I've read every book in this series so far and they're all okay. I appreciate what Katee did in this one. She's expanding to give more diversity and writing strong female characters. But I think I have the most trouble with the writing. It just falls flat most of the time.

This is only the second book in the Dark Olympus series that I’ve read having read Neon Gods but skipping Electric Idol. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this one as I wasn’t terribly investing in Hades and Persephone’s story in the first book. But I absolutely loved following Helen, Achilles and Patroclus in this story.

This book has it all. A badass female main character, a 3 tiered tournament, and a fantastic mmf triad. When Helen’s brother Zeus announces the winner of the Ares tournament gets to marry his sister, Helen does not let that stop her from joining to complete for the title of Ares. But many other people also join. Some for the publicity, some for the position of Ares, and some just to be with Helen. Achilles and Patroclus join in hopes of getting Achilles the position of Ares. But while they live in close proximity to Helen, they learn that that’s not the only prize.

I very much enjoyed learning more about how Olympus politics work. I think for me that was missing in Neon Gods because so much of the book happens disconnected from the public’s eye. We’re introduced to an overall arcing series plot at the end of the book leaving open so much for potential.

I also love books with tournaments and trials. Each event was different and required certain skills. All while having the title of Ares hang in the balance as the competition is sudden death (sometimes quite literally). Katee Robert’s also does an amazing job with the smut. As per usual. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series. And going back and picking up Electric Idol.

Y'all this one is SPICY! It may not be everyone's cup of teaz but I absolutely loved these characters and this series. I can't wait to see what book four brings because it keeps getting better and better.

4.5 rounded up

4/5 stars
3.5/5 spice

This has to be one of my favourite books of the year so far. Sex positive. Empowering. Cheeky. Brilliant. Hot AF!

The writing style and the plot were simply phenomenal. I was trapped by this story instantly and I’ve been pining for more from these characters ever since.

All three main characters are some similar, yet so distinct in their own way. I love their little quirks and how they interact with each other on a one-to-one basis, but also collectively as a group.

This book definitely has mature and adult themes and some content that might be a bit brow-raising.

I’ve loved this series in its entirety, however this book takes the top step by a large margin.

I love this series! Anything based on mythology (loosely or not), especially with some steam, and I’m in! I’m ready for the next installments!

EXCELLENT. I loved the spicyness, the cut throat competition, the LGBTQIAP, just everything about this novel is just chef's kiss. I have loved every book in this series and Wicked Beauty won't let you down.

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I think I am starting to get a better understanding and handle on Spicy books as they are called on booktok. It seems like one of the most hyped authors among this genre is Katee Robert. So, I was real eager to pick up Wicked Beauty as I continue to grow my knowledge in this genre. Also — the premise appealed to me — a modern day, sexy incarnation of Olympus. Sign me right up. I didn’t realize that this was third in the series — however– that was not an issue.

Wicked Beauty is about Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles. The three are competing to be the next Ares.

Wicked Beauty is about Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles. The three are competing to be the next Ares. There are the 13 who are in charge essentially of Olympus and the various functions. Ares is in charge of warfare and it turns out that the previous Ares, Helen’s uncle, has died. To become the new Ares, there is a 3 part competition. What makes matters worse is that Helen’s brother, Perseus, promises the winner of the competition that Helen will be their wife if they win. Helen doesn’t want to be a prize, so she enters herself. There she forms an alliance with Achilles and Patroclus. The alliance also has some side benefits… namely… a menage a trois…

As I said, you do not need any context going in as far as reading to previous books to understand what is going on. I found it was easy to drop right into the story and the setting. It also was easy to figure out the other characters too. I did read the summary for the previous books just because I was curious. Also, I enjoyed this book. I will be going backwards and reading the other two books in this series. It turns out, if you are newer to reading Spice, well, Katee Robert is great to start with. There’s a lot more plot, the storyline was actually interesting. Plus the spicy bits did not feel overwhelming or like it would scare me off from checking out more.

This is probably an ebook only purchase for most libraries, its SPICY AF. Highly recommend for hardcore romance readers

honestly my favorite of the dark olympus series so far. i loved these characters so much.

This one involves Helen entering a bloody and violent arena to fight for her own hand in marriage, because why not shove a giant middle finger in Zeus’s face? Achilles and Patroclus are the best, too. I had such a wild ride reading this one and I’m excited for all of you to read it as well! Katee never misses!

Each book in the Dark Olympus series is getting better and better! I loved the battle/challenge aspect of this one, and Helen's ingenuity and self-possession was a breath of fresh air. I did not like the dynamic between Achilles and Patroclus (nor did I like either of them much at all, really - Patroclus was a wet noodle and Achilles was a pompous ass), but Helen seemed to bring balance, fairness and kindness to the relationship. Overall an entertaining read.

I really enjoyed this one, however the physical format didn't work for me in the physical format. The audiobook worked much better, I think Helen was the weak spot in this story, and Achilles and Patroclus really carried it with their love story of legends. That being said, I still find this as worth the read and a decent addition to the series.

Review posted on Goodreads (August 18, 2022)
Review linked.

5/5 stars!

The way that I will read anything that Katee Robert writes! I am a huge fan of this series, so I was super excited for WICKED BEAUTY. What I will say about this series is that if you are looking for in depth world building or really in depth plot, then this series isn't for you. BUT if you are looking for a romance series that has a fun premise, AMAZING Queer rep, great discussions around consent, BDSM, and sex in general, as well as characters that are complex and human, then this is a series for you! I really cannot express how much Roberts’ Queer rep means to me. It is always incredible to read fictional worlds with such effortless and respectful Queer rep where Queerness is not an oddity, but is normalized and celebrated.

WICKED BEAUTY is not my favorite book in the series, but I did still really enjoy this book. This book has a lot more focus on the plot than I expected, and I did really enjoy that, but I did find myself wanting a bit more time with the romance. I also felt like it ended a bit too fast for my liking. I found myself wanting a bit more time at the end of the book. I did fall head over heels in love with all of the characters, however, and I think that is why I wanted more time with them. Overall, this was a great addition to the series, and I cannot wait to read the next book! Roberts sets up some interesting political intrigue in this book that I am interested to see unfold in the rest of the series!

I always recommend Katee's books to adult romance readers, and this book is no exception!

Thanks for reading!
Caden

I cannot get enough of Katee Roberts Dark Olympus series! The first two books were great! This one was smoking hot!

Wicked Beauty is a phenomenal retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles and Patroclus. Finally we are getting into that hot MMF that we've come to know and love about Greek Mythology.

I haven't read the first two novels in this series but I really enjoyed this novel. This specific romance genre isn't my typical so it took me a bit of time to get through it- Huge fan of erotica but mythology was a sore point in school. That being said I really enjoyed this book once I figured out who everyone was and where they are. I cannot wait to go back and read Books 1 and 2.

This is a solid addition to this series. Romance, mythology, and it was just amazing. Those who loved the other two books will definitely enjoy this one in the series.

Long story to get to this book review…
It all started with a trip to Greece this Spring Break with some young people. While my knowledge of Greek mythology sort of existed…I can’t say I was an expert. We visited all these super cool ancient sites: Temple of Posiden, Delphi, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, Parthenon, Corinth, Knossos, Mycenae, Olympia and Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus (these were my favorites) - I realized that the kids knew a lot more than I did about Greek Mythology. They had all read the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson series for all of their in depth knowledge about the ancient Greeks. So, when I got back from Greece, I binged all the Percy Jackson books. They were soooooooo good. I literally could not stop. They are definitely middle grade YA fiction books, and a little outside of my normal pleasure reading. When I finished those, I wanted to keep going with the Greek Mythology but I wanted more “spice.”

Whoooooboy! Does this series deliver. I had seen Neon Gods on the display at Target and I just knew from all of my blogs and lists that it was a popular romance. I downloaded Wicked Beauty from NetGalley and THEN realized it was the 3rd book in the series. Obviously, I had to read the first 2 books before I read Wicked Beauty. (I really have to read series books in order. I feel like I miss a lot if I don’t.) It took me 3 days to read the 3 Dark Olympus books and I LOVED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM!!! SO GOOD!

I’m guessing if you are thinking about reading Wicked Beauty, you have read the first two. If not, go read Neon Gods and Electric Idol. Trust me. This third book has the previous couples appearing and this one focuses on Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus. Some F/M/M action. This is a modern retelling that takes place on the East Coast as that is where the cradle of modern civilization is now. Zeus decided that Helen is his to give away in marriage. They are definitely trying to make political alliances. The gossip is toxic and everything is for show. The powerful 13 are based on Greek Gods and there are lots of shifting alliances and dirty moves. It’s like NYC, LA and DC all rolled into one ball of toxic pseudo-reality. Helen has her own ideas for her future and enters the competition to fight for her own hand in marriage. That way, she can control some aspect of her life. If you are looking for that twist of Greek mythology in your romance stories, this is the book for you. It is definitely explicit and written for adults. Super hot! Enjoy.

I enjoyed this erotic romance more than than the last, but not as much as the first. Few patrons ask for this kind of romance but if the do it will be my go to series.

Hunger Games meets Triwizard tournament, but make it spicy and throw in Greek mythology. Not usually a poly romance reader but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the dynamics between Achilles and Patroclus. Helen was a strong, feminist character. 4/5 stars.

I am a big fan of Katee Robert, but this one was just not it for me. This is the 3rd book in the Dark Olympus series, and it just didn't hold my attention. I love Helen's character, she's a badass, but the chemistry with Petrocles and Achilles was just...okay? Yes, the steam was definitely there, and it was hot, but I didn't feel as much connection as I have in her other books.

If you enjoy throuples and enemies to lovers, you'd probably love this book. It is very well written. I think there were just too many elements that I was "meh" about, personally.