The Dark Olympus series has been on my TBR for a while, so when I was given the opportunity to read Sweet Obsession, I took it, even though it’s the seventh in the series.

First, the good parts. I had no trouble jumping into the middle of the series. There was enough background information given that I was up to speed quickly, and it never felt like an info-dump.

I loved the political intrigue and wish there was more of it! The first half of the book was slow for me, with not much happening and a lot of talk about Circe’s ships off the shore of Olympus, but in the second half the characters sprang into action with blackmail and secret plots and it was a fun ride.

Now for the negatives. The characters thoughts are overly narrative and got on my nerves early on. Icarus keeps referring to Poseidon as good in his mind. Ok I got the picture, you think he’s good! The entire first half of the book is the two main characters getting to know each other and a lot of thinking about each other and not much else happens.

I also felt the romance is somewhat lacking. The two only know each other for a short time, the whole book is only four or five days (except for the final chapter which happens months later). So their relationship moves pretty quickly and suddenly they’re all in. I like a bit of pining and some relationship development so I can really feel the characters’ feelings.

After this read I’m unsure if I want to go back and start the Dark Olympus series from the beginning. Maybe I’ll get a bit more backstory or maybe I’ll just be more annoyed at being in the heads of the Dark Olympus characters.

Katee Robert delivers another enthralling addition to her Dark Olympus series with Sweet Obsession, a modern retelling of Poseidon and Icarus that combines tender romance with gripping political intrigue.

Unlike many romance-driven stories, this book places the stakes of Olympus's looming destruction at the forefront, making the romance between Poseidon and Icarus feel like a natural and heartfelt subplot within a much larger, tension-filled narrative. Fans of the Dark Olympus series will appreciate the intricate alliances and strategic maneuvers that drive the story forward, as well as the tantalizing reveals about characters like Zeus, Circe, and Hermes.

That said, the romance is far from overshadowed. Poseidon and Icarus’s connection is both sweet and profound, a refreshing dynamic that counters the intensity of the war brewing around them. Their mutual trust and vulnerability shine, and seeing their love story unfold after glimpses of them in earlier books is deeply satisfying. Their bond proves that the "villains" of Olympus are often underestimated, bringing depth to both characters and highlighting their emotional resilience.

The pacing balances high-stakes tension with moments of quiet intimacy, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. This installment also builds anticipation for what’s to come, with Circe’s ultimate goals and Hermes’s motivations remaining a tantalizing mystery.

If you’re invested in the Dark Olympus saga, Sweet Obsession is a pivotal book you can’t miss. With its perfect blend of romance, political intrigue, and a touch of suspense, it delivers everything fans of the series crave and sets the stage for an explosive continuation.

Perfect for fans of:
✨ Mythological retellings with a modern twist
✨ Political intrigue with romantic subplots
✨ Sweet yet passionate love stories
✨ High-stakes world-building
✨ Complex, morally gray characters

I'm a huge fan of Katee Robert so I was really excited the opportunity to review one of her books before publishing day. This was a different in many ways. This was her first book with man loving man and reasoning for that is a beautiful message in my opinion. But also this was not her typical character that's shy or pretends to be innocent while exploring BDSM. I will be honest, the captor and hostage didn't appeal to me at first but leave it to Ms. Robert to address the power dynamic being unequal. While I usually like her outsider character who is trying to break the mold i.e. Icarus, I was drawn way more to Poseidon.
As someone who is around individuals who may be on the spectrum or just quirky in social cues, I really appreciate this character and representation. Discussing the need for safety and the trust that goes into these relationships is often overlooked in these romance/erotic novels. Very few novels has someone who is on the spectrum (at least how I interpreted Poseidon,) and discusses them as regular individuals who want emotional and physical connections with others. How Icarus was in awe and never insulted of Poseidon's blunt and honest nature of wanting to help others without any thing in return. They really were a match made in heaven and this is probably one of my favorite stories Robert has written.
How this woman can write these romance books but creating complex emotions that everyone can relate to, is a sheer testament to her talent. This book doesn't use the erotic scenes to keep you interested as a reader. I never felt those scenes were there for a page count or to help resolve issues the characters had with each other. In fact, I applaud several scenes where one character stops a moment because he recognizes sex is a tool and not about creating a connection. The other big thing is I loved the ending. I won't give it away but I was actually surprised at the twist towards the end and respect that Robert didn't just do a quick and easy ending. Is there happily ever after? Of course, its Katee Roberts but not in a way we've seen before with her. I can't wait for the next book in this series because she continues to amaze me with this world.

I liked both Icarus and Poseiden as characters. I liked most of their interactions and their overall dynamic. I just never felt their connection - especially compared to the last book (Ariadne and the Minotaur) where the connection was very strong. I just wanted something more. So overall, I liked this book, but it felt like filler to 1) move the Circe story along (I guess - not much actually happened), 2) try out a MM only story, and 3) return to the more kink-centric feel of Neon Gods. I recommend it if you're already invested in the series, but it's not one of my faves.

First up, thank you to netgalley and sourcebooks casablanca for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
SECOND absolutely loved the neuro-divergent rep here with Poseidon. I saw a lot of myself in him, and the communication between him & Icarus was like really healthy, which i love to see. I love how Katee writes diversely in ALL aspects (gender, race, etc) because they want to, not because they feel like it will be a selling point for their book. I very much enjoyed this romance and the plot progression; the spice was spice-ing, but also i'm SO CURIOUS to see what happens next!! The last chapter closed the romance for Poseidon & Icarus but had some very interesting plot things that were "skipped" as we will likely see them through in the next couple of books. Yes this is a spice-y series, but i find it the perfect blend of plot x spice, especially in this particular book. Can't wait to see where we go from here!

One of my favorite books of the series. The dynamic between Icarus and Poseidon was so good. The relationship of captor and captive took an interesting turn. The smut and the plot of this story was so well done and so well balanced. The shake up of Olympus is getting interesting and I can’t wait to see what Katee has in store for us next

Sweet Obsession is the eighth title in the Dark Olympus series written by Katee Robert.

*Olympus retelling
*Captor/Captive
*Opposites attract

My sweet, precious, gentle giant Poseidon!!! I will love him forever! Icarus is exactly what he needed.

Sweet Obsession picks up immediately following the ending of Dark Restraint so readers will need to read that title first to understand what the current situation is and how the main couple came to be together.

I won’t give away any spoilers but there are a couple of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon that I absolutely loved!

Another great addition to the Dark Olympus series, highly recommended!!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Poseidon (MMC) & Icarus (MMC)

another 5/5. I loved everything about this book. I can't wait for the next one

Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Another spiced up cozy read from the world of Olympus. I didn't think I would enjoy the male/male dynamic featured in this one, but it was one of my favorites. It's heavy on the enemies to lovers trope. However, it throws some unexpected curve balls at you as far as "preferences" are concerned. It also has a character that's not shapes as the perfect societal norm. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.

SWEET OBSESSION starts immediately after the previous book, DARK RESTRAINT which I love because it set up the pacing. I felt the book moved quickly on the political plot and even the romantic plot which made sense for both with the book's short time frame. However, the faster pacing with Poseidon and Icarus made me anxious that everything was going to go to shit which I also loved.

I doubted how the book would be wrapped up. I shouldn't have, but I did. I felt it was satisfying and I hope that we see the Poseidon and Icarus again.

I wish there was more of a clearer vision of Poseidon's past because it felt hinted at without outright stating. This felt odd especially since we've known Icarus' life for a few books now (I think it's a few now...).

I can't wait to see how this series is wrapped up since we know how it's going to end soon.

I loved this book. The story with Poseidon and Icarus was so sweet, steamy, and just downright fantastic. I zipped through this book because I couldn't put it down. Thanks for a wonderful read.

Things are heating up in Olympus and I am here for it! Sweet Obsession is the first book in a while where I felt the romance was secondary to the political intrigue. For me, this was great as I’ve been waiting for the inevitable showdown between the Thirteen and Circe. I loved the alliances formed and the progress made in the story. There were so many little reveals, especially about Zeus, but I still have so many questions about both Hermes’s and Circe’s ultimate goals.

The romance was so sweet, and I loved finally getting Icarus’s and Poseidon’s POVs after so many stories. Their unwavering care and trust for each other showed just how much the other main characters underestimated them. I have eagerly awaited book nine since Callisto’s marriage to Perseus, and cannot wait to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

More of a 3.5 rather than a 3 star read.

I wasn’t as invested in Icarus/Poseidon as much as I thought I would be, and it kinda felt as a bit of filler romance-wise in order to set up plot beats for the next books. That being said, they were sweet together and I really liked Poseidon specifically as a character!! I do appreciate how much variety Katee Robert brings to each book’s various dynamics. That being said, it’s always so easy to fall back into the Dark Olympus world and I am waiting with baited breath for Hera and Zeus!!

I received an ARC from net galley and I’m really grateful for it!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7119073673

🔥📚 Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert 📚🔥

OMG this was so good and exactly what I have been wanting from this series! Sweet Obsession has officially claimed its throne as my favorite in Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series! This scorching, modern retelling of Poseidon and Icarus is EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed.

✨ What I Loved:

Poseidon: Our stoic, rough handed gentle giant is chef’s kiss. The way he reluctantly softens for Icarus had my heart melting faster than Olympus is crumbling.
Icarus: Oh, my bratty, broken baby. He’s all sharp edges and hidden vulnerability, and watching him open up to Poseidon? Utter perfection.
The Tension: Forget slow burn—this is a sizzling bonfire. Every stolen glance, every stormy eyed stare, and every crack in their enemies to lovers dynamic kept me glued to the page.
The Stakes: Olympus is at war, Circe is at the gates, and love is the ultimate gamble. The action and angst were perfectly balanced with the steam and sweetness.
This book isn’t just hot—it’s emotionally gutting in the best way. Poseidon and Icarus’s journey from sworn enemies to soulmates is tender, raw, and deliciously messy. The power dynamics, the vulnerability, the SPICE 🔥is ALL so perfectly done.

If you’re into forbidden love, complex characters, and a romance so intense it could bring Olympus to its knees, this is your next obsession. Poseidon and Icarus might just ruin you for all other couples.

💖 Rating: 5/5 stormy stares
📖 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (HOT, HOT, HOT)
Do yourself a favor—read this. Thank me later.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katee Robert, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this book.

Everything Katee writes is pure gold. I swear this series keeps getting better and better and I am HERE FOR IT.

This was an absolute masterpiece.

Why do I keep getting these books?? No pun intended, but Katee flew too close to the sun with the plot and it makes no sense.

Coming back to Olympus, to Katee's writing, is always seamless and comfortable. I find it hard to explain, but they have built a world that I can so easily immerse myself into and just trust that I will enjoy the ride. Even if the romantic storyline leaves something to be desired, or if I can't fully connect to a character, I always have a pleasant experience and each book in this series leaves me even more excited for the next one. Sweet Obsession is no exception. I did not know what to expect from Poseidon and Icarus' story but I enjoyed their dynamic and how they were used to advance the overarching plotline with Circe & Olympus. We also get super fun and insightful snippets of Zeus and Hera that have me so ready to see how their story unfolds next.

I highly recommend this series if you love dark or morally grey romance but you must start from the beginning! Katee Robert masterfully provides a story that is somehow perfect for escapism but also holds poignant truths and parallels to our own power structures. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

we are getting so close to the last two books now I'm to excited!

Once again, Katee has brought us an amazing read. it was both heartfelt and spicy and showed how not everyone wants the roles they are handed. but also showing that people just want to live in peace and not have anything stand in their way. I loved Poseidon and how even though he is portrayed as this big man he is actually very sweet and puts people first. icarus is so sassy and I love that for his character. I can wait and how this is all going to turn out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

These books continue to be amazing! I love the story and the spice is wonderful! I adore this series and am head over heels for it. I want more books. 😊

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC of this book. Special thanks to Katee Robert for writing a series that I have not been able to get enough of since I first picked up Neon Gods.
Sweet Obsession tells the story of Poseidon and Icarus, and while I was happy to fall back into Olympus, this book felt like filler. I wish there had been a bit more story to the MCs before all the steam. I ended up skimming the last quarter just to see where the book ended; hoping to get more set up for the book large fans of Dark Olympus are waiting for which is the story of Zeus and Hera.
This was sadly not my favorite.