A review by just_one_more_paige
Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert

adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 
Another vacation with plane travel, another well-timed "off the waitlist" situation for the next book in this series. Romances (especially steamy ones) are just the perfect easy travel reading, and this one *did not* disappoint. 
 
The third book in this steamy romance Greek mythology retellings, Wicked Beauty departs from the family previously in focus (all of Demeter's daughters) and shifts to follow popular retelling favs Achilles and Patroclus, and everyone's favorite love-to-hate-her beauty-victim-villain, Helen. All three have entered a competition to become the next Ares, after the current Olympian holding that title dies. Achilles and Patroclus have been partners, in professional and personal life, for years already, and enter the competition as allies with much experience in battle and tactics and fighting. Helen enters to prove to the world that she is powerful in her own right, more than the predominant public view of her (and a bit to show up her brother, the new Zeus). She has been secretly training for this, but still comes in physically untested, though with quite a bit of knowledge about the inner workings and politics of Olympus. The sparks fly amongst the three of these competitors from the start, both the good kinds and the dangerous kinds. They may hit it off physically, and then even emotionally, but can they compromise through their opposing goals to find a future together?     
 
So, like I said, this one didn't disappoint. I mean, the first two were solid, and what I wanted, if nothing particularly special (IMO). But this one? This one got me. I've only read one other poly romance before (A Dowry of Blood), so I'm new to this sub-genre, but I'm thinking it's a winner for me, because I have *really* enjoyed both. Like, the dynamics of the relationships, in this case it was a throuple, are fascinating, and intertwine with each other in complex and nuanced ways. I love the way poly relationships demonstrate that different people can fill different needs, that one person doesn't have to be your everything, and the support and fulfillment and interplay coming from these relationships with more than two people are just so....full. Like, who wouldn't want more people to share intimacy and foundation with? There's just so much more love to share there! 
 
This was also, again IMO, absolutely the hottest of the series so far. Holy sh*t the sex scenes are long, prolific, detailed and steamy. I mean, the competition to become the next Ares gave a nice structure to the novel, a believable way for these three to be brought together, and a lovely source to bring (needed, for interest) conflict and drama to the story. And the action scenes added there were also entertaining. However, this was very much a "skim-read quickly through those parts to get back to these three together again" situation for me. Partly, honestly, because I was feeling the sex scenes. But also, for real, because I just loved the way they were with each other. Helen, Achilles and Patroclus each have their own strengths and weak spots, internally and externally, and the way the others protect and support and back down where needed in their own ways, and step up without prompting when they sense that’s what’s needed, filled my damn heart. I was so emotionally invested here. And that was really enhanced further by the fact that all three of their perspectives got a voice. I loved that. 
 
There is nothing deep about this novel, but it was entertaining and smoothly written and super steamy - exactly what I was looking for. There is so much completion (pun intended, but also for realsies) in this throuple and it’s too perfect. Robert hit something just right with this third book, and it's far and away my favorite of the series so far, and perhaps one of my fav erotica-leaning romances ever, tbh. 
 
"Vengeance isn’t for the victims. It’s to make the people around them feel better for not doing anything to stop it in the first place." 
 
"Maybe there’s room for both, for us each meeting a different need because of how different we are." 
 
"I like the thorns. What use is a defenseless flower except to shove in a vase and let wither until its once-beautiful petals fall off?" 
 
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