So…as it turns out, I really am Lucifer’s Daughter. Hell’s Heir. And—you guessed it—the next Queen of the Damned.
But what if I don’t want to rule?
With the imp in hiding, and Josh gone from this world, I still wasn’t safe. Not by a long shot. Dear ol’ Dad didn’t just pass on his legacy and mark. He also passed on all of Hell’s problems, and that means his enemies, are now mine.
Fortunately for me, I have the Four Horsemen, my banshee best friend, and a pissed off raccoon on my side.
But now I have the beast to contend with. My psychotic, possessive, and downright scary alter-ego was dead set on having the Horsemen, not only at my back, but in my bed. As if learning to control the flames of Hell wasn’t a hard enough job by itself.
Would it have been too hard for Lucifer to write a handbook before he died?
Kel Carpenter is a master of werdz. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s traveling the world, lovingly pestering her co-author, and spending time with her family. She is always on the search for good tacos and the best pizza. She resides in Maryland and desperately tries to avoid the traffic.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
To my great shame, I forgot the plot from the previous book, so I struggled a little with this one. Thankfully, there were enough clues to fully remember.
Ok, so the second book picks up with Ruby, Moira, and the guys: Rysten, Allistair, Julian, and Laran, better know as The Four Horsemen (Pestilence, Famine, Death, and War).
Ruby keeps fighting her inner beast, while Moira & co. do their best to be overprotective. And I'm not very fond of that. All of Ruby's potential for a great kick-ass lady is lost most of the time, as other people interfere (although I love what she did to the mob and Kendall).
Our girl ends up branding two people, and there's a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Although I'm not sure how this all reverse-harem works in here. The guys are jealous on each other, and Moira is right in the middle of most arguments. Not much harmony for the group, nor enough spotlight for Ruby.
I'm not sure yet about the third book. I'll be considering it.
Ok. So the plotline is interesting and I like the female MCs - that's what keeps me going.
The men? They are almost interchangeable and I can't remember who is who most of the time.
The sex? It is NON-EXISTENT. There has been (so far) a total of maybe 3-4 heavy petting sessions across TWO BOOKS. That, my dears, does not a Reverse Harem make.
Wait.
I take that back.
There was 1 session of cunnilingus that I originally counted as part of "heavy petting."
I'm not really sure what to call this series, TBH. It's NOT erotica. It's NOT erotic romance (those require actual sex...and there has been none). I don't know if its really Romance because there's been no romancing. It's has all the elements of a Romance without the romance. It's more of a...hybrid genre, I guess. Urban-Fantasy-Not-Quite-Erotic-Romance.
I thought I'd be able to read this series especially after enjoying the Dark Maji series, turns out I can't. It honestly seems as though nothing is happening even though they are. The pacing is odd, Ruby doesn't do anything except have inner monologues with her beast. Moira literally takes pages by just shouting and being a third wheel or the sixth wheel in this case. The guys in the harem are bleh, there is no one I can say I like.
I'm going to try another of her series and see how that goes. I just can't reconcile that the author whose book I love doesn't have more books I can enjoy.
Despite remembering basically nothing from the first book I really enjoyed this. You get a bit of a recap on the events that happened a few days before this book starts, at least the major points so I could figure it out. The Horsemen's jealousy and competitiveness got annoying fast. I mean, she's clearly not picking any over the others she's going to end up with all of them so I'm not sure why the rivalry is necessary. But the ending is left wide open and I'm looking forward to see what happens in book 3. On a side note: I bumped it up an entire star solely for the Archer quote on tinnitus. *MAWP*
There isn't much happening in this book. It speeds up towards the end, but the first part was just boring. There's no character development, no relationship development. I don't really like series with "filler" books. And I can't stand her BFF. She's all over the pages, demanding and shouting and over-reacting. The way I see it there's no hope for the Heroine and the Heroes to ever form a bond and become intimate with her in the picture. Heroine doesn't have any privacy left. I get that she's the protective friend and only family of the Heroine, but please. She's just too much. Nearly didn't finish the book because of her, and that is seriously not cool.
In some ways this felt rushed but the apocalypse waits for no one, even the future Queen Of Hell. Ruby tries her damndest to ignore the four hotties turning up everywhere she goes. Not only does she deny being Lucifer’s daughter, she’s certainly no ruler of a place like hell…. but I’m starting to think she can be…. I hope. While resisting the men, her powers still remained mostly blocked and eventually she’ll need to release her darker side and whatever epic magic she’ll gain. We do get to see some of the demon in her and she’s pretty scary but so protective and territorial. Love that Bandit her pet raccoon is such a big part of the story too.
Erm? 3.5 ⭐️ for this second in this series that isn't going to shatter the world of this genre, but I really, really like the MFC in this book. Listened to this as free on Audible.
This felt like a build up to the next book, we didn't get too much substantial plot development, or character growth. The first 50% was a little frustrating, Ruby seems to be going backwards trying to keep everything "normal" when clearly she couldn't. It did pick up toward the end and I liked when her "beast" made an appearance.
The Horsemen were great, little more of them would have been nice. Again it just felt like this was all "filler" waiting on the next instalment, and boy am I waiting on the next instalment! I'm predicting big things for Bandit, i'm getting vibes that he's not all he seems.
Good read I'm enjoying this RH series, there is a lot of Horsemen running about in the RH world right now but these ones are good. Overall happy but wanting so much more in book 3!
This book did NOT disappoint. It was even better than the first. I found myself laughing and smiling. There’s a little bit of everything. From mystery to romance ;). I love every single character. Starting with her best friend and let’s not forget she has a freaking raccoon as a pet. I couldn’t find one fault. Loved it!
Title: Wicked Games Author: Kel Carpenter Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance Format: Ebook - ARC Pages: 188 Rating: 5 Heat: 5
Thoughts: Oh damn that was so freaking good, and over way too quickly!! And there’s something odd about the trash panda, I’m not sure what yet, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t act like a normal raccoon. (Can I have book 3 now?) Seriously, this series is so good. And in this one we got little snippets of the guys POVs which was awesome! (Can I have book 3 now?). There’s really no way to just pick one of the horsemen, each is perfect in different ways. Good thing having a harem of book boyfriends is legal because these four are definitely worth having as book boyfriends! (Seriously, can I have book 3 now?). I think the best part was Ruby’s revenge, that had me laughing so freaking hard, like this needs to be a tv series or something just so I can see that (sorry, no spoilers. I know, I’m evil lol). I so can’t wait to read the next book (I’m sure you haven’t figured that out yet).
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and chose to write a review.
This book continues with Ruby and her four guardians being put to the rest. She is so close to transitioning. Rysten, Laran, Allistar and Julian keep their eyes pealed so she can stay alive. The twist and turn storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love the fact that we get a closer look into the individual guys and their relationship with Ruby. This is not a book to miss. Excellent writing
I’m not really a fan of reverse harem, but as I had a good time with the first volume despite a few small dots, I was curious to get into this sequel and find out what the author had in store for Ruby and her friends.
Now that Lucifer’s mark has appeared on Ruby, she has to deal with the consequences. She now has enemies she didn’t have before, and a beast inside her that she struggle to deal with. She hasn’t gone through her transition yet, but it won’t be long now. Things go from bad to worse when Kendall decides to make our heroine’s life a living hell, convinced that Ruby killed Josh. And she’s willing to do anything to prove it to everyone!
Of course, the four horsemen continue to fight for the young woman’s attention, but that’s also why the novel is a reverse harem. I must admit that the four men are quite intriguing.
It was a rather nice sequel. I will be curious to read the sequel.
This ranged from 2 stars to 4 at different points, so I've settled on 3.
I still like lots about this. It's nice to see a strong female friendship. The let Racoon is awesome. The Four Horseman are pretty good, although their over bearing nature it wearing a bit thin. The premise is good, too.
However, this book has no real plot apart from Ruby coming to terms with her situation, which got old really quickly. Yes, it's such is, but woman up and get on with it. I have little tolerance for characters making stupid ass decisions, which she seemed to do a lot.
But, this does seem to be going somewhere good (I hope) so I'll keep reading.
Hot damn! Now this is a sizzling book right here, what more could you ask for you got the heir the Hell's thrown, 4 gorgeous horseman. It has something for everyone's type. But it's not just about the men, you've got a great story and I am so proud of how Ruby takes her revenge in this one. Never be sorry for who you are embrace it to the fullest.
This was another quick listen, but it was better written than the first book in the series. This didn't feel as disjointed as the first one, and we got a lot more character and identity for the boys here. Helps to add a few extra pages!
I did have one problem, however. The first book had a lot to say about rape that I approved of, then I got really disappointed when some actions in this book totally reneged on that. I keep thinking that Ruby got raped in the scene where she marked her first mate. She didn't have a chance to give her consent at all! Which is why I'm giving this a 2 star rating. Originally, it was a 3 star rating - just the middle of the tree, like book 1 - but it doesn't feel right to reward that message, or at least not let it go by unnoticed.
I'm going with a 4 again. The same things I liked about the first book still carry through to this book. Ruby is a bamf, although she rarely gets to show it. The harem is definitely a slow, slow burn. The MMC's are kind of interchangeable, and when you throw in Moira, it's a bit chaotic. Again, I'm okay with it because we have other books to explore. Also, what's better than 1 book boyfriend? 4.. even if you need a few more books to appreciate them.
The book is bit filler-ish, but the overall premise of the series is really good. I love that it's not overly complicated. Sometimes, I don't wanna reference a map! I just want simple books about tethered souls, the flames of hell, heavy petting, and raccoons.
once again such a fun time !!! i stayed up until 10am to read this bc i was just enjoying the experience so much. even though this series deals with some dark topics i feel like the overall vibe of the books is really nice and not too stressful thankfully!! i loved getting to know the love interests better and seeing Ruby evolve + the story progress was really fun!! i’m overall just having a really good time hehe
Great continuation of the story. This is a spicier book from the first. I enjoyed the plot more in this book. There were twists I didn’t see coming. I loved seeing Ruby’s banter with the 4 men and the sexual attraction that is different between all of them. Also loved seeing how badass Ruby and her powers are in this book. Can’t wait for the next
tbh, i struggled w this one. i don’t remember what happened in the first book, and maybe this was just not the right move after reading the Hades series. either way, the main character is annoying, the story is slow and confusing (unless you’re v familiar w the supernatural, which i am not). i was going to keep going w the series, but after this one, no thank you.
I enjoyed this better than the first novel. The pace seemed a bit faster and the dynamics more defined. The plot certainly thickens with some nice elements that put a wry smile on your face, together with a couple of well placed surprises.
I devoured this book by Kel Carpenter. The storyline is well-written, sets a good pace, has action, suspense and some intrigue and steam. The characters are great. This volume will keep the reader entertained and engaged and I loved it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
She's Lucifer's Daughter... The next ruler of Hell... Will she accept? And will she find the imp and destroy him? Before it's too late...
What a ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this book - so wonderfully written and descriptive.
The MC is such a bada** gal - I absolutely admire and respect the hell out of her. She is such an incredible character - so loyal and, now, unapologetic. I may or may not have a crush on her! And the guys - oh holy hell! Things definitely get steamy and interesting in this book.
We get to see the friendship between the MC and her bestie and how far back it extends - how loyal they are to each other and how much they care for one another. Really great seeing that!
Full of demons, demon hunters, horsemen, succubus, banshee, action, adventure, loyalty, trust and attraction.
Perfect for readers of paranormal reverse harem romances/urban fantasy.
This next entry kept the action going, but I'm getting annoyed with how slow the slow-burn is. I NEED ALL THE SEXY ACTION! 😆 Off we go into book 3, hoping for way more hook-ups.
TBH I thought more would happen during this book. Then again, I read half of it in between naps while I was in an eight hour car ride back from a weekend full of eating too many carbs and dancing at bars for 5 hours. So I might have been a little distracted.
MOVING ON.
I NEED MORE. MORE MORE MORE. Specifically Julian + Ruby, sitting by a tree... F-U-C-. Nevermind, you get the picture. I just feel so bad for him. Open up, Julian, for heaven's sake your name reminds me of a suave latino man in the Caribbean, not the fucking black eyeliner wearing, listening to "Wake Me Up When September Ends" emotional dude you've been acting like because the girl you love branded your brother first.
So this book, cycloped-imp is the main problem, and then at the end we transition to a different problem. I see now that there's already a 4th book in the works so I'm hella excited for some of this to speed the hell up. I want to get to the really exciting shit.
It IS a good series. Bandit now likes Laran and I am just gushing. I really do want a pet racoon.
Laran, let's talk about how he's the only one marked. And yet... and yet.. *cue the hysterics* they've barely done anything either. I know, I sound like a starving, deprived succubus. I am not, Ruby is.
I love how she dealt with Kendall, the whole time I'm thinking: she's gonna tattoo "karma" or "josh" or a giant penis on her forehead. AND THEN I'm thrown for a loop and realize Ruby is much more mature than I am.
I was pretty freaking bored while reading this one. Like I'm so into the storyline. Super interested in it. But there isn't enough happening. I found myself skimming a few paragraphs and pages. I just didn't care enough because I was so bored. I really don't even care enough to write a proper review...
There was a few moments that made my jaw drop and I literally said out loud "oh shit". But like other than those moments I just... meh... Maybe I'm bored because there is a serious lack of smut? I mean there more in this book than in the first. But I'm still like meh.
And Ruby acts like a child throughout the majority of this book. I seriously just wanted to smack her and say put your big girl panties on and handle fucking business. Like stop wallowing in your self pity and grow tf up.
Yep, that's how mad this book made me... Lmfao. On to the next I suppose.