How to Housebreak Your Hellhound

by Avery Adams

How to Housebreak Your Hellhound
A queer paranormal rom-com where the fire is literal, and the feelings are worse.
Pyro is a firefighter, and a hellhound with a hero complex, a tendency to accidentally set things on fire, and exactly one getting his bonded mate back.
He and Harry had a good thing going—until a battle with a powerful demon forced Pyro to reveal his true form and forge a mating bond to save their lives, and the lives of everyone in the town. Harry survived the battle and the shock of seeing his new mate as a scary hellhound, but the relationship is on pause… indefinitely. He needed space. Six months of it, so far.
But now Harry’s back in his life, thanks to a routine work meeting that turns into anything but. He says he just wanted to check in. Pyro’s not buying it—and neither is fate. Because magical bonds don’t just fade, especially not when new supernatural threats are lighting up their town, and the danger isn't the only thing getting harder to control.
Fighting monsters is the easy part. Winning back the love of your life when you’re an impulsive, fiery hellhound who leaps before he looks? That’s where things get messy.
Packed with biting humor, magical mishaps, and enough heat to burn down a firehouse, How to Housebreak Your Hellhound is a laugh-out-loud romantic fantasy about second chances, monstrous identity, and falling in love—even when you’re the scary one.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

I live in the Deep South in Louisiana with my daughter and grandson. I love to read, fish, travel, take nature walks and spend time with my family when I'm not writing.

Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Housebreak Your Hellhound by Avery Adams is a blazing, heart-pounding paranormal romance that perfectly balances humor, heat, and emotional stakes. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a supernatural creature tries to navigate love, responsibility, and a very human world… this book is your answer.

Pyro isn’t your typical firefighter. Sure, he runs into burning buildings like it’s a casual stroll and somehow survives every disaster unscathed. But there’s more to him than heroics—he’s a hellhound, bonded to a mate he’s loved for months, and desperate to prove that he can be careful… responsible… normal. Or as normal as a fire-immune, shape-shifting hellhound can get.

Harry Hastings is that mate. The 911 dispatcher who knows every reckless choice Pyro makes, and yet somehow remains his anchor, his voice, his tether to humanity. Six months after a battle with an ancient demon revealed Pyro’s true form, Harry has been tiptoeing around their bond, pretending everything is ordinary—until his house catches fire with his foster son trapped inside.

Then Pyro throws caution to the wind. And it’s everything you want from a hero: dangerous, bold, and utterly devoted.

The story shines because it’s not just about the action (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about trust, love, and learning to let someone in—even when everything about them is extraordinary. Pyro’s attempts at “responsibility” are equal parts endearing and laugh-out-loud funny, while Harry’s struggle to accept the supernatural side of his life feels relatable and grounded. And Randall, Harry’s foster son, adds moments of levity that balance the tension and make the family dynamic feel real.

By the end, the romance is fiery, the stakes are high, and the happily ever after is fully earned. Pyro and Harry’s journey proves that love—bonded, fierce, and sometimes combustible—can survive even the most impossible obstacles.

For fans of paranormal romance, supernatural shifters, and hero stories that mix heat, heart, and humor, How to Housebreak Your Hellhound delivers it all in spades.

Because sometimes the best way to find forever is to run headfirst into danger… and hope your hellhound has your back.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a fun addition to this series. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Pyro and Harry. I really liked Harry's personality. His anecdote about hellhounds was cute- and at times appropriate.

'Hellhounds and puppies had more in common than humans realized. We were both enthusiastic, loyal to a fault, and prone to making poor decisions when excited.'

Poor Pyro was playing the waiting game and longing for Harry to come around- literally and figuratively.

'The worst thing that could happen was that Harry would say yes, we'd start spending time together again, I’d do something stupid, he’d freak out, and then I'd spend the rest of my immortal existence knowing I'd found my person and lost them because I couldn't keep my supernatural nature under control.'

I liked that their jobs were kind of aligned as Harry was an emergency dispatch and Pyro and firefighter. While Pyro's job is obviously more dangerous, I'm sure Harry's is more stressful helping and handling emergency calls and worrying about the people he's engaging with- as well as the outcome of situations he may not always get closure to. To handle a job like that, and be in a relationship with a person whose job is to run into danger is a lot- especially if he could feel Pyro's emotions.

I loved that the people around the both of them knew they were pining after each other, teased and encouraged them about it, and asked them to take a chance- what's the worse that could happen? That parallel made me smile.

The story was fast-paced, at times funny, at times scary, at times sweet, and I liked what brought them together again. Their chemistry sizzled and I loved Pyro's devotion. Can't wait for the next book! 5 stars

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Hellhounds of Haven series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone read but I would read the entire series in order for maximum enjoyment. This is the story of Pyro and Harry Hastings. The two of them bonded in the previous book but then Harry stepped back to think about the situation. Pyro is a hellhound and a fireman. He has a relationship with fire that local humans can't understand so he comes across of impulsive, reckless and a danger to himself and others. When he sees someone in trouble that he can help, he just acts instinctively. This is garnering him unwanted attention. He can't expose hellhounds to human or they will be knee deep in hunters before they know it. Also, he is madly in love with his mate even though the two aren't physically together. He is desperately trying to prove to Harry that he can be responsible, safe and a team player. Harry is a foster dad to Randall. He is trying to protect both him and his foster son from losing anyone else important to them. As a 911 dispatcher, he sees all the after action reports on Pyro. It just reinforces his fear that he would lose him if he accepted him. This is their story. Once another evil threat arises, it forces Harry and Pyro to work together along with the other hellhounds. Of course, Pyro will do anything to protect Harry and Randall. Good thing he has his found family to help him. The book is very well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed the book. This is a sweet and fun book. I look forward to the next book in this series.

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

[Samina Rajiwate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story. Six months ago, Pyro and Harry bond to defeat and banish Malachai(a demon trying to take over Haven). Malachai is defeated, but seeing Pyro shift into a hellhound, Harry is terrified and is avoiding Pyro. Pyro is in love with Harry and now because of the bond can feel everything Harry feels. When the wildfire season starts, Harry contacts Pyro to discuss how to keep the town safe. This leads to them talking for hours and also Harry agreeing to another date. Harry is falling for Pyro but is also terrified to loose him. When a fire at Harrys house traps his foster son, Pyro is there to save him. But a demon lord is threatening Haven and their bond. Will Pyro and his hellhound pack be able to save Harry and the town? Loved reading this story. Thanx.

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

[PalenMisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot for this one relied heavily on the miscommunication trope, which I am not a huge fan of. Set 6 months after the big fight at the end of book 2, Harry has apparently spent the time since then pretending he's not bonded to Pyro, that nothing supernatural happened and that hellhounds don't exist, to the point that Pryo has to explain everything to him again as if he wasn't already told. I had a bit of trouble suspending my disbelief for that, but once I managed to I enjoyed the story. I really liked Randall (Harry's foster son) and he added some comic relief here and there. Happily, Harry and Pyro were able to work everything out and got a much deserved happily ever after.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Pyro, is a hot mess, literally, LoL! He bonds with Harry to save themselves and the town. When the shock wears off, Harry has second thoughts and decides they need a 'break'. They don't communicate and suffer their love for each other in silence. Then the action starts all over again with a new threat. This is a sweet, tense story of will they, can they, should they when will they. In the meantime, fellow firefighters are doing their things and growing. Delightful characters, Pyro and Harry are a hoot while being messes. You want to gently shake them, hug them, speak sternly to them while laughing yourself silly. Great flow, lots of fun. Totally hot cover art! Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vievie2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thrilling and surprisingly heartfelt read that balances pulse-pounding action with genuine emotion. I loved how the story wove together supernatural stakes, intense rescues, and the slow-burn romance between Pyro and Harry. The characters feel real and relatable, even amid hellhounds and demon magic, and the mix of found family, foster kid moments, and personal growth adds depth beyond the action. It’s exciting, fun, and emotionally satisfying, keeping you invested from the first scene to the last.

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

[Etta Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Pyro and Harry's story. They bonded under duress in the 2nd book and decided to avoid each other. Pyro truly cares for Harry and finally finds a way for them to connect besides being co-workers. Harry cares for Pyro too and it was interesting to read how they became a family which included Randall and all the adjacent mates/hellhounds. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly a pair of mates who had a lot of work to do to get together. They bonded and then there is pull and push that keeps them apart. They care for one another but can't seem to get on the same page. It was good to read about them finally getting it together in this book. It really took them a long time.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Hellhounds of Haven series but can be read as a standalone. Hellhound hijinks and the human who loves him.

The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. The characters were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pyro and Harry form a bond to defeat and banish a demon. Their relationship is thrown into turmoil when Pyro shifts into a hellhound and spooks his love, Harry. Now in the throes of avoidance, Pyro can still feel Harry's pain as his own.

I knew Harry couldn't stay away for long, but the path back was messing with me.

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

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a good book. I am really glad that we finally get Pyro's book. Pyro and Harry are great together even though some miscommunications cause issues for them, they are able to come from it and get an HEA. I can't wait for Rex's next.

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

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Housebreak Your Hellhound is the third book in the Hellhounds of Haven series by Avery Adams. This is Harry and Pyro's story. Pyro has always been a likable character. I was happy to see him work things out with Harry. This is a yummy romance with all the good feels. I can't wait for Rex's story.

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

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and it's best read after the previous books. I was looking forward to Pyro's book as he was the most chaotic and fun hellhound of the pack. The story dies have its serious and tense moments though to balance everything out.

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

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pyro proves love makes you do the right thing regardless of the consequences. Exposing himself brings a lot of drama but he and Harry handles it! Loving this series!.

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

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been fun to read and I liked that we got Pyro's story this time. He and Harry were so good together. Im looking forward to the next book.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Summer Steelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, the grumpy man romances are so cute. Especially with how sweet they are once they finally fall.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good. Loved Pyro he is a great character, loved his crush and how he communicate with him. This was fun and exciting. Great read can’t wait for the next story.