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The Heckmasters #1
Wystan
"Her search for safety lands her in a totally new kind of danger."
"The Heckmasters, Book 1"
Certain that an ad for a job in a small New Mexico Territory town is the answer to her prayers, Nebraska schoolteacher Rhia Duke packs her sister into a rickety wagon and heads west.
Except when they reach the near-deserted town, she learns the truth. There is no job, no future, and no welcome in the bleak blue eyes of the handsome sheriff.
The minute Rhia s runaway team thunders into town, Wystan Heckmaster feels the change in the air. One of three sons of a demon who dared love a human, he keeps watch over a Pit guarded by seven seals, and slays any Hellbound demon that attempts to free the master imprisoned within.
With a gut full of regret and a forgotten town filled with reformed demons, Wystan is certain of one he can t be the man Rhia needs. But when the truth behind Rhia s flight from Nebraska comes to light, Wystan must open his soul and pray there s enough love between them to overcome the darkness rising from the Pit.
Contains a take-no-prisoners sheriff, a woman who can t outrun her supernatural secrets, and a dusty town where hope is as thin as dust in the wind. Author recommends keeping a glass of cool spring water at your elbow while reading."
"The Heckmasters, Book 1"
Certain that an ad for a job in a small New Mexico Territory town is the answer to her prayers, Nebraska schoolteacher Rhia Duke packs her sister into a rickety wagon and heads west.
Except when they reach the near-deserted town, she learns the truth. There is no job, no future, and no welcome in the bleak blue eyes of the handsome sheriff.
The minute Rhia s runaway team thunders into town, Wystan Heckmaster feels the change in the air. One of three sons of a demon who dared love a human, he keeps watch over a Pit guarded by seven seals, and slays any Hellbound demon that attempts to free the master imprisoned within.
With a gut full of regret and a forgotten town filled with reformed demons, Wystan is certain of one he can t be the man Rhia needs. But when the truth behind Rhia s flight from Nebraska comes to light, Wystan must open his soul and pray there s enough love between them to overcome the darkness rising from the Pit.
Contains a take-no-prisoners sheriff, a woman who can t outrun her supernatural secrets, and a dusty town where hope is as thin as dust in the wind. Author recommends keeping a glass of cool spring water at your elbow while reading."
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
About the author
Allison Merritt
43 books168 followersA love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal, contemporary, and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. It's not unusual to find her lurking in graveyards, wandering historical sites, or listening to ghost stories.
Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.
Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 12, 2015
Demons in the Old Wild West? Three half-demon brothers that are guardian to a town populated by demons and protecting the human world from a gateway to hell? Brave, stubborn human woman and her friends seeking refuge? Well, I do declare! I love it when a story is a blend of genres particularly a historical paranormal and this one is a western paranormal at that. Too cool! It presented a good read with its unique world, fascinating dynamics between the characters, gritty element and action. It had some mild to moderate troubles for me, but was overall a nice introduction to a new to me author and series.
The story opens with Rhia Duke, her little sister Sylvie, and her friend Beryl arriving at the end of their long flight from trouble to find a nearly dead and dilapidated town where the teacher job she pursued was a mistake. Unfortunately, she can't heed the rude sheriff, Wystan Heckmaster's order to move on because they are out of money and Beryl is deathly ill. The sheriff's brother, Eban is more gentlemanly and caring insisting that they can stay at his clinic so he can treat the sick woman while hinting to the impetuous, headstrong Rhia that she still might stay and open the school flouting Wystan's orders.
Wystan doesn't want the fragile humans there in the town susceptible to demons attacking and killing them or demons infiltrating their minds forcing him to destroy them, but Eban is insistent and Rhia stubbornly refuses to heed a word he says even the ones that involve her safety forcing him to rescue her more than once. If he thought revealing the existence of demons, that the town is populated entirely by rehabilitated demons and that he and his brothers are half-demons, he is wrong again. The stubborn woman insists that she and her party are staying and she's opening the school. Oh, and he can just show her this Pit place where the demons come through from hell and by the way, she can take care of herself and her sister.
Wystan, Rhia and the rest are kept busy fending off increased demon attacks, speculating over the good and hope that Rhia and the others bring to the town, figuring out the mystery of Beryl, and the brothers falling out over their attraction to the newcomer, Rhia. Regardless of their differences, the latest schemes of the demon Asteroth require them all to work together if they are to save everyone and their town.
This story really had strong potential for me and I really wanted it to work because of all the things that I enjoy from the paranormal elements, the western historical setting, the gritty situation and character of Wystan, the strong spirit of a woman caring for herself and her sister alone. Even the mysterious Beryl and the seething issues between the three brothers. But for all these things that I like, I just couldn't connect with this story.
Most of my trouble was the character of Rhia and her words and actions. She's got that stubborn-stupid thing going for her and she's got some arrogance that didn't set well. Her 'I am the educated school teacher and you're the ignorant sheriff and a disgusting half-demon so listen up buster' attitude didn't endear her to me. And her smarts were all the wrong kind for this situation because it certainly didn't range into wisdom and common sense. Seriously, much of the dangerous action scenes in the story come about because Rhia has either raced headlong into trouble or wasn't paying attention to the constant danger. To be fair, she did have a rather big target on her back as the focus of demon plotting, but she made it pretty easy on them. Wystan and Eban tell her to stay in at night because after dark there are deadly dangerous creatures out there, but hey, a girl's got to tinkle so she trots out to the outhouse instead of grabbing a chamber pot or you know, asking for an escort so Wystan saves her right before she's about to become some bear-like demon's tasty morsel. What does he get for his efforts? A tongue lashing! Wystan tells her the dangers as explanation for why he wants her out of there so you know that means he's selfish, cold, arrogant and cruel in her book and since its obviously his doing that she's still there he'd better keep her baby sister safe or else. *eye rolls nearly to the point of hurting self*
Beyond Rhia's not so stellar actions, her lightning fast acceptance of the demon situation was incredible and that minor love triangle thing over her felt contrived just to stir up trouble. The reader is never in any doubt where Rhia's interests lie or about Wystan's for that matter. I had no doubt believing these two were attracted and that their strong, fiery natures were perfect for each other in that we'll go through life fighting and loving in equal measure.
There are several mysterious things and unanswered questions in the book that I assume will get teased out as the series continues with the next Heckmaster brother's story.
So okay story as a whole even though I seriously wanted to bop the heroine several times. Those who enjoy blended historical and paranormal particularly of the western variety might want to check this one out. The worldbuilding, passion, excitement and promise of more of the same from the rest of the series is worth it.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Rhia Duke, her little sister Sylvie, and her friend Beryl arriving at the end of their long flight from trouble to find a nearly dead and dilapidated town where the teacher job she pursued was a mistake. Unfortunately, she can't heed the rude sheriff, Wystan Heckmaster's order to move on because they are out of money and Beryl is deathly ill. The sheriff's brother, Eban is more gentlemanly and caring insisting that they can stay at his clinic so he can treat the sick woman while hinting to the impetuous, headstrong Rhia that she still might stay and open the school flouting Wystan's orders.
Wystan doesn't want the fragile humans there in the town susceptible to demons attacking and killing them or demons infiltrating their minds forcing him to destroy them, but Eban is insistent and Rhia stubbornly refuses to heed a word he says even the ones that involve her safety forcing him to rescue her more than once. If he thought revealing the existence of demons, that the town is populated entirely by rehabilitated demons and that he and his brothers are half-demons, he is wrong again. The stubborn woman insists that she and her party are staying and she's opening the school. Oh, and he can just show her this Pit place where the demons come through from hell and by the way, she can take care of herself and her sister.
Wystan, Rhia and the rest are kept busy fending off increased demon attacks, speculating over the good and hope that Rhia and the others bring to the town, figuring out the mystery of Beryl, and the brothers falling out over their attraction to the newcomer, Rhia. Regardless of their differences, the latest schemes of the demon Asteroth require them all to work together if they are to save everyone and their town.
This story really had strong potential for me and I really wanted it to work because of all the things that I enjoy from the paranormal elements, the western historical setting, the gritty situation and character of Wystan, the strong spirit of a woman caring for herself and her sister alone. Even the mysterious Beryl and the seething issues between the three brothers. But for all these things that I like, I just couldn't connect with this story.
Most of my trouble was the character of Rhia and her words and actions. She's got that stubborn-stupid thing going for her and she's got some arrogance that didn't set well. Her 'I am the educated school teacher and you're the ignorant sheriff and a disgusting half-demon so listen up buster' attitude didn't endear her to me. And her smarts were all the wrong kind for this situation because it certainly didn't range into wisdom and common sense. Seriously, much of the dangerous action scenes in the story come about because Rhia has either raced headlong into trouble or wasn't paying attention to the constant danger. To be fair, she did have a rather big target on her back as the focus of demon plotting, but she made it pretty easy on them. Wystan and Eban tell her to stay in at night because after dark there are deadly dangerous creatures out there, but hey, a girl's got to tinkle so she trots out to the outhouse instead of grabbing a chamber pot or you know, asking for an escort so Wystan saves her right before she's about to become some bear-like demon's tasty morsel. What does he get for his efforts? A tongue lashing! Wystan tells her the dangers as explanation for why he wants her out of there so you know that means he's selfish, cold, arrogant and cruel in her book and since its obviously his doing that she's still there he'd better keep her baby sister safe or else. *eye rolls nearly to the point of hurting self*
Beyond Rhia's not so stellar actions, her lightning fast acceptance of the demon situation was incredible and that minor love triangle thing over her felt contrived just to stir up trouble. The reader is never in any doubt where Rhia's interests lie or about Wystan's for that matter. I had no doubt believing these two were attracted and that their strong, fiery natures were perfect for each other in that we'll go through life fighting and loving in equal measure.
There are several mysterious things and unanswered questions in the book that I assume will get teased out as the series continues with the next Heckmaster brother's story.
So okay story as a whole even though I seriously wanted to bop the heroine several times. Those who enjoy blended historical and paranormal particularly of the western variety might want to check this one out. The worldbuilding, passion, excitement and promise of more of the same from the rest of the series is worth it.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2014
Oh, Dear Sweet & Fluffy Lord, the Heckmasters are my new favorite book boyfriends. Don’t even MAKE me choose just one.
Three half-demon brothers trying to save the dying town of Berner and protect the world from whatever comes out of a hellmouth in the New Mexico Territory? Yes, please.
Wystan, the eldest of the three brothers, carries the burdens of his demon father as his legacy. The last thing he needs is another complication. Enter a young down-on-her-luck school teacher and her little sister. Wystan is in for the battle of his life.
And what a battle it is!
This book punches all of my buttons. I can’t wait for Eban and Tell’s stories.
Three half-demon brothers trying to save the dying town of Berner and protect the world from whatever comes out of a hellmouth in the New Mexico Territory? Yes, please.
Wystan, the eldest of the three brothers, carries the burdens of his demon father as his legacy. The last thing he needs is another complication. Enter a young down-on-her-luck school teacher and her little sister. Wystan is in for the battle of his life.
And what a battle it is!
This book punches all of my buttons. I can’t wait for Eban and Tell’s stories.
June 10, 2015
4.5/5.0
Historical meets paranormal in this delightfully unique western romance!
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Historical meets paranormal in this delightfully unique western romance!
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 29, 2016
3 stars
I enjoyed the premise, but the romance felt forced, and I didn't think there was much chemistry between Rhia and Wystan. Tell was my favorite of the demon brothers, so I do want to read his book.
I enjoyed the premise, but the romance felt forced, and I didn't think there was much chemistry between Rhia and Wystan. Tell was my favorite of the demon brothers, so I do want to read his book.
April 8, 2015
Checkout my revised review on Flame Resistant Undies Romance Reviews at http://www.flameresistantundiesromanc... ,
April 7, 2015
This is the first book in The Heckmasters series. I absolutely loved it!
First off, I absolutely love the cover! It fits the story perfectly.
Rhia Duke is a wonderful character. I liked her very much. She is a schoolteacher by trade. She is a very determined woman, with a stubborn streak a mile wide. Desperate to leave her past behind, she sets off, along with her young sister and a companion they pick up en-route, to answer an advertisement in the newspaper for a job in New Mexico. But things are not all they seem and danger lurks in every corner.
Wystan Heckmaster is a fantastic character. I liked this man very much. He is quite gruff and tough, but as I got to know him a little better, realised that he hides a softer, gentler, not to mention honourable, side. He is the sheriff of a town where the citizens are reformed demons. Being a half-demon himself, his life has not been easy. However, he has taken it upon himself, along with his two brothers, to keep the earth and humans protected from the demons trying to escape through a portal called the Pit. When Rhia appears in his town, he realises that things are about to change forever.
This is a fantastic supernatural/paranormal romance! Set in the late 1800's, this book quickly swept me up and carried me away. The story is told through various points of view, which made it very interesting. There is excitement, danger, mystery and suspense mixed in with the hot romance.
I liked meeting Sylvie, Rhia's twelve year old sister. She is full of curiosity and is extremely bright. I also liked meeting Beryl Brookshier, a young woman the two sisters had befriended on their journey. However, she is also a mystery and, when her secret is revealed, it completely threw me. I certainly didn't see that twist coming! I also loved meeting Wystan's two brothers, Eban and Tell. Eban is the healer and Tell is the hunter. The three Heckmasters make a formidable team as they tackle the evil escaping from hell. We also get to meet the other residents of Berner, some of whom I liked and some not. The heat between Rhia and Wystan fairly sizzled on the page and their chemistry is extremely explosive! The story has several twists and turns, not to mention a villain that sent a shiver down my back. Noem is a vile character, but even he pales in comparison. You'll have to read the story to find out for yourself as to whom I'm talking about. However, I will say that I didn't suspect a thing and their betrayal actually brought a pang to my own heart. Although, in hindsight, I should have realised that they were up to no good. There is a battle between several demons and the Heckmasters that is quite intense, with a surprising twist that had me sitting on the edge of my seat! I finished the story and sat for a while as I contemplated and absorbed what I had just read. I love books that make you go "wow" at the end, and this is one of them. It took me on a journey that I didn't expect. I am now looking forward to reading Eban's story as soon as possible.
Allison Merritt has written a wonderful paranormal/supernatural romance. Her characters come alive on the page and her descriptions of the scenes made me see them in my mind's eye with ease. I love her writing style, which is fast paced and exciting. I also love the flow of the story, the scenes flowed seamlessly from one to another. I have never read any other books by this author, but I would definitely love to read more of them in the future.
Due to scenes of an explicit nature, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under the age of 16. However, I highly recommend this book if you love erotic wild west type supernatural romances filled with sexy half-demons, or paranormal romances with strong characters. - Lynn Worton
First off, I absolutely love the cover! It fits the story perfectly.
Rhia Duke is a wonderful character. I liked her very much. She is a schoolteacher by trade. She is a very determined woman, with a stubborn streak a mile wide. Desperate to leave her past behind, she sets off, along with her young sister and a companion they pick up en-route, to answer an advertisement in the newspaper for a job in New Mexico. But things are not all they seem and danger lurks in every corner.
Wystan Heckmaster is a fantastic character. I liked this man very much. He is quite gruff and tough, but as I got to know him a little better, realised that he hides a softer, gentler, not to mention honourable, side. He is the sheriff of a town where the citizens are reformed demons. Being a half-demon himself, his life has not been easy. However, he has taken it upon himself, along with his two brothers, to keep the earth and humans protected from the demons trying to escape through a portal called the Pit. When Rhia appears in his town, he realises that things are about to change forever.
This is a fantastic supernatural/paranormal romance! Set in the late 1800's, this book quickly swept me up and carried me away. The story is told through various points of view, which made it very interesting. There is excitement, danger, mystery and suspense mixed in with the hot romance.
I liked meeting Sylvie, Rhia's twelve year old sister. She is full of curiosity and is extremely bright. I also liked meeting Beryl Brookshier, a young woman the two sisters had befriended on their journey. However, she is also a mystery and, when her secret is revealed, it completely threw me. I certainly didn't see that twist coming! I also loved meeting Wystan's two brothers, Eban and Tell. Eban is the healer and Tell is the hunter. The three Heckmasters make a formidable team as they tackle the evil escaping from hell. We also get to meet the other residents of Berner, some of whom I liked and some not. The heat between Rhia and Wystan fairly sizzled on the page and their chemistry is extremely explosive! The story has several twists and turns, not to mention a villain that sent a shiver down my back. Noem is a vile character, but even he pales in comparison. You'll have to read the story to find out for yourself as to whom I'm talking about. However, I will say that I didn't suspect a thing and their betrayal actually brought a pang to my own heart. Although, in hindsight, I should have realised that they were up to no good. There is a battle between several demons and the Heckmasters that is quite intense, with a surprising twist that had me sitting on the edge of my seat! I finished the story and sat for a while as I contemplated and absorbed what I had just read. I love books that make you go "wow" at the end, and this is one of them. It took me on a journey that I didn't expect. I am now looking forward to reading Eban's story as soon as possible.
Allison Merritt has written a wonderful paranormal/supernatural romance. Her characters come alive on the page and her descriptions of the scenes made me see them in my mind's eye with ease. I love her writing style, which is fast paced and exciting. I also love the flow of the story, the scenes flowed seamlessly from one to another. I have never read any other books by this author, but I would definitely love to read more of them in the future.
Due to scenes of an explicit nature, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under the age of 16. However, I highly recommend this book if you love erotic wild west type supernatural romances filled with sexy half-demons, or paranormal romances with strong characters. - Lynn Worton
November 21, 2015
Three demon half brothers are guardians to a wild west town, a community of demons, and protecting the humans from a gateway to hell. This was such an interesting story. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel but it sure was fun. The world building is unique, the writing was well done, had some fun characters, and action to boot. Rhia, her sister Sylvie, and her friend Beryl, are arriving at their destination when they find a nearly dead town, mostly looking like it's seen better days, where she was pursuing a teaching job. She will not listen to the sheriff, Wystan, telling her to move on because they can't. They are out of money and Beryl is really sick. Wystan's brother Eban lets them stay at his clinic so he can help treat Beryl. He's trying to be the peace maker between Wystan and Rhia. Wystan doesn't want stupid humans there, demons attack, and could kill them, or take over their minds, and then he's have to destroy them. Eban insists and Rhia won't back down. I freaking loved their banter. Rhia is stubborn and strong willed, Wystan is stubborn and alpha. And though they clash, they are also each good for the town. And the brothers are all seeming to fight over Rhia. Except they need to work together to fight off the demon Asteroth, because their whole town is at stake. Rhia cause a lot of the trouble, and sometimes her own stupidity made me want to smack her. I'm not sure I liked her. She made me mad a good bit. And I felt bad for Wystan every time he saved her she went nutty on him. And though the brothers were attracted to her, I didn't think it was a big deal because Rhia and Wystan had a bigger connection. The concept of this one is really cool and other than not liking the main leading lady, I liked the overall story. There's a couple things not wrapped up that I think will flush out in the next book in the series. There a good world building and some fun adventure, so I will be back for more. 4 PAWS.
November 4, 2014
Wystan hooked me from the start when Rhia rolls into town with her younger sister and a sick friend to report for the teaching job that was advertised, only to discover the town is nearly deserted and her services are not wanted. Though she is ordered to leave by sheriff Wystan Heckmaster, her financial circumstances don’t allow it, so she stays and finds out the hard way that the town has some chilling secrets.
A smooth blend of historical and paranormal, Wystan kept me turning the page (well, clicking “next” on my Kindle) with its excellent writing, great dialogue, easy flow, and fast pacing. By the action-packed ending, I couldn’t put the book down. This is a sure-pleaser for paranormal fans.
A smooth blend of historical and paranormal, Wystan kept me turning the page (well, clicking “next” on my Kindle) with its excellent writing, great dialogue, easy flow, and fast pacing. By the action-packed ending, I couldn’t put the book down. This is a sure-pleaser for paranormal fans.
November 26, 2015
A fun read with lots of excitement. Wonderfully written. I cannot wait for the next one from Ms. Merritt. I am not a big fan of the romance genre, however this book fits with what I do enjoy - Paranormal - if you love paranormal stories this is a book for a must read on your list! Thanks Ms. Allison Merritt. See you all again, soon I hope!
V. Duwane Ledbetter.
WystanAllison Merritt
V. Duwane Ledbetter.
WystanAllison Merritt
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June 3, 20154.5/5.0
Historical meets paranormal in this delightfully unique western romance!
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Historical meets paranormal in this delightfully unique western romance!
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 22, 2014
I love the book. But i gotta say i am not a fan of the cover page.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews