When you find out that the enemy isn’t who you assumed they were, is it worth holding on to the anger of your past?
For seven long years, Evan Landry kept a picture of their brother’s killer taped to their prison cell wall, vowing that one day, he would be avenged. But when Evan finally comes face-to-face with the pub owner responsible, nothing is as it seems. They’re left with more questions than answers, and so Evan sets out to prove that revenge on the gorgeous femme is justified.
Frankie O’Rourke has rebuilt herself many times over, and now, as the owner of a queer friendly pub in Vancouver, she’s determined to leave the past where it belongs. Known as being dominant in and out of the bedroom, Frankie longs to find the perfect-for-her butch to tease and spoil.
When several of her staff fall ill, Frankie hires the first familiar face she sees—a handsome boi with mismatched eyes and an out-of-town ID. Evan is good at taking direction, and the way they look at Frankie makes her want to claim them for herself.
Evan’s plan to get closer to Frankie is simple at first, but the longer they share space, the harder it is for Evan to remain objective. Will they have what it takes to exact revenge before it’s too late?
Who exactly is the predator? And who is the prey?
Frankie and Evan’s story is the third in the contemporary, sizzling sapphic Love In Vancouver series. Each book can be read as a standalone; however, to get a full appreciation of the characters, reading in order is recommended. For The Price deals with tough subject matter and comes with a TW. If this concerns you, please check the list of trigger/content warnings on the author's website before continuing.
I. Am. Obsessed!! Firstly, with this author, amazing writing and secondly, these characters 😍 I’ve absolutely loved this series and each book just keeps getting better and better! I can’t wait for the next one!! A femme Domme and a non binary masc Sub!?? Yes please!! It’s a combo I never knew I needed and it work so f-ing well!! These two characters had such a fiery dynamic from the get go. They both have deep dark secrets. One sided enemies to lovers. It was written beautifully and everything plot thread came together seamlessly! Highly recommend this book and the whole series. 100% an auto buy author for me now! If Jen-Lea is writing it, I’m devouring it!
Written in Third Person with 2x POV’s. Age Gap (14 years), Healing from Trauma, Slow Burn, Domme/Sub Dynamic, Touch Them and die vibes. 5 incredible spicy scenes.
Thank you Jen-Lea Mercy for providing me with an ARC copy in return for my honest review. Above is my own words and opinions.
I got into this book knowing that Frankie was Coy's ex (from book two) and I kinda had second thoughts but this book didn't disappoint at all!!! I love the author's representation of butches and nonbinary character of Evan as well, it's so rare to see it and the author aced it perfectly, it was beautiful and amazing all in one, and Evan's shyness was just cherry on top. Evan and Frankie make the perfect pair, they fit each other so well and they both needed each other to grow closer and to let go of their traumas. I totally didn't see the plot twist coming altho I was like this is definitely gonna go this way... (tryna keep it spoiler free) but then another twist came and I was like woah damn. I can't wait to read more books by this author!!
Tropes: 💙 Age Gap 🩶 One-Sided Enemies to Lovers 💙 Boss/Employee 🩶 Roommates 💙 BDSM 🩶 Femme Domme
Whewww, this was HOT 🔥 and a total page-turner. As soon as I heard Frankie was getting her own book, I was so ready!
Evan just got out of prison and is dead set on getting revenge against Frankie for something that happened in the past. The tension was real and I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what was gonna happen. But Evan’s plan starts to fall apart once she really gets to know Frankie.
Frankie is dominating, confident, and gives boss bitch energy asf. Pheww 🥵 Her femme dom vibe was givinggg 🤌🏽 And Evan, the soft butch sub, was the sweetest, even with all their painful history. These two were meant for each other. Watching them fall in love, despite everything, was everything I didn’t know I needed. Their relationship builds slowly, which I actually really enjoyed. I’ve come to love a good slow burn as long as it doesn’t drag, and this one hit just right.
This is a one-sided enemies-to-lovers that gives all the feels and is beautifully written. I’m truly obsessed and can’t wait for more from Jen!
Jen-Lea Mercy gives us another wonderful story to sink out teeth into. D/s with the femme being Dominant. The connection, push and pull, and facets of the MCs, made it a fun story to read. It was difficult to put down. I will continue to follow this author for more books in the future.
"A powerful, passionate, and unforgettable story — absolute perfection!"
When I heard that Frankie was getting her own story, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This book was pure perfection — from the suspense and tension to the spice and the captivating storyline, it was phenomenal from start to finish. I could not put it down!
The connection between Frankie and Evan was undeniable. The tension between them was electric, and their relationship development was beautifully written. You can tell a great deal of care and emotion went into creating this incredible couple.
I absolutely loved the character development. Frankie, the fierce Femme pleasure domme with a strong exterior and a traumatic past, was stunningly written. Evan, the soft Butch submissive with her own painful history, was equally incredible. They were truly meant for each other — and once their connection ignites, there’s no stopping them. The spice in this book was top-tier!
The side characters were fantastic too. I especially enjoyed learning more about Sloan — McCoy’s sister from books one and two — whose growth in this story was exceptionally well-crafted. I’m beyond excited to see what’s next for her in the series.
Another amazing book, Jen-Lea. Thank you for the opportunity to read this incredible story — I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
If you’re looking for a queer romance that blends emotional depth with sizzling chemistry, For the Price by Jen-Lea Mercy is a must-read. As the third installment in the Love in Vancouver series, this novel delivers a powerful story of revenge, redemption, and unexpected love. 💔 A Story of Vengeance and Vulnerability At the heart of the novel is Evan Landry, a brooding butch protagonist whose plan for revenge leads them straight into the orbit of Frankie O’Rourke—a dominant femme pub owner with a magnetic presence and a complicated past. What begins as a calculated move quickly evolves into a deeply personal journey of healing and connection. Mercy masterfully builds tension between Evan and Frankie, creating a slow-burn romance that’s both provocative and emotionally resonant. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the way their guarded hearts begin to unravel is nothing short of captivating. 🌈 Queer, Complex, and Unapologetic For the Price doesn’t shy away from difficult themes. From trauma and coercion to fatphobia and desire, Mercy handles each with nuance and care. The characters are unapologetically queer, and their emotional journeys are portrayed with authenticity and depth. Frankie’s strength and vulnerability shine through, while Evan’s internal conflict adds layers of complexity. Their dynamic is electric, and readers will find themselves rooting for their love to overcome the shadows of the past. 🖋️ Mercy’s Signature Style Jen-Lea Mercy’s writing is sharp, evocative, and deeply human. The Vancouver setting adds charm and grit, grounding the story in a vibrant, lived-in world. With bold character dynamics and a fearless approach to queer storytelling, For the Price stands out as a gem in contemporary LGBTQ+ fiction. ⭐ Final Thoughts Whether you’re a fan of age-gap romance, slow-burn tension, or stories that celebrate messy, beautiful love, For the Price delivers. It’s a book that challenges, heals, and ultimately affirms the power of connection. Highly recommended for readers who crave queer romance with heart, heat, and depth.
Well Jen-Lea Mercy has done it again... I swear every book in this series just keeps getting better.
I am not sure if I can officially say this or not but Frankie and Evan might be my favorite.... (Sorry McCoy) They are both so damaged, in such layered ways that it was a joy to work through all of those levels. The amount of vulnerability that Jen-Lea has brought to both of these characters was a complete joy. I feel with every installment we are watching the author truly come into her own.
I have always said that the first two books in this series could be read as a stand alone, but to really get into Frankie's story I think you do need to read the other books. Do yourself that favor. It will help build up the mystery around who and what she is. This was not the easiest book for me to read, there are some pretty heavy subjects, but I will always trust Jen-Lea Mercy to take me down that road.
Oh my Frankie and Evan do not disappoint. I’ve been looking forward to Frankie’s story since McCoy found her love in book 2. Frankie is a complex, guarded, and protective femme. As a domme, all of those traits come together but it is also present for those she lets around her circle. While Frankie doesn’t let people too close, there is something about Evan that pulls her to them. Evan has had a hard life. Her insertion into Frankie’s world is not an accident. Hell bent on making Frankie pay, Evan works their way into working for Frankie. If only they knew that getting to know the person they are there to destroy would turn their world upside down. As their relationship develops, they will either drown in their secrets or soar together. Jen-Lea Mercy does an outstanding job with crafting believable, flawed, lovable MCs who have well flushed out back stories and through all their struggles, get the ending they deserve.
I honestly didn't think Mercy could top Sawyer, but dear Goddess did she with Frankie. The burn was brutal, but never been more worth it. Frankie is in the top spot now. Hands down. No spoilers, but if you liked For the Record, you're going to LOVE For the Price.
Powerful and passionate emotions surge through this unforgettable and complicated romantic story, which simmers with magnetic attraction and desire. There are some fiercely heartrending moments that tear at the fabric of our MCs' and the readers' composure. Moreover, it overflows with suspense, intrigue, and scorching heat.
Though Evan blame-shifts and plays Frankie like a well-tuned violin, sabotages and betrays her, and even is a serious threat to her life, Frankie can't turn away from Evan, feeling intensely that Evan could be the one. But things are never easy between these two. They both have secrets they're keeping from the other.
Yet, Frankie's past trauma and guilt and her longing for a trusted partner and sub have her pushing aside red flags as well as Evan's miscreant behavior, while Evan's diabolical quest begins to conflict with Evan's own desires and what Evan is learning about Frankie, throwing Evan into a raging tailspin. How that plays out, I'll leave to your reading pleasure.
Still, that last intimate scene between them was profoundly touching, compassionate, and beautiful.
And, along the way, this well-crafted and compelling story brings us into the intricate goings-on at O'Rourke's Pub and invites us into the lives and various friendships and love interests. A window is opened into Frankie's internal struggles grieving McCoy, and we see how Evan weighs in on that. We glimpse Frankie's growing friendship with Sawyer, who is McCoy's partner, and then there's Sloane. OMG, you really broke my heart over Sloane and Frankie's reaction and treatment of her. I sure hope you're able to heal things completely in For The Win, Sloane's story, which is coming out when???
This was an incredible and captivating book that I not only couldn't put down but even now, I long for more of these characters and their engaging stories and tangled lives, which stories keep getting better and better. Jen-Lea, you're an amazing writer, and thank you for the ARC!
Wow! Having really enjoyed the Vancouver book 2, with McCoy and Sawyer, I wasn’t sure how ready I would be to put them aside and focus on other characters. I shouldn’t have worried because that was epic!
Frankie, a beautiful, traumatised Domme owns O’Rourkes, a queer friendly pub. After things between her and her part time submissive draw to a close, she’s left feeling sad and alone. Until Evan walks in and orders a whiskey, with their bi coloured eyes, soft butch appearance and inquisitive nature, they capture Frankie’s attention. But they appear to be hiding something…
What I love about Jen Lea’s books is she’s not afraid to tackle traumatic topics. (Do check the TW’s on her website before reading!) I feel for her characters, it’s like she’s listened to them during development and gone ‘ok, you can take a bit more!’ It’s not just the MCs either, even the side characters have trauma. I fucking love it! They’re not dull, that’s for sure.
For the Price is such an incredible read. Aside from the brilliant story, the twists and turns and, let’s face it, some fucking awesome spice, I have to say thank you to Jen Lea for writing such a wonderful non binary lesbian character! As an enby lesbian myself, I can honestly say that the way she handled their body during spicy scenes, shining light on gender/body dysmorphia as well as adding in some delicious BDSM was just wonderful, empowering and fucking awesome! She did so with such respect, without turning it into a ‘political’ point and maintained the story, the spiciness and character so well.
Frankie and Evan are adorable, a self declared slow burn couple, fighting against external factors and themselves but when it ramps up, hold onto your hats!
I was lucky enough to receive an Arc in exchange for an honest review. Her Vancouver series is available on KU.
This book held my attention the whole time, just as I expected and longed for! It's intense and so full of strong yet vulnerable personalities! The MCs are captivating and complex. Far more so than I could have imagined. With lots of surprises and secrets. Although that was to be expected with Frankie! Nevertheless, amazing things come to light and Evan unintentionally teases everything out just by being in Frankie's life. Great story. Suspenseful right to the end and so, so hot! My goodness. phew! It develops slowly because it's a one-sided enemies-to-lovers story. Evan needs time to connect a lot of what they’ve been told with reality. Frankie needs time to understand herself and how she reacts to Evan. So not herself at all! Evan has enormous self-doubt about the task they’ve been given. I don’t want to spoil to much, but when they meet Frankie, they expect something different and is completely captivated by her presence. I also love that McCoy and Sawyer's worlds intersect with Frankie's so often, and that a kind of friendship develops that is unpredictable. Even if it happens out of necessity on Sawyer's part. Frankie mourns McCoy for a long time in her own way. She knows why everything happened this way. She's not entirely innocent. Okay, that's enough for now. I can only say that with each book, this series just keeps getting better and better. I love this book, and Frankie and Evan are so incredibly good together. But I've said that about all the others, too 😉 It's not light and fluffy, but it's intense and messy and so hot! Many thanks to Jen-Lea Mercy for the ARC! It was more than promised!
For the price is a story I had no idea I needed. Jen- Lea tells the story between Frankie and Evan with such thoughtfulness, I couldn't help but fall in love with these MCs irrespective of their flaws.
Frankie, a former cop and pub owner craves a sub of her own. In walks Evan, a non- binary soft butch who fits the bill.
They both habour secrets. Frankie is a stone top struggling with intimacy— a residue effect of the sexual adult she suffered at 17. Evan is an ex- con, on a mission to surbotage or kill Frankie as revenge for killing their brother years ago.
The author tells their story with so well, you'll be rooting for their relationship to have a chance. And yes, there is a happily ever after. 😉 Also, no one dies.
The secondary characters are weaved so well into Frankie and Evan's lives. Sloane, McCoy's identical twin sister is an interesting character to explore. I am glad the author has a book for her.
I enjoyed seeing Sawyer and McCoy (from For the Record) feature in this one too. This may be another book you'll enjoy.
Loved everything about this master piece. There are some slow parts— but For the Price will keep you turning the pages from beginning to finish.
This is an age gap, femme/ soft butch lesbian romance with a non- binary mc. There is a light BDSM theme with medium spice. The sexual assault history of one of the MCs maybe triggering. Among other interesting tropes.
In For the Price Jen-Lea Mercy has delivered a powerful story of revenge, redemption and love which drew me in from the very first page. The story has so many layers and delves into some very difficult themes with two main characters who are both working to overcome past hurts including abuse, coercion and fear of being vulnerable.
Frankie O'Rourke is a former cop who resigned several years ago and is now running a queer-friendly pub in Vancouver. She is a stone domme, determined to maintain control in all aspects of her life. She has no idea of just how much her life is going to change when Evan Landry arrives in town on a journey of revenge for the death of her brother several years earlier and Frankie is her target. The question is whether the clear attraction between the two women is enough to help Evan learn that, maybe, there was more to the incident which saw Frankie kill Evan's brother and for them to overcome their respective trust issues.
I absolutely loved this story, even though it was anything but an easy read and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a gritty read, full of kink, drama and heart.
I am very grateful to Jen-Lea Mercy for providing me with an ARC copy of this story and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Frankie O'Rourke is crankier than usual. Her long time sub, McCoy, had fallen in love and ended their arrangement, leaving her feeling unsatisfied. Then soft butch Evan Landry catches her eye.
Evan is (sort of) happy Frankie hadn't recognized them, as they were there on a mission. They also know some of the cast from childhood. They are being blackmailed to go after Frankie, but also are certain of her wrongdoing.
Oh, and Sloane is interested in Evan too. Which does NOT make Frankie happy. Plus drama with Frankie's aunt and relatives. Frankie is a ex cop. Huh.
Realizing Evan is living on the street, Frankie offers her spare room... which is normally her playroom. One day frantically hiding crap later, Evan moves in.
The subplot of Sloane not handling McCoy's new relationship well continues. Nice continuity bit.
Evan finds the sex toys, accidentally handcuffs themselves, then freaks out mid seduction.
Frankie' learns Evan's true id, but various things happen and they resolve things and start to date. F's backstory is hella dark. Damn.
Unexpected plot twist that's a spoiler. Holy crap tho.
Really solidly good read. Vivid writing, interesting characters. While there is some continuity from the last book, you don't need to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this amazing third installment of the Vancouver series. All three books are amazing and definitely must read but Frankie and Evan are by far the best! Flawed and damaged they have lived lives that they would rather forget but they survive the only way they can alone and empty. That is until Evan walks into Frankie’s bar looking for revenge but what she finds is not what she expected. Frankie takes one look at Evan and wants them-the instant attraction is exactly what she has been looking for to get over Sawyer-see book 2. The love story that happens after the first meeting is messy and heartbreaking and the only way Frankie and Evan will know if it’s real is by busting down every obstacle in their path. There are some sensitive and difficult moments in this book-please be aware of the trigger warnings that you can find on Jen-Lea’s website. I would recommend reading the first 2 books of this series-but definitely book 2 is a must as there is a continuing storyline from book 2. The only other thing I can say is bring on book 4!
This book was a God send…It is easy to get lose in Ms. Mercy writing style. She is able to draw you into another world without you realizing how much time has passed.
You experience the characters’ emotions. I have never laughed so hard in my life at the hilarious parts. I had tears streaming down my face at the sad spots. The vulnerability and the intimacy are red hot and spot on. Grab your favorite drink, a cozy place to relax and get lost in a great story.
ARC Review - Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book to read and review.
This was an intriguing read that kept me hooked! I enjoyed the setup of the story. The mystery, the secrets, the past lives. It was a well done blend of opposing ideas of the characters. The good vs bad, right vs wrong, past vs present, love vs lust vs hate, the mask they hide behind vs the dark side they hide from the rest of the world. I really really liked getting to know these characters and seeing their story unfold.
Another lovely book from Ms Mercy in the Love in Vancouver Series. No need to have read the previous books, but a little background never hurts. Frankie owns and runs a pub in Vancouver, there she meets and then employs Evan. But Evan is not what she seems and is in fact there to avenge who she thinks is her brothers killer. Well written, with a good plot and interesting storyline. Well worth the read.
Frankie and Evan are perhaps two of the most stubborn characters I've ever read, but I adore them both. They have to slash through so many expectations and assumptions to get to each other, but their stubbornness is the only way through - and they refuse to give up. When they do? Amazing. Just amazing. Do yourself a favor and read this one. It's worth every second of your time.
I received this book as an ARC and I’m so grateful! This book was absolutely amazing, I did NOT see all the plot twists this book had. For start to finish this book was absolutely beautifully written. I love the spice and representation, then there was moments that had me in tears and let me tell you by the end I was like “Hell Yeah” that’s a 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. I CAN not wait to read the other stories !!!
This is a well-written romance about love and redemption. There are some disturbing and painful topics in this story, but they are addressed in a respectful manner that enhances the story. You can't help but root for Frankie and Evan to overcome the past and get their happily ever after.
Phew. 🥵😍 Okay HOT DAMN. Daddy Frankie blew my mind and Evan was so endearing. The dynamic between the two of them was sizzling and passionate. The plot, the characters, the spice, the relationships and all of the elements flowed together seamlessly without any element lacking. A steamy, juicy read. Definitely reccomended!!
Well Jen-Lea Mercy has done it again!! Another amazing story full of obstacles to overcome and characters you can't help but love. I'd recommend reading 'For the Record' first just to get a better idea of Frankie and McCoy's past but oh man I cannot wait to find out more about Sloane next!!!
3.5 ⭐️ It was alright, very unique story line, but kinda far fetched. The use of “I love you” by one of the MCs was way to early in the story to be believable. That ruined it for me.
HOWEVER, if you are looking for solid BDSM representation - this is for you. Well done.
What a truly amazing journey this book takes you on. Frankie and Evan, two people broken in very different ways who have learned to cope the best way they can, they are the most unexpected pairing but they also just work so well together. This is a story unlike any I have read before and it touched me deep inside. This is the third book in the Vancouver series and although it can be read as a stand alone there is more to them if read in order. I love that there is some overlap with this book from the previous one and as such it shows a different insight into things that were mentioned in the last one. I can't say I warmed to Frankie in the previous books but she really shines through as a wonderful woman who has remained a beautiful person despite her traumatic past. All three books are very different from each other and each a great read in their own right. This is a very gritty book that covers some hard topics and I would advise that you check out the trigger warnings attatched to it.
Frankie getting her own book was already enough to have me excited, but this ended up being such a strong addition to the series.
The tension between Frankie and Evan is immediate, especially with Evan coming in carrying anger, history, and a need for revenge. What worked so well for me was how that slowly shifted into something softer, more vulnerable, and far more complicated than either of them expected.
Frankie’s femme domme energy is everything. Confident, sharp, controlled, and impossible to ignore. Evan balances her so beautifully as a soft butch submissive with their own pain and guardedness. Their dynamic is hot, yes, but it also has real emotional weight behind it.
I really appreciated the care in the representation too. Evan felt fully realised, desired, and layered, which made the romance even stronger for me.
Spicy, emotional, addictive, and full of tension. Jen-Lea Mercy keeps making this series better, and I’m very much here for it.