Another great read in the Wicked Villain series! This book features, Hades, Meg, and Hercules! Meg and Hades are going through a bit of a rough patch so to spice things up, Hades, with some shady somewhat blackmail, decides adding Hercules into their mix will help. I loved how caring Hercules was right away and not only with Meg, but with Hades as well! I do wish that Hades had opened up to Meg as it would’ve helped, but we all have our struggles. Okay let’s talk about the spice! These books are known for being spicy and I am all here for it! I loved all the scenes, but I especially loved the ones where it was Meg and Hercules along with Hades! There was something so sweet about the three of them together!

Read if you like:
Triple POVs
MMF romance
Sex Club
Dom x Sub play
Age gap
Closed off hero
Open door romance
Fairytale retelling

The dynamic between Hades, Hercules and Meg was absolutely amazing. I love how each one of them was very different from one another and now they all played a different role for each other. Hercules was the biggest sweetheart and Hades was strict but loving & Meg was the in between. I could not put this book down and loved every minute of it!

Anyway, I enjoyed this when I first read it 3 years ago and I enjoyed it even more with the changes and the little author's notes throughout. It reminded me of reading fanfiction with the author's notes at the end and if anyone on Katee Robert's team sees this just know that I'd accept any and all books with added author commentary, it's a delight.
If you haven't read the Wicked Villains series, you should change that. This one involves a dominating, emotionally wrecked Hades with a switchy Megaera with abandonment issues and a golden retriever sub himbo Hercules.
Idk what more you want, this is everything.

I love this series by Katee Robert.

As a kid, I LOVED Greek myths and that's carried over into adulthood. In these books, I love seeing how Robert takes the well-known myths and subverts them, bringing them to modern times.

Within her spicy writing, she also reveals hidden truths we can all find in ourselves about knowing what you want and deserve, and knowing when to ask for it.

Definitely worth reading.

Love retellings, so when I saw news about a why choose between Hades, Megara, and Hercules, I'm obviously here for it. I like the universe of Katee Robert with its complexity, but I appreciated the simplest aspect of this book. The dynamic between the three main characters was everything from their relationship in and out of the bedroom. Love the complexity of Hades and Megara's bargain. You should absolutely read this if you want a retelling that changes from the generic Hades and Persephone one.

This was technically a re-read for me as I did the audiobook a few years ago but wow it was so worth it. The characters feel so much better the second round through and seeing all the author annotations was really fascinating and felt like it pulled the story together in a way I didn't know I needed. The art is absolutely gorgeous. Even the layout of the chapters and the type font are beautiful and obviously very intentionally chosen. This is my first time seeing the bonus shorts and that alone was worth re-reading the books. Overall lots of praise for this book.
The dynamic between these three plays such a fine line but does it so well. The power dynamic and the tension feels accurate. They're so messy but so real and the spice is unbelievable. Even the miscommunication trope is done so well that I'd almost not even call it that. It just feels like real dysfunctional messy communication that could happen not the frustrating "why won't you just say the stupid thing" that happen in other books.
Having read all of the currently published Olympus books makes all the little hints in this one so much better and I just want more. So many questions! I love it.

I was NOT prepared for the glorious dysfunction that is a little too lifestyle of a dom, a switch full of insecurities and then the bi golden retriever sub who pulls them back together.
This was the first of the series I’ve read, but apparently I have some catching up to do!! Great book, spice mixed with drama and relationships and complicated, sometimes shifting, power dynamics. Consent is key (so, kink done right) and it’s all together enjoyable.

man oh man. This book was delicious spicy and so much more than I expected. As a sucker for any kind of mythology/ princess retelling, I loved that it was focused around Hades & Meg’s relationship and repairing that. I, however, did not expect Hercules to be the repairman… this was definitely one of the more spicy books I’ve read, as the entire book is focused on the the sexual relationship between the three of them.
I wish that we got to learn more about what happened between Zeus & Hades and wish there was more detail about the incident (no spoilers) that took place at the end of the book. Overall this was a fun read!

Review of Learn My Lesson by Katee Robert
* * * * *
Take a trip to the underworld where Hades rules over all in his sight, and enjoys his hold on Meg and a new player to his little game: Hercules.

Meg learned the hard way about loving and trusting your heart to a man.
Now, her life and actions are all controlled by a man who holds her with his blue flames. When he tells her to 'have some fun' with the handsome blonde-haired and blue-eyed waiter, never did either of them realise that they would entwine their lives together...especially when Hercules offers himself for Meg's freedom.
Now they are both sucked into Hades' control. Now the questions is: do they want to get out?

After reading the first book of the series, of course I was dying to continue with the series. Dark romance with a spicy fairy tale twist? Yes please! Plus we get to see old and new characters in erotic scenes that are just spinkles on that melting ice cream.
Was a little uneasy due to the connections between Hades and Hercules - thanks to Greek Mythology and Disney - but Meg was an amazing vibe. Both submissive and dominant, she rules! Loved the little notes by the author as well.

Okay, let’s start with this: Learn My Lesson is giving mythology fanfic after dark—and I say that with love. Katee Robert said, “Let’s make Hades, Meg, and Hercules sexy, messy, and emotionally unavailable,” and whew, she delivered. The spice? It’s spicy. Like, don’t-read-this-in-public spicy. So if that’s what you came for, congratulations—you won.

Now let’s talk plot. Or rather…vibes masquerading as plot. I’m not mad, but also… where were we going, exactly? Hades is emotionally walled off, Meg is traumatized and power-playing her way to freedom, and Hercules is giving golden retriever energy dipped in angst. It's a whole thing. There are power dynamics, manipulation, fake relationships, real feelings but it didn’t always land emotionally. It wanted to be deep, but the depth was about kiddie pool level.

Also, I love a good poly setup, but the emotional connection between all three? A little lopsided. I was way more into Meg and Hades, and poor Hercules sometimes felt like a himbo-shaped afterthought.

That said the writing’s fun, the world is lush and horny, and if you're here for a dark, sexy escape with mythological flair? You’ll probably have a great time. Just don’t expect therapy breakthroughs or romance as epic as Jack and Rose.

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me.
The beginning of the book really turned me off which is disappointing because I thought I would love it.
The beginning interaction with Hades and Meg where Meg had no interest at all made the start feel bland and I felt disappointed.

Learn My Lesson is a spicy, modern reimagining of Greek mythology with a dark, seductive twist—and if you're picking it up for the steam, you're absolutely in the right place. Katee Robert doesn’t hold back, and if nothing else, this book delivers on the heat.

What surprised me (in the best way) were the footnotes—sharp, witty, and perfectly timed. I genuinely found myself giggling out loud more than once. They added a lightness to an otherwise intense and sultry story, and were one of the more unique stylistic touches I’ve come across in this genre.

Another strong point was the character development. I appreciated how layered Hades, Meg, and even Hercules were. Their emotional complexities gave the story some much-needed depth, especially as their dynamic evolved. I found myself wanting more of those introspective moments, more conversations that hinted at trauma, power, and control—not just in the bedroom, but in their identities and relationships.

But here comes the reason for the three stars: the plot was barely there. While I wasn’t expecting an intricate political thriller or an epic quest, I did hope for a bit more narrative structure. The story felt like a string of steamy scenes with minimal stakes or progression in between. Once I got past the novelty of the setting and the chemistry, I was left wanting something to actually happen.

There’s no denying that Katee Robert knows her audience and what they come for—and if you’re here for the spice, she absolutely delivers. But if you're looking for a story with forward motion, twists, or high stakes, Learn My Lesson might leave you a little underwhelmed.

4.5 Stars

KATEE ROBERT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!!!! Katee is so consistent and I love her for it - she's an author that I must read everything she writes....which is good for me since she's got so many damn books!!!!

I am most familiar with Hercules & Meg from the Disney movie -- one of my all time favorites. Although I have studied the history I don't think I have ever read a retelling like this -- but to be fair I don't think such a retelling as spicy as Katee's exists.

Katee makes Hercules QUITE the lovable HIMBO in this rendition, but keeps what makes Hercules Hercules -- his desire to be the hero and his tendency to go toward the chaotic good. I love Meg - she is so morally grey in her own way and you can't help but love how complex she is as a character.

I am not the biggest fan of sword crossing, but the dynamic in this book didn't scare me away. I would highly recommend this book if you loved Dark Olympus series or if you just really love some spicy retellings... also the annotations are chefs kiss and it's fun to get in Katee's head and hear her POV as the fourth wall breaks down a bit.

Thank you times a million to Casablanca Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Keep 'em coming ◡̈

If there’s one thing Katee Robert knows how to do, it’s deliver a spicy, BDSM filled retelling. Hercules is one of my favorite Disney movies so I was excited for this one. I loved Meg and her sassiness and strength. Hercules was a precious golden retriever love interest. I sort of have mixed feelings about Hades, but the trio works.

I enjoyed the tie-in to Dark Olympus with Hercules having fled Olympus and his father Zeus, and Hades seeing it as an opportunity to get his revenge. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite trio ever, but I had fun reading about them and of course the spice was great. Basically if Katee writes it, I’ll read it.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I really wanted to love this one, especially with the “deluxe edition” treatment and the added author commentary which I actually enjoyed! It was interesting to get insight into what inspired certain scenes and character dynamics.

That said, the story itself didn’t work for me. The relationship felt less like a consensual thing and more like an emotionally abusive situation, and I struggled to believe in the “love” that was supposed to be the base of their present connection. Meg’s internal narration often pointed out how unfulfilled and powerless she felt, but the narrative never gave her meaningful growth or resolution. Instead, it leaned heavily on their physical attraction without offering the emotional depth or character development.

LearnMyLesson ARC Review
By: Katee Robert

‘Hercules’ was one of my favorite Disney movies growing up! That’s why I was so excited to have the privilege of doing an ARC review of the new Deluxe Edition of “Learn my Lesson” by Katee Robert, releasing on 8-5-2025.

This book can be described as the following:
-Dark Spicy Romance
-Disney/Greek Mythology Re-telling
-MMF: Hades, Hercules, Megan
-Villain/Golden Retriever/Black Cat
-“Good Boy”
-Dom/Sub/BDSM

My thoughts:
-I spent the 1st few chapters wondering how Katee would explain the fact that in Greek Mythology and the Disney version, Hades is Zeus’ brother making him Hercules’ uncle… I’m all for a little taboo, but… they do explain it before any true interactions happen on page. Quote from Hercules POV: ‘It’s a strange coincidence. There used to be a Hades in Olympus, back before I was born, but when he and his family died, the title died with them.’ And Quote from Hades POV: ‘ “Hello, Zeus.” The man who once proclaimed we were close enough to be brothers, even if no blood connected us, inhales sharply.’
-They made correlations between the childhood favorite ‘Hercules’ movie and their modern interpretation deliciously!…Including “Damsel-in Distress” and “Golden Boy” aka “Wonder Boy” and “Hades’ Deals”
-Overall I give this book 4 stars. ‘Learn my Lesson’ was a spicy good time!! The new cover is stunning and the author’s notes included were a great insight to their thoughts along the way! I’m definitely putting the rest of the books in the Wicked Villains series on my TBR!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I haven’t read the previous edition, so I’m not sure how much has changed for the updated release, but this was a fun and spicy read, and I enjoyed the author’s annotations and commentary throughout the book. I don’t know if there will ever be a version of Meg that I don’t absolutely love, Hades is broody and manipulative, and Hercules…he’s just the perfect sweet himbo.

These aren’t your childhood fairytales. This series has all the grown up spice you’re looking for and Learn My Lesson is no different. Katee Robert brings us to a whole new world of fantasy. Her ultra-steamy, BDSM-laced dark romances reimagine the classics with a wicked twist, mythical characters, forbidden desires, and fantasies that definitely aren’t in the kid-friendly version. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

✨ Learn My Lesson ✨

Overview:
Meg and Hades have been together for over 10 years. In those years they have share countless schemes and scenes in the kink club they run in Carver City’s neutral territory. Now cracks are starting to form with him and Meg growing further apart, Hades has just the thing to fix it Little Hercules.

Hercules is a golden boy that fled his home in Olympus with a heart too pure for his own good. Once he is caught in Meg and Hades web of seduction, they have started a twisted game that none of them seem inclined to stop. Will this duo become a trio or are they meant to drag each other all the way to the underworld.

The Vibes:

🖤Kink Club
🖤Dom Daddy MMC
🖤Switch Boss FMC
🖤Sub Gloden Boy MMC
🖤Relationship in Jeopardy
🖤Dubious Consent
🖤Dark Romance
🖤Found Family
🖤Touch them and die


ARC Review:
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Katee Robert, and the publishing company for sending me an advance readers copy of Learn My Lesson.

Katee Robert, you are my queen of darkness and smut I love the worlds you build so much. Getting your commentary and annotations in this book just made me love it even more. My favorite series by Katee is the Wicked Villains series so getting these new additions is just really exciting to me. Plus, the covers! The new art just elevates these books, and I cannot wait to collect them all.

This is my second time reading this book and it truly does set up the Dark Olympus series beautifully. I almost wish I had read these first, so I really understood who Zues was before going into the Dark Olympus. This book fills so much of the backstory as it relates to the Kasios family and why Hercules left Olympus. I also think it helps understand why Hades is such a boogeyman in that series too. Either way, read them in whatever order you want I love them all!

To the meat and potatoes of the story, Meg and Hades are damaged adults that throughout their long relationship have forgotten to talk with one another. Hades then gets this brilliant idea to introduce a third into their dynamic who happens to be the son of his greatest enemy. What could go wrong!?

When sweet golden boy Hercules is seduced by Meg he cannot believe his luck, to be in between the thighs of such a goddess. When Meg seduction is ended abruptly by Hades, Hercules has a righteous sense of indignation towards this man twenty plus years his senior. Hercules does not know if he wants to punch or bend over for Hades.

These three then start a messy kink affair with them teaching Hercules the ropes and what it truly means to be submissive. Throughout this process all three start to become closer, Hercules smooths out the jagged edges of Meg and Hades. Hades insatiable need for revenge may have start this advent but will it also be the downfall.

Now we must discuss the bonus content in the new version of this book because it is so worth it! The Winter Solstice bonus chapter alone is worth purchasing this book, I would warn that you should have the other books completed before reading it. I also love that scene because it truly is a sneak peak at the next generation! I have already read Wicker Pursuit; the club scene lives in my mind rent free.

Learn My Lesson deals with sensitive topics such as parental abuse, abandonment issues, and death of family members. I believe this book is written in a way that handles these topics with care, detailing them in a way that is respectful while being truthful to the characters reactions. If it is triggering for you, please read with care.

I will gladly be rereading this entire series as the new editions of these books come out. As my favorite world that Katee Roberts has created, I will gladly be dragged back to Carver City any time. Please pick up your new deluxe edition of Learn My Lesson on August 5, 2025!

Thank you again to the publishing house and NetGalley for my ARC.

Rating 4/5

Learn My Lesson Deluxe Edition ARC provided by NetGalley for my unbiased review.

It's like the director's cut version. Katee provides notes within the chapters denoted with an *asterisk.

The story was exactly what you'd expect from the author: mostly smut but with a bit of solid plot. Hades + Megaera + Hercules!

The ARC copy I received contained quite a bit of formatting issues that will hopefully be corrected before the publishing date later this fall. There were no paragraph indentations or spaces to indicate a new paragraph so it made it difficult to read. A few words ran together as well.