In Shannon Mae's How to Hack a Hellhound, Quinton's life takes a terrifying turn when he's kidnapped and rescued by the enigmatic Liam, a hellhound with glowing eyes and impressive tech skills. Escaping a human trafficking ring becomes Quinton's mission, a quest aided by Liam's unwavering – and perhaps overly possessive – protection. While Quinton navigates trauma and seeks justice, Liam's obsession deepens, his protective instincts battling with a burgeoning attraction. This paranormal romance blends action, suspense, and sizzling chemistry, as Quinton tries to hack his way into Liam's life, and Liam uses every tool at his disposal to keep Quinton safe, even if it means bending the rules of both the digital and supernatural worlds. Expect thrilling escapes, dangerous encounters, and a love story forged in the fires of adversity.
Review How to Hack a Hellhound
Oh my goodness, "How to Hack a Hellhound" was such a delightful surprise! I went into it expecting a fun paranormal romance, and it absolutely delivered on that, but it also exceeded my expectations in several ways. The author, Shannon Mae, has a real knack for creating these endearingly awkward hellhounds; they're completely clueless about human interaction, which makes their attempts at being "human" absolutely hilarious. Liam, in particular, was even funnier than Dexter from the first book – his attempts at understanding Quinton's complexities were both endearing and laugh-out-loud funny.
And Quinton! What a character! That snarky, sassy attitude? Pure gold. He’s a feisty little a-hole, and I loved every minute of it. The dynamic between him and Liam is pure perfection; the grumpy sunshine trope is well-trodden, but here it felt fresh and exciting, perfectly suited to these characters. The author perfectly captures the push and pull of their relationship, the slow burn of affection amidst the chaos and danger. Liam’s intense protectiveness and Quinton’s hesitant acceptance creates such a compelling narrative. It’s not just a simple romance; it's a journey of trust, healing, and acceptance.
While the book touches on some dark themes – human trafficking, torture – it never feels gratuitous or overly graphic. The violence is directed solely at the truly bad guys, providing a satisfying sense of justice that warmed my heart. The story is expertly paced, balancing action-packed scenes with quieter moments of connection and humor. The supporting characters, both human and hellhound, are well-developed and add to the richness of the world. The author successfully creates a found family dynamic that is truly heartwarming and believable.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the way the author handles the serious subject matter. The trauma Quinton experiences is acknowledged and addressed with sensitivity, without ever feeling exploitative. The story is ultimately uplifting, showcasing the power of love, resilience, and the importance of supporting each other. The overall tone is light and fun, punctuated by moments of genuine emotion and vulnerability. It's a testament to the author's skill that she manages to create a story that is both heartwarming and thrilling, funny and poignant.
It’s a quick, engaging read that leaves you wanting more. While it works perfectly as a standalone, the backstory from the first book adds another layer of depth and enjoyment. I highly recommend this book, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment to see what adventures await the rest of the Paradise Falls gang! The author has created a world and characters I genuinely care about, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.51 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 224
- Publication date: 2025
Preview Book
