Demon's Mate

Lovers of the Damned #1

by Colette Rivera

Love isn’t for the Fallen.
Ash will never find his fated mate. He lost all hope over a millennia ago. Being alone forever is his punishment for falling to Earth, but as he works to reunite his demon brothers and remain free from Lucifer’s clutches, he’s captivated by a human.

And Ash wonders if he’s wrong.

Harper Nightingale is finally a free witch. Sent to hunt the demons known as the Hounds of Hell, Harper seizes the chance to escape his evil coven. Now, he’s living in Shearwater Landing, disguised as a human, and nothing is more important than holding on to his freedom.

Harper trusts no one and won’t let anyone get close until one night when he’s drawn to a man named Ash and decides to take him home.

But Ash isn’t a man. He’s one of the demons Harper's been sent to hunt.

Once they meet, Ash can’t stay away, no matter how he tries. Could Harper be his mate? Can a demon and a witch set on hiding their identities ever trust each other enough to embrace a fated connection?

***
Demon’s Mate is book one in the Lovers of the Damned series. Each book features a different couple. This fated mate MM paranormal romance ends in a HEA. While the romance stands alone, this series is best read in order due to an overarching plot. Content warnings can be found using the look inside feature and on the author’s website

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Demons, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Abuse, Dark

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2025

About the author

Colette (she/they) is an author of queer paranormal romance novels living in New Zealand. Colette loves to write couples who take care of each other and show their soft sides in love, even when they’re prickly in other facets of their lives. Sugar, spice, and magic are key ingredients in all of Colette’s books.

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5**** stars


So we have three demons (Fallen Angels? with feathered wings *squeal) who left the Eternal Realm Millenia ago with Lucifer and none of them has been successful in finding their mate. What’s interesting is that all of the love interests (mates) are living now in one city, at the same time and are all connected with each other in one way or another. For me that begs the question, is that lame/convenient writing on the author’s part for the sake of this series or will the author find a way to explain why that is. I’m very curious about that.

The first book starts off with Ash, who has been closest to Lucifer once upon a time and Harper, a witch hiding from his coven. The story itself is easy to read, sweet and hot but overall there’s nothing special to point out.

I would’ve loved to give this book a full four stars but the end was just too on the nose, the villain dealt with too easily and too swiftly and the mushiness bordering on eye-roll inducing.


I still very much liked reading it and look forward to the next ones. Especially Lucifer’s redemption at the end of the series.

***********
Lovers of the Damned Series

Book 1 - Demon’s Mate - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Demon’s Heart
Book 3 - Demon’s Desire
Book 4 - Devil’s Mate - release 02/26

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

"𝙸'𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚏*𝚌𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚙𝚎𝚛. 𝙵𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚌*𝚖, 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸'𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜, 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜."

Eek I love that this author has ventured into demons!! This was spicy and sweet. I enjoyed meeting all the side characters as well as the MCs. Ash was such a grump before he met Harper. I loved how finally finding his mate helped to bring him back to who he used to be before the bitterness got to him. It was so cute seeing him turn to mush for his mate. His fellow escaped demons got a kick out of it too.

"𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜."

On the flip side of the coin, Harper is just now having the freedom to find out who he actually is. He's spent his entire life under the thumb of his evil father who leads his coven. Not only that, but Harper was subjected to torture under that man over and over again. (None of this happens on page FYI, but it is discussed) In my opinion death would be too kind for what that man has done to his own flesh and blood.

Other than the romantic aspect of this book which I loved, there is also a plotline that is going to continue throughout the series as each demon finds their mate, they wrongly believed lost to them. Ash finding his fated was a major shock to all of them, even Dante who swore he never lost hope. If anyone found their mate, they all thought it would be him, not Ash.

We've been introduced to Dante's mate (which I'm thrilled about), but the man for Onyx is still out there. Something weird is also going on with the third member of their demon family, but Onyx isn't one to share his feelings easily, or at all. I don't know if we will find out what his deal is until we finally get a chance to peek in his head. All I know is I hope both Ash's demon brothers end up with a wonderful mate who they deserve.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, new Colette Rivera! After going on a Rivera binge and reading every single one of her books all in a row last year, I’ve been waiting for this!

Demons! Witches! Magic birds! It’s got it all. Nobody does tenderness like Colette Rivera - I’m a little bit obsessed with Ash. Sorry but I think I need a big huge demon to come and rescue me.

Very grateful to receive an ARC from the author!

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

It was a very good book, I really liked it.
Ash had no hope of finding his mate. So when he finally meets Harper he thinks he's mistaken. It dkesn't take long for him to realize that Harper is his mate and he wants him.
Harper had been through a lot with his family and coven, he deserved the world and the love Ash was willing to give him.
They complemented each other really well

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic and demons! I loved this book, the plot was great and so were the MCs.
Harper needed to escape his coven. His father had used him his whole life to drain magic from him and he wanted to be free to be himself and not be abused by the person who was supposed to look after him. He was brave and powerful, even though he didn't feel that way. I loved how he planned his escape and got himself a new life.
Ash was a demon who had crossed into the human realm many centuries ago. He was a loner and didn't believe in fated mates as one of his demon brothers did. Deep inside, he wanted to have someone to love, he was just scared to hope and find out that would never happen.
I just loooooooved both MCs. I enjoyed how they met, Ash wondering why he felt the way they did towards Harper. I liked seeing Harper become his own person, letting go slowly of the bad habits imposed by his father and trusting people again.
The background plot was very interesting and I loved that the author made sure the reader knew what had happened between Lucifer and the other demons. The magic world she created was wonderful and I appreciated the explanations about the different realms and their stories.
I enjoyed this book immensely and found Ash and Harper adorable, they were perfect together and Ash's protectiveness made me swoon as he wasn't overwhelming. He respected Harper and it was everything the witch needed.
I can't wait to read Dante's story. I know it's going to be amazing too.

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper's only goal for a long time has been to escape his coven. Being a powerful witch has brought him nothing but pain and suffering from the hands of his father and his minions. When his plans finally come together, he can't help but wonder if he will always have to keep looking over his shoulder and how long his freedom will last.
Ash has given up on finding his fated mate centuries ago. Love isn't for the Fallen after all. But after a one night stand with a gorgeous man, smelling like mountains and home, he can't seem to stay away. What's it about this human, that keeps calling to him and how will Ash be able to protect him?

Oh my goodness. These two are just so precious. Two sad, lonely people who have lived through so much finally finding each other and a safe space to open up slowly, but surely. I love love LOVE how it worked out for them. The tension, the angst, the feelings (and the spice 🥵 can't forget about that!!)?!
Demon's Mate had me swooning, crying, anxious laughing and sweating in the best way. What. A. Journey!!
I'm so excited for the next book it isn't even funny. Don't sleep on this one, put it on your TBR asap!!

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance with witches and demons. Anything with fated mates and I'm all in. Harper and Ash love was hard fought...a lot of trust issues and yeah this was a little angsty with the hurt/comfort but it was good.

This is the first book in the series and it has overall plot going on...not much of a cliffhanger at the end...the threat is still there but dormant. So I feel it could be a standalone if some decide not to carry on with the other books in the series but why not...I wanna see all the demon brothers find their fated mates.

A most definite HEA. The guys love and bond is intensely strong...Love it...I definitely recommend.

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

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colette rivera never fails to deliver

[Jarrod Murrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper is finally free.
Free from the clutches of his abusive coven, from his father who will stop at nothing to claim the power Harpers blood contains.

Ash has returned to town with bad news.
Lucifer has returned to earth and is likely hunting down Ash and his brothers, The Hounds of Hell, who were banished to earth while seeking their mates.

When Ash encounters a scent that feels like home, he meets Harper. After giving up hope of finding his mate, is Harper the missing piece of his life?

This was hot! There was so much heat and exploration between Ash and Harper and it was done in a way that did not take away from the overarching story.

Harpers father was painted as a good villain, sending Harper to hunt the Hounds so that he can get favour with Lucifer, not caring what the price is.

And then we have the other Hounds, one who never gave up hope of finding his mate and the other who gave up and is just living his life on earth.

This was a solid (very solid 😏) start to this new series by Colette and I am super excited to see what happens in the rest of the series.

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colette knows how to create a magical universe. Much like her other books and other universes, this one was vast and complex and so well thought out. There’s hate enough world building so we know what’s going on but it’s not overwhelming! And my favorite thing about her books is that there is an over arching storyline and isn’t solved in the first one, so I cannot wait to see how THAT plays out in the rest of the books!

And this was about Harper and Ash! They were GOOD! This whole series is about fated mates, and it is SO GOOD! So not only are Harper and Ash literally meant to be, but they are just such a good match! They needed each other in a lot of ways and it was literally magical watching them figure it out!

Thank you so much to Colette Rivera for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

- full disclosure I read this SO quickly I wasn’t really in the mood for a paranormal romance but I wanted to read it!! I did some skimming 🫣 it’s fine!! -

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demon’s Mate by Colette Rivera is book 1 in the Lovers of the Damned series. I really loved this take on demons and fated mates. Ash is an Eternal who “fell” to Earth to find his fated mate. He and his “brothers” escaped Lucifer and the Realm never planning on returning. Ash has given up on finding his mate a long time ago, but feels when Lucifer crosses the barrier to Earth. He decides to find his brothers to prepare. Harper is running from his coven because his abusive father is using him. I loved Harper and his determination to escape this abusive coven was inspiring. I really loved these two and how they came together. Once they realized what was happening I adored their bond. I’m very excited to read the next books in this series. There is an overarching plot so it would be best to read them in order. On to book 2!


I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

This book starts a new series about demons finding their mates from Colette Rivera. Ash is the first of the group and we get his story, as well as the larger story of the demons. It could have been a complicated story to tell about how Ash and a few other demon friends fell to Earth, but the author broke it down into a narrative that wasn’t overly complicated to read through.

There is heat between them that comes from being mates and they know they feel better when they are together. Their story was a little subdued for me, though, from their intimate moments to Harper’s past catching up with him and even Lucifer on page felt mellow to me. However, I liked the characters here as they long for their forever partner and would consider checking out future stories set in this world.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

This was an ok book. Some of the explanation for things were a little off for me but over all it was good. I like the characters, I liked the over all plot.

The interesting part for me was that the cover picture didn’t come close to matching the discription of him in the book.

It will be interesting to see who’s mate is O’s

For future me:
dual pov
No cheating/ sharing
Lil something before smexy
Diversity

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demon's Mate is the first book in the Lovers of the Damned series. This is the story of Ash a demon and Harper a witch. Harper was sent to hunt demons but used this as a way to hide from his evil coven. Ash has been helping to reunite his demon brothers. These two are just amazing with what they have had happen in their lives. I loved the characters both main and side. I loved the steam between these two. I love the world building that sets up the story ARC for the rest of the series. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love it when big powerful beings are complete mush for their mates. Ash was so sweet with Harper and gave him the love he deserved. This was a great start to the series and I’m looking forward to seeing Ash’s brothers find their mates.

[NitaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come, just really sick with flu

[Ziezie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 stars

[bookish_royal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★
Started: 16 April 25
Finished: 19 April 25

Demon mmc who has wings, horns and a tail? Sign me up.

Such a cute and touching story which touches on a few sensitive subjects (so check the content warning).

Harper and Ash were so cute and I love how obsessed Ash got without realising why. He would do anything for Harper and more than proved it and it was such a delightful read.

I’m glad Harper got to make a friend in Ollie as well so he wasn’t just in his own with no support. He deserved good things.

I love Colette’s writing and stories a lot, I’d read anything she writes because I know I’m going to enjoy it. So grateful to be on her arc team!

Thank you Colette Rivera for gifting me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review (I actually read this book on KU because the book released and I hadn’t reviewed it before then with my ARC)

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Lovers of the Damned and three angels fell with Lucifer over a millennia ago. Ash, Dante and Onyx, have given up on ever finding their fated mates, to escape the rule of the Eternals in the Eternal Realm who were the only ones to allow acceptance of a match, and not finding their match in that realm, followed Lucifer to the Human Realm. The three long ago escaped Luc’s (Lucifer) reach in the Realm of the Damned and Dante settled in the city of Shearwater Landing, whilst Ash preferred his distant mountain isolation. But realising that Luc had returned to the realm of Earth could mean danger for them all. Dante has never given up on finding his fated mate and settled in the city, believing his mate was nearby. He has an affinity with the shearwater birds that the city is named for. He uses them as his eyes and to keep himself safe. Ash knows Dante would be the easiest to find, since his trace is all over the older parts of the city. His search results in a reunion with his demon brothers, neither of whom had felt Luc return, but he is also somewhat distracted by a scent of fresh mountain air and flowers.

Harper Nightingale is a witch who has been held back by his father, the head of their Nightingale Coven, and is failing at his search for Lucifer’s Dogs, the so-called Hounds of Hell or demons. His father has used Harper’s magical power within his blood, almost bleeding him dry regularly and hurting him immensely, all to gain power for himself. Harper was sent from the base of the coven to an apartment building in Shearwater Landing, far from the old centre of the city where his magic powers can be used to track traces of the demons for his father’s coven. Only he didn’t realise until a little while later, that his father had other witches from the coven also in the building and his every move is being watched! Harper is desperate to escape his father’s clutches and has ben planning his move for months. News from his father that his marriage to a female witch has been arranged, is just the push for Harper to accelerate his plans. He hasn’t exactly had much of any experience with men in the romantic sense but hopes to one day find someone to love. He can’t trust anyone and has no chance of allowing anyone to get to know the real him. Harper was lucky to find a room to rent with another gay man, Ollie Hudson, who is human, in his efforts to start a new life away from his father and moved personal items in bit by bit. He also managed to get a part time job making potions, which his magic is perfect for. Ash and Dante managed to surprise Onyx at his art gallery, and they end up at a nightclub together. Ollie has persuaded Harper to go along with him to the club as well, and Ash gets pulled into finding Harper, the source of the scent he had been attracted by all over the city!

Ash and Harper end up going back to Harper’s apartment and all seems to be going well, but Ash believes Harper is fully human and he is feeling a very strong pull to mate him and is getting too excited to keep his demon side hidden, so ends up leaving suddenly. This crushes Harper, who thought he and Ash had such a connection. He could sense Ash has some sort of magic, but thought he was maybe a vampire or something else. Ash and his brothers have sworn to never reveal their true self to anyone, but the only way his relationship with Harper can progress is if he is truthful with him, especially after having left him so abruptly! Harper is going against his father and their coven’s loyalty to Lucifer, which he would break in a second if he actually found one of the Hounds. His father only wants to show his devotion to Lucifer and earn favour and power. Ash can’t stay away from Harper, no matter how hard he tries, feeling a pull but not accepting it could be a mating pull as he gave up on the chance of a mate a millennia ago. He and his brothers have been on the Human Realm for two hundred years after escaping Luc’s prison and he never thought he would find his mate after so long. He notices a few odd events and how Harper is always looking around any time he goes out, which is not often. His one visit was to a witch owned shop, The Herb Emporium. He continues to follow him and sees a man following him, in fact a witch and then another attacks him with a potion. Ash ignores trying to hide himself and attacks them in his full demon form whilst Harper is unconscious, killing them and hiding their bodies. He carries Harper back to his room and has to apologise to him once he wakes for his previous departure. All Harper remembers is Ash’s fangs, making him believe he is a vampire and when they end up in bed again, Ash realises Harper has been suppressing his own magic and reveals his true nature to him, so he can trust him fully.

He won’t push the mating ritual on Harper just yet, wanting to give him time to get used to everything and allowing him the freedom to make his own choice, unlike his life under his own father! Some of Dante’s shearwater birds have died unexpectedly and he is left wondering why and how. Ash can’t sense Luc getting any closer to them, but they are mistaken about Luc’s presence and Harper will soon find this out for himself. Ash and Dante want to imprison Luc again, once thy can find and subdue him, but they will need Onyx for that. Leaving Harper behind mistakenly leaves him at his father’s hands, but Ash will feel what is happening even though they haven’t finished their bonding ritual, the bond has been growing since they first met and will only get stronger once they finalise it. There is a hint of possible happiness for Dante near he end as he recognises his mate, but his mate clearly isn’t ready for a relationship and Dante will have to wait a little longer. The absence of Onyx in the fight, raises a few questions and makes you wonder where he is in regard to his brothers and finding a mate. Ash and Harper have a future for now, but nothing is certain whilst Luc is still around, yet at least he doesn’t have to worry about his father coming for him, under Ash’s protection. A HEA ending for the two, a hidden witch hunting one of the very demons he will become mated to, in a steamy introduction to first love and what a proper partner is like and how they will treat you, which is something Harper had not experienced before. Harper had missed out on so many normal experiences in life under his father’s cruel control but now has the opportunity to experience a loving future going forward. I look forward to seeing how Dante’s story unfolds and also what Onyx is up to.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been over a millennia since Ash had any faith in love. He has resigned himself to being alone, with the exception of his brothers, and after this long he tells himself to be satisfied that his fated is not in this world. After all he should have found them by now if they truly exist. And a new, very pressing concern has come to his attention, surely he isn't going to have time to think about something he will never have, not when Lucifer is on the loose.

Harper has been, for months, planning his escape. He needs to get away from his controlling and abusive father and though he is now living in the city hunting the Hounds of Hell for his father and their coven what none of them know is that Harper intends to find them. And warn them. And hopefully run away with them. First he needs to escape the vice grip of his father and he has been preparing for the day it will happen. Happen it does though he doesn't feel at ease, still constantly looking over his shoulder, he does feel closer to the freedom he yearns for.

With his new flatmate and another friend, Harper ventures to a club for the first time in his life. And he meets Ash. Or rather Ash finds him. Since arriving in the city from his secluded mountain home Ash has been noticing a scent, when he catches it in the Club he is determined to find its source which just so happens to be Harper. The events which follow are a little like a roller coaster with their ups and downs. Neither Ash nor Harper is willing to share all the truths about who they are but neither can deny the connection which is evident between them. It is only when the danger comes ever closer to home, to them both, that they realise they have to open up. Honesty is the only way forward and it could save them both as well as Ash's brothers.

This is a fantastic paranormal romance, an outstanding story, but be warned there are some elements that could be triggering. Do note these before reading but also know that as an adult book these are part of the fabric of the story, not for titillation but to help readers understand the characters and they give the story a depth which makes reading even more compelling.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Ash and Harper. The story was interesting and suspenseful from the start- especially concerning Harper and what he had to do in a desperate attempt to escape the clutches of his father and coven.

'All Harper wanted was to be around people who accepted him. People who wouldn’t betray him. It felt impossible. Everything in his past told him it would never happen, but here, with a random human and his rainbow flag, maybe it wasn’t so outlandish.'

I really felt for him- being controlled and used by his father. No one to trust, and no one who wanted him.

Ash had his two brothers and was seeking revenge against Lucifer, but long since given up on finding his mate.

'Ash wanted to steal Lucifer’s power as Lucifer had done to him, Dante, and Onyx. He might never have a mate, but he could find satisfaction in turning the tables on his enemy.'

I loved that their initial meeting started from Ash's POV- Ash drawn in by Harper's scent, catching sight of him in the dance floor. The connection and chemistry between them was scorching. I also liked that Ash paid attention to what Harper was comfortable with and asked permission rather than assuming things. Considering what he knew about Harper by that point, it was exactly what Harper needed.

'A rich, smoky scent filled Harper’s nose. Ash must be wearing a cologne he hadn’t noticed in the club. It made Harper’s senses tingle and spark, and he wildly hoped the scent would rub off on him, mark him so he could keep a bit of Ash forever.'

I was kind of sad when things got messy, but it did keep things interesting. After all, the stakes were high for both of them and you can't just trust someone you just met like that. I was completely hooked to the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen.

I also loved the supporting characters- especially Ollie who'd been kind and accepting from the start. I also really loved Nico, who was very observant.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be continuing this series. I can't wait for Ollie's book! 5 stars.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Demon’s Mate” by Colette Rivera (Lovers of the Damned, Book 1)
📖 MM Paranormal Romance | Fated Mates | Demons & Witches | Found Family Vibes | Spicy with Heart

I loved this book.

Ash and Harper absolutely stole my heart — this story is tender, passionate, and deliciously magical with the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. The emotional stakes are high, the chemistry is instant but layered, and the world-building is beautifully done without ever being overwhelming. Rivera strikes that rare balance: deep lore, complex characters, and a fast-paced plot that never feels rushed.

Harper is a broken witch with a haunted past and no one to trust — until he meets Ash, a demon who believes he's been fated to loneliness for over a millennia. But when Harper enters his life, Ash dares to believe again. Their connection is powerful, magnetically fated, and full of emotional healing. The quote that shattered me?

“But I was wrong, sweet flower. All hope wasn't lost. I finally found you.”

😭😭😭 Ash, my demon heartthrob. Harper needed you more than he knew.

✨ The side characters? So good. They're not just there for filler — they’re clearly being built up for their own stories, and I can already tell I’m going to be obsessed with the rest of the Hounds of Hell. The found-family energy is strong in this one.

⚠️ Content Warnings (very well handled but should be noted):

Homophobic family trauma (in the past)

On-page confrontation with abusive parent

Past sexual assault (triggered flashback during consensual scene)

Blood magic, demon lore, Satan-worshiping witches

Stalking (fated mate-style, influenced by magical pull)

Kidnapping, magical violence, blood drinking

This story has teeth. It doesn’t shy away from the darker edges of trauma and survival, but it never loses the heart of what it is: a story about finding hope again — even when you’re damned.

🔥 For spice lovers: the heat is definitely there (and it’s so good), but it's always emotionally grounded and never gratuitous.

📚 I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review — and honestly? I’m already refreshing for book two.

[Ashley Rose Dead.inside_but_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Lovers Of The Damned Series now it's not overly dark but there are some heavy topics so check the TWs before heading in.

🌶🌶🌶

Harper is a witch on the run from his abusive coven where his father is the leader. Harper took a special mission away from his coven to attempt to find the demons who escaped Hell. He obviously told them he was trying to find these demons but this was his first real step breaking away from these terrible people.
Ash is one of the demons who has escaped Hell along side his 2 brothers. Ash had a mission of his own except he has basically given up on his mission and chosen a life of solitude in the mountains. He is drawn out of his seclusion when he is alerted that Lucifer himself has also just left Hell and may be after Ash and his brothers.
Obviously these two paths cross and now Harper has to learn to trust Ash enough to tell him who he really is and Ash has to come clean about the real reason him and his brother's "fell" following Lucifer to Hell and ultimately why they fled. This all has to be done while keeping an eye out for the trash bag coven oh and LUCIFER HIMSELF!
whew guys this was a ride! The last few chapters I was just screaming like ANYTHING ELSE WANNA HAPPEN?!? It was just one thing after another 🤣 I will say I absolutely loved the spin on the Fates/Fated Mates and how that all played into the story line. I know something is going on there and I can't wait to see how it plays out! This was an easy read not to crazy in the angst you get a bit with the push and pull at the beginning but nothing over done so you really just get to enjoy everything going on. I am rolling right into book 2 so onwards!

[Kiki Reads]

I am a huge fan of the the Love & Magic series by Colette Rivera and was excited when I heard about her new one, Lovers of the Damned, featuring demons and their fated mates.
Harper Nightingale is a witch hiding from his very bad coven. Ash is a demon who’s given up hope finding his fated mate after centuries spent alone.
From Harper’s daring cinematic escape through an ornate library and hidden backstreets to their first meeting at a club, the store is a thrilling, wild ride. Filled with betrayal, bad parenting, and magic. Lots of magic.
Harper had a horrible experience at the hands of one of the members of his coven. And overprotective, often shirtless Ash senses his fear and just knows. The touch him and die vibes are real.
But as brutal as Ash can be dispensing justice, he can be just as tender initiating a physical relationship with Harper. Care and consent are just so damn appealing.
Sweet, touch starved Harper comes alive with Ash. Ironic the first real tenderness he’s shown is by a demon he was tasked with hunting down. (No spoilers, just enjoy the ride!)
There is a wonderful HEA, but there’s a series wide arc I’m so intrigued by. What happened to Lucifer? What’s up with Onyx? And how soon will we get Book 2 because I already love the pairing.
This story is a lot of fun. I loved the big, grumpy hell hound and the shy, gentle witch who utterly enthralls him. And if wings and tail play are your thing, you’re really going to love this one!

[Tony Farnden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper is a witch on the run from his abusive father and coven and Ash is a demon or hound of hell in hiding from Lucifer and the same witches. Both MCs have disguised their magic nature so you know there is going to be one ‘hell’ of a revelation scene. Harper is touch starved and all he knows is that he is only as useful as his blood holds out to his coven. His blood is a powerful tool in activating spells. His father only wants to bleed him to the edge of death which is why Harper makes a run for it.

The two meet in a club and that is when Ash discovers he has found his mate, something the fallen left heaven for when their search for a mate was blocked by those in charge. There are trust issues to overcome on both sides before they can fully bond. There are a few dire moments along the way when Ash nearly loses Harper. The story has a happy ending but not before almost destroying what Ash has with his friends and fellow demons.

I’d call it an okay story with some excitement but there are some soft moments that cool it a bit for me. That’s only to be expected when dealing with demons are fallen Angels with a capital ‘A’. Maybe a rather large number of pages spent without clothes on but if that’s your thing go for it.

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

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Demon's Mate is book one in Colette Rivera's Lovers of the Damned series. Ash and his two found brothers escaped the Realm of the Damned when Lucifer created a barrier to prevent demons from entering the Human Realm. Harper plans and executes a meticulous plan to escape his coven master, his father, repeatably draining his powers to add to his own. The escaped demons don't trust witches. Harper is sent to Shearwater Landing to hunt demons.
When Ash and Harper meet at a club, both are disguised as human. Ash ghosts Harper after realizing they're mates and there's a lot of pining and angst before they meet again. The witch/demon reveal was pretty low key. As was the mating reveal.
I enjoyed the world build. Ash and Harper have a good chemistry. There is quite a bit of steam and spice. Great secondaries. Demon brothers Dante and Onyx and Harper's roommate, Ollie, are going to get their own books. I'm wondering if Lucifer will remain the big bad through the entire series. Maybe Ms. Rivera will reform him at some point.
In the first three chapters, you can really feel Harper's tension. Almost feeling the dread and sweat rolling down his spine. You immediately like him. For someone millennia old, Ash is a bit of an angst queen. But he's equably likeable.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a millennium, Ash has given up the hope of finding his fated mate. He figures it is his punishment for being a fallen. Ash knows he must find his brothers as he has sensed Lucifer is in this realm, searching for his lost demons known as the Hounds of H3ll. When his path crosses with an intriguing human, he rethinks the fated mate dilemma. That human is Harper Nightingale. Harper has planned carefully and thinks he has escaped his abusive father and coven. He is disguised as a human and, when he meets Ash, he knows he cannot trust him but he would be perfect for one night. Neither of them planned for what happened next.

Ash has two brothers, Dante and Onyx. The three escaped from Lucifer and are known as the Hounds of H3ll. They are all in Shearwater Landing which is where Harper was sent by his father to find the Hounds. The abuse his father inflicts on him is unimaginable. He did not treat Harper as if he had his own life. He used and abused him in order to make a profit of some kind. Two issues become one for the Hounds and for Harper. It was fun to watch these very strong individuals come together to build a new life. There is more to come, leaving us assured that more great reading is ahead.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Linda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons, witches and fated mates in steamy gay romance
On first introduction, Harper Nightingale does not appear to be a hero but he is in his own life’s story. He decided to get away from his abusive father and his harsh coven. Harper has taken months to map out his escape. Can he make it? He takes a room with Ollie, changes his appearance and begins to feel like he just might have a chance at freedom. Ollie convinces Harper to go to a new dance club in Shearwater Landing, so named for the uncanny Shearwater birds. There he meets a beautiful man, big and burly but sweet too. They dance, go back to Harper’s place and the rest will become history. The big, burly man is none other than demon Ash, one of the Hounds of Hell, a demon who fell to Earth a millennia ago. Ash is unaware that Harper is a witch because of spells he concocted and Harper is unaware that Ash is one of the Hounds for whom he was sent to Shearwater Landing in the first place. There will be lots to unravel in this story and we get a hint of the next book. If you like your demons and witches romance with these characteristics, you must read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.

[Em (Diversify Your Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75 Stars-- I got an arc from GRR*

CW: abusive family members (and a cult), MC almost dies, graphic sex

Ash and his two demon brothers escaped Hell (and Lucifer) and live on Earth. When Ash hears rumours of Lucifer possibly coming to Earth to retrieve them, he visits his brothers Dante & Onyx i Shearwater Landing. Ash is certain that it is impossible for demons to find their own mates without the help of a higher power... until he encounters Harper. He feels a connection to Harper and, overwhelmed, leaves in the middle of a one night stand. Ash has to try to juggle his brothers, the ever-present threat of Lucifer, and his confusion over his feelings for Harper. Oh and there's the whole 'Harper has fled from a cult that is stalking him and wants to kill demons' thing.

This book was a fun easy read. I enjoyed the brothers' shenanigans as well as the heartfelt relationship Harper develops with his roommate Ollie. Ash's stalking behaviour manages to not be super creepy & his panic over Harper being his fated mate is adorable.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Ash . . .

Harper Nightingale is a witch hoping to escape his evil coven when he is sent out to hunt demons. His plan was to warn the demons instead that they were being hunted and make sure his coven never found out anything about them because he knew his coven had been planning to slay Ash and his brothers for the magic contained in their demon blood. When he does meet Ash, one of those demons, Ash finds himself attracted to Harper, whom he believes is human. Could these feelings somehow be telling him Harper is his fated mate? Or is it too late to find his mate after such a long time has passed? Harper had settled in Shearwater Landing, pretending to be human and determined to remain free from his coven at all costs. He feels something for Ash who seems to be responding to him as well. Are the two willing to trust each other? Or will they have to keep their identities hidden to avoid any kind of betrayal?