Mercy and Control

by Jenilee Wallace

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always exciting to jump into a completely new world and discover a new author

This book is packed with so many intricate details, and the twists and turns are absolutely mind-blowing! I can’t wait to tell you how it will keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with suspense.


The story revolves around the Saintless sons, who were raised in a religious cult where, at around the age of 15, they faced a sort of sacrificial expulsion.


Even though the Saintless Sons weren’t the typical gun-toting outlaws that most people think of when they hear 'MCs', they still got involved in some shady stuff.
Kai was a hitman, Z was always up to something on the dark web, and they all had tempers that could rival the Incredible Hulk. That’s why they had Michael, their lawyer, on retainer. Interestingly, Michael was also one of the sacrificed, but he opted for college and law school instead.
These guys weren’t perfect, and they certainly weren’t saints, but in my eyes, they genuinely tried to support those who had been expelled. They didn’t want those boys to feel alone or scared during such a tough time.


Jade was escaping her violent past. She never thought she'd settle down for long, but something about Mercy Hollow drew her in.

Neo is the President of the Saintless Sons, and let me tell you, the guy has a heart of gold. There's something about Jade that brings out his possessive side...
I won't lie; I usually don't enjoy the whole wham bam thank you ma'am type of books. It might have seemed at first like this was going to be one of those, but trust me, it definitely wasn't.

The characters in this narrative have endured abuse each in Different ways, making them true survivors. Their journey explores the concepts of independence, recovery, and the journey of regaining their personal power.

I would totally recommend this book, no doubt about it!
And yes, I'm definitely going to grab the next installment! And thankfully book two will be released sometime in September of this year

[Reading Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc through booksirens for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was my second arc from this author, and I enjoyed every bit of both of them.

I think this was my first book where the mmc was a part of a gang, and I was sort of expecting it to be similar to a mafia romance. I was wrong.
It was a lot different because the people in the gang would be all close to each other so it gave like a giant family/ huge friend group vibes, and I was here for all of it.

There were a couple scenes that I found to be cringe, but let’s be real here. That’s what we’re here for.

I absolutely devoured this book and will definitely read any more of this author’s books if given the chance.

Enjoy 😘

[Spring Marie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

​What Worked Well
​The "Protective Outlaw" Dynamic: The core of this book is the raw, gritty protection offered by the Saintless Sons. Unlike traditional heroes, Neo and his brothers don't offer "gentle" safety; they offer a brutal sort of sanctuary that feels earned and grounded.
​Compelling Leads: Jade is a refreshing protagonist—she’s making choices with her eyes wide open. She isn't a passive damsel; she is actively choosing the "lesser of two evils" to survive. Neo is a classic dark romance lead: stoic, observant, and intensely focused.
​Atmosphere and Pacing: The author does a fantastic job building the tension in Mercy Hollow. You can feel the weight of the "quiet" danger that builds as Jade and Neo’s connection deepens.
​Satisfying Conclusion: As a standalone within a series, it’s incredibly satisfying to have a complete arc. The lack of a cliffhanger allows the romance to feel settled even as the world of the Saintless Sons continues to expand.
​Final Verdict
​Mercy and Control is a gripping start to a new series. It’s perfect for readers who love gritty romantic suspense, "forced proximity" tropes, and heroes who are willing to burn the world down to keep their partner safe. If you enjoy stories where the "bad guys" are the only ones you can trust, this is a must-read.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saintless Sons MC

This is the first book in a new series and it was dark and gritty. It revolved around boys who were tossed aside and eventually they formed their own MC. They survived their abusive childhood and now are a group of men willing to help others when needed. Jade is running from her past and the club steps in to help her. Neo becomes her protector and he will do anything to keep her safe.

This book was filled with twists and turns and suspense making this a book I couldn’t put down.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade is running, at last she found the strength to escape a cruel reality that made her feel miserable. The pain she carried was so deep that it turned her into a guarded and closed off person, she does not trust easily anymore, and honestly she has every reason to feel that way.

Now she has arrived somewhere new, a place where things seem different, a place that feels safe, she has found people willing to protect her and, most importantly, a man she slowly dares to trust, even though doing so means placing her heart on a fragile line.

Neo also carries a past he chose to leave behind, he walked away from it and built his own destiny, together with the men who stand beside him, he created a safe place, a space where everyone could find protection, freedom, and the chance to be themselves. Yet Jade’s arrival awakens something inside him, she stirs emotions he was never prepared for and makes him want something deeper, something worth fighting even harder for.

Both of them carry painful scars from the lives they escaped, those wounds did not disappear, and to protect themselves they built walls around their hearts, still, they managed to find safety in each other, at first there was fear, fear of opening up, fear of losing everything they had worked so hard to build. Little by little Jade begins to trust Neo, she starts seeing the man behind the leader who carries the weight of keeping everyone safe, she sees the man capable of giving her love and security, the man who reminds her that she is strong and worthy, through him she understands that love can bring both protection and freedom.

