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Being the lord of dark, terrifying things makes Hades the most feared god in existence. He's also the most bored. When the guardians request his assistance, he is quick to grant it and make his way to the human realm. After all, creating havoc is what he does best. When his path crosses with a beautiful female, he finds her honesty refreshing, making his desire burn hotter. It's when she summons him for a favor that he will finally get to name his terms.

When tall, dark and oh-so-sexy walks into her store, Mia suddenly finds herself marked by a god. Saddled with a curse that rips her world apart on a nightly basis, she decides bargaining with Hades to remove it might prove beneficial. Of course, requesting a favor from the lord of the Underworld comes with a huge price. Namely thirty days in Hell as his guest.

Hades is only out for some fun, but Mia isn't playing his games. She intends to get through her agreement despite the yearning she feels for him. Problem is, the longer they are together the more she begins to see beyond the lord of evil to the troubled man beneath. Now she must decide if he is worthy of the only thing she has left to give.

166 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2019

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About the author

Valerie Twombly

65 books502 followers
Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother's shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and dog, in Northern IL.

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5 stars
108 (64%)
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44 (26%)
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12 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,822 reviews
January 22, 2019
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Hades (Guardians # 5) by Valerie Twombly
I received this book from an honest review.
**Clapping** Oh man!! Hades!! I was super psyched to get this book. I love his cool, casual, arrogant self. I love how he is a bad guy but he isn’t really a bad guy….I mean Anti-Hero all the way right??!! He is the Lord of the Underworld after all so he does do SOME bad things.
Mia is a typical human just trying to survive these dark days on Earth. She is trying to help humans and trying to just live while praying the Guardians can end the war with Lowan. When she meets Hades, he thinks she is just fun time head never knowing what his brother Zarek has planned for him.
I totally loved this storyline. I enjoyed what Hades does to move the story of the missing Phoenix along while also realizing he wants more than JUST the Underworld. His desire for Mia makes him want to be better but also fear, much like our other heroes, he is not worthy of her purity and light.
I seriously don’t know what book I want next??? I think as of right now I am praying it is Aiyden’s book because after what happened to him, he needs to claim his mate plus claim his fated title.
Profile Image for MiraJane.
360 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2019
Hades had such potential and a very imaginative and original idea behind it. Sadly, I was just not feeling it with the execution. For what should have been a complex world and character it all felt very bareboned and simple to me. So much so that what should have been a thrilling and great read turned out to be sort of dull and emotionless.

Of course the book had it highlights with, despite it all, it originality. Plus the romance was fine. Not great, but still okay. It’s just that the characters and even the bonds they had wasn’t believable for me on any level. The only reason I knew they had relationships and were all “special flakes” is because the author told me so. That is far from enough though. I want to feel the characters emotions, get to know their struggles, pasts and quirks. I want to feel the connections they have with the other characters. Whether it be through dialogs, thoughts, drama or action. It doesn’t work to be told; “hey, these two are destined soulmates and are now super in love” and that be it. It gives me absolutely nothing, takes the joy out of it and, excuse my straight forwardness, it’s lazy. It’s just a way for the author to pin two people in a relationship without putting any plan, thought or effort behind it.

What makes a relationship even more unbelievable is when the characters are one dimensional. Mia we were told had gotten a bad lot in life with a tragic past which should have given her at least trust issues. I got none of that from her. She swallowed the whole mate with the “devil” too easily and meeting Hades she went from “he is a complete stranger who wants to devour me” to “he is the love of my life and I trust him with it” in like three seconds. Sure she was struggling a bit and was even sometimes mad at him. But that was resolved with the snap of my fingers (or rather the author’s fingers) with no actual real worked out conflict or resolution. Both Hades and Mia had of course struggles of the past. Yet again though, I was only told about it. It was nothing I got to experience in the story. And honestly, the way I was told felt like they were using the past as a way for self pity and attention, so I could not find it in me to feel for them or get any real emotions from them.

I don’t know whether I should curse the author for making the story so short or if I should thank her for it. Because the fact that it was short was what got me through it so much easier. At the same time if the story wasn’t so rushed and the author had put more effort in ... well everything, it might have been something great and I wouldn’t have mind taking that extra time with the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lorraine Brattin.
595 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Wow! A mate for Hades?

This is all about Hades falling for human woman named Mia. Her father left when she was only a child, then her 18 year old brother died by drug overdose. He was followed by the death of their mother 6 months later by suicide. Now all alone in the world, she only lives on the memories. She works at a nearby convenient store. Helps to feed the destitute people in her neighborhood at a local shelter on the weekend.

The world is falling apart due to the demons coming up from Hell. One day she opens the store and is soon followed in by the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. When he comes to the counter requesting Twizzlers, she is surprised. He ordered a whole box, and said they are not available where he lives. He then reaches for her hand and proceeds to mark her. When she looks up and asks him what happened he tells her who he is and that he will now protect her. Then says he will be back.

When he walks out to the middle of the street and proclaims Hell is now closed to all the demons escaping for the next 2 days so the humans can celebrate Christmas, she now knows he is who he claims.

Later when he shows up at her apartment, she asks him to remove the curse she is carrying he accepts but first she must come to Hell with him and be his guest for the next 30 days. She agrees.

There is so much sexual tension between them and Mia is really fighting it. How could she want anything to do with the Lord of the Underground? Things are not as she envisioned. She feels so much regret and loneliness from Hades. But how can that be?

Things with the Guardians take a horrible turn. Now it's all hands on deck.

So much happens in this story. On the edge of my seat for most of it. Need next story now! Enjoy
811 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2019
Wow! I don't know where to start. This book completely enthralled me. First off, so far the only other book in the series I read is Vampire's Mate. Of course, now I am going back to read them all. Now this is not because it was hard to follow. Book 1 introduces you to most of the characters. I just really want to read their stories. Ms. Twombly is an amazing author. I have read her other series. The writing is smooth and the worlds she creates show so much talent.

Now my review. You would think it would be difficult to find a mate for Hades. But it can be done. I'm not going to say the road to get there was easy, it wasn't. However, it was intense. The relationship was not what I would have expected. There were scenes that made me laugh, cry and kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not stop turning pages. A romance like no other. Action and adventure, twists and turns and yeah, at least read book 1 before this. The bigger picture, is huge! So much is going on. Pieces that need to be in play, mates needed to be claimed and hearts that need to be healed. Now for my warning. This does not necessarily end on a cliffhanger. Our main couple eventually find a HEA. But that last chapter...….that's a pretty big teaser. It will make you ache for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
889 reviews11 followers
February 13, 2019
Hades was for me a return to the author’s way of writing that hooked me in the first place. The other books leading up to this one were reworked from some of her older writing and it lacked the great group dynamic and cohesiveness I had come to expect from this writer.

Hades is bored and the usual torture and debauchery no longer excite him. When he is allowed access to the human realm he finds himself drawn to Mia. Her openness and lack of guile intrigues him. They both want something and strike up a deal hoping that the other is able to give them what they desire.

Thankfully Mia and Hades don’t go full on angst fest, they are both pretty mature and don’t play too many games with each other. The slow sexual build adds a nice tension to the story. The characters are finally interacting in what seems more of a normal fashion instead of a stilted disparate feel.

Very glad that things are moving in a good direction and the story is coming together in the snarky, sometimes over the top manner that makes for a fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2019
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Hades by Valerie Twombly is Book 5 in the Guardian series. What an incredible read! Here is a series that you can sink your teeth into! Valerie Twombly gives us spectacular world building that rolls a movie in your mind. The well thought out story line continues to ratchet up your expectations with every book and Valerie delivers. I loved Hades and Mia's story. You can't help but fall in love with this version of Hades. Action... check, romance... check, humor... check, sexy Gods, Goddesses, Shifters, etc... check. Yup, everything you need for a great read. This is a Mature Readers Only read. If you like Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld, you must read the Guardian Series!

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading an advance copy through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
March 7, 2019
Hades is book 5 in the Guardian series. Valerie Twombly has the wonderful ability to tell a story that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages to the end. The storyline is unique and well written and the characters exceptionally well-developed. Love Hades and Mia. They are made for each other. Hades is an arrogant, sexy, bored, bad boy god and Mia is a human with a sweet innocent nature but is not afraid to be tough with Hades. Their story has humor, action and adventure, romance, plenty of creatures, twists and turns that will keep you riveted to the pages. After completing this story for me it is necessary that I now start reading book 1 and the other 3 so I can gain the full picture of this series so far. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Received a copy from Booksprout and this is my voluntary and honest review.
1,359 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2019
this is an amazing book! I totally enjoyed reading this book is well thought out and well written. This is a book I've been waiting for wondered if they were going to give Hades his own book. When Hades grants peace on Earth for Christmas he didn't know he was going to get his own little present as well. Especially not in the form of a very beautiful woman. Who he knows his his fated mate. But now he just has convinced her of that. Only as he tries he sees that Sydney not work out at all. So he was Turk Hearst since it's her free. But she's not willing to be set free now it's her turn to convince him. I am so ready for the next book I can't wait to see how they take care of the menace that is Lowan
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,491 reviews49 followers
January 24, 2019
Hades is book 5 to the Guardians series and I absolutely loved it. Hades the most feared god ever ( his words ) is bored it’s the same old same old in the Underworld and he needs adventure so when the Guardians ask him for his help he jumps at the chance and he goes to the human realm and that’s where he meets Mia. That’s all I’m going to give you guys but there is so much more to this story to keep you entertained and turning the pages, I absolutely love this series but I think that this is my favourite one. A fantastic story a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Profile Image for Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez.
1,184 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2019
*gasp Oh NO!
Okay, I need more and I need more NOW.
This was the first book I have read of this series. That, I could tell very easily.
SO much information was put out so quickly, yet it flowed and made sense all the same.
I still have questions, that will no doubt be answered when I read the previous books in the series.
As for Mia and Hades.
Whoa.
Who would have thought the God of Hell could be so....perfect.
I would highly recommend this book.
HAppy reading!
Rating 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
124 reviews
February 13, 2019
This was such a great read to finally see Hades release his powers and kick ass. Plus finding love in the process. The story of him and Mia is so sweet. The way tries to protect her but yet he’s still a bad boy at heart. And his seduction skills was very smooth. But the one thing I loved is even though he’s a bad boy he has a heart of gold and the life that he’s build with all of the suffering that he endured it was well worth the wait for the mate he eventually gets.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,270 reviews34 followers
March 26, 2019
OMG! Damn is Hades a god of hell or sex, cause damn. This story does answer one of the big questions throughout the series and it may just surprise you. Mia is a human woman trying to make it in a world that demons are trying to take over. The last person she ever thought she would be was Hades. And him buying red licorice. Who knew he liked that stuff. But that one meeting will change both of their lives. Now if Hades will think with his heart instead of his other head. Story has tons of action and adventure and it definitely heats up with plenty of tension.
6,351 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2019
Hades is bored with his bad self. Nothings doing it for him anymore so he acquiescences to a request for a demon human ceasefire. For 48 hours, on Christmas Eve.

He takes a vacation and encounters a human Mia with her own issues that plucks his interest.

I enjoyed this take on Hades.
Always one of my favorite characters in literature.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.6k reviews166 followers
February 9, 2019
This was a very good addition to this series. I liked Hades and Mia. I thought their chemistry was good and I enjoyed seeing the softer side she brought out in Hades. I love when a bad boy meets the woman that can bring him to his knees and for Hades that was certainly Mia. The story has drama and a good level of emotions to maintain your interest. Can't wait to see who's story gets told in the next book. This is my frank, freely posted review.
1,293 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2019
his was a very good addition to this series. I liked Hades and Mia. I thought their chemistry was good and I enjoyed seeing the softer side she brought out in Hades. I love when a bad boy meets the woman that can bring him to his knees and for Hades that was certainly Mia. The story has drama and a good level of emotions to maintain your interest. Can;t wait to see whos story gets told in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,264 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2019
This book is awesome. I adored Hades, and I enjoyed his interactions with Mia. It is definitely unusual in that this seems to be an apocalyptic world, but the focus of the story is Hades and Mia, not the war or the apocalypse. The book kept me reading and wouldn’t let me put it down! Really engaging and unique. I will definitely be reading more from this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,514 reviews25 followers
February 14, 2019
This is a very good addition to the Guardian Series, it is well-written with humor, action, and romance and plenty of paranormal characters. There are a few twists in the story along with these developed characters. The H is a sexy, arrogant and bored god while the h is an honest innocent woman who needs help. Their story is an engaging and entertaining read. I liked this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,714 reviews
February 11, 2019
Because I'm currently obsessed with the TV show Lucifer I couldn't help but grab this book. It had some potential but at some parts it was lacking, I knew they were meant to be soulmates but that was just because the author said so.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet.
2,075 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2019
Well that was different. I did not expect the story to be what it is. I did not relies at the beginning it was in the same world as the Guardians. This story is the best yet. I can't wait until more come along. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
9,377 reviews141 followers
February 11, 2019
Another well written book to the series. This is Hades and Mia's story. They have a strong chemistry together and it was fun watching them connect and find love. There's enough drama and emotions to keep you reading to the end. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.6k reviews8 followers
February 12, 2019
Book five in the Guardians series and this series just gets better with each book a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is suspense, drama, dangers, villains, and romance I want to read the next book as the blurb at the end looks like it is going to be a very good one to read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
61 reviews
February 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this story, Hades has a softer side, who would have thought that so much evil can be tempered by the right person. Mia has no illusions about Hades until she gets to know him and things start to change. This story is intense, with plenty of emotion, action and adventure. These characters are good together and make for an entertaining story.
6,536 reviews23 followers
February 13, 2019
I love that Hades is not the stereotypical Hades. He is so much more complex and lovable as a character. I like that he has a different side when he is with Mia. This is a great book that does have some spoilers for previous books in the series.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews57 followers
February 13, 2019
Hades by Valerie Twombly is a wonderful story that I read. I am so glad I read this wonderful story it is book number five in this wonderful story. If you love reading about GODS then this story is for you and I recommend this story to you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,226 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2019
Yeah! Hades met his match, Mia is one tough heroine. The main storyline weaves in the background as we learn more about both Hades & Mia. I really hope Lowan gets his soon, his evil needs a set back. I want Aidyn's story already, that ending leaves us all guessing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Shemon.
383 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2019
Hades
Guardians Book 5
Valerie Twombly

I loved the book. The interactions between Hades and Mia were so much fun. I loved the character development. These Guardian stories have really held my interest, and I love finding out how each new pair will get together. They are wonderful. I can't wait to see what will happen next.
223 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2019
I loved Hades and Mia's story. He has to work for her! Mia is a human or is she? I loved this story. It has brought more information out about what will be needed to stop Hades' grandson's evil. I can't wait for the next story. All these stories are tied together and it is better if you have read each one in order. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book. Thank you.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews218 followers
April 22, 2019
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbie-Ann Clark.
632 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2019
Wow this book was amazingly written. Once I started I couldn’t put it down till I was finished. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get there happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews