Roses & Rage

by Anna Hawke

Betrayed by Zeus. Stripped of his godhood. At the mercy of a woman who fled his rule.

Ares, God of War, has fallen. Cursed to live as a mortal, he seeks shelter with the woman he once loved as attacks against the divine rise. With war looming on the horizon, he vows to eliminate those who threaten the pantheon—and the gods who’ve scorned him.

A cunning demigoddess, Zoya balances temple management, single motherhood, and undercover operations for the ruling pantheon. When her patron god shows up human at her door, she risks everything to keep him safe. If Zeus discovers the powerful magic she commands, her life is forfeit.

When a prophecy binds them together, the flame between them reignites. Will Ares and Zoya succumb to the wicked chaos that threatens everything they cherish—or will their love survive the imminent supernatural war?

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Anna Hawke is a paranormal romance novelist dedicated to bringing to life the voices inside her head. With a degree in Journalism and a vested interest in grammatical perfection, Anna’s written works contain sarcasm, spark, and sexy alpha males too handsome for their own good.

When she isn’t busy wrangling her three young children, gorgeous husband, and an opinionated grey tabby, Anna enjoys reading romance novels, riding horses, and traveling to places where hiking boots are required. Writing, however, is her favorite pastime, and Anna loves nothing more than pouring herself a 24 oz mug of tea, wrapping herself in a blanket, and giving her imaginary friends a voice.

Reviews

[Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for Greek mythology. This book also has the vibes of the stories of the mythology too IMO. Idk if that is what the author is going for or not, but it was achieved. It has the whole “lesson learned/moral of the story/what did you take away from this story vibe going on”. Or at least that’s what I got from it. Tbh, you could’ve got that from book 1 too, but you really got it from this one IMO. I kind of giggled as I shut this book and was like, “well, that was a fun read”. It is romantic, sweet, exciting, has challenges to overcome, and as on par with this author, there is a bigger picture unfolding with each book added to the series. Overall, it was an easy and enjoyable read (which is what I’ve come to expect from this author and why I will continue to read her books).

This is an Urban Fantasy Romance. The romance in this book is a second chance romance. Ares’s father, Zeus, has taken away his immortality, and he must live as a human. Luckily, he finds an old love interest, Zoya. Zoya, a single mother now, gladly takes in Ares, but she has her own secrets she has to hide, and falling for Ares again will complicate everything.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📱Ebook

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so few Greek myth romantasy retellings that feature Ares, and that is why I had been so excited about this book. We all have preconceived notions about who and what Ares, the God of War, is like, and usually the picture painted of him isn't flattering. I thus became very curious and eager when this book came about, and finally having read it now makes me as pleased as I could be of how this story of Ares turned out to be.

I'm so glad that Ms. Anna chose to focus again on how experiencing humanity can change a god for the better. That is the whole gist of the story, yet the specific nuances of how that was put into play in the story definitely kept me glued to the book from start to finish. I enjoyed the moments of domesticity he so obviously relished in Zoya's home with her daughter, and it was clear that had he not been ripped of his divinity, Ares would never have tasted that kind of pure happiness.

Of course, let me not forget to mention the continuing build up of the overarching plot that started with Sunshine and Sin. Apollo and Ares, with their better halves at their side, have already faced the trials brought upon them by their enemies. The suspense and the action has had my stomach in knots as I read through those crucial chapters in the book. I know things will only get more sinister as the story continues onto the next book. My most favorite Olympian god - Hades - is next to face his own trials, and I can't wait to find out who the woman will be to stand by his side when that time comes.

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This no spice romantic fantasy was no less great than book one in the series, and I loved it. Taking the god of war from Greek mythology, Ares is stripped of his divinity and made a mortal. On the run, and in hiding, he takes refuge with the woman who ran away from him five years ago. As they navigate his humanity and his life being in danger, there is plenty of forced proximity and sweet moments as he endeavors to take care of Zoya and her little girl. This second chance, single mother romance was so sweet and I could not get enough of it. I highlighted so many quotes and sections and I absolutely cannot wait for the conclusion to this trilogy and to figure out some of the mysteries that have not been revealed. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.

TW: Mentions of Adultery, Blood, Injuries, Drunkenness

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! This book was so good! I loved it so much! It was just as compelling as the first book, Sunshine & Sin.

I really enjoyed reading about Ares. It was really interesting seeing him adjust to life as a mortal. It wasn’t an easy adjustment, but he handled it better than I thought he would. And I loved seeing the transformation in him as he got used to the idea.

I liked Zoya right off the bat. She was fierce and protective and a great mother. Her daughter Rei was adorable. I loved seeing the sweeter side of Ares come out when he was with the little girl.

I loved the second chance romance aspect of this book. There was quite a bit of history and strong feelings between Ares and Zoya, which had me rooting so hard for them.

I really enjoyed this book and highly, highly recommend it! I can’t wait for the next one!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all works by Anna, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and delving back into the world of Greek mythology for a second chance romance between god and priestess, who is also a single Mum. This is the second book written by Anna in the Echoes of Olympus: Season 1 series, written by multiple authors. I am now going to check out the rest of the series by the many other authors as well.

These are closed door romances, with a plot set around finding and defeating an organisation believed to be disgruntled Demigods, although perhaps the problem is deeper than they thought - read and discover what happens as they risk everything to protect the pantheon and each other, and find their HEA. Meanwhile the prophecies and problems keep coming, guess I will read more of the series to find out what happens 😎

[Mrs A M Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares, God of War has been stripped of his divinity for offending his father. Forced to live as a mortal, he turns to the only person he's sure he can trust - the woman he once loved.

I loved this book - Ares discovery of what it means to be human was funny, painful and all the emotions in between and I enjoyed the journey from start to finish.

Although this can be read pefectly as a standalone, I would recommend reading Sunshine and Sin by the same Author first as the stories and characters connect.

[makeupthepages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC all thoughts are my own.

This book has an interesting perspective and a new take on the Greek God Ares which I absolutely loved!!! His character being turned into a human and a demigod rebellion still at hand. Meanwhile turning up on his ex-girlfriend's doorstep! This book had some hilarious parts, but was also filled with high stake tension with the demigods rising up to do whatever it takes to try to conquer the gods. Oops I forgot to mention the prophecy that must be fulfilled. Overall this book has a 5 Star rating from me!!!

[Alura Heindel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t ever leave me again, Ares. I won’t survive it.” “Never.” Her kiss undid him.

I absolutely adored this book! Ares and Zoya’s romance is super sweet! He’s always taking care of her, even though she left him 5 years before the events of the book. And watching their love rekindle is amazing! Not to mention all of the banter throughout the story. If you love second chance romances, mythology retellings and MCs with combat training. Give this book a try! I highly recommend it!

[Tegan Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares was never my favorite Greek god... until now. This book had me feeling everything. I cried. I melted at the sweetness. I laughed at the God of War in a tutu at a tea party. Ares and Zoya's second chance romance is one of my favorites ever written. Zoya is doing her best to protect her child. She and Ares cannot deny their love that never truly went away. Two of my favorite scenes: when he remembers her favorite flowers and when he asks her to lie to him.

[__boundbybook__ 🥀Shaunie🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a perfect fit to the first one I LOVED IT!
The action, the romance, the surprises it was amazing!

I love how this series has been going and I am so excited for what comes next! Especially with an ending like that!!

I absolutely recommend this story! It has tropes like
✨ Secret Child
🖤 Gods Of Olympus
✨ God Turned Mortal
🖤 Second Chance Romance
✨ Badass FMC

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Greek mythology then this is another great read. Zoya and Ares story will suck you in from page one. We get to see a god normally portrayed as hard and unyielding become human and fight for his love. With a bigger arc with each book this series will suck you right in and have you falling in love with each character and the world that is being built. A highly recommend read.

[Kim Zamolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender love story featuring the god of war. I loved the themes of anger, family tensions, and doing the right thing even when it goes against one’s “nature”. I loved seeing Ares’ transformation from combative and angry to tender and protective in finding his humanity. His love for the FMC and daughter was just so precious. Go read it!

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roses and Rage in the Echoes of Olympus series follows Ares, the god of war and Zoya, a priestess at his Chicago temple.

This is a great fast-paced short read. There is no spice, but I didn’t miss it. FYI, Chapter 16 will probably make you cry.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I went in this book with preconceived notions of Ares, and who wouldn't given how he's usually portrayed, but this book features a different facet of him, and I loved it! Watching Ares adjust to mortality and recovering his humanity was both, compelling and beautifully done.

Zoya and Ares has a past story and this second chance allowed them to heal and know each other better. Besides, it was so sweet whenever Ares interacted with Rei and Zoya.

This book expands on the story and tension with the Sotiras introduced in "Sunshine and Sin". The stakes in the war between the Olympians and the Sotiras are higher and dangerous in this story, and there’s still one remaining trial to be faced.

* This is a closed-door romance
* No language (at least from what I remember)
* Thanks the author for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this can read as a stand-alone, there was a bit of a cliffhanger leaving me wanting more!

Anna got me again, making me fall in love with her characters. Honestly, I didn’t think it possible for Ares to win me over but his journey to find his humanity did just that. He was certainly a morally-gray character but eager to learn and grow when given a second chance at love. This story had the perfect balance of action, romance, and humor. Quick read, mostly because I couldn’t put it down!