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Hellbound #1

The Devil's Necromancer

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Lionel Hawkes is a necromancer and police consultant, and he has a problem; Lucifer, also known as the Devil. Lionel can’t seem to get rid of him although he’s tried. Repeatedly.

Lucifer always gets what he wants. He has the looks, he has the magic, and no one can resist his charm. Except that one necromancer who is altogether too cute to be left to his own devices. In addition, his crime-solving job gets him into contact with all kinds of unsavory substances and people, and Lucifer does not approve.

While a murder case cuts close to home, Lionel has to navigate getting rid of the Devil and solving the case, and being a professional necromancer, he feels pretty confident that nothing can go wrong.
He’s wrong about that.

Devil Bound contains banter, hellpoodle drool, a necromancer who attracts zombie goo and other questionable substances, several divine creatures, and a clean floor fetish, none of which make life any easier for our necromancer.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2021

25 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Piper

73 books184 followers
Alexa Piper writes steamy romance that ranges from light to dark, from straight to queer. She’s also a coffee addict. Alexa loves writing stories that make her readers laugh and fall in love with the characters in them.
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Community Reviews

5 stars
79 (33%)
4 stars
86 (36%)
3 stars
53 (22%)
2 stars
10 (4%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Riayl.
1,090 reviews44 followers
June 4, 2022
I am really fucking disappointed, doubly so because a woman wrote this:

“You mind I’m drunk, but you didn’t care that I told you to back the fuck off yesterday?”
He laughed with the sound of fire eating spring green branches. “Yesterday? Did I touch you in any way that made you feel things you didn’t want to feel? Is that why you came from my fingers squeezing your nipple and my tongue licking your neck?”

Do you know how many rapists believe their actions are excused because they could draw out an unwanted physical response from their victim? This is sick. No means no. Rape is still rape even if you, the rapist, manage to stimulate biological pleasure points. This is so fucking gross. It was bad enough how Lucy believes he has the right to make decisions for Lionel, especially while completely disregarding anything Lionel actually wants or says. But knowing someone doesn't want to have sex you with mentally or emotionally but disregarding their wants because they have a physical response...Arousal does not equal consent. JFC, this isn't something that should have to be explained to anyone, but especially not a woman.

On top of that, just prior to the non-consensual sex, Lucifer has whammied Lionel with his power, adding in some serious levels of power imbalance and lack of bodily autonomy, making this overwhelmingly creepy and all sorts of no.

Did the author mean to write it this way? I mean, I'd hope not, since there really weren't enough warnings for that shit show. The best I can hope for is that it was just crap writing that SHOULD have been re-read and given second and third thoughts to.

You can think I'm being harsh, but I am beyond done with this kind of thing, especially right now.
275 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2022
The protagonist being raped in the first half of the book really didn’t help me liking this. The author making it look like there is nothing to see here/ everything is normal, made it completely revolting…
Like what everlasting F is wrong with all of you giving this 5 stars ? He literally drugged him, paralyzed him and raped him. All the “but he subconsciously wanted it” is bullshit, that’s literally the kind of comments that rapers would make (yeah her skirt was provocative and it means she was actually craving to have sex). It’s disgusting
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
4.5 stars. Dang, that was an awesome story, absolutely deliciously written, with stunning smart-mouthed creatures, and snarky exquisite humor. The whole picture is a sight for the eye!

“You’re the Devil? Satan? Beelzebub?”
“Lu-cy,” he said.”

Lionel is a necromancer and has some extraordinary magic at his disposal. He works for the Brunswick PD.
There have been witches murdered and Lionel is on the cases.

Lucifer is enamored with Lionel, he wants him in his house and especially in his bed.
Lionel despises Lucifer but oh boy, does he smell good, and his looks, unearthly attractive, ugh!
He hates immortals, humans are just things and unimportant for them.
But now mister handsome with his long black lashes wants a favor. Lionel has to be Lucy’s fake boyfriend to impress the Dragon Mother.

The more Lionel pushed Lucifer away, the closer he got him up into his face.
His solution is to spend one night with Lucifer and get over it and gets Lucifer out of his system.

Sooo much fun, the nasty angel Metatron, oh my, her mouth hahaha. Tiamat the dragon mother, let’s not forget Soul, the hellhound.
I enjoyed this story immensely, it was entertaining, with the best characters. It’s not even dark, I expected more darkness and was surprised with awesome humor.
I have a few small complaints but that’s me, maybe others will not mind them, first, Lionel is a bit repetitive with his resistance, I would have loved to see him surrender, second, I missed some romance.
I loved softie Lucifer and how he wrapped oblivious Lionel around his finger, Lionel on the other hand is too stubborn to recognize what’s in his face. The end is perfect for this story.
Overall a hugely entertaining, very enjoyable story, not one page was dull, it’s awesomely written, all clearly outlined, and has quite the pace and a great plot.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Profile Image for Guy Venturi.
1,081 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2022
The Devil made me do it! Just watch!

Not everyone one gets rescued by the Devil. Or gets befriend by the Dragon Mother. But when those with magic powers are disappearing in numbers and found tortured to death in remote places with very little information about who is doing it.
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,626 reviews74 followers
January 27, 2022
I wanted to love this more than I did, truly, and while I did enjoy it, the niggles stopped it being a 5 star.
Plus points - persistent and adorable lucifer. Seriously, he seems amazing. Persistent without being overbearing and does have boundaries.
Grumpy Lionel, or Nelly as he was often called was great fun.
Trony and Tiamet as side characters - fantastic.
Niggles - I knew who the murderer was immediately. Also my eye twitched at every baby-cat fur mention. There were 2 on just the 1 page! These are just niggles and I really did enjoy the story, so much so that I'll be starting book 2 tomorrow
1,158 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2022
A phenomenal and unique story about a necromancer and the devil! Epic start to a fantastic series! Lionel (Nelly) and Lucifer (Lucy) are just out of this world amazing ! I love their story and the side characters are great! I loved Trony, The Dragon Mother and just all of them! Great writing and I am so excited to read this series!!!
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,391 reviews24 followers
October 8, 2021
3.5 stars

There's tons of potential in the premise behind this book: Lionel a necromancer who's just trying to get the job he doesn't really like, but feels obligated to do, done, and Lucifer (aka Lucy) the devil who decides he wants Lionel to be his boyfriend. Plus, you know, a murder investigation. You can definitely see how it's meant to be funny and charming (there's a cursed hell poodle. a dragon mother (don't anyone dare say mother of dragons) an angel obsessed with cleanliness)-- and for the most part, it is funny and charming, but the dynamic between Lionel and Lucifer just never worked for me. Lucifer is not at all interested, ever, in Lionel's consent, and I know readers are supposed to be on board with the idea that Lionel is super into Lucifer, he just doesn't want to admit it to himself but...yeah...did not enjoy that. I get that the devil is supposed to be underhanded and manipulative, but that didn't exactly make for a romance I wanted to root for here. I love this author's style, and the creativity of the worlds they build, but this one wasn't my favorite.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
October 9, 2021
Lucy's Pursuit . . .

Lionel, a necromancer, works as consultant for the Brunswick Police Department. His current case involves witches being murdered. He is currently being distracted by Lucifer who is trying to trick or entice him into a relationship so he asks him to be his fake boyfriend temporarily. Lionel is too stubborn or oblivious to catch on and makes Lucy work for his attentions.

The story is funny in parts and enjoyable. But this one didn’t seem to flow well as a “warm” romance. I enjoyed the motley crew of characters lined up for our entertainment. The interaction of Lucy and Lionel, their animated banter, and lots of laughs bring the book to life! (Or maybe the necromancer did that?)
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,716 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2021
I have read quite a few Alexa Piper books and loved all of them. She is very good at thinking up interesting situations and letting her characters run away with them. This book was a really fun read which is odd when you realize that it has a mass murder, the devil, a lonely necromancer, a cursed poodle (yes really) and plenty of nasty corpses in it. As with her other books Ms. Piper makes writing a book like this seem effortless as it just keeps dragging your imagination along for the ride. If you enjoy supernatural stories I highly recommend that you look at her work. I really enjoyed this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jandee.
861 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2025
Funny dark and delicious! ❤️

I love The Devil's Necromancer. This story is fun with a dash or two of mystery. I love how Lucifer is so determined to love Nelly in spite of how obstinate he is. It's so yummy how possessive/protective Lucy is of him. Alexa Piper is so talented at writing hot af spicy scenes. This book is very well written. I love all the funny wit and that it's a little dark and twisty. I think Lionel is actually a sweetheart. He's so interesting. I love that his powers are growing. I just want more! I wish this was available in audio too!
Profile Image for Flick.
1,008 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2022
this series is now one of my absolute favourites

I adore this series and genuinely can’t wait to reread it. Nelly and Lucy are so funny and the way they mesh together is delightful. The secondary characters are fantastic (yay for strong, lovely, snarky female characters) and the subplot keeps you hooked.

I cannot overstate how much you should read this series! Awesomeness in three books!
492 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2022
Excellent!

This was a really enjoyable book. Its not every story that leaves you wondering which MC you loved more but this one is a toss up. Lionel was stubborn and bitchy and sassy and vulnerable. Lucifer was just beyond words. The two of them together was fireworks! I enjoyed the plot and the set up for future books. Can't wait to read the next one!!!
1,044 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2021
Well written story line and interesting well created characters. I love paranormal combined with mystery solving. Great reality and background that adds to the story. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,069 reviews517 followers
November 2, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.

2.75 stars


This story is the first book in the Hellbound series. Lionel, like many other necromancers working for many other police departments, is practical and pragmatic, snarky and dismissive, but it feels strangely unearned. Lionel’s voice in this story is very, very strong — which is something not all authors are able to get across, so credit to Piper for the writing style — but the character’s personality, ironically, barely shows up at all. It’s hard to tell Lionel apart from any other put upon and beleaguered necromancer or mage from any other series, much as it’s hard to say if there’s anything distinctive about this book. So much of it feels like something I’ve read before, with characters I’ve seen before, and that, combined with the author’s very particular style, made it difficult to get into this book.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

476 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2022
Excellent!

This was a truly captivating story. I got the first few chapters as a freebie and had to buy the book to read the rest. The story line is well conceived and developed and the characters catch the reader attention and hold it as the develop. I especially loved the curse poodle. I can’t wait to read book two.
1,244 reviews52 followers
October 5, 2021
Alex Piper, author of The Devil's Necromancer wrote in their bio that she wants her readers to laugh and love her characters. Well, she succeeded with me. I laughed hysterically at Lucy's antics. And I fell in love with him, as well as Nelly, Trony, Soul and Christine. Oh, how could I forget the Mother of Dragons. She's certainly more interesting and.much funnier than the Mother of Dragons from the Games of Thrones.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mia Fury.
Author 38 books218 followers
November 28, 2021
Very different, and absolutely brilliant. This was such a fun read, and with compelling characters, and a Lucifer that was just delightful! I really can't wait for book two, because I need more of Lucy and Nelly!
Profile Image for Sherry.
171 reviews
April 27, 2022
Delightful, funny, suspenseful and sexy!

A sweet snarky relationship between a powerful necromancer and the not so mythical Lucifer, complete with embarrassing pet names. I am impressed with this book and looking forward to the next in series!
Profile Image for Hellga.
267 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2024
Rapey beginning, very obvious bad guy, simplistic resolution.
Bleh, will not continue with the series.
Also, calling Lucifer “Lucy” is silly and does not fit the image of big bad devil.
3,364 reviews28 followers
October 5, 2021
Poor Lionel didn’t stand a chance
Lionel works for the police he is a necromancer using his magic to talk to the dead. They have a new case where it looks like people of magic are being murdered. That isn’t his only problem, years ago he met the devil Lucifer. Not long ago he asked for A favour. To taking a dog that was cursed. Lucifer called the dog soul. But now it’s seems that Lucifer was asking for the favourite to be repaid in away that Lionel didn’t feel he could partake. Lucifer wanted Lionel to pretend to be his boyfriend and move in with him. Lionel said no but it didn’t seem to stop Lucifer. Plus he was having a big attraction to the new policeman sexy Mitch.
How would Lucifer get across to Lionel??
Would Lionel find the killer??
Would he give in to his attraction to sexy Mitch??.
I really enjoyed this book I was quite surprised At how much I liked Lucifer. I understood why Lionel was so guarded but I like the banter between them and this attraction that just sizzles it’s like there is constantly a fire just erupting around them. A really good book and this is the first book I read by Alexa Piper and I cannot wait for her next book. Super excited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan Anne.
840 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2021
At first I hesitated about requesting a copy of The Devil’s Necromancer from Changeling Press because it was noted there was some dubcon. And there was, but it was not offensive to me. Rather, it was used to show Lucifer slowly evolving from a take-it-all persona to one who could feel something for his partner. Lionel also grows some throughout the story, although not as much as Lucifer. The twists the mystery took were interesting and kept me guessing for a while. The biggest twist is saved for the end and helps make sense of some of what occurs during the search for the villain. At first I did not understand why this was subtitled Hellhound I, but that gets explained. If the focus of future books in the series is on the hellhound, that could prove fun. I received a free copy of this book From Changeling Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,600 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2021
Ok, I may be a little strange, but I love paranormal books, especially those with necromancer heroes...or at least main characters. First, the warning: there is definitely dubious consent here, which in this "me too" era, some may find objectional. However if those things are not triggers nor hard no's for you, this is an entertaining story with a stubborn, oblivious necromancer, a seductive devil who won't take 'no' for an answer, a serial killer, danger, suspense, snark, wicked humor, a cursed poodle, and fast-paced fun. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for author_books_friends.
136 reviews7 followers
November 14, 2022
The Devil's Necromancer (Hellbound 1)
Alexa Piper

This is a enjoyable book that has a good storyline and good balance of humor, romance.

Lionel is a powerful necromancer and Lucy is the devil.

Lucifer wants Lionel to be his boyfriend, Lionel has been hurt by people so much all he can do is put his walls up and be stubborn about anything to do with relationship and just focus on the murder case he's working on and has to solve.

I'm impressed with this book with the wonderful characters.

The story keeps you turning the pages to find out more about the murder investigation, trying to find out whose behind the murders and who to trust.

I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,563 reviews34 followers
October 8, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Along the investigation of a serial killer who kills magic users, Lucifer pursues Lionel because he wants him for himself. Lionel tries to get away but eventually gives in. The case is solved and Lionel learns something surprising about himself. I liked the world built in this story and the relationship between Lucifer and Lionel.
Profile Image for Kelly Gress.
648 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2023
Interesting Paranormal Romance

This story immediately pulled me in, and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the parts from Lucy's POV and his love story based on romance books. I liked Nelly's snarkiness as well as obtuseness as well. Looking forward to learning more about the MCs and supporting characters.
Profile Image for Lenka.
705 reviews27 followers
October 20, 2022
I really enjoyed the story and world-building and basically binge-read the whole series. However, I think the beginning of their relationship could have been handled in a better way, I´m not a huge fan of dubcon in my books.
8 reviews
February 10, 2022
Good book

So glad I read this book, just wished the author had made it a bit longer but was very good
69 reviews
March 26, 2023
This series gets better and better, like a lovely unexpected surprise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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