Wicked Beauty (Dark Olympus, 3)

Reading this book was an experience. Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert shifts us from Greek Gods to Greek Heroes and how they have been portrayed in the book will blow your mind!After the events of Electric Idols, Helen is the only Kasios sibling who is not part of the Thirteen of Olympus. Tired of being perceived as only a pretty face, she sets her sight to achieve the recently open position of Ares.The most formidable opponents set her on fire in all ways that count. Wicked Beauty is the story of a woman taking charge of her own fate.Achilles and Patroclus are the leads of the story and present 2 sides of the same coin. Achilles is Executioner, Patroclus is the Strategist, and Helen has been navigating Olympus politics all her life. They are a team that will be unstoppable if they are not so hard-headed.All books of the Dark Olympus series differ from each other. While the predecessors focussed on godly myths amongst the differences in way of life in the upper and lower city, Wicked Beauty takes us to the root of traditions in Olympus.I loved the shift in POVs among the characters. Especially when the scenes got too hot to touch. The characters of Wicked Beauty are more prone to action than planning and it gives a very fresh take to the series.The action sequences and smut were great. I am in love with Patroclus. I see he is a package deal with Achilles, so I’ll take them both; Please!The original Helen did not get a say in her fate. This Helen does, and she makes the most of it with a one-sided determination that I loved to read. The entire book was so engaging that I failed to realise it when I neared the end.When the attraction track shifted to romance, I loved the changes in the characters of Helen, Achilles and Patroclus. The three attain an understanding of each other in a few days when some people cannot understand people they have known their whole lives. At one point, Patroclus says,“You joke, but Achilles goes into mother-hen mode the same way he goes into a fight. There’s no winning.”Wicked Beauty has parts where they explore the motivations of each character. While the protagonists’ motivations have been mentioned through their perspectives, there is also insight into the other contenders in conversation and discussions.In the end, Katee Robert gives us a jolt. The series is far from over. We are still waiting for the rest of the Dimitrou sisters’ stories, and one for Hermes and Dionysus. I will keep my eyes peeled for the updates on this series.

This book did the “trials” trope right. No one was overpowered, nothing was too complicated, and it was still interesting! Big fan of the dynamics in this book and how puzzle piece-y the romance was. If you like mmf this is a great one!

Another great addition to the Gods of Olympus series. Beside the inspiration from Greek mythology characters and their traits, that I absolutely adore, I love that this series is spicy with substance. There is a great story of intrigue and politics beyond the spicy bits. And it doesn't feel forced like it was added to justify the book's existence. Love this series!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I can never get enough of modern day takes on Olympian legends and the Dark Olympus series is one of my favourites. This instalment focuses on Helen of Troy, Achilles and Patroclus in a polyamorous relationship that may be the life or death of all three concerned.The position of Ares on the Council of Thirteen is up for grabs and as it’s not a legacy position anyone can compete to be the new Ares.  Zeus thinks he can sweeten the deal by offering his sister Helen’s hand in marriage to the winner, but Helen is not happy with this development and enters the competition herself. Meanwhile, Achilles and his partner Patroclus have their own ideas of winning the prize and enter together to double their odds. What none of them banked on was the streamy and addictive chemistry all three would share as the challenges progress and the stakes in the competition get higher.Though they can’t keep their hands off each other, the chances of them all getting out of the contest (a) alive and (b) becoming Ares decreases as the contestants single each other out making the tasks more dangerous. Should they go their separate ways to save their hearts or should they stick together to the end. How can this new arrangement have a happy ending with whatever outcome occurs?Whoa that was an emotional and sexy ride from start to finish. The approach to this relationship was with a lot of body positivity and frank conversation. I don’t often read polyamorous stories as I sometimes find keeping track of two strong personalities can be difficult enough and three makes it even more intense, but I feel Katee did that dynamic justice here. She gave all three main characters distinct and well thought out motivations/points of view and plotted the story with plenty of action, passion, and emotional resonance to keep me hooked. I loved the introduction of the new family from outside Olympus as this added intrigue and unknown elements for the characters and storylines that have already occurred as well as repercussions for the ones in this book. I loved it!

Katee Robert's unique and innovating interpretation of Olympus and greek mythology created once again a delightful story.Whereas Helen was portayed as "weak" and lacked agency in the original Iliad, Roberts presents a true warrior forged by modern society and is more spartan than even the original picture that the classic ever painted her to be. Strong, clever and cunning, without being villainized this depiction of Helen was a refreshing change to a character that is often viewed solely as an object and plot device.On the other hand, the relationship between Helen, Achilles and Patroclus was also one of a kind, since the book introduces a new relationship that takes its time to bloom. Rather than being a bed of roses, the road to one another described within the narrative was far more realistic. From hesitation, vulnerability and doubt to courage and new beginnings.While Katee Robert's books are usually spoken about their spice which was AMAZING, but that is besides the point! here it contibuted to the intimacy and the overall development of the characters! I loved this book... I cannot wait to see where the next book will take the story!!!Tags:Strong FMC 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♀️🦸‍♀️Reverse harem/MMF 🏳️‍🌈💖💜💙Bisexual-Poly Relationship🏳️‍🌈 ⚤⚧Greek mythology retelling🏹🏺🏛️Orgies/Threesomes🎀 🎉⭕️Anal play🍆🍑💦Edging 👀✨🥵Use of a contraceptive💊 💉 ⚗️Violence 🛑 ⛔️ 🩸Morally grey characters 👤 👥🗣Murder attempt 🧨🧫 🧪Weapon use 🗡 ⚔️🔫

Loved the book. Bought all the series. Waiting for the next one.