The Merzetti Effect

Jan 24, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-5-stars, 2012-reads, series-a-vampire-romance, author-norah-wilson, first-in-series, pnr-vampires, pnr-vampire-slayers, doctor-nurse-emt-paramedic-medic, cures, scientific-research, blogged-at-blithely-bookish, gift-from-author, reviewed-by-me, reviewed-for-author, ebook-own-have-read

After being attacked and infected with the vampire virus 170 years ago, Dr. Delano Bowen is still searching for a cure so that those who, like himself, wish to go back to being human, can do so. He has every reason to be angry and bitter, but instead of losing himself to those useless emotions and turning rogue himself, he’s focusing his efforts on helping others. Aware that he can’t do it alone, he arranges to meet with Ainsley Crawford who, according to legend, has the Merzetti bloodline that...more
After being attacked and infected with the vampire virus 170 years ago, Dr. Delano Bowen is still searching for a cure so that those who, like himself, wish to go back to being human, can do so. He has every reason to be angry and bitter, but instead of losing himself to those useless emotions and turning rogue himself, he’s focusing his efforts on helping others. Aware that he can’t do it alone, he arranges to meet with Ainsley Crawford who, according to legend, has the Merzetti bloodline that he believes will turn the tide of this war in his favor.

Unemployed and in dire need of money, former Level 1 Trauma Center nurse, Ainsley Crawford, jumps at the chance to interview for a job with Dr. Bowen, but before she’s able to meet with him, she’s brutally attacked by a vampire and nearly killed. Before the vamp can finish her off, and before she succumbs to the darkness, Ainsley is rescued by a good Samaritan who turns out to be none other than Delano Bowen, himself. Before she even knows what hit her, Ainsley finds herself caught in a world where there’s a fine line between good and bad, and there’s a lot riding on her willingness to be a part of it all.

As with all first books in a series there is the necessary world building that, because of the medical backdrop, was a tad confusing to me. However, that aside, I really enjoyed this story because in addition to finding a cure that would make vampirism a choice, not a curse, Dr. Bowen also wants to make sure that these rogue vampires, like the one that turned him, can’t continue preying on society’s weak or less fortunate. To do so, he’s working on a... deterrent, if you will, something akin to being scared straight, and without saying more about it than that, I have to tell you, it’s one of my favorite parts of the story.

The characters, their trials and triumphs… these are people and beings I became invested in and care about. I loved Delano and his dedication to protecting not only the vampire race, but the human race as well, and finding a way for both to exist peacefully. And Ainsley is a great heroine... smart, determined, caring, compassionate… exactly the kind of woman Delano needs by his side. The supporting cast of characters introduced us to some people definitely deserving of their own stories, and I really hope they get them!

The bottom line – In a genre saturated with vampires of every shape, size, color and tormented disposition, it’s always refreshing to find an author who provides a unique take on these beings… their world, their humanity – or their lack thereof, and with The Merzetti Effect this author has given us something a little different, and definitely hot!! I am hoping, hoping, hoping that there will be many more books in Norah Wilson’s A Vampire Romance series to come!

My thanks to the author, Norah Wilson, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 stars(less)

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Jan 22, 2012 Ӄıȶȶყ Ӄaȶ (Smitten With Bad Boy Heroes) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire-romances

My Thoughts

The Merzetti Effect
Merzetti is the name of the Italian family that is believed to hold certain anti-vampirism properties in their blood. If a vampire bites one with the blood of a Merzetti, the vampire will die quickly and painfully. The Merzettis were virtually hunted to extinction over the years by rogue vampires who feared their death. Most believed them to be extinct.

Storyline
While the existence of a Merzetti descendant was highly unlikely, Delano is so desperate to reverse his v...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Before reading this book, I only read a brief blurb. I had no expectations going in. I didn’t research the author as I normally do and I had never heard of her before. I went in not expecting too much. I was very pleasantly surprised. The Merzetti Effect was one of the best written novels I have read in a long while. I literally couldn’t put down my kindle.

The book started full of action and intensity and that didn’t lighten up at all. The whole book had me sitting on the edge of my seat, almost...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Norah Wilson comes with pretty good creds. She won the Romance Writers of America "talent search" contest several times, and had a major publisher pick up her book. Unfortunately, as many authors experience, the promotion left something to be desired and they opted out of publishing a second book. So Norah is doing it on her own.

I came across her "Protect and Serve" romance series as I am also in the middle of writing a romantic novel featuring a cop hero. (I will review "Saving Grace" later.) I...more Norah Wilson comes with pretty good creds. She won the Romance Writers of America "talent search" contest several times, and had a major publisher pick up her book. Unfortunately, as many authors experience, the promotion left something to be desired and they opted out of publishing a second book. So Norah is doing it on her own.

I came across her "Protect and Serve" romance series as I am also in the middle of writing a romantic novel featuring a cop hero. (I will review "Saving Grace" later.) I've considered entering the RWA contest, but have become somewhat jaded about the whole romance genre. All my favorite authors who write more than one or two books end up succumbing to The Formula and I get bored. Plus, I wanted to see how Norah handled the whole vampire thing.

Norah Wilson's The Merzetti Effect is different. While the characters start out conforming to the whole helpless-female-in-trouble-meets-powerful(-supernatural)-hero, she did a good job of fleshing them out over the course of the novel. The heroine is actually intelligent, somewhat spirited and definitely not a virgin. And there's a rather nice twist that results in her saving the day in the end.

The hero, Delano, while admittedly in the super-hot vampiric style, is also a scientist, and as the heroine is a trauma nurse, they actually get to discuss his research into reversing the vampire "mutation," to which our heroine, Ainsley, holds the key. Turns out she is a direct descendant of a line of mortals whose blood is resistant to the vampire mutation, and Delano hopes to isolate its properties and create a vaccine. Of course, he doesn't exactly lay it all out for Ainsley.

When she discovers how Delano has used her, she is rightfully pissed. I liked how Wilson lets the heroine be angry, but doesn't send her off in a huff to do something really stupid. She's mad, but rational.

The sex scenes are also terrific. Finally, a lusty encounter in which the heroine is allowed to be sexual and is a willing participant with her own sexual history instead of being seduced or overpowered -- I have never been able to understand why so many romances start with what is basically rape. Delano is coming off a long period of celibacy, so their first encounter is pure lust. Wilson allows Delano to be more than a cardboard cutout, and as male characters go, it's nice to find one who can actually have successful, loving relationships.

The character of Eli, Del's head of security, is also a nice departure. He's a super-hunky mortal who's devoted to Delano, but again, Wilson lets him not only be super-competent in his own right, but to have a brain and a conscience. I am hoping the next book might give us some more of Eli's story.

I really enjoyed The Merzetti Effect. Check it out and buy a Kindle version directly from the author at norahwilsonwrites.com.(less)

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Feb 25, 2012 Bonnie Lamer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Vampires aren’t all bad. Most of them live productive lives working right next to us at their night jobs while, for the most part, leaving humans alone. It’s not those vampires Delano Bowen is after. He’s after the rogue vampires, like the one that turned him all those years ago against his will. The ones who prey on the innocent and see humans as nothing more than a lower species in the food chain. In order to stop them, he has to track down the last descendent of a powerful bloodline and prove...more Vampires aren’t all bad. Most of them live productive lives working right next to us at their night jobs while, for the most part, leaving humans alone. It’s not those vampires Delano Bowen is after. He’s after the rogue vampires, like the one that turned him all those years ago against his will. The ones who prey on the innocent and see humans as nothing more than a lower species in the food chain. In order to stop them, he has to track down the last descendent of a powerful bloodline and prove that the Merzetti effect is more than a scary bedtime story for vampires. And then, he has to determine how willing he is to sacrifice his feelings for her to further his cause.
Ainsley has her own troubles in the human world. Forced out of her job as a trauma nurse, she must find another one ASAP because people she loves are counting on her. Which is the only reason she agreed to meet Dr. Bowen at night for her job interview. And walk through a dark alley to get to his office. She had no idea that short walk was going to irreversibly change her life. Thrust into a world of vampires, she faces danger, lies, assassins, betrayals and love. Now, she has to figure out what scares her the most and what she’s willing to do to protect the human race. And her heart.
In The Merzetti Effect, Norah Wilson gives the reader surprises, plot twists, and a romance that will get your heart pumping loud enough for the nearest vampire to hear. The tension between Ainsley and Delano is there from the beginning, but both struggle against it. Some times more than others. But, when making love may be tantamount to a death sentence, that’s a lot of motivation to resist each other.
I enjoyed the fact that Norah Wilson made Ainsley a strong character; one who is willing to do whatever it takes for the ones she loves. Often, in romances, especially those about vampires, the female character is made into a victim who must be rescued. Ainsley is thrown into a situation that does make her a victim, but she does not have typical victim qualities. She doesn’t fall apart at the first sight of danger, she doesn’t back down when she learns she has been betrayed. Instead, she bolsters who courage and trudges on, willing to meet the danger head on if she must. Being scared is no reason to be a coward or not get the job done.
Delano is written as the epitome of scientist. He is always looking to the greater good, even if that means sacrifices have to be made along the way. He has surrounded himself with humans who have sworn their allegiance to his cause and it has been his single-mindedness that has gotten him this close to finding a cure. Now, if he can only keep his hands off the cure, everything will be fine. Apparently, that’s asking too much.
If you are looking for a fast-paced story that will make you wish your own vampire was waiting for you in the next dark alley you pass, pick up a copy of The Merzetti Effect. It’s the next best thing to finding your own paranormal romance. I thank the author for a review copy and I give the book five stars.
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Dec 31, 2011 Paula Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

