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Excite
One pill starts a party; how many make a nightmare?
Jon is just another dissertation student until the hypothetical drug that he and his partner Isaac are working on turns into a real pill. Except it doesn't do quite what they intended. When they realize that it has the potential to be the next great party drug they are split. Jon's girlfriend Kat is pushing him to take it to the streets but his partner wants nothing to do with it. Isaac just wants to finish their thesis.
But Jon can never say no to Kat and together they start showing the little pink pill off at parties. The drug spreads like wildfire through the college campus. It’s almost too easy; the demand keeps rising, the money flows in, and the parties are getting bigger. Can they keep it together or will chasing the high bring them crashing down?
Jon is just another dissertation student until the hypothetical drug that he and his partner Isaac are working on turns into a real pill. Except it doesn't do quite what they intended. When they realize that it has the potential to be the next great party drug they are split. Jon's girlfriend Kat is pushing him to take it to the streets but his partner wants nothing to do with it. Isaac just wants to finish their thesis.
But Jon can never say no to Kat and together they start showing the little pink pill off at parties. The drug spreads like wildfire through the college campus. It’s almost too easy; the demand keeps rising, the money flows in, and the parties are getting bigger. Can they keep it together or will chasing the high bring them crashing down?
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About the author
Erica Damon
22 books55 followersErica Damon is a writer, equestrian, and artist living in Western Massachusetts. Her compulsively creative nature has led to a collection of ‘what ifs?’ and that sense of wonder weaves its way into her fiction. She writes thriller and horror under her name, and equestrian romance under the pen name, Isla Ryder.
In any genre, her goal is to sweep the reader into her world, keeping it grounded enough in reality that the reader doesn’t question a moment of the action.
This is what she loves helping other authors with, as she has discovered that she enjoys reading books in the early stages even more than published ones and helping writers to spin their stories into something riveting as a developmental editor. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while ideas swirl in the background.
In any genre, her goal is to sweep the reader into her world, keeping it grounded enough in reality that the reader doesn’t question a moment of the action.
This is what she loves helping other authors with, as she has discovered that she enjoys reading books in the early stages even more than published ones and helping writers to spin their stories into something riveting as a developmental editor. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while ideas swirl in the background.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 8, 2021
Excite is a quick read that takes flight early on. Even at a short 205 pages, there is still enough meat to sink your teeth into. There aren’t too many characters and the story concentrates on a select few of them that really brought the book to life.
The plot is straightforward without any twists, so the narrative moves along briskly. The finale is a bit anti climatic and I wish it could have ended in a more powerful and thrilling fashion with that “wow” factor.
Overall, Excite is a rousing read that is sure to please readers wanting a short and startling book as a respite from hardboiled fiction. Four stars.
I received a digital copy of the book from author, Erica Damon. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The plot is straightforward without any twists, so the narrative moves along briskly. The finale is a bit anti climatic and I wish it could have ended in a more powerful and thrilling fashion with that “wow” factor.
Overall, Excite is a rousing read that is sure to please readers wanting a short and startling book as a respite from hardboiled fiction. Four stars.
I received a digital copy of the book from author, Erica Damon. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 10, 2021
Excite has an interesting premise for a crime thriller, and to be honest, I had my doubts about how much of a thriller it was going to be. Those doubts proved to be unfounded, because once things took off, the tension rose steadily all the way to the end. It wasn't suspenseful in the sense of figuring out a whodunit. We already know the major players from the beginning, so the suspense is in how long are they gonna get away with it? What's going to happen when they get caught? Both questions were kind of hanging around in the back of my mind as I kept reading to see how it was all going to play out.
The story revolves around a hypothetical drug made real and the results of those seeking to profit from it - and I'll just throw it out there that if you're worried about getting lost in the chemistry of creating that drug like I was, you don't need to be. Erica Damon focuses on the aftermath and how the drug affected people. The reasons for creating this "little pink pill" does raise the question of just because you can do something, does that mean you should do it? As the blurb indicates, there turns out to be differing opinions on that.
Those differing opinions and what Jon is willing to do for his girlfriend is where this author's talent really shines. These characters are not all good or all bad. They make mistakes, they make bad choices, they have trouble seeing past the dollar signs - and they find out there are consequences - some that you can't come back from. Some of these characters certainly have a skewed moral compass, and I absolutely did not agree with their actions, but somehow, Erica Damon manages to make me sympathize with the very same characters that I'd really like to shake until their teeth rattle. Maybe it's the age. I mean these are college-age new adults, and at the risk of dating myself, I'll admit that the age of the characters brings out the Momma in me.
I'll stop there before I give too much away and just sum it up by saying Excite is an entertaining tale of greed and consequences. The setting, the characters, the premise: it all comes together to keep the pages turning.
The story revolves around a hypothetical drug made real and the results of those seeking to profit from it - and I'll just throw it out there that if you're worried about getting lost in the chemistry of creating that drug like I was, you don't need to be. Erica Damon focuses on the aftermath and how the drug affected people. The reasons for creating this "little pink pill" does raise the question of just because you can do something, does that mean you should do it? As the blurb indicates, there turns out to be differing opinions on that.
Those differing opinions and what Jon is willing to do for his girlfriend is where this author's talent really shines. These characters are not all good or all bad. They make mistakes, they make bad choices, they have trouble seeing past the dollar signs - and they find out there are consequences - some that you can't come back from. Some of these characters certainly have a skewed moral compass, and I absolutely did not agree with their actions, but somehow, Erica Damon manages to make me sympathize with the very same characters that I'd really like to shake until their teeth rattle. Maybe it's the age. I mean these are college-age new adults, and at the risk of dating myself, I'll admit that the age of the characters brings out the Momma in me.
I'll stop there before I give too much away and just sum it up by saying Excite is an entertaining tale of greed and consequences. The setting, the characters, the premise: it all comes together to keep the pages turning.
December 2, 2020
A fantastic, well-written character and event driven story that hooked me from the start, and had me yelling at the pages and characters at the end. Just what I enjoy.
This is a modern, synthetic, tension building story of two friends who stumble across the formula to a new, awareness altering drug. With huge potential to cause pleasure or pain, the discovery fractures the friendship of Jon and Isaac. With conflicting views on the dangers and implications of the drug, Jon, with some coercion from others, releases the drug onto the university campus scene, with devastating results.
This is a modern story that really asks: "just because you can, should you". Maybe not everything is made to explore or have its boundaries pushed. And sometimes being strong and saying no can be just too hard.
This is character and event driven story picks up the pace and tension as it explores the boundaries of ethics, friendships and manipulation. The relationships felt real - between Jon and Isaac, and Jon and his girlfriend in particular. There are science and biology concepts explored, but Damon never lets it get too deep or detailed, so it never lost me in the chemistry of it.
The campus setting is a brilliant choice - I could sense the party vibe and "try anything once" attitude in the town, and felt like I was walking the halls, in the labs and at the parties.
I found this book well written with a solid, believable set of characters with depth and backstory, and of course, I enjoyed the criminal element and the investigation that follows the later events.
There is death and ruined lives in the story, from drugs, but it's not a dark tale of addiction. I recommend starting with Excite, then move onto The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn (aka the Limitless movie), followed by Luke Davies' novel Candy for a roller coaster journey.
This is a modern, synthetic, tension building story of two friends who stumble across the formula to a new, awareness altering drug. With huge potential to cause pleasure or pain, the discovery fractures the friendship of Jon and Isaac. With conflicting views on the dangers and implications of the drug, Jon, with some coercion from others, releases the drug onto the university campus scene, with devastating results.
This is a modern story that really asks: "just because you can, should you". Maybe not everything is made to explore or have its boundaries pushed. And sometimes being strong and saying no can be just too hard.
This is character and event driven story picks up the pace and tension as it explores the boundaries of ethics, friendships and manipulation. The relationships felt real - between Jon and Isaac, and Jon and his girlfriend in particular. There are science and biology concepts explored, but Damon never lets it get too deep or detailed, so it never lost me in the chemistry of it.
The campus setting is a brilliant choice - I could sense the party vibe and "try anything once" attitude in the town, and felt like I was walking the halls, in the labs and at the parties.
I found this book well written with a solid, believable set of characters with depth and backstory, and of course, I enjoyed the criminal element and the investigation that follows the later events.
There is death and ruined lives in the story, from drugs, but it's not a dark tale of addiction. I recommend starting with Excite, then move onto The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn (aka the Limitless movie), followed by Luke Davies' novel Candy for a roller coaster journey.
November 18, 2020
“And it'll just get easier.”
Erica Damon has written mode the five novels and is a devoted equestrian. Creative and smart to boot, Erica writes books that genuinely make you think.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Erica Damon and team, for the opportunity.
This was my first Erica Damon novel, and she did not disappoint. I enjoyed how the story was built and the way the plot unfolded. I found the storyline unique and moved at a steady pace.
Jon and Isaac are working on a thesis together, trying to see if they can create a pill that enhances the way people feel things. They decide to do a trial run, testing the placebo effect, and it all goes wrong.
Jon and Kat are dating, and while Kat doesn’t always know what Jon is talking about, due to his scientific mind, she tries to keep up, and she loves him. Or, she loves to manipulate him.
Melissa suffers from chronic back pain due to an old injury. When she sees a Craigslist ad looking for someone to test a new medication, she decides to give it a go. What does she have to lose?
Officer Radek is a young, attractive, ambitious police officer who wants to be seen as an equal and be taken seriously as an officer of the law. When a student dies under mysterious circumstances, she decides to investigate. What she discovers is the last thing she expected.
This is a well-written, fast-paced novel that will grab your attention and hold it until the end. With a cast of characters, you can’t decide if you like it or not; you will not be able to put this book down. I very much enjoyed this book.
Erica Damon has written mode the five novels and is a devoted equestrian. Creative and smart to boot, Erica writes books that genuinely make you think.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Erica Damon and team, for the opportunity.
This was my first Erica Damon novel, and she did not disappoint. I enjoyed how the story was built and the way the plot unfolded. I found the storyline unique and moved at a steady pace.
Jon and Isaac are working on a thesis together, trying to see if they can create a pill that enhances the way people feel things. They decide to do a trial run, testing the placebo effect, and it all goes wrong.
Jon and Kat are dating, and while Kat doesn’t always know what Jon is talking about, due to his scientific mind, she tries to keep up, and she loves him. Or, she loves to manipulate him.
Melissa suffers from chronic back pain due to an old injury. When she sees a Craigslist ad looking for someone to test a new medication, she decides to give it a go. What does she have to lose?
Officer Radek is a young, attractive, ambitious police officer who wants to be seen as an equal and be taken seriously as an officer of the law. When a student dies under mysterious circumstances, she decides to investigate. What she discovers is the last thing she expected.
This is a well-written, fast-paced novel that will grab your attention and hold it until the end. With a cast of characters, you can’t decide if you like it or not; you will not be able to put this book down. I very much enjoyed this book.
December 2, 2020
I got an ARC for this book and I was anxious to get into it. Damon had a great way of describing the sensory details of taking Excite, and it really helped me sink into the story. It’s kind of a modern Icarus tale, and the path you see Jon follow is very believable. Damon does a great job of keeping her characters sympathetic while still framing them as in the wrong, playing with fire. I enjoyed it quite a bit!
The only one thing that kept me from giving it five stars was that I notice a few minor typos/grammatical errors. For example, the main character’s name being spelled both as “Johnathon” and “Johnathan” on the same page. Very little things. They could be fixed with another quick pass with that sort of focus for a new edition or something.
All in all, I enjoyed it and definitely recommend this book!
The only one thing that kept me from giving it five stars was that I notice a few minor typos/grammatical errors. For example, the main character’s name being spelled both as “Johnathon” and “Johnathan” on the same page. Very little things. They could be fixed with another quick pass with that sort of focus for a new edition or something.
All in all, I enjoyed it and definitely recommend this book!
December 7, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Erica Damon; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2024
Having read Erica Damon’s previous works, I was intrigued to dive into Excite, a psychological medical thriller that tackles complex ethical dilemmas. While the author modestly claimed this wasn’t her best work, I respectfully disagree. Though certain sections may lack tension, the thought-provoking themes and layered messages more than make up for it.
At its core, Excite asks a compelling question: should creators be held responsible when their inventions are misused for nefarious purposes? The story follows Isaac and Jon, two students working on a thesis project experimenting with a formula designed to bypass the placebo effect. Their harmless intentions quickly spiral out of control when their creation evolves into a drug that induces a euphoric high without side effects.
Damon excels in crafting morally gray characters whose flaws add depth to the narrative. Kat, Jon’s manipulative and opportunistic girlfriend, is a standout antagonist. Her calculated efforts to exploit the formula for personal gain drive the story’s tension and offer a fascinating glimpse into how crime syndicates might operate. Watching Kat’s devious plans unfold—and ultimately lead to her downfall—is both thrilling and satisfying.
While the emotional layer may feel subdued, the book’s focus on the sequence of events and the intricacies of crime creation compensates for this. Damon’s exploration of ambition, morality, and the consequences of innovation resonates deeply, leaving readers pondering long after the final page.
I highly recommend Excite to fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy narratives about the rise and fall of manipulative characters. It’s a gripping tale that spotlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the dark side of human nature.
At its core, Excite asks a compelling question: should creators be held responsible when their inventions are misused for nefarious purposes? The story follows Isaac and Jon, two students working on a thesis project experimenting with a formula designed to bypass the placebo effect. Their harmless intentions quickly spiral out of control when their creation evolves into a drug that induces a euphoric high without side effects.
Damon excels in crafting morally gray characters whose flaws add depth to the narrative. Kat, Jon’s manipulative and opportunistic girlfriend, is a standout antagonist. Her calculated efforts to exploit the formula for personal gain drive the story’s tension and offer a fascinating glimpse into how crime syndicates might operate. Watching Kat’s devious plans unfold—and ultimately lead to her downfall—is both thrilling and satisfying.
While the emotional layer may feel subdued, the book’s focus on the sequence of events and the intricacies of crime creation compensates for this. Damon’s exploration of ambition, morality, and the consequences of innovation resonates deeply, leaving readers pondering long after the final page.
I highly recommend Excite to fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy narratives about the rise and fall of manipulative characters. It’s a gripping tale that spotlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the dark side of human nature.
September 25, 2023
I started reading the book with great anticipation as I liked the description. However, the reading was not smooth sailing. On the very first page, there is a typo, and several others throughout the book. A frequent use of pronouns, they, he, she, instead of proper names makes it at times confusing to understand who the author is referring to and understand the action. There was just not enough suspense for me, a slow start, slow development, and an unsatisfying ending. I didn't relate to any of the characters and found them somewhat shallow. On the positive side, the premise is interesting, the book is a fast read, and the descriptions of the effects of the drug really make you feel what the character is experiencing; maybe if you read it with lower expectations you'll enjoy it more than I did.
November 11, 2021
Excite
by Erica Damon
One pill starts a party; how many make a nightmare?
Robin's Review:
This is an interesting and entertaining story about a drug called Excite, how and why it comes into being, and the science of it but also the consequences of it. It was fast-paced and easy to read. The plot was well thought out and descriptive. The characters were flawed but relatable. All in all, a good read.
by Erica Damon
One pill starts a party; how many make a nightmare?
Robin's Review:
This is an interesting and entertaining story about a drug called Excite, how and why it comes into being, and the science of it but also the consequences of it. It was fast-paced and easy to read. The plot was well thought out and descriptive. The characters were flawed but relatable. All in all, a good read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews