First - I love this series.
Second - Wicked Beauty will still be the top tier installment.
Third -Do we think this series has gone on for too long....? I no longer feel the perfect marriage of plot & spice. All of it was too rushed

Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert is the latest in the Dark Olympus series, and like all the ones that came before it, it’s hot, delicious, and erotic. Alex Moorcook and Will Watt are fantastic as Icarus and Poseidon. Now, it may just be that my knowledge of Greek mythology isn’t as robust as it should be, but this one felt like it deviated the most from any original source material—but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t excellent. Icarus is in Poseidon’s custody after the events of the previous book, and Poseidon is scheming with Hera to bring down Zeus, while everyone in Olympus is waiting to see what Circe will do with her fleet just outside of Olympus’s borders. Tensions are high, and everything Icarus knows about Circe and her plans is incredibly valuable. The only problem is he doesn’t know much at all. That doesn’t keep Poseidon from keeping him close. Extra close. Super duper close. For protection. Of course.

Anyway, if dark romance and Greek mythology are your jam, you’ll love these Dark Olympus books. This one wasn’t my favorite in the series—that spot is still reserved for the book that started it all—but if you love M/M, this would be an especially good one to pick up. The books in the series *are* interconnected, but I don’t think it would be super hard to pick it up as a standalone. Robert leaves enough crumbs in the first half from other books to help readers get caught up on what’s going down.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for my ALC.

I really enjoyed listening to this one! The audio was sooooo well done and the narrators were perfect!

I ate the story up! A captive developing feelings for his captor?!? Hellllll yasssss! Poseidon has been so mysterious I was very excited for his story and it did not disappoint!! The chemistry between and Icarus was hot and these two really had some need driving them to make their decisions.

But lemme tell you…I AM SO FREAKING PUMPED FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!!! My gosh the build up has been insane in the best way!

Once again your girl has read a series out of order. Turns out I’ve read the first and the last book of the Dark Olympus series 🫣😆

He was mine to protect. Mine to adore. Mine to lose forever. A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Poseidon and Icarus.

Greek mythology is confusing to me but leave it to @mrd_reads to get me out of my comfort zone for his #mrdreads2025 reading challenge. I’m going to keep this short and sweet. This one is an extremely spicy MM instaLove romance that made clutch my pearls. However the plot was just meh for me. There was some fighting the end. Not my cup of tea. 🫤

This book is awesome from start to finish! The writing is great and makes you feel all the emotions. The story flows perfectly, keeping you hooked. It's suspenseful the whole time, making it super exciting. It's just a really amazing read.

The Dark Olympus saga continues in the explosive aftermath of the previous book 7. Icarus is now a captive of Poseidon, and has resigned himself to the worst as no one trusts him. Icarus may feel like he’s lost everything but there’s something about Poseidon that gives him reason to fight and to want to help save Olympus.

This is a cheeky twist on the captive/captor dynamic with Icarus making the moves on a very befuddled Poseidon. Icarus, who’s been discounted all his life has learned to weaponize his sexuality to gain power in order to survive this cutthroat world. It’s wild that for being one of the 13, Poseidon is rather untainted by the vices that plague them. His priorities are different. No ulterior motives. No hidden agenda. He also just doesn’t want to be there. Their coupling is full on heat and it seems that Icarus gains just a little bit more of himself back the more he falls for Poseidon.

Highlights:
🔱 Greek mythology, retelling, dual POV, plot-driven
🔱 M/M romance, 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, open door
🔱 Political alliances, machinations
🔱 Destiny vs obligation
🔱 Continuing story arc

Moorcock voices Poseidon as the strong but weary and reluctant warrior. Watt as Icarus is amazing, expressing Icarus’ complexity so well. It’s so cool to hear him in contrast to Moorcock’s usually gravelly tone. That contrast makes it so riveting! I love how Robert keeps raising the ante with each successive book. I cared for the characters more in this book than the previous one, likely because I believed their bond, and I felt there was more depth to the characters. This is such a thrilling, spicy series. I simply enjoy being on this ride!

Thanks to @dreamscape_media & @sourcebookscasa for my ALC & ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Will Matt and Alex Moorcock

Tropes:
MM Romance
Dark Romance Retelling
Captive
Forced Proximity

Check The Triggers Warnings!
I love a good retelling so when I saw this was based off of Poseidon, I jumped at the opportunity for this ALC. Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to this audio. Let me start by saying, I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Both narrators are new to me, but I look forward to listening to more of their books in the near future.

Sweet Obsession is book 8 in the series of standalones. It's recommended to read the previous books in the series to better follow along with the characters, but it's not required. This book is told in a dual POV so we get to see inside the minds of both MC's allowing us the opportunity to connect with the characters.

Poseidon takes Icarus captive, we already know that. What we didn't know is that Poseidon doesn't want to actually hurt him. I believe he truly cares for Icarus. Is the love/lust fast? Absolutely, but it flows well with the storyline. This is a different take on the captive/captor theme that I've seen, and it really piqued my interest. We quickly find out he's just a huge softy who wants to connect and love another person... and to be loved back. This made me adore Poseidon. Ms. Roberts knows how to write swoon worthy characters. Let's talk about the spice level. I knew there was going to be spice... but holy hotness... this book was HOT!

Do I recommend? Yes!

I adored this book. I love pretty much anything katee Robert writes but her first monogamous MM book! Did I go I knowing I needed Poseidon to be a sub? no. Was it absolutely perfect? YES!!! And the narrators were great!!!

WE FINALLY HAVE A MM ROMANCE IN THE SERIES Y'ALL!!

All in all, I really did enjoy this installment in the Dark Olympus series. Poseidon is just the softest boy who just needs someone to handle him with care, and Icarus is the perfect man for the job. In return Icarus is used to being used for his body and Poseidon shows him that he is so much more than the sum of his parts. They both give each other what they need to feel whole and it was just so beautiful. The swift progression of their relationship was the only thing that sort of threw me off, but other than that I was on board.

Audiobook note: Great narration by both narrators, but I will say that I did get their voices mixed up a time or two. Also, why did they have British accents? My ears enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, but it didn't make a lot of sense for the story.

4.5 stars for the narration, 2.5 for the story.

Another instance where being a narrator-led listener didn't really pan out - I requested Sweet Obsessio. for review because Will Watt is one of the performers, but the book didn't didn't work for me.

I knew, going in, that this was the eighth book in a long-running series with an overarching plot, so I did my homework and read synopses and reviews so I could make sure I understood the background to the series and story; this book picks up where the previous book left off with Icarus having helped his sister Ariadne escape Olympus, and being captured by Poseidon as a result.

I admit that I was pretty bored for the first half of the book. I liked the two leads, but they didn't have a lot of chemistry and while I understand Poseidon's need to give up control and submit, pain-as-pleasure isn't my thing. Katee Robert has a reputation for writing hot sex scenes, but the sex in this book is pretty dull AND there seemed to be a lot of internal monologuing going on during the sexytimes, so sometimes it was hard to keep track of what was going on and who was putting what where! The romance is insta-love (the story takes place over just a couple of days) - Poseidon is a big teddy bear of a man and Icarus is (meant to be) a snarky twink who mostly uses sex as a weapon.

When the plot started to kick in and Poseidon, Zeus and Hades meet up to discuss the whole Circe situation, it got a bit more interesting, but not a lot happened in the end; other reviews indicate that this plotline has been spinning for the past few books and it isn't progressing.

The narration was pretty good - Will Watt (Icarus) is always excellent and Alex Moorcock (surely that's a fake name??) does a good job with Poseidon; he's got a resonant, deep voice which works well to depict a large, imposing man. Oh, and speaking of names - "big guy" is Icarus' nickname for Poseidon. Seriously? I'm not sure if it's because the word "guy" just doesn't work the same way when said in an English accent, but it's more than a bit cringey. And speaking of accents, US authors and producers, please, PLEASE let your British narrators say "arse" instead of "ass" (usually, narrators are instructed to read the text exactly, no changes) - because two guys playing with each other's asses is not really the kink you're going for.

