Necessary Evil

Kingdom of Monsters #2

by Harper A. Brooks

A great evil waits for me…
And it won’t stop until it swallows me whole.

I’ve been ripped from Dark Castle, thrown back into the mortal world where I don’t belong.

Here, they think I’m crazy. They’ve locked me up and forced pills down my throat, telling me I’ve lost my mind.

And maybe I have…

I’ve fallen for three monsters after all.

Prince Airic, Knight Reis, and shapeshifter Wels—they are the sinister men of my nightmares and my deepest fantasies. I can still feel their touches, hear their voices in my head, but they’re in danger.

I have to get back to them because if the shadows close in, I can lose everything.

The kingdom.

My monsters.

And ultimately, myself.

Necessary Evil is book 2 in the Kingdom of Monsters series. It's a full length fantasy monster romance with some darker themes, lots of steam, and is a story where the heroine will end up with more than one love interest.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Monsters

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2023

About the author

Harper A. Brooks may be a Jersey girl at heart, but now she likes to hideout in the mountains of Virginia with bigfoot and all his little woodland friends. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. When she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.


RONE Award Winner
USA Today Bestselling Author
Amazon International Bestselling Author

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper A. Brooks has done with words what an artist might do with paints. For me this book equates with an abstract painting. The longer you study the painting your vision shifts, it encourages you to get involved and to stretch your imagination to bring out an emotional reaction. The further I got into story, the more I wanted to explore this strange dark world Stella wanted so desperately to return too. Brooks description of the devastation to the Shadow World after a war waged with magic had changed everything, the characters and some of the beasties, were a real exercise for my delighted imagination. Airic no longer ruled as the Shadow Prince. He had been seriously injured and now Malachi sat on the throne in control. Cruel greedy, seeking the magic he needed to rule not only this realm but the human world as well, but I get a head of myself…
In the first book “Cruel Shadows: A Monster Romance,” Stella had found her way back through a portal to the Shadow World and the boy, now a grown man, with whom she spent time as a young girl. She now shares a bond with three monsters, her magical beings who have become her lovers. Her monsters are real but not evil, maybe a bit on the grey side at times. Have human forms, with different magical abilities, one is a true shape shifter. In this realm, sex magic can bring about rapid healing powers, increase the strengths of those special few who share a close mating bond and form connections that make them an even stronger force. Shadow World is a dark realm where magic takes many forms from shifters to creatures of mythology and other paranormal beings. The balance of power is meant to be held in place by a ruler who cares for and watches over all the beings who reside there. It was never meant to be a means to conquer not only those within this realm, but to reach out and grab control of other dimensions. With Malachi now sitting on the throne, he seeks to destroy Prince Airic, Reis, his best friend and Knight protector, and Wels, Airic’s cousin. While he would capture Stella to make use of the unique magical powers, he believes she has as a half breed.
Now…
“Necessary Evil: A Monster Romance” picks up with Stella having been returned to the human world where her aunt believes her stories of Shadow World, magic and monsters make her delusional. Committed to a sanitarium by her aunt, Stella struggles to find a way out. Finally, with a bit of help from an inmate, who says she has been sent to the human world to bring Stella back, she escapes. It won’t be easy to locate a way back to Shadow World. Searching among her old journals she learns how to reach across the realms calling to her monsters for aid. When she finally passes through the portal it will be to face the devastation of the land, the destruction of the Dark palace, and her monsters in hiding with a price on their heads. Together once more they will have to form a plan to take back the power and position Malachi has usurped, to restore stability for the people, the land and to prevent the destruction of other worlds. First, they must gather those still loyal to Airic, then set out to learn of Malachi’s plans for gaining more power. Staying hidden, while gathering information means trusting some who may betray them. Fect, Malachi’s henchman has been sent in search of them, sending out spies and laying traps to ensnare them.
To step into Harper A. Brooks’ Shadow World sets the tone for a fascinating exercise for the imagination, intriguing unknown creatures for the mind to explore further and stirs emotions of worry, fear, pain and anger. It can keep the reader a bit off balance wondering what will happen next, while ever so slowly sharing secrets. Brooks mixes both legendary mythological beings, as well as other beasties such as shadow creatures, small wisps of shadows that have their own unique powers, that she may have dreamed up. She gave them life and a story behind them, a story within a story. The mythological creatures had me stirring my brain to search out information and pictures of a couple of these. I loved the characters who demonstrate a range of emotions that sometimes had me wanting to smack them in the back of their head, at times feeling their pain and frustration, but never made me doubt the love they had for each other and their world. Airic, Reis, Wels and Stella each had strengths that are plainly demonstrated throughout the story. Reis was gentle and fair, he had a calming affect when needed. Wels was brash and outspoken; thought he would make a better ruler than his cousin but would fight to the death for the others. Airic at times held himself aloft from the others, in order to make the hard decisions expected of a ruler. While Stella couldn’t, wouldn’t allow anyone to control her and ran head long into trouble at times.
There are triggers here that may be a deterrent for some readers “Dark themes, Mental illness, Instances of non-con/assault, Violence, Group [sex] and Death”.
I am not usually a fan of reverse harems or explicit sexual content, but both were written into the storyline in a way that blended the lives of the characters together so well, I probably would have missed their closeness without it. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this fantasy tale that had me falling love with the characters, their plight, and what was happening within the dark world. But one villain so intrigued me, I had to go searching for more information about him. So if the triggers are not off putting I would recommend you check this trilogy out for yourself. I was given an advanced readers copy and asked to share my honest opinion.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella is not as crazy as people made her feel all her life. The monsters in her imagination can't be fiction. She knows them and she knows their touches. And now, back in the mortal realm and locked into an institution she needs to do everything in her power to get back to her monsters. They are in danger, and Stella wants to help them.

I was holding my breath in many scenes in this book... I couldn't wait to read the next page. I need to know Stella and her monsters get the HEA they truly deserve.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

We pick up right where we left off in book one. You could probably read book two without reading book one, but I’d feel you’d be missing background information.

Poor Stella, one minute she’s sort of living her best life with three men/monsters. And the next, she’s being carted off to a mental institution because she’s screaming about going back to a dark castle and using portals!
Being back in the human realm is hard for Stella, watching her men battle Malachi and his dark forces (this is the guy who wants Stella and the Dark Castle and the realm for himself.) then being sucked into a portal without knowing if Airic/Reis/Wels are alive or dead!

But an ally helps Stella escape and she has a stone hidden in her home that will help Stella hopefully return to her the sides of her men.

Wels answers her her call for help. Unable to believe he has her back in his arms. He’s aware she’s been with both Airic and Reis the last time she was here, but he’s not worried, in fact with the four of them, they should be able to finally banish Malachi from this realm forever.

Airic was gravelly injured in the last book, but by the time he and Stella are reunited he’s up and as grumpy as ever! I tell ya, he gave me whiplash with his “I need you, but I can’t be with you” vibes, I’m hoping by book three he’s pulled his head out of his a$$ and told Stella how he really feels about her.

Reis (my favourite character) is still the soft hearted one of the group, he takes the guilt about not defending his prince well enough, he feels guilty that he couldn’t stop Malachi from storming the castle and even feels guilty about the feelings he has for Stella! But he is determined to keep his prince alive and keep Stella alive long enough to banish the usurper Malachi.

The story is gathering momentum, the battle lines are being drawn up, can Stella figure out how to use her magic, or will she just be a power source for Airic/Reis and Wels to use to enhance their powers?
Alliances are being formed, but there is also beings in this realm who would sell them out in an instant, so they all need to be wary.
Most of the book is dedicated to the foursome trudging through forests and avoiding Malachi’s army (there is a bounty on each head)

And Malachi? Well he’s crowned himself the dark Prince of the realm, a power absolute! But if he can get his hands on Stella…. Well his power will hold no bounds and he’ll be able to conquer the world he truly desires!

And when Stella is injured, the three men in her life are at a loss. What do they do? Will they lose her?

This book also ends on a cliffhanger….

Now I need to wait for the last book…..


🦋

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necessary Evil is the second book in Harper Brooks' Kingdom of Monster series and it was on fire. Seriously, the number of sex scenes alone blew my mind and I'm not mad about it. I think Harper might have set a record.


At the start of this, Stella isn't good. She's separated from her monsters and she doesn't know if they're alive or dead. To say Stella doesn't cope well is a bit of an understatement. Things come to a head when her aunt intervenes and everything gets a little crazy when Stella ends up 51-50 in the psychic ward. However, she prevails when an unexpected ally makes an appearance and Stella makes her way back to the guys.


Things are super steamy between Stella and her monsters because apparently, Stella has sex magic, which leads to a butt load of hot scenes. Wels is catching feelings and he isn't the only one, we know Airic has had feelings since they were children but Reis is starting to fall as well. It's a good thing the guys are mostly getting along better except for during high stress then things get a little ugly between all of them, including Stella.


The story is all kinds of interesting now. Dark Castle has fallen to Airic's enemies and they're hiding out biding their time, gathering a resistance. That means more of the Shadow Realm is introduced. I'm picturing a historical town with pubs, cute little shops, taverns, and inns. The people are interesting, bartering in secrets and information. Loads of curious things pop-up like birds that carry messages, mercenaries, shadow snakes, and more, and even a chimera was even introduced. It was great.


Necessary Evil was good. I'm very interested in Stella's background, why does she have magic? What is up with that aunt of hers? I got a weird vibe and don't think she can be trusted. Stella is growing stronger in the Shadow Realm, is also getting a better understanding of her magic, and had a true badass moment. Things got hairy there for a minute but the story ended a the smallest piece of hope but it was there. They know so little, I hope the pieces come together and gives us answers in Wicked Reign.

[Beba Andric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up smoothly from book 1, we find a very confused Stella, desperately trying to figure out how a dream could feel so real, so tangible. Stuck in an institution, pumped full of drugs, Stella has a hard time discerning truth from fiction, until she sends out a message... and the truth is undeniable.

In her dreams, her oh so real dreams, Stella is told over and over again that she's the Chosen One, the Key, that she has a magic within her, only she's adamant it can't be true, she's just an ordinary human. But events discribe a different truth. Imagine being able to give energy and make one stronger, well that's the ability that's crystal clear, if Wels, Airic and Reis are anything to go by and they will do everything in their power to protect her. Except there are some who will do anything to capture her, to siphon off her magic she denies having and use it for their own neferious aims. That would be Malachi...evil personified!

This world is a dangerous one, where the realm has been overtaken by evil and has Prince Airic unseated and in hiding. Where Auric, Wels and Reis try to come up with a plan to retake the kingdom and it's just got that much more complicated with Stella in the mix. It was really sweet to see the 3 macho men fall apart, physically, mentally and emotionally with Stella and the conflicting emotions within her. Although it's a great plot, a strong plot, I do feel this book focused more on their sexual encounters than the actual plot. As pivotal as the sex magic was, I would have liked to have seen more depth to the story. But that aside, there were major revelations and the growth of the characters cannot be denied, once again making this a very enjoyable read.

Stella starts coming into her own, Airic accepts that she is meant to be a part of him, Wels loses his air of superiority, well mostly, and Reis comes alive in more ways than one. The drama in the last few paragraphs wrenched my heart apart, I'm hoping to pick up the pieces in book 3, which promises to be a heck of a read!

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

Necessary Evil, the second book in the Kingdom of Monsters series by Harper A. Brooks is a fabulous continuation and a must read for any monster romance fan out there! This story picks up right where the first book left us and drops you right back in to the story of Stella and her deliciously tempting monsters (Prince Airic, Reis and Wels) as Brooks masterfully wrecks havoc on our emotions once again!

Ripped once again from the Shadow World back to reality, Stella works hard to return to her normal life. However her aunt believes her to be delusional and has her committed to a sanitarium. While there, Stella works hard to try and find a way out and back to her men and soon finds help from a fellow inmate as well as he old journals and uncovers the key she’s been looking for to cross the realms once again. Only she soon discovers all is not well as Malachi has not inky destroyed the kingdom but also brought destruction to the lands and people. So now Stella is on a mission to find her men, take back the power and restore the lands. Should be easy right? 😂

I love how no matter what happens to Stella, or what doubts are places on her, that her men remain her truth. Her reality. And nothing else matters. And you just know that with them by her side, she’ll finally learn to be able to handle her powers as well as anything that comes her way. These characters have endured so much, and just when you think they’ve finally reached a somewhat happy ending—bam! There’s so much more coming and so many questions needing answered.

Harper is a master at creating a series that suck you right in and this one is no exception! The heat, the tensions, the mysteries and twists—utter perfection! I can’t wait for the next one!

[Kfsilver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, coming up with the appropriate rating for a book can be a challenge. I found figuring out where I stood with this book was definitely a challenge.

Necessary Evil starts up right where book 1 left off, with Stella is back in the human world and Malachi has taken over the Shadow world. Unable to cope Stella’s aunt has her committed to an asylum. Barely able to escape, she returns to the Shadow realm only to find it completely devastated and her men in hiding. Stella discovers she has sex magic which suddenly becomes of utmost importance to saving all the realms.

This book had a lot of really great things about it. The world creation was amazing. The plot was intriguing - saving the worlds and unseating the usurper, and the steamy scenes had a lot of spice. But, there were some things that detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story. I didn’t really connect with the characters - after the first book I kept hoping for Stella’s character to improve and her relationship with the guys to expand from just Insta lust, but I still found something missing there. Add in that a number of the plot devices felt contrived - sex magic that gives Stella incredible powers? - and the book just didn’t quite reach its full potential for me.

All that being said, this is an interesting take on fantasy world and if you like mysteries, monsters, and foreign realm’s Necessary Evil is worth checking out.

[Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes off right where book 1 ended. Only is goes from 0 to 100 pretty fast and Stella finds herself locked away from both her world and the Shadow world.

When she is rescued and returned back to the Shadow world - things are different. Nothing like they were before. Now, Malachi is crowning himself Prince and Prince Airic is being hunted.

With a target on their back and Stella’s magic coming in stronger, the world seems to be falling apart around them. Quickly Stella realizes her sex magic is of the utmost importance. With multiple “powers” that can heal and see things no others can, she is questioning it all.

“…You’re the key and there’s a lock, and I have that lock.”

When one of her lovers is in trouble, the worst scenario happens and Stella is forced to walk away. Can she make things right? Will the lock be something she can find? Can she survive everything that is yet to come??

This book definitely moved along faster than book 1, but I wished their was more plot. (In this book specifically) The steam cranked up, but I was left wanting more of a emotional connection between the characters. I am curious to see how book 3 will go, and can’t wait to see how the author will move this story. I look forward to more.

*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 5/5
*Multiple first person POV
*MFMM Romance
*Triggers !!! (Check before)
*Ends on light cliffhanger

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella is thrust back into the human realm and must find her way back to the Shadow World after being committed to an asylum against her will. She knows her memories are real and not delusions, but her aunt and doctor will never believe her stories. With Malachi on the throne, Stella is anxious to return to Prince Airic, Wels, and Reis. She knows they are stronger together and she dives head first into the fire storm.

The heat in this book really ramped up with more explicit content than in the first. Whew. So many smutty scenes that will make you giddy! *Fans Self* I loved that Stella developed stronger connections with each of her men independently, but they also grew together as a group. Airic is probably my least favorite in the harem. Wels is my absolute favorite.

Together Stella, Airic, Reis, and Wels must navigate who is an enemy or ally, betrayals, lies, twists, and turns. I knew Stella was more important than anyone realized and will be the key to taking back the kingdom and keeping everyone safe. Can’t wait for book 3! So glad it is expected to be released in April!

Tropes: Paranormal romance, fantasy romance, royalty, reverse harem, friends-to-enemies, enemies-to-lovers
Heat: 4/5

[Anna McCauslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper is giving us a delightful mix of high fantasy, and straight up spice in her 2nd entry into Kingdom of Monsters series. Necessary Evil takes us all over, from an apartment, to a mental institute, to her land of monsters. There is desperation, muddy hiking for miles, hidden safehouses, a good betrayal or two, and s*x magic. Lots of it. Stella is still being teased as the key to...what? Will you find out here? In book 3? You'll have to read and find out. But the discovery (so far) has been a frustrating plot, filled with hints and clues that will have your brain spinning. There is an excellent mix of creating a believable and bleak fantasy world, yet the action continues before we are bogged down with description of locations and armor. It is a delightful mix that keeps us constantly expanding our understanding of the monsters' realm, while hungry for the next step in the plot. The part of me that loves LOTR is in love with the detail, and yet my romance addicted soul is perfectly satisfied with how much is going on between Stella, Reis, Wels, and Airic. Stella has untapped depths, and I'm dying to see how her power truly manifests, and what damage she can do to the evil Malachi.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necessary Evil is the second book in Harper A. Brooks's Kingdom of Monsters series. Book two picks up where book one left off with Stella finding herself back in the human world. She's lost in her mind and broken from not being able to find her way back to her men. She's unable to manifest a portal, and she has allowed her life to devolve around her. It gets to the point that an unexpected visitor thinks she's spiraling and sends her to a place she never wanted to be. Things get interesting though, and after some stutter stops she finds something that just might be the key to helping her. Getting back is what she needs and wants but is she prepared for what she finds?
Necessary Evil is okay, but it feels a lot like filler. The story line feels like the stage is being set for the bigger event that's coming in book three, but there isn't a lot of true substance to this novel. The storyline doesn't progress the way you'd be expecting it to. Looking for and hoping for lots of steamy? Check. Actual storyline development? Eh... It's just not really there. You get some teases, but a tease isn't satisfying.
Something big is coming, but you'll have to wait for book three for things to finally start really rolling.
4 out of 5 stars.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily revuewed a copy of "NECESSARY EVIL
WOW!!! I was hooked from the beginning full of fantasy mobsters, lots of steam, reverse harem, secrets, twists that make for one addicting adventure.
Stella was ripped from the Dark Castle & thrown back into the mortal world where she doesn't belong her Aunt Marilyn thinks she's losing it like she did when she was a child has committed to an institute, where they force her take meds that make it hard for her to remember.
Stella meets a girl called Lizzett but goes by Lizzie she was sent to give the Chosen One a message she's from the Dark Realm also tells her she can help her get back to the Dark Castle where Prince Airic, Knight Reis & Shifter Wels are, their the sinister men who've been haunting her nightmares & deepest fantasies.
I definitely recommend to get this intense adventure Stella having to return to the other realm, because if the shadows close in she could lose everything, the Kingdom, her Monsters & herself its absolutely a must you so won't be dudapoiinted.
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this a amazing series "WICKED REIGN" can't wait to see what's going up happen. AWESOME READ!!!!

[Aubrey Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necessary Evil (Kingdom of Monsters Book 2)
By: Harper A. Brooks

Rating: 4⭐️/5
4🔥/5

⭐️Tropes⭐️
- Dark Fantasy Monster Romance
- Why Choose
- Enemies to Lovers
- MFMM
- Multiple POV

⚠️Always Check Content/Trigger Warnings⚠️

This is book 2 in the series and if you enjoyed the first book you will definitely be hooked from the get go in this book. This book takes place after a Stella finds herself back in the mortal world, Alaric has been stripped from his thrown and her monsters are essentially in hiding. Stella truly can’t catch a break in the beginning and my heart was going out to her as she struggled to get back to the shadow world. Unfortunately, once she finally does, everything is basically in shambles!

I definitely don’t want to give too much away but this second edition was excellent! I was on the edge of my seat with my heart pumping in anticipation the entire time! This book does end on a cliffhanger but nothing too intense! I honestly am already dying for book 3! I need to know how this all plays out! If you like dark fantasy romances with multiple partners who are monsters and a whole lot of steam then I highly recommend!!

[Tierra Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella is thrown back into her world with no clue how to get back to the Dark Castle. The situation she's in goes from bad to worse and she's honestly fallen apart and given up when a chance meeting gives her hope that she may be able to make it back. Stella is not at her best most of this book so expect her to be fumbling along and rolling with the punches. The suspense was good in this book. It's hard not to know who to trust when the enemy has your back is against the wall and there's no backup in sight. Especially when Stella's determined to trust just about everyone & randomly takes off on her own to find trouble. I'm even side-eyeing her aunt at this point. As for spice this book is chef's kiss because they were sprinkling it around like franks redhot - muy calilente. As for romance you have it all - the sweetheart (and my fav) Reis, the bad boy potty mouth Wels, and the give you a whiplash with his hot/cold combo straight up alphahole Airic. A little something for everyone. It felt like a lot more happened in this book & the ending a little like a cliffy but in a good way.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kingdom of Monsters series book two picks up where book one left off. The transition flows seamlessly from one to the next. Stella can’t seem to catch a break. Her aunt has her committed to the psych ward and she would do anything to get out. With the help of another patient she returns to her home to search for a way to get back to the Shadow world. Search through her journals she finds away to get a message out to Wels to get her through the portal. Upon returning to the Shadow World she discovered that the passage of time is different from the human world. Airic’s evil cousin, Malachi has crowned himself Prince. His greed for power has left the world in dire straights. Stella and her men have to wade through all the thing’s going on, lies and allies that could be enemies. I love how Stella is starting to come into her own as she helps her guys bring the Shadow World back together. Her connections with her men are strengthening and their chemistry is smoking hot. I enjoyed this book better then book one. It is definitely worth the read.

[Laerke55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.a.b have written such Amazing books i loved her book Necessary evil . I love following stella in her journey and i loved to read her growth as a character…. I just really love the Way this author writes… all the books she writes is always soo good and always keeps me on my toes… the Way she writes is soo intresting.. i have loved all the books i have read by her… i love stella’s story and i love watching her realstionship with the guys grow stronger and stronger…. i really loved the twist and turn…This really Kept my interest the whole Way and i really loves this book…this book was freaking good.. I’m exicted to see What the author comes up with in the next book in in the 3rd book of the story

I highly recommed that people read her book necassary evil and if you haven’t read this book yet Then What are you waiting for you are really missing out on something … necessary evil is such good book and you wil def not regret giving this book a chance

This book is really a must read book!!!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty, sexy, monstrous fun. This book picks up right from where the last left off. Stella is desperate to get back to her men, but nothing works. She feels like she is losing her mind, and she's not the only one. When she does finally make to back to the Shadow World, she finds that the world she left has drastically changed for the worse. Malachi has made aggressive moves and those loyal to the Shadow Prince are on the run and driven into hiding. Reunited, Stella and her monsters need to find a way to strike back, while also finding out more about Stella's powers and the connection they form between them all. The spice is off the charts in this book. There is a lot of angst and action. Potential trigger warning, this book does also include monster play (you know what I mean) as well as forced interactions and rape references. The book does end in a cliffhanger. I look forward to finding out what happens next.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripped from the world she has come to know and thrown into ours, our heroine is desperate to get back home. There the monsters are familiar, unlike the ones she faces now.

This is book two of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but would probably be better if read in order.

This is a dark urban fantasy story with something of a reverse harem going on. The story is very well written and easy to read, with a well detailed world that provides an excellent stage for our story. The characters are also well developed and bring the story to life. I like our heroine, but I still have mixed feelings about our heroes. The plot is a bit dark and features plenty of intrigue and action which keep things moving along. Overall, a highly enjoyable story and I am interested in seeing where it goes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necessary Evil picks up after the events of Cruel Shadows, when Stella has been kicked out of the Shadow Realm. She fights to get the portal opened back up, and when she finally has some success, her aunt believes she's had a nervous breakdown and institutionalizes her. Now Stella is forced to face current events, and the ever nagging thoughts of what the fate of her monsters is. Can she get out? Will they save her? Is everything lost between their realms?

I loved this book far more than the first book. I loved how much of depth the author went in when getting into Stella being committed and how she doesn't shy away from how difficult that would be. Stella and her monsters are what dreams (or nightmares) are made of and I loved the chemistry they all share.

Overall rating
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled my emotions in knots

Stella, a hole in the wall restaurant waitress, survived her first foray in the Shadow World only to be pushed back into the human world by Airic, the Shadow Prince she loves, Wels, the shifter heir with a chip on his shoulder, and Reis, the knight errant that wants all of them safe. As the story progresses her family betrayed, a new friend is made, and there is no line she is not willing to cross to make sure they are saved. Necessary Evil was tangled my emotions in knots that I am not sure will ever loosen. These characters have survived so much pain, only for their journey to be partly over. Reader discretion is advised due to dark subject matter and/or possible triggers.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Tara Syrnyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an intense addition to the series! When we first dive into this book, we realize very quickly that Stella isn’t ok. She is not with her monsters, let alone the shadow realm and things go from bad to worse very quickly when her Aunt shows up. Now things are really rough for Stella and it's understandably hard for her to have a positive outlook , until an unlikely ally gives her the chance she needs. It's the moment she needed to start her journey back to her monsters and Stella takes us on a wild ride that is very spicy and very steamy and full so drama and intrigue. The world building is phenomenal , the characters are very well done and I really enjoyed the personal and relationship growth these characters showed. Its been a fantastic , engaging series and I look forward to more!

[Kenzie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being sent back to her world at the end of book 1, Stella does not handle it well. She’s sent to a psychiatric ward and almost loses hope until she is able to find her way back to the Shadow World with help from an unlikely source.

This book is filled with steamy scenes, there’s definitely more steam than plot but honestly I didn’t mind at all 😆 Harper A. Brooks has developed such a unique concept with the Shadow World, but I feel like I still have so many unanswered questions. It seems like all of the guys are slowly starting to develop feelings for Stella, but they’re still more firmly in the insta-lust category versus insta-love. The guys are slowly growing me, but I don’t think I have a favorite just yet. I’m interested to see how the story continues to develop in book 3 and I’m excited to see how everything comes together!

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the Kingdom of Monsters series. This is a monster romance. Love a good monster romance. The scenes are very steamy. The last one ended with Stella being sent back to the human realm. Then we start this one with her trying to get back to the shadow realm. She doesn’t know what happened to her men. Are they dead or alive? Stella ends up being locked away. She is forced to take pills. They want her to forget the shadow realm. Nothing will stop her until she is back with Prince Airic, Knight Reis, and Wels her sexy shapeshifter. They are her monsters and she needs them. Will Stella find away back? If she does what’s going to happen? Read the book to find out.

[Naurarwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back with Stella and her guys, or for the beginning of this book with out her guys as she is thrust back into the human world and away from her men. Not just that but her ramblings about the Shadow World finds her locked up in a psychiatric centre where she finds an unlikely ally who wants to help her escape.

This book really definitely presses down the gas when Stella is reunited with the guys, and there are a lot of hot scenes to follow especially when they discover exactly what magic she possesses. I love the way the author describes the Shadow World and you really can immerse yourself within the world that has been created. There are definitely more things that the readers get to learn in this book, but I feel there may be a whole load more to come in book three.

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous second book in the series. Picks right up where book one left off and plunges you straight into an engaging storyline.
Stella is a great FMC who struggles to discern reality from dreams when everyone is telling her the dreams aren’t real. But oh they are and they are hot.
Malachi is the evil one who must be vanquished and I look forward to that in book three.
Love her monsters they are emotionally complex and sexy too. They are her reality and the thing that gives her strength to fight evil. This series just keeps getting better and I can’t wait to read the next one. Definitely recommend.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We jump right from book 1 into book 2. Stella is ready and desperate to get back to her men, but it's not working. She is being pumped full of drugs, stuck in an institution, and feeling like she is slowly losing her mind. Her monsters aren't fearing any better without her, especially with those loyal to the Shadow Prince on the run. The Shadow World has turned for the worst, and they're trying to find a way to strike back. As well as finding out more about Stella's powers, and the connection between them all. Even with her monsters back at her side willing to protect her with everything they are, there are still plenty of evil people who want to use her. Capture her, using her for their own gain, I'm looking at Malachi for all his evil plans. We got to see them all come together, with some fun ;) times, and getting closer.

I can't wait to see what happens in book 3!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of steam...because it's magic. Despite the fact that there is an abundance of nookie, there is a great story line. I thought I'd read the first book, but it turns out I haven't. That being said, I loved the way this story started. Even missing the start, there was enough of a hook and a building tale that I was able to get into the story even without knowing where it began (and figured it out along the way). I didn't really feel lost, and I can't wait to see what happens in book 3. Will Reis still be alive and returned to the group?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we pick up right where we left off and boy is it good!! We dive right back in with Stella being held against her will in an institution and pumped full of drugs and being kept away from her monsters / men. Is she mad and do they exist or is it all in her head? As it turns out the shadow world is not doing well and things are falling apart. Can Stella get free and find her way back to her monsters and save the shadow world? It’s exciting, it’s gripping, there’s secrets, betrayals and plenty of lies but there is also off the charts chemistry and plenty of sex! It’s one hell of a rollercoaster ride but what a ride it is!

[Arielle stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necessary Evil is the second book in the kingdom of monsters series, and it led off right where the first one ended.
Our female character has been thrust back to the human realm, and let's say she isn't too pleased about that. All she wants is to be with her 3 monsters. Can she make it back to them?

Throughout this story, there are spicy scenes and scenes with action/fighting. There are also times when my heart broke and also made me sit on the edge of my seat while reading. Is Reis still alive, and will they find him in time? I don't want to have to wait to find out, but I will try to be patient for the next book.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella is trapped on the wrong side of the portal. It's the wrong side because she is not with her monsters. Here she is believed to be delusional and her own family refuse to believe her, sending her away to an institution to help her "get better". She doesn't want to get better, she wants to get back. Finally finding a way it seems that much has changed since she left and her monsters too have been changed. The frightening things that they are coming to realise is that there may be more than one enemy lurking in the shadows. Malachi was bad enough but to find another as well, is there any hope of survival?