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Alaskan Hearts #7
The Darkest Hour
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Sofia is on a noble mission… too bad it requires breaking the law to complete it.
Sofia Stepanov believes in right and wrong, but she doesn't necessarily believe in following the rules. When she finds a wolf hybrid being illegally kept and abused by its captors, she vows to come back and free him herself.
Soon the exhilaration of one successful mission leads to many more, leading Sofia to set her sights on the most ambitious rescue yet. It also leads her straight into the path of a handsome police officer who has been tasked with bringing Anchorage’s serial dognapper to justice.
Will Sofia complete her vigilante rescue without a hitch, or will Hunter catch her before she can?
Join Sophia and Liz with their rehabilitated sled dogs in this unforgettable tale of resourcefulness, repercussions, and finding where you belong. Start reading THE DARKEST HOUR today!
Sofia is on a noble mission… too bad it requires breaking the law to complete it.
Sofia Stepanov believes in right and wrong, but she doesn't necessarily believe in following the rules. When she finds a wolf hybrid being illegally kept and abused by its captors, she vows to come back and free him herself.
Soon the exhilaration of one successful mission leads to many more, leading Sofia to set her sights on the most ambitious rescue yet. It also leads her straight into the path of a handsome police officer who has been tasked with bringing Anchorage’s serial dognapper to justice.
Will Sofia complete her vigilante rescue without a hitch, or will Hunter catch her before she can?
Join Sophia and Liz with their rehabilitated sled dogs in this unforgettable tale of resourcefulness, repercussions, and finding where you belong. Start reading THE DARKEST HOUR today!
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2018
About the author
Melissa Storm
163 books3,758 followersMelissa Storm is a New York Times and multiple USA Today bestselling author of Women’s Fiction, Inspirational Romance, and Cozy Mysteries.
Despite an intense, lifelong desire to tell stories for a living, Melissa was “too pragmatic” to choose English as a major in college. Instead, she obtained her master’s degree in Sociology & Survey Methodology—then went straight back to slinging words a year after graduation anyway.
She loves books so much, in fact, that she married fellow author Falcon Storm. Between the two of them, there are always plenty of imaginative, awe-inspiring stories to share. Melissa and Falcon also run a number of book-related businesses together, including LitRing, Sweet Promise Press, Novel Publicity, Your Author Engine, and the Author Site.
When she's not reading, writing, or child-rearing, Melissa spends time relaxing at her home in the Michigan woods, where she is kept company by a seemingly unending quantity of dogs and two very demanding Maine Coon rescues. She also writes under the names of Molly Fitz and Mila Riggs.
Despite an intense, lifelong desire to tell stories for a living, Melissa was “too pragmatic” to choose English as a major in college. Instead, she obtained her master’s degree in Sociology & Survey Methodology—then went straight back to slinging words a year after graduation anyway.
She loves books so much, in fact, that she married fellow author Falcon Storm. Between the two of them, there are always plenty of imaginative, awe-inspiring stories to share. Melissa and Falcon also run a number of book-related businesses together, including LitRing, Sweet Promise Press, Novel Publicity, Your Author Engine, and the Author Site.
When she's not reading, writing, or child-rearing, Melissa spends time relaxing at her home in the Michigan woods, where she is kept company by a seemingly unending quantity of dogs and two very demanding Maine Coon rescues. She also writes under the names of Molly Fitz and Mila Riggs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 23, 2019
DNF at 21% I just can't get on with this heroine and her stupid choices. Steals a dog-- it was tied out and obviously abused so...okay.
But then steals 100s in supplies from the mall pet store because who cares about the corporate fat cats losing some money and she's broke and needs all of that for the pup.
Then calls in sick to work (somewhere else) due to guilt so she can sew for a few days and feel better. Because that's gonna help the whole financial situation.
And she has friends with dogs or association with dog groups that even offered to pull some supplies together for her.
So yeah no. I'm done. It was moronic and the justification ridiculous. My guess it'll be used to get her together with the hot cop who has morals.
Ugh.
But then steals 100s in supplies from the mall pet store because who cares about the corporate fat cats losing some money and she's broke and needs all of that for the pup.
Then calls in sick to work (somewhere else) due to guilt so she can sew for a few days and feel better. Because that's gonna help the whole financial situation.
And she has friends with dogs or association with dog groups that even offered to pull some supplies together for her.
So yeah no. I'm done. It was moronic and the justification ridiculous. My guess it'll be used to get her together with the hot cop who has morals.
Ugh.
July 3, 2018
Sofia does some stupid things, criminal even, it went too far for me
This is not my favorite book by Mrs. Storm and I’ll explain why.
Sofia wasn’t the most likable person. I never connected. She stole. Now, the dognapping, you could see as rescuing. But the stealing of the supplies? That kept bothering me. It may be a petty crime but it was wrong, so wrong! She should’ve found another solution! I immediately distanced myself from her. More reasons why I didn’t like her are in the three spoilers below.
So, I didn’t much care for Sofia. I didn’t like her so-called friends. I started out not liking Hunter either, but later he got better (kinder, less alpha male) and I started liking him. But there wasn’t even a lot of interaction between Hunter and Sofia. I would have liked it to be more about that, more about the romance, but the book was very much about the wrong choices Sofia made. And yes, some good choices too; they weren’t all bad, especially later on. The end of the book was really, really good! If the whole book would have had the vibe of the end, it could have been so much better. Now, no more than OK. Even Wolfie (the dog) couldn’t lift the story enough to save it. And that surprised me! I am used to Melissa Storm’s characters touching my heart and really feeling them! I’m sorry to say that this book wasn’t her best…
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
1: The way she rescued the dogs was very spur-of-the-moment, without even knowing enough, without telling the police. That bothered me most: because she never involved the police, the people behind it weren’t caught. By rescuing the dogs Sofia didn’t solve anything, in fact, she made it even worse: because those people are just going to get new dogs!!! So in the end MORE dogs will suffer! Sofia’s methods were a perfect example of short term thinking without looking at the longer term effects. It was nowhere near the right way to handle things. Unintentionally but surely she made things worse.
2: Giving Fanta/Foxie/Delilah to Elizabeth Jane knowing what she did? Cruel beyond words because she KNEW the dog couldn’t stay there and she KNEW Liz would get attached to the dog. A rotten thing to do!
3: Sofia seriously considered selling drugs for money. This is wrong in so so so many ways! Some things simply can NOT be justified. Why not think of legitimate ways like crowdfunding or something like that? That she would even consider such an option made her so much less likable to me! That was the point where I almost gave up on this book. Now, she does learn and better herself. She never went through with this ridiculous plan, I’m happy to say. She does own up to what she did, so kudos for that. Glad I didn’t actually give up on the book, because the end turned out really nice, but still.
This is not my favorite book by Mrs. Storm and I’ll explain why.
Sofia wasn’t the most likable person. I never connected. She stole. Now, the dognapping, you could see as rescuing. But the stealing of the supplies? That kept bothering me. It may be a petty crime but it was wrong, so wrong! She should’ve found another solution! I immediately distanced myself from her. More reasons why I didn’t like her are in the three spoilers below.
So, I didn’t much care for Sofia. I didn’t like her so-called friends. I started out not liking Hunter either, but later he got better (kinder, less alpha male) and I started liking him. But there wasn’t even a lot of interaction between Hunter and Sofia. I would have liked it to be more about that, more about the romance, but the book was very much about the wrong choices Sofia made. And yes, some good choices too; they weren’t all bad, especially later on. The end of the book was really, really good! If the whole book would have had the vibe of the end, it could have been so much better. Now, no more than OK. Even Wolfie (the dog) couldn’t lift the story enough to save it. And that surprised me! I am used to Melissa Storm’s characters touching my heart and really feeling them! I’m sorry to say that this book wasn’t her best…
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
1: The way she rescued the dogs was very spur-of-the-moment, without even knowing enough, without telling the police. That bothered me most: because she never involved the police, the people behind it weren’t caught. By rescuing the dogs Sofia didn’t solve anything, in fact, she made it even worse: because those people are just going to get new dogs!!! So in the end MORE dogs will suffer! Sofia’s methods were a perfect example of short term thinking without looking at the longer term effects. It was nowhere near the right way to handle things. Unintentionally but surely she made things worse.
2: Giving Fanta/Foxie/Delilah to Elizabeth Jane knowing what she did? Cruel beyond words because she KNEW the dog couldn’t stay there and she KNEW Liz would get attached to the dog. A rotten thing to do!
3: Sofia seriously considered selling drugs for money. This is wrong in so so so many ways! Some things simply can NOT be justified. Why not think of legitimate ways like crowdfunding or something like that? That she would even consider such an option made her so much less likable to me! That was the point where I almost gave up on this book. Now, she does learn and better herself. She never went through with this ridiculous plan, I’m happy to say. She does own up to what she did, so kudos for that. Glad I didn’t actually give up on the book, because the end turned out really nice, but still.
June 24, 2018
There is no black and white when it comes to life and love. Only a mass of contradictions. There is no greater evidence of that then the plight of Hunter and Sofia in Season of Mercy. Sofia is all heart. She aims to do the right thing, yet she goes about doing so in the wrong way. Hunter always follows the rules. What happens when he loses his heart along the way? The purpose of a good story is not just to entertain, but to exercise the mind as well as the heart. With Season of Mercy, Storm succeeds in doing both. A heartache that thrives on hope and inspires faith.
July 4, 2018
I had a somewhat difficult time with this book. My impressions of Sophia went back and forth! While overall I liked the book and the characters and the story, I still have issues with some of the outcome! I also would recommend it! It's a book that definitely will make you think about yourself, what choices YOU would make and what you would do. I'm still thinking about it days after reading it! Sofia is a dog lover and when she sees something wrong, she wants to fix it immediately but she does go about it the wrong way! You can't just take the dog away from the owner - stealing! Then, as others have mentioned, you don't have money to feed the dog, so you ask your friend at a pet store to "steal" the food for you? It's a nice thought that you will pay back the store when you have the money but still.... It's hard to see animals suffering, of course, but there are other options. Sophia gets involved with shady people and I didn't particularly like them but she does have a positive effect on one of them so that was good. Another one was completely out of control and thankfully, she turns this person into the police. I thought the romance part of the book was slim - I wanted more! It seemed like it was "Sophia's Book" with a little Hunter thrown in!!! As Sophia's life spiraled out of control with her choices, I felt she could have trusted Hunter to help her out, even though he was a cop. She hurt other friends too. Like I said in the beginning, you will learn a lot about yourself reading this book! The one thing that bothered me the most is that Sophia isn't held accountable for anything she does. Hunter, the cop boyfriend, excuses her for all her mistakes. Some of them, ok I can see that, but I still think that some things she should have been held legally accounted for. To be "swept under the rug" was not realistic. She broke the law and should have had to do something about that! Her intentions were good and honorable but still.....
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. My opinions are entirely my own
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. My opinions are entirely my own
May 5, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Sled Dog Series. This is the story of Sofia Stepanov. She works in fashion at the local mall and designs her own clothes.
This story is a little different to the rest of the series as here Sofia rescues different breeds of dogs. The first dog she rescues is a neglected wolf-hybrid and she takes to the vet. While there Sofia meets Hunter Burke one of the local cops. She starts lying from the start to cover her tracks. Her life changes in an instant and she is lying to her friends and she is stealing. She is avoiding Hunter even though he seems to be the one for her. She really likes him but she doesn’t want to get caught.
I found that once it all came out Sofia was not punished for what she had done and it seemed to be all swept under the rug. The only true to life bit was her friend not easily forgiving her for what she did.
I do enjoy the Sled Dog series and I am looking forward to more from it. I do hope that Melissa brings more of the sled dogs into the stories since that is what series is about.
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This story is a little different to the rest of the series as here Sofia rescues different breeds of dogs. The first dog she rescues is a neglected wolf-hybrid and she takes to the vet. While there Sofia meets Hunter Burke one of the local cops. She starts lying from the start to cover her tracks. Her life changes in an instant and she is lying to her friends and she is stealing. She is avoiding Hunter even though he seems to be the one for her. She really likes him but she doesn’t want to get caught.
I found that once it all came out Sofia was not punished for what she had done and it seemed to be all swept under the rug. The only true to life bit was her friend not easily forgiving her for what she did.
I do enjoy the Sled Dog series and I am looking forward to more from it. I do hope that Melissa brings more of the sled dogs into the stories since that is what series is about.
More reviews....
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July 13, 2018
SEASON OF MERCY is the fourth in the Sled Dogs series. Each stands on their own, but with heavy involvement with the characters from the other stories.
I had a hard time connecting to Sofia. I understand the author’s intent was to show a character who had such a soft heart that she would do bad things in the name of the greater good, and that Sofia marched to her own drum. I think marching to your own drum is admirable. I even agree with some civil disobedience, except when it crosses the line and hurts another person. That is the line of criminality.
I liked Sofia; she’s a complex person. I didn’t understand Sofia’s stupid and reckless decisions. I loved Hunter; hot, hunky, alpha cop – what’s not to love?
I enjoyed the story, because Melissa Storm always writes so well. I will read the next story in the series, of course. Why? Because of Ms. Storm’s abilities and to return to the lives of our other old friends to see what they are doing.
Note: While I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: SEASON OF MERCY
Series: Sled Dog #4
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Melissa Storm (as an ARC gifted copy)
I had a hard time connecting to Sofia. I understand the author’s intent was to show a character who had such a soft heart that she would do bad things in the name of the greater good, and that Sofia marched to her own drum. I think marching to your own drum is admirable. I even agree with some civil disobedience, except when it crosses the line and hurts another person. That is the line of criminality.
I liked Sofia; she’s a complex person. I didn’t understand Sofia’s stupid and reckless decisions. I loved Hunter; hot, hunky, alpha cop – what’s not to love?
I enjoyed the story, because Melissa Storm always writes so well. I will read the next story in the series, of course. Why? Because of Ms. Storm’s abilities and to return to the lives of our other old friends to see what they are doing.
Note: While I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: SEASON OF MERCY
Series: Sled Dog #4
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Melissa Storm (as an ARC gifted copy)
June 29, 2018
I have enjoyed reading other Alaska-based romances by Melissa Storm, but I didn't really enjoy reading this book. I didn't feel like there was enough backstory in the beginning for either Sofia or Hunter to tell me who they were internally or make me buy into their motivation for actions. There seemed to be contradictory internal development for Sofia--she supposedly figured out who she was in high school and marched to her own drummer, but as a young adult in the timeline of this story she seems to be led by emotional choices, guilt, and peer pressure. Hunter is supposed to be a good/nice guy but he came across to me as just another guy who won't take "no" for an answer; to me that isn't romantic, it's controlling and creepy.
Presented within the structure of a romance, the sub-plot involving women she knew back in high school felt like a distraction. With deeper character development at the start this would pass for Women's Fiction, since Sofia learns more about herself and who she wants to be over the course of the story and eventually gains internal strength to take action to make a better future for herself. As a romance, it didn't work for me.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the author. I offer my honest opinion in response.
Presented within the structure of a romance, the sub-plot involving women she knew back in high school felt like a distraction. With deeper character development at the start this would pass for Women's Fiction, since Sofia learns more about herself and who she wants to be over the course of the story and eventually gains internal strength to take action to make a better future for herself. As a romance, it didn't work for me.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the author. I offer my honest opinion in response.
June 26, 2018
This is the second book of this series that I have read so far and I must say I was a little disappointed in this one. It just didn’t grab me like most of Melissa Storm’s books normally do for me. The main female character was a bit wishy-washy for my liking with the decisions she made throughout the book. I also did not get an Alaskan feel with this book like I did with the first one which I very much did enjoy as I love Alaska and have been to Anchorage myself. As a dog lover I did enjoy the connection Sofia has with Wolfie her self-rescued wolf-hybrid and I also loved the male character Hunter with his determination to not give up on the girl. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review of it.
There were many parts of this story that I did enjoy and the fact that it featured the past Sled Dog characters in it was very nice. Maybe I need to go back and read the other 2 books in this series to fully appreciate this one. Matt (D-Man) was another character that I felt connected during this story and his friendship with Sofia.
There were many parts of this story that I did enjoy and the fact that it featured the past Sled Dog characters in it was very nice. Maybe I need to go back and read the other 2 books in this series to fully appreciate this one. Matt (D-Man) was another character that I felt connected during this story and his friendship with Sofia.
June 30, 2018
Sofia was out to save a dog that was staked out in the yard in bad weather and she knew it was wrong but she just could not stand to see the poor dog left out in the yard chained up like that. So she stopped on her way home from work and unchained him and let him in her yard. When she got him home she saw that he had a red spot on his leg that worried her so she took him to the vet and that is where she met Hunter who was a police officer and they felt an attraction right off, but she was afraid to be close to him because of how she had gotten Wolfie. So while she wanted to be close to Hunter she pushed him away because of her ill-gotten Wolfie.
This book was just amazing and I stayed up reading it from start to finish. I know you will love it as much as I did. I love to take a step back and read a book that is not filled with sex scenes all the time. So nice to read one that has romance and no sex but still draws you in as much.
Melissa has done it again with this one if you ask me. Another great book. Can not wait to read more in this series.
This book was just amazing and I stayed up reading it from start to finish. I know you will love it as much as I did. I love to take a step back and read a book that is not filled with sex scenes all the time. So nice to read one that has romance and no sex but still draws you in as much.
Melissa has done it again with this one if you ask me. Another great book. Can not wait to read more in this series.
July 28, 2018
This is the 4th book of the Sled Dog series and I have really enjoyed the first 3 but this one...not so much. I didn't like Sofia Stepanov at all. I am a first-born, rule following attorney so her actions throughout the book really turned my stomach. Yes, she was helping dogs and/or wolf hybrids but how about doing it within the law. She steals dogs; steals dog supplies such as a leash, food, etc; allows others to steal from her employer; is involved in an arson incident; and contemplates seriously selling drugs. She also blows off a guy she is attracted to and who likes her named Hunter because he is a cop. To make things even worse, when Hunter, the enforcer of law, finds out she has done all of these things he looks the other way because he kinda likes her. Doesn't speak well of our law enforcement officers.
I think the message from this book is bad. If you think what you are doing is the right thing to do you can break any and all laws to do it. This book should be put to sleep.
I think the message from this book is bad. If you think what you are doing is the right thing to do you can break any and all laws to do it. This book should be put to sleep.
September 6, 2018
awesome book in a marvelous and clean series. We all make bad choices in life from time to time. In this book that's just what Sofia does. Sofia is a struggling fashion designer who doesn't make friends easily due to her past. She sees what she thinks is a dog tied up with no water or food all day. She has to rescue him. she has a friend borrow some food and things for this "dog" and that starts her downhill spiral. She sees another dog and goes to help it then someone else ask her to help them. Meanwhile she meets a cop ( Hunter) at the vet but when you are bending or breaking the rules you can't go with your feelings can you? Does Hunter find out what she has done if so does he turn her in. Guess you will have to get the book to find out. You really will enjoy the book.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 30, 2018
Melissa Storm’s Season of Mercy in the Sled Dog Series is where a sexy cop, dogs (what else would be in a sled dog series?) and some ‘maybe, sort of’ criminals make for a good read. Rescuing dogs from bad situations was NOT on Sofia Stepanovs list to do, but that’s what she did. Sofia couldn’t stand to see the poor dogs either chained to a stake in someone’s front lawn, out in the rain or being used for dog fighting. But she couldn’t just leave them in that situation with a clear conscience. Needed food and supplies for Wolfie she became in debt to ‘a friend’ after he stole it from where he works. Going to a vet and meeting a sexy man and his dog just complicated things. Hunter Burke was a cop that would not give up on Sofia, he wanted to date her and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Through some trail and (lots) of errors the lives of many friends, old and new from the Sled Dog Series become involved bringing peace, acceptance and mercy to Sofia.
July 2, 2018
Sophia rescues a wolf-hybrid dog from being chained outside with no water. This is the start of her vigilante quest to rescue dogs she thinks are being abused. She doesn’t have enough money to pay for the emergency vet check on Wolfe plus dog food and supplies so she asks her acquaintance Blinky to steal some from the pet store he works at. She meets and falls for Hunter, a cop and feels guilty and afraid that he will catch onto her criminal activities and turn her in. She steals another dog and is involved in something that causes the loss of lives and the destruction of property. I can understand a pass on stealing the dogs and supplies as long as she makes restitution, but she caused some serious harm and loss of innocent life. I don’t understand how that can just be forgiven and swept under the rug. There was plenty of suspense and humor in this story, but it wasn’t as good as the previous books in the sled dog series.
