Scan barcode
robazizo's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars (3.5 stars for the first half, which was slow and 4 stars for the second half). Not my favourite Christina Lee, but once the ball finally started rolling, it was a lovely quiet and soft story. Kerry's hesitations felt a bit over the top after having already broken up his marriage by coming out, but the connection between him and Julian was lovely and warm. I also liked the parallel story of Julian and Ainsley both healing through their equine therapy.
blakeleyreads's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
karentje's review
5.0
All the love for this beautiful romance with utterly compelling, sincere and well-rounded MC’s . I especially loved the gentleness and warmth that is such an important part of who Julian and Kerry are together, and as individuals. That is what charmed me most of all. Theirs is a slow-burn romance, and their growing friendship was just heartwarming to read and made a wonderfully strong basis for their relationship. That’s where the true strength of this story lies, and it absolutely seduced me, drawing me into their world effortlessly. This is a very pure love story, can’t really describe it any other way, and one I’ll reread with the greatest pleasure. It’s a story to savored, not rushed. It’s about love and acceptance, but also about granting yourself the right to try and be happy. Kerry had resigned himself to a half-life, accepting that as a price (punishment?) for daring to come out in a not terribly accepting environment and in so doing breaking up his marriage. It was so touching to see him decide to enjoy those stolen moments of happiness with Julian, even if at first he had no hope for more than that. It left me feeling quite giddy and happy myself, I felt so invested! I was also very moved by Julian’s journey with Mercy, by the instant connection between man and horse. It was such an integral part of the story, and felt so genuine and heartfelt. Julian and Kerry don’t live on an island but are surrounded by three-dimensional and intriguing secondary characters that help lift this book even higher. Absolutely recommend it.
laul's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ilyarozanov123's review
2.0
2.5 stars. Another one that took me a good while to get into because I just wasn’t feeling it. I was bothered by a number of things, but my main issue was that I didn’t really buy the big conflict of the book. I was pleased when Kerry finally stood up for himself though, even if he regressed some after.
Hamlet and Phoebe, their pigs, were adorable. I liked Mercy, Julian’s horse confidant, as well.
Hamlet and Phoebe, their pigs, were adorable. I liked Mercy, Julian’s horse confidant, as well.
so_many_books's review
4.0
Have Mercy is a very interesting MM book with a surprsing little twist that I did not expect... and that's where the title comes from.
Julian is a veteran who was honorably discharged when a bomb went off next to him during his second shift in Afghanistan. He has severe PTSD and in search of a quiet place and peace he visits his cousin in Wyoming who co-owns a farm with her ex-husband.
Kerry is the ex-husband. They had a divorce after Kerry came out to his family as gay and he suffers from the guilt he feels for ruining their lives. He loves his ex-wife as a friend and he would never leave his daughter who was diagnosed with cancer.
Julian shows Kerry what it's like to truly be himself without caring what the small minded people think. And together, with the help of adorable farm animals, they overcome the struggles of the past.
And when I say adorable farm animals, I mean it. Pheobe and Hamlet, the two troublemaker pigs, temperamental cows, goofy goats, chickens and of course, rescue horses make this story unique. The role of animal therapy is a really nice twist in this book.
Combat PTSD changed Julian's life because he can never be at peace now in NYC where he loved to grow up. So finding a new place to live and a new way to live is the main focus of the book from his side. As far as Kerry is concerned his family hasn't accepted his sexuality and he feels like an outcast all the time. But because he feels guilty, the dispair just brews inside him.
So you can imagine how much I loved this cowboy/veteran, family and farmlife story.
It was totally worth it!❤
Julian is a veteran who was honorably discharged when a bomb went off next to him during his second shift in Afghanistan. He has severe PTSD and in search of a quiet place and peace he visits his cousin in Wyoming who co-owns a farm with her ex-husband.
Kerry is the ex-husband. They had a divorce after Kerry came out to his family as gay and he suffers from the guilt he feels for ruining their lives. He loves his ex-wife as a friend and he would never leave his daughter who was diagnosed with cancer.
Julian shows Kerry what it's like to truly be himself without caring what the small minded people think. And together, with the help of adorable farm animals, they overcome the struggles of the past.
And when I say adorable farm animals, I mean it. Pheobe and Hamlet, the two troublemaker pigs, temperamental cows, goofy goats, chickens and of course, rescue horses make this story unique. The role of animal therapy is a really nice twist in this book.
Combat PTSD changed Julian's life because he can never be at peace now in NYC where he loved to grow up. So finding a new place to live and a new way to live is the main focus of the book from his side. As far as Kerry is concerned his family hasn't accepted his sexuality and he feels like an outcast all the time. But because he feels guilty, the dispair just brews inside him.
So you can imagine how much I loved this cowboy/veteran, family and farmlife story.
It was totally worth it!❤
loulou87's review against another edition
5.0
I recieved an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review..
4.5 Swoony Stars
Ms. Lee is an expert with swoony characters, but this book takes the cake...or maybe it takes the horse! You'll see how the title is directly linked to the MCs' storyline and how it complements it perfectly.
So you have a cowboy... yum! And an damaged veteran...double yum
They get together and what do you imagine happens? #swoonfest
What I loved about the book...
1. The MCs...
Julian, the veteran soldier, is back stateside after being the victim of a roadside bomb. He is struggling with PTSD, and feels adrift. So, who better to tether him than a cowboy? #RopeMeIn
Kerry, the hunk of a cowboy, is Julian's cousin's ex. He came out, got divorced but is still on good terms with his ex for the sake of their daughter. Kerry is quickly attracted to Julian, baggage and all. #ILoveAllOfYou
2. The Push and Pull....
As you can imagine, Kerry and Julian can't really be together because they are "technically" family. They try to fight their attraction hard!
Ahem...Pun totally intended...
Ultimately, they find solace and comfort in each other's arms. #HoldMeTight
3. The Romance...
The stolen kisses, the discreet looks and the borrowed time they're on all comes together to create a beautifully romantic backdrop to their relationship. They talk, they laugh, and they bond. Kerry is there for Julian and brings him back to the present when he's stuck in his memories. Julian on the other hand, is the motivation Kerry needs to live his life to the fullest. #ThereForYou
4. The Healing...
Using the setting of the book, the farm, as a paveway for Julian's healing and a way for Julian and Kerry to bond was stroke of genius. Not only does Julian start his therapy, but he also finds a bew friend in the process. #YouveGotAFriendInMe
5. The HEA...
*Le Sigh* I mean, those guys are just so romantic together and so swoony, even in their sexy times. Their epilogue didn't disappoint as well, and they get therir much deserved HEA. #TommorowIsJustTheBeginning
6. That Cover...
It totally fits the mood of the book and its characters. I mean, can we say #CoverLust?
The only niggle I had was that I wanted to see them further into the future,....maybe married.
And what about Hunter and Zee..... #IGotVibes
#HappyReading
4.5 Swoony Stars
Ms. Lee is an expert with swoony characters, but this book takes the cake...or maybe it takes the horse! You'll see how the title is directly linked to the MCs' storyline and how it complements it perfectly.
So you have a cowboy... yum! And an damaged veteran...double yum
They get together and what do you imagine happens? #swoonfest
What I loved about the book...
1. The MCs...
Julian, the veteran soldier, is back stateside after being the victim of a roadside bomb. He is struggling with PTSD, and feels adrift. So, who better to tether him than a cowboy? #RopeMeIn
Kerry, the hunk of a cowboy, is Julian's cousin's ex. He came out, got divorced but is still on good terms with his ex for the sake of their daughter. Kerry is quickly attracted to Julian, baggage and all. #ILoveAllOfYou
2. The Push and Pull....
As you can imagine, Kerry and Julian can't really be together because they are "technically" family. They try to fight their attraction hard!
Ahem...Pun totally intended...
Ultimately, they find solace and comfort in each other's arms. #HoldMeTight
3. The Romance...
The stolen kisses, the discreet looks and the borrowed time they're on all comes together to create a beautifully romantic backdrop to their relationship. They talk, they laugh, and they bond. Kerry is there for Julian and brings him back to the present when he's stuck in his memories. Julian on the other hand, is the motivation Kerry needs to live his life to the fullest. #ThereForYou
4. The Healing...
Using the setting of the book, the farm, as a paveway for Julian's healing and a way for Julian and Kerry to bond was stroke of genius. Not only does Julian start his therapy, but he also finds a bew friend in the process. #YouveGotAFriendInMe
5. The HEA...
*Le Sigh* I mean, those guys are just so romantic together and so swoony, even in their sexy times. Their epilogue didn't disappoint as well, and they get therir much deserved HEA. #TommorowIsJustTheBeginning
6. That Cover...
It totally fits the mood of the book and its characters. I mean, can we say #CoverLust?
The only niggle I had was that I wanted to see them further into the future,....maybe married.
And what about Hunter and Zee..... #IGotVibes
#HappyReading