What do you think?
Rate this book
Harrow Bay #1
Hell Gates & Hot Flashes
Welcome to the place where things that go bump in the night deliver your milk in the mornings, community is important to human and creature alike, and all Hell occasionally breaks loose.
When Jody Shaw is hired to be the new sheriff of Harrow Bay, a small coastal community, she’s excited to rise through the ranks and try something new. At forty-three, her career is everything that matters to her, besides her mother and grandmother, who move with her. It doesn’t take long for Jody to learn Harrow Bay is unusual. It’s home to all sorts of supernatural creatures, and there’s a Hell gate right at the center of town. Seriously, who thought it was a good idea to build an entire town around a Hell gate? As Willa, Jody’s mom, tries to figure out who she is now that she’s widowed, and Gram decides to wage war on the tyrant queen of the Senior Center, Jody realizes she’s not quite prepared for her new job when an escapee of Hell comes to Harrow Bay, with a handsome half-demon bounty hunter after him. Drake is clearly large (very large) and in charge, but he’s an insufferable jerk. The sooner she can end their collaboration, the better. Right?
When Jody Shaw is hired to be the new sheriff of Harrow Bay, a small coastal community, she’s excited to rise through the ranks and try something new. At forty-three, her career is everything that matters to her, besides her mother and grandmother, who move with her. It doesn’t take long for Jody to learn Harrow Bay is unusual. It’s home to all sorts of supernatural creatures, and there’s a Hell gate right at the center of town. Seriously, who thought it was a good idea to build an entire town around a Hell gate? As Willa, Jody’s mom, tries to figure out who she is now that she’s widowed, and Gram decides to wage war on the tyrant queen of the Senior Center, Jody realizes she’s not quite prepared for her new job when an escapee of Hell comes to Harrow Bay, with a handsome half-demon bounty hunter after him. Drake is clearly large (very large) and in charge, but he’s an insufferable jerk. The sooner she can end their collaboration, the better. Right?
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2020
503 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Aurelia Skye
204 books91 followersAurelia Skye is the pen name Kit Tunstall uses when writing science fiction romance. It’s simply a way to separate the myriad types of stories she writes so readers know what to expect with each “author.”
For just the science fiction romances, join Aurelia's Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/byIP7P
For just the science fiction romances, join Aurelia's Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/byIP7P
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 27, 2021
I think this has a promising start although it tended to drag just a bit for me at times. I do have hope that the next book will be even better.
December 10, 2022
Probably more like 2.5 stars, but I bumped it up because it was the first in a series. That said, this book had so much potential but also had so much wrong with it (for me at least, but since it has over a 4 star rating I’m clearly in the minority). First, bad audiobook reader. I did switch to the kindle version halfway through and it helped a bit, but not enough. Second, the mother Willa was BORING. I didn’t like her chapters. Luckily there weren’t too many. Third, the writing felt stilted or amateurish at times. I know this isn’t the author’s first book so I’m not sure it’s going to get any better in future books. One the plus side, the premise is great. The grandmother is a hoot. Jody has potential. I probably won’t try the next book but who knows? Maybe I will try it one day. Just not rushing to do so.
February 7, 2021
Well this is a fun book to read.
I think Jody is a great character. Her mom, Willa, reminds me of my grandma with her prudish ways. And I want to be her grandma, Isabelle, when I grow up.
I think Jody is a great character. Her mom, Willa, reminds me of my grandma with her prudish ways. And I want to be her grandma, Isabelle, when I grow up.
May 5, 2021
This book was ok. It was interesting in that it followed 3 generations of women. But, it felt like an incomplete tale. Threads were started and left unfinished. It was short, so there was space for development in both plot and characters that it lacked for me. I am finding this a lot lately in Kindle Unlimited - especially first books. They seem to be just teasers. And, that is what this felt like - a teaser. I will likely check out the next to see if it is more fully developed, but if it isn't, I am unlikely to go further.
July 5, 2021
This book had good characters but the world building and plot were dull and lifeless. Where are the town characters? Where is the action? Even the sheriff is like "This is so boring." And then there's some action and then it's over in a couple pages or so. It's what I'd expect of a background novella to the main series. There's almost nothing that actually happens.
March 31, 2021
Disappointing
I have read and enjoyed this offer before so I was shocked to come to the end of this book after it barely started. I can't really even judge the characters as there was so little to learn. Write a book!
I have read and enjoyed this offer before so I was shocked to come to the end of this book after it barely started. I can't really even judge the characters as there was so little to learn. Write a book!
December 30, 2020
Got to the end of Chapter One before I quit reading. I adore this genre; but it needs a heroine who does not get the powers in the first chapter with no angst.
December 14, 2021
So much potential but this book didnt meet it for me.
Three generations of women move to a town, only to find out that the town was a supernatural town and they were suddenly faced with the idea of supernatural beings and magic being real. The town also sat on a literal hellhole. The youngest of the three women was the lead, the sheriff and in her early forties. I loved that the women were all unabashedly older. The fact of the supernatural was established rather quickly.
The story and plot could have been developed a bit more. However my issues were at the clear othering of everyone.
The sheriff didnt hesitate to accept the nature of the town and its people. However she didnt try to learn the magic skills that were granted to her with her position. She was clearly specist (not sure what word applies here) towards the vampires and werewolves, commenting about safety, reaching for her gun when none of them were doing anything but existing. She didnt listen to the demon or her fellow officers when giving mandates. Her mom and her constantly expressed questions about the othering of these people and whether it was safe, whether it was okay. It was all done in a way that left a bad taste. It was not just women being wary, but it was racist and phobic and othering.
I might try the next book but I am probably going to pass.
Three generations of women move to a town, only to find out that the town was a supernatural town and they were suddenly faced with the idea of supernatural beings and magic being real. The town also sat on a literal hellhole. The youngest of the three women was the lead, the sheriff and in her early forties. I loved that the women were all unabashedly older. The fact of the supernatural was established rather quickly.
The story and plot could have been developed a bit more. However my issues were at the clear othering of everyone.
The sheriff didnt hesitate to accept the nature of the town and its people. However she didnt try to learn the magic skills that were granted to her with her position. She was clearly specist (not sure what word applies here) towards the vampires and werewolves, commenting about safety, reaching for her gun when none of them were doing anything but existing. She didnt listen to the demon or her fellow officers when giving mandates. Her mom and her constantly expressed questions about the othering of these people and whether it was safe, whether it was okay. It was all done in a way that left a bad taste. It was not just women being wary, but it was racist and phobic and othering.
I might try the next book but I am probably going to pass.
January 26, 2021
There's a new sheriff in town and she is not sure what to make of things.
Jody moves her Mom, her Grandmother, Isabelle and herself to Harrow Bay after accepting the job to be the town's new sheriff. Little does she know the town is not what it seems but, is full of magic and sitting on top of a hell gate. She is handed a book of magic spells, etc. on her first meeting after arriving for the new position. Although she is not really sure she believes it, she quickly finds out how true it is. All the ladies try to find their place in this new home in Harrow Bay. Then things start happening both in town and with the hell gate.
This was a cute first book, the characters are fun, snarky and peculiar. The storyline is interesting with a very different take on things than I have seen before, very refreshing. I recommend this book and series so far and am off to read book two immediately.
Jody moves her Mom, her Grandmother, Isabelle and herself to Harrow Bay after accepting the job to be the town's new sheriff. Little does she know the town is not what it seems but, is full of magic and sitting on top of a hell gate. She is handed a book of magic spells, etc. on her first meeting after arriving for the new position. Although she is not really sure she believes it, she quickly finds out how true it is. All the ladies try to find their place in this new home in Harrow Bay. Then things start happening both in town and with the hell gate.
This was a cute first book, the characters are fun, snarky and peculiar. The storyline is interesting with a very different take on things than I have seen before, very refreshing. I recommend this book and series so far and am off to read book two immediately.
March 24, 2021
Good
This book is the first in a series about three generations of women within a family. Each woman has a little of the focus on her, so although most of the book is about Jody and her life as the sheriff, Isabelle (her grandmother), and Willow (her mother) both have incomplete stories told about them too.
There is a little bit of a love interest for Jody, though it is slow burn. She’s an unusual woman, with no interest in the things many other women take for granted. This can make her character seem a little harsh, and her choice not to even try with her magic makes her annoying at times.
Isabelle is the comic relief, though at times this makes her actions seem almost childish, she is amusingly outrageous.
Willow is the calm one, who is, I believe, going to have a huge and life altering realization at some point.
An enjoyable paranormal series, not quite mystery, definitely not romance, and not quite fantasy.
This book is the first in a series about three generations of women within a family. Each woman has a little of the focus on her, so although most of the book is about Jody and her life as the sheriff, Isabelle (her grandmother), and Willow (her mother) both have incomplete stories told about them too.
There is a little bit of a love interest for Jody, though it is slow burn. She’s an unusual woman, with no interest in the things many other women take for granted. This can make her character seem a little harsh, and her choice not to even try with her magic makes her annoying at times.
Isabelle is the comic relief, though at times this makes her actions seem almost childish, she is amusingly outrageous.
Willow is the calm one, who is, I believe, going to have a huge and life altering realization at some point.
An enjoyable paranormal series, not quite mystery, definitely not romance, and not quite fantasy.
January 3, 2021
Very interesting. Gram cracks me up! She is hilarious having a booty call at age 60 or 70. I forgot which, I'm definitely over 40. Lol. The fact that Willa is a stark contrast to her mother & granddaughter is so funny. You would expect that kind of behavior from Gram not Willa. I love Jody's character however, if she's so dang scared of everything she should have read the magic book asap! I would have. I would have gone to get magic lessons too! You have to be able to protect yourself and the town. That is Jody's job and she can't do it without magic!
February 12, 2021
Loved this book!
I will be honest, it took a few chapters for me to get into it, but then I couldn't put it down. Jody, her mother Willa, and her grandmother Isabel moved to Harrow Bay so Jody can be Sheriff. They are human dealing with inhuman inhabitants. I liked that It is told from all three of their points of view, though we read from Jody's point of view the most. I also liked Drake. He could make a good book boyfriend.LOL.
I will be honest, it took a few chapters for me to get into it, but then I couldn't put it down. Jody, her mother Willa, and her grandmother Isabel moved to Harrow Bay so Jody can be Sheriff. They are human dealing with inhuman inhabitants. I liked that It is told from all three of their points of view, though we read from Jody's point of view the most. I also liked Drake. He could make a good book boyfriend.LOL.
May 28, 2021
There is a new Sheriff in town, and she doesn't need a man's help.
Really enjoyed learning about Jody, Will and Isabel. This was a gentle story, with a comparatively soft entry into the magical world, with Jody arriving after events have occurred, eating dinner with a Wolf shifter family. There is some excitement at the end, but it is a well written book that takes you with it rather than hitting you with events.
Really enjoyed learning about Jody, Will and Isabel. This was a gentle story, with a comparatively soft entry into the magical world, with Jody arriving after events have occurred, eating dinner with a Wolf shifter family. There is some excitement at the end, but it is a well written book that takes you with it rather than hitting you with events.
Read
July 12, 2021Nothing against the author, the book started off really good. It was interesting take on witch books.
BUT THEN, she changed the main character view...
I personally don't like when you start to read & invest (cause I live through my books) time on the main character only to lose that voice & have to get a different one.
I understand that lots of people have no problem with this. Good for you but it is not my cup of tea.
BUT THEN, she changed the main character view...
I personally don't like when you start to read & invest (cause I live through my books) time on the main character only to lose that voice & have to get a different one.
I understand that lots of people have no problem with this. Good for you but it is not my cup of tea.
August 16, 2021
3.5 stars
Nothing really happened. The book just seemed to provide background information on the town. Additionally, I have no clue why all the women in the family have a POV, especially when they were not attributing anything to the plot. I like the grandmother, Isobel, but the mother, Willa, is boring and the daughter, Jody, seems like a harda$$ without any redeeming qualities. I just could not get into the story nor the characters.
Nothing really happened. The book just seemed to provide background information on the town. Additionally, I have no clue why all the women in the family have a POV, especially when they were not attributing anything to the plot. I like the grandmother, Isobel, but the mother, Willa, is boring and the daughter, Jody, seems like a harda$$ without any redeeming qualities. I just could not get into the story nor the characters.
March 20, 2022
Her new job has some unexpected surprises.
Jody Shaw is looking forward to starting her job as the new sheriff of Harrow Bay. What she didn't expect to learn on her first day is that Harrow Bay is no ordinary small town.
Wonderful characters. They are realistic, in my opinion, and quite unique, and they made me giggle from time to time. A little suspense, magic, shifters, and some fun twists in the plot. I think this is a must read.
Jody Shaw is looking forward to starting her job as the new sheriff of Harrow Bay. What she didn't expect to learn on her first day is that Harrow Bay is no ordinary small town.
Wonderful characters. They are realistic, in my opinion, and quite unique, and they made me giggle from time to time. A little suspense, magic, shifters, and some fun twists in the plot. I think this is a must read.
April 15, 2023
Just meh
I had really high hopes for this series. It sounded so interesting. Politics right off the bat is never good. There were some funny things but the characters weren't believable. Deputies can't have facial hair and man buns... It was disjointed. A lot of it seemed like filler, it didn't fit in or add anything to the story. I didn't like the female lead, she acted more like a brat than a seasoned officer. I finished it but that's probably all for me.
I had really high hopes for this series. It sounded so interesting. Politics right off the bat is never good. There were some funny things but the characters weren't believable. Deputies can't have facial hair and man buns... It was disjointed. A lot of it seemed like filler, it didn't fit in or add anything to the story. I didn't like the female lead, she acted more like a brat than a seasoned officer. I finished it but that's probably all for me.
December 22, 2020
Hell Gates & Hot Flashes: Paranormal Women's Fiction (Harrow Bay Book 1)
Aurelia Skye
The storyline caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
There is a slow burn romance, and lots of fun in this book. A very entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aurelia Skye
The storyline caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
There is a slow burn romance, and lots of fun in this book. A very entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2021
Off to a good start
Great dialog and seriously fun and quirky characters. I enjoyed the different perspectives in the book. Being sheriff and getting acclimated to a new town is tough but throw in a town with magic and paranormals and its a whole other kind of crazy. I'm definitely continuing the series.
Great dialog and seriously fun and quirky characters. I enjoyed the different perspectives in the book. Being sheriff and getting acclimated to a new town is tough but throw in a town with magic and paranormals and its a whole other kind of crazy. I'm definitely continuing the series.
November 28, 2021
Jody, Willa, and Isabel return to the town Isabel is from.
Jody takes a job as sheriff in her Grandmother Isabel's hometown. Willa is Jody's mom and Isabel's daughter. Jody finds out her new town is full of paranormal and she has to learn magic and keep the law. Great quick read.
Jody takes a job as sheriff in her Grandmother Isabel's hometown. Willa is Jody's mom and Isabel's daughter. Jody finds out her new town is full of paranormal and she has to learn magic and keep the law. Great quick read.
February 1, 2022
Great story
This book had a great storyline, although it jumped a few paces ahead when talking about werewolves and the family in town. But, it still stayed within the story and had a flow that worked. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series. It flew by so fast that I didn't expect it to end when it did.
This book had a great storyline, although it jumped a few paces ahead when talking about werewolves and the family in town. But, it still stayed within the story and had a flow that worked. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series. It flew by so fast that I didn't expect it to end when it did.
December 18, 2020
If you are looking for a new series that will keep you laughing while keeping you interested then this is the book for you. The story line was good and the characters were well written and endearing.
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, 2020
Great read!
I highly recommend this paranormal women's fiction book to all readers who know age is just a number, and life is what you make of it. While it is just the beginning of this fantastic series,it is a complete and entertaining book. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this paranormal women's fiction book to all readers who know age is just a number, and life is what you make of it. While it is just the beginning of this fantastic series,it is a complete and entertaining book. Enjoy!
June 1, 2021
Really good
I really enjoyed reading this book, Jody, her mum and grandmother all relocate to Harrow Bay. Jody is the new Sheriff there and it is a strange little place. Werewolves, Vampires, Demons, magic and a Hell gate.
I really enjoyed reading this book, Jody, her mum and grandmother all relocate to Harrow Bay. Jody is the new Sheriff there and it is a strange little place. Werewolves, Vampires, Demons, magic and a Hell gate.
June 23, 2021
Hell gates and hot flashes
Good story. The characters and storyline are good. The main character is a little harsh for me, I come from a long line of working women and non of them were so focused
Good story. The characters and storyline are good. The main character is a little harsh for me, I come from a long line of working women and non of them were so focused
Read
September 26, 2021Interesting
I liked the characters and the storyline , found it very interesting and entertaining so I look forward to the next one to read and find out what is going to happen next!
I liked the characters and the storyline , found it very interesting and entertaining so I look forward to the next one to read and find out what is going to happen next!
October 10, 2021
Great start to a series
This is a great start to a series! Not much mystery going on, but it was fun to learn about the town and the characters. A great escape from the normal world. I’m reading the next one already!
This is a great start to a series! Not much mystery going on, but it was fun to learn about the town and the characters. A great escape from the normal world. I’m reading the next one already!
November 10, 2021
Inviting for the senses
Humorous and snarky. Jody has the right amount of smarts and sarcasm to be a true woman of menopause, I only wonder when her sex drive and hot flashes will begin😊😉😉😉 I'm definitely looking forward to read the next book! These women have me hooked
Humorous and snarky. Jody has the right amount of smarts and sarcasm to be a true woman of menopause, I only wonder when her sex drive and hot flashes will begin😊😉😉😉 I'm definitely looking forward to read the next book! These women have me hooked
September 28, 2022
Welcome Sheriff
A job as Sheriff to a magical town.... and magic comes with the job! Along with demons, prisoners escaped from Hell, and a sexy hellish half demon bounty hunter. Are there any more job openings?! Look forward to getting to know Harrow Bay more!
A job as Sheriff to a magical town.... and magic comes with the job! Along with demons, prisoners escaped from Hell, and a sexy hellish half demon bounty hunter. Are there any more job openings?! Look forward to getting to know Harrow Bay more!
December 30, 2020
I have fallen in love with Paranormal Women's Fiction books and lets just say that the storyline caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me laughing. I can not wait to read more of this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews