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Mercy Ring #3
Cole
She’s a single mom with a secret. He’s a former Delta who doesn’t let people too close.
Aria Callas understands struggle and sacrifice. Getting pregnant at sixteen, she’s spent more than a decade and a half ensuring her and her son’s safety the only way she knows how—by staying on the move. Too long in one place and Zac’s father bursts back into their lives, bringing nothing but chaos and pain in his wake.
During those same sixteen years, Cole Turner’s career as a Delta has taught him just how ugly and unforgiving the world can be. Now retired from the military and running a boxing club, Mercy Ring, with his ex-teammates, life is simple—until he notices the woman living across the street. He vowed years ago to never entrust his heart to another…but he can’t get his enigmatic neighbor out of his head.
When familiar danger inevitably finds Aria, Cole can’t keep his distance any longer. He’ll do whatever it takes to save her, even if that means putting his life—and his heart—on the line once more
Aria Callas understands struggle and sacrifice. Getting pregnant at sixteen, she’s spent more than a decade and a half ensuring her and her son’s safety the only way she knows how—by staying on the move. Too long in one place and Zac’s father bursts back into their lives, bringing nothing but chaos and pain in his wake.
During those same sixteen years, Cole Turner’s career as a Delta has taught him just how ugly and unforgiving the world can be. Now retired from the military and running a boxing club, Mercy Ring, with his ex-teammates, life is simple—until he notices the woman living across the street. He vowed years ago to never entrust his heart to another…but he can’t get his enigmatic neighbor out of his head.
When familiar danger inevitably finds Aria, Cole can’t keep his distance any longer. He’ll do whatever it takes to save her, even if that means putting his life—and his heart—on the line once more
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
1049 people are currently reading
1186 people want to read
About the author
Nyssa Kathryn
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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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https://www.nyssakathryn.com/vip-newsletter
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.
Follow Nyssa here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyssakathrynauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornyssakathryn/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 17, 2025
4 Fighting Stars!
Aria is a single mom on her own with no family to rely on and has been running from her ex for 11 long years. Now she’s living across the street from Cole and Ryker, two ex Delta soldiers who recently retired from the military and opened a boxing club. Although Aria definitely feels a pull towards Cole, she’s hesitant to get involved not only because of her teen son, but because of her ex who was at one time a professional boxer….and a abuser. Aria has lived with one foot out the door for all of those eleven years since she has had to relocate several times (when her ex eventually finds her once again).
Cole is not a relationship kinda guy. He can’t imagine putting his heart at risk, he’s got some hang-ups because of his parents divorce and as young kid….losing his dad to a broken heart skewed his outlook on relationships & marriage. But, when suspicious things start happening to his neighbor, whom he is undeniably attracted to, and his view on relationships starts to shift much to his dismay.
I loved seeing Cole slowly open up with Aria and her teen son Zack. Cole was determined to be single forever, but he couldn’t deny Aria was different than any other woman he’s met, and Aria is falling hard not just for Cole, but for the community he’d created with his best friends and their women.
When Cole totally messes up, there was just the right amount of groveling from Cole and I loved that Aria didn’t forgive him too quickly and it forced him to come to terms with his feelings. I love all the secondary relationships and that definitely added to the story. And WOW there were twists that I didn’t see coming!
So, if you like books about single mom’s running from her ex and with a protective ex-soldier who has vowed to never lose himself to love type of romance you’ll really enjoy this one!!
February 1, 2023
I’ve really enjoyed the series, the first one isn’t my thing but the other two are perfect ,
In this one, Cole is hesitant and scared of his feelings and commitment, he made a few bad moves but honestly, he is so broken and said sorry so many times that I liked him a lot and I can hold a grudge for life!!!
Very romantic
Safe, trust me
Good sex scenes
Very protective H
h is single mum and an independent strong woman
Amazing side characters
The worst thing is Ryker doesn’t cone until may 🥹
I hope Erik will get a book too!!!
In this one, Cole is hesitant and scared of his feelings and commitment, he made a few bad moves but honestly, he is so broken and said sorry so many times that I liked him a lot and I can hold a grudge for life!!!
Very romantic
Safe, trust me
Good sex scenes
Very protective H
h is single mum and an independent strong woman
Amazing side characters
The worst thing is Ryker doesn’t cone until may 🥹
I hope Erik will get a book too!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Cole and Aria bring a lot of emotions, past hurts, present fears, and love to this one. He’s so certain he’ll never be in a relationship, while she’d love more than anything to have a healthy one with someone. The question is, are they meant to be, or are they meant to stay away from each other?
Cole definitely has a few jerk moments. And a few bonehead moments. But he also has a brain, a heart, and the realization that he can’t continue as he is if he ever expects to be happy in life. So he figures out how to align his heart and head, then works on groveling to gain back the trust of the woman he nearly destroyed with his stupidity.
As for Aria, she’s used to being the loser in things. Her ex is a monster, her son wants normalcy, and the one man she thought would be good to her…isn’t. Or is he maybe letting fear and rash judgments rule his emotions? The danger that keeps hounding her is getting closer, so she has to risk trusting Cole one more time. It’s a good thing she does.
I admit that I sort of expected one twist, but the other slapped me in the face when I realized what it was here. Almost nothing is as it seems, evil is closer than thought, and good isn’t always so good. This book kept me hoping for more, then almost wondering if I could even take it when things felt so painful and angsty. But then? Then this author makes it all better. I’m just upset that I finished this one because now I have to wait for Ryker and his story. I’m pretty sure it’ll be a doozy also.
Cole definitely has a few jerk moments. And a few bonehead moments. But he also has a brain, a heart, and the realization that he can’t continue as he is if he ever expects to be happy in life. So he figures out how to align his heart and head, then works on groveling to gain back the trust of the woman he nearly destroyed with his stupidity.
As for Aria, she’s used to being the loser in things. Her ex is a monster, her son wants normalcy, and the one man she thought would be good to her…isn’t. Or is he maybe letting fear and rash judgments rule his emotions? The danger that keeps hounding her is getting closer, so she has to risk trusting Cole one more time. It’s a good thing she does.
I admit that I sort of expected one twist, but the other slapped me in the face when I realized what it was here. Almost nothing is as it seems, evil is closer than thought, and good isn’t always so good. This book kept me hoping for more, then almost wondering if I could even take it when things felt so painful and angsty. But then? Then this author makes it all better. I’m just upset that I finished this one because now I have to wait for Ryker and his story. I’m pretty sure it’ll be a doozy also.
January 25, 2023
|| B O O K R E V I E W 📝
𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: Cole
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Nyssa Kathryn
𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖: Romance
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬:
I love it when a hero says he doesn't do relationships or isn't interested in one but then falls first and falls 𝘏𝘈𝘙𝘋 and this is just one of the things I found to love in this book.
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞 is book three in the 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠 series and it is a welcome addition.
It has action, suspense, heart pounding steam and unquestionable love. What more could you need in a romance.
I devoured it in hours and loved every minute.
I Definitely recommend it.
*𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦/𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘔 𝘮𝘦.
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"𝘏𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘺"
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟:
• Contemporary Romances
• Steamy Reads
• Reluctant For Love Hero's
• Military Romances
• Suspense Romances
• Single Mother Romances
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘖𝘧 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
************
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: Cole
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Nyssa Kathryn
𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖: Romance
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬:
I love it when a hero says he doesn't do relationships or isn't interested in one but then falls first and falls 𝘏𝘈𝘙𝘋 and this is just one of the things I found to love in this book.
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞 is book three in the 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠 series and it is a welcome addition.
It has action, suspense, heart pounding steam and unquestionable love. What more could you need in a romance.
I devoured it in hours and loved every minute.
I Definitely recommend it.
*𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦/𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘔 𝘮𝘦.
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"𝘏𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘺"
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟:
• Contemporary Romances
• Steamy Reads
• Reluctant For Love Hero's
• Military Romances
• Suspense Romances
• Single Mother Romances
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘖𝘧 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
************
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 26, 2023
I loved Cole and Arias story on so many levels. These two have a instant attraction but also have enough scars from the past they aren’t keen on hea. The rollercoaster of ups and downs kept me hooked in beginning to end
January 30, 2023
5 Running Stars
RTC
RTC
May 21, 2024
6 stars. Loved everything about this
June 1, 2024
Enjoyed this one and the development of Cole’s character. He really grows into someone who’s comfortable with his emotions.
Aria truly loves her son and wants to do everything to protect him.
Not my favorite of the series but still enjoyed it.
Aria truly loves her son and wants to do everything to protect him.
Not my favorite of the series but still enjoyed it.
November 22, 2025
I didn’t really vibe with this one.
⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.75/5
⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.75/5
January 19, 2023
This book took me by surprise.
There were times I wondered where the author was taking us, and what I was missing that other readers loved. And then I got it.
This book was very cleverly done.
You won't realize all the answers until they are slapping you in the face.
Despite my uncertainty I was glued from cover to cover, and even more so when the action became non stop as the pieces came together.
So excited for the next book as I think it's my (and everyone else's) most anticipated.
There were times I wondered where the author was taking us, and what I was missing that other readers loved. And then I got it.
This book was very cleverly done.
You won't realize all the answers until they are slapping you in the face.
Despite my uncertainty I was glued from cover to cover, and even more so when the action became non stop as the pieces came together.
So excited for the next book as I think it's my (and everyone else's) most anticipated.
January 24, 2023
Grab it now or your missing out!!
Aria Callas is raising a teenage son while on the run from her ex husband. Know matter where they go he always seems to find them and bring troubles with him.
Cole has settled in this small town with his team. They live across the street. He’s intrigued but because of the past he won’t allow himself to get close enough for them to hurt him.
We are allowed to love. We are allowed to feel all the beautiful things that come with giving ourselves to another person. Because it is beautiful. Love is the most beautiful emotion in the world.
This author never writes a bad story and this romantic suspense is no exception.
Alpha protective to the core. Angsty, heard headed, stubborn I could go on and on. Wonderful characters and enough suspense to keep you guessing.
Aria Callas is raising a teenage son while on the run from her ex husband. Know matter where they go he always seems to find them and bring troubles with him.
Cole has settled in this small town with his team. They live across the street. He’s intrigued but because of the past he won’t allow himself to get close enough for them to hurt him.
We are allowed to love. We are allowed to feel all the beautiful things that come with giving ourselves to another person. Because it is beautiful. Love is the most beautiful emotion in the world.
This author never writes a bad story and this romantic suspense is no exception.
Alpha protective to the core. Angsty, heard headed, stubborn I could go on and on. Wonderful characters and enough suspense to keep you guessing.
January 18, 2023
Cole and Aria‘s story is my favourite in the series so for.
These two are attracted to each other from the start, but both have trouble with trusting people. Cole is so sure he will never love anyone. Where as, Aria wants to find love. Will these two give into the attraction? Can they HEA?
This story had lots of danger and suspense thrown in the mix. I was hooked from start to finish.
These two are attracted to each other from the start, but both have trouble with trusting people. Cole is so sure he will never love anyone. Where as, Aria wants to find love. Will these two give into the attraction? Can they HEA?
This story had lots of danger and suspense thrown in the mix. I was hooked from start to finish.
January 10, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book and its characters.
The relationship between Cole and Aria was real. Both of them with their own issues. Aria being a single mom, having to make all the decisions even though they weren't always easy. But keeping her son, Zac, safe. She was strong and kind at the same time.
Cole being a man with emotional issues due to his family. He wasn’t perfect and fought his feelings, even hurt Aria with his words. But he recognized his mistake, owned it and apologized even though it wasn’t easy for him. He opened up and from there their relationship bloomed. Everyone noticed his personality change for the better once Aria entered his life.
Zac being an amazing son. He adored his mother before anyone else. No, he wasn’t perfect and did act on impulse sometimes, but no one is perfect.
I love the ending and new beginning for their own family.
I recommend this book. You will love it.
This is an honest review after receiving a free advanced copy.
The relationship between Cole and Aria was real. Both of them with their own issues. Aria being a single mom, having to make all the decisions even though they weren't always easy. But keeping her son, Zac, safe. She was strong and kind at the same time.
Cole being a man with emotional issues due to his family. He wasn’t perfect and fought his feelings, even hurt Aria with his words. But he recognized his mistake, owned it and apologized even though it wasn’t easy for him. He opened up and from there their relationship bloomed. Everyone noticed his personality change for the better once Aria entered his life.
Zac being an amazing son. He adored his mother before anyone else. No, he wasn’t perfect and did act on impulse sometimes, but no one is perfect.
I love the ending and new beginning for their own family.
I recommend this book. You will love it.
This is an honest review after receiving a free advanced copy.
August 4, 2025
Cole is book three in the Mercy Ring series by Nyssa Kathryn. Single mum Aria Callas and her son Zac have not been able to settle in one place for a long time due to her violent husband. However, when Zac's father found them and started to cause problems, Aria's neighbour, Cole Turner, an ex-Delta Force soldier, stepped up to protect them. Will this encounter with Zac's father and Cole change their lives forever? The reader will continue to follow Cole and Aria to discover what happens.
Cole is another fantastic book by Nyssa Kathryn and an excellent addition to the Mercy Ring series. Reading this book encourages me to consider the other side of boxing and its potential benefits to communities. I love Nyssa Kathryn's writing style, which allows me to engage with her characters and stories from the first page. In addition, this book highlighted that families do not need to be biological; anyone can be family if you love and respect each other.
I love Nyssa Kathryn's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Cole is well-written and researched by Nyssa Kathryn. I like Nyssa Kathryn's description of the settings of Cole, which allowed me to imagine being part of the plot.
I recommend the book.
January 24, 2023
I cannot get enough Nyssa Kathryn!
The very beginning drew me in like a fly to honey. Twice in one day Aria runs into Cole, first he is taking her teenage son to task (Go Cole!) for pushing his mother aside in anger and hurry, and then in a local bar, which is the last place she expects to see him. There he saves her, yet again.
This is turning out to be a very ominous week for Aria.
Allow me a little preface here, Aria is a young mother of a sixteen year old son who truly loves his mother. However, they have been on the run for eleven years. Running from her son Zac's father.
Cole is former Delta whose entire squad was in a FUBAR situation that brought them all home, in some fashion or another. Cole is also a man who completely "hates love" and what happens to those affect by it.
Neither of these individuals plan or wish to be in a relationship, let alone love.
Life gets in the way. Zac's class visits Cole's Mercy Gym, and watching her son Aria sees her fear in real time, as well as deals with a flash back. Add in one teenage man-child who thinks he is "all that", and Zac again is in a fight. While he is defending his mother, it backfires in a major way.
From here on out, the novel moves in normal Nyssa Kathryn style, fast!
Aria and Zac's past becomes again the present, a new unknown threat, and insanity in the form of a new designer drug on the streets brings Cole into their lives, whether he likes it or not.
Cole notices weird happenings and helps what he can, but where does it begin or end.
Nyssa Kathryn's novels always provide suspense, sometimes better described as thriller, and an exciting love relationship.
"Cole" is the third novel in the Mercy Ring, and the sixteenth novel of Nyssa Kathryn's I have read. Still Ms. Kathryn keeps me enthralled from beginning to end, without fail. She has me addicted to her writing.
First with "Project ARMA", a realistic, fantasy romance, (nope not a type, must read !), then "Halo", the second part of Project ARMA, and now, The Mercy Ring, a segue from the Project ARMA novels that is effortless. All wonderful and entertaining!
This leaves me waiting for whatever is next, The Mercy Ring (book 4) or the next Halo, regardless, I know I will not be disappointed.
