Heart of the Serpent “Hades Carnival” by N.J. Walters

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. This is book five of the series and it's Mordecai and Jessica's story. Mordecai and the other shape shifting warriors have defeated Hades with their Lady Goddess's help. Mordecai still feels there is darkness in him after,spending so much time in Hell with Hades. He feels that maybe he should leave and distance himself from the woman who has a hold on his heart. Jessica feels as though Mordecai is done with her and their friendship. She moved in the apartment at his urging, but since doing so he has basically stopped spending time with her. One night she decides to confront him thinking if he feels nothing or if she was just a means to an end. Then it is time for her to move out because she loves him. She sees the good in himself even when he can't. Once she makes it known to Mordecai she intends to leave and why. He kisses her and then she knows that her serpent wants her just as much as she wants him. Mordecai thinks by keeping her at arms length is protecting her. Hades wants revenge even from his prison. Some how he is allowed to return to the Underworld unbeknownst to the warriors. He knows he can't harm the warriors or the Lady, but there are still two others. Jessica helped release Mordecai what better way to get his revenge. Jessica is visited by one of Hades minions and is now starting to die. The Lady can't be contacted and all the warriors search for her except Mordecai and that are in the city with him. When all hope seems lost Mordecai makes the ultimate sacrifice and saves his lady love. Hades feels he has won but Jessica has a surprise in store for him. Nothing is stronger than love. I highly recommend this series and would also recommend you read the other books that came before this one. As they give some insight on Mordecai and the others. In general I will say I am going to be looking for more of N.J. Walters books