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Hellhounds of Haven #6
A Hellhound for the Mage
When a warlock who drains magic users for power targets Haven's newest mage, a grieving hellhound will risk everything to protect the human he's already claimed as his mate.
James Hastings knows he doesn't deserve a second chance. A year ago, consumed by grief over his brother's death, he summoned demons and nearly became the villain in someone else's story. Only Rex, alpha of Haven's hellhound pack, saw past his mistakes and offered him an apprenticeship instead of punishment.
Now James is rebuilding his life in Haven, Louisiana— a supernatural sanctuary town where he's finally learning to forgive himself. Until a routine crisis brings reinforcements from Alabama, and James locks eyes with an auburn-haired hellhound across a chaotic battlefield. The recognition is instant, undeniable, and utterly terrifying. James isn't ready for the intensity of that connection. He isn't prepared for the way his magic responds to this stranger's presence.
So, when the crisis ends and the hellhound leaves, James tells himself to forget about it, tells himself that the moment meant nothing.
He's wrong.
Ace has spent four months trying to move on after his brother Ryker's death. But Alabama feels suffocating, full of memories and expectations he can't meet. When Rex offers him a place in Haven's pack, Ace knows it's not just about finding a new home— it's about finding the human mage whose pale blue-gray eyes have haunted him since that single moment of eye contact six months ago.
Their reunion is everything Ace hoped for. Coffee turns into conversation. Conversation turns into a connection. And that connection turns into the beginning of something that feels like destiny.
Then Thaddeus Crane comes to Haven.
The warlock who killed Ace's brother has been stalking James for weeks, studying his magic, planning to drain him slowly over months while using Ace as leverage. Crane is centuries old, devastatingly powerful, and utterly ruthless. He doesn't just steal magic— he destroys everything his victims love first.
With Crane closing in, James has three days to transform from apprentice mage into a combat practitioner. Three days of brutal training. Three days to learn coordination with Ace and the pack. Three days to prepare for a confrontation that will either end Crane's reign of terror or leave James an empty husk.
But the real stakes aren't just survival. They're the bond forming between James and Ace— the mate connection that's already taken root despite logic and timing. The future they're both desperate to build. The life waiting for them on the other side of this battle… if they can survive long enough to claim it.
A Hellhound for the Mage is a standalone M/M paranormal romance set in the Hellhounds of Haven universe. Featuring intensive training montages, fiercely protective hellhounds, found family dynamics, magical combat, a mage who refuses to be the victim, and a love story that begins with recognition and ends with forever.
James Hastings knows he doesn't deserve a second chance. A year ago, consumed by grief over his brother's death, he summoned demons and nearly became the villain in someone else's story. Only Rex, alpha of Haven's hellhound pack, saw past his mistakes and offered him an apprenticeship instead of punishment.
Now James is rebuilding his life in Haven, Louisiana— a supernatural sanctuary town where he's finally learning to forgive himself. Until a routine crisis brings reinforcements from Alabama, and James locks eyes with an auburn-haired hellhound across a chaotic battlefield. The recognition is instant, undeniable, and utterly terrifying. James isn't ready for the intensity of that connection. He isn't prepared for the way his magic responds to this stranger's presence.
So, when the crisis ends and the hellhound leaves, James tells himself to forget about it, tells himself that the moment meant nothing.
He's wrong.
Ace has spent four months trying to move on after his brother Ryker's death. But Alabama feels suffocating, full of memories and expectations he can't meet. When Rex offers him a place in Haven's pack, Ace knows it's not just about finding a new home— it's about finding the human mage whose pale blue-gray eyes have haunted him since that single moment of eye contact six months ago.
Their reunion is everything Ace hoped for. Coffee turns into conversation. Conversation turns into a connection. And that connection turns into the beginning of something that feels like destiny.
Then Thaddeus Crane comes to Haven.
The warlock who killed Ace's brother has been stalking James for weeks, studying his magic, planning to drain him slowly over months while using Ace as leverage. Crane is centuries old, devastatingly powerful, and utterly ruthless. He doesn't just steal magic— he destroys everything his victims love first.
With Crane closing in, James has three days to transform from apprentice mage into a combat practitioner. Three days of brutal training. Three days to learn coordination with Ace and the pack. Three days to prepare for a confrontation that will either end Crane's reign of terror or leave James an empty husk.
But the real stakes aren't just survival. They're the bond forming between James and Ace— the mate connection that's already taken root despite logic and timing. The future they're both desperate to build. The life waiting for them on the other side of this battle… if they can survive long enough to claim it.
A Hellhound for the Mage is a standalone M/M paranormal romance set in the Hellhounds of Haven universe. Featuring intensive training montages, fiercely protective hellhounds, found family dynamics, magical combat, a mage who refuses to be the victim, and a love story that begins with recognition and ends with forever.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Avery Adams
22 books13 followersI 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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy
Some love stories spark gently.
Some arrive like fate… and some hit with the force of a hellhound claiming his mate.
A Hellhound for the Mage is a beautifully intense paranormal romance about grief, redemption, second chances, and finding the person who sees your scars—and stays. If you’ve followed Haven’s world, James has always been a character who lingered in the back of your mind. Hurt. Haunted. Trying to put himself back together. This book finally gives him what he deserves: a story of hope, healing, and a hellhound who would burn the world for him.
✦ The Heart of the Story
James Hastings never thought he’d get a future.
Surrounded by guilt and self-blame over his brother’s death, he nearly became a villain instead of a victim. But Haven—this supernatural safe haven carved out of love and loyalty—gave him grace. Gave him purpose. Gave him a chance to breathe without drowning.
And then came that moment.
One battlefield. One heartbeat.
Eyes lock across the chaos.
Recognition slams into him like destiny.
But James runs from it.
Ace, however, runs toward him.
Ace carries grief too—heavy, raw, edged with guilt. Leaving Alabama isn’t just moving; it’s escape, rebirth, and the hope that the human mage with storm-y eyes might be the home he’s been aching for.
Their connection is soft. Slow. Tender where life has been cruel.
Coffee turns into confession.
Comfort turns into something fierce.
And suddenly the possibility of forever doesn’t look so impossible.
Until the warlock comes.
Thaddeus Crane is the kind of villain that sends a chill straight through the spine. He steals magic the way others steal breath—slowly, painfully, completely. He wants James, and he plans to take his power piece by piece, using Ace as leverage.
What follows is three days of panic-tight urgency:
• brutal training
• magic sharpened under pressure
• a pack ready to bleed for one of their own
• a love worth fighting a war for
The final showdown hits hard—magic, fear, sacrifice—and through it all James and Ace burn with a connection that feels inevitable. Not a spark. A wildfire.
They are two broken souls healing in each other’s orbit… if they can survive long enough to claim their future.
Why You’ll Love It
✨ M/M Paranormal Romance with claws & heart
✨ Hurt/comfort that feels real and earned
✨ Found family warmth & hellhound pack dynamics
✨ A villain who raises the stakes from page one
✨ Grief handled with tenderness—not just angst
✨ Slow growth, fast connection, deep emotional payoff
Yes, there are minor continuity bumps—but honestly? The emotion overshadows them. This story grips you by the heart, whispers you’re safe now, and then drags you through magic and danger to a well-earned HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A powerful, emotional second chance at life, love, and belonging.
James deserved this book. Ace was perfect for him. And watching them fight for each other? Breathtaking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some arrive like fate… and some hit with the force of a hellhound claiming his mate.
A Hellhound for the Mage is a beautifully intense paranormal romance about grief, redemption, second chances, and finding the person who sees your scars—and stays. If you’ve followed Haven’s world, James has always been a character who lingered in the back of your mind. Hurt. Haunted. Trying to put himself back together. This book finally gives him what he deserves: a story of hope, healing, and a hellhound who would burn the world for him.
✦ The Heart of the Story
James Hastings never thought he’d get a future.
Surrounded by guilt and self-blame over his brother’s death, he nearly became a villain instead of a victim. But Haven—this supernatural safe haven carved out of love and loyalty—gave him grace. Gave him purpose. Gave him a chance to breathe without drowning.
And then came that moment.
One battlefield. One heartbeat.
Eyes lock across the chaos.
Recognition slams into him like destiny.
But James runs from it.
Ace, however, runs toward him.
Ace carries grief too—heavy, raw, edged with guilt. Leaving Alabama isn’t just moving; it’s escape, rebirth, and the hope that the human mage with storm-y eyes might be the home he’s been aching for.
Their connection is soft. Slow. Tender where life has been cruel.
Coffee turns into confession.
Comfort turns into something fierce.
And suddenly the possibility of forever doesn’t look so impossible.
Until the warlock comes.
Thaddeus Crane is the kind of villain that sends a chill straight through the spine. He steals magic the way others steal breath—slowly, painfully, completely. He wants James, and he plans to take his power piece by piece, using Ace as leverage.
What follows is three days of panic-tight urgency:
• brutal training
• magic sharpened under pressure
• a pack ready to bleed for one of their own
• a love worth fighting a war for
The final showdown hits hard—magic, fear, sacrifice—and through it all James and Ace burn with a connection that feels inevitable. Not a spark. A wildfire.
They are two broken souls healing in each other’s orbit… if they can survive long enough to claim their future.
Why You’ll Love It
✨ M/M Paranormal Romance with claws & heart
✨ Hurt/comfort that feels real and earned
✨ Found family warmth & hellhound pack dynamics
✨ A villain who raises the stakes from page one
✨ Grief handled with tenderness—not just angst
✨ Slow growth, fast connection, deep emotional payoff
Yes, there are minor continuity bumps—but honestly? The emotion overshadows them. This story grips you by the heart, whispers you’re safe now, and then drags you through magic and danger to a well-earned HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A powerful, emotional second chance at life, love, and belonging.
James deserved this book. Ace was perfect for him. And watching them fight for each other? Breathtaking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
James appeared in the second book in this series and then never really got mentioned again, but I did wonder how things turned out for him so I was happy to see him getting his own story. James and Ace are both dealing with grief and find comfort in being around someone that understands what the other is going through. They decide to take things slowly and get to know each other (even though both feel a bit of a pull towards each other). The big bad in this story is a nasty, nasty human (he steals magic from others without their consent and kills them in the process) so there was some tension there since this isn't someone to take lightly. I did find it a bit odd that Scott never came into play in this story and neither did the large found family of the town that helped with all the fighting in the 5th book. I suppose the final fight wouldn't have felt like something to be concerned about if a reality singer had been part of the fight though so I can see why none of them were mentioned from that perspective. The "boss fight" of the story definitely held my interest and kept me reading so everything worked out in that regard. Overall, there were a lot of timeline inconsistencies/continuity errors, but they were all minor enough to be ignorable so they didn't take me out of the story. Definitely worth a read if you were curious about what happened to James after reading book 2.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
January 1, 2026
This is the sixth book in the Hellhounds of Haven series. I think you should really read the series in order. This is the story of James Hastings and Ace. James is an Apprentice Mage. He is learning how to control his magic. He still has a whole in his heart from losing his brother. In spite of being surrounded by people, he is lonely. Ace is a hellhound who watched his brother die by an evil mage's magic. He couldn't stay with the memory of his brother everywhere so he transferred to Haven, Louisiana. When the two met there were sparks instantly. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. Of course their HEA doesn't come without challenges. I really enjoyed their story. Another great addition to this series. I look forward to more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2025
Book 6 of the Hellhounds of Haven series. Can be read as a standalone.
'When a warlock who drains magic users for power targets Haven's newest mage, a grieving hellhound will risk everything to protect the human he's already claimed as his mate."
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'When a warlock who drains magic users for power targets Haven's newest mage, a grieving hellhound will risk everything to protect the human he's already claimed as his mate."
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
Amazing story. The moment their eyes meet during the cult fight, James and Ace recognise eachother as mates. Then Ace leaves. But they are unable to forget eachother. Now Ace is back in Haven and the hellhounds and their mates are trying to get them together. But there is a warlock trying to drain James of his magic. And after loosing his brother to the same warlock, Ace vows to keep James safe. Loved reading their story. Thanx.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
A Hellhound for the Mage is the sixth book in the Hellhounds of Haven by Avery Adams. This is James and Ace's story. Both men broken by the loss of a family member, bond as the fight to protect James from an evil worlock. I love reading these stories. It's wonderful being caught up in the tale and not the sex in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2026
James is an apprentice mage learning how to control his magic. Ace is a hellhound. Both of whom lost their brothers and are dealing with the emotional burden.
Ace meets James after relocating to Haven. The connection was instant. But a problem is on the horizon. A warlock who drains magic, has it in for James.
Ace will do everything to protect his mate.
So, so good!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ace meets James after relocating to Haven. The connection was instant. But a problem is on the horizon. A warlock who drains magic, has it in for James.
Ace will do everything to protect his mate.
So, so good!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not my usual jam because there is literally no spice, but the story was interesting and the characters were likable. I would definitely read other stories in the series if given the chance. If low-spice is your jam then this definitely would be perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
This is the sixth book in the series and is not a standalone. I found it more emotional than the other books in the series as both MMCs were dealing with loss. There was the usual action and villain in the story that was dealt with, and it was an enjoyable book overall.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2026
Outstanding! James, has been given a second chance to apprentice as a mage, shown mercy by the Rex of the Haven Hellhounds. Ace, a Hellhound from Alabama responds to a call for help from the Haven Hellhounds. During the battle he and James make eye contact and have a connection. Ace finally moves to Haven and connects with James. Then the fun begons. Thaddeus a mage draining warlock is stalking James and Ace and we have another epic conflict to overcome. James has days to go from apprentice to expert enough to battle and overcome Thaddeus. Avery, has given us another suspenseful, tense, nail biting story along with a sweet love connection. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a story of losing family and gaining the perfect mate. James lost his brother and lost himself in the process. He was saved by Rex and the hellhound family. Ace has suffered a loss as well and he feels a pull towards James. Sometimes loss gains you more than you can ever imagine which was wonderful for both James and Ace. They take time to get to know each other and find they are totally perfect together. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not my usual jam because there is literally no spice, but the story was interesting and the characters were likable. I would definitely read other stories in the series if given the chance. If low-spice is your jam then this definitely would be perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews