The third book in the Dark Olympus series and it is safe to say that these books are much more inspired by the Greek myths than retellings which is totally fine but definitely something to keep in mind when picking it up, especially if you are someone who is wanting a book closer to the myths.

Wicked Beauty follows Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus as they compete to become the next Ares of Olympus. I absolutely loved what the trials in this book brought to the story and how it really opened up the world that Katee Robert has created. I also really enjoyed that we are starting to get a lot more into the politics of Olympus and learning how the city fits in with the rest of the world.

I did love Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus' relationship and dynamic. The three of them have very distinct personalities and they balance each other out so perfectly that it is easy to see why they are all drawn to each other. However, I was honestly surprised with how tame this book was. There were maybe four steamy scenes, which is not a bad thing, but definitely deviated from my expectations going into the book. I really just wanted more. More romance, more of them figuring out their new dynamic as they add Helen as a third, more sexy scenes.

Overall the book is a fast and easy read with some very sweet and some very steamy moments. I cannot wait to explore more of the world and politics of Olympus as the series continues.

Katee did it again with the 3rd installment in the Dark Olympus series! I loved the 3 POVs and seeing inside all of their heads as the relationship developed. And the action in this one really added to the story. Can't wait to hear more about Achilles, Helen and Patroclus in the future!

Disclaimer: I work for a bookstore, all thoughts and opinions are my own and not affiliated with the store or company.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.

This is the third book from Katee Robert that I have read and as per usual I had a great time reading this one.

I did have to trust the process at first because I could not possibly see how Achilles and Helen could ever create a healthy dynamic but as we were meant to discover, the more you read the more you started to understand the dynamic between our three main characters. I think the growth of the characters and watching their personalities unfold was my favourite part. Achilles and Patroclus together were lovely to read as their personalities melded really well together. Achilles was at times frustrating however he did grow on me as we progressed through.

The plot definitely took me by surprise but, I am not mad about it. While the trails did feel slightly unrealistic I didn’t care as I enjoy seeing where this city takes the characters with this odd contemporary dystopian fantasy feel? I don’t know if I can truly describe it but I do enjoy wherever it is going.

My only quarrel with the story would be its ending. Although I feel that this is one of the only endings that would have worked out for the characters, it still felt a tad bit rushed. The period in the end had a very fast turnaround period and I am not sure if I really connected with the emotions that the characters had. I am happy though that we did get a story that wasn't surrounded by tragedy and was instead about the love and bond they share.

Overall, I enjoyed this read! Neon Gods still has my heart however this one is a close runner up. I do recommend this book, but I do recommend reading this series in order as each one builds off of the last one. Thank you again to Katee for producing such a fun and interesting world filled with queer characters, love, and excitement.

Katee Robert never fails! There's not another white author out there writing so diversely and inclusively and I will forever support her for it. Wicked Beauty was another great addition to the Dark Olympus series and these books just keep getting better and better. These are very very loose retellings of greek mythology, which isn't a problem for me but I do want to make sure people are aware. The world building and drama are on par and made this a great book!

Thank you #Netgalley for an early read of #WickedBeauty

This series is freakingly good, each book is getting better and better, Wicked Beauty is another brilliant Greek Mythology retelling, we get Helen's story, and well Achilles and Patroclus are so hot and sexy. Paris who? This is an MMF and is such a steamy read, I liked the Olympus competition, gave me Divergent, HP, and Hunger Games all mixed vibes. I know this book deviates more than the others from the Greek Myths but it is so worth it. I can't wait for the next one!

Katee Roberts is bringing the spicy in spicy romance books with Wicked Beauty. And I am loving it! If you ever enjoyed reading about Helen of Troy, then you are going to enjoy the retelling in Wicked Beauty. And trust me, you are going to love Helen in this book. She has the girl boss vibe to the T.

Helen has never had any control in her life, so she is more than willing to enter the Ares competition to gain some power and control. And she doesn't care if she is going to derail her brother's plans. Zeus, along the way. She is more than willing to do whatever to win, even if she has to tolerate Achilles and Patroclus during the competition.

I have been conflicted over Achilles and Patroclus. On the one hand, I adore them because they share a special bond and have been through a lot of things together. But on the other hand, I don’t like how selfish Achilles is regarding Patroclus and Helen's feelings. I understand people get jealous, but everyone is entitled to their feelings and bonds. Helen and Patroclus knew each other the way before Achilles came onto the scene. There is no need to be jealous; they will have a closer bond with each other.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert is the third book in her Dark Olympus series and it was hot and steamy. A competition to determine a winner with so much power and the hand of the beautiful and coveted Helen. Achilles is determined to win. He wants this more than anything and his partner, Patroclus, is set to help him. What they never saw coming was Helen herself. Now competing as well, their connection and chemistry is intense and undeniable. But who can be trusted? She was strong, just as determined, and smart. I loved watching these three interact as around them there is intrigue and mayhem. I devoured this story from start to finish. Another must-read from this author in this series.

Happy reading!

Just loving this ultra sexy, super delicious, suspenseful and creative Dark Olympus series from Katee Robert. And this one was extra loads of paranormal fun- and not only because we get a MMF couple but because we also have a lot of entertainment with an Olympus competition that gave me some adult-themed Harry Potter meets Hunger Games vibes. Steamy and fun!

The trials have begun to find the new Ares replacement, and the lauded Achilles wants nothing more than to win the competition. So much so that his lover and ultimate ally Patroclus enters the trials so he can provide intra-competition support to his long time lover. It’s the perfect plan to secure the spot, until the alluring and historically infamous Helen joins the competition fray, even as her brother Zeus declares the beauty to be the bonus prize for the winner- become Ares AND claim Helen as wife.

The trials are so entertaining and creative, and paired with some suspense, danger, Katee Robert’s impeccable steam, this is a smashingly enjoyable read. Helen is delightful as a fierce heroine, determined to protect her city and smash the patriarchal role she’s been designated to play, a cog in the god’s games. And it was really interesting to have our love story center around a well-established and deeply in love male couple as they explore an unexpected dynamic with a third. It’s unusual and a bit unsettling at first, particularly as they both experience a bit of jealousy, but it also felt somewhat authentic- after being together for 10 years, exploring expanding the relationship likely would create tensions. And the trio turns out to be quite a delectable throuple.

This one certainly felt more loosely inspired my the Greek mythological roots than the prior two books, but I did love how Katee played out Paris. And we do still have so much bigger politics inspired by the games of the mythical gods. I did find the ending to feel a bit rushed, but all in all it was loads of fun, and I cant wait for more from this series!

The audio was also fantastic!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4763945059

Robert continues her total domination of the erotica genre with the latest Dark Olympus volume.
The story of Achilles and Patroclus has always intersected with Helen's, yet in Robert's Olympus, they crash together in an emotionally charged and extremely steamy tale of power, acceptance, and coming into one's own.
The political machinations of the Kasios family and the Thirteen that make up the powerful 'gods' of Olympus are a great backdrop for the stories of Helen wanting to show everyone that she's not just a pretty-faced prize for the champion of the trial to become Ares. The fact that it also puts her in very close contact with Achilles and Patroclus - who already have the perfect relationship despite their male-driven belief that they don't need to acknowledge that they're in a relationship - is a perfect way to ramp up the pressure for them to realize that they're even better together.
Each character has a very distinct personality that plays an integral part in the relationship and the story as a whole, which makes for some very great moments of both banter and deep emotion. Robert really plays up how different the dynamics are when the characters are together in pairs or in the threesome, so you end up with not only great banter but also some of the sweetest relationship moments I've ever found in erotica.
Overall, it's not only as spectacularly smexy (smutty+sexy) as anyone could want, but it's also romantic and exciting. What more can a reader ask for?

Extremely happy thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the steamy read!

3.5 stars

One of my most anticipated releases this year has arrived! Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert is the third installment of her Dark Olympus series

This book features a throuple! Achilles and Patroclus are drawn to Helen as they all compete for the title of Ares. I loved the established relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, it felt so genuine and beautiful. I definitely think Patroclus’s worry of being left behind was super realistic.

However, I don’t felt like Helen added a lot. I wasn’t super interested in her character or her backstory like I was with the guys. But overall, I enjoyed this book!

I am in awe of Katee Robert’s imagination. She has taken the Greek myths and made them sexy, sinful and seductive. Her revamp of Helen of Troy’s tale is brilliant.

In this retelling we get Helen, Achilles and Patroclus, three people all determined to fight for the right to join the Thirteen, who rule Olympus. Each has their own reasons, and none are willing to step aside. But as the competition heats up, so does the attraction between the three. Achilles and Patroclus have been together for over a decade, but after meeting Helen they begin to wonder if they have found the part of their relationship they weren’t even aware was missing. Helen, meanwhile, is facing fights on several fronts. She isn’t sure who to trust, but finds herself inexplicably drawn to the two men who stand in the way of her freedom.

Katee Robert has a way of creating the most fascinating worlds, filled with unforgettable characters and utterly delicious storylines. She has another winner with “Wicked Beauty.” The story drew me in from the very beginning and I found myself completely immersed. The characters were interesting and relatable. Yes, there are some very sexy times to be had, but there is also a lot of emotion and intrigue. The characters and story are complex and absorbing. It’s a highly compelling read.

If I have any complaint, it’s only that I would have liked to have read more about the aftermath of the competition. I would have loved to have seen how Helen, Achilles and Patroclus navigated their new roles and how their relationship solidified. But, knowing that this part of a series, I suppose I can hope that the three will be mentioned in upcoming books.

I highly recommend “Wicked Beauty.” The Dark Olympus series is a delectable treat for readers that shouldn’t be missed.

Katee Robert has done it again with another spice fest of a book. This book reminded me of a spicy Hunger Games, though I do wish there were even more depictions of the trials. The banter between the main characters was fun and snarky and obviously very spicy.

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Umm hello! Menagé-et- moi!

There were three and this was for me!!! I loved it! I must admit that I was there for Achilles and Patroclus way more than Helen, but it all worked so well.

The competition aspect was fantastic.

That ending had me swooning!

Thank you @sourcebookscasa for the advanced copy of this beauty. It came out yesterday and you need to swoop it up if you are a romance reader like me! Beware it packs some 🔥🔥🔥!!!

This is a fabulous steamy spin on the gods and heroes of Olympus. It's the telling of a competition for being the next Ares in the Council of Thirteen. This is the first book of the series I've gotten my hands on and it did not disappoint. It shows growth in the characters. It gives us insight into what Zeus-Perseus is up against. He's playing his cards close to his chest to hopefully bring unity to the fractious Thirteen. There are so many egos in Olympus it's thick! This is Helen (of Troy), Achilles and Petroclus story. It was plotted well and turned out perfectly in my estimation.

Helen is finally out from under her father Zeus' control. Her brother now holds the position. She yearns for freedom to make her own life choices. In order to accomplish this she decides to compete for the title of Ares that has now vacated. Unfortunately her brother surprises her and decrees she'll be gifted as the wife to the new Ares. She decides to compete anyway.

