Hellion

The Hellbound Brotherhood #1

by Shannon McKenna

Find out why New York Times bestseller Maya Banks hails McKenna’s books as “A nonstop thrill ride…”

He’s a ticking bomb…

Eric Trask is counting the days before he blasts out of Shaw’s Crossing forever. He and his brothers were raised at GodsAcre, a mysterious doomsday cult deep in the mountains, and are the only survivors of the deadly fire that destroyed it. The townspeople see them as time bombs just waiting to blow, but Eric’s going to prove those bastards wrong. He’s an ex-Marine, fresh off a tour in Afghanistan, working three jobs and barely sleeping. Utterly unprepared for Demi Vaughan’s dazzling green eyes, lush pink lips and sexy curves. She’s the town princess…he’s a dangerous outcast. It was a sure recipe for disaster.

But the closer he gets to Demi, the more impossible it is to resist…

Forbidden fruit is the sweetest…

Demi Vaughan has big plans for life post- college, and Eric Trask, notorious bad boy with a complicated past, is not part of them. So when he saunters into the sandwich shop where she works she tells herself he’s just tall, ripped, smoldering eye candy, nothing more. Eric was damaged. Marked by violence and tragedy. He’d be the ultimate bad boyfriend, and right now she was too busy even to shop for a good one. But his hot eyes and hard body, his sensual smile and that rough, sexy voice of his shook her resolve. After all, she was leaving this place forever. A little taste of heaven…what could it hurt?

But Shaw’s Crossing has deeper, darker secrets than Eric or Demi could guess. The evil that destroyed GodsAcre is lying in wait...and it will stop at nothing to keep Eric and Demi apart…

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hellion, Book One, ends on a cliffhanger, but it leads right into HEADLONG, Book Two, Demi and Eric’s continuing story, dated seven years later and available for preorder now! The other titles in The Hellbound Brotherhood are a connected series, but each book features its own couple and has its own HEA.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary Romance, Suspense

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2020

About the author

Also wrote five category romances under the penname Shannon Anderson

::From The Author's Website::

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.

So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.

It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.

That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Too much sex exceeded the plot.
Dnf @ 29%

[Zeek]

I'm so angry right now

This isn't a full story. The next part comes out in a couple weeks.

I feel like I was misled because I didn't read the fine print. She was just always autobuy for me


Well never again.

[Beeg Panda]

free 6 sept 21
https://amzn.to/2WRcuSf

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is the beginning of Eric and Demi's story - kind of like an extended epilogue - and continues in the next book Headlong, after 7 years apart.

Demi is the daughter and granddaughter of the two most powerful men in their small town. Against her parents – her dad especially – warnings, Demi starts to spend time with one of the infamous Trask boys. Eric and the crazy feelings he brings out in her, hit Demi like a freight train. Sudden and all consuming.

But family drama, blackmail and shady dealings surrounding the burned down compound Eric grew up in, called GodsAcres will tear these two apart before they have a real chance of building something lasting together.

When Demi’s dad frames Eric and he’s looking at 10+ years in prison, Demi makes a deal to save him but also ensure they will never be together. When Eric’s adoptive dad, Otis dies unexpectedly, after leaving him and his brothers a cryptic message, Eric and Demi will reunite after seven years to finally get some answers to right the past.

~ My Thoughts ~
This was addictive! Eric and Demi are modern day star crossed lovers. He's got a checkered past that their small town refuses to let him live down and she's the golden girl, that always followed the rules.

The emotional connection and the chemistry is red hot! I instantly fell for Eric - his OTT declarations and his confidence in his own feelings for Demi were admirable traits in my book boyfriends, so no complaints there! I also am beyond intrigued about Anton & Fiona. Then there's the third Trask brother, Mace *fanself*

Our heroine, Demi, was a bit harder to warm up too. The first half of the book, I liked that she didn't judge Eric and gave him a chance when no one else seemed to, but the second half of the book revealed her character wasn't without flaws. Mainly how easily she fell for the story her father and mother spinned about Eric, without ever trying to reach out to him. Watching their first fight unfold made me so sad and frustrated with Demi. Where was the strong girl who stood up for herself? Instead she turned into a weak 22 year old hiding from her dad and selfishly belittling someone she claimed to care about.

Unless Demi apologizes for her part in what happened all those years ago, I'm hesitant to continue their story. Seven years is a long time and knowing they propably/definitely didn't stay celibate is going to annoy me. Not to mention, the blurb sounds like Demi still blames Eric for everything that happened back then and I'm not okay with Eric doing all the chasing when he wasn’t at fault and she was the one that pushed him away and completely cut him out of her life.

It might not sound like it, but I really did like this story. I appreciate being able to get the beginning of the love story in present time, rather than snippets told through flashbacks. This was sweet, sexy and pulled at my heartstrings from beginning to end. I loved that Eric wasn't your typical hero, he had the brains and the brawn and was the total package :) The mystery behind GodsAcres has also piqued my interest. the bomb shell Otis drops at the end had my beyond curious to see all this unfold. I knocked down half a star because I wish Demi would have acted more mature and handled this better than the poor little rich girl cliché she turned into. She's 22 years old, not a teen and I found her tuck-tail-and-run routine disappointing.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Eric is 24 and Demi is 22. (No virgins.)

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : None.

Separation : This story is prior to their 7 year separation and reunion that will be told in Book Two, Headlong.

Push/Pull : Yes, Demi has plans that don't include a whirlwind romance. She pushes H away and downplays her feelings until it's too late.

Main Pursuer of relationship : Eric, he is the poster child for all or nothing commitment. He comes off a little OTT but sincere.

Possible Triggers : Blackmail, murder, suspense, small town prejudice, frustrating reason for continued separation.

