The Maiden & The Unseen

Love & Fate #1

by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune

God of the Dead. King of the Underworld. The Unseen. The Renowned...

The Glorified Babysitter.

Zeus has finally decreed that the gods may leave Olympus and mingle - anonymously - with the mortals of the present. With zero warning or waiting for him to consent to this arrangement, Hades is placed in charge of not only helping the gods assimilate but also financing them. Unlike the other gods, Hades never withdrew from the mortal world. Instead he spent six months of every year among them, building a fortune befitting one of his many names. As long as the gods follow his strict rules for living among mortals, they have access to a generous monthly stipend. Break the rules, lose the privileges. No allowances. Ever.

Goddess of Spring. The Maiden. The Mistress. The Venerable One...

The Social Media Manager.

For the last two years, Persephone has lived among the mortals, enjoying everything the world she was so sheltered from has to offer. It took years of begging since Zeus's decree to get her mother to allow her to go, and she imparted some strict rules to follow. Rule 1: No fraternizing with other gods. As far as Demeter is aware, Persephone's closest friend is definitely not Helios, the Titan of the Sun. Rule 2: No men. The mortal she's casually dating doesn't even know the gods exist. Rule 3: Every six months, Demeter comes by for a visit. This one Persephone can't get out of, and if it keeps her mother from investigating Persephone's life, what's the harm?

Destiny. Fate. Fortune. Kismet...

An absolute bitch.

Fate has other ideas for Hades and Persephone, and it does not take lightly to being denied. Struggle and fight all they want. But the threads of destiny have wrapped tightly around them and tugs them tighter and tighter, no matter what the gods themselves have to say about it.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Retellings, Romantasy, Spicy, Fantasy Romance

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

About the author

Long time lover of Paranormal Romance, decided when I couldn't find a book that I was interested online to write my own! It spiraled from there. Degree in Classical Civilizations from Tulane University, missing New Orleans with a vengeance

Reviews

[Neelakshi]

I let the glamour around my own horns drop, seeing the reflection of the obsidian horns, jutting from the side of my head and curling back.
“Now,” I order.
Her own glamour drops slowly around her hair, and small white horns curl up and point to the sky. My breath catches at them, leaning forward to rub mine against hers. I shudder at the feeling, the horns sensitive to the touch, like someone raking their nails along my balls

I want each one of yall to get down to your knees and join your hands and apologize to Hades and Persephone for this travesty.

I know Hades and Persephone are hissing so loud

[Shannara]

I absolutely adore Hades and Persephone retellings and I love erotica, so the two put together was sure to be a winner!!!! This was set in present day and I really enjoyed the gods being a part or the human world today. And let me tell you, this was steamy… like a lot. I’m not going to say that’s all there was, because I happened to enjoy the plot of them getting together, but my did they have a lot of… lovin.

The only two things that kind of irked me was the constant doubt the two had. It got annoying after a while. But no worries, I just focused more on the spicy parts. Lol!! And I wasn’t too thrilled that this leaves you with a cliffhanger. I just didn’t realize it wasn’t a standalone novel. Oh well!! I’ll read the next one when it comes out and probably be just as entertained with that one.

So back to the physical aspect… boy was it hot. There were lots of good descriptions and I could really picture what was going on. The two were seriously great together. I mean they meshed together personality wise, but let’s face it, this book is mostly about their passion and great bedroom activity. Even when it wasn’t in the bedroom. It wasn’t repetitive with the wording, which can happen when you have so many encounters to describe. And it remained hot throughout. Phew, like I said, I really enjoyed myself reading this one.

So I recommend this to those who like erotica and lots of spicy action. And of course those who like Hades and Persephone retellings.

Thanks to NetGalley, Rose & Star Publishing, and Jeanette Rose for the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Ellie Bodington]

*Possible Spoilers At The End*

This book read like it was written by a Gen Z, and not in a good way.

I fully support using modern colloquialisms and phrases in a contemporary book, but these were supposedly grown adults who were talking like they were 16, and it really turned me off.

I love a Hades/Persephone retelling, so I was super excited to read this, especially since it was actually the gods in modern society, and not just an adaptation of the myths and legends. I also liked how there were more than the usual suspects included (side note, Mellie basically disappeared 60% through the book and I would 100% read a novella about her and Helios), and how Hades was accurately portrayed not as a villain, just as a guy who happens to rule the Underworld. Also, this was the first time I've seen a Greek mythology retelling that actually includes the fact that Hades was essentially the banker of the gods.

With that being said, while I loved Hades inner monologue where he frequently called himself "Hades, God of babysitting other gods" or other such phrases, he should've been called "Hades, God of non-communication." This book did not need to be 78 chapters - it could've been half that length if we cut out some unnecessary pining and arguing.

And Persephone was perhaps the winiest heroine I've encountered in a long time. I understand that she is supposed to be sheltered, but some of the things she got mad at Hades for seemed childish and irrelevant.

Nothing of substance really seemed to happen? The crux of the conflicts were that Hades couldn't tell Persephone what the prophecy about them was, and that hindered their relationship, Persephone refusing to break up with Jackson to be with Hades, and Persephone trying to keep her disobeying of Demeter's rules a secret. With that, we had to wait till the very end for Hades and Persephone to fulfill the prophecy, which makes sense to keep that conflict throughout, but then once the prophecy WAS fulfilled, Hades STILL couldn't talk about it, which just doesn't seem like it makes much sense from a plot perspective. Re: Jackson and Demeter, I think I would've liked it better if those had been combined earlier, like on the DC visit. For example, instead of having Persephone walk in on Jackson sleeping with his assistant, I think it would've 1. made the story shorter and 2. been a more dramatic climax if it was revealed that Jackson and Demeter were working together and Persephone had to escape to get back to Hades.

Overall, I was disappointed. I think the potential for this to be a unique and interesting Hades/Persephone retelling is there, but the execution was sloppy, and there were a few spelling/grammatical errors that were hard to overlook.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[readingromantasy]

This was pretty bad but I had fun.

[Inés Molina]

This was spicy, super super spicy. Like can't keep their hands to themselves spicy and throwing you on my desk spicy.

I love everything Hades and Persephone. This book was great, honestly i loved it. I read it in one day, i couldn't put it down. A modern retelling of Hades and Persephone, heck yeah. The ending though had my eyes widen. Seriously i had no idea i was at the end until i tried swiping and nada. I can't wait for whatever comes next because i need more Hades and Persephone.

[Suzan]

Okuduğum en kötü retelling,yazar günümüz erotica olsun istemiş ama olmamış 🙄

[mas]

Persephone and Hades retellings are always either a hit or miss and this one? Total miss. It was just constant smut in the worst possible setting for a myth retelling plus the book was so incredibly long when it felt like it kept repeating the same stuff over and over that I ended up mostly skimming through after a while out of boredom. It was more smut > plot and I suppose some readers may enjoy that but ultimately this book was not for me at all. Also the smut was cringy as hell I cannot lie. I just felt bad for the actual myth after reading this mess.

Thankyou Netgalley for the ARC.

[~839 book boyfriends~]

well this was refreshing af
persephone was a badass with enough sass to drive hades out of his mind
hades was a grumpy possessive a hole with anxiety (that one was a first for me)

boss x employee🫢
mates <3
the fates being sassy bitches
betting who will be on their knees first for the other
shadow play✨
hecate🗡️
jealousy and anxiety go hand in hand for our boy🥹
both sides being hot and cold⚔️
dirty talk💦
from “little spring” to “little slut” then back to “little spring”🥵🥵
lots of spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
sexting👀
cliff hanger😫

and i soo found these so funny and cutee:
Hades, God of Listening to Other Gods Bitch.
Hades, God of Cleaning Up Other Gods Messes.
Hades, God of Colossally Fucking Up.
Hades, God of Alienating Women.
Hades, God of Lying to Himself.


Safety
no virgins/manwhores
no cheating
no ow drama
there is some om drama:
persephone is fucking around with a guy before she met hades and has explicitly stated that they can fuck anyone they (her and the om) want
he creates some slight issues
but nothing happens with him after she has met hades and hades doesn’t have sex with her until after everything is completely over with the guy cause he wants her all to himself ;))
also the other guy is a big red flag


some of my fav quotes💌:


I won’t share you, Persephone. When you’re mine, you’ll be only mine. I won’t accept half of you.

“Fuck, I want to suck on you so bad.” He groans again. That sound is maddening. I want to own it. Every groan. Every growl. Every roar. “When you’re mine, I’m going to make you choke on it.” I moan again, that possessiveness making my belly flood with heat. “Yours…”
An admission?
A question?
Who knows.

Her flesh resists my size, even as she moans at me stretching her. “Gods.” I smack her ass hard, leaving a red handprint, correcting her. “One god.” She pushes her hips back into me, trying to get more. As if I won’t give her everything. “One god.” She whimpers. “You. Only you.”

“I would give you everything.”
My throne.
My kingdom.
My heart.
My life.
It’s all hers anyway.

[☾✴︎Andrea Reads Romance✴︎☽]

4⭐️ I loved this!

Was this the best book I've ever read? It sure wasn't. Was it super fucking entertaining, and hot, and a bit angsty- not to the point of pain, just enough for it to be worth it? Absolutely, YES.

The Maiden and The Unseen is an erotic, modern, Hades and Persephone retelling that makes many allowances, and borrows myths and greek legends and puts them wherever it wants. And I loved it. If you are a stickler for old greek myths, rules, and accuracy... maybe don't read this. It's the perfect fun, smutty read to get your mind out of a stressful week. It certainly did that for me.

I, however, did NOT notice that this is just the first instalment in a series, and now I want to put my head through a wall... Because of course I become emotionally invested in the lives of fake Greek Gods. Don't you? Anyway, that ending should be ILLEGAL! I'm in pain.

I need more. Like now.

4 / 5 ⭐️

Thank you Net Galley and Rose and Star Publishing for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[merle]

there is 238 times the word fuck and 111 cock (yep, I count them) That’s way to much in my opinion.

[RoXXie | The Art of Reading]

Fate Has Plans, Whether the Gods Like It or Not 

Greek mythology retellings are usually an easy way to catch my attention, especially when Hades and Persephone are involved. And yet, somehow, The Maiden & The Unseen, the first book in Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune’s Love & Fate series, managed to sit on my ARC TBR pile for more than two years. 🙈

Yes, I know. Shame on me.

The Maiden & The Unseen ♦ J. Rose, A. Rune–An ARC Review

Opinion

Now that I have finally read it, though, I am genuinely wondering why I kept putting it off for so long. While the book was not quite able to convince me enough for a full four stars, there was a lot here that I enjoyed, particularly the authors’ modern interpretation of the gods, the alternating perspectives, and the chemistry between Hades and Persephone.

Two Perspectives That Work Incredibly Well

One of my favorite choices was the alternating POV between Persephone and Hades. With a story so heavily focused on their relationship and the forces working around them, being able to see inside both of their heads added a lot to the experience. 

Persephone’s insecurities, particularly those rooted in her past and the way she has been raised, made her surprisingly easy to understand. She might be a goddess, but that does not magically grant her endless confidence. Her struggles with her self-esteem felt believable, especially considering how sheltered and controlled her life has been under Demeter. 

Hades, meanwhile, surprised me even more. 

We are talking about the God of the Dead, King of the Underworld, one of the most powerful gods in existence, and yet his chapters show a much more vulnerable side of him. Instead of diminishing his character, that vulnerability made him considerably more interesting. He can rule the Underworld, manage the other gods and their shenanigans in the mortal world, and build himself an enormous fortune, but apparently dealing with his own emotions is where things become complicated. 

Gods. They’re just like us. Except with immortal family drama and considerably better real estate. 

When Fate Becomes the Third Wheel

The sexual tension between Hades and Persephone during the first third of the book was brilliantly handled. Their attraction felt natural rather than forced, and I especially appreciated that the authors did not drag out the inevitable until the final handful of chapters. 

This is an erotic romance, and the book knows exactly what it wants to be. The erotic elements occasionally became a little too much for my personal taste (but not in an uncomfortable way), but they never really felt out of place because they fit the genre perfectly. It is spicy, there is plenty of smut, and the relationship between Hades and Persephone is very much at the center of the story. 

What I would not call this book, however, is Dark Romance. There are emotional struggles, complicated relationships, controlling behavior from outside their relationship, and plenty of mythology-inspired conflict, but none of that automatically makes something Dark Romance. The Maiden & The Unseen is firmly an erotic romance with a Greek mythology setting and supernatural elements. 

And then, of course, there is Fate.

From the mythology alone, we already know that Hades and Persephone belong together, but here it is not simply about falling in love. Their lives are literally being pulled together by Fate, whether either of them appreciates the interference or not. 

Unfortunately, We Start Going in Circles 

My biggest issue with the book, and ultimately the reason I deducted 1.25 stars, appears around the beginning of the final third. 

The internal doubts simply become too repetitive. 

At some point, I felt as though Hades and Persephone were circling the same emotional problem again and again without actually moving forward. I can understand insecurity. I can understand mistrust. Furthermore, I can especially understand Persephone struggling to accept that someone as powerful as Hades might genuinely want her. But after a while, I wanted the story to finally push them beyond those same doubts. 

Persephone’s reaction to Hades keeping things from her was particularly frustrating because she clearly realizes that something is preventing him from telling her the truth. It is not simply that he doesn’t want to explain what is happening. Fate has effectively silenced him. 

And there is one person Persephone could have approached: Melinoë, or Mellie, as she is known here.
Mellie explicitly mentions a curse relatively early in the story. Considering everything happening later, I kept wondering why Persephone never thinks to seek her out and start asking questions. Hades cannot explain the situation, but that does not necessarily mean Persephone has no other avenues available to her. 

This is where some of the conflict began to feel less organic to me and more like it needed to continue because the story was not ready to resolve it yet. 

From One Golden Cage to Another?

At the same time, Hades’ final decision makes sense to me precisely because he is trapped by what he is allowed to reveal. 

His decision to save Persephone from Demeter is certainly questionable, particularly because Persephone has spent so much of her life struggling against her mother’s control. Removing that control only to take the decision out of her hands himself creates an uncomfortable parallel.
She may have escaped one golden cage only to find herself inside another, this time within the palace of the Underworld.
And that leaves the story in a rather interesting place for the sequel. 

A Promising Beginning Despite Its Repetition

Overall, The Maiden & The Unseen was a much more enjoyable read than its ridiculously long stay on my ARC TBR pile would suggest. Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune created a modern mythology retelling that allows its gods to feel powerful and ancient while simultaneously throwing them into very contemporary situations. 

The alternating POV was one of the book’s greatest strengths, the chemistry between Hades and Persephone worked extremely well, and I loved seeing vulnerability from both characters rather than having Hades reduced to nothing more than the stereotypical intimidating ruler of the Underworld. 

Unfortunately, the repetitive doubts and internal conflicts during the latter part of the book prevented me from rating it higher. There comes a point when emotional turmoil needs to turn into character development, and I am hoping that this is precisely what we will see in the next installment. 

Because Fate has already tied these two together.  

Conclusion

Now I want to see what happens when Hades and Persephone finally stop fighting the same battles inside their own heads and start dealing with everything and everyone waiting outside them.
3.75 stars with hope for development in the next book. 

This review was first published at The Art of Reading

[fortheloveofbooks]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Angst: ♾🔥/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

Spice spice and more spice with an interesting plot.

The tension between Hades and Persephone was through the roof! I could not put this book down! 🙈 I read it from the second it came out and finished it in about 7 hrs 🫠 it was addictive to say the least..

The only place it lost 1 star for me was Persephone’s indecision in certain places/choices throughout the plot (I don’t want to give too much away because I don’t want to spoil anything). I just feel like if I was in her shoes, I wouldn’t handled myself very differently 🤷🏼‍♀️

All in all, very VERY excited for book 2 😩 idk how I’m going to wait for this one 🥲

Thank you Rose&Star and book sirens for the Arc! 💜

[Dannii Elle]

Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.

Hades, God of the Dead, and Persephone, Goddess of Spring, are fated to be together. They spend their days mingling with mortals and working their roles in the corporate world, in contemporary society. They spend their nights attempting to resist their quickly rising attraction for one another.

I love most mythological retellings but, usually, my preference is not to see these notable figures transcend into the modern world. I was intrigued to see how these authors would adapt them and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome, however.

Both god and goddess retained personality traits from their mythological roots yet could also easily be viewed as any two individuals from any contemporary romance story. I liked how their magical abilities were quietly woven into the story, as were their roles, yet pages remained where it was easy to forget that they weren't human at all. The interplay between the two sides of them was executed really well here, in my opinion.

The spice was perfect! It featured heavily throughout and yet worked well with the storyline, ensuring neither dominated but worked together to craft something fun, exciting, and which I tore through in two sittings.

I will never prefer a modern-day retelling to a historical one but this book has assured me that I can expect favourable results from broadening my horizons in the genre of mythological retellings.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the authors, Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose, and the publisher, Rose & Star Publishing, for this opportunity.

[Caroll-Ann]

I was quite excited to recieve the arc of this book since it‘s a retelling of hades and persephone. The book isn‘t bad but somehow I feel like it needed more actual plot. This one reads more like a porn and don‘t get me wrong it‘s good smut BUT it feels like the book is almost only that. I expected more actual plot but it seems like there might be a sequel coming and maybe that will be more plot driven.

[berfin]

actually fuck it this was the most horrible retelling i have ever read in my life i truly desperately hope no one has to suffer this shit like i did. god you blessed me with eyes and i abused them i’m sorry

[Sophie]

This Hades and Persephone retelling is a dual-POV story told in a modern-day setting, a quick read, and rather straightforward. The Greek Gods can, like in that of the “Percy Jackson” series, come down from Olympus to mingle with unsuspecting mortals in the human world. Hades, God of Death, for half the year is bound to remain in the mortal realm as CEO of Plutus Bank (which is clever, as this refers to Hades’ other name, Pluto, which more refers to wealth) before spending the other half in the Underworld. Persephone, Goddess of Spring, a Social Media Manager living in the mortal realm for 2 years, has an issue with her bank account and visits Hades. From here, there are many amusing and searing pushes and pulls which no matter how hard they try to resist, their Fate together is inescapable.

Now, I usually like retellings: they are my favourite and I don’t mind a contemporary touch to them. But this felt like an insult to the mythological characters! Persephone and Hades bicker and act very immaturely for their ages, and their pettiness puts everything to shame. I think if this had been approached differently, it would be fine. The way the shadow and vine powers were used, especially early on, is a little too odd for my liking, it threw me off! Plus, most of the secondary characters disappear from the story about halfway through, like Melinoë – who was actually my favourite character in this.

I like a book with a good balance of plot and steamy scenes – unfortunately, this was not it. The plot that was there was fine, however, there was more of the latter than could be counted (which if that is what you want is fine). At times, the writing style felt rather mature, like with avid descriptions or some backstory, but then reverted to a whole different silly vibe. Take this example:

"I’ve been the downer, the rule maker, the obedient and dutiful god. Have I become the old man who tells kids to get off their lawn?"

A few paragraphs later, he says:
"How many times have I heard souls beg for one more day, one more minute, one more second, of life? And I’ve wasted eternity. Being dutiful. Being unseen."

Much better! Or this description:
"Her eyes are a light blue, a ring of gold around the pupil, a sun in the clear sky. Even as they fire with barely contained rage, they give me the sensation of lying in a field, surrounded by flowers swaying in the breeze."

The last two were brilliant! But I can feel the inconsistency. The book also ends on a cliffhanger, which I usually am not a fan of as I prefer books in a series that can be read as a standalone.

Do not get me wrong, I liked a lot of aspects of this. Indeed, the author is a real one for mentioning Hades has signed editions of LOTR, ASOIAF and TOG! As Hades should. AND that they watch “Pride and Prejudice”. Some moments I did like were in chapter 6 when Hades leans against the doorway (always love and appreciate the lean in any book) and in the later chapters their vulnerability with each other was nice to see, ridding their glamour and showing their God forms with horns and wings (especially because Persephone was told previously her form was ugly, we love the confidence boost).

Overall, the story was lacking and just wasn’t my cup of tea. I do accept, as per the author’s note, it is not meant to be mythologically accurate. But I would have preferred a contemporary fantasy novel with the themes, and just forget this mythology. I will try a different retelling.

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing this copy of Alexis Rune’s book. This has not affected my opinion in any way.

[Kaven Hirning]

What an absolute delicious treat !!!!! (Don’t tell HR or the prophecy about this review)

[lex (samkiel’s version ⚡︎)]

4.25 ☆

This book was simply put so good and so hot.

I absolutely ate this story up. HADES, MY SIMP KING 🥹😩 I would give my heart in an instant. This version of the God of the Underworld was so achingly adorable and endearing. He was in complete awe of Persephone, from the moment he laid eyes on her. Our respectful, woke and Feminist Lord of the Dead. I just love you. And Persephone, the Goddess of Life. What a force. What a relatable and wonderful character. The ingrained self-doubt, the instinct to diminish yourself to seem more appealing, the constant fear that you’re not RIGHT, don’t FIT. Gods, I’ll never not admire and appreciate a HxP retelling.

Their back and forth, push and pull to finally accepting their intwined fates was both nerve wracking and exhilarating. I wanted to just lock them in a room to talk (and bang) it out lmfao but of course the plot had other ideas because what in the HECK. The ending — ??? What. WOW. I have questions. I need immediate answers.

While these two and their steamy moments 🥵captivated 98% of my attention, I couldn’t help but also love our side character bff’s, Mellie & Helios! Mellie is going to be a force to be reckoned with, I can already tell!! And I hope she puts our lovable little man-wh*re Sun God in his place as things unfold lol.

Also, the ART? In the book?!? Jaw on the floor.

Immediately downloaded book two!

[J]

DNF @25%

I was excited about reading this retelling of Hades and Persephone but I just couldn't finish the story.

There's a lot of smut and not much of a plot. Don't get me wrong, that can be entertaining but I enjoy a story with an actual plot. I think that the idea for this story was great and the texting thing could have been done in an enthralling and exciting kind of of way. It was just poor execution, in my opinion. The author just lost me with going straight to fucking. The amount of times the words cock and pussy are used is ridiculous. I'm not a prude but I love some real content and buildup tension to go with a romance. I also found the cover to be misleading. The cover feels romantic and full of chivalry and the story is not any of the above. I think this was one of those "it's not you, it's me" kind of stories.

If you enjoyed Neon Gods then this story is for you. I believe that A touch of darkness is a better retelling than these two mentioned. If you just want to have a good time, read foreplay, then this is the read.

[Kaitie Reads]

Not my jam... but I might just vehemently hate modernized urban greek mythology reimaginings.

[Kendall Garrison]

EDITING MY REVIEW:
A week after finishing the book- I keep thinking about the storyline- while I could have done without the excessive smut…I want to know what happens! With that being said- I will most likely be picking up the sequel :)



I just want to say thank you so much for this arc and allowing me the chance to read it.

The only reason I am giving this book two stars is simply because it was not written for me but I know there are so many others that will love it.

I am really into more high fantasy books so that is where my preferences lie and while I enjoy spice in a book- I feel this was page after page of nonstop smut (which again.. I know is something many readers will enjoy)

I did however finish this book within two days so it was an easy read. My only real critique is that most of the chapters- i feel the same thing happened. They would have sex, think the other person didn't like them, miscommunicate, and repeat.

Other than that I think the whole concept was really unique and like I said- there are so many other people who I just know will devour this book. Unfortunately, it just was not for me.
.

[Jeneane Vanderhoof]

“No one knows how to rile you up like your siblings,” is a direct quote from the book The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune, a part of the Love & Fate series. And, if you are a fan of the books about the Gods of Olympus, a good romance, and a little mystery and adventure, this is the best book for you. A must read!! Readers won’t find the Gods in Olympus here, those here, are a part of the mortal realm, all who finally find their way to earth amongst the humans. The cute thing about the book I found is that, if the Gods were really amongst us on this planet, this would be a story I would find realistic.

Hades is a part of Zeus’s directive and is the bank for all the Gods on earth, the one who has to fund their lifestyle, the God of wealth. You wouldn't think a God would work, even though work, for them amongst humans, would probably be easy. Alas, Hades has to bank for them and therefore knows all about their lives, the God on this planet, and has a measure of control over them. Because even if they did work, a God is a God and they live like Gods on earth (well, most of them) and that takes more money than one would normally make in a salaried position. So, each month Hades issues them a monthly allowance (most in the tens of thousands).

And the quote which began the review, one that comes from Hades, speaks of his brothers, Poseidon and Zeus, When there are issues, as all families do, as all brothers do (I hope), they come together and speak with one another. And, regardless of what Hades wants, when his brother Zeus gives a command, like letting the Gods off the mountain, Hades has to let them and follow what he says, as Zeus gives him all his orders. (Thus, his position as bank). But, is this not how most families are? Even humans? Regardless, it is nice to read a book in which family is so important, even after an eternity and forever more. Rose & Rune do the best job ever of providing readers with an immensely entertaining book about relationships amongst the Gods. Old and new, ones that were there for eternities and new, developing ones.

When Hades notices a concealment charm on his monthly allowance list, which hinders him from seeing one of the names of the Gods who are drawing a monthly allowance. God’s forbid they get jobs, as Hades would like. Brother Zeus, however, does not feel this necessary for a God (exception, Hades). Hades is determined to solve who is hiding, why, and figures out a plan to unravel the mystery. After all, Hades is really the only one at work, just so the Gods off of Olympus dont have to.

While solving this mystery Persephone unravels, a God of Olympus, the Goddess of Spring, and the pair meet. She is a Goddess who had a hard time being able to leave Olympus because of her mother (yes, even Goddesses have problems like that with their mothers). As a God she seems very sheltered, timid, and self efficient as she seems to want a job and has one. And it isn't the type of job you would expect of a God, seemingly normal, nothing too successful or managerial. While Persephone has never understood her pull to the mortal realm, the treatment she gets from her mother, how she lords over her daughters life, I got the impression that anywhere other than her mother was, would pull at her to come. Anywhere her mother is not, seems the best place for Persephone, as there are so many secrets and misunderstood feelings.

When Hades and Persephone meet, a secret is discovered and more need to be uncovered. And, because Hades is a God, they have eternity on their hands and are quite curious in nature, Hades wants to uncover these secrets. Since this includes Persephone, Hades decided to keep her close. And, since she has no issues working, which is quite a surprise for Hades as no other Gods seem to have a job, Hades gives Persephone one with him. While you could say this is where the story gets good, since the story was already good, this is when it catapults to astronomically wonderful!

At first, Hades is attracted to Persperone. How could you not be attracted to the Goddess of Spring? The interpretation of a perfect spring day, the temperature of a breeze, the smell in the air, the visual aspect of all those things (and more) interpreted on the physical body of a woman? Even attracted to men I don't think I could turn down that woman (and that's okay, not that I mean it's not, just usually not my bag). But, Hades likes the fact she works and is drawn to her, at first, mostly, I believe, to the secrets that seem to surround her. And, with no real relationship in 2,000 while in this position (except for a funny, failed, Internet story) Hades is no Casanova, when it comes to knowing what to do with a woman (some areas, he hits the nail on the head, though)!

Persephone has come to earth, I believe, to flee her tyrannical mother who controls everything in her life, especially the truth about her daughter who knows so little about everything. The only time she has ever been able to control her life, anything in her life, was when she came from Olympus, to earth. However, her mother still controls her and any relationship she could have has had to be discreet because of this. Therefore she has never been able to have anything real because of her mother and has never had total control of everything, even herself.

When you have two profiles of people like this, the love story, the way in which they “get together”, is going to be good. And, in The Maiden & The Unseen it is, and much, much more. It's a stupendous read! One as great as Mounting Olympus (and they do that too) if not only for my favorite part which was that the tale, however fantasial, seemed like it could be realistic, as I mentioned once, before. And, that Persephone has much to learn about herself, especially all the things her mother has hid, that Hades helps her uncover these secrets makes the “getting to know you”, all that better. . And, as the story proceeds, only more of Olympus and the Gods are brought into the tale.

And here, in the end, I must note, this story IS FOR ADULTS ONLY. The dirty scenes, (not where the Gods are literally dirty, can Gods really ever be dirty, literally, I wonder) the writers create, I'll just say they were hot, hot, hot. And, there were some very, dirty words used. Hot and dirty, I guess, is how I relay the steamy scenes because I don't know what other words I can write to describe how “mounting” these parts in the book could make readers (or me, I guess, in particular). And when you add the steamy parts with everything else, you have the perfect book for a weekend home alone in the bathtub with a glass of wine. Just don't get too lost in the water…interaction of this type, between a God and a Goddess, makes this WARNING necessary!

[Inés Molina]

This was spicy, super super spicy. Like can't keep their hands to themselves spicy and throwing you on my desk spicy.

I love everything Hades and Persephone. This book was great, honestly i loved it. I read it in one day, i couldn't put it down. A modern retelling of Hades and Persephone, heck yeah. The ending though had my eyes widen. Seriously i had no idea i was at the end until i tried swiping and nada. I can't wait for whatever comes next because i need more Hades and Persephone.

[Giulia - Divoratricedilibri2.0]

Qui trovate la mia recensione in italiano: https://divoratricedilibri20.wixsite....

Let's talk about The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune.
First of all I want to say thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

But let's go! What's this book?
- adult romanmce
- Hades and Persephone retelling
- modern setting (paranormal)
- forced proximity
- double POV
-spicy (it's a big part of the book so)

A touch of Darkness meets Neon Gods, and I know the authors read Sarah J Maas.
Hades and Persephone end up working in the same building (CLEARLY) owned by the first one, since Persephone apparently ends up bankrupt after paying her taxes to Hades, who hires her in order not to feel guilty (puahhahah), without realizing who enter the door of his house. Clearly the line of the prophecy of the couple bounded for the eternity (adore) is maintained and therefore it is all a sexual tension.

The cover has misled me a bit, because I didn't expect so much spicy given the type of graphics!
Another thing I was surprised and believed (as I went to Goodreads to check before requesting it) is that this book is not standalone as I thought it would be, but part of a saga. How did you get there, you say? Well, I was (I thought I was) almost at the end, I wanted to turn the chapter but the kindle was not going on! Well, crazy ending.

So? I always like to read Hades and Persephone retelling. The book was not something exceptional for me, but is not a big thing. The plot is not exceptional, it could have been more courageous, newer .... The romance is very basic as in all the retelling of Hades and Persephone. Here Hades falls in love in five seconds and immediately becomes * my queen *, malewife material, really. For the rest it is without too many shots of scenes, so much so that at almost over half I was wondering why there hadn't been one yet? I would certainly have liked to have seen more tension before the actual romance, because personally I find it a lot more fun and it makes everything more beautiful afterwards.
So why did I give it three stars? i was ADDICTED You know when you start that book AND YOU CAN'T PUI IT DOWN The romance go fast, sometimes too much. Short chapters, but it flows like a marvel and you absolutely want to continue! All this elements helped!

Surely I recommend it for who want to have a quiet reading, disconnect, and also enjoyed themshelf because there are parts that are surreal (I laughed a lot). For example? When Hades downloads Tinder. Did I say* m I really reading Hades downloading Tinder?*
It is definitely not an innovative book, the plot is based on romance which is also very physical, there are many, many, many spicy scenes (even too many) so I absolutely would not recommend it to those who don't like all this!
I would certainly have preferred a slightly shorter book, because it is really long, however, even here, I would like to emphasize that, despite this, it flows like a marvel.
A reading that is cute, simple, sure to take your head off the real world!

[tane'a]

3.5⭐️

[☾✴︎Andrea Reads Romance✴︎☽]

3.75⭐️ I loved this.

Was this the best book I've ever read? No. Was it super-fucking-entertaining, and hot, and a bit angsty but not to the point of pain, just enough for it to be worth it? YES.

The Maiden and The Unseen is an erotic, modern, Hades and Persephone retelling that takes many allowances, and borrows myths and greek legends and puts them wherever it wants. And I loved it. If you are a stickler for old greek myth rules and accuracy, don't read this. This is the perfect fun, smutty read to get your mind out of a stressful week. It certainly did that for me.