All Ainsley Crawford had wanted was to become a sucessful Trauma nurse but one day, she sees one of the Doctor's skimming funds and is worried about what it could do to the future patients and tattles on him , but of course nobody likes a tattletaler and Ainsley finds herself stacked up against the wall with allegations against her and not in her favour. She is left with no choice but to resign. Needing a new job , Ainsley is pointed to a research assistant/ secretary job working on a top secret...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of paranormal romance

Shelves: norah-wilson, paranormal-romance, review-requests, brooding-hero, creepy-villian, dangerous-hero, doctor-hero, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, explosive-passion, favorite-alpha-heroes, favorite-heroines, favorites, haunted-by-the-past-hero, hot-as-sin-hero, hottest-first-kiss, hottest-sex-scenes-ever, intense-connection-between-hh, larger-than-life-hero, loner-hero, manipulative-hero, opposites-attract, part-of-a-series, possessive-hero, sizzling-sexual-tension, stalker-villian, tortured-hero, unforgettable-hero, vampire-hero, widowed-hero

The Merzetti Effect is a novel that caught my eye whilst I was browsing through Amazon's book recommendations. Long before that Norah Wilson landed in my list of authors to try out after seeing a review of her romantic suspense novel Guarding Suzannah by author Pamela Clare up on Goodreads. Reading the blurb of The Merzetti Effect sealed the deal for me and to my utter surprise and delight I managed to get this little birdie from the amazing Norah herself who approached me for a review. The rest...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Barb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Delano Bowen has been a medical doctor for a very long time. More than 170 years, in fact. For much of that time, he’s been searching for a way to reverse the curse foisted on him by a vampress who sought to own him. With the emergence of medical technology, he now also aims to develop a vaccine to protect the vulnerable from predation by rogue vampires. After a century of searching, he thinks he's found the key to his vaccine – a surviving descendent of the Merzetti family. The Merzettis were v...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Urban Fantasy Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

To read this review and more like it please check out my site Urban Fantasy Reviews at www.ufreviews.com

This book most definitely falls into the paranormal romance category. The problem I have with a lot of paranormal romances is that the author focuses so much on the romance aspect of the book they somehow forget to deal with the actual plot of the book, like it's some kind of afterthought. I really appreciate this book all the more because the plot was so well fleshed out, and the romance, wh...more To read this review and more like it please check out my site Urban Fantasy Reviews at www.ufreviews.com

This book most definitely falls into the paranormal romance category. The problem I have with a lot of paranormal romances is that the author focuses so much on the romance aspect of the book they somehow forget to deal with the actual plot of the book, like it's some kind of afterthought. I really appreciate this book all the more because the plot was so well fleshed out, and the romance, while being a big element to the book had a place in the book. The romance wasn't just there for romance sake, it actually helped move the plot along and even played a big role.

Delano is an interesting character. He does a lot of rather questionable things, especially in the beginning of the book with it comes to Ainsley, but he does them for the right reasons. He is not a bad guy, he is just a guy who feels like he has no other options and must do whatever it takes for the greater good of the world.

Part of the reason I think I like Delano and the book in general is because it's written rather intelligently. In fact all the characters in the book are educated or just in general talented in other ways. They explain what being a vampire is in a scientific way, as a gene mutation, that could be reversed if they could only figure out a way to do so. Basically being a vampire is like having a disease, and diseases can be cured, it just takes time and research, and testing.

Which is where Ainsley comes in. They (the men in the book) mention several times that she is one of the most resilient people that they have met, and truly she is. While she does have freak outs a couple times throughout the book, she looks at things as logically as she can, and she ultimately decides to do what her heart tells her is the right thing to do. That being said, she always felt rather organic, she didn't panic when she found out vampires, but she did panic when she thought she could have been turned. She looks at things in a medical perspective, as well she should since after all she is a nurse.

Eli is a character I really like as well. He is a Delano's right hand man, he is basically a guy who does it all. But mostly he is the security guy. It's clear from the book that he has scene war, and he has had to overcome that past. But it has also allowed him to be good as his job, which is often making sure that Delano and the work he is doing is protected, and of course Ainsley too once she comes into the group.

The romance in the book was pretty well written. There was no overly cheesy lines in the book, although there was a time or two where the author opted for the clinical word and it almost sounded out of place within the intimate scenes. But overall the scenes were well written. And not only that, but the sex in the book actually plays a big part in moving the plot forward. I wish I could explain how, but it would give way to much of the book away, so I'll just say the sex is necessary and well written.

I would recommend this book especially to those of you who like paranormal romance, but I also believe that urban fantasy readers would also like this book as well. Overall I thought it was an interesting book, and well written, I would read more by this author. (less)

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Dec 12, 2012 Nadene rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires

I came across this book on Amazon when searching through my recommended reads. I have never read anything from this author before but as a lover of all things vampire I felt compelled to give it a try. Well needless to say I was not disappointed with my decision. This was a great read. I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book. It was an action packed, edge of your seat romantic read.
Ainsley, the heroine, was very brave. She was a trauma nurse who lost her job because she spoke out against...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Nookmom (Courtney) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-bbpr-review

This was not your typical vampire story. Delano Bowen is trying to create a vaccine to protect humans from rogue vampires and possibly find a "cure" to reverse vampirism. The answer lies in the genetic code carried in the blood of one family, thought to be long gone, hunted to extinction.

Being a vampire is looked at as an infection/virus and having it explained in medical terms makes it almost seem believable. I really enjoyed seeing the "scientific" side. Ainsley is of the long lost Merzetti f...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Siren's Song rated it 4 of 5 stars

Both of our characters have a lot of secrets that aren’t apparent in the beginning of the book. Delano manipulates her through the first few chapters without her realizing it but our Ainsley is one smart and resilient cookie. She bounces back pretty quickly from all the shock she encounters and surprises Delano nonstop. She definitely keeps him on his toes. I enjoyed the amount of descriptive details she went into when going over his research. It had a realistic feel to it. Delano is very self-s...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Vivian rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ainsley Crawford is nothing more than a nurse seeking a job. On the night of a job interview, she is viciously attacked by a vampire and subsequently rescued by her soon-to-be new employer, Dr. Delano Bowen. Little does Ainsley know that she has just become the key component to The Merzetti Effect by Norah Wilson, the first in the Vampire Romance series.

Dr. Bowen informs Ainsley that vampirism is real and is actually caused by a virus secreted by its victims. He is working on finding a vaccine t...more Ainsley Crawford is nothing more than a nurse seeking a job. On the night of a job interview, she is viciously attacked by a vampire and subsequently rescued by her soon-to-be new employer, Dr. Delano Bowen. Little does Ainsley know that she has just become the key component to The Merzetti Effect by Norah Wilson, the first in the Vampire Romance series.

Dr. Bowen informs Ainsley that vampirism is real and is actually caused by a virus secreted by its victims. He is working on finding a vaccine to protect the most vulnerable in the world, street people, prostitutes, etc. Ainsley isn't sure what to believe but she needs the job. She needs the money to help support her girlfriend and family, who are in hiding from her wealthy, well-connected, abusive husband. Ainsley's work doesn't really put her into dangerous situations until the appearance of one angry, out-of-control vampire - Radak Janacek. Janacek fears that Dr. Bowen's research will "cure" vampirism and he doesn't want to be cured.

After Janacek's threats and attack on Dr. Bowen's home, they are forced to temporarily relocate to Montreal. Although the research continues, Ainsley is put into an untenable situation when she learns that Dr. Bowen is more than a researcher, he's a vampire. She also learns that her blood causes vampires to revert to full-human status. Needless to say Ainsley is a bit put out by the lack of full disclosure by Dr. Bowen, but she deals. She must also deal with her growing attraction to Bowen.

What follows is a fast-paced tale of romance, suspense and thrills. Can Ainsley and Delano build on their attraction and possibly have a true romantic relationship? Will Delano be able to protect Ainsley as well as her friends from Janacek? Can Janacek be stopped before he destroys all that they both have come to love?

There are plenty of paranormal romantic suspense stories about vampires available. However Ms. Wilson has provided a story that is slightly different and pulls the reader in from the beginning. The characters are completely believable, especially Ainsley, Delano and Eli (a friend to Delano and Ainsley's co-worker). The Merzetti Effect is a fast-paced, paranormal romantic suspense read that kept my interest to the very end. (Nightfall, the second book in Ms. Wilson's Vampire Romance series, is now available as an ebook.)(less)

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Dec 31, 2012 Noelle Blakely rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-reviews

Ainsley is an unemployed nurse with secrets. Delano Bowen is vampire doctor researching a cure for the disease of vampirism. He has searched for Ainsley and manipulates her into his life to use her in his research because of properties in her blood that she is not even aware of. Predictably, they fall in love, battle an evil enemy, learn each other's secrets, and complete the research.

I love this author's voice and down to earth writing style, so it actually pains me to have to say that I had a...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Diane Rapp rated it 5 of 5 stars

Vampire novels aren’t my thing, usually. But I knew that the author was very talented, so I decided to give this one a try. I’m really glad I bought this book! The Merzetti Effect has it all, romance, suspense, intrigue, hunky heroes, and a believable heroine in Ainsley. A nurse who is fired unjustly from her hospital, Ainsley grabs the chance to interview for a new job in a seedy part of town. Who would guess that she’d get led down a dark alley into the fangs of a hungry vampire? Well, it is a...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Joan Reeves rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, romance

If you've tired of vampire romance novels and think they're all the same, THE MERZETTI EFFECT may make you change your mind. Norah Wilson creates a vampire mythology that is a bit different. Yes, it's based on the vampire as virus theory, but there are some twists and turns along the way that keep you glued to the story and turning those pages. Good characterization--especially the spunky heroine--gives the reader someone to root for, and the solid grounding in medical technology and practice gi...more

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Jan 17, 2012 A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, review-requested

Ainsley Crawford is an unemployed trauma nurse answering an advertisement for a job with Dr. Delano Bowen who needs a research assistant/secretary/phlebotomist. When she goes to the nighttime interview she’s attacked by a vampire. Fortunately, Delano saves her. Unfortunately, he’s holding buttloads of information from her. By learning about vampires her world has just been turned on its ear. Little does she know that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

I enjoyed this twist on the vampire world. Well-w...more

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Feb 23, 2012 The Project rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Jan 04, 2012 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

When I was contacted by the author to review her vampire novels, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did not expect was to fall completely in love with this book. Wow, this book was really, REALLY good!

I would classify this novel as a paranormal suspense and, as such, it is action-packed. From the first scene, you are drawn into the story line and it literally doesn't let you go until you hit the very end of the book. I literally did not want to put this book down once I started it.

Ai...more My Review:

When I was contacted by the author to review her vampire novels, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did not expect was to fall completely in love with this book. Wow, this book was really, REALLY good!

I would classify this novel as a paranormal suspense and, as such, it is action-packed. From the first scene, you are drawn into the story line and it literally doesn't let you go until you hit the very end of the book. I literally did not want to put this book down once I started it.

Ainsley is a nurse that has been tricked into helping Delano with his medical research. There are so many secrets that he is keeping from her that are slowly revealed. I loved the way that Ainsley reacted. Every time with each reveal, she was sent mentally reeling, but she simply picked herself back up and worked with the facts until she could deal with them. She is a strong character. But at the same time, she feels very deeply. She has compassion and empathy. I loved her ability to analyze the issues at hand and work within and around her emotional response to whatever was happening. And this poor girl has a TON thrown at her in a very short time.

On the other hand is Delano. He is keeping so many secrets and knows that it is morally wrong to be tricking Ainsley the way that he is. But he is willing to do so for the greater good, and he is sure that his vampire vaccine falls into that realm. Even without the morality issues, there are medical issues keeping these two apart regardless of their undeniable connection. When things finally come to a head between these two, all that simmering sexual chemistry is seriously HOT! I really liked the way that this part of the story was written...all the way around, but especially with their inexplicable connection. That part of the story REALLY worked for me.

The third main character in this story is Eli...former soldier who works for Delano as anything from bodyguard to nurse. I loved the voice of reason that he added to the story in all aspects...from their relationship to their security moves. I loved the charm of his character and how he pushed Delano. I really hope that Norah considers writing his story someday because I would REALLY love to see him get his HEA.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I loved the premise with the Merzetti blood line. It's really creative and the entire book was highly entertaining and incredibly written. The suspense was perfect and the twist...nope, I soooo did not see that coming...literally gasping out loud. This is definitely an author that I am going to keep my eye on. Now I am off to read book #2 in this series...(less)

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Mar 19, 2012 Loves To Dive rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ainsley Crawford had just been fired from her job as an ER nurse, when she receives an offer for a job interview from Dr. Delano Bowen. Even though the interview is at night in a slightly rough part of town, Ainsley decides to check it out and see if it has possibilities. Ainsley soon finds herself in the middle of a centuries old feud between Dr. Bowen and his arch enemy Radak Janecek. She knows she should walk away, but the need to stay with Dr. Bowen is more than she can fight.

Dr. Delano Bow...more Ainsley Crawford had just been fired from her job as an ER nurse, when she receives an offer for a job interview from Dr. Delano Bowen. Even though the interview is at night in a slightly rough part of town, Ainsley decides to check it out and see if it has possibilities. Ainsley soon finds herself in the middle of a centuries old feud between Dr. Bowen and his arch enemy Radak Janecek. She knows she should walk away, but the need to stay with Dr. Bowen is more than she can fight.

Dr. Delano Bowen is a medical doctor who has been researching a way to reverse the curse a vampress placed on him more than 170 years earlier. Delano is almost positive that he has found the key to making a vaccine and the key is no other than Ainsley Crawford. Ainsley is the last surviving descendant of the Merzetti family, a family that carries a gene with anti-vampirism properties. Delano is determined to keep Ainsley with him until he finds the cure; he soon finds that he is drawn to Ainsley for more than her blood.

Delano and Ainsley try to fight their attraction to each other and race to find the cure before their enemy discovers Ainsley's real identity.

Ms. Wilson has given us an interesting twist on the vampire story. Is there a possibility that there is actually a “cure” for vampirism? There are two factions of vampires, those who try to live a regular life amongst non-vampires, using bagged blood for food and hoping for a cure, and those who believe vampires are superior beings and people are nothing more than a food source. Delano is one of the former, Radak Janeck one of the latter.

