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Somerset University #3
Mercy: Une Romance de Harem Inversée (Château de Cartes t. 7)
Maverick
Plus je déterrais de réponses, moins je comprenais.
Je me suis lancé dans ce jeu sans en connaître les règles, et maintenant, ils me manipulent à leur guise.
D'anciens visages réapparaissent.
De nouveaux amis rôdent.
Je me suis rapproché du marionnettiste tandis qu'ils se rapprochaient de moi.
Et quand ils ont frappé, je n'étais pas prêt.
Valentina
Une reine se sacrifie pour ses sujets.
Un président prend les décisions difficiles.
Et une petite amie fait tout ce qui doit être fait.
Je suis les trois à la fois, et pour mes amis, mes sœurs et mon amour, je mettrai les Sallys et les Sams à genoux.
Plus je déterrais de réponses, moins je comprenais.
Je me suis lancé dans ce jeu sans en connaître les règles, et maintenant, ils me manipulent à leur guise.
D'anciens visages réapparaissent.
De nouveaux amis rôdent.
Je me suis rapproché du marionnettiste tandis qu'ils se rapprochaient de moi.
Et quand ils ont frappé, je n'étais pas prêt.
Valentina
Une reine se sacrifie pour ses sujets.
Un président prend les décisions difficiles.
Et une petite amie fait tout ce qui doit être fait.
Je suis les trois à la fois, et pour mes amis, mes sœurs et mon amour, je mettrai les Sallys et les Sams à genoux.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2025
248 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Vincent
79 books1,229 followersRuby Vincent is a published author with many novels under her belt but now she's taking a fun foray into contemporary romance. She loves saucy heroines, bold alpha males, and weaving a tale where both get their happy ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 20, 2020
That’s a fucked up ending
May 5, 2021
I'm getting annoyed with the storyline.
also with Val's character... I don't like her mary sue-ness.
Aiden is getting on my nerves as the antagonist.
I also didn't fail to notice the lack of lemons in this book compared to the other 2
you can tell, that Maverick isn't the favorite from those four guys (even in Evergreen)
Book 4 finally is about my favorite bad boy Ryder!
Please don't disappoint and let his evil mastermind brain handle everything.
I hope, Ryder saves this series for me
also with Val's character... I don't like her mary sue-ness.
Aiden is getting on my nerves as the antagonist.
I also didn't fail to notice the lack of lemons in this book compared to the other 2
you can tell, that Maverick isn't the favorite from those four guys (even in Evergreen)
Book 4 finally is about my favorite bad boy Ryder!
Please don't disappoint and let his evil mastermind brain handle everything.
I hope, Ryder saves this series for me
October 16, 2020
EDIT: AFTER FINISHING.
Originally I marked this as a 4 star because I figured it would be as good as the others however, I was disappointed. I knew mavericks story would be a little different because he isn't as explosive or as crazy as Ezra and Jaxson but this one was rather boring. I love Ruby & this entire series. I just wish the story would have progressed a little faster and maybe the cliffhanger end somewhere else rather than where it did.
I am disappointed this is less than 200 pages. I feel like with Maverick, we haven't really been able to dive into his character & I feel like Ezra and Jaxsons books were much longer. I am sure the story is going to be good but just wanted to touch on the length subject before diving in.
Originally I marked this as a 4 star because I figured it would be as good as the others however, I was disappointed. I knew mavericks story would be a little different because he isn't as explosive or as crazy as Ezra and Jaxson but this one was rather boring. I love Ruby & this entire series. I just wish the story would have progressed a little faster and maybe the cliffhanger end somewhere else rather than where it did.
I am disappointed this is less than 200 pages. I feel like with Maverick, we haven't really been able to dive into his character & I feel like Ezra and Jaxsons books were much longer. I am sure the story is going to be good but just wanted to touch on the length subject before diving in.
September 24, 2021
Another awesome book!!
This one let us get to know Maverick better and I loved getting into his thoughts more and see the relationship he had with Val from his POV. This was full of more twist and turns and left us with more questions then answers. I have to read the next book to find out all of them and I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as I did this book. It was a page turner for sure!!
This one let us get to know Maverick better and I loved getting into his thoughts more and see the relationship he had with Val from his POV. This was full of more twist and turns and left us with more questions then answers. I have to read the next book to find out all of them and I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as I did this book. It was a page turner for sure!!
December 14, 2020
WARNING: HOLD OUT ON READING THIS UNTIL THE SERIES IS FINISHED OCT '21. Not ok to leave an ending like that and not publish the next for a YEAR! seriously part of me wants to knock this down some stars just because of this. I mistakenly thought the entire series was finished when I started it because I like to read the serial books back to back. I am a bibliophile, if it doesn't come out until next October, I will have read about 200 books in between and forgotten all about it and the excitement that came from the first three. The series was good but I am disappointed about the cliffhanger a few months I can understand, a year I cannot. I think I need a stiff drink and Aiden, Sawyer, and Teagen in front of me to punch in the face(repeatedly.)
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October 19, 2020- this is the first ruby book that i was kind of ‘meh’ about because nothing really happens and it gets a little redundant at times and for being maverick’s books we don’t really learn all that much about him as a character outside of what we already know
- and compared to the other two books, there weren’t all that many valentinamaverick romance scenes. like the two weeks with ryder felt so out of place in this book and would’ve fit more for the last book since it’s ryder’s
- this just felt a little rushed and i’m a teeny tiny bit disappointed bc i really wanted to see the difference in the relationships valentina has with the guys and this didn’t do it
- and compared to the other two books, there weren’t all that many valentinamaverick romance scenes. like the two weeks with ryder felt so out of place in this book and would’ve fit more for the last book since it’s ryder’s
- this just felt a little rushed and i’m a teeny tiny bit disappointed bc i really wanted to see the difference in the relationships valentina has with the guys and this didn’t do it
October 18, 2020
Annoyed AF! After reading the first two books in the series, I was under the impression that this would be the last. SPOILER ALERT! IT'S NOT!!!
I didn't like having to wait for this one to be released. Yet, I did, and excitedly picked it up immediately believing it was the conclusion.
But it ends on another CLIFFHANGER. I won't bother with the next.
You should always forewarn your readers in advance of cliffhanger endings.
I didn't like having to wait for this one to be released. Yet, I did, and excitedly picked it up immediately believing it was the conclusion.
But it ends on another CLIFFHANGER. I won't bother with the next.
You should always forewarn your readers in advance of cliffhanger endings.
December 22, 2020
10 months til the end?!
We have to wait 10 months until the end of this story?! I HATE when they do this to readers! The story is good, but I'm sick of these long periods between the next book drop. So over it!
We have to wait 10 months until the end of this story?! I HATE when they do this to readers! The story is good, but I'm sick of these long periods between the next book drop. So over it!
December 20, 2021
Damn
This book by far probably made me the maddest during this series. I’m sure the next one is just gonna make me even madder especially cause of that ending.
Ugh. I love this series so much though. I love Val, and her boys, Adam, Sophia and all the parents. This is amazing.
If you like debauchery, lies, secret societies, endless questions that get answered with more questions, sexy men who lie and infuriate you, and little kids who are adorable. This is the series for you.
Here’s some of my favorite quotes from this book:
“Adam was a simple, uncomplicated name. Like I prayed his life would be.”
“Mommy, will I play football like Daddy?”
“If you want to,” I said. “Or you could be my bubble boy. Stay wrapped up in plastic and never do anything remotely dangerous until ten years after Mommy is gone.”
“No,” he said, laughing.
“Yeah, I didn’t think you’d go for that either.”
“Why are you so cute?”
“Because you’re my mommy.”
Jaxson taught him that reply. It served to warm my heart every time.
“You get two cupcakes for that.” Adam was predictably thrilled.
Ezra sized people up by what they could offer him and discarded those who came up wanting. Jaxson was as blunt as a pool noodle. He’d tell saps what he thought of them straight to their crumpling face. As for me, I didn’t have many words to spare, and I gave none to people who weren’t worth my time.
But none of us would ever compare to Ryder Shea.
Why?
Because he whisked Val away for two damn weeks and left us sitting here wondering why we didn’t think of it first.
“Tribalism may be ingrained in us, but it can’t be denied that this habit is responsible for nearly every issue affecting our society today and societies past. Racism. Classism. Sexism. War. Genocide. Ethnic cleansing. Even something as small as which football team won or lost has resulted in fans rioting. ~Maverick
“They say the world is a different place outside of college. I say college is the audition and life is the show. We’re nervous, panicked, and holding on to a thread of hope that we’ll be good enough to make it. Then we’re thrown onstage to have every move, line, and action scripted for us. We’ve spent all this time preparing to be the lead character in someone else’s story. Never truly free.” ~Aiden
“You were making your I’m-inches-away-from-throwing-you-off-this-balcony face.” ~Maverick
Who is going to take us seriously when our sisters are in the corner hoarding brownies like they’re Gollums with the ring?” ~Blair
“When I start off with the bad news, you ask why we can’t have normal conversations anymore. When I open with the pleasantries, you accuse me of stalling. You’re impossible to figure out, Dad.” ~Maverick
“By the time he knows, it’s too late. While you’re at it, tell him not to drink, gamble, and if he ever meets a guy named Aiden who wants him to join a club, knock the bastard out and keep walking.” ~Maverick
10000000000/10
5 ⭐️’s
This book by far probably made me the maddest during this series. I’m sure the next one is just gonna make me even madder especially cause of that ending.
Ugh. I love this series so much though. I love Val, and her boys, Adam, Sophia and all the parents. This is amazing.
If you like debauchery, lies, secret societies, endless questions that get answered with more questions, sexy men who lie and infuriate you, and little kids who are adorable. This is the series for you.
Here’s some of my favorite quotes from this book:
“Adam was a simple, uncomplicated name. Like I prayed his life would be.”
“Mommy, will I play football like Daddy?”
“If you want to,” I said. “Or you could be my bubble boy. Stay wrapped up in plastic and never do anything remotely dangerous until ten years after Mommy is gone.”
“No,” he said, laughing.
“Yeah, I didn’t think you’d go for that either.”
“Why are you so cute?”
“Because you’re my mommy.”
Jaxson taught him that reply. It served to warm my heart every time.
“You get two cupcakes for that.” Adam was predictably thrilled.
Ezra sized people up by what they could offer him and discarded those who came up wanting. Jaxson was as blunt as a pool noodle. He’d tell saps what he thought of them straight to their crumpling face. As for me, I didn’t have many words to spare, and I gave none to people who weren’t worth my time.
But none of us would ever compare to Ryder Shea.
Why?
Because he whisked Val away for two damn weeks and left us sitting here wondering why we didn’t think of it first.
“Tribalism may be ingrained in us, but it can’t be denied that this habit is responsible for nearly every issue affecting our society today and societies past. Racism. Classism. Sexism. War. Genocide. Ethnic cleansing. Even something as small as which football team won or lost has resulted in fans rioting. ~Maverick
“They say the world is a different place outside of college. I say college is the audition and life is the show. We’re nervous, panicked, and holding on to a thread of hope that we’ll be good enough to make it. Then we’re thrown onstage to have every move, line, and action scripted for us. We’ve spent all this time preparing to be the lead character in someone else’s story. Never truly free.” ~Aiden
“You were making your I’m-inches-away-from-throwing-you-off-this-balcony face.” ~Maverick
Who is going to take us seriously when our sisters are in the corner hoarding brownies like they’re Gollums with the ring?” ~Blair
“When I start off with the bad news, you ask why we can’t have normal conversations anymore. When I open with the pleasantries, you accuse me of stalling. You’re impossible to figure out, Dad.” ~Maverick
“By the time he knows, it’s too late. While you’re at it, tell him not to drink, gamble, and if he ever meets a guy named Aiden who wants him to join a club, knock the bastard out and keep walking.” ~Maverick
10000000000/10
5 ⭐️’s
October 18, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters in this harem have always been one of my favorites. I love that each guy (Ezra, Jaxson, Maverick, and Ryder) get their own book following Valentina’s story in the Evergreen Academy series.
Maverick was a more reserved character, but he always cared for and was protective of Val. I fell in love with him in her series. The fact that he’s so kept to himself make his moments more special.
I really liked this book but i wish it was longer and didn’t end with the cliffhanger it did (which, was still a damn good cliffhanger that’s going to stay with me while i impatiently wait for the final book to come out). But i wish we got to read from Maverick’s perspective what’s happening after the cliffhanger. There were also situations that I think the other guys should have been written into. It felt like Ryder was randomly thrown into the beginning, but then everyone else was forgotten about towards the middle and end. They were all more written and involved in Ruthless and Wicked.
Either way, this book really progressed the plot of this series and i’m sad to see Maverick’s story go. But Ruby Vincent saved the BEST for last and i can’t wait to read Ryder Shea’s story! PS Ruby - hurry up with that book, please and thanks.
The characters in this harem have always been one of my favorites. I love that each guy (Ezra, Jaxson, Maverick, and Ryder) get their own book following Valentina’s story in the Evergreen Academy series.
Maverick was a more reserved character, but he always cared for and was protective of Val. I fell in love with him in her series. The fact that he’s so kept to himself make his moments more special.
I really liked this book but i wish it was longer and didn’t end with the cliffhanger it did (which, was still a damn good cliffhanger that’s going to stay with me while i impatiently wait for the final book to come out). But i wish we got to read from Maverick’s perspective what’s happening after the cliffhanger. There were also situations that I think the other guys should have been written into. It felt like Ryder was randomly thrown into the beginning, but then everyone else was forgotten about towards the middle and end. They were all more written and involved in Ruthless and Wicked.
Either way, this book really progressed the plot of this series and i’m sad to see Maverick’s story go. But Ruby Vincent saved the BEST for last and i can’t wait to read Ryder Shea’s story! PS Ruby - hurry up with that book, please and thanks.
June 18, 2021
I love that this book picks up exactly where the last one left off, so the reader doesn’t miss anything. Maverick is the main character of this story, but of course, Valentina is in it too. Maverick is so strong, smart and is helping Valentina get to know Aiden and Sawyer from the fraternity. He gets invited to join them for a particular gentlemen-like club. This club they are hoping will unlock the secrets to all the questions they have. Unfortunately, not all goes to plan, and Aiden is always a step ahead of them. This book is filled with twists, turns, suspense, and tons of questions. Not a ton of romance, but there are some steamy scenes. The book does end on a cliffhanger hanger, and the fourth book, Redemption, isn’t out yet.
The author does a great job of creating a situation in the book that keeps you hooked, wanting to know more. The reader perceives the danger and the reality of each choice as the characters get deeper into this unknown world. The author did a fantastic job of making a real suspenseful page-turner. Even though this book is shorter than the other is still packed with intrigue and decisions.
The author does a great job of creating a situation in the book that keeps you hooked, wanting to know more. The reader perceives the danger and the reality of each choice as the characters get deeper into this unknown world. The author did a fantastic job of making a real suspenseful page-turner. Even though this book is shorter than the other is still packed with intrigue and decisions.
August 6, 2021
Now that the full series out I can’t finally read Mavericks story. He was my favorite(along with Ryder) and most mysterious to me since he seem d to be more closed off and silent in the other books. I am left feeling kinda cheated this book had a lot going on but left me kinda all over the place. Unlike the other books there was no room to breathe and it was very plot heavy not having any of the smaller scenes like the halloween scene I loved in previous books. I’m not sure there was a single conversation between maverick and the guys it made me feel as if they weren’t even close which is crazy. My biggest complaint is the end maverick and Valentina finally drop it they are over everything it’s been a month why come back and take maverick now this late in the game?
January 22, 2022
Wish I read it right after I read the evergreen series. Lost some of its effect on me since it was so long since I read the first series.
Harem is already together in this book. So you miss all the of getting together stories. And I think that’s what I was really missing from the story, personally.
Lots of drama. A bit unrealistic. But still kept me reading. I was wrong about the twists and turns the story took many times. So it kept me guessing.
I would recommend them. But only as a continuation right after reading evergreen.
Harem is already together in this book. So you miss all the of getting together stories. And I think that’s what I was really missing from the story, personally.
Lots of drama. A bit unrealistic. But still kept me reading. I was wrong about the twists and turns the story took many times. So it kept me guessing.
I would recommend them. But only as a continuation right after reading evergreen.
December 25, 2022
Omg not Rick
Now then Aiden and you Sawyer beware the wrath of Val, Ezra, Ryder and Jaxson (plus Adam of course). You've taken their 5th wheel against his will, and theirs....hide boys hide!!!
These books, plus the Evergreen ones before, have been superb and I'm so looking forward to Redemption and the conclusion.
Thank you Ruby for making my evening's read phenomenal (yes I have been reading well into the night).
Now then Aiden and you Sawyer beware the wrath of Val, Ezra, Ryder and Jaxson (plus Adam of course). You've taken their 5th wheel against his will, and theirs....hide boys hide!!!
These books, plus the Evergreen ones before, have been superb and I'm so looking forward to Redemption and the conclusion.
Thank you Ruby for making my evening's read phenomenal (yes I have been reading well into the night).
October 25, 2020
Omg
Once again ruby has brought it. I am all tore up over this cliff hanger. Wtf ruby. I have a racing heart and am so ticked off at the situation. I just knew it wasn’t going to that clean cut. The only reason I’m not too worried is because ryders book is up next and you do not mess with the biggest alpha hole of the group!!
Once again ruby has brought it. I am all tore up over this cliff hanger. Wtf ruby. I have a racing heart and am so ticked off at the situation. I just knew it wasn’t going to that clean cut. The only reason I’m not too worried is because ryders book is up next and you do not mess with the biggest alpha hole of the group!!
November 4, 2020
Mercy
I love Valentina and her guys, sweet little Adam. I think Maverick is a great character but I am not feeling that after everything that happened in Evergreen that this keeps happening. Just no. Now I am cussing because why? I just don't see Aiden being such a genius as to run circles and Mav, but Val and all of them? Just no.
I love Valentina and her guys, sweet little Adam. I think Maverick is a great character but I am not feeling that after everything that happened in Evergreen that this keeps happening. Just no. Now I am cussing because why? I just don't see Aiden being such a genius as to run circles and Mav, but Val and all of them? Just no.
February 8, 2021
Obvious and Redundant
I find myself just skimming through this series now. After everything that this group has been through you would think they would be better at spotting obvious lies, manipulations, and dangers. It saddens me to think that Maverick and Val were so obviously being played. I may not know what the overall secret is yet, but I could see through all the rest of it. All this mystery and suspense is being dragged out way too much and I’m worried that the end is going to be very disappointing...
I find myself just skimming through this series now. After everything that this group has been through you would think they would be better at spotting obvious lies, manipulations, and dangers. It saddens me to think that Maverick and Val were so obviously being played. I may not know what the overall secret is yet, but I could see through all the rest of it. All this mystery and suspense is being dragged out way too much and I’m worried that the end is going to be very disappointing...
February 26, 2021
I seriously speed through this series only to have to wait until OCT for book 4?!?! UGH, I can't wait that long, please please please do an earlier release! The ending to this one?!?!?! I know they wont give up, and I hope they see the truth behind what really happened. But I don't want to wait with that cliffhanger!
March 2, 2022
meh.
The climax occurs in the last few paragraphs and the entire thing just drug on and on waiting for things to be interesting. The spitfire heroin spends way too much time being pissed at the male characters for doing things half as intense as she’s already done. I’m just reading so I know how it ends but I should have stopped with the first series
The climax occurs in the last few paragraphs and the entire thing just drug on and on waiting for things to be interesting. The spitfire heroin spends way too much time being pissed at the male characters for doing things half as intense as she’s already done. I’m just reading so I know how it ends but I should have stopped with the first series
September 22, 2022
Wow!
This series is awesome. The characters are interesting and complex, the action is plentiful, and the storyline is riveting. Valentine and Maverick finally decide to leave the 'secret society's be, then the crazy cliffhanger, where are they taking Rick? I cannot wait to read the final book in this excellent series.
This series is awesome. The characters are interesting and complex, the action is plentiful, and the storyline is riveting. Valentine and Maverick finally decide to leave the 'secret society's be, then the crazy cliffhanger, where are they taking Rick? I cannot wait to read the final book in this excellent series.
June 4, 2024
DNF at 50%. As much as I wanted to get to the 4th book and see Ryder’s point of view, I just couldn't continue reading this. It became absurd with fake drama, secret society nonsense, and persistently stupid people trying to bring down the criminal empire. It bordered on parody with how ridiculous it got. Trash literature at its finest.
June 27, 2025
Amazing series!
I fell in love with these characters in the Evergreen Academy series. This continuation into adulthood and their college years is amazing. Each book highlights a different male main character. An undercurrent of danger threads throughout but it definitely isn't predictable!
I fell in love with these characters in the Evergreen Academy series. This continuation into adulthood and their college years is amazing. Each book highlights a different male main character. An undercurrent of danger threads throughout but it definitely isn't predictable!
October 19, 2020
This book focuses on Val and Maverick. Maverick joins a secret club that the Sams run to try and help Val get some answers. The problem is that Aiden is always one step ahead of him and Val. The cliffhanger at the end of this book is crazy especially because I don’t know what will come next!
April 14, 2021
Continue the intrigue
Well that ending was a twist and a half! Life at university continues on for Val and her boys, the intrigues get more complicated, and then Strength and resilience are required to get answers!
Well that ending was a twist and a half! Life at university continues on for Val and her boys, the intrigues get more complicated, and then Strength and resilience are required to get answers!
April 18, 2021
What a cliffhanger
Still so many secrets in the Sally's and Sam's! Love how the story develops and the relationship with Val and her boys. Can't wait for the last book in the series!
Still so many secrets in the Sally's and Sam's! Love how the story develops and the relationship with Val and her boys. Can't wait for the last book in the series!
June 20, 2023
ugh
Why?! This romance novel had so much potential but it was boring. I had a hard time turning the pages and nearly gave up. I love the characters tho and Maverick is not a favorite .
Why?! This romance novel had so much potential but it was boring. I had a hard time turning the pages and nearly gave up. I love the characters tho and Maverick is not a favorite .
January 26, 2021
Shit,what the hell is going on and I have to wait til the end of the year to find out what happens... NOOOOO
January 29, 2021
Awesome
Wow what an awesome series! The drama and action is off the charts and the passion is steamy hot. The characters are vivid and interesting. I can’t wait for the next book
Wow what an awesome series! The drama and action is off the charts and the passion is steamy hot. The characters are vivid and interesting. I can’t wait for the next book
February 18, 2021
Hated the ending but the rest of the book was pretty good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews