Paladin’s Hell: Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #1 by Manda Mellett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Paladin’s Hell: Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #1 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paladin’s Hell is the first book in Manda Mellett’s Satan’s Devils Colorado Chapter series. We’re introduced to the Colorado Chapter through Paladin, a young man transferring from the Arizona Chapter, which is the focus of Mellett’s Satan’s Devils MC books. Since his involvement in rescuing her as a teenager, Paladin has been close to Jayden and acted as her protector. When faced with new threats, he agrees to accompany her to a different state where, they hope, she will be safer.
I picked this book more-or-less at random, without any particular interest in motorcycle clubs. Honestly, I really enjoyed it. I was gripped, constantly mulling over the characters and their situations whenever I didn’t have the book in front of me. There’s strong friendship and brotherhood, love and trust, but also betrayal, hatred and misunderstanding. It’s a very human story.
For all of the scantily clad club girls and eager hangarounds, the romance and sex are far from idealistic. The two main female characters are both rape survivors, worried about enjoying what has been used to hurt them. We see an ageing couple, coming to terms with changes in their own and each other’s bodies. We see a young couple, fumbling as they figure out what they like and don’t like. It’s not glamorous, but it is romantic.
As a newcomer to the Colorado Chapter, we are introduced to the characters and set up through Paladin. I haven’t read any of Mellett’s books about the Arizona Chapter, and didn’t have any problems following the story. Now that I’ve enjoyed Paladin’s Hell, though, I’m eager to read some of them!
For me, this is a five star book. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but it’s a really good book. At times violent, and discussing rape and sexual abuse, it’s not always a cheery read but it’s empowering and, ultimately, positive. Definitely worth a read!

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