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Mercy's Fight
He feared no one…but himself.
Recovering from a past shaped by violence, Matt Holloway has sworn to live a different life than his parents did. Matt has found a purpose that keeps his lingering pain and fear at bay: helping others to heal. Yet the nightmares continue to haunt him.
Grace has lived a life of luxury, sheltered by her family’s money and connections. When a betrayal forces her to question everything, she leaves her family and accepts an ambitious position in a career for which she may not be ready.
When the two first meet, they cannot deny their instant, intense attraction. While Grace is willing to take another risk with her heart, Matt remains chained by his past and struggles to trust their future together. Fighting to save the children they’ve pledged to help, Matt and Grace must learn to overcome the pain in their past and find their true courage.
Recovering from a past shaped by violence, Matt Holloway has sworn to live a different life than his parents did. Matt has found a purpose that keeps his lingering pain and fear at bay: helping others to heal. Yet the nightmares continue to haunt him.
Grace has lived a life of luxury, sheltered by her family’s money and connections. When a betrayal forces her to question everything, she leaves her family and accepts an ambitious position in a career for which she may not be ready.
When the two first meet, they cannot deny their instant, intense attraction. While Grace is willing to take another risk with her heart, Matt remains chained by his past and struggles to trust their future together. Fighting to save the children they’ve pledged to help, Matt and Grace must learn to overcome the pain in their past and find their true courage.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2014
291 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 26, 2021
Matt comes from the wrong side of the tracks. His pass is his nightmares today. Grace is from a social club in New York. She came to the city to run the youth center. There Matt and Grace bump heads and will it soon be hearts? I love Tammy L Gray. I have read a lot of Christian fiction books in my time and what I like about them is the characters are facing real life problems. Faith can get hard sometimes, especially when things doesn't go the way you plan them too. I enjoyed this fast read and I needed a reminder of God's grace during difficult times. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs this daily reminder!!
August 18, 2014
I have to admit, I wasn't sure about what I'd find in this book. Don't get me wrong, I knew it would be good. That much, I expected. But with reviews talking about the "sizzle" in the book, I was a little unnerved. As one who, after 44 years and 9 kids, still looks away from the TV when characters kiss, I didn't quite know how I'd handle "sizzle" in a Christian fiction novel.
I needn't have worried. While it is much more um... physical, than I'm used to reading, it doesn't cross the line into inappropriate. The book stretched me in several areas--the physical contact between characters being just one. Would I hand this book to a teenager? It depends on the kid. It's not for pre-teens and young teens, in my estimation, but I wouldn't freak out if I found my younger kids had read it either. So that, she balanced well.
I said the book stretched me, and another way it did is in seeing a side of life I've never been exposed to. The inner city, drug battling, squeaking by for your existence life is something I only read about. I've done massive amounts of research on the topics, but Ms. Gray took all those facts and statistics and gave them names and faces. She masterfully used fiction to make real what non-fiction data could not. Impressive.
The demons Matt battles, while unique to his story, are the same demons--at the core--that we all have. The mother who remembers her mom screaming how much she couldn't handle the kids and wishes she'd never had them--and then hears the same words come out of her mouth when it's the last thing she ever wanted to say or feel. The teenager who feels worthless and helpless so he bullies others to hide his vulnerability. Ms. Gray takes those demons and lays them out for us, showing the one way--or is that the One Way?--to exorcise them. She does it without excessive preachiness or a reliance on the cliche. We follow the characters and rail at them when they behave like the flawed, broken humans they are. Imagine that.
Well done, Ms. Gray.
I received this book free, without expectation of anything and chose to review after reading.
I needn't have worried. While it is much more um... physical, than I'm used to reading, it doesn't cross the line into inappropriate. The book stretched me in several areas--the physical contact between characters being just one. Would I hand this book to a teenager? It depends on the kid. It's not for pre-teens and young teens, in my estimation, but I wouldn't freak out if I found my younger kids had read it either. So that, she balanced well.
I said the book stretched me, and another way it did is in seeing a side of life I've never been exposed to. The inner city, drug battling, squeaking by for your existence life is something I only read about. I've done massive amounts of research on the topics, but Ms. Gray took all those facts and statistics and gave them names and faces. She masterfully used fiction to make real what non-fiction data could not. Impressive.
The demons Matt battles, while unique to his story, are the same demons--at the core--that we all have. The mother who remembers her mom screaming how much she couldn't handle the kids and wishes she'd never had them--and then hears the same words come out of her mouth when it's the last thing she ever wanted to say or feel. The teenager who feels worthless and helpless so he bullies others to hide his vulnerability. Ms. Gray takes those demons and lays them out for us, showing the one way--or is that the One Way?--to exorcise them. She does it without excessive preachiness or a reliance on the cliche. We follow the characters and rail at them when they behave like the flawed, broken humans they are. Imagine that.
Well done, Ms. Gray.
I received this book free, without expectation of anything and chose to review after reading.
December 8, 2021
Second read update: just as good the second time around!
.
Um, why is it that I have never heard of this book before????!!!!!
I LOVED IT!
It has so much going for it!
The characters go through so much and I loved them both Grace from her sheltered life wants to strike out on her own and make a difference. Matt has come out of a scared past and is fighting against the hold of his old self. I ached for him and cheered for him at the same time.
These characters felt real and genuine. I loved that they were both driven to help kids.
It has great chemistry between the two main characters, just the right amount of sizzle.
I really appreciated that though there are heated scenes there is a clear declaration of boundries that they commit to not crossing. I like seeing these lines drawn in a relationship like this.
I loved the element of danger that came into the story, and the message about honesty and confronting the past.
Matt and Grace just fit, even though they came from opposite worlds. I loved Matt's protectiveness of Grace. I loved how determined Grace was, in her fight for Matt to see himself in a new light and her devotion to doing everything she could for the kids.
Go get it!
If you want a contemporary romance with a bit of grittiness to it, I highly recommend this book!
.
Um, why is it that I have never heard of this book before????!!!!!
I LOVED IT!
It has so much going for it!
The characters go through so much and I loved them both Grace from her sheltered life wants to strike out on her own and make a difference. Matt has come out of a scared past and is fighting against the hold of his old self. I ached for him and cheered for him at the same time.
These characters felt real and genuine. I loved that they were both driven to help kids.
It has great chemistry between the two main characters, just the right amount of sizzle.
I really appreciated that though there are heated scenes there is a clear declaration of boundries that they commit to not crossing. I like seeing these lines drawn in a relationship like this.
I loved the element of danger that came into the story, and the message about honesty and confronting the past.
Matt and Grace just fit, even though they came from opposite worlds. I loved Matt's protectiveness of Grace. I loved how determined Grace was, in her fight for Matt to see himself in a new light and her devotion to doing everything she could for the kids.
Go get it!
If you want a contemporary romance with a bit of grittiness to it, I highly recommend this book!
May 9, 2023
Spoilers ahead.
Matt has grown up on the wrong side of town most of his life. He comes from an abusive home. Grace grew up in the ritz in New York City. She has never had a want in the world. When her best friend and fiance betray her, she realizes she has no idea who she is. She decides to move and try to find herself. That is when she meets Matt who wants to protect her but is scared that he will turn into a monster just like his father.
Setting-wise, all I can really say is that it’s in a bad neighborhood in some city in North Carolina. That is all I can really sum up.
I was okay with Grace and Matt. While they had to battle their pasts, I feel like Matt had more personal demons to wrestle with than Grace. She didn’t seem to really overcome much of a past. I wish there could have been little more trust issues with Grace than all of it being with Matt.
The writing wasn’t bad. It wasn’t my favorite. I have a few more books that I have seen being recommended by the author. I will give them a try and see if her writing is for me.
I would also like to point out that I wasn’t a fan of the ending because I felt like it was rushed and that everything seemed to add up too nicely. It was the fairytale ending with no real expectations. She could have so had another book out of this. Grace could be dealing with working for Sam after he had just confessed his feelings and trying to navigate through mending the friendship. She and Matt while working with Sam and the others could help with fighting back against the new gang and the drugs. The ending seriously need to be flushed out and it wasn’t.
Matt has grown up on the wrong side of town most of his life. He comes from an abusive home. Grace grew up in the ritz in New York City. She has never had a want in the world. When her best friend and fiance betray her, she realizes she has no idea who she is. She decides to move and try to find herself. That is when she meets Matt who wants to protect her but is scared that he will turn into a monster just like his father.
Setting-wise, all I can really say is that it’s in a bad neighborhood in some city in North Carolina. That is all I can really sum up.
I was okay with Grace and Matt. While they had to battle their pasts, I feel like Matt had more personal demons to wrestle with than Grace. She didn’t seem to really overcome much of a past. I wish there could have been little more trust issues with Grace than all of it being with Matt.
The writing wasn’t bad. It wasn’t my favorite. I have a few more books that I have seen being recommended by the author. I will give them a try and see if her writing is for me.
I would also like to point out that I wasn’t a fan of the ending because I felt like it was rushed and that everything seemed to add up too nicely. It was the fairytale ending with no real expectations. She could have so had another book out of this. Grace could be dealing with working for Sam after he had just confessed his feelings and trying to navigate through mending the friendship. She and Matt while working with Sam and the others could help with fighting back against the new gang and the drugs. The ending seriously need to be flushed out and it wasn’t.
August 11, 2017
My Musings
What an excellent heart- wrenching story. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me engaged until the end. I look forward to reading more books by this amazing author. Happy ☺reading 📚!
What an excellent heart- wrenching story. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me engaged until the end. I look forward to reading more books by this amazing author. Happy ☺reading 📚!
March 12, 2022
I almost wanted to not like this book, but in the end, it was so raw, appealing and engaging, I just had to. It was not so much a feel good book as a look at PTSD, child abuse and its survivors when it came clashing with wealthy society. I did find it a bit extreme to jump into loving someone 2 months after meeting them, which made the second guessing of everyone around them believable though. This author did an excellent job of making you feel the story.
July 3, 2015
This is definitely one of the best books I've read and had my full attention from the first page :) It's real, tough, and touching all at once. I didn't care for how insecure Matt acts in certain scenes and I didn't agree for how tough he is on Grace, but she handles him just right and fights for him realizing he has hurts to overcome. They are the perfect couple if they can just get past a few issues. The most annoying yet accurate issue was the different parts of society they come from and people warning Grace to stay away from him since he has a turbulent past. He's the right man for Grace all the way, his heart matches hers completely and his loyalty is unmatched.
I REALLLLLY love the cover on this one, it truly depicts what the reader will find in the story and it just attracted me right away.
I loved everything about Grace......her faith, her sensitvity, how naive and sweet she is, down to earth and devoted to her family and career, and determined to be independent even though it would have been so much easier to live in her sheltered life. She DOES NOT back down even when her office gets attacked, she has a confrontation with a lead gang member (that scene had me GLUED to the page and I was terrified for her), and other moments in the book that she handles in amazing ways. She is afraid the whole time, but seeing how these kids are abused and mistreated shakes her more than any danger she is in. And the way she responds to Matt, fearlessly and loving him unconditionally, makes me admire her even more. Not everyone could deal with his mood swings as well as she does and she is honest from the start, never playing mind games or walking away from a problem. She is one of the BRAVEST characters I've ever seen in a story and I wish I could be more like that :)
I recommend this book but only for mature readers because there is violent content in the story. No sexual content even though Grace and Matt do have kissing moments. He backs off when things get heated and I loved that about him. The descriptions on how Marcus's body is bruised from beatings and mention of drugs being delivered from the kids and even one boy being hospitalized for defending his sister.....you're not just reading about it (they are not graphic), but you're THERE as it's being discussed and dealt with. Some of it is harsh for a sensitive reader like myself, but the writing is amazing and fresh throughout. Matt gets in a fight with a drug dealer threatening Marcus, but I enjoyed that scene tremendously.
I also loved the ending, seriously cool way that everything gets resolved but also practical. Loved Grace's parents and Marcus's aunt, those are the real heroes of the story. Matt is Grace's hero all the way through and the healing he gets in the story is absolutely priceless. So yeah, I loved this story and look forward to more of Gray's books :)
I REALLLLLY love the cover on this one, it truly depicts what the reader will find in the story and it just attracted me right away.
I loved everything about Grace......her faith, her sensitvity, how naive and sweet she is, down to earth and devoted to her family and career, and determined to be independent even though it would have been so much easier to live in her sheltered life. She DOES NOT back down even when her office gets attacked, she has a confrontation with a lead gang member (that scene had me GLUED to the page and I was terrified for her), and other moments in the book that she handles in amazing ways. She is afraid the whole time, but seeing how these kids are abused and mistreated shakes her more than any danger she is in. And the way she responds to Matt, fearlessly and loving him unconditionally, makes me admire her even more. Not everyone could deal with his mood swings as well as she does and she is honest from the start, never playing mind games or walking away from a problem. She is one of the BRAVEST characters I've ever seen in a story and I wish I could be more like that :)
I recommend this book but only for mature readers because there is violent content in the story. No sexual content even though Grace and Matt do have kissing moments. He backs off when things get heated and I loved that about him. The descriptions on how Marcus's body is bruised from beatings and mention of drugs being delivered from the kids and even one boy being hospitalized for defending his sister.....you're not just reading about it (they are not graphic), but you're THERE as it's being discussed and dealt with. Some of it is harsh for a sensitive reader like myself, but the writing is amazing and fresh throughout. Matt gets in a fight with a drug dealer threatening Marcus, but I enjoyed that scene tremendously.
I also loved the ending, seriously cool way that everything gets resolved but also practical. Loved Grace's parents and Marcus's aunt, those are the real heroes of the story. Matt is Grace's hero all the way through and the healing he gets in the story is absolutely priceless. So yeah, I loved this story and look forward to more of Gray's books :)
August 28, 2014
I just spent the entire novel thinking the title was Mercy's Flight. I am laughing now.
I enjoyed this book. It was chalked with a lot more pain than I was expecting. It also gave me a picture of a world very different than my own. I think that the ending was a little "fairytaleish." I just don't believe that it would have wrapped up that nicely in the end. I do however, (in my ignorance maybe) believe that Gray did a good job portraying her characters. Matt was truly haunted and fearful. In fact, in the beginning I was incredibly worried about his character. I was wary of him and how Gray was going to go about justifying his actions. I felt that he was a little over the edge with some of the things he did or thoughts he had about Grace. He was just a tad crazy. She was too steadfast, I don't know if that makes sense but she was too calm about everything. I think that if I had a boyfriend that admitted that he had hit his previous girlfriend I would have had to think long and hard about that. Grace just dismissed it and had this "knowing" that he would never hurt her. I think that is incredibly naive. I did grow to like Matt more with the progression of the novel. I also liked him as a character because he was a little more complex than standard contemporary characters.
Her development of Marcus and Trey seemed to be brilliant and I think that she grasped and portrayed that things are not so simple. Matt's character seemed to have a grasp of that.
As for the preachy Christian stuff, well I think she did a pretty good job. I didn't roll my eyes even once. I think that when its truly a part of someone's life and is portrayed as such it fits. I really don't like novels that the authenticity of the faith seems contrived and worthy of eye rolling. I also appreciated the realness of the attraction between them. She did a fantastic job of building tension between them without ever crossing any lines in my opinion. I like it to be real and raw but clean. Most Christian authors shy away from this aspect and I think it takes away from the novel. So on a scale from 1-10 I think she pulled a 7 (10 being the best) in terms of executing faith in a real fashion.
Overall, I think this is a worthy read.
I enjoyed this book. It was chalked with a lot more pain than I was expecting. It also gave me a picture of a world very different than my own. I think that the ending was a little "fairytaleish." I just don't believe that it would have wrapped up that nicely in the end. I do however, (in my ignorance maybe) believe that Gray did a good job portraying her characters. Matt was truly haunted and fearful. In fact, in the beginning I was incredibly worried about his character. I was wary of him and how Gray was going to go about justifying his actions. I felt that he was a little over the edge with some of the things he did or thoughts he had about Grace. He was just a tad crazy. She was too steadfast, I don't know if that makes sense but she was too calm about everything. I think that if I had a boyfriend that admitted that he had hit his previous girlfriend I would have had to think long and hard about that. Grace just dismissed it and had this "knowing" that he would never hurt her. I think that is incredibly naive. I did grow to like Matt more with the progression of the novel. I also liked him as a character because he was a little more complex than standard contemporary characters.
Her development of Marcus and Trey seemed to be brilliant and I think that she grasped and portrayed that things are not so simple. Matt's character seemed to have a grasp of that.
As for the preachy Christian stuff, well I think she did a pretty good job. I didn't roll my eyes even once. I think that when its truly a part of someone's life and is portrayed as such it fits. I really don't like novels that the authenticity of the faith seems contrived and worthy of eye rolling. I also appreciated the realness of the attraction between them. She did a fantastic job of building tension between them without ever crossing any lines in my opinion. I like it to be real and raw but clean. Most Christian authors shy away from this aspect and I think it takes away from the novel. So on a scale from 1-10 I think she pulled a 7 (10 being the best) in terms of executing faith in a real fashion.
Overall, I think this is a worthy read.
December 4, 2015
Who would have thought that I would LOVE this super religious romance book as much as I do!!! There were many points in the story that just pulled at the heart and had me in tears because it was just so beautiful and touching and powerful and moving! I totally recommend it!!! If you are looking for sweet, sexy, edgy, tension-filled romance than this may just be the book to capture your heart.
For my video review check out my YouTube Channel: Stephanie Uncensored https://youtu.be/FyhJlMxKlyw
For my video review check out my YouTube Channel: Stephanie Uncensored https://youtu.be/FyhJlMxKlyw
Read
November 7, 2016Mercy's Fight is one sexy, sophisticated, satisfying, and spiritually-poignant read!
Matt and Grace are an intricately woven couple who must fight through their own personal demons to discover the truth, hope, and future that await them. I truly adored this love story!
A five-star recommendation without a doubt for readers who love a sizzling romance and a spiritually mindful plot!
Matt and Grace are an intricately woven couple who must fight through their own personal demons to discover the truth, hope, and future that await them. I truly adored this love story!
A five-star recommendation without a doubt for readers who love a sizzling romance and a spiritually mindful plot!
May 19, 2015
Real life meets fighting faith. Loved this book. Raw, emotional and beautiful, it's not your sweet, everyday romance. Ms Gray paints a vivid portrait of a powerful God meeting people in their darkness, fighting for their souls and breaking the bondage that seems impossible. I will definitely read more from this author!
May 31, 2022
Perfection in words.
Definitely reaching the top of my favourites list. And T.L Gray the top of my favourite authors. From someone who finds it extremely hard to choose favourites... this is saying something.
Definitely reaching the top of my favourites list. And T.L Gray the top of my favourite authors. From someone who finds it extremely hard to choose favourites... this is saying something.
November 1, 2014
What a fantastic random find!
Forget it, I thought, and my mouth crushed hers. She could deal with the makeup later. I needed to touch, needed to forget what a slippery slope we were on. Needed reassurance that I wasn’t crazy for traveling this path with her.
I haven’t been this excited to write a review in a while. I apologize in advance if it seems all over the place, I just have so much to say but I hope I can do it in an organized fashion.
Leaning to whisper in her ear, I felt her shiver at my touch. “Sweetheart, I remember every second from the first moment I laid eyes on you and I’ve been trying to get my world upright ever since.”
First I have to say I was so excited to receive a message from goodreads saying I actually won one of the many “book to win” entries that I’ve entered. I can’t remember how I came across this book but I’m really glad I did. I love discovering new authors and T.L. Gray is one you can bet I’ll read more of. So here’s my review of Mercy’s Fight:
She could set me off in a blaze one moment, and later calm the storm with just a slight touch of her hand.
It was a very enjoyable read written with great skill. I’m unsure how to categorize this one. I saw some categorize it as a New Adult but I wouldn't say it is. To me NA books have the “intense” love scenes and over the top drama (which I like as much as the next person) but this one sort of has that Young Adult feel (with just a little something extra) without it being a YA book. Thinking about it I guess I would call it an endearing romance. It was “real”. Matt and Grace didn’t know each other long but in the short time they did I really felt their connection and bond. It wasn’t over the top mushy that makes me roll my eyes sometimes; there was no crazy alpha male-just the true love of a solid man who wanted to keep his girl safe. Saying it had that YA feel is because in that genre of books I always get that giddy delightful feeling from the innocent (yet also hot) touches that makes you feel all gooey and the simplicity & honesty of the love between two people. The innocence of holding hands, the tight warm hugs, the sweet kisses, the thoughtful gestures…it’s all what I crave to read. To me that’s true romance.
I pulled her closer, her body now pressed up against mine. “Expect to see a lot of me. I may take things slow, but once I’m in, there’s no halfway.”
T.L. Gray wrote a wonderful story about Matt and Grace, two people from completely two different worlds. They both overcame hard times, Matt way more than Grace but those hard times is what brought them together. They learned the importance to fight for one another and not give up on their love. There was also the incredible part of the story about the passion they had to help troubled kids and giving them a safe place to rely on. I have to chuckle though because I honestly thought this was going to end in a cliff-hanger; the author had me nervous till the very end. And what a sweet end it was.
Love. It’s the one thing that can bring even the strongest of men to their knees.
I do have one negative to note and I don’t even want to call it that because it really isn't. Like I said before this was a random find and a new author for me so I just wasn't expecting religion talk. It’s obviously a personal preference of mine but I feel my review should be very honest as it may or may not help a reader decide on picking this book up but at the same time I hope it doesn’t stop someone from choosing this book for two simple reasons: it’s not a big thing, and I honestly thought it was a great book (and ladies, you definitely want to meet Matt Holloway). I have my faith and beliefs but when I read I rather it not be a part of the story. A couple references here and there are okay for me but several I personally don’t prefer. I’m not saying Mercy’s Fight was loaded with talks of God, and praying, and stories of the bible but there were quite a few mentions. Some I read, some I skipped. I actually winced just now admitting I skipped some sentences because I can only imagine and understand the passion, love and time an author puts into writing and I do my best to read every single word written because to me every single word matters & counts and can make or break a book. The sentences I skipped do not break my opinion at all (obviously if I'm giving it 5 stars). I read the little bio of the author at the end of the book and understand what she wants to convey and I think it’s a wonderful gesture. I also think that Matt really needed his beliefs to get through his horrible past and help him be courageous to fight back and become the better man Grace and his mother believed him to be.
So will all that said, please check out Mercy's Fight. I loved it and I think you will too. If not for me, then for Matt Holloway...he's quite dreamy!
Forget it, I thought, and my mouth crushed hers. She could deal with the makeup later. I needed to touch, needed to forget what a slippery slope we were on. Needed reassurance that I wasn’t crazy for traveling this path with her.
I haven’t been this excited to write a review in a while. I apologize in advance if it seems all over the place, I just have so much to say but I hope I can do it in an organized fashion.
Leaning to whisper in her ear, I felt her shiver at my touch. “Sweetheart, I remember every second from the first moment I laid eyes on you and I’ve been trying to get my world upright ever since.”
First I have to say I was so excited to receive a message from goodreads saying I actually won one of the many “book to win” entries that I’ve entered. I can’t remember how I came across this book but I’m really glad I did. I love discovering new authors and T.L. Gray is one you can bet I’ll read more of. So here’s my review of Mercy’s Fight:
She could set me off in a blaze one moment, and later calm the storm with just a slight touch of her hand.
It was a very enjoyable read written with great skill. I’m unsure how to categorize this one. I saw some categorize it as a New Adult but I wouldn't say it is. To me NA books have the “intense” love scenes and over the top drama (which I like as much as the next person) but this one sort of has that Young Adult feel (with just a little something extra) without it being a YA book. Thinking about it I guess I would call it an endearing romance. It was “real”. Matt and Grace didn’t know each other long but in the short time they did I really felt their connection and bond. It wasn’t over the top mushy that makes me roll my eyes sometimes; there was no crazy alpha male-just the true love of a solid man who wanted to keep his girl safe. Saying it had that YA feel is because in that genre of books I always get that giddy delightful feeling from the innocent (yet also hot) touches that makes you feel all gooey and the simplicity & honesty of the love between two people. The innocence of holding hands, the tight warm hugs, the sweet kisses, the thoughtful gestures…it’s all what I crave to read. To me that’s true romance.
I pulled her closer, her body now pressed up against mine. “Expect to see a lot of me. I may take things slow, but once I’m in, there’s no halfway.”
T.L. Gray wrote a wonderful story about Matt and Grace, two people from completely two different worlds. They both overcame hard times, Matt way more than Grace but those hard times is what brought them together. They learned the importance to fight for one another and not give up on their love. There was also the incredible part of the story about the passion they had to help troubled kids and giving them a safe place to rely on. I have to chuckle though because I honestly thought this was going to end in a cliff-hanger; the author had me nervous till the very end. And what a sweet end it was.
Love. It’s the one thing that can bring even the strongest of men to their knees.
I do have one negative to note and I don’t even want to call it that because it really isn't. Like I said before this was a random find and a new author for me so I just wasn't expecting religion talk. It’s obviously a personal preference of mine but I feel my review should be very honest as it may or may not help a reader decide on picking this book up but at the same time I hope it doesn’t stop someone from choosing this book for two simple reasons: it’s not a big thing, and I honestly thought it was a great book (and ladies, you definitely want to meet Matt Holloway). I have my faith and beliefs but when I read I rather it not be a part of the story. A couple references here and there are okay for me but several I personally don’t prefer. I’m not saying Mercy’s Fight was loaded with talks of God, and praying, and stories of the bible but there were quite a few mentions. Some I read, some I skipped. I actually winced just now admitting I skipped some sentences because I can only imagine and understand the passion, love and time an author puts into writing and I do my best to read every single word written because to me every single word matters & counts and can make or break a book. The sentences I skipped do not break my opinion at all (obviously if I'm giving it 5 stars). I read the little bio of the author at the end of the book and understand what she wants to convey and I think it’s a wonderful gesture. I also think that Matt really needed his beliefs to get through his horrible past and help him be courageous to fight back and become the better man Grace and his mother believed him to be.
So will all that said, please check out Mercy's Fight. I loved it and I think you will too. If not for me, then for Matt Holloway...he's quite dreamy!
July 4, 2021
This book wrecked me in a good way, and I wasn’t expecting that. I have to admit I have a soft spot for tormented heroes. Throw in a bit of brooding, some tattoos, a motorcycle and a protective nature, and I’m guaranteed to read. Matt has experienced more than anyone should, though he is on a solid path, he hasn’t found complete freedom and healing from the past. Grace is so sweet and has a kind heart. They are good for each other. I loved this book. I loved the depth and beauty of the story and growth of the characters. Of the books I’ve read by this author, they have all been good, but this one is close to the top as a favorite.
January 2, 2015
This is my top read and if you have read it you know why.
Matt and Grace are...
This story..
DO not pick up this book if you are too busy to read. You will not want to put this down and once you get into this book you will be lost. (In a wonderfully good way)
Matt and Grace are...
This story..
DO not pick up this book if you are too busy to read. You will not want to put this down and once you get into this book you will be lost. (In a wonderfully good way)
August 21, 2018
I've read another book by this author and enjoyed it, but this book was unfortunately too insta-love for me. I felt like there was very little emotional connection between the characters before they were suddenly "boyfriend and girlfriend" and seriously devoted to each other. The main guy was constantly feeling down about himself and saying the relationship wasn't going to last. It just all felt too awkward for me.
August 13, 2020
I read this book several years ago and decided I wanted to revisit it and read it again. I was excited to see the story had an audible version. The narrators did a great job and I fell in love with Matt once again. This author is a favorite of mine. She writes gritty stories that offer hope.
March 17, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the story of triumph over struggles, growth, and trusting God with the impossible.
The “bad guy-good girl” romance was a bit cliche and reminiscent of the movie, “Grease.” There was an overwhelming emphasis on physicality to the point of it feeling uncomfortable as a listener/reader. The two were beyond making out before they officially even became a couple. As a reader, I don’t want to know THAT much about anyone’s physical chemistry. While chemistry is a wonderful thing, it’s also something between a couple to be cherished in private.
Sometimes the Matt character really irritated me. He had major anger issues and possessiveness. While he had some growth, they weren’t ready for a commitment in the end. The engagement still seemed to be more about the act than the commitment.
I did enjoy the story overall and I have enjoyed the books I’ve read by her so far.
I listened to the audio version and the narrations were okay. I don’t care for forced male voices from a female or forced female voices from a male. Their regular narrations were good.
The “bad guy-good girl” romance was a bit cliche and reminiscent of the movie, “Grease.” There was an overwhelming emphasis on physicality to the point of it feeling uncomfortable as a listener/reader. The two were beyond making out before they officially even became a couple. As a reader, I don’t want to know THAT much about anyone’s physical chemistry. While chemistry is a wonderful thing, it’s also something between a couple to be cherished in private.
Sometimes the Matt character really irritated me. He had major anger issues and possessiveness. While he had some growth, they weren’t ready for a commitment in the end. The engagement still seemed to be more about the act than the commitment.
I did enjoy the story overall and I have enjoyed the books I’ve read by her so far.
I listened to the audio version and the narrations were okay. I don’t care for forced male voices from a female or forced female voices from a male. Their regular narrations were good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
I've never read a book by this author and was looking through the Christian fiction section and came across this book. The story line sounded interesting, so I thought why not. Honestly I thought the book read a lot like a typical Hallmark movie and personally I thought it was a bit too steamy in the beginning almost crossing the line of what I considered Christian...it wasn't until halfway through the book where God really showed up. Honestly if I wouldn't have bought the Audible narration i probably wouldn't have finished it because of the steamy parts, but I'm glad I did finish it. Though I felt the beginning dragged a little once I got about halfway into it the story began to blossom. And I'm guessing there's a sequel because the ending left many unanswered questions. Good read, once you get through the beginning half.
July 2, 2022
This book deals with a lot of hope in the world that could come if we just believe in the God and all the power he has. Matt is a a guy who is dealing with a lot for. His past as abuse ,bit in between that he is also trying to cope by being a big brother a lost kid ,and giving boxing lessons to other kids then one night she walks into his gym by mistake but is it. Grace come from a rich family and when she is given a chance to help so kids with problem she thinks it might be time for a change she just doesn't know that change might also bring the man she has been needing in her life all along . This book has some action but not much , some romance bit not much but it does give you a good dose of faith . I would say it is worth a read
October 8, 2017
new author for me. Realistic situations, real-life scenarios. This book keeps you intrigued and guessing. Her mix of real-life scenarios combined with Christian Outlook gives young adults hope. You get the feeling the writer understands and knows what she is talking about. She does her research. She uses her writing to tackle critical issues- others rarely tackle.. Yet very sensitively!. There are groups of people that really need to know God's love and, it's up to us. Thank you Tammy for opening up my eyes..
January 18, 2018
Mercy lived and expressed ...
I loved the way the main Character reflects on receiving Gods mercy... romance in novels always allow my heart to be engaged... but the most I loved was reading about how a hurt man processes things before knowing God and after. I have 7 sons and many nephews who I always want to be receptive to understanding... this book and “Splintered Oak’s” main character Jake really gave me insight to that as a woman, mother and aunt. I hope they will read these books someday😊
I loved the way the main Character reflects on receiving Gods mercy... romance in novels always allow my heart to be engaged... but the most I loved was reading about how a hurt man processes things before knowing God and after. I have 7 sons and many nephews who I always want to be receptive to understanding... this book and “Splintered Oak’s” main character Jake really gave me insight to that as a woman, mother and aunt. I hope they will read these books someday😊
June 9, 2019
I was hooked from the first chapter. Story alternates each chapter from Grace telling her story to Matt giving his perspective. I felt this gave the reader a greater understanding of the characters. They meet by chance and circumstances keep intertwined. They have nothing in common except their faith and their attraction to each other. Both must overcome hurts from the past to forge ahead together. Enough twist and turns to keep the story moving as the characters are involved with inner-city youth.
August 8, 2020
Great read!
I almost quit reading part way through because the emotional trauma was heavy, but I hung in there. There is hope for those who have been through traumatic life situations. There is hope when we think all is lost. I had a lot of counseling to help me through mine and the presence of the Lord. His promise is to never leave me nor forsake me, and his everlasting love that is above what we could ever imagine. This was a good story, a story of hope, healing, and determination to work things out.
I almost quit reading part way through because the emotional trauma was heavy, but I hung in there. There is hope for those who have been through traumatic life situations. There is hope when we think all is lost. I had a lot of counseling to help me through mine and the presence of the Lord. His promise is to never leave me nor forsake me, and his everlasting love that is above what we could ever imagine. This was a good story, a story of hope, healing, and determination to work things out.
August 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I felt drawn in by the magnetic attraction between Matt and Grace, all the while knowing, as they did, the hugely different worlds they came from. I loved the way the author showed Matt as such a work in progress. He had come so far, grown in his faith, but still had issues to deal with. And Grace is on a journey also, still learning and growing, as we all are. I loved seeing the way Grace went at her job, even in such challenging surroundings. I wish I had her courage! I find that, even after finishing the book, I can't get these characters out of my mind!
January 18, 2018
Love this author.
I have read four of her books now and I have been genuinely touched by each one. I am a counselor myself with men and women who have been released from prison and the her books are on target for the things that happen in the lives of people whose hearts are broken and hurt and need the healing touch that only a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ can bring.
I have read four of her books now and I have been genuinely touched by each one. I am a counselor myself with men and women who have been released from prison and the her books are on target for the things that happen in the lives of people whose hearts are broken and hurt and need the healing touch that only a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ can bring.
December 21, 2018
A love story with class!
Finally an author that writes beautiful stories of romance and drama and mystery that doesn't use 3/4 of the book on very detailed and descriptive bedroom scenes! I mean, come on already, do we really need to know about how far her legs can go passed her ears, like in those other books? This book is the 3rd book that I've read so far of this author and she puts heart, soul, and Christ in every revelation of the characters!
Finally an author that writes beautiful stories of romance and drama and mystery that doesn't use 3/4 of the book on very detailed and descriptive bedroom scenes! I mean, come on already, do we really need to know about how far her legs can go passed her ears, like in those other books? This book is the 3rd book that I've read so far of this author and she puts heart, soul, and Christ in every revelation of the characters!
August 13, 2019
Goodness, did I ever fly through this one! So so good. I seem to be reading this "new to me" author’s books in the order they were published and it’s amazing how each one gets better. I loved Matt and Grace and their beautiful story. I especially enjoyed that the book felt less YA to me than the Winsor series. The characters, especially Matt, had many prior life experiences and their emotions felt so real. An extremely gifted author, and can’t wait to read more!
February 18, 2021
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I'm really excited that I found T.L Gray because I'm going to be reading ALL her books in the next week. Grace and Matt really appealed to me because they are strong-willed, smart, flawed in some way, relatable, realistic and easy to love. I loved reading about their faith, struggles and sacrifices. Grace and Matt were a fantastic couple and I loved their passion for helping vulnerable children. What a wonderful book!
November 5, 2024
This is the 6th Tammy Gray book I’ve read. What else can I say?! Her character work is incredible.
I loved the setting of this story! And Matt & Grace 😍. And all of the side characters & children at the center. The Gospel was woven well throughout the story & I enjoyed both of the MC’s grappling with their faith & past as they deal with some of the issues that happen in the story.
2/2/23 - 2/3/23
I loved the setting of this story! And Matt & Grace 😍. And all of the side characters & children at the center. The Gospel was woven well throughout the story & I enjoyed both of the MC’s grappling with their faith & past as they deal with some of the issues that happen in the story.
2/2/23 - 2/3/23
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