STARS ✨
rating criteria below.

★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.

★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.

★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.

★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.

★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.

[The_neurospicy_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this any higher, I would

This book is just perfection. As someone who loves dark fantasy, gothic romance, and greek mythology, this book rocketed into my top 10 reads of the year (I don't give my top 10 specific rankings as I love them all too much to choose). The author has managed to create such a beautiful Hades and Persephone retelling and has definitely made it her own. I absolutely adored the MCs, they are *chef's kiss*. The FMC is such a strong woman who has endured so much but still manages to move forward, and doesn't back down even when she is terrified, showing true strength. The MMC is so smooth talking and fiercely loyal, and I am sure many will claim him as a book bf. Their relationship is very intense but I was here for it every second. The way it all blossomed into something so perfect for this tale, their unquestioned devotion to each other was so heartwarming. The spice got spicy and will appeal to those that love spicy reads. Whilst I loved the main characters, my favourite character was Cerberus, he's such a good boy 🥹 This fated mates tale will have you eating out of the author's hands begging for more of Cole and Evie's story. The cliffhanger is so perfectly done, give you enough info that you're happy but leaves you ravenous for the next book. This book had me crying all sorts of tears from happy tears to heartbroken to intense levels of empathy towards the characters. Cannot recommend this book enough.

[theshadyivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦🫦

✨✨✨ Gold Dust Grimoire (@authorbillienicks), is the first book in her The Chthonians series. ✨✨✨

Dedication:

To all the other kids out there who were obsessed with Greek mythology and Fleetwood Mac (the Venn diagram for this is pretty much a circle in case you were wondering) and wanted nothing more than to write down their fantastical dreams, which just so happened to include unhinged smut. Follow those dreams—you'll end up somewhere magical.

Tropes:
💫 Burnt sugar cinnamon roll MMC
✨ Fated lovers
💫 strong-willed witch FMC
✨ Touch him/her and ☠️
💫 Sir dom
✨ Magical sexy times
💫 light BDSM
✨ can you say SPANKING

Billie has truly outdone herself with Gold Dust Grimoire! As someone who loved Sweet Silver Belle, I was so excited to read this, and it completely blew me away.

This amazing reimagining of the Hades and Persephone myth is packed with magic, emotion, and surprises. Billie has taken a classic tale and turned it into something entirely her own—dark, thrilling, and deeply touching. The mix of humor, heartache, and romance kept me hooked from start to finish.

The story made me feel *everything*. I laughed out loud, cried at some of the heartbreaking moments, and completely melted at the romance. And let’s not forget the spice—it was written so well and added so much intensity to Cole and Evie’s connection.

Speaking of Cole and Evie, they are incredible characters. Despite knowing for most of his life that he would be forced to marry the reincarnation of Persephone to claim his throne as the King of the Underworld, Cole found solace in his dreams with the red-haired girl. Evie grew up as a witch in her coven, but she was different from the others and had to endure a lot because of it. When they first meet, their chemistry is explosive.

The twists and turns in the plot left me on edge, and the world Billie built felt alive and magical. Every page pulled me deeper into the story, and I didn’t want it to end.

Billie, you’ve created something truly special. I can’t wait to see what’s next from you!

Quote:
“Oh, baby, we’re gonna have to find a much better use for that bratty mouth of yours.” The mouth in question dropped open in shock, and he leaned in to her, stopping just inches away. With a chuckle, he nibbled her lower lip. “Yeah, you got the idea, but you’re gonna have to open your mouth a lot wider than that.”

#interview #indieauthor #newauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #paranormalromance #spicybooks #newbooks #booksta #fatedlovers #bookrecs #golddustgrimoire #romantasy #reader #touchheranddie #touchhimanddie #cinnamonroll #darkromance #kindleunlimited #arc #review #currentlyreading #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy

[Blondies Book Binge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three things I love: dark romantasies, Greek mythology, and open door spice.
This book had all of that and so much more. It’s so much more than an intense, passionate fated mates tale! There were so many unique spins on the classic Hades and Persephone story that really made this one of the most unique retellings I have had the pleasure to read.

Cerbie is such an awesome, loyal companion and the goodest boy. The writing of this book was just incredible, and witty.

”The young pup has loved you both from afar for many years since then, often—pardon my pun—hounding me to go to the surface to see you until you returned to claim your thrones.” ❤️ 🐶

Cole is one of the most loyal MMCs I have ever read and his dialogue made me swoooon. He’s a workaholic living in NOLA who’s fated to rule the underworld. 🔥

Evie is such a special and fierce FMC. She’s a witch with a unique past and secrets, unlike anyone else in her coven. 🧙

The two of them have dreamt of each other their whole lives and once they realize the other actually exists, it’s an explosive passionate love story.

There’s a perfect balance of plot and spice. This was not a slow burn for me, I was hooked from the very beginning.

The earth could have stopped turning around her, and she wouldn’t have noticed as she stared into his eyes. “You’re my whole world, Cole.” The look of love in his eyes melted her. “And you’re my fucking everything, Angel.”

Also, using wards to hold someone in an ideal sexual position = new kink unlocked! That parttttttt. That part yall. It was so epic!

For all the paranormal romance, romantasy, Greek mythology, smut loving ladies out there. You’re welcome for finding your next read for you. ❤️

[Moe Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶

This is a captivating reimagining of the Hades and Persephone myth that blends magic, emotion, and sizzling romance. Billie has taken a classic tale and turned it into something uniquely dark, thrilling, and touching. The humor, heartache, and intense chemistry between Cole and Evie kept me hooked from start to finish. Their connection is electric, and the spice adds an undeniable layer of intensity.

Cole, who is the perfect cinnamon roll MMC, is destined to marry the reincarnation of Persephone. However, he has been dreaming of a red-haired girl for as long as he can remember. This is the same for our fierce FMC Evie, a witch who feels different from the rest of her coven. When they meet, their chemistry is explosive. The plot twists kept me on edge, and the world-building was immersive and magical.

Plus, there is the bestest boy as an animal companion 🥹 CERBIE! He is cute, loyal, and just the goodest boy.

This book had me feeling *everything*, and I didn’t want it to end. Let's circle back to the spice *Chef’s kiss*. 💀💀I mean, using wards to help keep limbs where you want them.... 😏 handy trick that 🤣.

Thank you to @authorbillienicks for gifting me this ARC. You’ve created something truly special, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! ✨

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful retelling of Hades x Persephone. But then add in WITCHES. Cole is the epitome of loyal, manly and protective. Him and Evi BOTH have major touch him/her and D13 vibes. I loved the moody and atmospheric New Orleans setting. I will for sure be continuing the series. HIGHLY recommend 🖤

[Nicole H. ✨️nicoledreamsofbooks✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know I needed a Hades x Persephone retelling until this! Highly recommend. It also reminded me of Beautiful Creatures but a lot more spicier!

[Ciru · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so glad I read another book while reading this one or I would have just exploded with anger.

SPOILERS ABOUND FROM HERE:-

That's how pissed I am, I am not willing to edit my thoughts.

All we get is he smirked, his muscles, her lithe body, her transparent shift, she swished her hips. Like two horny main characters, too many useless descriptions and no real growth in the storyline. I wanted to spray them with a water bottle like an annoying cat whenever they had sex, because it was annoying smut.

I properly read until the end of Chapter 27 then hit skim town. The 2 stars is because if you take the outline of the story, then I think this is where an editor/beta readers step in and tell you no, you cannot have any and everything in this one book, pick a struggle and perfect it, then it would have been a good story.

1. We get it, they are in Barataria Preserve, Marrero, Louisiana or Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana. We don't need to be reminded at the start of each chapter! That is just word count the author is aiming for.

2. “Correct on one of three counts, putain...." This is a direct quote from the book, Cole addressing Hesteia. Like girl, you've known this stranger less than 24 hours but you are willing to let him speak like that to the people who raised you?
Mark you I don't stand on tradition but there was a lack of respect that was displayed and Evie just let it slide that made me want to slap her to wake her up.

“Last night, your coven asshole asked me what you were to me.” This I'm guessing was the intended translation, 41% in while the insult was 31% in.

