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Shifter Lords #2

Shift of Morals

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What do you get when you mix one hot shifter, one angry god, and an absolutely zero chance of keeping things low-key?

A whole bunch of trouble, that's what.

Life was so much simpler when Evie's problems consisted of picking the perfect peony. Now she's got the gods on her tail and shifters trying to sniff out her secrets.

Then there's the smoking hot Shifter Lord who has never once thrown a party, hiring her for all kinds of pack events and doing his best to convince her to trust him. But he has an agenda of his own, and Evie is far too smart to let her guard down.

On top of that, there's a new god in town, one who's way too good at identifying bloodlines and scenting out lies. She'll have to dig deep and muster up some of her rusty acting skills to escape his notice, while trying to keep her identity hidden from the rest of the world so intent on finding her.

And if that wasn't enough, someone is trying to kill her, and they're getting close to succeeding.

Surviving will require placing her trust in the unlikeliest of allies and deciding just how long she can keep pretending she's only a demure little florist who has an unfortunate black thumb for drama.

Evie is still a florist. Still a fraud. And still trying to pretend she's not falling in love.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

489 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Babin

86 books393 followers

S.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.

Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!

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5 stars
926 (63%)
4 stars
376 (25%)
3 stars
149 (10%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
1,090 reviews
October 9, 2025
A bait and switch from book 1 - tough to read


This book was bloody tough to read. Caelan is marrying someone else, and Evie has to stand by and watch — feeling that pain for the entire book. I found it unfathomable that he could flirt with her while preparing to marry another woman, even if it was for political reasons. That’s just cruel.

I kept expecting things to resolve quickly, but the emotional torture dragged on right to the end. Honestly, I can’t continue with this series. I hate seeing women put through emotional suffering — especially when they already have a history of trauma — and then being expected to just “get over it.”

The ending didn’t make up for any of it, either. The intervention of a god shouldn’t have been the turning point — it felt forced and disconnected from the emotional arc of the story.

It wasn’t the kind of urban paranormal romance I was hoping for. In book one, Caelan seemed like a strong, loyal male lead who would fight for her. Instead, he ended up sacrificing her for politics and power. Not okay.
Profile Image for Chanel.
400 reviews62 followers
October 19, 2025
The train keeps rolling with this one for me. Again, after the bomb we were dropped at the end of the first book I for sure thought a DNF was in my future. Things continue to be rocky with Caelan and Evie because now the Shifter Council and some gods are involved and really do not want to see these two together. Not only that, Evie still hasn't come to terms with what she truly is and continually suppresses that side of her to her almost detriment. It's definitely infuriating and while I get it, I also just want her to unleash cause she's very confident in all other aspects of her life.

I still love all the side characters and I think that's what keeps me reading outside the romancing portion. Tess is showing a lot of growth as a banshee, evil from the past returns, we are introduced to a new god and there's the addition of Seymour who is now a prominent and very entertaining plant character. The author really knows her stuff about plant life!

I will say I was sad that we didn't talk about Poe and the new phoenix chick. They might as well have not even been introduced in book 1 cause they don't make any appearance in book 2. Sometimes we do get a telling version of events after the fact instead of being immersed in them at the time. The scenes also change pretty rapid fire and the plot moves along quickly but the moments between friends and even Caelan have me so invested as I sail on to Book 3.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,561 reviews15 followers
September 4, 2025
WOW!

Omg wow just begins to sum it up but seriously I can’t think of better words right now. That was amazing! The first book was a great intro to this world and these characters but this one upped the ante exponentially and it’s all the best ways! The action, the mystery the hints of romance forbidden and otherwise all fantastically woven together to make this tapestry of awesome! Get book one start the series and then immediately dive into this one and you’ll see what I mean. I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!
31 reviews
September 14, 2025
totally addicting

Of course the second book is even better and leaves you on a cliffhanger! Babin is amazing, you need to read these.
Profile Image for Jace.
599 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2025
so I pretty much read this entire book just to see how the whole wedding thing would play out. It took until like 95% , which is annoying AF.
Spoiler -he obviously doesn't marry the bitch, Yay.

My issues with this book were plentiful. Mostly I think my main problem is in the writing, overall the story is interesting enough with lots of mystery and twists. The world building, as in the first book, leaves a lot to be desired. It still feels as though we're in the middle of a series and should know way more about everything then we do.

My biggest complaint in this book is the time passing. Days will go by just to go by, and it's weird AF that nothing happens in those days.
The written chapters are somewhat troubled and action packed, then next thing you know multiple days are going by, or even weeks with nothing.

Hazel, the super witch, spends days doing hardly anything with the evil bouquet of flowers. Evie's powers change and she resolves to test something tomorrow, only for a whole week to go by with nothing happening, Hazel still working on the evil flowers, and Evie finally ready to go try something new with the new powers. It's weird.
Also while in the present Evie and Caelan spend a lot of time in proximity, then suddenly three weeks goes by with no contact at all? I'm pretty sure all of these gaps are just to make sure we know time is passing, but it's a really weird way to write send I didn't like it.

I don't plan to continue this series right now, I've had enough of this author and I mostly feel like I'm just reading it too see if the two love interests get together, which is a poor reason to keep reading considering the 'romance' in this book is probably 5% worth. The rest is mystery and subterfuge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,858 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2025
another good story, fast paced and action packed.

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shift of Morals was another good story, fast paced and action packed. There are new terrific characters, added fascinating story threads, and further exploration of this character’s back history and traumatic experiences that led to this situation and her evolving physical status, whatever it may be.

I liked Shift of Morals better than Shift of Heart. Evie is growing more multi dimensional and relatable as she faces ever greater challenges and personal dangers. Especially when her worst enemy comes to town.

Highlights are scenes that include Seymour, the sentient venomous flycatcher plant with major personality, and more fantastic magical powerful elements, especially those of plants where they exhibit the ability to move and think for themselves. Toxic plants are everything!

I’m still not sold on shifter lord, Caelan. He’s still a bit problematic, especially when the author has such other strong good male characters available. Caelan is still being reactive, obsessed, secretive, non communicative, violent. And a bit dimwitted at the end.

Sigh. Why, why do authors love to write these main characters so much?SMH.

Still, so terrific writing and elements here. Heading forward!

Check it out! Especially if urban fantasy or paranormal romance is your thing.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords :
Shift of Heart #1
Shift of Morals #2
Power Shift #3 - Oct 26,2025
Shifting Winds #4 - Feb 10,2026
Shifting Resolve #5 - March 31,2026
Shift of Rule #6 - May 26,2026
Shift of the Wild #7 - July 28,2026
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,529 reviews19 followers
October 25, 2025
Oops, I didn’t read book 1 before starting here. I was able to catch up quickly, though, so no worries other than it sounds like book 1 was A LOT.

We join Evie, florist, flower witch, and secretly infected with evil shifter-ness - oh and she’s also the daughter of some big muckidy muck in the gods universe (which is a thing we interact with, just like shifters, in the real world here). I get the feeling Evie would be happy just being a florist, working with her band of misfits at the shop, but instead she ends up caught up in some sort of scheme involving evil in a wedding bouquet. Also, the shifter lord of the area is getting married and it isn’t to her, no matter how much the pages light on fire when they’re near one another.

In shifter drama news, the lords are forcing this marriage, so there may be hope for Evie yet - especially because she’s working close, having been in hired for the flowers. With gods interfering, some evil dude kidnapping folks and killing others knocking on Evie’s door, she’s certainly got enough problems to contend with. All that being said - I’m still rooting for her love life to take a good swing in the next book.
124 reviews
August 31, 2025
Shift of Morals picks up soon after the prior book, with Evie working as the florist for Caelan’s upcoming wedding to someone else, despite their feelings for each other. In addition to that, she has her hands full hiding her true heritage, fending off a stalker, and trying to avoid the interest of the Council. Unfortunately, she’s failing on most of those fronts, but at least she has a wonderful found family helping her out.

I really loved this book! I read it in less than a day and it left me wanting more! I like Evie, she’s a complex character, but she’s fiercely loyal to her friends. I think her floromancy is such a cool power and love the way the plants have their own personalities, especially Seymour! I still love Caelan and I really, really hope he doesn’t disappoint Evie once her truths are revealed. A lot happened in this book and it took me on an emotional roller coaster. The book comes to a satisfying conclusion, but there’s still several plots left open and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Amanda Forrest.
13 reviews
September 1, 2025
Oh the angst! Episode 2 in Evie's journey starts full of emotional turmoil, with her push pull emotions with the Shifter Lord. She and her loyal crew have agreed to do the floral arrangements for Caelen's upcoming wedding. We get to learn a little more of Evie's background, and see a lot of character development for our mains, as well as their loyal compatriots! Seymore is back y'all and he's better than ever! I love that we have more development across the board, with a problem from our last story solved. Don't worry though, there are more twists and turns added throughout this tale. S. E. has added some foreshadowing for future installments. The ever present chimera villain has been explained, but is he the only issue Evie will face? Give Shift of Morals a shot, it's a fun quick read that leaves you still rooting for all of our favs. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Evie & the gang!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Suzi.
1,014 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2025
This story has it all—humor, mystery, a sprinkle of sadness, and even a dash of pain, but let's not forget the action that kicks butt like a well-trained ninja! Evie is such a multifaceted character, and her journey is so rich; you really need to dive in from the beginning to appreciate her complexities and her incredible team of employees who help her run her whimsical floral shop.

As we gear up for the impending wedding of Lord Caedan, I can’t help but feel a sense of dread—not just for Evie and her crew, but for Caedan himself! With enemies lurking around every corner, will he make it to the altar, or will fate have other plans? The suspense is killing me!

Honestly, the anticipation for the third book in this series is almost unbearable—bring it on, universe! I’m ready for more twists, turns, and floral arrangements like no other.

Sending you flower power vibes and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,865 reviews21 followers
September 2, 2025
Good

Evie was shocked when the shifter lord, Caelan, announced his wedding; especially since he had definitely declared his interest in her. Even so, she has been hired to do the flowers, and now she has to deal with her chimera powers acting out as well as watching out for the various threats against her, that seem to be steadily increasing each day.

This book picks up where book one left off, and we get to see Evie as she struggles with her fluctuating powers, demanding mother, equally demanding shifter lord, and the chimera still trying to capture her.
She’s not about to let anyone dictate what she can do though, even if it might include one of the gods.

This is a fast paced story, with a magical and entertaining cast of characters, and an ongoing storyline that threads its way through the series. It’s an engaging tale, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes us next!
Recommended for PWF and UF lovers.
Profile Image for Jessica Fowler.
378 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2026
Foreshadowing and jokes

This series is building a strong humor thread but beyond that it's 90% foreshadowing. I definitely enjoy the story so far but I'm on book 2 of what I believe is an 8 book series and I'm already getting bored and annoyed by the lack of progress.

Evie is an exceptional FMC. Her friends/found family are exceptional. The antagonist is appropriately despicable but confusing. Caelan is trash; if he's supposed to be the MMC, Evie is better single. Beyond them, the characters are mostly vague and throw away.

The editing/proofing is getting worse by the page. The author's grasp on details and timelines are also slipping. But somehow I am still hooked and jumping into book 3. Honestly, I think my interest is entirely due to the depth and solid foundation of Evie's character, which is a good start for the female centric genre but, a solid foundation doesn't matter if the walls are crumbly. The jury is still out for the series.
246 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2025
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second of a series, and so far, I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read. I enjoyed that we saw more of Evie this time around, with regard to her past and her true power, but with that came the real danger. This was a bit of a faster pace Ryan book one, but also felt like a much faster read than book one even though it was not significantly fewer pages (about 20). I feel like this is one I definitely will read the next in the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing who the god fights and love all turn out. I especially am looking forward to finding out who Evie’s dad is, and seeing more of mom- it feels like there’s a lot more backstory there with so much tasty drama.
1,236 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2025
Fantasy, Adventure, and a Dash of Romance
Caelen is getting married, and Evie is in charge of the flowers. But before news of his wedding, he seemed interested in her—so why is he marrying someone else?
Meanwhile, Evie has a target on her back and secrets she can’t afford to reveal. The Council suspects she’s far more than a florist with a knack for magic, and they’re watching closely. Add in a stalker who won’t leave her alone and attempts on her life, and Evie’s world is anything but simple.
If you enjoy stories where the magic is potent, the creatures are strange, and danger mixes with a touch of romance, this one might be right up your alley.
Profile Image for Deborah.
282 reviews
September 25, 2025
"Can’t a hybrid, shapeshifting florist ever catch a break?"

I feel like everything and nothing happened in this one. Other than some seriously swoony scenes, delicious banter, and a whole heaping of sass, we seem to have ended where we began.

“I don’t want to be friends with you, flower girl,” he murmured against my neck.
“I knew it,” I breathed.

I did enjoy the new characters, and getting to know some of the "gods" a bit better. Who knows what prices they will require for their services? I'm going to Bookhalla for waiting for the next one!

“You are in my blood so deep I can’t even burn you out,” he whispered."
Profile Image for Penny.
3,144 reviews85 followers
August 7, 2025
I just finished this book, and man am I gasping for breath! I just love this twisty, fun, and fascinating series, and this book was even better than the first. Caeden and Evie are such a wonderful duo who play off each other so beautifully. Add in Simone, Moira, Tess, and every other side character, who are just so distinct and also tons of fun, and this is a series not to be missed. Those who loved the first book are definitely going to love this latest. More, lots and lots more, please! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Bookworm From Finland.
312 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2025
Too short!

I enjoyed the book, it reminded me of the Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series with its diverse creature world and action. I especially liked the nature magic and, intelligent conscious plants and the extensive cavalcade of gods.

The thing that comes as a big minus is the shortness of the book. To fully enjoy the large number of supporting characters and the many types of magic and supernatural, a longer book is needed. My rating is 3,5 stars.

Thanks to Oliver Heber Books and NetGalley for the early review copy!
2,906 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2025
I adore this series.

There is always something happening. A secret is revealed, an event delayed, a friend won’t stand by, a bouquet is lethal, a higher being ends a relationship and a friendship blossoms. This ends in a cliffhanger from the standpoint of politics and personal relational progressing. I am rooting for the Lord to get his plant lady! Highly recommend this book and the series. Best if the series is read in order. Wish there were audibles for the series. I would love to listen to them as long as they had human narrators.
1,471 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2025
good

I really like Evie and her friends. Even though the shifter Lord has basically thrown her away and is going to marry another Evie is still asked to do his flowers for his wedding. It is so funny what his soon to be wife wants for flowers. Evie is also learning more about her chimera and how to control it. Unfortunately, she’s still being pursued by Finn. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
150 reviews
October 23, 2025
it’s just taken too long…

I love this world, this FMC, and the magic, but not this book. Why isn’t it hitting like the innkeeper series? Bc each individual book doesn’t contain a mini arch with a resolution. It’s just one story where each book appears to be… an 1/8th of it?? Leaves the reader frustrated that they have to keep reading (at this rate, at least 10 more books it seems) to ever get any sense of resolution.

I’m tapping out. Ain’t nobody got no time for this.
Profile Image for Ronda.
1,706 reviews47 followers
December 31, 2025
Seymour is my hero. Meanwhile, in my review for book 1, I think I mentioned being frustrated that a plot point seemed to just disappear--the cursed bouquet was just dropped off--then seemingly dropped. Well, it made a huge reappearance as a major plot point in book 2. This is what gives me hope that future installments might bring answers about another seeming disappearance--mentioned only once in book 2--a certain baby phoenix. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hana.
1,752 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
Another revelation about Evie, her heritage and the world she lives in. It didn't loose its momentum and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved especially every interaction with plants and laughed myself silly about Seymour, the carnivorous plant. With more faes entering the picture, it gets more and more interesting. I also appreciate that there isn't any instant lust and sex scenes, typical for other similar books. The simmering tension and banter is great!
Profile Image for Donna.
4,138 reviews57 followers
August 17, 2025
Have you read Shift of Heart (Shifter Lords Book 1)? No? Go read that then come and read this EPIC second installment. Filled with magic, really bad guys, gods and politics poor Evie has her hands full in this fast-paced tale. As many answers as we get there are two more questions to take their place. I can’t wait for the next book. Folks I can’t recommend this series enough.
Profile Image for Kristan.
111 reviews
October 29, 2025
I really like this series so far. I like the FMC and the MMC is growing on me. The powers of the FMC are interesting. The only criticisms I have so far is that the book doesn't make me feel much of anything. Also, there are some references or scenes in the book that seem pretty isolated. I'm show that's a set up for use in a later book, but it was clumsy and not well done.
7 reviews
December 12, 2025
The intrigue continues

This series is excellent! I'm really enjoying Evie and Caelen figure out their feelings and what kind of relationship they could have. I whole cast of characters is absolutely delightful! I love their regular, daily interactions together. This is so much fun!
400 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Reviewed by Beth

I COULD NOT put this book down till I was finished with it. I'm only writing a review because S.E. Basin deserves a shout out on her books/stories.

I'm on the edge of my seat with, "will a wedding happen?", "Will the bad guy fail?.

Oh my what will be in the next book/story?
7 reviews
October 13, 2025
the story continues to develop

The characters and relationships continue developing in an energetic story line that becomes more complex in this second installment. I look forward to the next.
43 reviews
October 22, 2025
good but…

The stories have been good, but I absolutely hate being left hanging at the end of a book. I don’t mind series. In fact I like series, but each book should have an ending and the next books that have a new beginning even if it’s only the next day in the story.
Profile Image for Swalsk.
709 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2025
Better than the last one. At least the A-hole-ishness of the FMC and MMC weirdly work for their 'relationship'. Still no true character development for the FMC, she only changed because it was that or death. At least she's exploring her new powers.
60 reviews
November 23, 2025
another home run

I started this book Thursday night and just finished, I was not able to read for 8 hours or I would have been done yesterday! Looking forward to book 3!
I believe you will love it too, so read if!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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