You must fall before you can rise…Former Delta Force Operator. Scarred inside and out.In the military, Mercy had seen and done things most people could never imagine. Now working for In the Shadows Security, dangerous jobs are his specialty, the more difficult the better… until his boss assigns him to protect a spoiled, rich woman who never shuts the h*ll up. He has two ways to stop her … He has two ways to stop her running mouth, but either could get him fired.
However, first impressions can be deceiving, and underestimating this woman is a mistake Mercy never intended to make. One that might not only threaten his job but the carefully built barriers he’s surrounded himself with.
Witness to a horrific crime, Parris must leave Vegas immediately. After her best friend hires a professional to get her out of Nevada and keep her safe, she discovers there’s more to this emotionally crippled “bodyguard” than meets the eye. As a therapist, Mercy’s a challenge Parris can’t ignore, even when his walls seem too high to breach.
In the end, will Mercy not only be able to keep her safe but allow her to save him? Or will he let the woman who’s become his addiction simply walk away?
Note: Mercy is the first book of the Guts & Glory series, a six-book spin-off from my Dirty Angels MC series. While it’s recommended to read both series in order, each book can be read as a stand-alone. As with all my books, this has an HEA and no cliffhanger or cheating.
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Well she did it again!!! From start to finish Mercy keeps on the edge of your seat. I loved this new series. It gives you all the alpha male and great scenes you can ask for. Great start to a new series.
Where do I begin? Wow, Mercy, he is a complicated man, so consumed by his past and his past mistakes and how those mistakes turned him in to the man he is today. Dark, brooding, blunt, takes what he wants kind of guy, no commitments, one night stands is all he can give and when he’s asked to protect a woman who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, keep her alive and safe, that’s all he had to do, but no, he broke all his rules. Paris (Rissa) is feisty, sassy and a fire cracker, she’s not who he thought she was, she’s actually the opposite, and he doesn’t know how to deal with it. She’s sexy, curvy and wants to be with Mercy. They will be spending a lot of time together until the threat is gone and what is there to do when you are cooped up with a sexy, hot, burly gruff of a man, well you offer yourself up on a silver platter that’s what you do! There’s danger, their story is action packed, Mercy continues to push Rissa away, but he’s sinking into the quicksand and it scares the crap out of him, he can’t have these feelings, he’s not that guy, he has nothing to give a woman, but with her, he’s different for just a little while and gives in to all the feelings. He’s afraid to let anyone get close for fear they’d hate him for who he was. Mercy has a sweet side, we see it, he cares deeply, but won’t show it, he’s loyal to a fault, but will he be able to let Rissa walk out of his life for good without a second look? Will Rissa be better off without Mercy or will she be exactually what he needs? I loved this book, there is so much to Mercy that I know there’s more we haven’t seen yet and will in the other books for this series. Love, love, loved Mercy’s book and looking forward to Ryder’s book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2828831315
As the first book in a new series I had one major problem with it. The problem is that it was so good I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one day and now I’m sad I have to wait for book two. So, in reality, it was fantastic! The In the Shadows Security series is a spinoff of the Dirty Angels MC series. Although you wouldn’t have to read that series first, I would highly recommend that you do. DAMC members Diesel, Jewel, Jazz, and Crow make appearances in Mercy’s book.
I love Parris (Rissa) and Mercy together. They are perfect for each other. Neither have been in a relationship for a long time, thinking they don’t need one, and building walls – especially Mercy. Thrown together in a life and death situation, they grow close. However, it’s not a smooth road. With his self loathing over the things he’s seen and done, is Mercy really willing to let Rissa (and a chance at happiness) slip through his fingers? Will Rissa get tired of trying to get him to open up to the possibility of a relationship and walk away? These two had me cheering for them the whole way. Their story is a must read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
I have been waiting for Mercy and Jeanne St. James definitely did not disappoint me! Mercy was one intense character that enthralled me from the very first time that I met his character! Pair him with Rissa and OMG the chemistry explodes and I couldn’t put this book down! Rissa is a very strong woman who knows how to handle Mercy and handle him she does. Mercy is a very complex man that doesn’t have much to say, but his actions mean everything when it comes to the one woman that is capable of tearing his walls down, will Mercy let Rissa get away? This is an absolute must read and I definitely cannot wait wait for Book 2 in the “Guts and Glory” series! Jeannie St. James is definitely an author that can reel you right into the story and make you feel like you are watching from the sidelines!
All I have to say is wow. This book was awesome. I was seriously dreading it ending. I loved Mercy’s story. I loved the internal dialogue we got from him. A totally different side of him then we are used to. Parris was perfect for him. I loved her she will fit right in with the DAMC crew. I loved how it ended even though I wanted more. I also love our tidbits from D. Always entertaining. This authors books keep getting better and better. I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
Whoa! Want a hot read? Want something that will keep you guessing?! Read this book!!! Mercy and Rissa are THE best! Loved every bit of it!!!
Mercy has been an intriguing character from the moment he was introduced in the Down & Dirty MC series. His scar keeps everyone at a distance. When he finally felt drawn to someone, it wasn’t meant to be. When Diesel sends him to guard a hot woman, he expects a certain reaction to him. When she doesn’t let his scar or his taciturn demeanor intimidate her; he doesn’t quite know how to handle her. Parris is dealing with her situation as best she can, better than I would probably. Mercy is too intriguing and quite frankly too hot for her to resist. Before either one of them realize, they are in deep. I was blown away by Mercy and Parris. Mercy felt things more deeply than I gave the big guy credit for. We got a glimpse of it in Crow’s book but he embodies the expression, still waters run deep. Parris is a strong, smart lady with curves for days and you couldn’t have picked a better match for the big guy. I must admit, I shed a few tears on this one. Jeanne St James is a phenomenal writer and she keeps getting better with every book! All the stars for Mercy!
Mercy is a member of Shadows Security and hired to protect Parris. They are on the run and stuck with one another till the danger is over. His first impression of her is not a favorable one but boy do things change as their enemies get closer.
Wow-What a great story! This is a great beginning to the new series. I absolutely loved Mercy- the perfect alpha. He had so many different sides that you find yourself liking him even with all his rough edges. Parris was a strong person who could handle all of Mercy’s different moods. The chemistry between the two was off the charts and you hoped they could find their happiness. It’s a story that pulls you in and you can’t wait to see what happens next. It is action packed with some twists added in that you will love.
I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
Guts & Glory: Mercy (In the Shadows Security) by Jeanne St. James is amazing. This is the first book in the In The Shadows Security series. This is the story of Mercy and Parris (Rissa). Mercy is former Delta Force and now works for In The Shadows Security. The security company has been hired to protect Parris, who is a therapist and who saw something that puts her life in danger, and Mercy has been assigned to the duty. When they first meet there is a chemistry between them but Mercy is fighting. He doesn’t do relationships. Parris doesn’t want protection and fights every step of the way because she thinks everyone is being overly cautious. I could not put this book down. This book had me on an emotional roller coaster ride. It has romance, suspense, drama, intensity and feistiness of the characters, anger, angst, regret. This is a must read. I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Mercy is known for his dangerous looks and devil-may-care attitude. He is used to women falling all over themselves, trying to get a piece of the scarred warrior. The women who try to conquer him find that the scarring on his face and body doesn’t begin to show the damaged and scarred heart that he has.
Parris is used to the judgmental jerks who take one look at her body and see someone who does not fit the mold for the ideal woman. Add in the fact that she is a sex therapist and it is a double whammy against her.
When Mercy and Parris’ lives collide, they will find their lives exploding with danger, passion, and an all-encompassing heat that won’t let go. Can Parris help open Mercy’s heart to a world that includes her? Or is the therapist destined to always help others while living a life full of loneliness and heartache?
St. James once again takes the reader on a journey that leaves you breathless, aching, and craving more of these delectable characters. If I were to compare the book Mercy in layman’s terms it would be to say Mercy is a double scoop of vanilla ice cream, oozing with yummy hot fudge dripping down the sides, enveloping your taste buds as you find yourself consuming it as fast as you can. But once you finish, you find you are craving more and have to get seconds. You cannot go wrong when picking up this book. Unless you don’t like hot fudge sundaes…then there is just something wrong with you;).
Intense, Exciting And Steamy! Parris and Mercy’s romance was the perfect start to this new series. A undeniable attraction and sizzling chemistry draws this couple closer together and generates plenty of sparks. The plot is well written and offers drama, danger, action and suspense. Clever twists and deep emotional turmoil keep you on your toes and on edge. In short, very, very good. Can’t wait for more from this series.
Mercy is fantastic! I couldn’t put it down. I laughed out loud at part & cried at other parts. Which is exactly what I look for in a story! Jeanne St. James did not disappoint with this new series. I already can’t wait for the next one!!!!
I dont know how she does it, with ever knew story I find myself falling love with a new set of characters. Rissa and mercy are the perfect people for each other. They each have there own things that makes them perfect for the other one. Rissa has the heart and sass needed for dealing with mercy. She ables to help him as well as stand by him as he deals with his inner demons. Mercy able to be the strong man who loves her for who she is inside and out. He even knows to love her just the way she needs.
I was already half in love with Mercy just from the DAMC series, but this book sealed the deal completely!! He was everything we already knew him to be; detached, cold, emotionless but just like an iceberg we were only seeing the tip of the scarred surface. Getting a glimpse inside his head and understanding why he’s chosen to shut himself off from the world was both heartbreaking and insightful.
Parris is just another assignment, one he should have no problem completing, except she has dangerous curves, a sassy mouth and a mind designed to pick him apart. She’s not supposed to be able to see past his gruff exterior, she’s not supposed to notice the heat behind his normally lifeless eyes, and she’s definitely not supposed to put a crack in his armor.
This is no love at first sight insta happily ever after story though. It would be disingenuous to his character if that were the case. While his stubbornness is frustrating at times his feelings for Parris are deep and complicated just like him and in the end they are able to find a balance together.
Love isn’t about perfection, it’s not about trying to change someone, it’s accepting the parts of them other people may see as flaws. It’s about knowing that at the end of the day being with someone who is the other half of your soul is worth every ounce of effort and hardship.
While the relationship between Mercy and Parris is definitely the main attraction (and trust me they do NOT disappoint in the bedroom or kitchen!) there is also plenty of action and witty laugh out loud dialogue. I was also thrilled to read more scenes with the whole Shadow’s security crew interacting, it provided great insight into their individual personalities and really amps you up to get their stories!!!
Keeping people safe is a simple job for Mercy, but when the job becomes personal can he separate his job from his feelings? Will watching out for Parris’ safety be too much for him to handle? Or will he simply stay in job mode and push his feeling to the side? Simply put this book deserves more than 5 stars. Jeanne St. James has a knack for creating tough, alpha ex military biker characters but she has never created one with so many layers that she has with Mercy. The scars that he lives his life with are not only on the outside and once he lets Parris in Holy Hell the book became a masterpiece. So many levels of pain and anguish, so many crosses to bear and so many hurdles to cross. You will not be able to put this book down. One of the best books she has ever written.
Jeanne has done it again! She’s written an amazing book in a fantastic new series! It grabbed me from the first page and I couldn’t stop! It made for a late night reading! I was quickly drawn into Mercy and Parris (Rissa’s) story!
It had mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger, humor and plenty of hot sexy scenes! Mercy was everything I hoped for and more! I can’t wait for Ryder’s story! It can’t get here fast enough!
Loved this book loved the characters and their stories
This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint at all, I read it in less than a day – I could not put it down willingly. Mercy who we have gotten glimpses of in the Down and Dirty MC Series is front and center in this book and we learn more about the man behind the stony face and grey eyes. Mercy is a brooding Alpha male who shows his loyalty by any means necessary to right a wrong. He was not anticipating Parris who he has named Rissa for the job. Rissa is a no-nonsense, call it how it is woman who sees behind the mask of indifference. This book will make you laugh, groan, shake your head and cheer. It has just enough action scene, angst and heartwarming moments that it makes it worth the ride.
Great start to the series and I can’t wait for more.
A perfect beginning to a new series. Mercy and Rissa are perfect tigether. He was a hard nut to crack and she was determined and strong. Absolutely loved it.