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Hounds of Hell #1
Avoiding Hell's Gate
This edition is no longer available.
Stryker Magnus was born into a life no one would ever ask for. But working for Hell has it's perks, such as immortality, and Stryker's far from evil. He's really just the delivery man.
Rafe Damas lives a lonely life, ignored by his father, his only remaining family. When Stryker and his brothers walk into his life he's in shock to learn the Hounds of Hell are real . . . and they are there for him.
But when Stryker goes from trying to take his soul to Hell to protecting him, Rafe starts to fall hard for the man.
Can Stryker save Rafe's soul? And when is the right time to tell the scared man that they are mates?
Special Content Alert: M/M, anal intercourse
Stryker Magnus was born into a life no one would ever ask for. But working for Hell has it's perks, such as immortality, and Stryker's far from evil. He's really just the delivery man.
Rafe Damas lives a lonely life, ignored by his father, his only remaining family. When Stryker and his brothers walk into his life he's in shock to learn the Hounds of Hell are real . . . and they are there for him.
But when Stryker goes from trying to take his soul to Hell to protecting him, Rafe starts to fall hard for the man.
Can Stryker save Rafe's soul? And when is the right time to tell the scared man that they are mates?
Special Content Alert: M/M, anal intercourse
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2010
44 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 7, 2015
This one just didn't grab me. Replace "hell hound" with "werewolf" and it's pretty much the same as any other shifter story. The mythology is not really that different. You've also got "insta-love," which can get a little boring. If the books were shorter, I might have read more in the series, but if I am going to invest over an hour, I want to read something that is a little different or has a slow-build relationship.
June 14, 2014
I am disappointed. Hellhounds should be awesome, right? Not whiners who act like children. Example, "Rafe you hurt my feelings. I'm not your mate anymore. Go away" And Rafe, don't even get me started. I will say this MIGHT have worked better as a m/f romance. The "men" weren't believable. The only reason I gave it two stars is, Castillo the Angel. His story might be interesting.
March 18, 2018
This was a pretty good read. Stryker Magnus is born into a life no one would ever ask for working for hell. Rafe Damas lives a lonely life, ignored by his father. When Stryker and his brothers walk into his life, he's in shock to learn the hounds of Hell are real and they are there for him. These two begin to fall in love when Stryker goes from taking his soul to protecting Rafe. I really liked both of these character's. I have read a lot of Ms. Flynn's paranormal reads so I knew going in that i was going to like this one. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 26, 2016
My review is in spoiler tags because it hasn't been edited yet and I do most of my note taking on my phone which makes for some creative wording due to the spellchecker. This review probable has too much negative stuff as that's what I tend to think to write down. If I'm enjoying myself, I don't want to stop reading!
There could be actual spoilers, though, so you've been warned.
There could be actual spoilers, though, so you've been warned.
September 16, 2014
So, sometimes I'm in the mood for M/M fluff.
As in likeable but generic characters, big brown/green/blue/insert-colour-here eyes, somebody saved from ruin, destined mates, new neighbours, gay-for-you, disapproving-family-but-love-conquers-all kinda stuff, cause a little insta-love never hurt anybody, right?
Wrong.
THIS WAS SO BAD I STOPPED RIGHT AFTER MEETING THE OTHER MC ON PG 16 (WHOSE NAME STARTS WITH AN R BUT I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER).
MC numero uno: Stryker. Hellhound! Can you say 'badass'? Cause apparently, he can't. Supposedly an 'alpha' and leader of his team of hellhounds, but when going to collect a soul, one of his teammates (who we aren't even introduced to, btw, though they are "super close" brothers) says:
"We're within a block, boss. I suggest we get cloaked."
And Stryker replies:
"Good call, Tristan. Do it guys."
Hold up.
Anyone else see a problem? Boss should know where they're going and how close they are, AND has done this enough times that HE should be giving the orders, and if he take this job so seriously, why are you using phrases like "Do it guys"?!
Maybe that's just a pet peeve, but also, To me, that is NOT alpha.
That's when I stopped reading, cause
1. Zero character development beyond names and occupations (and just a name for the blonde R character, don't even know what he does except be blonde, have the purest soul to ever walk the earth, stand up for his abusive father, and whimper)
2. Zero background with regards to anything to do with setting
3. A plot that sounds interesting as Hell (ha, ha) but is rapidly going nowhere fast
ON TOP OF a pair of characters who should get awards for being stupid means I am done.
