One summer, three (and a half) weddings, a hunky neighbor, and a secret Dolly Parton impersonator.
I'm Mercer “Hose Bath” Byrd. Hiking boots are my preferred footwear and I have engine grease under my fingernails. What my friends don't know? I just got a side hustle impersonating Dolly Parton in Las Vegas.
I took the gig because it pays well and I dream of tearing down my dad’s double-wide trailer. I want to build a real house with a flower garden and a concrete foundation. I didn't consider that I'd actually enjoy playing Dolly, or that I'd go nuts trying to keep it a secret.
My old neighbor, Jack Spencer, blew back into town just in time for my friends to get married and abandon me. Jack has a way of swooping in exactly when I need him—including being my plus-one for this summer of weddings—but he also has a knack for catching me in incriminating sequins.
We couldn’t be more opposite. He’s foie gras—I’m Pop Tarts. He's a globetrotting government contractor—I secretly sing “9 to 5” on the Strip. And I think he might be on to me.
Mercer Gets Busted is a closed-door romantic comedy. It’s the third in a series, but can be read as a standalone
Chemistry. Holy cow! The chemistry in this book is as hot as a Southern Utah summer. Poor Jack. Seems like every time he sees Mercer she’s cooling off under the hose. Mercer has secrets. Jack has secrets. He’s caviar. She’s Pop Tarts. But they can’t deny the chemistry. I did not want this book to end. Elise, I am completely in love with Jack. No half-anything. This series just keeps getting better. I've never loved Southern Utah so much.
I am on a giddy high after reading the Stars in the Desert series by @Elise Haynes. These are some of the funniest, swooniest books I've ever read. Check back tomorrow for the next book in the series.
🌼 Release Date: January 20, 2025 🌼 . . . This book started off with a hoot and a bang 😂 Mercer Byrd is the epitome of a hillbilly through and through and I love her to bits and pieces! With her secret love of pretty girly dresses and being a Dolly Parton impersonator (with big hair and “chicken cutlets”), Mercer’s character instantly won me over ☺️
Jack Spencer is a man that opens his woman’s doors and I am so here for it 🥹 Nothing makes a man more attractive than when he’s a gentleman! Follow the impeccable manners up with a suit and tie, a square jaw, and a muscular physique and you’ve got yourself the epitome of Mr. Jack Spencer, folks! 🔥
The swoon in this book was off the charts!! 🔥 The way Jack took care of Mercer time and time again had me in a puddle on the floor 🫠 I mean the man was oozing with charm; he was the most gentlemanly of gentlemen, the sweetest of sweethearts, and literally such a dear 🥹 Poor oblivious Mercer had not a clue in the world how far gone this dear man was for her 🤭
Top Moments: 🎤 Hosing off 🎤 Getting hung up with the lawn mower 🎤 “Islands In the Stream” karaoke 🫠 🎤 Chicken cutlets: KFC and Chick-fil-A 🎤 Garage Sale Barbie & Best Man Ken 🎤 Saving Mercer after her car broke down 🎤 “Mercy” 🎤 Secret Swiftie 🎤 Slow dancing in the garden 🎤 Late night phone calls 🎤 Alicia…need I say more 😂 🎤 Introducing Jack to Pop Tarts 🎤 Mowing the lawn for her 🎤 “Of course, love.” 🎤 Kissing her palm 🎤 Eating cake 😏 🎤 Singing to Jack 🎤 “Islands In the Stream” 🫠 🎤 “That wasn’t a question.” . . . Thank you, Elise, for the opportunity to read your incredible book 💛
I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll keep saying it with every book that Elise writes, but I’m obsessed with her writing style and humor and characters and everything about these books. Mercer Gets Busted is no exception! This story is so unique and was so freaking fun! Both Mercer and Jack felt very relatable and the way they slowly become friends and then more was so easy to get lost in. Plus all the cameos from previous book characters made it feel like a family reunion and I loved it!
“I can’t believe I almost died riding on a lawn mower. I picture my tombstone: “Here lies Mercer Byrd. She died the way she lived: Like a redneck.””
I had no idea what I was getting into with this read and I regret nothing!!
I have not laughed so hard while reading a book in a very long time. I snickered, full-belly laughed, guffawed; you name it, I did it while reading this gem!
The over the top style combined with the fabulous characters, makes this a favorite for years to come!
Read this book if you like: 🥾 Being Maid of Honor 👠 Taking Care of Family 🥾 Mowing Lawns 👠 Karaoke 🥾 Chicken Cutlets 👠 Rescue Rides 🥾 Intimidating Mothers 👠 Late Night Phone Calls 🥾 Dolly Parton 👠 Vegas
Content: romance- kisses only.
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mercer Gets Busted (Stars in the Desert #3) by: Elise Haynes @elisehaynesbooks
“Following dreams is a good way to live.”
~One summer, three (and a half) weddings, a hunky neighbor, and a secret Dolly Parton impersonator...
“You make me crazy, in the best way possible.”
•••Friends, Mercer Gets Busted is such a delightful closed-door romantic comedy. It’s the third in a series, that can be read as a standalone but, please do yourself the best favor and read each book in this wonderful series! It’s worth it! 📚🙌🏻😊
-Mercer Gets Busted, is no exception! This is such a cute story filled with such delight! It is precisely filled with wonderful charm, delightful banter, humor, swoony moments, sweet gestures, protection, sparks of chemistry, and even some tender and awkward moments to make things interesting! This book has such heart and is full of life! The characters are relatable and endearing. Watching Mercer and Jack along the way through this story was refreshing. Seeing them rise above challenges and go for what their hearts truly want was the best! Having a built in support system with dear friends-characters from the other books in this series was extra fun and seeing them support Mercer’s dreams without any judgement was no exception. Seeing how Jack and Mercer bring out the best in each other and that they don’t want to change the parts that make them who they are, truly shines in this story! I am telling you, you need to read this delightful and ever so enjoyable story! It’s worth it!🙌🏻📚💯
“You’re here. A dose of my Mercy is just what I needed.”
-Content: mild frequent innuendos, some steamy kisses, minor altercation, drinking wine.
“That’s why I need you. You’re unapologetically yourself. Your authenticity grounds me.”
#mercergetsbusted #elisehaynes #worththeread
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
WHAT. A. READ. Here’s yet another Elise book I won’t stop yapping about, but it is also my FAVORITE NOW. 10/10, no notes.
Mercer is just a wonderfully funny & authentic FMC. Her internal dialogue is hilarious, and I found myself cackling multiple times from Elise’s humor. Her belief in herself grew immensely in this read. I loved that we had so many hot-mess similarities. I related to her drive, her moments of loneliness, her love for singing, and the way she wore her heart on her sleeve. She was just so lovably awkward and quirky. It was SO enjoyable lol.
Ugh Jack. Whatta man. I couldn’t get enough of him. He was SO intentional in his treatment of Mercer. Was he perfect? Nope. But man, did he love her so good and make her know she was worthy of love? ABSOLUTELY HE DID. He was down bad, obsessed from the beginning, and a grumpy lil overprotective softie for his girl. I AM HERE FOR IT. He is everything I love in an MMC, and it’s just the best.
I loved getting to see the other couples getting their HEAs. Catherine and Bill were something I kinda saw coming but was still weird yet sweet. Glad they all got their love story too!!
Did I mention this is a single POV romcom?! Elise just knows how to write yearning men.
You should read this book if you want the yearning, the swoons, the laughs, and all the love you’ll experience in an Elise book! READ IT AND LOVE IT.
CW: This is a closed door romcom with makeouts only and no language or innuendo. There’s mention of a controlling parent and money struggles as well as lying to friends/family.
Elise is an automatic buy/read for me! She is a hilarious writer and I bet we would be good friends in real life. She is the QUEEN of meet-cutes!!!!
This whole series so far has had me laughing out loud, kicking my feet with giddiness, and smirking like a fool. I had the best time reading about Mercer and Jack. The hosing off, tractor debacle, duet, late night phone calls, and Jack mowing her dads lawn 🥹
Mercer says it like it is and is living a double life. She lives in her small town where she is a camping guide and mechanic and on the side she is a Dolly impersonator in Vegas something she loves doing and is really gifted at. She is a little redneck, a little classy, and a wildly entertaining time.
Jack is mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome. He and Mercer are neighbors and he’s back in town for Joe and Indie’s wedding. They end up singing a duet and the sparks start flying. She has a lot on her plate and he helps her. He shows up. He mows her dad’s lawn, gives her rides, rescues her when she runs out of gas. He’s a man of few words, but he more than makes up for it with his actions and being the SWEETEST gentleman.
He falls first He helps her she helps him Helping family Opposites attract The secrets
Mercer was hilarious. I loved her so much and how she lived her life fully.
Jack was fantastic. I loved how he was drawn to Mercer over and over again.
Favorite parts: -Jack giving Mercer a ride -Jack’s acts of service for Mercer -Mercer raiding Sunny’s closet. -the friendship between Mercer, Indie, and Sunny. -Mercer’s calls/texts with Jack.
Favorite Quote: “We are friends. Or am I imagining all of the times you called me in the middle of the night, every night for the whole month of July?” “You called me.” “Uh, no sir. Nine times out of ten, you called.” My heart thumps, thinking about his name on my screen at two in the morning. “I’m not saying I didn’t like it.” “Yeah?” “Jack.” I fix him with my patented “Are you stupid?” glare. “I like it when you call me. ” I stop short of telling him I like him. He doesn’t need to know that. I can barely admit it to myself.
This was my first time reading something from Elise and I’m hooked!! I absolutely LOVED this whole story!! If you haven’t read the others in the series it’s not too big a deal I was able to follow along well. But after reading this I really want the others now!
The humor, emotion and characters in this was 🙌🏻 Gotta love a man with a J name and Jack is no exception. He is such a sweet gentleman and treats everyone with kindness.
I received and advanced copy and these are my honest thoughts.
You guys. There’s my life before I read this book—and then there’s everything after.
This book is deserving of every award. I was LAUGHING OUT LOUD for 95% of this book and couldn’t keep a stupid grin off my face. I grew up in Southern Utah and let me tell you, rednecks are the best kind of people. Elise captured all the beauties and follies of this world that I love.
Nothing about Mercer’s summer is going to be normal…not with three of her friends getting married, her new job as a Dolly Parton impersonator requiring frequent trips to Vegas, and her old neighbor, Jack, coming back to town.
Jack and Mercer are about as opposite as they come…but at the same time, deep down, I think they’re very similar and want the same things. Those two are a riot and swoony as all get out.
Mercer reminded me a lot of myself when I was a teenager with her tomboyish attitude and spunk. She just said stuff like she saw it and didn’t worry about others’ opinions of her; she felt a little awkward dressed up but also enjoyed feeling beautiful and feminine though she wouldn’t admit it; she pushed herself determinedly and didn’t let others walk all over her.
Mercer just wants to be loved for exactly who she is (she refuses to be anyone else), and I think everyone can relate a little bit to that.
A book that somehow feels tender and fierce at the same time. An fmc who is lonely yet tough. She puts her whole self into everything—not because she isn’t scared (she’s absolutely terrified) but she’s just an all or nothing kind of person who doesn’t hold back.
Just go read the dang book already please.
✨ Gems ✨ Everything Dolly Parton 💁🏻♀️ Friends ❤️ The lawn mower The hose 💦 Parental relationships 🤍 THE CAKE Mercer’s tough exterior Opposites attract Southern UT setting 🏜️ Mercy 🫠 He falls hard Jack’s off-colored jokes 😂 THE ENDING (basically the last like 5 chapters) SO PERFECT
This book was RomCom gold! Truth be told, I read RomComs more for the comedy than the romance and this one hit the mark for me perfectly. So many HILARIOUS moments. One of the craziest and most unique plots ever and I was SO here for it. Now I need to find time to go back and read the other books already released in this series because this author has easily skyrocketed to my list of favorites.
Mercer Byrd lands a side gig as a Dolly Parton impersonator performing in Vegas. The job pays WELL, and she can’t pass up the opportunity as she so desperately wants to try and help her dad emerge from his financial struggles. Being a Dolly impersonator isn’t exactly something she’s ready to broadcast to her friends and family, so she spends nearly every weekend sneaking out and dodging questions about her whereabouts. She thrives in the spotlight and genuinely has a golden voice to work her Dolly magic.
Mercer’s old neighbor and friend, Jack, comes into town. He has some career related secrets of his own, but one thing he’s not shy about is the fact that he has growing feelings for Mercer. Both are at a standstill with these jobs of theirs holding them back in so many ways. Jack starts becoming suspicious of Mercer due to oh so many funny incidents which you’ll just have to read for yourself to discover. I can’t say too much without spoiling all the laugh out loud moments. Just take my word for it that this one is a wild ride and if you want a book that will make you laugh, smile and bring a dose of Dolly, you must pick it up!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
I think I found a new favorite author! Elise Haynes writes closed door romances with relatable characters. This is the 3rd in a series but able to stand on its own.
Set in Southern Utah and Las Vegas in present day. Mercer Mae Byrd looks and sounds like Dolly Parton and after a fun karaoke night she is contacted by a talent agent in Los Vegas to be Dolly on stage. Mercer grew up in a trailer home with her father next door to a wealthy family and always felt different because she was poor. When she gets the job she decides not to tell anyone because she thinks they will laugh at her.
Jack Spencer is a man of few words. He was raised by his wealthy and controlling parents next door to a girl living in a trailer home. After High School he went into the army and disappeared. He came back home for the wedding of a friend and as the best man he gets paired up with the brides maid of honor, Mercer, who he calls Mercy because of how she makes him feel.
The story was kind of like an enemy's to friends but without all the hate of enemies. Mostly just they never spoke before. When Jack saves Mercer after her car breaks down they start developing a friendship. Things get more complicated as Mercer continues to hide her new job and they agree to go to the next two weddings together. The second wedding is of Jack's mother and Mercer has a bad feeling about the groom.
No sex, clean kissing, no language, little violence (a punch is thrown, and Mercer gets a creepy feeling from a male character)
The writing is bubbly and fun, all from the perspective of Mercer so you don't get to know how Jack feels until Mercer does. There is some great chemistry between the two. Mercer is so fun and funny and I love how her eyes "sweat" all the time. The humor is spot on and kept me laughing.
Just look at this cover and it’ll give you a glimpse into the incredibly enjoyable time you’ll have reading this story. I loved the pure fun resonating throughout.
Mercer certainly is a bit of a hot mess, but she is outgoing and kind and a hard worker rolled into an amazing singer. I Loved her inner monologue. It made me laugh and smile and stress out right along with her.
Jack. Oh my goodness Jack. What a guy! I LOVED a certain scene with this certain MMC on a certain stage. I melted! That would be the dreamiest moment. And he totally had a Mr Darcy moment as well that, luckily he redeemed. How hard he fell for ‘Mercy’ was delicious and all the big and small things he did for her…reminded me of my own swoony real life MMC.
Reading this story made me feel like I was a hillbilly in my youth and I don’t know how to feel about that. 😂 Hot summer days working outside and a spigot becomes your favorite way to cool off. Singing like no one is watching while doing chores, and the quirky outfits specific for the work being done. Growing up on Tostinos Pizza, need I say more?
You will love: 🎙️Late Night Texts 🎤Dolly Parton Impersonator 🎙️His Nickname for her 🎤Inner Dialogue 🎙️Chivalry 🎤”Of Course, Love” 🎙️Assistance with a Dress 🎤Keeping Secrets 🎙️Different Worlds Colliding 🎤The Cake
I loved how both these characters grew. Things got thrown at them and they had to adapt and learn. Mercer to change course and follow her heart. Jack to make space and take time for what’s important. Thank you so much Elise for this wonderful read!
Oh my goodness, I’m so glad I decided to start this book when I did. It was fun, romantic and light hearted and exactly what I needed. Mercer and Jack were fantastic, and they basically had me hooked from the very first scene with the lawnmower. Mercer needs to get money quickly, so she takes up the opportunity to be a Dolly Parton impersonator. Jack very rarely comes home and when he does, it’s always in that suit and tie. Jack has his own issues, but he is completely obsessed with Mercer. Mercer just wants to be able to buy her dad’s land and is keeping a huge secret from her best friends. Mercer and Jack are paired for their friends' pre wedding karaoke and things start to change, they end up becoming friends and maybe more. They both have secrets, but will they let each other in? The complete adoration that Jack has for Mercer from the beginning is so swoony. There is so much humor in this book and every time she’s getting dressed for one of her concerts, I died laughing, especially when she was dealing with the chicken cutlets. 🤣You will be laughing your way to the end of the book. Jack is the best golden retriever and Mercer has sass for days. I loved these two and all the books in the Star in the Desert series.
Thank you for the copy Elise, all thoughts are my own.
I don't know if I can put into words how much I adore this book (and this whole series)!
Mercer is sassy, spunky, fearless, fun, outrageous, and has a heart as big as her personality. Jack is...perfection. He's kind, thoughtful, sweet, patient, and a man of few words who knows how to make those words count.
I love getting lost in the world this author has created. The friendships, heart, romance, witty/flirty banter, and loveable characters will keep you reading well past bedtime. The stories are captivating and the happily ever afters will melt your heart. And don't even get me started on the humor, (fair warning: don't read while drinking Diet Coke, it's not so pleasant coming out your nose, I may know from experience) I can't count the number of times I laughed out loud while reading this book.
I loved that on top of Mercer and Jack's story, this book also gives us the weddings of the MCs from the previous two books, as well as a surprise wedding that I won't spoil!
I am so happy that there will be at least one more book in this series. Elise Haynes jumped straight onto my must read/auto-buy author list with her debut novel and she just keeps moving up that list with each successive book.
If you love well written romcoms full of heart, humor, romance, friendship, and unforgettable characters...look no further.
Mercer may very well be one of my favorite characters that Elise has written. She is Hilarious! I highlighted so many one liners from her. This book was unhinged in all the best ways from the riding lawn mower to the unexpected side character love story (I saw a hint of that coming and was excited to see it play out). I know mercer was scared to let some parts of her show to the people she loved, but what I adored is the fact that they all loved and supported her no matter what! Especially Jack, and if you’re looking for a guy that yearns, then you’ll love him as much as I did!
“It smells like James Bond in here,” I observe.
“Miranda might want to slash my tires after this, but joke’s on her. I don’t have any tires.”
🌼Romcom/Contemporary Romance 🌼Book 3 in Series/Can Standalone 🌼Closed Door 🌼No Swearing 🌼CW: Controlling Parent, Infidelity
Super-fun! Mercer is a blast. A Dolly Parton impersonator on the Vegas strip, she is quirky, loud, and unapologetically herself. Her inner monologue is hilarious and she had me regularly cracking up. I did like the first half better than the second, and felt it stuttered a bit with her on(and on)going refusal to admit her Dolly gig when it clearly wouldn’t be a big deal… But all good. I still loved the book and fully enjoyed the read.
Content: There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Favorite Quotes: “Gadzooks. I still look like 80s Dolly Parton—if she got her hair caught in a ceiling fan while doing heavy cardio.”
“One day I’ll be capable of an unexpressed thought. Today is not that day.”
This is my first book by Elise Haynes, but it won't be my last. This book is just so much fun!
Mercer is such a great character. She's helping two of her friends with their weddings. One of the weddings includes a karaoke competition. And that's how Mercer ends up being a Dolly Parton impersonator. Mercer made me laugh so hard. She's such a great character.
I loved how Jack was always there when Mercer needed him. Even if it was the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. It was kind of funny, because Mercer didn't think he liked her at all.
This book made me laugh so many times. You definitely NEED to read it!
Despite having been neighbours in high school, Jack and Mercer couldn’t be more different. She’s known for speaking her mind and is a secret Dolly Parton impersonator. He’s mysterious and a top secret government job. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other, but he’s back in town for their best friends’ wedding.
This book was filled with so many funny and sweet moments that had me giggling while reading. I am just obsessed with Mercer and Jack! I will forever be a fan of the “he falls first” trope, it always hits me so hard.
I loved this book! Elise’s sense of humor just matches mine so perfectly. I die laughing in every single book!
I really love Mecer! I’ve loved her from the beginning and was so excited for her to get her own story. I loved learning her backstory and getting to know her better.
Jack drove me crazy in the beginning because I wanted to know what he was thinking all the time. But I ended up loving him too. His mom made me want to scream a lot of the time.
But I loved how the characters worked through everything. I really enjoyed their story!
One of my favorite combos is a wild, sassy FMC and a shy, sweet MMC…Mercer and Jack are perfect together! Mercer is a favorite of the series and I’m so glad she got the story and ending she deserved! Fun fun fun! I love that this was kind of tropey but also not. Technically it could be second chance, enemies to lovers or even best friend’s brother’s friend but way too much of its own thing. This series has been the perfect summer read!
Another absolutely delightful summer read! These stories are sweet, engaging, and perfect for summertime :) Mercer needed a strong man to match her energy and Jack fit the bill 🩵 I loved his protective nature that swooped in - when she asked. Read it, in fact - read the whole series! You won’t regret it. 🚫🤬🚫🌶️
This book is perfection! Mercer is such a quirky, funny character. I loved her fierce determination to be independent, but loved how she learned how to accept help and depend on others even more. Having this in single POV made Jack and his thoughts/feelings more mysterious, which I enjoyed, but it was clear from very early on that he was a man who was smitten. In fact, I think the only person who didn’t see it was Mercer herself! There were lots of moments that had me giggling out loud- Dolly Parton, the chicken cutlets (IYKYK), the hose bath, and Mercer & Jack’s back-and-forth, to name a few. But there were also some moments that had me tearing up and feeling emotional. I highly recommend this purely for the joy it brought me; everyone needs to read a book like this!
Elise Haynes did it again. I literally could not get enough of mercer or jack. This romcom is fresh, instantaneously loveable, and so fun! A definite need to read for anyone who loves love (like me!)!!
ps where does one find a real life jack? asking for a friend.
Apparently I’m becoming an Elise Haynes mega fan, because every one of her stories fills me with delight! Her plots are so original, and her romantic leads have off the charts chemistry!🔥 Mercer and Jack are no different!
I am so glad that we got Mercer’s story and it was so much fun, with more than one unexpected twist. Jack and Mercer’s journey to finding love was so satisfying and enjoyable, I loved it and their happily ever after was perfect!