I liked this one better than Radiant Sin even though the love square (that’s what I’m calling it) was a little confusing. Also, the throuple scene in this one might have been my limit. I had to stop listening for a few minutes and take a break. My head was kind of spinning.
I really liked the plot and I loved the drama and I feel like I’m not that much farther to understanding what exactly is happening to Olympus but I guess that’s why I have 5 more books to go in the series.
I believe the narrators are the same as the last few and I think they are really great

4.5 stars rounded up

Wheww!! I knew this one was going to be messy and it was. But also very hot, with character dynamics that really work and a fascinating progression in the macroplot.

Cruel Seduction is a polyamorous installment in the series with Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Adonis, and Pandora. Aphrodite marries the new Hephaestus for political reasons, but she and her ex Adonis aren't really over each other. And Adonis is kind of into her new husband. Oh and Aphrodite and Pandora kind of have a thing even though Pandora is Hephaestus' best friend. Yep, messy for sure but I was into it and I think Katee really makes it work. Also this is the first one that feels more like how actual polyamorous relationships seem to work, albeit with less politics and murder. This one is very high on the sex content, perhaps unsurprisingly given all the relationships, more so than other books in the series. But I think we also get solid character and relationship development and some INTERESTING things happen in the macroplot that make me anxious for the next book! The audio narration is okay, but not my favorite. I don't feel like the voices of the women are distinct enough which you need in a 4-pov novel. Otherwise I really enjoyed this. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Katee Robert can do no wrong. This one isn’t my favorite in the Dark Olympus series but I definitely enjoyed it. The characters were good and tbh I’d let Aphrodite step on me lol

The narrators are the same as the rest of the books!

UHMMMM.. WHOA.
I DID NOT expect what this was about.
I requested it from NetGalley blindly (the cover reeled me in).. A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE PUBLISHERS AND NETGALLEY FOR ALLOWING ME TO RECEIVE THIS AUDIOBOOK --- & ESPECIALLY THE AUTHOR FOR WRITING THIS MASTERPIECE.

Okay so first off, mythology is always interesting, but this was my first of novel of this kind of setting. The way things went down (and I MEAN down (;) had me blushing. (FYI listening to this at work is probably NOT the best idea.. any who I have found a new addiction (& new favorite author).

*Please note: if you do have any triggers PLEASE pay attention at the beginning*

Another great addition to this series. The plot is thickening, I can't wait to see what happens next.
The spice was fantastic, Katee Robert never lets me down.
At its heart, this was a found family story and I loved it.
I really enjoyed the audiobook.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've loved the Dark Olympus series from the beginning and Cruel Seduction is no exception. I was honestly surprised by how plot heavy this book was. There was so much interesting drama between so many characters. I really liked the character development Aphrodite showed by the end. And thanks to that cliffhanger of an ending I can't wait to know what happens next.

Thank you to @sourcebookscasa @dreamscape_media @katee_robert and @netgalley for the ebook and audiobook arcs in exchange for an honest review.

Marriage of Convenience
- Polyamorous Relationship / MMFF
- Enemies to Lovers
- Greek Mythology Inspired
- "My Wife"

This book was hot from beginning to end. I loved the tension and banter between Hephaestus and Aphrodite. I have to say, as much as I loved the poly rep, I was rooting for mostly these two the whole time. I'm a die hard enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience fan. The other relationships were just as good though! The tenderness between Hephaestus and Adonis, the second chance between Aphrodite and Adonis, and the sweet nature of Aphrodite and Pandora.

The story line moves along further in the Dark Olympus universe, but if you're not caught up in the series this could still be read as a standalone. You don't miss out on much if you haven't read the previous books since this one focuses on these four characters.

*NetGalley ARC that was provided in exchange for an honest review*

4.25/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Plot 4/5 | Characters 4.5/5 | Romance 3/5 | Spice 3/5 | Writing 4.5/5 | Audiobook 5/5

Another hot and steamy installation in the Dark Olympus series and as usual Katee Robert doesn't let us down!! This enemies/friends/ex-lovers to lovers polyamorous love story is an enticing as it is STEAMY!🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

So the question is, are 4 lovers too many for one relationship? According to Katee Robert, absolutely not, and for some crazy reason, it works really really well. This story line follows Theseus (Hephaestus), Eris (Aphrodite), Pandora and Adonis as they cross enemy lines and into one big happy bed. I have to be honest, there aren't many writers that can make a character like Katee Robert. They are sophisticated, complex and have flaws and just seems to bury their barbs in the reader with no chance of letting go. You know this is a great book series when you can remove the smut, and they are still great characters and a plot line is still intriguing and leaving you wanting more. Eris and Theseus are such incredibly strong characters in this book, and they were balanced so perfectly with Adonis and Pandora. Seeing how they all navigate the overbearing politics and social climate of Olympus was so captivating. Throw in some crazy assassination attempts, social media manipulations and many lusty scenes and this book is a recipe for success.

What I really love how more than anything, Katee Robert doesn't draw any boundaries on the love in her books. Anybody can be attracted to anybody, the concept of labels of like straight or gay or bisexual don't even have a place in these books because it just doesn't matter. Love flows fluidly. It makes this whole series seems so much more progressive than so many other books on the market.

For me, the only thing that I wish this book had, was a little more movement in the overall plot line. The tensions in Olympus politically are SO HIGH; and I almost can't stand it anymore. Like a moth to a flame. The whole plot/city seems on the verge of exploding and I am salivating to see what is left once the mushroom cloud has settled. There is such and intense web of plots and scheming happening here, I can't wait for more.

The narration on the audiobook and multi POVs in this book were so perfectly done. Highly recommended. If you haven't started this series yet- start with Neon Gods and get ready to be sucked in!

*I was lucky enough to receive an ARC audiobook from NetGalley. My opinion is honest, 100% mine and freely given*

The polyamorous books always do it better when it comes to Katee Robert (in my personal opinion) and this book is even more evidence of that! In one of the most complex couples in Robert’s books in the Dark Olympus series, the romance is very steamy but also very gratifying. I was once again fully engaged not only in the romance itself but also in the world-building of the Dark Olympus series which always provides a nice layer of political intrigue. It’s still definitely a very adult romance book, but I have to say I enjoyed the nice dose of plot alongside my romance, and all the inherent queernormativity that came with it.

The audiobook itself is pretty strong. Both narrators do a good job, although I think I found myself just a little bit more interested in Alex Moorcock’s narration. When I first started the audiobook I was a little concerned the overall narration would be one note, but it honestly ended up being pretty dynamic and engaging.

Overall, I would say this is probably the top two in the series so far, and I think that the book and audiobook specifically are worth the read!

4/5

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 

I have been a big fan of this series since book one, but for some reason this one didn't click with me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, so it was difficult to empathize with them. It was still an enjoyable read.

Cruel Seduction is the latest addition in Katee Robert’s Dark Olympus series, book 5. Besides the first book, I’ve had a good time with this series and have kept up with all the new releases.

This is a MMFF/poly romance and this one was sadly lackluster for me. We have so many characters involved and their additional names from before they became part of the Thirteen was honestly confusing too. While I don’t care too much about the sort of strange, contemporary-fantasy hybrid world created here and still don’t think the politics/world make much sense, I keep coming back for the (light) Greek mythology-inspired romances since they can be entertaining and hot. While this one didn’t work for me quite as well as some of the previous books in the series, I’ll still keep coming back for the next!

I did receive an audio ARC of this one, which was what kept me reading. Thank you so much to the publisher, Sourcebooks, and Dreamscape for the audio ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This is book five of the series and I was excited to listen to this installment. This story had all the political intrigue and twisty relationship drama and spice you’d hope for with a Katee Roberts book - it did not disappoint. I’ve loved this series as audio books - there are multiple narrators and it’s so well done. I’m newer to audio books but this series has been a great way to get into the format. Looking forward to the next in this series!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC.

Good, not great. I think with so many characters I never really got attached to any of them in the romance. I will continue the series as I have hope the next books will get better.

Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert is the fifth book in the Dark Olympus series and tells the story of Aphrodite (Eris) and Hephaestus (Theseus), as well as Adonis and Pandora. As with the other books in the series, the book is full of steamy scenes and crafty political plots.

Plot
The plot centers around the arranged marriage between Aphrodite and the new Hephaestus. The two hate each other but agree to marriage as a political ploy. As each try to use close people in each other’s lives for their own gain, they end up forging a relationship of their own. We get definite enemies to lovers vibe, with a great deal of almost hate-sex scenes. The overall plot regarding the political drama affecting the 13 of Olympus is a continuation of the other books in the series. I think you may be able to get away with reading this as a standalone, however there are many references to things that happened in the other books, so you may be lost if you didn’t read the others. Plus the other books are great, so you should read them anyway.

Characters/Relationships
Like the other books in this series, this book is steamy. Like 10 chili pepper steamy. What I like about these books is that they tend to feature non-traditional relationships. In this book, there is a polyamorous relationship between the 4 main characters (Eris, Theseus, Adonis, and Pandora). It was nice to see how each of the four had individual relationships with each other, but also as a group (like during their domestic morning routines). I also enjoyed that there was not a sexual relationship between Theseus and Pandora but that they were just long time friends. The four of these people were able to forge their own found family of sorts. The only criticism that I would give it that it seemed like insta-love and affection between a lot of the characters. There was not a lot of build up to why they liked each other so much.

Overall
I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Alex Moorcock and Zara Hampton-Brown was excellent as always. They really bring the story to life. Overall, I would say this is not my favorite in the series, but it was a fun and enjoyable listen and I would recommend!

What a ride! Katee Robert has done it again – and I am so glad I jumped on the Dark Olympus train.
This isn’t the Clash of the Titans type of Olympus…oh no, it’s more like House of Cards meets Scandal. And the relationships are just as complicated and the spice is so worth it!

Enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, second chance love, revenge, a plus-sized MFC, MMFF – and the trope list goes on and on…

Robert’s world of Olympus is a wonderful creation that is obscenely addictive and messy…but messy in a good way.

While this feels like it can be read as a stand-alone, it would be helpful to start from the beginning so you have a better grasp of the characters and the world they live in. The character development that crosses from one book to the next is *chef’s kiss*! I went from “oooo I hate this character!!!” to “ok…she’s growing on me” to “OMG! Just sleep with him already!!! You two were meant to be!!”

The only negative was the ending – it wasn’t necessarily a cliff hanger but seemed abrupt and a tad rushed. I wanted more of the relationship between the four to flourish, instead the majority of the story line was about the political espionage within the city. Don’t get me wrong, that was amazing! But I wanted to see more of the MCs interaction with each other, the problems and wins they encountered in their unique relationship.

That doesn’t mean Cruel Seduction wasn’t a wonderful listen…the narration was on point and moved the story along at break-neck speed, which helped build the action and anxiety of the situations faced.

Well done, Katee Robert! Well done! Now…give us Zeus and Hera already!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Audio for an opportunity to read this listening ARC and give an honest review.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review*

I don't know what it is about Dark Olympus that makes me so addicted to them, but Cruel Seduction is another book added to the 5 star list.

I loved having all four of them have a POV. It really added to the depth of their relationship together, and with one another. Being inside of their minds flushed out this story SO WELL.

Also, the narrators???? Alex and Zara are the BEST for this series. I love the dynamic between their voices. I had pleasure of listening to Radiant Sin early, and I was so excited I got Cruel Seduction all because of the narrators. I truly do hope they complete the series because god do I love them.

I finished this book in one day. I literally devour Katee Robert's books, and I love it EVERY SINGLE TIME. Please go start Dark Olympus (Neon Gods is the first book) if you haven't already, I PROMISE they are worth it.

4/5 ⭐
4/5 🌶️
4/5 🎧

I'll be honest... I was really nervous for Cruel Seduction after Katee called it an open polyknot... I'm not a huge fan of reading about open relationships, but if Katee writes it, I'm giving it a chance (and likely loving it) and I was pleasantly surprised. This book was full of action, assassination attempts, sweet surrenders and spicy love and I absolutely loved it.

I was able to listen to this one and really enjoyed Alex Moorcock and Zara Hampton-Brown. I did have to slow it down a little from my normal speed as it seemed a little faster, but it also could have been their English accents.

I really enjoyed all four of these main characters, and while I hoped they could find happiness within their little bubble, I was happy that I felt comfortable with Pandora seeking outside spicy relationships with other people. It was clear from the start that that's what she wanted, even if she committed to Aphrodite, and I think that made all the difference for me. I really loved the relationship between Adonis and Hephaestus, they were so sweet at times and I really wasn't expecting that from Hephaestus at all. Even as his tune changed for Aphrodite I got all the warm fuzzies.

The ending about blew me away, it was so unexpected and I wonder what that means for the rest of the series and Midnight Ruin in particular. There's definitely going to be a lot happening in the next book or two and I can't wait to find out how it all plays out.

This was such a sexy, intriguing read; filled with angst, drama, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, arranged marriages, and suspense.⁣
⁣
It was an open poly relationship, with POVs of all four characters with the perfect amount of steam. The dynamics of the couples together and separately were endearing and real, each offering different things to one another in the best way. ⁣
⁣
The amount of I hate your guts, but no one is gonna unalive you but me; hate that I love you; hate that I love your exes- was so much fun to read and one of those kick your feet and squeal for excitement cause you’re loving the drama and the heat that comes with it. ⁣
⁣
Everything is so unexpected. This story could go different ways which I love. The suspense to figure out who’s out to kill the 13 was also so exciting.⁣
⁣
The narrators were also fantastic and really brought these characters and their emotions perfectly to life. ⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.8 Stars
This book was something alright 🤭
The multiple dynamics in this book was amazing, Amazing spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ super steamy…
So much drama and angst that played out so well and interesting. Overall this was an amazing and interesting book Very well written and well paced, this book was an amazing combination of romance and spice. Amazing Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you netgalley & the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest review. :)

Of the five Dark Olympus books, this one fell the flattest for me.
I did not feel much of a pull to care about what was happening. It was fun, but I didn't care as much as I could have.