I was worried I wouldn’t like this book because I’ve never read a Greek retelling before but I actually loved this! It was easy to follow despite not being familiar with Greek mythology. This was my first Katee Robert book and I was impressed! I’ll definitely be reading more of her books.

I loved Helen as a heroine in this book! She was so strong despite the awful treatment by her family and ex-boyfriend. I was so frustrated with them! Achilles and Patroclus were the perfect male combo! Patroclus had the soft side to combat Achilles harder personality and did I mention they are both total hotties?! These 3 have the perfect balance and I really loved this throuple. The spice in this book was also just chefs kiss!

My only complaint is that I feel like it ended quite abruptly but I definitely recommend this to others

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Katee Robert for this eARC!

This is the third book in the Dark Olympus series, featuring Helen Kasio, Achilles, and Patroclus. A new Aries must be named and the Thirteen have put together a set of trials to find the top candidate. Much to Helen’s surprise, her brother, the new Zeus, has included Helen as a prize in the competition. She will become the bride of the next Aries. Wanting to have a say in her own fate, Helen enters the competition to be Aries. Also in the competition are Achilles and Patroclus, who are also in a committed, but open relationship. And yes, along the way they find themselves becoming more attracted to Helen and the beginnings of a deeper relationship with her. Much like the first two books in this series, this book is super hot. And I am always prone to giving a story to a person who is fighting for their own hand in marriage high marks. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, this book was so much fun to read!

I didn't think that Katee could top anything else she has written but I was wrong. Helen's story is amazing!

Helen Kasios is the daughter of the former Zeus and sister to the current Zeus. To most, she is just a prize to be won. But she is more than just a pretty face. Ares has died and the title is up for grabs. All the next Ares has to do is win 3 parts of the competition that will prove they deserve to be the next Ares. Helen has a plan to enter the competition to prove she is stronger than she seems. Achilles Kallis and Patroclus Fotos are partners, in more ways than one. They both enter the competition with the intent of Achilles winning and taking the title of Ares for himself. Neither of them counted on Helen walking in and taking over the competition and so much more.

Katee has created a world so deep, twisted, and intense that you can't help but be sucked and begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!

Another phenomenal Dark Olympus book! If I didn’t have a bias towards Hades & Persephone as characters I’d say Wicked Beauty is my favourite in the series, but at the very least it’s definitely tied with Neon Gods for top favourite so far. I love the plot of the book and love the characters even more. Helen entering the competition to become the next Ares even though she’s supposed to be part of the prize for the winner is honestly such a power move. Helen does not want to be just the wife of a god and she truly put everything into proving her worth.

I loved the power dynamic between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. Helen and Achilles are both so strong, dominant, stubborn, determined and ambitious that even though they clash over some things they make a great duo. Patroclus is the more levelheaded and calm of the three and he fits in so well, calming the others out a bit and being the voice of reason more often than not. Not to mention the smut is 100% more steamy than the other two books in the series. The three of them are such a fierce trio in general, but you can really see the power dynamics come out to play when they’re all in bed together. Also…. the first scene just between Helen and Achilles, the hate-sex is such a way to start what becomes their relationship. And I loved seeing the polyamory aspect, it was nice to have that talked about especially at the beginning.

Katee definitely had me on the edge of my seat the whole time since I couldn’t seem to figure out who was going to win the competition. I had hopes but was definitely skeptical of what the outcome would be at times. In the end I will say I thought the outcome was perfect and I couldn’t have been happier with it. I’m glad the suspense paid off in such a great way. And without saying anything to spoil the end, I’ll just say I’m so curious to see what happens in the rest of the series because what was talked about towards the end is definitely going to show up throughout the next few books.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc!

Holy 3 way scenes. This was so hot. This was kind of a slow-ish burn between the 3 of them but Achilles and Patroclus were getting it IN before Helen comes into the mix.

The new Zeus (Helen's brother) decides that SHE is going to be the prize to whoever wins the new Ares title. Helen (with the "gentle pushing" from a little troublemaker) decides "no thanks I'm going to win my own freedom". So this was a little enemies to lovers because Helen is competing AGAINST Achilles and Patroclus (Patroclus is just along for the ride, its Achilles with the ambition). Achilles genuinely believes Helen is wasting her time. They agree to stay away but of course, that goes by the wayside pretty quick.

My only gripe is that I feel like the ending was too abrupt, but there's an bonus scene you can sign up for so I guess that's okay.

Check out my more detailed thoughts below…
Characters: I love all these characters so so so much! First, in our triad we have Helen, she has been in the Dark Olympus series for quite a while but only as a side character. She is from a very prominent family, with her father being the former Zeus, her brother Perseus being the current Zeus, her sister Eris the current Aphrodite and her brother Hercules (who is the Hercules in the Wicked Villains series.) Growing up Helen had little autonomy over her life and now she has the chance to fight for her own agency and an equal place next to the rest of the thirteen who rule over Olympus. She has a bit of a party girl, spoiled princess reputation but as you read you understand that Helen is much more than meets the eye. She is guarded with everyone and as she opens up you learn how brave, politically savvy and gutsy she is. I did not think it was possible to love a female character more than Persephone in this world, but Helen may be forcing me to change my mind. Now for the men in Helen’s life, Achilles and Patroclus. Just like in the Greek Myth these characters are pulled from, Homer’s The Iliad, Achilles and Patroclus are best friends. These men could not be more different though. Achilles is the warrior, the orphan boy who worked his way up the ranks to Athena’s second-in-command. He wants to win the Ares title because he craves power and respect. While Patroclus joins the competition to back up Achilles. He is the wickedly smart, talented mind counterpart to Achilles’ brutal strength. I loved them both dearly for different reasons. Achilles drove me a bit crazy sometimes but I admired how good he was at reading people. Patroclus is my type of guy, nerdy and shy yet oh so charming. Side note: I love all the side characters so much! This instalment gives you time to check on how our previous couples are doing. I loved how Eros played a special role in this story. The competition brought in so many interesting side characters, maybe some future story ideas? And of course, we got to see some of the dynamics between the new Zeus and the new Hera. I cannot wait to get inside Callisto’s head in the future.
Setting: The world of the Dark Olympus series takes place in an alternative version of Olympus. This version is just as wrought with political turmoil as the Mount Olympus of Greek Mythology. This time the majority of the God tiles are positions that can be held. Ares is the contested title featured in this book, which is won by competition. I really liked this idea, as it played off Myth inspiration in an interesting way. It is canon that men vie for Helen’s hand in marriage, I love how in Katee’s version Helen fights for herself.
Pacing: I never wanted this book to end! I was hooked from start to finish and was really impressed by how compelling the plot was. Katee did a phenomenal job at pacing how this plot unfolded, both the speed at which our triad fell in love and the speed at which the various rounds of the competition unfolded.
Romance: Is it weird to say I knew I was going to love this romance before it even started. In Katee’s Wicked Villains series my favourites were the ménage romances. So I had high hopes for our first throuple in the Dark Olympus world, and they were just so perfect together. To get the most obvious over of course the sex scenes were scorchers and I loved each and every combination we got. The emotional elements were impeccable! Achilles and Patroclus have their own history together. They are lovers, without a label, in an open relationship. Due to the nature of having all three points of view, you understand quite quickly both men love each other and want something more, but something is missing. Enter Helen and she shakes these two up and shows them why the three of them need to be together. They all balance each other out so well and I loved how quickly they fell in with each other. The early chapters featured so many fun jealous moments that gave way to the three of them coming together in a spectacular fashion. These three spend most of the book terrified of what the future holds, and you the reader will not be able to help but cheer for them and their imagined future together.

DNF @ 27%, so no official rating, except where I'm forced to leave one.

Tag line: Zara Hampton-Brown’s narration was a highlight for me with Wicked Beauty.

Full review will be posted on FreshFiction.com.

WICKED BEAUTY is the third instalment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult DARK OLYMPUS erotic, romance series-a modern retelling about the gods of Olympus. This is Achilles Kallis, Patroclus Fotos, and Helen Kasios’ story line. WICKED BEAUTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE:WICKED BEAUTY is a reverse harem story line with M/F/M, MM and MF sexual situations.

Told from three first person perspectives (Achilles, Patroclus, Helen) WICKED BEAUTY follows the search for a new Ares. Modern day Olympus is run by the gods; Thirteen gods and a new replacement for Ares is to be decided by a competition ala the Hunger Games style, and our heroine, Helen Kasios is determined to win the coveted seat but all is not well in Olympus-the barrier between Olympus and the rest of the world is collapsing, and the in-fighting within the inner circle is threatening all peace or amicable solutions. Not only are Achilles and Patroclus declaring themselves contenders for the position of Ares but outside competition is about to upset the balance when Zeus declares Helen as the ultimate prize. Refusing to back down, Helen finds herself the target of an unknown assailant, and Achilles and Patroclus declare themselves guardian and protector. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Achilles, Patroclus and Helen, and the potential fall-out when sacrifices are made to save the life of one of our story line heroes.

Helen and Achilles have always had a love/hate relationship but throwing them together in competition for the position of Ares is about to pull the trio together to protect one of their own. Patroclus is in love with Achilles, and both men have fallen in love with our story line heroine. Achilles, with the help of Patroclus, is determined to become the next Ares but all three are in the direct line of fire as Olympus begins todo battle with itself.

The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus has already been established but a one-night stand between Achilles and Helen forces Patroclus to reconsider his own future with Achilles. Helen is a strong-willed, independent young woman who knows who and what she wants, and our heroine wants both Achilles and Patroclus by her side when she takes over as the next Ares. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and often troubling secondary and supporting characters including Zeus, Athena, and a large number of gods, as well as the introduction of Helen’s ex Paris, his brother Hector, the Minotaur, and Theseus- there is a war on the horizon for control of Olympus.

WICKED BEAUTY is a story of power and control, influence and administration, determination and competition, friendships, relationships, family and love. The action packed premise is captivating; the romance is passionate and sensual; the characters are determined and charismatic.


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This is by far my most favorite of the series so far! The competition was amazing and I loved these characters separately and together. They just clicked perfectly for me. This book is a must read!

Thank you to NetGalley, SB Casablanca, and Ms. Robert for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. An honest review was requested but not required.

I'm a big mythology retelling gal and I've been enjoying the Dark Olympus series thus far, so I was really excited for this. I have to be honest: I'm aware of the mythology of Helen, and I was a little nervous how this would play out. I also just finished Ms. Robert's Learn My Lesson (Villains) book just before this, which was actually PERFECT timing as I hadn't realized - I know, I know, I'm an idiot - that these worlds were connected. How ironic for both Hercules and his sister to end up in throuples. In Hercules' case, he was the connector between Meg and Hades' tumultuous couple, whereas Helen was an addition to Achilles' and Patroclus' much more harmonious pairing that worked out well. I felt sorry that Achilles and Patroclus had to experience so much division in their partnership before things worked out, but I guess the ends justify the means?

I also really felt for Helen: she was put in a really shitty no-win situation. I was definitely rooting for her. It made me wonder about the "real" Helen: what was her real situation? I'm sure that nothing we read or extrapolate from the Illiad is anywhere close to the truth. History is written by the victors, and none of the victors (either historically speaking or not) were all that concerned about telling the truth of womens' stories.

But I digress. What I REALLY wanted to say was, this was really good, I enjoyed it, NOW GIVE ME ZEUS. !!!!

Instead of sitting back and letting the events of this book happen to her, Helen takes her fate in her own hands by entering herself into the tournament to become the next Ares. Not only would she become one of the Thirteen, but she'd also gain the ability to choose her own partner. You are, of course, rooting for Helen, but the situation is made more complex by Achilles and Patroclus’ involvement. The former has wanted to become Ares since gods-know-when, and the latter wants nothing more than to see his boyfriend achieve this goal.

It’s easy to fall in love with Patroclus. He is soft and gentle where Achilles is the very definition of an asshole with a heart. These two are perfect as they are, but when Helen enters the picture, magic happens. What I found so interesting about this triad is that each person stayed true to themselves, complementing each other in a way you wouldn’t expect. All three are stronger as individuals and as a unit because they found her.

Despite there being jealousy and miscommunication and even some outright betrayal, these three worked through their problems in a myriad of ways. Mistakes are made, but never does one person become the bad guy. Never is there not light at the end of the tunnel. This is polyamory at its finest, and if all threesomes were like this one, I would certainly read more of them.

Like all Katee Robert books, this one is sexy, but I also found this one to be the most plot-heavy. And please believe me when I say that’s a compliment. I don’t always need plot to enjoy a book, but Wicked Beauty perfectly balances the spicy with the story. I was as interested in seeing the culmination of the tournament as I was seeing Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus fall in love. This series is consistently sexy and interesting, full of nuanced characters and bold political machinations. You’ll fall in love with every relationship and find yourself champing at the bit to find out what happens in Olympus next.

Katee Robert brings so much heat in Wicked Beauty I felt like I needed to hop in the pool afterwards. This book had a very spicy hunger games vibe that I ate up in one sitting. I found the poly-relationship in this book to be refreshing and complex and just really gave so much to the story. Similarly, watching Helen decide she was worth it.. really gives some perspective on shifting into one's power and I found this to be uplifting and empowering. The emotional depth of Achilles, Patroclus, and Helen could go for miles and just consumes you and your emotions. Fantastic read!

Wicked Beauty is the third book in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert. I enjoyed the first two books in the series. They were tempting and extremely hot! Wicked Beauty proves this series keeps exceeding your expectations. I look forward to reading more from the author.

I love Helen! She’s literally amazing, like one the outside people view her as a stuck up princess however, on the inside she’s just a girl who wants to be accepted for who and what she is. Her determination to become Ares is inspiring because no matter what people said she still stuck with it! Achilles and Patroclus!! I love them as well like their relationship has such a good dynamic. Like Patroclus is the brains and the logical side where as Achilles is the more shoot first ask questions later side. Also can I just say I love how we had a pov for Achilles, Patroclus and Helen like I loved being able to see all their thoughts and feelings on the situation and their relationship!!!

The plot was a fast paced romance packed with action and spice😉 I liked how the plot trapped you in from the third chapter onwards and just kept getting better right up until the very end. I also found the trials that Athena set to be very interesting and to see how the three of them got around them.

Overall this has to be my favourite book out of the three of them! I will say I was a bit hesitant reading this one after I didn’t enjoy Electric Idol so much but this one blew both Electric Idol and Neon Gods out of the water!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an action packed plot with three povs, logical thinking, shot first ask questions later and spice. Also can I just say it has the “shut up! Make me!” Trope in it?? If that’s not enough to make you read it I don’t know what is! 10/10 read! Please go read it, thank you!

I had heard about the books in this series before but this was the first one that I've read and now I'm definitely going back for the rest. This book had great story telling/ world building which made me love it. The competition to be named Ares (or any God) was a new concept to me as most books I read the Gods are predetermined. I thought Helen fit in with Achilles and Patroclus relationship really well. I really liked all three main characters. I'm curious about some of the others characters and what's next for this series!

In this third installment of the Neon Gods series, Katee Robert delivers another wild ride!

There’s some complex world building to start the story off. The politics of the Thirteen are intense!

Helen is the beautiful, unloved and underestimated pawn in her family. She’s also the prized bride for the next Ares, after a competition to win the designation, and she’s put herself in the running for the title herself. Her biggest competitors and protectors are Patroclus, her childhood friend and his lover, Achilles. Are you looking for high emotional stakes and fire extinguisher steamy? Look no further.

This book is full of drama, high heat levels and all the spicy goodness you expect from Katee Robert!

Thank you to Katee Robert for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Katee Robert continues the Dark Olympus in the only way she can: as hot as fucking possible!! Please let me get in a sandwich between our three heroes. Achilles and Patroclus, bless their little hearts, are two amazing characters that get to love each other in much more explicit ways than Song of Achilles. And Helen! Our hot goddess!! The three of them thrown into the trials to be Ares, a super fun Hunger Games-y trials that I love reading, made me sprint to the end of this books. I don't think I can stop reading these books and I'm super excited for book four.

TW: death of a parent (past, mentions), mentions of miscarriage, mentions of abusive relationship, bullying

Actual -4.25

Book 3 in the Dark Olympus series and I think it’s my favourite so far!! I loved the gang equally and I really enjoyed the plot. It felt different than the other two (not in a bad way), but I can’t put my finger on what.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks for this ARC; I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I am obsessed with the story of Helen, Achilles and Patroclus! I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. I had not read any of the stories previously. I felt the need to download the two books before this because it was so good! I couldn’t put any of the books down.

I now find myself downloading all of this author’s works because I can’t get enough. Can’t wait to see where this series will go next! (Why do we have to wait SO long!!!!)

Katee Roberts takes well-established classic characters and makes them her own with fantastical twists and what ifs in Wicked Beauty, book three in her Dark Olympus series!

This story was full of suspense, intrigue and a whole lot of steam! Demolishing the status quo Ms. Roberts took the license that dealing with mythical characters affords and gave her audience a story that commanded her reader’s attention with her out of the box interpretations and modernization. The action scenes were off the rails and will keep readers on the edge of their seats! With well thought out character development every interaction was as interesting as it was spicy. From the start Wicked Beauty was impossible to put down.

At no point in this work was there a question of what there was to love about Achilles, Patroclus and Helen. Each character brought something to the table that amplified as a group. Achilles and Patroclus were friends and lovers that walked a fine line that both were careful to keep in place even though they both felt something was missing. Helen proved to be the perfect catalyst for change and when the three succumbed to their instinctive connection there was no doubt that they had reached the place they were meant to be.

Threesomes are not easy relationships to write without losing sight of someone along the way but Ms. Roberts managed to give all the characters involved equal status. This relationship's evolution was spectacular to watch and felt genuine even in its most emotionally confused stages. Compromises were in fact wins and the complicated dynamics of Achilles, Patroclus and Helen was done well as they went through the process of figuring out their roles to move forward as an intimate committed trio. While each person in the trio grappled with whether they could work as a relationship there was never any ambiguity as to the attraction they felt for each other in any capacity keeping a nice tension throughout this work. This writer was able to adeptly make smart alignments of her characters based on their strengths and weaknesses for a perfect trifecta.

Katee Roberts always explores interesting aspects of her characters taking them from their own comfort zones and testing their boundaries. With lively dialog and some heart racing physical encounters this book did not let up. Seeing strengths in all their forms is a great ability to have and Ms. Roberts makes all her portrayals formidable in their own way. Wicked Beauty is a book not to be missed!