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Hot as Hades
Ensnaring the ultimate bad boy has its risks…and its rewards. It’s not easy being Hades. Constantly guarding his world against other meddling and ambitious deities is stressful work. So when a naked goddess falls directly into his lap, along with the news that he has to shelter her for the indefinite future, he is less than thrilled. The Underworld isn’t the first place Persephone would pick for a vacation—who in their right mind would choose a dark palace over sunshine and flowers? Yet from Hades’s first touch, the dark, sexy ruler fascinates her and has her thinking a fling might be just the thing to while away her confinement. But trust each other? Not a chance. Until the day comes that Persephone must leave…and they realize that trusting each other is the only way they’ll ever meet again.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
September 17, 2016
4.5 stars
I've always had a fascination with the legend of Persephone and Hades. I was really drawn to it when I was younger and I hadn't at the time particularly liked it. If you believe in past lives I was supposedly a priestess in Persephone's temple.
Anyway, this was a fantastic(and more erotic) version of the legend and I loved it! It was sexy, funny, sassy and had just enough differences from the original to make a mark of its own.
If you're looking for some Greek Mythology with a liberal dash of spice, I recommend this wholeheartedly.
I've always had a fascination with the legend of Persephone and Hades. I was really drawn to it when I was younger and I hadn't at the time particularly liked it. If you believe in past lives I was supposedly a priestess in Persephone's temple.
Anyway, this was a fantastic(and more erotic) version of the legend and I loved it! It was sexy, funny, sassy and had just enough differences from the original to make a mark of its own.
If you're looking for some Greek Mythology with a liberal dash of spice, I recommend this wholeheartedly.
May 20, 2021
Hades x Persephone is the ultimate grumpy/sunshine pairing, I will not take questions at this time!
Anyway this was short but still 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥰 Somehow I forgot about the sibling relationships, so I am thankful the author made the changes she did. (The British slang by the characters threw me off a bit, but whatever.)
This was my first Alisha Rai read, and it definitely won't be my last.
Anyway this was short but still 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥰 Somehow I forgot about the sibling relationships, so I am thankful the author made the changes she did. (The British slang by the characters threw me off a bit, but whatever.)
This was my first Alisha Rai read, and it definitely won't be my last.
March 18, 2016
Paranormal sex for the win. I read it and it made me go whoaaaaaaaaa
March 27, 2021
It was so refreshing to read a Greek myth retelling that keeps the magic instead of shifting everything into a contemporary setting.
September 28, 2018
Didn't feel it, didn't finish it.
October 18, 2011
Hot As Hades by Alisha Rai
I don't expect the meaning of life when I read an erotica. But I do like some romance and humor thrown into a sexy story. This quick read by Rai is exactly how I like my erotica....fast-paced and hot! It's a fun, extremely sexy, mythologically-inspired quickie. And she does a fabulous job making us care about the characters in a short amount of time. She also manages to squeeze in some emotion and a sweet HEA. The sexy-hot meter on this one is in the Naga Viper chili pepper range (the world's hottest chili pepper, with a Scoville heat index of 1,382,118). Spicy, baby!
Loved this one! Grade: A-
I don't expect the meaning of life when I read an erotica. But I do like some romance and humor thrown into a sexy story. This quick read by Rai is exactly how I like my erotica....fast-paced and hot! It's a fun, extremely sexy, mythologically-inspired quickie. And she does a fabulous job making us care about the characters in a short amount of time. She also manages to squeeze in some emotion and a sweet HEA. The sexy-hot meter on this one is in the Naga Viper chili pepper range (the world's hottest chili pepper, with a Scoville heat index of 1,382,118). Spicy, baby!
Loved this one! Grade: A-
April 19, 2012
When the goddess Persephone lands naked on the Lord of the Underworld’s lap, they are both confused. Persephone was just getting out of her river bath when boom! She was transported to the underworld. Hades has no idea who this naked woman is, although happy she is naked and on his lap but suspicious as to why she is there. After grilling her (and okay, maybe fondling her a bit) he realizes she is truly clueless as well. He decides he is going to send her back, but when he tries nothing happens.
