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Mercy Ashby #1

Mercy's Protectors

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Someone’s after Mercy and they won’t stop until they have her.

Demons have been looking for her for years. Mercy doesn’t know why they want her so badly. She only knows that she refuses to go back.

When a demon gets too close to home, Mercy knows that she can’t fight all who want her on her own, so she has to go to the Order for protection.

With the help of her protectors will Mercy be safe? Or will the monsters hunting for her finally get what they want?

This is a full length paranormal reverse harem romance and is recommended for 18+

177 pages, ebook

First published February 23, 2018

294 people are currently reading
433 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Hardin

18 books61 followers
A.M. (or Autumn) Hardin was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. She's married with three girls. Her favorite books always depends on her mood, though her tastes are very eclectic. As long as it's romance there's a high chance she has or plans to read it. When she doesn't have a book in her hand or spending time with her family she can be found writing in either a notebook or on her computer.

For future updates, giveaways, or sneak peeks, join her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dNl2Ns

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5 stars
279 (40%)
4 stars
201 (29%)
3 stars
153 (22%)
2 stars
44 (6%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for SnooRegrets.
551 reviews116 followers
February 26, 2018
2.5 stars

Yet another „meh“ reverse harem read. There were some nice ideas here, but the world and story building was unoriginal und bland. I didn‘t really like any of the characters, especially Mercy, who could have been cool as fuck, since she is strong and independent and outspoken. But she also behaves like an ungrateful asshole the whole time and was really, really annoying me.

I didn‘t feel any connection or relationship building at all - we are just told a list of things that are said and that happen without a plausible flow. This was also true for the rest of the book. Rushed and clipped story telling, that didn‘t speak to me at all.

Most likely I am not going to continue this series.
Profile Image for Brandi Bell.
Author 7 books50 followers
February 23, 2018
All I can say is wow! This book is a must read! Mercy is different than your typical main character. She is strong and can take care if herself. In a world full of demons, she as a half demon is looked down at. The plot is engaging and I couldn’t put it down. There’s even a steamy scene to keep things interesting.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,561 reviews82 followers
June 18, 2022
This is one of those special snowflakes characters who is currently hated by everyone for being a half-human half-demon, but I’m sure is about to blow all their minds and they’ll all worship the ground she works on next book. Unfortunately, she’s kind of an ass and not a likeable character even by the end of this one.
There’s a lot of telling in this one as opposed to showing, but it does give you a lot of information without feeling like you’ve been info dumped, which was appreciated. It does start out quite young (they explain supe college is short for supernatural college and what that entails, which I’m pretty sure we all got) and kind of repetitive (the very first sentence tells you that’s she in her room: twice) and there’s quite a few moments like that. It does drop you straight into the action though, and you only need a little bit of catch up. For people running for their lives they sure do spend a lot of time farting around.
It’s kind of like Percy Jackson actually. Missing dad, mentor guy that trains her up, assigned protectors, bad guys come so she’s sent to demigod summer camp supernatural boarding school (but her mum just returns home), based on mythology, goes out on missions with the team, there’s a journey to the underworld, her mum gets kidnapped and used as bait…
The end was a bit odd.
It ends of somewhat of a cliff hanger. There’s obviously a bomb of information about to land, but instead of having it here it’s kept for the next book.
Profile Image for Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer*.
1,735 reviews148 followers
November 28, 2021
I wish I could give it more stars because it was in fact me and not the book.

I love badass heroines, but somehow Mercy's badass personality bothered me. And I wanted more info on who the guys really were.

I'm pretty sure all the answers are in the books that follow, and that is why I'm saying it's on me.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,868 reviews54 followers
February 28, 2018
Mercy is a half-demon. Half-demons don't have a great reputation in the paranormal world. Many go crazy, others are just evil but they aren't hunted like Mercy is. Kidnapped, taken to hell, and tortured for 4 years, Mercy was rescued by her father and uncle only to be on the run with her mother for the next 6 years. Mercy has no idea what they want with her but they have found her again. This time she needs the Order, the supernatural ruling body to help protect her. Mercy is placed on a team of 5 guys, demons, a vampire, and a shifter. While she may be assigned to work with the team, the guys see it as babysitting duty. Mercy sees it as a way to stay alive. However, it becomes more complicated when the truth comes out about Mercy, why she's wanted, and in constant danger. When that danger spreads to her family Mercy's time is up.

I really liked Mercy. She's a very up-front, in your face, no-nonsense kind of girl. Plus, she's a little mighty-mite! You have to love a little girl who can hold her own in a demon fight! This girl doesn't need protecting but mess with her or her's and you might. I loved the relationship she has with her and her uncle. The guys all have potential but we didn't get to know much about them. We got a better look at War and especially Hunter. I did feel that their connection was a bit rushed. I am hoping to spend more time in the next book getting to know each of the guys and building their relationship with Mercy.

The plotline has potential. We need more details about the full prophecy and what is expected of Mercy. The writing started out a bit simplistic but improved as the book progressed. There were a few minor grammar issues, but they did not take away from the story. As I stated I think there is plenty of potential for a good series here. There must be more depth added to the male characters, their connections with Mercy, and the prophecy. I look forward to following along with this author and her characters as the story evolves.
Profile Image for Rachel.
5 reviews
February 23, 2018
Wow! I received an ARC of this book. What a great book! Just finished this! I read all night long. It was that good. The prologue was a little jumbled for me. And the first couple of chapters I had to push through but around chapter 3 or 4 it really picked up and grabbed my attention and was dragging me along with the story. There are very minor issues with Grammer/tenses. And that's all really in the beginning. I loved Hunter and War they got the most time in this book with Kia being really close. I sincerely hope we find out what Talon's issue is in book 2. I would like to hear more from Parker in book 2 also. Mercy herself is a great heroine. She is kick-ass and doesn't take handouts but isn't afraid to ask for help when she needs it. The dialogue was good and got better the more the Author wrote. The plot so far is interesting and no holes! I don't think you will be disappointed if you give this author a chance. Waiting eagerly for book 2!
1,016 reviews
February 20, 2018
This is a great start to a new series. Mercy is half human / half demon. Lucifer's son Payne is after her and sends his lower level demon Jerome to get her. In trying to hide from Jerome she is sent to the Order for protection where she meets her 4 protectors. Is she the one prophesied about? Can her protectors keep her safe from Payne? You will need to read to find out. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I love how strong and independent Mercy is. She is a strong character who doesn't whine about her situation and her biggest fear is letting a loved one suffer because of her.
Profile Image for Channy.
591 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2018
This book is one of those stories that I just can't get out of my mind. Mercy isn't your typical half demon and was raised as a human. When her pursuers get close to locating her, her uncle sends her away to the Order where they hope her protectors can keep her safe. Not that she needs help protecting herself. Mercy is a great lead who doesn't take kindly to be touched or told what to do. She's not whiny and doesn't take kindly to seeing those she loves being hurt. This was a strong start to a new series from a new author. There were a few minor grammar issues, but they did not take away from the story. Looking forward to what A.M. Hardin does next!
Profile Image for SJ.
2,364 reviews15 followers
November 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am excited to read more, Mercy has lived through hell and back and as a result is a strong, independent fiesty snarky half demon who looks out for her and those she loves. When she is given to Hunter and his team in the order to be babysat the boys don’t quite known what has hit them, she is not quite the damsel in distress type they thought she would be

Well written and full of drama and excitement I was hooked from page one and drawn completely into the story, I really love Mercy’s character and the boys all seem to have great personality which I cannot wait to get to know more off, fabulous read
Profile Image for Erica.
Author 14 books28 followers
February 20, 2018
I loved this book so much! I love the MC AND how she rose and made herself stronger and smarter in adversity. I love the men in her though I might have a couple of favorites. The story is pulled together nicely and has a good mixture of what a real 18 year old girl would want. I got this book as a ARC and I am so glad I did. The story is definitely one of I favorites
207 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2018
Mercy been on the run since she was rescued from being kidnapped she joins a team to help protect her she falls in love with them but little does she know they will save her in the end after she is forced to go back to her captors. This book is great if you like books involving demons and Lucifer this is the book for you highly recommended
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,750 reviews30 followers
February 23, 2018
Loved this surprise hit, and I cannot wait for book two!

