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I’m coming for Underbelly Circus… to burn it to the ground.

My whole life, I’ve wished for family but found foes instead. All this changed in a matter of days when I met the guys from Haret - my dragon, shifter, mage, fae, merman, and vampire.

Each man has his own unique magic, and as a Qilin, I have the power to channel it.

There’s one huge problem, though.

I got my piece of dragon, but if the Ringmaster finds out, he’ll use Jack to get to us. With Underbelly controlling Jack, we don’t know who trust.

It’s time to fight the Ringmaster for everything he has.

The guys’ magic is mine for the taking, as long as I can wrap my head around the way Qilin do harems. With these gorgeous guys, that shouldn’t be hard.

I’m Carlyle Licorne, and I’m here to take back what’s mine.

Ready for more? Scroll up now and take this sexy book to bed tonight!

This is a steamy reverse harem story, suitable for ages eighteen and up.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2018

979 people are currently reading
456 people want to read

About the author

Laurel Chase

26 books288 followers
Laurel Chase lives in the state that boasts of fast horses, fast cars, and fast women.

She writes steamy romance and lives in her head more and more each day – hey, the scenery is great in there.

She never sleeps enough, and she drinks too much coffee, but she’d never replace any of that with sensible stuff.

Find her hanging out on social media, usually in the Lovers of Haret readers’ Facebook group!

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5 stars
1,198 (51%)
4 stars
761 (32%)
3 stars
309 (13%)
2 stars
54 (2%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for Kathryn Ford.
Author 1 book89 followers
December 6, 2020
Phew, there are some hot guys in this book.
Sol is adorable, but not quite my taste, even if i do like lions.
Some serious kinky stuff in this book.
449 reviews62 followers
February 20, 2019
This is a late review, and I have very few notes, so bear with me. This book had a lot of TSTL. The best that I can say about it is that I’m glad that they finally got Jack because so that hopefully they’ll be able to focus on something else going forward.

Here are some observations from my Kindle notes:
1. I didn’t know why the Ringmaster couldn’t just read Jack’s mind and learn that he’d been to see the team.

2. The love at almost first sight was still annoying.

3. I found hoping someone would actually do it when the MC had this thought: “Somebody needed to smash some sense into me if I was considering begging for Sol.”

4. It broke my heart when Sol refused to be with the other guy until he accepted the MC into the relationship. But I thought that moment was kind of weird because we hadn’t gotten a hint of a deep relationship like that (they’re called “a package deal” later) between them before this point (25% into book 2).

5. After trying teleportation for a short distance once and doing it unsuccessfully, the MC decided that she was ready to try going across the country and back without a way to replenish her magic. So she naturally messes up and gets into a very painful situation, and she’s just like, “idgaf how stupid anyone thinks it was; I learned something and that’s what matters.” Omfg.

6. That said, I hated Dair’s reaction to the MC’s sneaking away to be stupid. He said, “It was a misuse of my power and my trust. . . . You may be powerful, but you won’t be getting any more magic from me until you learn to control your urges.” And the MC went along with it: “I’d just been doing something I wanted, without their consent.” He willingly gave her his magic. It’s not his anymore. Yeah, she lied to him about what she would do with it, but it isn’t really any of his business at the end of the day. It was a lie, not a consent issue.

7. I’m sick of the vampire’s constant talk about how she’s not ready to get his magic.

8. Seriously, about 50% of the book is sex.

9. She didn’t bother telling any of the guys that someone saw her when she went to get the car, so they were blindsided when someone found them.

PROGRESS UPDATES
19% A summary of this series: "My feelings toward him barely made sense."

Here are my reviews and ratings of the other books that I read in the series before I dropped it:
(1) Piece of Dragon ★★★
(3) Piece of Mage ★★
Profile Image for Gina.
52 reviews
June 18, 2019
About 20% in and I'm done trying. Reverse harem story lines aren't my favorite to begin with and I avoid them if I realize beforehand that's what they are..... (ugh I know I really shouldn't read a series solely for its amazing covers and 5 star reviews) anyway I stuck this out through the 1st book because the main story line was so interesting and creative. However, the 2nd book finalized its demise in my eyes and I'm done. The main character is soooo childish, there's way too much sex, not enough continuity, not enough story and I absolutely HATED the surprise guy on guy action that was randomly thrown in by two unexpected characters that you didn't even get a hint of gayness from in the 1st book....gross, blindsiding and disappointing.
The main fantasy storyline of an underground circus with a powerful bad guy mage, and a homeless, abandoned magical Qilin (unicorn) girl who are racing against each other to recreate the rainbow path back to their planet (and control of it) via restoration of the colorful pieces from various creatures [vampire, mage, shifter, fae, etc.] was initially great, it had such potential if all the globs of childishness and sex weren't messing it up and bogging it down. I just can't get past it all to continue. Back to reading the synopsis of books and sticking to the mostly sexless YA books that are more my flavor 🙄
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,960 reviews109 followers
July 2, 2019
I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked. I really am enjoying myself, I’m trying to figure out where this is going and I can’t seem to. Which makes me like the series even more because if you think it’s predictable it’s not.

At least not to me. I’m still trying to figure out who the ringmaster is. Or more specifically how he is so powerful.

But I really still don’t like how Killian acts but we definitely get more information as to why he is like that. And it’s somewhat sad.

I didn’t like how people keep flipping out on Carlyle when she tries to fix things or do things her way. Like that’s what you guys told her to do. I really think that

On to the next they all end in places that make me need to continue.
Profile Image for Kari.
65 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2018
This is book two in the series and boy oh boy it didn’t disappoint. Let me just say I have never wanted to be a character more in my life. I love the way the characters are developing, and really coming alive in my mind. The deeper we delve into the story the more engaging it becomes. Just give me all the sugar and all the sugga with some extra spice!
Profile Image for Kennedy Mitchell.
Author 43 books851 followers
September 18, 2019
Another great one in the series

Just as action packed and with all the feels. Loved every page and can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,881 reviews190 followers
August 13, 2023
Note: There is m/m relationships in the RH, which I know, is not everyone's cuppa.

Also, just really done with the heroine and heroes.... the heroine is annoying-AF and the heroes are just infuriating.
563 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2024
3.25 ⭐
Book #2 of 7

🆗⬇️ Introduction to supernatural part of the world
⬇️ Beings from another world/dimension: vampires, Fae, shifters, mages,...
🆗 Unknown powers/heritage
🆗 Chosen/special one
🆗⬇️ Being on the run/hidden
🆗 Found family
⬇️ Mates
🆗 RH romance: instant attraction but slowly getting up to RH
🔥 Smut (including MM): kinks (good girl)


❗Lightly mentions (not graphic): abduction, mind control, incarceration, suicide, death


***


For the first time in her life, Carlyle begins to feel what it is like to be part of a family.

And all because of the guys.

But Jack is still controlled by the Ringmaster and Toro hasn't been found yet.

At least they know where Jack is.

Their first attempt at recovery was a disaster. Not a complete one but still.

The doubts start: friend or enemy?


Meanwhile Carlyle has to wrap her mind around her powers and what she is.
A Qilin has the power to channel others magic.
She just has to accept she needs to be close to several guys to do it.

And she will not stop until all the guys are once again reunited.



***


Notes:


🔸Weak emotional connection

The plot of the story is okay, it has some interesting storyline but sometimes the characters do chose/take paths that seem weird and not the most logical.

It could be because the emotional connection to the characters is not that great and their background still a bit of an unknown.
So we cannot understand the reasons for some of their choices and it leaves the story lacking.


🔸 Exchanging power

It isn't clear what it really is needed for the power exchange. Is it just touch? Or sexual touch? Or do the ones involved have to have feelings for each other?

And sometimes it does leave a cheap feeling behind the exchange.
Like she only seeks them and their affection to have their power.


🔸Mating

I just want to start by saying I have no problem with RH romances.
As long as its development is believable and there is respect between those involved.


The mating ceremonies seem a bit empty, not showing much for what is supposed to be a very serious and irreversible decision.

As for what they gain from it?
Still unclear.
Is it just Carlyle being able to access their powers? But does she still need to have a make out session with them or does she always have access to her mates' powers?
Confusing.
And the guys do not seem to gain anything...


Jack's mating was quite rushed.
Okay it was as a last resort thing but still...
They don't know each other.
And despite no indication nor explanation for it, justifying it with the bond or something, Carlyle starts to have feelings for Jack and being his champion, while she barely talked to him in their short interactions and hasn't seen him nor spoken to him since.
She doesn't know him but acts as if she does.
And the guys, the ones that have lived with Jack for 200 years, are the first to start doubting their friend.
Not the most believable nor logical.



🔸 Personalities

Carlyle is quite a sweet addict and the guys always have something sweet ready for her.

There are funny and cute moments.

I am a bit disappointed with Jack.
He does not live up to what his friends build him up as.
They all said he was the cute, sensitive, cuddly one, making fun of him for it, but so far there is not all that much of it.
Actually his character fades a little.


***

As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,260 reviews
June 29, 2022
Sol is one of my favorites of the guys and I loved his focused book where he mates with our quirky Qilin! I love how cuddly and protective he is and how domineering he can be in the bedroom haha. And add in the cherry on top with his fun times with Killian and I wanna be in that sandwich all day long!!

I think book 2 in this series built on nicely with book 1, a lot of tension and disagreements within the group that lead to people going off on their own when they probably shouldn't. I was kinda confused with the Ringmaster, because he has ample opportunity to do things but just doesn't. I know from listening to more of the books he doesnt have everything sparking right upstairs, if you know what I mean, but that wasn't really apparent early on. I thought the flow was off with him/didnt get hit with his villainous ways because of it (why I leaned towards the 4 stars when I would give the overall audiobook book a 4-4.5 stars). I felt so bad for Jack and all he had to endure, but happy to see finally something went right for him. I loved seeing the mating connection with him and Carlyle and hope that is used in upcoming books too. Loved seeing Carlyle channel her dragon mate as well, their powers are pretty cool!

Enjoyed the steam level of this series. Yes Carlyle hooks up with a couple of them so far, but the story/plot is more of a focus even though the Qilin gets her power boosts from the sexy times with them. I enjoy Dair's relationship with Carlyle and because I am on book 4 at this point, I know Killian finally gets on board, I am happy with him and Carlyle. I feel so bad for the characters who have the extra baggage from their former lovers or supposed family. So many things to unravel with everyone. Still so many secrets, so many of the characters holding back from the Qilin and each other that tensions are going to continue to be high until they start letting their walls down and being honest with each other. I did enjoy the action in this one, battles and confrontations were good, seeing more of the group's powers come to life.

Narration was spectacular, the emotions in this one were heightened because of Jack's torture and imprisonment and Carlyle having to deal with a lot of the ramifications and guilt and pain. Both narrators did a great job, no bad feedback from me! I do listen on 1.4X speed (little slower for me than normal) because Lucas is super fast when he is doing certain accents and its tough for me to follow. No complaint, just an observation.

If you enjoy PNR RH series, you should definitely give this series a chance ❤️
Profile Image for Mel G.
381 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2021
I am enamoured with this series.
When I’m not reading it I’m thinking about it and when I’m reading, it I’m practically devouring every word, completely lost in this magical and addicting world.

The ringmaster is still a problem to be dealt with.
Toro, the elusive final member of their group is rescued; and it will be interesting to see how his first interactions with Car play out, once he snaps out of his rogue state.
Jack is temporarily saved, then taken again, and finally after multiple attempts and near death experiences, he gets fully rescued, thanks to Car and Killian.
(Yay, can’t wait to see him reunited with the gang!)
Speaking of the sexy fae, I did not anticipate them doing the dirty so soon but I certainly did not complain about that development.
Hot DAMN.
”His beauty was raw and pure and deliciously evil as he fastened his glinting golden eyes on me”
This is my favourite quote in the book hands-down.

I’m glad to see the harem growing slowly, she’s mated to Sol and I’m sure she will soon rebuild her bond to Jack; however, I’m super eager to experience the building angst and tension between her and the other guys. We still have lots of bonds to go y’all and personally, I can’t fathom wasting another second on this review when I could be jumping into book 3!

Sidenote: the length of these books are simply perfect. No fluff or filler, just good relationship-building, as well as character and and plot development.
I can’t get enough!

~4.5 stars~
Profile Image for Jess.
74 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2018
I need more...so much more!

The first book left my giddy, the second book has left me squealing! What is there not to love about this series so far? Carlyle is a unicorn shifter, and not just any type of boring unicorn either, no, she's a badass unicorn that takes on different physical and magical traits from her mates. And guess what? We get to see a little of that in this book, and I can't wait to see what she looks like when she finally shifts. In this book, Carlyle's relationships with the guys strengthen as she slowly figures out her powers, and begins becoming the kickass heroine we know she can be. Toro is finally brought into play and he sounds like he is going be fun, or trouble. Sadly, for us and him, he is only introduced briefly because the focus of the plot is on her expanding her abilities and going after Jack. Everything was amazing. Carlyle finds herself in some interesting predicaments, the scenes with her guys are absolutely steaming, and...it ends! I really can't wait for the next book, because, wow. I need more yesterday. I love it!
212 reviews7 followers
December 25, 2020
Picked up toward the end

Carlyle and her team grow closer as they continue to try to rescue a lost team member.

This book felt a little slow to me but it picked up toward the end. I also felt like it glossed over the recovery of Toro. Most of that happened off screen but I really want to know what happened with that. I hope they come back to that as a flash back in future books maybe.

We are really starting to get tob know the characters in this book. I am hoping for more character development though. Many of the characters are still a little flat but it seems to be improving over time.

Fun series so far. I hope it continues to build on the content that has been offered so far. There have been some slow spots and I worry that there is potential for the plot to stagnate.
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,710 reviews51 followers
May 14, 2021
I strangely love the pace

Well okay!

Carlyle and the team are still trying to get the rest of their members together again and this pretty much follows them doing just that. For a hot second, I worried it would end in failure again with more twists but I like the way things went. It’s a little frustrating watching her be unable to do what she wants but I like when she does what she can.

The guys are cool and I like watching them with her, going through their own stories and processes. It’s weird how fast this went for me but I strangely love it. The writing is fast paced and slows down for the sexy stuff, but also for moments when Carlyle is by herself reflecting. I think it’s cool that some members are still mysteries and it makes me want to keep reading. Recommended!
Profile Image for Danyelle La Pookette.
497 reviews8 followers
October 12, 2022
Sugar Shifter 🦁

** Cliffhanger-ish Warning! ** Oh my sweet tooth! I love this book. It's the second one in this series, so it is not a stand alone. This is still a fabulous reverse harem story with lots of fast paced action, laugh-out-loud moments, and a suspenseful plot. The main characters are fascinating and the world building makes me want to know more about all of the species from Haret.

I'm so happy to see the big problem with Jack and the Underbelly Circus get resolved. There's a few other things going on at the same time, like Carlyle learning about her magic, the romance aspect, and the whole rainbow / The Path problem.

The Ringmaster is still out there, and it sounds like there are more villains running amok on Earth. So, I need to read the next book!
261 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2025
Romantic, action packed!

Geez this book stressed me out in some places!! Im very bad about when i get stressed in a book about whats going to happen I put it down and imagine what I'd like to have happen. Then when the inevitably does not happen when I finally build up the courage to continue reading then i'm upset. And I did that many times reading this. And while the battle scenes may not have gone how I wanted, I loved the ending.I didn't necessarily see it coming or at least ending that way. The romance and dating with Sol was so cute. The spice in this is present but not necessarily extremely well written , although there was one scene that was really good. I'm so excited to finally meet the character of Toro hopefully soon and now that we have jack back how that will progress.
Profile Image for Natasja.
103 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2018
Okay where the hell do I start with this book! I though the first book was the best thing I’ve read, well Laurel has out done herself!!
The second book in the serious allows for us to learn more about all the characters and what happened in their past to make them who they are now that they are with Carlyle.
Our badass main girl is has just moved to another safe house which has a killer beach and stunning house. She also just mates with jack and now part of his powers are manifesting and they are all trying to figure out to what extent.
Carlyle also starts to get used to the idea that Qilin have more than one mate and starts to become more open and sexual with the other sexy guys in her little harem! More mating will occur but who will be Carlyle’s next mate
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
18 reviews
November 19, 2018
I freaking love this book! Usually my enthusiasm for book two is down when I’m finished with the first cause it’s hard to live up to the first one if I liked it and even harder to do better. Guess what? This book was the exception. You totally get sucked in to the Qilin world and can’t get out! Not that you would want to anyway, if I could just you know get me some lion, or fae or vampire.. Uuhh to hard! Want them all! The heroine is just... OMG can she be more funny? Or sassy? Awesome? Now if you have read all these awesome reviews and smelling rotten eggs, promise you and please don’t get offended but.. It was the dog farting. The book is lovely.

ARC Copy - my honest and volunteering review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
110 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2019
Gaining momentum

Book 2 of this series and it feels like Laurel has finally found her rhythm for Carlyle and her men. This one definitely has more action, mystery, and magic all wrapped alongside some steamy scenes. Nothing felt rushed, everything flowed smoothly, and while some questions digging in our minds as the readers were answered, a whole new batch of questions pop up! But totally worth it. We get a little taste of Kills which is just perfect with their back and forth and his blatant denial. And of course we get more of Sol; and just a smidge if Jai. Hopefully the next one will build on Killian. Because obviously we cannot assume which “man” the book will be about based off of the titles. That would just be way too easy!
Profile Image for readwithmariaxoxo.
529 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2024
4.5⭐️

I have liked Carlyle more in this book, as she finally stops behaving as a child or as the one who doesn’t know how this magical world works and finally takes the reigns in her hands and 1. learns some magic 2. learns all the things she needs to know about shifters 3. experiments with her magic

Carlyle really has unbelievable energy and i can’t stop reading this series. I’m slowly becoming so invested that i’m ready to push further to see where it all ends.

There is a LOT going on. But what i liked that we at least by the end of second book got resolution for some major part of the story and from now on can see where it develops further.

The Mer shifter, yeah, i’m super interested how well it goes further.

My favourite as of now is probably the mage and the vampire💜
Profile Image for Chelsey.
768 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2019
Immature FMC

This is a really engaging story but I find the FMC hard to tolerate. She's constantly complaining that the guys don't treat her as an equal but then she does stupid stuff (like risking her life for a car) and you just want to facepalm. Maybe if you acted like an adult they might treat you like one? I like the guys but I don't really love them. The fae is such a jerk and we're still not given a good reason for his attitude. I don't mind when a guy is a little rude because of some personal issues but I need to know that he has a legitimate reason for being a jerk. So far, I'm not seeing a reason. Despite the fact that Jack is her first mate, I really don't feel like I know much about him.

I do like the whole unicorn and rainbow path to another world thing. It's pretty original and I'm interested to see how it all works out. I'll be continue the series but hoping that Carlyle grows up some.
Profile Image for Isabelle.
452 reviews36 followers
May 4, 2023
3.5*
Again, the rating is mainly for the plot/creativity and for the MMCs. Still a slightly pointless MMC POV as you aren't really getting to know them other than a brief snippet of a moment within the book.
The FMC is slightly less likeable for me as she is suddenly taking on the Qilin "personality" of being all queen/alpha/boss. The whole "I can do what I want, you can't stop me or have an opinion" characteristic is not usually one I tend to read and hope that she mellows out in the series.
The world and plot with the many twists is still keeping me interested and going though, and hope that the characters grow and develop as I continue.
Profile Image for Alicia Schultz.
83 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2018
This book picks up not far from where book one ended, with the Underbelly Circus and the dastardly Ringmaster still a threat to our Quilin and her group of Haretians. Some excellent relationship and characterisation developments occur in this book, and certain characters step into much more active roles. The plot is very nicely balanced with a good combination of action and adventure scenes. I really loved seeing where Laurel Chase took these characters and I look forward to the next book in the installment
Profile Image for Danielle Grimes-Oliveira.
530 reviews13 followers
November 19, 2018
Book of an amazing series

I didn't think this book could possibly be better than the first but I was wrong. From page 1 I was thrown right into Carylyle's world. Every detail the author explained i felt as though I was there. You got to see how much stronger Carylyle is becoming as a quilin and person . There were some emotional times and steamy scences. I laughed and at times just had to say WOW! This book had everything i could ask for and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
1,016 reviews
November 20, 2018
I absolutely love this series. It keeps getting better. Carlyle and guys need to figure out how to save Jack from the Ringmaster. Will her guys believe it's not too late for Jack, can she convince them? Lots of steamy scenes which I loved. Carlyle is trying to understand all of them more and doing whatever she can to help them. As if things weren't hot enough now we are going to add a merman to the story. I can't wait to learn more about him. I love how Carlyle says things out loud not realizing she is. It adds humor to the story. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Karina.
580 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2024
All the bad reviews are correct. I'm not going to argue with any of them. (Except the ones that are vaguely homophobic...gross.)

That said, I am giving this second book another four star review. The FMC is still annoying. There's still a lack of depth to the characters. Some of the plot is a little holey. Series where the FMC acquires only one mate per book tend to be a pet peeve of mine. But damn if I'm not having a great time reading them, takes me about a day and a half. They're entertaining, the spice scenes are spicy, and they are fast paced. I'm heading right into the third one!
Profile Image for Angela.
49 reviews
November 21, 2018
This was the perfect sequel to Piece of Dragon. I really liked that Carlyle came into her own and started to really use her powers. My favorite scene can't be described here, but let's say when Killian does finally give in, it was totally worth the wait. Chase has me on the edge of my seat with what will happen next. I can't wait to see how this story turns out, especially now that Toro is back. I'll be not so patiently waiting for book 3.
Profile Image for Lucy.
758 reviews
November 22, 2018
Yummy

This is booked to where they continue to try and save the dragon and also make it as a team. She made it with Jack at the end of book 1 she is now trying to decide her feelings with the other men I really love sol and Killian sol is like a love romantic and Killian is like the love hate relationship this book goes through battles in Trust issues that just sucks you in from start to finish
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