So nope, this one wasn't for me.

4.5 stars for the narration / 2.5 stars for the story

Sweet Obsession is the ultimate indulgence in sizzling chemistry, forbidden love, and intense passion. Katee Robert has a knack for creating characters that pull you in, and this book is no exception—it’s steamy, emotional, and full of that irresistible tension that makes you keep turning (or listening) to find out what happens next.

The audiobook narration was spot-on, giving life to the tension between the characters in a way that made the already charged scenes feel even more intimate. The voice work added an extra layer of heat, making every flirtatious remark and every emotional confession hit just the right note. You’ll find yourself completely hooked, unable to pause as you get lost in the world of danger, desire, and deep emotional stakes.

The story itself is intoxicating—the push and pull between the two leads is palpable, and while there’s plenty of steam, there’s also real depth to their connection that makes the romance feel earned. The twists keep you on the edge of your seat, and the book’s pacing is perfectly balanced between passion and plot.

If you’re looking for a scorching hot romance that knows how to blend tension and tenderness, Sweet Obsession is your next listen. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster and a book you won’t want to put down.

Katee Robert's books are always so full of spice, but still so entertaining and witty. Icarus' is being held by Poseidon... and the sworn enemies begin to have feelings. This picked up right where Dark Restraint ended and I loved how protective Poseidon was. This MM romance was fire, and I loved the kink vibes with great consent talks. I LOVED that Poseidon was submissive - super hot. There are two more books in the series and I cannot wait to find out what happens in Olympus. Alex Moorcock and Will Watt did a fabulous job narrating this story.

The Dark Olympus series was one of my favorites in the beginning, but I feel like each new book becomes my least favorite of the series. After book three, it all goes downhill.
I honestly went in not caring about either character. I've been curious about the mysterious Poseidon since the first few books, but his character did not live up to expectations. And Icarus was kind of icky to me. I haven't liked him since I was predispositioned not to in book 4 (I mean, he attacked a good character for no reason), and hearing his story didn't really change my perception of him.
I enjoy MM books, but I don't feel this was top tier Katee smut. Achilles and Patroclus did it better. (All the puns intended.)
At this point, I'm only in it for Hera and Zeus's book. Their cameos in this book, along with Hades, were the highlights. Also, the anger that rose in me at seeing Hermes was new and slightly unexpected.

As I stated in my review of Dark Restraint, Circe's motives for all of this is becoming... dumber? She wants Olympus to fall as retribution against a man who is dead? Who was killed in book 1? Before this all started? Against characters who weren't even in power when she was in town? At least 8 of the 13 were very young and/or not even in charge when everything went down with her, but she's ready to come in and kill them all anyway? By all accounts, the current people in charge are loved by everyone, but sure, let's wipe them all out to get some petty revenge against a dead person. We find out that Circe and Zeus were together for all of a week, but apparently it lead to this level of nonsensical violence all because Circe believes Olympus should have stopped Zeus before she was "killed". She went after my baby Hades, and that really is irredeemable. I feel like the overall plot is going off the rails in a bad way, but I'm intrigued enough to stick it out for Hera's book.

This book was a 1.5 for me, but it gets half a star for Hera, Zeus, and Hades each. So 3/5 stars.

I am BEYOND excited to read Hera and Zeus's book.

Thank you for the ALC of this book!

Sweet Obsession rivals my love of Neon Gods, which up until reading to this, has been my ultimate favorite in the Dark Olympus series.

This MM romance was perfectly written, there were so many quotes I loved. The building of connection between the two leads was paced well and felt organic.

The storyline made sense branching off of the previous books in the series and I loved how it all culminated in their relationship.

I’ll be telling everyone I know who loves books like this to read the whole series, especially to get to this one and also want Katee to write more MM romance because this was perfection.

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher and Katee for the advanced copy! My review and all opinions are 100% my own*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Yet another banger from Katee! I DEVOUR everything she writes (seriously I’m 99% sure I’ve read her entire backlog) and the Dark Olympus series has been my love from the start with daddy Hades 😏.

The suspense around what is going to happen with Circe is killing me!! I so badly want Circe to be one of Hermes’ love interests?! I know that last book is going to be a banger and I can already tell the tension between Zeus and Hera is going to make me salivate. The plot be plotting in this book truly. Poseidon has been a bit of a mystery throughout the series, only mentioned as keeping to his own business, so who would have thought that he’d be such a gruff teddy bear? He’s strong as he has to be for his people, yet so soft on the inside. A true gem that must be protected at all costs. The hurt/comfort is what I would say is the main trope and it is executed so well in the physical pain, emotional comfort.

The thing I think I loved the most about Poseidon and Icarus’ dynamic is just the level of maturity and open communication when it mattered. Icarus being able to say “I’m fucking this up. Can we pause please?” when he’s pushed past his comfort zone and Poseidon just PAUSING. And letting Icarus come back in his own way and time, without either of them actually just deserting each other to avoid the discomfort?! Level 10 maturity and we love to see it. I did of course devour this in one day, and can’t wait for book 9, which is my most anticipated of this whole series!

*update for the audio re-read. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for the ALC!*

The narrators were so good. SO. GOOD. The voice for Icarus was about as perfect as it could have gotten, and while I kind of wish the voice for Poseidon sounded a bit older (it felt a touch younger than Poseidon's age), it still had the right scratchy quality I was imagining. The pacing was perfect, nothing annoys me more than one narrator who speaks faster than the other. Both narrators conveyed the emotions really well and it made the re-read that much better with an elevated reading experience! My thoughts on the book haven't changed, if anything I might love it and Icarus/Poseidon even more!

I love this series so much and Katee’s writing style! It’s so good! This story introduces us to Poseidon who hasn’t had much of a presence in previous books, so this was great to get to know this character. And Hera! Finally! We get to see more of Hera. I have been waiting for her book and I can’t wait until we get it. I enjoyed the retelling of Poseidon and Icarus and this book did not disappoint.

Only thing I don't like about this book is it means we are closer to the end of the series.
It's a great addition to the world. I love bratty Icarus being a switch/dom. Love that thick zaddy Poseidon needs to be a sub since all he is use to is taking care of everyone else.
Fantastic spice! Katee Robert doesn't disappoint <3

Alex Moorcock nails Poseidon, I mean he always does. Will Watt perfect brat narrator choice.

This was my first Katee Robert book and it being audio was so much more enjoyable. I like the Greek mythology references with the character. There was a spin on the characters. This was also my first MM romance and it delivered. Very well narrated and this story was very enjoyable. There’s also spice.

I swore I wasn't going to continue reading this series then I see Poseidon's story is finally being told. This may be my favorite book of the series. The dynamic between Poseidon and Icarus is exactly what I wanted in a book. 10/10 recommend.

*3.5
Sweet Obsession might be my new favorite in the Dark Olympus series! The thing that I am constantly impressed by when it comes to this series is Katee's ability to seemlessly balance relationship dynamics and growth with such a politically heavy series-wide plotline. I think Sweet Obsession may be the best example of this talent of theirs.

I was obsessed with Poseidon and Icarus' dynamic. It was very different from any of the pairings we've seen so far. The way the power dynamics were constantly being negotiated was so fun. I love Katee Robert and I think they do romance like no other author.

I listened to the audiobook and I think it may be the best audio in the series. The narration for Poseidon was so good (hot) omg. I especially loved the voice that Icarus' narrator would use for the Poseidon lines. So good.

Thank you to Netgalley for my ALC.