Frankly, I am excited to see where Nyssa Kathryn heads next with her writing after Halo and The Mercy Ring Series finish. I know whatever genre, or mixed genres, I will not be disappointed.
I cannot wait, but there is still much to finish!
Soooooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
The very beginning drew me in like a fly to honey. Twice in one day Aria runs into Cole, first he is taking her teenage son to task (Go Cole!) for pushing his mother aside in anger and hurry, and then in a local bar, which is the last place she expects to see him. There he saves her, yet again.
This is turning out to be a very ominous week for Aria.
Allow me a little preface here, Aria is a young mother of a sixteen year old son who truly loves his mother. However, they have been on the run for eleven years. Running from her son Zac's father.
Cole is former Delta whose entire squad was in a FUBAR situation that brought them all home, in some fashion or another. Cole is also a man who completely "hates love" and what happens to those affect by it.
Neither of these individuals plan or wish to be in a relationship, let alone love.
Life gets in the way. Zac's class visits Cole's Mercy Gym, and watching her son Aria sees her fear in real time, as well as deals with a flash back. Add in one teenage man-child who thinks he is "all that", and Zac again is in a fight. While he is defending his mother, it backfires in a major way.
From here on out, the novel moves in normal Nyssa Kathryn style, fast!
Aria and Zac's past becomes again the present, a new unknown threat, and insanity in the form of a new designer drug on the streets brings Cole into their lives, whether he likes it or not.
Cole notices weird happenings and helps what he can, but where does it begin or end.
Nyssa Kathryn's novels always provide suspense, sometimes better described as thriller, and an exciting love relationship.
"Cole" is the third novel in the Mercy Ring, and the sixteenth novel of Nyssa Kathryn's I have read. Still Ms. Kathryn keeps me enthralled from beginning to end, without fail. She has me addicted to her writing.
First with "Project ARMA", a realistic, fantasy romance, (nope not a type, must read !), then "Halo", the second part of Project ARMA, and now, The Mercy Ring, a segue from the Project ARMA novels that is effortless. All wonderful and entertaining!
This leaves me waiting for whatever is next, The Mercy Ring (book 4) or the next Halo, regardless, I know I will not be disappointed.
Frankly, I am excited to see where Nyssa Kathryn heads next with her writing after Halo and The Mercy Ring Series finish. I know whatever genre, or mixed genres, I will not be disappointed.
I cannot wait, but there is still much to finish!
Soooooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
January 29, 2023
Mercy me!! Cole and Aria’s book has alllllll the feels!
I absolutely loved this third book in Author Nyssa Kathryn’s MERCY RING series. COLE is such a gorgeous and flawed character, yet even though he frustrated me and hurt Aria’s feelings, his motives were pure if not skewed, and we both found it easy to forgive his behaviour. Well, I forgave him before Aria caved, but ... semantics!! I knew she had to get there!
We first met Aria at the end of DECLAN’s book where she lived across the road from Declan and Anthony, a teenager who Declan had just taken up guardianship of. When he saw her teenage son shove her in their driveway, he was across the road and up in the kid’s grill quick smart. And COLE’s book pretty much picks up from there. It’s not necessary to read the first two books in this series, but I unreservedly recommend them as great reading. I love the developing story line of these characters!
These guys are alpha protectors and effectively COLE is a single parent just as Aria is, and as such, this story differs a little in the dynamic of the characters in every way that I loved.
Aria is a great balance of strength and insecurity, her mother’s protective instinct is strong even as she fears for the future of her and her son. I admired her so much, and when she endeavoured to put Cole in his place, I was rapt, especially when the ladies from the first two books were there as solid support.
How Ms Kathryn continues to keep producing these amazing books in her ex-military world without getting repetitive is beyond me, and I always look forward to reading each one!!! 5-All-Action-Stars ✯🥊☆
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
I absolutely loved this third book in Author Nyssa Kathryn’s MERCY RING series. COLE is such a gorgeous and flawed character, yet even though he frustrated me and hurt Aria’s feelings, his motives were pure if not skewed, and we both found it easy to forgive his behaviour. Well, I forgave him before Aria caved, but ... semantics!! I knew she had to get there!
We first met Aria at the end of DECLAN’s book where she lived across the road from Declan and Anthony, a teenager who Declan had just taken up guardianship of. When he saw her teenage son shove her in their driveway, he was across the road and up in the kid’s grill quick smart. And COLE’s book pretty much picks up from there. It’s not necessary to read the first two books in this series, but I unreservedly recommend them as great reading. I love the developing story line of these characters!
These guys are alpha protectors and effectively COLE is a single parent just as Aria is, and as such, this story differs a little in the dynamic of the characters in every way that I loved.
Aria is a great balance of strength and insecurity, her mother’s protective instinct is strong even as she fears for the future of her and her son. I admired her so much, and when she endeavoured to put Cole in his place, I was rapt, especially when the ladies from the first two books were there as solid support.
How Ms Kathryn continues to keep producing these amazing books in her ex-military world without getting repetitive is beyond me, and I always look forward to reading each one!!! 5-All-Action-Stars ✯🥊☆
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
January 25, 2023
What an terrific start to this third book in the Mercy Ring series by this fabulous author. I found myself completely absorbed in this book, as little by little, all of these incidents started happening that were like pieces of a puzzle—I love puzzles.
We met Aria in the previous book, Declan, and could tell Cole was fascinated by her, but with his ‘I don’t do relationships’ attitude knew it was going to be very interesting. It certainly was but I found a time or two where I literally wanted to give Cole a smack around the ears. Luckily, he had other characters who were supportive and did it for me! 😄 I still liked him and understood why he was like he was, but sure was happy he reached out to Aria.
Aria, oh boy, did she have a tough life, but it helped shape her into a strong, determined woman who always put her son first. I admired her character so much and wanted to haul her out of any dangerous situations—that’s how powerful the writing is in this book.
The suspense element, as I said, is gradually built up into a crescendo of intense excitement that had me reading as fast as I possibly could—absolutely brilliant writing with great twists and turns. The romance between Aria and Cole slowly burned, the heat peaked and the steam blasted through the scenes. The outstanding element in all of these books is the support of all the characters and familial feelings that stem from this support.
Now I am ready for the next book, Ryker, one character I am dying to know more about and after the ending in this book, my interest is even more intense.
We met Aria in the previous book, Declan, and could tell Cole was fascinated by her, but with his ‘I don’t do relationships’ attitude knew it was going to be very interesting. It certainly was but I found a time or two where I literally wanted to give Cole a smack around the ears. Luckily, he had other characters who were supportive and did it for me! 😄 I still liked him and understood why he was like he was, but sure was happy he reached out to Aria.
Aria, oh boy, did she have a tough life, but it helped shape her into a strong, determined woman who always put her son first. I admired her character so much and wanted to haul her out of any dangerous situations—that’s how powerful the writing is in this book.
The suspense element, as I said, is gradually built up into a crescendo of intense excitement that had me reading as fast as I possibly could—absolutely brilliant writing with great twists and turns. The romance between Aria and Cole slowly burned, the heat peaked and the steam blasted through the scenes. The outstanding element in all of these books is the support of all the characters and familial feelings that stem from this support.
Now I am ready for the next book, Ryker, one character I am dying to know more about and after the ending in this book, my interest is even more intense.
January 25, 2023
He doesn’t let people in. The only people who know why are his teammates and his sister. However, for some reason he can’t seem to ignore the beautiful woman across the street and when he sees her being pushed, he rushes over to make sure she’s okay, only to find out that the one pushing her is her teenage son. Cole is a grumpy, quiet man that doesn’t believe that his heart should be given to anyone.
They can’t stay in one place too long or her ex will bring trouble to them, again. Aria and Zac don’t put down roots, and with them being in Washington for about a year now, Aria knows it’s time to move on, but now that she’s seen the sexy, grumpy, brooding neighbor that saved her, she’s not sure she wants to move again. When danger finds her and Zac again, she knows that she has someone watching her back this time.
I love the Mercy Ring series and was looking forward to Cole and Aria’s story. It did not disappoint. It is full of danger, action, suspense, surprises, and steamy scenes. I love that Zac is a grumpy, broody teenager, but he will stand up and protect his mother when needed. He knows when to step aside and let someone who is more equipped to do it stand in front of him too. I loved this story and the characters as always in Nyssa Kathryn’s books are awesome. I loved the storyline and the twists in this book as well. I give this book a 5-star review and I can’t wait to read Ryker’s story.
They can’t stay in one place too long or her ex will bring trouble to them, again. Aria and Zac don’t put down roots, and with them being in Washington for about a year now, Aria knows it’s time to move on, but now that she’s seen the sexy, grumpy, brooding neighbor that saved her, she’s not sure she wants to move again. When danger finds her and Zac again, she knows that she has someone watching her back this time.
I love the Mercy Ring series and was looking forward to Cole and Aria’s story. It did not disappoint. It is full of danger, action, suspense, surprises, and steamy scenes. I love that Zac is a grumpy, broody teenager, but he will stand up and protect his mother when needed. He knows when to step aside and let someone who is more equipped to do it stand in front of him too. I loved this story and the characters as always in Nyssa Kathryn’s books are awesome. I loved the storyline and the twists in this book as well. I give this book a 5-star review and I can’t wait to read Ryker’s story.
Read
May 14, 2025Again, Nyssa Kathryn is not a crime mystery writer and is shows. While still enjoyable, there are a glaring number of holes in that part of the story.
Cole calls Aria honey too. Like Declan to Michele. I hate it. And in this incident, Cole doesn't even know her last name yet. Cole: quiet, mysterious, user of old-fashioned terms of endearment.
A police officer would never share information about a case with civilians unless one of them called into dispatch to report an incident. Until certain steps are taken by emergency services, no pertinent information would be publicly shared.
As someone who spent several years working in a hotel, giving a false name at a hotel is unlikely to get you keys to a room. First, you have to have a government issued ID whose picture matches the person standing at the front desk. And second, the method of payment (credit or debit card required to place a hold for incidentals) has to match the name on the ID.
Cole calls Aria honey too. Like Declan to Michele. I hate it. And in this incident, Cole doesn't even know her last name yet. Cole: quiet, mysterious, user of old-fashioned terms of endearment.
A police officer would never share information about a case with civilians unless one of them called into dispatch to report an incident. Until certain steps are taken by emergency services, no pertinent information would be publicly shared.
As someone who spent several years working in a hotel, giving a false name at a hotel is unlikely to get you keys to a room. First, you have to have a government issued ID whose picture matches the person standing at the front desk. And second, the method of payment (credit or debit card required to place a hold for incidentals) has to match the name on the ID.
January 24, 2023
I’ve said it more than a few times but it needs to be repeated….this author is one of my go to authors for romantic suspense and once again proves why she is on that list.
Cole and Aria, both scarred from their pasts when it comes to relationships find an attraction that is hard to fight. Aria is a single mother, separated from her ex for good reasons, is raising her 16 year old son, Zac, and when her ex comes calling, all she can think about is running which she has done for the past many many years. Cole is shocked to learn that Zac is her son, thinking it was her brother and now that he has met her after seeing her from his kitchen window many times, he can’t stay away….and when he finds out she may be in danger…..watch out because the protective alpha man comes out and he will prove to her that she can rely on him…even if he made a mess of their budding romance.
Oh my what a read…suspense, steam, amazing characters and a broody alpha man….what more do you want���.I loved these two, how strong Aria is and how mama bear she is with Zac and how she stands up for herself….strong independent woman that is a match for Cole….loved these two together and the no over the top drama between them and how easily the story flowed without skipping a beat….once again….go to author!!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Cole and Aria, both scarred from their pasts when it comes to relationships find an attraction that is hard to fight. Aria is a single mother, separated from her ex for good reasons, is raising her 16 year old son, Zac, and when her ex comes calling, all she can think about is running which she has done for the past many many years. Cole is shocked to learn that Zac is her son, thinking it was her brother and now that he has met her after seeing her from his kitchen window many times, he can’t stay away….and when he finds out she may be in danger…..watch out because the protective alpha man comes out and he will prove to her that she can rely on him…even if he made a mess of their budding romance.
Oh my what a read…suspense, steam, amazing characters and a broody alpha man….what more do you want���.I loved these two, how strong Aria is and how mama bear she is with Zac and how she stands up for herself….strong independent woman that is a match for Cole….loved these two together and the no over the top drama between them and how easily the story flowed without skipping a beat….once again….go to author!!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
January 25, 2023
Cole and Aria
A single mom running from her ex and an ex-soldier who has vowed to never lose himself to love.
Aria has been running from her ex for 11 long years. She ends up living across the street from Cole and Ryker, two ex soldiers who recently opened a boxing club. Although Aria feels a pull towards Cole, she’s hesitant not only because of her son, but because of her experience with her ex who was a professional boxer.
Cole has convinced himself he’s not a relationship guy. He can’t imagine putting his heart at risk after losing his dad to a broken heart. But when suspicious things start happening to his neighbor, whom he is undeniably attracted to, his view starts to shift.
I loved seeing Cole slowly open up with Aria and her son Zac. He was so determined to be single forever, but couldn’t deny Aria was different than any other girl. And Aria fell just as hard, not just for Cole, but for the community he’d created with his best friends.
This was a great romantic suspense. I thought there was just the right amount of groveling from Cole and I liked that Aria didn’t immediately forgive him, she made him come to terms with his feelings and communicate with her first. I loved all the secondary relationships and that definitely added to the story. There were several twists that I didn’t see coming and thought it was well written.
A single mom running from her ex and an ex-soldier who has vowed to never lose himself to love.
Aria has been running from her ex for 11 long years. She ends up living across the street from Cole and Ryker, two ex soldiers who recently opened a boxing club. Although Aria feels a pull towards Cole, she’s hesitant not only because of her son, but because of her experience with her ex who was a professional boxer.
Cole has convinced himself he’s not a relationship guy. He can’t imagine putting his heart at risk after losing his dad to a broken heart. But when suspicious things start happening to his neighbor, whom he is undeniably attracted to, his view starts to shift.
I loved seeing Cole slowly open up with Aria and her son Zac. He was so determined to be single forever, but couldn’t deny Aria was different than any other girl. And Aria fell just as hard, not just for Cole, but for the community he’d created with his best friends.
This was a great romantic suspense. I thought there was just the right amount of groveling from Cole and I liked that Aria didn’t immediately forgive him, she made him come to terms with his feelings and communicate with her first. I loved all the secondary relationships and that definitely added to the story. There were several twists that I didn’t see coming and thought it was well written.
January 13, 2023
Once again this author delivers a story that grabs the reader’s attention from the first page and keeps one engaged to the last one.
If new to this series, it revolves around a group of friends who after they left the military , opened a boxing club. This time the story belongs to Cole Turner.
Cole is a man whose childhood showed him not to believe in love . He trusts only his friends and commitment is not in his vocabulary.
Meanwhile, his new neighbor across the street has him intrigued. But she does not look like the kind to have a one night stand so Cole stays away.
Aria Callas and her the son have been constantly moving for the last 11 years. Always trying to evade her dangerous, and abusive ex. She is attracted to Cole but her past keeps her from any commitments. Besides, her first priority is her son Zac.
When danger appears at her door, Zac comes to the rescue. But can either trust their feelings?
As their relationship intensifies, so does the danger. Will they survive it? If they do, will they find their HEA or will their past keep them apart?
This latest addition is another wonderful story in an already much loved series. Can’t wait for Ryker’s story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
If new to this series, it revolves around a group of friends who after they left the military , opened a boxing club. This time the story belongs to Cole Turner.
Cole is a man whose childhood showed him not to believe in love . He trusts only his friends and commitment is not in his vocabulary.
Meanwhile, his new neighbor across the street has him intrigued. But she does not look like the kind to have a one night stand so Cole stays away.
Aria Callas and her the son have been constantly moving for the last 11 years. Always trying to evade her dangerous, and abusive ex. She is attracted to Cole but her past keeps her from any commitments. Besides, her first priority is her son Zac.
When danger appears at her door, Zac comes to the rescue. But can either trust their feelings?
As their relationship intensifies, so does the danger. Will they survive it? If they do, will they find their HEA or will their past keep them apart?
This latest addition is another wonderful story in an already much loved series. Can’t wait for Ryker’s story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 7, 2024
Cole is the third book in the Mercy Ring series by Nyssa Kathryn. This is Cole and Aria’s book.
Aria is a single mother of a sixteen year old boy named Zac. Her ex was abusive so she never stays in one place too long for fear he will find them. She’s a great mother and deeply loves her son.
Cole and a couple of the other Delta guys live across the street from Aria. Every time he sees her, she grabs his attention. Problem is, Cole watched his dad die from a broken heart after his mother cheated on him. He doesn’t believe in love and happy endings and doesn’t want a relationship.
I really liked Aria, and I respected her for her strength and ability to take care of her and her son. Cole was a great guy too, but he needed his head knocked a couple of times for things he said or did. There was a little surprise with the bad guy that I didn’t guess until right before the identity was revealed.
I was glad to see that Zac and Anthony became friends, and I like how all these guys are finding their HEAs. Ryker’s book is the next and final book in this series. I thought maybe Eric would get a book too, but the author’s website states the series is complete after Ryker's book.
Aria is a single mother of a sixteen year old boy named Zac. Her ex was abusive so she never stays in one place too long for fear he will find them. She’s a great mother and deeply loves her son.
Cole and a couple of the other Delta guys live across the street from Aria. Every time he sees her, she grabs his attention. Problem is, Cole watched his dad die from a broken heart after his mother cheated on him. He doesn’t believe in love and happy endings and doesn’t want a relationship.
I really liked Aria, and I respected her for her strength and ability to take care of her and her son. Cole was a great guy too, but he needed his head knocked a couple of times for things he said or did. There was a little surprise with the bad guy that I didn’t guess until right before the identity was revealed.
I was glad to see that Zac and Anthony became friends, and I like how all these guys are finding their HEAs. Ryker’s book is the next and final book in this series. I thought maybe Eric would get a book too, but the author’s website states the series is complete after Ryker's book.
January 11, 2023
Aria and Cole's story is simply one that will leave you cheering, crying and cursing with every emotion in between in what is a roller coaster of highs and lows. I felt for Cole and Aria in this emotionally deeper book from Nyssa Kathryn. How their previous traumas led to unintentional hurts and misunderstandings by both before leading them back to each other. The danger element not only from Aria's past but also current relationships means that Cole and Aria are up against some interesting challenges in order to get to their HEA.
Aside from Aria and Cole's story is that of Aria's son Zac, his past and future combine in an exciting way and Zac proves he is an exceptional young man who deeply loves and understands the sacrifice and love Aria has given him. I liked that Zac and Anthony became friends and loved seeing more of this fab teenager. I'm hoping we will see more of Zac and Anthony in the future but the ending for this group is exactly what they all need.
Another great instalment by Nyssa Kathryn to the Mercy Ring series and I will admit, this is by far my favourite and I love them all!
Aside from Aria and Cole's story is that of Aria's son Zac, his past and future combine in an exciting way and Zac proves he is an exceptional young man who deeply loves and understands the sacrifice and love Aria has given him. I liked that Zac and Anthony became friends and loved seeing more of this fab teenager. I'm hoping we will see more of Zac and Anthony in the future but the ending for this group is exactly what they all need.
Another great instalment by Nyssa Kathryn to the Mercy Ring series and I will admit, this is by far my favourite and I love them all!
January 17, 2023
Excellent read! This book grabs your attention from the start and holds on until the end. I really enjoyed the characters and storyline; it was impossible to put down.
Cole and Aria both have suffered in the past and have personal obstacles to overcome before they can be together. Aria and her son have been running from her ex for years. It seems as soon as they put down roots and get settled, he appears and they have to run again. This time is different though because she’s met Cole and his friends and feels like she finally found a place she wants her and her son to belong. Though her ex and some horrible bullies might have something to say about it. There were several twists and turns and many edge-of-your-seat moments in this story; including a shocking betrayal. Emotions run all over the place in this book! I loved seeing Cole and Aria’s relationship grow along with their bumps in the road. There were also several compelling scenes that have you cheering hard for them to find their HEA.
This book is full of excitement, danger, suspense, fear, betrayal, friendship, joy, mystery, action, and romance.
Cole and Aria both have suffered in the past and have personal obstacles to overcome before they can be together. Aria and her son have been running from her ex for years. It seems as soon as they put down roots and get settled, he appears and they have to run again. This time is different though because she’s met Cole and his friends and feels like she finally found a place she wants her and her son to belong. Though her ex and some horrible bullies might have something to say about it. There were several twists and turns and many edge-of-your-seat moments in this story; including a shocking betrayal. Emotions run all over the place in this book! I loved seeing Cole and Aria’s relationship grow along with their bumps in the road. There were also several compelling scenes that have you cheering hard for them to find their HEA.
This book is full of excitement, danger, suspense, fear, betrayal, friendship, joy, mystery, action, and romance.
January 19, 2023
Cole and Aria, wow it sure didn’t disappoint. She is a sassy independent single mother who has ghosts and demons chasing her. Then you have Cole, Delta who doesn’t believe in love, doesn’t do relationships but can not seem to get Aria out of his head. Oh and the fact that they are neighbors and can see each other often is just a cherry on top of the sundae. After one chance meeting, they just can not seem to shake the attraction they feel towards each other. Once they decide to slowly let the walls down and allow a friendship to grow it’s kind of amazing. They start getting along great, then they finally decide to give in to the attraction and become a couple it’s fantastic everything is going wonderful. That is until her past comes crawling back to haunt her. Through all the twist and turns that they go through in this journey they still find their way back to each other. They have so much emotional baggage they overcome together. They are truly soulmates, they make each other better. I am so glad they got their happily ever after.
February 11, 2023
Single mom, online fitness trainer, Aria Callas and her teen-aged son Zac have lost track of how many cities they’d run through over the last dozen years trying to stay away from her abusive ex, Marcus. Somehow, Marcus keeps finding them and things keep happening. Afraid but careful, Aria begins to relax, she and Zac make friends and are happy.
Ex-Delta Cole Turner was around to help neighbor Aria home after she refuses advances from an over-eager man at a bar and the man tries to force Aria from the bar. Feelings grow between them but Cole after witnessing the bad outcome of his parents, Cole vowed relationships weren’t for him and keeps messing up. took Aria home.
Aria’s at a loss because this time when Marcus has found them, though bad things haven’t happened…yet, for the first time, Aria doesn’t want to uproot her life again. After Cole sees the exes, he lets his past rule his actions and gets the wrong idea. But true to form, Marcus brings the worst problems he has to lay at Aria’s feet for solution.
Rating: 4.25stars
Ex-Delta Cole Turner was around to help neighbor Aria home after she refuses advances from an over-eager man at a bar and the man tries to force Aria from the bar. Feelings grow between them but Cole after witnessing the bad outcome of his parents, Cole vowed relationships weren’t for him and keeps messing up. took Aria home.
Aria’s at a loss because this time when Marcus has found them, though bad things haven’t happened…yet, for the first time, Aria doesn’t want to uproot her life again. After Cole sees the exes, he lets his past rule his actions and gets the wrong idea. But true to form, Marcus brings the worst problems he has to lay at Aria’s feet for solution.
Rating: 4.25stars
August 25, 2023
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters from one of Blue Halo's books
Mercy Ring Book 1
Single mom
*over 18 readers only*
3rd person PoV
Trigger warning
Military injuries
DV
Date R ape drugs
Murder
Drugs
Violence on mfc
Aria is a single mom, raising her 16 yr old son, hiding from her son's father. Cole and his 3 friends own a boxing gym for at risk youth and anyone looking to train. He also lives with 2 of those friends across from Aria and her son. He's already stepped in it by getting between them once. But when he rescues her from the bar after she was drugged, things get interesting. He needs to know what's going on so he can protect her. She wants to run again. She doesn't feel safe, and only running makes sense to her. Before she can, her past catches up to her. Cole has a fight on his hands to get her to let him help. Can he keep her safe? Can he keep both boys safe?
This one hits a little close to home. It was well written and emotionally tough to read. I honestly didn't figure out the "bad guy" until 2 pages before everything came to light.
Standalone, interconnected characters from one of Blue Halo's books
Mercy Ring Book 1
Single mom
*over 18 readers only*
3rd person PoV
Trigger warning
Military injuries
DV
Date R ape drugs
Murder
Drugs
Violence on mfc
Aria is a single mom, raising her 16 yr old son, hiding from her son's father. Cole and his 3 friends own a boxing gym for at risk youth and anyone looking to train. He also lives with 2 of those friends across from Aria and her son. He's already stepped in it by getting between them once. But when he rescues her from the bar after she was drugged, things get interesting. He needs to know what's going on so he can protect her. She wants to run again. She doesn't feel safe, and only running makes sense to her. Before she can, her past catches up to her. Cole has a fight on his hands to get her to let him help. Can he keep her safe? Can he keep both boys safe?
This one hits a little close to home. It was well written and emotionally tough to read. I honestly didn't figure out the "bad guy" until 2 pages before everything came to light.
January 11, 2023
Ms. Kathryn never fails to deliver on the goods! I knew Cole's story would be a little more heavy emotionally than Declan, but this story...this story pulled on all of the emotions! Both he and Aria had so much trauma from their pasts that it was easy to see how it affected their views on relationships. I loved Aria. She was a strong and independent woman who made her son's safety her number one priority. Even through all of the crap that they had been through, she was still willing to open herself up and trust Cole. And Cole...bless his heart Aria had him all twisted up, and he had no clue what to do with it! I loved seeing the growth of his character throughout this story. He is absolutely perfect for Aria and Zac. He's an over the top protective alpha male that's a marshmallow for his woman. This story is full of action and thrills, as well as spicy steam! Excellent continuation in this series.
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