Spike

Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld #31

by Ariel Dawn, Gina Kincade (Foreword)

Life was easier as a dog…

Cursed to be a Hellhound for all eternity, the last thing Spike expects is to shift back into a human on the steps of the DeLux Cafe in front of everyone, including his owner, Hecate.

Now he needs to learn what it is to be human in today’s world, so he can pass for one himself and enjoy the offerings of humanity. Not to mention the fact he must find his mate before the next full moon or he will turn back into a Hellhound. After his life with overprotective godly guardians, going to college suddenly doesn’t seem so terrifying.

When Spike discovers his mate on campus—a fiery vampire, no less—he finds himself in the middle of a hellish fairytale. The question is, will Isabelle be his happy ever after? Or will Spike’s fate be sealed along with his human self for all eternity?

Spike is book thirty-one in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld shared world, featuring a virginal hellhound turned human, a fiery vampire vixen, and more.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Ariel Dawn is a real life mermaid and self-professed geek with a penchant for a good book and a strong cup of coffee (or tea!).

Ariel writes plot driven paranormal romance, monster romance, reverse harem, and urban fantasy featuring feisty heroines, sinfully delicious heroes, and neurodivergent besties.

As a fellow neurodivergent, when she isn't writing, she can be found cosplaying, attending conventions, or creating all sorts of artwork in her studio. She loves hanging out with family and friends as well as playing video games and board games with her retro gamer husband.

Reviews

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Spike's turn to find his mate. Having been cursed by a witch to be a hellhound for all eternity there was no one more surprised than him when he caught a smell and he turned into a human - a naked one at that - on the doorstep of the DeLuxe Cafe. His owner Hecate (Cate), can't believe what just happened. Along with Cate, Darcy, Hades and Gunner they take him to the Fates to find out what his future holds. It appears it will be short if he doesn't find his mate before the next full moon as he will forever remain as a hellhound. He goes off to campus trying to grab onto his new life and learn more. There he comes across the smell that he encountered before his shift. It belongs to a beautiful vampire - his mate. Isabelle is trying not to be a vampire and she doesn't bite humans. She loves being on the campus and it would seem that the smell that she experienced at the DeLux Cafe belongs to the new guy - Spike. She is totally attracted to him but tries to avoid him as she doesn't want to go 'full vampire' on him. But after a hot night of passion, Spike falls ill. Will his mate, Isabelle come to his rescue or will she be too late? Another hot, spicy read from the Denizen series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! What a fast and furious romance and a bit deadly too! Spike learns of a curse after being triggered to return to his human self and is setting off to experience being a human again. Learning and searching for his elusive mate turns out to be quite frustrating. When they do finally meet tons of drama occurs, the romance spark like a roman candle and everything moves forward a mile a minute. The curse kicks in and his friends and family do their best to help. Izzy finds Spike and the ending leads to a truly beautiful romance and the beginning of a wonderful future. Love this series, bring on the next dating adventure!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, another hit in this series. Ariel Dawn wrote characters I fell in love with, and I was rooting for their HEA in this series I'm loving. Spike a cursed Hellhound is looking for his mate to break the spell meets Vampire Izzy/Isabella. Spike a Hellhound is led by his owner Hectate/Cate who is going into the Delux Café when he suddenly transforms into a naked human as he caught the scent of his mate. Isabella waiting to order something to eat gets hit with alluring scent and a strong desire for blood as a woman with a large dog walk by. Losing sight of them Izzy a student went back to the university. Can Spike finds his mate before the next full moon? I volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.

[Tyrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Spike was cursed in a life of servitude, that is until his mate walked through the door. He has until the next red moon to claim his mate. Izzy, a vampire, thinks of herself as a monster. She is drawn to Spike but confused and not sure what is happening to her. She doesn't realize how important he is to her, until it's almost to late. Speed dating with the Denizens is an outstanding series. The characters are charismatic and the stories are unique. Highly enjoyable series, entertaining from the start. Could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them all, they are that good. Multiple author, different styles but these are juicy!! Highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I loved Spike, my heart was so sore for him but I did love how everyone rallied around him and tried to help him with his reintegration into life as a person. He was so sweet and I couldn't help but fall in love with him a little. Turns out the reason he suddenly changed back is because he crossed paths with his fated mate, Izzy. The only way to ensure that he stays human and avoids spending eternity as a hellhound is to find her and win her heart and form a mate bond. Only Izzy has issues of her own and it may not be as easy as hoped. Can Spike win Izzy over and show her that it is safe for her to open her heart?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a dog person. Period. And my favourite supernaturals are always the ones with bad reputation - demons, vampires, hellhounds, dragons...
So, give me a story about a hellhound - and my beloved one, already met and enjoyed in previous books of the series - and a vampire, and I would have no necessity to read it to know I would love it.
And if the book is part of the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld series, and the writer is Ariel Dawn, the success is granted!
Spike is all of this, and so much more.
Funny, fresh, original, and different, I loved every second of the read.
I'm not going to tell you more, I'm not going to do any spoiler, so read Spike, and enjoy the ride!
100% recommended.

[Sondra Olbrias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spike was cursed by a witch to live life in his hellhound form. Being a hellhound shifter was bad enough he never met another like him. But he is shocked when out of nowhere after a lifetime he finds himself returned to his human form. Seers once told Spike that finding his fated mate and sharing a kiss and the kiss of death will be the only way to break the witches curse. Isabelle has not found a single person to share her life with since she was turned into a vampire. That has not bothered her too much but now a handsome man is confusing Izzy with his compelling scent and innocent sweet ways. Spike wants nothing but his mate, while Isabelle fears what the result will most likely be, or heard at least

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike was cursed by a witch to a life of servitude as a Hellhound for over two centuries until he found his mate a vampire named Isabelle. Isabella/Izzy is drawn towards Spike but she doesn't believe he's her fated mate. Spike has some convincing to do because when he finds his mate he is hoping will break the curse. Spike is part of the multi-author Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld series. The writing is good, the characters are interesting and the story has fated mates, drama, a curse, secrets, steam, and a happily ever after. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spike is a dog, a hellhound cursed to remain that way for all of eternity, but something happens as he stands in front of the Delux Cafe that will change his life. He shifts into his human form when his mate walks through the door and now there's a deadline for him to remain human. First, he has to track down his mate, claim and bond with her before the next red moon. Izzy is a vampire and confused about what's happening to her when she's around Spike. It's imperative that they find each other and figure out what their future is before the red moon. I love this series of speed-daters, and each book is a delight!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike is a Hellhound and has been for two centuries until he walks into the DeLux Cafe. He immediately turns human. It seems his mate is nearby and the only way to break the spell on him is to find her and mate her. But Izzy is a vampire with trust issues. As Spike relearns what it’s like to be human can he help Izzy see that what she needs is him. I loved Spike and Izzy. Great chemistry, fast paced read, steamy and hot with a perfect ending. I’m loving these Denizens of the Underworld.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike was cursed by a witch to become a Hellhound centuries ago. The only way he can break the curse is by finding his mate. While out on his leash, Spike visits DeLux Cafe and smells the scent of Isabelle, a vampire. Realizing that he has finally found his mate, he feels hopeful that he will be able to break the curse and live a normal life once again. This story has indecision, romance of a sort, and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did wonder a bit about this one based on the title. Then again it is Ariel Dawn so that should have told me everything that I needed to know. It was all I expected, it was fast-faced, full of sass, fun, steam and great writing.
Spike (love him) is a hellhound who has been cursed and discovering his mate leaves him somewhat more vulnerable than you would expect. Izzy is a vampire and rather taken aback by the most alluring scent. What can it all mean?! Well it this case it means a wonderful story which has likeable characters and is a great addition to an existing series.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

How are we on book 31 of this incredible series?? This time we have a hellhound (Spike) who turns human and has until the next full moon to find his mate and stay human forever. Having not been in this form, Spike must navigate this strange world so that he can find his way in today’s extraordinary world. Isabelle (Izzy) is a vampire and Spikes fated mate but she has serious issues and at first is not interested in being anything with Spike so he has his work cut out for him. It’s a great story, fast paced and super hot as this couple works through their differences and find their way.

[Jenn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another knockout book for the speed dating series! This time we have the cursed hellhound Spike who changes unexpectedly when his future mate Isabelle walks by. Now fate has thrown yet another curve ball and he only has a limited amount of time to find his strawberry blonde mate and convince her that she belongs with him before he changes back. Yet Isabelle might take a wee bit of convincing. This book is guaranteed to make you read it all in a sitting- there’s humour, chemistry and a whole lot more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike had been cursed by a witch to be a hellhound for eternity. Much to his and his owner, Helcate’s, disbelief he turns into a human on the steps of the DrLux Cafe. Cate takes him to find his fate and they soon realise he will return to being a hellhound if he doesn’t find his mate, his search is on! When he meets vampire, Izzy, he knows she is the one. Twist, turns, danger, suspense, love, romance, amazing chemistry and a fantastic HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike and Isabella's story. Steamy with lots of different supernaturals. Many previous characters are included in this story. Though Izzy and Spike didn't meet at the speed date, they were at Delux Cafe where the event is held. Plenty of drama that will pull at your heart strings for Spike. Happily-ever-mated ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld series. Spike was cursed to be a Hellhound for all eternity, but something happened when he got to the DeLux Cafe "He Is Human!" why? He meets Isabelle when he starts going to college. Another well written story that kept me turning pages, I had to know what was going to happen. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Killeena Savola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book interesting with Spike and Isabelle. Spike is a young man who has been cursed. Even though he’s lived long he has no concept of the new world he finds himself in. Isabelle wants to be as normal as she can. She has kept to herself due to her being a vampire. Finding a mate should be joyous not deadly, but there is reservation that can cause more harm then good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike is a hellhound. He's been one for centuries working for Hades. Then one whiff of a unique scent and he shifts to human. Now his hunt is on fire his mate. He needs her bite. Isabella is a vampire who refuses to recognize what is in front of her. Will she get past her issues and realize what he is to her? Will they survive?
A beautiful story that will a year to the reader's eye.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 31 Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld starring virginal hellhound turned human Spike and a fiery vampire vixen Isabelle. Talk about drama and secrets with a hot tryst to boot. The way these two find each other and fall fast will have you giddy with joy at their happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Persman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It had drama, a sweet mmc and a sassy fmc, and so many past deities from other books that add to the layers of this story. It's a fast-paced, the right amount of spice, a fell fast/mate story that will keep you wanting to read more, plus the super sweet ending will leave you smiling!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really sweet book about a hellhound getting a second-chance.
Spike is lovely, sweet and sexy and tries all manner of things to win his mate. Isabelle is scared of making a mistake and this causes a flurry on unknown consequences to unravel.
This story is an enjoyable lighthearted read with a very sweet HEA.
5 stars!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speed Dating, Spike's Transformation, Isabella being his mate. These thing make this another fantastic story in this world. I enjoyed this couple and everything that came with their meeting and romance. This was such a fun and engaging story, that I So Loved!!! Great Paranormal Romance! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It was such a great addition to this series. Spike and Izzy were fantastic characters! Such an enjoyable and entertaining read that keeps you totally engaged. So many great characters that make for a very interesting story. Definitely worth reading!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike turns into a human when he starts to go into DeLux, when he smells her. She has to be his mate. Where did she go, will he change back to the hellhound he is? What is she? As always these are the best books. I have rad all 31 books and will continue to read them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Irene Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #31 in the multi-author series called Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld. It's a fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
This is a story about a h and H who met at a speed dating event. He's a hellhound who turns human the moment he walks into the DeLux Cafe and she's a vampire. Oh my!
Read to find out what happens.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read written by Ariel Dawn; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Izzy & Spike.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ariel Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be partial because I wrote it, but I guarantee you reader me and author me are two very different people.

Re-reading this while I prepared for writing the next book, Calli's book, I had an absolute blast and fell in love with these characters all over again. Especially Cate, Hades, Darcy and Gunner!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Spike, Hellhound, Izzy, Vampire, and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with Gods, Goddesses, Demons and Shifters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taara Amrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The myths that run through our world have lives of their own. Love, laughter, tears and fears. This love story of a Hound and his mate is romantic, sweet in an odd way and well worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.