Book Review: Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 3 in the Dark Olympus series steps away from the Dimitriou sisters to focus on the story of Achilles, Helen of Troy, and Patroclus. The position for Ares is open and in order to secure the position, candidates must compete in a series of arena challenges. Both Achilles and Helen are convinced the position is as good as theirs.

This was everything I wanted and more. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, arena competition, poly relationship. We learn more about Olympus and get an inside glimpse into the Kasios family. And as with all the fantasy series I love, we are starting to get a bigger picture of the world and each of the power players.

I loved rooting for the characters in the trials (I rotated between wanting each to win the Ares position) and in their relationship. The banter and daily interactions between the 3 MCs was fantastic. The spice 🥵. And Patroclus 😍. It's safe to say I was immediately in love.

I loved this book and this series just keeps getting better. Highly recommend for anyone looking for fun & sexy modern Greek mythology retellings.

I received an eARC from NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca for my honest review.

This is easily my favourite of the series so far. I know that maybe isn’t the big statement it might seem considering this is only a three star but this series has been a strange ride because I continually want to enjoy what Robert has created, and occasionally do like elements of things, but I ultimately feel like it’s overruled and spoiled by other things. And that’s not all gone. I still really struggle with comprehending how this world works but for once I was completely distracted by the plot. Because for once we h a d plot.

I had such a good time with the Ares trials and really enjoyed how they were set up. It certainly wasn’t as well thought out or complex as a fantasy might have made them out to be but lest we forget (we cannot) this is a romance first. And we had a good mix of action to move the players forward, romance and sexy times and emotions, and also a subtle little side plot to add some conflict to the world itself and set up something (hopefully) interesting for book four.

Now, as for that romance. I definitely wavered in my liking and disliking of the men; initially I was put-off by Achilles — but we’re supposed to be, there’s good reason for it. And then later.. he wins you over and it’s Patroclus who was maybe a little too hesitant, a little too overthink-y. Helen ended up being the perfect solution. Watching these three bounce off each other, resist each other, give in, bend.. it was fun. Sexy, yes, but mostly fun.

I also realllyyyy loved how the main plot point resolved. I had hoped but I wasn’t sure it would go that way. I was pleased.

So, yeah, colour me really surprised with how this one shook out. I am still very shaky on this world and how it all works but clearly I’m just going to have to learn to stow that and turn my brain off and focus on the immediacy of it all.

As for who and what’s next couple-wise, I had no idea until I went to investigate because nothing is set up in this instalment and I already know the Zeus and Callisto match-up is likely to be the last one. So I’m not going to spoil anything but if you’re curious, you can definitely hunt it down!

WOW. such an incredible story in Olympus looking to see who will end up with power. Zeus plans to decide who will marry Helen but she has plans of her own.
This is a very steamy, hot story full of drama.

Thank you #Netgalley. For this ARC

Katee Robert did not disappoint. Maybe I'm just a sucker for an Achilles story, but this was a great book and exceeded the hype for me - this book is even better than the previous, which was better than the first in this series.

The main characters and their plotline of tournament fight for Ares is maybe now my new favorite of hers. They are all well developed and grow over the course of the novel and tactfully deal with difficult backstories in a realistic way. The overarching plot is well written and paced. I love having this series in Olympus and Roberts does a great job of interweaving myths but still making it new and applicable to the plot.

Katee Robert has done it again! The steaminess, the thrill, just always waiting for the next thing to happen. I absolutely love this series and was very happy that I got an advanced copy from Net Galley. I'll still most likely end up buying the book to go with my collection. I'm also happy to report this title has already been added at my library for our June book order.

I am such a huge fan of Katee Robert and the Dark Olympus series, and I’m so grateful to have gotten the chance to check this out early. I think this is great for fellow fans of the series! I think the main trio has a great dynamic, and I love seeing a strong woman prove her haters wrong and make men bend to her will. I love a good #girlboss. I’m not usually into poly relationships, but I thought the three of them worked so well together and had such a good balance that I was still able to get into it. I’m super excited to see what Katee Robert puts out next, and I love what she’s done with combining aspects of mythology and modern romance.

* I received a copy for review.*
God I love this series. I must admit that I didn’t know a lot about Patrocles so I was excited to see where this triad might go.
Having Helen be determined to save herself from being a constant pawn was refreshing. Even having the “Can somebody please have a fucking conversation?” Trope turned on its head was fascinating. That is really saying something because I HATE THAT in my romance.
The only thing I really wanted was more down and dirty times with these three. Yes I know they are in a deadly competition and need to focus and heal between challenges but I want all of it. And it’s definitely a me thing because most people will be thrilled with every second of this story.

Wicked Beauty is a romance that is very loosely based on Helen of Troy, Patroclus and Achilles. When I say loosely based, no one should go into this book (or likely the preceding ones that I haven't read) expecting it to align with traditional Greek mythology. Readers should also be prepared for very steamy sex scenes. If you're comfortable with these things, Wicked Beauty is a fun romance that upends patriarchy when Helen decides to enter the competition to be declared the next Ares, refusing to being handed off as a prize to the winner as his bride. Helen is done with a pawn and a pretty thing for people to use and abuse, and winning the competition will force people to take her seriously on her merits. Helen's decision to compete throws a wrench in the plans of Achilles and Patroclus, who intend for Achilles to end up as the victor and cement an alliance with Athena. Surprising many, Helen is no pushover, but the competition quickly becomes dangerous and causes the trio that ended up as roommates to look at each other in new ways. Achilles is bold, aggressive and enthusiastic; Patroclus is reserved, thoughtful and cautious and the pair realize that not only do they find themselves physically attracted to Helen, but that she provides a perfect balance to them both. In fact, each of the three brings unique strengths to the relationship that would make a triumvirate the perfect solution to replacing Ares - but only one can win. Will a relationship between the three survive the competition and a single winner? Will all three survive the competition itself? This was a fun and sexy read, and I enjoyed seeing the ending play out the way it did. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I'm giving this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the plot. Lots of the same characters, but the stories are always so different that it doesn't feel like you're reading the same books over and over again. The last 3/4 was my favorite part, but the last chapter felt very rushed. It ended abruptly.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and Katee Robert for the ARC copy of Wicked Beauty!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I loved the initial premise of a smutty romance book back in the times of Gods and Goddesses. However, I did not enjoy the male on male romance. Just not my cup of tea, but I am glad to see authors writing something new. Thank you.

Can all of the other books be about Helen, Achilles and Patroclus? Pretty please?? This is by far my favorite book in the series, and that's really saying something since I thoroughly enjoyed the first two. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus was so sweet and swoonworthy. They love each other despite their differences, and they don't let petty problems ruin what they have. The addition of Helen just made everything better. She amplified the feelings they already had and added some of her own. My one and only complaint would be that this book wasn't long enough. I wanted more, Katee!!

Wicked Beauty was unspeakably hot. Full body tingles and all the feels. I really wanted to be a part of their trio, and a ménage à trois has never been on my to-do list. The chemistry and trust they had with each other in the bedroom — I'm blushing just thinking about it. Despite Helen and Achilles trying to beat each other in the tournament (Achilles and Patroclus were a package deal from the start), they still cared about what happened to their threesome and did their best to make sure everyone was okay. Obviously, there were times when they felt conflicted, but at least they were honest with each other about what they wanted.

Katee Robert has written something that I will be thinking about for a long, long time — she really took it to another level with this one! It was also refreshing to read about people who discussed consent, protection, and safe words.

I also really liked the tournament setting and seeing the characters work with and against each other. They're all competing to be Ares, but some alliances were formed early on to help with the initial trials. I wish the three trials had been longer and little more complex, but they were over almost as soon as they started. They tested mostly physical skill, but there were some mental preparations involved as well. I hope we see more of Atalanta in the next book, and maybe Ajax. He seemed funny and like he might have his own story to tell. Atalanta was a badass that definitely deserves her own book.

Paris was awful and I hated him. I really wish he'd gotten more of a beating before the end of the book. He definitely deserved to have someone pummel him into unconsciousness. His brother, Hector, wasn't any better since he willingly helped his snake of a sibling.

I'm happy with how their story ended, but I wish we'd gotten a few more chapters to see how their new dynamic was going to work. They've been competitors and lovers, but we don't really get to view their triad outside of the tournament's walls. I wanted to see how they interacted in their new roles and how that affected their overall relationship. Maybe see them enjoying each other's company one more time? If not in the book itself, maybe a bonus chapter posted online somewhere? I'd even buy a novella if it was about these three.

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. I've already pre-ordered a physical copy for my shelves, because it's definitely one I will be reading again. All the stars! (★★★★★)

*will add review to Amazon on pub date

Thank you so much to the publisher for this arc, unfortunately it wasn't for me.

I think what Roberts is doing with modernizing the Greek gods and Olympus is cool and interesting but the writing style was jarring and not my style.

Oh my I've heard this author knows how to write an inventive steamy romance and this story has left me in no doubt about it ! I'm loving the idea of Olympians in a modern world setting and the twist of them having to compete for what could be hereditary positions is very original. Add in a very determined heroine and two guys clearly devoted to each other and I very much enjoyed this new take on what being a God could entail,
This voluntary take is of the first five chapters available on Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Many thanks to @netgalley and @sourcebookscasa for an ARC of the latest in the Dark Olympus series -- Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert.

I have been excited for this one since the pairings were announced. Helen/Achilles/Patroclus?!?!? In a triad? Yes please.

This book worked on every single level. From the politics to the relationships to the sexy times, it was all perfection. It didn't get five stars because I wanted a little more at the end but otherwise, I loved every single second of.

I loved how each member of the triad played off the other and how it impacted the dynamics of their
relationship. The three of them fit so perfectly together and brought out the best in each other. You could really feel the love they had for each other as well as the
respect.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Katee Robert book without the amazingly written sex scenes. She's so
good at what she does and I can never predict what she is going to put her characters through.

Wicked Beauty publishes on June 7. I already have my paperback on order from her Pateron. Do not miss this one. It might just be my favorite in the series so far. It can be read as a standalone but I think you should start from the beginning because I love this series.

*I was lucky to receive an e-arc of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

So I have read the other two Dark Olympus books and I can say this one hits the standard! It doesn't disappoint! The overall plot and the action scenes were very entertaining and intriguing. The *spice* was...well I will let you read it for yourself! (5 chilly peppers for real) Personally (!!) I am normally not a fan of triads (I am a quite jealous creature) but I enjoyed this read a lot. Patroclus & Achilles have always been favorites of mine so it was a fun ride! (pun intended)

Definitely will continue to read this series - excited to see who is next!


If you like mythological retellings, political intrigue, triads, spicy revenge *relations* and just hot humans in general...this is for you!

(Stars are basically trivial at this point...they don't really mean anything with my reviews anymore because just because I might not like a book doesn't mean it won't be your new favorite!)

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for this early review.

WOAH BUDDY. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I have loved most of Katee Robert's books because even though we come for the steam, she does actually give a good plot. I haven't found a lot of great poly-relationship books, but I really feel Katee really grasps the complicity of those. I wanted to HUG Patroclus, FIGHT for Helen and.. I rolled my eyes a lot at Achilles even though I wouldn't have had him any other way.

The setting of this book has been my favorite of the three. I love a good competition and everyone is fighting to take the title Ares. With three trials and death not being off the table, the stakes are high. I think my favorite part of this book was when Helen decided she was worth fighting for and she wasn't just a prize to be handed off. I really REALLY loved her.

I don't want to dive too much into this book, but I would say this book was my second favorite in the series (Electric Idol was my first, gotta love a hate to love, pinch of insta trope with a fat rep).

10/10 would recommend Katee for all smut reads. That is all. BYE!

2.5 stars?

After reading and loving the previous two books, I was so excited to get an early copy of this one. Sadly, I'm a bit disappointed.

I liked Helen from the glimpse we got of her in book 2. I loved her crunchy personality and couldn't wait to see what she was really like. Achilles is brash and acts before thinking, where Patroclus is all intellect and strategy. Together the three of them have so much potential and for me, it fell so flat.

Plot wise, it was a bit boring. The trials felt like an afterthought to focus on the sex scenes. And those scenes are not something I'm complaining about, but some real conversation would have been great. Instead, it was Achilles telling everyone what to do, Patroclus trying to interject some options, and Helen just going along with whatever. It was all telling, not showing and it got old real fast. I found myself skimming more than reading and that's pretty telling.

Overall, this story had such promise and just didn't deliver. There's a good attempt at setting up some general conflict in the world at the end, but again, it felt like something that was thrown in to set up the next book.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

I was excited to read this book having enjoyed the other two books in the series. It did not disappoint. I like the world building for this series and I want to continue reading to find out more. I enjoyed the competition in the this book and it was fun to read about how the characters navigated it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Oh gosh this books was hot hot hot!! But also the actual story was probably my fave of the Dark Olympus series so far! Who doesn't love a good competition storyline?

So Helen (you know, Helen of Troy, the one that dickhead Paris started a war over and then made everyone else fight his battles?) is adjusting to life as the sister of the new Zeus and new Aphrodite in Olympus. When Zeus offers her hand in marriage to the winner of the competition to decide who the new Ares will be, Helen decides to take her fate in her own hands and enter the trials. She faces some stiff competition, including her narcissistic ex, Paris, the arrogant Achilles, and his savvy partner Patroclus. Finding herself in close quarters with the latter two, Helen is suddenly conflicted between her attraction to both, and the fact that they're all vying for the same title.

The men thought they had a solid plan, but Helen quickly throws a spanner in the works when they realise she isn't just the spoiled princess she appears to be.

I thought this would just be a fun read, but I was really rooting for these characters, and trying to figure out how they would solve their ultimate problem of who would become Ares and what their future would look like. Loved it!

I’m going to start off this review with a disclaimer that these opinions may be personal and not shared by the romance reader community.

This book made me realize I do not like RH. If you like that, this book delivers and is 🥵.

The overall story line follows Helen, Achilles and Patroclus in a battle for the Ares title. I think this retelling more than the first 2 books in the series is very far fetched, to the point I don’t think this was a modern retelling but rather a RH relationship with plot. All 3 characters stand alone and work great together which is a testament to Katee Robert’s writing.

This is definitely my least favorite out of the series, but for fans that don’t follow Greek mythology you probably won’t mind and will enjoy the banter between the characters.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.