In a twist of fate, the people who were outcasted from the society of Pura are the very ones who can save us all.
Turns out that hybrids aren’t as rare as we thought... But will they come to the aid of a society who treats our kind like discarded trash?
Do the pure bloods deserve to be saved?
While finding the answers to those questions, secrets are revealed and emotions flare.
The bonds between mates are tested and some unravel under the pressure.
Alliances are forged, but at what cost?
Author Note: This book has a 18+ warning and is intended for mature audiences. It is book two in the Monarchs of Hell series which will end in a cliffhanger.
R.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group: The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
Collection of thoughts as I read this book (spoilers!):
Good lord and lady are these kids naive. Yes, kids. Because while they were supposedly the "heirs", they sure don't act like them or have the knowledge and leadership to be one. Dear author, why did you drag out who Jace is for half the book? Like it wasn't utterly obvious from the beginning. It makes all the others look like idiots though.
Falling in love in 4/5 days? Sigh. Ok, let's look at the reasons. Let's saaaay Chapter 12 I-love-you exchanges - they're hot - they're protective of each other, one of them borderline obsessive - they talked to each other... how many times? I think I can count on one hand the number of interactions - they empathize for each other's bad experiences - ok that part I can understand
Let's recap the beginning of the book: 2 of the guys' parents have died in front of them and they have escaped. Weirdly enough those two are a bit sad about this. Are they allowed to express this sadness? No! Because the main character is all: "It's all about meeeeeee!" Man do they get over those deaths fast. Oh wait no, let's make one of them have a breakdown and lash out at the main character. But that's ok because he apologizes. And now the second one lashes out at the main character. I wonder how that's going to work for him. Ok, I'm back, he apologized and she's not accepting it - that's good but she also seems pretty whiny. Oh now he's not ok with the sharing thing and she's all : "well if you don't accept it means you're rejecting me". Suuuure, you met the dude 1 week ago and you're expecting him to fall in love and be ok with being a part of your harem. How very realistic. And let's not forget his precarious emotional state.
How DARE you insult cupcakes!! They are the 5th best desert in the world!! This woman has no taste.
I still don't like Dray. He's a controlling ass**** who should be shunned for humiliating, shaming and isolating the main character.
Sigh. Unfortunately the main character does not agree with my assessment of Drayven
"We headed into the ballroom, and I paused to take it all in, immediately wanting to secure routes of escape." This sentence is supposed to serve one purpose: to show Drayven is a competent, smart, trained man who can evaluate the situation in one glance in order to protect his beloved. However the way it is written is so childish. Like the author has no idea how to portray an aspiring leader probably trained in martial arts. Don't tell me he's looking for an exit. Describe his thought process, what he sees: does he locate one? Will it be hard to get there? Are there obstacles? What will they do after they dramatically jump through a window? Oh wait, the author sort of does that. In a childish way and with very little detail, but it's still there. Here's another one: "As we walked into the throne room, I took a quick inventory of my surroundings, as was my typical routine, to ensure that we were safe". I'm sorry, there's something in the writing style that bothers me.
"How was it such a foreign concept that Ama wouldn't be marrying a man she had met the day before? I mean seriously, it was common sense." But you're ok with her falling in love with a dude after meeting him less than a week ago? Bit hypocritical
If the dream guy is who I think he is. Ewwwwww. That age difference is just ewww. Consent: how is that difficult to understand? You're not allowed to be irrationally jealous because someone you're not dating is sleeping with another guy, you're not allowed to threaten to kill this other guy and you sure as hell don't try to kiss her without her f***ing consent! Yup, guessed it (I get no credit here - I don't know why the author tried to keep his identity a mystery, it was so obvious)! And ewwwww.
Showing up in a girl's room after you met her two days ago and are trying to trap in a marriage isn't dashing and romantic. It's creepy. Oh wait never mind she's 50/50 annoyed/finds it romantic that he literally fought for her like she was a prize to be won in a competition.
Suuuuure. Let's grab that army and go defeat the other army. It'll be simple. No need to worry about strategy or army-moving logistics.
For a kingdom of hybrids, there sure are a lot of people with just two sides.
Skimming to the end here. Blablabla I love you blablabla.
Sigh. So much potential in this book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left us dangling over that cliff, and we see Ama and her (partially begrudging) harem set out in search of the mythical hybrid city.
Along the way, Ama picks up not one, but TWO more mates, bringing her total to a hearty 8. If anyone can juggle this much testosterone, it’s definitely Ama. Home girl is wise beyond her years, and I felt that we really got to see her emotional maturity come forward in this second installment. Especially in contrast to some of her men who are having a hard time adjusting to their new normal after the chaos at the summit. Ama is patient and kind (up to a point) and isn’t afraid to be very clear about what she needs.
One of Ama’s new mates (I won’t say which bc spoilers) is probably one of my new favorites, alongside Adrien and Finias. I’m really excited to learn more about his backstory in book 3, and how he will have to learn how to play nice and share with the others.
Ama finally goes to pound town in book 2, and it was well worth the wait. Her scenes with Finias and Adrien (individually and together) were hot, and I’ve got my fingers crossed for more group scenes in book 3.
I still enjoyed the world in this story and that aspect of it is really interesting to me, but I have to say the romance felt very lacking. There's just too many mates at this point and not enough page time for any of them. So in the end I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters. I'm still excited to see where the book will lead but I hope there's some more romance.
Bamn, more twists. Also, what a great read. Was engrossed in the world. Feeling all the hits, fun, love, hurt, and spice!
Also, how did I fall for Luce in his one only POV. Oh, don't get me wrong, he's being an alphahole, but his reasoning is so flawed and innocent in its wants.
Our FMC is instinctively a leader and feels as well as fights. I love that she knows her worth and tries to keep everyone who deserves it their best and be better.
And that spice, smut! Damn get better with every turn. Craving more, let's hope for more of it all in book 3
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book leads in a direction that i hadnt even considered in book 1 and the twists and turns keep coming as does the sizzle and steam. The Author Combo is amazing as Morgan has the sizzle and snark where as Rachel has the broody semi broken men plus all the emotions that she is so good at. This boo also threw in a couple of surprises one early on that you are not expecting and the other grows over the book so it isnt a shock or surprise but the way its brought forward still has a sting in the tail for the ending - Roll on book 3 as i need to know how the storey ends - Does Ama get all her men and a happily ever after or are some shocks gonna hit us in book 3 - desperate to fine out!
This book kicks straight back of where we ended the last book. With Ama and her mates fighting to stay alive. What a storyline this book has that you get pulled right back into the thick of the Heat and the action. When Ama and her mates go in search of help things get very twisty and also steamy. Plus with the appearance of two new men causing so much trouble in a way. Right upto the cliffhanger ending leading me to realise I was right about the mystery man. Totally can't wait for the next book.
4.5 stars. Ok. Um. Someone woke up from their nap possessive… Seriously, I Need to see how this all plays out. I want that HEA dammit, and right now it’s lookin a little rough.
The ONLY reason this didn’t get a 5 ⭐️ rating is because of how dense they made Ama and the guys look when it was obvious who two *specific* people were. If you want the punch lines to hit as hard as you’d like…. Make more of an effort to hide it from the reader… especially the closing line of the book.
But - yes - another great read from some of my favourite authors.
I admit that when I saw this book show up on my kindle, I stopped reading my other book and started reading this one instead. I mean I had so many devildang questions that I needed answers to and, well I just adore Ama. Ok... so some of the guys are jerks, some are absolutely drool worthy, and some redeem themselves. And we get thrown for a couple of devildang loops in will have you going what the devil just happened. Ladies, I bow down to you... this series is freaking amazing and I am so glad that you are writing it!!!
I said this in my review of Insurrection, but I can’t stand Drayven. To the point it was a struggle to get through this book.
Spoilers ahead
Ama was ridiculously stupid in this book. She really didn’t think it was important to discuss the stranger in her dreams? And even after the guys sensed someone had been in her room and kissed her it just got dropped?! Really?!?! Also it was pretty clear from the get go it was the devil. So no surprise to learn it was. And he went to sleep because he wanted to be LOVED?! That seemed silly to me. Not sure I’ll read book 3…
This book was so good that I read it in one sitting. Book 2 builds exponentially from book 1. Excellent world building and character development. The authors have written strong, yet flawed characters who fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. The steam level has increased from book 1 in a story appropriate manner. The story is compelling and I await the next book in the series with bated breath. If you enjoy reverse harem books then I highly recommend this series.
Dude I loved this book so much, there are no words for the level of enjoyment that I got out of this book. Imbalance is the second book in the Monarchs of Hell series and it had everything. Relationship drama, a freaking coup, a hidden kingdom, a dream hottie, steamy scenes, and a few shocking plot twists that made my heart so happy not to mention all the emotional drama all in a hellish landscape.
This book pretty much picks up where Insurrection left off, people are screaming and dying, the guys are a hot mess, and Ama was injured during the attack. They get it together, although barely, and make a plan to find the hybrids to ask for assistance, the very same hybrids the pureblood culture has shunned. There was a lot of soul searching while they were traveling, Adrien reveals the fact they are all Ama's fated mates which some of them had to work through (Nico and Colt) while others revealed in it. Ama is pretty confused but comes to realize that she has people who care for her, she's not alone anymore. While Ama has always chosen her battles and stood up for herself when she needed there were still moments of loneliness and hurt by being rejected by her own people but things are better.
