Jackson

Mercy Ring #1

by Nyssa Kathryn

Sometimes it’s the oldest wounds that cut deepest.

River Harp fell in love with her brother’s best friend, a boy who was practically part of the family…a boy who broke her heart before leaving town. Sixteen years later, he’s back for her brother’s funeral. And River wants nothing to do with the man. At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Because there are problems in her life much bigger than Jackson’s return. Like the fact her brother is still alive—and she’s the only one who believes it. River will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth and find Ryker. Even if it means seeking help from the man she’s spent almost two decades getting over.

As a teen, Jackson Ford had one plan: get the hell out of Lindeman, Washington, away from his abusive drunk of a father, and never return. Fate had other plans, however, and now he’s back to bury Ryker, his Delta Force teammate. His brother in every way but blood.

At the funeral, she’s the first person he sees. The only person he sees. Walking away from River once was hard enough, even if it was for her own good. Walking away a second time may prove impossible…especially after he realizes she’s digging into her brother’s suspicious death.

When River’s search for answers puts her in the sights of dangerous men, Jackson will do anything and everything to keep her safe. Even if it means losing his heart—and his life—in the process.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Second Chance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2022

About the author

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Australian Romantic Suspense Author, Nyssa Kathryn, is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance. Living in South Australia with her hubby and daughter, when she's not spending time with the family, she's either plotting her next story or got her head stuck in a book.

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Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 💘⚡️⚡️⭐️s

A suspenseful romance read I enjoyed a lot.
River and Jackson were very likeable characters and their journey was filled with mystery, action and emotional moments.
The story had 3rd person pov, there was a slight closure but no epilogue!

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Vengeful Stars

Jackson Ford is back in the town he grew up in and vowed to never return to. Jackson is back for one reason. For his best friend and Delta Teammate Ryker Harp’s funeral. Of course he runs into River, his best friend’s little sister and the only woman he’s ever loved. River has spent the last 16 years trying to get over Jackson, but while investigating her brother’s death, Jackson inserts himself back into her life and as hard as she tries, she can’t deny her feelings for him.

River Harp is determined to prove her brother Ryker is still alive, and by probing she puts her life in danger. Jackson knew if he saw River he wouldn’t be able to walk away a second time, so while he and his (retired) Delta team help River, he also starts thinking about the future. Will he stay in the town he despises (because of his abusive childhood) for the woman he loves?




Audiobook review: I love Stella Bloom she never disappoints also narrated by Tim Paige who does a fantastic job narrating 🎧

[Elle Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to start a new series.

Mercy Ring series is a spin-off from the Blue Halo series, and when I met Jackson during Blake's story I was crazy to get to know him better.
I was not disappointed.

This book was enthralling and it left me wanting more with each page.
River and Jackson's tension was addicting. Their feelings grew stronger the harder they tried to stay apart.
Their connection was genuine, so it was easy to root for them and crave the moment they'd succumb to their love and chemistry.

I loved how the secondary characters were fundamental to the whole plot, adding color to the story, without stealing the couple's thunder.
Jackson and River's story brought action, drama, mystery, and so much love, not only between those two but also among their friends and River's family.
I already need more.

[Maye · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

River watched Jackson from across the yard. The dark night cast shadows over his face, but it didn’t detract from how good-looking he was.

She fell in love with him as a teen. He left and said he was never coming back but a tragedy has him showing up after all these years.

He’d kissed girls before, but this was different. She was different. She was the hot sun on his frozen heart. The gentle curves to his rough edges.

She’s bound and determined to learn the truth and he’s gonna protect her from herself.

“Save it, Mr. G.I. Joe. I’m getting you an ice pack.”

This author never writes a bad story. Her books are filled with action and suspense along with a great love story. This new series is gonna be just as wonderful as the other two. Keeps you on the edge of your seat and those pages flying.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another fantastic start to a series by this author! If you’ve read her other books, especially the most recent one, you’ve met some of these guys already. And I’m so pleased to say that the different direction and characters still bring exactly the emotion and suspense I’ve come to expect from these stories.

River and Jackson were once an almost, but he knew that it wouldn’t be fair to make her live the life he could offer, so Jackson did his best to obliterate any chances of a future when they were young. But now her brother is dead, she’s in the middle of some sort of trouble that she’s not sharing about, he’s back in a place he never wanted to see again, and River is very much still exactly who Jackson sees a future with. But he has to break her heart all over again when she’s certain that everyone is wrong, he has to figure out what’s going on and what really killed her brother, and has to hope that River will give him a shot at forever.

As for River, she’s not giving up. She’s trying so hard to find the truth, and she knows she’s close. But Jackson keeps showing up and proving that he wants her now. He’ll leave town again eventually though, so she’s not going to hold any hope for a future. Until Jackson lets her know that nope, he’s in this for the long haul. And when River’s hopes are almost completely smashed, the real danger smacks everyone upside the head. With that danger comes a truth that almost no one expected to ever exist, too. And I have to say that I was so glad when it came out because the “I told you so” opportunity needed to be there. Even if it wasn’t taken, it needed to be an option.

We meet some new faces here. We get sucked into wanting more for those new folks. And boy, does this book deliver for Jackson and River! I’m 100% certain that it’ll deliver for Michele and Declan also, but I’m going to have to wait for their story. I’ll try to be patient.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson is book one in the Mercy Ring series by Nyssa Kathryn. When Jackson left Lindeman, he promised himself that he would never return, and when his childhood friend died, for his funeral. For River Harp, the return of Jackson, the person she fell in love with sixteen years before, was a devastating blow. River would have anything to do with Jackson until River's investigation into Ryker's death put her in danger. The readers of Jackson will continue to follow River Harp to discover what happens.

Jackson is a fantastic book and the first I have read of Nyssa Kathryn. I enjoy the way Nyssa Kathryn incorporates social issues in her plots. I love Nyssa Kathryn's writing style, how she portrays her characters, and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Jackson is well-written and researched by Nyssa Kathryn. I like Nyssa Kathryn's description of Jackson's settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Jackson will learn about the role of a food photographer. Also, the readers of Jackson will understand the importance of having a safe outlet to help people with their anger management.

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generic romantic suspense book. Low angst, easy reading. A nice palate cleanser. I liked all the damsel in distress moments and the characters had some cute moments together. All in all it was just kind of bland though. There was nothing really inspiring or unique about it. Meh.

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson is a great start to a new series!
This is a great brothers best friend, second change romance series.
River has loved Jackson since she was a teenager. But he broke her heart when he told her he didn't love her and he left home.
Jackson swore he would never return home when he joined the military. But when his best friend Ryker dies, he and his teammates make a trip home.
These two have so much chemistry its crazy.
This was such a great read! Nyssa Kathryn keeps you engaged and wanting more!
I highly recommend this book

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read of this author, and I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. I enjoyed Jackson River story so much. I was on my edge of my seat at certain times. I can’t wait to go back to this series and read Declan next. 💕

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Hailey Siedel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had all the bones of a great read but it didn’t quite hit for me. I can’t really explain it. I found myself not feeling the emotions, not connecting with the story. I’m still giving it 3 stars because I did like Jackson and River’s relationship and the side characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.75/5

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very middle of the road book for me. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. It wasn't boring, but it also wasn't a thrill ride. I neither loved nor hated the MCs and their romance. There was enough backstory to be going on with, but I still never felt like I knew them well enough to sympathize with their feelings. Etc. It's why I haven't assigned it to more of my shelves - nothing in this book makes me feel strongly enough to put a label on it. It was written competently enough and the plot progressed just fine, it was just all a little superficial on the emotion front. Hence the 3 star rating.


The story opens with a flashback to 16 years ago where the then 16 year old heroine, River, confesses her love for the 18 year old hero, Jackson. We get a quick info dump explaining that Jackson had an abusive father and River's family had basically adopted Jackson because he was good friends with River's brother, Ryker. They'd given Jackson a place to stay and food whenever he needed it, but apparently didn't do anything about the fact that his father was beating the shit out of him every chance he got until Jackson got big enough to fight back.

In this opening scene, the family is throwing a party for Jackson (and I guess Ryker too?) because they're about to leave for the military. River knows this is her last shot so she follows Jackson when he goes inside and gives him a photo album she created for him. Then she kisses him and he kisses her passionately back...for a few seconds before he pulls away.

Jackson has vowed never to return to this town and he also feels like he's not good enough for River, so he tells her the kiss was a mistake. River, showing a maturity that's hard to believe in a 16 year old, doesn't immediately run off in tears but rather says that she knows he loves her too and that he's leaving, but that she'll wait for him. Jackson decides he needs to crush any love she has for him, for her own good, so he tells her he doesn't love her. Never has and never will. She finally gets her feelings hurt and that's the end of the scene.

Flash back to present day and Jackson is back in town for Ryker's funeral. It's the first time he's been back since he left that fateful day of their kiss. And here we kind of start to see the superficiality of this story starting to creep in. On the one hand, we're told that Jackson hated this town SO MUCH that he never once visited the adoptive family who took him in when he was a kid and are the only reason he didn't end up in prison.

And even worse than that, the last mission Jackson, Ryker, and their military buddies, Declan and Cole, had been on together had ended very badly. Ryker had lost some people he was close to and it had completely transformed his personality. Gone was the upstanding, easy-going guy he'd always been, replaced by an angry guy with a death wish. Jackson knew how badly Ryker had been spiraling when they got out of the military A YEAR AGO, but never once called to check on him, let alone came in person. He didn't even call Ryker and River's parents to let them know what Ryker was dealing with so they could potentially get him some help.

Jackson had done NOTHING to help Ryker, all supposedly because he hated this town and feared coming back to it SO MUCH that it overrode his sense of common decency and the comradery he should feel to his "brother." And yet, when we come in on Jackson in this opening scene, he's totally fine. He's not losing his shit about being back in his home town, and he's not recriminating himself NEARLY enough for abandoning Ryker in his time of need. He's just, like, there. He spends more time looking at River and thinking about how he still feels a pull for her, even after all these years.

It's just so superficial. His hate and fear of the town was allegedly what kept him away all these years, and what prompted him to reject River, but being back in town just doesn't affect him strongly enough to support that line. Like, I would expect him to have some PTSD flashbacks to his abusive upbringing as he walked around town. To see the grocery store and remember that time he'd accidentally knocked a jar off the shelf when he was five and his father had beaten him unconscious while the townsfolk mysteriously all became suddenly deaf and blind. I'd expect him to break out in a cold sweat and to feel physically ill sitting in the church, thinking about how many times the old priest/minister/whatever had studiously avoided looking at Jackson when he was a boy, so he could tell himself he "never saw" the black eyes and bloody clothes Jackson was always in. Etc. These are the kinds of stories and emotions that would make it believable that Jackson really did hate this town SO MUCH that he'd refused to return, even when his friend needed him.

But we don't get any of that. Jackson doesn't have any PTSD flashbacks or emotions. Nor does he have any epiphanies about how, now that he's back and grown man who's been in combat, he realizes that the town doesn't hold any power over him. He was running from demons that no longer exist. There's just...nothing. It's just a vague and superficial backstory to set the stage. Nothing more.

Later on in the story Jackson tries to change his motivations to say that he really stayed away because of River. That he knew he wasn't good enough for her but that he wouldn't be strong enough to walk away a second time, so he had stayed away. This motivation, too, just wasn't explored well enough to hold water. It's vaguely touched on once or twice that his alcoholic father and abandoning whore of a mother's blood runs in his veins but not enough to give that any meaning.

Like, yeah, he's got shitty parents but what does that mean to him? Does he think he'll turn into an alcoholic like his dad? That addiction is in his genes? Well, no, not that we see. He hasn't, like, avoided ever drinking any alcohol in fear it'll unleash that demon in him. So it's not that. Is he worried he'll have a violent temper like his dad and start hitting River or any kids they might have? Well, no. He never thinks anything of the kind and has no qualms whatsoever about both cage fighting and using violence to TORTURE HIS DAD FOR INFORMATION later in the story. Does he think he'll get spooked and abandon his child the way his mother did? Well, no. He never thinks about that either and, technically, he already abandoned both River and Ryker in the story and he's not bothered by that at all, nor ever draws any parallels with his mom for his actions.

So, seriously, just what was his problem? It's never explored enough to give it any real meaning or depth. It's just a superficial stereotypical hero problem that you see in romance novels to give us an excuse to keep the happy couple apart for a while. It's not any deeper than that. And that's why this book just never really hit me in that "this will live rent free in my brain forever" place. All the characters actions and motivation are only skin deep. The book checks the boxes of a typical romance, but doesn't do any more than that.

Moving on, Jackson basically can't keep his eyes off River at the funeral and he notices that she's not behaving like she's grieving. She seems more angry than anything, and that doesn't make sense with Ryker having slid off the road in a freak accident. Then as he watches, River spots a certain guy and starts making a beeline for him. The guy sees her coming and runs off. This ends up basically being a plot hole which I'll come back to.

We soon find out that River doesn't believe Ryker is dead. She's convinced that law enforcement faked his death, for some reason, and she wants to know why and where he really is. And this isn't just a "I'm his sister and I'd feel it if he were really gone" kind of thing. She actually SAW Ryker the night of his death, after the time of his "official" death. Or, at least, she's pretty sure she saw him. She and Ryker had been living together and she'd heard a noise in his room late that night, before anyone knew about the accident. So she'd gone into his room to talk to him, only to see the back of a man climbing out the window. She didn't see the person's face, but she's 100% sure it was Ryker.

River has only told her best friend, Michele, about this but Michele doesn't believe her. She thinks River is just avoiding dealing with the death of her beloved brother. And that goes double for Jackson and the two buddies who are being set up as heroes in later books, once River finally tells them what's up. No one thinks, for even a SECOND, that Ryker might still be alive. And there's no real reason for that steadfast belief. They just go by the official story, which doesn't make sense, given the kind of work they did in the military. They performed top secret missions to kill high value enemy targets. And you can bet your bottom dollar that the official "public" version of every single one of those killings was a cover story about the guy just slipping in the shower or whatever. So, it didn't really make sense that Jackson wouldn't even CONSIDER that River might be on to something.

Anyway, River is determined to investigate Ryker's "death" and starts by going to this local club run by her ex-boyfriend, Mickey. Apparently, she dated Mickey "casually" for a couple of months but then he smacked her around so she broke up with him. Ryker had been so pissed off that Mickey had dared hurt her that he'd gone storming over to the club to beat the crap out of the guy....but then somehow ended up working for him. This really didn't make sense, honestly. Mickey is running an underground cage fighting ring and apparently he "sensed" that Ryker was in need of some bare-knuckle therapy to exorcise his demons from this last mission. So he invited Ryker to fight for him and Ryker totally accepted. So he went there to beat the guy up for being the kind of dick who hits women, but ended up working for him instead. Sure.

River is banned from Mickey's club due to their falling out, but she sneaks back in there in a disguise to try to find out what's in the basement. Apparently, while they were dating she vaguely made note of the fact that a lot of people went down to the basement on Fridays but never bothered to question that until now. So she gets down there and sees the ring, then gets caught on her way out by both Jackson and Mickey.

I'll spare you the play-by-play but Jackson starts fighting for Mickey instead. River keeps insisting on being part of the investigation. They figure out that Mickey is in league with a guy named Elijah and they're smuggling something out in kegs that get delivered every week. Jackson's father, Brian, is also involved and keeps coming around telling Jackson to stay out of it if he knows what's good for him.

During all of this River and Jackson start sleeping together and it's fine. Not the mind-blowing culmination of all their years of pining for each other, but fine. I did find it odd that Jackson never thought or wondered about who had ultimately taken River's virginity. Like, she's in her 30s so it's not reasonable to think she'd still be a virgin, but, considering their history, I thought it might cross both their minds. You know? Like, who was her first lover? Did she remember the moment as bittersweet, because she'd wanted Jackson to be her first and only partner, so losing it to someone else had seemed wrong? Did he think about how, if he hadn't been such a screwed up fool, they could have been together all this time? No. Neither of them had any thoughts about it whatsoever. It was very much a "we're both adults and we're having sex now" session. It was fine but, (say it with me now), superficial.

Jackson and his buddies also start working out at the boxing gym in town. It was owned by a guy who is now dead, but his widow is letting the men use it. One day while they're all there, River goes in the back and is attacked by someone. He rams her head into the wall and is in the process of cutting her finger off when suddenly someone pulls the guy off. She blearily looks at the scuffle and thinks that her rescuer is Ryker. Both men are gone by the time Jackson finds her. Once again, he doesn't believe that Ryker was there because he's dead but, like...who does he think saved River then? It wasn't him or his buddies so...? No one ever asks him this question. They all just keep tutting over how River can't accept the truth. Sigh.

Then they come home one day to find a bunch of LEOs in their house. They say that Ryker was, indeed, working undercover for them to figure out what Mickey and Elijah were smuggling, but then he'd been killed. They're sorry and all that. River still doesn't really believe that Ryker is dead, but this is a blow to her. They all agree to help the LEOs nail the bad guys though and are all set for an operation on Friday.

Then, River and one of the buddies are on a coffee run when they spot the truck the bad guys have been using to smuggle their goods. So they start following it, but are evidently so terrible at doing so that they're spotted immediately and drive straight into an ambush. The buddy is able to kill 4 of the 7 bad guys, but the remaining 3, including Jackson's father, get away...with River accidentally hidden in the back of the truck. She huddles there listening to the father and another guy monologue about what's going on, apparently forgetting that she has her cell phone with her until Jackson sends her a message. A very stupid and dangerous thing for him to do when he KNEW she was trapped in the truck with the bad guys. He could easily have gotten her killed if she hadn't had her phone on vibrate.

He says he's going to call her and she needs to answer so that they can trace the call and use it to find her. She agrees. A short while later they arrive at their destination and Jackson's father comes over to the kegs she's hiding behind to start moving them out of the truck. She's swiftly found and dragged outside. Elijah is there, along with a Mickey who is beaten to a pulp. Elijah kills everyone except for River, including Jackson's dad and Mickey, and then they take off. They found the phone River was using so they know the cavalry will be along soon. But instead of killing River too for ruining their lucrative smuggling operation, Elijah takes her along, allegedly with the intent to sell her as a sex slave to recoup his losses.

Meanwhile, Ryker has called Jackson on the phone to explain that he is, in fact, still alive. And they all descend on the location. Elijah is cornered and River gets shot in the ribs before both Ryker and Jackson kill Elijah. She wakes up in the hospital and Ryker is there. He gives some explanations about how Mickey/Elijah had ordered a hit on him but he'd thankfully seen the guy rising up in the back seat and had dodged the blow meant to knock him out. Then he'd ended up killing the would-be assassin and his LEO friends helped him torch the body in his car and then faked the dental records to match.

And this brings me back to the plot hole I mentioned earlier. The guy who River saw at the funeral and chased after was a bartender at Mickey's club going by the name Kenny. Only we find out later that he was also an undercover agent trying to get the goods on Mickey. He'd been working there for a year but had never been trusted enough to be allowed into the basement, hence why they'd needed Ryker. So....why was Kenny at Ryker's fake funeral? If he's really an undercover agent, and he knows Ryker isn't really dead, and he knows that Mickey ordered Ryker's death because he was asking too many questions, why the hell would he allow himself to be seen at the funeral? If Mickey caught wind of him being there, it could make him suspicious of Kenny too, right? And it's not like he was really there to pay his respects when he freaking knows Ryker was still alive. So why was he there? Plot contrivance, that's why. This guy's presence gives River a clue that Ryker's death has to do with the club and she spends time staking out and following this guy to try to get answers. Choo-choo, all aboard the plot hole express!

Anyway, Jackson comes back to River's room and Ryker leaves. Then they exchange ILYs and Jackson says he's decided to buy the old boxing gym and stay in town. His buddies have all decided to stay too. HEA.



Over all it was just a mediocre story. The emotions didn't run hot enough for me to feel like these were real people I could get invested in. But the boxes of a typical action-romantic story are checked so it's fine, I guess.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved River and Jackson!!! River has hated Jackson for so long for breaking her heart but at her brothers funeral when she sees him she’s determined to ignore him basically forever but there connection still sizzles and when she gets herself caught in the lions den there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her

[Taylor Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of romantic suspense lately. It’s hard to find books that get the balance right. This one does.

We aren’t reinventing the wheel here. But there is comfort in predictability sometimes.

I would have liked the characters to be a bit more fleshed out. There is a 16 year time jump and It would be nice to have more info on what happened to River during that time. I really liked her character and wanted to know more of what made her the way she was. That aside this was fun and suspenseful with likable characters.

[Carina Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of a new series by Nyssa Kathryn, and she can do no wrong. We were briefly introduced to these guys in Blake (another amazing book, read it if you haven't already!), and now their stories have started with Jackson. Jackson is a tough, strong and loyal hero who left River behind when they were barely teens to escape his horrible memories of the town. However, 16 years later, tragedy brings them together. It was interesting watching these two strong characters have a battle of the wills which lead to them finally realising they deserved their HEA. This book is filled with action, mystery, hot confident men who will give their lives to defend their own, angst, love and of course heat. Another amazing start to her new series, I cannot wait for the other guys stories, very excited.

[Tina Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good. A bit drawn out with Jackson and River though.

River has been madly in love with Jackson, (who is her brothers best friend.) for years. When he goes in the armed forces at 18, River tries to tell him how she feels. He blows her off as he thinks he’s not worthy of her. Fast forward years, and River’s brother has died and Jackson is at the funeral with his former delta brothers. River refuses to talk to Jackson as she feels he let her brother down when they left the deltas.

River doesn’t believe her brother is dead, when she starts investigating on her own what happened to him, some very dangerous people don’t like what she is doing and she’s in danger. Jackson finds out and they become closer and have sex. This is where I lost any sympathy towards Jackson as he’s still planning to leave town again when she’s safe. The whole, “She’s too good for me. “ thing is boring. He loves her and she loves him. Why does it have to be so complicated?

Then there’s River doing stupid things, that could easily get her killed. While she’s trying to find out what happened to her brother, she’s having sex with Jackson. Even though she knows he’s leaving.

I did still enjoy it and would definitely recommend it.

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and suspense but too long “separation“ for me,
They weren’t actually together but still, 16 years without seeing each other and never try to contact it’s not romantic for me,
But it’s a good book,

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥊 Jackson 📷
Mercy Ring Book 1
✒️ Nyssa Kathryn
https://m.facebook.com/nyssakathrynau...
Release Date 07/29/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B21RY67Y/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Sometimes it’s the oldest wounds that cut deepest.

River Harp fell in love with her brother’s best friend, a boy who was practically part of the family…a boy who broke her heart before leaving town. Sixteen years later, he’s back for her brother’s funeral. And River wants nothing to do with the man. At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Because there are problems in her life much bigger than Jackson’s return. Like the fact her brother is still alive—and she’s the only one who believes it. River will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth and find Ryker. Even if it means seeking help from the man she’s spent almost two decades getting over.

As a teen, Jackson Ford had one plan: get the hell out of Lindeman, Washington, away from his abusive drunk of a father, and never return. Fate had other plans, however, and now he’s back to bury Ryker, his Delta Force teammate. His brother in every way but blood.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will her poking at forbidden places lead her to more than she expected…

This group of retired soldiers was introduced in Blake’s story, this time no enhanced warriors, just normal guys who fought for their country and faced a lot of gruesome things.
So no super powers to save the day, only their own training, will and determination to do the right thing.
Jackson, what ever the good he did or the honors he won, never felt like he was good enough.
Trashed and abused his whole childhood by a bully of a father, the words are imprinted into his skin. Why he left and never returned.
Even when he would have been welcomed by the family who took him in when it was impossible for him to got back to his sire’s trailer.
River is the girl he left behind, bashing her dream of them before they even began.
For sixteen years she made do but never did she was able to feel for another one what she once did for him.
So to see him at her brother’s funeral, it reignites old feeling but also anger. How can she continue when she knows in her guts something is wrong that not all is at it appears. She is looking for answers and stay away from the man she was never able to forget.

This story is different from the two other series by the author in the way the characters being simply human, the villains can outweigh them and the blows leave bruises and scars.
Anna is determined but she tends to jump into trouble without much thinking, why she finds often herself at the wrong end of a gun barrel or a fist leading Jackson on a wild chase while he revisits his past and if running away is/was the best option.
The author with this new series takes us on unbridled ride with war survivors and the feisty girls who capture their heart.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CggvwHAj...

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[Audrey Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally devoured this book in one day, it was that good. This book has it all- a grumpy hero who has secretly loved his best friends sister forever, suspense, mystery, and a bad ass heroine who won't stop at anything to find the truth, and second chance romance.

Jackson grew up with his best friend Ryker and his sister River. He came from a rough past, where his mom left him with his abusive father, and Jackson was lucky enough to get away and have Ryker and River's parents take him in. River always had a crush on Jackson, and she tells him the night before he leaves and they kiss and both feel their connection. But Jackson comes from nothing, and doesn't want to drag River down with him, so he tells her there's nothing between them and that he'll never love her.

Fast forward 16 years later, they're all at the funeral for Ryker, but things aren't making sense, and River doesn't believe that he's really dead. Jackson and his two friends who served on the same military team with Ryker, Declan and Cole, are all back for the funeral, and this is the first time Jackson has laid eyes on River in 16 years. He notices that she's not grieving like everyone else. He follows her and notices that things aren't adding up and once they finally talk, she tells him that she thinks Ryker is still alive.

Throughout this book, Jackson and River try to find out what happened to Ryker when he came back from his last military mission, why he was always at a certain club, coming home with bruises and cuts, and if that had something to do with his death. Throughout all of this, River gets put into some bad situations, and swears that Ryker is the one who saved her... Jackson is torn- is the girl he's falling for just not coping with the fact that her brother is gone and is seeing what she wants to see, or is Ryker really alive and she's the only one who believes it? He, Declan and Cole vow to get to the bottom of this and protect River at the same time.

I loved all the suspense in this book. I changed my mind so many times whether or not I thought Ryker was alive. I also LOVEEEED Jackson and River's rekindled romance. UGH man... Jackson gets one taste of River and he knows he's done for, that he won't ever be able to walk away from her again. He protects her with everything he's got in him. And River.. she is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She is a little fly by the seat of her pants, but she is so driven, determined, and she never gives up on what or who she believes in. Her and Jackson have the BEST chemistry and they are amazing together.

This is a fantastic read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won't want to put this book down! I can't wait to read Declan's story!

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord have MERCY! Jackson is HAWT!

Wow, JACKSON: MERCY RING book 1 was such an amazing read!!!! Author Nyssa Kathryn has crossed tropes with this best-friends-little-sister, almost-second-chance, ex-military book in her new series where our heroes are still everything growly and alpha, but this time possess only the usual human strength characteristics. Meaning that although we met the guys at the end of the Blue Halo series, this Mercy Ring series is definitely new and separate from Project ARMA.

Do not mistake this for anything less though!!! The suspense plot within JACKSON was just as well thought out, and all characters are all just as interesting, meaning I definitely want to be reading books about Jackson’s teammates Cole and Declan as well as River’s BFF Michele who is quite taken with one of them! Hell’s teeth, these guys are walking trees aka sex-on-a-stick, and I’m thinking there’s a few readers who would love to be climbing them!!

Jackson Ford is as honourable as they come, and it didn’t matter how many commendations or medals he had, he never felt good enough for the woman who’d always held his heart. For me, the fact that he broke River’s before he’d crossed from friends into lovers gave him a little more credibility, than the usual last minute lovers-then-bail-because-he’s-sacrificing-his-love-for-her kind of thing. They were young, and he’d carried so much baggage that he was getting the hell out of dodge and never coming back. I admired that he’d stuck to his guns. Now in his 30’s, he’s a completely different kind of beast and a very alpha one at that!

Second best was what a young River had settled herself with, and my heart broke for her, Suddenly 16 years have gone by, and she’s found herself in a less than savoury situation that appears to have cost her whole family a heavy price. Her tenacity and stoic adherence to her goal in finding out what happened to her brother made this a full on action plot that didn’t stop from go to whoa!

I loved it, and as I’m writing this review I realise that in reviewing the books of Ms Kathryn I sound like a broken record. Highly recommended. Highly recommended. Yep, I’ll repeat again, this first book in her new series was an amazing read and is highly recommended. If ex-military-alpha-heroes are your bag of chips, then hit this series. Hell, begin with PROJECT ARMA where it all began. Guaranteed you’ll become as addicted to Ms Kathryn’s books as I am. 5-All-Action-Suspense-Stars ✯🪖☆

#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj

[cynda house · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I also felt like there was too much going on but not enough information was being given.

I wasn't really sold on the relationship between Jackson and River, we're shown in the first part of the book River giving Jackson a journal/book and then telling him that she loved him and he loving her, but pushing her away because was he came from a bad family and he was poor.... LOL. Then he comes back and she ignores him for like 2 hours and then they are all over each other and inseparable and in love and all that... It just didn't feel real. I felt like I needed more flash backs to them being together as kids, they do talk later in the story about Jackson and Riker being away and him talking about River and Riker saying he better get his life together before it's too late... but that's pretty much it. However... I really did enjoy the love and sweetness of Jackson and River, the protectiveness he felt over her and how he had actually loved her for all these years. I thought there would be more push and pull from their relationship, but it actually just worked out pretty well.

Also, River and Riker's relationship, it seems like they were thick as thieves growing up, but they never really show that in the book, it's like off page, same as Jackson and River, and so the love they have for each other it just doesn't seem real or genuine and I just wanted more.

Now, for the book having too much going on, it pretty much jumps to crazy times after Riker's funeral. I know River wants to find out what happened to her brother and doesn't think he's actually dead... which same girl, but there was so much going on, I know it's supposed to be the mystery of it all to like keep you on your toes and all that, but I just felt like I was in the dark and bit. I kinda wish the book had been a little bit longer so the author could have expanded on a few things and maybe paced a bit better instead of it jumping off right from the start.

I really did enjoy the book, the finally chapters were super suspenseful and I was gasping like River does the entire book! Lol i was so excited when everything came to a head! It was an exciting book! I'm actually looking forward to Declan and Michele's book.

I received an ALC from Bluenose Audio. All my options are mine.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson, a man that left his small-town home for the military, along with his best friend, as soon as he could and vowed never to return. He wanted nothing to do with his father anymore and vowed he’d find a life somewhere else. He also left the only woman he loved, but it was for the best. However, when his best friend is declared dead, he along with his other Delta Force teammates travel to Lindeman, WA to pay their last respects. When Jackson see’s River, his best friend’s younger sister again after sixteen years, he knows he can’t stick around too long. The old feelings for her are resurfacing, but will he leave her to her own fate when she digs for answers to her brother’s death?

River knows there’s more to the story of her brother’s death, but she doesn’t believe he’s gone. She will dig for answers and the truth, but she’ll find more danger than she bargained for. Stubborn, loyal, and determined, River will find the answers she’s looking for, but too many are telling her that Ryker is really dead, and that truth could destroy her more than the danger lurking.

I loved this story of young love, separation, and second chance at finding happiness. Jackson and River were meant for each other, and they deserve to be happy together. Both stubborn and determined, they will have to find a common ground to their past and move forward to be happy. When River’s life is threatened, Jackson steps up to protect her and keep her safe, but his feelings for her never wavered. He’s still in love with her and their story isn’t over. It took me a chapter to realize where I knew these Delta Forces characters from, but once I did things fell into place for me. The only thing I was waiting for was the appearance of Mila and then Blake and the Blue Halo guys. However, they didn’t show. The café scene was what made me think of them showing. In all the book was great, and I can’t wait to read more from the Mercy Ring Series to come. I give this book a 5-star review.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow
When Nyssa Kathryn writes a romantic suspenseful book, I know that I am in for a treat and she did not disappoint with Jackson! I think this is a great start for a new series and I am excited to see where these three ex-Delta Forces friends find themselves in relationships.
River fell in love with her brother’s best friend and finally wanted to tell him before he left for the military, however she didn’t get the response she wanted from him. Instead, she got anger and hateful words, words that made her hate the man and the hopes that he never returns to their small town.
Jackson vowed to never return to this place once he leaves for the military. He knows he will never come back to a town that has seen him at his lowest and the drunken father that gave him nothing that even resembles love.
Jackson knew River had feelings for him but he didn’t feel like he deserved her or that he could give her the kind of life she deserved so he did what he thought was right and pushed her to hate him so she could go on with her life.
When River’s brother dies, Jackson finds himself back in town for the funeral and sees River isn’t believing he is dead. Jackson follows her because when she was younger she always found herself in trouble so he felt he had to keep an eye on her. She believes the bar in town is what got her brother in trouble and she decides to go there and look for answers but she gets nowhere. She finally turns to Jackson and his friends for help when she determines she can’t do it alone. Jackson finds himself fighting in a cage to get eyes on the inside of the club where so many secrets are hiding in hopes to find out what happened to his best friend.
Such an awesome by with a great HEA!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

River has loved Jackson since she knew what those feelings were, but when she tells him, he breaks her in a way that she never fully recovers.

Sixteen years later, Jackson has finally come home to their small town for the funeral of his best friend Ryker, River’s brother. However, all is not what is seems, and River is convinced that Ryker is alive. So, she does everything that she can to prove it. Jackson does everything he can to keep her safe because he knows show won’t stop until she has answers.

Nyssa Kathryn has a knack for keeping a reader fully engaged in the story and you won’t want to put it down until the very end. Even then, you are left wanting more story. The chemistry between these two is palpable. There is a decent amount of world building in this book because it the first in a series, but the way in which each and every character in introduced makes sense and doesn’t take away from the story as a whole.

My one and only gripe in this entire story is the fact that I wanted River to take Jackson to task for his leaving and never coming back. Yes he left because of his dad, and he wanted out, but he left the only true family that he had and never looked back. They took him in and loved him as part of their family and he basically showed them they weren’t as important to him when he couldn’t be bothered to come to see them. I wish she had called him out in a more direct way than she did.

That being said, you should pick up this book ASAP and then if you haven’t read Nyssa Kathryn’s backlist you should do that as well!

POV: 3rd person Multi
PoP: 45%
Tropes: Siblings Best Friend; Protector; Heroine seeking answers; Small Town
Type of Series: series of Standalones

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this new series delivers another winner by this talented author.
Years ago, River Harp fell in love with her brother’s best friend, Jackson Ford. But the day he was to leave for the military and she confessed her love, he turned his back to her.
Sixteen years later, Jackson Ford, now a civilian after a mission that went wrong, is back to the town he promised never to step back to.
His friend Ryker Harp died in a crash and he and his two other former Delta Forch “brothers” are there to show their respect to the family.
Seeing River, who no longer is a girl he left behind and is still the one that has his heart, leaves him breathless.
Though his return has River’s heart pounding, she’s dealing with other issues. She believes her brother is alive and puts herself in danger to find out the truth.
Needless to say, Jackson and the rest of the guys, step up to find out what Ryker was involved in, at the same time they try to protect River.
Feelings intensify, secrets are divulged, and lives are put in danger.
Will they be able to figure out what’s happening in the last place Ryker was? Will they feelings between River and Jackson bring them together or will the past and Jackson’s beliefs that he’s not good enough be the end of their blooming relationship?
This was a great start for the new series. A story that from the beginning has the reader on the edge of their seats. One filled with bad guys, hunky good ones, likable main characters and a strong female character.
Can’t wait for the next story in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker and Jackson have graduated and are leaving for the military. The two friends have been buddies since their second year of high school. When he and his parents knew, Jackson was being abused by his dad he was welcomed by them to be their son, by other parents.

The night before they are to leave Rider, Ryker’s little sister, needs to profess her love to Jackson. She gives her journal she makes for, him of all the pictorials of the good memories of their hometown.

Sixteen years have passed, and Ryker has returned home, angrier than the family has ever seen him. Rider tries calling, Jackson to get no response. The following month he’s dead in a car accident. Only Rider, can't believe what she's told, she believes he, is alive.

She starts an investigation for herself because she, would know or feel if her brother, is dead. And, neither of those things is true, for her. The thing is she is getting strong pushback, from the underbelly, of the town. One is a guy she dated, a few times.

Jackson is not happy with the facts that he is finding himself, presented with. Some may call it jealousy, which of course she is quick, to point out to him that he rejected her, sixteen years ago. Making him regret what he said, to her back then because he knew then, and now, it's a lie. But he is a coward, who didn't want to come back, to town because, of his father. Now what? She can’t allow him in again, can she?

This is a very good story, fast-paced from the get-go. The characters are intense but personable.

[Alex Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, this book was incredible

Jackson and River are the second chance romance book everyone needs in 2023. I’m so glad I found this. It’s a quick read and it’s worth every second.

The series follows a group of 4 men who all served in the military together for a decade. They all return home and things are difficult. They lose touch until one dies. The others return to his hometown for his funeral and uncover a frightening truth, their friends death was not an accident.

For Jackson, returning to this town means reuniting with the only woman he has ever loved, his best friend’s little sister. The best friend who passed away.

River’s first and only love returns home for her brother’s funeral. She can’t stay away from him but she needs to find out what happened to her brother and Jackson wants her to have nothing to do with that.

The two end up working together with his other brothers from the military to investigate leading them all down a harrowing path.

River and Jackson’s love story is incredible. I loved all the side characters of this book also and cannot wait to read each of their books. Declan and Cole were great characters, same with Michelle.

Overall, this is a 5/5⭐️ book. Spice level is 1.5-2/5🌶. It’s there but it doesn’t take up much of the book and the storyline still shines through more than anything else. This is a must-read romance with a ton of mystery and action. It will keep you on the edge of your seat!

[Red Panda Reads]

“River, there is always room for more books. And if the day ever comes when there isn’t, well then, it’s the house that goes, not the books.” Michelle may be my favorite character ever. Though since she borrowed the quote, John Steinbeck may be her favorite author.

I hate the cover of each book in this series. All are a turn off and I am trying to block out the images as I begin reading. It appears that all the guys are on steroids and it is just so unattractive. It's too much.

“God, woman. Whatever you have on that stove smells a-mazing. I don’t care what I need to do, table dance, run naked down the street…I want it in my belly.”

...grabbed two bowls of soup from the pot...
This is worded strangely. One does not grab bowls from a pot. You may ladle soup from a pot or grab bowls from a cabinet, shelf, or counter. This implies that bowls themselves were inside the pot of soup.

She pushed inside the bathroom and moved straight to a cubicle...
There are cubicles in a bathroom? Is that what Aussies call a stall?

Is this going to be 'Fight Club?' Ryker went to a club on Fridays, to the basement, and returned home with bruises. By page 46, I think I have this figured out. Ryker probably wanted out, but that is not an option, so he had to fake his own death to escape the club.

Is Angel Mickey's daughter?

A federal agent would never ask a civilian to follow a vehicle suspected in an illegal firearms trade. To be fired upon because of it. And Cole ended up killing four people in defense of himself and River. Agent Widow would be lucky to only lose his job.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have them, our go to authors for whichever genre we read and personally I only have a handful of romantic suspense go to authors and a top three list…..WELL this author has become my go to and has landed in the top three as well.
Nyssa has a way with writing top notch H & h’s, strong men, who are NOT written as man wh*** and women, who are strong in their own way, who you can’t help but fall in love with and to top it off, the stories flow seamlessly and the descriptions are spot on, making you feel like you are right there in the middle of it all.
This new series and first book in it, is all the above and more, Jackson and River, two people who were meant to be together since they were teens but Jackson left to go into the military and vowed never to return home. Until a tragedy places him and River together again after so many years of silence. Their last time together didn’t go as planned for River and now that he’s back, she is not the love sick teen she was back then and can’t let Jackson worm his way back into her life….too bad he’s determined to protect her as she finds herself way in over her head as she investigates what happened to her brother.
Worth more than a five star rating and a read not to be missed!!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*