I freaking loved Mercy and her smart mouth. The chick knows how to take care of herself. I eat up characters like this. And the guys, yeah perfect for her. We do have a cliffy but not a bad one. Just makes you eager for book two.
Profile Image for Myla L A.
569 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2018
I won a free copy of Mercy's Protectors and once I started reading the story I could not put the book down. Has very well written characters and a good story. This book has a unique twist in Demons and a half Demon named Mercy. I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Jessica Ness.
24 reviews
February 23, 2018
Wow

I really enjoyed this book. It hooks you right from the beginning and Mercy is kickass. If your into a strong female main character and some hot as hell guys then you definitely need to read this.
Profile Image for Books.With.Becki.
94 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2018
Good story

Mercy was a kickass character. The cliffhanger at the end drove me nuts. Can't wait until the next book. Felt like not all the guys got enough time. Would like to see more of the guys POV.
Profile Image for Anastasia (Stasia) Green.
96 reviews9 followers
February 24, 2018
So good

Wow, such a wonderful start to this amazing series. A.M.Hardin has talent in any genre she decides to write in, RH is definitely a go for this author. The storyline, characters, and world building is fanfuckintastic. Cant wait for the book to come out... Must read
213 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2018
I can't wait for book two!

I read this book pretty much all in one setting. I loved it and can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Calm Your Pits.
576 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2018
Great

Love Mercy and her attitude! Cannot wait to see what Talon’s story is to why he hates half-demons. Excited to hear Satan’s story about Mercy too.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
January 2, 2019
What an interesting start to this new series. We meet Mercy who has been on the run for quite some time. Demons are always after her even if she is not exactly sure why. Things get even more interesting when a group of guys show up claiming to be her protectors though she is not sure if she should trust them or not. Good character building surrounding by world building that will pull you in making you ask questions that I assume we will get the answers to later. Great for fans of slow burn paranormal RH books. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Kay.
202 reviews42 followers
May 5, 2019
"Whatever."

Mercy, the very angsty 18-year-old half-demon, ruined this book for me. She acted like a child most of the time, saying "whatever" constantly and swearing a lot when she didn't like something. And she never liked anything anyone did or said. She was pissed off half the time, and always screaming at people for various reasons. The book should come with a trigger warning.. for Mercy, that is.. seeing as she is unable to deal with anything without raging and raving, and acting like a butthurt brat.

Also, there are several things in this book that need a bit of work. Everything moves rather fast, and nothing feels well built or defined. The relationships that Mercy has with various people (romantic or otherwise) seem forced and cold. The five men have no individual voices and are rather bland and very forgettable. And the plot is basically: some bad demons want Mercy, who is super important for the future of supernaturals, and the five guys protect Mercy = unoriginality defined.
Profile Image for Cara.
187 reviews
September 17, 2021
DNF 50%

I don't understand what went wrong here. The plot seemed exciting enough but everything just felt flat.

Maybe because it was so full of cliches :

- heroine is a young woman and heros are old guys (what is up with that!? I'm finding it more and more icky. She's just 18!)

- mean girl tries to pick on her as soon as she arrives

- girl is a kickass fighter at 18 and already weary with life

- one guys hates her for undisclosed reasons on his past that make him hate all of those of her species (hello xenophobia

- cryptic warnings from seers and psychics

And apart from that it feels like half of the stuff should be developed more:

- random bestfriend appears out of nowhere (who somehow isn't offered therapy after what happens to her)

- moving from one barely described location to another

- breaking someone out of jail with no Intel and an untrained member. Maybe, just maybe you don't bring the 18 year old girl you're babysitting to a prison break without some serious team training. It might've perhaps, maybe, potentially been helpful to know each other's skills and powers beforehand instead of learning mid-fight. And it's not like her absence would've made a difference.

- I can vaguely differentiate the guys by species but have no clue as to there personality yet.

- What the hell is her uncle's job? He just pops in once in a while to pat on her back
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
March 5, 2018
An okay read.

Mercy is forced into hiding and under protection detail when a person from her past gets too close to home.
She knows she can take care of herself, but it is nice to have others willing to watch your back.
Having five gorgeous guys around doesn't really help with her hormones.

This story was hard to get into at first.
However, as it progressed it got better.
I think the prologue threw too many names at you though.
Usually prologues give you insight into the characters past, or something in their future.
While this one was a glimpse of the future, I think giving the reader so many unknown names wasn't the best approach.
When you get to that particular scene in the book, it makes a lot more sense, but at the beginning it doesn't.
Especially given how the book begins and you start learning what these characters are about.

This story ends on a cliffhanger.

One thing I didn't really get from the characters is their progession as couples.
I just don't feel like it was natural.
I didn't get the sense of them coming together organically.

I did think the plot line was interesting, but I don't know if I liked the book enough to be curious to read the next one.

I think you should read this book if you're interested in it and form your own opinion.
Just because I'm on the fence about it, doesn't mean you won't like it.
1,254 reviews
March 31, 2018
What a pleasant surprise!!! I had no idea what to expect with AM Hardin's first RH novel and all I can say is HOLY CRAP READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW! I cannot wait for Book 2 in April. I need to know more about Mercy and her backstory and see her relationship with the guys develop. I love so many of the guys already, can't wait to learn more of their backstories and see more time between each of them and Mercy. I am super intrigued by who Mercy's dad is, Xena, and the hellhounds!

I really liked the story in this one, that there are many different supes in the group, that Mercy kicks butt but is aware of her shortcomings/is starting to show signs of growth, and her powers are pretty awesome. I highly encourage people pick up this book, I honestly almost read it all in one day, had to take a break because of my real world job haha. I also can't wait to read more about Satan and Torn. Should be a pretty interesting confrontation, to say the least. Amazing job A.M. Hardin ❤️
Profile Image for J.M..
973 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2018
Sorry no spoilers of any kind because I’m not the type that does that.
This is my first time reading anything by A. M. Hardin and I must say she is a mad story weaving genius because this book is absolutely fantastic! I started reading and I was hooked before I got done with the first page! A. M. Hardin covered all my favorites and those being a tough as nails heroine, strong men with a slight softer side and hellhounds, which is probably why I couldn’t put the book down! I’ll definitely be reading more of her work in the future especially the next book in this series because I have to know what happens to Mercy and Hunter and the rest of the gang! So if you are asking if I recommend this book? My answer would be a big HECK YEAH I recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a awesome story to get lost in! I wish I could give more than five stars because this book definitely deserves so much more than just five.
Profile Image for Jennifer Layne.
1,040 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2018
Book review of Mercy's Protectors by A.M. Hardin ...

I ❤ LOVE ❤ MERCY!

She has so much attitude, sass and a potty mouth to boot! She is fierce, independent, deadly and a survivor of activities most of us never have to think of and most all before 12 years old!

A half-demin with purple eyes apparently makes her special, sought after and part of an ancient prophecy.

Then enter Hunter, Talon, Parker, War, & Kai ... her Protectors. They are beautiful Supernatural beings and as such ping on her sexy meter. For the most part she ignores it and so do they ... for the most part. Bad things happen, make out sessions happen, sex happens, violence happens ... Satan happens!

Read it ... it was good!
Profile Image for Nicole Garcia.
286 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2020
Going with 4.5 stars.

I’m giving this book the rating above because the storyline has promise and intrigue. It’s written well with few grammatical errors and Mercy has sass, which I prefer of my FMC.
That being said, I didn’t get fully immersed in the story because I felt the timeline jumped along without any real connecting interactions with the guys. We know very little, if nothing at all, about them. They felt hollow as characters and even the spicy scenes were hot, but superficial. We weren’t given much in the way of her personal thoughts/inner monologue, or the guys for that matter, which is something that helps create a cohesive, full-picture of how the background and storyline mesh.
Profile Image for Antonia.
44 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2018
This book was a little difficult for me to get through as it failed to really grab my attention. nonetheless there were a few elements I enjoyed. Mercy is the saving grace in this book for me. I love her kickass attitude, stubborness and grit. She is a female mc that for once is badass enough to fight her own battles.

My trouble with the book is that I didn't really get to know the guys. Besides them just being there and being hot I didn't see too much personality. There isn't much there to endear me to any of the characters besides Mercy.

I will stick with the series just because Mercy is a refreshing character and I'd love to get to know the guys better.
Profile Image for Cassie Guest.
122 reviews27 followers
March 26, 2018
I'm not going to lie.... I love this kind of tough heroine where she is on the borderline of foolishness and badassery. This story was a little bit too fast paced for my liking however. I wish there was more development in the characters instead of just BAM instant attraction. I like when there is a hate love relationship and so I believe the guys and heroine should have showed a little restraint to develop a more emotional relationship. Anyhoo I still enjoyed it and will probably read the second one. It was a good light read that sparked some curiosity but I probably going to have to reread it to remember what happend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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