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Ivy & Bone #5

Willow & Grave

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Willow & Grave is Book 5 of the Ivy & Bone series, a Hades and Persephone retelling with a twist, full of steamy romance, dark paranormal themes, and allusions to Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and A Touch of Darkness.

444 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2025

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127 people want to read

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R.L. Perez

35 books256 followers

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
32 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2025
Received this book as an ARC along with the previous books. I really enjoyed this fun retelling of Hades and Persephone. Each book in the series was a fun quick read that left me wondering what was going to happen next with each subsequent book!
Profile Image for Katryne.
618 reviews34 followers
October 1, 2025
Epic ending to an amazing story. My only complain is that I would have love more Prue and Cyrus because they are my favorite couple but still the last book was awesome and I really love the ending too!
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,590 reviews116 followers
September 21, 2025
It's been a while since I read the previous book and I was wondering whether I need to re-read it or not, but nooooo....Ms Perez took me straight into the drama, straight where she left off and every word, every detail came crashing down on me! Trivia had made the ultimate sacrifice, Prue and Mona have been taken, Sol and Gaia are still distraught, Cyrus is still besides himself and Evander is losing it.... and before long, Ms Perez was playing my heart like a xylophone, pounding away, mercilessly, only to end on the sweetest note that thrilled me. Gods, Goddesses and Titans clash spectacularly in this phenomenal read. Prue and Cyrus, Mona and Evander, Trivia and Sol, Gaia, all face a battle so monumental, so epic, it was jaw dropped. Following these characters, seeing their growth, tasting their trauma and finally getting all the pieces to fit just right, has taken me from the mortal realm, to the underworld and somewhere in between. All under the expert guidance of a truly talented author.

Trivia had hoped her actions would suffice to atone for all the wrongs she's done, buuuut... while she's no longer tethered to Pandora, she's at Pandora's mercy. Pandora is stronger than ever, what she wants is vengeance, and she can achieve it. Trivia is stuck with Pandora, her magic being siphoned off, it's only a matter of time before Pandora can truly emerge, much to Trivia's horror. But there's a twist almost right from the start, THIS is pure penmanship at it's finest! Ms Perez easily has me wrapped up in knots, not knowing how to untangle myself. I can barely catch my breath as this author takes me through my paces, or rather HER paces, which are phenomenally intricate. Love, the essence that keeps one going is also one that can threaten all. The intensity of Evander's love for Mona has already taken much from him and he is willing to give even more. I was screeching like a Banshee, yelling NOOOOOOO! DON'T DO IT! But as it gets more intense, more harrowing, I'm a complete mess! And that was only just past the 20% mark! I wasn't sure my nerves could handle it but, like an addict, I couldn't tear my eyes from the book, with the immersive text, the captivating plot and characters, characters I rooted for, even those I had disliked, like Midas, threw me off course. There is a redemption arc of the soul, which this author entwined credibly and good golly did I cheer!

Ms Perez annihilated me, over and over again! I swear I even stopped breathing at one stage, I didn't dare blink as what was unfolding, did! I was a pin cushion for this author, she kept jabbing and stabbing and then.... OMG, she thrust a blade right through my heart! At this point I was seriously ready to shout at Rachel "what did you do?????? How COULD you????? You're evil!" Yes, I sobbed 😭 This read was brimming with action, this read was overflowing with emotions, this read almost decimated me! I wanted to tear Pandora to pieces, I wanted to....no I can't say WHAT I wanted to do to the Titans, I'm sure you can guess! Slowly.... painfully.... and I'm not a violent person but I'd have not an ioto of remorse. Between Trivia, Evander, Lagos, my heart shattered into 1000 pieces, and that's not even taking into account all the other times my heart stuttered. Gees Rachel, you're k@lling me! And I love it.....These characters all learn a valuable lesson, they get to understand who they are, their purpose but not without major self beratement, and that redemption of the highest order IS possible. A resounding message prevails, "The choices of yesterday don't matter as much as those of today and tomorrow. You can mourn the person you've been, but don't let it keep you from becoming someone better" . How true, I totally relate to this statement.

About halfway through the book, this amazing author twisted it once again, and a new hope settled into my heart. I will say that I loved all these characters from previous books, I've cried with them, laughed with them, agonised with them. Rachel weaves in multiple POVs so masterfully, they were woven into my soul. Nothing prepared me for this book, nothing prepared me from the twists after twists, nothing prepared me for the darkness the Titans cast but Rachel excelled at every description, every word precisely laid, that carried me from the depths of despair to the heights of bliss! The realism of the world she crafts, the realism of remorse, the realism of guilt, the realism of rage, it all just screamed out at me. Rachel is truly talented in her storytelling, she ALWAYS draws out a plethora of emotions from me. There was immense pain, yes, but the rebirth was the wondrous aspect to this read, one that filled me with elation. My final thoughts? Well, all I can do is bow down to Ms Rachel Perez and say that she is a magnificent author and she took me on a rollercoaster of stress and emotions, love, hope and joy and, just as when a rollercoaster slides to a halt, that feeling of accomplishment, of warmth permeating in me, from me, around me, is why I'll embrace every journey with her! What a conclusion! What a ride!
1,310 reviews24 followers
September 10, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it.

I have throughly enjoyed this epic series of a goddess who had three daughters, raising two because the third was taken from her by her husband, the god Apollo who infused the soul of the goddess Pandora into her joining them together as one.

The girls never knew they were goddesses until much later and this story traces the paths of the oldest and middle sister initially and what befell them and what lengths each took to protect the other.

Later they find out they have a sister they never knew but because of who controls her, she causes much destruction to both the Underworld and the realm where the gods dwell in Elysium.

This story is one of passion and finding where you belong and also redemption for each sister as they struggle with the demons, doubts and insecurities inside them as they fight to survive against foes beyond their ability to subdue until they can meet to join their powers together.

I would strongly suggest if you haven’t read the whole series up to this point that you would get the books you haven’t read and read this series from start to finish to fully understand each character and the interactions they have had which formed the bonds they now share with each other besides others
you’ll be reading about!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend not only this book but this entire series as one I know you’ll enjoy just as much as I have! Though the series is now complete I will be rereading it again from start to finish to recapture the magic, intrigue, adventure and drama within its pages as these three sisters find themselves and the ones they want to share their lives with!

This series captivated me from the start and the evil they face in this final book will have you turning the pages just as fast as you can to find out what happens next!

If you want a suspenseful read full of adventure, romance and thrilling battles here you are! It has it all! I can guarantee you’ll find it hard to put down!
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,384 reviews50 followers
August 26, 2025
💜 Blurb -
In the final chapter of the Ivy & Bone series, an unstoppable dark magic has threatened the realms. And only an ancient and long lost power is strong enough to defeat it…
At the mercy of the Titans, Prue and Mona must work together to escape. But when they realize they are trapped in a land without magic, they find themselves powerless against their captors.
Cyrus and Evander are desperate to rescue them. But Cyrus grapples with his new weakness and fears becoming a king unworthy of his people's loyalty. Evander, struggling with his own inner demons, makes a deadly and impulsive bargain with ancient spirits who want nothing more than to steal his immortal soul.
Trapped within Pandora's box, Trivia yearns to reunite with her sisters. In order to free herself, she must unlock her magic, accept her past mistakes, and embrace her powers. But the dark forces within the box will not let her escape without a fight…
The only way to survive is for the gods and goddesses to unite. Can they gather enough forces to bring down the Titans, or will the realms be destroyed?
💚 Review - Even though I'm sad that the Ivy And Bone series is over, I also wanted to know what happens. I have absolutely adored this series and I was eager to start Willow And Grave. The author's writing drew me in from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. Sometimes, I even forgot I was reading because I was so drawn into the story. I loved everything about this book and series. All the characters have my heart and will stay with me for a long time. I can't recommend the book and the series enough. I'm already eager to see what the author writes next.
🧡 Thank you to the author, R.L Perez for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bri West.
67 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2025
This is the final installment of the Hades and Persephone retelling with witches, demons, goddesses and princes of the Underworld.

All the struggles and sacrifices had led to this moment. The ultimate and final showdown between the Titans and the gods, goddess and witches.

We get unexpected allies, heart breaking losses and heart warming reunions. We watch the three sisters all come into their full powers and fulfill their purposes. They get to grown into the roles that suit each sister (one in each realm) with the loves of their lives.

Prue and Cyrus, King and Queen of the Underworld. Trivia and Sol, King and Queen of Elysium. Mona and Evander, fulfilling their purposes in Gaia, putting each other first finally. It’s HEA all around.

Thank you to the author once again for this final eARC of the series !


Tropes:
- dark paranormal romance
- Witches , goddesses & the devil himself
- Hades & Persephone retelling
- Dual timelines & multi POVs

Favorite Quotes:
- "I will always be there for you, Evander. Always. From here to eternity, my soul will always find yours."
- “By all means. Please insult me further”
- "You can do this," Evander murmured. "And if, for some reason, you can't... we will weather that storm together. You are not alone, my love. I am here with you no matter what." Evander pressed her hand firmly to his chest. "This heart... is yours. For all eternity."
- How did I manage to snare such a perfect goddess like you as my wife?" Prue snorted, then smirked at him. "I believe it had something to do with pomegranate seeds and a spell gone wrong."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Regina.
21 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2025
Willow & Grave is the final book of the Ivy & Bone series. The story picks right back up with Mona and Prue in the clutches of the Titans, Trivia locked back in Pandora's box, and lots of brokenhearted loved ones desperate to find them all. This book is extremely fast-paced and action-packed, full of endless battles facing the heroines and heroes! This final book is such a torturing journey for the sisters, especially Trivia. There were so many new creatures introduced that caused devastation in the battles with some really sad losses, but some bright spots as well: Prue's compassion for the sirens, other gods and goddesses helping, surprise alliances, Gaia finally having some time with Trivia and the sisters all finally getting to be together. Plus, I thought it was really great that Mona tapped into her witch heritage using runes when they had no other power to fight the Titans! I loved reading about the people's love for Prue, especially the devotion and sacrifice of Lagos. He was one of my favorite characters. One thing I found heartwarming was Cyrus realizing he would be heartbroken if anything happened to Evander or Romanos and finally seeing his brothers as family, not competition for power. I will say his guilt and self-pity period was a little annoying, as was Mona pushing Evander away so he could figure out who he was… But finally, about 87% into the book, the Evander I loved from past books came back to us, loving and singing to Mona. Swoon!!!! Overall, this was a good conclusion to the series.

Favorite quotes:

“You aren’t the only one who would go to great lengths to save Prue.” ~ Lagos

“We’re earth goddesses, dammit” ~ Mona
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,341 reviews53 followers
September 18, 2025
A fitting end to an emotionally charged series. The hits just kept coming with each book. Each sister as well as their mates experienced so much pain, heartache and loss. Constant danger within their respective realms as well as their relationships. Prue and Cyrus, Mona and Evander as well as Trivia and Sol fought battles of their own making as well as battles as a couple.

In the previous book we see that Prue and Mona were taken by the Titans while Trivia sacrificed herself to Pandora box in an attempt to keep the evil within contained. In this final installment we see that there were no lengths Cyrus, Evander and Sol wouldn't go through to save the women they loved and Prue, Mona didn't hold back all while Trivia continued to fight the never-ending battle of putting an end to Pandora's evil plans.

The battle with the Titans was a hard-fought battle and our FMC and MMC didn't not walk away unscathed and will be forever changed. After being together and torn apart it was bittersweet to see our couples reunited again and their love remaining just as fierce as it was before their lives was repeatedly upended by dangers near and far.

Expect:

I AM MY SISTER'S KEEPER VIBE
Witches
Gods
Goddesses
Magic
Pandora's Box
Titans
Danger
Found Family
Loss, Pain and Redemption
Spice
Profile Image for Paloma.
555 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2025
The final book and it was amazing. All the gods, goddesses, witches, demons, monsters, and even sirens showed up for the final battle! 💫💫💫💫💫

Brothers Cyrus ( Osiris) and Evander spend their time arguing and fighting over how they are going to rescue Prue and Mona, their perspective partners. The sisters are being held captive by the Titans, yes those Titans. On the other end of their world, their other sister Trivia is stuck in Pandora's box, yes exactly that Pandora. As the sisters figure out how to escape and their men how to rescue them, the Titans are meticulously figuring out how to take over the realm and kill everyone in the process.

Even though I didn't read the previous books, I absolutely loved this last book. I enjoyed all the gods and goddesses that were mentioned. The earth and fire witches were so strong and powerful, and the power of the triple goddess also came to the last fight.

Thank you, R.L Perez, for this ARC. I really appreciated it, enjoyed it, and will treasure it!
Profile Image for Kate - Lekxareads.
126 reviews
September 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is packed with action, emotion, and heart. It’s the kind of story that keeps you turning the pages breathlessly, makes you cry, and then leaves you smiling because of the hope and unity at the end. An AMAZING read.

From the very first page, the action never let up. R.L. Perez does such an incredible job of balancing nonstop intensity with heartfelt character moments, and I was hooked straight through to the end.

The characters are so strong and vivid. Their bravery and resilience shine in every chapter, and even when things felt hopeless, I couldn’t stop rooting for them. I was absolutely devastated at times when certain events happen. These moments broke me 💔. But the way the ending was written was so beautifully done. It gave closure while still carrying the weight of everything that happened, and I loved how the characters came together in those final moments.

Thank R.L. Perez for providing this ARC. Please be expecting my therapy bills soon. 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Marsha Graniel.
491 reviews13 followers
October 3, 2025
OMG!! The feels!! Willow and Grave is the final chapter of the Hades and Persephone romance. I am not ready to let go!! The Battle against the Titans continues, and the sister find a way to come back to end them. This story took me in an emotional roller coaster with sacrifices and finding one’s inner strength. I love the connection each couple has and what they will do in order to get back to their loved ones. Prue, Mona, and Trivia worked hard to become strong goddess’s to take the threat away, while their other halves Cyrus, Evander, and Sol fight to protect them and win allies along the way. This story was really a battle of strength, wisdom, and love. I may have cried at the end, but I loved the ending and wished there was more.

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,947 reviews116 followers
October 12, 2025
Book five and we are at the end of this incredible Hades and Persephone fantasy retelling. It’s been one hell of a journey and our characters have had one hell of time throughout but this final book brings everything and everyone together as we embark on one last adventure. Trivia is stuck in Pandora's box, Prue and Mona are being held captive by the Titans and Cyrus and Evander, whilst they may want to save the sisters, they too are struggling. It’s fast paced and well written, exciting and emotional as the author once again pulls us into this incredible world and ties up all loose ends and give us a worthy ending. It’s an incredible addition to this series and is definitely a world I will visit time and time again.
Profile Image for GenXBookBestie.
138 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2025
A Hades and Persephone inspired retelling infused with nods to Greek mythology and dark undertones.
This was the perfect ending to this five book series!
The battles, the heartache, the devastation, the love, the hope, and the resolution are all so on point!!
I have loved everything I've read by this author, but this? This is how to wrap up a series !
I usually do a quick summary in my reviews, but I don't even have the words to without giving something away, so I'm just going to say this;
If you haven't read this series or anything by this author, don't hesitate. Read this series! You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Roisin Robbins.
268 reviews12 followers
October 1, 2025
This is the 5th and final book in the Ivy and Bone series. It is a Hades and Persephone retelling.

Oh My what a book this was. I love me some retellings and have read my fair share of Hades/Persephone ones. So far nothing came close to "A touch of Darkness", for me. But I have to say this was just as good, if not better.

This story contains witches, demons, titans, goddesses and princes of the underworld. Being the final book, it contains the final showdown and what a showdown. It has everything you would expect and more.

I highly recommend this series. Or anything else R. L. Perez writes.
Profile Image for Michaela Zeno.
Author 1 book16 followers
October 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book. I have enjoyed the entire series from the start. I’ve loved it!! I’m always a sucker for a Persephone and Hades retelling and with this exploring that so much further and weaving other stories into this, I loved it all. I feel like this was the perfect conclusion for everyone. We met new characters in previous books, and we saw how their stories came to an end and how our original characters, I would like to say got a happy ending. It was wonderful all around and so engaging. I loved the twist and turns and it was a great conclusion to the series.
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews10 followers
September 10, 2025
I was super excited for this final book of the series and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I feel like the author did a fantastic job bringing this to its conclusion. It was well written, with plenty of heart stopping moments, and just enough spice. I also feel that she did a wonderful job answering any lingering questions and tying up all the loose ends that were left. While I’m sad to see these characters go and this series end, it was an excellent book!! And I’m excited for what this author will bring us in the future.
Profile Image for Suzie Boswell.
124 reviews
September 18, 2025
What an ending!

I started this series back in January and honestly I read books 1-4 in such a short amount of time back to back as I was immediately hooked!

I absoltely loved this book, I can't remember hiw many times my jaw dropped, how many times I gasped and felt all the emotions the characters did!

I am so sad it is all over! 😭😭 Cyrus and Prue, Evander and Mona, Trivia and Sol and all the other loveable characters I will miss you so much! Logos!!! 🥺🥺

I feel so privledged to have read all of this series and you honestly won't be disappointed. xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janai .
46 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2025
What a conclusion 😭. I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters but if there had to be a way this would be that. I laughed, I cried, I cheered out loud. The growth of these characters from book 1 to this book was amazing and thoroughly done. Mona is so strong. I loved seeing how their relationship played out and the strength that Mona showed in this book. Prue is such a solid character I loved her from the very first page of this series. Trivia’s arc was so good. Redemption and self actualization looks good on her. The men were of course wonderful but the vulnerability was the real treat this book. Reading this really made me just want to start the journey all over again.
Profile Image for Clairelettersandmore .
332 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2025
Willow & Grave was everything I hoped for and more. Dark, romantic, and full of heart-stopping twists, it kept me hooked from start to finish. The mythology feels richer than ever, and the emotional stakes had me turning pages late into the night. I loved how Perez deepened the characters’ relationships while keeping the tension high—both in the romance and the action. A gripping, addictive addition to the Ivy & Bone series that left me desperate for the next installment.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,811 reviews55 followers
September 21, 2025
I have loved this series! Finale time! So great to be back with all the characters! Fun action and danger. Cool magic. Interesting enemies and scenarios. Touching connections. Sweet romances with deep love! Loved all 3 of the couples! Good to see the sisters working together, and the brothers too! The setting has been great too! Love the Underworld setting. Really enjoyed it all! The whole series was just so fulfilling! Definitely recommend the whole series!
Profile Image for Ash Logan.
27 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2025
This was an epic conclusion to the Ivy & Bone series! The twist, the turns, the heartbreaks, the power, the sacrifices, the love- I could not put it down! I’m heartbroken that the series is now complete, but the way it has come to an end is highly satisfying. R.L. Perez has knocked it out of the park with another amazing book!
Profile Image for Rose .
161 reviews12 followers
September 5, 2025
Can't believe the series is over now but what a good ending. Cyrus and Trivia both had so much character growth from the first book through this one. Cyrus learning to have empathy and Trivia learning who she really was. My favorite characters.
Profile Image for Donna.
824 reviews13 followers
January 10, 2026
This is book 5 of the series and I definitely enjoyed. I recommend every book of this series
Profile Image for TaniaRina Valdespino.
465 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2025
Loyalty, Negotiations, and Sacrifice
A twist on the age-old battle of gods old & new struggling to overturn the inevitable balance of power. Set in a world in which everyone is but an expendable tool to be tossed away when no longer serviceable, our heroes and heroines strive tirelessly to end their never-ending tug-of-war.

Could you imagine spending ‘an eternity trapped in Pandora’s box’? Or making the devil’s deal with demons?


May we all utilize the thriving beauty of earth magic so that we are stronger than the darkness surrounding us.
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