Across the Greek world, Hermes is known as the trickster. After centuries, he's leaned into the title and ignored the unfair reputation that comes with it. Hercules, the mortal hero, has already gained a fearsome reputation of his own. When he needs help to finish his last labor and gain immortality, there's only one god who will be able to help. After one drunken night of mistaken identity, Hermes and Hercules realize they have to come together to travel to the Underworld—if their hearts will survive the process.
Molly Tullis would have picked the Phantom of the Opera over Raoul and named her French bulldog Jean Valjean. She only believes in black clothing, red lipstick, and never turns down an iced coffee or tequila. She enjoys writing fantasy, romance, or any genre with an opportunity to insert a dark-haired, morally grey man. Her debut novel, The Romanov Oracle, was inspired by a love of history and a simultaneous desire to rewrite it with more magic.
When not identifying as an author, she identifies as a woman with bangs, finger tattoos, and a nose ring, who can tell you what planets are making you sad.
Her DMs are always open on Instagram and Patreon (@thebibliophileblonde), and you can get information on all upcoming projects at her website.
Hermes is such a character! I love him in pretty much every greek myth retelling so far but he's always the side character. So what a delight that not only is he our main spotlight but his "story" is also so sweet. I love how Molly tells stories. The way she allows for you to live inside the characters heads so well and also love her world descriptions/world building!! Its a novella so obviously a lot of things, like the timeline, are sped up and glossed over but overall still a fun short read. I absolutely loveeeeed how much Hecate was in this one. Cant get enough of her. Oh and Hades & Sephy teasers?!? ABSOLUTELY YES. I ALREADY KNOW MOLLY's about to DELIVER on their story. Her Hades & Sephy are already sooo great from the small snipits we've seen. Ahh!! What a great series yall. Love it here.
Molly does it again! We have been fans of Molly and her Greek mythology retellings since Consort of Darkness and Trickerster's Heart did not disappoint. This novella was an extremely quick read and kept us sweating/blushing/giggling throughout. Hermes is everything. His witty and sassy remarks us on his team from the start! While Hercules puts on a tough guy front, he has a marshmallow center that we couldn't get enough of. Our only complaint is that we could have read at least 150 more pages of their love story! If you're looking for a new spicy take on some of your favorite Greek heroes, do yourself a favor and order this book now!
This Novella is everything you could want for this series!! Hercules and Hermes is a story you need to witness!! Also you get our main girl Hecate! 😍😍 love love love what Molly did with this to update us on all our favorites from the Asphodel series, but also give our favorite trickster a story of his own!
I loved it. It was steamy and emotional and amazing.
Trigger warnings Graphic: Sexual content Moderate: Alcohol Minor: Sexual harassment/sexual assault that occurs off page and in the past in a discussion about another god
This book was a solid novella about Hercules and Hermes.
The story of this novella is about: Hermes is referred to as the trickster throughout the Greek culture. After generations, he has embraced the title and disregarded its unjust reputation. The mortal hero Hercules already has a formidable reputation of his own. There is only one deity who will be able to assist him when he needs assistance in completing his final task and obtaining immortality. Hermes and Hercules realize they must work together to travel to the Underworld after one intoxicated night of mistaken identity—if their hearts will withstand the journey.
The plot of the book was interesting as well as the characters. For a short novel, I think Hercules and Hermes were well developed. Hermes is a very sarcastic guy who is always flirting, but he is also very insecure and thinks nobody wants to be with him, until he mets Hercules. Hercules is the famous hero who wants to become a god. He is very brave.
The writing of the book was good and it was good to return to this world again. I really liked the romance between Hermes and Hercules, I wish this could have been a full length novel for the author to have more time to explore their dynamic.
This story follows Hermes and Hercules as their lives take a turn. Hercules is out for revenge, working towards becoming a god; but he’s alone, with anger and grief as his only companions. Hermes continues with his routine as messenger and psychopomp; but he grows bored and lonely as the gods of the Underworld begin to pair off around him. He still rejects the thought of love for himself, because who could love a trickster? It’s not until Hercules is set to complete a task in the Underworld that they meet and realize what they truly want…each other. But can Hercules claim the trickster’s heart? And can Hermes accept his love when he struggles to love himself…
It has Greek mythology, dark rituals, gods, revenge, deception, bargains, quests, magic and insta-love! Love that the whole Underworld gang makes an appearance. I will picture Aeëtes and Hercules wrestling for eternity.
I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy one night stand turned love story. It’s a M/M romance that made me laugh, cry, and filled my heart. Hermes is witty and funny but he needed someone like Herc to take the reigns and push him out of his negative thoughts and into…bed! Hercules is strong and dominating, and my Disney loving self was immediately in love with this rougher version of him! Ultimately, it’s shows how pretty boys learn to love each other and love themselves, and I loved every bit of it!
“No matter how this adventure started, this is how I want it to end. With you”
This was so good and it barely felt like a novella. The pacing was great, the story was well developed, and the only thing I wanted more of was that dang mud wrestling! The characters we know and love from the rest of the series showed up, which was wonderful. Overall, Tullis is great at balancing plot lines and back story, and it all weaves together to really show the heart of the story. I highlighted so many lines while reading this because the dialogue was just witty and fun and everything I didn't know I needed.
Plus... those easter eggs!
And I can't forget the spice, which was absolutely steamy! It really added to the will they/won't they tension that built up as they went on their journey, which came to a satisfying conclusion in more ways than one. ;)
My favorite line: "Hermes was always moving. It was unlike him to find any pockets of peace in moments of rest, but staring at Hercules across the table, he found it."
*ARC Review* 4.5 stars! The Trickster’s Heart is an insta-lust/insta-love story for the ages! Hermes and Hercules are two icons of Greek mythology that you wouldn’t think to mix until Molly expertly entwined their stories. While I will always want more Herc/Hermes, this novella is very well constructed and the pace is perfect, which I have found to be an issue in many novellas that are parts of bigger series. Some novellas seem to be just about the spice or just a prologue-style backstory, but H/H’s story is brilliant, complete, and oh-so-satisfying! Hecate’s role is so welcome and fun, and seeing her be the protective “big sister” to our cinnamon roll trickster was my very favorite part! This is a perfect addition to the Asphodel series and I hope we see more Herc and Hermes in future installments!
*I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.*
This is a M/M mythological retelling with Hermes and Hercules at the center, and it is just so so cute.
It is a short read, so the love story is pretty insta-lovey, but it also simultaneously felt like so. much. happened in this little novella. And I’m not just talking about the 🌶️, although so much of THAT happened too. 😉
If you’re in the mood to read a short, cute and spicy M/M romance between some hot Greek Gods, this will be right up your alley.
*Note* This can be read as a standalone, but may include spoilers for other books in the series. I’ve only read 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 so far, but still very much enjoyed this little read.
What this book is giving: ✅ Greek Mythology retelling ✅ M/M Romance ✅ Hermes & Hercules ✅ Novella ✅ Lots of heat! 🔥
There seems to be a theme this year; some of my favorite books of 2023 so far are NOVELLAS. Only the best authors can curate an experience, develop an entire relationship, and make you feel everything and more in under 200 pages. And the latest release from Molly Tullis is no exception.
Book 3.5 in the Asphodel series is a fast-paced, refreshing take on ancient Greek lore.The Trickster’s Heart takes you behind the curtain with Hermes, known Herald of the Gods, and Hercules. It’s a heartwarming, swoonworthy tale with the perfect ratio of story to spice. The book features a little:
Read this in one sitting and then immediately opened insta to tell Molly how much I loved it! The only thing wrong with this is that it's not 500 pages. And yet, the pacing was perfect, and the length worked really well!
Hermes is a perfect little angel, and I would support him in anything. Hercules is a perfect little himbo and I would let him open all my jars and doors and pants. I'm also so happy that wrestling exists, which is a thought I have never had before in my life. The appearances by my favourite witch, Hecate and her hot af consort, as well as Cerberus (Cerby to friends) Hades and Persephone (whose book I am DYING to read!), made this novella even better. Not to mention a certain someone getting a certain something sliced off; also a definite highlight of this perfect story.
There was healthy communication, a bit of pining, someone got doused in honey; it was delicious!
First off screaming, crying, throwing up because Molly picked me for another ARC and I’m so incredibly honoured…no I absolutely did not well up when this landed on my kindle 👀
Anyway down to business. The Tricksters Heart is the first novella / book 4 in the Aspodel Series and it focus on our cheeky, mischievous Hermes. We know from previous encounters that Herms is lovable but he just doesn’t think he deserves that love so keeps everyone at a distance.
Enter Hercules (yes that needs to be sung a la fates from the Disney Movie - IYKYK). He’s ready for his final challenge on his quest to become a God but needs a little help from our trickster friend.
When these two meet their chemistry is off the charts! Oooff it was *chefs kiss*. We know that Molly can create moments of absolute 🔥🔥 and this was no different. It was perfectly balanced with narrative of the story and you can see how it brought Hermules (shout out to Amy Kuivalainen for that brilliant couples name) together.
I absolutely adore this world and the characters that Molly has created. Getting to see Hecate, Aëëtes, Hades and Persephone again added to overall power of the book. Being back for a visit (I wish it was longer) has been a joy, but I know that it won’t be long before there is another story to tell.
Honorary mentions: 🤍 Aëëtes missing Hecate after 2 days 🤍“Big boy”, “good boy”, + “pet” 🤍Hecate being the best wing woman (mud wrestling *chefs kiss*)
If you loved the below, you’ll love this book - Greek Mythology retelling - M/M romance - Swoon worthy moments - Spice - Laugh out loud moments
As a rule I avoid novellas, and this is because of a couple of reasons:
1. The plot is sacrificed due to the length of the book, either feeling like too much has happened or not enough 2. The connection with the characters isn’t there (especially new ones) as there hasn’t been enough time to create a bond between them and the reader.
However. Molly Tullis has once again managed to surprise me with her writing and create a beautifully written story with a simple but wonderful plot. I immediately felt a connection and love towards the new character (Hercules) and has weaved the already existing plot lines in previous books seamlessly.
My only downside? IT WASNT ENOUGH.
Yes, I know novellas are short stories, but seriously give me MORE of this please!
If I had to summarize this book in two words - MY HEART
This was such a great read. I’m currently listening to Lost to Witchcraft and I was happy that I could read this one as a standalone! A perfect feel-good binge read that just made me so, so happy! Hermes has been a favorite of mine in Molly’s books and I just love everything about his and Hercules’s dynamic. And don’t worry, even though it’s a shorter book, nothing is lacking in the spice department! Add in some fun and hilarious cameos and you’ve got yourself a damn good read.
This is the fourth installment in the Asphodel series and is the first novella in that set. A short and sweet read, we get to dive into the love story of our favorite cheeky trickster: Hermes. We get an MM insta-love, we get a forced-proximity quest, we get multiple gods taking the piss out of Zeus, not to mention some cameos by our favorites Hecate & Aeëtes. I loved it, one of the best installments yet and I can't wait for more Hermes & Hercules cameo's in the rest of the series!
If you love Greek Mythology retellings, you can dive into this without reading the rest of the series but just know some of the character pairings from previous books will be spoiled.
Yet another amazing Asphodel instalment from Molly!
I loved Hermes and Hercules lust to love romance. The sweetness of Herc being an absolute brute but soft for Hermes was gorgeous. The ease of this story with no real BBG, just the usual dodgy king and Zeus being Zeus. There were still challenges enough to make this exciting and you are totally wondering how in the Underworld Hercules is going to complete his task. There were so many times that I was either smiling or laughing.
I love Hermes with my whole heart. His banter and hilarity from the previous books instantly sold me on reading his. I loved the journey of falling in love with Hercules and how he helped Hermes feel like he was worthy of that love and of belonging. Rapid pacing didn’t detract from the plot at all, and I adore the bonds that the Underworld gods share. This was an excellent story, and I’ll be reading this author for a long time to come. Also Cerberus is the bestest boy.
Once again, Molly has breathed new life into an old tale. This version of Hermes and our favorite hero is going to get your blood PUMPING for sure. The amount I highlighted for spice was….well damn. You will not be disappointed. Neither will you be disappointed in the uncanny ability Molly has to make us all FEEL the character’s plight right along with them. Truly a 5/5 read. You won’t regret it
A glorious romp between to sweaty himbos who simply need each other. Molly promised w wild ride with Hermes & she didn't disappoint. Hermules is everything we needed it to be. Excellent smut, Hermes gets his HEA, and Zeus gets fucked with in a major way. Truly a delightful foray into Asphodel & the greater pantheon.
I am such a big fan of Molly, I really like her Asphodel Serie, I don't know a lot about Greek gods so for me its always really interesseting getting to know them with her stories. I'm not a huge fan of MM but this was hot and sweet at the same time ! I can't wait to read what's next.
I absolutely love Mollys take on the Greek gods and the way she’s written and tweaked their stories! Hermes has been one of my FAVORITES since the first books because come on, he’s hard NOT to love!
From the dedication to the last sentence this book was my favorite.
I could not put this novela down! Loved getting updates on our other favourite characters, but the focus on these two was amazing. Perfect banter, flirting, switching in dominance, lots of spice, and a twist of stories we know.
Molly NEVER fails. This was so damn good. This story was so much fun to read. I ca only hope that these two get into so many shenanigans. Also, I need those two to wrestle again- for reasons. ;)
Not sure how but Molly fits a whole love story into this novella. It didn't feel incomplete or rushed but unfolded just like it was supposed to. Hermes and Hercules are adorable. Please read The Trickster's Heart and the rest of the books in the Asphodel series.
Don't often read mlm as I think it's very tricky for female writers to get right, however it was approached in the same way as the other romances in the previous books in the series, which was done well in my opinion, as much as that counts.
It was a good book but maybe not really for me. It’s just that I don’t really like dom romance but that’s my bad. I liked the writing style though and I’m happy to have finally discovered the work of Thebibliophileblonde ☺️