Delano is an attractive man; he’s intelligent, compassionate and focused on his search for a cure. He surrounds himself with loyal employees and lives well. Ainsley is a lot like Delano in many ways; she is dedicated to her profession, is loyal to a fault to her friends and firmly believes in right and wrong. Their attraction to each other was immediate and very dangerous for both, but fun as heck to watch develop. Ainsley deals with the attraction and most of what comes her way with a wicked sense of humor. She was so much fun to be around. Delano seems a bit rigid in the beginning, but he soon found that Ainsley brings out the best and worst in him. Delano’s right hand man, Eli Grayson is a great character. He is a nurse and vet, a big guy with gentle hands and a strong sense of loyalty to Delano and someone I would love to get to know.

This is a fun book, the twist on vampires was fun to read, and I read it in one sitting. I did have a tiny little niggle with how easily Ainsley accepted everything Delano threw at her. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more hesitation on her part. Call me silly, but some of the stuff she finds out would send most people screaming, or at least make them mad for more than a day or two. Aside from that one small issue, I enjoyed this book.

There is some violence, some of it kind of graphic, but all germane to the story. There are some pretty heated sex scenes, this is not erotica but there was enough heat that this little southern girl almost had the vapors a time or two. There is even a surprising little twist in the end. I recommend anyone who likes hot vampires, strong women and a little humor thrown in, sit back with your beverage of choice and enjoy.

Reviewed as a Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team

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Feb 26, 2013 Lynn Worton rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

I love vampire romances, so when I was offered the opportunity to read this one, I grabbed at it and I was not sorry.

Ainsley Crawford is a fantastic character. She is a caring and loving person, which helps with her profession as a nurse. I liked her character very much. She is stubborn and brave. When she meets Delano Bowen, the attraction to him is immediate.

Delano Bowen is an intriguing character. He is a vampire wi...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Su Halfwerk rated it 5 of 5 stars

In need of a source of income, Ainsley falls for Dr. Delano Bowen's easy offer of a job and protection. Not knowing you're special is one thing, finding out that what makes you special puts you on every rogue vampire's hit list is another.
There isn't a dull moment in this book. Every word, twist, and situation served a purpose. Really loved reading Delano and Ainsley's love story edge by danger, but also was grateful for the sample given at the end of Aiden's story.
Great book. I have no clue how...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ainsley Crawford is an OR nurse looking for a new job which is how she finds herself in a bad part of town in St. Cloud, New Brunswick looking for Dr. Bowen’s office. Dr. Delano Bowen advertised the need for multi-talented nurse; someone who can draw blood and help as his research assistant as he tries to unlock a cure for a particular blood disorder. As she looks for his office, Ainsley is attacked, but her attacker doesn’t want her money. He wants to suck her blood.

Unknown to Ainsley, Dr, Bowe...more Ainsley Crawford is an OR nurse looking for a new job which is how she finds herself in a bad part of town in St. Cloud, New Brunswick looking for Dr. Bowen’s office. Dr. Delano Bowen advertised the need for multi-talented nurse; someone who can draw blood and help as his research assistant as he tries to unlock a cure for a particular blood disorder. As she looks for his office, Ainsley is attacked, but her attacker doesn’t want her money. He wants to suck her blood.

Unknown to Ainsley, Dr, Bowen has actually arranged this attack. Delano is pretty sure Ainsley is the last living person on Earth to carry “Merzetti blood.” Blood he thinks will reverse the disease of being a vampire. A vampire himself, Delano has devoted his life (his very long life) to find a cure for vampirism. After this vampire has sucked some of Ainsely blood and she passes out, Delano scares off the vampire and takes in Ainsely to care for her. After telling her that vampires do exist, he uses the lie that she might be infected with the vampire disease to keep her there, so he can secretly test her blood to see if in fact it can be used a cure. Soon though, there are too many questions, and Ainsley is too smart to be left in the dark. When Delano’s arch enemy, Radak Janecek, launces a full scale attack against Delano and his lab, Delano must tell Ainsley all his secrets.

The Merzetti Effect might be another paranormal romance with vampires but this one does offer a different premise. The heart of the matter is that Ainsley’s blood is thought to reverse the disease of being a vampire, which means if a vampire drinks this blood, in theory he or she will become human again. To further this war, after the vampire becomes human (and doesn’t realize it) if he or she then drinks a blood type that does not match theirs, they will die from a simple transfusion reaction. I like this set-up! Delano does set-up Ainsley to be attacked, for his gain and does in essence kidnap her to study her blood. But I think events unfold well. Ainsley is there under the presumption she might turn into a vampire, so she can’t leave. Soon, she wants to help Delano with his research and an attraction develops. I think Ainsley is a little too understanding at times, but overall I liked their relationship. As it becomes more romantic, Delano knows he can not bite her, because then he will turn human (or at the time he wasn’t sure exactly would happen to him). This is an interesting twist, since sucking blood and having sex go hand in hand together.

There is one aspect of their sex scenes I didn’t like. I’ll put it under a spoiler tag just to be safe.

SPOILER

(view spoiler)

Otherwise, I liked their romance. I also liked the supporting character of Eli, who is Delano’s assistant/body guard. He is a really good guy and added a lot to the story. I did sometimes wonder why Delano didn’t have more people working for him, or at least more that would interact with him on a daily basis.

Our villain Radak Janecek I think is evil at his core, but at some points I think he gave in too easily. He has a history with Delano, so maybe he felt a little remorse in his actions. But for example he is after Ainsley and at one point Delano asks Radak to give him an hour to regroup, and Radak agrees. That is not very viallinly! I would have liked to see him a little more evil, especially because he does things on such a large scale.

Overall I am pleased with the Merzetti Effect. I’ve already purchased book two to see what happens in this world next.
Rating: B-
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Feb 27, 2012 _yay_ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-uf, doctor, vampire, 3-stars

This copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle Edition, published June 6th, 2011
Norah Wilson

Vampire Delano Bowen is dedicated to ridding the world of rogues among his kind. As a doctor committed to his cause, he has been working tirelessly on finding a cure for the longest time. The one thing inevitable to succeed, is to locate the last living descendant of the Merzetti family. Their blood is deadly poison for rogue bloodsuckers.
Delano is not above using nurse Ai...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Kimba (Caffeinated Book Reviewer) rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Merzetti Effect is a suspenseful and steamy paranormal romance. It grabbed my attention from page one and everything else slipped away. The tale takes place in modern day Canada and involves vampires, science, danger, love and a very unique woman who holds the key to a cure.

The protagonist, is a recently fired registered nurse named Ainsley Crawford. She has a secret to protect and desperately needs an income. Despite her love of the trauma unit, she agrees to interview for a medical researc...more The Merzetti Effect is a suspenseful and steamy paranormal romance. It grabbed my attention from page one and everything else slipped away. The tale takes place in modern day Canada and involves vampires, science, danger, love and a very unique woman who holds the key to a cure.

The protagonist, is a recently fired registered nurse named Ainsley Crawford. She has a secret to protect and desperately needs an income. Despite her love of the trauma unit, she agrees to interview for a medical research assistant position. On the eve of her interview she is attacked by a vampire. Dr. Delano Bowen, the sexy researcher stops the attack and saves Ainsley. She awakes to find herself in the research clinic under his care. He confirms that she was attacked and that vampires are real. He explains how he is working on a vaccine to protect those vulnerable to vampire attacks. He convinces her to take the job as his assistant. The tale that unfolds is full of twists, danger, romance, humor and steamy love scenes. I immediately liked all of the characters, even the sometimes stuffy Delano. The chemistry between Delano and Ainsley is intense from the beginning and I found myself rooting for them. The interaction between Delano, Ainsley and co-worker Eli had me laughing aloud.

Wilson unfolds the story at a great pace, with likable characters and an intriguing storyline. I highly recommend the Merzetti Effect to fans of paranormal romance. The next book available in the series is entitled Night Fall. Look for my review of Night Fall next week. Currently The Merzetti Effect is only available in eBook format. At the time of this posting, it is on sale for .99cents at both B&N and Amazon. This is a fun, easy, enjoyable read guaranteed to entertain. I am adding Norah Wilson to my list of must read paranormal authors and can’t wait to read book two.

I want to thank the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
see this and other reviews on my blog:http://kimbathecaffeinatedbookre...(less)

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Apr 04, 2012 Nikki McCarver rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ainsley was desperate. She had just quietly been fired from her job and needed employment fast. So when a questionable doctor in need of a research assistant asks her for a nighttime interview, she pushes her lingering doubts out of the way and shows up. She did a background check on Dr. Bowen and it came back clean. So what if he liked to work weird hours? It didn’t really matter as long as a steady paycheck was coming in and she didn’t have to do anything illegal. Unfortunately being attacked...more Ainsley was desperate. She had just quietly been fired from her job and needed employment fast. So when a questionable doctor in need of a research assistant asks her for a nighttime interview, she pushes her lingering doubts out of the way and shows up. She did a background check on Dr. Bowen and it came back clean. So what if he liked to work weird hours? It didn’t really matter as long as a steady paycheck was coming in and she didn’t have to do anything illegal. Unfortunately being attacked on her way to the interview wasn’t in the broad scope of things. And neither was her hot savior.
Delano was almost a little too late on his rescue. He cursed himself as he fought of the rogue vampire and scooped up Ainsley in his arms. She needed a transfusion, now; her body was going into shock. Lucky for her his on site facility was well equipped with everything she was going to need. He needed her too badly to lose her now. She was the one he had been searching for. She was the key to all of his research. He just didn’t count on his attraction to her, or for that attraction to become all consuming.
Both of our characters have a lot of secrets that aren’t apparent in the beginning of the book. Delano manipulates her through the first few chapters without her realizing it but our Ainsley is one smart and resilient cookie. She bounces back pretty quickly from all the shock she encounters and surprises Delano nonstop. She definitely keeps him on his toes. I enjoyed the amount of descriptive details she went into when going over his research. It had a realistic feel to it. Delano is very self-sacrificing and logical in his pursuit to help others like him. He has singlehandedly built his own empire throughout the years trying to find a cure for vampirism. After the death of his wife, he remained solely focused on his goal. He was my favorite character even though the rest of the cast was really great too. He had a lone wolf kind of vibe that was totally sexy. There are a few twists that surprised me in the book, but it helped shaped the story. I thought it was an excellent read and highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read Aiden’s story even though I thought Eli deserved a little bit of happiness next J! I give it 4 spiders with a Level 3 Heat rating!!

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May 04, 2012 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-reviews

Though I was intrigued enough by the premise of the Merzetti Effect to accept it for review, I have to admit I was a little anxious about reading it. I need a strong, believable plot to enjoy paranormal romance so I was relieved to quickly discover that The Merzetti Effect frames the relationship of its protagonists, Ainsley Crawford and Delano Brown, with an interesting story.

Emergency nurse Ainsley Crawford is on her way to a job interview with Dr Delano Brown when she is attacked outside of h...more Though I was intrigued enough by the premise of the Merzetti Effect to accept it for review, I have to admit I was a little anxious about reading it. I need a strong, believable plot to enjoy paranormal romance so I was relieved to quickly discover that The Merzetti Effect frames the relationship of its protagonists, Ainsley Crawford and Delano Brown, with an interesting story.

Emergency nurse Ainsley Crawford is on her way to a job interview with Dr Delano Brown when she is attacked outside of his offices by a creature who sinks his teeth into her neck. When she recovers consciousness she discovers that the vampires of legend are in fact real and Delano is in search of a cure for the virus that causes the condition. Delano convinces Ainsley to join his research efforts and since she is desperately in need of a job she allows herself to be persuaded. Under the erroneous impression that having been bitten places her at risk of the virus, Ainsley moves into the premises allowing regular blood draws, unaware that Delano has manipulated circumstances believing Ainsley to be the last of her bloodline, a carrier of the Merzetti gene that reverses the effect of the vampiric virus. Their working relationship quickly deepens into a mutual attraction which both of them try to deny, until passion overrules common sense. When Delano's enemy, Radek, discovers how close the doctor is to achieving his goal of a vaccine, he will stop at nothing to destroy the research, and Ainsley, leading to a deadly confrontation.

I really like the plot of the Merzetti Effect, it is original, fast paced and entertaining. The story effortlessly blends action, romance and suspense with the paranormal element. The vampires have traditional abilities such as enhanced speed, strength and healing but are otherwise very human, even the villainous Radek. In Wilson's world, vampires live among humans quite peaceably but a rogue elements preys on the weak and it is those that Delano particularly wishes to target with his vaccine.
I liked Ainsley, who deals with a whole lot of weirdness with equanimity. She is smart, feisty and sensible. Delano has some questionable morals though he firmly believes that what his research is vital for the safety of society. That goal doesn't entirely excuse his high handedness but does go some way to mitigating it.
Though the time frame is necessarily compressed, I like that Wilson allowed Ainsley and Delano to build a relationship. The physical spark is present from the start but you get a sense of the pair developing a mutual respect and friendship even as the sexual tension simmers away in the background. There is an element of 'fated mating' but it comes in after the pair have already established a relationship which is an unusual twist.
Eli, Delano's bodyguard and close friend, is a great character, loyal and tough with a dry sense of humour that adds levity to the more serious situations - I was a big fan.

Fans of paranormal romance will appreciate Wilson's unique approach to the vampire trope and find this an enjoyable read. The Merzetti Effect is the first book in a series that will be linked by setting but focus on a different romantic relationship. The second, Nightfall, is already available.(less)

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Jun 26, 2011 Theresa Ragan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Compassionate, sexy doctor, Delano Bowen, has finally found the key to a vaccine that will help to protect innocent lives from rogue vampires. Ainsley Crawford is drawn into a crazy world at the very start. She has no choice but to accept Dr. Bowen’s help. I don’t usually read vampire novels, but I decided to give this one a try and I’m so glad I did. This was a fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists!

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Dec 09, 2011 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I did like this book. My hang ups with it and why I didn't rate it higher are my own. It just wasn't all that romantic for me. Delano came off very scientific and stiff to me. The plot and the story was very interesting and certainly held my attention though.

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Jun 29, 2011 M.J. Fredrick rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a fun book! So many exciting twists, which kept me turning pages to the wee hours of the morning. And the vampire mythology in this book was so different from everything I've read.

Poor Ainsley, swept into this world she doesn't understand by secretive, sexy Delano, but our spunky heroine adjusts well, and falls for this man who's held himself outside of the world for so long. Very hot and VERY romantic!

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