Reviews

The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune

nadine_read's review

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

l4urenf13's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

squids_can_read's review

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emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Hades is the CEO of a bank and Persephone is a social media manager who is new to earth. When Hades shuts down Persephone's funds the two gods lives intertwine in a way that neither of them ever expected. Will they become the best king and queen the underworld has ever seen or will they tear each other apart?

Firstly, the writing. It was pretty good. The writing seemed mature, fitting the themes of the story. The writing flowed really well, I didn't really get caught up on any parts. There are a couple of things that I thought were not described in enough detail. One of those things was that neither of the main characters were really described. Many of the side characters were but the main characters really weren't. If it weren't for the artwork included in the book, I wouldn't know what either of the main characters really look like. Another thing that I was a little disappointed by were the sex scenes. Really on the positions were described and their emotions. Nothing about their bodies were super described. It just felt like vague outlines of them. 

Secondly, the characters. I thought that the characters were pretty well written. They each seemed to have their own personalities that were separate from their romantic interest. Although I didn't totally like how Hades treated Persephone in the bed room. It seemed very out of character for the both of them. 

The plot was pretty good. It flowed extremely well and many decisions that the characters made, made sense with the characterization shown in the novel. 

Onto the powers. I really didn't understand how their powers worked. There were definitely some parts of their powers that I understood but Hades did some things a couple of times that I didn't totally understand how he could do. Also they kept ripping the buttons off of shirts and then putting them back on. I'm not totally sure how the buttons were put back but alright. I suspended my disbelief for that one but it happened a lot. The curse that was mentioned also made me roll my eyes a little bit but it worked with the story. 

Overall, it was pretty good despite being outside of my typical reading genre. If you love forbidden romance, office romance, fated mates, and sassy main characters, you'll love this book. 

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jasmynreads's review

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3.0

“The King of the Dead will meet his match in the Goddess of Life. With the culmination of their union, the goddess becomes the Queen of the Dead, bound to the Underworld, even more tightly than her husband.”

This was a modern day Greek mythology Hades & Persephone retelling. Boss/employee. Definitely an interesting spin!

“Do not ever doubt how much I want you. I’d give my entire kingdom and crown to have you.”

Swoon. If it’s Hades and Persephone, I’m immediately sold.

I scan her eyes, murmuring, “How can he take for granted what I am so willing to kill for?”

Be still my freaking heart.
I definitely didn’t care for the OM drama but It ended up not really mattering in the end.
(it DID, but it also didn't. I won't be spoiling that though)

⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5/5 stars

bethwatkin_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

nelliereadsalot's review against another edition

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3.0

This book had been floating around my TBR for a while, so when I saw it was available, I decided it was time.

The first part of this book is so funny and spicy. Basically, Hades x Persephone x contemporary romance. I love the idea of the gods wanting to go out and mingle and even have jobs. I really enjoyed how other gods were worked into the story. The third act conflict felt like it dragged a bit, but I can't wait to see what will happen after that ending!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an egalley of this book for an honest review.

cdrescher's review

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3.0

2.5 rounded up to 3. I will read the sequel because I’m a sucker for Greek mythology retellings but I must ask…have these people heard of condoms? Could’ve saved a ton of commotion.

jinxei's review

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5.0

"Do not ever doubt how much I want you. I’d give my entire kingdom and crown to have you."

I know, you don't have to say it. I am obsessed with any sort of spin/take/retelling of Hades and Persephone and I won't stop.

Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune spun a unique modern retelling full of witty banter, hot sexting and even hotter scenes. The addition of other gods and deities that we normally do not get to see in other Hades/Persephone retellings was exciting, like a "I know that person!" moment when their name popped up on the page. Mellie was a total show stealer for me and I am dying to see more of her in the next installment(s).

For a modern retelling, I loved that we got to still see glimpses of their abilities. Not only did they play into who they are, but it added that extra thrill and excitement to their more intimate scenes where they used them. Also the glamour and revealing their true selves, and obviously the scene that followed, was just chefs kiss. I haven't read many retellings that bring up their god forms (horns, wings, etc) and that made this really stand out for me.

That sudden ending (not really a cliffhanger because you know what happened) makes me eager for the next book. I need to know how Demeter reacts to the prophecy being fulfilled, maybe some Persephone showing off with her horns and learning to love them, Hermes role in it (and I guess what happened to Jackson but I could leave it or take it with him). I am begging for more Mellie and Helios. I would give my left arm for a whole book of those two.

adoseofsmut's review

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adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted

4.0

#netgalley

The Maiden & the Unseen by Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose had me pleasantly surprised! Going in, I wasn't sure if it would be my thing, especially since it's not my usual fare of dark romance, but boy, did it prove me wrong.

⚡️ What sets this book apart is its refreshing take on Greek mythology. From the get-go, I found myself drawn into a world where gods navigate the complexities of modern life with humor and charm. The dynamic between Hades and Persephone, especially, kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

teabun's review against another edition

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slow-paced

2.75