I feel so strongly about this that I even spent 15 minutes of my life which I will never get back writing this review so that you don't have to waste yours on this waste of space.
As in likeable but generic characters, big brown/green/blue/insert-colour-here eyes, somebody saved from ruin, destined mates, new neighbours, gay-for-you, disapproving-family-but-love-conquers-all kinda stuff, cause a little insta-love never hurt anybody, right?
Wrong.
THIS WAS SO BAD I STOPPED RIGHT AFTER MEETING THE OTHER MC ON PG 16 (WHOSE NAME STARTS WITH AN R BUT I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER).
MC numero uno: Stryker. Hellhound! Can you say 'badass'? Cause apparently, he can't. Supposedly an 'alpha' and leader of his team of hellhounds, but when going to collect a soul, one of his teammates (who we aren't even introduced to, btw, though they are "super close" brothers) says:
"We're within a block, boss. I suggest we get cloaked."
And Stryker replies:
"Good call, Tristan. Do it guys."
Hold up.
Anyone else see a problem? Boss should know where they're going and how close they are, AND has done this enough times that HE should be giving the orders, and if he take this job so seriously, why are you using phrases like "Do it guys"?!
Maybe that's just a pet peeve, but also, To me, that is NOT alpha.
That's when I stopped reading, cause
1. Zero character development beyond names and occupations (and just a name for the blonde R character, don't even know what he does except be blonde, have the purest soul to ever walk the earth, stand up for his abusive father, and whimper)
2. Zero background with regards to anything to do with setting
3. A plot that sounds interesting as Hell (ha, ha) but is rapidly going nowhere fast
ON TOP OF a pair of characters who should get awards for being stupid means I am done.
I feel so strongly about this that I even spent 15 minutes of my life which I will never get back writing this review so that you don't have to waste yours on this waste of space.
June 11, 2011
I'm sorry to say I tried several times to get into this story, but I could not finish it. I didn't care about the characters enough to blunder through the awful formatting. I bought this in the PRC format, and yet it was messier than running a PDF through Calibre. This was my first Noble Romance purchase, and very well could be my last. Dialogue ran together with multiple voices in a single paragraph, or sometimes separating one person's words into multiple paragraphs, often times confusing who was talking. Paragraphs had no indents or spacing. I had to reread several sections trying to figure out who was saying what to who. Shame on you Nobel Romance.
As for the story itself, it had potential. The blurb caught my attention, and I like to start reading new authors with these shorter length stories.
One thing that I didn't like, but didn't fault the author for, is the trend for all shifters to have Insta-Love(TM) causing them to know their mate on site/smell/hearing and following that with pure faith. The non-shifter, Rafe, accepted this as the way it was fairly easily too. Shifter fans will probably love this, I understand it's popular. Just not my thing.
Despite my preference for avoiding Insta-Love(TM) I kept reading because the Hounds of Hell seemed interesting. They had fun set up - not evil, but neutral. I liked the brother hound, Tristan, and their power of ghosting out to be invisible and pass through walls/doors.
Overall, however, I simply couldn't fall in love with the two main characters. Rafe was inconsistent (for example, this shy, scared, sheltered boy spent $300 in a sex shop on his first trip into the real world. It could've been a cute scene, but I found it hard to believe so early in the story.) Stryker was too chatty and otherwise unremarkable despite being the leader of the Hound pack. Together I didn't believe that they were falling for each other. I didn't see it or feel it.
As for the story itself, it had potential. The blurb caught my attention, and I like to start reading new authors with these shorter length stories.
One thing that I didn't like, but didn't fault the author for, is the trend for all shifters to have Insta-Love(TM) causing them to know their mate on site/smell/hearing and following that with pure faith. The non-shifter, Rafe, accepted this as the way it was fairly easily too. Shifter fans will probably love this, I understand it's popular. Just not my thing.
Despite my preference for avoiding Insta-Love(TM) I kept reading because the Hounds of Hell seemed interesting. They had fun set up - not evil, but neutral. I liked the brother hound, Tristan, and their power of ghosting out to be invisible and pass through walls/doors.
Overall, however, I simply couldn't fall in love with the two main characters. Rafe was inconsistent (for example, this shy, scared, sheltered boy spent $300 in a sex shop on his first trip into the real world. It could've been a cute scene, but I found it hard to believe so early in the story.) Stryker was too chatty and otherwise unremarkable despite being the leader of the Hound pack. Together I didn't believe that they were falling for each other. I didn't see it or feel it.
May 17, 2014
One night a guy and a bunch of big dogs appear out of nowhere and then you proceed to learn how much of an ass your dad really is. Oh, and by the way, this guy is a Hound of Hell and I am his mate. This is Rafe.
You get an assignment from your boss to collect a soul only to find out this soul is clean. When this guy senses you and and speaks, you hear his voice and realize that he is your mate. You will now do anything to keep him safe. This is Stryker.
I love how big bad alphas, like Stryker, turn to mush when they find their mate. They will do anything and everything their mate needs and wants. Stryker becomes irrational and overbearing, and that does turn me on. I can't help it. I know why he is like that and that just make it hotter. I don't want to spoil any more of the plot than what the blurb already states, so you will just have to go buy and read the book for more.
It doesn't matter what name this author uses, she is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoy everything she writes. I give this book 4 Hearts.
You get an assignment from your boss to collect a soul only to find out this soul is clean. When this guy senses you and and speaks, you hear his voice and realize that he is your mate. You will now do anything to keep him safe. This is Stryker.
I love how big bad alphas, like Stryker, turn to mush when they find their mate. They will do anything and everything their mate needs and wants. Stryker becomes irrational and overbearing, and that does turn me on. I can't help it. I know why he is like that and that just make it hotter. I don't want to spoil any more of the plot than what the blurb already states, so you will just have to go buy and read the book for more.
It doesn't matter what name this author uses, she is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoy everything she writes. I give this book 4 Hearts.
March 17, 2011
As usual the book by this writer lack of properly edit:
-They employed a retired Hound, Mac Henson, who was over a century old..
-"Yeah, we retire after five hundred years of service."
Something does not work here....
I have some others example but well, you get the idea.
Rafe personality do not match one I can associate with someone that lived the same life's as him. That he's curious about sex, no problem here, but he jump on butts plug, had a lack of apprehensions about anal penetration, seems to know how to seduce, how to talk sexy...I didn't buy it, that's not coherent, more since his only friends was a NUN!!! I don't add to that that's they start immediately to have sex, since it's the pattern of this writer.
The sex scene were the exact replica of all the other in the other books. Same words, same context, same kink, etc.
As for the rest...it's was ok.
-They employed a retired Hound, Mac Henson, who was over a century old..
-"Yeah, we retire after five hundred years of service."
Something does not work here....
I have some others example but well, you get the idea.
Rafe personality do not match one I can associate with someone that lived the same life's as him. That he's curious about sex, no problem here, but he jump on butts plug, had a lack of apprehensions about anal penetration, seems to know how to seduce, how to talk sexy...I didn't buy it, that's not coherent, more since his only friends was a NUN!!! I don't add to that that's they start immediately to have sex, since it's the pattern of this writer.
The sex scene were the exact replica of all the other in the other books. Same words, same context, same kink, etc.
As for the rest...it's was ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2011
Really the only reason I liked this novel and read it to the end was because I was curious about the spinning of the Hell Hounds and, when it happened, the promise of a menage between the two different packs and another. As for the primary relationship between Rafe and Stryker, I just couldn't feel it. There was an up and down rollercoaster of emotions without much focusing on any in particular. Then there are the abrupt advances of the sexual play that just rang as false. Rafe is a virgin who has hardly had any contact with anyone since he was a young child ... and yet as soon as he meets Stryker he's going to sexual play stores, picking out 'toys,' indulging in the kinks of spanking - and other things - as well as being more than willing to have all of this done in front of three strangers.
It just ... I don't know. Was way more of a turn OFF instead of a turn ON.
It just ... I don't know. Was way more of a turn OFF instead of a turn ON.
March 14, 2012
typical joyee flynn serial romance. nothing fantastic, nothing so bad it can't be finished. what is typical joyee flynn? imagine a shorter harlequin romance but with no t&a (see, i was going to write no surprise pregnancies, but... yeah.).
out of sheer laziness, i will be using this as my template for all books by :
joyee flynn
sunny day
lynn hagen
stormy glenn
scarlett hyacinth
carol lynne
gabrielle evans
unless otherwise noted. i'd apologize, but i'm not sorry. i figure it's about as much time as they put into their books. dammit! well, i made it all the way to the end being rather moderate in my assessment. that's a win
out of sheer laziness, i will be using this as my template for all books by :
joyee flynn
sunny day
lynn hagen
stormy glenn
scarlett hyacinth
carol lynne
gabrielle evans
unless otherwise noted. i'd apologize, but i'm not sorry. i figure it's about as much time as they put into their books. dammit! well, i made it all the way to the end being rather moderate in my assessment. that's a win
January 8, 2011
3,5 stars
July 1, 2011
I had a hard time keeping a serious face while reading this. It wasn't meant to be humorous, was it?
March 1, 2025
Something is wrong here.
I'm at page 34 and I'm getting the sense that Rafe and Tristan have a more genuine connection than Rafe and Stryker. I mean, yeah, it's great when you connect with your mate's siblings, but Tristan is doing what Stryker is supposed to be doing. Explaining things. Being there for Rafe. Being supportive and understanding. Instead, all Stryker is doing with his innocent, confused, and honestly scared mate - at least for now - is getting him off to the point of passing out. Fantastic start, bravo.
I'm not sure I want to continue reading. If this is the intro for the Hounds of Hell series, then I'm not holding much hope for the rest.
I'm at page 34 and I'm getting the sense that Rafe and Tristan have a more genuine connection than Rafe and Stryker. I mean, yeah, it's great when you connect with your mate's siblings, but Tristan is doing what Stryker is supposed to be doing. Explaining things. Being there for Rafe. Being supportive and understanding. Instead, all Stryker is doing with his innocent, confused, and honestly scared mate - at least for now - is getting him off to the point of passing out. Fantastic start, bravo.
I'm not sure I want to continue reading. If this is the intro for the Hounds of Hell series, then I'm not holding much hope for the rest.
September 18, 2020
So good!
Wow! Such a good fun exciting read! Totally different shifter paranormal aspect but fun! Seemed short, or i just liked it enough to want more! Off to read the others in series!
Wow! Such a good fun exciting read! Totally different shifter paranormal aspect but fun! Seemed short, or i just liked it enough to want more! Off to read the others in series!
December 17, 2018
Different kind of shifter series. I enjoyed the "hound" out of book one and look forward to more guy hotness and fated mates in the coming books.
February 19, 2021
Foi uma leitura super agradável 😃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2018
This is one the those stories why I just don't get how one the guys is supposed to be a man. He's acting like a hysterical 12-year-old girl...
March 24, 2017
I don't care for the first person POV writing style of the 2nd edition. I did like the first edition. I don't know if I'll continue with this series because of the writing style.
April 5, 2023
One night a guy and a bunch of big dogs appear out of nowhere and then you proceed to learn how much of an ass your dad really is. Oh, and by the way, this guy is a Hound of Hell and I am his mate. This is Rafe.
You get an assignment from your boss to collect a soul only to find out this soul is clean. When this guy senses you and and speaks, you hear his voice and realize that he is your mate. You will now do anything to keep him safe. This is Stryker.
I love how big bad alphas, like Stryker, turn to mush when they find their mate. They will do anything and everything their mate needs and wants. Stryker becomes irrational and overbearing, and that does turn me on. I can't help it. I know why he is like that and that just make it hotter. I don't want to spoil any more of the plot than what the blurb already states, so you will just have to go buy and read the book for more.
It doesn't matter what name this author uses, she is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoy everything she writes. I give this book 4 Hearts.
You get an assignment from your boss to collect a soul only to find out this soul is clean. When this guy senses you and and speaks, you hear his voice and realize that he is your mate. You will now do anything to keep him safe. This is Stryker.
I love how big bad alphas, like Stryker, turn to mush when they find their mate. They will do anything and everything their mate needs and wants. Stryker becomes irrational and overbearing, and that does turn me on. I can't help it. I know why he is like that and that just make it hotter. I don't want to spoil any more of the plot than what the blurb already states, so you will just have to go buy and read the book for more.
It doesn't matter what name this author uses, she is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoy everything she writes. I give this book 4 Hearts.
February 28, 2011
I'm not quite sure what it was but there was something a little off about this book. I guess it was just the lack of consistency. The characters were well developed, the set up was interesting but for some reason things just didn't come together very well. Every once in a while the story would shine but that only managed to bring attention to when it didn't. I think most of the issues were due to editing. There were some major continuity errors with characters ages and the amount of time the hounds were contracted to work. This caught me up a few times and created confusion in an otherwise interesting story. The book and concept held great promise so I will be reading the next one to see if things come together a little better.
December 30, 2014
I'm torn with this one, I really like the characters, except I find it hard to believe that a hell hound would whine so much and get his feelings hurt so easily. I also liked their explanation of how their job works.
However it would have been better had it not contained so many mistakes and been longer. It is certainly in need of editing and proofreading. Tons of missing words and a few mis-worded things such as "his tears filled with eyes"... that one at least made me laugh. But I'm sorry these mistakes should be corrected before the manuscript is published.
What is it anymore that so many stinking books have editing and proofreading errors? Prices keep going higher and higher yet the books keep getting smaller and smaller and error filled. ~sigh~
However it would have been better had it not contained so many mistakes and been longer. It is certainly in need of editing and proofreading. Tons of missing words and a few mis-worded things such as "his tears filled with eyes"... that one at least made me laugh. But I'm sorry these mistakes should be corrected before the manuscript is published.
What is it anymore that so many stinking books have editing and proofreading errors? Prices keep going higher and higher yet the books keep getting smaller and smaller and error filled. ~sigh~
September 6, 2015
The story is very interesting. I do think Joyee Flynn has a certain style and if you don't like that don't read it. The couple has one larger man with a smaller mate. The mate is in trouble and the larger mate must save him. I know many do not like this style so it's not for everyone. I enjoy it as a light uncomplicated read. When I just need a distraction. This particular story had some inconsistencies. Beyond that the story was, as expected, a light, uncomplicated read. I thought the story itself was a good set up for a series. Some of the side characters were fun and interesting. I enjoyed the story but it really could have used better editing.
October 25, 2010
I really did enjoy this book and think it is a good start to a new series. I've never been a big huge fan of devil and hell books but I like the thought that the Hounds are not evil.
The author did a great job of writing a good solid plot book and characters who draw you in from the start.
All of the brothers have an interesting way of seeing things and I thought the sex scenes were good.
I look forward to more of these books.
The author did a great job of writing a good solid plot book and characters who draw you in from the start.
All of the brothers have an interesting way of seeing things and I thought the sex scenes were good.
I look forward to more of these books.
November 22, 2019
Awesome
Wow, this book was a packed punch of awesome. It's a great read and start of a series. It was a pick me up.
I guess you could call it light and airy.
It's not bam just in your face book one of so much you can't keep up.
But it did make me laugh several times, made me sad, and yes I might have wanted to choke someone.
I couldn't have asked for a better book one to the series. I can't wait for book two.
Wow, this book was a packed punch of awesome. It's a great read and start of a series. It was a pick me up.
I guess you could call it light and airy.
It's not bam just in your face book one of so much you can't keep up.
But it did make me laugh several times, made me sad, and yes I might have wanted to choke someone.
I couldn't have asked for a better book one to the series. I can't wait for book two.
September 6, 2015
Nice uncomplicated read. I enjoyed it overall but this time it just didn't click with the two in the relationship. It was rushed and I just didn't see the love connection. I also think that for being so naive about everything that Rafe seemed to take to sex rather easily.
I still enjoyed it and will read the next in the series.
I still enjoyed it and will read the next in the series.
April 27, 2015
Interesting. Light read, with a good basis.
There were some things that were off...like the retired hellhound that was a century old....uhhh don't they serve 5 centuries before they retire?
Light and fun, but idk if i'll go on in the series.
There were some things that were off...like the retired hellhound that was a century old....uhhh don't they serve 5 centuries before they retire?
Light and fun, but idk if i'll go on in the series.
September 22, 2010
A great start to a new series. It kept me interested from beginning to end with the issues and made me ready for the next book with the setup of the next pairing.
December 3, 2010
Please please please give us a sequel to this one...cause Holy-Freakin--er--Hell it is BRILLIANT!!
June 21, 2012
I finished this book somewehere early last year! Do have to say is was a wonderful book...and it's left me with a lot of questions and anticipation! Too bad she won't make this a series :(( :((
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews