One visit to my father in prison—convicted for a murder he didn’t commit—and I’ve attracted the attention of the last man I’d ever want knowing I exist.Gabriel Easton. Son of an infamous crime boss. Pretentious liar. Merciless womanizer. A scoundrel to the core.Worse, he has figured out how desperate I am to protect my father from brutality behind bars. He has the power to grant that protection … that protection and he has offered it … for a price.
Me.
I am to become a prisoner in his playhouse mansion, to live with him until he tires of having me around.
I’ll do anything for my father, including agree to Gabriel’s cruel game. But I won’t comply with his every whim and wish.
Not when he taunts me with that ruthless spark in his cold blue eyes.
Not when he requires that I share his bedroom at night.
Unfortunately for me, I think my loathing for him is what he’s enjoying most.
That’s fine. By the time I’m through with him, he’ll be crying my name.
Mercy.
Sweet Mercy is the first book in the Dirty Empire series.
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This was a fantastic read once I started reading I could not put it down. I liked both Mercy and Gabriel they were really great characters, they meet when they are both visiting their dads in prison although Mercy’s dad is innocent, Mercy loves her dad and will do anything to keep him safe and protected so when Gabriel offers that protection in exchange for her in his home and in his bed for a week she agree’s. This was a great read I cannot wait for the next book
5 SWEET MERCY STARS!! Oh sweet mercy…..this book was so delicious I devoured it like a sweet treat. Gabriel is EVERYTHING!! I was on the edge of my seat with this sexy guy….you definitely need to read this book.
This is part 1 of a trilogy. It’s an intense 5 star page turner.
Mercy is struggling to keep it altogether. Her father’s troubles, her job and her sanity. Gabriel, is the mafia’s son. He makes her a proposition that can’t be refused. She has no other choice but to accept a deal with the devil in order to protect her father.
This was an intense and captivating story that had me reading non stop. Mercy is feisty and doesn’t give it easy to Gabriel’s demands. She still has her dignity. I love head strong characters and that she is. It’s highly intriguing and entertaining. A solid page turner. I can’t wait to see what comes next to them
Told in a dual POV. This is NOT a standalone. I highly recommend this story.
‘Sweet Mercy’ is the first book of the ‘Dirty Empire’ trilogy by Nina West. Told in dual Perspectives , This book is the definition of sexy!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! I can’t even tell you guys how fast my heart is beating right now!! This book was sinfully delicious and had all the feels! Gabriel is my man! You hear me… I may be encouraging you guys to give this book a try , but do not for one second think that you can claim Gabriel!!
Gabriel is the perfect mixture of bad boy and anti hero! He is swoon-worthy and hot and yeah… I am in love. I devoured this book in one sitting and absolutely could not stop until I turned the very last page. This author has created a masterpiece! Gabriel is a playboy. He is used to woman falling at his feet , so when a sassy woman he meets by chance gives him hell , well he decides her fate . She will be his no matter what!
Mercy was Gabriel’s perfect match. Going through a hard life herself and willing to do anything to get her father out of prison , she does not have time for some cocky wannabe distraction. She was the perfect girl and I loved the way she gave Gabriel sass. Because he seriously needed that. I loved when she put him in her place , partially because a sexy scene followed that, lol. The tension between these two was off the charts and even I shivering at times!
Absolutely amazing! This book is my serious recommendation to all the romance lovers out there!! Believe me , this author will hook you right from the start and won’t let you go until the very end! Can’t wait for the next book!!!
Sweet Mercy indeed!! This naughtier side of K.A. Tucker is freaking fantastic! I’m only sorry I didn’t start this trilogy sooner! Now with book 3 out in just a few weeks, I am HOOKED on this story of Mercy and Gabriel. A definite crazy kind of ride, and believe me, Mercy knows it too, I was enamored by the incredible storytelling by West. Falling right into Mercy’s dire story of her father being jailed unfairly and her life seemingly on a path she never even imagined. And then the sudden arrival of Gabriel as her tarnished savior, offering a deal that seems ridiculous but may just be what both need without even knowing it.
Mercy is a terrific heroine as she takes no prisoners with her sass and determination. Trying her hardest not to fall for Gabriel’s charms but knowing that he is beyond irresistible. I just loved her inner dialogue, chuckling as she finds herself in deep almost immediately as her deal with Gabriel might just be selling herself to the devil that is her sexy ‘captor’.
But what is so crazy good about this story is that you see the better side of Gabriel and the fight he and his brother Caleb need to wage against their disgusting and evil father. That there is a way out of the filth that has brought them riches but perhaps the love a great woman might just help them be legit once and for all.
These characters spoke to me, finding them engaging and real. There are plenty of lighter moments and extremely erotic times that make this book hard to put down. I’ve been a fan of Tucker’s from the very start and I love that she has stepped outside her usual to bring us this trilogy.
I have yet to read the Wolf Hotel series but that will be on deck after this one is complete. Talk about a refreshing kind of story-line to make me stand up and take notice. Nina West is an author not to be missed and I happily give Sweet Mercy a HUGE 5+ stars!
When I saw the Nina West in our email, I squealed like child that just for a new puppy. I absolutely fell in love with her writing fringe book 1 in the Wolf Cove series.
This book though shows how versatile Nina is in her writings skills, and dark is so my genre right now. I’m not going to give anything away because it would ruin everyone’s mystery to find out what happens next. It’s an unpredictable book, and I absolutely love those because too many these days, you already know what’s coming.
Nina pairing up an innocent girl, Mercy, will give anything to keep him safe because he’s in their for saving her!!! That’s brutal for a child. Fortunately although unfortunately( you’ll see what I mean when you read it).
She neets a man that is definitely not anyone she have ties though, even though he’s as gorgeous as sinful). Gabriel was visiting his mob boss father in prison when Mercy was visiting ger father who was covered in bruises and obviously battered. She really has no choice but take Gabriel’s offer because she is so worried about her dad.
She definitely is in over her head and would never do anything like this, but she feels it’s the only way to keep her dad safe. Through twists and turns, we watch these fierce enemies star feeling more than they expected. I absolutely can’t wait for book 2!! I can’t wait to see how it ends. Nina once again proves she is a fabulous and diverse author who I will always love and read everything she writes!
Holy crap! This book was so good. It totally sucked me in from the very beginning. The storyline hooked me from the first page and was fast paced and so hot. I loved the characters. Gabriel and Mercy are everything! I love a story with a hot, bad boy that secretly has a heart of gold and a strong woman who brings him to his knees. This book does end of a cliffhanger and I am dying to get the rest of this story!
Absolutely fantastic!! It is an emotional, gut wrenching read that will have you rooting for the characters. Mercy is strong, feisty, and stays true to her principles; Gabriel is sweet, strong, and deep – I can hardly wait for what is to come! This story will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation; it is full of drama, twists and hotness! I cannot wait to read book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great book starting with page one to the end. The storyline flowed with ease and the characters were well developed and engaging with enough steamy scenes to have me keeping a glass of ice water near me while reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mercy is visiting her father in prison when she meets Gabriel Easton. He’s arrogant, beautiful, rich and from a crime family. He also wants Mercy for his own and will do anything to have her. Mercy is at a low point in her life. Her father is in prison for protecting her, he’s being attacked while there and she’s living in a dangerous part of town. She is still fiery and defiant. She’s also determined to help her father. Gabriel makes her a deal to stay with him and he will help her father. I liked this story and it does end on a cliffhanger. I hope there will be a story about Caleb. I need the next book now.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
Sweet Mercy by Nina West. WOW! This was almost my first book by this author and then I got to digging and found Tempt Me and I was so intrigued by the blurb that I made that purchase and read that book before jumping into this one and I’m really glad I did so I could get a sense of this authors’ writing style. But man oh man- Sweet Mercy is right and what a great title for a fantastic start to a new series. Author did an amazing job of setting up storyline that kept me entertained and focused throughout the entire book. I’m looking forward to next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down
I lived reading about Mercy and Gabriel. It was fun watching the two main characters have a interesting friendship/relationship. I received a free copy for a honest review from booksprout.
Mercy will do anything for her father but will she jump into bed with the devil himself to protect him?
This is another epic series by KA Tucker and I’m hooked. Gabriel is as deliciously bad as Mercy is good and their attraction is off the charts hot. The storyline is great, full of wit, sexy hot chemistry, and amazingly written characters. It’s an absolute must read!
This first book is definitely setting you up for the remainder of the series. And gives you insight into what both Mercy and Gabriel are thinking about the deal that has been made.
Mercy wants to do everything she can to protect her father while he’s in prison, for something he shouldn’t be in for, that was ultimate sacrifice. So when she sees Gabriel she’s immediately fixated… but hates his guts for all he stands for and does. It’s the opposite of what she wants. But when he offers her father protection that she can’t get anywhere else, she finds herself agreeing to the terms of the deal.
The end is left with the opening to the next story to see how things might change for Gabriel, to allow Mercy some additional peace of mind.
4.5 STARS REVIEW
Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic, Suspense, Mafia
First Person, DUAL-POV
This is book #1 of the Dirty Empire series and it can’t be read as a standalone as it ends in a cliffhanger.
Contains issues and situations some may find triggering.
MY THOUGHTS
Creative plot, well concepted characters, hot romance!
This was such a great, addictive book. I had to read the second book right after this one, without a pause.
Really looking forward to what will happen with Gabriel and Mercy!
Combustible love!!!
32.5/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 5 Cover: 4 Freshness: 4.5 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 4.5 Writing Style: 5
Action 4/5 Angst 3/5 Darkness 2/5 Humor 0/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 4/5
Would I recommend? Yes, for all readers of twisted romance!
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes!
Would I read more from the author? Definitely!!!
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Addictiveness: 5/5 This book hooked me from the beginning, and it kept me at the edge of my seat. I spent an entire day reading this series, without stopping for anything else. As addictive as chocolate!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 Multifaceted characters with great background stories and wonderful growth during the book.
Mercy was an amazing heroine. She was loyal, brave and strong. She was a wonderful daughter and a good friend. She was dealt a bad hand, but was holding her own. She was gambling on everything to help her dad, how could I fault her for that?
Gabriel was a great antihero. He was another lovable jerk. At least, I love myself a good jerk. Seriously, he started all wrong, but when he decided to go after what he wanted he became a good boyfriend. Oh, I can’t forget to mention how HOT he was.
Secondary characters There were several interesting ones. Caleb and Michelle were a must. The twins, even the girls from Empire.
Villain/antagonists there are a few villains here and several antagonists or future antagonists.
They were all easy to love, connect and understand!!!
Cover: art 4/5, title 5/5, color-font 4/5, subtitle 1/5, background 3/5 buy 4/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I always try to be true to myself, I buy so many books because of the cover and I have skipped many because of not very appealing art. Covers are part of the experience for me and I do like to understand them. This one was ok, but too generic for me. I missed more personal touches that would refer the reader to the story. I really liked the title and the font used were good also. I would buy this book by its cover but I would probably need to read the blurb!
Freshness: 4.5/5 Refreshing! I loved the plot idea. It felt unique, original. As fresh as mint tea when you are dealing with a bad cold!
Plot: believable 3.5/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 4/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Amazing opening with a cliffhanger at the end. Superb plot, with well written dialogues and intense pace. Great setting, a few really good subplots with unexpected twists. High level of enjoyment!
This story was original, fast-paced with lots of suspense and the heat was very high. It really hooked me from the first page.
Romance: believable 3/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 4/5, steam 4/5 Hot!!! Really the chemistry from these two was burning my hands through my kindle. They were explosive when together, Gabriel was hot and dirty! Explosive romance!!!
Writing Style: 5/5 What is not to like? Creative plot, multidimensional characters, hot romance, great smut and cohesive writing. Work of a wordsmith!!!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Because I try to be very analytical and I don’t really believe in perfection…
I understand the need of cliffhangers, but I don’t have to like them. This end, the last page, I wished for something more shocking!
You MAY read this because you follow the author; you SHOULD read this because you like twisted romance; you MUST read this because it felt original!!!
EPIC!!!! My first book by Nina West and it will not be my last. Sweet Mercy was everything, I started the book and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
Gabriel is the bad boy you just cannot get enough of, he is used to getting what he wants and doesn’t let anything or anyone get in his way. Mercy was someone who I just loved, she is the sweetest and would do anything for her father.
The last thing she expects is to meet Gabriel, especially when visiting her dad in jail. As soon as Gabriel see’s Mercy, he knows he will stop at nothing to get her. This book was full of angst and it had my kindle on fire. I loved this book (especially Gabriel) so much!!! A must read.
This was a page turner of a book! Gabriel Easton will forever on my book boyfriend list! He’s just the right amount of alpha for the world and softy for only his woman. The steamy scenes were just right and added to the story instead of taking away. I can’t wait to read book 2!
Sweet Mercy is a spicy, romantic read that will leave you breathless! Wow, Gabriel and Mercy are on fire!
Mercy is everything her name entails. She has a giving heart, and her father is her world. He adores her; that is what landed him in prison. On one of her visits, she locks eyes with a man, Gabriel, who represents everything she hates. He is the son of a mafia crime boss, not to mention he is arrogant and a womanizer. Gabriel can’t get Mercy out of his mind, and he means to make her his, even if she resists him at every turn. This is the beginning of a hate relationship filled with all sorts of lust!
Gabriel makes a proposition to Mercy. Stay with him in his home and his bed in exchange for her father’s protection in prison. When she realizes she has no choice, she agrees. I have to say Gabriel is a womanizer, but he doesn’t force anything on Mercy that she doesn’t want. In fact, he makes it clear that she will have to come to him. However, he tempts her with his sexy body and dirty mouth at every turn. It soon becomes apparent, she is as attracted to him as he is to her. It was fun seeing which one would break first.
One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing the two of them get to know one another better. Mercy comes to realize that even though he may be no angel, he is all darkness either. He has his softer side, and he is by no means his father’s son. He comes to see that Mercy’s true beauty isn’t on the outside, but it is her soul.
I have to add that I like the subplot through the book that involves Gabriel’s family. That was intriguing and added something besides romance. I’m interested in seeing how that will affect his relationship with Mercy. I’m sure there is plenty of danger ahead.
I have read Nina West’s books as KA Tucker, and I love her, but I have to say I like seeing this other side to her writing! It just proves how incredibly talented she is. I’m looking forward to reading the next books in the series!
This was my first Nina West book but it came so highly recommended I decided to give it a go. I am all about a good alpha male (although I still love a strong heroine!!) I can’t say much cause the book is part of a trilogy and honestly I am glad I didn’t read it till now cause I don’t deal well having to wait but you NEED to get this book!
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
A few months ago, K.A. Tucker, one of my favourite authors, bestowed a gift upon us during the pandemic. It turns out she’s been secretly writing erotic novels under the name Nina West for a few years. WHAT!?! I immediately bought the four book set of the Wolf Hotel series and absolutely devoured all four in July. They’re short, they’re super steamy, and they were completely addictive. She’s also working on the Dirty Empire series and, so far, I’ve read the first two, in anticipation of the next novel (Dirty Empire) coming out later this month. It was supposed to be the final one in the series but it’s looking like a fourth book will be coming too! But this review is about the first book, Sweet Mercy. Buckle in, friends. It’s going to be a sexy ride.
This book does not fuck around. It is dark and it is erotic…aaaand it has a hero who I really struggled with. Gabriel was the kind of guy who thinks he’s God’s gift to women and he also has the added “bonus” (in his eyes) of being super rich but with dirty money that also ensures a whole lot of people are afraid of him. He just exuded this sense of entitlement, power, and disregard for any rules, even while West was trying to write that he and his brother did want to try to go legitimate with their nightclub. I struggle with super alpha males in any romance but especially when there’s such a power imbalance between the hero and heroine. I tried to set it aside and just enjoy the story and that mostly worked but I knew I couldn’t review the book without noting the toxicity in Gabriel and Mercy’s “relationship.”
Because this is a series, and I had already read West’s other series, I had an idea that the first book would be mostly foreplay. There was a lot to set up as Gabriel and Mercy got to know each other plus Gabriel had to convince Mercy that he was her only hope to get her father out of prison. A lot had to happen before they could give into their lust for each other. But once they did? Holy fireworks, Batman. It’s intense and even though Gabriel is a scoundrel, he is respectful in the bedroom and that, honestly, helped it be a lot sexier because I was still trying to accept him as a love interest.
I think at one point I described the series as what Fifty Shades of Grey could have been. The bare bones premise of it is really similar and follows what Twilight set up. There’s a controlling guy with a secret, who isn’t innocent but does want to be at least a little bit better but also doesn’t think he should be allowed to be better. Then there’s a fairly naive female who has no real choice but to rely on the hero even though she does have her own mind. And then there’s a bunch of sexy times – that are much, much better written (and just plain better) than anything James wrote. It’s not the same story but the tropes are there.
I really liked Mercy and my heart broke for her as she was trying to deal with such terrible circumstances. I liked getting to know her and realizing how strong she was even in the midst of all the terribleness. She’s the kind of character I would love to hang out with, have a drink with, and get to know better. That made up for being so hesitant about Gabriel.
Fans of erotic romance should probably check out Sweet Mercy by Nina West. Though, I’ll probably recommend waiting until at least the third book is out because you’re going to want to binge the hell out of these books. They get under your skin, let me tell you! Stay tuned for the review of book two, Gabriel Fallen, coming at you soon!
*A copy of this novel was provided by the author via Valentine PR in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*