I'm so glad I was able to hunt down a copy as it turned out to be as lovely as I had hoped. Fraught with emotion, I couldn't help but be affected by the couple's problems; Persephone's separation from her family, she being their mother figure; and Adam's, the cold and damaged Duke of Kielder, as he ventured painfully into the land of feelings. How wonderful to see them come together, so fascinated with one another yet not quite knowing how to handle their growing attachment. And the unexpected danger that pops up not only was an intriguing turn, but it also acted as a revelation for both of them. It's really quite lovely and tender how their relationship blossomed and satisfying for the romantic heart and anyone else who delights in the Hades/Persephone and Beauty/Beast tales. I must find out what happens to the other family members. 4 stars.
Lisa G. (plum-marie) -
My first time reading this author-The first chapter had me laughing out loud but it was tempered after that. Still good but it felt a little rushed. When the story started to pick up there weren't many pages left and I got that sinking feeling I was going to end the book without a good finish. I wasn't happy with Josiah Jones' essentially being left out of the rest of the book-it would have made more sense for him to have actual dialogue once Persephone was there, considering his hand in things. I clearly am not a mythology expert but despite Artemis being female-that name bothered me more than any other. I was constantly reminding myself when I read that name that she was female, not male. Loved Harry, great addition to the story. Didn't like how Persephone spent most of her time confused and it didn't really seem to show the progression from that to resolving her confusions by the end. Also huge overuse of the word 'ridiculous' in the book! Very reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast-which is why I wanted to read it in the first place-and I think it held up to that. As a whole not bad, but really could have been improved. Would read the author again.
