Deadly Match

The Hidden Realm #3

by D.N. Hoxa

Three weeks ago, I had to make the most difficult decision of my life, thinking I knew what I was doing.

Turns out, I was clueless as to what fate had in store for me still.

And when I find myself a captive of the most powerful sorcerer I've ever met, I'm sure this is it. There's nobody left out there who cares about me. Nobody was coming to save me, and I couldn't save myself, either.

But as always, I keep underestimating Savage Ax.

Even though he saves me, things between us are not the same. He can barely look at me. Doesn't even want to talk to me. I drove a knife through his heart and twisted it, too. I'm learning that that has a lot of consequences.

But I can't take it. I can't stand it when he looks at me like he doesn't care. So I do the only reasonable thing I can think of: write him a letter and leave.

Except Ax is not one to leave things unfinished. And when he decides that I'm not going anywhere, there's very little I can do about it...or want to.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies in this book, see my Notes. Despite this I had fun reading it and enjoyed the resolution and epilogue. I’ll miss Axel he was definitely the MVC.

[Desirae Sanko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to finish. The plot fell short for me. Not enough depth between characters. Very shallow. Over 50% of all three books were sex. Too unbelievable to make for a good storyline.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending. She really comes into her own you start to understand the depth of every character and betrayal.

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Match is an explosive blend of sorcery and deep-seated emotions, making it a must-read for dark romance and fantasy fans. The narrative whisks us into a world where decisions have weighty consequences and fate's cruel twists are just around the corner.

Our story kicks off with Nikki haunted by a recent, life-altering decision, only to find herself in the clutches of a formidable sorcerer. Her initial resignation was that no one would come for her, that she was utterly alone in her predicament. However, Savage Ax, a figure both feared and revered, proves once again why he is a force to be reckoned with, shattering her bleak expectations by coming to her rescue.

The decision to write a letter to Ax and leave is a testament to Nikki's attempt to regain some semblance of control over her life. This heartbreaking moment underscores her complexity and resilience. However, Ax's response flips the script in true romantic thriller fashion. His determination to not let her go and resolve the unfinished business between them propels the story to new heights of intensity.

What stands out in Deadly Match is the rich, emotional storytelling paired with high-stakes magical intrigue. The author skillfully navigates the turbulent waters of love, betrayal, and redemption, making the reader's heart race while deeply investing them in the characters' futures. The series is beautifully crafted, with each chapter delving deeper into the complexities of relationships forged in fire and magic.

Deadly Match is not just a story about magical conflicts. It's a deep dive into the consequences of our actions and the often painful road to mending broken bonds. This series will enchant you, break your heart, and then mend it in the most unexpected ways. 

[Katrina Sorochinsky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Baby, can't you see I'm calling?
A guy like you should wear a warning
It's dangerous, I'm falling
There's no escape, I can't wait
I need a hit, baby, give me it
You're dangerous, I'm loving it
Too high, can't come down
Losing my head, spinnin' 'round and 'round
Do you feel me now?
With a taste of your lips, I'm on a ride
You're toxic, I'm slippin' under
With a taste of a poison paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
And I love what you do
Don't you know that you're toxic?
It's getting late to give you up
I took a sip from my devil's cup
Slowly, it's taking over me
Too high, can't come down
It's in the air and it's all around
Can you feel me now?
With a taste of your lips, I'm on a ride
You're toxic, I'm slippin' under
With a taste of a poison paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
And I love what you do
Don't you know that you're toxic?
Don't you know that you're toxic?
Taste of your lips, I'm on a ride
You're toxic, I'm slippin' under
With a taste of a poison paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
With a taste of your lips, I'm on a ride
You're toxic, I'm slippin' under (toxic)
With a taste of a poison paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
Intoxicate me now, with your lovin' now
I think I'm ready now, I think I'm ready now
Intoxicate me now, with your lovin' now
I think I'm ready now

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki is imprisoned in magic by the uncle of the sorcerer who promised to rid her of the Spirit inside her, and whom she trusts. Even the spirit cannot break the magic shield and she is certain that she will not survive. Savage Ax is surprised when he receives a message from the sorcerer responsible for Nikki leaving him but decides to follow the directions he is given to where he can find her. What he finds could break him if he hadn’t chosen to ignore his need for her in order to protect himself, but he also won’t leave her to die. Unfortunately, saving Nikki is not the end of the danger, and they will have to team up with Jacob and some of his loyal friends to save everyone they know.
I loved these characters. They are all beautifully written, unique, and fascinating. Nikki and Savage Ax are especially interesting, and their interactions are still sizzling hot, and extremely carnal, they are also evolving in what I think is a realistic way. Exciting action, violence, murder, magic, and unexpected twists in the plot make this a must-read book and series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki is awakened by the spirit in her, she realizes that something is wrong. Decides she is going to meet the threat head-on. She goes outside to see a man she never met speaking to Jacob and the others. He manages to trap her with her death in his mind. She is in deep trouble the only thing she thinks about is Ax.
Ax is back in the home with Marie and Marcus still living with him. He finds some of their behavior strange. He doesn't have the energy to think about what happened with Nikki. He gets a surprise visit with news about Nikki. He isn't sure he should even care, but he can't help it. When finds just how bad it is, he will do what he needs to do for her. This will just be the beginning of their troubles, and neither might not survive.

This book was so good. Ax and Nikki were fascinating characters in a unique world. Even the supporting characters were interesting as the main characters. I love the dynamic between Ax and Nikki, and the way they interact with each but with other characters as well. The evolutions of who they were to whom they became, will keep you reading. I highly recommend this series.

[Carly Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series a lot more than I thought I would. The character development was great to see the progression of the main characters, not to mention their love story. Fair warning this series gets very hot and heavy and its delicious!! I loved their dedication, passion and commitment to protect and choose each other no matter what. The writing style was well-done, easy to understand and brought real humanity and humor to the story. I wish we would have been able to see a little more closure with some of the characters from the Hidden Realm besides just being told what happened, I would have loved to see the reactions of everybody to the MCs relationship. All in all it was a really entertaining and heartfelt series with lots of action, paranormal magic and smut!

[O’rion Risher · Rating 2 out of 5]

🙈🙈🙈 I didn’t finish this book and I really wanted to. It was just really obnoxious the amount of sex they had. The lust seems to be their only connection and any time they’re together alone, they screw. It distracted from the rest of the story and seemed to just be a huge chunk of filler. Honestly, my favorite parts of this series were when they weren’t together because they weren’t naked together. From 22%-50%, it’s all just a bunch of sex. Idk about y’all, but at least 30% of a book being sex scenes isn’t my cup of tea. (Not that I don’t like SOME, but this was over the top.

[MandalorianAvenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is great and the characters are interesting. My only reason for giving a 4/5 stars is because I felt like the book wasn’t written well. The sentences were choppy and didn’t flow right together at times. One paragraph would be detailed and clearly depicted the story but then the next would sound more like chopped thoughts and sort of stray away from the point trying to be made. I struggled to read it, honestly but the plot and characters were good and I wanted to see how the rest of the story played out.

[Ivy&Atticus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

I fell in love with the first book, i was so angry with the second book, but i absolutely loved the third book that concluded this! 10/10 will reccomend!! This series had me hanging on my seat the entjre time, roller-coaster of emotion, enemies to lovers with lots of complications in-between, but it did in with an HEA and there is always room for more with how this was concluded but not on a cliffhanger. 100% i loved this series and read it in two and a half days time because i couldn't put it down.

[Candice Compton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5
This was my least favorite of the series. There was a lot of spicy scenes. So much so it got in the way of the plot. The story it’s self was so interesting. I just hate that after everything ended and they went off to ax house I felt left wondering.
How did the sorcerers handle the vein? What happened when everyone woke up? The ending was cute…. But there was such a good story that I felt just got dropped.
I would still recommend if someone wanted a quick and fun read. Just not my favorite.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki and Ax made for an explosive pair. There was steam between these two that make you look for a fan. I enjoyed this story as it is a great addition to a series that was Original and Amazing! So much going on with Nikki that it kept me on edge most of the story. This was Absolutely Great! I Loved It!!! I recommend For a Great Dark Fantasy! No Spoilers! Great Finish!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I Choose to and Loved Nikki and Ax!!!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki finds herself in a bind and think she’s all alone but of course Ax comes to her aid. Their relationship is complicated at the best of times and then there’s more danger, more drama thrown their way. It’s hot, it’s steamy, it’s a little dark in places and there is plenty of action, violence and murder with several twists I did not see coming. This final book gives us the answers we required, mysteries are solved and we get an ending that this fantastic series deserves.

[Jill Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice assasins in love

That's it, the heading should be enough. There are no morally grey characters because the truth is, if you get to this book you must have read the other two. Yes is romatic, yes the books are fun, they could also be longer. It seems the author thought what would Dexter be like as a vampire in love...and then ran with it. No complaints, i just think people should know what they are getting into.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things finally come to a head between the vampires and sorcerers and we get the last show down.

Overall, this was a solid ending to a decent series.

Some things did annoy me though. The lack of urgency shown by Nikki and Ax really bothered me because it seemed out of place and unnecessary. Without giving too much of a spoiler. I hated that Nikki gave Ax a hard time about one of his kills, it was completely justified.

Still I'm glad I read this trilogy.

[TeriD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rough around the edges brute won me over

Ax was my favorite part of all three books. This book has the resolution to the Vein problem with a twist. Ax is awesome and there is nothing he won't do for his Damsel (Nikki). Nikki comes into her own and I liked her much better in this one. I enjoyed the trilogy & will definitely look for more from this author. Definitely recommend!

[Tracey Trask · Rating 5 out of 5]

DN Hoxa didn’t disappoint as she wrapped up the series! Ax and Damsel, both broken-hearted and beaten when last we saw them find themselves in a helluva pickle in the series finale. But once they get past their own BS, nothing can stop them… not even the end of the world. Wait, what?

Follow the ley line to the plot twist, and see who dies… cause someone does!

[Michalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in the The Hidden Realm series. I loved the characters Nikki and Ax. I enjoyed their brand of crazy and the love they had for each other. The story was action packed with lots of steam. The epilogue was a fantastic and realistic end of their story. It fit perfectly. I really hope to see these characters again.

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will definitely miss Nikki & Ax - they are complicated, dark characters that in some way balance each other out. This last book in the seroes wrapped the story up nicely. Plenty of action, suspense and steam as with the previous books kept me glued to the pages. Can't wait to see what this author writes next

[Mar Gin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the conclusion of this series, but holly erotica batman. Im all for lots of spice and sex but this bordered on maybe a little more than even i wanted. However, i still loved it even if every other page was spice especially after the 50% mark. Overall I enjoy when both the hero and the heroine save each other at different points and having them acknowledge each other was so gratifying.

[Patrícia Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the 3 books this one is the best, but still I don’t fully recommend it. The plot is very simple and you can guess almost from the beginning how it’s going to end. The main characters keep having a good chemistry and their interactions are very well written, but apart from that is a very simple story, good to read when you want to “clear your mind” from more intense and dense readings.

[Krystle Deus · Rating 5 out of 5]

refreshing!

It was a refreshing read, the whole series honestly! You have a FMC that is down on her luck but still finds her inner strength (monster) you have a deranged MMC that is willing to do anything to keep his girl. The plot is great and the conversations between the characters is top notch!

[Becca (book_lover_xoxo_) Hofmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good but for as drawn out as the story was across the 3 books a lot was thrown in to finish the last. It seemed a little rushed. But I loved how Nikki finally accepted herself as she is. Savage was such a softy I can’t believe that letter made him cave so fast 😂 but over all i enjoyed this series and this world. It was a fun quick series to read.

[Jacque Waterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I have to read the word baby one more time I’m going to rip my eyes out. This one seemed to fall flat. The plot felt like an idea and wasn’t executed as well as it should have been and at least half of the book was them sleeping together. It felt irritating. We get it the have sex … ALOT…. But I wanted to read a book not a porn script. Over all it was okay.

[Jen Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

Book 1 was absolutely fantastic with 🌶🌶. Book 2 continues the plot but was way more spicy with 🌶🌶🌶🌶. This book was just right. Plot and spice are well balanced. I couldn’t put it down. Savage and Nikki are terrific. I usually read DCR but found this PNR to be on point. Ottjp touch and literally unalive, anything for her, HEA. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad to see the ending of this series. It was so good. Both characters are crazy amazing, or maybe it’s just crazy. They definitely keep you on the edge. With the way this ended, I’m thinking there will be a spinoff. Fingers crossed.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ax and Nikki are back for the conclusion of this wild story. It it was a trip and so much fun to read. Entertaining and hot as I watched these two fight and make up and try to survive it all. Loved it and was glued to end as I could not put it down and had to see how it ended.

[Shirley Klohr-Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What ever it takes

Intense romantic relationship with two unstable characters who fall in love but have a world of hurt trying to end them, so much fun,laughter, good and bad moments, and a wonderful ending. Thank you loved the series❤❤❤

[Zwon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that throughout the series it seems like the heroine was doing most of the main chasing and lusting over the guy. It was also great for him to stand up for himself.

The relationship was very well written and avoided all the usual clichés.