HEA/HFN : Neither. This part ends with the MCs separated after 7 years and reuniting after H comes back for a funeral.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nayeli - per RFS
.
— Suppongo che i tuoi non siano esattamente felici sapendo che usciamo insieme. Lei scrollò le spalle. — Hanno una visione ristretta su come dovrebbe essere la mia vita e tu certamente non ti adatti al loro punto di vista. Ma, per essere sincera, neppure io mi adatto e quindi ho rinunciato da tempo a convincerli.


Premessa: si tratta del primo volume di una serie e non porta a compimento la storia d’amore tra i due protagonisti. Potrebbe, anzi, essere letto come un prologo, un antefatto rispetto alla trama romance che ci aspettiamo dal libro successivo.

Non riuscì a trattenersi dallo studiare il suo volto addormentato. Era così bello che guardarlo faceva male. Tenere a lei come se nient’altro esistesse a questo mondo. Così maledettamente pericoloso. Un invito alla fregatura e lo sapeva da tempo, persino da prima dell’incendio alla GodsAcre. L’aveva imparato il giorno in cui sua madre era morta.


La storia ha degli elementi interessanti e che saranno sicuramente intriganti più avanti: Eric è scappato da una famiglia/setta e sembra avere un passato tremendamente perverso e violento di cui però scopriamo ben poco, anche se è difficile capire se si tratti solamente di una esagerazione dovuta ai giudizi di concittadini particolarmente bigotti che vivono nella piccola cittadina statunitense in cui i fatti si svolgono.

È un ragazzo d’oro: educato, posato, solido, lavoratore, risparmiatore. Unico neo: è sincero fino all’osso e istintivo, ovvero sa riconoscere le proprie sensazioni e non le nega, e laddove le persone comuni attendono un po’ di tempo per ponderare, valutare, pensare alle conseguenze, lui ha già imboccato la sua strada. Inutile dire che pronunciare parole tipo “ti amo” nel momento in cui, al primo appuntamento, si sente affinità al primo sguardo con una donna può essere controproducente e spaventare un partner appena conosciuto.

—Pensi che abbia troppa fretta? — le chiese. — Anton mi ha sempre rotto le scatole per la mia fretta, ma non c’è niente da fare: quando vedo ciò che voglio, lo riconosco subito. E non cambio mai idea. Non capisco perché dovrei perdere tempo a mettere in dubbio una decisione che ho già preso. Perché aspettare se sei sicuro di quello che fai?


Demi sta attraversando una fase di ribellione nei confronti dei genitori, ma, messa alla prova dalle proposte avventate di Eric, dimostra tutta la sua paura di mettersi davvero in contrapposizione a una stabilità familiare ed economica, rivelando quanto la sua fase sia ingenua e adolescenziale rispetto al coraggio di lui, che vorrebbe confrontarsi con i suoi genitori con orgoglio e sicurezza di sé, nonostante la sua cattiva reputazione immeritata lo precedano e la gente del paese lo disprezzi.


— Non è questo che volevi sapere? Come mi fai sentire? Lei esitò. — Ah… sì. — Be’, adesso lo sai. Toccarti laggiù mi rende possessivo — continuò lui, il tono aspro. — Quando è così dolce, morbida e pronta per me, questo immenso animale che ho dentro alza la testa e ruggisce una cosa soltanto. “Mia, mia, mia.” Non dice altro.


Le caratterizzazioni sono buone, molto approfondite, perché i personaggi sono di spessore: hanno una storia, dei sogni, una personalità… però la trama preferisce soffermarsi sull’aspetto erotico. Si sviluppa in incontri amorosi molto passionali nei quali Eric e Demi si riconoscono a pelle già dal primo approccio. A causa della sua impulsività, appena Eric si accorge di esserne innamorato le propone di getto di andare a vivere insieme, lontano dal paese di bigotti malpensanti, dove lei potrebbe realizzare il suo sogno di imparare a fare la cuoca (mestiere che i genitori osteggiano, essendo proprietari di una grande azienda).

Demi si prende del tempo per ponderare la scelta: nonostante sia una proposta allettante, non vuole buttarsi nel vuoto e si lascia trarre in una trappola organizzata dai genitori allo scopo di allontanare i due amanti.

— Credevo avessi detto che ti piace il pericolo.
— Sì, ma non se la gente recita — sbottò Eric. — Con te è diverso. Tu sei autentica. E il fatto che ti abbia proposto di condividere un appartamento a Seattle non è un modo viscido per continuare a portarti a letto finché non te ne andrai, stanne certa.
— Eric…
— È un’offerta solida come roccia. Non sono mai stato più serio di così in vita mia. — Le prese la mano, se la portò alle labbra e le baciò le nocche. — Perché ti seguirei ovunque, Demi Vaughan.
Lei sospirò e abbassò lo sguardo. — Credo che dovresti tirare il freno alla tua immaginazione — disse cautamente. — Andiamo avanti giorno dopo giorno e vediamo un po’ cosa succede.


Il crescendo porta Eric alla completa rovina: senza più lavoro, soldi, ragazza e privato perfino della libertà e di un tetto sulla testa, rifiutato perfino dal padre che l’ha allevato. Qualcuno è riuscito a fare terra bruciata attorno a lui, e attendiamo il prossimo episodio per capire chi può essere stato e perché. L’unica cosa a cui tengo, tuttavia, è alla vendetta nei confronti di coloro che l’hanno abbandonato, non hanno creduto in lui, nella sua verità, e non gli hanno dato neppure un’occasione.


Demi lo guardò scioccata. — Stai parlando sul serio? Vuoi costringermi a una resa dei conti con mio padre adesso, che lo voglia o no?
— Sì — disse Eric. — Stiamo insieme, Demi, oppure no?
— Il punto non è questo! Non fare l’idiota.
— No, il punto è proprio questo, invece — insistette lui. — Rispondi alla mia domanda: stiamo insieme oppure no? Tocca a te dirlo. Io ne sono convinto, ma tu?


Come anticipavo nelle prime righe, questo potrebbe essere uno spin-off che fa da prologo a una storia vera e propria: infatti, anche se i personaggi sono pieni e delineati, non svelano nulla del loro passato né si indagano le vicende che li portano alla loro maturazione (emotiva ed economica) verso il personaggio che saranno all’inizio del prossimo libro (se devo essere onesta, ho storto il naso nel leggere un epilogo che va a stravolgere la caratterizzazione del protagonista).

Personalmente l’avrei chiusa qui, con un gran “vaffa” a tutti coloro che non si sono fidati di lui tanto da chiedere almeno la sua versione dei fatti, cosa che non ci avrebbe comunque impedito di gustare le numerose scene hot.


Lui restò immobile, guardandola con quegli occhi vuoti e lontani. — A parole sei così in gamba — affermò tranquillamente. — Ti atteggi a fare la ribelle, ti comporti da dura, ma è tutta una recita. In realtà sei solo una bambina spaventata che non sfuggirà mai alla presa del suo paparino.
— Esci da questa casa. Subito!
— Ciò che abbiamo è un dono speciale — continuò lui. — Ma comporta un prezzo da pagare. Se decidi di crescere davvero, chiamami e tornerò.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ogni tanto mi piace anche concedermi qualche erotico frizzante e questo primo volume della serie The Hellbound Brotherhood contiene molti elementi per rendere stuzzicante la storia: tre fratelli, scampati da adolescenti alla sanguinosa fine della setta GodsAcre, si sono rifatti una vita nella sonnacchiosa cittadina nei dintorni, adottati da un padre che li ama molto e ha dato loro un nuovo cognome, ma guardati ancora con sospetto (e odio) dal resto degli abitanti.

Dopo il diploma Eric ha scelto di partire come marine all'estero e ora che è tornato fa tre lavori pur di trovare fondi per un suo progetto informatico, però è dura vivere a Shaw’s Crossing. Lo è ancor di più se si inizia una storia, osteggiata da tutto e tutti, con Demi, l'erede della famiglia più in vista.
Se Eric ha i suoi demoni personali, non è che la famiglia Vaughan sia composta da santi, e sono i due giovani a rimetterci.

La storia non è male, pur contenendo diverse scene di sesso (ma direi che è più che accettabile, trattandosi di un romance con forti venature erotiche - quindi hot al punto giusto!), e anche la coppia mi piace (nessuno dei due è piagnone o viziato, entrambi sono determinati a farsi una vita senza aiuti e raccomandazioni). Però ero convinta che ogni libro della serie fosse dedicato a uno dei fratelli, non che la narrazione fosse a puntate. Nel senso che questa è proprio la prima puntata: quindi sono solo 170 pagine, sostanzialmente un racconto lungo più che un romanzo completo, e se poi il finale è pure rimandato…

Diciamo che con qualche capitolo corposo in più nella seconda parte il mio voto sarebbe stato più alto, in ogni caso sono curiosa di proseguire.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 03/15/20

Demi is suffocating. Tired of the façade her parents throw out to the community, she’s shunned the family business and moved forward with plans to make her own way as a restaurant owner. When super sexy Eric shows up at the sandwich shop day after day, the sparks fly. He’s definitely off-limits and hooking up would likely give her parents aneurisms. But what the hellion? *snicker* Might as well indulge while she can, so she does. The connection is undeniable and before too long, Demi starts to envision a future following her dreams with Eric a part of it all. But her family has deep connections in town and when they get wind of her relationship with Eric, they threaten her with the only thing they can. But will it keep Demi away from him or drive them closer?

Eric has come from a brutal, violent past. Described as a ticking bomb, he has made sure he’s kept his nose clean, keeps his head down, and works harder than anyone he knows. But Demi proves irresistible and as soon as he lets go with her, he basically commits small-town suicide. With her family’s influence, it doesn’t take any time at all for Eric’s bleak future to turn to crap. But Demi is worth it. He’s always known his own mind and he knows he wants her forever. But in reality, Demi doesn’t know him all that well so when lies about Eric run rampant, Demi begins to believe them. Eric is suddenly thrust into a desperate situation and takes hold of the only tentative thread he has to keep from returning to the darkness he came from. But will his love for Demi be enough to convince her to stay?

Oh! My! Gawd! I could kick myself for not fully reading the warning prior to beginning this book. I loved the blurb, acquired the book from a tour, and read it without ever noticing a warning. Let me just say – for those of you who missed it like I did – CLIFFHANGER! I flipping hate cliffhangers! I cannot stand them! When I realized I was done with the book and it would continue into the next installment, I about had a panic attack! It ended at a horrible place! Granted, it was actually appropriate, but I was nowhere near ready to end my time with Demi and Eric, so for me … gut-wrenching! This is definitely not a happily ever after … yet. It could be in the next book. I am not sure, but I sincerely hope it is. Actually, I might die if it isn’t. I was able to read the beginning of book two, HEADLONG, at the conclusion of HELLION, which helped assuage my bereft state just a bit. But not much. This book is like nothing I have encountered. Eric has a very bad past and if I’m being honest there was very little actually explained about it. Snippets of some of the things the brothers went through are revealed, and another person plotting against Eric mentions the brothers can never return to the scene of the horrific events. But that’s really all we are given. I keep feeling like some crazy paranormal element is going to eventually rear its ugly head. And oddly enough, that might actually help explain a lot. However, I will have to wait until. The Next. Book. *sob*

Initially, I really liked Demi and her spirit and willingness to push back against her controlling, disaster of a family. Seriously. Eric may have come from some twisted stuff, but Demi really isn’t in much different of a situation. However, because of the family’s standing in the community, much is hidden. What happens behind closed doors isn’t revealed to anyone. Even when a bit of what Demi could face as a consequence is eluded to in front of the Sherriff, he just leaves and pretends he has no business being part of such a family "discussion". Corruption, much? In any case, Demi was extremely likeable from the get-go. Eric is a bit over-the-top, but he knows what he wants and he goes after it. Due to his violent past, he is fully aware that time is not something to be wasted. Hence his crazy work ethic. And when he realizes the depth of his connection and feelings for Demi, he doesn’t hesitate. She, on the other hand, isn’t ready for the heavy, so she puts on the brakes to an extent. Eric is fine with giving her time, but will not back down on letting her know how he feels. My biggest annoyance is that given her family’s behaviors and the fact that she isn’t blind to some of the things that have been occurring, she is pretty dang quick to believe the worst of Eric. That made me so fricking mad I nearly threw my Kindle across the room. I was fuming at her behavior. It also made me feel much more empathy toward Eric, willing him to pick himself up and prove everyone wrong. He seems to be innocent and nothing more than a victim of his circumstances' attempting to make something of the bad hand he was dealt. How do you fault that? Based on the glimpse into book two, I would say he does just that. I just wish I realized I would be continuing this journey without some sort of HEA at the conclusion of book one. Alas, I will survive. And I will be reading the next book as well. I can’t leave things unfinished and I definitely feel that there is much more to discover within this Hellbound Brotherhood. Honestly, the crap Eric endures is stupid and the fact that Demi isn’t privy to any of it is a bit off. But I suppose she doesn’t truly have anyone in town she can trust other than Eric – and she isn’t even really sure about that yet.

There were a few editing errors present. They weren’t bad, but another read-through would be beneficial to this book. While my biggest issue with this book is the cliffhanger, that vital piece of information being missed is entirely my own fault, so will not affect my review score. Given what I gleaned from this book and the brief introduction into HEADLONG, I suppose I cannot fault Ms. McKenna for the emotional state of grief she has left me in. The separation seems to have been absolutely necessary for the success of both Demi and Eric. And things seem to have shifted quite a lot between the end of HELLION and the start of HEADLONG. I did have one other complaint and I am unsure if it was just me or something unclear within the book … but I had a hard time picturing Demi and Eric as adults. Eric is described as having been in the Military as some sort of special forces unit. But for whatever reason, I kept picturing them as fresh out of high school. Eighteen to twenty at most, when they should have been at least mid-to-late-twenties if I am not mistaken. I am curious if anyone else had that problem, or if I just misrepresented these two in my mind somehow. Regardless, I did not like them any less in relation to my mind’s visual. I do have to say that the attraction that Demi and Eric share darn near sizzles off the pages. Their several sexual encounters are ridiculously hot. There is also a fair amount of bad language. This is not a book for the tender-hearted. This story is raw and emotional. The main characters are surrounded by corruption so deep, they aren’t even truly aware of how bad things are. One thing is for sure. The town and people of Shaw’s Crossing are holding terrible secrets that they are desperate to keep buried; even to the point of murder. I absolutely cannot wait until I can sink my teeth into HEADLONG. There is so much left uncovered and I look forward to both the journey toward the truth and being able to spend more time with Demi and Eric – and hopefully their HEA next time around.

Kindle version provided by Expresso Book Tours/Author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling, emotional, edge of your seat thrill ride all that way, from beginning to end.

The first book in a new trilogy for Shannon McKenna and it's a beautiful work of fiction. She puts you right in the book, so much so you feel like you're intruding at first, it's like you're there and you see the scene so perfectly and you know something is coming but not what or who it will be.

Eric has had a horrendous past and the residents of Shawn's Crossing have very long memories. With them constantly reminding him he can't forget who he is even if he wanted to. But he and his brothers have made a pact and they aren't going to be beaten, or will they?

Demi is saving money for her dream to become a chef and if she can just hang on maybe she'll make it to he internership start day before she leaves. She just needs to save for a new place, and talk her Granddad into funding her culinary school. It'll be tricky as they think this is a waste and she should come work at the company business. Her parents have refused to pay, after all why would they for a career that's just silly and won't support her? But maybe Granddad. Plus she's got Eric now to help her spend her spare time with, time flys when you're having fun and she is having a blast.
Eric and Demi have fireworks from the beginning. And it gets steaming hot! But you know the thing about fireworks, too close and you will get burned. And Demi's family doesn't like him and certainly not that he's messing with their princess. As they get closer and closer together and consider moving in together things change and in a big way and certainly not for the better.

Eric and Demi have fireworks from the beginning. And it gets steaming hot! But you know the thing about fireworks, too close and you will get burned. And Demi's family doesn't like him and certainly not that he's messing with their princess. As they get closer and closer together and consider moving in together things change and in a big way and certainly not for the better.

Have they gotten too close? There is someone other than her family not wanting Eric anywhere near Shawn's Crossing, who is the mystery man and what is he doing? Will Eric and Demi fall for the trap or will they see it coming, after all she knows her dad and he's been trained for this kind of thing.

Find out if Demi and Eric can stay together or will everyone else win? Warning there is a cliff hanger.

