What do you think?
Rate this book
Magic Wars: Her Immortal Monsters #1
Kissed by Chaos
Coming from a powerful line of black witches doesn't mean anything if they've abused you your entire life.
I'm a broken witch.
Born with weak chaos magic, I exist on the fringes of society as a fixer of people and their problems.
Until I tried to save the Devil.
Instead, I accidentally created a blood bond between his soul and mine.
Whoops.
Lucifer whispers filthy promises of all the things he'd do to me if I brought him back, but I won't sacrifice another life to restore his playboy throne.
What’s worse, my ex-fiance won’t stay away.
He broke off our engagement. It was his choice. So why won't he leave me alone?
You'd think I'd have learned not to trust my taste in men by now, but when a one-night stand with a sinfully arrogant stranger turns into something more, the only thing I know for certain is that I'm screwed.
Love almost killed me once, and I'm determined to keep my distance from them.
But as they say... the road to hell was always paved with the best intentions.
Authors' Note: This is a devil(ish) paranormal romance with three possessive love interests that fall first for one strong independent witch. All relationships are completely consensual. This is the second series in the Magic Wars Universe. You do not need to have read Demons of New Chicago to proceed, but there will be spoilers.
I'm a broken witch.
Born with weak chaos magic, I exist on the fringes of society as a fixer of people and their problems.
Until I tried to save the Devil.
Instead, I accidentally created a blood bond between his soul and mine.
Whoops.
Lucifer whispers filthy promises of all the things he'd do to me if I brought him back, but I won't sacrifice another life to restore his playboy throne.
What’s worse, my ex-fiance won’t stay away.
He broke off our engagement. It was his choice. So why won't he leave me alone?
You'd think I'd have learned not to trust my taste in men by now, but when a one-night stand with a sinfully arrogant stranger turns into something more, the only thing I know for certain is that I'm screwed.
Love almost killed me once, and I'm determined to keep my distance from them.
But as they say... the road to hell was always paved with the best intentions.
Authors' Note: This is a devil(ish) paranormal romance with three possessive love interests that fall first for one strong independent witch. All relationships are completely consensual. This is the second series in the Magic Wars Universe. You do not need to have read Demons of New Chicago to proceed, but there will be spoilers.
498 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2022
573 people are currently reading
5085 people want to read
About the author
Kel Carpenter
73 books2,150 followersKel Carpenter is a master of werdz. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s traveling the world, lovingly pestering her co-author, and spending time with her family. She is always on the search for good tacos and the best pizza. She resides in Maryland and desperately tries to avoid the traffic.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 9, 2025
Twists!
Nathalie’s story and I’m so glad she got her own story and also went a little more into detail about the bond with Lucifer and what happened in her family. Hooked I have to see what happens!!!
Nathalie’s story and I’m so glad she got her own story and also went a little more into detail about the bond with Lucifer and what happened in her family. Hooked I have to see what happens!!!
December 12, 2022
Kissed by chaos indeed, Nathalie or Nat as she is known has had a difficult history, with her family, with her magic, with love. But even she didn't anticipate tethering the devil to her or how he would make her feel. She couldn't have forseen meeting August and the sizzling chemistry between them. And to cap it all, her first love, Marcel, needs Nats help. This book has it all, unsolved murders, missing persons, fated mates, heat, spice, heart ache. Its absolutely glorious, I need book 2 right now !
December 8, 2022
I like getting to see Nats life in this new addition to this world. She has Lucifer attached to her when she tried to make her familiar. An ex that broke her heart and an incubus with a mate. There are secrets that we don't fully know a twin that is missing and killings that are done with magic they can't identify. This book will leave you needing the next for all these unanswered questions and will keep you hooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2022
The dynamic duo of Kel Carpenter and Aurelia Jane have written another fantastic book, Kissed by Chaos is the first book in the Magic Wars Her Immortal Monsters series and it was outstanding. While the story takes place in the same Magic Wars Demons of New Chicago, with familiar characters this series can be read separately.
Coming from a powerful line of black witches does mean anything if they've abused you your entire life. Nathalie Le Fay learned to make her own path, becoming a far better person than anyone in her family. Not only is she a good person but she's powerful in her own right and has a terrific (if a little crazy) found family that excepts her for who she is. Nat is pretty badass, she may not have the most reliable magic but she's smart and has an eidetic memory. Nat remembers everything she has a memory palace with different aspects (manifestations) of herself keeping guard. It's a unique detail that I find incredibly fascinating.
