Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
"So much emotion it flew off the page and knocked the wind out of me. Finding Mercy was another great story by the absolutely brilliant Riley Edwards." Jennifer Pierson: The Power of Three Readers

DEA Jason Walker became a widower at Twenty-eight. Two years later he's still torturing himself with guilt. They'd married young, and she'd been his first love, but her illness changed everything. They'd fought a losing battle and he'd held her to the very end. Now he just wants to be left alone with his misery and memories.

Mercy James is no stranger to grief and loneliness. Her brother's death of a drug overdose, and her police officer father's death in the line of duty were the driving forces behind her pursuit of a career in the DEA. In spite of--or maybe because of--her past, Mercy doesn't believe in feeling sorry for others, or for herself.

When a case brings Jason and Mercy together, and their attraction heats up, can her tough, straightforwardness help Jason learn to live in the light again? He'd lost his first love, but is he ready for a forever love?

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2019

2144 people are currently reading
483 people want to read

About the author

Riley Edwards

109 books2,690 followers

Riley Edwards is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children.

Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley's favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and never miss another release, sale, or exclusive bonus material. https://www.subscribepage.com/RRsignup

https://www.facebook.com/Novelist.Ril...

www.rileyedwardsromance.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,530 (61%)
4 stars
1,190 (28%)
3 stars
336 (8%)
2 stars
35 (<1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,462 reviews588 followers
February 26, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

FINDING MERCY (The Next Generation Series Book #3) by Riley Edwards is her new romantic suspense in the Next Generation Series. This generation of brothers, sisters and cousins are all a close extended family who serve in a variety of ways and in each book they meet their perfect match. This story is especially emotional and leans more to the romance of the story than the suspense. It can be read as a standalone because the crossover family characters are easily explained by the author.

DEA Agent Jason Walker married his first young love. He was faithfully by her side through her battle with cancer, but it changed their relationship. When the cancer returned, he refused to leave her side and held her until she died. For two long years, he has pushed his family away and wallowed in his self- loathing, memories and misery.

DEA Agent Mercy James knows what it is like to grieve and be alone. Her mother died while giving her birth, her brother died of a drug overdose and her father died avenging his son’s death. Even with her loss, Mercy works to keep an upbeat attitude and moves always forward with her career and life. She also recognizes the sadness in Jason’s eyes.

When Jason and Mercy are partnered together on a case, sparks begin to fly. Mercy is straight-forward and a breath of fresh air in the self-imposed isolation Jason has surrounded himself in. He cannot resist her and her love of life. After having lost his first love, can Jason move forward to claim the forever love that Mercy is offering him?

This story had me emotionally wrapped up in Jason’s past and present. Ms. Edwards’ writing was so authentic in regards to how we can become so caught up in an emotional loop in our heads and how we need family, friends, whomever to sometimes help us find a way out. Mercy is a strong heroine which I always enjoy reading about. The sex scenes are explicit, but not gratuitous to the story. The suspense subplot in this book took a backseat to the romance, but it was a page turner especially at the end and it did tie into hopefully the next book in this series.

I can highly recommend this book and the whole series for a great romantic suspense read!
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,156 reviews72 followers
February 9, 2019
I love reading Riley Edwards. Her characters are rich, full of depth and keep me engaged until the very last page. Mercy and Jason were no exception. I was hooked from the very first page. The Very First Page!!

Jason was a haunted man, losing his wife to cancer, but it wasn't so much his wife that haunted his past, but his own guilt, shame and inequities. Riley dotes out Jason's past which keeps you riveted - why is this man carrying so much weight around? GAH!

The story was perfectly crafted and Riley delivered it with excellent timing.

Mercy is also an enigma. Coming off strong, charismatic and so full of life, but just when you think you've got her figured out - Bam! She has so many layers. 

Both Mercy and Jason work for the DEA, but have never worked together. A case pulls them by each other's side which creates a spark which is hot (okay, really hot) and also begins the core emotional part of the story! The case also involves a serious drug problem where they have to infiltrate a high school to catch the center of the drug ring.

This sounds a little 21 Jumpstreet, right?

Well, not quite. Let me state, I worked for a school district for a number of years and unfortunately drugs are a serious problem. The common misconception is that it stems from low income, high crime areas. Riley did her homework (pun intended) because the drugs that she writes about do stem from higher affluent, wealthier income schools. It is a real problem and unfortunately it does not appear to be going away anytime soon. I applaud Riley for writing about a real problem. It's not always easy to do, but it fits nicely in the plot line. 

The push and pull of Mercy and Jason is life. We all have our trials and tribulations, filled with family and you'd think when reading you'd want to escape it, but somehow Riley makes me crave it. My TBR pile was growing by the minute as I got to know all the members of the next generation. I'm so looking forward to it!
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
February 26, 2019
4.5 Stars

Mercy James and Jason Walker are DEA agents who've known each other for several years. Mercy was aware that Jason's wife died of cancer a couple of years ago. She's seen how he's closed himself off, but they get along okay, and that works when they are assigned to the same case: strange, toxic drugs working their way through the local high schools.

Jason's felt guilty about his failed marriage long before his wife--his childhood sweetheart who grew apart--died. Jason had married straight out of college, and his young bride got cancer within the first few years of marriage. Though they were great friends, the romance died following her cancer's remission, and that drove a deeper wedge between them. They'd been planning to separate when her cancer returned. Jason grieves his best friend, and feels like he can't move on or he'll taint her memory.

That's why he's confused about his unexpected attraction to Mercy. They've had a great working relationship...but now everything feels charged. Mercy, who has no living relations, had to deal with heaps of grief throughout her life, and lives her life with no regrets now. She notices how Jason looks at her, and she pushes him to get back to living his life.The case is heating up as well, with some inside tips from Jason's younger sister--a teacher at a nearby high school. Kids are taking the tainted drugs and turning up dead, so she's eager to help out.

This is a well-paced police-romance with good balance between the case work and the romance. At first, Mercy and Jason agree to a no-strings arrangement, and it's incendiary. Neither of them have had a regular partner in years, and they both agree it's not just the novelty. For Jason, this is the first truly adult sexual relationship he's had--he and his wife were platonic since he turned 23, and he's now thirty. Meanwhile, the more they interact, the more they fit. They have movie nights, and text chats and Jason's family wants to meet the girl who has him captivated.

While Jason comes to terms with his guilt he hurts Mercy pretty bad, but it also drives a wedge back between himself and his family. THat leasd to the big climax where Mercy has to save the day. There's some catastrophic issues and injuries that propel us int the next book in this series. I loved how that was a good side plot, and the main plot was totally focused on Mercy and Jason. I could feel Jason's grief and empathize. Mercy is a rock, and a realistic character. Both of these characters have real issues, and experience real emotions. I liked this book, and it's drawn me in to the series. I'll be looking for the next book for sure.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 27, 2019
Finding Mercy was another awesome story by the absolutely brilliant Riley Edwards that checked off all my boxes to keep me in one position until each & every last page was devoured. I already knew from Chasing Honor (Book 2 in The Next Generation series) that it was going to be off the charts emotional, but I guess that I didn't quite grasp completely how the pain would fly out of my kindle to knock the wind out of me. See, the hero, Jason, is barely functioning after losing his wife, as he's drowning in guilt. He's pretty much cut off all of his family, and they are a close unit. He is asked to work with Mercy on a drug case at work, and this is when his dark world is thrown into chaos, but not necessarily bad chaos, as she is full of life, and starts to bring him back out of the dark existence he's been wallowing in. Now, Mercy, our heroine, isn't free of her own demons, but she's just learned to not be bogged down by them. Their chemistry is off the charts intense, so when it won't be denied, the sexy times set the sheets and/or any furniture on fire! Of course there's still all of those pesky emotions, like guilt, that aren't easily pushed away, so it's not an easy path, but what love story is not filled with bumps in the road. Luckily, there's this whole cast of secondaries, made up of his family, & her bestie, who aren't afraid to call it like they see with no holds barred, so yeah, loved them tons! Finally, there's that whole case they're working on, yeah that, it's exciting enough to get the heart racing, with twists galore to set the f-bombs dropping! So yeah, Finding Mercy was one of those stories that once you pick it up, you can't put it down until you've finished, and now I CANNOT WAIT for that next book in this fantastic series! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

Profile Image for Denise H.
1,051 reviews54 followers
February 8, 2019
There is so much emotion in this book, it was overwhelming, breathtaking and beautiful wrapped all in one. This story will break your heart and put it back together and have you believing in love, the all-consuming soul to soul connection that is undeniable and unbreakable. There is so much in this book it is one heck of a rollercoaster ride. From despair, self-loathing, resentment, longing and hopelessness to strength, forgiveness, faith, love, understanding, and family, as well as danger, suspense and romance, this book has it all in spades. It will keep you on the edge of your chair, holding your breath. The characters are fantastic and the storyline well-written and engaging. There is an intensity that holds strong throughout the entire read and though many parts are emotional there are also plenty of laughs, smiles, fun times, family interaction and romance to balance it out. I loved every minute of this book. It is a page turner from start to finish.
*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,085 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2019
From the moment I started reading Finding Mercy I couldn't put it down until I finished the whole story! I always enjoy a good romantic suspense story but these two main characters sucked me in so that I wasn't stopping until I got to the end. Jason Walker is a widowed DEA agent that is assigned to a drug case with fellow agent Mercy James. Mercy transferred to the department 5 years ago but when she noticed the handsome agent was married she kept everything at work professional. Jason noticed when Mercy arrived but he had been consumed by his personal life for years. His wife passed away two years ago and he has been existing but not living. These two are complex characters and that is what drew me in. I am not going to give away any of their story because it needs to be read. Finding Mercy is told from dual POV and has action, steam, heartache and laughs. I completely recommend it and I will be moving on to Mercy's friend Tuesday's story next.
Profile Image for Judith Shervington.
8 reviews
February 11, 2019
If you like your hero's brooding and a little damaged you are going to love this book. Jason and Mercy are thrown together to work on a case. Jason is a widower and throughout the book we learn more about his married life. Mercy and Jason have chemistry and when they finally act on it, it's hot. Most heroines are strong but Mercy can hold her own, I loved that Mercy was strong and knew what she was doing when things went off plan. Characters from previous books are interspersed through out and there are little insights into future books.

Overall a fantastic, suspenseful read, with lots of action, a sexy slightly vulnerable hero and a kick ass, take no prisoners heroine. Definitely a book to pick up and read.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
February 21, 2019
Guilt almost caused him to let life pass him by but her fire caught his heart. IT feels like it happened so fast but it didn't. It took time for him to let go. For it all it sink in. For him to accept love he had to face his past. The war he fights with moving on is done so well by this author you just want to weep for him and make it all okay. She pairs him with a woman that completes him and makes him live again and it's a joy to be the fly on the wall observing when it all falls in place. It's hot and passionate like it's characters and a great story to boot. He sought out mercy for all he perceived he'd wrong and found it in her when he was read to receive.
Profile Image for LaTonja .
308 reviews25 followers
January 26, 2020
Jason and Mercy's connection is beautiful. Again Riley has her Alpha male so connected to his woman. I love eveeytime I read those words. Mercy is a force to be reckoned with. Both Jason and Mercy are law enforcement. Jason is struggling to get over his lost. And now he found his true love. Mercy us strong, loving, and exactly what Jason needs.
Profile Image for BOOKLOVER_81.
2,325 reviews86 followers
November 13, 2023
These two are work employees as DEA officers... he lost his wife to cancer and she's had a crush on him for a while. Good listen!! They are investigating the drug dealer that is killing high school teenagers.

“Son, life is all about failures and lessons. If you’re not failing, you’re not dreaming big enough. If you’re not messing up and letting down the people you love, then you’re not living. And if you’re not letting yourself down, you’re not learning. No one’s perfect. Not your dad, not you, not your sisters, and God knows I’m not. It’s all about what you do with the hurt you caused. That’s the sign of true remorse and growth. Are you self-aware enough to recognize your short comings and do you have the strength to own them and fix them? The great part about our family is while we all have our own lives, our own branches, we are bound together by our roots. They are solid, son, unbreakable. We’ve given you the foundation you need to dream and learn and fail. We expect the bumps in the road. No one ever said your path would be without potholes.” His mom

Hoopla listen 🎶
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
August 2, 2021
I think what made this one so interesting was the amount of guilt that Jason threw on himself. It was only as he started to talking to others, like Mercy and his family, he was able to see things in a different light, which allowed him a free path to Mercy. Mercy was the perfect person for Jason, the exact opposite of Kayla, yet someone who would also love his big crazy family. Once they got their shit worked out they were great together.
Profile Image for Kristine Allen.
Author 54 books1,617 followers
September 17, 2021
I love this series!

I’m not sure why, (okay, maybe I know why) but I’m head over heels for these characters. I cannot wait to read them all!
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
687 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2022
What a change up!
Meadow and Honor both kicked off with a modicum of intensity, one with suspense and the other more family angst.
However here, we start with humour and laugh out loud moments. Especially Tuesday that was priceless.
The beginning gave me the impression I knew the score with the H but then Riley slips in a 'red herring' so now I'm on the, "I gotta know" train and when it came It took my by surprise as it was a different angle that Riley presented altogether. It changed the tone instantly and I was on the edge wondering when the other shoe was going to drop. And when it did what a huuuge thump!
As I listened I wanted to both shake and hug the H for numerous reasons but like in past stories the men have tricky histories. The h is amazing, tuned in and brilliantly strong, it was gut wrenching and tissue times aplenty.
There is a tortured depth to this plotline that's unlike the others I've read in the 'Next Generation Series'
However It was also wonderful to immerse myself into this story as it flowed through the cousins, sisters and brothers then interwove the suspense. the pace moves along nicely and the steam...ooooeeee!!! I was fanning myself for sure. This story may not be as military or police based as some of Riley's others but there's suspense and excitement aplenty.
Great novel with great family and emotion. Such a fantastic series so far.
The narrator's..Troy and Devon... simple perfection . I'm lucky enough to be an ARC listener.


Profile Image for Piper's Romance Reads.
130 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2019
Riley Edwards delivers again with the men of the Next Generation. All of the siblings and cousins of this new generation are close knit and serve the country in some way or another. In each book, we see one couple find each other and get glimpses of the next couple-to-be. This book is well-crafted, suspense filled, and emotionally packed from start to finish. Did I mention H.O.T. hot? Everything you need in a Riley Edwards’ book!

At just 28 years of age, Jason lost his young wife to cancer. He remained faithful to her their entire marriage even when cancer changed their relationship. Two years later Jason is still consumed by guilt and haunted by her memory, wallowing in misery and self-loathing. His only relief is the occasional glimpse of beautiful Mercy, a fellow DEA agent. She’s the only thing left in the world that makes him feel alive for a moment. If angels walked on the earth to comfort man, Mercy would be the one for Jason. She’s the balm to his wounded soul. She takes all the parts of him and accepts him without question. She, along with some help from Jasper, help Jason overcome his past and move back towards the light.

Mercy & Jason are teamed up together to take down a drug dealer infiltrating the area’s high schools, leaving multiple dead from overdose and poisoning. As they dig deeper into the case and their slow burning attraction begins to simmer, will Mercy dig deeper into Jason’s heart? If she does, will Jason let her stay forever?

Family is at the core of this book from Jason’s brotherly affection for his sisters to Mercy’s drive for justice due to the loss of her family. This book was more romance than suspense, but it fit Mercy and Jason perfectly. This book made me laugh, cry and giggle in delight!
Profile Image for Ruth B.
676 reviews37 followers
February 25, 2019
Jason a young widower at only 30 years old, is still torturing himself for everything he did wrong. His DEA partner, Mercy, is a strong woman with a hard past. Their path cross due to work but their attraction is inevitable. What starts as a working relationship soon becomes something more.

Jason is a nice character, many of his flaws make him only more human and real. He is a beautiful man on the inside and the outside. Mercy, a woman with a sweet personality but a strong side who knows that you have to live life to the fullest.

The book has a dual POV which makes it perfect to see both sides and understand what's really going on. The writing is really good and the descriptions are so good that is easy to picture the story as a real thing.

I enjoyed and was surprised that the book jumped so soon into the hot, sexy and passional scenes. I thought that I would have to read at least 30-40% of the story before getting some steam... I was so wrong, sex is a fundamental part of their relationship. They connect in such a magical and powerful way when they are together.

I did find some things at the end to be a bit predictable but it's still is a really good book. A lovely and passional romance that you can read in just a few days.

*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
Profile Image for Chasing The Words  Book Blog.
301 reviews17 followers
February 7, 2019
Riley Edwards is back at it again with the men of the Next Generation. To say I didn’t fall in love with everything that is Jason and Mercy is a complete understatement.

This book just had it all...

Heartache...
(seriously the ending of Chasing Honor had me very nervous about how Jason’s book was going to play out but damn...it was everything)
Hopelessness...
Strengthen...
Faith....
Love...
Family...
Suspense...
The list could go on and on...

At the end of the day it’s all about family! Jason was lost in his own head and it took Mercy to help him find the light and lose the guilt that was set within him (with also a little help from Jasper). With Jason and Mercy working together on a case the attraction that was always hanging in the background comes to a head. Will they be both be able to let each other in?

There is nothing I love more than a book that not only has an Alpha Male in it but a strong female who can handle her own. Finding Mercy, had me from page one and I devoured each page there after. Jason and Mercy’s story was sexy, beautiful, and heartwarming. I fell in love with everyone all over again!!! I absolutely love The Next Generation books and would recommend them to anyone and everyone!!!
Profile Image for Cara.
852 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2019
Finding Mercy is another amazing book by the talented Riley Edwards, and while it is a part of a series, it can totally be read as a stand-alone, just like I did, and it will not affect the story in any way.

I have never read about two characters who have suffered so much heartache in their lives as much as Jason and Mercy. Mercy with the loss of her family, and Jason with the loss of his wife. And now as DEA agents, their life continues, despite all their ghosts of the past that haunt them. At the beginning of Finding Mercy, Jason and Mercy partner up as they tackle a case of dying teens and the drugs suppliers who are hiding in plain sight and as they work together, their relationship quickly blossoms, but is it too soon for both of them? how can they stop teens from dying of drug overdoses!

Finding Mercy was a fantastic book to read, it was fast paced and with likable characters, and just between you and me, my favorite character is Delaney, and once you read the book you will know why! The writing is smooth and the ending was fantastic! With the women showing so much strength and determination, even in the toughest times, which in my honest opinion, is an excellent representation of modern romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,221 reviews34 followers
August 17, 2019
I have been absolutely captivated by the 707 Freedom Series and now the Next Generation series. They have been dramatic, suspenseful, romantic and steamy. But to me the best part of these series is the underlying theme of the importance of family. Riley Edwards has woven family into each story from book one.

While first and foremost Finding Mercy is about loss, grief, guilt and finding love. It's also very relevant in today's world because the secondary story deals with the illegal opioid/ benzo/ prescription drug epidemic. This romance delves into powerful emotions and will tug at your heartstrings. Have a tissue or 10 by your side as you read.

Jason Walker and Mercy James both have suffered tremetremendous liss in their lives. It's how they've dealt with it that makes them so different. Jason wrapped himself in grief and guilt. Mercy chose to put her grief behind her and live her best life. They are coworkers who become friens who become lovers and as such they are explosive. Because of Mercy, Jason starts reconnecting with his family after keeping them at arm's length for years.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,125 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2019
Finding Mercy

WOW! The beginning was sad because Jason was still punishing himself after his wife died. The other situation was that teenagers were dying and Jason was assigned to Mercy's division to help catch the people who were selling the drugs to these teens. Mercy has had a crush on Jason since she moved to Georgia. When these two finally give in to their passion for each other, it is explosive! The case starts getting explosive when they figure out who the dealer was, Jason's baby sister is kidnapped by that dealer when he made bail. Mercy came to the rescue of Delaney. It's unfortunate what happened to her when the dealer was exacting his revenge on her but Mercy managed to get the upper hand on the dealer but not before he did damage. These two had a brief falling out when Jason freaked out. He did grovel for Mercy's forgiveness and she finally forgave him. Now these two are working on their happily ever after! FANTASTIC job Riley! I would recommend this book.
722 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2020
Very Good Story!!!😁

I really enjoyed this book! It was just the kind of romantic suspense I like! Mercy and Jason were perfect together... Sexy and sweet. Their relationship was portrayed very realistically which added depth to the storyline! I understood Jason's issues having lost a spouse to that dreadful disease cancer myself and I liked Mercy's way of looking at life... She felt she had a choice to either hold onto life's challenging issues and sink into deeper and deeper despair or accept that there were things she couldn't change or control and live each day to the fullest. A great philosophy to have for all of us! I love this whole big family.... Their loyalty, love, affection, and support for each other is heartwarming and great to read about. The storyline, and unfolding suspense, is engrossing and holds your attention right to the last page. I really liked that there was a nice epilogue... It wrapped the story up in a very satisfying way.... I highly recommend this book. 😁
Profile Image for Judi.
69 reviews
February 1, 2019
Riley gives us more of her incredibly real characters in a situation that keeps the pages turning! Jason Walker and Mercy James (both DEA Agents) find more than a working partnership as they seek an offender who is involving teens in serious drug interactions and poses a serious threat to anyone who might get too close to the operation. As the investigation begins to take shape, a family member could be in danger.

Mercy is a sharp gal who calls things as she sees them. Jason has some baggage that is causing him to make some not so good choices in his personal life, leaving the path to a new relationship blocked.

Surrounding these two are family and friends who offer their support, love and a bit of butting in.

An intense ride from start to finish with laugh-out-loud humor, tear jerking highs/lows, can't-put-it-down suspense and immersion in a family that you want to claim as your own.

Fill your favorite travel mug, buckle up and settle in for another Riley Edwards masterpiece.
Profile Image for Beth Cotter.
371 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2019
The passion between Jason Walker and Mercy James is combustible. He is scared to death to be in a relationship with Mercy even though his wife has been gone for 2 years. His feelings of failure with her keep him from taking the next step. She has wanted him, but once she saw the ring she backed off. When that ring came off his finger, she still couldn't make a move because he wasn't ready. A chance to work together on a case sets them in the direction they have both been wanting to take. Jason's sister is taken after doing something she shouldn't have been, which sets Mercy to finding and saving her. The consequences of those actions cause harm that will be hard to overcome. Mercy and Jason have the backing of his family to help them get on the same page.
Riley sets you on another rollercoaster of excitement, adventure and some hot sex. You won't go wrong picking up this book.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
February 24, 2019
Riley Edwards has you craving her stories! I love these guys and their families. So next we got Jason and Mercy story. Jason is in a place of loss. Hope is no where near and he lives as a shell of a man. I wanted to knock some sense into him, but he has sisters that got it under control.

Mercy is a bad a** heroine. She does a pretty good job keeping Jason on his toes. She makes him forget and finally live. I love these two. I love the chemistry. I also love their friendship. I got the butterflies when these two were near each other.

Finding Mercy is a beautiful story about loss and love. Letting go is so hard in life, and Riley shows her readers that it is okay to move on. I also need to comment how my blood runs hot with all the alpha men. Just hearing from Jasper made me smile and feel like I am home.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,911 reviews16 followers
February 4, 2019
I loved this new book in this series. What a great s-pin off from the Free / Black Ops Series. The story starts off with heartache and you get to see a deep understanding of Jason and why the way his is. Mercy can't figure him out, one minutes he's hot and the next he's cold. Two years of living in the past and Mercy might just be the one to make Jason see the future. The sex is hot, the story is intense and the characters are real and believable. The end is a definite page turner and nail biter, and the story will continue (it's not a cliffhanger).

I definitely recommend this book and anything written by Ms. Edwards.

I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,142 reviews15 followers
July 11, 2024
4 stars

I was expecting more angst in this book. It still was good but didn't hold my attention the way that I had wanted. I did like that I got to see the reconnection with Jason's family. I just wish that I would have connected more with them as a couple.
Profile Image for Sarah Beth.
570 reviews21 followers
November 15, 2022
𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.
𝑰’𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒚.

This is the third book in the Next Generation series and follows Jason and Mercy’s story. These characters both work for the DEA and are assigned to work on a case together about drugs becoming ever present in the high schools in the surrounding area.

Jason and Mercy’s story has all the drama and suspense you would expect but the trials and growth that transpire over the course of this book has you rooting for them until the very end. Jason is a widower and has suffered immense guilt over the death of his wife. The punishment he has inflicted upon himself is utterly heartbreaking and has made it difficult for him to let go and move forward to find happiness. However, Mercy became ever present at the perfect time and is exactly what he needs. She helps to open his eyes and realize that he is deserving of love and that it’s okay for him to let go of the pain and doubts he holds onto.

Throughout the course of this book you see how both character’s individually struggle with their past and begin to reveal their own pain and secrets to each other. They help each other to grow and learn how imperative it is to loving yourself, being able to forgive oneself and overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of finding true happiness. Another wonderful book in this stunning series.

Troy Duran and Devon Grace continue to embrace us with this series and I love that each book is continually narrated by these two talented individuals! Troy once again brings us the raw emotions for Jason and even Mercy. The way he is able to bounce back and forth between the male and female lead is perfection. The inflection he is able to express through his narration is absolutely astounding and truly makes you feel as if you’re right there in the story with the characters.

Devon once again has this uncanny ability to pull you in and not let you go when she narrates Mercy. The sultriness of her voice is so soothing that I could listen to her talk all day! Even in those scenes where Mercy shows anger or pain by the hands of Jason, has you wanting to jump in and fight those battles with her or pull her in for a hug.

Bravo once more to these talented narrators and I can’t wait to listen to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for TinyVenusAfterDark.
756 reviews26 followers
March 5, 2024
Heartbreakingly Beautiful: Finding Mercy by Riley Edwards

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Review:

"Finding Mercy" is the third installment in Riley Edwards' gripping series, "The Next Generation." Once again, Edwards delivers a poignant and emotionally charged narrative that leaves readers reeling. As a devoted fan of the series, I am continually amazed at how the author manages to outdo herself with each subsequent book.

This installment delves deep into the lives of DEA agent Jason Walker and the fiercely independent Mercy James. Jason's journey through grief and guilt after losing his first love is depicted with raw authenticity, while Mercy's resilience in the face of her own tragedies adds layers of complexity to the story.

Edwards skillfully weaves together a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The chemistry between Jason and Mercy is palpable, adding a sizzling heat to the narrative that is impossible to ignore.

Told from dual POVs, the story offers insight into the inner workings of both protagonists' minds, making their struggles and triumphs all the more relatable. The author seamlessly blends heart-wrenching emotion with thrilling mystery, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

"Finding Mercy" is a book that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also leaves a lasting impression. It's a testament to Riley Edwards' talent as a storyteller that she can create such compelling characters and captivating plotlines. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I eagerly await the next installment in the series.
1,068 reviews
April 23, 2022
I gotta girl crush

I am crushing on Mercy so badly…..

She is just everything you want to be when you grow up.
After a rocky start with her family history this woman has stormed to the top in a male oriented environment in her career and kicks butt regularly. She has a supermodel best friend and knows what is what in life never accepting less than she needs and deserves.

The way she calls out Jason and doesn’t allow him to wallow, her truth bombs are short sharp and to the point and just what he needs. She knows what she wants and takes it (hello living room wall!!) and is what Jason needs when he needs it alternating between telling him the harsh truth or supporting him emotionally as well as drawing him back into his families arms.

This book flipped traditional storylines on their head and Jason was the emotional one in this book, though don’t mistake this for weakness, this alpha male is just as protective and growly as his daddy taught him to be, it’s just a little smothered with the whole pity/guilt thing in the beginning.

I loved how the storyline progressed and there were moments where my heart broke (Delaney) and moments when I cheered on Mercy for not allowing Jason to walk back in (love love love what he said to her in the hospital room though)

I adore Jason, he truly is Jaspers kid and again the family interactions are just the most wonderful elements of this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.