"Paisley Hope is a masterful storyteller, with plenty of heat and so much heart-wrenching romance." —Kristen Proby, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author
The Hounds of Hell motorcycle club takes care of their own...and every once in a while another rebellious soul catches their eye.
Sean "Ax" Hunter is both a former marine and Sergeant at Arms for the Hounds of Hell MC. His mind works like a twisted hamster wheel. Dates, facts, faces, memories, are all vivid and constant. Nothing holds his attention long, until the night a Georgia storm forces him into an upscale club and suddenly his attention belongs solely to her. Layla Monroe, the rebel without a cause, just trying to stay afloat after her parents' tragic death. A death that is surrounded by both unanswered mystery and shocking truth. The sins her parents kept covered up ran deep enough for Layla to question everything she's ever been taught, but they also keep her fighting her attraction to this monster she shouldn't want. The type of monster that just might be responsible for her loss in the first place.
Working for Sean doesn't seem like the smartest idea but when he promises to pay her enough to cover the rest of her schooling, she can't resist. All she has to do is make it through two weeks of helping him heal and resisting the urges she keeps feeling every time he's near her. Layla is convinced her knight in shining armor isn't destined to come riding in on a Harley, but maybe fate has other ideas.
Content Violence expected with the life of an outlaw motorcycle club include but are not limited to torture, gun violence, murder, mild alcohol and drug use. Sexual triggers are not fully listed to conceal plot points and pivotal moments but are of a darker nature. Please check the author's note at the front for a brief list.
Paisley Hope is a USA Today and Sunday Times Bestselling author of spicy contemporary romance. Her books are full of found family, dreamy settings, swoony moments and happily ever afters. She also writes darker romances that will keep your pulse racing. Paisley spends all her free time with her husband and kids. She loves to bake, garden and travel.
This was so good!! I was so excited for their story and it didn't disappoint. It was more low stakes than Wolf.e, but so enjoyable and emotional.
Layla had her world flipped upside down when her parents were murdered. The picture perfect family everyone thought they were, wasn't so perfect.. A storm brings Sean into the restaurant she works at and her life changes in an instant.. He's the Sergeant at Arms for the H.O.H MC and a former marine.. Their connection is immediate and while she doesn't want to admit she wants him, he'll make it impossible for her to fight her feelings for too long...
I absolutely loved Sean, he might be my favourite. He loved Layla since the beginning, even when he didn't completely understand, he still knew it was her for him. His love language was physical touch and acts of service and that was everything. He cleaned her house, because she said she didn't have the time, he cooked for her, he took care of her, he was always there for her. He was unhinged, direct and always so openly himself. He let her see all the broken pieces that made him and he never doubted their connection. He never believed in fate, but she was his. He had his fair share of trauma, having a photographic memory and being in combat makes it impossible for him to forget and I really loved the way she brought more light into his life. Layla was struggling with losing her mother, with everything that happened. Her whole life she felt like she was put in a cage, but Sean helped her soar. I loved seeing her be herself more and she held her own against Sean. She was strong and she never judged him, she loved him just the way he was. Their love story was fast, but beautiful. Their instant connection made sense, it was meaningful and honestly, I didn't mind that it all happened very fast. She tried to fight it, but it was a fight she knew she was going to lose. I loved their vulnerable moments so much, the way he let her in. They were destined for each other and the tattoo has such a sweet meaning. I honestly didn't expect their story to be so emotional, but I'm so happy it was. I adore them so much. Their chemistry was insane. The spice was amazing, I really liked it. It was a bloody good time, pun intended. If that isn't your thing, this might not be for you.. I really had fun though.
I loved the MC even more now, they really are a family and I love the way they are there for each other. There was some suspense, trying to find out the truth behind her parents murders and the man who murdered them.. She wanted answers and Sean wanted to make sure she got them..
The scene at the end was so sweet and special, I loved he did it that way and that epilogue ahh, I'll always love an author that gives us that glimpse into the future. Paisley Hope is slowly, but surely becoming one of my favourite authors. Please, never stop doing the epilogue, it's my favourite part!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Random House UK, Cornerstone for providing me with an ARC.*
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I'm so happy I got an ARC!! After reading Wolf.e, I'm even more excited to read how Sean's and Layla's story began.
I absolutely loved Layla and Sean’s story, and I’m quickly becoming a Paisley Hope stan. The MMCs she writes aren’t your typical golden-retriever boyfriends, but rather rough-around-the-edges men who still manage to sweep you off your feet. I truly loved it.
Sean is incredible — the lengths he’s willing to go just to make Layla happy are amazing. Don’t get me wrong, this is very much a morally grey, sometimes dark story, but it’s laced with tender moments and flows beautifully. It’s a five-star read and an all-around great time with a book. I’d 100% recommend it!
Thank you to Random House UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you so much Team Evermore and Paisley Hope for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After reading Wolf.e I was so excited for Dove... but nothing could have prepared for the masterpice that is this book!!! Sean and Layla are soulmates, literally written in the stars, love at first sight and it was sooo beautiful! The Dove showing up when Sean needed it and Layla having a tattoo of a dove. Their chemistry is fucking insane, like that freezer scene was sooo hot and I just new than that they will be together forever. Layla might be one of my new favorite FMCs because she is sooo sassy and badass! And Sean is perfect. That man can cook!!!
Read if you love: • dark Romance • motorcycle club • strong FMC • man obsessed • forced proximity • all the steam and spice 🥵🌶
You know that feeling of when something is good and you aren’t sure if it can be topped? This is how I felt above Dove after Wolf.e because that was incredibly but..
Pat yourself on the back Paisley Hope 👏🏼
This book was everything! The emotions in this book are so gripping that it’s almost addictive! Sean & Layla are soulmates and you can’t prove me wrong. The Dove showing up when Sean needing it and then her ironically having one tattooed on her 👀
I honestly loved the first part of this book with him dragging her into the freezer! Like ain’t no way I’d freeze for anyone especially with the dry storeroom directly across from the freezer but Layla has balls il give her that!
Layla has had it rough with her parents being murdered and the murderer never being caught, she leaves the church community and everything she’s ever known to chase her own dreams instead of those of her mother (who was her best friend).
When she meets Sean she doesn’t want to trust him due to him being in a motorbike club but she cannot give up his offer of working for him.. she’s a trainee massage therapist and he has chronic back pain.. 😏
Layla finally getting the answers she’s always wanted since her mother’s death but the fact Sean kept giving her the option of having an “out” beforehand! Perfection 🤌🏼
Omg the epilogues. Beautiful. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Sean & Layla but those two epilogues hit me right in the feels. Honestly. Whole book was 10/10 💘
This book was absolute perfection from start to finish. The tension between Sean & Layla was EVERYTHING. I ate it up with no crumbs left. Their chemistry was palpable from the moment they met. These two truly will have you believing in fate 🥹🤍
I loved how Sean fell fast and became completely possessive and obsessive over Layla. This man loves hard and is probably one of my top book boyfriends to date.
Layla was such a strong and fierce FMC. She always spoke her mind and I love how unapologetically herself she was.
Don’t even get me going on the spice in this book because MY GODDDDD🥵🥵🥵 It hits early and every single scene had me feral.
I didn’t think anything could top Gabriel in the Soldiers of Bedlam series… but Sean may just take the cake!!
thank you @evermorebooksuk for the arc i am eternally grateful Paisley Hope is one of my all time favourite authors, her characters are always complex, strong and so beautifully written, and there’s always the MOST deliciously spicy romance Evermore sent a copy of Wolf.e a few months ago and i cannot express how much i loved it. I didn’t think anyone could top the possessive unhinged energy of Wolfe…enter Sean ‘Ax’ Hunter. Sean and Layla are soulmates, love at first sight, written in the stars kind of love. Their story is fast paced, dangerous and oh so delicious. Layla is feisty, strong willed and still mourning the loss of her parents, when Sean ‘Ax’ the Sgt at Arms of the Hounds of Hell MC, enters the bar she works in, and he is smitten the first time he lays his eyes on her. But he’s cloaked in danger, covered in ink and so completely wrong for her… or is he exactly right for her ?
there’s SO many good quotes in this :
“You’ve fucking bewitched me, little dove. I don’t ever want any woman. But I fucking want you.”
“I need you to be strong. I need you to push me away, Little dove, because I’m not strong enough to make you, and if I kiss you right now, I won’t stop.”
“I’ll take care of you, Layla, above anyone else, because the only place l’ve ever found peace is with you.”
“I’m no longer just my club’s soldier, little dove. Above all, I’m yours.”
I absolutely devoured this, i swear Paisley puts something into her books they are addictive.
If you want, unhinged levels of possessiveness and obsession, bad boy falling for the good girl, action, danger, spicy spice then the Soldiers of Bedlam is literally perfect.
Dove is out January 2026 and i cannot wait for you all to fall in love with them too
Paisley was meant to write gritty mc club romances because WOW they just keep getting better. I didn’t think anything would top my love for Wolf.e (book 1), but I’m pretty sure it just happened.
Thankyou so much for the ARC NetGalley and Paisleys team! For me I haven’t read a book by the this author I haven’t loved. Dove is set before Wolfe as we get the back story of Layla and Sean, and boy is it a good one. The spice was impeccable, the tension was high and the ending a HEA. loved it!
Pretty much feel the same way about this book as I did with Wolf.e: very easy, entertaining read with minimal/basic plot and heavy spice. It's insta-lust but I didn’t mind too much because I liked the couple and was having a silly fun time. The epilogue was cute. Overall, it’s good if you're in a slump—or ovulating.
× motorcycle club romance × obsessed mmc / sassy fmc × former marine × insta-lust × 3/5 🌶️
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Thank you Netgalley and publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone | Evermore for advanced copy
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Books and Paisley Hope for an ARC of this book I loved this, this was my first dark romance read and it didn’t disappoint. The story/plot was so intriguing and really kept me guessing especially the end reveal which I didn’t see coming. But also the relationship between Layla and Sean was so good, the way he was upfront from the beginning with her about his feelings. They really “feed off” one another and the ending epilogue made me emotional after everything. Would highly recommend when this comes out in January 1st!!
Where do I even begin?! First of all, thank you Paisley for letting me read an ARC of Dove. I am completely and utterly obsessed. You have done it again QUEEN !! 😭👑
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶🌶🌶
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Layla has lost parents tragically and she is trying to stay afloat. She is leaving church and everything she has known to go after her own dreams. One day, working at the bar she meets Sean. She doesn't trust him but she can't give up the offer of working for him, working as his massage therapist.
Like I am speechless so I have no idea how to even begin this review. I absolutely loved Wolf.e but Sean and Layla stole my heart completely. Talk about soulmates !!
Honestly no words that I'll type about this book will do it justice. I have binged read this book in less than 24 hours and I was fully hanging on every SINGLE WORD I read. Paisley truly is the queen of Cowboy and MC romance books, her writing is something else and the worlds and characters she creates, pure perfection. Like you absolute legend Paisley !!
Sean Hunter has just shot up to my top book boyfriend. I am OBSESSED because that man !!! This book was everything, addictive and giving ALL the emotions. Sean and Layla are the definition of soul mates and there is nothing anyone can say to prove me wrong.
I loved Layla. I love how sassy and strong she is, yet so caring and sweet. She honestly deserves the world. Sean, dirty talking and ruthless, I love him !! And I love how he takes care of Layla. And that man can cook yall !!! I also loved how there was instant connection when they first met at the bar.
I knew this book was going to be spicy, it was not only well written and detailed, it was also packed with heat which I absolutely loved. The connection between Sean and Layla are of the charts and you can truly feel how passionated they are. I loved the steamy tension between them and I love how Layla is so sassy and badass.
This book is well written and it keeps you fully engaged. I highly recommend this book and I loved every single thing about it. I am sp here for Paisley's MC books because I am completely and utterly obsessed with them.
If you are looking for a dark, spicy and addictive read, this is for you. Paisley you have outdone yourself with this one and if I could I would give this book 7 ⭐️ !!! 🥹🫶🩷
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 • Strong FMC • You Work For Me Now • Spice and Suspense 🌶🥵 • Man Obsessed • MC Romance • Dark Romance • Forced Proximity • Ruthless Genius MMC • Written In The Stars
I absolutely loved this book so much!! What a follow-on from Wolf.e and it doesn't even matter that it's set before Wolf.e, it was just everything that I was hoping it would be!! I always appreciate Paisley for not having third act break-ups, and of course, Dove was no different. For me, it always makes the book so much better, esp when it's just external to the relationship angst. There are some super dark elements to this book, so make sure you read the tw before jumping in. There was just one point I was like, oh noooo but it didn't take away from the book at all.
Gonna make this next part as spoiler free as possible Sean, our MMC, his character had so much depth to him, like so much and oh was he a hot af man, like so many swoon worthy moments, so many swoony lines (seriously ya girls kindle highlights popped off so hard in this read). Sigh, he's so perfect flaws and all.
Layla, our FMC, was so much fun, resisting Sean to begin with, but you could see her walls crumble as you read along, and it was kick your feet good. Layla is such a kind fmc and had some really sweet moments with Sean and other characters.
I could just live in this world happily, I love it so much!!
huge thank you to evermore for the physical arc for this, i adored it!!!
when a storm forces MC Sgt at Arms, Sean ‘Ax’ Hunter into the workplace of Layla Monroe, Sean realises he has met his match.
some would say this is insta love which normally bothers me however paisley hope executes this so so well and it really felt like these two are meant to be together and were meant to find each other. this book has the perfect mix of storyline to spice and it is spicy for sure but once again it is written so well and didn’t feel unnecessary to me at all!
layla and sean have both been through so much and this really shows how even through the tough, there is someone who will never let you down.
If Motor Cycles are your thing, chaos, destruction, unity, family and the most delicious MC crew! Throw in Layla, the little Dove who is as feirce as they come with a feisty attitude and a whole lot of spice, this books for you.
Can be read as a standalone, but you'll get more out of it if read in order. I was hoping for a catch-up with Gabriel and his Ol Lady, but that didn't happen.
However, this, like the 1st book had some heavy issues, PTSD, military life, loss, murder, assault, rape, revenge, lots of alcohol and spice in all it's glory and well written.
I hope there's more to this series as I just love it!
Yessss! I’m so glad we got to see this story. I loved watching Layla gain confidence and grow so much as a person. It was interesting to watch Sean open up about his past and his relationship with his family.
This book had me giggling one minute and crying the next. I loved the emotional depth of the book as well as how easily it went from deep to light hearted with the friendships and spice scenes.
So far I have loved every book by Paisley Hope! I hope there is going to be more books in the series! I would like to see Kai’s story.
Thank you to Evermore, Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, I’ve come to the conclusion that this series is not for me, which is a shame because I have enjoyed Paisley’s other books. Having read Wolf.e, I was quite hesitant about starting this, as I felt very conflicted about that story, and this unfortunately is the same, which is largely to do with the insta-lust theme that these characters have.
Sean was unhinged, and obsessed, I was cool with that (who doesn’t love an obsessive and unhinged fictional man) but it was just forced, for me especially on Layla’s part, I wasn’t convinced that he could “sense” she was drawn to a man who had an air of mystery to him. I think it would have benefited from the characters having more depth to them; explore about Layla’s upbringing in the church, and why she left, I think it was also stated she was investigating her parents murder, but it didn’t feel like that, and only took place because Sean whom had taken interest in her, was able to provide the resources.
Even with Sean, the prologue of him becoming a man, that scene with his father when he was young was quite gritty, and then it jumps to his father who has passed; I wish it was explored more how that changed him. There were parts of past trauma he suffered from, he suffers from ptsd if you will and bad nightmares, I think he accidentally choked Layla in her sleep (wild… sigh, I won’t expand further on that one).
All this to say, is that it could have benefited more if certain parts were developed more and the characters not so one dimensional.
I think because of how it came to be, my interest was stunted and how implausible it just felt. I wasn’t convinced on the characters chemistry, and that it all took place over the course of a couple of weeks.
Now, this is just me, but I am wary of men with face tattoos and Sean got Layla’s name tattooed on his face… to prove his devotion or sanity, I couldn’t be sure, but everyone just went with it.
When I tell you I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!! Wolf.e set up the world of the MC so good, that I was dying to get my hands on Sean and his ol’ lady. And let me tell you Sean and Layla gave me steamy, emotional, tear my heart out and put it back together and I loved every minute of it.
Sean walked into a bar one night and found himself obsessed with the fiery haired Layla. And if you know Sean, you know that he’s not one to become obsessed. Yet, he finds himself making an appointment at her work as a message therapist and taking up all of her time in between her obligations. As Sean gets deeper into his feeling with Layla, he finds himself digging into Layla’s background and the need to bring justice to her and her family. Sean knows no boundaries when it comes to what he will do for those around him not even stopping at some blood shed. Something Sean realizes Layla isn’t put off by, a realization that also comes with the fact that Layla might just fit in with his life, a life he never thought anyone would fit into.
Layla has had to pick herself up and dust herself off after the murder of her parents, a murder that was actually never solved. Layla has learned, that maybe she should start living her life in a way her parents would hopefully be proud of. A thing her parents probably wouldn’t have been proud of, is how far Layla has also found herself deep in the Motorcycle Club, as the newest obsession of the Sargent of Arms. A place she never would have found herself, yet a place she doesn’t fear as much as she thought she would. After a chance meeting at her job, and a secret rendezvous in the cooler of the bar, Layla finds herself submerged in a world she has no idea how to navigate, yet can’t seem to step away from due to the attraction she has with Sean and the attraction to the life he lives, bloodshed and all.
Dove set up so much for this series and I was locked in, hoping it would never end. I hope you are ready for the (motorcycle) ride of your life, because these boys have an empty seat on the back of their Harley waiting for you to hop on.
There aren't enough stars available for this book. Wow, I didnt think Paisley could top wolf.e but somehow she has! Unbelievably grateful for the ARC copy from NetGalley 🫶 Book 2 of the Soldiers of Bedlam series is dark, fast, edgy, deliciously spicy and unbearably addictive. "Because Sean and Layla don't move slowly" I don't want to give too much away... FMC Laylas parents are killed in suspicious circumstances which destroys her, especially the unanswered questions. Former soldier and MMC Sean 'Ax' utilises the powers of his motorcycle club to get her those answers after sparks fly on their first meeting with eachother. The pair are drawn to eachother with a bond that neither of them are ready for and we, the readers get to tag along for the ride 😜 no pun intended!
Let me just tell you one thing: I need an ice cold shower! Cause HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! THIS IS GOLD!!!!
Thank you to Paisley Hope and Random House UK for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is kind of book that leaves you flushed, smiling, and a little bit in love.
My lord, this book is SPICY!! But it’s not just heat for heat’s sake. There’s an actual story here, full of heart, trust, and respect. Sean? Absolute perfection. The man has morals, charm, and a way of making you melt just by existing. I was giggling and kicking my feet through the entire thing.
It’s beautifully written, tastefully filthy, and surprisingly emotional. The chemistry jumps off the page, and the plot holds its own beside the spice. Paisley, You minx, you nailed this one!
Well, the second book in the Soldiers of Bedlam series did not disappoint.
We met Layla and Sean (Ax) in Wolf.e so we already know that she is Brinley’s childhood friend and he is Wolfe’s right hand man. This book is set before the events of Wolf.e and is their love story. If you loved President Gabriel then enter Sean 🥵 honestly he has all of the depraved bits of Gabriel and the fierce protectiveness but he is also a domesticated angel 🥰 honestly this man can do no wrong in my eyes!
This book is sexy like Wolf.e but just feels a bit warmer and I ate it up and devoured in less than 24 hours. It only lost 1/2 a star for me for the 🩸 but that is just a big ick for me. Everything else about this book was PERFECTION! It’s sexy, it’s moody, it’s found family, it’s undeniable sexual tension!
I already had this on pre-order before I was thrilled to get the ARC and I urge all of you, if you loved Wolf.e and Gabriel YOU NEED Dove and Sean in your life now!
Thank you so much to @ and @ for this dream of an advanced copy!
After being absolutely obsessed with Wolf.e, I just couldn’t wait another second to start Dove!! I had such an amazing time reading this one as well.
I love Layla and Sean so much and how much depth their characters have. It was a bit too insta lovey for me but I did also love their instant connection and how down bad he was from the start.
If you love motor club and/or dark romances, I would definitelyyy recommend this one! Already so excited to read more from this series.
I absolutely devoured this book I was so lucky to receive a arc copy of dove by paisley hope and honestly I'm stuck for words on how good this was
Layla and ax are a dream couple for me , the dynamic is electric for two character, ax would burn the world for her and that's all we ever want from our MMC ,
This is the second book in the hounds of hell series ans it was delicious, it had everything I expected from paisley , gripping wrighting spice and the plot to match ,
Motorcycle romance is officially my newest favourite genre I'm obsessed with the men in this series wolfe was 🔥 but sean was next level 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
This is out in January make sure to put it on the tbr
I have never met a Paisley Hope book that I haven't loved, and I was so excited to get to read Layla and Sean's story.
This book is set before the events of Wolf.e and we get a front row seat to Layla and Sean's love unfolding. I'll admit, my first instinct when I started to read this one was that I would not enjoy the lean into insta-lust. That being said, the way their physical attraction was described made it work, and it felt like their attraction couldn't really be argued with.
It was light on the MC element. Not in a negative way, it just focussed much more on the blossoming relationship between Sean and Layla. Sean was DOWN BAD. He borderline stalked Layla, and went to excessive lengths to keep her safe. I mean, he bought a fair amount of danger along with him so it was nothing, if not necessary. Questionable? Yes. Delicious? Also YES.
This was a spicy little number, and I was here for it. But there was also an emotional and complex back story to both characters, and with every layer that was peeled back, it became more and more obvious how much these two needed each other.
Thank you to Paisley Hope, NetGalley, and Evermore for the ARC.
MC romance is definitely not my typical cup of tea, but I read Wolfe last year and fell in love with this side of Paisley's writing! I am convinced there isn't a book that Paisley writes that I won't love and absolutely DEVOUR. There's just something about the way she writes MMC's that is so good. They are all downright obsessed with their ladies but it doesn't seem like they should be based on their hard exteriors. That's definitely the case with Sean. We meet Sean and Layla in Wolfe (as Dove takes place prior to it) and it was so fun to read their story. I loved how Sean just knew that Layla was it for him. All it took was to get her to see it too. A wonderful book and I'm so glad I was able to read an advance copy!