I’m absolutely obsessed. Katee Robert has done it again. I can’t wait to read more from this world because I can’t get enough. Any sort of mythology retelling is right up my alley. I loved getting to know KR’s versions of Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles. I loved how she interspersed the actual method throughout and how she handled hard topics. Obsessed. I can’t wait to get more from her.

Thank you to Sourcebook Casablanca and Netgalley for providing an e-arc of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

Unfortunately this was a big miss for me.... and I think it's officially time that this series and I part ways.

I want to start this off by saying, I'm CLEARLY in the minority with this opinion. I've been seeing nothing but praise for this book since it's release. It's just not jiving with my personal tastes at the moment.

Let's start with what I liked -

Katee Robert 100% excels at writing balanced poly relationships. The power dynamics and romance elements can be so difficult to balance correctly and she knocks it out of the park every time. Each person in this relationship had a place and connection with the other characters. And I really appreciated that.

I also liked the competition plot. I love a good trial/competition so I liked that element. It added something to keep the plot moving forward (which I felt was lacking in book 2)

Sadly the actual execution of that plot had pacing issues in my opinion. And the relationship itself, while balanced, felt repetitive and surface level. I felt NOTHING about these characters.

I thought the romance was flat and never felt a connection between any of the characters. I also thought the conflict keeping them apart felt forced and relentlessly repetitive. These characters kept sitting down to "talk" only to say absolutely nothing. If I had to hear one more time how "their relationship could never work" without a single person giving an actual logical reason as to why....

This book started off strongly but grew more and more frustrating as the story progressed. I didn't think the steamy scenes were particularly steamy - since they lacked any emotional connection. And while the premise was interesting, I thought the scenes in between the challenges dragged while the 3 trials were simply glossed over.

Overall I think it's time for this series and I to part ways. I'm so happy this got picked up for 6 more books (I love seeing romance succeed) but I definitely won't be picking anymore up.

I read this as part of a buddy read with my podcast co-host Jessica Marie. We were able to receive an ARC for this title and am very appreciative for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

Wicked Beauty, the latest installment of the Dark Olympus series, is exactly the reimagining that was needed.. Helen is taking ownership of her life and everyone better be ready to acknowledge her. Truly, seeing a Helen character come into her own on her own terms was amazing.

Patroclus and Achilles are longtime lovers and have a relationship that they both are happy with. Add in Helen, a tournament, and sexual tension/forced proximity and you have a recipe for a spicy time. And it is a very spicy time, but it isn't grossly spicy. Whenever there is spice there is a reason for it, either plot or emotions, and it's lovely.

Paris is here too and he's part of an expanded cast of characters that we the reader MUST remember are TITLES and not character's actual names. Which brings me to a criticism: It can be very confusing remembering character names and titles when the titles and names have been so ingrained in the readers minds for so long. I had to keep a list to keep them organized. Though once you're in the meat of the story it all clicks and you have a good idea of who is who and why.

My other criticism is pacing: The final challenge is thrown in the readers faces without any of the detail/buildup that was included in the other two challenges. The pacing is wildly off and jarring, though once we are in the challenge the reader forgets how fast we got here.

Overall the book is a wonderfully spicy reimagining of the Greek Gods. I am so ready to get into the politics and the magic of the territory. Politics were front and center in this book as well which was wonderful.

I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. Truly a fantastic, quick, and fun read!

I loved this so much! I wasn't sure how Helen was going to fit with Achilles and Patroclus but it was so beautifully done. The political plot ended with an intriguing twist that has be desperate for more!

Wow, so this was….something. I was prepared to dislike this story, due to my love for Song of Achilles. I mean, how do you tell Achilles and Patroclus’ story without Briseis?!? However, within the terms of KR’s Dark Olympus, having Helen involved makes sense. The story was part Hunger Games, but with a lot of X-rated scenes that will not be for everyone. I thought they were very well done though, and work within the parameters of the story. Looking forward to the next one!

I continue to love Katee Robert's romantic Greek mythology-inspired Dark Olympus series; although my favorite book so far has been the second one, Electric Idol, I still enjoyed this third installment featuring an M/M/F relationship. Helen, daughter of the prominent Kasios family whose older brother has recently assumed the role of Zeus, is tired of being relegated to just a pretty face or a prize to be won. When a contest to name the next Ares approaches, and Helen is ordered to marry the winner, she instead enters the contest to fight for the title and prove herself worthy of a seat at the table. Her efforts are complicated by Achilles and Patroclus, a couple who are both fascinated by Helen, but who are also determined to win the title of Ares for Achilles. The three develop a relationship amidst the contest, with the power structure of Olympus hanging in the balance.

I'd say that Wicked Beauty was likely the most plot-heavy installment in the Dark Olympus series so far, as it revolves around a three-stage competition with high stakes. The action sequences surrounding the contest were really fun to read, and we also got to meet a bunch of new side characters who are set to appear in future books (I'm most excited for Atalanta; she was always a favorite of mine from mythology) as well as the threat of new villains appearing from outside the Thirteen. Although the romance at times took a backseat to the action, I still enjoyed the development of a relationship between the couple of Achilles and Patroclus with Helen; I think it's difficult to do that without making it seem like a third person is intruding on a happy couple, but Katee Robert handles it well. I'll keep looking forward to future books in this series to be released, and I can't wait to read more.

I received an eARC of Wicked Beauty from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

𝕄𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤, 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟’𝕥 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘. 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕤𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝔸𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕞𝕤 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕒 𝕝𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙.“𝐖𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬.” ℍ𝕖𝕣 𝕘𝕣𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝.
“𝐁𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭.”


Book review:
Okay, so I initially went into this book under the impression that it was a standalone and not part of a series, and I was so wrong. I actually had to backtrack and read books 1 and 2 before starting this. That being said, this book took on a completely different plot. Where as, in book 1 we follow Persephone and book 2 we follow her sister, Psyche, in Wicked Beauty we follow Helen [who is not related to either of them]. That bit confused me a little since the first two followed siblings.
I enjoyed the trials aspect, but found the throuple part a little strange [again, nothing wrong with it, I'm just not into reverse harem]. It would have been nice to have a warning at the beginning of the book so that I could have prepared myself for it.

So, here is the warning: there is MMF [male/male/female] sex going on at the same time.

Overall, this book was a 3 🌟 read for me, I definitely enjoyed the first two more.

*SPOILERS*

I really had no idea what to expect from Wicked Beauty going in because I went in blind. Had no idea what or who it was about until I turned to page one. I was pleasantly surprised with the three different POVs and how distinct each was. It was so easy for me to fall in love with Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles. Helen was fiercely independent and knew herself and her wants and never let anything get in the way of that. Patroclus was intelligent, thoughtful, and considerate to everyone and every situation. Achilles was an asshole but in the best way. He was fiercely protective and just like Helen, he knew what he wanted and he never shied away from making that known.

“Becoming Ares will set me free.” - Helen
I was SO excited when Helen entered the competition and I was rooting for her the whole time. She’s been a pawn to her family and in the politics of Olympus and she DESERVED that win. She EARNED it. I absolutely ate. those. trials. UP. So good. I definitely sobbed happy tears when she won because she did it. She’s no longer a pawn in someone else’s game. Now, she runs the game.

“Then f*** me like you hate me, Achilles. Stop p****footing around and do it properly.” - Helen
THIS. FIRST. SEX. SCENE. Good lord I was literally going feral as I was reading it. And they just kept getting better too 😩🤌🏻

“Let me touch you, Helen.” - Patroclus
UGH THE FIRST TIME THESE TWO GOT INTIMATE I WAS SO HAPPY. The sexual tension between Helen and Patroclus could have been cut with a knife so this entire scene was HUGE for the direction of the story. Achilles joining in was SO HOT my jaw dropped and didn’t close again until well after this scene had ended. You just KNEW all three characters were getting super invested in each other.

“Patroclus treats me like I’m something of true value. Achilles just takes my strength as fact. They both regard me as an equal.” - Helen
I LOVED the dynamic between these three. Everything felt so balanced once they became a triad. Helen really was a missing puzzle piece for Patroclus and Achilles and it made my heart happy that they all found something they never knew they would want or value so much, even more so than the Ares title at the end.

“If you won’t look out for yourself, then I’ll look out for you. I spare a quick glance, taking in their profiles. Something soft and tender stirs in my chest. Both of you.” - Achilles
Again, I was sobbing. Watching them fall in love and protect each other was everything to me. And for ACHILLES to be soft?? Someone sedate me because I am not okay.

“I’m proud of you. You were amazing out there.” - Zeus
THIS THE ONE. Helen needed to hear those words and I was SO happy that there was a moment where Zeus finally talked to Helen and explained things. She deserved that and I hope the next book showcases their working relationship as they navigate the threat to Olympus, even with a new set of characters as the main focus.

“We want you, Helen. All of you. Will you have us?” I’m already nodding. “Yes. How is that even a question? Yes, I’ll have you.”
THE. ENDING. SERIOUSLY SO GOOD. I was worried when Helen won Ares that Achilles would go back on what he said but this scene cleared that up real quick 😭 I’m so happy for them and really hope we still get to see them together in the next books of the series like we do with Persephone/Hades and Psyche/Eros.

Overall, this book was my favorite of all three. The spice was written so well I was genuinely frothing at the mouth. I loved the storyline and the fight for the title of Ares. I loved how empowering and how empowered Helen was. Katee Robert did an incredible job with this one and I have high expectations for her next!

Special thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Wicked Beauty continues the Dark Olympus series and I have to say, Katee Robert is batting a thousand for me with these books. Wicked Beauty is a throuple story with a dash of former friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and a dash of the Hunger Games type battle mixed in. Except instead of picking Peeta, Katniss gets Peeta and Gale. YUM!

Helen wants to stop being a pawn for her uber powerful family and to do that, she has to strike out on her own. Luckily, the spot of Ares, the god of war, is up for grabs. She is willing to fight to the death for it so imagine her frustration when her brother, Zeus, announces her as the prize for whoever wins Ares. Achilles is sure he is going to win, especially with the help of his boyfriend, Patroclus. But, as they get closer to Helen, they both start to fall for her. I loved the interactions between these 3. Helen is used to the politics and posturing of being an Olympus elite, Patroclus is a master strategist, and Achilles is a determined beast (physically). Patroclus provides the care Helen needs but hates to admit, Achilles forces them both to stop thinking so much, and Helen teaches them how to survive the politics of Olympus.

Wicked Beauty is hot, and the story is wonderfully written. I am so glad this series will be continuing on because it is delightful.

Katee Robert definitely sneaks into my dreams because there is simply no way that she can time and time again capture the exact visceral emotions I want to feel when reading a romance novel so perfectly. There is a wolf inside of me that controls my ID and Katee is just spoonfeeding it with this book.

Wicked Beauty is the third book in the Dark Olympus series and kicks off with Helen Kasios learning that her hand in marriage will be the prize in a competition to be the next Ares. Helen shocks everyone by entering herself. She's determined to win, even if it means defeating Achilles Kallis and Patroclus Fotos, the competitors she's quickly falling for.

Robert writes poly relationships so beautifully and knows exactly how to create the perfect balance of strengths between them. I loved how protective they all felt over each other, the early jealousy any time two paired off (before they realized how perfectly they all worked together), and the angst of knowing that getting the thing you want most in the world means taking it from the person you love. Action, adventure, intrigue, romance, and (of course) Robert's signature scorching heat made this a winner for me. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

This is definitely my favorite story in the Dark Olympus series so far! 18+, 5 stars/5 and the spice was 3/5 (but I understand that's different for everybody).

Check trigger warnings, as this contains some mention of emotional/mental abuse, an assassination attempt, violence, and other potential triggering themes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It has great LGBTQ+ rep, diverse characters and a happy ending (which I love that she does in most/all her books). I'm also a huge fan of the explicit consent and straight forwardness that Katie gives her characters when engaging in spicy scenes. It makes those scenes feel a lot more of a safe experience for the readers. The battle scenes were my favorite and kept me wanting more. The trails gave me low-key Hunger Games vibes, and the imagery played every scene out like a movie in my head. It was hot, adorable (I audibly squealed more than a few times) and definitely going to be a comfort read for me. I highly recommend this book and the other books in this series to anyone who wants to try out the spicy genre.

The classic story of Achilles and Patroclus, but this time they get Helen too.
Wicked Beauty is a MMF romance with enemies to lovers, second chance, and hate to love elements thrown in. As always with Katee's books, consent is clear even when boundaries are pushed.

I love the way Katee Robert writes Greek myths as modern day stories. The world she has created and her take on the way the "gods" protect the city is creative and in depth. I will continue to read this series as long as she continues to write it!

A great retelling of the story of Helen of Troy a kick ads version of her.... I loved how strong and she is and her not letting her being a woman get in the way of going for what she wants....

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Katee Robert just doesn't disappoint me ever! She can literally do no wrong in my eyes honestly! This is one of my favorite books by her to date and it just makes me more excited to continue to read all of her work.

I love that in this throuple started with the male characters in a relationship before the woman was introduced. That does not happen often but wow did I love it! I also love that it was enemies to lovers between one of the male character and the female character while the other guy and the girl were friends in the past first!

I can't say enough good things about this series and this book. You are missing out if you don't read it!

If you like Greek Mythology, if you enjoyed the previous two books in this series, or if you're just looking to read something steamy, then make sure you grab this one when it's released.

Katee Roberts never disappoints, this retelling is one of her best. The Dark Olympus series is addictive and I recommend to any romance lover.

All the heat! All the passion! All the drama!

If you loved Neon Gods, Wicked Beauty cranks up the heat more. I didn't even think there would be much of a story of Helen with Achilles and Patroclus. But by God, is there a story!

4 scorching stars!

Dark Olympus is getting competitive. If you read Electric Idol you were introduced to Helen, her story is one of growth.
I enjoyed seeing what the outsiders of Olympus thought of the “13” and their power games.
If you enjoy Katee Robert’s writing, I think you’ll enjoy this too.

Thank you you Sourcebook and NetGalley for my free ARC book.

DNF'd at 40%. There was nothing intrinsically wrong with this book, I just found it as bland as unsweetened oatmeal. The pace felt very slow, probably because the plot was so thin, at least to my mind. Others have loved the book, so it's very much a case of this one just wasn't for me.


From the blurb and having never read the author before I was expecting a very different type of book to the one I got. It was very contemporary in feel and didn't appear to have any god-like aspects or magic. There was also no mention on Netgalley that it was the third book in a series. Had I read reviews for #1 and 2 I would have known not to request this. It wasn't a bad book, I thought the main protagonists were OK and that the writing was decent. These two things were just not enough to keep me reading. Especially as I didn't care for the very generic "mafia forced marriage romance" vibe the story gave, not when my mind and heart were set on an edgy retelling of the Greek god legends.

Wow. This was my absolute favorite of the dark Olympus series so far, and my new favorite Katee Robert book. I am such a Sucker for Achilles and Patroclus- and of course Helen. When I heard wicked beauty was their story I was ecstatic. I love how badass she makes Helen, how sweet and smart she made Patroclus, and Achilles was everything I expected him to be. I loved their relationship dynamic, the storyline and it was everything I needed- fun, spicy, action packed and drama. I can't wait for Radiant Sin, and to dive back into the world of Olympus