I enjoyed this SO MUCH and I need to read everything Katee Roberts now.

This book had a bit of everything, political intrigue, gladiator trials, complicated characters, interesting relationships and a spicy throuple. It’s told from the different povs of Helen, Achilles and Patroclus and their chapters really complemented each other beautifully.

…confession time. I hadn’t read the two first books in the series when I started Wicked beauty. However, I devoured the two books immediately after. Did this effect my reading experience? No I don’t think so, I think wicked beauty worked as a standalone, but I will say that I really enjoyed the small bits of story that followed through all three books. So I would recommend to read them all in order.

To start I really enjoyed reading this book! I do think reading the other books would have given me better insight into how this world works though, I still got the gist of it, but it did feel like there was a back story building that connects the books. If I could do it over I’d start with the first book. So I recommend the reading them in order.

I really liked how Achilles, Patroclus and Helen came together. The tension and hostility was amazing. It definitely kept me engaged with the action elements and the steamy parts and boy were they steamy 🥵

I do feel like it ended too quickly though. I would’ve liked a little more once everything was tied up.

Overall really entertaining and enjoyable! Keen to read the first 2 and see what I missed!

I wanted to love this so much, and there were parts that I did love, but ultimately it wasn't my favorite. 3.5 Stars.

Helen Kasios is stuck, and she's BIG MAD about it. Her brother is now Zeus, after their father's death in book 1. Another member of the Thirteen, Ares, has also died, and there's a tournament to choose the next Ares. But, her brother has sweetened the pot for the winner: Helen will be the new Ares' wife, regardless of who the winner is. This puts a huge wrench in Helen's plans, because she was going to compete to be the new Ares herself. She decides she's still going to compete anyway, but she has no idea all the ways it will change her life.

Achilles has fought his way through life, getting closer and closer to his goal of becoming the next Ares. By his side has been his best friend and long-time partner, Patroclus. They've been in an open relationship for more than a decade, since they were teenagers. Patroclus has always supported Achilles' ambitions and helped him however he could. They've decided to both enter the tournament, to increase the chances of Achilles winning. But, they aren't counting on how both their feelings start to take a turn toward Helen.

The physical chemistry between the 3 leads was strong, but the emotions took quite a bit longer. It was hard for me to get on board with the emotional connection of these 3, because it felt uneven at times. Achilles and Patroclus had been together so long, and loved each other, and really KNEW each other deeply. Helen coming into that dynamic, to be an eventual equal, was difficult for me to buy at first. Also, I have to say that cheating is a hard limit for me, personally, in romance. I hate it. It's made clear on page that when Achilles and Helen are first together, it is NOT CHEATING, because he and Patroclus are in an open relationship, and have often been with others without issue. BUT, for me, the specific situation in which it occurs, and how it happens after they've both agreed to steer clear of her, AND how all 3 feel some type of way about it afterward, added up to make it feel way too much like cheating, in my opinion. I did NOT love that. It soured the experience a bit for me from the beginning, and took quite a while for me to get into their throuple connection as time went on. By the end, I did believe in them and their connection, and I was pulling for them to make it all work, but it took me longer than I wanted to get there.

What I did love about the story was the Hunger Games-type feel of the tournament, and how that affected the dynamic between the characters throughout. I also, as always, was intrigued by the Thirteen and all their political shenanigans. The fantastical elements in this series make it so fun, and different from your typical contemporary romance story. I'm VERY MUCH looking forward to a story for Perseus and Callisto (aka the new Zeus and Hera), even though I know it is still several books away.

So, overall, this was a split story for me. I loved the plot, and the characters individually, but the romance took longer for me to run with, due to my feeling that the three weren't really equal partners. That's how I landed on 3.5 Stars for my rating. I still highly recommend this series as a whole, and I'm sure that many other people would not have the same issues with it that I did.

I have been in love with the Dark Olympus series since Neon Gods hit shelves last year. While the first installment of this series will always hold a special place in my heart, Wicked Beauty was a strong contender in finding a spot at the top of the pyramid.

As my shelf talker at Barnes and Noble says, this book is “like The Hunger Games but with less murder, more spice, and Katniss doesn’t have to choose between Peeta and Gale.” When the role of Ares opens up, Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles are among a strong group of volunteers who will compete in a series of trials that will crown the new titleholder and lead Olympus’s army. So what if these three also dabble between the sheets in between trials? It’s not like it can last when it’s all over. . .

I loved this romance and how it continued to build upon the world of Olympus. It feels like each book unravels just a tiny bit more of the complex web that comprises the city and its elite and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! A spicy twist on the original myths and an overall fun time, this can be read in series order or you can jump right in and catch up later.

Other things I really enjoyed about Wicked Beauty: the older characters (30s) meant fewer “teenager” problems (perfect for those looking to branch out of YA), a 30-page *woo-hoo* scene (yes, you read that right), open communication within the relationship (love, love, LOVE strong communication skills in characters), and a badass female lead.

A few things I didn’t like: sometimes their will they-won’t they arguments went around in circles and the ending came up a bit quick. I just wanted a smidge more!

Overall, this was a fabulous read to kick off June and get my summer of romance reading started. Do not walk but run to the bookstore to get your copy today.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for sharing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have no idea how it's possible but each Dark Olympus book keeps getting hotter?????? Katee Robert simply doesn't miss! I loved the previous two books in this series, but lemme tell ya, Wicked Beauty does not disappoint. This follows Achilles, Patroclus, and Helen as all 3 of them enter a competition to become one of The Thirteen. As they prepare for the competition, things starts to heat up between all 3 of them...at the same time... several times. *heavy breathing* I really shouldn't have been listening to some of these scenes at work.

Katee Robert continues to expand the world of Olympus in Wicked Beauty. The politics become more nuanced and character motivations start to become more apparent. I loved the competition aspect of this but I couldn't ignore the fact I was anxiously waiting for the next spicy scene to happen. The chemistry between Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles was unmatched and unspeakably hot. If you loved Neon Gods and Electric Idol, there's no reason why you wouldn't love Wicked Beauty.

3.5⭐️ | WICKED BEAUTY is the third novel in Katee Robert’s DARK OLYMPUS series, and the first in this series to follow a polyamorus relationship. I was happy to be back in this world, but I’m beginning to think that these books and world building may not hold up as standalones.

I had a great time reading this installment for the most part. The tournament setting was a lot of fun. I enjoyed Helen and Patroclus as narrators, but Achilles kept me from loving the story overall. While I understand that his characterization was supposed to be a nod to the legend of Achilles and his hubris, I never found him sympathetic the way I was hoping to.

That said, I thought this “throuple” otherwise had a good balance, and had a blast following their (often sexy) shenanigans. I look forward to continuing on with this series!

OMGGGGGG I loved this book!! This one definitely the best one in the series so far! I loved the characters and the plot was so good. Loved that there was action as well as smut! Loved to see the different trials the characters went through to see who would become the next Ares. If you're looking for a smutty action packed book, this is the book for you! I read this book in 2 days and I can't wait to see how this series unravels in the next book. I gave this book a 4.5/5 stars highly recommend!!!

This had the makings of a good Katee Roberts. We had smut in the form of a threesome. The smut itself reminded me of some of her earlier works. However; this could have easily been a short story novella.

Where was the plot?! A ton of Olympus and non Olympus characters compare in a tournament to be the next Ares. But that plot point went to the wayside. I think Roberts tried to do too much <or too little> in the pages.

The way this series has me by the throat -I am in love with it. Wicked Beauty is the third installment in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert, who is truly a romance queen. You want messy emotions, intense connection, and blazing hot sex scenes? Katee Robert delivers it all, especially here.

The story follows Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus as they all compete in the tournament that will determine the next Ares, cementing their power and place amongst the elite Thirteen that rule Olympus. Achilles and Patroclus are an established couple in this story and Patroclus has only entered to help Achilles on his way to greatness. I love the way Katee built their relationship, the way that they love each other so completely but are both so sure the other will eventually leave. And neither of them expect to be bowled over by Helen, the most beautiful woman in Olympus and sister of Zeus. Helen has her own reasons for entering the tournament, but if she doesn't win, her brother has offered her up as the wife of the future Ares. If this doesn't make sense here, don't worry about it, the book explains it pretty well. The important thing is that the chemistry between these three is incredible. One of my favorite things in a romance novel is when the falling in love feels inevitable, like there is nothing that anyone can do to stop it. I eat that up every time.

I will say, this book is more plot heavy than the first two in the series. There's also some setup for what we can expect as plot/conflict in the coming books, which I like to see. It's nice to know an author has a plan. But that doesn't take away from the relationships between the characters as they fall into bed and into love with each other. I loved all three of these main characters, especially Helen, who (not to be dramatic) I would die for.

If you loved the first two books, I don't think you'll be disappointed in this one. I highlighted a ton while reading and their HEA felt so perfect.

As this is my favorite Katee Robert series ever, I will devour every single one of these books as they are released. This book was not my favorite in the series, as when I got to the end I found myself wishing we had spent more time with *redacted* after they won Ares. I really wanted to see them in the role and interacting with the Thirteen! I was also missing the greater Olympus world/hijinks (more Hermes in all future books, please!). The parts I did love: Helen - pretty much from the moment she decided to go against Zeus to join the trials, rather than sit idly by and be the prize. I also enjoyed the relationship between Helen/Achilles/Patroclus, and following them in the midst of a series of trials that should NOT bring them together, yet somehow does. And as always, the spice is top tier.

3.5 Stars!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for sending this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! Wicked Beauty will be published on June 7, 2022.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the advance copy of this book!

If you've read a Katee Robert book, especially one of the previous Dark Olympus books, then I'm here to tell you this is more, but also MORE. And if you loved Neon Gods and Electric Idol, you'll love Wicked Beauty. It's a fun, spicy take on the stories of Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus.

I love Robert's writing and her ability to world build in a way that provides the reader with easter eggs if you know the mythological and classical stories, but allows readers to enjoy the story without that background. The central triad gets together in a way that feels a bit rushed at times but also makes sense given the character's past relationships. I also loved the introduction of a Hunger Games type competition, allowing the characters to "war" for a goal in a manner that feels true to the original stories.

Overall, loved this and can't wait for the next one!

Katee Robert continues her Dark Olympus series with a Helen of Troy retelling featuring Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. Helen is set to be a prize for a competition that will crown the next Ares, but she refuses to continue to be a pawn in Olympus and enters into the tournament herself! Achilles has always had one goal and that is to become Ares. With Patroclus watching his back, the odds are in his favor.

This book felt like a mashup of The Hunger Games (less death) + the movie Troy (who wasn’t lusting over Brad Pitt as Achilles in 2004) + a very specific scene in Tiffany Reisz’s The Rose. I have to say, my favorite parts of the book had to be the tournament scenes, because what I want to read right now is a character like Helen. She is strong, fierce, tenacious, and a total badass that everyone underestimates. (How can she be more than a pretty face?)

The romance fell a little short for me personally. I will admit, this is my first time (I think) reading a menage romance. For the first 40ish% of the book, it felt like a love triangle in which people were getting hurt. This could be due to my having very specific loyaltys to characters as I was reading, but it was hard for me to feel there would be resolution. Luckily, we’re reading romance here, so the happily ever after is guaranteed!

This book is a hot, quick read and is the retelling that Helen of Troy deserves! I would highly recommend this to anyone who has a love for Greek mythology and obviously anyone who has started the Dark Olympus series.

I requested this eArc not realising that Wicked Beauty was the third in Roberts’ Dark Olympus series so of course I had to immediately go out and buy the first two as well!

I raced through all three books in one weekend and am now thoroughly invested in the world of Olympus which has been skilfully adapted into an urban fantasy environment with social media and skyscrapers galore.

Wicked Beauty follows Helen, Achillies and Patroclus as they compete as champions to become the next Ares- one of the 13 rulers of Olympus. For Helen the stakes are high as her brother, Zeus has promised her hand in marriage to the victor but she is tired of being a pawn in other peoples games and wants to take control of her own destiny.

I found Katee Roberts writing engaging and enjoyed the multiple points of view throughout the story. There was a good balance of smut and plot from the start. The book deals well with some challenging themes and the representation through the whole series is top notch and doesn’t feel forced like it can do in some fiction. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world.

I LOVEEED it!

Author Katee Robert delivers another outstanding, shocking, why do I love the craziness characters that will never be forgotten!
Sexy, super hot, and has me wanting my own Greek Myths gods for my own.
Great storyline and the M/M action was hot off the pages sexy.
Loving this standalone book but I highly recommend reading all of the books in this series! They are just that good!

Katee Robert is my queen. This series is amazing and I love the take on Greek myth that she did.

I love that that these books are all about bad ads women taken the men and not the other way around. Helen of Troy is such an amazing mythos figure and I love that she is the centre of this book. Also Achilles and Patroclus are just so swoony!!

I'm devastated to say that this is the very first of Katee Robert's books that just did not work for me. The first two books in the Dark Olympus series were easily 5 stars but this installment fell short. Both the plot and the relationship felt rushed and like a lot of telling not showing. I think Robert relied too heavily on the world building from the previous books and since this is the first book in the series where she said she really veered away from traditional Greek lore, she probably needed more world building to fill in the gaps she made with her creative choices.

The most disappointing part though was the relationship between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. Achilles and Patroclus are portrayed as long time lovers in a healthy, open relationship. But successful open relationships still require respect, trust, and communication and Helen walks in and that goes right out the door. And instead of working through the hurt that Achilles caused, Patroclus just does the exact same thing. And instead of working through that, they all just start having sex and that makes it all better.

Katee Robert writes my favorite triad and poly relationships so I am well aware of what she is capable of, but this just isn't it. The magical tournament was neat, but even that needed more. I'm still very much planning to keep reading this series and I'm hoping the next book can bring back the magic of the first and second.

Katee has done it again. I could not put this book down. The never ending drama of Olympus continues in Wicked Beauty, and the trials for the new Ares are no exception to the drama. I didn't think anyone could compare to my love of Hades and Persephone in Neon Gods, but wow did Helen, Achilles and Patroclus work to unseat the duo. The characters deliver, the drama delivers, and as always with Katee's books, the spice delivers.

Final Score - 4.5 Stars!!!

Once again - I'm out of sync with a series. However, I don't feel as if I need to go back to read the first 2 books of this series. This was is a complete standalone. Oh how I love Greek Myths and this book has put quite a spin to them and taken liberties! I adore this retelling of Helen's story ( bye bye Paris! ). In Wicked Beauty, Helen is royalty, a princess if you would like to call her. Badass? Smart? Let yourself be amazed by Helen's whit and character - I know I was! Just don't call her a prize because this kickass female is NO Man's prize.

OMG - it's been an age since I've read such hotness M/M action. Lord, I was in flames. Achilles and Patroclus are gorgeous, sweet, and I'll just say it - DROP DEAD SEXY! I was swooning on every page they inhabited. While I loved these three characters - the build up the end of the book was a bit lacking. I wanted more of a build up to their poly relationship, as I was left scratching my head as to how they suddenly fit together and met each other's needs. That needs a further exploration as far as I'm concerned. It just felt off and thrown together.

Katee Robert is a wickedly talented artist who continues to weave perfection with her masterful storytelling! This series continues to get better and better! I am in awe.

Here’s what I loved:
Amazing cast of characters
Strong tenacious heroine
The characters dynamics between these lovers
The writing and plot
I’m a huge fan of Kate’s writing because of the precision and care in which she creates a diverse cast of characters.
It’s steamy sexy fun!


Overall, this is huge win! I swore this series couldn’t get better than Electric Idol(yes I loved it that much), welp I am happy to report I was wrong. Wicked Beauty bested that challenge. If you haven’t yet, start reading this series today. You can thank me later.

Tides are shifting in Olympus with a new Zeus, Hera, and Aphrodite another opening in the thirteen is bound to bring a little chaos. When the competition to become the next Ares is announced no one is surprised until Zeus announces the new Ares will also win his sister, Helen Kasiis, as part of the prize. Achilles Kalisz and his partner Patroclus Fotos know that Achilles will be the next Ares until Helen decides to enter the competition and be her own champion.

I absolutely LOVED Helen. She is an agent of chaos who is not content to sit back and be a pawn in Olympus any longer. She’s tough, smart, and determined. Achilles is this gruff, cocky, charming hunk that you can’t help but cheer for even when he’s being antagonistic towards Helen. Patroclus is the most perfect anxious, overthinking, thoughtful angel. The three of them together is an epic team.

I cannot wait to see what else this series holds!