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Exhale

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In a world where half of the population possesses magic, Morella Andrews is the first of her kind. Her unique abilities force her to rely on the protection and secrecy of her Union and the federal government to stay safe from people who would seek to use her for their own gain. When their safeguards fail and she’s approached with an offer of employment, no one involved expects her to refuse.

Except she does.

The mysterious “local businessman” won’t take no for an answer, though, so when they resort to a kidnapping attempt her only option is to rely on her new handler, Agent Pierson, to keep her safe. Tall, sexy, and incredibly irritating, Morella can’t figure out if he is disgusted or intrigued by her.

Fate forces them together and the Goddess keeps throwing surprises their way - unfounded judgements and trust issues, old connections, new powers, and the potential for explosive chemistry.

Morella may be a necromancer with unprecedented power, but when death eventually comes for her will she be able to overcome her own?


The Void Prophecies is a 4 book series. The first three books will each focus on a separate heroine and her mate, and the fourth will be a culmination of their stories and POVs. There are other short stories and a novella that are connected as well. The first short, Radiant Poison, is part of the Sacrilege: A Forbidden Dark Romance Anthology and gives some insight and background into the god, goddess, and religion involved in the Void universe.

571 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2023

3 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

J.S. Mercier

11 books128 followers

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Moore.
35 reviews
June 13, 2023
4.25/5 stars

Exhale, the first book in The Void Prophecies series, follows Morella, a necromancer who has powers that have never been documented before, on a dangerous journey to avoid a "local businessman" who is after the use of her powers. Her sexy new agent seems to want to avoid her at all costs, but is there something else more under the surface?

This story intermingles the right levels of spice, magic, mystery, and murder - all the right ingredients for a read that I couldn't put down! For me personally, I would have loved to see a little more world building up front to help set the stage of the magic and structure more up front, but it was alright to learn as you go. I am excited to see where the rest of the series takes us as Morella finds her Sisters!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Daphnne.
1,317 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2023
This book was amazingly good. Morella and Barrett were fire - the chemistry and relationship between them was smoking hot and sweet at the same time. Mor is a wonderful FMC - strong, sassy and with a clear sense of justice. I loved her! The story was full of twists, humor and romance. The last few chapters were heart pounding and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Srish.
495 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2023
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review of Exhale.

Exhale is the first book in The Void Prophecies series. The Void Prophecies is a 4 book series with the first 3 books focusing on different characters and the 4th book as a collection of all the characters and their povs. This book contains themes that might be triggering for some readers, so do proceed with caution.

Exhale is a story about Morella, the FMC, who is the first woman to be foretold, and it is her story that is the catalyst which sets the prophecies in motion.

Morella is a necromancer with unprecedented power, she has a handler, Tommy who is retiring soon, so she breaks in his replacement, her new handler, the MMC, Agent Pierson, who is incredibly handsome (as described by our lovely Morella). I hate how low Morella felt when she assumed that Pierson is disgusted by her and what she does when he hides his hand in his pockets immediately after their introduction.

But then something happens, Pierson's eyes flash when Morella touches his forehead, like the way if you have watched Supernatural, how Castiel's eyes flashed, like that, and it seems that he is not a usual handler or whatever. I read this scene like - I have found my man! My Supernatural man🩵😮‍💨🤌🏽

I love Morella so much, she is fierce and she is the most amazing person ever. She got Tommy a gift as a farewell gift and I just fell in love with her, I am in love with Morella. Pierson can go and get lost, because I have taken a liking to Morella, not tall, dark and handsome man can steal my attention away from her🫶🏼🩷😭

I loved it when the chapter shifts to Person's POV because then we get to know how hooked onto Morella he really is. He says something's about handler and asset relationship but he also knew that he wouldn't be able to resist the pull between Morella and himself. And ALSOOOO!!! THE EYES FLASHING THAT MORELLA SAW HAPPENING IN PIERSON'S EYES, THE SANE THINGS PIERSON SAW IN MORELLA'S EYES!!! SQKJDKSKSKS😩😮‍💨🤌🏽

The secrets are revealed and we see that even Pierson (Barrett) has powers✨and poor him, he didn't about this. Things that happen afterwards makes my heart break, because they (Barrett and Morella) are going through stuff that would just break anyone yet they are strong for each other and they are trying to earn each other's trust and this just shows that no matter how they feel, they would do anything for each other.

The "Fuck it." by Barrett was so hot, like dayum, I love the fuck it so so much🫦🥵🤤 the trees house scene is so hot, like phew get me under cold water already, this is too hot to handle🔥😩🥵

You know what I loved the most, the way Morella's parents are such dorks and so in love together and so funny like yeah all of them are cute and funny dorks 😂😂😂😂

This book is AMAZINGG!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE BOOKS FROM THIS SERIES.
Profile Image for Sandra.
734 reviews
June 10, 2023
Pow! This book certainly packs a punch. It's part supernatural horror with comedy meets a radar love to melt the masses. Where do I begin? We have a vivacious, no holds barred, super confident necromancer named Morella. A petite woman who brings the dynamite to every one of her interactions and so much sass that you need her to be your best friend for life. She is a high paying, skilled, soul remover and giver that works for the government. Her mentor Tommy is retiring and his replacement is a magic mountain of a man named Barrett Pierson. He's like 6'6 to her 5'0. And he's sworn to protect her at all costs. The pull towards one another begins. And as Morella words it, he's thiccc. Yes. Spelled with three C's. The humor and interactions these two have will make you laugh. You might even blush. The tree house with the night sky and stars. Read it to know what I'm talking about.🔥🔥🔥 There's a lot of fiery chemistry and attraction. When Morella is offered an extra side job offer from an unknown source, she flatly refuses it. Here begins the drama and trying to stay one step ahead from the trouble and doomsday war that is looming. Who can they trust? And where will all this lead them?💀💀💀

There are a lot of secrets and connections from the past that will unfold for the both of them. But real trust has to be made. More magical abilities will be discovered and learned. Barrett will learn of his own history and how it relates to Morella. Changes are looming. Mental. Physical. Spiritual. Going up against the enemies is inevitable. And what will become of the love that has been discovered? The promises made? I don't want to spoil anything. There is a cliffhanger. This is book one of a four book series. Also sidenote, this is a long book. My only complaint is I think the ending was a little over the top. Too much was happening and all at once.💥🧨💥 Sometimes, less is more. But I do recommend it and hope you will read it. Enjoy.

Thank you to Ms Mercier for an ARC of her book. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.💖💖
Profile Image for Carrie West.
470 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2023
The day after an 18 hours travel day is not the best to start a new book. You do with that information as you see fit. Being overly tired and suffering from jet lag and realization that my real life was starting up again after only two sleeps back in my own bed, this book was so incredibly hard to focus on.

Morella was cocky but not in a flattering way. There were necromancers just walking around joking about raising a zombie army. Gross and I am not prepared. The COVID lockdown may have made it so my zombie apocalypse stash is severely low. Then my mind went to the characters ending up doing some crazy RH thing. Not that I would have minded 😉, but my brain wasn’t ready. I should have started with a Tessa Bailey or Sarah Adams book to ease my way out of the vacation fog I was in.

Then, after a full 9 1/2 hours of sleep in my own bed, the book clicked. Right around the time of the mechanical bull. Yes, it took me almost three days to read maybe 7 chapters. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Morella is funny and a smartass and I love her. Agent Pierson is cute how he tries to deny any of his feelings. Their friends and family are warm, inviting, and I want to join in on games nights at their homes.

How can a book with this much destruction and chaos pull me in. These characters were so normal, even with the necromancy. I’d binge watch movies and braid Morella’s hair. Go to the shooting range with Agent Pierson and Scott. Ban Paul Cole within a 100 mile radius while spending time with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.

The scene with Adam was painful. With my breath held and eyes obscured with tears, it was a hard part of the story to read. Once finished, I took a loudly audible breath, slammed my Kindle down and just let the tears flow. As much as that one hurt, thank you for that. It shows the rage of power Morella has and it was a beautiful scene.

Go grab this if you are into forced proximity, fated mates, and magic. Even if you aren’t do it anyway. I’ll bring cheesecake and we can discuss our feelings and who will end up with who.
Profile Image for Karen Desira.
217 reviews
August 13, 2023
ARC Review

Exhale is the first installment in The Void Prophecies, a four-book series. It introduces us to Morella, the first of the three FMCs featured throughout the series. It is written from the perspectives of Morella and Barrett, also known initially as Agent Pierson.

Morella is a unique necromancer who can resurrect the dead, who defies all expectations with her petite frame and free-spirited, feisty demeanor. Following her former handler's retirement, a seemingly grumpy Agent Pierson takes his place. Morella is immediately struck by his attractivness, but her excitement is soon dampened when their introductory handshake is met by his quick withdrawal, as though he is repelled by her touch. This causes a rocky start to their professional relationship, and despite both feeling an attraction to each other, they have minimal interaction during their initial weeks working together.

When Morella is approached by her boss with an offer beyond the confines of her contract, she refuses without disclosing any details to Barrett due to their strained relationship. They narrowly espace death during an attempt to kidnap her, forcing them to take refuge together and try to find who is after her, unraveling many secrets along the way.

As missing fragments of their lives start to piece together, their connection deepens, forging a very special and profound bond. The intensity in their relationship heightens, ultimately rendering them inseparable.

This book promises a great reading experience, even for those who, like myself, are not accustomed to the paranormal genre. The intricate plot and well-written characters will definitely captive its readers, making it an absolute must-read for enthusiasts of this genre. And if this book serves as any indication of what the rest of the series holds, I can confidently say that the forthcoming installments will be just as fantastic.
Profile Image for A. Adams.
742 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2023
Some people may be turned off by this novel because it is about magic and necromancy. This is a paranormal/fantasy novel that is the start of a epic journey. There's a lot of other funny content besides magic. All of the characters in this novel are pretty memorable. There is a lot of time spent on the development of the characters. I really was invested in these characters before anything bad ever started happening. Make no mistake there is some mystery, drama, fighting, and some very unexpected sad emotional content 😭. Basically there are two different sides fighting against each other. There is a light side and a dark side. One represents good and one represents evil. They both worship different gods. There is a prequel in the anthology Sacrilege that is more or less a origin story, that takes place before this novel, with different characters. Morella and Barrett are the two main characters in this novel. Morella is just so much more than a necromancer. Morella is absolutely hilarious, likable, and has a personality that leaps off of the pages. Morella has so many funny one liners. Barrett is Morella 's handler and a mountain of a man. Barrett is the perfect match for Morella. Barrett takes possessiveness to a whole new level! The things these two do together 🥵! The sexual tease getting getting Barrett and Morella together was off the charts! I like the images at the beginning of the chapters that give a glimpse of Barrett and Morella. It's always nice to see how the author envisions the characters. This is just part 1 of the journey. It is resolved for the moment and also not. The title will make sense after reading the novel.

I received a ARC of this novel and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Rachael.
183 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2023
Holy Moly...

This is a different take on a dark, paranormal romance for me. However, I love it so much!

Starting off with Morella, our bad a** FMC whom does what she want when she wants because she understands how dark and evil the world really is. (I want just a quarter of this woman's personality!) Due to her job she needs extra protection which brings in our MMC, Barrett. Barrett is our unknown hero for Morella whom would risk his life for her from the beginning without fully understand why. Along the way they both are indifferent towards each other due to not expressing the feelings that our growing.

Due to Morellas gifts she has attracted special attention from some bad men whom follow the false God. This drives Barrett into overdrive to protect Morella. Along the way while trying to protect her he also learns that he also has special powers. While also being part of the paranormal world that he has "just" discovered.

Along the way Morella and Barrett learn more about their world and the evil within. They also learn about themselves which leads them to learn they are True Mates (love how this is used differently that other paranormal stories as well). To fight off the darkness within the world they must learn to lean on each other and their loved ones around them.

This story hooked me from the beginning with our strong FMC and having her devoted True Mate - whom I will also address as Skelton-man when I think about this book and the stories to come!

I can not wait to see what will happen next within this world can see how much more Morella grows into her new role!

Thank you J.S. Mercer for the change to read this book and enter this world along with you!!!
I'll be...patiently... waiting.
Profile Image for Bookbun8.
172 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2023
In a world where magic seemingly doesn’t exist, Morella Andrews tries her best to stay on the down low. Between working for the government and battling her own powers, her plate is half full. When her protector has to retire and Agent Pierson takes his place, we’re left wondering if he is enamored or disgusted by her. Throw in a kidnapping attempt, a bull ride, and a magical treehouse, Exhale has you bouncing on the edge of your seat with excitement, horror, and laughter!

I devoured this book! Exhale is truly incredible, amazing, brilliant, and so much more. I love how modern-day magic and old-day sorcery were combined together to give us this fresh new story. J.S. Mercier was able to combine the elements of laughter, excitement, horror, prophecies, mythology, action, adventure, and smut all in one book! I was hooked right from the first line. The way the plot was written truly enticed me. When I reached the last page, I was so heartbroken because I knew that I won’t know about Morella and Barrette (Agent Pierson) until book 2 comes out.

I loved it even more because of the library scene, it just spoke out to me and my love for books. I honestly am really sad I finished this book. This is the first time I connect to a character wholeheartedly and I believe I just found my favorite book.

I can’t say anymore because I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read it but I think being a badass necromancer might be my new favorite thing!
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,193 reviews16 followers
June 13, 2023
Do not hesitate to pick this one up!! I have been looking for a paranormal romance that would blow me away and I have found it!! The Void Prophecies series is now my most anticipated of the year. Morella is the definition of a bada$$ FMC!! Her character is a necromancer and has been working under contract for the government until she is offered a job by an unknown private citizen. After turning down the job, her existence, and that of her handler, Agent Pierson, will never be the same. I will stick to a spoiler free review but just know that there are twists and turns galore. The magical scenes in this book come to life in such vivid detail I had whole movie scenes playing in my head. This story is the most entertaining I have read in a very long time. The humor had me laughing out loud multiple times throughout the entire book, even in some of the darkest moments.
I cannot wait for the following books. The fact that we will be going on this journey with three different couples only to have them join forces in the forth book is an absolutely genius way to bring a series together. I will be waiting with bated breath!!!
Profile Image for Erin Pasket.
423 reviews23 followers
June 13, 2023
“Always remember, Morella, that your light is stronger than any darkness.”

This book is book one of the Void of Prophecies series. It truly had me hooked from the very beginning. This was a great paranormal romance that will have you wanting more and wishing you were Morella for how she is written.

Morella is a badass 5-foot-tall woman, who knows who she is and doesn’t apologize for it. Morella and Barrett’s connection gets intense quickly after a few chapters of seeming indifferent toward one another. The past of these two explains their strong connection and how Barrett will protect Morella no matter what.

Be ready for some crazy twists in this book. I had a feeling about two characters in this story but didn’t see the third one coming. Man was it a shocker but made sense after realizing it.

There will be 3 additional books going through other girl's stories with the final fourth book being a culmination of all of them. I can’t wait to read more about this world and how it plays for each character.
Profile Image for Lilrainyreads ✨.
11 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
This book 😱 I really don’t know what I expected, but that wasn’t it! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and omg I fell in LOVE!!!

The story, the magic, the tension, the mystery and the romance??? It is all soo amazing and well written! I have never read a book that had such unique magic🥰 And I just absolutely got to say that the storyline is amazing and the book is so well written!!

And the characters are top notch! I’m not lying or sugar coating here, I absolutely fell in love with the characters and with the banter! ✨✨
The FMC Morella Andrews is a strong independent bad ass and she also happens to be the funniest most realest person alive. She is unique in her way and that makes her so incredibly lovable.
The MMC Barrett Pierson is Morellas other half and her calm. Barrett is an Agent uhh and super hot🔥 he also is the sexiest and best partner for Morella, he is supportive but you know of course he’s spicy as well!

If you need a fun magical read with great banter, spice and mystery, that don’t hesitate and go get this one!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Profile Image for Miranda (EscapingToTheShire).
13 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2023
I'm very grateful to have been given an ARC copy to review it honestly.

*My review will not contain spoilers, just my own opinion and feelings about the book*

Do not hesitate to get this book. Simply run to get it.

I honestly loved this book so much. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day. It dragged me in, and everything was so well put together and described that it was like a movie just playing in my head.
I loved the FMCs, Morella, humor throughout the book (even at inappropriate times to make things light), and dang, she is a bada$$ necromancer. The twists I did not see coming at all, and I absolutely loved that. The MMC, Barrett, gods what a giant man who is protective and loving and among other things 🫠
The spice was so freaking good and well written.

Honestly, I need the next book ASAP. This book took me for a ride, and I absolutely want to go on it again.
Profile Image for Megan Henry.
561 reviews13 followers
June 12, 2023
This book…. WOW!!! I was hooked from the first page and obsessed until the last!! The story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole ride and the connection between Morella and Barrett?! Hotttt!!!! Morella is a badass necromancer who works for the government and Barrett is the handler assigned to keep her safe during all her assignments. When someone tries ti kidnap Morella, her and Barrett go on the run. Along the way we learn a few things, Barrett is actually a necromancer who’s powers were bound, they’re actually True Mates, they’ve been connected since the day she was born! This book had everything I wanted. Supernatural badass MCs, super spice, and a story line that kept me hooked from the very beginning. Obsessed is an understatement for how I feel about this book!!!!
Profile Image for Thiscrazybookishlife.
107 reviews11 followers
June 12, 2023
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🔥🔥

An addictive new series where fantasy collides with reality. I was hooked from the moment we met Mor and couldn't stop. She's strong and snarky and everything you want your FMC to be! And don't get me started on Barrett, a tall, deliciously protective MMC, and together, they are everything! There is magic, mayhem, fate, love, and betrayal colliding together to rip your heart out and then sew it back up again. This instantly joined the list of my all-time favorite books, and I can only imagine what the rest of the series will bring! If you're looking for a new urban fantasy, this is it!
Profile Image for Smutty  Mayhem.
210 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2023
Five in head first and enjoy! This is book one of four so be prepared for a cliffhanger. I love an FMC who speaks her mind and that is absolutely Morella. Morella is a necromancer who works for the government. She ends up getting a new handler, Agent Barrett Pierson. New to the magic world Pierson is immediately interested in Morella but refuses to acknowledge it. Things change when a job offer from outside comes in and they refuse to take no for an answer. I know this is vague but I hate ruining books for people. This is a great start to what I hope will be a fantastic series and I can’t wait for book 2 🖤
Profile Image for Lauren Anders.
104 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2023
This is the first of a 4 book series that are connected but follow along with different MCs in each.

Ahhhhhh…I couldn’t put this one down! I want Mor(e)!!
From the very beginning, Morella’s snarky attitude was perfection. She is an extremely powerful necromancer who gets paired up with a new irritatingly sexy government handler named Agent Pierson. The tension between the two of them was delicious and when they finally get together… 🔥🔥🔥🥵

The action throughout was well written and I could picture it all happening easily. And it was awesome!

I loved so many of the other characters too! Mor’s parents are adorable, Agent Scott was super lovable and funny, and Brad was…well I wasn’t sure how I’d like him in the beginning because of his name (PTSD with an ex named Brad if I am to be honest lol)… but he was a cool dude.

If you enjoy (or are intrigued by) Necromancer books and get a thrill from people being unalived… and then realived frequently… as well as some pretty good spiciness… then don’t hesitate to pick this one up!
Profile Image for Tonia.
69 reviews
July 20, 2023
SO. DAMN. GOOD. I read a lot of stories about magic and this is a refreshing new take. I found myself pleasantly surprised that I could not puzzle out the exquisite plot turns and was on a legit roller coaster with the unfolding of the characters. Even the ancillary ones had secrets that added major brass to the story. If you're familiar with the author's style, you will find more of the quirky dark wit that you have come to know and love. CANNOT WAIT for book 2!
Profile Image for Amanda.
97 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2023
Oh man I LOVED the FMC!! Such a freaking badass! Motels is a necromancer and the only one with her special abilities in recorded history!! She works for the government and really loves her circle with everything she has! She was so amazing at setting boundaries and communicating with people about her likes and dislikes. It was very refreshing!! The smexy scenes were 🥵🔥🔥!!! It’s a dual POV and there are so many moments where you freak out for a moment and then are able to breathe again! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but you should definitely read this book!
Profile Image for Kimberly Wisniewski.
413 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2023
This story was strong straight out the gate. I can say this with the upmost confidence that I’ve never read anything involving magic like this before. I fell in love with Mor instantly but with Barrett it took me a hot minute. There were several twists and turns I did not see coming. Also that ending holy cow I’m beyond ready for the next book.
Profile Image for Brooke.
178 reviews45 followers
June 12, 2023
Where do I begin!?! This book grabbed me from the first page and never let up. This book was perfection in every way. I instantly fell in love with the characters and found myself laughing out loud through a lot of this book. I love how she being humor into this story. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This was a hell of a ride.
Profile Image for Michelle Laqua.
5 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2023
I have received an ARC copy of this book, this is my voluntary review.

So this book did take me a little bit to finish, but only because life gets in the way. This book is the first of its kind that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The FMC is so funny and I love her attitude, and I love the relationship between her and the MMC. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Candace Munoz.
409 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2025
5 out 5 Stars ⭐️
4 out 5 Spice 🌶️

This is my first necromancer book I have read and I truly enjoyed it. I will definitely read the next book in this series. JS Mercier writing is phenomenal! I haven’t read a book that she has wrote that I didn’t enjoy.
5 reviews
June 11, 2023
This book is AMAZING I just finished it. I was sucked in by the first couple pages. Morella and Barrett are amazing. And the whole story line goes together perfectly I can not wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yesenia Pichs Abreu.
57 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2023
Omg!!!! What a great book. I could not put it down. I was only 30% in and I had already cried 2x!!!! Morella is a bad ass. Loved her. The scenes with Pierson’s grandma hit home for me. Coming from an Afro-Cuban bloodline, what the author described as part of the Cleansing ritual was so spot on. This is stuff that I have seen my own grandma do. She used to give me cleaning baths to soothe the evil away when I was little LOL.

When Barrett finally came into all his true powers I was shooketh!!!! Wtf was that?! Did not expect that at all but that was my favorite part of the whole thing. Every time they used their magic together was AMAZING.

Loved everything about this story and cannot wait to see it continue and develop. Can’t mess with fated love/true mates 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,334 reviews
June 20, 2023
Morella is my kind of girl…attitude, snarkiness, and sarcasm. She definitely gives her handler a run for his money. Prepare for some laughs as well.

My only real issue with the story is I would have liked some background at the beginning of the story about how things ended up as they were and explanation about the society. Would have made things a little more clear at the beginning.
Profile Image for Melanie Angwin.
45 reviews
June 20, 2023
Oh my God, I absolutely adore this new book the fmc and mmc are amazing together and it is amazing writing and I am very much looking forward to next book in series
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