June 28, 2018
This is a great romance story, and a story of mercy. We all find ourselves bending rules for the greater good, sometimes we need mercy for our misdeeds.
Sofia is a struggling fashion designer at a minimum wage job. She sees a dog (actually a wolf hybrid) tied up with no water or food all day. She has to reduce him.
Unfortunately, she has no food for him, or money to buy any. This starts her on a slippery slope of getting her mall friend to “borrow” pet supplies for her.
She then finds a mother dog, left out in the rain. She just can’t leave her. And then a friend stumbles upon a dog fighting ring, and begs her to help him rescue them.
Meanwhile, Sofi runs into a cute cop at the vet clinic, and they hit it off. However, she can’t get involved with him, despite her feelings. You can’t date a cop when bending the rules, right?
Sofia is a struggling fashion designer at a minimum wage job. She sees a dog (actually a wolf hybrid) tied up with no water or food all day. She has to reduce him.
Unfortunately, she has no food for him, or money to buy any. This starts her on a slippery slope of getting her mall friend to “borrow” pet supplies for her.
She then finds a mother dog, left out in the rain. She just can’t leave her. And then a friend stumbles upon a dog fighting ring, and begs her to help him rescue them.
Meanwhile, Sofi runs into a cute cop at the vet clinic, and they hit it off. However, she can’t get involved with him, despite her feelings. You can’t date a cop when bending the rules, right?
June 29, 2018
I enjoy reading this one but did not like it as much as the other stories in the series. I like seeing the past characters appearances. This character fudged on some major issues which I would have understood better if she had been betrayed as a different type of person and changed in the character ARC. Stealing is stealing and borrowing does not make it not stealing which the type of person she proclaimed to be I think would have understood that so right off the bat this shook the story world believability for me. Despite that, I enjoyed the story and would recommend reading especially if you are reading whole the series. There is much to like and enjoy. The character was likable and the story warm-hearted. The premise was interesting and I wanted to see how the author handled it.
I voluntarily reviewed a Reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a Reader copy of this book.
July 3, 2018
Mall worker and fashion designer Sofia Stepanov steals a neglected dog and brings him to the vet, where she meets the handsome Hunter. Hunter is the perfect specimen of masculinity and Sofia would normally be jumping for joy at Hunter’s flirtations ... too bad Hunter's a cop and Sofia's just committed a crime. Sofia keeps on running into Hunter and Hunter keeps on asking Sofia out but even though Sofia really likes Hunter, with her crimes piling up, Sofia does her best to avoid Hunter while Hunter does his best to try to snag a date with Sofia. The more time Sofia spends in Hunter’s company, the more deeply she falls under his spell. What happens when Sofia's crimes are revealed?
Melissa Storm delivers an angsty, drama-filled and sweet story
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Melissa Storm delivers an angsty, drama-filled and sweet story
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
June 29, 2018
I have read many of author Melissa Storm’s books and this one is very different than her usual writing. I still enjoyed the story as with her other sled dog books. In this book, Sofia is a single, lonely, not happy with her job type of person. She sees this dog chained up on her way to work and feels very sorry about the shape he looks to be in. On her way home, she decides to take the dog for his own good. From there she gets involved with a few other “friends” and does things she normally wouldn’t do. Then when she takes her rescued dog to the vets she mets the perfect man for her, Deputy Hunter Burke. Problem is, she now thinks of herself as a criminal. Can she get herself to start liking herself and come clean about what she’s done to have a life with Deputy Hunter?
July 12, 2018
While I liked the premise of the story I didn't really enjoy the book. Hunter is a great character, and so are Elizabeth Jane and her friends, but Sofia just annoyed me. She makes bad decisions, for the right reasons, then follows them up with more bad decisions. She could have come clean about the second dog she freed but instead she told lies and involved her (supposedly) best friend. She could have contact the authorities about the dog fighting club but no she chose to get herself in deep in a situation that she should not have been in. She has friends who try to introduce her to more people, but she chooses to associate with people who she suspects are petty criminals which ends with her boss catching her out at work. Sorry but not my favourite book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2018
I am a fan of Mrs Storm’s writing and the wisdom she imparts through her storytelling. In Season of Mercy she tackled some tough situations and the choices made by Sofia were not always wise, particularly her choice to give a dog she took in from the rain to her friend Liz instead of returning it to the owner who was making a genuine effort to recover it. I found myself reading with some trepidation, concerned for Sofia’s future and worried about how the policeman, Hunter, would have to deal with her.
I am happy to report in the end most of the situations were resolved well. I struggled with Hunter’s decisions, but I do love happy endings. I also appreciated Mrs Storm’s notes in the epilogue. I thank Mrs Storm for giving me the opportunity to read her books as ARCs and look forward to her future books.
I am happy to report in the end most of the situations were resolved well. I struggled with Hunter’s decisions, but I do love happy endings. I also appreciated Mrs Storm’s notes in the epilogue. I thank Mrs Storm for giving me the opportunity to read her books as ARCs and look forward to her future books.
January 27, 2026
Not worth it for me
I really didn't like most of the characters for most of the book. I almost gave up several times. Too much doing the wrong thing for the "right reasons." The author manages to pull out a happy ending, but it felt contrived. I thought this was a Christian book, but I would say it just had a few minor references to God. I did like the dogs.
SPOILER ALERT! The main character should have done jail time. At the very least, a lot of community service. The person who could have walked through it with her (which would have been more powerful) gives a free pass instead. Yes, there can be forgiveness. Yes, there can be grace and mercy. But choices have consequences. Just apologizing isn't always enough, though it is hard and very important.
I really didn't like most of the characters for most of the book. I almost gave up several times. Too much doing the wrong thing for the "right reasons." The author manages to pull out a happy ending, but it felt contrived. I thought this was a Christian book, but I would say it just had a few minor references to God. I did like the dogs.
SPOILER ALERT! The main character should have done jail time. At the very least, a lot of community service. The person who could have walked through it with her (which would have been more powerful) gives a free pass instead. Yes, there can be forgiveness. Yes, there can be grace and mercy. But choices have consequences. Just apologizing isn't always enough, though it is hard and very important.
July 1, 2018
WOW! Season of Mercy is a beautifully written heartfelt story of redemption. Sofia makes bad decisions for all the right reasons. She meets Hunter a police detective at the pet emergency after she rescues (steals) Wolfie a dog/wolf hybrid that was being mistreated. Sofia bad choices lead her into hurting her friends. Hunter and Sofia are attracted to each other but because of her choices and lies she keeps her distance. I loved reading Season of Mercy by Melissa Storm it is a sincere emotional story of redemption and I highly recommend reading it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 4, 2018
Sofia is a hot mess, with no real sense of self control as she justifies "rescuing" a dog and then manages to justify escalatingly bad ideas until she reaches a "Just Say No" epiphany. This is an HEA so you know she has to work out her issues (and get her man), so that should not be a spoiler! If you haven't read the other books in this series, you will still have no problem following this one--the characters from the other tales serve more as Easter eggs. I kept thinking to myself, "Was I ever that young and self-deluded?" And, yeah, there were moments. But boy am I ever grateful there were only a few (at least compared to Sofia)!
August 8, 2018
Sofia couldn't handle seeing that poor dog chained up outside being neglected so she did what she thought was right and took it out of that situation and rescued it. If this would have been the only time she did this all would be ok but she got with the wrong crowd and law enforcement saw the others as stealing. Hunter, who is the law, must make a decision on whether or not to arrest her or make her see what she is doing is wrong. Feelings and emotions can cloud this judgement.
Grab this book or get the whole series so far and enjoy reading Melissa's books. You definitely wont be disappointed.
Grab this book or get the whole series so far and enjoy reading Melissa's books. You definitely wont be disappointed.
September 14, 2018
At the end, we finally learn Sofia is close to 30, but she acts 12 (the number got lower the more I read); giving in to peer pressure, hanging out with people she doesn't want to be around, and unable to control her impulse decisions-much less know right from wrong. Taking the first seemingly abused dog, rather than calling animal control or the police, I can let slide but not the continued theft of everything else she decided she wants/needs. Fabric comes in blots, not reams. Hunter comes across as pushy, creepy, and inexperienced with life as well. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 25, 2018
Season of Mercy
Honest Review left in exchange for ARC
I honestly connected with Sofia in this book. Felt the emotional turmoil she was going through. Trying to do the right things without the means to do so properly leads her down the wrong road peer pressure is a very real thing even as an adult. She had an awful experience in high school and doesn’t make friends easily so has few friends, doesn’t trust easily, has little support system so what she does have isn’t necessarily good. Meeting Hunter is good/bad in her eyes as she’s doing something good but in a bad way. Well written and truly draws you into her story and her decisions good or bad. You want everything to turn up roses but need to read to see how her story turns out! Well worth the read. Love Melissa Storm’s stories and their moral messages. Beautiful loving messages.
Honest Review left in exchange for ARC
I honestly connected with Sofia in this book. Felt the emotional turmoil she was going through. Trying to do the right things without the means to do so properly leads her down the wrong road peer pressure is a very real thing even as an adult. She had an awful experience in high school and doesn’t make friends easily so has few friends, doesn’t trust easily, has little support system so what she does have isn’t necessarily good. Meeting Hunter is good/bad in her eyes as she’s doing something good but in a bad way. Well written and truly draws you into her story and her decisions good or bad. You want everything to turn up roses but need to read to see how her story turns out! Well worth the read. Love Melissa Storm’s stories and their moral messages. Beautiful loving messages.
June 26, 2018
I’ve yet to find a book by Melissa Storm that I don’t love. Season of Mercy is no exception. I love the familiar characters from her previous books and the new characters that come along. A difficult but heartwarming story with a very uplifting happy ending for not just the heroine and hero but for so many others as well. Of course, the dogs are the real stars here and I was touched by the reference to the beautiful ‘Crash’ and knowing he has gone to a loving home (real life meets fictional it’s best).
June 27, 2018
When Sofia rescue an hybrid wolf dog she is convinced hat she is doing the right thing. When she mets cop Hunter Burke in the vet she can’t help but feel a littlest nervous for taking the dog from his owner. Even if she feels an instant connection with Hunter she can’t give them a chance because she is in a rollercoaster of lies, small thieves and bad companies. Can she get redemption and forgiviness she she is doing wrong for all good reasons? A sweet story about love, friendship, mistakes and forgiviness and mercy.
June 28, 2018
Sofia is an undiscovered designer of her own line of clothes, but when she rescues a neglected dog, her impulsiveness leads to lying, stealing, and trespassing, not the kind of notoriety she hoped for. As she tries to avoid the one man that meets every criteria she has for a soul mate because he is a police officer, Sofia copes with housebreaking, doggie play dates, and criminal friends.
I enjoyed seeing into Sofia's mind as she struggles with old hurts, new love, and old and new guilt.
The allure of life in Alaska and its delightful sled dogs adds to the depth of her characterization.
I enjoyed seeing into Sofia's mind as she struggles with old hurts, new love, and old and new guilt.
The allure of life in Alaska and its delightful sled dogs adds to the depth of her characterization.
July 15, 2018
The 4th book in the Sled Dog series is another great read. It was good to see many of the characters from the previous books incorporated into this one.
A great book of showing how sometimes our choices we make with good intentions aren’t always the best, and how mercy can be shown to us at those times. Loved the new characters introduced in this book and look forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this and all of the books in this series.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
A great book of showing how sometimes our choices we make with good intentions aren’t always the best, and how mercy can be shown to us at those times. Loved the new characters introduced in this book and look forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this and all of the books in this series.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
April 19, 2023
Sofia and Hunter
What a story! Sofia with a heart so big. She would never steal. But she needed food for Wolfie. She asked a friend never realizing he would ask for a shirt from her shop. Then he insisted she go to a bar to meet some of his friends. The first person she sees is Hunter the cop she met at the Vets. He wants to get to know her. If only she had met him before her life of crime.
How will this ever straighten out and Hunter get his girl? You need to read this book well worth your time.
What a story! Sofia with a heart so big. She would never steal. But she needed food for Wolfie. She asked a friend never realizing he would ask for a shirt from her shop. Then he insisted she go to a bar to meet some of his friends. The first person she sees is Hunter the cop she met at the Vets. He wants to get to know her. If only she had met him before her life of crime.
How will this ever straighten out and Hunter get his girl? You need to read this book well worth your time.
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