Name: Shay's review of Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
Item: Wicked Beauty
Rating: 4.5
Author: Shay

Katee Robert

She was the face that launched a thousand ships, The fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus, And she was never ours to claim. *A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that's as sinful as it is sweet.* In Olympus, you either have the power to rule...or you are ruled. Achilles Kallis may have been born with nothing, but as a child he vowed he would claw his way into the poisonous city's inner circle. Now that a coveted role has opened to anyone with the strength to claim it, he and his partner, Patroclus Fotos, plan to compete and double their odds of winning. Neither expect infamous beauty Helen Kasios to be part of the prize...or for the complicated fire that burns the moment she looks their way. Zeus may have decided Helen is his to give to away, but she has her own plans. She enters into the competition as a middle finger to the meddling Thirteen rulers, effectively vying for her own hand in marriage. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see her dead than lead the city. The only people she can trust are the ones she can't keep her hands off—Achilles and Patroclus. But can she really believe they have her best interests at heart when every stolen kiss is a battlefield? "Deliciously inventive...Red-hot."—Publishers Weekly STARRED for Neon Gods "I get shivers just thinking of their interactions. SHIVERS."—Mimi Koehler for The Nerd Dailey for Neon Gods

Dark Olympus #3

Wicked Beauty

Holly 

“Even a precious princess isn't exempt from having to learn to swim in shark-infested waters. Information is just as dangerous as a gun, even more so in the right hands. The Thirteen will eat both of you alive."

I'm helpless to do anything but obey. Every thrust drags another moan from my lips. It feels so good to have him fuck me like this, all his focus narrowed on me and me alone. Each thrust is rough and perfectly controlled, designed to curl my toes and short out what little thought remains in my head. By the time my body overrides my control and I come all over my stomach and chest, I'm chanting his name. 

Zeus is still talking, spinning a whole lot of bullshit about tradition. Olympus is up to its tits in tradition. It's their excuse for everything, a line of reasoning that conveniently takes the responsibility from the people actually doing the actions.

Better to use honey than vinegar, better to get someone to do what you want with a little manipulation than by bashing them over the head with whatever weapon is closest at hand.

She was the face that launched a thousand ships, The fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus, And she was never ours to claim. *A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that's as sinful as it is sweet.* In Olympus, you either have the power to rule...or you are ruled. Achilles Kallis may have been born with nothing, but as a child he vowed he would claw his way into the poisonous city's inner circle. Now that a coveted role has opened to anyone with the strength to claim it, he and his partner, Patroclus Fotos, plan to compete and double their odds of winning. Neither expect infamous beauty Helen Kasios to be part of the prize...or for the complicated fire that burns the moment she looks their way. Zeus may have decided Helen is his to give to away, but she has her own plans. She enters into the competition as a middle finger to the meddling Thirteen rulers, effectively vying for her own hand in marriage. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see her dead than lead the city. The only people she can trust are the ones she can't keep her hands off--Achilles and Patroclus. But can she really believe they have her best interests at heart when every stolen kiss is a battlefield? Deliciously inventive...Red-hot.--Publishers Weekly STARRED for Neon Gods I get shivers just thinking of their interactions. SHIVERS.--Mimi Koehler for The Nerd Dailey for Neon Gods

Rina

Everything in Olympus ends in tears. You have to take your joy where you can find it.

Patroclus sighs and sets down his e-reader. He's got glasses perched on the end of his nose, and he looks so adorably nerdy, I want to kiss him. 

All those fuckers who think you're just a pretty prize to be won? Prove them wrong." 

Damn girl, angry sex is good for you, then.

Brooke Barnett

Now that we've established that I can take you, stop trying to pretend you have a noble streak and fuck my mouth like you mean it.

He's got glasses perched on the end of his nose, and he looks so adorably nerdy.

I don't touch myself to the sound of Achilles fucking Patroclus... but it's a near thing.

Are Patroclus and Achilles in a relationship or are they just close friends who eventually may share the same girl?

Or another great option is to not take chances and leave it alone.

They won't harm you. If they do? I'll make you a widow.

Shay

Idk what it is abt these vooks but the next one is better than the last. The plot in this one was so 

It was so good! The romance, the action, the plot twists, the cliffhangers... every book I read of this series has me more obsessed than the last. 

Tsu 💙

Idk what it is abt these vooks but the next one is better than the last. The plot in this one was so chef's kiss. It was so good! The romance, the action, the plot twists, the cliffhangers... every book I read of this series has me more obsessed than the last. 

And here is where the plot thickens...

At the start of this book I did not think I would like it compared to the others but I was very wrong. I have never read a book that entertains a threesome and I didn't know how to feel about it beforehand. But damn! When I tell you the scenes in this were just about as steaming as they can't get. I didn't expect to love the idea of these three as much as I did. And it made for a great story and had me wishing I was Helen. I'm really starting to like this series and I can't wait to get to know all the characters in Olympus in depth in the upcoming books. 

Caitlin Kosmalski

Profound? No. Thrilling? No. Romantic? No. Spicy? Yes.

Danielle Blandina

Sidney Schaffner

Giovanni Silva

Sara Uribe

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! To tell you that I was surprised how much I really love this one is probably still not enough. Wicked Beauty had me hooked even faster than both of the two previous books in the series. I don’t know what it is about this book or about this throuple that had me entranced from the beginning, but this book really put me in a daze while I was reading. Achilles, Patroclus and Helen each bring something different into the relationship and truly do make such a great throuple. They are one of a kind and main characters that I won't forget for a long while. I would like to mention again, like I said in my review for book two, these narrators have narrated not only this book, but also book one and two. Though Zara Hampton-Brown and Alex Moorcock do an excellent job, it was pretty confusing at times. I would’ve also loved another narrator to take over for Achilles or Patroclus. Again, I find it confusing when the same narrator is narrating multiple main characters in one book and they don’t drastically change their voice for one of the characters. Other than that, I really loved this book a lot! This series is easily becoming one of my favorites from her so far. I can’t wait to get my hands on book four!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cindy McKee

Katee Roberts Spicy Mythology takes on Achilles, Patroclus, and Helen in her latest romance. When the title of Ares is up for grabs, Achilles and Patroclus enter the competitive trials with every plan to win. However, when Helen is blindsided by her Brother, the new Zeus,and offered up in marriage as part of the prize, she has her own plans to enter the competition and to win. There is plenty of intrigue and the usual chaos of politics, but also a story about how the heart wants what it wants. The trio compete for the title and also for the future they want together as a throuple. A good summer read! 

**I was given this book by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review **

Sexiest book I’ve ever read. 🌶️🪭🌹💃 Give me more throuples, Katee Roberts! And all this plot! 

Amelia Hruby

OH MY GOD THE SPICE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵 This one was even hotter than Neon Gods, which I did not think was possible. The story also contained an actual plot, which was fantastic. Altogether, my favourite of the books so far. 

Alyssa deRaad

Marie

I loved it and couldn't put it down, she did an amazing job like her other books to make it feel like you are actually a part of the story with all the other characters.

I liked this book! I enjoyed the first two books a bit more, however Wicked Beauty adds an interesting insight into all the minds of a love triangle…kinda. not really a love triangle but yeah. it was a quick and enjoyable read! 

Raimee Sanders

lisa roeling 

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
 

  First Impressions

Wicked Beauty is such a delightful read. and I am loving what this author has been doing with this series. It’s such a delight to see with these books and this unique worldbuilding. This world can be really complex but I think of it like a combination of contemporary with a mythological fantasy type of twist. I also was highly intrigued with this one as it was a a menage which I knew that this author could implement, And I also can’t wait for book four (as its a qruple —which is two couples that come into one relationship which I have never read before and I don’t think I know of anyone that has written that) Katee Robert has become very creative with this series and I really love what she has done here, because it shows that she is capable of writing whatever type of story she wants that will satisfy her base and bring in more readers outside of it as well. Wicked Beauty was a kick-ass romance, and I truly was endeared by the menage build-up of the relationship. The steam is similar to her previous two books, so not like what she gave us in her erotic series, but closer to the mainstream level. You also could read these as standalone if you needed to,.


