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

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #3

by Shannon Mae

Arioch:

Arioch loves his job; creating chaos and encouraging revenge is fun, and if he pranks a few demons, angels, and humans along the way, all the better. When an archangel shows up with a message from god, Arioch knows he ought to take it seriously, but what’s the fun in that? Michael, the human he’s supposed to help, takes everything seriously enough for both of them, and Arioch is determined to teach the guy how to have a little fun with life. If he starts to fall for the human along the way, well, another human-demon pairing can only cause more chaos, which is definitely Ari’s specialty. Now he just has to convince Michael that although the two of them are polar opposites, they actually work perfectly together.

Michael:

Michael has been the dependable, practical older brother his entire life; he took the weight of the world on his shoulders when he was too young to realize how heavy the burden would be. If he can guarantee happiness for his siblings, that will be enough for him, even if all he can see in his own future is loneliness. However, when Michael realizes that someone from the afterlife lied to him and attempted to cause his family harm, he is determined to do something about it. With the help of a certain demon, maybe he can figure out who targeted his family and get a little revenge. He’ll just have to refrain from killing the demon that is messing up his perfectly ordered existence. When the cheerful prankster actually starts looking attractive to Michael, maybe he’ll finally step out of his comfort zone and find out how fun chaos can actually be.

Tags: Michael is serious about revenge, and Arioch isn’t serious about anything; opposites attract; maybe being impractical for once in his life won’t kill Michael (and if it does, at least he’ll have a demon to keep him company in the afterlife); meddling families are annoying; Michael has never done that before, but Arioch would be happy to show him how it all works.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Demons, Magic, Angels

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2023

Reviews

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

¿Sabes cuando te gusta la historia, pero no puedes con el protagonista? Este es un claro ejemplo. Me ha dado vergüenza ajena alguna de sus conversaciones y risa. Por Dios, había que darle de comer aparte. Menos mal que el resto de personajes ayudaban a la historia, sino me hubiera saltado a los relatos y la cuarta novela sin miramientos.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lets not forget that revenge should always be joyous."


This series is just so cute and fun! Exactly what I needed after 2 angsty books in a row. Ari and Michael were absolutely perfect for one another. I mean, talk about balancing each other out. Yin and Yang. You know what I mean.

If you've been reading the series then you are well aware that Michael is kind of a fuddy-duddy, for lack of a better term. He enjoys control and has a plan for everything. So imagine my surprise when it's the Infernal Demon King of Chaos and Revenge that just so happens to be his soulmate. I wondered how their dynamic would play out and after reading it makes so much sense. I was telling the truth when I said they were absolutely perfect for one another.


"I could do this forever, he thought. All eternity would not be enough for them."


Michael needed to learn to let loose a bit and Ari was just the demon for the job. He was the one man who could get Michael's brain to shut off and just relax. Michael felt safe to let go in Ari's capable hands. On the flip side, Ari tended to get a bit carried away with the chaos portion of his job. Being with Michael gave him something to focus on and in turn brought his chaos down a much needed notch. Balance my friends, balance.

I am so happy that the next one to find love is going to be Kushiel. The angel has popped up a bit in the past two books and I really want to see him get his happy ending. I also love who his soulmate is. I have a feeling Kushiel isn't going to know what hit him. And luckily for us we get a novella before then too! I know I can't be alone in wanting to know more about a certain Mr. Frog. Can't wait!

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in a series, and I've enjoyed them all so far. This is Michael's story and it's closely connected with its' predecessor in the series so really is best read as part of that series. Michael has been led all his life by a lie, and wants revenge which is easier when you're a nephilim, and your grandmother is Lilith and knows how to summon a demon to help with said revenge. Michael doesn't bank on getting an infernal King of Hell when he makes the summon though, and even more the connection he makes with said king of hell.

Said King of Hell being Arioch who is also a chaos demon who revels in anything disordered, chaotic and above all, FUN. The total opposite to Michael, who all his life has been ordered, structured and buttoned up. I loved Ari and Michael, this is a total opposites attract scenario with added afterlife connections and I was here for it. It furthers the ongoing story in the series and does it with tons of fun, heat, and a wonderful supporting cast of characters. Can't wait for the next.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I woke up at 4am this morning and started reading and didn't stop until I had finished.
I am so loving this series. In this book, stuck up Michael, the older brother, gets his HEA and he has to call upon Ari to do it. A demon of revenge and chaos.
I had several moments of quiet chuckling.
We get to meet some more of the archangels and of course there is Luce and Yah.
I hope the angel doing the soulmates work either gets his own book or we find out who he is.
Short novella next about Beel, another short dude.

[Yackie]

Exactly as entertaining as all the other ones. Not as good as the newest stuff, but still what you expect from this series.
I read it out of order so this kind of helped with some ✨context✨
Not as bad as I thought it would be when i met Ari in the first book and the one with the possession demon? Or that one time I’m pretty sure maybe Kush ran into them? Idk, but it really wasn’t as tedious as I thought it would be but I’m also in the seventh circle of hell coasting on critical rot status, so who am I to judge here.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but bruh...

I enjoy this author and this series due to the zaniness going on. I knew Ari's book was going to involve a lot of bruhs, I did. I just wasn't expecting so many. So very very many. And the little dudes, and the, well, all of how Ari speaks. I understand Ari has probably talked that way since the first surfer dude appeared, probably started it himself being a chaos demon, but it is so hard to take anything he says in with all of that going on. Outside of that we meet a couple new characters, some we hopefully see again. I need a Cass story, I sense there's one there. And Beel's short story is coming up, but I hope it becomes longer than planned because a demon hiding out as a pet frog deserves a better explanation than just a few sentences glossed over for a bit of now and a quick wrap up. Otherwise this was a fun installation in the series and I'm curious to see where Kushiel's story goes when it comes out. Human? "Cute Angel Dude"? A demon? Demons have accepted him without question since his path was chosen for him, I could see it, although he's worked with them for millennium so you'd think he'd have crossed paths by now. But still. Oh, and I'm still squicked out by Luce and Yah. They were literally the same being, talk about self love...

[Bekka]

Another very sweet, opposite to lovers romance within this series!
I'm looking forward to Kushiel's romance but also believe it's good to take a break now to enjoy the remaining books more going forward :)

NSFW infos:
- POC Demon of Chaos tops
- White American nephilim (sexuality awakening), bottoms

[Zee]

5 chaotic ⭐️
Ari and Michael (aka little dude, aka my s’more) were the embodiment of yin and yang.
Ari is every bit the chaotic vengeful one, and Mike was the perfectly meticulous person who can’t function without his yellow legal pads and plans.
They balanced each other out beautifully 💕

There was time enough to take these few minutes of joy before they went about saving existence. After all, if Ari had taught him anything, it was that joy was what made existence worth saving.

Their love was shockingly the most intense one SO FAR. I honestly didn’t expect that. They loved each other fiercely, even though they were both insecure and sometimes vulnerable. But fortunately, then didn’t let insecurity stand between them ❤️‍🩹

He was filled with such an intense ache for his s’more, and his chest almost hurt with the depth of the feeling. I could do this forever, he thought. All eternity would not be enough for them.

Throughout the book, I was slowly but surely falling IN LOVE with Michael. That man easily wormed his way into my heart and made camp 🥹 His vulnerability, his fierce protectiveness, his strength, his devotion and dedication to his family and Ari, but it was especially his anxiety and fears that just made him so much more lovable to me ❤️ Everything he did was so endearing to me

That didn’t seem to be it though, because Mike just sighed and turned so he was facing Ari’s chest. Ari wrapped his arms around his little s’more, and Mike just burrowed in tighter like he was planning on hiding in Ari’s chest.

I loved how Ari was especially not cheap with dishing out compliments and reassurances on his little s’more 🥹 ohhh and that came up so handy during steamy times 😩 Ari perfected dirty talk. Their first scene together was so beautiful with Mike being all insecure and kind of lost (and when he panicked about “not studying about gay sex” URGHHH that man can kill me with an overload of cuteness and affection) and Ari was all about giving instructions and praise 🥵🫦
I loved how he made sure Mike was always okay, like it was his mission to make his s’more as happy as possible, and how he just added so much fun and a little bit of chaos into his life ❤️
Bonus quote (it has often been a bit cringe when a character gives another one an unusual nickname, but these ones will kill me 😩):

“Yeah. Like maybe you’re a little beige and a little hard and crumbly on the outside, and some people don’t see past that. But inside you’re all soft and gooey and sweet and delicious. You’re filled with total yumminess. Plus, you’re a guy that anyone with sense will want more of. Like, once you get a real taste of who you are, it’s only logical to say ‘some more.’ You’re a s’more.”

OUF… anyway, I loved this, so on to next one! ❤️

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd in the series and just as good as the first two.

The MCs

Michael - Gabe's uptight and supposedly straight older brother. He's boring and anal (and not in the good way).
Arioch - Demon Lord of Chaos and Revenge. This guys like one big party all the time. A huge prankster who is Michael's exact opposite in every way.

The plot
After the disaster of summoning an angel to smite Az, Gabe's demon boyfriend, Michael realizes he's been misled all these years and needs help with vengeance against the angel? responsible. The problem is he has no clue who this angel is or how to track him down. He realizes he needs help and summons a demon of vengeance to help him. Up pops Ari who is the exact opposite of what Michael expected. Ari's all "bro's" and "bruh's" . He's like the laid back surfer Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Michael immediately notices Ari is hot....and not in temperature either, which confuses the heck out of him as he's always been straight.....probably? His doubts are clear from their first meeting. But Ari makes a vow to help Michael with his vengeance. The plot is twisty, turny enough to wonder who did it and how they will resolve the situation.

Very snarky and fun. Fans of AJ Sherwood and Alice Winters will like this too I bet.

[Hannah Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I will admit I judged Michael too harshly (in my mind) in his brother Gabe’s book. He was very redeemable. He had so much responsibility and pressure put onto him at such a young age (I can’t explain further without giving away the story). He was such a sweetheart tho, loves his legal pad, organization, and Ari🥺

Ari is such a chaotic *obvi* goofball but oh so sweet. He was just what his s’more needed, and he needed Michael just the same. So different but such the right amount of perfection for each other. He loves his s’more, love the nickname.

Steam-3/3. I think I’m burnt out on smut yall😂 it was there, detailed and a good amount but I glazed over it for the most part. I was more interested in the plot. Strict top/bottom

[KaylaMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, and I knew there were going to be a lot of “bro’s” thrown about because of Ari popping up in the last books but holy cow.

Let me just give you a count:
“Bro”: 20 times
“Bruh”: 60 times
“Dude/Little Dude”: 272 times
“Little s’more/sexy s’more”: 144 times

This book is 234 pages long. That means one of those words is used about 2 times PER PAGE. And keep in mind there are pages in Michael’s POV that use it less, meaning there are times in Ari’s POV where they will be used upwards of 4 times per page.

I would have liked this a lot more if we could have chilled out on that just a little, because at times it was all I could notice.

[BrittReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Michael's story was so much more complicated then I think anyone expected and to pair him up with ari, chaos and vengance!!! I loved how this story went and how humanized the demons are. I can't wait for kushiels story and these books just keep getting better. I love yah and luce and want more!!

[Libros y Citas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started good, with no constant sexual references like the previous one. I’m not fan of the bed talk, but at least the sex scenes made sense and weren’t there for the sake of sex.
On the other hand, the nicknames “his little dude” and “his s’more” were so endearing, Ari is so cute being touchy-feely and trying to help Mike with his insecurities.
A well matched couple with a good plot. Oh, the frog—Bell—will be getting his own story, sweet.

«Like maybe you’re a little beige and a little hard and crumbly on the outside, and some people don’t see past that. But inside you’re all filled with total yumminess. Plus, you’re a guy that anyone with sense will want more of. Like, once you get a real taste of who you are, it’s only logical to say "some more". You’re a s’more».

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment, though the continueous "bruh", "bro" and "my dude" got a bit on my nerves as it's a bit of a general pet peeve of mine.

[(╯`▭´）╯︵ ǝɔnɒꓷ · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75*

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

good addition to the series.

I enjoyed Mike and Ari! The opposites attract trope was well done. We also find out why Mike is the way he is. This is much more character focused than plot, but I liked both aspects. There is a bit too much sex for my tastes of late, but they were at least not repetitive.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

old post reposted


Another day, another paranormal read (because why the hell not?). Here's Shannon Mae's "A Beginner's Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and other Absurd Escapades." It's a part of her Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series.
["Arioch loves his job; creating chaos and encouraging revenge is fun, and if he pranks a few demons, angels, and humans along the way, all the better. When an archangel shows up with a message from god, Arioch knows he ought to take it seriously, but what’s the fun in that? Michael, the human he’s supposed to help, takes everything seriously enough for both of them, and Arioch is determined to teach the guy how to have a little fun with life. If he starts to fall for the human along the way, well, another human-demon pairing can only cause more chaos, which is definitely Ari’s specialty. Now he just has to convince Michael that although the two of them are polar opposites, they actually work perfectly together.

Michael has been the dependable, practical older brother his entire life; he took the weight of the world on his shoulders when he was too young to realize how heavy the burden would be. If he can guarantee happiness for his siblings, that will be enough for him, even if all he can see in his own future is loneliness. However, when Michael realizes that someone from the afterlife lied to him and attempted to cause his family harm, he is determined to do something about it. With the help of a certain demon, maybe he can figure out who targeted his family and get a little revenge. He’ll just have to refrain from killing the demon that is messing up his perfectly ordered existence. When the cheerful prankster actually starts looking attractive to Michael, maybe he’ll finally step out of his comfort zone and find out how fun chaos can actually be."]

This series is going to slowly kill me. It's just so D:

It's the perfect balance of fluff and chaos. Like Michael and Ari themselves, actually.

Each additional couple is more perfect than the last, more adorable and sweet and spicy (and, as it turns out, helps heals the cracks in heaven--though we might have known that).

Each new book also brings more demons who need love and moooooore questions on when we get a Luce and Yah book!?!?!?. Like seriously? Luce and Yah? They're also the exact opposite of what everyone would assume (also as in, in this series, angels are generally assholes, and demons are your BFFs).

#abeginnersguidetodeathdemonsandotherafterlifedisasters #abeginnersguidetomistakenlysummoneddemonsandothermisadventures #abeginnersguidetorevengechaosandotherabsurdescapades #abeginnersguidetothecareandfeedingofdemons #abeginnersguidetochristmasmiracles #abeginnersguidetoghostsfallenangelsandotherafterlifers #demonicdisastersandafterlifeadventures #demonicdisastersandafterlifeadventuresseries #shannonmae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades by Shannon Mae is the 3rd book in her Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series. You should read the other books first in order to understand the different realms, reoccurring characters, and most of all the continuing plot. Michael is one of the Nephilim grandchildren of the Archangel Michael and lives near his Grams, who is somewhat crazy and can summon demons, who raised him and his brother and sister. When he was 7 he was approached by an angel who gave him a book of special spells and told him that he needed to protect and take care of his siblings. He took this very seriously all of his life and he became a somewhat boring policeman, always looking out for them and others. All of this changed when he realized he was a part of something trying to separate his brother Gabe and his demon soulmate Az and that it had severe consequences in both Heaven and the Underworld. That is when he summoned a demon to help him figure out what was going on and wreak vengeance on whoever was doing this. That demon was Arioch (Ari), an Infernal King of the Underworld who specialized in Chaos and Vengeance. Together they started collecting and sorting through clues to find out which Angel had started all the trouble. Along the way Ari created some “chaos” in Mike’s life as he got him laughing and enjoying himself, which is something he rarely did. He also caused some seriously funny things happening around them, but always good natured and he tried not to hurt anyone in the process. This was totally not what Mike thought the Infernal King of Chaos and Vengeance would be like and he slowly grew to care for Ari and in turn Ari fell for Mike, too, and hoped they might turn out to be soulmates. I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Mae has created a very fun and unique look at Heaven, the Underworld, and Topside with the angels and demons and kind of turns your ideas about them topsy-turvy. Mike was a lonely person until Ari appeared and he brought fun and excitement into his world so you found yourself rooting for both of them as their relationship grew. Once they got together their love scenes were hot. (Gotta love that tail!) The plot of trying to find out who was trying to kill Ari to stop soulmates from being together and cause destruction of the world was truly a mystery and you didn’t know who was involved and how it got solved until the end. I also like Luce and Yah (the devil and God) and how their relationship is being played out, and the other angels and demons really add to the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about angels, demons, and humans that includes some humor and involves a mystery that can change everything as we know it. I can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens next.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite story and couple so far

Rating: 4.5🌈

This is probably my favorite of Shannon Mae’s Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series. A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades picks up after the traumatic events that almost destroyed soulmates demon Az and nephelilim Gabe.

Now older brother Michael is dealing with the emotional fallout from his part in those events. And the author ‘s ability to make the reader feel Michael’s turmoil and anguish is a turning point for this character and hook for the story.

Michael beforehand wasn’t a particularly likable person. But we didn’t know him. Now, through some quiet, poignant scenes , we not only understand what’s been the motivations driving his entire life, but the price this life has cost him in terms of emotional isolation and separation from everyone around him. He’s so lonely. And he’s only now realizing how he got here.

Immediately Mae pulls the reader into sorrowful plight that’s Michael’s story and invests us with the touching journey ahead. That it involves a merrymaking chaos revenge demon, Ari, a paranormal force we met before, makes it fantastically delightful.

Michael and Ari are the quintessential opposites couple that we absolutely adore. Chaos on one side, order on the other. One musses up the need for total control , one helps bring a bit of manageability to utter pandemonium. And we get to be a part of the journey.

It’s a process that happens to also involve a mystery as their relationship develops. It’s a terrific element because it allows Michael to reconnect with his family and become the best person he was meant to be. Along with Ari at his side as his soulmate.

I was just thinking about how much I was connected to these characters, their relationship, and those around them. Mae has done a fantastic job in expanding her universe and overall theme while keeping the reader focused on the particular narrative at hand.

Plus there’s still so many great characters that need their own romantic stories told. Two more are definitely in the works, one coming out in December.

Shannon Mae is an author to put on your list if you’re a fan of paranormal fiction and romantic adventures. Make sure to include this series on the TBR list ! I’m definitely recommending it. Read them in the order that they are written.

Cute covers!

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures:

- [x] A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1
- [x] A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2
- [x] A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades
- [ ] A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella - Dec 18, 2023

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This review has been electronically translated into English.

* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The best of the series for me, so far.

This book was light-hearted, but it showed the fragile emotions of both characters, their insecurities and, in the case of one of them, his internal struggle for joy and pride in having taken care of his brothers, but at the same time his sadness and frustration for not having really had a childhood free from the weight of responsibility, both self-imposed and the one thrown at him by someone of dubious character, which completely shaped his inability to relax and just be. To make matters worse, finding out later that he was used. Complicated.

It was a mix of emotions, the author managed to convey the emotions of the characters very well, especially Mike's. And despite everything, it was a light, funny, warm, sweet book.

I loved Ari's care for Mike. He understood him, saw through him, anticipated his conflicting and negative emotions, simply cared for him. Despite being the demon of chaos and revenge, he was sweet, caring, loving, even in the beginning, he saw Mike. The two are perfect for each other, my favorite pairing so far. Mike was needy and firm, at least on the outside, on the inside he was a chaos of emotions, but he opened up so well to Ari, despite having so easily accepted his at least bisexuality, it didn't just seem convenient, it was natural. I loved them both. I want bonuses from them.

My only reservation in this book is the fact that Ari hid from Mike the fact that they were soulmates. I can't accept that as normal and something so easily excusable. Yes, I also don't like it when they throw a tantrum and hold a grudge for at least part of the story (which didn't happen here), but I can't accept two adults acting like insecure young people. The least you can expect is a sincere and open conversation. If from then on one of them doesn't accept what was said, okay, but man, always this same story of hiding the truth and then the other forgiving as if it were nothing, it's ugly and unrealistic. I just think so.

Dual POV. Arioch and Michael.
Demon/Human. Angels. Demons. Paranormal.
Low anguish.
No physical suffering.
No torture, abuse or injuries.
Mention of the death of parents.
Mention of manipulation of a child.
Double awakening.
Hot sex. Use of tail in orifices.
Use of many affectionate and cheesy nicknames.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series!! Shannon Mae writes with just the right amount of steam and snark. Now, it’s Michael’s turn to exact a bit of revenge and meet his soul mate.

When Michael realizes he could have gotten Gabe’s soul mate killed, he really stops to think about why he acted the way he did. It all comes back to the angel who visited him after his parents died. He was ordered to care for and protect his siblings and that is what he did. Now he wonders who gave him that order and the book that he has lived by. He seeks revenge for the pain and suffering he caused to his brother.

Arioch is an Infernal King of the Underworld, Demon of Vengeance and Chaos and he answers Michael’s summons. Oh yes, Gram has passed on her skills and Michael is as serious as can be about revenge. Arioch not only answers the summons, he feels Michael’s cause is just. Ari is a jokester, he’s fun and believes you should seek your vengeance with joy. He really wants to loosen Michael up and give him a bit of fun. Being attracted to him is a side benefit.

I broke all the rules folks. I stayed up all night reading this book from cover to cover. Not only have I loved the series so far, I love the way Shannon Mae imbues such a sense of feeling in her writing. I felt for Michael. I kind of disliked him in the last book, but now seeing his perspective? He broke my heart. I wanted to reach the pages and hug him tight. For me, I think the characters, main and side, make all the difference. This series has some of the best characters. Michael and Ari just work together. Ari lightens Michael’s thoughts and Michael beings order to Ari’s chaos. They balance each other out. Their story made me grip my seat in expectation of what adventure they were going to tackle next. It was like a slow roller coaster going up, up, up and then boom they caught the bad guy. This series is so much fun and I’m loving it every inch of the way.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a nice time with the second book in this series, and I figured the next one would bring the same energy.

I was right!

You don't NEED to have read what came before, but this book feels like a more immediately sequel to the last, even if it is a different couple and the book explains everything you need to know in order to enjoy it.

Michael was tricked, and it led him to hurt his younger brother and almost kill his brother's partner and soulmate. He wants to get to the bottom of it and get revenge. Arioch, an infernal king of hell and a demon chaos and revenge, is just the guy for the job. Michael was forced to grow up very quickly when he was a child after the death of his parents, and took on the bulk of raising his two younger siblings. He's a methodical, predictable man and not one for chaos. Ari sets out to show him the fun to be found in revenge and chaos. As they investigate who manipulated Michael, a simmering attraction builds between the two.

Much like the second book (and I assume the first, which I have not read), this is mostly light-hearted. Ari is a little annoying in his speaking mannerisms -- he uses "bruh" a LOT -- but overall, a fun character. Michael slowly thaws in a believable way. I wish I had known Michael was a cop prior to reading this, as I don't think I would have picked it up (I avoid book with cops, soldiers, FBI agents, etc. as main characters). He is on a leave of absence, so it wasn't a huge deal, but well, preferences.

Overall, a fun, fast-paced read with comparable medium spice as the previous book.

| I received an ARC, and this is my honest, freely given review. |

[Kate Seymour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos Plus Structure Equals Love

Arioch is a Vengeance and Chaos Demon. He also happens to be an Infernal King of the Underworld. Michael is a Nephilim, a former cop, and as straight-laced as they come. He was also tasked by an Angel at the age of seven to destroy the Infernal Kings of the Underworld. Unfortunately, this almost destroyed his brother’s happiness. Michael also discovers this was not actually sanctioned by God. So Michael decides to summon a demon to seek revenge.

Arioch is not what Michael was expecting when he summoned a demon but discovers he is exactly what he needs. He likes his chaos and how touch-feely he is. He also finds himself attracted to a man for the first time in his life. Arioch adores his serious human and likes how he balances him out and accepts him completely. He quickly decides he wants to keep him. Once the two give in to their attraction for each other, the chemistry between them is super hot.

This book is definitely a four-star read, however, it makes more sense when read in order of the series. The way Arioch compliment and bring out the best in each other is super sweet. Plus I love how much Michael enjoys how touchy-feely Arioch is. Their spicy scenes are super steamy and it’s fun watching Michael experience everything for the first time with Arioch.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[William Kibler · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERTS! The entire premise of this book was weak from the get-go. Having a vengeful and chaos-causing demon from Hell (who, it turns out, is more playful than angry and spiteful) and a heretofore heterosexual man involved in a romantic relationship just doesn't cut it. (I really dislike straight-to-gay stories. Every straight guy isn't secretly gay!) This book had many similarities to the previous book in the series with its demon/human entanglements and the main characters' weak-willed battle to fend off the attraction. While Arioch was a humorous character (introduced in Book 2), I didn't feel like he deserved an entire story devoted to him. The author just didn't have enough material to foster much interest from me. The overwhelming use of the terms "bruh, dude, s'more, and little dude (even though Mike was by no means little -he was described as tall and muscular, but not overly buff.) became irritating. The story was convoluted and oftentimes confusing. They should have just written Beel/Mr. Frog's story and omitted this one. Or, written a tale about Kushiel and his redemption/return to the fold. Michael and Arioch were a boring couple and their "mission" was totally unnecessary, as Yahweh/Yah/God could have shut that s**t down himself without anyone being the wiser.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael has always been the serious, dependable one of the three siblings. He took on too much responsibility but that was changing now that he has realized someone in the afterlife lied to him and tried to cause harm to his family. To help him, he summons a demon. Arioch responds to his summons at the request of an archangel. Arioch is not at all serious. He thrives on chaos and loves to prank not only demons but also angels and humans. Although complete opposites, Arioch is sure he and Michael can work together.

Arioch was quite the hoot. He claimed he invented many common things in our life just for the shear chaos they brought. He seems to fall for Michael and has the desire to bring some fun to his life. The names he uses for Michael are incredible and funny. Michael does find he can relax a bit and enjoy life. His efforts make for many humorous scenes. Even though their mission was to find the person causing issues, this was a fun book to read. This whole series is enjoyable. If you have not read them yet, you are missing out on some fantastic reading.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it to my pleasure. The opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades by Shannon Mae is the third book in her Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since Arioch is the demon of chaos and vengeance, but I ended up really loving him. He’s such a great influence on Michael who is more of a planner and worrywart.

I enjoyed the appearances from other characters from the series. This book is able to be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend reading them in order. You’ll pick up on various Easter eggs.

Mae also teased some other pairings. It seems that Kushiel is the next to be matched. I think Michael noticed that there was something up with Cass so fingers crossed for his story. I’m also interested in the soulmate-matching angel and also Luce and Yah’s stories. Oh, and we can’t forget Ser who needs her own story!

Mae’s writing style is so conversational and easy to read. I strongly recommend this series as an entry point to paranormal romance if you’ve never read one! They’re all available on Kindle Unlimited which is how I read them.

[Sammy Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite in the series so far. I just fell in love with Michael and Ari and how they brought out the best in each other.

We really get to know Micheal in this one, and with Ari's help, he is lighter and not so focused on being stuck in the mud. He made a mistake in the last one, but we found out why, and he's determined to get her revenge. Thankfully, Ari is the perfect demon to help him.

Ari is so funny, and the pranks we hear about are hilarious. It was fun learning all the things he created, like Frats in Universitys. The whole bro thing did drive me crazy at first, but I got used to it. Michael calmed him down him down and grounded him.

Micheal and Ari have great chemistry, and it definitely translated into the bedroom; who knew Micheal could be like that.

I loved the introduction of more angels like Micheal and Gabriel. It was fun finding out about the cute angel who made the soul mates, and I hope we see more of him. I really loved the last chapter with Luce and Yah, and I so hope they get a happy ending of their own.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs an Ari 💘

🤦🏻‍♀️ This! This, right here was so cute and sweet! That it gave me the big feels. It might be because, I saw a lot of myself in Michael, I don't know. But I would love to find myself an Ari, (feeling super single right now.) Not only is Ari supportive, he is caring not just about his mate, but also about everyone else, plus the really cute nicknames for Michael, S'more 💘💘💘 I love it, it was so very sweet. Now instead of thinking of cavities, I'll be thinking of something that had love behind it. Michael was a gem, yes he is very protective and supportive of his family, with innocent reactions to things, that it was so endearing. I would just find myself saying how cute he was out loud a lot. But the best thing is that they both grow in this story. It was done in such a subtle way that I didn't really catch on to it until a little bit after reading it, like a day. And that's the aha moment 💡 that made this so much better to me, that they each contributed to each other's growth. 🤗🧸 Plus, a few questions were answered in this one 😉 So yes give it a read and fall in love with a S'more and a Demon, nothing wrong with that ❤️

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so cute I love it so much!

Michael was tricked in the last book into trying to split up/hurt his brother’s soulmate Az and now he wants vengeance. He summons a chaos and vengeance demon named Arioch to help him with this.

This story was twisty and turny and really well woven in my opinion. There’s many moving parts topside and heavenly, multiple characters doing important things both past and present to move the plot along and I didn’t find myself confused at all.

You can tell right away that Ari is going to be perfect for Mike, he’s so anxious and rigid and needs to let loose and have fun and Ari brings that into his life. There was also no ‘I’m not entirely straight’ freak out which I appreciated. They were the perfect crime solvers.

I’m happy that Kushiel appears to be the next full length book in the series, with ‘Mr. Frog’ making an appearance with his novella next thanks to some meddling from Az.

Also, really hope Luce and Yah at LEAST get a novella!

I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from GRR for an honest review.

Michael is out for revenge against the angel who tricked him into causing trouble for his brother Gabriel and his mate Asmodeus. He summons the chaos demon Arioch. Separately they are as different as night and day but together they work well. It isn't long before these two are bringing out the best in each other. With the help of Gabriel, Asmodeus, the angel Kushmiel and the arch angel Michael they figure out who they are after and what needs to be done. Getting a private meeting with Yah and Luce is awe inspiring for them both. When they take care of the meddling angel what will their next step be? Will they be able to stay together or will they be torn apart?

This is a well written romance with fantasy aspects. The world and character building are really good. I liked how Michael and Arioch seem to blend together seamlessly. I would've liked Michael to lighten up just a little more and to see Arioch to cause some chaos but it is a cute romance. Looking forward to Mr. Frog getting the HEA he didn't know he needed.