A review by bookwormbunny
Becoming Briar by Nicole Kelley, Erin West

5.0

Welcome back to Hell. Please, enjoy your stay and avoid the Shadow demons, as they are serious business and not something to be trifled with.
Becoming Briar is book two in Rumple’s Curse: A Reverse Harem series by Jen L. Grey and Nicole Kelley. This book picks up where book one left off. Rose is still in the depth of Hell with Bael, and he’s determined to keep her there until she can prove that she’s able to defend herself. Rose quickly learns that she’s not as adapt as she once thought that she was. She needs to hone her skills, get stronger, get faster and most importantly…get back to her mates to solidify their bonds. An encounter with an Oracle gives them a prophecy that does not bode well for any of them, either. It appears that soon enough Rose’s troubles are going to be multiplying.
When I started reading this book, I have to admit that it took me a minute to remember where exactly Rose was. Ha! Ha! I forgot that she was still in Hell with Bael, because he claims her as his own, and thinks everyone else has a mental issue in thinking that she belongs to them, too. Over half of the story takes place in Hell, but that’s okay. Rose needs the training, and it’s interesting to watch the war going on inside of Bael. There is a push and pull with him in how he reacts to Rose. You can tell that he wants her, but that he’s fighting against it as well. I must admit that I absolutely love the dark angel who makes an appearance in this story. He adds both hotness and humor at the same time. I have to say that I like how the men finally come to terms with each other, and that they will be sharing Rose with fewer issues. I must also say, that I love a good backstory, and I appreciate the authors for giving us one concerning Eli and his rampant issues and attitude problem in book one.
I hate to say this, because I enjoyed this story so much but I had some major issues with Rose. It’s like once the guys calm down then she ramps up with the attitude problem. Ha! Ha! I’ve been on a kick as of late with females wanting to attack other females behind something a man is doing. This story is no exception to that issue for me. I don’t like that Rose wants to harm a female character simply because ELI puts HIS hand on her! I was like…if you’re going to be mad at anyone or want to harm anyone…be mad at him! The female character was innocent, and didn’t deserve Rose’s reaction (regardless of the fact that she didn’t act on it). I’m honestly hoping that Rose will tone down the attitudinal issues and jealousy in the next book. She knows that all of the men only want her no matter how many females may look at them. Some of her issues are insecurities, which I can understand, but I don’t want her wanting or trying to lash out a female simply because one of the guys is texting, talking, or simply around that female. For me, that’s just taking things overboard.
I truly enjoyed this story other than that. The characters are fascinating, and fun to read about. I like that they are working to strengthen their bonds, and that Rose is learning more about herself. I like the twists and surprises that the author writes into the story. They keep the reader engaged. War is coming, and the characters get yet another taste in this story. I have to admit that one taste is a huge shock and reality check for all of them. I’m pretty sure my mouth was hanging open when it happened.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this story immensely, and I’m looking forward to the next installment in this series. War is coming. They must prepare and gather allies or else all will be lost. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, then I highly recommend you pick this book up and dive in.