Bonds of Hercules (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Romantasy Enemies to Lovers Spicy Romance Novel Inspired by Greek Mytholog
4.4 | 7,730 ratings
Price: 14.92
Last update: 12-04-2025
Product details
- Publisher : Canary Street Press
- Publication date : October 28, 2025
- Edition : Original
- Language : English
- Print length : 544 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1335146989
- ISBN-13 : 978-1335146984
- Item Weight : 1.6 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.18 x 1.57 x 9.02 inches
- Book 2 of 2 : Villains of Lore
- Best Sellers Rank:#322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Folklore (Books)
- Romantasy (Books)
- Romantic Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:4.44.4 out of 5 stars(7,746)
Bonds of Hercules (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Romantasy Enemies to Lovers Spicy Romance Novel Inspired by Greek Mythology (Villains of Lore, 2)Top reviews from the United States
- Loniloved it!I listened to the audiobook while reading along and found myself laughing quite a few times! Jasmine Mas did such a good job blending mythology, banter, and heart. I loved getting more depth to Alexis’s story and seeing how everything came together for her. Even though the series isn’t over, this book felt really satisfying. I can’t wait to see what happens next with the rest of the crew!
- BookreaderGood StoryI 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. - KayTheBookLoverLoving this seriesI am obsessed with this female Hercules and her sidekick Nyx in the Villians of Lore series by Jasmine Mas
So I read blood of Hercules multiple times and I just finished Bonds of Hercules for the first time last night.
I love that this story has Greek mythology and Greek gods in it but in a modern time. It was such a fun spin on the Hercules retelling.
Not to mention we have this ongoing Professors vs Mentors and I am here for it!!
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Read this if you like
♡Hilarious sidekick
♡Banter and funny internal monolog
♡Fighting to the death
♡Marriage trickery
♡Lots of snark!
♡Bada$$ female who doesn't give up.
I loved this book so much and I can't wait for the next one to be out!
Overall ☆☆☆☆/5
Spice ★★.5/5
Audio ☆☆☆☆☆/5 - read2meEnjoyable. Late night read.I throughly have enjoyed this series. This is the second book, and I found myself syaying up late every night this week to see what happens next. The villian was a little predictable, but it dis not take away from the story. We learn more about characters back stories, and enter the arena.
Absolutely love the commentary from Nyx and was proud of her in the arena. She was my favorite character on this book.
Definitely will be adding this book to my trophy shelf! - Literary Lure4.5⭐️ Gods, Monsters, and an Epic Heroine???? 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.