Flowers Near Me: Love Blooms in the Shadows of Olympus

by Alexis Rex

Persephone has life under control with a promising corporate career working for her mother at Demeter’s Bounty. She’s avoided the politics of Olympus–including any dealings with her mother’s business rival, Hades. But when a tech acquisition goes spectacularly wrong, she’s thrust into Hades’ expanding empire. Stuck in an arrangement that blurs the line between competition and something far more dangerous, Persephone learns what it means to tangle with the gods.

Hades always gets what he wants. But the thrill of running Underworld Unlimited feels hollow after meeting Demeter’s daughter. Now he only wants one Persephone. Whether it’s for business, revenge, or pleasure, he’s determined to win her over.

Can Persephone survive the enigmatic god whose power is as intoxicating as it is dangerous? Or will she lose her reputation and heart in the process?

Flowers Near Me offers a cozy yet tension-filled twist on a myth you thought you knew.

Genres: Slow Burn

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

Reviews

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are truly NO NOTES!! This book does forced proximity the right way! I’m an avid romance consumer and when I tell you the banter is top tier. The tension is had me giggling and kicking my feet. The tea was PIPING HOT and to top it all off, A GOD WHO YEARNS????? Please, I could read this book a dozen times and never get sick of it. 10, 10, 10s across the board, Miss Alexis Rex!!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 57%.

Why was I making myself read this!?

A lot of people think this is sweet and cozy but it sucks.

I don't like the overdone world building where the gods/goddesses exist but somehow in a corporate world. That already doesn't work for me.

Add to that the kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome!? Gag me.

Hades pulls a fast one and when Persephone goes to buy an app from a developer, he is able to sneak in contract terms that make her have to work for him AND live with him.

I don't like coercion and having someone's agency taken away and hades does that without any guilt. And Persephone puts up with it with absolutely no fight. She even forgives the app developer for betraying her. And doesn't confront her former assistant for his loose lips.

Persephone is constantly bad talking herself I. Her inner monologues. She's inexperienced and young. Hades is a former manwhore who is constantly bragging about his past conquests as if they're a good thing because he's "an amazing lover".

He saw Persephone once (let me remind you that he is VERY OLD) and then bought the restaurant she had visited so he could make sure to keep an eye on her when she came back.

He tricks her into fake dating him and living with him with the excuse that "she would never have given me a chance otherwise". Surely, a god with unlimited time who thinks Persephone is a goddess with unlimited time could have some patience in trying to woo her, but nope!

He even has the gall to love bomb her (he tells her he loves her within days of their contract).

THEN... he gives her a fancy new role at his company but she's not treated like she's the chief product officer. When there's an issue with the app, HE'S the one being told/asked about it. He should be deferring to her if he really thinks she's all that. But he doesn't.

Then, he has the GALL to suspect her of nefarious activities. He DOESN'T KNOW HER!!! I hate that he thinks he loves her but doesn't have a clue to who she is.

If she fought him at all instead of constantly mooning over him and then crying that she's afraid of having her heart broken, I might end up liking this. But she and everyone else seems to think he's awesome for kidnapping her.

This story isn't for me.

[Alexandra Popa🎀 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ Kinda boring…

[Katie Butterworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I know I needed a cozy Hades & Persephone retelling? Nope. Could I have read a whole series of this? Yes, yes I could.

Give this book a try if you’re in the mood to be surprised and delighted.

[Ali Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a Hades and Persephone retelling—and this one is a cozy, tension-filled twist on the myth you thought you knew. Set in a modern Olympus, Persephone has her life (mostly) under control working for her mother at Demeter’s Bounty—until a tech deal gone wrong lands her in the path of Hades, her mom’s biggest rival. 👀

He’s powerful, magnetic, and 100% trouble. Their chemistry? 🔥 Slow burn with sharp banter and just enough danger to keep you hooked. Persephone challenges him in every way, and watching them toe the line between enemies and something more was chef’s kiss. 🤌

If you’re into:
🖤 Modern mythology
🔥 Office power plays
🌼 Smart, strong heroines
💥 Enemies-to-lovers energy

Flowers Near Me is one you don’t want to miss. ❤️

[Hannah Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a fun book!!! definitely had some spice ngl, but I loved that it was a modern retelling of Greek mythology story. if you don't love mythology, um why not??? so cute, so easy to read, and I loved the characters.

[Mia Eubanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun read. The main characters play off each other very well. It is well written and has a great pace. I honestly couldn't stop reading. I would read till I fell asleep. I'm couldn't wait to pick it back up. I'm so excited for the next installation of the series. This is really a great interpretation of the story of Hades and Persephone told in a modern setting. Forced proximity without the ick. If you need a quick read for a flight, layover or day on the beach, this is the book to read!

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cozy, almost slice of life kind of romance book with low stakes and pretty low angst. I didn't even know it was possible to write a cozy Hades and Persephone retelling lmao, but Ms Rex did just that! the most interesting part and best part was the world that this is set in, it's like they are gods and goddesses and everyone just knows that and there are other mythical creatures?? that's what I'd love to see more of in the next one

[Janene McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Tropes✨
🌺Slow Burn
🌻Fake Dating
🌷Hades x Persephone Retelling
🌸Forces Proximity
🌼Fated Mates
🪷Cute Rom Com Feel
🪻Banter
🌹He Falls First & Harder
💐Australian Shepherd Animal Companion

This book was so cute! I love a good Hades and Persephone retelling in general, but make it a fake dating rom com? Adorable and utterly delightful. I had the pleasure of reading this book while also reading 2 very heavy material books with war, so this book felt like a refreshing and well needed break.

I loved the interactions between Hades and Persephone. It’s understandable why Persephone would be wary of Hades’ intentions when he traps her into a contract that essentially has her fake dating him for their app launch. I also loved how we got snippets of Hades’ POV. Probably one of my favorite things about this book, though, is that the author gave Hades a blue merle Australian Shepherd animal companion, Cerberus. As an owner of 2 Aussies, I loved to see that.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

[erikaleighreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author for an honest review! If you’re looking for a super feel-good romance with a late 90s early 2000s rom-com vibe centered on a modern Greek mythology spin, you will love Flowers Near Me. Hades tricks Persephone into working at his tech company for six months which happens to be a competitor to her mom’s tech company. Their dynamic at first reminded me of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail and I loved it.

The banter between Hades and Persephone was charming and well-written. Persephone’s relationship with her sister was exactly what you want from the rom-com best friend.

It was a fast-paced, enjoyable read that will leave you feeling warm and cozy at the end. If you’re a romance reader who loves workplace romance, fake dating, and HEAs, definitely check out Flowers Near Me.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I originally found this author because of her HR themed TikToks about on-boarding romance characters, so when I found out her book was a modernized Hades and Persephone retelling, I had to read it. ⚠️ Spoiler alert ⚠️ she writes books just as entertaining as her skits.

Hades tricks Persephone into fake dating him for six months after sneakily taking over the app (Flowers Near Me) she was buying for her mother's company. This book has all the requisite themes of a Hades and Persephone retelling and it lives up to its cozy romcom claims.

🌸 Forced Proximity
🌸 He Falls First
🌸 workplace romance
🌸 age gap
🌸 enemies/rivals to lovers
🌸 Dual 3rd person POV

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.

[Bonnets-N-Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy retelling Rom-Com

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny. It had its quirky moments. I have to say Hades was a cheeky son of a bitch, but I like him overall. Also Persephone was sweet and cute like she always is as a character. This was a slow burn but it was worth it once you get there.
My only gripe was it was told in third person when I wished that it was told in first person since there was POV chapters. I felt like I was an outsider looking in versus actually knowing how they felt from their actual point of view, but overall I liked it and I definitely recommend this book to any romance reader.

[Jacquelyn Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a breezy, cozy, and magical read. Alexis does such a great job of weaving together a modern corporate setting and the magic of Mount Olympus to create a totally new and desirable world. Hades and Persephone are such well-rounded characters that you can't help but root for them from jump. And the spice is so nice! It is a slow burn, but the wait is worth it. Can't wait for the next one! 🔥✨️

[Lauren Wisehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hades/Persephone retelling with hysterical banter, RomCom vibes, and a cozy feel? Yes please! Flowers Near Me does NOT disappoint! I usually prefer darker romances, but needed something lighter because the world is on fire. The burn is slow but satisfying! I LOVE a HEA! If you're a fan of author.alexis.rex's sketchs, you're going to like this

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flowers Near Me by Alexis Rex is a fun and cozy romance perfect for anyone tired of the same old tropes—no frustrating miscommunications here! This charming retelling of Hades and Persephone in a modern setting is fresh, sweet, and filled with warmth. Like Persephone herself, the book feels like a breath of fresh air. Can’t wait to see what Alexis Rex writes next!

[Ashley ruddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great feel-good read. I really enjoyed the enemy to lovers trope & it happened at a good pace. A lot of enemies to lovers feel very rushed, so this was perfect!

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.

[Ellen Rozler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so fun! I was convinced & brought right along through a wonderful world of Greek mythology. (Teenage me was living my dream!) What a world & what a story

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute cozy read. I love a persephone and Hades love story. Very well written. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet. Love a slow burn love story.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, and I'm not a little bit surprised by this.
I usually avoid reading remaining stories unless they're written by authors I fully trust, but I had no doubt doubt that I would love this book. Although this is her debut novel, I've seen Alexis' videos on TikTok and I always laugh when I watch them; based on those I knew I could trust her imagination to create a great story and I was right!
What's even more amazing is the maturity of the characters and how in spite of the fact that there are gods and magic in this book, it is more realistic than a lot of other books set in real world. The way Hades and Persephone's relationship is evolving so naturally and beautifully, and the build-up is just incredible.
I adored the fact that none of the characters behaved like people with an EQ lower than Hades' lair. It's refreshing to see an author that can create tension and twists without making their characters behave like a bunch of emotionally undeveloped teenagers.
Alexis proves how miscomunication and 3rd act break-up (sort of) can still be done right and feel natural and part of the story. The fact that no one is holding the other characters to an impossible standard where one can do no wrong and when the inevitable happens and someone messes up, instead of taking it out of proportions (like it usually happens in books *eye roll*) the characters - get this - discuss about it and solve the issue like the grown ups they are!!
And I cannot forget the fact that although there is a clear infatuation and attraction between the two main characters that does not mean that they lose their mind whenever the other is in the room and they can stil function like two responsible and capable adults.
I cannot wait to see what else Alexis had prepared for us (maybe Charon's story? pretty please?) and I know that she just became an auto-buy author for me!

[Audrey Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed. Utterly, completely, head-over-heels in love with this book.

Flowers Near Me is the kind of story that grabs you by the collar and pulls you into a world where gods wear power suits, rival empires are built on tech and legacy, and the chemistry crackles off the page. I devoured it!

Persephone is everything I love in a heroine—smart, guarded, fiercely independent—but watching her get tangled up with Hades (who is as magnetic and deliciously dangerous as you'd hope) was pure magic. Their dynamic? Off. The. Charts. The slow-burn tension, the banter, the power plays, the quiet moments of vulnerability—I swooned, gasped, and grinned like a fool.

The author takes a myth we all think we know and gives it a fresh, modern spin that feels both cozy and full of high-stakes tension. The worldbuilding is so clever, the writing is lush and funny and sharp, and the emotional beats hit hard.

I can’t stop thinking about it. I’ve already recommended it to five people. If you’re a fan of myth retellings, corporate drama, enemies-to-lovers romance, or just good storytelling with heart—read this immediately. You won’t regret it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a fun, fast paced, low stakes, slow burn retelling of Hades and Persephone: READ THIS BOOK!

I am so obsessed with it and stayed up way too late reading it two nights in a row 😂😂

Sephy and Hades are to die for and this modern take on the classic myth was such a blast to read. I loved the way Rex wove classic Greek gods, demigods, and other characters into the story—but TBH, my heart might go to Sephy’s sister, Laura, because I loved her and their family dynamic. Rex’s wit and skill really shines through in this book — I can’t believe it’s her debut and I can’t wait to read Charon’s story next!

[Anastasiia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a cozy story - and that probably says it all. But when a fantasy book with a light, cozy vibe has no real worldbuilding, no character growth, no narrative drive and no overarching plot - it’s definitely not going to be a favorite of mine.
That said, if you don’t care about drama, plot depth or filling in plot holes, then this book might be perfect for you. It’s simply a relaxing retelling about Hades and Persephone. And that’s all.

I'd like to speak about questions the book's themes, but there were none. Even the villain simply ceased to be a villain. So what's the meaning and driving force behind the main characters?

[Sienna Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy, Hades and Persephone modern day reimagining is EVERYTHING!!!!

I did so much giggling and kicking my feet. Hades is a man OBSESSED! A top book boyfriend FOREVER!!!

💐 Billionaire CEO
💐 Forced proximity (She is contractually obliged to work and live with him for 6 months.)
💐 She hates him, he’s ready to propose 💍
💐 Work place romance
💐 Fake dating

Alexis is a fantastic storyteller and you will love the characters she has created.

A million stars!!!

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

It was boring, all telling no showing and it didn't help that it was narrated in 3rd person...I hate that

The FMC lacked personality and all the MMC character talked about in every interaction was work related, there wasn't a proper conversation about them getting to know each other or enough interaction outside of work for them to form a bond and fall in love.

[Maria Ocampo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me everything I wanted and even more! Such a cozy and fluffy romance read that I devoured in 3 days!! Hades is so unhinged and I loved him for that. This will totally be in my reread list. If you need a cute, funny and fluffy romance look no further! I hope there is another book featuring another specific character. You can’t leave me guessing what was stolen

[Delani Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Persephone and Hades! I got to read very early version of this story and was immediately immersed into this world.

Alexis is a wonderful writer and I absolutely adored this colorful and fun story! Also, Hades is such a dream!

[Aster Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth in a modern, business setting. I loved the characters and was hooked by the heartwarming enemies to lovers story. It was a great feel-good book that left me smiling. I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

[Candi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. Alexis' sense of humour shines through and the banter between Hades and Persephone was my favourite thing - it completely made me root for them. What a brilliant debut story and I will read everything this author creates!

[Nora Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an absolute sucker for this book. It’s exactly how Alexis Rex explained it. A cozy modern Hades and Persephone retelling. I can’t wait for book 2, Carry My Torch, I’m so excited to dive into Charon and Vanth’s story🤭🤭

[Kayla Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always on the hunt for a good Hades & Persephone retelling and I absolutely loved this cozy modern story. The only reason I didn’t rate it a 5 is because the ending just felt rushed. But overall loved the idea and story.