'Till Death Do Us

by L.C. Son

I, Desephone, the lone daughter of Persephone and Hades, King of the Underworld, am tasked with the greatest undertaking of my life: finding a mate to call my own. Not just any mate, but one destined to rule alongside me in the underworld. My once and future king.

For too long I've put off this task, hopeful the day would never come. Now here it is and I am forced to not only choose a husband, but in doing so require him to do the one thing I never wanted to ask of anyone. To die for me.

'Till Death Do Us is a standalone paranormal romance within both the Beautiful Nightmare and Netherworld universes. This is perfect for new and returning readers of this combined universe. Meet new characters, learn new secrets, all while plunging heart-first into a sweet and steamy, friends-to-lovers tale full of darkly ringing wedding bells. Content Notice: For mature adults aged 18+. Contains steamy, sexual situations, profanity, violence, misogyny, and other themes.

ebook

First published September 30, 2024

About the author

Wife of one. Mom of three plus a Beagle.

Well, at least that's how I'm described in the confines of my everyday life.

​Writing has always been second nature to me. I spent my childhood creating short stories and my collegiate years writing for the campus paper (Go TERPS!) Jump twenty years to the present--I'm still writing. At my day job I spend most of my time writing capability briefs, white papers, proposals--you name it.

Then one day it hit me. It was time to access my own creative power and bring to life the characters lurking in my mind.

I hope you enjoy my first book, Beautiful Nightmare. It has everything you'd look to find in a paranormal romance-urban fantasy-new age novel. Vampires. Wolves. Love. And so much more!

Reviews

[K.C. McMillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes/Tropes:
• Friends-to-lovers
• He falls hard
• Suffocating mother
• She loves flowers
• Mating ritual 
• Suitors compete for her
• Daughter of ☠️
• Mythical Culling
• First-person POV
• Dual POV
• Kiss of ☠️

Quote:
“𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚, 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘–𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

𝔸 𝕤𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕓𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘🔥👌🏾

Wow! This 👏🏾 did 👏🏾not 👏🏾disappoint! 
I devoured this fantasy tale, savoring the sweet and tender connection between Desephone and Arius. L.C. Son masterfully wove together a narrative that balanced humor, heart, and sensuality. The cameos added a delightful touch, and the story's slow-burning tension ended in a very satisfying conclusion😉.

I highly recommend this book! This is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance with a spicy finish. Intended for readers 18+ and older.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the premise for this and it was an IMMEDIATE TBR addition, so I’m very grateful to booksirens and L.C. Son for the ARC in advance of the KU release.

There are so many Hades x Persephone romantasy stories, so what a breath of fresh air it is to have one that is deeply rooted in that story, but doesn’t use it as crutch. Son weaves the story into something fresh and new, and absolutely delightful to read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up)

[Kelly Lindaas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh hello mother of the underworld 😍
Wonderfully written, drawing me in and making me feel as though I was there. I enjoyed the story line and there was great character development. The magic that was brought out through the pages made this such an amazing read.
It was a slow burn with the spice being intriguing and having details I wasn’t expecting 😈.
My rating is based off my enjoyment of the story, the fact I would recommend it to those who enjoy a paranormal fantasy, and that it brought the pages to life.
So thankful I’m on this ARC team & got to enjoy this early on.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner from this author. Ari and Des are bff’s and are perfect for each other. I loved their journey. I don’t read a lot of paranormal but this author has me wanting more. I do enjoy a friends to lovers story .

[Only 1 more chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we go, I am still fairly new at this so bear with me!

A Captivating Read with All My Favorite Elements

I went into this book not quite sure what to expect, but just a few pages in, I was completely hooked. The family drama, the mystery, the looking for a “fated one”, supernatural characters and the reins of the underworld, this story delivered on all of this in such a captivating way.


The characters were described in vivid detail, making it easy to connect with them, and the setting was enchanting—New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for anything supernatural. The city’s mysterious and magical atmosphere fits the tone of the story so well, making it even more immersive.

I especially loved the character development. Desephone was relatable, and I sympathized with her situation. While my mother has never pressured me into marriage, I understand the weight of fulfilling a generational duty, and the stress that comes with it. Arius, on the other hand, was the fated love she didn’t think she had, the way he supports her even in her business can make any woman jealous. The way he falls for Desephone and is willing to “live for her” was deeply moving. His dedication made their relationship feel even more special.

The romance was a slow burn, but that made their growing desire for each other all the more satisfying. While the book isn’t super spicy until the end, the final scenes are incredibly well-written—intense, animalistic, and passionate. That slow build-up of tension between them kept me eager to see how their relationship would unfold. The friends-to-lovers storyline might be a classic, but it’s done beautifully here. They’re clearly in love, but unable to see it while everyone else around them can.

Themes I Loved:

I’m a sucker for fairytale twists, Greek mythology, and supernatural elements like vampires and werewolves, and this book combined all of that into one beautifully crafted romantic story. It had everything I love—magic, mythology, and a rich, emotional love story.

In the end, this book brought together so many of my favorite themes and delivered them in a way that felt fresh and engaging. It was enchanting, romantic, and thoroughly satisfying!

[Kodi B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd love this book and I couldn't put it down!! A paranormal romance that will have your heart from the beginning. A true friends to lovers tale, throw in some monster romance vibes, and some magic, it's sure to keep your attention. You follow the daughter of Hades & Persephone, Des, who owns a flower shop and is highly dangerous to any man who captures her fancy. Her best friend is a Bulwark named Arius, who is a half human, half gargoyle and owns a bar across the street. He's a gatekeeper of the realm, and his bar is safe haven for all vampires, wolves, and many other creatures. Although he's always had feelings for Des, he seems to always find himself in the friend zone, due to he can't marry or take a partner. Knowing their relationship is forbidden, Despephone keeps her feelings for her friend a secret. Until one day, Dessephone's time on Earth has come to an end. She must find a suitor that's worthy to rule by her side in the Underworld. Finding someone worthy has proven to have its challenges, and the only way to make her mom happy is to offer an ultimatum. Des decides to drag Arius into hosting a Culling or competition for her hand in marriage, bringing suitors of all kinds to fight for her hand even to the death. As they prepare for the event, things get tense and heat up between Des and Arius as they realize more and more their feelings for one another. Arius decides to throw himself in the running, no matter the cost, even if it's his life, as he doesn't want anyone else to be by her side. As suitors come and go putting themselves to the test, the competition gets deadly, elemental magic plays a role, and a loophole emerges that just might give them hope. Will he be worthy? This slow burn pays off just when it needs to, and I devoured it, and greedily, I can't wait to read more!!! There's also a rage room, a mating ritual, he spurts horns, tail play, spice, that must be mentioned!!
.... What to Expect ....
Paranormal romance, dark fantasy, monster romance, friends to lovers, forbidden love, underworld, die for me, slow burn, spice, mythical vibes, mating ritual, win the bride, he falls first, mates, gargoyle, wolves, vampires, magic, and more!!!

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

This is a story of the daughter of Persephone who has been living in the mortal realm. But it is time to choose a husband.

This is a unique story that was easy to read and enjoy. Desephone seems unsure about a lot of things, including her feelings. And when her mom tells her it's time to pick a husband she really does not want to do it. Why? Because the process involves games to the death for the men as well as the possibility that they will burn and turn to ash when they enter marry her and join together. Well, I think that might do it for any woman - if you had to worry about the fact that the man you loved would go to bed with you only to end up a pile of ash - which happened many years prior to this with her first love.

Will she act on her feelings for the one man that has been by her side for the last 50 years even though their relationship is strictly forbidden?

I will say the one thing that completely turned me off on this book is that the MMC continually refers to the FMC as "baby" after it becomes known to the reader that he has feelings for her that are not completely platonic. That is just an ick for me and took away from the overall book experience because it just made it feel less genuine. Like, he never called her "baby" in the previous 50 years but now that he's got to orchastrate the games that will find her a mate he suddenly is like "baby" this and "baby" that and "it will be okay baby". But ...that is probably my only hang up.

And despite the overuse of baby I found the story enjoyable. The read is quick. It is a perfect book for a lazy weekend read.

[Nessie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Till Death Do Us is a wonderfully written story of the legendary mythical couple Hades and Persephone through the eyes of their daughter as she struggles to find a suitor compatible enough with her to not burn to ash in the face of her love. Helping her out is her best friend and the resident Bulwark, Arius Knight, who has a couple of secrets of his own, secrets that could either tear them apart or bring them together.

As soon as I had read the premise of this book, I knew that it would be a great read—and I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t wrong. I really do love the friends-to-lovers trope, even though there are times where I just shake my head in frustration at how obvious they like each other.

The romance is already there, but it is slow-burn. It was both equally painful and sweet to watch as they both try to navigate the destiny that awaits Desephone once she finds a suitor and try (and fail) to withhold their feelings towards one another. I am so very much in love with the way Arius described his love for Desephone and how he willing to be anything she wanted at the moment.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐋. 𝐂. 𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐑𝐂!

[MysticMadness · Rating 2 out of 5]

Till Death Do Us by L.C. Son starts with an intriguing setup, following Desephone, daughter of Hades and Persephone, on her centuries-long quest to find a soulmate. I was initially excited by the mythological angle, but I felt a bit let down when the character diverged from the darker lore of Melinoë, the mythological daughter who traditionally embodied nightmares and madness.

Arius, Desephone's half-human, half-Bulwark friend, serves as a gatekeeper, ensuring peace among earthbound supernatural beings, while also running a successful bar. In a familiar trope, he’s deeply protective of Desephone and in love with her, even helping her find a mate—a plotline that echoed themes I’ve seen in many films and felt a bit predictable.

While I didn’t connect with Desephone, whom I found somewhat manipulative, especially in her treatment of Arius, I did appreciate the author’s skillful world-building and the imaginative supernatural landscape. Despite these strengths, the story didn’t fully capture me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lady Chenaee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This has to be the sweetest & sexiest paranormal romance I've ever read. I really enjoyed this installment of the Beautiful nightmare series. It definitely gave all the Netherworld feels of Fire Born, but not as chunky. This one was an easy and smooth read from the first page to the last.

Des and Ari are so perfect for one another. I loved that she was soft but spunky when she needed to be. Ari was definitely in the friend zone, but boy when he was ready to get out of the zone, he literally bust through every wall Des put up to keep him out.

But THE ENDING--oh my! I didn't see it coming. Yes, this was a slow burn so I knew the author was preparing us for a BIG STEAMY FINISH--but holy rockets, Batman--that was some finish. All I gotta say is, "Ari got his horns!" IYKYK.

There was a sweet but very emotional scene toward the end that really pulled my heartstrings. Then I read the author's acknowledgement at the end of the book and then I really cried.

As always, five stars! I'm so happy to be on this ARC team.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

I absolutely loved this book. The SLOWEST of slow burns, this friends-to-lovers journey takes literal decades (but thank nethers most of that is off-page). As always, I will declare that I do not typically enjoy slow burns, as I get bored with them. This book kept me hungrily turning each page in anticipation!

The writing here was stunning! The plot was an epic hero's journey to love. Trials on trials, but very low angst. Desephone is a strong, smart, outwardly self-assured FMC. Internally, she's struggling a bit with self-worth, living up to expectations, and prioritizing her needs over guilt. Arius is a big, strong, protective best friend. He can't face his own feelings, much less pursue them. He's so good, so giving, so touch-her-and-xxx, that all others simply never stood a chance.

You'll love this if you love:
Friends-to-lovers
Family healing
Slow burn romance
Sassy dialogue
Touch-her-and-expire
Epic trials
Mythology retelling
Darkly ever after

[claudia reads it all · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this take on the Hades and Persephone myth - it focuses on their daughter Desephone, and Arius, the friend she just doesn't realize is her mate.

Persephone here is a Very Involved Mother, let's just say that from the beginning, and it is now time for her little girl to take her rightful place, with her mate alongside her. But Des has been enjoying the single life while her friend Arius - who is a Bulwark (half man, half gargoyle) - watches the woman he desperately loves leave his bar with a different man every time.

These two fight their attraction to each other even as a competition is set for Desephone's hand, but soon it is clear that no matter who wins, they are right for each other.

Loved the spice, loved the take on Greek mythology - The Next Generation.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Her Mate . . . and Keeping Him ?

Desephone, daughter of Hades and Persephone, and must find a soulmate who is willing to die for her. Arius Knight cares about her and was actually protective of her. I didn’t feel that his kindness was reciprocated by her, however. She doesn’t want to find her man because chances are, their time together will be terribly short. She probably should have chosen to rule the Underworld by herself since his death in the games seemed very possible. This story didn’t grab my attention as I expected. I know other liked it, but it didn’t pull me in as I had expected it to.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written tale, Till Death Do Us reimagines the legendary myth of Hades and Persephone through the eyes of their daughter. Struggling to find a suitor who won't cause her to burn to ash in the face of her love, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and romance. Helping her along the way is her best friend, Arius Knight, the resident Bulwark, who harbors a few secrets of his own. These secrets have the power to either tear them apart or bring them closer together, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to this captivating story. A perfect blend of myth, romance, and drama that will leave readers hooked from beginning to end.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The daughter of Persephone and Hades, Desephone (stupid name) has to find a mate to rule alongside her in the underworld. Why she can't rule it as a single woman is beyond me. Anyway, would you die for the one you love? Desephone better hope so. This story is funny, romantic, and passionate! We all love to love a good friends-to-lovers story, and this one does not disappoint.
Content Notice: For mature adults aged 18+. Contains steamy, sexual situations, profanity, violence, misogyny, and other themes.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is fantastic. I absolutely love the world building. The way that the author takes Greek mythology and puts their own twist on it. The miscommunication had me yelling at my device. The characters are incredible. I love how realistic and deep they are. My heart went out to all of them. Not just the MCs but all the characters are so inviting. I wanted to be a part of the scene. The plot had a couple of really interesting twists that I really enjoyed. I throughly recommend this book and this author.

[Valerie thepinkowlreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you BookSirens for the ARC.

I am a sucker for a Hades / Persephone story regardless of if it is a direct retelling or an inspired by moment. So when I saw this book that was about their daughter finding love and her trials I was instantly interested. The story was different but also had some of the vibes of the original myth. The writing was well done and I really enjoyed the characters she created and watching their interactions. I have never read this author before but I will be checking out more of her novels going forward.

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't prepared. When the Queen of Supernatural Smut releases a book, I'm expecting to have cheeks clapped by chapter 5 at the latest! But she went all friends-to-lovers and gave me a slow burn that made me want to throw hands with everybody in the house! I can't lie, Desephone and her cluellessness got on my LAST good nerve. But even still, it was a sweet read and I wouldn't mind finding a man who has my back like Arius. 🖤

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when the daughter of Hades and Persephone needs a mate? Her mom calls up the eligible suitors in the neighborhood to fight for her hand. What happens when she realizes the man she thought was just a friend, joins the culling? She gets the shock of a lifetime. This was a fun paranormal romance. Good characters and a lively story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[luvmyreadingjourney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a strong female main character who could care less about what others think. Desephone is a total badd a$$. She is on her quest to find her forever after and the story takes you a hunger games like quest. This story is unique to me as I haven't read anything like it. The characters are great. The love story was definitely a slow burn but ultra satisfying! If you like a good battle for love, this is a good one.

[Layna James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read during the spooky season! Desephone and Arius are a true friends to lovers treat, and the slow burn had me aching throughout. I loved the world building and how detailed each event of the Culling was. It really helped me feel like I was right there next to all of the action. The twist during the Culling caught me by surprise in the best way. And the spice at the end🤌🏾so good!

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love Desephone and Arius... this is their story... a fast paced slow burn rom/com drama... being Persephone and Hades daughter.. yeah... having to find a forever mate... yeah... asking him to die for me... double yeah... finding Arius... luck... till.... so good !! couldn't put this down !!! so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cottage_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read that satisfied my mythology craving.

It is a fresh idea if you love Hades x Persephone and from the blurb, I immediately knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint.

I recommend this book if you enjoy:
🖤 Mythology
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Spice

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 5 out of 5]

And she did it again! The author gives you the characters you love and want more of! Ari and Des are the BFFs who are perfect for each other. Of course everyone knows how the feel exit for them .. until mom arrives and you know mommy knows best! As we found out at the culling. And the ending, was hot!! This story was one of the author’s best, a definite must read!!

[BooksChaosandTea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75🌟
Friends to lovers slow burn. The daughter of Persephone and Hades needs to find a husband. Gargoyles are the peacekeepers of cities where things go bump in the night. It was a really cute story of friends not thinking the other is interested in them and the lengths one will go for love. Even if it means death.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally love both of the mains in entirety. I absolutely vibe with Desephone and her personality style and he is just an entire hunk of a man with the most beautifully crafted personality. I love the way they loop around each other and interact throughout the storyline. It’s such a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written and captivating paranormal romance with a beautifully written slow burn and a friends to lovers story. The book is an absolute page turner and draws you into the story. The characters are interesting and well developed. The character development was very well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

desephone, the daughter of Hades and Persephone os in need of a mate when her mother sets up a cullong the last person she expected to see was her long time friend Arius join the line up! Thisnsyory has it all desires, action, steamy moments and more a friends to lovers, mythical romance.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet

I’ve read many books from this standalone interconnected series and this is probably my favorite. This author only gets better. She’s in a caliber with Anne Rice. Friends to lovers. Protective male. Fun side characters. What’s not to love.

[Katie Flournoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quotes:

"I’d drown in her if she’d let me."
***

"Arius is staring at me like a hungry lion waiting to pounce, and a part of me wishes he would do just that."
***

"I want to be that light in the darkness–a beacon just for you.”

My Review:

Beautifully written, with a diverse cast and featuring many fantastical characters, 'Till Death Do Us is a marvelous friends-to-lovers paranormal romance by author L. C. Son. Besides feminine rage, acceptance of one's darkness, and finding happiness and love despite familial expectations, this book had so much longing! Oh, the pining! I loved this book and look forward to reading more by Son!