I liked this book way more than I thought I would and it’s a new favorite.
From being on bookish social media I realized people either really like or really dislike the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert but I’m one of the people that really like it. I learned that you can’t come to these stories expecting a very spot on Greek myth retelling, what you get is characters with the same name and stories loosely based on the myths. I don’t mind this since I know almost nothing about the Greek myths that the stories are inspired by but if you do this could be something that prevents you from enjoying the book as much.
I was a little disappointed when I read the sinopsis and saw that Helen instead of Briseis was involved but I thought that Helen fit right in with Achilles and Patroclus and was perfect for the story and connected this book with the previous ones and, I assume, the next ones.
The book had a perfect balance of character and relationship development and action with the 3 challenges to become the next Ares. There was a point while reading that I thought that I knew what would happen in the end of the book based on my knowledge of the Trojan War but I was wrong and loved the ending that Katee gave the characters even more.

I saw the cover and that it was from Katie Robert and I was in. I should have read the blurb. Robert, as always, gives us an interesting story but I wasn't a huge fan of the spin on the legends of the Greek gods. Normally, it's actually one of my favorite tropes but I thinking I'm a little too old and grew up in a different time from the reader who would likely love Robert's take on the ancients. The viewpoint was definitely of a young person in today's society.

That aside, I did like the characters and was invested in their story. Helen is complex. She's tough but tender. As is Patroclus. Even Achilles, the consummate leader and warrior, has far more caring in him than one would think. They're all so good with each other and they make sense together for what each brings to the relationship. Even some of the characters you want to dislike, like Zeus, are better people than you expect.

The story had a lot of excitement on top of the love story which is always a plus for me. Robert built a great world and let us enjoy the people and their trials (literally!).

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.

WICKED BEAUTY
Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pub Date: 7 June 2022

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
- 3 POVs👀
- Good plot with smut
- lots of action filled goodness

I’m halfway through this Wicked Beauty right now and just absolutely devouring it! This is a loose retelling of Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus… and Katee Robert DELIVERED with the spice. The trio is competing to become the new Ares when Helen’s brother offers her up as a marriage prize to the winner. But it’s hard to stay away from each other and soon things get a bit more complicated👀 I absolutely adore the plot and characters in this book. It’s fast paced, powerful, and has a very diverse range of characters. Katee Robert always focuses on consent which I LOVE about her writing.

Katee Robert always knows how to weave intricate plot points while not sacrificing any of the romance. The fous on consent is fantastic and it is a comfortable read for those who are new to darker romance. The only thing is that it’s a very loose retelling. Like VERY loose so go into this book knowing that! Also, there is a bit of instant love in this, which isn't personally my preference.

It is a universal truth that whenever there is a new Katee Robert released, chances are I will be settling in to read it in one sitting — and while that didn't quite happen with this one for life reasons, I STILL devoured it within two days of picking it up. I know the worldbuilding may not be everyone else's cup of tea, but I'm super into the contemporary-fantasy blend, especially as it pertains to the political machinations of the Thirteen — and the lurking thread of Minos, as well as the potential inevitability of war, is something to look forward to in the background! The competition aspect of this story also proved a nice change-up from the normal Olympus format, and I really enjoyed the Helen/Achilles/Patroclus dynamic overall, even though I sort of predicted the outcome of the games. Would've been nice to have an epilogue or a final chapter leaving them with more of a definite resolution, but the pacing of the book kept me engaged throughout, which is really the bulk of what I want in a good piece of fiction in general, not just a romance!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am happy to give my honest opinion.

Helen is sister to the new Zeus and desperately wants to take control of her life. Ares has died and her plan is to earn that title and become one of the Thirteen on her own merits instead of being married off. The competition is physical and dangerous but she knows all the players and can play the social game. She just doesn't count on assassins and falling in love.

Achilles and Patroclus have long been in an open relationship. They are partners in life and in the bedroom. Their plan is to win Achilles the Ares title and assume their position in the Thirteen. Close quarters puts them in proximity of Helen and feelings start to emerge. They fight jealousy with each other and come out as a menage or throuple.

I won't spoil the end results of the competition but it puts strain on their relationship. The new Ars has their hands full and they all need to decide if the relationship was only in the heat of the moment or if their feelings are more.

This was a good book but it wasn't my favorite of the series. I do look forward to seeing what Katee Robert does next.

The god of war is dead. As is tradition, a competition must be held and the victor named the new Ares. Helen is determined to show her family she is more then a pretty face and is ready to upset anyone in Olympus to do it. Achilles has had his eyes on the title of Ares for years, and Patroclus will support his partner in every way possible. All three prepared, but you can't prepare for what you don't expect. This retelling of Achilles, Patroclus, and Helen aims to be a fresh and spicy take, but unfortunately misses the mark. It's fun to have chapters from all three POV's, but they come at the cost of repetition and lack of depth. The spice delivers and Robert is as inventive as ever. However, the connection to the characters doesn't match what was achieved in the previous books in this series.

Wicked Beauty is the 3rd in the series out this week! I have loved all the books in this series so far!
The competition to be the next Aries is on and to win Helen's hand. There are so many that want to be the next Aries so many new contenders.
Each trial of the tournament is exciting and dangerous. Also the opportunity to get some people out of the game.
Achilles and Patroclus have entered as well and though they are together they both are attracted to Helen. Then .... it starts to get steamy.
I just loved this next addition to the Dark Olympus series. I have a soft spot for Achilles and Patroclus and they lived up to their archetypes and they made for a very interesting poly relationship.
The competition and petty mind games were exhausting but that is the politics of ancient Greece. Everyone trying to knock eachother down to be on top.
I am very curious if the Minotaur will get his own book. Theseus and Paris are undeemable assholes and will need to earn major points for a book.

Thank you sourcebookscasa for the e-Arc for my honest and voluntary review.

The dark Olympus books are quite an intricate web of relationships and politics. This book doesn't disappoint and may in fact be my favorite thus far.
Helen is an amazingly strong woman, which we definitely saw a peek of in Electric Idol but it is so good to have her story come next.
As a strong woman, she would need strong people around her and I think that is what this author delivers, beyond plenty of steam and spice and of course LGBT+ inclusive characters.
Beyond just the relationships story, this book really brings more of a strong and overarching story of what is happening with Olympus as a whole and challenges to overcome yet.
Can't wait until we can get even more.

I *loved* Wicked Beauty! I've really been looking forward to it since I first heard about it from the author, and was ecstatic to get approved for an ARC on Edelweiss. When I was approved I was in the middle of a reading slump (and promptly went back into it after I finished) but I read the book in maybe a day. Which would have been less if I hadn't had to go to class. Also, it is really weird reading sex scenes in the hallway while waiting for class to start. I love this series, and appreciate the set-up being done for later books.

If you love Katee Robert bonkers, Wicked Beauty fits right in! It is a romance between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus in an imagined modern city of Olympus. Between the characters, we have enemies to lovers (Achilles and Helen), childhood friends meet again to loves (Helen and Patroclus), and long-term romance (Achilles and Patroclus). The relationship dynamics play well off each other and enhance the book.

Wicked Beauty also has a solid plot, featuring a competition to become the new Ares in Olympus. There are a series of surprises in the competition and Katee really keeps you guessing about who will win, or even who you're routing for. I really like how each book expands the world of Olympus and introduces us to more characters. I would have loved a check in with Hades and Persephone, but it doesn't work with the constraints of the book (and also the characters don't know each other). I look forward to seeing more of these characters in the future. I expect to see at least Helen again, as her siblings will be playing main character roles in upcoming books.

I did not think that I would be able to love a Dark Olympus book more than I loved Electric Idol but Katee Robert totally outdid herself with Wicked Beauty!

This book featured more action (as in adventure) which was an unexpected change of pace from the previous books in the Dark Olympus series that I did not know I wanted / needed. The chemistry between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus was insane and I was LIVING for every moment of it. Seeing how the three complimented each other’s strengths and weaknesses so well was a highlight of the story for me. It was also great to finally start to see the overarching plot come together for the series and meet so many new (and hopefully important to the future) characters.

Spice wise I would rank this book 3/5 and classify it as a medium burn.

I absolutely loved the book and I think the series just keeps getting better and better – don’t miss out on this one!

“There’s truly nothing as satisfying as a dramatic exit.”
Katee Robert has a brand of storytelling that hits all the right notes for me. The Dark Olympus series is a refreshingly modern and inclusive retelling of Greek Mythology. Wicked Beauty is the third installment which thrusts Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus together as they compete for the coveted title of Ares of The Thirteen.

If you’re looking for an easy comparison, think of this competition like the Hunger Games crossed with American Ninja Warrior and just a sprinkle of the Triwizard Tournament. While Wicked Beauty can easily be read as a standalone, I think readers will have a better understanding for the references to the political climate of Olympus if Neon Gods and Electric Idol have also been read. With that said, Wicked Beauty starts off with Helen’s brother, Perseus —who is the newly appointed Zeus, announcing that the new Ares will also be able to claim his sister Helen’s hand in marriage.

“When life is just a series of bad scenarios, you learn to take your pleasure and joy where you can.”
Our heroine, Helen, has no plans to just be arm candy. She doubles down and decides to enter the competition. This not only defies her brother’s direct orders but also paints a target squarely on her back and while Helen is fully capable of taking care of herself in any situation— her competitors are blood thirsty. Her ex, Paris, is determined to get Helen back under his control and he’s willing to fight dirty to become the next Ares in order to do so.

The dynamic and relationship of Achilles and Patroclus is where Katee Robert excels. Achilles is the epitome of a well-honed war time general. His strategy, training, and commanding presence is second to none which means he’s a shoe in for the title of Ares. His counterpart and best friend, Patroclus, is the genius gentle giant. Think Professor Hulk but less green and without the rage issue. When it becomes apparent that Patroclus and Helen knew each other in childhood, Achilles begins to see the possibility on the horizon. Whereas Patroclus is wondering where he might end up when Achilles and Helen inevitably marry as he’s entirely confident that Achilles will be the next Ares.

“But this is Olympus. We’re all monsters here.”
Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus have a slow evolution from competitors to friends to lovers. Helen’s safety is threatened one too many times for Achilles and Patroclus’ liking therefore creating a situation where they become her de facto bodyguards in a place with just one bed. You can imagine just how delightfully wicked their feelings turn when their emotions get tangled, the looming title of Ares within grasp, and their mutual growing sexual attraction get thrown together. Their polyamorous relationship is respectful and I couldn’t get enough of how well the three of them complement each other. Their strengths and weaknesses all balance out. Their relationship is a case of follow your heart first and hope your head catches up.

I didn’t anticipate Wicked Beauty ending the way that it did, but I enjoyed every moment of the ride to the finish. Katee Robert’s vision for the Dark Olympus series is inclusive, progressive, modern, and completely addictive. I guarantee that if you have loved the first two books of this series then I don’t need to sell you on this one either. Out next week, Wicked Beauty is the perfect spicy beach read to start your summer off with a bang.

Wicked Beauty is... wickedly delightful. I was thoroughly captivated by our three main characters: Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles. Each of them were so interesting to read and follow, as we got to see them each with their own POV chapters. I LOVED the tension and sexiness in this book. Patroclus and Achilles are so swoon-worthy. I highly recommend this if you've enjoyed Katee's other Dark Olympus books. I would say Katee reaches new heights with Wicked Beauty, because it is so different and so powerful.

Katee Robert proves once again she is the queen of both spices and well-written polyamorous romances. The concept of the book had me hooked before I even began reading it. I am a sucker for Achilles and Patroclus and I enjoyed the bit of Helen we got to see in the previous book in this series. The competition for the new Ares felt very Hunger Games-like and gave a bit of excitement to the plot outside of the main relationship. I also think she did a good job of balancing all three perspectives to make our three main characters feel dynamic, well-rounded, and shown as equals within this relationship. There were parts in which my interest waned but it was overall a really ambitious and well-done installment in the Dark Olympus series.

This is hands down right on the same level as Neon Gods for me, undeniably one of my favorite Katee Robert books to date!!!

Patroclus has my whole heart, there is nothing I wouldn't do for that man.

Achilles is the type of MMC we expect to see but he has this depth to him that really comes out later in the book and Patroclus really brings out the very best of him.

Helen. Oh Helen, where do I even begin?

You think you know Helen but you don't. Nothing is as it seems and quite frankly this FMC has such a fierceness to her that rivals Achilles and while they both are stubborn to a fault Patroclus is there to remind them they are both being idiotic without saying it LOL!

I loved this installment in the Dark Olympus series! This one may be my favorite so far. This was an MMF romance full of spice. It was complicated and messy and real. Their ambitions should have kept them at odds but all three were inexorably drawn to one another regardless. I will absolutely be picking up Wicked Beauty for my bookshelf.

Oh my gosh this book was spicy! I wasn't prepared for how spicy. But I loved it. Helen is wow, and Achilles and Patroclus just so good. I loved the story too. The competition for Ares and the impending threat. I love Roberts take on the whole mythology.

The third book in the Dark Olympus series and it is safe to say that these books are much more inspired by the Greek myths than retellings which is totally fine but definitely something to keep in mind when picking it up, especially if you are someone who is wanting a book closer to the myths.

Wicked Beauty follows Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus as they compete to become the next Ares of Olympus. I absolutely loved what the trials in this book brought to the story and how it really opened up the world that Katee Robert has created. I also really enjoyed that we are starting to get a lot more into the politics of Olympus and learning how the city fits in with the rest of the world.

I did love Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus' relationship and dynamic. The three of them have very distinct personalities and they balance each other out so perfectly that it is easy to see why they are all drawn to each other. However, I was honestly surprised with how tame this book was. There were maybe four steamy scenes, which is not a bad thing, but definitely deviated from my expectations going into the book. I really just wanted more. More romance, more of them figuring out their new dynamic as they add Helen as a third, more sexy scenes.

Overall the book is a fast and easy read with some very sweet and some very steamy moments. I cannot wait to explore more of the world and politics of Olympus as the series continues.

Katee did it again with the 3rd installment in the Dark Olympus series! I loved the 3 POVs and seeing inside all of their heads as the relationship developed. And the action in this one really added to the story. Can't wait to hear more about Achilles, Helen and Patroclus in the future!

Disclaimer: I work for a bookstore, all thoughts and opinions are my own and not affiliated with the store or company.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.

This is the third book from Katee Robert that I have read and as per usual I had a great time reading this one.

I did have to trust the process at first because I could not possibly see how Achilles and Helen could ever create a healthy dynamic but as we were meant to discover, the more you read the more you started to understand the dynamic between our three main characters. I think the growth of the characters and watching their personalities unfold was my favourite part. Achilles and Patroclus together were lovely to read as their personalities melded really well together. Achilles was at times frustrating however he did grow on me as we progressed through.

The plot definitely took me by surprise but, I am not mad about it. While the trails did feel slightly unrealistic I didn’t care as I enjoy seeing where this city takes the characters with this odd contemporary dystopian fantasy feel? I don’t know if I can truly describe it but I do enjoy wherever it is going.

My only quarrel with the story would be its ending. Although I feel that this is one of the only endings that would have worked out for the characters, it still felt a tad bit rushed. The period in the end had a very fast turnaround period and I am not sure if I really connected with the emotions that the characters had. I am happy though that we did get a story that wasn't surrounded by tragedy and was instead about the love and bond they share.

Overall, I enjoyed this read! Neon Gods still has my heart however this one is a close runner up. I do recommend this book, but I do recommend reading this series in order as each one builds off of the last one. Thank you again to Katee for producing such a fun and interesting world filled with queer characters, love, and excitement.

Katee Robert never fails! There's not another white author out there writing so diversely and inclusively and I will forever support her for it. Wicked Beauty was another great addition to the Dark Olympus series and these books just keep getting better and better. These are very very loose retellings of greek mythology, which isn't a problem for me but I do want to make sure people are aware. The world building and drama are on par and made this a great book!

Thank you #Netgalley for an early read of #WickedBeauty