Mercy Is for Saints

by Joan Morven

This book has very detailed scenes that might trigger some readers.
Please read the triggers.

I’ve snapped necks with my hands.
Watched men choke on their own teeth.
Violence doesn’t haunt me, it feeds me.
Then she appeared.
She kills like she’s praying. Now I can’t stop watching.
I know her rituals, her scent, the exact arc of her blade.
She became mine the moment her darkness touched my own
She just doesn’t know it yet.
She can fight. She can run. She can bleed me dry.
I’ll still drag her back.
Because there’s no world where I let her go.
She thinks she chose me, but truth is, she never had a chance.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Amazon, Found Family, Novella

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Dark romance Author.
Romanticizing what therapy can't fix.

Reviews

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads)]

5⭐️
4🌶️
🔥Masked Unaliver
🔪Revenge
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔪Vigilante FMC
🔥Stalking & Obsession
🔪Possessive & Feral MMC
🔥Ritual Unaliving
🔪Touch Her & ☠️
🔥Dual First Person POV

Tamsin is out for revenge. She’s going after the men who assaulted her cousin and then covered it up with threats and money. Tamsin has been planning for the last two years. She doesn’t just want to unalive them, but make them suffer. Her methods are unconventional and brutal. Our masked man Eiden and his friends make up the mysterious group Eidolon. People seek them out when they have nowhere else to turn to for help. Eiden is fascinated and instantly obsessed. These two are a perfectly unhinged unaliving for revenge couple. I love when books surprise me with new and twisted things, and Joan certainly develivered and then some. The female rage is everything and I appreciated how Eiden didn’t interfere with her plans. Even though this is a novella, I would have liked more details about the characters in general. This is a fully developed story with great plot and amazing spice.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 4.5

Thank you Joan Morven for the ARC, I’m looking forward to more Eidolon stories.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“She’s unhinged, and I’m loving every second of whatever this is.”

“Henry Lane is rotting in a hole with his testicles sewn into his eye sockets. I even named it. The Shame Socket. Has a ring to it!”

“Oh, honey. Mercy is for saints, and I’m definitely not one.”

“Your darkness. Your violence. It completes me, and I’ll go to the end of hell to protect that.”

“Feel that hellcat?” I snarl against her ear. “That’s me splitting you open, and I’m not pulling out until every inch of you knows who you f*€king belong to.”

[Kasia van Aelst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I feel that is a real honor. So thank you Joan for giving me the opportunity to already read your book.

Now as for the book and story itself. It is only a 100 pages long. 100 pages which I ran through. I really enjoyed this story!

Tamsin the FMC is on a path of revenge. She is on the hunt for persons who hurt someone she loves. And let me tell you, she has no mercy!
And than Eiden. Our masked man. Mysterious, angry, also no merci. I believe 6.6 👀 So an MMC after our heart I would say. He gave me Zade Meadows kind of vibes. Which means he is obsessed with our FMC.

I would be very interested to know more about Beau and Caleb. So I would be very happy if there would be a sequel 😊

[Romi Tolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC REVIEWW!
Mercy Is for Saints shocked me in the best way possible
Dark obsession haunting and beautifully brutal The writing drips with power and emotion every page felt like a heartbeat between damnation and redemption joan just redefined dark fantasy

If you love morally gray characters eerie secrets and that feeling of obsession and I can’t stop reading even though it’s destroying me this book is for you.

[Nicole Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Joan and all her books. The way she tells this story in only 13 chapters fills my dark soul!

This is dark, depraved and utterly sexy. Our FMC is a badass and the MMC is instant possessive. Masked for most of it, their dynamic.

The story was great FMC is out for revenge MMC is a vigilante of sorts with his two best friends and they see her taking her revenge out one night/ she fucks this guy up. Woah ! 🤯

I need more of this story these other guys, the way my soul tingles.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️ more plot than spice but some good spice

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So another one of my “gifted” copies

I saw this on instagram and book dragon in me was like I want it, Gimmie just from the cover

And let me tell you this did not disappoint at all!

Now you need to read it because I don’t want to give anything away but just from page one the story began and I mean began as in once the plot started and we were moving and shaking and the violence commenced it didn’t stop

The spice was a spice that was well worth it

Highly recommend!

[Katie Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight into the action from the prolong. This book really was like the MMC describes LOUD, AGGRESSIVE AND CHAOTIC. With the MMC Eiden bring the back back, the FMC Tamsins channels her inner rage for revenge. And what support would you have if you didn't have the entourage of misfit minions as well. The way the prologue started i thought this was going to be their story but boy was I wrong.

Joan you did an amazing job and your support for your arc readers was A+

[MH💙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um… hello?
This was a fantastic start to my October. I love the fast-paced novellas and just got in to the whole masked scene. This was a great take, and right up my alley with the chaos of the characters and the viciousness of the FMC out for revenge.
My only issue was that it’s over, and I wish there was more.
I’ll be on the lookout for more from this author - especially if she keeps dropping books like this. 🌶️🪭🤤

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamsin is the absolute living embodiment of karma! After discovering her cousin had been drugged, assaulted, and silenced by the rich and powerful with the police turning a blind eye she takes justice into her own hands. When Eiden, catches sight of Tamsin in the middle of her retribution, he becomes utterly obsessed. Going so far as to steal her knife, and getting stabbed for his trouble. Joan’s writing is sharp, addictive, and perfectly paced. I tore through this story without realizing how much time had passed. The chemistry between Tamsin and Eiden burns hot and unapologetic, their banter electric and their darkness beautifully matched. In this dark romance novella, expect found family, feminine rage, stalking, blood play, knife play, morally black characters and arson. As always, check your trigger warnings, because while this story is phenomenal, it doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamsin is karma in physical form. After finding out her cousin had been drugged and raped by the rich and elite, then threatened into silence and ignored by the police, Tamsin decided that she was going to avenge her cousin. She did her homework, learned about the men who destroyed her cousin, and disguised herself to become their preferred targets, luring them one by one to her cabin.

What Tamsin DIDN'T know was that these men were also on the kill list of a group that operates on the dark web, specializing in killing predators like them. When Eiden, one of the leaders of this group, sees Tamsin in all her bloody glory, he becomes obsessed and needs to know more. So he stalks her. Well, he steals her knife first, gets stabbed then kinda stalks her.

Joan's writing style was incredibly enjoyable, I was able to read easily and get lost in the story, time seemed to fly by with this book and the ending was perfect. The chemistry between the FMC and the MMC was hot and burned brighter than a house lit up in flames in the dead of night. They complemented each other and I couldn't get enough of their banter or her quick wit.

In this dark romance novella you'll find:

🔪 Found family
🩸 Feminine rage
🔪 Stalking
🩸 Blood play
🔪 Knife play
🩸 Morally black MCs

And my personal favorite:

🔥 An arsonist 🔥

⚠️ As always, check your trigger warnings as there are heavy topics discussed and only you can be responsible for your mental health when consuming fictional media ⚠️

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She thought she was alone in her vengeance. But he was already watching.”

This isn’t your typical dark novella — Mercy Is For Saints is short, savage, and beautifully written. In less than 160 pages, the author manages to deliver a gripping, well-paced plot filled with tension, obsession, and blood-soaked chemistry.

Told in dual POV, this story dives into the twisted connection between two secret assassins bound by vengeance and violence. The heroine’s female rage burns bright, and the masked hero’s fascination with her darkness makes for a dangerously addictive dynamic. It’s brutal, erotic, and hauntingly poetic all at once.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This novella contains extremely graphic violence, gore, and explicit dark content — including detailed scenes that may be upsetting to some readers. Please read the author’s content warnings carefully before diving in.

For readers who crave a dark romance that actually delivers both heat and story, Mercy Is For Saints is proof that a novella can be short and unforgettable. It’s sharp, intense, and absolutely not for the faint of heart.

I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.

[Anna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I ate it up!!! The MMC also ate a lot. 👀 I don't know what's in the water, but the horror romance novellas lately have been on 🔥! This book is a 5 star or 5 eye ball rating! You'll understand if you read the book. Haha Thank you to @joanmorvenauthor for writing it. It was such a packed novella and I loved every minute.

All the characters in this book are crazy, but for a good cause. Despite it being a shorter book, I felt like they truly had depth and I was on the edge of my seat. This would make such a great movie.

Also this is a great book if you're a strong independent woman who also likes a hulky beast of man to back ya up (or work as a chair).

Favorite Quote

"Your darkness. Your violence. It completes me, and I'll go to the end of hell to protect that."

[Neia Quaintance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure u read TWs before u read this book

This is a very good dark revenge book. Tamsin is goin after the monsters that think they can get away with anything until she finds them. She meets her match, Eiden and his friends, Beau, and Caleb, the mysterious group Eidolon. Definitely got Dexter vibes reading this. This book is so good and fast-paced, definitely a page turner 4sure. If u like unhinged masked men and a strong FMC, ur gonna wanna read this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Han S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for Mercy is for Saints and I’m so glad I received it!

5⭐️/4🌶️

This book is a novella, and I found myself into it from the get go! If you love a masked MMC and a secret underground organization, and a badass FMC you will enjoy this! I loved both the FMC and MMC, they’re both deliciously unhinged. Also the way that the MMC worships her is just so hot. 🥵


Do make sure you read the trigger warnings, especially the torture and gore (eyes are a big part of these scenes).


my only complaint is that it just felt too short! I would have loved to explore a bit more back story and learn more about Beau and Caleb as well.

[Momsliteraryhaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quote: "How the f**k am I hard right now? She put steel in my leg, and my c**k’s reacting like she kissed me.".

I couldn't put this book down. First of all- I'm a sucker for books with strong, badass female main characters. There are so many dark romances out there where the FMC is just like a small little kitten. Tamsin is not like that at all. She's a lioness. She's strong, capable, and not about to take anybody's shit. She has her moments of weakness which I love about her also.

Now Eiden. The best way to describe him is a mix between a golden retriever and a rottweiler. 😂 I mean the man basically falls in love with her just watching her unalive a man.

The spice, the rapport, the unaliving methods... *Chef's kiss*

I do suggest reading the triggers before you read the book. I know from my FB groups that eyes are a trigger for people... I would definitely not recommend this book to those people.

[thevelvetthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The spice - bloody.

“Mercy is for saints. And I’m definitely not one.”

This is not a romance.
This is vengeance wrapped in obsession,
laced with justice, and soaked in blood.

Tamsin is rage in lipstick and plastic jumpsuit
A girlboss forged in grief and precision.
And every stitch is a warning for the next victim.

Eidolon is a ghost. A whisper.

Eiden is obsession and hunger.
A man who watches and
every once in a while likes to intervene.


Sharpen your blades, sinners.
Let the blade sink in deep.


🔪 Vigilante FMC
😈 UNHINGED MMC
👁️ masked men
🧠 stalking as foreplay
🥀 edgeplay (and it’s not edging)
🩸 knifes as handles

[Dollface_sinner01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an arc and couldn’t be more greatful. My review is of my own opinion and has not been influenced.

A woman hellbent on revenge .. a man who sees his equal. What happens when two dark souls crash into each other. Dark, haunting, yet beautiful love blossoms from what started as obsession. One quest for revenge is only the beginning. His hellcat has claws and he loves each ounce of trouble that comes with it. He would burn the world for her and she loves every second of it.

5/5 stars absolutely loved this book. The dynamic that blossomed. The show of how no matter how broken you think you are someone out there is your perfect match. Justice is served when corruption tried to prevent it. Let’s just say you never wanna experience the shame socket

[LozzyLouReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it's a fun, fast-paced dark novella.

Tamsin the FMC who is a strong female who is on a mission to seek revenge and nothing or no one will stop her or get in her way. She is definitely not one to be underestimated or messed with.

The MMC Eiden is morally grey and conceals his identity, hiding in the shadows and working through the dark web carrying out tasks other can't or won't. When he sets his sights on something, he won't stop until it's his.

I really enjoyed the plot it was very gripping, captivating and exhilarating with some disturbing scenes that enhance the characters emotions and drive to fulfil their mission. I thought it was really well written, easy to read and appropriately paced.

In my opinion, this is a great book to read if you want to dip your toe into a bit of gore.

I would HIGHLY recommend this novella.
I am so glad to have discovered this author and I look forward to reading more by them.

[Rosanne Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was amazing from the very first page!!

All the MC's are morally grey! There is lots of violence with many many dangerous decisions and situations! 🤪😂🙈

The FMC is amazing! She is on a mission for mission for those that the justice system abandoned! She strong, determined and her rage . . . Omg! 👌👌😂🤪

This story very much gave me 'The Brutes' by K.V.K. vibes! 🤗

There is possession, obsession, dark humour 😈😂 and spicy scenes! 🔥🔥🥵

I luved this book and read it in one sitting! Thoroughly recommend picking up if u like ur dark romances 😉

[Alana Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book has dark elements and scenes. It’s unhinged and full of feminine rage and obsession. This book isn’t for those wanting fluffy and cute. It’s for those who love the darker things.

“I’d carve the world open to keep your scent in my lungs.”

Who doesn’t love a morally grey FMC and MMC, who are both as psycho as each other? It’s fast paced and the spice is definitely spicing. It’s very well written and I loved every second of it. For a novella I found the side characters added a nice dimension to the plot and I can’t wait to read more about them all. I was hooked from the dedication.

“For every woman who was told to be quiet. For every survivor who deserved justice and never saw it.”

“Careful what you beg for, sweetheart. I don’t break things. I fucking ruin them.”

I can’t wait to read more from Joan Morven. I’ve moved everything they’ve currently written to the top of my TBR pile. This is one of those books I know I’ll be getting a shelf trophy copy of and recommending to everyone who loves dark romance, with a strong FMC who makes the world her bitch.

[Kelz Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my first book by Joan morven, I received this book as an arc read and I absolutely loved it, the female rage of our bad arse fmc tasmin has for revenge for her cousin is like a cold knife to the balls 😜. while our masked mmc becomes obsessed by watching her kill the man on his hit list, tasmin beat him to it while he stands in the shadows watching her take her first life.

"careful what you beg for, sweetheart I don't break things I fuxking ruin them".

if you like

🖤 touch her and die
🖤 masked mmc
🖤 stalker
🖤 secret killers
🖤 obsessed mmc
🖤 feminine rage

then this books for you! no more spoiling what are you waiting for go read or die waiting 😜

[Megan Schauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Joan Morven and I’m… addicted. Of course, when I finished the book and read the acknowledgement, it all made so much sense to see one of my other favorite authors listed. I absolutely devoured this book. I loved the characters and the way the story flowed. Tamsin is an absolute badass, all the way. And holy hell… Where can I find a guy like Eiden? Not me swooning over yet another morally black antihero. 😅

[Kerry-Anne Nabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamsin is on the path of revenge, revenge for every girl that failed victim to the evil. Her cousin is one of the women that walked away from the men, broken. Tamsin promised herself she will remove them. Picking them off one by one. Planning every detail, every move. Only she wasn’t expecting to be followed. Eiden planned to take her first ‘victim’ himself, only to catch her ‘kidnapping’ him. Instantly becoming obsessed with her.
The way Tamsin moves, even the first time, knowing each move to make, and a plan to follow. That girl does not mess about. She is a goddess dripped in blood, the perfect revenge queen.
I thought I would just going to fall in love with Tamsin but I was not expecting to love Eiden.
Not only is he hot, but wears a mask, is completely obsessed with her and has a mouth on him.

[CharliReadsSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 4/5

🖤 Unhinged MMC
🥀 Just as unhinged FMC
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🥀 Forced proximity
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🥀 Obsession
🖤 Serial unalivers

Talk about a shock to the system! The opening chapter of this novella was a stunning, immediate hook that had me absolutely tearing through the pages. I was amazed at the sheer depth and quality packed into such a short read; honestly, I was gutted when it ended!

“Oh, honey. Mercy is for saints, and I’m definitely not one.”

But a major warning: this book will test your gag reflex. The author paints every horrific scene so vividly that the stomach-churning descriptive scenes are unreal. I felt like a participant in the carnage (eyeballs and balls?! 🤢). Prepare to feel the blood and gore.

“You want to hurt me, don’t you? Cut me open and see what’s inside. I’ll let you.”

On the flip side, the spice was molten hot. The famous mirror scene? An absolute masterpiece of erotic writing. Chef's kiss! 🔥

“That’s mine. That mess between your thighs—mine. That scream in your lungs—mine.”

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Joan, I didn't want it to end.

Tamsin is after revenge for those who hurt her cousin. This is how she crosses path with eidolon. They remove the scum that prey on the weak. Eiden is part of this group, and Tamsin quickly becomes his obsession. Her darkness matched his.

This novella quickly drew me in, and the story fast-paced but not rushed. The pull between the characters doesn’t feel forced and loved both their unhinged nature, especially Tasmin's. Even from her first kill, she does not hold back.

This was an enjoyable read, short, dark, and spicy. I can’t wait to see what's next in this series.

[S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Female rage has never been so electric! Mercy Is for Saints is a powerhouse read fueled by righteous fury, but it's Tamsin's sharp, smart mouth that makes her the perfectly relatable savior we all need. What truly steals the show is the dark, consuming obsession of the MMC. Tamsin's fiery wit meets her masked man's unwavering protection, creating tension that practically sparks off the page. If you love a blend of action, angst, and all-consuming devotion, stop what you're doing and pick this up. I'm desperate for the next book!

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

When vowing revenge for a loved one who’s suffered under the hands of evil, sets in motion things that are unexpected, a little unsettling but ultimately welcoming (once she get’s used to the stalking masked man, that is).

Tamsin is such an amazing FMC!! She’s feisty but full of love which is why she’s on her chosen path. And when that path collides with Eiden’s, things heat up exponentially!! He falls first & so hard with banter & cautious encouragement from bestie’s, Beau & Caleb. I devoured this book!! I just love Joan’s writing & her characters hook me in.

Highly recommend this read & I’m so curious about where this series is going! Can’t wait!!

[Megan Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one hell of a read! If you love a book with an FMC hell bent on revenge and is full of rage, then you will love Tamsin. Like your MMC masked, unhinged and obsessed, with a "touch her and you will lose the hand you did it with" mentality then Eiden will have you drooling.
There was so much banter between the characters in this book that I found myself literally laughing. And the things Eiden did to Tamsin was so hot you may need a cold shower after. 🥵 Please read the trigger warnings prior to reading this as there are some very graphic scenes and a lot of extremely dark topics.
@joanmorvenauthor thank you so much for giving us this book, Eiden and his masked brothers and one bad ass FMC in Tamsin. I cannot wait for the next book!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella had me in a chokehold. I couldn't put it down once I started it!

Joan Morven did it again with this book. I absolutely devoured all of the female rage and revenge the FMC dished out. I loved the almost cat and mouse game our MMC plays with the FMC as he stalks her. His admiration for her style of revenge is just fantastic.

The spice in this book is breathtaking and dark. I ate those scenes up they were just amazing. This book was just what I needed. It wasn't a long book but I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see what comes next in the Eidolon series

[Loredana Livadariu · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all thank you Joan for allowing me to read this as an ARC reader.
Secondly did I finish this or did this finish me, because I cannot express how good is this. Joan has managed to write a badass FMC that still gets a protective MMC. Not only he unalives anyone that touches her but he is obsessed with her from the first time he sees her.
Yes to how he loves her
Yes to how he protects her
Yes to this type of love
5 stars is not enough. Yes you have to read this.

[Chanel Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Joan Morven book, and let me tell you what an intoxicating way to be introduced.

It’s a short read, but the heat, intensity, and obsession crammed into these pages had me hooked the entire time.

Eiden was pure sin from the very first moment 🥵 the kind of man who makes your pulse race just by existing.
And Tasmin, She was fierce, unapologetic, and absolutely irresistible.

Eiden’s obsession with her didn’t just feel like green flag, it felt like the kind of devotion every dark, delicious fantasy is built on