While not being a terrible book, it was not my cup of tea. I did finish it, and didn't hate it though I struggled to complete it. I will probably not read it again or continue the series. There is a lot of spice in this book, so most certainly for a mature audience.

When I tell you I TORE through this book! I loved it! I loved the dual perspective, how they were both so confident but could be soft with each other. I loved that Hades was the first to fall. I loved how Persephone pushed back to him, that she is a strong woman. It sets up her role in the story so well. And I am super stoked that the next book is also available to read! Off to continue the story....

So The Maiden and the Unseen is basically erotic fan-fiction. I love a good Hades & Persephone story, but I prefer ones with actual story in them. There is basically 0% plot. All that happens is they meet and then they're either at work, going to work, leaving work, or at an apartment and either having sex or reaching third base with their powers, or talking about how they want each other but can't have each other for reasons. There is literally nothing that happens outside of a weird obstacle of her refusing to break up with her not-boyfriend (it is honestly never explained as to why she hesitated on this). Demeter never shows up, Persephone has no personality, and Hades sounds is constantly second-guessing himself and just trying to possess her. What does his company do? No idea? Any details on what she actually does as a "social media manager" for his company? Nope. What are the rest of the gods like? We barely see them. She's terrified of having to go back to her mom right? Yes, but mostly she just lusts after Hades.

In all honesty, this felt like college-level writing. It's set in the modern-world so the lingo is all modern including slang, which I don't typically love. It goes a step further than the modern world and sets it in our real world by having the model Gisele make an appearance for about 5 minutes. Very odd. Their dialogue is very elementary and they basically only talk about wanting each other. Half-way through the book Hades realizes "what do I know about her" and even from then on all we hear is that he stalks her a bit more to see what she tells other people she likes - they never have a legitimately real conversation. One dinner is even described as them spending it in "companionable silence" - do they actually know each other at all beyond how sexy they both are?

If you're looking for plot-less smut, this is for you. It's basically 95% sex or sex-related activities. I love my smut but damn give me some character arcs and overarching conflict please!

**SPOILERS BELOW**
Details and context are tossed in randomly or just never. For example:
- 3 friends that supposedly were meeting her at a club just never appear and are never mentioned again
- her not-boyfriend calls when she and Hades are going to third base, and it's the first time Hades is aware she's in a pseudo relationship, and he just never says anything about it in his chapter even though he's painted as very possessive. Seems like this would be something he comments on right after finding out.
- the timeline is confusing - sometimes subsequent chapters continue forward in time, other times they start a few days prior and then catch-up.

Oh my goodness!! This was the spicy Hades/Persephone retelling that I didn’t know I needed! The back and forth between characters and the amazing storyline really made it. The side characters were awesome too! The storyline was super engrossing too

I loved this Hades and Persephone retelling. It's spicy and fun, although the plot doesn't really get moving until the middle section of the book.

The spice scenes were natural and their attraction is obvious from the start. Some of the secondary characters weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked, but it did keep the book moving fast without.

It did make me feel everything throughout this book and I really love the retelling genre. I imagine The Maiden and the Unseen is going to blow up on booktok/bookstagram.

When they said NSFW they meant it! It made me chuckle to read that warning, “don’t read in public.” That was absolutely an appropriate warning! This books is spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love Hades and Persephone. So when I saw this I just knew I needed to read it! I have read other retellings of Hades and Persephone, but this one was a blast to read.

Right off the bat you can feel the tension between Hades and Persephone. Their “meet cute” and then having them working together, it added so much more depth to their tension. I was so frustrated at certain points, I was screaming just tell her already. I couldn’t figure out why he wouldn’t be forthcoming with things. Patience would’ve answered that for me.

Coming from other Hades and Persephone series I was happy to see Helios in the way he was portrayed and his laugh out loud moments. I also really adore Mellie and the bonus chapter was great! I love the mystery that Mellie is and I can’t wait for more. If you are looking for a wide variety of Greek Gods there are mentions of the big 3,
Helios and Demeter but the focus is absolutely Hades and Persephone.

I will say I was surprised by Demeter’s roll in this one or the limited about of page time. She is mentioned, and reflections include her but you never truly meet her character. I enjoyed Hekate and how she is portrayed as someone not even Hades would mess with. I like her attitude!

The love triangle aspect was definitely different and at some parts worthy of an eye roll. It felt played out, like what was the point. I’m still not 100% sure. The touch her and die trope was there though and that redeemed the love triangle.

The only thing I didn’t really enjoy about the book was the use of slut. That made me cringe.

Over all once I started, I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down. It is most definitely a character driven book with little plot but what’s there is strong enough to make me want to read the next book in the series.

This is a Hades x Persephone retelling in a modern world that was enjoyable to read. I wish the characters had more than just a physical attraction, however. Maybe more in depth of their relationship will be in the other books that follow. The plot wasn’t fully developed until later in the book and was unsurprising but the spice was top tier. I loved the dual POV and the setting of the modern society and am intrigued on how the trilogy will develop, especially after the ending of this book.

3 Stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC!

I read reviews and knew what to expect, but I was still kind of bored with their relationship. It felt like they had no actual emotional depth between the two, only physical attraction. Were they feeling in love because they actually had a connection or because they were "fated?" The book is trying to convince us it's the former, but they never make any actual moves to show such. Everything is about how they're destined to be King and Queen of the Underworld together.

Persephone got incredibly annoying when it came to breaking it off with her not-really-boyfriend. If they weren't really together, why couldn't she just call him. If they were never a couple, then there's no reason to hold their relationship to the standards she's putting in her mind. It got so frustrating.

The intimate scenes were...heavy-handed at best. It got repetitive after a while. Toying with BDSM and control but no actual talking to each other about boundaries.

I'm still going to read the sequel if I remember to. It was an entertaining story and I enjoyed reading it. I really liked Mellie and I hope we get her own story in the future.

Thank you to Rose and Star Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

This was a really fun read, I am personally a fan of old school gods in a contemporary setting. I think the authors did a great job of adapting the aspects of each gods power into a modern day personality type, and adapting the Olympus setting into a workplace romance.

Obviously, this book is 🤌 spicy 🤌 but the angst and yearning were also off the charts! I rate this a four star as the miscommunication was a bit too much which I had to power through in certain parts, but overall I'm glad I did and I'm excited to read the next instalment!

The Maiden and the Unseen is the first book in the retelling of Hades an Persephone

I'm not sure where to start. This book is full of secrets and does a good job of setting up the overall world the stories are told in. Hades is dreading the inevitable, fate. He knows he can't avoid it, but when faced with making the choice, he doesn't want to become another keeper.
And Persephone just wants her freedom. Finally out from under her mother's thumb she is finding herself more each day. Destiny binds them together and no one can truly keep them apart. The draw is magnetic. And wow they are scorching hot.

This should be an interesting journey.

This is one spicy Hades x Persephone retelling in a modern world and I really enjoyed it! I have to say that you should think about if you want to read the book for the spice (huge recommendation) or for the plot, because the latter isn't worked out super well and a bit flat and rather unsurprising. I loved the dual pov and the setting of the modern society!

"The Maiden and the Unseen" by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune is a magical, mysterious, and romantic novel that will captivate readers from the first page. Rose and Rune's story transports readers to a world where every shadow has secrets and every moment is enchanting.

This intriguing story follows a lady whose path from innocence to empowerment is heartbreaking and thrilling. Readers follow her struggles, successes, and metamorphosis as she navigates her world's dangerous paths.

The romance in "The Maiden and the Unseen" is stunning. Rose and Rune's passionate, aching, and obvious chemistry steal the reader's heart. The characters' bond is palpable, bringing readers into a torrent of emotion that keeps them turning pages until the conclusion.

This novel's study of identity, destiny, and choice sets it different. Rose and Rune explore self-discovery and the significance of carving one's own path, even in the face of overpowering darkness, through the protagonist's journey.

The world-building of "The Maiden and the Unseen" is captivating. Rose and Rune have built a vivid world with sophisticated magic systems, stunning scenery, and compelling characters that will stay with readers long after they finish the novel.

Finally, Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune's "The Maiden and the Unseen" is a masterwork of vision and creativity. Readers of all ages will love its intriguing tale, unforgettable characters, and magnificent world-building. Rose and Rune have written a tale that readers will treasure for years.

Welcome to a world where magic and mystery intertwine in "The Maiden and the Unseen" by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune. This enchanting tale follows the journey of a young maiden who discovers a hidden realm filled with secrets and wonders beyond her wildest dreams.

The authors have crafted a vivid and engaging story that captivates readers from the very first page. Through lyrical prose and intricate world-building, they bring to life a fantastical realm where creatures of myth and magic roam freely. The rich descriptions and vivid imagery paint a picture that is both enchanting and immersive, drawing readers into a world where anything is possible.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the depth of the characters. The maiden undergoes a transformation throughout the story, evolving from a naive young girl into a brave and resourceful heroine. Her interactions with the unseen beings she encounters along the way are both heartwarming and thought-provoking, exploring themes of trust, friendship, and self-discovery.

"Magic is not found in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary seen with new eyes."

This quote encapsulates the essence of the story, reminding us to look beyond the surface and find beauty and wonder in the world around us.

"The Maiden and the Unseen" is a masterpiece of fantasy storytelling that will enchant readers of all ages. With its engaging characters, richly imagined world, and timeless themes, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves to lose themselves in a magical adventure. Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune have created a truly unforgettable tale that will linger in your heart long after you have finished reading.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! -- 'nuff said.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ -- 2.5/5

i love Hades and Persephone retellings. there's so much to be left to the imagination when it comes to their mythologies, and even more when creating a story set in modern society like this one. it is told in a dual POV and starts interesting enough. it hooked me in pretty well from the get-go.

... and then the spice slaps you in the face. lol. i do wish there was more to the plot and more depth to these characters... maybe somehow to make them be more relatable, or at least for the reader to have something more to grasp on to. truthfully, i found both characters a bit immature and sometimes insufferable. they are supposed to be divine beings who've lived a long time, so i'd expect more of them.

i want to assume that the whole plot is the fated attraction and desire of Hades to Persephone, and vice versa of course. so it did well on that. i'd recommend this to anyone who wants a spicy, shmutty romance. but personally, it was just an okay read. holding out hope that the second book adds more to the actual storyline, because at least that was kind of interesting.

thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. i received this as an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As a Hades and Persephone fan, I was hoping to read this version. Though the general concept remains the same (Gods - underworld - spring, Demeter as a hateful mother), there has to be additions. Hades being a businessman, Persephone being a young and struggling subordinate. The story started well but then started to turn into cycles. This first book in the series had repetitions like inner thoughts, “she is closing herself on me” the line is like going in Hades’ mind like ten or more times, and is baseless. But still, the story wrapped up, and I almost lost hope that the writers would get bored and give the book up. Technically the writing was simple and I always like dual POV, it brings a dynamic atmosphere if both genders are adequately expressed. It was a fast read and the general feeling that it gave me was, it was okay

Thank you Netgalley for this read. While this is an interesting re-telling of the Hades and Persephone story, it was not what I had expected and was not my cup of tea. As other reviews have stated, the spice was not written well and shoved in really early into the story.
Modern retellings of myths need to be done carefully, and in honesty this felt rushed. Persephone felt too ditsy and childish, and Hades felt almost too overbearing.
It is clear though that both authors are very creative and have an interesting story in mind. I am sure this will appeal to many audiences, sadly it did not to me.

The Maiden & The Unseen by Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose is a Hades and Persephone retellings, spicy edition! Like very Eh-Sppppicy! If you love Hades and Persephone and are really into a sexy storyline, then this is the book for you!

This was FANTASTIC. 100% beyond amazing.
If you’re looking for a book that has a lot of spice and just enough plot, here you go. From chapter one I was hooked. I read this on under 24 hrs 🫠

If you like:
- Dual pov
- Spice, like HOLY SPICE🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
- Modern world
- Funny Banter
- Greek mythology

This book needs to be on your tbr!

- Greek Mythology
- Dual POV
- Very Spicy
- Modern World
- Shadow Play
- Funny Banter
- Cliffhanger Beware
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Was I always looking for her? Not just today or since I met her, but always? Have I always been searching? Looking? Aching for something? Something always out of reach? Aching for my fated queen.”

This is a modern day Hades and Persephone retelling in an office setting. There is so much intense chemistry between the MC’s that you can feel it. I found myself unable to put the book down because I was too anxious to wait for their relationship come to fruition (aka for the smut scene 😂). It did not disappoint by the way! There is a good amount of funny banter between the MC’s and the side characters. Speaking of side characters, I am excited to see more of Mellie and Helios! This book ends on a cliffhanger but don’t let that deter you. I really enjoyed this Hades & Persephone retelling and cannot way for book 2!

One of the better Hades & Persephone retellings I’ve read. However, if you are looking for something that stays true to the original story, it may not be for you. It’s also quite spice-heavy.