I started out loving this series, but this book was not it for me.
The plot is starting to take a backseat and become convoluted... that said, Katee Robert never fails on the smut, and this story was heavy on the spice. I'm not sure I'll continue this series, but overall am a fan of the earlier Dark Olympus books!

Another scorching entry in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert, this one focused on Ariadne and the Minotaur.
"Touch her and die" vibes, and the Minotaur is hot, obsessed, possessive, and did I mention hot?
When she needs to leave her father's home after betraying him, Ariadne agrees to a marriage of convenience to Dionysus in exchange for her safety. Her father orders the Minotaur to eliminate her, but doesn't know that the Minotaur is in love with Ariadne, so he instead tries to find ways to keep her safe - and force her to see they should be together.
Both Ariadne and the Minotaur seem like pawns in the overall Olympus war, and as with all the other books in this series, there's lots of scheming and plotting and double-crossing. Oh - and spicy scenes. So many spicy scenes...
Great advancement of the series, and I thank Sourcebooks, the author, and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read it.

Dark Restraint by Katee Robert is the seventh book in the Dark Olympus series. I'd recommend readers start with the first book in the series since there are overarching plotlines that develop over the books and make character dynamics easier to understand.

I'm a huge fan of Robert's writing, and I was instantly hooked on this series when I read Neon Gods. While many of the books have characters who exist in a morally gray area, Dark Restraint felt more in the dark romance subgenre than the books that came before it since it's a stalker romance. While I enjoy this series, this one felt a little too in the dark romance subgenre for my personal tastes so I found I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. However, I do think readers who are excited by that will find a lot to love here in the dynamic between Ariadne and the Minotaur, who she is never fully certain if she can trust or not.

im a huge fan of the olympus tales and the series has been good for me so far, unfortunately this one didnt grab me as much. its okay..jujst didnt pull me in

While the stalker vibes the Minotaur gave off are not for me, I did like seeing his and Ariadne's relationship develop. That said, I really need this series to wrap up soon. I'm getting tired of the romance and smut and really just want the political plot to be the focus and bring us some resolution.

Going into this book, I already had an opinion of the MCs. I’m happy to report this book changed that for me.

I loved Ariadne character, she was very unexpected! I’m surprised by the connection the MCs shared with one another. The Minotaur lived up to his reputation . . . Until her. Swoon.

This was full of political intrigue & I’m really enjoying how the overall plot for the series is developing.
I’m looking forward to the next book.

I've loved the Dark Olympus series and Dark Restraint is a great addition! Is it my favorite in the series? No, but Katee Robert's writing still kept me entertained and wanting more. This book definitely helps build the tension and makes the world feel more real.

This is one of the books I've enjoyed the most in this series. I was looking forward to reading Ariadne and the Minotaur's story and I thought it turned out really well. There were some parts that I skimmed through, but I do that with all of these books.

Falling for the villain, the plot twists the Heras brought, and found family- I’m glad I waited to read this in order and not right when I got the Netgalley book.

Katee Robert’s Dark Restraint is an addictive blend of dark romance and high-stakes tension. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the storyline dives into shadows, exploring trust and power with intensity. Robert’s immersive writing pulls you into every charged moment, making it impossible to put down. If you love romance that doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of desire, Dark Restraint is a must-read.

Decent spice 🔥 but not my fav Katee Robert couple. This book felt more political then the rest of the series, which kinda wasn’t what I was expecting despite 6 other books of world and plot building ?? I don’t know the vibe just felt different. Still won’t ever stop reading these books though.

Unfortunately this is my least favorite in the Dark Olympus series. I didn't like how there was no relationship build between Ariadne and The Minotaur. There was no setup or pathing for them to learn they love each other. It just kind of...happened.

I was able to read this because NetGalley provided with an arc. I loved this romantasy. Great Read. I would read more by this author.

*light spoilers*

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with a digital arc of this book!

This is the 7th book in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert. It follows Ariadne and the Minotaur, following Ariadne's decision to turn traitor in the previous book. She is forced to marry Dinoysus to keep up public appearances, and the Minotaur is tasked by Minos to kill Ariadne. Over the course of the story, Ariadne and the Minotaur's relationship goes from a friendship to a more romantic one.

I have to say, this series has been going downhill for me personally. I read this smut book for the plot only, and the romantic relationship made me uncomfortable at best. Ariadne and the Minotaur grew up together and are essentially siblings. And when they first get together, he basically SAs her, and then later gets mad at her when she gets an abortion. Especially considering the state of the world we are in now, it doesn't feel right to romanticize a relationship like that. The romance aside, I enjoyed the plot and Ariadne's role in trying to help Hera take down the wall separating Olympus. The ending had me captivated, and I was shocked. Overall, I feel like this book is absolutely one that merits skipping. 2/5 stars.

I have really enjoyed this series so far- but I was not immediately hooked into this book like I was with all of the others. I am not sure if it was the Minotaur as a character that I just couldn't get behind- but something just didn't work for me. I would still read books by Katee Robert, I just don't think this title is for me. I loved the smut though!!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I love this series but u haven’t finished it so I think it’s my fault for picking up the seventh book in the series before finishing the rest of them but still I enjoyed it. It wasn’t my favorite so far but story was interesting and I loved how badass are the MMCs. Looking forward to the next couple

MF
Possessive MMC
Dark romance
Spicy
Dual POV

Rating: 3/5 - I enjoyed this book but it isn't one I will reread
🌶️: 4/5 - there were more than a handful of explicit intimate scenes

TLDR: This book gets back to the main plot again.

The last book in this series really didn't do much with the overreaching plot. This book gets back to the main story line more, but the main focus remains the romance. The MMC is extremely possessive and not a good guy. The FMC is a bit of a damsel in distress but she has some strength within her as well. There are some very heavy themes in this one so be sure to check your trigger warnings. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is a good continuation of the series and I liked the cameos of previous characters.

Ultimately, if you've been reading this series I recommend you keep going and read this book.

not my favorite in the series but I'm super invested in seeing what happens in the world at large so I will keep reading

Honestly, it's my own fault for picking up the seventh book in a series I haven't read.

The popsicle stick scaffolding of a plot that keeps this book upright goes something like this: Ariadne hooks up a Minotaur, in like the first scene, and we are somehow meant to be compelled by this relationship. She then escapes her villainous dad only to enter into a marriage of convenience with some other guy for unexplained reasons. Minotaur man comes chasing her and is supposed to kill her, but obviously doesn't because of love (or lust) reasons and they find random places to hook up until they eventually run away together and live happily ever after.

I mean, maybe this book is just Not for Me, but it does leave me wondering who it is for. The book gets a few finger snaps for representation, etc., (the Minotaur may murder, but he'll never misgender), but, overall, you can pass on this book.

This series...what a wild ride it's been. I'm seeing the pieces fall into place (no pun intended) but I could never get around to liking the Minotaur and that kind of took the rooting for them out of it all?

I know this set up a lot for the remainder of the series, which I will absolutely finish because I'm invested and need to know what happens! Not my favorite but that's bound to happen in a long series.

Thank you for the opportunity! Looking forward to the next.