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Morta Fox #1

Heartbeat

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When I first saw the monster hidden in the dark, teeth sharp and face covered in blood, the first thing I did was jump over Boston's Wall of Protection to warn the people inside it. Turns out the people already knew, and all I did was turn myself into a delicious little snack for the most terrifying creature to have ever existed.

I was sure he’d kill me. He didn’t. Instead, he turned me into one of them.

Being saved against your own will is no fun, especially when the knight in shining armor is a vampire who calls himself Hammer. He’s arrogant, flirty, and even more stubborn than me. Left with no other choice but to make a deal with him, I soon find out that I’m not just your usual bloodsucker. I’m something far worse. But at least I’m no longer all alone.

Promises are not to be broken in my newfound world, and when my part of the deal is done, Hammer has seven days to complete his.

If he does, I will no longer be alive.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2016

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509 people want to read

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D.N. Hoxa

80 books712 followers

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5 stars
197 (31%)
4 stars
201 (32%)
3 stars
135 (21%)
2 stars
62 (9%)
1 star
31 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Kei Montrell .
30 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! I love a book with a strong female lead. I love Morta and Hammers relationship. I do hate that the ending seemed kind of rushed. But all in all it was a nice read.
Profile Image for Lana Kortchik.
Author 9 books450 followers
October 24, 2016
I have enjoyed Dori Hoxa's LOVER romance series very much and was excited to receive the advanced review copy of her first paranormal romance. Although this book is very different, it has all the components I enjoyed in Hoxa's previous books - it is well-written, has a strong plot that pulls you in from page one, a unique voice and realistic, relatable characters. Dori Hoxa's heroines jump off the page, and Morta is not an exception. Strong-willed and at the same time vulnerable, she is a complex character who you can't help but care about. She also undergoes a great deal of personal development throughout the novel, growing from someone who is bitter and disillusioned into someone who is hopeful and believes in love.

The story is set in a dystopian world that humans share with vampires. Morta is shocked to discover that vampires exist, and before she knows it, she becomes one of them. If that was not too much to deal with, she soon finds that she is not a typical vampire at all - she has a heartbeat and her bite can kill other vampires. She no longer fits in - not in the human world and definitely not in vampire world, where everyone wants to kill her.

As Morta struggles to come to terms with her new condition and learn what she is, among vampires she finds the last thing she expects and something she's never had as a human - true love and friendship. I loved this story and the ending took me by surprise, leaving me wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal/dystopian fiction that is well-written and has strong characters.
Profile Image for Jenette.
Author 1 book19 followers
February 2, 2017
My impression of this book is that it is very young. The way it's written, the plot and the romance the vices each vampire has, it has a naïveté that makes it feel like a FanFiction written by a tween.

I liked Hammer, in a way he was a decent character but Morta was whiny, she was young and she utterly failed to own her situation which, given the ending, seems like a deliberate choice on the author's part but ultimately ruined he book for me.

The supporting characters were half-formed and the world didn't feel complete to me, like I kept waiting for more information, waiting for an answer that would make me like the world I was exploring. That never happened and the book blundered along until it ended on what I'm sure was supposed to be a thrilling cliffhanger that broke my heart but instead all I can say is really? That's how you're going to play this?

Bit interested in the rest of this series and I don't imagine I'll be looking for anything else written by the author if it matches this style.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
June 18, 2018
Another great book from this author

I really enjoy this author and all of her work. If there’s one phrase that describes Morta : it’s complicated is a pretty good one. This is a very different world from any other and it was a great start.
Profile Image for Ann Pratley.
Author 36 books34 followers
October 23, 2016
I was very privileged to have been able to read an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I loved this story! It is the fourth book I have read by this author, but the first of a paranormal storyline, and once again I was drawn in by this author's use of language.

The writing is very raw - the way the characters relate to each other, seeming to drive each other crazy at times, only adds to the likeability of them. In this book there is an underlying love story evolving, but it is a suspenseful action story centred around a vampire population. The main character, Morta, is an amazing character. She is one that someone could love or hate, but I personally loved her. She is one of the most down to earth and natural characters I've read in a book for a long while.

All in all I enjoyed this story and if there had been a follow on story available when I finished it, I would have loved to have been able to immediately jump to it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
113 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2017
60% DNF! The main character was to immature and combative. I liked the premise so I push myself to read it, but her poor attitude didn't change so I gave up.
Profile Image for Jessica Headlee.
123 reviews24 followers
Read
October 27, 2017
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Below is a quick summation of my thoughts of the book and if you're interested in reading the entire review, you can read it onOf Books and Pen!

I got about 19% of the way through this book and decided to quit. This book needs some serious editing work because it read like the first draft of a manuscript, before an editor takes their red pen to the pages and make them bleed. The characters are unlikable. There are plot holes everywhere that distract from the story. The word building is lazy and reads like the author just took our reality and slapped a bunch of cheap stickers on it. I feel like I could have finished this book if I found that I had even a grain of compassion towards Morta and Hammer. Instead I doubt that I will ever pick this story up again. It’s possible that the story gets better from where I left off, but I have no motivation to find out.
I would recommend this story to anyone who likes dystopian or vampire stories, I feel like people should still give this book a try if they really want to. However, I must warn you that there are mentions of attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and attempted rape. If you are someone who has any experience with suicide I seriously suggest staying away from this book because the main character only wants to die and attempts to kill herself several times. If these things don’t bother you, then by all means give this story a try if you really want to.
Profile Image for Dave Neuendorf.
Author 2 books22 followers
October 30, 2016
I seldom read novels about vampires, least of all in a dystopian setting, but the synopsis sounded interesting, so I gave it a try. To my surprise, there was a real plot with interesting and even sympathetic characters. Morta, the young woman protagonist, is made a vampire by an ancient evil master vampire. But she's different: her heart still beats, her blood still flows in her veins, and she has powers that no one, least of all her, expects.

One would normally scoff at the idea of vampires in love, but there is a real, slowly developing romance between Morta and a male vampire who is on a quest with her. The author makes this seem credible. There is plenty of violent action, mostly of the vampire variety. Not all of the bad guys are the undead, either.

The ending isn't exactly a cliff hanger, but it does leave Morta in a situation where she has to solve the biggest problem of her life. I liked the story enough that I plan to read the next in the series whenever it is published.

Warning to parents: there is an abundance of bad language. I don't consider this teen material.
Profile Image for Daisy White.
349 reviews
December 25, 2017
Ok... I am doing this review with only reading 52% of the book. I literally hates the main character! I mean I have hated some character and stuck it out to read the full book, but I couldn’t stomach her anymore. That is how bad I hated it.

I understand their are times when you hate the main character but 1/2 way through the book you start seeing a change, but this chick took the cake so to speak. I have to say I didn’t get anything out of this book and felt sorry for Hammer who was taking most of her attitude.

I mean give me a sliver bullet with a handgun and I will end her before the next chapter!!! This book is not worth my time. I hope the people who do stick around get something better then I did.

We all can write best seller books or series but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying! Keep writing.,,
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books572 followers
July 7, 2019
I downloaded Heartbeat, book 1 of the Morta Fox series, as a free ebook from Amazon. While I expected a great read, due to the blurb, this was just an okay story for me. Morta seemed immature and I never quite connected with her as a protagonist. I enjoyed quite a few of the secondary characters, and Hammer the male protagonist, but Morta didn't seem to have the strength or will to pull off a main roll -- Bugz and Hammer would have been a more appealing pair for me. The characters were always shouting and yelling at each other, which didn't strike me as something vampires--with their sensitive hearing--would find necessary. Also, what's with Hammer, a bada$$, 300+ year-old vampire, giggling? I simply can't read on.
234 reviews11 followers
June 19, 2019
The telltale heart

Hunted for centuries, vampires decimated the earth until it was a smoking ruin. One young girl, Morta, survived, always apart, unwanted and unloved until an unexpected encounter changes her life. Savaged by a master vampire she 3 blood, but her heart still beats, a beacon to the living dead.
The V-virus gives no sparkling skin, no aversion to garlic, but superior speed, strength, and strong blood cravings. In extremely rare cases, a mutation may occur so the heart does not die on tranformation as well as poisonous fangs that give nearly instantaneous death to vampires. Morta is one of those rarities.
Profile Image for Skye Hegyes.
Author 7 books17 followers
August 15, 2017
A different take on vampires. I like how vampires are back to being monsters in this story set in an almost dystopian post-apocalypse world. This story has the potential to be depressing as Morta is trying to kill herself, but it doesn’t seem angsty either as she and Hammer work together to find her creator and learn more about the kind of vampire she is – one with a heartbeat. The developing relationship between Morta and Hammer is a strange but fun roller coaster ride, and one I felt more and more depressed about because promises amongst vampires are the last thing you want to break.
Profile Image for Jeanene.
1,573 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2019
I got this book for free from the amazing Bookbub site and really had no idea what to expect, in fact it sat in my kindle library for months before I even gave it a second thought, but boy was that a mistake. I fell in love with every aspect of this book, the storyline, the characters, everything. Once I started I could not stop. When you do get around to reading it black out your entire day, cause once you start you will not be able to stop❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Samantha Arzuaga.
87 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2017
This book is AMAZING! I have been glued to this book since day one and it has not disappointed.
There are so many details to take hold of and so many things going on but not once did it feel like to much. Just the right amount to keep you on your toes and hooked enough to keep reading.
Cannot wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Michele Smith-rosell.
1 review
February 5, 2021
Omg, Hammer!

You will fall in love with Hammer and Morta in this book! D.N. Hoxa is a master at character building, I have never felt so connected to a character in a book before as I am to Hammer, honestly I am so in love with him. Morta is so strong, imperfect and REAL that I can relate to her so easily. This is a book with characters that you cannot get out of your head!
Profile Image for Morgan Waggoner.
55 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2017
DNF I got maybe 30% of the way through and just could not get over the main character Morta. I just wanted to slap her repeatedly. At first I thought she could be a strong protagonist but she was just a whiny teenager. Just couldn't finish it.
Profile Image for Heather Rizkallah.
570 reviews4 followers
July 3, 2019
Loved

Morta has a different view when she realizes she has been changed into a monster. That is until she use rescued by a gorgeous man who takes get breath Away. But hammer input wants one thing, and it is not Mortas love
15 reviews
December 10, 2022
Good Read

This book was a very good read it's not a slow burn book. I love the characters although it took a min for me to like the main character but I understand why she is the way she is. This has a great plot and good story overall.
Profile Image for Rachel.
3 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2017
Fun and different twist to the typical vampire book.
Profile Image for Terra Knasinski.
17 reviews22 followers
November 6, 2019
Great read

Great read. Could not put it down. It kept me reading until the book was done. Can't wait to read more of the series. I am hooked.
Profile Image for Pidge.
212 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2020
It had promise

But fell flat quickly. I made it through because I paid for it but the bad*ss in the beginning quickly disappeared into a damsel with sharp teeth. I don’t recommend..
13 reviews
April 10, 2025
I really liked this trilogy especially book 2. Book 3 was pretty good too but unfortunately the editing was really poor for the last book.
Profile Image for Rê .
455 reviews55 followers
October 25, 2016
description

3 “Vampire & Dangerous Oaths” Stars

ARC provided by author.

Thank you!!!

Yes, I am one of those people anxiously waiting for paranormal romance to make a comeback. Vampires, shifters, angels and ghosts. All of it. In YA, New Adult and Adult. Just gimme all.

That’s why I jumped on the chance to read this paranormal romance. While it wasn’t as thrilling, innovative and angsty as I wanted it to be, it was still entertaining.

This is the story of Morta Fox (in Portuguese, morta means dead so… yeah, funny and weird) and how she handles becoming a vampire. In a world destroyed by bombs that mysteriously went off and wiped away civilization, Morta tries to stay away from the rest of the survivors…living her life alone. Until one day she has a run in with a weird being that turns her into a monster: a vampire.

Terrified of what she becomes, Morta tries to end her life, but fails every single time. She then meets Hammer, an experienced vampire who’s looking for the monster who turned Morta. In exchange for her help in locating “her Lord”, he promises to kill her. Until the moment he decides he can’t kill her at all, because he's fallen in love with her.

I was expecting a couple of things from this book: a new take on vampirism, lots of action and a super strong romance.

The author did try a few new things with the vampires she presented, especially with Morta, since she was a different kind of monster. I won’t get too much into that because of spoilers, but let’s just say Morta is the kind of vampire other vampires fear. It was interesting to see some of the things that made Morta unique, mainly because it was what set this story apart from others books with the same theme.

As to the action scenes, there were a few good moments filled with tension. I wasn’t a big fan of how often Morta and Hammer found themselves surrounded by enemy and running away from them, but I understood the author was trying to keep things moving… it just didn’t have to be so literal, you know? Some of those scenes ended up being repetitive.

Last but not least, I think the reason I can’t rate this higher is because I just couldn’t connect with the romance. Often, the romance is what makes or breaks a book for me (unless I’m reading a mystery/thriller or a book that has no romance subplot). But in paranormal romance, I expect the romance to make me feel everything at the same time. I want to suffer with the characters, love when they love, hate when they hate, and all that. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen here.

And when it comes to paranormal with a hate-t0-love relationship, which seemed to be what the author was going for with Morta and Hammer, the bar is set high because I’m a Jericho Barrons-MacKayla Lane child. If you’re characters are fighting, I want to see the sexual tension, the desperation, the snarky comebacks and everything else. Again, it wasn’t happening here.

Morta and Hammer fought a lot, but the tension between them was missing. The dialogue often felt forced, and I felt like most of the time Morta was just being stubborn for the sake of it. Hammer also didn’t reach his potential as an alpha, and he wasn’t a good beta, either. I have problems with characters that fall in between, especially in paranormal. That’s a genre where I want all my love interests to be alphas, and Hammer had potential to be a good one. He just didn’t captive me the way I wanted him to. Neither did Morta. I didn't dislike her. In fact, I could understand her desperation and I thought it was touching that she cared so much about not hurting people that she was desperate to stop herself from turning into a monster. I just wish I could've connected with her...

I also wish I could’ve liked this more than I did.

Having said that, if you’re a paranormal romance fan, check the other reviews on Goodreads before you make a decision about this book, because other readers are rating it four and five stars.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hines.
Author 5 books80 followers
November 2, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Morta lives in a self-imposed exile outside the Wall of Protection. She's alone, but she's a survivor...that is until she sees something her eyes don't understand and runs to tell. She loves humanity, but it won't take long for her to realize humans can be just as evil as she thinks the vampires are. She thinks they're monsters and she doesn't want to be one. Not even the monster to the monsters that she is. All she wants is for her life to end, which is impossible for a vampire to do themselves, so she makes a deal with someone who needs her help.

"When you kissed me, I...I felt like..."

"Like standing in sunlight again," he whispered.

Hammer is good at taking care of himself, he'd spent many years gaining the respect, or fear, that he has, and all it takes is one newbie vampire with a heartbeat and a smart mouth to change him. His characters isn't the open book like Morta's. I'm sure he has a long and weary past that will slowly come out in the series. At least I hope so...because after that cliffhanger ending I'm not at all sure of where this series will lead, but I know one thing for sure, I cannot wait to find out.

It was interesting watching the characters evolve as the plot unfolded. I enjoyed every crazy moment of Heartbeat. It's an interesting twist on vampires, humans, and the world that left me hooked.

My Favorite Moment was a gesture Hammer made, one giving Morta a glance into a city she so badly wanted to see. She was more appreciative than either could have imagined.
Profile Image for Mariah.
1,613 reviews50 followers
June 5, 2017
I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review by the author.

This was an interesting read. Vampires whose mouths look normal till they're suddenly chock full of sharp teeth. A mysterious male vampire who draws you in with his care of our heroine, a vampire with a beating heart. She draws so much trouble in her halfling state. Vampire? Not vampire? It's hard to tell as the lines blurr and the revelations roll out. The ending, I admit had me frustrated. Not because it was bad but because it was both perfect and aggravating in its perfectness. It also ends in a cliffhanger- which made it more irritating but leaves me anxious for book two!

The writing was solid and the plot obviously well thought out. I believe this to be a story that will only get better as it unfolds in all it's mysterious glory.
Profile Image for Kelly.
155 reviews
December 5, 2016
I couldn't let go

I found an unexpectedly heartfelt romantic story. The story drives you on to find out what happens to Mortar. She seems too sheltered and naïve to have been raised as she was. That perhaps was my biggest complaint. But the surrounding lists of characters introduced and the situations that unfolded supported her as she becomes faced to the real world reality. Could be Morta grows up and learns to love. Hammer has survived centuries by being brutal but still has a soul and has been able to keep some part of his humanity hidden. I loved how by the end both were able to realise how they both needed each other and how deeply they cared. So many twists keep the story moving. The ending has me excited to read the next book to find out what happens. I really recommend reading the books. I think its a fresh new look on vampire legend mixed with old.
Profile Image for Kacey Armbruster.
229 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2016
DNF. I couldn't finish it... I was about 20% through and the constant talk of cigarettes and alcohol is far too obnoxious. They sound like a bunch of chain-smoking alcoholics. I can't get past it, because it's mentioned a lot, and it's tainting the characters and distracting. I haven't had enough of a time to get caught up and engrossed in the story line before the irritation started. Not worth my time.
12 reviews
November 8, 2016
Oh my godrick

I loved this book it was really original and just well written I cannot wait for the next book that ending was so epic I was in denial that this was truly the end of the book. Need next book asap
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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