A fun and raunchy Katee Roberts, I like how this book is much more of a fast burn then the previous books. We get hot and heavy very quickly and besides a few chapters on initial wavering, very quickly the three characters are like year we're gonna be a thing.

Plot wise, a whole lot happens in this book. I think it's definitely a turning point in the series. We find out who the Big Bad is and Hades is forced to make some policy decisions at the end of the book that will have huge ramifications on Olympus. This book is doing a lot of set up for the next few, and now that (i think) all the major characters are on the board, there will be a lot of pieces falling together for the next few books.

The relationship development was very cute. Charon-Eurydice has a very wholesome protector, friends who truly love each other vibe, Orpheus and Eurydice get the second-chance romance arc, and Orpheus handles all the groveling and repenting like a champ. I also really like Charon-Orpheus, they're very stalwart together and I like how respectful they are.

A really fun. book, I think this is probably one of my favorites in the series

Thank you SO much to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Katee Robert is back! I'm not gonna lie, the last few in this series fell kind of flat for me. The chemistry just wouldn't or couldn't match what I saw in Neon Gods but I don't know what inspires Robert. My current theory is that she just thrives in the lower city but whatever magic she needed she sure found.

Midnight Ruin picks up following the events of Cruel Seduction. Charon and Eurydice finally make their feelings known to each other after a year of friendship and start doing something about it. In steps Orpheus- who's only wish is to pay penance for his actions that lead to Eurydice being injured at the end of Neon Gods. Orpheus travels to the lower city at Orpheus' invitation to initiate some closure between him and Eurydice so that she and Charon can move forward. But in doing so it's discovered that Orpheus is more than happy to pay this penance on his knees. The puppy play aspect was not my cup of tea but it was still both heart warming and hot to see him totally give himself over as an apology. The dynamic between these three never lacked for chemistry and didn't take an huge leaps that didn't take the reader with them. In summary- I love them and am so pleased they got a happy for now.

The other aspect of this book that really brought it up to the 4th star. These are action/ romance and in past books I have seen Robert sacrifice one in the name of the other but this one was balanced SO well. Spice then action then spice and hey! more action. it was great.

I am so fully invested in how Olympus is going to come together to fight off the top secret big bad (revealed in this book) and am only annoyed that it's going to take 4 more books to see this resolved. Oddly enough I'm also glad I have that many more in the series to read!

Genre: contemporary/fantasy romance influenced by Greek mythology

Orpheus irrevocably broke his relationship with Eurydice when he fell ploy to the scheme of the last Zeus. Eurydice can’t forgive him. While she wants to move on physically with Charon, her best friend and Hades’s right-hand man, she isn’t emotionally beyond Orpheus. Charon desperately wants Eurydice to commit, and he’s willing to do anything to help her move on, even if it involves playing out kinks with Orpheus. Meanwhile, in the greater plot arc of Dark Olympus, assassins are still out to get the Thirteen, and Eurydice is trying to gain information from Ariadne about the “other side.”

I'm always curious to see where new chapters of Dark Olympus will lead us...and this took some surprising turns of kink. If the MCs enjoy it, I probably will too, no matter how surprising. In this case I felt like Midnight Ruin lacked some of the emotional connection I got from Wicked Beauty and Radiant Sin. Most of the emotional work between the three characters seems to have happened off-page, rather than on-page.

I felt that Midnight Ruin needed either a touch more or a touch less of political plot (or plot in general): either it needs to fall towards full-on erotica or the plot needs to really start progressing. You can read the first few books out of order, but starting with book 4, you really need to read these in order. I look forward to reading the next few in the series, but I’ll be honest, I’m most looking forward to Zeus and Hera in book 9!

A stunningly smutty read that titillates the senses. Eurydice and Charon are white hot and I could not stop myself from re reading some of their chapters. When Orpheus enters stage left what I thought could not get any better becomes a virtual feast of delights. This is no simple spicy retelling it is in a category all on its own.

WOW. Honestly, I didn't know how Katee Robert was going to make me give two fucks about Orpheus, after all the shit he pulled earlier in this series. I have been president of the haters club.
Well, after this, I can't say that I stan, but I DEFINITELY like him more, and I actually....have respect for him??

But, enough about Orpheus. Let's talk about our Zaddy, Charon!
I've loved him since Neon Gods, and every book Charon gets a little better!
Don't hate me, but if you ever watched OFMD, he gives me Hands vibes.

Eurydice...exists. I don't know, she's never been my favorite of the sisters, and she still isn't.

Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to the series. We are definitely in the thick of things, and there were some MAJOR plot reveals here.

This series is completely and utterly addicting, it’s not even funny. I’ve been so hooked on this series and these characters since Neon Gods and Katee Robert manages to sweep me off my feet with every new release in this series.

Every single book in this series has such a unique twist and it’s so incredibly entertaining going into each story not knowing what it’ll be like. There’s the signature Katee aspects of each story that make the books so identifiable to this author.

This story has it all: the continued messy politics of Olympus, unpredictable plots throughout the series, hot characters, even hotter steamy scenes… it’s just all really such a blast to read. You can just feel through the pages and the writing that Katee had, and has been having, the absolute best time writing these stories and curating these characters. The complexity of the plot in the entire series just keeps building and building and it’s so fun to read as these books come out. The tension between the characters in this book was *chef’s kiss* and I loveeeeeeed it!!!

I’m a reader who loves going into books blind, and I feel like every book in this series is so closely connected that I won’t talk about the plot in this review to allow anyone who wants to read this book the chance to go in knowing nothing of the plot other than the blurb. And on that note, while this is technically a standalone book, I would not recommend reading this book without reading the others in the series. There’s such a unique and complex storyline and to get the absolute best experience, you definitely need to (and should) read all of the books!

Overall, this is a great new addition to the Dark Olympus series and adds a whole new layer of complexity and intrigue to this series. I highly recommend this book and this series and absolutely can’t wait until the next installment!

*Thank you Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

MIDNIGHT RUIN is Katee Robert's sixth book in her Dark Olympus series. Because of the nature of the books, I thought this would be a series for which you don't have to read the previous books. While you can do so and pick up most of what is happening, the politics at play make it challenging.

As MIDNIGHT RUIN is only the second book in the series I've read, I did struggle with understanding what I missed. While MIDNIGHT RUIN is a retelling of the Eurydice/Orpheus myth, Ms. Robert makes enough changes for you to struggle if you are looking for similarities. Plus, the series builds on itself. This becomes not just an Eurydice and Orpheus retelling but also a continuation of everything that has occurred.

I find myself more interested in the characters' stories and Katee Robert's world of Olympus than in their sex lives. The idea that someone can become Zeus, Hera, or another of the top thirteen Greek gods still blows my mind. The dynamics are fascinating, and I want to learn all about it. To me, each bedroom scene is nothing but a distraction from the more fascinating parts of the story.

Not that the bedroom scenes are boring. In true Ms. Robert's fashion, they are detailed, intense, and HOT HOT HOT. MIDNIGHT RUIN includes another throuple, and I will admit to being a little jealous of Eurydice given the attention both men pay her. While I am not a fan of polyamory, Ms. Robert builds her relationships in a way that makes sense to me and makes me understand why someone would enter into a polyamorous relationship.

For those who have read the entirety of the Dark Olympus series so far, MIDNIGHT RUIN is exactly what you expect it to be. It has a great balance of spice and intrigue. Moreover, I loved the opportunity to explore the Underworld in greater detail and see Hades from a different perspective. This is a series I want to read in full next year because I know I missed key scenes. Plus, I am a sucker for any Greek mythology retelling, and Katee Robert's versions are so satisfying.

Never growing tired of "Dark Olympus"

Katee Robert's longest series has a big picture plot and several subplots that are just the appetizers! This one we're following Charon, Eurydice, and Orpheus in the lower city, and the political fallout that has occurred the last few books. You can usually read any of the "Dark Olympus" novels as standalones but always inter-connected. Her story is starting to blend from one book to the next, with cliff hangers that barely leave you holding on. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!

I have enjoyed Katee Robert's previous works and this book is no different. I found myself engulfed in the characters and their stories -- their emotions, their ailments, their traumas, and their love -- from the very first page. The writing pulls the reader in with ease. Robert has a way of reimagining greek mythology in a way that allows you to fall into the stories you learned when you were younger while also making it feel completely brand new and enticing once again. Midnight Ruin finds Charon and Euridyce in the midst of River Styx's chaos. They know they can't, they shouldn't, try to make something work between them, yet here we are. And, so is Orpheus. Through the ups and downs, Robert has developed another amazing plot with lovely characters. Brava!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

WE’RE BACK! Back again in the lower city under the hot af and watchful eyes of Hades and Persephone. 🥵

The book is actually about her sister but I loved having them back more towards the forefront of the story! The Lower City was also such a distinct part of this series and it felt good to come back to it. So much happens in this book, both with smut and plot and I LOVED it.

Also, WOW THAT PAINT SCENE.

Also also, is there magic in this series or not?? Still confused on that.

Five Emojis that Describe this Book: 🥵🎨🤯👀🫠

This next installment in Katee Roberts’ sensual Neon Gods series amps up the tension, both romantic and political. Eurydice Dimitriou becomes so much more than the broken little sister who needs protecting. She’s done letting other people decide her life, no matter how well meaning they may be. The first step is moving on from heartbreak and into the arms of Charon, Hades’ most trusted friend and ally and the man who’s longed for her since she came to the Lower City. But he knows she won’t be able to fully move on until she faces her past: Orpheus, the man who betrayed her and who’s been wracked with shame ever since. Thus, the three’s lives intersect as both men work together trying to help Eurydice heal and support her evolution into a strong, self-determined woman. But when terror and violence begin plaguing Olympus, and each of them feels a call to action, the three must face the depths of their emotions for one another as they try to protect themselves, their city, and their loved ones. As with each book in this series, its ending has me anxiously awaiting the next one!

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was hot!! I love the characters. I love their relationships, and this was perfection as usual. This book was paced so well that I just flew through it in no time. It was a bit Insta-lovey but all of these characters have been introduced in previous books, and they all had history with each other up to the point that this book started. <spoiler>Correction, Charon and Orpheus didn’t really have any history so there’s was Insta-lust because they do carefully say that they are not in love yet but they’re falling.<spoiler> This book was very tantalizing with its peeks into what Hera has been doing,seeing Hermes again, and what in the world is going on with Ariadne. I also love that this book starts out with a trigger warning, because there is some sensitive material in this book, not specifically with the main characters of this book, but with characters that we may see in a book in the near future. 5/5 stars highly recommend and already preordered my physical copy.

Midnight Ruin was quite the thigh clenching steamy dark romance story set in the world of Olympus. I started reading it last night when I was going to bed, and got 50% of the way through before I realized what happened. This morning, I picked up my coffee and my kindle and sat on the couch until I finished.

I LOVED this book. It was quick, steamy, dark, erotic, descriptive, interesting, and awesome.

The progression of Eurydice’s self reflection and confidence throughout the book as we went on was awesome. She became more confident, more in tune with what she wanted, and as a result, she gained not 1 but 2 partners – which I loved.

I’m sorry but Charon is the dreamiest steamboat ever. Can he take me to Hades club and teach me all the things?

One thing I really loved was the description of multiple gender fluid characters. The way they were written was fantastic, and exactly how it should be written in a book. They were described physically so you could envision them, and the gender neutral language was used really well. I have read several books this year where neutral language was used and it fell flat because I could not envision them, but Midnight Ruin did it perfectly well.

I also loved the polyamorous relationship Eurydice, Charon, and Orpheus gain with each other. It is sexy and sweet and I wanted the book to be longer so we could have more of them together.

The struggles Orpheus shared with Eurydice when he painted her were really raw and powerful. While Eurydice definitely struggled healing the past 9 months, Orpheus did as well. He has no self confidence and feels the need to pay penance – it is almost as if he is trying to make his life miserable and suffer, but not realizing that he has been suffering this whole time and needs to allow himself to heal.

This was a great book and a great addition to the Dark Olympus series! Overall, Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert was steamy and erotic and had me clenching my thighs and holding my breath during multiple scenes. I can’t wait for more!

*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

5 freaking stars. Again.

I swear, this series is just getting better. There hasn't been a mid-series slump, and it's actually gaining momentum with each book, not just maintaining it. They way Katee Robert is writing this series has me completely engrossed (and begging for more!)

Prior to "Midnight Ruin", I was a little nervous because I was rooting for Charon and Eurydice so hard and had an intense hatred for Orpheus after everything he had done. But the ways things played out over the course of this book really worked for me. I mean, I am a sucker for penance, and Orpheus paid it in spades. The Dark Olympus series has a certain irreverence for the original myths the characters take their names from that I absolutely adore; they're a nod to the original myths, but not retellings. As always, the writing was exceptional and the overall arc of the book was well thought out as both a book and as a part of a larger series.

Katee Robert has done an excellent job of balancing plot and plot development with spice and heat, something that really isn't easy. It's just a brilliant series, I can't even fathom having a brain that works out all these little twisty bits. Also, the reveal of who Minos's benefactor was had me GAGGED, and then the additional reveal later on?!? Fuck. I can't wait to see where this goes (although I am nervous, are we building towards character deaths?!)

As a final note, I've had a lot of mutuals ask if these can be read as standalones. I said it after "Cruel Seduction" and I will say it again now: NO. There is an overarching plotline that ties all of these books together, and the further you go into the series the more inextricable they become. The good news is, they're all amazing so it isn't a hardship to get caught up!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
💀💀💀
MMF

I enjoy all Katee Robert novels.
This series is a must for anyone who loves spicey fantasy romance.

Plus it's a retelling - and although I am normally very cautious about stepping into a world of Gods or Fairytale retellings, I like her dark versions. This is full of love, hate, secrets, heartbreak, politics, relationships, dirty kinks, and spicey SPICE!

This is book 6 in the series and I recommend reading the entire series.

Honestly, I just saw a Katee Robert title and went into it without any idea that it was even part of the Dark Olympus series. I had only read Neon Gods, and while there were definitely characters that I missed some history on (duh, this is book 6 and I have only read book 1), but I was still able to enjoy this one just fine.

Eurydice is just starting to come into her own after the trauma caused by Orpheus and Zues, and Charon is ready and waiting. Not slow. Spicy. And the addition of Orpheus 🥵 it's a quick building love story from there and it all happens over a few days (which is a little too Insta love-y for me). There's some action and a happy ending for this trio though Olympus is a dumpster fire. The spicy scenes are spicy, but there wasn't a actually that many of them. Overall a decent read!

⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is by no means a reflection on the author or the book but the kinks in the story really put me off and made it difficult for me to connect with the characters and I therefore struggled through the book.

However, I do believe a lot of people will thoroughly enjoy this story and for that reason I am Rating it 4

I couldn't put it down and the world building is so good in this series!

I love a throuple story and this one about Eurydice, Orpheus, and Charon was a hit. Eurydice and Orpheus have had a falling out. Previously in the series, Orpheus betrays Eurydice and each of their respective worlds fall apart because of that. Enter Charon, a protector who is entrusted with Eurydice’s care. As they grow closer, they fall in love but Eurydice feels she can’t move forward without closure from Orpheus. As all three of these characters interact, groveling and penance is due and it is kinky.

As I said before, Robert’s world building is stellar in this series. Because the titles of the gods replace the given names of the characters, it can be difficult to keep track of but it pays off in storyline reveals. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. Robert’s keeps me coming back for more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I have been a huge fan of this series, but I’m sad to say this one wasn’t my favourite. The best parts of the rest of the series are the world building and plot advancement. While there was some of this in Midnight Ruin, there wasn’t much until right at the end. Most pages were devoted to the relationship, and unfortunately the degradation kink wasn’t for me. Orpheus as a lead was a little boring, and I didn’t believe in the build up between Charon and Orpheus.

However, I am eagerly awaiting the next book after the ending of Midnight Ruin! And I am desperate for Zeus/Hera.

Midnight Ruin
by Katee Robert
4.9/5 😈🫠💦🎨❤️‍🔥🚑

The way this book had me by the THROAT, oh my GOD. And then my Kindle decides to show I’m at 92% but it ENDS - I cannot. It’s my own fault for not realizing there was extra content at the end, but come ON. Endlessly screaming since I finished this. Chefs kiss, a simply amazing read.

I started my journey with Neon Gods, which made me hesitant to read book six next. It did not affect my enjoyment whatsoever; I created entirely new bonds and connections to the characters within this story. I was fine with having Hades & Persephone be more background players as compared to the first. Eurydice, Orpheus, and Charon were so amazing together, omg. 🥹 I was absolutely breathless and had soooooo so many butterflies while reading this. I feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to read it early!!

Robert excels at storytelling and world building; this series is a must read, an automatic buy, a favorite author… Give this all of the accolades!

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!! 🩷📚