Ultra Meital Reviews: Have Mercy by Christina Lee

This book is EVERYTHING. I don't know how and if I can review it, or rather if I can give it the justice it deserves. This book spoke to something so deep inside me. A whisper of the past, of who I used to be, of what I've been through and the horse that stood by my side, silent, observing, offering comfort. "Only takes one horse to get their hooks in you" That's the truth. His name was Comet. I made a sad and conscious decision years ago to put my love for horses aside. It's no wonder I chose the closest thing I could have inside my home - a Great Dane. This breed own my heart, for sure. But my horses are not and will never not be forgotten.

Julian North is lost. He used to have a "job", a purpose, but after his honorary discharge from the military he is left with a bad knee and nightmares (not only during the nights). He is having a hard time adjusting to life, especially in the big city. Yet when his mother suggests spending the summer in cousin's farm in Wyoming he isn't sure it's a good idea. He always liked Sienna and she needs his help in something he is good at and would enjoy doing - converting a silo into a small store - still he isn't sure about it. Once he gets there it doesn't take him long to fall in love with the place, and a certain person...

Kerry Carmichael made enough mistakes, he hurt the people he loves, and even though it cost him his happiness he is willing to pay. When he met Sienna in high school they became best friends, getting married was almost an easy decision, all he had to do was ignore one part of himself.. They were good together, raising their daughter Ainsley, claiming a small part of his family's enormous property, raising a few cows, goats and chickens to make a small profit. When Sienna catches him watching gay porn the whole facade shatters. The divorce was inevitable but with all the hurt and heartache, the guilt and regret they still had a farm to manage and a little girl to raise, who was shortly after diagnosed with Leukemia. Ainsley defeated the cancer but it left her with emotional struggles they are still dealing with. They have a routine, a life together, even if he and Sienna aren't a married couple anymore.

That's the setting Julian finds himself in. An early riser after his long service he wakes up to Kerry already milking the cows and Sienna not long after up to take care of the goats. Life is simple though there is a lot of work around the farm with two sweet pet pigs running around and a few rescue horses as well. Julian has always liked animals but growing up, he didn't have any. Even though his mother was raised in this town she left for the big city never to look back. It takes time for Ainsley to feel more confident around him, but it doesn't take him long to feel a sort of peace and contentment at his surroundings.

Spending more time with Kerry he gets to know a very sweet and caring guy. One who puts everyone else first. He sees Julian in a way no else else does. It's obvious there is attraction between them, but it takes time for Julian to share with Kerry he is actually bisexual. Kerry wants Julian SO MUCH but being Sienna's cousin, and not wanting to disappoint her or his family even more he stays away until he can't anymore. Their passionate kiss makes them both realize there is no coming back, though there might be no way forwards as well.

I'm going to leave my review here. You simply HAVE to read it for yourself and experience this book on your own. Yeah, I could say so much more - about Ainsley and her struggles, about the change in Sienna and Kerry's relationship, the name of this book and it's meaning, the beautiful and tender relation Julian forms with a rescue horse - one who needed to learn how to trust again, just like him. There is so much to this story, about families love not always free of judgement and unconditional and at the heart of it all - Kerry and Julian. They needed each other, Julian offered Kerry a chance to lead, to take charge in a way he never did in his life, build a confidence in himself and the right he has to be happy. He also offered Julian a chance for ONCE to give in and let someone else take care of him. Their relationship was tender and sweet but it was also searing hot!

Truly, can't recommend this book enough. It's simply a MUST READ.

Just before I leave you to grab this book yourself (!)
I'll gift you with the one who was never mine but will forever hold my heart.

I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book will be available is a few more days make sure you get your copy though the link bellow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Once upon a time, Christina Lee was a wardrobe stylist in New York City. She spent her days schlepping clothes, hailing cabs, and on the hunt for the perfect lip gloss, which became a bit of an addiction— along with books and coffee. You could always find her perched in a corner booth of a favorite diner sipping a dark roast and reading.

She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and son— her two favorite guys. She’s been a clinical social worker and a special education teacher and while very rewarding, they still didn’t feel like an exact fit. It wasn't until she began writing a weekly column for the local newspaper that the bells went off in her head. She could finally draw from her real-life experiences and vivid imagination to write fiction— and she’s never looked back.

Christina writes romance in different sub-genres, but mostly with LGBTQ characters because representation matters and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.

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