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Mercy Hollings #1
Beg For Mercy
I've never been certain I'm human
Oh, the X-rays and blood tests are normal, and most people have no reason to suspect I'm more than I appear to be. But if I tell you to do something? You do it—no ifs, ands or buts.
I call my power the 'press.'
My name is Mercy Hollings, and if you think that having the power to control people makes my life easy, you're dead wrong.
Because when I get angry, everyone around me is at risk—Sukey, my friend who has frightening taste in men; my clients, who, ironically, come to me for help; my neighbors, who regard me as a loner; and Sam, aman who wants to know my darkest secret.
I have hurt people in the past, and I don't want thatto happen again. But now a powerful stranger is threatening the new life that I've made for myself.
And I'm afraid my anger is taking over.
Oh, the X-rays and blood tests are normal, and most people have no reason to suspect I'm more than I appear to be. But if I tell you to do something? You do it—no ifs, ands or buts.
I call my power the 'press.'
My name is Mercy Hollings, and if you think that having the power to control people makes my life easy, you're dead wrong.
Because when I get angry, everyone around me is at risk—Sukey, my friend who has frightening taste in men; my clients, who, ironically, come to me for help; my neighbors, who regard me as a loner; and Sam, aman who wants to know my darkest secret.
I have hurt people in the past, and I don't want thatto happen again. But now a powerful stranger is threatening the new life that I've made for myself.
And I'm afraid my anger is taking over.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
23 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Toni Andrews
7 books75 followersMy life changed one day while I was sitting on the toilet.
A couple of years ago, a person very close to me found himself in a mid-life "career opportunity" situation. Ever helpful and a lifetime book person, I went to the store, I bought a pile of those books about finding the color of your parachute and being what you are.
My friend never read them. Not everyone (gasp!) seeks answers from self-help books. Eventually, they found their way into my "reading room." I started skimming through them in my, er idle moments.
One day I found myself faced with one of those end-of-chapter summaries in the form of four questions. Here they are, more or less, along with my answers.
1. Do you like your job?
Yes, very much.
2. Would you keep it if they didn't pay you?
Hahahahahahahaha. No
3. If money wasn't a consideration, what would you do?
I’d write fiction.
4. Is there any reason you can't start now?
Uh.............no.
Of course! I could start writing fiction any time. Just walk over to the computer. Or pick up a pen. Or a crayon.
Omigod. I’d just decided on a new career. At forty-four. With my underpants around my ankles.
Was it really that simple? Well, yes, actually. Now I'm writing full time, living in the tiny lakeside cottage where I spent childhood summers. And I'm loving every minute of it!
A couple of years ago, a person very close to me found himself in a mid-life "career opportunity" situation. Ever helpful and a lifetime book person, I went to the store, I bought a pile of those books about finding the color of your parachute and being what you are.
My friend never read them. Not everyone (gasp!) seeks answers from self-help books. Eventually, they found their way into my "reading room." I started skimming through them in my, er idle moments.
One day I found myself faced with one of those end-of-chapter summaries in the form of four questions. Here they are, more or less, along with my answers.
1. Do you like your job?
Yes, very much.
2. Would you keep it if they didn't pay you?
Hahahahahahahaha. No
3. If money wasn't a consideration, what would you do?
I’d write fiction.
4. Is there any reason you can't start now?
Uh.............no.
Of course! I could start writing fiction any time. Just walk over to the computer. Or pick up a pen. Or a crayon.
Omigod. I’d just decided on a new career. At forty-four. With my underpants around my ankles.
Was it really that simple? Well, yes, actually. Now I'm writing full time, living in the tiny lakeside cottage where I spent childhood summers. And I'm loving every minute of it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 21, 2009
It opened and ended a bit better than the middle, but overall I liked it a lot. It's quite a fast read, with some dark themes but not the kind you can't let go of when you put the book down. The middle really dragged while Mercy was investigating. Everyone having to tell her the whole truth without hesitation didn't leave much room for intrigue. Yes, she had to think of the right questions and find people to question, but it was pretty dull. What redeemed it was the way the various characters Mercy meets during this section come together to form a Scooby Gang to help Mercy and Sukey. Only in a book, movie or TV show would that cast of characters work together that well, but they're a fun group. Add Fred, Mercy's cat, and the dog that comes in later and you have a great set-up for book 2.
Another good character was Sam, Mercy's love interest. Definitely the kind of guy readers can't resist, with great looks, confidence and a sense of sweetness to go with the package. I didn't really buy Mercy and his instant connection after she'd spent her whole life holding people off from getting too close and not had a boyfriend for years. It was more romance novel than urban fantasy. But I like Sam and it's not that big a deal. Also, I expect some secrets from his past to surface in the next book. For a guy who hates secrets he sure performed well in a dangerous situation and had some suspicious moves. I'm betting money that he was really a Navy SEAL or something before moving to town. That's not a spoiler, just a guess from the hints. Let me know what you guys think.
There were also a few moments that left me scratching my head, like when Mercy's friend Sukey doesn't come to work or call all day after the bad guy threatened to hurt her friends and Mercy never even once wonders if she's ok. Yes, Sukey had mentioned she might spend the day out of town with a friend, but wouldn't you want to check? Although I have to admit that Mercy wasn't aware that she was the star of a novel and wasn't expecting the complications I was. But it seemed like an obvious move that was ignored to get the plot going.
Anyway, things really picked up once the action kicked in and it was a great run to the finish. I liked Mercy and her gang a lot and am looking forward to the next book. Which I'll probably be starting in just a few minutes. That's a good sign, right?
Another good character was Sam, Mercy's love interest. Definitely the kind of guy readers can't resist, with great looks, confidence and a sense of sweetness to go with the package. I didn't really buy Mercy and his instant connection after she'd spent her whole life holding people off from getting too close and not had a boyfriend for years. It was more romance novel than urban fantasy. But I like Sam and it's not that big a deal. Also, I expect some secrets from his past to surface in the next book. For a guy who hates secrets he sure performed well in a dangerous situation and had some suspicious moves. I'm betting money that he was really a Navy SEAL or something before moving to town. That's not a spoiler, just a guess from the hints. Let me know what you guys think.
