Who doesn't love a possessive, obsessive, and down-right menacing anti-hero ☝️ who treats his woman like the queen she most certainly is!?
Katee Robert is without a doubt my favorite erotica author for a reason. Her stories are smut with plot. They're compelling, immersive, addictive, and absolutely searing.

Dark Restraint gives us a peek behind enemy lines and the machinations of the benefactor. Ariadne, oppressed and secluded by Minos, betrays him to Olympus for a chance at freedom. Her defection forces her to leave behind the only friend she's ever had and secretly desires, The Minotaur.

Not only is The Minotaur enraged that she kept him in the dark, he's now been commanded to kill her. But how can he hurt the only woman who's ever shown him kindness, who sees the man beyond the monster?

**Minor spoilers ahead**

What I loved:

Asterion, AKA The Minotaur: He's big, he's scary, he's deadly. He terrifies with a single look. Why use words to threaten, when presence is sufficient? He does what needs to be done to survive. But Ariadne is everything. Beneath the frightening exterior is a man who loves deeply. If you're not Ariadne or someone she loves, beware.

Perspective: Ariadne and the Minotaur are pawns in the war between the 13 and the benefactor. They're taking control of their destiny. Much of the series focuses on the 13 and their petty politics. Dark Restraint shines a light on the lives of those used and abused by the power players in the war for Olympus.

World building: We're finally getting more information about the benefactor's plans! The war in Olympus is reaching its boiling point and behind-the-scenes plots are revealing themselves. It's plots on plots on plots.

Inclusivity: Ariadne is a plus-size, intelligent, strong, and vulnerable woman of color who loves herself regardless of what the world tries to force her to be. There are also non-binary assassins, polyamorous relationships, and plenty more.

What I would've liked:

More of Dionysus: He captivated my heart when I was first introduced to him, and I was hoping he'd play a bigger role in this book. As it stands, he's a minor supporting character that somewhat moves the plot along. If, like me, you were hoping for more of Dionysus, this isn't the book. Crossing my fingers that he plays a bigger part in Shattered Gods.

TL;DR

The plot is plotting.
The smut is smutting.
Katee Robert never disappoints!

I've been obsessed with the Dark Olympus series since book one and it keeps getting better.
If you're new to the dark romance scene, this series is a wonderful place to start.

**This book has TW, please read through them before jumping in!**

Book details:
- Main characters: Ariadne Vitalis (FMC) & Asterion, AKA The Minotaur (MMC)
- Style: First-person, dual POV
- Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
- Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶
- Genre: Dark romance
- Formats: eBook (NetGalley ARC) & audiobook (Audible)

Tropes:
- Strong FMC
- Forbidden love
- He falls first
- Touch her and die
- Morally grey (closer to black) MMC
- Marriage of convenience
- Virginity (minor)
- Stalking (minor)
- Greek mythology (Ariadne, Minotaur, Icarus, Minos)

Trigger warnings (incomplete):
- Abortion (off-page, historical)
- Non con. drugging (unrelated to SA)
- Dub con.
- Child abuse (off-page, historical)

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! KATEEE ROBERT IS BECOMING A FAVORITE AUTHOR! Love her writing style, and spicy scenes! Keep writing Katee!!!

Katee Robert’s Dark Restraint is another captivating addition to the Dark Olympus series! While it’s not my absolute favorite of the series, it still delivers the compelling writing and intrigue that I’ve come to expect. Robert’s ability to build tension and create a vivid, immersive world is on full display here, adding layers to the already complex dynamics of Olympus.

This installment felt like a bridge, setting the stage for what’s to come while still holding its own. It’s not as action-packed or emotionally intense as others in the series, but it does a fantastic job of deepening the world and heightening the anticipation for the next book.

If you’ve been enjoying the Dark Olympus series, this one is definitely worth picking up—it’s a solid addition that will leave you eager for more

This series is one of my favorites, but I have to admit this book ran away with my heart immediately!! The tension and politics continue to grow volatile but the way this book set up the last chapters in addition to delivering one piping hot, pining, disastrous romance was masterful. The ultimate “they will watch the world burn for their love” book, this is hands down one of my favorites in the Dark Olympus series!!

Katee Robert can do no wrong in my humble opinion. While it wasn't my favorite of the series, it had her signature heat and a compelling story. This is one of my favorite series, full stop.

I started out loving this series, but this book was not it for me.
The plot is starting to take a backseat and become convoluted... that said, Katee Robert never fails on the smut, and this story was heavy on the spice. I'm not sure I'll continue this series, but overall am a fan of the earlier Dark Olympus books!

Another scorching entry in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert, this one focused on Ariadne and the Minotaur.
"Touch her and die" vibes, and the Minotaur is hot, obsessed, possessive, and did I mention hot?
When she needs to leave her father's home after betraying him, Ariadne agrees to a marriage of convenience to Dionysus in exchange for her safety. Her father orders the Minotaur to eliminate her, but doesn't know that the Minotaur is in love with Ariadne, so he instead tries to find ways to keep her safe - and force her to see they should be together.
Both Ariadne and the Minotaur seem like pawns in the overall Olympus war, and as with all the other books in this series, there's lots of scheming and plotting and double-crossing. Oh - and spicy scenes. So many spicy scenes...
Great advancement of the series, and I thank Sourcebooks, the author, and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read it.

Dark Restraint by Katee Robert is the seventh book in the Dark Olympus series. I'd recommend readers start with the first book in the series since there are overarching plotlines that develop over the books and make character dynamics easier to understand.

I'm a huge fan of Robert's writing, and I was instantly hooked on this series when I read Neon Gods. While many of the books have characters who exist in a morally gray area, Dark Restraint felt more in the dark romance subgenre than the books that came before it since it's a stalker romance. While I enjoy this series, this one felt a little too in the dark romance subgenre for my personal tastes so I found I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. However, I do think readers who are excited by that will find a lot to love here in the dynamic between Ariadne and the Minotaur, who she is never fully certain if she can trust or not.

im a huge fan of the olympus tales and the series has been good for me so far, unfortunately this one didnt grab me as much. its okay..jujst didnt pull me in

While the stalker vibes the Minotaur gave off are not for me, I did like seeing his and Ariadne's relationship develop. That said, I really need this series to wrap up soon. I'm getting tired of the romance and smut and really just want the political plot to be the focus and bring us some resolution.

Going into this book, I already had an opinion of the MCs. I’m happy to report this book changed that for me.

I loved Ariadne character, she was very unexpected! I’m surprised by the connection the MCs shared with one another. The Minotaur lived up to his reputation . . . Until her. Swoon.

This was full of political intrigue & I’m really enjoying how the overall plot for the series is developing.
I’m looking forward to the next book.

I've loved the Dark Olympus series and Dark Restraint is a great addition! Is it my favorite in the series? No, but Katee Robert's writing still kept me entertained and wanting more. This book definitely helps build the tension and makes the world feel more real.

This is one of the books I've enjoyed the most in this series. I was looking forward to reading Ariadne and the Minotaur's story and I thought it turned out really well. There were some parts that I skimmed through, but I do that with all of these books.

Falling for the villain, the plot twists the Heras brought, and found family- I’m glad I waited to read this in order and not right when I got the Netgalley book.

Katee Robert’s Dark Restraint is an addictive blend of dark romance and high-stakes tension. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the storyline dives into shadows, exploring trust and power with intensity. Robert’s immersive writing pulls you into every charged moment, making it impossible to put down. If you love romance that doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of desire, Dark Restraint is a must-read.

Decent spice 🔥 but not my fav Katee Robert couple. This book felt more political then the rest of the series, which kinda wasn’t what I was expecting despite 6 other books of world and plot building ?? I don’t know the vibe just felt different. Still won’t ever stop reading these books though.

Unfortunately this is my least favorite in the Dark Olympus series. I didn't like how there was no relationship build between Ariadne and The Minotaur. There was no setup or pathing for them to learn they love each other. It just kind of...happened.

I was able to read this because NetGalley provided with an arc. I loved this romantasy. Great Read. I would read more by this author.

*light spoilers*

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with a digital arc of this book!

This is the 7th book in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert. It follows Ariadne and the Minotaur, following Ariadne's decision to turn traitor in the previous book. She is forced to marry Dinoysus to keep up public appearances, and the Minotaur is tasked by Minos to kill Ariadne. Over the course of the story, Ariadne and the Minotaur's relationship goes from a friendship to a more romantic one.

I have to say, this series has been going downhill for me personally. I read this smut book for the plot only, and the romantic relationship made me uncomfortable at best. Ariadne and the Minotaur grew up together and are essentially siblings. And when they first get together, he basically SAs her, and then later gets mad at her when she gets an abortion. Especially considering the state of the world we are in now, it doesn't feel right to romanticize a relationship like that. The romance aside, I enjoyed the plot and Ariadne's role in trying to help Hera take down the wall separating Olympus. The ending had me captivated, and I was shocked. Overall, I feel like this book is absolutely one that merits skipping. 2/5 stars.

I have really enjoyed this series so far- but I was not immediately hooked into this book like I was with all of the others. I am not sure if it was the Minotaur as a character that I just couldn't get behind- but something just didn't work for me. I would still read books by Katee Robert, I just don't think this title is for me. I loved the smut though!!