I really enjoyed this addition to the series--thank you so much to the publisher for sending it my way to read.

Cruel Seduction is a captivating, edgy myth that features the beautiful, alluring Aphrodite who, reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage with the one man she’d rather kill than wed, Hephaestus. In doing so she end a relationship with the one man she truly loved, Apollo. Dragged into this poly predicament is Pandora, who has been Hephaestus’s best friend ever since growing up in an orphanage.

This book has a lot going on. It’s an enemies-to-lovers (Aphrodite/Hephaestus) and second chance (Aphrodite/Adonis), as well as MMFF open polyamorous romance. There are numerous relationships to build in this story and at times I thought it was too much. I love how we continue to see all the other players in Olympus, and we get to have a glimpse of what is coming next.

The Dark Olympus series keeps peeling back the layers of The Thirteen and political structure of Olympus. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I was very excited to see the new Dark Olympus book on here and it did not disappoint. Katee Robert has crafted a world that truly draws you in. I came for the spice, stayed for the story. This one was not as spicy but had a lot more political drama that made up for it.

I loved: positive portrayal of a polyamorous relationship, everyone is queer, a variety of gender expressions are found in the characters and they are not treated any differently than anyone else, the political plays, the character growth leading to more fulfilling lives.

I did not love: Minos, everyone falling too quickly, not much exploration on poly relationships and their dynamics. I fully expected this, as the inner workings of the story are not meant to focus on more than the setup, but I get taken out of the fantasy thinking logistically.

Overall, I enjoyed this installment of the series and am eagerly awaiting the next one!

I knew this book was for me just from the dedication. Katee Robert pulls off another stunning novel and leaves me forever wanting for more.

Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series continually raises the stakes. Cruel Seduction not only has an enemies to lovers, marriage 0f convenience, "don't speak to me or I'll kill you" kind of vibe, but it also introduces the first polyamorous relationship that isn't a closed throuple. Described as a poly knot, there are so many different dynamics and variations of the relationships between the main characters, but it all works. The stakes feel raised overall, not just in the character relationships, but also in the larger world of the Dark Olympus series. The ramifications of this one will have far-reaching consequences for the plot of the next books, and I'm excited to see where Katee Robert takes us.

Hot damn this was spicy! The plot, the worldbuilding, and all the political plays were interesting. I enjoyed how Eris, Theseus, Pandora, and Adonis’s relationship progressed. The dynamic between the four of them was so good. And the smut?! LAWD it was hot asf. My only criticism is the book wrapped up a little too quick. I wanted more, but I did enjoy it.

The Dark Olympus series has been incredible to say the least; but Cruel Seduction is absolutely stunning. Spicy, messy and just *chef's kiss*.

This will definitely be a reread for me in the near future.

Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert is the latest installment in the Dark Olympus series. The book follows the story and relationships between Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Adonis, and Pandora.

The main plot revolves around the marriage of convenience trope and the non-monogamous relationship between the characters. The plot is seductive and cunning. The characters become closely linked together and have to fight through their sense of duty to find happiness.

The characters are well-developed and Katee Robert's writing style is engaging and entertaining. While I dont think this was my favorite installment, it was nonetheless entertaining!

I've loved every book in this series and I think the world-building Katee has done makes me want to stick around to the end, however, there was almost too much going on with having 4 main characters.

Four POVs, so many relationships to introduce and develop it felt like we needed more but also at the same time I don't think I could've read anymore.

The ending felt lack luster after the introduction to so many of the side characters we had learned about in the last books, I was just hoping for more romance, especially with an open poly knot.

Pros: There’s a comfort in reading this series, knowing exactly what you’ll get. This book focuses on Aphrodite, Pandora, Hephaestus, and Adonis and the complex governing system that exists in this world. I liked some of the characters more than others, especially Pandora, but every character adds something to the plot. This book is great if you’re looking for a quick, hot read that won’t make you think too much,

Cons: The plot? I’ve given up at this point trying to figure out what’s happening in this series lol. I find the amount of characters very confusing, especially given that many of them have 2 different names throughout the series. This won’t make me stop reading the series but I wish it was a little easier to understand who is who.

I was so excited for this book, but I feel bad because it was my least favorite of the series unfortunately.

It was super slow in the beginning, and thankfully it picked up in the end but woof it was a rough go.

My biggest suggestion with reading this series is that you should create a list of who everyone is, and what their name is so when their job changes and their name changes you know it’s not a new character.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

Another great addition to the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert! In this book we follow Aphrodite (Eris) and Hephestaeus (Theseus) after the fall out of the last book that landed Theseus the Hephestaeus title. Tensions are running high in Olympus and as the city seems to be crumbling around them can this fake marriage turn into more? A very well done story with an ending I was not expecting! Can't wait for the next one!

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

4.5 stars rounded up!

This was a mess in the best possible way. The romance is perfection. I think one of my secret favorite tropes is a political marriage.

My only critique is just like Radiant Sin, the ending was SO FAST. But overall, I loved this one!

Get ready to be drawn back into the drama and romance of Katee Roberts' Olympus. Hephaestus may not be as likeable up front as some of our former heroes but the bad boy of Minos' crew has a soft side that comes out around Aphrodite. Murder, mayhem, and sizzling romance will not leave you disappointed as a new clause has left most of Olympus at risk with attempts being made on the lives of members of the Thirteen.

This was one of my least favorites in the series. It definitely picked up towards the end but it was really slow in the first half. I feel like this was less romance and more just plot development for the next few books. Will still be continuing the series but hopefully the next one is better!

The Dark Olympus series is just so entertaining! It is steamy, spicy and delicious. I do feel as though this book could be read alone but why would you miss out on these incredible characters in this fascinating world by not reading what comes before?! Robert is an amazing author who has a gift of sucking you in from the first page and never turning loose. I read this in one sitting and highly recommend it!

I’m already entrenched in this world, and its characters, and I cant wait to pick up each new installment. As the dedication in this one notes, its messy. In all the best possible ways. Eris as the new Aphrodite is ensuring a spectacle as she marries Theseus, the new and dangerous, Hephaestus- breaking Adonis’ heart. Political games afoot, cautious about potential allies like Pandora, and city in turmoil - what happens next is a quick, and spicy, turn of events. 4/5

I think I am just a little too traditional for this title. The multiple lovers was just too much for me. I loved the first books in her series but as they get darker and more complicated I have found myself less drawn to them.

While I was not a huge fan oof books 1 and 2, 3 and 4 were great! 5 was no exception. Ms. Katee Robert does it again

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. this was fantastic, just what i have come to expect from this author and look forward to carrying in my book store.