I loved the relationship between the characters! The push and pull of personalities made each person unique and a joy to read.

Another winner in the series! I loved all of the characters separately and together. Patroclus is a buff genius. Achilles is the golden god we all know who’s just so capable and cocky. Helen is not only a beauty, but fierce and wanting nothing more than to prove herself.
The scenes between them was so hot, I think my e-reader melted a little. I also loved the tournament to become Ares. Very Hunger Games like.
It didn’t end the always I thought it would, but was still a great ending but with some suspense hanging for another story.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

UGH! I LOVE KATEE ROBERT! She has quickly become an auto-buy author for me and someone whose books become highlights of the month when I get to read them. I really love the Dark Olympus series and I'm happy to say that Wicked Beauty will not disappoint.

Katee excels at writing queer characters that are confident and affirmed in their identities, everyone is out and no one has an issue with it. I find these kinds of queer stories are equally important as coming out stories.

Katee also really excels at writing poly relationships/throuples. I really loved the dynamic that was created between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. There was longing and pining, steam and spice. The pacing of the book is FAST, so this is a done in one sitting kinda deal.

As amazing as the relationship and the romance in the book were, I need to highlight the competition aspect of the book. Helen, alongside many other figures from Olympus, are fighting for a chance to become the newest Ares. I think that was such a fun addition to what I've come to expect from Katee's novels. The writing of these sequences was so vivid and immersive, that I really had a sense of what was going on. Even though the events of the book happened over a relatively short period of time (a month at most), the stakes feel high and urgent because of the foundation of the competition.

I love the resolution of this book and to keep things spoiler-free, I love how carefully Katee handled Helen's arc in this book. Things could have gone a very different way, but Katee knows how to make her woman powerful and intelligent.

As always, Katee has all content warnings and tags listed on her website, so go check them out before heading in.

I simply LOVE LOVE LOVE Katee Robert's retellings of my favorite Greek mythological characters. Each book is its own universe but has enough homage to the original story that its a Greek geek's paradise and I love every minute of it.

I loved Helen's strength in this book and really connected to her and Patroclus. Appreciated that Achilles had a heart in this one, which honestly, I wouldn't give him usually (he's a much of a jerk as Paris in the Iliad) but it worked for this story. And the power dynamics of Ares, Athena, Zeus, and Apollo were really well developed here giving us yet another side of Olympus that was hinted at in other books.

I was told by a friend that these books were all same universe but could be read separately since I had only read Neon Gods before I received a copy of this. I knew within 2 chapters that I had to read Electric Idol first and I highly recommend such to anyone jumping in. Because of the power structure of Olympus, there are major spoilers for the 2nd book early on that made me immediately stop reading and jump into Electric Idol before reading this one.

Thank you to the author and Sourcebooks for the ARC of this book. I can't wait for everyone else to get their hands on this one so we can discuss all the spoiler-ly good parts.

Also, still really hoping Ms. Robert changes her mind on the topic on the 4th book. We've gotten so many tastes of Poseidon in all of these books at this point that I NEED to know his story and who exactly is in his bedroom at night.

Wicked Beauty🤩

Wicked Beauty is an Olympus retelling which focuses on Helen of Troy, Achilles - second in command to Athena and Patroclus, a genius strategist. They are all vying for the position of Ares, unfortunately Helen has to put herself into the running in secret, when her brother Zeus offers her as the prize to the person who takes the Ares title😳 Danger though is afoot as soon as the trials begin, and soon the three of them are cloistered together in a room…and yes you can just imagine the steaminess😉 There are M/M elements as well as M/F/M.

I have never read anything by Katee but love the concept of the gods and the mischief they get up to, so thought this would be a nice change😁 Though that said, even though this is an Olympus retelling I’m not sure that these characters are actually gods in the sense of what we’ve read in the past as Helen states, “she’s only human”🤷‍♀️

An interesting read and definitely kept me engaged in the story❣️I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert is a sci-fi fantasy tale based on the ancient gods and goddesses. Well-written and quickly paced, I enjoyed the story line. I didn't expect the graphic sex that was in the book. That was frankly a surprise and seemd an unnecessary part of the story. If it hadn't been included, I would rate this title higher.

Katee Robert just always hits the mark with this series. I loved Wicked Beauty, featuring Helen, Achilles, and Petroclus all vying for the open position of Ares.

The three of them become the strongest of allies in the competition for Ares and deepens their connection to each other far beyond the playing field. Petroclus and Achilles already have been deeply connected for a decade, but when they get to know Helen, they realize her beauty is much more than skin deep. And so is their chemistry.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book! 5 stars!

**Please note this is my initial reaction and will be coming back here to follow up after recording a discussion for the podcast with fellow cohost and will also come back to provide the link to the podcast episode**

I loved this book. End stop. I love the Dark Olympus series in general. What was really fun here was that not only were there nods to both Neon Gods and Electric Idol, we also had the confirmed easter egg of the Wicked Villains series (shout to Herc, Meg, and Hades in Learn my Lesson.) You really felt the confusion, love, and range for the emotions these characters had for each other. Katee felt like she demonstrated poly relationships in such a beautiful and delicate way. You couldn't help but be immersed in the book.

The major plot reveal felt a bit rushed in the end in regards to this book, but most definitely set it up for the next in the series.

Having the option to read both on audiobook and through an ebook was helpful and the narrators did a wonderful job. I'm off to reread this because I want to be back in the Dark Olympus world already. It's like being read a story and elevates the whole reading experience. Looking forward to the next book!

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
3rd in the Dark Olympus series. Romance with erotica elements. Premise loosely based on mythology. Can be read as a stand-alone bit characters from the prior books do make a couple of cameo appearances. Alternating chapters, first person between Helen, Archilles and Patroclus.
A new Ares must be assigned the title and tradition has a series of challenges for the competing. Helen decides to compete for the title even though her brother Zeus has declared her the prize for the winner.
Archilles is confident he will win the competition and brings his best friend and lover Patroclus for strategy. Games are not simple athleticism.

Power and politics rule.
It’s a dramatic story that will hold your attention from start to finish. It’s also a very sexy and steamy story when Archilles and Patroclus team up with Helen both on and off the arena. A la ménage or triad. Danger and villains are around ever corner.
Spicy, exhilarating and satiating. LOVED the ending.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Okkkkk Katee Robert I see what you did there!! This last book in the series was seriously scorching hot. No prude readers allowed 🤪😉. Let’s just say the plot was dangerous/thrilling but the scenes in this were intense and holy mother of all hotness … Hot. I know I’ve used the same word over and over to describe this book but after reading this one my mind is still short circuiting…

Wow dude... I am completely and utterly OBSESSED with this book. I honestly wasn’t so sure what to expect going into it because I’ve never read a throuple book. But I was an idiot because Katee Robert can do anything and make it great.

This book had heart, lots of steam, and the absolute perfect characters to make this romance so incredible. I enjoyed Helen’s character in the previous books in this series and had a feeling I’d love her. And I TOTALLY did. I love this girl so much. She is tenacious, kind, sassy as hell, and has the biggest heart. I adore her. Patroclus and his sexy brain really did it for me. His heart is so beautiful and the way he recklessly cares for and loves Helen and Achilles totally wrecked my heart in the best possible way. And my hot Achilles. Wow wow wow. He exuded confidence, strength, and such love and it was all just very very very perfect.

The plot of this was SO. MUCH. FUN. You know there are trials to become Ares from the previous two books and I was totally hoping we’d get to learn more about it and I was overly excited when I found out this book would include the Ares trials. It was the best thing to read about and the perfect plot to go with these characters and their personalities.

The three of them together was a masterpiece. I’m head over heels in love with this series and knowing there’s so many more characters that are going to get books just makes me so damn excited!!!!!

Overall: I’m completely obsessed. I devoured this book. And I’m totally gonna be so impatient until the next book in this series comes out.

*Thank you Netgalley and Katee Robert for the arc in exchange for an honest review.*

As a reviewer, I am typically hesitant to say "this series keeps getting better and better" when each book has been incredibly strong on its own, so instead I'll say this: I have fallen in love with this series and this world more and more with each book that I've read. I think the plot of Wicked Beauty has been my favorite so far, as it was a more in-depth and diverse look into Olympus and The Thirteen. I think the premise of the book was really compelling - with people from across Olympus all competing for the title of Ares. The pacing around the competition and challenges felt quick, but more in an "on the edge of your seat" way as opposed to "this is moving to fast" way.

The dynamic between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus was PHENOMENAL! I thought they were all such strong and unique characters on their own, and I loved the way they all fit together. Their chemistry was unbelievable, and the spicy scenes were incredibly well done. I think they all showed great individual growth throughout the book, that translated into great growth in their relationship.

All in all, this was a spectacular addition to the Dark Olympus series, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

When starting Wicked Beauty, you wonder if this is going to be a heartbreaking love triangle bc if you know anything about Achilles it's that Patroclus is his otp and nothing will ever keep them apart... until you meet gorgeous gorgeous girl Helen and start bartering with yourself that maybe we could work something out for all of them!

Continuing in the same world after Eros and Psyche's love affair, Olympus' news cycle gets a new story-- the upcoming tournament for the new Ares is bringing out all the babes. While revisiting past characters and meeting new ones, you come to realize: everyone is hot and they're all hot for each other. If you ever thought about what it would be like if you were the third in Song of Achilles, this is your y/n chance!

This exciting story is fast paced with twists and turns that don't let you put the book down for second. Helen becomes a more complicated character with real obstacles (read: life or death trials) and goals (aka running shit) that show she can hold her own in this world and is a low key badass while my bb Patroclus + golden retriever Achilles as a duo just kinda show up and screw around (figuratively and literally).

If you loved or (even just liked) the past books of this series, you are in for a treat with this one-- bc it's going to blow the others out of the river styx!

This was incredibly hot, it felt like a spicy Hunger Games. Interesting plot, great characters, can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Helen Kasios may be stunningly gorgeous and come from a powerful family, but that isn’t the shield many think it is. Her father was abusive, her siblings – the new Zeus and Aphrodite – are too wrapped up in the politics of Olympus to put family first, and she has also survived an abusive relationship. Helen is not content to be someone’s pawn; she wants to claim her own destiny, to be seen as an equal to the power around her. To do that, she needs to claim the title of Ares. But she’s not the only one vying for the title – and no one, not even those who know her best, believe she can take it. A host of competitors and three trials stand between her and the position she wants more than anything. Two of those competitors are Achilles Kallis and Patroclus Fotos, partners who are determined to see Achilles win the competition. Achilles is as frustrating as Patroclus is kind, but both tempt her in different ways…and she them. How can she fall for two men when they’re bound to be pitted against each other on the battlefield? Then again, how can she not when they are the first two to see the real her?

Wicked Beauty is ferociously hot, fast-paced polyamorous romance. It features two hotheads determined to grasp their destiny and one more cautious member of the triad to balance them out. Helen is smart, determined, and possesses hidden vulnerabilities. She’s trying to drown out the voices in her head telling her she’s not good enough and grasp the title she desperately wants. For her, being Ares is freedom and equality. For Achilles, an orphan who grew up powerless, the title is everything. It’s the only thing he’s ever wanted besides Patroclus. There’s hurt and vulnerability in Achilles that’s masked by strength and confidence. He can be boorish, but Katee Robert hints at more beneath the surface, though unfortunately we only get glimpses of it. He and Patroclus have been together in an open relationship for a decade but even though they love each other their relationship is on shaky ground. From the start it’s clear neither expects the other to stay forever and they’re both trying to savor every moment. Helen rocks their already shaky foundation by bringing jealousy into the mix. It takes a while for the three to find their footing, to realize they make a good team in bed and out. Unlike the other two, Patroclus grew up in a loving household. He’s good at strategizing, which is fortunate since both Achilles and Helen are reactionary – they need someone who will stop and think. In turn, they keep Patroclus from getting too in his head. Like Achilles, Patroclus is an interesting character, but I would have loved to dive deeper into him (for example, seeing why he’s so brilliant rather than constantly being told).

Lust comes easy to our three heroes but they have a rocky beginning. Still, once they settle in they are a seriously hot triad. I can see why they work, but I had some trouble with the romance. Robert develops Helen well and I can see how she suits both men. And I really did like Patroclus and Achilles together and with her. They see the real Helen and fall for her just as she is, respecting her strength, intelligence, and ambition. However, the aforementioned rocky foundation to Patroclus and Achilles’s relationship is not satisfyingly addressed. We start to get there at the end but I wish there had much more to make me feel like the entire throuple was solid.

The competition to determine the next Ares is the second most fraught battleground (after the bedroom) in Wicked Beauty. I liked the trials and would have enjoyed seeing even more of it and the interactions between our characters and their competition. Robert gives extra nods to Greek mythology in the trials which is entertaining. As for who becomes the newest member of the Thirteen, I won’t spoil what happens but I am torn. I can see why Robert wrote it the way she did but there’s something not quite satisfying about it. Perhaps had more attention been paid to the aftermath instead of rushing and wrapping up the ending it would have been more satisfactory. Another chapter or two would have made the ending as a whole feel more complete. I wanted just a bit more – even an epilogue – to feel satisfied with the story and the romance.

I have a hard time rating Wicked Beauty because Robert’s writing is addictive and the book is sexy as hell. It’s enjoyable but also frustrating at times because with more depth it could have been great. Helen is a well-crafted heroine and I enjoyed her journey, but I wanted some more from her men. Taking Wicked Beauty as it is, I did enjoy the ride and read almost all of it in one sitting. I’m very much looking forward to what Katee Robert has in store for future Dark Olympus books. There are characters here (Callisto, Atalanta, and Athena in particular) who I am desperate to read more about and Robert throws out some information at the end that has me curious what the future of Olympus will look like.

What a book! I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did Neon Gods or Electric Idol, but Katee Robert still pulls through. I wished it were longer, honestly, so we could have had more build-up with Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. I wasn't the biggest fan of Achilles', but I came around in the end! I'm also not the biggest fan of the poly trope where a couple is 'cracked' or 'broken' and adding a third person is what heals or 'fixes' them. This had elements of that but eventually bypassed that trope. But it was hard to give myself over to this until I reached the end. Overall, though, it was engaging, exciting, and a great addition to the Dark Olympus world!
3.75/5

The hunger games but make it a sexy ménage?! Say less.
Some of the best smut with plot I’ve read in a long time, in Katee Robert we trust🙌🏼

This is so hard but I have to say that this book is so far my favorite in the series. This book is about Helen, Achilles and Patroclus who have a connection together but are trying to claim the seat of Ares. When it comes to this series, I always think that the book I read is going to me by favorite of the series but I'm so wrong because it's this one. This book was so good that I couldn't stop reading. I was a little nervous that this book was not going to be it but I just loved everything about this especially the characters. The setting is still great especially if you read the first two. The pacing is well done and is fast with amazing scenes. I had absolutely had no problem with the writing and loved it.

The main characters in this book are Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus and all of their povs are in this book. I enjoyed each MC in this book but I felt connected to Helen in some ways. She is such a badass, powerful women that she doesn't let a guy take her down and stands up for herself. She is a great role model. There are many side characters in this book some from previous books and some new ones. The romance was of course the best part of this book as its a three way romance between all of them and it's very steamy. I love how they all understand each other and work together.

The ending was well done and I'm super excited to see what Robert will come out with next. She is an incredible writer and doesn't disappoint at all. I have of course no problem with this book as you can see and I totally recommend you read this book. If you haven't read the first one, I recommend starting from there just because you should get a taste of all the couples and the world to know the story better.

I have read the other books in Katee Robert’s Dark Olympus series and was very interested to read “Wicked Beauty” because it would be the first romance novel I’ve ever read that centered on a throuple! The plot follows Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles, who enter a competition to become the next Ares. Helen enters the competition with very high stakes—if she doesn’t win, she has to marry whoever does. Despite her beauty, she never feels like she’s good enough because of how her family has used her all of her life. I immediately fell in love with Patroclus, the shy overthinker who only enters the competition to ensure his long-term boyfriend, Achilles, wins the title. Achilles was a little harder to love. He’s a definite alpha who redeems himself as the novel goes on.

Both Achilles and Patroclus find themselves falling for Helen over the course of the competition and struggle to navigate their jealousy. There is a LOT of angst. The characters think themselves in circles around their attraction to each other. However, I feel it’s warranted—the non-traditional relationship the three are engaged in has tensions running high. I feel the ending was very rewarding and am interested to see where the series goes from here!

The best book in the series so far!
The plot, juicy!
The spice, amazing!
The chemistry, unmatched!

There is an open spot in Olympus and as tradition dictates the new Ares must be chosen with a competition. As a prize, the winner also gets a wife. When Helen discovers she’s the prize, she decides to take back her destiny.

We follow Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus as they compete in a three trials tournament to win the title of Ares and become one of the thirteen.
Achilles and Patroclus are in an open relationship but as they spend more and more time in closed proximity with Helen, they begin to find her presence more and more indispensable.

A lovely continuation of the series that makes me very excited for the next one.