Police Lieutenants, God and Day are under intense pressure from the chief to take back control of Atlanta’s streets. The last thing their task force needs is a pair of trained killers in town with a personal score to settle. Take a man and strip him of his ability to feel compassion, empathy, remorse, or any of the emotions that make him human, but leave the ones that ignite rage and aggression … ignite rage and aggression and you have the perfect killing machine—now imagine two of them.
Code names Ex and Meridian are synonymous for ‘guaranteed death’ to international terrorists. Two broken men from the same crooked streets, recruited into an unsanctioned government program that few know about. Trained to operate most efficiently—lethally—together.
When Ex returns from an op in Bolivia to learn his little brother has been accidentally killed in a feud between drug gangs, he’s stateside before he can consider the rules he’ll be breaking, and of course Meridian is right beside him. There’s mayhem on the streets of Atlanta and the police are losing control. If Godfrey and his elite team of detectives can’t get the job done then they’d be happy to lighten their caseloads for them. And Ex nor Meridian care about doing it quietly.
“I know who you are.” The man grunted when Ex turned to leave. “You’re the fucking devil.”
Meridian walked past, glaring one final time. “Say that loud enough… maybe God will save you.”
But after their first run-in with the big lieutenant and his protective husband, Day, Ex and Meridian start to reevaluate their own relationship. Wondering if they could be even deadlier if they let loose the feelings for each other that they’ve been forced to suppress for years.
Meridian’s dark eyes stayed locked on his, “A man who can fight beside the one he loves doesn’t make him weaker, Ex—it makes him more dangerous.”
No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a HEA.
Note: This is a partners-to-lovers, out-for-you, action romance.
Note: There are depictions of violence in this novel.>/i>
more
Audiobook
Ex and Meridian are the perfect team. They’re deadly, quick, quiet, and brilliant. They’re also not supposed to have emotions; they were trained to be emotionless killing machines that rid the world of evil and prevented wars. No one knew they even existed. Their prior identifies died, but something didn’t stick with Ex.
Ex was drawn back to Atlanta upon the death of his baby brother. He was killed in a drive by; accidentally having been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Where Ex goes, Meridian goes, and Mer had Ex’s back. What Ex wanted was revenge, justice, and to keep his mom safe. While it wasn’t going to be sanctioned by the government, Meridian was going to help him.
Also on the trail of the killer, are God, Day, and their team. They were frustrated with not getting convictions. It was as if their work was being undone as soon as their job was finished. Were they ever going to catch a break? Then they crossed paths with Ex and Meridian…
It’s always good to spend time with God & Day. Day hasn’t lost his ‘charm’, and God is just as alpha male as ever. I enjoyed Ex and Meridian’s story. I also enjoyed their characters. It added an extra layer to the series that amped up the heat.
This book could be read as a standalone, if you don’t mind not knowing who any of the side characters are. It’d be more enjoyable to have read the previous 6 books. It was a great addition to the series and I really enjoyed it.
Listening to Aiden Snow narrate a story is never a hardship. He does a phenomenal job bringing these tough men to life. I love the different voices he has for his alpha men down to the computer techs that have no part out in the field. He’s such a delight to listen to. I highly recommend listening to any of his work, and most definitely in the rest of the series. Your ears will thank me.
I have been a big fan of this series since I read the first book and fell in love with God and Day… no matter how ridiculous I found their names at the time. They grew on me though… the names, I can not imagine God having any other kind of name, it’s just him.
Now what I love most in my books is some bad-ass alpha goodness and boy does this book deliver. Ex and Meridian are as bad as they come and they are about to cross paths with our favorite narcotics team!! So much alpha yumminess!!
Ex and Meridian are military trained assassins, and they have been partners since the beginning, years ago. Trained to be cold as steel and to feel no emotion, they are lethal. But imagine what happens when the devil is forced to feel… What will happen when a killer trained not to feel, is suddenly overwhelmed with emotions and not the good kind…but the destructive kind, the kind that brings you to your knees…grief.
Ex and Meridian are about to rid the streets of Atlanta of certain scum in the name of vengeance and anyone standing in their way will be dealt with. So God and his team better decide which side they are gonna be on.
The closer Ex and Meridan become the deadlier they get. Because the love they have between them makes them even more dangerous.
“A man who can fight beside the one he loves doesn’t make him weaker, Ex—it makes him more dangerous”
I absolutely loved Ex and Meredian!! They were definitely my kind of men. All that cold and ruthless hotness!! And the two of them together…yowza!
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book were the multiple pov’s. I loved getting back inside God and Day’s head. I missed them so much and the whole team does play a big role in this book.
I think so far this might even be my favorite of the series for me…though “Here comes Trouble” makes for a close second, together with “Nothing Special V”.
I can’t wait to see what will be next… I think Fox and Bull are up and I hope the wait won’t be too long 😉
I highly recommend this series
Just make sure you read the other books in this series before starting this one 😉
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
Wow!! My mind is frickin blown right now. After reading this book I’m still hyped at how good it was. She did it to me aging… Ms. Via is a wonderful writer and storyteller but hey this is book seven is this series. So I thought, I know the book will be good but what more can she bring to this highly intense team of badass alpha men. Well, she brought it Big time. I hated to put it down.
Some books have highs and lows throughout the story which is expected. Not this one. I was hanging on the edge of my seat the entire time. I hated to put it down. I was intrigued from the beginning as we are introduce to two new characters, Ex and Meridian, which by the way are their code names. These men give new meaning to the terms “elite” and “deadly’. The two men are military operatives trained and paired to function as one. Imagine being partnered with someone who compliments you in every way to the point that at times you don’t even need to verbally communicate because you think alike. You have both been altered to not feel remorse, regret or affection, to never show emotions period. Your only objective is to distract and extract when you’ve been activated.
A tragic accident has occurred in the city of Atlanta that has drastically affected Ex. He can’t seem to get past the pain of his loss. Meridian tells Ex ‘just say the word and I can make it happen’ . He wants to bring his partner some measure of peace. So after lots of surveillance of all the players in this game including Gods team, Ex and Mere decide to exact a little unsanctioned justice and revenge since the Atlanta PD is having trouble controlling their streets. As they surveilled God’s team they noticed that these men not only worked together in pairs but loved each other and lived together.
This was an absolute revelation to them because they had feelings for each other but they pushed those feelings aside as they were trained to do. Well because of this little mission all those emotions and feelings rise to the surface.
I loved this story because not only did I get to see my guys again but because there were some intense moments between all the characters, especially God and Mere. I was salivating wondering if they got into it which of them would come out on top. There were also a few funny moments not to mention memorable lines…Ex’s “So rude” Of course Day’s sarcasm and quick wit always puts a smile on my face. I wanted all of them to become friends so that Ex and Mere can come back to Atlanta to help out the team in the future. If there were more than 5 stars to give a book this one would get it from me. Bravo Ms. Via you did it again.
Holy smokes! This book is a 10 out of 5 stars for me!
Let me start with saying that the plot of the book is really well thought out and the sequence of events makes the suspence a constant throughout the whole story – there is no reprieve! Putting the book down was painful!
I loved how balanced the story was – we get a healthy dose of action, criminals and justice soldiers, but it is perfectly interrupted by the evolution of the relationship between MCs. The multiple POV narration makes it for a very well presented story! Loved it in every detail and there was not a scene that felt redundant.
And now onto to the sweet cherry on top of the cake: the romance part. This book is not for the faint of heart! You get enough pining and tension between Ex and Meridian, to cut it with a knife (a very sharp one at that). All the emotions are presented in a way that sucks you in and makes you feel like you are the one experiencing them! The characteristics of both MCs are really unique and the author put a huge challenge for herself in presenting them in a way that didn’t feel exaggerated. And the challenge was eaten for breakfast! I loved every second of getting to know these tough guys!
All in all, the book was just one beautiful bundle of awesomeness and masterfull writing! It has been a while since I felt compelled to sing a book such detailed praises!
*I received an ARC of the book, but all the above gushing is 100% honest and all mine*
First of all let me just say that this book is a dream come true! For those who have been following the Nothing Special series, this book is awesome because not only do we have Ex and Meridian, two Alphas who are especially trained to stop any and all bad things, but also the entire Atlanta Narcotics Task Force!
Two killing machines are in town, trying to find a killer as fast as they can before they themselves will be called upon to do their duty. They are working against the clock to find out if the local drug task force is corrupt because they have not been convicting anyone for quite some time now. Said task force is headed by two bad-ass lieutenants, Cashel Godfrey and Leonidis Day, together with seven of the baddest cops in Atlanta!
Ex and Meridian were both trained to do their jobs perfectly, without emotions, precise and without second thoughts. They are perfect killing machines! But having someone you love killed can allow emotions long curtailed and tamped down return to the surface again.
Ms. A.E. Via has created these Alphas who are not only the best in what they do but are also compassionate and protective, not only of their family/team but also of those who are willing to stand up for justice! She has been creating this world of strong men who are not afraid of who they are and who they love. I really love the way she gives them life, heart, soul and love, through her words!
It would be great to read more about Ex and Meridian in the upcoming books in this series, praying and hoping that they make more appearances. Thank you Ms. Adrienne, for giving this story to us, I am privileged to have read it! Another great addition to a great series! This book deserves more than !
She did it again. Another page turner from A.E. Via and I am happy as a pig in mud. I would love to read more about Ex and Meridian, but right now I am crying my heart out over my favourite characters in this series. No spoilers here, if you want to know. I highly recommend to read the previous books as they give you an insight of who is who.
This book could be the start of a spin-off series as the main characters aren’t affiliated with Atlanta’s finest narcotics detectives, but they seem to fight on the same side. I wouldn’t mind seeing Meridian and Ex again in future adventures of God’s special task force.
As I said, I couldn’t put it down. The pace was well measured and picked up for the final show down. I have marked a few lines in the book that cracked me up. I can’t get enough of these guys. They are all tough on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside.
**Audible Review**
Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better. Ex and Meridan was a dynamic duo. Loved their fierceness, dedication and their intense bond with one another. You feel their closeness and love for one another. The hurt that Ex is going through is so strongly displayed that you hurt too…so glad he has Meridan. This was a little more graphic than the previous books but that made it more real due to the out for justice/revenge plot . Not a whole lot of sexy times and that was OK…everything flowed well as it should be. Aiden Snow and his narration was the absolute best as always. Satisfying ending and hopefully the guys will pop up again in later books. The bonus scenes at the end was heartbreaking but also nice…keeps us in the loop with where the guys are and whats coming up.. 5 STARS!!!
I loved this latest book in the series. It’s a very different premise and a very interesting format. And while Ex and Meredian are perhaps morally questionable characters that presents some interesting dilemmas God and the reader.
Ex and Meredian are made sympathetic characters (for assassins) by the bits of background info we get but I wish there had been more detail. We get a bit of info on how Meredian ends up in the program, sort of, but the bit we get makes me want way more information. We get no real info on how Ex ends up in the program. I want all the details on these guys as I really want more of these characters.
The storyline is interesting and as the path to solving the crime moves along you can feel God’s frustration with the situation. I liked the way the story jumped back and forth between characters’ POVs. I loved the tension of the climactic moment and the bonus epilogue ending the book. Though I hated the cliffhanger-type ending as the confrontation it implies has the potential to be epic.
I definitely hope this is not the last we see of Ex and Meredian.
EX AND MERIDIAN FIND LOVE WITH EACH OTHER
EX, Xavier, and Meridian are CIA black operatives who have gone rogue to avenge Evan’s, Xavier’s brother, death from the gangs and corrupt law enforcement in the Atlanta, Georgia area. God and his division’s hands are being tied by a young DDA who keeps throwing his cases out before they can go to court. EX and Xavier’s attempts to find out what is going on have them finally working with God and his crew to get to the crux of the matter to try to end one of the biggest drug cartel problems in the city.
I love the way they finally decide to trust each other, although at times, they can’t trust themselves.
The narration of this story is on par with the others narrated by this narrator. He is superb in his voices and inflections. Another superbly done narration.
**********Contains Spoilers**********
Wow this book was the favourite of the series that I’ve read so far. Man, Ex & Mere are lethal f*ckers, complete black ops. They don’t exist and never have. The way they work on an op is artistry but also scary as f*ck. Not only have they been made into emotionless killing machines and had their DNA modified and possibly combined to make them basically the same person so they’re the perfect team but it also connected them on a deeper level. Where they feel absolutely everything for the other. I loved the interactions with God & Day and their weird friendship. I’m hoping that we get more of Ex and Mere in follow up books as they’re my favourite Nothing Special couple. Man it would be hard to shut off your feelings and not show that your partner means the world to you and if anything happened to him that you’d kill for him, but not let it interfere with how you do what you were made for. It was also cool meeting some more of Duke & Judge’s Bounty Hunters. Man, they seemed really interesting so I’m looking forward to reading their stories. I’m also looking forward to reading Fox & Bull’s story when it’s released as I loved getting a wee snippet of their first meeting at the end of Free & Hart’s book. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
God and Day’s team have no idea what hit them when two of the most deadliest CIA agents infiltrate an investigation regarding the murder of Ex’s younger brother.
Think Uber-alphas (God’s team) meets Uber-alphas on steroids (Ex and Meridian).
I love that all the guys were involved in this installment. A.E. Via writes such badass stories for her badass guys!! Five stars for me ~
4.5 Stars
This one took me a bit to get into I started it but wasn’t into it then I gave it another try and I was hooked.
Its sad how we get to know these men but their need for vengeance is admirable.
Ex and Mer are a team but they both want more and you can tell they both want it but because they depend on each other they never acted on it until now.
And when they finally let loose man it is HOT, hella HOT!
I like that the blurb had my favorite part.
“I know who you are.” The man grunted when Ex turned to leave. “You’re the fucking devil.”
Meridian walked past, glaring one final time. “Say that loud enough… maybe God will save you.”
If you read any of the other books you know that had a meaning 😉
Great book, I hope we get more either in this series or the other one I just loved it so. And Aiden Snow’s delivery of the audio’s were amazing.
This book in true A.E. Via style makes you fall in love with Government trained killers. The main characters Ex and Meridian are fantastic and intriguing characters. The end of this book and bonus at the end are nail biters. It just a phenomenal story. I loved this book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS IMPRESSIVE SERIES!!!!!
Mrs. Via has flawlessly created another amazing story that I loved. She is truly phenomenal when it comes to writing a beautiful love story between two alpha men.
This book tells a new story of two badass men realizing and admitting love for each other. Although this book tells the story of Ex and Meridian, we get to see glimpses into the thoughts and actions of my favorite couples God and Day as well as Ruxs and Green. Every partnership, both personal and on the job, in this series are my absolute favorites and all in different ways. It is impossible to pick just one favorite. That’s why I get so excited when another book in this series or it’s spinoff is published. Day always has me laughing my butt off. I really wish I had someone like him in my life. Lieutenant Godfrey or “God” is the perfect example of the ultimate alpha male who demands respect by just being himself. Then there is Ruxs and Green who are always there when needed either to back up their best friends or sticking to their role as enforcers as they kick butt and take names. I really loved the two chapter glimpse into their relationship after some surprising angst at the end of the book.
The way AE Via writes her characters to be alpha yet nurturing along with their dedication to what is good and just is a talent I haven’t found in many authors. So she is the perfect author to write the love story of the ultimate team with Ex and Meridian.
I have always loved assassin movies, tv shows and books. Especially those when they work for an organization that “doesn’t exist” with members who are more like ghosts with what almost seems like supernatural abilities. At the opening of this story, we meet Ex who has come home to avenge his baby brother’s murder. He does so with his partner, Meridian, who could be considered death incarnate. They are ruthless killers who do what no one else can to keep our country safe. The program they belong to does everything it can to cut any emotions, weaknesses or humanity from their elite few. This is done to prevent anything that could interfere with the accuracy of their executed missions. They are bred to work strictly with each other, creating an unstoppable force. In the process what remains of their humanity is turned towards each other causing an unspoken passion to burn bright and incredibly hot. While reading this story and while they hunt for the killer as well as help out our favorite task force, we get to see their unique love story unfold. And I loved every minute of it! I’ve read almost all of this author’s work and have quickly given five stars plus to each one. I’ve read each one with rapt attention more than once. This new addition was no different. I really hope that this is not the last we see of Ex Meridian.
This series is best read in order since there are so many recurring characters. And Oh my the characters. First I was so happy to see God, Day, Rux, Green, Tech and some of the others. Of course, I never get enough of these men. All tough as nails, protect their city but protect their loved ones too. Though A.E. Via writes, stong Alpha’s she makes them human as well and that’s where this gets even better. Ex and Meridian are special ops or hired killers whatever you want to call them. They are even tougher than God’s guys but man was these guys good together. I hope we get to see more of them soon.
The story was good as well. A good storyline, we can all relate too especially if we live in a big city with lots of gangs, Lots of page-turning action and a heart-stopping twist at the end.
I highly recommend this book and if you haven’t read the series now is the time to do so!
I haven’t read i yet ! I accidentally brushed up against a star and it can’t be deleted or cleared. I lone this series so it should be a very good book!
I love AE Via’s Nothing Special series and couldn’t believe my luck when I saw she was writing another book.
Nothing Special VII EX Meridian was a little different than her other books in the series, but in a good way.
Ex and Meridian are hot alpha “soldiers” in town. They are ghosts, men that don’t exist. They are there to get revenge for Ex’s brother’s senseless death. Pair these men with God, Day, Syn and the rest of God’s team and what you get is a hell on earth. These men “kick a$$ and take names”.
This book is action packed and had me on the edge of my seat.
Highly recommended!!!
OMG this book was everything!!!! I have been waiting like everyone else patiently to be back with the hot badass men from Atlanta and let me tell you it was so worth the wait!!!! Ex and Meridian are partners….an extension of each other if you will. Ex is in Atlanta to mourn the loss of his younger brother. Meridian is there to support Ex and help him carry out justice like a good partner would. They know nothing about emotions, love, caring….that has been stripped away from them during their training or did it? The more time they spend together on Ex’s home turf, the more the feelings that they thought they lost were resurfacing and it was for each other. Seeing them open their closed off hearts to their feelings for one another was truly a sight to see. Let me tell you once they gave into their love for each other, they weren’t going to let it go for nothing and it was insanely hot!!! The chemistry they put off was combustible and I am not going to lie, I might of fanned myself while reading the hot steamy moments!! It was good to see God, Day, my favorite boys Ruxs and Green and all of the crew. I have missed them!!! Ex and Meridian worked with them to get justice for Ex’s brother and they flowed seamlessly like they have been a unit forever. It was such an amazing story and I loved every minute of it. Easily a top 2020 read for me hands down. This talented author never fails to deliver an amazing story and I highly recommend it to all. I can’t wait to see what she comes out next and you best believe I will be devouring every word. Well done!!!
WOW!! Buckle up and enjoy the ride of your lifetime! A.E. Via has done it again. She is the master at giving us the ultimate alpha men and you can now add Ex and Mere to that list. This story also brings us back to the original alpha’s, God and his team. I loved getting to revisit with God, Day and the team.
Be ready for nonstop action, feelings and so much more. Ex and Mere have been work partners for years but have never crossed that line. Things are about to change! Watching these two CIA assassins soften around each other is perfection. There are highs and lows along with passion, humor and love. What more can a reader want! I’m dying to see what comes next in this amazing series.
Oh my god, AE Via writes the best books. I loved EX
Meridian. Period.
The story started fast and it just never slowed down. It was such a great, holy shit, what a ride book. I really loved how Ex and Meridian were different but similar to all the other men in the Nothing Special series. I can’t imagine living in the shadows without family, feeling etc, but I definitely understood more after reading Ex Meridian. I thought it was great how it went back and forth from both men’s perspective. I also liked that their story was interwoven with the Atlantic Narcotics Task Force and that all of them mattered in solving the mystery. I don’t want to say anything about the story, but I just loved how it was so connected. Like all of her books this story was fast-paced, the men were interesting, the mystery kept me intrigued and of course the sex was fantastic.
I had to work while reading, so it took me two days, but when I have cleared off my other reading obligations, I am re-reading this series. I know I’ll catch more with another read. If you haven’t read the Nothing Special series yet, then you should – it’s on KU right now and hurry to read Ex Meridian. I can’t recommend it enough.