Erryn reviews ‘Have Mercy’ by Christina Lee. This book was released by the author on August 28, 2020, and is 272 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Nick J. Russo. It was released on December 22, 2020, and is 8 hrs and 7 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I’m a huge Christina Lee fan.
Julian North
My whole world changed with one roadside bomb and an honorable discharge. Not even the city I used to love can ease the restlessness inside me. I don’t expect visiting my cousin Sienna’s farm to do the trick, either, but the change of scenery can’t hurt.
Wyoming isn’t what I expected – from the mischievous pig following me around, to the rescue horse I’ve become strangely fascinated with. And then, there’s Kerry, the handsome, brooding cowboy, who somehow calms the storm inside me – and just happens to be Sienna’s ex-husband.
Kerry Carmichael
I’ve had a rough go of it since I came out – disappointing my family, the divorce, and the blow of my daughter’s illness. Things are settling down now, my kiddo is healthy, and Sienna and I are finally on solid ground. Not everyone accepts me, but I’ve owned my truth, even if I spend my life solo. Only, now that Julian’s here, I’m not so lonesome, anymore. He’s a kindred spirit. First as someone to talk to, then as…more. The first time I hold him through one of his nightmares, I feel a rightness I never expected to find.
We know this’ll end with the summer, but with every stolen kiss against the stable walls, with every heated or tender moment, I fall deeper. The reality is, I can’t risk my family or the business by going public with him. I know this can never last and that Julian doesn’t belong here. So, why does it feel like he already does?
Buy Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
I’m a fan of Christina Lee books – she has all the feelz I love. This book has just the right amount of angst and love to work well.
Julian is an ex-vet with PTSD. Something all too common these days. He’s got nightmares, and the city he once loved now overwhelms him. When offered a chance to visit his cousin in Wyoming to help her out on her farm, he takes the chance. Is willing to try something new.
What he doesn’t see coming is Kerry, his cousin’s ex-husband. Kerry came out after his wife discovered he was gay. She was devastated – as was her family, his family, and a whole bunch of other people. Some quietly supported him but it was just that – quiet. He’s been living his own truth, but at what cost? A few furtive trips to the next town over for random hook-ups? But he gets to live with his daughter who’s recovering from a major illness so that’s something. And living under the same roof as his ex-wife isn’t the end of the world – although it does put a crimp in both their abilities to move on.
When Julian arrives on the farm, Kerry knows he’s in trouble. He’s attracted to the vet, and he sees a vulnerability Julian shares with few people. For his part, Julian is horrified to discover he’s sexually attracted to his cousin’s ex-husband. As time passes, though, those physical feelings develop into emotional ones as well. And the men discover they want more. But Julian’s heading back east and Kerry’s got family responsibilities. It’ll never work, right?
Except this is a romance and I get my happy ending. I love stories where there are obstacles to be overcome but they’re done in a realistic way. This book felt authentic to me. I’ll add on that Nick J. Russo was the perfect narrator for this project. His cowboy works great and I’m appreciative he does great female and children’s voices. Yeah, this one was definitely worth a listen.
My Rating:
10/10 Pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
Website | Facebook | Twitter: @Christina_Lee04 | Goodreads
Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina Lee lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip balm, coffee, and kissing. Because everything is better with kissing.
She writes MM Contemporary as well as Adult and New Adult Romance. She believes in happily-ever-afters for all, so reading and writing romance for everybody under the rainbow helps quench her soul.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group called The Swoon Room as well as her IG account and newsletter.
Rainbow Gold Reviews 