Title: Wicked Beauty
Author: Katee Robert
Series: Dark Olympus
Publication Date: Expected June 7, 2022
Format: E-Book
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre(s): Fantasy, Erotica
Summary: 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?—From Goodreads
What I Liked: Robert has created very likeable characters with alluring personalities in this third book in her Dark Olympus series. She could drop her versions of Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus into any other book or story, and I would want to read about them. There has been a trend (or at least something I’ve noticed recently) of writers creating badass female characters who don’t feel the need to apologize for their behavior or their actions and this version of Helen is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it. Even though she has moments of self-doubt, she leans on Achilles and Patroclus when she knows she needs help. If you know anything about Katee Roberts books, you know that even if you don’t like the plot or the characters, you will at least like the sex. And this book is no exception. She writes scenes between 2 or 3 characters, that are hot, fun, and detailed. So, if you’re looking for some good erotica, this book will fit the bill.
What I Didn’t Like: Listen….this plot is…..bonkers. We find out that there is a competition for who will be the next Ares because the old Ares has died and by law this is one of the positions in the Thirteen (the group who rules over everyone in this world) that can be won by anyone who enters this fight to the (possible) death. But there is no explanation as to why this is a rule or why the tasks they have to partake in are the ones chosen or really why the Thirteen even rule at all. Additionally, if you’re looking for a mythological retelling, look elsewhere. Other than using the names of the people involved, there is very little here that resembles the story of Helen of Troy and Achilles and Patroclus. Continuing to call this series a retelling is a stretch; reimagining might be a better term.
Who Should Read It: If you’ve read the previous 2 books in this series, you’ll like this one because it’s very much a Katee Robert book with a lot of sex. Those looking for a fun ménage book will also like this one as long as you don’t expect too much plot.
Review Wrap Up: I don’t read Katee Robert books for the plot so in that regard, this book is a winner. The fact that a ménage book is getting a wide, trade paperback release is something to cheer for so for that fact alone, I applaud this book and the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, for making more taboo romances available to the mainstream romance reader. As long as you don’t expect a faithful retelling and pick up this book for some hot fun, I think you’ll like this one.
Favorite Quote: “It could be like this. You don’t have to pretend with me – with us. We don’t expect perfection. We just want you.”
The Spinster Librarian 