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Kings of Olympus U #1

Savage Impulses

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Everyone knows to stay away from the heirs of Olympus Bay. They rule the city through savagery and blood like the heartless assholes they are.

A streak of bad luck puts me on the path of the most ruthless of them all. Hades. The black sheep of the family, his reputation for debauchery and violence precedes him. No wonder he’s the king of Olympus U.

He wants me to pay for a mistake I didn’t intend to make, and I fear refusing him will only end in tragedy. But there are worse fates than being the target of a savage god.

When another ruthless player enters the arena and demands more than I can give, I find myself stuck in the middle of a family war, and Hades emerges as my savior. And my captor.

The longer I stay by his side, the more I realize the man is not what he seems. He’s dark and brutal, but he also possesses a tenderness I didn’t think was possible. That’s his most dangerous weapon. If I’m not careful, I might never want to leave his prison.

Only I can’t indulge in my desires. My family needs me, and if I surrender to Hades completely, I may never see my loved ones again.

*This is a contemporary retelling of Hades & Persephone's story.

262 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2022

257 people are currently reading
2840 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Hercules

75 books1,838 followers

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5 stars
248 (33%)
4 stars
230 (31%)
3 stars
174 (23%)
2 stars
67 (9%)
1 star
18 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,395 reviews232 followers
June 29, 2022
I never stood a chance; I was destined to fall for this man no matter how hard I fought.

4.5 stars!

Honestly, I almost dnf'd this novel when I first started reading it, but something in the storyline kept calling me back. After devouring this book in two days, I'm happy to say that I'm glad I stuck with it as the story was surprisingly addicting even if the characters weren't entirely original. Hades was my favorite type of hero--an alphahole with childhood trauma preventing him from feeling--while Persephone had a little TSTL syndrome in how she seemed to attract so much trouble. Overall however, I loved seeing all of the familiar faces of Greek mythology and how Michelle weaved them into her world, and I am so stoked to see where she goes next! ♡

Tropes: Hades/Persephone retelling, good girl/bad boy, virginity auction, opposites attract, alpha hero
Profile Image for Marcia.
494 reviews82 followers
May 14, 2022
I thought this was a light and quick read. It was entertaining and satisfying enough as far as it being a contemporary re-telling of Hades and Persephone. I would have enjoyed it if it was a bit darker, but that's just my personal preference.

I think if you're looking for a low-angst and drama-free type of read, you'll enjoy this.
Profile Image for Brianna.
273 reviews258 followers
September 15, 2022
4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶

Tropes:
- hades & persephone retelling
- enemies to lovers
- found family
- broody hero
- he “buys” her virginity
- virgin heroine
- university setting

POV: first person - dual

Type: interconnected stand-alone (book one)

I’ve been reading a lot of long books lately so to go from that to a shorter length book was a bit strange.

My only complaints are that I wish this was longer and I want a damn epilogue.
Profile Image for Brittany Hull.
95 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2022
Quick, steamy read and an excellent Hades & Persephone retelling!

Michelle Hercules books are an automatic read for me! I counted down the days until release day for this book, and was not disappointed! Character development was flawless, and each one has their own distinct memorable personality (Hecate, you my girl!)
A perfect balance of steamy romance and plot drama! 5⭐️!
Profile Image for Andrea.
165 reviews7 followers
May 1, 2022
AHHHH! Michelle Hercules did it again, that evil genius has me addicted! I need to start off by saying I know little to Nothing about Greek mythology and I'm always concerned that I will struggle to understand and follow the story. Man, I was not disappointed with Savage Impulse. MIchelle made such a fluid storyline explaining all the need to know aspects of Greek mythology. Right from the prologue you fall in love with Hades and sympathize with him. It blows my mind how Michelle can make you feel so vividly how the characters are feeling. I literally felt like I was in the book right along Persephone and Hades.

