This is an alternate cover edition - ASIN: B016WM6AU8
Raylan Wild lived up to his last name. He spent his youth sowing his oats and living life for the moment. Then he met Amber and after one incredible night, Raylan was ready to give up his wild ways. But then a call from his ex turned his world upside down. Raylan sacrificed his tender new feelings and left town to raise a son he’d never even known existed.
All the while, dreams of a beautiful brown haired girl haunted his dreams.
Amber Atkins had given everything to Raylan. Her virginity and her soul. Convinced she could tame the notorious bad boy, she was devastated when he left without a word. Now six years later, Raylan has returned to Mercy to convince Amber that they can’t live without each other. But can Amber find the strength to trust again?
As a stalker grows bolder, Amber’s life is in danger and she’s forced to turn to one man for help – Raylan Wilde. In order to survive, she must trust the man that nearly destroyed her with her body and soul.
Lindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.
An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams.
"B/c he takes her virginity and then leaves without a word b/c his ex calls and he goes to raise his son (he did not know about) then returns 6 years later to "reclaim" her. Basically anything other than a book about all the ways she tortured him would suck. So I will instead save myself some rage and not bother reading!"
Raylan and Amber have a past. He once took her virginity then up and left without a word to Amber. Now 6 years later he's back in Mercy hoping he may get the chance to explain to Amber what happened that night. Maybe even get a second chance with the woman he never forgot.
But Raylan first has to protect Amber. Because he's not the only one who wants her. Her stalker isn't just playing for affection anymore. He's playing for keeps.
So I'm a tad bit disappointed about how this story played out. First, I thought it would be another novel length, not a novella. Second, the ending was so fast! Once Tommy was taken care of I thought "Okay, now we still have the druggie ex to deal with" But it's like the author had forgotten her throughout the story and thought "Oh crap, let's just kill her off and wrap this puppy up!" I was hoping for some drama! Maybe Amber would finally have to fess up and stick up for her man. As the story ended so abruptly like it did, it would've been nice to get like an epilogue or something with Amber finally meeting Rayland's son. I mean all we get at the end if: ex dies of an overdose, Rayland has to go back home to explain to his son, he wants Amber to go with. THAT'S IT?!?!?!
🎁 Books 1 - 8 in the Men of Mercy series are FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2019)! 🎁
Blurb: Raylan Wild lived up to his last name. He spent his youth sowing his oats and living life for the moment. Then he met Amber and after one incredible night, Raylan was ready to give up his wild ways. But then a call from his ex turned his world upside down. Raylan sacrificed his tender new feelings and left town to raise a son he’d never even known existed.
All the while, dreams of a beautiful brown haired girl haunted his dreams.
Amber Atkins had given everything to Raylan. Her virginity and her soul. Convinced she could tame the notorious bad boy, she was devastated when he left without a word. Now six years later, Raylan has returned to Mercy to convince Amber that they can’t live without each other. But can Amber find the strength to trust again?
As a stalker grows bolder, Amber’s life is in danger and she’s forced to turn to one man for help – Raylan Wilde. In order to survive, she must trust the man that nearly destroyed her with her body and soul.
I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR THE CRAZY SPOILERS AND MINI-RANT!! 😬
The ridiculous reasons why couples separate and stay apart for years never cease to amaze me. And when they do finally see each other again, they tend to take their sweet time discussing why they ever parted ways in the first place. This can be quite frustrating, but a frequent occurrence in romance novels. Sometimes I have a problem with this, other times I’m able to deal with it. Especially if it works for the story, or if the hero and heroine were such lovable characters, I’d forgive them anything. I can't say that’s what was happening here.
In this novella, Raylan disappeared on Amber without offering so much as an explanation. Young, dumb, and scared is right! For six years—six years—all she’s ever known was that Raylan was her first, and then he just ups and leave. Ugh! Finally, he decides that he can now show his face in Mercy and wants Amber back. Now, I can understand Amber's reluctance to talk to him, and I even understand her anger. But the poor girl forgot all that emotion as soon as Raylan steps one foot in her house. He apologizes for hurting her and says how much he missed her, but doesn’t offer any explanation as to why he left years ago because he can’t seem to form the words. 🙄 So frustrating because they fall in bed together before they have that much needed “talk.” And don't get me started on the crazy ex who makes what Raylan did less sufferable than this guy, or the fact that Amber couldn't seem to muster up enough venom to really put the dude in his place like her friend suggested.🙄
Anyway, Raylan finally comes clean about why he flew the coup years ago, and it’s clear that these two could have worked it out, or even parted ways amicably. But where’s the fun in that, right?!*Sigh*
Getting back to Amber's ex-dude is just crazy enough to try and throw a wrench in whatever plans Raylan had on getting Amber back and becomes a psycho stalker. What do these two do after discovering that he's gotten into her house somehow? They get down and dirty knowing the sheriff was on his way to her house to collect evidence. On. His. Way. Like, could be showing up any moment. But at least they did that BEFORE they saw exactly what the culprit had done in her bedroom. 😫
Older, and maybe a bit wiser, (debatable?...eh🤷🏾♀️) Rayland is an honorable man though and would do anything for Amber. ***This--this is what I loved about Raylan and it's also one of the main sweet spots of the whole story:
His eyes closed briefly, almost in resignation, but when he opened them again, the normal Raylan was back. The caring Raylan, who for the past two days had put all of her needs above his own.
“Amber, if anything happened to you, I’d lose my mind. You can’t ask me not to do what I've been trained to do and protect you.”
But have mercy, what is it with these heroines in Mercy?! This is the fourth or fifth book I've read in the series (novellas included). The men are all former military or trained cops/agents, yet the heroines feel that they’re not skilled enough to handle themselves?! Aye, yi, yi! 🤯I wanted to pull my hair out during that little “stand-off" at the end. I did not enjoy that one bit. I think I was more nervous than Raylan!😂
And to top it all off, Raylan's ex was taken care of rather quickly, and I did not get the closure I wanted. Why couldn't we see Amber meet his son, or his mother, or had a little run-in with Raylan's ex?! Either that, or the ex should have been taken care of before Raylan came back into Amber's life because what we got was a little teaser thinking that there was going to be more to it than what actually happened.
All spoilers aside, this story is my least favorite of the series so far, but that's because it just wasn't my cup of tea. Other readers may like how the story played out. I, on the other hand, wished things had gone a bit differently. But that is merely just my opinion.
I'm doing my best to read them in order, but I confess that I'd actually read Hoyt's story, and David's story first before I realized that there were so many more books in this series. However, I'm back on track now and have plans to move forward until I've completed the series. The stories are not bad, and I've even enjoyed them for the most part because they have great potential. The premises for each story so far have been extremely intriguing, but sometimes I've had a few objections with the way the plots were excuted. Also, the grammatical errors are still an issue. However, I think Ms. Cross has great ideas for stories coming from that beautiful brain of hers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I know I am a broken record when it comes to this series but it is the best and is my treat to myself. I love the fact that these strong alpha men (they are military, law enforcement, military) stick together and keep themselves and their families safe. This time Raylan and his team join together to stop a psychotic stalker that is after Amber, the woman he left behind but wants to reconcile with.
This book has an edge of a thriller, mixed with romance and erotica.
Loved it!
I love the bar scene when she and her friend bathe Raylan in margaritas for leaving in the middle of the night and then showing back up.
So Raylan takes Amber's virginity and then disappears, 6 years later he's back to 'claim' her and the first night she sees him again after being left heartbroken, she jumps straight into bed with him. Hmmmm....I would have hoped that she might have held out until she knew why he'd left. He left because he found out he had a son with his druggie ex girlfriend. As his relationship with her didn't go anywhere, why did he wait 6 years to come back???
I enjoyed the suspense around her ex and the stalker element but it all seemed to end so abruptly with little thought about the situation with his druggie ex. It just seemed to be tagged on to the end like the author had forgotten about her.
I am not going to defend Raylan's previous douche like behaviour towards Amber. We now know it came from inexperience and being scared witless of finding someone he actually cared about at the same time as he got a blast of unexpected news. he did not handle the situation, he turned tail and ran! However, he is no longer that younger male and now has pretty much all of his ducks in a row. Next on his list is trying to get back into Ambers good graces. He didn't expect to do it by saving her from a creepy ex.
Amber thinks she lurches from one doomed relationship to another. Her most recent ex won't take no for an answer and his stalker behaviour is escalating. She did not expect Raylan to be the shining knight she needed. She doesn't want to be rescued, least of all by him. Long buried feelings are getting stirred up but she will not allow him to break her heart once again. Now she just has to get her stupid heart to get on the same page as her brain!
Mrs Peterson is the kind of net twitching neighbour you want, she sees all and knows all! Bo the delectable sheriff makes another appearance and I loved the resurgence of Raylan and Ambers feelings towards each other. It did end a tad abruptly but I've read the books either side of this one already so I'm happy with where it sits in the narrative of the overall story arc.
Raylan is a DEA agent and Amber is a beautician. They dated six years ago but then Raylan took off without a goodbye. Now he’s back and he’ll do whatever it takes to win Amber back. Amber’s ex boyfriend is stalking her and breaking into her house, setting her car on fire, and putting a dead animal in Raylan’s truck. With each incident, he gets more out of control. Raylan hopes once he tells Amber why he left, she’ll forgive him and they can be together. Sexy, secrets, and a crazy ex. I enjoyed this story but it drives me crazy when I can’t pronounce he characters names.
Gripping second chance storyline full of action, hurt, betrayal, fear and love. Raylan and Amber were once close, but he left her with no further contact. When he returns to Mercy, Raylan is hoping to reignite the passion and love they had for each other and finally settle down, but Amber has a stalker and she is determined that Raylan will not be the one to get rid of him. Raylan and Amber’s journey of heartbreak and love, really get your empathy working overtime in this novella. This is a really good read.
During a memorable night, Raylan Wild and Amber Atkins’ fell in love during their shared night but a phone call had Raylan rising quickly and driving straight out of town with no explanation and no contact. Six years later, Raylan returned to Mercy, Amber is still the woman of his dreams and his feelings are returned. Amber slowly forgives, she’s hasn’t been a lonesome nun all that time and her ex isn’t hearing that or watching Raylan worm his way back into her affections if he can help it! Rating: 4.25stars
Good storyline. I was drawn in by Raylan & Amber, so wanting them to get together. I could totally understand each one's backstory. Spoiler Alert: A big problem was they had sex the first night they met again. I understand the heat & feelings they shared. However, the night they had the picnic date they had sex again. Only this time he asked about the Pill! The first time it was unprotected sex & no mention of birth control.
I am enjoying this series, the author give her readers what they want. I felt this story to be a enjoyable short story with suspense, action, and of course second chance at love. I enjoyed watch the heroine grow stronger and not letting any one of thing trap her emotional. As much as I enjoyed the hero of this story, I do look forward to reading the sheriff's story, I having a feeling it's going to be really juicy!
The meeting, after six years, was memorable, but so was followup later that night. A situation that caused him to leave, so long ago, could be explained, but the current problem, from her former ex, it might take a little more than talk to handle. Yes, that really doesn't tell you a lot, but, if I told you more, then you miss a very well crafted tale, which I found very interesting and entertaining.
I loved this book. Raylan messes up by leaving Amber after their first time together when they were younger. He’s never gotten over her. He’s back and wants another chance. She’s got some issues with her ex ( Tommy). So much happens, can he keep her safe? This story was shorter than the other books in this series but I still felt their emotions. Glad they had their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
Raylan took Ambers virginity and ran off afterward, but not for the reasons she thought. Now he's back looking for forgiveness and to get Amber back. In the process of working through their past, Amber's ex-boyfriend starts stalking her. Now Amber has to not only trust Raylan with her heart, but also her life.
Lindsay Cross does well with keeping the suspense high in the story but I have a difficult time getting through the mistakes that are made in some details and grammar in the story. It is like it is done in a rush and then not edited. The whole series is like this but I can't quit a series once I start and I like the suspense.
4.25 stars!! This series was really good but within every book the premise is sort of the same insta love, the alpha is going through shit and doesn’t date, the female gets roughed up badly but is in love with the alpha, and within 3 days they’re both declaring love!!!! Over the top and surreal but I had to read the series anyway ... my flaw!!! Was hoping for a change I suppose
Really am enjoying the series. But, I have to say that there were a few things that automatically ruin a great read for me. Misspelled names from one book to another ex: Cheri/Cherri, Crowe/Crow. Grammatical errors. Maybe need to get some better proofreaders. But, I still am drawn to this series. I just have to find out what will happen with Hoyt.
This story is a second chance romance. Raylan made a mistake by leaving the first time around. He wants Amber to know the reason why he left and hopes she will give him a second chance.
I really enjoyed this story. The storyline was great with the second chance romance along with psychotic ex. It made for a great mixture of romance and suspense as well.
The meeting, after six years, was memorable, but so was followup later that night. A situation that caused him to leave, so long ago, could be explained, but the current problem, from her former ex, it might take a little more than talk to handle. Yes, that really doesn't tell you a lot, but, if I told you more, then you miss a very well crafted tale, which I found very interesting and entertaining.
This may be a novella but it isn't short on the action, chemistry and suspense. I have loved every single second of this series of books. They can be read as standalone but together they are mind boggling. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a romance with lots of action.
As with all of the books that I've read in this series, Raylan is a hero with a little damage. After leaving his true love to be a father to his child and trying to be a husband to his child's mother, he gets a second chance at his true love.
This book is part of the Men of Mercy series and follows Raylan ( a new hottie to us) and Amber. It is jam packed with suspense,romance,a hot dominant man and a crazy ex-stalker. But mainly it's about second chances. Knowing when " the one" got away and what has to be done to get "the one" back.
Like all her books I’ve read so far this has great writing, an interesting plot, and strong characters. Just wish someone had edited for spelling and correct pronouns.
Maybe a 31/2. Not actually a main Men of Mercy series Just some references. Of other books characters. I do like how true Raylan is to Amber now. Inexperience and youth caused not the truth being to,d.
Oh my gosh, this novella is great! A wonderful story of second chance redemption with a bit of a psycho ex thrown in...makes for a can't put it down book.
Good book but too much was left out, felt like the ending was rushed too, it was like they cought the bad guy and then The end that was it. people we're still shaking and that's it the end okay ..what about meeting his son? .... But again good for a fast read.
What an amazing second chance romantic suspense! Raylan made mistakes with how he dealt with certain things, but now he wants a second chance to proove himself! Throw in a stalker and you are on the edge of your seat with this one!