There are three love interests so far. The Devil himself, Lucifer who at one point was a little crazy and a lot obsessed with Nat's best friend. He also might be a little dead and Nat may have had a little something to do with it. Lucy is currently haunting and is being pushy, arrogant, and a jerk but something is happening between them. Marcel is the witchy ex, whom Nat had a complicated past with and things turned very sour. He too is a jerk and makes the worse mistakes when it comes to relationships. Lastly, there's August, who is the gentleman incubus, who is a sex god and seems to have it together except for a cruel streak that comes out in intense situations. The guys are all stubborn and determined to win her over, let's just say there were some big speeches, the guys are really falling hard. However, after the cliffhanger at the end, I'm a bit nervous about how these relationships are gonna go.
This was a very witchy read, with spells and glamorous, magical artifacts and varying magical powers, teleportation, and portals, with backdrops like sex dungeons and opium bars, it was awesome. A lot was going on, cute kiddos who have more power than they should, a missing twin, relationship drama that hurt my heart, and a serial killer on the loose, not to mention the cats that Senorita Rosara has. The bonds are the most interesting things I've ever read, it's complicated and detailed like everything in this story. The complexity Kel and Aurelia have created in this universe really sells this story, seriously the world-building is excellent.
I reveled in every single moment of Kissed by Chaos, the plot grabbed me and didn't let go while the characters with their complex personalities had my loyalty from the start. Not to mention the pop culture and little easter eggs Kel and Aurelia left. I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released but Kissed by Chaos does make me want to fill in the gaps by finally starting the Demons of New Chicago series.
Coming from a powerful line of black witches does mean anything if they've abused you your entire life. Nathalie Le Fay learned to make her own path, becoming a far better person than anyone in her family. Not only is she a good person but she's powerful in her own right and has a terrific (if a little crazy) found family that excepts her for who she is. Nat is pretty badass, she may not have the most reliable magic but she's smart and has an eidetic memory. Nat remembers everything she has a memory palace with different aspects (manifestations) of herself keeping guard. It's a unique detail that I find incredibly fascinating.
There are three love interests so far. The Devil himself, Lucifer who at one point was a little crazy and a lot obsessed with Nat's best friend. He also might be a little dead and Nat may have had a little something to do with it. Lucy is currently haunting and is being pushy, arrogant, and a jerk but something is happening between them. Marcel is the witchy ex, whom Nat had a complicated past with and things turned very sour. He too is a jerk and makes the worse mistakes when it comes to relationships. Lastly, there's August, who is the gentleman incubus, who is a sex god and seems to have it together except for a cruel streak that comes out in intense situations. The guys are all stubborn and determined to win her over, let's just say there were some big speeches, the guys are really falling hard. However, after the cliffhanger at the end, I'm a bit nervous about how these relationships are gonna go.
This was a very witchy read, with spells and glamorous, magical artifacts and varying magical powers, teleportation, and portals, with backdrops like sex dungeons and opium bars, it was awesome. A lot was going on, cute kiddos who have more power than they should, a missing twin, relationship drama that hurt my heart, and a serial killer on the loose, not to mention the cats that Senorita Rosara has. The bonds are the most interesting things I've ever read, it's complicated and detailed like everything in this story. The complexity Kel and Aurelia have created in this universe really sells this story, seriously the world-building is excellent.
I reveled in every single moment of Kissed by Chaos, the plot grabbed me and didn't let go while the characters with their complex personalities had my loyalty from the start. Not to mention the pop culture and little easter eggs Kel and Aurelia left. I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released but Kissed by Chaos does make me want to fill in the gaps by finally starting the Demons of New Chicago series.
November 12, 2023
The start of this was slightly confusing because things were mentioned as if I should already know it had happened so I presume Nathalie was in another book as a side character so it would make more sense if you had read that first. This didn't have a big impact but things would have been a bit clearer if I had known to read that book/s first.
I liked Nathlie for the most part but it feels like the author is holding exactly what she can do back even from us and that was slightly annoying. I don't know if more is said about what she is capable of in her friends book but here I felt like I was missing something.
This is going to be a reverse harem book but in this book she only sleeps with one of them and the scene is set for another 2. One of which I'm not keen on because of their background
I will probably pick up the next book at some point but how the authors are going to convince me as a reader that they should all be together I have no idea because we are far away from that right now.
July 23, 2023
-Demons/ witches/ succubus/ incubi
-Black magic
-Murder mystery
-Why choose
-Enemies to lovers
-Mate bonds
It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I was wrapped up in the characters, I really enjoyed this. I love demons and witchy vibes. Our FMC was almost murdered by her own coven and was used to kill Lucifer. But while she was forced to kill him, so her family could gain more power, she bound him to her as a familiar. Now he haunts her as a ghost.
He wants to come back to the living but while our FMC is dealing with a persistent Lucifer ghost, that reads her smutty books because he has nothing else to do, there are more pressing issues. Our FMC is in a sex club where she meets our second MMC, an incubus who finds her to be the one person whose magic doesn't disgust him. In fact, it's the complete opposite, but just as they're about to kick it off, her ex comes in and whisks her away. She is pissed, until she hears what he has to say.
Our FMC was nothing, she was treated like crap for years by her family and is now successful and built her life from the ground up. But now, she is dealing with a ghost, an incubus and her death magic wielding ex, while trying to solve a murder.
I am 100% going to read the next book, this was really enjoyable to read.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 2.5/5
-Black magic
-Murder mystery
-Why choose
-Enemies to lovers
-Mate bonds
It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I was wrapped up in the characters, I really enjoyed this. I love demons and witchy vibes. Our FMC was almost murdered by her own coven and was used to kill Lucifer. But while she was forced to kill him, so her family could gain more power, she bound him to her as a familiar. Now he haunts her as a ghost.
He wants to come back to the living but while our FMC is dealing with a persistent Lucifer ghost, that reads her smutty books because he has nothing else to do, there are more pressing issues. Our FMC is in a sex club where she meets our second MMC, an incubus who finds her to be the one person whose magic doesn't disgust him. In fact, it's the complete opposite, but just as they're about to kick it off, her ex comes in and whisks her away. She is pissed, until she hears what he has to say.
Our FMC was nothing, she was treated like crap for years by her family and is now successful and built her life from the ground up. But now, she is dealing with a ghost, an incubus and her death magic wielding ex, while trying to solve a murder.
I am 100% going to read the next book, this was really enjoyable to read.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 2.5/5
November 19, 2023
Ever read the Series "Demons of Chicago" and felt the supporting characters were so strong they had to have more to tell.
Well, this is the more!
Not only do we get to visit with some of our old friends like Pippa and Lucifer. But Natalie's story is being built!
We know from the books that when she supported Pippa, she had a horrible dark and painful back story. Seems to be a thing with witches of name and power, to shun and bully any who do not show power. Well, Nat has power, and she is more than just her chaos power. She is now, accidentally, as you do, forever bonded to the devil, and no matter how much she wishes him away, his tempting self will not.
We meet Natalie's ex, who is a idiot for how he hurt her and is still a idiot for how he tries to get her back. We meet August, who is linked in the best and worst way.
We also meet the inner Natalie's and learn she's not a sweet girl. She's just controlled and clever enough to see what would happen if she let rage or bad Nat out to play.
So much happens, yet so little actually happens. The whole plot to find a killer is fast-moving, but Natalie's sex and love life is faster!
We get some great smutty spicy moments, although I had to reread as I felt something missing between going through the door and the big O. But still steamy and not just in bed, but in simple encounters that end with a "oh darmmmm" pass the fan moments!!!
But there are also gut and heart retching painful moments that speak to the happy ever after chasers and then run them down with a tractor. While singing "no no no, no happiness for you!"
You end up thinking, "I would love to be Natalie and have her brain and ability to be so nice." But nope, I can't take the back baggage and foretold pain she's drags around. She's a lucky gal, but she's not a forever happy one.
4.8 stars
Well, this is the more!
Not only do we get to visit with some of our old friends like Pippa and Lucifer. But Natalie's story is being built!
We know from the books that when she supported Pippa, she had a horrible dark and painful back story. Seems to be a thing with witches of name and power, to shun and bully any who do not show power. Well, Nat has power, and she is more than just her chaos power. She is now, accidentally, as you do, forever bonded to the devil, and no matter how much she wishes him away, his tempting self will not.
We meet Natalie's ex, who is a idiot for how he hurt her and is still a idiot for how he tries to get her back. We meet August, who is linked in the best and worst way.
We also meet the inner Natalie's and learn she's not a sweet girl. She's just controlled and clever enough to see what would happen if she let rage or bad Nat out to play.
So much happens, yet so little actually happens. The whole plot to find a killer is fast-moving, but Natalie's sex and love life is faster!
We get some great smutty spicy moments, although I had to reread as I felt something missing between going through the door and the big O. But still steamy and not just in bed, but in simple encounters that end with a "oh darmmmm" pass the fan moments!!!
But there are also gut and heart retching painful moments that speak to the happy ever after chasers and then run them down with a tractor. While singing "no no no, no happiness for you!"
You end up thinking, "I would love to be Natalie and have her brain and ability to be so nice." But nope, I can't take the back baggage and foretold pain she's drags around. She's a lucky gal, but she's not a forever happy one.
4.8 stars
September 23, 2023
Not just books, but each series need’s to be read in order.
This is hard to rate, as so much was obviously from previous series.
Friendships, fights, complete stories…Emotional connections, bonds, histories…there were numerous conversations from the middle on, implying past stories and circumstances I just didn’t know or understand.
These series clearly have a specific reading order, with this being last.
It’s quite possible that this would rate higher, if read in the correct sequence, with the knowledge, history, and the emotional connections readers create when reading a series.
As it is, I very much liked the FMC, except for the end. At which point she changed character, and had moments of weak, spiteful, bitch, and hypocritical narcissism.
The story waffled more than it needed, and was needlessly repetitive at times.
You could easily cut a third from this, and not effect the plot or story as a whole at all.
There was more past references made, and histories referred to, then current story created, from the middle onwards. Made it hard to connect to it from that point, hard to focus and lose yourself in.
That said, it was really well written, I just wish I understood more, and cared more for the multitude of characters included.
The authors were obviously trying to insert those beloved from the previous books, connecting them here to the continuing overall plot.
However, without that history, it’s just a LOT of names, conversations, and comments, that just waffle and confuse.
At a latter time, I may try to read these in the correct order…
Not sure. There is a lot I like about these books, but also a lot I don’t…
This is hard to rate, as so much was obviously from previous series.
Friendships, fights, complete stories…Emotional connections, bonds, histories…there were numerous conversations from the middle on, implying past stories and circumstances I just didn’t know or understand.
These series clearly have a specific reading order, with this being last.
It’s quite possible that this would rate higher, if read in the correct sequence, with the knowledge, history, and the emotional connections readers create when reading a series.
As it is, I very much liked the FMC, except for the end. At which point she changed character, and had moments of weak, spiteful, bitch, and hypocritical narcissism.
The story waffled more than it needed, and was needlessly repetitive at times.
You could easily cut a third from this, and not effect the plot or story as a whole at all.
There was more past references made, and histories referred to, then current story created, from the middle onwards. Made it hard to connect to it from that point, hard to focus and lose yourself in.
That said, it was really well written, I just wish I understood more, and cared more for the multitude of characters included.
The authors were obviously trying to insert those beloved from the previous books, connecting them here to the continuing overall plot.
However, without that history, it’s just a LOT of names, conversations, and comments, that just waffle and confuse.
At a latter time, I may try to read these in the correct order…
Not sure. There is a lot I like about these books, but also a lot I don’t…
October 31, 2023
I couldn't stop reading, and even though the ending left me hanging, it did its job of making me want the next book. I'm totally diving into the next one – gotta know what happens!
December 13, 2022
BRILLIANT… BLOODY FREAKING BRILLIANT!!! I have to remind myself every time I pick up a book by Kel Carpenter to not underestimate her writing. I never intend to but I’m always pleasant pleased that it exceeds everything I thought it could have been when I do read it! This dynamic duo have extended more in the world of new Chicago and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The plot line was exquisite and the world building was astronomical. The details this book contains are outstanding and leave me absolutely baffled that two people write something so perfectly seem less. This is truest one of my all time favorite reads for this year. I was unsure what book I’d be giving out as my Christmas book exchange but this… this is it! The characters are fantastic and our main character was a breath of fresh air in terms of personality and viewpoint. More often then not we see leads that are either full of themselves or they are meek, Nat proves to teeter perfectly among the too while still growing as a character. The male interests have left me intrigued beyond measure obviously I’m rooting for Lucifer but just for a moment I routed for the others as well. I appreciate that this is the be a book of many potential love interests but I also appreciate the almost slow burn of it. This book proved to be in part romance but ultimately I read it as a book of epic magic, adventure and plot with a spicy dash of romance in it. Many times I feel the romance overshadows the books themselves but not in this case. For this book I feel like it’s the deciduous frosting added to the cake and I plan to eat said cake over and over! Absolutely amazing, I could not recommend it enough!
November 9, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Savannah Gilmore
5 stars for Adam Gold
Book: 3 stars for series
Decent series, but I felt bad for Marcel, but overall decent series.
You don’t need to read the first series to understand what is going on.
5 stars for Savannah Gilmore
5 stars for Adam Gold
Book: 3 stars for series
Decent series, but I felt bad for Marcel, but overall decent series.
You don’t need to read the first series to understand what is going on.
December 11, 2022
Omg!! Nat, August, Lucifer, Marcel I can’t handle it!!! It’s sooooo good. What a start to Nat’s story!! A missing twin, a ghost Lucifer,
A super hot EX with secret and an obsession or getting you back and a sex on legs incubus!! It has it all!! Kisssd by chaos is jam packed with action from the very first page. It’s full of feeling and the push and pull of bonds and oaths. I loved see old characters especially Pipper and the twins. I loved the new character’s just as much and can’t wait to see where their story’s take us. The world building was spectacular with every detail bring the characters and places to life. I LOVED EVERY WORD!! Bring on book 2.
A super hot EX with secret and an obsession or getting you back and a sex on legs incubus!! It has it all!! Kisssd by chaos is jam packed with action from the very first page. It’s full of feeling and the push and pull of bonds and oaths. I loved see old characters especially Pipper and the twins. I loved the new character’s just as much and can’t wait to see where their story’s take us. The world building was spectacular with every detail bring the characters and places to life. I LOVED EVERY WORD!! Bring on book 2.
July 9, 2024
Ok je ne m'y attendais pas mais j'ai adoré ^^
En revanche, je conseille d'avoir terminé la série "Piper Fallon" avant de lire celui ci.
En revanche, je conseille d'avoir terminé la série "Piper Fallon" avant de lire celui ci.
February 14, 2023
I had a really hard time getting into this one. I wasn’t aware when starting it that it was a spin off from another series and it references that series a lot. To the point of me needing some kind of mental diagram to try and familiarize myself with the characters because they just get thrown at you. Nathalie was an interesting though. I liked her way of managing her eidetic memory Looking to see more of that and the fun that goes with it. As for the guys, I honestly couldn’t care less about Marcel and August. It’s not that they’re written badly, but Lucifer stole the show. I know it’s a why choose but I choose Lucifer. Let’s get more of that pretty please.
Overall: 3.3/5 - Story is a bit slow. Hopefully it picks up pace better. World building is kind of lazy but only because I think it’s assumed that most readers were already familiar with the previous series so the authors didn’t really bother with hand-holding.
Overall: 3.3/5 - Story is a bit slow. Hopefully it picks up pace better. World building is kind of lazy but only because I think it’s assumed that most readers were already familiar with the previous series so the authors didn’t really bother with hand-holding.
February 25, 2023
DNF 1 “I really wanted to like this book” but it bore me Stars
December 19, 2022
Wow. Just wow. I expected to like this book as paranormal why choose romance is like my bread and butter, but this book turned out to be so much more.
The allure of the romance captured me but it’s the longing and suspense laced throughout that really sold it for me.
Nathalie is a witch who grew up in a abusive family dynamic. After a run in with her crazy family she is left with Lucifer as her familiar. But after her estranged twin sister goes missing, more and more of her life is slipping through her control.
Marcel, her ex, her first love and comes to her for help in search for her sister. But he brings back so much more, the pain of the past and even more so, the fear of the future. Lucifer, bides his time tethered to Nathalie but something is growing there, something Nathalie isn’t ready to face. But Lucifer really does make it hard, with all the angsty banter and filthy implications.
And then the wild card, August and incubus with a dark past. What starts out as a transactional relationship becomes so much more and it does so way faster than they ever thought. But as such does with Nathalie, it’s comes with its own darkness and struggles. But GOD DAMN does he make it hard with his sex appeal, this man holds nothing back and it’s delicious 🤤
As Nathalie searches for her sister, hard choices have to be made, but is she really ready for how much she has to give up in her search for the truth!?
This book was so much fun! There is so much mystery here and the deeper I got, the more I wanted to know! Lucifer is sexy and arrogant but has this thoughtfulness about him that is so sweet. He doesn’t show it much but god he is so enticing. Marcel is the dark past but clearly there is so much more to the situation than we thought. August is cool and confident but secretly toeing the line of unhinged. And god does he do dominate so well!! I was giddy at the apartment scene.
This is slow burn and angsty build up and I ate that shit up! I am desperately in need for the sequel, so much has come up and I need answers!!!
*I was lucky enough to receive the book as a gift for the authors in exchange for my reviews. My reviews are 100% my own.
The allure of the romance captured me but it’s the longing and suspense laced throughout that really sold it for me.
Nathalie is a witch who grew up in a abusive family dynamic. After a run in with her crazy family she is left with Lucifer as her familiar. But after her estranged twin sister goes missing, more and more of her life is slipping through her control.
Marcel, her ex, her first love and comes to her for help in search for her sister. But he brings back so much more, the pain of the past and even more so, the fear of the future. Lucifer, bides his time tethered to Nathalie but something is growing there, something Nathalie isn’t ready to face. But Lucifer really does make it hard, with all the angsty banter and filthy implications.
And then the wild card, August and incubus with a dark past. What starts out as a transactional relationship becomes so much more and it does so way faster than they ever thought. But as such does with Nathalie, it’s comes with its own darkness and struggles. But GOD DAMN does he make it hard with his sex appeal, this man holds nothing back and it’s delicious 🤤
As Nathalie searches for her sister, hard choices have to be made, but is she really ready for how much she has to give up in her search for the truth!?
This book was so much fun! There is so much mystery here and the deeper I got, the more I wanted to know! Lucifer is sexy and arrogant but has this thoughtfulness about him that is so sweet. He doesn’t show it much but god he is so enticing. Marcel is the dark past but clearly there is so much more to the situation than we thought. August is cool and confident but secretly toeing the line of unhinged. And god does he do dominate so well!! I was giddy at the apartment scene.
This is slow burn and angsty build up and I ate that shit up! I am desperately in need for the sequel, so much has come up and I need answers!!!
*I was lucky enough to receive the book as a gift for the authors in exchange for my reviews. My reviews are 100% my own.
July 2, 2024
Je ne dis jamais non à une histoire de harem inversé. C’est mon péché mignon, je plaide coupable votre honneur ! Ce premier tome est une entrée en matière dans un univers typique en urban fantasy. Si j’avais quelques doutes au début, ils se sont vite envolés au fur et à mesure de ma lecture.
Nathalie, notre héroïne a été manipulée toute sa vie par sa famille, de puissants sorciers. Après avoir été forcée de tuer Lucifer, Nat s’est désolidarisée d’eux et vit sa vie comme elle l’entend, jusqu’au jour où sa sœur jumelle disparait. L’enquête est intéressante et permet de mieux connaitre les personnages et les prétendants de Nat. Il y a Marcel, celui qui l’a trahie, August, un incube plutôt torride et bien évidemment, Lucifer lui-même. En plus de Nat, nous avons le droit également au point de vue d’August et Marcel. Sans doute pour nous les rendre plus attachants.
Ici, j’ai aimé que les romances potentielles ne soient pas si faciles. On peut même dire que c’est assez peu conventionnel. Effectivement il y a pas mal d’embuches sur cette route-là. Nat est une héroïne forte et attachante que j’ai pris plaisir à suivre. L’intrigue générale hors romance est pas mal du tout et la fin de ce premier tome se termine sur un joli cliffhanger qui donne déjà envie de lire la suite.
Dans l’ensemble, je ne regrette pas cette lecture. Elle combine tous les éléments que j’aime dans ce genre d’histoire du coup, je suis satisfaite. Les plumes de Kel Carpenter et Aurélia Jane fonctionnent toujours aussi bien avec moi.
Nathalie, notre héroïne a été manipulée toute sa vie par sa famille, de puissants sorciers. Après avoir été forcée de tuer Lucifer, Nat s’est désolidarisée d’eux et vit sa vie comme elle l’entend, jusqu’au jour où sa sœur jumelle disparait. L’enquête est intéressante et permet de mieux connaitre les personnages et les prétendants de Nat. Il y a Marcel, celui qui l’a trahie, August, un incube plutôt torride et bien évidemment, Lucifer lui-même. En plus de Nat, nous avons le droit également au point de vue d’August et Marcel. Sans doute pour nous les rendre plus attachants.
Ici, j’ai aimé que les romances potentielles ne soient pas si faciles. On peut même dire que c’est assez peu conventionnel. Effectivement il y a pas mal d’embuches sur cette route-là. Nat est une héroïne forte et attachante que j’ai pris plaisir à suivre. L’intrigue générale hors romance est pas mal du tout et la fin de ce premier tome se termine sur un joli cliffhanger qui donne déjà envie de lire la suite.
Dans l’ensemble, je ne regrette pas cette lecture. Elle combine tous les éléments que j’aime dans ce genre d’histoire du coup, je suis satisfaite. Les plumes de Kel Carpenter et Aurélia Jane fonctionnent toujours aussi bien avec moi.
January 14, 2023
It was fun being back in this world, and I love getting a deeper understanding of Nathalie, but a couple of things bugged me.
Mainly, I wish this wasn't Reverse Harem. The other series wasn't, so not sure why this randomly is. I do like RH, I used to love it a few years back, but I felt this would have been a stronger book if it was just Lucifer in the picture. There's so much there that the other two weren't needed. I had no interest in this guy from her past. He was a total snooze fest. The incubus was more intriguing, but then the whole having a mate drama put me off the whole thing. I just think the book gained nothing from either of them being in it.
Regardless, I enjoyed this and will definitely read the next.
Mainly, I wish this wasn't Reverse Harem. The other series wasn't, so not sure why this randomly is. I do like RH, I used to love it a few years back, but I felt this would have been a stronger book if it was just Lucifer in the picture. There's so much there that the other two weren't needed. I had no interest in this guy from her past. He was a total snooze fest. The incubus was more intriguing, but then the whole having a mate drama put me off the whole thing. I just think the book gained nothing from either of them being in it.
Regardless, I enjoyed this and will definitely read the next.
August 17, 2024
3.5 rounded up
December 9, 2022
I love this world! It was nice to return like seeing an old friend after a long time apart. Natalie (Nat), Pipers bestie, continues this storyline and I'm so happy to get to know her better. She is such an amazing character and I love her mind! This book had heartache, determination and grit. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
This team of writing never disappointments and they've done an amazing job in this one like all their rest!!
You will not be disappointed while diving into this one!
This team of writing never disappointments and they've done an amazing job in this one like all their rest!!
You will not be disappointed while diving into this one!
February 19, 2023
This was seriously high in interpersonal drama, to the point that it felt like I was reading the paranormal equivalent of a soap opera. Which was fine because I was in the mood for that kind of story, but I can definitely see myself being frustrated with the constant relationship drama and extremely slow pacing of any resolution(s) to that drama if I had picked this book up at a different time.
The part of the plot not focused on the relationships was okay, from what little bits of it were sprinkled throughout the story. But aside from the fact that the MC is trying to find her twin sister who is obviously somehow involved in the murders, it felt like the mystery and urban fantasy aspects of the story didn't have enough page time or focus for me to become invested or really care about finding out what was going on.
I quite liked the MC, Nat, even though she was a bit of a Mary-Sue. She was emotionally strong, unapologetic in her sexuality, and refused to let people take advantage of her. She wasn't the common blushing innocent-virgin heroine, which was really nice.
The LIs were a mixed bag, honestly. Lucifer wasn't around that much and obviously had some serious limitations as a LI due to his circumstances, Marcel I didn't like because of his very messy history with Nat (though I think there may be more to their story than Nat is aware of, so I'm waiting to see if I'll totally hate him or just moderately hate him), and August was an absolute treasure.
Seriously, August isn't just book boyfriend material, he is best book husband material. Just take a moment to bless your eyes with the quote below, and tell me you didn't swoon even a little bit.
In general August was so much more open and honest about his feelings for Nat compared to the other love interests, aside from not finding a time to explain his mate situation to her. Which is... I mean, that was a pretty massive bombshell that he didn't prep her for and a really awkward situation all around, but considering his circumstances it's hard for me to blame him.
My biggest problem with this book—and it is a big one for me—is related to August's story/plotline, especially as it relates to the cliffhanger ending of the story.
Unrelated to the above topics, but there was a weirdly judgmental passage in the book that definitely raised an eyebrow.
There is a noticeable amount of authors that I've read who seem to have a problem with women wearing makeup, and I'm just like... why??
Also, shoutout for Nat's choice to be childfree. It's something you don't see that often with romance novel heroines, and it was a nice change of pace.
The part of the plot not focused on the relationships was okay, from what little bits of it were sprinkled throughout the story. But aside from the fact that the MC is trying to find her twin sister who is obviously somehow involved in the murders, it felt like the mystery and urban fantasy aspects of the story didn't have enough page time or focus for me to become invested or really care about finding out what was going on.
I quite liked the MC, Nat, even though she was a bit of a Mary-Sue. She was emotionally strong, unapologetic in her sexuality, and refused to let people take advantage of her. She wasn't the common blushing innocent-virgin heroine, which was really nice.
She didn’t lower her eyes or pretend to feel shame about her needs or wants. She wasn’t insecure, at least not with her body. I liked that about her. The blatant sexuality that she was unapologetic for in any way.
The LIs were a mixed bag, honestly. Lucifer wasn't around that much and obviously had some serious limitations as a LI due to his circumstances, Marcel I didn't like because of his very messy history with Nat (though I think there may be more to their story than Nat is aware of, so I'm waiting to see if I'll totally hate him or just moderately hate him), and August was an absolute treasure.
Seriously, August isn't just book boyfriend material, he is best book husband material. Just take a moment to bless your eyes with the quote below, and tell me you didn't swoon even a little bit.
“I’m not going to pretend or play petty games with you, Nathalie. I want you. I want to know you. I want to know who hurt you and I want to erase their touch from your skin. I want to know what you like to have for dinner, cook for you, and then eat you for dessert. I want to know what you do and why you do it. I want to share my world with you, but more than anything, I want to be part of yours. When you’ve lived as long as I have, you learn to recognize what you want pretty quickly. I’m a patient man. I’ll wait for you.”
In general August was so much more open and honest about his feelings for Nat compared to the other love interests, aside from not finding a time to explain his mate situation to her. Which is... I mean, that was a pretty massive bombshell that he didn't prep her for and a really awkward situation all around, but considering his circumstances it's hard for me to blame him.
My biggest problem with this book—and it is a big one for me—is related to August's story/plotline, especially as it relates to the cliffhanger ending of the story.
Unrelated to the above topics, but there was a weirdly judgmental passage in the book that definitely raised an eyebrow.
I washed my face and then applied a little bit of makeup. Nothing much. Just eyeliner, mascara, and tinted lip balm. While humans and witches didn’t mind a painted face, I’d long since learned most supernaturals didn’t care to make out with a flesh chalkboard. Natural and healthy were far more attractive than minerals and drugs smeared on skin to enhance certain features.
There is a noticeable amount of authors that I've read who seem to have a problem with women wearing makeup, and I'm just like... why??
Also, shoutout for Nat's choice to be childfree. It's something you don't see that often with romance novel heroines, and it was a nice change of pace.
I loved them to pieces, but both my nieces and nephew were a handful. I didn’t plan on having kids, but being around them had made me acutely aware of how much I enjoyed being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted.
December 28, 2024
I really liked it. I realized it was part of a bigger series and so I’ll have to go back and read the others but it was really good.
December 15, 2022
I needed this story!
Nat is a character that you can feel with every word one the page. Her story is just as fascinating as she is. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. This book is best read after the New Chicago series as you can get the background of all the characters.
Nat is a character that you can feel with every word one the page. Her story is just as fascinating as she is. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. This book is best read after the New Chicago series as you can get the background of all the characters.
December 14, 2022
Loved jumping back into the world of New Chicago!!! Getting to see how the characters are doing after Piper’s series ended and get to really dive into Nathalie’s story more. She was one of favorites!!! Definition of Boss B!tch!! And to add her own sexy times with sexy men! *drool*
Kel and Aurelia are going to take over the book world. *cue evil laugh*
Kel and Aurelia are going to take over the book world. *cue evil laugh*
December 1, 2022
Thank you to the Papermyths for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nathalie (Nat) is a witch who has little to no power. She wasn’t enough for her coven and they treated her as such.
In an effort to save those she believed needed saving, she’s now tethered to the Devil himself (who she killed).
But there’s so much more to the story.
From POVs of lovers, ex-lovers, and Lucifer, this story is full of information, action, a sprinkling of spice, and mystery.
I wanted to give it a higher rating but this story is just so long. It’s not really a “romance” story for me as it is more fantasy? It could definitely be made in to a film or tv series for sure. But I feel like the written version could’ve been syphoned down a little. Or perhaps it’s just my preference for shorter books.
The plot was good, if you’re more in to fantasy than romance.
Nathalie (Nat) is a witch who has little to no power. She wasn’t enough for her coven and they treated her as such.
In an effort to save those she believed needed saving, she’s now tethered to the Devil himself (who she killed).
But there’s so much more to the story.
From POVs of lovers, ex-lovers, and Lucifer, this story is full of information, action, a sprinkling of spice, and mystery.
I wanted to give it a higher rating but this story is just so long. It’s not really a “romance” story for me as it is more fantasy? It could definitely be made in to a film or tv series for sure. But I feel like the written version could’ve been syphoned down a little. Or perhaps it’s just my preference for shorter books.
The plot was good, if you’re more in to fantasy than romance.
November 26, 2023
I didn’t realise this was like a spin off or part of another series or I wouldn’t have gotten it because it’s written like we should have already have a bond with all these characters and backstory and everything but that’s my bad.
However, as far as the male love interests in this? Ugh. Messy. I don’t see why we should root for any of them. A) first love who shacked up with her twin b) a morally questionable ghost who is like the ex lover of two friends and had a weird connection to her best friend c) an incubus whose mate is also her friend but he’s rejecting her, rather unkindly for some reason
Like. Ew. Idk. I dislike that kind of thing of thing in general in books but all 3 of them and they aren’t particularly likeable either “I can’t believe she’s mad I’m with her twin that’s so unreasonable grr” like SIR
but it was interesting, I wish I got to know more about the world but I’m guessing that was already established better in the other books
However, as far as the male love interests in this? Ugh. Messy. I don’t see why we should root for any of them. A) first love who shacked up with her twin b) a morally questionable ghost who is like the ex lover of two friends and had a weird connection to her best friend c) an incubus whose mate is also her friend but he’s rejecting her, rather unkindly for some reason
Like. Ew. Idk. I dislike that kind of thing of thing in general in books but all 3 of them and they aren’t particularly likeable either “I can’t believe she’s mad I’m with her twin that’s so unreasonable grr” like SIR
but it was interesting, I wish I got to know more about the world but I’m guessing that was already established better in the other books
Read
July 30, 2023DNF. I didn’t realize that this was a spin-off of another series, and unfortunately it does not stand alone. It references other characters and history with the assumption that the reader is familiar with them from other books. This book should have an author’s note warning that the reader needs to read the original series to get the most out of the book.
March 8, 2023
Rough to follow
Lots of characters right away. Pet peeve of mine. I don't know if I missed a prequel or something, but SO much happened that it was hard to keep everything straight. Low on amount of smut, but quality of smut was good.
Lots of characters right away. Pet peeve of mine. I don't know if I missed a prequel or something, but SO much happened that it was hard to keep everything straight. Low on amount of smut, but quality of smut was good.
May 2, 2023
i went into this not knowing it was a spin off series so to say i was confused is an understatement. despite that, it was so chaotic and i found it quite enjoyable. i’m here for the toxic relationships.
April 26, 2025
Romance:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews