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Elemental Killers #1

Deadly to Love

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The world is dangerous – but love will kill you.

Little did Serena Jackson know that one simple, flirty remark to an anonymous guy online would lead to her world being changed forever.

She doesn’t know him, but inexplicably, is drawn. She knows it is wrong but she agrees to meet.

His real name is Kai. He is beautiful. And immediately Serena feels herself blindly falling for him even though she senses a lie. She knows he is hiding something and it terrifies her.

What she doesn’t realise is that her entire life has been built on secrets and lies. The people she loved left her in the dark for a reason.

She trusted them. She trusts Kai. But as he pulls her straight into the heart of the danger the lies and deadly secrets are revealed. They overwhelm her, and the person she once was no longer exists as she is thrown into a ruthless world of elemental forces. The price of truth is her life—and now the world wants her dead.

368 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2012

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1977 people want to read

About the author

Mia Hoddell

20 books341 followers
International bestselling author, Mia Hoddell, lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.

Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me.

Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.



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5 stars
48 (47%)
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20 (19%)
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15 (14%)
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8 (7%)
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11 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Kacii.
299 reviews42 followers
February 15, 2014
I was honestly... surprised by this book. The description didn't give me a lot to expect from this, but it sounded pretty good. Maybe a little definite and final, but nonetheless it sounded like something I'd read.

I think one of my favorite things about this book is the completely untraditional way Kai and Rea fell in love. It was a very original idea, not to mention modern. I loved that little twist, because nowadays in most books when the main characters fall in love they always follow the same boring, cliched, traditional approach. And honestly? It gets boring. This was different, and I absolutely loved that.

I can't wait for the next book to come, I'm really looking forward to reading that. This story had such a good plot and the story structure was sound. I find that a lot of self-published books have atrosious plot structure and everything falls apart. This story was great, and now there's a new cover and all the errors are gone! So I bumped up my rating to five stars because of that. It really was a good story.

I am going to highly suggest reading this if you ever find the time, because I think it was wonderful and overall an amazing read. I wasn't expecting to like it so much, and in the beggining I will admit I scoffed at the way it started but in the end I had fallen in love with this story.
Profile Image for Redzuan.
1 review
August 25, 2013
I didn’t want to read this book. I mean the title gave the promise of romance and I’m a guy who doesn’t really like the whole YA, whirlwind romance fling. However it was my girlfriend who persuaded me after she read it promising that I would love the action and the romance wasn’t a soppy teen thing. Anyway I read this mainly to shut her up and don’t tell her this, but I actually found myself enjoying it surprisingly. I read the author’s previous work as they were darker and more intense, the type of novels that hook me however Deadly to Love is a tier above Hoddell’s other work and it is evident that her writing has developed tremendously. Although there are some soppy sections in the book (my girlfriend loved these sections) the romance was interesting and well developed. As well as this the fast paced action was more than enough to make up for it with its creative and new paranormal characters. I liked Kai’s job and his anger at the creatures was believable.
This is an engaging read – although I will not admit this to my girlfriend as she’ll be giving me God knows what to read next if I do – that keeps you hooked from page one so much that I finished it within 2 days (that’s quick for me). The characters and settings are rich and detailed leaving you immersed in the world and the content will certainly tug at your emotions.
Profile Image for Brianna.
9 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2012
I read this book yesterday and I couldn't put it down. So I finished it last night and all I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters. I can not wait for the next book. I want more please!!!! :)
Profile Image for Vicki Carlson.
19 reviews
June 14, 2013
Serena is just like any other high school girl. She has a boyfriend – well that ends quickly in the first few pages due to him being a jerk – and attends college with her best friend Chloe. However she is more different than she first imagined. When Kai is introduced Serena starts to uncover secrets that change her life (I won’t reveal what these secrets are as that will spoil the book for you) and she is thrown into the paranormal world she never knew existed. It’s through Kai, Serena discovers Elementals, and that although they look beautiful they are not what they seem. Kai has a deep hatred for the creatures and will do everything in his power to destroy them. When he finds out Serena is the answer to his prayers she also finds out he is the answer to hers, leading them on dangerous adventures and fighting for their lives. For Serena nothing will ever be the same again and she needs Kai’s help to survive.

I was a bit worried about reading Deadly to Love as I have only read one book with the elements in and quite frankly it didn’t live up to my expectation. It was full of romance with the paranormal aspect being side lined. Obviously this had me worried but now having read Deadly to Love I can honestly say I don’t know what I was worried about and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel! The book does start off in a typical way but don’t let it put you off, things soon heat up with the introduction of The Elementals and then it will capture your imagination with a new world and creatures.

Deadly to Love is written from Serena’s point of view and I absolutely loved the twist of a modern romance. I thought it was a really original way for Serena and Kai to meet and unlike any other book I have read.
I really liked Serena but it was Kai that captured my interest – moreover Kai is now my new inappropriate fictional crush… I enjoyed the fact that although Kai was seen as the tough ‘bad-boy’ due to his job and slightly mysterious, he was really sweet and caring around Serena. There was also one chapter where his past is revealed and it shows his vulnerable side as well as his motives for what he is doing. I must admit my eyes did tear up slightly as I learnt what he had gone through which made a nice change from all the ‘bad-boy’ romances in YA fiction. As well as this you can see the effects of his upbringing in his personality and I think the author did a great job of revealing his anger subtly at times, especially when it Serena started to feel the same after her ordeal.

The action in Deadly to Love is fast paced throughout most of the book – with a few intimate moments that are a nice break - and the narrative will pull you in and take you on a thrill ride as you travel across the inventive island of Mavera (set on earth so don’t worry about it being sci-fi – it’s nowhere near). The plot twists and turns, making an unpredictable story and taking you to unexpected places. I ended up staying awake until 7am just so I could finish reading it and didn’t regret the tiredness I felt the next day – it was well worth it.

The action stays all the way to the end and leads to an explosive finale! It leaves you wanting more as there were a couple of things that haven't been explained fully but I'm sure that they will be resolved later on in the series as the characters undertake their journey. There is a cliffhanger at the end but personally, I think the book finished at quite a good place and although I'm keen to read the next installment I wasn't left screaming with frustration like you can be with some series. I'm sure any fans of young adult, paranormal and romance will enjoy Deadly to Love - I can't recommend it highly enough!
6 reviews
July 1, 2013
I started this book weeks ago and I was enjoying it so much. In my update at 62% I said that I was only stopping for sleep – well I read four more chapters before that happened because I was hooked so much.

Anyway it has taken me so long to finish it because my friend stole my copy out of my bag and then went on holiday with it! I didn’t realize it was missing until she’d gone by which time it was too late. I was furious as I only had five chapters left and was dying to know how this great read ended. To make matters worse I didn’t see her until this morning so I have been waiting weeks to finish this read!

Although I am mad about the wait the book didn’t disappoint and the ending was worth waiting for. The whole story was engaging and captivated me as it drew me into the world the author created. It was colorful, bright and used the senses well to keep me hooked. The plot was interesting and refreshing with new paranormal characters which I loved and although I would have liked more interaction with them I still thought the concept was unique and am interested to see how they develop.

The characters they were interesting and connected with me emotionally. There were times were they made me laugh, smile, sympathize with them or want to scream at them and I liked how the author developed them all. They were constructed well and weren’t the typical teens in high school (maybe because they were 17 & 19 and were in college) which was nice.

The writing in Deadly to Love was constructed well and Mia Hoddell’s style is interesting and entrancing. Her writing is descriptive but not overly and she strikes a nice balance of withholding and informing the audience at the right time to leave parts of the plot a mystery which I really liked.

Overall a great read that I struggled to put down – except for it being stolen and read by my friend first. I will be excited to see what the author does next and will keep the book at home when it’s released!
Profile Image for Violet Jimenez.
6 reviews
June 18, 2013
One thing reading Deadly to Love has taught me (something I believe should apply to all readers) is that you should never underestimate a book or go in with preconceived ideas. It is however one of the greatest feelings when a book surprises you and Deadly to Love definitely did that with its enthralling plot. I thought it would be a stereotypical college romance but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Deadly to Love focuses on Serena Jackson, an ordinary teenager who has just broken up with her boyfriend. However, when she meets Kai she finds out she isn’t so ordinary (she’s still human though and doesn’t have any freaky powers, it’s more about her heritage). Kai leads her into a world filled with paranormal creatures, action, danger and death. He also reveals many secrets about Serena and himself along the way as they fight to destroy the Elementals.

This book is a brilliant read and the premise is great. I loved the new concept, creatures and the new world that had been created. Serena is a fun and intelligent character with lots of wit that will make you laugh in sections. I thought she was fantastic and I could really connect with her, and in all honesty it was the same for the other characters too. Hoddell crafted them really well.

The whole book is wonderfully paced and builds-up to a tense, action-packed climax that will leave you hungering for more. Mia Hoddell has certainly got her Elemental Killers series off to a strong start with Deadly to Love and I’m dying to see where she takes it next. It is evident she has a strong understanding of her characters and a clear sense of direction due to the faultless plot structure. I'm certainly intrigued to find out what happens next and I'd more than recommend this book to both YA and adults alike.
Profile Image for Sharon Stevenson.
Author 47 books302 followers
April 12, 2014
'Deadly to Love' is the first in a paranormal romance series which follows 17-year-old main character Rea as she learns about elementals and tries to get answers out of the secretive new man in her life.

The idea behind the supernatural side of the story was really cool and a bit different from other YA paranormal novels I've read. The world building was good and the characters were believable. The plot was focused on the romantic side of Rea's life from the beginning and became more driven by the supernatural side of things towards the end. I think this was handled really well and helped introduce the characters before going on to bring in the supernatural element.

Rea goes through a lot in this story and it was very easy to sympathise with her. The emphasis stays mainly on the romantic side of things though so it felt uneven to me at times when she seemed more upset by those things than others. That was my only real complaint however, as the story itself is well plotted and the characters feel real. The ending was tense and ensured that I will be picking up the next book very soon.

Overall this is an exciting beginning to a series YA paranormal romance fans will love. If you're trying to find something that is a bit different in this genre this should satisfy your cravings for supernatural danger mixed with romance. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Dilan.
166 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2014
DNF - I expected so much from this novel from all the rave reviews, and I totally realise that as a paranormal novel, I'm meant to suspend my belief for the duration of the story. But you know what? The story wasn't even believable within its own world and not even due to the concept, which is relatively interesting.

Rea, Kai and Chloe were ridiculously annoying. Rea believed Kai way too easily. The incessant detail into the conversations between the girls in the first half of the story was mind numbingly dull.

I got half through before I could no longer take it anymore. How could a mother of a teenage girl (especially after what had just happened) be okay with her girl going off with some unknown guy who just spouted crap about paranormal nonsense? What the heck? I'm sorry, I tried. But obviously this one just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Claire Francis.
24 reviews
December 1, 2013
I'm a big fan of Elementals or anything to do with Elemental powers and have read a lot of the books out there that include these things. I don't know what it is about them, I guess I just think it's a cool power. However, the main thing I liked in this book was that the characters were not humans with supernatural powers. I liked how the author created the Elementals as spirits and made them the antagonist with whom humans fight. For me it separated this book from the others I have read. I liked the powers were used for bad for once and it was a nice change up.

A really enjoyable read that I couldn't put down.
17 reviews
July 21, 2013
This book has an unusual, but great, quality of feeling both futuristic in the setting of Mavera (an island on Earth) and historical in theme and origin, for example Rea discovering her past and the ancient world. It surprised me, enthralled me and hooked me from page one. I especially loved the beautiful writing style that is vivid and in parts picturesque with the description. I'm so glad I read this sweet and action packed UKYA. I just fell in love with the characters and their stories.
Profile Image for Lexi.
4 reviews
July 22, 2013
Great read! Fun, exciting, original and kept me entertained for the four hours it took me to complete. The characters are created well and I liked the journey they take. Maybe more interaction with the Elementals was needed but I really enjoyed it overall. A good summers read.
Profile Image for Andie.
26 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2015
Where do I even begin to start? It's not often that I write a review but I felt a huge need to release my feels...

Needless to say, I didn't finish it. I shouldn't have continued after I knew it would only become more annoying but I decided to stick it out to see how ridiculous it got. Which only made me want to rant about it...anyways, I thought the plot idea was interesting, the characters were ridiculous, the dialogue needed extensive work, and the main idea of the elementals was more of a side story to a very poorly written romance.

Profile Image for Hope Watts.
17 reviews
July 12, 2013
Deadly to Love is an incredibly rich and captivating first book in a series. It is full of action and a sweet romance that will keep you reading with a smile on your face the whole way through!

From the very first chapter I was intrigued. The unique and interesting paranormal characters that Hoddell crafted are incredibly different and a far cry from all the other YA books I’ve ever read. I liked how the author kept the paranormal beings a separate species with the Elementals. It made it original from other YA books as it wasn’t related to the humans. It also meant the romance is between 2 humans, a welcome change from; vampire + human, werewolf + human or angel + human – you get the idea.

The story is beautifully written and descriptive, painting pictures of the character’s experiences with every word. I just fell in love with it as I joined the characters on their journey.

The majority of the story focuses on Serena (Rea) and Kai, the two main characters. It is told from Serena’s POV and although I would have liked to hear from Kai as well Serena was a great narrator; she was witty, strong and amusing and I could relate easily. We know what’s in her head and her feelings as she struggles to comprehend the situation she is dragged into and I liked how her feelings towards Kai developed and changed.

I won’t deny I loved Kai though. Kai really is an amazing guy. He’s fast thinking, knows how to survive and his skills in killing Elementals help protect Serena. There is also this excellent chapter where Serena and Kai are alone and we get an insight into his tortured past, which was intense to read as he lost so much.

Most of this story is fast-paced and exciting, with the characters trying to find a way to destroy the Elementals. There are times when the pace slows, normally with Kai and Serena alone but it never loses its intensity as they fall for each other. I may have liked a bit more background detail on the Elementals though in the slower sections as well.

I liked the world created in this book and see great possibilities for sequels. I recommend this for anyone who wants new twists in the paranormal genre, with new characters and original ideas. This book is different, with great amounts of action and romance.
24 reviews
August 14, 2013
I saw this book was on offer so decided to give it a try. It’s something I would normally read and sounded interesting so took a gamble on it. I really hoped I would like this book because it’s right up my alley with the elemental aspect. And you know what? I F-ing loved it!

Earth is under attack from Elementals who are causing a lot of chaos for the inhabitants of the island Mavera. This is concealed from the general population as they look like natural disasters but there are a few who know the truth. The Elemental Killers pursue these creatures trying to find ways to destroy them. Serena Jackson doesn’t know she’s part of this world until she meets Kai, and then her life comes crashing down as secret after secret is revealed to her. While their relationship develops Serena’s part in an ancient plan becomes known andthey undertake a journey to destroy the creatures for good.

I loved the story. Next to the obvious reason that it includes a new take on elementals, it’s just a great YA book. The writing was really good. I can’t really describe it. It just was so enjoyable and interesting to read. Mia Hoddell has a very good style; everything plays in my head like a movie and I love that, as I can get immersed. The description used is great. It’s not too much so you get bored, but not so little you don’t understand anything either. It’s just enough and it’s brilliant. I was sucked right into the book.

I have to talk about the characters now. First off, Serena: she is likable and an easy character to relate to. She is unassuming yet could be loud and determined when needed and I think Mia Hoddell struck the balance well with her personality. She wasn’t feeble and weak and she wasn’t someone who was overtly strong so didn’t want any help. I loved Alanah too. As the jealous ex I loved her kick-ass attitude toward everything and her quick wit. And Jack. He’s funny and I love him too. He was the sweet mediator and his comical way of interrupting amused me. And Kai. Oh God. I have a new book boyfriend. He’s the typical YA guy; hot, strong, reliable and protective however he is so much more because of the secrets he keeps. I just love him.

Would re-read this? Of course. Would I recommend it to anyone? Hell yes! This book is perfect for fans of YA romances and those who like paranormal elements (get the pun?) Anyway, If you’re a fan of books with elemental stuff and modern twists and romnce, you’ll really love this book. So read it. Like, right now!
Profile Image for Erika.
16 reviews
July 17, 2013
I LOVED this book! Totally and utterly incredible! Everything in it was perfect; so enjoyable, so entrancing, and an excellent book. The characters were developed so well and felt so real. The relationship was addictive, I just couldn't get enough of Rea and Kai! And they felt REAL unlike a lot of YA novels I've read. The relationship was true, well developed, and I loved it. Deadly to Love is definitely one of my new favorite summer reads. I don't have enough words to say how much I loved it, you just have to buy it.

It made me laugh, cry and tugged at my heartstrings. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. The plot was fast-paced and full of action. I was completely engrossed the entire way through and didn't want it to end because I was enjoying it so much. You definitely need to read this and I'm excited to see more from this author. A MUST READ!
Profile Image for M.H. Soars.
Author 29 books432 followers
May 20, 2014
Deadly to Love begins with the heroine Lea, living a normal teen life, dealing with a bastard ex and then starting a relationship online with the mysterious Kai. The virtual relationship goes on for about 6 months before they finally meet in person. And the only reason that happened was because a suspicious fire erupted at the forest behind Rea's house.

After that Rea finally discovers what Kai really does for a living and the supernatural aspect of the story begins. Kai is an Elemental Killer and the fire behind Rea's house was caused by an Elemental.

I thought the beginning was bit slow and the young voice of the MC grated a bit on my nerves. But that is just a matter of personal taste. The romance aspect was great and Kai is everything I look for in a hero.

Overall, great start of a series. It's perfect for a younger audience. Very realistic despite the paranormal aspect.
179 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2014
Frankly I was disappointed by this book. I was so excited to read it that I left it for last of my Christmas books, but it did not live up to expectations. The idea behind it was GREAT - the Elementals and all of that? Really cool! But the book was in need of some serious grammar editing, and the relationship between Rea and Kai was completely unbelievable. For someone who had such a need for secrecy, Kai sure was surprisingly willing to troll websites desperately looking for a girlfriend! Still, like I said, the concept was intriguing. I may give the second book of the series a chance and see if I like it better.
Profile Image for Lusanna.
3 reviews
June 19, 2013
I have not read a book this good for a long time! After reading the first few pages I was hooked and didn't stop reading until I had reached the end. It was a FANTASTIC read!

The book had great depth to the characters, who were strong yet vulnerable in different situations helping me relate and engage with them easily. Also there was fabulous descriptions of the places visited and the use of the senses was excellent, I really feel that I was along for the ride too. I can't wait to read the next one in the series :D
Profile Image for Beth.
25 reviews
October 25, 2014
*I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads*

This book was okay. At the time of reading this book I was also reading Storm by Bridget Kemmerer so I couldn't help but compare it to that book. Both were somewhat about the same topic. Personally Bridget Kemmerer's Elementals series is better and the characters are easier to emphasis with. Although Deadly to love has a pretty good plot and was easy to read I couldn't help get annoyed easily with the characters. I give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5.
1 review
June 14, 2013
I just can't believe how amazing this book was. The tension gripped me and pulled me through the whole book in a just few hours. It has a modern romance, original characters, a new paranormal species that's exciting and a captivating plot that leads to an action packed ending. I just couldn't put Deadly to Love down and would highly recommend this novel!
Profile Image for Samantha James.
16 reviews
August 6, 2013
An awesome, fast pace and easy read. I loved the mixture of action, romance and suspense in a modern setting. The story blended the strands well and I enjoyed following the characters as they discovered truths. It kept me engrossed right until the last page, with a action filled conclusion that makes me hope the sequel will be released soon.
34 reviews
May 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I got lost in the world the author creates and I loved how the paranormal aspect slowly evolved throughout the book and became a bigger part of the story towards the end. I also liked the characters as they felt their age and the way they met I found modern. I look forward to seeing how this series develops and how the Elemental will evolve too.
Profile Image for inhmil.
17 reviews9 followers
partly-read
April 29, 2014
i don't think i'll finish this. sorry but i don't see why all the 5 star reviews; maybe it's because i'm not sixteen. i like reading the occasional y-a novel, but this feels too childish for me to finish. i don't like the writing style; i find it clipped and choppy.
Profile Image for Misha.
219 reviews
August 16, 2013
Nope, couldn't do it. I have so many questions that i lost track of them, nothing made sense to me. At page 100 i quit.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
28 reviews
January 16, 2014
An awesome, fun, flirty read that held my interest right up until the end. Unique setting, good characters and nice romance.
Profile Image for Suzie Daniels.
18 reviews
March 2, 2014
An engaging and different read. Bought it straight after I finished Summer Demons and enjoyed it just as much.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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