Hades' Revenge

by Ella Jade

When a vicious assassin is banished from the life he’s known, he starts over only to be tempted by the goddaughter he hasn’t seen in almost twenty years.

Hades

Vindictive, malicious, some would even say sadistic…

I couldn’t argue with any of those assessments. We are who we are. I’m a vengeful assassin who will stop at nothing to make those who wronged me pay. And I’m thirsty for revenge.

Eighteen years ago, I took the fall for a man who was like a brother to me. I even vowed to protect his daughter by becoming her godfather— and then he betrayed me.

Two decades later, his daughter, now a stunning woman strolls into my life, having no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Capri takes an unhealthy interest in me, the older and dangerous man, and I don’t do anything to discourage her. I welcome her obsession because it suits me.

When her infatuation with me grows stronger, I prove just how vindictive, malicious, and sadistic I really am. Is she the opportunity I need to enact my revenge against her father or is she the reason I finally let this vendetta go?

Don't miss the start of this bold dark romance series by USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Jade. Hades' Revenge is a dark age gap rom com that may contain content that is disturbing to some readers. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger and has an HEA.

This book is not a Greek Mythology retelling.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2026

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Ella Jade writes dark mafia romances with dominating mob bosses, the strong women who challenge them, and suspenseful twists that keep her readers turning the pages.

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy, angsty, and intense words, she indulges in a well-crafted martini and binge watches episodes of Dallas, Falcon Crest, and Dynasty, where she learned at an early age how to spin an old-school cliffhanger. She also enjoys spoiling her two chihuahua writing companions.

Reviews

[Ivy Olivia]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Thank you for the ARC copy! 🫶🏻

Hades meets his goddaughter, Capri, inside his club, and Capri wastes no time trying to seduce him. Even though Hades makes it clear that his relationship with her dad isn’t exactly good, Capri remains persistent—and eventually, the two of them quickly lose themselves in each other. 👀🔥

And of course… things get even messier with all the family drama afterward, which was actually pretty fun to read! 😂

Also, the spice is SO yum and HOT! 🌶️🔥 Definitely one of the highlights for me!

I think this series would be perfect for those who love age-gap romance with a touch of the mafia world! If that’s your thing, this one might be for you. 🖤✨

[Sam]

Oh my… this was so good from the very beginning! Every now and then, an age-gap romance with darker elements just hits the spot, and this one absolutely delivered. The chemistry between Capri and Sebastian, aka “Hades,” was electric right from the start, especially once you learn more about their history and Sebastian’s unresolved issues with her family. I loved watching him insist that he was this tough, hardened man, only for Capri to unravel those walls time and time again. Seeing him soften for her and finally admit that she was his weakness had me swooning. Then there was his protective side, which was complete perfection. Sebastian would do absolutely anything to keep Capri safe and wouldn’t hesitate to destroy anyone who hurt her, even if that person happened to be her own family. That morally gray, touch-her-and-die energy was everything I wanted from Hades. This was such a strong start to the series, and I’m already hooked. I seriously cannot wait to meet more of these morally gray gods! 5 stars!!!

[Liliana]

When a quest for revenge turns into something more...

The story introduces us to Sebastian aka Hades and Capri, the daughter of his former best friend who became his bitter enemy after a massive betrayal cost Hades everything. Although he initially lets Capri get close as a pawn to enact his revenge on her father, he quickly realizes there is much more between them than just his thirst for vengeance.

This is exactly where the pacing stumbles a bit for me. Their relationship evolves into deep, profound feelings far too quickly. It felt abrupt, they go from being practical strangers just looking for a one-night stand to suddenly being inseparable and willing to risk everything for each other.

Other than that slightly rushed development, the story flowed really well! We get romance, action, revenge, and sooo much spice. Their intimate moments are incredibly well-described, striking a fantastic balance between “filth” and cute romance.

The book also left me super curious about Zeus, and I will definitely be picking up his story when it comes out! Overall, it’s an entertaining and relatively light dark romance that I highly recommend.

[Bella]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hades’ Revenge by Ella Jade

I honestly do not even know where to begin with this book because Hades and Capri completely consumed me.

First, I need to say something about Ella. Yes, she is my friend, but that is not why this is a five star read for me. I have had the privilege of seeing how much work, time, heart, and love she pours into her stories. She does not just write characters. She brings them to life. She makes you feel like you know them, understand them, and somehow become emotionally invested in every terrible decision they make.

And Hades might be one of my favorite examples of that.

This man is VINDICTIVE. He is dangerous, calculating, possessive, morally questionable, and unapologetic about exactly who he is. He has spent almost twenty years carrying betrayal and planning his revenge, and then Capri walks into his life and completely complicates everything.

The age gap and forbidden tension between these two was absolutely delicious. Capri’s fascination with Hades only gets stronger while he knows exactly how wrong their attraction should be and does absolutely nothing to stop it.

As he should.

But underneath all the darkness, obsession, revenge, and chemistry, there is so much more happening emotionally. Hades has spent years believing he knows exactly what he wants, and watching Capri slowly become something he never planned for was one of my favorite parts of the story.

The banter had me laughing. The tension had me feral. The spice was SPICING. And the darker moments reminded me exactly why I love Ella’s morally gray men.

What makes this book even better is knowing how much thought and love went into creating it. I watched Ella work so hard on this story, and seeing Hades finally unleashed into the world makes me ridiculously proud of her.

And I promise you, I am not giving this five stars because she is my friend.

I am giving it five stars because Hades earned every single one of them.

If this is how the Morally Gray Gods series is STARTING, I am almost afraid to see what Ella does to us next.

Almost.

Hades, you vindictive, sadistic man.

You can have my heart, my soul, and my TBR.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nicole]

Hade's Revenge is the first installment in the Morally Gray Gods Series. A dark age gap rom com that may contain content that is disturbing to some readers. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger and has an HEA. A vengeful assassin plots revenge against his former friend, but falls into a dangerous romance with the man's daughter who pursues him obsessively. This book is not a Greek Mythology. An unputdownable and absorbing read. Captivating. Dangerous. Twisted. Dark. Delicious. Dirty. Irresistible. Sinful. This is Capri and Sebastian story which is told from a dual point of view. A brilliantly written story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that's driven by revenge and keeps you transfixed and turning the pages until the end. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing mind-blowing rollercoaster ride filled with heart-stopping emotions, mystery, surprises, scorching hot panty-melting passion, suspense, longing, cravings, tension, angst, non-stop twists and turns, pulse-pounding drama, and high-octane adventures.
A contemporary romance, assassination thrillers, organize crime thriller, suspense thriller story, billionaires & millionaires story, morally-grey antihero story, taboo romance, forbidden romance, dark mafia romance, aged gap trope story, dark romance, daddy vibes story, father's enemy story, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero story, virgin heroine story, silver fox romance, off-limits romance, godfather romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, insta-everything with lies, possessiveness, danger, obsession, power play, power and control, revelations, darkness, spice, violence, threats, madness, dirty talking, submission, rivalry, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, intrigue, double-cross, treachery, deception, backstabbing, survival, push and pull, pawn, acceptance, hatred, dark hidden secrets, loss, bloodshed, family dysfunction, action packed, weakness, jealous, daddy kinks and so much more.
Forty-six year old Sebastian Zikos a.k.a. Hades is a ruthless and vicious mafia assassin. He was once best friend with Leonardo Ferrante. The two men were like brothers and when Leonardo had his daughter Capri Ferrante he even made him her godfather in case anything happened to him. They even got the same tattoo of the New York skylines. However, that relationship got shattered when Leonardo betrayed Hades causing him to go to prison for eighteen years for a murder that he didn't commit. Hades is now living in Greece and has rebuild his and is the Owner of Club Hades an exclusive on the island of Syros. Two decades later Capri Ferrante is now twenty year old and a college student and is on a vacation in Greece she's is former friends daughter. She walked into Club Hades and was now a stunning woman strolls into his life having no idea who he was or what he's capable of.
Hades haven't seen her since she was a little girl and she had grown up to be a bomb shell that he should stay away from. Capri takes an unhealthy interest in Hades, the older and dangerous man and he didn't do anything to discourage her. He welcomed her obsession because it suited him. She's beautiful, fierce, and innocent. And when her infatuation with him grow stronger, he proved just how vindictive, malicious and sadistic I am really am. Is she the opportunity that he need to enact revenge against her father or is she the reason he finally let this vendetta go that he had been harboring for years. The two started an affair and the gave him her most precious gift which was her virginity. Their chemistry was sizzling, electrifying and scorching hot. For years Hades have not allowed anyone to get close to his heart.
But Capri had somehow managed to break through that wall he had up erected because of Leonardo betrayal he couldn't trust again. As they fall in love danger is all around them. Capri saw someone other than the monster and the man beneath the mask. She became his light in the darkness. His obsession. His reason for living. His redemption. His healing. Capri went back to New York and Hades learned that Leonardo had arranged for her to be married for an alliance but he wasn't about to allow that to happen. She's unaware of the bad blood between her father and her love. Because of Leonardo greed and his plans for Capri she's now in danger subsequently causing Hades to get caught in the cross-hair. Hades will burn the world down to protect what’s his. They will find happiness through betrayal, heartbreak, violence, enemies, rivalry, hurt and pain, guilt, fate and love. A beautifully swoon-worthy story. They will have a hard fought HEA.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater]

Sebastian Zikos, the man better known as Hades, is darkness wrapped in a devastatingly dangerous silver-fox exterior. A former assassin with ghosts haunting his past, he is ruthless, possessive, and lethal. He doesn’t ask for forgiveness. He doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. Hades knows exactly what he is—a weapon forged by betrayal, pain, and survival. Nearly twenty years ago, the one person he trusted above everyone else destroyed him. Leonardo Ferrante wasn’t just a friend; he was like a brother. Until he betrayed Hades and left him to take the fall for a crime that wasn’t his. That moment shattered whatever goodness remained inside Hades and created the cold, merciless man who now rules his world with an iron fist. Then Capri Ferrante walks into Club Hades. The daughter of the man who ruined him. The goddaughter he hasn’t seen since she was a baby. The one person who should be completely off-limits. And yet, from the moment Hades sees her, everything he thought he knew begins to unravel. Capri is warmth in a world of shadows. She is sweetness and compassion in the presence of a man who has spent his entire life embracing the darkness. She should not fit into his brutal existence, but somehow, impossibly, she does. Their connection is immediate, intense, and utterly consuming. Every glance feels loaded. Every conversation crackles with tension. Every moment between them feels like a battle between desire and everything standing in their way. Their chemistry was absolute fire. The kind that makes your heart race and your stomach flip. The kind where every stolen touch feels dangerous, every whispered confession feels like a vulnerability neither of them can afford, and every moment of restraint makes the inevitable explosion even more satisfying. Because Hades has spent years building walls around his heart, brick by brick, convincing himself that love is nothing more than a weakness waiting to be exploited. But Capri doesn’t fear the monster everyone else sees. She looks beyond the violence, the reputation, and the scars, finding the broken man hidden beneath the legend. And that terrifies him more than any enemy ever could. For Hades, Capri isn’t just desire. She becomes his obsession. Possession. The one thing he cannot survive losing. She is the first person who makes him question whether the darkness inside him is all he has left. But loving a man like Hades means stepping directly into the line of fire, because his enemies don’t just want to hurt him, they want to destroy him by taking away the one person who has become his entire world. Capri gives Hades her heart believing their connection is fate, but fate can be cruel. Surrounded by secrets, betrayal, and enemies waiting for the perfect moment to strike, their love is tested in ways that threaten to break them both. The danger is relentless, the emotions are raw, and the stakes feel impossibly high. When Hades discovers what Leonardo has planned for Capri, the man who has never needed anyone becomes a force of nature. He doesn’t hesitate. He doesn’t negotiate. He doesn’t stop until she is safe. Watching this feared assassin, this cold, untouchable man who thought he was incapable of love, become a man willing to destroy everything to protect the woman who owns his heart was breathtaking. Hades and Capri’s story is a beautiful collision of darkness and light, obsession and devotion, pain and healing. It’s about a man who believed he was beyond saving finding the one person who makes him want something more than survival. Through betrayal, danger, and unimaginable heartbreak, they discover a love that doesn’t erase their scars, it accepts them. Because sometimes the person destined to save you is the one person you were never supposed to want. And sometimes the darkest hearts love the hardest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Kemp]

Sebastian Zikos—known throughout the underworld as Hades the Assassin—is the ultimate dark and dangerous hero. A striking silver fox with mesmerizing green eyes, he is powerful, ruthless, and feared by many. As the owner of Club Hades on the beautiful island of Syros, he has spent nearly two decades carrying the scars of betrayal, living with the consequences of a crime he never committed.
Eighteen years earlier, the man he considered a brother, Leonardo Ferrante, destroyed his life. Hades took the fall for Leonardo's actions, sacrificing everything while the man he trusted walked away. Their bond had once been so close that Leonardo named Hades the godfather of his daughter, Capri, and the two men even shared matching New York skyline tattoos as a symbol of their brotherhood. That betrayal shaped Hades into the hardened man he is today.
Capri Ferrante is everything Hades never expected to find. Beautiful, sweet, compassionate, and fiercely loyal, she is a captivating heroine whose kindness shines even in the darkest circumstances. When twenty-year-old Capri walks into Club Hades, neither of them is prepared for the connection that instantly ignites between them. Believing their meeting is fate, Capri gives her heart completely, trusting the intense feelings growing between them.
What begins as an undeniable attraction quickly develops into something far deeper. For Hades, a man who has never allowed anyone to truly occupy his thoughts, Capri becomes an obsession. She slips past every wall he has carefully built around his heart, forcing him to confront emotions he thought he had buried long ago. Despite the years separating them, their complicated godfather relationship, the bitterness he still carries toward her father, and the dangers surrounding them, their bond only grows stronger.
The story is filled with emotional turmoil, family secrets, lies, betrayals, and enemies who would do anything to use Capri against Hades. Constant threats and mounting danger keep the tension high, while the romance remains at the heart of the story. Watching Hades transform from a cold, isolated assassin into a fiercely protective man willing to risk everything for the woman he loves is incredibly satisfying.
I especially loved the dynamic between these two characters. Capri's innocence and unwavering belief in love balance perfectly with Hades's possessive, protective nature. While theirs is very much an insta-love romance, the emotional connection between them feels genuine as they fight against impossible odds to be together.
By the end, their journey delivers a deeply emotional and well-earned happily-ever-after. Through all the pain, betrayal, and danger, they find a love built on understanding, trust, and acceptance. Hades may have spent years believing fate had abandoned him, but in the end, he comes to realize that Capri might have been destined for him all along. A captivating romance featuring an innocent yet strong heroine, a dark and devoted older hero, and a love story powerful enough to overcome even the deepest wounds of the past.

[Bella]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are books you enjoy, books you remember, and then there are books that completely consume you. Hades' Revenge is one of those rare stories that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Sebastian, better known as Hades, has officially claimed a permanent spot on my all time favorite book boyfriend list. I have never loved a morally gray, silver fox assassin quite like this man.

From the very first chapter, I was completely captivated. Hades is dangerous, ruthless, possessive, and absolutely unapologetic about who he is. He doesn't pretend to be the good guy, and honestly, that's exactly what makes him so irresistible. Underneath all that darkness is a man capable of loving with every piece of his soul, even if he would burn the world down to protect the woman he wants.

And then there's Capri. She was the perfect match for him. She wasn't weak or easily intimidated, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. Their chemistry was electric from the start, filled with tension, banter, and moments that had me smiling one minute and holding my breath the next. The age gap was done so incredibly well that it only made their connection even more addictive.

The suspense, the revenge, the danger, and the emotional moments were perfectly balanced. Every chapter gave me something to feel. I laughed, I gasped, I wanted revenge right alongside Hades, and I found myself completely invested in these characters. I never wanted their story to end.
Now I have to say something personal.

Yes, Ella Jade is my friend, and I know some people might think that makes me biased. If anything, it makes my review even more honest because I've had the privilege of getting to know the woman behind these incredible stories. Ella is one of the kindest, sweetest, and most genuine people I have ever met. She is humble, down to earth, and she pours her entire heart into every book she writes. Watching her interact with readers at book signings is honestly magical. She takes time for everyone, makes each person feel seen, and her love for her readers shines just as brightly as her love for writing.

Knowing the real Ella makes me appreciate her books even more because I see how much of herself she pours into every page. The passion she has for creating unforgettable characters and emotional stories isn't something you can fake. It's who she is.

If you love dark romance with an older possessive hero, an unforgettable heroine, incredible chemistry, edge of your seat suspense, and a story that will leave you thinking about it long after you're finished, Hades' Revenge is an absolute must read. This wasn't just another five star book for me. It was one of my favorite reads, and Sebastian (Hades) completely stole my heart.

Ella, thank you for creating characters that readers don't just fall in love with, but remember forever. I cannot wait to see where this world takes us next.

[Vic]

Hades’s Revenge is the first book in the Morally Grey Gods series. Sebastian, also known as Hades had to start over in a new city after his best friend betrayed him years ago. He’s been wanting to get revenge for so long. Now the perfect way just walked into his club in the form of his former friend’s daughter. Capri is beautiful, spirited and very charming. She makes her way to Hades the minute she sees him. She is attracted to him, but she’s also curious about him. She sets her sights on Hades. Hades dismisses her and tells her to let it go, but she is very persistent. He starts something with Capri knowing when her father finds out he will be extremely angered by the news. It’s something that should make Hades happy. However the longer he’s with Capri the more he realizes he doesn’t want to use her as revenge, but wants to keep her for himself. He wants to give this relationship a try, but what will happen when her father finds out?

Capri is a wild spirit. She’s beautiful, charming and really sweet. The minute she meets Hades she’s interested in him. However she’s also interested because there is a familiar tattoo on his arm. She wants to know what kind of relationship he had with her father when he doesn’t wanna talk about him, she knows they don’t talk. She wants to know why they had a falling out. She’s also very interested in Hades, even though he dismisses her, she keeps pursuing him. When she finally wears him down, she starts wondering if she made the right choice. She really likes him and likes spending time with him. However, the longer the time they spend together the more she starts falling. She doesn’t know the extent of the hatred between her father and Hades. She finds herself scared that they might not be able to be in a relationship because she wouldn’t want her father to hate her. When Hades convinces her to give him a chance she decides to go for it. How long will they be able to keep the relationship a secret?

Ella Jade had me on the edge of my seat. First, I was wondering how long it would take when her father would find out. Then I was wondering if the father was gonna kill Hades or if Hades was gonna kill Capri’s father. I felt bad for Capri because all she wanted was for everyone to get along. I felt bad for Hades because he actually really cared about her, but didn’t think she would be with him if her father didn’t approve. Their chemistry was off the charts. Those scenes were hot. It was definitely a roller coaster with guilt on both sides. Yet, I found myself rooting for them. I love the side characters as well. I hope we get to see them more. This was filled with drama, danger, humor, heat, action, suspense, secrets, lies, and insane twists. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Sandy S]

HADE’S’ REVENGE is the first instalment in Ella Jade’s contemporary, adult MORALLY GRAY GODS erotic, Mafia romance series. This is forty-six year old, Mafia assassin turned club owner Sebastian ‘Hades’ Zikos, and twenty-year old, college student Capri Ferrante’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Capri and Hades) HADES’ REVENGE focuses on the age-gap forbidden romance and relationship between our story line couple. Sebastian ‘Hades’ Zikos has known Capri Ferrante all of her life but has not seen the young woman since she was three years old. Once best friends with Capri’s father Leonardo, Hades took the blame for a crime he did not commit, and the betrayal came at the hands of Capri’s father. Fast forward to present day, an unknowing and unwitting Capri Ferrante walks into Hades’ night club in Greece, and is rescued by our hero before anything could happen. A whirlwind affair, and a return home find Capri caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place, painfully unaware of the truth about what happened years before between her father and the man with whom she is falling in love . Capri’s father has plans for his daughter, plans that do not include our story line hero.

The world building focuses on Hades’ secrets, and Capri’s father’s connection to our story line hero. Capri has fallen in love with a dangerous man but her father’s plan have place a target on our story line heroine, and Hades is about to be caught in the crossfire.

The relationship between Hades and Capri begins with Capri searching out a man she knows nothing about but a man who has kept close tabs on our story line heroine. Hades knows that to reveal the truth could threaten any future with Capri Ferrante, a future that has been promised to someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate with a bit of Daddy kink thrown into the mix.

The secondary and supporting characters are desperate and determined. We are introduced to Hade’s right hand man and head of security Atticus, Capri’s parents Gia and Leonardo Ferrante, hitman Zeus Regas, as well as Cartel members Benny and Christopher Lazaro. Zeus’ story is next.

HADES’E REVENGE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, mobsters and madness, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is detailed, dramatic and captivating; the romance is edgy; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.

copy supplied for review

[Shawna]

Hades’ Revenge — Ella Jade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ (5/5) This was a dark, twisted, morally gray romance with an older, dangerous hero, a forbidden attraction, and a revenge plot that kept the story moving. Hades is absolutely not a traditional romance hero—and that’s exactly what makes this book work.

Hades is ruthless, vengeful, and unapologetically dark. After sacrificing years of his life because of someone he trusted, he has every reason to be consumed by revenge. His relationship with Capri forces him to confront the possibility that revenge isn’t the only thing keeping him going. I loved the contrast between the dangerous man everyone should fear and the feelings he develops that he never intended to have.

Capri is drawn to Hades despite knowing there’s something dangerous lurking beneath his controlled exterior. Their age gap and forbidden connection create plenty of tension, especially because Hades has history with her family that she doesn’t fully understand.

The revenge storyline adds another layer to the romance. Hades initially sees Capri as a potential tool against the man who betrayed him, but his feelings become much more complicated as their relationship develops. Watching him struggle between his desire for revenge and his growing attachment to Capri made the story especially compelling.

And yes—Hades is dark. The book doesn’t try to make him into a secretly perfect hero. He’s morally gray, ruthless, and capable of some seriously questionable choices. If you’re looking for a sweet, wholesome romance, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy dark heroes who live in that gray area and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, Hades definitely delivers.

What I loved:

* 🖤 Dark, morally gray hero
* 🔥 Significant age-gap romance
* 😈 Ruthless assassin hero
* 💕 Forbidden attraction
* ⚔️ Revenge storyline
* 🧨 Twisted family secrets
* 🔥 Dark chemistry and obsession
* 👑 Hero who is unapologetically dangerous
* ❤️ Satisfying HEA

Overall:
Hades’ Revenge was a deliciously dark romance with a hero who absolutely lives up to his name. The revenge plot, age-gap attraction, morally gray characters, and obsessive chemistry made this a page-turner. Hades isn’t supposed to be the good guy—and I loved that the story didn’t try to convince me otherwise.

5/5 stars. If you enjoy dark romances with dangerous older heroes, revenge, obsession, and morally gray characters, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat]

The book cover first drew me in, then the blurb sold me...

Capri was quite audacious in her pursuit of Hades, she was a mixture of naivety and brashness in her quest to find out why the owner of a Greek Nightclub and her father had identical tattoos.
From her first encounter with him at his club, which was a suspenseful scene in itself, to the following encounters, we are swept into the pages as they explore their attraction.
When Hades learns what her father has planned for her future, his plans change.
When the storyline switches to New York, the tension and attraction mounts.
He has every right to exact revenge, but will he give that up for love?

Well you will have to read the book yourself and find out 😁.

My thoughts:
This is only the second Age Gap romance That I have read. But I actually picked up the book because the plot hooked me first.
I'm a sucker for a suspenseful story and so the age gap was a secondary trope that was something different.
In the beginning I thought Capri was a bit naive with her surveillance of Hades ( I'm sure she thought she was in some undercover cops show) the way she acted in the beginning, she could have gotten herself into trouble - luckily Hades had his eyes on her. Then her second attempt to me highlighted her fixation on Hades. Stalker much!
Luckily Hades might be one of the most elite assassins who has a reputation he also has honour.
Capri intrigued him, and what started as a way to exact revenge on her father soon had his once frozen heart thawing.
I liked how their relationship helped both of them grow. The background suspense story from Capri's fathers business associations ties the story together and a HEA.
I've enjoyed this book and it leads into Zeus's story which sounds like it's another intriguing book, I've added it to my TBR 😉.

Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest opinion.

[Dorrita Winch]

Sebastian Zikos, aka Hades the assassin, is our gloriously, dark, handsome silver fox with captivating green eyes MMC.
Owner of Club Hades on the island of Syros. Capri’s and Hades story begins there.
Capri Ferrante is our strikingly, sweet, kindhearted, beautiful blonde bombshell MFC.
Her father Leonardo Ferrante, betrayed and ruined Hades life eighteen years ago. With Hades taking the fall for something he didn’t commit. But at the time he thought of Leonardo as a brother and him being a family man. Even to the point Leonardo named Hades Godfather to Capri. And sharing the NY skyline tattoo.
Now twenty and her meeting Hades at his club she gives him willingly all she’s never given another. Believing their meeting was fate. And his feelings for her was strong. With no woman having ever taken
up space in his mind. Quickly turning to obsession.
With her youth, their godfather status, her father hatred and betrayal, lies, enemies wanting her, and threats on their life, they eventually have a happy ending with a deep, understanding love.
A wonderful, insta love, innocent heroine, and strong, older, possesive and protective hero. With him agreeing with her in the end, that their meeting might just have been fate after all.
Loved it!! Highly recommended!!❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie]

Capri was finally in Greece. Now she was going to find the man with the same tattoo as her father. There has to be a reason for them both to have the same tattoo. Sitting at the bar in the VIP section of the club waiting for my date to show up, I saw him straightaway Sebastian the owner and a man I just knew would change my life. Introducing himself as Hades and then leaving as my date appeared. Now I'm trying to climb the gate of his property, except his guards have caught me. Hades knows he needs to stay away from her. She has no idea who I am. No idea about the history between me and her father. Could I use her to get my revenge. NO. Capri is to special to use as revenge. But the history isn't just going to disappear. What will she do when she finds out who he really is. Can a twenty year age difference really keep them apart. What will happen when she finally returns home. Just how far will Hades go to protect her. Will he finally return to the one place he vowed never to return too. Just who has her father promised her too. When will the truth actually be revealed, and who will Capri believe. What a brilliantly compelling story. Capri is trying to prove herself to her parents, whilst having serious feelings for the one man her father holds a grudge with. I loved the chemistry between the two, and can't wait to read more from this author

[Marsha]

She thought it was fate, but she didn't know all the facts. He warned her multiple times, but she never ran to safety. He planned to use her to get his revenge on her father, but somewhere along the way his reasons to keep her changed. This one is full of spice. When I say full, I mean full. Pretty much anytime they were in the same room together. It almost felt like a book that is heavy on smut but light on plot... except there actually is a pretty good plot. She's supposed to return home to the states to finish her degree, but he finds out what her father's plans are for her, so is a little, let's say, reluctant to let her go. Of course, he's not going to force her to stay, so he gives her the time she needs. Needless to say, he doesn't let her get out of his sight for too long. There are dark elements... mafia, cartels, hit men... murder. Families fighting for power and control. The first half or so of the book is their relationship growing and learning about each other. The later half is about that revenge and the fallout. More action (of the non-spicy variety... though the spicy is there too.) It does have a HEA ending (at least for these two.) It alternates between POVs. Great characters. Both show strength and vulnerability. Obviously, this is intended for mature readers.

*I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Fabiola]

Revenge, secrets from the past and a forbidden temptation that is impossible to resist.
Hades’ Revenge, the spectacular start to Ella Jade’s Morally Grey Gods series, is a dark contemporary romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The story introduces us to Hades, a ruthless and vengeful hitman seeking to settle an old score with the man who betrayed him almost twenty years ago. Fate takes a twist when Capri, his enemy’s virgin daughter—and the goddaughter he once swore to protect—walks straight into his life, having no idea who he really is.
What begins as the perfect opportunity to exact cold revenge through Capri’s obsession soon turns into a dangerous game of attraction where the lines between duty and desire become completely blurred.
The romance simmers slowly when it comes to trust, but the physical chemistry and desire between them is explosive from their very first encounter.
Here’s a dark, sizzling and utterly addictive start to a series! If you’re fascinated by stories with significant age gaps, dangerous yet devoted heroes, family secrets and tension that sizzles off the pages, Hades’ Revenge is a must-read that you’ll devour in a heartbeat. Highly recommended!.

[Little monster]

Okay… Hades is one seriously twisted man, and I was HERE for it. 😂


This was dark, filthy, possessive, and completely unapologetic. Hades is exactly the kind of morally questionable, ruthless man I expect from a dark romance—cold, vindictive, dangerous, and carrying enough rage and revenge to burn everything around him down.


And then there’s Capri. Their age-gap dynamic and the way her fascination with Hades slowly turns into something much more obsessive had me absolutely hooked. The chemistry between these two was 🔥🔥🔥, and Hades being the walking red flag that he is made every interaction feel like a terrible decision I desperately wanted to keep reading. I loved the revenge storyline running underneath the romance because it gave Hades so much more than just “dangerous older man” energy. He has a reason for being the way he is, and watching his plans collide with his growing feelings for Capri made things deliciously messy.


Dark, twisted, spicy, possessive, and a little bit unhinged—basically everything I want when I pick up a dark romance. 😏
Hades is absolutely NOT husband material… which obviously made me want him even more. 🖤

[K T]

Capri & Hades/Sebastian's story hooked me from the very beginning. I loved the characters & couldn't wait to find out what happened in their story.

I really loved the story... it is fast paced & I had a hard time putting it down.

Capri is only 20 & Hades is more than twice her age (and actually her godfather... but that's a long story as he had a "falling out" with her Dad).

I loved how their story played out... and their connection..... and that things were (finally) resolved with her Dad & Hades....

The book is told in a dual 1st person POV.

This is Book 1 in a new series: The Morally Gray Gods. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!

Spice level: 3.5/5

*dark romance
*morally grey
*age gap romance (he's in his 40s & she's 20/21)
*he's her father's ex-best friend/her godfather & now his enemy
*romantic suspense
*she's a virgin
*he's an assassin
*mafia-esque romance

Thank you to the author (Ella Jade) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Malini]

Love found by MeemsAngel82

This was so good! Ella always delivers solid writing and storytelling. This story like her others drew me in right away and these characters are defined. The leads have so much chemistry and they are so drawn to one another whether they want to or not. They can lie all they want to but they cannot deny their attraction and maybe they are on dangerous waters but they won't stay away.

Her father betrayed him. He was her Godfather.

I'm not into a huge age gap and the complete silver hair...to each their own. But the writing is so good and the connection is undeniable. He was a hardened man, he had been hurt and by someone that was a brother to him. He could use her. But she was so innocent. They are made for one another. They cannot stop thinking about one another and both find themselves enthralled. Their hearts are woven together, their souls match. They are such a beautiful couple and their journey was fantastic. Ella delivers, as always!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nesa Jimenez]

Extraaaaa steamyy! This is an age-gap mafia romance that splits its time between Greece and New York. I LOVE Hades so much. Not gonna lie, I thought it would be awkward to read since I don't read many age-gap stories but this one was so good! Can we also take a moment to (respectfully) admire the hunk on the book's front cover????? The model on the front cover immediately lured me in. I really liked all the characters Ella introduced us to, especially Zeus, he was the mysterious side character you really want to know more about but he's elusive, I am so happy book 2 is about him. Back to Hades, holy cow! Ella does a great job in making us fall head over heels with him, he is the morally grey, touch her and die type of man and we swoon over that. I also really liked how the book description of Hades matches the model on the front cover to a T, I don't like when authors don't make the characters on the cover match the description in the book. But Ella matched him and it helped with "ahem" visuals. 🫣

[Anita Rae Rotteglia]

Worth Every Page!


Hades Revenge completely pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. Ella Jade did an amazing job bringing Sebastian and Capri to life. Their chemistry felt effortless, and I loved watching their relationship develop as they faced everything thrown their way.
The story had the perfect balance of romance, suspense, and emotion. Every chapter left me wanting to know what would happen next, and I found myself completely invested in both Sebastian and Capri. Sebastian was protective, intense, and impossible not to love, while Capri was strong, determined, and more than capable of holding her own.

If you enjoy romance with plenty of tension, memorable characters, and a story that keeps you turning the pages, this is definitely one to add to your reading list. It was an easy five-star read for me, and I cannot wait to see what Ella Jade writes next.

[Beverley]

An age gap romance with dark elements including the older, semi retired assassin, Hades. Having been betrayed at a young age, he was forced to run and build a new life, one he had come to terms with until the past walks through his door, giving him the perfect opportunity for revenge. However, the lines become blurred when that perfect opportunity turns into desire and attraction and Hades finds himself wanting to protect Capri and keep her close.
There is an interesting and surprising dynamic between Hades, Leonardo and Capri, one that took me a little while to get my head around but that also adds to the intrigue and tension of the plot. Although his possessiveness is evident, I would have liked Hades to have come across as a little more ruthless, especially as he has the reputation of a well renowned and lethal assassin. However, other than that, I found it an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Thank you to the author and Booksprout for the early copy.

[Katelynn]

This book trope is my kryptonite and Ella delivered the goods! First, Hades and Capri bring that forbidden chemistry. There was no lack of spice here. Second, I loved the plot. Sebastian has genuine reasons to hate Leo and for a man that's an assassin when it comes to Leo's daughter, Capri, he gives her multiple chances to walk away before damage is irreparable. But we love a good heroine that listens to her heart instead of her head here and Capri bulldozes her way into his heart. There's danger and ulterior arrangements along with facing the past head on. Third, I just enjoyed the characters. Sebastian is a man obsessed and is sursingly supportive by putting Capri's own desires first. Capri is a menace with a soft but slightly naive heart hoping her boyfriend and dad can mend fences. Together they work though and created this steamy story that gave all the forbidden vibes I was looking for in my next read.

[Laure]

Dark steamy revenge.

Capri is twenty years old and searching for a man she waw in a photograph. Her search leads he to a nightclub in Greece where she finds the man her father betrayed nearly a decade ago. Sebastian Zikos a.k.a. Hades rebuilt his life after the man he thought of as a brother let him take the blame for murder. He is an assassin, she is his goddaughter, she wants answers and much more from him, and he plans to use her infatuation to exact his revenge.
Absolutely wonderful characters. The FMC and MMC are fascinating individuals with complicated emotions and very realistically narrated. This is a dark and steamy age gap romance that includes organized crime, assassination, kidnapping, intense sexual interactions, surprising twists and turns in the plot, and a happily ever after. I recommend this book to others.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Hidden Gems.

[Joy Parsons]

I absolutely loved this story; it was masterfully written and provided an incredibly enjoyable experience from cover to cover. The character development was particularly impressive, as the natural growth of the protagonists and their intricate interactions made the narrative feel vibrant and alive, causing the pages to fly by far too quickly. I found myself completely and utterly immersed in the rich, atmospheric world that Ella Jade has meticulously created, and the masterful pacing kept me absolutely hooked from the very first chapter until the final, satisfying conclusion. It is truly rare to find a book where the dialogue feels so authentic and the emotional stakes are raised so consistently high; I genuinely couldn't put it down once I started. This is a must-read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging, fast-paced story anchored by deeply compelling character dynamics.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele]

Hades had initially meet Capri when she was three -- because he was her appointed godfather. Eighteen year later, she shows up at his club, all grown up, and Hades doesn't know this grown-up version of Capri. She has questions, he has answers, but he is not willing to provide them.

She shows up at his house the next night because she has decided she wants him to be her first. He tells her to go back to her hotel, think on it for 24 hours, and if she still wants that, he will oblige. She comes back, their chemistry is fire, and he decides he wants her for more than one night. So, one-night turns into instant lust and they are inseparable. Just one problem, Hades and her father are enemies.

I like that even though there was an age difference, Capri didn't feel immature. The chemistry was real, the relationship was complicated, family dynamics added tension, there was suspense, danger, revenge or not, satisfying resolution.

[Sheila]

Capri is in Greece to meet the man that has a tattoo just like her father Leo from New York but meeting the much older Sebastian turned out to be much more than expected. He knew her father in New York and worked together until Leo did the unspeakable and Sebastian took the blame and that is why he now lives in Greece. Sebastian is taking advantage of the Capri who turns out to be his goddaughter but he is not walking away because he feels something about is nothing like fatherly. When she returns to New York he found out her father is going to marry her off to seal the alliance between him and the cartel so he travels to get her back. This story has mafia violence and steamy romance between a young woman and much older man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison]

Hades owns a famous and popular club in Greece and one night he is intrigued by a blonde woman at his private bar. When he hears her name Capri, he is floored. Capri is his goddaughter. She is the daughter of his ex best friend who betrayed him. Her father did something and Hades took the fall for him which left him with nothing. Now almost 20 years later she turns up in his club. Hades doesn't think its a coincidence. Now Capri spots a video of Hades and realizes he has the exact same tattoo as her father and she is determined to investigate and get some answers. These two become entwined because Hades wants to get revenge for his betrayal but unfortunately he is hindered by his feelings for Capri. Can he get revenge and it not affect their relationship? Great story with interesting characters and plot.

[Siobhan D]

Hades real name Sebastian Zikos, is one sexy silver fox who is also an assassin. He is the owner of Club Hades on the island of Syros.
Capri Ferrante is the daughter of Leonardo who betrayed Hades. She is as beautiful as she is kind.
Hades is Capri’s Godfather and had once been close to Leonardo, but betrayal goes deep.
Visiting the club and meeting Hades, Capri and Hades spend a hot and wonderful time together. He can’t get her out of his head and she believes fate has stepped in.
But the age gap, history between two men makes any relationship seem impossible.
This book has insta love, gentle and caring female, strong protective hero. Danger and spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Moir-Allen]

Book one of "Morally Gray Gods". When Capri walks into Club Hades in search of answers about its fabled owner, she sets into motion a swarm of buried deceit and betrayal. Twenty years earlier, Sebastian "Hades" Zikos had been a peripheral part of Capri's life, but then the worst kind of betrayal had occurred and he had to leave New York to rebuild. But Capris didn't know about any of that. She had watched an advert for the club which featured Hades himself, and noticed that he bore the same forearm tattoo as her father. She was determined to learn the connection. But that wasn't the only connection at play because once Capris and Hades came face to face, an entirely unexpected and overpowering connection came into play.