Fighter's Mercy

Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders #3

by A. Rivers

It was supposed to be a one night stand to help me get over my ex. But then a positive pregnancy test changes everything…

When I hooked up with a gorgeous stranger, I‘d intended to enjoy some no-strings fun to get myself out of a funk. I didn’t even bother to exchange names. But when I end up pregnant, all of my plans go out the window.

Two trimesters—and zero luck finding the baby daddy—later, I run into my mystery man at a childhood friend’s wedding. Tattoo artist Mercy Caruso is even hotter than I remembered, and he promises to stand by me every step of the way. He’s kind, reliable, and almost too good to be true.

When complications arise with the pregnancy, Mercy and I decide to live together until the baby arrives. Our chemistry rekindles, and my feelings for him grow every day. But Mercy has a secret, and when it comes to light, will our fledgling relationship survive?

Author’s note: This is a short romance / novella with a complete standalone romance story of approximately 25,000 words.

Trigger warning: This story deals with a difficult pregnancy.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Surprise Pregnancy, Mixed Martial Arts, Forced Proximity

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2022

About the author

A. Rivers writes steamy romance books with take-charge heroes and strong heroines who aren't afraid to fight the odds for love. On the rare occasions when she ventures out of the writing cave, you can probably find her face down in a book, cuddling her pets, or planning her next overseas adventure with her husband.

If you'd like to keep up to date with her books and news, subscribe to her newsletter today!

Reviews

[Kait · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was only supposed to be a one night stand.

Tempe didn’t plan to get pregnant at this stage in her life so she’s unsure what to do. She never expected to run into her baby daddy at a friends wedding. Mercy is a mystery but he seems to be devoted to their baby and her needs. She wants to get closer but she knows he’s hiding something.

Cute one night stand & pregnancy romance. Love how devoted they both are to their unborn baby.

Writing was okay.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempe and Mercy have a one night stand without exchanged names or numbers. But when they see each other again Mercy learns that he left her with a special kinda a surprise - a baby.

Now they have to come to terms with how to proceed moving forward. Mercy is all in and he's understanding when she expresses her concerns about being a mom.
The chemistry is still there and before they know it they're in each other's arms again. Their relationship is not typical and I loved that about it. The story is enjoyable and it shows just how much communication is the key to any successful relationship.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving Alexa's MMA romance novella series. I loved Mercy and Tempe's short, sweet story. Mercy is definitely so sweet towards Tempe after knowing what happened after their one night. And he accepted it and step up. While they feel something more for each other, they have to work things through with this life-changing news.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A one night stand turns into an accidental pregnancy. When Tempe and Mercy find each other 6 months later they start to plan how they will coparent the baby until Tempe has a difficult pregnancy and has to move in with Mercy. Is this the time for the two of them to put their fears aside as they start to develop real feelings for each other.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempe and Mercy . . .

A one-night-stand for Tempe and Mercy end up in a pregnancy. However, they didn’t share names or numbers, so she has no way to tell him! But at a mutual friend’s wedding, they run into each other and she tells Mercy he is a father.

Mercy Caruso is willing to do whatever they can to make things work. When they move in together, their chemistry sizzles and it all seems too good to be true. Is that how it will turn out? Is there a secret issue that will derail their relationship? Or will they work it out together and make their relationship last?

This is a very good story. You may not find perfection in the characters, but they know how to work together to find their HEA. Grab your copy and see how things work out for them.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this entire series! This unexpected pregnancy novella is beyond exciting and fun to read. By now we have all fallen hard for this amazing group of friends and their loved ones. Mercy is the local tattoo artists and he has been in a bit of slump due to his generousity that has put him in a tight spot financially but when a gorgeous woman offers him one night with no names, not committment, and no information shared except a wild night of passion he can't resist. It was by far one of the best nights of his life and he was hoping to offer her more but when he wakes in the morning she is gone! He hopes that he may see her again but there is no guarantee.

When he arrives for his good friends wedding and meets the bridal party he can't believe his mystery lady is good friends of the bride and is in the wedding party!! He is so taking back that he found her again he knows he can't let her go!!

Tempe is a fighter through and through but after her one night stand she is now pregnant and has no idea what she is going to do??? Fighting is all she known and now she can't do that and she has no idea who the baby daddy is because she was the one that said no names and snuck out the next morning! When she is reuinted at her friends wedding she can't believe it's really him and he is just as handsome and sexy as she remembers. But now they are having a baby together and everything is so messed up but she knows she wants him and by the way he is acting the feelings are definately mutual. Happy Reading!!

[Marko Faust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivers expertly weaves a story of love, trust, and forgiveness as our protagonists come together to face the unknown. With each page turn, the chemistry between them ignites, but looming secrets threaten to unravel their budding relationship. As the plot twists and turns, readers will find themselves deeply invested in the outcome, rooting for love to prevail against all odds.

If you're in search of a compelling and emotionally resonant story, "Fighter's Mercy" is an excellent choice. And for those craving even more literary inspiration, be sure to check out Lea Brichta's insightful article, where we delve into the world of MMA and examine rising fighter Leo Brichty. The author discusses in detail his achievements, fighting style and compares him to the leading names in the world of MMA, such as Jiri Prochazka and Karlos Vemola. Brichta stands out not only for his technical skills, but also for his personality and determination, which makes him one of the most interesting players in this sport.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night stands are in a class all by themselves cause of the surprises you find after saying goodbye.

Tempe just wanted one night of anonymous soul shattering sex with a handsome man to get over an ex. She got what she asked for and sooo much more - a baby. At her friend's pre-wedding function, she hears before she sees the father of her child, Mercy, one of the bridegrooms. Mercy is drowning in debt after helping his friend with medical care. Not only is Mercy drowning in debt, but he has just found out that he is father - to Tempe's unborn child.

Mercy and Tempe have two different goals until Temp has a medical crisis and they learn that being parents also comes with hidden advantages and sacrifices they both have to make and along the way they learn that love -real love - may not heal open wound but you learn to seek the healing and share the load that makes life worth it all. Oh and the baby, only helps Mercy relax and Tempe get back on her game.

I love how the story made Temp the fighter.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved!

Short story with quite the punch. Loved the sweet short story about mercy and Tempe. They are adorable. Their story was quite a meet of fate to have met for a one night stand and then not know they have such a large group of mutual friends. Gage stepped back in when they meet again and mercy learns he is going to be a dad. Loved how they always had their crazy chemistry. And how they just molded into a family. I get why mercy was hiding the bills. Honestly. Just her finding them and reading them sent her blood pressure into a tailspin so he wasn’t completely in the wrong. But if he brought it up and explained it to her so she knew the score it might have lessened the blow. He is a noble person to try and tackle it alone especially when he was in debt trying to save someone’s life. Loved the end.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally Tempe would not have a one night stand, and the one time she decides to indulge with a stranger, it has more string than she was expecting. For she ends up pregnant, and without even his name, it seems unlikely that she would find him. Then Mercy and Tempe cross paths again. Will he step-up when he finds out he is going to be a father? Can these strangers be more than just parents? What if Mercy is keeping secrets? I loved this chance romance, which has a strong determine woman and a man who I think is so great (I just wanted to hug him), although he isn't always perfect (but certainly wins my heart).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Breanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. Though Mercy and Tempe may not be perfect people but they were perfect for each other. Mercy was such a sweetheart and everything he went through with his friend and the after what happened, really breaks your heart and makes you see how amazing he is knowing what he did for him. You just hate seeing all the pain he is going through with that and how, even though finding Tempe again is amazing, it also adds a lot of stress on top of the tons of stress he is already feeling. But luckily they are able to work things through together and get their well deserved HEA. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC REVIEW)

Ms. Rivers you know I have been hooked on this series and of course, this is another great book. This can be read as a standalone but it is better to read the others in this series.

A one-night stand no names exchanged and two pink lines later. Talk about an intriguing book. It may be a quick read but it's oh so good. These two, Mercy and Tempe, canceled each others crazy out. It may have been a one-night stand but them together it was like there was no time apart. Mercy stepping up made my soul smile. Tempe that girl was strong mentally and physically given her situation. Them together was adorable and made the book perfect.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy and Tempe had a one night stand. He wanted to see where things might go but she stuck to her guns snd bailed before he woke up. When they see each other again months later, Tempe is pregnant. She doesn’t want to give up her career as a MMA fighter so she’s contemplating her baby options. What will Mercy do when she tells him it’s his baby? Can he convince her that one night was destiny and they really can have it all? This is a fantastic book. Love all the phenomenal characters from the Crown MMA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these Novellas. Gives us more insight on some of the other fighters. This one is about Tempe and her one night stand, Mercy. Everyone seems to be connected to someone in this book. I love that, makes me feel like I have the whole picture of one big family. Mercy and Tempe never exchange information. But that seems to burn them, many months later. But this thing called fate, seemed to intervene. I loved how Mercy stepped right in and was there every step of the way. And how Tempe excepted this help. They are a great couple together. A fun, quick, read of a one night stand that becomes a relationship to a HEA.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a bad breakup with her longtime boyfriend Tempe ,who is a up and coming MMA fighter, has a one night stand with Mercy but they never exchanged names. Six months later they run into each other at a wedding for friends where he finds out she is pregnant with his child only his life is falling apart as he is drowning in debt due the illness of his friend which he paid for along with medical bills. He wants a real relationship with her but what can he offer with his finances in a mess. Will Tempe and Mercy find their HEA?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. I thought that this was a really good love story and I wanted more pages than Tempe and Mercy were given. She goes from a career focused, driven fighter to finding her focus towards her growing baby. When she and Mercy come back across each other, things happen fast. I liked Tempe for willing to sacrifice for their child and the ability to see what a good man he is. He stuck with what he felt and believed in. Mercy was definitely all in with her, their baby and their future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this incredible series, and this is Mercy and Tempe’s story. These to has a no strings attached 1-night stand, which results in a surprise package. Tempe has no way to contact her mystery man as she has no details, but fate destines them to cross paths again, as 6-months later at a friend’s wedding. How will MMA fighter, and tattoo artist Mercy react to the news he is going to be a dad? This is a well written story which has undeniable chemistry, secrets, emotions, drama, and is a steamy and quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nipa Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa did it again. I love the concept of a woman fighter & i will be reading the rest of the book in the series.
Mercy was a tattooed teddy bear who is a fierce protector & puts everyone before his needs. His relationship with his sister Lucia is so good & can’t wait for her & Tony’s story.
Tempe (i love the name 🥰) she is strong, beautiful & smart but above all she is very understanding partner. I love how they worked slowly but surely towards their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about a one night stand that goes wrong.
Tempe, a MMA fighter has a one night stand with tattoo artist, Mercy that leaves a little something behind.
Sweet, steamy and dramatic, I loved the pregnancy based story. Mercy was a deep thinker with lots of pressures by just wanted to take care of those he loves. And Tempe was smart and tough but caring to a fault. So suited to each other.
This was a really great story.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempe is on the rebound from a bad break-up and has a one night stand. Six months later she runs into that one night stand, Mercy, and she has a surprise for him. Mercy is generally a good guy that takes care of everyone else, to his own detriment. This is a sweet second chance romance with an accidental pregnancy thrown in. There's not much going on except Tempe and Mercy getting to know each other while they get ready to have a baby.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great MMA story, this is book 3 from The Outsiders series. Tempe and Mercy had a one night stand. He is an MMA fighter and Mercy is a tattoo artist. the one night stand will not remain a one night stand because it left a small surprise at Mercy. The build up and storyline is great . The characters and their characters fit together perfectly. A bit of drama, possessiveness and enough steamy and hot scenes. This series the Outsiders is well worth reading and therefore definitely recommended.

I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighter’s Mercy 🥊💗

Thank you Ms River’s this book would have to be one of my favourite. Mercy and Temperance (Tempe) are a beautiful couple and I loved them together. I definitely want me a Mercy in my life!

This book has all the feels it definitely had me very teary 🥹 and reaching for the tissues a time or two.
I certainly wish there was more as I didn’t want it to end, it was that kind of story.

It’s worth 4.5 ✨✨

If you haven’t read it I recommend you do that now.

I received an ARC and I’m leaving my honest and voluntary review.

[Evy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was again a great and sweet story.
I love this series and really hope there are many more to come!
Mercy might have the appearance of a tough guy but he is just one big sweet teddy bear with a heart of gold. Tempe on the other hand is a strong and fierce woman but who’s just as sweet as well.
They are perfect for one another.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy and Tempe meet in a bar and share a night of passion. They remain anonymous. Then six months later fate brings them together again. This time Tempe is sporting a very round baby bump.

There begins their romance as each of them are trying to handle this huge shift in life. I loved how Mercy steps up. He knows what he wants. He helps Tempe deal with her insecurities too.

I enjoyed this read 📚!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely heartwarming short read.

This book was so so lovely with wonderful characters. I really loved Tempe - she seemed to always know what to say - straight talking, strong and considerate. And Mercy was gorgeous - a natural caregiver with a heart of gold. While I enjoy a short story, I would have loved to spend more time with this couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has written a wonderful romance story with some bumps along the way. Tempe is in a weird place after her breakup. She decides to have a fling with a handsome stranger. A few months later, she runs into her fling at a friend's wedding and has a surprise for him. Will they be able to make it work despite all the issues? It is a sweet story with a lot of emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighter's Mercy
Book 3 of Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders
A. Rivers

This is a good sports MMA book. The story and characters, Tempe and Mercy, were well written. I like the relationship and the confidence in each other. I love the way met again and the chemistry. The secondary characters were a great addition. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempe & Mercy’s story. Two trimesters—and zero luck finding the baby daddy—later, I run into my mystery man at a childhood friend’s wedding. Tattoo artist Mercy Caruso is even hotter than I remembered, and he promises to stand by me every step of the way. He’s kind, reliable, and almost too good to be true. Will it work out for these two? It was an entertaining book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

There wasn't enough chemistry between Mercy and Tempe to make them believable. They were just too rational and logical for my taste. The accidental pregnancy trope was done well enough, but I would have liked this even more if there were extra dramatic moments or sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Also, the title is pretty funny when you read the book and understand why it's named that.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad!

I usually don't read much mma fighing books,but this was good.It shows where Mercy and Tempa met has a one night b stand and six months later v they met again and he finds out he is going be a father.The only problem Mercy has some secrets he needs to tell but she finds out before he can tell her.They do talk and he sees her reasoning and he agrees to talking it out and baby Madison makes her arrival 😉!