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?
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.
How To Tame a Hellhound is book three in the Hellhounds of Paradise Falls series by Shannon Mae. I have loved this series from the start. But this one...WOW!! I think it pulled at my heart the most out of the three books so far.
We’ve met Aiden previously in the series. The hounds rescued him after he had been held captive for a full year. Now he is on the road to emotional recovery. He is seeing a therapist and has a job as a baker at the coffee shop. He has always loved baking and the town seems to love his sweets. Aiden had escaped a wealthy family who thought of him only as a pawn in their search for more power. Only to be taken by a man who held him for a year before the was rescued. Now he truly knows he’s found his real family, his found family, in this group of hounds, humans and a few other things we’re not sure of, that will all do anything for each other. He especially loves the giant dog, Fluffy, that walks with him in the woods every day.
Atlas aka Fluffy, is the only one of the hounds that can also change into a wolf. He knows that sweet Aiden is his mate. But he’s still overcoming his fears from his trauma. For whatever reason, Aiden feels safe with “Fluffy” and tells him all his secrets. Atlas knows he’ll eventually have to tell Aiden the truth about what he is, or rather WHO he is. He just doesn’t know how he’ll react and he can’t stand the thought of Aiden pushing him away.
I adored the way Atlas was so caring towards Aiden. His every thought was only to make Aiden happy. We really saw Aiden grow in this book as well. He became more confident and was doing so well at letting the past go. When danger comes for Aiden once again, his found family all work together to keep him safe.
This book really squeezed my heart. The hounds are still so much fun, so snarky and silly. Jude most of all. I can’t wait for his book! I love seeing this found family bond together more and more in each book and they keep adding more to their inner circle. I also just HAVE to mention how much I adored all the cuddles in this one! It was so sweet. The puppy pile!!! The next book will be Wilder and Josh’s book in How to Trust a Hellhound. I am so excited about that any anything else this author has planned for the future in this series!
Atlas/Fluffy is just so bloody sweet to Aiden!!! I love how pure their relationship feels, and the way Atlas would do absolutely anything to make sure Aiden isn't sad anymore. Seeing Aiden come out of his shell a bit more was also really nice to read, and I do like his bond with Q too.
I also didn't even realise that there was a previous series where Cass and Kushiel are from, so now I kinda want to go back and read that too.
Corbin is still my favourite hellhound, I don't know why but I always love paranormal character's who talk to crows 😂😂 I feel like he's definitely going to be with Sebbie, but I also feel like their story is going to be MMM and I'm really excited to see what happens!
I still have no clue how the Sheriff hasn't realised that Jude literally tells him exactly what it is they're doing, and isn't just attention seeking! I'm looking forward to their story too and seeing how a Sheriff deals with being in the pack - I assume it's coming anyway because the set up has been going on for multiple books.
Also very keen to see what happens in the next book too!
A cute little baker with trauma and a hot shifter who prefers his wolf form so he doesn’t have to talk? Yes pls. If you want to laugh and feel a little mushy please pick up this series.
This book had great dialogue, story, spice, and laughs. Although this book does focus on Aiden and Atlas/Flurry we get an equal time with the entire ensemble of men from Paradise Falls. The author does a great job of propelling the story forward for all the characters without it feeling forced. Can’t wait for the next book!
This is by far my favorite story in this series so far. I loved their relationship from beginning to end, they are the perfect couple. I really liked how the story progressed I liked how together they where able to conquered their issues and it made them a stronger couple. Atlas a.k.a. fluffy was so sweet so patient so understanding and I really love how he unconditionally loved his mate. Aiden was so strong, kind and loving. They make the perfect couple.
Hurt/comfort is always a favourite and I enjoyed Aiden's healing journey with Fluffy by his side so much. This series is a true paranormal treat and I can't get enough of the found family, the clueless but amazingly caring hellhounds and the general wholesomeness.
➤ Quick Thoughts: Aiden and Atlas/Fluffy were simply perfect for each other. They fulfilled exactly what the other needed, and witnessing their relationship develop was pure delight. This book had me laughing so many times — the Hellhound brothers genuinely have no idea how humans work! 😅 And yet somehow, they’re all destined to be with their partners. 🥰 Atlas is the definition of patient, protective, and completely smitten, while Aiden’s journey from anxious and wounded to loved and secure was incredibly moving. I also adored how Atlas shifted between his human form and Fluffy shifter self, always intuitively knowing which version Aiden needed at the moment. 🥹 His unconditional devotion was heartwarming, especially considering all that Aiden endured in the past. Honestly, this is my favorite in the series so far, and I’m thrilled to have discovered this author and these characters this year. I can’t wait for what comes next! 😍
➤ Favorite Quotes: ✨ “Why doesn’t he change into a person now, though?” he asked. “Because Aiden isn’t ready for him to,” Liam answered, like it was the most normal answer in the entire world.
✨ “You’re safe with me,” Atlas finally murmured. “I will never do anything you don’t want to. I will always let you decide. You’re safe.”
✨ I’m broken and traumatized, and I take and take, and what the hell do you get out of it?” I asked, looking at him across the couch. “I get you,” he said simply. Like I was enough. I felt my face scrunch up as I tried not to cry. He scooched over slowly, like he didn’t want to startle me, and he wrapped me in his huge arms, pulling me close against him. “You are everything, and I have gotten comfort and joy from being with you. I like hearing you talk. I will take whatever you give me, and I will be thankful for it,” he whispered against my ear. “You are my pack. You are my mate.”
✨ I wanted to be closer to Atlas. I would climb inside his skin if I could.
✨ Happy, Fluffy rumbled, and I agreed. We were with our pack, and everyone was content. If we stayed in this house, that was fine with me. I was happy to live anywhere, as long as Aiden was with me. He was my home.
➤ The Good Stuff: ✧ HELLHOUND × HUMAN ✧ “MY MATE” ✧ HURT/COMFORT ✧ FOUND FAMILY ✧ THE YOGA SCENE ✧ BROTHERLY BANTER ✧ HEALING FROM TRAUMA ✧ HUMOR AND HEART ✧ AMAZING SIDE CHARACTERS ✧ ALL THE CUDDLES ✧ TAIL PLAY & KNOTTING ✧ FLUFFY. JUST… FLUFFY.
➤ Final Thought: If he’s part guard dog, part cuddle monster and completely yours, you didn’t just TAME A HELLHOUND… you found your perfect mate! 🐾
Paranormal MM Shifter x Human Found Family Low Angst Protective MC Focus on Healing Hurt / Comfort Sweet & Spicy Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This series just continues to have such solid storytelling that’s packed into low angst sweet books. There are some heavy topics with Aiden’s backstory, and a little mystery, but there is so much love and laughter that it feels very low angst.
Atlas is possibly the sweetest, chillest MC ever. He knows what he wants and he’s perfectly fine just being there for Aiden until he’s ready for more. Massive amounts of consent. Atlas is just happy to be near Aiden in any way (form) that makes Aiden happy. Just so freaking sweet, the whole story. Oh and the found family and friendships that are developing throughout this series is amazing and just warms the soul.
Can not wait for the next book. Did such a happy dance when I saw the blurb and who it was about.
Audio: 5 stars for Iggy Toma 4 stars for Alexander Cendese (to me his best performance yet!
Book: 3.5 stars
I enjoy this series, you don’t need to remember too much about what happens in the previous books to understand what’s going on.
I liked Atlas/Fluffy and Aiden, I think that the endings of all these books are rushed, but that still doesn’t stop me from picking up and listening to the next book! Haha
I really like this series but this was probably my least favorite one out of all of them so far. I did really like both of the characters so I think it was the plot that didn’t do it for me.
The twos MCs don’t really meet until after 30% which I felt was way too long. I even put the book down a couple of times because I was getting bored and wanted them to meet already. I mean they have met but Atlas is in his “dog” form so they just hang out with Aiden thinking he’s telling all his secrets to his dog. I did like how Atlas immediately was like Aiden is ours!! (Ours being him and his hellhound). Aiden was sweet too but again like I said I was a bit bored while reading this.
My favorite parts were Jude flirting with the sheriff! I honestly can’t wait for their book. It’s so funny how he shamelessly flirts with him and the grumpy sheriff just rolls his eyes. I also loved seeing Liam again because he’s my absolute favorite out of everyone so far!!
I did feel like there was a big emphasis put on Aiden cuddling with Q and Liam though. Last book it didn’t bother me as much but it was mentioned so much in here it started to bug me and I kept wondering why Aiden still needs to sleep with them all the time when he has Atlas to sleep with now. I get it’s all platonic but them four all sleeping together started to rub me the wrong way. I also didn’t need to hear about how much Aiden liked giving blow jobs in the past. I get he had to talk out his trauma but I felt a bit ugh hearing it. He was a virgin when it came to penetration though.
I would also love to know how old these guys are. Not even the hellhounds but we have no idea how old Aiden is or what he even looks like. He’s never described at all. Same with the guys in the first book. I need more descriptions of these characters!!
Anyway super interested for what’s in store next with Wilder and Josh.
NO CHEATING NO OM DRAMA NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP TALK OF PAST SA OF MC TORTURE (off page) MURDER
It was great to be back in Paradise Falls with the hellhound pack. This book was both heavy(with discussions of what happened to Aiden), but also very fun. I don't think I can read a Hellhound book without laughing. Atlas/Fluffy is as clueless regarding humans as his brothers and that cluelessness always leads to hilarous moments. Aiden has fled his family and he'd been held captive, but he's now free to live his life in Paradise Falls, while also attending therapy sessions. Except his brother is looking for him for nefarious reasons. But thankfully the hellhounds are there, and they protect their pack, and Aiden also turns out to be Atlas' mate. I loved how patient Atlas was with Aiden and how he'd do anything for him. Aiden has been through so much and Atlas is the perfect person to make him feel safe and loved. Aiden is so strong, he got through captivity and he's now slowly opening up to the people around him and making friends. I loved the pacing of the book and also of Aiden and Atlas' relationship. Due to what Aiden has been through things needed to move slow and Atlas was happy to follow Aiden's lead.
I loved all the banter and all the scenes with the pack. Jude purposefully annoying the sheriff was hilarious. Q's sassyness and grumpyness was also really funny and something I missed. I love reading about Paradise Falls and it's inhabitants and I can't wait to come back for the next book.
If you're in the mood for a book with humans, hellhounds and other creatures, with great banter, hilarious moments and a found family then this is the book for you.
Not a fan of the AA names. Sweet but deceptive. I like that the therapist wasn't a bad guy, was really hoping it wouldn't go down that route. Shitty family, found family and a dog that isn't a dog and sees nothing wrong with that. It looks like the pairings are set up Paul/Jude, Seb/Corbin and Josh/Wilder. I'd been hoping Corbin would be next. Mostly sweet hurt/comfort interrupted by the shitty family with a twisted agenda. Fluffy was great. Loved that they were separate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this story and the characters, it was fluffy (pun intended) and funny (though there are some heavy moments as Aiden deals with his trauma) and had a good plot, as well as introduced some new characters and developments. I can't wait for the next one, so it's probably time to come back to Cass and Kushiel's book 😃
4.5/5 Ever since Aiden found Fluffy in the last book, I’ve been anxious for their story, and this did not disappoint. I love how Aiden has such a distinct relationship with his hellhound and how Fluffy claims the name and 100% owns it. It’s so perfect how Aiden gets so much joy from Fluffy and Aiden enjoys being Fluffy so much.
There’s a lot of joy and laughter here even as we deal with some much more serious topics as we navigate some of Aiden’s trauma. The positive representation of therapy was much appreciated.
The found family is awesome as always. It was hilarious to watch Jude with the sheriff, hellhounds be so clueless about people, and cool side characters get even cooler.
Can’t wait for Wilder and Josh’s book. I think every reader has wanted to get Josh away from his terrible boyfriend since book 1. So glad Josh’s book is next. :)
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
To confirm you cannot read as a standalone. The story refers to the plot of both the first and second book.
Now, I enjoyed book 1, it was a 3.5 for me. I much preferred book 2 as it focused less on sex/shenanigans and more on emotions/recovery from trauma. Book 3 also has this focus, but with an element of how to move forward sexually if you’ve been a victim of sexual assault. Therapy is a key part of this book as well - loving the rep here that just because you’ve got out of a bad situation doesn’t mean you’re automatically able to just go back to normal.
I absolutely loved Atlas AKA Fluffy. He had a shitty childhood which means he looks at life a bit differently, he’s also a hellhound that accepts all humans are rather odd, so rolls with any quirks Aiden thinks he has.
We had our usual bad guy, and the plot to find/kill them, and it was a good twist as to why Aiden’s family are out to get him. But for me it was going through Aiden’s healing process with him, and also how he helped Josh (our next book’s MC) rethink his abusive relationship.
So hard topics but done in a tasteful /sensitive manner sigh levity thrown in by our wider pack members. I enjoyed this. Solid 4.25 stars. Would be higher if it was longer as I wanted more!
This series just keeps getting better! I adored the last book, but this is definitely my favorite one so far. Aiden and Atlas/Fluffy are just so very sweet together. I loved them so much.
I'm growing really attached to this group of weirdos, honestly. The hellhound pack is just so wildly entertaining. The fact that they don't always understand humans and their ways gives us plenty of funny moments without it ever being over the top. I thought Dexter and Liam were bad, but Atlas is even worse. Partly because he was raised by actual wolves. He's a little feral and it's kind of cute, to be honest. I just wanted to cuddle him so much. And Aiden is so sweet. He's been through so much but he still has such a kind heart. I loved how this book tackled mental health as well.
These two are honestly perfect for each other. Atlas/Fluffy is super protective and attentive and devoted to Aiden and the way Aiden feels so warm and safe around him made my heart so happy. They're so sweet and swoony and ugh. I adore them.
While there are some tense moments in the overall plot, everything still felt fairly low angst. It's just a very sweet, entertaining, swoony romance with just a hint of tension to keep you from getting fully comfortable. Perfect for me, in other words!
This series is really shaping up to be one of my all-time favorites and I can't wait to see what comes next. Wilder & Josh's story is up after this one, and I can safely say I'm very very excited for it and would like it yesterday, please and thank you.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
While taking walks in the woods, Aiden takes comfort from the ‘guard dog’ that watches over him. He names the dog “Fluffy”. Eventually he learns that Fluffy is actually a Hellhound named Atlas. As they get closer, Atlas tells Aiden that they are mates.
The pack gets word that Aiden’s brother has been looking for him and they investigate to find out why.
Because of his past trauma, Aiden has intimacy issues and with the help from his therapist, he works through them to attempt to get closer to Atlas.
***** POV… multi first person
Standalone or series… book 3 in series, suggested to be read in order
Another great addition to Shannons world is that you get to visit past friends and meet new people who you need the story of! Aiden & Fluffy (Atlas) story is heavier than it's predecessors yet fits perfectly to this found family of a bunch of crazy hellhounds and their mates. Adore that yes, Fluffy may be feral, yet understands he needs to take it slow with Aiden, even if done wrong, half the time. Beautiful to see this family grow and support one another in their own hellhound ways. not to mention, let's cheer for who is next! I know I've personally been dying for their story since meeting them!