★★★★½ ( )

Initially I was curious but not really excited about the Hades perspective/retelling of A Touch of Darkness but as I read, I realized there was so much going on in this story and it was a lot more than just a retelling. I absolutely loved all the things happening with Hades that you never even knew about when Persephone was telling her story. The whole Sisyphus and Poseidon and even Hephaestus made it so much more interesting as well as giving Hades more depth and layers. He's a busy God trying to keep balance, catch the bad guy, win the girl, and still run his businesses and underworld. I love his softer side and even his insecurities and lack of experience in relationships. And of course the hot, steamy scenes that leave no doubt that he's attracted to Persephone but add that he would sacrifice nookie time to make her happy when she wants to be with friends and you know he's sweet like a cinnamon roll and absolutely head over heels for her. This story was a delightful surprise from the retelling I thought I would need to slog through before picking up the next book in the series. St Clair did a fantastic job with researching and then building a fabulous, unique story for Hades without giving away anything from Persephone's story. ( )

The genius of Scarlett St. Clair to write the same book but from the MMC's POV... I ate this up. Give me more beautiful women viewed through the eyes of the men who are obsessed with them. ( )

Damn the gods! And damned if I can resist a Hades Persephone tale!
I haven't read the first book in this series - from Persephone's perspective (A Touch of Darkness) - because we love our bad boys and we love to know what their thinking :D ( )

I love the characters of Hades and Persephone in general, so I'm always looking for a good retelling. I enjoyed this one decently, but overall felt it was a little middling. This Persephone wasn't as likable as she usually is, so I'm glad I chose this Hades PoV series instead of Clair's other one (also King of the Underworld side quests are more interesting than just 'college life' or whatever 'goddess not yet come into her powers' things she can possibly be up to when not on page here. I will continue for at least the next book since H&P stories don't just grow on trees, and aspects of this one may grow on me! ( )