3. "she was his regardless, and he would force a square peg into a round hole just to keep her if she wasn’t. He winced. So much more like his ancestor than he ever anticipated. Fucking yikes."

Foreshadowing ensues. (I was honestly waiting for Cole to double cross Evie, hence the foreshadowing note, but no, he doesn't, instead he ends up being an annoying, over the top (and not in a good way) male lead.

4. I'm just waiting for the scene where he realizes the landline was a set up. Or their helpful cab driver. (I skim read, so I may have lost some of the plot, but what was the reason for him to keep on forgetting Nyx? Being an asshole to his staff generally except for the best-friend/partner? I was right though about the cabbie-neighbour-Than-Thanatos character, but again, plot that doesn't make sense because they decide to make him a "general" in their Underworld army?

5. He doesn't tell her about the prophecy business until the end of Chapter 29! If it ends on a cliff hanger it'll just confirm I should have DNFd. (And it does. All this and there is a book 2 to come, why?)

6. Cole is a condescending twerp. A corporate bro-ski. Then the author needs to pick whether Evie is smart or a naive forest girl who is now in the city. The George of the Jungle-esque dialogue when it comes to Evie describing things was so annoying.

“Private jets cause massive damage to the environment and are hardly ever actually necessary since you could easily fly a commercial airline instead. They certainly aren’t all that much faster. So you’re just creating a huge carbon footprint for something you don’t actually need.”

So, she knows about carbon footprints, private jets, but she calls smartphones telemobile?

7. They have cheesy, earth shattering sex in Chapter 34. And thereafter too often in times that are unnecessary. And I mean, I read smut but this was not smut written well or having any real passion!

8. A mash up of genres with no direction. Think god, witch, mythology, reincarnation, millionaire, sir/bdsm saviour. Too many aspects and not doing them well.

9. Unnecessary OW drama related to Cole's previous exploits, touch her/look at her and die, just to again balloon the word count. Loved Evie turning Mina into a plant but surely, the road to get there was unnecessary. She could have unleashed that power on a better opponent, case in point the later major battle.

10. “Relax, Angel,” Cole whispered into Evie’s ear as they followed Charles. “The only time your heart should be beating this fast is when I’m inside you.” 🤢

11.“You done fucked up, A-aron,” Hayden cackled. “And all because you had to go retrieve your witch!”🙄 And all the millenial, tv show references.

12. So there are basically people within their court (Mina, Hecate) looking to start off the apocalypse but that is just mentioned as basically snippets with a lot of filler in terms of everyone's trip/inner monologue? The Hecate one didn't pan out at the end but same argument still stands as there is to be a book 2.

In conclusion, a proper, severe edit of the book would have done it justice. I appreciated the cover. I actually loved the initial chapters or I wouldn't have gone that far in reading this. I however found Cole to be cheesy+rude/asshole, Evie was the one with the potential but that is squandered in them just fucking and on their annoying pet names. And I mean it with love, someone tell the author, we get it, this is your dream, but for it to have a future, please pick a few things and fine tune them as to what you want your book/series to be about as opposed to write down every iteration your characters probably went through and publish.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Y’ALL! I. CANNOT. CONTAIN. MY. EXCITEMENT. Billie Nicks just DELIVERED! Billie is giving us the most delicious Hades and Persephone reimagining and I ate 👏🏽 this👏🏽 up 👏🏽

In all transparency, I don’t typically enjoy 3rd person books (I’m on a first person kick), but this narrator choice WORKED so well for the story. Billie did an absolutely phenomenal job with her world building and the lore surrounding the deities, that I was fully immersed into the story and captivated by this paranormal romance.

💙3rd Person
🩷Hades & Persephone Reimagining
💙Paranormal Romance
🩷Feisty Witch FMC
💙Heir of the Underworld MMC
🩷Fated Lovers
💙Magical Spicy Times
🩷Apocalyptic Prophecies

Evie is a witch who is unlike any other in her coven, due to the way in which she came to the coven, the powers she holds and the secret she keeps. Ever since Evie was a child, she has seen a boy’s eyes and heard his voice when no one else could. This boy didn’t exist in the physical realm, but grew up alongside Evie and was the only constant she had while labeled as the “other” within her coven. The boy’s striking eyes and soothing voice were a constant and calming presence in the face of adversity. Evie knew she was different from her sisters, and her constant need to search within the forest surrounding her home is evident of that truth; Evie yearns for someone who will love her for all that she is and choose her.

Cole Aidoneus is a man whose destiny has been laid before him since his early adolescence – Cole is the reincarnation of the original King of the Underworld, Hades. While not something to take lightly, Cole has kept his destiny on the back burner while focusing on his career, and has not come to terms with the fact that he’s supposed to be fated to marry the reincarnation of Persephone in order to claim his throne. Cole has opposed the idea of marriage because he has dreamt of a girl with red hair since he was 12, and she's been the only thing that brought him peace when presented with the very real prophecy that the fate of the world would be in his hands.

One night, Evie and Cole discover that the other exists and is not a figment of their imaginations. Now? No force on earth of the Underworld will be able to keep them apart. *CUE THE UNDENIABLE ATTRACTION AND SPICE, A SINFUL MOUTH ON OUR MMC AND A KING WHO PUTS HIS QUEEN FIRST!*

“No one, no force in the Underworld or on Olympus, not even you, powerful little witch, can separate us. You’re f*cking mine, Angel.”

“You were my f*cking everything, Angel. In a lot of ways, you saved me long enough for me to actually meet you.”

“I may have been your everything, but you were my whole world, Cole.”

“You, bel petit ange, are going to have to get used to the fact that this c*nt, your whole perfect body, belongs to me.”

While their love is one that previously was only in the texts of old, they’re racing against time to claim their throne before it’s too late.

If you are looking for a fabulous fantasy story with equal parts plot and smut, pick this up!

[Caged Soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I'm hard core fan of Greek Mythology and good book did complete justice with the reimagining. I'm in love with this book.


Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶

Tropes

✨️ Hades and Persephone Reimagining
✨️ 3rd Person POV
✨️ Touch her and ☠️
✨️ Touch him and ☠️
✨️ Cute Banter
✨️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
✨️ Fiesty and Strong headed FMC

Personally, I rarely read 3rd person POV as in quite skeptical about it that if I will like it or not.

But author did brilliant job with 3rd person POV. It was beautifully written. The world building was impressively done.

Cole and Evie...

Cole is swoony and smitten for his witch. Evie is beautiful one with a past and secrets and she is a Witch and fiery one. 🤭🤭

The characters Cole and Evie.. they were perfect. The energy was radiant, each emotion and twist was perfectly fitted. The moment he cried, the moment he thought he lost it, when she thought it's all a Dream... so many beautiful instances.

I laughed alot when Hayden, Cole and Evie were together. There banter and how cute Hayden was pouting when Evie took Cole's side and then Evie's monologue about s*x 😂😂😂 poor Hayden..

The side cahracters were properly indulged in the book and they not looking forced at all.

I loved the scene when Evie turned someone into plant 😂😂😂 why and how that was so epic to read..

Cole was an amazing cahracter and the overall storyline and his dreams were very vivid and delightful.

The steamy scenes... ahemm 🤭🤭 they were brilliant.

Author did an amazing job with her writing and can't wait to read more of her works 🤭🤭❤️

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are my everything, and I would rather live this life with you in battle than have peace without you by my side.”

I don’t typically like to read a third person pov, but for this book it just makes sense. It is so beautifully written.

The relationship between Cole and Evie builds so wells. I love that it goes back to the very beginning, when they were both growing up dreaming of one another, thinking that was all they would ever be, a dream.

Evie is a strong, powerful witch who has been raised in the forest by her coven sisters. She has endured so much in her time with them. It’s not until she meets Cole, the man who embodies the voice and eyes she has dreamed of for so long, that she realizes what she’s been missing her entire life.

Cole Aidoneus is a man who is reluctant to chase after his destiny. Having learned that he was the Heir of the Underworld and Hades’ reincarnate since he was a young child, he has no interest in searching for the woman he is fated to marry. His only desire is to find the red head he’s dreamed of since he was twelve.

Their chemistry is off the charts. I mean they resurrected an entire construction site back to its former forest glory with their first kiss. I especially love that both the FMC and MMC share the “touch her/him and ☠️” mentality. Speaking of, the mint plant was COMICAL.

And can we talk about the ending?? I need book two, NOW.

[Sam Goodin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me be very clear about this... I LOVED THIS BOOK! I have always loved hades and persephone. I love the greek myths and jump up and down every time I hear of a retelling. I'm sure most of us book lovers have also been let down by the dozens of hades and persephone retellings that seem to follow the same lines and same plot and and same conclusions. So, with that in mind, while I was super excited about this book, I was also iffy about falling into that same hades and persephone black hole of book retellings. Now listen very closely while I say this. This book did not disappoint! This book managed to throw all the things I love in my greek myths and gods that I love and created a whole new world that was also tied to the old one. This is by far my favorite retelling now. I loved Cole and Evie. I loved their backgrounds. I loved their development as the story progressed. Now, if the book is slow at the start, just hang on. I promise you need all the backstory and those slow parts to understand. Just keep going. Also, the spice in this book just kept getting hotter and hotter and I drank it all up like the thirsty girl I am. Definitely in the 3.5 chilli area. I really hope this author tells more about other characters and gods in this book later on because she is amazing at it.

[Lianne Scheepers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an absolute sucker for Hades and Persephone retellings, I have read several and I know there are many more out there. Ofcourse all of them have similarities to each other, since it’s based on an already excisting story. So I can imagine it would be difficult to create a version that sets itself apart from all the other versions. This one had a lovely Billie Nicks twist to it, and I lapped it up like a stray cat getting a bowl of cream! Loved it!

I loved Cole and Evie, their connection is so strong and passionate. I was completely swept away by their love for each other and their story. Evie is passionate, kindhearted and fierce when she needs to be. Cole is a workaholic, who only does casual hook-ups. Until he learns that the woman of his dreams is actually real and he does a complete 180. Work be damned, all that matters is Evie and their connection. Probably one of the things I love so much about Hades, no matter in what version, he would always burn the world for his Persephone.

The story has a nice pace, lots of danger, secrets, backstabbing and lots and LOTS of spice! The worldbuilding is lovely, I enjoyed the side characters and loved the found family trope. The ending was perfect, and I’m ready for more Billie Nicks! Whatever she writes next, I want it, I need it.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

🦴🌱Gold Dust Grimoire🌱🦴

"You were my f*****g everything, Angel. In a lot of ways, you saved me long enough for me to actually meet you....But I never could have imagined the reality of you, ma petite sorcière."

🦴🌱🦴🌱

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮: 🌶🌶🌶.5



🦴🌱🦴🌱

OMG I absoultely loved this book! I don't normally read 3rd pov books but this was so good and worked perfectly.
Absolutely amazing debut full length novel. I read Billie's Christmas novella and loved the writing but this book's writing blew me away.
I loved all the lore of witches and mythology that is woven into the storytelling and plot. The scenes made me feel like I was actually there.
The relationship between Cole and Evie was so beautiful. I'm a sucker for fated mates and insta love connections.
I started having anxiety there towards the end and was so nervous how the end was going to play out. I also enjoyed the nice little plot twist with you know who. IYKYK lol.
I cannot wait to read the next book and more from Billie in general!

🦴🌱🦴🌱

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cassandra, the coven’s seer, even attempted to prophecy Evie’s future once; her body contorted as she screamed, ‘a lovely death, a deathly love’ over and over.”

“Gold Dust Grimoire” is a voyage into the world of witches...and so much more. I knew from the first page that I was in for an enchanting journey.

I appreciate that the romance and spice don’t overtake the plot (but are sooo good), the characters are relatable but magical at the same time, and the narrative voice is intelligent and alluring.

This reimagining of Persephone and Hades is a marvel. Even Evie’s backstory is rich with mystery. Her adult life is a wonder. Her life with Cole is a spicy, raging fire. I won’t give anything away, but the scene in the car when they arrive in New Orleans is top notch spice. If I had to choose a book boyfriend, Cole would be it!

The interlude involving the Council of Witches contrasting with the Underworld Court meetings played out beautifully, and the banter between Cole and Evie was applause worthy.

Fave character? Cerberus has my heart.

[FictionHealsMe · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I have to talk about the cover because wow. It’s absolutely stunning and looks gorgeous on my shelf. I catch myself staring at it more often than I’d like to admit. The idea behind the story immediately drew me in. A Hades and Persephone retelling with witches? Yes, please.

The opening chapters were genuinely captivating and intriguing. I especially loved everything related to the witches, the atmosphere, the magic, and the mystery surrounding them. Those parts were easily my favorite and kept me turning the pages with curiosity.

That said, the story felt quite slow paced for me. With almost 600 pages, I found myself wishing for a clearer main plot to fully take shape. There were many narrative threads, but I often felt like I had more questions than answers, and at times it seemed like not much was actually happening.

Still, this is an author I truly love and deeply appreciate. Even when this book wasn’t a perfect match for me, I could feel the care, creativity, and ambition behind it. I’ll absolutely continue reading her work 🤍✨

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point, any Persephone and Hades retelling is going straight to my TBR pile and this book was no exception. Was anything about the story new or unique? Not really. Did I still devour it as quickly as I could read it? Absolutely.

I was a bit unsure about Evie in the beginning because, honestly, she seemed a little boring. Once Evie and Cole are together, the pacing really starts moving and we get into my absolute favorite romance trope: we make each other worse. They both start really embracing their true nature and once the bloodlust started, I swear my reading rate doubled.

I'm not really sure why identifying the location of each chapter was necessary, especially since I feel like Alaska and Budapest didn't add to the plot at all. There were a lot of cool elements to the story but not enough time to explore allow them fully.

Thank you to StuffWithFantasy and Billie Nicks for the free ebook!

[_the.bookish.moon_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal!!

The story/world-building is exceptional, with the author's incredible attention to detail shining through.

The plot was gripping and full of twists, combining WWII, witchcraft and Greek mythology (I've said it before and I will say it again ... I LOVE Greek mythology!!)🖤... this Hades and Persephone-inspired tale is genuinely one of the best I’ve ever read - the chemistry between the MMC and FMC was pure fire 🔥🔥

Cole Aidoneus is absolute perfection and Evie is fierce and strong and has fast become one of my fav FMCs. Hayden had me laughing out loud throughout, adding a touch of humour to the intensity of the story.

Although I usually prefer first-person narratives, the third-person perspective worked brilliantly here, enhancing the immersive experience.
Billie’s beautiful storytelling and rich lore made this paranormal romance unforgettable.

[Elizabeth Springs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! I beta read this book and was blown away by how amazing this author is!!! I've never been a fan of 3rd person books but the way this story is told itnonot would make sense in 3rd person!! She has given me indifferent perspective on reading 3rd person and I will continue to read EVERYTHING she puts out!!

Great Hades and Persephone reincarnation story!!! Evie has always heard a low baritone voice for as long as a she can remember. Will she ever learn the meaning behind the voice she's heard all these years?

Cole has been working case after case for years until one day he sees a cold case with a photo of eyes he knows and has seen everyday. Since Cole was 12 he has dreamed of a woman with the same grey eyes. Will he finally find out who the eyes belong to?

Read to find out!!!

[Sarah is Lostinthepages.17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually not a fan of “reimagining ”, Billie did Persephone and Hades’ story justice.
Cole quite the smooth talker without the smarmy and Evie the strong but occasionally naive FMC, the two together, equally matched and off the charts chemistry that draws you in and makes you feel… everything.
I love a good “touch her/him and die” and this had it, for both.
He has seen her since a young age, she sees and hears him. Destined for certain paths their whole life, until they day they meet and then there is no separating them, EVER.
Witches, Greek Mythology, history, secrets, and lore, all elements that can and did make this a “glued to the page” story.
Billie is a wordsmith, and has a way of balancing spice and plot, for which I am grateful. It makes for great storytelling.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say, I normally do not pickup or enjoy 3rd party point of view books, but I loved the first book of Billie’s I read so had to give this one a shot. I am so glad I did. The way she wrote this book was so beautifully.

The FMC, Evie, was strong, passionate, and fierce. Even though she has gone through a lot she pushed through. The MMC, Cole, is a workaholic who is only looking for a hookup and nothing more, until he discovers that his dream girl is real.

The passion and love between these two was incredible. Oh and the spice, just perfection!

If you enjoy Hades and Persephone retellings, then you must read this!

4⭐️
3🌶️

[Kairangi Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolute perfection. I love a good Hades and Persephone retelling and this one is fire. The author took a tale and made it her own and I am here for it.
I loved the world building, it had me imagining I was really there. I adored the lore and Greek Mythology woven into the storyline and plot, it is really just magical.
Cole and Evie together are just perfect, it is captivating watching their story unfold. Their backstory is done so well and the pace and flow is on point. Never a dull moment, it is action and drama is spades.
Love, Lust, Obsession. This is a mind blowing read. I couldn't put this down and I can not wait to read what comes next.

[Celina Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hades and Persephone retelling that I devoured and will definitely devour again. Evie's life is filled with mystery and secrets but now that Cole has found her the life she knew is quickly changing especially after all of the secrets in her life are starting to be uncovered. Cole is strong, possessive and will stop at nothing to keep Evie safe and by his side for eternity. This story is filled with so much passion, spice, action, twists, turns and if you are into Greek Mythology with a little something more than I suggest reading Gold Dust Grimoire and get ready to get lost in Evie and Cole's world.

[Lou Symons · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of 2025 and we are starting off strong with this Hades and Persephone reimagining. Of course I have to mention how BEAUTIFUL the cover for this book is first of all!! As someone who had never heard of the original story to begin with and had only heard those names a handful of times before, I absolutely loved this story. It was really well written, and had so much detail (but not too much as to overwhelm the reader and forget the story going on) just the pertect amount to help imagine the characters and the world around them. Absolutely cannot recommend this book enough!!
Go read it!!!

[Christine Szeremeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Gold Dust Grimiore? This book is written so well. the story building, and the world building were magnificent. Billie has an amazing eye for detail and has once again has written a fantastic book. this book took me on roller coasters I never thought a book could. The plot was FIRE but it was nothing compared to the pure lust between our MMC and FMC. But this book had WWII, Witchcraft, Greek Gods and Goddesses. But make sure to check Trigger warnings, your mental health matters

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. GODS. This book was absolutely incredible! Hades and Persephone retellings are my favorite because they are amazing together! Billie did such a fantastic job on writing this book, and you can tell she loves these two main characters, Evie and Cole. I am so excited for the next book and to see where the story leads!
If you love magic, greek mythology (the Chthonian side), burn the world down for each other passion and spice, and New Orleans, you must absolutely put this on your tbr, or better yet, read it now!!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a very sexy retelling of hades and his women?? This is the book for you!!! This book had me by the throat and I couldn't put it down. One of the best 3rd person stories I've ever read!!!! And I wasn't a big fan of 3rd person!!! The sequel tension the fight they go through and the connection was all so perfectly told! It was like a whole movie going on inside my head as I read this amazing book! If your a huge Greek nerd like me give this book a read!!!

[Allisyn Gravitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

(THE PLAYLIST FOR THIS BOOK IS APOT ON)
I was lucky enough to get to read this early. I'm later than I expected to do my review, BUT this book was truly great. The world building was amazing and keeps you intrigued. Cole and Evie ❤️💙, have my entire heart. I don't want to give too much away. The main characters, side characters, thrown in some Greek mythology and 3 headed dog and you will be glued to this book.

[GenXBookBestie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun ride!

Wow, what a fun ride this book was! I always enjoy a good Gods retelling, and this Hades and Persephone perspective did not disappoint! The story was action-packed, fast-paced, and oh whoowee, the spice was spicing!
Cole and Evie are adorable as hell together, and their banter had me giggling.
Billie Nicks crafted a story that is fun to read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read what she does next!