There were also a few moments that left me scratching my head, like when Mercy's friend Sukey doesn't come to work or call all day after the bad guy threatened to hurt her friends and Mercy never even once wonders if she's ok. Yes, Sukey had mentioned she might spend the day out of town with a friend, but wouldn't you want to check? Although I have to admit that Mercy wasn't aware that she was the star of a novel and wasn't expecting the complications I was. But it seemed like an obvious move that was ignored to get the plot going.
Anyway, things really picked up once the action kicked in and it was a great run to the finish. I liked Mercy and her gang a lot and am looking forward to the next book. Which I'll probably be starting in just a few minutes. That's a good sign, right?
August 21, 2014
The blurb for this book made it sound very interesting-the not quite human, trying to hide her secret supernatural power to manipulate minds and suppress her desire to use it to her own advantage. It sounds like a dark urban fantasy book that will be full of ass kicking by our heroine as she faces dark forces around and within her. Great! Lets give this book a try! And doesn't it also have a great cover to entice you to buy it?!!
Sadly this was not what the book was. First we have to endure uber-dumb, useless bimbo from hell best friend Sukey with her conveyer belt of bad choice boyfriends and lack of personality. This girl is such a pathetic weepy whiner that I wanted to give her a damn good slap every time she appeared on a page. I really cannot stand this type of character and she does nothing to enhance the story. I swear I lost half of my front teeth because I kept grinding them together when Sukey was around-and sadly, she was ever present.
Then Mercy herself seems to just spend the first section of the book telling us what a loner she is and how sad her life is. Well ditch the idiot Sukey and that might be a good start. Then she starts to obsess about the new guy in town with endless whining thoughts about whether he could like her or not. She soon develops flaming pants syndrome for her handsome new friend and off we go talking and thinking endlessly about her love and social lives. The plot mostly seemed to care about whether or not Mercy could maybe have a relationship with this guy, while I was sitting thinking 'is anything supernatural or interesting EVER going to happen? Or are we just going to play dating games for the rest of the book? Where is the PLOT???
Personally I got tired of waiting for something interesting to happen. The story idea itself was good and there was nothing wrong with the writing skills of the author for me. But there was too much emphasis on the social life of Mercy and not enough on the paranormal aspects that had attracted me to the book in the first place. This was just a poor imitation paranormal romance dressed up as urban fantasy to make fans of the latter waste their money on it. (For that I blame the publisher more than the author.) I didn't relate to or care about any of the characters and certainly won't be reading the rest of the series.
Sadly this was not what the book was. First we have to endure uber-dumb, useless bimbo from hell best friend Sukey with her conveyer belt of bad choice boyfriends and lack of personality. This girl is such a pathetic weepy whiner that I wanted to give her a damn good slap every time she appeared on a page. I really cannot stand this type of character and she does nothing to enhance the story. I swear I lost half of my front teeth because I kept grinding them together when Sukey was around-and sadly, she was ever present.
Then Mercy herself seems to just spend the first section of the book telling us what a loner she is and how sad her life is. Well ditch the idiot Sukey and that might be a good start. Then she starts to obsess about the new guy in town with endless whining thoughts about whether he could like her or not. She soon develops flaming pants syndrome for her handsome new friend and off we go talking and thinking endlessly about her love and social lives. The plot mostly seemed to care about whether or not Mercy could maybe have a relationship with this guy, while I was sitting thinking 'is anything supernatural or interesting EVER going to happen? Or are we just going to play dating games for the rest of the book? Where is the PLOT???
Personally I got tired of waiting for something interesting to happen. The story idea itself was good and there was nothing wrong with the writing skills of the author for me. But there was too much emphasis on the social life of Mercy and not enough on the paranormal aspects that had attracted me to the book in the first place. This was just a poor imitation paranormal romance dressed up as urban fantasy to make fans of the latter waste their money on it. (For that I blame the publisher more than the author.) I didn't relate to or care about any of the characters and certainly won't be reading the rest of the series.
November 7, 2010
I really liked this book. This was a solid start to a contemporary fantasy series, and I'm not sure why it took me so long to hear about it, considering this is my favorite sub-genre. I wasn't sure about it after reading the blurb - it's about a telepath, not my usual werewolves and vampires living in modern day America - but the more I read, the more I liked it. The writing is very good. I felt for the characters and the decisions were all believeable within the context of the story. I even grew interested in learning more about Mercy's "superpowers" - it's origin, what else she could do, etc. I've now extremely interested to see where this series goes. It seems to have the potential to be a winner.
The premise is the Mercy Hollings can make you do anything she tells you to do with the power of her suggestion. She's got her own ethical "do no harm" rules and she's about to open a business as a hypnotherapist. She's got one friend in all the world who happens to have horrible taste in men. When she tells the schmuck to flush his drugs down the toilet and leave town forever, she doesn't know that he's holding a million dollars worth of a drug dealer's stash, and the drug dealer comes after her. Only he's immune to her powers and utterly ruthless. Mercy meets the man of her dreams along the way and finally starts to make some new friends, right as the bad guy treatens all she holds dear. Sounds a bit cheesy, but it works. Looking forward to the next book.
The premise is the Mercy Hollings can make you do anything she tells you to do with the power of her suggestion. She's got her own ethical "do no harm" rules and she's about to open a business as a hypnotherapist. She's got one friend in all the world who happens to have horrible taste in men. When she tells the schmuck to flush his drugs down the toilet and leave town forever, she doesn't know that he's holding a million dollars worth of a drug dealer's stash, and the drug dealer comes after her. Only he's immune to her powers and utterly ruthless. Mercy meets the man of her dreams along the way and finally starts to make some new friends, right as the bad guy treatens all she holds dear. Sounds a bit cheesy, but it works. Looking forward to the next book.
September 3, 2014
<2
Sooner or later I'll have to find the will, if not the time, to create a new shelf. Cheesiness. Or something like it.
One reviewer wrote:
And I can't deny that with this rude sounding (but utterly true) statement a fellow reader hit the nail on its boring square head.
I found many problems with this story. There was no world-building at all. The cliché-ridden heroine was the only character with some paranormal aspect, together with the villain, and being adopted it was easily ignored and glossed over.
We can't really say this is UF, as there's no fantasy in it. There's no mystery, as everything is uber spelled out either by the plot that really lacks any mystery and by the heroine's power.
Let's not talk about the romantic thread. It was too heavy handed to be a secondary aspect, as it should have been, and way too cheesy to be interesting. It sounded bad as the worst pnr to me.
The plot was moved on only by the heroine's stupidity. It couldn't stand on its legs. But she was not the only problem. All of them were pretty flat, from the best friend to the villain. At worst they were barely sketched.
Sooner or later I'll have to find the will, if not the time, to create a new shelf. Cheesiness. Or something like it.
One reviewer wrote:
Failed as a romance, failed as a mystery, failed as an urban fantasy.
And I can't deny that with this rude sounding (but utterly true) statement a fellow reader hit the nail on its boring square head.
I found many problems with this story. There was no world-building at all. The cliché-ridden heroine was the only character with some paranormal aspect, together with the villain, and being adopted it was easily ignored and glossed over.
We can't really say this is UF, as there's no fantasy in it. There's no mystery, as everything is uber spelled out either by the plot that really lacks any mystery and by the heroine's power.
Let's not talk about the romantic thread. It was too heavy handed to be a secondary aspect, as it should have been, and way too cheesy to be interesting. It sounded bad as the worst pnr to me.
The plot was moved on only by the heroine's stupidity. It couldn't stand on its legs. But she was not the only problem. All of them were pretty flat, from the best friend to the villain. At worst they were barely sketched.
February 27, 2012
3.2
I'm not sure where this would be located in the literary spectrum. Is it a romance? No, not really. There is some smexy but not so much that this is what the book is about. Is it a mystery? Well, sort of but we kind of know what happened and who the guilty party is. There's some blackmail I guess but...no not really a mystery. Sci-Fi/Fantasy? Well maybe. There's some empathy/telepathy thing going on.
Was is good?
Meh. It was entertaining but the plot wasn't as developed as it should've been, the love interest could've used more of a dimension and the mystery should've been a mystery.
If you want a better mix of the aforementioned genre you should try Linda Lael Miller's "Mojo" books
Otherwise, if you own this book, you might as well read it.
I'm not sure where this would be located in the literary spectrum. Is it a romance? No, not really. There is some smexy but not so much that this is what the book is about. Is it a mystery? Well, sort of but we kind of know what happened and who the guilty party is. There's some blackmail I guess but...no not really a mystery. Sci-Fi/Fantasy? Well maybe. There's some empathy/telepathy thing going on.
Was is good?
Meh. It was entertaining but the plot wasn't as developed as it should've been, the love interest could've used more of a dimension and the mystery should've been a mystery.
If you want a better mix of the aforementioned genre you should try Linda Lael Miller's "Mojo" books
Otherwise, if you own this book, you might as well read it.
April 9, 2009
This was definitely an interesting book, and for me it was the first of it's kind. I have read a lot of paranormal books but never a book about a woman who has the ability to "press" people. Meet Mercy who is hiding her ability to use "press". This means she has the power to make people do whatever she wants, and it comes out most when she loses control of her anger. Unfortunately, lately she's been getting pissed. She tends to do that when people threaten her friends. She is minding her own business when someone ends up hurting her friend Sukey. And Mercy ends up involved in a case that threatens the lives of everyone she knows, including her own.
I would definitely read the next in the series. I'm curious to see in what direction the author takes.
I would definitely read the next in the series. I'm curious to see in what direction the author takes.
October 1, 2020
2.5
Nothing particularly wrong with it. It’s an easy formula, which isn’t bad in itself, but I just struggle connect with any of them. There’s enough potential in them that it sucks I couldn’t connect, but probably not enough to make me read the next two to see if they are better.
Add to that that it looks like bk3 was released in 2009... and some of the reviews seem to suggest there’s still no real answers, or at least that they aren’t really explored... :/
Nothing particularly wrong with it. It’s an easy formula, which isn’t bad in itself, but I just struggle connect with any of them. There’s enough potential in them that it sucks I couldn’t connect, but probably not enough to make me read the next two to see if they are better.
Add to that that it looks like bk3 was released in 2009... and some of the reviews seem to suggest there’s still no real answers, or at least that they aren’t really explored... :/
January 26, 2009
Mercy Hollings has an unusual power of mind manipulation she calls “The Press”. With the help of her best friend, Sukey, she successfully builds a business as a hypnotherapist. She helps people overcome their psychological problems, from excessive drinking to nicotine addiction. Mercy has kept her power a secret from everyone around her and only believes in using her powers for good until a mysterious figure by the name of Dominic threatens to change everything. When Sukey doesn’t show up for work one day, Mercy finds herself in a fight to save their lives. Everything she believes in will be sacrificed and her power tested to the ultimate limit, but will she be too late?
It wasn’t too action packed and there was enough plot line to keep the pages moving. Since it took a different perspective on a supernatural power, it was very interesting. There is some romance build up and there is graphic sexual content towards the end of the book, so I wouldn’t recommend it to teens, though us “young” adults would probably find it entertaining. For a romance novel I wish there was more of the graphical sexual content, but I did find all the characters in the book to have enjoyable personalities and, with all the excitement that happens, you can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Beg for Mercy does just as the title says. Though it was easy for me to put down when I needed to, I picked it right back up when I got the chance. My life is pretty busy so having to put the book aside at times wasn’t by choice, trust me.
It wasn’t too action packed and there was enough plot line to keep the pages moving. Since it took a different perspective on a supernatural power, it was very interesting. There is some romance build up and there is graphic sexual content towards the end of the book, so I wouldn’t recommend it to teens, though us “young” adults would probably find it entertaining. For a romance novel I wish there was more of the graphical sexual content, but I did find all the characters in the book to have enjoyable personalities and, with all the excitement that happens, you can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Beg for Mercy does just as the title says. Though it was easy for me to put down when I needed to, I picked it right back up when I got the chance. My life is pretty busy so having to put the book aside at times wasn’t by choice, trust me.
May 4, 2010
I enjoyed Mercy’s 1st person POV. I thought she was witty, comical and smart. The conflict with her struggle between using her powers or not was consistent throughout plot and I was drawn in from the first page (read in less than 12 hours – including some sleep time). I thought Sukey was funny and total polar opposite from Mercy, which was why they were good for each other as friends. Sam was someone I’d like to meet, definitely. I was glad Rocko, Dominic and Sergio got theirs in the end and I was happy Cupcake was rescued by the girls. Beyond a doubt, worth the read, I’m looking forward to the next 2 books.
March 22, 2011
Interesting book. :) I wonder what she is. She seems to imply that she is a different species. Weird how Sam becomes bossy too. As if he has any right to act up.
Anyway. I like the story. It's an easy read and definitely readable in half a day. But the action/mystery if this book is pretty good too. I would qualify it as "cozy urban fantasy".
Sexy meter: 4/5 - hot but not and graphic but not over the top ;).
Weirdness/fantasy factor: 2/5 - mild really - seems like it is just mind control type.
Action factor: 3/5 - gets intense at some point. But nothing too violent.
Would read the next book in between other books though. Not right away. Might get bored if I read all three right away.
Anyway. I like the story. It's an easy read and definitely readable in half a day. But the action/mystery if this book is pretty good too. I would qualify it as "cozy urban fantasy".
Sexy meter: 4/5 - hot but not and graphic but not over the top ;).
Weirdness/fantasy factor: 2/5 - mild really - seems like it is just mind control type.
Action factor: 3/5 - gets intense at some point. But nothing too violent.
Would read the next book in between other books though. Not right away. Might get bored if I read all three right away.
July 3, 2009
I saw this author and thought this series looked good. As I sat down with the book I was excited to read it, as I thought the premise was a good one. But after 30 pages I gave up on it. As I was reading my mind kept wandering to all the chores I could do around the house. NOt a good thing, because usually I'll put them off to read. So while I really wanted to like this book, it just couldn't hold my attention.
April 9, 2009
This is a new author for me. I thought this book was great. I can't wait for the next one. Twists and turns you don't expect which for me are great. Mercy is an unusual young woman who has capbalities to press people. And when I mean that I think reading the book is the best way to find out what I mean. There is drugs, murder and losts of mystery. Oh yeah even a Love interest.
September 9, 2009
This was a hard read, I forced myself through this one....the idea was definitely a good one, but unfortunately the execution was not good at all. I am not sure I will move to the next one, probably not.
October 15, 2025
I love a good gothic, and I also go through phases where I’m fond of paranormals and ghost stories, so this month’s TBR theme – Here There Be Monsters – appealed to me. As I combed through my TBR, I stumbled across the Mercy Hollings trilogy of paranormals, so I decided to give Beg for Mercy a try. While this one has a plot point I found disturbing (more on that later), I did find a lot to like here and I suspect I’ll be finishing the trilogy.
If you like found family stories, this may appeal to you. The heroine, Mercy Hollings, has an ability she calls “the press.” In other words, she can tell people to do things and if she accompanies this with a mental push of sorts, she can make them do it. When her abilities became known, her adoptive family returned her to the foster care system. Now an adult, Mercy lives in Balboa, California, and is something of a loner. She has one friend, Sukey, but that’s about it. She fears hurting others, so she tends to distance herself.
As the book opens, Mercy is starting a business as a hypnotherapist. Sukey is her receptionist, and Mercy is hoping things will go well. However, a night out with Sukey and her sort-of boyfriend culminates in some horrifying events, and Mercy finds she has caught the attention of a local drug dealer. As it happens, she has also captured the attention of Sam, a mysterious man who has come to town to run a local business down on the water.
As Mercy finds herself trying to gather information and outwit the vengeful drug dealer, she also finds herself doing something very unexpected. Along the way, she’s starting to make friends and realize what it is to have people that have your back, at least to a certain extent. And then there’s the relationship she starts falling into with Sam.
Mercy can be a little aloof and prickly, but given her history, I found it understandable. The plot action in this book kept me going, and since this is a book from 2007, smartphones and GPS are not yet ubiquitous, and that added an extra bit of mystery to the story.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
If you like found family stories, this may appeal to you. The heroine, Mercy Hollings, has an ability she calls “the press.” In other words, she can tell people to do things and if she accompanies this with a mental push of sorts, she can make them do it. When her abilities became known, her adoptive family returned her to the foster care system. Now an adult, Mercy lives in Balboa, California, and is something of a loner. She has one friend, Sukey, but that’s about it. She fears hurting others, so she tends to distance herself.
As the book opens, Mercy is starting a business as a hypnotherapist. Sukey is her receptionist, and Mercy is hoping things will go well. However, a night out with Sukey and her sort-of boyfriend culminates in some horrifying events, and Mercy finds she has caught the attention of a local drug dealer. As it happens, she has also captured the attention of Sam, a mysterious man who has come to town to run a local business down on the water.
As Mercy finds herself trying to gather information and outwit the vengeful drug dealer, she also finds herself doing something very unexpected. Along the way, she’s starting to make friends and realize what it is to have people that have your back, at least to a certain extent. And then there’s the relationship she starts falling into with Sam.
Mercy can be a little aloof and prickly, but given her history, I found it understandable. The plot action in this book kept me going, and since this is a book from 2007, smartphones and GPS are not yet ubiquitous, and that added an extra bit of mystery to the story.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
August 12, 2025
Interesting premise and interesting characters lead to a fun read.
The first book in the Mercy Hollings trilogy really hit the spot for me. I was looking for something that was outside the normal werewolf/vampire/witch metaphysical romp but wasn't quite sure what that left.
This series is about a girl who realizes she can make people do as she says by telling them and sometimes not on purpose. This leads to her wondering is she even human? The characters are funny and although not fully formed seem to be able move with the series. The chemistry is good and the sarcasm is only a 3 on a 5 rating with a small snark factor for a bit too many familiar stock characters (ie the upstairs gay couple, the quirky besty) I recommend it for a fun time but not for those that crave original character studies.
The first book in the Mercy Hollings trilogy really hit the spot for me. I was looking for something that was outside the normal werewolf/vampire/witch metaphysical romp but wasn't quite sure what that left.
This series is about a girl who realizes she can make people do as she says by telling them and sometimes not on purpose. This leads to her wondering is she even human? The characters are funny and although not fully formed seem to be able move with the series. The chemistry is good and the sarcasm is only a 3 on a 5 rating with a small snark factor for a bit too many familiar stock characters (ie the upstairs gay couple, the quirky besty) I recommend it for a fun time but not for those that crave original character studies.
April 30, 2018
Spent 3 hrs and 18 min to read this book
This was a new series and I am hooked. I can't wait to read the next two in the series. I thought for sure that I wouldn't like it when it started, but the characters quickly drew me in. I really thought that Dominic would be one side of a love triangle at first, but nope. He was a total dickhead. I want to see who her parents are and all of her secrets. My favorite character is Cupcake. I can't wait to see more of him in the next books. I love Rottweilers! Mercy, and her gang, are incredibly fun to read and I can't wait for more of their adventures.
This was a new series and I am hooked. I can't wait to read the next two in the series. I thought for sure that I wouldn't like it when it started, but the characters quickly drew me in. I really thought that Dominic would be one side of a love triangle at first, but nope. He was a total dickhead. I want to see who her parents are and all of her secrets. My favorite character is Cupcake. I can't wait to see more of him in the next books. I love Rottweilers! Mercy, and her gang, are incredibly fun to read and I can't wait for more of their adventures.
November 15, 2017
I read this awhile ago but never marked it down. It was a great story!
March 6, 2023
As stated in the opening line, the heroine may not know what she is but she knows she's not quite human. This powerful and vastly unwanted 'gift' of persuasion has made her guard her secrets well and to put up that emotional wall between her and life in general. Childhood experiences when the push came out has shaped her into a recluse-someone who shuns relationships and is thought of by those around her to be 'mysterious' and illusive. But as her teen years molded herself, her adult years have shaped her. When she finally came to terms that this 'press' as she calls it is a part of her life no matter how much she might wish otherwise, she sets rules for herself. How can she justify not using her powers if it means a man stops smoking and risking cancer? How can she justify wanting a woman die inside because of depression or watch a man be horrible and rude to the only true friend she has? She may not have a lot of friends-in fact you could argue the fact the Sukey is her only friend-but the heroine is loyal and protective of those she's got. It's this lesson she teaches to her friends would be date that lands the heroine is a whole lot of trouble she could have easily avoided. She tells the man to be terrified of her and when he causes her friend to overdose, she chases him down to the pier and watches as she steals a boat and crashes it into a fueling station. She then tells him to take his heroin and run as far away as he can. But the damage is done.
However, it's because of this disastrous night that she meets the hero, a local rental salesman and owner of the fueling station. Guilt ridden, or perhaps because of her awakening to the idea of human contact, she helps the man rebuilt his store and even 'pressing' the contractor to start the repairs on a loan. She grows close to the hero who is so sweet and quiet and everything she wants to be. But when a man starts sniffing around looking for the date she chased off, she realizes her troubles haven't even started yet. This man is something to truly fear because he's like her in so many ways. He too has a gift and even teases her with the idea he knows what she is and who her parents were. Regardless, he is a danger and it's made clear when he threatens he love one if his heroin is not returned. Now, the heroine, who was once a reclusive loner, must rely on the help of those she's built a relationship with to help her. She realizes that her life is not so lonely after all and though the fear of losing any of them cuts deep into her heart, she's taken comfort and warmth in their concern and their love. Now she has to make a chose about her morals. Rule number 4 is will not do harm but if she doesn't stop the villain can she live with the retaliation? But can she also live with the consequences?
What a lovely start to the series. I really liked it despite it having none of the 'traditional' elements I normally look for. First off, it's never explained what the heroine is, just the fact that she can control people through words and that whatever she is it's mythical. I really liked the continuation of the mystery and I think it's smart because now I have to read the following story to see if the truth is revealed. Secondly, while this is romance, it's not the main focus. The hero had his screen time and them did have chemistry and a freaking of the wall sex scene but they didn't fall in love by the end and she didn't confide in him about her powers. I both admired this and disliked it. While I would have loved for a bit more romance to follow the interesting story, I do think sometimes characters fall in love just a little too quickly. This seemed real because it allowed for more development. The heroine, who was the main focus, was a complex and tortured character. She was constantly torn between her gift and her morals. She rationalized some things and completely dismissed others. But as they story went on, she knew she had to make use of the press if she was to save her friends yet this didn't stop the pain and guilt that came with it. She was both vulnerable and strong, not crying or breaking down but just weighed down by her problems and the habit of putting everyone at a distance. It was a good book, interesting. I recommend it.
However, it's because of this disastrous night that she meets the hero, a local rental salesman and owner of the fueling station. Guilt ridden, or perhaps because of her awakening to the idea of human contact, she helps the man rebuilt his store and even 'pressing' the contractor to start the repairs on a loan. She grows close to the hero who is so sweet and quiet and everything she wants to be. But when a man starts sniffing around looking for the date she chased off, she realizes her troubles haven't even started yet. This man is something to truly fear because he's like her in so many ways. He too has a gift and even teases her with the idea he knows what she is and who her parents were. Regardless, he is a danger and it's made clear when he threatens he love one if his heroin is not returned. Now, the heroine, who was once a reclusive loner, must rely on the help of those she's built a relationship with to help her. She realizes that her life is not so lonely after all and though the fear of losing any of them cuts deep into her heart, she's taken comfort and warmth in their concern and their love. Now she has to make a chose about her morals. Rule number 4 is will not do harm but if she doesn't stop the villain can she live with the retaliation? But can she also live with the consequences?
What a lovely start to the series. I really liked it despite it having none of the 'traditional' elements I normally look for. First off, it's never explained what the heroine is, just the fact that she can control people through words and that whatever she is it's mythical. I really liked the continuation of the mystery and I think it's smart because now I have to read the following story to see if the truth is revealed. Secondly, while this is romance, it's not the main focus. The hero had his screen time and them did have chemistry and a freaking of the wall sex scene but they didn't fall in love by the end and she didn't confide in him about her powers. I both admired this and disliked it. While I would have loved for a bit more romance to follow the interesting story, I do think sometimes characters fall in love just a little too quickly. This seemed real because it allowed for more development. The heroine, who was the main focus, was a complex and tortured character. She was constantly torn between her gift and her morals. She rationalized some things and completely dismissed others. But as they story went on, she knew she had to make use of the press if she was to save her friends yet this didn't stop the pain and guilt that came with it. She was both vulnerable and strong, not crying or breaking down but just weighed down by her problems and the habit of putting everyone at a distance. It was a good book, interesting. I recommend it.
