Bonds of Hercules (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Romantasy Enemies to Lovers Spicy Romance Novel Inspired by Greek Mythology (Villains of Lore, 2)

I finished these 2 books in less than a week. Not sure why it took me so long to get to them. Now i cant wait until the next duology is complete! This second book was just as enjoyable and fun to read with the further development of the characters and a fantastic plot twist. I love how there is enough foreshadowing so you know there is something, but it got me in the end! Now i need my own support graphing calculator that is indestructible!!!

I really enjoyed Blood of Hercules due to the banter, the hysterical inner monologue and the slow burn/stalking by Team Professors. I enjoyed Bonds of Hercules but not as much. What I enjoyed: 1. Slow burn--enjoyed that the book was about the characters/plot and did not devolve into multiple and overly long s3x scenes as some romantasys tend to do. Instead there seemed to be the right amount of spice and in places that moved the story along. 2. Loved the growth of Alexis and how her powers slowly evolved. 3. The relationship between Alexis and Nyx 4. The surprise introduction of a new character 5. The love interests that Alexis had in the end What didn't work so well for me: 1. There seemed to be inconsistencies in the story, such as other people understanding the Sirens' language and there was one scene which seemed to suggest that Charlie was still not talking and was signing with Alexis (which didn't make sense when their signing ability was supposedly a surprise to Archilles). 2. The 4 MMC seemed to be lost at times, not as scary/strong and, well, maybe even a bit pathetic at times. 3. The different POVs were not unique enough and seemed like they were all the same voice, especially the two female POVs. All in all, I enjoy Jasmine Mas' books and will keep reading them. Hoping the next book in this series goes back to the magical qualities of the first book.

Alexis survived the training and is eligible to survive to 19 when she will become immortal. But, she is tainted now and in order to save face she must marry. Kharon and Augustus have stepped up and bound to her. She was their objective anyways and it doesn’t matter that they bullied and tricked her into marrying them. She is theirs and she will come to terms with it. But with Zues insisting that they must all participate in the games they just need to get her strong enough to survive what is thrown at her. Otherwise, they will go to war with the Olympians to keep her relatively safe. This book wasn’t on Kindle Unlimited. However, I needed it. Immediately. Do I know that it was going to end up on Kindle Unlimited? Yes. Does that matter? Nope. It wouldn’t be on there fast enough since it was a new release and I needed to know what happened next. Now, it ended on another cliff-hanger. Sort of. Alexis and her men are resolved, but she seems to be remaining a background character and we will be getting a new trio. I really need that one too, but who knows when the book will be out. The next Jasmine Mas book will be out September 15th and it is added to my calendar to remind myself. But, it is a new series. Not going to stop me from reading it. As I have mentioned before, I seem to have developed an addiction to any book this author writes. This book is just as amazing as book 1, but with more spice. It starts out small, but by the end of the book it is almost non-stop. No complaints. All the same trigger warnings from before still apply so check them before you start. This is book 2 that you absolutely cannot read without reading book 1 first. You will have no idea what is going on. So go read the others first. Now then, I need to know what is going on with Charlie. I know he isn’t a normal human. I just know it. I don’t care if he gets his own book or if it is told in the background. I don’t care. I just need the information immediately. The betrayal and bloodshed in this book is amazing. I am trying to hard to be vague when I just want to talk about it. I did see who the “big bad” was, but it wasn’t exactly subtle. I wasn’t really surprised by any of the reveals. Didn’t mean I didn’t adore being proven right and everything that happened along the way.

There were a lot of fun elements but it feels like a lot of plot points were dropped. It was fast paced and there were some cool fight scenes. I also liked the development of the protectors and how the fmc interacted with them. The banter between the fmc and some of the other characters was also really fun. However it seemed at the end of the last book, we were going to a meek mannered turned vengeful fmc, but it didn't seem like she changed much. It seemed like she would get more powers and super strength as she had the ability to harm her powerful professors turned husbands with just her thoughts, but it seemed like she just avoided them for a bit and that was the end of her revenge. The emergence of some of her darker and more magnetic personality traits as her character and motivations started to get more complex at the end of book 1 didn't develop as much as I thought it would either. There also seemed to be major character changes with the professors. They seemed like they were becoming more unhinged about the fmc and they were also originally very attracted to the darker parts of the fmc and her power, but they seemed to become much calmer suddenly and their motivations changed. Some of it is understandable as their relationship with the fmc changes, but those darker and more integral parts of their characters disappears. Also things about her like her ability to speak to certain animals (not all?) doesn't seem like a big deal now and not delved into further. The fmc also never really exhibits or further develops the Herculean strength from her namesake she started showing in the first book. Her brother's story and reason for being there never came up and he started to feel unnecessary. Also the most disappointing to me were the mentors. They were built up so it became apparent that they were starting to get obsessed with the fmc and we started getting their pov as mmc's. They seemed like they would get closer to fmc, especially with fmc's ability to use sign language, but then they tried to forcer her hand and then just gave up on the fmc. They seem wishy washy now at the end of book two and abandoned the fmc in more ways then one and are less interesting because of it. The next book seems like it will be focused on a different fmc with the mentors who suddenly become obsessed with her so we won't get the payoff now for all those plot points from before as the plot focus changed. So overall some good things and you can tell I did enjoy it overall as I am already finished with it and am writing a review the day after release 😂 but there were a few things that were disappointing to me especially since I really enjoyed first book.

This is the most creative/outlandish/atypical reinterpretation of mythological gods into romantasy. Jasmine, what were you on when you came up with us? This book was even better than the first. 4 stars / 3 spice (slow burn but also not) Sarcasm, wit, humor, and banter. FMC has a hilarious inner monologue going on . The familials are entertaining. Plot twist surprises. Action. Alexis’ character ARC is so cool. Creative AF plot. Good world building. MMCs get their unhinged bs together for her. It’s an all around good time. You will be entertained! 4 and not 5 stars bc I got a bit bored like 60% in - which happened in the first book for me too. Also v disappointed we didn’t get any in depth Helen or Charlie action - they were relegated to the benches in this book. not coool.

📖 Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas Rating: 4.5/5 Let me just say, nothing satisfies quite like a book that promises closure and actually delivers it without making you want to hurl it across the room first. Mas has crafted that rare dark romantasy unicorn where character development isn't just a buzzword but an actual achievement. This sequel scratched every itch the first book created, serving up violence, darkness, and political intrigue with the finesse of a five-star restaurant delivering your favorite comfort food. The worldbuilding is imaginative without being pretentious, and the plot is more addictive than whatever snack you'll inevitably devour while reading it. The true standout? Characters so morally gray they're practically charcoal. Each one carries their trauma like designer baggage, making you root for people who, in any other context, you'd probably run screaming from. They're broken, masked, and occasionally homicidal—yet somehow, you'll find yourself deeply invested in their happiness. That's talent, folks. And can we please give a standing ovation to Nyx? Who knew a snake could be the comedic relief this dark story needed? As Nyx so eloquently put: "I like the muzzled one best. And the raccoon mother second best. I prefer men who don't speak. Men should be seen—slaughtering and protecting—not heard. I've always said this." Honestly, snake has a point. What makes this book truly exceptional is how Alexis transforms perceived weaknesses into strategic advantages. She doesn't overpower her enemies; she outsmarts them. In a genre saturated with brute-force solutions, watching her intellectual triumph is as satisfying as finding money in your pocket you forgot about. The forced marriage trope evolves from toxic to devoted in a way that feels earned rather than convenient. These relationships transform through genuine sacrifice and vulnerability, not because the plot demanded it. That's the difference between good dark romance and great dark romance. 📦 What to Expect ✨ Epic Fantasy 💖 Slow Burn Romance 🔥 Enemies to Lovers 🤯 Complex Politics & Power Struggles 💔 Deep Emotional Growth 🦴 Magical Companions ⚔️ A Lead Who Fights With Brains Over Brawn 📚 Book Tags Keywords: Dark Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Political Intrigue, Found Family, Survival, Revenge Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Morally Gray Characters, Protective MMCs 🎯 Final Thoughts If you enjoy books where the characters are walking red flags that somehow become relationship goals through excellent writing, this one's for you. Just don't blame me when you're sleep-deprived and emotionally compromised after finishing it in one sitting.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Author: @jasminemasbooks POV: Multi 1st Person Gene: Dark Romantasy Triggers: graphic violence, past childhood abuse/trauma, torture, open door, etc. Read Time: 8-10 hours Expected Publishing Date: Out Now ❤️ World Building: Being the second book in the story of Hercules, there isn’t much world building that needed to be done. The new areas of this world were expertly crafted though. It gave the reader a lush and beautiful (even in its darkness) to get lost in. ❤️ The Characters: Man I LOVE these characters! The five main characters from the Blood of Hercules are still some of my favorite characters! I also loved the new character in this book so much that I’m excited for the next book(s) telling her story! ❤️ The Story: Once again, the story was phenomenal! There was the classic Mas action and tension that we all loved from Blood of Hercules. There was a yearning spice that kept you hooked till the end. There is redemption and healing in this book as well. I really can’t say enough good things, but I don’t want to spoil it either! ❤️‍🔥Overall: If you loved Blood of Hercules, then you are going to love this one! If you haven’t read Blood of Hercules, what are you waiting for? Both are a masterpiece! Raccoon Fact Inspired by Paco: Studies show raccoons can remember solutions to tasks for up to three years, and these incredible animals have the cognitive abilities of a young child! Raccoons use their sharp minds to solve puzzles, open latches, and adapt to changing environments. Bonus fact: Their Latin name is Procyon lotor, meaning before-dog washer. Their common name, raccoon, was derived from the Algonquin people, meaning “he who scratches with his hands.”

