Many thanks to Penguin Random House SA for including me in this readalong and for the beautiful gifted copy.

I wanted to turn to my mother, to see if I’d answered correctly, but her hands held me in place, though her nails were less piercing. I liked that the author had shown that it doesn't make you less of a man or less of a woman for liking something that didn't approve to the society's standards. It's a fun retelling of Hades and Persephone, and the author tries to put a fresh new spin on the myth. Overall, a vibrant, fun and thoroughly refreshing Hades and Persephone retelling that YA loving, Romantasy fans should definitely be adding to their TBRs (and Suitcases) this summer! It’s a careful line that Fitzgerald balances admirably with a sharp wit and genuine understanding of the simultaneous contemporary and historic issues she’s writing about.Hades and Persephone exasperated me so much with how absolutely dense they both are, I kept thinking just kiss already! I most definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a unique original spin on the story of Hades and Persephone.

Talking of these two MCs, they were a delight in their slow dance towards friendship and the even slower dance to more.The writing style is easy to follow and despite the very modern style of talking (I just assumed this was an AU), I enjoyed this aspect reminiscent of fanfiction which can go either way with readers. My eyes widened as the meanings of the name ran through my head: Pure, Beautiful Maiden, Little Girl – apparently that was all I would ever be to him. If you enjoy pining and characters that try to hide their feelings even though everyone knows you both should be together, this is it!