A review by just_one_more_paige
Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert

dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
This series is really starting to remind me (as far as cravings fulfilled) of The Psy-Changeling fantasy-romance situation. And I say that complementarily. I had so much fun with (and was so entertained by) that series and I am getting just as much enjoyment out of this one. 
 
So this installment, the fifth, focuses on Aphrodite (the title currently held by Eris, the sister of Helen/Ares - one of the focal characters in the third book, Wicked Beauty, which is my fav to date - and the current Zeus). She volunteers to marry the new Hephaestus (Theseus, who was a contender for Ares and then took this Hephaestus role in the last book through the secret assassination clause), in a "keep your friends close and enemies closer" move, that breaks her ex's (Adonis') heart. The political machinations at play in this marriage are ureal, and everyone has an ulterior motive or someone else pulling their strings or some other secret. As Aphrodite and Hephaestus jump further into this power struggle, they are assisted by/partner with some outside players, like Adonis and Theseus' best friend Pandora. And as all these characters spend more time around each other, or cannot get over feelings from the past, the sexual tension ramps up and real connections begin to grow. Which it turns out they all need, because the danger all around them (from Theseus' father-figure Minos, as well as from citizens of Olympus trying their own hands at the assassination clause), is only growing greater. 
 
The dedication promises mess - and I was ready for it. It delivered. The on again-off again history, not-over-it, feelings between Aphrodite and Adonis. The butting-heads-but-always-there-for-each-other friendship of Pandora and Theseus. The immediate sexual tension and surprising tenderness between Adonis and Theseus. The blooming friendship/comfort between Pandora and Adonis. The enemies-to-lovers-to-reluctant-real-feelings-of-protectiveness between Theseus and Aphrodite. The soft and sweet something, but like, with heat, between Pandora and Aphrodite. It is great. After Cruel Beauty and a few other recent-ish reads (like A Dowry of Blood), I am really finding a love for polyamorous relationships. I mean, I need to point out that at a few points, there are some very real trauma-bonding and toxic AF moments amongst these characters (though there is always a clarity of consent that I deeply appreciate). But, there was also some legit growth (and lust/steamy scenes, naturally.) I really liked reading the development of all these relationships separately, knowing the dramatic turn where they all come together was coming (and that it was going to be explosive, in all the ways). And with the 4-person poly situation, there was a chance for a lot of different types of connections, which I loved, especially all the “casual intimacy” in these pages. The layers of relationships old and new, sexual and not, and honestly having all this support and love and casual intimacy is about as dimensional as a series like this allows for. Like I said, I think I'm fast becoming a big fan of polyamory; so much of the idea of different people filling different needs, but with commitment, appeals to me. 
 
A few other things I want to note. All through the series, I have really liked the casual inclusion of so many identities and sexualities, and even gender identities/diverse pronouns (though so far these have been utilized more by smaller/side characters, but they are at least there...and natural, not a point of trauma or contention. A highlight detail of this book for me was the inclusion and care for chronic pain/injury. And the plot/story arc for the series really deepened here. Things are getting dramatic and real and I am actually getting a bit invested in how that plays out for Olympus, past just my "I'm here for the spicy romances" level of interest in this series. On that note, I appreciate that the natural enmity - the conflicting loyalties - of our 4 MCs are not completely left behind/forgotten as the romantic relationship progresses. I mean it’s obviously surface level (this is still very primarily a romance), but it’s there as a part of the conflict and greater story, which is something. And as always, fantastic steamy scenes, of a variety of styles/types, which should be obvious. (Though still none of them match what we got with Helen/Patroclus/Achilles...who, let me just say, I was excited to see more of - as side characters, but still - in this book.) 
 
All in all, a solid installation. I'm already on the waitlist and ready for the next one.  
 
"I need her to lose control. It’s the only way I can regain it." 
 
"Everything about her is a nightmare in how perfect it is. A harpy in the body of a nymph." 
 
"...there’s no use railing against fundamental truth. It simply is." 
 
"I could be at home there. It felt almost wrong to want that in the moment, but maybe that was because it clashed with what I thought I should have." 
 
"I will never fault a person for doing what it takes to survive..." 
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