Neon Gods

Starred review from April 12, 2021
With this deliciously inventive retelling of Greek mythology, the Dark Olympus series launch, Robert (the Bloodline Vampires series) thrusts familiar figures into the present to intoxicating effect. There’s nothing explicitly supernatural here; instead, the gods’ powers are political. When socialite Persephone Dimitriou’s mother, Demeter, tries to force her into a strategic marriage to the much-older, alleged wife killer Zeus, Persephone flees the upper city of Olympus across the River Styx—and straight into the arms of Hades, the infamous ruler of the lower city. Strong, brooding Hades has shouldered the crushing responsibility of protecting the lower city ever since Zeus killed his parents, and very nearly him, when he was a boy. In Persephone he sees an opportunity for revenge—and in Hades, Persephone sees the chance to have an affair so wild and public that Zeus will no longer want her. After agreeing to spend the winter together, Hades introduces Persephone to kink she’s only dreamed of. But as their irresistible erotic connection deepens to love, Zeus will stop at nothing to reclaim his intended wife. Robert brings every element of a must-read dark romance to the table: high stakes, taut pacing, enticing characters, and sizzling chemistry. This red-hot romance is a winner. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary.

June 4, 2021

Persephone Dimitriou lives in the shining modern city of Olympus. Her mother Demeter is one of the Thirteen who rule over the city, and she wants Persephone to marry dangerous, powerful Zeus. Persephone flees to the lower city and finds herself caught in Hades's world. He agrees to help Persephone--for a price. The romance develops quickly with explicit sex and light BDSM elements; there's plenty of variation and strong emotional connection in the sex scenes. Readers with an existing interest in Greek mythology may find the story compelling, but those without that background might find it hard to believe the characters' instant connection and immediate strong feelings. However, Roberts works to develop the romance, so that even doubters will believe before the end. The many side characters, drawn from Greek mythology, mark this book as the start of a new series set in an exciting world. VERDICT Though the worldbuilding is sparse, and a few of the pop culture references might feel out of place, this modern-day retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone has lots to offer for romance fans looking for a slightly darker romance.--Brigid Black, Lucius Beebe Memorial Lib., Wakefield, MA

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2021
A surprise unwanted betrothal blindsides Persephone, who has dreamt of leaving home. In Robert's red-hot, supersexy romance featuring stars of Greek mythology, Persephone's world is a technologically sophisticated, -celebrity-fueled, high-society version of Olympus. Along with the general human population, 13 gods (including her mother, Demeter) live in the upper city, while the only deity in the lower city is Hades, who is rumored to be dead. Persephone flees when it is announced she will be marrying the loathsome Zeus, and in trying to escape she runs across a bridge over the River Styx and into the arms of Hades. He was a child when Zeus slew his parents, and is dedicated to protecting the people of the lower city. To extricate Persephone from her engagement, she and Hades take a calculated risk and perform some bondage and public sex in Hades' famous dungeon venue, hoping it will make the news and void her engagement. This smart re-imagining of the Persephone and Hades myth is an intriguing love story and a must-buy for libraries that circulate erotic romances.

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