REVIEW Queen Takes Rose (Wicked Villains #6) by Katee Robert

Queen Takes Rose (Wicked Villains #6) 

by Katee Robert
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC (Self Published by Author) 

I’ve been on a recent streak of reading all of Katee Robert’s books, and Queen Takes Rose is the final installment of the Wicked Villains series. Aurora has appeared in all of the previous books, and now it’s finally time for her to take center stage. Once again, it was quite intriguing to see how the author took the skeleton of the original fairytale and twisted it to fit the series. However, for some reason, the female dominant characters that the author writes don’t seem to click for me as much as others. 

Aurora has definitely grown since the first time she was introduced to the series. I was intrigued by the dynamic between her and Malone and some of the references you can recognize from the original fairytale. Like many of her other series, this one has a connection to another set of books - specifically, Malone is connected to the Sabine Valley series (which at this point, I’m going to have to pick up and read out of sheer curiosity). In addition to Malone and Aurora, Katee Robert continues their trend of LGBTQ+ positive characters with a non-binary former Amazon serving as Malone’s head of security. 

Despite liking Malone and Aurora as individual characters, I wasn’t super invested in their relationship. I flipped through their ‘scenes’ together instead of devouring every word. I kind of missed the types of scenes that Aurora participated in with the previous installments of the series (i.e. the Scene with Isabelle, Gaeton, and Beast in book 4). I also thought it was weird that Malone wanted Aurora submissive 24/7 instead of only when they were scening together (like the other dominants in the series such as Jafar or Hook do), but that might just be a lack of exposure to such characters more than anything else.  

Overall, Queen Takes Rose was definitely another entertaining book. It just wasn’t my favorite out of the series or something I’d see the need to reread in the future. Narrators Lacy Laurel and Jenny Nordbak did an excellent job bringing the story to life with their performance in the audiobook narration. The Wicked Villains series would be a great choice for mature readers who aren’t put off by taboo dark romance stories that reimagine classic fairytales. 

CONTENT WARNINGS (Courtesy of Author’s Website): Parental Death (mother, comatose for long period of time and heroine makes choice to end life support), assault, explicit sex

About the Book

Once upon a time I made a deal with the devil. It turns out I like playing in the dark. Over the years, I’ve become someone I’m proud of, someone dangerous.

I’ll never be as dangerous as Malone, though. She’s one of the most feared leaders in Carver City, and her reputation is more than earned. Years ago, we had a single night together and she’s ignored me ever since.

Imagine my surprise to discover she’s scheduled me for the final two weeks of my contract. Maybe I should be afraid. Everyone else fears Malone. Instead, all I feel is anticipation. It’s time to balance the scales, once and for all.

The villains aren’t the only ones in Carver City a person should be wary of crossing.

Sometimes the prettiest flower hides the deadliest poison…

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

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REVIEW The Beast (Wicked Villains Book 4) by Katee Robert

The Beast (Wicked Villains Book 4) by Katee Robert
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: April 13, 2020
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC 

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The Beast by Katee Robert is another installment in the Wicked Villains series, and this one is a very loose reimagining of the tale of Beauty and the Beast. If you’re a fan of the series and read the books in order, you probably already know that the Man in Black was one of the biggest power players in Carver City and that he’s recently passed. The power structure of the city has become precarious, and the Man in Black’s daughters Isabelle is left to ensure that they don’t lose their territory in the aftermath of her father’s death. In doing so, she reaches out to both her exes and her father’s former lieutenants (Beast and Gaeton) to make a deal. Will she be finally able to make the choice they are asking her to make, or will things crumble in the process? You will be happy to know that she doesn’t have to choose and that the relationship develops into a glorious polyamorous throuple. 

Love is love, and it comes in all shapes and sizes. Beast, Gaeton, and Isabelle are all bisexual and enjoy their polyamorous relationship. It was amusing to see the original fairytale retold in the form of a menage et trois or a throuple (as I said, it’s a very loose retelling). Despite being extremely committed to each other, they do enjoy ‘playing’ with others. EVERYTHING done in the books is consensual, and it’s so exciting to see that play out (for those who are curious, basically all of Katee Robert’s books have a heavy emphasis on consent and feature ‘consent king’ heroes). My favorite steamy scene in the book was where the trio had a scene in the Underworld with Aurora.   

Some might go into this book thinking that it’s all smut and no plot (and there’s definitely no shortage of smut), but I was pleasantly surprised to see how well thought out everything is, and how interconnected each of the books is (despite being able to read them as standalone). After reading this book, I’m even more convinced that I need to pick up Ms. Robert’s Sabine Valley series. This is yet another connection to those books (Beast’s origins are there), and I did feel like I missed out on some small details by not having that context. Looking at the bigger picture, my mind is blown by how interconnected the worldbuilding of her various series is - job well done there!

Overall, The Beast is another entertaining installment to the Wicked Villains series. I can’t wait to read the last book in the series! As with the other books, I would recommend this series to mature readers who aren’t put off by taboo, kinky dark romance stories that reimagine modern fairytales.  

TRIGGER WARNINGS (Courtesy of the Author’s Website): Parental death (father, cancer, off-page, historical), grieving, assault, explicit sex

About the Book

Once upon a time, I fell in love with two men. Their feelings for me were matched only by their hatred for each other. Gaeton, with his brash charm and casual cruelty. Beast, his lust equal to his penchant for violence. Being with them was sinful and perfect in different ways. In the end, I couldn't choose, and I lost them both. Now, my sisters have tasked me with securing our power base, no matter the cost. I will do anything for my family even if it means agreeing to the terms set by Gaeton and Beast. The three of us. Together. But only for as long as it takes me to choose one of them once and for all. When playing games of power, happily ever after isn't a priority. Not even for me. Especially not for me.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

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REVIEW The Sea Witch (Wicked Villains #5) by Katee Robert

The Sea Witch (Wicked Villains #5) by Katee Robert
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: September 7, 2020
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC (Self-Published by Author) 

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Zurielle, or “Zuri”, is the youngest daughter of Triton from Olympus. She grew up sheltered, hardly knowing anything about the world and having every bit of her freedom restricted. After falling in love with a man she’s only known for a couple of weeks, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to save him (even if it means giving up something intimately precious to her). However, there’s more than meets the eye in this situation, and Zuri might have gotten herself into more trouble than she expected when she lands in the bed of territory leader Ursa and one-time-love Alaric. 

After four books with male dominants leading the action, it was interesting to see one of the main characters be a female dominant. For those who might be curious, this is a polyamorous FFM relationship. It was so much fun to see the dynamic shift, as Ursa is very different from Hades in Learn My Lesson or the dominants in The Beast. Consent once again is paramount (dominants always ask their submissive what their safe word is prior to engaging in BDSM scenes, and the use of it is always honored).

The Wicked Villains series is a very character-driven set of books, but unfortunately, I wasn’t as sold on the characters in The Sea Witch as I was by previous leads. Zurielle’s naivete is a big part of the story and her character, but I found it getting very annoying the farther I got into the book. I was also put off by the seemingly insta-love aspect between Zuri, Ursa, and Alaric. All of the books have the main characters sleeping with each other within days of their initial interaction, but the other books felt a bit more open-ended and authentic than this one does. I was also hoping that we would get a bit more insight into the day-to-day life of a territory leader, but we didn’t get that and that was disappointing as well (Ursa implies she does villainous things, but never really elaborates on that). 

The connections to Olympus and the Thirteen were intriguing. I wasn’t sure whether these books shared a world with the Dark Olympus books after Learn My Lesson, but The Sea Witch confirmed it. Both Hades and Ursa have bones to pick with the citizens of Olympus and use their children as a means to get revenge. They have very different ways of going about it though - Hades’ plan with Hercules was more of a plan of opportunity whereas Ursa had been planning her revenge for years. I was surprised to learn that this book is also connected to another one of her series: Sabine Valley. So many Easter Eggs for die-hard Katee Robert fans in this book, you’ll have to see if you can catch more of them than I did. 

Overall, another entertaining tale from Katee Robert! A couple of issues here and there, but it wasn’t enough to interfere with my broader enjoyment of the book. It’ll be fun to finish the series off with Aurora and Malone in Queen Takes Rose (Aurora has been one of my favorite side characters for the entire series). The Wicked Villains series would be a great choice for mature readers who aren’t put off by taboo, kinky dark romance stories that reimagine Disney fairytales. 

TRIGGER WARNINGS (From the Author’s Website): Abusive father (mostly off-page, financial and emotional), assault, explicit sex, references to drowning, death of a parent (historical, off-page)

About the Book

Once upon a time, I met a man who stole my heart. In my desperation to reunite with him, I have nowhere to turn but the Sea Witch. Ursa is as beautiful as she is dangerous, and the one person my father warned me never to let close. But she’s all crimson lips and pretty lies, and I’m convinced despite my fear.It’s a simple enough plan, if not for the faint of heart. An auction to sell the one thing I possess of any value—myself. The money will free Alaric and then we can finally be together. Except nothing is simple at all.Ursa is playing at games I can only begin to comprehend. And Alaric? The man I thought I loved might be just as much a villain as the woman I can’t help but be drawn to.When playing in the darkest depths of love and lust, it will be everything I can do not to drown.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Katee Robert Author Website

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REVIEW Desperate Measures (Wicked Villains #1) by Katee Robert

Desperate Measures (Wicked Villains #1) by Katee Robert
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Format: eBook (Personal Library) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC (Self-Published) 

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Holy wow. After reading Katee Robert’s Desperate Measures I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at the Aladdin movie or Jafar the same again. The Dark Olympus books were my first introduction to Katee Robert (I’m a huge Greek mythology fan), but a dark romance retelling of some of the most famous Disney fairytales sounded interesting enough to check out. I’m now convinced that I need to check out all of her other series as well because this was *chefs kiss* amazing. I was hooked from the very beginning of the book, and I ended up finishing it in one sitting. 

Jasmine gets more of a focus in this book than she did in the movie, and I loved that. It was so much fun getting to see her growth over the course of the story and witness the moment she finally broke out of the metaphorical cage she’s been kept in for most of her life. Jafar also got more character development in the book, transitioning from a slightly comical cartoon villain to a dark anti-hero. This is definitely my favorite version of him. And our former hero has turned into a total dick and jerk (which is a total one-eighty flip, but I was all here for it). In addition to the development and reimagining of the main characters, I was quite impressed with how Ms. Robert incorporated references to some of the side characters from the original movie, like Rajah. 

There isn’t a lot of plot or actual storyline in this book, but somehow I wasn’t bothered by that. Large amounts of worldbuilding weren't necessary either - I didn't need to know about all the tiny details of the city and the criminal undertakings. I was quite happy to be taken along for the ride of the character journey. The chemistry between Jafar and Jasmine is off the charts, and ultimately that's what sold me on the book. The audiobook performance was solid - I did, however, prefer Lessa Lamb’s portion of the narration compared to that of Jack Calihan. Jack’s narration of Jafar’s point of view didn’t sound as smooth and villainous as I would have hoped (this is totally a personal preference thing, and didn’t affect my overall rating of the book). 

Altogether, Desperate Measures was a very entertaining read that I’ll be thinking about for a while. If a short and steamy retelling of a Disney fairytale sounds like something you would enjoy, then pick up Desperate Measures today! Each of the books is set up to be able to read as a standalone, though side characters from this book are set up to become main characters in later books of the series. I’m excited to read the other Wicked Villains books as soon as possible (I’m particularly curious about how Katee Robert will handle the stories featuring Hades/Meg/Hercules and the Beauty and the Beast retelling). As a reminder, please keep in mind that these books are intended for mature adult readers. I would in NO way EVER recommend them for someone at the middle grade or young adult levels. 

CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS (From Author’s Website): Consensual Non-Consent, Explicit Sex, Abusive Parent (Father), Parental Death (Father, Off-Page), Murder, Assault, Blood 

About the Book

My Savior... Or My Ruin? One night and my entire life went up in flames. All because of him. Jafar. As my world burned down around me, he offered me a choice. Walk away with nothing but my freedom... Or rise to his challenge and win my fortune back. I bargained. I lost. Now Jafar owns me, and even as my mind rails against his rules, my body loves the punishments he deals out when I break them. But a gilded cage is still a prison, I'll do anything to obtain my freedom. Even betray the man I'm falling for.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Katee Robert Author Website

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REVIEW A Worthy Opponent (Wicked Villains #3) by Katee Robert

A Worthy Opponent (Wicked Villains #3) by Katee Robert
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Release Date: January 28, 2020
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC (Self Published by Author) 

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I loved seeing Tink appear as a side character in the first two books, so it was exciting to see her take the main stage A Worthy Opponent. Five years ago, Tink sold her freedom to Hades in exchange for protection. Those five years are coming to a close, and the monster she was running from has reared his ugly head. She finds herself with only one place to turn to; Jameson Hook offers his protection from Peter in exchange for marrying him. Will she be able to ensure she doesn’t find herself in the exact same situation she ran from so many years ago, or will she lose herself in the process?

Tink and Hook have known each other since she was Peter’s “woman”, and the tension between them has been building for the five years Tink worked in the Underworld. They are well aware of each other’s kinks, and that comes into play with the scorchingly hot scenes that the author delivers. Their wedding night was one of my favorite scenes, but I was also touched by the simpler scenes that didn’t involve physical intimacy. For example, the small moments where Hook slowly chips away at all the walls Tink has built over the years to protect herself. The first I love you. The “Do you trust me moments?” It all wove together to create a beautiful and engaging relationship for readers to witness. 

The role reversal for Hook and Pan was fan-freaking-tastic. Out of all the role reversals in the series, this one was my favorite. To be honest, I never liked Peter and the Lost Boys. I always thought it was creepy that he took children from their beds at night. That feeling definitely translated to my feelings for Wicked Villain Peter. In addition to the conflict between Hook and Peter, I enjoyed how this book explored the territory dynamics of Carver City. More of the territory leaders made an appearance - I’m especially interested in learning more about the Man in Black, his territory, and his lieutenants (Beast and Gaeton) in the next book (The Beast).

Overall, another fantastic installment to the Wicked Villains series. I can’t wait to read the other three books. I would recommend these books to mature readers who aren’t put off by taboo, kinky dark romance stories that reimagine modern fairytales.  

TRIGGER WARNINGS (From Author’s Website): Abusive father (off-page, historical), abusive relationship (heroine, off-page, historical), assault, murder, guns, explicit sex

About the Book

Once upon a time I was a girl who believed in happily ever afters. Now the only thing I believe in is revenge. Hook's the only one who will help me, but first he wants his ring on my finger and me on my knees before him. I'm willing to pay any price in order to bring our mutual enemy down...even if it means I lose my soul in the bargain.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Katee Robert Author Website

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REVIEW Learn My Lesson (Wicked Villains #2) by Katee Robert

Learn My Lesson (Wicked Villains Book 2) by Katee Robert
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Release Date: October 29, 2019
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC (Self Published by Author) 

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After reading Katee Robert’s Desperate Measures, I was super excited to read Learn My Lesson and dive into the story of Hades, Meg, and Hercules. It was very different from the expectations I had going in, but not necessarily in a bad way. As a result, I’m eager to see the spins and twists the author will introduce in subsequent Wicked Villains books. 

Meg has been the right hand of Hades for years. Most of their time together has been pleasurable for all parties involved, but lately, they’ve just been “off”. To fix things, Hades decides to add a new element to their relationship with the naive and relatively innocent Hercules. However, there’s more to his plan than meets the eye (because Hades always has a plan) and the polyamorous trio must quickly figure out if they can make all the aspects of their new relationship work. 

One thing that was slightly surprising was Meg’s character. Instead of something closer to the character from the Disney cartoon, it seemed like Ms. Robert blended her character with the Fury Megaera (it’s mentioned that she considers Alecto and Tisiphone sisters, and is handy with a whip). She maintains the heart of Disney Meg’s character (“I’m a damsel. I’m in distress. I can handle this. Have a nice day.”), so it worked out well. The Fury aspect also worked out well with the BDSM play that Meg, Hercules, and Hades engage in. I want to note how Ms. Robert’s books always place an emphasis on consent (and the use of safewords). It can appear like dubious consent at times (hence the trigger warning below), but there is always a choice available and I appreciate that.

I haven’t read a lot of books about polyamorous relationships, so it was interesting seeing the trio explore theirs in this book. I expected jealousy to come into play, but it never did. No matter whether all three are interacting or if it’s just two of them, the chemistry and sexual tension are off the charts. Hercules’ “Hero Complex” comes into play a lot, as do the layers of Hades’ personality and I was all here for it. Learn My Lesson definitely follows the trend of Ms. Robert’s books being character-driven rather than plot-driven, so if intricate plots and worldbuilding are your things you may not enjoy this book as much as I did. 

As a side note, I think my enjoyment of the book was affected by previously reading Neon Gods. The Hades in the Dark Olympus series and the Hades in the Wicked Villains series are very similar. I was getting confused with the references to "The Thirteen" and "Olympus", and I never knew if that was intentional or if the two Olympus were one and the same. I ended up being pulled out of the story at times as a result.  

Overall, Learn My Lesson was an entertaining quick read. I wasn’t as impressed by Learn My Lesson as I was by Desperate Measures, but it was still an engaging story. After Tink’s appearances in the first two books, I’m so excited to see her story take center stage in the next book, A Worthy Opponent. I would recommend these books to mature readers who aren’t put off by taboo, kinky dark romance stories. 

TRIGGER WARNINGS (From Author’s Website): Abusive Father (Off-Page), Kidnapping, Assault, Child/Family Death (Off-Page, Historical), Explicit Sex, Dubious Consent, BDSM play

About the Book

Once upon a time, I was a prince. A single night with Megaera and I'm willing to do anything to save her from Hades, the man holding her captive, victim to his every whim.A bargain with the devil himself seems a small price to pay in order for Megaera to go free... Until I learn that she's exactly where she wants to be. She's Queen to Hades's King. And I'm the fool that walked right into their trap. The same fool who desires them both as much as I hate them. I can't resist Megaera's touch-or stop from being drawn to Hades's dark desires. By the time I realize just how deep a game he's playing, it may be too late...For all of us.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Katee Robert Author Website

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Check out my reviews of other books by Katee Robert!