Her Merc

Ruthless Reign #1

by Logan Fox

She's on the run. He lusts for violence. Will theirs be a dark romance or a fatal attraction?

Cora Swan's pampered life in New Mexico has just shattered into pieces.

When death threats reach the haven of Swan Manor, Cora's father hires a lethal mercenary to lead her to safety.

Desperate to stay ahead of the men hunting her, Cora and her new bodyguard detour to a cabin deep in the mountains. Cora has no choice but to trust him, even if she knows nothing about him...or his dark urges.

And the more Finn learns about his beautiful, innocent charge, the more difficulty he has keeping his demons locked inside.

Her Merc is the first book in the fast-paced dark romantic suspense series, Their Lady of Shadows. If you like hot and heavy action, intense revelations, and high-stakes stand-offs, then you'll love Logan Fox's all-consuming novel.

Be warned: this series is not for the faint of heart as it contains dark themes and even darker personalities.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

Published November 1, 2018

About the author

Logan Fox writes deliciously dark and twisted romance with damaged anti-heroes and kick-ass heroines.

Subscribe to her newsletter by heading over to her website at https://authorloganfox.com.

Reviews

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read that I liked. This was the first book in a new series to me. Milo Finn has been hired to protect cartel princess Cora Swan. He's supposed to be taking her to Texas, but that plan doesn't happen when they discover someone is out to kidnap her. Now they're running for their lives and Finn is trying really hard to resist the temptation known as Cora. Finn is former military and now co owns a security business. He never expected to be working for and now running from the cartel. But he's determined to protect Cora, even if it kills him. He has a dark side to him though and he works hard to keep it under wraps. Cora is a 21-year-old sheltered daughter of a cartel boss. The man she thought of as her boyfriend was shot by Finn and she doesn't exactly trust him at first. But she can't deny that he's handsome sexy and dangerous. As they try to fight to stay alive their attraction grows and Finn can no longer keep his hands off her. This was a good read. I have read this author before. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this book had a ton of twist and turns. Finn is a good alpha and would be better if he could ever heal but there is no stopping for him and Cora, they must keep moving. I'm not sure who they can trust and how many different people are after Cora. I can't wait to move on to the next.

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed this it’s a mafia-influenced romance and the first in the series. The blurb mentions multiple love interests so I’d assume it’s going to morph into a reverse harem-type scenario. In the first book it’s only really Finn the replacement bodyguard who is escorting Cora to safety. We do meet Bailey briefly who is her original protector but so far that’s it.

So Finn takes on what he assumes is going to be an easy job but smelling a rat needs to deviate from the original plan. Finn and Cora then find themselves on the run from an unknown threat with no idea who to trust. it’s obvious Cora is not who she first seems and as Finn becomes more invested he finds himself going above and beyond to keep her safe. Finn is an interesting character he has a very grey moral compass and is prepared to do what he needs to with no attacks of conscience. He fights an inner darkness on a daily basis especially when it comes to Cora who is meant to be off limits.

Cora is a strong character who has lived through horror and come out of it fighting. She’s drawn to Finn despite his back off vibes and prior actions. The dynamic between these two was interesting and the intimate scene definitely had a dub-con flavour when this concludes though it was obvious it was moving forward in regards to Finn's conflicted head-space. The cliffhanger finish left me hanging and I’m intrigued for what’s to come.

I said earlier that I mostly enjoyed this and that was because there were times I found the narrative a tad confusing especially in the last few chapters. Still this did keep my attention and the narrative had a brutal realism about it. This one certainly didn’t pull any punches and included plenty of dark scenarios.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what a story! This book was about the daughter of a mafia lord (Cora) and her bodyguard (Finn). Finn is entrusted by her father with seeing Cora safely from Arizona to Texas. I could not believe all the dangerous and harrowing events they had to go through on their travels while being chased by some very wicked men. She is carrying a thumb drive hidden in her necklace, given to her by her father. Along the journey she falls in love with Finn but she is eventually kidnapped and tortured. Will Finn be able to rescue her? Can she tame his black soul? What is on the mysterious thumb drive? Will their love work out to an HEA? Lots of questions and some get answered in this part one of a series of books, but readers have to go on to book two to continue to find out what happens in this dramatic story.

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

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love dark romances and this one does not disappoint. This is my first read by this talented author and won't be my last. There is a lot of angst, misadventures and danger that will keep you reeling. Finn and Cora develop feelings for each other albeit reluctantly on Finn's part but shows his softer side. Great start to this series and look forward to the second book.

[Rachel Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. Somewhat. Big sparks between the two main peeps, Cora and Finn. I didn't see much of the "monster" as the title implied, however. Just that Finn seems to have an "inner monster" who likes violence and gore, as well as Cora.

Book has a soft ending. No big cliffhangers or anything, but the story obviously is not over yet. But this is book one, so we will just have to keep going, eh?

