Book Review: Hellbound by Berinn Rae

Title: Hellbound (Amazon)
Series: Guardians of the Seven Seals, #2
Author: Berinn Rae
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from author
Published: March 2012 by Crescent Moon Press

Everyone has monsters under the bed...

The Seven Seals are said to be all that stands between humanity’s survival and the end of days. Led by a reclusive angel, the Seven are immortals, enhanced by the marks they bear. After centuries of bloodshed, the Seven and their Guardians have brought down the nefarious Dominion. But the world isn’t safe yet. Now, a rogue hellhound is building an army to claim the Seven Seals for himself.

But what if you're one of them?

In one night, Lana Wolfe’s life was destroyed and she was reborn a walking nightmare. A year later, she dedicates her life to destroying others like her. That is, until she discovers Orion Benandanti, the Alpha of all hellhounds and host to the Third Seal. But when the hunter becomes the hunted and Orion’s Seal is put at risk, the only way to survive is for Lana to trust the man who very well may destroy her soul. Will she let him claim her—for the Seal’s protection and for a passion forged in hell’s hottest fires?

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: This is an excellent paranormal romance set in a well-imagined world. Any paranormal reader looking for a new series should check this out; I’m glad I did!

The Set Up: Lana’s psychotic ex-boyfriend attacked her when she broke up with him and turned her into something from nightmares. Now forced into life as a werewolf, Lana searches for mutant werewolves to destroy and in her hunt she meets Orion, a man unlike any other she’s met. Orion isn’t just a werewolf but is a guardian of the paranormal society worldwide. But while Orion and his pack struggle to keep evil at bay, Lana and Orion begin a tentative relationship.

Why I Read this Book: Paranormal romance is the toast and peanut butter of my reading life and I’m always looking for new series.

What I Liked: This paranormal world is so well imagined! The werewolf and pack aspects are similar to other paranormal worlds but the Seven Seals concept is a stellar addition. I don’t want to spoil it, but the Seven are powerful immortals who are merged with their unique seals and these Seven keep the paranormals hidden from the humans who would destroy them. This Seven Seals is just unique enough to add depth and interest to the story without confusing it or overtaking the story. Any sci-fi fan like me will adore this world.

What I Also Like: The romance was tender and sexy both and the secondary characters outstanding. Orion and Lana have an attraction that is both emotional and physical and it was a mature romance without either of them acting the fool. They compromise and really work together to make their romance work. I truly liked both characters and wanted them to find their HEA. And the secondary characters were also great! Orion’s pack is full of unique characters and the fact that Orion’s past is linked to these men makes it so readers become invested in them too. Orion’s second MUST have his own story or I swear I’ll stake out the author’s house (hear that, Ms. Rae!).

What I Didn’t Like: A packmate dies. WHY?! There better be a series reason he had to die and not just to manipulate my emotions (ahem, I mean readers’ emotions). Also, I feel I should mention the high level of violence in this book. I’m used to this as violence is stock in paranormal books but some readers may be troubled by the amount of blood and fighting here. Again, I wasn’t bothered in the slightest but just want to mention it for readers who may be uncomfortable.

IMO: I was so surprised at how very much I enjoyed this well-written paranormal romance. I’d never heard of the author, the publisher, or the series but I’m extremely glad I took a risk and read this outstanding book. Any fan of paranormal romance would do well to read this great book.

J9’s Rating: