What a great take on a classic story. I loved the intrigue and politics behind the thrones, so to speak. It was an exciting read and I look forward to more titles by this author!

Wicked Beauty by Katee Roberts (Book 3) in the Dark Olympus series tells the story of Patroclus and Achilles as Achilles vies for the title of Ares. Helen (of Troy) is done being a pawn in everyone else’s game and has thrown in her name for the title of Ares. With each side facing their own enemies, convenience has them working together but their alliance quickly becomes more than convenient. Their romance is set amongst the competition to become one of the Thirteen.

To say this is a Greek mythology retelling would be a stretch. Greek mythology reimaging would probably be more accurate. In fact this book marks the furthest departure from the original stories. Did Helen even encounter Achilles or Patroclus in the stories?

Not to say the story isn’t delicious but purists may be disappointed by its contents. Actually delicious may be an understatement. This book is exactly what I have come to expect from this series but more. I thought the previous books in this series were spicy but this throuple is looking at that level of spice in their rearview mirror. This series does a great job of tying smut together with a sufficient plot and interesting worldbuilding.

Achilles was really a one-dimensional character who was brooding, arrogant and cocky. The ending of his arch was kind of unsatisfactory. His character development didn’t pack the emotional punch I would want. He was good for one thing though and boy did he do that well.

The audiobook narrators did a great job and I applaud the choice of not just having one person read for all three POVs. It was easy to listen to, easy to distinguish whose point of view you were getting at any given time, and I found the time passed incredibly quickly (I listened to this on a road trip from Ontario to Florida).

I am very much looking forward to the release of Cassandra and Apollo’s story.

An advanced listening copy was provided by DreamScape Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: June 7, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy of Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert. This book continues to develop the world of Olympus established in the two earlier books in this series. If you loved those books you will likely enjoy this installment also. I think perhaps I read these books too close together as I started to see similarities between the stories that reduced my enjoyment a little. Overall I think this is a fun series for romance lovers and fans of Katee Roberts.

This was such a fun book in the Dark Olympus series! I still think that I like the first two books more than this one, but I think this was an excellent addition to the series! I can't wait for book 4!

I loved this!! I loved the Ninja Warrior/Hunger Games vibes. Mixed with the steam. Whoa. This was certainly hot 🥵 This is almost Song of Achilles fanfic. Anyway, I loved the story.

Oh my goodness i'm pretty sure this is my favourite of the series so far! This series if a fun take on Greek Gods and mythology.

The plot alone was intriguing and had me hooked; Helen, Achilles and Patroclus are all in the competition to become the next Ares. Then you add in the romance and I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between these three is fantastic and so hot. I loved Helen, she's strong, independent, and not willing to be someone's prize.

The narration by Alex Moorcock & Zara Hampton-Brown was perfection. Their voices compliment each other so well and they both deliver great performances.

This series is Gossip Girl meets Olympus. It's fun and daring, but also a bit seedy and smarmy. If you need palate cleanser from serious or difficult things, this could be just the sort of relief you need. But don't expect too much.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up to 5 for rating purposes)
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

This series just keeps getting better!! I LOVED this book!!

Summary: This book centers around the competition for the position of Ares and the people competing, specifically Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. After her brother announces she will become the wife of the next Ares, Helen fully commits to entering the competition herself. Achilles has been working his whole life to move up the ranks, and Patroclus enters the completion as well to support Achilles. Achilles and Patroclus are already in an established open relationship, and then Helen comes along and really stirs things up. 😏


The good:

- So far this series gets better as it goes on, and Wicked Beauty is my favorite so far! I was immediately hooked on the story in this book, especially since after reading the first 2 in the series I had some established world building to go on already. The plot is also much more straightforward with a main goal: Achilles and Helen are both trying to win the Ares position, and the book follows all 3 trials of the competition. Completely excluding the romance, there was plenty of plot to keep me wanting more. I also liked that the ending set up a potential conflicts for the future books in the series, and I’m glad to see the books starting to connect more.
- The spice (once again) was absolutely delicious. Not hard to do with a throuple, but it was yummy. A spicy scene that lasted 3 CHAPTERS?! And from all 3 POVs?!! I’m dead. Amazing. 🥵
- I like that Katee Robert has diversity in this series and it never feels forced. It’s just a normal thing that’s there, which is how it should be. Even the relationship is one that’s out of the ordinary, and it was nice to read about something different!
- I’ve listened to the audiobooks for all of the books in this series, and I LOVE the female narrator. She really does different character voices so well. Especially the men, somehow her voice gets husky and I literally get butterflies. How does she do it?!


The not so good:

- I don’t have much to complain about here except that I wish Achilles and Patroclus had more faith in Helen winning. They didn’t even think she had a chance at winning, even in the final trial. They just assumed Achilles would win, and I wish they had more confidence in Helen.


Tropes: enemies/rivals to lovers, there’s only one bed, forced proximity, “shut up/make me”, hate $ex, polyamorous relationship

I want to preface this review by saying I don't care if the book wasn't exactly 5 stars (there were little things I could nit pick) it made me so happy that it is 5 stars for me, regardless of the few things I could've knocked .__ stars off for. Also I am a fan of greek mythology but I know none of the specifics (I've got the vibe of them from retellings but I have yet to look at origin stories) and I'm bad with names because it was an audio arc so apologies : )

This book was told from the perspective of Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles. Helen is to be married through a competition and as an F you to the 13 she enters herself. Fighting along side Achilles and Patroclus (among others) for her hand in marriage and a title among the 13... Helen and -I am pretty sure I'm not mixing them up- Patroclus knew each other growing up so they have some history (nothing all that crazy...for this) but Patroclus, and Achilles are currently together so there is some interesting dynamics there.

I have been looking for some good 'no thoughts, just vibes' escapism lately and this was *chef's kiss* , the characters on their own were developed really well, but the relationship and dynamics between the three of them!!!! They have my favourite pairing of personalities; they are all overall highly protective of their loved ones, low-key depressed and just looking for home, i.e massive adorable softies BUT they are snippy and stubborn about it. I was having so much fun with their banter, which kinda leads me into my next point. I was fully giggling during the spice because of the ways they lovingly bite back at each other but it's dripping in sarcasm. The spice on its own was so good (may have bias because I its my fav trio of personalities) but this series is my first time reading Katee and I can't wait to read more!

*thank you netgalley for the arc as well as being the final push for me to read Katee, I loved this book and will. be getting a copy when I can*

This is the third installment in the Dark Olympus series and it is soooooo good! Wicked Beauty is a modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles and Patroclus and it was hot af. This was really different from the first two books because we get so much more action in this book as the 3 are competing to become Aries. I LOVED the competition scenes and honestly kind of got some hunger games vibes. This series is so fun and unique because it’s the story of all of these Greek gods set in modern times! I did wish we got to see characters from the first two books a little more but that’s just because I can’t get enough of grump Hades and badass Psyche!
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy on audio and I cannot recommend the audiobooks in this series enough! I have actually read all 3 on audio now (and just buy physical trophy copies lol) and I love the narrators! They are easy to listen to and I love their accents!! Thank you SO much to Dreamscape Media and @netgalley for this arc!

Out on 6/7 so pre-order now!!!

WOOOW! Katee Robert did an amazing job with Wicked Beauty!

I binge read the first two books in this series and when I found out who would be the focus of the 3rd book I knew I needed to read it!

I loved the way Katee wrote Achilles and Patroclus. Helen was a total bad ass that just wanted to be seen and be her own person.

The spice was amazingly written and must I say it was very spicy!

The moment I finished listening to the book, I went out to preorder!

Thank you so much NetGalley and publisher for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

An interesting twist in this modern Greek Dark Olympus fantasy series. In the third book there's a competition to fill the role of Aries. Helen is often overlooked as nothing more than a rich, pretty face but she is determined to win the position herself rather than just being the prize. Then there are lovers Achilles and Patroclus who are also vying for the role but get embroiled in a ménage a troi relationship with Helen. Full of steamy threesome sex but also vulnerable characters trying to overcome their places in society to achieve something more. Fun and great to listen on audio. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early review copy!

I received an e-arc from Edelweiss and an audio arc from Netgalley of Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert in exchange for an honest review.
After being obsessed with Electric Idol, unfortunately, I DNFed Wicked Beauty at 28%. I thought at first that it had the potential to be really fun, with a competition element, but I just couldn't get invested like I was with Electric Idol.
The main problem I had was that we were being told that Achilles and Patroclus were already in an established (non-exclusive) relationship, but not really shown it, so I couldn't believe in their relationship. This wasn't at all like Song of Achilles, how their relationship was in that. Then both Achilles and Helen seemed to just use Patroclus to taunt and provoke each other. Patroclus deserves better. So I couldn't root for this relationship. I couldn't stand Achilles and when we were in Helen's head, girlie was trying to girl boss but couldn't stop whining long enough to compete in the competition?
So DNF at 28% I wasn't into it, and couldn't root for the throuple.
This didn't hit nearly as hard as Electric Idol, and I'm kinda disappointed.

Big thanks to Netgalley, Katee Robert and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the eARC as well as the Audio ARC in exchange for a review.

Clearly I cannot get enough of the Olympus that Katee has created. This time, a position within the 13 is open for anyone willing to enter the trials. Long lost friends will either become one again, or decide the position within the 13 is more important than free will and choice.


I THOURGHLY enjoyed this. Extra spicy, with detailed scenes that include not one, but TWO Hunky men. Helen sure has her pick. I loved that despite the men in her life trying to make decisions for her, she takes the reins and decides for herself.

I'm not typically an RH fan, but this doesn't exactly fit into the RH category. This felt more like a legit relationship between 3 people.

The audio narrators were LOVELY! Helen's voice (Zara Hampton-Brown) will forever be my mind's voice when reading anything going forward.

5 STARS

Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5
Plot: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Favorite non-spoilery quote:
Wicked Beauty is an enthralling contemporary Greek mythology inspired romance. It follows Achilles and Patroclus, who are competing for a sought-after role in Olympus. Their plans become complicated when Heles Kasios, sister to Zeus, displays just as strong a desire to attain this role. The three of them enter the competition alongside a myriad of other threats. But when the time comes to choose a winner, will they still be at each other’s throats?
The third installment in the Dark Olympus is the sexiest and most addictive yet. I couldn’t put it down (metaphorically, as I was listening to the audiobook.) As displayed in my ratings at the top, I absolutely adored every single aspect of this book.
Each of the three characters in this throuple, (Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus) all have such distinct personalities and desires explaining why they entered this competition. The dynamic between these characters is one of my favorite aspects of the series. I loved that the characters had different dynamics with each other within their polyamorous relationship, but when all was said and done, I did not feel like anyone favored one partner over the other. Emotionally, the relationship was very balanced.
The plot of this novel was just as remarkable as the relationship aspect. I love a cutthroat competition, especially when it tests the competitors mental strength just as much as physical. The energy of the competition reminded me of the Hunger Games because of all the mind games that were played.
I cannot go into too much detail without spoiling anything, but this book exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Given how excited I was to read it, that is an immeasurable feat. This book is perfect for any grown-up Percy Jackson fans (lol), but also anyone who loves a fantastical, queer romance with a gripping plot, gorgeous writing, and unforgettable characters.

I have loved every book in this series so far and this one did not disappoint. This story follows the story of Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. It is a spicy read and the narration on the audio is fantastic!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Am I really going this book 5 stars??? I think I might be??

Wicked Beauty has no right being so damn fun. It’s like Hunger Games but make it lower stakes and Polyam. This is not my normal type of story - I don’t read a lot of dark romances but I keep finding myself brought back to the Dark Olympus world. And Wicked Beauty is EASILY my favorite book of the series so far.

I went into this book with the lowest of expectations and it completely blew me away. I enjoyed both Neon Gods and Electric Idol, but I didn’t *love* them - I didn’t think they were exceptional. I always felt like there was a little piece missing from my enjoyment. Whatever that piece was is found in abundance with Wicked Beauty. I had an absolute blast from start to finish. I was never bored or waiting for the end to come. Of course we all read Katee Robert for the smut (which, boy does it deliver), but the plot of Wicked Beauty is equally as satisfying. I found myself guessing up until the very end of who was going to win this tournament and become Ares. Every decision in the arena felt high stakes and I was enthralled the entire time.

What really pulls this together, however, are the fantastic characters. Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus are a dynamic trio and I absolutely loved seeing this world through their eyes and experiences. Achilles and Patroclus have a non-exclusive long-term relationship and you feel that longevity between them. They have so much established history together and they’re written with so much love and attention. Achilles is impulsive while Patroclus is cautious and they balance each other out perfectly. And then enters Helen. She throws a wrench in their carefully laid plans when both men start falling for her.

It would be very easy to write Helen’s character as, simply, a hardship that comes between their established relationship, but that’s not how it is at all. Every moment feels scorchingly hot and surprisingly serene. But what I love most about their relationship is how it is a reclamation of power for Helen. She has never gotten to choose ANYTHING for herself - she’s simply a prize to be won. And she finally allows herself to choose happiness with these two men and I LOVE it.

And like…can we briefly talk about the sex scenes? Because they are plentiful and…wow. I stupidly listened to this on my drive to work before a meeting and had to sit in my car for an extra 5 minutes to stop blushing.

I was graciously lent a review copy of the audiobook by the publisher and I think that amplified my enjoyment of the story. Both of the narrators did a wonderful job of differentiating between the characters (especially Alex Moorcock with Achilles and Patroclus). The slight difference in tone really sold who the characters were for me!

I hope the book world devours this book as they have the first two in the series. It is a fucking delight through and through. I could easily see myself re-reading this just because I loved their dynamic so much. Plus, now I feel invested enough in the plot to continue on! s this an all-time favorite book? No, but I certainly enjoyed the hell out of it. It’s swoony and complicated in the best possible way!!

**Please note this is my initial reaction and will be coming back here to follow up after recording a discussion for the podcast with fellow cohost and will also come back to provide the link to the podcast episode**

I loved this book. End stop. I love the Dark Olympus series in general. What was really fun here was that not only were there nods to both Neon Gods and Electric Idol, we also had the confirmed easter egg of the Wicked Villains series (shout to Herc, Meg, and Hades in Learn my Lesson.) You really felt the confusion, love, and range for the emotions these characters had for each other. Katee felt like she demonstrated poly relationships in such a beautiful and delicate way. You couldn't help but be immersed in the book.

The major plot reveal felt a bit rushed in the end in regards to this book, but most definitely set it up for the next in the series.

Having the opportunity to read both on audiobook and through an ebook was helpful and the narrators did a wonderful job. I'm off to reread this because I want to be back in the Dark Olympus world already. Looking forward to the next book!

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This audiobook is fire! Dreamscape Media really gets it and I love all of their audiobooks. This audiobook was so so so good. I loved both of the narrators and the story was only enhanced by how good the reading was. I really love the Dark Olympus series and I'm happy to say the Wicked Beauty audiobook was a great addition to the series.

Katee excels at writing queer characters that are confident and affirmed in their identities, everyone is out and no one has an issue with it. I find these kinds of queer stories are equally important as coming out stories.

The audiobook was a great asset to this specific book because there is a fair balance between action and spice. If you are someone who doesn't love listening to purely romance audiobooks, I think Wicked Beauty is a good negotiation of action and steam.

As always, Katee has all content warnings and tags listed on her website, so go check them out before heading in.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert was a dark, sinfully delicious MMF romance that gripped from attention from start to finish. Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus have a tension-filled hate love epic adventure as they battle it out for the title of Ares, and give in to all the delicious temptation of finding their own HEA. This is book 3 in Katee's Dark Olympus series, and each new romance gets better and better.

This audio is narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown and Alex Moorcock. Once again, these two do a phenomenal time sucking you into the story with their performances. Zara is an absolute goddess portraying Helen's fierce determined personality. (She is a rockstar!) Plus, Alex takes on both roles of Achilles and Patroclus highlighting Achilles' vulnerable arrogance and Patroclus's willingness to please. Both narrators were amazing showcasing Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus' blazing hot chemistry!

Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. If you are a fan of Greek Mythology with a dark romantic steamy twist, then you will love Wicked Beauty. I look forward to more from Katee Robert!