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Hellfire and Halos #2
Retaliation
***This blurb contains spoilers from the last book. Do not read on if you have not already read Ruination (Hellfire and Halos, book 1)***
Heaven and Hell be damned—she is his. And he will get her back, so help him God.
Giselle
He'd killed me. I finally thought I had a chance at happiness and that winged bastard ruined everything.
But the wonderful thing about demons is we keep coming back. And this time I'm not alone. Together with my siblings, we'll rain unholy terror on this Earth the way we were created to do. We will bring this world to its knees.
Or at least my siblings will. I can't seem to get my body to cooperate.
Lucas broke me, and if I see him again, I will make him regret the day his angelic ass came into existence.
I will make him suffer, if it's the last thing I do.
Lucas
I'd killed her. I had heaven in my hands, and I ruined it.
But I will get her back, so help me God. I've been given a second chance, and I plan to use it to fix the sins of my past.
I'm finally being sent back to Earth on a probationary mission. But one slip-up and I will lose my eternal soul. And I don't care. I will find my Hellion and win her back, even if it means my ruin.
Good thing I'm an angel who specializes in hunting demons. She has never been able to evade me for long in the past. I may not be her angel anymore, but she will always belong to me.
I just need to make her see that before it's too late.
*** Retaliation is the second book in the Hellfire and Halos trilogy, a steamy enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance. This book contains mature language and some very spicy sexual situations. It ends on a minor cliffhanger and picks right back up in the final book, Redemption (Hellfire and Halos, Book 3). ***
Heaven and Hell be damned—she is his. And he will get her back, so help him God.
Giselle
He'd killed me. I finally thought I had a chance at happiness and that winged bastard ruined everything.
But the wonderful thing about demons is we keep coming back. And this time I'm not alone. Together with my siblings, we'll rain unholy terror on this Earth the way we were created to do. We will bring this world to its knees.
Or at least my siblings will. I can't seem to get my body to cooperate.
Lucas broke me, and if I see him again, I will make him regret the day his angelic ass came into existence.
I will make him suffer, if it's the last thing I do.
Lucas
I'd killed her. I had heaven in my hands, and I ruined it.
But I will get her back, so help me God. I've been given a second chance, and I plan to use it to fix the sins of my past.
I'm finally being sent back to Earth on a probationary mission. But one slip-up and I will lose my eternal soul. And I don't care. I will find my Hellion and win her back, even if it means my ruin.
Good thing I'm an angel who specializes in hunting demons. She has never been able to evade me for long in the past. I may not be her angel anymore, but she will always belong to me.
I just need to make her see that before it's too late.
*** Retaliation is the second book in the Hellfire and Halos trilogy, a steamy enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance. This book contains mature language and some very spicy sexual situations. It ends on a minor cliffhanger and picks right back up in the final book, Redemption (Hellfire and Halos, Book 3). ***
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2022
109 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Baker
10 books43 followersTeacher 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 8, 2023
I loved it, had a great time. I will read the next one.
December 20, 2024
Binging a series always sounds like a great idea in the beginning but then as I get further along I start to lose that excitement that I had at the end of book one.
I loved Ruination, the idea of this cat and mouse game between Angels and Demons was really exciting.
Retaliation (book 2) picks up with our favorite Angel searching for Giselle to right the wrong he committed.
We get a better look at the dynamics of her demon “family”, we get to meet her infamous mother and siblings.
The connection between her and Mark is explained.
The “secret project” Zain has been working on is revealed.
I like that a lot of the questions I had in Ruination are being answered and I’m committed to finding out what will happen to Giselle and Lucas.
I am going to take a break before starting Redemption because I don’t want to burn myself out, I want to be able to start back up with a fresh outlook on things.
I loved Ruination, the idea of this cat and mouse game between Angels and Demons was really exciting.
Retaliation (book 2) picks up with our favorite Angel searching for Giselle to right the wrong he committed.
We get a better look at the dynamics of her demon “family”, we get to meet her infamous mother and siblings.
The connection between her and Mark is explained.
The “secret project” Zain has been working on is revealed.
I like that a lot of the questions I had in Ruination are being answered and I’m committed to finding out what will happen to Giselle and Lucas.
I am going to take a break before starting Redemption because I don’t want to burn myself out, I want to be able to start back up with a fresh outlook on things.
November 13, 2022
I have to say: this book is different from the first one. Where the first one was all about exploration between Giselle and Lucas. This one is all about confirmation about what is between those two.
The first one was proper fire but this one got my heart. What I can say? I’m a sucker for romantic stories.
We don’t have much spicy scenes but even those one, they were related about how they felt for each other, it was much more deeper (see what I did here? 😏).
The only « downside » if we can call this, it’s the plot. I mentioned it in my previous review, but we kinda miss the bigger plot. It arrives at the end. Ok, I said I love romantic stories, where Lucas is going after Giselle and Giselle goes against what her brain wants and follows what her heart (and 90% of her body) wants, but a threat above theirs heads a bit sooner would have been welcome.
But overall, this serie is getting better and I can’t wait for the last book!
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
The much anticipated sequel to Ruination is finally here! I absolutely loved the new twists Baker has added to this world, allowing Giselle (or Elle as she's going by now), a glimpse into a Demon's family by grouping her with her siblings on her next trek topside on Earth to spread their chaos & destruction. There are plenty of new obstacles for Lucas too, since part of his punishment is to prepare new recruits to be ready to receive their demon assignments to eradicate.
The new characters are a breath of fresh air since it's hard to imagine where Lucas and Elle will go from here. Understandably, there's a hefty amount of spite, aptly named retaliation, and uncertainty between the two while they battle against how they're drawn to each other at every turn. The spice is (chef's kiss) and even more forbidden than before making it that much more. The cliffhanger she leaves us on isn't quite AS bad as the first, though prepare for plenty of irritation in needing to know how this series will wrap up on the next and final book coming out soon!
The new characters are a breath of fresh air since it's hard to imagine where Lucas and Elle will go from here. Understandably, there's a hefty amount of spite, aptly named retaliation, and uncertainty between the two while they battle against how they're drawn to each other at every turn. The spice is (chef's kiss) and even more forbidden than before making it that much more. The cliffhanger she leaves us on isn't quite AS bad as the first, though prepare for plenty of irritation in needing to know how this series will wrap up on the next and final book coming out soon!
July 10, 2023
Elle is back but she’s not alone. With memories intact, she’s having an interesting time trying to be the evil succubus again. With new characters in tow, it proves rather difficult for her.
Lucas has dealt with his punishment in Heaven and goes back to earth with another Angel as part of the young Warrior Angel’s training. And of course Zain trying to monitor Lucas’ every step.
This one is funny (of course), Ty is a GREAT addition to this book (I think I’m a little in love) and the other newcomers will have you going through the gamut of emotions (at least they did for me).
Fantastic read, lots of spice and an ending that’s all over the place in your head as you read. Will there be an epic battle of demons and angels? Will one of our MCs get killed - leaving the other alone again? Will Ty end up paying the price for the love of an Angel and Demon?? And the hook at the end leaves me launching myself into Redemption.
Lucas has dealt with his punishment in Heaven and goes back to earth with another Angel as part of the young Warrior Angel’s training. And of course Zain trying to monitor Lucas’ every step.
This one is funny (of course), Ty is a GREAT addition to this book (I think I’m a little in love) and the other newcomers will have you going through the gamut of emotions (at least they did for me).
Fantastic read, lots of spice and an ending that’s all over the place in your head as you read. Will there be an epic battle of demons and angels? Will one of our MCs get killed - leaving the other alone again? Will Ty end up paying the price for the love of an Angel and Demon?? And the hook at the end leaves me launching myself into Redemption.
November 17, 2022
Holy Hanna was this book hot 🔥. I kept fanning myself as I read it. This was the perfect continuation to the first book. Giselle is back topside with all her memories in tact. Her resolve is to forget Lucas and his betrayal. Only Lucas won’t let her. Although he has been punished, he vows to find his demon and make things right.
This time Giselle didn’t come back alone. She has her brother and two sisters with her. They’ve been on the move since coming topside in an effort to stay ahead of the new Angel on their tail. Loved her brother, the sisters not so much. So much was going on with so much more to come. There were a few surprises and one of them gave me heart tingles.
Looking forward to the 3rd book. Can’t wait to see how this all plays out.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
This time Giselle didn’t come back alone. She has her brother and two sisters with her. They’ve been on the move since coming topside in an effort to stay ahead of the new Angel on their tail. Loved her brother, the sisters not so much. So much was going on with so much more to come. There were a few surprises and one of them gave me heart tingles.
Looking forward to the 3rd book. Can’t wait to see how this all plays out.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
November 24, 2022
I was about to be BIG mad at that ending. But it concluded nicely. The cliffy wasn't as bad as book one. Fooled me!!
Look, Lucas had A LOT of making up to do, and when I say he fully surpassed his behavior from book one, he sure the hell did 🥵
"All of your pleasure," Lucas continued, "is mine. Give it to me."
And that she did. When these two finally. FINALLY connected and Lucas staked his claim,
"And you will always be mine until the sun stops setting and the world ceases to turn, until the heavens come crashing down and the flames of Hell consume whatever is left. You. Are. Mine.”
It gave me butterflies because they would literally fight heaven and hell to be together.
I cannot wait to see how this story wraps up in book three because they have a lot of ass kicking to do if they want to pull out alive!!
Look, Lucas had A LOT of making up to do, and when I say he fully surpassed his behavior from book one, he sure the hell did 🥵
"All of your pleasure," Lucas continued, "is mine. Give it to me."
And that she did. When these two finally. FINALLY connected and Lucas staked his claim,
"And you will always be mine until the sun stops setting and the world ceases to turn, until the heavens come crashing down and the flames of Hell consume whatever is left. You. Are. Mine.”
It gave me butterflies because they would literally fight heaven and hell to be together.
I cannot wait to see how this story wraps up in book three because they have a lot of ass kicking to do if they want to pull out alive!!
November 28, 2022
When I say I’ve been counting down the days until this book was released, it’s an understatement. And boy, did it surpass all my expectations! The love I have for these characters is unmatched. Giselle is one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve ever come across, and this novel took that to a whole new level. Her growth in book one never dissipates, but we get to see how the hurt and betrayal she faced at the hands of Lucas challenges that. We also get to see how her new outlook effects her relationship with other demons (aka siblings) which I think was a really awesome touch, almost a direct parallel to how much she has changed. Not to mention the ever-unfolding conflict, spice (omg🥵), groveling, and so much more. I just loved this with every ounce of my being. 5/5 stars, 3.5/5 spice. J. N. Baker never fails✨
November 23, 2022
The daughter of Satan is back, and mad as...well, you know. After her last journey on earth ended with betrayal by the angel she loved, Elle swore she would make him pay. But when they both end up in Las Vegas, well, things get hot.
Lucas doesn't care if he has to fall from heaven or not...He wants his fiery demon back in his arms...and his bed. After thousands of years of hunting her, he has finally realized that she is different. She has a soul. And that soul has captured his angelic heart. They shouldn't be together, but together they are both stronger. But can her keep her alive long enough to make her his again?
Whoa, baby! This one steamed up my Kindle, lol. Lots of fabulous contained in these pages, but the heat level is High!
Lucas doesn't care if he has to fall from heaven or not...He wants his fiery demon back in his arms...and his bed. After thousands of years of hunting her, he has finally realized that she is different. She has a soul. And that soul has captured his angelic heart. They shouldn't be together, but together they are both stronger. But can her keep her alive long enough to make her his again?
Whoa, baby! This one steamed up my Kindle, lol. Lots of fabulous contained in these pages, but the heat level is High!
November 21, 2022
Holy SHIT!!!! I can’t get enough of this series and the characters!!!
So Giselle is back in the word of the living, ready for revenge on Lucas. However, this time she isn’t alone! She’s accompanied by her brother and her (half) twin sisters! What beautiful chaos they create! I have to admit I adore her brother, but I’m not a huge fan of the twins! Anyways, the plan is to make Lucas regret ever killing her…… but plans are made to fall apart! 😉 Lucas, however, after years of punishment gets to go back out hunting also, but he’s not hunting the way he used to.
This book is ridiculously HOT! And I couldn’t get enough of it! Can’t wait for the third book!
So Giselle is back in the word of the living, ready for revenge on Lucas. However, this time she isn’t alone! She’s accompanied by her brother and her (half) twin sisters! What beautiful chaos they create! I have to admit I adore her brother, but I’m not a huge fan of the twins! Anyways, the plan is to make Lucas regret ever killing her…… but plans are made to fall apart! 😉 Lucas, however, after years of punishment gets to go back out hunting also, but he’s not hunting the way he used to.
This book is ridiculously HOT! And I couldn’t get enough of it! Can’t wait for the third book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
So good I was up well into the wee hours in the morning! I love this take on angels and demons. After the cliffhanger of book one j have been itching to dive into book two. It didn’t disappoint! Good vs evil, emotional whiplash and an great story line with heat! Couldn’t ask for more! 26 years later Giselle is back on earth and Lucas is about to get his first assignment since he broke Angel rules. So well written and even the side characters are going to offer up some feels! Some good some wanting you to breath fire but a whole package story!
November 27, 2022
J.N. Baker- you outdid yourself again!!! "Elle" is back on earth with her memories intact, and Lucas is dealing with the repercussions from the end of Ruination. Excellent new characters, I LOVED Ty, and even Rhea and Mia. Please, please, please tell met that this isn't the last that we'll see of Ty.
The twists towards the end (not going to spoil), and the return of two characters from the first book that I didn't expect to see was woven into the story seamlessly.
My only complaint is that I now have to wait for #3.
The twists towards the end (not going to spoil), and the return of two characters from the first book that I didn't expect to see was woven into the story seamlessly.
My only complaint is that I now have to wait for #3.
April 5, 2025
Holy moly that was not at all where I thought this story was going to go and I am not mad about it!
Giselle and Lucas are so good together and the added side characters in this book were great.
Lucas continues to surprise me and I love how much he loves Giselle. I do wish he had needed to grovel a bit more because he deserved far worse than what Giselle put him through.
I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to see how she ends this story with the last book.
The spice wasn’t a lot in this book but it was great, the blossoming love was also chefs kiss!
Giselle and Lucas are so good together and the added side characters in this book were great.
Lucas continues to surprise me and I love how much he loves Giselle. I do wish he had needed to grovel a bit more because he deserved far worse than what Giselle put him through.
I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to see how she ends this story with the last book.
The spice wasn’t a lot in this book but it was great, the blossoming love was also chefs kiss!
May 21, 2025
3.5 stars. I don't think I'll be continuing the series, but there's nothing really that wrong with this book, I guess. It's a super repetitive storyline that I got bored with very quickly (angel shows up, she yells at him and runs away, we get a ton of inner monologuing and arguing with her brother, rinse and repeat). The drama with her sisters seemed entirely unnecessary, surely her father could have just POOF'ed her home. Dude is still dropping feathers everywhere and seems unconcerned about discovering the reason. I guess the bravery from the lackey at the end was refreshing.
November 21, 2022
Wow.... I couldn't wait to till book 2 came out in Hellfire and Halos and let me tell you it was worth every second of agony. This book touched all your feels. You rooted for Giselle one minute then you find yourself rooting for Lucas. Giselle remembers everything and is wanting Lucas to pay, but Lucas is determined to get her to forgive him. I tell you you want wanna put this one down people. It is well worth the read.
All I can say is Wow.....
I very highly recommend this book.....
All I can say is Wow.....
I very highly recommend this book.....
November 22, 2022
And this author has done it again. This is a fantastic read with tons of spice and heat. The story between the demon and the angel takes you on a ride that has you wondering where it’s going to end. Will Giselle die again, will Lucas have his wings revoked forever? Or will Zain intercede and make the decision on both their lives. Full of detail, full of emotion, and story. The tail ending, I’m not telling you lol. All I can say is I’m ready for book 3.
November 16, 2022
Satisfying continuation of the Hellfire and Halos series. Elle and Lucas pick up on their adventure and have some new obstacles to overcome. The spice is not lacking in this series ahem "hint hint". Great new take on angels and demons. I really enjoyed reading this book as well as the first and I cannot wait for more!
November 20, 2022
Amazing second book in the hellfire and halos series. It follows along with Giselle and Lucas's adventures and their spicy times. Giselle ends up going back up top and she's brought some of her family with her. Let's just say this story doesn't lack anything it has adventure action, spice and more. Be sure to read the first book before reading this one and I can't wait to read more
November 21, 2022
Giselle is back! And it’s fun. Lucas gets to return to earth and wants Giselle back, but will she allow him back into her life, or act on her plans of revenge?
Holy hell, the heat between the two!
First book has to be read in order to follow along this story line. So worth it. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Holy hell, the heat between the two!
First book has to be read in order to follow along this story line. So worth it. Can’t wait to read the next one.
November 24, 2022
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out! I loved the first part of this book. So much groveling and angst and pining. Tyson was a great new character, and it was cool to see Mark again and get that reveal. The end of the book was exciting, and I can’t wait to see how they get out this and get their HEA.
January 5, 2023
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I read the first one and I finally got a copy of it and I really enjoyed it! I did feel like some parts were a tad repetitive, but the groveling, new characters, and revisiting of old characters definitely made up for it. The ending was also more unexpected than I anticipated which was great. I will be impatiently waiting for the third book.
July 9, 2023
Someone should tell Zain that Karma is a b!tch
Holy Schmoly….this story is way more than I expected…the passion, the love, the pure hated….I just didn’t expect the full gambit of emotions.
Giselle and Lucas have so much stacked against them, but the love they feel for one another is unmatched….and hopefully that will pull them closer to their HEA.
Holy Schmoly….this story is way more than I expected…the passion, the love, the pure hated….I just didn’t expect the full gambit of emotions.
Giselle and Lucas have so much stacked against them, but the love they feel for one another is unmatched….and hopefully that will pull them closer to their HEA.
August 8, 2025
This book was almost a DNF for me. But I am so glad I stuck through it. It was so good and does anyone love Tyson? Her sisters are awful but Tyson is hilarious. I loved the banter in this book and the way Lucas proved himself to her. I mean Lucas is just amazing but after reading this book I am hoping Tyson gets a book cause he is hilarious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2022
So excited to have the characters back! Love the new characters as well, her brother and the twins! Definitely a can't put down, suck you right in! Loved it! One of my favorite takes on Angel's and demons.
November 25, 2022
Giselle and Lucas are back with some great new supporting characters in the shape of Tyson and Raziel. Oh yeah and those evil demon twins! The 2nd book in the “Hellfire and Halos” series is just as hot as the first. A slow build up to what turns out to be an explosive finale!
January 11, 2023
Woah
Highly recommend this book! Great continuation from book 1. Love how the characters are interwoven.
Lots of 🔥🔥🔥 and a crazy cliff hanger ending! Cannot wait for the next book!
Highly recommend this book! Great continuation from book 1. Love how the characters are interwoven.
Lots of 🔥🔥🔥 and a crazy cliff hanger ending! Cannot wait for the next book!
April 23, 2023
I HAVE TO WAIT 2 MORE MONTHS FOR THE NEXT BOOK???? 😩😩😩😩😩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Wow this book was good! Kept me captivated the whole time, just like the first one. Lucas & Giselle are 🥰❤️🥰❤️ I’m not sure how else to say it! I love them
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Wow this book was good! Kept me captivated the whole time, just like the first one. Lucas & Giselle are 🥰❤️🥰❤️ I’m not sure how else to say it! I love them
January 13, 2024
Angels and Demons
While I can appreciate the story, at this point it's feeling very dragged out and repetitive. This absolutely could have been a duet and not a trilogy. I'll be putting it down and taking a break before book three.
While I can appreciate the story, at this point it's feeling very dragged out and repetitive. This absolutely could have been a duet and not a trilogy. I'll be putting it down and taking a break before book three.
May 25, 2024
chef’s kiss!
Oy, I love this so much!
It’s GOOOOOD! From a random video on TikTok to me running to KU to read it, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m here for it all!
Angels, demons, spice oh my!
Running to book 3, see ya!
Oy, I love this so much!
It’s GOOOOOD! From a random video on TikTok to me running to KU to read it, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m here for it all!
Angels, demons, spice oh my!
Running to book 3, see ya!
November 19, 2022
WOW.
I LOVED the continuation of this story! Picks right up where Ruination left off.
I was fully engaged with the story from the first page and cannot wait to see what happens next.
I LOVED the continuation of this story! Picks right up where Ruination left off.
I was fully engaged with the story from the first page and cannot wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews