What do you think?
Rate this book
Mercy Hollings #3
Cry Mercy
I just want a normal life...even if I'm not entirely sure I'm human.
My name is Mercy Hollings and I'm a successful hypnotherapist in Balboa, California. The problem is, my good fortune is dependent on a dark secret. I can make people do whatever I want using telepathy, a power I call "the press." And that ability has hurt some people I never wanted to hurt, so I try to keep it under wraps.
I also try to keep people at a distance...at least, I used to. Recently a group of fearless characters broke through my self-imposed walls and became my friends: Sukey, my receptionist-turned-P.I.; Tino, a Chicano gang leader; Hilda, a wealthy society widow; Grant, a retired millionaire--and Sam, my sexy-as-hell ex-boyfriend.
But with friends comes drama. Tino has inadvertently led me into the dark world of gang violence, and Sukey has pushed me into searching for my biological parents, the only people who can finally tell me who--or what--I really am.
My name is Mercy Hollings and I'm a successful hypnotherapist in Balboa, California. The problem is, my good fortune is dependent on a dark secret. I can make people do whatever I want using telepathy, a power I call "the press." And that ability has hurt some people I never wanted to hurt, so I try to keep it under wraps.
I also try to keep people at a distance...at least, I used to. Recently a group of fearless characters broke through my self-imposed walls and became my friends: Sukey, my receptionist-turned-P.I.; Tino, a Chicano gang leader; Hilda, a wealthy society widow; Grant, a retired millionaire--and Sam, my sexy-as-hell ex-boyfriend.
But with friends comes drama. Tino has inadvertently led me into the dark world of gang violence, and Sukey has pushed me into searching for my biological parents, the only people who can finally tell me who--or what--I really am.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Toni Andrews
7 books75 followersMy life changed one day while I was sitting on the toilet.
A couple of years ago, a person very close to me found himself in a mid-life "career opportunity" situation. Ever helpful and a lifetime book person, I went to the store, I bought a pile of those books about finding the color of your parachute and being what you are.
My friend never read them. Not everyone (gasp!) seeks answers from self-help books. Eventually, they found their way into my "reading room." I started skimming through them in my, er idle moments.
One day I found myself faced with one of those end-of-chapter summaries in the form of four questions. Here they are, more or less, along with my answers.
1. Do you like your job?
Yes, very much.
2. Would you keep it if they didn't pay you?
Hahahahahahahaha. No
3. If money wasn't a consideration, what would you do?
I’d write fiction.
4. Is there any reason you can't start now?
Uh.............no.
Of course! I could start writing fiction any time. Just walk over to the computer. Or pick up a pen. Or a crayon.
Omigod. I’d just decided on a new career. At forty-four. With my underpants around my ankles.
Was it really that simple? Well, yes, actually. Now I'm writing full time, living in the tiny lakeside cottage where I spent childhood summers. And I'm loving every minute of it!
A couple of years ago, a person very close to me found himself in a mid-life "career opportunity" situation. Ever helpful and a lifetime book person, I went to the store, I bought a pile of those books about finding the color of your parachute and being what you are.
My friend never read them. Not everyone (gasp!) seeks answers from self-help books. Eventually, they found their way into my "reading room." I started skimming through them in my, er idle moments.
One day I found myself faced with one of those end-of-chapter summaries in the form of four questions. Here they are, more or less, along with my answers.
1. Do you like your job?
Yes, very much.
2. Would you keep it if they didn't pay you?
Hahahahahahahaha. No
3. If money wasn't a consideration, what would you do?
I’d write fiction.
4. Is there any reason you can't start now?
Uh.............no.
Of course! I could start writing fiction any time. Just walk over to the computer. Or pick up a pen. Or a crayon.
Omigod. I’d just decided on a new career. At forty-four. With my underpants around my ankles.
Was it really that simple? Well, yes, actually. Now I'm writing full time, living in the tiny lakeside cottage where I spent childhood summers. And I'm loving every minute of it!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 27, 2017
Loved this one. Easy paranormal read. Mercy telling people what to do and them doing it, no questions asked!
Mercy at her best. Her helper as well.
I'm wondering why the series stopped at this point.
Mercy at her best. Her helper as well.
I'm wondering why the series stopped at this point.
September 23, 2023
A bit of an odd one idk I couldn’t get into it and ended up speed reading just to get through it
November 28, 2009
My sister wrote the book. I like the characters and am familiar with the setting having visited my sister there. Read Beg for Mercy and Angel of Mercy (books 1 &2) if you can find them. Paranormal mystery and slightly erotic/romance fun.
May 24, 2012
This is the last book of this series that I'm going to bother to read. I had higher hopes for this one. After the second book, it looked like Mercy was poised to make some headway into understanding where her powers came from. Instead, 90% of this book was a detour helping Tino exit his post as leader of a street gang without getting killed. The book has the safe, rather dull tone of most contemporary romance, but romance isn't a part of the story this time. I thought the editing was lazy too. Why did Mercy need to stop by Tino's mother's house while she was searching for Tino and Gus? I didn't need the play-by-play of that fruitless search. Nothing about that scene added to the story.
July 25, 2019
I started this May of 2018...I finished in July 2019. Why did it take so long? This series was weird. I didn't really like Mercy. I wasn't really intrigued by her enough to care to finish it. I loved Cupcake, the dog, and I really liked Sukey and Tino, but when the main character is hard to like-it throws the rest off. Also, it is a weird story filled with random shit that doesn't advance the main story. It is like wandering through the mind of a drug-addled squirrel. Hey, look at this-now, look over there-now, there. Why? There is no point in looking-it's just random stuff. And, then, the mystery of her parentage-possibly a Gypsy princess-is never solved. Ugh, glad to have it off my list though.
June 15, 2021
Must read the whole series
I wish this wasn’t the last book. I read all three of these in the weekend. The story is great
I wish this wasn’t the last book. I read all three of these in the weekend. The story is great
June 3, 2009
I like Toni Andrews 'Mercy' series and her latest "Cry Mercy" had me glued to the pages. This isn't really a romance, per se; there are romantic elements, but this is essentially the story of a woman with unusual abilities living her life. Her differences and the reactions of people in her past have caused her to close herself off. Recent experiences though, have brought her into contact with people-some with special talents, some without-and she's learning that EVERYONE is different in some way. So although this series so far has centered on her growing talents and her struggle to use them without abusing herself or others, for me it's just a fascinating series of stories about someone struggling to be themself and be happy...and find love of course.
Mercy works as a hypnotherapist, very convenient since she has the ability to 'push' her wishes on others. Her work gives her the opportunity to use those talents to help others and keep the talent from escaping her control. Recently, she's noticed some changes in her talent and that's not necessarily a good thing. She's also become involved with a group of 'friends', very different for the loner Mercy's always tried to be. But now having friends means trying to help them, and somehow Mercy has become involved in trying to save a friend and his younger brother from continued life in a gang, but to do that she'll have to use her 'push' in ways she's never tried before. Mercy also delves into her past; trying to discover more about her birth parents and prove, once and for all, if she's really human...or something more.
If you've not read any of the Mercy books, I wouldn't suggest beginning here--you'll miss alot of the changes in Mercy's life that make each book so engrossing. Toni Andrews' style of writing works well as Mercy tells her story in the first person and let's us peer inside her mind and her struggles in using her ability without crossing the moral boundaries she's set for herself. That personal touch of being inside Mercy's head is part of what makes this such an 'unputdownable' series. Like I said, not exactly your normal romance. More of a fantasy with light romantic elements, mystery, and some action. Or maybe just the story of an unusual woman...or you could always read it and decide for yourself!
Mercy works as a hypnotherapist, very convenient since she has the ability to 'push' her wishes on others. Her work gives her the opportunity to use those talents to help others and keep the talent from escaping her control. Recently, she's noticed some changes in her talent and that's not necessarily a good thing. She's also become involved with a group of 'friends', very different for the loner Mercy's always tried to be. But now having friends means trying to help them, and somehow Mercy has become involved in trying to save a friend and his younger brother from continued life in a gang, but to do that she'll have to use her 'push' in ways she's never tried before. Mercy also delves into her past; trying to discover more about her birth parents and prove, once and for all, if she's really human...or something more.
If you've not read any of the Mercy books, I wouldn't suggest beginning here--you'll miss alot of the changes in Mercy's life that make each book so engrossing. Toni Andrews' style of writing works well as Mercy tells her story in the first person and let's us peer inside her mind and her struggles in using her ability without crossing the moral boundaries she's set for herself. That personal touch of being inside Mercy's head is part of what makes this such an 'unputdownable' series. Like I said, not exactly your normal romance. More of a fantasy with light romantic elements, mystery, and some action. Or maybe just the story of an unusual woman...or you could always read it and decide for yourself!
August 2, 2014
I have really enjoyed this series from the get go. In this volume, our favorite hypnotist with powers has several things to deal with on the table. She meets her ex boyfriend Sam's father who is suffereing from Altzheimers, she continues the search into her mysterious birth and adoption and she finds herself right in the middle of her friend Tino's inner gang war. Tino wants to leave the gang and wants safe passage for himself and his younger brother. That Mercy just may be able to help is a bonus. This series isn't great because of Mercy's powers or even the action that intermingles through the stories. This series is great because of the amazing cast of supporting characters Mercy has around her. Hilda the sociatlite, Tino the gang leader, Grant, a millionaire, and Sukey, the best friend with telepathic powers herself. Add in Cupcake the dog and we have one of the most well rounded, character driven series on the market today. The only reason for a four rather than five star rating is because Tino's story takes up the majority of this book, and I didn't think it was nearly as interesting as the subplots. I did find Tino's mother and brother interesting characters in their own right. I am very excited to read future volumes in this series.
October 14, 2010
This series isn't "classic" PNR - more UF. It doesn't have vampires or were-creatures, but it does have a heroine you'd love to know who just happens to have a super-natural/paranormal power. Mercy has the ability to mentally "press" someone into doing what she wants them to. An ability that has caused her to be something of a loner - alienating her adoptive parents and steering clear of possible friends over the years.
Only now, Mercy DOES have a small group of close friends, and they've started to notice her power. Now she's under pressure from those friends - Sukey wants her to practice her power to gain more control and power over it. Sam knows Mercy has a secret, but won't take their relationship any farther until she can explain it, which Mercy can't b/c, being an orphan, she doesn't know why she has the power, not to mention, if she's even human! And Tito is pressuring her to use her power to help him with some questionable activity - which could get her killed!
I ADORE this series and can't wait to pick up the next book, though there's no release yet, the working title is "Without Mercy" and will be told from Sukey's POV instead of Mercy's. Should be interesting! Can't wait!
Only now, Mercy DOES have a small group of close friends, and they've started to notice her power. Now she's under pressure from those friends - Sukey wants her to practice her power to gain more control and power over it. Sam knows Mercy has a secret, but won't take their relationship any farther until she can explain it, which Mercy can't b/c, being an orphan, she doesn't know why she has the power, not to mention, if she's even human! And Tito is pressuring her to use her power to help him with some questionable activity - which could get her killed!
I ADORE this series and can't wait to pick up the next book, though there's no release yet, the working title is "Without Mercy" and will be told from Sukey's POV instead of Mercy's. Should be interesting! Can't wait!
September 26, 2013
In my opinion this is the best book so far in the series.
In the last book we saw way to much of Sam being wishy washy. So much so I wanted him gone, wrote off completely. He just irritated me to no end with his demands on Mercy, so while he is in this book, he is not really much a part of the story and I was very happy about that.
Above all this whole story revolved around Mercy and her friends, especially in helping Tino get out of the gang. The whole gang is back in action. Grant who is helping Tino get his real estate license, Hilda who just wants to help everyone from Tino to Tino's family. And of course Sukey. She has finally started taking a few PI courses at the local college.
While all of the gang stuff is going on, Sukey is finding out about Mercy's biological parents, or at least how to track them. Lots of great information trickle in and at the end of the book it leaves you generally feeling like you know what Mercy is. My hope is that the next book delves into that even farther. Maybe all the friends will load up and fly over to Romania. ;)
In the last book we saw way to much of Sam being wishy washy. So much so I wanted him gone, wrote off completely. He just irritated me to no end with his demands on Mercy, so while he is in this book, he is not really much a part of the story and I was very happy about that.
Above all this whole story revolved around Mercy and her friends, especially in helping Tino get out of the gang. The whole gang is back in action. Grant who is helping Tino get his real estate license, Hilda who just wants to help everyone from Tino to Tino's family. And of course Sukey. She has finally started taking a few PI courses at the local college.
While all of the gang stuff is going on, Sukey is finding out about Mercy's biological parents, or at least how to track them. Lots of great information trickle in and at the end of the book it leaves you generally feeling like you know what Mercy is. My hope is that the next book delves into that even farther. Maybe all the friends will load up and fly over to Romania. ;)
January 10, 2012
If this is the last book in the series, then I am very disappointed! There are so many unanswered questions and situations left wide open. The situation is never really resolved between Sam and Mercy. She never really finds out about her birth parents and who the other lady was that had called the priest pretending to be Mercy. The changing abilities between her and Sukey. She never really answers just "what" Mercy is.....Why would the author leave these situations unanswered, especially when she practically promises through the whole series that the situation between Sam and Mercy will be resolved at some point! ARGG! I'm very frustrated! The way the book ended certanly hinted at another book!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2009
When I read the first book, I thought it was great. The second was also good, and I thought the third would tie up some loose ends and keep me interested. Well...nothing really happened!
I like the plot line and the characters, but there are too many open threads to the story and there isn't enough happening with them.
This particular book in the series circled around Tino, which was interesting but there was only one scene with her love interest, Sam, and little information regarding the hunt for her birth parents. Everything in the book could have easily been told in 100 pages...it just seemed like too much filler and not enough action.
I like the plot line and the characters, but there are too many open threads to the story and there isn't enough happening with them.
This particular book in the series circled around Tino, which was interesting but there was only one scene with her love interest, Sam, and little information regarding the hunt for her birth parents. Everything in the book could have easily been told in 100 pages...it just seemed like too much filler and not enough action.
September 15, 2011
I really like this installment for the scintillating hints of "what" Mercy is. The investigation into who she really is, though she procastinated lots throughout, progressed to a point that is so very intriguing. Unfortunately *sobs* there is no next instalment and I haven't been able to find out if there will be any.
This book, I found, is better than the last one in that Mercy wasn't as annoying and I really liked how it delves further into other characters which were previously merely decoration around Mercy. Most of the book is about Tino and his struggle to be legit. The suspense, also, was thoroughly enjoyable.
This book, I found, is better than the last one in that Mercy wasn't as annoying and I really liked how it delves further into other characters which were previously merely decoration around Mercy. Most of the book is about Tino and his struggle to be legit. The suspense, also, was thoroughly enjoyable.
January 9, 2015
Cry Mercy by Toni Andrews
Once more Ms Andrews has given us a great read. In this book we get a clearer look at the background of some of the characters. From learning all about Tino's family and history to meeting Sam's father, Roger, we get a richer tale in this third book of the series.
The author has obviously done her research on gangs and the inner workings of the politics of these groups. Mixing that with the supernatural elements of this tale and dropping more bread crumbs about Mercy keeps the reading wanting more.
The only downside to this is that Ms Andrews has not released a fourth book in over two years. This reader hopes she does soon!
Once more Ms Andrews has given us a great read. In this book we get a clearer look at the background of some of the characters. From learning all about Tino's family and history to meeting Sam's father, Roger, we get a richer tale in this third book of the series.
The author has obviously done her research on gangs and the inner workings of the politics of these groups. Mixing that with the supernatural elements of this tale and dropping more bread crumbs about Mercy keeps the reading wanting more.
The only downside to this is that Ms Andrews has not released a fourth book in over two years. This reader hopes she does soon!
February 25, 2010
I realize I started with book two but I don't think I missed much. As with all independent serials, there are enough recaps to let you know what happened prior ...
There was nothing wrong with the writing of this book nor the characters I just couldn't get into the story. I thought it was going one way and more than half way through the book I realized it was going somewhere entirely different. It was not a bad book, I just didn't find it engaging.
There was nothing wrong with the writing of this book nor the characters I just couldn't get into the story. I thought it was going one way and more than half way through the book I realized it was going somewhere entirely different. It was not a bad book, I just didn't find it engaging.
March 14, 2010
This is a delightful new paranormal series, sans the romance, by Toni Andrews, the third book in the series. In this book, Mercy learns more on her telepathy ability to "press" people, to find out more about her biological family, and why her adoptive family didn't want her anymore. She also helps with her friends, when Sam's father is missing on the shore with Alzheimer's and Tino trying to get his brother out of the gang. Great suspense and drama in this book.
August 31, 2011
"For her first trick Mercy takes down a drug dealer pretty much on her own. Then for the second she takes down a ring of child porn film makers. Ok wasn't happy about that one but oh well. Then for the thrid Mercy book she helps Tino get out of the gang and yet again kills another person. I'm not sure what I would expect mercy to do next or that I will be tuning in to find out although I am kind of curious what exactly she is."
December 21, 2012
I had read this series a few years ago and happened upon it again on my bookshelf in fictionwise. I started reading the 1st book and then just went through the whole series again. I hope that there are eventually more in this series, since it leaves you hanging a bit, but it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon.
January 18, 2013
Started with the Beg Mercy, then Angel of Mercy and lastly, Cry Mercy. Every book gets better and better. I like it that the story did not just evolve around Mercy but the other characters where given importance too. I'm not sure if there is a 4th book but I can't wait for it and find out what happens to Mercy's search for her birth parents... and who is Charity?
June 28, 2014
Once again, this book just didn't do it for me. Maybe because I'm a romantic so SPOILER!
Where the hell is SAM!!! I just don't feel it, again I like Mercy but I don't. I can't say I'm going to pick up the next book. That is hard for me to admit but nope nope nope not going to happen for me and this character or maybe even GASP@! Toni Andrews.
Where the hell is SAM!!! I just don't feel it, again I like Mercy but I don't. I can't say I'm going to pick up the next book. That is hard for me to admit but nope nope nope not going to happen for me and this character or maybe even GASP@! Toni Andrews.
October 4, 2009
These characters are definitely growing on me, and in this one we get a revelation that gives us a different perspective on Mercy's past. But the pace of the story feels a little strange to me, and the main storyline seems disconnected from the ongoing series plot.
December 29, 2011
Mercy the main character comes across as a bad a$$ in thoughts but no really actions
I think the story line of Mercy is good but I just couldn't really get into this book
I never was fully entwined into the story. I found myself thinking it has to get better right??
I think the story line of Mercy is good but I just couldn't really get into this book
I never was fully entwined into the story. I found myself thinking it has to get better right??
July 11, 2018
Another great Mercy book. I thought this was the last one and was disappointed we didn't get closure for some of the story lines, but as of July 2012 the author mentioned in a blog post that she was working on the 4th and final book.
November 29, 2015
This is a great series! Go now and read it.
Caveat, and why 4 and not 5: Cliffhanger!!! The main story arc is far from finished. This book was released in 2009 and the author for some reason did not continue it.
Caveat, and why 4 and not 5: Cliffhanger!!! The main story arc is far from finished. This book was released in 2009 and the author for some reason did not continue it.
February 1, 2017
I read the whole series in a weekend, so they're quick reads. I enjoyed the series. Its a little different than the usual paranormal romance. The gratuitous sex was kind of unnecessary, but the rest of the books were a fun read. I actually enjoyed it and wish there were more.
December 26, 2009
I really like this series. Full of action and the protagonist is actually growing and changing. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Read
January 9, 2010Amazon preorder
May 14, 2011
A wonderful story, with great characters and story line. I enjoyed this book immensely and read it in one sitting. Sadly, I thinks it's the 3rd in a series, now I have to go backwards in time..
August 17, 2011
Again, this was an enjoyable read, although it felt very light, despite covering areas such as gang culture. An easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews