My Demon Hunter by Aurora Ascher Summary

My Demon Hunter is a paranormal romance following Mishetsumephtai "Mist," a demon enslaved to an evil queen for millennia as her hunter, who meets Lily Donovan, a witch-turned-seamstress denying her magical heritage. When their undeniable connection threatens Mist's servitude, Lily must embrace her witchcraft and brave Hell itself to save him. The story explores healing from trauma, self-acceptance, and the subversion of traditional hunter-prey dynamics into a relationship built on mutual trust and consent.

Aurora Ascher is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling fantasy and paranormal romance author known for her Hell Bent series. Before becoming a writer, she was a piano player since age five and currently tours with a hip-hop-prog band. My Demon Hunter is the second book in her Hell Bent series, which also includes My Funny Demon Valentine, Demon With Benefits, Guardian Demon, and Beauty and the Demon. She also writes the Elemental Emergence series, starting with Sanctuary of the Shadow.

My Demon Hunter is ideal for paranormal romance fans who love misunderstood monsters, plus-size representation, and emotionally complex relationships. Readers who enjoy authors like Jenna Levine and K.F. Breene, or those seeking subversive takes on demon romance tropes with found family dynamics, will appreciate this book. The novel particularly resonates with readers interested in deep psychological exploration of trauma, body positivity, and characters healing through genuine connection rather than just magical solutions.

My Demon Hunter delivers a compelling mix of steamy romance, humor, and emotional depth with meaningful representation of plus-size heroines. The novel stands out for its subversion of traditional paranormal tropes, transforming the enslaved demon and hunter-prey dynamic into an empowering story about consent and chosen bonds. With vivid world-building set in Montreal, a cast of protective demon brothers, and a romance that prioritizes psychological healing alongside passion, the book offers both entertainment and substance for paranormal romance enthusiasts.

Mist and Lily's relationship evolves from instant captivation to a transformative bond that redefines both characters. Despite Mist being a feral, broody demon hunter branded by the Queen of Hell, he becomes protective and tender with Lily, while she—initially timid and lacking confidence—grows fierce enough to brave Hell for him. Their connection subverts the traditional hunter-prey dynamic, becoming one of mutual consent where "enslavement" transforms into a symbol of chosen devotion rather than forced servitude.

My Demon Hunter features Lily as a plus-size, curvy heroine who battles deep insecurities about her weight throughout the story. Aurora Ascher authentically portrays Lily's internal struggles with self-confidence, reflecting real-world experiences many readers face daily rather than idealizing a fantasy world of perfect bodies. Lily's character arc focuses on gaining self-acceptance through her own power and Mist's unconditional love, making her one of the most praised heroines for providing meaningful representation in paranormal romance.

My Demon Hunter takes traditional paranormal elements—the enslaved demon, the prophesied witch, the "chosen one"—and reimagines them with fresh perspectives. Mist's enslavement ultimately becomes a symbol of chosen connection rather than forced bondage, while Lily's power stems from self-acceptance rather than just magical ability. The novel challenges conventional notions of good and evil by exploring how demons can seek redemption and form genuine connections, transforming traditionally evil figures into complex characters with humanity and capacity for change.

Montreal functions as a character itself in My Demon Hunter, with specific references to "depanneurs" (corner stores), spiral staircases, and distinctive architectural styles adding cultural authenticity. The familiar, real-world Canadian setting provides stark contrast to the dark, fantastical realms of Hell that feature in the story. This juxtaposition emphasizes the characters' journey to find normalcy and belonging, grounding the supernatural elements in a recognizable urban landscape where Mist first encounters Lily in a corner store ice cream aisle.

• "You are everything good in my world, Lily. You are my freedom" represents Mist's complete transformation from enslaved hunter to liberated individual. This declaration signifies his profound liberation through love, transcending conventional romantic expressions.
• Another key quote—"This is what happens when the rules are broken. This is the consequence of insubordination"—reveals Mist's deeply ingrained obedience and brutal conditioning under Paimon, highlighting the immense psychological barrier he must overcome.

These quotes showcase the novel's exploration of freedom, healing, and the power of chosen bonds.

My Demon Hunter is the second book in Aurora Ascher's Hell Bent series and continues following the demon brothers Bel, Ash, Raum, and Meph who escaped Hell. The novel introduces Mist, originally sent to hunt these demons but who instead makes a deal with them and joins their found family. Readers get multiple POVs including callbacks to previous characters like Eva (Ash's mate), her parents Eligos and Natalie, providing continuity while advancing new storylines. Each book in the series focuses on a different demon finding love while building the overarching world of demon-human relationships.

Aurora Ascher draws from the Ars Goetia, part of the Lesser Key of Solomon, for demon characters including Belial, Paimon, Asmodeus, and Raum, grounding supernatural elements in established occult lore. Mephistopheles derives inspiration from the German Faust legend, while Naiamah comes from Jewish scriptural texts, adding intertextual depth. These mythological foundations allow Ascher to explore the humanity and trauma of traditionally evil figures, challenging readers to reconsider conventional notions of demons as purely malevolent beings and instead see their capacity for redemption.

Aurora Ascher employs dual perspective narration alternating between Mist and Lily's viewpoints with deep POV, providing intimate access to their thoughts and psychological complexities. She uses sensory-rich descriptions focusing on scent—particularly Mist's heightened demon sense of smell and Lily's intoxicating aroma—and tactile details like demon skin texture and claw sensations. This immersive sensory writing enhances the primal, instinctual aspects of their connection while allowing readers to fully experience the profound shifts in the characters' self-perception and emotional healing.