This book was an absolute thriller and was so delicious to read. It’s tying everything together so sweetly I cannot wait for the next installment!! I never thought I’d like the Minotaur as much I did in this book!! 10/10 and Hermes!!! Omgggg absolutely boss. Cannot wait to see Icarus with Poseidon🥰🥰

The book was fast and easy to read, keeping me engaged from beginning to end. The plot itself was interesting. I liked the world building, politics, and overall learning more about the world.

Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance in this book. While there were some good moments, I wasn’t fully invested in the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Maybe seeing a bit more relationship development between them would have helped. I also would have loved to learn more about their pasts.

I’m interested to see where the story goes next!

Katee said that "Dark Restraint" is their "darkest" book yet. It's a little bit stalker/protector-y but not super dark imo. Spice with a subplot and I love every minute!

I've been all in on Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series since Neon Gods and was so thankful to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of the newest addition to the series, Dark Restraint. I think overall this was maybe my least favorite of the series so far. It has a lot of my favorite things that Robert delivers like great spicy scenes and interesting dynamics while also furthering the world-building but I just wasn't as interested in Ariadne and the Minotaur.

Overall, while the cat-and-mouse relationship between Ariadne and the Minotaur is intriguing, the part of the book that worked the best for me was that world-building. Robert is clearly setting up a big confrontation and laying the pieces for war while giving us hot romances along the way.

I remain ridiculously feral for every scrap we get about Hera and Zeus and cannot be held accountable for the person I will be when we finally get their book.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love the Dark Olympus series but this one was a little underwhelming. I had really hoped for more romance, but their chemistry was all written off as previous off-the-page lore. It's hard to jump into spicy scenes without knowing the chemistry between the characters. Also the spicy scenes were far less than in previous books which was also a little underwhelming. I think this book was a hard one to write reguardless since it is about 2 characters who have never been fan favorites and they are working to take down aspects of Olympus that have really grown on loyal readers. This felt like a real work horse of a book and I just didn't feel the spark here that made me love earlier books in the series.

Dark Restraint wasn’t my favorite of the series but it kept me interested enough to see how the plot played out and politics. It felt like a filler but I am looking forward to Icarus and Hera’s books.

Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC.

I haven’t ever vibed with the Minotaur in the previous books, so I already knew it was going to take A LOT to win me over. Sadly, Minotaur never won me over. The smut was alright & the plot was actually stellar! Which I feel like balances the series out well. Katee is also a phenomenal writer. Overall this was a high 3, low 4 for me.

Wow! This book starts off with a bang! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Dark Restraint is the 7th installment of the Dark Olympus series and it centers around Ariadne and Asterion (AKA the Minotaur).First off, if you read the previous book, Midnight Ruin, then you already know what Ariadne is dealing with but if you haven’t definitely check the trigger warnings. In this book, Ariadne is forced to marry Dionysus for political reasons while Asterion spends the rest of the book trying to get her back.

I liked Asterion and Ariadne as a couple and thought that they complimented each other nicely. Asterion is portrayed very badly in the previous books and I was not sure how his redemption arc in this book was going to go. Don’t get me wrong he is still a bad person, but this book delves into his background which lends us some insight into why he is how he is. He has a huge soft spot for Ariande and would do anything for her. Ariadne also had a rough childhood and is still struggling with having freedom and not being someone else’s pawn. She loves Asterion but he is under her father’s thumb just as much as she was. How far will both of them go to break free?

On a macro-level, the series progresses a lot during this book and there is no shortage of political intrigue. If you like this series and/or Greek romance retellings (especially spicy ones 🌶️🌶️🌶️) then I think you will love this book! I cannot wait for the next book!!!

Thank you to Katee Robert for an ARC of this book.

“I don’t know how many times I have to say it before you believe me, sweetheart. This thing between us is never going to end. You and I are written in the stars.”

In a conflict with these kind of stakes, you either come out on top or you come out six feet under. -Hermes

Book 7 in the Dark Olympus series brings us Ariadne and the Minotaur aka Asterion who’s maybe a little bit of a marshmallow 🤯😮- a burnt and crispy one, but still one nonetheless. Lots of “touch her and die” but also calls her “sweetheart” and makes sure she’s fed and has read all her books to find out what she likes… I mean, just read the quote above- the man is smitten! He’s still super rough around the edges and kills people, but for her, he’s a marshmallow. Truly, color me pleasantly surprised!
We begin 10 weeks before the end of book 6 (Midnight Ruin) at Minos’ house party in Radiant Sin (book 4). Ariadne has lived her whole life under her father’s thumb only being valued as a bargaining tool. What her father doesn’t know, is that she’s left information for Apollo which will hopefully help the Olympians. Escaping the fallout from the expected bloodshed at the end of the house party, Ariadne slips into the hedge maze to be alone. When Asterion finds her and admits he didn’t kill one of the Thirteen, like he was ordered to, their mutual betrayal of Minos snaps the final tether keeping them apart. The result of this encounter (pregnant with the knowledge that her father will kill them both) propels Ariadne to the Lower City and into the hands of the Olympians in Midnight Ruin (book 6).
Alone and subject to the whims of the Thirteen, Ariadne finds herself engaged to Dionysus through the suspect planning of Hera. Hera, who we discover is planning a coup and isn’t above using anyone and everyone at her disposal including Ariadne and Asterion, the Minotaur, to achieve her goals. As Minos and Hera’s plans coalesce and the war with Circe grows ever closer, Ariadne and Asterion (who’s been ordered to kill her by her father) find they can’t stay away from each other- and don’t want to. When the wall comes down and with Circe’s fleet at their doorstep, Ariadne and Asterion make their escape.
This book really moved the plot line along, brought some other players to the foreground- ginger headed Poseidon has left his shipyards and is entangled in Hera’s plot along side Dionysus. When the wall falls, Poseidon finds himself with Icarus as a prisoner. (Book 8 is Poseidon and Icarus! 👀👀) Hermes is back and still full of secrets- like how did she know where to place a bomb so the wall would fall?? I can’t wait to find out!
Katee always brings the spice but unlike some of her other books, the spice didn’t overshadow the plot/ wasn’t the whole plot. This felt well balanced between spicy scenes and a storyline which moved the plot of the series forward. Overall I liked this book better than some of the others in the series and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Circe brings with her.

I think this book was a great addition to the series. The plot thickened and I really enjoyed Asterion and Ariadne. I loved their relationship and how possessive he was over her. I am just a sucker for the trope of he will destroy the world for her and he is a tough guy for everyone else but her.

Quick Summary:
This book follows Ariadne after she betrays her dad Minos. This book follows more of the plot of what Minos is planning and how they come closer to bringing down the wall that secures the city. This book also follows the relationship of Ariadne and the Minotaur (Asterion) as they navigate their betrayals to be with each other.

The scenes!!! Katee brought the heat! As I said, I enjoyed the plot because I still can't figure out what side anyone is one. I enjoy the twists that Katee brings to this book as it continues to leave me wanting more. I want to know what is going to happen to all the characters I've been reading about over the years and if they are going to be safe.

4/5 stars for Dark Restraint. Thank you Katee Robert, Sourcebooks and Netgalley for granting my wish and gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was granted a wish from the publisher and netgalley for an arc.

I enjoyed this book in the dark Olympus series, but it isn’t my favorite.

I am really loving how the overarching sub-plot is picking up in intensity. I find myself really wanting to see more of it over the couple and their story.

The relationship in this book was ok for me. I didn’t think they had the chemistry some of the other couples have had. I wished we had gotten a little more of their past together I think that might have helped a bit. The one thing about them that I did kind of like seeing was how they really want out of the life they find themselves in. It is a little different from the others who are far more involved in parts of the world.

I thought I was interesting this was the darkest of the series, but I am not sure I felt that it was. There was violence and death but it didn’t strike me as dark for this series.

This series has been enjoyable and with every book we get closer to the end. While I am sad to see it close I am excited about the other stories we will get!

Overall rating 3.75 (rounded up to 4) out of 5 spice level: ODD open door (very) descriptive language and imagery

As a big fan of Katee Robert and the dark Olympus series I was so excited when this arc landed in my netgalley!

Intrigued by Greek mythology I devoured this book.

The world building that katee has developed is insane! This book being the 7th book in the Olympus series.

This book follows the Minotaur, and Ariadne. Ariadne promised to another groom, the Minotaur is tasked with protecting her. Alas, he wants her all to himself. Ariadne also developing the same feelings. Having to decide between her world and her heart.

I absolutely enjoyed this one and cannot wait for the next instalment!

Thank you Sourcebooks for the ARC!

Ugh. Katee Robert does it again. I adore this series. Too short this time though. I need far more Asterion and Ariadne, in all of their flawed, sexually charged glory.

Excited to see where the series goes, as always.

Dark Restraint Katee Roberts

This became a “hate” read for me soon after the opening sequences. I want to enjoy it, I don’t enjoy it, where is this going, why am I still reading this? I am sure Katee Roberts fans will gobble up this mafia-esque story of a cloistered Ariadne and Asterion, the Minotaur, her father's enforcer and their clandestine relationship.

Having not read books 2-6 of the Olympus series, there was much of the individual characters that went over my head. The only Minotaurian labyrinth I found was that of what felt like incomplete sentences and the kind of politicking that makes Days of Our Lives seem straightforward. For example, the revolving door of the current Thirteen. Who is Ares this week? why does Hera want her husband, the current Zeus dead? The machinations and plot are what held my attention, the relationship of the couple the book centres on less so.

The couple, Ariadne and Asterion, were nothing if not an example of an unhealthy relationship and what a lack of communication will get you until the final chapters. Their smex scenes were positively uncomfortable to read for me. This is very much a taste and preference in the spice I read. .
I appreciate the story having plot but it still felt like filler.

That said, if I have the opportunity, I will be interested to see where Posiedon and Icarus stories go.

My thanks to NetGalley, Source Casablanca books and the author for granting the wish to read this Advanced Reader Copy ahead of publication. All opinions are my own.

This was one of my least favorite installments in the Dark Olympus series. Though the world building continues to be great, the writing was more simplistic than usual and I did not like the main characters. It is difficult for me to really enjoy a book if the main characters don't appeal to me in any way.

I did enjoy the book. The first third was more difficult to get through as there was quite a bit of dubious consent happening (disclosed in the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book). Once the relationship actually took hold the story improved, and there was a little less iffy behavior happening.

I really enjoyed the first few books in this series, but the rest have been a little hit or miss. I'm not sure that I'll like the main characters in the next book either, but I'll just have to wait and see. I'll definitely continue, as I'd like to see where the world is headed. Big things are happening.

All in all, not a great read, but enjoyable to a point.

Another amazing installment in the series. When I first heard Katee was doing Ariadne and The Minotaur, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel, based solely on the state of who they are in Greek Mythology.
I can't lie, the morality chain element of this book had me thriving. We all know Katee cranks her steam level up, and this one doesn't disappoint in that arena. I am now SO PSYCHED for the next book with Icarus and Poseidon. THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH... I want it all, Katee. I want it ALL!!!
In case you can't tell, I Loved it!

FANTASTIC!

my favorite trope in action was just a delight. The morality chain element here the plot reveals the progress of the whole story.

Absolutely obsessed with this series.

3.25 stars

“no one else matters but us. no one has ever mattered but us.”


I thoroughly enjoyed the captivating blend of politics and intrigue in this book, which had me diving headfirst into the story and eager to follow the plot. while I was pleased with the engaging narrative, I did feel that the characters' pasts and relationship’s development could have been fleshed out further. however, I appreciated the steamy and explicit romantic scenes featuring them together, duh.
overall, I found this to be a quick and engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a fast-paced romance with a healthy dose of smut, this book is definitely worth checking out.

many thanks to the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐️

'Behold, a series that shows no signs of slowing down with this next enthralling instalment in the outstanding Dark Olympus series with a hint of hero, a murderous minotaur, ostentatious obsession & damning destruction. Katee Robert stands out once more with Ariadne and The Minotaur at her side' - The British Bibliophile


Dark Restraint is the seventh book in Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series. A series which follows different sets of main characters from across Greek Mythology, re-telling and re-imagining their stories and who they are told with. It specifically from the beginning highlights the lives, secrets and darkness of its citizens and of the 'Thirteen', taking the names we know who are woven into Greek myth, shaking things up a bit, and breaths new life into familiar names with new stories.

Dark Olympus hit the ground running with a strong, dominating and mysterious opener, Neon Gods, with the God of the underworld himself, Hades, swiftly partnered with his soon-to-be obsession, Persephone. These names we are familiar with for those of us who are already family with both Greek Mythology and the romantic fiction novels about the Gods/Goddesses within. Though as the series title suggests not so subtly, things here get a little darker.

Hades and Persephone didn't stay the main feature for long. Many players stepped up to the fictional stage and soon enough, seven, sinful books have accumulated with equally as so characters. The series so far and their characters are as follows:

💙 Neon Gods (Hades 𝑥 Persephone)
🩷 Electric Idol (Eros 𝑥 Psyche)
💚 Wicked Beauty (Achilles 𝑥 Helen 𝑥 Patroclus)
❤️ Radiant Sin (Apollo 𝑥 Cassandra)
💜 Cruel Seduction (Hephaestus 𝑥 Aphrodite + Adonis 𝑥 Pandora)
🖤 Midnight Ruin (Orpheus 𝑥 Eurydice 𝑥 Charon)
❤️ Dark Restraint (The Minotaur 𝑥 Ariadne)

Katee has kept a list of who is who, and who appears in which book in full, over on her Instagram account. If you'd like to know who will be appearing in book nine and a teaser of book ten, head over there. We're kept fully informed (and again, teased) over there as well as in her newsletter. Highly recommend signing up so you don't miss out on any of the important news.

Fellow readers who have followed where the story started from the early stages when everything was still very much unknown, unseen and remained a complete mystery to those not in the know within the thirteen and their families, will know just how much has changed--rather rapidly to some, slowly to others--, and just how much that was once in the shadows is out there for all to see. The world of those who live within the realm of Olympus, their fate, lies in the hands of those who will either bring total oblivion, a new reign of terror or something else entirely. Who survives? Who will see things through until the end? Those answers lay ahead of us.

Heading into the maze with one pleasurable reward at the centre is none other than The Minotaur himself, accompanied by the amiable Ariadne. Glimpses of these two have echoed their way throughout previous reads in the series, but here is where the baton is handed to them for the next leg of the unprecedented adventures that are set out before them. Nothing is going to be easy, nothing is going to be straightforward, and there's going to be plenty set out to knock them off the path and into the dark abyss.

Being at the mercy of Olympus has never come at a worse time in its history, but that is exactly what has happened to Ariadne after betraying her father and thus as a result, his generous benefactor. Mercy though, is not cheap. In fact, it comes at a hefty price both morally and physically. Agreeing to a sham marriage to none other than Dionysus, Ariadne seals her fate with a man whom her heart and eyes are not set on. The man--or monster--in question who is just that, she lusts for as much as she fears.

Enter, The Minotaur. Not afraid to get his hands dirty--literally--, he would do so as long as the old man kept his word and at the end of all his tasks? HE would be the one to get Ariadne as his reward. She is his endgame. His prize. A person that he believes, and demands, that no one else should have other than himself. He is hers, she is his. They are for each other.

As things gallop along at a speedy pace, so does the budding lust between Ariadne and The Minotaur. Although temped to step through the burning hot flames, Ariadne knows better than to be the one to encourage The Minotaur, for she is most likely to burn rather than raise those flames higher and higher with him. He's done terrible things that deep down in her heart, she knows she cannot forgive him for. No matter that it was in the past, he is the same man now and unlikely to ever change how he operates. Even for her.

Worries, cares and fears fly out of the nearest window when all bets are off, and hands are roaming over one another like the world was set to end in the next moment. Which in Olympus at this moment in time, it very well might just do. Wicked words are whispered and as everything crumbles around them, spilling blood and parting souls from their earthly bodies, they might just let it happen and spend their final moments locked in an apocalyptic embrace.

Though we are this close to the end, there are no signs of things slowing down for the inhabitants of a supposed doomed city, the underworld and those outside of both. Worlds and walls are coming down, and we're sitting on the sidelines watching it all happen. Katee impresses with her immeasurable skill in spinning out a story over several books--longer than a usual series--, keeping us just as hooked now all this way in as we were when things began.

Each new set of characters slots a piece into the greater puzzle, Ariadne and The Minotaur being our latest two added in. Their burning hot, forbidden desires for one another kept things sizzling from chapter to chapter, the lives around them changing but providing clarity with revealed intentions and secrets, and a show of willing to do whatever it takes to put the other piece of your heart first before yourself. Equally matched for one another, fate dealt them a good hand in pairing them. But was it worth it to risk life and limb for your legacy, your loved ones, all for a world that is as deceptive as it has been protective that now lies at risk of being obliterated? We will soon find out.

Calm waters become choppy and unsettled as this leg of the adventure leaves things in a perilous place where if they thought things have been tough before, that they'd paid their dues and fought with all they've got? They're about to think again and must rally up all within them to turn towards the foe and prepare for the upcoming final battle.

Olympus will either fall, or rise and stand tall. Leading us there is not in fact any of the characters who have become major players in this elongated dalliance between life, death and fate, but the mistress of this world's creation, Katee Robert.

I reviewed this as an audio book a little while ago and then was pleasantly surprised to receive the ARC on release day. Super excited to review again.

Olympus is well on its way to imploding in this new instalment of Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series.

Ariadne has left the oppression of her father's household to help the Olympians fight him, but in leaving him, she leaves Asterion behind. Even though they are now on opposite sides neither one can forget the love they have for each other. They have known each other since they were children and the Minotaur (Asterion) has loved Ariadne since the first time he saw her. Their not going to let a little apocalypse get in the way of them being together forever.

These two are so sweet together, which is weird because Asterion is really scary - I mean he has no qualms in killing people, especially if he has to get through them to protect Ariadne. Although they are very different, this pairing just works.

Being able to read the book as opposed to hearing the audio-book presents a different experience, not better or worse, just different. I was able to pause over phrases and absorb more detail. This book focuses a lot on the political intrigue happening in Olympus and characters from previous books show up to become part of the story again, so it's nice to be able to take it all in.

I've scored the book higher than the audio book for this reason, as I discovered and enjoyed more of the book by absorbing it through my eyeballs.

I received an ARC of this audio book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.