Ohhh how I love to read Ms. McKenna's books, she has the magic touch and leaves me always wanting more.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon McKenna is back with a new romantic suspense book and it was worth the wait! Hellion is the first part of a duet about Eric Trask and Demi Vaughan. These two may live in the small town of Shaw's Crossing but their lives are worlds apart. This story begins when Demi is 22 and has graduated college. She plans on working her summer job at the town's diner and then heading off to Seattle to pursue her dreams which includes a culinary internship. Eric lives with his adopted father and has had a rough start in life but now he is 24 and he has plans for his future as well. He has had his eye on Demi for awhile but thought that she would never give him a shot but when she does, he goes after her with purpose. Is this a story with a bit of insta-love? You betcha! That's an element that McKenna has mastered in some of her previous work. It works well in this NA part of their relationship. Do they ride off into the sunset with an armful of roses? No way! This is classic McKenna and they are going to have to work through all the obstacles that keep getting thrown in their path and let me say that there's a ton! Now I am not going to give away any spoilers other than to say that as with all of the author's previous work, Hellion is told from dual POV, is a page turning, hot as heck, roller coaster of a read. I am jumping into Headlong to read the conclusion of Demi and Eric's journey.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read Shannon McKenna in a while, but the McCloud Brothers books were some of my all time favorite ones to read and it was so refreshing to be submerged back in McKenna-land!

Hellion drops you right into the middle of things and has such a powerful blend of suspense and attraction that you want from your Romantic books. I hated reading that last sentence, but am so freaking happy that the next book is coming out soon, so I do not have to wait too long to be able to read it. 4.5 stars from me for this awesome book that keeps your attention throughout the entire ride!

PS: Thank you to Shannon McKenna and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon McKenna is introducing a new series that will keep the readers on the edge of their seat.


Having received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion here goes. I’m in love with Eric Trask, the bad boy of Shaw’s Crossing. The only problem is he is not what the town thinks. Eric dreams of leaving and starting a business of his own. But his life took a turn because of his attraction to Demi Vaughan.
Demi’s father wasn’t happy with her choice of career, being a chef, or her boyfriend, Eric, and he will do anything to put a stop to the relationship maybe even kill.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! The author brings strong,well developed characters and weaves a thrilling story filled with intrigue,drama,angst and tons of emotions. It's an insta love story brought to life with perfectly painted scenes and had me hooked from start to finish reading. I loved the story line and am anxiously looking forward to the next book. It moves quickly and smoothly and left me wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. Well done!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the characters and plot of this story. I loved Eric so much. He was so sweet and is just looking for someone to love. Demi is trying to get out from under her family’s thumb and Eric is just the ticket to help her. She ends up really falling for him, as he does with her. But there is his past that always rears its ugly head. Cannot wait to read what happens next, as you are left wondering.

[Ashley Basile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't hate this. It felt a little rushed, and I think it could stand to be longer, with a bit more background and detail, but I'm not opposed to reading more to solve the mystery.

I liked Eric, although I wanted his issues to be a little more fleshed out so that we could relate to him more and understand why he is the way he is...

I also really wanted Demi to be more well-rounded. I liked her, but I also thought she had a hair trigger for completely flipping her mood. Enamored to Bitch is no time. I'm sure people are actually like that, but I find them hard to relate to. I think she's moderately redeemed herself towards the end, but I need her to move on from self-pity.

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read, and loved, many of Shannon McKenna’s books, but this fell flat for me. I bought it expecting the action/suspense with steamy relationships that I expect in her books, but instead found this to be little more than erotica.

I couldn’t get past the pages and pages of sex from a couple who barely knew each other.

A disappointing read.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting in on the first book of a new trilogy by the incredibly talented Shannon McKenna is akin to winning the lottery, and although I'm not a fan of new adult romances or insta-love, this novel grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go. It's filled with angst, rebellion, lust, the injustices and prejudice inherent in small towns and small-minded people, and, despite the fact that it ends in a cliffhanger (yes, I know, I hate them too), I simply couldn't put this novel down. Thankfully, the next book in the series will be available in just a few weeks, because I am totally hooked. This novel gets 5 stars from this reader.

Eric (Paley) Trask and his two brothers, Macon and Anton, were born and raised in a pseudo-religious, survivalist cult called Godsacre, led by their crazy and abusive father, known as The Prophet, Jeremiah Paley. The 3 boys managed to escape one night, and shortly thereafter the entire compound went up in flames, and they, and the one 15-year-old girl they managed take take with them, were the only survivors. The townspeople had no love for the cult, and even though the 3 teenage boys were rescued, raised, and eventually adopted by Otis, the now retired, well-liked, former chief of police, the boys still were treated like low-life, dangerous, trash by almost everyone in their high school and everyone in town.

As the novel open, Eric is stopping by the local cafe for lunch, but he's mainly doing so because he has a major crush on the girl who works there, beautiful Demi Vaughan, daughter of the richest and most influential family in town, and lovely 22-year-old Demi has harbored a crush on the big, sexy hunk that is Eric Trask since they were both in high school, although he is two years her senior. When Eric and Demi first make eye contact, the chemistry between them is off the charts, so Eric keeps coming back to order lunch every day, and even knowing that her family will most certainly disapprove of him, his invitation to an after-work swim is something Demi can't and won't refuse. This does not go unnoticed by Demi's boss, one of the narrow-minded townspeople of Shaw's Crossing I previously mentioned, and if you've ever lived in a small town, you already know that the news of Eric and Demi's involvement will be fodder for the local gossip mill almost instantly.

Demi is already on the outs with her overbearing father, who wants her to someday take over the family business, making paper and cardboard products, but Demi wants to be a professional chef, wants to enter an apprenticeship program in a high-end restaurant kitchen, and her grandfather has even offered to pay for her attendance at a culinary institute after she completes her internship. Meanwhile, all Demi can think about is her attraction to Eric, and if anyone knows how to steam up a novel, it's Ms. McKenna. Demi's insistence on continuing to see Eric runs in counterpoint to her father's hatred for him, and he'll go to any lengths to either run Eric out of town, make sure he goes to prison, and even go so far as to arrange to have him killed.

Between the incredible chemistry that Demi and Eric share, the warnings about the danger he's putting himself in by seeing Demi, from his two brothers, the hatred the townsfolk and Demi's father have for him, and the 14 mysterious, unsolved deaths that occurred only months after the Godsacre compound burned down, known locally as The Prophet's Curse, will these two young lovers ever have a chance at an HEA ending? As mentioned at the outset, this novel ends in a cliffhanger, so I couldn't give away the ending if I tried, because I won't know how it all turns out until the release of the next title in the series, Headlong, so, I recommend you read this exciting, hot, angst-filled, and heart-wrenching novel now, to ready yourself for Headlong. I don't think you'll be disappointed--it is an excellent read.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Louise Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been hooked on Shannon Mckenna’s books for years, I loved the McCloud crowd, was intrigued with the Obsidian Files, and once again, I’ve been ensnared, this time by her new Hellbound series.
Meet the Trask Brothers, Eric; Anton; and Mace – raised in an isolated Doomsday cult, they’re ostracised by the town they escaped to as teenagers. Now adults, they’re trying to get on with life, but it seems the ghosts of the cult aren’t done with them yet.
Hellion is the first in the series, and it’s the beginning of Eric’s story. Here we meet the brothers and the man who adopted them after they escaped. Eric has known of the town’s princess, Demi, since they were in high school. Now after a stint in the Military, he’s working like a dog to save money to start his life. He and Demi get to know each other *ahem*.
The passion between them is instant and explosive, and Eric falls hard.
Eric and Demi remind me of Sean McCloud and his HEA, Liv, from the McCloud series. Eric is mad keen on Demi, and she’s protected by her family who all but own the town. She feels trapped by their expectations and has dreams of her own that she is determined to achieve. Their burgeoning relationship is threatened by town secrets, as well as a general opinion of Eric.
It’s the first in this series, but it feels more like a prequel: we are introduced to the brothers, and a hint of the antagonist of the series, but the main focus is on Eric and Demi, and their powerful connection. It’s a rapid read and leaves you champing at the bit for more.
I read Ms McKenna’s McCloud series years ago, and they’re a favourite to reread. I’ve always had a soft spot for Sean, and in his book, we are introduced to Liv – who he has been in love with since he was a teenager but was torn away from, just as she was warming up to him.
This book gives me the prequel I’ve always wanted for Sean and Liv, but for Eric and Demi, and I loved it. I tore through it in an afternoon, without any notice of the time passing. So much happens, it’s hard to believe that the events in the book take place in less than a week. But this is very typical of Shannon McKenna’s writing: Intense, passionate storylines that cram a lifetime of danger into a weekend.
It is a fantastic set up to Headlong, the next in the series – which is out very soon (can’t wait!).

[JC Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to start another series by Shannon McKenna, and “Hellion, Book One” did not let me down! Eric is a strong, yet sensitive ex-Marine, whose attraction to Demi is made crystal clear from the start. He and his two brothers were raised in GodsAcre, a cult-like group led by their survivalist father who preached doom, gloom and the end of the world as they knew it. The Trask brothers helped a 15-year-old girl escape, but all other members of the group died in a massive fire at GodsAcre. The townspeople of Shaw’s Crossing never accepted the brothers—Otis, who adopted them as his own, was the only one who did.

When Eric gets up the nerve to approach Demi at the cafe where she works, the chemistry between the two is obvious. He’s extremely attracted to her beauty, her body, her eyes...Demi’s family is Shaw’s Crossing “royalty,” and they, as well as the whole town, disapprove of the Trask brothers and anyone associated with GodsAcre. Demi decides to take a chance with Eric—he’s so handsome, powerfully built and irresistible that she couldn’t turn him away if she wanted to! As things heat up between the two—and they certainly do heat up!—strong-minded Demi doesn’t heed her father’s warnings to stay away from Eric. The couple is hopelessly drawn to each other...and McKenna is extremely good at describing just how close a couple can become! It sizzles on the pages!

Meanwhile, there have been mysterious deaths in association with GodsAcre, interpreted as a curse. This curse threatens to come between Eric and Demi, and bad things happen in this town of small-minded people. I found myself rooting for this couple to overcome all the obstacles before them.

In typical Shannon McKenna fashion, this book is a real page-turning thrill ride! The scorching-hot love scenes and fast-paced action always keep me coming back for more! This book ends on an exciting cliffhanger that made me ready to dive right in to the next novel, “Headlong, Book Two,” which picks up the story seven years later. I need to know more about this GodsAcre curse right now! I’m rooting for Eric and Demi, and can’t wait to follow them on the rest of their journey to love!

I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Christine Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Shannon McKenna books, so far the McCloud brothers series is my absolute favorite. I even reread quite a lot of them. Hellion is the first book of her new series "The Hellbound Brohterhood". It's about Eric (Paley) Trask, one of three brothers raised in a survivalist cult called Godsacre. Eric is fascinated by Demi, only daughter of a very rich and powerful family. And Demi is attracted to Eric. But noone seems to think that the two of them together is a good idea. The whole town looks at Eric and his brothers as being dangerous, violent and guilty of what ever happened back when Godsacre burnt down and a lot of people died. So of course Demi's parents want to end their relationship as well. Demi sees Eric as innocent and judges him only by his behavior now. Her dad...not so much. He doesn't treat his wife and daughter how he should and so you really want Demi to be happy with Eric and get free of the controlling dad and fulfill her dream of becoming a chef and have her own reastaurant. I love how the start of their relationship reminds you of what's it's like to be young, in love and to think together you can change the world. There is plenty of suspense that makes you keep turning the pages even if it's late at night and you have to get up early the next morning. But I don't want to spoil too much. For me Helion is again the perfect mixture of romance, lust and thrilling suspense. There are a lot of secrets that still have to be discovered, it ends with a cliff hanger. Perfect! That's what I love about a great series, you know it will go on. And one can come back to your familiar characters, find out how their story goes on. So being an addict, I am happy that there is already book two coming out really soon, so we can find out what lies ahead for Demi and Eric. But since Eric has two brothers, I am sure we will find out more about Macon and Anton in the future as well. Can't wait!

[49 Geese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Trask and his brothers were born and raised in a cult on the outskirts of Shaw’s Crossing. When the crazed leader burned the compound and killed his followers, Eric and his brothers escaped. WIth no one to raise these young boys, the widowed town sheriff, Otis, took them in. The town residents thought he was crazy for doing it. They felt the boys were dangerous because of where they came from.

Demi Vaughan worked in a small cafe in Shaw’s Crossing trying to save enough money to go to culinary school and someday open her own restaurant in Seattle. As the granddaughter of the town’s founder, she was expected to work in the family business instead. Her father thought being a cook was a silly idea and refused to finance her schooling.

Eric has been attracted to Demi for a long time and made a point to stop in the cafe every day to see her. When she begins to feel the attraction as well, things begin to escalate fast. Her family warns her to stay away from him but does she listen? Of course not. She’s her own woman, strong, sassy, and determined to do life her own way.

When Demi plans an intimate evening at her house while her parents go out of town, the relationship takes a turn for the worse. It doesn’t take long for Eric to realize he has been set up. But why? What happens next is unimaginable.

This is the first book in the author’s new series, The Hellbound Brotherhood, which introduces the reader to the characters. It’s unique in that it’s a two-part book picking up seven years later with Headlong, releasing very shortly after Hellion. I look forward to seeing what is in store for Demi and Eric, two people whose lives couldn’t be more different.

I’ve been a fan of Shannon McKenna for many years and I’m happy to see another well-written, sexy new series from her again.

[Rita Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found out that Hellion will be book one of two, I didn’t know what to expect. Certainly not this! Why do authors like to keep you hanging? I’m just so glad book 2 is already out so I will not be waiting long to know what’s next.

This book felt like a prologue to what’s coming next. However, prologue or not, Shannon McKenna knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. I only wished for more actions but I guess that will have to wait till book 2. In book 1, we get an in-depth look at the main protagonists, their dreams and plans. Eric is a sweet soul who knows what he wants and go for it. He is a survivor of a terrible tragedy that marked his childhood (hope to know more about that soon). But Demi is also a survivor, her living circumstances are not making things easy for her, even if she comes from money. Living with constant stress and family pressure ought to break you at some point but she has dreams that keep her going. Until tragedy hits them both… But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. No?

It was instant attraction between Demi and Eric. It was an honest, sweet, hot exchange from the first moment. However, real life would not let them be and interferences will mess up their lives… as a couple. This book was an emotional roller coaster. You start with excitement building up, and then it’s a hard fall down!! I loved it!!! And what I loved more was that it doesn’t end here! Can’t wait for the next book to witness the characters development! More excitement, drama and heartbreaking moments…

Happy ending… I’ll get to you!

Is it weird that my favorite scene was the one with Anton at the end?
and the BEST sentence: “Let’s kill him.” I’m totally on board! Long live brotherly support!

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Scorching Suspenseful Stars!
Hellion is the thrilling and sexy first book in Ms. McKenna's exciting new series, The Hellbound Brotherhood. Eric Trask and his brothers were raised in a cult by a madman. They were trained as survivalists but escaped before sudden destruction destroyed it all. They were taken in as teens by the town sheriff, Otis. He gave them a good home with stability, when the rest of the town feared and hated them. They are hardworking, good men who want to prove everyone wrong about them. When Eric first sees Demi, he falls instantly for her. She is from a rich powerful family who will do unspeakable things to keep Demi under their control, and away from Eric. But Demi is tired of being controlled and bravely goes after what she wants. She wants her own career away from the family business, and she also wants sexy, dangerous Eric. They begin a wild, passionate affair where their love blossoms quickly. They soon make plans to leave town together. Before they can make that happen, something dark and evil tears them apart. This is a fast paced, scorching hot romance with several twists and turns that kept me completely riveted. McKenna is the master at creating uber sexy, alpha heros and strong women who challenge them and bring them to their knees. Eric and Demi are so scorching together. Their romance is thrilling, seductive and heartpounding. There are so many secrets about Eric's past and who wants to destroy him and his brothers. The ending left me breathless and wanting more. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Eric and Demi!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hellion is the opening act of Shannon McKenna’s new series called The Hellbound Brotherhood! I have read every single of her books and so far, her McClouds ad Friends series has been my favorite … so far … we shall see how the tides turn once we get deeper into the universe that she is creating with her Hellbound Brotherhood! Be forewarned, Hellion WILL end with a cliffhanger so line up Headlong and plan some binge time!
The first book, Hellion, introduces us to Eric Trask, one of the three brothers that are the only survivors of the GodsAcre doomsday cult deep in the mountains near Shaw’s Crossing in the Northwest. He and his brothers have always had hard time in the town as the townspeople have always been waiting for them to blow … what else do you expect from the nutties and doomsday preppers … Eric is back from his tour in Afghanistan, he is working on his app that will build his future, working three jobs and keeping his head down … until … he lays his eyes on Demi Vaughan, the town princess who is already rebelling against her families expectations … throw into it Eric and the deep buried secrets and we get the explosive opening that leaves us hanging for seven years!
I think you could look at Hellion as an extended prologue and I really like it as I live for prologues and epilogues and I had really hard time waiting for Eric and Demi’s real story but do not despair, if you are only now picking up the story, you will have Headlong to jump to!

[TinaMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric Trask and his two brothers are survivors of a doomsday cult. Taken in by the local sheriff when a mysterious fire wiped out the cult. He and his brothers grew up in a town that didn't trust them. He left for the Marines, at twenty-four he's back home working three jobs trying to save for his future dreams, crushing on the town princess.

Demetra 'Demi' Vaughan is back home after deciding to walk away from her families education plans for he and chase her culinary dreams. She has crushed on Eric since she first laid eyes on him in high school. She knows his past but that doesn't stop her from wanting him.

She may want to spread her wings but her family wants her to remain their child under their control. I liked her when she stuck to her guns and beliefs and hated her when she retreated to a scared little girl.

Bad boy, rich girl lusty story, complete with evil father, condemning townsfolk and a mysterious plot against the Trask boys. Except for the off the charts heat this story often came across as more high school than adult.

These two are in their early twenties, she's been to college and he's had two tours in the Marines but I couldn't tell by reading this story. This is not the end of their story, we are left with a few expected story twists and a 'to be continued/ ending.

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[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marines served as a great escape from the GodsAcre doomsday cult where Eric Trask grew up. After it burned to the ground, Eric and his two brothers survived and were taken in by Shaw's Crossing's town sheriff, who cared for them throughout their high school years, but the brothers never lived down the reputation that came from being raised in a cult. When Eric finally asks out Demi Vaughn after years of pining, they begin a relationship that the town's people deem inappropriate, and they do everything they can to keep them apart.

The drama and steam are a bit over the top in Hellion, the novella that serves as the first book in The Hellbound Brotherhood series. Most of the content of this 187 page book is one sensual scene after another, leaving very little room for character or plot development. The idea that this series will focus on a conspiracy is none too subtly introduced, and while the story does end in a cliffhanger, there just isn't enough substance in the book to make reading more of the series desirable. Overall, Hellion may have done more harm than good as an introduction to a new series.

[Jacqueline Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hellion is a delicious appetizer whetting one’s palate for the next story in the series.
Starcrossed lovers? Yes! But unlike Romeo and Juliet, these two do not come from the same position in society.
He is from a doomsday cult-escaped- but none the less carries the stigma of association with crazy culture.
She is from a wealthy family, sweet and supportive... hmmm, not exactly that either. From a vaguely corrupt rich family with many buried secrets.
Shannon McKenna has questions to answer in the upcoming stories: why is Demi’s father such a rotten person? His behaviour is strange, so who holds the power over him? Who are these evil puppet masters we sense? What connection do they have to the doomsday cult?
Our heroes are young, a little awkward but beautiful and their chemistry is undeniable. When we leave the story they are apart each pursuing their own dreams, yet are clearly missing the keys to their happiness: each other? Let’s see!

It’s a fast read, under 2 hours but it’s undeniably hot!

[MARIA FATA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon McKenna does it again! In Hellion, the first installment of a new series called The Hellbound Brotherhood, she instantly draws the reader into this story set in an otherwise idyllic town with a deep seeded secret, by bringing together two sexy, confident people from opposite sides of the track. In a Shakespearean-style romantic tale of forbidden love, she weaves suspense and mystery into an erotic, supercharged mating dance between Eric and Demi. This alpha male is the perfect combination of gentleman and stud. He is kind and perceptive while struggling to control the urgent need he has for Demi, the only woman to ever cause him to unravel. Demi, a strong, confident woman who knows what she wants, is torn between wanting this forbidden fruit, and her well laid plans for her future. The interplay of their blossoming lust/love affair is set on the backdrop of the universe seeming to conspire against them. It’s an amazingly intelligent yet erotic story of their struggle to be their true selves and rise above the secret, poisonous baggage of their families and their home.

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know what to expect from a book by Shannon McKenna: an alpha and possessive hero, a somewhat okay heroine (sorry, but I had problems with many of Ms. McKenna's heroines previously), psychotic villain(s), a suspend-your-desbelief plot and lots and lots of sex... Well, this book gave me exactly what I'd expected so it's all good.

I must confess I skim-read the sex scenes, which were plentiful, and that makes me wonder if I'm too old for that shit, LOL. (BTW, even though this books isn't marketed as "erotica", I'm shelving it as such because, let's face it, when the number of pages dedicated to sex scenes amounted to almost half the book, how else should I see it?)

Warning: This story ends with a cliffhanger, to be continued in Headlong.

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erik Trask and his brothers were raised in a cult and when their compound is set on fire with many deaths; the town balks when the sheriff, Otis, decides to raise them. When Erik begins to daily stop into the cafe Demi Vaughn works in, things heat up quickly---between Erik and Demi BUT also in the town. The owner of the cafe raises the alarm to Demi's parents and they freak out. But Demi is used to their stifling commands to stay away from Erik; therefore it only pushes Demi into his arms. There is definitely chemistry between Erik and Demi but there is also an undercurrent of evil and mystery that is just hinted at. Erik knows he wants Demi but when he declares, Demi waffles because she is strong and no one dictates to her. What ensues is Erik being set up for a crime he did not commit, but will anyone believe him? I hate Demi's father (he is definitely into some shady dealings) and did not particularly like Demi's mom (she was erratic in her support for Demi). I loved Eric's brothers and their unwavering loyalty to each other. Fingers crossed for Demi and Erik.

[Chelsea Organ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting first book in a duet series. Enter a town full of secrets and conspiracies...
Eric Trask and his teenage brothers were the sole survivors of a mountain cult above a small town. Now twenty-four, Eric is trying to build a life for himself outside of all the stigma of his past. Working around the clock at three jobs, he’s all work and no play...until he sets his sights on Demi—the town’a favourite daughter.

Demi is twenty-two and bucking at the control of her wealthy, over-bearing parents. All she wants is to go to culinary school and follow her restauranteur dreams. But her family is set on having her take over the family business. All of this conflict gets further inflamed as Demi takes interest in Eric, a fellow most definitely from the wrong side of the tracks.

The young couples chemistry is explosive and I can’t wait for part two!