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House of Frost #1
Frost & Flame
Is David her guardian angel in a world gone crazy? Or is Jess the crazy one?
Two weeks ago, FBI agent Jess Bryant didn’t believe in angels, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, or witches, but she’s quickly learning that the world has secrets even her psychic abilities didn’t see coming.
When she’s assigned a peculiar murder case, Jess winds up caught in the crosshairs. Staring death in the face, she doesn’t predict being saved by a half-angel, but she quickly finds herself falling…
She better hope he has wings.
They’ve only just met, but David Woods knows that Jess is unlike any woman he’s ever known. Protecting mortals is his day job, but protecting Jess is looking like a round-the-clock task – not that he minds.
With a killer determined to steal her soul, he’s forced to break every rule in the book and reveal the real world to Jess. Which also means telling her his true nature.
He quickly realizes he’ll do anything to protect her, and in this case, keeping her safe means taking her home to Scotland. He knows Jess is special. He also knows his dark past might cost her the future.
There’s war on the wind, and she’s the key to winning…or losing.
Frost & Flame is a full-length (87,000 words) novel. It’s book one in the House of Frost dark paranormal romance series and ends on a cliff-hanger. If you like tough heroines and antiheros, steamy action, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, then you’ll love M.J. Mercer’s sexy tale.
Two weeks ago, FBI agent Jess Bryant didn’t believe in angels, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, or witches, but she’s quickly learning that the world has secrets even her psychic abilities didn’t see coming.
When she’s assigned a peculiar murder case, Jess winds up caught in the crosshairs. Staring death in the face, she doesn’t predict being saved by a half-angel, but she quickly finds herself falling…
She better hope he has wings.
They’ve only just met, but David Woods knows that Jess is unlike any woman he’s ever known. Protecting mortals is his day job, but protecting Jess is looking like a round-the-clock task – not that he minds.
With a killer determined to steal her soul, he’s forced to break every rule in the book and reveal the real world to Jess. Which also means telling her his true nature.
He quickly realizes he’ll do anything to protect her, and in this case, keeping her safe means taking her home to Scotland. He knows Jess is special. He also knows his dark past might cost her the future.
There’s war on the wind, and she’s the key to winning…or losing.
Frost & Flame is a full-length (87,000 words) novel. It’s book one in the House of Frost dark paranormal romance series and ends on a cliff-hanger. If you like tough heroines and antiheros, steamy action, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, then you’ll love M.J. Mercer’s sexy tale.
334 pages, ebook
Published April 21, 2023
37 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 2, 2023
h: I am a reasonable, responsible, level headed, capable, talented, psychic, intelligent FBI Agent… now I’m going to stomp my foot and run away to have a tanty, so wah!
The H isn’t much better. He is woe is me, of course I’m going to let the bad guys cheat and kill me since they have plotted so cleverly, so wah!
My problem with this book is it, and the characters, are REALLY GOOD, and then SO VERY BAD.
She’s a psychic, and when she sees super speed, super strong men who happen to burst into flames when dead, attack the H and almost kill him by drinking his blood after she fails to kill any of them with lots of well placed bullets… she demands to know what’s going on, but the psychic doesn’t believe in vampires, so TELL ME THE TRUTH DAMN IT! Did I mention the H grew wings and flew between bouts of ripping said ‘can’t be vampires’ hearts out of their chests with his bare hands?
The killer for me is the last chapter when the immortal 800yo H finally gets around to confessing his biggest secret to the h he’s known for little more than a week… and she’s horrified he never shared it with her in all of that very busy week that he was convinced he was going to die at the end of, so the intelligent, capable, reasonable, trained woman runs out of the house, not long after an invading force tried to kill them all… and gets captured.
The H isn’t much better. He is woe is me, of course I’m going to let the bad guys cheat and kill me since they have plotted so cleverly, so wah!
My problem with this book is it, and the characters, are REALLY GOOD, and then SO VERY BAD.
She’s a psychic, and when she sees super speed, super strong men who happen to burst into flames when dead, attack the H and almost kill him by drinking his blood after she fails to kill any of them with lots of well placed bullets… she demands to know what’s going on, but the psychic doesn’t believe in vampires, so TELL ME THE TRUTH DAMN IT! Did I mention the H grew wings and flew between bouts of ripping said ‘can’t be vampires’ hearts out of their chests with his bare hands?
The killer for me is the last chapter when the immortal 800yo H finally gets around to confessing his biggest secret to the h he’s known for little more than a week… and she’s horrified he never shared it with her in all of that very busy week that he was convinced he was going to die at the end of, so the intelligent, capable, reasonable, trained woman runs out of the house, not long after an invading force tried to kill them all… and gets captured.
April 21, 2023
Frost and Flame by M.J Mercer is the first book in the series House of Frost. This is also the first book I’ve every read by this author. Let me just say in my best Thelma voice (scooby doo!) Jinkies!!! This book was so good! (Spoiler!!!) The ending!!!! I was sitting on the edge of my couch staring off into space petting my cat Vergil, while that last page stayed open on my kindle. But now I’m back for this review!
So the main characters are Jess and David. Jess is a skeptic and only believes in things she can touch and feel; which makes totally sense since she’s an FBI agent. David is the exact opposite, he believes in the supernatural/paranormal world because that’s what he lives every day. (What am I going to say?… Read the book! 😘) But he has a new full time job and it’s the lovely lady Jess. I must say both of these characters are BadAss!!! I enjoyed every second of this world. Sexiness in the best of ways. 🩷❤️
I couldn’t put this book down, to be honest I flew through it. That cliffhanger though! I think I need ice cream or something to make myself feel better. 😂🍦But seriously, M.J Mercer has created such a great world full of interesting characters, a great storyline, amazing action! Not to mention the steaminess that is between the characters is perfection. I don’t know how I’m going to wait for book two!
My final rating:
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great characters:
5 out of 5 wings 🪽🪽🪽🪽🪽
That Cliffhanger:
5 out of 5 ice cream 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦
So the main characters are Jess and David. Jess is a skeptic and only believes in things she can touch and feel; which makes totally sense since she’s an FBI agent. David is the exact opposite, he believes in the supernatural/paranormal world because that’s what he lives every day. (What am I going to say?… Read the book! 😘) But he has a new full time job and it’s the lovely lady Jess. I must say both of these characters are BadAss!!! I enjoyed every second of this world. Sexiness in the best of ways. 🩷❤️
I couldn’t put this book down, to be honest I flew through it. That cliffhanger though! I think I need ice cream or something to make myself feel better. 😂🍦But seriously, M.J Mercer has created such a great world full of interesting characters, a great storyline, amazing action! Not to mention the steaminess that is between the characters is perfection. I don’t know how I’m going to wait for book two!
My final rating:
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great characters:
5 out of 5 wings 🪽🪽🪽🪽🪽
That Cliffhanger:
5 out of 5 ice cream 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦
April 30, 2023
I received this books as a ARC and all thoughts and review is my own.
This is a great debut book. Jess is a FBI agent who has always had a secret. David is a powerful nephilim with a secret of his own. When Jess recent case throws her into the supernatural community David can’t help to intervene to save her. But will their secrets be too much for the other to handle??
My I rated it three stars. This books had a great plot and was a wonderful debut novel. Though I felt things were rushed in some areas and super slow in others. I think things where to easy for the FMC when it came to learning her powers and her actions where not very believable to me. Again I LOVED the plot and the cliff hanger ending it was just I didn’t fall in love with the FMC I wish we knew more about her past. I know we get like to mentions of her mother and her powers but I want more it would help me understand her a lot better.
She also give in to David to easily and with how her boss said I’m doing this for ur own good and they like avoided all that trouble because he has his own jet I felt was rushed there should have been some kind of conflict there.
Also I get why Frost had to do what she did to train her but I felt David should have had more of an emotion to it instead of pretty much telling her to trust the process and get over it.
Tropes
Protector vibes
Strong FMC
Insta love
Different worlds
Found family.
This is a great debut book. Jess is a FBI agent who has always had a secret. David is a powerful nephilim with a secret of his own. When Jess recent case throws her into the supernatural community David can’t help to intervene to save her. But will their secrets be too much for the other to handle??
My I rated it three stars. This books had a great plot and was a wonderful debut novel. Though I felt things were rushed in some areas and super slow in others. I think things where to easy for the FMC when it came to learning her powers and her actions where not very believable to me. Again I LOVED the plot and the cliff hanger ending it was just I didn’t fall in love with the FMC I wish we knew more about her past. I know we get like to mentions of her mother and her powers but I want more it would help me understand her a lot better.
She also give in to David to easily and with how her boss said I’m doing this for ur own good and they like avoided all that trouble because he has his own jet I felt was rushed there should have been some kind of conflict there.
Also I get why Frost had to do what she did to train her but I felt David should have had more of an emotion to it instead of pretty much telling her to trust the process and get over it.
Tropes
Protector vibes
Strong FMC
Insta love
Different worlds
Found family.
May 10, 2023
The first book of a new series, and the first book I've read by this author. I must say, I'm liking it so far.
Jess is an FBI agent with an uncanny ability to solve mysteries. Because of this, she is assigned to investigate a disturbing series of murders. This investigation puts her in the path of not only the murderer, but an entire supernatural world that's been right under her nose. In particular, the mysterious David Woods, who happens to be at the right (or wrong) place each time.
While trying to eliminate him as a suspect, Jess finds herself inexplicably attracted to the handsome foreigner. When her life is in jeopardy, David takes her to his family's home in Scotland, where Jess learns more of an ancient prophecy that she may or may not be a part of.
There's a lot happening in this book, but not in an overwhelming way. Rather, I found myself wanting to learn more of the history and legends behind the current conflict.
And don't get me started on that cliffhanger at the end!
Jess is an FBI agent with an uncanny ability to solve mysteries. Because of this, she is assigned to investigate a disturbing series of murders. This investigation puts her in the path of not only the murderer, but an entire supernatural world that's been right under her nose. In particular, the mysterious David Woods, who happens to be at the right (or wrong) place each time.
While trying to eliminate him as a suspect, Jess finds herself inexplicably attracted to the handsome foreigner. When her life is in jeopardy, David takes her to his family's home in Scotland, where Jess learns more of an ancient prophecy that she may or may not be a part of.
There's a lot happening in this book, but not in an overwhelming way. Rather, I found myself wanting to learn more of the history and legends behind the current conflict.
And don't get me started on that cliffhanger at the end!
April 21, 2023
I received this book as an ARC but am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot - wowowowowow I was looking for something like the Mindf*ck series, with a paranormal twist and this book brought that! It is a cliffhanger, and I’m so upset I’ve got to wait to have my questions answered! Honestly loved it, obsessed with it, devoured it within a day it was brilliant!
The MC - Jess had my heart from the start. We would be kindred flames I’m sure of it. She’s a badass, she’s fierce and amazing but not completely unrealistic, I loved her!
The male counterpart - was I expecting to love a character called David so much? No, most definitely not. But David had my heart from the beginning, and I’m actually envious of his divulgence into the paranormal I AM OBSESSED.
The plot - wowowowowow I was looking for something like the Mindf*ck series, with a paranormal twist and this book brought that! It is a cliffhanger, and I’m so upset I’ve got to wait to have my questions answered! Honestly loved it, obsessed with it, devoured it within a day it was brilliant!
The MC - Jess had my heart from the start. We would be kindred flames I’m sure of it. She’s a badass, she’s fierce and amazing but not completely unrealistic, I loved her!
The male counterpart - was I expecting to love a character called David so much? No, most definitely not. But David had my heart from the beginning, and I’m actually envious of his divulgence into the paranormal I AM OBSESSED.
April 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the banter between Jess and her partner. And Michael…. I love the way their romance developed. He was polite yet was honest about what he wanted and she knew what she wanted from the get go. I dislike when there is too much inner turmoil, no need to feel guilty to the point of denying yourself when you know what you want. Although when he told he who he was, I feel her reaction was …shallow. I understand why she would be upset but knowing what she already did and how she felt for him, why such a shallow knee jerk reaction? I think we needed to be in her head for that one. I also really enjoyed the characters. I would love more cases and wish Holt was in it longer. I would definitely recommend this one and can’t wait for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Dropped at 46%
I really tried, believe me I did but I couldn’t stand the FMC, she could read mind and see ghosts but vampires?? Impossible! I don’t know what the author was trying to do with the MMC but it failed, he came across as weak and sleazy (although this could be due to the awful cover image of the other edition talking). There is no chemistry between the MCs, nothing, nada, like I couldn’t see why the MMC was attracted to the FMC and vice versa.
I really tried, believe me I did but I couldn’t stand the FMC, she could read mind and see ghosts but vampires?? Impossible! I don’t know what the author was trying to do with the MMC but it failed, he came across as weak and sleazy (although this could be due to the awful cover image of the other edition talking). There is no chemistry between the MCs, nothing, nada, like I couldn’t see why the MMC was attracted to the FMC and vice versa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
February 10, 2024DNF
I liked Jess's POV chapters but I felt like David's were written by a different person because they were so sparse and awkward. Also, I can't really say why but in the beginning David was giving me such creepy vibes and it made it hard to see him as the love interest. Just not for me I guess.
I liked Jess's POV chapters but I felt like David's were written by a different person because they were so sparse and awkward. Also, I can't really say why but in the beginning David was giving me such creepy vibes and it made it hard to see him as the love interest. Just not for me I guess.
April 22, 2023
For a debut book, this is a good one. The story sucks you in and keeps your interest.
I love the story and the characters. There's angst, drama, action, and some steamy romance in this paranormal story.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
I love the story and the characters. There's angst, drama, action, and some steamy romance in this paranormal story.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
April 23, 2023
I’ve seriously enjoyed this book. It’s different from the ones I’ve read and literally since chapter one I was intrigued to learn more and more about Jess and her psychic powers.
This book has such a good story and it’s honestly one of my favorite books now. I highly recommend!
This book has such a good story and it’s honestly one of my favorite books now. I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
✨ARC Review ✨
I received this book as a ARC. The story line gives you a little bit of everything - thriller, drama, action and romance! For a debut book - this is a good one! The chemistry between Agent Bryant and David is chef’s kiss! 👩🍳
The ending - AHHHH!! Can’t wait for book number 2!
I received this book as a ARC. The story line gives you a little bit of everything - thriller, drama, action and romance! For a debut book - this is a good one! The chemistry between Agent Bryant and David is chef’s kiss! 👩🍳
The ending - AHHHH!! Can’t wait for book number 2!
April 21, 2023
3.5 but promising! I read this as an arc and will post the full review as soon as I can!
April 25, 2023
This book is so good! Has a little bit of spice, a love story and lots of supernatural goodness! The ending leaves you wanting to know more but the second book won’t be out for a couple of months.
September 6, 2023
I love this series so far bc it gives me that “just got home from high school and snagged a new Anita Blake book from the library to devour” feel.
December 15, 2024
Did not enjoy it enough to read book 2
June 5, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest review.
This is the first paranormal romance I have read so I was uncertain as to what I was getting into. I really enjoyed this debut novel and first book in the series.
The story is romance between a supernatural being and an FBI agent on a case that seems impossible. As the case continues the agent's life may be in jeopardy.
This was a great story with a lot of detail and action. I would highly recommend!
This is the first paranormal romance I have read so I was uncertain as to what I was getting into. I really enjoyed this debut novel and first book in the series.
The story is romance between a supernatural being and an FBI agent on a case that seems impossible. As the case continues the agent's life may be in jeopardy.
This was a great story with a lot of detail and action. I would highly recommend!
December 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and the story line! Agent Bryant is the whole package, a strong and independent woman that kicks butt!! David Woods and his Italian suits are exactly what she needed! This spice was amazing and didn’t over power the story line at all. If you love spice and paranormales then I highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews