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Antoine had been alone for centuries. His soul cried out to be united with his mate. A woman to soothe his aching soul. Someone who’d help to defeat the demons who hunted in his territory.Donna’s life was over. After losing everything in her world, she was done with living. When the voices in her head compel her to put an end to her lonely existence, she’s more than ready to meet her maker.After Antoine saves her from death, they struggle with the intensity of their emotions. Can they work out their differences in time to defeat the demons, or will the creatures from hell be the victors?N.B. This book takes place before Captivated and can be read as a standalone.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2023

8 people want to read

About the author

Toya Richardson

34 books207 followers
My mum read to me from an early age and encouraged me to write my own stories. She was positive I could become a published author. Unfortunately she passed before she could see my dream come true. I still miss her love and friendship. It was the catalyst for me to start writing seriously.

I write paranormal and contemporary romances and romantic comedy.

When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, cinema, live gigs, theatre, keeping fit, travel, Formula One, darts and spending quality time with friends.

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10 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Steffi.
402 reviews65 followers
August 27, 2023
I did personally read this series in order but in my opinion, each can be read as a stand-alone. This book is emotional, immersive, and addictive. I could not put it down! Please read this book and experience this amazing duo.
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,050 reviews88 followers
August 7, 2023
I fell in love with the characters in Captivated the first book in the Hybrid lover’s series and am just as captivated by this second book, Mesmerised. Even though it is the second book in the series it actually takes place before the first book Captivated so they can be read as standalones.
Wow, talk about emotional overload but there is also fun to be had. It’s a hard toss up but I think his one is my favourite story to date by Toya. Although I did say that last time. LOL. This a fated mates romance tale is unique and original, and I really enjoy the ease of Toya’s writing.
Antoine is a hybrid mix of vampire and angel. He knows his perfect mate is out there but has yet to find her.
Donna is human and in the depth of despair but meeting her unexpected fated mate changes that.
These wonderful characters are so easy to fall in love with and find yourself invested in their story.
This gripping paranormal tale full of magic and supernatural elements, drama, angst and so much more. It is also sweet, sexy and sizzling hot. There lots of action and danger when faced with demons hellbent on destroying mankind.
Trust me you will fall in love with this story and won’t be able to put it down until you have finished it. Remember sleep is overrated.
Profile Image for H.M. Holten.
Author 4 books54 followers
October 15, 2023
Longing for Love for Centuries

Fated lovers have a hard time. That goes for Antoine, who knows that he is waiting. Donna doesn’t, and that makes her vulnerable.

On the surface, this is a simple premise, but Ms Richardson pulls all the stops to show the dangers and difficulties inherent in bringing two souls together.

One thing is a given in Ms Richardson’s books. She knows how to build suspense and drive her readers through the pages at speed. Add to that the paranormal element and some epic battles between good and evil.
Profile Image for Ayla Phipps.
424 reviews10 followers
August 17, 2023
Breathtaking originality. This is the first book I have read by the incredibly talented Toya Richardson and oh so excited. While the synopsis pulled me in, fitting into my comfort genre I never could have imagined the originality within the pages of Mesmerised. Told through the dual perspective of Antoine and Donna, this gives a new look of a story told thousands of times.
Antoine is a Hybrid, but not the typical vampire/werewolf no, he is a vampire/angel reading this on page one I was instantly invested so much more than I thought I was already. He had been searching for his mate for six hundred years and finally in her final moments he found her. Donna is a human woman who has truly lost everything in the past year. Her parents in a house fire, her best friends in a train crash, laid off from her job and her bank accounts hacked, her house being taken away. Gustav, the head demon in Antoine’s territory had been playing a long game trying to eliminate Donna before Antoine could find her, leading to both of their deaths. Fated mates if one dies, they both die, regardless of if they ever found each other. The only way to truly end a demon is with your mate. Gustav refuses to lose and sets off to work on Donna the moment he finds her. A year of peace for Antoine in his territory with no attacks and now he has discovered why.
Can Antoine save Donna from Gustav before he loses her for good? Will Donna accept her fate or blame Antoine for all her pain? The author creates a world where you can see yourself living, a beautiful house and more beautiful coastline, the sea like gems sparkling and yet the characters so tormented and lonely that your heart aches for them. Antoine may be over six hundred years old, but his emotions are so relatable that you can’t help but route for him. Donna is just a human; she didn’t agree to be the mate of a hybrid or to be involved in the war between the demons and the hybrids that protect the world and yet she has lost more than any one person can overcome. Their connection is instantly intoxicating even if she doesn’t understand why her soul reaches out for this man she’s never met. I devoured this book in one sitting unable to stop going as I yearned to see a happy ending for Antonie and Donna.
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books611 followers
August 26, 2023
Book 2 of the Hybrid series. It's another good read from Toya Richardson. It is very different to book 1, but it has a good mix of sexy moments, some dark moments, and some feisty moments. Donna and Antoine are destined mates, but it was nearly over before it even begun thanks to the horrid demon, Gustav. I wont give anything away, because you need to read it for yourself, but it is one for you paranormal lovers.
139 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2023
A wonderful spin on the world of vampires and angels. We don’t normally see these two together. I loved the characters and the depth they brought to this story. A wonderfully spun romance in a fantasy world brought so many elements that I enjoy. I love not being able to guess/know what is always going to happen. I thought the story was well paced. Great writing! Looking forward to more from this author!
Profile Image for Rebeca.
270 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2023
This is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series but can be read as a standalone. This book focuses on Antoine and Donna’s story.

Donna’s been through a lot, and I really felt for her. She’s very strong despite everything that’s happened; she’s loving, helpful and caring and I could relate to her character. I also enjoyed the way other characters were written and found myself heavily emotionally invested in both Donna and Antoine (but no one captured my heart in the same way Donna did).

The way the author wrote the scenes built tension and emotion whilst simultaneously painting vivid imagery of ongoing events. I also enjoyed the unique elements to the plot making this different and in turn more enjoyable. I love the paranormal romance genre and so loved finding this one provided something refreshing.

I look forward to going back and reading the first in the series and looking out for more from this author!
Profile Image for Vet4Christ.
80 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2023
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I liked this one even more! Fast-paced and action-packed, the main leads are quite unique in this story. Even more so, while at first glance it is good vs evil, the hybrids themselves aren’t pure angel wings either. The heroine in this novel is very relatable and it is fun to watch her relationship grow with your mate. Definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Kazz Mossman.
Author 47 books207 followers
August 6, 2023
I found this book in the author’s reading group, where it was offered as an an ARC. Having read her before, I wanted to apply for this because I fancied a good romance.

I enjoyed the love story between Donna an Antoine. This is the author’s specialty and something she does exceptionally well. Set in a beautiful house by the sea, the handsome Antoine is looking for the person he is destined to be with, his fated mate. Along comes Donna who is determined to thwart his plans by killing herself. Can Antoine save her in time? Of course he can, but it’s not easy with a demon inside her head!

There always has to an element of what I didn’t like in a story. This one is was called Gustav. An evil entity that attempts to drive Donna away from her beloved Antoine.

Set in modern day, the story lives on the edge of human society. A world where hybrids, vampires and demons reside. Their constant battle is what gives this story it’s tension. Overall, it’s a well paced, easy to read book, full of romance, and erotic scenes.

This is book two of the called Hybrid Lovers series and a complete story.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,764 reviews52 followers
June 28, 2023
Hybrid Lovers Book Two.
After reading and enjoying Captivated Angelina's story, both books can be read as a stand alone not in order.

Antoine the angel vampire hybrid see's a lone figure walking into the sea. He has to save her, he has found his mate, he wasn't allowing her to die, he had to get Gustav out of her head. Donna is ready to end it all after a lot of tragedy in her life. But Antoine won't let that happen he had to protect her from demon's and vampires.
This book is full with meaningful strong spicy sex and powerful emotions.
I always love trying different types of genre's and once again this author has hit my soft spot whatever her style of writing she always gives her readers a laid back enjoyable read.

Love it 5 big stars.
Profile Image for Tara Johnson.
771 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2023
Mesmerised is the Second Book in the Hybrid Lovers Series. Although this book is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. The story centers around the characters of Antoine and Donna and is told from each of their POV. Antoine is an angel/vampire Hybrid whose role has been to protect humans from demons. He has been alone for centuries because he has not been able to find his mate but if he does not find his human mate soon, he is doomed to die. To remain immortal Antoine must find his mate and only together can they destroy a demon completely.

Donna has recently lost everything and has fallen into a deep state of depression. She lost both of her parents in a horrific house fire, lost her best friends, lost her job, lost all her money to a hacker, and then lost her home. Feeling as though she has nothing left to live for, Donna sets off to find a quiet place to end her life. She ends up at the beach thinking it is the perfect place but as she is walking into the water she is rescued by Antoine. He felt her presence, sensed her despair, and felt the connection to Donna. He instantly knows from the intense feelings that he is experiencing that this woman is his mate. When Donna awakens, she is shocked to learn that she was saved and is determined to get away, but Antoine will not allow it. Naturally, Donna feels as though she must have been kidnapped and that this strange man is crazy when Antoine tries to explain to her about the two of them being mates. Donna finds herself drawn to Antoine and feels an instant connection to him as well but cannot explain why. The connection and chemistry between Antoine and Donna is instantaneous, explosive, and undeniable. As the two try to navigate their feelings towards one another the demons are drawing closer. Will Antoine and Donna give in to fate and temptation? Will they realize they are destined to be together? Will they be able to defeat the demons?

This was a beautifully written book with an interesting storyline, engaging characters, and vividly described scenes. I found myself rooting for Antoine and Donna to act on their feelings for one another and be together. Donna had suffered so much loss and grief that I wanted her to find happiness. Antoine was looking for love and wanted someone to spend eternity with. I found myself reading to the end to see what would become of these two. If they would end up with their happily ever after. I needed to see if they together they would destroy the demons. A great read full of loss, sorrow, despair, grief, hope, demons, hybrids, and the power of love. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Angela.
9,369 reviews123 followers
August 8, 2023
4.5 Stars

Mesmerised is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series by Toya Richardson. I love Ms. Richardson’s original take on the lore surrounding vampires and angels, and as the first book was fantastic, I had some high expectations for this book, but I am not surprised that Ms. Richardson doesn’t disappoint.
I think this just might be better than the first book- but really, they are both superb. It could be read as a standalone, even though it is ‘set’ before the events in “Captivated” (Book #1)- but in saying that I highly recommend reading the first book as well as this one, as otherwise not only would you be missing out on a great story, but there are also other relevant details to the series there that will enhance your reading experience.
It is a fated mates paranormal romance, with angel/vampire hybrids, demons, action, danger, magic, emotion, chemistry, sizzle, sweet & heartwarming moments, drama, angst, humour, tension, and an evil adversary.
If you love paranormal romance with a captivating story, chemistry, sizzle, and fated mates- then you will definitely want this book/series in your life!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Toya Richardson!
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
2,014 reviews26 followers
August 21, 2023
This is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series and it can be read as a standalone. This book was so captivating that I couldn't put it down. I love a fated mates paranormal romance and this one had all of that and more. The connection between Donna and Antonie just jumped off the page and the chemistry sizzled constantly between them.
I loved Donna's character and her strength with everything she has dealt with and the way she pulled herself back from the depths of despair to become the mate that Antonie was searching for and needs to help protect his territory from demons. Together they are a strong and fierce couple who will stop at nothing to protect what is there's and the people they love.
This is a fast paced story filled with danger, hot steamy connections, a fated mate romance and a dominant male in Antonie who will protect his mate no matter what and also a equally dominant female in Donna who will destroy anyone who trys to harm her mate.
I can't wait to see what else this series had in store.
Profile Image for Moriah Venable.
1,414 reviews30 followers
August 28, 2023
Antoine has been alive for centuries by being a hybrid, a being that is both angel/vampire with the duty to protect humans from demons and other supernatural threats.

Not only does he have a demon that continuously causes havoc named Gustav who would turn the innocent humans into demons but he also has to find his mate.

“If I didn’t connect with my mate soon, I’d die. And if I died, she’d follow soon after.”

Have I seen this plot before? Yes. Was I still hooked? Of course. The title alone caught my interest and an angel/vampire hybrid character is not something I have read lately. I thought I knew where this story was going. I was so wrong! The plot twist is the reason why I will be recommending the novel to my friends.

I love the cover and I love that he has black wings.

I see that this is book two. I hope there is a book three that I can look forward to reading.

Antoine seems to think he will die before he finds his mate since
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
279 reviews6 followers
August 21, 2023
This is a first read for me by Toya Richardson and I was hooked from the beginning! There is suspense, romance, plenty of steam, plus heartache, and supernatural elements. Told from both Antoine and Donna's perspective, this dramatic story kept me on my toes throughout the book. Toya Richardson uses such vivid details in her world building that I couldn't help but find myself transported to the ocean-view home of Antoine or feel the exhilaration Donna felt while experiencing her new world. The characters are all original, realistic (even if many of them are supernatural beings), and rather likeable. This is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers Series but I was able to read this as a standalone and did not feel as if I missed anything by not reading the first book. Finishing this book, however, makes me want to read the first! Amazing supernatural romance by Toya Richardson!
75 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2023
Donna is tired; she is tired of everything, because she has lost everything. All that was worth living for in her eyes has been taken from her.
Antoine, a (surprising) hybrid, has searched for centuries looking for his other half, his heart, his mate. He finds his mate in a human named Donna, and is able to save her before her life's flame is snuffed out.

Now, throw in some plot twists, major emotions, crazy demons, and some wonderfully written POVs, you get this absolutely stunning book. Although this is the second book in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone and doesn't leave you confused, so don't let that hold you back from take the time to read this!! I highly recommend taking a moment and giving this a chance. This is my first book by this author, but I know I will be looking for her name and looking forward to any and all works from her!!
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,130 reviews68 followers
August 7, 2023
I enjoyed reading this paranormal romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is my favorite of this series yet. I found this book to be well written and engaging. A story where one is looking for his life mate and the other is ready to meet her maker. What happens with Antonie and Donna you don’t want to miss. They are great characters that are strong and have great chemistry. They are relatable and kept me coming back for more. They have great growth throughout and I wanted to know what happened to them next. This is a great story where these two find themselves fighting their attraction and fighting demons. A fast paced story that is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Hannah.
424 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2023
As this is my first time reading work from author Toya Richardson and I gotta say I am Mesmerised 😂 but no really I truly was. This author has written such a unique and captivating story that I for one could not put down.I don't think I have ever read a book yet that has the Hybrid as a vampire/angel. That in itself was amazing, everything else was just icing on the cake. But the demon Gutstov is a real piece of work ill tell you what. And Antoine and Donna are in my opinion perfect for each. Lol i mean his waiting over 600 years for his fated mate i'm glad the chemistry between them is there and growing stronger.Although this can be read as a standalone, I am definitely going to go read the first book in this series Captivated
2,112 reviews21 followers
August 22, 2023
5 Star’s
Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson


Mesmerised is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers Series and is a wonderfully written Paranormal Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I’ve read other books by this author and this one is my favorite yet. It’s fast paced and the characters are developed and engaging, they make the story pop off the pages. Antonie is a hybrid ready to meet his mate and Donna is ready to end hers and meet her maker. Antonie saves her life but can these two work out their differences to defeat the demons? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.
1,033 reviews36 followers
August 16, 2023
This is an interesting story about finding love and what you would do to keep that love. It was nice to see the way Donna and Antoine’s relationship takes shape. Donna has had a hard life and when she has had enough it takes Antoine’s intervention to save her but will it be enough? Their story is an engaging read. I like the idea of the Angel and vampire hybrid. Antoine and Donna are strong characters and both have dealt with a lot but are ready to fight for a future together. This book has a mix of everything, the author does a good job of mixing the action and the romance. Emotions play a strong part in this book and I enjoyed seeing Donna blossom with the support and help of Antoine.
Profile Image for Megan.
401 reviews
August 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and while it is the second in the series, you can definitely read it as a standalone. Antoine (Hybrid) and Donna (Human) are fated mates (swoon) and their meeting is D-R-A-M-A-T-I-C! I really like the intensity of Antoine and the relatability of Donna. Richardson does a good job with character development (especially the main characters) and I enjoyed the dual POV so we get insight from both of them. The concept of the plot was really interesting and for the most part it flowed really well; however, there were some parts where it felt rushed, but overall, I really enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading more of this author.
Profile Image for Caralee.
673 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2023
This is the second book by this author I have read in this series and I was not let down. I really like how the author is able to blend just the right amount of drama into the romance. I really like how the characters have such a fiery chemistry. This happens to be one of my most favorite genre. I absolutely love paranormal romance. The author is able to build the story and grip the reader. I really was not wanting to put this book down. The eagerness to see how the story would progress kept me on the edge of my seat. I really cannot wait to read more from this author and this series as it definitely has become one of my top ten favorite series.
Profile Image for Shelly.
1,226 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2023
This book is full of action, drama and some hot steam. Antoine has finally found his mate, Donna. These two are just made for each other. Now he just has to battle the demon in her head. He must get him out. I found the writing to be quite exciting. I was in it from the beginning. I felt pulled write in. I found the characters to each have such unique personalities that I loved each of them. I love characters that totally help build the story. This story continues to build as you read. It’s a definite page turner and a must read.
Profile Image for Deb Robinson.
292 reviews
August 17, 2023
Sizzling, sexy, supernatural romance

Antoinne is a hybrid, half vampire/ half angel
Donna, a human that lost has lost it all.

Gutstov is a demon who is determined to kill Donna before she meets her mate. She doesn’t even realize that is a thing. Between Gustov, Antoinne, Jeannie and Mac, her life is again upside down and turned sideways and is spinning.

Donna and Antoinne need to team up and take down Gustov but things are not as simple as that. This story was a quick read that kept me reading and enjoying this enticing tale. Sparks definitely fly in this story. Enjoy!!
3,174 reviews34 followers
August 8, 2023
This book is a great addition to the series. It is a fast paced story and I thought the characters were interesting. I enjoyed watching their development throughout the story. They had a strong connection that was engaging and relatable.
This author really knows how to write books that are so different from each other. None of her series are the same and her individual.books are so distinctive. This was a great book and I am looking forward to more.
471 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2023
Even though this is book two in the series, it is a total stand alone. The hybrid finding his mate, helping her get rid of the demons chasing her. Watching the mates get to know each other and join forces to rid the world of demons. Not only do they learn about each other but we learn about them as well. The author does a wonderful job of character development and keeps you engaged in the story.
264 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2023
This is not my first book from Toya Richardson but probably my favorite so far.
She did such a great job with the character development and Donna is very relatable. I am really starting to enjoy the different POVs in a story and this book did very well with it. I would say this story is fast paced and flows nicely. If you enjoy paranormal romance books, this is one you should consider. I'm glad I did and look forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Nichole Hasani.
160 reviews
August 20, 2023
This is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series but you do not have to read the first to be able to read the second. That being said you’ll probably go read the first one after you finish the second! Between the relatable FMC and the intense MMC the pages keep turning. This fated mates book is fantastic! On to the next!!
Profile Image for Manda.
108 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2023
This book was AMAZING... I love the Supernatural world, and these HYBRIDS are great. Antoine and Donna are fated mates. They have instant chemistry, and it's ELECTRIC. I couldn't get enough of their story. Toya Richardson has created an awesome world within our world, full of amazing beings. I can't wait to read more of her work! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Review by Manda Kelly
Profile Image for Nina Maes.
219 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2023
Intriguing
Strong characters with a great storyline. This novel had me from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. I love how the author was able to tap into my imagination and panted a beautiful picture for me to follow. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape the norm and dive into a fast-paced book. Looking forward to reading more of this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews