Review: How to Trust a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 4) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4🌈

How to Trust a Hellhound is the fourth book in the Hellhounds of Paradise Falls series by Shannon Mae. A terrific interconnected series with Mae’s preceding work with crossover characters, here we’re watching an adopted family of Hellhounds find their fated mates, often from a similarly small group of found family of humans friends, starting with a paranormal author next door.

The humans have, for the most part, damage and horror in their past or present lives, which meshes well with hellhounds intent on delivering justice and dark souls to the underworld.

How to Trust a Hellhound focuses on adoptive Hellhound father, Wilder, who has returned to his “boys” and the town of Paradise Falls only to find someone who needs him.

That’s human Josh, close friends with Toby (the author and now hellhound mate). It’s been obvious for several books that Josh has been in dire trouble, mostly due to his controlling boyfriend. But here Mae shows us exactly what Josh has been through. The emotional and physical abuse, and the damage it has caused.

This particular situation and how the characters, especially Josh and Wilder, as well as the various other characters, handled it, was well written. Multiple reactions, including shock. Anger, withdrawal. Everything reads realistic and painfully true.

Along with the development of Josh and Wilder’s relationship, which is slow, given the current situation, there’s also the fact that Josh was unaware of the otherworldly beings around him. Hellhounds being number one. That’s was very funny.

The only aspect of this story I felt was underdeveloped or not as well explored was the big dramatic climax which sets up the next relationship and novel to come.

There’s no foundation for it. Any of it. You could say it was all meant to be a surprise but there should be some kind of narrative shoring up of the plot and aha moments but instead it feels muddled and confusing.

The author states that originally another couple was to have the next book but she changed her mind because these two were speaking up. I get that. But it feels rushed.

Especially since it looks to be a very intriguing relationship. Can’t wait to see how that plays out.

Recommended!

Cover design by Morningstar Ashley

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls: (Paranormal Romance)

How to Flirt with a Hellhound

How to Hack a Hellhound

How to Tame a Hellhound

How to Trust a Hellhound

How NOT to Kill a Hellhound (Coming Soon)

Linked series:

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance)

Buy link

Book 4 of 4: Hellhounds of Paradise Falls

Blurb

Wilder

Angels, demons, hellhounds, Nephilim, and a whole host of other non-mortals—my pack of adopted hellhound sons sure knows how to pick a place. And yet somehow, the most interesting one of all is the sad, quiet human who’s become friends with the pack. Helping people heal and learn to trust is a specialty of mine, but I don’t see Josh as someone to adopt—my hellhound sees him as a mate. The problem? Josh doesn’t believe in anything supernatural. Plus, there’s the vicious and oddly hard to track ex-boyfriend, the meddling but strangely helpful sheriff, the delicate side project I’m working on, and the immortal evil rich guy running around. As I said, my boys sure know how to pick a town.

Josh

I’m the boring one. No imagination. No fun. In control. My ex-boyfriend taught me how to let loose and explore things, but then he changed… or maybe I just realized who he truly was. I want someone who cares for me, not someone who controls me, but I don’t think Rick will let me go easily. Everyone is willing to help, though, including the handsome dad of my best friend’s boyfriend. My inappropriate feelings for him aren’t helping matters, though. Not to mention that the more I hang out with everyone, the more my writer friend’s supernatural stories suddenly don’t seem so far-fetched. Something is strange about Paradise Falls, and I can’t help but think that Wilder is more involved than he lets on.

Tags: It’s always the quiet ones (wink, wink); Josh doesn’t believe in hellhounds, but they believe in him; Wilder is just the hellhound to give Josh all the comfort and healing he needs; Helene is the best therapist for someone who’s been wronged; the entire pack gets involved (of course) and chaos ensues; abusive ex-boyfriends always get what’s coming to them; there’s torture and death (but only of really bad people); hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

Publication date: September 1, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 276 pages
Book 4 of 4: Hellhounds of Paradise Falls

Review: Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling

Rating: 3.25🌈

While I’m really enjoying this subset of paranormal fantasy novels in the Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery universe, this book doesn’t have the same level of complexity and depth for all the main characters as previous stories. And that lack hurts my connection to the narrative.

K Sterling is a fantastic author. Her ability to weave together a coherent and compelling narrative is a huge factor in her success. She uses her unique background of investigations, murders then adds more layers of natural history, geography, multicultural history, and mythology to create a unique world and experiences.

This is where I recommend readers not to forget to include reading all Sterling’s author’s notes at the beginning of this book. On this being a love note to our parks and its Rangers, but also to their own complex, oppressive history with our indigenous people and communities over lands that were confiscated by the government.

And, there’s a dictionary for those who want to know how to pronounce some of these Irish Gaelic words seen throughout the novel and series. Honestly, I loved this.

Now to the pluses and minuses of the book.

The plot is excellent but almost too removed from actual action and its deep roots in a nefarious bargain. We should have seen more of that. And perhaps less sex, more detailed work on a real relationship.

It’s framed in that the Oracle has seen that an innocent, a Park Ranger in the Shenandoah’s, will be in danger from a demon.

That’s more than enough for the crew of Demi Sun god MacIlwraith, Nelson, Merlin, the two hellhounds and their mates to make the trip to investigate and save him. This group is always a great source for the story and dialogue. And we see Nox MacIlwraith’s powers growing.

However, thing is , the main story revolves around the Ranger, Niall, and the demon, Cenn, aka Lord Smoak. Of the two, we get one fascinating character and one bland one dimensional character. Guess who is the one note person? Niall the human.

He’s got a great background story, but that not well represented in his actual personality. The dark damage he fled from wouldn’t be the same as someone who really just comes across as an introvert from a conservative background. It’s not believable as written.

Who is on point is Cenn, the demon Lord Smoak. First of all demons, arguably murderous, arrogant, dark and complex. And flexible in his ways and character to show the ability to make choices and changes as he sees fit.

Silas, a Sheriff and new character has the next book in the series and it’s already an interesting one from the small excerpt included here.

This left one aspect of Cenn and Niall’s relationship open as well as what happened to the first villain, an ongoing conflict.

So my take on Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling is that it’s interesting but doesn’t hold up well next to the preceding stories.

Read it as a bridge between the books, for the new characters and to see how the group is evolving. Nox especially.

Exquisite covers.

Cover art by @KillerLaurent

Moon Mysteries 1 – 3 (first series)

Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries sequel series)

Back in the Hunt #1

The Tides of March #2

Dead Air #3

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries)

Blurb

He hid in the woods to escape a monster but found a demon in his bed.

Six years ago, rising political star Niall Gilpatrick was living a lie. A fearless and vocal activist, he hid that he was himself a victim. After a brush with death, Niall ran, starting over as a park ranger in the Shenandoah Mountains.

But now, strange dreams and an impossibly dashing biologist have upended his tranquil existence.

And that was the point.

An ancient Irish demon, Chance Curn was sent to tempt this surprisingly wholesome mortal into selling his soul.

He’s haunting Niall’s dreams and playing with his heart, but it is Chance who finds himself in a dangerous trap.

Since when did demons have feelings?

Now, Chance has to decide if he’s willing to risk it all for a mortal and Niall must face his fears to trust a demon with his heart and his life. Can they save each other or will they become dead air?

Dead Air is a paranormal MM romance set in the mountains of rural Virginia. There’s Celtic mythology, an evil plot to foil, and an isolated cabin where no one can hear you scream. Dead Air is set in the world of Nelson & MacIlwraith, but can be read as a standalone.

Publisher: Bawdy Books
Publication date: August 19, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 247 pages

Review : THE BANNING OF THE BATH BOMBS (A Ross Young, Unholy Trifecta, and Spellbound Crossover) by AJ Sherwood and Devon Vesper

Rating: 4.25🌈

Short, adorable and great way to mesh these three series and zany group of characters.

Will you be lost if you don’t know the characters or their respective relationships? Pretty much. It’s still an entertaining read but having all the background information on who’s who and what series they came from makes those scenes and characters more enjoyable.

Definitely a gift to the authors fans. And I love every sentence.

Cover by Katie Griffin

Series and Characters Involved:

The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA (multiple shorts/crossovers)

Unholy Trifecta (3 book series)

Spellbound (1 book series)

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Banning of Bath Bombs (The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA) eBook

Blurb

Turns out bath bombs are actually magical portals. Or at least, in the hands of Master Mage Declan, they became portals. Even he’s not sure why.

Said magical portal connects to Ross’s bath tub.

Which means this is also now the Unholy Trifecta’s problem because Ross absolutely refuses to deal with portal magic by himself. Thanks muchly.

Tags:

Crossover time!, Unholy Trifecta, Supernat PA, Insanity of Reincarnated Mages, bath bombs gone wild, lots of bath tub hopping, I treat Canon like a Buffet but in a Gentle Way, Canon-Typical Poor Decision-Making, brain cells assemble, it’s just mindless fluff and shenanigans, Declan use your brain challenge: failed, crack treated like crack, neither author is sorry.

Publication date: August 7, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 42 pages

Review: Smokescreen (Knight & Daywalker Book 1) by Sam Burns

Rating: 4.5🌈

Set in the same universe as the marvelous Fantastic Fluke series, Sam Burns has a new fantastic paranormal series out, Knight and Daywalker.

The first book, Smokescreen, which ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, is an excellent read and start up.

It’s got murder mysteries, a paranormal universe with magical characters, including two main characters who are somewhat enigmatic in their precise nature and history as well as a black kitten with a bottomless appetite. It’s also just as intriguing as the other main characters.

Flynn Knight, has a very scary ,Morticia coded in looks, mother who rules the vampires of their city. Is Flynn a vampire? No, he talks to animals. That’s one of the puzzles in the story. What is Flynn? Other than absolutely engaging.

Then there’s Davin, the Irish vampire who, courtesy of Flynn’s mother, ends up being Flynn’s business partner. But the idea of another agenda seems possible. He’s got his own troubles and backstory to revealed.

The pace is quick. We meet many new and exciting characters. All incredible and with their own stories to explore.

And Smokescreen finishes with a startling dramatic flourish and cliffhanger. Which I’m not unhappy about.

I’m excited about the next story, even if it’s months away from release.

Sam Burns is an auto buy for this very reason. Definitely recommend this book.

Knight and Daywalker – a planned trilogy:

Smokescreen #1

Façade #2 – Jan 1,2026

Masquerade #3 – TBD

Same universe as

THE FANTASTIC FLUKE-complete ❤️

The Fantastic Fluke

Fluke and the Faithless Father

Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco

Fluke and the Frontier Farce

Fluke and the Fantastic Finale

Buy link

Book 1 of 2: Knight & Daywalker

Blurb

Flynn Knight is the only (and frankly, impossible) child of the leader of the vampires in Los Angeles. He’s also a bit of a scatterbrain, a thirty-something manchild, and a private investigator. When one of his mother’s political frenemies gets killed and she asks him to investigate, he’s put between a rock—her—and a hard place—the fact that not a single vampire in the city will believe the answers he finds without impressive proof to back him up.

Combine that with an eighty-thousand-dollar bill he has no idea how he’s going to pay, a hit and run that has landed him a victim of the cat distribution system, and his mother trying to foist a new business partner off on him, and his life is way more complicated than he likes.

At least his new partner is nice to look at, even if he’s the weirdest vampire ever, who doesn’t seem to follow any of the usual vampire rules.

Also, why won’t this kitten stop eating?

Smokescreen is set in the Fantastic Fluke universe, starring never before seen characters and a new setting. It begins to explore Flynn Knight’s relationships, and while it contains a complete story, it does not reach the slow burn romance plot, and the main overarching plot will continue in book two, Façade.

Publication date: September 4, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 259 pages
Book 1 of 2: Knight & Daywalker

Content Warning: multiple gruesome deaths described in detail, injured (but NEVER killed) animals, ableist attitudes from non-MCs, violence, fraught parental relationships.

Review: Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2) by Annabella Stone

Rating: 4.5🌈

Did I lose it over the turns in this book? Why yes I did. Had zero clue Stone was going to take the series in this amazing direction. I’m so excited and in for this series.

If you haven’t read this or are familiar here, author Annabella Stone is taking black ops, military top secret missions, explosive situations, alpha military training forces, fated mates, magic, outstanding use and twists on Irish mythology and lore. Legends come to life. I feel like I’m forgetting something.

If that wasn’t enough.

Stone packs her storytelling with a found family of a black ops unit called Volcano. Then starts expanding her characters and universe with Irish mythology and folding in magical powers and fated mates in a way that’s entirely different. It’s pulled together by the steel, strength , and love for the fight for doing the right thing, for loyalty, and brotherhood.

Stone bridges the worlds between humanity and mythology and makes it powerful and believable in the men and their bonds. To the one they love and to the group they call brothers.

It’s not without elements that had me asking for more exploration or explanation about some areas. Like what happened to the supernatural training that was supposed to happen.

However, I’m betting it will be a part of the next book to come out next year.

But here? The yes, explosive story begins with *Viper* Dare and his rescue of Archaeologist *Ward* Sutherland while on a secret mission with his unit.

It’s one wild and crazy thing after another. I absolutely won’t spoil the twists and surprises but Stone’s rich lush descriptions bring to life such incredible characters and scenes that you can hear the songs, smell the banquet, and take in the atmosphere that Viper and Hank are watching and are a part of.

Great twists, outstanding characters, and action sequences, vividly captured details and beautiful use of magic and mythology.

There’s an Irish dictionary for some of the words and phrases. Loved that.

I only wish I could zoom ahead for the next book’s release date.

A fantastic book, grand series and one I’m highly excited to recommend.

Cover Design By: Golden Czermak

Operation Volcano :

Operation Magma #1
Operation Caldera #2
Operation Fuego #3 – April 30,2026 (argh!) – Reaper’s story

Buy link

Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2)

Blurb

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒, 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒!

Navy SEAL Kelvin *Viper* Dare was born to be a frogman. He’s pretty much seen it all over his fifteen-year career, and nothing surprises him anymore. Nothing except an unexpected natural disaster, which sends his team’s latest mission to hell in a handbasket. Volcanic blasts were not even on his radar when he and his men deployed to search for the newest terrorist to dare bring war to US soil. Now he must figure out how the hell he can protect not only his team, but also the American they find deep in the cave system, which offers their only chance of survival.

Archaeologist Howard *Ward* Sutherland was supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime to study the ancient markings found at a cave entrance on an unnamed island in the Indian Ocean. The further into the cave he moves, the more of the witch symbols he deciphers, and the louder the island rumbles and shakes under his feet. He may not be able to see what is happening on the surface, but the sudden appearance of a Special Ops team, and its growly, bossy leader, tells him things are very, very wrong.

When an ancient power stirs and the veil between worlds cracks, they must choose between duty and destiny. Because some doors, once opened, demand more than loyalty—they demand your soul.

Magic, legends, and a brotherhood who’ve been waiting for their High King!

PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction packed with Irish myths and legends, alpha heroes, raw emotion, fated mates, and more.

Publisher: Embers Romance LLC
Publication date: July 31, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 360 pages
Book 2 of 2: Operation Volcano

Review: Ghostly Bother (Ghostly Book 9) by E.M. Leya

Rating: 3🌈

I’ve been a fan of the author and this paranormal series for some time now but Ghostly Bother, the ninth book in the series, didn’t hit as well as the rest of the stories. The storyline, the main characters , the ghost of the plot, everything all came with some sort of flags or issues with the dynamics or functionality in the narrative that bothered me.

One is the mayor Eden, a nasty woman, who took bribes, was a selfish person and, even in the afterlife is a personality bordering on oblivious selfish self interest and cruelty. Spoiler. She walks into the light after being a bad person in both the living and the afterlife. Strike 1.

Because she’s a huge player here in the story and has an enormous role in the next element that put up flags for me.

That’s the relationship dynamic between Lance, who can interact with the ghosts, and Angus, his detective lover who can’t. But Angus, who has lived with his mother and her best friend, also a ghost, is familiar with ghosts and how they can impact the living.

So does he (and author Leya) write into their relationship one of an established understanding and support when Lance is constantly harassed 24/7 by Eden, unable to find rest or do his job? No, instead of the dynamic that’s been built of steady work and love, it’s demolished by one act of lack of respect and understanding. This aspect of the story has little foundation based on the previous books and the relationship the author has been building.

Nor does the quick resolution to this particular problem seem likely or believable. It just doesn’t make sense.

Unfortunately, the book, plot, mystery does feel particularly well written or thought through. It’s a miss for me.

Hopefully the next book will see a return to the original series path.

Cover Art by: Annabella Stone

GHOSTLY SERIES :

Ghostly Awakening

Ghostly Findings

Ghostly Envy

Ghostly Claus

Ghostly Target

Ghostly Hostage

Ghostly Death

Ghostly Dilemma

Ghostly Bother

Ghostly Force (coming soon)

Ghostly Grandma (coming soon)

Buy link;

Ghostly Bother

Blurb

When the mayor of Fairway is killed, Angus finds himself thrust into a confusing case of bribery and corruption. While many in the city rejoice over the mayor’s death, the investigation is a nightmare for the police.

Lance wants to be supportive, but when the mayor’s ghost figures out Lance can see and hear her, she won’t leave him alone. Insisting they solve the case as soon as possible, she follows him around, bringing chaos to Lance’s usually simple life.

Feeling stress from every angle, both Angus and Lance struggle to handle everything going on without letting it affect their relationship. Everyone is working to close the case, but it isn’t easy when the victim refuses to share information that could lead to her killer.

Someone is hiding something, and it’s up to Angus and Lance to figure out exactly what that is.

Publisher: E.L. Publishing
Publication date: July 25, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 218 pages
Book 9 of 9: Ghostly

Review: Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them ( Fated Mates 4 )by AJ Sherwood

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’ve really enjoyed this series and this might be my favorite one of them all. Watching Ian and vampire Andre navigate through their lives and journey to mates and HEA was funny, sweet and often moving.

I honestly could have used more scenes of them together shopping for the kids of the home, or Andre using his favorite animated tv shows to teach French. Or just the family dynamics when Ian got added, it was heartwarming and wonderful.

Unlike some of the other books, this is angst free, even while it does mention some of the worst events with the VSB that happened prior.

Sherwood’s characters and abilities to craft a story and romance the reader can relate to are excellent and represented by the couple here.

Another winner and one I’m recommending.

Fated Mates:

Fated Mates and When to Keep Them #1

Fated Mates and How to Woo Them #2

Fated Mates and Where to Find Them #3

Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them #4

Cover by Katie Griffin

Buy link

Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them

Blurb

After Ian Moore steps in to save resident playboy and vampire André Castor from a spiked drink, he expects life to go back to normal. Why, he doesn’t know, but that assumption seems reasonable, right?

Only André doesn’t want it to go back to normal. He’s found a cute, trustworthy human, which is an anomaly in his world. Can’t he just keep Ian?

Ian knows how this game ends, patiently waiting for the playboy to move on…so why is André proving him wrong?

Tags:

Finally written in order, I treat canon like a buffet but in a gentle way, new ship here all aboard!, fated mates, vampires and humans, stubborn to lovers, sometimes vampires need to be rescued too, André is part cat, Ian has been adopted and has no idea what to do from here, marriage proposal, love at first sight, or at least Crippling Crush at First Sight, Fluff, so much fluff, I’m not even sorry, Casper the kitty, the VSB is on the eternal shitlist, playboy meets his match, Casper the Cat is a matchmaker, say no to drugs kids, unless the drug is love

Publication date: July 25, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 213 pages
Book 4 of 4: Fated Mates

Review: High Stakes and Soulmates (Fanged Mistakes Book 3) by Alice Winters

Rating: 3.75🌈

Honestly, as much as I was anticipating this book, I’m surprised at that I didn’t find it as enjoyable as I hoped it would be.

The characters of Ezio, a vampire who’s been a outsized character in the previous novels, and Cyrus, the human detective who has been circling the inner group here and the object of Ezio’s desire, are both terrific in each way.

I’ve loved how they both have figured into the weird dynamic between the main couple of Casimir and Julian, as well as dealing with their own personalities and quirks.

But in their own story, certain aspects either have been completely changed or in one element, or say twist, overwhelmed the whole story. And for me, the twist just doesn’t work.

It was to convoluted, taking the series, story and character into unexpected territory and creating a “as told to” narrative that bogged down the action and flow of the whole story.

At some parts, it was just page flipping time.

The best part for me? That entire absolutely hilarious dog show scenes. I out right laughed and laughed. I’d recommend it just for those moments alone. Just fantastic writing and comedic humor.

So for me, this was a mixed bag after loving the previous books in the series. As I said, read it because of the series, the author, and some hilarious moments not to be missed.

But what happened between Cyrus and Ezio? I couldn’t really get into it.

Fanged Mistakes:

Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes #1

Dire Straits and Entwined Fates #2

High Stakes and Soulmates #3

Buy link

High Stakes and Soulmates (Fanged Mistakes Book 3)

Blurb

Ezio

One would think that being over two hundred years old would at least give me some skill at wooing the man of my dreams, though oddly, I seem to be fumbling around more than wooing.

But that’s alright, I will fumble my way right into Cyrus’s life if he lets me. After a rocky start, Cyrus is finally starting to open up to me as he realizes that vampires might not be all bad.

When Cyrus pulls me into a case, he discovers how much he needs me… and my werewolf friend disguised as a detection dog.

My past haunts my every step, but there’s nothing I want more than to leave my mistakes behind and focus on my future with the man I adore.

Cyrus

Death after death draws Ezio and me deeper into a mystery that is tearing through the city. My fear is that whoever is killing these people is toying with us, and I know I can’t figure it out alone.

Thankfully, Ezio is prepared to help me with anything I need (and then some), and he doesn’t come alone. He has Casimir (who is happy as long as Steve isn’t around), Julian (when he’s not naked), and Yorick (why is Yorick here?), who are determined to end this. But what we find is unlike anything we ever imagined.

Though it can’t possibly be worse than the delivery lady walking in on Julian naked again.

Ezio is ready to help me through it (the murder bit, not the Julian bit), if only I can leave my fears behind me long enough to accept the man I want more than anything.

Publication date: July 24, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 354 pages
Book 3 of 3: Fanged Mistakes

Review: Accidental Bond (Damned Mercenaries Book 1) by Mika Nix

Rating: 3.25🌈

Accidental Bond , the first book in the Damned Mercenaries by Mika Nix, is a sequel to the fated mates dragon shifter series, Drake Security.

I enjoyed that series very much, featuring the Drake family of dragons as they found their fated mates.

One of the main characters here is related to that family,

Mika Nix is the combined name of authors of MM romance, K.M. Neuhold and Mia Monroe, takes a different approach with this series than that of an established close knit family of ancient dragons.

Here it’s a boss mercenary demon who has obtained a group of mixed paranormal beings to work for him. They, by contracts obtained by “consent “ , ill conceived bargains, or some other means, now are basically “owned” by the demon, and are forced into his bidding. He calls them his Pets.

So yes, this immediately has elements that will not sit well with me. When I saw how this series was going, it was close to a DNF, but I did see it through. And there’s some nice things here.

Mac, the irresponsible Dragon has appeared in the Drake Security series, where he had to be rescued from some very dangerous situations due to his lack of control and overall behavior. Here, he’s finally getting some good development and growth.

Too late but he’s on a journey to find his mate. And in one of the better aspects of the story, we find out what and the history behind Mac’s dragon hoard.

Each of the “Pets” will have a story and find a mate. That’s clear.

But there’s just enough here that are elements in my auto DNF lists, that I’m stopping.

Glossing over being tricked into basically a forever servant clause. No. Sentient beings called pets. No. And while the authors have written demon Drax as some sort of cinnamon roll happy bunny, the other Pets/group members clearly have issues here with their roles.

So I’m noping right out. Others will find it interesting and charming. Check it out.

Cover design: Natasha Snow

Drake Security Series (first series)

Damned Mercenaries -sequel series

Accidental Bond #1

Buy link:

Accidental Bond (Damned Mercenaries Book 1)

Blurb

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but accidentally becoming a mercenary for a demon might be the biggest one yet…

My inner dragon has always been more like a devil on my shoulder, talking me into making bad decisions and creating chaos. I have a hoard full of demon artifacts, each one likely to cost me my life if the owners ever come after me.

I thought accidentally becoming a mercenary was the worst mistake I would make in a single day… until I inadvertently mated myself to a demon. It’s not my fault his mating ring was so pretty!

It’ll be fine… all I have to do is fulfill my contract, not do anything else to make things worse, and avoid falling for the surprisingly sweet, himbo demon who thinks I’m his mate. Should be easy… right?

Publication date: July 18, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 231 pages
Page Flip: Enabled
Book 1 of 1: Damned Mercenaries

Review: His Mate By Allegiance: MM Mafia Shifter PNR (Lunetti Pack Book 3) by Mel Aitchess

Rating: 4.75🌈

This series is seriously combustible. And addictive. My biggest regret is the long release lag time in waiting for the next book to arrive. Otherwise, mwah, hot, and *fans self* so in love with these mated couples.

This one takes it to the next level.

It’s a kinky air powerful witch and even kinkier arty werewolf assassin in mate love. In a forced marriage and suspense filled thriller of a story.

More of Rocco and Emmy! I honestly need them in more than this one book. They are fantastic!

Emilio’s brutal family history has been played out over the previous storylines but it’s damage to his character is front row here. Its meshes beautifully with the shaky history and past of Rocco, so when the magical power of the mate bond begins, it’s also powered by their shared trauma and kinks. It’s sexy, raw, hot and believable for them and the reader.

Both the Lunetti Pack as led by Alpha Marco and the Elemental Mayhem MC’s, who are led by Blaze, President of the MC (witches), are in well written and impactful roles. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for them going forward. Silas too.

The vampires were curiously absent this time. I’m betting they will be a huge factor in the next book.

There’s so many great elements here. From the side families, to the ongoing mystery and drama to that artwork. I want more.

Highly recommended and fabulous.

Cover by Camberion

Lunettti Pack:

His Mate By Vengeance (Angelo & Vin) #1

His Mate By Resistance #2 (Cal and Luca)

His Mate By Allegiance #3 (Rocco and Emilio)

His Mate By Defiance #4 (Rafe and Adri) – June 12, 2026

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His Mate By Allegiance: MM Mafia Shifter PNR (Lunetti Pack Book 3)

Blurb

The wild in you calls to the wild in me, and if you let me, I will answer. I will always answer.”

Rocco is being punished and he doesn’t like it. He probably shouldn’t have seduced and stalked the police chief’s son, but he’d been bored and no one ever should’ve noticed. His powers as an air witch skilled in illusion are too valuable for the Elemental Mayhem MC to let him go, so they’ve forced him into this sham of a wedding. They’re lucky the wolf shifter is so hot or he’d never go along with it. All bets are off once he can prove he was betrayed.

Emilio spent the last fifteen years away from New Trinity City refining his crafts—street art and assassination—but he’s still loyal to the Lunetti Pack. Unlike his traitor father. He’d do anything for his Alpha. Even marry a witch he’s never met. Coming home for his arranged marriage is the perfect excuse to hunt the source of the dangerous weapons entering the city. He has every intention of being a widower within a year, until he realises his fiancé is his mate. How is he supposed to arrange an unfortunate accident for his husband with his wolf whining about forever in his ear?

His Mate By Allegiance is an MM mafia shifter paranormal romance. It features arranged marriage, fated mates, shadow hands, and other paranormal play, including knotting. There is no mpreg in this world.

Publisher: Mel Aitchess
Publication date: July 15, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 258 pages
Book 3 of 4: Lunetti Pack

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