Dark Carnage

Rejected Monster Mates #3

by Taylor Spratt

My monster mates killed my parents. Now they're the only ones standing between me and the Demon God's army.

Malek won't rest until I'm his queen. He's brought eight hundred thousand demons to the last shifter stronghold to claim what he believes is his—me.

My demigod mates have other plans. Payton, Blake, and Chasten would burn the world before handing me over. Their protective fury awakens something dangerous inside me. Something that makes me forget they're the reason I'm an orphan.

War is coming. Blood will spill. And I must choose between the demon who's loved me since childhood and the three monsters who are fighting to earn a love they don't deserve.

The world hangs in the balance. So does my heart.

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Hey there! I'm a Jamaican author with a passion for all things paranormal romance. I write Reverse harem romances with irresistible plot twists that will keep you up way past your bed time.

Reviews

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Carnage is book three in the Rejected Monster Mates Series. It is a dark, paranormal, rejected mate, werewolf romance with shifters, demons, demigods, and more. The story is told in first person with multiple POV.

Malik has an army that is reining terror over the land in order to take what he believes to be his, Livy. Standing between Malik and Livy are her mates, Payton, Blake, and Chasten. They will do anything in their power to protect her. Livy has a big decision that needs to be made, does she choose the destructive Demon King who has always loved her, or her protective, Demigod mates who are responsible for her parents deaths, but are fighting for her love.

I loved this book! It's full of danger, intrigue, drama, banter, wit, and so much more. I loved the character growth and the relationship developments that went down in this book, as well as the brutal cliffhanger that we are left with. It was all amazing.

The writing, pace, flow, storytelling, characters, and world building were all awesomely done. If you love a great, why choose, monster romance, then you should definitely give this one a read.

Thank you so very much to Taylor Spratt for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Carnage was written in a unique way. The plot is dark AF, but the characters were lighter in a way. There was humor, playfulness, and a lot of drama. It's a juxtaposition, but it worked in a weird way.


The world is on fire, and Livy is stuck right in the middle of it. While everyone wants to kill, she only wants peace and is doggedly determined to get it, even if her plans don't work out the way she hoped. The anticipation of someone turning on Liv nearly killed me. There was no way a peace seeker wasn't going to become a target when it was war. Liv's love life wasn’t much better. Malek had the "only nice to her" trope down. He's changed since the previous book. However, there is still some of the old Mal in there. I can understand why Liv was so conflicted. At times, Mal made me swoon, at times, too. He's a monster, but he's her monster. But can you really ignore all he's done? Then there are the demigods. They know they messed up, and some groveling has to be done. There was a lot of steam along with the angst. I like where things are headed.


Dark Carnage was a big book; the pages didn't fly by, but I didn’t feel the true length of it either. I really didn't know what to expect from this book, but I didn’t think the story would be as dark as it was. This book had a whole different feel from the previous two. I could not have guessed these turns of events for anything. The cliffhanger left me with a feeling of dread. I don't see how things are going to end well for anyone at this point. I'm hoping that the wait for the next book isn't too bad.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooooo I have been eagerly anticipating this book! Sorry not sorry for bugging the author about this book releasing since I finished book 2. 😬 I was immediately sucked right back into this story (I did reread book 1&2 before hand & I’m so glad I did! I forgot how much I loved/hated these characters) My heart just kept breaking for Livy. Eventually I know everything is going to work out, but in the mean time I’m ripping out my hair over some of these events….I thought this series was going to end in this book but I was extremely excited that there is going to be a book 4. I swear these cliffhangers are going to take me out one day… Cant wait to see where book 4 takes us…so when is that one coming out?!? No rush (yes rush please!)

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Livy, her eyes are well and truly opened in this book.
She finds out almost everything that Malek has kept hidden from her.
Malek continues to do what he thinks best, supposedly for Livy’s safety but his own agenda might be different. I felt so sorry for Livy, she tried to be the biggest thorn in Malek’s side that she could, but there was a significant cost to her soul, seeing everything.
I loved the slow resolution of relationships between Livy, Blake, Chasten and Peyton.
Blake was his usual hot, cold; charismatic, angry self, but when he was finally able to be vulnerable, he was so sweet. And hot 🥵 very, very hot 🔥
Peyton was playing the long game, but when he thought he’d lost out, my heart broke for him.
There’s also Aurora 💔 that’s not going to end well.
I kind of thought that there may be some way for Livy to come out of this with her mates and Malek, coexisting in some way, all loving her, but after that ending…..
Of all the ways I’d thought that this ending would go, this wasn’t it. And if my heart wasn’t broken, it is now and it’s been ripped from my chest and stomped on!
Roll on book four!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Livy's story.... I think its getting better and better too! Quickly, I was pulled back into her world. At times I was on edge of my seat and unsure what to expect. This book had action, danger, and lots chaos overall.
There were also moments of laughter, feelings, and more spice.
Livy has a lot on her plate. She got some answers, seeing some new truths, and trying to decide what to do. Who can she trust. I was happy to see some growth and strength in Livy.
I think Dark Carnage was a great continuation! Now I'm ready for book 4!

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series. It starts right away with danger and intrigue. The lies are catching up with the males and it will lead to hurting the one person they want to protect. For Livy, she is torn between fated love and a male she once loved. To love a demon or her fated demigods? A war faces them all. But all she wants is peace and to stop the killing. The story brings more challenges and dangers. The heat level gets very spicy at times.

[Sami Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Taylor Spratt! I loved the first 2 books in this series and I was not disappointed by this entry. The FMC continues to be the hot mess that she is but has the support and protection of her boys. I did not see the cliffhanger coming and I am hungry for more. I strongly recommend this entire series and can't wait for more.

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extensive book, love that it was so long as I was completely mesmerised by the storyline and the book lasted me all weekend.
Liv and Mal’s relationship was variously different to the previous book, it was fascinating to see it unfold.
I did enjoy the banter between the character.
This book was very dark, much more than the previous books in this series.
The cliffhanger ending had me screaming out in frustration in the best possible way. Can’t wait for book 4

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livy is in a very tricky place, a demon who has loved her for such a long time and three monsters who do not deserve her love. The demon has raised a huge army to bring her to him. Her monsters will do anything to gain her love. Watch the battle for her heart as it trophy for winning. See how it all goes

[Angelina Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book is a good read. It began right where the last one stopped. There were times I wanted to just smack Livy! I just wanted to shake her and ask WTH. As usual this book was amazing. I was a little upset with the way it ended. I kept turning the page hoping I was not right. I need the next book now please.

[Ashley Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Taylor Spratt creates a world that pulls you in and doesn't let go. Another night of no sleep as I devoured this next part of Livys story. The chemistry between her and the guys is scorching and after that cliff hanger I'm dying to get my hands on book 4!

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad to be back in this world with these characters. Everything heats up in this book and the action is non stop and fast paced. I enjoyed the men grovelling and trying to earn forgiveness. A small part of me is hoping Malek is redeemable so I'm eager to get the next book to see what happens.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is good when the FMC works your last nerve, but you must keep reading to see how things turn out. As I mentioned after Book 2, Livy is not smart. She is naïve, reckless and doesn’t think things through. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again; she is responsible for all the drama, mess and carnage happening between the demons and shifters.

I get it, she was upset to find out that her 3 fated mates were responsible for her parent’s murder, and that Malek was a childhood friend; but girl be for real you chose to trust a demon, a DEMON over rational, common sense and as a result so many have perished.

A demon promises peace and safety. Since when did a being from the underworld promise anything but chaos and destruction? See? Not smart.

My heart broke over how so many innocent beings (humans and shifters alike) lost their lives to the Demon King conquering city after city; with only three viable options: surrender your loyalty to the Demon King and have a good life, be sent to a re-education camp for reconditioning or forfeit your life completely for rebelling against him. All of this is happening right in front of Livy’s face and as Malek’s lies begin to surface and she sees his vision for a new world for what it truly is; she begins to realize that she is as much to blame as the Demon King himself.

To make matters worse Livy is torn between her love for a monster and the bond she feels for her fated mates. Betrayal aside, she feels something for them even though she still loves the Demon King.

Everything is literally a mess. Cities are being seized, families, homes and lives are being destroyed, and Livy is right in the middle of it all. Now she must decide what she can do to stop it all.
Unfortunately, this battle will be much harder than she expected, especially after Malek’s latest trick that she never saw coming.

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book!! I mean, the first two were great but this one..I want more!! I can't believe what Livy and her mates have gone through but man, that cliffhanger was brutal! I wanted to jump into the book myself and not only yell at Livy but also to be with her mates!! This book was fire and I loved every minute of it.

There are twists and turns on every page and some of it makes you want to scream. What Malek does is just unforgivable but he thinks it's for the better good. He is so wrapped up in power and making Livy happy that he doesn't see reason and it just makes you want to be angry. Plus, the things her mates do to try to make amends about everything is just heartbreaking but I can understand her point of view. However, once it's explained, then you just want to hold every single one of them. I love Livy and her attitude but sometimes you just want to jump into the book and knock some sense into her.

That cliffhanger? What?! I thought this was the last book of the series but after reading more into it, I'm glad it's not. I am so ready to read what happens next!!

[Naurarwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since the first two in this series came out, and I needed a bit of a catch-up and reorientation to what was going on and who was who, but it didn't take me long to get back into the story again. In book two, Livy finds out who actually unalived her parents, and in a fit of anger and pain, she summons the Demon King to take her away and help her get revenge. But his plans and hers don't entirely align, especially when she realises he is trying to take over the entire world and make it his own.

This book is definitely on the longer side compared to the other two, but there is a lot of story to cover from different POVs throughout. First, Livy has to work out how she can stop Malek, the Demon King, from unaliving innocent people, while also working through her issues with her mates and the unalivers of her parents, which still haunts her to this day.

The author leaves us on a cliffhanger ending, which left me wanting more, and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three starts off where book two ended. Rescuing her mates from the dungeon will prove to be tricky for Liv. Malek is completely off his rocker. She has to stop him. She is the only one who can. She discovers more plots and lies the more time she spends in his presence. She cannot hardly separate Malek from the Demon King anymore.

When her life is on the line, like usual, her mates will come to the rescue. She cannot believe the level of duplicity in Malek’s own camp. They will now travel to a new place since the rest is in shambles. Order will have to be restored. An old enemy surfaces with a new way to get under Liv’s nerves.

All I can say is WOW! The level of action, heat, intensity, drama, and twists keep burning brighter and hotter. Where will it all end? Be prepared for an ending NO ONE will see coming and will leave you yelling at the author. We will find many answers in the next book~

[KT Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have such a love-hate relationship with this series, but good gosh, Livy honestly drives me bananas being so naïve and making poor decisions. Why does she keep trusting Malek despite the literal mountain of red flags and the trail of bodies he's leaving behind, though I guess that’s the whole point of a messy dark romance. I did love seeing the growth from Payton, Blake, and Chasten; watching them actually grovel and try to earn their way back into her heart after what they did to her parents was the highlight for me. The enemies-to-lovers tension is off the charts, but be prepared for some heavy triggers like graphic war violence, gaslighting, and the devastating loss of innocent lives. It’s a total "forced proximity" nightmare with a cliffhanger that absolutely ripped my heart out and stomped on it. If you can get past Livy’s questionable choices, the spice and the "protective fury" trope make it an addictive, can’t put it down read!

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no, Livy!

I really love this series! The 3 demi god mates didn't really feature in the last book as it was more about Livy and Malek but I was happy to see them back in this book. Even though what they did to her parents was unforgivable they swore to her that they would tell her the truth about what happened if she frees them as they are locked in Maleks dungeon marked for execution. The mate bond is still there whether Livy likes it or not and it is very interesting to see how things develop between them over the course of this book.
Malek seems to have lost the plot and Livy at times barely recognizes him as he is intent on world domination claiming it is to keep her safe. His character really frustrates me at times!
There are new faces and the return of some old ones and that cliffhanger left me reeling! I really feel for Livy but everything is really going to hit the fan now. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, what on earth is going to happen now?

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Taylor Spratt read never disappoints and she did not start now. Dark Carnage, book three of the rejected monster mates series, really hit different than the first two. Which lets me honest they were good, but this one left me needing more. Livy and her mates have gone through so much and I am hooked. These characters have me obsessed. That cliffhanger as well, man I am so ready for the next one. I need to know what happens. I am invested in these characters and I just wanted to jump in the book and help. That is how good of a writer that Taylor is. Of course there are some twists and turns, some characters you want to slap upside the head and say what are you thinking. Everything is all over the place, and poor Livy is in the middle trying to stop it all. But she has this, I am a big support of hers and her mates. So overall this is a great read, leaving me craving more.

[Bookiechick Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dove into this and happily drowned myself into this world.

What a read. I would have to say this is my favourite so far from the series. It’s such a dark read but the playful, light hearted moments balance it out perfectly.

the character development is great, they seem lighter in this book than the first 2 and I’d say it’s down to their growth and finding their places in their relationships and it’s so good to see.

The plot pace is great and there are no moments that leave you feeling unfulfilled with the story. The timing of the twists and turns leaves you at the edge of your seat and you really can’t predict where the story is going to go which is great and has a bigger impact with the twists.

Such a great unique and creative world. There’s so much detail and is unlike anything written out there. Absolutely phenomenal read.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livy (Livienne) is still torn between the love of Malek and what her fated mates (Chasten, Blake and Payton) mean to her given that they killed her parents. Can she trust what any of them say when they kept that secret from her for so long? I could understand how she is pulled so many directions, but sometimes I wished she had more strength and power to kick more butts that needed it. I enjoyed this addition to this intriguing tale, it has plenty of steam, and I can't wait to find out how it all ties together (I needed the answers yesterday, but I will have to patiently wait till the next exciting book).
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Spratt is back with the third book in her Rejected Monster Mates, Dark Carnage and all I can say is yes!!!! If you’re as obsessed with RH, rejected mates, monster/werewolf demigod shifter stories with a dose of groveling, redemption and packed to the max with action and lots of steam like I am you’re going to need this one!!! Taylor is the queen of keeping you on the edge of your seat with all the internal conflicts, enemies to lovers, redemption arc and this one is no exception! Livy is finally showing some growth in this one, and coming to terms with a lot of what’s going on finally, and seeing the growth with her guys as well is stratifying after everything they’ve been through. As for Malek…heaven help us with that one lol and that ending?!? I need more!

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books, but this one was a little rough for me. I like the plot and how well the author describes everything, which gives me a clear picture of what's going on. The thing that killed this story for me is the FMC. She was a little annoying, and she kept saying she hated the king, but then she would sit down and watch a movie with him or have sex. I got really annoyed with how quickly she changes her mind. Also, at the beginning of the book, it seems like her mates don't want her. I know they say to do, but they don't really act like it. They get better towards the end by them actively trying to learn what she likes and by making up for past mistakes. Of course, this ends on a cliffhanger. I hope in book 4 the fmc isnt as annoying.

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Dark Carnage by Taylor Spratt. This book was awesome from start to finish. The romance was so well written and emotionally intense, and I couldn’t put it down. I loved everything about it — the tension, the protectiveness, the high stakes, and the way the relationships developed through the chaos of war.

The reverse harem dynamic was one of my favorite parts. The chemistry between the characters felt powerful and addictive, and watching the mates fight for her while she struggles with her feelings made the story even more compelling.

If you enjoy paranormal romance with strong emotions, dangerous mates, and a gripping storyline, this one is definitely worth reading.

[Lazarra Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back Taylor Spratt!! oh how i missed you!! I loved book 1 & 2 in this series so knew id be diving into this installment at the first possible opportunity. Good Lord it did not disappoint. So many twists and turns, so many secrets unveiled and just when I thought my heart couldn't take anymore.... Bam theres the cliffhanger to conpletely shatter me, in the very best way. This author has me, yet again, hooked and I could feel they poured their heart and soul into this book. I dont know what they have planned for book 4 but count me in, im 100% along for the ride!! Outstanding as always Taylor Spratt. Thank you for sharing your book baby with us.

[iliana G · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's finally here!
I really loved the story and the plot and all the yummy darkness.
What i didn't like was Livy! i wanted to smach that girl and scream at her. I truly don't understand what she is thinking some times.
Though livy remains about the same as character growth the mc's growth was really amazing.
The author has a way of pulling you into the story and making you want to read it and not let go.
I had hopes that as the story progressed things would change with livy and they didn't.
That was my only disappointment.
Still its a great continuation to the story and still i can't wait for the next book!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest I couldn't keep up with all of the back and forth in this book. Livy (FMC) seems to be stuck in the middle of feelings for Malek (Demon God) even with everything he does as this book progressed and her Demigod mates - Chasten, Payton & Blake. All of which pulled her in different directions. With plenty of plot twists and turns all the way through. All lead to one hell of a cliff-hanger ending. That completely floored me! I'm dying to see what will happen in the next book now. This series definitely keeps you on your toes.

[Cassandra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Carnage by Taylor Spratt is the third book in the Rejected Monster Mates series, a paranormal romance with monster mating dynamics and themes of vengeance and forbidden desire.

The MFC finds herself entangled with three powerful Alphas from her new pack and awakens her inner powers amid looming war and bloodshed.

This story/series will appeal to you if you’re a fan of rejected mates tropes with raw, unfiltered monster romance with explicit themes and I definitely recommend this series.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been one hell of a ride as the journey has been exciting, intense and totally addictive as we jump back into this incredible world for a third book. We pick up from where we left off and it does not let up. Twists and turns and a few surprises grab us along the way and there’s action, there’s drama, there’s heartbreak and so much more as we find ourselves hooked and hanging onto the edge of our seats. There is so much growth in our incredible characters and the enemies-to-lovers tension is off the charts and that ending, well let’s just say, I cannot wait for the next book!

[Paula Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d been eagerly waiting for Dark Carnage, book three in the Rejected Monster Mate Series by Taylor Spratt, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
I loved the relationships between the characters and how their bonds continue to grow through everything they face. The emotions feel real, and the connections are what really make this story shine. The female lead is strong, determined, and easy to root for, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
A great continuation of the series, and now I can’t wait for book four!