What do you think?
Rate this book
Mercy Academy #1
Beg for Mercy
Aric Prince is an All-American high school football star with a body built like a Greek god and hair so beautiful he could sell shampoo by the boatloads.
The only problem is that Aric’s also a rich, arrogant, and gigantic prick. Nothing but filth and insults come out of his smirking mouth, constantly reminding me that poor, trailer park trash girls like myself don’t belong in his pretentious academy.
Aric and his best friends all think they’re untouchable.
But the cocky bastard is finally going down this year.
I’ve hit the motherload of blackmail on the jerk, pun intended, and I can’t wait to give him exactly what he deserves.
Aric Prince’s reign at the academy is coming to an end.
Before I’m done with him, he’ll be on his knees, begging for mercy.
WHILE BEG FOR MERCY IS A HIGH SCHOOL BULLY ROMANCE, IT CONTAINS DARK THEMES, EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT, AND GRAPHIC LANGUAGE THAT IS INTENDED FOR MATURE READERS.
The only problem is that Aric’s also a rich, arrogant, and gigantic prick. Nothing but filth and insults come out of his smirking mouth, constantly reminding me that poor, trailer park trash girls like myself don’t belong in his pretentious academy.
Aric and his best friends all think they’re untouchable.
But the cocky bastard is finally going down this year.
I’ve hit the motherload of blackmail on the jerk, pun intended, and I can’t wait to give him exactly what he deserves.
Aric Prince’s reign at the academy is coming to an end.
Before I’m done with him, he’ll be on his knees, begging for mercy.
WHILE BEG FOR MERCY IS A HIGH SCHOOL BULLY ROMANCE, IT CONTAINS DARK THEMES, EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT, AND GRAPHIC LANGUAGE THAT IS INTENDED FOR MATURE READERS.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2019
997 people are currently reading
1614 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
October 10, 2019
Wow! Not at all what I was expecting!!!
From the moment Maddie and Aric meet they are at each other’s throats. Aric, one of the entitled, is rude and obnoxious towards Maddie until she discovers a not so little secret and the tables are turned. Now she’s the one in charge and she’s taking full advantage of it.
Maddie is a complicated character. She’s a bit of innocence mixed in with street smarts as well as academically intelligent. Her life has led her into situations that no teenager should have to face. Her devotion to her siblings was admirable and garnered all my respect. She has some struggles with believing she could ever fit into Aric's world.
'God, why did he have to come by and remind me yet again that we don't live in the same world. His is all clean, rich and perfect while I'm dirty, poor and a complete disaster.'
Aric, while being rich, is trying to live up to his father’s expectations. When Maddie presents her blackmail evidence, he has no choice but to bend to her authority. And while he initially does so with resentment, it soon becomes apparent that he wants more from her than their standing agreement. He was extremely protective of her and while not a raging alpha, there was enough there to give him that edge that I love.
'I just really ... wish I knew how the hell to stop being the guy Maddie hates.'
This is a fast paced read, a little low on the smexy times but what is included was absolutely sizzling. There is a bit of angst within their relationship and it had all the feels of teenage love and separation. Is some of this a bit unbelievable? Yes, but I didn’t care. I just loved watching these two characters from different worlds find a place where they could be together and make it work.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
From the moment Maddie and Aric meet they are at each other’s throats. Aric, one of the entitled, is rude and obnoxious towards Maddie until she discovers a not so little secret and the tables are turned. Now she’s the one in charge and she’s taking full advantage of it.
Maddie is a complicated character. She’s a bit of innocence mixed in with street smarts as well as academically intelligent. Her life has led her into situations that no teenager should have to face. Her devotion to her siblings was admirable and garnered all my respect. She has some struggles with believing she could ever fit into Aric's world.
'God, why did he have to come by and remind me yet again that we don't live in the same world. His is all clean, rich and perfect while I'm dirty, poor and a complete disaster.'
Aric, while being rich, is trying to live up to his father’s expectations. When Maddie presents her blackmail evidence, he has no choice but to bend to her authority. And while he initially does so with resentment, it soon becomes apparent that he wants more from her than their standing agreement. He was extremely protective of her and while not a raging alpha, there was enough there to give him that edge that I love.
'I just really ... wish I knew how the hell to stop being the guy Maddie hates.'
This is a fast paced read, a little low on the smexy times but what is included was absolutely sizzling. There is a bit of angst within their relationship and it had all the feels of teenage love and separation. Is some of this a bit unbelievable? Yes, but I didn’t care. I just loved watching these two characters from different worlds find a place where they could be together and make it work.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 4, 2020
Aric and Maddie
Eric is a rich boy. Football and sex are his two favorite things. Maddie is the poor girl with a lot of sass. In her first day of private high school she meets arrogant asshole Aric. She makes a bet with him. If she becomes valedictorian of the senior class she will take his Lamborghini away from him. Oh crap
Eric is a rich boy. Football and sex are his two favorite things. Maddie is the poor girl with a lot of sass. In her first day of private high school she meets arrogant asshole Aric. She makes a bet with him. If she becomes valedictorian of the senior class she will take his Lamborghini away from him. Oh crap
October 18, 2019
OH MY GAWD.....Lane Hart can write anything.....
Dark Romance ✔
MMA Romance✔
Football Romance ✔
MC Romance✔
HS Bully Romance..... HELL YES✔✔
Is there something she can't write..... HELL NO! This is the first HS Bully Romance book I've read and now I'm addicted! I inhaled page after page of this seductive, enthralling, emotional story that I devoured it in less than a day! Aric is the arrogant, cocky prick that gets schooled by the one person he wanted to shame.....Maddie. Maddie is the gorgeous, intelligent girl who has caught the attention of the one person who is bound to make her life hell.....Aric. What happens when the two most unlikely people find comfort in each other? You definitely NEED to consume this scorching PAGE-TURNER!
Dark Romance ✔
MMA Romance✔
Football Romance ✔
MC Romance✔
HS Bully Romance..... HELL YES✔✔
Is there something she can't write..... HELL NO! This is the first HS Bully Romance book I've read and now I'm addicted! I inhaled page after page of this seductive, enthralling, emotional story that I devoured it in less than a day! Aric is the arrogant, cocky prick that gets schooled by the one person he wanted to shame.....Maddie. Maddie is the gorgeous, intelligent girl who has caught the attention of the one person who is bound to make her life hell.....Aric. What happens when the two most unlikely people find comfort in each other? You definitely NEED to consume this scorching PAGE-TURNER!
October 24, 2019
3.5 stars but rounding up because he was NOT a manwhore (only been with 2 OP) and the heroine was strong.
There was NO real bullying and him treating her “like trash” was spoken but there was no action. Essentially she was called names and was an outcast but no one touched her or was OTT mean.
My only gripe is that the whole Collette thing wasn’t handled appropriately...that we saw....BUT I do think it will be more delved into in the next book.
There was NO real bullying and him treating her “like trash” was spoken but there was no action. Essentially she was called names and was an outcast but no one touched her or was OTT mean.
My only gripe is that the whole Collette thing wasn’t handled appropriately...that we saw....BUT I do think it will be more delved into in the next book.
November 7, 2019
Meh
Too much of the behavior of the central characters was not credible. The situation of the heroine was contrived and the actions of the hero in response to her blackmail were unbelievable. this is a young girl taking care of 2 younger siblings and going hungry for lack of money while wearing second hand shoes and The best she can do for blackmail is have Aric mow The grass? The language of all characters was juvenile or stilted. For example the heroine tells Hannah that she has never attended a "sports event" in reference to a football game. I cannot feature a young woman of her age ever referring to a football game as a sports event. There was simply too much of this sort of miscue for me to take this story seriously.
Too much of the behavior of the central characters was not credible. The situation of the heroine was contrived and the actions of the hero in response to her blackmail were unbelievable. this is a young girl taking care of 2 younger siblings and going hungry for lack of money while wearing second hand shoes and The best she can do for blackmail is have Aric mow The grass? The language of all characters was juvenile or stilted. For example the heroine tells Hannah that she has never attended a "sports event" in reference to a football game. I cannot feature a young woman of her age ever referring to a football game as a sports event. There was simply too much of this sort of miscue for me to take this story seriously.
October 29, 2019
“I don’t date rich boys, but I’m not opposed to blackmailing them.”
After my last read was a DNF flop (@ 34%), I needed this to be a great read. A lot of pressure on a book from an author I didn't know & a storyline that can easily go really wrong. Unrealistic expectations? Maybe, but I had a feeling the reviews were not wrong on this one. I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the model used on the cover but with a little imagination "my" Aric was instantly transformed into this:
I figured it was likely I would enjoy this read.....I do tend to like even the most medicro of bully/enemies-to-lovers tales. But this? I NEVER expected to be so magnetically drawn to these characters, to truly FEEL this story in my bones. It takes the typical rich guy/poor & struggling girl story & completely knocked it out the park in a way I have NEVER read before. Not only is there a HEA, but within the romance they teach each other life lessons.... changing each other for the better.
Maddie is every man’s sex fantasy, a walking, talking, angry Godsmack song in the flesh.
Book Facts: Told in dual POV, Beg for Mercy is the first installment in the Mercy Academy series. This enemies-to-lovers/bully romance features one gorgeous girl from the wrong side of town & the beautiful bully from the right family with all the money and power BUT harboring one scandalous secret. She hates him, he despises her..... and when she stumbles upon the perfect blackmail (his secret), she uses it to her advantage in all the right ways. She is determined to bring him to his knees, she only hopes she doesn't fall to hers along with him. He's the enemy, she has to keep reminding herself...... especially when he starts to make it so easy to fall in love. HFN ending included with epilogue & a definitive promise we will see more of these two in Caroline's story. Bully safety scale is literally as safe as it gets, with only very minor early-on remarks about her "status".
Timeline of Thoughts:
Starting: I need a good enemies-to-lovers romance with a giant side of bully.... this might be it.
10%: I love that it gets right in the action.... although I immediately feel sorry for Blake. However, why the sudden explosion of red headed heroines? Im locking my daughter up when she hits high school age.
15%: If Maddie keeps this up, she will EASILY make my top heroine list.
24%: Hepatitis A-Z.....haha....
25%: Poor Maddie....and I'm supposed to hate Aric?? He has to do something major soon bc right now I actually like him!
29%: I'm sorry for my overload of thoughts, but Collette literally makes me sick to my stomach. She is a child predator and I want to throw up.
32%: Gawh I can't get over feeling for Blake to even root for Aric & Maddie.
35%: I've never found a statement equally hilarious and absolutely heartbreaking as Matt's "snake" comment. These poor kids!
39%: OHMYGAWH this is getting cringey....she is so bad at this!
44%: You go Maddie! But I seriously want Collette to pay!
54%: I did not expect to feel this way reading this. And I did not expect to actually love Aric!
66%: I have probably never wanted two characters to get exactly what they want at the end than these two.
67%: Holy crap that was HOT--& it wasn't even sex or that graphic, it was the build up..... definitely the magic of explosive chemistry and intense build-up.
72%: I don't know why, but I can't deal if this person ends up a backstabber! PLEASE don't do that to me!
80%: Oh God Aric! This may be the most genius way I've ever seen used for telling the truth.
89%: I'm seriously hardcore rage-y about this whole Collette thing.....I need to research the laws where this happened (I know its fictional but still).
91%: I LOVE Aric's family! Seriously LOVE who they are!
96%: I was really hoping they included this in the story.
Finished: NOOOOO I don't want it to be over yet! But I can't wait for Caroline's story!
"The Five":
Loves from Book: Maddie's devotion to her siblings, Dickhead/Conniving Cunt & their texts, Blake, Aric's parents, HardJockLife.
Honorable Mention: Hannah
Hates from Book: Collette, Royal, Sean, her 1st "chat" @39% (SO. CRINGEY), Maddie's POS parents.
Quotes:
“Oh yeah? Like what? How to rob cradles? Sign up for AARP? Cover the gray in her hair with platinum?”
-Maddie
“I’ll write it down for you because Maddie said you’re a dumbass.”
-Matt
“Good. Now, how about you straddle my face so I can kiss you.”
-Aric
“I’ll have to earn that confidence you had in me back after I messed up and hurt you. I get that, baby, I do. But I need you to have a little faith in me right now, okay? Because I promise you that I am never going to hurt you again, especially not now, today, when you’ve been trying to take on the world all alone.”
-Aric
She better use two rubbers, because he looks like he’s got Hepatitis A through Z.
-Aric
Honorable Mention:
Angry Maddie may pretend like she has a thick, tough skin that’s hard to penetrate, but underneath that exterior there’s a softer side of her that’s so fragile I don’t think it would take much to break her into a million pieces.
-Aric
Final Thoughts (in "Five"):
Current Feelings:
1. I LOVE the fact that through Maddie, Aric is able to recognize the true value of money through her poverty.... never in any other book I've read has the rich boy actually learned through their "social class" differences, instead he always just fixes it or "saves" her from it. But here he is forced to truly think about and appreciate what he has.
2. The characters are so easy to connect to, upping the level of emotion you feel for them all. You know the actions & choices made have consequences that will destroy other characters we love.....someone will get hurt regardless.
3. It's perfectly paced, never going too fast or too slow.... the author allows the characters & their actions/choices to guide the story which I loved. It is so much more than just these two wanting each other, at 50% they could have rode off into their HEA but instead we get to see them struggle with what being together means & exactly what they stand to lose in the process. It made for a more exciting but emotional read, because you realize what the impact of their choices would be.
4. I couldn't get over how "high school" this story felt.... so often, these books feel like the characters are way older & have zero repercussions. Not this book, she was able to create this "universe" that felt so real. Not only that, the dialogue was so age appropriate.
5. I love the funny moments because they aren't overdone or things that don't fit with the age group or the characters that say/think them. She held out her funny lines for times they were very much needed....I loved that.
“You don’t take my shit or anyone else’s, and you make me need to be a better person. That’s why I want to be with you. Screw everyone else and what they’ll think about the two of us.”
Overall, I never expected to find an addition to my "all time favs" list in this book, but I did....I 100% did. This book was so much more than your typical high school romance, you have to experience it to understand just how different it is. These two are in my top 10 fav couples, but now I'm ready to see Blake get his MUCH DESERVED HEA. Bring it on, I'm ready to devour his story!
“Please… please don’t… break my heart.” “Never, baby,” I promise her. “I’ll always be here for you. I would cut out a chunk of my own heart before I let anyone hurt you or your brother and sister again.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After my last read was a DNF flop (@ 34%), I needed this to be a great read. A lot of pressure on a book from an author I didn't know & a storyline that can easily go really wrong. Unrealistic expectations? Maybe, but I had a feeling the reviews were not wrong on this one. I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the model used on the cover but with a little imagination "my" Aric was instantly transformed into this:
I figured it was likely I would enjoy this read.....I do tend to like even the most medicro of bully/enemies-to-lovers tales. But this? I NEVER expected to be so magnetically drawn to these characters, to truly FEEL this story in my bones. It takes the typical rich guy/poor & struggling girl story & completely knocked it out the park in a way I have NEVER read before. Not only is there a HEA, but within the romance they teach each other life lessons.... changing each other for the better.
Maddie is every man’s sex fantasy, a walking, talking, angry Godsmack song in the flesh.
Book Facts: Told in dual POV, Beg for Mercy is the first installment in the Mercy Academy series. This enemies-to-lovers/bully romance features one gorgeous girl from the wrong side of town & the beautiful bully from the right family with all the money and power BUT harboring one scandalous secret. She hates him, he despises her..... and when she stumbles upon the perfect blackmail (his secret), she uses it to her advantage in all the right ways. She is determined to bring him to his knees, she only hopes she doesn't fall to hers along with him. He's the enemy, she has to keep reminding herself...... especially when he starts to make it so easy to fall in love. HFN ending included with epilogue & a definitive promise we will see more of these two in Caroline's story. Bully safety scale is literally as safe as it gets, with only very minor early-on remarks about her "status".
Timeline of Thoughts:
Starting: I need a good enemies-to-lovers romance with a giant side of bully.... this might be it.
10%: I love that it gets right in the action.... although I immediately feel sorry for Blake. However, why the sudden explosion of red headed heroines? Im locking my daughter up when she hits high school age.
15%: If Maddie keeps this up, she will EASILY make my top heroine list.
24%: Hepatitis A-Z.....haha....
25%: Poor Maddie....and I'm supposed to hate Aric?? He has to do something major soon bc right now I actually like him!
29%: I'm sorry for my overload of thoughts, but Collette literally makes me sick to my stomach. She is a child predator and I want to throw up.
32%: Gawh I can't get over feeling for Blake to even root for Aric & Maddie.
35%: I've never found a statement equally hilarious and absolutely heartbreaking as Matt's "snake" comment. These poor kids!
39%: OHMYGAWH this is getting cringey....she is so bad at this!
44%: You go Maddie! But I seriously want Collette to pay!
54%: I did not expect to feel this way reading this. And I did not expect to actually love Aric!
66%: I have probably never wanted two characters to get exactly what they want at the end than these two.
67%: Holy crap that was HOT--& it wasn't even sex or that graphic, it was the build up..... definitely the magic of explosive chemistry and intense build-up.
72%: I don't know why, but I can't deal if this person ends up a backstabber! PLEASE don't do that to me!
80%: Oh God Aric! This may be the most genius way I've ever seen used for telling the truth.
89%: I'm seriously hardcore rage-y about this whole Collette thing.....I need to research the laws where this happened (I know its fictional but still).
91%: I LOVE Aric's family! Seriously LOVE who they are!
96%: I was really hoping they included this in the story.
Finished: NOOOOO I don't want it to be over yet! But I can't wait for Caroline's story!
"The Five":
Loves from Book: Maddie's devotion to her siblings, Dickhead/Conniving Cunt & their texts, Blake, Aric's parents, HardJockLife.
Honorable Mention: Hannah
Hates from Book: Collette, Royal, Sean, her 1st "chat" @39% (SO. CRINGEY), Maddie's POS parents.
Quotes:
“Oh yeah? Like what? How to rob cradles? Sign up for AARP? Cover the gray in her hair with platinum?”
-Maddie
“I’ll write it down for you because Maddie said you’re a dumbass.”
-Matt
“Good. Now, how about you straddle my face so I can kiss you.”
-Aric
“I’ll have to earn that confidence you had in me back after I messed up and hurt you. I get that, baby, I do. But I need you to have a little faith in me right now, okay? Because I promise you that I am never going to hurt you again, especially not now, today, when you’ve been trying to take on the world all alone.”
-Aric
She better use two rubbers, because he looks like he’s got Hepatitis A through Z.
-Aric
Honorable Mention:
Angry Maddie may pretend like she has a thick, tough skin that’s hard to penetrate, but underneath that exterior there’s a softer side of her that’s so fragile I don’t think it would take much to break her into a million pieces.
-Aric
Final Thoughts (in "Five"):
Current Feelings:
1. I LOVE the fact that through Maddie, Aric is able to recognize the true value of money through her poverty.... never in any other book I've read has the rich boy actually learned through their "social class" differences, instead he always just fixes it or "saves" her from it. But here he is forced to truly think about and appreciate what he has.
2. The characters are so easy to connect to, upping the level of emotion you feel for them all. You know the actions & choices made have consequences that will destroy other characters we love.....someone will get hurt regardless.
3. It's perfectly paced, never going too fast or too slow.... the author allows the characters & their actions/choices to guide the story which I loved. It is so much more than just these two wanting each other, at 50% they could have rode off into their HEA but instead we get to see them struggle with what being together means & exactly what they stand to lose in the process. It made for a more exciting but emotional read, because you realize what the impact of their choices would be.
4. I couldn't get over how "high school" this story felt.... so often, these books feel like the characters are way older & have zero repercussions. Not this book, she was able to create this "universe" that felt so real. Not only that, the dialogue was so age appropriate.
5. I love the funny moments because they aren't overdone or things that don't fit with the age group or the characters that say/think them. She held out her funny lines for times they were very much needed....I loved that.
“You don’t take my shit or anyone else’s, and you make me need to be a better person. That’s why I want to be with you. Screw everyone else and what they’ll think about the two of us.”
Overall, I never expected to find an addition to my "all time favs" list in this book, but I did....I 100% did. This book was so much more than your typical high school romance, you have to experience it to understand just how different it is. These two are in my top 10 fav couples, but now I'm ready to see Blake get his MUCH DESERVED HEA. Bring it on, I'm ready to devour his story!
“Please… please don’t… break my heart.” “Never, baby,” I promise her. “I’ll always be here for you. I would cut out a chunk of my own heart before I let anyone hurt you or your brother and sister again.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2023
DNF. I love a good bully book, but this was ridiculous.
Aric is having sex with his BFFs Mom and he is enjoying it. He had feeling for the ‘mom’ and
It all felt awkward. The writing style was amateurish as well.
First the hero and heroine make a bet that if she makes valedictorian she will get his car, if not she will give him 4 BJs everyday for three months.
The swearing from the heroine felt awkward and unnecessary.
Then there is the bribery....the heroine finds out about the hero having sex with the BFFs mom for fun. It all felt wrong and gross. It did not work for me. I did not want to know his inner thought and how the hero liked to have sex with the BFF’s mom. I could not get over the hero’s POV. It made me lose all connection with the characters.
Good luck with this one.
My opinion. You may love this one.
Aric is having sex with his BFFs Mom and he is enjoying it. He had feeling for the ‘mom’ and
It all felt awkward. The writing style was amateurish as well.
First the hero and heroine make a bet that if she makes valedictorian she will get his car, if not she will give him 4 BJs everyday for three months.
The swearing from the heroine felt awkward and unnecessary.
Then there is the bribery....the heroine finds out about the hero having sex with the BFFs mom for fun. It all felt wrong and gross. It did not work for me. I did not want to know his inner thought and how the hero liked to have sex with the BFF’s mom. I could not get over the hero’s POV. It made me lose all connection with the characters.
Good luck with this one.
My opinion. You may love this one.
March 1, 2024
First of all trigger warnings for: attempted sexual assault (not by hero) and actual sexual assault (not by hero). Those are two things I wish I knew going into this book.
Anyways, this was very corny with semi-poor writing. This almost felt like a wattpad book. This book could have benefited so much from editing and page extension. There are so many telling not showing scenes, especially when we’re supposed to believe these two characters hate each other at the beginning. We feel it from both of them, but they both reference how horrible they were to each other earlier in high school and it just wasn’t believable. We are told that the 3 guys that “rule the school” are scary and threatening and everyone loves them out of fear and everyone wants them or wants to be with them. We see absolutely none of that shown in the book. We are told Maddie the FMC does sex work. We barely see that. We are told Maddie loves her siblings very much, and don’t see her her siblings till probably 55% into the book?? Like they’re referenced but they don’t come up until then. And it sucks because I really thought the first 35% of this book had a lot going for it. I just think on the way there, the story lost its voice.
And like, I didn’t hate Beg For Mercy. Despite it being corny, over the top, and at time, poorly written, I still had times where I didn’t dislike it. I thought the characters were fun, especially Maddie who was such a total badass and the best part of the story (despite some of her weird “I’m not like other girls” comments…) Aric—who’s name is actually spelled like that, unfortunately—suffered from characterization issues imo. I think his character development happened wayyyy to early in the story to believable. Maddie and Aric were really cute together, I’ll give them that, and I really enjoyed how much Aric wanted to care for and provide for Maddie by the end. Their banter was also really great.
I just stand by what I said at the beginning of my review. This book suffers so badly from first draft syndrome. I just felt like this could have been a really decently written book had we gotten more page count and more editing. Still a fun bully romance, and definitely not as toxic as I thought it’s be. The bullying is very light, and it’s more about a man learning to not be an asshole which I know is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea (usually not mine either). Still fun enough, but definitely not the best high school/bully romance I’ve read and I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with the series.
* * *
As of 2/10/2024, this book is currently FREE on Amazon US!
Anyways, this was very corny with semi-poor writing. This almost felt like a wattpad book. This book could have benefited so much from editing and page extension. There are so many telling not showing scenes, especially when we’re supposed to believe these two characters hate each other at the beginning. We feel it from both of them, but they both reference how horrible they were to each other earlier in high school and it just wasn’t believable. We are told that the 3 guys that “rule the school” are scary and threatening and everyone loves them out of fear and everyone wants them or wants to be with them. We see absolutely none of that shown in the book. We are told Maddie the FMC does sex work. We barely see that. We are told Maddie loves her siblings very much, and don’t see her her siblings till probably 55% into the book?? Like they’re referenced but they don’t come up until then. And it sucks because I really thought the first 35% of this book had a lot going for it. I just think on the way there, the story lost its voice.
And like, I didn’t hate Beg For Mercy. Despite it being corny, over the top, and at time, poorly written, I still had times where I didn’t dislike it. I thought the characters were fun, especially Maddie who was such a total badass and the best part of the story (despite some of her weird “I’m not like other girls” comments…) Aric—who’s name is actually spelled like that, unfortunately—suffered from characterization issues imo. I think his character development happened wayyyy to early in the story to believable. Maddie and Aric were really cute together, I’ll give them that, and I really enjoyed how much Aric wanted to care for and provide for Maddie by the end. Their banter was also really great.
I just stand by what I said at the beginning of my review. This book suffers so badly from first draft syndrome. I just felt like this could have been a really decently written book had we gotten more page count and more editing. Still a fun bully romance, and definitely not as toxic as I thought it’s be. The bullying is very light, and it’s more about a man learning to not be an asshole which I know is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea (usually not mine either). Still fun enough, but definitely not the best high school/bully romance I’ve read and I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with the series.
* * *
As of 2/10/2024, this book is currently FREE on Amazon US!
Want to read
January 31, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/31/2020)! 🎁
November 5, 2019
** Solid Enemies to Lovers 4.5 stars**
Ok so I don't usually like to read books where only one is completed in the series and the release date is so new.
Unfortunately, I am a rather impatient person and my mental health can't really handle cliff hangers or any kind of waiting. (I have a hard time in lines at amusement parts too). So needless to say I was a little iffy on starting this book right now.
BUT! I am super glad I did :) I enjoyed this read more than any other book I have read in quite a while.
Maddie is probably going to go down as being one of my most favorite heroines. She was tough as shit with a selfless heart and a beautiful soul. I loved that she had such a good heart and sacrificed for her loved ones, but the fact that she was like that didn't turn her into some wilting flower. She stood up for herself and didn't take shit from anyone and I freaking loved that. I also loved that this book didn't have any of the cliche drama between the misfit chick at school and the perfect blond Barbie Squad.
Aric underwent a great transformation if a bit cliche (I was ok with that though, seeing as it was probably the only cliche thing in this book) He was a spoiled little shit who gets the chance by way of blackmail to spend some time with a girl he thought of as trash and soon learned that she was in fact a tressure that even all his loads of money couldn't purchase.
Spoilers below - but don't worry - I kept them hidden for those of you who hate spoilage -
UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT - So, I am a person who very much enjoys older man/younger woman stories and really dislikes younger man/older woman stories - I know that may be shocking, but it is true. I don't know why, but I read that and immediately say, "Nope, this is not for me."
Anyway! I digress but I promise I am still on topic... mostly... ANYWAY! So In the beginning of this story I actually really enjoyed the take Hart gave Maddie on this and the direction she took it. It kind of puts front and center the idea that although the boys might be all about it because this hot older woman is giving them attention that doesn't mean that it's ok. Whether you are a man or a woman, it doesn't matter. It is never ok to seduce a CHILD'S and use their overly active teenage hormones as an excuse for your behavior. During the course of this book Aric starts to realize with Maddie's company that maybe he wasn't such a willing participant at first in his relationship with the OW. He had never really considered that before and I thought that was an interesting take. - NOW LET'S BE CLEAR - I am not saying that ALL older woman and younger man relationships are bad or predatory. To each their own, as long as everyone is of age and consenting, you do you. I just thought this book kind of sheds a little light on the issue and I liked it.
SO let's move on to the reasons it lost that half star for me. -
I would have to say this is mostly due to some story and plot holes along with some character issues. Maddie has a brother and sister who are supposed to be the most important things in the world to her but we don't actually even SEE them until more than halfway through the book. And there was an opportunity to do so.
Also, there is the issue of Blake. To me, there was a lot more development of the Hannah and Royal relationship than there was of any Blake relationship and I was a bit bummed that the next book is Blake. He didn't catch my interest as much, but I'm still very down to read it.
September 13, 2020
I really liked the h and her two siblings, she was caring and didn’t run away from her responsibilities.
H was an asshole in the beginning but he changed throughout.
Safety: H is h’s only lover. H doesn’t cheat.
Triggers: Ow was the pedophile (H’s best friend’s mom) next door who seduced the H at the ripe age of 16 years old in her own home when her own son and husband were sleeping upstairs (this was during a sleepover the kids were having) .
She had an affair with the H for 2 years, h cought them kissing and the pedophile groping the H on camera. H breaks off affair with the crazy pedophile before anything happens with the h. He realises he was a victim of the older woman who was his mom’s age.
Pedophile is kicked out of her house by her husband without any riches when everyone finds out.
Can’t imagine what the almost 40 year old woman was thinking having sex with a 16 year old kid when she already had a hunk of a husband! 🤦🏻♀️
Seriously male or female targetting kids and teenagers disgust me! It doesn’t matter if the age of consent is 15 or 16 or even 18, the teenagers are still a lot younger and they are still kids!
H was an asshole in the beginning but he changed throughout.
Safety: H is h’s only lover. H doesn’t cheat.
Triggers: Ow was the pedophile (H’s best friend’s mom) next door who seduced the H at the ripe age of 16 years old in her own home when her own son and husband were sleeping upstairs (this was during a sleepover the kids were having) .
She had an affair with the H for 2 years, h cought them kissing and the pedophile groping the H on camera. H breaks off affair with the crazy pedophile before anything happens with the h. He realises he was a victim of the older woman who was his mom’s age.
Pedophile is kicked out of her house by her husband without any riches when everyone finds out.
Can’t imagine what the almost 40 year old woman was thinking having sex with a 16 year old kid when she already had a hunk of a husband! 🤦🏻♀️
Seriously male or female targetting kids and teenagers disgust me! It doesn’t matter if the age of consent is 15 or 16 or even 18, the teenagers are still a lot younger and they are still kids!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It has brought out feelings and emotions that I haven't felt in some time while reading. I am excited to read the next book in the Mercy Academy series.
December 2, 2019
2.5 stars!
April 29, 2024
Beg for Mercy (book 1 of Mercy Academy) by Lane Hart is high school romance. I really enjoy reading Lane Hart books. She has a real talent for bringing her characters to life and just writing a great plot and this one is good as always. Yeah this has bullying but it gives a lot of lessons to it. You can appreciate what you have and maybe help those who have less. Maybe be a little more like the FMC.
Maddie is from the poor side of town and does not fit in at the Elite school she is attending BUT she is a strong girl and is determined. Aric is rich and powerful and determined to make her life miserable. As they get to know each other though opinions change and love develops.
I really enjoyed this story it had a great plot, characters and some steam. I am ready to read book 2 and see what happens next. Great job Lane Heart as always!
Maddie is from the poor side of town and does not fit in at the Elite school she is attending BUT she is a strong girl and is determined. Aric is rich and powerful and determined to make her life miserable. As they get to know each other though opinions change and love develops.
I really enjoyed this story it had a great plot, characters and some steam. I am ready to read book 2 and see what happens next. Great job Lane Heart as always!
January 10, 2024
4.5 stars
Loved this one!! The banter, the chemistry, the drama, the flow of the writing. There was a little bit of miscommunication but surprisingly (and thankfully) the characters talked fairly quickly and got things straightened out. 👏🏻 Only reason I didn’t give it five stars was the fact that some of it seemed a little far fetched for high schoolers, especially the epilogue.
Loved this one!! The banter, the chemistry, the drama, the flow of the writing. There was a little bit of miscommunication but surprisingly (and thankfully) the characters talked fairly quickly and got things straightened out. 👏🏻 Only reason I didn’t give it five stars was the fact that some of it seemed a little far fetched for high schoolers, especially the epilogue.
October 23, 2022
this book was good but so cringey i was cackling. my guy thinks he’s the shit and was like “i am bigger than 90% of the population” like u dumb fuck you are a high schooler stop lying to yourself. and bro was so rich and was always flexing. if this is how actual rich people act thank jesus i am not rich !
February 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
October 16, 2019
3.75 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 18, 2019
Aric Prince is an All-American high school football star with a body built like a Greek god and hair so beautiful he could sell shampoo by the boatloads.
The only problem is that Aric’s also a rich, arrogant, and gigantic prick. Nothing but filth and insults come out of his smirking mouth, constantly reminding me that poor trailer park trash girls like myself don’t belong in his pretentious academy.
Aric and his best friends all think they’re untouchable.
But the cocky bastard is finally going down this year.
I’ve hit the motherload of blackmail on the jerk, pun intended, and I can’t wait to give him exactly what he deserves.
Aric Prince’s reign at the academy is coming to an end.
Before I’m done with him, he’ll be on his knees, begging for mercy.
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--BEG FOR MERCY is the first instalment in Lane Hart’s (writing as L.A. Hart) contemporary, young adult MERCY ACADEMY erotic, romance series. This is high school football star Aric Prince, and Maddie Collins’ story line.
NOTE: BEG FOR MERCY focuses on the exploits of eighteen year old high school seniors but reads more like a new adult to adult story line due to the language and sexual content.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Aric and Maddie) BEG FOR MERCY follows the acrimonious relationship between eighteen year old high school football star Aric Prince, and Maddie Collins. Maddie Collins is from the wrong side of the proverbial tracks; a scholarship student at Mercy Academy, Maddie is treated with disdain and disrespect by the school’s all-star quarterback, a young man with whom Maddie will fall in love. Two years earlier, Maddie discovered Aric’s dark and dangerous secret, and our heroine blackmails Aric Prince in return for keeping quiet, and agreeing not to reveal the disturbing videos she has in her possession. What ensues is the back and forth antagonistic relationship and friendship between Maddie and Aric, and the fall-out when secrets are revealed and Maddie is caught in the cross-fire.
Eighteen year old Maddie Collins struggles to house, feed and clothe her much younger siblings. Having been left on their own for more years that she can remember, Maddie is desperate to keep a roof over their heads, staying under the radar of the local family and childrens services. An opportunity to blackmail Aric Prince eases our heroine’s struggles but not everything goes according to plan when Aric begins to develop feelings for our story line heroine.
BEG FOR MERCY is a story of bullying at an elite, California high school academy but our heroine gives as good as she gets. There is a fine line between who is the bully and who is bullied, and in this Maddie Collins is as guilty as the smug, spoiled rich kids she despises the most. From the requisite controlling, oblivious, drunken and immoral parents, to the mean boys/girls at the high school level, BEG FOR MERCY has all of the features of a YA story line but the lines between YA and NA are completely blurred with the graphic language and questionable behavior and ethics of some of the characters including the not-so responsible adults. The premise is entertaining; the characters are spirited, energetic and dramatic; the romance is provocative.
Copy supplied for review
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 18, 2019
Aric Prince is an All-American high school football star with a body built like a Greek god and hair so beautiful he could sell shampoo by the boatloads.
The only problem is that Aric’s also a rich, arrogant, and gigantic prick. Nothing but filth and insults come out of his smirking mouth, constantly reminding me that poor trailer park trash girls like myself don’t belong in his pretentious academy.
Aric and his best friends all think they’re untouchable.
But the cocky bastard is finally going down this year.
I’ve hit the motherload of blackmail on the jerk, pun intended, and I can’t wait to give him exactly what he deserves.
Aric Prince’s reign at the academy is coming to an end.
Before I’m done with him, he’ll be on his knees, begging for mercy.
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--BEG FOR MERCY is the first instalment in Lane Hart’s (writing as L.A. Hart) contemporary, young adult MERCY ACADEMY erotic, romance series. This is high school football star Aric Prince, and Maddie Collins’ story line.
NOTE: BEG FOR MERCY focuses on the exploits of eighteen year old high school seniors but reads more like a new adult to adult story line due to the language and sexual content.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Aric and Maddie) BEG FOR MERCY follows the acrimonious relationship between eighteen year old high school football star Aric Prince, and Maddie Collins. Maddie Collins is from the wrong side of the proverbial tracks; a scholarship student at Mercy Academy, Maddie is treated with disdain and disrespect by the school’s all-star quarterback, a young man with whom Maddie will fall in love. Two years earlier, Maddie discovered Aric’s dark and dangerous secret, and our heroine blackmails Aric Prince in return for keeping quiet, and agreeing not to reveal the disturbing videos she has in her possession. What ensues is the back and forth antagonistic relationship and friendship between Maddie and Aric, and the fall-out when secrets are revealed and Maddie is caught in the cross-fire.
Eighteen year old Maddie Collins struggles to house, feed and clothe her much younger siblings. Having been left on their own for more years that she can remember, Maddie is desperate to keep a roof over their heads, staying under the radar of the local family and childrens services. An opportunity to blackmail Aric Prince eases our heroine’s struggles but not everything goes according to plan when Aric begins to develop feelings for our story line heroine.
BEG FOR MERCY is a story of bullying at an elite, California high school academy but our heroine gives as good as she gets. There is a fine line between who is the bully and who is bullied, and in this Maddie Collins is as guilty as the smug, spoiled rich kids she despises the most. From the requisite controlling, oblivious, drunken and immoral parents, to the mean boys/girls at the high school level, BEG FOR MERCY has all of the features of a YA story line but the lines between YA and NA are completely blurred with the graphic language and questionable behavior and ethics of some of the characters including the not-so responsible adults. The premise is entertaining; the characters are spirited, energetic and dramatic; the romance is provocative.
Copy supplied for review
July 22, 2024
Surprisingly enjoyable. I say surprisingly because I've been on quite the book slump.
I am not sure but this book seems to straddle between YA and NY which is not a good or bad thing. I liked the 2 MCs. Both were very strong persons who made some bad decisions. Him much more so than her IMO. Whereas hers was more of a choice that impacted her and her siblings quality of like his was really just an overall poor choice without regard of who could get hurt.
What I did think was interesting is that despite their poor choices, they were not "victims." Each fully owns up to what they do and they don't judge each other for it at all. They may tease each other or try to help each other make better choices but I did find it a bit refreshing to see that while they may have been taken advantage of each other they were also fully aware and complicit.
The only downside is that as a result, the angst is also ratcheted down some. So it was a trade off but a nice one. It made it an easy and enjoyable read with some witty dialogue.
Re-read: just as enjoyable the second time around.
I am not sure but this book seems to straddle between YA and NY which is not a good or bad thing. I liked the 2 MCs. Both were very strong persons who made some bad decisions. Him much more so than her IMO. Whereas hers was more of a choice that impacted her and her siblings quality of like his was really just an overall poor choice without regard of who could get hurt.
What I did think was interesting is that despite their poor choices, they were not "victims." Each fully owns up to what they do and they don't judge each other for it at all. They may tease each other or try to help each other make better choices but I did find it a bit refreshing to see that while they may have been taken advantage of each other they were also fully aware and complicit.
The only downside is that as a result, the angst is also ratcheted down some. So it was a trade off but a nice one. It made it an easy and enjoyable read with some witty dialogue.
Re-read: just as enjoyable the second time around.
February 28, 2022
DNF at 20%
Major pick me girl vibes from FMC, whatever her name is. Being in her thoughts is torture, she thinks she’s better than everyone and shames other people for not having the same opportunities as her. Girl, they are stuck in poverty and in their situations same as you, just cause you go to a fancy high school doesn’t mean anythingggg.
—> this is this first page, btw.
The MMC was just an asshole and I’ve had my fill with asshole bullies.
Also I really, really don’t see how he can be redeemed after hooking up with his best friends mom. And her, for blackmailing him for it.
Jesus, this is a mess, and not even a hot one.
Major pick me girl vibes from FMC, whatever her name is. Being in her thoughts is torture, she thinks she’s better than everyone and shames other people for not having the same opportunities as her. Girl, they are stuck in poverty and in their situations same as you, just cause you go to a fancy high school doesn’t mean anythingggg.
“Most sixteen-year-old girls worry about what to wear on their first day of school, how they should fix their hair or who they’ll sit with at lunch.
Not me. […] “So, no, I don’t have time for any of the usual teenage, superficial bullshit drama. ”
—> this is this first page, btw.
The MMC was just an asshole and I’ve had my fill with asshole bullies.
Also I really, really don’t see how he can be redeemed after hooking up with his best friends mom. And her, for blackmailing him for it.
Jesus, this is a mess, and not even a hot one.
October 23, 2019
Great story. Started out a little slow, but oh, boy did it get going. We have Maddy who lives in a trailer with her brother and sister. Their parents aren't any help. She's raising them on her own. She received a scholarship to a rich school. Life is hard. Aric runs the School and is the top football player. His friends Blake and Royal run everything. Aric and Maddy meet the first day of school and have a running hate relationship. I don't want to say to much an ruin the story so I'll stop now. Remember it brings in a lot of emotions and truths.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2019
A school bully romance that really surprised me. Aric starts bullying Maddie (FMC) mainly because of her lack of money and where she lives. What starts off as a game of wills between them progresses to friendship and then something else. When the books main characters become friends thats when the book get more interesting for me. Aric was more of a decent and caring character then. I loved that. A rough start but a lovely ending. A joy to read and i cant wait to find out what happens in the other books
October 24, 2019
Sooooo good!!!
This was one of the best books that I have read in a while. Maddie and Arik are great characters they both have their flaws (minor compared to many characters that I have read) but so much hidden depth. I borrowed this on a whim, and wasn’t expecting much, due to the over abundance of “academy” books I’ve seen seen lately. Now I am a believer and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
This was one of the best books that I have read in a while. Maddie and Arik are great characters they both have their flaws (minor compared to many characters that I have read) but so much hidden depth. I borrowed this on a whim, and wasn’t expecting much, due to the over abundance of “academy” books I’ve seen seen lately. Now I am a believer and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
January 31, 2020
Storyline was meh; slow, unbelievable, and contrived. The characters were one dimensional and fell flat. Not well written at all, very sophomoric, it seems like an actual inexperienced high school student wrote this. Their actions weren't plausible, and just really a choppy read. I made it just over halfway through and couldn't anymore. I would not recommend and will not personally be reading anything else by this author.
October 7, 2019
Omg!!! I am in love with Aric and Maddie. Actually all the characters are amazing. I had to think about it before I could write this review. So beautifully written and heartbreaking at the same time. The struggles Maddie and her siblings had to go through and the fairytale hea they ended up with. Can’t wait for the next book!!
January 18, 2022
This book was cute! There are NO dark themes or “explicit” sexual content so not sure what that warning was about.
October 9, 2019
This was a great read that I was hooked on once I started reading it. Aric and Maddie took me on an emotional roller coaster of a read that I could not get enough of. Their story moved along well and left me anxious to see how the next book in the series.
October 19, 2019
Loved loved loved this book...lol. I couldn't put it down. Maddie & Aric's story was so intriguing. Wow. I swear this authors books keep getting better & better. I received a free copy of the book & am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 30, 2019
High school troubles
Loved the story. Downloaded on kindles recommendation.
Was hooked from the start. At first thought it might be spiteful and mean, but it was so much more.
Dwelled into bullying and teenage growing issues. Well done. Will read others in series.
Loved the story. Downloaded on kindles recommendation.
Was hooked from the start. At first thought it might be spiteful and mean, but it was so much more.
Dwelled into bullying and teenage growing issues. Well done. Will read others in series.
October 6, 2019
Oh this book will take you on an emotional journey that you won't forget. I'm still in a book hangover from this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews