Each book in this series get more and more wilder!!! And I freaking love it! Ariadne and the Minotaur?!?! 🥵🥵 so freaking hot, Katee Robert can do no wrong!!

Let me start this by saying Katee Robert is one of my auto-buy authors. I've read and devoured dozens of her other books, including those in the Dark Olympus series. Dark Restraint did not hit as hard as I wanted it to for me, but I genuinely believe that it is a *mostly* great book, that many people would enjoy.

The good, first of all: It is really refreshing to see two protagonists outside of the "Thirteen" and I enjoyed the perspective. I think the plot and story of this book were the most interesting so far, and I felt like it had the highest stakes. I loved seeing a different side of Dionysus, and I am absolutely feral for Hera.

The not-as-good: I did not vibe with the "spark" between Ariadne and Asterion. A lot of their tension was diffused in the first few chapters. I didn't really buy their love for each other, because a lot of it happens off-page, in their past. I wanted more "will they won't they?" personally.

Overall, I'm glad I read it, and I think anyone who loves the Dark Olympus series will like it. I just did not find it to be the strongest in the series.

Dark Olympus is one of my favorite dark romance series and this book did not disappoint. The chemistry between Ariadne and Asterion had so much history behind it, and so many years of longing, which made it especially satisfying seeing them give into their love.

I also really enjoyed getting to see more of Dionysus and his place within the greater picture. The political intrigue and shady dealings were amped up in this installment and I am chomping at the bit to see what happens next. The setup for a future romance with Icarus and Poseidon was perfection and I NEED to see what
my beloved Hermes gets up to next!

Thank you so very much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

Katee Robert doesn't disappoint!! Love the Dark Olympus series, and was lucky enough to snag an ARC copy for Dark Restraint.
You have the ongoing threat to Olympus looming over everyone, the tension between Ariadne and the Minotaur, stolen kisses in secret, and the SPICE 🥵.
Not to mention getting more of a glimpse into Dionysus and Hermes!
Like all the other books in the series, I'm now anxiously awaiting the next one!!

I loved this book. It is one of the best in this series. I didn’t think I would like the Minotaur as much as I did but I adore him. The ending was also a bit shocking. I didn’t expect it. I hope there will be more of Ariadne and the Minotaur in the future or some short stories of them. The plot in this one was more focused on the upcoming war instead of just the couple which I found very enjoyable.

Another great addition to the series! The Dark Olympus Series has me invested in the characters and the plot! The plot moved along quite well in this novel and I’m eagerly waiting for the next one.

This book was so freaking good!!!! I absolutely love this series and this book did not disappoint! Katee Robert is a mastermind! This book will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. This book is probably the darkest one of the series so far and was utter perfection. The characters were written very well with amazing characters growth and there was good plot/spice balance. I am definitely now impatiently waiting for the next one.

I’ve read all of the Dark Olympus books so far and was dying to get my hands on Ariadne and the Minotaur’s book. It absolutely did not disappoint! It was so sexy yet so so sweet. I loved these two characters so much and was rooting for them the entire time! So glad I was able to read it early! Katee you did it again!

The plot keeps plotting!!!! We're getting so close to the series ending and I love that things keep snowballing. I loved the friends to lovers with this (I can't remember if Katee has written one before/ recently) and I also loved that the relationship was not the main focus this time. It got me excited to get to both Icarus's and Hera's stories (ugh why must we waitttt) and I can't wait to hopefully really meet Circe soon.

Amazing continuation of the series! I didn’t think I would fall so hard for the Minotaur, but here we are. I loved seeing their relationship develop and I loved his dynamic with her. I also loved Ariadne’s journey to discovering who she wants to be on her own. We really get into some of the underlying politics of Olympus with this book. Just when I felt like I was figuring things out… PLOT TWIST. Katee Robert never disappoints and this book is no exception. I devoured this book so fast and can’t wait for the next one!

Hard, brutal man who’s soft only for her? YES PLEASE!

Asterion (the Minotaur) is a monster of a man, but he’s loved innocent, quietly strong Ariadne since he was just a kid. Theirs was always a forbidden relationship, but as adults, they can’t seem to stay away from each other! Their love is built on stolen moments and and an understanding of one another due to mutual trauma that no one else could ever achieve.

I loved watching these two figure out their dynamic. Asterion had to wait and let Ariadne give rather than just taking (like he’s used to doing) and Ariadne had to learn to trust Asterion after a lifetime of letdowns from others. Watching these two’s walls falls down (LOL, IYKYK) was a fun journey. And the spice was spicyyy!

I would have loved a little more happiness from the ending, but I understand why that’s difficult given the unfinished series arc. I just want all the good things for Ariadne and Asterion! The ring, and the babies, and all the things they agreed they want.🫶🏼

Loved this visit to Olympus and look forward to the next one!

Katee Robert described this as the darkest of her Olympus books and I agree with that (not as dark as I've seen her go, but, still!). I'm still not entirely certain how all of Olympus works and who does what, how anyone has money, but it was cool to see Hera and Hermes getting involved.

Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks for the arc of Dark Restraint.
It goes without saying that this series has been a favorite of mine ever since Neon Gods dropped, i fell in love with the universe instantly! so having an arc of one of my anticipated reads from this series is an honor.
Even though i had my initial negative thoughts about the couple in this book ( i don’t like the idea of them being foster siblings ) i still enjoyed reading it, Katee just knows how to grasp my attention i will read anything she writes!
I do admit hating The Minotaur at first when he was first introduced in the series, and i still wasn’t a big fan of his in the previous books, he was a bit too possessive and aggressive at some point but i did enjoy the soft moments he had in this book it caught me by surprise i might’ve swooned… and also let me mention this quote just because.. “it would be an privilege to kill for her” i might’ve s(creamed)
Ariadne my baby girl it’s such a delight reading plus size representation as a plus size girl myself these type of characters make me feel seen and loved, i loved her confidence in her skin and i loved everything about her! i wish i was a kangaroo so i could put her in my pocket because god damn my girl has been through so much shit..
The amount of hera scenes in this book is sending me to the seventh sky if you can’t tell she’s my favorite character in this series and i just can’t wait for her and zeus book the day that book drops is the day all my mental problems disappears *for a while at least*
AND THE EPILOGUE... hello??????? i am absolutely sat for the next book i am sat and absolutely frothing and anticipating the next drop

Katee Roberts is the queen of filth. That being said, I was not a fan of the couple but loved the smut and loved the politics and the ongoing story of Olympus.

Ariadne seems like a sweet and brilliant girl who grew up with a cruel father who only saw her as an asset to be advantageously married off. The Minotaur grew up alongside her and is a trained assassin who is OBSESSED with her. Yes it is clear the Minotaur loves her as best he can, but I’m not convinced his best is good enough. Ariadne deserves a fully fresh start.

Overall I am looooving this series and cannot wait for the next books to find out what happens in Olympus. Really looking forward to Hera and Zeus’s book.

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

I love the politics and drama that Katee Roberts gives us with her dark Olympus books! This book is not different since it has the spice but also so many big plot points. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for more.

Robert's Dark Olympus series continues to be hit after hit. I can't wait to see what happens next! I enjoyed this book immensely!

The “he hates everybody but her” trope really gets me right in the heart and that’s exactly what you get with the Minotaur and Ariadne. He isn’t the best at expressing himself verbally (outside the bedroom at least) but he has a million actions he does that speak to his adoration of Ariadne. For example when he pays attention to the little things like the books and fanfics she reads to understand her more.

“In this moment nothing matters. Nothing but us.”

Intimacy and desire run rampant in this dark romance. As usual, Katee’s Dark Restraint is deliciously sweet and spicy.

“She’s mine. I’m never going to let her go.”

Asterion’s possessiveness is unhinged and hot af. He’d do anything for Ariadne.

Dark Restraint transports you to back Olympus, where the political ambition, bargains, blackmail, backstabbing and calculation drives the City of Olympus. I absolutely LIVE for the drama in this series!! Katee has a way of making you completely invested in the lives of her characters, and I was soooo obsessed with Asterion and Ariadne from the literal first page.

All Ariadne has ever wanted was freedom, a choice and autonomy in her own life. She’s determined to break free from the restraints suffocating her, to live her own life on her own terms instead of silently suffering and simply surviving. She wants to live! A noble and admirable goal, especially when she’d never felt the hope of a future at all. After being a people pleaser for so long, for neglecting her own needs, she puts herself first and I love that endlessly.

But, Asterion is obsessed and refuses to let her go. He wants her, more than anything else in the world, following her from the shadows. Seeing Ariadne grow in her confidence is so lovely.

“She’s so fucking strong, but even strong people need a place and time to crumble.”

Dark. Delicious. Possessive. Dark Restraint is sensual and sweet, proving that those who are deadly and dangerous can soften for those they love most. A beautiful and dark contrast.

“I stare at this woman, at the shining star that has been my guiding light for most of my fucking life. I knew from the start that I would never deserve her, but I didn’t give a fuck. I wanted her all the same.”

Asterion and Ariadne’s love is an inferno, blazing hot and only growing as they feed on each other’s air, their life-force.

“There’s only ever been him, and I’m not at a place in my life where I can picture being with anyone but him.”

Katee is a natural at world building, the intricate detail to Olympus adds such depth to the experience of reading this series, the maps, the politics, the connections, the history, making you feel a part of the world, living alongside the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus.

A favorite of this series. Asterion and Ariande are probably the most relatable characters. They are not part of the Thirteen so it was nice to see that side of things.

I am addicted to this series. Katee does spice better than anyone, but the story and world she has built in Olympus is great. I feel this book was more story focused than others (not a complaint). Hermes finally returns, more than just being mentioned. I've been 'meh' about Hera but after this book, now I'm intrigued and want more from her. More happens with Circe and Minos. Overall, great book.

Big thanks to NetGalley, the author, the publishers, and everyone who made it possible for me to return to Olympus 5 months before the release date with this ARC!

Listen, I love Katee Robert, I love Dark Olympus, and I deeply love flawed characters, so it's no surprise I loved Dark Restraint! The morality chain aspect of this book (with the Minotaur only doing good for the sake of Ariadne) was *chef's kiss.* While Asterion and Ariadne aren't my fave Olympians (or, rather, non-Olympians) I still had a great time reading their story, the drama, and the chaos around them. And, as with all of the books in this series, I'm likely to read it again — so it's a 5-star read for me.
Shout out to the tease for the next book with Poseidon and Icarus, because HOT DAMN I'm excited to see where that goes!!