What do you think?
Rate this book
Shoulda Swiped Left
Joseph Abrams can't believe he's found his perfect match through online dating. Zale Petropoulos is hot, charming, and just the right amount of mysterious.
They meet for their first date and the sparks fly all the way through dinner and right through dessert.
But Zale has a confession to make and finally reveals his secret…
He’s god of the Underworld.
And Joseph is his new prince-consort.
They meet for their first date and the sparks fly all the way through dinner and right through dessert.
But Zale has a confession to make and finally reveals his secret…
He’s god of the Underworld.
And Joseph is his new prince-consort.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2024
66 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Read
February 15, 2024Won’t be explaining myself.
January 24, 2024
Quick read but uneven pacing and underdeveloped character and world building as a result. It could have been something special, but it was just okay instead.
February 17, 2024
Dating apps for gods
A really fun twist on Hades and some crazy matchmaking that made for a very enjoyable novella!
Joseph has had the usual amount of luck (absolutely none, dating is horrible) with dating apps until he matches with Zale. They talk so easily, have plenty of the same interests, and really seem to enjoy each other's online company. Meeting up is the obvious next step and it's a great first date.....up until it ends in the Underworld. Turns out Zale is the God of the Dead, also known as Hades and a slew of other names. Other gods exist too, each of them from multiple religions and beliefs but with real powers and some of the real family problems that were talked about in myths. It turns out some of Hades' kidnapping stories have become real and now he yearly finds a "bride" to do what is required to bring about spring. Joseph is now stuck in that job and it is a bit of a crazy one.
This is a really fun way to go about a story of the gods, where they all exist and have simply been called different names or attributed different characteristics but always been there. Being a human mixed up in it is a bit wild, but the thing is Joseph didn't get into it for the money or power. He really was falling for Zale and having the man pull away after such a good start to a relationship hurts. There is some things about the past that need to be revealed and some conversations had to get anywhere, but it is all done while still dealing with being in the Underworld which adds this fun twist. A good story and a world that had the potential for more story should the author decide to revisit it!
A really fun twist on Hades and some crazy matchmaking that made for a very enjoyable novella!
Joseph has had the usual amount of luck (absolutely none, dating is horrible) with dating apps until he matches with Zale. They talk so easily, have plenty of the same interests, and really seem to enjoy each other's online company. Meeting up is the obvious next step and it's a great first date.....up until it ends in the Underworld. Turns out Zale is the God of the Dead, also known as Hades and a slew of other names. Other gods exist too, each of them from multiple religions and beliefs but with real powers and some of the real family problems that were talked about in myths. It turns out some of Hades' kidnapping stories have become real and now he yearly finds a "bride" to do what is required to bring about spring. Joseph is now stuck in that job and it is a bit of a crazy one.
This is a really fun way to go about a story of the gods, where they all exist and have simply been called different names or attributed different characteristics but always been there. Being a human mixed up in it is a bit wild, but the thing is Joseph didn't get into it for the money or power. He really was falling for Zale and having the man pull away after such a good start to a relationship hurts. There is some things about the past that need to be revealed and some conversations had to get anywhere, but it is all done while still dealing with being in the Underworld which adds this fun twist. A good story and a world that had the potential for more story should the author decide to revisit it!
February 8, 2024
3/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Sexual assault
Kink: N/A
This was fine, I think. Cute! Joseph is a little TSTL, but I get it. Story was sweet and I liked the comfort Joseph offered when Zale showed his insecurities.
The pop culture will forever date it though. I don’t know anything about Firefly and 30% of this book probably culminates in references to it. It’s cute to have a shared fandom! Just something I as a reader don’t have a connection to.
Content Warnings for book: Sexual assault
Kink: N/A
This was fine, I think. Cute! Joseph is a little TSTL, but I get it. Story was sweet and I liked the comfort Joseph offered when Zale showed his insecurities.
The pop culture will forever date it though. I don’t know anything about Firefly and 30% of this book probably culminates in references to it. It’s cute to have a shared fandom! Just something I as a reader don’t have a connection to.
March 31, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
Sinceramente, no daba un peso por este libro. 😂 Lo escogí al azar con los ojos cerrados entre el mar de libros en el Kindle. Pero me ha sorprendido para bien. ❤️ Ojalá hubiera sido una novela completa, pues le faltó muuucho world building y desarrollo de personajes. Pudo haber sido fantástico. Perfecto, incluso. Pero se quedó en un relato corto, y todo aconteció muy deprisa. No obstante, fue genuinamente gracioso, refrescante, con personajes llenos de personalidad y carácter... Fue lindo, hot, e incluso emotivo. 🤧✨️ Ugh, amé. Y la parejita, Joseph y Zale, fueron tan hermosos. Especialmente Joseph, un amor. 🫶🏻 Definitivamente voy a leer más de este/a autor/a.
Sinceramente, no daba un peso por este libro. 😂 Lo escogí al azar con los ojos cerrados entre el mar de libros en el Kindle. Pero me ha sorprendido para bien. ❤️ Ojalá hubiera sido una novela completa, pues le faltó muuucho world building y desarrollo de personajes. Pudo haber sido fantástico. Perfecto, incluso. Pero se quedó en un relato corto, y todo aconteció muy deprisa. No obstante, fue genuinamente gracioso, refrescante, con personajes llenos de personalidad y carácter... Fue lindo, hot, e incluso emotivo. 🤧✨️ Ugh, amé. Y la parejita, Joseph y Zale, fueron tan hermosos. Especialmente Joseph, un amor. 🫶🏻 Definitivamente voy a leer más de este/a autor/a.
February 4, 2024
Zale, aka Hades, aka Mr. Pluto, is most definitely not what he seems and Joseph is beginning to doubt this hook up. Oh, it stared off great, got fantastic, but then it fell apart in a big way when Joseph discovers just who Zale really is. Different, for me, funny, cute, and at times a touch intense, I absolutely loved it.
February 2, 2024
Shoulda Swiped Left is a perfect little paranormal snack of a novella: funny, sexy, with just the right amount of swoon.
Joseph has been online dating and happens upon the perfect guy — can’t hurt to try, right? The two hit it off and go on one extremely perfect date … but when Joseph wakes up the next morning, it turns out the perfect guy has some … flaws. And is now incorporeal. Whoops! Zale is actually the god of the underworld, and Joseph has to help him reclaim his body (piece by piece!) to bring back spring. Thus, begins a ridiculously awesome scavenger hunt, and Joseph trying to determine if Zale really is the amazing guy he fell for or if it was all an act.
I loved this little romp of a book, with lots of nerdy jokes (Riker! IYKYK) and delightful reworking of mythology. This one is perfect for a quick read when you want to laugh … and maybe secretly wish for a little Zale of your own.
Joseph has been online dating and happens upon the perfect guy — can’t hurt to try, right? The two hit it off and go on one extremely perfect date … but when Joseph wakes up the next morning, it turns out the perfect guy has some … flaws. And is now incorporeal. Whoops! Zale is actually the god of the underworld, and Joseph has to help him reclaim his body (piece by piece!) to bring back spring. Thus, begins a ridiculously awesome scavenger hunt, and Joseph trying to determine if Zale really is the amazing guy he fell for or if it was all an act.
I loved this little romp of a book, with lots of nerdy jokes (Riker! IYKYK) and delightful reworking of mythology. This one is perfect for a quick read when you want to laugh … and maybe secretly wish for a little Zale of your own.
January 28, 2024
Whole 'nother level"
This took "picking up the pieces" To a whole 'nother level. (Please tell me you know that quote)
I loved everything about this book! The concept was amazing. Zale also known Hades take a new bride (or groom) every year to put help put him back together. Zale needs all the love, and Joseph is the right man for him. I love a good instalove relationship
This took "picking up the pieces" To a whole 'nother level. (Please tell me you know that quote)
I loved everything about this book! The concept was amazing. Zale also known Hades take a new bride (or groom) every year to put help put him back together. Zale needs all the love, and Joseph is the right man for him. I love a good instalove relationship
January 28, 2024
a interesting plot but issues with the implementation
Rating: 2.5
Hiers is an author that’s a hit or miss writer for me. I really liked the last book I read , Twelve Days of Squidmas by H.L. Hiers . Thought the characters and plot were well developed and had depth. But one before that was a DNF and I didn’t even review it.
