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lezreadalot's review
4.0
Xóchitl stepped closer until her every exhale brushed Mai’s cheek. “What if I say I’ll take you however you are?”
3.5 stars. I'm glad I read these two novellas as one combined book, because although they both have distinct stories and different POVs, there's definitely an overarching plot that is best experienced together. Mai is part of a powerful metahuman family, but because of her (comparatively) weak abilities and the awful treatment she received because of it, she's not on good terms with them. Still, she moonlights as a superhero, Mercy, determined to help where she can, and in this book gets drawn into the investigation for a vigilante killer. The romance that follows over the course of the two novellas is opposites attract in the best way. I love characters who strive to do good, even when it's not easy, and I love the conflict that can ensue when they fall for someone a lot more pragmatic, a lot colder. They had a lot of really great banter. There was a running theme/occurrence in the second book where Xóchitl would follow Mai around on missions, and I really kind of loved that. Protectiveness in that vein is always so great to read. The plot in itself was kind of dark. I wish both stories had been just a little longer; I would have liked to see more scenes of them at their day jobs, and more of Xóchitl's past. The writing was fine; good, but not the best. A lot of really wonderful romantic moments though. (The butterflies <3 <3) That's what made me really like this. It was really sexy, but their tender moments especially put hearts in my eyes.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Tyra Kennedy; it was pretty good, no complaints. She didn't attempt to do an accent for Xóchitl, which is probably for the best. Though this left a little to be desired (I'm not sure I like the resolution with Mai's family), I still really liked it. The ending especially, with the villain, made me up this by a .5 star. It's such a great example of two really different people falling in love, and making things work because of that love.
Content warnings:
Spoiler
discussion of child sexual assault, child abuse, murder, sexual violence“Let me be that for you,” Xóchitl said, her voice low and throbbing with tender emotion. An echo of her words slid into Mai’s mind like the most intimate of caresses. “Let me be your Mercy.”
readlexread's review against another edition
Loved! Fiona Zedde is becoming a fave.
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mass/school shootings, Rape, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Xenophobia
rougeang13's review
5.0
Fantastic! Lots of superhero action, family drama, and romance! All these plot lines melded together really well and I didn’t feel like one over shadowed the other. This isn’t a classic superhero archetype (savior) which made the story even more interest to me.
I look forward to checking out the graphic novel version!
I look forward to checking out the graphic novel version!
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