I need another book for Hecate and Hermes! I definitely had the start of a woman crush on Hecate.
Profile Image for Erin.
53 reviews
May 6, 2022
Finally a Hades and Persephone retelling I completely enjoyed!! Enemies to lovers and all kinds of action. Definitely recommend 👌
Profile Image for Travelogged Blogs.
1,549 reviews128 followers
December 26, 2022
Dnf'ed at 51% I rarely dnf a book but the insta love situation and the plot with so many characters named after Greek gods felt wierd to me tbh.
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,022 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2022
They may not necessarily be Gods themselves, but the characters in this story definitely have the traits of their godly counterparts. Where do I even start with this, Persephone is a florist and student at university, her mother is an addict and she cares for her brother, Perseus. Hades is loaded, kind of a stick up the behind kinda guy who thinks he pretty much rules the entirety of Olympus Bay and to be honest, he and his brothers kind of do. When their paths cross in the most unexpected way, everything changes.

I actually loved this story, okay I really loved Hecate too, she's my kinda gal but back to the main characters of the story. I adored them both and really enjoyed getting to know both Seph and Hades throughout the story. It's a retelling of one of my favourite Greek pairings and the author Michelle Hercules did me proud. It's enemies to lovers with lots of twists and turns on the way!
Profile Image for Jeanette Durant.
711 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2022
A sexy retelling of Hades and Persephone

I absolutely loved this version of Hades and Persephone's love story. Hades was dark and brooding until Persephone stumbles into his life. I love how they react to each other and how quickly their attraction grows.
Persephone is struggling to keep the bills paid and look after her younger brother whilst dealing with a drug addiction mother. She unwittingly attracts the attentions of her Mum's loan shark and is forced to sell her virtue to pay off her mother's debt.
This is a fantastic start to a new series. I hope we get to read more about these characters as I loved the small glimpses we got of the side characters. 👀 looking at you Hermes and Hecate!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,822 reviews116 followers
May 4, 2022
A tale as old a time! A love deeper than the soul but dangers at every turn! Hades and Persephone is a story any lover of romance knows. Michelle Hercules has written this story with modern twists that will have you completely enthralled and leave you breathless!

I have read many retellings of this love story but Michelle’s really has you on the edge of your seat! The action, mystery and steam really gets you addicted to this story! Easily read in one sitting this is the perfect story to read as the days get hotter!

I will not divulge the story other than to say that Persephone is a fighter and she is a formidable match for the broody Hades!! Get ready for a fiery but thrilling ride!
137 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2022
really great

This was just the book I needed to cleanse the palate after a bit of a dodgy run of books I struggled to finish. It was a good mix of steamy, angsty, broody macho goodness with enough of a plot to keep me turning the pages. I’d classify this as a light read and if that’s what your looking for than it’s perfect for that. I enjoyed this retelling and it was fun having the other Gods make appearances. I say “Gods” but I really just mean their namesake. There’s no actual godly abilities or supernatural elements but it didn’t detract from the story.
Profile Image for Camille (bookish.cami).
763 reviews40 followers
May 16, 2022
Once I started this book I literally couldn’t put it down I devoured it in one sitting. I laughed and I was gripping my kindle screaming like what the! Hades is such an alpha hole that will have you thinking 🥵🥵 for sure I really enjoyed him.
Persephone she was such a strong FMC her life May have not been ideal but she definitely knew what she wanted and she was so feisty and spoke her mind.
Hades and Persephone together you could feel the chemistry through the pages. I loved how it also had all the other gods and goddesses involved in the storyline. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Issa Marie.
Author 12 books235 followers
May 22, 2022
The best hades and Persephone re telling IMO. It was exactly what i was looking for in a re telling. I didn't want to go back in time I wanted hades and Persephone to exist today, and Michelle Hercules delivered on a platinum platter! It was perfection! Hades is everything and persephone is a baddie! I cannot wait for more! If you were waiting for a sign to read, this is absolutely it! Michelle continues to amaze me with her writing, with every book I read by her I'm more captivated by the world's she creates. #thebookishgirlreviews #thebookishgirlsteam
Profile Image for Lauren Loubert.
87 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2022
This was a seriously fun, quick and steamy read! This was tne first of Michelle's books that I've read, and I'll definitely be back for more.

Whenever I see Hades & Persephone, it's an automatic read for me, no matter the context and this one didn't disappoint. Had dark romance, mafia/gang vibes. Gotta love a forced proximity, enemies to lovers! I loved the development of the relationship between Hades and Persephone.

If you're looking for a quick, steamy read to get you out of a slump, clear your mind between other books, or just because.. I highly recommend this one! Enjoyed every minute of it.
13 reviews
May 18, 2022
awesome mafia retelling of Hades and Persephone

I absolutely loved this book! I started it and couldn’t put it down until I was finished! I’m not big on retellings and I actually found a great one with this book. I’m not surprised though, because Michelle is a great writer and I can’t wait to read more of her books. Hades and Persephone story was great!
Profile Image for Chelsea Cardenas.
383 reviews27 followers
May 18, 2022
I love absolutely loved this book! I started it and couldn’t put it down until I was finished! I’m not big on retellings and I actually found a great one with this book. I’m not surprised though, because Michelle is a great writer and I can’t wait to read more of her books. Hades and Persephone story was great!
81 reviews
June 2, 2022
must read

I love this book! The build up between the characters and the building romance. Hades is so awesome and wasn’t a drag. I have read other books and it’s pretty much the same personality so having this was a breath of fresh air. Persephone character was had a great build up. I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
36 reviews
November 23, 2022
This book is just perfect! I love how many connections their was to the Greek mythology. Yet set in real life stuff. I love how bad*** the main character is. How she didn’t let Hades push her around. I also like how there isn’t really any owd in this book. I can’t wait to read about Aphrodite and Ares in the next book!
Profile Image for Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson.
1,112 reviews10 followers
May 9, 2022
Loved this book!

I absolutely loved this Hades and Persephone retelling. I could not put it down! I loved the tension between them. I really enjoyed this world and this story and I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
619 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2022
Another fabulous read. Michelle Hercules does not disappoint in this modern day story of Hades and Persephone. An enemy to friend read with plenty of action, suspense, and romance with a HEA. can’t wait for her next book of Kings of Olympus U.
19 reviews
May 15, 2022
Read This Right Now!!!

In love with this book so much! Great writing, twists and turns, character building and the perfect amount of steam and spiciness! You won’t regret reading this amazingly well written story! Promise!
44 reviews
May 17, 2022
Michelle does it yet again. What an amazing story with great twists and turns that keep you on your toes. You won't want but it really is hard not to fall for Hades. I can't wait to find out what will happen next.
16 reviews
May 2, 2022
She did it again ! I am addicted to another Michelle Hercules series !!! Love love LOVE this take on Hades and Persephone ! Looking forward to reading the next books in the series !!!
Profile Image for Nikki Rae Wilson.
67 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2022
All consuming!

Hades and Persephone were exactly what each other needed. This was a page turner for sure. Can't wait to read the others stories!!!
Profile Image for Heather (getdownwiththefiction).
82 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2022
An enemies to lovers and Hades and Persephone retelling! I loved every minute of this. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
52 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2022
soooooo good

Can not wait for the next one!!!! This book was hot and it had a good plot line!!! Kudos to the author❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
1 review
May 29, 2022
nice spin to hades and Persephone

This book was a good quick read.
Different spin to Hades and Persephone.
Would definitely read again. I love it.
Profile Image for Underworlder247.
380 reviews
September 30, 2022
3.2 ⭐️

Yeah no. Started off well, lost me as it went on. He’s too young so I can’t take the whole mafia ish leader plot seriously. Wasn’t vibing with the girl either, a lil immature and naive
Profile Image for Anna Johnson.
129 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2022
Highly recommend

A Hades and Persephone Retelling.
Enemies to Lovers
To save her brother she puts herself up for auction and her bully buys her.
Profile Image for yueting ♡.
284 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2023
three stars

savage impulses is totally just a mafia romance dupe disguised as a greek myth retelling.
which, honestly, may be your thing.

the only connections to the gods and goddesses were their names and their familial relation to one another. however, this could have very well been just any mafia/rich family/"dark" plot (quotes here because there was not much that was really dark about this despite containing the tried and true elements of virgin auction, patricide, and a violent sibling feud).

hades and persephone's romance also felt a bit rushed but like their names are hades and persephone what did we think was gonna happen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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