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Hell Bent #4
Guardian Demon
A demon with a forgotten past…
Raum is the quiet one who rarely smiles. He’s felt numb since Heaven wiped his memory as punishment for crimes he can’t remember. His only relief comes from his penchant for theft and his unusual connection with animals. That is until he crosses paths with a beautiful angel who traps him with the worst kind of blackmail…
An angel searching for redemption…
A loyal servant of Heaven, Sunshine is fighting to regain her rank and redeem her shameful past. Tasked with retrieving a grimoire from Hell, she binds Raum into her service with an unbreakable contract. He must help her navigate the underworld or lose everything he holds dear. But her ruthless plan backfires when she finds herself drawn to him like a moth to a flame…
A forbidden desire… Giving in means sacrificing everything.
The rivalry between demons and angels is ancient and deep, yet it can’t extinguish their scorching attraction. But when hints of Raum’s past finally come to light, a web of deception and betrayal is revealed that changes everything…
Guardian Demon is an enemies-to-forbidden-lovers, grumpy/sunshine paranormal romance, featuring a lovable anti-hero who shifts into a crow and likes shiny things, and a curvy, kick-ass heroine with a big heart. As always, it contains violence, explicit scenes (involving a demon in his demon form), and excessive profanity.
Raum is the quiet one who rarely smiles. He’s felt numb since Heaven wiped his memory as punishment for crimes he can’t remember. His only relief comes from his penchant for theft and his unusual connection with animals. That is until he crosses paths with a beautiful angel who traps him with the worst kind of blackmail…
An angel searching for redemption…
A loyal servant of Heaven, Sunshine is fighting to regain her rank and redeem her shameful past. Tasked with retrieving a grimoire from Hell, she binds Raum into her service with an unbreakable contract. He must help her navigate the underworld or lose everything he holds dear. But her ruthless plan backfires when she finds herself drawn to him like a moth to a flame…
A forbidden desire… Giving in means sacrificing everything.
The rivalry between demons and angels is ancient and deep, yet it can’t extinguish their scorching attraction. But when hints of Raum’s past finally come to light, a web of deception and betrayal is revealed that changes everything…
Guardian Demon is an enemies-to-forbidden-lovers, grumpy/sunshine paranormal romance, featuring a lovable anti-hero who shifts into a crow and likes shiny things, and a curvy, kick-ass heroine with a big heart. As always, it contains violence, explicit scenes (involving a demon in his demon form), and excessive profanity.
460 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2022
About the author
Aurora Ascher
11 books2,012 followersAurora Ascher is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling fantasy & paranormal romance author. She loves misunderstood monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters. A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn’t see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 713 reviews
November 17, 2025
At this point, Aurora Ascher could probably release a phone book about demons and I'd read it.
Every time I come back to the Hell Bent series, I remember why I've become so attached to this world. The found family. The humor. The emotional depth hiding beneath all the supernatural chaos. These books somehow manage to be comforting and heartbreaking at the same time 🖤
And honestly? I think Raum might be one of my favorite heroes so far.
The premise alone had me hooked immediately: a demon whose memories were stolen by Heaven, an angel desperate to earn her rank back, and a ruthless contract forcing them together. Yeah. Inject that directly into my veins 😭✨
What I continue to love most about this series is how willing it is to blur the line between good and evil.
Again and again, these books ask whether people are defined by what they've done, what was done to them, or what they choose to become. And Guardian Demon might explore that idea better than any of the previous books.
I also folded instantly the moment Aurora revealed that the terrifying broody demon secretly loves animals.
There was absolutely no recovery from that 🐾
While the main mystery became predictable fairly early on, I found myself caring much more about the characters than the reveal itself. By the end, I was fully invested in Raum and Sunshine's happiness — and honestly, that's probably why the story still worked so well for me 💖
───♡─────────────
✧ rating: 4.25 ✧
✧ would I reread? yes
✧ will I continue the series? absolutely
✧ emotional state: emotionally attached to another demon
✧ summary: Raum, the quiet and mysterious demon brother with missing memories and a punishment he doesn't understand, has spent centuries carrying a void he cannot explain. Sunshine, an angel desperate to earn her rank back, offers him a deal: guide her through the Underworld in exchange for something he desperately wants. Bound together by a ruthless contract, they uncover buried secrets, old betrayals, and a connection neither of them expected. But as feelings grow and the truth about Raum's past begins to surface, both Heaven and Hell threaten to tear them apart 💀✨🌒
───♡─────────────
♡ THE GOOD:
• The found family: returning to this big, warm, supernatural family felt like stepping back into a home where everyone has each other's backs 🫶✨
• The multi-POV format: I love seeing the world through multiple perspectives. It adds so much depth and movement to the story 📖
• The opening: unlike the previous book, this one throws us straight into the action. I adore a fast-paced beginning where things are already unraveling ⚡
• The moral complexity: the portrayal of how thin the line between good and evil can be was beautifully nuanced 🌗
• Raum and animals: a terrifying demon with a soft spot for animals? I folded instantly 😭🐾
• Raum's POV: his thought process was so observant and analytical. I genuinely loved being inside his head 🧠
• The pining: the repressed attraction, the longing, the internal battles? Absolutely delicious 💘
• The spice: scorching hot, as expected 🔥
• Raum being down bad: the man was ready to defy the laws of physics for Sunshine and honestly? I respected the commitment 💫
• The reveal: even though I guessed it early, I still found Raum and Sunshine's story incredibly heartfelt and satisfying 💖
• The ending: warm, emotional, and perfectly paced. It gave the story enough room to breathe before saying goodbye ✨
✘ THE BAD:
• The typos: surprisingly, I noticed quite a few throughout the book. Not enough to ruin the experience, but definitely unexpected ✍️
• The predictability: I don't usually mind predictable plots if the emotional journey is strong enough, but this time it did affect my enjoyment a little. I guessed the major reveal very early on, which made me more eager to reach the ending than to uncover the mystery 🕰️
───♡─────────────
xoxo, until the next demon 🖤📚✨
「Hell Bent series」
#0.5 My Demon Romance — 3 ✧
#1 My Funny Demon Valentine — 4.5 ✧
#2 My Demon Hunter — 4.25 ✧
#2.5 Mistified — 4.25 ✧
#3 Demon with Benefits — 4 ✧
#4 Guardian Demon — 4.25 ✧
#5 Beauty and the Demon — TBR
#6 Fallen Demon — TBR
Every time I come back to the Hell Bent series, I remember why I've become so attached to this world. The found family. The humor. The emotional depth hiding beneath all the supernatural chaos. These books somehow manage to be comforting and heartbreaking at the same time 🖤
And honestly? I think Raum might be one of my favorite heroes so far.
The premise alone had me hooked immediately: a demon whose memories were stolen by Heaven, an angel desperate to earn her rank back, and a ruthless contract forcing them together. Yeah. Inject that directly into my veins 😭✨
What I continue to love most about this series is how willing it is to blur the line between good and evil.
Again and again, these books ask whether people are defined by what they've done, what was done to them, or what they choose to become. And Guardian Demon might explore that idea better than any of the previous books.
I also folded instantly the moment Aurora revealed that the terrifying broody demon secretly loves animals.
There was absolutely no recovery from that 🐾
While the main mystery became predictable fairly early on, I found myself caring much more about the characters than the reveal itself. By the end, I was fully invested in Raum and Sunshine's happiness — and honestly, that's probably why the story still worked so well for me 💖
“You are the sun in the sky that gives life to all this world. There is no meaning to my existence without you. I would tear the three realms apart in retribution should anyone ever try to take you from me.”
───♡─────────────
✧ rating: 4.25 ✧
✧ would I reread? yes
✧ will I continue the series? absolutely
✧ emotional state: emotionally attached to another demon
✧ summary: Raum, the quiet and mysterious demon brother with missing memories and a punishment he doesn't understand, has spent centuries carrying a void he cannot explain. Sunshine, an angel desperate to earn her rank back, offers him a deal: guide her through the Underworld in exchange for something he desperately wants. Bound together by a ruthless contract, they uncover buried secrets, old betrayals, and a connection neither of them expected. But as feelings grow and the truth about Raum's past begins to surface, both Heaven and Hell threaten to tear them apart 💀✨🌒
───♡─────────────
♡ THE GOOD:
• The found family: returning to this big, warm, supernatural family felt like stepping back into a home where everyone has each other's backs 🫶✨
• The multi-POV format: I love seeing the world through multiple perspectives. It adds so much depth and movement to the story 📖
• The opening: unlike the previous book, this one throws us straight into the action. I adore a fast-paced beginning where things are already unraveling ⚡
• The moral complexity: the portrayal of how thin the line between good and evil can be was beautifully nuanced 🌗
“Was there no line she wouldn't cross to regain her rank? Would she even be worthy of it at the end, after all she'd done to get there?
She was discovering a side of herself she hadn't known existed. There was a part of her that was calculating and cold and would do anything to achieve her aims. It scared her a little, but not enough for her to stop.”
• Raum and animals: a terrifying demon with a soft spot for animals? I folded instantly 😭🐾
• Raum's POV: his thought process was so observant and analytical. I genuinely loved being inside his head 🧠
“Ninety percent of human interactions were just people finding excuses to talk about themselves. At the end, they walked away without remembering anything the other person said because they were only interested in their own issues.”
• The pining: the repressed attraction, the longing, the internal battles? Absolutely delicious 💘
“Fuck, her skin was so smooth. Honey brown and silky soft, it was the kind of skin meant to glow under sunlight. Not be tucked away beneath an ugly cloak and smeared with ashes outside the dirtiest brothel in Hell.”
• The spice: scorching hot, as expected 🔥
• Raum being down bad: the man was ready to defy the laws of physics for Sunshine and honestly? I respected the commitment 💫
• The reveal: even though I guessed it early, I still found Raum and Sunshine's story incredibly heartfelt and satisfying 💖
• The ending: warm, emotional, and perfectly paced. It gave the story enough room to breathe before saying goodbye ✨
“‘What is it?’ Raum asked, turning back.
She held out her finger for him to see. ‘A tear.’
He frowned. ‘Why?’
‘I'm happy.’”
✘ THE BAD:
• The typos: surprisingly, I noticed quite a few throughout the book. Not enough to ruin the experience, but definitely unexpected ✍️
• The predictability: I don't usually mind predictable plots if the emotional journey is strong enough, but this time it did affect my enjoyment a little. I guessed the major reveal very early on, which made me more eager to reach the ending than to uncover the mystery 🕰️
───♡─────────────
xoxo, until the next demon 🖤📚✨
「Hell Bent series」
#0.5 My Demon Romance — 3 ✧
#1 My Funny Demon Valentine — 4.5 ✧
#2 My Demon Hunter — 4.25 ✧
#2.5 Mistified — 4.25 ✧
#3 Demon with Benefits — 4 ✧
#4 Guardian Demon — 4.25 ✧
#5 Beauty and the Demon — TBR
#6 Fallen Demon — TBR
March 7, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
You know a book has you when you start reading for the demon chaos…
…and stay for the emotionally repressed crow-whispering demon with amnesia.
Add an angel named Sunshine, a forced road trip through Hell, and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic that absolutely works, and suddenly Guardian Demon became my favorite book in the series so far.
Was the pacing perfect? No.
Did the spice sometimes kick the plot out of the driver’s seat?
Also no comment.
But overall? I had a fantastic time.
What Worked For Me
(aka: Character Development Actually Happened)
Raum: grumpy demon, emotional support crows, and mysterious backstory
Raum is the quiet one of the Hell Bent crew, and this book finally gives him the spotlight he deserved.
He starts off emotionally numb and guarded thanks to the whole “Heaven erased my memories as punishment for crimes I don’t remember committing” situation (which, frankly, is rude of them).
Watching his character slowly open up throughout the story was incredibly satisfying. There’s a subtle vulnerability under all that stoic demon energy, and the way the truth about his past unfolds adds a lot of depth to him.
Also the man has crow friends.
I will not elaborate further, but please know this delighted me.
Sunshine: Sweet Name, Steel Spine
Sunshine could have easily been written as the naïve optimistic angel trope, but thankfully she has more complexity than that.
She’s determined, stubborn, and very clearly fighting for redemption after a past mistake.
Her arc is one of my favorite parts of the book because it slowly forces her to question everything she’s been taught about Heaven, demons, and morality. Watching that internal conflict unfold gave the story real emotional weight.
Her dynamic with Raum is exactly the kind of tension I show up for.
Turns out grumpy demon × stubborn sunshine angel is a formula that works every single time.
The emotional tension and character chemistry
The relationship development felt much stronger here than in the previous book.
The slow shift from
• enemies
• to reluctant allies
• to “oh no this attraction is extremely inconvenient”
…worked really well.
Their personalities contrast in a way that creates great banter and emotional tension, and the gradual trust-building between them kept me invested the entire time.
The worldbuilding and bigger series implications
This book also starts peeling back some interesting layers about the Heaven vs Hell dynamic in this universe.
Without getting into spoilers, the story begins asking some very interesting questions about morality, power structures, and who actually gets to define what is “good” or “evil.”
I love when a paranormal romance series starts expanding its mythology, and this one definitely does that.
What Didn’t Work For Me
(aka: The Pacing Did a Little Side Quest)
The pacing was… occasionally chaotic
Overall I was hooked, but the pacing felt a little uneven in places.
Some sections move at a really engaging clip, especially during the adventure and plot-driven moments. But then there are stretches where the story slows down quite a bit before picking up again.
It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but there were moments where I could feel the narrative rhythm wobble slightly.
When the Smut Hijacks the Plot
Listen.
I am not someone who normally complains about spice levels in romance.
However.
There were a few scenes where I found myself thinking:
“Respectfully… we were in the middle of important plot developments.”
The chemistry between these two is great and the spice is very on-brand for the series, but occasionally it popped up at moments where I was more interested in what was happening with the story.
A rare case of enthusiasm with slightly questionable timing.
Final Thoughts
This was easily the strongest book in the series for me so far.
The character work is richer, the emotional stakes land harder, and the evolving mythology of the world is becoming genuinely intriguing.
Even with the slightly uneven pacing and the occasional plot-interrupting spicy detour, I had a really great time with this one.
Raum and Sunshine were compelling, their dynamic worked beautifully, and the story left me very curious about where the series is going next.
Final Verdict
Grumpy amnesiac demon.
Redemption-seeking angel.
Crow sidekicks.
Forbidden tension.
Objectively questionable decisions were made, and I support every single one of them.
If a brooding demon with crow friends told me we needed to take a slightly illegal field trip through Hell?
I’m not asking questions.
I’m already buckled in.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Grumpy demon x sunshine angel
• Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
• Forced proximity / magical contract energy
• Amnesia & mysterious past
• Forbidden angel x demon romance
• “Heaven might be morally suspicious” vibes
• Redemption arc heroine
• Stoic MMC with secret soft center
• Animal whisperer (crow edition)
• Road trip through Hell adventure
• Banter + tension + spicy chaos
You know a book has you when you start reading for the demon chaos…
…and stay for the emotionally repressed crow-whispering demon with amnesia.
Add an angel named Sunshine, a forced road trip through Hell, and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic that absolutely works, and suddenly Guardian Demon became my favorite book in the series so far.
Was the pacing perfect? No.
Did the spice sometimes kick the plot out of the driver’s seat?
Also no comment.
But overall? I had a fantastic time.
What Worked For Me
(aka: Character Development Actually Happened)
Raum: grumpy demon, emotional support crows, and mysterious backstory
Raum is the quiet one of the Hell Bent crew, and this book finally gives him the spotlight he deserved.
He starts off emotionally numb and guarded thanks to the whole “Heaven erased my memories as punishment for crimes I don’t remember committing” situation (which, frankly, is rude of them).
Watching his character slowly open up throughout the story was incredibly satisfying. There’s a subtle vulnerability under all that stoic demon energy, and the way the truth about his past unfolds adds a lot of depth to him.
Also the man has crow friends.
I will not elaborate further, but please know this delighted me.
Sunshine: Sweet Name, Steel Spine
Sunshine could have easily been written as the naïve optimistic angel trope, but thankfully she has more complexity than that.
She’s determined, stubborn, and very clearly fighting for redemption after a past mistake.
Her arc is one of my favorite parts of the book because it slowly forces her to question everything she’s been taught about Heaven, demons, and morality. Watching that internal conflict unfold gave the story real emotional weight.
Her dynamic with Raum is exactly the kind of tension I show up for.
Turns out grumpy demon × stubborn sunshine angel is a formula that works every single time.
The emotional tension and character chemistry
The relationship development felt much stronger here than in the previous book.
The slow shift from
• enemies
• to reluctant allies
• to “oh no this attraction is extremely inconvenient”
…worked really well.
Their personalities contrast in a way that creates great banter and emotional tension, and the gradual trust-building between them kept me invested the entire time.
The worldbuilding and bigger series implications
This book also starts peeling back some interesting layers about the Heaven vs Hell dynamic in this universe.
Without getting into spoilers, the story begins asking some very interesting questions about morality, power structures, and who actually gets to define what is “good” or “evil.”
I love when a paranormal romance series starts expanding its mythology, and this one definitely does that.
What Didn’t Work For Me
(aka: The Pacing Did a Little Side Quest)
The pacing was… occasionally chaotic
Overall I was hooked, but the pacing felt a little uneven in places.
Some sections move at a really engaging clip, especially during the adventure and plot-driven moments. But then there are stretches where the story slows down quite a bit before picking up again.
It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but there were moments where I could feel the narrative rhythm wobble slightly.
When the Smut Hijacks the Plot
Listen.
I am not someone who normally complains about spice levels in romance.
However.
There were a few scenes where I found myself thinking:
“Respectfully… we were in the middle of important plot developments.”
The chemistry between these two is great and the spice is very on-brand for the series, but occasionally it popped up at moments where I was more interested in what was happening with the story.
A rare case of enthusiasm with slightly questionable timing.
Final Thoughts
This was easily the strongest book in the series for me so far.
The character work is richer, the emotional stakes land harder, and the evolving mythology of the world is becoming genuinely intriguing.
Even with the slightly uneven pacing and the occasional plot-interrupting spicy detour, I had a really great time with this one.
Raum and Sunshine were compelling, their dynamic worked beautifully, and the story left me very curious about where the series is going next.
Final Verdict
Grumpy amnesiac demon.
Redemption-seeking angel.
Crow sidekicks.
Forbidden tension.
Objectively questionable decisions were made, and I support every single one of them.
If a brooding demon with crow friends told me we needed to take a slightly illegal field trip through Hell?
I’m not asking questions.
I’m already buckled in.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Grumpy demon x sunshine angel
• Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
• Forced proximity / magical contract energy
• Amnesia & mysterious past
• Forbidden angel x demon romance
• “Heaven might be morally suspicious” vibes
• Redemption arc heroine
• Stoic MMC with secret soft center
• Animal whisperer (crow edition)
• Road trip through Hell adventure
• Banter + tension + spicy chaos
October 8, 2025
5 Star Read
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Easily my favorite of the series. I love Raum and Sunshine so much together. The were perfect for each other and the spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵🥵
This is the longest of the series and it could have lost about a hundred pages. But still had a good time reading it and loved how it ended. Five stars from me and definitely my favorite couple of the series.
✨ Favorite Quote
“She was just so … pretty. Pretty and perfect. Shiny. And he loved shiny stuff. Of all the shit he’d stolen, all the treasure he’d ever collected, he coveted her the most.”
🖤 What to Expect
• Angel x Demon
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Memory loss
• Forced proximity
• Redemption arc
• Found family
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 stars
📅 Pub Date: September 30, 2025
📝 Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Easily my favorite of the series. I love Raum and Sunshine so much together. The were perfect for each other and the spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵🥵
This is the longest of the series and it could have lost about a hundred pages. But still had a good time reading it and loved how it ended. Five stars from me and definitely my favorite couple of the series.
✨ Favorite Quote
“She was just so … pretty. Pretty and perfect. Shiny. And he loved shiny stuff. Of all the shit he’d stolen, all the treasure he’d ever collected, he coveted her the most.”
🖤 What to Expect
• Angel x Demon
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Memory loss
• Forced proximity
• Redemption arc
• Found family
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 stars
📅 Pub Date: September 30, 2025
📝 Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
November 28, 2022
4.75 stars!!
A sexy as sin demon with a forgotten past and a tenacious angel looking for a brighter future cross paths only to discover their paths are more entwined than they think. This is the fourth book in the Hell Bent series and really shouldn't be read as a standalone because there is an overarching plot you won't want to miss!
Our hero, Raum, feels hollow and finds little joy in things outside of his found demon brothers, simple theft (ya know crow and all), and working with animals. Our heroine, Sunshine, is tasked with retrieving a grimoire in order to gain her rank she lost in Heaven. However, she can’t do it alone and blackmails/binds Raum into helping her. Neither of them are prepared for the explosive chemistry between them or the connection that speaks to more than just acquaintances. When everything goes sideways, lies are uncovered, betrayals are discovered, and loyalties are tested. Will Raum and Sunshine find that which has been lost?
What I loved most about what was weaved into this story is that no matter your lot in life, what or who you are, or where you came from…it does not define your soul. One can be an angel and be the most vindictive and hateful being to ever exist. One can be a demon and be the most caring and thoughtful being to walk the plane. One can be a little bit naughty and a little bit angel. Identity is not black or white and the nature of your soul is what YOU make it. Raum and Sunshine were perfect examples of characters that did not let those around them define and dictate their choices and actions. Their choices were their own and I loved the development of their personalities individually and as a couple. They were just so refreshingly them.
Raum was not quite as alpha or animated as I was expecting him to be but he more than made up for it in the bedroom and it was spicy, spicy. He was more of a quiet strength that packed a punch and I was here for it. Sunshine was a sassy angel that had a backbone of steel but I loved the way she melted for Raum. The vulnerability in their relationship was so romantic and passionate. Raum had this way of grounding Sunshine because she was balls to the wall all the time lol. Sunshine had a special way of bringing light into Raum’s life when he had felt it missing for so long. It’s hard to write two characters from different worlds but Aurora did a fantastic job at melding the paths they came from to make a new special one just for them. Raum and Sunshine may not be my favorite couple of the series (I have a soft spot for Meph and Iris so far) but they had a unique coupling that I seriously loved.
With that kind of talk Raum, you can ruin me ANY day! The romance was fiery and emotional but the story going on behind them was pushed forward a lot and we got to learn a lot more about what is to come. I also want to thank Aurora for giving us Murmur’s story next…been waiting for that storm cloud! And of course Bel. There were so many twists and turns in here and the angst and steam was perfectly balanced as usual. I love the world Aurora has built and the intricacies she has painstakingly worked out to make everything make sense without plot holes. If you haven’t started this series and love paranormal romance with found family, hot and passionate steam, and suspense and angst to keep you engaged then definitely give this series a try!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
A sexy as sin demon with a forgotten past and a tenacious angel looking for a brighter future cross paths only to discover their paths are more entwined than they think. This is the fourth book in the Hell Bent series and really shouldn't be read as a standalone because there is an overarching plot you won't want to miss!
Our hero, Raum, feels hollow and finds little joy in things outside of his found demon brothers, simple theft (ya know crow and all), and working with animals. Our heroine, Sunshine, is tasked with retrieving a grimoire in order to gain her rank she lost in Heaven. However, she can’t do it alone and blackmails/binds Raum into helping her. Neither of them are prepared for the explosive chemistry between them or the connection that speaks to more than just acquaintances. When everything goes sideways, lies are uncovered, betrayals are discovered, and loyalties are tested. Will Raum and Sunshine find that which has been lost?
What I loved most about what was weaved into this story is that no matter your lot in life, what or who you are, or where you came from…it does not define your soul. One can be an angel and be the most vindictive and hateful being to ever exist. One can be a demon and be the most caring and thoughtful being to walk the plane. One can be a little bit naughty and a little bit angel. Identity is not black or white and the nature of your soul is what YOU make it. Raum and Sunshine were perfect examples of characters that did not let those around them define and dictate their choices and actions. Their choices were their own and I loved the development of their personalities individually and as a couple. They were just so refreshingly them.
Raum was not quite as alpha or animated as I was expecting him to be but he more than made up for it in the bedroom and it was spicy, spicy. He was more of a quiet strength that packed a punch and I was here for it. Sunshine was a sassy angel that had a backbone of steel but I loved the way she melted for Raum. The vulnerability in their relationship was so romantic and passionate. Raum had this way of grounding Sunshine because she was balls to the wall all the time lol. Sunshine had a special way of bringing light into Raum’s life when he had felt it missing for so long. It’s hard to write two characters from different worlds but Aurora did a fantastic job at melding the paths they came from to make a new special one just for them. Raum and Sunshine may not be my favorite couple of the series (I have a soft spot for Meph and Iris so far) but they had a unique coupling that I seriously loved.
“I want to own you, Sunshine. I want you on your knees, begging for me. I want to fuck your throat until you choke. I want to take you in every possible way. I want to make you so fucking dirty, they’ll turn you away at the gates of Heaven. Baby, I want to ruin you.”
With that kind of talk Raum, you can ruin me ANY day! The romance was fiery and emotional but the story going on behind them was pushed forward a lot and we got to learn a lot more about what is to come. I also want to thank Aurora for giving us Murmur’s story next…been waiting for that storm cloud! And of course Bel. There were so many twists and turns in here and the angst and steam was perfectly balanced as usual. I love the world Aurora has built and the intricacies she has painstakingly worked out to make everything make sense without plot holes. If you haven’t started this series and love paranormal romance with found family, hot and passionate steam, and suspense and angst to keep you engaged then definitely give this series a try!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2022
It should come as a surprise to literally no one that I am enemies-to-lovers trash. The forbidden desire, the tension, the intense connection... it slaps every time, and the romance between Raum and Sunshine in Guardian Demon is no exception.
I adore Aurora Ascher's demon bros. This found family goodness delivers on all the laughs, all the feels, and all the heat you could want from a paranormal romance. Each character is distinct, each couple unique in their dynamic, and the natural chemistry and camaraderie between all of these characters when they get together and interact fills me with a kind of joy I can scarcely describe.
The writing and storytelling in this installment was fantastic, as well - it's been so fun to watch Aurora grow as a writer as she hones her craft with each new book (and I already loved her earlier stuff to begin with). While Guardian Demon is certainly thicc (the thickest of the series so far), the pacing is excellent, the stakes engaging, and all of these new plot threads and seeds and easter eggs and mysteries kept me absolutely glued to the book from start to finish.
The intrigue surrounding Raum and Sunshine's past was so, so good... all of the chefs kisses. I adored their story and the star-crossed lover vibes. The romance was glorious, their moments of contention believable, but even when they're butting heads, you know these two kids are still absolutely crazy about each other. (and their bedroom activities are excellent, yes please and thank you; Sunshine is a girl after my own heart, IYKYK 😉🥵)
The ultimate twist in this book, however, isn't the obvious one surrounding our main couple's relationship (although the actual details of that entire ordeal were shocking in their own right, and the fallout surprisingly poignant) - but there are larger players in this game and more subterfuge afoot than I had anticipated and I can't wait to see where all of this goes... but that's all I'll say about that. 🤫
Basically, I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
The mystery surrounding Murmur in particular was a web I didn't think I would get tangled up in, but I'm totally invested now. And Bel? I love him. I love him so much and I need his book, I have so many questions... AURORA! I NEED ANSWERS! 😂
Oh - and one other point to note: a certain someone gets their long overdue comeuppance and not only is it extremely satisfying from where I'm sitting, but its delivery? Surprising in the best sense. 😚👌
Long story short: I adore this series. The feeling each of the books leave me with is akin to that feeling you get during a comfort read. Returning to this world and these characters always feels like coming home and this dysfunctional found family of demons, angels, and witches will forever own a piece of my heart. 🥹💜
I adore Aurora Ascher's demon bros. This found family goodness delivers on all the laughs, all the feels, and all the heat you could want from a paranormal romance. Each character is distinct, each couple unique in their dynamic, and the natural chemistry and camaraderie between all of these characters when they get together and interact fills me with a kind of joy I can scarcely describe.
The writing and storytelling in this installment was fantastic, as well - it's been so fun to watch Aurora grow as a writer as she hones her craft with each new book (and I already loved her earlier stuff to begin with). While Guardian Demon is certainly thicc (the thickest of the series so far), the pacing is excellent, the stakes engaging, and all of these new plot threads and seeds and easter eggs and mysteries kept me absolutely glued to the book from start to finish.
The intrigue surrounding Raum and Sunshine's past was so, so good... all of the chefs kisses. I adored their story and the star-crossed lover vibes. The romance was glorious, their moments of contention believable, but even when they're butting heads, you know these two kids are still absolutely crazy about each other. (and their bedroom activities are excellent, yes please and thank you; Sunshine is a girl after my own heart, IYKYK 😉🥵)
The ultimate twist in this book, however, isn't the obvious one surrounding our main couple's relationship (although the actual details of that entire ordeal were shocking in their own right, and the fallout surprisingly poignant) - but there are larger players in this game and more subterfuge afoot than I had anticipated and I can't wait to see where all of this goes... but that's all I'll say about that. 🤫
Basically, I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
The mystery surrounding Murmur in particular was a web I didn't think I would get tangled up in, but I'm totally invested now. And Bel? I love him. I love him so much and I need his book, I have so many questions... AURORA! I NEED ANSWERS! 😂
Oh - and one other point to note: a certain someone gets their long overdue comeuppance and not only is it extremely satisfying from where I'm sitting, but its delivery? Surprising in the best sense. 😚👌
Long story short: I adore this series. The feeling each of the books leave me with is akin to that feeling you get during a comfort read. Returning to this world and these characters always feels like coming home and this dysfunctional found family of demons, angels, and witches will forever own a piece of my heart. 🥹💜
January 12, 2026
Book 4 • m/f • grumpy/sunshine • demon v angel •
A group of demon ‘brothers’ wanting to live the quiet life on Earth to escape hell. This one is Raum’s book.
Raum is a grumpy demon with a mysterious past and 300 years of missing memory. The brothers are stalked by an Angel ‘Sunshine’ who plans to use Raum in order to steal a grimoire from Hell to prove herself and reclaim her previous position in Heaven.
This book, like the others in this series was an easy peasy read.
Great for a mindless, fun palate cleanser… with a simple but enjoyable plot and entertaining characters.
And in keeping with my ‘meh’ feelings towards epilogues in general… the last couple of chapters not required 😬😅
3.75 ⭐️
2 🌶️
A group of demon ‘brothers’ wanting to live the quiet life on Earth to escape hell. This one is Raum’s book.
Raum is a grumpy demon with a mysterious past and 300 years of missing memory. The brothers are stalked by an Angel ‘Sunshine’ who plans to use Raum in order to steal a grimoire from Hell to prove herself and reclaim her previous position in Heaven.
This book, like the others in this series was an easy peasy read.
Great for a mindless, fun palate cleanser… with a simple but enjoyable plot and entertaining characters.
And in keeping with my ‘meh’ feelings towards epilogues in general… the last couple of chapters not required 😬😅
3.75 ⭐️
2 🌶️
November 23, 2025
4 Crow Feather Stars⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
I wasn’t sure what I was going to get going into this one. I’ve read two of the previous three books. Book one was unexpected because I thought it was going to be a Valentine’s novel, and it turned out to be a novel about basically jazz. And the third, which was supposed to be a standalone, but wasn't since you REALLY needed to have read book two to understand what was going on... I was really apprehensive about what I was going to get in this...
Raum has always been the quiet demon, dead and empty inside because he is plagued by three hundred years of a past he can’t remember, punished for actions he has no idea about. The only thing that gives him any meaning is animals, because despite being a demon, animals seem to love him. One day, while walking his brother's girlfriend's hellhound, he saves a beautiful woman from being run over by a runaway dog and ends up volunteering at a shelter, and is unable to get the woman out of his mind. So when he sees her in a club, the sparks he felt instantly draw him to her, and the two start getting hot and heavy. Soon, one thing leads to another, and she invites him home... where she traps him in an Angelic demon trap and forces him into a bargain he cannot refuse. You see, Sunshine is an angel (a demoted angel) and she’s been promised a return to her former rank if she can retrieve a book from Hell. So she needs a guide, and Raum is the perfect demon to help.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
This one flips the pattern of the previous books on its head. It leans much more into the paranormal than the first two. We see a lot more of Heaven and Hell and not as much of Earth, all while watching these characters find love.
I actually really loved that this went a little more fantasy, because it felt more realistic if you’re going to have a relationship between an angel and a demon. I liked the way the angelic and demonic lore and the little Easter eggs from the earlier books all fit together and how it ties into what we’ve already been shown, while still keeping the focus on these two characters and their story.
I kind of adore Sunshine. She is literally the embodiment of her name. She’s an angel, she’s sweet, kind, and generous, but she’s also a bit of a badass. She’s a guardian angel, she knows how to wield a sword, and she knows how to fight. I like that she is also a broken character trying to find herself, figure out her meaning, and decide what she wants to pursue.
Raum is the quiet one. He has been since we were introduced to him. All we know is that animals love him, and no one knows why. Seeing more of him with animals was great. He is also pretty broken. He doesn’t have joy in anything, he doesn’t have a reason for living, and he is stuck in this grey life. He doesn’t know what will pull him out of it. Meeting Sunshine tips his world on its head. On top of that, you can see his bond with his brothers and the extended found family with their girlfriends, and how he would do anything to protect them, including making an impossible deal with an angel.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ Angel X Demon
▶ Lost Memory
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Hidden Identity
▶ Rides His Leg
▶ Hair Pulling
▶ "More"
▶ Tending to Injuries
▶ Spicy/Steamy Water Scene
▶
I got really good vibes reading this. It was spicy when it needed to be and steamy when it needed to be. I liked the little introduction of bestiality every now and then. I liked seeing how Sunshine and Raum grew together in their love and how the end wrapped up. It made me happy to see the way everything tied together, and it opens up space for Bel and Murmur’s books next.
Incredible thank you to Kensington Publishing, NetGalley and Aurora Ascher for my gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
I wasn’t sure what I was going to get going into this one. I’ve read two of the previous three books. Book one was unexpected because I thought it was going to be a Valentine’s novel, and it turned out to be a novel about basically jazz. And the third, which was supposed to be a standalone, but wasn't since you REALLY needed to have read book two to understand what was going on... I was really apprehensive about what I was going to get in this...
“You are the sun in the sky that gives life to all this world. There is no meaning to my existence without you. I would tear the three realms apart in retribution should anyone ever try to take you from me.”𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Raum has always been the quiet demon, dead and empty inside because he is plagued by three hundred years of a past he can’t remember, punished for actions he has no idea about. The only thing that gives him any meaning is animals, because despite being a demon, animals seem to love him. One day, while walking his brother's girlfriend's hellhound, he saves a beautiful woman from being run over by a runaway dog and ends up volunteering at a shelter, and is unable to get the woman out of his mind. So when he sees her in a club, the sparks he felt instantly draw him to her, and the two start getting hot and heavy. Soon, one thing leads to another, and she invites him home... where she traps him in an Angelic demon trap and forces him into a bargain he cannot refuse. You see, Sunshine is an angel (a demoted angel) and she’s been promised a return to her former rank if she can retrieve a book from Hell. So she needs a guide, and Raum is the perfect demon to help.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
This one flips the pattern of the previous books on its head. It leans much more into the paranormal than the first two. We see a lot more of Heaven and Hell and not as much of Earth, all while watching these characters find love.
I actually really loved that this went a little more fantasy, because it felt more realistic if you’re going to have a relationship between an angel and a demon. I liked the way the angelic and demonic lore and the little Easter eggs from the earlier books all fit together and how it ties into what we’ve already been shown, while still keeping the focus on these two characters and their story.
I kind of adore Sunshine. She is literally the embodiment of her name. She’s an angel, she’s sweet, kind, and generous, but she’s also a bit of a badass. She’s a guardian angel, she knows how to wield a sword, and she knows how to fight. I like that she is also a broken character trying to find herself, figure out her meaning, and decide what she wants to pursue.
Raum is the quiet one. He has been since we were introduced to him. All we know is that animals love him, and no one knows why. Seeing more of him with animals was great. He is also pretty broken. He doesn’t have joy in anything, he doesn’t have a reason for living, and he is stuck in this grey life. He doesn’t know what will pull him out of it. Meeting Sunshine tips his world on its head. On top of that, you can see his bond with his brothers and the extended found family with their girlfriends, and how he would do anything to protect them, including making an impossible deal with an angel.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ Angel X Demon
▶ Lost Memory
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Hidden Identity
▶ Rides His Leg
▶ Hair Pulling
▶ "More"
▶ Tending to Injuries
▶ Spicy/Steamy Water Scene
▶
I got really good vibes reading this. It was spicy when it needed to be and steamy when it needed to be. I liked the little introduction of bestiality every now and then. I liked seeing how Sunshine and Raum grew together in their love and how the end wrapped up. It made me happy to see the way everything tied together, and it opens up space for Bel and Murmur’s books next.
Incredible thank you to Kensington Publishing, NetGalley and Aurora Ascher for my gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 1, 2022
Edit 1/31/23: Updated content warnings, added Instagram and YouTube reviews.
Edit: 9/29/25: Upon this reread, this book has officially become my favorite of the series (I'm so sorry Meph 😭).
6 Stars!
Title: Guardian Demon
Series: Hell Bent
# in series: 4
Author: Aurora Ascher
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Secret History, Travelling
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Star Rating: ️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Review:
I have been so excited for this release. The last book was Meph’s and I knew that Raum would be feeling lonely now that his BFF was spending all of his time with his new girlfriend.. Raum has always been the calm, quiet one, so getting into his head to see what is going on in there was a ride. He has an affinity with animals that has helped him in the years since his memory was wiped, and now he is even volunteering at a rescue shelter. For a demon he was sweet and squishy under his grumpy exterior, which are some of my favorite characters. Then enter Sunshine, who is the literal sunshine to his gump, and he is obsessed. When she ends up blackmailing him into helping her by threatening his brothers and their partners, he was so disappointed and frustrated. Sunshine couldn’t help her fascination with Raum, and when she is tasked by the higher powers to retrieve a book from Hell, he is the only one she wants to turn to. They can’t help being pulled to each other even though they are enemies. When Sunshine has to make the hard decision between her mission and the demon she is starting to care for, she doesn’t hesitate to do what she thinks is right.
Their relationship was fire from their first interaction, and once we got to the intimacy and feelings they became an inferno. I have tabbed quite a few scenes to come back to when I need them *Wink*.
I highly recommend this series and starting from book 1 My Funny Demon Valentine, BUT if you cannot help yourself and want to dive into the middle I feel like you could read Meph’s story Demon with Benefits, or this one, but there will be part of the story that might be confusing.
Quotes:
- He liked the simplicity of animals, and he liked the sense of purpose he got from helping them. People were complicated. Animals made sense.
- She was just so… pretty. Pretty and perfect. Shiny. And he loved shiny stuff. Of all the sh*t he’d stolen, all the treasure he’d ever collected, he coveted her the most.
- But he wasn’t going to jump right to the main event. Who said s*x had to be the main event anyway? Given the chance, he would happily eat p*ssy until his face fell off.
- “I trust you too,” she whispered. “And it does matter. Your feelings matter. You matter.”
- “I want to own you, Sunshine. I want you on your knees, begging for me. I want to f*ck your throat until you ch*ke. I want to take you in every possible way. I want to make you so f*cking dirty, they’ll turn you away at the gates of Heaven. Baby, I want to ruin you.”
CW/TW: Blackmail, Blood, Gore, Body Horror, Decapitation, Dismemberment, Death, Murder, Swords, Violence, Past trauma and PTSD, Pleasure house, Forced memory loss, Manipulation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClusixvNX_8
Youtube: https://youtu.be/s1vWssNQzaU
Edit: 9/29/25: Upon this reread, this book has officially become my favorite of the series (I'm so sorry Meph 😭).
6 Stars!
Title: Guardian Demon
Series: Hell Bent
# in series: 4
Author: Aurora Ascher
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Secret History, Travelling
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Star Rating: ️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Review:
I have been so excited for this release. The last book was Meph’s and I knew that Raum would be feeling lonely now that his BFF was spending all of his time with his new girlfriend.. Raum has always been the calm, quiet one, so getting into his head to see what is going on in there was a ride. He has an affinity with animals that has helped him in the years since his memory was wiped, and now he is even volunteering at a rescue shelter. For a demon he was sweet and squishy under his grumpy exterior, which are some of my favorite characters. Then enter Sunshine, who is the literal sunshine to his gump, and he is obsessed. When she ends up blackmailing him into helping her by threatening his brothers and their partners, he was so disappointed and frustrated. Sunshine couldn’t help her fascination with Raum, and when she is tasked by the higher powers to retrieve a book from Hell, he is the only one she wants to turn to. They can’t help being pulled to each other even though they are enemies. When Sunshine has to make the hard decision between her mission and the demon she is starting to care for, she doesn’t hesitate to do what she thinks is right.
Their relationship was fire from their first interaction, and once we got to the intimacy and feelings they became an inferno. I have tabbed quite a few scenes to come back to when I need them *Wink*.
I highly recommend this series and starting from book 1 My Funny Demon Valentine, BUT if you cannot help yourself and want to dive into the middle I feel like you could read Meph’s story Demon with Benefits, or this one, but there will be part of the story that might be confusing.
Quotes:
- He liked the simplicity of animals, and he liked the sense of purpose he got from helping them. People were complicated. Animals made sense.
- She was just so… pretty. Pretty and perfect. Shiny. And he loved shiny stuff. Of all the sh*t he’d stolen, all the treasure he’d ever collected, he coveted her the most.
- But he wasn’t going to jump right to the main event. Who said s*x had to be the main event anyway? Given the chance, he would happily eat p*ssy until his face fell off.
- “I trust you too,” she whispered. “And it does matter. Your feelings matter. You matter.”
- “I want to own you, Sunshine. I want you on your knees, begging for me. I want to f*ck your throat until you ch*ke. I want to take you in every possible way. I want to make you so f*cking dirty, they’ll turn you away at the gates of Heaven. Baby, I want to ruin you.”
CW/TW: Blackmail, Blood, Gore, Body Horror, Decapitation, Dismemberment, Death, Murder, Swords, Violence, Past trauma and PTSD, Pleasure house, Forced memory loss, Manipulation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClusixvNX_8
Youtube: https://youtu.be/s1vWssNQzaU
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
Nothing says chaos reader like signing up for book 4 in a series that you 100% have not read before. Did I do that? Yes. Yes I did. Did it matter? No, no it did not. This book is a GOOD TIME. I thought it was going to be all cozy and cute, I mean look at that cover. It’s begging to be a dreary weekend read with a fuzzy blanket and cup of cocoa. I was wrong, it was not just cozy and cute! It had some heart thumping moments, let me tell you. (Both of the spicy and non-spicy variety!) This book was a blast! I adore the grumpy x sunshine trope (I married one half of that trope, points if you can guess which one) and this book delivered on multiple fronts. I didn’t feel like I was missing key information, I could follow along and I got invested in the characters easily. I didn’t feel that I needed to read the rest of the series to be able to follow along, either. Although, I probably will go back now and play catch up. (See above: chaos reader.)
I adored the set up and magic system, and while I’ve said before I’m not a big on religion, I appreciated the thoughtfulness Aurora Ascher brought when she built this world. Especially the dynamic between the angels and demons. It would have been easy to fall into the “bad is bad” and “good is good” trap. Especially how Ascher works through trauma with both her main characters here. It feels real and it’s handled with care and healing.
I might just need to get a trophy, I mean, copy. Yes. A copy of this book for my shelves. (Those sprayed edges, y’all. JUST LOOK AT THEM.)
Huge thank you to Hambright PR and Aurora Ascher for the opportunity to read this delightful book. All opinions are my own.
#HPRGuardianDemon
#AuroraAscher
#HambrightPR
I adored the set up and magic system, and while I’ve said before I’m not a big on religion, I appreciated the thoughtfulness Aurora Ascher brought when she built this world. Especially the dynamic between the angels and demons. It would have been easy to fall into the “bad is bad” and “good is good” trap. Especially how Ascher works through trauma with both her main characters here. It feels real and it’s handled with care and healing.
I might just need to get a trophy, I mean, copy. Yes. A copy of this book for my shelves. (Those sprayed edges, y’all. JUST LOOK AT THEM.)
Huge thank you to Hambright PR and Aurora Ascher for the opportunity to read this delightful book. All opinions are my own.
#HPRGuardianDemon
#AuroraAscher
#HambrightPR
December 4, 2022
I’ll never look at a crow the same!
What an absolute blast this book was. I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about Raum and Sunshine’s story. It exceeded my expectations. A great addition to this awesome series.
Sunshine was strong, lovable with a commendable capacity for loyalty. Especially towards Raum. I loved how she lets out her naughty, slightly crazy side the more she was with him.
Meanwhile Raum was such an adorable grump. Lonely, directionless he found Sunshine at the perfect time. They had combustible chemistry and a deep connection.
Aaaaand the gang is back guys! How I loved all of them together. For such a dangerous gang of fugitive demons Raum, Meph, Bel, Mist and Ash were hilarious together. I laughed so hard at their antics. I can’t wait Murmur to join them! ( I sincerely hope he does. The more the merrier).
Writing was beautiful and I couldn’t put down the book. Another thing I love about this author is, how effortlessly she blend humour in to each page and pull it off. I also enjoyed the unique characteristics she gave to each demons.
Not standalone but this series is worth it! Included in KU.
P.s I love where the series heading. Can’t wait to read Bel’s book.
I voluntarily reviewed ARC of this book for an exchange of honest review.
What an absolute blast this book was. I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about Raum and Sunshine’s story. It exceeded my expectations. A great addition to this awesome series.
Sunshine was strong, lovable with a commendable capacity for loyalty. Especially towards Raum. I loved how she lets out her naughty, slightly crazy side the more she was with him.
Meanwhile Raum was such an adorable grump. Lonely, directionless he found Sunshine at the perfect time. They had combustible chemistry and a deep connection.
Aaaaand the gang is back guys! How I loved all of them together. For such a dangerous gang of fugitive demons Raum, Meph, Bel, Mist and Ash were hilarious together. I laughed so hard at their antics. I can’t wait Murmur to join them! ( I sincerely hope he does. The more the merrier).
Writing was beautiful and I couldn’t put down the book. Another thing I love about this author is, how effortlessly she blend humour in to each page and pull it off. I also enjoyed the unique characteristics she gave to each demons.
Not standalone but this series is worth it! Included in KU.
P.s I love where the series heading. Can’t wait to read Bel’s book.
I voluntarily reviewed ARC of this book for an exchange of honest review.
October 1, 2025
Guardian Demon by Aurora Ascher
Guardian Demon is a quick, fun read and a great addition to a series I genuinely enjoy following. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Raum and Sunshine, this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, angel vs demon feelings, missing memories, and just the right touch of blackmail.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aurora Ascher, and Kensington Publishing for the gifted eARC.
Guardian Demon is a quick, fun read and a great addition to a series I genuinely enjoy following. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Raum and Sunshine, this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, angel vs demon feelings, missing memories, and just the right touch of blackmail.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aurora Ascher, and Kensington Publishing for the gifted eARC.
November 9, 2025
I was SO skeptical when I saw this was Raum and Sunshine's book. but OMG it was so good!!!!!!
July 4, 2023
we finally learned why Raum lost his memories and it was so heartbreaking 💔
so we have an angel named Sunshine 🌞 and the demon Raum 😈 she kidnapped him to make a bargain with him😮 they went hell to get a book from another demon so she can become a higher angel 🫡 they didn't success but along the way they fell in love 🥺🤍 but waitttttt there's some plot twist here 🧐 an angel named Raphael is actually evil 😨 some fighting, chopping, killing scenes here 😬🔪 after this everything solved conveniently and the demons finally get free 🥳🤸🏼♀️
no ow/om, no third act😋
so we have an angel named Sunshine 🌞 and the demon Raum 😈 she kidnapped him to make a bargain with him😮 they went hell to get a book from another demon so she can become a higher angel 🫡 they didn't success but along the way they fell in love 🥺🤍 but waitttttt there's some plot twist here 🧐 an angel named Raphael is actually evil 😨 some fighting, chopping, killing scenes here 😬🔪 after this everything solved conveniently and the demons finally get free 🥳🤸🏼♀️
no ow/om, no third act😋
December 3, 2022
After the last book, I thought it was going to be next to impossible for Aurora Ascher to top it - and then Raum said "Challenge Accepted." This book is by far the best in the series thus far, and while I have high hopes for the next book being another favorite, given the Beauty and the Beast vibes, I think this one may remain my favorite forever. Guardian Demon had me on the edge of my seat and staying up past midnight to finish it. I couldn't put it down, I almost forgot to eat dinner, and I'm pretty sure an earthquake happened that I completely ignored. It's that good. I love a good enemies to lovers, and this was exactly that in the most literal sense. Angels and demons quite literally converge, and forbidden love is shown at its finest. You also have some other tropes thrown in, but believe me, you'll want to discover those for yourself. They are catnip for me but also major spoilers. So if you know me, you may be able to guess what they are...
Lately Raum has been feeling adrift from his brothers, now that most have found happiness with their partners, and while Belial is still single, his raging moods push Raum away rather than provide camaraderie in their loneliness. The only thing keeping him stable is the occasional petty theft and his newly acquired job at an animal shelter. Until he meets Sunshine, a seemingly harmless yet beautiful human...who turns out to be an angel set on blackmail and repairing her own tarnished past. Sunshine knows her attraction to Raum is inexcusable, and resistance to it is her only option. But with each moment she is forced to keep his company, she finds herself drawn to him more and more. And then there are the dreams that are plaguing both of them, dreams that seem more like memories and leave them reeling with feelings that feel both foreign and familiar. With Sunshine's reputation in Heaven on the line, she can't afford to act on her feelings. Even if tearing herself from Raum will be the most difficult thing she has ever done.
I have always loved Raum, but this book really solidified how much of a sweetheart he truly is. His actions towards animals, his generosity towards Sunshine when he had no reason to be kind to her, and his tendency to put others ahead of himself all endeared him to me. Sunshine was such a confused soul, and I felt my heart breaking for her every time she wanted to go to Raum but was held back by what Heaven had told her was right and wrong. But she could never understand why being with a demon like Raum felt so right. Surely someone who made her feel special and safe would be worthy of mercy, and once she realized Raum was in danger, she immediately did what she could to ensure that he couldn't be hurt again. Raum was equally as protective of Sunshine, and once their chemistry sparked heat between them, leading to some steamy nights, I knew for sure that he was never going to let her go. I was also a big fan of his demon form, as was Sunshine, and I thought it was so heartwarming to see how Sunshine reacted and made sure Raum knew she was not afraid. Raum needed that acceptance of his whole self, and Sunshine made sure he didn't feel less than. Although this enemies to lover tale was full of bumps and twists, ultimately there was so much redemption and healing that made it all worthwhile. Raum and Sunshine had been through so much, they deserved the happiest of happy endings.
I am ecstatic that Murmur gets his book next. I need this anti-hero to get his own book, and the fact that it's going to be themed with Beauty and the Beast vibes? I am already sold and ready to read.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
Lately Raum has been feeling adrift from his brothers, now that most have found happiness with their partners, and while Belial is still single, his raging moods push Raum away rather than provide camaraderie in their loneliness. The only thing keeping him stable is the occasional petty theft and his newly acquired job at an animal shelter. Until he meets Sunshine, a seemingly harmless yet beautiful human...who turns out to be an angel set on blackmail and repairing her own tarnished past. Sunshine knows her attraction to Raum is inexcusable, and resistance to it is her only option. But with each moment she is forced to keep his company, she finds herself drawn to him more and more. And then there are the dreams that are plaguing both of them, dreams that seem more like memories and leave them reeling with feelings that feel both foreign and familiar. With Sunshine's reputation in Heaven on the line, she can't afford to act on her feelings. Even if tearing herself from Raum will be the most difficult thing she has ever done.
I have always loved Raum, but this book really solidified how much of a sweetheart he truly is. His actions towards animals, his generosity towards Sunshine when he had no reason to be kind to her, and his tendency to put others ahead of himself all endeared him to me. Sunshine was such a confused soul, and I felt my heart breaking for her every time she wanted to go to Raum but was held back by what Heaven had told her was right and wrong. But she could never understand why being with a demon like Raum felt so right. Surely someone who made her feel special and safe would be worthy of mercy, and once she realized Raum was in danger, she immediately did what she could to ensure that he couldn't be hurt again. Raum was equally as protective of Sunshine, and once their chemistry sparked heat between them, leading to some steamy nights, I knew for sure that he was never going to let her go. I was also a big fan of his demon form, as was Sunshine, and I thought it was so heartwarming to see how Sunshine reacted and made sure Raum knew she was not afraid. Raum needed that acceptance of his whole self, and Sunshine made sure he didn't feel less than. Although this enemies to lover tale was full of bumps and twists, ultimately there was so much redemption and healing that made it all worthwhile. Raum and Sunshine had been through so much, they deserved the happiest of happy endings.
I am ecstatic that Murmur gets his book next. I need this anti-hero to get his own book, and the fact that it's going to be themed with Beauty and the Beast vibes? I am already sold and ready to read.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
April 10, 2026
I think this might be tied for first place 🥇. I love that these two had backstory and we learn a bit more about Bel.
October 22, 2025
I’m absolutely loving this series, and Guardian Demon was the best one yet. The enemies-to-lovers tension between Raum and Sunshine was everything I wanted it was intense, emotional, and impossible to look away from. I devoured this one.
Raum has always been the quiet, brooding brother, and finally getting to see behind that wall was so satisfying. He’s been living in the shadows of his lost memories, and the way Sunshine crashes into his world, relentless, bright, and determined, made for such a compelling dynamic. Their connection was electric, full of longing and heart, and I couldn’t get enough.
Aurora Ascher continues to deliver everything I love about this series: strong writing, found family moments, and a perfect balance of heat and heart. This installment hit all the right notes for me, and I’m already eager for what comes next. Thanks to Hambright PR for the gifted copy.
Raum has always been the quiet, brooding brother, and finally getting to see behind that wall was so satisfying. He’s been living in the shadows of his lost memories, and the way Sunshine crashes into his world, relentless, bright, and determined, made for such a compelling dynamic. Their connection was electric, full of longing and heart, and I couldn’t get enough.
Aurora Ascher continues to deliver everything I love about this series: strong writing, found family moments, and a perfect balance of heat and heart. This installment hit all the right notes for me, and I’m already eager for what comes next. Thanks to Hambright PR for the gifted copy.
March 12, 2023
It’s always the quiet ones.
I knew…I JUST KNEW Raum was going to be deliciously naughty. I want to be his Good Girl please and thank you. *heart eyes* Getting into his head was much-needed (by me) and it was a wonderful and beautiful thing.
After reading the first three books, plus the prequel, you’d think I wouldn’t be surprised by how much I love this authors writing and these sexy AF demons she’s given us. But I keep getting blown away with each book I read from her. Phenomenal storytelling talent and an outstanding paranormal world kept me hooked, fascinated me, and kept my heart full of delicious demon love.
The absolute perfection of Raum had me out of my mind with pure lust and happiness and swoony demon goodness. He had me craving things I never knew I needed. He had me wanting things… all the sexy demon things. He was quiet, sometimes grumpy, yet so observant of everything and everyone. And his love for animals and his connection to them is the sweetest, made me adore him all the more.
The passion in this story is through the roof. The chemistry between Raum and Sunshine is FIRE. The way they were drawn to each other made me smile, swoon, and tingle all at the same time. There is a reason Raum and Sunshine can’t stay away from each other. It’s a very good reason, a powerful reason and I love that nothing was going to keep them apart. No one could stop them. The beauty and strength of their love made me ridiculously happy and dizzy with pleasure and contentment.
This story is packed full of emotion with all the feels. It has humor, heart, and spicy demon goodness all wrapped up in a pretty, black bow. And I couldn’t get enough.
I now have a new love for crows.
And my love of demons has only gotten stronger.
Love paranormal romance?
READ THIS SERIES.
I knew…I JUST KNEW Raum was going to be deliciously naughty. I want to be his Good Girl please and thank you. *heart eyes* Getting into his head was much-needed (by me) and it was a wonderful and beautiful thing.
After reading the first three books, plus the prequel, you’d think I wouldn’t be surprised by how much I love this authors writing and these sexy AF demons she’s given us. But I keep getting blown away with each book I read from her. Phenomenal storytelling talent and an outstanding paranormal world kept me hooked, fascinated me, and kept my heart full of delicious demon love.
The absolute perfection of Raum had me out of my mind with pure lust and happiness and swoony demon goodness. He had me craving things I never knew I needed. He had me wanting things… all the sexy demon things. He was quiet, sometimes grumpy, yet so observant of everything and everyone. And his love for animals and his connection to them is the sweetest, made me adore him all the more.
The passion in this story is through the roof. The chemistry between Raum and Sunshine is FIRE. The way they were drawn to each other made me smile, swoon, and tingle all at the same time. There is a reason Raum and Sunshine can’t stay away from each other. It’s a very good reason, a powerful reason and I love that nothing was going to keep them apart. No one could stop them. The beauty and strength of their love made me ridiculously happy and dizzy with pleasure and contentment.
This story is packed full of emotion with all the feels. It has humor, heart, and spicy demon goodness all wrapped up in a pretty, black bow. And I couldn’t get enough.
I now have a new love for crows.
And my love of demons has only gotten stronger.
Love paranormal romance?
READ THIS SERIES.
April 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ I’m really enjoying the hell bent series, however this book fell a bit flat for me. I didn’t feel as connected to the characters in the conflict in this book like I did the other 3. Will definitely continue the series though.
April 13, 2026
I feel like by book four, the rhythm of these stories feels familiar in the best way. Ascher has crafted a quintessential enemies-to-lovers arc (it’s hard to find a more archetypal conflict than Heaven vs. Hell) that maximizes both the dramatic stakes and the romantic tension. The storyline actually seemed to serve as an effective vehicle to build and explore their relationship. Honestly, while I initially worried their connection might be purely physical, I loved watching the characters grapple with the true nature and depth of their feelings. Lots of dilemmas and tradeoffs. It is impossible not to root for Raum and Sunshine with your whole heart.
While there have been earlier hints that Ascher is an animal lover, this book leaves no questions!
While there have been earlier hints that Ascher is an animal lover, this book leaves no questions!
November 29, 2022
When I tell you this book had me blushing! 😳 Top tier spice with all your favorites sprinkled in. It's always the quiet ones with the dirty mouth. It's also so full of heart and raw emotion! Obsessed doesn't even begin to describe my feelings about this series. This series, and the found family trope it does so beautifully, is one of my absolute favorites. Each book has been so enjoyable and this one took it even further with a more plot driven story. This fourth installment in the Hell Bent Series broadens the story so much and the world the characters live in. I can't freaking wait to see where the next book takes us!
Raum and Sunshine's story starts off with them both feeling profoundly lost. Raum having lost 300 years of memory as a demon and Sunshine having been punished for something and demoted in the angelic ranks. Raum starts to find purpose working at an animal shelter while Sunshine is tasked with retrieving with an important book for her mentor. A book that just so happens to be in Hell, where angels can't safely travel. Sunshine sets her sights on one particular demon to help her with the task. And together, they take us on a journey of what unconditional love means and how important healing is.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Raum and Sunshine's story starts off with them both feeling profoundly lost. Raum having lost 300 years of memory as a demon and Sunshine having been punished for something and demoted in the angelic ranks. Raum starts to find purpose working at an animal shelter while Sunshine is tasked with retrieving with an important book for her mentor. A book that just so happens to be in Hell, where angels can't safely travel. Sunshine sets her sights on one particular demon to help her with the task. And together, they take us on a journey of what unconditional love means and how important healing is.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2022
Grumpy Demon + Sunshine Angel
Back for the 4th book in the Hell Bent Series, which follows Raum and Sunshine's story. If you've read the other books, which I'm assuming you have, then we know Sunshine is Dan's friend from heaven.
When she gets an important task from heaven in order the regain her rank, she ends up needing the help of a demon. What better way to ensure she gets it, then kidnapping one and forcing it into a contract. Enter Raum. Quiet, brooding Raum, who loves animals and hates angels since one ruthlessly wiped 300 years from his memory.
Chaos ensues, questions are answered. Spicy things happen.
This one made me laugh, cry and strangely enough, feel a lil bad for creepy ol Murmur.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I read it on kindle but also ended up purchasing a paperback for my bookshelf because I feel like I'll def re-read these!
Back for the 4th book in the Hell Bent Series, which follows Raum and Sunshine's story. If you've read the other books, which I'm assuming you have, then we know Sunshine is Dan's friend from heaven.
When she gets an important task from heaven in order the regain her rank, she ends up needing the help of a demon. What better way to ensure she gets it, then kidnapping one and forcing it into a contract. Enter Raum. Quiet, brooding Raum, who loves animals and hates angels since one ruthlessly wiped 300 years from his memory.
Chaos ensues, questions are answered. Spicy things happen.
This one made me laugh, cry and strangely enough, feel a lil bad for creepy ol Murmur.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I read it on kindle but also ended up purchasing a paperback for my bookshelf because I feel like I'll def re-read these!
February 5, 2023
Aurora Ascher has shown me that I clearly need to go to hell and find me a demon!
*****
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: Paranormal, Angels and Demons, Second Chance Romance, Grumpy / Sunshine
*****
Raum, Raum, Raum, bless his poor demon heart. Raum has lost all his memories, a punishment for a transgression that he can’t remember. Raum feels empty…
Sunshine, an angel that was demoted and has been working hard to get back into the good graces of the angels. She has been given the task of finding a grimoire and little does she know her world is about to get very difficult.
These two couldn’t be more opposite and their paths are about to cross and both of their lives will be irrevocably changed.
Once again, excellent storytelling, great characters, and a world that I never want to leave had me turning pages as fast as I could gobble them up! I am thoroughly impressed with this entire series and have fallen in love with each and every character.
I am already a devoted fan of this author and I highly recommend this book and series. A must-read/one-click series that gets all my recommendations!
*****
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: Paranormal, Angels and Demons, Second Chance Romance, Grumpy / Sunshine
*****
Raum, Raum, Raum, bless his poor demon heart. Raum has lost all his memories, a punishment for a transgression that he can’t remember. Raum feels empty…
Sunshine, an angel that was demoted and has been working hard to get back into the good graces of the angels. She has been given the task of finding a grimoire and little does she know her world is about to get very difficult.
These two couldn’t be more opposite and their paths are about to cross and both of their lives will be irrevocably changed.
Once again, excellent storytelling, great characters, and a world that I never want to leave had me turning pages as fast as I could gobble them up! I am thoroughly impressed with this entire series and have fallen in love with each and every character.
I am already a devoted fan of this author and I highly recommend this book and series. A must-read/one-click series that gets all my recommendations!
December 4, 2022
I loved it so much!
Raum- quiet, mysterious, claws, wings, biting & can shift into a bigger form. NEED I SAY MORE!
Y’all this was such a good book! I love Auroras writing & that her characters have some spunk to them. She adds great detail, so you really connect to the characters. In this book you go on a journey to hell and back while Raum learns what had happened in his past, & why he is missing 300 years of memories. Alonh the way he also finds love & a knack for training dogs.
I really loved Raum’s story & can’t wait for the next two books!
Raum- quiet, mysterious, claws, wings, biting & can shift into a bigger form. NEED I SAY MORE!
Y’all this was such a good book! I love Auroras writing & that her characters have some spunk to them. She adds great detail, so you really connect to the characters. In this book you go on a journey to hell and back while Raum learns what had happened in his past, & why he is missing 300 years of memories. Alonh the way he also finds love & a knack for training dogs.
I really loved Raum’s story & can’t wait for the next two books!
February 5, 2026
DNF at about 50% of the way through the book. I’m willing to believe I’m just not the target audience here but I thought this was book was truly terrible. I have never hated a book more. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I had absolutely nothing good to say about it.
Sunshine was horribly bland and uninteresting. Raum was somewhat interesting. Their dynamic as a duo also fell so flat for me. The words on the page tell me that there is extreme passion and desire and connection between these two characters but I just do not feel it from them at all.
There are no real stakes. No real excitement anywhere in the plot. Then you get to the spicy scenes and they are SO long and detailed, I have to assume it’s the only part of the story the author even sort of cares about. But there’s absolutely nothing in the story leading up to the spicy scenes that makes the spicy scenes feel fulfilling or exciting.
Everything about this was just so bad. I genuinely hate that I wasted time and money on this book.
Sunshine was horribly bland and uninteresting. Raum was somewhat interesting. Their dynamic as a duo also fell so flat for me. The words on the page tell me that there is extreme passion and desire and connection between these two characters but I just do not feel it from them at all.
There are no real stakes. No real excitement anywhere in the plot. Then you get to the spicy scenes and they are SO long and detailed, I have to assume it’s the only part of the story the author even sort of cares about. But there’s absolutely nothing in the story leading up to the spicy scenes that makes the spicy scenes feel fulfilling or exciting.
Everything about this was just so bad. I genuinely hate that I wasted time and money on this book.
December 5, 2022
I absolutely LOVE the Hell Bent series and recommend it to everyone. They are all compelling and well-written. The characters are unique and the chemistry is always perfect. This book is no different. Great characters, perfect steam, excellent banter. I hope she keeps writing stories set in this world.
If I have one wish/change it would be this: One of my fav things about the first Hell bent book was that the FMC didn't know about the supernatural and had to adjust to it as part of her arc. As the series has gone on, the character have gotten more insular in this supernatural world and I would love to see a FMC who doesn't have powers and is just a normal human. To be clear, I have loved the FMCs so far, but I tend to lose a little interest if we are only reading about people who are on the "inside" already in terms of the supernatural with humans only functioning as background characters.
Overall great story, and I totally recommend it!
If I have one wish/change it would be this: One of my fav things about the first Hell bent book was that the FMC didn't know about the supernatural and had to adjust to it as part of her arc. As the series has gone on, the character have gotten more insular in this supernatural world and I would love to see a FMC who doesn't have powers and is just a normal human. To be clear, I have loved the FMCs so far, but I tend to lose a little interest if we are only reading about people who are on the "inside" already in terms of the supernatural with humans only functioning as background characters.
Overall great story, and I totally recommend it!
February 5, 2026
Not a fan. This book felt like it was written by an elementary schooler.
December 14, 2025
I liked this book! I have read book 2 so far in this one, and I liked this one even better than that one. I felt like the character development was better. I felt like the chemistry between Raum and Sunshine was spot on. I liked the enemies to lovers to fated mates storyline. I overall like these characters and this world. These demons are a hoot. I think I would want to be friends with them if they were real. I liked our girl Sunshine trying to act all BA with Raum by blackmailing him and the while she was fighting her attraction to him. And I liked Raum. He was bored. He wanted something different out of life, and then in walked Sunshine. A woman who caught his attention, which hadn't happened in a while, and then kept it even though they were under weird circumstances. I liked the slow reveal of their connection to each other. I liked the magic system. I liked all the shifting and different forms. I liked how quickly Raum became a touch her and die demon. I just liked this book!
Raum was bored. All of his friends were pairing off with their mates, and he hadn't found his yet. Not that he was really looking. He just got a job for goodness sake. But then he sees her. Someone who gets his attention. Who he keeps seeing out and about. Who he has a true connection with that they get to explore. But then her true nature comes out. She is an angel, and she is blackmailing him to help her on a mission. Great just great. Of all the women he can't stop thinking about it has to be an angel. Someone he could literally never have a future with. Someone who is threatening his friends. And yet he feels something different with her. He feels like there is more to the story. And the more time they spend together the more he knows this all to be true. She is too kind and gentle to be in this plot and yet here she is in Hell with him trying to steal a book. And yet when she has the opportunity to do so she redirects her course. She saves him. And now there is no denying this connection they have. Raum is having dreams about her. Dreams that seem real. He can't fight it anymore. He gives in to the temptation that is Sunshine and it feels unlike anything he has ever experienced. It feels like this is forever. But she is still on a mission. And they still can't be together. Until her past comes in to haunt them and then they are given a gift they never thought possible. One thing Raum does know is that he would do anything for her. She is his person. She is his everything.
Sunshine has been kind of living in the shadows in Heaven for years now. Ever since her problem she has been trying to claw her way back to redemption. And then she gets her chance. Which is how she has found herself interacting with Raum, the hot demon she has kind of secretly been stalking. The one she now has blackmailed to help her. The one she feels a connection with that she shouldn't. The one who makes her body react unlike it has ever reacted before. The one she has to keep reminding herself isn't for her. And yet she sees a different side of him. She sees someone who has made bad decisions yes but who loves passionately. Who wants a chance at a different life. Is that so bad? The more time she spends with him the more she realizes there is more going on between them than maybe she realized. She wants him, and when they finally give in to each other, it is glorious. He makes her feel like not an angel. He makes her feel like a queen. And yet she is still on a mission. But is that mission what she really wants? Before she can explore that road, her past comes to haunt her and threaten her future with Raum. And Sunshine realizes she will do anything to protect Raum including sacrife herself if that is what is needed. Because she now knows he is her everything. He has been for quite some time.
I am really looking forward to going back and reading Ash's and Meph's books. This was a great, easy read. I recommend the audio- the narrator does a great job with all of the voices. Definitely recommend for a spicy, enemies to lovers with a touch of forbidden love of angels and demons thrown in the mix!
Thank you to Hambright PR, NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book ine exchange for an honest review :)
Raum was bored. All of his friends were pairing off with their mates, and he hadn't found his yet. Not that he was really looking. He just got a job for goodness sake. But then he sees her. Someone who gets his attention. Who he keeps seeing out and about. Who he has a true connection with that they get to explore. But then her true nature comes out. She is an angel, and she is blackmailing him to help her on a mission. Great just great. Of all the women he can't stop thinking about it has to be an angel. Someone he could literally never have a future with. Someone who is threatening his friends. And yet he feels something different with her. He feels like there is more to the story. And the more time they spend together the more he knows this all to be true. She is too kind and gentle to be in this plot and yet here she is in Hell with him trying to steal a book. And yet when she has the opportunity to do so she redirects her course. She saves him. And now there is no denying this connection they have. Raum is having dreams about her. Dreams that seem real. He can't fight it anymore. He gives in to the temptation that is Sunshine and it feels unlike anything he has ever experienced. It feels like this is forever. But she is still on a mission. And they still can't be together. Until her past comes in to haunt them and then they are given a gift they never thought possible. One thing Raum does know is that he would do anything for her. She is his person. She is his everything.
Sunshine has been kind of living in the shadows in Heaven for years now. Ever since her problem she has been trying to claw her way back to redemption. And then she gets her chance. Which is how she has found herself interacting with Raum, the hot demon she has kind of secretly been stalking. The one she now has blackmailed to help her. The one she feels a connection with that she shouldn't. The one who makes her body react unlike it has ever reacted before. The one she has to keep reminding herself isn't for her. And yet she sees a different side of him. She sees someone who has made bad decisions yes but who loves passionately. Who wants a chance at a different life. Is that so bad? The more time she spends with him the more she realizes there is more going on between them than maybe she realized. She wants him, and when they finally give in to each other, it is glorious. He makes her feel like not an angel. He makes her feel like a queen. And yet she is still on a mission. But is that mission what she really wants? Before she can explore that road, her past comes to haunt her and threaten her future with Raum. And Sunshine realizes she will do anything to protect Raum including sacrife herself if that is what is needed. Because she now knows he is her everything. He has been for quite some time.
I am really looking forward to going back and reading Ash's and Meph's books. This was a great, easy read. I recommend the audio- the narrator does a great job with all of the voices. Definitely recommend for a spicy, enemies to lovers with a touch of forbidden love of angels and demons thrown in the mix!
Thank you to Hambright PR, NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book ine exchange for an honest review :)
December 3, 2022
Guardian Demon - (Book 4 in Hell Bent series)
By Aurora Ascher
Availed on Kindle Unlimited
First things first: I think this is the most romantic story I’ve read in 2022! This does not mean there is no spice, because there CERTAINLY is (my praise and dirty talk k!nk is VERY satisfied 😉), but reflecting back I honestly think this is a love story that out ♥️loved♥️ ALL my 2022 romance reads. 🥹🥹 disclaimer: I only read romance genre and don’t you dare close the door on the good stuffs, if you know what I mean, so maybe my perception is a wee bit skewed? 😅
Hell Bent series continues to provide all the feels from these demon brothers Gone Rogue who escaped Hell to hide on Earth. One of my favorite things about this series is how each book builds upon the larger overarching Hell Bent storyline and we get to spend time with my favorite demon book boyfriends Ash, Mist, Meph, Bel featured in the previous books. But this is Raum’s story.
““You’re trying to apologize by text, aren’t you?” Meph said.
Ash whistled low. “Bad idea.”
“Terrible,” Mist agreed.”
5.0 ⭐️/5
3.5 🌶️/5
MMC: Raum, Earl of Hell, rogue demon, animal whisperer, quiet one, even-tempered, crow shifter, fondness for shiny objects and five finger discounts. He has a heart full of love for his brothers and their Earth found family. Also, I’m fully #TEAMRAUM and extremely biased. Raum literally can do and did nothing wrong in this book. 🥰 period.
“You make me feel…warm,” he admitted, feeling stupid. “Safe, I guess. But also violent, but in a possessive way, like I’d kill everyone except for you.”
FMC: Sunshine, aka Shamsiel, an angel stripped of her high title for mysterious reasons 🤫 Sunshine gets an opportunity to reascend to her former rank IF she passes a test: acquire a mysterious grimoire that has fallen into the hands of a demon residing in Hell. Problem is, she can’t access Hell because, she’s a Heaven residing angel 😇. Good thing Sunshine knows just the rogue crow-shifting demon who she can coerce to get her to Hell and steal that grimoire.
“And god forbid they run into another flying demon. But instead of worrying about that, after ensuring she was hidden beneath her cloak, she relaxed into his hold and turned her face up to study him. He was quite impressive in this form. Magnificent, really. His feathers were sleek and shiny, outrageously soft against her. The way his head swiveled as he flew, scanning the ground beneath them, was even more majestic than the powerful birds of prey on Earth.”
Raum and Sunshine are automatically pitted against each other in the hunt for the grimoire (you know, demon vs angel and all that). But these enemies have so much chemistry that while on their quest to get this grimoire they can’t fight this undeniable pull they have towards each other. And we get to experience all their sexy high highs and the complicated low lows.
There are mysteries after mysteries to unravel. Why is this grimoire, formerly owned by a witch, stolen by a demon, wanted by an angel, so important? Why did Raum wake up 400 years ago with 300 hundred years of his memory missing? What was Sunshine’s “incident” that was so bad that it caused the loss of her high angel position? Why do I love the demons of this world and find angels complete buzzkills?
If you like paranormal romance, demons with hearts of gold (biased, remember? 🤭), mysteries to solve, good old fashioned sexy times between angels and demons, found families, enemies to lovers, praise, dirty talk, size difference, you will love Guardian Demon.
Next up in the series is a delightful side character demon, Murmur, who is just a casual (not so casual) Necromancer 😅. I know immediately I’m going to love his book. Examples of Murmur’s excellence as a potential new addition to the demon book boyfriend roster:
“Murmur tapped a restless foot, bored with waiting for his prisoner to wake. What was taking so long? He hadn’t hit him that hard.”
“Murmur shook his head, thinking of the shamefulness of some of the most feared demons in history allowing themselves to be tamed like horses by mere humans.”
“This was why Murmur abhorred personal attachments. The day he allowed himself such a vulnerability would be the day he was finally destroyed.”
Thanks to Aurora Ascher for providing this advanced reader copy 🫶 can’t wait to read what’s next!
By Aurora Ascher
Availed on Kindle Unlimited
First things first: I think this is the most romantic story I’ve read in 2022! This does not mean there is no spice, because there CERTAINLY is (my praise and dirty talk k!nk is VERY satisfied 😉), but reflecting back I honestly think this is a love story that out ♥️loved♥️ ALL my 2022 romance reads. 🥹🥹 disclaimer: I only read romance genre and don’t you dare close the door on the good stuffs, if you know what I mean, so maybe my perception is a wee bit skewed? 😅
Hell Bent series continues to provide all the feels from these demon brothers Gone Rogue who escaped Hell to hide on Earth. One of my favorite things about this series is how each book builds upon the larger overarching Hell Bent storyline and we get to spend time with my favorite demon book boyfriends Ash, Mist, Meph, Bel featured in the previous books. But this is Raum’s story.
““You’re trying to apologize by text, aren’t you?” Meph said.
Ash whistled low. “Bad idea.”
“Terrible,” Mist agreed.”
5.0 ⭐️/5
3.5 🌶️/5
MMC: Raum, Earl of Hell, rogue demon, animal whisperer, quiet one, even-tempered, crow shifter, fondness for shiny objects and five finger discounts. He has a heart full of love for his brothers and their Earth found family. Also, I’m fully #TEAMRAUM and extremely biased. Raum literally can do and did nothing wrong in this book. 🥰 period.
“You make me feel…warm,” he admitted, feeling stupid. “Safe, I guess. But also violent, but in a possessive way, like I’d kill everyone except for you.”
FMC: Sunshine, aka Shamsiel, an angel stripped of her high title for mysterious reasons 🤫 Sunshine gets an opportunity to reascend to her former rank IF she passes a test: acquire a mysterious grimoire that has fallen into the hands of a demon residing in Hell. Problem is, she can’t access Hell because, she’s a Heaven residing angel 😇. Good thing Sunshine knows just the rogue crow-shifting demon who she can coerce to get her to Hell and steal that grimoire.
“And god forbid they run into another flying demon. But instead of worrying about that, after ensuring she was hidden beneath her cloak, she relaxed into his hold and turned her face up to study him. He was quite impressive in this form. Magnificent, really. His feathers were sleek and shiny, outrageously soft against her. The way his head swiveled as he flew, scanning the ground beneath them, was even more majestic than the powerful birds of prey on Earth.”
Raum and Sunshine are automatically pitted against each other in the hunt for the grimoire (you know, demon vs angel and all that). But these enemies have so much chemistry that while on their quest to get this grimoire they can’t fight this undeniable pull they have towards each other. And we get to experience all their sexy high highs and the complicated low lows.
There are mysteries after mysteries to unravel. Why is this grimoire, formerly owned by a witch, stolen by a demon, wanted by an angel, so important? Why did Raum wake up 400 years ago with 300 hundred years of his memory missing? What was Sunshine’s “incident” that was so bad that it caused the loss of her high angel position? Why do I love the demons of this world and find angels complete buzzkills?
If you like paranormal romance, demons with hearts of gold (biased, remember? 🤭), mysteries to solve, good old fashioned sexy times between angels and demons, found families, enemies to lovers, praise, dirty talk, size difference, you will love Guardian Demon.
Next up in the series is a delightful side character demon, Murmur, who is just a casual (not so casual) Necromancer 😅. I know immediately I’m going to love his book. Examples of Murmur’s excellence as a potential new addition to the demon book boyfriend roster:
“Murmur tapped a restless foot, bored with waiting for his prisoner to wake. What was taking so long? He hadn’t hit him that hard.”
“Murmur shook his head, thinking of the shamefulness of some of the most feared demons in history allowing themselves to be tamed like horses by mere humans.”
“This was why Murmur abhorred personal attachments. The day he allowed himself such a vulnerability would be the day he was finally destroyed.”
Thanks to Aurora Ascher for providing this advanced reader copy 🫶 can’t wait to read what’s next!
November 29, 2022
Marvellous, I loved it !! Since the beginning we don’t know much about Raum, except that he’s the quiet one, he misses 300 years of memories, he can turn into a crow and he’s Meph’s partner in crime. The bond between the brother is really strong and I love seeing them interact with each other, how they will do anything to ensure their protection, even if they don’t about their feelings 😂 Eva uses a much funnier expression to illustrate that fact.
It’s that protective feeling that led to his current predicament with Sunshine. Using his bond with his brothers, Sunshine succeed in bargaining for his help to accompany her to hell to retrieve a book. Sunshine is determined to do absolutely anything to regain her rightful place in Heaven and to pass her test. Between lies and manipulation, nothing and no one is truly what they seem, past, present and future mingle. Raum and Sunshine will have to face their truth even if it hurts.
I truly loved everything about this book, the storyline, the anticipation for the next ones, the bond between Raum and Sunshine 😍 Since book 2 I’m curious about Murmur but still I’m waiting for Bel at 100%, sorry but not sorry he’s my favourite 🔥❤️
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
It’s that protective feeling that led to his current predicament with Sunshine. Using his bond with his brothers, Sunshine succeed in bargaining for his help to accompany her to hell to retrieve a book. Sunshine is determined to do absolutely anything to regain her rightful place in Heaven and to pass her test. Between lies and manipulation, nothing and no one is truly what they seem, past, present and future mingle. Raum and Sunshine will have to face their truth even if it hurts.
I truly loved everything about this book, the storyline, the anticipation for the next ones, the bond between Raum and Sunshine 😍 Since book 2 I’m curious about Murmur but still I’m waiting for Bel at 100%, sorry but not sorry he’s my favourite 🔥❤️
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
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