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Muse (book one)
A Dystopian Dark Romance Novel

Aphrodite was known as the goddess of love and beauty in Greek mythology…they never mentioned she sold her body in a brothel in Marrakech.

Life is hard for us at the bottom of the food chain. I try to find a way to give us a better life.

I end up bartering my freedom to a very dangerous man. A man is as good as his word, he says. He promises to keep my girls safe as long as I hold up my end of the deal.

I am ready to be strong for us, but I’m not prepared for those gentle eyes, soft, whispered touches at night that leave me yearning for more…

He says that I’m his muse. The most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, and my cold heart breaks every time he reminds me of the truth—I’m just his whore. A purchase. A deal.

But I want more. I know I’m meant for more.

503 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

22 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Kate D. Pirate

16 books76 followers
🇵🇭 A romantic with a twisted mind✍🏼 Accused Book-Pusher. 💟 Writing as K. Sparrow for dark sci-romantasy genre/Goldpunk. Grimm Darke in psych horror🏴‍☠️

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Shrishti Mishra.
66 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2024
Review of ARC
Muse: A Dystopian Dark Romance by Kate D. Pirate

🌟 **Rating: 4.5/5**
🌶️ **Spice level: 5/5**

Wow, what a wild ride *Muse* was! Kate D. Pirate has done an incredible job creating a dystopian world that feels grounded in real possibilities, yet full of the kind of tension and excitement we crave in dark romances. The chemistry between the two main characters is absolutely electric—polar opposites in both social standing and personality, yet irresistibly drawn to each other.

The romance is intense and SPICY. You’ll be swooning over the effortless dynamic between the FMC and MMC, and the steamy scenes? 🔥 Let’s just say they're *chef’s kiss*! Every page keeps you on your toes, and just when you think you can breathe easy, the ending throws you into a heart-pounding cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next installment!

If you’re into dystopian romances with a fierce FMC who will go to any lengths for her loved ones, and an MMC who’s protective, dark, and deliciously complex, this book is going to be your next obsession. And let’s not forget the mafia vibes, dangerous organizations, and that perfectly imperfect connection between the two leads.

*Muse* has all the elements of a dark romance you’ll want to devour in one sitting. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! If you're a fan of high-stakes romance with a side of danger, you’ll be hooked!
Profile Image for Becca.
75 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
“You really are a glutton for trouble, Aphrodite.”
“I’m worth every penny, stathera.”

Who loves a morally grey mmc? MEEEE🙋🏻‍♀️ If you’re a fan of Zade Meadows, you’ll love Konstantin. He’s a great example of how a mmc in a dark romance should be: a perfect mix of red flags and possessiveness topped with that filthy mouth of his😮‍💨

The tension between Aphrodite and Konstantin had me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure!! I couldn’t get enough of these two.

And the plot twist did certainly NOT disappoint. It had me at the edge of my seat as I was speed-reading my way through the action-packed moments.

I can’t wait until I get my hands on the next installment of this series.

If you love dark romance with a gripping storyline, this book is for you. Full of twists, turns, and unforgettable tension, I highly recommend it—especially if you’re a fan of HD Carlton.
Profile Image for Amanda.
166 reviews24 followers
September 29, 2024
“I am a plaything in this dollhouse, a person to be bought, sold, and used. Yet, you speak to me as if I am more.”

This was such a great read! There was amazing world building and character development and I was hooked to the story immediately! This is a dystopian dark romance but this dystopia is so believable and I think that is what really made me so interested in this story. I loved the instant connection between Aphrodite and Konstantin as well as how well their communication was depicted. The spice was also very well done in this book and it was SPICY! I appreciated the amazing plot twists and turns in this book and the set-up for book 2. I cannot wait to read more!
Profile Image for _the.bookish.moon_.
129 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2024
Firstly, I looove Greek mythology retellings and this one did not disappoint!
Kate has created a world that’s believable and terrifyingly imaginable.
Aphy the mfc is a strong beautiful woman to whom family is everything and our mmc Konstantin … who doesn’t love a sexy unhinged man 🥵
The spice levels are 🔥 🌶️🔥🌶️ and after devouring in 24hrs I have been left desperate for the next installment !!

Would 100% urge you to pre-order!
Profile Image for Alexandra.
172 reviews
September 25, 2024

⭐️4.5/5
🌶️ 5/5


ARC read

This book was a rollercoaster, Kate managed to create a dystopian world set within real world boundaries, the cause being something that has real life potential. The two main characters are like the colors black and white, two polar opposites. Both in social standings, and in their personalities. Ironically it’s those polar opposite attributes that make our MCs obsessed with one another.
The spice is SPICY and detailed, the relationship between the MCs is effortless, truly it’s just *chefs kiss*. The ending leaves you with enough of a cliffhanger to make you crave more.

If you’re looking for a dystopian romance with a kick ass FMC, who will do ANYTHING to protect those she cares for, or a MMC who will do anything to keep his girl, gives off major touch her and ☠️ vibes, has involvement in mafia like organizations, and who has a major soft spot for the FMC despite the hard exterior he shows the world.. this is for you.
Profile Image for Spicybooksndirtylooks.
89 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2024
The author's writing style kept me highly entertained, and the FMC (Aphrodite) had me laughing as her thoughts were so on point, hilarious, and sassy. The MMC (Konstantin) was definitely giving off alpha-hole vibes, but he calls her 'Dove' & that's pretty cute. Excellent world building, and I appreciated the social class breakdown and cheat sheets at the beginning of the book. (The Whiterock Hierarchy of Influence & Current Tongue glossary)
The twists and turns were unexpected and shocking. (Oh, brother!) The ending had me gutted and wanting more! I can't wait to read book 2, Rival.
As always, thank you to the author for trusting me to ARC read your book! I loved it!

Favorite Quotes:
"I looked at the drink in my hand. Whiskey. Her eyes were the color of my favorite drink. Angry whiskey eyes."

"Be careful how you hold something, or it might just hurt you."

"I will say whatever the fuck I want to say. Those are compliments, Dove. Learn how to take them."
Profile Image for LivingReadGirl666.
366 reviews13 followers
November 16, 2024
A poetic style of writing meets a futuristic dystopian society with political corruption that features a love that transcends class division. Aphrodite is a Scrape, the lowest social class to exist and has worked hard to become a Madam at the brothel that she belongs to. When the owner announces his plans to sell, she scrambles to find an acceptable owner. When she meets Konstantin and feels instant chemistry with him, he’s her first choice. But there’s more than she’s aware of happening behind the scenes. This book has a unique world and political structure. It reminded me of Handmaid’s Tale in some ways, and yet was its own beast entirely at the same time. The political motivations of the characters plus the human nature to seek love added (spice) multidimensional layers to the plot.

I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for AmesChicReads.
257 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2024
I loved this story and so grateful I was given the opportunity to read it! I appreciated the world building as well as the in-depth details we got about the characters. Both Aphrodite and Konstantin were depicted as complex individuals with unique personalities that really helped to shape the story. The suspense and the ending definitely left me impatiently waiting for the next book. And the spicy scenes, so hot 🥵! Great read!
Profile Image for Lea Lanzado.
66 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2024
Finally, I finished my first ARC. Since this is an ARC (Advance Reader Copy), I’m thrilled to be among the first to experience it! Aphrodite and Konstantin were both strong characters and that's what I love about them. Obsessed with them actually. The action were so good and the steamy scene were insanely written. I must say I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Ené.
169 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2024
Her name was nothing more than a gift and a chain.

First of all, I would love to appreciate a writer from my own country. Found her randomly and didn’t expect to find her to live right in the same province-state. She did really great in writing this book (and her others) that I can’t help but be proud.

The world> was amazing. It was all very well thought-out and interesting, in a dystopian world where everything has gone off the rails. You get a clear sense of how people really react or act when placed in that situation, and it’s so real. How much the world would go in disarray when a plague comes about unexpectedly. Sounds a whole lot like what we all experienced a few years ago. 

The plot would take a hold on you. Everything was filled with so much excitement in every aspect of the storyline. The characters, their relationships with each other, the hierarchical systems and world politics, all down to the dark nitty gritty of the world.

Aphrodite. Adapted to her life and her class in the only way she knew how. By owning it. She’s strong and very loyal to her family (to a fault). She is a spitfire who knows her place in the world but dreams of freedom and love. 

Konstantin is filled with many mysteries. He was built and raised in ways that made him who he is now. He lived a very complex life with everything pulling him at different ends, with a goal he strives to achieve. It may be his downfall, but who knows. 

The romance made use of the hot-and-cold trope so well that I actually enjoyed reading. Of course, I have a thing for angst, so that’s just on me. It was filled with a lot of heat, it was delicious, it was intimate. It had a lot of rough edges but we’re all in for the ride as we watched them get closer. 
Profile Image for Amanda.
159 reviews17 followers
February 25, 2025
4.5⭐
3🌶

This is the first dark romance book I've read in awhile and it wasn't too dark but had everything I was looking for and then some. I quickly became obsessed with this dystopian world and the characters. Aphrodite & Konstantin are characters that just suck you in! The way Konstantin is morally grey with many 🚩but has such a soft, yet possessive side created the perfect mix. I loved the resilience of Aphrodite and the way she stood up for herself in such a brutal world, she really is a strong FMC. The tension is off the charts between these two and I couldn't get enough!!!🔥🔥

With tons of spice and the plot twist I definitely did not see coming, the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to dive into book 2 Rival!

Kate has a unique way of writing and creates her own genres, and I am here for it. Everything she has written that I have read has been different than the mainstream version of the genres. So if you like something a little different, fun to read and spicy, check out her books. I promise you won't be disappointed! 🥵😉


Fave Quotes:

“You taste sweet, Aphrodite…a beautiful treat, too pretty to be devoured.” His hypnotic voice grew deeper, his accent more pronounced. “I like to eat pretty things.”

"If she thought I was going to let her go, she was deluding herself. She couldn’t get rid of me that easily. Even if she killed me herself, I would still come running back to her from hell. This isn’t the last of us, Dove."

Profile Image for Crazydutchbooklady.
271 reviews14 followers
October 15, 2024
The tension between these two main characters are off the charts🔥
A dystopian unlike anything I’ve read before.
I was a bit puzzled at the beginning where this was going wondering how and what caused the world to be the way it was. But with some patients it al becomes clear.
The first part of the book is mostly focused on the characters but the further we get into to it the deeper we go.
Since English isn’t my first language I sometimes struggled with the politics they feel very in depth, complicated and interesting.
I’m super exited to read the next and see how Aphrodite character develops.
Profile Image for Bsharp.
37 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2025
FAVORITE QUOTE: “I looked at the drink in my hand. Whiskey. Her eyes were the color of my favorite drink. Angry whiskey eyes.” -Konstantin. First off.. I absolutely LOVE the names Konstantin & Aphrodite. “My woman” I LOVE WHEN MEN SAY THAT 😩. Konstantin definitely fell first and I’m LOVING it. When he talks to her in Ukrainian >>>> 😩😩. I understand that Konstantin has a mission but I’M SO MAD.. I WANT HIM AND APHRODITE TOGETHER!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rochelle .
119 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2025
OMG, where do I even start?! This book is a whirlwind of tension, spice, and ALL the feels. 😍💣 Picture a fierce queen trapped in a dangerous deal with a man who’s as deadly as he is irresistible. 🖤✨ His promises are solid, his gaze is intense, and their chemistry? HOLY HOTNESS. 🔥🔥

Our girl is fighting to survive, but she’s also battling those butterflies 🦋—the ones that show up when he gets a little too close, whispers a little too softly, and makes her heart do backflips. 💓 But don’t forget, she’s no damsel. She’s a warrior who knows she’s destined for more. 💪👑

Get ready for steamy nights 🌙, emotional twists 🥀, and a romance that’s equal parts fire and feels. If you love bad boys with a soft side and heroines who refuse to back down, this is your next must-read. 🔥📚 Trust me, you’ll be hooked! 😘💋
Profile Image for El Johnson.
82 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2024
4.5⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dystopian romance like I've never read before! This was spicy, twisty, and addictive. I devoured this book in 2 days!
Muse is set in a dystopian new world run by the elite. Muse is filled with espionage, conspiracies, forbidden toxic romance, and morally gray characters that leave you questioning whose to trust and what is real. 
This book was incredibly easy to read. The story flowed well from one perspective to the next in this dual POV storyline. I did find myself confused a few times and needing to reference the well detailed glossary at the front of the book to make sense of the various groups and social classes but I eventually had it down and was able to stay with the flow of the book.
We have a morally gray, maybe morally black, MMC who will infatuate you, devou  you, disgust you, and infuriate you to no end. And a quit witted, manipulative, loveable, and infuriating but relatabl  FMC. I found myself just as caught  up in the confusion and intensity of this romance as the characters themselves. I desperately wanted them together but also found myself screaming at my FMC to run in the other direction at the same time.
This book is smart and mysterious. The pace keeps you engaged and constantly learning. There is new information hidden on every page that builds the story slowly and with precision from beginning to end.
The last few chapters of the book had my heart twisting and stuttering as everything came to an epic and devastating climax/conclusion, with a cliffhanger that has you BEGGING for the next book immediately. I can't wait to see this story continue in the sequal Rival that comes out in February. Trust me. This is a must-read.
Profile Image for Emily Mae Books.
144 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚.”

It’s been a while since I picked up any kind is dystopian theme book and let me tell you guys, this dark romance dystopian did NOT disappoint me in the slightest. The world building was so well done and written in such a way that it didn’t feel too info-dumpy. The tension between the two lead characters was delicious! Not to mention just learning about the hierarchy in this society! It was so interesting and you couldn’t help but compare it to the world we currently live in. Did I mention I’m obsessed w the mfc? Because I am.

Aphrodite, without any family ties, was bought at a young age to work in a brothel. She worked and worked, doing all she can until she became the madame of the house. She is an amazingly strong and fiercely protective mfc who will do anything to keep her found family safe.

Then she gets word that her home and her girls, including herself, are being sold to a new owner.

And then Konstantin arrives and he offers Aphy a deal. He’ll buy the brother and keep the girls safe, if he gets to have her. A true morally gray mmc with a plethora of red flags and deep rooted secrets that push you to read more and more to uncover what they are.

Add in a lot of spice and a lot of high stakes, Muse had me at the edge of my seat (or should I say, losing precious sleep over) and I can’t wait for book two.

Tropes:
🔥 Morally gray mmc 🔥
🔥 S3x Worker MFC 🔥
🔥 Mafia Vibes 🔥
🔥 Dystopian society 🔥
🔥 Touch her and 💀 🔥
🔥 Found family 🔥
🔥 Contract/deal 🔥
🔥 Heavy spice 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Available on KU
Profile Image for Erin.
45 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2025
This book was such a great read, I read it in a day. It had amazing character development between Aphrodite and Konstantin and character complexities. It also had incredible world building. I appreciate that at the beginning of the book there is a breakdown of the social-class and what each class means. The romance is intense and steamy. I enjoyed the suspense and the ending which makes me want to read the next book.
Profile Image for Nicole (book_drake on IG).
130 reviews
February 27, 2025
✨ 5-Star Review: Muse by Kate D. Pirate ✨

“When you sign up to betray a tyrant but accidentally catch feelings… oops.”

From the opening lines, Muse had me captivated. Imagine willingly being a prisoner and hating every moment, except for the part where your heart races every time the tyrant says “Good morning, Dove.” Oh, the conflict! The tension!

Our MC starts as the perfect arm candy, soft and pliant, only to slowly realize she’s much more than his trophy—and cue the internal chaos. You know it’s bad when you start cuddling up to your enemy, feeling untouchable in his arms, and the butterflies in your stomach start plotting your downfall.

Pirate weaves a tale of seductive power dynamics that had me questioning my own moral compass. Who knew being bent to a tyrant’s will could sound this… irresistible?

By the end of this excerpt, I was hooked. Will she follow her heart or complete her mission? Honestly, I’m just here for the steamy tension, the battle of wills, and watching her discover she’s more than just a beautiful pawn. 😏

🔥 Must-read for fans of dark, complicated romances where emotions and desires clash in the most delicious way possible.
Profile Image for Jessica Steed.
118 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2024
4.25🌟 3🌶️
Well, when I started this book it had everything going against it really. I had overbooked myself and was on my way into a reading slump. I'm a mood reader and I wasn't really in the mood for this read. But I picked it up anyway because it was next on the list. And this book made me like it.

From the beginning, Aphrodite's situation was intriguing and made me get into the story. Konstantin was hot and turned out to be a fully developed character. In fact, I didn't want to like him either but I just couldn't not like him. There is a bit of the miscommunication trope but it's done in the best way! The world building was done really well and I definitely want to know more! I really appreciated how it was sprinkled in instead of having to read paragraphs and pages of it. It made the story flow well.
Infact, I would say the only reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me is that I thought it ended really fast but there is a second one coming ...
I'm excited to see where this series goes
Profile Image for Alison Birks.
185 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2025
This is Book 1 it’s a dark dystopian romance novel. Aphrodite in Greek mythology was known as the goddess of love and beauty but what they didn’t tell you is she sold her body in a brothel in Marakech.

The chemistry between Aphrodite and Konstantin is off the charts she is his Muse this book had me on the edge of my seat I loved it a wild ride to be had
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Skylar Lemon.
108 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2024
This book is set about 5 years in the future and boy does it feel realistic. After a global pandemic that eliminates half the population the world is put into different hierarchical classes and you stick to your own group…. Or do you? It’s essentially an alternate universe ending to Covid and I so enjoyed reading this. It’s got quite a bit of spice that doesn’t smother the plot of trying to overthrow the top 1% through the book. It also has elements of a dark mafia romance which I really enjoy. I love what this first book did with the set up for the next book… and maybe more? Either way I’m excited!!
Profile Image for Sabeeha Rahman.
22 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2024
I devoured this book. It was absolutely captivating from the very first page. Kate's writing style is absolutely amazing, I love it!!. Every time is started reading it was hard to put down, and I found myself reluctantly tearing away from the book to tend to real life obligations.

As a newcomer to Kate's works, I was blown away by her engaging writing style, which effortlessly transported me into the story. The vivid descriptions and seamless pacing allowed me to visualize every scene with clarity.

Overall, I'm still reeling from the experience. Kate has earned a new fan, and I eagerly anticipate her future works. This book is a must read - captivating and unforgettable.
Profile Image for Rita.
24 reviews
January 11, 2025
I loveeed this book!! I was recommended this story by another book friend and I couldn’t put it down!!

This is book 1 of A Dystopian Dark Romance Series and I cannot wait for more!

The chemistry between the main characters is insane! I love how fiery their relationship is yet they bring out the best in each other.

I always love a Greek retelling and I thought the writer did a fantastic job!

I cannot wait for the next book especially since the author left us with a cliffhanger !! Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark, spicy romance!
Profile Image for nev.
120 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2024
y’all

this book has me in a chokehold. I am so psyched to read the rest of the series.

I read this book in one sitting.

it had all my favorite dark romance tropes and the spice was incredible. I think I may have found my new dark romance fictional boyfriend.

*buy this when you’re able to. I promise you’ll like it
Profile Image for TrishSparklerReads.
379 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2025
This was a high spice book set in a dystopian world. I thought Aphrodite was such a strong character and I applaud her for using what she could to keep her and the other girls safe. Konstantin was such a strong Alpha character and I love how Obsessed he is with her. There was just enough suspense and action and the intimate scenes were super steamy and well written.
Profile Image for Kate.
23 reviews
December 28, 2024
Loved it!!

I really enjoyed this book!! I loved the author’s writing style and I found the story to be really original. I read this book in one sitting, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! I also loved the supporting characters and I hope they get their own books one day! 5/5 Stars!
Profile Image for nikreadsnrambles.
45 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2024
The world building in this book had me hooked immediately. I’m a sucker for dystopian fantasy. The dynamic between Aphrodite and Konstantin had me in a chokehold, I just wanted to know what happened next. Personalities, banter, and spice, all chefs kiss 💋 So excited for the next book!
Profile Image for Courtney Nicole .
71 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2024
I finished this, my first thought was, I need to see when the next book is out. To remember THIS one isn’t even out yet. I felt my heart racing at parts, crying at others. The perfect combination of messy and exciting. Also, the political system? Loved it. (But I NEED book 2)
Profile Image for Natalie Schoenstein.
23 reviews
September 26, 2024
Arc Review

This book was fantastic. It was so interesting and it was enjoyable. I loved the characters and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Rebekah Godfrey.
167 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2024
I'm obsessed!! I can't wait to find out what happens next!! 😍 Aphrodite is such a badass!! And Konstantin 😏 iykyk 🥵
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