Persephone finally admits who her mother is, who happens to be Hades’ sister – which totally grosses him out that he was fondling his nieces boobies. But wait! Persephone was adopted – so boobie fondling can proceed much to Hades’s excitement!
When they realize it is Hades’ brother Zeus, who has sent Persephone down underground and she can’t leave for awhile, Hades is put out. But as they live together he starts to like her for more than just her luscious curves.
Hot as Hades is a short, erotic, cute book. I fell in love with Hades early on. He is cranky and bad ass, but not so bad ass as everyone thinks. He does have a softer side – but he dares not let anyone see it. He is intrigued by Persephone – first by her good looks, but then by her eagerness to learn new things, and the happiness she spreads around him. But he still keeps that somewhat cocky, bad dude edge with him throughout the book. Plus they have such cute banter:
“I’m not romanticizing anything, I’m simply thanking you for giving me sanctuary and apologizing for my shameful earlier behavior.”
“I could still kill you, you know.” He sounded like a whining, petulant child.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Her face was sober, but he knew he wasn’t imagining the laughter in her tone. “I promise I’ll keep out of your way while I’m here.”
“Good. You…do that.”
“I will.”
“Good.”
“You already said that.”
Hades stared at her, feeling stupid. He fucking hated to feel stupid. He also hated to not have the last word. “Just….stay. In your room.” He turned and stalked out of the room before he could make a greater fool of himself.
She didn’t stay.
This book definitely has its erotic sex scene moments, and I think the emphasis is more on that than a lovey-dovey romance. I felt much more romantic feelings coming from Hades actually, than I did from Persephone. From her it felt more of an exploration of a physical relationship with a really hot man, than true cemented love. She was more independent and it didn’t feel like the end of the world with the thought of leaving him.
If you are in the mood for a quick, erotic lighthearted paranormal romance, definitely give this one a try.
Rating: B
Persephone finally admits who her mother is, who happens to be Hades’ sister – which totally grosses him out that he was fondling his nieces boobies. But wait! Persephone was adopted – so boobie fondling can proceed much to Hades’s excitement!
When they realize it is Hades’ brother Zeus, who has sent Persephone down underground and she can’t leave for awhile, Hades is put out. But as they live together he starts to like her for more than just her luscious curves.
Hot as Hades is a short, erotic, cute book. I fell in love with Hades early on. He is cranky and bad ass, but not so bad ass as everyone thinks. He does have a softer side – but he dares not let anyone see it. He is intrigued by Persephone – first by her good looks, but then by her eagerness to learn new things, and the happiness she spreads around him. But he still keeps that somewhat cocky, bad dude edge with him throughout the book. Plus they have such cute banter:
“I’m not romanticizing anything, I’m simply thanking you for giving me sanctuary and apologizing for my shameful earlier behavior.”
“I could still kill you, you know.” He sounded like a whining, petulant child.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Her face was sober, but he knew he wasn’t imagining the laughter in her tone. “I promise I’ll keep out of your way while I’m here.”
“Good. You…do that.”
“I will.”
“Good.”
“You already said that.”
Hades stared at her, feeling stupid. He fucking hated to feel stupid. He also hated to not have the last word. “Just….stay. In your room.” He turned and stalked out of the room before he could make a greater fool of himself.
She didn’t stay.
This book definitely has its erotic sex scene moments, and I think the emphasis is more on that than a lovey-dovey romance. I felt much more romantic feelings coming from Hades actually, than I did from Persephone. From her it felt more of an exploration of a physical relationship with a really hot man, than true cemented love. She was more independent and it didn’t feel like the end of the world with the thought of leaving him.
If you are in the mood for a quick, erotic lighthearted paranormal romance, definitely give this one a try.
Rating: B
October 24, 2011
A caveat: I don’t like novellas. I try to stay away from them as much as possible, especially in erotic romances. I’ve found that most novellas in that genre lack substance and turn into 100 pages of porn without plot. So when I won this book in a giveaway, I was a little apprehensive. I loved Rai’s Glutton For Pleasure but was she talented enough to make me do backflips over a short story? The answer is yes. Hells yes with bells on.
Hot as Hades starts with a steamy bang and only gets steamier. Both Hades and Persephone dislike each other at first. To Persephone, Hades is some giant, arrogant asshat who refuses to do as she asks. But man, is he sexy! To Hades, Persephone is very beautiful intruder in his kingdom. Why is she there? What does she want? Definitely not to enjoy his company since everyone who comes across the badass ruler of the Underworld has ulterior motives. One of my favorite things about this novella was watching Hades and Persephone come to turns with their feelings for each other. Never has anyone cared for Hades or Persephone, instead of what they could do for that person. They find exactly what they need and never dared to hope in each others arms. Usually the smut happens too quick for me in novellas but Rai did a great job of creating the illusion that Hades and Persephone knew each-and developed a relationship with each other-for longer than the page count suggests.
If you’re looking for a smutty retelling on the mythology of Persephone and Hades, this is the book for you. Not only does it include the sexy God of the Underworld and the feisty daughter of Demeter, but there’s a hilarious three-headed dog thrown in too. And the scorching sex scenes you’ll find are a given. Rai could wax poetic about pinky toes and I’d be like, oh yeah, give me some of that! Reading this book was a great way to spend my afternoon.
Hot as Hades starts with a steamy bang and only gets steamier. Both Hades and Persephone dislike each other at first. To Persephone, Hades is some giant, arrogant asshat who refuses to do as she asks. But man, is he sexy! To Hades, Persephone is very beautiful intruder in his kingdom. Why is she there? What does she want? Definitely not to enjoy his company since everyone who comes across the badass ruler of the Underworld has ulterior motives. One of my favorite things about this novella was watching Hades and Persephone come to turns with their feelings for each other. Never has anyone cared for Hades or Persephone, instead of what they could do for that person. They find exactly what they need and never dared to hope in each others arms. Usually the smut happens too quick for me in novellas but Rai did a great job of creating the illusion that Hades and Persephone knew each-and developed a relationship with each other-for longer than the page count suggests.
If you’re looking for a smutty retelling on the mythology of Persephone and Hades, this is the book for you. Not only does it include the sexy God of the Underworld and the feisty daughter of Demeter, but there’s a hilarious three-headed dog thrown in too. And the scorching sex scenes you’ll find are a given. Rai could wax poetic about pinky toes and I’d be like, oh yeah, give me some of that! Reading this book was a great way to spend my afternoon.
October 23, 2020
note to self: never read books that are suggested by your 15 yr old cousin.
January 1, 2016
This was amusing, sexy and damn if Hades wasn't wickedly awesome. I like Rai's take on the whole Persephone/Hades romance--and the rather irreverent tone she took when dealing with the other gods. Persephone too was delightful--stubborn and winsome, I could see how Hades fell in love with her.
The snark-y tone that Hades employed when talking about his job or Persephone's chiding 'don't be an idiot' comments made me smile. While I don't think he necessarily enjoyed his job, he definitely could do it well! And it was genuinely pleasant to read a story where the guy baffled the heroine at every turn by NOT living up to his reputation and being proud of that fact. Sure he liked having a reputation, but he had quite a few addendums and corrections to make to the one he had.
In some ways this felt incredibly short--which it kind of was, at only about 80pages or so--but it was filling. Rai gave just enough twists so that anyone familiar with the tale wouldn't be bored by the 'oh seen this before' feeling that often happens with re-tellings, but left enough in that she didn't have to delve into large world exposition. On a personal level I was really glad she made it clear where Persephone came from (parentage wise), since that's one bit of info I've always done my best to move past since fraternizing amongst the gods invariably would have led to incest.
All things considered the story isn't wall to wall heavy sex scenes. There's quite a bit of dirty talk, and I like that Rai made Hades British, but there's a lot of emotional development between the two. Rai shies away from some typical romance tropes like Persephone being awkward about her body or Hades angsting over 'does she hate me?' pretty deftly.
In all this was a satisfying read that more than lived up to the promise of its blurb!
Review was originally published at Night Owl Reviews
The snark-y tone that Hades employed when talking about his job or Persephone's chiding 'don't be an idiot' comments made me smile. While I don't think he necessarily enjoyed his job, he definitely could do it well! And it was genuinely pleasant to read a story where the guy baffled the heroine at every turn by NOT living up to his reputation and being proud of that fact. Sure he liked having a reputation, but he had quite a few addendums and corrections to make to the one he had.
In some ways this felt incredibly short--which it kind of was, at only about 80pages or so--but it was filling. Rai gave just enough twists so that anyone familiar with the tale wouldn't be bored by the 'oh seen this before' feeling that often happens with re-tellings, but left enough in that she didn't have to delve into large world exposition. On a personal level I was really glad she made it clear where Persephone came from (parentage wise), since that's one bit of info I've always done my best to move past since fraternizing amongst the gods invariably would have led to incest.
All things considered the story isn't wall to wall heavy sex scenes. There's quite a bit of dirty talk, and I like that Rai made Hades British, but there's a lot of emotional development between the two. Rai shies away from some typical romance tropes like Persephone being awkward about her body or Hades angsting over 'does she hate me?' pretty deftly.
In all this was a satisfying read that more than lived up to the promise of its blurb!
Review was originally published at Night Owl Reviews
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October 16, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ An awesome, short, Hades and Persephone retelling.
There were quite a few changes to the original myth in the plot that, in my opinion, only made this more enjoyable. Especially since the canonical Greek Hades and Persephone myth is SO very problematic (and, honestly, down right gross). I really liked the roles of Zeus and Cerberus here, and really enjoyed the fact that
Quick and smutty, this iteration of these characters is always my favourite: Soft Hades and Badass Persephone. I kind of wish the story would've been longer, but alas, I knew what I was getting myself into.
Lovely 4.5 / 5 ⭐️
There were quite a few changes to the original myth in the plot that, in my opinion, only made this more enjoyable. Especially since the canonical Greek Hades and Persephone myth is SO very problematic (and, honestly, down right gross). I really liked the roles of Zeus and Cerberus here, and really enjoyed the fact that
Quick and smutty, this iteration of these characters is always my favourite: Soft Hades and Badass Persephone. I kind of wish the story would've been longer, but alas, I knew what I was getting myself into.
Lovely 4.5 / 5 ⭐️
March 20, 2022
It's...
Lore Olympus
... but dirty.
...
Holy fucking shit, this was hot as fuck and not entirely because of the sex.
Nuh uh, 80% of the filth behind this story goes to Hades being a soft cinnamon roll and losing his absolute shit over a tiny, feral, sweetheart of a goddess with flowers in her fucking hair.
[Live action footage of Hades and Persephone]:
I can't... I can't take this dork and his inability to act normal around her. It's so fucking adorable.
And lest we forget:
It really is.
And Cerberus! Bob, and Middle, and the unnamed one.
I just!
Have mercy on me, Alisha Rai, you've rendered me non-verbal!
...
Holy fucking shit, this was hot as fuck and not entirely because of the sex.
Nuh uh, 80% of the filth behind this story goes to Hades being a soft cinnamon roll and losing his absolute shit over a tiny, feral, sweetheart of a goddess with flowers in her fucking hair.
[Live action footage of Hades and Persephone]:
I can't... I can't take this dork and his inability to act normal around her. It's so fucking adorable.
And lest we forget:
It really is.
And Cerberus! Bob, and Middle, and the unnamed one.
I just!
Have mercy on me, Alisha Rai, you've rendered me non-verbal!
August 26, 2021
Absolutely delightful
July 28, 2022
Jelikož miluju řeckou mytologii a nejvíc právě Háda, musela jsem si tuhle knížku přečíst. Je to extrémně návykové čtení a vzhledem k tomu, že kniha má ani ne 100 stran, za jedno odpoledne ji přečtete. Pokud vám vadí hodně popisné sexuální scény (myslím to vážně, 18+), pak od Hot as Hades ruce pryč a pokud ne tak je tohle povinnost. Asi jediná věc, která mi vadila byla ta délka, já chci ještě o minimálně 200 stran víc.
March 28, 2021
I’m so glad Alisha Rai republished this! She made some great changes to the Hades-Persephone myth, removing the troubling elements. Give Hades a heap of feelings, add some sardonic wit and a touch of bananas and you’ve got this enjoyable novella! Bob, one of Cerberus's three heads, was a nice touch.
CW: reference to plot where gods have a competition on who can rape heroine first , references to various crimes that sent people to hell, ableist language
CW: reference to plot where gods have a competition on who can rape heroine first , references to various crimes that sent people to hell, ableist language
February 16, 2020
OMG! This novella is, well, Hot as Hades! I went into this book not knowing anything beyond that I've seen this recommended as a good erotic read. This is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone story. Hades found a naked Persephone dropping from the sky onto his lap. Hades undertook to teaching Persephone on how to use and control her power. And from there, things get really hot and erotic. Overall, I like the author's reimagining of this familiar Greek myth.
May 11, 2021
Delightful!
So fun and so hot. An absolutely enjoyable read. Hades is so sexy and funny and tender. I loved how he nurtured Persephone’s power until she grows into it. Such a fantastic and imaginative retelling of this popular myth. I’m smiling the entire time I’m writing this review.
So fun and so hot. An absolutely enjoyable read. Hades is so sexy and funny and tender. I loved how he nurtured Persephone’s power until she grows into it. Such a fantastic and imaginative retelling of this popular myth. I’m smiling the entire time I’m writing this review.
May 29, 2021
Really great retelling of Hades and Persephone. It’s a novella and I liked the pacing.
March 28, 2021
A snarky, funny, and surprisingly sweet retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, with some BatB vibes that kept me reading along happily. I liked both MCs - grumpy, stompy Hades who throws balls for Cerberus and is secretly a big softy, and sunshiney no-nonsense Persephone who can’t help growing flowers wherever she goes. But I didn’t find it especially sexy or hot - the sex scenes are very ‘pounded by the magic penis’ and that’s not really for me. It’s entirely personal preference of course.
February 25, 2017
ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 STARS
HOLY MOLEY IS THIS RETELLING SO CUTE AND STEAMY. HADES AND PERSEPHONE ARE MY LIFE
TW: Mentions of rape
HOLY MOLEY IS THIS RETELLING SO CUTE AND STEAMY. HADES AND PERSEPHONE ARE MY LIFE
TW: Mentions of rape
March 29, 2021
Light hearted Hades/Persephone retelling, I laughed and liked the steam.
May 10, 2021
♡ Hades and Persephone retelling
♡ Irreverent hero
♡ alphamellow hero
I was a little hesitant going into this one since the ratings are pretty low on Goodreads, but OMG I ended up loving it. I loved this version of Hades, he was so charming and hilarious! I loved how Alisha's sense of humor really came through in this book. Even though it takes place in the Underworld, there isn't a ton of worldbuilding, the relationship is definitely front-and-center. The steamy scenes were so good, too. I definitely need to dig into Alisha Rai's backlist to see if she has more books like this one!
Rep: South Asain author
March 26, 2021
Lived up (down?) to the title, this delightful retelling was all the more fun because it didn’t shift the narrative into a contemporary setting. It was still gods and goddesses and mythology and harnessing ones powers.
December 31, 2022
A very interesting—and steamy—spin on the story of Hades and Persephone.
March 9, 2017
This is such a good, entertaining book! Please change the cringeworthy cover! It doesn't do it justice.
November 23, 2018
2.5 stars
Unlike his siblings, Hades, God of the Underworld, lives a solitary life. Or rather, he does so until a naked woman falls right into his lap. Hades doesn’t know Persephone from Hera, but he can tell she’s a powerful goddess. After years of protecting his realm from interlopers, that makes him suspicious of Persephone. Yet there’s no denying his attraction to the beautiful goddess and before long Hades believes her story that she didn’t mean to enter his realm. Since she can’t leave, Hades and Persephone are stuck in close quarters and it’s only a matter of time before they give into their desire for one another. But Persephone can’t stay in the Underworld forever. What will happen when she has to leave?
Alisha Rai gives the classic story of Persephone and Hades her own unique spin in Hot as Hades. This aptly-titled story is wickedly erotic, but Ms. Rai’s mix of mythology and modern day vocabulary constantly pulled me out of the story. I’ve read many books where Greek mythology is placed in a modern context, but in Hot as Hades, it just doesn’t work. I can’t put my finger on whether it was the characters, setting, or dialogue, but the rhythm of the entire story felt stilted. In addition, there was no real conflict. This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, save for the fact that obstacles are presented and then immediately beat down with effortless grace by the protagonists. I give Ms. Rai high marks for heat and Hot as Hades did have its fun moments, but overall this retelling of a famous myth just didn’t hit the spot for me.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Unlike his siblings, Hades, God of the Underworld, lives a solitary life. Or rather, he does so until a naked woman falls right into his lap. Hades doesn’t know Persephone from Hera, but he can tell she’s a powerful goddess. After years of protecting his realm from interlopers, that makes him suspicious of Persephone. Yet there’s no denying his attraction to the beautiful goddess and before long Hades believes her story that she didn’t mean to enter his realm. Since she can’t leave, Hades and Persephone are stuck in close quarters and it’s only a matter of time before they give into their desire for one another. But Persephone can’t stay in the Underworld forever. What will happen when she has to leave?
Alisha Rai gives the classic story of Persephone and Hades her own unique spin in Hot as Hades. This aptly-titled story is wickedly erotic, but Ms. Rai’s mix of mythology and modern day vocabulary constantly pulled me out of the story. I’ve read many books where Greek mythology is placed in a modern context, but in Hot as Hades, it just doesn’t work. I can’t put my finger on whether it was the characters, setting, or dialogue, but the rhythm of the entire story felt stilted. In addition, there was no real conflict. This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, save for the fact that obstacles are presented and then immediately beat down with effortless grace by the protagonists. I give Ms. Rai high marks for heat and Hot as Hades did have its fun moments, but overall this retelling of a famous myth just didn’t hit the spot for me.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
April 19, 2012
This book is so funny and cute and sexy, I just want to smoosh its little cheeks. I love the way Rai has re-told the Hades and Persephone myth here, making Hades into an alpha-male bad boy, but a completely lovable one (the *best*, most responsible of all the gods, really) and Persephone into a slightly naive but nonetheless steely match for him. Also, the sex is hot, and the book made me smile lots. More mythological erotic romance, please, Ms. Rai!
December 21, 2022
I'm sorry???? Who gave Alisha Rai the RIGHT to write such a PERFECT, HEARTBREAKING, HEARTWARMING, STEAMY, ADORABLE Hades and Persephone retelling???? In less than a 100 pages??!!! I loved this SO MUCH. And contrary to what usually happens to me with novellas where I always feel like there's some depth missing with the character/plot development, that did not happen with Hot as Hades. It was everything that it needed to be.
May 18, 2012
I loved Hades!!! Who cares about historical inaccurances?! He was cute, cute, cute bad boy!!! Sephie was also cute and funny and she teased Hades mercilessly!
I surprised myself when I laughed reading an erotic novella!
And, even if it was steamy, it was surprisingly "chaste" for an erotic read.
Great job! :D
I surprised myself when I laughed reading an erotic novella!
And, even if it was steamy, it was surprisingly "chaste" for an erotic read.
Great job! :D
August 6, 2013
3.5 stars
Cute, funny and sexy little read.
Cute, funny and sexy little read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews