{Review} Wicked Beauty (Dark Olympus #3) by Katee Robert

 

Page count: 400

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Published on: June 7, 2022

Genres: Adult romance, mythology retelling, LGBT+

Format: eARC provided by publisher + NetGalley

CW: violence, attempted kidnapping, misogyny, manipulation, verbal abuse

✨ RATING: 3.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

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?

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Hey, all! I'm back with another review!

I really liked this one, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite.

I wanna start out saying that I love that KR has been able to publish these books. I’m absolutely obsessed with it all. I love the diversity and the retelling aspects of it all. However, this one kinda fell flat in some aspects — at least for me. I know that this book really did it for so many readers and that’s just beautiful. I love that.

I really loved these characters, or rather, I loved what they could be. I really wanted more from these three though. They had a bit of growth, but I just didn’t think the pacing helped them at all. Their relationship was so insta-lovey and it just came together too quickly for me. I didn’t think they had a legitimate emotional connection. It seemed to hinge on their sexual connections.

I wasn’t a fan of this plot either. I don’t think the arena setting or the way everything panned out was as solid as it could have been. Granted, we actually had a pretty great plot! I just don’t think it was executed as well as it could have been? I don’t think that made any sense. I liked that the Ares position was determined by a Hunger Games-esque set of trials, but I didn’t think they were thought out well or executed very well. Especially the last trial.

I guess I think KR’s romance is superb and she writes it so well, but her action scenes need work.

The romance in this lacked spark, but their sexual chemistry was delightful. I love how their three parts of one whole heart. Their dynamic was absolutely lovely and their sexy scenes were hotttt, but the pacing for their trust in one another was too fast. I wish it had been drawn out.

Also! This one didn’t really follow a myth. It borrowed names and took elements from characters’ personalities and roles, but what was that combo? I was really surprised when Achilles, Patroclus, and Helen were paired together. It really should have been Briseis. I would honestly have liked a triad of Helen, Paris, and Menelaos. But also I really don’t want any more of KR’s Paris. What a scumbag!

Paris. What a douche. KR’s portrayal of an abusive, narcissistic, and manipulative man was SPOT ON. Wow. Trigger warning for manipulation, verbal abuse, and emotional pain from said abuse.

This book had so many great elements, but an equal amount of elements that didn’t quite work for me. I can’t wait to read more from KR. She’s quickly becoming a favorite author. Her books are my (not even slightly) guilty pleasure.

Happy reading!

Olivia
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{Review} A Lady For A Duke by Alexis Hall

Page count: 480

Publisher: Forever

Published on: May 24, 2022

Genres: Historical romance

Format: paperback - personally purchased

CW: violence (historical and such), attempted kidnapping, misogyny, transphobia, biphobia, lesbophobia, PTSD flashbacks, conversations pertaining to PTSD, ableism, and dead-naming

Rep: lesbian rep, trans rep, gay rep, questioning rep

✨ RATING: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A lush, sweeping queer historical romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material—perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Manda Collins!

When Viola Caroll was presumed dead at Waterloo she took the opportunity to live, at last, as herself. But freedom does not come without a price, and Viola paid for hers with the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.

Only when their families reconnect, years after the war, does Viola learn how deep that loss truly was. Shattered without her, Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognises her old friend in the lonely, brooding man he has become.

As Viola strives to bring Gracewood back to himself, fresh desires give new names to old feelings. Feelings that would have been impossible once and may be impossible still, but which Viola cannot deny. Even if they cost her everything, all over again.

~ ~ ~ ~

Hey, all!

Welcome back to another review! It's been a minute. Sorry!

I had the pleasure of reading this with my book club. We had a lovely conversation about it. If you're interested in joining, email me or DM me on Instagram!

For me, this book was just okay. I'm actually quite disappointed because the last two Alexis Hall books that I've read have just not scratched the itch for me. Perhaps it's because I wasn't in the mood for historical fiction. Perhaps it was the list of reasons I'll flesh out...now:

I really felt like my main issue was the pacing. It wasn't until I hit the 100ish page mark that I was fully invested. I started this book fully prepared to enjoy and read it lickedy split. However, it was just slow and the characters barely grabbed me. There was so much happening, but I really think that it could have been 100-150 pages shorter. It was really random when the pacing would lag. There wasn't a reason for it other than unnecessary additions to the story.

However, once the romance was established, I was absolutely SWOONING! It was too cute. Gracewood and Viola were so lovely. Gracewood said the most beautiful things and Viola was so articulate in her feelings. Once they got over the communication hump, it was so nice. I love them so much.

I do genuinely think that this is worth reading. I think my issues with the pacing are valid, but I know that so many others adore a more drawn out love story.

Combined with the swoon worthy moments, the representation, and the delightful writing style. I think this is worth a read.

Happy reading!

Olivia
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