I, however, did NOT notice that this is just the first instalment in a series, and now I want to put my head through a wall... Because of course I become emotionally invested in the lives of fake Greek Gods. Don't you? Anyway, that ending should be ILLEGAL! I'm in pain.

I need more. Like now.

3.75 / 5 ⭐️

[Southern Lady Reads]

((★★★.5/5 stars & 🌶🌶🌶/5 spice )) A Hades & Persephone retelling with lotttssss of smut and a medium amount of plot. Overall, I found the Maiden & The Unseen to be a slightly satirical, lighthearted read. Hades is definitely the bad-a## we want in our strong MMCs, and Persephone embodies everything we know about Persephone. She's controlled by her mother Demeter and comes into her confidence throughout the story.

As a whole I don't want to give away the plot - but's its definitely not a twist I had heard before regarding their relationship and the challenges!

Some things I really liked:
- Zeus is in charge as a whole, but Hades is the true mastermind behind most of the Olympians careers, lives etc.
- FINALLY Persephone is portrayed as a BRUNETTE! For the love of all that is holy, I was about to not read another Greek mythological retelling if the character was a *blonde bombshell*. Persephone is still a bombshell -- just not blonde lol
- The description of the other monsters? You'll love the other characters that Persephone befriends.

Some things I didn't like:
- A bit cringe-y with all of the texting communication.. although also in real life that is how most people foreplay in their busy adult lives lol
- Overall, I wish the plot had been explained a little more.

Quick Notes:
- Spicy Romantasy
- Hades & Persephone Retelling
- Alternating POV's
- Greek Gods in a contemporary setting
- Humorous/ Satirical
- *Touch her and you die* vibes
- Smut: praise
- Massive Cliffhanger

If you loved Neon Gods by Katee Roberts or A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St.Clair you'll love the Maiden & The Unseen!

**I received this book as an advanced reader copy but all reviews are my own. - SLR

[Shelby Joy]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

I received an ARC from Rose & Star Publishing, and all of these opinions are my own! Thank you for the ARC! <3

Alexa play The Less I Know the Better by Tame Impala LOL

Y’all… This book was a modern-day retelling of Hades and Persephone, and it was nothing but smut, angst and Greek Mythology- my favorite trifecta! It was such a quick read, and it has short chapters (gotta love short chapters!). I would’ve read it all in one sitting if life didn’t get in the way.

Let me just say, the smut? TOP MF TIER. I LOVED IT. If you are not a smut person then this book is not for you because a lot of it is them yearning for each other sexually + shadow sex (hot asf).

It is very modern, and it has a lot of modern references like FaceTime, Tinder, and it even mentions Throne of Glass once. I personally don’t mind at all as it marketed as present time. I know a lot of people don’t like that, but I personally like modern fantasy books as it fun to see things play out as if it were in present day. Plus, I feel like we don’t see it often either.

This was originally feeling like a four star book until the end when I realized the path it was going (without giving too much away) with following mythology closer than other retellings. I was really excited to see how that played out, but that ending was dirty. It left me hanging wanting more. I’m going to need the next book ASAP! I can definitely see this turning into my favorite Hades and Persephone series, and I’m excited for the rest of the series!!!

This comes out on September 27th so y’all keep an eye out for it!

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

3.5 ⭐️

I know, I know, ANOTHER Hades x Persephone retelling… BUT I LOVE THEM, ok?!

The Maiden & The Unseen is hella spicy and has an interesting twist on fated mates/how Persephone becomes Queen of the Underworld. I think I would have enjoyed it more if H&P’s relationship had been fleshed out a bit more outside of boning each other nonstop, but the cliffy does have me intrigued enough to continue the series.

[katie&thebooks]

DEVOURED! I absolutely devoured this book! From the very beginning I was intrigued.. Gods living in disguise in a modern day human realm, fighting fate, destiny and curses, the sexual tension and spice was so good, so so good! I’m a sucker for bookish pet names too.. this one got me!

My Spring: I admired Persephone’s character being a girl who was hidden from the world, to a strong woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone. She is independent with a strong work ethic, not living a leisurely life of pleasure and riches like most other Gods. If she wants it, she gets it, and she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.

My Demon: Hades… oh, Hades. Of course, as the God of the Underworld, he is broody, smug, drop-dead sexy and he knows it. He wants for nothing, except his queen. My heart hurt for his lifetime of loneliness and his struggle to fight fate, because with fate also come curses. His doubt and self consciousness in the face of true love, showed he is also sensitive and has flaws, and I enjoyed seeing that through all of his perfectness.

I simply couldn’t put this book down and I am eager to read the ARC for book two, The Mistress & The Renowned.