Shoulda Swiped Left by K. L. Hiers came much, much closer to a DNF than the previous holiday romance. I am astonished because the plot is an interesting one. But it’s how the author chooses to implement this narrative that makes the story stumble.
With mythical overtones, Hades needs a “bride” to collect his parts after he disintegrates as he must once a year. The person he “marries and disappears on, lives in splendor while going on a body part adventure.
Oh joy! Here a body part, there a body part!
For this he needs a bride. Apparently they aren’t very willing . Here comes the issues. Well more issues. The gods weren’t picky about who they had sex with so why the term bride? Anyway.
It starts with the characters. Primarily,
Joseph Abrams who’s checking out profiles on an online dating site when the absolutely most perfect man appears. I mean, this guy is PERFECT. He’s a match for our guy Joe in every aspect, and he’s drop dead gorgeous. Rich.
Joe has the situational awareness of a piece of pea gravel.
Hiers is writing another TSTL character and I’m gobsmacked. Because the author is also writing in major warnings flags for dangerous relationships in this story as though it’s a romantic oblivious joke.
Here’s a couple. They meet after exchanging some texts. No real information. Guy gives over the top gifts asap. First date. He drives, supplies the drinks. His place. Flags! That’s check mark for several dangerous activities, including sexual assaults and trafficking.
Zale Petropoulos, the gorgeous, hot mystery man, immediately gifts oblivious Joseph an extraordinarily beautiful, bejeweled gold watch. Says over the top compliments over Joe’s halfhearted attempt to say that’s too much a gift. Whisks him away in his own limo with guards. To a club where it seems no one is actually having fun, with dark atmosphere. Where he’s given several drinks. In a club that Zale owns.
Does Joe trust what tiny self preservation instincts Hiers wrote in? Nope. He’s all for sex in the back room. As I said TSTL.
If Hiers had been writing a scenario for a kidnapping by a serial killer, this entire thing would have worked. Been realistic. And Joe, naturally, would have been body number 1.
But as a romantic comedy? Absolutely not. There’s flags on the field. Let’s be wooed by someone who is literally lying about the situation, drugging you into a nonconsensual relationship, beginning with trapping you into this setup. Yes, so fun and amusing in this day and age of vulnerability and high incidence of abuse and trafficking. Only things missing are elements like ketamine in the plot line.
Which considering what the Greek gods got up to in the mythology wouldn’t be out of line if updated to current times. Oh, wait.
So no, Shoulda Swiped Left by K. L. Hiers is a miss and a mess, narratively speaking.
There’s more I could say about the story but the fact that they end up together after this, is just another example why this just doesn’t work for me.
Rating: 2.5
Hiers is an author that’s a hit or miss writer for me. I really liked the last book I read , Twelve Days of Squidmas by H.L. Hiers . Thought the characters and plot were well developed and had depth. But one before that was a DNF and I didn’t even review it.
Shoulda Swiped Left by K. L. Hiers came much, much closer to a DNF than the previous holiday romance. I am astonished because the plot is an interesting one. But it’s how the author chooses to implement this narrative that makes the story stumble.
With mythical overtones, Hades needs a “bride” to collect his parts after he disintegrates as he must once a year. The person he “marries and disappears on, lives in splendor while going on a body part adventure.
Oh joy! Here a body part, there a body part!
For this he needs a bride. Apparently they aren’t very willing . Here comes the issues. Well more issues. The gods weren’t picky about who they had sex with so why the term bride? Anyway.
It starts with the characters. Primarily,
Joseph Abrams who’s checking out profiles on an online dating site when the absolutely most perfect man appears. I mean, this guy is PERFECT. He’s a match for our guy Joe in every aspect, and he’s drop dead gorgeous. Rich.
Joe has the situational awareness of a piece of pea gravel.
Hiers is writing another TSTL character and I’m gobsmacked. Because the author is also writing in major warnings flags for dangerous relationships in this story as though it’s a romantic oblivious joke.
Here’s a couple. They meet after exchanging some texts. No real information. Guy gives over the top gifts asap. First date. He drives, supplies the drinks. His place. Flags! That’s check mark for several dangerous activities, including sexual assaults and trafficking.
Zale Petropoulos, the gorgeous, hot mystery man, immediately gifts oblivious Joseph an extraordinarily beautiful, bejeweled gold watch. Says over the top compliments over Joe’s halfhearted attempt to say that’s too much a gift. Whisks him away in his own limo with guards. To a club where it seems no one is actually having fun, with dark atmosphere. Where he’s given several drinks. In a club that Zale owns.
Does Joe trust what tiny self preservation instincts Hiers wrote in? Nope. He’s all for sex in the back room. As I said TSTL.
If Hiers had been writing a scenario for a kidnapping by a serial killer, this entire thing would have worked. Been realistic. And Joe, naturally, would have been body number 1.
But as a romantic comedy? Absolutely not. There’s flags on the field. Let’s be wooed by someone who is literally lying about the situation, drugging you into a nonconsensual relationship, beginning with trapping you into this setup. Yes, so fun and amusing in this day and age of vulnerability and high incidence of abuse and trafficking. Only things missing are elements like ketamine in the plot line.
Which considering what the Greek gods got up to in the mythology wouldn’t be out of line if updated to current times. Oh, wait.
So no, Shoulda Swiped Left by K. L. Hiers is a miss and a mess, narratively speaking.
There’s more I could say about the story but the fact that they end up together after this, is just another example why this just doesn’t work for me.
March 8, 2024
4.2 stars! This was a fun quick read (it's a novella, after all) and I very much enjoyed the world building, namely the Gods (who have each been called various names in various religions in various parts of the world at various times) being among us, living ordinary lives besides their godly existence (including their millenia-old family squabbles we've all read about in mythology books or in the Percy Jackson series 😉).
The mcs meet on a dating app, hit it off from the start, exchange a ton of e-mails, and all seems to be going really well - until that fateful first date, at the end of which Joseph ends up in the underworld, is tricked into staying for the next 6 months, learns who his hot date really is, and needs to go on a slightly gory quest for a chance at returning to his world.
Joseph takes it all rather in stride (after some initial squeamishness), hence a deduction of stars - it is a bit unconvincing! - and Zale remains a bit cliché and simple as a character! Besides, the story is too short and sometimes seems a bit rushed: a couple of scenes definitely need expanding. But a very good read, all in all, and I shall see what else this author has to offer ...
The mcs meet on a dating app, hit it off from the start, exchange a ton of e-mails, and all seems to be going really well - until that fateful first date, at the end of which Joseph ends up in the underworld, is tricked into staying for the next 6 months, learns who his hot date really is, and needs to go on a slightly gory quest for a chance at returning to his world.
Joseph takes it all rather in stride (after some initial squeamishness), hence a deduction of stars - it is a bit unconvincing! - and Zale remains a bit cliché and simple as a character! Besides, the story is too short and sometimes seems a bit rushed: a couple of scenes definitely need expanding. But a very good read, all in all, and I shall see what else this author has to offer ...
March 9, 2024
This was all right. Think it'll really make a difference for if you like the humor or not. It wasn't for me. It came out of nowhere most the time and even made absolutely no sense a few times (probably because of coming out of nowhere) - lots of Firefly and other references. Over the top at times. But also expected. I mean, just look at the title, lol.
It was an interesting take on the gods/goddesses, on Hades and Persephone.
Very cheesy and mushy throughout, definitely insta-love. Tiny bit of angst. Not a bad read overall, just didn't really do much for me. Had some interesting... bits. ;p
I'd probably check out this author again but not go out of my way for it.
TW: Kidnapping. On my dubcon-noncon shelf because there is a scene where
It was an interesting take on the gods/goddesses, on Hades and Persephone.
Very cheesy and mushy throughout, definitely insta-love. Tiny bit of angst. Not a bad read overall, just didn't really do much for me. Had some interesting... bits. ;p
I'd probably check out this author again but not go out of my way for it.
TW: Kidnapping. On my dubcon-noncon shelf because there is a scene where
October 3, 2024
I don't think I've ever read a book so fast
It's a short read compared to what I'm used to, but I think it's just the right length. This story was so sweet and meaningful. There is sex, but their relationship doesn't emphasize it like relationships in most other books do. Like, if all they could do was hold hands and kiss, they'd still be in love, which is not something you can say about most romance novels out there today.
It's a short read compared to what I'm used to, but I think it's just the right length. This story was so sweet and meaningful. There is sex, but their relationship doesn't emphasize it like relationships in most other books do. Like, if all they could do was hold hands and kiss, they'd still be in love, which is not something you can say about most romance novels out there today.
January 25, 2024
Great concept, let down in the execution.
I recommend slogging through the barren beginning as it does get better but the loss of knowing the MC, his emotions and expectations prior to the first date sets the story back from what it could have been. If the author reworked the start to be less like a brief summary, I would be tempted to give this book another go.
I recommend slogging through the barren beginning as it does get better but the loss of knowing the MC, his emotions and expectations prior to the first date sets the story back from what it could have been. If the author reworked the start to be less like a brief summary, I would be tempted to give this book another go.
February 5, 2024
Such a fun twist combining mythology & romance & freaky weirdness this author is known for and excels at. Zale's family is interesting, entertaining, and irritating & endearing in equal measure. Joseph takes things way better & more easily than I ever would, that's for sure! Loved how the story played out, fanciful, feisty, fun, & all the lovey feels! Great short romance read.
March 6, 2024
Cute and a unique take on ancient legends.
Really loved this story and the unique perspective on the gods of old, their personalities and interactions weren’t how I would have expected but they fit with some of the broader reputations of each. A really fun read and a great HEA to tie it all up nicely.
Really loved this story and the unique perspective on the gods of old, their personalities and interactions weren’t how I would have expected but they fit with some of the broader reputations of each. A really fun read and a great HEA to tie it all up nicely.
January 29, 2024
Fun short take on gods
I don’t usually like rewrites of the old tales of the gods but this short take on the story of the god of the underworld and his need for a new spouse every year is a fun one. A lovely short story by K.L. Hiers.
I don’t usually like rewrites of the old tales of the gods but this short take on the story of the god of the underworld and his need for a new spouse every year is a fun one. A lovely short story by K.L. Hiers.
February 11, 2024
3.5 stars
Funny, fluffy, charming, and easy to read. Lots of dialogues though. That threw me off a bit but perhaps only because this is my first book (novella?) by this author. Either way I enjoyed it :3
Funny, fluffy, charming, and easy to read. Lots of dialogues though. That threw me off a bit but perhaps only because this is my first book (novella?) by this author. Either way I enjoyed it :3
January 28, 2024
Sweet take
Shoulda Swiped Left is an interesting take on the myths of Hades and the underworld. Steamy novella with a sweet HEA
Shoulda Swiped Left is an interesting take on the myths of Hades and the underworld. Steamy novella with a sweet HEA
January 29, 2024
DNF 20% in. Didn't like the tropes or the premise.
January 29, 2024
Creative and fun. 😊
February 12, 2024
Interesting.
February 20, 2024
3.5
Liked the book just wish there was more explanation of the world. Felt like it jumped around a lot instead of flowing cohesively.
Liked the book just wish there was more explanation of the world. Felt like it jumped around a lot instead of flowing cohesively.
February 22, 2024
I’ve never read anything from this author but it was good! As with most novellas, I wish it were longer
February 23, 2024
Shoulda run after bro pulled out a gold watch as a first date gift
March 16, 2024
3.25 stars
Some very nice twists on the "6 months in the underworld" theme, with the Zeus character behaving exactly as expected, dammit. Still, enjoyable despite the king of the gods being an ass.
Some very nice twists on the "6 months in the underworld" theme, with the Zeus character behaving exactly as expected, dammit. Still, enjoyable despite the king of the gods being an ass.
March 17, 2024
This was a hoot! Not super deep, but it was well-written fun.
March 23, 2024
Definitely a set up and character set I enjoy. But the actualization of those in this particular instance were a bit... sketchy?...
May 1, 2024
I enjoyed it, though it could have developed the characters a little more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews