Dante

Paranormal Council Enforcers #17

by Taylor Rylan

Who knew that the Fates would resort to playing the jealousy card to get their way?

Dante Coal is a hellhound with his own demons. Like the others in his pack, he was created to do unspeakable things by his creator. After being banished from his realm, he spent centuries looking for others like him, only to find himself a captive in some jungle. He covertly watches and wonders what is going on, but there is one in particular that his beast is drawn to and feels the need to protect. He will forever live with the guilt that he failed that beautiful being.

Banner Lewis is trying to make a new life after spending time in hell. While being held captive in a compound in a jungle isn’t where he expected to meet his fated mate, that’s what fate decided for him. Sadly, Banner lashed out at his mate once they were rescued, and he’s lived with regret about that moment ever since. Despite his efforts to talk to the hellhound, he has walls up, and Banner can’t blame him.

The Fates have decided Dante and Banner are a perfect match. But are they? Banner regrets what he said to his hellhound mate when they were first rescued, and now the enforcer avoids him at all costs. Dante would love nothing more than to try to build a life with Banner, but can the sweet omega ever forgive him for not being able to protect him from the horrors of the jungle? Dante drags his feet too long, and when the Fates step in and show him what will happen if he doesn’t step up, can Dante win his sweet omega’s forgiveness in time?

Dante is Book Seventeen in the Paranormal Council Enforcers series. Each book in this series will focus on a different couple, but these books are not standalones and should be read in order as there is an ongoing backstory that won’t be resolved quickly. This is a fated mate story in an MPreg world, and there will be at least one baby. You should expect all the normal shenanigans and remember that sometimes even fated mates need a little help.

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

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2025

About the author

M/M PNR Romance Author 📖
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but it missed the mark for me by just a bit. I liked how wounded but living yet clueless Dante was in the beginning of the book. It is the miscommunication trope, but in a way that makes sense rather than being ridiculous. It kind of irked me that the same cluelessness that led him to thinking Banner actually hated his guts seems to vanish later, making it kind of seem off in comparison on the first half and second half. The change in Dante is stark but not brutally drastic, but Banner is kind of bland so it doesn't really push anything forward.
Also, Im kind of irked that Todd's missing sister (from last book) was apparently found off page somehow??? They're all living together??? And we weren't told????

[Julie Underhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dante by Taylor Rylan is the 17th book in her Paranormal Council Enforcers series. I suggest that you read some of the others first to understand the paranormal world that Ms. Rylan has created as well as the characters that appear in this one and their jobs. This is the story of a Hellhound who didn’t think he was worthy of his mate when he couldn’t protect him and the omega bear shifter who was held captive and then rescued and how they were finally able to make amends to each other so they could be happy together. Dante Coal is a Hellhound and part of the Paranormal Council Enforcers. When he was first banished, he found himself watching as omegas were abused in the jungles of Columbia and realized that one of them was his mate but he didn’t have his powers at that time and couldn’t rescue him. Banner Lewis was that omega and when he was finally rescued, he came to live on the mountain where the Paranormal Council was located and worked in the bakery. Banner also knew Dante was his mate and was broken when he left and didn’t save him, and then when he first got there, he told him to stay away from him. Dante knew where he was but never pursued him because he didn’t feel worthy of him when he couldn’t save him like he wanted and after Banner chastised him he tried to stay away as much as he could. But Banner had counseling and was told the real reason why Dante had to leave him and he knew he was just as much at fault because he didn’t talk to him when he could and also believed that Dante may not want him. When Dante was getting ready to go on a dangerous mission, all of his fellow Hellhounds went to be with their mates for a little while and he did go to see Banner but they didn’t say much to each other. The mission was to go between the worlds to Nexus to find some demons, which they did, and they also located the final two Hellhounds that were missing from their pack. When they got back, his Hellhound friend said he need to talk to Banner to see if they could be together, but he knows he doesn’t deserve him. Banner writes him a letter that says he’s also sorry for what he said because he knows the what happened now and that he may move away. When the Fate Thomas shows up and tells him that if he doesn’t want Banner he will gift him to someone else, Dante knows he doesn’t want that to happen so he shows up at the bakery and asks if they can talk and says he has been an idiot and has a lot to make up for and wants to see if they can move forward together. Banner says they have to take their time and they talk and spend time together. They get to know one another and at the Winter Solstice they finally kiss and Dante says he will do anything to be the mate that Banner deserves. They have some hot love scenes, which of course, throws Banner into his heat which has the usual consequences of a baby on the way, and they are not sure how long the pregnancy will be because it is a Hellhound but things work out with some surprises along the way and both are very happy and in love. I enjoyed this story. Ms. Ryland has created a very unusual world of paranormals with exciting results. Dante is pretty despondent at the beginning because he is unable to save Banner from the abuse he is being given, so he thinks he is unworthy of having him as his mate because he can’t protect him. Banner has also been hurt from what happened to him and was broken when Dante left him in the jungle, but once he learned what really happened then he began to understand. Both of them needed to talk and make decisions and once they did, they started to see that they can have a wonderful life together, especially when a baby becomes involved and they know they love each other. Their friends and members of the Council also play a big part in the story, especially in getting them to talk to each other. I recommend this book, especially if you like stories involving a paranormal council, a Hellhound and bear shifter who are mates but have to get over some bad things that happened before they can claim each other, and when they finally do they find the love they were missing as they start their lives together.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the seventeenth book in the Paranormal Council Enforcers series. It can be read as a standalone read but I would recommend reading the series in order to fully understand this world. This is the story of Dante and Banner. Dante is a hell hound who was trapped without his powers while looking for his fellow hell hounds. It was then that he found his mate. But without powers he could rescue him or help him. Banner is an omega bear shifter that was kidnapped and kept captive. Abusive was his daily life until they are all finally rescued. Once Dante regains his powers he begins to work for the Paranormal Council. He has his packmates form teams to assist. He recognizes Banner as his mate but feels unworthy as he was unable to rescue him. And Banner, after medical help and counselling, lets Dante know that he is rejecting him as a mate. This explosive meeting sets the tone for the two of them. While desperately wanting to be with Banner, Dante wants him happy more. If Banner wants him to stay away, that is exactly what he will do. And Banner believes that Dante doesn't want him as he avoids speaking with him at all. The two of them have a lot of emotional unpacking to do before they can ever start to talk to each other. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed this book. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is an emotional read. I liked how Banner recognized that not all the blame was Dante's and accepted responsibility for his own actions. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Paranormal Council Enforcers Series. I thought that Banner and Dante were great together. Their mating wasn’t easy by any means because they both went through hell while trapped in a South American jungle with known traffickers before being rescued by the Council. They both have a lot of trauma to do with that. I’m glad that they eventually talk and are both in therapy to sort through it.

I liked that when they cleared the air that they agreed to date, even though they’re mates so they could get to know each other. Lol Dante to his sweet a*se time taking things to the next level though. A lot of that had to do with believing that he’s a terrible mate due to not being able to rescue Banner, or the others from the hellhole even though he didn’t have his magic back yet. My heart hurt the pain that Dante suffered from his sadistic creator while in the hell realm before being banished to the human realm, that was deep and painful enough to scar.

Which paranormals usually don’t scar no matter how bad the injury is. I wouldn’t have complained if there was more action and adventure like the earlier books in this series but I think that’s what Banner and Dante needed. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books from Taylor in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.

******I received a copy of this book because I’m a member of Taylor Rylan’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[HarriReadsRoMMance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not recommend diving into ’Dante’ without reading ‘Briggs’ as it picks right up based on brand new information divulged in the previous book.

This story was a hard read. I felt so much for both of our MCs. The horrid things Banner had to endure while captured vs the things Dante had to watch being down to his fated mate and completely unable to stop them. I can completely understand why, after being rescued, Banner lashed out and Dante felt inadequate. The hard work the two of them had to do to get past their trauma was serious and Rylan takes us on their journey of healing both individually and as a couple. This a slow burner for sure but once they mate Rylan does not skip the heat!

I enjoyed this book a lot but I did think this was the hardest read of them all so far due to the heavy emotional weight of it but we were taken on a wonderful journey and Dante and Banner get the HEA they most certainly deserve. We learned some new things about hellhounds, demons and their realm which I hope will build towards future books as well!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartfelt paranormal romance follows Dante, a guilt-ridden Hellhound, and Banner, a wounded omega bear shifter, as they navigate trauma, misunderstanding, and fate to reclaim their bond. After surviving captivity and betrayal, both must confront their past and learn to communicate before they can embrace the love they were destined for. Dante’s guilt over failing to rescue Banner during his banishment in the jungles of Colombia sets the tone for a story steeped in emotional complexity. Stripped of his powers, Dante could only watch as Banner suffered, and that helplessness left him believing he was unworthy of claiming his mate. Banner, in turn, was devastated by Dante’s absence and rejection, leading to a painful estrangement when they were finally reunited on the Council’s mountain. With emotional depth, steamy scenes, and a surprise pregnancy, their journey is both healing and passionate. A must-read for fans of fated mates, second chances, and emotional paranormal storytelling.

[Rio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a slow burner - the angst and stubbornness on both MC’s is frustratingly hilarious but boy do they make up for lost time! Taylor has went all out with the heat between Dante and Banner that I could feel the fire. I am loving the focus on relationships with these later books and I have a soft spot for the hellhounds (just like the Goddess) and seeing them fall in love and be the sweetest Alphas ever!
Love the newest members and can’t wait to see what they bring but I am also rooting for Felix! Thomas and Canyon need to bring his mate already, he has so much love to give and I am here for it!
I am also so invested in the back story, the Nexus, demons, and weird towns…so excited for where Taylor is going to take us with it!
This universe is my all time favourite! Thank you Taylor for giving us characters that are beautifully flawed, and love enormously.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world and this one features Dante and Banner. Dante is a hellhound who was banished from his realm. He was captured when he was trying to find other hellhounds. Banner is a bear shifter who was captured when leaving college. Forced into captivity, they were finally saved. With all the trauma Banner he told his mate to leave him alone. Fast forward almost a year and Dante has kept away from Banner. With the encouragement of his team, Dante spoke a little more with Banner. This is the start of their story of how Dante and Banner started dating and slowly their relationship. Loved how they worked through things to get their happy ever after. The last few chapters there was a happy surprise for them. Cannot wait to read the next one.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hellhound Dante and bear shifter Banner first cross paths in very traumatic circumstances which leads to communication issues and feelings of inadequacy between them. This makes their mating much slower than others but these two very likeable men eventually get the mating and HEA they desperately wanted. There’s a dash of angst, plenty of steam mixed with sweet tender moments and an unexpected surprise in this very enjoyable read.

“We weren’t perfect, far from it, but we were perfect together.”

[Deb Loves to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

They knew they were mates, but their shared trauma was a barrier they almost couldn't overcome. Fortunately, the Council has good therapists, and each has good friends... and a visit from one of the Fates doesn't hurt either when you're trying to find your way to each other. What a wonderful story of perseverance and shared trust. In the end, Dante and Banner are blessed with more than they could have imagined. Their life together will be good!

[Mak ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literalmente o mais complexo de todos, por que série o que a falta de diálogo faz, tempo longe por causa de ações que nenhum tinha o controle, e agora tudo em um passe rapido de magica, ou de destino intervindo para garantir que tudo daria certo, e deu. A parte de um baby novo foi fofo. Mas série preciso saber sobre os demônios vai ser interessante ter ele com um casal alfa, acho que seria um par bem quente.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💜💜💜💜

This is a paranormal shifter romance with mpreg, the seventeenth book in a series that should be read in order. Dante’s story filled in a chunk of the story I had been dying to know in the last two books. I can’t believe there’s so many books in this series or that it doesn’t matter, I feel a compulsion to read them all! This book is for you if you like mm mpreg romance and honestly have read the last few books in the series at least!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was sweet, a little frustrating, a little sad but so good. Dante and Banner are both a little broken and traumatized, it takes a bit for them come around to being mates (mostly on Dante's side) which was frustrating. But it was so worth it in the end. These two are good together and helped each other accept and get past their pasts. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[meep · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite couples yet. Kind of wish we could have seen more of their “dating” however what we did see was adorable. Dante was so sweet and caring. I loved seeing more of this story after the baby was born rather then it just ending.

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers of any kind included.
All I will say about Dante is I loved this book it was so sweet, and I’m going to leave it at that.
So I definitely recommend this book, actually I recommend the whole series.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante and Banner's story is 30% hurt/comfort and several tissues worth of high emotions.
Thankfully, they have a good support base. They also have a tight bond that will see them through the double whammy surprise our dear author gave them. I know I was surprised too!

[Christine Stutzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book, I do love me the Hellhounds. I'm just a bit saddened with the ending. I won't give anything away, it wasn't a sad or bad thing. You are literally hit with a curveball in the last chapter and then the book is over. I wish it went on a little longer to see how it went is all.

[lori forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story/series

I gobble up all the series books by this author!!!! I love that each series has a conglomerate of different paranormal species - the characters are fantastic especially the babies!!!!!! And each story I swear it's my favorite!!!!!
Thank you so much - Lori

[MG Lahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful

I am so excited by the amount of action/interaction with the characters on this book. I loved it. And the ending was priceless! The book is well written, flows well and sucked me in quickly. I just love Dante, the grumpy Hell Hound. Thanx for a great read.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!

I thought Dante was never coming around!! But finally he realized the gift that Banner was and accepted his mate. They were perfect for each other. I can't get enough of Master Edison and his crew. I'm looking forward to the next book!!

[Olesia Siniurina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's in your style and basically everything is good, but the characters' apologies every page don't add to the atmosphere; they kill it. I already understood that he may regret sleeping, but it's annoying to talk about it three times in one paragraph.

[Ashley D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Dante and Banner are adorable and clueless about being part of a couple, but it makes for a good book. I have enjoyed this series and all the others written by this author. I'm eager for more books in this series and others.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Dante & Banner were both hesitant to mate because of past trauma. But when they came to gather, it was so worth it . I 've been up since 4 AM reading this great book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was special. The story dealt with past trauma and how love can help heal. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Recommend reading.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

It was a really enjoyable read, and I think that Dante and Banner were perfect for one another.

It's a shame that the mysterious being didn't make an appearance.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story and series and author

Good story and series and author it's worth reading this book and all of her other books too binge read everything enjoy 🌻 🥂 💞

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved following Dante as he believed he wasn’t good enough for Banner after how they met. They have a slow burn romance and several surprises along the way.

[Heather Arbuckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooowee!

What a Rollercoaster of emotions throughout this story. Dante and Banner are su h a great couple. I love all the babies in this series.