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Mercy #2
Sweet Mercy
A man lost in grief.
A woman who can heal him.
A secret that could destroy everything.
Honey Creek Cottage is the house of Jezebel Hart's dreams - and the place of Gamble Smith's nightmares. The place he built with his own hands, every stick and brick a testament to his love for the family he lost. The place now in disrepair, its gardens tangled with loss and neglect, much like Gamble's heart.
He can't bear to live in it. Yet he isn't ready to let go. Not even to the vivacious Jezebel, who has put her volatile past behind her and wants to plant roots. A woman whose sex-goddess looks, Gamble discovers, can't match her strength and compassion.
They come together out of mutual need, but find mutual healing.
Except...she's hiding something that could shatter their fragile bond.
A woman who can heal him.
A secret that could destroy everything.
Honey Creek Cottage is the house of Jezebel Hart's dreams - and the place of Gamble Smith's nightmares. The place he built with his own hands, every stick and brick a testament to his love for the family he lost. The place now in disrepair, its gardens tangled with loss and neglect, much like Gamble's heart.
He can't bear to live in it. Yet he isn't ready to let go. Not even to the vivacious Jezebel, who has put her volatile past behind her and wants to plant roots. A woman whose sex-goddess looks, Gamble discovers, can't match her strength and compassion.
They come together out of mutual need, but find mutual healing.
Except...she's hiding something that could shatter their fragile bond.
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 11, 2006
27 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books239 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 13, 2024
I'm torn about this book. On one hand I am absolute trash for heroines that have "reputations" and Jezebel pretty much made the whole book for me. I loved her. LOVED HER! Too bad she falls for this sack of garbage hero. Look, I get it - you desperately loved your saintly first wife and you're grieving. However grief does not give you a free pass to be a hateful jackass. The slut-shaming here is pretty epic and he says some really horrible things to the heroine - as does his sister, who BTW never is on page with the heroine again to apologize. Instead that hateful wench gets her own happy ending. And while we're on that subject, the ending here was abrupt with no follow up mention of his family's reaction which is odd given they played a fairly healthy role in the book.
I'm left with she's great and wanting to drop kick him into the sun. So probably a C+.
I'm left with she's great and wanting to drop kick him into the sun. So probably a C+.
September 22, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Dream House is book 6 and the final book in the Second Chances series by Jean Brashear and a very emotional read!
Micah Smith artist extraordinaire built his dream house for his wife, Charlotte but when he lost the love of his life and the baby she was carrying he packed up and moved to New York. Now a few years later, still heartbroken and barely surviving he come home for his mother’s birthday and maybe to find a way to heal his broken heart...
Jezabel Hart, former stripper, voluptuous, beautiful, local bar manager, is looking to find a place to call home and when she sees this run down cottage with the picket fence she knows in her heart this is where she belongs...but will the owner sell??
What an emotional, heart broken journey, sparks aplenty for these two people who are totally opposite but may be able to find a way to heal each other. Can they find their happily ever after together, have the life they both have dreamed about or will it all just go to ashes along with the Dream House???
Dream House is book 6 and the final book in the Second Chances series by Jean Brashear and a very emotional read!
Micah Smith artist extraordinaire built his dream house for his wife, Charlotte but when he lost the love of his life and the baby she was carrying he packed up and moved to New York. Now a few years later, still heartbroken and barely surviving he come home for his mother’s birthday and maybe to find a way to heal his broken heart...
Jezabel Hart, former stripper, voluptuous, beautiful, local bar manager, is looking to find a place to call home and when she sees this run down cottage with the picket fence she knows in her heart this is where she belongs...but will the owner sell??
What an emotional, heart broken journey, sparks aplenty for these two people who are totally opposite but may be able to find a way to heal each other. Can they find their happily ever after together, have the life they both have dreamed about or will it all just go to ashes along with the Dream House???
September 21, 2019
Jean Brashear is a very good story teller. I was imediately, if unwillingly, pulled into Micah's anger, frustration, and unhappiness. Micah was not someone I would have wanted to be around. Then slowly the writer showed you glimpses of the man Micah was at one time. The way he sat with his mother, the interactions with his siblings, and the raw hunger, vulnerability, and loneliness he exhibited with Jezebel.
Jezebel, walked a different road from Micah, yet shared similar feelings. She was not well educated, did not have strong family ties, and had to endure people not seeing or even trying to look beyond her sexuality to what lay underneath.
The environment were she and Micah discovered each other was her home. The home she built for herself. The family she built for herself. Through her hardships, she was lonely, but she didn't lash out at others in anger and frustration like Micah.
Micah and Jezebel managed to find solace in each other, but it was not a smooth or easy path. I had a lot of admiration for Jezebel and her ability to be positive even when she was in pain, and vulnerable.
I didn't like Micah at the beginning, but I grew to like he better. I liked Jezebel from the start. I liked Micah's brothers. I liked Cal. I didn't like Lily. I know she was being protective about her brother, Micah, but I thought she was a judgmental, immature, brat.
This would have been a five star book for me if some detail had been added, or questions answered. What happened with Skeeter? Was Jezebel ever going to tell anyone about Vegas? What was Micah's mother's reaction to his news? How did his family handle things after he told them about the situation? What was Darrell's reaction? What happened between Cal and Lily? What was it about Lily that caused her to be so rude and condescending to Cal?
Micah and Jezebel got their HFN. I can't say that it was an HEA because at the end of the book, there was no outside influence to challenge or support a HEA. Therefore, I had no idea how they or their relationship would stand up to pressure or scrutiny.
Maybe more books will come from this one, and the questions I had will be answered.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Jezebel, walked a different road from Micah, yet shared similar feelings. She was not well educated, did not have strong family ties, and had to endure people not seeing or even trying to look beyond her sexuality to what lay underneath.
The environment were she and Micah discovered each other was her home. The home she built for herself. The family she built for herself. Through her hardships, she was lonely, but she didn't lash out at others in anger and frustration like Micah.
Micah and Jezebel managed to find solace in each other, but it was not a smooth or easy path. I had a lot of admiration for Jezebel and her ability to be positive even when she was in pain, and vulnerable.
I didn't like Micah at the beginning, but I grew to like he better. I liked Jezebel from the start. I liked Micah's brothers. I liked Cal. I didn't like Lily. I know she was being protective about her brother, Micah, but I thought she was a judgmental, immature, brat.
This would have been a five star book for me if some detail had been added, or questions answered. What happened with Skeeter? Was Jezebel ever going to tell anyone about Vegas? What was Micah's mother's reaction to his news? How did his family handle things after he told them about the situation? What was Darrell's reaction? What happened between Cal and Lily? What was it about Lily that caused her to be so rude and condescending to Cal?
Micah and Jezebel got their HFN. I can't say that it was an HEA because at the end of the book, there was no outside influence to challenge or support a HEA. Therefore, I had no idea how they or their relationship would stand up to pressure or scrutiny.
Maybe more books will come from this one, and the questions I had will be answered.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
September 24, 2019
Jezebel Hart fell in love with the house the moment she laid eyes on it. She’s never had a real home of her own having grown up in foster care. Jezebel wants to move the aging and ill Skeeter Owens, the owner of the bar she’s running for him, into that house with her and care for him until he passes on. Skeeter has been so good to her and is the closest thing to a relative she has. What Jezebel doesn’t know is that although the house is empty it was built by Micah Smith for the love of his life and his wife. Tragically that wife, Charlotte, died trying to give birth to a child Micah told her not to try and bear leaving him angry and bitter but still deeply in love with her. Micah ran to New York to live and paint while trying to smother his feelings and loss until he’s called home to celebrate his mother’s birthday. When his mother is in a severe car accident he’s forced to stay and help his sister run the nursery and care for their mother. This is the story of Micah trying to fight his growing feelings for Jezebel as she tries to convince him to let her buy or rent her dream house, and the guilt he feels for having those feelings. While Jezebel is struggling to overcome her past reputation and upbringing to become a true and welcome member of the community she has adopted as her own. She has love growing in her heart for Micah too, a love she doesn’t think he’ll ever believe she deserves plus she has a trial for a mobster that she must testify at hanging over her head. This story is all you could want and keeps you turning the pages to find out if Micah and Jezebel can have a HEA. I received an early copy and am happily reviewing it.
September 24, 2019
What an emotional story about loving, losing, and finding love again! I expected a second chance romance which meant the characters had known each other before but that’s not what we get with this one. It’s a story about how to move on when you suffer a huge loss and it left you with major unresolved feelings.
Losing his wife and unborn child was difficult enough for Micah. Adding in the fact that he was angry at his wife when she died unexpectedly made him feel guilt beyond belief. Jezebel has never had an easy life, couldn’t avoid men being influenced by her body, and just wants to have a family and some love.
The two lives become intertwined when Micah returns home after his mother is injured and to respond to an offer on the cabin he built for his deceased wife. Jezebel needs a home for Skeeter, her mentor, to get healthy again and the unused cabin seems like place.
Well written and emotional story about people dealing with the challenges that life brings each of us daily.
I received an ARC from the author.
Losing his wife and unborn child was difficult enough for Micah. Adding in the fact that he was angry at his wife when she died unexpectedly made him feel guilt beyond belief. Jezebel has never had an easy life, couldn’t avoid men being influenced by her body, and just wants to have a family and some love.
The two lives become intertwined when Micah returns home after his mother is injured and to respond to an offer on the cabin he built for his deceased wife. Jezebel needs a home for Skeeter, her mentor, to get healthy again and the unused cabin seems like place.
Well written and emotional story about people dealing with the challenges that life brings each of us daily.
I received an ARC from the author.
October 5, 2019
This is the sixth book in Jean Brashear’s Second Chance series. I loved it. What a beautiful story. I can happily read this series again. I think this story, “Dream House” is my favorite in the series. Micah Smith built a cottage for his wife. Unfortunately, both wife & unborn child had died. So Micah took off to New York and pursued his artistic talent. Meanwhile, Jezebel Hart finds this cottage and wants to purchase it. She sees the beauty in it despite its lack of upkeep. Micah returns home for his Mom’s birthday celebration. Jezebel and Micah each had difficulties in the past. Jezebel had been in foster care and eventually ran away. She never had a real home & wanted very much to buy the cottage. Micah was so rude to her. And didn’t even want her on his property. Micah’s siblings were unkind to her as well.
It was not an easy road to romance for these two, but eventually they were able to let go of the past and begin a new life together.
I received an ARC and choose to write an honest review.
It was not an easy road to romance for these two, but eventually they were able to let go of the past and begin a new life together.
I received an ARC and choose to write an honest review.
September 24, 2019
I loved this book. Jean tackles hard questions and this book is no exception.
A man who believes that he should continue to blame himself for his behavior when his wife died of a heart condition trying to have his child. He has closed himself off from everyone who loves him, because he is ‘not worthy’. He has become successful as an artist but doesn’t accept his success because he can’t paint his deceased wife.
She is a nurturer, but believes she can not stay in one place because of her actions when she was a teenager. She had no education or ability or anyone to help her. In the intervening years, she took classes, grew and held responsible jobs but still feels respectable people will never accept her.
This is the story of those 2 people and how they struggled to let go of the past while believing they must hold the past because it is who they are. The main couple are extremely well developed. I could only wish I knew them. The secondary people were almost caricatures, but easily recognizable as types I encounter frequently.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review. I’m grateful for that for 2 reasons. First I got to read it before it was generally available. Second, I would have bought it if I hadn’t received the copy because it was too good to miss.
A man who believes that he should continue to blame himself for his behavior when his wife died of a heart condition trying to have his child. He has closed himself off from everyone who loves him, because he is ‘not worthy’. He has become successful as an artist but doesn’t accept his success because he can’t paint his deceased wife.
She is a nurturer, but believes she can not stay in one place because of her actions when she was a teenager. She had no education or ability or anyone to help her. In the intervening years, she took classes, grew and held responsible jobs but still feels respectable people will never accept her.
This is the story of those 2 people and how they struggled to let go of the past while believing they must hold the past because it is who they are. The main couple are extremely well developed. I could only wish I knew them. The secondary people were almost caricatures, but easily recognizable as types I encounter frequently.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review. I’m grateful for that for 2 reasons. First I got to read it before it was generally available. Second, I would have bought it if I hadn’t received the copy because it was too good to miss.
September 26, 2019
Micah Smith built the cottage for his wife. She died and he couldn't bear to be there any longer. He went to New York and became a success with his painting. Jezebel lost her family when she was young and went from foster home to foster home until she took off at 13 to forge her own life. She fell in love with the cottage and wanted nothing more than to live there and care for her friend Skeeter during his last days. Micah and Jezebel meet, sparks fly, passion flares, guilt takes him over. I love how Jezebel's big heart helped him get over his loss and find love again. I really wanted to slap his sister Lily, but understand she was only protecting her brother. Are we going to get a book of Lily and Cal's story? And also books for Levi and Noah? I really hope so.
September 24, 2019
A heartbreaking and heartwarming read with hope. It will make you laugh, cry and so many more emotions. He lost his late wife when she was trying to have his unborn baby. He closes himself off emotionally as he feels both guilt and tremendous guilt. She grew up in foster homes and moved around. She also did things she isn't proud of and feels no one man will forgive her for it. She something from him and since it was built for his late wife he has trouble parting with it. They have to work through all the pain for each other. Loved it. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
September 25, 2019
This is such an emotional book. Micah Smith has left home to paint in New York. He still hasn't been able to paint what is truly in his heart. He locked that up when he walked away from the cottage he built with love. Jezebel Hart grew up in foster care. She grew up fast and learned to take care of herself. She has a big heart and is just looking for her HEA. Unfortunately she fell for the most emotionaly unavailable man. But Micah's family is another story. They have finally stopped walking the tightrope around him. When he finally wakes up, she is gone. He has plan. It involves the cottage he built with love.
January 18, 2023
First off loved the book everything I have read by this author is emotional and absorbing. However I have to add I found it confusing and a couple of things were distracting for me.
It appears this story is connect to the previous Second Chance novel where an artist in New York had an encounter with the studio owner where his paintings were shown. Same in both book EXCEPT in this one the woman was Called Erica and in previous one she was Katarina.
Secondly in the blurb his name is Micah Smith and a lot of the reviews talk about Micah but in the copy I have just read he is Gamble throughout ????
Finally, I want to know what happened to Skeeter
It appears this story is connect to the previous Second Chance novel where an artist in New York had an encounter with the studio owner where his paintings were shown. Same in both book EXCEPT in this one the woman was Called Erica and in previous one she was Katarina.
Secondly in the blurb his name is Micah Smith and a lot of the reviews talk about Micah but in the copy I have just read he is Gamble throughout ????
Finally, I want to know what happened to Skeeter
September 27, 2019
Jezebel has not had an easy life and now she is hiding out in a small Texas town after witnessing a murder in Reno. Running Skeeter's bar while he is in rehab, she is desperate to find a place for them to live so he can come home.
Micah ran off to Manhattan after his wife died and is now home for his mother's birthday. He left behind the perfect house and Jezebel wants it, he is not interested in selling.
This is the sixth in a series of second chance romance books by Jean Brashear. Each is unique and they all have great characters and plots. Very
enjoyable.
Micah ran off to Manhattan after his wife died and is now home for his mother's birthday. He left behind the perfect house and Jezebel wants it, he is not interested in selling.
This is the sixth in a series of second chance romance books by Jean Brashear. Each is unique and they all have great characters and plots. Very
enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2019
Emotionally charged
Well what can I say about this masterpiece? I knew it would be emotional buggy goodness, I had to put the book down couple of times because it was disdainful to read. Jezebel is such an amazing character. I adored her from the start. And Micah's pain so palpable from the start. Gosh he grieved for so many years, he was due for a bit of loving.
And tho while story just came together like a dream. It is witty, funny and sad. Absolutely adore the ending. I really would love to read more about these two.
Well what can I say about this masterpiece? I knew it would be emotional buggy goodness, I had to put the book down couple of times because it was disdainful to read. Jezebel is such an amazing character. I adored her from the start. And Micah's pain so palpable from the start. Gosh he grieved for so many years, he was due for a bit of loving.
And tho while story just came together like a dream. It is witty, funny and sad. Absolutely adore the ending. I really would love to read more about these two.
January 22, 2021
Boy that book is moving, took me quite some tissues while reading.
Jez is a real saint putting up with all issues Micah has accumulated in his life.
Add in lots of negative energy from his sister who wants to bubble wrap him and is super-bitchy towards her.
But there are some real heroic friends at the bar who want to protect her and make his land her life hard though meaning well ...
I love Ms. Brashear’s style!
Jez is a real saint putting up with all issues Micah has accumulated in his life.
Add in lots of negative energy from his sister who wants to bubble wrap him and is super-bitchy towards her.
But there are some real heroic friends at the bar who want to protect her and make his land her life hard though meaning well ...
I love Ms. Brashear’s style!
January 23, 2021
Heartbreaking
There is so much heartbreak in this story I felt like crying through most of it. Micah is a widower who lost his wife who was carrying their child. He wrapped himself in his pain and struck out at anyone attempting to help him. Jezebel wants to purchase the abandoned cottage where Micah and his wife lived. Micah refuses her offer very loudly while verbally assault ing her.
There is so much heartbreak in this story I felt like crying through most of it. Micah is a widower who lost his wife who was carrying their child. He wrapped himself in his pain and struck out at anyone attempting to help him. Jezebel wants to purchase the abandoned cottage where Micah and his wife lived. Micah refuses her offer very loudly while verbally assault ing her.
July 27, 2022
An excellent read
I don't know how this author can understand then channel these feelings into words. She does it quite well! This book is sad, funny, charming, angry and a delight to read as well as giving hope to grief. A lot to ask of a book, but done so well, I loved each character and every page.
I don't know how this author can understand then channel these feelings into words. She does it quite well! This book is sad, funny, charming, angry and a delight to read as well as giving hope to grief. A lot to ask of a book, but done so well, I loved each character and every page.
September 25, 2019
.
Very enjoyable read. Jezebel is a very strong and loving woman. Micah is a man crippled by grief. I'll admit I wanted to slap Micah a couple of times for the things he said to Jezebel. I just wish there had been a bit more closure with the whole family involved.
Very enjoyable read. Jezebel is a very strong and loving woman. Micah is a man crippled by grief. I'll admit I wanted to slap Micah a couple of times for the things he said to Jezebel. I just wish there had been a bit more closure with the whole family involved.
October 23, 2019
A heart breaking story about a man, micah trying to move on after the death of his wife and u born child. He meets Jezabel and his life becomes complicated with feelings he is insure of. Together they realize what they each want and what they will do to get it.
February 4, 2023
4.5*
Forced to return home to the ghost of his dead wife, Gamble cannot bear to enter the home he built for Charlotte nor does he wish to be in his mother’s home. Instead he goes to the bar and there meets Jezebel….
A story of coming to terms with the past, dealing with grief and finding new love.
Forced to return home to the ghost of his dead wife, Gamble cannot bear to enter the home he built for Charlotte nor does he wish to be in his mother’s home. Instead he goes to the bar and there meets Jezebel….
A story of coming to terms with the past, dealing with grief and finding new love.
September 26, 2019
Wow
This one is one of those stories that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.I laughed and I cried then I laughed some more.Next book please.
This one is one of those stories that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.I laughed and I cried then I laughed some more.Next book please.
November 28, 2020
Dream House
What a sweet story with REAL characters to enjoy. Thank you for this lovely, romantic second Chance romance to read.
What a sweet story with REAL characters to enjoy. Thank you for this lovely, romantic second Chance romance to read.
February 7, 2021
Une magnifique histoire d'amour, de deuil, de résilience, d'espoir. Deux êtres blessés qui se rencontrent et se font du bien l'un l'autre.
April 12, 2013
As romance novels go, this was fairly good. She is a tall, former foster child, runaway with a huge heart and a secret past with some criminal. But they never tell you ANYTHING about this criminal, only that she goes to testify at his trial. What's the point?
He lost his 1 love and their child in childbirth and can't stand to be around the town or the cottage they built, but he comes home for his Mom's birthday and ends up staying, and they get together and the romance is on. Well, it's ok reading if you are into romance novels.
He lost his 1 love and their child in childbirth and can't stand to be around the town or the cottage they built, but he comes home for his Mom's birthday and ends up staying, and they get together and the romance is on. Well, it's ok reading if you are into romance novels.
September 24, 2016
Pretty good book. Its about a woman who grew up in hard circumstances, who moves to this town and is in charge of a bar. She is taking care of it for the owner who is pretty old. She wants to move into this beautiful cottage that a widower lives in. At first, I thought he was really harsh. Understandably, when you find out he lost his wife and child. I would have liked to have known what happened with Lily and Cal? Did Skeeter ever get better? Why did she not happen to testify against that man? She went all the way out there.
November 17, 2011
Loved this! A very emotional journey
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews