A CITY CRUMBLING… AND I'M THE ONE WHO BROKE IT I thought mating with Merrick would be enough to keep my power under control, but it wasn't. And now, the Ruby at the center of our city is cracking. With werewolves from all over the world migrating to Shifter City, we need to get our crap together--and fast. Wish us luck, because we're going to need it.
*this paranormal romance is recommended for readers ages 17+ due to language and sexual content
Hi, I’m Lola! I’m a book lover with a *slight* romance obsession. My books are all steamy romantic fantasy or paranormal romance, and there is always a happily ever after.
Stop by my Facebook group, Lola's Book Lovers, for updates, giveaways and other fun!
This is the second instalment in the trilogy, and it’s still going strong. I love how there’s quite a bit of drama and suspense throughout the book. There’s a surprising twist that leads to our favourite ruby couple having to make some pretty tough decisions. This book makes me love Merrick even more. HEA? Trigger warnings
The Hazel character has the emotional maturity of a 7th grade girl. She's also a control freak who insults her mate, Merick at every possible turn. There's a huge difference between being stubborn and being strong. There's a difference between wanting a relationship to succeed and trying to control every aspect of it..sex days? Really? Trying to write the Merick character as being patient and supportive missed the mark. He came off as being a push over who was begging for scraps of attention and affection from Hazel. I really enjoyed the original series these books were spun off of. I also genuinely like flawed characters even if they can have unlikable moments but with the Hazel character she's just plain unlikable. She showed only the slightest amount of emotional growth in book 2 and is a truly disappointing character. As a side note, trying to write a strong FLC needs to have a balance between strength and being just plain obstinate. It really just makes them appear more flat out stupid if they tip the scales too far to the latter. The Hazel character is firmly in the flat out stupid column.
If you want a book where the main character is SO back and forth with her “I want you but stay away from me too” crap and terrible at communication, then this book is for you.
This book continues where Ruby Wolf left off, with Hazel trying to navigate her relationship with Merrick while contending with her new leadership role. What I really liked about this book was that Hazel really seems to learn and grow throughout the narrative. We still get a strong focus on the romance, but also quite a bit on what it means to be a good alpha and leader.
I loved that we get to see her parents and learn a bit more about their relationship as they get older (Henley and Roman appear in Lola Glass' trilogy Wolfsbane- if you haven't read this series yet you absolutely should!). It was also lovely to see the family dynamics with Merrick mixed in!
Overall, I would say this was a great continuation of a strong new series. It does end on a very suspenseful note, so I'm excited to see the next installation! Please note that I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Man that ending...... This whole book was such a fast paced read for me and at the end you will be at the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. There's so many things that are going on that I need answers to, I can't wait until the next book
This review is for the ARC of Ruby AlphaToo short! Lol Hazel and Merrick continue to build on their mating and relationship, but Hazel questions everything, especially their different leadership styles and roles. I loved seeing Hazel's family. I missed Henley, Roman and the gang from the Wolfsbane Series.
I have so many questions about Shifter City and all of these different shifters. So, so, so many. Lol How did they not know of other shifters? As the Alphas of All (keyword here "All") how did they not know? They travelled to all the wolf packs for years. No one noticed this town with many pink haired people? In the age of cameras, cellphones and computers? Why do the shifters in Shifter City keep killing the Ruby Elders, why didn't any outside Shifter City know about True Mates and what is the truth behind the Ruby Heart? I look forward to reading the next book and seeing the outcome of the newest True Mate pairings.
================================== I would like to thank Lola Glass for sending me a complementary digital copy of the ARC of Ruby Alpha in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely adore Merrick and getting to see more of Henley and Roman, as well as the other characters from the first trilogy!
I was really looking forward to this second book but it fell short for me. I dislike Hazel as a character; she is selfish, indecisive and honestly treats her mate like crap. I felt like there was so much dialogue and not much happening in the first half and then so many holes and abrupt jumps that I just couldn’t really connect to or follow. A lot of drama with maybe too much happening to have any depth.
The direction of the story and the idea of the ruby in the city confuse me and I just haven’t warmed up to this series but am still excited for and hoping that the final book shows some development for Hazel and the city!
Oh. My. God! The immature silliness here had me screaming aloud, ‘GROW THE HELL UP! It’s time to adult.’ Through the first portion of the read, I wondered if it would end or just be a bad read for my taste. Now I understand the old saying ‘from the ridiculous to the sublime. Definitely too young for my taste. Rating: 1.75stars
Spoilers ahead, and a warning for readers who dislike OMD (Other Man Drama).
First, I want to say I’m still giving this book 4 stars because it’s clear how much love and work Lola put into it. I adore her writing style and usually connect deeply with her characters. That said, I struggled with this installment in the Shifter City series and almost put it down several times.
I’ve been working my way through Lola’s library, and I love prickly, unlikeable heroines (Henley’s series is one of my favorites). But Hazel? I didn’t warm up to her until about chapter 18 or 20. Up to that point, she felt like a spoiled, privileged brat. She was aware of her advantages, but not really making an effort to rise above them either. I could understand the weight of her role, but she had love and support around her, unlike her mom. Honestly, her mother’s guardedness toward Roman made far more sense to me.
I’ll be honest, I liked the supporting characters much more than Hazel for most of this book.
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Final Thoughts
I am still excited for book 3, and I will keep reading because I love Lola’s worlds and side characters. But this one did not land for me the way her others usually do. If you love Lola’s writing, it is worth pushing through, but be prepared, because Hazel is a tough heroine to root for until very late in the game.
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Spoilers Below
I am honestly surprised Merrick did not end up in a neck brace with all the mixed signals Hazel was sending. It often felt like she was toying with him for the high of his attention without much regard for how it hurt him, especially after they mated, which made it feel extra harsh.
Her prejudices also rubbed me the wrong way. The idea that her mate could not be strong enough to be an alpha just because he was a different species was not only unfair, it felt completely out of character for a supposed leader. On top of that, the Noah storyline made little sense. Hazel knowingly put herself and Merrick into that messy situation, and Noah being kept in the pack despite everything he had done felt like blatant favoritism. Frankly, I do not buy the romance angle with him and Chandler either. He has not earned it. If anything, he should be groveling hard in book 3.
Finally, for someone who is supposed to be so badass, Hazel came off oddly aloof and passive until the kidnapping plot kicked in. It made her growth arc harder to believe.
Lola Glass doesn’t just write stories—she writes truths wrapped in fantasy, love, and grit. What struck me the most in this book was the way she crafts scenarios that show how people break, and more importantly, how they heal. She reminds us that being strong doesn’t mean you're never afraid or never feel weak. Strength is in being scared, being shattered, and still choosing to fight—for yourself, for love, for connection, for a support system that holds you when you can’t stand on your own.
Hazel’s parents went through unimaginable pain to build a life where their daughter could grow up loved and safe, never touched by the trauma they endured. That kind of love—the kind that breaks generational cycles and chooses healing over silence—is rare and powerful. Even with a ticking clock hanging over Hazel’s life, she carries the strength of that safety with her. She’s facing her own set of trials now, different from what her parents survived, but no less meaningful. It’s almost like she’s being tempered by her own fire to build something just as deep, just as lasting—a bond rooted in the same fierce, unconditional love they fought so hard to give her.
There’s a soul-shaking beauty in that kind of parallel.
The emotional weight of the story is softened by the warmth and joy tucked between the cracks. That taco-eating scene? Absolute magic. It was light-hearted and fun, but it touched something deep in me. A completely different feeling than the first ride in Book One, which wrecked me with its passion and intensity—but just as unforgettable. One was fiery and raw; the other, tender and grounding. Both are proof that love grows in all kinds of soil.
Lola Glass is a literary genius. Her characters aren’t just strong—they’re real. And she proves again and again that love isn’t perfect, but it is worth it. Messy, hilarious, painful, healing, and honest. Every scene, every emotion, every line? I felt it.
3.5.m for me but I rounded up cause the sex is haaaaaawt
This author knows how to write two things amazingly and grippingly well: post/trauma and sex. Hazel hasn’t been too gripping for me and it’s because up until now, she’s never had issues. Her life was perfect. All her flaws come not from hardship but having TO learn after messing up. Her constant learning with Merrick and their relationship put me on the big guy’s side because of how lost and confused he seemed when she hit him with all her unrealistic rules that didn’t benefit either of them. They got over it and things got better but it was the way things got put about that put me off. But that’s me. Wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t Hen’s and Roman’s love story easiness.
Noah is a weird character. Just very strange. He didn’t come off as a problem in the first book so using him as one in this installment felt off and not very thought through. Made things annoying and took me out of the story.
I do like the easiness of Merrick them’s relationship and how it ties with him being a big bear. I do like the side conversations of other possible couples. But the whole thing still seems too short in comparison to the previous generation.
Lola Glass is back with another instalment in the Shifter City series. And I once again finished it in a day. I adore Lola's writing. The characters are great, and I loved both Hazel and Merrick's growth in this one. They're still trying to figure out what it means to be mates and how their relationship will work, but with the added pressure of trying to unite a divided Shifter City. And of course, there's more issues and drama they have to deal with! Nothing can ever be smooth sailing for our ruby shifters! I loved getting to see our Wolfsbane crew too. Catching up with Henley and Roman and everyone was cool. And getting to learn more about Henley and Roman's relationship. I'm definitely excited to see where things go in the next book because we ended at quite the big moment! I'm always shouting my love for these books from the rooftops, and this one is no exception! I think everyone should read these! But start with the Wolfsbane series! These books have a unique take on shifters and excellent characters. They all feel so real and relatable. And I love the romance too, as well as the focus on family and friendship too!
Once again, not a stand alone but you hardly expect that with these KU trilogies.
Picks up right where the previous book left off, Blake and Hazel meet her parents, have more clan/wolf drama and interpersonal stuff. That was my favorite. I liked that Hazel is learning about how to be a mate and messing it up. I’m so tired of puzzle piece hero and heroine fitting their lives and persons together with no mishaps or misunderstandings.
The whole thing with Noah is confusing. It’s big drama but it’s kind of relegated to the side once Hazel is kidnapped. Even that felt quickly brushed over. I like these books a lot and I could do with a few more beats in these big moments.
I still don’t know how to feel about Noah. I wanted to hate him and still do- but now Chandler is in love with him? Argh!
Liv and the sabertooth guy are their own thing too. I can only think the author is setting up two side books- again. Granted they are intriguing premises, but it’s pretty distracting to have them both in this book with no resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first book. Our main character is still slightly annoying as she pushes away her mate and her general indecisiveness. I am glad that her mother point out to her and tells her straight that she is being selfish. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the time jump, I understand why it was necessary but equally I think that would be better placed at the end of a book rather than in the middle of this one. However having said all that, I really enjoyed the wider group of characters in this one, I feel like they’re beginning to develop and create the group pack feeling that I loved in the first trilogy.It was also great to see some of the original characters appear in this book too. Cliff hanger ending so will be continuing one soon with book three!
Thank you to Lola Glass for a eARC for my voluntary review.
Just when things have settled and Blake and Hazel find a way to become more comfortable in their mate bond, its time for Blake to meet the parentals. They meet over lunch, where they find out that Noah wants to take part in the trials to become a red wolf because he feels he deserves the power he believes was promised to him. Also that he would be a better leader than Blake would. After that, things hit the fan..... Noah makes a move on Hazel, not too long after that Hazel gets abducted by none other than the cats. Once all of that smoke has settled and they decide to try and move forward again to make all the shifters live in harmony, someone makes an attempt on Hazel's dad's life, causing Hazel to panic and use her Alpha power to stop the assasination. This only leads to our next big problem.... the Ruby has Shattered...... now what?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"I was too out of it to feel anything while he healed me, too close to dying to notice what it felt like to stay alive." -From Ruby Alpha
3.5 stars
This book takes off right where the last one left off. The pacing is a little off, it spent a lot of time with Hazel pushing Merrick away. Then it ran through some of the good parts so fast. With flying through the action it takes away some of the tension and high stakes. I liked the bigger look at her family, and his sister. It ends in another cliffhanger. There are still some large questions I have about this universe, but I have only read this series; not the other ones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked Hazel in the first book of this series. By the end of this book I loved her character. The growth she experienced in her relationship with Merrick was moving and so realistic. She also had to learn that maybe she did need help with everything that was going on. It takes a strong person to admit that and accept help. I feel like with each book we are seeing Hazel grow into the leader she needs to be while realizing she can't do it alone and accepting help.
And by the way I throughly enjoyed seeing her parents again! And oh my what is Liv going to do with that mate of hers?
I received a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Idk what changed between book one and book two, but end of book one I was like wow this might be in my top three fav series of Lola Glass! Then book two took me almost a MONTH (!!) to get through. I was so so bored. I hate the Noah angle and everything connected to that, I hate how everyone hate a True Mate when they are supposed to be oh so super rare, and I hate how the trials held such emphasis and importance in the first series but in this one it’s like meh, everyone will go through em, no problem!
I still like the relationship and I love the couples chill moments together, but every single other aspect of the story I could not have cared less about. Unclear if I’ll finish the series at this point.
Picking up immediately after Ruby Wolf, Hazel has mated with Merrick, but sadly, that has definitely not solved all of their issues. As Hazel tries to peacefully take over the city's leadership, she has to not only deal with the warring factions of shifters, but also the unsteadiness she feels in her rushed personal relationship. Unsure how to proceed, Hazel shies away from sharing her power with Merrick, which not only deepens the insecurities between them, but threatens the massive magic ruby that grants all of the Ruby shifters their power status. When some of the other Shifter Alphas decide to force Hazel's hand major trauma ensues.
Lola Glass is SO good at writing troubled relationships, delving into the darker, flawed sides of characters while also building the sexual tension in such a glorious way. This middle book both broke and rebuilt Hazel and Merrick's relationship. I cannot wait to see how they proceed as they have to deal with the final event of this chapter!!!
Lola Glass’ character writing style truly separates her from the countless shifter/paranormal romance authors out there. I have yet to review her other books I’ve devoured, but could hardly wait for this book’s release and after finishing it, I’m elated to see Hazel’s growth and vulnerability. LG’s characters have so much depth and realness to them and can’t wait to see how Hazel and Merrick’s as well as Noah’s character arcs play out. Can’t wait for the next one!
I really enjoy reading everything Lola writes because, like her, I have a slight werewolf obsession! Maverick has quickly become one of my favorite male characters while I struggled with Hazel for a while. While she didn’t have a lot of experience with relationships, I feel that was focused on too much and it took a little too long to move forward with the commitment. By the end of the book, though, I feel they definitely got stronger and became a more cohesive couple… just in time for the cliffhanger! I’m looking forward to the final book, but will definitely miss this couple!
Lola I love your take on shifters! I am def a person that usually loves alpha-holes and everything that goes with them but your take is refreshing.. it shows a side that I don’t really think about. Hazel is strong and determined and when she’s stripped bare it shows a different side of her coin so to speak … and with to see Merrick in a softer role as an alpha but with the ability to be the strength she needs it’s a nice change of pace… I can’t wait to read the next book in this series to see where everyone ends up
I like this series, but not enough to like the idea of it being drawn out for another book. it all seemed kind of trivial, like stuff happened in the plot because if it didn't, there wasn't enough substance to keep it going. the ruby shattering was supposed to always be a threat but never seemed like a priority until it happened. and their relationship seems very "we are forced together with mate bond, so it's happening" without a ton of chemistry or depth. I really like most of the authors books. This series just didn't hit well for me personally.
I’m absolutely in love with Hazel & Merrick’s love story the same way I was with Henley & Roman’s. They’re not the same but each so important and worthy of my time reading. I’ve been through a lot of what Henley went through in this 2nd book and I love the way it was so well written. Expect some of the expecting and the un-expecting.
Hazel and Merrick are an amazing couple! I love the writing style of this author. 😍. My only complaint is how long it takes Hazel to get to know Merrick. I do like this approach of true mates though and not the instant love, but I feel like she almost pushes him away. Other then that I loved the story and how the relationship ends up growing. Now just to figure out Shifter City and their leadership roles🥰. Can't wait to see how the story moves forward!
I loved the second book just as much as the first.... we get to see Hazel and Merrick grow more in their relationship. Hazel is very stubborn in her ways and we kind of get a glimpse that she's this way because of everything her mum went through and she doesn't want to be in a situation where she's defenseless.... it's a bit sad at the end seeing her so broken 💔
Can't wait to see where the storyline goes in the next book... Definitely recommend reading 📚
Rating for the trilogy: Definitely read the Wolfsbane trilogy first (and the 2 novellas are worth it) as the Shifter City trilogy continues from that story. Without giving anything away - I’d say this is trilogy worth a read, although now I’m done I don’t know what to do with myself - Maybe another novella Lola hint hint wink wink?! P.S. I read this on Kindle, there was an epilogue then a bonus bonus epilogue via a link to Bookfunnel
A lot of growing up in this book. Hazel learns to be less selfish and trusting. Maverick learns to let go of his pride. The whole shifter way of life is challenged in a way where they learn that how things have always been isn’t necessarily the way it should be. Loved bringing in the other characters in the book from the original story. Honestly I will say Maverick was my favorite in this story.
I love the way you write and all the bad arse stuff. It makes the characters more real. Look forward to the next book to see what they do about the ruby and how the deal with the people who abducted hazel,. I do love hazel & merricks story but I think hazel is a bit scared rather than wanting to get to know merrick by not having sex with him.
Hazel and Merrick's growth is a big part of this book, with both trying to figure out what being mates should look like and the dynamics of their relationship. There is also dealing with the unrest in Shifter City and trying to bring them together. Balancing relationship and leadership can be a rocky hill to climb. How well will Hazel manage?