July 15, 2009
This review was originally posted on my review blog :
http://fallingofftheshelf.blogspot.com
I'm not sure why I waited as long as I did to finally pick this book up. I've literally had it on my to be read pile for a couple of months. The description alone had me intrigued, but then again, a lot of books intrigue me (and a lot of books are sitting on that same pile that this one finally came off of). I'm extremely happy I read this book though, it was a lot different than other paranormals, and for that reason alone I think I enjoyed it even more.
Mercy Hollings was born with the ability to command those around her to do what she wants, and they can't help but fulfill her wishes. She calls this ability 'the press'. She's not happy she has this ability, because it's caused her to feel as though she were a freak her whole life. It's also forced her to keep to herself, and not let many people in, for fear of who would find out. The last thing she wants is to become some kind of science experiment.
I thought this was an interesting ability for a paranormal heroin, especially since she doesn't have any other special abilities to back it up. She doesn't have super strength, and she can't move things with her mind. I guess that doesn't really matter when all you have to do is tell someone to do exactly what you want though.
I really liked the characters in the book, especially Mercy's best friend Sukey. She's a bubbly 30 year old woman that reminds me a little of myself. The only thing we don't have in common is that she likes big, 'beefy' biker guys, and she clings to them more than white on rice. One of the other characters that I am beginning to really like is Sam, the new guy in town that Mercy can't help but drool over. He owns his own business in the community and has a great interest in Mercy.
I'm very anxious to read the next book in this series, Angel of Mercy, which is sitting here on my to be read pile. I'm curious to see where Mercy will go from here, and how much more her ability will develop. I'm also interested in seeing how her relationship with Sam will end up.
The third novel in the Mercy Hollings Series, Cry Mercy, was just released on June 1, 2009.
http://fallingofftheshelf.blogspot.com
I'm not sure why I waited as long as I did to finally pick this book up. I've literally had it on my to be read pile for a couple of months. The description alone had me intrigued, but then again, a lot of books intrigue me (and a lot of books are sitting on that same pile that this one finally came off of). I'm extremely happy I read this book though, it was a lot different than other paranormals, and for that reason alone I think I enjoyed it even more.
Mercy Hollings was born with the ability to command those around her to do what she wants, and they can't help but fulfill her wishes. She calls this ability 'the press'. She's not happy she has this ability, because it's caused her to feel as though she were a freak her whole life. It's also forced her to keep to herself, and not let many people in, for fear of who would find out. The last thing she wants is to become some kind of science experiment.
I thought this was an interesting ability for a paranormal heroin, especially since she doesn't have any other special abilities to back it up. She doesn't have super strength, and she can't move things with her mind. I guess that doesn't really matter when all you have to do is tell someone to do exactly what you want though.
I really liked the characters in the book, especially Mercy's best friend Sukey. She's a bubbly 30 year old woman that reminds me a little of myself. The only thing we don't have in common is that she likes big, 'beefy' biker guys, and she clings to them more than white on rice. One of the other characters that I am beginning to really like is Sam, the new guy in town that Mercy can't help but drool over. He owns his own business in the community and has a great interest in Mercy.
I'm very anxious to read the next book in this series, Angel of Mercy, which is sitting here on my to be read pile. I'm curious to see where Mercy will go from here, and how much more her ability will develop. I'm also interested in seeing how her relationship with Sam will end up.
The third novel in the Mercy Hollings Series, Cry Mercy, was just released on June 1, 2009.
March 17, 2008
you know, i didn't even originally want to read this. the cover just looked so much like something for sci fi, and i am totally not a sci fi fan. but then i got repeatedly recommended on amazon, and it was really just a matter of time. the premise also sounds quite intriguing, so i really just couldn't help myself.
in the end, i actually quite enjoyed it, or maybe that's because this was my recovery from the book i read earlier today, which made me cringe so much. not that the author's inexperience in writing or planning her plot isn't apparent here--because it is. there is just something about the protagonist that's vulnerable that i can relate to, or at the least understand. there's something under the surface.
there are certain points in the plot where it gets implausible, or where you're left staring at it like wow, easy solution, villain's practically giving you a free shot! and she should have been more apprehensive that it would have been that easy, i thought. when something's accomplished too easily, you know something's off. but the main character didn't see what was coming for her, and i would have teared my hair out screaming at her, except it could have been something i might have done. so that's okay. cool.
the ending was altogether cheesy, and i have to admit to not really liking the romantic interest. sam reminded me a LOT of sam from charlaine harris's sookie series, and mercy somewhat of the mercy from patricia briggs's mercedes thompson series. it was like pairing different characters from different stories together in a fanfic, which was WEIRD. i have to wonder though, was the author of this book inspired by charlaine harris in any way? because they have similar themes, and with also somewhat similar character profiles.. well, i had to wonder. nonetheless, when i find i have time i between waiting for releases, i will go and seek out the second in this series, if only to find out what happened. in fact, in time i might even own it.
in the end, i actually quite enjoyed it, or maybe that's because this was my recovery from the book i read earlier today, which made me cringe so much. not that the author's inexperience in writing or planning her plot isn't apparent here--because it is. there is just something about the protagonist that's vulnerable that i can relate to, or at the least understand. there's something under the surface.
there are certain points in the plot where it gets implausible, or where you're left staring at it like wow, easy solution, villain's practically giving you a free shot! and she should have been more apprehensive that it would have been that easy, i thought. when something's accomplished too easily, you know something's off. but the main character didn't see what was coming for her, and i would have teared my hair out screaming at her, except it could have been something i might have done. so that's okay. cool.
the ending was altogether cheesy, and i have to admit to not really liking the romantic interest. sam reminded me a LOT of sam from charlaine harris's sookie series, and mercy somewhat of the mercy from patricia briggs's mercedes thompson series. it was like pairing different characters from different stories together in a fanfic, which was WEIRD. i have to wonder though, was the author of this book inspired by charlaine harris in any way? because they have similar themes, and with also somewhat similar character profiles.. well, i had to wonder. nonetheless, when i find i have time i between waiting for releases, i will go and seek out the second in this series, if only to find out what happened. in fact, in time i might even own it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2012
Pros: I loved the setting… Balboa, California.
Cons: The characters didnt seem developed enough.
The basic storyline of this is book is good. Mercy Hollings is a normal, fairly introverted person who just happens to have the ability to compel people to do what she wants. She calls it ‘the press’. She was adopted and doesn’t know that she is a telepath. Even though I enjoyed reading the novel, her character is a little flat. For example: she tries to ‘only use her powers for good’. Its understandable but in real life no one is either good or bad but a combination of both and frankly the concept is a little overdone.
Mercy then meets the ‘bad guy’ Dominic, another telepath, who instantly realizes what she is. There is some attraction between them but the author doesn’t explore it. Dominic then tries to blackmail Mercy into helping him, by kidnapping her friend. Mercy then has to get her back. While this is happening Mercy is creating a love connection with Sam, the new guy in town. The opportunity for there to be this great love triangle, that everyone craves, is there. Dominic (the bad guy that you hate to love) Sam (the genuine good guy both extremely hot.) Mercy in the middle, however that doesn’t happen. Even though Dominic is a drug dealer, if there isn’t going to be a spark then I thought he should have been more of a villain.
Overall, I thought the ending was a little bit of a flop. I loved the beginning but the climax of the book was not as exciting as it could have been. The second book in the series ‘Angel of Mercy’ is coming out May of 2008. I’m hoping now that all the ‘players’ are known, this next book will really throw caution to the wind and get exciting.
Cons: The characters didnt seem developed enough.
The basic storyline of this is book is good. Mercy Hollings is a normal, fairly introverted person who just happens to have the ability to compel people to do what she wants. She calls it ‘the press’. She was adopted and doesn’t know that she is a telepath. Even though I enjoyed reading the novel, her character is a little flat. For example: she tries to ‘only use her powers for good’. Its understandable but in real life no one is either good or bad but a combination of both and frankly the concept is a little overdone.
Mercy then meets the ‘bad guy’ Dominic, another telepath, who instantly realizes what she is. There is some attraction between them but the author doesn’t explore it. Dominic then tries to blackmail Mercy into helping him, by kidnapping her friend. Mercy then has to get her back. While this is happening Mercy is creating a love connection with Sam, the new guy in town. The opportunity for there to be this great love triangle, that everyone craves, is there. Dominic (the bad guy that you hate to love) Sam (the genuine good guy both extremely hot.) Mercy in the middle, however that doesn’t happen. Even though Dominic is a drug dealer, if there isn’t going to be a spark then I thought he should have been more of a villain.
Overall, I thought the ending was a little bit of a flop. I loved the beginning but the climax of the book was not as exciting as it could have been. The second book in the series ‘Angel of Mercy’ is coming out May of 2008. I’m hoping now that all the ‘players’ are known, this next book will really throw caution to the wind and get exciting.
August 2, 2014
This is the story of Mercy Hollings, who we are lead to believe has some crazy non-human mutant thing going on. (According to the back of the book, that is) Now if that doesn't have us paranormal freaks out there grabbing it up, I don't know what would. In actuality, Mercy is most definitely human. She has a job, a best friend, and a cat. How much more human can the girl get? She does have a 'gift'. She can bend someone to do as she says by stating her order in what Mercy refers to as her 'press'. Mercy has been ostrasized during her growing up years for being a freak. Now she is scared to fit it, but does without any kind of problems whatsoever. I think Mercy is supposed to come up as rough and tough, but I think she seemed more like your girl next door. The story is interesting enough and the bad guy actually gave me the willies, which isn't an easy thing to do. I liked all the expected cast of secondary, colorful characters, espcecially Tico and Cupcake/Cujo. Her romantic interest, new guy in town Sam, was nice enough but also a little bland here. He really needs to get some color in the next installment. This is a good piece of quick reading. The writing was good, the characters were good, the plot was good. Nothing, however, was great. I will read on and if you like this kind of book, I encourage you to read on.
December 4, 2018
Beg for Mercy begins when Mercy ends up using her gift on someone because she got angry. Now, she must face the consequences when someone dangerous comes to find her and get back what was taken from them. She never imagined she and the few friends she has would end up in danger, but that's exactly what happens. Mercy must now do everything in her power to keep those she cares about safe no matter what.
This book was okay. It wasn't really great, and I got a little bored with it at times, but it was still okay for the most part.
What I liked:
1) I liked Mercy. She was a pretty cool character with spunk and very gutsy.
2) I liked the over all idea of the story. Like the powers that Mercy has and how she wielded them.
What I didn't like:
1) I just hated how it felt kind of repetitive. The same thing over and over again.
2) I was annoyed with the way Mercy and Sam handled their relationship. And how you really couldn't "feel" their feelings for each other.
These were really the only things that bothered me, but I really don't see myself reading more in this series.
This book was okay. It wasn't really great, and I got a little bored with it at times, but it was still okay for the most part.
What I liked:
1) I liked Mercy. She was a pretty cool character with spunk and very gutsy.
2) I liked the over all idea of the story. Like the powers that Mercy has and how she wielded them.
What I didn't like:
1) I just hated how it felt kind of repetitive. The same thing over and over again.
2) I was annoyed with the way Mercy and Sam handled their relationship. And how you really couldn't "feel" their feelings for each other.
These were really the only things that bothered me, but I really don't see myself reading more in this series.
January 21, 2012
The book itself is not bad, interesting premise. The only thing about it though, as other reviews have mentioned, is that the description blurb part is misleading about kind of book this is and what it's about. I was expecting a much darker story, for it to be about questions like if we can fight against our darker nature, how we deal with inner turmoil, how someone handles something horrible being what makes them feel alive, what makes someone human. But not so much. It's more a woman with a history of being a loner, who does have this unusual ability, plus a danger/romance plot where that ability comes into play some. I might read more books with her to see if it actually goes where the premise leads you to think it does, but not feeling especially driven to.
Long story short: good read but not quite what I was expecting. Definitely Nonhuman and kinda like the Hulk (emotionally) were what I was expecting. Didn't get those.
Long story short: good read but not quite what I was expecting. Definitely Nonhuman and kinda like the Hulk (emotionally) were what I was expecting. Didn't get those.
September 8, 2013
The story wasn't awful. It kept me interested enough to read the whole book, so that's a plus. The idea of what Mercy could be, also kept me wanting to read more.
I generally liked the character's, but I didn't love them.
The writing itself waxed and waned. The sex scene actually was more in-depth then the rest of the writing. Oddly enough I couldn't really tell you much about what the characters looked like. Sam is blond & blue eyes. Sukey is a redhead. Mercy is a tallish brunette. That's it. Oh and Tino has a gold tooth. That's it.
So obviously the author needs to work on her descriptive narrations better. The city is in a somewhat familiar U.S place, so no world building needed there. The flow could have been a tad better, but all in all it wasn't the worst I have read. I'll try the next in the series to see if it picks up, if the second book can't hold my attention then I'll chalk it up to an "I tried but it didn't work out", kinda series.
I generally liked the character's, but I didn't love them.
The writing itself waxed and waned. The sex scene actually was more in-depth then the rest of the writing. Oddly enough I couldn't really tell you much about what the characters looked like. Sam is blond & blue eyes. Sukey is a redhead. Mercy is a tallish brunette. That's it. Oh and Tino has a gold tooth. That's it.
So obviously the author needs to work on her descriptive narrations better. The city is in a somewhat familiar U.S place, so no world building needed there. The flow could have been a tad better, but all in all it wasn't the worst I have read. I'll try the next in the series to see if it picks up, if the second book can't hold my attention then I'll chalk it up to an "I tried but it didn't work out", kinda series.
January 8, 2015
Beg for Mercy Tony Andrews Another free title i picked up along the way, I decided to relax and read this on a cold winter day.
This paranormal book has a nice twist to it. A mix of the mostly hapless young woman who has a secret power, a bit of scooby doo sleuthing and a touch of romance makes this a great read.
Mercy is mostly a loner who thinks she has only one friend. She decides to set up a business as a hypnotherapist and meets a sexy young man along the way. Her best friend is a redhead with bad taste in men and she has a cat by the name of Fred.
The story starts with Mercy trying to help her friend Sukey deal with her current bad choice and quickly spins out of control. From the mysterious bad guy Dominic to the sexy good guy Sam, this tale is filled with interesting characters and a lot of fun. Well worth reading at any price.
This paranormal book has a nice twist to it. A mix of the mostly hapless young woman who has a secret power, a bit of scooby doo sleuthing and a touch of romance makes this a great read.
Mercy is mostly a loner who thinks she has only one friend. She decides to set up a business as a hypnotherapist and meets a sexy young man along the way. Her best friend is a redhead with bad taste in men and she has a cat by the name of Fred.
The story starts with Mercy trying to help her friend Sukey deal with her current bad choice and quickly spins out of control. From the mysterious bad guy Dominic to the sexy good guy Sam, this tale is filled with interesting characters and a lot of fun. Well worth reading at any price.
February 13, 2008
So this book was different. For once the character had a different ability then most people. She could "press" people, or get people to do what she wants by forcing her will onto them. That in itself was an interesting plot development.
The character was okay I found myself wondering if she was just too much of okay. Very boring always saying how she hates to get to know people always shocked when she discovers that she has friends... You have lived in the town for a few year (a small town no less) of course people view you as friends get over it. Anyway the villian was intersting but nothing exciting and it really didn't pick up until the end.
Although this is a series I will be passing on future books unless something dramatic happens and I find nothing else to read.
The character was okay I found myself wondering if she was just too much of okay. Very boring always saying how she hates to get to know people always shocked when she discovers that she has friends... You have lived in the town for a few year (a small town no less) of course people view you as friends get over it. Anyway the villian was intersting but nothing exciting and it really didn't pick up until the end.
Although this is a series I will be passing on future books unless something dramatic happens and I find nothing else to read.
April 17, 2008
Though I can tell this writer is a new writer in some of the writing and the "convenience" of the resolution of the plot, this was a decent effort in the paranormal fiction explosion. The lead character has an unusual talent (the ability to "press" or compel people to do or think something) that is not explained, and is a hook for the readers to get the next book to find out what she is or how she has come by this talent.My biggest complaint is that the names are all common to other paranormal writer's well known series - Sam and Sukey from Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse books and Mercy from Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series. That may be an unfair criticism, but it annoyed me. All in all, a promising start for this genre.
January 1, 2013
If you love paranormal romances and anything paranormal, you'll be interested in the Mercy Hollings series. Mercy is anything but normal. She has a special "gift", when she can take control of their minds with the "press". Sometimes she uses it for a greater good, while other times not so much. We can get into her world--and her mind--on when and how she controls it by a flick of a switch in her mind. And she's been a loner with no clue to her biological parents. But when her friend Sukey is in danger, she's on a mental fight for her own. And in the process, she made new friends. Great action with some action and a spice of romance. We see more on Mercy's world in the rest of the series. Don't make her mad!
October 26, 2008
Loved the concept, and the first third/half of the novel was fantastic. The rest was still good, but lacked the magic from the beginning.
--Spoilers ahead!--
I think the spark dimmed when a mysterious and compelling character turned into a straight-up cliched bad guy with no redeeming qualities. Also, how hard is it to beat the bad guy if your mental powers are stronger than his, allowing you to force him to kill himself?
Still, the book was well-written and Mercy's voice was fun, believable and immediately drew me in. Fans of urban fantasy will love it. I'll probably read the sequel.
--Spoilers ahead!--
I think the spark dimmed when a mysterious and compelling character turned into a straight-up cliched bad guy with no redeeming qualities. Also, how hard is it to beat the bad guy if your mental powers are stronger than his, allowing you to force him to kill himself?
Still, the book was well-written and Mercy's voice was fun, believable and immediately drew me in. Fans of urban fantasy will love it. I'll probably read the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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