Hell to Pay

Sanctum Harbor Sinners #1

by Lisa Cullen

Who hurt Hellena Michaels?
Once they find out, there will be hell to pay.

Sanctum Harbor seemed like a fresh start, but this opulent town hides a darkness as black as my past.
One risky deal gone wrong, and suddenly I'm in debt to the mob and stalked by a shadowed figure who seems to know my every move.
Just my luck.

Then there are the
Tyler, the charming guy I hooked up with right before getting busted.
Gavin, my dad's smoking hot friend offering me shelter.
Evan, the mysterious businessman willing to pay my debts... for a costlier price than I ever imagined.

As I navigate their world of secret societies, forbidden pleasures, and a costlier price than I ever imagined, I discover a shocking truth: my blood ties me to this town in ways I never imagined.

Now my sadistic stepfather's back, ready to auction me off to the highest bidder in a ruthless game of power and control.
But he forgot one thing – I'm not that scared little girl anymore.
I'll burn their corrupt empire to ashes before I let them collar me again.

That is - if I survive the searing pain ripping through my body.
A bullet. My blood.
But whose finger pulled the trigger?

★ --- ★ --- ★
Hell To Pay" is the first explosive book in the Sanctum Harbor Sinners trilogy.
It contains a fiery heroine, three irresistible men, and a cliffhanger that'll leave you screaming for more.

These books MUST be read in order:
Book 1: Hell to Pay
Book 2: Hell and High Water
Book 3: Hell Breaks Loose

Genres: Why Choose

322 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2024

Reviews

[CriSsStina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

My first read by this author. I grabbed this one
as an ARC on Booksprout. The blurb and the cover were interesting, and I said, "Why not?"

The read was indeed interesting. There was a lot to unpack, plot wise. It had dangerous situations, three hot MMCs, some secret society, that deal in a lot of debauchery, it seems 😅.

There's a cliffhanger since this one is the first book in a trilogy. I'll definitely try the next one!

There's still a lot to discover and unpack in regards to all these characters, and also this secret society of sinful people 😉.

What to expect
- definitely RH
- she's 24, a college student (she started college later) - but not for long 😉
- plus size representation, she also loves dancing, and this will come into play eventually in the story
- there are definitely MM vibes, and I can't wait for those scenes later in the series 🤭
- hot times, quite a lot of build up with each one of the MMCs
- dangerous situations, and the last 20% of the book were 😐🫢🤯😳🥺
- some sort of an outlaws city setup combined with an MC club, some mafia vibes, a secret society ... quite interesting
- cliffhanger

I don't want to give spoilers, but this read had quite a few of dirty, dirty, and sensual dances, and a heroine who's still learning how to be strong in face of her pos step-father. There are a lot of secrets on all sides, and I have a feeling that the next book will be even more fast-paced and based on that last chapter, it will unpack even more secrets and potentially dangerous situations.

[Praline 99 · Rating 3 out of 5]

reverse harem romance in several parts. Hellena flees a past with the mafia and a violent stepfather. She finds refuge in her father's native village. After changing her name, she lives with her aunt, resumes her studies, and sets up a secret company on campus that organizes fraternity parties for children from the wealthy neighborhoods. It is during one of these parties that she meets Tell but also that her whole life will go wrong. She will need the protection of Gavin, her missing father's best friend, and the help of Evan who is willing to pay the debt she owes to a dangerous MC but not without many favors that will cost her more than she thinks. I had a little trouble getting into the story at the beginning but I'm waiting for the rest...

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

[Brittany Hayley Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Hell to pay. I’m not sure how I feel about this book.. it wasn’t a typical spicy book. While the spice was good the tension of will they won’t they. It just seemed to be all over the place. It is book one of the duet or series, so maybe this one was the introduction of the characters and why they are the way they are. It does end on a cliffhanger but I look forward to see what the next book is about.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Cullen's Hell to Pay is an electrifying dive into a world where danger lurks around every corner and secrets are more valuable than gold. As someone who’s drawn to stories of power, deceit, and dark magic, this first installment of the Sanctum Harbor Sinners series had me hooked from the very first page.

Hellena Michaels thought Sanctum Harbor would be her escape—a fresh start away from the shadows of her past. But Sanctum Harbor has its own darkness, one that entwines with Hellena’s life in ways she never anticipated. The town's opulent facade masks a sinister underbelly, where mob debts and shadowy figures haunt her every step. Hellena's journey is not just about survival; it’s about reclaiming her power and facing the demons that have plagued her for too long.

The men in Hellena’s life—Tyler, Gavin, and Evan—each bring their own brand of temptation and danger. Tyler, the charming guy from her past, adds a layer of complexity as their brief connection turns into something more. Gavin, her dad’s enigmatic friend, offers her safety, but the chemistry between them suggests there’s more at play than just protection. Then there’s Evan, the mysterious businessman who offers to clear her debts, but at a cost that makes Hellena question everything.

Cullen masterfully crafts a world filled with secret societies and forbidden pleasures, where every choice Hellena makes pulls her deeper into a web of intrigue and danger. The stakes are sky-high, especially when Hellena's sadistic stepfather re-enters the picture, ready to sell her off to the highest bidder. But Hellena is no longer the terrified girl he once controlled. She’s a fiery heroine ready to burn everything to the ground if that’s what it takes to protect herself.

The tension in Hell to Pay is palpable, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think Hellena might find a moment of peace, Cullen throws another curveball, leaving you breathless and eagerly anticipating the next book. The cliffhanger is nothing short of explosive, setting the stage for what promises to be an even more intense continuation of Hellena’s story.

If you’re a fan of stories where a strong, determined heroine battles against overwhelming odds and navigates a world filled with dangerous men, secret alliances, and high stakes, Hell to Pay is a must-read. Hellena Michaels is a protagonist you’ll root for, even as she makes impossible choices in a world that’s determined to break her. Lisa Cullen has created a series that’s as addictive as it is thrilling, and I can’t wait to see where Hellena’s journey takes her next.

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

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell To Pay is the first explosive book in the Sanctum Harbor Sinners trilogy. A full-length standalone standalone novel with no cheating and ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. A nicely done story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you riveted and turning the pages. A slow burn romance, dark and twisted story. An absorbing and addicting story. A romance collections & anthologies story, contemporary romance mafia mafia romance story, dark mafia romance, billionaires and millionaires story, forced proximity story, reverse harem romance, MMMF romance, why-choose story, age gap trope story, forbidden romance, off-limits relationship, polar opposite attracts story, organize crime story, action adventure romance, polygamous romance, protective alpha hero story, bully romance protector romance, small town romance with deep dark hidden secrets, hidden agendas, lust, love, resentment, drama, lies, threats, emotions, angst, tension, hatred, anger, deception, secret societies, trauma, tragedy, greed, child abuse, danger, darkness, madness, mystery, suspense, hidden identity, stalker, survival, resilience, twists and turns, fear, steam, pain, hatred, love, mob debt and so much more.
Hellena Michaels has experienced a life of physical abuse and cruelty at the hands of her evil, vile, monstrous and cruel step-father. She escaped the cruelty and went to go and live with her aunt in the opulent small town of Sanctum Harbor for eight years navigating life until she made one risky deal with the mob went wrong, and suddenly she's in debted to the mob and being stalked by a shadowed figure who seems to know her every move. She got herself in danger and as luck would have it she meets three diverse men Tyler, Evan and Gavin. She embarks on a relationship with all three men. Gavin, is her dad's smoking hot friend offering her shelter. Evan one of her man who's a very mysterious businessman is willing to pay off her debts but at a costlier price than she ever imagined. Everything is going great with her and her three men when her crazy sadistic step-father popped back up into her life and ready to auction her off to the highest bidder in a ruthless game of power and control.

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down, it was a real page turner. I just had to know what was going to happen next, then next, then next! Ms Cullen weaves the story line very well, drawing you in. I loved all of the characters but Ora had me giggling. We'd all love a friend like that, a bit mad, a bit psycho but lovable. You feel for Hellena, what she has gone through in the past, what she ran away from. Only for it all to go south again for her in Sanctum. She needs the protection of Gavin, her father's friend. The man of many faces Tell, who sees her as she sees the real him. Lastly, Evan, her control frieak of a boss but finds he loses it around her. The pressure, the heat builds up between Hellena and her 3 men, who will break first? Can she pick one of them or does she need them all?

But as she thinks her life has settled down everything goes south once more. Her past catches up with her again and she has to decide does she stay and face it head on or does she flee and keep those she loves safe?.

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

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems every book I’ve read recently ends in a cliffhanger. I sometimes despair of ever catching up. But with stories like this, I have no regrets. With such a traumatic past, Hellena is trying to stay under the radar, though I thought the way she decided to earn money was always going to cause her grief. And I wasn’t wrong. When it all blows up in her face, she finds herself in deep sh*t. Then three men enter her life. Three men who want to help, or do they just want her? Obsessive-compulsive Tyler, whose demons fell silent the day his eyes met hers. Gavin, her father’s friend, a fixer, for want of a better word. And finally, mysterious, secretive Evan. There are more secrets in Sanctum Harbor than you can shake a stick at, and Hellena has just become part of the biggest one of all. Sinful. Has she sold her soul to the devil? That f*cking cliffhanger means we’ll have to wait to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena lands in Sanctum Harbor with her aunt after fleeing an abusive step-father. She is enjoying life and making things work for her when things go sideways. She finds herself expelled from college, in danger from a local gang who she now owes money too and needing a place to stay when her aunt leaves town. She ends up staying with Gavin, a friend of her estranged father, whom she has a strong attraction to. Tyler (Tell) is someone she met at a party, had a moment with and has continued to talk to. Tell introduces her to Evan as a job opportunity and there is lots of snark and a burning attraction underneath. All four characters have secrets that are slowly revealed however, the book still ends with lots of questions and the revelation of the biggest secret being held by her aunt. This is a great start to a new series, can't wait for the next one!.

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

[AshReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hellena, Gavin, Tylor (Tell), and Evan. Hellena is in hiding from her step father. After something happens that leads to her taking off and running to where she believes her father lives. She works hard to make money and go to school. One thing leads to another and she ends up taking the blame for something and kicked out of school. She is in debt to some dangerous men, when she moves in with Gavin, her father’s best friend who is determined to keep her safe. She meets Tell the night of this party, that caused her to end up in jail. Then she meets Evan when she asks him for help paying her debts.

I really enjoyed this book and I am definitely looking forward to the next book. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am dying to read the next one. The relationship between Hellena and the guys was kind of slow. They all wanted each other but no one acted on it, then when they did watch out.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow and what a cliffhanger. Thank goodness book two is releasing in a month. Lisa has written a masterpiece with Hell to Pay. Hellena has loved a life at the hands of a cruel stepfather. With the help of her no , she escapes to the small town of Sanctum Harbor. Living a normal college life and running a side hustle life is good. Until one nights party turns into disaster. From there Hellena is thrown every which way and not safe. Gavin, her dad best friend and ruthless offers protection. Evan is devilishly had some and her boss with secrets that are secret. Finally a mysterious guy she met at a party named Tell has captured her by one look and a kiss that ignites flames.

Get ready for this crazy right in Sanctum Harbor.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this author’s that I’ve read. The premise of the story is interesting, and definitely kept me wanting to know more.
Hellena has escaped her ruthless stepfather and sought refuge in Sanctum Harbor, a small, coastal town. She is putting herself through college by being a party planner for the rich frat kids. A mistake at a particular party not only costs her money, but gets her expelled and puts her in the crosshairs of the towns most notorious gang.
This story is told mainly from Hellenas POV, but there are three guys who become a major part of her life, and we get their POVs as well, which I love.
There is some minor violence, and some steam, and being that this is book 1, it does end on a pretty big cliffhanger. I’m very excited to get book 2, to see what happens next!

[Mr D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant!

This is an exceptionally good read. There are plots within plots.

Hellena is on the run from her abusive stepfather Marco Vice he had plans to marry her off for his own personal gains. She found herself in Sanctum Harbor and made a life for herself, with a certain amount of grifting to get by and pay her way through university. As a person who has contacts everywhere she organises events and fixes problems for her wealthy fellow students.

Unfortunately for Hellena she missed out on an important rule, when things go wrong the privileged rich kids will need a scapegoat. It’s not long before everything is crumbling around her, a random encounter offers a lifeline.

Things are changing in Hellena’s world, new challenges, as well three enigmatic men that she’s drawn to. So much temptation.

[Unix · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I absolutely LOVE Lisa Cullen and a diehard fan of hers. I could not get into this book, I had to force myself to read it and could not finish it. I cannot put my finger on what it was about this book that did not sell it for me. The book started off very, very slow and confusing for me. The story did pick up once I got to the middle of the story but like I said it was very hard for me to read it. There are many twists and turns with some serious hot men, Hellena and Ora Clive. This book ends in a cliffhanger and will leave you wanting.

Would I recommend this series to others? Yes, I would since I am a diehard fan of Lisa Cullen and believe she is an amazing author.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helena has had a rough life and thought when she moved in with her aunt things would be different. However, one huge mistake gets her in some bad trouble really quick. Gavin, Tyler and Evan are the men in her life that are either trying to protect her or throwing her to the wolves. Helena doesn't know what to expect next and is too trusting of other that are nice to her. Will she get out of the trouble she's in? Who can she trust?

This is a great story, but I had a struggling at the beginning because it was somewhat slow. It picks up and does get better. This is a well written and very entertaining story. It ends with a cliff hanger so be aware.

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

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Hell to Pay Hellena is a strong woman with a business of sorts she created. She flies under the radar until one night goes horribly wrong for her. The men in her life are very different. Tyler, aka Tell, is a man of many faces. Gavin is her protector, her father's best friend. Evan is a sort of dream spinner. Living in Sanctum Harbor comes with it's own set of rules and secrets. I really loved this book. Lisa Cullen did a great job with the plot. Her characters are so great that you can almost see them in your mind. Another story I did not want to see end. Kudos to Ms. Cullen for a great job.

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

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell to Pay is a gripping, dark romance that pulls you in from the first page. Hellena Michaels is a strong, determined heroine with a haunting past, and her journey through the dangerous world of Sanctum Harbor is intense and thrilling. The men in her life—Tyler, Gavin, and Evan—each bring their own mystery and danger, making the story even more captivating.

Lisa Cullen weaves a tale full of suspense, secrets, and steamy tension. I couldn't put it down. If you love dark romance with a fierce lead and unpredictable twists, this book is for you.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helena Michael runs to her aunt in Sanctum Harbor after fleeing an abusive stepfather. When suddenly she becomes in danger, she runs to her estranged father's BF Gavin. Tyler (Tell) she met at a party and he introduces her to Evan and he gives her a job. All three men become very important to her and there is an attraction to them all. The book has well-written characters, has a fast-paced storyline. Full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, and some twists along the way, this story ends in a cliffhanger, so get ready to read book 2 Hell and High Water.

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

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc review

3 1/2 stars please

Authors note stating age appropriate. In-depth description. Be aware, it’s a trilogy. This is book 1 in the read.

Hellena - fiancé’s blood on her hands (Davi, fiancé)

This started as a gripping storyline . The cast was set, the story gripping but for me it simply became too much.

3 men - Gavin, Evan & Tell. One Woman, Hellena (Hell). A scared but firm person. A cult dealing with sex. Blood, death, favours. It was all here yet too much. Was left on a cliffhanger where questions hopefully will be answered.

A tricky one to recommend to others. A choice to be made when reading prologue.

Original review on Booksprout

[loubie bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I’m going to start by being totally honest and saying I struggled with the first few chapters of the book and nearly stopped reading. In fact it was only when I got almost to the end of chapter 9 before I decided to keep reading because it was starting to gel together and make sense. I haven’t read many from this author before so I didn’t know what writing style I was going to find. It’s not my favourite book but I am going to persevere and try the next book before I make a proper decision. I liked most of the book I just didn’t love it like I wanted to.

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

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in Sanctum Harbor Sinners series by Lisa Cullen and this is Helena Michael, Gavin (her dad's best friend), Evan (mystery surrounds his business activities) Evan (her boss who is a control freak) story. She escaped from her cruel stepfather only to find herself caught in greater danger! This is where she meets her three diverse men with whom she has a relationship with all three. This is where their story really begins, beware, this one ends in a cliff hanger! So sit back and enjoy all the twist & turns.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting the Background

Although this is the first part of a trilogy, the story sets up the overall plot and character backgrounds, which seem to lead to a greater overarching storyline. Even with the cliffhanger, the reader will experience a wide variety of emotions as the FMC and her possible harem of men get to know each other. So far, this part has captured my attention, and I can not wait until the next installment.

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

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Cullen's new Sanctum Harbor Sinners series. A great intro to a new series that is sure to delight and captivate with its dark, danger, magic and thrilling characters. This storyline - which fair warning does end in a cliffy but I am dangling and eagerly anticipating the next in this series! Strong characters with secrets galore that are slowly revealed only to captivate and thrill more. Can't wait for book 2!

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

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, following Hellena, started out giving me one idea of the way it was going to go. Then the whole story took an abrupt turn and started heading in another direction. Just as I got comfortable with where it was heading, another abrupt turn.

This book kept me on my toes. No complacent reading. There is so much going on in her life and the strong men she aligns with make the sexual tension feel almost real.

Quite a well written dramatic story. I can't wait for the next installment.

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

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hellena has escaped her past and horrible step-dad and lives in a small town with her aunt. She thinks she is safe until things go sideways and boom the story gets wild an interesting. Introduced to a wide range of characters all with hidden agendas and secrets that make Hellena's life crazy. The main characters are a bit worn and hold dangerous secrets themselves but the men fall for spunky Hellena and I was rooting for them all. Steamy, crazy and fun to read. Cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hell to Pay is Book 1 of the Sanctum Harbor Sinners Trilogy. It is a steamy, reverse-harem, dark romance. I'm not quite sure what to think of this story yet. There is a lot to unpack and lots of twists and turns. Helena has fled from her abusive stepfather and is now hiding. Three men, Gavin, Tyler (Tell), and Evan try to help in different ways. Throw in a secret society, lots of secrets, steam, and a cliffhanger, and you have quite the story. I can't wait for book 2.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Hellena’s story. Sanctum Harbor seemed like a fresh start, but this opulent town hides a darkness as black as her past.
One risky deal gone wrong, and suddenly she’s in debt to the mob and stalked by a shadowed figure who seems to know her every move. Just her luck. As she navigates the world of secret societies, and forbidden pleasures, she discovers a shocking truth: her blood ties her to this town in ways she could never imagine. It was an intriguing and suspenseful read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jessica DeVita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first that I have read from Lisa Cullen. I will say that this had me in my feels quite a bit with the ups and downs in the story. I felt a somewhat personal connection with Hellena after her fleeing from abuse, although mine was not at the hands of a family member. I am anxiously awaiting the next book as the cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat, I am looking forward to seeing the story unfold.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctum Harbor seems like a fresh start for Helena, who is fleeing an abusive step-father. But are not going smooth and she gets into trouble with her party planning gig. She meets three men; Gavin, Evan and Tell, they may be what she needs to find her way in Sanctum Harbor.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, and is the first in three books. There are times when it is a bit confusing but looking forward to the next.

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

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a fantastic job pulling you in and kept me turning the pages from start to finish with all the twists along the way. It's a suspenseful story, moves fluidly and is a terrific read. It does end in a cliffhanger that has me looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Heather Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think this is a read that many would enjoy. However, I found it hard going as I could not connect to any of the characters. I think it is because personally I found the story to be a bit all over the place, and none of the characters made me want to find out more about them.
It does end in a cliff hanger as it is part of a connected trilogy. I will however not be reading the next two books.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily