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When the fires of Hell and the wrath of Heaven collide, will they escape unscathed, or will they be consumed by the flames?

Lucas


She's been put on this earth to wreak havoc and spread chaos. She's done it for centuries, ruining everything and everyone she touches.
It's what demons like her do.
And angels like me stop her. I've been tasked with killing her each time her blackened soul resurrects, sending her back to Hell. It's a dance we've done for centuries. And I've never failed at completing my mission.
Until now.
She's returned different this time. She doesn't seem to remember me or what she is. And the longer I'm around her, the more I find I'm forgetting myself.
If I'm not careful, she'll drag me straight into the bowels of Hell with her.

Giselle

I'm not all that surprised to find out I have a stalker. It's pretty par for the course for my life. Just my luck he's hot as hell—and entirely crazy.
He claims he's an angel sent from Heaven to kill me, and he's turning my already shitty world upside down and lighting it on fire.
And my life isn't the only thing he's got burning. The to-die-for man could make a saint sin.
Too bad he thinks I'm a demon who needs to be sent back to Hell. Like I said, he's off his holy rocker.
But the longer I spend with him, the more I feel like I'm right where I'm meant to be. Even if that means in the end, he'll ruin me.


*** Ruination is the first book in the Hellfire and Halos trilogy, a steamy enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance. CONTENT WARNING: This book contains mature language and some very spicy sexual situations. It also has some very brief scenes of stalking, assault, and violence. This book ends in a cliffhanger and picks right back up in Retaliation (Hellfire and Halos #2). ***

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2022

290 people are currently reading
1913 people want to read

About the author

J.N. Baker

10 books43 followers
Teacher by day and writer by night, J.N. Baker has been telling stories since she was old enough to read them. With a passion for both urban fantasy and paranormal romance, J.N. Baker loves to write post-apocalyptic stories with complicated, badass female leads that have no filters. She believes that a sign of a good book is the sudden urge to throw it across the room and run to pick it back up. A healthy dash of steamy romance doesn't hurt either.

J.N. Baker lives with her husband and new daughter on their farm in California. When she isn't writing or teaching, she enjoys curling up with a good book, a glass of wine, and one of her many furry critters.
Find her page on Facebook to follow more of her writing shenanigans.

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5 stars
320 (38%)
4 stars
262 (31%)
3 stars
192 (23%)
2 stars
43 (5%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Ailís.
129 reviews26 followers
December 16, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Type: Angels & Demons
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
FMC: Demon, sassy, strong & hilarious
MMC: Angel, big grump, prudish and hot AF

This was my first J.N. Baker book and I was not disappointed.

I had been scrolling through FB when I came across a request for books like Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick but with smut - I devoured that series; Patch had my 16 year old self in a choke hold - I was obsessed with the series.

So, when someone recommended the Hellfire & Halos series, I jumped right in.

Giselle is a Demon who is sent to earth to create chaos amongst the humans - she thrives on it, it’s as natural as breathing to her.

Lucas is an angel whose sole purpose is to continually track and kill Giselle through her many lives over the last few centuries. Lucas is laser focused on his task and will do what is required of him without dissent.

But this time Giselle has changed and isn’t exactly acting like the demon temptress Lucas knows she is. She appears more human in nature and Lucas ends up caring for her.

Lucas faces a dilemma, throw it all away for a demon? Or commit a horrible betrayal?

The ending almost ended me; I was gobsmacked. 🤯

I was starting to dislike Lucas toward the end of the book, simply because he refused to admit to his feelings - he started thinking of Giselle as an object to be used and discarded when the time came. So when the betrayal happened at the end and how he convinced himself that she had somehow manipulated him into being with her, I was pissed. When he so casually killed her and left her bleeding out as he walked away? I was furious.

When a book came make me feel like that, the writing is usually pretty good. The pacing was fairly fast and kept me tearing through the pages to see where this story would take the MCs

I loved Giselle - I thought she was a breath of fresh air. (I’ve been reading about too many Mary Sue’s lately) She takes no shit from Lucas - in any of her lifetimes. I loved that she was able to let herself finally feel for Lucas as she seemed to have buried it in previous lives. But in doing so, let herself be vulnerable and got severely bit for her troubles.

I am excited to see where Baker takes Giselle and Lucas and IF he can redeem himself after such a harsh betrayal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ang.
18 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2022
Indulgent slow burn about preternaturally hot people cat and mouse-ing.
The chaos following Giselle was a fun thread throughout. Lucas was a bit one dimensional for a bazillion year old dude, but I suppose that’ll happen when you have only one purpose in your life(existence? Idk he’s eternal). Giselle’s behavior makes sense due to her nature, Lucas’ does not. I believe him to be the true villain of the story and will elaborate below. 🤗
SPOILERS
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So can we talk about the ending? Because Giselle figured it all out, felt horrible about her very existence despite living a human life for the first time, said he should have just k*lled her, and gave Lucas an out before he damned himself fully, even stopping him and asking if he was sure. THEN HE WENT FOR IT OF COURSE. And as soon as he began to experience the consequences which **he knew** were coming, he had a little change up?! LEAVE IT TO A MAN TO BE SO WISHY WASHY. The kids call this “post-nut clarity” and I call it bullllllsh.
So then she goes back to hell, because he wanted his job back.

If Giselle doesn’t absolutely annihilate him in book two, I will be sorely disappointed.
DON’T FORGIVE HIM GISELLE I STG
Profile Image for Tatiana.
3 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2022
This is my first time reading J.N Baker and I have to say I am not disappointed!

I really didn't have expectations but Ruination was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The slow burn between the two characters was killing me. I was ready to jump into their world and push them into each other so they can access to their desire. I really like how she wrote the 🌶 scenes because there was a beautiful flow to it. Not cringe at all. You know it's a women who wrote this.

I put a 4 stars because I quite like to have a bigger plot behind a story, and this started to arrive towards the end. So I can't wait to read Retaliation because I want to know more! Especially after this cliffhanger!

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Erin.
301 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2025
I mean.. it was good churn and burn but that whole last couple of chapters. No thank you.
Profile Image for Erica.
218 reviews19 followers
October 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶🌶

One thing I love about urban fantasy is it's relatable to every day life,

"I liked my morally gray characters like I liked my ink—on paper."

This had a slow start to it, but once it picked up speed, it really took off. I loved all the action in this.

Insert Mark, I thought maaaaaybe he would be the white knight, and he had an adorable danger floof to protect Giselle with. Nope, the big scary detective was run off, but the even scarier angel.

Enemies to lovers... to enemies
One bed
Stalker vibes
Touch her and you ☠️
Bad-A FMC

Look Lucas, if you could kindly make up your mind because you're giving us whiplash over here..

“Hearing you scream my name is the most glorious sound to ever touch my ears,”

I absolutely was not expecting the ending and can't wait to see how Giselle comes back with a vengeance
Profile Image for Shay Swartzmiller.
37 reviews
July 16, 2022
🔥🔥🔥

I cannot wait for book 2 to be published! This one by far the best slow burn romance I've read in awhile.
Profile Image for Madison Wall.
19 reviews
January 5, 2025
I loved reading this. It was fast-paced and different. It was my book club's January read and I finished it within the first week.
Profile Image for Julie.
46 reviews
October 12, 2023
Super repetitive throughout most of this book. Ending was good. Book 2 was better.
Profile Image for Sam.
49 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2022
ARC team review - Great fresh take on Angels and Demons. This book is HOT! Ms. Baker does a great job in this new series!! They've been enemies for thousands of years .... But what happens when she doesn't remember what she is? I can't wait for the next book in this series. Great job Jen!!
Profile Image for Michaela Marie.
30 reviews
August 1, 2022
3.5 ⭐
Spice: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Dialogue: 4.5/5

A steamy story about an angel & a demon. Forbidden romance. Enemies to lovers trope. Easy read and entertaining. Spice was good 🌶️
Profile Image for SJ Meares.
Author 3 books15 followers
August 22, 2024
Good but a bit confusing

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. There's a lot of possibility created for this world and I hope I get to see more of it in the books to come. As an enemies to lovers trilogy, so far I can see it. However, I've stayed a bit confused. I don't understand how they could have fought for centuries but never felt anything until that particular day and I don't understand what happened with her memories. Surely these questions will be answered in the next books.

The spicy was good, a bit slow burn and not extremely graphic. Not a lot of action and violence, or use of abilities which was a bit disappointing. All in all a good, interesting take on angels vs demons and I look forward to whatever comes next.

Does end on a cliffhanger and no HEA in this book. Fingers crossed it comes by the end of the trilogy. 18+
Profile Image for Karina.
580 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2025
3.5 stars.

This is a beach read for sure, not too much depth to it and I finished it in under a day. I was lured in via Tiktok by the one quip about being a Ken doll, hoping for some witty banter between the two main characters. Tragically, there was next to none, because we never saw that version of the FMC. We never found out why she lost her memory, or why she got it back.

My only real critique is that it was all just so...surface level. We didn't really get banter, we didn't get pining, we did get a confused virgin angel but he was kinda a twat about it the whole time. The spice was okay, happened very suddenly.

A lot of potential, I actually am going to give the second book a try because I'm hoping now that the FMC is out for some vengeance, we'll get some more personality.
Profile Image for Heather Rainwater-Alvarado.
399 reviews18 followers
June 3, 2023
ADDICTIVE New Series!

I was captivated by the unique new world and characters that Baker has given us. The concept is fresh & new, with her own spice & twists to it. Giselle & Lucas are a deliciously forbidden couple making the story that much more intriguing to see what will happen in their journey. The humor is perfect, and Giselle has the perfect amount of crass that you would expect from a demoness. Fair warning, this series will be SPICY which not only piqued my interest, but kept me addicted to the very end. In true Baker fashion though, there is a MASSIVE cliffhanger that may or may not make you throw your book (or kindle). It'll make you need the next book in the series IMMEDIATELY!
Profile Image for Selena Spiropoulos.
360 reviews13 followers
December 18, 2024
Loved this story!
Loved the idea of an Angel having a specific demon “mark” that they hunt. Demons get cycled back into human society and the game of cat and mouse continues.
Giselle (our Demon) is hunted by Lucas (our Angel), when she sacrifices herself to save a little human boy a shift occurs and when she comes back she doesn’t remember she’s a demon or that Lucas is hunting her.
There’s an obvious attraction but because she doesn’t remember being a demon, Lucas holds off on killing her.
Is she playing possum to throw him off or does she really not remember what she is?
The book ends on a cliffhanger but it isn’t an abrupt ending. It perfectly sets the stage for their next encounter, and she’s out for blood.
27 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2025
"Dance of Angels and Demons" is a captivating romance novel that follows Lucas, an angel, and Giselle, a mortal woman, who come from vastly different worlds. Their unexpected love defies expectations, forcing them to navigate emotional challenges and confront their beliefs. The story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil as the couple faces external threats.

With engaging writing and vivid scenes, the novel skillfully balances action and emotional depth. Secondary characters add richness, highlighting their own struggles and enhancing the overall narrative. The book poses profound questions about love and destiny, ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution. It's a memorable tale that emphasizes the resilience of love amid chaos.
12 reviews
March 18, 2025
Very intriguing read

At first, I wasn't sure if I would like the book or not. However, the more I read, the more interesting it became.
I love a good slow burn, and it definitely burned 🔥 It's enemies to lovers and right back to enemies. This forbidden romance is just hot as hell, pun intended.
Can't wait to read the next books to see how this plays out. Cause I'm hoping Giselle and Lucas find a way to be together, regardless to the fact that she's a demon and he's an angel.
It would have been rated 5⭐️ but there were some typos, and the fact that it got a little repetitive up until the end.
Still worth the read, and definitely worth recommending.
Profile Image for Lauren Loubert.
87 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2022
Holy mother of ice and fire! Whoa. What a roller-coaster! The slow burn kept me desperately wanting more. The developing relationship between Lucas & Giselle was fantastic! That ending? Caught me off guard for sure. I hope we get to see more of the detective in the next book. This was my first time reading a book by Jen and I LOVED it! Will be checking out her other work for sure while I wait for more of the Hellfire & Halos story.

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
104 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2022
Wow Mama this Book is Hot.....
Lucas and Giselle shore do know how to steam things up.... Angel and Demon don't go together, tongue in cheek, or do they.....
This is a wild roller coaster ride here, you don't know whether you are going up or down. Poor Giselle doesn't know which way to turn. How is she gonna get out of this fix. Is Lucas a good guy or a bad guy, boy is he good to look at though 😉, but they do go round and round.
That ending though, Wow what a doozy.
I was given this book as an arc for an honest review....
I very highly recommend this book......
Profile Image for Liza.
1 review2 followers
July 29, 2023
The entire trilogy is a page turner stay up until the wee hours ignore all other adulting until you finish trope. The spice is SPICY with a side of spice, but also really well done! I can honestly say that I can never see or hear the word "again" without thinking of this series... IYKYK...

The world building, the character development, the thought placed in how cohesive the story was as a whole was TOP NOTCH. Absolutely a 12/10 for me. Very well done and will add to my re-read pile for the future.
Profile Image for Andireads.
164 reviews
March 29, 2025
Wow this was really good! I went into this not knowing what to expect but absolutely loved this ride!
Giselle is so relatable and I found myself laughing SO much - she is every dark romance girlie and I love her, her sense of humor and fire!
I can’t believe the ending Lucas just lost a lot of points in my book and I’m excited to see Gisele get even in the next book.
Definitely a recommended read from me the spice was excellent, the banter was delicious definitely a new favorite author for me!
Profile Image for Samantha.
23 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Steamy!
Hot!
Spicy!

Absolutely loved this book. Elle is such an amazing mc because she’s not “typical”. Elle’s a demon but she doesn’t know that. When we catch up to Elle in the story we find out she lost her memory and being hunted by an angel. To bad for Elle that her hunter is hot as h*** and she can’t seem to resist him. Maybe not to bad though because omg 😱🔥🌶. This book will absolutely leave you wanting for more. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Arielle stahl.
732 reviews10 followers
May 9, 2022
Holy hells bells this book was a whole other level of hot. The main characters Giselle and Lucas are complete opposite's her being a demon and him an angel and all that. The many lives these two live through get more and more exciting. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
If your looking for a wild ride look no further. J.n. baker is an amazing author and will leave you wanting more.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,603 reviews27 followers
May 10, 2022
Jen comes in swinging with this new series! Honestly I don’t know that I have ever read a story quite like this. Angels vs Demons has been done but she comes in and puts her own spin on it. A page turning, addictive series with heat and heart that will have you glued to the pages. And HOLY HOT CAKES that ending was wow! I think this is going to be a series I will be glued too! Cannot wait for book two!
Profile Image for Sara L.
504 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2022
This book was amazing and exactly what I needed. It was so riveting I couldn’t put it down. The forbidden romance and angst was chef’s kiss. The slow burn of it all was impeccable. Watching Lucas struggle with his duty and desire was really interesting. Giselle was a super fun heroine, especially in that epilogue. I can’t wait to see her fuck Lucas up in the next book. I love the premise of this book and am hoping for even more world building in the next one.
Profile Image for Mariah3178.
367 reviews
July 31, 2022
I didn’t realize the second book wasn’t out yet and now I am so sad because this one was so good. I just need to find out what happens next because Lucas gonna need so much groveling. Like if I were Giselle I wouldn’t even go back to him after what he did. I would make him wish he never did what he did. I hope Giselle has her girl boss moment and destroy Lucas and then make him regret everything he’s ever done.
Profile Image for Ciree.
17 reviews
April 23, 2023
WOW !!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This book had me hooked from jump and I finished it in like 8 hours. It was SO GOOD!! I’m immediately starting the second one. I’m also adding EVERYTHING this person writes to my TBR list because wow!

They created perfect scenes for me to picture in my head. Details but not too many. The smut scenes were perfectly written and just the right amount. The plot! All of it! So food!
129 reviews
May 5, 2022
Holy mother of hot! What a roller coaster of fire and ice! Anyone of the Pearl clutching sort might wanna take a few shots of tequila before diving in. Maybe keep an extra set of pearls handy too. Absolutely frigging entertaining and leaving me wanting more! More and then some pretty please! I cannot wait to read the second book, after such a great build up and the potential is enormous!!
Profile Image for Lynne.
177 reviews
May 11, 2022
Oh boy! J N Baker is on fire 🔥 with this one! A grumpy angel who can’t make up his mind whether to kill, save or make love to the demon of chaos! If you like an enemies to lovers romance that has tons of spice, then this is for you. And that ending, didn’t see that one coming - oh wow!

I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Hayley Briana.
Author 18 books57 followers
May 20, 2022
This was my first time reading JN Baker and I was not disappointed! From the beginning I was hooked to the story! It was a slow burn with our main characters fighting their draw to each other and I ate it up. Who doesn’t love a good enemy to lovers story. That cliffhanger got me though and I’m so ready for book 2!

ARC reader**
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