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Sugar & Vice #3
Edge of Mercy
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 03:11:43
20 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
In this fight, feelings are the most dangerous weapon of all.
In the gripping conclusion to Allie Therin’s slow burn urban fantasy MM romance series, an empath and an empath hunter face off as the fate of an alternate-universe Seattle—and their own future—hang in the balance.
Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly conspiracy, empath Reece Davies was forced to embrace his darker nature to protect the enemy he’d fallen for. Now, joining forces with others like him, drawn to chaos and vengeance by the corruption in his veins, Reece is being hunted…by the very man he saved.
Evan Grayson, a notorious empath hunter known as the Dead Man, was engineered to never falter from his mission—until he met Reece. Even corruption can’t cool their desire for each other, but with Reece’s dark side in control and all of Seattle at stake, Grayson must stop him, no matter the personal cost.
As the battle between the two enemies heats up, so does their forbidden attraction. But the danger is growing and closing in on them from all sides. Because Grayson isn’t the only one hunting the empaths—and they both may have finally met their match…
In the gripping conclusion to Allie Therin’s slow burn urban fantasy MM romance series, an empath and an empath hunter face off as the fate of an alternate-universe Seattle—and their own future—hang in the balance.
Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly conspiracy, empath Reece Davies was forced to embrace his darker nature to protect the enemy he’d fallen for. Now, joining forces with others like him, drawn to chaos and vengeance by the corruption in his veins, Reece is being hunted…by the very man he saved.
Evan Grayson, a notorious empath hunter known as the Dead Man, was engineered to never falter from his mission—until he met Reece. Even corruption can’t cool their desire for each other, but with Reece’s dark side in control and all of Seattle at stake, Grayson must stop him, no matter the personal cost.
As the battle between the two enemies heats up, so does their forbidden attraction. But the danger is growing and closing in on them from all sides. Because Grayson isn’t the only one hunting the empaths—and they both may have finally met their match…
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 23, 2026
About the author
Allie Therin
12 books931 followersAllie Therin is a bicultural author of award-winning romance and urban fantasy. She also is, or has been, a bookseller, an attorney, a Parks & Rec assistant, a boom operator, and a barista for one (embarrassing) day.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bless these two dumbos but it is SO HARD to take them remotely seriously as enemies because they literally NEVER stop being SUPER HORNY for each other at all fucking times.
I have only recently binged this series in preparation for the release of the third instalment and it has quickly become a favourite. The tension between Reece Davies and Evan Grayson across all three books has been some of the most entertaining, delicious and intoxicating tension I have encountered for a long time. I was really impressed with how much Therins skill in writing romantic and intimate connections has progressed.
Rest assured I wont say anything to spoilery about the plot. I think that Therin did a great job bringing together the story lines she lay down in the first two books, although she clearly has more to say about this world and these characters, which if you have read her Spellbound series won’t come as a surprise (and I wouldn’t be at all shocked to hear news of more books being released in this world). With that being said, people who have been waiting to pick up the series until the third book has been released will be satisfied with the reading experience if they jump in now.
Given the current geopolitical landscape, I enjoyed how Therin wove in themes of government corruption and the influence of lobbyists as well as the role of denial and moral culpability in the process of sanctioning and committing some real atrocious actions.
I am not sure if I am 1000% sold on some parts of the ending; it kind of came together a little TOO easily, but at the end of the day it didn’t stop me from having a great time and needing to thousand-yard-stare at the wall after reading how hot some of the scenes were 🥵. This book is probably a 4.5 stars realistically speaking, but I am rounding it up for the series as a whole and just being an addictive and engaging read.
As always, I was very appreciative to have Teru to hand hold me during ARC reads that make me need to yell at someone a little bit. After the collective neurosis we experienced waiting for these ARCs to drop I am so glad they ended up living up to expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
✨ Planned release 23 June 2026 ✨
Consider following my instagram
I have only recently binged this series in preparation for the release of the third instalment and it has quickly become a favourite. The tension between Reece Davies and Evan Grayson across all three books has been some of the most entertaining, delicious and intoxicating tension I have encountered for a long time. I was really impressed with how much Therins skill in writing romantic and intimate connections has progressed.
Rest assured I wont say anything to spoilery about the plot. I think that Therin did a great job bringing together the story lines she lay down in the first two books, although she clearly has more to say about this world and these characters, which if you have read her Spellbound series won’t come as a surprise (and I wouldn’t be at all shocked to hear news of more books being released in this world). With that being said, people who have been waiting to pick up the series until the third book has been released will be satisfied with the reading experience if they jump in now.
Given the current geopolitical landscape, I enjoyed how Therin wove in themes of government corruption and the influence of lobbyists as well as the role of denial and moral culpability in the process of sanctioning and committing some real atrocious actions.
I am not sure if I am 1000% sold on some parts of the ending; it kind of came together a little TOO easily, but at the end of the day it didn’t stop me from having a great time and needing to thousand-yard-stare at the wall after reading how hot some of the scenes were 🥵. This book is probably a 4.5 stars realistically speaking, but I am rounding it up for the series as a whole and just being an addictive and engaging read.
As always, I was very appreciative to have Teru to hand hold me during ARC reads that make me need to yell at someone a little bit. After the collective neurosis we experienced waiting for these ARCs to drop I am so glad they ended up living up to expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
✨ Planned release 23 June 2026 ✨
Consider following my instagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5-⭐
Feelings when starting the book:
I am scared & horny, and also annoyed that I need to work for a living.
Review:
Liar City grabbed me and flushed my brain down the toilet. I've seen other people complain about plot and whatever (who even cares when it's Care Bear and not-really-Dead Man?) and honestly felt like I didn't even notice anything weird, I am the Blind Man.
Now, I am explaining all this because I feel like I have to justify that little minus up there after the five. Because, while I loved this book to bits, this time I was left with a couple of teeny tiny niggling feelings. It's much like Captive Prince part 3, which is great, and I love the whole trilogy, but there was two pretty stupid things in there. And I don't think things here were stupid, but as we've sort of followed the whole trilogy hoping and believing that all that talk about irreversible is bullshit, some of the resolutions in the end felt just a bit too simple.
Now that I let that out, I can focus on loving this book. Danger Bear and Thirsty Man completely suck at being enemies, which was really fun to read. And this trilogy brings me everything I want from a romance. Slow burn, mutual pining, banter, sort-of-enemies-to-sort-of-friends-to-sort-of-lovers-to-sort-of-enemies... I can't explain the dynamic neatly, but it is delicious. And actually I need to get back to slow burn, because this sort of isn't, though? It is, because the relationship doesn't start in the whole first book, but then again that book happens in a span of two days. Really this is a whirlwind romance, where both parties are totally consumed by thoughts about the other after knowing each other for two days!
There are horrible, greedy politicians benefiting from villainising the empaths and it's heartbreaking, and unfortunately not far-fetched at all. All three books are page-turners, I even love the fricking car chases. The first book is a great mystery but the sequels deliver good suspense stories. But the main feature is still the two leads and their epic relationship.
I really wish we would get more of Alex. Is there more books coming set in this universe? Is there, please? The corrupted empaths in general are interesting, as they obviously were not quite as b&w sadistic evils as initially portrayed. (Just like pretty much everything was either mis- or disinformation from the actual villains.)
This trilogy is among my favourites and up for reread in the future again. I have never been as excited to get an ARC, and I'm so relieved this third book lived up to my expectations. My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.
Feelings when starting the book:
I am scared & horny, and also annoyed that I need to work for a living.
Review:
Liar City grabbed me and flushed my brain down the toilet. I've seen other people complain about plot and whatever (who even cares when it's Care Bear and not-really-Dead Man?) and honestly felt like I didn't even notice anything weird, I am the Blind Man.
Now, I am explaining all this because I feel like I have to justify that little minus up there after the five. Because, while I loved this book to bits, this time I was left with a couple of teeny tiny niggling feelings. It's much like Captive Prince part 3, which is great, and I love the whole trilogy, but there was two pretty stupid things in there. And I don't think things here were stupid, but as we've sort of followed the whole trilogy hoping and believing that all that talk about irreversible is bullshit, some of the resolutions in the end felt just a bit too simple.
Now that I let that out, I can focus on loving this book. Danger Bear and Thirsty Man completely suck at being enemies, which was really fun to read. And this trilogy brings me everything I want from a romance. Slow burn, mutual pining, banter, sort-of-enemies-to-sort-of-friends-to-sort-of-lovers-to-sort-of-enemies... I can't explain the dynamic neatly, but it is delicious. And actually I need to get back to slow burn, because this sort of isn't, though? It is, because the relationship doesn't start in the whole first book, but then again that book happens in a span of two days. Really this is a whirlwind romance, where both parties are totally consumed by thoughts about the other after knowing each other for two days!
There are horrible, greedy politicians benefiting from villainising the empaths and it's heartbreaking, and unfortunately not far-fetched at all. All three books are page-turners, I even love the fricking car chases. The first book is a great mystery but the sequels deliver good suspense stories. But the main feature is still the two leads and their epic relationship.
I really wish we would get more of Alex. Is there more books coming set in this universe? Is there, please? The corrupted empaths in general are interesting, as they obviously were not quite as b&w sadistic evils as initially portrayed. (Just like pretty much everything was either mis- or disinformation from the actual villains.)
This trilogy is among my favourites and up for reread in the future again. I have never been as excited to get an ARC, and I'm so relieved this third book lived up to my expectations. My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.
Want to Read
August 14, 2025THERE'S GONNA BE A THIRD ONE FUCK YES FUCK YES FUCK YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Want to Read
November 13, 2025Words cannot express how badly I want this book.
May 3, 2026
5++++++ Stars!!!!
I loved this so much! I’m sad it’s over. This series really surprised me. The first book lost me a bit and was good but I was waiting for more to happen. The second book pulled me in and kept me in the story and I became enamored with it. This book cemented this as my favorite read so far this year. It will be hard to top.
I didn’t know if we would get a resolution before the end. I was sort of hoping we wouldn’t and that maybe Allie Therin decided to write one more book for Reece & Evan and their siblings and friends. But it ended and it was everything!
I really had a hard time putting this down. There are multiple POV’s in this series and they work so well. I love these characters and I became invested in them. Because of this writing style the story moves quickly and keeps you in suspense and on the edge with anticipation.
Reece and Evan were so fun! Their interactions, starting with texts then phone calls, FaceTime and eventually face to face, were filled with their sarcastic humor. I liked Reece being corrupted because it showed a side to him that was less careful and so he pushed the limit with everything. Him still caring about his loved ones showed that the corrupted empaths aren’t as horrible as they are perceived to be.
I do feel like this isn’t the end to this story. It could be wishful thinking but there is so much I want to know! What happens to the corrupted empaths at Orion? Where are Alex and Gretel? What can Reece and Evan discover together to help turn the thinking about empaths around? Plus I just want more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance & Carina Adores for this arc
All thoughts and opinions are my own
I loved this so much! I’m sad it’s over. This series really surprised me. The first book lost me a bit and was good but I was waiting for more to happen. The second book pulled me in and kept me in the story and I became enamored with it. This book cemented this as my favorite read so far this year. It will be hard to top.
I didn’t know if we would get a resolution before the end. I was sort of hoping we wouldn’t and that maybe Allie Therin decided to write one more book for Reece & Evan and their siblings and friends. But it ended and it was everything!
I really had a hard time putting this down. There are multiple POV’s in this series and they work so well. I love these characters and I became invested in them. Because of this writing style the story moves quickly and keeps you in suspense and on the edge with anticipation.
Reece and Evan were so fun! Their interactions, starting with texts then phone calls, FaceTime and eventually face to face, were filled with their sarcastic humor. I liked Reece being corrupted because it showed a side to him that was less careful and so he pushed the limit with everything. Him still caring about his loved ones showed that the corrupted empaths aren’t as horrible as they are perceived to be.
I do feel like this isn’t the end to this story. It could be wishful thinking but there is so much I want to know! What happens to the corrupted empaths at Orion? Where are Alex and Gretel? What can Reece and Evan discover together to help turn the thinking about empaths around? Plus I just want more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance & Carina Adores for this arc
All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 3, 2026
This was the PERFECT ending for this series!!!
I seriously couldn’t have imagined a better plot or solution.
Allie Therin is putting crack in her books, this had me gasping, giggling and kicking my feet.
Reece and Evan as enemies? Those two were flirting so hard and nonstop thinking about humping each other! I just love their banter so damn much.
The evil empaths who just protect all their loved ones and other sweet empaths? I loved it.
Everyone at Stone solutions? Please jump off your multiple million dollar building.
Jamie? You’re the only one in this book with more than one braincell, I love you.
Gretel and Alex? I ship them so hard!!! Please, I need a shortstory!
I flew through this once again and almost cried when I had to put it down to go to bed.
Reece and Evan forever. 🥹
I seriously couldn’t have imagined a better plot or solution.
Allie Therin is putting crack in her books, this had me gasping, giggling and kicking my feet.
Reece and Evan as enemies? Those two were flirting so hard and nonstop thinking about humping each other! I just love their banter so damn much.
The evil empaths who just protect all their loved ones and other sweet empaths? I loved it.
Everyone at Stone solutions? Please jump off your multiple million dollar building.
Jamie? You’re the only one in this book with more than one braincell, I love you.
Gretel and Alex? I ship them so hard!!! Please, I need a shortstory!
I flew through this once again and almost cried when I had to put it down to go to bed.
Reece and Evan forever. 🥹
May 18, 2026
thank you to netgalley & harper collins for the arc!
2.5 / 5 stars
the third and final installment to the sugar & vice series was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and i'm left with some very, very mixed feelings after finishing it. i have so much to say, as a huge fan of the first two books and the world therin has created.
first and foremost, someone needed to take a freaking machete to this manuscript, because the sheer amount of bloat made the first half of "edge of mercy" borderline unreadable. this final installment was possibly the most egregious of the trilogy in terms of meandering pace, repeated conversations, and switching POVs like flipping through tv channels. it was genuinely disorienting trying to remember which characters knew what, which information was public knowledge, etc.
therin reiterates every plot point in the story tenfold, just in case you missed it the first nine times. the reader is never in the dark about anything going on, and that is a glaring flaw. there's a severe overuse of POV switching to various background characters just to ensure that everything happens on page instead of implied or revealed later on. there's no suspense! it's written like a tv show or movie, which i am personally not a big fan of.
there were no big or satisfying moments where everything "came together." after chapters upon chapters of painstakingly explaining the same plot points to different characters so that everyone is on the same page, you'd think all that would've at least been worth it for the grand finale. but no, the last handful of chapters felt rushed and underwhelming. there wasn't nearly enough time dedicated to exploring the newly revealed empath powers, alex & evan's relationship, reece's amnesia, alex and cora's storylines, evan's emotional awakening... it felt all for naught.
i truly wonder why so much of the book was dedicated to explaining the plot in such excruciating detail, because this series has phenomenal characters. it should have been character-driven first and foremost. it's a series about empathy, for god's sake! so many characters and relationships felt completely shunted in this finale. i wanted more depth from alex and cora, because they've suffered so much and their corruption is implied to be somewhat as complex as reece's.
i'm particularly miffed about the way alex was underutilized — i was so excited for he and evan to have a big moment where they finally get to make amends and be family again, so i'm left feeling a little hollow without satisfying closure for them. reece and jamey's sibling relationship was also cast to the side in favor of switching to a random secretary's POV for the hundredth time, because apparently that's more important. all the things i wanted to be shown on-page were left just implied at the end rather than explored in detail.
it also really sucks to read a whole book following the main character, only for his memory of all events that took place in the book to be freaking wiped from his head at the very end. the final chapters should have shown reece finding a balance between his pacifist side and his corrupted side, because as evan says, BOTH of them are reece. i cannot fathom why evan would be written to say that if corrupt reece was just going to get ctrl+alt+deleted at the end.
it's such a bummer, because reece was seriously addictive in this book — i couldn't get enough of him struggling with conflicting urges and succumbing to his own darkness. some of the best moments of the whole book involve reece overcome with that cold, unwavering fury, all because someone laid a hand on his dead man. it added so much depth to a character that i was already very fond of, so it stings to basically have that stripped from him at the last minute.
as always, the relationship between evan and reece is the shining beacon in a series that can otherwise be a bit of a drag to get through. their chemistry is unbeatable. every moment between them is electric and infectious. the way reece worms his way into evan's (literally) walled-off heart over and over again is unfailingly romantic. they are obsessive and possessive and belong to each other in such a beautiful way, i genuinely cannot get enough of them when they're on the page together. these two are going to live in my brain forever. i have way too many songs that are exclusively tied to them now.
overall, i'm left wanting more. i want more justice for the empaths, more worldbuilding, and most importantly, more reece and evan. it feels like there are a ton of loose ends that need to be tied, so hopefully there's a spinoff series on the horizon? i'm definitely feeling let down, but only because i adore this series and these characters. despite my criticisms, i would read a hundred more books in this world, because there is so much love here. every character moment in this installment filled me with the same joy that i get when rereading the first two books. reece and evan are one of a kind, bolstered by such a charming and unforgettable cast of supporting characters. i will always return to this world, and this series will have a place on my bookshelf forever. thank you, allie therin, for giving us sugar & vice.
2.5 / 5 stars
the third and final installment to the sugar & vice series was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and i'm left with some very, very mixed feelings after finishing it. i have so much to say, as a huge fan of the first two books and the world therin has created.
first and foremost, someone needed to take a freaking machete to this manuscript, because the sheer amount of bloat made the first half of "edge of mercy" borderline unreadable. this final installment was possibly the most egregious of the trilogy in terms of meandering pace, repeated conversations, and switching POVs like flipping through tv channels. it was genuinely disorienting trying to remember which characters knew what, which information was public knowledge, etc.
therin reiterates every plot point in the story tenfold, just in case you missed it the first nine times. the reader is never in the dark about anything going on, and that is a glaring flaw. there's a severe overuse of POV switching to various background characters just to ensure that everything happens on page instead of implied or revealed later on. there's no suspense! it's written like a tv show or movie, which i am personally not a big fan of.
there were no big or satisfying moments where everything "came together." after chapters upon chapters of painstakingly explaining the same plot points to different characters so that everyone is on the same page, you'd think all that would've at least been worth it for the grand finale. but no, the last handful of chapters felt rushed and underwhelming. there wasn't nearly enough time dedicated to exploring the newly revealed empath powers, alex & evan's relationship, reece's amnesia, alex and cora's storylines, evan's emotional awakening... it felt all for naught.
i truly wonder why so much of the book was dedicated to explaining the plot in such excruciating detail, because this series has phenomenal characters. it should have been character-driven first and foremost. it's a series about empathy, for god's sake! so many characters and relationships felt completely shunted in this finale. i wanted more depth from alex and cora, because they've suffered so much and their corruption is implied to be somewhat as complex as reece's.
i'm particularly miffed about the way alex was underutilized — i was so excited for he and evan to have a big moment where they finally get to make amends and be family again, so i'm left feeling a little hollow without satisfying closure for them. reece and jamey's sibling relationship was also cast to the side in favor of switching to a random secretary's POV for the hundredth time, because apparently that's more important. all the things i wanted to be shown on-page were left just implied at the end rather than explored in detail.
it also really sucks to read a whole book following the main character, only for his memory of all events that took place in the book to be freaking wiped from his head at the very end. the final chapters should have shown reece finding a balance between his pacifist side and his corrupted side, because as evan says, BOTH of them are reece. i cannot fathom why evan would be written to say that if corrupt reece was just going to get ctrl+alt+deleted at the end.
it's such a bummer, because reece was seriously addictive in this book — i couldn't get enough of him struggling with conflicting urges and succumbing to his own darkness. some of the best moments of the whole book involve reece overcome with that cold, unwavering fury, all because someone laid a hand on his dead man. it added so much depth to a character that i was already very fond of, so it stings to basically have that stripped from him at the last minute.
as always, the relationship between evan and reece is the shining beacon in a series that can otherwise be a bit of a drag to get through. their chemistry is unbeatable. every moment between them is electric and infectious. the way reece worms his way into evan's (literally) walled-off heart over and over again is unfailingly romantic. they are obsessive and possessive and belong to each other in such a beautiful way, i genuinely cannot get enough of them when they're on the page together. these two are going to live in my brain forever. i have way too many songs that are exclusively tied to them now.
overall, i'm left wanting more. i want more justice for the empaths, more worldbuilding, and most importantly, more reece and evan. it feels like there are a ton of loose ends that need to be tied, so hopefully there's a spinoff series on the horizon? i'm definitely feeling let down, but only because i adore this series and these characters. despite my criticisms, i would read a hundred more books in this world, because there is so much love here. every character moment in this installment filled me with the same joy that i get when rereading the first two books. reece and evan are one of a kind, bolstered by such a charming and unforgettable cast of supporting characters. i will always return to this world, and this series will have a place on my bookshelf forever. thank you, allie therin, for giving us sugar & vice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
Literally amazing. I read this this non stop all day. The banter, the flirt- threatening, the steamy scenes, all of it was the best thing ever. Such a good conclusion to the story and I’m so sad it’s over now! I will definitely be re reading this. 10/10
*I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley
*I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
edge of mercy was my most anticipated read since i finished book 2 (twisted shadows) last year. i'm probably not the most objective here, but this is going to be my honest feeling on this book, the series, and these characters.
after reece becomes fully corrupted to save evan's life, he and evan find themselves on opposite sides. reece is dangerous; to himself and others. and evan made him a promise - to keep reece from hurting anyone - that he intends to keep.
if this was meant to be the 'enemies' part of their love story, then it genuinely did not work. they had more palpable tension in book 1 than here. speaking of book 1, having recently reread liar city, there's a very distinct tonal shift from book 1 (where things feel more dire and serious, it reads like a genuine murder mystery) to here (despite the circumstances, it reads a lot more lighthearted?).
some of that is probably deliberate. neither reece nor evan are the same people they were in book 1, recee especially with the whole corruption thing. I can't say I quite like the change, it leads to some very awkward characterization. reece, who I generally saw as a very decisive character, waffles a lot, this way or that, here. evan, who was the character that knew everything before we even knew it was relevant, who took a bullet for an emapth he knew was walking a dangerous line, is so set in what he believes he thinks is the truth - that there's no coming back for reece.
there's also this scenario that pops up where both of them will think 'i really shouldn't do that thing' and then proceed to do that thing. for example:
'I really shouldn't open his message.' *opens the message*
'I really shouldn't reply to the dead man.' *replies to the dead man*
'there's no way I'm accepting his call.' *accepts call*
'it's stupid to invite reece to meet me.' *meets reece*
part of this is them genuinely being unable to let go of each other, which i understand and appreciate. but after the fifth 'my fingers moved before I could even think' it gets repetitive rather than descriptive.
the last 70 pages is the best part of the book in my opinion. it has everything I could have wanted from the end of this trilogy; reece being pushed to the edge of his corruption, evan wanting him and siding with him regardless, evan confronting his lack of emotions. that said, the way reece's corruption arc was wrapped up feels like a cop-out. I get it, it would probably be debilaiting for an empath with a conscience to remember everything he did when corrupted. but one of my favourite bits of book 1 was the existentialism of being an empath. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but this world has my favourite depiction of Empathy as an ability (or in this case; a state of being). I wish that that Empathy without a conscience was explored more, the way what empathy means for an Empath was explored in the first book.
there are a lot of other things I could nitpick about (only because I loved the first two books so much), but none of them really took away my from enjoyment of this story. sure, everything is a bit too neatly wrapped up in the end, but I was just genuinely happy to see them happy and together and in-love. it eclipses everything else :)
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
after reece becomes fully corrupted to save evan's life, he and evan find themselves on opposite sides. reece is dangerous; to himself and others. and evan made him a promise - to keep reece from hurting anyone - that he intends to keep.
if this was meant to be the 'enemies' part of their love story, then it genuinely did not work. they had more palpable tension in book 1 than here. speaking of book 1, having recently reread liar city, there's a very distinct tonal shift from book 1 (where things feel more dire and serious, it reads like a genuine murder mystery) to here (despite the circumstances, it reads a lot more lighthearted?).
some of that is probably deliberate. neither reece nor evan are the same people they were in book 1, recee especially with the whole corruption thing. I can't say I quite like the change, it leads to some very awkward characterization. reece, who I generally saw as a very decisive character, waffles a lot, this way or that, here. evan, who was the character that knew everything before we even knew it was relevant, who took a bullet for an emapth he knew was walking a dangerous line, is so set in what he believes he thinks is the truth - that there's no coming back for reece.
there's also this scenario that pops up where both of them will think 'i really shouldn't do that thing' and then proceed to do that thing. for example:
'I really shouldn't open his message.' *opens the message*
'I really shouldn't reply to the dead man.' *replies to the dead man*
'there's no way I'm accepting his call.' *accepts call*
'it's stupid to invite reece to meet me.' *meets reece*
part of this is them genuinely being unable to let go of each other, which i understand and appreciate. but after the fifth 'my fingers moved before I could even think' it gets repetitive rather than descriptive.
the last 70 pages is the best part of the book in my opinion. it has everything I could have wanted from the end of this trilogy; reece being pushed to the edge of his corruption, evan wanting him and siding with him regardless, evan confronting his lack of emotions. that said, the way reece's corruption arc was wrapped up feels like a cop-out. I get it, it would probably be debilaiting for an empath with a conscience to remember everything he did when corrupted. but one of my favourite bits of book 1 was the existentialism of being an empath. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but this world has my favourite depiction of Empathy as an ability (or in this case; a state of being). I wish that that Empathy without a conscience was explored more, the way what empathy means for an Empath was explored in the first book.
there are a lot of other things I could nitpick about (only because I loved the first two books so much), but none of them really took away my from enjoyment of this story. sure, everything is a bit too neatly wrapped up in the end, but I was just genuinely happy to see them happy and together and in-love. it eclipses everything else :)
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jeeeeeeeze what a way to end this amazing series!
Honestly, I had absolutely no clue where Allie was going to take this story, or how she could possibly find a conclusion which would leave everyone happy.
The tension just kept ramping up over and over as all things seemed to be indicating no way out for Reece and his corrupted empath friends Alex and Cora.
For Evan, the Dead Man, it seems his path is now an irreconcilable collision with the man who has stolen his attention - as he no longer has any feelings - and who he once swore he would protect from anything.
But Reece is corrupted now, he's joined forces against those who seek to control the empaths, and do much, much worse, as we discovered in book two.
So how can Evan not bring him in? The odds are stacked against him, evidence is piling up that Reece has been involved in multiple incidents, including murder, and things are looking bleak.
Fortunately, Reece's big sister Jamey won't ever give up on her brother, she's using every bit of her detective brain to show Evan that things are not as they seem, and it's this parallel plotline - with insights into the villains' plans - that keeps the reader on the edge as the story continues to grow.
No spoilers here, but I will just say that the multiple POVs once again is an intriguing narrative choice, I just wish they were more clearly delineated because sometimes the jump is a jaring one and it takes a minute or two to work out whose head we're in away from the main ones of Reece and Evan.
Not to say I don't enjoy it, I do love getting the villain monologuing their way to doom as it were, I just wish there'd be a more clear textual divide in the formatting.
As with the first two books, the UST between Reece and Evan is off the charts, even more so here where they're apart for at least half of the book, resorting to snarky texts and ever more flirty interactions as the actions of the opposition force them unknowingly closer together.
The twists and turns are magnificent, you never know what's going to happen next, but Allie keeps a tight control of the storyline, so things don't ever become a deus ex machina, instead it seems that the incredible can only be the ultimate outcome.
Everything about this book worked for me, apart from the fact it ended! I want so much more in this universe that Allie has created. I want to see Reece and Evan after the major threat to their lives has been removed.
I want to see what Alex and Cora will do, I want to know what happens to the empaths in the future, I just need more of this alternative Seattle.
Loved, loved, loved!
Not once has Allie Therin let me down. She's a mastercraftswoman when it comes to urban fantasy and world building, providing enough to give a flavour of our real world to anchor the setting, but providing all the needed differences to bring the sense of danger and strangeness.
I've loved every single thing she's written and I cannot see that ever changing.
ARC kindly received from the author/publishers Harlequin via NetGalley, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Honestly, I had absolutely no clue where Allie was going to take this story, or how she could possibly find a conclusion which would leave everyone happy.
The tension just kept ramping up over and over as all things seemed to be indicating no way out for Reece and his corrupted empath friends Alex and Cora.
For Evan, the Dead Man, it seems his path is now an irreconcilable collision with the man who has stolen his attention - as he no longer has any feelings - and who he once swore he would protect from anything.
But Reece is corrupted now, he's joined forces against those who seek to control the empaths, and do much, much worse, as we discovered in book two.
So how can Evan not bring him in? The odds are stacked against him, evidence is piling up that Reece has been involved in multiple incidents, including murder, and things are looking bleak.
Fortunately, Reece's big sister Jamey won't ever give up on her brother, she's using every bit of her detective brain to show Evan that things are not as they seem, and it's this parallel plotline - with insights into the villains' plans - that keeps the reader on the edge as the story continues to grow.
No spoilers here, but I will just say that the multiple POVs once again is an intriguing narrative choice, I just wish they were more clearly delineated because sometimes the jump is a jaring one and it takes a minute or two to work out whose head we're in away from the main ones of Reece and Evan.
Not to say I don't enjoy it, I do love getting the villain monologuing their way to doom as it were, I just wish there'd be a more clear textual divide in the formatting.
As with the first two books, the UST between Reece and Evan is off the charts, even more so here where they're apart for at least half of the book, resorting to snarky texts and ever more flirty interactions as the actions of the opposition force them unknowingly closer together.
The twists and turns are magnificent, you never know what's going to happen next, but Allie keeps a tight control of the storyline, so things don't ever become a deus ex machina, instead it seems that the incredible can only be the ultimate outcome.
Everything about this book worked for me, apart from the fact it ended! I want so much more in this universe that Allie has created. I want to see Reece and Evan after the major threat to their lives has been removed.
I want to see what Alex and Cora will do, I want to know what happens to the empaths in the future, I just need more of this alternative Seattle.
Loved, loved, loved!
Not once has Allie Therin let me down. She's a mastercraftswoman when it comes to urban fantasy and world building, providing enough to give a flavour of our real world to anchor the setting, but providing all the needed differences to bring the sense of danger and strangeness.
I've loved every single thing she's written and I cannot see that ever changing.
ARC kindly received from the author/publishers Harlequin via NetGalley, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I liked the first book of this series, was obsessed with the second book, and was so excited for this third and final book. Romance arc wise, I am very satisfied. Reece and Evan had the ultimate slow burn with some pretty big obstacles and I really like how these were resolved. The loyalty and protectiveness they have for each other is so strong and shines through. They also extend that to other people, Reece to his close circle and Evan to empaths. Great characters with some cool supporting characters as well, Reece’s sister Jamey especially. There was also a nice wrap up of the overall villain arc with companies and people out to make money on or against empaths. The series really dived into the idea that people aren’t necessarily all good or bad. They can have moments where they help and protect people, they can have moments where they use people, and they can have moments where they use people to protect others. You can grow from your past and you don’t have to be defined by it. My main reason for not giving this a solid 4 stars is that I felt like there were new elements to empathy powers that were revealed towards the end of the book that were not explored or explained and it made the series feel unfinished. The only thing I could think of is if Allie Therin is hoping to do another trilogy following different characters that explores these new ideas. If she does, I’m all for it and it would make me love this book even more. If she doesn’t, I am admittedly disappointed in not getting to explore these new potential perspectives of empathy and what empaths can really do.
For more specific and bigger spoiler thoughts: I also was a little off put that Additionally regarding the world building around empaths powers and corruption vs pacifist,
I liked the first book of this series, was obsessed with the second book, and was so excited for this third and final book. Romance arc wise, I am very satisfied. Reece and Evan had the ultimate slow burn with some pretty big obstacles and I really like how these were resolved. The loyalty and protectiveness they have for each other is so strong and shines through. They also extend that to other people, Reece to his close circle and Evan to empaths. Great characters with some cool supporting characters as well, Reece’s sister Jamey especially. There was also a nice wrap up of the overall villain arc with companies and people out to make money on or against empaths. The series really dived into the idea that people aren’t necessarily all good or bad. They can have moments where they help and protect people, they can have moments where they use people, and they can have moments where they use people to protect others. You can grow from your past and you don’t have to be defined by it. My main reason for not giving this a solid 4 stars is that I felt like there were new elements to empathy powers that were revealed towards the end of the book that were not explored or explained and it made the series feel unfinished. The only thing I could think of is if Allie Therin is hoping to do another trilogy following different characters that explores these new ideas. If she does, I’m all for it and it would make me love this book even more. If she doesn’t, I am admittedly disappointed in not getting to explore these new potential perspectives of empathy and what empaths can really do.
For more specific and bigger spoiler thoughts: I also was a little off put that Additionally regarding the world building around empaths powers and corruption vs pacifist,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfection. No notes. And I usually do take notes while reading, but I was literally unable to take my eyeballs off. Allie Therin, what are you doing to me?!
As this is the third book in this trilogy, I won’t go into the plot for obvious reasons. But the theory everyone has been going off in the story is that corrupted empaths turn to sadists, permanently. The world, including the empath hunter Evan Grayson, believes that. Maybe it’s time this belief is challenged - and time to look into who actually profits most from it.
God this series is the definition of compulsively readable - fast-paced, heart-pounding, exciting. I would say it’s one big cat and mouse game, but make it more like several jungle cats playing a deadly hide and seek and chase.
Now that’s out of the way...OH MY GOD THIS SERIES!!! I swear to god it’s been driving some pretty inhuman noises out of me since book one and I’m happy to report, Edge of Mercy was no different. Biting into my hand while screeching, foaming at the mouth over Reece and Evan, kicking my feet and generally making me look like a caffeine-pumped chinchilla on crack 🐹
The size difference! “Sugar” by Evan! 😳 Angry flirting! THE FRISKING AGAINST THE WALL scene!! 🔥 One sleeping bag!!!
...sorry I flat-lined for a second here. Let me just wipe that droll off and continue, much obliged...
did I mention the freaking size difference??? 😳😳
I think I found my new favorite relationship dynamic - enemies to oh-god-he’s-still-cute/hot-can’t-resist-must-touch to even more of enemies to... now that would be telling! Go read it if you want in on all that fun, babes 🤭
(Also, the author definitely upped her smut game because jfc that was delicious 🥵)
My absolute favorite MM urban fantasy series, hands down. It’s objectively not flawless or perfect, but the minor plot holes for plot convenience were clocked and promptly discarded, together with some too-easy resolutions. These books turned my brain off in the best way possible and I LOVED every second of it. The story, the world, all the characters!
The book ended on a satisfying note for Reece and Evan, but the stage is still set for more. And as this world is absolutely fantastic and feels like a vault full of unexplored ideas and plotlines, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Therin to keep coming back to it!
Biggest thank you to Harlequin-Romance and Netgalley for allowing me access to this e-arc, you made my entire month with it! Expected publication date is June 23, 2026.
And thank you to Evie for braving the wait with me because I would’ve probably lost my mind without someone to commiserate about it ❤️
As this is the third book in this trilogy, I won’t go into the plot for obvious reasons. But the theory everyone has been going off in the story is that corrupted empaths turn to sadists, permanently. The world, including the empath hunter Evan Grayson, believes that. Maybe it’s time this belief is challenged - and time to look into who actually profits most from it.
God this series is the definition of compulsively readable - fast-paced, heart-pounding, exciting. I would say it’s one big cat and mouse game, but make it more like several jungle cats playing a deadly hide and seek and chase.
Now that’s out of the way...OH MY GOD THIS SERIES!!! I swear to god it’s been driving some pretty inhuman noises out of me since book one and I’m happy to report, Edge of Mercy was no different. Biting into my hand while screeching, foaming at the mouth over Reece and Evan, kicking my feet and generally making me look like a caffeine-pumped chinchilla on crack 🐹
The size difference! “Sugar” by Evan! 😳 Angry flirting! THE FRISKING AGAINST THE WALL scene!! 🔥 One sleeping bag!!!
...sorry I flat-lined for a second here. Let me just wipe that droll off and continue, much obliged...
did I mention the freaking size difference??? 😳😳
I think I found my new favorite relationship dynamic - enemies to oh-god-he’s-still-cute/hot-can’t-resist-must-touch to even more of enemies to... now that would be telling! Go read it if you want in on all that fun, babes 🤭
(Also, the author definitely upped her smut game because jfc that was delicious 🥵)
My absolute favorite MM urban fantasy series, hands down. It’s objectively not flawless or perfect, but the minor plot holes for plot convenience were clocked and promptly discarded, together with some too-easy resolutions. These books turned my brain off in the best way possible and I LOVED every second of it. The story, the world, all the characters!
The book ended on a satisfying note for Reece and Evan, but the stage is still set for more. And as this world is absolutely fantastic and feels like a vault full of unexplored ideas and plotlines, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Therin to keep coming back to it!
Biggest thank you to Harlequin-Romance and Netgalley for allowing me access to this e-arc, you made my entire month with it! Expected publication date is June 23, 2026.
And thank you to Evie for braving the wait with me because I would’ve probably lost my mind without someone to commiserate about it ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I love this urban fantasy that Allie Therin has created: a parallel universe where empaths are deemed both a danger and a solace for a society that can’t really decide whether they are heroes or villains. But in the ‘Sugar & Vice’ series, they are increasingly seen as threats that should be managed, blamed and possibly neutralised when the murders pile up. That narrative keeps gaining traction when experiments gone wrong have made empaths the guilty party, and best exemplified in the dynamic between the emotionless empath-hunter Evan Grayson and the impulsive, emotionally-laden empath Reece Davies.
As the third book in the series, ‘Edge of Mercy’ isn’t a standalone, even for those who have read the first 2 books might find themselves scrambling to keep up. It’s a direct continuation of the cat-and-mouse chase that has already been set up from the last book, and definitely not a gentle glide into the sequel as it plunges you into (what can be) empath-management, the politics surrounding it, as well as the opposing sides that Evan and Reece have found themselves on. But it’s gratifying to see that they still watch out for each other without admitting it and how their decisions reflect the conflict they wrestle with each time this happens.
There’s a lot going on, though, maybe too much at times. If the multiple POVs offer more outsider perspectives, they also detract from the main pairing and their actions, resulting in a lack of Grayson/Reece together moments. Grayson/Reece’s connection for much of the first half is limited to reluctant and snarky texts and they do spend quite a bit of time apart in this until at least the halfway point and beyond. It takes quite a bit to get them physically together and even then, their weird mix of trust, suspicion and unwavering devotion leads to a somewhat convenient climax with an ending that still leaves a few questions unanswered.
Even so, Therin’s plot is complex and thoughtful, and both her writing/characterisation sharply nuanced. It makes me wonder if she is going to delve a little deeper into this world though, if only to get the loose ends tied up.
*ARC by the publisher via Edelweiss
As the third book in the series, ‘Edge of Mercy’ isn’t a standalone, even for those who have read the first 2 books might find themselves scrambling to keep up. It’s a direct continuation of the cat-and-mouse chase that has already been set up from the last book, and definitely not a gentle glide into the sequel as it plunges you into (what can be) empath-management, the politics surrounding it, as well as the opposing sides that Evan and Reece have found themselves on. But it’s gratifying to see that they still watch out for each other without admitting it and how their decisions reflect the conflict they wrestle with each time this happens.
There’s a lot going on, though, maybe too much at times. If the multiple POVs offer more outsider perspectives, they also detract from the main pairing and their actions, resulting in a lack of Grayson/Reece together moments. Grayson/Reece’s connection for much of the first half is limited to reluctant and snarky texts and they do spend quite a bit of time apart in this until at least the halfway point and beyond. It takes quite a bit to get them physically together and even then, their weird mix of trust, suspicion and unwavering devotion leads to a somewhat convenient climax with an ending that still leaves a few questions unanswered.
Even so, Therin’s plot is complex and thoughtful, and both her writing/characterisation sharply nuanced. It makes me wonder if she is going to delve a little deeper into this world though, if only to get the loose ends tied up.
*ARC by the publisher via Edelweiss
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story that began in Liar City and Twisted Shadows is so very close to my heart. 🥰 Liar City was a breakneck thriller with a hint of underlying romance. Twisted Shadows was an adorably thrilling romance with a tragic, yet fitting ending. And I have spent over a year wondering what an Edge of Mercy would bring for Reece and Evan (my sweet babies). To my immense satisfaction, I got an ARC. 🥳🥳🥳
So here’s the scoop:
Twisted Shadows ends with Reece corrupted and Evan feeling confused and hopeless. As a reader, it ripped out my heart, no matter how inevitable it seemed. As I feared, Edge of Mercy begins on a just as heart-wrenching note. Though I enjoyed the new pairings (Reece with Alex and Cora, Evan with Jamey), I felt that too much time was spent with Evan and Reece apart. Also, it was hard to watch Reece being mean to Evan. Evan may say he doesn’t have feelings, but we all know that’s a crock of shit. He was hurting over his Care Bear’s ruthless words. 😩 I’m not saying I would change this. It’s probably necessary, but prepare yourself for the pain.
One of the things that makes Therin a fabulous writer is her ability to make you genuinely care about her secondary and even tertiary characters. That being said, Edge of Mercy jumped rapidly between characters and storylines I just wasn’t as interested in. It was literary whiplash 😵💫 With such a huge cast of characters and a complicated storyline—Stone, AMI, Gretel, Aisha and Diesel (criminally underused in this one), Jamey, Nichols, Marist, Alex and Cora— we only made it back to Reece and Evan sporadically. I wanted to be with them SO much more, and even more than that, I wanted them to be together. This doesn’t happen until 2/3 of the way into the book— but after that, it’s gold.
Their chemistry, their banter, their obvious FEELINGS for each other. 😍 From Port Angeles to the end, they were very nearly everything I needed! Sweet and protective and sexy and oh-so-IN-LOVE! God! They are adorable.
Then we drew close to the end— and it came a bit too easily. Without spoiling a thing, I’ll say that both their transformations took about one sentence. Then, it was pretty much over, and I was left with SO many questions and concerns! I thought this was supposed to be the last book! Will it be like Magic in Manhattan and continue in a second trilogy with different leads? How will Alex find his way back? How will the new empaths fair? Will Diesel and Aisha find empaths of their own, or are they destined for each other? Reece and Evan certainly found some closure, but what about everyone else?!?
Regardless of these questions, I know this: I will auto buy ANYTHING Allie Therin puts out. She is an amazing writer with a knack for capturing my heart, over and over again.
So here’s the scoop:
Twisted Shadows ends with Reece corrupted and Evan feeling confused and hopeless. As a reader, it ripped out my heart, no matter how inevitable it seemed. As I feared, Edge of Mercy begins on a just as heart-wrenching note. Though I enjoyed the new pairings (Reece with Alex and Cora, Evan with Jamey), I felt that too much time was spent with Evan and Reece apart. Also, it was hard to watch Reece being mean to Evan. Evan may say he doesn’t have feelings, but we all know that’s a crock of shit. He was hurting over his Care Bear’s ruthless words. 😩 I’m not saying I would change this. It’s probably necessary, but prepare yourself for the pain.
One of the things that makes Therin a fabulous writer is her ability to make you genuinely care about her secondary and even tertiary characters. That being said, Edge of Mercy jumped rapidly between characters and storylines I just wasn’t as interested in. It was literary whiplash 😵💫 With such a huge cast of characters and a complicated storyline—Stone, AMI, Gretel, Aisha and Diesel (criminally underused in this one), Jamey, Nichols, Marist, Alex and Cora— we only made it back to Reece and Evan sporadically. I wanted to be with them SO much more, and even more than that, I wanted them to be together. This doesn’t happen until 2/3 of the way into the book— but after that, it’s gold.
Their chemistry, their banter, their obvious FEELINGS for each other. 😍 From Port Angeles to the end, they were very nearly everything I needed! Sweet and protective and sexy and oh-so-IN-LOVE! God! They are adorable.
Then we drew close to the end— and it came a bit too easily. Without spoiling a thing, I’ll say that both their transformations took about one sentence. Then, it was pretty much over, and I was left with SO many questions and concerns! I thought this was supposed to be the last book! Will it be like Magic in Manhattan and continue in a second trilogy with different leads? How will Alex find his way back? How will the new empaths fair? Will Diesel and Aisha find empaths of their own, or are they destined for each other? Reece and Evan certainly found some closure, but what about everyone else?!?
Regardless of these questions, I know this: I will auto buy ANYTHING Allie Therin puts out. She is an amazing writer with a knack for capturing my heart, over and over again.
May 29, 2026
The explosive conclusion to the Sugar and Vice trilogy!
After corrupting himself to save Evan’s life, Reece has joined up with Alex and Cora to take down Stone Solutions for good. Meanwhile Evqn and Jamey have teamed up to stop them, though Jamey still believes they can be saved and Evan is still wrestling with the emotions he doesn’t believe he has. With Gretal as their new ally, they must solve a series of muders seemingly carried out by empath thralls while trying to bring down the most powerful man they have ever faced: Charles Stone.
The romance in this one had me kicking my feet and giggling, constantly having to put it down every time Reece and Evan were on the page but just as eager to pick it up again and keep reading. Their yearning for each other and their refusal to believe the other would betray them were just perfect. I had guessed early on that Reece was going to get Evan his emotions back (even though we the reader know he wasn’t as dead inside as he himself believed), but I wish the scene had been explored more in depth.
I think there are still some open plot holes surrounding the corrupted empath storyline, even if I do believe Therin wrapped up the plot with the Stones very neatly. Since she wrote a spin off trilogy to wrap up her previous series I am hopeful that is the plan for this one as well. I would be interested to see if there is a storyline in which Cora or Alex can be redeemed and returned to their former selves as well.
Overall I had an amazing time with these characters and absolutely devoured these books. Reece is such a fun main character, sassy and compassionate, both brave and reckless in turns. Evan is his perfect foil, always doing what needs to be done quickly and efficiently, but his scenes with Reece were simy playful and sweet. I was an absolute mess every time he came up with a new nickname for Reece. The slow burn as they fell for each other, and even the consumation of that relationship, was perfect paced and executed. I am not ready to say goodbye to them just yet so I will be convincing all my friends to pick up the series so I can have someone to gush about them with.
After corrupting himself to save Evan’s life, Reece has joined up with Alex and Cora to take down Stone Solutions for good. Meanwhile Evqn and Jamey have teamed up to stop them, though Jamey still believes they can be saved and Evan is still wrestling with the emotions he doesn’t believe he has. With Gretal as their new ally, they must solve a series of muders seemingly carried out by empath thralls while trying to bring down the most powerful man they have ever faced: Charles Stone.
The romance in this one had me kicking my feet and giggling, constantly having to put it down every time Reece and Evan were on the page but just as eager to pick it up again and keep reading. Their yearning for each other and their refusal to believe the other would betray them were just perfect. I had guessed early on that Reece was going to get Evan his emotions back (even though we the reader know he wasn’t as dead inside as he himself believed), but I wish the scene had been explored more in depth.
I think there are still some open plot holes surrounding the corrupted empath storyline, even if I do believe Therin wrapped up the plot with the Stones very neatly. Since she wrote a spin off trilogy to wrap up her previous series I am hopeful that is the plan for this one as well. I would be interested to see if there is a storyline in which Cora or Alex can be redeemed and returned to their former selves as well.
Overall I had an amazing time with these characters and absolutely devoured these books. Reece is such a fun main character, sassy and compassionate, both brave and reckless in turns. Evan is his perfect foil, always doing what needs to be done quickly and efficiently, but his scenes with Reece were simy playful and sweet. I was an absolute mess every time he came up with a new nickname for Reece. The slow burn as they fell for each other, and even the consumation of that relationship, was perfect paced and executed. I am not ready to say goodbye to them just yet so I will be convincing all my friends to pick up the series so I can have someone to gush about them with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have so much to say and absolutely no way to convey everything with simple words. How can I translate the fury, the pain, the love, the humour without telling everything? Every single word on page is important, essential, builds the base of everything that has happened and that is going to happen. This last book starts right after the ending of its predecessor. You have no breathing space, you are launched right into the action, your brain at full capacity, trying to capture every nuance because one can't miss the subtle ways Allie Therin tells you everything you need to know, and even if it's not said clear on page, you know, because you know these characters, you scream at them when they're been fools, when they make questionable decisions, and the make many, and you see how even the most miniscule change can alter the outcome.
I know these characters, I love these characters, I'm along the ride. I adore Reece and how prickly he can be, how he can't help himself in certain situations, how he flirts when he tells himself he's not doing that. I love Evan and how much he actually feels without really being able to feel, like emotions are so many his unemotional self just can't fight them anymore. I love them together, the banter, the way they're magnets for the other when they were sorts of allies and now that they're enemies.
Did I like the ending? I did! Am I happy about the ending? I'm not but only because I need at least 5 more chapters of them going on road trips and fighting about traffic regulations and being so turned on the truck will serve its new apparent purpose of being their love hut for emergency situations.
But I'm happy I got to see this slownurn flourish, the feelings growing; I was so lucky to get to witness this story and now I say goodbye (until I reread the whole thing in audio as soon as it's released!).
I know these characters, I love these characters, I'm along the ride. I adore Reece and how prickly he can be, how he can't help himself in certain situations, how he flirts when he tells himself he's not doing that. I love Evan and how much he actually feels without really being able to feel, like emotions are so many his unemotional self just can't fight them anymore. I love them together, the banter, the way they're magnets for the other when they were sorts of allies and now that they're enemies.
Did I like the ending? I did! Am I happy about the ending? I'm not but only because I need at least 5 more chapters of them going on road trips and fighting about traffic regulations and being so turned on the truck will serve its new apparent purpose of being their love hut for emergency situations.
But I'm happy I got to see this slownurn flourish, the feelings growing; I was so lucky to get to witness this story and now I say goodbye (until I reread the whole thing in audio as soon as it's released!).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Do you know those books which live in your head rent-free? Yeah, this is one of them. I am spinning these characters in my head so much.
We left the second book on quite a cliffhanger and boyyy, does the third book deliver in resolution. Evan Grayson is on a mission to catch Reece, who fell into corruption. But even despite the fact they now should be on the opposite sides, they can't help but text, communicate and snark at each other with lot of sexual tension.
The romance is absolutely 5*. I loved every scene these two were in, you could taste the tension. And some of the tropes which appeared... just *chef's kiss*. This romance is really very well crafted and I love the dynamic Evan and Reece have. And their flirting regarding traffic safety. (but also the angsty bits, where both realize just how much the other does care)
The wordbuilding is bit less exciting but nontheless important for some revelations later. I will admit I was bit "yeah okay okay, evil scientist scienting, gimme more Reece and Evan!". But the lore is important for overall story.
I am giving 5* because I absolutely enjoyed the ride and really loved the romance... BUT! There are some misgivings I do have - while romance stuff is absolutely resolved, some of the other (lore) stuff seems bit... open-ended. When I finished the book, I was wondering if author planned to add more in the series, bcs some of the questions still felt unanswered. So I guess the final rating depends on "Will we get more of this universe"? Not neccesarily with Evan and Reece, as much as I love them, but I think the book is really begging for continuation.
Spoilers:
But you should definitely read this whole trilogy because its magnificent.
We left the second book on quite a cliffhanger and boyyy, does the third book deliver in resolution. Evan Grayson is on a mission to catch Reece, who fell into corruption. But even despite the fact they now should be on the opposite sides, they can't help but text, communicate and snark at each other with lot of sexual tension.
The romance is absolutely 5*. I loved every scene these two were in, you could taste the tension. And some of the tropes which appeared... just *chef's kiss*. This romance is really very well crafted and I love the dynamic Evan and Reece have. And their flirting regarding traffic safety. (but also the angsty bits, where both realize just how much the other does care)
The wordbuilding is bit less exciting but nontheless important for some revelations later. I will admit I was bit "yeah okay okay, evil scientist scienting, gimme more Reece and Evan!". But the lore is important for overall story.
I am giving 5* because I absolutely enjoyed the ride and really loved the romance... BUT! There are some misgivings I do have - while romance stuff is absolutely resolved, some of the other (lore) stuff seems bit... open-ended. When I finished the book, I was wondering if author planned to add more in the series, bcs some of the questions still felt unanswered. So I guess the final rating depends on "Will we get more of this universe"? Not neccesarily with Evan and Reece, as much as I love them, but I think the book is really begging for continuation.
Spoilers:
But you should definitely read this whole trilogy because its magnificent.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5/5 stars: This is Therin's third entry in the Sugar & Vice trilogy series, which is a MM BIPOC Urban Fantasy Steamy Romance set in Washington and Canada. Featuring an empath, who's embraced his darker side, finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy as he joins forces with others like him in a battle that will pit him against the empath hunter he's fallen for. The notorious empath hunter known as the Dead Man, was engineered to never falter from his mission – until the two met. Even corruption can’t cool their desire for each other, but with the empath’s dark side in control and all of Seattle at stake, he must stop him, no matter the personal cost. As the battle between the two enemies heats up, so does their forbidden attraction. But the danger is growing and closing in on them from all sides. Because there are others hunting the empaths – and they both may have finally met their match.
With plenty of plot twists, Therin has masterfully crafted a non-stop action packed yet heartfelt story with excellent and fascinating world-building. Written in multiple POV, Therin's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. This is a slow burn romance with steamy OPS scenes.
Therin touches on some tough topics; so take care and CWs. This is the conclusion of a trilogy and shouldn't be read as a stand-alone; so be sure to pick up book one, Liar City. Highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Carina Adores in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of plot twists, Therin has masterfully crafted a non-stop action packed yet heartfelt story with excellent and fascinating world-building. Written in multiple POV, Therin's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. This is a slow burn romance with steamy OPS scenes.
Therin touches on some tough topics; so take care and CWs. This is the conclusion of a trilogy and shouldn't be read as a stand-alone; so be sure to pick up book one, Liar City. Highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Carina Adores in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reece Davies is a fully corrupted empath, which makes him a danger to everyone. Evan Grayson, the empath hunter called the Dead Man because he has no emotions left, has one weakness, and it's the empath he's supposed to hunt down. When some important people start turning up dead, Grayson thinks Reece is to blame, since the clues are all there. Luckily, Reece's sister, a detective, knows her brother better than that, and she convinces Grayson to see beyond the obvious. That still doesn't mean a rogue corrupted empath can be loose on the streets of Seattle.
This is the conclusion to the Sugar & Vice series that I was dreaming of! In the first two books, our romantic leads, Reece and Grayson cannot physically touch. Grayson's "dead man" abilities function like antimatter to Reece's empathy, and it knocks Reece unconscious for them to touch. When Allie Therin "solves" that issue for them, I was kicking my feet in delight. I was not sure how she was going to do it, but it worked really well, and the scene where Grayson is contemplating whether or not he should touch Reece is easily my favorite in the book. I have loved this trilogy, and while I'm sad to see it end, it was immensely satisfying. I've enjoyed my time in this urban fantasy in Seattle.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Joel Leslie. I don't often love his narrations, but for whatever reason, I have loved all of his audiobooks in this series. His accents work well for me for all the characters. Because it's urban fantasy in a contemporary setting, the worldbuilding is lighter and easier for most readers to listen to.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for an ALC and Carina Adores for an eARC. Edge of Mercy is out 6/23/2026.
This is the conclusion to the Sugar & Vice series that I was dreaming of! In the first two books, our romantic leads, Reece and Grayson cannot physically touch. Grayson's "dead man" abilities function like antimatter to Reece's empathy, and it knocks Reece unconscious for them to touch. When Allie Therin "solves" that issue for them, I was kicking my feet in delight. I was not sure how she was going to do it, but it worked really well, and the scene where Grayson is contemplating whether or not he should touch Reece is easily my favorite in the book. I have loved this trilogy, and while I'm sad to see it end, it was immensely satisfying. I've enjoyed my time in this urban fantasy in Seattle.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Joel Leslie. I don't often love his narrations, but for whatever reason, I have loved all of his audiobooks in this series. His accents work well for me for all the characters. Because it's urban fantasy in a contemporary setting, the worldbuilding is lighter and easier for most readers to listen to.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for an ALC and Carina Adores for an eARC. Edge of Mercy is out 6/23/2026.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
*4.5 stars*
This is the third book in a slowburn romance/SF thriller trilogy that absolutely does have to be read in order, and book 2 ended with a twist that seemed to make it impossible for the romance to ever work...
So it was *intensely* satisfying to watch it play out, especially because even when pitted against each other , Reece and Evan are still 100% helpless for each other.
Their game of cat-and-mouse is so compelling that I found myself getting frustrated with all the scenes from other characters' PoVs and occasionally skim-reading those in my rush to get back to the main pair, but I loved how beautifully Therin orchestrated the final showdown for all the characters and brought the full story to just a perfect conclusion - and ohhhh was the final culmination of that slow-burn romance satisfying.
There were so many lines I highlighted for re-reading, but they would be far too spoilerific to share! So I'll just say: if you've read the first two books, you HAVE to read this one for an incredible final payoff. And this was a really fun trilogy!
This is the third book in a slowburn romance/SF thriller trilogy that absolutely does have to be read in order, and book 2 ended with a twist that seemed to make it impossible for the romance to ever work...
So it was *intensely* satisfying to watch it play out, especially because even when pitted against each other , Reece and Evan are still 100% helpless for each other.
Their game of cat-and-mouse is so compelling that I found myself getting frustrated with all the scenes from other characters' PoVs and occasionally skim-reading those in my rush to get back to the main pair, but I loved how beautifully Therin orchestrated the final showdown for all the characters and brought the full story to just a perfect conclusion - and ohhhh was the final culmination of that slow-burn romance satisfying.
There were so many lines I highlighted for re-reading, but they would be far too spoilerific to share! So I'll just say: if you've read the first two books, you HAVE to read this one for an incredible final payoff. And this was a really fun trilogy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*4.25 stars!!
thank you to Harlequin Romance for the e-arc on netgalley! all thoughts and opinions are my own.
this was such a great conclusion to a super fun series and i'm so glad that i decided to read it! since this is the third book, we're in a place where reece and grayson have reached an ultimate divide. similar to the previous books in this series, we experience the longing and obsession between these two characters and it's done in a nice slow burn that made me actually feel feral. whether it be through their own wandering thoughts, texting, phone calls, or eventually in person, this romance is defined by a constant yearning. especially when it's been built over 3 books, this final book was pretty satisfying where the romance is concerned. and that one scene in the truck had me doing laps in my room...allie therin your MIND.
in terms of the actual urban fantasy plot, i was maybe expecting it to be a bit more dramatic? it just felt like everything was building to this big reveal, specifically regarding the extent of reece and grayson's abilities. i had so many theories in my mind as to how these things would be resolved and although it was still something that made sense, i thought it would have been more nuanced or complicated. there was still lots of intrigue and reveals along the way that made it hard to put the book down.
overall, i really had such a FUN time with this finale! i loved this series for the urban fantasy landscape, investigative mysteries, and a romance that really snuck its way into my heart. when it finally came to an end i just wanted even more from the world of empaths and i'm definitely going to miss my favourite sarcastic care bear and dead man duo!
thank you to Harlequin Romance for the e-arc on netgalley! all thoughts and opinions are my own.
this was such a great conclusion to a super fun series and i'm so glad that i decided to read it! since this is the third book, we're in a place where reece and grayson have reached an ultimate divide. similar to the previous books in this series, we experience the longing and obsession between these two characters and it's done in a nice slow burn that made me actually feel feral. whether it be through their own wandering thoughts, texting, phone calls, or eventually in person, this romance is defined by a constant yearning. especially when it's been built over 3 books, this final book was pretty satisfying where the romance is concerned. and that one scene in the truck had me doing laps in my room...allie therin your MIND.
in terms of the actual urban fantasy plot, i was maybe expecting it to be a bit more dramatic? it just felt like everything was building to this big reveal, specifically regarding the extent of reece and grayson's abilities. i had so many theories in my mind as to how these things would be resolved and although it was still something that made sense, i thought it would have been more nuanced or complicated. there was still lots of intrigue and reveals along the way that made it hard to put the book down.
overall, i really had such a FUN time with this finale! i loved this series for the urban fantasy landscape, investigative mysteries, and a romance that really snuck its way into my heart. when it finally came to an end i just wanted even more from the world of empaths and i'm definitely going to miss my favourite sarcastic care bear and dead man duo!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love everything queer and Sugar & Vice had all the best things, paranormal romance, action, a gripping slow burn and amazing characters that you can't help but love. The Edge of Mercy was the cherry on top of this spectacular trilogy.
Allie Therin couldn't have given Evan and Reece, and us readers, a better ending after so much sweet slow burn. Just like with the first two books, I devoured the third. Her writing continues to be captivating as she presents to us complex issues mixed with fun sass and passion from all the characters; her character development and her worldbuilding are equally incredible.
The only reason I'm giving this a 4⭐ even though I loved it so much is precisely because I loved it so much and her world building was amazing. I was intrigued with everything until the very last moment of conclusion and because of that I feel like there are still answers we didn't get. Evan and Reece did get their very much deserved happy ending and even with some things left up in the air I'm totally fine with that but maybe one single book isn't enough to tie all the ends and close all the door the author opened after introducing the new possibilities.
Putting that small detail aside, I loved, loved it. I'm so happy I got to meet Evan and Reece again after a year and read the whole book in one sitting and I can say it was totally worth the wait.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for sending this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Allie Therin couldn't have given Evan and Reece, and us readers, a better ending after so much sweet slow burn. Just like with the first two books, I devoured the third. Her writing continues to be captivating as she presents to us complex issues mixed with fun sass and passion from all the characters; her character development and her worldbuilding are equally incredible.
The only reason I'm giving this a 4⭐ even though I loved it so much is precisely because I loved it so much and her world building was amazing. I was intrigued with everything until the very last moment of conclusion and because of that I feel like there are still answers we didn't get. Evan and Reece did get their very much deserved happy ending and even with some things left up in the air I'm totally fine with that but maybe one single book isn't enough to tie all the ends and close all the door the author opened after introducing the new possibilities.
Putting that small detail aside, I loved, loved it. I'm so happy I got to meet Evan and Reece again after a year and read the whole book in one sitting and I can say it was totally worth the wait.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for sending this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The squeals I made when I saw the Edge of Mercy on my ereader. But then, the dilemma, do I savor or devour it?
NGL, I was low-key terrified to begin this as I knew my precious Care Bear and his sexy cowboy agent were in for a world of UST with some definite hurt, while hoping for a metric ton of comfort.
“Gone was the perfectly groomed and photo-ready Dead Man. In his place was something much more raw: Evan the Unedited Hot Mess.
And Reece couldn’t tear his eyes away.”
The questions keeping me up at night since Twisted Shadows: How are Reece and Evan ever going to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they face? How can these two who are 1000% meant to be going to find a way to be together without the world trying to keep them apart?
All I’ll say is devour, choose devour. Allie Therin with her brilliant writing, her craft for weaving a masterful, immersive story, will take you on an unforgettable experience full of hope, heat, and heart that will have you alternating between holding your breath, rubbing your chest, and falling even more in love with this fantastic, beautiful duo who will never leave your soul.
My wish after finishing this dazzling conclusion is for another trip into the lives of Evan, Reece, and Jamey as I’m not ready to say goodbye. I want more of this extraordinary Seattle AU, and obviously even more Reece and Evan. I will never get enough of these two and so will make this spellbinding trilogy a staple of my annual rereads.
NGL, I was low-key terrified to begin this as I knew my precious Care Bear and his sexy cowboy agent were in for a world of UST with some definite hurt, while hoping for a metric ton of comfort.
“Gone was the perfectly groomed and photo-ready Dead Man. In his place was something much more raw: Evan the Unedited Hot Mess.
And Reece couldn’t tear his eyes away.”
The questions keeping me up at night since Twisted Shadows: How are Reece and Evan ever going to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they face? How can these two who are 1000% meant to be going to find a way to be together without the world trying to keep them apart?
All I’ll say is devour, choose devour. Allie Therin with her brilliant writing, her craft for weaving a masterful, immersive story, will take you on an unforgettable experience full of hope, heat, and heart that will have you alternating between holding your breath, rubbing your chest, and falling even more in love with this fantastic, beautiful duo who will never leave your soul.
My wish after finishing this dazzling conclusion is for another trip into the lives of Evan, Reece, and Jamey as I’m not ready to say goodbye. I want more of this extraordinary Seattle AU, and obviously even more Reece and Evan. I will never get enough of these two and so will make this spellbinding trilogy a staple of my annual rereads.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had been eagerly waiting for this book ever since I finished the first one, and after reading the second, I was even more excited to see how the story would conclude, especially for my favorite empath/empath “specialist” pairing after the way book two ended.
I absolutely inhaled this book in a single day. I couldn’t put it down. It was fascinating to see this new side of Reece, particularly through his inner voice, which still felt so unmistakably him. Even though the corruption changed him in so many ways, he never completely lost himself. He’s still the same wonderfully ridiculous person when it comes to traffic laws and driving, and I loved those little connections to his past self.
And Evan… my poor, lovely man. He was the character I was most curious about going into this book, and I desperately wanted to see how he would finally get the happy ending he deserved.
Something that’s uncommon for a romance novel is the inclusion of multiple POVs. Normally, that’s not something I enjoy, but here it really worked. I ended up loving the side characters just as much, and now I genuinely want to read more about several of them. I really hope this isn’t the last story set in this world, I because it’s such a fascinating universe and there’s still so much left to explore. I’m fascinated about Alex and want to hear where his story goes.
Overall, this was a 10/10 read for me and definitely one I know I’ll reread.
ARC from Netgalley
I absolutely inhaled this book in a single day. I couldn’t put it down. It was fascinating to see this new side of Reece, particularly through his inner voice, which still felt so unmistakably him. Even though the corruption changed him in so many ways, he never completely lost himself. He’s still the same wonderfully ridiculous person when it comes to traffic laws and driving, and I loved those little connections to his past self.
And Evan… my poor, lovely man. He was the character I was most curious about going into this book, and I desperately wanted to see how he would finally get the happy ending he deserved.
Something that’s uncommon for a romance novel is the inclusion of multiple POVs. Normally, that’s not something I enjoy, but here it really worked. I ended up loving the side characters just as much, and now I genuinely want to read more about several of them. I really hope this isn’t the last story set in this world, I because it’s such a fascinating universe and there’s still so much left to explore. I’m fascinated about Alex and want to hear where his story goes.
Overall, this was a 10/10 read for me and definitely one I know I’ll reread.
ARC from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Edge of Mercy is a crowning conclusion to this trilogy. It is full of tension and, also in this volume, very engaging—especially because of the frequent changes in perspective, which make the story feel dynamic and never slow.
The book brings the story, which has been developing over the previous two volumes, to a very satisfying point. I often found it difficult to put it down. What I particularly appreciated about the series as a whole is how the concept of empathy—something so present in our real world—is explored through a science fiction lens. This gives it a completely different dimension, while still being deeply rooted in the issues of our time.
At moments, the world created by the author felt so realistic that I had to remind myself that I was reading science fiction. The characters gain even more depth in this final part. It is especially interesting to see how Grayson and Reece evolve under the new circumstances: they still show certain familiar patterns of behavior, but at the same time grow through new experiences, particularly in their relationship with each other.
The supporting characters are also given enough space, in my opinion, to be more than just types—they are allowed their own individuality and presence. The series was captivating from the very beginning, and this final volume brings everything together beautifully and to the point.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
The book brings the story, which has been developing over the previous two volumes, to a very satisfying point. I often found it difficult to put it down. What I particularly appreciated about the series as a whole is how the concept of empathy—something so present in our real world—is explored through a science fiction lens. This gives it a completely different dimension, while still being deeply rooted in the issues of our time.
At moments, the world created by the author felt so realistic that I had to remind myself that I was reading science fiction. The characters gain even more depth in this final part. It is especially interesting to see how Grayson and Reece evolve under the new circumstances: they still show certain familiar patterns of behavior, but at the same time grow through new experiences, particularly in their relationship with each other.
The supporting characters are also given enough space, in my opinion, to be more than just types—they are allowed their own individuality and presence. The series was captivating from the very beginning, and this final volume brings everything together beautifully and to the point.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How do I write a review for a story, for characters, that had such an impact? How do I find words for the way my heart feels changed, for the scenes that won't let go?
I haven't fallen in love with characters this intensely in awhile. Every time I close my eyes, Grayson is there. Reece just behind him. And it's not just the main characters that I adore - the supporting cast is so rich and beautiful. Yes, I want more of Grayson (SO BADLY). More of Reece.
And also more of Diesel and Jamey and Aisha and Gretel and the empaths I won't name so there aren't spoilers....... so much more.
If you loved Liar City and Twisted Shadows, you will find this third installment so fun and satisfying. The ending is sublime (but also left me wanting MORE).
If you haven't yet read the first 2 books of the Sugar & Vice world, READ THEM and then come back to Edge of Mercy. It wouldn't have the same impact and depth without the intense, prolonged angst and longing.
The main characters change significantly in this book, more than once, and there are certain moments that are so unbelievably satisfying I'll be thinking about them for many months.
Did the end feel a tad rushed in parts? Yes. But also, I got exactly what I needed and wanted, especially for Grayson and Reece.
I loved this book. So I wanted to offer a huge thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for the advanced reader copy. I will be recommending this series far and wide for years to come.
I haven't fallen in love with characters this intensely in awhile. Every time I close my eyes, Grayson is there. Reece just behind him. And it's not just the main characters that I adore - the supporting cast is so rich and beautiful. Yes, I want more of Grayson (SO BADLY). More of Reece.
And also more of Diesel and Jamey and Aisha and Gretel and the empaths I won't name so there aren't spoilers....... so much more.
If you loved Liar City and Twisted Shadows, you will find this third installment so fun and satisfying. The ending is sublime (but also left me wanting MORE).
If you haven't yet read the first 2 books of the Sugar & Vice world, READ THEM and then come back to Edge of Mercy. It wouldn't have the same impact and depth without the intense, prolonged angst and longing.
The main characters change significantly in this book, more than once, and there are certain moments that are so unbelievably satisfying I'll be thinking about them for many months.
Did the end feel a tad rushed in parts? Yes. But also, I got exactly what I needed and wanted, especially for Grayson and Reece.
I loved this book. So I wanted to offer a huge thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for the advanced reader copy. I will be recommending this series far and wide for years to come.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
MM
Multiple POV
Magic realism
Political intrigue
Soft for him
Forbidden romance
They can't touch
Slow burn
Banter
Nicknames
Rating: 5/5 - I loved this book and I think I will reread it
🌶️: 1/5 - there were a couple explicit intimate scenes
TLDR: It's OK. You don't have to fear. It's a good ending.
I was so worried about this book because of the cliffhanger of book 2. Everything that happened with Reese made me super worried that this was not going to be satisfying and I'm here to tell you that it is. It's so good. It maintains the same tension and political intrigue of the first two books. And it pulls at the heartstrings even more. It's very good and I'm very happy. I will absolutely reread the whole series. It's definitely an intricate story with lots of details that I needed my memory jogged for. And the author did do a great job of the little "Hey, you might have forgotten so here you go" things. It didn't feel too long or repetitive. Just a wonderful ending to a very good series.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone. I honestly think that this book is highly palatable. Anyone who likes political intrigue I think will enjoy this book. Unless they really can't jive with magic realism.
Thank you to the author, Harlequin, and Netgalley for the advanced review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Multiple POV
Magic realism
Political intrigue
Soft for him
Forbidden romance
They can't touch
Slow burn
Banter
Nicknames
Rating: 5/5 - I loved this book and I think I will reread it
🌶️: 1/5 - there were a couple explicit intimate scenes
TLDR: It's OK. You don't have to fear. It's a good ending.
I was so worried about this book because of the cliffhanger of book 2. Everything that happened with Reese made me super worried that this was not going to be satisfying and I'm here to tell you that it is. It's so good. It maintains the same tension and political intrigue of the first two books. And it pulls at the heartstrings even more. It's very good and I'm very happy. I will absolutely reread the whole series. It's definitely an intricate story with lots of details that I needed my memory jogged for. And the author did do a great job of the little "Hey, you might have forgotten so here you go" things. It didn't feel too long or repetitive. Just a wonderful ending to a very good series.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone. I honestly think that this book is highly palatable. Anyone who likes political intrigue I think will enjoy this book. Unless they really can't jive with magic realism.
Thank you to the author, Harlequin, and Netgalley for the advanced review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Edge of Mercy is exactly the conclusion to the Sugar and Vice series that I've wanted since Liar City published in 2023!! Since Liar City, Allie Therin has been assuring her fans that Reece and Evan would achieve their happily-ever-after in the last book of the trilogy. After years of patiently waiting for my most anticipated conclusion to a book series, I am so happy to say that she did not disappoint!
I loved following Reece in his increasingly concerning adventures in Liar City and I was delighted to piece together the continuous twisting story through the povs of multiple characters in Twisted Shadows, and now in Edge of Mercy. I love Therin's writing and development of the characters! Since picking up Liar City, I've adored her casual storytelling style that incorporates humorous and romantic insights into an action-packed series where the stakes rise higher in each book.
Since day one, Evan and Reece have been one of my favorite book duos ever! Their sassy back-and-forth banter remains strong all throughout the trilogy, and I have never felt such peace for the conclusion of an ongoing series~
An EXTREMELY big thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for an advanced reader copy!
And to the creator of Reece and Evan's beautiful, heartbreaking story, thank you so, so much :D
I loved following Reece in his increasingly concerning adventures in Liar City and I was delighted to piece together the continuous twisting story through the povs of multiple characters in Twisted Shadows, and now in Edge of Mercy. I love Therin's writing and development of the characters! Since picking up Liar City, I've adored her casual storytelling style that incorporates humorous and romantic insights into an action-packed series where the stakes rise higher in each book.
Since day one, Evan and Reece have been one of my favorite book duos ever! Their sassy back-and-forth banter remains strong all throughout the trilogy, and I have never felt such peace for the conclusion of an ongoing series~
An EXTREMELY big thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for an advanced reader copy!
And to the creator of Reece and Evan's beautiful, heartbreaking story, thank you so, so much :D
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unfortunately this was a miss for me. I've enjoyed other series by this author and liked the first two books in this series, but this third installment was a let down. I think there was just too much going on with the plot and too many POV changes. The plot is not strong enough to hold up the book, and with the characters being apart for much of the story I grew bored. The stakes never felt very high to me because the character actions and emotions did not ring true. Everything was very surface level and kind of silly. I just couldn't get invested. I felt like rolling my eyes multiple times. Unlike the previous books in this series, the banter did not work for me in this one. I was also somewhat annoyed because there's a point in this book where one character is in peril and it is almost EXACTLY like a situation in another series by this author. It felt like the scene just got recycled. The scene really hit for me the first time it was written but here I just found it strange that it was so similar. I hate being so down on a book because I like this author, but I skimmed so much of this one just to make it to the end and was really unsatisfied. If you've liked the series thus far this book doesn't ruin it or anything but I don't think it is a strong installment.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
*ARC provided by NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley for the arc!
i requested this... a while ago? then forgot i had requested it. but when i got approved i downloaded it right away and here we are five days later.
i really like allie therin's work, and this series is incredible. had me stressed down to the wire but it all came together in the end! i think there is more work to be done in this world if she feels like it, and i really hope she does.
it occasionally occurred to me that i should be annoyed by how it kept getting explained who people were the first time we met them in this book, but also i couldn't remember who they were so that was probably a good call. and it wasn't all at once so it wasn't too annoying.
i loved seeing all the complicated pieces come together, from reece and evan's relationship to the whole mess at stone solutions and everything in between. i cared about so much of what was happening, and i didn't feel like anything was overshadowed or got too much attention. masterful! a great book! an excellent series! weird fucking magic (?) that was super cool to think about! what's not to love?
anyways read this series, you will like it (or else).
thanks again to netgalley for the arc, and of course this is my honest review!
i requested this... a while ago? then forgot i had requested it. but when i got approved i downloaded it right away and here we are five days later.
i really like allie therin's work, and this series is incredible. had me stressed down to the wire but it all came together in the end! i think there is more work to be done in this world if she feels like it, and i really hope she does.
it occasionally occurred to me that i should be annoyed by how it kept getting explained who people were the first time we met them in this book, but also i couldn't remember who they were so that was probably a good call. and it wasn't all at once so it wasn't too annoying.
i loved seeing all the complicated pieces come together, from reece and evan's relationship to the whole mess at stone solutions and everything in between. i cared about so much of what was happening, and i didn't feel like anything was overshadowed or got too much attention. masterful! a great book! an excellent series! weird fucking magic (?) that was super cool to think about! what's not to love?
anyways read this series, you will like it (or else).
thanks again to netgalley for the arc, and of course this is my honest review!
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