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Merc

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For a man like Merc, his reputation has always preceded him. Known for his allegiance to the criminal underworld as a protector, the gangster only shows love to his family… and his son and the woman who birthed him are at the top of that list. When Merc decides to take one last job before retiring, he doesn’t think it will include protecting a woman he’s been trying to avoid but can’t seem to get rid of. A woman who softens him and brings out the lover he’s kept hidden over the years.

For a woman like Neo, it only takes one lesson for her to learn. A bad experience with a man who has a child closes her heart off to dating men with children. It seems fate has other plans… plans that bring her and Merc together three times before they begin to question if they are meant to be.

With a dangerous dealer on the loose, Neo is forced to seek asylum outside of her home and under Merc’s protection. Will he prove to be a safe space for her heart romantically as well, or will he save her life and heart for her to give to someone else?

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

494 people are currently reading
346 people want to read

About the author

B. Love

264 books1,444 followers
Voted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.

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5 stars
1,324 (67%)
4 stars
460 (23%)
3 stars
168 (8%)
2 stars
19 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,584 reviews104 followers
April 11, 2024
Aight B! I love me a protector just like the next person, but these here are just doing the most! I thought Asylum was an anomaly, then here comes Merc. Whew..... 🤯

Merc was the most laid back gangsta I have ever encountered. He was ruthless when he needed to be, but on the regular he was calm, about his business, and taking care of his family. NOW, speaking of family, Merc really? I get that you want your son to live his best life, but housing and completely taking care of yo baby momma, and letting her new 🥷🏾hang out there too? 👀 That should have been the biggest hell naw sir! What the hell are you on? 🤬 I get you have a kind heart but damn! Lawd.....

Neo is a sweetheart, caught up with the wrong man. All the signs were there, but it almost took an act of God for her to get her mind right. 👀 When Neo meets Merc, on Valentine's Day no less, they connect immediately. However, she is attached, and he does not have time to entertain a woman that doesn't know how to walk away when a relationship no longer serves her. Merc happens to be in Neo's record shop when some ish pops off, and he helps her out. While keeping her safe they grow close and realize they have a lot in common. Neo is curious about this generous gangsta with the kind heart, and her feelings begin to stir. Merc never thought he would meet a woman who would make his slow down and unleash the love he had buried deep within. This pairing was not without drama, as Neo was having serious trust issues, and Merc trying to do and be everything for Aries was going to drive Neo away. As much as I enjoyed this read, these two drove me damn crazy too! These protectors are one of a kind, and I'm wit it. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
1,093 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2024
Merc

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Merc was such a protector, a gangsta and a gentleman. The way this man loved on his family and his woman was top tier. It seemed like fate brought Merc and Neo together and he showed her a love like she never knew. I’m excited to see what comes next from this series.
Profile Image for Keeping.Volumes.Harris.
297 reviews8 followers
June 27, 2025
Unfortunately, I struggled to get through this. 😪 I'm not sure if it was the tone or the pace of the audio, but I felt a bit bored at times. 😐 I found my mind wandering while I listened. The story itself had potential and wasn’t bad; it just felt like it was missing a little something. I can’t quite put my finger on it. 🤷🏽 Sigh. 😒
Profile Image for Kendra Broomfield.
369 reviews
August 12, 2024
Merc was everything! Although I side eyed him taking care of Aries new baby, he really is a protector and provider. I wanted moreeeeee!
Profile Image for Cris Criss.
466 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2024
DNF @ 42%

I tried…
While the beginning of the book was sooooo on point and had me geeking at how Merc handled Neo getting slighted on Valentine’s by her good for nothing boyfriend - it played out fast.

Perhaps it’s just me, but I found the storyline to be all over the place. He’s a bodyguard/mercenary guarding someone who is targeted by a business partner gone rogue. Neo gets caught up in it when he brings the target to her music shop and gunman attack. Therefore, she is now a target. After this the play out of events seem forced and make little sense. At least to me it did. I hate to say it but my interest immediately dried up. 🤷🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Ebony Essence.
556 reviews24 followers
July 3, 2025
4.25 - Baby!!! That’s Big Merc! I absolutely adored him. The audio (via hoopla) was good as well. B Love gave us a protector. Merc not only protected but provided and gave back to the community. He loved his son so much. Now i personally didn’t care how far he went with his child mother’s situation. At some point she needed to grow up but hey, Merc was a better guy with caring heart than I’ll ever be.

Neo had me very proud of her. The situation she was in was not holding her back. Plus there were people around her that truly supported her. I loved the business she ran dealing with music. Her and Merc’s connection built nicely in my opinion. My favorite part was probably that prayer. Overall a should read.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,458 reviews27 followers
April 4, 2024
Merc

Merc is such a good guy. To his son, his baby mama, and of course to Neo. His love is big but spread thin in a way. I’m glad Neo found love after Steven. It was interesting seeing how a bodyguard balances his own life with those he pledged to protect.
Profile Image for Monique.
481 reviews24 followers
May 10, 2025
(3.5⭐️) Quick read. Fast paced. Low angst. Mild drama. Generally likable characters. Merc is everything as a man & protector. Neo had me at what she did for Merc at the cabin👏🏾.This was a story of not allowing your negative past experiences to shape how you move forward in future relationships.
Profile Image for Wind.
369 reviews6 followers
November 7, 2025
My man…my man…my man
One thing Merc gonna do is protect the women in his life and when he’s all in for you….he’s all in!
Upon meeting Neo, Merc knew she deserved better and that her current man wasn’t about nothing. Once Neo let her walls down she was all in for her man.
Profile Image for TwinTLC.
113 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2026
4.5⭐️: Mercury..... Mercury is just a beautiful man, on the inside & out. A true gentleman, that exudes patience, protection, faith, love, etc.
He had some of the best lines in this book!
Such a beautiful book!
Profile Image for Madison.
295 reviews22 followers
November 6, 2024
i have to laugh at this let’s be friend thing umm you thought about his penis mane yall more than that 😂
Profile Image for Mercedes.
26 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2024
This was a good read! I loved seeing the positive co-parenting relations with Merc. I am glad that Neo was able to open up and give love a chance.
Profile Image for Bunny.
183 reviews
November 19, 2024
"I'll love the pain out of you" - Merc "I want this woman always, in ALL ways". - Also, Merc

B love gon' write the hell outta of a book about some Holy hoodlums baby. lol

This is an enemies to lovers with a twist. Neo never saw herself dating another man with a child EVA again. Not after finding her ex cozy on the couch with the same baby mama he SWORE he didn't have feelings for. Not only that, her for you page on tiktok also revealed their was more to the "hanging out" with his daughter than what he was telling her.

Merc is our gentle gangsta. He's a true gentleman when it comes to the ladies. No matter the situation. But, he will knock your head off, or put a couple bullets in you REAL quick if need be. He wasn't looking for, and didn't really want to make the time for "falling in love". But, that changed when he kept bumping into Neo.

He has a coparent relationship with his baby mama that in the real world. Would be ideal, but on the other hand could also make a woman feel uncomfortable. Luckily, for neo while she was worried about this when she finally allowed Merc in. Merc and his babymama showed her how she had absolutely nothing to worry about. They made sure she knew she wouldn't have to worry about what she went through with her ex, happening with them.

Merc took pride in taking care of his sons mother. He literally paid all of her bills, and they were also really close. Sometimes in MY opinion too close. But, they really did not have any romantic feelings for one another. And Neo being able to see for herself, really helped her make the decision to never say never to men with kids.

The ending was beautiful. I can literally read every book by b love.
Profile Image for Beverly.
772 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2024
MERC!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I don’t know what I was expecting,but I can say this was much better than I could have imagined 😊

MERC was a protector in more ways than one, he loved and protected his son and those he cared about beyond a fault. Then there was his job of being the main body guard for some pretty heavy hitters. Who knew that meeting Neo one night at a club and later taking his boss to her vintage record store would lead to him breaking a promise he had made to himself, to avoid becoming involved with a women because His son was always going to come first; along with his demanding job there was no room in his life for a meaningful relationship. Well without warning his worlds collided and he ended up being Neo protector when there was an attempt on the life of his boss and Neo was an unwilling witness.

Neo on the other hand had recently discovered that her
Fiancé was cheating on her with his babies mama. So she was not only crushed but she made herself a promise that she would never ever date or become involved with another man with a child.

Let’s just say this s a perfect story about life happening Between the plans you make ( in a good way )😊😊😊

This is an enjoyable read
3 reviews
August 30, 2025
Really Enjoyed It!!

This was a great storyline. The book was great. My only issue or concern was the relationship with him and the baby mama. I'm glad in the end b. love had Aries address that it was his guilt and idealistic family dynamic aspirations that kept her so close. He can be the "protector' but he was doing too much. You can be generous. You can be honorable. You can want your child to have a stable home environment but him having her living in the backyard and on top of that paying ALL her bills when the child is now going to school. She has now gone and gotten pregnant and he is still like well, I'll take care of that baby too, but yet he's trying to have a stable & burgeoning relationship with Neo who was already (rightfully) skittish. He was doing too much. He was blending the boundary lines and it was borderline inappropriate. Take care of your child definitely but all her bills and buying her a house. Too much, imo.
Profile Image for Reagan Marshall.
118 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2024
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

-single dad
-bodyguard
-forced proximity
-black romance
-touch her and die
-he takes care of her


Bodyguard, possessive alpha male, he takes care of her. This book had everything I wanted and more!!!!

I loved that Merc showed Neo how she deserved to be loved and always stepped up to provide for her. He was always so thoughtful and listened to her. I loved that he took care of her, but knew when to step in and help her.

My favorite part was Merc protecting Neo and not letting anybody fuck with her. He was so quick to check anybody that disrespected her. I also liked that he listened and understood her fear with getting in a relationship with a single dad. Girl that’s a man right there 😌

Overall loved this book and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books by this author.
332 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2024
Merc! What a man-OMG

I genuinely love Merc. He is every woman's dream. Sexy, hardworking, dedicated, and protective. A wonderful father and friend. He and Neo have a spark between them at their first meeting. Neo didn't realize that God had put her special gift in front of her that night—the person who is meant to heal her broken heart and restore her trust in relationships. Neo is a strong, beautiful woman who deserves happiness and love. I liked how she got along with Rey and formed a friendship. I'm also happy she and Aries got along; everyone made things work as a cohesive family. Marz is a little cutie. I can't wait to read the other guys' stories. I would love to see Rey with his own story as well. B. Love, you worked your magic again. Thanks!











































ouThanks!
Profile Image for Amber Ganaway.
783 reviews13 followers
June 10, 2024
I love Merc ❤️

These reads keep getting better and better. Merc was used to living his life in a routine with his son and child’s mother. Meeting Neo was by chance but he was drawn to her. Neo was in a one sided relationship that she should’ve been let go. And unfortunate situation happens that brings them closer together and they get to know each other more. Getting snowed in changed how Merc and Neo viewed each other, their bond strengthens and love grew. Neo was being a bit stubborn but it was understandable. I loved how Merc wanted to be there for her and reassured her. Aries was great about the situation and I loved that for them. In the end everything worked out how it should!
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,486 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
Title: Merc

Author: B. Love

Publisher: Prolific Pen Pusher

Series: The Protectors Book 2

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Merc" by B. Love

My Perception:

What a story about how these two, Merc[Mercury] and Neo, come together in this good romantic story. With Merc in security, will he be able to keep Neo and a few other people from this story? Be ready for a read with many facets that you must keep up with, especially with some of the things that happened in the story.

Be ready for a good story about love, where two people find love in the end. Merc was quite a man who was there for the ones he loved. To get this whole story, you must pick up 'Merc' and see how this author brings it out to the readers.



Profile Image for Naughty Stacks.
64 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2026
***Possible Spoilers ***

Merc by B. Love had me locked in, but Merc providing for his baby mama while actively building a relationship with Neo created real tension for me as a reader and not the good kind. I struggled with that dynamic because it crossed an emotional boundary that Neo clearly was not comfortable with, and her discomfort was valid.

Providing for a child is non negotiable. Providing for an adult you are no longer in a relationship with is a different conversation entirely all while Neo was clearly uncomfortable felt like blurred boundaries. It read less like responsibility and more like leftover attachment, and Neo shouldn’t have to swallow that to be “understanding.” I was on Neo’s side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
272 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2024
You’re Mine

Merc can protect me anytime he wants! I love ultra alpha men! He’s just irresistible to me. Neo is the epitome of a good woman loving her man but missing/ignoring many red flags regarding their relationship. Many of us do too!
Merc and Neo drew me in from their first encounter. I loved every moment of their journey to forever.

It was great getting glimpses and updates on Asylum & Dauterive, from book 1 of this series.

This author has the gift of crafting characters that just captivates the reader and leaves us wanting another fifty pages. lol

Well done, Author B. Love.


Profile Image for Tracey.
1,090 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2024
Amazing🔥🔥🔥

To have a man like Mercedes is what a lot of women dream of, the way he looked out for his family and friends was a true testimony to his character. I had a feeling that Steven was up to no good, another man wanting his cake and eat it too all while giving ultimatums when he got caught. Neo was a praying woman and when Mercedes seen/heard that he knew she was meant to be his, plus after she asked God to give her a wink Neo knew right then that he was meant to be hers, it was a good thing that she and his first baby mama got along unlike Steven's baby mama but it all came out why her attitude suddenly changed great story a must read.
1,223 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2024
Protector

Mercury was everything that Neo needed and then some! Meet was protective of those that be loved and Neo just came into his life, unexpectedly! Neo loved b the birds of love and unfortunately she stayed with a man that didn't deserve her Blige or loyalty, thankfully he messed up in more ways than none! Love how Nerd cared for his son and his son's mother Ariel! The friendships and relationships were genuine, except for Steven and Asia! Love the first ale and can't wait.for the next book in the series to see Neo& Mere have their princess along with Innvy and Bully having their bundle of joy!
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,636 reviews8 followers
May 18, 2024
Healing Hearts

A woman that fast and pray over you is a woman that sees something good in you and wants to see you protected!!!...Definitely a woman you can fall in love with, which is what Merc did!!!...Merc was prepared to love Neo through her pain and insecurities and Neo was open to receive, and did!!!...
This book was beautifully written and left nothing for you to wonder!!!...Aries was beyond sweet to assure Neo and to also let Merc know she appreciated him and wanted to respect the relationship that Merc was building while allowing herself to find her own footing!!!...
19 reviews
December 13, 2024
loved this !

One of the things I can say I loved the most about this book was how Merc and his baby momma was able to have a a healthy co parenting relationship even when Merc found the women he was in love with . This is the first book I ever read where the baby mama was actually mature and wasn’t jealous that the baby daddy was in love with someone else and the parenting relationship wasn’t toxic . This book over all was just good wheewww just following Merc and Neo love story I loved every second of it and even the fact they incorporated praying and GOD in the relationship I just loved it !! Definitely is a must read !!
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,189 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2024
A Gatlinburg Gal …

What a fantastic story⁉️...a Gatlinburg’s Gal transformation 🥰💐‼️”Merc: The Gangsta…The Gentleman - Book 2” was such a great read! Similar to Asylum, Merc was no punk (asked Steve 🤭🤷🏾‍♀️) true to form he’s the hitta if required. …But more so Mercury is/was incredibly devoted & generous to the people he loved especially Marz, Aries & Neo (but his crew too). However, unless I missed something, I’m feeling there’s more story to these “providers” & “protectors”…🤷🏾‍♀️🫣🍇🍿‼️
1,217 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2024
Outstanding Read

Merc was the man! He was Neo's protector in all ways. What started as a job ended as love. Merc was the truth in all ways! He read Neo the first time he met them and let her know she deserved nothing but the best. Neo finally realized her worth and got rid of Steve. Pursuing Merc was challenging yet fulfilling for her. He fed her soul in all ways. She had never been so happy. Once he broke down her walls and moved into her heart, they were truly happy. Awesome job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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