Review:  A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #5) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4🌈

The penultimate (so the author says) book in this delightful  paranormal romance series,  Mae is looking towards tying up several important series storylines by bringing back secondary characters from previous stories. The purpose of which is to connect them together with their soulmate by way of elevating them into main character roles.

Gabriel,the tightly wrapped, overly worked, stressed out Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation we’ve known before is now ready for a new path. Mae’s charted a sexy, joyful story for Gabriel here. It’s one of discovery and insight for himself and his afterlife. We feel so happy for him. And his partner. 

That’s the demon Leviathan aka Levi , a sea demon/monster who has also made appearances in preceding books. Levi is a sexy tentacled delight of a demon and his development along side his relationship with Gabriel is wonderful to read.

The story also brings in important elements and characters that will help finish off the series in the concluding storylines. I’m really excited to see what this will entail. 

Shannon Mae has written a highly entertaining, happy and sexy story. It’s a terrific read and one I’m happy to recommend.

Cover artwork by, Grimm Kat Cover assembly by, Tammy, Aspen Tree E.A.S.

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures:

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance ):

šŸ”· A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades #3

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers #4

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #5)

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas: 

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles (A Holiday Novella) 

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Demons 

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions

Demonic Disasters and 

Afterlife Adventures Collections: šŸ”·Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Collection 1

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls -sequel series:

  • How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1 – (Coming Soon)

Buy link

        A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8)

    

Blurb 

Gabriel:

Gabriel is the Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation… and he’s currently losing ground to social media. (Really, how is he supposed to compete with that ticking app?) When the afterlife’s management team forces him into a ā€œprofessional development partnershipā€ with a demon, Gabriel is horrified—until he meets Leviathan, a sea monster with tattoos, tentacles, and a knack for helping him connect with mortals.

Levi:

Leviathan has no interest in going back to the underworld. He’d much rather spend his time topside with his octopus sidekick and now, apparently, one very uptight angel. Teaching Gabriel about mortal pleasures—food, coffee, books, and other things (that require less clothes)—is the best adventure Levi’s had in centuries.

But as they both start to enjoy their unexpected partnership, one problem remains: what happens when the leadership team decides the partnership is over? Levi isn’t about to give up his angel, and Gabriel isn’t sure he wants to return to Heaven without his demon.

Tags: Featuring one grumpy angel and one cheery sea monster demon; accidental stroke of genius from the leadership team (very accidental); Mt. Everest is overrated, but mortal coffee is divine; even angels enjoy a good book; Gabriel discovers the joys of food, and other mortal pleasures (wink, wink); Levi has tentacles, and Gabriel definitely approves.

December 1, 2025

Language

ā€ŽEnglish

Print length

262 pages

Book 8 of 8

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures

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 ā€œboysā€ 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.

Review:  Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 5ā­ļø

And with a literal turn of the page, Mae has landed us in the fairy tale world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbelle, and Captain Hook with this second book as Harmony Fallowell, best friend Molly, and falcon Fetch leaping out over the edge of the page of the Kingdom of Alabaster just as the darkness was closing in. 

It’s a splashdown into some familiar territory with wonderful creatures and fantastic twists! 

Mae keeps moving the overall theme of getting Harmony back to her original kingdom in time to save it from the evil sorceress, letting her required knowledge and skills return as this journey continues. She is getting magically more powerful as she gathers the necessary items to complete her quest. ,As is Molly who’s undergone devastating events and is emerging from them a different, stronger woman, shifting into her own style and strengths.  And there’s Fetch,Harmony’s  feathered companion to add excitement to each adventure and adversarial moments. 

It’s hard to say anything more about the characters due to their unique roles in this book. And the many twists in this storyline. 

Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2) by Shannon Mae is the middle book in this trilogy so the author starts tying up a few of the characters stories.  This aspect of Onyx makes for a really satisfying read and leaves one feeling great for several reasons, while still leaving the reader with the impression of suspense and excitement as Harmony is left with a companion tumbling off another page into the next kingdom and trilogy finale. 

If you are a fan of these amazing covers like I am, you will have peaked at the last one, Inked in Emerald, and know exactly where she’s landed! Absolutely perfect. 

I can hardly wait for this one to be released! 

See you there. Clicking my heels. 

Highly recommended. But they must be read in the order they are written. 

Cover by HiJinks Ink Publishing

Inkbound trilogy series:

Inked in Ashes #1

Inked in Onyx #2

Inked in Emerald #3 – Sept 23,2025

Buy link 

        Inked in Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2)

    

Blurb 

One fairytale down, one pirate-infested nightmare to go…

Molly, my ever-loyal falcon, Fetch, and I barely survived evil wizard Relyk and escaped Alabaster, only to get cannon-bombed into our next story. 

Literally. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell swoop in with a rescue, whisking us off to Neverland. At first, it’s all glitter and good times on an island straight out of a daydream…until they mention a magical clock they’ve been hunting.

The same clock I need to fulfill my destiny.

So we do what any desperate main characters would do—we steal their boat and vanish into the night to get a jump on finding the clock. Too bad we sail straight into the hands of pirates.

And here’s the real kicker: Their captain is the man I’ve been dreaming of since childhood.

The twist? He’s not charming. He’s not kind. He’s not even remotely sane.

He’s the most dreaded pirate of all time.

And he thinks I’m a boy.

Now we’re tangled in secrets, trying to blend in, plotting yet another escape—until I find out the man of my dreams is after the same enchanted clock. The one he stole from Peter Pan a decade ago and lost to a massive, man-eating crocodile…along with his hand.

With reluctant alliances, sea monsters, and an unholy attraction to an even unholier pirate, this story might end with a bang or me walking the plank.

  • Publisher: Hijinks Ink Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: June 10, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 369 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Inkbound

Review:  How to Tame a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #3) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4🌈

How to Tame a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #3) by Shannon Mae continues this fated mates series with the next couple, two damaged people, Atlas the Hellhound who’s mostly feral, and Aiden, the human being who is still recovering from his ordeal from his time as a prisoner and kidnap victim. 

Shannon Mae, an author who’s written many of the series I have reviewed and highly recommended, writes here about some very disturbing and very sensitive topics with genuine compassion and respect.  She does it well and I think within a therapeutic framework.  FYI for those readers who should look at TW going forward. 

Fluffy and Aiden’s growing relationship started in the previous books, with Aiden going on walks in the woods and dog-like Atlas as his companion, Fluffy.  Aiden not yet understanding who or what Fluffy really is, a mostly feral Atlas who’s found his mate in the wounded Aiden.

Mae has always done a good job in presenting the Hellhounds, or a section of them, as truly otherworldly beings lacking the necessary social knowledge or understanding that allows humans to interact with others and interpret their behavior. 

So the scenes and dialogue between the Hellhounds and their mates or SO’s are humorous but serve a better purpose to underscore their own Otherworldly ignorance. It works here really well. 

Aiden and Atlas’s personal experiences with trauma and pain help them to find their own way through to a deeper relationship. It makes sense to us as readers. 

The author has multiple storylines included here, ones that are still playing out for the next book.

It’s a highly emotional, suspense filled and satisfying story. 

I was so happy for Atlas and Aiden to get their HEA.  

Paradise Falls is Shannon Mae’s favorite location to play in. Can’t wait to see what happens next here. 

A definite recommendation!

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls:

How To Flirt With A Hellhound #1

How To Hack A Hellhound #2

How To Tame A Hellhound #3

How To Trust A Hellhound #4 – Oct 4,2025

What else takes place in Paradise Falls? 

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures (8 book series)

Buy link

        How to Tame a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Aiden

Apparently, the trauma from being kidnapped doesn’t end when you’re rescued, although I’m doing better. I have a roommate who has become family, and we’ve been adopted by a pack of otherworldly creatures who protect us. I’m still a little jumpy, and most people make me uncomfortable, but baking, therapy, and my daily walks are all helping. The sweet guard dog who follows me around in the woods helps, too. I can tell him anything I want—even how scared I am of my own family. I’m afraid to bring trouble to my new family’s doorstep, but I can’t end up caged again.

Atlas (aka Fluffy)

I have never belonged. I never knew my parents, and I grew up with a pack of wolves. (Yes, I was literally raised by wolves. Believe me, I see the humor in that too.) Wilder found me and adopted me, and I have a pack and a good life. People still make me uncomfortable, though, unless I’m torturing and killing them (only hellbound people—I’m not just some random serial killer). I just like solitude. But there’s something about Aiden that calls to my hellhound, and I can’t help wanting to protect the sweet human. I’ll even put up with being nicknamed Fluffy so long as I get to stay close to him. When I find out he’s in danger, I know I can’t sit back any longer. The only problem? How will my traumatized human react to finding out I’m not just a guard dog?

Tags: Both characters have tragic backstories and need lots of comfort; Aiden loves cuddles and Fluffy is totally cuddle material; Atlas kind of likes being called Fluffy by his human, but he’ll maim anyone else who tries it; there’s torture and death (but only of really bad people); hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

  • Publication date: May 1, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 234 pages

Review:  How to Hack a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #2) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’m so enjoying this series, a sequel to Mae’s fantastic Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures (8 book series).  Same location, many crossover characters and fascinating interactions between them that make this series a great read.

It’s dark and violent but without being graphic, sexy with fated mates and magical otherworldly characters. Many of the characters have tragic or otherwise damaged pasts that still currently haunt their lives.  And that  factors into the narrative of their stories and romantic relationships.

Yes, I’m throughly invested here.  

Mae’s done a fantastic job in creating the new interlocking cast of characters that’s launched the series.  A found family of Hellhounds that’s moved to Paradise Falls and will start to find their mates.

First , they ended up moving next door to human horror author, Toby, and HellhoundDexter ended up helping Toby with his writing but saving him too from a trafficking ring. 

That storyline continues with two of the survivors , Quinton and Aiden, who’ve been adopted into the small group of otherworldly friends, including the Hellhounds.  

While this is Quinton and Liam’s story, it’s also Aiden’s because Aiden’s trauma and Quinton’s is linked by their captivity and now survivor closeness, a deep relatable friendship.  I love how Mae handles this aspect of the story as well as the different facets that’s introduced to the relationships that exist within the group that’s developing here.  There room for so many types of relationships and understanding of each other and how they relate to various dynamics within the group. 

It’s lovely. And I look forward to more of this and these types of conversations happening.

The other thing is that the Hellhounds, a well defined and diverse group of individuals, have been created as distinctly non human entities. They come across completely, in their language and actions as otherworldly beings.  And we’re still learning about them and their history.

I love this story, the world and the characters.  Shannon Mae ties up the trafficking storylines here satisfactorily and sets up the narrative for the next couple to come. It should be fascinating , and full of emotions.

I can’t wait. 

I’m highly recommended this series and book. Read them in the order written for plot and characters development.

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls:

  • How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1
  • How to Hack a Hellhound #2Ā 
  • How to Tame a Hellhound #3 – May 1,2025

Related series, same universe:

šŸ”¹Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures (8 book series)

Buy link

        How to Hack a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Quinton

Getting kidnapped and held hostage in a human trafficker’s basement was not on my bingo card. Getting rescued by a paranormal being was also not on my bingo card. (Apparently I needed to trade in bingo cards.) The guy who took me may be dead, but I know there are more people behind the operation, and I plan to shut it down. If I need to get the help of one of the creepy glowing eyed dudes to do it, I will. It turns out Liam is incredibly sexy and really good with technology, too. He may be great at hacking into computers, but I’m determined to hack my way into his life.

Liam

Ever since I looked into the feisty human that Dexter rescued from a basement, I’ve been a little… obsessed. Is it wrong that I watch him all the time and hack into all his technology? I’m just trying to keep him safe. After all, he’s sticking his nose into some troubling areas, and I can’t deal with the thought of him getting taken again. Of course I offer to help him when I discover his mission to take down a trafficking ring, although my motives aren’t exactly pure. The little human attracts me in a way that I can’t explain, and my hellhound thinks he’s mine, whether he wants to be or not.

Tags: Emotionally traumatized, feisty vigilante and hacker hellhound fall in love; Liam has Quinton under surveillance 24/7 and will protect him; Quinton doesn’t mind being watched if the dude with the glowing eyes will keep him safe; there’s torture and death (but only of really bad people); hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

  • Publication date: January 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 240 pages

Review:  How to Flirt with a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #1) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

Shannon Mae’s latest book is the first in a new paranormal series, Hellhounds of Paradise Falls, a universe where many of her other characters and series are located in. 

I love crossover series when I’m heavily invested in the universe and characters I’ve been following already, so it’s so much fun to see a new group arrive to get their fated mates and HEA.  In this case a pack of Hellhounds, starting with Dexter, who’s just fabulous in a bunch of weirdly supernatural and supportive ways. 

Dexter’s has a pack of brother hellhounds which are all introduced as well here into How to Flirt with a Hellhound. This is the romance of human author Toby and Dex, the Hellhound who lives next door to him in Paradise Falls.

We get a recap of all the many wonderful elements and otherworldly couples that live in Paradise Falls, why it’s so special.  And the fun that begins with Toby speculating on his hot new neighbor as he writes his paranormal novel.

It’s funny, and a great way to bring the characters together. Who are engaging, have amazing chemistry, and are simply a couple we can invest in.

Dex is at times just unaffected with his outlook and straight on personality. The author must have had such fun creating Dex, and his dialogue!

As Dex comes with his intriguing four brother hellhounds so does Toby come with his own group of equally complex friends who I expect will factor into this series. That’s including the new people who are rescued from events that occurred during this story.

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls:

  • How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1
  • How to Hack a Hellhound #2 – January 2,2025

Buy link

        How to Flirt with a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 1)

    

Blurb

Toby

Maybe I have an overactive imagination, but the hot guy next door totally gives off serial killer vibes. Why else would he know how long it takes to bleed out from a wound? Yeah, ok, so I asked, but it was research. Being an author definitely makes for some odd questions (someone had better clear my browser history when I die, that’s all I’m saying). It’s not like I’m stalking my hot neighbor or anything—there’s nothing wrong with watching him out my window. Although I might have my own stalker (and not the cute harmless kind), which is kind of terrifying. Even if he isn’t a serial killer, maybe my seriously sexy neighbor whose eyes seem to glow red (a trick of the light, I’m sure) can help me out.

Dexter

How do you tell your cute neighbor that cutting off fingers probably won’t cause a victim to bleed out? I don’t know if trying out Toby’s writing ideas is a good method of flirting, but there’s just something about him that calls to my hellhound. He’s adorable, awkward, and all kinds of clueless. He brings out my protective instincts, and I find myself wanting to please him, even if that means figuring out some of the answers to his rather bloodthirsty questions. When I find out Toby might actually be in danger, nothing will stop my hellhound from protecting him. He’s mine, even if he doesn’t know it, and I’ll tear apart anyone who even thinks of hurting him.

Tags: Socially awkward writer and serial killer(ish) hellhound fall in love; talking about dismemberment totally counts as flirting, right?; there’s death and maiming, but only of really bad people; Dex would literally burn the world down for those he cares about; Toby is adorably clueless; hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

  • Publication date: September 2, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 237 pages

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.25🌈

Cassius, the coffee shop running oracle and the wounded grey angel Kushiel get their romance and journey to HEA finally. It’s full of the other characters we’ve met, a terrifying, heartbreaking mystery, a lovely nosy family ghost, and a plot that is extremely complex in layers.

The best part is the characters here. Cass is a great character, with his well defined personality and deep family history , we get to know him and his Aunt Ro (and all her dresses) in heartwarming ways. Btw, don’t miss out on the author’s notes on flower language at the end of the book. Fantastic touch of knowledge.

Then there’s Kushiel, who we have met in previous books. Such a great light of a angel, giving to the point of hurting himself, wounded and touch deprived, the layers to Kush and the need that finds his answers in Cass makes this book such a beautiful story.

The imaginative elements of the lost souls is one that I wish was better developed. That one we see (sorta) is intriguing so the potential for the plot to further explore this aspect is huge but it does so in a way that takes away from the emotional element rather than boosts it. In its place, other scenes and side trips occur.

When the villain is exposed and the plot mystery resolves into a quick action that takes relatively short amount of time, it feels like a let down of sorts. It’s has some interesting moments and a new character that will drive a sequel series to come. That looks great. But I feel like a tad more something/exploration could have been fit in rather than the villain monologuing about his reasons for the deeds here.

At any rate, we got a heartfelt romantic journey, and a great couple. As well as Aunt Ro.

This is just such a favorite series of mine. Shannon Mae has come up with some really amazing stories and unique and unexpected ideas about love and romance. They aren’t to be missed. Read them all and see who are your favorites!

Fabulous covers.

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance šŸ”· A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades #3

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers #4

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas:

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles (A Holiday Novella)

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Demons

šŸ”·A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions

Demonic Disasters and

Afterlife Adventures Collections: šŸ”·Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Collection 1

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls -sequel series:

ā—¦ How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1 – (Coming Soon)

Buy link

A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8)

Blurb

Cassius:

Cass has always had the sight. Although his official job may be to run his coffee shop, in reality he deals with grumpy ghosts, troublesome demons, uptight angels, and all sorts of paranormal issues. When the archangel Gabriel gives him a message that he has to help a gray angel, it’s just par for the course for Cassius. But who could predict that Kushiel would be the brightest soul Cassius had ever met, even if the angel can’t see that about himself? Cassius is determined not just to save the afterlife (and possibly the entire universe), but also to save one very sexy angel (who just might be his soulmate) along the way.

Kushiel:

Kushiel’s work is his life, and if angels shun him and he feels like he never quite fits in with demons, at least he has the souls he redeems. That is, until someone steals his entire purpose in the afterlife. Some vague clues from a demon seer send him straight into Cass’s coffee shop, where he learns some surprises about afterlife rules. With a little help from Cass, Kushiel is sure they can solve the mystery, especially since the coffee shop owner is the kindest, sweetest, sexiest human he’s ever met. Now if only he could figure out how to respond to all the compliments Cass keeps sending his way, because surely someone as wonderful as Cassius couldn’t be interested in a gray angel.

Tags: Kushiel is hurting, and Cass is happy to offer comfort and compliments; afterlife rules are more complicated than angels or demons knew; Aunt Ro keeps trying to not-so-subtly send messages through flowers; Cass runs into demons, angels, ghosts, a sea monster, and a hellhound; messages from seers and through oracles are annoyingly mysterious; Kushiel likes being told what to do, and Cass likes taking charge; Kushiel will finally get his own happily-ever-after (Cass will make sure of it).

Note: A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers can be read as a stand alone. However, it is best read after A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades, since Mike and Ari do pop up in this book.

• Publication date: June 19, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 254 pages

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m so hooked on this universe and town of Paradise Falls where all sorts of paranormal shenanigans are happening, unusual soulmates are coming together, and author Shannon Mae gets to display her amazing talents for writing a heartfelt paranormal relationship, in all its weirdly beautiful moments.

As a reader can glean from its title and description, A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions has as its center, a human whose body is possessed by a demon just before Valentine’s Day. And at the human’s request.

That’s the barest bones.

It begins with human Trent, out on a miserable date, dreading the upcoming Valentine’s Day’s holiday weekend, and all it encompasses. A few drunken mumbling words in a bar bathroom later, and an astonishing thing happens.

Paz, a fabulous demon in every way, appears to change Trent life and his own.

Mae doesn’t just have Paz appear in the normal way, no, Paz, possesses Trent’s body and, in an extraordinary manner, the author gives us a two way, inner body, dynamic.

It’s an amazing storyline. One body that holds two distinct personalities, happily I add, that get to know one another, develop a deep, intimate relationship and bond that pulls the reader emotionally into their love story. And the issues it presents.

Shannon Mae naturally brings in important characters from other books to support this pair and impart needed information. It’s great to see them as well.

However, it’s Paz and Trent we care deeply about and whose future we’re invested in, due to the great characterizations and strong storytelling talents of Mae.

It ends an absolute treat and we have hints as to the next book and main characters.

I can’t wait for this book to arrive. There’s mysteries and soulmates out there that are waiting for their turn. We need them all.

I’m highly recommending this and the entire series. It’s fantastic. Read them in the order they were written and released.

Another great cover

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance) :

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons (A Novella)

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions (A Novella)

ā—¦ A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 6)-June 19, 2024

Buy Link:

A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella

Blurb:

The dreaded Valentine’s Day is coming next week, and Trent can’t stomach the thought of another holiday alone. Hiding in the restaurant bathroom from his terrible date, he wishes for a way to skip V-Day all together. Alien abduction? Demonic possession? Coma? Anything else sounds good right about now. When he looks in the bathroom mirror, Trent suddenly realizes he isn’t in charge anymore. Demonic possession it is then.

Paz certainly didn’t expect such a welcome (apparently most hosts spend all their time screaming internally), and he also has quite a bit to say about Trent’s life (who lives in an apartment for six years and doesn’t decorate it?). Trent had no idea his demonic possession was going to look more like a home improvement show than a spring break gone wild special, but Paz manages to break Trent out of his comfort zone and show him what he’s been missing in life (and it isn’t just random hook ups).

Tags: Trent is not a morning person; Paz is way too bright and cheery for a demon; sharing a body is a surefire way to get rid of loneliness; who knew shopping for flatware (whatever that is) could be fun; Paz takes Trent toy shopping (yes, those kinds of toys); demonic friends keep popping up (and sometimes even helping); maybe Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a horrific holiday filled with loneliness and despair; Trent and Paz might just be a match made in heaven… or hell.

• publisher: (April 3, 2024)

• Publication date: April 3, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 147 pages

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

Time for the road to romance for Beel the demon pet frog to begin! And what a hilarious journey it is. Beel or Beelbufo, a lower demon, was first mentioned back in book 1. Beel had been summoned by Gabe’s Grams as a pet and companion for the little boy (long, involved, and heartwarming plot thread). Beel ends up happily spending his time (decades as Gabe grew up ) in a lovingly decorated aquarium with a heat rock) watching horror films and eating popcorn, listening to Gabe and becoming family.

Now with Az and Gabe happily paired up as soulmates, Az has plans to find Beel a love life. After all, that’s what a lust demon who’s also an Infernal King of Hell supposed to do! Meddle with the lives of those who have become family.

Mae brings Beel, previously only seen as a furiously croaking frog, into gloriously chaotic life as a confused, frantic demon. Newly back to a human form in decades, bad at deception and absolutely falling for his pet sitter, Jonathan. Who thinks he’s a frog.

While the story ends a bit abruptly, everything that goes before it is a narrative wonder. Hilarious, with moments of genuine sweetness and heart, there’s scenes of high humor and ones of poignancy. A demon frog and pet store owner find their HEA while watching horror films and eating popcorn. How perfect.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella by Shannon Mae is an excellent read and reason why I have come to love this series and author so.

The writing is marvelous, the characters well crafted, and the plotting layered with vivid details and emotional scenes.

Read this series in the order it’s written because it’s got a very complex plot that is developed book by book. Amazing! And one I’m highly recommending.

Great cover again, probably my favorite so far!

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance) :

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons (A Novella)

ā—¦ A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 6)-June 19, 2024

Buy Link:

A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella

Blurb:

Beelbufo has lived a comfortable life as a pet frog for two decades, enjoying pets, human food, and horror movie nights with his favorite human, Gabe. But when Gabe and Az fall head over heels in love, they decide Beel needs a companion too. Little does Beel know that the charming pet shop owner, Jon, is about to become his unsuspecting caretaker. There’s only one small catch – Jon thinks Beel is just an ordinary pet frog.

When Jon’s safety is threatened, Beel can’t help making an appearance in his human form. Now Jon’s eyeing him with suspicion (turns out his cover story wasn’t that great), Gabe and Az are up to their matchmaking antics, and Beel really just wants another kiss with the adorable pet shop owner. (Oh, did we forget to mention they shared a kiss? Spoiler alert: it was magical.)

If Beel’s meddling family can stop interfering, Jon can stop being so suspicious, and Beel can stop being so scared of outing his true identity, these two might just get their own happily ever after. (Hopefully with more kisses, because Beel really does like the kissing.)

Tags: Beel despises romantic comedies, but maybe he’s about to star in one; Jon’s got a troublesome ex and could use a knight in shining armor – Beel’s more than happy to oblige; Az keeps weaving fairy tale and frog references into their lives, much to everyone’s chagrin; Beel’s cover stories are laughably bad; coming out as your true self is tougher than Beel imagined, but sometimes it’s worth it.

• Publisher: (January 11, 2024)

• Publication date: January 11, 2024

• Print length: 140 pages

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s the holidays and time for Shannon Mae’s Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures to go all things Christmas! What an absolute blast and ho ho ho happy romance this is!

Mae gives us her version of the Santa origin story this time around with a touch of chaotic demonic energy and angelic joy combined to create happiness and love for children at a certain time of year. That had serious ramifications for one Nachielus (not Nicholas).

I absolutely loved seeing Nach return to the human realm. Mae’s ability to make the reader see the joy and wonder of the season, the warmth and happiness he’s able to bring, is a marvel of its own.

That carries over to the other characters, Beckett, a human, whose love for Christmas is deep and abiding as well as his roommate, who adds to the holiday spirit.

Together, we get a portrait of two beings who are soulmates, completely compatible in every sense of their being. It’s sexy, fun, but also filled with the joy and excitement of the Christmas spirit.

Happily, we get appearances from another important couple too. That’s the frosting or maybe tree topper on the Christmas tree here. As well as hints for a new book and identity of a character that’s been around in the background of the preceding stories.

All in all, a fabulous time was had back in this universe and I have another Christmas story to recommend.

Great cover again!

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance) :

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures

āœ“ A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades

ā—¦ A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons (A Novella)

Buy Link:

A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles30Kindle Edition$0.00or $2.99 to buy

Blurb:

Nachielus (not Nicholas) may have gotten into a bit of trouble over unsanctioned miracles, ending up on the upstairs’ naughty list. Sure, maybe he’d gotten a little carried away with the whole Christmas thing, but he hadn’t meant to become a part of folklore, and surely that wasn’t a reason to bury him in centuries of paperwork. Banned from topside and missing his favorite holiday, he gets a push from a certain demon to pop up and have a look around. When he meets Beckett, a Christmas-loving elf enthusiast who mistakes him for the Santa hired for a fundraiser, how can he say no? Next thing he knows, Nach is in over his head again, because this is one human he can’t resist.

Beck’s Christmas is merry and bright, especially after he encounters Nach, the hottie in questionable Santa attire. Nach’s kindness, generosity, and charm have Beck falling faster than a snowflake. With no place to stay, obviously Beck needs to bring Nach home with him. Beck never believed in love at first sight before, but there’s just something about Nach that calls to him, and it isn’t long before he’s trying to figure out to keep this sexy Santa all to himself.

Tags: Beck is living his own Christmas rom-com, complete with a meet cute and lots of Christmas kisses; Nach never means to cause trouble—it just seems to find him (and the reindeer thing was definitely not his fault); Nach has a very loose definition of what constitutes a miracle; corporate Scrooges try to suck the fun out of Christmas (but don’t worry, they don’t succeed); Nach is an angel of joy of fulfillment, so expect plenty of joy… and fulfillment (wink, wink).

A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles is a 30k novella bursting with laughs, holiday spirit, and a Happily Ever After that even the Grinch would approve of. Get ready for festive chaos, Christmas kisses, and a love story weirder than Grandma’s fruitcake.

— A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles by Shannon Mae

• Publication date: November 27, 2023

• Print length: 118 pages