Finias, Adrien, and Damien are my favorites (Fin is still number one), they have been there for Ama from the beginning. They have cared for, befriended, supported, and protected her without any reason besides they wanted to. That warms my heart because she never had that before and their relationship is sold. Things with Drayven have gotten better and he is working on making up for his past actions by his action an,d his words. Not everything is great, there is relationship drama with Colt and Nico. Colt is continuing to be a jerk, things were going good between him and Ama but after the attack has turned back into the jerk she first met. He eventually works through things but it takes a while. Nico surprised me, he is an even bigger jerk than Colt, he's hot and cold with his feelings, his words are mean and his actions are cruel then he is regretful. The events of the coup and his parents' death have left him devastated. His parents' betrayal of their kingdom and the mess they created he feels responsible for but then he can't really be mad at them because he is mourning their deaths. Things aren't good between him and Ama but the rest of the guys are working together now, getting along, mostly, and are determined to fight alongside Ama for their kingdom.
The plot for this book was fantastic it doesn't really center on the coup more like the solution for the coup. Ama and they guys want the help of the hybrids but these are people who were poorly treated and separated (and not all by choice) from main society. Seeing the hybrid city was interesting, this is a culture full of bright colors and mixed heritage. They are very different from the rest of society, they have a lightness and more open and understanding culture compared to the rest of Hell who seems more rigid, secretive, and power-hungry. Not to mention that there are a couple of new characters that make an appearance. One is a cocky but sexy hybrid and the other is a dream hottie, as in he appears in Ama's dreams. Things are getting very interesting with these two in the mix, they add an element of mystery and wonder to the story, that I absolutely enjoyed.
Imbalance was fun and steamy with all the drama and mystery my little heart can take. The story ended on one heck of a cliffhanger that has me wondering all kinds of things. This is supposedly a trilogy but I don't see how it can possibly be but I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen in the next book.
What to expect: - Spice 3/5 🌶️ - Large harem - 7+ men - War - Hidden society - Succubus - Loss of Virginity mmc+fmc
My thoughts: I quite honestly don’t know if I liked this one more than the first book. The writing was definitely more bearable but I felt the pace of the book wasn’t as great. As soon as we get into the hybrid city the plot reaches a standstill. Not much happens and when the story picks up again it’s pretty anticlimactic. The characters were good and I enjoyed the progression of each relationship. As for the new additions to her mate group, I’m still undecided.
I expect some groveling in the next, I’m looking at you Nico.
At first, Amare was kind of annoying but it wasn't self inflicted. Her mates was being super protective which meant we were not even able to see glimpses of Ama as a potential leader in the making. As a result, my frustrations from her mates was projected onto her as she didn't have the chance to truly shine.
I'm so excited to meet the final mate. His POV at the end of the book was enchanting and I loved his distinct tone - deffo one of my favourite POVs I have read from Ama's mates.
Whyyyy do these two always write books that slap?! The fact that there are so many mates should really be hard to keep track of but I love every single one. They’re all their own personalities and defined characters and the love they show Ama is soooo dreamy. I don’t think any of the plot points are really hard to guess but IM HERE FOR THE JOURNEY. How is this series only 3 books??? I need more thank you!
Wow this was even better then book one. We jump straight back on in where we left off and it’s even more chaotic and oh soooo good! The relationships between Ama and her men is going from strength to strength and the emotional growth is outstanding. The storyline is thrilling and exciting and the twists and turns I did not see coming and after that ending, well I need the next book please!!
Omfg!! This series seems to be getting better and better every book. Huge character growth, relationship growth, twists and turns, hidden places and new mates. Ama is such a strong character. I Can't wait for the epic conclusion to this series. It's going to be bittersweet!! Ugh, I'm so emotionally invested in this series 😭
YAAASSS! I am 100% here for all of the men in Ama's life. Nico could always use a good one two to the groin but everything is finally coming together love life wise. This story is so good. When I first read Insurrection I was hooked and I knew that picking up Imbalance would be a lot of the same. The plot, the characters, and the world building are phenomenal and I am in love with it all. Absolutely cannot wait for more for this author and this series!
We went from silly Little sex book to " is this actually a sex book "?
2 books deep and not even a true threesome yet with this 7-8 mate bullshit.😭
You wanted more plot or spice? Too bad. Here's another mate for you. Not enough? Have another. And what has SHE done to be worthy of these, Many, fierce guys? Nada. Be a hybrid. Spoiler: not a new thing either. 😭
C'mon.
I still like the plot & author enough so 3 stars bc of that.
Thos book was even better than the first. The tension and steam build in this book and new obstacles are thrown into their path. Her and her mates still have some serious issues to work through before they will have their happy ending. Can't wait for the next book.
I have so many favorite parts in this story, each one better than the last until that final moment. I loved Colt’s growth, the introduction to Jace, the heat-but more than all of that I loved the ending like a jaw dropping holy moly!
First even I knew they weren't dreams... And I knew who he was. Even after they meet face to face she has a TSTL moment... Uh hello... And then yes Volt and Niko acted like d*cks but look what happened ? Oh but she can forgive Dravyn even though he had he kingdom say things about her and he treated her like dirt for YEARS oh hey he is sexy and said sorry so it's fine. But Niko who's family were just killed and the betrayal and everything else is just to much and he is acting out but nope not gonna give him some slack. Idk from the start this series has not been my favorite.... Idk why.