Book has some sex. It was kind of hard to completely visualize what was going on, sometimes. Like, did she want to do that? I thought so, but then maybe not? Is she trying to get away from him? I can't tell!!!! So some possible dubious consent going on here, but maybe not. Cause she didn't seem to mind anything the next day!

Book also features violence. Blood splatters. Dubious characters, indeed...

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan fox

What a story teller you R my 1st book by you a d I absolutely recommended.
Can't wait till the next book

[LaGina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to give you a little warning before you read this book...make sure you start it as early as possible so you can at least get a few hours of sleep before you have get your day started. The action and situations that the characters get into in this story made it very hard for me to put it down but when your eyes stop focusing whats a girl to do...lol I cant wait to get my hands on book#2.

[Crystal Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This is one action packed story from the very beginning. It is about a cartel daughter and her newly hired transporter/bodyguard. I do not want to give anything away about the actual story. But it so worth the read.

[Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

* * I HAD BEEN GIVEN AN ADVANCE READERS COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW * *

I am only giving this one 3 for the main part it is not my cup of tea. I am into easy reads that do have for easy than hard. Cartel books are not my thing, and this is one does have an amazing story line and the information and realism of how brutal the life is, for those who choose it and the families that are brought along for the ride.

I am not one for the brutality for it as well, there is also more POVs to follow that I like as well. I am use to 1 to 2 peoples thoughts and such to follow and in the first few chapters alone there were to many for me.

I do like the story line on its own and the show burn of it and how Cora hates Finn but grows to care for him. If you love cartel stories this is something for you and I so highly recommend it you, worth it all, but it was just not 100% for me.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

BA-BA-BA-BOOK!!!
Talk about hitting the ground running. This is one non-stop action packed, fast paced, page turning bombshell that grabs you from the first word until the last page. This little bad boy takes us on one thrilling rollercoaster ride through backwoods, allies, county roads, trying to stay afloat in raging river with so much tension, suspense and danger lurking from every shadow. Frozen on a razors edge, barely breathing, heart pounding, pulse racing, hard hitting and trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys and running out-a-luck. The characters are complex, well developed and believable. Their personalities show unique qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. Fleeing for your life as everything seems fast forward their vast and varied stance and strategy play off one another brilliantly. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a magnificent backdrop that really makes the storyline pop. All the twists and turns are unpredictable moves really keep your attention focused on the words as the story unfolds. Fox weaves his words as skillfully and precise as a surgeon with his scalpel. Fox did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Fox, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us. You totally nailed this little guy with such on point accuracy and a keen eye for detail.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. This was definitely a page turner as the MC's Cora and Finn try to stay 1 step ahead of the people trying to kill her. Cora is a mafia princess she is very naive, trusting and very beautiful. Her father has hired Finn who is a mercenary to be her bodyguard and he's to get her to Texas without getting them both killed. This was such a good story from beginning to the end. This is just book 1 and it packs a punch so much action, turns, twists & lying I can't wait for book 2 to see how this story ends. I would definitely recommend getting this book it was so good.



This is my opinion and my review

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a thriller, a dark drug cartel story.
Cora was the daughter of Tony Swan. Tony was the capo of El Caracas Vivo Cartel. Cora was used to be moved around there was always someone trying to kill her papa.
Tony put Finn in charge of protecting his daughter when he is called away for a funeral. The threat was real. Someone wanted them dead. Cora hated Finn and doesn’t trust him but can they work together to get Cora to a save house.
This is a mixed book for me the story line is great but it does go off the boil at times. It has left me with loads of questions which is what makes this an excellent series.
I received an ARC and now I’m leaving my honest review.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY FLIPPING YES! Not a decaffeinated read!
Voluntarily review
One heck of an edgy intense read that grabs hold of you by the throat stealing your breath away keeping you hostage riveted to your seat refusing to let you go until you've consumed every word eyes wide open heart pounding shocked and stunned questioning the words you just read were in fact the words you read but your mind is still trying to digest them! Intense, edgy, sassy, feisty, fierce, crude, exciting, enjoyable, emotionally gripping, action, adventure, crazy head turning wicked twists and mouthwatering thrilling hot chemistry! An amazing must read that will continue to give you surges of adrenaline claws deep speechless yelling Noooo begging for more!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with an intriguing and adventurous story line. The author brings strong characters in Cora and Finn,gives them a hot chemistry and takes them on a dangerous journey trying to get from Arizona to Texas safely. She brings kidnapping ,torture and tons of action to keep you on the edge and reading their story. She moves the story quickly and smoothly but lets a lot of questions unanswered and leaves you wanting more. Looking forward to the next book. I would recommend reading.

I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Logan Fox before and let me tell you when you think you know what you are getting into you don't. When you think you know what is going on, you don't.

Cora is a mafia princess. Her father has her pretty much under lock and key. She has a bodyguard and lives where her father tells her to. When we come in Cora is under the protection of one bodyguard and her father is not happy at all when he finds them up in a hayloft about to do the deed.

Finn's first assignment is to shoot Cora's bodyguard after they find them in the hayloft. Now Finn is in charge of her life and security. But when they head to Texas and the father heads to Mexico NOTHING goes as planned.

Again just when you think you know. You don't. This story does end on a cliffhanger. I am so ready for the next book.

[Céline Ollagnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une histoire intense qui se passe dans le milieu des cartels de la drogue côté USA.
Milo (Finn) est sombre avec des problèmes de personnalité certains, mais qu'importe il protègera Cora même s'il ne comprend pas tous les tenants et aboutissants.
Cora est elle aussi perdue, risque ça vie en permanence et... fini par succomber au (beau) monstre.
Nous sommes très loin des histoires fleurs bleues, c'est intense, les méchants le sont vraiment, c'est réaliste, tendu et on veut la suite avec impatience !
Je ne connaissais pas cet auteur que j'ai découvert avec plaisir.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense read but also has undertones of something quite sensitive and moving. I found this to be a really good read. It got my heart beating and my pulse racing. The suspense was expertly written and at the end it left me with a load of questions that makes me want to pick up the next book in the series.

Definitely worth a read and a book you won't regret trying. It has definitely sparked my interest and I know it'll spark yours too.

[KnotanotherNovel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶

I somewhat enjoyed this. It took me a little while to grasp the narration style (I found it a little difficult to follow at first) but it was a quick and easy read. The plot was interesting, though I do feel like it dragged a bit, they were walking for a looooooooooong time and it got a little repetitive.
The little spice that was there was okay, but it felt forced. To be honest I felt that the whole attraction/obsession between FMC and MMC was forced, I didn't believe that they would really ever feel the way they did.
I don't honestly know if I will continue this series at the moment.

[Mandy Grepares · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was actually a really intriguing book. I want sure about it, because its the first dark romance I've read. It always kept me wanting more and now I have to go read the second one!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/27/2021)! 🎁

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HATE being scared !

HATE!

HATE!

HATE!

That being said, I couldn't put this book down, even though I was scared at what might happen next.

Now, I am eager to be scared by Book #2.

[Tessa Poffé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is completely different from the books I've been reading lately. It wasn't at all what I was expecting. This book is more thriller than romance. The writing and the story are really good although I like my books with a little more sex in them. But I understand that with the story it wouldn't work.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first LD Fox's book. This is a great dark romance, fast-paced, suspenseful, angst, action packed and danger. Finn and Cora are great characters. This is a great start to this Series.

[Danyael Obscura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hahahahaha!! Yes! I just adore the final paragraph of the epilogue! I was worried about that poor thing out there. ;)

Frantically want to just get on with Book 2 but I’ve got to write this first. I love the way you described Finn and his inner dialogue. Because let's be fair, we can hardly call it a monologue. The way that you touched on trauma for them both and yet revealed less than all just made it more terrifying and vivid, allowing my mind to drift into even darker corners and marvel how they survived.

The way Cora is constantly underestimated by everyone is all too familiar to many of us women, and I love Finn's wonderment when he's starting to realise as much. I can't wait to find out what they learn about each other as much as what they will run into next. Deepest darkness and searing hotness, surely, and I am impatient to meet Lars.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora and Finn are dependent of each other, even if not by their choice. The chemistry between them...
A story full of suspense and sometimes steaming.
Next book better come soon.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Tresha Yarberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc, and am voluntarily leaving this review. Wow!!!! I don't know what else to say. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. It was gripping and intense and I could not put it down! I kept wondering what was going to happen next. The story was so well written and the characters were awesome! I cannot wait for the next book. I very highly recommend this one!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the name Cora swan love it
2% and your hooked! This is the kind of book you lose sleep wanting to finish it.
Krav Maga lessons.? I had to look that up and I loved how it was mixed in with the story.

5% and I’m flying through pages but also savoring every word lol
Talk about adrenaline ride I mean the way Finn and Cora bantered it was really like I was watching a very good movie it reminds me of John wick or Sicario but better because I can picture it in my head! A definite must read!
I voluntarily reviewed a Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Ursula Schutte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken by the Monster is the story about Cora, a Mafia kinpin daughter and Finn the bodyguard hired to protect her.

This book is worthy of any 5 star rating it receives. It is filled with action and adventure and twists. I loved Broken by the Monster and cant wait to start the second book in this series.

I would highly recommend Logan Fox books to anyone looking for a new author.

[Demetra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book without really knowing what yo expect. I haven’t read any of the author’s books before so I was ignorant to her crazy writing 😛
Cora is a cartel boss’s daughter. She’s been sheltered her whole life but suddenly finds herself away from her father with a stranger protecting her. Finn never though what he will get into when he signed up for this job. He’s a mercenary paid to get her to her “uncle’s” house. However, they are ambushed while getting there and they are now on the run. Finn has a dark side to him that made it difficult for me to understand him at times.