3.5⭐️ I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Even with a things that bugged me, this was still such an entertaining read. Pros: Alexis really grew on me in this one. Watching her step into her new role, face battles head-on, and stay unwaveringly devoted to the people she loves made her a much stronger FMC in my eyes. I loved her loyalty and how she continued to show up for everyone, no matter the cost. Augustus and Kharon? Full “burn the world for her” energy. Both dark, intense, and obsessed. I especially appreciated that they actually worked on themselves and backed up their feelings with actions, not just dramatic declarations. And once again, the familiars absolutely stole the show. Truly the funniest part of the entire book and the reason I was laughing out loud more than once. Now for my beef: The whole Crimson Duo storyline confused me overall. Sometimes I was following it, and other times I was like… wait, what in the actual hell is happening? Also, the spice lacked. Don’t promise me “we will destroy you” energy and then not fully deliver, because my expectations were set pretty high. There were also a few minor plot holes that left me unsure if they’re intentional for future books or just overlooked. Still, despite my complaints, I flew through this and had a great time

I absolutely loved it!! I really enjoyed the plot and all of the characters. The characters growth was great! Alexis was again extremely entertaining and her inner monologue was hilarious. There was a lot of talk about having to chose a team, but I found that very quickly it was obvious that there wasn’t really a team vs team situation happening. She was choosing her husbands quite early on. A lot of the scenes with the Mentors we’re frustrating. But in the end I’m a little confused as well. In blood of Hercules, Achilles’s bonus chapter made it seem like more would happen between him and Alexis. They only spoke a handful of times, usually in an argument that Patro somehow started. And he didn’t care for her at all. He only ever care’s for Patro. They’re really wasn’t much more of relationship growth between Alexis, Patro and Achilles. I don’t mind the introduction of a new character at the very end, but I do hope if there’s another book that it doesn’t change main characters. Medusa story would be interesting but I don’t think Alexis’s is done.

Amei essa dark fantasia

Absolutely loved this sequel even more than book 1 I think, I just love the clever writing style mixing the serious plot with comedy without it becoming cringe or over the top, had me giggling and entertained all the way through! Love the way the romance developed into something special and the spice was well done. It seems like there is a lot more story to tell so I hope there will be more books and soon! I also ended up buying the special edition hardback of books 1 and 2 and they are beautiful and high quality pages with glitter sprayed edges, I read along with audio which was also very well done by the voice actors 👏

Let me preface this review by saying I have never loved a duet more than this one. The characters, the plot, the humour, everything is just perfect. Alexis and Nyx are just ultimate goals. The banter, the violence (mostly on Nyx’s part), the inner monologue. It’s everything you love about every one of Jasmine’s FMC’s rolled into one. “𝙔𝙚𝙨. 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝. 𝙒𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨.” - 𝙉𝙮𝙭. The plot was gripping. I read the book in one go because I just couldn’t put it down. I loved the tests and trials that Alexis went through, because it showed her fierce determination, no matter how many obstacles were stacked up against her. Sometimes by herself, sometimes with Nyx, they never gave up and always powered through. Now, the guys? Well, safe to say, if a man won’t cut off his ear for me, he’s not worthyyyy 😆. Kharon & Augustus have my whole heart. I really felt the redemption arc in this one, and despite the feelings I had towards them at the end of the last book, they really did redeem themselves this time. “𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.” - 𝙆𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙣. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about Patro and Achilles. I feel like I have a like/hate relationship with them. I liked them in the first book, but this book? They had me cursing almost every time they spoke. I’m not sure if that was in part due to the redemption part of her husband’s, but they have a lot of growing to do, preferably, away from Alexis 😆. Overall, another 10/10 read. Wondering how soon is too soon for a re-read? Because I miss Alexis already.

Jadore ce livre, je voulais cette edition avec jaspage doré