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A review by xanthe87
Have Mercy by Christina Lee
5.0
Christina Lee is such a wonderful writer when it comes to putting you in such a beautiful location. It's so easy to imagine where the story is set and the scenes that the characters look out on from the farm.
Julian and Kerry have a strong undercurrent of attraction running between them from the moment they reconnect as Julian visits the farm in Wyoming to help with some building work and give himself a quiet space to recuperate after being discharged due to injury from the army. Kerry has kept to himself since coming out and divorcing his wife, though they still live together on the farm with their daughter as they have dealt with her leukaemia diagnosis and treatment.
It's a slow burn as they first get to know each other before Kerry even knows Julian is bisexual. They both fight the attraction as both find it hard with Kerry's ex wife being Julian's cousin and then Kerry feeling the need to stand strong and alone for his family, not wanting to feel more guilt over his coming out. My heart hurt for both of them as you could see the possibilities and happiness that is there for them but they have to take it for themselves.
Another strong aspect of the book is the trauma that Julian experienced whilst serving overseas but also that Ainsley is dealing with with all of the treatment she had to have at such a young age. I love the bond that they share as they each become aware of an ally in their feelings and the equine therapy that is used to help Ainsley becomes a beacon of hope for Julian. It's really heartwarming to read how much he comes to appreciate what help it can offer, along with the peace of mind that the country has given him whilst staying at the farm.
Kerry's family live on the ranch next door but tensions are high with his father and one of his brothers. Alternately, Julian has the full support of his mum and sister.
Have Mercy is a very apt name with it being the name of an important being in the book as well as something that Julian and Kerry need to give themselves - Julian surviving a roadside bomb when other teammates didn't and Kerry being gay and hurting those he loves.
Another beautiful story from Christina Lee. I enjoyed all aspects of the plot, characters, relationships and setting. Ainsley and Mercy I think especially hold a special place with the what they've both been through and the affect that they have on those around them.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Julian and Kerry have a strong undercurrent of attraction running between them from the moment they reconnect as Julian visits the farm in Wyoming to help with some building work and give himself a quiet space to recuperate after being discharged due to injury from the army. Kerry has kept to himself since coming out and divorcing his wife, though they still live together on the farm with their daughter as they have dealt with her leukaemia diagnosis and treatment.
It's a slow burn as they first get to know each other before Kerry even knows Julian is bisexual. They both fight the attraction as both find it hard with Kerry's ex wife being Julian's cousin and then Kerry feeling the need to stand strong and alone for his family, not wanting to feel more guilt over his coming out. My heart hurt for both of them as you could see the possibilities and happiness that is there for them but they have to take it for themselves.
Another strong aspect of the book is the trauma that Julian experienced whilst serving overseas but also that Ainsley is dealing with with all of the treatment she had to have at such a young age. I love the bond that they share as they each become aware of an ally in their feelings and the equine therapy that is used to help Ainsley becomes a beacon of hope for Julian. It's really heartwarming to read how much he comes to appreciate what help it can offer, along with the peace of mind that the country has given him whilst staying at the farm.
Kerry's family live on the ranch next door but tensions are high with his father and one of his brothers. Alternately, Julian has the full support of his mum and sister.
Have Mercy is a very apt name with it being the name of an important being in the book as well as something that Julian and Kerry need to give themselves - Julian surviving a roadside bomb when other teammates didn't and Kerry being gay and hurting those he loves.
Another beautiful story from Christina Lee. I enjoyed all aspects of the plot, characters, relationships and setting. Ainsley and Mercy I think especially hold a special place with the what they've both been through and the affect that they have on those around them.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.