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Mercedes Cruz #1
Mercy's Magic
Mercedes Cruz is a Bruja--or Witch, in Spanish. Just like many first generation sons and daughters of immigrant parents, Mercy has embraced America, its culture, and its customs in their entirety. But Brujeria or Mexican Witchcraft is deeply tied with Mercy's heritage and her family's past, and because she's neglected such a large chunk of her identity, Mercy now stands a stunted witch in her 30's.
Mercy, also a single mother of five year old Terra, who may also share her attributes, has decided to start her own private investigation firm in the heart of Orange County, California. She's decided to use her budding talents to recruit business, solve challenging cases, and help those in the community who lack a voice and who may be too afraid to report crimes due to their legal status --leaving criminals to freely exploit those who choose to live in the shadows.
Mercy, also a single mother of five year old Terra, who may also share her attributes, has decided to start her own private investigation firm in the heart of Orange County, California. She's decided to use her budding talents to recruit business, solve challenging cases, and help those in the community who lack a voice and who may be too afraid to report crimes due to their legal status --leaving criminals to freely exploit those who choose to live in the shadows.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2013
16 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 22, 2018
While Mercy has the potential to be a powerful witch, she has been lax about practicing and learning her craft, even though she has a mentor, her Aunt Itzel. Instead, she has been concentrating on building her PI business and being a single mother to 5 year-old Terra. When Mercy's ex comes to her and asks if she can help track down one of his missing workers, she agrees to take the case. Speaking to the missing man's wife leads Mercy to an inconspicuous print shop, where she encounters the presence of a very strong magic practitioner. Further investigation reveals that the print shop is a front for a large counterfeit operation. Mercy involves the police, but they are thwarted by a magical attack. Convinced now that only she can free Javier, Mercy enlists the aid of her friend, who makes a love potion that Mercy can use to bespell the evil warlock. The only problem is, she must ingest it, too. However, Mercy has an antidote, and as long as she takes it soon after ingesting the love potion, she will be immune to its effects, even as her target will continue to fall for her.
Here's where things took a turn for the worse. So, Mercy knows she's out of her depth, and she's clearly terrified of this man. However, once she doctors their drinks with the love potion and they both begin feeling the effects, she doesn't take the antidote! Why? Because she feels that there really is a connection between them. Oh. My. God. Let's think about this, shall we? Mercy knew -- she KNEW -- what the love potion would do, yet she still believed that it was twu wuv? Gag me with a wand. Of course, she spent the night with the evil warlock, where he introduced her to his other wand. Since he released Javier, I guess it was all worth it...? But, now Mercy is still convinced she's in love with the guy, and her friend and her aunt are like, 'You stupid slut!' Okay, not really, but they should have said that to her.
In summary: premise was interesting to begin with, story-telling was good, but editing was not, characterizations were so-so (I only really got a sense of Mercy), and the ending of the story was not satisfactory in my opinion.
Here's where things took a turn for the worse. So, Mercy knows she's out of her depth, and she's clearly terrified of this man. However, once she doctors their drinks with the love potion and they both begin feeling the effects, she doesn't take the antidote! Why? Because she feels that there really is a connection between them. Oh. My. God. Let's think about this, shall we? Mercy knew -- she KNEW -- what the love potion would do, yet she still believed that it was twu wuv? Gag me with a wand. Of course, she spent the night with the evil warlock, where he introduced her to his other wand. Since he released Javier, I guess it was all worth it...? But, now Mercy is still convinced she's in love with the guy, and her friend and her aunt are like, 'You stupid slut!' Okay, not really, but they should have said that to her.
In summary: premise was interesting to begin with, story-telling was good, but editing was not, characterizations were so-so (I only really got a sense of Mercy), and the ending of the story was not satisfactory in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
Short novel
This was a short book. It started out great with a good build of characters, then it kind of fell off the path i was hoping it would take. Once it got to the love potion it was down hill from there. Very unrealistic, which i guess magic is, but this was corny. Also i dont understand why the author felt the need to put in the line of her daughter taking a crystal? i thought there would be more to that, or it would help her in some way, but it was irrelevant.
This was a short book. It started out great with a good build of characters, then it kind of fell off the path i was hoping it would take. Once it got to the love potion it was down hill from there. Very unrealistic, which i guess magic is, but this was corny. Also i dont understand why the author felt the need to put in the line of her daughter taking a crystal? i thought there would be more to that, or it would help her in some way, but it was irrelevant.
July 4, 2019
Not worth the time. Needs some professional editing.
June 28, 2019
Well written
This was an interesting story about a young woman learning about her powers. A nice little twist at the end too.
This was an interesting story about a young woman learning about her powers. A nice little twist at the end too.
December 27, 2013
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Mercy Cruz has just started her own Private Investigator business when she is asked to work on a case the hits close to home. Oh, and she is also a witch! When Mercy realizes that is case may or may not have some supernatural stuff involved, she pulls out the big guns to help her out: brujeria. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and the magical mess that's she made might just get her in trouble.
First of all, I really loved the concept of this book! I absolutely LOVE witches and magic but have never read a book with brujas (as in Mexican withes) before. As a Mexican American myself, I have heard about brujeria before from my mom and other family members. But the thing is, whenever it is talked about, it usually has a negative connotation attached to it. It's always about curses and the evil eye and that makes me sad! As I said, I love magic, and I'd like to think that it could be used for good... but perhaps I watch too much Charmed ;)
And that's what initially caught my attention: Brujeria being used to do good things! Now, Mercy isn't the most experienced witch, but her intentions are good, and I really liked that about her! All that trouble (and magic!) she went through to save a beloved friend...I really admire her. Though she did something stupid to get what she wanted and I was yelling at my poor Kindle about what an idiot she was, but I did understand why she did it. Can you say, spell?
The one thing however, was that the book felt too short for me to really connect with the main character or get to know the other characters better, so there wasn't that emotional bond with the book that I like to have. On the other hand, I like short books! But getting to know and connecting with the characters within the span of a hundred or so pages can be tricky.
The romance... it's just something I have to talk about because it was SO unexpectedly great! I don't want to give too much away, but the guy Mercy... "falls" for can actually be very sweet when he wants to be. As I said, even though Mercy was an idiot and the romance was not exactly supposed to happen, I couldn't help but swoon and grin like an idiot when they were together! It was just very sweet! And to be honest, I'm not all that into adult books due to the tendency of having explicit sex scenes. But in this one, the descriptions were almost poetic, and I really liked that! Very romantic!
Overall, I really liked this book with all the magical goodness, the yummy romance, and the familiar culture. If you are looking for something short and magical to read, I recommend Mercy's Magic!
Mercy Cruz has just started her own Private Investigator business when she is asked to work on a case the hits close to home. Oh, and she is also a witch! When Mercy realizes that is case may or may not have some supernatural stuff involved, she pulls out the big guns to help her out: brujeria. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and the magical mess that's she made might just get her in trouble.
First of all, I really loved the concept of this book! I absolutely LOVE witches and magic but have never read a book with brujas (as in Mexican withes) before. As a Mexican American myself, I have heard about brujeria before from my mom and other family members. But the thing is, whenever it is talked about, it usually has a negative connotation attached to it. It's always about curses and the evil eye and that makes me sad! As I said, I love magic, and I'd like to think that it could be used for good... but perhaps I watch too much Charmed ;)
And that's what initially caught my attention: Brujeria being used to do good things! Now, Mercy isn't the most experienced witch, but her intentions are good, and I really liked that about her! All that trouble (and magic!) she went through to save a beloved friend...I really admire her. Though she did something stupid to get what she wanted and I was yelling at my poor Kindle about what an idiot she was, but I did understand why she did it. Can you say, spell?
The one thing however, was that the book felt too short for me to really connect with the main character or get to know the other characters better, so there wasn't that emotional bond with the book that I like to have. On the other hand, I like short books! But getting to know and connecting with the characters within the span of a hundred or so pages can be tricky.
The romance... it's just something I have to talk about because it was SO unexpectedly great! I don't want to give too much away, but the guy Mercy... "falls" for can actually be very sweet when he wants to be. As I said, even though Mercy was an idiot and the romance was not exactly supposed to happen, I couldn't help but swoon and grin like an idiot when they were together! It was just very sweet! And to be honest, I'm not all that into adult books due to the tendency of having explicit sex scenes. But in this one, the descriptions were almost poetic, and I really liked that! Very romantic!
Overall, I really liked this book with all the magical goodness, the yummy romance, and the familiar culture. If you are looking for something short and magical to read, I recommend Mercy's Magic!
December 10, 2013
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Itching for Books and P.J. Day for giving me the chance to read Mercy's Magic.
Every time I start a new series, I am afraid that there will be a cliffhanger and I will have to wait for the next book to come out. This book, this story left me with a need for some answers. A lot of questions are developing in my mind, but I have to wait. Despite that, the book it’s well written, I jumped right into the story and I liked every single page. Now, I can’t wait for the next one in the Mercedes Cruz series.
Our main character is Mercedes, who is a great mother to a fiver years old daughter Terra. She adores her baby girl. She works as a private investigator, and her latest mission is helping her ex-husband trying to find a missing person. That missing person is a close friend of her, and that makes the mission even more important. Mercy asks a dear friend of hers to help with the investigation, and he is a police officer, Detective Joe Patterson. But, he doesn't help her just because he is her friend, Joe has feeling for her.
Mercedes isn't just a mom and a private investigator, she is also a witch. Despite her aunt encouragement to follow her studies with the witch craftiness at school, Mercy didn't learn anything and she needs to deal with her powers and fast. Nobody knows, she kept it a secret even from her ex-husband. And that is a lot to deal with. When she finds her friend, she realizes this is a good time for her to use her powers. There are much stronger forces and she needs her powers. But what can she do? Will Mercy be capable of saving her friend and come with the terms of being a witch?
This story had a lot of twists and turns and that made it even more interesting. It kept me intrigued and I’m certain it will keep you. It doesn't have a cliffhanger like all the books, but it truly left me with some questions. I can’t wait to find out if Mercy is going to succeed with her powers and what is she going to do next. I highly recommend this book! Thank you!
Every time I start a new series, I am afraid that there will be a cliffhanger and I will have to wait for the next book to come out. This book, this story left me with a need for some answers. A lot of questions are developing in my mind, but I have to wait. Despite that, the book it’s well written, I jumped right into the story and I liked every single page. Now, I can’t wait for the next one in the Mercedes Cruz series.
Our main character is Mercedes, who is a great mother to a fiver years old daughter Terra. She adores her baby girl. She works as a private investigator, and her latest mission is helping her ex-husband trying to find a missing person. That missing person is a close friend of her, and that makes the mission even more important. Mercy asks a dear friend of hers to help with the investigation, and he is a police officer, Detective Joe Patterson. But, he doesn't help her just because he is her friend, Joe has feeling for her.
Mercedes isn't just a mom and a private investigator, she is also a witch. Despite her aunt encouragement to follow her studies with the witch craftiness at school, Mercy didn't learn anything and she needs to deal with her powers and fast. Nobody knows, she kept it a secret even from her ex-husband. And that is a lot to deal with. When she finds her friend, she realizes this is a good time for her to use her powers. There are much stronger forces and she needs her powers. But what can she do? Will Mercy be capable of saving her friend and come with the terms of being a witch?
This story had a lot of twists and turns and that made it even more interesting. It kept me intrigued and I’m certain it will keep you. It doesn't have a cliffhanger like all the books, but it truly left me with some questions. I can’t wait to find out if Mercy is going to succeed with her powers and what is she going to do next. I highly recommend this book! Thank you!
October 26, 2013
"Mercy's Magic" is the first book in a new series called Mercedes Cruz written by the amazing team of PJ Day and Elizabeth Basque. Mercedes or Mercy as her friends call her is a mother to Terra her five year old daughter and also a Private Investigator trying to make a go of it. She agrees to help her ex-husband find a missing person who is also a very close friend of Mercy's. Mercy has a secret she has kept from her ex...she is a witch who hasn't fully studied the art much to the annoyance of her aunt who has been constantly berating her about it. Mercy also has a friend on the police force, Detective Joe Patterson, who she turns to for help on this case and who has an interest in Mercy other than just professional. The case takes a turn towards the dark side of witch craft when Mercy finds the missing person who had been kidnapped but is unable to free him due to a stronger...more powerful magic that works against her. There are many twists and turns in this story and many surprises...at least they were to me and it all led to me not being able to put this book down until I turned that last page. This is definitely a story that keeps you reading to find out what happens next! I am so looking forward to the next book in this series to answer some questions that were left unanswered. Not that this left me with a cliffhanger type ending but left me wondering if Mercy will learn to develop her powers...who will her love interest end up being...will she ever tell her ex-husband that she is a witch and will her daughter follow in her footsteps as a witch? I'm sure you too will have questions of your own after you read this story and like me...you will just have to wait for the sequel to come out!
January 8, 2014
This was an interesting read. In fact, I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Mercy Cruz is a single mother trying to make her job as a private investigator and raising her daughter work. Not to mention she has her daughter's growing gift to deal with as well. After all, Mercy knows all too well the importance of concealing something different outsiders wouldn't understand.
The story is focused on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Mercy's friend, and her uncovering the magical elements involved in the investigation. There's also reference to the protagonist's love life and her not dating much. When her ex and father of her daughter, Terra, comes into the story, you get a sense why it would be hard to trust again. I certainly didn't like his character, and regardless if he just couldn't understand Mercy's need for secrecy, that didn't give him an excuse to be such a jerk at times, especially when it came to their child.
Aside from the dating issues and being pursued by officer Patterson, other factors of the story included Mercy's powerful aunt feeling regretful that her niece isn't as strong as she'd like her to be, and the appearance of a warlock that brings troubles in Mercy's life towards the end.
Like I said, the story is interesting and I would like to continue Mercy's journey and what she'll investigate next. However, the pace could have been slowed down a tad to give us more development. I felt like everything went by too quick and had there been somewhat of a break down in some parts it would've made the story much more stronger. I still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, mystery, and diversity in stories.
The story is focused on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Mercy's friend, and her uncovering the magical elements involved in the investigation. There's also reference to the protagonist's love life and her not dating much. When her ex and father of her daughter, Terra, comes into the story, you get a sense why it would be hard to trust again. I certainly didn't like his character, and regardless if he just couldn't understand Mercy's need for secrecy, that didn't give him an excuse to be such a jerk at times, especially when it came to their child.
Aside from the dating issues and being pursued by officer Patterson, other factors of the story included Mercy's powerful aunt feeling regretful that her niece isn't as strong as she'd like her to be, and the appearance of a warlock that brings troubles in Mercy's life towards the end.
Like I said, the story is interesting and I would like to continue Mercy's journey and what she'll investigate next. However, the pace could have been slowed down a tad to give us more development. I felt like everything went by too quick and had there been somewhat of a break down in some parts it would've made the story much more stronger. I still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, mystery, and diversity in stories.
June 5, 2015
Mercy is a single mom and a bruja who had recently started her private eye business called Magic Eye Private I, using her psychic gifts to solve cases after consulting with the police for a time. When her ex-husband tells her that a good friend of both of theirs went missing, she immediately takes on the case.
The story has a good premise and it feels like a set-up book for the series. The investigative work in finding the friend works well, but her answer to getting him released from where he’s being held is incredibly far-fetched. And yet the results are interesting.
I never did feel a connection with Mercy and she certainly didn’t display much in the way of magic or psychic ability beyond feelings, but again, this feels like the opening set-up to the series and growth in that area is apparently important.
Many of the other characters were interesting, but without a connection to the main character, I don’t believe I’ll be reading any farther into the series. But I got this one when it was offered for free, so I’m not going to complain. Not a bad way to spend a few hours.
The story has a good premise and it feels like a set-up book for the series. The investigative work in finding the friend works well, but her answer to getting him released from where he’s being held is incredibly far-fetched. And yet the results are interesting.
I never did feel a connection with Mercy and she certainly didn’t display much in the way of magic or psychic ability beyond feelings, but again, this feels like the opening set-up to the series and growth in that area is apparently important.
Many of the other characters were interesting, but without a connection to the main character, I don’t believe I’ll be reading any farther into the series. But I got this one when it was offered for free, so I’m not going to complain. Not a bad way to spend a few hours.
October 12, 2015
If you can’t be with the one you love; love the one you’re with. Love and lust are related and both very powerful emotions. Mercedes Cruz is a single mother and works as a private investigator in sunny California. Her ex-husband hires her to find an employee that hasn’t come into work for a few days. The employee’s wife also hasn’t heard from him and is becoming (understandably) frantic with worry. With more inspiration and intuition than footwork and logic Mercy is soon on the trail of her missing victim.
The lack of footwork and logic would probably be a little alarming for her clients but Mercy has a secret ace in the hole........she is an aspiring witch. With superhuman insight, concoctions, potions and spells, like a Canadian Mountie, she always gets her man.
I can’t say that tales of investigative witches is in a genre I normally read but a free book is a powerful stimulus for a bibliophile and avid reader to ignore. I can say it was new, fresh and innocent and suitable for every age. No twitching nose of Elizabeth Montgomery but just a tranquil, cosy mystery, guaranteed not to disturb your night rest. This is the first book in the Mercedes Cruz series.
The lack of footwork and logic would probably be a little alarming for her clients but Mercy has a secret ace in the hole........she is an aspiring witch. With superhuman insight, concoctions, potions and spells, like a Canadian Mountie, she always gets her man.
I can’t say that tales of investigative witches is in a genre I normally read but a free book is a powerful stimulus for a bibliophile and avid reader to ignore. I can say it was new, fresh and innocent and suitable for every age. No twitching nose of Elizabeth Montgomery but just a tranquil, cosy mystery, guaranteed not to disturb your night rest. This is the first book in the Mercedes Cruz series.
October 26, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming tale. Personally, I love a good witch story. The women in them tend to be self-empowered and/or on a journey of discovery. Mercy is no exception. As a witch just coming into her powers, a single mother and a private investigator struggling to prove herself, her life is at a pivotal point. The authors do a wonderful job of keeping the action fast paced, while offering enough of a view inside the character's mind to keep us in tune with the heart of the story. The backdrop of Historic Orange was well-chosen for a story rich with Mexican history and magic. Being a native Californian myself, I have walked those streets, loved the feeling in the air, and easily imagined myself there as I read. I will surely be downloading the next installment in this series.
August 11, 2015
'Mercy's Magic' was a fast paced quick read. The storyline was interesting. The way it played out was full of action, magic, mystery and intriguing characters. Mercy turned out to be a good PI, though she seemed reckless at times. I enjoyed her character. Lily is a fun and loyal friend. Aunt Itzel is a very wise witch. I love her spunk and she tells it how it is. I liked her take on things. And then there was Ariel. I'm uncertain about him. I don't trust him, yet he could possibly turn in a different direction. A good quick read to add to your tbr list. I look forward to reading more of this series.
October 27, 2013
it's about Mercy the witch and P.I. who goes in search of a missing friend while struggling to fully accept her powers but there are a few twists and turns and some romance along the way.I wasn't sure what to expect when i started reading but I was pleasantly surprised, its a great novel although its a little short its still sweet. Its full of darkness and light with an unexpected twist or two. Really leaves you wanting more and a need to know what happens next.Can honestly say I will be getting the next one I just hope its a bit longer with more magic, more twists and more romance.
February 18, 2017
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Today we here with a great author P.J. Day highlighting her book Urban Fantasy Mercy's Magic. This is a promising start for a great series, she had me at the cover, but the story took me home. If you are looking for a good witch story look no more than Mercy's Magic.
I had to give it five dreams for holding me to the end***** I would recommend this book to any one that love dreaming of magic!!!
Five star dreaming *****
http://cometomefantasy.blogspot.com
Today we here with a great author P.J. Day highlighting her book Urban Fantasy Mercy's Magic. This is a promising start for a great series, she had me at the cover, but the story took me home. If you are looking for a good witch story look no more than Mercy's Magic.
I had to give it five dreams for holding me to the end***** I would recommend this book to any one that love dreaming of magic!!!
Five star dreaming *****
http://cometomefantasy.blogspot.com
May 13, 2014
Mercy's Magic
I actually bought this book several months ago and forgot I had it while going through my library I found it and started reading. I have always been intrigued by the witches and warlock books and have read several. This book was really great. I love the characters, Mercy, her friend Lily and of course her Aunt Itzy. The story is well written and plays out easily I am looking forward to seeing what other trouble Mercy gets into in the next book
I actually bought this book several months ago and forgot I had it while going through my library I found it and started reading. I have always been intrigued by the witches and warlock books and have read several. This book was really great. I love the characters, Mercy, her friend Lily and of course her Aunt Itzy. The story is well written and plays out easily I am looking forward to seeing what other trouble Mercy gets into in the next book
October 26, 2013
What a fun read! A promising start to a new series about a single mother, Mercedes Cruz, who is a PI and a witch. We are following her adventures through the investigation of a missing person's case that involves black magic and dark powers and keeps you glues to your Kindle. The story is fast paced, extremely entertaining and I am so looking forward to the continuation!
December 13, 2013
First I would like to thank the authors PJ Day & Elizabeth Basque for giving me this book for an honest review. I love the story it keeps you interested and wanting more. The characters are great and Mercy is a very strong woman finding her way. I look forward to reading more from this author duo, they make a great team keeping the story interesting and they bring it together very nicely.
October 10, 2015
A not too new twist on a romance story.
This was a good story, although somewhat predictable. A young divorcee struggles with the realization that she is a witch and gets in over her head. This was the first book about Mercy (Mercedes Cruz) and I am assuming that her power will grow in future books.
This was a good story, although somewhat predictable. A young divorcee struggles with the realization that she is a witch and gets in over her head. This was the first book about Mercy (Mercedes Cruz) and I am assuming that her power will grow in future books.
October 24, 2014
Interesting twist i didn't see that coming. Looking forward to the next one and the crystal.
February 3, 2014
good story, well written with great characters
March 9, 2014
Liked the book. Good mystery had a twist I didn't see coming. Good Character build as well. First book I have read from this author and want to read the next one.
July 30, 2014
Good fast summer read. Will read sequal.
October 10, 2013
This was a poorly written book. Very sophomoric and made absolutely no sense.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews