Hellhounds Never Lie

Willow Lake Supernaturals #1

by Lori Ames

A mage without magic. A hellhound without a home. A greedy wolf pack in the hills.

Ash is technically a fire mage, but he can’t do much. Turning his bedroom lights on and off without having to get out of bed isn’t exactly awe inspiring, not when anyone with the right gadget could clap and do the same thing.

Worse, sometimes he senses something bigger and brighter lurking under his skin, and it feels so familiar he knows it has to be his magic, but then he burps or sneezes, and the feeling passes. So it’s probably just allergies… or gas.

Yeah… Not exactly brimming with magical oomph. Not anymore.

It sucks.

But things start to change when he finds Dillon, a hellhound, being chased through the woods by an angry wolf pack. He is instantly smitten and it’s like something inside him unlocks. What’s even crazier is Dillon seems to think Ash still has magic… and now Ash isn’t sure what to believe.

What he does know is he’ll do what needs to be done to protect his friends and the little supernatural town of Willow Lake from the dirtbag wolves in the hills. Even with his magic on the fritz he can help, right? And, with Dillon at his side, what could possibly go wrong?

Tags: a hellhound looking for a home, a fire mage without magic, a talking cat, a small town full of supernatural beings, size difference (BIG hellhound, small mage), fated mates, Ash has scars inside and out, Dillon wants to hurt people who hurt Ash, Ash is always cold (hello, big fluffy pink sweaters even in summer), and a curious human BFF who knows nothing about supes but has a very active imagination.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance, Magic, Urban Fantasy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2023

About the author

When Lori was in elementary school, she wrote a very compelling story about a girl with a prickly personality who turned into a rose. (Sounds amazing, right?) Then she discovered romances in her teens and, well, she knew she wanted to write romances. It took her a little longer to find MM romances, but once she did, she was addicted. She lives in a small town in Alberta with her husband and an elderly black cat who might be a familiar.

Lori Ames writes MM romance with touch of magic!

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, somewhere between 2 and 3 stars, rounding down.

Insta love, magic, shifters, messy plot ... absolutely nothing is wrapped up at the end. I know the series continues, but can we have something?

Even plot points related to the MCs are left dangling: What happened to Dillon's parents? What's going on with Ash's abusive ex? If Ash's magic isn't missing, why can't he access it?

The "traitor" is obvious immediately, and I could only roll my eyes that it took so long for everyone to figure it out.

The MCs are wooden and uninteresting. They're fated mates, yada, yada yada.

I'm still going to give book 2 a go because I liked many of the secondary characters, especially Paws the snarky cat.

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Romance
Fated Mates
4 Stars ⭐️

🎧Narrated by Kirt Graves

Even though it took me almost 6 months to finish listening to this (My 2025 was rough okay 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣) I loved it. Earlier in the year I got an arc audiobook for book 2 in this series and loved it but it was obvious that I was missing things so I made sure to start at the beginning. I did restart this within the 6 month timeframe multiple times 🙄 but finally the stars aligned or some shit and I finished it.

Ash & Dillion were so cute and I love this supernatural town. This series should be read in order because there is an interconnected plot and once I get over my Kirt Graves fatigue I can’t wait to start the next one. I love this narrator but too many times in a row and all the characters sound the same.

Loved the nicknames in this too. This is a mage/hellhound pairing. 💗

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.

That wasn't exactly what I'd wanted to say, but no wonder I already trust you and, for the first time in my life, I kind of wish I had ovaries so I could have your babies seemed like a little too much […]

Man, this book was some of the most fun I’ve had reading a new book in a long time. Not necessarily in a ‘ha ha’ way (although there were some funny moments as well), but just the story, the romance, and the vibes. Said vibes were immaculate, let me tell you. It’s so perfect for fall. Those small town witchy/magical vibes. It kinda gave me that joy-of-reading feeling I had when I was way younger.

Very *very* rarely do I read an entire series of books, but this book made me want to read every coming book in the series. All of the side characters were great, and gave just enough that I really want to read their book. Unfortunately, this is the only story out so far, but I will definitely be waiting for the next one. Did I mention there’s a talking cat? Because there is. We don’t know what’s going on with said cat yet, but I’m kinda crossing my fingers he’s actually a person somehow, lol.

[…] I found him on the side of the road and apparently some part of me decided he was mine.

Oops, I forgot to mention much about this book in particular. Dillon and Ash were both great and lovable characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them as side characters in future books. They got a HEA in this one, but the series has an overarching plot. No awful cliffhanger though, thankfully!

When Dillon lifted me, putting those big strong hands under my ass and hoisting me up until our faces were level with one another, I squeaked in surprise. Fuck yeah. Being manhandled was hot.

Very highly recommend if you enjoy those paranormal small town vibes with a light sprinkling of spooky season ✨

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fated mates
Hellhound shifter
Witch/mage
Small town
Past trauma
Lonely MC
Size difference
Insta-love
Paranormal

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Scars
Murder
Hospitalization
Gunshot wound
Graphic violence
Attempted murder
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past assault
Mentions of past emotional abuse

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile

I suspected if more humans knew about us and how they weren’t the most powerful species on the planet, their sense of peace would be shattered. Realizations like that tended to make humans stabby.

“Mom, I’m an adult. I can make plans without needing to tell you about them. Do you ask Birch for details about his plans?” “Birch doesn’t make plans, honey, he hooks up with people. Is that what you’re talking about? Sex?” I swear I heard her clap her hands. “Are you having sex again? Oh, honey, I’m so proud of you.”

“Oh, you’re a big one, aren’t you?” She hummed appreciatively as soon as he swung the camera toward his face. “Mom!” “Well, he is, honey. Look at him. I mean, I knew you liked them big all over, but... He’s one big mountain of a man. And so good looking too.” Did my mom just call me a size queen? I wanted to crawl under the sofa.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is very cute and fluffy, and you know that i like those vibes a lot.
i liked the main characters a lot!! dillon is like the perfect book boyfriend that makes you swoon and wish he was real.
yes, they get together very fast, but they’re fated mates and to me that’s enough to justify it.

i asp liked the writing a lot, it flows well and it’s funny, the gas thing made me laugh a few times.

i’m definitely more interested in the other characters rather than the actual mistery, but i’m a character girlie, so no surprises here.
i will definitely read the next one.

i read an arc and this is my honest review.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me he quedado con ganas de más. Esta saga tiene potencial y la autora también.

Primera parte de esta saga. Ocurre doce años después de la precuela y se nos centra en dos personajes totalmente diferentes.

Poco he de decir salvo que me ha gustado, peca de insta-love y falta de profundidad del mundo. Sin embargo, como he dicho al principio la saga tiene potencial y me ha encantado leer el libro (y el resto).

[Cindaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh this was a good one. Interesting plot, great characters, minimal (or easy-to-follow) world-building, and no spelling errors! Never read this author before so I'm very excited to binge!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Hellhounds Never Lie by Lori Ames is the first book in the new Willow Lake Supernaturals series and it is off to a wonderful start. This appears to be the author’s first novel under this pen name (though she writes MF and MFM under Lori Whyte) and I am so glad I took a chance on a new-to-me author as I really loved this story and found it a lot of fun. Ames does a nice job here setting up the series and really giving us a sense of Willow Lake. There was the right balance of introducing various side characters and the town, without feeling like a parade of characters just being set up for future books.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

This was fairly entertaining, though everything went very fast and the world-building so far feels a bit fuzzy around the edges. STill, I can see potential here so I'll likely continue the series once it's completed.

[Barbara➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet mate story. I'm looking forward to more in the series.

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! I love it when you want to know all the side characters' stories, too. What a cute lil town!
The drama was juicy and continues in the next book. I need to know the reasoning behind the wolves stealing artifacts.
Dillion and Ash were cute together. Their sexytime bonding was really sweet. I love verse couples.
Off to the next one.

[Denise Ruttan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review also on my blog at http://dnruttan.com.

This was a strong start to a fun new cozy paranormal series that hooked me with the characters and universe and made me want to keep going. Usually I don’t continue in series that feature a different couple in each book because I usually like the main couple but don’t care enough about the side characters, but that wasn’t the case with this book. In fact I could have picked a number of side characters who would have been interesting in their own book.

The town of Willow Lake is unusual in that it is a haven of supernatural creatures and magic, hiding among the unaware humans in their midst. Ash is a fire mage whose spirit is broken by an abusive ex, but he finds reasons for optimism and hope in the community of supes in Willow Lake. He can’t even do much magic other than turning on lights and hearing a talking cat at the local pub he frequents (The cat Paws stole the show! And it wasn’t cheesy, it was just cute) so he questions his usefulness. I appreciated how he had a human best friend with romantic notions about supes, and how he was close to his mom and brother.

Along comes Dillon, a hellhound shifter, who is just trying to find a place where he belongs ever since his parents left him when he was a teenager. On the run from a wayward wolf pack where he didn’t fit, he stumbles into the supernatural haven of Willow Lake and finds an instant, sizzling connection with the little witch who doesn’t believe he’s powerful.

I have come to realize I actually do love instalove fated mates arcs when the characters actually do have chemistry and seem to like each other as people beyond the lust. The sex scenes in this were hot and even though they were a bear/twink pairing with lovable hurt/comfort vibes, Ash wasn’t just a damsel in distress. He was still independent and could hold his own in a fight; he just liked cuddling with his sexy, growly, overprotective hellhound.

This author is a fresh new voice and I’d definitely read more of her work. Normally I’m also not a fan of low-stakes feel-good stories but this was more cozy than that. It had just enough drama without being soapy and tension (even though it got sappy at times and Dillon used his pet name for Ash too much) to keep me interested. The writing style was also engaging and fast paced. Overall, an entertaining, light-hearted read with characters that had depth.

[Natalia Forciniti · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 8/10 🌶️: 2,5/5 😭: 1/5 🤣: 2/5

Relationship dynamic: Male - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual

Tropes:
💜 Paranormal (Hellhound x Mage)
💜 Fate mates
💜 Hurt / Comfort

“He is mine. You do not touch him. You do not look at him. I will annihilate you if you try anything against him ever again.”

(ESP) Primera vez que leo a la autora y quede gratamente sorprendida. Una historia que si bien tiene algo de drama resulta liviana y muy divertida de leer.
Ambos personajes son muy queribles. Dillon es todo lo que queremos en un bookboyfriend y Ash es muy gracioso. Lo instantáneo de su relación queda salvado por el hecho de que el destino los quiere juntos.
Hay una historia detrás del romance que supongo que será hilo conductor a lo largo detrás la serie. Ya quiero leer el próximo!

(ENG) I read the author's work for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised. The story has some drama, but it's also light and fun to read.
I absolutely loved both characters! Dillon is everything we want in a book boyfriend, and Ash is hilarious.
Their relationship starts off fast, but it's all thanks to fate that they're meant for each other.
There's a backstory to their romance that will be a common thread throughout the series.
I'm excited to read the next book.

[Amur Thera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good
    + Lots of shifted pets
    + Honesty and good communication
    + Dillon's instant connection with Ash's mother. I thought she was annoying, but Dillon really got along well with her
    + Protectiveness
    + Dillon never pushing Ash to talk about his trauma or show his scars
    + Hellhound police. So useful when they can smell lies
    + Cuddles


The neutral
    o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
    o I checked multiple times while reading whether this really wasn't a spin-off series. There are lots of side characters and it's hard to keep up with everyone
    o I don't really understand why Dillon thought he was the last hellhound. Hellhounds can't die of old age, so why would he assume he's the only one of his species left?


The bad
    - Jeremy was an awesome friend, and Ash really did him dirty. Even after Jeremy had to be sent away from the hospital so he wouldn't see Ash's magical healing Ash didn't decide to tell Jeremy about the supernatural
    - Ash's (connection to his) magic was broken, and he had not expected he'd ever get it back. Dillon didn't really tell Ash he'd also love him without the magic. Instead, the magic problem was magically fixed without a possible future with Ash forever having only the tiniest magical ability being discussed. When they did discuss Ash's magic, Dillon just told him he wasn't broken because his magic was still in his aura, instead of reassuring him he wasn't broken regardless or that he was good enough without his magic as well
    - The plot was very confusing. I suppose everything will become clearer later on in the series, but it felt like I was dropped in the middle of a story instead of at the beginning


Quotes

    "The bullet didn't hit anything important like my heart or my lungs or whatever."
    "You are important. The bullet hit you."

Despite my confusion due to all the characters and the seemingly chaotic plot, I enjoyed reading this. The plot will obviously continue in future books, so maybe if you're impatient it's better to wait until more books have been published to start this one. If you're just here for hellhound pets, then I'd definitely recommend reading this immediately.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks GayRomanceReviews for letting me review this!

Dillion is a hellhound looking for a place to belong and Ash is trying to heal from a bad relationship. I really liked their chemistry and how their relationship develops.

I was interested from the moment I started and wanted to know all about the world and how it worked. We’re given enough information to know what’s going on but not pages of world building with no plot or dialogue. This also introduced characters for future books but it felt organic.

I’m excited for the next one and to see who falls in love next

[yazaleea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This series is not for me. The prequel novella was the same insta lust with a boring plot and I was like that’s fine it’s just the prequel novella. But if it’s going to be this way for the whole series, I would rather just stop here and cut my losses. Though if Van and Hayden ever get a book, I shall be back, they’re the only characters that have intrigued me in this book.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Cute and sweet ☺️ had a good time!

Narrator: Kirt Graves

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not only my first book by this author but also the authors debut book, and I have to say: I am soooo looking forward to the next books.

Dillon and Ash were interesting characters. I liked their characters and their connection, and although it is a fated mate story, I, for my part, at least think it was well done.
There is a small mystery part in it, which is perfectly done for this fluffy story .... maybe in the next books that part will be more pronounced, although the fluffy story was also nice.

The world in which this book is set sounds interesting and intriguing, which made it fun to read.
The secondary characters are wel established without stealing the show but with enough emphasis that I really, REALLY want to have Van's and Haydens stories.
But first, there will be Jeremy's story, which is ok as well.

So hopefully, there are 3 much anticipated books in my future

[La Nomada · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, a mage who believes he’s lost his powers for good gets caught up in protecting his small town. I love characters like Ash, who just blurt out all their thoughts with no filter—it makes for such entertaining dialogue. The cause of his power loss was a unique take, and the story kept me engaged the whole way through.

The book also had insta-love, so it was very low-angst, which was exactly what I was looking for. Plus, it had a dual point of view, which I always enjoy in books like this—I love seeing both sides of the love story. The background story added enough intrigue to keep things interesting, and now I’m curious to see where the series goes next. Overall, it was a fun, easy read with a satisfying HEA. I’d definitely recommend it!

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like 4.5 rounded up, because I needed this.
A sweet, light, funny romance with awesome characters and all the fated mates goodness. Let's just say I ate it up.



Dillon and Ash are perfect for each other. They are both such sweethearts. The town itself is a mix of wonderful, quirky characters and magic. It is a great setting, funny dialogues and awesome characters. Definitely a fan of this author and their writing style.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Although we don’t get a lot of background on the magic system for this world, there is more than enough to not feel lost. I liked both Dillon and Ash as well as the Willow Lake citizens. There is some plot outside the relationship that was exciting even if parts were a bit gruesome. I look forward to more in the series!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash & Dillon

This is a good start to this new series. I was hooked from the beginning and I can't wait for more from this series.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiery Goodness

This was a fun little romance. The mcs were cute together. The story itself was interesting and introduces a larger mystery that will be going through the rest of the series.

[William Kibler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything by this author and I was very impressed! I like her writing style and the fast pacing of the story. Her characters are endearing, although a bit underdeveloped. More backstories (family history, life experiences) would have shaped the characters better. Also, at about the 80% mark, the story became a bit scattered but merged again with a contrite ending. I felt this book needed another chapter or two to tie up the plot mysteries. However, I liked this book and recommend it!

[Chetana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

This book was a slog to get through. Mostly because I was sick and I think I am coming up on burnout with reading. But also a little because the story just didn't resonate with me. It has the bare bones of a series that could be good but I am not sure the plot hooked me enough to read the next few books in the series.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Start

This installment begins the series, mostly. There apparently is a prequel out there as well, but it’s not necessary to follow what is going on in this book. Acceptable characters development, though the plot is a bit thin and too broadly defined. The series could get better. This first book ends with some resolution, but nearly as many questions as answers.

[Yackie]

Don’t perceive me
This is the book equivalent of putting my head in the sand

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ash and Dillon

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, sweet, low angst, paranormal romance!

When fire mage Ash rescues hellhound Dillon while he’s escaping the evil wolf pack in the woods, they immediately recognize something in each other. An insta-lust, but feels like forever kind of thing. As the Willow Lake team tries to stop the wolf pack from stealing magical artifacts from town, Ash and Dillon get closer, realizing they’re fated mates! A rare blessing from Eternal Magic that also helps Ash regain control of his fire magic after years of it being dormant due to an abusive ex. Dillon is sweet and protective and fits right in with the supernatural town of Willow Lake.

It was a super quick read, fast paced, and sweet! I’m excited for the rest of the series!

[Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and fluffy with some action thrown in! I'm off to read the next one.

[Aspen Albracht · Rating 2 out of 5]

At around 64% I almost dnf’ed. Not a badly written book, it just got really boring.