  Summary

Achilles Kallis is determined to win the role of Aros, as it has been his dream to be the rule as he has worked his way up to the top with grit and determination. His partner, Patroclus will match with him to plan in the competition and increase their chances of winning. Then enters Helen Kasios. She is determined to be more than just a prize for the winner. She is beautiful and fearless and well-revered among the political circles. Her brother is furious when Helen puts herself into the chance of becoming the ruler over the thirteen. As Helen enters the competition there is powerful chemistry that is built with Achilles and Patroclus. She admires both differently but never expected that they would be drawn into a relationship together. But as tensions rise, and they go through the competition, will they be able to find a way to be together or will their love be enough over their dreams to win…


  What I Loved

I absolutely adored this book in many ways. I was intrigued to see how the menage would be handled in the story. All three characters are fighters and highly capable. I loved what a powerhouse they are together and separately but their personalities are so different from each other. Achilles is the dominant and alpha of the group, he is a natural leader. Patroclus is the brain, he also is a solider but prefers to think through to solutions. Then we have Helen who is a politician and strategical thinker. I loved seeing how they work and fit together both in the bedroom and out of it. It was also a delight to see them compete against one another and fight to win to the top. In the first half, there is quite a bit of angst though. There are divided emotions that happen and you really see loyalties that become split between them as they decide where they fit but once they decide to become a triad, then it becomes so much more solidified and concrete and their relationship will begin to blossom. They are all such strong personalities though so it was interesting to see how that balances out in the end. I was actually not expecting the ending but I felt like it really worked out well in the end. Helen has been treated so badly by her family, that she deserved to have two men treat her and put her value above their own. I really respected the way that this author developed their relationship and I was cheering them on all the way through.


  What I Struggled With

There wasn’t too much, I think I just didn’t completely connect with the situations in the first half of the story, there is a ton of angst and I wasn’t feeling it too much. So I did struggle with this aspect that is built within it.


  Overall View

I found Wicked Beauty to be a majestic and tantalizing addition to this epic series that has won my heart so quickly. it’s a story of personal growth, sacrifice, and devotion to those you love.

Sophia 

1,5⭐️ 

Yeah… This one wasn’t for me at all. 
If you know me, you know I absolutely dislike love triangles in any sort of form. Not in the “two love interest”, not the “one person in love with two people” and also not the “three people relationship”. And if that’s your thing, great for you and I’m glad we have different opinions about certain topics in books. 
But yeah, for me that is an instant point for me to not enjoy the book. Sadly it’s what happened in this one. 

I really liked the first two books in the series but this one was really lacking for me. I wanted to see more of each character but instead everything was rushed. 
I wanted to see Helen having more focus on her initial goal (even though she does keep on following that) AND I wanted to see Achilles and Patroclus relationship flower more and see cute moments between the two of them. 

What I got instead? Rushed plot, lack of interesting narrative and guilt, somewhat forced, relationship and physical interaction between the main characters. 

I knew I wouldn’t like this one as much as the first two, just because I knew it was a 3 people relationship but was hoping for everything around it to be good. Sadly, I was disappointed.

Tied for my favorite in the Dark Olympus series with Neon Gods. This story follows Helen (of Troy), Patroclus and Achilles. Delivers good thruple drama, queer romance and very kinky like Neon Gods

Abbey

I love this book series with my entire heart, ive fallen in love with each story and this is no different, What can i say? Im a sucker for love and great smut

Benedicte G. Nes

Jaila Esterline

If Katee Robert ever needs a kidney, she can call me anytime so long as with that new kidney she continues to produce bangers like these. She can have both if she really wants! Did it take me about 70% of the book to like Achilles? Yes! Was that the point? I think so! I’m still not totally a fan of his but this book was too good to hold a grudge against him. I’m hoping to see more of this new side of the thirteen and especially Zeus that we got glimpses of in this one.

Perrine lorrain 

I was waiting for a disaster when I saw a third name appeared at the beginning of a chapter but i ended up being pleasantly surprised. The end could be a little more detailed and the plot was pretty predictable in the romance department but the thriller and action kept us on our toes

Thiare Vergara

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC preview! This book will be published in June 7th, 2022.

This is a free spoiler review and since I only read the first 5 chapters it won't contain any major detail about the book. For the same reason I'm rating this book 4 stars for now, but when I get to read it completely the rating may change. 
Now, how I felt about this preview? Personally I love retellings and I adore Katee Robert as a writer and how she experiments with all of this old stories and gives them her own style. I also love greek mythology so it isn't more obvious I can't wait to read the rest of the book, the first chapters have definitely catch my attention and I'm so curious to know what happens with Helen, Patroclus and Achilles and all of this universe that the dark olympus series has built it up till now.

Very excited to see how this book ends!

Missy Zuber 

Another great story in the Dark Olympus series.
Audiobook was great as always.

caly

something about her writing just feels so nice and smooth to my brain

Elizabeth Hagenlocher

I’ve got to be honest, this book was not hitting for me for the first 25-50%. HOWEVER, because the second half of the book definitely made up for the first half I’m giving the book a generous 3.5 rounded up. 

The reason the first half or so felt like a slog for me is because the real meat of the plot didn’t begin for quite some time. Setting aside the spice, the premise of the book is that the old Ares has died, and the new one must be determined through a contest of sorts. If you’re unfamiliar with the Dark Olympus series in general, it’s a modern reimagining where Olympus is ruled by the “Thirteen.” These are what we would call the pantheon, except in this world they’re not Gods (I think…the world-building is a bit fuzzy, and seems to get clearer with each book). In this world, the Thirteen are simply titles for the ruling entities. The Big Three—Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades—are legacy titles, passed down through bloodline. The rest of the titles have their own way of determining a successor. 

ANYWAY, I love a good competition…when there’s actually a competition. And for a long while, I was doubting whether we’d actually see much of it at all. A good portion of the book’s first half was dedicated to setting up character dynamics. 

Which leads me to the other thing that I was pretty skeptical about…the success of the throuple. For some reason, I had it in my head that the three characters would be supportive of each other from the start. I went into the book thinking that the three of them decided to compete together, so that one of them could be Ares, and they didn’t care who. I swear someone said that, and I thought that idea was super nice. But that was SO not what happened lmao. 

Instead, it’s almost Helen vs. Achilles/Patroclus. Except they all secretly-not-secretly want to bone each other. And Achilles is a HUGE dick. Like I don’t read Bully romances, so I’m not sure if this qualifies as a bully romance, but he felt like a bully. I really disliked him and the way he treated Patroclus and Helen for a good portion of the book. Until I didn’t. I think that speaks a lot to Robert’s skill with character development that she managed to make an unlikeable character likable in a believable way. And once the characters addressed some of their issues, the throuple actually worked really nicely. They were a super functional unit, and as always I love the emphasis on consent in the books. Robert continues to prove that consent is sexy. 

And seriously, once the book got really into things, it was hot. And because each character gets chapters from their perspective, the spicy scenes often spanned chapters. Of the three books so far, this one had the best spice.

The competition aspect also had its time to shine later in the book, which I was grateful for. Even with the good spice, this book wouldn’t have been as good without the plot (where as I feel like the first two books weren’t harmed by lack of plot). The plot was so necessary to the character growth in this book, and it managed to set up the rest of the series very well. It seems like moving forward, the books are going to get increasingly plot heavy, and I’m here for it. Robert has created an interesting world, and it deserves to be expanded upon. 

My biggest complaint about the second half of the book is that we don’t get an Epilogue. Can a person hope for a novella…as a treat?

Side note: I now expect every book to start with a party that the heroine/MC doesn’t want to be at. Two was a coincidence (when I read Electric Idol, I thought I accidentally restarted Neon Gods), but three is a pattern. It better stick, or I won’t know what to do with myself lmao

I have been dying to get my hands on this book since I finished Electric Idol, and this one did not disappoint! When I first read the synopsis of this book, I felt like it was going to be a lot like Brave because Helen is determined to compete in the games to become Ares so that she can control her own life instead of being a pawn for her siblings. I mean, it kind of had those vibes in the book, but overall it was so much more. We are focused on Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus. Let me tell you, these three were terrific, and Patroclus is my all-time favorite! He's such a sweet boy! 
I love that Helen could stand up for herself and show the world that she is so much more than her looks. She talked about Hercules a lot. I really want a book about his life in Carson City because he sounds like he is living his best life down there. But don't get me wrong, this book was definitely steamy, and it was definitely an interesting angle that this one went in. But it lost a half star for me because I needed more at the end. I needed to know how these three ended up, and I mean, we did get some closure at the end of the relationship, but I just wanted more of it. I feel like it all tied up too fast at the end, and I'm not really sure how much they will pop up in the next book since it is about Apollo and Cassandra.

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Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert

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