Jade changes Neo as well, with her he finds a place where he can feel loved, where he can finally allow someone into his life and into his heart, she shows him that he can open himself to someone, that he can be both the fierce protector and the man who loves with everything he has, at times his protective side becomes intense, yet Jade understands that protecting the people he loves is simply part of who he is.

Just when happiness finally seems within reach, Jade’s past and the threats surrounding the club return and put everything at risk, as president, Neo must make difficult choices to keep everyone safe, that responsibility has always been his, yet now the fight feels even more personal because he must also protect the woman who has become his entire world. Jade understands the weight of those decisions, even when she sometimes feels confined by the need for safety, she knows his actions come from a place of protection, both of them realize that the only way to survive what lies ahead is to trust each other completely.

The final chapters were incredibly intense, there was tension, emotional moments, and a time when Neo truly believed he might lose everything, yet Jade proves she is a warrior in her own right and faces every challenge until the very end. Neo, in turn, would burn the world down just to see her safe, their journey is not easy, they open their hearts slowly, carefully, step by step.

In the end they discover in each other love, safety, protection, and something even more meaningful, a family, Jade finds a family that will stand beside her and protect her no matter what, she also gains amazing friends, and every moment with that group brings warmth and humor, watching her grow stronger, seeing her confidence return, and witnessing her trust Neo more and more was one of the best parts of the story.

Neo already had a family through the club, yet Jade completes something that was missing, for the first time he allows himself to fully feel and follow his emotions, he opens his heart and lets her help heal some of the wounds he carried for so long. His devotion to Jade is powerful and deeply moving, his protective nature may sometimes go a little too far, yet it is also his way of showing how deeply he loves her, his own character growth throughout the story was just as compelling to watch.

In the end everything comes together for them, I truly loved this story and also grew attached to every member of the club. And the journey is not over yet, the club now faces a new challenge ahead. I have to admit I am very excited to see where the story will go next things will not be easy but this group has already proven that they will stand and fight against anyone who threatens their family. So I am more than ready to see what comes next. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Julie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really pleasantly surprised by this book!

The Motorcycle Club (MC) universe and the close knit bond between everyone are truly heartwarming. The characters are absolutely amazing, endearing, and above all, very interesting. This book opens the door to so many questions, and I can't wait to see what the next installments in this series have in store for us.

• Let's dive deeper into the main characters of this book:
Jade is a strong and courageous woman; she is stubborn and never gives up. I really loved how realistic she feels as a character. The fact that she is as brave as she is "fragile", because she survived her past and still goes through some tough times during the book, yet always stands back up, adds a level of realism that is very important to me. She isn't written to be a generic "badass" and "invincible" heroine, but rather a deep character we can actually relate to!

• As for Neo...
I really liked his sensitivity. There was a brief moment where I didn't quite understand his behavior for a few pages, but that didn't make him any less interesting. This character is highly resourceful, fiercely protective of his loved ones, and loves to be in control, which actually leads to some heated arguments with Jade ;) Despite being the MC President, he is neither heartless nor closed off, which I thought was great! His reactions are far from toxic, making a refreshing change from the usual MC books we are used to. It was a truly refreshing read! You can tell he is a calm man at heart, but he still has a fiery temper and sometimes loses control, despite his heavy responsibilities and the image he has to maintain.

• Now, let's talk about the two of them together...
Jade and Neo are funny, endearing, and complex. With Neo struggling to trust Jade, and Jade forcing herself not to view him through the lens of her abusive ex, these two have come a very long way throughout the story. We start with two confident individuals, but as the plot progresses, doubt creeps in on both sides: Neo can't fully give his trust to Jade, and Jade isn't sure if she should get attached to someone who controls people as an MC President.

I absolutely loved this couple, and I'm looking forward to meeting the other characters in the next book.

I highly recommend this book 100%!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rane Sterling]

In "Mercy and Control," Jenilee Wallace masterfully navigates the treacherous waters of power, morality, and romantic tension, delivering a dark romance that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged.
The Plot: A High-Stakes Game of Cat and Mouse
The story centers on a gripping dynamic between two formidable leads whose lives collide in a world where "mercy" is a luxury few can afford and "control" is the ultimate currency. Wallace wastes no time plunging the reader into a high-stakes environment where every decision carries the weight of life or death. The pacing is relentless, expertly balancing moments of quiet, simmering tension with explosive action.
Characters: Complexity in the Shadows
The true brilliance of the novel lies in its character development:
The Protagonists: Wallace crafts characters who are neither wholly heroes nor villains. Their internal struggles with their own darker impulses make them deeply relatable despite their extreme circumstances.
The Chemistry: The "enemies-to-lovers" (or perhaps "adversaries-to-allies") arc is handled with remarkable nuance. The power struggle between the leads is palpable, making their eventual moments of vulnerability feel earned and profound.
Themes: The Duality of Power
As the title suggests, the book explores the delicate balance between showing compassion and maintaining dominance. Wallace poses difficult questions:
Can one lead effectively without sacrificing their humanity?
Is control an illusion in the face of unpredictable emotion?
These philosophical undercurrents elevate the book from a standard romance to a compelling character study.
Writing Style: Atmospheric and Evocative
Wallace’s prose is sharp and evocative. She has a gift for "showing, not telling," using atmospheric descriptions to build a world that feels both gritty and glamorous. The dialogue is particularly noteworthy—witty, biting, and layered with subtext.
Final Verdict
"Mercy and Control" is a standout in the dark romance genre. It is a story about the masks we wear and the people who force us to take them off. Whether you are drawn in by the intricate plot or the magnetic chemistry between the leads, you will find yourself captivated until the very last page.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A must-read for fans of psychological tension and complex, adult romance.

[Magic book club · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I like to meet new authors and some new world and I always hope to find something that will knock me off my feet and whose books I will continue to read in the future.

This book basically met all my expectations because it had a good story, I liked where the story was going, but…

I don't know if it's up to me, but I simply couldn't connect with the characters, somehow everything was too much for me and basically nothing concrete.

For example I expected that more of the story would be based on the victims of the cult (because that is the beginning of the book) or that some secondary characters would have a clearer role (eg why they are there, who sent them, what is their goal, etc.). Basically, everything was kind of rushed and boring in some parts and I couldn't wait for it to end.

This does not mean that the book is bad, but I simply did not like it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mercy and Control gives us the first book in the Saintless Sons series which follows a group of bikers who have escaped from a religious cult. I thought this aspect of the story was really intriguing but it kind of took a spot on the back burner once Jade was introduced to the group. The characters were fine, I couldn’t really connect with either MC but I didn’t mind them. It was a bit hard to keep track of all the side characters, especially because some of them had very similar names. Jade’s part of the plot was alright, nothing super unique or different than other books with this premise though. The ending wasn’t really a cliffhanger but I also feel like it didn’t wrap up the story nicely and it does lead into the next book so I’d say it’s more of a HFN rather than a HEA.

I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

So close to a 4.5-star read. This MC romance contains far more than just spicy romance—there are strong side plots that carried real heart and genuinely intrigued me. There’s found family galore, and not the fake kind, but the gritty, real kind, full of love. The writing felt authentic, and the character moments were hilarious—because honestly, who doesn’t dance while cleaning? I loved this book and found myself invested in their world, not just their story. However, where it lost me a little was the initial romance. It moved very fast for the MMC, and I would have loved more moments of ice-breaking, flirting, and openness between the two. Later on, it feels much more natural. That said, this is purely personal preference, and it’s still absolutely worth the read

[J. Addison Wahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have the biggest spot in my heart for an MC romance. I appreciated being able to follow the FMC's growth as she opens herself up to trust again after everything that she has been through. I also thought that the Cult plot was really interesting. I feel like I was able to fall in love with the side characters because of the backstory and the context provided. The only thing that I had any notes on was that because the road names and real names were used so often, it got a little confusing. By the end of the book, i was able to have all the names down and would read the next one. I am so happy that I was able to read this book for free as an ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanika Schoeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to state that I received this book in the format of an Advanced Reader Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely adored this book. I love how much of a family the MC club is and how that is shown continuously through the book. All the characters have a personality which intrigues you which I was so happy about. I read this in 1 day, 2 sessions total, because I was so hooked on it. I did struggle in the beginning to remember which club name fit which person, but I did end up managing. I cannot wait to read the next book. There were so many small, profound bits in this book, things people said, that really got you thinking. I really liked that about this book. I did think the main characters' relationship could have developed more slowly though.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. I had to stop less than a fourth of the way through. The plot was promising; kids escaping from a religious cult and a FMC running from an abusive husband. It is a dark romance with explicit scenes and a biker gang involved in illegal activities…all things I enjoy. But I have a real problem with redundant wording, and grammatical errors. While I didn’t find any grammar mistakes (thank goodness!), certain words were repeated so much it was mind numbing. I couldn’t even enjoy the story. But that’s just me. If you don’t mind the same word being used in almost every other sentence and big bad macho motorcycle guys acting silly and cutesy, then you may really enjoy this book.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy And Control is book 1 in the Saintless Sons series. This is an intense, intriguing story about a group of boys that were sacrificed as children and turned out of the community/cult they were born into. They sought the ones cast out and in Mercy Hollow they formed the Saintless Sons. Then Jade comes to town running from her past. This shakes things up a bit, but the club is there to help as always. This club is growing quickly with intakes.This story is absolutely consuming in every aspect. It's dramatic and pulls you in quickly. It's going to be an interesting journey with the Saintless Sons.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of the Saintless Sons series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'Mercy and Control is a dark romance about choosing the protection of outlaws, crossing lines deliberately, and discovering how far love will go when survival is no longer hypothetical.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade is on the run from an abusive husband, when she lands in Mercy Hallow, Washington she feels like she found her home. The Saintless Sons do not ask any questions, they take her into their family. They are the cast offs from a Cult in the next town, Pres Rev/Neo was the first to make the trip alone. Now when a boy is cast out the club takes them in. She catches Neo's attention from the beginning but struggles with his protectiveness. When her past comes a calling, Neo and the club are they to protect her. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy and Control by Jenilee Wallace is a story that explores the balance between power, emotion and relationships.

The story follows the main characters Neo and Jade, whose lives become deeply connected.

Their relationship is intense and realistic highlighting their inner conflicts regarding their backgrounds.

The writing style is emotional and descriptive without being overwhelming. The tension builds effectively and creates an atmosphere that keeps the reader interested throughout the book.

Overall Mercy and Control is a good read for anyone who enjoys emotional stories and moral complexity.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the club was gritty and hard, but protective and not a typical MC from MC Romance. I liked that Jade was not a damsel in distress and that she had a realistic viewpoint. Neo was a good hero, ready to burn the world down to protect Jade. And each of the club members was involved in something that was against the law, but the MC wasn’t a bunch of firearms-toting outlaws. It’s a fine distinction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to this author and found this an interesting spin on an MC story. The members were so diverse and not what I expected but with all the names, it became a bit hard to keep track at times. I thought the story would have more about the cult but didn't. The middle of the book seemed to become redundant but then towards the end the plot intensified. This was a good read and I do look forward to the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book didn’t really excite me. Some of it was necessary to understand the storyline, though I feel like the book would’ve stood up better with a bit less. However, about halfway through, the story really took off for me and I couldn’t put the book down. The MMC and FMC had a great dynamic and I loved watching their story unfold. The secondary characters were easy to keep up with and played a vital role within this story. This book is part of a series and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out. Recommend for fans of motorcycle clubs, cults, and mysteries.

[Tiarnee Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received book from the author as an ARC.
This book was amazingly written! I love a good book that has a motorcycle club in it ( Sons Of Anarchy vibes 😋)
The connection Jade has with Neo is amazing. Love at first sight is my weakness!
The nickname he gives her, baby girl? One of my favourites!
& a cliffhanger? i need the next book pronto!
Thank you for letting me read it early and i cannot wait to see what happens next with the Saintless Sons 🥰

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Neo and Jade were everything. What a start to a series. Such a great plot. Such an amazing storyline with several angles to take. Loved Neo as the leader, both strong and protective of those he loves. Loved Jade, choosing to find her way after deep trauma. Well written passion. Complex characters bright laughter, tears, real connection. So good!!

[Patricia Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy and Control is a gripping start to a new series. It is a dark romance with explicit scenes and a biker gang involved in illegal activities. It is gritty with suspense, forced proximity, trust issues, Alpha-holes, touch her & die vibes. The ending leaves you wanting more and impatiently waiting for the next book.. the only issue I had was some words were repetitive over and over

[Slene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new series by the author. It was a good read, definitely not what I expected but still really good. The book was full of twists and turns that keeps you reading. Would definitely recommend giving this book a try.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one just enough intrigue and spice. Jade running from her trouble and getting Neo as her protector is just fabulous could not have turned out better for her. These guys growing up the way they did you wonder how on earth did they turn out so decent. You know they aren’t perfect but they truly are the salt of the earth.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping start to a new series. I enjoyed the gritty romantic suspense, forced proximity, and protective heroes who’d do anything to keep their partner safe.

If you like stories where the so-called “bad lads” are the only ones you can rely on, this is well worth a read.

Also, this is a new-to-me author, and I’m keen to see where the series goes next.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me, and I’m hooked. Tim one book. I’m was pulled in from the beginning. The twists and turns were awesome. Kept me glued to my seat and touching the pages to see what was going to happen next. It was a wild ride, and I loved the characters. Everything felt so real. Absolutely loved this book.

[Darkangel Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good MC romance. Neo is always in control and does not trust easily. Jade is running from being controlled and wants to be free. When their worlds collide everything changes. I loved the MC and their family dynamics and how after being destroyed they rose from the ashes. Cannot wait to read the next book.

[Wendy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, i absolutely loved Neo and Jade’s story ❤️❤️❤️ full of loveable characters, a family atmosphere that protects when dealing with dangerous situations. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started reading Mercy and Control, I didn't want to put it down. The storyline had me hooked and I kept turning the pages. Page after page until is was very late. Overall, a very enjoyable MC romance!.