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Operation Hades #1
Lady of the Underworld
Alternate cover edition for ASIN B07W3X7YR9
A spunky florist and a cold-hearted Lord of the Dead? Its a match made in the underworld!
Autumn Rankin is a florist first and foremost. Her speciality is in making a rose bear in under twenty minutes or pulling together a bouquet that says I'm sorry I screwed your best friend. But when she meets Hades at the funeral parlour, she discovers a hidden talent: convincing a dead soul it's his time to go to the afterlife. Apparently souls are wandering the Land of the Living, and Hades, stiff, cold and guarded as he is, needs her natural charm and charisma to corral them to the underworld. But the Lord of Dead is hiding something. Secrets. And she's determined to find out what, even if it destroys her.
Hades, old Lord of the Underworld, is losing his touch. Stubborn souls no longer heed his call for their final resting place. When he meets Autumn, he detects a power he has not seen in hundreds of years. The touch of spring he needs to chase away the winter consuming his realm, and maybe even melt his frosty heart. And with the Goddess awakening in her, he's not going to let her go this time.
Lady of the Underworld is Book 1 in the Operation Hades series, a steamy paranormal romance with a dark, brooding and sexy Greek god, godly avatars, and loads of flower puns.
A spunky florist and a cold-hearted Lord of the Dead? Its a match made in the underworld!
Autumn Rankin is a florist first and foremost. Her speciality is in making a rose bear in under twenty minutes or pulling together a bouquet that says I'm sorry I screwed your best friend. But when she meets Hades at the funeral parlour, she discovers a hidden talent: convincing a dead soul it's his time to go to the afterlife. Apparently souls are wandering the Land of the Living, and Hades, stiff, cold and guarded as he is, needs her natural charm and charisma to corral them to the underworld. But the Lord of Dead is hiding something. Secrets. And she's determined to find out what, even if it destroys her.
Hades, old Lord of the Underworld, is losing his touch. Stubborn souls no longer heed his call for their final resting place. When he meets Autumn, he detects a power he has not seen in hundreds of years. The touch of spring he needs to chase away the winter consuming his realm, and maybe even melt his frosty heart. And with the Goddess awakening in her, he's not going to let her go this time.
Lady of the Underworld is Book 1 in the Operation Hades series, a steamy paranormal romance with a dark, brooding and sexy Greek god, godly avatars, and loads of flower puns.
239 pages, ebook
First published October 29, 2019
1056 people are currently reading
2459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 25, 2020
I am not sure if you need to Read Operation Cupid first, but it DOES help in establishing this world - and all the crazy things that go on in its shadows. But if you don't, it's alright - there is enough world building scattered throughout to grasp at the foundation, even though much of it may be confusing at first.
The first three quarters of this novel threw me for a loop, dragging me along on a whirlwind adventure I didn't exactly understand, but was excited to view. The final quarter tried to make the previous pages make sense... and it did.. almost. It closes on a pseudo cliffhanger, offering no more answers and leaving the reader a bit stymied as to what, exactly, just happened. WHO is Hades? I mean, we know who he is, but why is his Avatar different? And what is the full story with Autumn? Who is she really? WHAT is she?
It's all a mishmash of confusion and conjecture, but fortunately, the second book is out and the third is on the horizon - so answers will be found, soon.
Pros:
~ She is a florist... a FLORIST!
~ Flower puns abound, and they are 'Dad Joke' worthy. *Groan*
~ Mads, from Operation Cupid, makes an appearance.
~ The mythos are combining and melding, though the large scope is Greek.
Cons:
~ Very confusing, in way too many parts.
~ I didn't quite understand her reactions.... that is NOT how a normal person reacts!
Perspective
~ First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
~ Pseudo Cliffhanger
Rating
~ Mature
Romantic Dynamic
~ M/F
Character Age Range
~ 23+
My Final Verdict on Lady of the Underworld
The first three quarters of this novel threw me for a loop, dragging me along on a whirlwind adventure I didn't exactly understand, but was excited to view. The final quarter tried to make the previous pages make sense... and it did.. almost. It closes on a pseudo cliffhanger, offering no more answers and leaving the reader a bit stymied as to what, exactly, just happened. WHO is Hades? I mean, we know who he is, but why is his Avatar different? And what is the full story with Autumn? Who is she really? WHAT is she?
It's all a mishmash of confusion and conjecture, but fortunately, the second book is out and the third is on the horizon - so answers will be found, soon.
* I received an ARC of this novel and am thrilled to share my honest opinion!*
Pros:
~ She is a florist... a FLORIST!
~ Flower puns abound, and they are 'Dad Joke' worthy. *Groan*
~ Mads, from Operation Cupid, makes an appearance.
~ The mythos are combining and melding, though the large scope is Greek.
Cons:
~ Very confusing, in way too many parts.
~ I didn't quite understand her reactions.... that is NOT how a normal person reacts!
Perspective
~ First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
~ Pseudo Cliffhanger
Rating
~ Mature
Romantic Dynamic
~ M/F
Character Age Range
~ 23+
My Final Verdict on Lady of the Underworld
April 14, 2023
I like this one well enough but it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. I was a neat take on Hades and Persephone's story.
April 30, 2021
I was twelve when I discovered Greek Mythology and it was love at first sight. I didn't care that it was gore and violent and sickening and that none of these Gods were role-models, I just loved it! And one of my favorite story is the story of Hades and Persephone. Because, Hades must be one of the, if not the, most decent Gods in the entire Greek mythology. So, when I get offered an arc of a Hades and Persephone inspired story, how am I to say no?
From the very beginning this book grabbed my attention and refused to let me go. There might be another reason I was up one hour before my alarm this morning, but I think I subconsciously just wanted to finish this book. It was entertaining, it felt in a weird way also very realistic and the writing really worked for me. I felt every word, I felt every emotion and I just wanted to keep on reading until the very end and even way beyond it.
I also really liked this version of Hades. I think all nerds have agreed that Hades is a slightly moody, but actually soft hearted good guy and Andra did an amazing job bringing that across, although her mythology might have made it possible to also give him his own and unique personality. That doesn't mean however that the scary ruler of the Underworld isn't in there. Because he is, but it's the combination of all those traits that made Hades a layered and interesting character.
He wasn't the only one! Autumn was an amazing character too. Andra never over-explains things and yet it was quite easy to imagine Autumn's life and why she has so little to lose when Hades makes her the offer to work for him. Throughout the story we also see a lot of her personality, but we also see some darkness in her shining through a little. And despite the fact there is some love at first sight, Andra manages to make the relationship and its development very realistic!
I can't wait to dive into the next book now!
From the very beginning this book grabbed my attention and refused to let me go. There might be another reason I was up one hour before my alarm this morning, but I think I subconsciously just wanted to finish this book. It was entertaining, it felt in a weird way also very realistic and the writing really worked for me. I felt every word, I felt every emotion and I just wanted to keep on reading until the very end and even way beyond it.
I also really liked this version of Hades. I think all nerds have agreed that Hades is a slightly moody, but actually soft hearted good guy and Andra did an amazing job bringing that across, although her mythology might have made it possible to also give him his own and unique personality. That doesn't mean however that the scary ruler of the Underworld isn't in there. Because he is, but it's the combination of all those traits that made Hades a layered and interesting character.
He wasn't the only one! Autumn was an amazing character too. Andra never over-explains things and yet it was quite easy to imagine Autumn's life and why she has so little to lose when Hades makes her the offer to work for him. Throughout the story we also see a lot of her personality, but we also see some darkness in her shining through a little. And despite the fact there is some love at first sight, Andra manages to make the relationship and its development very realistic!
I can't wait to dive into the next book now!
February 28, 2020
OMG I loved this! Drawn in from the very start I absolutely adore Autumn our kick ass heroine and Hades lord of the underworld! With an intriguing storyline that will hook you immediately I loved this take on the gods & mythology and got totally sucked into this incredible world built by the author! Hot and steamy in places, action, ghosts and yep I even shed a few tears, I’m going straight onto the next book!
July 18, 2021
3.5
TW/CW: This deals with a few deaths and the subject matter may be difficult to read for those sensitive to it.
TW/CW: This deals with a few deaths and the subject matter may be difficult to read for those sensitive to it.
July 19, 2023
Hades x Persephone
I enjoy a good retelling of Hades and Persephone and this did deliver. I'm curious for the next book in the series.
I enjoy a good retelling of Hades and Persephone and this did deliver. I'm curious for the next book in the series.
March 5, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a fantastic start to a new series! We meet Autumn with her green hair and love for all plants. She is working at a flower shop doing the funeral delivery when she meets a hot guy that only she can see. As if that is not weird enough she sees a ghost as well with the guy claiming to be Hades. Needing her help he hires her and what follows was quite interesting as they chase down ghosts while getting attached to one another which leads to a cliff hanger ending that leaves you wanting more. Full of Gods, Demigods, Goddesses, magic, and more. Book two should be fantastic! I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a fantastic start to a new series! We meet Autumn with her green hair and love for all plants. She is working at a flower shop doing the funeral delivery when she meets a hot guy that only she can see. As if that is not weird enough she sees a ghost as well with the guy claiming to be Hades. Needing her help he hires her and what follows was quite interesting as they chase down ghosts while getting attached to one another which leads to a cliff hanger ending that leaves you wanting more. Full of Gods, Demigods, Goddesses, magic, and more. Book two should be fantastic! I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
June 2, 2021
Quirkiness is not character
For as much as I have ever disliked the way that men write manic pixie dream girls, the fact that so many female writers have picked up the mantle to write their own versions is chronically disappointing. In this book, the fmc Autumn is the avatar for the Goddess, Persephone. The AU is both modern and ancient with the author vacillating between Greek mythology and a romcom.
Autumn makes flower puns. And she shrieks “Junipers” intermittently. I honestly could not tell if it was supposed to be her version of cursing or an expression of surprise. Perhaps it was both? I couldn’t say. Just like every other manic pixie dream girl in the history of ever, Autumn inserts herself into situations that have nothing to do with her. Without knowing any context, Autumn has everything figured out and demands that the mmc do what she tells him. By the time the author had Autumn repeating herself, I was ready to quit the book. I persevered and, boy howdy, do I regret that decision.
For as much as I have ever disliked the way that men write manic pixie dream girls, the fact that so many female writers have picked up the mantle to write their own versions is chronically disappointing. In this book, the fmc Autumn is the avatar for the Goddess, Persephone. The AU is both modern and ancient with the author vacillating between Greek mythology and a romcom.
Autumn makes flower puns. And she shrieks “Junipers” intermittently. I honestly could not tell if it was supposed to be her version of cursing or an expression of surprise. Perhaps it was both? I couldn’t say. Just like every other manic pixie dream girl in the history of ever, Autumn inserts herself into situations that have nothing to do with her. Without knowing any context, Autumn has everything figured out and demands that the mmc do what she tells him. By the time the author had Autumn repeating herself, I was ready to quit the book. I persevered and, boy howdy, do I regret that decision.
March 1, 2022
A fantastic take on the classic Persephone and Hades story!
Autumn is a great heroine as she doesn’t hold back, has a spunky character and won’t back down from a challenge. Hades is a cool, calm and collected character that starts to lose it a little the more he falls for Autumn .
The descriptions of this world are incredible and the romance does heat up. A great first book and I can’t wait for the second!!
Autumn is a great heroine as she doesn’t hold back, has a spunky character and won’t back down from a challenge. Hades is a cool, calm and collected character that starts to lose it a little the more he falls for Autumn .
The descriptions of this world are incredible and the romance does heat up. A great first book and I can’t wait for the second!!
March 29, 2020
I love this book! I know I say that a lot don't I? I can't help it, I tend to find books that just really speak to me and lets me go on a journey with the characters. This is so one of those books. Now, weirdly enough, I finished the story a day before I came down with a flu bug (I am still getting over it) and all I could think about was how I needed to read the next book in the series. Yes, this is a series, YAY! I can't get enough of Hades, just love him. There is great character and world building in this story. It's a slow build. What I mean is that the information given from the start has a significant purpose of being offered when it is offered to the reader. At the start it is about Autumn, then comes Hades, then come the dead souls and the Underworld itself. As you move along and get more involved and the story progresses it builds to what you might hope will be the climax of the ending. Surprise! This is a real series book not a stand alone, you will want to read the next one in the series to continue to move along that storyline.
The world that is being built within this story is fascinating to me. I am a "Paranormal Girl" for lack of a better description. I am also extremely interested in Greek Mythology and the Gods of Olympus including Hades, which may be why I gravitated to this book, that and it was a really well written book. Because the story was so good and well written it really was an easy read and a real page turner; mostly it makes you want to find out what happens next. The characters that are featured are Hades, Autumn, the dead souls that they are trying to retrieve to send to the Underworld and the Underworld. I have to say that the dead souls are quite a bit of fun. There is one in particular that made me giggle, let's just say that I was hungry for some good old fashioned canned vegetables after reading that part. They are all well rounded, thought out characters (especially the dead souls) that make you want to take an interest in them. It just makes it a fun read. So now that I am invested in this series I am looking forward to reading all the other books that will follow it.
I could probably go on forever talking about how I liked this book but I would rather you find out for yourself.
The world that is being built within this story is fascinating to me. I am a "Paranormal Girl" for lack of a better description. I am also extremely interested in Greek Mythology and the Gods of Olympus including Hades, which may be why I gravitated to this book, that and it was a really well written book. Because the story was so good and well written it really was an easy read and a real page turner; mostly it makes you want to find out what happens next. The characters that are featured are Hades, Autumn, the dead souls that they are trying to retrieve to send to the Underworld and the Underworld. I have to say that the dead souls are quite a bit of fun. There is one in particular that made me giggle, let's just say that I was hungry for some good old fashioned canned vegetables after reading that part. They are all well rounded, thought out characters (especially the dead souls) that make you want to take an interest in them. It just makes it a fun read. So now that I am invested in this series I am looking forward to reading all the other books that will follow it.
I could probably go on forever talking about how I liked this book but I would rather you find out for yourself.
February 3, 2025
This was pretty on par with how I felt about most of the Operation Cupid series by the same Author. I love the idea of the ancient gods taking Avatars on Earth. This series is taking a bit of a different approach with Hades and Persephone as Hades has completely bonded with his avatar and has lived for centuries, but it’s still such a great premise.
I love Autumn. She’s sweet, adorable and hilarious. There’s something to be said for a quirky fmc when done correctly. Autumn doesn’t come off as fake or over the top (too over the top at least) and she’s not desperately annoying, so I instantly loved her.
I can see how you might be able to read this series without having read the Operation Cupid series prior, but I also wouldn’t recommend it. There’s some crossover in characters and Hades shows up quite a bit at the end of Operation Cupid and I think that that series had a lot to do with how I viewed Hades.
Anyways. I love the plot here. The dead refusing to go to the underworld and them travelling together to get them all back in their place. But it’s also crazy unrealistic. Not only is it way too convenient that they’re all in the US, but they’re also within pretty reasonable driving distance.
So far so good. I’m going to finish the Operation Cupid series and come back to book 2 of this one.
I love Autumn. She’s sweet, adorable and hilarious. There’s something to be said for a quirky fmc when done correctly. Autumn doesn’t come off as fake or over the top (too over the top at least) and she’s not desperately annoying, so I instantly loved her.
I can see how you might be able to read this series without having read the Operation Cupid series prior, but I also wouldn’t recommend it. There’s some crossover in characters and Hades shows up quite a bit at the end of Operation Cupid and I think that that series had a lot to do with how I viewed Hades.
Anyways. I love the plot here. The dead refusing to go to the underworld and them travelling together to get them all back in their place. But it’s also crazy unrealistic. Not only is it way too convenient that they’re all in the US, but they’re also within pretty reasonable driving distance.
So far so good. I’m going to finish the Operation Cupid series and come back to book 2 of this one.
May 20, 2021
This book pulls you in with intrigue from the very start. I love the aspect of the gods having “Avatars” and the reasoning behind it being on par with the gods involved personalities. The lead-up to those steamy moments definitely makes the wait anticipating, as well as the moments being totally worth the anticipation the author created. The characters are brutally flawed and perfect because of it. I can’t wait to read the next book.
May 22, 2021
I simply cannot get enough of the story of Hades and Persephone. I love this take on their story, with the introduction of avatars and merged gods.
Autumn was just living her best life as a florist until her world changed in ways she never thought possible, when she meets a man at a funeral.
All is not as it should be in Hades' world, and when he meets a green haired minx at a funeral, a series of events are set into motion neither of them saw coming.
Love love love this book!
Autumn was just living her best life as a florist until her world changed in ways she never thought possible, when she meets a man at a funeral.
All is not as it should be in Hades' world, and when he meets a green haired minx at a funeral, a series of events are set into motion neither of them saw coming.
Love love love this book!
May 30, 2021
If you've read any of my reviews that hit on books that go into Greek mythology, you know I love that subject. I tend to jump into any read that has a mythology twist so when this series crosses my path, I jumped in with both feet. I really enjoy most of this first book. The characters were fun, especially Autumn. The initial into of Hades was a little off-putting but I understand what the author was trying to do. There are a few places where I think the story would benefit from a good editing but overall it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. On to book two!
May 3, 2021
This was a fantastic read that I could not stop reading until the very last page was read. It moves along at a comfortable reading speed. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you know them and you cant help but love them. The story will grab you and keep you reading till the end and then you need more. This book needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.
May 19, 2021
An interesting take on the Hades and Persephone legend, Lady of the Underworld introduces readers to Autumn, a floral assistant who makes beautiful arrangements for funerals. During one of her jobs, she meets Hades, the lord of the underworld. Hades has been having difficulties of his own with unruly spirits. When these two meet, it is an instant attraction. Once they team up to track down these flighty spirits, the attraction only continues to grow! This was a great start to a new series and I am so excited for what's to come next!
May 19, 2021
This is not your normal Hades and Persephone story. The characters are human but have the essence of the gods or goddess so they have some of their powers and memories and are like an extension of them in some way. I couldnt work out where the author was taking me on this highly enjoyable journey and there was a nice lead into the next book.... ooh there is going to be trouble ahead!
December 23, 2021
More a 2.5 but it’s the holidays so I’ll be generous. There were a lot of mistakes in the writing in the ending chapters of this and it pulled me out of the story. Still, I’ll read the sequel at some point.
October 13, 2023
paranormal romance 💝
This is a Paranormal Romance involving The Lord of The Greek Underworld and The Goddess of Spring and Winter ❄️ it has several good smutty scenes and I thought it was pretty good. It was free to read if one has KU.
This is a Paranormal Romance involving The Lord of The Greek Underworld and The Goddess of Spring and Winter ❄️ it has several good smutty scenes and I thought it was pretty good. It was free to read if one has KU.
May 10, 2020
Interesting take on Greek mythology. Curious about what happens next. Have a bad feeling about Mads lol
November 13, 2020
Good read
Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the one in the series highly recommend i hope autumn doent suffer anymore like she did with laura onto the next
Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the one in the series highly recommend i hope autumn doent suffer anymore like she did with laura onto the next
February 5, 2021
Interesting Twost to Myth
It's always refreshing to read a unique spin on mythology. This is a really cool world and I'm excited to read more about it.
It's always refreshing to read a unique spin on mythology. This is a really cool world and I'm excited to read more about it.
May 17, 2021
Interesting take on Hades and his love, but I felt there was something more missing. Maybe it was because of the amount of lies and secrets, but I felt like there was a huge rift between the two that is not ready to be mended. I’m excited to see what the Gods stir up in book two.
May 18, 2021
Amazing
Wow such a unique and fascinating twist on the gods. This is a fricken fantastic read . I couldn’t put it down. Cant wait to dive into book 2
Wow such a unique and fascinating twist on the gods. This is a fricken fantastic read . I couldn’t put it down. Cant wait to dive into book 2
February 2, 2021
It was good and interesting read, one of the books that make you turn the pages
May 6, 2021
I love Greek mythology and I enjoyed reading this book was an easy read. I enjoyed the characters and the story line.
May 14, 2021
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is full of mystery that has you at the edge of your seat. It also has romance and so much tension between the characters.
It did end on a cliffhanger so I’m diving into the next book immediately!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is full of mystery that has you at the edge of your seat. It also has romance and so much tension between the characters.
It did end on a cliffhanger so I’m diving into the next book immediately!
May 15, 2021
More! More! More!!
I love books about the Greek Gods! And this retelling is Amazeballs!!
Its not your average retelling its so much better!! And that ending?!?
I really need book 2! Cause Wow!!
Must Have More!!!❤❤❤
I love books about the Greek Gods! And this retelling is Amazeballs!!
Its not your average retelling its so much better!! And that ending?!?
I really need book 2! Cause Wow!!
Must Have More!!!❤❤❤
May 24, 2021
Oh I enjoyed this one! I loved the interesting take and avatars and gods, it was really unique and a fascinating idea! Hades was dark and brooding and everything you through the might be but wrapped around all that was this guy who was just lonely and looking for a companion (he just didn’t know it yet!) Then in walks Autumn into his life, like a breath of fresh air and because she can see the dead he asks for her help. It was a thrilling partnership to read and the ending...! Wow! What an emotional curveball! Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 21, 2022
*Audiobook Review*
I'll admit that I picked this book solely based on the narrators. I'd been recommended these narrators from a friend of mine and did a quick grab at anything I could find to check them out. I'm happy to report that the Bordeaux duo did not disappoint! I will definitely listen to more books narrated by them in the future.
As for the story itself, this book was a fun take on the Hades & Persephone myth. Lady of the Underworld reads like an urban fantasy to me. Hades is the lord of the underworld and Autumn is an early 20s florist struggling to get by financially while also loving what she does for work. This unlikely pair join forces to go on work missions that reminded me of the TV show The Ghost Whisperer. Not in a bad way, I used to love that show! This is book one in a series so I might check out the next book on audio as well. I wouldn't mind seeing what happens to these characters or listening to these narrators more.
I'll admit that I picked this book solely based on the narrators. I'd been recommended these narrators from a friend of mine and did a quick grab at anything I could find to check them out. I'm happy to report that the Bordeaux duo did not disappoint! I will definitely listen to more books narrated by them in the future.
As for the story itself, this book was a fun take on the Hades & Persephone myth. Lady of the Underworld reads like an urban fantasy to me. Hades is the lord of the underworld and Autumn is an early 20s florist struggling to get by financially while also loving what she does for work. This unlikely pair join forces to go on work missions that reminded me of the TV show The Ghost Whisperer. Not in a bad way, I used to love that show! This is book one in a series so I might check out the next book on audio as well. I wouldn't mind seeing what happens to these characters or listening to these narrators more.
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