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The Protector Guild #4
Hell and Back
Team Six and I have finally found our ticket into Hell. But the journey to cashing it will be anything but easy, and every decision along the way will come with a sacrifice...sacrifices we might not be willing to make.
Darius’s creepy brother, Claude, is determined to push us out of his city as soon as he possibly can. And, oh man, are we ready to leave. But, unfortunately for us all, hitching a ride to hell will have to wait.
On top of dealing with the fang twins’ turbulent relationship (and, wow, is that putting it lightly), I have to navigate Declan and Atlas’s suddenly chilly demeanor towards me. Something happened that night in the hotel suite that changed things between us all, but nobody will talk to me about it.
And something changed in me too, something that I don’t quite know how to deal with. A strange power is starting to build, and I have to find a way to harness and accept it before it destroys me and everyone I care about. Unfortunately, that means coming to terms with the increasingly real possibility that everything The Guild—and my family—has told me is a lie.
The monsters are coming for me, that much is clear—but it just so happens that I may very well be a monster myself…
◆◆◆ Hell and Back is the fourth book in The Protector Guild series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Max's story is a slow-burn why choose / poly / reverse harem urban fantasy series. Get ready for action, spice, and intrigue. ◆◆◆
Darius’s creepy brother, Claude, is determined to push us out of his city as soon as he possibly can. And, oh man, are we ready to leave. But, unfortunately for us all, hitching a ride to hell will have to wait.
On top of dealing with the fang twins’ turbulent relationship (and, wow, is that putting it lightly), I have to navigate Declan and Atlas’s suddenly chilly demeanor towards me. Something happened that night in the hotel suite that changed things between us all, but nobody will talk to me about it.
And something changed in me too, something that I don’t quite know how to deal with. A strange power is starting to build, and I have to find a way to harness and accept it before it destroys me and everyone I care about. Unfortunately, that means coming to terms with the increasingly real possibility that everything The Guild—and my family—has told me is a lie.
The monsters are coming for me, that much is clear—but it just so happens that I may very well be a monster myself…
◆◆◆ Hell and Back is the fourth book in The Protector Guild series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Max's story is a slow-burn why choose / poly / reverse harem urban fantasy series. Get ready for action, spice, and intrigue. ◆◆◆
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2021
967 people are currently reading
3296 people want to read
About the author
Gray Holborn
25 books352 followersHi! I'm Gray. I'm best known for my series, The Protector Guild - an 8-book completed series filled with all things angst and chaotic hijinks. I'm currently working on my second series, Order of Reapers, which is the follow up to The Protector Guild. At the moment, there are 10 books published in what I'm calling 'The Gray-verse.' Sounds ominous, right?
What can you expect from my stories?
First, you have to love a slow burn, angsty romance. I tend to get quite bored when my characters are happy and together, which is why I keep them in various stages of misery and yearning for as long as I can *que evil laugh.* Yes, my books are spicy, but they are far more focused on the plot of the story and character development (MUST LOVE INTERNAL CHARACTER MONOLOGUES OR I PROMISE YOU WILL HATE MY WRITING STYLE). Finally, both of my series focus on themes of and around the following: trauma, mental health, grief, community, found family, moral complexity, and dismantling oppressive systems (yes, yes, amongst the chaotic fun of a fantastical world and characters unabashedly pining for each other).
Sound like your jam? Great! Dive right in :D
As for me, when I'm not writing or reading or funneling entire seasons of TV into my brain in one night, I can be found hanging out with my cartoonish dog, staring at a wall for hours on end while I think through some tricky bit of character or plot arc, paddleboarding/kayaking alongside the local seals and sea lions (don't worry, I keep a respectful distance!), or pretending to enjoy camping. One day it will click for me. I hope.
What can you expect from my stories?
First, you have to love a slow burn, angsty romance. I tend to get quite bored when my characters are happy and together, which is why I keep them in various stages of misery and yearning for as long as I can *que evil laugh.* Yes, my books are spicy, but they are far more focused on the plot of the story and character development (MUST LOVE INTERNAL CHARACTER MONOLOGUES OR I PROMISE YOU WILL HATE MY WRITING STYLE). Finally, both of my series focus on themes of and around the following: trauma, mental health, grief, community, found family, moral complexity, and dismantling oppressive systems (yes, yes, amongst the chaotic fun of a fantastical world and characters unabashedly pining for each other).
Sound like your jam? Great! Dive right in :D
As for me, when I'm not writing or reading or funneling entire seasons of TV into my brain in one night, I can be found hanging out with my cartoonish dog, staring at a wall for hours on end while I think through some tricky bit of character or plot arc, paddleboarding/kayaking alongside the local seals and sea lions (don't worry, I keep a respectful distance!), or pretending to enjoy camping. One day it will click for me. I hope.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
August 26, 2023
2⭐️
I got halfway through and was starting to lose interest. Darius is the only reason I finished this. He’s the only person telling her the truth and it’s refreshing. I’m sick of Atlas, Eli and Declan not trusting Max. And really, Eli? Like no, I was hoping it was Darius. Such a build up for it to be like meh, you’re in a dirty warehouse in hell… All that slow burn for it to fizzle out. It could have been anyone else but it had to be Eli. All the tension and angst for that. So disappointing.
But seriously, four books in and it’s the same story. Everyone is suspicious of Max. How can she be so naive and innocent? What is she? What is she doing to me to make me feel like this? Why do I want her? She’s doing something to me and she has to be the problem. 😒
It’s dragging and I’m not sure if I want to continue this series even if I want to find out what happens in the end. Honestly this series could have been put into three books. Eight, there are eight books. They keep getting longer too. Idk if I want to suffer through it.
I got halfway through and was starting to lose interest. Darius is the only reason I finished this. He’s the only person telling her the truth and it’s refreshing. I’m sick of Atlas, Eli and Declan not trusting Max. And really, Eli? Like no, I was hoping it was Darius. Such a build up for it to be like meh, you’re in a dirty warehouse in hell… All that slow burn for it to fizzle out. It could have been anyone else but it had to be Eli. All the tension and angst for that. So disappointing.
But seriously, four books in and it’s the same story. Everyone is suspicious of Max. How can she be so naive and innocent? What is she? What is she doing to me to make me feel like this? Why do I want her? She’s doing something to me and she has to be the problem. 😒
It’s dragging and I’m not sure if I want to continue this series even if I want to find out what happens in the end. Honestly this series could have been put into three books. Eight, there are eight books. They keep getting longer too. Idk if I want to suffer through it.
January 18, 2022
I'm done
The writing isn't bad it's just a mess of the characters thoughts over and over, so much so that it limits the plot progression. Boy oh boy the repetition in every book. I've pushed through to book 4 and we still don't really know what is going on plot wise. All I wanted to know was what creature she's supposed to be. I tried my usual of skipping pages and even so I missed nothing. The cliff hangers are always a little bit intriguing however they don't say much to the plot progression. Seeing as this series is a rinse and repeat I will gander that book 5 will also be wishy washy till 85% too.I
Kindle Unlimited or not I think this has taken enough of my time.
The writing isn't bad it's just a mess of the characters thoughts over and over, so much so that it limits the plot progression. Boy oh boy the repetition in every book. I've pushed through to book 4 and we still don't really know what is going on plot wise. All I wanted to know was what creature she's supposed to be. I tried my usual of skipping pages and even so I missed nothing. The cliff hangers are always a little bit intriguing however they don't say much to the plot progression. Seeing as this series is a rinse and repeat I will gander that book 5 will also be wishy washy till 85% too.I
Kindle Unlimited or not I think this has taken enough of my time.
November 20, 2022
I found this one more entertaining than books 2 and 3, so 3 stars. But I think that was just because there was more Darius.
Can't have a Protector Guild book without Team Six being suspicious of Max for reasons that clearly make zero sense, so check there. And can't have one without Declan blindly following Atlas, again for no reason, so another check. But dear god, at least we finally got a proper sex scene.
The pacing for this series is just too slow. Four books of hints that Max is obviously not just a protector, but we still don't know what she is. Four books in, and there's still no over-arching plot. It just sort of meanders, and mostly what we read are the characters thoughts and emotions. More than half-way through the series, and I should have some clue as to what the main plot is, what the endgame is, but I don't. Is it that the protectors are actually the bad guys, and we need to bring down the Guild? Are we trying to save hell, destroy it, or just keep ignoring it? Are we supposed to send the monsters back to hell, forge an alliance with them to stop the Guild, or use their blood to make stronger protectors? Are we trying to bring back the natural bonds, or is that just a fluke that was mentioned in book 1 that is some weird quirk of Max's that doesn't matter?
Everything about this series is too slow, from the plot to the harem to the peppers. I'll keep reading because these are very short, simple reads, but with every book I finish, I'm even less invested in the characters than the one before.
Can't have a Protector Guild book without Team Six being suspicious of Max for reasons that clearly make zero sense, so check there. And can't have one without Declan blindly following Atlas, again for no reason, so another check. But dear god, at least we finally got a proper sex scene.
The pacing for this series is just too slow. Four books of hints that Max is obviously not just a protector, but we still don't know what she is. Four books in, and there's still no over-arching plot. It just sort of meanders, and mostly what we read are the characters thoughts and emotions. More than half-way through the series, and I should have some clue as to what the main plot is, what the endgame is, but I don't. Is it that the protectors are actually the bad guys, and we need to bring down the Guild? Are we trying to save hell, destroy it, or just keep ignoring it? Are we supposed to send the monsters back to hell, forge an alliance with them to stop the Guild, or use their blood to make stronger protectors? Are we trying to bring back the natural bonds, or is that just a fluke that was mentioned in book 1 that is some weird quirk of Max's that doesn't matter?
Everything about this series is too slow, from the plot to the harem to the peppers. I'll keep reading because these are very short, simple reads, but with every book I finish, I'm even less invested in the characters than the one before.
June 4, 2024
Is anyone going to grow from all this?
November 28, 2024
4.5
I unfortunately read this too quickly to properly individually review each book without spoilers (they were just so good I couldn’t put them down 😩) my full review on the whole series will be on book 8. But my generic review for the earlier ones, I’m so sorry.
Max and Rowan have lived their whole lives off grid with their guardian Cyrus, he has trained them and cared for them as they were his own, but tried to shelter them from the Guild as much as he could. Their run in with a werewolf deemed the inevitable that the Guild was changing and forced them to move in. The action in this really keeps you on the edge of your seat, you’re constantly aching for more, and the cliffhangers?! I don’t know how anyone DOESNT binge this entire series I couldn’t not read the next book??? I needed answers!!
This is the slowest of slow burns as far as romance (I’m talking several BOOKS in slow) but boooyyyyy the payoff is SO WORTH IT!! I love literally every MMC and both FMC’s this is my first why choose with two F’s in the group and I’m loving it. I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Each book gets better and better I swear!!
I think Tessa Hale fans would love this (I am one so I can confirm 😉)
What to expect:
💞 Why Choose (MFFMMM) - I think that’s the right “order”
🐺 Shifters
❤️🔥 SLOOOOOWWWWW burn (the buildup is a couple books)
🐕🦺 Hellhound Sidekick
💘 Reluctant Fated Mates
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Vampires, Wolves, Etc
🌎 World Building
🌶️ Spice (comes around book 3)
I unfortunately read this too quickly to properly individually review each book without spoilers (they were just so good I couldn’t put them down 😩) my full review on the whole series will be on book 8. But my generic review for the earlier ones, I’m so sorry.
Max and Rowan have lived their whole lives off grid with their guardian Cyrus, he has trained them and cared for them as they were his own, but tried to shelter them from the Guild as much as he could. Their run in with a werewolf deemed the inevitable that the Guild was changing and forced them to move in. The action in this really keeps you on the edge of your seat, you’re constantly aching for more, and the cliffhangers?! I don’t know how anyone DOESNT binge this entire series I couldn’t not read the next book??? I needed answers!!
This is the slowest of slow burns as far as romance (I’m talking several BOOKS in slow) but boooyyyyy the payoff is SO WORTH IT!! I love literally every MMC and both FMC’s this is my first why choose with two F’s in the group and I’m loving it. I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Each book gets better and better I swear!!
I think Tessa Hale fans would love this (I am one so I can confirm 😉)
What to expect:
💞 Why Choose (MFFMMM) - I think that’s the right “order”
🐺 Shifters
❤️🔥 SLOOOOOWWWWW burn (the buildup is a couple books)
🐕🦺 Hellhound Sidekick
💘 Reluctant Fated Mates
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Vampires, Wolves, Etc
🌎 World Building
🌶️ Spice (comes around book 3)
March 10, 2024
This book is face paced and picks up right where the last left off. A lot of things happen in this book and we got to learn a little bit more about Max’s powers. However, I also had many more questions by the end. I did enjoy the multiple povs because it helped you to get to know each character better. I really like the main group of characters In this story and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Read
July 15, 2025Im enjoying this series a lot. Im very intrigued as to what type of creature max is still.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
This series thus far has been an easy read.. still intrigued and would like a few answers on a couple of questions. Warning this a true intended slow burn series.
May 25, 2024
Okay so far this has been the best one. Has a sprinkle more plot even though all the characters still suck.
2.75 ⭐️
2.75 ⭐️
May 1, 2024
4 books in and I still don’t understand the plot, not to mention she lost her virginity to the man slut and not my favorite character Wade💔 not sure if I’ll continue reading this series…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
Is this torture? 3.8⭐️
I really love slow-burn but this series is taking it to another level. It feels like torture. One kiss, one freaking kiss, one hand hold, in like 4 books. And when thinks are getting better, more battle, more plottwists, more cliffhanger, more question, more misunderstanding trope... also how many are they in the Harem. Because God damn it I feel like she's connecting with half the characters. I'm not complaining. I just need to know
I really love slow-burn but this series is taking it to another level. It feels like torture. One kiss, one freaking kiss, one hand hold, in like 4 books. And when thinks are getting better, more battle, more plottwists, more cliffhanger, more question, more misunderstanding trope... also how many are they in the Harem. Because God damn it I feel like she's connecting with half the characters. I'm not complaining. I just need to know
September 16, 2021
This book, hell, this entire series is killing me. In a good way, but still: killing me...
After an epic battle Max, Eli, Atlas, Declan and Darius need to find a safe place to lick their wounds. This results in meeting a new interesting side-character, learning more about other characters (also leaving behind more secrets - hence the "killing me" part) and trying to find a new balance within their group. There is so much to like and love about this book: the way it heats up into amazing spicy scenes, the battling action scenes, the intrigue among characters, and last but not least the hate-love affair I have with all the secrets.
I adore Darius: he's my absolute favorite vampire ever. There have been moments that I just thought he should run off with Max, find Wade and then run off into the sunset together. I am not too proud to admit that I have been yelling at Eli, Atlas and Declan to take their heads out of their ***. I believe the wolf in Atlas is smarter than the guy. But that is part of the charm of this book for me; I feel emotionally invested and it always takes a little while to get back from that high.
I highly recommend reading this book so you can start counting the days until book 5 comes out together with me... At least then I won't be suffering alone ;-).
After an epic battle Max, Eli, Atlas, Declan and Darius need to find a safe place to lick their wounds. This results in meeting a new interesting side-character, learning more about other characters (also leaving behind more secrets - hence the "killing me" part) and trying to find a new balance within their group. There is so much to like and love about this book: the way it heats up into amazing spicy scenes, the battling action scenes, the intrigue among characters, and last but not least the hate-love affair I have with all the secrets.
I adore Darius: he's my absolute favorite vampire ever. There have been moments that I just thought he should run off with Max, find Wade and then run off into the sunset together. I am not too proud to admit that I have been yelling at Eli, Atlas and Declan to take their heads out of their ***. I believe the wolf in Atlas is smarter than the guy. But that is part of the charm of this book for me; I feel emotionally invested and it always takes a little while to get back from that high.
I highly recommend reading this book so you can start counting the days until book 5 comes out together with me... At least then I won't be suffering alone ;-).
January 7, 2025
No one thinks Wade is going to make it. Darius feeds him his blood. Wonder what's going to happen there.
Max has another dream with Wade. They talk about him not draining her and they manage to go into Izzy's dream. Back in the cell, a shadow man appears and kicks Max out of the dream.
Atlas confronts Max about her past. She doesn't remember the fire she made and knows nothing of where she came from.
She meets with Max again to make sure he's okay after the shadow man. He's okay but the man had told Wade that he was going to keep him until he could basically be used as a spy for him. They go to Eli's dream. Eli and Max get spicy while Wade watches. Then he realizes that his incubus energy was causing them to act this way and he was draining them so he freaks out and kicks them out of the dream.
Max wakes up with Atlas watching over her and then Eli is suddenly awake and all his vamp bites healed and gone. Not normal.
They gather downstairs to get ready to leave for Hell. Darius' brother freaks out when he sees Eli awake and healthy. He's pissed at Darius and they start fighting. Apparently Darius linked his life to Eli. Now when one is hurt the other is hurt. So while Darius is fighting, Eli is getting fucked up. Khali comes and stops the fight. The brothers separate and the starts healing Eli with Max's help. Apparently Max has some kind of power like that too and her being close is helping Eli. She has some weird energy within her that Khali says he will have to master. And says once her and Eli are fully bonded she will be stronger.
They go into hell. They are separated but eventually find each other. They go through a few attacks from some creatures but come out okay. Then Darius goes to look for a friend, Atlas and Declan go look for food and water, and Eli and Max are left alone to recover.
Eli and Max do a lot more than recover. When Dec and Atlas get back, Atlas' wolf is pissed and Dec isn't too happy either. Then ax eavesdrops on their conversation and hears that she is a monster that can set stuff on fire and they all agree not to trust her.
Max and Darius sneak away to chase down a lead. On the rooftop, while watching for someone, Darius grabs Max and they have a little makeout. Max fully in it this time. Then they're attacked by a shit ton of wolves. They kill a few and then Max burns a few. Then, she's overcome with pain and almost blacks out.
When she regains her bearings, shes in a cell like Wade's and the shadow man is there. Then he pulls Wade out and he's in bad shape with a dagger sticking out of him. Max isn't in a dream anymore. The has been teleported to the prison.
Max has another dream with Wade. They talk about him not draining her and they manage to go into Izzy's dream. Back in the cell, a shadow man appears and kicks Max out of the dream.
Atlas confronts Max about her past. She doesn't remember the fire she made and knows nothing of where she came from.
She meets with Max again to make sure he's okay after the shadow man. He's okay but the man had told Wade that he was going to keep him until he could basically be used as a spy for him. They go to Eli's dream. Eli and Max get spicy while Wade watches. Then he realizes that his incubus energy was causing them to act this way and he was draining them so he freaks out and kicks them out of the dream.
Max wakes up with Atlas watching over her and then Eli is suddenly awake and all his vamp bites healed and gone. Not normal.
They gather downstairs to get ready to leave for Hell. Darius' brother freaks out when he sees Eli awake and healthy. He's pissed at Darius and they start fighting. Apparently Darius linked his life to Eli. Now when one is hurt the other is hurt. So while Darius is fighting, Eli is getting fucked up. Khali comes and stops the fight. The brothers separate and the starts healing Eli with Max's help. Apparently Max has some kind of power like that too and her being close is helping Eli. She has some weird energy within her that Khali says he will have to master. And says once her and Eli are fully bonded she will be stronger.
They go into hell. They are separated but eventually find each other. They go through a few attacks from some creatures but come out okay. Then Darius goes to look for a friend, Atlas and Declan go look for food and water, and Eli and Max are left alone to recover.
Eli and Max do a lot more than recover. When Dec and Atlas get back, Atlas' wolf is pissed and Dec isn't too happy either. Then ax eavesdrops on their conversation and hears that she is a monster that can set stuff on fire and they all agree not to trust her.
Max and Darius sneak away to chase down a lead. On the rooftop, while watching for someone, Darius grabs Max and they have a little makeout. Max fully in it this time. Then they're attacked by a shit ton of wolves. They kill a few and then Max burns a few. Then, she's overcome with pain and almost blacks out.
When she regains her bearings, shes in a cell like Wade's and the shadow man is there. Then he pulls Wade out and he's in bad shape with a dagger sticking out of him. Max isn't in a dream anymore. The has been teleported to the prison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
While I enjoyed the first three books in this series, I found myself struggling with this one. I think it all came down to the noticeably lower quality of the book as a whole.
The plot was significantly slower when compared to the others and mostly consisted of filler or set-ups for the rest of the book. This isn’t a bad thing in moderation, but when the majority of the book was reading about the characters going from one place to another, to meet one person or another, to get information on the objective of their mission—and not actually get any further on their quest—it all just felt so unnecessary. I understand that these sorts of things happen with longer series, but that’s why having a good editor is so important; this entire book could’ve been cut down and rearranged to fit into another book rather than being its own entity.
The romance was also a lacking element here despite there being actual spice for the first time. In my opinion, this miss came down to the characters themselves and their lack of development. To have the romance finally pick up at this point felt both out of character and out of place. In this book’s defence, a few of the relationships did actually work within the story, but they still continued to be painfully slow-burn even though the series is halfway through.
The characters felt like they took a step back in their development to the point where it undid their characterizations from the previous books. For some reason, the author had them dealing with the same internal issues they spent the last few books working to overcome—placing them back at the starting point in terms of development. When this happens at the beginning of a series, it usually means a composite character-arc down the line. Unfortunately, for this series, it’s halfway through and seemingly going backward.
The MCs spent the entire book being frustratingly indecisive and childish (even though they’re supposed to be paragons of their field), and paired with the filler-focused approach to the plot, made this entire book just annoying to read.
It’s a shame this series wasn’t a few books shorter (and thus full of less unnecessary junk) because I really did enjoy the previous books. They had an interesting premise with great world-building, but unfortunately, that isn’t enough to entice me to read through four more books with (assumingly) similar problems as this one.
The plot was significantly slower when compared to the others and mostly consisted of filler or set-ups for the rest of the book. This isn’t a bad thing in moderation, but when the majority of the book was reading about the characters going from one place to another, to meet one person or another, to get information on the objective of their mission—and not actually get any further on their quest—it all just felt so unnecessary. I understand that these sorts of things happen with longer series, but that’s why having a good editor is so important; this entire book could’ve been cut down and rearranged to fit into another book rather than being its own entity.
The romance was also a lacking element here despite there being actual spice for the first time. In my opinion, this miss came down to the characters themselves and their lack of development. To have the romance finally pick up at this point felt both out of character and out of place. In this book’s defence, a few of the relationships did actually work within the story, but they still continued to be painfully slow-burn even though the series is halfway through.
The characters felt like they took a step back in their development to the point where it undid their characterizations from the previous books. For some reason, the author had them dealing with the same internal issues they spent the last few books working to overcome—placing them back at the starting point in terms of development. When this happens at the beginning of a series, it usually means a composite character-arc down the line. Unfortunately, for this series, it’s halfway through and seemingly going backward.
The MCs spent the entire book being frustratingly indecisive and childish (even though they’re supposed to be paragons of their field), and paired with the filler-focused approach to the plot, made this entire book just annoying to read.
It’s a shame this series wasn’t a few books shorter (and thus full of less unnecessary junk) because I really did enjoy the previous books. They had an interesting premise with great world-building, but unfortunately, that isn’t enough to entice me to read through four more books with (assumingly) similar problems as this one.
September 25, 2024
3.5⭐
There's nothing new much to say, I guess. I feel like the plot has slowed down and we keep going back to the same issues again and again. Six is helplessly drawn to Max but stubbornly keeping her at arm's length (well, except for Eli) because there's something off about her and blah, blah. Well, newsflash: Atlas is a werewolf and Wade an incubus, so it seems hypocritical to the extreme that they're so wary of Max when half of their team are "monsters" as well.
And for the love of Hell, let's stop with the "hOw CaN wE bE fRiEnDlY wItH mOnStErS wHeN wE'Ve BeEn TrAiNeD oUr WhOlE lIvEs To HuNt AnD kIlL tHeM" line. I'm only just half way through the series and it feels like I've read some iteration of that sentiment once every five chapters. It's driving me crazy.
Also, remember last time when I innocently said "Oh, it's so cool that this reverse harem series isn't all about the romance but about Max's journey and her quest to figure out who she is and where she comes from?" Well, I've changed my mind.
At this point, I don't know that anything about this story would significantly change if the romance was completely cut out and I'm not here for that. At all. Like, this could all just as easily be about teamwork and friendship like Max has with Rowan and Izzy. And if I wanted to read something that could be suitable for middle schoolers—with a few choice scenes removed—I wouldn't have picked up a RH saga. I wish there was something a little more impossible to resist about the whole bond thing. So far, not even Atlas' wolf being Max's mate has had any impact or meant anything.
At least these conspicuously absent bonds are forcing the harem to slowly but surely coalesce together. Six is irrevocably stuck with Darius now and Declan, who was his staunchest opposer, is beginning to warm up to him.
And it's looking like we may be getting some solid answers about Max soon, now that more of her unusual powers keep manifesting and conveniently saving the day LOL
There's nothing new much to say, I guess. I feel like the plot has slowed down and we keep going back to the same issues again and again. Six is helplessly drawn to Max but stubbornly keeping her at arm's length (well, except for Eli) because there's something off about her and blah, blah. Well, newsflash: Atlas is a werewolf and Wade an incubus, so it seems hypocritical to the extreme that they're so wary of Max when half of their team are "monsters" as well.
And for the love of Hell, let's stop with the "hOw CaN wE bE fRiEnDlY wItH mOnStErS wHeN wE'Ve BeEn TrAiNeD oUr WhOlE lIvEs To HuNt AnD kIlL tHeM" line. I'm only just half way through the series and it feels like I've read some iteration of that sentiment once every five chapters. It's driving me crazy.
Also, remember last time when I innocently said "Oh, it's so cool that this reverse harem series isn't all about the romance but about Max's journey and her quest to figure out who she is and where she comes from?" Well, I've changed my mind.
At this point, I don't know that anything about this story would significantly change if the romance was completely cut out and I'm not here for that. At all. Like, this could all just as easily be about teamwork and friendship like Max has with Rowan and Izzy. And if I wanted to read something that could be suitable for middle schoolers—with a few choice scenes removed—I wouldn't have picked up a RH saga. I wish there was something a little more impossible to resist about the whole bond thing. So far, not even Atlas' wolf being Max's mate has had any impact or meant anything.
At least these conspicuously absent bonds are forcing the harem to slowly but surely coalesce together. Six is irrevocably stuck with Darius now and Declan, who was his staunchest opposer, is beginning to warm up to him.
And it's looking like we may be getting some solid answers about Max soon, now that more of her unusual powers keep manifesting and conveniently saving the day LOL
April 14, 2024
This characters think too much, about the same thing over and over and over (x100) again.
And they think long and hard between simple conversations. There is 3-6 pages of useless thinking in between dialogues. One character asks something, the other proceeds to think about multiple things related or not to the question (that they already thought multiple times), and 6 pages later they answer.
Imagine talking to someone who went quiet for 15 minutes in between every sentence they utter. It is maddening.
Also, it is concerning how unintelligent they are. If the 6 is really one of the top elite teams in the Guild then the Guild is surely damned. They miss so many queues is not even justifiable anymore, they are missing common sense at this point.
End of book 4 and the plot is barely there. We got 4 books of questions piling up and zero answers. I sure hope the author doesn't decide to solve everything in the last 100 pages of the series and rush with lackluster explanations.
Honestly I made it this far so I might continue, because I do love a slow burn. Really slow. Seriously love. But an unevolving plot irks me. If only the plot could further on even while the burn is still slow it would be more appreciated.
Also if they could think different thoughts every once in a while it would be great.
Some major inconsistencies do appear quite often. But the writing is good and most characters are interesting. I am curious to get to some answers.
Overall the story is enjoyable.
I was having much more fun in the first few books, I just wish the plot was moving along.
This books is called to hell and back and they barely made it to hell, much less came back. So there is that.
And they think long and hard between simple conversations. There is 3-6 pages of useless thinking in between dialogues. One character asks something, the other proceeds to think about multiple things related or not to the question (that they already thought multiple times), and 6 pages later they answer.
Imagine talking to someone who went quiet for 15 minutes in between every sentence they utter. It is maddening.
Also, it is concerning how unintelligent they are. If the 6 is really one of the top elite teams in the Guild then the Guild is surely damned. They miss so many queues is not even justifiable anymore, they are missing common sense at this point.
End of book 4 and the plot is barely there. We got 4 books of questions piling up and zero answers. I sure hope the author doesn't decide to solve everything in the last 100 pages of the series and rush with lackluster explanations.
Honestly I made it this far so I might continue, because I do love a slow burn. Really slow. Seriously love. But an unevolving plot irks me. If only the plot could further on even while the burn is still slow it would be more appreciated.
Also if they could think different thoughts every once in a while it would be great.
Some major inconsistencies do appear quite often. But the writing is good and most characters are interesting. I am curious to get to some answers.
Overall the story is enjoyable.
I was having much more fun in the first few books, I just wish the plot was moving along.
This books is called to hell and back and they barely made it to hell, much less came back. So there is that.
April 8, 2024
2⭐️1.5🌶️
I’m bored, it’s just more of the same, the repetitiveness is getting frustrating, the amount of useless inner monologue and lack of dialogue made this even more boring.
The only change with this book and the last ones is that they were in hell.
No character or plot development, no useful information, no meaningful revelations nor anything remotely close to a harem relationship.
I’m done, I was frustrated more times than not with this book, it’s just so slow, so dragged out, honestly I couldn’t tell you the main plot of this even if my life depended on it.
The six not trusting Max was getting old and the adamant denial of ALL of them including Max, to accept that things aren’t as they thought was maddening.
Max’s badassery from the first book was nowhere to be seen here, her character became uninteresting if I’m being honest.
Eli, Declan and Atlas were still assholes and Wade wasn’t even there. I wholeheartedly just finished this book because of Darius.
I honestly just want to continue to reading to see the acceptance Im the six when they realize they are the bad ones.
I’m bored, it’s just more of the same, the repetitiveness is getting frustrating, the amount of useless inner monologue and lack of dialogue made this even more boring.
The only change with this book and the last ones is that they were in hell.
No character or plot development, no useful information, no meaningful revelations nor anything remotely close to a harem relationship.
I’m done, I was frustrated more times than not with this book, it’s just so slow, so dragged out, honestly I couldn’t tell you the main plot of this even if my life depended on it.
The six not trusting Max was getting old and the adamant denial of ALL of them including Max, to accept that things aren’t as they thought was maddening.
Max’s badassery from the first book was nowhere to be seen here, her character became uninteresting if I’m being honest.
Eli, Declan and Atlas were still assholes and Wade wasn’t even there. I wholeheartedly just finished this book because of Darius.
I honestly just want to continue to reading to see the acceptance Im the six when they realize they are the bad ones.
May 21, 2025
Team Six and I have finally found our ticket into Hell. But the journey to cashing it will be anything but easy, and every decision along the way will come with a sacrifice...sacrifices we might not be willing to make.
Darius’s creepy brother, Claude, is determined to push us out of his city as soon as he possibly can. And, oh man, are we ready to leave. But, unfortunately for us all, hitching a ride to hell will have to wait.
On top of dealing with the fang twins’ turbulent relationship (and, wow, is that putting it lightly), I have to navigate Declan and Atlas’s suddenly chilly demeanor towards me. Something happened that night in the hotel suite that changed things between us all, but nobody will talk to me about it.
And something changed in me too, something that I don’t quite know how to deal with. A strange power is starting to build, and I have to find a way to harness and accept it before it destroys me and everyone I care about. Unfortunately, that means coming to terms with the increasingly real possibility that everything The Guild—and my family—has told me is a lie.
The monsters are coming for me, that much is clear—but it just so happens that I may very well be a monster myself…
Darius’s creepy brother, Claude, is determined to push us out of his city as soon as he possibly can. And, oh man, are we ready to leave. But, unfortunately for us all, hitching a ride to hell will have to wait.
On top of dealing with the fang twins’ turbulent relationship (and, wow, is that putting it lightly), I have to navigate Declan and Atlas’s suddenly chilly demeanor towards me. Something happened that night in the hotel suite that changed things between us all, but nobody will talk to me about it.
And something changed in me too, something that I don’t quite know how to deal with. A strange power is starting to build, and I have to find a way to harness and accept it before it destroys me and everyone I care about. Unfortunately, that means coming to terms with the increasingly real possibility that everything The Guild—and my family—has told me is a lie.
The monsters are coming for me, that much is clear—but it just so happens that I may very well be a monster myself…
August 11, 2024
Soooo I really really liked this one. The spice makes an appearance in this book (yay!). While I dont have to have spice in a book, I do enjoy my spice. The ONLY reason I didnt rate this one a 5 star was because while ALOT happens in the book I didnt feel enough happened towards the grand scheme of things. That is the ONLY reason I gave this one a 4 instead of a 5 star.
This Urban Fantasy Romance is book 4 in The Protector Guild series. The romance in this book is still a why choose open to so many possibilities. There is spice in this book. The spice focuses more on the tension, but there are some spicy scenes regardless. This book moves at a steady pace following Max as she makes her way through hell with her mix of companions. There will be new discoveries, and choices made that will set off a chain of events thats going to make rescuing Wade a little harder. This book like the others is full of angst, and action. These books really keep you guessing with their unpredictable events, and entertaining character dynamics.
This Urban Fantasy Romance is book 4 in The Protector Guild series. The romance in this book is still a why choose open to so many possibilities. There is spice in this book. The spice focuses more on the tension, but there are some spicy scenes regardless. This book moves at a steady pace following Max as she makes her way through hell with her mix of companions. There will be new discoveries, and choices made that will set off a chain of events thats going to make rescuing Wade a little harder. This book like the others is full of angst, and action. These books really keep you guessing with their unpredictable events, and entertaining character dynamics.
August 20, 2024
2.8/5⭐️
1/5🌶️
“For the first time in years I felt like I was the mouse and not the cat.”
“Apparently a dick hit only knocked a werewolf off balance for a few seconds. Good to know.”
“Fear was a fickle fuck that loved to play mind games.”
BIG FAT YAWN FEST. Good god am I craving some plot and anything, and I mean ANYTHING from our characters. We are now 900 ish pages into this series and guess what? We’re still at square fucking one with damn near all of them minus max. She was so beyond insufferable in the first book and I find myself tolerating if not pitying her now, which I guess is a development. Everyone else? Still lying. Still back and forth. Still boring and no personality.
Darius baby you’re not included in that <3
Taking a break from this series to read something of literally any kind of substance. So disappointed and won’t be surprised if I completely DNF it.
1/5🌶️
“For the first time in years I felt like I was the mouse and not the cat.”
“Apparently a dick hit only knocked a werewolf off balance for a few seconds. Good to know.”
“Fear was a fickle fuck that loved to play mind games.”
BIG FAT YAWN FEST. Good god am I craving some plot and anything, and I mean ANYTHING from our characters. We are now 900 ish pages into this series and guess what? We’re still at square fucking one with damn near all of them minus max. She was so beyond insufferable in the first book and I find myself tolerating if not pitying her now, which I guess is a development. Everyone else? Still lying. Still back and forth. Still boring and no personality.
Darius baby you’re not included in that <3
Taking a break from this series to read something of literally any kind of substance. So disappointed and won’t be surprised if I completely DNF it.
August 27, 2024
Ok
I would rate this a 3.5. More seemed to happen in this one. We got a little more relationship progression, but the whole thing is still confusing because nobody is willing to fully embrace Max. It's almost odd because we're finishing book 4 and her supposed harem still doesn't trust her. I don't blame her for running off with Darius.
The ending was more action packed, which is what will have me move on to the next book. I will say that I wish we knew why nobody, not even Cyrus, wants to be honest with her about what she is. She could have been working on controlling and strengthening her powers if anyone would be honest with her. I don't want her to end up with any of them other than Darius. I guess Wade was killed off early enough that he might have been ok. But I think all of the potential harem members are jerks and not worthy of Max.
I would rate this a 3.5. More seemed to happen in this one. We got a little more relationship progression, but the whole thing is still confusing because nobody is willing to fully embrace Max. It's almost odd because we're finishing book 4 and her supposed harem still doesn't trust her. I don't blame her for running off with Darius.
The ending was more action packed, which is what will have me move on to the next book. I will say that I wish we knew why nobody, not even Cyrus, wants to be honest with her about what she is. She could have been working on controlling and strengthening her powers if anyone would be honest with her. I don't want her to end up with any of them other than Darius. I guess Wade was killed off early enough that he might have been ok. But I think all of the potential harem members are jerks and not worthy of Max.
May 24, 2025
This book is fine. It feels like this whole 8 book series could really be 3 or 4 solid books. I think that some of the ideas are really interesting like the blood bond, and the monsters flocking to Max as well as Team Six becoming something more than protectors. I think all of that is what makes me so intrigued. I like that there are aside moments with each of the characters but I also think the conflict is a little rinse and repeat. I am going to finish out this series because Max is more than what she thought and I want to see what that is. But this is a long time spent in Hell.
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Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
June 28, 2025
Let me start by saying I like this series a lot. Eli and Darius are my favorites by far. Mostly Darius to be honest. The writing is very well done and the world building is nice. The only thing I don’t like that honestly is really bothering me is that this book takes way too long to get to the point like this entire book all that happened was they like fought around at Darius‘s brother’s house and then went to hell that’s it nothing else. And no, don’t get me wrong. It was nice, but I feel like nothing really happens at all..? I just I need more from the series. It’s too drawn out and mundane. It makes me kind of sad because I feel like this has the potential to be awe inspiring. The whole time all I can think is just get to the point and make it. I don’t know if I’ll have the motivation to continue with this. We’ll see.
May 12, 2023
It’s like the further into the series the more irritating Max gets. Like why is she always passing out. She acts like she is superior and should be held to the same standard as the other characters who have been through more missions and experience then she has yet she thinks she’s an equal. She’s extremely naive and constantly states the fact and then proceeds to continue do stupid shit. Like no your not naive your plain stupid thinking you can keep running towards danger and get a different result. Only 1 sex scene and it was mediocre at best. I probably won’t continue the series despite me trying to force my way through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
The story is finally getting a little more exciting but I STILL DONT HAVE ANSWERS TO ANY OF MY QUESTIONS. I’m half way through the series now I feel like I should have at least some of my questions answered by now and the romance should have developed a little more. Yeah we finally got a sex scene but it was pretty underwhelming and I don’t think it’s going to change Max’s relationship with Eli all that much yet considering what happened after. I am tired of Atlas, Declan, and Eli being hypocrites. They accept Atlas as a werewolf and Wade as an incubus but they are still suspicious of Max?! I kinda get it but come on it’s been 4 books I’m tired of it.
February 2, 2024
Meh
Hmm... so we have the severe angst that's a little too over the top where sometimes all of the characters gave me a sense of whiplash, like trying to follow along with a child with ADHD. One second, our FL is excited and curious about team six, the next (for only a split second) she's disappointed and upset because only Eli stopped treating her like crap in the search for Wade. Within that same span of a second that irritation is gone because she refuses to acknowledge their hot/cold behavior. I'm sorry, but it just gives me 'doormat' vibes, the toxic kind.
Hmm... so we have the severe angst that's a little too over the top where sometimes all of the characters gave me a sense of whiplash, like trying to follow along with a child with ADHD. One second, our FL is excited and curious about team six, the next (for only a split second) she's disappointed and upset because only Eli stopped treating her like crap in the search for Wade. Within that same span of a second that irritation is gone because she refuses to acknowledge their hot/cold behavior. I'm sorry, but it just gives me 'doormat' vibes, the toxic kind.
September 6, 2024
Love Darious but getting tired of the series overall. The POV switches don’t encourage attentiveness and there just isn’t enough interaction between the characters themselves.
The POV switches seem more a way for the author to show their thoughts directly but it’s already been communicated how they feel it’s just like confirmation so it’s tiring.
I skip pages at a time and just pick up on the dialogue at this point. The plot progression is slow and literally everything is still a mystery and it’s just tiring
The POV switches seem more a way for the author to show their thoughts directly but it’s already been communicated how they feel it’s just like confirmation so it’s tiring.
I skip pages at a time and just pick up on the dialogue at this point. The plot progression is slow and literally everything is still a mystery and it’s just tiring
July 12, 2023
This author is good at every time I might be slightly getting bored she pops something I to keep me going.
Digging Darius. Wanna see Declan go for it. Eli kinda mid. Atlas, I think, will be satisfying to see happen, buttttttt like how are they gonna wrap this up? I feel like she still has so many loose ends relationship wise to sort out. I guess we'll see!
Also like at this point, I just wanna know what she is pls 🙏
Digging Darius. Wanna see Declan go for it. Eli kinda mid. Atlas, I think, will be satisfying to see happen, buttttttt like how are they gonna wrap this up? I feel like she still has so many loose ends relationship wise to sort out. I guess we'll see!
Also like at this point, I just wanna know what she is pls 🙏
December 5, 2023
what is she?!
These keep getting more and more intense! Just when you think you know something else major is dropped on us. The endings are driving me nuts! But in the best way…here I am running to the next book because I HAVE to know. And thank goodness the spice is finally starting to pick up! But I’m also so over everyone denying their feelings, it’s annoying at this point and creating unnecessary problems. So hopefully at least that gets sorted in the next book.
These keep getting more and more intense! Just when you think you know something else major is dropped on us. The endings are driving me nuts! But in the best way…here I am running to the next book because I HAVE to know. And thank goodness the spice is finally starting to pick up! But I’m also so over everyone denying their feelings, it’s annoying at this point and creating unnecessary problems. So hopefully at least that gets sorted in the next book.
April 18, 2024
This one started to annoy me slightly. Why is always Eli getting battered, yet Declan remains completely untouched? The constant to and fro of if they trust Max or not is getting a bit boring, and it doesn't make sense that Max would stay around for that. And I'm getting bored of reading 'what felt like hours, but was probably only minutes'. The only saving grace in this particular book is Darius, he's my favourite. Hopefully the next one is better 🤞🏼
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