This is messy! The author promised it would be and they sure delivered.

While I think it was well written, especially for a quad romance and how difficult that can be to twine everything together, I kind of just feel meh about it. I still don’t understand a lot of the greater world building, or why many things are so intense for seemingly little reason? There’s a lot of build up in this book particularly that just turn into nothing? I enjoy this world and I like the author so I still going to read the series but I’m cooling a bit on this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't particularly interested in this story before I started, but I trusted Katee Robert and this might end up being one of my favorites of the series. Aphrodite and Hephaestus have such a good dynamic, but seeing them with Pandora and Adonis actually worked for me. I especially liked that it wasn't just everyone for everyone because representation matters, and not everyone in a poly situation is going to be with everyone else. It was both unexpected (the ending!!!), and completely expected (smutty smut smut), and I really enjoyed it.

Just like her other books in the Olympus series Cruel Seduction will not disappoint you. This is full of steamy sex and a mystery that surronds Aphrodite, Hephasestus, Pandora, and Adonis. Could not put this one down!

Wow. Wow. Wow. I've never read a polyamorous romance with 4 main characters, but the balance between their perspectives and the character development is amazing. In the continuation of this myth retelling series, Aphrodite must marry the new Hephaestus for political reasons. She seduces his childhood best friend, Pandora, to try to gain power over him. He seduces her heart broken ex-lover Adonis. The people of Olympus have learned about the murder clause, which puts both Aphrodite and Hephaestus in pretty constant danger -- both from each other and from the rest of the city. Emotions are high in this book. And the erotic romance is ever higher (which is exactly what I've come to expect from a Katee Robert novel). This wasn't my favorite in the series so far. But I am definitely continuing.

Cruel Seduction!

This book has everything I’ve come to associate with a Katee Robert novel: complex characters, enough spice to knock you off your feet, and a world that is as rich as it is diverse.

I appreciate that there is a sustained antagonist that gets to grow and develop and evolve. This has been one of the best parts about the Dark Olympus series.

If you’re wary about starting a whole new series that’s already well established, I would recommend you dive in anyway. Out of order if you want to!! I read a few of the Wicked Villain books out of order (also penned by Katee Robert) and it was a great decision! This is a good one to drop into the world with.

Like the rest of this series, Cruel Seduction is a reimagining of a familiar Greek mythological pairing. The positions of Aphrodite and Hephaestus have been filled by Eris and Theseus and their hatred for each other is only matched by their intense chemistry. Their journey is believable and their spark blistering.

The Dark Olympus series is not just an extended deep dive into the politics of Olympus but the politics of family itself. Identity. Morality. The fickle nature of power and the complexity of ambition. Cruel Seduction continues the rich tapestry Katee Robert has been weaving through the last five books and adds a thread of intrigue to the collection.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an early copy. All opinions are my own. This is a fair and honest review.

"Cruel Seduction" by Katee Robert is a scorching modern retelling of the myth of Aphrodite and Hephaestus, filled with passion, deception, and high-stakes intrigue. With its captivating characters and sensual romance, this novel delivers an enticing blend of mythology and contemporary romance that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

In this modern twist on the ancient tale, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of seduction with Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and fire. Determined to manipulate her new husband and assert her power, Aphrodite sets her sights on Pandora, a kind and beautiful woman who has captured Hephaestus's attention. As Aphrodite and Hephaestus engage in a battle of wits and desires, their plans become complicated by emotions they never anticipated.

Katee Robert's writing is engaging and sizzling, creating a world where mythological figures seamlessly inhabit a contemporary setting. The chemistry between Aphrodite and Hephaestus is electric, with their interactions ranging from heated arguments to passionate encounters. The tension between their conflicting desires and emotions adds depth to their characters and keeps readers invested in their journey.

Aphrodite is a complex and multifaceted character, embodying both beauty and cunning. Her determination to maintain control and seek revenge drives the plot forward, and her vulnerability beneath her facade makes her relatable. Hephaestus is a compelling counterpart, with his strength and intelligence masking his own insecurities. His conflicted feelings for Aphrodite and Pandora create a captivating love triangle that adds layers to the story.

The retelling of Greek mythology is skillfully intertwined with contemporary themes, allowing the characters to grapple with issues of power, love, and personal identity. The plot is well-paced, blending moments of intense passion with moments of suspense and intrigue. As Aphrodite and Hephaestus navigate their complicated relationship, the stakes escalate, leading to a climax that is both emotionally charged and action-packed.

The supporting characters, including Pandora and Adonis, are well-developed and contribute to the complexity of the story. Pandora's kindness and inner strength make her a compelling figure, while Adonis's role in the unfolding drama adds layers of conflict and tension.

In "Cruel Seduction," Katee Robert delivers a steamy and captivating romance that combines mythology and contemporary themes to create a tale of love, manipulation, and redemption. With its enticing characters and skillful blending of ancient and modern elements, this novel is a must-read for fans of mythology retellings and romance enthusiasts looking for a passionate and intense story.

I have enjoyed this series. Yet again this is another great book in the series. I was unsure whether I would enjoy these books and have found that they are great books. I would recommend them to anyone looking to get into this genre of books.

KATEE ROBERT DOES IT AGAIN! WOW and I mean W O W. I love this entire series but I loved the plot movement in the storyline that this one gave. So SO excited for the next one. I LOVE KATEE'S WORK!

Cruel Seducation is my favourite instalment of the series so far! Super spicy, political and messy, but I absolutely DEVOURED the book in one sitting!
Can be read on its own but much more enjoyable read as part of the series. Each character develops more and more throughout the series.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book of the series!

Cruel Seduction" by Katee Robert, the fifth book in the Dark Olympus series, is a scorching hot modern retelling of Aphrodite and Hephaestus, Pandora and Adonis, that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

He was her enemy. Her lover. Her husband. And Aphrodite swore by all Olympus she would destroy him. But what happens when the lines between love and hate blur, when seduction becomes a weapon, and hearts become entangled in a deadly game?

"Cruel Seduction" is a gem of a book, a perfect example of "keeping your enemies close" vibes. Aphrodite and Hephaestus, bound by a marriage of convenience, use seduction as a tool to get under each other's skin, until those lines are deliciously blurred. The plot is filled with danger, mystery, and intrigue, and the character development is simply divine.

Aphrodite, cunning, brutal, and willing to do anything to protect what she loves, shines as the star of this tale. Her complexity and strength make her a character to root for, and her relationship with Hephaestus is a rollercoaster of emotions. Their clear sexual attraction, despite being enemies, is electric, and every time Hephaestus calls her "wife," it sends shivers down the spine.

The introduction of four characters, an open poly knot, and the drama with Olympus is masterfully handled by Katee Robert. The dynamic relationships, the revenge sex, the hurt/comfort, and the softness of Hephaestus and even Aphrodite add layers of depth to the story.

The stakes keep ramping up as Olympus teeters on the brink of combustion, with political tensions running high. The glimpses of love, new love, past love, friendship, and family are beautifully woven into the narrative, making it a rich and satisfying read.

The spice level in "Cruel Seduction" is unreal, and the exploration of different relationships, including MMFF open poly knot, second chance, revenge, and hurt/comfort, is handled with finesse. The plus-size representation adds to the inclusivity of the story, and the return to Hades' club is both sexy and nostalgic.

The political intrigue keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the development of each character, including the transformation of Aphrodite from a perceived "bitch" to a likeable person, is a testament to Katee Robert's skill as a writer.

The sex in this book is a chef's kiss, and the polyamorous romance is handled with care and authenticity. It's a book that's impossible to put down, one that enthrals you with its characters and political entanglements.

"Cruel Seduction" is a must-read for fans of dark romance, mythology, and complex characters. It's a book that celebrates love in all its forms, that takes you on a wild ride through Olympus and leaves you eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Katee Robert has done it again, crafting a story that's both sensual and thrilling, a tale that resonates long after the last page is turned.

Thankyou to Sourcebooks Casablanca for gifting me an ARC review copy in exchange for my honest review

In one word, this book is MESSY, but deliciously so. Katee Robert has just done an amazing job building this world of mythological gods and goddess running cities and governments while keeping it spicy and just full of intrigue & intertwining relationships.

Although Cruel Seduction wasn’t my favourite of the series (I’ll forever be a Hades & Persephone fan) this book definitely gives another view into this world & it is definitely worth the ride

As someone who had a lot of trouble following along where we were in the saga of Olympus in Radiant Sin, I was a little worried about the future of the series in Cruel Seduction. However, this book got me right back on track and loving it! This book felt more connected to the overall story arc, and gave readers some great insight into individual people in Olympus. I'm excited to keep reading along!

This book might be one of my favorites so far. First of all, as a polyamorous person in an open polyamorous relationship, this is incredible positive polyamory representation. Its not a reverse harem, or something when they all love the same person, but a messy knot of people where everyone has their own relationships, and I absolutely adore it. I also like how we got more of a look into Minos's household, and what goes on there. I'm excited to see more of what goes on with the barrier and what was on that ship... and how book 7, Ariadne and the Minotaurs relationship changes things. So excited!

4.25 stars.

Honestly, I just want more of the relationship tension and plot. You could leave out the spicy scenes and I’d still be invested in this series. Needless to say, plenty of spice and lots of different *ahem* flavors in this series.

The relationship(s) in this book was basically “Sharing is caring”. This was MESSY, but in the best way. Marrying your enemy, and then your new husband falls for your ex (while both of you are still in love with each other), and at the same time you’re reluctantly falling for your new husband and his bestie ..? That’s complicated to say the least.

This is the fifth book of the Dark Olympus series. I was immersed in a world of Greek mythology with a twist. Aphrodite's forced marriage to Hephaestus for political gain leads to a tangled web of seduction and emotion. The polyamorous dynamics, second chances, and revenge elements added depth, though the heavy focus on political intrigue sometimes overshadowed the mythology I craved. Narrated by Alex Moorcock and Zara Hampton-Brown, the audiobook enhanced the experience. Their alternating voices brought the characters' emotions to life, even during the steamy scenes. While I enjoyed the world-building and character exploration, the story's complexity left some relationships feeling underdeveloped. Despite this, the series' unique blend of mythology and romance keeps me invested, eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

Cruel Seduction is the 5th book in the Dark Olympus series. This book centers on characters Aphrodite and her husband Hephaestus.

Aphrodite has always gotten her way. She has never flinched about getting her hands dirty - even if that means marrying Olympus's number one enemy, the new Hephaestus. The only reason she is marrying him is because she knows that with marriage she will get the upper hand. The best way to keep her new husband off-balance, is to seduce the one person he cares about. His best friend, Pandora.

Hephaestus is no stranger to a game. Aphrodite is paying a game of seduction and he is happy to play along. Her ex, Adonis is the perfect ploy for his game, it does not hurt that he is beautiful as well.

While the two hate each other, as the game goes on, lines begin to get blurred between Aphrodite and Hephaestus. How far will they go to destroy each other? How many hearts will they break? Their games become the least of their worries, when issues in Olympus rise to an all time high. These games have some dangerous consequences, not only for themselves, but for their city and the people they love.

This book is a little hard to follow, but it is messy in a good way. Each chapter switches between characters which did make it hard for me at times. I do think it was unnecessary to have some character's point of views such as Pandora and Adonis, as they acted as a buffer between chapters. This book is a lot to process when reading, and I did get bored at times. Overall, if you enjoy Greek Mythology, drama between couples, and a poly relationship then this book is for you.

I really enjoyed this book which follows Aphrodite who marries Hephaestus for her wicked plan and decides to seduce Pandora which he then seduces Adonis but everyone's hearts are involved. This was a pretty good novel and I enjoyed learning more about Dark Olympus. I do have to say that it was hard figuring out who was who at first because the status changes after every book and their old names are still being said in the book. I liked the plot of the book but it's not the same as the first three where it was amazing. Now the plot mostly focuses on the romance of the MCs without many conflicts in the story. I still enjoyed the story and exploring the setting. The pacing was good and I finished this book in one day!

This book follows the pov of Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Pandora, and Adonis though Aprohodie and Hephaestus are the MCs of the story. I liked each of these characters and the way they explored their relationship with one another. I do have to say that there wasn't much character development with Pandora and Adonis and Aphrodite and Hephaestus had a bit of character development. There are a bit of side characters in the story, some we have seen in previous books. I was a bit disappointed not to see my favorites in the book. The romance is LGBTQ+, marriage of convenience, why choose, enemies to lovers, and forbidden love with quite a bit of steamy scenes.

The ending was well done and overall this was a great book. I enjoyed the story but I do wish there were more conflicts in the book. So far my favorite books in the series are Neon Gods and Wicked Beauty and I don't believe anything would top those books. I do wish the author will include character lists in the beginning of the book to keep readers updated so they will have a better experience with the book. Overall a great book and I can't wait to read the next one.

*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

Katee Robert is back with another Dark Olympus story, this time focusing on Aphrodite and Hephaestus along with Adonis and Pandora. I do believe Robert is improving with the plot throughout the series, however, I wished there had been a little more character development. Writing a love story with a power struggle in an enemies to lovers sort of scenario takes a lot. With four characters in that struggle in needs a lot more development to be convincing. But the scenes were hot and I am still curious as to see what the fate of Olympus is. She got me hooked and I can't stop.

4.5 delicious stars <3

Absolutely loved this. So fun, so queer, so sexy, so steamy.
I adored each of these main characters, what they went through and the new alliances that were forged. I was on the edge of my seat in the last 1/4 of the book when sh*t hit the fan!!!

Definitely a series I will continue to pick up, I am absolutely stoked that we aren’t done with this world yet!

Such a messy book but in all the best ways. I have read almost all of Katee Roberts catalog and I absoultely love the way she tells a story. The multiple plotlines (the series and the main couple) are handled so well - pulling the book (and series) forward without feeling rushed or dragging on. I also appreciate how she balances the spice with actual plot and character development.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!