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Have Mercy
Content Warning: This naughty yet hilarious story explores the complex subjects of identity, stigma, and sex work. The issues of passing and colorism within the African American community are lightly explored. Due to the coarse language and explicit sex scenes, this story is intended for readers over the age of 18.
Mercy Higgins. Cantankerous Widow. Prized Teacher. Beloved Escort. In an industry where erotic skills matter, she sucks. But, not in a good way.
Mercy is a cantankerous fifty-eight year old African American widow who still mourns the deaths of her husband and stillborn daughter. When catastrophic medical bills threaten her retirement savings, Mercy decides that morality is left to those who can afford it, and she becomes a prostitute hoping to earn money to settle her debts. To garner a client list, Mercy hosts evening soirees, and her house unjustly earns the label of Washington D.C.’s newest brothel. Soon drawn into Mercy’s mad scheme, her middle-aged tenants revel in the spotlight their notoriety has created.
As they navigate the murky waters of social stigma and wield the mercurial moods of their powerful clients, the ladies will test their moral limits and sexual boundaries. Particularly for Mercy, as she handles a young, new—and White—client, Major Jackson Ransom, who is hell-bent on having the older woman, even if it means barreling through her emotional barriers to get to her heart.
Mercy Higgins. Cantankerous Widow. Prized Teacher. Beloved Escort. In an industry where erotic skills matter, she sucks. But, not in a good way.
Mercy is a cantankerous fifty-eight year old African American widow who still mourns the deaths of her husband and stillborn daughter. When catastrophic medical bills threaten her retirement savings, Mercy decides that morality is left to those who can afford it, and she becomes a prostitute hoping to earn money to settle her debts. To garner a client list, Mercy hosts evening soirees, and her house unjustly earns the label of Washington D.C.’s newest brothel. Soon drawn into Mercy’s mad scheme, her middle-aged tenants revel in the spotlight their notoriety has created.
As they navigate the murky waters of social stigma and wield the mercurial moods of their powerful clients, the ladies will test their moral limits and sexual boundaries. Particularly for Mercy, as she handles a young, new—and White—client, Major Jackson Ransom, who is hell-bent on having the older woman, even if it means barreling through her emotional barriers to get to her heart.
- GenresM F Romance
Paperback
First published February 14, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 19, 2014
I don't even know how to begin to explain how much I loved this book. Usually, when books claim to be "hilarious", they're not actually hilarious—they're funny at best. This book was hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud. The humor was definitely present in this.
Another thing I loved were the characters. I fell in love with every single one of them. Mercy, Carol, Albertine, Penelope, Melia—I felt like I knew them. I felt like they were my best friends. They felt very real. Even the men in this book (and there were quite a few). And Jack...sigh. I fell for that man, and I fell hard.
I honestly could go on and on, but I'll stop here. This review doesn't do the book any justice, but if you're reading this and you're still contemplating whether this book is worth your time or not...READ IT. DO IT NOW.
Thank you, Siobhán Béabhar, for providing me a copy. I honestly can't thank you enough for sharing your story.
May 21, 2022
4.5/5
July 20, 2014
Mercy Higgins has been widowed for three years now and in dire need of money to pay off creditors. Mercy opens her home to tenants. Mercy gets an education she never expected from tenant turn friends. Mercy becomes an escort learning more about herself than she ever thought possible. Mercy's life is changed by James, a soldier that goes on deployment, not expecting to find love again after her husband's death. Can Mercy pay her bills? How else will James change Mercy? Your answers await you in Have Mercy.
Have Mercy was unexpected surprise as far as books. Mercy was incredibly lonely person until she added tenants to her home. Each tenant bought something special to the story that otherwise would have been lost. I thought the author did a wonderful job with dynamics of each person that you met in the story. I would definitely consider reading more of this author's work in the future.
Have Mercy was unexpected surprise as far as books. Mercy was incredibly lonely person until she added tenants to her home. Each tenant bought something special to the story that otherwise would have been lost. I thought the author did a wonderful job with dynamics of each person that you met in the story. I would definitely consider reading more of this author's work in the future.
September 15, 2014
Interesting read- BRAB Online Book Club
I really had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book, a few people recommended it but I was a bit apprehensive. What I got was a story different from anything I've ever read, I found it to be funny at times, sad too and sometimes I didn't know what to think.
The author did an excellent job of telling Mercy Higgins story, her strength, weaknesses and her ability to bounce back and persevere in spite of all the losses she has suffered. It has taken me on an emotional journey but overall was an enjoyable read. I believe this is the first novel for this author, I would love to see what her next novel is about.
I really had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book, a few people recommended it but I was a bit apprehensive. What I got was a story different from anything I've ever read, I found it to be funny at times, sad too and sometimes I didn't know what to think.
The author did an excellent job of telling Mercy Higgins story, her strength, weaknesses and her ability to bounce back and persevere in spite of all the losses she has suffered. It has taken me on an emotional journey but overall was an enjoyable read. I believe this is the first novel for this author, I would love to see what her next novel is about.
March 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Mercy was grumpy but I loved her sense of humor. I found the secondary characters to be well-drawn individuals in their own right. They each had their own unique voice. I won't spoil the ending but I will note that the last line was a crack-up. The resurrection of Mercy from her depression after the deaths of her husband and daughter was gradual and intriguing. I really enjoyed Jackson as a hero. He was kind and strong and took a lot of barbs as Mercy tried...well, I'll let you read the book. Awesome read!
April 26, 2014
I really loved this book!!! The main character was my favorite Mercy was mean crass wounded and I loved her story. Jack was great I loved his dealings with mercy he didn't take her crap. All the ladies in the house hilarious. The only downside is I really wanted her to have her hea I.wanted to see more with Jack as well but I loved it. If your looking for something different funny and a good read this is the book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews