Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I’m loving the story of Olympus and this book seems to further the plot to what I can only imagine is an exciting conclusion. However, the story of Ariadne and the Minotaur was not my favourite.

This was my first book by this author, or even in this series. I chose it because I have always been fascinated by the mythological Ariadne, even knowing this story would likely have every trope/theme I don't usually go for (Greek myth in a modern urban setting, mafia/crime dynamics). That said I enjoyed this book VERY MUCH. At its heart this story is the simplest, truest romance: In one shining moment, Hurt Girl shows Hurt Boy kindness, and so Hurt Boy loves her forever. (And then they grow up to match each other's freak *chef's kiss*.)

Katee Robert’s *Dark Restraint* delivers an intense and seductive journey into the darker side of romance, blending steamy tension with elements of fantasy and power play. Known for pushing boundaries in the romance genre, Robert doesn’t shy away from exploring taboo dynamics, and *Dark Restraint* is a prime example of her bold, no-holds-barred storytelling.

The novel focuses on an intense, captivating relationship that combines passion with a strong element of dominance and submission. Fans of Robert’s previous works will find the heat and chemistry between the characters sizzling from the very beginning. However, what stands out in *Dark Restraint* is the emotional undercurrent that runs beneath the surface, giving the story a layer of depth that elevates it beyond pure erotica.

The characters are compelling and complex, particularly the male lead, whose blend of authority and vulnerability makes him an intriguing figure. The heroine, while entering the relationship under unique circumstances, holds her own, showing strength and growth throughout the narrative. Their dynamic is powerfully charged, yet Robert manages to strike a careful balance between consent and control, ensuring the dark themes are handled with respect and care.

Set in a vividly constructed world that pulls in elements of mythology and fantasy, *Dark Restraint* also offers readers an escape into a unique setting that enhances the mysterious, otherworldly tone of the story. Robert’s world-building is rich without being overwhelming, providing just enough background to keep the reader invested in the unfolding plot.

For readers who appreciate darker, more provocative romances, *Dark Restraint* doesn’t disappoint. However, those new to the subgenre may find the intensity of the themes—including elements of power dynamics and restraint—a bit overwhelming. That said, Robert handles these themes with a level of skill and understanding that allows for a fully immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, *Dark Restraint* is a gripping, sensual, and daring addition to Katee Robert’s body of work. It’s perfect for readers who are looking for a romance that delves into the darker, more forbidden aspects of desire, while still offering emotional depth and character development. Not for the faint of heart, but certainly a must-read for those seeking an unapologetically steamy and complex love story.

I was so excited for this next book in the series, and I was so disappointed in this book. This series has had some really good books, but this just isn't one of them.

Roberts does it again. The undisputed master of Olympus and spicy fiction.

Dark Restraint is the seventh installment of the Dark Olympus series, by Katee Roberts. Their spin on the “traditional” retellings of the gods of Olympus, and other mythological characters, takes its next step in this tale. If you liked the previous books in this series, you will not be disappointed in book 7.

Roberts includes her traditional elements - non-binary pronouns (we LOVE it), historical/mythological inspiration, and plenty of spice. I do enjoy that Katee Roberts uses spice as a plot device and not always for the sake of having it. I found that in this book, it definitely moves the plot forward and serves purpose. There’s also nothing like a dramatic and impactful cliffhanger. After reading the end of Dark Restraint you are ABSOLUTELY going to be pining for book 8. Which, I wouldn’t worry too much about - Roberts turns out books like there’s no tomorrow, and I’m sure they will have the next out in no time!

The political intrigue, as always, is very well written and interesting. Much like the main characters, we are often trying to keep track of who is doing what, when, where, and with whom. Roberts balances keeping the readers on their toes with engaging plot twists exceptionally well.

Things I liked: The character development is really beautiful, in this book. Probably one of the best examples of characters growing and developing, in this series. Truly masterful work. Asterion is a low-key feminist and I am aggressively here for it (all about choice, supporting his woman, and not underestimating her - we love to see it).

Areas I wanted more from: There were a couple of plot “holes” (which sounds more dramatic than it really is). Some of them are so slight that even if they were fully detailed, it wouldn’t really add much to the story. Others, I think will resolve themselves in future books, as I believe this is a ten-book series.

I would absolutely recommend this book, especially if you are already reading/have read the prior Dark Olympus books!

Volume seven in the dark Olympus series is another hit. Katee Robert brings her great story telling, and spicy scenes to this book. I absolutely think Katee Robert can do no wrong and this book proves it. She keeps giving you stories from the Dark Olympus world involving some familiar characters, I can't wait to see what she brings out next.

I'm enjoying this series, but it does start to feel repetitive as it goes on. The book on it's own was interesting and fun to read. I think I'm just a bit less interested in this series now.

I think this one was my least favorite in the series. I loved the characteristics that Ariadne embodied such as the can do attitude and fierceness. I feel like the romance fell a tad bit flat and never really captured me in. Overall this book was just okay for me and the story never made me captivated to it.

The Minotaur was promised Ariadne, but now she has turned her back on her father and is planning to walk down the aisle to another man. But she can't deny the history they share. Can they work together without emotions getting involved?

I didn't really buy this couple, and would have actually rather seen it go in the marriage of convenience route. But the story of Olympus and the battle that is brewing is keeping me interested in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was always going to be a five star read for me. Combine Greek Mythology, Dark Romance and Katee Robert's writing and you can't really go wrong. I shall digress and get down to the actual review.

Characters:
You can never go wrong with a Katee Robert character. I, unironically, love Zeus (this is a new one for me) and spent a great deal of this book screaming when he had brief cameos. The same can be said for Poseidon - I am frothing at the mouth waiting for his book to come out. The Minotaur and Ariadne had such a beautiful love story with a lot of darker elements that were dealt with so cautiously and beautifully. From them having their 'real' first time (as the Minotaur was once a child of the street), to the Minotaur actively doing everything in his power to protect Ariadne, often to the detriment of his own safety, this entire book had wonderful moments between complex characters.

Story line:
I cannot even begin to describe how invested in the story line of this series I am. I went into it thinking it would be a standalone series, but no i am now falling asleep wondering what will happen to Olympus and whether all my favourtite characters will die or not. Katee has done an amazing job building up the story line and adding mafia/dark romance elements to an original story about familiar gods. I can't wait to see what happens next, who wins the war and whether our favourites will continue to rise or if they will fall.

Romance:
One thing Katee never fails to do is write a SCORCHING romance. This was evident in this book and there were several moments I had to put down the book and take a few deep breaths because the scene was getting too cute or too hot. The way Ariadne and the Minotaur loved each other so selflessly was beautiful and their on page chemistry was steamy steamy steamy. I loved every minute of their love story. Every. Minute.

Overall:
If I could persuade people to read one modern day mythology rewrite series, it would be this one. It is beautiful in so many ways and the story line isn't just hot and dark, it is clever. There are nest eggs everywhere for what isd coming next and I have had so much fun finding those nest eggs and realising what they meant as I read further into the story.

Easy five stars, I can't wait for the next one!

This series has been nothing but perfection. This book was one of my favorites out of all of them. Asterion and Ariadne are relatable, and I loved the love they had for each other. Especially Asterion. He loved her for so long and worked so hard to make sure she was happy and taken care of. The last 20% was were all the action happened, but there was spice through out the book that had me hooked. Katee Robert is one of my all time faves, and this book is just another reason why.

I enjoyed this one. The political movements made it more than the FMC & MMC.

# Dark Restraint
# 9/11/2024 ~ 9/12/2024
# 4.0 / 5.0

I think that this was, so far, my least favorite in the series. While I loved the character of Ariadne (her will, independence, fierceness, etc.), I just didn't find the romance all that compelling. I can appreciate the Minotaur's struggles and internal conflict between loyalty to his "savior" and loyalty to his love, but again, it just wasn't as compelling as some of the other books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really like how this pushed the overarching plot, that thinly links all these books together, forward. I'm also a big fan of how The Minataur is only soft for Ariadne. This greatly filled in the world building, politics and the romance while not as striking as others in this series was good.

Ariadne and the Minotaur are my absolute favorite so far in this series. Very much giving dangerous man but soft for her, touch her and I’ll kill you vibes. Also giving your mine and no one else can have you/you can’t hide from me, I’ll find you anywhere🥵
I feel like as the series has progressed we are getting so much ✨more✨ in the best way. The storyline, the tension, the mystery, it makes me sad knowing we are building up for what is going to be an epic ending but I can’t wait.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casa for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I am so sad to say I was disappointed by Dark Restraint. :/ This book and the last book felt more like filler than the romance books of the earlier Dark Olympus titles. I was not invested in Ariadne or the Minotaur's relationship. In my opinion, this was the weakest romance of the series this far. On the other hand, I do appreciate the political maneuvers Katee is trying to accomplish and I hope she can pull it off in the final stretch of this series.

I wanted to love Dark Restraint, after reading all of Katee Roberts’s Dark Olympus books, but this one fell a bit flat for me. Of all of the books in the series, this one adhered most closely to the Dark Romance trope, which I admit is not my cup of tea.

I really admire what the author has done with this series—each book is a standalone, but there’s a narrative through line, with each book adding to a larger mystery, If you’re a fan of the series, this book is definitely worth a read. And if you’re looking for a dark romance to scratch an itch, this is a quick read that will do that for you. But I wouldn’t strongly recommend it on its own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eArc to read and review!

I think, perhaps, this book suffers from my binge-reading the Dark Olympus books and becoming bored with the weird timeline and universe. I generally enjoy these books because of their high-stakes political intrigue, but if you read a bunch of them in a row it becomes really tedious and repetitive.

Ariadne and the Minotaur could be a really interesting couple and this is the darkest dark romance Robert has written. Unfortunately, this whole relationship centers on a weird miscommunication trope which just made me want to shake both of them. I ended up DNFing because there wasn't enough I found engaging to keep going.

I absolutely love the plot of this story. I love that Euridyce steps into her confidence and knows who she is and what she wants. I love that this is a story of redemption, and it is done so well!! I have been waiting for Charon's happy ending forever, and I am so happy to see him obtain it. Katee Robert truly hits it out of the park with this series. I love how seamlessly the growing conflicts and politics of Olympus add to the plot and depth of the main characters. I am on the edge of my seat to see what happens with Olympus next.
Book 4/5
Spice 4/5

Another great addition to the Dark Olympus series. The Ariadne and Minotaur ship is a wild one, but I was definitely buckled in and along for the ride. A lot of plot points resolved/came to fruition in this one, so it'll be exciting to see what comes next for these characters!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.