Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
“It’s crowded places that I find difficult. And places where there’s too much noise or too much quiet.I’m afraid of the dark, too. Oh, and really, really bright light. So basically, it's everything. I’m afraid of everything.”
Hells Saint soldier, Hallelujah Thomas, would never forget those words or the woman who said them. Brave, Beautiful and Bad-ass—the mob boss’s daughter was everything Hal expected her to be and many things he hadn’t.

Valentina Abruzzi
"I’m afraid of everything"— as soon as those words were out of Valentina’s mouth she knew she shouldn’t have said them, but she just couldn’t seem to think straight when Hal was around. So, of course, Valentina didn’t let that bad decision stop her from making another one. If she had not been driven by a strong desire to see Hal again—if she had allowed herself to take just one moment for clarity of thought— Valentina would not have chosen a wild biker party to test the waters of her still fragile mind.
Hindsight.
The bitch of it is—that it always comes too late.

Amidst a backdrop of violence, death, and destruction, Hallelujah Thomas and Valentina Abruzzi struggle to find redemption for themselves— and for each other.

This is the fifth installment of the Amazon Bestselling series by Paula Marinaro. All the books in the series have been written to be enjoyed as stand-alones as well.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2017

176 people are currently reading
254 people want to read

About the author

Paula Marinaro

11 books948 followers
Hey all,
Just a few quick words about me. I was raised on the North Shore of Boston and born in Salem. Yep that Salem! My childhood neighborhood was filled with kids and there wasn't one part of it that wasn't magical. I draw a lot on those memories when writing. My latest book, Trailer Park Girls, is dedicated to my first grade teacher.
When I finished college I settled in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts where I raised my children and settled into a career in teaching. I wrote my first book, Raine Falling, in 2014, and have been writing ever since!


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
298 (45%)
4 stars
226 (34%)
3 stars
114 (17%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Diana.
640 reviews18 followers
September 12, 2017
Hallelujah Rising is the 5th book in the Hell Saints Motorcycle Club by Paula Marinaro, and I was thrilled that Hal finally got his book because I have been waiting a long time for his story.

Hal Thomas is at his sister’s wedding, when he sees the girl he cannot stop thinking about, Valentina Abruzzi, the daughter of Gianni Abruzzi, Front Boss to the Bonzini crime family. He knows he is not good enough for the beautiful Valentina, and tries to stay far away from her and her father.

Valentina is struggling to live her life. She wants to be able to go where she wants, when she wants, but she is still suffering from severe panic attacks from the horrors she survived in Haiti. Now there are threats against the family, and her father has found the perfect person to keep her safe, Marine Special Forces Security Specialist, Hal Thomas.

Hal and Valentia try to keep their distance, but they are both broken in ways most people will not understand and maybe they need each other to heal.

I’m scarred from head to toe, and that’s only what you see on the outside. Whatever there is to say, I want to hear, whatever you feel. I’ll understand, and baby, whatever you’ve done, I’ve done a hell of a lot worse.”~Hal


”And Tia, there’s nothing you can tell me that will ever change the way I look at you.~Hal


When the threats become real, it will take everything the Hells Saints M/C and the Bonzini crime family have to get and keep everyone safe.

This was a great addition to the Hells Saints series. Although the first half of the book was more about the relationship building, the second half stressed me out (in a good way) with all the action. I also enjoyed catching up with the bikers from the previous books and cannot wait to read Riker’s story.
Profile Image for Bev .
2,238 reviews484 followers
September 12, 2017
I found this rather slow with all the action (and smexy times between Hal and Valentina) happening late into the second half of the book. So slow I almost DNF'd a couple of times.

I struggled with Hal's whole kink thing that came out early on, it was awkward, unexpected - no way did Hal give this vibe in Glory's book, and so far out of left field it left me feeling uncomfortable. I'm not a fan of kink in books and his wasn't good. But what caught me by surprise is that he meets Valentina, sleeps with her and he's "cured" of his kink cravings and goes vanilla. Say what?? Either you're into kink or you're not, yes?

Hal and Valentina were sweet together, but just wish the author had moved up the pace and not left all the action till so late on in the book.
Profile Image for  B.E.Love.
1,392 reviews132 followers
September 22, 2017
I loved this one. Hal the hero was amazing, and I loved how strong the heroine was. They are both damaged in some ways and they both have went through more than anyone should but they are both stronger than they think. Hal and Valentina were perfect together. This story was great and I love that Valentina's dad didn't have an issue with them being together. This is a story were you are just really rooting for both characters, and this story, their story was worthy of them. I had such a great time reading this book. We get to see previous characters as well and I loved that. I will say I wish *small spoiler from previous book, if you haven't read it* Valentina was so sweet so that really irritated me because she didn't deserve it. I love that Hal puts Valentina first, and I love the ending to the conflict in this book. It's just another example of what kind of charter Valentina has. This was a great book and another great addition to this series. I can't wait for the next book and I'm so glad to see who the heroine and hero are.
















Profile Image for Elizabeth.
475 reviews12 followers
September 9, 2017
Always a good read

That applies to anything by this author. It's always a while between her books so you knew she's taking her time and publishing something good - and I have read some shockers in the past few weeks that definitely aren't as well-written, edited and beautifully crafted.
This is book 5 of the series and focuses on Hal and Valentina. They're both great leads, characterisation is detailed and good. The storyline follows on from previous books but is also a standalone. Characters from the other stories make an appearance too. What is impressive is that she doesn't do those awful painful chapters to tell you what has happened previously, its done subtly and well.
I'm not giving away any plot details but it contains bikers, the mafia, violence, kidnappings, betrayal and death -romance too with a HEA. I
I loved it and can't wait for Gia and Rykers story, it comes up next.
Great stuff and a hard act to follow.
Profile Image for Jacqueline J.
3,565 reviews371 followers
September 12, 2017
Solid MC read. I totally enjoyed that it was written in 3rd person. I felt like the whole outlaw motorcycle club thing was well represented. There could have a been a bit more in depth relationship development between the main couple which would have lifted it a star for me. Still I will be going on with the series.
Profile Image for Claire.
391 reviews27 followers
September 12, 2017
2.5 stars rounded down

I guess the best way to say it is : disappointed.

Nothing felt realistic : not the relation between both MCs who both changed personality in a matter of minutes, definitely not the plot that lacked a real backbone and some things even made me roll my eyes. Plus there were almost no bikers in there !

For me this series has lost its momentum and this book just wasn't up there with the others.
725 reviews71 followers
September 20, 2017
The Hells Saints MC is an auto-buy for me. There is a sense of family in this MC and I adore the characters even if I don’t always agree with their actions. The number one reason I read this series though is Prosper who I think is the best club president of them all. He’s not perfect by any means. Rough around the edges, tough as they come, he is certainly not a good guy to most people, but to his girls, his woman and the members of his club he is the best. He can be the wise voice of reason or he can be your judge, jury, and executioner if you cross him and I smile every time he shows up on a page.

I knew the romance between the biker and the mob boss’ daughter was going to be an emotional journey. Hallelujah is a Marine, sent home after a bomb blast in Kandahar left him scarred and broken both inside and out. Valentina was buried alive in a horrific earthquake and wasn’t found for days.

The PTSD both of them suffer is the main antagonist in the first half of the book. Their stories are heartbreaking and they both felt guilt for surviving when others did not. The PTSD manifested itself in their lives in different but equally distressing ways that they were desperately trying to overcome. They were each intensely aware of the other but were too involved in their individual battles to act on any chemistry. Circumstances threw them together when a brewing mob war meant Valentina suddenly needed to be guarded 24/7 and Hal was the best man for the job. At first, they not only denied the connection between them, but they fought like cats and dogs until they came to an understanding.

The first part of the book was emotional but felt slow to me. I was hoping some kind of action would happen. At the 50% mark, I settled in for a long, emotional but slow ride and not the action/suspense type book I was expecting. It was then all hell broke loose and we went from 0 – 60 in .5 seconds flat.

Needless to say, I freaking loved the second half of the book. It was brutal, bloody, and fast-paced. At one point poor Valentina had leaped out of the frying pan and into the fire. Faced with a new, deadly adversary she had no choice but to overcome her fears. In the middle of all the chaos, I found moments to smile, for instance when Valentina used a Yoda quote to get her through the biggest, deadliest challenge she’d ever faced.

Gianni both impressed me with how utterly badass he was, and also made me angry at some of the choices he made. I have a feeling there is more to come for him, especially since I didn’t like how some things played out.

When I finished, I had a smile on my face. The epilogue was perfect, giving me everything I wanted for Hal and Valentina, plus we get some time with Prosper giving out his pearls of wisdom. It also set up the next book nicely meaning poor Riker is in for a rough ride. I can’t wait.



Rating: 4 0-to-60 in .5 Seconds Flat Stars
Profile Image for Jamie Ellis.
1,131 reviews15 followers
September 11, 2017
Magnificent!!

This was an awesome addition to this series. Loved it!! It had everything I want in an MC read. If you haven't read any of this series your definitely missing out. Check it out!!
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
Profile Image for Shannon .
476 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2017
Wow

Amazing continuation of the Hells Saints!!! Hal...where to starts?!?! He gave his all for his country,his family and is stuck in his head....Valentina has been through bell and back and is broken stuck in her mind...fast paced full of action and healing in a hearsay...raw and honest book!!! That ending though....need gia and rikers story asap!!!
465 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2017
2.75 stars I'm sorry to say that I didnt like this one as much as the others in the series. It felt very rushed to me. I like my damaged H but I felt that Hal made a 360 way to soon. I dont want to say much without giving away the story
106 reviews
September 11, 2017
Great Read.

Great story, the author brings this story to life. She is one of my favorite authors. Alpha males, HE A no cliff hanger and leaves waiting for her next book.😊
Profile Image for G.M. Scherbert.
Author 25 books333 followers
September 9, 2017
Yummy

This is my first by this author and let me just say it wail for sure not be the last.... yummy
Profile Image for ~*~Happy Hour Prez~*~.
1,898 reviews
August 14, 2019
Storyline has got increasingly confusing in the last couple of books. However, it also brought more pizzazz, making it more interesting than past books as well. Just wish it was a little less confusing at times or that the author laid the groundwork/plot line out starting in earlier books instead out dropping it all off a sudden now. Anyway, nitpicky stuff in my opinion.

*Still has writing style that bugs the crap out of me. The multiple first person writing changes (without headers letting us know who is speaking, though it's not too hard to figure out after awile) and then third person and back forth, back and forth. It drives me crazy.
65 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2017
One of my all time favourite series, and it keeps getting better

I just adore this author. Her characters are given so much depth, and her action is always full of dramatic tension that lingers in your memory long after you reach the final page. Hal and Valentina are everything I hoped for and then some! A great book, but it's very much a part of a series that should be read in order for maximum impact
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,458 reviews24 followers
September 15, 2017
3.5 Stars

Hal and Valentina were easy to like characters. They both have a tough history that impacted on them both to varying degrees. Loved the bonus sneak peak at the next book.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,064 reviews
September 18, 2017
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. Again, this author has sucked me into the characters of the Hells Saints MC. It was truly a love story. Hal and Vealentina were both scarred humans trying to live in the present but really reliving the horrors and tragedies of their past. They both pulled each other up and beat their demons down together. There's very little sex but a lot of emotions that will make you feel so much, there's a lot of light hearted moments that will make you laugh. If you like the HS MC characters then you'll love this one.
Profile Image for Cali Gal’s.
1,227 reviews146 followers
September 16, 2017
This is a beautiful addition to one of my favorite MC series. Yes I (might) have a possible addiction problem to that genre (haha). I have always loved the characters in this series. This is the story of Hal and Valentina who both have this commonality, they are SURVIVORS. This book took me on this amazing journey of emotions. You feel the characters fear, sorrow, and anxiety when dealing with what happened to them. As the story unfolds your heart breaks for them. I love how you also get to experience the road they travel to find each other and love. They have this connection that is surrounded with some intense steamy elements (fanning myself). This combined with the intrigue and heart-palpating moments of danger make this book a definite fav. Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Laura Rutherford.
24 reviews
May 31, 2018
review contains some spoilers


we first met Hal in book 2, Claire and Reno's story, then learned more about him in book 4, Glory's book. I found that each book, it was almost a different Hal each time. The first time, he's this badass protective marine/brother who seems pretty intense, next he's recovering from injuries and is really active and works out a lot, keeps to himself mostly but has a new friendship with Jules. Then in his book, he's suddenly a biker who's a smoker and into creepy kink ???? I'm not saying the book was bad, I can get past certain unbelievable things for a decent story, but I kept thinking the whole time, who the heck is this guy? I still gave it 3 stars because the story itself wasn't half bad, and I still look forward to reading more in the series.
1,096 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2019
“I was talking about dessert. Serve mine up hot, laid out on a chrome fender, all inked up, and wrapped in leather!”

Ahhhh finally Hal got his story. It was worth the wait. It is everything and more than I was hoping for.

“Just relax and listen to your body. I’ll take care of the rest.”

This book has so many great elements. It has you typical great Hells Saints MC style characteristics alpha, loyalty, brotherhood, family, steaminess...along with some twist, betrayal, healing, guilt...

“...fear was good, that fear made you strong-that fear kept you alive.”

Can’t wait to dive into Raising Riker.
1,357 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2018
3.5 stars. This wasn't my favorite book in the series. It wasn't bad, it just felt like it was missing the something to make everything snap together. The characters were likable, but was missing the connection with them when they were together. Hal and Tia had a pretty major back story, but it was hard for me to picture it with the plot. The plot moved pretty slow and didn't have the depth that I needed. Still a good read.
229 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2018
Great addition

Okay, I’ll be honest. I loved this entire series, but this one sat on my device forever because I was hesitant to read it. I am not a fan of anything mob related. But, I’m glad I did. I absolutely loved Hal and Tia together. I was excited when Hal liked the edgier side of certain things, but then he got together with Tia and that went away. So that kinda disappointed me. Hence, the 4 stars.
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,540 reviews10 followers
February 15, 2019
2.5 Stars

A scarred and troubled badass soldier/biker falls in love with a mob bosses daughter, who happens to have some baggage of her own.

With a backstory like Hal and Valentina had, so emotional and troubled, I expected their story to be a great one. Both of them suffer from PTSD and even though its talked about some, we are not shown them working through it really. I just felt that there should have been more in some way. I just couldn't connect to the characters.
Profile Image for Susan Curtis .
350 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2017
🔥😍🔥Awesome 🔥😍🔥

So glad that Hal found his true love with Valentina. Well developed characters and storyline. Seems there is a on-going pattern in this series where the characters leave the main club. Haven't decided how I feel about that, regardless still enjoyed the book and totally recommend it 🔥😍🔥
3,806 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2017
Hal is a character that we don't really know much about in the beginning of this series other than he is Glory's brother and he is in the military.

Now we get to know him better and all that he has been through suffering from major injuries and PTSD. I wasn't sure if I would like him much in the beginning and I didn't know if he would mesh well with Valentina, who is also suffering from PTSD after she was trapped for 4 days under rubble from an earthquake.

I wound up loving them as a couple. I feel like Hal toughened Valentina up a bit and Valentina softened Hal a bit and they really complimented each other. He seemed to fit into the MC life pretty well (not surprising). I can't wait for more of this series!

Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2022
Another GREAT addition to this series!

Definitely craving this book. It was incredibly WRITTEN with a microscopic lens on these two just because of what they had been through. Beautifully crafted which brings forth the feels that bring you to tears while making your heart soar. Thank you Miss Marinaro.
Profile Image for Karlena tarango.
489 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2017
Loved Hal and Valentina's book so much!! Hot sexy chemistry between the two and some hold your breath action!! This book pulled a lot of feels out of me and Paula knows how to tell one heck of a story!!! Now impatiently waiting for Riker's book!!! Love this MC series!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.