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Soulless

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Fairfield Detective Alexis (Alex) Martinez is in pursuit of a killer so brutal, he holds an entire city in the grip of terror. His victims are picked at random; their torture and mutilation, unspeakable. As the body count rises, Alex's investigation puts her among the hunted-not by the serial, but by a much greater threat: a secret society with members imbedded inside world governments, law enforcement and every walk of life. Their prime objective is to avert discovery, and when her investigation comes too close to revealing their existence, Alex becomes a target. The only one that can save her is the trained assassin they've sent to kill her; someone who has already infiltrated her heart and mind, and who may be the monster she's been chasing all along.

David Jason Sawyer is a predator with the face of an angel, his mind a weapon as equally formidable as his body, prince of a powerful hidden society believed to represent the next step in man's evolution: Family. Their physiology has evolved to consume bio-energy directly. They're stronger. They age at an incredibly decelerated rate. With their extraordinary ability to heal, they're close to invincible. And they feed on humans to survive.

Since childhood, Sawyer has been trained to manipulate and entrap on reflex, to put emotion second and Family first; yet one moment of weakness, sparing the very detective that hunts him, the woman he has grown to love, makes him a dangerous threat his people cannot tolerate.

Now, light must join forces with darkness as Alex and David struggle to stay one step ahead of an invisible army out to silence them both.

276 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2013

3 people are currently reading
622 people want to read

About the author

Toni Hofman

2 books49 followers
Toni Hofman has been writing romances since she was thirteen years old and loving every minute of it. She is the recipient of a B.A. in English from Florida State University, a M.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a previous participant in UIC’s Program for Writers. For the past 10 years, she has worked as a proposal writer and manager, focused on helping employers and clients win multi-million dollar federal and state contracts. Soulless is her debut novel and first foray into publishing. She lives in Southern California with her family.

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5 stars
19 (43%)
4 stars
11 (25%)
3 stars
6 (13%)
2 stars
5 (11%)
1 star
3 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Dodd.
488 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by the author via Lovers of Paranormal.

This book was so good on so many levels. As I started to review and thought about the book as a whole it struck me that I hadn't had to constantly re-read sentences to make sense of typos, spelling or grammatical errors throughout the book. To me that earned this book another star! It is so rare these days that I can actually say that.

This was a well thought out intelligently written story. The idea of these 'evolved' humans was great. There were little questions that popped in my head during the read but I'm hoping that there will be a sequel where these will be answered as Alex and Jason are also on that case.

The characters were well written and believable, even if not very nice as in the case of Colin.......give me the gun, I'LL shoot him!!

If you want an interesting, thought provoking, well plotted read, this is it.

Bring on book 2!! PLEASE.
Profile Image for Bookish Satty.
958 reviews32 followers
January 21, 2014
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.

Firstly I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.

Well, after a long time I read a good mystery/thriller book and the paranormal punch made this story just my type of read. I loved the pacing and the author didn't go on explaining a single scene over pages rather the mystery part covers most of the story which will definitely keep you hooked in.

The characters are great and I loved Alex very much. The fact that she is a cop and messes with dangerous criminals made her my favourite but I would accept that I loved David. He is mysterious and hot, well a deadly combination.

The mystery part is awesome and the suspense made me sit on the edge of my seat. Over all a great read and I would recommend it to you guys because I know it will win over your hearts as well. Enjoy reading!!!
Profile Image for Tia.
638 reviews
March 24, 2014
I received this book from the author through Firstreads and I'm glad I did! I was hooked on the characters from the beginning. This story holds your interest from beginning to end with the story line. It's about a cop investigating a string of murders and her prime suspect is the a man she falls in love with, who also has to eat souls to survive. Will he lose her when she finds out? Does she arrest him for them? Is he the only one like this? You'll have to read the book to find out! I hope that Toni Hofman continues this story in future books, because I want to know what happens to them!
5 reviews
August 1, 2021
This book was kick ass! You had to pay attention to the details though. Highly recommend, but thought there was a sequel..?
Profile Image for KathyAnne.
570 reviews97 followers
January 15, 2014
3.5 rating rounded up to a four...
This is a debut novel for this author and for the most part I thought it was very creative, original and engaging. Definitely a great read for the small .99 price tag! The only reason for the slightly lower rating than what I would have liked to have given was because the writing was at times confusing. Especially with names... David was also Jason and switching back and forth between the names throughout the book had me a little lost on several occasions. I was also a little disappointed that we didn't get to be a part of the story where these two first met. The prologue really drew me in and I really, really wanted to know what happened and how they fell in love. I didn't really understand why he was so drawn to her. That might make a great novella... just a thought... :)
David is a great character and I had a great deal of empathy for him. He has to feed off of the energy of humans in order to survive. Even though he did not have to do it often... he felt guilty for the individuals who had to die because of him. It was something that he struggled with and he wants to find an alternative way to survive.
Alex is a detective who is searching for a serial killer. She is a strong female character who is determined to find justice for the victims. Having pegged David as a suspect, Alex becomes intertwined into the race of the soulless and is dealing with her owned mixed emotions of caring for a man who she may have to bring to justice. The victims are tortured... and some scenes are a little bit descriptive but not too bad. I will admit to not being a huge fan of serial killer stories in general so this part of the story was also a bit of a struggle for me.
There is a religious element to this story... but, not overwhelmingly so... the soulless see themselves as a creation of God but also superior to humans... one step up in the food chain.
The Soulless are a powerful race that live amongst humans in secrecy. The book focuses primarily on the power struggles that go on between the soulless families and David being caught in the middle of protecting his race vs. protecting the humans he loves.
The steam factor was a bit low... would have liked more intimate moments between David and Alex. We got that in the prologue and it never really came back.
I do think this is a pretty good start to a potentially great series... it was engaging enough to hold my interest to the end. It didn't end on a big cliffhanger... but, I got the impression that there is more to come. I would be interested in reading a second installment if there is one...

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

www.ktbookreviews.com
Profile Image for Shayna Varadeaux.
Author 5 books107 followers
March 8, 2014

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Lovers of Paranormal Group.

Let me start by saying that I was transported back to my first love, Crime Drama Detective novels. I found my love of reading books like that when I stumbled upon Neon Mirage by Max Allan Collins when I was fourteen. It was a huge change from my regular Shakespeare obsession at that age. Literature had always been a favorite subject and discovering more than Shakespeare, Poe, Bronte, Austen, Twain, Judy Blume and Sweet Valley High was magnificent and it broadened my horizons considerably. I enjoy the grittiness and texture of these stories.

Soulless starts on fire and barrels forward keeping you captivated the entire way through.

Alexis Martinez is a detective with a no nonsense attitude and she is on the run until Jason, the man who's more than a mortal man, she's come to love, wipes her slate clean for her own safety.

Back on the beat the attractive detective is hot on the trail of a gruesome killer. This is where the grittiness gets its texture... People are turning up dead and gruesomely so. Alex gets inadvertently pulled back into Jason's life and he starts to worry about her again. Things go upside down and you are hooked into the mystery and ride the intrigue to the books climax at a steady pace.

The story twists, turns and grips you, sinking its suspense in your mind urging you to push forward and read on.

The Plot - There's depth in this story that go pretty deep and the paranormal element is delightfully unique. You never know what will happen next and I love that. I also like that just when you think you've got it all figured out the plot thickens. It had a great pace and it was captivating the entire way.

The Characters - From the sassy detective Alex herself and the brooding and somewhat lost, Jason to the little old lady Myrtle each character is well developed. All playing their part not leaving you to wonder. Alexis and Jason were my favorites but Mark, Grace, Frank, Joe, Colin, Bastian, Ray, Hattie and even Drew were well written. Each one making an appearance in my imagination without hesitation.

The Writing - I actually love the writing. If this is the authors first publication she has a brilliant career ahead of her. It was flawless in my book and nothing was lacking as far as I am concerned. I love that my two favorite things came together so effortlessly. A Detective Crime Drama and Paranormal Romance in a delicate and well balanced combination that left me satisfied.

I recommend this book highly. If you love Paranormal and you, like me, are sucker for a good Crime Drama with a dose of steamy swoonidge this is most certainly the book for you!
Profile Image for Larena.
441 reviews19 followers
February 9, 2014
Contemporary, Paranormal Romance



Alexis “Alex” Martinez is a detective for the Fairfield Police Department and she is after an extremely brutal killer that has managed to hold the city in the grip of terror. The victims are tortured and unspeakably mutilated and picked completely at random. As Alex investigates the killings she is brought to the attention of a secret society that has members imbedded in law enforcement, world governments and all walks of life. Their objective is stay hidden and when the investigation takes Alex too close to them she becomes a target. There is only one person who can save her but he is also the assassin that has been sent to kill her. He is the one that has already infiltrated her mind and heart, and he just might be the one she has been chasing all along.

David Jason Sawyer has the face of angel but is a predator. His mind is a weapon that is just as formidable as his body. He is a prince of the secret society that seems to be the next step in man’s evolution. Also known to those of the society as Family. They consume bio-energy directly because their physiology has evolved to that point. They age at a remarkably decelerated rate and they are stronger than normal humans. They have an extraordinary ability to heal so they are almost invincible. They also need humans to feed on so that they can survive.

Since he was a child Sawyer has been trained to manipulate and entrap on reflex. He was taught to put emotion second and Family first. Yet in one moment he spares Alex the woman he has fallen in love with and now they are both a danger to his people and one Family will not tolerate.

If Alex and David are to have a chance at survival they must join forces and stay one step ahead of an army that is invisible until it is too late.




This is a very different paranormal. It takes the concept of vampires and gives it a twist that is very intriguing. The story takes many twists and turns that keeps the reader on their toes as they try to figure out just what will happen next and who Alex and David can trust. It is a story that stays with the reader long after they put it down. The characters have the fallacy that all people do and that makes them very authentic. The characters are complex which really brings the story to life and pulls the reader into the book. For readers that love paranormal romances this is one to check out.
Profile Image for Kori.
68 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2016
I really would have rated this 5 stars if this was solely based on the storyline itself but gotta throw in all aspects of this book and that's where it starts to get tricky with the whole star rating......

First thing that had me taking away a star is at points the book didn't read right. Phrasing of sentences got confusing. Explanations of what was going on made no sense and well the characters never really revealed why they had certain feelings (And their was some at times random feelings being thrown out there). So I think that took away from the whole reading experience. I prefer not having to stop and reread a paragraph or situation over and over again only to figure out its still not going to make sense it's not just me reading it wrong.

Second issue that made it lose a star was the very very last 2 chapters....... really??? Was that the end???? So much happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Me yelling frantically while pulling my hair out) I tried to find a next book and if one does exist I'll DEFINATELY change my rating on this but I didn't find one at all which makes me wonder why end the story with a thousand more questions and nothing ever really being resolved?? Ugh so frustrating.

Ok now that I have the bad out of the way I'll say I freakin loved this story. It really did blow me away and it was actually what kept me reading despite some of the confusion that almost made me want to give up (almost). I just had to know more and more and it was so different from everything that is out there!! I need more I tell you!!!!

Oh and the female Alex is such a strong female character I actually wanted to tell at her to play the damsel in distress sometimes! You are screwing things up! Which for me is surprising because usually I'm screaming grow a pair and fight back once in a while.

I do have to say for a new and different supernatural storyline this is you r book.

And I'd have to thank the other for graciously sending me a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
Profile Image for Emi Lia.
136 reviews
January 6, 2014
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
What could be better than a Paranormal Who Dun It?
I loved Soulless, I thought it was an excellent read and with a different spin in the paranormal world, where they survive from taking energy by touch, it makes it much more interesting. I love reading a book that keeps me guessing, even when I have to put it down for a few minutes. Detective Martinez is an amazing character, a strong and honorable woman who seeks justice for those who have been victimized. And David, I felt bad for him, his character seems like such a gentle soul but its like he's forced to live in this crazy Family.
As Alex is on the hunt for a psycho serial killer, she runs into David at more than one crime scene, which in turn makes him her number one suspect. While the investigation progresses there are more murders and it looks like all roads lead to David, but Alex can't seem to find anything concrete on him, or maybe she just didn't want to. ;) She finds herself in some trouble when the investigation starts to interfere with the Family and may lead to their "premature discovery", so she finds she needs to put her trust in David to get out of this mess alive.
I thoroughly enjoyed Soulless, it was a great page turner. I always thought I knew who it was going to be, but in the end when I found out, I was like WHAT!!?? I couldn't believe it, I would have never guessed it, it was totally awesome! I loved it and if there is a next one I'm definitely going to be reading it.
Profile Image for J. Woods.
Author 13 books51 followers
January 17, 2014
Truthfully I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I picked up this novel. It sounded like an interesting concept and Toni Hofman absolutely lived up to the intrigue.
From the moment I picked up this novel I was drawn in. I thought the idea of the story was an original and creative one and I found the characters to be relatable; the one thing I loved was that the man female character, Detective Alex Martinez was a strong woman with a backbone.
Detective Martinez is on the hunt for a serial killer and when David shows up at more than one of the murder sites, he is automatically on her list of suspects. What she doesn't understand are the urges she has toward him.
David, or Jason as some call him, is a torn individual. He is a member of the Family, a higher "level" of being. With Alex's digging into the murders, she puts Family at risk and in turn her own life. David, in his love for her will do anything to protect her, even turn on his own kind.
The novel involves a lot of characters; I wouldn't call it confusing at times, more, you have to pay attention. The story was thrilling and had more than one surprising moment; there was nothing about this book that screamed obvious which made it that much more of an enjoyable read.
Hofman writes a gripping tale with a unique spin on the world of paranormal.
Profile Image for Yellagirlgc.
404 reviews45 followers
May 10, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Gotta Have Romance with a Kick group.

This book presented a different spin of paranormal for me. Alex is a homicide detective investigating several interesting murders. David/Jason is one of her suspects. There's something about him that intrigues her and also causes her to want to take a closer look and keep an eye on him. At the same time she has an unexplained attraction to him.
David/Jason is a member of "the Family". And they don't like public notice and don't want to be exposed to humans. David/Jason is doing everything in his power to keep Alex safe and find an acceptable solution to the way his race takes in nourishment. Humans aren't cattle or disposable to him. While this first book explains some things about this race I'm looking forward to the next book. I think it should be even better than the first.
Profile Image for Heather Heffner.
Author 8 books22 followers
January 14, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book for review*

This is a nice hybrid of thriller mystery crossed with paranormal. Cop Alex is an engaging and sympathetic heroine who is on the tail of a brutal serial killer. She initially suspects David Jason Sawyer, a mysterious man who is much more than he seems, but her reason for being drawn to him turns out to be one entwined in a past of entanglements with a dangerous secret sect.

This book is superbly well-written and flows smoothly. The villains are nasty, and their powers are daunting-- I definitely wouldn't want to go up against one of them! Luckily Alex holds her own against them, and David isn't about to let anything happen to her. Nice detective atmosphere, and the romance doesn't overshadow the plot. I'd recommend re-reading the prologue after finishing the book, a lot more pieces will come together.

*The cover might hint that this is YA, but it is much more adult in tone.
Profile Image for Christina Avitable.
22 reviews
February 24, 2014
Dear fellow Reviewers here is my Review for Soulless.

I got this book free for doing a honest review on my side (LOP)

I started this book yesterday and finished it the next day that was how good it is. I found the book to be very interesting and enjoyed the whole concept of evolved human species that feeds of souls. I loved the characters especially Jason/David as he showed to be the only one of them with a conscious. The book drew me with the whole story plot. My favorite part of the book was with Colin in. I found him to be a very interesting character in the book and loved the idea of him being the a loving father to the end. I would have liked to see more romance in it rather just in the prologue as well as a different ending but all in all i did really enjoy this book and would recommend it to my friends.(less)
Profile Image for Jacquelyn  Smith.
1,278 reviews
March 6, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for my honest review (LoP)
Am I dreaming or is this real was the question of the day! As the story unfolded Alex's life was turn up side down by the man she loved with all her heart, wait not him, his family wanted her dead! What dark secret did David/Jason have that will destroy her forever? If that is his real name? There is love, romance, mystery and a strong female character that don't cry for help every time she is in trouble . But wait I have tell you this, my favorite character was Colin, he stole the show. He lit up the room when he walked in. This is a must read and it left me dreaming for more.

5 stars *****
http://cometomefantasy.blogspot.com
@jacquelynsmith3
Profile Image for Linzi Selby.
134 reviews
February 27, 2014
I was given this book to write an honest review from the group lovers of paranormal.
This book did take longer than usual to read but I did throughly enjoy it .
I thought the author did an excellent job in describing the characters , whom might I add were brilliant and most likeable.
This book is unlike any I have read and kept me gripped throughout.
I would certainly recommend this book to others.
Im not sure if there is another due to be released but if this is the case it would be a yes from me to read it.
Thanks
Linzi
Profile Image for October.
7 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2014
Soulless is a gripping novel. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. I loved how the beginning you hade no idea as to what creatures Jason and his family were. I usually skim read but while reading this book I didn't skim a single page. I'd recommend this book to anybody who is tired of vampire stories and wants to read about a concept that is different and refreshing.
4 reviews
February 5, 2014
Really great action, and I loved the romance between David and Alexis. Bought it on a hunch and it paid off. Became one of my favorite books.
19 reviews
February 25, 2014
A great mystery and it was a long time since I read a book like this. Great overall for anyone who likes a mystery with a great ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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