Achilles has been the former Ares 2nd and now is Athena's 2nd. Petroclus has been his companion since youth. They are lovers as well as best friends. Achilles askes Petroclus to compete as well to have his back in the competitions. They are both strongly attracted to Helen. They get thrown together as the competition begins and begin an intimate relationship having each other's backs. In the end the competition winner surprises everyone but they compromise to have them all winners.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I got to read the first 5 chapters of this book a few weeks ago and I was hooked! The chemistry between our characters was amazing and at that time I couldn't wait to read more yet... now after reading it.. I wasn't let down but I expected different.
From our main characters, my favorite was Patroclus. He was the soft understanding guy. I'll always have a soft spot for him and this wasn't the exception.
Achilles was good. The same hothead guy who adores P and always feels like he needs to protect the people he loves even when he messes up.
Helen... I never like her in retellings yet here I did enjoy reading about her.
Now... first couple of chapters was great, the chemistry between them was palpable BUT after that 15% for me it felt forced. Like the inclusion of Helen in Achilles and Patroclus long relationship didn't make sense. It felt more like a friendship eventho the steamy scenes were great I still didn't feel a real romantic relationship between the boys and Helen.
Still this was a good entertaining book and now I'm intrigued about what's going on in Olympus.

At first I had mixed feelings about this story. It is a modern re-telling which appealed to me and even with the liberties it was fun and hot and exciting, taking familiar characters and modernizing them in the most delicious ways. It was fun and I was totally on board with the story of a competition to see who will become Ares.
There was plenty of steam in this story and I have to say, I didn't mind at all. The heat and the competition were good but I guess I expected more.
Overall it was an enjoyable reading experience that makes me want to read the other books in the series.

When I first read Neon Gods (first in the series), I was completely blindsided by the fiery content. And here I am at book three.

Wicked Beauty focuses on the trials for who will win and become Ares, one of the Thirteen. I was excited for this take, but I wish there had been more of the actual trials. I mean, I loved Hunger Games and when you say trials, that’s where my head goes!

That being said, I really appreciated that the relationships in this book weren’t straight up M/F again and there’s more diversity discussed. I just wish that I hadn’t been able to predict how the relationships would pan out so quickly. When it got extra spicy, it was no surprise.

If you like a really spicy, fiery book with snark and aren’t looking for anything too deep, this is that book. I dare you to read any of these in a public setting!

WOWWWW.. Wicked Beauty comes in hot with some serious throuple action in typical Katee Robert style. Hate quickly turns to lust which turns to even more as Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus compete against each other and a host of others for the position of Ares. Over the course of a week, their bodies and their hearts are put to the test.

Robert’s Dark Olympus series is a creative reimagining of Greek mythology, with a lot of plotting, and intrigue, and of course, seduction. If you’ve never read Katee Robert before, go back to Neon Gods and start there, but when you get to book three, you’re in for a serious treat.

If you’re familiar with the story of Patroclus and Achilles, then you’ll know their relationship is founded on lifelong friendship. In the original telling, their romance has a tragic ending (because, you know, it’s Greek mythology), but Robert gives them a second lease on life and love. Adding Helen to the mix brings out Achilles’ protective instincts and highlights Patroclus’s gentle nature. I loved that, in between orgasms, they actually established a soul-deep connection.

This one was about as far outside my normal comfort zone as I’ve ever gone—exceeding even perhaps Desperate Measures, Robert’s Jasmine/Jafar romance, which previously held that particular title.

Obviously this is taboo-romance adjacent. There is sword-cross action, and several scorchingly hot threesomes. There’s also violence and reference to verbal and emotional abuse endured in the past. Read with care.

Wicked beauty is the third in the Dark Olympus series and continues to be just as hot and steamy as the first two. It is an MMF romance (first time I'm reading one!) set in urban Olympus.
The story follows our protagonists as they compete against each other in 3 trials to be the next Ares. I loved the concept and the storyline itself, but this book fell just a little bit short for me. The tasks that our characters had to face to become Ares ( The God of WAR) seemed a little too trivial for something that is actually a very big deal.
However, apart from that, it was a super entertaining read with a lot of spice 🌶️🌶️. The characters themselves are dynamic and well written and the overall story flows quite smoothly. Definitely worth a read if MMF romances are you thing!

This book was EVERYTHING. My god, I was addicted from page one. Helen x Patrocles x Achilles as a triad was everything I didn't know I needed. Spice was off the freaking charts, and the plot was almost hunger games-esque. Fantastic installment in the Dark Olympus series, and I can't wait for more!