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I’m torn between three men that I swore I wouldn’t get involved with. I know it’s wrong, but part of me loves it. Craves it.

Everyone thinks I’m the good girl, but what they don’t see is that my carefully crafted persona is crumbling around me.

My ex taught me that love isn’t sweet, patient, or kind. It’s cruel and it hurts. He’ll do anything for a second chance, but I can’t forget the flames that burned me from the inside out three years ago.

My liar is forbidden, but I’m haunted by his slate blue eyes and wicked mouth. He’s gotten under my skin, and I don’t know how to remove him without tearing my heart apart in the process.

My devil may be bad, but he makes promises that sound so good. I wish I could say he tricked me with honeyed words, but really, I did it to myself. Bonding to him was a mistake, but bargaining with him? It might be my undoing.

My mask is cracked. I’m hanging on by a thread.

We all have weaknesses.
Mine just make me a glutton for punishment.



Note: Bonded by Death is book 2 of 3 in the Her Immortal Monsters trilogy. You can start the story with Kissed by Chaos now!

300 pages, ebook

First published March 27, 2023

132 people are currently reading
548 people want to read

About the author

Kel Carpenter

80 books2,163 followers
Kel 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.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
838 reviews221 followers
April 3, 2023
4.5.

This is great series. I don't like it as much as the original, as this is more relationship focused, seeing as Nat has three men on the go, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.

I still have no interest in the ex boyfriend, and although August grew on me a lot, I thi k this would have been a better book with just Nat and Lucifer and more plot.

But I love the writer and the characters and was thoroughly entertained!
Profile Image for Kaity.
2,001 reviews24 followers
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.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,352 reviews132 followers
April 3, 2023
Bonded by Death
By Kel Carpenter & Aurelia Jane
Her Immortal Monsters Book #2
Magic Wars Universe
Reverse Harem | Paranormal Romance


The angst is real in Bonded By Death The second book in the Her Immortal Monsters series by Kel Carpenter and Aurelia Jane. This book is filled with sexual tension and cocky males. Nathalie LaFey certainly has her hands full but it sure was a good time. 😉

All the Nats are back, from Peace to Ann to the Warden and more. The different versions of herself certainly had made themselves known in this one. I love the conversations/meeting between all the different versions of Nat, at times it's hilarious but adds a unique twist to the story. I didn't really understand how much Nat has helped the people in her city but now I do. The influence, money, and power she's no joke. However, Nat wields all this power and does everything for the betterment of others and she's killing herself. There is no time for herself, literally, every waking moment is for others. Nat is sacrificing herself and it's not healthy. The one thing she wants is August and once again she's giving it all up but this time because she's scared and I just wanna shake her.


Speaking of August, this harem isn't the friendliest of bunch. August is sweet and loveable but he has a darker side and is now possessive and obsessed and I have to say I'm not mad about it. The bond may be at play but it's also Nat herself that's triggering him. Meanwhile, there’s Lucifer who is actually starting to show feelings towards Nat, compassion, and caring and it's more than he's been showing. Lucifer tends to lean towards the selfish and possessive and doesn't wanna share although he might be okay with August. Both of them have given Marcel the nickname Baggage and before I would have enjoyed that but after certain things come to light I like Marcel now. I don't know how this group is gonna get their act together because one has a mate he doesn't want, another is a fecking ghost, and the third has (her) family issues. I can't wait to see this group finally settled.


The plot was glorious. Lucifer is most definitely plotting something but he seems to be more considerate in this book than before. August is pulling out his best tricks to convince Nat to accept the bond. He's trying to get to know her, is there for her even when she doesn't ask, and is opening up a little about himself. The best part, readers finally get answers about Marcel and what happened those few years ago that had Nat hating him. I was shocked but I really shouldn't have been. There's still the matter of the murders, Sasha being in a freaking coma, Katherine is still lurking about and something weird is going on with Carissa.


Bonded by Death was an awesome read, frustrating, but awesome. There were a few theories and more problems laid at Nat's feet by the end. This lead to way more questions than answers, plus the harem has completely come together but things are headed in a way that seems hopeful. I think Nat has only one book left in the series and I'm dying to know how it's going to go.
Profile Image for Victoria.
601 reviews15 followers
March 30, 2023
First, if you haven't read book one yet, what are you waiting for?
Go read it! Goooooo :D

Worldbuilding:
This is the second book of the series, set in the same world as the Demons of New Chicago series, so we know the world by now. We know the lay of the land and who the players are.
Scenes and environments were, as usual, clear and detailed. Very well written!

Character development:
With the way the first book ended... I admit I wasn't sure how it would get resolved. Nat has always been treated as inferior. I didn't want her to be second place for one of her lovers. And this was a big part of the story in this installment.
Nat has a lot on her plate, and her men don't make it easier for her. Lucifer still haunts her but starts feeling more real the closer they get to Samhain. August, has formed a bond with Nat but hasn't told her about it yet, and Marcel has so many secrets I don't even know where to start...
This installment has many twists and turns again, so hold on to your horses. You're in for a wild ride.

Pacing and flow:
This book felt a lot slower than the previous one. I think because there wasn't much about the investigation or the search for Katherine. But instead, the focus was on her relationship with each man or, well... demon... you know what I mean! It was only toward the end that things started speeding up.

The book:
The book is well-written with no (noticeable) errors. There are sexual scenes described (if that is important to you).
The book has 282 pages, spread over 22 chapters, and is told from multiple points of view.

Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and while I thought it to be a good continuation of the series, I felt like I was missing a part of the plot... the dead people and the search for Katherine. That ending, though... why do you do this to us?? We need the last book of this series as soon as possible, please!
Profile Image for Tempest Reign.
Author 4 books28 followers
April 6, 2023
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

💢 TW: Sexual scenes, multiple lovers.

Bonded by Death follows on from Kissed by Chaos, where the FMC Nathalie La Fey, a chaos witch, is trying desperately to save her friend, while also trying desperately not get any more involved with the three powerful supernaturals who will do anything to have her.

Th ex, who stole her teenage heart, then dumped her for Kat, her now mysteriously missing twin sister.

The liar, who claims to only want her but has a bonded mate currently adrift somewhere in the veil.

The devil, who became her familiar upon his death, but wants nothing more than to live again.

I just love this next part of Nat's story- once again the world-building is excellent, the plot addictive, and the tension between the characters is just delicious.

This is a seriously steamy 'why choose?' book, that is very well-written, but it left me with more questions than answers, and that ending! I'm really looking forward to reading book 3 when it releases.

If you love reverse harem, why choose, paranormal fantasy romance, morally grey characters, plenty of spice, a sassy FMC, and witchy vibes, I highly recommend you read Bonded by Death!


☆ I received an ARC of this book from the authors, which in no way sways my honest opinion, as stated in this review ☆
29 reviews
March 27, 2023
Luci, you’re my favourite. What will you get up to next? You’re quite the enigma. I think you know everything and you’re just not telling - spoilsport! I can’t wait to see the chaos you’ll cause IF you ever become corporeal again.
August…. What will Nat do? Will she sacrifice your budding relationship for her friend? Can you forgive her if she does? Either way she’s going to end up losing out. Don’t be too hard on her. P.s. we know you’ve got a secret…. All eyes on you.
Marcel - you vile betrayer, you! Broke Nat’s heart (check). Married another woman (check). Wife turned out to be Nat’s twin (check). But you’ve got more secrets, haven’t you? Something that means you’re hiding who you are. Your real face. What could it be? It’s probably something awful that will be the final thing that breaks Nat. Right?
I absolutely loved book 1 and couldn’t wait for this next instalment. It didn’t disappoint. The twists are twistier than a back road in a horror film. The men are hotter than the centre of Etna, and the plot is thicker than the most sumptuous clotted cream.
Read it (probably twice). Pick up all the little clue and cues ready for the final book - hopefully very soon.
And please let Rage out. She’s been banging on that door for years.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
794 reviews
April 9, 2025
This was an excellent continuation for this story. I had initially thought this was a duet, so I was getting so confused once I was about a third of the way through this book. I couldn't even see how everything would end up being resolved without majorly rushing it all. Once I realized it was a trilogy instead, I was much happier. The timeline is once again good to go. :)

Something about Nat just reached out to me. The authors are doing a wonderful job of conveying all the emotions and feelings with her. I love it. As much as I have been all for Lucifer so far, this latest reveal of his has me questioning his motives and intentions, despite the change in his brands. I really hope he doesn't devolve into his previous self, now.

The one I really feel bad for is Sasha. Not only has Nat taken her mate, but now she also has the man she was in love with. Now that she is back, that is really going to strain Nat and Sasha's relationship. There is no way for it not to.
I am curious to see how the bond with Sasha and August is, at this point. I just don't want Nat to hurt anymore. She deserves only the best.

I am eagerly moving on to the next book to complete the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
17 reviews
March 27, 2023
I was so excited to jump back into this world and Bonded by Death didn’t disappoint. Natalie is such a complex character and it’s been a whirlwind reading about her struggles. Every time its mentioned about parts of Nat being held back I keep anticipating her losing it and causing chaos! I am loving the build up but I am not so patiently waiting to see what Nat has as far as power.
As for the other characters in this book I love Lucifer and August! Marcel I’m still on the fence with and think I need to get to know him better. August and Lucifer are bringing Nat out of her shell and honestly she’s making them better as well.
Finally, I really don’t know how begin talking about the ending. I don’t want add any spoilers so I’m just going to say that last sentence surprised me. 👏👏 bravo that was shocking and now I really can’t wait for the next one for my questions to be answered. Great work ladies!
Profile Image for ROMEOISNOTFUNNY.
819 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2023
What did I just read!!!
Nat is choas. Her life, mind, mind, and love life are all choas. To be fair, it's pretty organised in a chaotic way.
Three men, friends in danger, past unravelled and truths revealed. There is so much and so little time energy... so much for Nat to process and take it all in.

The spicy smut is hot, warm and sweet and dangerous...and and!!! There are just so many good things. The great thing is that the heat is written so well. You feel it in the most intimate, yet innocent of times. A light kiss is on fire in this book!!

There are twists and mysteries still to come, and I wanna know, I wanna know it all. I also want Rage Nat to come out and play. Nat deserves happiness, but I get the feeling she's just gonna burn it all before she gets to finally rest.

I really hope she gets a HEA, and I wonder if this is a why choose story or in the end she is left with just one 🤔
Hope it's all three!!!

4.9 stars
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,154 reviews23 followers
May 22, 2023
A Fantastic Story!!!!!!

There are just no words on how amazing this story is. It is completely packed with information. This one starts off so much better than the last where I do not feel like I am missing a book or series. It pulled me in and didn’t let go. It had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I absolutely loved it. Nat is such a strong and mature FMC for her age. I love how she doesn’t let things hold her back. To be honest I absolutely love Lucifer and his personality with Nat. August is just as amazing. Marcel, I haven’t really connected with him as I am sure it is all the lying he does. The story is extremely well written and developed. It definitely ends in a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
1 review1 follower
July 11, 2023
obsessed

I devoured this series in 2 days, could hardly put it down. Can’t wait for the next book, I didn’t realise it only comes out next year so I’m gutted. I really like their take on the supernatural and specifically Lucifer and August. I don’t know how they’ll wrap it up in one last book, I’m looking forward to seeing how Nathalie’s powers are explained and get some more insight. Super well written and her dynamic in the group makes my heart go out to her, always being the caretaker but never being taken care of, which is why Lucifer and August as love interests were amazing. They put her first, but also didn’t put up with her trying to shut them out when her walls came up.
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,180 reviews13 followers
August 10, 2023
Angsty and emotional

I feel this book rushed through emotional reactions to get to the end goal faster than felt normal. It disconnected me from the story as it just didn’t feel natural.
It was in the female characters pov. She’s very flippant in her decisions, and is a brat most times. Kind of like the “don’t tell me what to do!as she does it anyways kinda person. Additionally, Lucian is being hot and cold with her, especially when she’s being honest and truthful while also being kind and caring. I do enjoy reading Romans conversations with her. I am interested to read more as I do believe the dark fae don’t truly understand her draw. She’s the Light faes beacon of hope, now she can be the dark faes too.
Profile Image for Daphnne.
1,313 reviews8 followers
March 28, 2023
What in the name of Luci???

This book was awesome, amazing, everything I didn't know I needed - it was full of drama and it unraveled all of my emotions. I love Nathalie and despite the fact that she gets mad at how the guys go about getting to her what she refuses to realize is just how obsessed they all are with her. Which is a shame really cause she deserves nothing less. August is just so swoon worthy and he making inroads finally. Lucifer, well he is the devil, but one so gone for Nathalie that it's cute. Marcel is meh - he doesn't deserve Nathalie but the pity is strong. That ending though... I'm super excited for book 3.
Profile Image for Stacey mann.
432 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2023
WOW!! I am loving this series. Nat is a force she is strong, sexy and so intelligent she can kick ass supremely. I love her mind and how she compartmentalises everything.. I want RAGE!! I want RAGE!! I want RAGE!! Because the way the story is building when we get her everyone better run!!.

I love Luci and August and I still kind of want marcel to Die.. just don’t like him at all still and if he could take Nats big sister with him that would be amazing haha.

I just love EVERYTHING about this book and series. The world building is amazing, the characters are outstanding, the story is enthralling, the action and character relationships are addictive. Absolutely amazing book.
Profile Image for thebooksuccubus.
575 reviews41 followers
March 29, 2023
Kel and Aurelia never fail to write an amazing stories filled with intrigue and mystery. Their characters always feel like the come to life with every word. They are all so different and enticing. This book had me absorbed into the book from the first chapter. Nathalie is not to be trifled with yet she is also try to put as much good back into the world as she can. She truly is a heart of gold but with skeletons in the closet. She is struggle with trying to help everyone else out that she often doesn't take what she needs. She finally lets that go in this one but at what cost. The devil truly is in the details as they say. The ending is going to leave at the end of your rope.
153 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2023
Loved it

Kel and Aurelia how could you finish it there??? I kind of love and hate you both right now!

Fantastic book as always from these two, I’m always amazed at how seamless it is when they write together. The story is taking on a life of its own and I can’t wait to read the last book.

But, be warned, it ends on a stinker of a cliffhanger. Not good for impatient people like me but it will be worth the wait when Book 3 arrives!

I’m off to start Demons of New Chicago now as I got my series muddled up and once I started this one I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
117 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2023
Excellent Storyline

I've been obsessed with Nat's story since she was first introduced in Piper's series. Seeing her men take care of her because she never puts herself first gives me such warm feelings. I love that they acknowledge and respect her boundaries while making it clear how difficult it is for them. It would've been nice see a little more plot development; but with 3 guys' perspective to get through, I'll gladly take the character development. I can't wait for the 3rd book!
Profile Image for Reanna Stevenson.
103 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2023
More! I need more!!

Oh this beautiful story just gets me. I need to know more about Nat’s powers and what will happen next. This cliff hanger sucks but was at just the right time! When Nat’s story is over promise we will get Bree’s. It’s killing me with the not knowing. All of it was good and she is coming into her reality. I truly love this magic world. Please keep at it even if it is tough. Us readers appreciate all your hard working imagination.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,528 reviews78 followers
April 9, 2023
This part of the story was fantastic. It continues to be action packed, suspenseful, emotional and highly entertaining. But in this book, we see some growth that Nat goes through with her men (good and bad). Not sure yet if all of them are worthy of her. Nat also goes through a lot of struggles learning about her powers, and she’s still kickass and fierce.

I enjoyed this part of Nat’s story and look forward to seeing what happens next after the way this one ended.
1 review
June 3, 2023
so good

The plot is so good i was sitting on the edge this whole book. Naturally my favorite character is Lucifer his snark and wit is amazing. The fact that he loved her, yet we get reminded that he still is the devil was an amazing addition to the story. I love Nat and her table of other Nats. I can’t wait for rage Nat to make an appearance. And the reveal of Lucifer. Can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Artemissia G.
1,637 reviews35 followers
February 22, 2025
Un tome 2 qui m’a beaucoup plu. Nathalie cherche un moyen de ramener Sasha quitte à perdre August, mais celui-ci n’est pas tellement d’accord pour mettre fin à ce qu’il se passe avec Nat. Il y a beaucoup de rebondissements dans cette suite et même une ou deux révélations qui vont mettre à mal notre héroïne. Et puis, il y a ce cher Lulu (Lucifer). Mais je n’en dis pas plus. Vu la fin, j’attends avec impatience le tome suivant.
Profile Image for Enid.
9 reviews
March 30, 2023
Great continuation of Nathalie’s series

Really enjoyed book 2 of Her Immortal Monsters! I thought the development of August and Marcel was great and shed a lot of light on book 1 happenings. I’m looking forward to seeing how this all ends in book 3. This series is quickly becoming a favorite.
Profile Image for Christin Ketelsen.
108 reviews
April 13, 2023
So hot it melts!

Nat is one of my all time favorite characters. She is so complex with the way her mind works and her magic. Loving three very different men should make for a complicated and overwhelming life but all the pieces are coming together. If can't wait for the next installment of her story.
Profile Image for Heather.
454 reviews42 followers
May 1, 2023
If I can remember to pick up book 3 when it comes out in March 2024 then I'll read it. I do; however, like the author's writing style. So I will pick up more from Kel Carpenter. But the books seem to be like a 🍫 bar, enjoyable while eating but soon forgotten. So I will probably stick to completed series so I can happily binge on it.
Profile Image for Colette Samimi.
221 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2023
Desire, magic, chaos

Nathalie is an amazing character, she is living chaos everyday while taking cafe of everyone else she manages to get in her own sexual desires from not only a hot incubus but a devil she's been trying to avoid. Great storyline and characters. Well written with steamy inserts all throughout both book 1 and 2.
124 reviews39 followers
August 20, 2023
Yes! When the expected arrives and feels darn good!

The last few minutes of Bonded by Death was literally breathtaking. Seriously, with the last sentence...I let out a breath that I didn't know was holding. Then I preceded to immediately try to click on the third book in the series to continue this wild ride....
9 reviews
August 27, 2023
Great example of archetypal interaction and purpose

I appreciate the authors take on archetypes and their interactions with personality in situations is similar to my own take on them. When starting g the series, I felt like I came late to the party and had missed a lot, but by book 2 I have caught up. Its worth the read and is thought evoking.
197 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2023
An AMAZING follow-up to the first book. The perfect mix of an adventurous and unpredictable plot that’s fast paced, yet also gives each character significant depth, includes the perfect amount of sizzling sexual tension (that you sometimes have to wait a long time for but is SO worth it)…I’m obsessed. One of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Julie.
550 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2023
Evil Evil Authors

You…did not…leave us…there. I mean, I saw it coming but not like this…and to know we only have one more book? So many questions…

Marcel, August, and Lucifer are simply divine! I cannot wait to see how all this plays out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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