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Savage's Mercy: An Age-Gap Instalove Romance

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A terrified cult escapee. A ruthless MC enforcer. A stormy night that binds them forever.
Mercy has never known freedom. Raised in a strict religious compound, she was destined to be "bound" to the congregation. Until she ran. barefoot and bleeding, into the dark woods. She didn't expect to be saved. And she certainly didn't expect her savior to be a massive, scarred biker on a Harley.
Savage is a weapon for the Thunder Bastards MC. He’s nearly forty, dangerous, and lives by the club's code. He doesn't do "gentle." But when he finds a shivering girl in a ditch, his dark instincts shift from violence to obsessive protection.
He takes her to the clubhouse, feeds her, and gives her a new name. But Mercy’s past is hunting her. The cult leaders want their property back, and they have sent men to retrieve her.
They made one fatal they came for what belongs to Savage.
Now, he will burn the world down to keep her safe. She is no longer just a stray; she is claimed.

Savage's Mercy is a high-octane Motorcycle Club romance featuring a protective alpha hero and the innocent woman who brings him to his knees.

🌶️ Age Gap Romance
🌶️ MC / Biker Romance
🌶️ Cult Escapee / Runaway Heroine
🌶️ Touch Her and Die
🌶️ Instalove & Forced Proximity
🌶️ Virgin Heroine

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

32 people are currently reading
10 people want to read

About the author

Liv Short

26 books4 followers

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5 stars
39 (54%)
4 stars
18 (25%)
3 stars
11 (15%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Doris.
3,670 reviews138 followers
February 1, 2026
Savage and Mercy

On the run not know where she was going but she knew she had to get away. One light coming her way and she knows she has to take a chance by getting on Savage’s bike. Now she is his to protect and take care of. This was an awesome quick MC romance with a big, strong biker with a heart that Mercy touched and Mercy being able to trust after so many years. This is a book a highly recommend.
Profile Image for Paige.
759 reviews13 followers
December 26, 2025
2.5 A little palate cleanser but wasn’t my fav.

I do wish the characters were fleshed out a little more and we see them having actual conversations. We don’t know much about Savage except the fact that he’s almost 40. He’s this very quiet, reserved guy but we don’t know if there’s anything behind the way he is. Would have been nice to get to know him more.

Also I wasn’t a fan of Mercy throwing her self at him over and over again. Especially an innocent girl coming from a religious cult it just didn’t make much sense.

There’s a part where a lawyer asks Mercy what she went through at the compound and it’s written that Mercy tells her but the readers still have no idea. I mean that’s something the reader definitely should know especially since it’s just a big plot point.

No cheating. Ow drama (a club girl wants the MMC but he’s not interested) no break up. Age gap 20/almost 40. Talk of past abuse (barely but this should have been more fleshed out) murder
Profile Image for TheNorksWife .
323 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
Short has definitely made it into my auto-by list. This was such a great MC novella to read. If you’re looking for something that is more on the MC-lite side (meaning tampered down violence and spice), and focuses more on the plot line, then add this to your TBR.

✨No cheating ✨No third act breakup ✨No cliffhanger ✨Standalone in series
993 reviews7 followers
January 16, 2026
If you’re in the mood for a punchy, action-packed biker romance that grips you from the first page, Savage’s Mercy by Liv Short delivers exactly that. Mercy is a traumatized cult escapee who literally runs for her life, only to be scooped up by Savage — a massive, scar-covered Thunder Bastards MC enforcer who doesn’t do gentle… until he does. From a stormy rescue to being wrapped in the protective embrace of an entire Motorcycle Club, this novella blends danger, emotion, and a slow-burn connection that surprisingly sticks.

What I loved most was how quickly this story moves — like a shot of espresso in book form. The threat of the cult chasing Mercy gives real stakes to the romance, and Savage’s fierce shift from brutal biker to devoted guardian made me grin every time he quietly put Mercy’s choices first. Their chemistry feels genuinely earned in such a compact tale, and I appreciated that Mercy isn’t a passive damsel — she’s grateful, hesitant, determined, and utterly drawn to Savage.

If I have one nitpick — and it’s tiny — it’s that a few emotional beats could’ve used a bit more room to breathe. With only about 130 pages, the book zips along so fast that sometimes I wanted just a touch more inner monologue from both leads to deepen that connection further. But honestly? That’s more me being greedy for content than a flaw in the story.

Liv Short’s writing style here is lean, punchy, and perfectly matched to this kind of novella-length MC romance. She doesn’t waste words — scenes feel focused and intentional, which keeps the tension high. Dialogue hits the right notes of vulnerability and strength, and the threat of the cult adds a gritty backdrop that elevates the emotional payoff.

Overall, Savage’s Mercy is a heck of a ride: intense, tender, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. If you’re a fan of protective alphas, found family vibes, and quick, addictive reads, this one earns that 4.5-star sparkle. Would definitely recommend it for a cozy, claws-in-the-pages evening.
Profile Image for Maelle C.
165 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2026
Savage’s Mercy is a fast, intense, no-brakes MC novella that delivers exactly what it promises — a quick, high-adrenaline biker romance with danger, protection, and instant connection.

The story follows Mercy, a young woman escaping a cult, who literally runs into Savage, the Thunder Bastards MC enforcer. From that moment on, the book doesn’t slow down. The pacing is fast, the stakes are clear, and the tone is very “MC romance coded” — protective alpha, found family, danger, and devotion wrapped into a compact story.

Savage is a classic MC hero: intimidating, scarred, quiet, and brutal on the outside — but unexpectedly gentle and protective with Mercy. Watching that shift from enforcer to guardian is one of the strongest parts of the book. Mercy, despite her traumatic past, isn’t written as helpless — she’s determined, resilient, and actively choosing safety and freedom, which I really appreciated.

That said, the novella length definitely limits the emotional depth. While the story is engaging, I often felt like certain moments deserved more space to breathe. Some emotional beats, backstory elements, and character development feel rushed or only lightly touched on. Mercy’s past, in particular, is referenced more than explored, which makes such an important part of the story feel a bit underdeveloped. I also would have liked more depth and insight into Savage as a character beyond his role as protector.

The relationship is very instalove/insta-connection, which works for a quick MC read, but it does make the romance feel less layered than it could have been. Their chemistry is there, but I personally wanted more dialogue, more emotional build-up, and more genuine bonding moments.

It’s a good choice for a quick, uncomplicated MC romance when you want something intense but not too heavy, dramatic but not overly dark, and fast without unnecessary complexity.

For me, it was an enjoyable read, but not a standout. Solid, entertaining, effective — just missing a bit of depth and emotional development to make it truly memorable.

Perfect for a quick, no-stress biker romance with all the genre tropes in place.
336 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2026
This is a quick, instalove, age-gap, MC -lite romance that starts off this MC romance series on a high octane note. Mercy is escaping the cult where she is living and meets up with Savage, the MC enforcer by accident while she’s looking to get away. While he’s not the typical ¨good guy¨in appearance and definitely not by society’s norms this biker is better to Mercy than any man she´s previously encountered. Savage takes charge right from the start, enveloping Mercy into the safety that she’s been searching for.

So when I said this is a quick book (it’s more of a novella length) I meant it was truly quick. These two fall into each other very fast, but their chemistry is undeniable right from the start and they both seem to fill the need the other is looking for. Yes, Savage is physically strong, but the way he supports and protects Mercy shows that he is (surprisingly) also emotionally strong enough to help her overcome her sheltered and escewed upbringing and giving her the family she´s always been searching for. Mercy is strong in her own right, having overcome some dark moments in the cult, which are referenced but not in detail (really they´re just hinted at but not explained), but she brings the softness and sunshine that Savage needs, especially given his role in the MC.

This is the start of a new series, where the relationship builds quickly and intensely. There are spicy moments (3/5 in intensity) and some action with the MC brothers but overall nothing too dark. If you’re looking into a book where it´s the total opposite of slow build and you get to the ¨good stuff¨ pretty quickly than this is the book for you. 4 stars

I received an advance review of this book from BookSirens and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
3,828 reviews124 followers
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January 17, 2026
Each time I read an MC Romance book I think about a few things.

1) Is the found family strong?

2) Do the characters feel realistic?

3) Am I going to remember this book?

With Savage’s Mercy, the answer to all three questions is yes. I also feel that the Instalove between Savage and Mercy is organic, and not just in place for the sake of the story.

Mercy is running away from a cult, where she’s been a captive for six years. She runs to a ditch beside the road where Savage is driving past. He stops and says that if she wants to be saved, she should get on the back of his bike. This is the moment that everything changes for both of them.

This book is a little different from the usual running-from-a-cult story because Mercy wasn’t SA’d or forced into a marriage. I’m not sure what the real purpose of the cult was, as far as true, ulterior motives, but trafficking minors isn’t necessarily it.

I liked that although the MC had a hierarchy, the members all gave respect to one another.

Cat’s Stats

Book is SAFE.

Heat is EXPLICIT.

Triggers include violence, attempted kidnapping, Ebil cult.

TROPES include Cult Following, Instalove, Forced Proximity, Age Gap, You Are the Sunshine of My Life.
Profile Image for Sandra.
976 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2026
Another new author for me, and as usual, I picked this up by an ARC, as the BLURB looked good, and it was. It was action-packed from the get-go. We have Esther fleeing from a religious sect. Her parents gave her away to them when she was just a teenager. We have Savage, who comes along at the right time to save her and give her the option to go with him, somewhere he can keep her safe, where the sect can't get to her.

Esther, now named Mercy, finds a home and a place in the MC. She feels safe and protected with Savage. Savage soon finds that his feelings for Mercy have deepened, but he will not force them upon her; she has been denied choices her whole life, something he will make sure she has from now on. But Mercy knows what she wants, and it's Savage.

The sect is hunting her down; she is theirs, and they will use any means necessary to get her back. But she now has the full force of the MC behind her, and they won't let anyone mess with their family.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,291 reviews71 followers
January 12, 2026
This was an engaging read by a new-to-me author. This is an MC lite read that brings together Savage and Mercy. It's got plenty of emotions, danger, suspense, healing and a slow burn romance. Mercy's on the run from the cult her parents sold her to as a teen and she's grateful Savage came along when he did and rescued her. Savage is well aware that she's had little security and safety in her life. Little in the way of choices, as well. As he's falling hard and fast for her, he's determined to let her decide the path of her life. Sadly, the cult does not want to let her go but she's got the MC backing her now. I would have loved more details on both their pasts to give this a deeper reading ride, but I enjoyed it as it unfolded and am off to check out book two. Good fun!
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
939 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2026
A quick and enjoyable MC read!

“I’m yours, Mercy. Have been since I found you.”
~Savage

“You’re my freedom.”
~ Mercy

I will say, I’m not a huge insta-love fan, but it did work for these two.

Their story wasn’t a long one but it was packed with plenty of angst, drama, suspense, MC brotherhood, sweet moments and a sprinkle of spice.
Even though it was Insta-love I definitely liked how Savage waited for Mercy to be ready. He was incredibly sweet and understanding when it came to Mercy and her past.
Even though, let’s be honest, the man was struggling not to do all the things he wanted to. Haha.
Some of the secondary characters have me intrigued, so I will definitely be reading the other books in the series.
3,262 reviews47 followers
January 19, 2026
When she was a teenager Esther was given to a religious set by her parents. Escaping is her only way to survive and she finds it. When on the run she meets a Savage. He offers her a place of safety if she goes with him.

Changing her name to Mercy is the first start to her new life. Feeling safe and protected. Savage makes sure he doesn’t take away her new found freedom. His feeling are growing, one one thing is certain Mercy’s new freedom has shown what she wants and that is Savage and her new MC family.

When the sect comes looking for her, Savage and Mercy’s MC family will not allow them to take her.

We have action, emotions , drama and pure spice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,736 reviews33 followers
November 29, 2025
Short, sweet and a big dose of suspense. This was a book by new author for me, Liv Short. I really loved it.

Running from the compound, Mercy gets picked up by Savage on his bike, and takes her to his club house.

I really enjoyed Savage and Mercy. Savage was brutal when he needed to be, but protective and caring for Mercy from the very moment he found her. Even with what she had been through, she trusted him from the start.

I enjoy the element of danger and when it was closing in on them.

Fantastic plot that was written so well. I enjoyed the short novella length though really wanted more of these two.

So well done!!
Profile Image for Mrs Reads Between The Lines.
266 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2025
Honestly, this book wasn’t written for me… and that’s okay!

Positives: Savage’s Mercy is a quick, easy-to-read, mc novella. The characters are plot complement each other nicely.

Opportunities for improvement: Savage and Mercy’s characters needed to be flushed out. Their backgrounds were limited which prevented a deeper connection with them. Without giving spoilers, there are plot points that never went anywhere which left me frustrated.

If you’re looking for a quick read, or maybe you’re new to the mc world, I’d encourage you to give it a read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel E..
238 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2026
4.5 - good, complete novella.

I enjoyed that there was enough story that it didn't feel like the shell of a full length novel. including the epilogues from each of their POV, we experienced their whole story and the beginning of their HEA. I could wax on about it but its not a super break the mold " Grumpy biker meets woman in need who proves herself not to be as week as she looks" story. They both needed each other. He saved her, and she saved him from thinking he was too damaged to love.

Enjoyable that I plant to finish the series which is on KU.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa Newton.
231 reviews
December 27, 2025
Quick, engaging read. Savage and Mercy delivers action, danger, and slow-burn attraction. Mercy is on the run from a cult compound when she’s caught by Savage—who ends up rescuing her and bringing her back to the MC. Savage feels an unexpected protectiveness toward Mercy, along with a pull he’s never experienced before. As the cult leaders close in and the threat escalates, their connection deepens and the tension rises. A fast-paced story with suspense, emotion, and growing chemistry throughout.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Diana Page.
1,068 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2025
Savage and Mercy’s story was a quick hour and a half read full of heat and drama. The storyline is a “touch her and die” & an “I’ll burn the world down for her” type. The MC is mentioned, but the story mainly wraps around the couple and how they save her from a religious cult. If that type of story upsets you, please pass on this book. If you want a well written story with great characters, then this 4⭐️ read is for you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shelley  Drinkel.
161 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2025
A good short mc story. Savage finds mercy running along the road after she escapes from captivity with what sounds like a cult. When they come looking for her, he protects her and claims her as his old lady. A good short read, I just felt like it was lacking a little bit of something, I can’t quite articulate what though. But nevertheless an easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brooke.
448 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2026
Savage's Mercy is a really fast paced MC story, in my opinion it was too fast paced. We barely get to know Savage and get just the barest background on Mercy. Everything needed to be fleshed out way more than it was and the plot itself was kind of similar to another MC book I read years ago. I think it could have been a good story if it had time to breathe and dive deeper.

I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kurtins R.
1,181 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2026
Short intense story that could have done with a little more depth in the character development.
However, If you’re in the mood for a punchy, action-packed biker romance then this story will appeal to you.
Mercy is a traumatised cult escapee who literally runs for her life, only to be picked up by Savage — a massive, scar-covered Thunder Bastards MC enforcer who doesn’t do gentle… until he does.
A good novella with some room for development
Profile Image for Robin.
2,545 reviews20 followers
December 27, 2025
Savage & Mercy

I am all about the instalove and this one hit the spot for me. Savage found Mercy at her lowest when she was escaping evil. He rescued her and showed her a life of freedom and happiness. He showed her family. This was short and sweet and a bit steamy.


I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
720 reviews
January 2, 2026
2.5 stars, lacked any background

Mercy and Savage, she is running from a compound she’s been kept in, he comes across her and takes her in. He and his fellow MC members keep her safe. Savage and Mercy find themselves in love and we get a couple of sweet epilogues. Some angst when the compound mob try to take her.
Not a lot of getting to know each other
454 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2026
My 1st experience with this author. The book was an easy feel good read, perfect to curl up and just enjoy. This is the 1st in the series and I am already looking forward to reading the rest of the books. Definitely recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
712 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2025
So good. What a start to a series. I loved Savage and all he represented. I loved Mercy, her grit and vulnerability. Good drama, MC and otherwise. Hot spice. Good twists as well. I cannot wait for the next.
1,470 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2026
I spent an afternoon reading this book.

The story had a good flow and is well written.

Romantic chemistry between the couple.

There is action and intrigue for readers.

I would recommend this book to others.
95 reviews1 follower
Read
January 20, 2026
I am in love with this series and what the MC represents, family and loyalty. The story flows and keeps you engaged. In this book you read the story of the enforcer and a h being chased by a cult. Can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Stacey.
170 reviews
February 4, 2026
2.75 ⭐️’s. Book was way too quick. Not much went on and when it did, it zoomed by too fast. The spice was about 2 🌶️ out of 5, not much of it and the actual deed wasn’t until the end & was kind of glossed over.
Profile Image for Patricia Lord.
1,025 reviews
December 24, 2025
Short, sweet and MC lite with a dose of suspense and a good plot This book is for you.. Just wished it was longer.
Profile Image for Gloria.
2,053 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2026
Good MC age gap romance. Mercy has escaped from a cult. Savage finished hiding in the woods. He vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Steamy
Profile Image for Nikenya Rodney.
812 reviews26 followers
February 2, 2026
Savage saves Mercy

Savage saves Mercy who is running from the cult. He instantly wants her but he slows her time to heal and trust men again.
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,146 reviews21 followers
February 7, 2026
Age gap, innocent young girl runs from a cult before she forced in to marriage. Hard as nails enforcer rescues her .

Loved the characters, well written and I will be reading more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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