Blessed

The United Series #1

by David Michael

Her twenty-first birthday was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter. She had been preparing herself for the moment she would be a real adult for months.

There was no way she could have prepared herself for what happened instead.

As her nightmares became more real with each night and her behavior became less like her own, Ardra fought to stay on the path she had so painstakingly planned for herself with very little success.

When she becomes the owner of a creepily-human dog named Kaiser, she finds herself oddly at peace with the unexpected addition to her household and clings tightly to him when tragedy strikes and shatters her world.

As she fights to put the pieces back together without losing herself in the Darkness that is building inside of her with each terrible step off of her path, a rag-tag band of supporters rally behind her. Each one of them prepared to go to the ends of the earth and back.

She must find a way to defeat the Chaos that has consumed her life or risk losing everyone and everything that she has left. Including her soul.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2013

About the author

David Michael currently lives in Salt Lake City with his five-pound purse dog. He's the author of eight novels and three novellas, a lover of Star Trek, the founder of Live Literately, and owner of Encompass Press, LLC., and has spent the last eight years bartending in one of Utah's few gay bars.

When he's not working he's sleeping or mindlessly scrolling TikTok.

His work can be found at the link below:

http://amzn.to/2fpGr04

Reviews

[Lola Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Solid 4.5 Stars.

I'm not a big Paranormal Romance reader so firstly props to Mr Michael for keeping me entrapped throughout the entire book, not only did I not skim anything but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

His characters are strong and enthralling, every twist and turn has you flipping the pages so fast you'll give yourself whiplash. I'm truly impressed at the level of writing skill David has shown in his Debut novel and would recommend Blessed to anybody looking for a fabulous Paranormal Romance read.

Holding my breath waiting on book #2 Cursed which I'm told will be released in March!!

Make sure you one click this baby the second it's released ! I know I'll be gifting a few copies.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to start by saying that the paranormal genre isn't usually my thing and I can honestly count on one hand how many paranormal stories I have read. I was nervous about reading this book, I mean I'm a romance lover and completely inexperienced with demons and angels and the likes. However, even with my trepidation and inexperience I jumped in feet first and boy was I surprised with what I got.

For me, Blessed was a very unique story. You have Andra a seemingly normal girl, who starts to experience changes and weird things and then there is the darkness and Kaiser. I was having trouble with the story at first but man, I am soooo happy I stuck with it and got to watch the character development and story line flow.

David Michael can write a very vivid and descriptive story that allows the reader to feel like they are there experiencing it with the characters. There are many twists and turns and edge of the seat moments that kept me turning the pages wanting to know what the hell was going to happen.

As a debut novel, I think David did a good job at conveying the story and keeping the reader interested. I honestly enjoyed this taste of the paranormal genre and will be coming back for more when book 2 'Cursed' is released.

[Sandra Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book exchange for a honest review.

WOW!!! I love paranormal books. But this one is at the top of fave paranormal books. This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The story was amazingly written, I felt like I was right there. The characters were interesting and the author description of the story was brilliant. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read this book. Do I recommend this book?? You betcha. :-) can't wait for book 2.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked by the author to read his book in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't even sure what it was about as one of his "wives" asked me to read it. :) But, she had read it and she knows what kind of books that I like. So, I said I would read it and offer some input. This is a debut novel and series for David Michael. And it's pretty darn good.

Ardra is happy living at home with her parents, going to church and college and hanging out with her best friend Piper. She is turning 21 and has a plan for her life. But that plan does not include having to deal with this odd thing that seems to happen to her when she wears the new necklace her dad bought for her for her birthday. Something weird is happening to her. She's having these seemingly real dreams with a very handsome man in it. And her parents leave her abruptly to go to a Mormon church that needs their help but they are being very vague about what kind of help and when they will be back. On top of this, Ardra has yet another secret that she is keeping from everyone including herself. If she forgets it, doesn't think about it and ignores it, it doesn't exist. Or so she thinks.

The story starts off switching back and forth between what's happening with Ardra and the Darkness. It is really gripping because of the vague writing that David uses. You know somethings happening and you know it's not going to be good, but you don't know what. It sucked me in! I liked David's vivid imagery and descriptive adjectives. I could envision everything like I was actually there. Of course, I have been to Utah so I know more than most about some of the places he describes. That doesn't leave the reader at a disadvantage though. David does a great job making the reader feel like they are there experiencing the same things first hand. I did have a little issue with the ending on the version I read so we shall see with the published version if it is any different. I give this story 4 stars and can't wait to read the next one!!

[Haydi Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

When you wake yourself in the middle of the night because a book is playing in your dreams, you know it's a good one. From an only child, that was totally adored, that was religious, church going, sweet, innocent, to a young woman who lost so much, and found out she had to fight evil. this book is well written, flowing, great story line, and very very enjoyable. Thank you to David Michael for another great read! I am now going to get the next book in this series.....

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me paranormal is either hit or miss and this book was a hit. I loved getting to know all the characters and especially Ardra. She is more powerful then she ever thought.
I got gripped by the story from the beginning and it didn't let go. I loved discovering every little detail the deeper the story got. Some of it I expected and some of it was nowhere near what I expected (in a good way)
Can't wait to read more of this series.

[Lucii Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Book received in exchange for honest review *

Ardra is just your average university student, she studies she has her best friend, piper, and loving parents. normal. With money.
on her 21st birthday, her father buys her a beautiful necklace that he claims he Brought in a cruise he went on with her mother. When she wears this intricate, delicate necklace, she feels warm bad fuzzy....at first. weeks down the line she has at fainting spell and has an out of body experience to a secret garden, there a man is waiting, but she doesn't trust him.
later down the line she has a random dog which was attached to her porch of her house. He's obedient and they keep him, he then turns out to be something Ardra wasn't quite aware of.
Chaos is what his name describes. He causes mischief and is destructive along his mission to success. A war takes place between good and evil but who succeed?

I don't intend to enjoy paranormal books or fantasy but this was quite an enjoyable read, though in places I felt a bit confused it captured my attention and I really wanted to know what happened. The ending was spectacular and this book even had a little humour in it. The confusion it caused me part way through the book is the only reason I down rated it a star. but on the contrary, it's extremely well written.

*Reviewed on behalf of Book-lover bookblog *

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader, I do read paranormal, but mostly erotic reads. Most of that erotic reading I do is M/M based. For me, reading this paranormal M/F based book was a bit of a leap. I realized how much of a jump it was for me once it became clear that there would be no smutty sex in Blessed.

Suprisingly, though, I did enjoy the book. I found the attention to detail and world building to be quite impressive... the explanation of Chaos, light and dark and everything surrounding the characters. I really liked that - it intrigued me; made me want to know what was going to happen next. I do wonder if so much detail was needed about the characters' daily lives, but I'm nitpicking. Overall I was pretty well fascinated.

Blessed is a good freshman effort without the usual editing mishaps... a good story with a good hook that made me want to read the next one in the series... with some unexpected twists that were absolutely entertaining! If anything, I'd say I was only slightly disappointed because there was a time jump from the 'end' of the book to the epilogue. With all the beautiful detail in the book, I'd have loved some extra detail in the love story too!!!

. ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **

[Magic Within the Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewer: Donna - Magic Within The Pages
Rating: 3 Stars

This book is the first in The United Series and to be honest i found the story line to be slightly confusing as soon as i started reading. Ardra turns twenty one and keeps experiencing dreams where she meets this blond haired, blue eye man. She doesn't know who he is but she freaks out and makes herself wake up. Her parents are acting suspicious, a dog turns up outside her house that her parents are keen for her to look after and she is beginning to feel some unknown darkness inside herself. Plus there's an evil being named Chaos who is searching for Ardra to destroy her.

There are so many factors to this story that left me feeling confused through most of it. The storyline progresses so fast that it was hard to keep up with what was going on. Getting half way through, I felt like I grasped an understanding of the story line better which allowed me to enjoy it. I'm hoping book 2 will enlighten me more as it took a lot of time for Chaos to meet Ardra and for her to find out about what she is and also finding out some secrets about the people closest to her.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me make myself very clear...as a rule I do not like very much paranormal/fantasy/horror unless it is full of romance and plenty of hot sex. You don't get any of that in here really at all, and as hard as it was for me to admit, I still really enjoyed the poetry and world that this author created.
My first book by David Michael was Porter...his porn-star sexy beast of a man...and therefore I was not quite prepared for what I was in store for with his debut novel. It was mesmerizing, scary, colorful and chock full of exciting and terrifying imagery, all while giving the reader the sense that they were watching a horror film about this young Mormon woman trying to distiguish between reality and what were essentially crippling nightmares.
Chaos coming to earth in various forms and weaving a path of destruction while on a mission was cleverly written and kept my interest throughout. A dog named Kaiser was a surprise...and sometimes a dog becomes more than "man's best friend" =)
If you love paranormal and fantasy and enjoy mysterious and sometimes confusing stories that unfold over time..this is the book for you!

***** 4.5 ***** "falling off the path into darkness" stars

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I tend to stick to the erotic romance genre, but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave this paranormal novel a go.

Whilst the story was a little slow to start, once I got to know the characters I became more and more entranced in the story. I also don't often read books written in the third person, and David Michael's writing and detail was refreshing. For a debut novel he should be proud of his ability to tell a story like this. His detail gave me a clear vision to feed my imagination.

The one thing that kept me turning pages, was I didn't know what would happen next. When something monumental did happen I was taken off guard, but this made the journey all the more memorable.

Whilst I'm crazy about steaminess in the books I read, there was a taste of what's to come in future books in the United Series. But this book didn't need it, but its wet my appetite for the rest of the series.

I'm lucky enough to have an insight of what to expect in Cursed, #2, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

[Hooked On Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessed is book one in David Michael's Paranormal series The United. Its written in the third person and personally I think it takes something away from the story, it is very well written and edited and the layout and story arc a great albeit confusing. At the beginning the book appears to be about two completely unrelated people and you spend a good deal of time trying to work out how their fates are intertwined as when reading you can't see how they could be. He's a demon that can take on human form to blend in with society while he carries out whatever deeds it is his master asks of him and Ardra is a seemingly normal 21 year old woman that has a good life and goes to school and works hard for charity. I struggled with trying to figure out how they were connected but it made me want to read on as I had to know how and why these stories were connected. Overall it was a good read with an interesting concept and i'm intrigued to find out what comes next.. I will be looking forward to book two. 4 stars!

[Barbara's Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessed tells the story of Ardra who starts to experience strange events since turning 21 & receiving a necklace from her father. The story begins with Chaos coming to Earth to destroy something so a prophecy can not be fulfilled. Michael's description of Chaos & his path of destruction is vivid & draws the reader in.
Meanwhile Ardra has some life altering events happen to her. She learns that people in her life were not exactly who she thought they were & she is more than she ever thought possible.
I enjoyed this book very much. I was not happy with the ending which I thought could of been more detailed, it ended to quickly for me, which is all I will say so I don't spoil the ending. But that should not dissuade anyone from reading the book. If this is not the type of book you would normally read I would suggest you take a chance & read it, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Miranda Whore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Blessed by David Michael

Book provided for honest review.

First off, I have to say that for this being a debut novel it went beyond my expectations. I never know how it will go, especially in the paranormal world, but David Michael killed it. His imagery makes you feel like you are a part of the story. A lot of new authors go TOO far or not far enough when it comes to descriptives, but David was spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and personally can't wait to read more in the series.

The characters are intriguing, having the book from more than one POV really helps to show the growth and development of each character.

If you like paranormal reads this series is going to be a must! I give it a solid 4.5 stars. With as good as book one is I can't wait to see what he does with book two.

Review by the Head Whore at Mommy's a Book Whore.

[Victoria Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting so patiently, counting down the days, so excited for David's first book.
Well done David, A paranormal series is not something I would usually read, it was fantastic. I loved the way you described each character and I was heart broken when each member meet with the evil black. I thought Ardra's strength was amazing once she found it. Imagine having that much pressure and the power! I look forward to reading the series and hope Andra and Kaiser are going to return? I will be looking out for different coloured auras from now on. I would love to have a guide like Kaiser he so cute/ sexy and I was intrigued by Chaos being so good looking. I can't wait for Cursed and more of David's series.

[For the Love of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 UNIQUE STARS! This book was definitely a unique story! I also, being from Salt Lake, enjoyed that this took place in my hometown since I could visualize the places mentioned. I did feel like at some points that I wished the author would get to the point a little faster but I still enjoyed it while I read it. I also felt that Ardra was a little self centered and air headed and while I think that was the intention and purpose so you could see her growth it became a little redundant. There was plenty of twists and turns throughout the book to keep me hooked. I am looking forward to the next one to see where this goes. I think any Sci-Fi lover would really enjoy this unique series. ~ Leslie

[Sara Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a Mormon girl save the world?? Who knows?? This is only the first book of the series but if all the other books (5 in total) are anything like this, you are in for a treat. Chaos is trying to insert itself in places it should not be and a young Mormon woman who knows little outside of her blessed existence is charged with stopping chaos in it's tracks. I love David's writing, it keeps you engaged from start to finish and made me audibly sigh at the end, knowing that it would be a while before 'Cursed' is available. Now that it's almost here, I can't wait to start!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first paranormal read and David's first book. A couple newbies here. I really enjoyed the book, even though it took me a bit longer to read than normal. But it was written in a way that kept me wanting to keep reading to find out what was happening, all without losing me on the way. Great attention to detail and wonderful characters! It was a very interesting story, and David is great at explaining the Light & Dark and other worlds. The story had a great hook and some unexpected twists, definitely had me wanting to check out the second book.

[Jennifer Lovins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart pounding adventure

Ardra has always been a very happy person. She also keeps a box in her mind that holds a dark cloud she doesn't let out. Her father buys her a necklace for her birthday and her entire world turns upside down. She learns that there needs to be balance between good and evil. Right now evil is trying to have more power. He sends out his minion Chaos out to wreck havoc. She needs to stop him before he destroys her. Will she learn what she needs to be able to stop him or will evil win out?

[Rumpled Sheets Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed is definitely something different and unique.

Each next page is more and more interesting and captivating. The story drew me in pretty hard. The story has a great pace and very likable characters.

Blessed is a really great debut novel and I definitely recommend it.

Can´t wait for Cursed to be released in March.


≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<

[Christy Farrer howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what happened next. It is full of twists and turns that are not expected. The author is great at describing the atmosphere in the story without being too wordy. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. I do want to read what happens next. It did have a very slow start and the other word that was used along with feelers was giving me the visual in my head of that part not actual feelers. I do want to know what happens next. It was a good read. It did have some steamy scenes that really drew me.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a journey outside of my comfort zone, but one I'm glad I made!  David wrote such descriptive scenes and wonderful characters that pulled me right into the story and there were plenty of twists and turns that kept my attention.  I'll admit that I was confused at times, but it was clear that it was by design.   Can't wait to uncover more in book 2!

[Lori Garside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessed is a good mix of paranormal suspense and good versus evil! I truly enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thriller. Fast-paced, often sexy, smart, and fun to read-Blessed is well worth your time!

[Maria York · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love paranormal reads and this book was no different! Wow what I read was just amazing and this book was a different kind of paranormal for me! It takes you to different types of depths and I loved every minute of it! I can't wait to read the next book!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

With phenomenal descriptive writing, Blessed kept me captivated. Ardra and Kaiser foster a bond but will it be enough to fight off impending doom? David Michael's creative approach makes this book a great read.

[Tina Stadig-Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took awhile for me to get into this book. Once I was able to get into I was intrigued. I look forward to the next one.

[Kellie Maddox-Ward]

This just wasn't for me.
I really couldn't get into it.

[Matilda · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was so crap that I have no words for a proper review. pretty much skim read it