Reviews

Mercy by Debra Anastasia

manaswini_saripella's review against another edition

fast-paced

4.0

suziefidoe's review against another edition

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. I have to say it wasn’t what I expected. I went into this thinking it would be seriously dark and twisted.. which on some level it was.. but what I didn’t count on was just how pure and sweet Nix would be (minus the murderous tendencies!). Growing up with his father could have so easily crafted him into an evil, hateful man. The ink on his body was testament to how deeply he wanted to detach himself from any link or reminder to his father. And yes, whilst he is absolutely a cold blooded murderer.. he kills to protect those that can’t do so themselves. We saw him watching those he cherished most from afar, and I couldn’t be happier that those people ultimately accepted him and returned his love.. boy did he deserve it!!

kidisitor's review against another edition

5.0

Ok, so this has a bad boy vibe and I was ready for this tough alpha type of fellow, but really Mercy (AKA Nix/Fenix) is a softy who just happens to kill. He only kills evil people though, sorta like a real life Robinhood. I can't get over how much I love his character. He is kinda like the little boy he was when back his his life went to pieces. He has a vulnerable side that comes out when he's feeling bad about himself. He is not at all arrogant or cocky. He met the girl when he was 13 years old and she gave him the strength he needed to survive. Now as adults, he continues to keep an eye on her, knowing his abusive father wanted her dead. She has no idea who he is, or that he even exists until he gets the courage (with the help of his one trusted friend) and goes to the bar she works at. She is strong and doesn't judge. Once the bond forms for the second time in their lives, they both feel alive more than they ever had. Though the threat of Nix's father is still there.

There is some thriller/suspense to the story, but that is just the background to why Nix is the way he is, and how this girl influences his life and his choices. There is some sexual content, though it isn't the core of their relationship. This book is the perfect combination of evil and sweet. The characters are so complex and you can't help but like them. You feel their pain. There is also some humor thrown in here and there to keep things from getting to dark or heavy. (There is an especially funny scene if you follow the author on Social Media or know her or her author friends at all.) :D

The story-line is well played out and the book in general is well written with the right amount of light and dark. The right amount of sex, it keep it from being a smut read. The right amount of emotion. Basically perfect all round. Due to the subject matter and sexual content, this would be suitable for mature readers.

the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition

4.0

This is a fabulous cover although it's not really a great representation of the hero. He is tatted as a skeleton all over, but hey I guess you work with what you can find. The composition is very good as well.

This is the second book I have read by this author and the second one I have really loved. It was fabulously well written. The pace was slow, but I didn't find myself bored. That said, I did find it a bit hard to get into at first. This was relatively slow burn, so the hero/heroine don't get romantically together until around 40%ish (I think). The slow nature of the buildup did afford the author time to give us some backstory that added depth to the characters and plot. Which I came to appreciate as the book went on.

I wouldn't say it was a particularly angst or drama filled book. At least not where the couple is concerned. There was no OW/OM drama. It was a little bit dark. A little bit gritty. A little bit heartbreaking. A little bit hopeful. A little bit humorous at times (pecker pinata *lol*). There were some hot sex scenes. A fabulous cast of secondary characters. I ADORED the relationship between Fenix and Animal and I CANNOT wait for his book (even if he was a bit of a manwhore).



Both main characters were extremely likable. Nix was sex on a stick. Seriously who wouldn't want to sex up a dude covered from head to toe in tats of a skeleton? On top of that, he was sweet and vulnerable but alpha as f@ck when he needed to be. Becca was just as likable. I loved how accepting she was of Nix. I loved how she was there for her mom even though in my opinion the woman was a bit of a bitch. Lastly, this was all wrapped up in a satisfying ending (although I do wish there had a been a further into the future epilogue). That said I imagine we will see this couple again in Animal's book (hopefully).

Not much left to say other than two thumbs up from yours truly.

cherryredsreads's review

5.0

You know when you read a story & it guts you in such a mind exploding book hangover?

Yep this is what this book did to me.

I had the honor of reading this book as it was written by Author Debra Anastasia and it seriously is one of my all time favorites of hers.

My heart instantly fell hard for Nix and Becca from the first page to the last.

As I was reading their story, my emotions were all over the place.



I felt pain,



I felt love,

I felt guilty,

I felt happy,



I felt angsty,



I felt adventure,



I felt sexy and most of all...



I felt all the moments that Nix & Becca had as the words easily came to life in such a vivid and breathtaking story.



There are soo many memorable parts in this book that will stick in my mind forever.

Nix & Becca are my favorite couple of 2017!



Go get this book and find out why MERCY is one man you don't want to miss meeting.

A Top 2017 Must Read to One Click!

**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***

5 Cherries Popped

    

hannas_heas47's review

3.0

Kindle Unlimited Copy

This was a really good idea but the book just kind of fizzled for me and didn't really grab me. Mercy/Nox/Fenix is the main guy but he goes by so many names..... but he has a skeleton tattooed on his body. I wanted this ride to be so much like the Poughkeepsie books but it just wasn't happening. I started with Lock because it said standalone but then I couldn't understand what Ember and Nox's story was. So I went to book one since they are all on kindle U but it didn't really help me. Animal's story is next but I'm just not sure this series is my cup of tea.

tiffanysbookhoney's review against another edition

I couldn’t get into this book he was too soft and her dynamic was weird . Just not for me 

syndi3's review against another edition

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 It is official! I want a stalker. Especially a stalker with skeleton tattoo. I want it now! God Nix is really squeezing my heart. Cut it and rubs a salt into it. I can feel his loneliness on his isolation life. A life he resent and hates. And the only thing that makes him living is a girl, Becky. Becky defended him when they were young. Becky's bravery, gives Nix hope. 

Nix undying love for Bex is really romantic and beautiful. Gut wrenching. When Becky finally realizes who is Nix, I can not help swooning for both of them. I do not like the idea of Nix tattoo his face. I think its weird. But in this story somehow it highlights Nix determination to set him apart from his past. 

This is my first read by Miss Anastasia. And I want more from her. 

valerie_amanda09's review

5.0

Good

New to me author. I loved the meaning behind the mask . It was a romance that all started in the grocery stores. I can't wait to see where this series takes us.

hayward_eunice's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-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

5.0

 Greetings, Devotees of the Dark,

As always, heed the Trigger Warnings!

Spoiler

I've recently immersed myself in the captivating world of the Mercy series by Debra Anastasia, and I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on the first book. Brace yourselves, because this tale is an enticing mix of characters and emotions that left me entranced.

The male lead, Nix, exudes an irresistible combination of mystery and turmoil. Adorned with tattoos and an enigmatic aura, he's a character that demands attention. And let's not forget Becca, our claw-machine-addicted leading lady, whose uniqueness sets her apart. Nix's body, a canvas of intricate tattoos except for a conspicuously untouched spot, adds an intriguing layer to his character that's sure to give even the masked figures a run for their money.

The audiobook experience was enriched by skilled narrators who expertly wove the story's fabric, turning the words into a vivid tapestry. I found myself wholly consumed by their portrayal, a testament to the quality of the narration. In fact, I'm already knee-deep in book two as we speak.

The narrative unfolds around Pheonix, or Nix, and Becca, endearingly known as the "basement girl." Their fateful encounter occurs when Becca boldly confronts Mercy's father, setting a chain of events into motion. Nix's fixation on Becca intensifies, stemming from his family's long-standing grudges. The tendrils of his past are dark and deep, involving his mother's tragic fate and his vigilant protection of his sister.

As their journey progresses, Nix's heroic intervention to save a young girl binds her to him in a belief of his unwavering protection. This connection paves the way for a strategic move to approach Becca during a 3-day Day of the Dead event at her bar. Nix's appearance aligns eerily with the theme, as if he's emerged from the realm of the dead itself. Guarding Becca becomes his purpose during this time, affording them a chance to forge a deeper connection.

The culmination of those three intense days manifests in a tantalizing scene amidst a field of dandelions, accompanied by the crescendo of thunder. The blend of passion and atmosphere is enough to make any heart race. Events take a dramatic twist when Becca captures the attention of Nix's father, leading to a tumultuous series of confrontations, liberating secrets, and ultimately, a life-and-death showdown.

Becca's journey from captive to conqueror is riveting. Her growth and strength shine as she faces down Nix's malevolent father, leading to a thrilling climax that sends ripples through their lives. The reunion after this upheaval is a testament to their magnetic connection, as Nix and Becca find themselves immersed in a love that refuses to be extinguished.   

To unveil more of this spellbinding tale, I wholeheartedly recommend delving into the book itself. Allow the shadows to guide you as you navigate the twists and turns of their captivating story.

Embrace the darkness and allow the books to illuminate your path.

E