What do you think?
Rate this book
Hellhound Collar #1
Better Than Sweets
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B09TJ1ZRZM
With lives forged in Hades' Underworld, a hellhound's pack bonds are never broken. They might have separate territories on earth, but when the pack need each other, they are only ever a mind tug away.
Java didn't understand why his packmate Raoul was the first to find his mate. In the hellhound pack, they were all equal, and it didn't help that Raoul was so smug about it, snuggling and hugging on the friendly Jason every chance he had. But, Java was determined to find out what Raoul did - there had to be something - and Java was just as capable of doing anything Raoul could've done. It was time. Java had a collar box, just like Raoul had, and his hound was keen to be wearing the contents. They just had to find their mate to get the box open first.
Cyril was finding his feet, enjoying his new life in Plaka, as a local shop owner. His sweets were finding favor among locals and tourists alike, and he was busy enough that he didn't notice a lack of a mate too often. He had a crush - the sexy hotel owner from down the road, who strode past his store almost every day, and that was enough to fuel Cyril's dreams, even if it meant he spent his nights alone. He never dreamed that same crush would be the one to save him from a mugging.
Hexes and hellhounds from different packs, a collar, a fae, and a naked man falling out of a hotel window. Nothing in their first few days of mating was like Cyril had dreamed of, and even Java wondered how much work it was going to be, keeping his mage mate safe. Especially when the one hunting him had the same sized fangs Java did.
Better Than Sweets is the official book one of a new series, The Hellhound Collar series. It is 41,300 words long and includes an HEA. The prequel to this story, Collar and Scruff, is currently part of the Prolific Works Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway (2022). A link for that giveaway can be found in this book.
With lives forged in Hades' Underworld, a hellhound's pack bonds are never broken. They might have separate territories on earth, but when the pack need each other, they are only ever a mind tug away.
Java didn't understand why his packmate Raoul was the first to find his mate. In the hellhound pack, they were all equal, and it didn't help that Raoul was so smug about it, snuggling and hugging on the friendly Jason every chance he had. But, Java was determined to find out what Raoul did - there had to be something - and Java was just as capable of doing anything Raoul could've done. It was time. Java had a collar box, just like Raoul had, and his hound was keen to be wearing the contents. They just had to find their mate to get the box open first.
Cyril was finding his feet, enjoying his new life in Plaka, as a local shop owner. His sweets were finding favor among locals and tourists alike, and he was busy enough that he didn't notice a lack of a mate too often. He had a crush - the sexy hotel owner from down the road, who strode past his store almost every day, and that was enough to fuel Cyril's dreams, even if it meant he spent his nights alone. He never dreamed that same crush would be the one to save him from a mugging.
Hexes and hellhounds from different packs, a collar, a fae, and a naked man falling out of a hotel window. Nothing in their first few days of mating was like Cyril had dreamed of, and even Java wondered how much work it was going to be, keeping his mage mate safe. Especially when the one hunting him had the same sized fangs Java did.
Better Than Sweets is the official book one of a new series, The Hellhound Collar series. It is 41,300 words long and includes an HEA. The prequel to this story, Collar and Scruff, is currently part of the Prolific Works Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway (2022). A link for that giveaway can be found in this book.
151 pages, ebook
First published March 6, 2022
70 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Oliver
212 books951 followersLisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 7, 2022
Heat and sweet
While this story does stand on its own there is a novella that introduces this world and the story of some other characters that are key in this book that is a great read beforehand! It is available for free online and listed in the book. However, this book about Cyril and Java does a good job explaining the hellhounds and their mating an is a fun time all around.
Cyril felt a desire to come and live and work at a small town in Greece and has had it work out enough that he owns a successful sweets shop with a good life. Only love is missing but that is difficult in a small town. Java has never thought of love or his mate, but when the first hellhound finds a mate Java is determined to find his own. Startled to find a connection in a small business owner Java is delighted but a little uncertain of how to approach life with another.
This book is truly and surprisingly funny! Java earnestly does want a mate, but as a created hellhound he doesn't really have a concept of what the heck a relationship is like. Luckily his fellow hellhound is there to help, and equally luckily the hellhound's mate Jason is as well. Jason really helps out Cyril as he explains the oddness of the hellhound's and how it is mating for them, but it is done in such a way you really can't help laughing. The two couples work so well together and help with the figuring out of life and relationships, smoothing out the rough edges and bringing out the humour. It was truly fun to read with lots of unusual and unexpected action, some not so damsel-in-distress mate amusement, and plenty of sexy-times. It was a truly fun ride from start to finish!
While this story does stand on its own there is a novella that introduces this world and the story of some other characters that are key in this book that is a great read beforehand! It is available for free online and listed in the book. However, this book about Cyril and Java does a good job explaining the hellhounds and their mating an is a fun time all around.
Cyril felt a desire to come and live and work at a small town in Greece and has had it work out enough that he owns a successful sweets shop with a good life. Only love is missing but that is difficult in a small town. Java has never thought of love or his mate, but when the first hellhound finds a mate Java is determined to find his own. Startled to find a connection in a small business owner Java is delighted but a little uncertain of how to approach life with another.
This book is truly and surprisingly funny! Java earnestly does want a mate, but as a created hellhound he doesn't really have a concept of what the heck a relationship is like. Luckily his fellow hellhound is there to help, and equally luckily the hellhound's mate Jason is as well. Jason really helps out Cyril as he explains the oddness of the hellhound's and how it is mating for them, but it is done in such a way you really can't help laughing. The two couples work so well together and help with the figuring out of life and relationships, smoothing out the rough edges and bringing out the humour. It was truly fun to read with lots of unusual and unexpected action, some not so damsel-in-distress mate amusement, and plenty of sexy-times. It was a truly fun ride from start to finish!
October 12, 2024
Beautiful Sweet Romance
Loved this sweet romance. It has a beautiful well thought out plot with an original concept concerning the original of hellhounds and a low angst romance that was a joy to read.
Loved this sweet romance. It has a beautiful well thought out plot with an original concept concerning the original of hellhounds and a low angst romance that was a joy to read.
December 29, 2024
A mystery with sex scenes
This book was... okay. I finished it. I was disappointed, because it's not a romance. There's no getting to know each other. There's a suggestion of a romantic moment at the end, but no dates. The couple getting together barely spends any time together.
The guys meet, have sex, and mate before we really find out what the conflict is. I found it jarring. The conflict itself is not very strong. Mostly, it's a mystery the characters are able to solve in a couple days.
It doesn't help that I'm not particularly fond of the use of immortals in fiction. It takes away suspense when characters can't be hurt, and characters that are literally thousands of years old should show it somehow, or what's the point?
If this series were on Kindle Unlimited, I might read it just to see where Lisa Oliver is going with it, but it's not, and actually rather expensive for a shortish fantasy novel.
This book was... okay. I finished it. I was disappointed, because it's not a romance. There's no getting to know each other. There's a suggestion of a romantic moment at the end, but no dates. The couple getting together barely spends any time together.
The guys meet, have sex, and mate before we really find out what the conflict is. I found it jarring. The conflict itself is not very strong. Mostly, it's a mystery the characters are able to solve in a couple days.
It doesn't help that I'm not particularly fond of the use of immortals in fiction. It takes away suspense when characters can't be hurt, and characters that are literally thousands of years old should show it somehow, or what's the point?
If this series were on Kindle Unlimited, I might read it just to see where Lisa Oliver is going with it, but it's not, and actually rather expensive for a shortish fantasy novel.
June 1, 2024
First of all, NOT the first book. There was a prequel and it is important to read it as this book makes you feel like you are missing something by not having read it. However, I was unaware until after I got the book.
an interesting and fun idea of shifters and their mates. The mate is a sweet maker and goes through some trying times when his idiot hell hound has no concept of wooing or treating someone like they are the most important person in the world.
A weird side arch about a hellhound from a different pack who is trying to steal someone else's collar because he sold his own. Which by the way was NOT resolved to the satisfaction of this reader or dare I say, at all?
Good Luck and have fun.
an interesting and fun idea of shifters and their mates. The mate is a sweet maker and goes through some trying times when his idiot hell hound has no concept of wooing or treating someone like they are the most important person in the world.
A weird side arch about a hellhound from a different pack who is trying to steal someone else's collar because he sold his own. Which by the way was NOT resolved to the satisfaction of this reader or dare I say, at all?
Good Luck and have fun.
March 7, 2022
Brill
I love Lisa’s books and this world is probably one of my favourites to visit. Especially like the cameos, the world expansion and sweet grumpy fated mates. Bring on more!
I love Lisa’s books and this world is probably one of my favourites to visit. Especially like the cameos, the world expansion and sweet grumpy fated mates. Bring on more!
March 13, 2022
Such a fun spin-off
Cyril and Java were an interesting pairing, for me. We never really got a clear indication of how Java will feel about having Cyril continue to work at his confectionery shop - because I don’t see Cyril giving up on his dream, though maybe Java will be content to let others handle his businesses while he helps Cyril make sweets.
How disappointed must Hades be in his second pack of hounds? I can only imagine how heartbroken he must be to see one of his deny his gift to them so much. And I wouldn’t want to be in Ali’s crosshairs for making his mate sad.
Cyril and Java were an interesting pairing, for me. We never really got a clear indication of how Java will feel about having Cyril continue to work at his confectionery shop - because I don’t see Cyril giving up on his dream, though maybe Java will be content to let others handle his businesses while he helps Cyril make sweets.
How disappointed must Hades be in his second pack of hounds? I can only imagine how heartbroken he must be to see one of his deny his gift to them so much. And I wouldn’t want to be in Ali’s crosshairs for making his mate sad.
March 24, 2022
Such a cutie
Awww this is so cute, the hellhound shifters so clearly out of their depth and the lovely mates finding out how to live in their new normal. This book made me smile and I can't wait for the next installment.
Apparently this book is shorter than the author's usual, maybe because I read it in two chunks, but there was lots of plot and story twists and turns that I didn't notice any difference.
I did pop over and read the freebie prequel first, I can't bear reading things out if order, but all you need to know is explained in this book so you can start with this one if you like.
Awww this is so cute, the hellhound shifters so clearly out of their depth and the lovely mates finding out how to live in their new normal. This book made me smile and I can't wait for the next installment.
Apparently this book is shorter than the author's usual, maybe because I read it in two chunks, but there was lots of plot and story twists and turns that I didn't notice any difference.
I did pop over and read the freebie prequel first, I can't bear reading things out if order, but all you need to know is explained in this book so you can start with this one if you like.
April 6, 2022
So darn cute!
I enjoy your words after the story as much as the story itself. I don't understand pirates either and wouldn't dream of stealing from authors who work so hard to bring joy to all of us loyal readers. I love all your series (Luke from Cloverleah is still my favorite character, ;) ) and even though these are a little shorter, its cute how the mates are able to soften the rough hellhounds. I will continue to be a loyal reader as long as you continue to write them for us. I highly recommend this new series as well as all of your other books. Thank you so very much.
I enjoy your words after the story as much as the story itself. I don't understand pirates either and wouldn't dream of stealing from authors who work so hard to bring joy to all of us loyal readers. I love all your series (Luke from Cloverleah is still my favorite character, ;) ) and even though these are a little shorter, its cute how the mates are able to soften the rough hellhounds. I will continue to be a loyal reader as long as you continue to write them for us. I highly recommend this new series as well as all of your other books. Thank you so very much.
March 7, 2023
Good start to a spin off series
Cyril, a magic user mage owns a candy store in Greece and Java, a hellhound meet when Java stops a mugging against Cyril. Java instantly recognizes they are mates. We know from the prequel novel that Hades gave each of his hellhounds a box containing a fancy collar when put around the neck of a hellhound by his mate they are given the gift of a mind link. Before the mating can commence another hellhound interferes sending Java back to the underworld and is rude to Cyril. This hellhound creates problems and danger for our new mate but Java and Cyril with the help of Hades get their HEA. A fun read and highly recommended.
Cyril, a magic user mage owns a candy store in Greece and Java, a hellhound meet when Java stops a mugging against Cyril. Java instantly recognizes they are mates. We know from the prequel novel that Hades gave each of his hellhounds a box containing a fancy collar when put around the neck of a hellhound by his mate they are given the gift of a mind link. Before the mating can commence another hellhound interferes sending Java back to the underworld and is rude to Cyril. This hellhound creates problems and danger for our new mate but Java and Cyril with the help of Hades get their HEA. A fun read and highly recommended.
March 13, 2022
Hellhounds are awesome
With Raoul being the first Hellhound finding his fated mate in the prequel, the other Hellhounds are eager to find their own. And Java gets his chance when he stumbles over a magic user who makes his Hellhound howl.
I love that no matter how successful or powerful the Hellhounds are they are super adorable when it comes to relationships. And it was adorable to see Raoul and Java talking cuddling and Raoul giving relationships advice.
Can't wait to see who the new couple is.
With Raoul being the first Hellhound finding his fated mate in the prequel, the other Hellhounds are eager to find their own. And Java gets his chance when he stumbles over a magic user who makes his Hellhound howl.
I love that no matter how successful or powerful the Hellhounds are they are super adorable when it comes to relationships. And it was adorable to see Raoul and Java talking cuddling and Raoul giving relationships advice.
Can't wait to see who the new couple is.
April 14, 2022
Who hoo!!!
I was heartbroken at the end of cloverleah and gods... This book not only gives us a whole new group of guys but a little peak at some we've seen before.. I really hope more of the guys, and gods, show up in future books. I really miss them. On its own, this book gives us the laughter and love that you'd expect from a Lisa Oliver book and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I was heartbroken at the end of cloverleah and gods... This book not only gives us a whole new group of guys but a little peak at some we've seen before.. I really hope more of the guys, and gods, show up in future books. I really miss them. On its own, this book gives us the laughter and love that you'd expect from a Lisa Oliver book and I can't wait to see what happens next!
November 2, 2023
Fantastic read
Lisa Oliver is rapidly becoming one of my new favorite authors. This series is totally original but has fantastic characters and an awesome storyline. I love the characters that the author has created. The interactions between the characters and of course the dating missteps make the book worth reading. There is heart, humor, cuddling and of course sexy times. Overall a great read!
Lisa Oliver is rapidly becoming one of my new favorite authors. This series is totally original but has fantastic characters and an awesome storyline. I love the characters that the author has created. The interactions between the characters and of course the dating missteps make the book worth reading. There is heart, humor, cuddling and of course sexy times. Overall a great read!
December 10, 2024
shiftless.
I’d read the pre-book to this series. That’s why I picked up the first. Java and Cyril make a good pair and they’re mating goes well..
The real story in this book is about Baracus. He’s from a different pack and he has a big problem so the question left standing is are there now only 23 Hellhounds what’s to happen with Baracus.
The story ended with Java to be visited by Cyril‘s parents and by PAC mate beau And Raul and Jason headed to Scotland
I’d read the pre-book to this series. That’s why I picked up the first. Java and Cyril make a good pair and they’re mating goes well..
The real story in this book is about Baracus. He’s from a different pack and he has a big problem so the question left standing is are there now only 23 Hellhounds what’s to happen with Baracus.
The story ended with Java to be visited by Cyril‘s parents and by PAC mate beau And Raul and Jason headed to Scotland
March 8, 2022
Smexy, funny and silly all at once
Lisa again has rounded out main characters and fleshed out secondary characters to pull you into a 'real' world that seems like it would fit in real life. The humour is laugh out loud and the love scenes are hawt. Loved it, but as usual, we have to wait. Brilliant authors REALLY need to write faster
Lisa again has rounded out main characters and fleshed out secondary characters to pull you into a 'real' world that seems like it would fit in real life. The humour is laugh out loud and the love scenes are hawt. Loved it, but as usual, we have to wait. Brilliant authors REALLY need to write faster
October 23, 2023
Not for me
Personally, I didn't like the story much, there was repetition of explanations about the collars etc from previous books. There wasn't a lot of depth to it and everything was thrown at it and crammed in. I won't be reading the next book because apparently there's male pregnancy in that yuck.
Personally, I didn't like the story much, there was repetition of explanations about the collars etc from previous books. There wasn't a lot of depth to it and everything was thrown at it and crammed in. I won't be reading the next book because apparently there's male pregnancy in that yuck.
July 18, 2025
Not sure how I feel right now...
I didn't read the prequel and I felt a little lost at some of the references.
Cyril owns a sweet shop but we never get to see him make anything...I want chocolate details.
The Baracus thing was a little strange.
There weren't many steamy scenes; I wanted more connection between Cyril and Java.
I didn't read the prequel and I felt a little lost at some of the references.
Cyril owns a sweet shop but we never get to see him make anything...I want chocolate details.
The Baracus thing was a little strange.
There weren't many steamy scenes; I wanted more connection between Cyril and Java.
March 12, 2022
Just Awesome
I can not get enough. This book was everything I think a Lisa Oliver book should be and although I do enjoy her longer books sometimes it feels good to get through a book in one sitting. Please please please do Beau next.
I can not get enough. This book was everything I think a Lisa Oliver book should be and although I do enjoy her longer books sometimes it feels good to get through a book in one sitting. Please please please do Beau next.
March 12, 2022
One click purchase
This authors books are always a one click for me. They are my escape from the world,I always finish the books in a better head space, a good book can take you away.
This authors books are always a one click for me. They are my escape from the world,I always finish the books in a better head space, a good book can take you away.
March 14, 2022
Decent start to a new series.
I enjoyed the story of Cyril and Java a magical user and a hellhound but I felt the story was a bit rushed.
Hopefully the next book will be a bit better as the author settled into this new series.
Still worth reading though.
I enjoyed the story of Cyril and Java a magical user and a hellhound but I felt the story was a bit rushed.
Hopefully the next book will be a bit better as the author settled into this new series.
Still worth reading though.
March 25, 2022
Good read
This was a bit of a different one to Lisa’s usual stories but I did enjoy it. If you read Lisa’s Gods series and how Hades got his mate this will give you a bit of background about the Ali mentioned in this story. It’s not necessary to enjoy this one though.
This was a bit of a different one to Lisa’s usual stories but I did enjoy it. If you read Lisa’s Gods series and how Hades got his mate this will give you a bit of background about the Ali mentioned in this story. It’s not necessary to enjoy this one though.
November 5, 2022
Fun read
Nicely fleshed out story. Hellhounds are quickly becoming my favorite shifters next to Dragons. Love the story line as I'm familiar with this universe. Can't wait for more of their stories.
Nicely fleshed out story. Hellhounds are quickly becoming my favorite shifters next to Dragons. Love the story line as I'm familiar with this universe. Can't wait for more of their stories.
March 1, 2024
cute and cuddly
Cyril and Jason are hilarious together! Their poor mates are in trouble when those two are together!! Java is delightfully clueless about relationships and it would be fun to see how much he puts his paw in his mouth.
Cyril and Jason are hilarious together! Their poor mates are in trouble when those two are together!! Java is delightfully clueless about relationships and it would be fun to see how much he puts his paw in his mouth.
May 13, 2024
Sweets
I generally like the books written by this author. But for me, the are so similar sometimes. I will give it a 4/. I will read the next one in this series because I want to finish them.
I generally like the books written by this author. But for me, the are so similar sometimes. I will give it a 4/. I will read the next one in this series because I want to finish them.
March 7, 2022
It was kinda endearing and sweet how Java didn't know how to spoiled his mate, Cyril.
March 7, 2022
A short but cute fun story. I'm looking forward to reading more in due course.
It's a shame Folsom wasn't serving dinner!
It's a shame Folsom wasn't serving dinner!
March 10, 2022
Love some hellhounds
And finding there mates make the them turn into puppies that like being cuddled and loved. And was sweet to have Hades and Ali in the mix ...
And finding there mates make the them turn into puppies that like being cuddled and loved. And was sweet to have Hades and Ali in the mix ...
November 12, 2022
Don't read about hellhounds very often. Here is the story of Java and Cyril, only the second hellhound to find his mate. A fun tale.
Read
February 6, 2023Great
Love this book! Super sweet and cute! Really hope more information to come on someone and can't wait for the next book.
Love this book! Super sweet and cute! Really hope more information to come on someone and can't wait for the next book.
March 18, 2023
Great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews